The youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock is in a rebuilding year, under the direction of Jackie Lawler. “Growing up, I have fond memories of my time with the church youth group,” Lawler said. “We wanted to bring those experiences back for our kids and allow them to build relationships with each other […]
One very active outreach ministry at First Presbyterian Church combines talents, ideas, information, and fellowship. In 2010 congregation member Kay Darby and the late Judy Haimbaugh read an article about “prayer shawl” knitting groups in churches. They loved the idea and started a group at the church. They needed a name for the church bulletin […]
Barndance 2022 declared ‘very successful’ fundraiser Organizers of the 22nd annual Gavers Barndance say the July 16 event was “very successful.” An email last week to volunteers reported the evening in Emricson Park raised $420,000 for Gavers Community Foundation. The total got a boost this year when the live auction returned for the first time […]
The Woodstock Food Pantry has two new services – children’s diapers and extended hours. Current hours for clients are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. But many potential clients were not able to come during those hours because of their work schedules, so the pantry’s Board of Directors recently approved extended […]
Volunteer extraordinaire Jackie Speciale was most deservedly named Woman of the Year 2021 by Woodstock’s Professional & Business Women. Her many activities in Woodstock certainly are, as the club recognized, “committed to make our community a better place for all to live.” But her work with the American Red Cross has also contributed to disaster relief for […]
By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com When a 175-year anniversary comes along, it’s worth taking a deeper look. First Presbyterian Church, while having moved locations over the years, has a loyal following, with some members even having ancestors who founded the church in 1846. The first church building stood at Jefferson and Church street, where Aurora University […]
Rep. Underwood to host town hall Aug. 9 at MCC Congresswoman Lauren Underwood will have an in-person town hall Monday, Aug. 9, in McHenry County. The 90-minute event will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake. Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to […]
By Cheryl Wormley Weekly new COVID-19 cases in McHenry County were five times higher last week than the last week of June. Five weeks ago our county had just 19 new cases. Last week, 233 people tested positive. You may remember that I frequently ended columns last year encouraging mask wearing and social distancing, I […]
After a year of improvising, Woodstock churches returning to a post-pandemic normal Woodstock church ministers and priests have used identical words to describe their congregations as they return to in-person church services: resilient, compassionate, dedicated, blessed, inspirational, faith-filled, committed, and strong. “I continue to be astounded at the faithfulness shown by the community of St. […]
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.
