Cast your votes for your favorite local eateries now through October 31st!

Written on October 11, 2023.

McH THRIVE Update!

Resume McHenry County becomes McH THRIVE!

With the end of the state and federal COVID-19 states of emergency, it’s time to stop talking about resuming life as normal and dedicate it to moving ahead, together, better than before.

We deserve the opportunity that lies before us… our manufacturers and small businesses, our workforce, our tourism industry, our agriculture and agritourism sectors and our economic development agencies and chambers of commerce… all of us deserve the opportunity to THRIVE!

Thank you for reading and subscribing to the new McH THRIVE! You can help us continue to grow by forwarding this email to people who you think would enjoy it. They can subscribe by visiting McHenryCountyIL.gov/social.com or on social media.

McHenry County features prominently in IMA/IMEC manufacturing tour

Calling all foodies! The annual Insider Guide published by our friends at Naturally McHenry County is going to have an awesome, and delicious, new addition!

It’s called “Insider Favorites,” and it will feature the best restaurants in McHenry County – as decided by you! Through the end of October, you can click here to go and vote for your favorite dining spots for breakfast and brunch, dessert, outdoor dining, date night and more!

McHenry County is home to so many great local eateries – show some love to the ones that make our lives tastier!

The annual Insider Guide is nothing short of a work of art that makes it easy to plan year-round fun in McHenry County – click here to see the 2023 edition.

Sew Hop’d brewery wins gold in USA’s largest beer competition

Now this is an achievement we can all raise a glass to celebrate!

Sew Hop’d Brewery, in Huntley, won a gold medal at the recent Great American Beer Festival for its altbier, Alt 140. The festival, in which 2,000 breweries competed and submitted 9,200 different beers, is the nation’s largest professional beer competition.

The Sew Hop’d brewery, founded four years ago, was the only gold-medal winner from the Chicago suburbs. But Crystal Lake Brewing won a silver medal for its Boathouse Imperial Stout, and just over the border in Kane County, MORE Brewing in Huntley won a bronze for its Lil’ Space Booties hazy pale ale.

There are a lot of outstanding craft beverage makers in McHenry County, and you can find a list of even more to sample by clicking here.

Low-income utility bill assistance applications are now open

Do you or someone you know need help with paying utility bills? The state is accepting applications for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The LIHEAP program is now taking applications for seniors age 60 and older, the disabled, and families with children younger than six years old. Households that have been disconnected or have a disconnection notice can begin applying November 1, with applications for all other income-eligible households opening on December 1.

Visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com to learn more and apply.

MCC Job and Internship Fair takes place October 11

As a reminder, if you’re looking for a job or an internship, the next McHenry County College Job and Internship Fai r takes place next week.

The free event takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, at the college, located at 8900 Route 14, in Crystal Lake. Attendees can connect with local employers seeking full-time and part-time employees, as well as interns and temporary workers.

Regardless of what kind of work you’re seeking, dress to impress and bring copies of your resume. Organizers are also encouraging attendees to create a free account on the MCC Hire a Scot job website, which you can find here.

Federal student loan payments have resumed

After a pause of more than three years on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal student loan borrowers will need to resume making payments starting this month.

Loan repayment was frozen in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, and the pause was extended eight times during the Trump and Biden administrations.

Click here and here to learn more about what this means, and options that borrowers have to lower payments and potentially get some of the debt forgiven.

McHenry County Autumn Drive celebrating its 35th year

If a leisurely drive along scenic McHenry County country roads filled with quaint stops and great goodies sounds like a good time, then the 35th annual Autumn Drive is just what you need.

The drive takes visitors through a mosaic of rustic farms, beautiful crafts and antiques, all against McHenry County’s palette of gorgeous fall colors.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 20, 21 and 22, and the drive includes 16 stops throughout rural Woodstock and Marengo. The drive is self-guided – you choose the places you want to visit, and when.

Visit www.autumndrive.net for more information and a map, and be sure to check out the guide that Naturally McHenry County put out to maximize your Autumn Drive experience!

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What is McH Thrive?

McH Thrive is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, MCEDC, in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents.