March 4, 2020
A Message from Village President Mark Eisenberg
Sunday night, Mayor Lightfoot held a conference call with regional mayors to talk about the Coronavirus, in which I participated. Mayor Lightfoot's office, as well as the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, talked at length about how Chicago is handling the illness including O'Hare Airport's action plan and how to work with businesses and hospitals. I was very impressed with their response plan and willingness to share their resources with other municipalities and wanted to share this link with you. Information is regularly updated at  www.chicago.gov/coronavirus . Please refer to that website for correct information. 
Get Counted in Spring Grove!
Every household in Spring Grove will receive an invitation in the mail to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail in mid-March. It is important that every household responds so our community gets its fair share of taxes, calculated by population. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities so an accurate count is critical. The 2020 Census will be the first time residents can complete the census online. Learn more on the 2020 Census website and view the Get Counted in Illinois video !
Pet Nail Clipping Event
Nature's Feed will be hosting a charity pet nail clipping event this Saturday, March 7 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fur the Love of Dogs will be offering the nail clipping services. Donations requested to benefit Young at Heart Senior Pet Rescue in Woodstock. Nature's Feed is located at 2440 Westward Dr, next to the Spring Grove Post Office. Thank you for your support!
Spring Ahead on Sunday
Daylight Saving Time will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 a.m. Remember to “spring forward” and set your clocks forward one hour.
One-Month Free Membership
Northbound Fitness Club is offering a free one-month membership! This includes the use of three gyms, unlimited fitness classes, and a 30-minute personal training session at no charge. After your one-month free membership expires, there is no enrollment fee and no long-term contract upon joining. The newly renovated facility, fitness class schedule and information on their educated and passionate personal trainers, can be viewed here . Show them this email and get started on your fitness journey! Offer ends March 15. Excludes students. Located at 2222 Pierce Drive.
Photo of the Week

A beautiful February sunset was framed between the branches of Cris Sutherland's mature trees in the Oak Valley Subdivision. If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email i t here .
Advertise Your Business
Advertise your business this summer at Thelen Par! The village is renting outfield fence space for $300 per year (April-October). You must supply the village with a 4x8' or 4x16' banner or a 4 x 8' metal sign with your logo and advertisement, or signs can be ordered through Road Rage Designs, the preferred vendor. Click here for sign costs and more information.
Primary Election
The Primary Election will be held Tuesday, March 17. (The Village Board meeting will be moved to March 24.) View early voting locations and times, a list of McHenry County polling locations, get an application to vote by mail and register to vote at the McHenry County website page here . View your sample ballot here .
WLAC Cheer Registration
WLAC Cheer Registration is OPEN! No try outs and no experience is needed. The program begins in the Fall for grades 1-8. WLAC Cheer is recreational cheer with 3 competitions during the season. If you aren’t sure if cheer is for your child ask about cheer skills classes – trials are available! Registration packets are available at 2449 Pierce Drive Monday - Friday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Call 815-375-3005 or email them here.
Blast from the Past
When the railroad came to Spring Grove in 1901, John Wagner built a tavern and hotel at the corner of Blivin and Hatchery Road, next to the railroad tracks. On May 3, 1912, Albert Pepping received a dram shop license to operate the tavern. You could order a Pabst, North Western Bry's beer or fine beer from the McHenry Brewery according to the signage. He, his wife Catherine "Kate" Smith (Schmitt), and their four children moved into the upstairs living quarters. One child arrived six months later. Three more were born in the ensuing years. In 1917, during World War I, President Woodrow Wilson instituted a temporary wartime prohibition in order to save grain for producing food. This must have caused the demise of Albert's tavern business as his1918 his draft card showed him working for Bowman Dairy in Ringwood. By 1920, the census showed he was back farming in Spring Grove. They stayed until 1931 when the news reported their Spring Grove friends threw them a surprise farewell party before they moved to Crystal Lake. Alb died in 1964 at the age of 81. Kate, who may be the one standing with all the children in the photo, died in1970 at the age of 86.
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