Woodstock Independent 4/29/2020 by Woodstock Independent

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

April 29-May 5, 2020

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

Courthouse plan wins favor

City Council impressed with preliminary design for space use By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock City Council members were generous with their praise for a conceptual design of space for civic and commercial redevelopment of the 19th century Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House.

MARKETPLACE

Manufacturers shifting gears to make needed equipment PAGE 13

SCHOOLS

“As an old space, I think this works surprisingly well,” Deputy Mayor Mike Turner said. “... I’m impressed with it more than I expected to be.” “This is really amazing work,” Councilwoman Wendy Piersall added. “I wanted to make sure that’s clear. It was a ton of work, and it’s very well done so far.”

That did not mean they had no suggestions for improvements. Specifically, they recommended more restrooms. More storage. A space for employees to clean up and change clothes. And even more restrooms. Without adequate restrooms, Councilman Darrin Flynn said, “We’re

See COURTHOUSE, Page 2

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

Local family works, shelters together with schools closed PAGE 8

A&E

Creative Living series would resume with October show

PAGE 10

INDEX Obituaries

Opinion

Schools

A&E

Marketplace

Community

Calendar

Classified

Puzzles

Public Notices

Sports

The Woodstock Independent

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

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Seven-year-old Madden Smock drew this banner with a cat (her grandmother helped with the lettering) and hung it outside her home on Dean Street to encourage people during the statewide stay-at-home order, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week extended until May 30.

How do you want pay for streets? By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

After paring six options down to three for a long-term plan to improve Woodstock’s streets, the City Council now has a tougher decision: How do we pay for it? How about an increase in property taxes?

Maybe by raising the city’s 1-cent “home rule” sales tax, or the local fuel tax of 3 cents a gallon that just went into effect April 1? Or even creation of a new tax – perhaps on natural gas and electric utility bills, or sales at restaurants and bars, or on liquor and cigarettes? During a two-hour work session last week, council members discussed

various plans to keep city streets from getting worse – or maybe even make them better than their generally poorto-fair condition. And they talked a little bit about where to get the money for that work. Six plans were presented by Ryan Livingston, an engineer with consulting firm Hampton, Lenzini, & Renwick

See STREETS, Page 3

NEWS

April 29-May 5, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Video gambling fees delayed until November By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock’s restaurants and bars with video gambling machines will get more time to pay license fees this year as they await word on when they can reopen to dining-in customers. The City Council last week voted to postpone the normal May 1 due date until Nov. 2. Companies that provide gambling machines will still be required to pay their $1,000 annual permit fee to the city by April 30. According to city ordinance, each establishment approved by the council to have video gambling pays a

$1,000-a-year licensing fee plus $500 for each terminal. Local businesses are limited to five terminals each, although state law would allows six. The delayed payment is among measures the council has approved in recent weeks to help small businesses that have been forced to close by the governor’s “shelter in place” order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants have been restricted to carryout and delivery sales. Two weeks after the council created a $500,000 loan program for local small businesses, the city wrote maximum $5,000 checks to 26 businesses, including eight restaurants and bars.

The council has since expanded the program to allow businesses without brick-and-mortar buildings to apply. In other business, the council: n Increased water and sewer rates by 5 percent, effective May 1. That will raise a resident’s average quarterly bill, assuming 2,200 cubic feet of usage, by $7.04, or $28.16 a year. While the 202021 water and sewer fund is expected to have a deficit, the current fiscal year will end with a surplus of nearly $250,000. The city hopes to be prepared to undertake major sewer projects in the coming years. n Designated two parking spaces in the Metra lot on Throop Street where

COURTHOUSE

of the Old Courthouse would be turned into a event/banquet space that, depending on configuration with the former judge’s chambers, could seat from 165 to 180 people. Ethereal has asked for exclusive use of that space. A catering kitchen also is planned on the west end of that floor. Unassigned meeting space would be on the south side of the hallway. n Milk House would sell ice cream from the front of the Sheriff’s House first floor, with 700 square feet of outdoor patio space assigned. n Ethereal would operate a kitchen from the back of the first floor of the Sheriff’s House to service a restaurant on the second floor, where some jail cells also would be repurposed for diners.

Continued from Page 1

missing something that makes this marketable.” “We don’t want to have a nice space,” he added, “and have people say, ‘But the bathrooms. ...” The design, created by Rockford architect Gary Anderson along with city staff, incorporates the proposals of four entities: the Woodstock Public Library, Public House restaurant and Ethereal Confections of Woodstock, and Milk House, an ice cream shop in Pingree Grove. Concerns about the long-term effect of the coronavirus on local business apparently didn’t deter the prospective tenants, as some council members had feared. “Everyone still is interested,” City Planner Darrell Moore told the council during its meeting last week, “and everyone still wants to move forward.”

‘A jigsaw puzzle’

Working with the two buildings, both more than 140 years old, has some limitations, Moore reminded council members as they made suggestions for design changes. Their ideas for placement of more restrooms often didn’t fit the plumbing in the buildings. Moore pointed out, however, that as presented at the end of the April 21 meeting, the design does at least meet building code for the number of bathrooms based on square footage. Other suggestions involved placement of various functions throughout the buildings, which don’t always have spaces in the right places. “This is a limited space,” Mayor Brian Sager noted, “and limited space makes a jigsaw puzzle. ... You’re all identifying challenges we’ve been working with with Gary Anderson.” In addition to a new elevator in

charging stations will be installed for use by electric vehicles only. Other vehicles in those spots will be ticketed. n Awarded a contract of up to $27,000 to Ryan Restorations of Caledonia to repair and restore damaged slate on the roof of the Woodstock Opera House, which was damaged last summer by a lightning strike. n Approved a $48 million budget for fiscal year 2020-21 and a salary schedule of approved positions., effective May 1. Both revenue and expenses are about $10 million higher than the current budget, reflecting the first year of a long-term program to improve streets in Woodstock.

Details to come

GARY W. ANDERSON ARCHITECTS

Although one City Council member was concerned about the “historical accuracy” of this design, most members favored it for a new Throop Street entrance to the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House. The exterior would be brick in yellow and red like the two buildings. the northwest corner of the Sheriff’s House, various ramps and stairs would be built to connect the different levels of the two buildings. Among new design features of the complex are a ground-level Throop Street entrance to a lobby and elevator to serve both buildings; an awningcovered entrance off Cass Street into the Sheriff’s House; and a new entrance to the Public House off the patio in front. Council members were lukewarm about a proposed rooftop deck for dining on the southwest corner second floor of the Old Courthouse.

Dividing the space

Moore reported that overlapping proposals for the use of some space

was worked out in meetings with the would-be tenants. “We have been able to resolve space issues between the tenants,” Moore said. The layout features: n Public House would expand from the lower level of the Old Courthouse into the lower level of the Sheriff’s House, where some jail cells on the upper floors would be dismantled and “pieced together” on the lower level for a different dining experience. Patio dining would be maintained out front. n The library would use the first floor of the Old Courthouse to expand programming on the south side of the lobby/hallway, with meeting rooms on the north side. n The courtroom on the second floor

Council members generally liked Anderson’s proposal for a glass wall entrance off Throop Street, where visitors would access the new elevator. “It makes it a building people would want to go into,” Flynn suggested. “It makes people want to go in there and see what’s inside.” The next step in the process, Moore said, is to have Anderson, who is working with a $410,000 contract, to incorporate some of the council’s suggestions into a detailed architectural and engineering design. Council members will continue to provide feedback with the expectation of approving a final design at their May 19 meeting. That would allow the plan to be submitted by June 1 for historic tax credits, which are considered essential to attracting an investor and completing the project. City officials have said remodeling would be paid for with a $3.8 million bond issue – to be repaid with tenants’ rent and funds from the tax increment financing district – and about about $1.4 million in tax credits.

Continued from Page 1

Improving to ‘good’

upgrade streets throughout the city. And after this year, Livingston said, the cost will increase to improve lesserquality streets. Mayor Brian Sager said he wanted a “seamless” program that moved into the second year and beyond. “Yes, it’s expensive,” the mayor said, “but we knew that when we had the initial discussion.”

More costly options

Of the six options laid out by Livingston, the council eliminated the cheapest. That would have, after 2020, resumed the city’s current program of

spending about $2.5 million a year on street building and repair. Woodstock streets had an average PCI of about 46 in 2015, which puts them in the middle of the “poor” range. After the extensive work this year, that rating is expected to increase to 52, which is still short of the “fair” rating. Under the current program, which would cost the city about $36 million through 2030-31, the average rating of streets would drop to 41.38. “Even though it looks like we’re getting something done, we’re just maintaining,” Councilman Gordie Tebo said of the cheapest option.

REAL WOODSTOCK STANDS FOR COMMUNITY In these difficult times, the Woodstock community continues to come together. While non-essential businesses are closed, you can support your community in a number of ways. Learn more at RealWoodstock.com

See STREETS, Page 4

Order for Pickup or Delivery Your favorite restaurants and stores have gotten creative and are offering meals, products, specials and even cocktails to go. Call or order online for curbside pickup and delivery.

Buy a Gift Card Shop online and purchase gift cards from local retailers and restaurants, and you are helping Woodstock businesses keep the doors open and lights on.

Donate to an Area Non-Profit We are living through a public health, economic and mental health crisis. Your support now will help an organization, its clients—and your community.

NEWS

The city will spend more than $9 million with Plote Construction of Hoffman Estates in 2020 to resurface about 175 street segments covering more than 19 lane miles. Those projects were chosen from among the city’s 1,125 segments because they can be improved to “good” status – close to 100 percent on the “pavement condition index” – merely by removing the top few inches of cracked asphalt and replacing just the top layer. Twelve projects from the 2019 streets program also will be finished this year after wet, cold weather halted work last fall on the $2.5 contract with A Lamp of Schaumburg. But the city now is looking at a fiveyear program – maybe longer – to

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LARRY LOUGH

Motorists will be navigating Woodstock streets around numerous signs when work gets underway on a $9 million improvement plan for 2020.

April 29-May 5, 2020

of Elgin. At the end of the meeting, the council voted 7-0 to award the firm a $1.2 million contract to get started immediately on engineering the street program starting in 2021 – whatever that program might be. “Streets get more expensive every year you don’t improve them,” Livingston told the council. “You spend less dollars to preserve a street rather than rebuild it.”

“Or going backward,” Deputy Mayor Mike Turner observed. “It gets us nowhere,” added Councilwoman Wendy Piersall. Three options – or some hybrid of them – that the council preferred would spend between $65.6 million and $72.9 million through 2030-31. That would leave the average street rating between 61 and 77.4 – from the middle of “fair” to solidly “satisfactory.” The least expensive of those three options is a plan city officials have discussed in recent months: about $10 million a year for five years, then return to the program of about $2.5 million each year thereafter. Another favored plan proposes a 1.5 percent increase in property tax revenue each year, with an expenditure of $5 million to $7 million a year from 2021 through 2030-31. The “platinum” level, as Turner described it, would front load the work in the first five years to dramatically increase street conditions. It would spend $15 million next year, then $12 million, $15 million, and $5 million before reverting to the $2.5 being spent now. Piersall said she liked that plan, “But I don’t really know how that’s going to get paid for,” especially with the coronavirus reducing tax revenues. “I’m a

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

STREETS

NEWS

April 29-May 5, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

OBITUARIES Dennis Wolf, 74

Dennis Wolf, 74, of Fowler, Ill., formerly of Wood Dale, Ill., passed away at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at his home. There are no services planned at this time. A Life Celebration for Dennis will be held at a later date. Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of Dennis the O’DonnellWolf Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, Ill. Dennis was born June 10, 1945, in Cook County, Ill., to Harry and Gertrude Graham Wolf. Dennis is survived by two children, Dennis Wolf Jr. (Frances) of Fowler, Ill., and Natalie Casson of Woodstock, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Brittany Wolf, Cory Wolf, Shannon Wolf, Garret Smid, Ryan Smid, Kyle Casson, Caleb Casson, Chris Richardson, and Mary Richardson; three great-grandchildren, Gabriel Seagle, Emily Martinez, and Paisley Wolf; four brothers, Mike Wolf (Roxanne), Joe Wolf (Mary Helen), Bob Wolf (Diane), and Chuck Wolf (Heather); two sisters, Susie Martin (Terry) and Trudy Cowan (Lee); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Patsy Beard; and four brothers, Richie, Jerry, Carl, and Thomas Wolf. Professionally, Dennis was a sheet metal worker for Local 73 in Chicago, Ill., and later for Local 265 in DuPage County. Dennis enjoyed fishing for walleye and hunting pheasant, deer, turkey, and bear. He also loved painted quarter horses and watching old Westerns. He was talented at making fudge, blackberry pie, and cherry pie. Dennis was known for drinking coffee and watching for hummingbirds and turkeys. He loved spending time in Canada and Alaska, and at his cabin in West Point. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.

Where to send obituaries You may mail obituary information to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or mail or drop it off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040.

IN BRIEF

especially in places such as grocery stores and pharmacies where social distancing can be difficult to maintain, will help to protect others from people who are infected but not showing symptoms. Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items at little to no cost, and simple directions can be found on the CDC’s website, cdc.gov. Health officials recommend against acquiring N95 masks and surgical masks, because they should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.

Spring property tax bill now not due until September

financial means to pay their first installment on time to do so. The board’s action does not apply to taxpayers whose installments are paid through escrow.

McHenry County’s first installment of property taxes this year may be paid 90 days late without penalty, the County Board decided last week. To help homeowners and businesses deal with the financial burden of the coronavirus pandemic, the payment may be paid as late as Sept. 15, according to a news release. The regular due date would be June 15, and Board Chairman Jack Franks urged people who have the

McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks has urged people to wear a cloth face covering that protects the nose and mouth when in public when social distancing might be difficut, such as in grocery stores and pharmacies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said a cloth face covering,

Local help during the pandemic is offered at mchenrycountyil.gov/covid19resources. More information is available on the Department of Health’s website, mcdh.info.

building and maintenance, which doubled the annual budget for that program. The fuel tax is expected to generate about $300,000 a year to help pay off a 20-year, $10 million bond the city plans to sell to pay for this year’s street work. The other half of the bond payment would come from the city’s share of the state gasoline tax, which was increased last summer by 19 cents a gallon. Councilman Jim Prindiville said he liked “the reliability of the funding source” by using property taxes. Councilwoman Lisa Lohmeyer called that “a hard pill to swallow.” Turner didn’t want to increase the sales tax, but was favorable to a higher local fuel tax or property taxes, “though they’re ridiculously high in Illinois.”

Mayor Sager repeatedly referred to the expense as “an investment.” “We can’t afford not to go ahead and make these asset investments,” he said. During the virtual meeting held by telephone and Zoom with City Hall closed because of coronavirus concerns, no consensus was reached on how to pay for the program. “This is one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to grapple with,” Piersall said. The mayor directed the city staff to refine the three preferred proposals and report back to the council. With the engineering contract approved for the most expensive option, that work will carry the program through 2021 and beyond, regardless of which option the council chooses.

until proved guilty.

7:34 p.m. – Maguire and Schultz roads, Harvard, dispatched and canceled en route; engine

STREETS Continued from Page 3

little big pessimistic about COVID-19,” she said.

Talking taxes

Improving streets has been the focus of local tax increases in recent years. In the fall of 2017, the council enacted a 1 percent “home rule” sales tax, which did not require approval by voters. This past December, the council established a city fuel tax of 3 cents a gallon – again as a “home rule” decision – for the streets program. The council designated $1 million a year from the sales tax for street

County Board chairman urges mask use in public

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG Woodstock Police Department

■ William P. Joseph Jr., 29, Woodstock, was arrested April 17 in the 500 block of South Eastwood Drive on charges of driving while license suspended and leaving the scene of an accident. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date June 4. ■ Steven J. McMillan, 56, transient, was arrested April 20 in the 100 block of South Eastwood Drive on charges of criminal trespass to land and resisting a peace officer. Held on $100 bond. Court date June 11.

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

■ Nathan A. Sagastume, 24, Wonder Lake, was arrested April 8 on charges of criminal trespass/building, resisting a peace officer, and two counts of domestic battery/bodily harm. ■ Deonna L. Robinson, 31, Wonder Lake, was arrested April 11 on charges of aggravated battery/great bodily harm to child under 13, domestic battery/physical contact, and domestic battery/bodily harm. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for April 16-22: 63 Fire Runs April 16

10:15 a.m. – 600 block of Borden Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance April 17

1:18 p.m. – 200 block of West Jackson Street, unintentional transmission of alarm; truck 3:17 p.m. – 600 block of Borden Street, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, truck April 18

9:39 a.m. – 500 block of West South Street, unintentional transmission of alarm; shift commander, engine, truck, ambulance April 19

11:12 a.m. – 500 block of West Jackson Street, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; truck 5:56 p.m. – Alden and St. Patrick roads, traffic accident with injuries; ambulance, shift commander, engine

April 20

7:13 a.m. – 1300 block of Claussen Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, engine 2:40 p.m. – 300 block of South Jefferson Street, cooking fire confined to container; shift commander, truck, ambulance, two engines April 21

3:05 a.m. – 700 block of St. John’s Road, unintentional detector activation, no fire; shift commander, engine 12:21 p.m. – 600 block of Schumann Street, unintentional detector activation, no fire; engine 2:07 p.m. – 100 block of Queen Anne Road, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; engine 5:43 p.m. – 200 block of Tanager Drive, gas leak (natural or LP); engine April 22

10:22 a.m. – 1300 block of Claussen Drive, extinguishing system activation; truck, engine, ambulance 10:06 p.m. – 4100 block of Billingsgate Lane, chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue; truck, two engines, tender, ambulance, shift commander, chief

5 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

McHenry County 4-H Youth Foundation String Tie Event Rescheduled for October 24th at Jameson’s Sun City Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1430, Woodstock

McHenry County Human Race mchumanrace.org will remain open until April 30th to receive donations

Woodstock Rotary Club Spring Fundraiser Event Annual spring fundraiser canceled because so many other nonprofits are in need

Helping Paws Animal Shelter Paws in the Park Donations can be made at helpingpaws.net

Bull Valley Monster Hill Challenge Re-scheduled for October 3, 2020 Woodstock Little League Opening Day Auction and Candy Sales Equipment or cash donations please contact willsbaseballemail@gmail.com Mental Health Resource League Fair Diddley Fall Diddley is currently scheduled for October 10 & 11, 2020 at Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvidere, IL Home of the Sparrow Gala Donate at hosparrow.org Chris Foat Foundation https://www.chrisfoatfoundation.org/donate

Woodstock Folk Festival Scheduled for July 19th. Donations can be made at woodstockfolkfestival.org Friends of the Library Go to woodstockpubliclibrary.org to learn more Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County Trivia Night Make donations at mchenrycac.org Girl Scouts within Potowatomi Service Unit Visit girlsscoutsni.org Boy Scouts of America Blackhawk Area Council Legacy of Service Award Dinner Rescheduled: October 16, 2020 Vierda Dierzen PTO Fundraiser

Please consider donating to your community’s non-profit organizations.

Organizations were encouraged to let us know about their fundraiser through social media. If you are not listed - please let us know and we will add to our website.

NEWS

CANCELED FUNDRAISERS DUE TO COVID-19

April 29-May 5, 2020

WE’RE ALL#woodstock4all IN THIS TOGETHER!

OPINION

April 29-May 5, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Cheryl Wormley Publisher, Co-Owner

Paul Wormley Co-Owner

Woodstock, IL • 1987

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

Little room for error as we re-emerge No one should have been surprised last Thursday when Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended his statewide stay-at-home order – with a few new minor exceptions – through May. After all, the day before the Illinois Department of Health had reported the state had seen a record number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours. The day after the announcement, that number was surpassed. While those figures are largely the result of more extensive testing, they point out that there still is a lot we don’t know about the spread of the virus in Illinois. We have, after all, tested less than 2 percent of the population. So amid the reckless calls for the immediate reopening of the economy, even Pritzker’s measured approach – some more stores are now “essential” enough to do carryout business – seems a bit risky. Maybe that’s why he’s telling us to wear masks when we’re in public and can’t comply with 6 feet of social distancing. No doubt people in Woodstock are as eager as anyone to return to normal, but normal is not going to happen anytime soon. The state’s reopening will come in phases, Pritzker explained, and his administration will prepare conditions for the next step. He offered few details, saying new data could change the circumstances officials were expecting. That was enough to prompt McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks on Friday to announce creation of Resume McHenry County, a 10-member task force of local business, industry, and health professionals that will try to ensure that the eventual reopening of the county’s businesses is successful and safe. National polls have indicated 70 percent of Americans oppose the hasty reopening of businesses, preferring to wait until the science says it’s safe. But Franks, like Pritzker and many public officials, feels the pressure of citizens whose patience is likely to wear thin if they must endure another month of hiding from the virus. “The fight to prevent the runaway spread of coronavirus has taken a huge toll on McHenry County’s businesses and workers,” Franks said in announcing his task force, an assertion that cannot be overstated. As businesses suffer, so do their employees and their community. “... Resume McHenry County is a collaborative effort to discuss the best way to get businesses back on their feet while protecting employees and customers from the pandemic,” Franks said. That, of course, is a tricky balance – one that we had better get right. Consequences are dire. This past weekend, McHenry County’s number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpassed 500, and the death toll climbed to 48. We know those numbers will increase, and they’re already too high.

You really don’t think your bookie is going to take a bet on Celebrity Tiddlywinks, do you?

Tune in next week for the semi-finals.

It’s a big matchup of Ashton Kucher vs. Betty White on Celebrity Tiddlywinks.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY JIM MANSFIELD

» GUEST COLUMN

Cash payments offer crucial support By Mark Reynolds and Mark Johnson

CITIZENS’ CLIMATE LOBBY

COVID-19 is a public health crisis, but as it has unfolded, it has rippled out into an economic crisis, too. The stock market has been volatile, businesses are closing their doors, and millions are staying home to limit the spread of the virus. We in our state and people across America are feeling unprecedented economic pain. To help, Congress passed an

emergency relief package that will give direct payments of $1,200 to most adults and $500 to most children. Before they chose that particular path forward, members of the Republican-led Senate, the Democratic-controlled House, and the Trump administration all put forth ideas for direct cash payments, ranging from one-time payments or monthly payments of varying sizes. “We need cash in the hands of affected families,” said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark.

“So many people in this country are worried about what happens when their mortgage/rent/car payments/bills are due,” Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., posted on Twitter. In the early stages of this discussion, there were no fewer than nine proposals for direct cash payments. We’re encouraged to see the broad agreement that during a crisis, it helps to put cash in people’s pockets and let them spend it how they see fit. Continued on Next page

When Congress turns its attention to climate change—another looming crisis—it should not forget this lesson: Direct cash payments are a simple, transparent, and fair way to support Americans when economic winds are shifting. Climate change demands that we stop emitting greenhouse gases, which are trapping excess heat in our atmosphere and upsetting our planet’s delicate balance. America needs to move from a fossil fuel-based economy to a clean energy economy. That will be a major change, but it should not be an acute crisis like we’re in now. By planning to give cash payments to Americans, we can ensure a healthy economy while making a gentle transition to a clean energy future. Here’s how. Congress could put a

price on carbon pollution, driving our economy away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy sources, and it could rebate that money as an equal cash payment, or “dividend,” to all Americans each month. Cash payments put Americans in the driver’s seat because they are empowered to decide how to spend it: pay bills, buy groceries, save, invest in a more energy efficient car, spend it at a local business, or anything else. This is especially important for lowand middle-income Americans, who might otherwise struggle with cost increases as we shift to a clean energy economy. When dividends are given to everyone, low- and middle-income Americans benefit dramatically. Finally, cash dividends are transparent and easy to track, unlike tax offsets. That visibility helps people and

has been helping turn the tide. We can do our part for the next five weeks, too, by washing our hands, staying six feet away from others in public settings, and when that’s not possible, wearing masks. And, we can continue helping and caring for each other, staying positive, sharing joys and sorrows, working together, laughing every day, and being informed. As for being informed, The Independent staff is on it. We will have a newspaper for you every Wednesday and posts on the web and Facebook, and sometimes Instagram, daily. Now, for something I hope you’ll find laughable. Laughter is good – especially in tough times. Last week, a college friend emailed some funnies. I wish I could credit the creators, but none were listed. Here you go: “Can everyone please just follow the government instructions so we can knock out the coronavirus and be done? I feel like a kindergartner who keeps losing more recess time because one or two kids can’t follow directions.” “Quarantine has turned us into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We are told ‘no’ if we get too close to strangers. And we get really excited about car rides.” “The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!” Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com our elected officials stay focused on the problem at hand: right now, the pandemic. Soon, climate change. The IRS has started depositing the one-time payments to U.S. households during this desperate time. Should more help be needed, especially for those in difficult circumstances, we hope cash payments will be extended through the duration of the crisis. It’s clear that money in the hands of Americans helps keep our economy running. That’s why Congress and the President are using this tool in the current crisis. When we’ve dealt with COVID-19, let’s use that same tool to combat climate change. Mark Reynolds is executive sirector of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Rick Johnson is co-leader of the McHenry County chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

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businesses – who’s open, what hours, and the best ways to place orders. Businesses should email the information to woodstock4all@thewooodstockindependent. Cheryl com. We’ll post Wormley what we receive at #woodstock4all Declarations on thewoodstockindependent.com website. Please read carefully the list of nonprofits on Page 5 whose spring fundraisers were canceled. We compiled the list, which is on our website, too, from the nonprofits that provided information. Knowing they needed the money that would have been raised at the events, we included web and/or snail-mail addresses for donating. The list isn’t complete. If your nonprofit isn’t included, send information to the woodstock4all email address above. Also, this week the city of Woodstock staff put #Woodstock4all on the community events sign. We thank them and encourage all of you to drive by the next time you are out and take a look. It’s been four weeks since the initial stay-at-home announcement on March 26. The COVID-19 war is still raging, Thankfully, battles are being won. Our heroes are the doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, first responders, and all who work in essential businesses. On the home front, nearly everyone

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

April 29-May 5, 2020

Here in Woodstock, we are used to Woodstock Willie’s prognostications of six more weeks of winter. The crowds that gather on Feb. 2 in the Park in the Square often boo when the sun casts a shadow on our furry marmot. Thursday afternoon, Gov. J.B. Pritzker cast a shadow over all of Illinois in announcing his stay-at-home mandate will continue through May 30 – an additional five weeks and two days. His announcement was especially hard to take this time. While some who heard it might have booed, I believe others, myself included, wanted to scream or cry. Though small businesses can now sell over the phone or via the web or email, their doors are closed. They can open only when someone stops by to pick up their goods. The financial plans of small businesses are based on being open six or seven days a week with a steady flow of customers. Small business owners don’t take long vacations, if they take them at all, because their income depends on being open. More than nine weeks of no or little business is devastating. Yes, we can order carryout from restaurants and books from the bookstore, and now we can buy plants from a garden store. But purchases made because we saw something as we browsed in a specialty store won’t be happening for at least five more weeks. The Independent’s #Woodstock4all project for this week will be gathering and posting information from small

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Five more weeks of ... stay at home

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SCHOOLS

April 29-May 5, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Schools

Two Teachers, Three Students

Woodstock family of five finds togetherness at home while sheltering in place By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Sheltering in place has required a special juggling act for working parents with children. “Going from a busy family of five, to all of us living in a not-super-big house,” explained District 200 teacher and parent Carrie Filetti, “has been challenging.” The music teacher at Northwood and Creekside Middle schools is now teaching from her home, as is her husband, Northwood math teacher Brent Filetti. The couple also have three children who are learning from home: Maren, a fifth-grade student at Olson Elementary School; Gabe, a freshman at Woodstock North High School; and Aidan, a senior at North. “We’ve all just sort of set up our own workspace,” Filetti said. “Brent started in the front room, which is actually my studio, but he started there, so he has continued. I teach from the living room. Our house is not big, and it isn’t soundproof. “There are times when we might have five meets at the same time. We open the bathroom door and the basement door to try to create a barrier between the two. The kids work in their own rooms most of the time.”

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Brent Filetti, a math teacher at Northwood Middle School, works from the front room of the family home. “Our house is not big,” wife Carrie said, “and it isn’t soundproof.” Filetti described the day as a revolving door of living. “The hardest part is that even though we are home, and there are no extracurriculars, there is always something going on,” Filetti said. “There is no down time.”

Not just outside work

Maren, a fifth-grader at Olson Elementary School, also takes ballet classes via Zoom.

Laundry must get done, lunch must be eaten, and dishes must be washed even in the midst of classwork and lecture time. “I think we are lucky in that, even though Brent and I are working, our kids are very independent,” Filetti said. “The boys manage their schedules, and Maren only needs assistance every once in a while. The at-home schedule has also allowed for creativity and passions to come out. Maren takes Zoom ballet classes from instructor English Swanson at the Woodstock Ballet Academy.

“And Maren has been talking to her friends and chatting on text,” Filetti said, “So I’m happy that she is connecting with her friends. Maren, as a fifthgrader, not only is missing the last year of elementary school, but also the last opportunity to be with friends as they move on to different schools.” Aidan and Gabe have a more rigorous schedule, she said. Both have regularly scheduled meets, but find time for gaming, basketball, longboarding, bike rides, and runs. Brent joins in on bike rides as well. Filetti has found more time for making her own music. “I don’t spend as much time as I would like making my own music,” she said. “So this has been a nice opportunity for some ‘me’ time.” Filetti has been posting videos of herself playing the piano and singing with the hashtag #TinyFacebookRecital. She also has been busy cooking, recently having made homemade sushi

and, on another day, schnitzel. “I really enjoy cooking when I have time for it,” she said. “And now I do.”

Finding a rhythm

Aidan, as a senior, takes four advanced placement classes. Most of his study time is focused on reviewing the material as well as practicing the new AP test format. “I’m optimistic despite the changes.,” he said. “Our teachers are doing the best they can to prepare us for this. And we are working really hard. “This isn’t the way I envisioned the last three months of senior year,” he added. “Missing my senior track season is hard – the team, this was our year. We were ready to do well. We are missing prom, graduation … friends.” Aidan wakes up at 8 a.m. for his morning classes on both A and B days that begin at 8:30 a.m. He said he had adjusted well to online learning and Continued on NEXT page

DAR honors local students with Good Citizen awards

Woodstock North High School students Aidan (left) and Gabe play some driveway roundball for fresh air and exercise away from their at-home studies. Mother Carrie says the family makes the stay-home order work. “I think we are lucky,” she said, “in that even though Brent and I are working, our kids are very independent.” Continued from PREVIOUS page

“It is sad,” he said, “but I’m looking forward to college. I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now.” An optimist like his mother, Aidan said he is OK with the new normal for now. “It is sad that I don’t see friends, but I’m happy that because we are out of school, that people were protected,” he observed. “It’s going to be OK because we took the right steps.”

Four earn Rotary vocational scholarships By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Rotary Club of Woodstock recently awarded its annual William “Bill” Frejd Vocational Scholarships to four local high school graduates. Two recipients graduate from Woodstock North High School this year. Jakub Ciezkowski will serve an electrician apprenticeship at Lake County College, and Mason L. Riley will study fire science at McHenry County College. Each received a $500 scholarship. Two recipients attended Woodstock High School. Jacqueline TapiaRobles, a 2020 graduate, received $500 for her beauty school studies at Paul Mitchell in Chicago. Yesenia Najera-Mercado, a 2019 graduate, received $1,000 to support her phlebotomy studies at McHenry County College. The Rotary club will advance Riley and Tapia-Robles to the Rotary District 6440 scholarship program for a possible additional award of $1,500. The district includes 68 clubs in northern Illinois. Frejd, a founding member of the

local Rotary Club, was a machinist by trade and the owner of R&B Metal products. It was his wish to support scholarships for lifelong vocational trades. Club member Peter Knapp Jakub is chairman for Ciezkowski Rotary’s Vocational Scholarship. He and President-Elect Maureen “Mimi” Motroni conducted interviews after receiving applications from local students – completing the Mason L. interviews on Riley Friday, March 13, the final day of in-school instruction. Their recommendations were reviewed by the board of directors before final approval. “The Rotary Club of Woodstock

was pleased to have four quality applications for the scholarship,” Knapp said. “Our club takes great pride in making funds available for young people pursuing a trade that does Jacqueline not require a Tapia-Robles four-year degree. Our club constantly searches for ways to put Rotary resources to work here in our community.” Additional club activities continue even during this pandemic. “We’ve been Ysenia doing virtual Najerameetings using Mercado Zoom,” said Marlene Frisbie, the club’s current president. “We’ve done board meetings, committee meetings, club meetings, and a social hour so far. It’s been working fairly well for us.”

COLLEGE CURRENTS WNHS grad earns degree from Creighton University Caleb Labude, a 2016 graduate of Woodstock North High School, will graduate from Creighton University in May with degrees in finance and economics. He will begin his career June 1 with Metropolitan Capital in Chicago.

Illinois Wesleyan U. names local students to dean’s list Two students from Woodstock were among 667 named to the fall semester dean’s list at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. They were Kathleen Holub, a senior majoring in music education, and Jake Potthoff, a sophomore in health promotion and fitness management.

SCHOOLS

that, several weeks in, he has found a rhythm. Part of that is spending time with his family. “Most of the time, during track season, I am very busy,” he explained. “I don’t get home until 8 p.m. But I’ve been home and, while I think it does get a little crowded, we’ve been able to spend time together before college.” His mother said he also has spent

more time with his siblings. “I think he feels like he’s been given a bit of borrowed time,” Filetti said. “He has taken Gabe to McDonald’s and asked him to play basketball outside. He spends time playfully teasing Maren.” For the senior slated to attend Illinois State University this fall to study business administration, Aidan is looking forward to new experiences.

April 29-May 5, 2020

COURTESY PHOTOS

Three Woodstock students are among 15 McHenry County High School seniors recognized as Good Citizens by the Kishwaukee Trail Chapter of the National Society Daughters of The American Revolution. They are Olivia Pilar Arza, MarOlivia Pilar ian Central Arza Catholic High School; Vanessa Adrianna Olandese, Woodstock High School; and Jordyn Knox, Woodstock North High School. The group was honVanessa ored in March at Adrianna a ceremony at Olandese McHenry County College. Each student wrote an essay on “You and your peers are our nation’s leaders of tomorrow. How would you energize America’s youth to fully engage as effecJordyn tive citizens? Knox Why is that important?”

9 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 29-May 5, 2020

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A&E

Creative Living sets new series: Plan A

Tickets for programs will go on sale in June By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

As organizers of the longest running lecture series outside of a college or university, members of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association were not about to let the coronavirus deter them from planning the Creative Living Series’ 57th year. “They’ve never missed a season,” WFAA President Mary Ellen Prindiville said. When the Woodstock Opera House, the series’ home, was being renovated in 1976, the season’s talks went on at the movie theater on Main Street, then called the Dollarodeon. The 2019 -20 series suffered some disruption. The first talk, by Chicago’s “Hamilton” star, Miguel Cervantes, was postponed for several weeks after the death of Cervantes’ 3-year-old daughter, Adelaide. Cervantes gave his talk in November, to an outpouring of affection from a sold-out audience. The series’ last two talks fell victim to the state of Illinois’ stay-at-home order in response to the spread of COVID-19. Series patrons missed a presentation on the early 20th century Chicago Renaissance by Liesl Olson, a writer and Newberry Library’s director of Chicago Studies. Katherine Gray, a glass artist who was scheduled to talk in April, will lead off when the 57th season begins in October. Plan A is for the series to begin on the third Thursday in October, as usual, Prindiville said. However, WFAA members are developing a Plan B in case restrictions remain on large gatherings. The Opera House seats 417. Series ticket holders will have the option of applying a credit from this past season’s two missed shows to next year’s series. Alternatively, patrons can donate the cost of tickets to the organization. Although government directives related to COVID-19 might force changes, the date for renewing Creative Living Series subscriptions is set for June 1. Subscribers can retain their current seats if they order by July 31. New subscriptions will be available starting Aug. 1; single tickets will go on sale on Sept. 2. Following is the line-up for Creative Living’s 2020 - 2021 season:

Katherine Gray “After, words” Oct. 15

As a glass artist transforming molten liquid into something still and solid, Katherine Gray makes the invisible, visible. Her award-winning work has appeared in solo exhibitions at the Toledo Museum of Art and the Heller Gallery in New York City. Gray traces her artistic journey and discusses the continued Katherine Gray relevance of glass as a material in her artistic practice, especially the value in making things in a society increasingly ruled by machines and simulated experiences. She will also relate her adventures as “resident evaluator” on “Blown Away,” the competitive reality glassblowing series produced by Netflix.

John Tierney

“The Power of Bad” Nov. 19

Why are we devastated by a word of criticism even when it’s mixed with lavish praise? Because our brains are wired to focus on the bad. The power of bad explains why couples divorce, why people flub job interviews, even how schools fail students. John Acclaimed sciTierney ence writer and contributing New York Times columnist John Tierney, co-author of “The Power of Bad,” shares key insights on how to harness and overcome the negativity effect to become happier, healthier,

more productive and more creative. Bad breaks and bad feelings really do create the most powerful incentives to become smarter and stronger.

Dawn Jackson Blatner

“The New Healthy: The Best Things We Can Do for our Health” Jan. 21

Fat free? Gluten free? Cut carbs? Give up meat? Healthy eating used to be all about foods to avoid, but the latest research points to all sorts of nutrients we can use to restore energy, boost immunity, improve mood, digestion, and sleep, enhance beauty, and make us more physically fit and mentally alert. A nutritionist and author of “The Flexitarian Diet and Dawn Jackson Blatner The Superfood Swap,” Blatner has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN. She lays out the things we can do to fuel our best lives. And the good news? It’s simpler than you think.

Jonathan Eig “Ali: A Life” Feb. 18

A brilliant fighter and a rebel who embodied the conflicts that shook our country, Muhammad Ali was among the most famous men of the 20th century. But he had never been the subject of a full-length

biography until Jonathan Eig put his story between covers. Eig conducted more than 500 interviews during his four years of research and counted every punch the boxer threw. Winner of the 2018 PEN/ ESPN Award for Literary Sports writing, “Ali: A Life” is a sympathetic yet unsparing portrait that gives us the full measure of the man, tracing the arc of his career in the ring and bringing us to the heart of his colorful, incredible life.

Anna Celenza

“Celebrating Jazz: America’s Greatest Original Art Form” March 18

Jazz is a genre broad in scope, from Louis Armstrong’s rousing Dixieland and Billie Holiday’s smoky swing to the bebop rhythms of Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet and the cool jazz of Dave Brubeck’s piano. In her return to Creative Living, Anna Celenza explores the power of jazz to cross geographical, political, economic, racial, and religious boundaries. A dynamic presenter, Celenza enlivens her talk with film clips, archival photos, and recordings to trace the development of jazz as it is shaped by modern technology and Anna becomes the Celenza first worldwide music phenomenon. Jazz fans and newcomers alike will dig this thrilling tour of America’s most distinctive music.

Joseph Luzzi

“A Grand Tour Of Italy: Art, Music, Film & Literature” Jonathan Eig

April 15

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Woodstock announces further restrictions on facilities. Page 2 By Larry Lough two by phone – unanimously approved Meeting on the same day that the Loan program, fee waivers aim to cushion effects of virus an ordinance granting the mayor new first COVID-19 death in Illinois was

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powers under a state of emergency, reported, council By the Larry Loughmade quick work call last week, council members voted which had been declared earlier in the LARRY@THE of its WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM agenda during the 50-minute unanimously for a $500,000 smallday. meeting. business loan program and other “These are uncharted waters in many In addition to approving the emerCity funds will provide short-term forms of assistance. respects,” Mayor Brian Sager told the gency powers for the mayor, the counoperating to offset losses council. “... We really don’t know what cil alsocash received the fiscal yearsuf2020-21Despite a few technical glitches durfered by Woodstock’s small businesses the ultimate outcome will be.” See EMERGENCY, Pageing 2 the 77-minute meeting, business because of the coronavirus. was conducted on a short agenda of COMMUNITY In a midweek emergency meeting emergency actions, and public comLocal seamstresses making conducted by a telephone conference ments were submitted by phone and

Effects of the coronavirus dominated last week’s meeting of the Woodstock City Council, limiting the seating for the public to a few spaces and taking over most of the discussion. Council members – five in person and

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Campbell, the Opera House announced its schedule of events would resume in May and that several recently canceled events had been rescheduled, starting with Theatre 121’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” beginning June 12. The City Council was scheduled to meet Tuesday night – by conference call for the second time – to deal

with a busy agenda that included further extension of Mayor Brian Sager’s “state of emergency” declaration for Woodstock. But the Board of Education of Woodstock School District 200 called off this week’s meeting. School officials hope to meet – perhaps remotely – this month.

See COVID-19, Page 2

HOOFING FOR HOPE

Classroom work done from home by students, teachers

‘Essential businesses’ keep working during health crisis

INDEX

had been canceled until May 8, not mid-April as was hoped. In a posting by Director Daniel

PAGE 10

SCHOOLS

PAGE 10

Obituaries

See Page that 3 programming lastBUSINESS, week to reflect

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City Council continues to expand aid program for businesses

DOING THE ‘Telehealth’ RIGHT THINGS gets patients seen

PAGE 14

A&E

email. Mayor Brian Sager noted during the meeting that the public health situation was “very fluid and changing rap-Lough By Larry idly” as the city triedLARRY@THE to take actions to WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM blunt the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses. Information on the website of the City officials expect businesses to Woodstock Public Library was revised

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Personal protective equipment for Woodstock Fire/Rescue District first responders now includes gown, 16 calendar gloves, a mask, and eye protection, as modeled here by firefighter/EMT John Leu. Story on Page 13.

#WOODSTOCK4ALL

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After event cancellations, Opera House rescheduling

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Call or email for details LaufOfferhopes to add voice to issues good for addresses in 60097 & 60098 Local fuel tax on pumps April 1 $8.6 million in 2020 streets plan By Larry Lough

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Maybe it was not surprising that Catalina Lauf of Woodstock won McHenry County last week in a sevencandidate race for the Republican nomination for the 14th District congressional seat – in her first campaign for elective office.

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“Shelter in place” doesn’t mean you can’t get out for a walk – and still practice “social distancing” during cOMMunity 12 the coronavirus crisis. These folks headed to Emricson Park last week during the mild spring weather. calendar

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Paul Schieler displays his flag while riders from Operation Wild Horse, Marine veterans Jim Welch (left) and Ryan Bentele, march their steeds along West Jackson Street last week in their Mission of Hope parade around Woodstock. Story on Page 12.

But she also finished third in the leaders who believed in my message 21 public nOtices seven-county district in a field of can- and saw an opportunity for change.” didates with established political bases StateBySen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar 22 spOrts Larry Lough The was a factor in that decision. That would be the start in a five-year and well-funded campaigns. Grove won the contest to challenge LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Woodstock “With fuel being so cheap now, and program that could spend up to $60 “Having lived in this county most of Democratic incumbent Lauren UnderIndependent with most people working from home, million to upgrade streets throughout my life and having a family that have wood in November. 671 E. Calhoun St., to of ease the was we didn’t think that would have suchThe a Woodstock. By Larry Lough long been active members of our com-Woodstock’s State Sen.package Sue Rezin Morris Woodstock, IL 60098 financial of the coronavirus big impact,” Stelford said. The City Council is expected to LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Woodstock munity served as a good foundation,” third,effects and former Kendall County Phone: 815-338-8040 will not include achairman delay in the approve contracts next week for resurIndependent Lauf said in an email interview. “Early Republican Jimcity’s MarterThe city is counting on that tax to Fax: 815-338-8177 new motor fuel tax of 3 cents a gallon, generate about $300,000 a year to facing more than 200 street “segments” 671 E. Calhoun St., on, I garnered the support of local See ELECTION, Page 4 Plans for a slightly reduced program Thewoodstock which goes into effect April 1. help pay off a $10 million, 20-year this year. Five contractors submitted in Woodstock Woodstock, IL 60098 of street resurfacing independent.com City Manager Roscoe Stelford said bond that would finance an extensive bids on the work, which was divided Phone: 815-338-8040 were expected to be considered Tuesthe recent plunge in gasoline prices street resurfacing program in 2020. See TAX, Page 4 Council, which Fax: 815-338-8177 day night by the City

815.338.8040 • thewoodstockindependent.com rebecca@thewoodstockindependent.com Thewoodstock independent.com

KNow what’s happening The meeting agenda showed the council was scheduled to consider a proposed $8.6 million contract with Plote Construction of Hoffman Estates to resurface 19.43 lane miles of city streets this year. Officials had hoped to improve 21.8 miles of streets that were rated “poor” or “fair” to bring them up to “good” condition, but an engineering study found some of the originally

targeted street segments needed additional work – on road base or sewers below – before they could be paved. Local streets were divided into quadrants to allow contractors to bid for work on some or all four areas, but Plote had the low bid for each of four contracts among five bidders, two of whom bid in only one quadrant.

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was to meet again by conference call because of precautions involving the coronavirus.

See STREETS, Page 2

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY SUE MURRAY

April 29-May 5, 2020

Atrocious Poets of Woodstock is celebrating National Poetry Month with two “socially distant but emotionally available poem hunts” – one in Emricson Park and one in Ryders Woods (shown here). A dozen QR codes have been posted in each location, with each code linked to a different poem. Following social-distancing guidelines, people can take a walk in either spot, find the QR codes, scan them with the camera on their phones, and read a poem. “We hope it will be an antidote to cabin fever and a pleasant way to engage with poetry during National Poetry Month,” Atrocious Poet Jessica Campbell wrote. The QR codes will be up through the end of the month.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy“ is Giuseppe Verdi’s oft-quoted praise of il Bel Paese. In an immersive tour of Italy’s cultural masterpieces – extraordinary, magnificent, haunting, transformative – Luzzi delves into what is behind Italy’s remarkable appeal and what makes it such an inexhaustible place of discovery. With passionate insight, he shares how art, literature, and the humanities can change our world. A Renaissance man himself, Luzzi is a teacher, scholar, and awardwinning author of “My Two Italies,” a Joseph New York Luzzi Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and “In a Dark Wood: What Dante Taught Me About Grief, Healing, and the Mysteries of Love,” a Vanity Fair “MustRead” selection.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! #woodstock4all For inspiration, go to #woodstock4all at thewoodstockindependent.com

April 29-May 5, 2020

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK DULCE

OLIVAR LOPEZ

Dulce Olivar Lopez is a senior at Woodstock North High School. She is the daughter of Guadalupe Lopez and Genaro Olivar, Woodstock. “Dulce truly exhibits all aspects of the “Thunder Way.” She continually does high quality work both inside and outside of the school setting. In addition, she selflessly offers help and support to those in need. Dulce challenges herself and meets her goals through hard work, persistence and determination. Dulce’s positive outlook and friendly smile endear her to everyone who have had the pleasure of working with her,” said one of her teachers. Dulce was student of the month her sophomore and senior years. She is on high honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Dulce is vice-president of the Viva Spanish Club and treasurer of NHS. She is a member of the varsity soccer team and Future Latino Leaders. Outside of school, Dulce volunteers at Turning Point. She has also volunteered at the FHPC Care4 Breast Cancer Race, McHenry County Fairgrounds, and Leadership Greater McHenry County. When asked who inspires her, Dulce said, “My peers at school motivate me to work hard in school because I see how hard they work and it makes me want to perform better.” When asked what makes her feel successful, Dulce said, “I feel like I am successful because I always try to push myself out of my comfort zone while maintaining a positive attitude. My family, friends, and teachers’ support has also been essential to all my success.”

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Making a Difference Woodstock manufacturers pitch in against COVID-19 By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

These days, a walk around the Woodstock Square can be unsettling. Fliers and posters announcing coming attractions are frozen in time at the Opera House and Classic Cinemas. Hand-lettered signs on retail shops’ closed doors direct patrons to the stores’ websites. Restaurants, operating with shortened hours, eke out what business they can from takeout and delivery orders. But if you know where to look, one part of town is still bustling. The city’s manufacturing sector is

operating full bore, an optimistic antidote to the surreal peace in the center of town. “Manufacturing is by far the greatest contributor to our Gross Regional Product, the total value of the market value of goods and services produced,” said Garrett Anderson, the city’s Economic Development director. Woodstock has twice the concentration of manufacturing as the average community, according to data from Emsi, a labor market analytics group. In 2019, manufacturing accounted for $250 million of Woodstock’s GRP, double the value produced by the second-ranking industry, retail trade.

While the pandemic thunders along, Woodstock manufacturers are creating and turning out products that are making a difference in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

Dordan: plastic face shields

Nightly news reports invariably contain at least one story about the shortage of PPE –personal protective equipment – for health care workers and first responders. Dordan Manufacturing on Castle Road, in business for 60 years, uses a process known as thermoforming to heat and shape plastic sheets into rigid plastic packaging See PITCHING IN, Page 14

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

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Chandler Slavin, a principal at Dordan Manufacturing in Woodstock, models a face shield produced by the third-generation, family-owned and -operated plastics thermoformer.

■ Retail establishment at 145 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by CF Albert Propco III LLC, New York, N.Y., to Rolling Hills Investments LLC, Henderson, Nev.. for $16,192,768. ■ Residence at 12323 Cooney Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Robert F. and Gail S. Sankey, Bluffton, S.C., to Rene and Leandro Ayala, Woodstock, for $250,000. ■ Residence at 136 W. Melody Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Custom Development LLC, Fox Lake, to Raul Rodriguez, Woodstock, for $185,000. ■ Residence at 1520 Tappan St., Woodstock, was sold by Hampton Street LLC, Woodstock, to Noah A. Wisler, Woodstock, for $116,000. ■ Residence at 265 Ridgewood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Alexander M. Waldron, Hendersonville, N.C., to Magdalena Radilla Dorantes, Woodstock, for $180,000. ■ Residence at 2790 Braeburn Way, Woodstock, was sold by Bryan Fitzgerald, Oswego, to Bradley John Krull, Woodstock, for $274,500. ■ Residence at 202 N. Queen Anne Road, Woodstock, was sold by C. Carla Summers, West Chicago, to Timothy B. and Jill A. Henry, Woodstock, for $675,000. ■ Residence at 621 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, was sold by John P. Frighetto, Algonquin, to Joseph P. Bourke, Woodstock, for $125,600. ■ Residence at 8804 Ramble Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by The Judicial Sales Corporation, Chicago, to RRD Group Enterprises LLC, Woodstock, for $83,951.

April 29-May 5, 2020

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office from April 2 to 8 .

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REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

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April 29-May 5, 2020

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PITCHING IN

Continued from Page 13

for a variety of industries. Those include consumer goods, such as blister packages for small and lightweight cosmetics, and medical products, such as device trays for dental instruments that require sterilization. Chandler Slavin and her brother Aric partially own Dordan Manufacturing, along with their father, Daniel, the company’s president and CEO. When the crisis hit, Chandler received a call from a former customer who was trying to supply hospitals with plastic face shields. The need was so desperate that people with access to 3-D printers were turning out face shields one at a time at home. Could Dordan help? Beginning on a Sunday afternoon, the Slavins set to work to figure out how to thermaform a face shield’s clear plastic lens. “Everyone was hustling,” Chandler Slavin said. “There was this insane sense of urgency.” The process turned out to be simple. Within a week, the company had a design, had created a die to shape the plastic, and “was turning these bad boys out,” Slavin said. Dordan is producing 30,000

lenses a day. Three other mediumsized Chicagoland manufacturers contribute to the effort. One creates the foam forehead guards; another, the elastic headbands; while the last company assembles the three parts and ships them out. For Slavin, the satisfaction is twofold. First, Dordan’s 40 to 50 employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades, can continue to provide for their families. Second, Dordan is helping to fill what Slavin called an “enormous” demand. “What makes me so proud to be an American manufacturer,” Slavin said, “is that we can respond so quickly.”

Phoenix Woodworking: hospital cabinetry For nearly 24 years, Phoenix Woodworking’s 15 employees have been crafting custom architectural millwork and cabinetry for a mostly commercial client base. When the coronavirus reached U.S. shores, said company president Sandra Pierce, Phoenix was in the

midst of a “long, long planning process” of designing and making the cabinetry for patient rooms, storage cabinets, and the nurses’ stations on four floors of SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford. The coronavirus pushed that process into overdrive. “It was ‘Here’s the schedule; let’s go,’” Pierce said. As of last week, two floors have been delivered for installation with two to go. At Phoenix’s Duncan Place facility off McConnell Road, Pierce strives to balance employee safety with staying operational. Everyone is spread out in the building’s 21,000 square feet, with machines placed at least 10 feet apart, she said. “I have an employee who does nothing but use antibacterial wipes to clean all the surfaces - from the machines to the cafeteria tables,” Pierce said.

Berry Global: overcaps, closures As a consumer packaging manufacturing facility for Berry Global, the Woodstock plant on Courtaulds Drive off McConnell Road has 150

employees working overtime to turn out overcaps and closures for food and household cleaning items. Business has increased, said Olga Ortiz, Berry’s human resource manager. The company’s overcaps and closures go onto a wide variety of products, including spice containers, paint sprays, deodorant, beauty products, and automotive cleaning sprays. But it is the lids and tops for in-demand disinfectant sprays, hand soap, and dishwashing soaps – as well as beauty products that have been repurposed as disinfectants – that keep seven 8- or 12-hour shifts of workers busy. Besides staggering shifts to avoid overcrowding, Ortiz said, the company has introduced new protocols – ramped-up cleaning, disinfecting in common areas, and more cleaning supplies for each employee. Markers and reminder signs show workers where to stand, staying at least six feet apart. The products for which Berry makes closures are essential to consumers even more during this time, Ortiz said. “We want employees to continue to be safe,” Ortiz said, “while still producing the products that are needed.”

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Community

Questionnaire inquires about coronavirus effect

Desperate to Connect

Stay-at-home order adds extra stress for addicts, abuse victims By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; the opposite of addiction is connection.” So goes the mantra for people in recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Whether someone suffers from addiction, is in recovery, or is in an abusive relationship, the normal social connections that provide support – work, friends, extended family, treatment programs – have been severed or damaged in the stay-at-home

world. The user continues to use – despite added danger Alex Mathiesen is the McHenry County program manager for Live4Lali. The mission of the Arlington Heights-based organization is to prevent substance abuse and to minimize the damage that substance abuse does to individuals and the community. “One of the big challenges is that a substance abuser is going to continue to use,” Mathiesen said. Drugs are obtained in “a direct handoff from the dealer to the user. They’re going to ignore restrictions to get their drugs.” Michelle Kavouras is the McHenry County outreach coordinator for Live4Lali. Her passion for helping others, she said, “comes from my own recovery.” Drugs, Kavouras said, are not as

easily obtained as before, even for dealers. Some illicit drug users stockpiled a supply before the governor’s statewide stay-at-home directive went into effect. But Kavouras, through experience, knows the pitfall of that strategy. “If I had drugs stocked up,” she said, “I would use them quicker.” When drugs are not available, users risk obtaining them from a new dealer who might lace substances with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. To reduce harm, Live4Lali provides substance abusers with clean syringes, fentanyl test strips, and naloxone, a medication that reverses an opioid overdose. “We can’t go to those people as easily,” Kavouras said. See ADDICTION, Page 16

COURTESY PHOTO

Craig Sundstedt (foreground), president of the McHenry County Extension Master Gardeners, is among the experts who can answer spring gardening and landscaping questions via email at uiemg-mchenry@illinois.edu.

Virtual gardening advice being offered for spring In accordance with health officials recommendations, office hours and in-person programming is suspended for the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners. But the team and volunteers are working remotely. People who have a gardening question, or need a plant, insect or disease identified can email uiemg-mchenry@illinois. edu and a trained Master Gardener will respond at no cost. An extensive website featuring gardening and horticulture information for homeowners also is available at extension.illinois.edu/global/horticulture or extension. illinois.edu/lm.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Live4Lali works to prevent substance abuse and to minimize the damage that substance abuse does to people and the community. Staff members include (clockwise from front) Laura Fry, Alex Mathiesen, Jody Daitchman, Stacy Harding, Michelle Kavouras, and Chelsea Laliberte Barnes.

April 29-May 5, 2020

The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum has launched a new COVID-19 questionnaire designed to chronicle the lives of McHenry County people during this life-changing event. As with 9/11, the society wants to know how the virus has affected people’s daily lives and what adjustments they’ve made to remain safe while still responding to the demands of home and work. To participate, visit gothistory.org homepage. Images showing how you’ve been coping – from playing board games, to relying on social media to video conferencing with co-workers – are welcome.

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ADDICTION

How many are affected?

Continued from Page 15

During the COVID-19 crisis, Live4Lali staff members are taking texts and calls requesting dropoff of syringes, test strips, and naloxone. Using gloves, they put together a bag of supplies to take to an arranged location, then texting that supplies have been dropped off. The organization has moved its training online for how to administer naloxone.

Recovery, a lonely road

“Human connection is the largest part [of recovery],” Kavouras said. “And now it’s the scariest part.” Chris Reed, president of New Directions – a nonprofit organization that supports recovery – opened The Other Side, a sober bar in Crystal Lake, to provide a social network in a safe environment for people in recovery. “The whole recovery process is based on going to a meeting and hanging out afterward,” Reed said. For people looking to begin recovery, the treatment options have narrowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some treatment centers are not accepting patients, Kavouras said. Scott Block, executive director of the McHenry County Health Board, said that in the open treatment centers, staff and hours might have been reduced and the screening processes have become more complicated as the necessary safety protocols are observed. To address the need, many recovery groups have moved meetings online. Counselors can conduct one-on-one sessions through telehealth, communicating with a patient or client by phone, laptop, or tablet. “We run online recovery meetings almost every day,” Mathiesen said.

Numbers tell a chilling story. In 2017, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 19.7 million Americans aged 12 and older, roughly 7 percent of the population, battled a substance abuse disorder. That would mean in Woodstock’s population of 25,000, probably 1,000 and 2,000 residents struggle with a substance abuse disorder.

How to get help

For people with an addiction problem n For safe supplies, call or text Live4Lali at 224-297-4393. n To get help with a substance abuse problem for you or a loved one, call Live4Lali at 844.LV4.LALI (584.5254) x803. n If you want to be assessed for a substance abuse problem, call Sara Crain of A Way Out at 815-347-0385 or email SXCrain@McHenryCountyIL.gov . n Support, Safety, Science – a web education program on overdose education, prevention, and response – will begin April 30. To learn more and view the free program, go to live4lali.org/support-safety-science/

For those in recovery

Online recovery resources include SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Buddhist Recovery Network. 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, SMART Recovery – Held Weekly at The Warp Corps, 114 N. Benton St., Woodstock. This meeting is being held online at global.gotomeeting.com/ join/932689453. For assistance, email Alex at alex@live4lali. org or call 844-584-5254, ext. 806.

For those in an abusive relationship

Turning Point is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Call 815-338-8081. A staff member will answer the phone after office hours. If you are a friend or family member of someone you suspect is being abused: call to check on the person’s welfare, invite that person to go for a walk while maintaining social distancing, or pass along the phone number for Turning Point. If you witness screaming or hitting, call the police.

Increased sense of isolation

Jane Farmer is executive director at Turning Point, provider of a host of services for victims of domestic abuse. Farmer ticked off the factors that heighten the tension in a household where domestic violence is present: job loss, financial worries, inability to leave the house, increased drinking, an abuser who’s home all the time. “Those will exasperate an already thin line with people going through domestic violence relationships,” Farmer said. Local law enforcement agencies have an elevated awareness for those situations. Sgt. Linda Hooten of the Huntley Police Department is a member of the Family Violence Coordinating Council. She said that because “all other calls have drastically declined” since March 21, the domestic calls stand out, with a possible “slight uptick” in number. “Some are new families” in regard to domestic violence, Hooten said. “College kids are home, they want to go out, the parents want them home,” and the situation escalates. Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said that while the number of domestic calls had not increased, he had “read between the lines” of his officers’ reports and sees that some calls have a connection to the pandemic. One, he said, was a verbal domestic – an argument that spiraled into shouting over one partner not taking extra health precautions. While Farmer believes there will be an increased need for shelter after stay-at-home, what she sees already is an increase in clients asking for orders of protection. Although Turning Point cannot currently have its staff at the McHenry County Courthouse, attorneys are allowed in the courtrooms and are helping victims to obtain those orders. “Turning Point is still open,” Farmer said. “We can help with domestic violence cases.”

THE INDEPENDENT’S READING LIST THIS WEEK: WE’RE REALLY COOKING THIS TIME The Independent’s book list this week: really cooking

With everyone at home, most of us are cooking more than we ever have and even experimenting in the kitchen a bit. We asked some of The Independent’s staff members to write a few lines about their favorite cookbook – the old faithful with their family’s favorite recipes. Their responses are below.

“Bread Machine Magic” by Linda Rehberg and Lois Conway I don’t cook well, so I asked my wife, Julie, for her recommendation. This cookbook, for use in all types of bread machines, has 139 exciting recipes. Julie’s favorite is the L&L Baker’s Dill Bread. – Ken Farver, photographer Available to order in print from Read Between the Lynes.

“The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier” by Ree Drummond When I am looking for tasty recipes that feel like they are right from the ranch, this is the book I turn to. Any of Drummond’s books are staples in my home, but this is a good one to turn to for any meal. From an iced coffee recipe for those who – unlike me – don’t take their coffee black, to Cowboy Quiche, the breakfast section is perfect for cozy mornings at home before your first video conference of the day. The Chicken Apricot Panini can satisfy a midwork-from-home day lunch craving, while Drummond’s White Chicken Enchiladas have risen to the top as a family dinner favorite in the Carzoli home. Nearly every time I browse the pages for recipes, I find myself pausing to take in the colorful photos and rich ranch-life imagery, and I get lost in the open space and simple joys

www.allrecipes.com

gracing the space between recipes. Drummond’s casual narration, with a Southern drawl that leaps right off the page, pulls me in – I almost feel as if we have been friends forever. There are plenty of recipes just waiting to become your family favorites! – Tricia Lee Carzoli, writer and photographer Available to order in print from Read Between the Lynes.

My current go-to cookbook is a website, www.allrecipes.com. I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks, but as a rather unadventurous cook, I tend to stick to tried-and-true favorites that are either committed to memory or on handwritten cards – mostly from my mom – tucked into a small, plasticcoated book. Recently, however, my daughter has broadened my horizons and encouraged me to turn to websites such as allrecipes.com. It’s always as handy as my phone or computer, and I can take ingredients I have on hand at home, include them in a search, and it will give me tasty options. I can even filter the search to exclude ingredients I don’t have. Especially now, when we don’t visit the grocery store often, it’s a great way to come up with a clever meal using whatever I have left in my pantry or fridge. Sandy Kucharski, associate editor Available online. Continued on Next page

Continued from Previous page

The copyright page of my wellworn, duct-tape-repaired, foodstained “Betty Crocker’s Cookbook” is long gone. If it were there, it would most likely have a date between 1969 and 1972, because on the back is Betty’s ’69 portrait, which was used for only three years. My treasured cookbook might have been a wedding shower gift, or I could have acquired it by redeeming Betty Crocker coupons. I depend on her for sure-toplease, easy-to-follow, only-thenecessary-ingredients recipes. The most recent edition — now called “Betty Crocker Cookbook, 12th Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook from Scratch” – has a 2018 copyright. Although I still pull out my hardbound Betty Crocker for go-to recipes – pancakes, waffles, pie crust, muffins, meatloaf, lasagna, and pecan pie – I increasingly depend on her online recipes. Either way, she continues to be my trusted source. – Cheryl Wormley, publisher Available to order in print from Read Between the Lynes.

Woodstock copes with coronavirus restrictions. Do you have photos? We would love to see them and publish some in print or online. Send them to woodstock4all@thewoodstockindependent.com.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

URRAY SUSAN W. M T PHOTO BY INDEPENDEN to

s ve found way Residents ha licly, like this sign celebrate pub son Street. er on South Jeff

The city of Woodstock used its new digital message board along Route 47 in front of Burger King to promote The Woodstock Independent’s new campaign, #Woodstock4all, to help build a sense of community during the newly extended stay-home order associated with the coronavirus pandemic. Senior Nora Kelly celebrates through a moon roof during a parade Friday to honor the class of 2020 at Marian Central Catholic High School. Similar “social distancing” celebrations were held for seniors at Woodstock and Woodstock North. INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

McHenry County’s Valley Hi nursing home in Woodstock posted a sign to show support for their local heroes, the staff at the home. Fishing is a great way to pass the time, so Chris Carpenter of Woodstock recently took his children, Chris Jr., 3, and Laila, 4, to Emricson Park to try to catch some dinner.

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“Betty Crocker’s Cookbook” by Betty Crocker

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April 29-May 5, 2020

Meat, mashed potatoes, and corn, peas, or green beans out of a can was the typical dinner fare at our house when I was a kid. My mom was a fabulous baker married to a picky eater, so variety was in short supply. The Southern Living cookbooks taught me how to cook with recipes written so a novice could follow along. Rather than saying, “simmer for 10 minutes,” Southern Living’s editors would specify, “Simmer, over a low flame, with a lid on for 10 minutes.” Bursting with comfort food and heavy on the sauces, the yearly compilations from Southern Living magazine, as well as the specialized cookbooks, are treasures. The Murray favorite is “The Best of Southern Living Cookbook.” During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve had scalloped potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, and carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese icing from its pages. My version has a 1987 copyright; the most recent is from 2009. – Susan W. Murray, writer The 2009 version is listed as “hard to find” on the Read Between the Lynes website with a note to call for a price. These cookbooks often show up in used bookstores, such as the Defenders’ bookstore on the Woodstock Square.

COPING WITH COVID-19

17 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

“The Best of Southern Living Cookbook” by the Editors of Southern Living Magazine

April 29-May 5, 2020

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5 TUESDAY WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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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.

PICTURE THIS

St. Mary’s Class of 1959 is pictured. From left: Judy Bacon, Ellen Clark, Jerry Powers, Tom Parker, Robert Hellstern, Bishop Loris T. Lane, Paul Nelson, John Harding, Mary Ann Kledzick, and Helen Harmon. The Class of ’59 was the last to graduate from St. Mary’s. Marian Central opened in the fall.

All of the McHenry County Historical Society programs have been canceled until further notice.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

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

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

30 years ago – 1990

■ The Walt Disney film “Dick Tracy” made its Woodstock premier at the Woodstock Theatre as part of a fundraiser for a memorial library for cartoonist Chester Gould, creator of the “Dick Tracy” comic strip and a former resident of Woodstock. ■ The Woodstock Fire Department bought a new $432,000 ladder truck. ■ Memorial Hospital bought 111 acres at the southwest corner of U.S. 14 and Doty Road as the location of a new hospital.

25 years ago – 1995

■ Woodstock School District 200 officials announced co-curricular activities would not be cut in the wake of three failed tax referendums.

20 years ago – 2000

■ The Woodstock City Council approved a plan for a new parking lot at Woodstock High School with 13 1/2 –foot aisles instead of the usual 16-foot aisles. ■ The National Guard unit in Woodstock was set to deploy to Kuwait. ■ Westwood Elementary School students celebrated their school’s winning of national honors as one of the top five schools in the country for teaching character education.

15 years ago – 2005

■ Walmart told city officials that construction of its new store on Lake Avenue would begin in the fall. ■ Construction was underway on Valley Hi Nursing Home’s new building. ■ The Black Box Theatre at Woodstock High School was renamed the Anthony F. Casalino Black Box Theatre in honor of the school’s longtime drama teacher.

10 years ago – 2010

■ Woodstock residents Carrie Filetti and Megan Coleman received the City Council’s unanimous approval to host a sprint-length triathlon at Woodstock Water Works and Emricson Park. Named we.CAN.tri, the event would include a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bicycle ride, and 4.5-kilometer run. ■ Ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland delayed for three days the return of exchange students in Woodstock to their homes in Germany. The ash grounded transatlantic flights.

19 ■ The Independent published “20 Under 20,” a special section featuring “20 of the area’s biggest talents and brightest minds – all under 20 years old.” Among them were Northwood Middle School Student Council president Madeline Mass and vice president Ashley Bartlett; Creekside Middle school student Tess Devinger; WHS student council president Julia Frisbie; Samuel Sotelo, a WHS senior who had earned the New Artist’s Society Presidential Scholarship from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; and Alex Mosnick, a Marian senior, who was awarded a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship and planned to attend Northwestern University.

5 years ago – 2015

■ More than 60 people participated in Woodstock’s leg of World Tai Chi and Qi-Gong Day. Young Masters Martial Arts and Fitness Studio and Moon Willow Tai Chi hosted the event. ■ Students from Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools were putting finishing touches on a building trades house. It was the 40th house built by students since the program was started decades earlier. Pete Catan, who was teaching the building trades classes said, “This is the only program of its kind in McHenry County.” ■ Monica Amraen was named Woman of the Year by the Woodstock Professional & Business Women. Amraen was lauded for her service to the community as a city employee and as a committed church and community volunteer.

1 year ago – 2019

■ The Woodstock Garden Club installed new officers: Susan Gullotto, president; Brenda Dahlfors, recording secretary; Mary Fran Madjak, corresponding secretary; and Karen Hattan, treasurer. The club was celebrating its 95th anniversary. ■ The body of 5-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund of Crystal Lake was found buried in a shallow grave off a farm access road along Dean Street south of Woodstock. A day after the body was discovered, bond was set at $5 million each for the boy’s parents, Andrew “Drew” Freund and JoAnn Cunningham. A search for the boy began April 18 when his parents reported him missing.

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

FLASHBACKS

April 29-May 5, 2020

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

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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: DIANE BISHOP HUSSEY COACHING located at 7902 PINOAK DR. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: DIANE HUSSEY 7902 PINOAK DR., WONDER LAKE, IL 60097/P.O. BOX 584. Dated: APRIL 6, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent April 15, 2020, April 22, 2020, April 29, 2020)L11026

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING On 5/22/2020 at 8:00 am, a meeting conducted by Woodstock CUSD 200 will take place virtually. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the

district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the district for the 2020 - 2021 school year. If you are the parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Woodstock District 200, you are urged to attend. If you plan to attend this meeting, please email Lisa Pearson at lpearson@wcusd200.org. (Published in The Woodstock Independent April 29, 2020)L11027

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Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: Brennan Lawn & Landscaping Services located at 310 N. Cunat Blvd. Richmond IL 60071. Owner Name & Address: Daniel Brennan 310 N. Cunat Blvd. Richmond IL 60071. Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent April 15, 2020, April 22, 2020, April 29, 2020)L11015

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ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as: Gardner Environmental Services located at 312 Tall Grass Drive Harvard IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: David Gardner 312 Tall Grass Dr., Harvard Illinois 60033. Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent April 15, 2020, April 22, 2020, April 29, 2020)L11014

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By Sandy Kucharski

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Forced home from college by the coronavirus outbreak, one Woodstock resident took advantage of nice weather last weekend to run up to Fontana for the day … literally. Megan Hansen, a senior at Miami of Ohio in Oxford, Ohio, was scheduled to run the Flying Pig Marathon in Ohio on May 3. As with everything else, the race was canceled, and most college students headed home to wait out the shelter-in-place order. But organizers offered registered entrants the option to run the race on their own and turn in their time to be recognized as a finisher. Not wanting her training to go to waste, Hansen continued her workouts and planned to run the virtual marathon here in Woodstock. On April 18 she set out on a training run, accompanied by a friend, Gabriella Scolio, on a bicycle. Starting at Emricson Park, her route took her down Raffel Road past Woodstock North High School, cutting over to Queen Anne Road and north toward the state line. “I was supposed to run 20 miles,” Hansen said. “At 20 miles, Gab said, ‘You look good,’ so I decided to just run the whole thing.”

Route alteration

Having mapped out only the 20-mile route, the pair determined the remainder of the route that would meet the 26.2 mile requirement. Hansen called her parents to let them know they would need to pick up the pair in Wisconsin instead of the state line. “The good feeling lasted a couple of miles more, then fatigue set in,” Hansen said. “At mile 23 I regretted everything. I pushed through. It helped that the last mile was downhill.” She was greeted with cheers and signs in Fontana by her parents and another family her parents recruited at the park. She even ran through a streamer strung out as a finish line. “It was really cute,” Hansen said. “It was nice to have an exciting finish and even a fake finish line.” Although the impromptu nature of

SPORTS

See COLLEGE, Page 27

Runner logs miles while keeping social distance

April 29-May 5, 2020

Name a volleyball player in Murray State University history that has more kills and points scored than Marian Central Catholic graduate Rachel Giustino? That answer is very simple, there is not one. The 5-foot10 outside hitter finishes a four-year career at Murray State with 1,764 kills and 1,964 points Dan scored, both of which are career Chamness The College records at MurReport ray State. The fact that she can lay claim to being one of the best volleyball players in Murray State history, not to mention other numerous college honors, not to mention her high school career that culminated with a Illinois High School Association Class 3A state championship in volleyball, might allow her to continue playing volleyball and follow a dream. No matter the future for Giustino, who is finishing her eduRachel cation in Giustino the next month at Murray State, she seems well prepared both athletically and academically. Thus far, that preparation has served her well, both on the volleyball court and in the classroom. “I am not sure what I am going to do with my degree at this point,” Giustino said. “I want to see what

Socially acceptable solo marathon

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Rachel Giustino rewrites Racers’ record books

COURTESY PHOTO

Megan Hansen celebrates finishing a virtual marathon April 18 at the shores of Geneva Lake. her marathon day necessitated a quick route adjustment and caused her to ration her water and snacks, Hansen said the last-minute decision totally alleviated race-day stress, allowing her to run a better time.

Setting higher goals

A 2016 graduate of Woodstock High School and four-year Blue Streak cross-country athlete, Hansen participated in running club for a couple of years at college and in 2018 she ran the Chicago Marathon. Currently she trains by herself and runs with a college roommate. Obviously, this run was quite different from Chicago. While she missed the constant cheering and encouragement along the route that the Chicago Marathon offered, Hansen found the solitary road run very peaceful, and she

enjoyed chatting with her friend along the way. She admitted, however, she missed the water and energy bar stops that an organized marathon offers. Submitting her time will qualify Hansen for a certificate of completion and the official race T-shirt. It also makes her eligible for overall race awards. “I’m much more about the medals,” Hansen said, always striving to improve her times. Giving in to the addiction that marathon runners often fall prey to, she has set her sights on another marathon or possibly an ultra marathon – 50 miles or more. Barring a prolonged shelter-inplace order, Hansen plans to start grad school in Boston next fall, which will put her in town for the rescheduled date for the Boston Marathon, a race she hopes to qualify to run some day.

Zoom ballet keeps everyone on pointe

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Woodstock Dance Academy stays in touch with students near and far By Sandy Kucharski

SPORTS

April 29-May 5, 2020

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

COIURTESY PHOTOS

Emma Iandola, Harvard, works out at the barre during a Zoom class with Woodstock Dance Academy.

Kids who are involved in extracurricular activities and sports are accustomed to that creative and physical outlet. Being able to continue some of those activities does a lot to help them cope with the drastic adjustment that the statewide shelter-in-place order has created. Woodstock Dance Academy is one of many lesson programs that has continued to stay in touch with students, offering ballet classes using the online Zoom platform. Dancers dress in their ballet attire, log in on the computer, and take classes in their own homes. Some dancers have barres to use, while others simply use the back of a chair to balance. Bekki Lesiewicz, mother of dancers Lola and Max, said the classes made things seem more normal. “We love being able to maintain some normalcy by continuing ballet at home,” she said. “The kids enjoy being back in a routine and seeing their friends and teacher each week. It’s such a boost to their emotional well-being!” Another parent said she probably

should pay for an additional student as she has been taking the class alongside her daughter in their home. “We are all learning how to stay connected, stay fit, and stay inspired as we reach out to one another,” said Linda Pohlman, director of the academy. The older dancers, some of whom take up to six classes a week, are offered ballet and pointe work taught by English Swanson. Pohlman is teaching ballet for a number of levels, including primary ballet for boys and girls 5 and 6 years old. The youngest dancers follow a theme called “Where Will We Go on Wednesday?” They virtually travel around the world, learning about the culture of a specific country through character dances, videos, props, and coloring pages. “I love it,” said Pohlman, whose grandchildren, ages 5 and 6, join in the class from their home in Oregon. Through the online lessons, Pohlman continues to prepare the dancers for their annual dance concert, an original ballet “The Secret Garden,” based on the classic story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She is holding out hope that they will be able to have the performance in late July.

Nicholas and Elyse Ourada sport their Spanish outfits during a children’s class. The dancers, academy director Linda Pohlman’s grandchildren, join the class from their home in Sunriver, Oregon.

IHSA officially cancels spring tournaments Staff Report

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

As expected, the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors last week announced the cancellation of all IHSA spring state tournaments. The announcement made on April 21 came in conjunction with the decision by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education on April 17 that all Illinois high schools would complete the 2019-20 academic year from home via eLearning. “We support the decision by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education, and given the logistics, we simply felt we could not conduct state tournaments that

meet the expectations of our member schools this spring,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a news release. “As disappointing as it may be for students, it is the right decision for their health and safety, as well as for the health and safety of the general public, as we cope with this unprecedented pandemic.” The IHSA offers spring state tournaments in girls badminton, boys gymnastics, bass fishing, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls water polo, girls soccer, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys volleyball, baseball, and softball. The board also determined that summer contact days were suspended for this year, unless state government and

medical leaders indicated such gatherings were safe. At that time, the board indicated a willingness to reconsider how summer contact might be conducted and whether opportunities for schools to conduct some kind of spring athletic events might occur. “Our thoughts right now are with all the impacted students, coaches and communities – especially the seniors,” Anderson said. “It will be difficult for them to find a silver lining in all of this, but we stress that even if they don’t get the chance to compete again at the high school level, they are better for having been a part of their respective high school teams. “By participating in high school sports and activities, they were exposed to life lessons in teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. The latter is applicable now more than ever. We hope that we can band together and refocus all our efforts on supporting the doctors, nurses, first responders, and all the other essential personnel who are putting their health and safety on the line each day to keep us safe.”

The IHSA will continue to communicate with and monitor briefings from state officials, and based on those timelines, provide updates to its member schools as it relates to potential spring participation and summer contact days.

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Continued from Page 25

COIURTESY PHOTO

Rachel Guistino serves for Murray State. The former Marian standout will graduate as one of the best volleyball players in Murray State history.

Pet Week

season. Giustino had been named to the OVC first team since her sophomore season. The Marian Central Catholic graduate has led the OVC in kills, kills per set, points scored, and points scored per set since her sophomore season. She was named to numerous all tournament teams during her career, and named the OVC Tournament Most Valuable Player in 2018. Murray State finished 86-39

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

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She collected numerous honors as a senior, including being named to two All-American teams: honorable mention on the team sponsored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and a fourth-team selection by Volleyballmag.com. Other honors included her being named to the AVCA All-Midwest Region Team and Ohio Valley Conference Player of the year. She was named the OVC Offensive Player of the Week six times during her final

April 29-May 5, 2020

happens with my professional volleyball career. I know that I may want to pursue a master’s degree in human nutrition later on.” Besides her kills, she is also a member of the 1,000 digs club as she had 1,209 digs, 175 blocks (33 of which were solos), 96 service aces, and 88 assists. “I improved as a player every year at Murray State, but I showed real progress during my senior season,” she said. “I attribute that to the hard work I put in over the previous three seasons.” As a senior, Giustino pounded down 610 kills and posted a .269 hitting percentage. Not only did she lead Murray State in kills, but she was also tops on the team in blocks (43) and solo blocks (11). She was also second in hitting percentage, digs (345), and service aces (29). The former Hurricane player also had 33 assists. Nationally, her kill total was third among NCAA Division I players. She was also third in the country in kills per set (5.35) and total points (666). She led the Ohio Valley Conference in kills, kills per set, points, and points per set (5.84).

overall and 52-12 in the OVC during the past four years. Murray State was 19-11 overall and 12-4 in the league in 2019. The Racers made the NCAA Division I Playoffs three times in the past four years. The daughter of Gerald Giustino and Jennifer Nance of Algonquin will earn her degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. Academically, she is following a pre-dental track. “Playing volleyball at Murray State, especially with my best friend [Alex Kaufman) was a dream,” Giustino said. “Getting to go through this with her is something I will always be grateful for, and I can attribute much of my success to her friendship and support over the years. I could not have done any of this without her, and I want her contributions to the Murray State volleyball program to be known. “Her sacrifices for the team and these women were an incredible example of selflessness and love over these past four years. Everyone on the team is better off having known Alex. I wish every athlete had the opportunity to play the sport they love at such a high level with their best friend.”

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