Saturday, May 4, 2013

Flood Warning Continues

The flood warning continues for the Fox River at Algonquin tail water until Wednesday evening.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the stage was 10.2 feet. Flood stage is 9.5 feet.

Recent activity – flood forecasts for Algonquin were moved to this location on July 5 , 2011. Gage zero datum is different from the old gage location. Flood and action stages have changed.

Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
Forecast—The river will continue to fall to below flood stage by Wednesday afternoon

Run For The Arts - Tomorrow-Sunday

Bob Blazier – Run For The Arts 5K
Get active for the arts tomorrow—on site registration available!
Building community, staying active and supporting the arts -- all in one fun-filled morning! Now in it's sixteenth year, this 5K event honors Bob Blazier's unparalleled community accomplishments. 100% of the proceeds benefit Raue Center and our programs -- like Williams Street Repertory and Mission Imagination!
The route starts and ends at Raue Center and winds through Historic Downtown Crystal Lake (it's the same route as the Santa Run)! Sign up individually or create a team with your friends, family or neighbors! It's sure to be a BLAST! 
Not interested in the 5K? Register for Rosie’s 1-Mile Instead
Partner up with your co-workers and register for the Corporate Challenge!
May 5 @ 8a  
Late Registration: $35

Fleming Road Construction Information

Dear Fleming Road Alliance Members and Supporters:
We have a start date.  See the message forward below from Dave Block of TranSystems.  Dave indicates more info is available on the web site www.flemingroad.info.  I had trouble getting the site to load normally. If you get to it, click on construction and you will see the update.  I am also going to attach it in a more readable form.
To get to the resolution lifting the weight limit, click on Dave's link, click on County Board Meeting May 7, click on agenda packet and scroll down to page 195.
Please plan on attending the meeting, even if you don't have specific questions.  We need to show by our numbers that we don't intend to go to sleep on watch.  If you do have questions and can't attend, please send your questions to this email address so we can ask them for you. (flemingroadalliance@gmail.com).
We are also attempting to get a meeting with the contractor, Curran, so we can speak directly to the people who will be on site. More info on that if we can get it set up.
Emily Berendt

Friday, May 3, 2013

Area Road Work Update

Curb installation on Walkup Road is complete and will be followed next week by asphalt placement, final striping, landscaping, and multi-use path construction.
Project work on IL Route 176 for the next week will consist of the grading of the area behind the curb, continued sidewalk installation and asphalt placement.
Traffic signal installation continues on IL Route 176 and Walkup Road.
North Section:
Traffic signal installation at Mason Hill Road is ongoing, but the signal will not be turned on for use until surfacing is complete and the final striping configuration is in place.
The remaining work on the North Section is final surfacing, striping, traffic signal installation at Mason Hill Road, and punch list cleanup.  Paving is expected to begin within the next two weeks and will take approximately one to two weeks to complete.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Steel Magnolias At Raue Center This Weekend



Williams Street Repertory’s Steel Magnolias opened to great audiences and rave reviews last weekend. The show continues Friday, May 3 at 8pm on stage at Raue Center For The Arts in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. It's perfect for Mother's Day or a ladies night out! Additional show dates are: May 4, 10 and 11 at 8:00 pm and May 11 at 3:00 pm.
Robert Harling wrote the heartfelt play that is based on the true story of his sister’s battle with diabetes. In its searing depiction of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching — and, in the end, deeply revealing of what it truly means to be a friend when the chips are up or down.
WS Rep graciously welcomes Kimberly Berg Sanders on board as the show’s director. Sanders began as a dancer/performer with Judith Svalander and attended high school from Crystal Lake Central High School. She transitioned into directing while in college and upon graduating she became a member of the Chicago Center Theatre Ensemble for 5 years. Sanders, who went to school for education, has directed shows at both Prairie Ridge High School and New Trier High School, and now currently teaches English at Cary-Grove High School.
When asked to describe the show Sanders explained that Steel Magnolias, put simply, is about “needing a strong support group to lean into your fears.”
Bringing to life these iconic women are Amanda Flahive (Annelle), Hannah Dawe (Shelby), Kate Hein (Truvy), Kellee Stall (M’Lynn), Shannon Mayhall (Clairee), and Regina Belt (Ouiser).
Behind the scenes, the crew includes Richard Kuranda (Founding Artistic Director) and T. Paul Lowry (Producing Director) as well as Pat Henderson (Stage Manager), Rebecca Lowry (Set Designer), Dan Gallagher (Lighting Designer), Aaron Quick (Sound Designer), Clare Kemock (Costume Designer), Teri Jackson (Props Designer), Steven Spera (Light Board Op) and John Dwyer (Sound Board Op).
The theatre company also presented The Fantasticks, The Rocky Horror Show, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Company, and Short Stories and Tall Tales of the American Hero this season.
Over the past year Raue Center has attracted regional and national attention from media powerhouses like the Huffington Post, Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com.
Steve Cochran of WIND Fox Radio praised WS Rep calling its work, “Challenging, provocative and, oh yeah… Fun.”
Rick Kogan of WGN also had rave reviews of Raue Center and WS Rep saying, “You must, must see this amazing work at this beautiful theater. Outstanding.”
Steel Magnolias  tickets start at $29. Group pricing is available! Tickets can be purchased online at WWW.WSREP.ORG, WWW.RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. This show is sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, BMO Harris Bank and RFP Photography, Inc. The second week of shows is also sponsored by Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center. Thank you to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.



MCC Student Recital Sunday

McHenry County College will present a Student Recital at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in the Luecht Conference Center at the College, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.
The recital will feature a variety of student performances, including vocalists, pianists, guitarists, violinists and other musicians. Student performers include: Mark Kuhlman, violin and vocals, Ted Hazelgrove, violin, Kathy Senn Birong, vocals, Mary Ann Norvell, piano, Jesse Theisen, vocals, Josh Theisen, piano, Michelle McGillivray, vocals, Carla Jeanne McLeland, piano, Sean Golbeck, guitar, Pete Friske, euphonium, and Kelsey Klaus, cello.
Participants are students of MCC faculty members, including Nancy Cykler-Shaw, voice instructor; Janet Kvam-Holub, chamber ensembles instructor; Paige Lush, Ph.D., chamber ensembles instructor; Tom Sergey, guitar instructor; Tara Singer, piano instructor and Steven Szalaj, voice instructor. Some of these faculty members will also perform with their students.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Michael Hillstrom at (815) 479-7814.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Crystal Lake Public Library Board Committee Meet

The Facilities Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees will meet Thursday, May 2 at 12:30 p.m. in the Ames II Room at the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 West Paddock Street.

Words Of Wisdom

"[T]he mild voice of reason, pleading the cause of an enlarged and permanent interest, is but too often drowned, before public bodies as well as individuals, by the clamors of an impatient avidity for immediate and immoderate gain."
 --James Madison, Federalist No. 42, 1788

It's May Day

May Day, in medieval and modern Europe, holiday (May 1) for the celebration of the return of spring.
The observance probably originated in ancient agricultural rituals, and the Greeks and Romans held such festivals. Although later practices varied widely, the celebrations came to include the gathering of wildflowers and green branches, the weaving of floral garlands, the crowning of a May king and queen, and the setting up of a decorated May tree, or Maypole, around which people danced.
Such rites originally may have been intended to ensure fertility for crops and, by extension, for livestock and humans, but in most cases this significance was gradually lost, so that the practices survived largely as popular festivities.
Among the many superstitions associated with May Day was the belief that washing the face with dew on the morning of May 1 would beautify the skin.
Because the Puritans of New England considered the celebrations of May Day to be licentious and pagan, they forbade its observance, and the holiday never became an important part of American culture.
In the 20th century, traditional May Day celebrations declined in many countries as May 1 became associated with the international holiday honouring workers and the labour movement 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1--
8:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board Housing Commission Ed—
Meeting in the Planning and Development Department Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
Two matters of old business are to be considered including Alex’s Fair Housing Training Presentation for Sub Recipients and training handout and attendance on committee members.
1:00 p.m. p.m. – Mc Henry County Board Planning and Development Committee meeting with the County Zoning Board of Appeals—
Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
A review of the draft Unified Development Ordinance is the only item of business listed for consideration, other than approval of minutes from prior meetings by each group.
7:00 p.m. McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –
Meeting In the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
The Committee is to consider non-dedicated subdivision roads in a roundtable discussion.
7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission—
Meeting in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.
BeeBees Dog Day Care and Spa, 15 Morgan Street, is requesting a Special Use Permit Amendment to allow overnight boarding services at the pet care facility at this location.
Bethesda Resale Shop is seeking approval to move to 7606 Northwest Highway, the former location of Classic Oak Furniture Store. Bethesda Resale Shop is currently located in Crystal Lake Plaza, but there a prohibition for the drop-off of clothing and furniture at this location.
 The Commission is also to consider a number of Unified Development Ordinance revisions.



Complete Survey -- Chance To Win Filled Picnic Cooler

The Crystal Lake Park District is hard at work preparing for opening day at Main and West Beaches on Saturday, May 26. In order to make this an enjoyable beach season for everyone and to plan ahead for the future, park district staff is asking for the public’s input via an online survey. Anyone who completes a survey can elect to be entered into our drawing for a Beach Cooler packed with summertime fun.The survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CLParkDistrictBeachSurvey, will be available through the end of June. From there, park district staff will analyze results and solicit additional input from individuals who have expressed interest in being a part of a Beach Focus Group.

The Crystal Lake Park District Beach Survey is just one small part of how park district staff is planning for a great 2013 beach season. Plans are already underway for new drop in activities and events during the week and enhancing exciting special events that are already part of the Crystal Lake Park District schedule.
Check out the Summer 2013 Crystal Lake Park District program brochure (delivery begins May 15)  for details on the new Crazy Craft Tuesdays and Wet and Wild Thursdays in addition to the schedules for the 2013 Concert in the Park and Movies in the Park/Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Eating Contest.
The 2013 Beach Season will come to a close on a high note with the BMO Harris Blast on the Beach Festival that will be bigger and better than ever this year. With free admission provided by BMO Harris Bank, food vendors, beer & wine garden, fun fair and treasure hunt in the sand, an art and craft show, the Blast on the Beach is the festival not to miss in August.
For questions about the Crystal Lake Park District Beach Survey or to be a part of the Beach Focus Group without taking a survey, contact Kim Buscemi, Superintendent of Recreation Services at (815) 459-0680, ext. 217 or via email at kbuscemi@crystallakeparks.org.

McHenry County Sheriff's Campaign For 2014

A powerful voice has been added to the chorus of those backing Bill Prim for McHenry County Sheriff.  Popular Illinois State Sen. Dan Duffy (R-26th) announced Monday that he is endorsing Prim in the Republican primary election next year.
The landslide winner in his contest for reelection last November, Duffy said he recently concluded his review of the candidates for Sheriff and wanted to make his endorsement early to add to the growing momentum behind Prim’s campaign.
“There is absolutely no doubt Bill Prim is the most qualified candidate we have for this critical post.  His 27 years of ever-increasing responsibility in police work are a great fit for McHenry County.”   Duffy added, “There is more to being Sheriff than catching bad guys.  The Sheriff must also be able to work with county wide officeholders and, at the same time, be accountable to taxpayers for how he spends their hard-earned money.”
Duffy continued, “In all of these areas, Bill Prim is the right choice. I urge all of McHenry voters to join me in supporting Bill Prim for Sheriff.”
Prim said he was pleased and grateful for Duffy’s endorsement.  “Anyone who lives in McHenry County knows that Sen. Duffy is a man of integrity and courage.  His efforts on behalf of small business owners, who are the backbone of our economy, and his concern that taxpayers be listened to at all levels of government, may have not made him the most popular man in Springfield, but they have certainly earned him a great deal of respect in McHenry County.”
Prim added, “The hard-working people who support Dan Duffy will find themselves right at home with the message I am sending in my campaign.”

McHenry County College Among Top Regional Schools

McHenry County College in Crystal Lake was among the top regional schools for 2013 enrollment increases and continues to follow the nation-wide trend that shows a marked growth in two-year school enrollment since 2000.
With $12.7 billion slashed from student loan programs since 2007, more and more students and their parents are eyeing community colleges as an economical stepping stone to higher education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), between 2000 and 2010, nation-wide enrollment at two-year institutions increased from 5.9 to 7.7 million students and is expected to reach 8.8 million students by 2021.
While full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment statewide decreased by 2.5 percent (or more) for many Illinois community colleges, McHenry County College showed an increase of 2.2 percent, according to the Spring 2013 enrollment report released by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Locally, McHenry County College also has more full-time equivalent students attending this spring semester than any neighboring community college.
FTE enrollment decreased at Harper College by 1.5 percent, decreased at Elgin Community College by 2.3 percent and decreased at Rock Valley College by 3.9 percent. FTE increased 1.3 percent at College of Lake County.
“I believe our continuing increases at MCC are because we are offering new programs that meet the needs of McHenry County residents,” said MCC President Vicky Smith. “In addition, our student success initiatives are influencing our student retention and persistence rates.”
New degree programs at MCC include Registered Nursing, Robotics, Culinary Management, and Graphic Arts. The College is also offering “Fast Track” degree programs for adults, new professional certificate programs, as well as more classes online, on Saturdays and locally in some cities, including Harvard.
Students are also recognizing the financial value of starting college locally, Smith said. They can take the introductory classes they need at their local community college and then transfer to a four-year school as a junior and graduate with a bachelor’s degree – at a fraction of the cost.
Like other community colleges across the nation, MCC offers all the introductory coursework incoming college students have to take for a little more than $100 per credit hour, saving students (and their parents) anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000+, depending on whether students transfer to a public or private four-year college and where they live. In-district tuition at MCC is among the lowest in the state, well within the national average of less than half of the cost incurred at a public four-year college, and about one-tenth the cost of attending an independent four-year college.
And the quality of education has never been better. Studies show that students who spend their first two years at a community college and then go on to graduate from a four-year school are as well prepared, and in many cases at MCC, better prepared academically than those who go directly to a four-year school. Research also shows that students who start at a community college do just as well after graduation as students who start in a four-year college.
An added bonus at MCC is overall classroom conditions, said Christina Haggerty, chief communications officer. MCC is still considered a smaller school by national standards, so students learn in relatively small classes from experienced instructors. “An Intro to Economics or Psych 101 course isn’t conducted in a 400-student lecture hall, and the average student-teacher contact time is much higher at MCC,” Haggerty said.
“Not only are community colleges much more in tune with today’s economic climate,” Haggerty said, “but based on student focus groups, we know the overall quality of education and “college experience” at MCC is something our students recognize and appreciate.”

"Use It Again" Garage Sale Wednesday

In preparation for their spring “Use-It-Again” garage sale, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are still taking donations of gently used item, and today and Wednesday, May 1, from 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive back to the beige garage on the right).
What type of things will be accepted? Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances. Not sure if they’ll take it? Email mcdef@owc.net or call 815-338-0393.
“The Defenders have been involved with diverting things from the landfills for over 40 years. Doing a garage sale is a form of recycling. Buying second hand items instead of new ones keeps things out of the landfills, saves you money, and supports a McHenry County non-profit,” said Christy Matsuoka, EDMC’s office administrator.
Sale dates for the garage sale are Thursday, May 2, from 8am until 7pm, and Friday And Saturday May 3-4 from 8am until 3pm. 
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Words Of Wisdom

"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."
 --George Washington

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 30—
7:00 p.m. – High School District 155 Board –
Meeting in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.
This is a Special Board Meeting for the reorganization of the board after election. Four incumbent board members were re-elected and include Dave Secrest, Ann Somers, Gary R. Oberg, and Ted Wagner.
Canvassing of the election results will be handled by the board before an election of officers for the coming year.

Kyle R. Bruett Joins McHenry County State's Attorney's Office

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, is pleased to announce that Kyle R. Bruett has joined the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Criminal Division effective April 29, 2013.

Kyle received hands-on experience by interning at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for two years and as a Legal Associate at FONA International, Inc.

Kyle received his Juris Doctor from the Valparaiso University School of Law of Valparaiso, Indiana, in 2012.  While in law school, Kyle received Honors “A” in 2012 from the University Legal Criminal Clinic, was a Trial Advocacy Team Member and earned “Best Direct Examination” award in 2011 and “Best Closing Argument” award in 2010, and was Team Captain and an Executive Board Member.  Kyle received his undergraduate degree in Political Science, Pre-law August, 2008, from Benedictine University.

Words Of Wisdom

'If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions."
 
--James Madison, letter to Edmund Pendleton, 1792