McHenry County Blog

Today seems to be a good day to talk about love.

And love for one’s fellow mankind is what Habitat for Humanity all about.

The Rev. Ronald Woodruff, who used to pastor the First Congregational Church of Huntley, spoke to the United Methodist Men of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake last Saturday morning.

“The advantage now is that we’re the only one buying land,” the spokesman for Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County told the group.

“They’re anxious to sell land. There’s no buyers for the land except us.”

Lots have been bought in Harvard’s Turtle Crossing.

Woodruff said the next house to be built in Marengo, “if Willow Creek will do the ‘blitz.’”

What’s a “blitz?”

It’s when the Barrington Hills church sends a group who work for a week. Harvard is too far, but Marengo isn’t.

“One of the homes was a women’s blitz.

“Those women were so good that I only had to tell them once,” the carpenter that McHenry Habitat hires observed.

Woodruff explained that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will pay for the land in Marengo. The insurance company donates all of its profits to mission programs like Habitat for Humanity, he said.

How about that?

Loren Burkett asked how Habitat for Humanity worked.

“It’s not a giveaway program,” the retired minister explained. To be eligible, “first of all (a family) has to be (financially) marginal, (not being able to) “qualify for a conventional mortgage.

“But they have to be a sound family.”

One currently on the waiting list is “a young couple with a baby. They’re working, but we believe in them and we’re willing to help them.”

If one has a suggestion for a family who might be eligible, McHenry County’s Habitat for Humanity program has a committee that interviews people and makes recommendation to it board.

And, what happens if a family runs into trouble?

Since the local Habitat group holds the mortgages of the homes it builds until they are paid off, “We’ll evaluate how they can stretch it out. We’ll extend the mortgage time. We have the capacity to do that. We do not want to foreclose on families in trouble.

“We have not foreclosed on any families in any of our houses and we don’t intend to.”

Woodruff talked about the sweat equity Habitat families have to invest in their homes.

It’s 200-500. It can be by family, friends, church groups, anyone. But it is a real investment of time that gives the family an ownership stake in the home.

Saturdays seem to be the big work days. Habitat hires a carpenter and “We have a supervisor who is on the scene. I notice from the newsletter that it is Sue Braun.

“What if we don’t know how to do it?” one Methodist man asked.

“We have people on hand to tell you how to do it,” Woodruff replied. “It’s a great way to learn skills.”

And, if you are not the construction type?

“We’re always looking for people to bring lunch for the workers.”

= = = = =
Members of the McHenry County Habitat for Humanity organization board are Melissa Bigger, Susan Braun, Joseph Creasey, Keith DuShane, Sharon Hill, Christine Hooker, Mark Peteler, Jose Rey and Glenn Schmeltzer.

Today seems to be a good day to talk about love.

And love for one’s fellow mankind is what Habitat for Humanity all about.

The Rev. Ronald Woodruff, who used to pastor the First Congregational Church of Huntley, spoke to the United Methodist Men of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake last Saturday morning.

“The advantage now is that we’re the only one buying land,” the spokesman for Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County told the group.

“They’re anxious to sell land. There’s no buyers for the land except us.”

Lots have been bought in Harvard’s Turtle Crossing.

Woodruff said the next house to be built in Marengo, “if Willow Creek will do the ‘blitz.’”

What’s a “blitz?”

It’s when the Barrington Hills church sends a group who work for a week. Harvard is too far, but Marengo isn’t.

“One of the homes was a women’s blitz.

“Those women were so good that I only had to tell them once,” the carpenter that McHenry Habitat hires observed.

Woodruff explained that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will pay for the land in Marengo. The insurance company donates all of its profits to mission programs like Habitat for Humanity, he said.

How about that?

Loren Burkett asked how Habitat for Humanity worked.

“It’s not a giveaway program,” the retired minister explained. To be eligible, “first of all (a family) has to be (financially) marginal, (not being able to) “qualify for a conventional mortgage.

“But they have to be a sound family.”

One currently on the waiting list is “a young couple with a baby. They’re working, but we believe in them and we’re willing to help them.”

If one has a suggestion for a family who might be eligible, McHenry County’s Habitat for Humanity program has a committee that interviews people and makes recommendation to it board.

And, what happens if a family runs into trouble?

Since the local Habitat group holds the mortgages of the homes it builds until they are paid off, “We’ll evaluate how they can stretch it out. We’ll extend the mortgage time. We have the capacity to do that. We do not want to foreclose on families in trouble.

“We have not foreclosed on any families in any of our houses and we don’t intend to.”

Woodruff talked about the sweat equity Habitat families have to invest in their homes.

It’s 200-500. It can be by family, friends, church groups, anyone. But it is a real investment of time that gives the family an ownership stake in the home.

Saturdays seem to be the big work days. Habitat hires a carpenter and “We have a supervisor who is on the scene. I notice from the newsletter that it is Sue Braun.

“What if we don’t know how to do it?” one Methodist man asked.

“We have people on hand to tell you how to do it,” Woodruff replied. “It’s a great way to learn skills.”

And, if you are not the construction type?

“We’re always looking for people to bring lunch for the workers.”

= = = = =
Members of the McHenry County Habitat for Humanity organization board are Melissa Bigger, Susan Braun, Joseph Creasey, Keith DuShane, Sharon Hill, Christine Hooker, Mark Peteler, Jose Rey and Glenn Schmeltzer.

Our brave little squirrel fell out of a tree at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

The men had finished assembling the new plastic benches for the outdoor chapel.

No more splinters.

No more aching backs or having to bring a lawn chair.

These benches have backs.

And were they heavy to move.

They were all leveled and spaced 22 inches apart.

We wondered where the little squirrel was.

We had gotten quite attached to him.

Even named him “Jose.”

I never saw the second one, but I’m told, just for balance, she was named “Maria.” She was more shy.

The man who first made contact with the little fellow picked him up and petted him.

I volunteered to take him to a veterinarian.

After I got to the office, I was told that he could lose his license if he treated a squirrel, that I should call DNR.

I knew what the Department of Natural Resources would say.

“It’s only a squirrel. There are plenty more.”

In other words, “Get over it.”

After the squirrel died, I buried him in our yard with the rest of the pets.

I guess no one will be surprised at Sunday morning’s 8 AM service by a little creature wondering around their feet.

Too bad.

Our brave little squirrel fell out of a tree at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

The men had finished assembling the new plastic benches for the outdoor chapel.

No more splinters.

No more aching backs or having to bring a lawn chair.

These benches have backs.

And were they heavy to move.

They were all leveled and spaced 22 inches apart.

We wondered where the little squirrel was.

We had gotten quite attached to him.

Even named him “Jose.”

I never saw the second one, but I’m told, just for balance, she was named “Maria.” She was more shy.

The man who first made contact with the little fellow picked him up and petted him.

I volunteered to take him to a veterinarian.

After I got to the office, I was told that he could lose his license if he treated a squirrel, that I should call DNR.

I knew what the Department of Natural Resources would say.

“It’s only a squirrel. There are plenty more.”

In other words, “Get over it.”

After the squirrel died, I buried him in our yard with the rest of the pets.

I guess no one will be surprised at Sunday morning’s 8 AM service by a little creature wondering around their feet.

Too bad.

While at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake yesterday and today, men were putting together and installing new benches for the outdoor chapel.

The men were befriended by a little squirrel.

It had no fear of humans.

It would sit there chewing on a maple seed—or a helicopter seed, as some in my family call them—and allow me to approach close enough to take pictures without a long lens like this one.

From allowing men to touch it to allowing others to hold it, this little fellow was fearless.

While at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake yesterday and today, men were putting together and installing new benches for the outdoor chapel.

The men were befriended by a little squirrel.

It had no fear of humans.

It would sit there chewing on a maple seed—or a helicopter seed, as some in my family call them—and allow me to approach close enough to take pictures without a long lens like this one.

From allowing men to touch it to allowing others to hold it, this little fellow was fearless.

Last Saturday morning Mike Fraser, who runs Mike’s Service Center next to where Walmart used to be, provided all sorts of helpful hints on car care.

He was speaking to the United Methodist Men of Crystal Lake.

Fraser is a guy who prefers maintenance to repair of cars.

While I was commuting to Springfield, I know he saved me from at least one accident with his expert diagnostic talent.

When you select a car repair guy, most people probably find anecdotal recommendations.

I was surprised to learn there is actually one solid measuring device, at least for cars who fail the emission test administered down the street from Mike’s place of business.

“We’re graded on that,” Fraser revealed.

“I’m 100%,” he said matter-of-factly.

That certainly got my attention, although my 1995 Cadillac has apparently been grandfathered in and never has to be tested again.

Fraser personally takes the cars he and his men fix over to the testing place.

“We’ve tried real hard to serve our community and God. The business was a gift from God,” Fraser started.

It wasn’t until after his presentation on the necessity of changing one’s oil every 3,000 miles or three months that an astounding accomplishment came out.

Fraser has arranged for over 500 cars to be donated to Willow Creek’s car ministry, which is run by the chief pastor’s brother, Don Hybels. Run out of Elgin now, the Willow Creek is so organized that it has developed a “how to start a car ministry” kit.

The Crystal Lake Evangelical Free Church has one, as does the Cornerstone United Methodist Church I Plato Center.

Fraser pointed out that those needing a car also need to be able to maintain and insure it. Just giving a car to a person in need is not enough to ensure a good experience for the person.

“I’d take a car in and Mike goes, ‘Willow Creek,’” customer David Hill explained.

“When I send them over, I tell them exactly what’s needed,” Fraser said.

He explained that Willow Creek repair, resell of send them to auction, using the proceeds of those sold for its car ministry.

But, let me jump back to the advice part of the talk.

“Oil can last a long time under ideal conditions. We don’t have ideal conditions.”

Discussing synthetic oil, Fraser cautioned that, even with the new cleaning agents, the oil filters needed to be changed every 3,000 miles and the oil needed to be kept full.

“People tend not to even check the oil,” he observed.

He wasn’t talking directly to me. It just seemed that way.

“When oils get older they tend to break down and dissipate.

“If you can’t read the sticker, it’s probably time to change it.”

Fraser also stressed that tire pressure should be kept up to the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendation.

“If you don’t rotate the tires, they won’t wear evenly,” he added.

Concerning batteries running down because of leaving car or trunk lids open, he recommended “battery packs now at Farm and Fleet (in Woodstock).

“They will literally start your car. I know because my (relation concealed to minimize the embarrassment) has called me at least twice and it’s always after (his wife) has left.”

He cautioned about jumping batteries incorrectly, but the talk got diverted before he could explain the right way.

Do it wrong and you can ruin the main processor that costs $400.

“You’re computer’s gone.

“You can burn up an alternator pretty quick, (too),” Fraser said.

Mike forgot to tell the guys how to jump a car, but, as luck would have it, he gave a firsthand demonstration to my wife, who found out that her Toyota does not turn off the lights when she shuts the passenger side the way it does with the driver’s door.

Jumping her car after church Sunday, Mike told my wife to

• attach the cable to the positive side of the battery in the dead car.
• Next, attach the other end to the positive side of the live battery.
• Step three is attaching the negative cable to the live battery.
• The final step is the tricky one. Don’t attach it to the negative side of the dead battery. Attach it to some metal part of the car with the dead battery.

Now that it’s spring, the expert advised that people drive with the windows open and radio off to see if they can hear any sounds they don’t think should be there.

That reminded me of when I heard such a sound and drove the car over.

Mike turned the engine off and the sound continued.

Somehow my electric razor got turned on and was making the sound.

Fortunately, Mike didn’t tell that story.

He suggested spraying the car hinges and locks with WD-40.

“It keeps it lubricated, keeps the moisture out.”

No graphic in the locks, though. It clogs them up.

“We try to do it when we do oil changes, but the quick ones don’t have the time,” he said.

In addition to Fraser, Hank Whitley, who lives in Covered Bridge Trials and moved here about the turn of the century, share some of his background.

Whitley got a general contractor’s license in North Carolina and, while officially retired, he can’t seem to pass up opportunities to fix people’s homes. He’s now working with UMM President Jim Nelson to renovate the family’s kitchen.

His phone number is 815-477-7238.

Mike’s Service Station can be reached at 815-459-1040.

Last Saturday morning Mike Fraser, who runs Mike’s Service Center next to where Walmart used to be, provided all sorts of helpful hints on car care.

He was speaking to the United Methodist Men of Crystal Lake.

Fraser is a guy who prefers maintenance to repair of cars.

While I was commuting to Springfield, I know he saved me from at least one accident with his expert diagnostic talent.

When you select a car repair guy, most people probably find anecdotal recommendations.

I was surprised to learn there is actually one solid measuring device, at least for cars who fail the emission test administered down the street from Mike’s place of business.

“We’re graded on that,” Fraser revealed.

“I’m 100%,” he said matter-of-factly.

That certainly got my attention, although my 1995 Cadillac has apparently been grandfathered in and never has to be tested again.

Fraser personally takes the cars he and his men fix over to the testing place.

“We’ve tried real hard to serve our community and God. The business was a gift from God,” Fraser started.

It wasn’t until after his presentation on the necessity of changing one’s oil every 3,000 miles or three months that an astounding accomplishment came out.

Fraser has arranged for over 500 cars to be donated to Willow Creek’s car ministry, which is run by the chief pastor’s brother, Don Hybels. Run out of Elgin now, the Willow Creek is so organized that it has developed a “how to start a car ministry” kit.

The Crystal Lake Evangelical Free Church has one, as does the Cornerstone United Methodist Church I Plato Center.

Fraser pointed out that those needing a car also need to be able to maintain and insure it. Just giving a car to a person in need is not enough to ensure a good experience for the person.

“I’d take a car in and Mike goes, ‘Willow Creek,’” customer David Hill explained.

“When I send them over, I tell them exactly what’s needed,” Fraser said.

He explained that Willow Creek repair, resell of send them to auction, using the proceeds of those sold for its car ministry.

But, let me jump back to the advice part of the talk.

“Oil can last a long time under ideal conditions. We don’t have ideal conditions.”

Discussing synthetic oil, Fraser cautioned that, even with the new cleaning agents, the oil filters needed to be changed every 3,000 miles and the oil needed to be kept full.

“People tend not to even check the oil,” he observed.

He wasn’t talking directly to me. It just seemed that way.

“When oils get older they tend to break down and dissipate.

“If you can’t read the sticker, it’s probably time to change it.”

Fraser also stressed that tire pressure should be kept up to the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendation.

“If you don’t rotate the tires, they won’t wear evenly,” he added.

Concerning batteries running down because of leaving car or trunk lids open, he recommended “battery packs now at Farm and Fleet (in Woodstock).

“They will literally start your car. I know because my (relation concealed to minimize the embarrassment) has called me at least twice and it’s always after (his wife) has left.”

He cautioned about jumping batteries incorrectly, but the talk got diverted before he could explain the right way.

Do it wrong and you can ruin the main processor that costs $400.

“You’re computer’s gone.

“You can burn up an alternator pretty quick, (too),” Fraser said.

Mike forgot to tell the guys how to jump a car, but, as luck would have it, he gave a firsthand demonstration to my wife, who found out that her Toyota does not turn off the lights when she shuts the passenger side the way it does with the driver’s door.

Jumping her car after church Sunday, Mike told my wife to

• attach the cable to the positive side of the battery in the dead car.
• Next, attach the other end to the positive side of the live battery.
• Step three is attaching the negative cable to the live battery.
• The final step is the tricky one. Don’t attach it to the negative side of the dead battery. Attach it to some metal part of the car with the dead battery.

Now that it’s spring, the expert advised that people drive with the windows open and radio off to see if they can hear any sounds they don’t think should be there.

That reminded me of when I heard such a sound and drove the car over.

Mike turned the engine off and the sound continued.

Somehow my electric razor got turned on and was making the sound.

Fortunately, Mike didn’t tell that story.

He suggested spraying the car hinges and locks with WD-40.

“It keeps it lubricated, keeps the moisture out.”

No graphic in the locks, though. It clogs them up.

“We try to do it when we do oil changes, but the quick ones don’t have the time,” he said.

In addition to Fraser, Hank Whitley, who lives in Covered Bridge Trials and moved here about the turn of the century, share some of his background.

Whitley got a general contractor’s license in North Carolina and, while officially retired, he can’t seem to pass up opportunities to fix people’s homes. He’s now working with UMM President Jim Nelson to renovate the family’s kitchen.

His phone number is 815-477-7238.

Mike’s Service Station can be reached at 815-459-1040.

Another weekend at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

Another version of the cross by sculptor Dominic Zinanni.

This is a plain cross showing the artist’s representation of Jesus’ face.

I have posted a close-up, upon which you can click to see an enlargement.

This was United Methodist Men’s Sunday at church.

The first one I remember.

The sermon was given by David A. Adams from Nashville.

Outside of the local bishop, he is perhaps the highest ranking official of the Methodist Church to ever visit Crystal Lake. He preached at all four services.

The church is divided into a number of administrative divisions. One of the smallest is the General Commission on United Methodist Men.

Adams is its General Secretary.

His sermon was on men.

Surprise.

He talked about Cain and Abel.

About how Cain killed Able when Abel’s sacrifice to God was found more worthy by God than Cain’s.

Even though Cain was banished as punishment, God put a mark on Cain to protect him.

And gave Adam and Eve another son from whom Jesus descended.

Us, too.

The music was more manly today.

We didn’t sing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” but we didn’t sing anything that sounded like love songs either.

A men’s quartet even sang. They are, from left to right Dave Morrow, Brian Adcock, Terry Santos, Brian Morrow (see also this and this about the younger Morrow).

It’s almost as if those who put together the program had read, “Why Men Hate Church.”

And, in fact, at least one of them had.

Crystal Lake UMM President Jim Nelson said he did in introducing the program September 3, 2006. That’s the day the program was on the men’s Walk to Emmaus. Another one of which is coming up, by the way. If you are interested, email or call me.

After the service it appears that Adams’ message got through to more than just men. Here he is hugging a teenager. I recognize the one of the right as Tamara Heath, daughter of our associated pastor.

Another weekend at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

Another version of the cross by sculptor Dominic Zinanni.

This is a plain cross showing the artist’s representation of Jesus’ face.

I have posted a close-up, upon which you can click to see an enlargement.

This was United Methodist Men’s Sunday at church.

The first one I remember.

The sermon was given by David A. Adams from Nashville.

Outside of the local bishop, he is perhaps the highest ranking official of the Methodist Church to ever visit Crystal Lake. He preached at all four services.

The church is divided into a number of administrative divisions. One of the smallest is the General Commission on United Methodist Men.

Adams is its General Secretary.

His sermon was on men.

Surprise.

He talked about Cain and Abel.

About how Cain killed Able when Abel’s sacrifice to God was found more worthy by God than Cain’s.

Even though Cain was banished as punishment, God put a mark on Cain to protect him.

And gave Adam and Eve another son from whom Jesus descended.

Us, too.

The music was more manly today.

We didn’t sing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” but we didn’t sing anything that sounded like love songs either.

A men’s quartet even sang. They are, from left to right Dave Morrow, Brian Adcock, Terry Santos, Brian Morrow (see also this and this about the younger Morrow).

It’s almost as if those who put together the program had read, “Why Men Hate Church.”

And, in fact, at least one of them had.

Crystal Lake UMM President Jim Nelson said he did in introducing the program September 3, 2006. That’s the day the program was on the men’s Walk to Emmaus. Another one of which is coming up, by the way. If you are interested, email or call me.

After the service it appears that Adams’ message got through to more than just men. Here he is hugging a teenager. I recognize the one of the right as Tamara Heath, daughter of our associated pastor.