Needed--A Few Good People

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION.  Application forms, along with the McHenry County Housing Commission Supplemental Application, are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-334-4221) or the Applications may be found at the bottom of this page.   

All completed applications should be returned to the County Board office.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098.  Housing Commission questions should be addressed to Sarah Ciampi, Planning and Development Department at 815-334-4560.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FARMLAND PROTECTION COMMISSION.  Three (3) vacant positions are available for three (3) year terms to expire on January 1, 2015.  Incumbents may apply for reappointment.  A background and/or experience in agriculture, finance, conservation or planning are desirable.  Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL  60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found at the bottom of this page.  Completed applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on January 13, 2012.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL  60098.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from persons interested in appointment to the McHenry County Ethics Commission.  Two (2) vacant positions are available for terms ending February 1, 2014.  Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found t the bottom of this page.  

Applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2012.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMITTEE (CDBG).  All terms are for 2, 3 or 4 years.  The following appointments are available:

Representatives from County Board Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 which includes representation from among the following professions, associations or organizations:  banking industry, McHenry County Association of Realtors, McHenry County Homebuilder Association, McHenry County Bar Association, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, building inspectors, architects and engineers.

 Representatives from township supervisors, township road commissioners, and/or municipalities within McHenry County limited to mayors (presidents), aldermen/councilmen (trustees) or administrators (managers).

 One (1) appointment for a non-voting (ex-officio) member which shall consist of a representative from a McHenry County service agency.

 One (1) appointment for a non-voting (ex-officio) member which shall consist of a representative from the McHenry County Housing Authority.

All applicants shall be residents of and/or employed in McHenry County, Illinois, and/or serve as an elected or appointed official serving McHenry County, Illinois, and shall be actively engaged in business in, or concerned with, the welfare of the people in McHenry County, Illinois. 

Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL  60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found at the bottom of this page.  Completed applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.   

If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address: 

McHenry County Board, 

2200 North Seminary Avenue, 

 Woodstock, IL  60098.

Download Appointment Application:

 Appointment Application
General Application for Appointment to Boards & Commissions

Download Supplemental Application:  

Housing Commission - Supplemental Application 

ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) - Supplemental Application

A Real Winner

For the 13^th  consecutive year, McHenry County has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada award for its November 30, 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or CAFR as it is known.

 

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to McHenry County by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its November 30, 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

This is the 13th consecutive year that this honor has been awarded. In addition, McHenry County was given a second Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its November 30, 2010 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). This is the third consecutive year for the award. McHenry County is the only county among the 102 counties in Illinois in which a PAFR is prepared and submitted for the award.

Both the CAFR and PAFR are prepared by the McHenry County Auditor’s Office. County Auditor Pam Palmer stated, “The receipt of these awards represent the strong financial accounting and reporting functions that have been established in McHenry County government. Also contributing are the County Board approved financial policies and the procedures which have been implemented by the Elected Officials and Department Directors. It is an honor to achieve these awards each year.”

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with office in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. 

Want To Quit Smoking?

Call after the holiday to reserve your spot for the next quit smoking class. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System has partnered to offer a 7-week quit smoking class for adults beginning on Thursday, January 12. 

Classes will be held at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley, located at 10450 Algonquin Road, every Thursday, from 6pm-7:30pm. A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all seven sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to the Health Bridge Fitness Center.

The class will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that is trained in the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program.

For more information, and to register, call 1-877-CENTEGRA, or visit www.mcdh.info.

To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES. 

Something For the March 20 Ballot-Savings On Electric Bills

Everybody likes to save money.

One way that is becoming more and more available involves the use of electricity. This is known as Electric Aggregation and is anticipated to go to the unincorporated area voters of McHenry County for the March 20 Primary Election.

The following provides information regarding the upcoming ballot questions. It should be realized this would apply only for residents in the unincorporated areas of McHenry County. If any of the cities or villages in the County desire to provide for the same possible savings for constituents it would require approval by the voters of each particular municipality.

1. How can the County purchase electricity on behalf of residents and small businesses at potentially lower costs?

Under the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-92), local governments are now able to receive a request for proposals (RFP) from suppliers on behalf of the entire community under a single contract. If the rates are lower than ComEd’s, all residential and small business accounts in the unincorporated County area would purchase electricity from the new supplier saving residents and small businesses on their electric bills.

2. Why is there a referendum?

Under the new state law, voters must approve a referendum granting the County the authority to seek electric service RFPs for residents and small businesses under a single contract.

3. What does the referendum ask?

The referendum asks unincorporated McHenry County voters if the County should have the authority to seek RFPs for electric services under a single contract.  It specifically it asks:

“SHALL THE COUNTY OF MCHENRY, ILLINOIS, HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ARRANGE FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY FOR ITS RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL RETAIL CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE NOT OPTED OUT OF SUCH PROGRAM?”

4. Why is the County asking voters for this authority?

The County’s intent would be to try and save residents and businesses money by taking advantage of the new state law.

5. What happens if the voters approve the referendum?

If voters approve, the County would begin the process of developing RFP documents with its Electric Aggregation Consultant and seeking RFP from electric suppliers. If the resulting prices are lower than current prices from ComEd, the County Board would accept the lowest, responsible bidder. Since electric prices would be lower, residents and business electric bills would go down.

6. What if a resident does not want to participate?

You don’t have to change electric suppliers. Each electric customer would be contacted by the selected new electricity supplier. Any customer may “opt out” of the program and stay with your current electric supplier.

7. Can residents enter into their own individual contracts with electric suppliers?

Yes, residents may currently enter into their own contract.  Alternatively, residents may “opt-out” and then enter into their own contract. 

8. What if the prices from the RFPs are higher than ComEd’s prices?

The County Board would not accept any RFPs and your account would stay with ComEd.

9. What rate savings can be expected?

It is too early to predict the magnitude of savings as electric suppliers have yet to price residential and small business accounts under a single bulk contract. That having been said, past aggregations have resulted in approximately 20% savings.

10. If power is purchased from another supplier who would residents call for outages?

ComEd will continue to be responsible for electrical distribution.  By law, ComEd would continue to handle all service issues including any emergency repairs.

11. Would I get a separate bill from the new supplier?

ComEd will continue to handle billing.  You will still be a customer of ComEd’s delivery system while you purchase power from another supplier.

12. Can the public have input on the RFPs?

Yes, the County will hold public hearings to give residents the opportunity to provide input on the plan.

13.  If the referendum passes, is the County obligated to switch suppliers?

No. The referendum merely gives the County the right to seek RFPs. If RFPs are not lower, or not low enough, no change would be made.

14.  When would the first RFPs be received if the voters vote “yes”?

March 2012 would be the earliest for the County to receive the first RFPs.

As an added note, we know of someone in McHenry County who receives natural gas in a like manner. A referendum was not required for this utility. 

Words of Wisdom

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don't clean it up too quickly.  

~Andy Rooney

Quilts and Pillowcases From MCCQuilters Guild To PADS

Some McHenry County College employees and students are continuing a timeless art form, all the while making a difference in the community.

McHenry County College’s MCCQuilters Guild donated a total of 37 handmade quilts and 30 pillowcases to Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) transitional home and Turning Point over the past year. In the past month alone, the two charities accepted 15 comfort quilts, 25 pillowcases, and one wall hanging from the MCCQuilters.

The group’s mission is to serve McHenry County by making quilts and pillowcases for local charities, teaching others how to quilt, and practicing sustainability by using donated fabric to make the items. So far, the donated linens have saved 110 yards of fabric from going into landfills.

“It is a fun, positive experience, and I’ve met other people around the College I didn’t know,” said quilting guild member Caroline Sobolak, who works in the Grants Office. “I look forward to it every month. We’re helping others while being there for each other,” she said.

The MCCQuilters Guild began in 2010, when a group of five female employees gathered for lunch and bonded over their love of quilting and service. One of the members talked about making quilts for sick children. Soon, the women began sewing quilts after work. The group grew from that conversation, and today eight active members and several drop-in members gather once a month to design and sew quilts for homeless children. Some members without sewing experience sew or piece the fabric together, and experienced quilters sew on machines that they bring from home. Often, members will work on a quilt at home in their spare time to keep the projects moving along.

Guild member Marilyn Schick, director of Computing Services, said she enjoys the camaraderie and the connection with American heritage.

“This is the most cheerful, collaborative group I had ever worked with. It’s different than being together with them in (work-related) meetings during the day. I supervise some of them during the day, but in the evenings, they supervise me; they’ve taught me how to quilt,” she said.

“As I got interested in quilting, I read up on it and I was impressed with how women, throughout history, always quilted and joined quilting bees,” Schick added. “It’s functional and an art form very unique to women. Nowadays, I don’t think we have an opportunity or reasons to get together as women did 100 or 150 years ago. When we come together, we’re continuing a tradition that’s part of our American heritage.”

“In addition to being a very practical thing to donate to the shelter, the quilts prove to our clients that members of the community care about what they are going through and want to help. That is invaluable,” said Turning Point coordinator Jennifer Kenning. “Clients will be able to take the items with them when they leave our shelter. It was a very generous donation and the quilts are beautiful! They really brighten the rooms and give them a homey feel.”

Other guild members expressed that they enjoy the group because of the fellowship and the excitement of the quilt recipients.

Opening the guild to students has stirred some enthusiasm as well. Guild members said they hope more students will join them in January when the members start making larger quilts to benefit adult clients at the nonprofit agencies.

Photo Caption:

Members of the MCCQuilters Guild donated 37 handmade quilts and 30 pillowcases to Turning Point and Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) this past year, which also kept 110 yards of fabric from going into landfills. Pictured are, from left, (kneeling), Mary Matthei, Tami Krohn; middle row, Janice Samsa, Caroline Sobolak; back row, Sherry Hodnik, Helen Jost, Mary Gatto, Marilyn Schick, Marie Frostman, and Jonnie Jo Sullivan.

New Additions For Raue Center For The Arts Board

Raue Center For The Arts is incredibly excited to welcome new additions to their Board of Directors for the 2011-2012 season. These new members stand to offer bountiful amounts of valuable information pulled from their own varying professional experiences.

In August of 2011 Jack Minsley Raue Center For The Arts’ board secretary. Jack received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York. He retired at the end of 2001 as Director of Customer Technical Services, Beverage Cans Americas for Rexam PLC (successor corporation to American National Can Co.) an international manufacturer of packaging materials, where amongst other things, he established and managed multimillion dollar annual capital and expense budgets. In retirement he has worked part time as a seasonal employee for the Village of Lakewood at RedTail Golf Club. Jack is also very involved in the community. He was an Assistant Scout Master for 7 years in Crystal Lake with Troop 158. Previously Jack was the vice president and a religious school teacher with Congregation Tikkun Olam, and still currently holds a board member position. Over the last five years he has volunteered weekly at Centegra Memorial Hospital – Woodstock.

Also Joining the Board:

Robert L. Cormier, Jr. is Executive Vice President of Home State Bank. Bob’s focus is on Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate Lending. Bob graduated from Northeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Management, and earned a M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, Bob has attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and the National Graduate Trust School. He lives in Crystal Lake with his wife Kathleen and four children.

Gus Ponce is currently the Director of Transmission and Sub Stations in Chicago for Commonwealth Edison electric utility company. Gus is a graduate of Illinois Benedictine University where he holds a degree in Industrial Management and has also completed his nuclear certification for power water reactors at the Westinghouse nuclear training facility in Zion, IL. He and his family have lived in Spring Grove, IL since 2002.

Raue Center welcomes back Jim Roth to the board. He and his wife, Barbara, have been residents of McHenry County since 1993. Jim is a Certified Financial Planner providing comprehensive wealth management guidance to high-net worth clients of the Harris Private Bank, a unit of BMO Harris Bank. This is Jim’s second stint on the Board, having previously served until January of 2009. In his previous capacity Jim served as Chairman of the HR Committee and also served on the Finance Committee for Raue Center.

Crystal Lake resident Todd Schroll is a social worker by trade. He serves our community through his work at McHenry County Mental Health Board. As Project Director, Todd is responsible for promoting principles of care, developing strategic vision, program development, creating collaborative partnerships and ultimately enhancing the health, safety and well-being of children with serious emotional disorders. He graduated from Marquette University and received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Steve Szalaj and his family have lived in Crystal Lake since 1978. He and his wife, Monica, have two sons and four granddaughters. He is currently an adjunct instructor in music at McHenry County College where he directs the MCC Chorus, and teaches classes including Voice. Upon his recent retirement, Steve completed a 34-year career teaching vocal music in the public schools. He is also the founding Artistic Director of Voices in Harmony, which began in 1987 as the Crystal Lake Community Choir.

Raue Center looks forward to what these distinguished team members will contribute to the mission, the community and to the future of the theatre. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Words of Wisdom

"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation."

--Samuel Adams, November 27, 1780

Recycle Is The Key Word For After Christmas

While making preparations for Christmas, make a note for after the Holidays, when the tree must come down and ornaments put away Something to remember is what to do with the discarded fresh tree.

Did you know that McHenry County harvests more Christmas trees than any other county in Illinois? They are also recyclable.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of residential Christmas tree drop-off recycling programs in the County at no cost to residents.  Dropped-off trees are sent through a wood chipper to create a material suitable for mulching.

Patrick J. McNulty, Public Health Administrator, states “Mulching is a responsible use of our natural resources.  It can be used in landscaping to conserve moisture, reduce weeds and reduce soil erosion.”  McHenry County Conservation District has one of four recycling programs in the County, the others being Algonquin, Dorr and Nunda Township Road Districts.  Recycled Christmas trees must have all decorations removed prior to drop-off. 

(Open to all County residents) McHenry County Conservation District Glacial Park, Ringwood Rush Creek, Harvard Algonquin Township 815-338-6223 • Dec. 26-Jan.15	(Open to Algonquin Township residents) Algonquin Township Road District 3702 U.S. Hwy 14, Crystal Lake 847-639-2700, ext 6 Dec 26-Jan 31• 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk
(Open to Dorr Township residents) Dorr Township Road District 12322 Davis Road, Woodstock 815-338-1060 Dec. 26-Jan. 31 • M-F, 7am-3:30pm	(Open to Nunda Township residents) Nunda Township Road District 3518 Bay Road, Crystal Lake 815-459-4410 November-March • M-F, 7am-3:30pm 8am-noon on Saturdays

For more information, contact MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager Kristy Hecke at 815-334-4585.

Call Center Hours For Some Pace Paratransit Customers Change

New hours for trip reservations effective January 1--

Pace Suburban Bus reminds customers that the hours in which to place trip reservations for ADA Paratransit service for registered people with disabilities will change for most customers beginning January 1, 2012.

The new hours for service within Chicago will be 6 am – 6 pm every day of the week. Suburban riders can book trips between 6 am and 6 pm Monday-Friday, and between 8 am and 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The change means that Chicago call centers will close one hour earlier in the evening, and standardizes the hours for suburban call centers, which currently vary somewhat by region.

Seeking to reduce costs and improve manual oversight of trip dispatching, the RTA required that Pace reduce telephone reservation hours to regular business hours. During public hearings in October, many paratransit customers commented that the change would be burdensome, especially for those that work or attend school during business hours. Pace relayed the feedback to RTA, and the compromise was made to reduce call center hours by only one in the evening to mitigate the impact on customers, yet allow additional time to review the next day’s travel manifests to ensure peak routing efficiency.

“We’re pleased that a solution was reached that works for our customers, but also achieves the goal of increasing travel planning oversight, which will improve efficiency and customer satisfaction,” said Richard Kwasneski, Chairman of the Pace Board of Directors.

There are no changes to fares or the phone numbers that passengers call to reserve trips. Reservation hours will not change for suburban non-ADA dial-a-ride service, nor the Ride DuPage and Ride in Kane programs.

Words of Wisdom

"Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants."

 --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 1, 1787

Words of Wisdom

"[Democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security, or the rights of property; and have, in general, been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths."

 --James Madison, Federalist No. 10, 1787

Shall McHenry County Government Be Involved In Supplying Electricity

It appears the voters of unincorporated McHenry County will have the opportunity to consider whether they desire to be part of an electric aggregation. The McHenry County Board adopted a resolution to place a question on the ballot for the upcoming election stating: “Shall the County of McHenry, Illinois, have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program?”

That question will be put on the March 20 ballots for voters in the unincorporated areas of the county to make their decision.

The resolution as approved by the County Board Tuesday evening also explains: “In the event such question is approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question at the regular election on March 20, 2012, the McHenry County Board may implement an opt-out aggregation program and if the Board adopts the program the County shall comply with all the terms and provisions of the Act, and

“In the event the State of Illinois amends the Act to revise the form of the question to be placed on the ballot, the chairman of the McHenry County Board is authorized to direct the County Clerk to change the form of the question to conform with the amended Act, if required: and

“The County will create a plan of governance and Execution, coordinating with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Power Authority, Attorney General’s Office, Local Utility (ComEd) and  Suppliers both at a local and national level, and

“This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval as required by law.”

The Resolution was passed but the vote was not unanimous with Members Diane Evertsen, Donna Kurtz and Ersel Schuster casting dissenting votes.

A number of questions were raised at the County Board meeting regarding this plan. It was also noted that there may be as many as a dozen municipalities asking the same question at the March 20 election.

A meeting is to take place for County Board members on Wednesday, supposedly so they can learn more about this proposal. When we asked about the time we were told by County administration that it is not a public meeting.

Scams At Work

REMINDER

It is been reported that residents of McHenry County may be receiving false juror affidavits seeking personal information as part of a multicounty identity theft scam.

The Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County Jury Commission Office routinely mails potential jurors affidavits seeking specific information to qualify jurors.  The Twenty Second Judicial Circuit does not ask for a social security number on a juror questionnaire.

If you receive a document resembling a juror affidavit asking for personal information beyond basic identifying information; such as asking for your social security number, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Any official juror correspondence mailed from the McHenry County Jury Commission Office requesting information about your jury service should be returned to the McHenry County Jury Assembly Office at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098.

If you receive any documents requesting that you send information to a different address, contact your local law enforcement agency.  If you have questions regarding any correspondence from the McHenry County Jury Commission Office, please contact their office at 815-334-4390.

Government At Work

Wednesday, December 21

8:15 a.m. - Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the Main Conference Room of the McHenry County Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

The committee is to consider the following:

Resolution approving an amended engineering agreement and appropriating funds for the Walkup Road project;

Approving a resolution for the 2012-2016 Highway Improvement Program;

Resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the County and Pace Suburban Bus for McRide Transit Services;

Resolution to approve adopt-A-Highway Volunteer group agreements;

Resolution approving the acquisition of right-of-way for Highway purposes and appropriation funds for the Hill Road Township Bridge Project over the Nippersink Creek;

Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the above Hill Road project.

Resolution approving an intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Crystal Lake for Engineering and Construction for the South Main Street/Pyott road Intersection project.

Manzullo Will File For Re-Election-Not Representing McHenry County

With a plan to cut wasteful government spending and help put Americans back to work, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will file his petitions in Springfield later this week to run for re-election in the new 16th Congressional District of Illinois.

A nationally recognized leader in the mission to strengthen manufacturing in America, Manzullo is a proven leader who has served the people of the 16th District with a strong conservative voice since 1993. The district will change dramatically next year due to the Illinois Democrats’ blatant attempts to overturn the will of the people through this year’s Congressional redistricting process. 

The 16th District, which has generally run east to west across the top of the state since the 1850s, turns into a north-south district under the Democrats’ gerrymander. It starts on the east side of Rockford – splitting the city in half, and heads south and then east around the collar counties all the way to the Indiana border. The district will now include the counties of Boone, Ogle, Lee, Bureau, Putnam, LaSalle, Grundy, Livingston, Iroquois, and parts of Winnebago, DeKalb, Stark, Will and Ford counties.

While the new Democrat map tears apart communities and separates Republican members of Congress from the constituents they have served for years, Manzullo accepts the recent federal court decision reaffirming the map and will move forward with his campaign for re-election. While he will miss many of the constituents he has served for years, he looks forward to meeting new friends in the new counties and sharing his plans cut wasteful spending, improve our economy, and help put Americans back to work.

“Our great nation is at a crossroads right now with too many Americans out of work and the government plunging deeper and deeper into debt every day. I have the conservative credentials, the leadership experience, and the plans necessary to help put Americans back to work and to get our great country back on the road to prosperity,” Manzullo said. “I look forward to meeting new friends and sharing my thoughts on how we can cut wasteful Washington spending, reduce our debt, and improve our economy so Americans can return to their jobs.”

In Washington, Manzullo is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, where he works to level the playing field for American manufacturers competing with companies in China and other Asian nations that are operating under unfair trade advantages. He is also a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he sits on the two most important subcommittees dealing with capital markets, banks, and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac reforms. Manzullo also chairs the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Exchange, and he co-founded and co-chairs the 80-member House Manufacturing Caucus that is focused on restoring manufacturing in America.

The former Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, Manzullo continues to champion American manufacturing through work on his American Jobs Agenda, an ongoing action plan focused on helping employers survive, expand, and create jobs. The complete agenda can be viewed at manzullo.org.

Congressman Manzullo has a lifetime 96 percent rating from the American Conservative Union and he consistently earns recognition as a “Taxpayer’s Hero” from Citizens Against Government Waste, a “Taxpayer’s Friend” by the National Taxpayers Union, and a “Friend of Agriculture” by the Illinois Agricultural Association. He has also been called “Senior Friendly” by the 60 Plus Association, and he received the “Guardian of Small Business Award” from the National Federation of Independent Business numerous times. He has received several endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers has consistently honored him with the “Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.”

In 2001, Manzullo was named "Legislator of the Year" by the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition for his efforts to pass legislation helping veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Wings of Liberty Award from the Aerospace Industries Association for his efforts to convince the Administration to clarify export licenses of spare airplane parts, which resulted in billions of dollars in additional aerospace sales overseas.

Click here to view a list of Rep. Manzullo’s major legislative and administrative accomplishments.

Ricky Nelson Remembered-At Raue Center For The Arts

Twenty-Six  years after his tragic passing, celebrate the iconic and timeless music of Ricky Nelson performed by his sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.  Ricky Nelson Remembered comes to Raue Center For The Arts on January 13 at 7:30 pm.

Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique multi-media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson's hit songs (including “Hello Mary Lou", "Travelin' Man” and “Garden Party").

This show stars Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the identical twin sons of Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson.  When Matthew & Gunnar hit #1 on the Billboard with their rock band Nelson with their self-penned #1 mega hit "(Can't Live Without Your) Love & Affection", the Nelson family is listed in The Guiness Book of World Records as the only family in entertainment history with three generations of #1 hitmakers. With their rock band Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four  #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide.

Also included is never before seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson. The show appeals to a wide audience and multiple generations and celebrates the life of America’s original ‘Teen Idol’. 

Help the Nelson sons remember their father in a special evening of great music. Tickets are $35, $32 and $29 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.  This show is sponsored by Country Inn and Suites.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org, www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Improve English Or Finish High School Classes At MCC

Anyone who did not finish high school or those who need to improve their English are invited to enroll in General Education Development (GED) or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that begin at McHenry County College on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. Morning and evening classes are available.

Registration and testing for GED and ESL classes take place at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, 9 and 16 in Room A362.  Applicants must register and take a placement test on campus during registration days/times. No appointment is necessary. Please allow a minimum of two hours to complete the process. GED classes are also available online and in Spanish. MCC’s Adult Education Department also offers free tutoring for qualifying students. For more information, call (815) 455-8752, come to room A362 at MCC or visit www.mchenry.edu/GED or www.mchenry.edu/ESL.

For information, call Kristi Berry at (815) 455-8752, or e-mail kberry@mchenry.edu

For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment) federal funds of $149,194.00 provide approximately 21% of the support of these programs.

Wonder Where That Infection Originated

Following is an interesting piece of scientific information from Penn State University.

(I know, at this point in time, some may not think much of Penn State following the recent scandal. However, I was privileged to spend at least a decade in State College, Pa. I attended graduate school there and remained for a few more years as News Director of the Public Radio Station. So I have more fond memories of the institution than those that seem to be appearing now.)

 

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A study examining the prevalence of the fungus Fusarium in bathroom sink drains suggests that plumbing systems may be a common source of human infections.

In the first extensive survey of its kind, researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences sampled nearly 500 sink drains from 131 buildings -- including businesses, homes, university dormitories and public facilities -- in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and California.

Fungal DNA was analyzed using multilocus sequence typing to compare the spectrum of Fusarium species and sequence types found in drains with those recovered from human infections.

The study identified at least one Fusarium isolate in 66 percent of the drains and in 82 percent of the buildings. About 70 percent of those isolates came from the six sequence types of Fusarium most frequently associated with human infections.

"With about two thirds of sinks found to harbor Fusarium, it's clear that those buildings' inhabitants are exposed to these fungi on a regular basis," said lead investigator Dylan Short, who recently completed his doctorate in plant pathology. "This strongly supports the hypothesis that plumbing-surface biofilms serve as reservoirs for human pathogenic fusaria."

Study results were published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

Fusarium may be best known as a fungus that causes a variety of diseases in agricultural crops. In Pennsylvania, Fusarium diseases of grains and greenhouse crops are of particular concern. Fusarium species also produce mycotoxins in association with plants, causing a direct health threat to animals and humans that consume them.

Some species of Fusarium also cause opportunistic and sometimes fatal infections in humans, typically entering the body through wounds or trauma, via catheters and intravenous devices, or by introduction of a biofilm to the eye. While relatively rare, Fusarium infections can be difficult to treat due to the organism's resistance to many antifungal drugs. Those most at risk are individuals with weak or compromised immune systems.

In one high-profile case, Fusarium was found to have caused a widely publicized 2005-06 outbreak of fungal keratitis (infection of the cornea) among contact-lens wearers.

"In the recent outbreaks of fungal keratitis in Southeast Asia and North America connected to contact-lens use, plumbing systems were the main environmental sources of the most frequent Fusarium species and sequence types associated with eye infections," Short said.

He explained that biofilms on plumbing surfaces are known to comprise a diverse spectrum of fungi and other microbes. "Based on its very high frequency, it is clear that Fusarium is a ubiquitous component of biofilm microbial communities in plumbing systems," he said. "The adaptations that make Fusarium biofilm growth possible also may facilitate infection of humans.

"For example, in the 2005-06 mycotic keratitis outbreak, it was hypothesized that improper use of a contact lens solution led to reduced efficacy of its antimicrobial properties, which allowed fusaria to establish biofilms on contact lens surfaces and in lens cases," he said.

"The biofilm also may play an important role in established infections in humans by protecting the fungus from drug treatments, since biofilm-phase fusaria tend to be more resistant to antifungal drugs than those growing in a fluid medium."

Of the 59 sequence types identified from sinks in this study, 32 had not been found in previous multilocus sequence typing studies of Fusarium. These novel types included members of four apparently new Fusarium species.

David Geiser, professor of plant pathology and a member of the research team, pointed out that the serious infections caused by fusaria are relatively uncommon and that these fungi may even play positive roles in plumbing systems. But he said the study provides the strongest evidence to date supporting an epidemiological link between human fusarioses and plumbing systems.

"Our apparently constant physical proximity to these fungi belies their relative obscurity in terms of public awareness and understanding by the scientific community," said Geiser, who also is director of Penn State's Fusarium Research Center, which houses the world's largest collection of Fusarium.

"The species involved offer significant potential for studying host-microbe interactions, novel metabolic activities -- including the production of mycotoxins and antibiotics -- and the roles of microbes in indoor environments," he said.

Other members of the project team were Kerry O'Donnell, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service; Ning Zhang, Rutgers University; and Jean Juba, Penn State Department of Plant Pathology.

Funding was provided by the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences graduate research competitive grants program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and Bausch and Lomb Inc.