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PAGE 2 • PLAINDEALER • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3.1M1 cA/{o±.tCu OC.LCL [ Honor Retiring Teachers 4 These two attractive ladies cutting their retirement cake have chalked up almost a half century of teaching in the McHenry schools. Mary Vycital, left, hat completed 32 years of teaching, all except three in the District 15 school system, and Catherine Kohrt, 16 years in the same district. They were honored at an after-school tea last Thursday at Edgebrook school, hosted by the staff. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Mary Vycital "Each child deserves to be held to high standards through well structured sequenced procedures. A child should find joy in a task well done and accomplished in an orderly fashion. Disruptive behavior and persistent infractions of school rules is detrimental to learning and needs to be dealt with firmly." That is the philosophy carried through the years by Mrs. Charles (Mary) Vycital. who is retiring from the teaching profession after 32 years in the classroom It is a philosophy that worked well on her first day of teaching in 1935 It is a philosophy more people, including Mrs. Vycital. would like to see used to better advantage this vear of 1981. As Mary Althoff. she stepped into her first teaching role in the one- room country Coral school near Marengo. Except for the two years spent there, and another as a substitute at Harrison school. Wnnder Lake, her teaching career was carried out in Elementary District 15, McHenry. She was married in 1940, and with a smile Mary Vycital recalls that a change in name in the 1930's meant giving up a career "There were only widows and single women teaching in the school (now Land­ mark) in those days", she observed. But married teachers like herself were called in as substitutes and their payment was $5 a day. She is retiring as a third grade teacher at Edgebrook. hut also taught fifth grade for several years. Her quick smile turning to a slight frown of concern. Mrs Vycital admits to being troubled by the problems created through a mobile society. She said some children in her school have transferred four times in as many years, making sequential learning difficult Recalling that she has worked under many superintendents and prin­ cipals. Mrs Vycital remembers with fondness the days under the late Supt. C H Duker. when conditions permitted a closer relationship between students, teachers and administrators. With a concern for her students that has charac­ terized her entire teaching career, she believes that perhaps parents "shouldn't be quite as un­ derstanding they should be a parent instead of a pal." She remembers the trend in education when it was popular for students to "grade" their teachers Mrs. Vycital suggested that the "grading" should be post­ poned several years until the student was sufficiently mature to make that assessment with a view to his future. The retiring teacher ad­ mits that instructing third graders today is no easy task "Many feel no respon­ sibility to complete an assignment time", she commented, adding that some necessities, such as meeting bus schedules . do not permit keeping students after school Mrs. Vycital was never considered stem - only firm With some wistfulness in her voice, she said she will miss contacts with other teachers and with her students. "Sometimes I think we lose track of the many very good kids because of the minority who need discipline", she said. But leaving a career which has'been an important part of her life for 32 years also brings a glisten in her eye as she recalls some of the humor that brightened the routine of the classroom. Recalling the days when the late Pete Weber was custodian at Landmark school, she tells of a plump, red-haired, freckle faced boy who approached another teacher one day and with complete seriousness asked. "Say. just who is boss of this building, you or Mr. Weber"" And when there was a threat to the historic Landmark school because of a possible sale a dozen years ago, Mrs Vycital recalls another incident A tornado TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY LUNCN 11:30 am - 2:30 pm DINNER served from 5:30 pm SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 am - 2:30 pm THEY'RE BACK! The Baby Ducks are Cruising Our Lagoon 385-8899 Hill Rd. warning was sounded when she was teaching at the more modern Edgebrook school. As she joined her pupils to get under cover of their desks, one little fellow piped up. "If you think you're under. Mrs. Vycital. you aren't." Mrs. Vyicital said she would have felt much safer in the sturdy old Landmark building. And there were other memories she will recall in her retirement: the $675 for nine months of teaching in her first job at Coral: the entire student body going home to lunch: teaching a grade and a half every other year-- there were sfeven teachers for eight grades: and the grade and high school in one district. A bit of nostalgia was evident as she recalled several years ago when David Page, one of her pupils during her first year (1938) in the McHenry grade school, reminded her of that fact when he signed his own daughter's math paper The names of long time teachers with whom she worked are recalled with fondness, and the list stretches on - Genevieve Knox, Eleanor Foley, Nellie Doherty. Dorothy Ullrich. Arlene Pearson, Elsie Hoppe. Carolyn Bauer. Helen Mauch. Ethel McGee. Mary Kinney. Dorothy Gibbs. Jennie Mae Richardson. M. L Schoenholtz. Lenore Cooley. Laura Ferwerda. Mildred Reese. Leta Clark, Aileen Claybaugh. Helen Jurak. Helen Creamer. Mary Butler. Edith Phillips. Alice Clark, Stella Rortvet.and more. Mary Vycital joins all of them in leaving an educational legacy for which 'here is a grateful com­ munity. Catherine Kohrt The seventh of ten children, all but one of whom became and married teachers, Mrs. Carl F. Kohrt is retiring from McHenry Elementary School District 15 after 16 years service Carl Kohrt is an in­ strumental music teacher in District 15. She has always been in­ terested in teaching, and said, "I've always tried to teach my students something other than the "hree R's' - like values and things to do in their leisure time." . <, "I've been happy in District 15 because I have had the flexibility lo start some innovative programs," Mrs. Kohrt commented. Mrs Kohrt, seven other teachers and Mrs. Albrecht. an administrator, piloted the gifted program some years ago Included in that program was independent study which eventually carried over into her classroom. "There's more to learning than just the basics out of a book." she said. "You've got to give the children a chance to do what they want to do." As Mrs. Kohrt explained, the students can elect to do an independent study project at the beginning of the year. Through the years. Mrs. Kohrt has taught crocheting, basket weaving, puppet crafting, papier mache and other types of crafts in her classroom She noted that if the student elected an in­ dependent study project, the work was accomplished in addition to the regular classroom curriculum Students worked through lunch hours and stayed after class to work on their par-^ ticular projects, she pointed out Born on a farm near Decatur, III., Mrs. Kohrt was raised in a family destined to become teachers. Her eldest sister wal her fifth grade teacher and high FAMILY ̂ HAIRCUT SPECIALS! Mom t Kids Horo't An Opportunity To TrootiAt For Fathor's Day, Plus Troot Yourtolf 1ST HAIRCUT $ft0° s8 vTi 2ND HAIRCUT Vs PRICE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE CALL TMf FN Ml APfOMIMENT MK, CITE, KM SILHOUETTE'S BEAUTY SALON 4719 W. ELM McHENRY. IL. 385-2990 school English was taught by one of her brothers. She was a late starter in the education field, going hack to school at the University of Illinois after WWII, while she was in her 40's. Later, Mrs. Kohrt would receive a Master's degree in elementary education. "It was kind of unusual for someone my age to be back in school," she said. Mrs. Kohrt was 43 when she received her first teaching contract. An extensive traveler, Mrs. Kohrt has visited every state in the union and a number of countries abroad. Planning an active retirement. Mrs. Kohrt said "she would like to devote more time to her family as well as undertake volunteer work at the hospital auxiliary and Methodist church. She is the mother of two sons. Dr. Carl Kohrt, Jr., working in Rochester. N Y and Maj. Douglas Kohrt, an attorney in the Air Force. Other plans include taking up oil painting and quilting. • « • Community • chambers-McHenry hall City Calendar m t n i M H a t t t t t t i JUNE 1 McHenry Senior Citizens - Board meeting, 10 am - McHenry Public library. U.M.W. Craft group--First< United Methodist church- parlor. 10 am JUNE 2 Ruth Circle of United Methodist church-last get- together--Apple Tree restaurant-Holiday Park, route 134-noon. Spring Salad luncheon - Mt. Hope church, noon-at Pistakee Highlands Com­ munity center. Koinoia group-First United Methodist church- parlor, 10 am Marcia Mary Ball Circle- "Luncheon Out", noon - McHenry Country Club. JUNE 3 . McHenry Grandmothers club-luncheon, 11 a.m.- McHenry Country club - meeting. 1 p.m.-Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church McHenry Pigtail league- meeting, 7:30 p.m.-Terrace dining room. Carestoel - public invited JUNE 4 McHenry Area Separated and Divorced Catholic group-meeting. 7:45 p.m - Montini Middle School-Oak room McHenry Senior Citizens- Driver Refresher course-10 am to noon-Council chambers-McHenry City hall. Women's Aglow-- luncheon, 10:30 a.m.-John Evans Inn-reservations, call Lois Koss. 385-0814 JUNE 6 Popcorn day-McHenry Lioness club. JUNE 7 NAIM-St. Margaret chapter-retreat-St. Joseph church, Richmond-Mass, 12:15 p.m.--bring lunch JUNE 8 Whispering Oaks Woman's club-Board meeting, 9:30 a.m. McHenry American Legion Post 491-regular meeting. 8 p.m. McHenry Senior Citizens- meeting. 7 p.m -East Campus JUNE 10 Luncheon-Cards. 11:30 a.m.-B.V.M sodality-St John the Baptist church- Johnsburg Community club- -2315 W Church st.-Tickets at the door JUNE 11 McHenry Senior Citizens- Driver Refresher course-10 am to noon-Council JUNE 11-12 Rummage and Bake sale- St Mary's Catholic church- 9 a m to 8 p.m. JUNE 12-14 McHenry hospital Country Art Fair-sponsors, McHenry hospital Auxiliary- Parkland Junior high school -- paintings, 3- dimensional. photography- pgraphics and crafts-for information, call Joan Teichmiller. 385-1318. JUNE 13-14 Rummage and Bake sale- St Mary's Catholic church- 9 a m to 2 p.m. JUNE 14 Roast Beef dinner-11:30 a m to 5 p.m.-American Legion home-tickets on sale at Legion and at the door- flag burning ceremony, 5:30 p.m. JUNE 15 THE.OS.--meet for dinner. 5:30 p.m.-Circle R restaurant-2214 W. Route 120-then to First United Methodist church for fellowship. JUNE 18 McHenry Area Separated and Divorced Catholic group-meeting. 7:45 p.m- Montini Middle School-Oak room. JUNE 19 NAIM-St. Margaret Chapter-meeting and elephant sale-7:30 p.m.-- Montini Middle school-Oak JUNE 27 J NAIM--St. Margaret chapter-cards. 7:30 p.m- Montini Middle school. JUNE 28 Chicken dinner and summer social-serving. 12 to 3 p.m.-St Peter's hall- Spring Grove. MR. AND MRS. GREG THORNTON Hawaiian Honeymoon Mr. and Mrs. Greg Thornton are residing at 336 S. Kenilworth, Apt. 1, Oak Park. III. 60302, after a honeymoon in Hawaii. The former Grace Ann Christensen, daughter of Charles and Winnie Christensen of Maywood, 111. and Greg Thornton, son of Robert and Nena Thornton of McHenry, were married May 23. in Woodside Bible Chapel. Maywood. The couple exchanged rings and vows, which they had written, before the Rev. C. Donald Cole, at a 2 p.m. ceremony. Special music was provided by soloists, Kari and Janeice Christensen, accompanied on the organ by Gil Mead. The matron °f honor was Becky Marshall of Dear­ born. Mich., a friend of the bride; and the maid of honor was Kari Christensen of Maywood, the bride's sister. Bridesmaids were Janeice Christensen of Chicago, the bride's sister-in-Law; Marylynn Thornton of McHenry. the groom's sister; and Debbie Schmidt of Maywood. a friend of the bride. Dave Thornton of McHenry was the best man Groomsmen were Mike Thornton of Oak Park; Brian Christensen of Maywood. Wayne Zibell of Woodstock; and Bill Turner of Louisiana Thirty guests attended the rehearsal dinner at Nielsen's restaurant. Oak Park. A reception was held at the chapel following the wed­ ding The bride is employed as an Assistant manager-buyer at a dress shop The groom, a 1976 graduate of McHenry Community high school, graduated from Moody Bible Institute .with a Bachelor's degree in Bible Theology and is currently an advertising coordinator for Moody Press. Chicago The newlyweds were friends since early childhood and the bride had kept all the letters the groom had written her. including one from 1969. in which' he asked her to marry him Another ietter, written when both were in the fifth grade, was read by the bride's brother to the guests at the reception Unexpected Birthday Party- Honors T.H.E.O.S. Member A surprise was in store for Lvda Radisch when the THE O S. group, after a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, went to the First United Methodist church to continue an evening of fellowship and fun. She was presented with a beautiful birthday cake, decorated with lighted candles and live flowers. A lovely vase of beautiful flowers, a card signed by all those in attendance, and the singing of "Happy Bir­ thday" completed the joy Mrs Radisch felt, and she expressed her appreciation for everyone's thought- fulness Four newcomers were warmly welcomed, an in­ teresting game was played and prizes were awarded. Then the group spent the balance of the evening socializing and getting well acquainted with one another, sharing histories and ex­ periences. The next get-together will be held Monday. June 15. at 5:30 p.m.,-* at the Circle R restaurant (formerly A & W) 2214 W Route 120 Following dinner, the group„will go to the First United Methodist church The annual picnic is being planned for Monday, Aug. 17. at Petersen park. A catered dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.. but those who can. are urged to come early in the afternoon to enjoy more time together Reservations should be made with Lyda Radisch as soon as possible T H E O S ( T o H e l p E a c h Other Smile) is a casual, warm, friendly group for widows and widowers, is non-denominational, with no age restrictions, meeting for dinner at 5:30 p m the third Monday of each month and then going to the church for fun and fellowship Newcomers are always most welcome and further information may be obtained by calling Mrs Harry P (Mae) Stinespring, Jr., Bay View lane. Pistakee, or. Mrs Wm J (Lyda) Radisch. McHenry Friendship Club Members Enjoy Surprise Program After members and guests enjoyed the May Friendship club potluck dinner in the Fellowship hall of the First United Methodist church, president Helen Crouch welcomed everyone and thanked the ladies for the fine meal Mae Stinespring then introduced Mrs. Miriam Marticke. who sang a number of selections dedicated to Evelyn and Ralph Smith This well-kept surprise program was en­ joyed by all in, at tendance. It was a special tribute, in addition to the regular program, and was very appropriate inasmuch as the Smiths will not be able to NANCY'S (DOWNTOWN JOHNSBURG) (815) M5-17S7 CHAPEL HILL ANO JOHNSRURG ROAD ALL YOU CAN EAT SPECIALS FOR JUNE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY Spa t«9pw T Chicken - French Fries • Colo Slaw Dining Reem Closed • Ber Open (I pm to I am) Y Roast Porii • Kreut • Potato Pancakas Swiss Stoak • Rico - Vogetablo Smalt • Potatoa Pancakas • Cola Slaw REGULAR MENU ALSO AVAILABLE attend any future meetings of the club It was unanimously agreed to dispense with the regular business meeting. Evelyn Smith chose as her meditations, readings from the book. "Heaven In My Hand", which included "Mothers" and "An Irish Prayer". "Happy Birthday" and "Happy Anniversary" were sung to all celebrating at this time, and cards were signed to send to absent members. Following a few amusing stories by Herbert Rose, Bertha Stange introduced Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson. They presented a delightful program relating a day by day account of their Hawaiian trip. Well known to the club members, Wilson has given a number of programs in the past and his pictures and narrations are always most interesting. Friendship club will be in recess until Saturday. Sept 12. at 5:30 p.m.. when a potluck ditmep and meeting will be held in the Fellowship hall Vivian and Bill Richards volunteered to have the program The secretary will be working on a new roster, program and menu schedule, and is in hopes members will call her and volunteer to take a progam Everyone's cooperation wil be very much appreciated. New schedules will probably be mailed in early August. Members in the congreation fifty years old and older, who do not belong to Friendship club, are in­ vited and urged to come out in September and share in the " warm, friendly fellowship the club offers. Tribal Primitive art is the art of tribal peoples who do not read or write. N M SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PRIME RIB OF BEEF $710 COMPUTE DINNER MOTHER'S DAY CAMP GIRLS • AGE 7 to 11 BEGINNING JUNE 8th LIMITED ENROLLMENT LOW RATES -- FANTASY FARM 3t 5-2499 Mi 1*