McHenry Democrats Host a Flag Day Celebration

McHenry Democrats will host a Flag Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 14 from 5-8 pm at the Veterans Memorial Park picnic shelter, 3400 Pearl Street in McHenry.  It will be a picnic featuring Kelli Wegener, McHenry County Board member for District 5, as well as a presentation on the American flag by McHenry County Regional Board of Schools Trustee Brian Meyers.  Hot dogs, sausage, and soft drinks provided, bring your own adult beverages.

 

Kelli Wegener, District 5 McHenry County Board member will be the principal speaker.

The event is sponsored and hosted by Democratic Precinct Committee Person Terry Kappel who said, 

 

The United States of America is the birthplace of the modern idea of a democratic government — a government of the people, by the people, and for the people — and for the concept that no matter where we were born, as citizens the country and the government is for all of us.  Freedom, human rights, individual liberty, tolerance, separation of church and state — in the modern world are all concepts that were first implemented right here.  Something we can all be justly proud of and are symbolized by our national flag.

Flag Day was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 to honor our democratic heritage and principles as embodied in the American flag.

Attendees are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and any additional food and drink.   Small flags and buttons will be given away.  Tables can be set up surrounding the picnic shelter for progressive organizations, and candidates.

The picnic shelter at Veteran's Memorial Park in McHenry.

The event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted.

Please RSVP at the Facebook event. For more information contact Terry Kappel at tkappel@hotmail.com  or phone 779 302-6212.

 

Rally for Reproductive Rights in McHenry This Saturday

Note--This rally has been canceled.  Organizer Terry Kappel has tested positive for Covid and is self-isolating.
 

The energy and determination that drew hundreds of people to Crystal Lake for three recent reproductive rights rallies and roadside vigils is coming to McHenry this Saturday, July 9 at 4 pm at the corner of Elm Street (Rt. 120) and Front Street (Rt. 31) near CVS pharmacy.

Veteran local activist and Democratic Party Precinct Committee person Terry Kappel is hosting the event.  He asks people to bring homemade signs, voices, and indignation that basic rights are being stolen from women. 

Kappel says “We need to vote our values, because women’s lives matter too.”

For more information visit the Facebook Event at, call Terry Kappel at 779 302-6212  or email tkappel@hotmail.com.

 

Democratic Meet, Greet, and Sign Events in McHenry

McHenry favorite the Hidden Pearl Café will be the venue for Democratic Coffee with Candidates events and feature opportunities to sign nominating petition for the spring Primary Election.

Two Coffee With the Candidates events will be held at the Hidden Pearl Café, 1250 N. Green Street in McHenry, on Saturday, January 22 and Saturday January 29 each from 10 am to 7 pm. Candidates will be in attendance for public discussion each day from 10 am to 2 pm.

Congressman Brad Schneider running in the 10th District.

On Saturday January 22 candidates making presentations will be Congressman Brad Schneider running in the new 10th District, State Supreme Court candidates Rene Cruz, Elizabeth Rochford and Nancy Rotering, Appellate Court candidate Mike Cortina, McHenry County Clerk candidates Drew Georgi and Mary Mahady, and District 3 County Board Member Kelli Wegner.

                                    Congressman Bill Foster running in the 11th District.

The next Saturday will feature Congressman Bill Foster now running in the 11th Congressional District and other candidates to be named later.

The events are hosted by Democratic Precinct Committee Person Terry Kappel. Kappel said:

Due of the delay in final census figures and late redistricting nominating petitions for candidates on the ballot for the June 28 Primary have only just begun to be circulated. I have created this in-person event for Democratic voters to hear from the candidates whose new districts will include McHenry County as well as local candidates. It’s a chance for voters to sign multiple nominating petitions for candidates in a warm café rather than with their front door open for a volunteer in the middle of winter.

Precinct Committee Person Terry Kappel will host the candidate events.

Petitions will be available for signature throughout each event.

After candidate questions and answers live music will be provided by Democratic District 2 Chair John Labaj. Complimentary vegetarian chili, meatballs, and coffee will also be available.

Masks and proof of vaccination are required to attend the candidate forums. For more information contact Terry Kappel at 779 302-6212 or email tkappel@hotmail.com.

Urgent Rally to Save McHenry Township Bus Service

Senior citizens and the disabled rely on McHenry Township bus service which is unduplicated by PACE.

Alarmed McHenry Township residents are planning a rally to protest plans to cut bus service at a special meeting of the Township Trustees on Tuesday, June 18 from 4:30 to 5:45 pm.  Citizens will gather at the northwest corner of Route 31 and Johnsburg Road near the Township Hall at 3703 North Richmond Road in Johnsburg.  They will then attend a special meeting to consider eliminating the service scheduled for 7 pm after a continued budget and appropriations meeting.

Protest organizer Terry Kappel

“Many of McHenry Township’s seniors, disabled, and poor to get to and from doctor's appointments, shopping centers, jobs and to perform other vital tasks needed to live a full and valuable life,” according to Terry Kappel, a well-known local activist.

Township Assessor Mary Mahady alerted residents after Trustee and anti-township crusader Bob Anderson demanded a special meeting to rush a vote on the elimination at last week’s budget hearings.  The maneuver has left residents with scant opportunity to let their opposition be known.

“If this special meeting is like the one that was held to put a referendum on the ballot to eliminate the road district, they will not discuss their opinions and they will not answer any questions. They will then just quickly take a vote and disregard any concerns expressed at the meeting,” According to Mahady.

McHenry Township Assessor Mary Mahady alerted residents to the plan to push bus service cuts through.

Township Supervisor Craig Adams suggested putting the issue of cutting service to a referendum but Anderson and his allies have a majority on the Board and can push through an immediate decision.

The cost to taxpayers for the service is about $10 for the average homeowner.  The concerned citizens want the issue to be put to the voters and not left to the “whim of three men.”

For more information contact Terry Kappel at 815 669-7983, e-mail him at tkappel@hotmail.com or visit the Facebook Event .

Bridges Not Walls Vigil Set for Monday in McHenry

A Bridges Not Walls vigil will be held on Monday, March 11 from 5:30 to 7 pm in McHenry, Illinois at the southeast corner of Routes 120 and 31.  The roadside vigil is in support of immigrant families who have been detained and separated under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance policy.”

Terry Kappel.

Terry Kappel, longtime community activist and organizer of the rally, explained.  “I’m doing this to provide an outlet for those who wish to advocate for a more human immigration policy, and who believe diversity makes our world more beautiful.  If people wish to come to our country to make a better life for themselves by working hard and enjoying the freedoms and opportunities than their nations of origin, then I think they should be welcomed. Diversity should be celebrated.”

Although some hand-made signs will be available, participants are urged to bring their own and to dress appropriately for the weather.

Individuals and representatives of organizations concerned with human rights are welcome to participate.

For more information e-mail Terry Kappel at tkappel@hotmail.com or visit the Facebook Event .