McHenry County Lifestyle
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A groundhog robot? Woodstock won’t bow to PETA pressure to replace its woodchuck mascotJan 27, 2026 7:41 am - Woodstock Willie is set to make his annual prognostication on the next six weeks of weather early on Groundhog Day morning. However, the national animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling for the furry forecaster to be replaced by a 3D holographic projection, the costumed mascot, a stuffed toy, or even an AI-powered robot groundhog.
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Horned Lark is having a moment: Ground-hugger featured on cover of two birding magazinesJan 26, 2026 12:24 pm - There are roughly 750 kinds of birds in the United States. So, what are the chances that one of them, Horned Lark, would grace the covers of two major birding magazines this month?
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Top dogs compete in show at Lake County FairgroundsJan 24, 2026 5:42 pm - The Lake County Fairgrounds was filled with man’s best friends and their owners as they vied for top honors at the Cool Cluster Dog Show this frigid Saturday in January.
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‘It would mean everything’: Riverwoods animal shelter starts public fundraiser for rebuildJan 22, 2026 2:26 pm - Riverwoods-based pet shelter Orphans of the Storm is embarking on a $2.3 million fundraising campaign to help cover a $15 million renovation of the facility.
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‘You find your niche’: How service clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary attract new membersJan 21, 2026 4:40 pm - During my years as a service club member from 1987 to 2010, something bothered me. How would the club move into the future without younger members?
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A heart of gold: St. Viator student honored for ‘exceptional’ volunteerism in Arlington HeightsJan 21, 2026 11:07 am - Saint Viator junior Shane Smith was named the Young Champion by the Arlington Heights Hearts of Gold Committee, which recognizes a middle or high school student who has made an exceptional impact on the local community.
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South Korean youth ensemble KARA concludes Midwest tour in HuntleyJan 20, 2026 9:40 pm - KARA Youth Chorus and Orchestra, a highly acclaimed group from South Korea, is concluding its second Vision Trip tour in the U.S. with a performance at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley,
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Beat the winter blues at Chicago Botanic Garden’s ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ orchid showJan 20, 2026 4:27 pm - The Chicago Botanic Garden rewinds to the 1960s and ‘70s during The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy, which opens Feb. 7 and runs through through March 22.
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Home & garden calendar, Jan. 24-31Jan 20, 2026 3:42 pm - Upcoming gardening club meetings, events, and workshops in the suburbs on topics like soil health, composting, native plants, pruning, and houseplant care.
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Pet sitting business takes technology use to new levelJan 20, 2026 3:00 pm - Paige Massarelli and Max Vickers, a married couple from Lake County, own Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, a pet-sitting service that utilizes technology and GPS trackers to show the owners how their pets were cared for.