Woodstock Independent 3/31/2021 by Woodstock Independent

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

March 31-April 6, 2021

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

Early voting off to slow start Consolidated election April 6 has few contests By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

BUSINESS

Tech firm takes new home, role in Woodstock community PAGE 13

A&E

Take care in Poetry Month not to get trapped – or verse!

Except for a smattering of yard signs around town, it’s hard to tell an election is coming up next week. “There’s not a lot to get people excited in terms of local elections,” McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said Friday. “There’s not a lot of money

being spent in these elections.” Tirio, whose office is responsible for conducting elections, reported 1,140 voters countywide had cast early ballots as of Friday morning. The county has about 237,000 registered voters. n See April 6 balLocal ballots are full of uncontested races. lot, profiles for In 2017, the last comparable consolidated selected races election, more than 33,000 people voted in the See ELECTION, Page 3

OVERDUE HUG

PAGE 11

COMMUNITY

Family Health Partnership Cllinc observes 25 years

By Larry Lough

INDEX 4

Opinion

Schools

A&E

Business

Community

Calendar

Service Directory 23 Public Notices

Puzzles

Sports

The Woodstock Independent

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

Housing plan wins OK from historic panel LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

PAGE 15

Obituaries

on Page 6.

PHOTO FOR THE INDEPENDENT BY ERIN EISERMAN

Midge Simpson gets a hug from her husband, John, after Valley Hi Nursing Home relaxed visitation policies last week to allow family visits with residents – the first time for indoor visits since fall – as COVID-19 concerns have subsided. According to Administrator Thomas Annarella, the county-owned facility hopes for outside trips for non-medically necessary visits to resume soon.

Development of an apartment complex north of the Metra depot is back on the fast track. Plans for Central Station, on the former Die Cast factory site, received a certificate of appropriateness last week from the Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission for the first of a three-phase housing project by Pancor Development of Elgin. Pancor principal Pete Nelson said he hoped to take the project to the city’s Plan Commission at its meeting April 15. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider a redevelopment agreement on April 20, which would allow the developer to begin tracking preliminary costs for reimbursement later under the city’s tax increment financing district. Although members of the commission voted 4-0 for the certificate, the approval was conditional on the builder not changing the exterior materials and colors as presented at the March 22 meeting. Some commission members had reservations about the use of some stucco surfaces as well as colors in the red and orange bricks See APARTMENTS, Page 2

NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

WORK SITE Construction is underway on an 83-unit complex of assisted living and memory care housing along U.S. 14 west of Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital. Dover Development of St. Louis is building Cedarhurst of Woodstock, a project estimated to cost up to $8 million. A 2022 opening is projected.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

APARTMENTS

IN BRIEF

Continued from Page 1

and the vinyl windows proposed for the three- and four-story buildings, which will contain 40 one- and twobedroom apartments. Their reluctance to approve this project goes back to their consideration of plans for the five-story Woodstock Square Apartments, which is under construction at Madison and Church streets. That project failed to win a certificate of appropriateness in a 2-2 vote of the commission in November 2019. The City Council still allowed the project to proceed. Commission members complained last week that developers of that project had changed colors and materials from their original proposal, which is something commissioners keep an eye on when work is done inside the city’s historic district.

‘It’s got two fronts’

Commissioners liked the four-sided architecture proposed for Central Station’s first building, which will be seen from all sides from its position on the north side of Newell Street between the

Arrrests, citations made over St. Pat’s holiday

PANCOR DEVELOPMENT IMAGE

This would the first apartment building that Pancor Development of Elgin plans to construct in its Central Station complex on the former Die Cast factory site north of the Metra station. This is the view, looking southeast, from the current brownstone condominiums of Woodstock Station. Metra station and the Woodstock Station brownstones. “It doesn’t really have a front and a back,” Pancor architect Aleksandr Vaysman explained. “It’s got two fronts. I think we accomplished that quite well.” Pancor had made a number of changes since first seeking a certificate of appropriateness in a special meeting of the commission March 8. Vaysman said exterior colors had been lightened as commissioners had suggested, new materials had been introduced, and the balcony style had been changed.

A second phase of the project would include 72 apartments in four- and five-story buildings north of Newell Street. A third phase would involve condominiums and commercial development along First Street, north of the brownstones. The developer of Woodstock Station went bankrupt in the recession of 2008 after building the 10 condominiums in what was to be a mix of housing and commercial development. The city has since bought the site so it has more control over its development.

Five arrests were made and nearly 70 citations issued by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office traffic crackdown on unbuckled motorists and impaired drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. During the campaign, deputies made two arrests each for driving under the influence and driving while license suspended/revoked, and one arrest on an outstanding warrant. Deputies also wrote 53 tickets for speeding, 11 for no insurance, three for electronic device use while drive, and one each for illegal transport of cannabis and failure to use a seat belt. The force joined state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois in the campaign funded by federal traffic safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns. For more information, visit idot.illinois.gov

Josh Brown Real Estate Broker jmb@starckre.com

815-790-9503

joshbrownrealestate.com

Selling • Buying • Property Consulting

SUNDAY SK8R

WEEKLY COVID-19 CASES FOR McHENRY COUNTY

Rabine formally begins campaign for governor

Report Infections

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Dakota Harding tries out her brand new longboard during a recent sunny Sunday afternoon on the path in Emricson Park.

ELECTION

Hartland Township has two candidates running for the job of highway commissioner.

Continued from Page 1

county. That year, Woodstock had three candidates for mayor, six candidates for three seats on the City Council, and 10 candidates for four seats on the District 200 School Board. This year, none of those eight positions is contested. “It’s hard to get excited,” Tirio said, “just to vote for one guy.” And all eight of the candidates for those elected jobs are men. Deputy Mayor Mike Turner is the only candidate to file for mayor. Brian Sager chose not to seek a fifth term. Council candidates are first-term incumbent Gordie Tebo along with Tom Nierman and Robert Seegers Jr. Councilman Jim Prindiville chose not to run for a third term. Hold-over members, all of whom were elected in 2019, are Darren Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, and Wendy Piersall. All city elected positions have four-year terms and are elected as non-partisans. The only other contested municipal race in this area is for trustee of the village of Bull Valley, where four candidates are running for three seats.

MCC board has a race

Local voters have to search the ballot for other contests. In Dorr Township, for example, only one candidate is on the ballot for most positions – supervisor, clerk, and

WFRD board seats contested

assessor – and only two people are running for four seats on the township Board of Trustees. But the township does have a rematch of candidates from the 2017 race for Dorr Township highway commissioner. Incumbent John Fuller won the office four years ago, winning by 38 votes over then-Commissioner Tom Thurman, 1,144 to 1,106 – even though Thurman had the endorsement of then-Supervisor Bob Pierce. With no opponents, township Supervisor Susan Brokaw will win a second term as will Clerk Brenda Stack. Deputy Assessor Tammy Benitez is uncontested to be promoted into the job of her boss, Assessor Veronica Myers, who is not seeking re-election. Trustee Bryson Calvin filed to seek re-election, and John Buckley is the only other candidate to file for the four seats open on the board. The vacancies will be filled by a vote of the board. All candidates in the township election run as non-partisans for four-year terms. Elsewhere, Seneca Township has a two-way race for supervisor, and

The hottest contest is among five candidates for two seats on the Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. The ballot includes incumbent Robert Kristensen and challengers Patrick Burke, Joseph Galli, William Kulinski, and Timothy Randels. Incumbent Kenneth Marunde is not seeking re-election. Contests for the six-year terms on the board are not unusual. In 2017, four candidates campaigned for two seats. Board President Fred Spitzer and Steve Sankey won those seats. Those positions also are elected as non-partisans.

MCC board has a race

Three candidates filed for two sixyear terms on the Board of Trustees of McHenry County College. Incumbent Elizabeth Speros of Crystal Lake, Dale Morton of Bull Valley, and Sumish Parikh of Crystal Lake are on the ballot. Board President Mike Smith of Lakewood is not seeking re-election. Hold-over members of the board are Tom Allen of Lakewood, Diane Evertsen of Harvard, Suzanne Hoban of Woodstock, Mary Beth Siddons of McHenry, and Molly Walsh of Crystal Lake. Those are also non-partisan positions.

Plus 28 probable deaths

Deaths

2 3 (+1) 7 (+4) 16 (+9) 28 (+12) 39 (+11) 50 (+11) 61 (+11) 69 (+8) 73 (+4) 83 (+10) 87 (+4) 90 (+3) 96 (+6) 97 (+1) 101 (+4) 106 (+5) 108 (+2) 112 (+4) 113 (+1) 113 (+0) 113 (+0) 115 (+2) 116 (+1) 116 (+0) 118 (+2) 118 (+0) 119 (+1) 119 (+0) 120 (+1) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 120 (+0) 136 (+16) 147 (+11) 163 (+16) 176 (+13) 181 (+5) 189 (+8) 191 (+2) 208 (+17) 216 (+8) 225 (+9) 235 (+10) 249 (+14) 255 (+6) 258 (+3) 261 (+3) 262 (+1) 262 (+0) 262 (+0) 266 (+4)

* Change to state metrics

CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS Because of an editing error, an article March 24 on Operation Wild Horse mistakenly reported Patti Gruber was an Army veteran. She is a co-founder of the organization. A photo caption in the Business section March 24 should have identified Greigh Lee Hardt as the daughter of Noah and Rayanne Hardt, not the son. We regret the errors.

NEWS

He also was co-founder of True Mentors, an organization that recruited executives to mentor aspiring leaders across the Chicago area.

52 133 (+81) 234 (+101) 348 (+114) 503 (+155) 703 (+200) 953 (+250) 1,175 (+223) 1,407 (+232) 1,584 (+177) 1,733 (+149) 1,849 (+116) 1,911 (+62) 2,002 (+91) 2,119 (+117) 2,268 (+149) 2,470 (+202) 2,703 (+233) 2,946 (+243) 3,210 (+264) 3,396 (+186) 3.598 (+202) 3,828 (+230) 4,002 (+174) 4,199 (+197) 4,343 (+144) 4,527 (+184) 4,705 (+178) 4,992 (+288) 5,298 (+306) *6,035 (+737) 6,906 (+871) 8,170 (+1,264) 10,301 (+2,131) 11,602 (+1,301) 12,432 (+830) 15,091 (+2,659) 16,176 (+1,085) 17,310 (+1,134) 17,971 (+661) 18,850 (+879) 20,314 (+1,464) 21,270 (+956) 22,028 (+758) 22,610 (+582) 23,126 (+516) 23,556 (+430) 23,883 (+227) 24,162 (+279) 24,527 (+365) 24,886 (+359) 25,079 (+193) 25,374 (+295)

March 31-April 6, 2021

Bull Valley businessman Gary Rabine was scheduled Tuesday to formally announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor. At a news conference in Schaumburg, Rabine was expected to join a number of Republicans who have announced campaigns in hopes of challenging Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker in November 2022. According to a news release, Rabine Group paves parking lots and serves national customers in every Illinois county and all 50 states. Rabine also has created more than 30 small businesses in Illinois. Rabine and his late wife started the Rabine Group Foundation to focus on serving children, elderly, veterans, and the homeless throughout Illinois, the release said.

03/29 04/05 04/12 04/19 04/26 05/03 05/10 05/17 05/24 05/31 06/07 06/14 06/21 06/28 07/05 07/12 07/19 07/26 08/02 08/09 08/16 08/23 08/30 09/04 09/11 09/18 09/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/25 11/01 11/08 11/15 11/22 11/29 12/06 12/13 12/20 12/23 12/30 01/08 01/15 01/22 01/29 02/05 02/12 02/19 02/26 03/05 03/12 03/19 03/26

3 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

OBITUARIES Patricia Evelyn Reich, 83

Patricia Evelyn Reich, 83, of Hebron, died on March 18, 2021. She was owner of Stitch-N-Time in Woodstock for 25 years. The family will host an outdoor memorial celebration on April 8 in Hebron.

Dorothy Eckert, 84

Dorothy Eckert, 84, died March 24, 2021. She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1955. A service is pending

Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

Vaccine appointment still needed, but no enrollment Staff Report

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

No more enrolling for vaccinations, but appointments are needed. The McHenry County Department of Health has announced a new process for residents to schedule appointments to get a COVID-19 vaccine. After the state recently announced expanding Phase 1B eligibility, county health officials have opened appointments to all Phase 1B and Phase 1B Part 2. Eligibility does not necessarily mean immediate access to a vaccination appointment. According to a news release, the county is now using the state’s

COVID-19 vaccine registration page at covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/. Health officials encourage residents to visit the site frequently. People who are eligible to receive their vaccines at a county clinic will no longer need to enroll, but anyone who received a first vaccine through the county will receive an email with information on scheduling a second appointment when it is due. People with no or limited access to the internet and people who need translation services may schedule an appointment through the county’s call center at 815-334-4045 or by calling the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline at 833-621-1284.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ Jeremie J. Long, 36, Woodstock, was arrested March 14 at Eastwood Drive and Irving Avenue on a McHenry County warrant charging failure to appear. Bond $5,000. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 1. ■ Jose L. Urbina, 34, Woodstock, was arrested March 15 in the 1700 block of Quail Court on two McHenry County warrants charging failure to appear. Released on personal recognizance with notice to appear. Court date March 30. ■ Brandy M. Brown, 31, Wonder Lake, was arrested March 16 in the 3000 block of Raffel Road on charges of driving under the influence, driving under the influence over 0.08 bloodalcohol content, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage, and resisting a peace officer. Bonds $3,000 and $100. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 22. ■ Shane R. Gillespie, 25, Lake in the Hills, was arrested March 17 at U.S. 14 and Route 47 on charges of driving

under the influence, driving under the influence over 0.08 blood-alcohol content, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to wear a seat belt, and disobeying a traffic control device. Bond $3,000. Released after posting $200 and surrendering driver’s license. Court date April 22. ■ Marie L. Salyers, 38, Woodstock, was arrested March 18 at Routes 120 and 47 on charges of driving while license revoked and expired registration. Bond $2,500. Released on personal recognizance. Court date April 22. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for March 18-24: 69 Fire Runs March 18

2:26 a.m. – U.S. 14, arcing/shorted electrical equipment; engine 5:31 a.m. – U.S. 14, arcing/shorted electrical equipment; engine 5:52 a.m. – Brown and Washburn streets, no incident found on arrival; truck 6:16 a.m. – 1200 block of Lake Avenue, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; engine 12:04 p.m. – 200 block of Cold Springs Road, power line down; truck 2:14 p.m. – 15700 block of North U.S. 14, public service assistance/other; engine 3:26 p.m. – 200 block of North Madison Street, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance 3:48 p.m. – 9700 block of Route

176, Crystal Lake, assist police or other agency; brush truck

March 19

6:14 a.m. – 2000 block of South Eastwood Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine March 20

2:38 a.m. – 300 block of Leah Lane, lockout; truck 3:49 a.m. – 1400 block of Cord Grass Trail, gas leak (natural or LP); engine 9:05 a.m. – 400 block of Springcreek Lane, smoke/odor removal; truck 9:23 a.m. – 1200 block of Dean Street, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 1:06 p.m. – 4100 block of Doty Road, brush or brush/grass mixture fire; engine, shift commander, brush truck 3:27 p.m. – 12400 block of Route 176, traffic accident with injuries; shift commander, two ambulances, engine 3:39 p.m. – 2500 block of Cherry Valley Road, brush or brush/grass mixture fire; truck, chief 5:05 p.m. – Bull Valley and Fleming roads, authorized controlled burning; shift commander March 22

2:31 p.m. – 1100 block of Borden Street, authorized controlled burning; engine, shift commander, brush truck 7:25 p.m. – 1200 block of Dean Street, malfunctioning sprinkler activation; shift commander, truck, ambulance, engine 9:17 p.m. – 8600 block of Route 120, outside rubbish fire/other; engine March 24

1:36 p.m. – 1900 block of Duncan Place, extinguishing system activation; shift commander, truck, ambulance

FIRE DISTRICT

Continued from Page 7

forcing logistical and manpower problems that need to be addressed. I have been told Woodstock firefighters do more with less than just about any fire district in northern Illinois. This is a testimony to the professionalism and dedication of its members. I hope to promote this attitude as a trustee. 2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The passing of the 2019 referendum was key in keeping the WFRD equipped and staffed. Thanks to the people of the sistrict, the department was able to get back on solid ground. Paying off existing debt, maintaining/replacing equipment, and assuring proper staffing are essential. But the WFRD can’t rely solely on the referendum. Situations continue to change. The [changes at] the Woodstock hospital mean ambulances and firefighter/paramedics spend much more time out of district, making the vehicles and crews unavailable for other emergencies. This also leads to unanticipated overtime and excessive wear on vehicles, reducing their life expectancy. Going forward, one of the keys to keeping the WFRD well equipped, properly staffed, and well trained is finding additional, alternative funding sources. Funding from public and private grants, as well as federal and local programs, needs to be investigated. TIMOTHY RANDELS Age: 59 Vocation: Retired firefighter/paramedic; security supervisor Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I have been a member of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District from 1991 until my retirement in 2010. I have a working knowledge of the fire service from working for two different fire departments.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

I think that the additional revenue should be used to make responsible spending on new employees, new fire apparatus, training to make the fire ground as safe as possible.

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March 31-April 6, 2021

NEWS

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SUBURBAN

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

VOTERS GUIDE

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

DORR TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER

APRIL 6 BALLOT

For selected Woodstock-area races

Fuller, Thurman in rematch from 2017 campaign

Municipalities

1. In addition to having been road commissioner, what other personal and/or professional experience do you have that makes you the better candidate in this election?

John Fuller: Before being elected road commissioner, I started working in a township in 1999. I worked all aspects of the job, from cleaning up roads, filling sandbags for flooding, snowplowing, and road repair. I am a well-rounded, experienced road maintainer. I have been the current road commissioner for 4 years, and before that was I elected to the Dorr Township Board of Trustees. I’ve also completed the Township Highway Commissioner of Illinois Voluntary 4 course certification program along with other safety and certification courses. I have lived in Woodstock my entire life. Married for 36 years. We have four children and two grandchildren, all living in the community. Tom Thurman: My personal experiences mirror those of many Dorr Township residents. I am a husband, father of three, and passionate in making this the best community to raise a family. Now grown, I believe I have successfully taught my children to be positive, fearless and to simply live life honestly; and they have taught me how to be open-minded and adaptable. Candidates should possess character traits, much like we have taught our children. My 30 plus years of road maintenance experience provides me with confidence to represent the residents in Dorr Township, the integrity to keep my promises, and the courage to not make promises I know I cannot fulfill. I hold the knowledge that a good leader provides the tools and expertise to empower the road crew to complete their day-to-day tasks with confidence and the flexibility to listen to their points of view to reach a consensus that will benefit everyone. 2. What are the most challenging parts of the job of highway commissioner, and what is your approach to dealing with them?

Thurman:The most challenging parts of the job of highway commissioner are the election process, understanding the requests of residents, including how to meet or exceed their needs, and implementing continuous improvement practices to sustain road safety and right of way enhancement, whilst maintaining budgetary goals.

CITY OF WOODSTOCK Mayor Mike Turner City Council (Elect three) Tom Nierman Robert Seegers Jr. Gordon Tebo VILLAGE OF BULL VALLEY Board of Trustees (Elect three) Mark Newton Kurt Kleinschmidt Steven Thomas Edgar A. Ellinghausen VILLAGE OF GREENWOOD Board of Trustees (Elect three) No candidates

School District INDEPENDENT STAFF PHOTO

Campaign signs for competing candidates sit side by side outside the McHenry County Administrative Building, where early voting continues through April 5 for the April 6 consolidated election. Voting hours at the Administration Building are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Friday, March 26, and then weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday, April 5. Weekend hours at those sites are 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, and Sunday, April 4.

JOHN FULLER Age: 58 Vocation: Dorr Township road commissioner Residence: Woodstock

TOM THURMAN Age: 52 Vocation: Highway maintenance Residence: Woodstock

The election process at times can be very stressful. My approach is simple: in the end, win or lose, if a candidate can say they ran with their integrity intact, then it was a successful election. Dorr Township residents are the customer of the township, and communication is key. Understanding how to address each request is not unlike providing exceptional customer service in any business. Utilizing today’s technology

is essential in keeping the residents appraised of township services and events. Being accessible 24/7 by phone or email as well as having the flexibility to personally meet with the concerned party is important. Budgets are set annually. Analyzing past road and equipment maintenance requirements, along with experience, are essential in supporting budgetary targets. My extensive background in department management, auto, heavy equipment, and road maintenance has given me the skills to regularly maintain the equipment and roadways, during adverse conditions or weather-related emergencies. Fuller: Ice, snow, wind, and other inclement weather-related road issues can be very challenging. Keeping the roads safe for the motoring public is top priority. I have to do my job so people can get to their jobs safely. Weather or other road-related incidents can happen any time day or night. I have procedures in place to handle situations like these. I appreciate the residents alerting me to hazardous situations along the road. They are my eyes and ears to the township and aid in my quick response.

Find your precinct, review sample ballot for your location at mchenrycountyclerk.com.

WOODSTOCK DISTRICT 200 Board of Education (Elect four) Bruce Farris Carl Gilmore Jacob Homuth John Parisi

Townships DORR TOWNSHIP Supervisor Susan Brokaw Clerk Brenda Stack Assessor Tammy Benitez Highway Commissioner (Elect one) John Fuller Tom Thurman Board of Trustees (Elect four) Bryson Calvin John Buckley GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP Supervisor Barbara A. Klasen Assessor Karen D. Roth Highway Commissioner Don Goad Board of Trustees (Elect four) Charles Beard Kelly Liebmann Craig Pfannkuche Tim Stefaniak

Continued on Next page

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE Board of Trustees (Elect two) Patrick Burke Joseph Galli Robert Kristensen William Kulinski Timothy Randels WONDER LAKE FIRE PROTECTION Board of Trustees (Elect two) Todd Rishling Barbara Klasen Two-year unexpired term No candidate

Community College McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE Board of Trustees (Elect two) Dale Morton Sumish Parikh Elizabeth Speros

Library District WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY Rural Board of Trustees (Elect two) Jan Vanderspool Stacy Iwanicki Two-year unexpired term Robert Aavang

Five candidates seek two seats on Board of Trustees PAT BURKE Age: 70 Vocation: Retired Residence: Woodstock 1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I believe I’m qualified for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees after spending 35 years as a Woodstock firefighter/ EMT. I spent many of those years as assistant chief. My duties included fire ground operations, management, and fire inspector. I also spent 30 years volunteering with youth and high school baseball programs, helping them be the best they could be. The 35 years I was employed by United Parcel Service, a union-run company, gives me the background needed to work with the full-time firefighters.

2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

My plan for the spending of the additional revenue from the 2019 tax referendum is to manage the money in the best interest of the taxpayers. My goals include making sure the equipment in the firehouses is well maintained and up to date. Also, to provide the opportunity for the firefighters to continue their education so the residents of Woodstock continue to receive the excellent service the fire district provides.

JOE GALLI Age: 33 Vocation: Firefighter (city of Elgin) Residence: Wonder Lake 1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

The primary reason I feel compelled to run for WFRD trustee is due to a unique and diverse skillset acquired over time. Professionally, I have 19 years as a career union firefighter for the city of Elgin. For the past 15 years, I’ve represented the firefighters in my Local and have served as president since 2017. During that time, I’ve accumulated experience in labor management relations, represented in collective bargaining and grievances, engaged in bilateral policy building, and participated in budgetary processes affecting the outcome of both taxpayers and employees alike. No matter the issue, the outcome has always been better when all parties are represented fairly and honestly.

Personally, my life was shaped early by the U.S. Marine Corps. I was fortunate to serve beside incredible men and women who helped me succeed, and I do my best to honor them always. My wife, Cam, and my two daughters are without a doubt the reason I’m able to take on new challenges and they encourage me to succeed. This district deserves a fresh point of view from someone who can understand today’s challenges from all points of view. I know that I can provide our residents with that perspective. 2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The referendum was absolutely crucial in keeping the department afloat. However, the referendum alone will not keep up with the costs needed to maintain current operations in the future. A crucial factor driving this issue is the amount of money wasted due to understaffing both firefighters and the administration. Several options exist, but I feel one in particular can give all stakeholders an honest understanding of our financial future. The district needs to insist upon better labor management relations, eliminate wasteful spending, and actually implement and follow through with the strategic plan. The contract between the union and the district expires April 30, 2021, and both parties would be best served by good-faith negotiations. Additionally, our firefighters are spending far too much time and energy doing administrative work rather than focusing on emergency response, training, and continuing education. And if it is worth spending the time and energy to create a strategic plan, we ought to be following through with it. Our firefighters deliver incredible service despite depleted staffing levels and having fewer resources. But that just isn’t sustainable. We need to reanalyze our current spending without ignoring what’s needed in the future. ROBERT KRISTENSEN Age: 73 Vocation: Self-employed Residence: Woodstock

1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I have been a WFRD trustee for over 30 years. I was a part of the team that successfully combined the Woodstock Rural Fire Department, the Woodstock City Fire Department, and the Woodstock Rescue

Squad. The result of the consolidation greatly improved rescue and fIre service for the Woodstock community. My professional career for the past 40 plus years has been the owner of a gas station/ auto repair shop/convenience store as well as a towing and snow-plowing business. I am experienced in all the financial aspects of owning your own business, such as profit/loss statements, balance sheets, payroll, etc. 2. With additional revenue coming in from the successful 2019 tax referendum, what do you believe the board’s top spending priorities should be to make the wisest use of the funds?

The WFRD is approaching the end of the first fiscal year with the new revenue coming in from the successful 2019 referendum. During this current fiscal year, the board approved the purchase of a new much needed ambulance, which is already in service. The new fiscal year starting May 1, 2021, will include the purchase of a new engine, which will replace a 20-year-old engine that is still in service. Another goal would be to examine the part-time [firefighters] program. This study should research hiring/retention incentives. It is very important to offer a package to retain the part-time hires and keep them from going to another department. The district needs to analyze what other equipment is in need of replacement and budget for those items for the next fiscal year. Another goal that I have for the upcoming fiscal year is to research any and all supplemental revenues through grants. BILL KULINSKI Age: 60 Vocation: Customer service representative Residence: Woodstock 1. What personal and/or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for a seat on the WFRD Board of Trustees?

I spent many years as a part-time firefighter/EMT with the Prospect Heights FPD. I have experienced the challenges of operating and maintaining a professional fire-rescue district on a limited budget. Firefighting and EMS are difficult, dangerous jobs. It’s imperative that the people who do it have the equipment and the staffing to do their jobs safely. And that’s best for the people of Woodstock, too. Average response time in Woodstock for a medical emergency is under 6 minutes. We all want that to stay the same or even improve. Due to [changes at] the Woodstock hospital, WRFD ambulances spend much more time out of district,

See FIRE DISTRICT, Page 4

VOTERS GUIDE

Fire Districts

March 31-April 6, 2021

SENECA TOWNSHIP Supervisor (Elect one) Josh Sass Josh Brown Clerk Dawn Seemann Assesssor No candidate Highway Commissioner Scott A. Swanson Board of Trustees (Elect four) Rosemary H. Bartman Gina LeFevour Denise Sass Gerald Gieseke

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE DISTRICT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP Supervisor Charles Kruse Clerk Laurel L. Ksepka Assesssor Michael Ann Hallin Highway Commissioner (Elect one) Michael T. Murray Robert M. Gavers Board of Trustees (Elect four) David O. Payne Kathy Porep Glen J. Neumann Paula S. Weidner

OPINION

March 31-April 6, 2021

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

Several local taxing units on ballot

With the April 6 consolidated election rapidly approaching, voters will be streaming to the polls in less than a week. Or not. As McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio observed last week, it’s hard for voters to get excited about a ballot full of uncontested races. Woodstock is a perfect example. Although, technically, we will elect a mayor and three City Council members next week, none of the candidates who filed for those offices is contested on the ballot. Same with the School District 200 election of four members to the Board of Education. Four incumbents are the only candidates on the ballot. That is not a criticism of any of those candidates. All are well qualified, and we are confident the city and school district will be well served by them. But with both taxing units facing big issues in the months and years ahead, which are sure to be controversial, we are surprised that no other candidates were inspired to step forward. To some extent, that speaks to the sacrifice of public service, and we should appreciate the many citizens who are willing to serve in what are often thankless jobs. Let us take this opportunity to thank everyone willing to file for elective office and serve our community, regardless of the taxing unit of government involved. And make no mistake. They are taxing units; whether they’re making decisions on levying or spending, our tax dollars are involved. That, alone, should interest voters in making even the few decisions this election requires of them.

INDEPENDENT STAFF PHOTO

Yard signs for local candidates are among the few indications we have a consolidated election is coming up next week.

We find that especially true in the election of two members to the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Board of Trustees. In a referendum just two years ago, nearly 65 percent of us voters decided the emergency service – fire and ambulance – should have a levy increase of 20 percent for the personnel and equipment needed

to maintain reasonable response times. Are those same voters now going to say it’s not important to choose the board members who will be responsible for making sure those additional tax dollars – more than $1 million a year– are used wisely and efficiently to ensure the safety of our community? If you are one of the more than 3,250 people who voted in the 2019 referendum, you should be voting Tuesday. The candidates for the WFRD board are profiled in a brief questionnaire you will find on Page 7 of today’s edition of The Independent. You might also take an interest in a contest for highway commissioner, for voters in both Dorr (see Page 6) and Hartland townships. Or maybe a township supervisor race is interesting if you live in Seneca Township. Voters in Bull Valley have three trustee seats on the ballot and four candidates who want a voice in village governance. Voters should take a similar interest. Although it’s a low-profile job to serve on the Board of Trustees of McHenry County College, voters might want to pay attention to the three-way race for two seats, which have been the subject of several letters to the editor. Even though this election doesn’t have the glamour of a presidential, or even gubernatorial, campaign, the people on the April 6 ballot can have a more direct impact on our daily lives – and wallets – by the nature of the local offices they seek. Democracy, especially on the local level, is not a spectator sport. Make the time to vote, early or on Election Day.

» YOUR VIEW

Backing Bob Kristensen for re-election to WFRD Board I write to support Bob Kristensen’s reelection to the Board of Trustees, Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. The WFRD provides financial oversight and strategic policy direction for our community’s fire and rescue services. The continued high-performance of our fire and rescue squads, and the training and logistics that support them, will be central to Woodstock’s continued place as McHenry County’s premier community. In the 25 years I have known Bob Kristensen, he has displayed every aspect of the personal integrity, professional dedication, and community spirit that we should expect of members of the WFRD Board of Trustees. I encourage my Woodstock friends and neighbors to re-elect Bob Kristensen to

the Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. Tom Murray Woodstock

Endorsement for Pat Burke for WFRD Board of Trustees We are writing in support of Patrick Burke for trustee of the Woodstock Fire/ Rescue District in the upcoming April 6 election. During his 35 years with the Woodstock Fire Department, Pat consistently displayed a strong commitment to the department and to the city of Woodstock. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter and retired as assistant fire chief. Always committed to Woodstock, Pat was a founding member of the volunteer

“Dream Field” committee that rebuilt and maintained the baseball field at Emricson Park. His experience and his dedication will make Pat a valuable asset to the Board of Trustees. Mary and Hank Sugden Woodstock

Supporting Dale Morton for MCC Board of Trustees I have known Dale Morton for 26 years. I have known him professionally when we both worked in research and development at Quaker/PepsiCo, and I have known him as a friend throughout that time. I have seen him skillfully lead and manage a team of food safety professionals in a role that required that he also efficiently manage multimillion-dollar

budgets. I have observed that, despite the inherent pressures in a corporate environment, he is steady and composed under that pressure. Since retiring from PepsiCo, Dale has become involved with McHenry County College. Most recently he has volunteered his time to serve on the board of the MCC Foundation – the fundraising arm of the college. He is currently vice president of that board, and he serves as chairman of the foundation scholarship and programs committee and as chairman of the foundation board development committee. Now Dale has decided to increase his commitment to MCC by running for an elected position on the Board of Trustees. I know that Dale will be an asset to the board by bringing his people management skills, his budgetary oversight Continued on Next page

and their role in returning a person to wellness. “The dog does not heal the person; the dog helps the person heal himself,” he said. Appropriately, the first dog Kirk trained, Montana, went to Ryan Mains, a former Woodstock paramedic/firefighter and combat medic, who suffers from PTSD. Besides his knowledge of and love for dogs, Kirk loved people. He could be found at the Public House, laughing with friends, or at the Gavers Barn Dance, holding court in the middle of a large group as if he were the unofficial mayor of Woodstock. If that title goes to the person who embodies the best of Woodstock, then Kirk more than earned it. Chance died a month or so before Kirk, taking the lead, if you will. And while Kirk did not have the long run with True Blue Dogs he envisioned, he touched thousands of lives with the dogs he trained as family pets – the dogs no one else wanted to work with. How many times over the past year have I been thankful to have Sid – with all his quirks and faults – for being a distraction from the pandemic, for providing the reason for our daily walks, for standing on my lap while I type at the desk, his tail and nose up, ready to defend Laurel Avenue in case of an assault led by our mail carrier. Thank you, Kirk. Until we meet again. For the full version of this column, visit Declarations on the Opinion page at thewoodstockindependent.com. Susan W. Murray is a writer for The Independent.

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expertise, and his steady leadership to that role. We need people like Dale to provide leadership to taxpayer-funded organizations like MCC. Please join me in voting for Dale Morton for MCC Board of Trustees on April 6. John Schuette Woodstock

Coming through pandemic is about showing respect A year into the COVID-19 has me refect with gratitude and appreciation for so many people who have chosen to put service to others above personal health and safety. Because of these

extraordinary human beings, we have learned once more to put cooperation over fear of the other, personal sacrifice (mask wearing and social distancing) over arrogance and complaint, and respect for science and the rule of law over chaos. This past year has shown us that we can renew ourselves, not just once a year (New Year’s resolutions) but every moment, when it is needed. Thank you so much – doctors, nurses, medical professionals, gas station employees, grocery workers, educators and educational leaders, police, firemen, farmers, garbage collectors, and the list goes on and on and on. … Respect does not just go a long way; respect is the only way. Donna Davis Woodstock

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OPINION

It was a mark of his initial impression of Sid that when we had finished, Kirk said, “I never thought I would see THAT this week.” Just over a year ago, I had the priv- Susan W. ilege of writing The Murray Declarations Independent story that introduced True Blue Dogs, the nonprofit that the Halmas set up to train service dogs for people with psychiatric or physical challenges. Kirk’s compassion for people who were suffering was already wellknown. He and his canine partner, Chance, had logged nearly 800 hours assisting physical therapy patients. Kirk said that after 11 years of training family dogs, he had found his true calling when training a German shepherd to alert its owner – a victim of domestic abuse – to oncoming panic attacks and to retrieve the owner’s medication. “That was the best training – the best thing – I’ve ever done,” Kirk said. He did his research, put his team together – most importantly, his wife, Kate, with her nonprofit experience – and endured the long wait for governmental approval of True Blue Dogs as a 501(c)(3). The training facility was just a few doors from The Independent’s office, and Kirk would bring in new puppies to get acquainted. At a fundraiser at the Woodstock Country Club to kick off True Blue Dogs, Kirk owned the room as he explained his passion for service dogs

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

March 31-April 6, 2021

The thud of my heart dropping came on a mid-March morning when I turned to the Northwest Herald’s obituary page and saw the face of Kirk Halma smiling at me. I had called him back in December for a story that I was working on about the scarcity of dogs in shelters when he told me of his cancer diagnosis. His medication made him light-sensitive, making it impossible for him to go outside with his beloved dogs. “May we pray for you?” I asked before we signed off. “Oh, yes, please do,” he said. “I can use all the prayers I can get.” And so Tom and I added Kirk to our prayer lists, asking that he recover to continue his work of training service dogs that had only begun. It was not to be. Meeting Kirk was one of those unusual occurrences when you cross paths with another person and in no time at all, that person assumes a huge role in your life. We had adopted Sid – a 15-pound, black Lhasa Apso mix – after he rolled over in delirium as I rubbed his belly when we met at McHenry County Animal Control. But that was not how Sid met most people or even greeted the people that he knew if they happened to leave the house, for say, more than 15 minutes. After he had nipped a few fingers and knees, we ran out of excuses to explain his behavior. If he were going to stay, he would need some training. On a recommendation, I signed Sid up for Monday night training sessions with Kirk. When we returned the next week, Kirk asked me to put Sid through his paces.

Woodstock

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March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COURTESY PHOTOS

Key Club members help provide food to McHenry County neighbors at the weekly drive-thru food distribution at The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry.

Not just meetings, Key Club helps others WHS students work with food collection, conservancy district By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT

The COVID-19 pandemic has not deterred the Woodstock High School Key Club’s community outreach. “Our second semester volunteer activities are off to a great start,” said co-adviser Shannon Landwehr, director of school counseling. “We don’t hold meetings, but instead gather to help others.” Eight students went to McHenry’s Church of Holy Apostles on Feb. 24 to help with the church’s weekly food distribution. They joined parish coordinator Rick Pizarek and regular weekly volunteers to distribute food. The parish effort, which began in May 2020, gathered monetary donations and bought food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank to respond to a need with their parishioners and neighbors. A small team of parish members rents a refrigerated truck to pick up food in Waukegan for this effort, which is a community project

WHS Key Club members Hunter Lisowski, Kaia Sweet, and Abby Weber add to the burn pile at Donato Conservation Area. that involves volunteers of all ages. “Young backs and muscles, combined with bilingual skills, organizational methods, and lots of love, made this drive-thru food distribution a great activity for the Key Club students to be a part of,” Landwehr said. “They have found the act of giving back to others is nourishment as well.” For a second outreach, club members helped The Land Conservancy in its initiatives that were started by Bill Donato, retired environmental science teacher at WHS. Twenty Key Club members lent a hand at the Donato Conservation Area on March 7. “TLC restoration ecologists Megan Oropeza and Kim Elsenbroek shared their organization’s mission, taught the students how to identify invasive plant species such as honeysuckle and buckthorn, and how to clear the area

for native plants to better be able to thrive,” Landwehr said. In less than three hours, the students’ efforts resulted in a noticeable positive impact in the work area. “The students really enjoy being outside, learning new skills and making a positive impact with their peers,” Landwehr said. Landwehr and math teacher Brigid Fujino are WHS Key Club advisers. Student officers are Ireland Dunnett, Daniela Hernandez, Jay Patel, Theresa Presisto, McKenna Sweet, and Pujan Soni. “We’re pretty casual and don’t have positions for our officers – they are just Key Club officers,” Landwehr explained. “It is always great to highlight the wonderful aspects of our community through our outreach efforts.”

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is extending its deadline for applications for up to three college scholarships of $1,000 each to outstanding high school seniors planning to pursue studies related to environmental/sustainability or conservation. To be eligible, an applicant must reside and attend high school in McHenry County, have proven volunteer work in the related fields, have a respectable GPA, provide two letters of recommendation, plan to attend an accredited college or university, and complete the scholarship application, which is now available online at mcdef. org/2021-student-scholarships. The application and accompanying documents are due to The Environmental Defenders’ office by Thursday, April 22.

Deadline approaching for $1,000 Fike scholarship

Applications are due April 12 for the Nancy Fike Scholarship awarded by the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum in honor of its former administrator. The $1,000 stipend is awarded annually to a graduating senior from a McHenry County high school who plans to study education, history, or the social sciences. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member and one from another representative of the community), show proof of community service, and write a minimum 500-word essay relevant to McHenry County. This year’s essay involves comparing the COVID-19 pandemic with an earlier health crisis, such as the flu outbreak of 1918 or the polio epidemic of the 1940s and ’50s. For more information, call 815-9232267; email info@mchenrycountyhistory.org;or visit gothistory.org.

COLLEGE CURRENTS Named to EIU dean’s list Heather Vosburgh of Woodstock has been named to the dean’s list in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences for the fall 2020 semester at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

SPANISH SCHOLARS

COLLEGE NEWS

Marian Central Catholic High School inducted 28 students into the Spanish Honor Society during a ceremony March 17. Inductees are John Ahler, Dominic Aragona, Alex Behm, Terence Blades, Lily Bures, Angelina Cutrona, Kaden Harman, Sebastian Hess, Avery Hill, Madeline Huff, Emma Johnson, Tessa Jones, Jordyn Kratochvil, Danielle Lipnisky, Samuel Manaois, Rebekah Molina, Ainsley Morse, Cohen Musschoot, Declan Pivnicka, Mia Ramos, Michael Sbarounis, Claire Scheiblhofer, Ryder Schingoethe, Jack Schmid, Margaret Schneider, Jordan Tarzian, Dominique Thomas, and Elizabeth Young.

March 31-April 6, 2021

Olivia Kaspryk of Bull Valley has been accepted for enrollment for the spring 2021 trimester in the Bachelor of Science/general science program at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s main campus in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, Calif.; and Port Orange, Fla.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Olivia Kaspryk admitted to College of Chiropractic

Eschenbacher on dean’s list at school of engineering

SCHOOLS

Alexander Eschenbacher of Wonder Lake was named to the dean’s list for the 2021 winter quarter at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Dean’s list recognition requires a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Eschenbacher is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering.

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By Larry Lough

ENT.COM TOCKINDEPEND LARRY@THE WOODS

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Parking on the Woodstock Square requires coins in meters in 1966. Cars have changed and so have businesses on Cass Street between Benton and Main streets.

The McHenry County Historical Society will present “Historic Instruments of Illinois” at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 5, as a virtual program. Chris Vallillo, a singer/songwriter from Moline, will discuss the development of Illinois instrument building as he performs period music on more than a dozen historic instruments – from handmade masterpieces to $3 mail-order gems. This year the Sampler Lecture Series will be offered for free. However, attendees must register in advance at mchenrycountyhistory.org.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

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I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd A host, of golden daffodils. Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. The Wordsworth poem is classic: classic rhyme scheme (ababcc), eight beats per measure, six lines per stanza. The poem gets into a person’s head because of its discipline. It also paints a clear picture of a welcome spring scene. I was honored that my friend asked me about the poem, and I was pleased that I remembered it so well. Local author Erane Scully used to harangue that my poems were not poems because they didn’t rhyme. I’m quite sure that she was mostly

familiar with 18th century romantic poetry. I wonder if she would like a stanza from a modern rhyming poem like Lesle Honore’s “Brown Girl, Brown Girl”?

Jan Bosman

Guest Columnist Brown girl Brown girl What do you know? That there are strong women Who want me to grow.

This poem doesn’t have the discipline of Wordsworth’s work, but young women in 2021 are reciting it on YouTube and are motivated by the words. Honore, an adopted Chicagoan, updated the 2016 poem after Kamala Harris’ inauguration. Honore was more interested in providing a hopeful message than meeting some strict poetic format. National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry, which takes place each April, is just around the corner. The observance was introduced in 1996. It is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation

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of poetry in the United States. Poets and poetry lovers get all giddy when attention turns once a year to their literature of choice. They buy a fresh poetry book from their local booksellers – a current book like “Together in a Sudden Strangeness,” edited by Alice Quinn. They place poetry books in every room of their house, including the bathroom. And they might even read at least one poem per day! They pull up Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” and rap through it one more time, appreciating a fresh face of poetry in a yellow coat. They recall little poems that they wrote in their youth: I will have a horse someday. A black, a white, a brown, a bay. A palomino – any kind. I’ll be so happy I won’t mind. They finally get busy with that “How to Write Poetry” journal that they received from a grandson for Christmas. They might even check out a freeverse poem (Egad!) like “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda and take the message to heart: Now we will count to twelve

and we will all keep still for once on the face of the earth, let’s not speak in any language; let’s stop for a second, and not move our arms so much. It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines; we would all be together in a sudden strangeness. If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet, and I will go. Naysayers stand on the sidelines during poetry month and wonder what all of the fuss is about. They mouth distractions like, “I don’t get poetry. Never did like it in high school. Nearly fell asleep.” I kind of understand their point of view and would caution them: If you invite poetry in the front door this April, beware! It may decide to room with you – forever. Jan Bosman of Woodstock taught English and business education in public schools for more than 30 years.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The other day, a friend called me while I was driving. “Do you know that daffodil poem?” she asked. “I liked it so much when I was teaching but don’t know where to find it again.” Happily, I said I did. I was sure she could find that poem as easily as I if she were comfortable with Google, but I agreed to uncover it and email it to her when I arrived home. She was talking about William Wordsworth’s famous “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.”

March 31-April 6, 2021

If you invite poetry in your front door this April, beware!

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Business

‘Everyone can do incredible things’

Information tech company settles into new location, higher profile in community By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“You will be hearing more about MBI in the near future” Kevin Newton, senior director of development at MBI Staffing, said about the Woodstock-based information technology company. For the past 10 years, MBI Staffing, now at 227 W. Judd St., has quietly been bringing people to Woodstock and investing in the community. MBI provides IT staff augmentation, project support, and managed services to any industry. With the purchase and renovation of the former Woodstock School

District 200 administrative building, MBI has created a modern, fresh space that facilitates communication, allows for convenient on-site workspace, and provides a place for the company to image computers and devices. Project managers, network engineers, network architects, NetOps support, business analysts, help desk support, and security support can work remotely or at the new location. The building could hold 50 to 60 employees before the pandemic, and the company has employees in 36 cities nationwide. Innovation is the key to MBI’s success, CEO Tom Wilson said. “Our innovation is in our technology and in our business model, but also in the way we make people feel,” Wilson said. “It is in the way they are inspired and feel a part of something bigger – something that has value.”

Investing in community

Wilson’s work ethic was inspired by his father, described by his son as

a dedicated employee and a devoted father. Because of Wilson’s upbringing, his goal has been to create jobs, design a positive work environment, and give back to the community. “How you treat your staff,” Wilson said, “is a reflection of the way you treat your clients.” That phrase resonated with MBI HR specialist Katie Homuth, who saw an opportunity to put the company’s values directly into the community. “Tom has always been a very generous person,” she explained. “He is generous with his staff, but he is also generous with the community. What he did was always quiet, but he has done a lot for the community that people maybe don’t know about.” Wilson has lived in Woodstock since 2004. “I always want to invest in the community,” Wilson said. “I want to support it – in many ways. It is important to give back. I try to support local as often as I can. I buy local as much as

See MBI, Page 16

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

BUSINESS

Myra Solaris, senior director of marketing and account manager, at MBI, and HR specialist Katie Homuth stand by the shelving unit and the request box their company donated to the Woodstock Public Library.

March 31-April 6, 2021

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Dec. 23 to 30 . ■ Residence at 1498 Boulder Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Allison G. Young Revocable Trust, Lake In The Hills, to Richard A. Vandenbussche, Woodstock, for $225,000. ■ Residence at 2412 Chatham Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Beloit Group, Inc., Manhasset, N.Y., to Kevin Wilhelm, Woodstock, for $230,000. ■ Residence at 1258 Bunker St., Woodstock, was sold by Michael W. and Emily J. Wienke, Richmond, to Alan Robert and Patricia Marie Essenberg, Woodstock, for $214,900. ■ Residence at 8914 Evergreen Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by David Laudick, Lakewood, to Jonathan Howard Engstrom and Katie Marie Engstrom, Wonder Lake, for $238,000. ■ Residence at 3013 Courtland St., Woodstock, was sold by New Collective LLC, Woodstock, to Main LLC,, Apple Creek Series, Woodstock, for $130,000. ■ Residence at 9708 Creekside Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by David D. Wessel, Huntley, to Chad Ribar, Wonder Lake, for $280,000. ■ Residence at 1645 Walnut Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Charlene M. Stier, Woodstock, to Jose Tapia, Woodstock, for $70,000. ■ Residence at 2114 Fairview Lane, Woodstock, was sold by D.R. Horton, Inc. - Midwest, Vernon Hills, to Julio Hermenegildo, Woodstock, for $299,990. ■ Vacant land on West Sunset Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Curtis Ekstrom, McHenry, to Maciej Pogonowski, Lake Zurich, for $5,000. ■ Residence at 13014 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, was sold by William P, O’Brien, Toccoa, Ga., to Hussain Ghalib, Morton Grove, for $350,000.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

BUSINESS

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

MBI

Continued from Page 15

I can.”

‘The perfect space’

As a business, MBI brings employees into Woodstock from surrounding areas. Part of that is because of the newly renovated building, which has been transformed to be fully functional as an IT workspace and imaging space. “We have new open workspaces that can be utilized for meetings and alone time,” Newton said. “There are individual offices, breakout rooms, cubicles and project spaces that can be used by employees and teams.” Myra Solaris, senior director of marketing and account manager, explained that the space encourages employees to “want to be here..” “We have put up art and an inspiration wall,” she said. “It is fun to see photos of families and what means so much to them. It is great to be surrounded by that. It is very positive and full of energy” The newly renovated building allows MBI to add to the local economy. “It is the perfect space,” she said. “It is close to the Square and the train station. Why work in Chicago when you can work here? Just 50 miles outside of the city, MBI provides a secure location and reverse traffic flow, so there is an easy commute – and a much more scenic view.” Employees regularly visit local businesses and restaurants when they are

working in the offices, Newton said. “Before the pandemic, people worked here and then went to the Square often – they love it,” he said. “The shutdown has slowed some of that as our employees work remotely, but we look forward to bringing more employees to Woodstock.”

Helping schools, police, library

Along with bringing revenue and job opportunities to Woodstock, MBI is committed to giving back in more tangent ways. “Community has always been a part of MBI,” Homuth said. The company donated blue-light glasses to D-200 to help ease eye strain on students as they navigate school during the pandemic. It gave the Woodstock Police Department an ATV and donated iPads to Olson Elementary School. MBI was a part of the Turkey Tag Team, which provided Thanksgiving dinners to people in need with the library as a distribution hub. “We decided to create MBI Cares to refine our concept of giving,” Homuth said. The first project the program undertook was successfully finding a piano for the Woodstock Public Library, but the relationship did not stop there. Wilson’s team also suggested that he look at what the library was doing and build on that. “They already had the [library] pantry and the coats,” he said. “So we helped them make a better cabinet with drawers for the coats, scarves,

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Employees at MBI are greeted by an inspiration board at MBI. “How you treat your staff,” CEO Tom Wilson said, “is a reflection of the way you treat your clients.” and hats and a different unit with bins. Then we put up a request box.” Next to the box are forms for people in need to write down their request. With funds allocated toward MBI Cares, Wilson’s team fulfills the needs they can help with. “I wanted it to be simple,” Wilson said. “Simple works. ... We get a request, we figure it out, we deliver it, and it is done. Simple.” That attitude is well-known throughout the company. “If you see a need, fill a need,”

Homuth explained. “That is how Tom works – and how he inspires others to be just as generous. He has been quietly giving, and we’ve just formalized it.” Homuth said she is excited to see how MBI cares develops and how it impacts the community. Even more than that, Wilson said, “I hope it inspires others.” “Truly – if you treat people the way they need to be treated to grow, they do incredible things,” he said. “Everyone can do incredible things.”

CAR FOR CLASS

Rick Gerardi, parts and services coordinator for Bull Valley Ford, hands the keys to a 2010 Ford Fiesta to Woodstock High School auto teacher Brandon Spiller while WHS senior Nathan Ratliff looks on. Bull Valley Ford donated the car this month to the high school’s auto program in a new partnership with Ford Motor Co. and the local dealership that will give students access to the ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) program for online training that Ford technicians get in the shop.

COURTESY PHOTO

Community

Paint, sip, be pampered at Marian painting class

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Suzanne Hoban, executive director of Family Health Partnership Clinic, founded the agency in 1996. A year of working at a refugee camp in Malaysia led her to believe, “It was easier for someone to get health care in the middle of an island in the South China Sea than if you were uninsured in the city of Chicago.”

When choice is food or health Clinic observes 25 years of care for people living ‘on the precipice’ By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Growing up in Woodstock, Down 2 Earth owner Nina Huffman received annual check-ups and medical care at the Family Health Partnership Clinic. Huffman’s parents were both selfemployed, and her sister was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at the age of 5. The combined costs of increased premiums and insulin made traditional insurance unaffordable for the family. “It was a comfort to know that we could go to the Family Health Partnership Clinic for care,” Huffman said. “Everyone there was always so nice.” Begun in Harvard on April 1, 1996, the clinic operated primarily out of

Woodstock from 2000 until 2013, when the Sage Center for Care opened at 401 E. Congress Pkwy. in Crystal Lake. Created to provide health care for the uninsured and underserved, the FHPC employs 26 – equally divided between full- and part-time staff – who typically see 625 patients a month. Credit Executive Director Suzanne Hoban for the clinic’s establishment and success, and she quickly redirects attention to the clinic’s staff, its board of directors, its 20 volunteer providers, foundations, donors, community health partners, and the 500 volunteers – ages 16 to 80 – who help with clerical tasks and manual labor. But it is difficult – if not

impossible – to imagine the clinic without Hoban’s vision, enthusiasm, and perseverance.

No uninsured here?

While Hoban spent a year in graduate school at the University of Illinois deciding not to be an archeologist, she worked in refugee resettlement with the “boat people” – Vietnamese, Cambodians, Lao, and Hmong who were fleeing poverty and violence in their countries. A year working for the Red Crescent, the Islamic Red Cross, at a refugee camp in Malaysia led her to a troubling conclusion. “It was easier for someone to get health care in the middle of an island

See FAMILY, Page 18

The Friends of Woodstock Public Library will celebrate National Library Week April 5-10 with a raffle, wine pull, and selfie stations around the library. More than 20 local businesses have donated products and services to the raffle, which will range from toys and games to restaurant gift certificates. Friends members are also creating a members raffle basket, featuring items donated by members and purchased from local businesses. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each or six for $5 at the library during that week. The prize drawing will be on April 10. Also on April 10, wine lovers can take part in the Friends’ wine pull. For $10 participants will get a chance to “pull” a mystery bottle of wine from a wrapped selection of donated wine. Every bottle is worth at least $10. All funds raised support the library. At the selfie stations around the library, guests can snap photos of themselves or their kids with themed photo props and share on social media to show support for the local library. The Friends of Woodstock Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising money to support the libraries programs and services. In recent years, money raised by the group has been used to buy large-print books, AV equipment, prizes for summer reading, fish tank maintenance, and more.

COMMUNITY

Library fundraiser planned for National Library Week

March 31-April 6, 2021

Marian Central Catholic High School’s “Paint and Sip,” an adult painting class where no experience is needed, is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11. All materials, instruction, and tasty drinks and snacks will be provided, and artists go home with vibrant paintings they made. A personal server will be assigned to each painting station. To register for the event, visit marianpaintsip.givesmart.com. The event will comply with current social distancing guidelines, and seating will be limited because of state guidelines.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

COMMUNITY

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

FAMILY

Continued from Page 17

in the South China Sea than if you were uninsured in the city of Chicago,” Hoban said. After her marriage to John Sullivan and move to Woodstock, Hoban went to work for the McHenry County Department of Health in health education administration and planning. When she would ask, “Where do people go who don’t have insurance?” she was assured that there were “no uninsured in McHenry County.”

‘Got to be an easier way’

Hoban’s skepticism was confirmed when she worked on a school project for the Mental Health Board. “I got to see, firsthand, the ways people were struggling in McHenry County,” Hoban said. Most people, she thought, took their own safety nets for granted. For the many who lived “on the precipice, the least little thing – often a health issue – could push them over.” With her mantra of “There’s got to be an easier way,” Hoban pondered how to create a place where people on the edge could get health care and not go broke in the process.

Her first two or three attempts were “miserable failures,” Hoban admitted. Finally, she applied for a federal grant and, after a long wait, received two years of funding for a pilot project, creating an alliance with the health department, the Community Health Partnership of Illinois, and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. At that point, with two boys under the age of 2, Hoban wavered about proceeding. Sullivan told his wife: “You need to do this; we’ll figure it out.” When the Family Health Partnership Clinic opened in April 1996, Hoban was pregnant with her third child, Clara, who was born that September.

‘Lot of sleepless nights’

Hoban, a clerical worker, and a nurse-practitioner –all part-time – made up the staff at the first location in Harvard. Getting doctors to volunteer their time came with “a lot of begging” via letters and phone calls, Hoban said. She credits three physicians with setting up the clinic for success: Dr. Ed Wilt, Dr. Santo Ruggero, and Dr. Rita McHugh. Patient fees, determined by a

sliding scale, covered some of the cost of care. Continuing the clinic’s work meant tapping grants and foundations, as well as starting community campaigns and fundraisers. “There were a lot of sleepless nights,” Hoban said. “For the first 10 years, I didn’t know where the money was coming from.” The clinic quickly eclipsed the 500 to 1,000 patients Hoban thought they’d see in the first year. Some were Latino migrants. Others were the uninsured, in large part because pre-existing conditions – such as

“Given a choice between food and health care people choose food.”

-Susan Hoban Family Health Partnership Clinic Executive Director

heart disease and diabetes – made health insurance unattainable or unaffordable. “Given a choice between food and health care,” Hoban said, “people choose food.” Twice, federal programs provided health care for a significant chunk of the clinic’s patients. The first was 1997’s Children’s Health Insurance Plan, which “effectively eliminated

Grace Lutheran Church www.gracewoodstock.us Holy Week & Easter Sunday 2021 Palm/Passion Sunday- March 28, 9:00 A.M. Livestream Maundy Thursday- April 1, 12:00 P.M. Livestream Good Friday- April 2, 12:00 P.M. Livestream Vigil of Easter- April 3, 4:00 P.M. Parking lot worship service (89.3 FM) & Livestream Easter Sunday- April 4 9:00 A.M. Livestream 11:00 A.M. Parking lot full worship service with Holy Communion (89.3 FM)

Worship Services livestream via Grace’s YouTube channel & video available on website later each day

the pediatric department,” Hoban said. The second was 2010’s Affordable Care Act, which raised the limits on income, qualifying more people for Medicare. “We saw a huge drop in the number of patients,” Hoban said. Going from responsibility for the total cost of doctor’s visit to a $20 co-pay “is life-changing.” But since the COVID pandemic took hold, “we’ve seen quite an uptick in the number of patients,” Hoban reported. Some can’t cover huge insurance deductibles; others can’t afford steep COBRA payments after a job loss.

‘Those kinds of people’

A common misconception is that the clinic’s patients are mostly unemployed, said Cathy Patenaude, the clinic’s development and social media manager for the past 17 years. “Many work full time or part time,” Patenaude said. When Hoban wanted to open a satellite clinic in Woodstock in 1998, she said, members of the Chamber of Commerce Board told her the city “didn’t have that kind of problem” and didn’t want to draw “those kinds of people” to town. Hoban looked at the clinic’s patient files and noted that employees of every business represented by members of the Chamber’s board were FHPC patients. The Woodstock clinic opened in January 1999, in space rented from Turning Point. The Family Health Partnership Clinic’s mission statement promises to provide “a broad spectrum of services to the under-served with compassion and respect.” Mental health has been included from the beginning, and when the county’s dental health clinic closed in 2017, two rooms were ripped apart at FHPC to accommodate dental equipment. Carla Rivas is a registered nurse who has worked at the clinic for 2½ years. As a bilingual staff member, she fills an important role for patients whose first language is Spanish. “The patients are well-taken care of if someone speaks their language,” Rivas said. “Patients appreciate that there are services like this for them.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Family Health Partnership has not missed a day of operation. Covering the $80 cost of each COVID patient was impossible, so “we did a lot of presumed-COVID diagnoses,” Hoban said. Continued on NEXT page

Continued from PREVIOUS page

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

In November, the health department provided the clinic with hundreds of rapid tests that are administered on Tuesdays and Fridays. Vaccinations for patients began in March; this week, 400 people will receive their first shot.

The clinic’s impact

March 31-April 6, 2021

COMMUNITY

Reflecting on FHPC’s 25-year history, “we look back and realize we have provided services for over 25,000 people,” Patenaude said. “Without the clinic, McHenry County would see an increased use of emergency rooms and more people letting illnesses linger.” Besides the detrimental effect on health, a health condition that escalates causes health care costs to go up, Patenaude said. Store owner Huffman said her customers often shared what’s going on in their lives with her and that she had “referred numerous customers over to FHPC to get the help and the care they need.” “I have insurance now,” Huffman said, “but I miss having the Family Health Partnership Clinic as my provider.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Annabel Arellano Robles is a pharmacy technician at Family Partnership Health Clinic.

COMMUNITY

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Geese appreciate suburban landscape This column was adapted from one Lisa Haderlein wrote in 2013. I heard them before I saw them, hundreds of Canada geese. A raucous honking as the birds circled a pond, vying for a spot to spend the night. The sun was near the horizon, and as I drove home, I Lisa noticed ribbons Haderlein of the birds flyThe Nature of ing as far as my Things eyes could see – some in the classic V-formation, others in long lines. All, presumably, in search of open water where they would spend the night. Branta canadensis, as it is known to scientists, has proved to be a highly adaptable species that benefited greatly from the rapid suburbanization of metro areas like Chicago since 1980. In fact, the geese like the suburbs so much, that many have stopped migrating

– they are now considered a yearround resident species. Geese like the suburbs for several reasons: habitat, food, and safety from predators. Canada geese like open water, especially when it is free of places where predators can hide. People call these areas stormwater detention ponds, and have a tendency to keep the lawn mowed right up to the edge of the water. To a flock of geese, these neatly manicured detention areas are perfect because there is nowhere for predators to hide. Geese are herbivores, meaning that they eat mostly plants. They like grass and corn (which is a type of grass). And if there is one thing the suburbs have in abundance, it is grass. Plus, as development marched steadily westward into agricultural areas, the suburbs also put detention ponds and farm fields in close proximity. To the geese, we could not have planned it any better. Finally, the suburbs tend to have fewer predators to bother geese.

Many suburban communities have implemented programs to cull coyotes that might otherwise prey on geese. (Cull means to reduce a species’ population deliberately through hunting.) Additionally, hunting, for sport or food, is not permitted in most suburban areas, providing geese with a large safe haven in the ’burbs. About a century ago, the Canada goose appeared headed for extinction because of hunting and habitat loss. After conservation efforts began in the 1960s, they rebounded. Then, as more suburban development occurred, their population exploded, thanks in large part to open water detention ponds and mowed lawns. The geese, their eggs, and nests are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act, even the ones that don’t migrate. There are some who consider geese a nuisance, especially if they defecate in an area that they use – like their lawn, a golf course, or ball field. But, the geese are just doing what they have evolved to do – congregating in areas with open

water and clear sight lines because that keeps them safe from predators. As far as the geese know, people created these places for them. There is a simple way to keep geese away from some areas: plant native vegetation. Seriously. Geese will not be comfortable in a pond that is ringed with tall grasses or shrubs because there are too many places where predators can hide. Similarly, by maintaining more tall vegetation in a golf course’s “rough,” geese will choose to spend their time elsewhere. Goose control is just one more reason to ditch the lawn in favor of native grasses and wildflowers. Personally, I like Canada geese – they mate for life, and the parents work together to raise their young. I’ve already seen pairs scoping out nesting sites along Dean Street and Route 14 this year, so those adorable goslings aren’t far off.

IN BRIEF

$9.12 million available for help in paying rent, utilities from pandemic hardships

Heroes sought to assist numerous local charities in 2021 Virtual Human Race Joining the 2021 Virtual Human Race Extravaganza between April 21 and May 9 will support more than 90 local charities. Participants can walk or run a 1-mile, 5K, or half marathon, or do a 9.5-mile bike ride. At registration, online at mchumanrace.org, participants choose which charity will receive the proceeds of their event fee. Runners, walkers, and bikers are urged to go it alone or with a small group of family or friends to help local charities that provide food to vulnerable populations; advocate for abused individuals; create housing solutions; give hope through education and rehabilitation; keep elderly safe in their homes; deliver health care to the underinsured; empower people with disabilities; offer programs for children and youths; care for the environment; and foster pets and shelter animals. The Human Race is hosted by Not-ForProfit Resources Inc, formerly Volunteer Center McHenry County. For more information, call 815-3444483 or email info@mchumanrace.org.

Lisa Haderlein, executive director of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, is a regular columnist for The Independent.

Rental assistance is available to qualified McHenry County residents who have suffered financial hardship because of COVID-19. According to a news release, the Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance Program was created to help people who are unable to pay their rent or utilities. The program aims to distribute $9.12 million allocated to county through the COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law Dec. 27. Renters can learn more about the program and submit an application at McHenryRent.com. Renters who do not have Internet access can call the McHenry County Housing Authority at 815-338-7752, or Consumer Credit Counseling Services at 815-338-5757 for Spanish speakers. The web portal is expected to soon have a translation function for Spanish and other commonly spoken languages. The program is designed to reduce or eliminate pandemic-related evictions, prevent homelessness, avoid damaged credit that could hurt future housing opportunities for renters, and repair landlord/tenant relationships strained because of lack of payment, according to the release. Landlords may apply for assistance as well.

calendar

31 WEDNESDAY

Hawktail featuring fiddler Brittany Haas, Nashville, will perform. 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

APRIL

1 THURSDAY

6:30 to 8 p.m. $5 https://www.conservemc.org

3 SATURDAY 2021 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Woodstock Square 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockilchamber.com

VIRTUAL: YOUR CITY AT HOME FIELD TRIP: SHEDD AQUARIUM

Woodstock Public Library 3 to 4 p.m Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the Zoom link.

4 SUNDAY EASTER

5 MONDAY

COMPOSTING AND WATER CONSERVATION WEBINAR 6:30 p.m. https://www.conservemc.org

DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION 7 p.m. Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. woodstockschools.org

7 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY

Woodstock Public Library 1 to 2 p.m Email katieb@woodstockil.info for the Zoom link.

11 SUNDAY

MARIAN PAINT AND SIP

Marian Central Catholic High School 1001 McHenry Ave. 2 p.m. $50 marianpaintsip.givesmart.com

Zachary Stevenson will perform. 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

12 MONDAY

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE - “UNCLE BUCK”

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

8 THURSDAY

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $7 - only 50 seats per showing woodstockoperahouse.com

9 FRIDAY

WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE SPOTLIGHT SERIES Livestream featuring Small Pototoes 8 p.m. $10 individual ticket woodstockoperahouse.com

10 SATURDAY

VIRTUAL: GARDENFEST

9 a.m. to noon $20 https://extension.illinois.edu/ events/2021-04-10-2021-virtualgardenfest

VIRTUAL: YOUR CITY AT HOME FIELD TRIP:

PRIDE MEETING

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. 815-338-6787

14 WEDNESDAY

WEBINAR: TOMATOES 101 Noon to 1 p.m. $5 https://www.conservemc.org

16 FRIDAY DENNY SVEHLA LIVESTREAM PERFORMANCE

8 p.m. $10 livestream ticket woodstockoperahouse.com

17 SATURDAY

FARMERS MARKET ON THE

Woodstock Square 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Courtney and Chris, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

20 TUESDAY

woodstockoperahouse.com

24 SATURDAY

FARMERS MARKET ON THE SQUARE

7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov

Woodstock Square 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Mike Breen, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Lara Bell, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

DISTRICT 200 SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

28 WEDNESDAY

7 p.m. Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. woodstockschools.org

Jon Shain will perform. 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

1 SATURDAY

21 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY

FARMERS MARKET ON THE SQUARE

22 THURSDAY

OPERA HOUSE TOURS

Magpie will perform. 7 p.m. woodstockfolkfestival.org

WEBINAR: BIRDS, BEES, AND BUTTERFLIES: PLANT YOUR OWN POLLINATOR GARDEN 7 to 8 p.m. $5 https://www.conservemc.org

WOODSTOCK FIRE/ RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 7 p.m. Fire station No. 3 2900 Raffel Road

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: “OVERBOARD”

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $7 - only 50 seats per showing

Resurrection Catholic Church

Woodstock Square 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Bad Penny, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. All day Free

8 THURSDAY

FARMERS MARKET ON THE SQUARE

Woodstock Square 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Lia Nicine McCoo, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Cheryl and the Down Home Boys, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: “BETTER OFF DEAD”

Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. 7 p.m. $7 - only 50 seats per showing woodstockoperahouse.com

2918 South Country Club Road Woodstock, IL 60098

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

We, the members of the Resurrection Catholic Church, are a prayerful, loving community formed by the Holy Spirit, striving to be a sign of the Gospel values of Jesus Christ: justice, truth and love.

COMMUNITY

WEBINAR: HOW TO CONVERT LAWN TO A NATIVE WILDFLOWER MEADOW WITH SEED

7 p.m. Onlline woodstockil.gov

SQUARE

March 31-April 6, 2021

WOODSTOCK WEDNESDAY

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL HISTORY

6 TUESDAY

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

21 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Happenings

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

COMMUNITY

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

FLASHBACKS 30 years ago – 1991

■ The Woodstock Independent claimed top honors for nondaily newspapers at the Illinois Press Association’s Ad Managers Convention in Decatur. The Independent was awarded the Arnie Nielsen Memorial Trophy.

25 years ago – 1996

■ Voters in Woodstock School District 200 rejected two referendums: one for a 43-cent increase in the district’s educational tax fund rate and the other a request for $19.86 million in building bonds for additions and renovations at Woodstock High School. ■ Ten Woodstock High School math team members turned in 13 perfect papers to claim the Fox Valley Conference Mathematics Contest championship. The students were Adam Giese, Dave Marsh, Amy Reimer, Brody Leiser, Jeff Brucker, Brian Giese, Matt Bean, Heather Hrodey, Jason Rubino, and Roxanne Myshkowec. ■ A temporary traffic signal light was installed at the intersection of Route 47 and McConnell Road.

20 years ago – 2001

■ Northwest Coonen High School, McHenry County’s only alternative high school specializing in serving and educating chemically dependent children as well as socially and emotionally disturbed children, closed its doors. ■ Erin Brefeld, formerly of Woodstock, was one of 3,000 who participated in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, a three-day trek from Kenosha, Wis., to Chicago.

15 years ago – 2006

■ D-200 voters approved a $105 million school building bond referendum to construct three new schools – elementary, middle, and high, as well as expand Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center and convert Olson Middle School to an elementary school.

10 years ago – 2011

■ Woodstock High School’s inaugural St. Baldrick’s Foundation event raised nearly double what organizers had hoped, with more than $29,000 collected for childhood cancer research and awareness. Morgan Ammirati

learned about the foundation at a leadership conference and proposed the idea to Principal Corey Tafoya. Fifty-five students and staff raised the money by having their heads shaved. ■ Ed Asner, popular television and stage personality, received a standing ovation at the Opera House for his portrayal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt before and during World War II. Opera House Director John Scharres was instrumental in scheduling Asner’s 105-minute appearance.

5 years ago – 2016

■ About 120 people descended on the Woodstock Square for a Saturday pub crawl organized by the Secret Gentlemen’s Club, a Chicago-based fraternal organization. The pub crawl was a fundraiser for the group’s charitable efforts. ■ Local Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout packs collected 6,817 pounds of food for the Woodstock Food Pantry. The drive was an annual effort of Troops 329 and 521 and Packs 350, 153, and 367. “Each year, we count on the Boy Scouts to kick off our spring food drive,” said Rick Budmayr, president of the food pantry. ■ After controversial plans fell through for building a sports complex near Routes 47 and 176, golf clubs were swinging at Crystal Woods Golf Course. That the 120-acre golf course remained intact was a relief to nearby property owners who opposed the proposed Chicagoland Sportspex plans to build a 130,000-square-foot indoor complex, a 30,000-squarefoot inflatable dome, 12 outdoor soccer fields, 15 softball/multiuse sports fields, and 80 acres of retail development.

1 year ago – 2020

■ The second semester of the 2019-20 academic year came to a standstill for college students as colleges and universities decided to cancel in-person classes for much of the spring – and in some cases, the remainder of the semester – because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ■ With D-200 schools closed by the pandemic, families of students were notified that breakfast and lunch packages would be available for pickup at

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY LISA KELLY

MARCH 27, 1991 – Clay Street Elementary School students in Gay Belcher’s fifth-grade class wear the T-shirts they designed and painted. They also created the squares of the quilt on the wall behind them. Each design illustrated a significant moment in American history. The finished quilt was hung in the school’s learning center. Students were (from left, front row) Amy Berkley, Katie May, Kathy Kaminski, Justin Ganshert, and Kristie Walkington; (back row) Sarah Young, Catey Agneray, Robbie Aavang, Wes Gosser, and Star Fabos. several sites, including schools and apartment complexes. ■ Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all Illinois residents to “stay home” and the closing of all “non-essential” businesses. Essential services that would

be operational included, but were not limited to, grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, pharmacies, police and fire stations, and hospitals other health care operations.

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 5, 2021 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as NO MORE SPILLS located at 10814 OKESON RD., HEBRON IL 60034. Owner Name & Address: JIMMY DYCUS 10814 OKESON RD., HEBRON IL 60034. Dated: MARCH 5, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 17, 2021, March 24, 2021, March 31, 2021)L11164

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 8, 2021 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as ROCK SPRING LANDSCAPE located at 1204 9TH ST., APT. 4 HARVARD IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: ALFREDO M BERNAL 1204 9TH ST., APT. 4 HARVARD IL 60033. Dated: MARCH 8, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 24, 2021, March 31, 2021)L11165

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 12, 2021 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as KT’S CHEESECAKES located at 110 N. BENTON ST. WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: KATELYN HUGHES 5112 W. PARKVIEW DR. MCCULLOM LAKE, IL 60050. Dated: MARCH 12, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 24, 2021, March 31, 2021)L11166

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS File # 20335 Public Notice is hereby given that on AUGUST 17, A.D. 2017, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as ACES CONSTRUCTION located at 2509 S. HARRIET LANE, MCHENRY IL 60051 which certificate sets for the the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: FRANK ADAMS 2509 S. HARRIET LANE MCHENRY IL 60051. Dated this 17TH day of MARCH, A.D., 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 24, 2021, March 31, 2021)L11167

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 9, 2021 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as TOPHER’S TURFS COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LAWN CARE located at 6818 N. U.S. HIGHWAY 12 SPRING GROVE IL 60081. Owner Name & Address: CHRISTOPHER CURNUTT 6818 N. U.S. HIGHWAY 12 SPRING GROVE IL 60081. Dated: MARCH 9, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 24, 2021, March 31, 2021)L11168

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 17, 2021 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as MOLLUSK MAMA located at 523 EAST LAKE ST., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: CHELSI BURGER 523 EAST LAKE ST., WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Dated: MARCH 17, 2021 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 31, 2021)L11169

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 21PR000091 In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA B. GRAHAM Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LINDA B. GRAHAM Of: MCHENRY, IL Letters of office were issued on: 3/18/2021 Representative: JULIE A. CHAPMAN 4911 ROGER ST,. MCHENRY, IL 60051 JODI K. HALVERSON AKA JODI K. JOHNSON 5401 N. HIGHLAN DR. MCHENRY, IL 60050 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT LEGAL 65 S. VIRGINIA ST. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock

Independent March 31, 2021)L11170

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 21PR000069 In the Matter of the Estate of CHIPPER E. STOHL Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of CHIPPER E. STOHL Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 3/18/2021 Representative: DAWN VERNOLA 510 PLEASANT ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 whose attorney is: KRAFT, PATRICIA C. 131 E. CALHOUN ST,. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed. /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 31, 2021)L11171

By Leigh Rubin

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25 1 31-April2,6,2017 2021 THE Dec. 27-Jan. THEWOODSTOCK WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT March

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SPORTS

March 31-April 6, 2021

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

VOLLEYBALL Alexandria Muschong (Woodstock), a McKendree University volleyball player, had four kills in McKendree’s 3-0 loss to Drury University. Muschong also had three kills and three block assists in McKendree’s 3-0 loss to University of Missouri-St. Louis. McKendree is 5-7 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. BASKETBALL Collin Mergl (Woodstock North) played in 12 games for Benedictine University’s basketball team and averaged 8.4 minutes per game. He finDan ished with 39 Chamness points and 22 The College rebounds, averReport ages of 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds. The Wonder Lake resident also had three steals and two assists. The 6-foot-5 junior forward scored his points by hitting 14 field goals, nine of which were three-pointers, and two free throws. The former Thunder player helped the Eagles post a 6-2 record in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Vannessa Garrelts (Marian Central Catholic) recently completed her junior season of basketball at Miami University. The 5-4 junior guard, a Spring Grove resident, played in 17 games, three of which were starts, averaging 15.1 minutes a game. Garrelts scored 31 points and grabbed 26 rebounds. Besides her 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds a game, she also had 21 assists and 16 steals. She finished with 11 shots from the floor, including nine from beyond the arc. Miami was 3-17 in the Mid-American Conference. SWIMMING Logan Lorr (Woodstock North) placed seventh in the 500-yard freestyle in a dual meet between his chosen school, Valparaiso University, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Lorr finished the event in 5 minutes, 25.26 seconds. The Valpo freshman also competed in two relays, the 400-yard medley (3:58.03) and 400-yard freestyle (3:30.72).

WHS, WNHS win in week two of football Staff Report

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Week two of football found all teams playing away, at venues other than the host-team schools. The unusual spring season has prompted some teams to seek alternatives to allow proper ground preparation, especially for natural turf fields.

WNHS

Woodstock North traveled to Harlem High School in Machesney Park to play Harvard. North came out on top, winning 31-28. Both Harvard and Woodstock North were on the scoreboard early in the game with back-to-back kickoff-return touchdowns when the Hornets hosted the Thunder March 26. Harvard’s scoring streak continued in the second quarter with touchdowns by Jacob Stanley and Bailey Livdahl, putting the Hornets up 21-7. With just under three minutes left in the half, the Thunder answered with a 37-yard touchdown pass by Jay Zinnen to Justin VanAcker. Seventeen seconds before halftime, Lucas Udelhofen successfully kicked a 21-yard field goal to bring the

Thunder within 4 points. With just four seconds left in the half, Zinnen found Justin Ortiz for an 11-yard touchdown. Udelhofen’s extra point was good, and WNHS pulled ahead 24-21 at the half. Andrew Pena ran in a 3-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to put the Thunder ahead by 10. A late touchdown pass by Harvard brought the final score to 31-28. Zinnen completed 5 of 6 for 66 yards and two touchdowns, while Pena led the team in rushing with 70 yards and one touchdown. Henry Goetz added 69 yards rushing. Cole Brey led the team in tackles with 8.5, and also had the kickoff-return touchdown. Chris Carreno had an interception and a fumble recovery.

WHS

The Woodstock High School Blue Streaks crossed the border to face Johnsburg in Wilmot, Wis. After a slow start and an unfortunate turnover that turned into six points for the host Johnsburg Skyhawks, the Blue Streaks settled in and controlled the rest of the game, defeating the Skyhawks 49-21. The

Streaks tallied 484 total yards of offense. The defense caused five Skyhawk turnovers. Quarterback Liam Mickle finished with 312 passing yards and a 54-yard touchdown hook-up to Zach Heelein. Mickle had 89 rushing yards and found the end zone three times. Cannon Sternitsky scored with two rushing and one receiving touchdown from Sam Vidales. Nate Archambeau finished with five catches for 133 yards, and Heelein totaled eight catches for 98 yards.

Marian

Marian Central High School took on St. Viator at Forest View Educational Center stadium in Arlington Heights on March 26. The Hurricanes fell to St. Viator 35-14. Quarterback Brendan Hernon completed 10 of 21 passes for 175 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Christian Bentancur had eight catches for 120 yards and one touchdown. Colin Piedmonte had two catches for 52 yards. Dante Ricciardi rushed for 41 yards, including one touchdown. Hernon rushed for 29 yards.

STREAK STRETCH

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Woodstock High School’s Makayla Thomas dives for the ball March 25 when the Streaks hosted Johnsburg. WHS fell 2-0.

SOCCER

FOOTBALL Marian Record: 1-1 WHS Record: 2-0 WNHS Record: 1-1 ■ March 26 Marian fell to St. Viator 35-14. ■ March 26 Woodstock defeated Johnsburg 49-21. ■ March 26 Woodstock North defeated Harvard 31-28.

SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL ■ March 22 Marian fell to Nazareth Academy 10-25, 13-25. ■ March 22 Woodstock North defeated Marengo 2-0 (27-25, 25-16). Kylie Schulze led the team with 20 assists, 5 digs, 4 aces, and 2 blocks. Alyssa Wickersheim had 10 kills, 5 digs, 2 aces; Hannah Blaksley had 5 kills. Also contributing: Cadence Klasek (4 kills, 3 blocks) and

Madison Miller (6 digs). ■ March 23 Woodstock defeated Johnsburg 2-0 (25-22, 25-17). Maddie Moan led with 9 kills and 5 aces. Ella Wicker added 5 digs and 1 ace. ■ March 25 Woodstock fell to 2-0 (17-25, 20-25) despite a late serving run by setter Anna Carley. ■ March 24 Marian fell to Benet Academy at home 3-25, 16-25. ■ March 24 Woodstock North (3-1, 2-0 KRC) defeated Marengo 2-1 (25-22, 17-25, 25-12).

March 31-April 6, 2021

■ March 22 Woodstock defeated Marengo 4-0 at home. Oscar Escorza led the team with 2 goals on penalty kicks. Jonathan Carreno scored with an assist from Robert Diaz, and Garret Baumgarten with an assist by Josh Dix. Stephan Turskey had 4 saves. ■ March 24 Woodstock defeated Marengo 1-0. The Streaks got a goal from Eduardo Cortez late in the first half on a brilliant pass from Denis Gjoni. Holding that lead in a windy game, WHS created several chances in the second half but were not able to navigate the ball into the net again. ■ March 24 Marian fell to Carmel 3-0. ■ March 24 Woodstock North defeated Richmond-Burton 2-0. Eloy Bernal scored unassisted in the first half. In the second, Erik Sarabia scored, assisted by Bernal. Excellent defensive play allowed the Thunder to emerge with a clean sheet with the help of goalkeepers Justin Gausin and Erik Hermansson. ■ March 27 Marian fell to Benet Academy 9-0.

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Marian’s Charles Peyton Thomas twists to get to the ball March 27 at home when the Hurricanes hosted Benet Academy.

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Woodstock North’s Jack Duenas battles for control of the ball March 24. The Thunder defeated Richmond-Burton 2-0.

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