The Rotary Club of Woodstock has again brought Santa to the center of town. People who have secured a coveted time slot at the newly refurbished Santa Hut this year have enjoyed the experience of visiting with Santa on the Square. But slots have been hard to come by for families who were unaware of […]
When Santa’s Hut, located in the Park in the Square every Christmas season, was in disrepair, the Rotary Club of Woodstock stepped up to carry out needed renovations. And the club added a new feature this year: an “Elf Hut” for Santa’s helpers. The former Woodstock Lions Club originally provided the Santa Hut, which has […]
Santa’s elves had a little help in the Woodstock and Wonder Lake area last week as thousands of volunteers worked to make the Christmas season a little brighter for families in need. Christmas Clearing House, the charity event for families and senior citizens living within Woodstock School District 200’s boundaries, held its annual packing and […]
Christmas comes early every year for Chris Cantwell. For the past 15 years, the Woodstock Rotary Club member has had the pleasure of promising to grant holiday wishes to the young visitors to his tiny, seasonal house on the Square. “It’s the best thing I do all year,” he said. Taking his role to heart, […]
Local businesses have long partnered with Christmas Clearing House by providing places for volunteers to collect donations. This year, they’re helping out in a new way, selling products to benefit the holiday charity. Public House of Woodstock, 101 N. Johnson St., Rendezvous Bistro, 2400 Lake Shore Drive and D.C. Cobb’s, 226 Main St., will have […]
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.
