Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.
Walking the Walk
Last chances to make sure you vote counts. Do not mail your ballot! Deposit it in secure Drop Boxes at the McHenry County Voting Center, at 410 S. Eastwood Drive in Woodstock or at six other locations through 7 pm, Monday, November 1 or turn in ballot at the polls on election day and vote in person. Residents can cast their votes at any precinct polling station .
Please join us on Sunday, November 1 at 1 pm for our first petition-gathering canvassing party. We'll meet at the Gazebo in Woodstock Square, divide up into small groups, and head out into the streets to go door-to-door collecting signatures for our referendum.
As a reminder, we're collecting petitions to get a referendum question added to the ballot for the April 2027 election. The question we want asked is:
Should the City of Woodstock discontinue its use of networked automated license plate reader systems (ALPRs) and networked artificial intelligence-based surveillance camera systems and thereafter be barred from procuring or contracting for the same?
Woodstock Pride will host a Trans Day of Remembrance Gathering on Friday, November 20, 7-9 pm. "Join us in gathering together in remembrance of transgender individuals. We will begin with a candlelight vigil in front of Woodstock City Hall and then walk to the Woodstock Pride Community Center, 101 North Johnson Street, for attendees to have the opportunity to share their experiences and speak at the event. Feel free to prepare a few words, recite a poem, sing a song or speak if you are so moved. Candles and light refreshments will be provided.
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County's Community Fridge program at the Nippersink Library in Richmond, the First Congregation Church in Crystal Lake, and the East River Public Library in McHenry not only reduces waste from groceries and restaurants, but feeds people in need with wholesome, fresh, and wholesome food.
Compassion for Campers
Thanks to our partners at harm reduction program Live4Lali, Compassion for Campers is able to resume serving the unhoused and housing insecure in McHenry County with distributions on the First and Third Fridays of the month. Our next distribution will be this Friday, November 6 from 10 am to Noon at their offices at 665 W. Jackson Unit C2 in Woodstock and then on November 20. We will be able to use the space until at least the end of 2026 or until a search to find a new location for the whole McHenry County Resource Center program to find a new location.
One way to support our mission is to participate in the Tree of Life UU Congregation (TOLUUC) Service Auction: Serving Looks & Raising Funds on Saturday, November 14 at 5 pm at our shared space at Ridgefield/Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church (RCLPC), 8505 Church Street in Ridgefield and online starting Sunday, November 1. The Live and Silent Auction supports the staff and mission of TOLUUC and four great community partners including C4C, Crystal Lake Pride, Family Health Partnership Clinic, and Veterans Path to Hope. "November 14 will be huge fun! Ron Relic will return as our very entertaining and experienced auctioneer, we will have fun, family-friendly drag performers bringing lots of energy to the evening, hors d'oeuvres will be circulating the room while you check out the silent auction baskets and other offerings." Admission donation is $20. Reserve a spot at https://2026-Tree-of-Life-UU-Service-Auction.auctria.events or pay at the door.
Financial support remains critical to fulfilling our mission. The best thing you can do is offer your critically needed financial support. Money donations are always welcome at https://tinyurl.com/3bz96axe. Look for updates here. Email compassionforcampers@treeoflifeuu.org .
No comments:
Post a Comment