McHenry County Blog

When I read Chelsea McDougall’s heartfelt article about her father’s and mother’s work in Haiti and her trip to the area of the mission, I immediately thought of the huge food packing project by the Salvation Army at the old Cub Food store next to the old Walmart.

That was two years ago this month.

Cub Foods was packed for the 2010 Salvation Army-sponsored Haiti food packing.

Somewhere I had heard another Crystal Lake effort was to be made to help feed Haiti, but couldn’t remember where.

Two Sundays ago I discovered that it was my First United Methodist Church that was putting together such an event.

It will be at Hannah Beardsley Middle School on Sunday, August 19th.

Preparing the food packets will replace our 9:30 and 11 o’clock services.

As you can see from the 2010 photo below, really young people can play a role.

This young boy had the role of pounding the Haiti food packets to flatten them out and to test the seal.

They usually pound the food packets to flatten them out.  The pounding also tests the seal on the plastic packet.

Having been so impressed at the widespread community involvement, I asked the young man who explained the project’s goals, as well as our Senior Pastor Steve Bullmer, whether we were going to involve other churches.

It’s a relatively short timeline, but it can be done.

The announcement sheet talked of Methodist Church John Wesley’s vision of “the world is my parish.”

Indeed the Methodist Church is growing most rapidly in Africa.

The current vision is to meet at 9:30 on August 19th instead of going to church services.

No real reason that it could not be extended to cover the whole day with enough volunteers.

“During this service time, we will be creating and packing meals for families in Haiti and tackling ‘fix-up’ projects at the Hannah Beardsley Middle School…all while enjoying fellowship, music and prayer.”

The project is called “Stirred to Serve.”

“Our desire is that people of all ages will join in and make a difference here at home in Crystal Lake and make a difference miles away in Haiti.

“Won’t you share your time, talents and financial support with mankind?”

I asked how much it cost per food packet, which feeds a family for a day, and the answer was 25 cents.

Those who can’t help out physically, can do so by sending a check to FUMC of Crystal Lake at 236 W Crystal Lake Ave.   The phone number is 815-459-0785.

Eric Secker is the contact person for the project. His number is 630-808-1947.

Hit by a van and flow first to Centegra’s Level 2 Trauma Center and then transferred to Advocate Lutheran General’s Level 1 Trauma center is reported in “stable condition” by the Daily Herald.

Another source is much more optimistic, saying Ashley Andre is “miraculously unharmed except for bumps on her head.”

The twelve-year old was hit by a van towing a trailer.

The Crystal Lake Police Department’s press release, plus a overhead look at the accident site is here.

Here is what Crystal Lake Grade School District 47 says.

Here’s what is on the Hannah Beardsley Middle School web site:

Attention! – Dear District 47 Families:

Earlier today, November 2, 2011, a District 47 middle school student was struck by an automobile as she was attempting to cross a community street on her way to school.

The student was airlifted to Lutheran General Hospital and is receiving the very best treatment for the injuries she sustained in the accident.

We are unbelievably grateful to the police and medical professionals in our Crystal Lake community for the promptness in their response and handling of this unbelievably unfortunate incident.

District staff has and will remain in contact with the child’s family as we monitor her condition.

We have provided additional social services support at the aforementioned student’s school if needed by students or staff members during this very difficult time.

As the Superintendent of School District 47, I am respectfully requesting that all of you have discussions with your children regarding the importance of awareness and safety while walking to and from school.

Your support is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Donn P. Mendoza, Ed.D.
Superintendent

UPDATE: Crysatal Lake Police Department press release:

Vehicle-Pedestrian crash Crystal Lake

On Wednesday, November 2nd, at 6:53 A.M. emergency crews from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and Police Departments responded to the intersection of Crystal Lake Avenue at Oak Hollow Road, the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Upon arrival crews determined a cargo van towing a trailer, travelling east on Crystal Lake Avenue, had collided with the pedestrian; a twelve year old student [a girl] of the nearby Hannah Beardsley Middle School.

Oak Hollow Road is the entrance to Hannah Beardsley Middle School.

Rescue personnel assessed and transported the child to Centegra – Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, where upon arrival she was immediately transferred by Flight for Life helicopter to Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.

The extent of the child’s injuries are unknown at this time, however due to the nature of the incident a level one trauma center was determined appropriate.

The intersection involved has a marked crosswalk and additional pedestrian crossing warning lights.

The driver of the vehicle; Giles Simonson (50) of McHenry, IL. was not injured in the crash. He was cited on the scene for failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk (Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1002a).

Officers from the Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate this incident.

The roadway involved was closed from the time emergency crews arrived until 9:15 A.M.
= = = = =
A student was hit by a car this morning near Hannah Beardsley Middle School.

The student was flown out by helicopter.

No more details.