Walking the Walk—An Action Calendar for McHenry County October 17 2025

 

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity here every week.

 

Anti-ICE and Military Occupation Protests continue daily in Chicago, around the Great Lakes Naval Station from which ICE is deploying, and in suburban and collar county communities with high Latinx population sponsored by various organizations and coalitions. ICE enforcement activity is well under way and hundreds of victims have been snatched. Violent attacks on protestors at the Broadview ICE facilities escalated. A court enjoined the active deployment of the Texas National Guard and 300 Illinois troops citing no rebellion and the opposition of the Governor challenged in court. The Feds complied at the last possible moment to a court order to remove security fencing blocking municipal streets but new concrete barricades have been installed further isolating protestors and witnesses from the facility with enforcement by Illinois State Police and local officers.  ICE and mystery masked “police” are increasingly aggressive use of force against protestors, neighborhoods, and bystanders. This week there were several brutal kidnappings and confrontations with local residents and the press. On Tuesday a large group defied a Court order to refrain from using tear gas, pepper spray, rubber or “non-lethal” ammunition, Tasers, flash bangs, and other excessive crowd control devices on peaceful protestors, by-standers, local residents, and first responders. There has been ICE activity in Elgin and other northwest burbs. So far limited kidnappings in McHenry County. Check out the McHenry County Rapid Response Team Facebook page for regular alerts.

 

 

 

No Kings Day the highly successful nation-wide protests sponsored nationally by 50501—50 protests, 50 states,1 movement, Indivisible, Move-on,  and other organizations are back on this Saturday, October 18. The escalation of blatant suppression and threats of widespread deployment of Federal troops to a war American cities heighten the stakes. Organizers urge turnouts in the largest numbers yet in resistance and defiance. Massive marches are expected in Chicago and most major cities and state capitals. For more information and locations of all known actions visit.  Indivisible McHenry County  will host a roadside vigil at State Route 31 and McCullom Lake Road in McHenry from 11 am to 1 pm. IndivisibleNWIL has also scheduled an event roadside in Crystal Lake along Rt. 14 centered on 5650 Northwest Highway from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

 

Family Friendly Community Magic Show Rescheduled at Tree of Life

On February 1st an eagerly anticipated family friendly community magic show by magician extraordinaire Kevin Sarnwick had to be cancelled due to illness. But the show is back on this Saturday, March 15 at 10 am at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry. All families are welcome. 

 

The event is free to the public, but each family attending the show is encouraged to register here. If you registered for the original show on February 1, you are all set and do not need to register again. Families are also asked to bring either a nonperishable food or personal care item in support of our neighbors in need. 

 

                                        Magician Kevin Sarnwick performing his floating ball illusion, just one of many amazing feats performed to the delight of all ages. 
 

Kevin Sarnwick is a Crystal Lake magician known for his entertaining and mind-boggling children’s shows using sleight of hand, psychology, and misdirection. The children who attend his shows are thoroughly amazed by his magic tricks and leave his shows with big smiles on their faces. 

     

Magician Kevin Sarnwick performing his floating ball illusion, just one of many amazing feats performed to the delight of all ages.  Photo courtesy of Tree of Life Congregation.

 

“I think this is a really unique opportunity for children and their families to do something good for the community and have fun at the same time,” said Chaplain Dave Becker, minister of Tree of Life. “We are so pleased to host this event and so proud of the volunteers who have put it together.”

Tree of Life Congregation Hosts Family Friendly Magic Show for the Community

Magician extraordinaire Kevin Sarnwick will perform a fun-filled, free-admission mid-winter magic show for families with young children at 10 am Saturday February 1, at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  All families are welcome. 

The event is free to the public, but each family attending the show is encouraged to bring either a nonperishable food or personal care item in support of the FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. FISH, which stands for Friends in Service Here, has been helping provide emergency food and supplies for disadvantaged residents of McHenry since 1973. In addition to being a great family outing, this performance supports an important cause.

Magician Kevin Sarnwick performing his floating ball illusion, just one of many amazing feats performed to the delight of all ages.  Photo courtesy of Tree of Life Congregation.

Kevin Sarnwick is a Crystal Lake magician known for his entertaining and mind-boggling children’s shows using sleight of hand, psychology, and misdirection. The children who attend his shows are thoroughly amazed by his magic tricks and leave his shows with big smiles on their faces.

“I think this is a really unique opportunity for children and their families to do something good for the community and have fun at the same time,” said Chaplain Dave Becker, minister of Tree of Life.  “We are so pleased to host this event and so proud of the volunteers who have put it together.”

Ben Ross assists magician Kevin Sarnwick while Ben’s mother looks during an interactive and engaging children’s performance. Photo courtesy of Tree of Life Congregation.

Advance reservations are required and can be made using here, calling 815 322-2464 or scanning this QR code:

Full Poets in Resistance Again Program on YouTube

Now you can see the full Poets in Resistance Again program presented at Tree of Life UU Congregation in McHenry on Saturday, January 11 on YouTube.

Poets in Resistance Again program

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art.  —Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize winning American novelist. 

Patrick Murfin is a poet, writer, blogger, amateur historian and lifelong social justice activist who organized the original Poets in Resistance program in 2017.   

Jan Boseman lives and writes in Woodstock. Poetry chose her to play on its team many years ago when she fell in love with The Prisoner of Chillon. She has been honing her skills ever since. Some call her a protest poet. 

Alan Sheer is a retired professor of philosophy, religion, ethics and history. Prior to his teaching career Alan was a congressional press secretary and pastor of several churches where he worked in a variety of social justice ministries.   

Tricia Alexander is an award-winning performing and healing artist, a performance poet, songwriter, and musician.  She said, “Writing has helped me understand and process this multi-dimensional experience of living.  I can’t imagine my life without the beauty and the depth that writing has not only brought  TO me—but also  what it has encouraged me to rise up and out of me.” 

Sam Miller is a Crystal Lake Resident and an art student at McHenry County College.

Kenneth Balmes was born in Waukegan and lives in Island Lake. He started writing poetry at age 65, inspired by persons, places and events in my life, especially those closest to him. Believes in trying to make this world a better place and to express and share beauty and love. 

Julie Ann Monroe is a writer of poetry, music, memoirs, essays and books, she is active in her world of photography as well.  She spends her time writing, playing guitar, hiking, hanging out with her horse. She lives in Woodstock works in Harvard and plays anywhere she can!  

Edward Philip Denofrio  was the former and inaugural Poet-in-Residence at Raue Center of the Arts in Crystal Lake, IL. Since his time there, he spent his time organizing poetry-readings in McHenry and Lake County; writing and reading about the natural world and joy in the face of the never ceasing advancement of evil. 

Julie Huddle grew up in McHenry County, returning after living in a variety of places including Nepal, as a Peace Corps volunteer and Colorado. She finds her inspiration primarily in nature, her dog Clarice, and her community.  

Joe Calvillo is a local McHenry County writer, poet, and founder of the poetry group Paladins of Poetry.  He has been an active poet in the area with many associations including Sanctuary Poets, Atrocious Poets and hosted a monthly poetry night in Crystal Lake.  Joe's poetry publication is Azule-A Collections of Poems  and has maintained a writer's Blogspot on Google since 2010. 

James Hamilton is from Wisconsin and is a  seasoned spoken word performance artist,  and motivational speaker.  He is a member of Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and P.O.E.T (People Of Extraordinary Talent).  James has made a significant impact on the literary scene in Wisconsin.   

Jessica Kemery is a Crystal Lake author who writes fantasy and secretly loves poetry.

Luke Welch lives in Northern Illinois where he works as a sign language interpreter.  He has published poems in various small press magazines.   

Christopher D. Sims has been writing and reciting Resistance Poetry for better than twenty years now. A nationally known artist, activist, and truth-teller, his words seek to empower, impact, or inform. Christopher is known as The People’s Poet in his hometown Rockford, IL.  

The Social Justice Team of Tree of Life UU Congregation would like to thank everyone who made the evening special and possible—our poets, Paladins of Poetry and the McHenry County poetry community;  the staff of Tree of Life especially Congregation Administer Judy Stettner;  our tech crew Ryan Broussard and Julie Huddle; our volunteers; and Lisa Messinger for sponsoring the bar;  our beneficiaries and front line organizations Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI), McHenry County Citizens for Choice (MCCC), McHenry County NOW, and Woodstock Pride.  A shout out to everyone who helped promote the event on social media and elsewhere.

We hope you have been inspired and motivated to dare to personally step up and actively join in the Resistance to oppression.

Poets in Resistance Again at Tree of Life UU Congregation Hopes to Stir Things Up

 

More than a dozen accomplished poets from McHenry County and beyond will be featured at Poets in Resistance Again this Saturday, January 11 from 7 to 10 pm at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation,  5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  

The first Poets in Resistance program was held in March of 2017 and was one of the most successful public events that Tree of Life hosted.  Event organizer Patrick Murfin said, “It has been the historic mission of poets to be the prophets, Cassandras, and voices for the voiceless often in defiance of authority and at great personal risk.  Now perilous times, climate disaster, war, oppression, and existential threat to democracy demand that those voices be heard again.”  

                                        Event organizer and program host Patrick Murfin.

The call for a new program was inspired by a quote from Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison:

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.  I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art.

                                                                                Joe Calvillo of Paladins of Poetry.

The poets represent themselves and the communities they are a part of which feel threatened  by the incoming regime.  They include published writers, frequent poetry program readers, teachers, and activists such as Joe Calvillo, founder of Paladins of Poetry; Tricia Alexander, award-winning performing and healing artist, poet, songwriter, and musician; and noted Rockford based regional performance poet and social justice activist Christopher D. Sims.  Once again blogger, poet, and activist Patrick Murfin will host.  

      

                                                                                    

                                                                                       Poet, musician, and healing artist Trisha Alexander.

The event will be free to the public but a suggested $20 donation at the door can be split between Tree of Life social justice ministries including Compassion for Campers, Jail Brakers, support for immigrants and refugees, work for women’s reproductive freedom and safety, and LGBTQ+ support and solidarity.  Attendees can also select any or all of four social justice organizations on the front lines—the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI), McHenry County Citizens for Choice (MCCC),  McHenry County NOW, and Woodstock Pride.  Cash and checks will be accepted and payments can be designated for the organizations by using a QR code.  No one, however, will be turned away if they cannot afford a donation. 

Hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and desert treats will be available with coffee, juice, soft drinks, and water.  Adult beverages will be available for a voluntary donation at the bar.   Some poets may have books, chapbooks, magazines, or CDs for sale.

For more information contact Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net  or 815 814-5645.

The Blog Goes on Hiatus this Week

 With our annual Murfin Winter Holidays Music Festival just wound up Heretic, Rebel a Thing to Flout will take a rare hiatus from regular posts  this week.  Your elderly scribe and editor needs all of his time to concentrate on all of the arrangements and chores for the Poets in Resistance Again program this Saturday, January 11 from 7-10 pm at the Tree of Life UU Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  

It’s a ton of work and both my balky and buggy computer and the inept operator make it slow and difficult work.  Not complaining—just the way it is. 

You will see a post or two directly relating to the program.

Regular service will resume next week, probably Monday.  Frequent flyers will not lose interrupted miles.

In Crisis Bards Step Up--Poets in Resistance Again at Tree of Life

 

In more than 55 years of justice activism I have endured dozens of political losses and a handful of satisfying wins.  My motto, oft repeated, has been "suffer, grieve, suck it up, look to the long arc of justice, go back to work, and battle again."  But the morning after the election I was stunned and shattered as never before.  I could hardly comprehend the catastrophe that befell us.

I couldn't find that resilience that morning.  Not only did all hope feel lost, but my perhaps naive faith in the essential decency of the American people was crushed.  Those that I love and care for seemed to be in immediate danger, but I was too paralyzed to respond.

But by Wednesday morning I slapped myself silly and told myself to snap out of it and get back to work.  But how can a semi-decrepit old relic really help out?  My marching days are behind me and, as I pointed out in one poem would be useless except a part of the barricade.  Then it hit me I'm going to bring back Poets in Resistance!

 

The Old Man reading at the original Poets in Resistance program at Tree of Life UU Congregation in 2017.

 

Previously I organized and hosted Poets Against the War at the old Congregational Unitarian Church in Woodstock during the run-up to the war in Iraq in 2003 and the original Poets in March 2016 as Donald Trump was rolling-out his disastrous and threatening first term agenda.  It was one of the most successful public programs hosted at Tree of Life UU Congregation in McHenry drawing a packed house.  Poets in Resistance II was scheduled  for March 17, 2020--the day the whole country went into lock down because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

I was inspired by a quote from novelist Toni Morison:

This is precisely the time wen artists go to work.  There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear.  We speak, we write, we do language.  That is how civilizations heal.  I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence.  Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge--even wisdom.  Like Art.

And I wrote in the call for poets for the original Poets in Resistance:

This was as good a time as any to revive the tradition of poets as prophets of their people, defenders of the oppressed, champions of justice, and fearless voiced ready to speak truth to power.  Such poets and such poetry might just be the voice the now needs to be heard, might be relevant enough to be dangerous.  And dangerous is what he have to be.  Worth a try, anyway.

Some folks might say that a program like this is mere preaching to the choir.  It is far more than that.  It rallies us and brings us together in mutual aid and solidarity.  It builds associations and assures threatened communities that they are not alone, and that they have sanctuary and support of Tree of Life.  And in the Red corner of a Blue State it pits our oppressors that we will not surrender to tyranny.  That's important work.

Poets in Resistance Again will be held just days before the inauguration on Saturday, January 11 from  7-10 pm at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  A call for poets will go out soon along with more details.  Spread the word.  

Contact Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net or call 815 814-5645 for more information.

Tree of Life Service Action Features Bargains and Excitement This Saturday

Tree of Life Service Auction 2024—Plaid Night

The Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation Service Action will return Saturday, October 19, 6:00-9:30 pm with a Plaid Night Celebration at 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry. 

“You‘ve seen the Diamonds and Denim Parties. We are going all in on plaid and the fall harvest  raising money to fill our budget gap, fulfill our commitments to justice, and support our community. Join us for a night of live and silent auction fun. Your $10 ticket includes an evening of free onsite childcare, good-hearted bidding for a great cause, and hors d’oeuvres and open bar. There will also be online bidding for those unable to be here in person. It will be a night to get ahead on your holiday shopping and fill your social calendar for the year, We will be sharing 10% of our profits with Compassion for Campers which provides essential survival gear to our area unhoused.  With your help we hope to continue to provide a safe place in McHenry County to question and grow and support beloved community.”  according to the Congregation. 

Items in the live auction include a week in a Cape Cod cottage and other get-away opportunities; outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, hiking, birding, and fishing;  parties around the year; dining and cocktail experiences, opera and other entertainment tickets; art; an adult street tricycle and other sporting items; and professional services.  Bidding paddles will be provided at registration.

The silent auction will offer a wide variety of sports tickets, movie passes and other entertainment, dining opportunities, hand crafted art, personal services, and theme baskets.  A catalog is available.  Silent auction bidding has already begun on-line, registration required.

For more information and to register visit the complete Service Auction page or the Service Auction 2024 Facebook event