Calendar of Events

DISTRICTS 8 & 9 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - MARENGO

Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Marengo, Seneca, Coral, Riley and Grafton Townships.

WHEN:  Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Joe's Place, 19716 East Grant Highway, Marengo

We're in the Upstairs Room.  Please walk straight ahead to the order counter to order drink or food, then go back out to the lobby and take the stairs or elevator upstairs.

The most awesome Dr. Bridget Belcastro will be joining us.  Dr. Belcastro is our Democratic candidate for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools.

We have many great Democratic candidates.  They're all there at mchenrydems.org/candidates.  Let's put our heads together to see where we can each volunteer to make a difference and FLIP McHenry County BLUE.

Become a Board Watcher for all the local boards so we become aware of the issues and who is making decisions. Because of the death of local journalism, this is a necessary position to keep our democracy.

Bring a bag of non-chocolate candy for our summer parades.  It's a McHenry County tradition to hand out candy to the kiddies, and we're marching in a whole bunch of parades this year.  Thank you!

Bring a friend.  For more information please reach out to Pat Lawlor, District 8 Chair, at [email protected] or Lynn Mitchell, District 9 Chair, at [email protected].

DISTRICT 9 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE
Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Coral, Riley & Grafton Townships

WHEN:  Wednesday September 9th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Pub 47, Back Room (to the right), 10400 Illinois Route 47, Huntley

Round tables are held at local pubs, offering yummy drinks and food for purchase, lively conversation, and a room full of like minded Democrats. These gatherings are packed with invigorating discussions and a great chance to connect. Join us as we work together and enjoy sharing ideas for getting Democrats elected all the way down the ballot!

RSVP not necessary but always appreciated.

Wear purple to show your support for our D9 candidate County Board, CHRISTINE HAMM.

Info or to get involved?  Contact Lynn Mitchell at [email protected].

DISTRICT 8 DEMOCRAT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - SPRING GROVE

Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Richmond and Hebron Townships.

WHEN:  Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Maria's Mexican Grill, 2207 US Route 12, Spring Grove

Note our new location!

The most awesome AJ Johnson will be joining us.  AJ, career Army and now the ROTC teacher at Waukegan High School, is our Democratic nominee for state rep in the 64th district.

We have many great Democratic candidates.  They're all there at mchenrydems.org/candidates.  Let's put our heads together to see where we can each volunteer to make a difference and FLIP McHenry County BLUE.

Become a Board Watcher for all the local boards so we become aware of the issues and who is making decisions. Because of the death of local journalism, this is a necessary position to keep our democracy.

Bring a bag of non-chocolate candy for our summer parades.  It's a McHenry County tradition to hand out candy to the kiddies, and we're marching in a whole bunch of parades this year.  Thank you!

Bring a friend.  For more information please reach out to Pat Lawlor, District 8 Chair, at [email protected].

DISTRICT 8 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - HARVARD

Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Harvard, Alden, Hartland, Dunham and Chemung Townships.  

WHEN:  Thursday, September 10th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Northfield Court Apartments Community Room, 1410 Northfield Court, Harvard

Enter the Northfield Court Apartments drive, then go past the playground on the left to the office/clubhouse/pool.  Park in front of the building or across the street.  No drinks will be provided, so please bring your own.

The most awesome Dr. Bridget Belcastro will be joining us.  Dr. Belcastro is our Democratic candidate for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools.

We have many great Democratic candidates.  They're all there at mchenrydems.org/candidates.  Let's put our heads together to see where we can each volunteer to make a difference and FLIP McHenry County BLUE.

Become a Board Watcher for all the local boards so we become aware of the issues and who is making decisions. Because of the death of local journalism, this is a necessary position to keep our democracy.

Bring a bag of non-chocolate candy for our summer parades.  It's a fun McHenry County tradition to hand out candy to the kiddies, and we're marching in a whole bunch of parades this year.  Thank you!

Bring a friend.  For more information please reach out to Pat Lawlor, District 8 Chair, at [email protected].

NOW's Women Speakers Series - Sarah Mertens, Maria Peterson, Carolyn Campbell

WHEN:  September 10th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Algonquin Township, 3702 Northwest Highway (US Route 14), Crystal Lake.   (Turn in only going north/northwest.  Walk down the ramp and enter the building in the back.)

The National Organization for Women (now.org) has a long and proud, fully nonpartisan, feminist history.  Please join the McHenry County NOW chapter (mchenryconow.org) for a continuation of their 2026 Women Speakers Series at their regular September meeting.  Social hour begins at 6:30, meeting at 7.

Featuring candidates Sarah Mertens (35th state senate district), Maria Peterson (52nd state rep district), and Carolyn Campbell, our incumbent running for re-election to the McHenry County Board in district 3.

Visit Sarah at citizensforsarahmertens.com or on Facebook.
Visit Maria at mariafor52.com or on Facebook.
Visit Carolyn at carolynlyncampbell.com or on Facebook.

Visit McHenry County NOW at mchenryconow.org or on Facebook.

For more information please contact [email protected].

THE FINISH LINE -- Fundraiser for Dee Darling

WHEN:   Saturday, September 12th, 2026 -- Noon to 2:00 pm
WHERE:  Galati's Hideaway, 800 Feinberg Court, Cary

Dee Darling, our most awesome candidate for county board in district 1, writes:  "Please join us for a fundraiser to help power the final push of this campaign.   Election Day is coming up fast, and there's still so much work to do to get our message to every corner of District 1. Walk cards, Mailers, Yard signs, Digital ads, maybe even a billboard where our neighbors will see it every day.  But none of it happens without your support in the home stretch. This is a grassroots campaign, funded by neighbors, not corporations or special interests, and that means every single dollar makes a real difference."

"If you also believe in a McHenry County that works for everyone, singles and seniors, veterans and young families alike, I'd be grateful for your support.   Let's finish this strong, together."

Please join Dee for a pizza lunch -- only $20.  Can't make it to the fundraiser? An online donation for our final push to that election day finish line goes just as far: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vote4darling

Visit Dee at vote4darling.com or on Facebook.

For more information please reach out to Regina Rakoncay at [email protected] or 847-497-5355

League of Women Voters of McHenry County -- 2026 Candidate Meet n Greet's

The McHenry County chapter of the League of Women Voters -- a completely nonpartisan group -- is sponsoring a series of Meet n Greet's for McHenry County candidates for county and state legislative offices.  All candidates are invited.

Please join in to learn and show your support for our awesome Democratic candidates.

Saturday September 12th -- 1:00 to 3:00 pm -- County Board Districts 6 and 8 - with Sheryl Lindenbaum (district 6).  At the Nippersink Library, 5418 Hill Road, Richmond.

Saturday September 19th -- 1:30 to 3:30 pm -- County Board District 1 -- with Dee Darling.  At the Cary Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary.

Sunday September 27th -- 2:00 to 4:00 pm -- County Board District 5 -- with Austin May.  At the McHenry Library, 809 Front Street, McHenry.

Wednesday September 30th -- 5:30 to 7:30 pm -- County Board Districts 3 and 9 -- with Carolyn Campbell (district 3) and Christine Hamm (district 9).

Here's the event on the League's Facebook page.

Visit the League of Women Voters of McHenry County at lwvmchenrycountyil.lwv.org or on Facebook.

2026 Johnsburg Saufen und Spiel Parade

WHEN:  Sunday, September 13th, 2026 -- Stepoff at 12:00 noon.  Come early to park and find us.  We'll be arriving with our float about 10am, and help decorating is always appreciated.

WHERE:  Official stepoff is from the Johnsburg Village Hall, at 1515 Channel Beach Avenue.  Our assembly point is in Sunnyside Park, immediately to the south.

Saufen und Spiel -- in German, Drink and Play -- and there's no better way to celebrate late summer than by marching with the McHenry Democrats -- and our awesome candidates -- in the 2026 parade in the happening town of Johnsburg.   Please RSVP and come on out if you can.

It's about a two-mile walk, or you can ride with us on our float.  The parade takes us west on Channel Beach Avenue, then southwest on Johnsburg Road, north on Spring Grove Road, and finally east on Church Street to the Johnsburg Community Club.

Be there as Joan Esposito brings her
live show to McHenry County!

On September 15th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we are hosting Chicago’s Progressive Talk Radio powerhouse, WCPT 820 AM, for a special live broadcast featuring celebrated host Joan Esposito, broadcasting straight from Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake! 

Joan will be talking to the who’s who of McHenry Dem politics, including IL House Rep Suzanne Ness, Democratic National Committee Midwest Caucus Vice Chair, Kristina Zahorik, and County Board Member Carolyn Campbell.  Plus candidates and community leaders!

Duke's Alehouse has opened just for us, featuring a delicious buffet and bar service available during the broadcast.  Duke's is known for utilizing sustainable ingredients from local farmers and producers. The bar features an extensive collection of cocktails, mocktails, craft beer, and wines.

REGISTRATION IS A MUST!  SEATING IS VERY LIMITED!  

GUARANTEE YOUR SEATING BY BEING A VIP! 
Tickets $90 each and are limited, which includes a seat at a table and the buffet ($35 value)
Get your tickets here!

Entrance Only Ticket - $10.  Buffet extra, can be purchased at the event.  Seating not guaranteed.

Please consider other sponsorship packages, which all come with our sincere appreciation for your support.  If interested, please contact [email protected].

McHenry County Democratic candidates are set to make history this election, up and down the ballot. Be a part of it. DO SOMETHING! Show Chicagoland that we're kicking it by cheering on our candidates at this live event!

Thank you to our Sponsors! 
McHenry County Democratic Women

Reservation preference may be given to members of the Democratic Party of McHenry County (DPMC).  Ticket holders may be denied admission or have their admission revoked (with refund) at any time at the sole discretion of DPMC. 

Please join us at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, at the "Conference Center" at McHenry County College!

It's the regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Party of McHenry County.  RSVP'ing beforehand is a MUST. 

Join us! Community is how we will persevere and triumph.

Agenda

• 7:00 p.m. — Doors open 
• 7:15 p.m. — Meeting begins
• Introductions
  
  • Candidate Introductions
• Chair's Message
• Reports - Officers/Committees/Districts
  • Events
  • Communications 
  • Tech Chair
  • District Chair Reports
• Announcements -
  • The purpose is to announce events, presentations, and items of interest to Democrats  If you have an idea for a speaker or broader discussion, you must request an addition to the agenda a week before the meeting. Please limit your announcements to 2 minutes.
• 8:30 p.m. — Adjourn

Invite a friend to attend the meeting! Introduce a friend or neighbor to grassroots politics and help us grow the Party.

McHenry County College is located on Route 14, halfway between Woodstock and Crystal Lake. 

Turn in at the traffic light, then turn right and right again to park near the entrance for Building A, the very first building you come to.  Enter the building, walk straight ahead, and you'll find the Conference Center on the left, opposite the library. There's no stairs and everything is fully ADA-compliant.  

Come early and chat, we're always there by 6:30.  Here's a map of MCC.  (If you accidentally parked on the south side, by the Luecht Auditorium or the cafeteria, no matter, just walk around to the left past the gym, up the stairs at the end, turn right and we're there.)

Map of MCC