Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for September 11 2026

 Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

Walking the Walk

In memorium Gloria Steinem.

The League of Women Voters of McHenry County is sponsoring a series of County Board District Candidate Events.  The next two events feature District 1 at the Cary Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary following a LWL monthly meeting at 1:00 pm and District 5 at the McHenry Library, 809 Front Street, McHenry.  Sunday, Sept 27 from 2-4 pm. 

The League is a non-partisan organization dedicated to making democracy work through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen participation.  All candidates for each office were invited, but participation is voluntary and not guaranteed.

The fight to preserve threatened democracy is urgent at all levels of government.  Become an informed voter and the vote your conscience and principles.

Women Veteran Symposium sponsored by the Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County, Friday, October 2 from 9 am to 3 pm at 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.  "Registration is filling up for the 2026 McHenry County Women Veterans Symposium, a day dedicated to empowering, connecting, and celebrating women Veterans throughout our community. The day will include inspiring presentations by women, Networking and connections, lunch, and resources, fellowship, and community.  Scan the QR code to reserve a spot.

Compassion for Campers

The McHenry County Mental Health Board which generously stepped up to offer a temporary home to the McHenry County Resource Center (MCHC) and Compassion for Campers (C4C) over the summer has rented the space to a new tenant effective October 1. After that MCHC must make new arrangements. An active search for a suitable location is under way, preferably in an accessible spot near public transportation options and space for on sight storage, shower and/or laundry facilities would be a plus.

Meanwhile C4C final distribution at the MCHC site, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake is next Friday, September 18, from 10 am to 2 pm.  Other service providers will be on hand for the last Resource Center event there on Friday, September 24.

Financial support is 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 .

Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for September 4 2026

 

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

Walking the Walk

The League of Women Voters of McHenry County is sponsoring a series of County Board District Candidate Events.  The next two events feature County Board Districts 6 and 8 from 1-3 pm Saturday, September 12 at the Nippersink Library, 5418 Hill Road in Richmond and District 5 at the McHenry Library, 809 Front Street, McHenry.  Sunday, Sept 27 from 2-4 pm.

The League is a non-partisan organization dedicated to making democracy work through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen participation.  All candidates for each office were invited, but participation is voluntary and not guaranteed.

The fight to preserve threatened democracy is urgent at all levels of government.  Become an informed voter and the vote your conscience and principles.

Compassion for Campers

The McHenry County Mental Health Board which generously stepped up to offer a temporary home to the McHenry County Resource Center (MCHC) and Compassion for Campers (C4C) over the summer has rented the space to a new tenant effective October 1. After that MCHC must make new arrangements. An active search for a suitable location is under way, preferably in an accessible spot near public transportation options and space for on sight storage, shower and/or laundry facilities would be a plus.

Meanwhile C4C will be at the MCHC site, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake this Friday, September 4, from 10 am to 2 pm and then on Friday, September 18.  Other service providers will be on hand for the last Resource Center event there on Friday, September 24.

Financial support is 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 .

Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for August 28 2026

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

                                                            Walking the Walk 

Umbrellas Up. Cameras Down.  Woodstock Pride and Stop Flock in Woodstock are joining together for a peaceful, visual demonstration against Flock Safety surveillance cameras in Woodstock.

On Saturday, August 29 at 9 am, we’re asking community members to meet on the Woodstock Square with open umbrellas and then go about enjoying the Square and Farmers Market—shop, walk, grab a coffee, visit with friends, and spend as much time as you like.

Why umbrellas? Woodstock Pride has used rainbow umbrellas at PrideFest to shield attendees from unwanted cameras when necessary. Now, we’re turning that same idea around and using them to shield ourselves from the cameras watching our every move.

Stay for 20 minutes. Stay for the morning. Stay for the day. Every person helps make the statement visible.

This is only one step in what may be a long fight. We aren't backing down until the City of Woodstock's Flock contract is cancelled. Future actions may include additional demonstrations, boycotts and other peaceful community actions.

Northern Illinois Indivisible, the McHenry County Rapid Response Team, and other organizations are also supporting the Action. 

               

The League of Women Voters of McHenry County is sponsoring a series of County Board District Candidate Events.  The next two events feature County Board Districts 2 and 4 from 2-4 pm Sunday, August 30 at the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake and District 6 and 8 from 1-3 pm at the Nippersink Library, 5418 Hill Road in Richmond;

The League is a non-partisan organization dedicated to making democracy work through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen participation.  All candidates for each office were invited, but participation is voluntary and not guaranteed.

The fight to preserve threatened democracy is urgent at all levels of government.  Become an informed voter and the vote your conscience and principles.

                                                            Compassion for Campers

 

Compassion for Campers distributions are usually held on the first and third Fridays of the month from 10 am to 2 pm at the new McHenry County Resource Center (MCHC) at the McHenry County Mental Health Board offices, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake.   Our next C4C distribution will be, Friday, September 4 then on Friday, September 18.

With at least a temporary home base, C4C can resume accepting donations of supplies including clean used sleeping bags and tents in their bags or cases, tarps and other basic camping gear, rain gear, and especially mosquito and tick repellents and sunscreen.  Contact Sue Rekenthaler at tomatos@mc.net or Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Financial support is 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 .

Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for August 21 2026

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

                                                            Walking the Walk 

Rapid Response Training.  The McHenry Co. Rapid Response Team will be conducting Rapid Response Team (RRT) training on Tuesday, August 26, from 7 to 9 pm at the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake. RRT (and KYR) training is required for those considering joining the McHenry Co. RRT. Community members that attend on Tuesday will also need to show proof of completion of KYR training to be considered for admission to the team. Registration is strongly recommended at http://bit.ly/47fD0Xh.

McHenry County League of Women Voters hold a series of Candidate Forums for races in the General Election. The non-partisan group invites all candidates regardless of their party affiliation.  This time hear directly from candidates for County Clerk, County Treasurer & Regional Superintendent of Schools. Learn about the candidates, their qualifications and priorities … and submit your own questions.  Can’t make it in person? Watch live on the Facebook page.  Tuesday, August 25, at the Luecht Auditorium of McHenry County College. 

Compassion for Campers

Our distributions are usually held on the first and third Fridays of the month from 10 am to 2 pm at the new McHenry County Resource Center (MCHC) at the McHenry County Mental Health Board offices, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake.   Our next C4C distribution will be today, Friday, August 21 and then on Friday, September 4 

With at least a temporary home base, C4C can resume accepting donations of supplies including clean used sleeping bags and tents in their bags or cases, tarps and other basic camping gear, rain gear, and especially mosquito and tick repellents and sunscreen.  Contact Sue Rekenthaler at tomatos@mc.net or Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Financial support is 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 .