McHenry County Blog

McHenry County College Board candidate Chris Jenner and his wife Laurie ventured out early this morning to attend the Groundhog festivities in Woodstock.

They sent me some photos for those of us who don’t think being out at sunrise on one of the coldest days of the year is appropriate behavior.

Chris and Laurie Jenner

The Groundhog Day banner can be seen attached to the railing of the Woodstock Square gazebo.

One man was wearing a Groundhog hat.

A woman had a groundhog puppet.

Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager stands next to the man playing the accordion.

Woodstock Willie was brought out as it got lighter.

A spot all visitors to the Woodstock Square should find is where Bill Murray stepped in the puddle.

On Groundhog Day, 2013, there was a warning sign where the puddle is.

Got a couple of photos of Jeaepea’s late afternoon fire this afternoon on the Woodstock Square from a friend of McHenry County Blog.

They appear below:

Windows were broken out at Jenapea's on the Woodstock Square.

Here’s a photo of the stairway to the second floor:

The stairs after the Sunday afternoon fire.

Terry Menzel, Deputy Chief of the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, informs me that the “fire [was] reported during afternoon on Sunday from smoke in apartments above business which was closed.

“Appears origin to be closet with heating /AC unit furnace motor. Awaiting further investigation with insurance company.”

A press release from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs:

Woodstock Opera House

IDVA to host “Helping Our Hometown Heroes” veterans benefits fair August 19th in Woodstock

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is hosting a free Helping Our Hometown Heroes benefits fair for veterans on Friday, August 19th in Woodstock at the Woodstock Opera House (121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, 60098). The fair will bring federal, state and local agencies and organizations together in one location.

“Helping Our Hometown Heroes is a great resource for veterans to learn about and tap into all the benefits they have earned and are entitled to receive,” said newly appointed IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “We appreciate all of the agencies that support these events and are working hard to serve veterans and their families in this community.”

Many federal, state and local agencies and organizations throughout the region will attend the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

Among the participating organizations are the

• McHenry County Veterans’ Assistance Commission,
• McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments,
• Transitional Living Services of McHenry County,
• Lake & McHenry Veteran and Family Services,
• Congressman Don Manzullo’s office,
• State Representative Jack Franks’ office,
• McHenry County College,
• BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding Program,
• Helmets to Hardhats,
• Illinois Attorney General’s Office,
• Illinois Comptroller’s Office,
• Illinois Secretary of State’s Office,
• Illinois State Treasurer’s Office,
• Illinois Department on Aging,
• Social Security Administration,
• Veterans’ Administration (Lovell),
• Chase Bank, and Fifth Third Bank

Other organizations and vendors who are interested in participating, please contact the McHenry County Veteran Service Officer Ted Biever at (815) 338-9292.

For more information and future events, please visit the Helping Our Hometown Heroes website.

Big doin’s in Woodstock tonight. GOP State Rep. candidate John O’Neill’s flyer below gives the details of the Woodstock Square event.  The Gladtown will provide the music.

Citizens from McHenry County and beyond, as well as Chicago television stations, came to welcome the soldiers based at the Woodstock National Guard Armory.

Standing on the gazebo in the Woodstock Square, the soldiers took the high ground during the welcome home ceremony.

Unfortunately, five comrades did not return. Their names and photos, however, were on posters. Pictures of them are presented below in alphabetical order.

First, Sgt. Christopher Abeyta:

Second, SSgt Timothy Bowles:

Third, SPC Norman Cain III:

Fourth, SPC Lukyjasz Saczek:

He passed away from other causes than battle. His funeral was on May 18th.

Finally, Sgt. Robert Weinger:

The following announces a Welcome Home ceremony for National Guard soldiers based at the Woodstock Armory who have been deployed in Afghanistan:

Lake in the Hills, IL – American Legion Proudly Welcomes Home National
Guard Soldiers Co. D 1/178th at the Woodstock Square.

When: Thursday, July 30, 2009

Time: Buses are Expected to Arrive Around 10:30 or 11:00 AM (they

will depart Ft. McCoy Wisconsin at 7:00 AM). A special flag raising

ceremony will take place approximately a half hour prior to the arrival of

the buses.

10:45 – Arrive Gazebo in Woodstock

Heroes will get off the buses and head up the walkway to the gazebo where
awards will take place. The Mayor of the City of Woodstock, Brian Sager,
and McHenry County’s Sheriff, Keith Nygren, plus other local dignitaries
will take part in ceremonies.

The bells will toll for our fallen soldiers once everyone is situated in
the gazebo.

Lets us never forget the four that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

There will be a presentation for their slain comrades. Plaques will be given
to the families present.

Immediately following the Woodstock ceremonies, the American Legion is
also planning an additional “Welcome Home” party for Specialist Sean Heraty.

Staging for Warrior Guard Patriot Riders begins at MCC’s parking lot.
Riders will pass through Crystal Lake (Sean’s neighborhood). Police and Fire escorts will join the riders to the destination of the American Legion Post, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills, IL.

The public is encouraged to attend both events and extend to our heroes a
hearty “THANK YOU!”

A press release concerning a musical fund raiser on Sunday:

WOODSTOCK CONCERT TO BENEFIT SISTER CITY IN EL SALVADOR

WOODSTOCK–A Concert for Chilama will take place on Sunday, September 30 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Stage Left Café on the Woodstock Square. The concert is a benefit for the Salvadoran community of Chilama, a sister city of the McHenry County based group of Friends of Chilama. This small village is very remote and lacks an access road, school, health clinic, potable water, and employment.

The public is invited to attend the event which features outstanding local musicians including O’ Brothers, the Ricklepick Trio, Carl Viard, and the Wednesday Afternoon Jam Group. All performers have generously volunteered their talents in order to support the struggles of the rural poor in El Salvador.

A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students is suggested. There will be a cash bar and complimentary snacks. For more information, e-mail lib4paz@comcast.net or call 815-455-3683.

A press release concerning a musical fund raiser on Sunday:

WOODSTOCK CONCERT TO BENEFIT SISTER CITY IN EL SALVADOR

WOODSTOCK–A Concert for Chilama will take place on Sunday, September 30 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Stage Left Café on the Woodstock Square. The concert is a benefit for the Salvadoran community of Chilama, a sister city of the McHenry County based group of Friends of Chilama. This small village is very remote and lacks an access road, school, health clinic, potable water, and employment.

The public is invited to attend the event which features outstanding local musicians including O’ Brothers, the Ricklepick Trio, Carl Viard, and the Wednesday Afternoon Jam Group. All performers have generously volunteered their talents in order to support the struggles of the rural poor in El Salvador.

A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students is suggested. There will be a cash bar and complimentary snacks. For more information, e-mail lib4paz@comcast.net or call 815-455-3683.