tea party rally

The annual tea party rally in Crystal Lake was one of many tax day rallies held by Tea Party groups across the country. These groups – united, they say, by conservative values, a sense of dismay over partisan politics, and an unwavering reverence to America's founding values – have captured national attention. Always interesting to cover...

Evert Evertsen, of Harvard, and dressed as Uncle Sam, gives a thumbs up at the Tax Day Tea Party rally. "It's good to see people finally waking up," Evertsen said of the event.

lake view

Here is a view of Lake Michigan around the Milwaukee area from flying back from New York last week.

the warbird t-28

Steve Kulovsek of Prairie Grove talks about the T-28 airplane, an old Navy training plane, being restored at Warbird Restorations in Crystal Lake on Monday morning. The T-28 marks a pivotal point in aviation history as one of the last propeller models before the advent of the jet engine.

Jim Roozee talks about the fuselage of the T-28 airplane.

I got to sit in the cockpit. Here is a view from the driver's seat. Awesome!

easter time

Aria Stanton, 2, rests her head on Cindy Savone's shoulder Sunday morning at the Easter Service at Community United Methodist Church in Fox River Grove.

Parishioners at Community United Methodist Church in Fox River Grove sing a song in front of the living cross at the end of the Easter service on Sunday morning. Attendees placed donated flowers on the cross as part of the annual spring tradition.

remembering jackson

Donna Grabow remembers her son Jackson, 2, who passed away from cancer April 5, 2009.
Check out this link: http://vimeo.com/10758673

daily grind

Albert Muci, left, and Justin Wesolek, both 10, work together on their robotics project in a challenge class at Greenwood Elementary School in Woodstock on Monday. Gifted programs are being scaled back at schools around the county because of state budget cuts.

Richmond-Burton's Ray Wojcieckowski pitches against Harvard's T.J. Stephens in Harvard on Saturday morning. The Rockets defeated the Hornets 5 to 3.

Neighbors Gene Nelson, left, and Tom Hargarten, of Belvidere, joke around while trout fishing Saturday morning at Lake Atwood at the Hollows Conservation Area in Cary. The men and Hargaten's wife Carole arrived at 2:30 a.m. to wait in line to get in to fish at 5:30 a.m.

Anglers kick off trout fishing season Saturday morning at Lake Atwood at the Hollows Conservation Area in Cary. Gates opened at 5:30 a.m. and fisherman were limited to five trout each.

puppies ponies and chicks

Last week I hung out at Destination Safe Haven, which is a pony sanctuary for dozens of aging hooved animals, some once unwanted and others rescued from lives of mistreatment or neglect.
Honor, a miniature horse, hangs out with owner Jennifer Finkelman. 

Here is a rottweiler puppy that fell asleep in my arms and I wanted to take home.

Watch this video about the sanctuary:
http://www.vimeo.com/10758341

Then on Monday some baby chicks hatched. I went to check it out with some curious pre-schoolers.

 Jonathan Arroyo, 2, holds a baby chick at Leaps and Bounds Preschool and Daycare off Route 31 in Lake in the Hills on Monday morning. The chicks hatched after an incubation period of 21 days and will continue on to a farm in Woodstock in about a week.

big apple

I was in New York. It was great. Here are some photos.

Highlights: mariachi subway band, planetarium show at the Natural History museum, sake bombs with old and new friends, spa day with a view of the Statue of Liberty, Edith Piaf singer at La Mirabelle, flea market bargaining, rainy Sunday...

player of the year

Johnsburg's Mike Dixon is Northwest Herald's Player of the Year. With 13.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds a game for the 27-3 Skyhawks, Dixon has the third-best record in school history. A big shout out to photographer Lauren and Northwestern intern Thao for hoisting of my lights for me to get the effect I was after.

a few from last week

I went to the International Housewares Show in Chicago last Monday. Check out this video to see what's new this year.

http://vimeo.com/10755917

Ever wonder what to do with unwanted medications? Don't flush them or toss them. All unwanted prescription and non-prescription medications and vitamins can be dropped off for safe disposal at the Johnsburg Police Department and Fox River Grove Police Department. Sharps, needles, IV bags, or thermometers are not accepted.

Richmond-Burton's Lily Mazzanti throws a pitch against McHenry on Thursday afternoon. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 13 to 5. Ah spring sports.

foggy night

The other night it was super foggy. It was awesome.

past week

Boots were some of the items offered at the semi-annual Stand Down for Veterans event at Camp Algonquin on Tuesday. The Crystal Lake-based National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corp., hosted the three day event which provided meals, medical screenings and clothes.

Vietnam War veteran Lemar Burris, of Chicago, applauds John Blanchard, CEO and owner of the the Crystal Lake-based National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corp., at the Stand Down for Veterans event at Camp Algonquin on Tuesday.


Edgar Garcia, of Rockford, drives a forklift through an obstacle course as Senior Technical Trainer Zoltan Darko watches at Nissan Forklift in Marengo on Monday. Nissan Forklift is partnered with McHenry County College to offer classes that improve the skills of operators.

Here is me riding on a forklift.

Check out an awesome video of the training class by fellow photographer Lauren!
http://ssm.nwherald.com/northwest-herald/video/20100308forklift/nissan-forklift-class/

Sandra Pierce, president and owner of Phoenix Woodworking Corporation in Woodstock, laughs with cabinet maker employee Scott Zydel on Friday. Women throughout McHenry County and the country are playing new roles in the workplace.

Richmond-Burton's Kenny Riordan fights to get past Lakes' Marcell KirkmanBey in the Class 3A Regionals game on Wednesday at Johnsburg High School. The Eagles defeated the Rockets 46-43.

Richmond-Burton's Timothy Clary looks to shoot as Lakes Deondre Hudson attempts to stop him.