Comedian Mike Toomey Returns With More Comedy In January

Laugh your way into the new year with WGN Morning News regular Mike Toomey! Familiar with Raue Center, he has performed at Lucy’s Comedy Café as well as recently opening for Bob Saget this past November. This time he brings his show Mike Toomey’s TV & ME to Raue Center For The Arts on January 14 at 7:30 pm.

Mike Toomey grew up glued to the tube, and TV & ME is the manifestation of his obsession. His ability to remember his favorite programs verbatim and impersonate the voices of his favorite characters made Toomey very popular with his classmates, if not his teachers. Once told by a grade school principal that “no one ever made a career out of watching television,” he set out to prove the principal wrong. He continues to this day on his life-long mission to prove her wrong. To make a career out of watching TV: To boldly go where no man has gone before!

Take a journey back into 60’s and 70’s TV Land. In the show, Toomey relates how his childhood television watching has shaped his adult life, while sharing his unique observations about his favorite programs and their characters. This multimedia presentation features over 300 slides and sound bytes plus Toomey’s dead-on impersonations of your favorite TV celebrities. TV&ME is a must see for all members of the TV generation. It even earned praise from Batman star, Adam West, "I don’t have to do this anymore, Mike Toomey, you’re that good."

Don’t miss your chance to see who the Chicago Tribune describes as “one of the funniest and most talented performers to ever work in Chicago." Tickets are $31, $28, and $25 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Words of Wisdom

"The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security." –

James Madison, Federalist No. 45, 1788

Ricky Nelson Remembered Comes To The Raue January 13

Twenty-six  years after his tragic passing, celebrate the iconic and timeless music of Ricky Nelson performed by his sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.  Ricky Nelson Remembered comes to Raue Center For he Arts on January 13 at 7:30 pm.

Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique multi media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson's hit songs (including “Hello Mary Lou", "Travelin' Man” and “Garden Party").

This show stars Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the identical twin sons of Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson. Relive when Matthew & Gunnar hit #1 on the Billboard with their rock band Nelson and their self-penned #1 mega hit "(Can't Live Without Your) Love & Affection". The Nelson family is listed in The Guiness Book of World Records as the only family in entertainment history with three generations of #1 hitmakers.

With their rock band Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar have Five Top 40 Billboard hits, Four  #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide.

Also included is never before seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson. The show appeals to a wide audience and multiple generations and celebrates the life of America’s original ‘Teen Idol’. 

Help the Nelson sons remember their father in a special evening of great music. Tickets are $35, $32 and $29 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.  This show is sponsored by Country Inn and Suites.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org, www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Words of Wisdom

"We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt."

--Thomas Jefferson

Green Wednesday Coming Next Week

In McHenry County, the first Wednesday of each month is Green Wednesday! On January 4th, from 5pm - 7pm, the McHenry County Green Drinks group gets together upstairs at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake. Everyone is welcome - make new connections, learn new environmental information, and have fun!

This should be a great program - Lane Linnenkohl will speak about his experiences in sustainable farming with minimal technology (yeah - horses!) after 10 years of living the life. Come and hear (and see) some of the highlights.

Preset drink menu includes fun, food and friends, info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course!

There will be an information table set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share.

Additional parking is available at the train station.

To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or friend them on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

If you’d like more information about this topic, access www.mcdef.org. To schedule an interview, contact the office at 815-338-0393 or e-mail mcdef@owc.net.

Words of Wisdom

"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread." –

Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, 1821

New Chief of McHenry County State's Attorney Criminal Division

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office has a new Chief of the Criminal Division beginning January 3, 2012.

State’s Attorney Louis Bianchi announces that Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Combs has been promoted to Chief of the Criminal Division for the State’s Attorney’s Office. He replaces Philip Hiscock who is leaving the State’s Attorney’s Office to pursue an opportunity with the Federal Government of the United States.

Combs is a seasoned felony prosecutor, who was previously assigned to the Special Prosecution Unit of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office handling high profile cases and cases involving complex evidentiary issues. Combs was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1999, and was admitted by the Supreme Court of Illinois as a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar in 2007.

Michael Combs is a 1996 graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and a 1999 graduate of New York Law School in New York, New York. Prior to his arrival at the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, Combs served as First Assistant in the Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office supervising and training attorneys and support staff.

He also served as team leader of the felony trial team in the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and acted as first chair in 35 jury trials, including four First Degree Murder trials, all resulting in convictions. Combs also tried 40 jury trials as an Assistant Public Defender in the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office. 

Improve The Environment

The following reminder is from Representative Mike Tryon:

“Beginning January 1, it will no longer be legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash.

“Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, electronic keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.

“This newest phase of electronics disposal will include individual citizens in the effort to keep electronics, which contain a variety of potentially toxic contaminants, out of the state’s 48 active landfills.

“A 2007 report showed that electronic products were the fastest growing portion of the solid waste stream. That year, three million tons of electronic products became obsolete, yet only 14 percent of those products were recycled. During calendar year 2011, electronics manufacturers are being required to collect and recycle or refurbish more than 28 million pounds of products. The reuse of these products, including metals, plastics and glass, conserves natural resources and saves energy. 

“The Illinois EPA maintains a web site at: http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/electronic-waste-recycling/index.html, which explains requirements for individuals and for manufacturers, a list of registered collectors, as well as a complete listing of all electronic items.

“Additional information can be found under "Electronics information" in the McHenry County Green Guide www.mchenry.edu/recycling. “

What To Do With Christmas Trees After Christmas

MDC Environmental Services, Crystal Lake City’s refuse contractor, will begin Christmas tree pick-up on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and will continue through Friday, January 13, 2012.

Residents should dispose of Christmas trees with their regular garbage.

Questions regarding Christmas tree pick-up should be directed to MDC Environmental Services at 815-568-7274

Also—

Christmas tree recycling is taking place now until January 15 at several sites in the County as noted by McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD).

These included:

MCCD - Glacial Park, Ringwood (off Harts Road)

MCCD - Rush Creek, Harvard (at twin oaks parking area—west of pond)

Algonquin Township Headquarters, 3702 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake

Words of Wisdom

"Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

 --John Adams, letter to John Taylor, 1814

Another Important Date

Now that the Christmas Holidays are fading, it is time to prepare for the next “big event”. This is not to dismiss the New Year, which occurs every year.

The next big event that requires active participation, is the March 20 Primary Election.

McHenry County is divided between two Congressional Districts following the recent redistricting process. All of Algonquin Township is located in the Sixth Congressional District while the remainder of the county is part of the 14^th District.

The Sixth District also includes portions of Lake, Cook, Kane and DuPage Counties.The Fourteenth District encompasses 16 of McHenry County’s 17 Townships along with portions of Lake, Kane, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall and Will Counties.

According to information on the State of Illinois website the following persons have filed petitions seeking nominations:

SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:

Leslie Coolidge

345 Old Sutton Road

Barrington Hills, IL

Democratic Party

Geoffrey Petzel

695 Windemere Lane

Lake Zurich, IL Democratic Party

Democratic Party

Tim Ritter
239 North School Street
Cary, Il 60013

Democratic Party

Maureen E. Yates

729 Indian Way

Barrington, IL 60010

Democratic Party

Peter J. Roskam

141 Shelley Lane

Wheaton, IL 60189

Republican Party

FOURTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATES

Dennis Anderson

4682 Kings Way North

Gurnee, IL 60031

Democratic Party

Randy M. Hultgren

1S651 Verdun Drive

Winfield, IL 60190

Republican Party

Words of Wisdom

"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation."

--Samuel Adams, November 27, 1780

Former Scots Baseball Team Member Honored With Induction Into MJCAA Region IV and Illinois Skyway Colelgiate Conference Hall of Fame

McHenry County College (MCC) will honor NJCAA Region IV and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Hall of Famer Tony Bacci on Jan. 3, 2012 at halftime (approximately 8 p.m.) during the MCC’s men’s basketball game against South Suburban College. The presentation will take place in the MCC Gym, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

He will be presented with honoree plaques for both inductions. Bacci played baseball at MCC during the 1995 and 1996 seasons, leading the Scots to the school’s first NJCAA Region IV title in his sophomore season. Tony, a southpaw, was an NJCAA All-American his sophomore year, leading the nation with 139 strikeouts in 86 innings, sporting a 2.39 ERA, and having 17 pick-offs, while finishing with an 8-3 record. In addition to his pitching prowess, Bacci hit .439 as an outfielder with 21 stolen bases, 43 RBI’s and 58 runs scored, in garnering NJCAA All-Region IV and All-Skyway College honors, as a two-position player, leading to his NJCAA All-American selection.

After his MCC career, Tony Bacci pitched in the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball organization for three seasons going 15-14 before continuing his professional career nationally and internationally, over several additional years, in the Northern League and in Australia. Bacci now makes his home, along with his family, in Western Australia.

Words of Wisdom

"[W]hen all government, domestic and foreign, in little as in great things, shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power, it will render powerless the checks provided of one government on another."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Charles Hammond, 1821

McHenry County Government Center Closed For Holiday

McHenry County Government Center is closed today for the Christmas Holiday. It will open with regular hours on Tuesday. However, there are no County Board Committee metings scheduled for the week.  

Merry Christmas

              
                                          

Needed--A Few Good People

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION.  Application forms, along with the McHenry County Housing Commission Supplemental Application, are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-334-4221) or the Applications may be found at the bottom of this page.   

All completed applications should be returned to the County Board office.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098.  Housing Commission questions should be addressed to Sarah Ciampi, Planning and Development Department at 815-334-4560.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FARMLAND PROTECTION COMMISSION.  Three (3) vacant positions are available for three (3) year terms to expire on January 1, 2015.  Incumbents may apply for reappointment.  A background and/or experience in agriculture, finance, conservation or planning are desirable.  Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL  60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found at the bottom of this page.  Completed applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on January 13, 2012.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL  60098.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from persons interested in appointment to the McHenry County Ethics Commission.  Two (2) vacant positions are available for terms ending February 1, 2014.  Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found t the bottom of this page.  

Applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2012.  If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address:  McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098.

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMITTEE (CDBG).  All terms are for 2, 3 or 4 years.  The following appointments are available:

Representatives from County Board Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 which includes representation from among the following professions, associations or organizations:  banking industry, McHenry County Association of Realtors, McHenry County Homebuilder Association, McHenry County Bar Association, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, building inspectors, architects and engineers.

 Representatives from township supervisors, township road commissioners, and/or municipalities within McHenry County limited to mayors (presidents), aldermen/councilmen (trustees) or administrators (managers).

 One (1) appointment for a non-voting (ex-officio) member which shall consist of a representative from a McHenry County service agency.

 One (1) appointment for a non-voting (ex-officio) member which shall consist of a representative from the McHenry County Housing Authority.

All applicants shall be residents of and/or employed in McHenry County, Illinois, and/or serve as an elected or appointed official serving McHenry County, Illinois, and shall be actively engaged in business in, or concerned with, the welfare of the people in McHenry County, Illinois. 

Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL  60098 (815-334-4221) or the Application may be found at the bottom of this page.  Completed applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.   

If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended.  Mailed applications should be sent to the following address: 

McHenry County Board, 

2200 North Seminary Avenue, 

 Woodstock, IL  60098.

Download Appointment Application:

 Appointment Application
General Application for Appointment to Boards & Commissions

Download Supplemental Application:  

Housing Commission - Supplemental Application 

ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) - Supplemental Application

A Real Winner

For the 13^th  consecutive year, McHenry County has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada award for its November 30, 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or CAFR as it is known.

 

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to McHenry County by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its November 30, 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

This is the 13th consecutive year that this honor has been awarded. In addition, McHenry County was given a second Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its November 30, 2010 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). This is the third consecutive year for the award. McHenry County is the only county among the 102 counties in Illinois in which a PAFR is prepared and submitted for the award.

Both the CAFR and PAFR are prepared by the McHenry County Auditor’s Office. County Auditor Pam Palmer stated, “The receipt of these awards represent the strong financial accounting and reporting functions that have been established in McHenry County government. Also contributing are the County Board approved financial policies and the procedures which have been implemented by the Elected Officials and Department Directors. It is an honor to achieve these awards each year.”

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with office in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. 

Want To Quit Smoking?

Call after the holiday to reserve your spot for the next quit smoking class. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System has partnered to offer a 7-week quit smoking class for adults beginning on Thursday, January 12. 

Classes will be held at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley, located at 10450 Algonquin Road, every Thursday, from 6pm-7:30pm. A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all seven sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to the Health Bridge Fitness Center.

The class will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that is trained in the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program.

For more information, and to register, call 1-877-CENTEGRA, or visit www.mcdh.info.

To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES. 

Something For the March 20 Ballot-Savings On Electric Bills

Everybody likes to save money.

One way that is becoming more and more available involves the use of electricity. This is known as Electric Aggregation and is anticipated to go to the unincorporated area voters of McHenry County for the March 20 Primary Election.

The following provides information regarding the upcoming ballot questions. It should be realized this would apply only for residents in the unincorporated areas of McHenry County. If any of the cities or villages in the County desire to provide for the same possible savings for constituents it would require approval by the voters of each particular municipality.

1. How can the County purchase electricity on behalf of residents and small businesses at potentially lower costs?

Under the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-92), local governments are now able to receive a request for proposals (RFP) from suppliers on behalf of the entire community under a single contract. If the rates are lower than ComEd’s, all residential and small business accounts in the unincorporated County area would purchase electricity from the new supplier saving residents and small businesses on their electric bills.

2. Why is there a referendum?

Under the new state law, voters must approve a referendum granting the County the authority to seek electric service RFPs for residents and small businesses under a single contract.

3. What does the referendum ask?

The referendum asks unincorporated McHenry County voters if the County should have the authority to seek RFPs for electric services under a single contract.  It specifically it asks:

“SHALL THE COUNTY OF MCHENRY, ILLINOIS, HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ARRANGE FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY FOR ITS RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL RETAIL CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE NOT OPTED OUT OF SUCH PROGRAM?”

4. Why is the County asking voters for this authority?

The County’s intent would be to try and save residents and businesses money by taking advantage of the new state law.

5. What happens if the voters approve the referendum?

If voters approve, the County would begin the process of developing RFP documents with its Electric Aggregation Consultant and seeking RFP from electric suppliers. If the resulting prices are lower than current prices from ComEd, the County Board would accept the lowest, responsible bidder. Since electric prices would be lower, residents and business electric bills would go down.

6. What if a resident does not want to participate?

You don’t have to change electric suppliers. Each electric customer would be contacted by the selected new electricity supplier. Any customer may “opt out” of the program and stay with your current electric supplier.

7. Can residents enter into their own individual contracts with electric suppliers?

Yes, residents may currently enter into their own contract.  Alternatively, residents may “opt-out” and then enter into their own contract. 

8. What if the prices from the RFPs are higher than ComEd’s prices?

The County Board would not accept any RFPs and your account would stay with ComEd.

9. What rate savings can be expected?

It is too early to predict the magnitude of savings as electric suppliers have yet to price residential and small business accounts under a single bulk contract. That having been said, past aggregations have resulted in approximately 20% savings.

10. If power is purchased from another supplier who would residents call for outages?

ComEd will continue to be responsible for electrical distribution.  By law, ComEd would continue to handle all service issues including any emergency repairs.

11. Would I get a separate bill from the new supplier?

ComEd will continue to handle billing.  You will still be a customer of ComEd’s delivery system while you purchase power from another supplier.

12. Can the public have input on the RFPs?

Yes, the County will hold public hearings to give residents the opportunity to provide input on the plan.

13.  If the referendum passes, is the County obligated to switch suppliers?

No. The referendum merely gives the County the right to seek RFPs. If RFPs are not lower, or not low enough, no change would be made.

14.  When would the first RFPs be received if the voters vote “yes”?

March 2012 would be the earliest for the County to receive the first RFPs.

As an added note, we know of someone in McHenry County who receives natural gas in a like manner. A referendum was not required for this utility. 

Words of Wisdom

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don't clean it up too quickly.  

~Andy Rooney

Quilts and Pillowcases From MCCQuilters Guild To PADS

Some McHenry County College employees and students are continuing a timeless art form, all the while making a difference in the community.

McHenry County College’s MCCQuilters Guild donated a total of 37 handmade quilts and 30 pillowcases to Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) transitional home and Turning Point over the past year. In the past month alone, the two charities accepted 15 comfort quilts, 25 pillowcases, and one wall hanging from the MCCQuilters.

The group’s mission is to serve McHenry County by making quilts and pillowcases for local charities, teaching others how to quilt, and practicing sustainability by using donated fabric to make the items. So far, the donated linens have saved 110 yards of fabric from going into landfills.

“It is a fun, positive experience, and I’ve met other people around the College I didn’t know,” said quilting guild member Caroline Sobolak, who works in the Grants Office. “I look forward to it every month. We’re helping others while being there for each other,” she said.

The MCCQuilters Guild began in 2010, when a group of five female employees gathered for lunch and bonded over their love of quilting and service. One of the members talked about making quilts for sick children. Soon, the women began sewing quilts after work. The group grew from that conversation, and today eight active members and several drop-in members gather once a month to design and sew quilts for homeless children. Some members without sewing experience sew or piece the fabric together, and experienced quilters sew on machines that they bring from home. Often, members will work on a quilt at home in their spare time to keep the projects moving along.

Guild member Marilyn Schick, director of Computing Services, said she enjoys the camaraderie and the connection with American heritage.

“This is the most cheerful, collaborative group I had ever worked with. It’s different than being together with them in (work-related) meetings during the day. I supervise some of them during the day, but in the evenings, they supervise me; they’ve taught me how to quilt,” she said.

“As I got interested in quilting, I read up on it and I was impressed with how women, throughout history, always quilted and joined quilting bees,” Schick added. “It’s functional and an art form very unique to women. Nowadays, I don’t think we have an opportunity or reasons to get together as women did 100 or 150 years ago. When we come together, we’re continuing a tradition that’s part of our American heritage.”

“In addition to being a very practical thing to donate to the shelter, the quilts prove to our clients that members of the community care about what they are going through and want to help. That is invaluable,” said Turning Point coordinator Jennifer Kenning. “Clients will be able to take the items with them when they leave our shelter. It was a very generous donation and the quilts are beautiful! They really brighten the rooms and give them a homey feel.”

Other guild members expressed that they enjoy the group because of the fellowship and the excitement of the quilt recipients.

Opening the guild to students has stirred some enthusiasm as well. Guild members said they hope more students will join them in January when the members start making larger quilts to benefit adult clients at the nonprofit agencies.

Photo Caption:

Members of the MCCQuilters Guild donated 37 handmade quilts and 30 pillowcases to Turning Point and Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) this past year, which also kept 110 yards of fabric from going into landfills. Pictured are, from left, (kneeling), Mary Matthei, Tami Krohn; middle row, Janice Samsa, Caroline Sobolak; back row, Sherry Hodnik, Helen Jost, Mary Gatto, Marilyn Schick, Marie Frostman, and Jonnie Jo Sullivan.

New Additions For Raue Center For The Arts Board

Raue Center For The Arts is incredibly excited to welcome new additions to their Board of Directors for the 2011-2012 season. These new members stand to offer bountiful amounts of valuable information pulled from their own varying professional experiences.

In August of 2011 Jack Minsley Raue Center For The Arts’ board secretary. Jack received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York. He retired at the end of 2001 as Director of Customer Technical Services, Beverage Cans Americas for Rexam PLC (successor corporation to American National Can Co.) an international manufacturer of packaging materials, where amongst other things, he established and managed multimillion dollar annual capital and expense budgets. In retirement he has worked part time as a seasonal employee for the Village of Lakewood at RedTail Golf Club. Jack is also very involved in the community. He was an Assistant Scout Master for 7 years in Crystal Lake with Troop 158. Previously Jack was the vice president and a religious school teacher with Congregation Tikkun Olam, and still currently holds a board member position. Over the last five years he has volunteered weekly at Centegra Memorial Hospital – Woodstock.

Also Joining the Board:

Robert L. Cormier, Jr. is Executive Vice President of Home State Bank. Bob’s focus is on Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate Lending. Bob graduated from Northeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Management, and earned a M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, Bob has attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and the National Graduate Trust School. He lives in Crystal Lake with his wife Kathleen and four children.

Gus Ponce is currently the Director of Transmission and Sub Stations in Chicago for Commonwealth Edison electric utility company. Gus is a graduate of Illinois Benedictine University where he holds a degree in Industrial Management and has also completed his nuclear certification for power water reactors at the Westinghouse nuclear training facility in Zion, IL. He and his family have lived in Spring Grove, IL since 2002.

Raue Center welcomes back Jim Roth to the board. He and his wife, Barbara, have been residents of McHenry County since 1993. Jim is a Certified Financial Planner providing comprehensive wealth management guidance to high-net worth clients of the Harris Private Bank, a unit of BMO Harris Bank. This is Jim’s second stint on the Board, having previously served until January of 2009. In his previous capacity Jim served as Chairman of the HR Committee and also served on the Finance Committee for Raue Center.

Crystal Lake resident Todd Schroll is a social worker by trade. He serves our community through his work at McHenry County Mental Health Board. As Project Director, Todd is responsible for promoting principles of care, developing strategic vision, program development, creating collaborative partnerships and ultimately enhancing the health, safety and well-being of children with serious emotional disorders. He graduated from Marquette University and received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Steve Szalaj and his family have lived in Crystal Lake since 1978. He and his wife, Monica, have two sons and four granddaughters. He is currently an adjunct instructor in music at McHenry County College where he directs the MCC Chorus, and teaches classes including Voice. Upon his recent retirement, Steve completed a 34-year career teaching vocal music in the public schools. He is also the founding Artistic Director of Voices in Harmony, which began in 1987 as the Crystal Lake Community Choir.

Raue Center looks forward to what these distinguished team members will contribute to the mission, the community and to the future of the theatre. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.