Crystal Lake Park District Adopts Tax Levy; Plans For Veteran Acres Playground Equipment Replacement

Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners on Thursday evening adopted a $5,863,000 Tax Levy Ordinance for the Fiscal Year May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012.

The levy for the 2009 tax year totaled $6,605,915 with a tax rate of .351904. The 2008 levy totaled $6,561,495 with a rate of .346310.

The Park Board also approved a replacement project for the Veteran Acres Playground including the replacement of the 50-plus year old shelter. The existing playground equipment will be replaced with new nature based structures for ages two to five years and five to 12 years. These will include swing sets, spider net climbers, sandbox, balance beams, a splash pad, walkways from parking lot to rest room building, shelter and connection to the hillside path. Also included are the necessary provisions for handicapped use. Bids were obtained for the project with the lowest for the project, other than work being done by the Park District, is $727,000.

It is expected there will be inconvenience experienced, but the project is scheduled for completion by June 1.

A Sight To Behold

It is winter as evidenced by the scenes observed everywhere. If we look at what nature has provided it is a beautiful scene. However, it does impede the things man desires to do. The following picture is indicative of what is obsrved, although this is not a local scene.



Quickbooks Training For Year End

McHenry County College Shah Center has expanded options for QuickBooks training by offering a QuickBooks Year End Readiness seminar from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13.

 The QuickBooks Year End Readiness seminar will provide QuickBooks users with the information needed to properly prepare accounting records for year-end financial reporting and compliance.

Among the topics that will be covered are: Setup/update of closing date, IRS1099 reporting, reconciling inventory, payroll and W2 reporting.  Participants will also have an opportunity to ask specific user questions.

The presenter will be Darlene Gray, Advanced QuickBooks Pro advisor. Cost is $95. Register using course ID:  NTC S82 001.

This course will take place at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. For more information or to register, contact: the Shah Center at (815) 455-8593  shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Sugar Maple Festival Registrations Begin December 8

Have you ever wondered how maple syrup was discovered? Have you ever seen over 40 trees hooked up to collect and process sap in a scenic woodland?  McHenry County Conservation District offers free elementary schools field trips and public tours for the annual Festival of the Sugar Maple at Coral Woods Conservation Area in Marengo.

Sign up for the popular Festival of the Sugar Maples School Field Trip starts Wednesday, Dec. 8, for grades 2-5, offered daily Feb. 21-25 and Feb. 28 –March 4.

Students will learn the fascinating history of maple sugaring and see how the sap collection process has evolved to modern day techniques. They will also get to visit the evaporator house and to see watch the sap as it is transformed into syrup. Finally, everyone gets a taste of pure Coral Woods maple syrup before they leave. The entire length of the field trip is held outdoors, lasts about an hour and travels along a one-mile stretch of a wooded nature trail. Teachers can call 815-479-5779 to plan their outing.

Free public tours are offered weekends, February 26-27 and March 5-6, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.  Coral Woods Conservation Area is located at 7400 Somerset in Marengo. For more information, call 815-479-5779 or visit www.MCCDistrict.org.

MCC Chorus Joining With Voices in Harmony and Orchestra for December 12 Sing-Along

The McHenry County College Chorus is joining with Voices in Harmony and a 25-piece orchestra for a Sing-Along of Handel's Messiah at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 12 at the Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

The orchestra is under the direction of Steve Szalaj, and Assistant conductor will be Paige Lush, Ph.D., band director at MCC. The featured soloists are Susan Kedzior, soprano, Buffy Baggott, mezzo soprano, Peder Reiff, tenor, and Rick Ziebarth, baritone.

Tickets are $18 with group rates available for groups of 10 or more by calling the box office at 815-356-0212. "Messiah" scores will be available for purchase at the concert. For more information on the MCC chorus, contact Michael Hillstrom at 815-479-7814.

Tax Levy Among Matters For Crystal Lake Park Board Consideration

When the Crystal Lake Park District Board meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Park District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, one of the matters to be considered is the tax levy for fiscal year May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2012.

A couple items involving replacements are also to be considered. One is for the Veteran Acres Playground Replacement project for a lowest responsible bid of $744,432.01. A second Quote is for the Racket Club fencing for $5,995

Also to be considered is a request by the McHenry County Youth Sports Association (MCYSA) to host the 2011 International Championships at Lippold, Veteran Acres and Spoerl Parks. The ten-day event is scheduled for Friday, July 29 through Sunday August 7. The Board is to also consider the waiver of the park district labor costs for pre and during tournament maintenance/supervision.

Dilemma For County Board -Farm Use Versus Residential Use Land

When the McHenry Board Planning and Development Committee meets Thursday morning, at 8:30 a.m., the members have a short agenda to consider. One item is a request from Lynn Mannor subdivision for an extension of time for the final approval of the plat.

A discussion on the topic of horse racing as it applies to McHenry County is also on the agenda. There have been some horse races held on farm property which has caused considerable conflict for surrounding subdivision neighbors. This appears to be a touchy topic with more opportunities for horse races, along with other forms of outdoor entertainment for large crowds being offered. It appears difficult to please both sides of the issue when farm property--no matter what size--is used for outdoor entertainment, other than that which is farm related; especially when it is in close proximity to residential developments.  

World AIDS Day Observed

Today, December 1, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners will observe World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS.  CDC works with Ministries of Health and other public health partners, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, to combat HIV/AIDS by strengthening health systems and building sustainable, evidence-based HIV/AIDS programs in more than 75 countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. 

Worldwide, 33.4 million people are living with HIV.  In the U.S., an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV. Of those, as many as 1 in 5 people (21%) are unaware of their HIV infection.  An estimated 56,300 Americans become infected with HIV each year.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a lot like other viruses, including those that cause the flu or the common cold. But there is an important difference – over time, your immune system can clear most viruses out of your body. That isn't the case with HIV – the human immune system can't seem to get rid of it.  HIV testing is important because finding new HIV infections means people can get lifesaving treatment early and can take steps to protect their loved ones from being infected.  MCDH’s HIV program offers free HIV testing by appointment (815-334-4500) which includes the development of a risk reduction plan and referral to other community services as needed.  Community HIV education is also available.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS, how it is and is not transmitted, the risk factors for HIV transmission, preventing transmission and the symptoms of HIV infection, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic.

MCC Shah Center Monthly Breakfast Series Continues

McHenry County College Shah Center continues its "Start@Shah" monthly breakfast series from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 10 with a talk by Mike Mickelwright, author of "Out of Another @#&% Crisis: Motivation Through Humiliation."

In 1982, Dr. Edward Deming published "Out of the Crisis" a road map for leading a successful organization. Join Mike as he creatively presents how Deming's principles continue to transform management and addresses the question, “Are Deming's principles still relevant today?”

The Start@Shah breakfast series focuses on issues relevant for today’s leaders and take place at 7:30 a.m. on the third Friday of each month. Use course ID: NTL S92 002 when registering. Cost is $35. 

This breakfast series is held at The Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. For more information (or to register) contact: The Shah Center, 815-455-8593  shahcenter@mchenry.edu

Crystal Lake Library Trustees Meeting Wednesday Evening

Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting for a special session Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Ames Meeting Room of the Library. The agenda includes matter relating to a FY 11/12 budget including a working budget and appropriation along with discussion on the Equalized Assessed Valuations and levy.

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission Meets Wednesday

Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commissioners will consider several requests at the Wednesday evening meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers.

Crystal Lake Fire Department

The Crystal Lake Fire Department is seeking a special use permit and variation for outdoor storage for two sea/land containers at 844 Virginia Road, the location of the Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant and Fire Rescue Station No. 3. One container has been on the site since 2008 and now there is a need for a second container. These are used for storage of equipment used by the Crystal Lake, McHenry County, and Lake County Specialized Response Team for Technical Rescue in High Angle, Below Grade, Trench Collapse, Confined Space, Dive, and Hazardous Materials rescues.

The containers will not be in a screened area therefore, a request for a Special Use Permit is needed.

Wilbrandt rezoning and Subdivision

A rezoning matter for a parcel of property at 65 Virginia Street is to be considered. The triangular shaped property juts into property at the rear, 48 South Oriole Trail. An amendment is being considered to create an additional lot at the Oriole Trail location by including the triangle portion of the 65 Virginia Street to be a part of that area and then dividing the property into two lots. The Virginia Street property will have a straight rear boundary.

Schafer Subdivision

This is a request for a final PUD and final plat approval for a five-lot subdivision that was presented for preliminary plat approval in June 2009. This heavily wooded site was previously zoned W-2 and is currently zoned W. This is due to comprehensive rezoning by the City with the adoption of a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

This site is heavily wooded with mostly White Oak, Red Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Black Cherry and Box Elder trees. A large part of the site will be left undisturbed. A number of trees will need to be removed to accommodate the buildings and sanitary sewer installation. These will need to be replaced. The petitioner is requesting approval for the Final PUD to allow construction of five single family homesites.

Spring Trip to Washington For Cherry Blossom Festival

McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours office is offering a spring trip to the Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival from April 7-11, 2010 featuring the Cherry Blossom parade from reserved seats.

Experience one of the most popular times of the year when visitors come from all over the world to view the cherry trees at their peak of bloom. The famous cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 and now symbolize the natural beauty of our nation’s capital.  Enjoy staying in one hotel, and each day the tour director will escort you to the famous sites of the area. Some walking is involved. 

Home pick-up and return, round trip airfare from Chicago, nine meals and tours around the D.C. area are included. Cost is: $2,154 for double; $2,479 for single; and $2,134 for triple.  All prices are per person and are guaranteed through Dec. 28.  Cost includes an optional cancellation/interruption insurance premium of $193.

For more information or to register, please contact Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782. 

Second Plannng Session for Sleepy Hollow and Silver Creeks Slated Wednesday

Planning processes are underway for the watersheds of Sleepy Hollow Creek and Silver Creek located in the eastern half of McHenry County. The goal is to preserve these areas, which are the home to significant natural resources including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, rare fens, and several lakes enjoyed by community members as a source of recreation.

Community members gathered for the first planning session held the end of October. Community members gathered to discuss opportunities to address water resource protections in eastern McHenry County. Another meeting for community members is scheduled 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1 in the Prairie Grove Village Hall, 3125 Barreville Road, Prairie Grove.

The goal is to develop a watershed plan for each watershed. This watershed planning provides opportunities for community members from various jurisdictions to work together on preserving a share resource. This is under the guidance of Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

New Terms For County Elected Officials

Wednesday is the first day of new terms for McHenry County Clerk Katherine Schultz, Treasurer Bill LeFew and Sheriff Keith Nygren, who were returned to their respective offices by the voters on November 2.

Each one will be sworn in at a different location since the offices are no longer located in one building as was the case in years past.

This is the beginning of a fifth term for Ms. Schultz who served as chief deputy clerk for 12 years prior to being elected as County Clerk.

Treasurer Bill LeFew begins his fourth full term as McHenry County Treasurer and served two years prior to that in the position.

Sheriff Keith Nygren is beginning his 14^th year in the sheriff's office after serving for 26 years with the Crystal Lake Police Department, working from patrol officer to police chief.

Crystal Lake Library Closed Until Noon on Friday

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Friday, December 3 for Staff Training. The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

High School District 155 Board Meeting Regarding Negotiations

High School District 155 Board will hold a Special Meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Center for Education, South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, to consider collective negotiating matters between the School District and its employees or their representatives. This meeting will be in executive session as allowed under the Open Meetings Act.

McHenry County Board of Health Meeting This Evening

McHenry County Board of Health will meet at 6:00 this evening in executive session for the annual performance review of the Administrator.

This will be followed at 7:00 pm for the regular board meeting, which is open to the public. In addition to considering a number of contracts and agreement renewals including IDPH Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities and IDPH Office of Health Promotion/Dental Sealants and Administration grant, the election of the 2011 Board of Health Officers is to take place. Also, the 2011 Board of Health Meeting Schedule is to be set.

The program highlights for this meeting is norovirus, commonly known as stomach flu.

The meetings of the Board of Health are held in the Department of Health, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Annex A, Woodstock.

Training For Important Job In Road Construction and Maintenance

Construction work zone flaggers have one of the most dangerous occupations in construction maintenance. To train workers how to provide safe passage of traffic through and around work zones, McHenry County College’s Continuing and Professional Education Department is offering a four-hour National Safety Council Flagger Training Certificate Course once a month.

The next session will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Shah Center, 4100 West Shamrock Lane, McHenry, in Room 121. The instructor is Bob Gagnon who will teach flagging procedures and proper use of required equipment through classroom activities and hands-on training. The flagger training course is available for both novice and experienced construction zone flaggers. In addition to controlling traffic through work areas, the program aims to minimize confusion by bringing standard flagging procedures to our nation's highways.

Flagger training sessions scheduled for 2011 are: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 15, and May 13.

Cost is $119 per session. To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call Dee Comella at (815) 479-7591

McHenry County Mental Health Board Meeting and Groundbreaking Today

McHenry County Mental Health Board will conduct a Special Meeting at noon today in the Mental Health facilities, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

A number of matters are on the agenda some related to the new building project to get underway soon.

At 12:45 p.m. following adjournment of the board, a groundbreaking ceremony for the building project is to take place at the same location.

MCC Students Host Benefit Pottery Sale

McHenry County College ceramics students will host a Student Pottery Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1 in the commons area in Building B at the college, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan Long Memorial Scholarship Award fund. The fund was established in 1994 for art students in memory of Ryan Long who was 12 when he died in 1993. His mother, Joann Long, a ceramic artist, established the award in his name as he was interested in ceramics.

The event has free admission and is open to the public.