Words Of Wisdom

"Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck."

 --Thomas Jefferson

Words Of Wisdom

"Those gentlemen, who will be elected senators, will fix themselves in the federal town, and become citizens of that town more than of your state."

--George Mason, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Speaker At MCC To Educate On El Salvador

Mchenry County College’s Student Peace Action Network and Student Life along with Crystal Lake’s “Friends of Chilama” present “U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities” on Thursday October 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Room B-166 on the MCC campus.

Speakers from U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities will discuss the situation in El Salvador and the Salvadoran social movement as part of the October Speaking Tour with community leader Esmeralda Villalta. They will discuss community organizing strategies and discuss how to show your solidarity with the Salvadoran people as they defend their human and environmental rights.

Libby Pappalardo started the Crystal Lake Sister City 11 years ago and some of their projects include an ongoing healthcare project, women's sewing cooperative, Youth theater and arts program, children's art class, environment education classes, and road project. In addition, they support the grass roots organization of Cripdes Sur that works directly with communities in the region.

Esmeralda Villalta has been working with The Association for the Development of El Salvador (CRIPDES), a grassroots organization made up of over 300 rural communities for the past 13 years. Esmeralda is the coordinator of the Cripdes regional team in the department of San Vicente and a member of the CRIPDES national board whose work has focused on training community leaders, natural disaster preparedness and women’s and youth organizing.

Alexandra Early, Estela Garcia and Tanya Coleare the translators of the tour and coordinators for the Sister Cities network, which links 17 cities across the U.S. with organized communities in El Salvador as part of a movement of solidarity.

Driving Under Alcoholic Influence

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Dale Anderson, 51, of Antioch, was found guilty, after only ten minutes of jury deliberation, of the offense of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. The defendant was pulled over for running a stop sign at the intersection of Ringwood and Johnsburg roads. The defendant smelled strongly of alcohol and had two children, ages 8 and 10, in the car. He failed field sobriety tests and admitted to drinking 4 or 5 beers.

This is his fifth conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. The defendant is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on November 17, 2013. This offense is a class one felony punishable between four and fifteen years in the penitentiary. The defendant is not eligible for probation. The case was prosecuted by David Johnston and Robert Zalud.

Government At Work

THURSDAY September 26, 2013

10:00 a.m. -- McHENRY COUNTY COORDINATING COUNCIL

Meeting in Meeting Room “C” McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Representatives of 20 agencies involved in emergency work are gathering for a regular meeting. A presentation by Bill Reynolds/CrisisGo will provide a presentation regarding solutions to dilemmas facing educators in face of a crisis. Other matters as necessary will also be considered.

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

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

A hearing on the FY2013-14 budget is slated followed by a request for adoption of the budget.

Immediately following Budget Hearing, a Regular Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled to take place in order to handle the regular business of the College Board.

Words Of Wisdom

"It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and a third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good disposition."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785

Crystal Lake Library Board Committee Meetings

A number of committee meetings of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board are planned for next month. All meetings are held either in the Library Director’s Office or the Ames II Room of the Library, at 126 Paddock Street.

October 2 – 12:30 p.m. – Facilities Committee – meeting in the Library Director’s Office of the Library.

October 2 – 7:00 p.m. – Personnel Committee – Library Director’s Office of the Library.

October 9 – 7:00 p.m. – Building Committee – Ames II Room of the Library

October 10 – 7:00 Finance Committee – Library Director’s Office of the Library.

October 14 – Joint meeting of Planning and Public Relations Committees, Library Director’s Office. 

Crystal Lake Library Board At Work

The Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees has scheduled a series of five committee meetings as follows:

Wednesday, October 2 – 12:30 p.m. – Facilities Committee – in the Library Director’s Office at the Library.

Wednesday,  October 2 – 7:00 p.m. – Personnel Committee – in the Library Director’s Office at the Library.

Wednesday, October 9, -- 7:00 p.m. – Building Committee – in the Ames II Room, at the Library

Thursday, October 10 – 7:00 p.m. – Finance Committee -- in the Library Director’s Office at the Library.

Monday, October 14 – 7:00 p.m. – Joint meeting of Planning and Public Relations Committees  in the Library Directors Office at the Library.

Words Of Wisdom

"Every child in America should be acquainted with his own country. He should read books that furnish him with ideas that will be useful to him in life and practice. As soon as he opens his lips, he should rehearse the history of his own country; he should lisp the praise of liberty, and of those illustrious heroes and statesmen, who have wrought a revolution in her favor."

--Noah Webster, On the Education of Youth in America, 1788

Legislative Leadership Development For State Representative

Joining a select few of her colleagues, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) participated in and completed both the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) and the Edgar Fellows Program. Known for their prestigious reputations, BILLD and the Edgar Fellows have a highly selective admittance standard and only accept the most qualified of regional legislators.

 “I am honored to have been part of the BILLD and Edgars Fellows Programs,” stated Rep. Wheeler. “The opportunity to learn alongside the Midwest and Illinois’ brightest leaders was valuable beyond anything words can describe.”

The Edgar Fellows Program accepts 40 of Illinois’ top up-and-coming legislators into a four day training seminar aimed at educating the fellows about leadership skills and strategies. The classes are taught by individuals who have excelled in the public arena, including Governor Jim Edgar.

In addition, Rep. Wheeler graduated from the BILLD program which is a regional based program based in Madison Wisconsin. Selecting a small handful of the Midwest’s top legislators, the program focused on leadership training and policy-based instructional courses.

As a freshman legislator, Rep. Wheeler has already proven herself to be a staunch advocate for responsible government and has filed legislation aimed at reforming Illinois’ government. Representative Wheeler also has a proven record of making the needs of her community her top priority.

As a McHenry County board member, Rep. Wheeler initiated, and led, a citizen’s task force to deal with a looming housing crisis and to develop a county land use policy that will guide the county for the next 25 years.

Rep. Wheeler also developed a “Land First” policy that encourages development, but prioritizes open space and protecting ground water.  As a result of these accomplishments, Representative Wheeler was awarded the Theta Award from the McHenry County Environmental Society.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

8:30 a.m.—McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee-

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

The Committee is to conduct four interviews for County Board committee positions including three for the Senior Services Grant Commission and one for the McHenry County Housing Authority.

The Committee is to select three for the Senior Services Grant Commission for terms to expire October 2, 2015.

A selection is to be made to fill one vacancy on the County Housing Authority with a term to expire June 30, 2018.

Two Resolutions are to be considered, one authorizing acceptance of an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Solid Waste Enforcement Grant.

The second is approving a stipulation regarding the addition of certain positions to the animal control bargaining unit as certified by the Illinois State Labor Relations Board in a specific case.

The Committee is to consider a supplemental request from the Health Department for its FY13/14 budget.

A second request for consideration concerns adopting the Senior Services Grant Fund Allocations for Program Year 2014.

1:00 p.m. –McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee meeting with the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals

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

The two groups will continue a review of the draft Unified Development Ordinance by:

A. Continuing discussion of Article 18 (signs) Page 8

B. Discussion of article 14 (Use Standards) Section 14.3, BB – Off Premise Commercial Advertising Sign and Article 5 (Zoning Applications) – Section 5.8 Sign Permit.

C. Discussion of Article 15 (Site Development and Accessory Structures and Use Standards) Section 15.3, G - Home Occupations

D. NOTE: Discussion of Agritourism has been postponed and will be posted to a future agenda.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Valley Hi Nursing Home—

Meeting in the Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The Board will be provided a presentation of the Valley Hi Union Contract by Bob Ivetic, McHenry County Human Resources Director.

Government At Work

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee—

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

Seven resolutions are being presented for Committee consideration including:

Authorizing a contract with Sequris Group for Check Point Firewall maintenance and support renewal:

Authorizing the purchase of two portable changeable message boards for the McDOT

• Authorizing the reclassification of an administrative position from Specialist II to Specialist III and from part-time status to full-time status.
• Authorizing an emergency appropriation in the Recorders’ fiscal year 2012-2013 budget to purchase tax transfer stamps.
• Approval of the appointment of members to an expanded Board of Review for Assessment Year 2013.
• Authorizing the purchase of rooftop chillers for the McHenry County jail and courthouse with an emergency appropriation to the Departmental Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.
• Authorizing the renewal of a contract with Carasoft Technology Corporation for Agenda Management/Webstreaming Services.

5:00 p.m.—McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee joint meeting with McHenry County Mental Health Board Finance Committee

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The agenda calls for discussion regarding the County Fiscal Year 2014 Budget discussion.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Conference Room, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to hear the Executive Director’s Report, followed by:

Various items for discussion or board approval including

• Monthly  Bills
• Personnel Report
• Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Program
• Approval of CFY14 Budget Modifications
• Approval of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Bond Interest Capital Expense.
• Approval of Executive Budget Modifications.

Words Of Wisdom

"It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf."

--Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, 1776

Flu Vaccine For Children At Health Department

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has received intranasal (FluMist) flu vaccine for children 2 – 18 years of age and injectable (Fluzone) flu vaccine for children 6 months – 36 months through the state-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.  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 recommended vaccines which strengthens the immunity levels in our communities
. 

VFC eligible children include those from 6 months of age to 18 years, who are All Kids/Medicaid recipients, have no insurance, have insurance but does not cover vaccinations or are American Indian and/or Alaskan Natives.  An administrative cost of $15 may be assessed for non-Medicaid children. Appointments are required, child must be accompanied by parent/guardian and bring up- to-date immunization records. Call 815-334-4536 to make an appointment or for more information.

Flu clinics are scheduled on the following dates/times –

Crystal Lake Health Clinic (100 N. Virginia St, Crystal Lake)

Wednesday 10/9/13, 7:30am-1:00pm

Wednesday 11/13/13, 2:00pm-6:00pm

Tuesday 12/17/13, 1:00pm-5:30pm

Woodstock Health Clinic (2200 N. Seminary Ave, Building B,  Woodstock)

Wednesday 10/30/13, 1:00pm-6:00pm

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

For more information on children and influenza, visit the CDC’s  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/a_flu_guide_for_parents.pdf

A Night Of Fine Music In Crystal Lake

Raue Center will celebrate two incredible people thru the music of Broadway and Hollywood on September 29 at 7pm. Join the acclaimed conductor Kurt Bestor as he leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and veterans of stage and screen in a remarkable night of uplifting music.

They'll be joined by Broadway-sensation and former Rockette Kim Shriver and Williams Street Repertory’s very own Dana Parker and Mathias Austin! It’s sure to be an amazing night of entertainment.

"We are so thrilled the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and also Voices in Harmony will be at the Raue for an evening of wonderful music and to celebrate my Mom and Bill's love for the Raue and the community,” explains Joyce’s son Thomas O’Connor. “It will be a great event!"

This special event features the Elgin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Kurt Bestor. Voices in Harmony choir will also lend their pipes to a few songs making this concert truly a community event. Barbara Paul of Piano Trends Music Company serves as the Artistic Director.

Bill was the organization’s first Board President and Joyce spent many hours volunteering. She was a part of the cookbook committee that recently raised enough money for the outdoor sign now illuminated across the fly tower.

Tickets range from $30 to $40. They can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

About Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 
Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented three times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, now approaching its 64th season, remains Illinois’ premier regional orchestra. The ESO is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1950 by Douglas Steensland at Elgin Community College, the Orchestra has benefited from the contributions of many talented conductors and musicians during its sixty-three year history. With the appointment of Grammy Award-winning conductor Margaret Hillis as Music Director in 1971, the Orchestra’s artistic growth advanced significantly. The Orchestra became fully professional in 1985 under the direction of conductor/composer Robert Hanson, who was named Music Director earlier that year. Maestro Hanson held the position until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 concert season.

In 2013, after a two year international search in which over 250 applicants were reviewed, Andrew Grams was selected as the new Music Director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the Juliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Grams is one of America’s most promising and talented young conductors, as well as an accomplished violinist. In addition to working with the ESO to plan upcoming seasons, Maestro Grams, an audience favorite, will conduct several concerts throughout the 2013-2014 season, beginning with the opening night concerts on October 5th and 6th, 2013.

Believing music and the arts have the power to inspire individuals, support communities, and enrich society, the ESO launched Elgin: Home for the Holidays, and has partnered on other events with Rotary International, Feeding Greater Elgin, Sherman Hospital, Downtown Neighborhood Association, and local Chamber of Commerce. In 1987, the ESO began Kidz Konzertz, a children’s program which now draws nearly 8,000 youth from nearly 60 communities. The ESO Musicians Care Program, which began in 2010, takes musicians out of the concert hall and into the public and patient spaces of Sherman Hospital in Elgin, twice each week. In 2014, the ESO will partner with the City of Elgin and neighboring communities providing a free concert as part of their 4th of July festival.

About Kurt Bestor:
Kurt Bestor is an Emmy-award-winning composer, who for over 30 years has composed an incredible variety of music in a myriad of styles and genres. From over 40 feature-length films, 16 popular CDs, numerous television themes, and mix of live shows, he has established himself as one of America's most prolific and versatile composers.

As a gifted performer, Bestor has performed his popular holiday shows for over 24 years to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easy-going manner and rapport with the audience. Bestor has also performed internationally, conducting and performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, the Estonian National Orchestra, among others.

About Voices in Harmony:

Voices In Harmony is a 501(c)3 registered not-for-profit organization and began as a part of the first Crystal Lake Fourth of July Gala in 1987. Joyce Dwyer approached Steven Szalaj about forming a community choir from area church choirs for a concert on Tuesday of Gala week, and to sing on the Fireworks concert with the Crystal Lake Community Band. Helen Bird was a significant help in forming the festival choir. It was a “magical” beginning. The choir has given this free, out-of-doors concert at Main Beach on the last Tuesday of June every year since 1987.

Enthusiasm from that event propelled the creation of the community choir, then called the Crystal Lake Community Choir (CLCC). The first concert was a shared holiday concert in December 1987 with the Crystal Lake Community Band given in the CL South High School auditorium. The first CLCC-only concert was given April 30, 1988.

Voices In Harmony is very happy to have a performance home at the Raue Center. Their annual event Sing-Along Messiah will take place on December 15. For more information about the choir and their events please visit voices-in-harmony.org.

Notice-- Crystal Lake Public Library Closure --October 4

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 am until noon, Friday, October 4, 2013 for Staff Training.  The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

Government At Work

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Merit Commission –

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

In addition to routine matters of minute approval, payment of bills, two motions are being presented for approval including

• Motion to approve a vendor for entry level patrol testing
• Motion to approve one lateral application for placement on the eligibility list.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Management Services Committee—

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

Following approval of minutes, payment of bills, the committee will consider five resolutions as follows: 
Authorizing the purchase of rooftop chillers for the McHenry County Jail and courthouse and an emergency appropriation to the non-departmental fiscal year 2013 budget.

• Authorizing a contract with sequins Groups for Check Point firewall Maintenance and support renewal.
• Authorizing an emergency appropriation in the Recorder’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget to purchase tax transfer stamps.
• Authorizing the renewal of a contract with Carasoft Technology Corporation for agenda management/webstreaming services.
• Setting the 2014 meeting dates for the McHenry County Board.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board of Health –

Meeting in the Board of Health facility, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

Approval is requested of the Board for ten reports including: 

• Income & Expenses
• Disbursements
• Administrator Report
• ADM Division Report
• ENV Division Report
• VPH Division Report
• DEN Report
• Greater Elgin Family Care Center
• IDPH - Coordinated School Health Education
• IEPA Solid Waste Grant