McHenry County Briefs

Chronicle Media Staff

 

Children play with bubbles at the Oakwood Hills Concert in the Park, where the Crystal Lake Community Band performed, June 28. (Photo Courtesy Adela Crandell Durkee)

Children play with bubbles at the Oakwood Hills Concert in the Park, where the Crystal Lake Community Band performed, June 28. (Photo Courtesy Adela Crandell Durkee)

Huntley

 Public hearing to examine gymnastics academy expansion plan

The village announced that a public hearing, regarding a proposal by the Huntley Gymnastics Academy and Academy of Cheer to expand its current facility, will be held during the Huntley Plan Commission’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 11 at the Village Board Room, 10987 Main Street. The Huntley Gymnastics Academy recently filed an application for the purpose of requesting a Special Use Permit for an indoor recreational facility, consisting of a 10,000-square-foot expansion to the existing 15,000-square-foot facility at 10721-10727 Wolf Drive. The process would require the Plan Commission to amend three articles of the village’s Zoning Ordinance. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing to provide feedback. For more information, call 847-515-5200 or visit www.huntley.il.us.

 

Richmond

 Richmond-Burton High School Alumni Assoc. to hold banquet

The Richmond-Burton Community High School Alumni Association will celebrate its 120th anniversary with the RBCHS Alumni Banquet, to be held from 6-11 p.m. July 16 at Marvela’s Banquet Hall, 4 Washington Street, Ingleside. The event begins with a cocktail hour (with music), followed by a buffet-style dinner at 7 p.m. that includes a salad bar, roast sirloin of beef, baked lasagna with meat sauce, roast turkey breast with dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, California-blend veggies, beverages and dessert. A short business meeting, followed by class announcements and raffles, begins at 8 p.m. Chicago-based comedian Kelsie Huff, a 1998 RBCHS graduate, will provide entertainment from 9-9:30 p.m., followed by socializing until 10:45 p.m. The cost is $27.50 per person (by cash or check) or $30.46 (by credit card). Make checks payable to the RBCHS Alumni Association and send to P.O. Box 66, Richmond, Ill. 60071. To purchase by credit card, visit www.rbchseventbrite.com. Registration deadline is July 9. For more information, call 815-678-2258 or send an email to rbchsalumassoc2015@yahoo.com.

 

Lake in the Hills

 BBQ food, live bands highlight Rotary Club’s Rockin’ Ribfest

The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club will present the 2016 Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest from 4:30-11 p.m. July 7 and 8, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 9, and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 10 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. The event includes food vendors representing eight area BBQ restaurants, daily live music (including headliners Kashmir on July 7, Molly Hatchet on July 8, former Stray Cats member Lee Rocker on July 9 and 7th Heaven on July 10), the 9th Annual Rockin’ Ribfest Car Show (noon to 3 p.m. July 9), the Lip Smackin’ BBQ Smack-Down Community Rib Cook-Off (July 10) and more. Tickets are $5 (ages 13 and up), and free (active military personnel with an ID, and ages 12 and under with an adult). All proceeds will benefit Lake in the Hills Rotary Club Charities. For more information, call 847-742-3378 or visit www.lithribfest.com.

 

Woodstock

 City offers Picnic in the Park Contest

The city announced that it is offering residents an opportunity to participate in a Picnic in the Park Contest, in conjunction with the Woodstock City Band concert at Park in the Square, in downtown Woodstock, on July 13. Participants (ages 21 and up) will create a 6-by-6-foot picnic and beverage setting representing one of four themes: Romance in the Air, Around the World, Enchanted Garden and Sports is My Game. Picnic settings will be judged for creativity and best use of theme. Any alcoholic beverages used in the design must be unopened and remain capped. Prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories. Participants must check in at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, from 6:30-7 p.m. July 13 to receive an entry number and to secure a site location. All picnic settings must be ready for judging by 7:30 p.m. To be eligible for judging, contestants must complete a registration form — available on the city’s website at www.woodstockil.gov — and return it to City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Ill. 60098 by mail, in person or via email to citymanager@woodstockil.gov no later than July 11. For more information, call 815-338-4301 or visit the city’s website.

 

Union

 Historical Society to host 31st Annual Heritage Fair

The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, 6422 Main Street, will host its 31st Annual Heritage Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10. In accordance with this year’s theme, Wheeling Through History, the fair will feature an afternoon appearance by high-wheel bikers from the Illinois Wheelmen, as well as an exhibit of vintage bicycles. The event also includes a pie-baking contest, a White Elephant Sale (featuring antique books, vintage clothing and more), a Children’s Pioneer Discovery Area, a special performance by Freddy Fredericks and other magicians, an antique auction, a quilting demonstration and live music by the Clef Hangers Barbershop Quartet. In addition, the mobile museum’s latest exhibit on World War I, “McHenry County Enlists: The Great War,” will be open, and the Heritage Fair Car Show (featuring sports, classic and antique cars) will be held on Main Street, adjacent to the fair. Admission is free. For more information, call 815-923-2267, send an email to info@mchenrycountyhistory.org or visit www.mchenrycountyhistory.org.

 

Crystal Lake

School Dist. 47, Dist. 155 honor TJA bus drivers 

Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 reported that more than 20 bus drivers were honored during the Transportation Joint Agreement (TJA) employee recognition event, held June 2. TJA provides bus transportation for School District 47 and Dist.155. Drivers earned scores based on attendance, safety and training, preventable crashes, safety violations, parent/public/school administration comments, work-related injuries, vehicle cleanliness, paperwork compliance and dress code. Tammy Lombardo, a TJA employee for 11 years, was named Employee of the Year with a score of 100.72. Robert Crane, a nine-year employee, finished second with 100.52. A host of other drivers were recognized for years of service. In addition, previous TJA Transportation Director Kathy Anes, who retired at the conclusion of the 2015-16 school year, was recognized for her 28 years of service. For a complete listing of honorees, visit www.d47.org