Flexible Child Care Scheduling At Crystal Lake Park District

The Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Child Care is now offering a 10- Day Punch Pass program for parents who need flexible child care scheduling.

Punch Passes may be utilized for any 10 days during 2012-2013 for either a full or half day at Grand Oaks Child Care.

Traditional full day or half day enrollment is also offered at Grand Oaks

Child Care. 3 and 5 day schedules with full and half day options are available
The newest program, Grand Oaks Child Care is now open and taking registration for immediate enrollment. Open enrollment will continue throughout the year as space permits.

Grand Oaks Child Care is located at 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake. The Grand Oaks Child Care program is licensed by the Department of Children & Family   Services and provides children ages 3-5 years old, a quality child care and education program. The daily schedule includes literacy, music, art and dramatic play. Breakfast, lunch and snack are served daily.

For further information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 220 or via email sthompson@cyrstalparks.org

 

Flu Vaccine For Children

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has received both injectable and intranasal (FluMist) flu vaccine for children 6 months to 18 years of age through the state-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. 

Appointments are required at 815-334-4536.  Medicaid is accepted.  Non-Medicaid children that meet VFC criteria (uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, Alaskan Native) will be charged a $15 administrative fee. Parents must accompany children and bring up to date immunization records.

New flu clinics have been scheduled at MCDH’s Crystal Lake office (100 N Virginia St, Crystal Lake) on the following dates/times –

Friday, October 12--1pm to 5pm  

Friday, October 19--1:30pm to 4:30pm  

Tuesday, October 23--9:30am to 12pm; 1pm to 5pm

Friday, October 26--1pm to 4pm

Vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting your family. Children younger than 5 are at highest risk of serious flu complications including hospitalizations and death as compared to older children. 

The VFC Program is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) largest public-private partnership, ensuring that all eligible children receive the benefits of newly recommended vaccines, thereby strengthening immunity levels in their communities.  Eligible children include those from 6 months of age to 18 years (accompanied by parent or guardian), All Kids/Public Aid recipients, families without insurance and families whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccinations.

Pottery Demonstration Conference At MCC

A two-day pottery demonstration conference will take place at McHenry County College (MCC) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 12 and 13 in the Luecht Conference Center at MCC, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake

The pottery demonstration will feature Emily Reason, a full time potter in her Marshall, North Carolina studio, who exhibits her work and teaches pottery workshops throughout the country. She creates wheel-thrown functional work, using porcelain, carving techniques and a gas reduction firing process. She is the author of “Ceramics for Beginners: Wheel Throwing.”

Reason will demonstrate her process of throwing, trimming, carving, brush-working and embellishing her pieces. She will share tips for working with porcelain and explain how she makes decisions about form and surface in her work. As a group, attendees will discuss motivation for making pottery, from inspiration to making a living as a potter.

Cost is $125 for both days and $115 for MCC students and Clayworkers’ Guild members; $70 for one day only and $65 for MCC students and Clayworkers’ Guild members. The fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. A $25 fee will be added for registering at the door.

To register with a credit card, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) will be available. For more information, email mccconferencecenter@mchenry.edu or call Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570. Information is also available at www.mchenry.edu/pottery.

Words Of Wisdom

"The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind."

 --Thomas Jefferson (1790)

Walkup Road Work Moving Along

South section-
Pavement removal and earth excavation will continue on the north side of IL Route 176 and on Walkup between Park View and Talismon Drive. New curb and gutter will be installed next week in these areas.

Work continues on the new retaining wall along Veteran Acres, and work will start on the retaining wall along the shopping mall located on IL 176.

North section-
Curb and gutter installation will be completed early next week on the east side of Walkup. Stone grading and asphalt widening will follow. Traffic lane shifting may occur at the end of next week – watch for updates.

Please proceed with caution through the work zones – construction personnel and equipment will be present. Expect delays as the work scheduled will impact traffic.

Words Of Wisdom

"[A] wise and frugal government ... shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."

 --Thomas Jefferson

One More Chance For Flu Shot

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering one more opportunity to obtain a flu shot for this season. That is Saturday, September 29 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. The location is the Crystal Lake McHenry County Department of Health office,

Appointments are required and may be made online at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4510. The cost is $30 with Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.

The CDC recommends getting a flu shot before the flu season begins as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection.

Flagger Training Certificate Course

McHenry County College is offering a four-hour National Safety Council Flagger Training Certificate Course from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20.

The class will take place at the Shah Center, 4100 West Shamrock Lane, McHenry, in Room 121

Students will learn flagging procedures and proper use of required equipment through classroom activities and hands-on training. The flagger training course is available for both novice and experienced construction zone flaggers.

In addition to controlling traffic through work areas, the program aims to minimize confusion by bringing standard flagging procedures to our nation's highways.

Cost is $125 per session. To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call Dee Comella at (815) 479-7591.

Words Of Wisdom

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind."

--Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Hunter, 1790

The Future Is Here

Driverless cars will be approved for operation in California by the year 2015 as Governor Brown rode to Google headquarters to sign the bill.

A fleet of one dozen Prius models have been self-driving themselves for tests.

What happens if a self driving car runs a red light?

A bill by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla will establish safety and performance regulations to test and operate autonomous vehicles on state roads and highways.

“Today we’re looking at science fiction becoming tomorrow’s reality — the self-driving car,” Brown said. “Anyone who gets inside a car and finds out the car is driving will be a little skittish, but they’ll get over it.”

Google has been developing autonomous car technology and lobbying for the regulations. The company’s fleet of a dozen computer-controlled vehicles has logged more than 300,000 miles (483,000 kilometers) of self-driving without an accident, according to Google

“I think the self-driving car can really dramatically improve the quality of life for everyone,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin said.

Autonomous cars can make roads safer, free commuters from the drudgery of driving, reduce congestion and provide transport to people who can’t drive themselves, such as the blind, disabled, elderly and intoxicated, Brin said.

“I expect that self-driving cars will be far safer than human-driven cars,” Brin said.

Brin predicted that autonomous vehicles will be commercially available within a decade. He said Google has no plans to produce its own cars, but instead plans to partner with the automobile industry to develop autonomous vehicles.

Historical Political Campaigning

John Adams lived long enough to see his son become president in 1825, but he died before John Quincy Adams lost the presidency to Andrew Jackson in 1828.
 Fortunately, that meant he didn't have to witness what many historians consider he nastiest contest in American history. The slurs flew back and forth, with John Quincy Adams being labeled a pimp, and Andrew Jackson's wife getting called a slut.

As the election progressed, editorials in the American newspapers read more like bathroom graffiti than political commentary. One paper reported that "General Jackson's mother was a common prostitute, brought to this country by the British soldiers! She afterward married a mulatto man, with whom she had several children, of which number General Jackson is one!"

What got Americans so fired up? For one thing, many voters felt John Quincy Adams should never have been president in the first place. During the election of 1824, Jackson had won the popular vote but not the electoral vote, so the election was decided by the House of Representatives.

Henry Clay, one of the other candidates running for president, threw his support behind Adams. To return the favor, Adams promptly made him secretary of state. Jackson's supporters labeled it "The Corrupt Bargain" and spent the next four years calling Adams a usurper.

Beyond getting the short end of the electoral stick, Andrew Jackson managed to connect with voters via his background -- which couldn't have been more different than Adams'.

By the time John Quincy was 15, he'd traveled extensively in Europe, mastered several languages, and worked as a translator in the court of Catherine the 0Great.

Meanwhile, Andrew Jackson had none of those privileges. By 15, he'd been kidnapped and beaten by British soldiers, orphaned, and left to fend for himself on the streets of South Carolina.

Adams was a Harvard-educated diplomat from a prominent New England family. Jackson was a humble war hero from the rural South who'd never learned to spell. He was the first presidential candidate in American history to really sell himself as a man of the people, and the people loved him for it.

Having been denied their candidate in 1824, the masses were up in arms for Jackson four years later. And though his lack of education and political experience terrified many Adams supporters, that argument didn't hold water for the throngs who lined up to cast their votes for "Old Hickory." Ever since Jackson's decisive victory, no presidential candidate has dared take a step toward the White House without first holding hands with the common man.

But losing the 1828 election may have been the best thing to happen to John Quincy Adams. After sulking home to Massachusetts, Adams pulled himself together and ran for Congress, launching an epic phase of his career.

During his 17 years in the House of Representatives, Adams became an abolitionist hero, championing legislation to open the debate on slavery. And in 1841, he famously put his money where his mouth was, when he defended the 39 African captives aboard the slave ship Amistad before the U.S. Supreme Court. At a time when all but two of the justices were pro-slavery, Adams won his human rights plea.

Defenders Fall Book Sale Through Saturday

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual Big Fall Book Sale at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive straight back to the last garage on the right).

A few more days remain for the sale. – it closes Saturday. That is when the Bag Sale takes place. - $5 per paper grocery bag, $3 per plastic grocery bag.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393

Tax Preparer, Financial Planner Workshop

McHenry County College continues its Accountant, Tax Preparer and Financial Planner Workshop Series from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9 with a program called Trusts and Estates. The workshop will take place in Room A117 at the College, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake

Trust and Estates will be presented by Bob Wagner, who has practiced law for 32 years, with a general practice in Crystal Lake since 1986. He received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and his law degree from DePaul University College of Law. His diverse practice has included a stint as Crystal Lake mayor, as well as significant trial work in criminal and civil areas.

Over the years, Wagner has developed some very practical estate planning advice for the average taxpayer and citizen to help circumvent the costly probate process and the payment of avoidable federal estate taxes. Wagner is willing to share his thoughts on this with attendees.

This workshop series is offered on the second Tuesday's of  the month through December and is intended for accountants, tax preparers and financial planners. Other workshops will include topics of interest related to federal and state income tax law changes.

The fee for each individual workshop is $15 and includes a light dinner. For more information, and/or to be added to an workshop series email list, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register for this workshop, contact the MCC Registation Office at (815) 455-8588 and use course ID: USB U56 001

Government At Work

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 –

7:30 a.m. – McHenry County Stormwater Commission –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Commission is to consider Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance Amendments. The matter has been before the Commission previously. At a prior meeting of the Commission, discussion was held regarding the adoption of the Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance requirements for areas of the County within the Crystal Lake Watershed. The adoption of the full Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance could require a substantial amount of time, plus from a State’s Attorney’s recent opinion, portions of the CLWO cannot be adopted due to the lack of the County authority.

As a result, portions of the Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance could require rewriting for the County ordinance.

Funding for a comprehensive review and revision of the Stormwater Management Ordinance did not garner a desired grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Also, regarding County funding, it is felt that this project should not compete with operating dollars within the County’s FY 2013 Annual budget. A recommendation is made to fund the project out of the General Fund operating reserves once the FY 2012 is closed and the performance outcome is known. A request will be made as part of the FY 2013 budget discussions.

1:00 p.m. –Planning and Development Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to review a draft of the Unified Development Ordinance.

1:00 to 5:00 p.m.—Review of the proposed McHenry County Revised Zoning Ordinance, taking place in the McHenry County Board Meeting Rooms, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board—

Meeting in the Board Meeting Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

A hearing is scheduled on the budget for the upcoming year with anticipated $108,357,878 expenditures for all funds needed to provide for all funds necessary to operate the facility and employ the necessary staff.

Immediately Following Budget Hearing—Regular Board Meeting of McHenry County College Board of Trustees, in the same location as above.

The Induction of Student Senators, Ms. Talia Koronkiewicz, Supervisor of Student Conduct and Campus Life, and students.

NISOD Award Winners—Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs will make the presentation.

Connect Math, Ms. Heidi Boring, Instructor of Mathematics, and Ms. Lynn Middaugh, Instructor of Mathematics, will make the presentations.

Words Of Wisdom

"Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families."

 --Benjamin Rush, letter to His Fellow Countrymen: On Patriotism, 1773

Rakow Road Driving Reminder

As a reminder, asphalt paving has resumed throughout the Rakow Road project, including the side roads.

This work is expected to last into mid October.  Please expect delays as the paving is done, especially through intersections.  Be alert for flaggers and trucks entering and leaving the work site.

Remember cell phone use is prohibited within the work zone and the speed limit remains at 35mph.  Please use extra caution when driving through the project.

You Are Being Heard As Well As Watched

This interesting piece of information regarding what might be termed “On the road to our loss of freedom.”

By JG Vibes
theintelhub.com
“Law enforcement agencies across the country are now adding massive voice databases to their surveillance grids.

“The US government is now working with a company that designs state of the art voice recognition software and plans to implement that software nationwide. The software has already been rolled out in over 70 countries and is ominously called “voice grid nation“.

“It takes just five seconds to scan through 10,000 voices and can conduct up to 100 searches at the same time.

“It is also uses an algorithm that automatically compares “voice models against voice recording obtained from different sources such as cell phones, land lines, covert recordings and recorded investigative interviews.”

“Although this software has been distributed worldwide the company that produces it is actually based out of Russia.  In Russia they operate under the name of Speech Technology Center while in the US they are called SpeechPro.

“According to the SpeechPro whitepaper published in 2011, the company had a “commitment from a State Justice Agency to deploy a pilot system for the purposes of performance studies and further development of best practices for obtaining voice samples in a booking environment”.

“In fact both  the NSA and the FBI have expressed interest in implementing this technology so it is likely that this has been in the works with multiple agencies for a long time.

“The president of SpeechPro  Alexey Khitrov has been assuring the press that this software will be “used for only very noble causes” and that “we work with trusted law enforcement agencies and try to make sure that they use it properly.”

“These “trusted law enforcement agencies” sound fascinating, I’d really like to hear more about them and where they exist, but I’m sure that one would be difficult to find the 70 some countries that currently use this software.”

J.G. Vibes  is the author of an 87 chapter counter culture textbook called Alchemy of the Modern Renaissance and host of a show called Voluntary Hippie Radio.

He is also an artist with an established record label and event promotion company that hosts politically charged electronic dance music events. You can keep up with his work, which includes free podcasts, free e-books & free audiobooks at his website www.aotmr.com .

This is found on The IntelHub. Follow TheIntelHub on Twitter For Exclusive News and Commentary

New Traffic Signal In Crystal Lake Area

A new traffic signal is scheduled t be activated on Thursday at the intersection of Illinois Route 176 and Briarwood Road in the Crystal Lake area.

This intersection improvement included the installation of a new traffic signal, new intersection street lighting, widening and resurfacing of the existing roadway for the addition of dedicated left turn lanes for each approach and right turn lanes on Briarwood Road. Also included in the improvements is some much needed improved drainage.

This project is the joint effort between the City of Crystal Lake, Illinois Department of Transportation and Dorr Township. 

 

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26—

1:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee—

Meeting in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to review a draft of the Unified Development Ordinance.

1920s Mystery Of Body Found In The Crystal Lake

“Dearly Departed: The Mystery of the Body in the Lake” will be presented on October 19 and 20 at the Colonel Palmer House, 660 East Terra Cotta Avenue (Route 176), Crystal Lake.

A body was found floating in the Crystal Lake and provided much for speculation but little for answers. How did the body get in the lake? Who was the victim? Was a crime committed?

This all took place during the time of prohibition, a time when the underworld, corruption, and the sale of bootleg alcohol became part of living, even for those residing in McHenry County.

The Crystal Lake Historical Society will present “Dearly Departed: The Mystery of the Body in the Lake” on October 19 and 20 at the Colonel Palmer House. The script was written by Sandy Price and is based on factual newspaper accounts detailing a major mystery in the 1920's that gave the local townspeople plenty on which to speculate. 

Become part of the story as you move through the historic home and meet with early 20th century residents as they reveal the facts of the matter.

Diana Kenny, President of the Crystal Lake Historical Society states, “We are encouraging people to purchase their tickets immediately.  This popular event has sold out the last two years!”

The performances are scheduled to start every 15 minutes from 6PM-8PM both evenings.  Each performance lasts about 45 minutes.  Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (65+) and children under 12, and must be purchased in advance by phoning (815) 455-1151 or online at www.cl-hs.org.

Words Of Wisdom

We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in."

--Thomas Paine, The Crisis, no. 4, 1777

Flu Shot Provides Best Protection To Stay Healthy

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in encouraging an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the best protection against influenza. 

Appointments for mercury-free shots for adults and children 9 years and older can be made online at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4510.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.
  

MCDH flu clinics are scheduled in September on the following dates/locations (walk-ins are welcomed):

Woodstock: MCDH (Building A) Office – Thursday 9/27/12, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Crystal Lake: MCDH (Health Clinic) Office – Saturday 9/29/12, 9:00am-11:00am

Flu is a serious and contagious illness – even healthy people can get it.  As the flu season is long and unpredictable, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot before flu season begins as it takes 2 weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection. A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu.  Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.  For more flu information, visit www.mcdh.info

Government At Work

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 –

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Finance and Audit Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to consider:
FY2012-13 Supplemental Budget requests
Eleven resolutions dealing with the following:
A needed environmentally controlled space in the evidence facility of the County Sheriff’s Department;
Modification to the west entrance of the courthouse including the purchase of additional security equipment.
Authorizing the monthly transactions for the delinquent tax program
Authorizing the reclassification of a full time food service assistant into two part time positions in Valley Hi
Increasing the daily room rates at Valley Hi Nursing home effective December 1, 2012
Accepting a “We Choose Health” grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health and create one full-time and two part-time positions in the Health Department
Accepting the Metropolitan Statistical Area Risk Based Funding Initiative Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Accepting Modifications to several Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic opportunity grants, all for the McHenry County Workforce Network.

10:00 a.m. – Zoning Board of Appeals –

A hearing is scheduled regarding a reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to A-2 Agriculture District with a conditional use permit to allow a second dwelling and a variation to allow an existing accessory structure in the front yard.

This is on property located in Grafton Township for property known as the McGuire Trust.

Also to be considered is a motion to approve or change the 2013 Voting meeting schedule.

6:30 p.m. – Operations Committee of Community High School District 155 Board of Education –

Meeting in Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is to consider the Cary-Grove Fine Arts Foundation Update as well as any other matters to come before the committee.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board Meeting –

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 Rd Tail Drive, Lakewood.

The Board is to consider an ordinance amending the Lakewood Zoning Code and Municipal Code regarding zoning district and emergency back-up generators.

A discussion is slated regarding the Village Hall.

A motion to approve a fireworks permit for Mad Bomber fireworks Productions on September 28 is to take place, subject to final approval by TCC and Deputy Chief Pat Burke.

7:30 p.m. – High School District 155 Board of Education –

Meeting at Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive

The Board is to be presented an Assistive Technology Demonstration by Prairie Ridge High School Paul Humpa.

A report regarding the Class of 2012 Survey results will be provided the Board by Jeff Puma

One member of the public, Chris Steiner, is to address the Board on the topic f Lacrosse.

The budget for 2012-2013 School Year is being presented for adoption.

Words Of Wisdom

"It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself."

 --Thomas Jefferson

Understanding The Property Assessment Process

Want to better understand the Real Estate Property Assessment Process in McHenry County?
 

The process is being explained on October 1 at 6 p.m. in the American Community Bank at 10101 North Route 47, Huntley.
 

McHenry County Assessor Robert Ross will provide “Understanding the Real Estate Property Assessment Process in McHenry County, as hosted by Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore.
 

This presentation will cover the two-year property tax cycle in McHenry County and Grafton Township including the assessment and assessment appeal process, as well as the tax district levy process.
 

Time will be allowed for questions and/or comments at the end of the presentation.
Please call the Township Supervisor’s Office 1-847-669-33328 to reserve a spot and ensure adequate faculties for all in attendance.

Words Of Wisdom

"Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition."

--Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Query 19, 1781