Dear Village Resident,

Now that the snow is finally here, it’s time to go out and play!  At the Chain O’ Lakes state park, the horse trail, bicycle trail and Nature’s Way trail can be used by cross-country skiers.  Sledding and ice fishing are other popular winter activities at Chain O’ Lakes and – bonus – the park office doubles as a warming house.  Glacial Park in Ringwood also has cross-country ski trails and a great sledding hill close to the Wiedrich Barn. Click here for a map of the trails and check trail conditions here.

iRecycle
The McHenry County Green Guide is now available as a free app! iRecycle can tell you how, where and when to recycle just about anything. Using your current location, ZIP code, address or city, get access to vital details for collection points, such as Web site, phone number, directions, hours of operation and other materials collected.
Bundle up and enjoy this winter’s snow!

Super Bowl Bash
The Shores of Turtle Creek will be holding a Super Bowl Bash on Super Bowl Sunday with big screens and a tail gate party. Click here for more information on the Super Bowl party and to view other Spring Grove Marketplace News.

Neighborhood Watch Program
The Spring Grove Police Department is activating the Neighborhood Watch Program and they need your help!

To get involved, come to the first Neighborhood Watch meeting. Click here for details.

Snow on Village Streets
Just a reminder that snow from private property may not be deposited on any village roadway and must be pushed 3′ off the edge of pavement if it is pushed across the street.  Please check our website for additional information by visiting our website here.

Help Pave the Way
Help pave the way for improvements at Thelen Park and have your family name engraved for posterity! Engraved bricks will be laid under the concession stand pavilion with profits going towards improvements at the park. Commemorate your family, group, club or business! Click here to view the flyer with ordering information.

Advertise Your Business in Spring Grove Marketplace
Do you own a business in Spring Grove and need a way to reach village residents with news, an event, promotion or service? You can submit your information via the link below to be added to the Spring Grove Marketplace web page on the village’s website. Marketplace Link

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Photos archives have been updated with new photos of the the Blivin Street Bridge progress. Due to difficult utility relocations early on in construction, it was not possible to open the bridge to traffic by the target date of November 15. All efforts are being made to open the bridge to traffic at the earliest possible date with final completion to occur in the spring of 2012. The contractor has been authorized to work extra hours to expedite the project.

Also view photos from the Autumn Kid’s Fest Open House to see Officer K9 Hunter in action.
Mark your calendars for upcoming events in this week’s eNews and GO Rockets!

RB Rockets Semi-Finals Playoff Game

Rocket Fans, come out and cheer on the Rockets as they compete in the IHSA Class 4A Football Semi-Finals this Saturday, November 19 at Stillman Valley High School. Game time is at 2:00pm. The winner will compete on Thanksgiving weekend at the University of Illinois for the State Championship. RBCHS will be sending two fan buses. Click here for more information.

Crossing Borders Art Tour & Sale

This art tour and sale provides a rare peek into seldom open art studios, new area galleries, plus pottery and glass blowing demonstrations. Complete your holiday shopping while enjoying a fun-filled drive in the country. November 19 & 20 and December 3 & 4, Saturdays from 10am to 5pm ~ Sundays 11am to 4pm.Start by picking up a tour map brochure at the Carriage House Gallery at 2110 Main Street (next to the grade school). Visit www.crossingbordersarttour.weebly.com or click here for flyer

New Snow and Mailbox Policies

Please inspect your mailboxes and post conditions to ensure they meet postal standards and will hold up against the winter snow and winds. The village’s mailbox policy has changed and the village will only be responsible for mailboxes that are physically hit by the snowplow, not mailboxes that are pushed over by the weight of the snow being plowed. The Public Works Department will have a limited number of temporary mailboxes available for use in the event that a mailbox is damaged until the homeowner or property owner can make permanent repairs.

The Village Board also passed a new ordinance regarding snow removal from private property being deposited on village-owned roads.   The ordinance states that snow may not be deposited on any roadway and must be pushed 3′ off the edge of pavement if it is pushed across the street.  Please check our website for additional information on our mailbox policy and the new ordinance by visiting our website here

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Go on a hay wagon ride with storytelling, make ornaments and crafts, visit with Santa and watch the tree light up! Also hot chocolate and other refreshments and the beautiful music of the Johnsburg High School Madrigal singers. December 3rd from 3:30 – 5:30 at Horse Fair Park. Click here for full details

2011 Holiday Vendor Fair

at New Leaf Home Furnishings - tonight, November 16th, from 6-9pm. Click here to view the flyer for more information.

Click here to view other Marketplace news from Spring Grove Businesses!

Snowmobile Safety Course

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a IDNR Snowmobile Safety Certification Courses on Saturday, December 10 from 8am to 4:30pm. The courses will take place at the McHenry County Government Center, Courses are open to snowmobilers 12 years of age and older. To register, call Cathy Hardt at 815-334-4739. For further information visit www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snwmob.htm.

Municipal Centre Closed

Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Spring Grove Marketplace

Do you own a business in Spring Grove and need a way to reach village residents with news, an event, promotion or service? You can submit your information via the link below to be added to the Spring Grove Marketplace web page on the village’s website. Marketplace Link

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so in this eNews we have included photos showing the progress at Fish Hatchery Park and the county’s progress on the Blivin Street Bridge.

Burton Township is the smallest township in McHenry County, but still needs to have a representative on many boards in the county. If you live in Burton Township (check your tax bill) and would like to be more involved in the McHenry County Fair, please read the article below.

Also, be sure to read about the pet event to be held this weekend at Nature’s Feed. Sounds like there’s something for everyone who owns a pet – or is looking for one!

Fall Rec Brochure
Babysitting Classes, Tennis Lessons, Tony Tot Gym, Krafy Kids and more! The Fall Recreation brochure is ready for viewing here.

Brownie Troop Looking for New Members
Do you have a second grade girl who would like to participate in cool learning activities on this 100th year anniversary of Girl Scouts? Brownie Troop 413 is starting up soon and looking for new members! Contact Amy at 815-675-1087. Other Girl Scout troops are also looking for new members. Call Northern IL Girl Scout council at 847-741-5521 for more information.

Fish Hatchery Progress
The village has been making much progress at Fish Hatchery Park to finish the OSLAD grant project work, which includes site grading, pond reconstruction, walking paths, fishing piers, fencing and interior work on the educational center. The village received the matching Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant in 2008 which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The village will also be purchasing aerators with money raised from the Friday Night Fish Boil to circulate water in the smaller pond where fishing piers will be installed. Piers will also be installed in the larger pond. Residents will be able to enjoy Hatchery Park sometime next year. Thanks for all your support for this park! View photos recent photos of the work being done there here.

Blivin Street Bridge Update

The dismantling of the bridge has been started. If all goes well, the opening date is now set for January 1, 2012. Click here to view pictures of the bridge dismantling.

Responsible Pet Ownership Event
Nature’s Feed, Fur the Love of Dogs and Unleashed Training will be hosting their annual Responsible Pet Ownership Event on Saturday, September 24th from 11am-2pm. The fun and educational family event will showcase adoptable animals from various members of the McHenry County Animal Welfare Coalition. We will offer nail clipping for a donation, low cost micro chipping, raffles, games, vendors and pup-cassos by our local animals and celebrity animals! The event will be held at Nature’s Feed, 2440 Westward Dr in Spring Grove. Please contact Dorothy at (815) 675-2008 for more information.

McHenry County Fair Board
The McHenry County Fair Association organizes the McHenry County Fair, held each year the first weekend of August in Woodstock. The Fair Board governs the Association and is made up of one representative from each township in McHenry County. George Rudolph and Rich Tobiasz have held the Burton Twp. Board position for nearly 35 years. If anyone from Burton Twp. is interested in serving on this board, please contact Rich Tobiasz at the fire station at 815-675-2450.

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Visit Run for Randy Online: www.runforrandy.org
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1. Start in Horsefair park
2. Run through SG school parking lot to Main Street
3. Take Main West to Winn Road.
4. Cross over Winn and head north on the bike path
5. Follow North until 1st subdivision on left, take left into subdivision (Oak Valley Drive)
6. Take first left on Eagle Ridge
7. Follow around loop back to Oak Valley Drive
8. Take Oak Valley Drive to Winn
9. Follow bike path South to Main
10. Take Main East to SG school parking lot
11. Run through parking lot to Horsefair park

Run for Randy is an annual event held in memory and celebration of the life of Randy Palya. Randy was a 9 year old boy who, after a courageous battle with brain stem cancer, passed away in February 2004. Randy’s strength, courage and faith have been an inspiration to his family, friends and community. …Read More

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Monday, May 30^th

Horse Fair Park

9:00am

A short procession from the Spring Grove Fire Department to Horse Fair Park will honor the memory of soldiers who have fallen while serving our country. A wreath will be placed at the memorial marker, a short history of Spring Grove veterans who perished in wars read, a prayer offered, and the names of fallen military members will be read out loud, followed by taps and a salute to complete the ceremony.

Junior Summer Camp

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 7^th – July 7^th

9:00am – 11:00am

This popular summer program for 1^st – 5^th graders includes field trips to Wild West Town, Volo Bog, Showboat Theater, Skate on Grand and more! Registration deadline is June 1^st. Fee: $80 for residents; $100 for non-residents. Click here for the summer camp schedule. Click here for the Summer Rec Guide.

RSGSA Travel Tryouts Fall 2011/Spring 2012

Sunday, June 5^th

See attachments for additional information

Friday Night Fish Boil

Friday, June 17^th

5 -10pm (serving until 8pm)

Horse Fair Park Pavilion

8105 Blivin Street

Click here to view flyer.

July 4^th Celebration

Monday, July 4th

Plans are underway for this year’s 4^th of July. Click here for more details.

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• Lcpl – David Crouse
• Lpcl – Chad Davis
• Lpcl – Bryce Etten

See Document for details: Welcome Home

Senator Althoff Updated email Address

Thank you to all residents who responded to Village President Eisenberg’s request asking you to contact your state government about the state’s plans to reduce or eliminate local governments’ share of state tax dollars. Please note that Senator Pamela Althoff has a new email address: pamela@pamelaalthoff.net.

Welcome Home Celebration!

The Welcome Home Celebration for Lcpl David Crouse, Lcpl Chad Davis, and Lcpl Bryce Etten is scheduled for Sunday, May 15^th, at  3:00 pm, at Richardson Farm.  The procession – police cars, fire trucks, and the Warriors Watch Riders,  will arrive at Richardson Farm at 3:00 where there will be a short ceremony, and a picnic.  The entire community is invited.  See attached flyer for more information.

Look at Local History Month

A Town is Born Historical Performance

Historic Town Hall Building

1922 Main Street

Thursday, May 19^th 7:00pm

Come watch this fun debate between 1902 townspeople on whether to incorporate a town called Spring Grove! Local residents playing the parts of past village residents. No charge, but please call to register – 815-675-2121. Refreshments will be served following with historical photos on display.

Will L. Sever, First Village President . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Rich Tobiasz, Spring Grove Fire Chief

David T. Smiley, Village Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    Neil Anderson, Attorney

Anton Schaeffer, Coroner and first Village Trustee. . .     Rich Konyar, Spring Grove Funeral Director

Jesse Richardson, Landowner, farmer. . . . . . . . . . . .   Great-grandson George Richardson

Cora Richardson, wife of Jesse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Wendy Richardson, wife of George

Nicholas N. Weber, Business owner.. . . . . . . . . . . . .    Grandson, Jim May, storyteller

Mary May Freund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Laura Frumet, Spring Grove Deputy Clerk

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From the Spring Grove Chief of Police: Tom Sanders,  His comments that the police must catch them in the act The police are all over this as best as they can. Some suggestions are: Leave radio etc. on also lights on to suggest that the house is occupied. He also said that these people are a group not one person from teens to 40 years old. They will watch a home for a period of time, they will knock on doors front and back to see if there is anybody home. If no answer in they go. Or they will have somebody, a young girl, walk to the door, knock and if there is an answer she will ask for directions etc. This way they know if anybody is home. The chief said that at one house the crooks asked for directions to twin lakes etc. But they are on foot. Who is walking around and asking for info as they are walking. Going back to asking what was taken if anything, the chief said they (thieves) are going to the master bedroom and taking jewelry, rings, watches etc and going to the “gold for cash” type stores and selling it. They do all this a very few minutes and then they are gone.

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This one day a week (1/2 hour practice followed by a 1/2 hour game), five-week program is for kids ages 3 & 4. Kids hit off the tee, run the bases and play different positions, not including catcher. No scores are kept and they have fun while learning the fundamentals of the game. Cost includes a team t-shirt and hat. Volunteer coaches are needed. Registration deadline is April 29th.

Nail Trend is now open!

Spring Creek Plaza

2450 Route 12 Unit B

Manicures and Pedicures. Hours: M-F 10:00am to 7:30pm Sat. 10:00am to 5:30pm. Closed Sunday. Call 815-675-0044 for an appointment.

Golf Clinics and League

Dates and times for the recreation program golf clinics and league have been changed. Please see the attached page to view the updates.

Electrical and Electronics Recycling

Applied Micro, Inc.

2304 Spring Ridge Drive, Unit D

Drop all of your recyclable electronics right here in Spring Grove! See the attached flyer for drop off hours and the items that are accepted.

Pet Nail Clipping Event to Benefit the Richmond/Spring Grove Food Pantry

Saturday, April 23rd

11am-2pm

Nature’s Feed

2440 Westward Drive

Nature’s Feed, at 2440 Westward Drive in Spring Grove, will offer pet nail clipping this Saturday. A monetary donation is requested that will benefit the Richmond/Spring Grove Food Pantry. Please be sure dogs are leashed. For more information contact Dorothy at (815) 675-2008.

2011 Opening Day Celebration at Thelen Park & Parade of Athletes

Saturday, April 30

11:00am

Thelen Park
8400 Winn Road

Parade line-up starts at 10:30am with the parade (Scot Forge to Thelen Park) starting at 11:00. The singing of the National Anthem and 1st Pitch is at 11:30 with exhibition baseball/softball games by RBBA teams starting at noon with a new game every 1.5 hours. Concessions and beer tent. Games for kids from noon – 4pm. Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle, adult 16” softball tournament. Contact Corinne Regnier with any questions at 815-405-4520 or corinneregnier3@yahoo.com

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Several break-ins were reported to unoccupied homes in the Wilmot Farms and The Preserves subdivisions, according to a news media alert from the Spring Grove Police Department.

It was not clear how many homes had been broken into or whether anything had been stolen from the homes.

Police officials did not return phone calls and emails from the Northwest Herald seeking additional information Friday.

The alert encouraged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious vehicles and people by calling 911 or the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number, 815-338-2144.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to call the Spring Grove Police Department at 815-675-2596.

– Brett Rowland from the Daily Herald

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