Words Of Wisdom

"But the safety of the people of America against dangers from foreign force depends not only on their forbearing to give just causes of war to other nations, but also on their placing and continuing themselves in such a situation as not to invite hostility or insult; for it need not be observed that there are pretended as well as just causes of war."

–John Jay, Federalist No. 4, 1787

Words Of Wisdom

"The power of the people pervading the proposed system, together with the strong confederation of the states, will form an adequate security against every danger that has been apprehended."

–John Dickinson, Letters of Fabius, 1788

Happy Holidays From Animal Outreach

Upcoming Special Event:

Saturday, Dec 7th 11AM to 3PM

Considering bringing home a new friend for the holidays?

 Please visit us Saturday, December 7 at our new adoption venue at

 Pet Supplies Plus located at 132 N Randall Rd in Lake in the Hills

We have an abundance of kittens and cats looking to find that forever home in time for Christmas. If you’ve been considering adding to your furry family or know someone who is, please pass along this information.

Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for any other upcoming events.

 Foster Homes Needed:

Animal Outreach Needs You!

We are in desperate need of foster homes so we can continue our mission of helping all homeless and unwanted cats/kittens in McHenry County. If you are willing to open your homes and hearts, please call 815-385-0005.

To see what being a foster home means, you can check out our “Being a Foster Family” page.

Representative Wheeler Remarks On Public Pension System

IIn response a vote earlier this week on Senate Bill 1, State Representative Barbara Wheeler has issued the following statement:

“Today legislators took a large step toward shoring up our five public pension systems. While I believe there are still additional reforms that are needed, I view the components of Senate Bill 1 as a solid beginning point for comprehensive pension reform.

“There is no issue in Illinois that is more important than pension reform. By reining in our pension obligation, we will soon have more funding available for the critically important budget areas like education, services for Illinois’ most vulnerable and poorest citizens, unpaid bills and other state priorities. These are all budget areas have been shortchanged for far too long.

“I view the passage of Senate Bill 1 as a great first step and hope that in the future we can take additional steps to reform our pension system to more sustainable levels.”

Soar With The Eagles

Take bird watching to the next level and join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program on an Eagle Safari from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014.

Bring your camera and enjoy some spectacular eagle viewing and photography on the Mississippi River. Bundle up, and celebrate the new year with some enlightening information and shots of our national bird.

This tour departs from Rock Valley Community College in Rockford. Students will be contacted by Safari Adventure Network the week of the safari with details. Cost is $89.  To register, use trip ID: NST S01 001.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

New Homes For Fury Friends Needed

Considering bringing home a new friend for the holidays? Please visit us at our new adoption venue at Pet Supplies Plus located at 132 N Randall Rd in Lake in the Hills this Saturday, December 7th.

We have an abundance of kittens and cats looking to find that forever home in time for Christmas. If you’ve been considering adding to your furry family or know someone who is, please pass along this information.

Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for any other upcoming events.

Foster Homes Needed:

Animal Outreach Needs You!

We are in desperate need of foster homes so we can continue our mission of helping all homeless and unwanted cats/kittens in McHenry County. If you are willing to open your homes and hearts, please call 815-385-0005.

To see what being a foster home means, you can check out our “Being a Foster Family” page.

Donations:

Not able to foster or adopt? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Animal Outreach instead. Donations are always welcome, and can be done online or emailed to:

ANIMAL OUTREACH HUMANE SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 396
MCHENRY, IL 60051-0396

Old-fashioned Christmas Event

If you’re looking for that old-fashioned, family friendly experience of getting outside and cutting your own tree for the holidays, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County invite you to Pioneer Tree Farm, located at 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry.  The trees are raised organically, with no chemicals used for controlling weeds or tree pests.  The motivation of the owners, Bill and Alice Chuck Howenstine, is their love of nature – trees, wildlife, weather, and the land.

The farm will be open the next two weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 7 - 8, and December 14 – 15.  A variety of sizes of pines, spruces, firs, and junipers will be available for $45 each. Ten percent of each tree sale is donated to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, and most of the workers are volunteers from the Defenders.

“Everything is much like old times. As you walk around to look for your tree, we hope you will enjoy the country air and the diversity of vegetation on our tree farm, perhaps see some wildlife, and have fun with other friendly people!” say Alice and Bill.

Wagon rides to and from the pines, tree shaking, and baling are included at no extra charge. Hot coffee and cocoa (both Fair Trade) are available in the Warming House. Hand saws are also provided, or bring your own (no chain saws or axes, please).   For more information, visit the farm’s website at www.pioneertreefarm.com.

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 about EDMC, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Words Of Wisdom

"A universal peace, it is to be feared, is in the catalogue of events, which will never exist but in the imaginations of visionary philosophers, or in the breasts of benevolent enthusiasts."

--James Madison

Learn More About Health Insurance Options

“Get Covered Illinois” shifts to enrollment, deadline Dec 23

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is working with community organizations to assist residents with health insurance options.  The enrollment deadline is December 23 with coverage beginning on January 1, 2014.  Residents can make an appointment with trained In-Person Counselors online at www.mcdh.info and select a convenient location at local libraries or contact a counselor directly at one of the community partners listed below:

IN-PERSON COUNSELORS

Advocate Sherman Health – Judy Linarez and Alejandra Pastrano (630-402-1951 or 224-622-3144)

Centegra Health System – Mark Millare (815-759-4988)

FamiliesETC – Lee Ann Stepina (815-308-0861)

Family Health Partnership Clinic – Jessie Flores (815-276-1843

McHenry Community Health Center – Eduardo (847-608-6063)

McHenry County Dept of Health – Lyn Orphal (815-529-5671), Bianca Cervantes (815-529-5663) and Mariana Gonzalez (815-334-4510)

Pioneer Center for Human Services – Jasmine Montiel (815-690-1459)

Items to bring to appointments include a list of questions, date of birth, social security numbers for those needing coverage in your household and source of income and whether your employers offers health insurance and your eligibility. December presentations have also been scheduled as follows:

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
12/3 – 7pm-8:30pm; call to register	Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St (815-459-1687)
12/3 – 6:30pm-7:30pm (in Spanish)	Harvard Public Library, 900 E McKinley St
12/3 – 6:30pm-7:30pm	Dorr Township, 1039 Lake Avenue, Woodstock
12/4 – 4pm-6pm, Bldg B, Scot Room	McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy 14, Crystal Lake
12/5 – 6:30pm-7:30pm	Harvard Public Library, 900 E McKinley St
12/5 – 4pm-6pm, Bldg B, Scot Room	McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy 14, Crystal Lake
12/5 – 4pm-6pm	Centegra Health Bridge, 200 Congress Parkway, Crystal Lake
12/8 – 12pm-2pm	Tree of Life Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry

“Get Covered Illinois” – the Official Health Insurance Marketplace – offers a new way for Illinois residents to find the health coverage they need at www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov or contact the State Call Center at 1-866-311-1119 or TTY 1-855-889-4325.

Government At Work

THURSDAY DECEMBER 5-

3:00 p.m. –McHenry County Public Buildings Commission—

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

In addition to considering a financial report and determination and authorization of bills to be paid, the Commission will also hear an update from Mr. Hadley regarding projects and planning.

Bird Watching Along Mississippi River

Take bird watching to the next level and join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program on an Eagle Safari from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014.

Bring your camera and enjoy some spectacular eagle viewing and photography on the Mississippi River. Bundle up, and celebrate the new year with some enlightening information and shots of our national bird.

This tour departs from Rock Valley Community College in Rockford. Students will be contacted by Safari Adventure Network the week of the safari with details. Cost is $89.  To register, use trip ID: NST S01 001.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

Words Of Wisdom

"Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit." --James Madison

Words Of Wisdom

"As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity: And by a plain method of argument, as we are running the next generation into debt, we ought to do the work of it, otherwise we use them meanly and pitifully. In order to discover the line of our duty rightly, we should take our children in our hand, and fix our station a few years farther into life; that eminence will present a prospect, which a few present fears and prejudices conceal from our sight."

–Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Government At Work

TUESDAY DECEMBER 3—

8:30 A.M. – McHenry County Natural and Environmental Resources—

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

The Committee is to consider a resolution for a permit fee reduction for Jonathan Murphy

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

In addition to handling routine matters, the Board is expected to consider rate increases for Valley Hi Nursing Home by $5 per day for each of three levels of care provided.

The new rates include:

Intermediate Care $215 per day from $210

Skilled I Care        $225 per day from $220

Skilled II Care       $235 per day from $230

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council –

Meeting in the Crystal Lake Council Chambers, Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, 100 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Most of the agenda items are routine matters necessary to keep the city operating.

Working With Community Organizations For Health Insurance Options

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is working with community organizations to assist with health insurance options. The enrollment deadline is December 23 with coverage beginning on January 1, 2014. Residents can make an appointment with trained In-Peron Counselors online at www.mcdh.info and select a convenient location at local libraries or contact a counselor directly at one of the community partners listed below.

IN-PERSON COUNSELORS 

Advocate Sherman Health – Judy Linarez and Alejandra Pastrano (630-402-1951 or (224-622-3144).

Centegra Health System – Mark Millare (815-759-4988)

FamiliesETC – Lee Ann Stepina (815-308-0861)

Family Health Partnership Clinic - – Jessie Flores (815-276-1843

McHenry Community Health Center – Eduardo (847-608-6063

McHenry County Health Department - Lyn Orphal - (815-529-5671 Bianca Cervantes (815-529-5663) and Mariana Gonzalez (815-334-4510)

Pioneer Center for Human Services – Jasmine Montiel (815-690-1459)

Items to bring to appointments include a list of questions, date of birth, social security numbers for those needing coverage in your household and source of income and whether your employers offer health insurance and your eligibility. December presentations have also been scheduled as follows:

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

12/3 – 7 pm-8:30 pm: call to register          Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St.  

   (815-459-1687)

12/3 – 6:30 pm – 7:30 p.m. (In Spanish) Harvard Public Library, 900 E. McKinley St.

12/3 – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm  Dorr Township, 1039 Lake Avenue, Woodstock

12/4 – 4pm-6pm – Bldg B, Scot Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy 14,
           Crystal Lake..

12/5 – 6:30pm -7:30pm. – Harvard Public Library, 900 E. McKinley St.

12/5 – 4pm –6pm.–Bldg B, Scot Room, McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14,      

           Crystal Lake.

12/5-4pm-6pm - Centegra Health Bridge, 200 Congress Parkway, Crystal Lake,

12/8 – 12pm-2pm.   Tree of Life Congregation 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry

“Get Covered Illinois – The Official Health Insurance Marketplace – offers a new way for Illinois residents to find the health coverage they need at www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov or contact the State Call Center at 1-866-311-1119 or TTY 1-855-889-4325.

Government At Work

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. 
The Committee is to consider two resolutions: 

• Authorizing the acceptance of the sustained traffic enforcement program grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and an emergency appropriation to the Sheriffs Fiscal Year 2014 Budget.
• Also, a resolution authorizing funding of the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor for the Fiscal Year 2014

Words Of Wisdom

"The apportionment of taxes on the various descriptions of property is an act which seems to require the most exact impartiality; yet there is, perhaps, no legislative act in which greater opportunity and temptation are given to a predominant party to trample on the rules of justice. Every shilling which they overburden the inferior number is a shilling saved to their own pockets."

–James Madison, Federalist No. 10, 1787

Crystal Lake Library Closed Friday Morning

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 am until noon, Friday, December 6, 2013 for Staff Training.  The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

Government At Work

MONDAY DECEMBER 2

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee—

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

The Committee is to consider two resolutions:

Authorizing the acceptance of the sustained traffic enforcement program grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and an emergency appropriation to the Sheriffs Fiscal Year 2014 Budget.

Also, a resolution authorizing funding of the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor for the Fiscal Year 2014

Words Of Wisdom

"A Constitution is not the act of a Government, but of a people constituting a government, and a government without a constitution is a power without right."

–Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791