WOODSTOCK – When McHenry County Board member Donna Kurtz tried to sleep the night after the Newtown, Conn., shootings, she felt emptiness – and a desire to do something.

Days later, with the support of board Vice Chairman Jim Heisler, the two approached Regional Superintendent of Schools Leslie Schermerhorn in hopes of organizing a candlelight vigil.

That vigil will be from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday on the Woodstock Square, not only to remember the 27 Newtown victims, but also to foster an open discussion regarding any concerns community members may have for their own children.