A lot can change in a half century, but for Woodstock resident Judith Svalander, a lot can stay the same. Svalander, born in Woodstock and raised in McHenry County, grew up taking the train to Chicago for classical ballet training. “At that time, you really needed to travel in order to receive that caliber of […]
When Chop Suey Hut’s dining room reopened in mid-June, co-owner Esther Theofanous said her biggest satisfaction was “being able to see everyone’s smiling faces.” After the stay-at-home order took effect on March 21, 2020, the restaurant’s business evolved from half dine-in/half takeout to 100 percent curbside pick-up. Taking advantage of the closed dining room, Esther […]
This has been and continues to be a challenging year. It has affected the Environmental Defenders organization in various ways, including the shutdown of our two book stores and physical office back in the spring and early summer due to COVID-19. We barely squeezed in our special 50th anniversary dinner, which took place on March […]
Several environmentally friendly initiatives earned the city of Woodstock the Government Award from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. That was one of four awards presented during the Defenders’ 50th anniversary dinner March 8 at McHenry Country Club. About 220 people attended the event. Other awards presented were: Volunteer of the Year: Green Read Book […]
By Cynthia Kanner Executive Director, the Environmental Defenders of Mchenry County The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County has been working to preserve and protect the environment in McHenry County since 1970 and celebrates its 50th anniversary milestone this year. The Environmental Defenders have had many successes in helping to make McHenry County a healthier place […]
By Cynthia Kanner, executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Fifty years ago, a group of concerned people started an organization called Defenders of The Fox River. The group, soon joined by a new chapter in Crystal Lake, made it their mission to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment, and […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
