Tap Dancing Classes -- Children And Adults

Is your child an aspiring ballerina or hip-hop dancer?  Or have you always wanted to learn to tap or just get fit through dance?

The Crystal Lake Park District has several ways to help anyone get started dancing. The next session of dance classes begins January 10 and include both recital and non-recital class opportunities. Recital classes are 16 weeks long and run January-May. Classes are available for ages 2 years & up, and are for all ability levels.

Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue. The following dance classes are offered for the winter/spring session: 

• ·       Tu Tu Tots
• ·       Tiny Tapping Hip Hoppers
• ·       Fairytale Dance Time
• ·       Pre Ballet
• ·       Pre Tap and Jazz
• ·       Tap/Jazz/Ballet
• ·       Pos/Hip Hop
• ·       Ballet/Lyrical
• ·       Jazz/Ballet Fusion
• ·       Baton Twirling
• ·       Musical Theater Workshop
• ·       Dance Fitness Jam
• ·       Adult Ballet & Jazz
• ·       Adult Line Dance
• ·       Active Adult Tap and Jazz
• ·       Ballroom and Social Dancing.

For more information contact Jennifer Peterson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1219, jpeterson@crystallakeparks.org

MCC Offers Phlebotomy Technician Training

McHenry County College will offer Phlebotomy Technician Training Jan. 12-April 29 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.

Phlebotomists are skilled healthcare professionals who have been trained to collect, transport, handle and process blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis using venipuncture and micro collection techniques. In addition, phlebotomists must be able to identify and select equipment, supplies and additives used in blood collection and understand factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results.

This is an in-demand profession, and MCC's program is designed to prepare students to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Route 2 Phlebotomy Technician National Certification Exam.

The program is geared toward a variety of students, including those with a healthcare background looking to strengthen their current skills and those desiring to become career phlebotomists.

The Phlebotomy Technician Training program consists of 160 hours, including 60 hours of classroom and lab and 100 hours of external clinical sessions at offsite locations for approximately three weeks near the end of the course. The clinical hours are Monday-Friday during daytime hours (starting as early as 5 a.m. and ending as late at 4:30 p.m., depending on location) and will be used to attain 100 unaided blood draws required by the ASCP. The fee for this course is $2,309, which includes the necessary textbooks, materials and one set of scrubs.

For more information please contact: Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu.  Please be advised that there is sometimes a high demand for this program and due to limited openings you may be put on a waiting list to enroll.

Take A Little Trip For A Pleasant Day Out For Lunch

Treat yourself, or someone you love, to a day out for lunch. The McHenry County College Trips and Tours program and Van Galder Tour & Travel present "Dine and Discovery," a new restaurant of the month program beginning in January. Each outing features quality cuisine at a unique restaurant, followed by an educational and entertaining activity. Price includes a meal, an activity and transportation from MCC on a deluxe motor coach. 

The following restaurant trips are available:

January - Rosewood Restaurant in Delevan, Wisconsin. The Rosewood Restaurant is Southeastern Wisconsin’s newest live entertainment attraction. Farm fresh culinary experience paired with the high energy vocals of Mark and Gretch Productions that will get you tapping your toes. The Beat Goes On show spotlights hits by Glen Miller Band, Andrew Sisters, Elvis, Johnny Cash and more. While onsite, enjoy the fireplace or stroll the shops for special treasures. Trip takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Cost is $89 per person.  Use course ID: NST S36 001 to register.

February - Millrose Restaurant in Barrington. Enjoy a rustic ambiance in a relaxed country atmosphere and dine on quality food with generous portions. Seven large, 125-year old barns have been moved and used to create the restaurant, banquet facilities and country store. Browse the store to find goodies to take home. Next, visit the Baha’i House of Worship for North America, where all are welcome. One of only Seven Baha’i temples in the world, this unique structure symbolizes unity and invites spirituality. Trip takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Cost is $79 per person.  Use course ID: NST S37 001 to register.

March - 52 Stratford in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Wet your whistle in one of Wisconsin’s prettiest Irish Pubs. Enjoy exquisite cuisine in an atmosphere of elegance. Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine area, this area was at one time, home to the largest number of Irish settlements in the state. Tour the historic inn, which has 19 rooms onsite and learn a little Irish history, plus a mystery activity will delight the senses. Trip takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Cost is $89 per person.  Use course ID: NST S38 001 to register.

Registration can be made online at www.mchenry.edu/trips and follow the prompts for Workforce and Community Development class registration or to register by phone, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

Take A Little Day Trip -- See "West Side Story"

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program for a day trip to see the captivating musical “West Side Story” at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18.

Drury Lane completes its 30th anniversary season with one of the world’s greatest love stories. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of two, star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs. A revolutionary work that changed the course of the American musical, West Side Story features an electrifying Latin and jazz-infused score including “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” and “America.”

Enjoy a delicious meal, included in the price, before the 1:30 p.m. show. Cost is $99 per person. To register for this trip, call (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: NST S33 001. For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

Everybody Plays -- After School Basketball Program

Everybody plays in this basketball program held directly after school in District 47 elementary school gymnasiums! Participants will develop basic individual basketball skills and team concepts all while having fun in a no pressure environment!  Five officiated games will be scheduled during the season at various schools to give the player a chance to use his newly acquired skills in game situations. 

NEW for 2015! We will be hosting an exhibition game along with a skills challenge. Every registered participant will get to sign up for our skills challenge held on Saturday, March 7 & 14, 2015 at Lundahl Middle School.

Team shirts are included in the fee. 6th grade players may select to play at the grade school of their choice.  This program will not meet on half days of school or when district 47 does not meet. Parents are responsible for transportation to all away games.  Teams are being formed at Canterbury, Coventry, Husmann, North, South, West, Indian Prairie, Woodscreek and Glacier Ridge Schools.  Call Joe Davison at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1228 for more information.

Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org beginning December 18. 

Registration deadline is Friday, January 7, 2015

Program Fee: $93

GRADE         DAY   TIME             DATES

4th                   T/Th     3:30-5 PM       Jan 15-Mar 19

5th/6th             W/F     3:30-5 PM       Jan 16-Mar 20

No class as per District 47 and individual school calendars.

Become A Literacy Tutor For Reading, Math And English

Free information sessions on becoming a literacy tutor for reading, math and English are available at McHenry County College (MCC) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Room A342 or from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in Room A372.

o   MCC’s Adult Education Department is in need of volunteers to tutor adult students in reading, math or English as a Second Language. Anyone over the age of 18 with a desire to make a difference in someone’s life is encouraged to attend. 

o   A literacy volunteer tutor does not have to speak a second language or have any teaching experience to tutor in the adult education literacy program. Volunteer tutors will receive free basic training that provides the information and skills needed to work with literacy students.

o   Training classes are held either on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings starting in February. All teaching materials are supplied to volunteers. Tutoring scheduling is flexible to meet people’s busy schedules, including those who are retired or working full time.

o   “People looking to make a difference in the life of an Adult Education student should come to an orientation session to learn about this rewarding opportunity,” said Marie Day, coordinator of Adult Ed and Literary Support Services.

o   Additional information sessions are offered at 6:30 p.m. March 4 and at 9 a.m. March 7. For more information or to register for an orientation or training session, call Marie Day at (815) 455-8542. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

o   This project was made possible in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

Want To Pursue A Career In Home Inspections?

Those who have a working knowledge of the building trades industry and are interested in pursuing a career in home inspections can receive training with a Home Inspection Pre-licensing course that takes place from 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, from Jan. 27 through April 9, 2015 at McHenry County College in Room A112. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

This 60-hour training course is approved by the Office of Banks and Real Estate and will prepare future home inspectors for the state licensing exam. A variety of topics covered in class range from exteriors to electrical work to heating, along with marketing and business start-up.

People who have knowledge in the building trades, including remodeling, home handyman, contractors, firefighter and tradesman are ideal candidates for this course. Home inspectors could choose a full-time or part-time career or start their own business. Many home inspectors use computer software and digital cameras to generate their reports, so some computer skills may be helpful but are not required.

Books and materials are included in the $895 fee. For more information, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register for the class, call (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: URE U04-004.

A Day Trip To Drury Lane Theatre

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program for a day trip to see the captivating musical “ West  Side  Story” at the  Drury   Lane  Theatre  from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday,

February 18.

Drury Lane completes its 30th anniversary season with one of the world’s greatest love stories. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of two, star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs. A revolutionary work that changed the course of the American musical, West Side Story features an electrifying Latin and jazz-infused score including “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” and “America.”

Enjoy a delicious meal, included in the price, before the 1:30 p.m. show. Cost is $99 per person. To register for this trip, call (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: NST S33 001. For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

MCC Board Candidates For 2015 Election

Two, six-year seats and one, four-year seat are open for the McHenry County College Board of Trustees in the April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election.

Petition filing for candidates ended on Dec. 22. All candidates who filed at 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 15 for the six-year term will be entered in a simultaneous petition filing lottery to determine ballot placement. A lottery for ballot placement for the six-year term will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29 in Campus Public Safety Office, Room B176. As only one candidate filed between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 22, no second lottery will be needed.

Anyone wishing to file an objection regarding a candidate’s filed petition may still file objection in Room B176 on December 29, 30 and 31, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Objections must contain an original and two copies and must be filed no later than December 31, 2014.

Those filing petition objections may use the entrance at Building B, located by the flagpoles at parking lots B and D.

For more information contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu

Folksingers February Sky Returns To MCC January 11

McHenry County College’s popular Second Sunday concert season continues at 3 p.m. Jan. 11, 2015 when folksingers February Sky return with their multi-instrumental professional folk act. The performance will be in the Luecht Conference Center at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

February Sky, of Trout Lake, Michigan, features traditional singer and Celtic guitarist Phil Cooper with songwriter and singer Susan Urban.  Their combined talents on guitar, Cooper sings and plays his own arrangements of traditional songs and tunes on six string guitar and cittern, and he also interprets a number of carefully chosen songs from the best of modern folk song writers.  Susan Urban is a writer of story songs and humorous "slice of life" songs.  She accompanies her singing on guitar, six string banjo, mountain dulcimer, and hand percussion instruments.  In addition, the concert will feature folk musicians Margaret Nelson and Bob and Micky Holdsworth.

February Sky presents a combination of old and new songs addressing the widest possible range of human experience, complete with vocal harmony, intricate instrumentation and thoughtful stagecraft.

Second Sunday concerts are free and open to the public. For more information about Second Sunday concerts, call (815) 479-7814. To see the full concert schedule, go to www.mchenry.edu/artevents

Effective Customer Service For Automotive Industry Class At MCC

Effective customer service is key to keeping customers coming back in any industry. College students or service consultants in the automotive industry can gain a professional edge and become more marketable with Introduction to Service Writing, a new 12-week credit class beginning Feb. 11 at McHenry County College (MCC)

.

Service consultants are the front-line contact of an auto service business. First impressions start and end with them and repeat business depends on their professional, quality customer service and effective communication.

Participants in this class will learn how to write up work orders, explain warranties, recommend services and communicate well with customers, including asking the right questions. The instructor and guest speakers are experienced professionals from the automotive industry

This class is ideal for anyone looking to enter the automobile industry or those who already work in auto repair shops, auto dealerships or auto parts counters. This three-credit class may be applied toward MCC’s automotive certificate and degree programs or taken independently for professional development purposes.

Coursework includes fundamental topics needed for service consultants and is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ACE) Validated Task List for Automobile Service Consultants and is consistent with material found on the ASE Automobile Service Consultant Exam (C2). Introduction to Service Writing will include guest speakers from across the industry and interactive exercises.

“This class helps build interpersonal skills to help give customers confidence and make them feel valued,” said Mike Albamonte, automotive technology department chair and instructor at MCC. “The skills learned in this class are also key to hiring and promotion opportunities.”

For more information or to register for this class, call Mary Lutz at (815) 479-7722 or Mike Albamonte at (815) 455-8941 in MCC’s Automotive Technology Department.

Reminder -- Crystal Lake Park District Program Brochure

Crystal Lake residents should look for the winter/spring 2014-2015 Crystal Lake Park District program brochure in the mail beginning December 19.  The Winter/Spring brochure includes programs and special events scheduled January-May. It also includes an 8 page Summer Camp planning guide. 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. 1212, if you are a Crystal Lake resident and do not receive your brochure in the mail by December 29.  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 is also available as an interactive PDF online at www.crystallakeparks.org.

Deadline Extended -- Annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has extended the deadline to January 16, 2015, for high school and college students to submit an entry for the 11^th annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest.  Since 2004, the contest has sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the ill health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.  The theme this year is “the dangers of nicotine”.  This project was made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health.  

Entries are judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design.  Students can work individually or as partners.  Making the final selection are teens from McHenry County Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, MCDH’s Health Promotion staff, as well as representatives from health departments throughout northern Illinois.  Three designs will be chosen.  Winning entries will have the student’s name, design and school name displayed on billboards, community posters and signs throughout McHenry County. 

Past winners have included students from Woodstock High School, Woodstock North High School, Marengo Community High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, Cary Grove High School, McHenry County College and Crystal Lake South High School. 

For a contest announcement and entry form, students should contact their school’s art teacher.  For more information about the contest, call MCDH 815-334-4851. Get the latest news from MCDH at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.

Flu Cases In McHenry County Reported High This Year

Even though flu is widespread in the County and across the State, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents it’s not too late to get a flu shot. MCDH reports flu cases remain high as compared to the same period in 2013 and 2012. 

The next flu clinic is scheduled from 4pm-6pm on Monday, December 29 at the Department’s Woodstock office, located at 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Building A. Call 815-334-4510 to reserve an appointment or go online at www.mcdh.info. The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Remember, even healthy people can get the flu. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and chills. Contact your physician within 48 hours of experiencing these symptoms as antiviral drugs can be prescribed to reduce how long you’re sick and how sick you become. Those most at risk for severe illness from flu complications (including hospitalization and death) are pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and people 65 and older.

It will take about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection. Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.

For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at 

Posted by Town Crier at Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Labels: MCDH Flu Shots

Flu Shots Available Monday, December 29

Even though flu is widespread in the County and across the State, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents it’s not too late to get a flu shot. MCDH reports flu cases remain high as compared to the same period in 2013 and 2012. 

The next flu clinic is scheduled from 4pm-6pm on Monday, December 29 at the Department’s Woodstock office, located at 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Building A. Call 815-334-4510 to reserve an appointment or go online at www.mcdh.info. The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Remember, even healthy people can get the flu. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and chills. Contact your physician within 48 hours of experiencing these symptoms as antiviral drugs can be prescribed to reduce how long you’re sick and how sick you become. Those most at risk for severe illness from flu complications (including hospitalization and death) are pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and people 65 and older.

It will take about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection. Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.

For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

See "West Side Story" On A Day Trip To Drury Lane Theatre

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program for a day trip to see the captivating musical “West Side Story” at the Drury Lane Theatre from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.
 

Drury Lane completes its 30th anniversary season with one of the world’s greatest love stories. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of two, star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs. A revolutionary work that changed the course of the American musical, West Side Story features an electrifying Latin and jazz-infused score including “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” and “America.” 

Enjoy a delicious meal, included in the price, before the 1:30 p.m. show. Cost is $99 per person. To register for this trip, call (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: NST S33 001. For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.