Low Cost Rabies and Microchip Event Set December 8

 McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center is taking appointments for a low cost rabies vaccination ($10) and microchip event ($15) at its Crystal Lake facility (100 N Virginia St) on Wednesday December 8th, 2pm-4pm.  Registration fees are separate.  Discounts for seniors apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags.  Call 815-459-6222 for appointment.

Adoptions are also available.  Fees are $80 and include all vaccinations, spay/neuter, FELV & FIV testing, microchip, de-worming and free 1st Veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.  Go to www.mcdh.info (click on Animal Control) to view available pets. 

Congressman-Elect Walsh Invites Public to Saturday Town Hall Meeting

Congressman-elect Joe Walsh, R-8, is holding a Town Hall Meeting Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

The telephone message received regarding the upcoming meeting noted that the election is over and it is now time to get to work. Walsh as well as State Representative Mike Tryon will be available to answer questions and hear concerns about the community and the country from interested citizens.

McHenry County College Trustees Approve Tax Levy For The Upcoming Year

McHenry County College Board of Trustees on Thursday evening unanimously approved a proposed property Tax Levy for next year of $28,234,827 which represents 9.9% over the operating and special purpose property taxes extended for 2009 of $25,691,380.

This proposed levy is estimated to provide levied taxes for 2010 of $28,234,827. This is a 9.9% increase over the previous year. The figures are estimated and could be changed once the final assessment figures are determined and the final figures are known to determine the taxes to be raised.

A public hearing on the proposed 2010 Tax Levy is scheduled to take place December 16 at 7 p.m. in Room A217 on the McHenry County College campus, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

In other matters handled by the Board of Trustees the Board approved an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Management. This is the first step toward a new Culinary Management Degree which continues to deepen a partnership between Woodstock School District 200 and the College. The College is able to use the District's kitchen to teach the Culinary Management Certificate programs.

In other business, the appointment of a Financial Institution for the College's banking services was awarded to Crystal Lake Bank and Trust following a thorough investigative process conducted by interim Chief Financial Officer-Treasurer. A number of changes are being made for handling the College's day to day cash receipts and depositing that will both streamline the process as well as offer better security.

McHenry County County's Balanced Budget Smaller Than Last Year

A new budget year begins December 1 for the McHenry County Government and the County Board Tuesday night approved a smaller budget than last year. This slimmed document is balanced and $6.9 million smaller than the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

A lot of work went into cutting down the spending, something that was necessary due to the reduction in revenues. In total, the County reduced its budget from $248,381,320 for Fiscal Year 2010 to $242,507,244 for Fiscal Year 2011.

Although there were reductions in nearly all areas of County Government, no dramatic cuts were made in services. However, there are cuts in almost all areas of the County Government. So far, the County has not had to utilize reserves to cover expenses.

During the most recent weeks, County staff has proposed additional cuts to a number of departments in the area of overtime. There are 40 "frozen" positions, meaning there are fewer postions to be funded than two years ago in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.

Addtionally, a number of groups that have received financial assistance, can expect reduced contributions . However, it is not expected to be devastating to any of them.

This Fiscal year 2011 Budget does not include wage increases for any non-union employees and there are also several union groups who are not guaranteed a wage increased.

During discussion on the budget, Marc Munnaretto, Chair of the Finance Committee expressed special thanks to the budget stakeholders, the staff and departmetn heads. Also specal thanks to Ralph Sauerbaugh-Associate County Administrator-Finance.

Approval for the budget was not unanimous with three of the 24 Board members voting "no" including John Hammerand-R-3, James Kennedy-D-5 and Yvonne Barnes-R-1.

McHenry County Environmental Health Advisory Committee Meets This Evening

The McHenry County Environmental Health Advisory Committee will meet 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening in the Animal Control and Adoption Center, 100 North Virginia Street, Crystal Lake.

The committee is to review and adopt By-laws, consider prioritization of issues and schedule meeting dates and locations. Also to be considered is input from the County Board of Health as well as what is new on Environmental Health Website.

McHenry County College Board Meetings This Evening

The Finance Committee of the McHenry County College Board of Trustees is meeting at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss authorizing transfer of funds for providing 25% local matching funds for state funded capital construction projects as well as providing resources to do locally funded capital projects including repairs and renovation and deferred maintenance.

Also for consideration by the committee is a resolution for estimated tax levy and notice for a public hearing on the levy at a December 16 meeting at 7:00 pm in room A217.

According to the proposed resolution, the proposed property tax increase for the College District is 9.9% over the previous year. The proposed operating and special purpose property taxes for 2009 were $25,691,380; with the proposed amounts for the same purposes for 2010 at $28,234,827.

Full Board Meeting

These same resolutions are expected to be presented to the full board for consideration when they meet at 7:00 p.m. in the same location.

The Board of Trustees is also being requested to approve the degree of Associate of Applied Science Degree in culinary Management as the first step in receiving approval for the degree from the Illinois Community College Board. This curriculum was begun as a partnership with Woodstock District 200, which has a commercial kitchen the College was permitted to use. It is anticipated that once the degree receives final approval from the State more students will be taken the courses. The program currently prepares entry level workers for employment in the food service industry. The added approval from the State will provide for further development of the Culinary Management program to eventually include coursework and certificates in baking and pastry as well as hospitality.

McHenry County Conservation District Board Meetings This Evening

A number of committee meetings of the McHenry County Conservation District Board are scheduled this afternoon and evening prior to the regular meeting of the board. All meetings are being held in the Brookdale Administrative Offices, 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock.

The Personnel Committee will consider Health, Dental, and Life Insurance renewal at a meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The Finance Committee will meet at 5:00 p.m. in the same location to consider the same Insurance item along with change orders and agreements for five service agreements on District property.

AT 5:00 p.m. the Advocacy and Outreach committee will meet to consider a number of items regarding such items as community gardens, and a board outreach project,

At 6:00 p.m. the regular board meeting of the district is scheduled. It is to begin with a closed session regarding Collective Bargaining, Sale/Lease of Real Estate, Probable or Imminent Litigation and Pending Litigation, Review of Closed session minutes.

At 7:00 p.m. the Regular Open meeting is scheduled. A number of regular staff reports are scheduled. Additionally, approval is being sought for contracts on a number of ongoing projects including impoundments on the North Branch of the Kishwaukee River, modification of a contract for the Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area Boardwalk Project; a change order for the Rush Creek and The Hollows Restrooms Projects; addendums to a contract for construction staking services for the Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area Boardwalk Project.

Also a contract is to be negotiated and executed for employee health, dental and life insurance for next year.

Crystal Lake Park Board To Consider Cell Tower Request Tonight

Crystal Lake Park Board meets this evening beginning at 7:30 in the District Offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. In addition to the necessary actions of the Board for paying bills, a discussion is to be held regarding a Cell Tower proposal in Winding Creek Park. The surrounding area includes seven to eight single family homes and the rest of the area is business facilities. There is considerable opposition from the residents to placing a cell tower in this location.

Free Concert Sunday At MCC

The McHenry County College Department of Music will present a fall band and choral concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 in the MCC Conference Center.

The concert will feature performances by the MCC Concert Band and MCC Chorus. The MCC Concert Band directed by Paige Lush, Ph.D., will include selections by Gordon Jacob, Claude Smith, and John Philip Sousa.

The MCC Chorus, directed by Steve Szalaj, will feature “Cry Out and Shout” by Knut Nystedt, “Skylark” by Hoagy Carmichael and “Can You Hear,” by Jim Papoulis. Solists will include Maura Dooley, Mary White, Lauren Iverson, and Alyssa Idle. Szalaj will also direct a vocal ensemble featuring “Lullaby” (Goodnight, My Angel), by Billy Joel.

The concert is free and open to the public.

It Doesn't Pay To Trick Probation Officers

Anthony L. Thompson, 21, of 3861 Weathervane Lane, Crystal Lake met with his probation officer on November 15 at the County Government Center as required by terms of his probation.

Instead of providing a urine sample as required, he substituted it with a clear liquid from a plastic bag tied around his waist. McHenry County Court services notified members of the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division. Thompson was taken into custody and transported to the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility.

He is charged with Unlawful Defrauding Drug/Alcohol Screening. Bond was set at $20,000 and the next Court date is November 19.

35th Anniversary -- Great American Smokeout

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recognize November 18th as the 35th annual Great American Smokeout.  Smokers are encouraged to use the date to make a plan to quit.

By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.

According to U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, the effects of quitting begin almost immediately and improve over time.

• after 20 minutes – heart rate and blood pressure drop
• after 12 hours – carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal
• after 2 weeks to 3 months – circulation improves, lung function increases
• after 1 year – risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s
• 5 years – stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting
• 10 years – lung cancer death is half that of a smoker; decrease in the risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreatic cancer

McHenry County Ag-Tourism Discussion Thursday Morning

The McHenry County Board Planning and Development Committee meets Thursday morning beginning at 8:30, and the agenda includes the topic of Ag-Tourism for discussion. It is a topic that has come before the committee numerous times. Apparently there has not been a definitive description of Ag-Tourism in McHenry County Building and Zoning codes. A proposed description of what involves agri-tourism is expected to be considered at the meeting.

Also to be considered are several proposed resolutions amending the 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Residential Code, and 2008 National Electrical Code.

The Committee meets in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

New MCC Trustee Takes Oath of Office Thursday Evening

The newly appointed member of McHenry County Board of Trustees, Dennis Adams, of McHenry, will be sworn in at the regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees Thursday. He was appointed to the position at a special board meeting on Monday evening after the board interviewed four individuals of the group interested in filling the vacancy.

A vacancy existed following the November 2 election when Board Member Donna Kurtz was elected to the McHenry County Board representing District 2. By Statute she is not allowed to serve on both of these boards at the same time. '

Adams is a lifetime resident of McHenry County, a local business owner, former McHenry Alderman, and having been involved for many years in a number of civic organizations, including Crystal Lake, Harvard and Huntley Chambers of Commerce, McHenry Police Commission, and the Zoning Board, Adams will bring a unique perspective to the group as he works closely with other trustees to help move the College forward.

“I’m really looking forward to serving on this Board,” Adams stated. “My interest in this position wasn’t due to any one factor. But I have two children approaching college age, and college selection is a hot topic in our household right now. I think I have a good sense of how this age group makes decisions,” he said.

Adams currently owns Adams Collision Center, with locations in Huntley, Lake in the Hills and Harvard. As a small business owner, he has personally taken advantage of MCC’s many corporate training and development opportunities, as well as sent his employees through a variety of the College’s training programs. “I have been a student at MCC and have experienced the great education that the College provides,” Adams said. “But I can also see the College’s value from a taxpayer perspective, which provides a good balance when looking at the issues.”

After Adams’ appointment, MCC Board of Trustees chairperson, Mary Miller, stated, “On behalf of the Board, we are very excited that Trustee Adams will be working with us. He is genuinely proud of MCC’s quality programs and the value the College provides in these challenging economic times, especially through our professional training opportunities. His input will be very beneficial as we continue to set the vision for the College,” Miller added.

Adams earned his Baccalaureate Degree (B.A.) in political science and economics from Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. He lives in McHenry with his wife and two sons, and enjoys playing golf and riding motorcycles.

He will take his formal oath on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the regular Board Meeting, and he plans to run in the April 2011 election to keep his position as MCC trustee.

Notes On The Election From State Board of Elections

The net final results of the November 2 election will be due December 3. However there were a few reports regarding election problems but no major reporting of irregularities.

One of the reasons that election day itself has become less hectic is the increase in popularity of early voting. While there was no expectation that early voting would reach the unprecedented level of 2008 Presidential election, the latest results from the statewide database indicate almost 400,000 Illinoisans voted early--over double the 2006 total of 170,000.

Early voting is increasing in popularity but it does not seem to be improving the overall turnout. The average turnout for the past three midterm elections is just over 50% and it appears that the 2010 figure will be about average as well.

Eighth Congressional Win A Close One

The 8th District Congressional seat will be filled by a Republican for the next two years following the concession by incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Bean in the squeaker race for the seat.

Bean won the seat in 2004, following an election that unseated Republican Philip Crane who was first elected to a seat in the then 13th Congressional District in a 1969 Special Election to fill the seat vacated when Donald Rumsfeld was appointed to a position in the Nixon Administration. Crane was elected over six other candidates at the time.

Crane was elected to a full term in 1970 and re-elected 16 times until his defeat by Democrat Melissa Bean in 2004. Congressional districts are based on population and the area Crane served changed several times over the years from the 13th to the 12th to the 8th. Currently the areas of the 8th District include: Chicago's northwest suburbs of Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Palatine. In Lake County, Zion, Gurnee, Mundelein, and Barrington are in the District. Also included in the district is the Cook County portion of Elgin. In McHenry County, McHenry and Woodstock areas are part of the District.

The race was not decided easily and the results were very close, about 300 votes in favor of Walsh.



Mind Expanding Classes At MCC

Expand your knowledge of mind, body, and money with three unique classes offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department .The following classes are available for fall:

Power of Now

Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry and fear are caused by too much future. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness and bitterness are caused by too much past. The now, the present leaves us free of all negativity. Experience the power of now. The essential teachings of Eckhart Tolle will be discussed and practiced through meditation and visualization exercises. This class meets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 in room E201 at MCC. Cost is $89. Use course ID: NHE S75 011 when registering.

Women’s Self-Defense

One out of every three women will be a victim of sexual assault in her lifetime. This women’s self-defense class will cover the myths of self-defense, verbalization, your body as a self-defense tool, pressure points and sexual assault awareness/resistance measures. Participants will listen to one hour of lecture, followed by an hour of hands-on lessons. This class meets from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7 in room B166-167, MCC. The cost of this course is $10. Please use course ID: NPL S14 011 when registering.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call at Dori Smith at (815) 455-8559 or Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758.

McHenry County College Board Now Has Full Board

McHenry County College will have a full seven-member board following Monday's Special Meeting of the College Board of Trustees. In the November 2 Election, Donna Kurtz was elected to the McHenry County Board. By State Statute, it was ruled that the two positions are in conflict and Ms. Kurtz had to resign from the College Board.

Following public interviews Monday evening of four candidates, Dennis Adams of McHenry was selected to fill the vacancy of Ms. Kurtz. Adams is the owner of an auto collision business with locations in Harvard, Lake in the Hills and Huntley. He also spent ten years with Metra and serves as a treasurer for a political campaign.

Adams told the Trustees present that he had attended classes at McHenry County College and some of his employees also took classes at the college.

He also informed board members that being on the board would mean he would be responsible to two groups, the students and the taxpayers and it is necessary to balance quality with the taxes.

"I'd like to serve on the board and be involved in the community and learn from others," Adams explained. When asked if he saw himself as a micro-manager or a policy-setter, he responded he was a policy setter.

His idea is that board members should be going to civic organization as the board is the visible extension of McHenry County College.

As to what skills he possesses that would be most advantageous to the College, Adams related that it would be common sense. "When getting the large budgets, a small business man has a lot to offer," Adams told the Trustees.

On a question of how the College could improve its image, Adams suggested that the board talk to community organizations and offer the positive things taking place at the College, and ask for help from the community. "The public will think positive, if the Board thinks positive," he says.

When questioned about his understanding of the challenges facing community colleges, Adams suggested that working with four-year schools will keep a demand for the facility viable for the future.

Tuesday Government Events

Tuesday, November 16--

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm -- Open House On McHenry County GIS-

Help McHenry County celebrates International GIS Day. A geographic information system (GIS) empowers the County to integrate digital information with maps.

An open house is taking place prior to the County Board meeting in the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, in Conference Rooms A&B. This open house will showcase how the County GIS is used to improve public safety, reduce staff time, manage resources more efficiently, improve decision making and provide better information to the public.

The public is invited to stop by and meet County Staff and interact with the technology. There will be representatives from Administration, Assessments, Division of Transportation, Emergency Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Health, Planning and Development and the Sheriff's Department.

6:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake High School District 155 Board

High School District 155 Board Policy Committee is meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake. The agenda calls for consideration of policies under review including Advanced Education Programs, Field Trips, Injuries to Student Athletes, and Athletic Clubs.

The full Board of Education meets in the same location at 7:30 p.m. with a number of routine matters for the board's attention.

7:00 p.m.--McHenry County Board Working With Recovery Zone Bond Reallocations

When the McHenry County Board meets at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, consideration will be given to the return of $2,112,780 of Recovery Zone Facility Bond Volume Cap allocation by the Master Property Owners Association, Inc. for the Wonder Lake area. Originally, $5,932,780 was allocated from the McHenry County Recovery Zone Facility Bond Volume Cap Authority for a lake dredging project. However, Bond Counsel determined that certain activities related to the planned dredging project do not meet the eligibility criteria for funding through the Recovery Zone bond program. Therefore, only $3,820,000 will be used with $2,112,780 of unused Volume Cap Authority being returned.

It should be noted--this is not McHenry County funds, but only a part of the authority granted to the County to allocate for eligible projects in the county for federal funding.

This amount returned from Wonder Lake along with $3,574,270 returned by Sports One Equity Corporation, provides the County with $5,687,050 of available Volume Cap for allocation.

A motion is being presented for approval to allocate $5,687,050 of the Recovery Zone Allocation to Sage Products, Inc. Company representatives have met with the Finance and Audit Committee regarding the plans to expand the Cary facility which is to house predominantly warehouse and some administrative area. The present facility was built ten years ago.

The County Board meets in the Board Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

7:30 p.m. --Crystal Lake City Council To Consider Planned New Home For Colonial

When the Crystal Lake City Council meets Tuesday, beginning at 7:30 p.m., consideration will be given to the requested Planned Unit Development for Colonial Cafe. The restaurant is planning to move into renovated facilities of the former Baker's Square on the opposite side of US Highway 14 from its present location.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the plan presented for Colonial which includes a location for Harris Bank and Regency Beauty. All of these are being located on what is presently known as Lot 1 in the Crystal Court Shopping Center. Colonial is planning to subdivide the approximate 5.93 acres being purchased into three lots. Additionally, facade changes are also planned.

Tuesday McHenry County TB Board Meeting Cancelled

The McHenry County Tuberculosis Care & Treatment Board meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, November 16 at the McHenry County Department of Health’s Crystal Lake office, has been cancelled. 

District 47 Board Expected To Approve a Tentative Tax Levy This Evening

Crystal Lake School District 47 Board is expected to approve a tentative tax levy when it meets this evening at 7:00 p.m. in Indian Prairie School, 651 West Village Road, Crystal Lake. Also listed on the agenda for discussion are a number of policy sections and a TIF.

Special Meeting Scheduled This Evening By MCC Trustees

A special meeting of the McHenry County College Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this evening in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The agenda items include the board vacancy followed by a closed session. Next agenda item is the finalization of a settlement and ongoing support agreement with the ERP vendor.

Personnel is a listed item followed by a closed session and then summary comments by the board members. Adjournment is the final item listed.

Two more meetings are slated this week for the MCC Board. The Finance Committee is meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m. prior to the regular Board of Trustees meeting at 7:00 p.m.

American History Film Based on Howard Zinn's Books Presented Monday At MCC

"The People Speak", is a film based on author, historian, teacher and activist Howard Zinn's groundbreaking books on American history. This film, presented from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MCC, weaves through American history giving different perspectives and showing the people's vital role in social movements.

Musical and dramatic performances of actors and artists such as Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Viggo Mortensen, Bruce Springsteen, Marisa Tomei, John Legend, Sandra Oh, and others provide the stories.

Howard Zinn's books are "A People's History" of the United States .The film is presented Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

This free event is sponsored by the Student Peace Action Network at MCC.

Free Beginning Technology Classes At MCC

McHenry County College students from the Chi Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society will conduct two free technology classes for anyone 18 and older from 9-10 a.m. on Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 in Room A101 on the Crystal Lake campus.

A Basic Computer Skills class will take place from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 in Room A101. This class will include topics such as how to save files to a flash drive, how to avoid computer virus and worm attacks, how to create strong passwords and shutting down the computer properly, and understanding the difference between using http and https.

Another class, Communications Tools, is scheduled for 9-10 a.m. Dec. 4 in Room A101 and will provide information on texting, smart phone use, and Skype.

The instructor for both classes will be MCC student Kim Bowman, who also works part-time in the Information Technology Department at the college. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

The classes are free and no registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Phi Theta Kappa at mccptk@mchenry.edu.

Crystal Lake Park District Proposed Tax Levy Ordinance For December 2 Board Consideration

Crystal Lake Park District recently considered a proposed 2010 Tax Levy for the District. The Levy Ordinance is to be placed on the December 2 Park Board Agenda. The proposed Tax Levy is expected to be approved at this time. The total proposed levy as considered at the November 4 Board meeting calls for $6,820,564 including all funding for the Crystal Lake Park District funds as well as $450,000 for special recreation and $957,564 for debt service.

By decreasing the 2010 Special Recreation levy to $450,000 from the 2009 extension of $750,877, the levy will be less than 105 percent of the previous year's amount and will not require a Truth in Taxation requirement.

What Is Truth in Taxation Law?

The Truth in Taxation law was established in Illinois by legislation which became effective in 1990. It requires taxing districts to determine whether the year's levy (not anticipated extension) is 5% or more than the last year's extension. If the percentage increase is more than 105%, a publication of notice and a hearing on the budget is required.

If there is a required hearing, it may not coincide with the public hearing on the budget. Other legal requirements regarding the publication and holding of the hearing are also put in place.

The 2009 Crystal Lake Park District levy request was for $6,969,538 with a certified extension of $6,605,915. The final determination of the tax rate is made by the County based on the actual assessed valuation figures of property in the Park District and the amount of revenue requested by the District.

For 2010 proposed levy the total amount is $6,820.564 and a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required.

America Recycles Day Is Monday

Everyday Americans recycle their trash because they know it’s an important activity that can have a positive impact on the environment.

But once a year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets aside November 15 to remind everyone that recycling plays a dramatic role in reducing pollution. It’s a great day to recommit to recycling, and to consider adding some additional recycling activities to our daily routines.

The average American discards about 4.5 pounds of trash, also known as solid waste, every day. This trash goes mostly to landfills, where it is compacted and buried. Thirty-three percent of solid waste, or 83 million tons, is recovered and recycled or composted; and 54 percent, or 135 million tons, is disposed of in landfills.

But within your trash are many valuable resources which can be recycled and reused, such as glass bottles and jars, plastic detergent jugs, aluminum cans, paper containers and packaging, yard clippings and even food scraps. As the population grows and the amount of trash continues to grow, so will pressure on our landfills, our resources and our environment.

There is nothing new under the sun, according to the National Recycling Coalition. “Before the 1920s, 70 percent of U.S. cities ran programs to recycle certain materials. During World War II, industry recycled and reused about 25 percent of the waste stream.”

America Recycles Day helps to raise awareness of the importance of recycling today. The nation's composting and recycling rate rose from 7.7 percent of the waste stream in 1960 to 17 percent in 1990 and is currently hovering around 33 percent.

Your contribution matters. In 2008 -- the latest recycling statistics available -- recycling and composting 83 million tons of waste saved the equivalent of more than 10.2 billion gallons of gasoline.

To bring the idea of what can be saved closer to home, think about this: By tossing one aluminum soda can into the recycling bin, you’ve just saved enough energy to run your TV for two hours.It all comes back to our individual efforts. Reduce, reuse, and recycle!

For more information on America Recycles Day go to