Saturday, December 21, 2013

Think Spring

Crystal Lake residents should look for the winter/spring 2013-2014 Crystal Lake Park District program brochure in the mail beginning December 17.  Registration for both park district residents and non-residents will begin immediately upon receipt of the brochure.  Registration is accepted at the Park District Administrative Office located at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, during regular business hours, by mail, by fax, or online at www.crystallakeparks.org.
All Crystal Lake residents residing in the 60014 and 60012 zip codes should receive a brochure in this mailing. Please call the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680, ext. 212, if you are a Crystal Lake resident and do not receive your brochure in the mail by December 30. 
 In addition to the Administrative Office at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, brochures are available at Grand Oaks Recreation Center, the Crystal Lake Public Library and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.  The winter/spring brochure will also be available on December 17 as an interactive PDF online at www.crystallakeparks.org

Gift For Dogs And Dog Lovers

Applications are available now for Charter Memberships and annual resident permits to the new Bull Valley Dog Park.  A dog park permit would make a great holiday gift for the dog lover in your family.
While official opening is in January 1, 2014, we will be allowing early admission to charter members and early annual resident purchasers as soon as the fencing is done and the site is ready. There will be no extra charge for this trial run but users must be aware that the park will not be complete. Bring water for your dog and your own pick-up bags.  Parking is limited. A Grand Opening celebration and fundraiser is planned for spring of 2014.
A limited number of fifty Charter Memberships are available now through March 1, 2014, to Bull Valley and Woodstock residents only.  Charter Memberships are $500.00 and entitle the holder to a ten year permit for up to two dogs.
Annual permits for 2014 are also available at this time.  Both Woodstock and Bull Valley residents within their respective municipal boundaries will pay resident rates.  Resident permits are $60.00 a year for up to two dogs.
Non-resident permits for 2014 are $125 a year.
There is an additional nonrefundable $5 processing fee for annual applications.
Additional dogs can be registered under any permit for an additional fee. Up to four dogs can be registered on an individual permit but only two registered dogs may be brought into the park under any permit at one time.
All permits will be issued on a first come first served basis by date of completed application, which requires a rabies tag number and description for each dog registered. Priority will be given to Woodstock and Bull Valley resident applications. Registrants are encouraged to include a photo of each dog registered.
Applicants can pick up their forms at Village Hall or download them from the village web site at www.villageofbullvalley.org.  Completed applications can be returned to the Village by mail or dropped off at Village Hall, but applicants must appear in person once approved to finalize the application and receive their permit stickers.
For information or to apply for a permit, please visit the Village Hall, 1904 Cherry Valley Rd., during business hours, or call the village at 815-459-4833.
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Gift Suggestions For Those Who Have Everything

Are you wondering what to get for that person on your list that has everything? Here are a few holiday gift giving suggestions from the Crystal Lake Park District. Gift certificates can be purchased in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, located at One East Crystal lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Administrative Office will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25.
For the golfer on your list:
A gift certificate for a foursome entry into the 2014 Chili Open Golf Classic on frozen Crystal Lake (January 18, 2014)
For the tennis player on your list:
Give the gift of year-round tennis with a membership to The Racket Club or find the perfect tennis related item at The Racket Club Pro Shop (call The Racket Club 847-658-5688 for details) 
For those with a New Year's Resolution to get fit in 2014:
A gift certificate for any Crystal Lake Park District group fitness class
For a special little girl on your list:
Register to attend the Mother-Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House (April 6, 2014), or the Cinderella’s Daddy-Daughter Ball (February 7, 2014)
For a special little boy on your list:
Register to attend the Super Hero Mother Son Dance (March 7, 2014), or the Winter Western Hoedown (March 1, 2014)
For your favorite softball player:
A gift certificate for a team to play in the 36th Annual Men’s Snowbird Softball Tournament (February 1, 2014).
For a special senior:
A gift certificate for a senior special event trip this spring (Blue Chip Casino Trip, Fabulous Frank at White Fence Farm, Ten Chimney’s Estates Tour, Harley Davidson Museum and Sprecher Brewery Trip or the Chicago Architecture River Cruise Trip)
For the aspiring athlete:
A gift certificate to try a new sport (rock climbing, boxing, karate, T-League, Nerf Soccer and many more)
For the teen who loves to ski:
A gift certificate to attend any of the Teen Ski Trips in December, January or February (Alpine Valley, Sunburst, Wilmot, Grand Geneva Resort, Chestnut Mountain)
For the nature lover:
Donate a tree in their honor to a Crystal Lake Park District Park or give a gift certificate for a Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center program
For the dog lover:
A gift certificate to purchase a Hound Town Dog Park Pass for 2014 
For more details on these gift giving options, contact the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680

More Illinois Laws

More than 200 new laws take effect on January 1, said State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), including measures targeting distracted driving and developing the rules and regulations associated with the state’s new medical marijuana law. Additional laws will increase the transparency of the state grant process, and many motorists will be happy to learn the state speed limit will increase to 70 miles per hour on most Illinois interstates.
Althoff Sponsored Legislation to Promote Budget Transparency
Legislation sponsored by Althoff that will promote state budget transparency is set to go into effect on January 1.  Senate Bill 2106 creates the Governmental Transparency Task Force that will be charged with creating a plan to make the state budgeting process more transparent and publicly-accessible.  The legislation establishes a 16 member board comprised of appointments by the Governor and the four legislative leaders.  The task force’s report will be due by January 1, 2015.
Laws Increase Oversight, Ban Political Use of State Grants
Though state grants account for hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars each year, it is extremely difficult to track these funds and what they are being use for. Two new laws sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) will not only make it easier to review how grant monies are being used, but ensure the dollars aren’t being used in an inappropriate manner—such as furthering someone’s political ambitions.
Beginning Jan. 1, Senate Bill 2380 will restrict state grant dollars from being used for prohibited political activities. To more easily track state grants, Senate Bill 2381 requires the state’s Chief Information Officer to develop a system to collect state financial data, including information specific to the management and administration of grant funds, and make the information available on www.data.illinois.gov for public review.
The new laws were introduced in response to a four-month 2012 CNN investigation that revealed millions of taxpayer-financed grant dollars had been used by Gov. Pat Quinn’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative grant program to finance a variety of questionable activities. The money was used to pay teenagers to march in a parade with the Governor, hand out flyers promoting inner peace, take field trips to museums, and attend yoga classes.  The Neighborhood Recovery Initiative program is now being audited by the state’s Auditor General.
Targeting Distracted Driving: Cell Phone Ban While Driving
On January 1, Illinois will join roughly a dozen other states with laws banning the use of cell phones while driving. Though the state already has a prohibition in place for texting and driving, once House Bill 1247 takes effect Illinois residents will no longer be allowed to talk on cell phones when driving, unless using hands-free technology.
A survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. Proponents say the new law will cut down on distracted driving, making Illinois’ roads safer.
Violators of the law will be fined $75 for a first offense. Fines of as much as $150 could be issued for repeat offenses as well as facing a moving violation on their driving record, though drivers are still legally allowed to make calls on hand-held phones in emergency situations.
Another law will increase penalties for motor vehicle accidents involving someone who was using a cell phone or other communication device while behind the wheel. House Bill 2585 increases penalties for drivers who were distracted by these types of devices, which led to a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injury or permanent disability. These types off offenses were previously considered a petty offense; however, as of January 1, those convicted could be charged with a felony, carrying penalties of up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
70 mph Speed Limit Takes Effect
Illinois’ speed limit will soon be in line with most of the rest of the country. Senate Bill 2356 increases the maximum speed limit to 70 miles per hour (mph) on all interstates and toll highways.
Sponsored by Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove), the new law updates speed limits to reflect the reality of current driving speeds in Illinois and other states.
Interstates were designed for a higher rate of speed, and currently there are 34 states with speed limits of 70 mph or higher.   Fifteen states have speed limits of 75 mph and one state has a speed limit of 85 mph. All of Illinois’ neighboring states, except Wisconsin, have speed limits of 70 mph; however, the Wisconsin Assembly also recently voted to increase the speed limit to 70 mph on many state highways.
Although the law goes into effect January 1, the Illinois Department of Transportation has said it may take until mid-January before Interstate speed limit signs are updated across the state.
At the request of the Illinois State Police, Senate Bill 2356 provides public safety enhancements in the form of a lowered threshold upon which the penalty for speeding is increased from a petty offense to a misdemeanor.  Speeding in excess of 26 miles per hour but less than 35 mph (currently 31-40 mph) will be a Class B misdemeanor.  Speeding in excess of 35 mph (currently 40 mph) will be a Class A misdemeanor.
Senate Bill 2356 also allows Cook County, the collar counties, Madison County and St. Clair County to opt out of the higher speed limit via ordinance.
Medical Marijuana in Illinois
Last summer, Illinois’ new medical marijuana law was signed. House Bill 1 legally allows authorized patients to use medical marijuana grown by an approved cultivation center and purchased from a registered dispensary.
Once the new law takes place on January 1, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois of Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture will have 120 days to develop the rules that will allow them to carry out their responsibilities dictated by House Bill 1. This will include developing a registry of patients who are allowed to use marijuana, and establishing the rules and regulations governing medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensaries.
House Bill 1 extends only to patients suffering from approximately 30 specific diseases and conditions. As one of the most strictly drafted medical marijuana laws in the country, doctors will be prohibited from prescribing the drug for generalized conditions such as “chronic pain” or “severe nausea.”
Proponents stressed that the bill strictly limits the drug to only those with serious illnesses, emphasizing that medical marijuana has been shown to alleviate pain, nausea and improve appetite for many patients with terminal or debilitating diseases.
However, opponents raised a number of concerns, citing evidence that marijuana is a “gateway” drug that opens the door to abuse of more harmful drugs and reiterating apprehensions raised by law enforcement officials; no local, state or federal law enforcement support the measure. They also pointed out House Bill 1 conflicts with federal law, and would create an additional layer of bureaucracy in Illinois to regulate cannabis.
Senate Republicans have posted a detailed explanation of House Bill 1 and the associated regulations included in the bill at the official Senate Republican website.

Last Minute Gift Shopping

Only one day left to do the shopping here—Monday December 23.
Still have some gifts to get? Are you wondering what to get for that person on your list that has everything? Here are a few holiday gift giving suggestions from the Crystal Lake Park District. Gift certificates can be purchased in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, located at One East Crystal lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Administrative Office will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25.
For the golfer on your list:
A gift certificate for a foursome entry into the 2014 Chili Open Golf Classic on frozen Crystal Lake (January 18, 2014)
For the tennis player on your list:
Give the gift of year-round tennis with a membership to The Racket Club or find the perfect tennis related item at The Racket Club Pro Shop (call The Racket Club 847-658-5688 for details) 
For those with a New Year's Resolution to get fit in 2014:
A gift certificate for any Crystal Lake Park District group fitness class
For a special little girl on your list:
Register to attend the Mother-Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House (April 6, 2014), or the Cinderella’s Daddy-Daughter Ball (February 7, 2014)
For a special little boy on your list:
Register to attend the Super Hero Mother Son Dance (March 7, 2014), or the Winter Western Hoedown (March 1, 2014)
For your favorite softball player:
A gift certificate for a team to play in the 36th Annual Men’s Snowbird Softball Tournament (February 1, 2014).
For a special senior:
A gift certificate for a senior special event trip this spring (Blue Chip Casino Trip, Fabulous Frank at White Fence Farm, Ten Chimney’s Estates Tour, Harley Davidson Museum and Sprecher Brewery Trip or the Chicago Architecture River Cruise Trip)
For the aspiring athlete:
A gift certificate to try a new sport (rock climbing, boxing, karate, T-League, Nerf Soccer and many more)
For the teen who loves to ski:
A gift certificate to attend any of the Teen Ski Trips in December, January or February (Alpine Valley, Sunburst, Wilmot, Grand Geneva Resort, Chestnut Mountain)
For the nature lover:
Donate a tree in their honor to a Crystal Lake Park District Park or give a gift certificate for a Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center program
For the dog lover:
A gift certificate to purchase a Hound Town Dog Park Pass for 2014 
For more details on these gift giving options, contact the Crystal Lake Park District at (815) 459-0680

Ongoing Phenomenon

Today --Dec. 21, marks one of the four major way stations on the Earth's annual journey around the sun.
Because of the tilt in the Earth's axis of rotation, the sun appears to rise and fall in our sky over the course of a year. It's not the sun itself moving, but the Earth moving relative to the sun.
The Earth's axis currently points in a northerly direction close to the second-magnitude star Polaris, also known as the Pole Star. Everything in the sky, including the sun, appears to revolve around this almost fixed point in the sky. From [Season to Season: Earth's Equinoxes & Solstices (Infographic)

Friday, December 20, 2013

McHenry County Department Of Health Seeks Public's Assistance

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like the public’s assistance in shaping future education and prevention efforts about West Nile virus (WNV) and tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, in McHenry County.
Funded by a grant from the State Health Department, MCDH has extended the deadline for the online survey to January 6, 2014. The survey is anonymous and confidential and can be found at www.mcdh.info.   
Available in both English and Spanish, the survey is looking to measure what residents know about the two illnesses, where they may have heard or read about West Nile or ticks – such as media, school, workplace, the Internet – and whether residents know how to protect themselves.  Standard demographic information will also be gathered. 
MCDH first reported cases of West Vile virus in 2001 and it continues to monitor activity of bird, mosquito and human cases through its surveillance system. Two human cases of WNV were reported this year, while 2012 had five human cases. Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever have become more prevalent in recent years with 36 cases reported in 2013, 39 cases in 2012 and 20 cases in 2011.
Survey results will assist MCDH staff in the design of program materials and outreach campaigns. For more information about West Nile virus and tick-borne illness, visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334

Weather Causes Suspension of Garbage Removal In Crystal Lake

Recyclable garbage removal services for Friday have been suspended in Crystal Lake as of noon because of the weather.
The city’s refuse contractor, MDC Environmental Services, has ceased operations for today, Dec. 20, due to the icy conditions, according to a news release sent by the city of Crystal Lake.
MDC completed all refuse collection for Friday routes, and will complete recycling collection for Friday routes first thing in the morning on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Crystal Lake Library Holiday Hours

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 through Wednesday, January 1, 2014 for the New Year holiday.  The Library will re-open to the public at 9:00 am Thursday, January 2, 2014.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Green Spot Used Bookstore Extended Bag Sale

Due to the snowy weather last Saturday, The Green Spot Used Bookstore is extending its bag sale until Saturday, December 21.
Fill a plastic bag with hardcover and paperback books and CDs for $3 or a paper bag for $5.  Special pricing applies only to the sale items located in the lobby. 
Hours are Tuesday - Friday 11:00am until 4:00pm and Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm. 
The Green Spot is located in the Woodstock Square Mall building, 110 S. Johnson Street Suite 104, Woodstock, and is a fundraising project of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.
Information: 815-338-0393 or www.mcdef.org

Monday, December 16, 2013

Words Of Wisdom

The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
--Thomas Jefferson,letter to John Taylor, 1816

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Government At Work


MONDAY DECEMBER 16
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 will interview Robert LaPorta for an appointment to the Agricultural Conservation Easement and farmland Protection Commission. A recommendation will be made for the County Board to consider. The term is to expire January 1, 2017.
Old business matters include:
  • Discussion regarding draft ordinance regulating discharge of firearms
  • Discussion regarding a draft noise pollution ordinance
  • Discussion regarding a draft nuisance ordinance.
  • Coal Tar is also to be considered by the Committee

6:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee—
Meeting in the City Council Chambers Conference Room, City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street.
The agenda includes a Bicycle Master Plan along with a 2014 City of Crystal Lake Bike Map; consideration of Bicycle Friendly Community
Other matters include as follows:

  • Safe Routes To School Committee – CAC Representative Nomination
  • 2014 Goals
  • Sustainability Committee
  • Budget
  • Bike with Your Neighbor Event with a Scavenger Hunt for Sunday, June 22, 2014
  • Three Oaks Recreation Area Volunteer Projects

6:00 p.m. McHenry County Mental Health Board—
Meeting in the Conference Room of the Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.
The Board began with an executive session to consider personnel matters, followed, by a motion to authorize execution of a six-month interim executive Director Employment agreement for an amount not to exceed $42,500.
6:00 p.m. – District 47 Board—
Meeting in Bernotas School, 170 N. Oak Street, Crystal Lake.
A brief executive session of the Board is scheduled regarding negotiations, followed by an open session at 7:00 p.m. in the same location.
The Board is expected to consider adoption of Township tax levy and a Road District Tax Levy.
7:30 p.m. – Grafton Township Board—
Meeting in the Grafton Township Offices, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley.
The Board is expected to audit and pay necessary bills, review Road and Bridge Warrant check details and adopt a Township tax levy and a Road District tax levy.