I NDEPENDENT The Woodstock July 6-12, 2016 Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00 e Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 www.thewoodstockindependent.com OBITUARIES 5 OPINION 6 SCHOOLS 8 A & E 9 MARKETPLACE 10 COMMUNITY 12 CALENDAR 18 CLASSIFIED 20 PUBLIC NOTICES 22 PUZZLES 24 SPORTS 25 SCHOOLS District 200 is forming a facilities review group to look into its building needs PAGE 8 A&E Gavers Barndance is set for July 16 PAGE 9 MARKETPLACE Jurassic Adventures — Chicago provides dino-fun for area events PAGE 10 OBITUARIES Manuel Popoca Jr., Woodstock Sharon Stahlecker, Woodstock Yvonne Wolff, formerly of Woodstock PAGE 5 END QUOTE “Oh my gosh, I’m so over- whelmed because people are so generous and giving.” - CINDY RICK, PAGE 12 INDEX Second person in 2 weeks killed by train » CITY COUNCIL By Stephanie Price THE INDEPENDENT For the second time in two weeks, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Metra train in Woodstock. Woodstock Police Det. Sgt. Josh Fourdyce said the pedestrian was hit around 2 p.m. June 30 by the No. 646 train. e collision occurred about two miles south of the Woodstock train station in the area behind Walmart Supercenter, 1275 Lake Ave. and Berry Plastics, 1008 Courtaulds Drive. SQUARE HOSTS COMIC CELEBRATION INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER Hand-drawn recreations of “Dick Tracy” comic strips are hung from trees in the Park in the Square July 2 during Dick Tracy Day. The event, a fundraiser for the Friends of the Old Courthouse, featured a world-record attempt for the longest comic strip made by a team. By Stephanie Price THE INDEPENDENT Parker Johnston and Dan Johnson climbed into the two-seater Bush- Cat Light Sport aircraft the morning of April 22 at Galt Airport in Wonder Lake and took off for a once-in-a-life- time adventure to Anchorage, Alaska. Johnston, 68, Spring Grove, and Johnson, 60, Wonder Lake, flew the 7,000-mile route in a zebra- striped amphibious airplane, which is equipped with retractable wheels and floats that allow it to land on water. e “BushCat Amphib” is an extremely lightweight certified FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER Pilots Parker Johnston, left, and Dan Johnson sit on the runway at Galt Airport before taking off for Alaska. Please see Flight, Page 3 New tenant could be moving into Old Courthouse By Katelyn Stanek THE INDEPENDENT A new tenant could move into Woodstock’s Old Courthouse this summer. e Woodstock City Council autho- rized City Manager Roscoe Stelford to work out the details of an agree- ment between the city, a current ten- ant and Talia Pavia String Academy that would see the latter move into an office in the building. Please see Tenant, Page 5 Please see Train, Page 4 Pedestrian was struck about 2 miles south of the Woodstock train station Pilots take off at Galt, land in Alaska
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INDEPENDENTTheWoodstock July 6-12, 2016
Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00
The Woodstock Independent671 E. Calhoun St.,
Woodstock, IL 60098Phone: 815-338-8040
Fax: 815-338-8177www.thewoodstockindependent.com
OBITUARIES 5OPINION 6SCHOOLS 8A & E 9MARKETPLACE 10COMMUNITY 12
END QUOTE“Oh my gosh, I’m so over-whelmed because people are so generous and giving.”
- CINDY RICK, PAGE 12
INDEX
Second person in 2 weeks killed by train
» CITY COUNCIL
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
For the second time in two weeks, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Metra train in Woodstock.
Woodstock Police Det. Sgt. Josh Fourdyce said the pedestrian was hit around 2 p.m. June 30 by the No. 646 train. �e collision occurred about two miles south of the Woodstock train
station in the area behind Walmart Supercenter, 1275 Lake Ave. and Berry Plastics, 1008 Courtaulds Drive.
SQUARE HOSTS COMIC CELEBRATION
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Hand-drawn recreations of “Dick Tracy” comic strips are hung from trees in the Park in the Square July 2 during Dick Tracy Day. The event, a fundraiser for the Friends of the Old Courthouse, featured a world-record attempt for the longest comic strip made by a team.
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
Parker Johnston and Dan Johnson climbed into the two-seater Bush-Cat Light Sport aircraft the morning of April 22 at Galt Airport in Wonder Lake and took off for a once-in-a-life-time adventure to Anchorage, Alaska.
Johnston, 68, Spring Grove, and Johnson, 60, Wonder Lake, flew the 7,000-mile route in a zebra-striped amphibious airplane, which is equipped with retractable wheels and floats that allow it to land on water. �e “BushCat Amphib” is an extremely lightweight certified
FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Pilots Parker Johnston, left, and Dan Johnson sit on the runway at Galt Airport before taking off for Alaska.
Please see Flight, Page 3
New tenant could be moving into Old Courthouse
By Katelyn StanekTHE INDEPENDENT
A new tenant could move into Woodstock’s Old Courthouse this summer.
�e Woodstock City Council autho-rized City Manager Roscoe Stelford
to work out the details of an agree-ment between the city, a current ten-ant and Talia Pavia String Academy that would see the latter move into an office in the building.
Please see Tenant, Page 5
Please see Train, Page 4
Pedestrian was struck about 2 miles south of the Woodstock train station
Pilots take off at Galt, land in Alaska
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 2July 6-12, 2016 2NEWS
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aircraft, but can run on regular gaso-line and doesn’t require jet fuel, John-ston said.
“I don’t know if this trip has ever been done before in a light plane,” Johnston said. “I wouldn’t recom-mend anybody take this trip. You have to be very, very cautious when going through the mountains. We had times when the winds were 70 mph in the mountains. Turbulence was an issue. You have to be fairly skilled at flying the mountain passes and have several ways to escape.”
Johnson, a former pilot for Amer-ican Airlines and bush pilot, grew up flying a crop duster. Johnston in his earlier years tested parachutes for the U.S. Army and obtained his commer-cial pilot license along the way. �e two men agreed to fly the BushCat from Galt Airport, where the United States distributor for the SkyReach Ltd. light sport aircrafts is based. �e planes are made in South Africa, where they are often used for animal control in the wild, hence the zebra design on the BushCat the duo flew.
�e two pilots agreed to fly the light sport plane to Anchorage for the
purpose of exhibiting it to the Alaska Airmen Association 2016 aviation gath-ering and showing it to a dealer who
was interested in carrying the brand, Johnston said.
It took the men 42 hours to fly the route from Wonder Lake to Anchorage.
�ey left when the ground was frozen and encountered snow, rain and fog as they followed a course over the Rocky
Mountains; Mt. Rushmore; Custer’s Lit-tle Bighorn Battlefield; Calgary, Alberta, and British Columbia in Canada; and eventually the Yukon territory. On their return trip two weeks later, everything within sight had turned green, John-ston said.
“It was absolutely gorgeous, but the winds going through the mountains were treacherous,” Johnston said. “�e mountain range was beautiful, and once we were over Alaska you could see the rivers that were green copper in
color and moose. No one was around. It was an unbelievable adventure.
“I have had many great adventures in my life, and this was a great adven-ture,” Johnston said.
FLIGHT(Continued from page 1)
Dan Johnson is visible from the cockpit of a BushCat Light Sport aircraft as he and Parker Johnston take off from Galt Airport for Alaska.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Street parade, live entertainment coming to summer festSummer in the Park is hosted by the city of Woodstock
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
�e city of Woodstock is preparing for the upcoming Summer in the Park festival, which includes a street parade and live entertainment.
�is year’s Summer in the Park will run Wednesday to Sunday, July 13 to 17. �e festivities will get started at 6:30 p.m. July 13 with a callejoneadas, a street parade.
Starting at Sesquicentennial Park on Church Street, the parade will pro-cess through the Woodstock Square, said Jane Howie, executive assistant to the city manager and mayor. �e parade will emulate a tradition held in Zacatecas, Mexico, which is Wood-stock’s sister city.
“We’ve hired an eight-piece band, which will lead the parade,” Howie said. “�ey do this type of parade in Zacatecas. As the parade comes by,
people come out of their homes and businesses and join in the parade.”
Howie said the parade typically has a donkey carrying a keg of tequila, and samples are poured into cups for onlookers. However, samples of soda will be given at Woodstock’s parade, she said.
�e parade will culminate at the Park in the Square, where the weekly free band concert, ice cream social, carnival booth with children’s games and prizes, and rock-climbing wall will entertain guests. �ere also will be a free Picnic in the Park contest. Participants must register at City Hall by Monday, July 11. People can deco-rate a 6-by-6 -foot picnic setting by selecting one of four themes – Around the World, Romance in the Air, Sports Is My Game and Enchanted Garden. Prizes, coupons and gift certificates will be given to the participants.
�e fun will continue at 8 p.m. �ursday, July 14, with a free showing of “Dr. Seuss’ �e Lorax” movie under the big tent at Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road. �ere will be free popcorn for attendees, and RC Juggles will entertain guests before
the show, the schedule shows. �e festivities for Friday, July 15,
will be geared more toward adults, Howie said. Free music concerts will start at 6 p.m. and include local gui-tarist Mark Piekos, Blackwater Gold, 97Nine and Libido Funk Circus. �ere will be a bags tournament, food ven-dors and a beer garden, from which all proceeds will benefit the Gav-ers Community Cancer Foundation. Children can entertain themselves at the free rock-climbing wall.
On Saturday, July 16, the Luau at Summer in the Park will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Woodstock Water Works, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road. �e entrance fee is $4, which has been reduced for the one-time occa-sion, Howie said. �e Potts & Pans Steel Band and Kalia Jefferson Aloha Dancers will perform. Kona Ice will sell refreshments. Other activities are
planned. �e frivolities move back to the
big tent from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 17. A disc jockey will play music all afternoon. Activities for the day include carnival booths with free children’s games and prizes, bounce inflatables, RC Juggles Amazing Bal-loon Creations and Entertainment, a petting zoo and Randall Oaks Trav-eling Animal Show at 1 p.m. Grilled bratwursts and hot dogs will be avail-able at family-friendly prices, and the beer garden will be open until 4 p.m.
Later in the night, the Woodstock Police Department will host a tween/teens-only night from 6 to 10 p.m. A disc jockey will provide music for the free dance. Teens also can enjoy the photo booth and refreshments.
Summer in the Park is a commu-nity event hosted by the city of Wood-stock. �e city pays for the expenses and subsidizes some costs with spon-sor donations. �e festival is not a fun-draiser, and organizers try to keep fees affordable so families can enjoy the event, Howie said.
For information, visit www.wood-stockfestivals.org.
Summer in the ParkWhen: Wednesday to Sunday, July 13 to 17Where: Most events at Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley RoadWebsite: www.woodstockfestivals.org
“I don’t know if this trip has ever been done before in a light plane.”
- Parker Johnston, co-pilot
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“We found the victim and spoke to the conductor,” Fourdyce said. “We haven’t gotten the (video) footage from Metra, yet. �e coroner is work-ing on identifying the victim.”
�e Metra train was en route from Harvard to Chicago and was delayed
while investigators combed the scene. �e passengers were expected to be transferred to another train.
McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski sent an email statement later in the day saying no press release would be issued regarding the fatality until she and her staff identi-fied the victim and notified the next of kin.
�e incident marked the sec-ond train-vs.-pedestrian accident in
two weeks. On June 20, Raymond G. Miller, 44, Woodstock, was pro-nounced dead at the scene at 7:30 p.m. after he was hit by the No. 647 train near Donovan and Olive ave-nues in Woodstock. Majewski said an examination showed Miller died from injuries to his chest, abdomen, spine and pelvis.
Miller’s death remains under inves-tigation by the coroner’s office and the Woodstock Police Department.
4NE
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WL teacher faces charges over text messages with student
By Katelyn StanekTHE INDEPENDENT
A grade-school teacher at a Won-der Lake school was arrested after his alleged text messages with a student prompted an investigation by police, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Scott Smessaert, 42, McHenry, was charged June 24 with one charge of disorderly conduct, a Class C misde-meanor. Smessaert is a teacher at Har-rison School in Wonder Lake. Harri-son School is in School District 36.
According to a statement from the MCSO, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services told sheriff’s office investigators May 26 that Smessaert was conversing with a student via text message outside of school. �e “content of the text mes-sages” prompted officers to investi-gate, the statement said.
Detectives worked with Harrison School administrators throughout the investigation, according to the MCSO. Students already had been dismissed for summer break when the investiga-tion began.
Smessaert was taken into cus-tody and transported to the McHenry County Correctional Facility. He bonded out on $150 bond. His next court date is set for Friday, July 22.
Smessaert teaches seventh and eighth grades, according to District 36’s website.
Wonder Lake man, 57, charged with batteryMan accused of making
inappropriate comment to
juvenile before kissing herBy Stephanie Price
THE INDEPENDENT
A 57-year-old Wonder Lake man was arrested last week stemming from an incident where he allegedly made inappropriate comments to a girl and kissed her forehead.
Ronald E. Minor was charged July 1 with one count battery, a Class A mis-demeanor, and one count disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor, according to the McHenry County
Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a
complaint June 2 at Highland Shores Beach in Wonder Lake where they were told an older man had approached a girl, who was a juvenile, and made an inappro-priate comment and kissed her on the forehead, according to the Sheriff’s Office news release.
Evidence and interviews conducted by detectives over the next few weeks ultimately led to the identification of Minor as a suspect. Sheriff’s detec-tives served criminal arrest warrants for Minor July 1, and he was taken into custody.
Minor’s bond was set at $2,500, and he remained in custody at the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility in Woodstock as of July 1.
Anyone with information concern-ing this incident or similar suspi-cious activity is encouraged to call the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Inves-tigations Division at 815-338-2144 or the police department.
TRAIN(Continued from page 1)
PHOTO: ALEX VUCHA
killed by a Metra train June 30.
Ronald E. Minor
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OBITUARIESManuel Popoca Jr.
Manuel Popoca Jr., 38, Woodstock, died Sunday, June 26, 2016.
He was born July 11, 1977, to Manuel and Ines Popoca in Chicago.
In 2001 he married Jessica Noster in Elk-
He was the youngest of seven siblings and found his calling as a writer by blog-
He founded his own entertainment media site PopCultHQ. He frequented the Comic-Con circuit interviewing actors,
comic book creators. He was passionate about writing and loved the entertainment world including comic books, movies, tele-vision, art, interviewing entertainers and engaging with his writing staff. His eyes
when he spoke of his work. Most of all, he
Survivors include his mother, Woodstock; his wife; two children, Jordan and Zackery; six siblings, Jovita (Bernardo) Lopez, Munde-lein, Flora (Jesus) Diaz, Gurnee, Alberto Pop-oca, Waukegan, Esteban (Adalia) Popoca, Woodstock, Nieves Popoca Murillo, Janes-ville, Wis., and Cleotilde (Jesus) Popoca,
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation and funeral Mass were held July 1 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wood-stock. Burial was at McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.
Sharon Elizabeth Stahlecker
Sharon Elizabeth Stahlecker, 81, Wood-stock, died Monday, June 27, 2016, at her home in Wood-stock, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Feb. 24, 1935, to Brian and Mabel (Sponholtz) Dia-mond in Kansas City, Mo.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Kansas State University.
She loved to entertain friends and fam-ily with her kind heart and fabulous cook-ing. She enjoyed traveling and was a wiz at booking trips on her computer for herself and
friends. She was a founding member of her
was very active in her church. Friends and neighbors in Arizona, nicknamed her “The
rose garden. Most of all, she enjoyed spend-ing time with her loving family, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include three children, Susan L. Kugler, Kay (BJ Miller) Kugler and Dan-iel Kugler; two grandchildren, Jacqueline (Dane) Walkington and Becky (Brandon) Kruse; and three great-grandchildren, Liam Walkington, Nash Walkington and Char-lotte Kruse.
She was preceded in death by her par-ents and a daughter, Beth Ann Kugler.
Visitation was held June 30 and July 1 followed by the funeral at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock.
Memorials can be made to Journey--
rington, IL 60010.Arrangements were made by Schneider,
Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
Yvonne Lee WolffYvonne Lee Wolff, 85, formerly of Wood-
stock, died Sunday, June 19, 2016, in
Mountain View, Mo.She was born Feb. 13, 1931, to Guy
Crain and Frances Irene (Price) Crain in Elgin.
On Aug. 21, 1948, she married Howard Theordore Wolff.
She worked for Woodstock Memorial Hospital for many years and also volun-teered in the emergency room. She was a longtime member of the VFW Auxilary as well as St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, where she held many different positions including being on the vestry.
She was a loving, supportive mother and grandmother with a great sense of humor. She always made time to attend all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events. She was a strong, independent
Survivors include her husband; three children, Vernon Wolff, Donna Wolff and
-dren, Tami Wolff-Forgione, Tony (Debbie)
Wilkerson; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her par-ents and a granddaughter, Tonya Wolff.
The family requests donations be made to St. Ann’s Episcopal Church.
TENANT(Continued from page 1)
Sharon Elizabeth Stahlecker
�e council opted to give Stelford the power to amend the lease with Talia Pavia String Academy if neces-sary after hearing from a represen-tative of Woodstock Celebrates who said the nonprofit group already has an office in the same room the city was going to rent out.
Stelford told the council a misun-derstanding between city staff and Woodstock Celebrates led the group to locate in an office in the front of the building.
“What we were ... told was that we apparently moved into the wrong office, and the city wanted us to move into the back office,” Gunnar Gitlin, president of Woodstock Celebrates, told the council. �e back office that city staff asked the group to occupy “is not habitable” right now, he said,
because it requires cleaning and renovations.
�e council tabled a vote on the same issue at its June 7 meeting, but members said they didn’t want to delay the decision again.
“I’d like to make both parties happy. I’m sorry it’s gotten to this point, and I guess I’d urge a creative solution to make both parties happy. But I don’t want to wait until July,” Council-woman Maureen Larson said.
Woodstock Celebrates has an agreement with the city that allows the group free use of an office for five years in exchange for the use of its tagline. �e group has a preference for space in the Old Courthouse, but the agreement allows the city to pro-vide an office in City Hall if it chooses, Stelford said.
Woodstock Celebrates moved into the Old Courthouse in January.
Gitlin said an office is especially important to Woodstock Celebrates
this summer, as the space is being used to host an intern from the Mid-west Mozart Festival, a relaunched version of the former Woodstock Mozart Festival that will come to the Woodstock Opera House in July and August.
“�e timing of this really couldn’t be worse,” Gitlin said.
For now, Stelford said, the music academy and the nonprofit are shar-ing the Courthouse’s front office. City employees are fixing up the back
office in anticipation of a new tenant, although who that will be has not been decided, he said.
Stelford said he hopes to have the rental situation finalized by Aug. 1.
“We all are in agreement that the back office space needs to be cleaned up so we get a better idea of what needs to be done there,” Stelford said.
Talia Pavia String Academy, which offers music lessons, previously rented space in the Old Courthouse but moved out due to construction in the building. �e new lease for $150 a month runs through April 30, 2017.
Rent payments will be made in the form of donations to the Old Court-house and Sheriff’s House Building Maintenance and Restoration Fund, a separate not-for-profit account administered by the city.
�e council unanimously approved the lease and the condition that Stel-ford be allowed to alter its language, with Mayor Brian Sager absent.
How They VotedTo approve a lease with Talia Pavia String Academy:YESDan HartMaureen LarsonMark SaladinJoe Starzynski
�ere are a lot of ways to raise money for the fight against cancer, but there probably isn’t a more entertaining one than Gavers Barndance.
Billed as “the best seven hours of summer,” the annual party at Emricson Park features food, music, dancing, a live auction and more, all under its trademark tent.
Performing this year will be Catfight and Hans and the Hormones. If auctions are more your speed, you’ll want to bring your check-book for what is sure to be a slate of popular items up for grabs, including tickets to the hit musical “Hamilton.”
Now in its 17th year, Barndance, organized by the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, has raised about $6.7 million for cancer research, education and awareness initiatives. �e event benefits Centegra Health System, Rush Univer-sity Medical Center, Family Health Partnership Clinic and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Many people help to make Barndance a suc-cess each year, but the foundation’s board deserves special thanks for doing the hard work of organizing this incredibly popular Woodstock summer tradition. �e event runs on the time and talents of its volunteers, so if you’d like to help out, you can attend a volun-teer meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, at Stage Left Café, adjacent to the Opera House.
Barndance’s success is a great testament to the vision of an organization that prides itself on doing critical work in the community while also having fun.
Barndance will take place from 5 p.m. to mid-night Saturday, July 16. Tickets are still avail-able, but organizers said they’re selling quickly, so attendees are encouraged to buy them soon. To purchase tickets, which are $50 each and available to people at least 21 years old, visit www.gavers.org.
We welcome letters of general interest to the community and reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters should be fewer than 400 words, and writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters are due at noon Wednesday and must be signed and include the writer’s address and a
Mourning the loss of a great manWe live in a world today where the heroes we cel-
ebrate are often fictional and we don’t know where to
look to find authentic exemplary role models. What
defines someone’s actions, beliefs and character as
being worthy of taking the time to learn from?
Last weekend, we lost a great man who lived his
life as the bridge between the “here and now” and the
“fictional” world. And I owe it to him and the people
of McHenry Country to tell everyone of this incred-
ible man, Manny Popoca. His life and his essence
embody the true spirit and core values of McHenry
County. Manny was leading the way for others to fol-
low his path in creating a new and better future. Manny
was the embodiment of the American dream. His loss
leaves a substantial gaping hole that we must all take it
upon ourselves to fill!
I met Manny when he joined a writing class we ran
over this past year called Ignite Woodstock. From the
first moment he walked through our doors, Manny
made it clear he knew his purpose. Manny had lived
a life of pain and disappointment for many years and
then found the strength and courage to pick himself
up and forge a better future for himself and his fam-
ily. Manny took great pride in his wife, his kids and
the world he now found himself in. Manny was the
American dream we must all find and discover.
Manny’s story was a brutally honest look at his mis-
takes in life and how he learned from them. He was
brave enough to author these life lessons because he
wanted to help others and be a real shining light. Manny
was never given any head start or an inheritance. For
him it was the opposite. �at is why his life is so impor-
tant to remember and cherish. Manny never finished
school. Yet, somehow he did find an inner strength that
enabled him to build a wonderful family, launch an
admired business and become a talented writer.
I hear too often of the layoffs, the companies shut-
ting down, the hardships of paying for education and
more. We live in a very tough economic and geopo-
litical time. It’s easy to be glued to our TVs and watch
the repetitiveness of politics and believe that the
words on TV apply to us. �ey most often don’t.
We lost a great man. A local. A leader. A man who
should be followed, admired, adored and remem-
bered for all the amazing things he was and stood for.
Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse jour-nalist. He works as a freelance reporter in the Springfield area and can be reached at [email protected].
REEDER(Continued from page 6)
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Art students display works in show at library
By Janet DovidioTHE INDEPENDENT
Students from throughout Wood-stock School District 200 saw their art displayed during the district’s Spring 2016 Art Show held at the Woodstock Public Library.
More than 1,000 pieces of student art were submitted for the show. Dis-trict 200 art teachers selected one piece from each school to receive an award. Each piece was purchased from the artists for a nominal fee
and is permanently displayed in their school.
In addition, one piece was chosen by Superintendent Mike Moan and will be displayed in the District 200 Administrative Services Center.
�is program is coordinated by David Bliss, art instructor at Wood-stock High School and the curricu-lum area specialist for the district’s art teachers.
“�e D-200 art teachers believe in encouraging all students to build their creativity, enhance their abilities and to explore new media and concepts through the visual arts,” Bliss said. “All students, regardless of ability, have the potential to make amazing work and to grow from their experiences from art creation.”
�e spring 2016 award-winners are Max Beard, Westwood Elementary
School; Jaida Chapman, Clay Acad-emy; Anthony Garcia, Creekside Mid-dle School; Ricardo Garcia Ojeda, Prai-riewood Elementary School; Angeline Garvey, Woodstock North High School; Garrett Heckman, Greenwood Elementary School; Anderson Hel-fand, Dean Street Elementary School; Nikolai Myshkowec, Mary Endres Elementary School; Gerald Nacague, Northwood Middle School; Jared Reed, Woodstock High School; Jeffrey Sedlack, Olson Elementary School; and Valerie Wyatt, Clay Academy.
Charlie Carbajal, a senior at Wood-stock North High School, received the Superintendent’s Award.
District 200 holds an art show each fall and spring.News of recognitions, milestones and other community events can be sent to Janet Dovidio at [email protected].
HIGHLIGHT
D-200 to form facilities review groupCommittee will consider district’s buildings needs
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
Woodstock School District 200 will form a Facilities Planning Committee in the upcoming school year to review the district’s current and future build-ing needs.
At the June 21 school board meet-ing, District 200 Superintendent Mike Moan said the new committee will be formed this fall. �e committee’s goal is to review the district’s existing facil-ities and look at how they are used. �e committee also will consider the district’s future needs in terms of school buildings and facilities.
“�e district will have a variety of stakeholders serve on the committee, similar to our Strategic Plan Commit-tee,” Moan said in an email response. “We will seek to have parents, commu-nity members, teachers, administra-tors, students and board of education members serve on the committee.”
�e new group will meet during the 2016-2017 school year and present any plans or proposals to the board of education in spring 2017, Moan said. It remains to be seen whether the com-mittee will recommend any building consolidations or closures.
“Without wanting to prejudice or sensationalize the process, we have no preconceived notion of actions the committee may take to the board of education for consideration,” Moan said.
At the recent school board meet-ing, resident Susan Handelsman sug-gested the school board consider closing and possibly selling a school building, even if it is new, in an effort to reduce costs and the tax burden on the community. Handelsman ref-erenced Lincoln-Way High School District 210 in New Lenox, which shuttered Lincoln-Way North High School last year even though it was less than a decade old.
“Lincoln-Way closed their half-empty, newly built school out of bud-get concerns and refusal to unduly burden its taxpayer community, while District 200 keeps open two half-empty high schools and this Clay Academy, with enrollment capacity of 300 but serving enrollment of 70 stu-dents,” Handelsman told the board.
District 200 has been faced with stagnant enrollment figures over the past few years. �e district reported having 6,586 students in the fall 2015, which was down by nine stu-dents from the previous year. In 2013, the district’s enrollment was 6,734, according to its website.
Nearly one decade ago, school
board members and administrators expected enrollment figures to climb substantially, based upon the num-ber of new housing developments in the works. However, most of those developments were halted and never completed because of the slumping economy.
In March 2006, voters approved a $105 million building bond referen-dum to build Woodstock North High, Creekside Middle and Prairiewood Elementary schools. �e bond was also meant to fund improvements at existing schools.
�e district opened Creekside and Prairiewood schools on Hercules Road in Apple Creek Estates Development in fall 2007. At the same time, Olson Mid-dle School was converted to an ele-mentary school, and Clay Elementary was changed to Clay Academy. Wood-stock North opened its doors in Sep-tember 2008.
District 200’s current facilities include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, one early childhood center serving pre-kindergarten and kindergarten stu-dents, one therapeutic day school serving kindergarten to 12th grade, an administrative center and annex, a transportation center, a professional development and technology center, and a buildings and grounds/food ser-vice facility, according to its website.
COLLEGE CURRENTSSemmen graduates from Luther College
Timothy Semmen, Woodstock, gradu-ated from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. Semmen earned a degree in biology.
Augustana announces graduates
Two Woodstock students were among the spring graduates from Augustana Col-lege, Rock Island. Rebecca Andersen was recognized summa cum laude with a degree in music education. Catherine Cross was recognized cum laude with a degree in computer science.
Iowa State announces spring graduates
Several Woodstock residents were among the spring graduates at Iowa State Univer-sity, Ames, Iowa. Brittany Anderson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design. Brett Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. Bria Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and manage-ment. Krystal Sankey graduated cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in hospital-ity management. Chelsea Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science. Alyssa Zaino graduated magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
Nattress graduates from UW-Stout
Rebecca Nattress, Woodstock, was a spring graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wis. Nat-tress earned a Bachelor of Science in cross media graphic management.
Kranenburg named to dean’s list at Saint Mary’s
Gloria Kranenburg, Woodstock, was named to the spring dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University, Winona, Minn.
Dougherty named to dean’s list at N. Michigan
Molly Dougherty, Woodstock, was named to the dean’s list at Northern Michi-gan University, Marquette, Mich.
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A & ETickets on sale for 17th annual BarndanceFundraiser has raised $6.7 million over the years for cancer research, awareness and education
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
Music, food, a 50/50 raffle, live auction and a few surprises await those attending the 17th annual Gavers Barndance this year.
�e Gavers Barndance will be held from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 16, under the big white tent at Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road. Ticket sales and spon-sorships are ahead of last year’s at this point, said Andy Hartlieb, member of the Gavers Community
Cancer Foundation Board.“All of our sales are ahead of last
year,” Hartlieb said. “Our ticket sales are up. Our sponsorships are up. Our donations are up, and our live-auction items are great. If I had to guess, I would guess we are going to sell out of tickets again this year.”
�e evening will start with musi-cal entertainment at 5 p.m. with Michael Alexander & Big Whiskey playing outside the tent as attendees arrive. �e live-entertainment takes a break while guests enjoy the buf-fet dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a live auction. Later in the evening,
the bands Cat-fight and Hans and the Hor-mones will take to the stage.
O r g a n i z e r s said the founda-tion has received exceptional live-
auction packages this year. �e items include a four-ticket pack-age to see the Tony-award musi-cal “Hamilton” in Chicago, trips to
Las Vegas and Wisconsin, and tick-ets to see comedian Paul Reiser in Chicago.
Cancer survivor Steve Gavers, who founded the Gavers Commu-nity Cancer Foundation, said he feels overwhelmed, grateful and blessed the dance has reached its 17th year and continues to gain sup-port from the community. Most of the foundation’s board members are the same people who helped orga-nize the first dance, he said.
“�is is an army of people who have banded together and that’s what makes it work,” Gavers said. “I think it’s been going on this long because every year we tweak it, and it’s not been boring yet. We all made
an agreement that it’s going to be fun, unique and like no other fund-raiser you’ve been to.”
Gavers hinted the foundation has some surprises up its sleeves for this year’s event, but wouldn’t reveal what they are.
“It’s a good thing,” was Gavers’ only clue, which he followed with a laugh.
Tickets for the Barndance are $50. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.
Approximately 250 volunteers help produce the festivities each year. Anyone wanting to lend a hand can attend the volunteer meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, at Stage Left Café, 125 E. Van Buren St.
In total, the Barndance has raised about $6.7 million over the years for cancer awareness, research and education. �e proceeds benefit Centegra Health System, Rush Uni-versity Medical Center, the Family Health Partnership Clinic and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
For information, visit www.gavers.org.
Music fest
CourthouseLet’s Square Dance will feature three bands
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
�e Woodstock City Council approved a new musical event on the Square that aims to entertain and raise money for the Old Court-house at the same time.
City Council members last month granted a request by Brandon Pacyna and Joe Starzynski to hold Let’s Square Dance from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, on North Johnson Street.
Pacyna said there won’t actually
be any square dancing. �e event is named for its location on the Square. Starzynski recused himself from voting on the matter because he is a member of the City Council.
“�ere’s really no dancing compo-nent,” said Pacyna, co-organizer of the event. “We’re just trying to bring an alternative style of music to the Square and bring awareness to the Old Courthouse. We’re hoping peo-ple show up and have a good time.”
All proceeds from the eve-ning will benefit the Old Court-house, Pacyna said. Admis-sion to enter the show area will be free; however, fees will apply when purchasing drinks and food, Pacyna said.
Organizers plan to fence off the northern part of Johnson Street between West Jackson and Cass streets directly in front of the court house starting at 3 p.m. �e parti-tion will allow attendees to move
throughout the area while con-suming alcohol, city documents state. Visitors age 21 and older will receive wristbands, and no alcohol will be permitted outside the cor-doned area. �e council approved a temporary waiver to allow guests to drink in the public area.
Event staff will be present within the fenced area to monitor alco-hol consumption, the city docu-ments state. Volunteers also will be
positioned at all entrance and exit points to ensure alcohol does not leave the desig-nated viewing area.
�ree bands will provide the live musical e n t e r t a i n m e n t
for the night. Pacyna said the lineup will include White Mystery, Chicago AfroBeat Project and Jaill. Organiz-ers also are working to secure food trucks.
City staffers said the city has received noise complaints
regarding music during past events in the area. In granting its approval, the organizers had to agree to abide by all ordinances and regulations as well as any requests made by the city administration or police prior to or during the event regarding sound coming from the performances.
Organizers also will be responsible for all costs associated with hosting the concert, including hiring Wood-stock police officers to patrol the periphery of the event area, acquir-ing portable toilets and handwash-ing stations, if needed, and bringing in extra trash receptacles.
Event coordinators also will be responsible for cleaning the area, including the streets and sidewalks. Johnson Street must be reopened to through traffic no later than mid-night, the city documents show.
Let’s Square DanceWhen: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13Where: North Johnson Street on the Woodstock SquareAdmission: Free, food and drink available for purchase
“We’re just trying to bring an alternative style of music to the Square and bring aware-ness to the Old Courthouse. We’re hoping people show up and have a good time.”
- Brandon Pacyna, co-organizer
Gavers BarndanceWhen: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 16Where: Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley RoadAdmission: $50. Must be at least 21 to attend.Website: www.gavers.org
“We all made an agree-ment that it’s going to be fun, unique and like no other fundraiser you’ve been to.”
- Steve Gavers, Gavers Community Cancer Foundation
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MarketplaceREAL ESTATEFiled in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office May 27 to June 1:
Residence at 1034 Wheeler St., Wood-stock, was sold by BMO Harris Bank N.A.,
Paige Butler, Woodstock, for $144,500.
Woodstock, was sold by Esther Franch, Woodstock, to Andrew Trout and Amanda Jayko, Woodstock, for $122,500.
Residence at 2507 Verdi St., Woodstock, was sold by Sandra Jackson, Atlanta, Ga., to Crystal Baker, Woodstock, for $237,000.
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-stock, for $145,000.
Residence at 1939 Island Court, Wood--
berum, Franklin, Penn., to Ruben Gomez, Woodstock, for $123,500.
Woodstock, was sold by Green View -
wicz, Woodstock, for $202,000. Residence at 8617 Ramble Road, Won-
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Vacant lot on Menge Road, Woodstock, was sold by John Ukman, Chicago, to
Residence at 4721 Osage Road, Won-
Mortgage Association, Dallas, to Ameri-
-stock, was sold by Jason and Michelle
Woodstock, for $169,900.
Woodstock, was sold by Denise Zim-merman, Woodstock, to Fernando Diaz, Woodstock, for $130,000.
Residence at 3812 Alden Road, Wood--
Brayden Ellman, 7, Lake in the Hills, peers into Rocky the Raptor’s mouth as Samantha Phillips-Stevens, 9, feeds him a lollipop and Maya Ellman, 5, looks on.
By Tricia CarzoliTHE INDEPENDENT
Rocky the Raptor, a unique, life-size, fully animated dinosaur character, has come to life in McHenry County.
Jurassic Adventures – Chicago is the innovative brainchild of Corie Phillips-Stevens, who has called Harvard home for the past eight years. Rocky, however, resides in Woodstock.
�e enormous dinosaur, available for children’s par-ties, corporate events, commu-nity events, grand openings, photo shoots and adver-tising, is mak-ing a lot of noise – screeching, to be exact – around McHenry County, catching bones in his mouth, gathering rings tossed on his head and interacting with children and adults alike.
�e idea for the family-owned Jurassic Adventures – Chicago began with Phillips-Stevens’ daughter.
“My daughter Samantha is 9, and she is a huge fan of the 'Jurassic Park' movies. I was online looking at things for Christmas and came across dino-saur costumes. I showed it to Saman-tha, and she thought it was really cool,” Philips-Stevens said.
She did her research, realized she had a passion for both dinosaurs
and entertain-ing, and decided the area needed a business with a unique spokes-person. She found the company she wanted to work
with and ordered a dinosaur cos-tume designed specifically for her. She was able to see glimpses of Rocky throughout the process.
“I waited a long time for Rocky. He
was supposed to arrive in time for my daughter’s birthday party, but, unfortunately, Rocky was detained in customs longer than expected. Rocky’s first outing was at the Wood-stock Farmers Market,” Phillips-Ste-vens said.
Phillips-Stevens’ husband, Simon, operates the 60-pound raptor. As the puppeteer, he can work the mouth and neck to gently lower Rocky’s head so he can meet the smallest of fans.
“Rocky looks like an authentic dinosaur, but we want him to also be approachable. We can dress him in party hats, play ring-toss or have
RAPTOR RENTALS
Please see Dino, Page 11
New biz goes big with dino
“Rocky looks like an authen-tic dinosaur, but we want him to also be approachable.”
- Corie Phillips-Stevens, Jurassic Adventures – Chicago
him wear Hawaiian leis,” Phillips-Ste-vens said. “We can make him friendly or more life-like based on our client’s needs."
“Rocky has been booked for a few events already, and we are work-ing hard to make sure he has event-appropriate activities."
In Woodstock, Rocky garnered quite the following among young people.
“Rocky is awesome!” said Brayden Ellman, a 7-year-old from Lake in the Hills. Brayden let Rocky attempt to eat his lollipop party favor during a
recent Rocky the Raptor event.Brayden's 5-year-old sister, Maya,
concurred. “I like him,” she said. “Look, he’s
friendly!”Rocky the Raptor can be booked by
the half-hour or the hour as well as with party packages. Some packages also incorporate a reptile show, which includes turtles.
“I am excited about the possibili-ties. I think people really appreciate parties where children are interacting and conversing. Rocky really engages everyone,” Phillips-Stevens said.
For information, visit www.face-book.com/JurassicAdventuresChi-cago or call 224-704-0067.
DINO(Continued from page 10)
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CommunityLocal Girl Scouts lend a hand at Ryders Woods
By Janet DovidioTHE INDEPENDENT
Members of Girl Scout Troop 510 took part in a volunteer work day June 15 at Ryders Woods.
�e girls planted 40 donated plants and shrubs that were native to the area and also got rid of invasive species that keep native plants from thriving. Leader Chanay Livingston accompanied the Scouts.
“It was a great day working out-side with the Scouts,” Livingston said. “It was a day after a rain-storm so they all got really muddy – and they all laughed about it. We encountered a muddy mess, but all the girls who participated said they would love to do it again.”
�e Scouts set up the volunteer project after hearing a presenta-tion from Sarah Michehl, a rep-resentative from �e Land Con-servancy who came to a troop meeting to speak about the con-servation group’s work.
“We have done a lot of gar-dening with them,” said leader Lori �omas. “Last summer they earned the gardener badge and also planted a tree for Earth Day in Emricson Park.”
“I hope to work with �e Land Conservancy again on other proj-ects,” she continued. “It is nice that they have land right here in Woodstock that they are working to preserve. �e girls seem truly alive when they are working out-side with their hands.”
In addition to �omas and Liv-ingston, Anne Bierman also is a leader of Troop 510. �e troop is comprised of students at North-wood and Creekside middle schools and St. Mary School.News of recognitions, milestones and other community events can be sent to Janet Dovidio at [email protected].
HIGHLIGHT Community rallies for WNHS staff membersAssistant principal and staffer both diagnosed with cancer
By Stephanie PriceTHE INDEPENDENT
When Woodstock North High School Assistant Principal Steve Rick was diagnosed with advanced-stage met-astatic melanoma in late May, he and his wife, Cindy, knew their family and close friends would stand by them and help them through their new battle.
What the couple didn’t expect was the outpouring of support from the community, current and former stu-dents, colleagues and other people they’ve met along the way.
“�e support we’ve gotten from the YouCaring page and on Facebook from former students and colleagues gave me the sort of pick-me-up I needed,” said Rick, 39, in his third year at Wood-stock North. “I’m totally impacted by all the support. It gives me a lot of hope as I’m heading into my treatment.”
Rick, who worked for several years as an earth science teacher at Prai-rie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake before coming to Woodstock, and his wife, an art teacher at Legee Elemen-tary School in Huntley, are working to maintain a positive attitude as he fights to beat the cancer. �ey have two daughters, Evie, 5, and Harper, 3, and they are looking forward to cele-brating their 10th wedding anniversary this month.
Rick already has begun three-weeks of targeted treatment, taking medica-tion that reduces the back pain, breath-ing difficulties and other symptoms caused by the mel-anoma. Soon he will begin immu-notherapy treat-ment, drugs that will utilize his own immune system to fight the cancer.
“When we first looked up meta-static melanoma, the numbers of survival rate were ter-rible,” Cindy Rick said. “But that data is five years old. Steve is the new data. We’re very excited and hopeful about the new treatments that are avail-able today. I like that we’re paving our
own way, and the possibilities are endless.”
Julie Maher, a teacher who works with Cindy Rick, created the “Rally Around the Rick Family” YouCaring.com page for Steve Rick with help from friends Krysta Ricker and Court-ney Gotsch. �e page sought to col-lect $20,000 to help the family with medical costs and was posted online June 20. As of July 1, 233 donors had already given $21,200 to the family. Along with the donations are dozens of comments and words of encour-agement from the donors themselves. �e page has been shared 1,800 times on Facebook.
�e response has left the cou-ple humbled and hopeful.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so over-whelmed because people are so gen-erous and giving,” Cindy Rick said. “We’ve heard
from a lot of people Steve touched 16 years ago. I can’t tell you how grateful and thankful we are. We’re remaining very positive about this. We are very blessed by the amount of family and friends we have. �is has made our
relationship stronger.”In addition to fighting his own bat-
tle against cancer, Steve Rick and fellow Woodstock North Assistant Principal Jennifer Spear have cre-ated another YouCaring page to help another fellow staffer, Miguel Rodri-guez, who is also fighting cancer. Rodriguez, 67, Belvidere, works in the front office at Woodstock North and serves as a liaison to Spanish-speak-ing students and parents.
He was diagnosed with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer one week after Steve Rick received his diagnosis.
“Miguel was named employee of the year last year,” Steve Rick said. “He’s been at Woodstock North since it opened. He offers a lot of support for our families.”
�e page for Rodriguez was started June 29 and already had raised $1,720 as of July 1.
To donate, visit www.YouCaring.com and search for “Rally Around the Rick Family” and “Miguel Rodriguez ... the Man, the Myth, the Legend!”
COURTESY PHOTO
The community has stepped up to help WNHS Assistant Principal Steve Rick, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Rick is pic-tured with his wife, Cindy, and their daughters Evie, 5, and Harper, 3.
a donation page set up in his name.
To DonateVisit www.YouCaring.com, search for “Rally Around the Rick Family” and “Miguel Rodriguez ... the Man, the Myth, the Legend!”
“The support we’ve got-ten from the YouCaring page and on Facebook from for-mer students and colleagues gave me the sort of pick-me-up I needed.”
- Steve Rick, WNHS assistant principal
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In-laws’ love letters
With one of my neighbors, the late Mae Vieregg, I had what you might call a genealogical friendship. It had other aspects, of course — I baked red currant muffins for her birth-day; she served home-baked choco-late cookies with tea when I vis-ited; she doctored with brandy the mincemeat that I shared with her for next Christmas’ pies. Together, we foraged in antique stores and even searched old cemeteries for “old roses.” But we always came back at last to a mutual obsession with genealogy. Love letters of her in-laws were one of her genealogical treasures.
Her father-in-law, Albert V. Vieregg, died young, at the age of 35, in 1913, the year Mae was born. A married father when he died, he had three children by Olga, his wife of 11 years, among them the boy who later married Mae, Robert. Mae remembered receiving a letter from her mother-in-law in 1952 relating how Olga had commemorated her 50th wedding anniversary by din-ing alone in Marshall Field’s Walnut Room in Chicago.
Four years before Albert married Olga Bernstein in 1902, he was writ-ing love letters to her while he was serving in the Spanish-American War while stationed in Chattanooga, Tenn., at Camp George H. �omas, over the state line from Chickam-auga National Park Postal Station in Georgia. A 20-year-old bugler for the Second Nebraska Volunteer
Infantry, Com-pany M — orga-nized in Grand Island, Nebraska and mustered into service in Lincoln, Neb., in May 1898 —Albert signed his frequent letters to his 18-year-old sweetheart, “yours in love and war.” �eir daughter, Pauline, found them in a black tin box with gold pinstripes after Olga’s death, and their daughter-in-law Mae had pre-served them for her family.
Mae brought out the black tin box to show me the letters as well as other treasures — a silk handkerchief commemorating the Chickamauga battlefield that Albert sent to his girl-friend, as well as a musket ball from that Civil War battlefield (a mere 30 years distant), and some Spanish-American War hardtack that looked just about as edible now as it proba-bly did a hundred years ago.
�e letters spoke of his absorption in Olga, his concern that he was not a good kisser, his desire to return to Grand Island — all in shaky spell-ing but unshaken devotion. Albert put 2-cent pink George Washing-ton stamps on these letters when he mailed them from April through October 1898. �e camp stationery and postal covers were interesting to me as a stamp collector and stu-dent of American history.
Under the inscription “Remem-ber the Maine,” a burly Uncle Sam in his undershirt knocked out a pirate’s teeth, saying, “We’ve got them on the run”; a bayonet-wielding Uncle Sam chased the Spanish out of Cuba; and Uncle Sam commented
on two American soldiers marked “Con-Fed” and “Fed,” “I’ll match ‘em agin the WORLD.” �e clever-est postal cover welded together a “return to sender” notation on the envelope with a picture of Uncle Sam chasing a Spaniard, with “If you don’t catch him in 10 days, return to sender.”
Reading Albert’s love letters and hearing Mae tell me of her mother-in-law’s touching, lonely commem-oration of her 50th wedding anni-versary were even more poignant when I learned of the freak acci-dent that widowed Olga when she was 33.
In Grand Island, Neb., the Vieregg family were early settlers from Ger-many (as were the Bernsteins). �e Viereggs eventually owned the Grand Island Bottling Works for mineral waters, as well as temper-ance beverages. At the Works fac-tory, someone had propped up an old, apparently unloaded gun. One unlucky day, a bottle rolled towards the gun, then knocked it over; the gun fired at Albert.
In the eulogy printed by the local newspaper after being delivered by his lifelong friend Arthur Abbott, Arthur recounted how the intrepid Albert had pursued bank robbers in his car with the help of his brother
and a friend, discovered their whereabouts, and thereby materially assisted in their capture. Admiring his friend’s character, Arthur spoke of his voluntary enlistment as “the most notable event in his life.” Two fellow volunteers died because of the disease and fever that spread in Chickamauga. Albert himself con-tracted malaria there.
Speaking of Albert’s intense involvement in his local commu-nity after his return, Arthur noted, “He seems more closely identified with the birth and growth of this city because his parents were among the pioneer residents that nursed the tiny civilization that was forg-ing ahead in what was then a prairie desolation. And he seemed to have inherited the sturdy qualities of those resolute pioneers that trans-formed this prairie waste.”
Note: Mae Vieregg was a long-time resident of Woodstock, as was her husband, Robert. Mae graduated from Harvard High School and mar-ried Robert in 1933. From 1955 until 1971, they owned and operated Bob Vieregg’s Corner Cupboard, which later became Angelo’s and now is Papa G’s Restaurant.Woodstock resident Kathleen Spaltro has worked as a writer, editor and teacher for many years.
Kathleen SpaltroUncraven Maven
HAHS receives grant for dental care
By Sandy KucharskiTHE INDEPENDENT
�e Hooved Animal Humane Soci-ety announced it is the recipient of a $300 grant from the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to assist with dental treat-ments needed for a 3-month-old res-cue horse.
“Our rescue horse, Cane, has a severe overbite that will impact the quality of his life unless fixed while he is still young and growing,” wrote
Jenna Dickson, adoption coordina-tor at HAHS. “�is grant from the Ian Somerhalder Foundation will help support HAHS with the cost of Cane’s dental surgery and braces to fix the overbite.”
Cane came to HAHS as a rescue horse along with his mother, Candy. Cane was born with a severe overbite, know as a parrot mouth, which if left untreated could cause him significant discomfort and interfere with him being able to eat properly. Cane cur-rently is scheduled for his dental treat-ment at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Veterinary Teaching Hospi-tal. Once Cane has completed all of his dental treatments, HAHS plans to con-tinue his rehabilitation and training so he can be adopted to a loving home.
For information, visit www.hahs.org.
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YIN BRIEFMCCD to host Lunch and Learn canoe trip
McHenry County Conservation Dis-
trip from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Satur-
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OAK TREES HONOR LOVED ONES
COURTESY PHOTO
Two oak trees were planted at McConnell Road Park in Woodstock by the Stromberg family. Pictured, from left, are: Meghan Strom-berg, with her daughter, Sabrina; and Peggie and Alan Stromberg. Two trees were planted in honor of Sabrina’s mother, Meghan, and grandmother, Peggie.
COURTESY PHOTO
NICOR employees and their families volunteered their time and green thumb skills May 21 at Hearthstone Communities to beautify the Woodstock campus. Eighteen volunteers, together with Hearth-stone staff members, spread mulch at the Hearthstone Early Learn-
plants throughout the campus. Joni Fisher, administrator of Hearth-stone Manor, coordinated the event.
NICOR VOLUNTEERS AT HEARTHSTONE
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 16July 6-12, 2016COMMUNITY
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RELIGION BLUE LOTUS TEMPLE
& MEDITATION CENTER
Meditation: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Saturday;
CHRIST LIFE
EDEN BAPTIST
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
FIRST UNITED METHODIST
FREE METHODIST
GRACE FELLOWSHIP
GRACE LUTHERAN
HERITAGE BAPTIST
MCHENRY COUNTY JEWISH CONGREGATION
Saturday REDEEMER LUTHERAN
RESURRECTION CATHOLIC
ST. ANN’S EPISCOPAL
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN
ST. MARY CATHOLIC
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THE BRIDGE CHRISTIAN
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
THE VINE
UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER
WOODSTOCK ASSEMBLY OF GOD
WOODSTOCK BIBLE
DOXA FELLOWSHIP
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MOVIES
‘THE PEANUTS MOVIE’10 a.m. Wednesday, July 13
‘THE BFG’Despite his intimidating appearance, the Big Friendly Giant is a kindhearted soul — unlike his peers. Directed by Steven Spiel-berg. Stars Mark Rylance and Rebecca Hall. PG, 117 MINUTES
‘LEGEND OF TARZAN’Tarzan is called back to his former home in the jungle to inves-tigate the activities at a mining encampment. Directed by David Yates. Stars Margot Robbie and Alexander Skarsgard. PG-13, 109 MINUTES
‘THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR’Two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlene Roan. Directed by James DeMonaco. Stars Elizabeth Mitchell and Frank Grillo. R, 105 MINUTES
‘FREE STATE OF JONESAs the Civil War divides the nation, a farmer from Missis-sippi leads a group of rebels against the Confederate army. Directed by Gary Ross. Stars Matthew McConaughey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.R, 139 MINUTES
‘INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE’
is faced with a new threat. Directed by Roland Emmerich. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. PG-13, 120 MINUTES
‘THE SHALLOWS’When surfer Nancy is attacked by a shark close to shore, her short journey to safety becomes the ultimate contest of wills. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. Stars Blake Lively and Oscar Jaenada. PG-13, 87 MINUTES
‘FINDING DORY’
ones, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way. Directed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane. Stars Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks. PG, 103 MINUTES
7 THURSDAYSENIOR EXERCISE CLASSDorr Township1039 Lake Ave.9 a.m.$10 monthly exercise class fee, $2 lunchSenior citizens are invited to exer-cise, followed by coffee, program, lunch and bingo.
8 FRIDAY2ND FRIDAYS ON THE SQUAREWoodstock Square6 to 9 p.m.
Visual art displays and trunk sales along with entertainment will be on the streets of downtown Woodstock.
COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLEPotts & Pans Building1039 Wanda Lane7:30 p.m.$10 suggested donation815-814-8360Attendees can participate with group drumming activities for cele-bration, recreation and stress relief. Instruments will be provided.
9 SATURDAYRun for HopeGrace Lutheran Church1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road
8 a.m.raceagainsttheodds.comRegistration: adults $30, children $20Proceeds from this 5K run/walk and children’s half-mile race will
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKETWoodstock Square8 a.m. to 1 p.m.The market will feature a variety of food and craft items produced directly by the vendors.
HABITAT RESTORATION
11418 McConnell Road9 a.m. to noonmccdistrict.org815-337-9315
Individuals, students, small groups and families with children older than age 6 can participate in restor-ing native habitat for this McHenry County Conservation District site.
YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAYYonder Prairie14401 Trinity Court9 a.m. to noonconserveMC.orgThe Land Conservancy is seeking volunteers to help clear invasive plants at the restoration site.
FOX VALLEY ROCKETEERS CLUB LAUNCHDavis ParkDavis Road9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
815-337-9068foxvalleyrocketeers.orgModel rocket enthusiasts will launch rockets. Everyone is welcome.
10 SUNDAYYONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAYYonder Prairie14401 Trinity Court10 a.m. to 1 p.m.conserveMC.orgSee July 9.
11 MONDAYGROWN-UP COLORINGWoodstock Public Library414 Judd St.
Happenings
calendar
entertainment
Please see Calendar, Page 19
Please see Entertainment, Page 19
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July 6-12, 2016HAPPENINGS
MUSICCITY BAND CONCERTJuly 6, 13, 20, 7:30 p.m.Woodstock SquareThemes for the concerts will be:July 6: “If It Ain’t Baroque”July 13: “Shave and a Haircut”July 20: “Dreams” Mr. William Simpson, guest conductor
LIVE MUSIC AT EXPRESSLY LESLIE’SJuly 8, 15, 22, 6 p.m.Woodstock Square Mall110 Johnson St.Performers will be:July 8: Small Potatoes July 15: Northwest HighwayJuly 22: Ken Johnson
OPEN MIC NIGHTJuly 8, 23, 7 p.m.Stage Left Café125 Van Buren St. $3 donationoffsquaremusic.org815-338-5164Open Mic is sponsored by OffSquare Music. Various artists will perform in 15-minute slots.
and the Down Home BoysJuly 19: 9 a.m. Pam Kaye; 10 a.m. Pete Jonsson; 11 a.m. Rich PreziosoJuly 23: 9 a.m. Northwest High-way; 10:30 a.m. Big Fish
JAZZ JAMJuly 15, Aug. 5, 8 p.m.Stage Left Café125 Van Buren St.815-337-1395$5 donationJazz Jam is sponsored by Jazz on the Square. Artists will perform jazz music.
MEGON MCDONOUGHJuly 16, 8 p.m.Woodstock Opera House121 Van Buren St.$23 all seats815-338-5300An intimate evening of music titled “How Ringo saved me from
a life in the convent; a girl and her guitar,” will feature music by the Beatles, Carol King and Joni Mitchell, followed by some of Megon’s own folk songs.
WOODSTOCK FOLK FESTIVALJuly 17, noon to 6 p.m.Woodstock SquareSuggested donation $15 individ-ual, $25 family, $10 senior citizens and studentswoodstockfolkmusic.comA variety of folk musicians will perform including Tret Fure, The Houses of Finn, Rev. Robert B. Jones, The Heather Pierson Trio, Woody Pines and Villa Palagonia.
SPOKEN WORDSPOKEN WORD CAFÉ
July 9, 7 p.m.Stage Left Café125 Van Buren St.815-337-1395International and national travel-ing professional storytellers‚ aswell as talented local amateurs,students and senior citizens, will perform.
DANCEFESTIVAL OF DANCEJuly 10, 3 p.m.Woodstock Opera House121 Van Buren St.$15815-338-5300woodstockdanceacademy.comThe Woodstock Dance Acad-emy program will feature classical ballet and contemporary dance pieces.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Adults can stop by to color, a calming art therapy.
SPOUSAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPFamily Alliance2028 N. Seminary Ave.10:30 a.m. to noon815-338-3590An open support group meeting will be offered for individuals car-ing for a spouse.
MCHENRY COUNTY HORSE CLUB MEETINGHooved Animal Humane Society10804 McConnell Road7 p.m.847-366-1315The general meeting of the club is open to everyone. Meetings will have various speakers and exhibits.
COFFEE WITH THE CHIEFWoodstock Police Department656 Lake Ave.7 p.m.There will be a program, to be announced.
12 TUESDAYWOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKETWoodstock Square8 a.m. to 1 p.m.See July 9.
COFFEE AT THE CAFÉStage Left Café125 Van Buren St.1 p.m.Senior citizens are invited to drop in for coffee and more.
ALZHEIMER’S DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUPValley Hi Nursing Home2406 Hartland Road6 p.m.815-334-2817A monthly meeting will offer sup-port for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
13 WEDNESDAYWOODSTOCK LIONS CLUB MEETINGMain Street PourHouse214 Main St.6:30 p.m.815-236-4759The meeting is open to the pub-lic. Prospective members are welcome.
14 THURSDAYSENIOR EXERCISE CLASSDorr Township1039 Lake Ave.9 a.m.$10 monthly exercise class fee, $2 lunchSee July 7.
15 FRIDAYCAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Family Alliance2028 N. Seminary Ave.1 to 2:30 p.m.815-338-3590An open support group meeting will be offered for anyone giving care to an older person.
DRUM CIRCLEUnity Spiritual Center225 W. Calhoun St.7 p.m.815-337-3534The public is invited to bring drums and other percussion instruments and join in a drum cir-cle led by Jeff Bedwell.
16 SATURDAYWOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKETWoodstock Square8 a.m. to 1 p.m.See July 9.
ART IN MY SECRET GARDENGardens of Woodstock5211 Swanson RoadNoon to 4 p.m.The Pencil and Palette Club of Sun City will host an art exhibit and sale in gardens.
17 SUNDAYART IN MY SECRET GARDENGardens of Woodstock5211 Swanson RoadNoon to 4 p.m.See July 16
HELPING PAWS NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONHelping Paws Shelter2500 Harding Lane1 p.m.815-338-4400helpingpaws.netHelping Paws will offer a monthly orientation to new volunteers. Open to the public. Prospective members are welcome.
18 MONDAYGROWN-UP COLORINGWoodstock Public Library414 Judd St.10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Adults can stop by to color, a calming art therapy.
19 TUESDAYWOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKETWoodstock Square8 a.m. to 1 p.m.See July 9.
COFFEE AT THE CAFÉStage Left Café125 Van Buren St.1 p.m.Senior citizens are invited to drop in for coffee and more.
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETINGCity Hall121 W. Calhoun St.7 p.m.
DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGClay Professional Development Center112 Grove St.7 p.m.woodstockschools.org
21 THURSDAYSENIOR EXERCISE CLASSDorr Township1039 Lake Ave.9 a.m.$10 monthly exercise class fee, $2 lunch815-344-3555See July 7.
KIWANIS WOODSTOCK MEETINGGolden Eagle Bank975 Country Club RoadNoon to 1 p.m.An open meeting of the Kiwanis Club will be held.
22 FRIDAYCOMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLEPotts & Pans Building1039 Wanda Lane7:30 p.m.$10 suggested donation815-814-8360Attendees can participate with group drumming activities for cele-bration, recreation and stress relief. Instruments will be provided.
entertainmentContinued from Page 18
calendarContinued from Page 18
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 20July 6-12, 2016CLASSIFIED
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 21 July 6-12, 2016 CLASSIFIED
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PUBLIC NOTICEASSUMED NAME
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Public Notice is hereby given that on
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Public Notice is hereby given that on
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Public Notice is hereby given that on
PUBLIC NOTICE
6/14/2016
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICEASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on
PUBLIC NOTICEASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on
PUBLIC NOTICEASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on
PUBLIC NOTICEASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on
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PUBLIC NOTICE
SPOUSES
PUBLIC NOTICE
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Permanent
PUBLIC NOTICE
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or Permanent
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Public Notice is hereby given that on
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Public Notice is hereby given that on
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 23 July 6-12, 2016 PUBLIC NOTICES
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CLUES ACROSS 1. Acquired knowledge of 7. Brief appearances 13. Owns a ranch 14. Goes by 16. Potato state 17. Inappropriate 19. Millihenry 20. Treasuries 22. Crony 23. Norse god 25. Accidentally lose 26. Allied H.Q.
29. Earth System Model 30. Sandy island 31. Cam Newton’s dance 33. Nigerian people 34. A ridge on nematodes 36. ___ Creed: profession of faith 38. Gulf of, in the Aegean 40. Expresses anger 41. Emerges 43. WWII battle 44. Wrestlers work here 45. Not happy 47. Measure of speed 48. A way to communicate (abbr.) 51. Gemstone 53. Metric weight unit 55. Region 56. Guides projectile’s motion 58. Not involved with 59. Cosmetics giant 60. Exclamation of surprise
64. Tantalum 65. Optimistic 67. Herbs
69. Categorized 70. A famous street CLUES DOWN 1. Madames 2. Printing measurement 3. Being in a position 4. Genus 5. Post-deduction amount 6. Champs get this 7. Single-__ organisms 8. Greatest boxer ever 9. Buddhist concept 10. Fencing swords 11. Operating system 12. Musical interval 13. Soldier’s tool 15. Places of worship
21. Offers help 24. Precaution 26. Car mechanics group 27. Devotee of sports
30. Detectives get these 32. Coming into existence 35. Loss of signal (abbr.) 37. Feline 38. Decorative tea urn 39. Native Americans from Colorado 42. Resembles a pouch 43. Type of home (abbr.) 46. Cut a rug 47. Devil rays 49. Simmer 50. Veranda 52. Outcast 54. Famed aircraft engineer 55. Realm 57. Chair 59. Music awards show (abbr.) 62. Did not starve 63. Was once liquid 66. Former Cardinal Taguchi 68. Trademark
RUBES By Leigh Rubin HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
SOLUTION
Rules: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as 9x9 grids, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve, the numbers 1 through
SOLUTION
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Sports
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LISA KUCHARSKI
Alexis Bauman takes a catch ride for her brother on Prince Caspian, a gray Welsh pony gelding.
Bauman family lost stable to fire two years ago, but children are back competing
By Sandy KucharskiTHE INDEPENDENT
Nearly two years after a tragic barn fire swept through their Wood-stock stable, the Bauman family is back on their feet and jumping to new heights in the competitive hunter/jumper horse show world.
�e Bauman children, 12-year-old Alexis and 10-year-old Austin,
recently completed three weeks of competition at the Showplace Spring Spectacular in Wayne.
�e AA-rated show draws compet-itors from all over the nation, vying for points toward qualifying for the Pony Finals, the national champi-onship for jumping ponies and rid-ers that are at the top of their game. Both children have qualified already and are training to prepare for the competition, which will be held Aug. 9 to 14 at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky.
“We’ve put our noses to the grind-stone and worked on ponies, worked on ponies, worked on ponies,” said Amber Bauman, the children’s mother, and owner and trainer at
Valley View Acres.�is is Alexis’ third year to qual-
ify for the Pony Finals. In 2014 she ended the season 13th overall in the nation with her pony Charlie Brown. Charlie was the family’s only personally owned equine to survive the Nov. 22, 2014, fire that claimed the lives of 32 horses. He was spared because he was leased out at the time and stabled at a farm in Wis-consin the night the fire broke out.
She did, however, lose her pre-cious pinto pony Ella Enchanted, the pony that first gave her confi-dence to go on to be the rider she is today. In addition to the horses
Woodstock family rides out of tragedy to horse show success
Please see Show, Page 26
He worked his way up from junior varsity to scout team to varsity.
Woodstock North High School graduate Ben Medlicott, who suited up for the Aurora University foot-ball team, was named the Aurora Univer-sity Work Team Defense Player of the Year. Being the top defen-sive player on the scout team led to a starting role for the Spartans.
“When I was a junior, I was doing everything I could do to help the team win as part of the scout team,” Medlicott said. “I just wanted to put them in a better position to win as a scout team player. It was a very gratifying feeling to finally start. I know football shaped what type of person I am. I don’t know how different I would be if I was able to play right away.”
As a senior, he finished with 51 tackles, which was the fourth-most on the team. Of his tackles, 29 were solos. He also had one tackle for two yards of loss. Aurora, which was under second year head coach Rick Ponx, finished 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the Northern Athletics Colle-giate Conference.
“�e only bad thing about my senior season, personally, was I did not get to finish the final game of my career,” said Medlicott. “I sprained my MCL and my ankle on my right leg. I wish I would have been able to complete my final game. I also wish that we would have won more games.”
Medlicott, who played on the junior varsity team as a freshman and sophomore, had no official stats during those two years. He
WNHS grad worked up from college scout team
Dan ChamnessThe College Report
Please see College Report, Page 26
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– boarders and their own – they lost tack, equipment, ribbons, pictures and their entire stable and busi-ness. It was a traumatic experience for everyone involved, especially for the children who lost the surround-ings they grew up in and a sense of safety.
As a friendly gesture to raise the spirits of the young equestrian and her family, a friend applied for a United States Hunter Jumper Asso-ciation Foundation Making a Dream grant on behalf of Alexis. She was awarded a vacation to Florida, where she took part in 10 days of training with Charles Moorcroft, a nationally acclaimed trainer from Wellington, Fla. Along with intensive coaching, she experienced first-class treat-ment including a meet and greet with a variety of horse-world stand-outs, among them her favorite rider, Lillie Keenan.
�e experience had a positive effect on Alexis, building her confi-dence and sharpening her skills. She is currently the go-to catch rider – an experienced rider who rides other people’s horses in shows – for high-level jumper ponies in the area. She
competes year-round, including six weeks in Wellington each winter for the Winter Equestrian Festival.
“You know how they say, ‘One door closes and another one opens’?” asked Bauman. “This has really happened for us. We are so blessed with the love the USHJA world has shown us.”
She explains how the family feels at home when they are attending shows. “�ose are the people who opened up to us. �ere’s a comfort level when we go to the shows.”
Alexis rode several ponies at the Showplace Spring Spectacular including two of the three Welsh ponies that were donated to her fol-lowing the fire, Stoneledge Foxfire and Blinged Out.
Not to be left out of the family fun, younger brother Austin has devel-oped an interest in riding and a com-petitive streak as well. He has begun
training with Moorcroft, as well, rid-ing and competing on the same cir-cuit as his sister with a pony named Prince Caspian.
“Charlie [Moorcroft] has been awesome for Austin,” said Bauman. “He got him riding. He’s so full of love for the kids and ponies.”
Austin is a fifth-grader at Prai-riewood School, and he’s made many friends at the various shows the family travels to. In the circuit they ride in, the children are exposed to kids from all over the world.
“I want my kids to know there’s more in this world than Woodstock,” said Bauman.
Back at home, Alexis is a well-rounded student and athlete at Creekside Middle School who enjoys playing the clarinet in band and running in cross-country and track. She’s looking forward to cross-country camp coming up soon.
When they’re not working with Florida-based Moorcroft, Bauman keeps them on a training regimen rid-ing several ponies a day. As the head trainer and instructor at Valley View Acres, she has resumed teaching les-sons and running the boarding stable, the business she had to rebuild fol-lowing the fire. Two sessions of sum-mer camps remain, coming up July 11 to 14 and July 18 to 21.
played two games as a junior. He had two tackles, one of which was a solo. He had 1.5 tackles for three yards of loss as a junior.
“I think football teaches you how to work as a team,” said Medlicott. “�ose type of lessons will help you not only on the football field, but in life as well. �e biggest differ-ence for me was the size and speed of the players. Everyone did their business much, much faster and they were much bigger than in high school.”
�e son of Phyllis Torres of Hunt-ley and Bart Medlicott of Wauke-gan earned a degree in fitness and health promotion in May. He is cur-rently doing an internship for Del Webb Sun City, a retirement com-munity in Huntley. He is also plan-ning to get a certification through the National Strength and Con-ditioning Association, which will allow him to pursue other avenues as far as training. He finished his degree with a grade point average of 3.0.
“I am going to miss playing foot-ball,” said the 5-foot-10, 215-pound linebacker. “I would like to stay involved in the sport somehow,” said Medlicott. “I have several non-traditional ideas on how to do that. �e two things I will miss most about football is being part of a team and working toward a com-mon goal and being on the field playing for AU in front of my fam-ily, friends and fans.”
COLLEGE REPORT(Continued from page 25)
SHOW(Continued from page 25)
“You know how they say, ‘One door closes and another one opens’? This has really happened for us.”
- Amber Bauman, Valley View Acres
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LISA KUCHARSKI
Alexis Bauman aboard Blinged Out, her Welsh pony mare, competes in the Pony Hunter Classic at the Showplace Spring Spectacular.
COURTESY PHOTO
Ben Medlicott (No. 36) plays in a game for Aurora University against Millikin University.
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT 27 July 6-12, 2016 SPORTS
