February 5, 2020
Dear Village Resident,
ComEd has made enhancements to its online interactive outage map to provide more helpful information during storms & power outages. The map, at ComEd.com/Map, gives the size of outages and estimated restoration times. It is also accessible through its mobile app for smart phones and gives you the ability to report power outages. To download the app click here. More than 13 million power interruptions have been avoided as a result of smart grid investments. The Future Energy Jobs Act, enacted in 2016, expanded support for energy efficiency and is expected to create $7 billion in customer savings over time and reduce carbon emissions equal to taking 9 million cars off the road for a year. 
R/SG Area Rotary Spaghetti Dinner
You're invited to the R/SG Area Rotary Club Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, February 19 from 4 - 8 p.m. in a new location at the Richardson Adventure Farm Event Barn located at 909 English Prairie Road. Don't miss out on the raffle items! Carry-outs available. All proceeds benefit the Richmond/Spring Grove Community Food Pantry. Cash bar. Bring your friends or family! View the flyer here.
Valentine's Day Celebration
The Nippersink Library invites you to a Valentine's Day Celebration this Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. They will have a special Valentine's-themed family storytime at 10:00 a.m. and crafts and other activities for children available all day. Don't forget to wear pink or red! Located at 5418 Hill Road in Richmond. Registration is not required.
NMS Music Department Spaghetti Dinner
Get your tickets on-line for the Nippersink School Music Department's Annual Spaghetti Dinner next Tuesday, February 11, from 5:15 - 7 p.m. Takeout available. Also enjoy musical entertainment from the NMS band and choir students during the evening. Buy raffle tickets for a chance to win awesome prizes ! View details and get your tickets here
Photo of the Week

If you saw the fireworks at the Richardson Adventure Farm recently, you may be surprised to hear they were part of the Superbowl 2020 Jeep commercial with Bill Murray, which was filmed there! George Richardson had the honors of putting on Bill's snowshoes and Ryan & Wendy Richardson got a chance for a photo op with Bill. View more behind the scenes photos from the farm here and the commercial on YouTube here . If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email i t here .
Smooch a Pooch Valentine's Day Party
Come and get a smooch from several of L.E.A.R.N.'s rescued dogs for a donation that will benefit L.E.A.R.N. (Labrador Education and Rescue Network). This is the rescue that owner Dorothy adopted several of her fur kids from. For every $5 donation receive a 4 lb. bag of Born Free dog food AND a cute bandana! Born Free will also be offering discounts on all their foods! You can also get a FREE can of Born Free when you buy 2 cans! Located at 2440 Westward Dr, next to the Post Office. Thanks for you support!
Nerf Wars at WLAC
WLAC is preparing for battle! Join them this Saturday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. for Nerf Wars! BYO favorite Nerf Gun (must use elite style darts) and they will supply ammo and safety glasses. $10 per person See more info here or call 815-675-3005 with questions. Located at 2449 Pierce Drive.
Transplant Support Group of Northern Illinois
The Transplant Support Group of Northern Illinois is an organization dedicated to people who have had an organ transplant or may be waiting for a transplant, and caregivers who help with their daily needs. This group of lay people serves people in Northern Illinois, including Spring Grove and Richmond, and is made up of patients waiting or who have received kidney, liver, heart, lung, skin and corneal transplantation. They meet once a month on the third Saturday at 10:00 a.m., at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital located at Route 31 & Bull Valley Road in McHenry. The information desk attendant will direct you to the meeting location. All who are interested in transplantation are welcome. For more information contact Paul Hain at (815) 575-3011.
Flowers for Your Valentine
Valentine's Day is Friday, February 14! Birds of Paradise Flowers & Gifts has beautiful vases and arrangements of roses, lilies, tulips & tropical flowers and delicious sweets from T's Toffee. Walk-in Specials! Extended hours during Valentine's week for pickup or they deliver. Located at 2404 Spring Ridge Drive or call 815-363-8568.
Blast from the Past
This house was built for Stephen Huff in 1902 by Nicholas Etten, his brother-in-law, for a cost of $2,600. It is located at 7107 Spring Grove Road just south of Route 12 and the Spring Oaks subdivision. The story goes that if the labor bill was not over $100.00 Nick Etten would get a new suit. He got the suit. Pictured seated is Stephen and his wife Elizabeth Etten, with children from left Ida, Nicholas (on lap), Kate & Louis (on lap).

Elizabeth died at home in 1934 at age 70. She was born in the Solon Mills area in 1864. Stephen died in 1938 at age 73. He was born near Richmond in 1865.

In 1951, their son Nick Huff sold the farm, consisting of 72 acres to Arnold May. The property has been developed with businesses and homes but the original farmhouse still stands.
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