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SOAR@Dorr celebrates fifth anniversary

by Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com SOAR@Dorr (Serving Older Active Adults) was created in 2021 to establish a center for actively engaged people over 55 to pursue interests and share common activities and programs. SOAR@Dorr is located in the Dorr Township building at 1039 Lake Avenue in Woodstock. The center will celebrate this milestone at an invitation-only gathering at Offsides later this month.The celebration’s timing is appropriate as September is National Senior Center Month. This year’s theme is “Happier Birthdays Happen Here.” The National Council on Aging and the National Institute of Senior Centers host this annual observance to highlight the vital role local senior centers play as essential city and town hubs. Joyful milestones like birthdays demonstrate connection, purpose and community.“In

Turning Point to host candlelight vigil

By Jennifer Zittnan news@thewoodstockindependent.com At 6 p.m. on Oct. 15, Turning Point will host their annual candlelight vigil in the Woodstock Square to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The event is free and all are welcome. In the past year there have been two such loss of lives with an association to McHenry County. “We all know someone,” said Turning Point Executive Director Mary Margaret Maule. Author Nichole Yunger will be speaking at the vigil as it is the tenth anniversary of her sister’s death due to domestic violence. Yunger published “The Good One: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Justice,” a story of her triplet sister’s murder.  October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. According

Sept. 11 Memorial stair climb draws firefighters, civilians together

By R.M. Brands A large crowd milled around the McHenry County Fair Association Fairgrounds on a cool September morning as they waited for the 9/11 memorial stair climb to begin. Firefighters in and out of gear, children of all ages running and bouncing around and plain old civilians with iPhones in hand were all congregated at the base of the bleachers when Chief Brendan Parker began his speech at 10 a.m.Parker spoke briefly about how the climb pays tribute to the lives lost on 9/11, including the 344 firefighters who perished. His speech was followed by a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance, and then the firefighters and all other participants began their ascent.The memorial stair climb entailed

Grace Lutheran Church annual day of service

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The congregation at Grace Lutheran Church participated in its 14th annual Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s day of service titled “God’s Work. Our Hands.” on Sunday, Sept. 13th.  “We first gathered for worship at 9:00 a.m., took a group picture at 10:10 a.m. and then sent several teams out for one […]

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Sept. 11 memorial stair climb draws firefighters, civilians together

By R.M Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com A large crowd milled around the McHenry County Fair Association Fairgrounds on a cool September morning as they waited for the 9/11 memorial stair climb to begin. Firefighters in and out of gear, children of all ages running and bouncing around, and plain old civilians with iPhones in hand were all […]

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Local businesses give back to Turning Point

By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com Thursday, August 20, was a good day for Turning Point, the nonprofit organization based in Woodstock that offers services and support to domestic violence victims. ASAP Plumbing partnered with Corey’s Bagels to deliver dozens of bagels and cream cheese to Turning Point in a show of support for their cause. “They […]

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Locals experience county fair to the full

TRICIA CARZOLI Locals enjoyed six days of fun at The McHenry County Fair this year as the fair celebrated 78 years in the community.Hands-on activities, real-life experiences, Skinner’s Amusements, 4-H, educational booths, livestock, art and food projects, open air, and entertainment filled long days and late nights for the city. Locals Ayden Dobler, Woodstock High […]

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‘People feel comfortable and safe here’

Woodstock Water Works still a cool retreat in its 25th year By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com A particularly hot July has made Woodstock Water Works the place to be this summer. Though the public pool and water park has never wanted for visitors, as it has been providing Woodstock with fun-filled activities and services for 25 […]

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Foundation funds help St. Mary School meet critical needs

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com As education costs have increased over recent decades, one group at St. Mary Catholic School in Woodstock has supported unmet needs. The St. Mary of Woodstock School Foundation was founded in 1986 by parishioners Ray Benoy, Ty Keller, and Richard Merryman as a 501(c)(3) charitable organize that, according to its website, […]

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Smoke lifts, Barndance celebrates

By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.com Emricson Park was rocking well into the night on Saturday. The self-proclaimed, “Best Seven Hours of Summer,” better known as Gavers Barndance, celebrated 26 years this past weekend – with the smoke from the Canadian wildfires lifting for most of the event. The Barndance elebrated 26 years of raising money for cancer […]

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Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

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Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

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Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

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Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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