Spring Cleaning Can Be Helpful To The Budget

Spring cleaning? How can that stuff from your attic or storeroom bring you a tax deduction and help the environment?

By donating that stuff to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County! The organization will be taking donations of gently used items for their spring garage sale from May 21 through May 25, 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary.

What type of things will be accepted? Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances. Not sure if they’ll take it? Call the office at 815-338-0393, or email mcdef@owc.net.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit or call 815-338-0393

Environmental Scholarships Available

Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

• Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organization
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher
• Grade point average from high school transcript
• An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’ office, 110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL, or downloaded from the Defenders’ website

Questions regarding the scholarship-- please call the office at 815-338-0393.

Formed in 1970, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are welcomed and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Crystal Lake Annual Brush Pickup Set For Monday

The City of Crystal Lake Public Works Department will conduct its annual brush pick-up during the month of May.  Residents are asked to have all brush set out on the parkway before 7:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2. All brush must be less than 6 inches in diameter and no more than six feet in length. City crews will only make one pass down each City street to collect the brush.

In addition, on the first and third Saturday of every month, April through November, residents may drop off brush at Wastewater Treatment Plant #2, located at Coventry Lane and Dartmoor Drive, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Proof of residency is required. All brush will be ground into wood chips and made available to Crystal Lake residents free of charge for landscaping.

Residents with questions are asked to contact the Public Works Department at (815) 356-3614.

The Fox Is Causing Concern Again

A flood warning continues for the Fox River at Algonquin until late Sunday night.

At 7:45 p.m. this evening, the stage was estimated near 3.0 feet. Gage readings are being affected by gate operations at the dam.

Flood stage is 3.0 feet

Forecast—the river is expected to remain near flood stage through Sunday evening.

Impact at 3.0 feet—flooding begins to affect residences along River Road in Fox River Grove.

Water inundates some streets in mobile home park in northwest Elgin.

Street flooding beings in Holiday Hills.

McHenry County Earth Day Celebration Tomorrow

On Saturday, April 30th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again co-sponsor the county-wide Earth Day celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District from 11 am–4 pm at MCCD’s Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

A regular service by the Defenders at this annual event is offering the opportunity for people to bring in hard-to-recycle items. With the help of their partners - Computer Recycling Center and Ken Santowski of Chicago Logistic Services – the Defenders will accept athletic shoes, electronics, white Styrofoam™ block, packing peanuts, re-useable bubble wrap, fluorescent tubes, and household batteries. A donation is requested to offset the cost of recycling computer monitors, televisions, and fluorescent tubes. For questions on what electronics will be accepted check the web site www.computerrecyclingcenter.net or call the Defender's office at 815-338-0393.

The Defenders are still amazed at the amount of materials brought in to drives like this. They are proud of the efforts made to keep certain materials out of the waste stream. Volunteers at the last Woodstock recycling drive saw it as one of busiest days they can remember. At times there were 8 cars lined up waiting to drop off electronics, Styrofoam™, fluorescent tubes or batteries. Despite the wait to be unloaded, all the folks bringing recyclables were patient, helpful and generously donated to help defray costs. One of the Defender volunteers thought it must be that everyone was doing “spring cleaning” considering the warm nice day.

When that collection closed at noon, the workers were left trying to figure out how to jam all the materials into the box truck and Defender trailer. The combination of large old televisions and big chunks of block Styrofoam filled up every space possible. Long-time recycling coordinator Dwight Dalton said he had never had a day like that before. One thousand forty seven pounds of car batteries were collected and sold at market. Fluorescent tubes that were collected were taken to Fluorecycle, Inc. in Ingleside where mercury gas is safely removed. The Styrofoam is shipped to a company that chemically makes hard plastic “silverware” type objects. The electronics are stored until a full load can be taken to Ecotronics in Carol Stream for recycling.

The Defenders’ recycling team is looking forward to doing it again at the Earth Day Celebration! That's tomorrow!

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are a 41-year-old not-for-profit citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Recycling activities began almost from the organization's inception, because it seemed (and still does) to be the best way to handle the solid waste problem. It also served as a source of funds for the group’s educational activities.

Interesting Facts About Congress

From: Jennifer E. Manning, Information Research Specialist; Colleen J. Shogan, Assistant Director/Senior Specialist in Government and Finance; Susan Navarro Smelcer, Analyst on the Federal Judiciary. March 18, 2011

Ninety-one women currently serve in the 112th Congress: 74 in the House (50 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Ninety-two women were initially sworn in to the 112th Congress, but one Democratic House Member has since resigned. This number (92) is lower than the record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress.

The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. A total of 274 women have served in Congress, 174 Democrats and 100 Republicans. Of these women, 235 (149 Democrats, 86 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 31 (19 Democrats, 12 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and 8 (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. These figures include one non-voting Delegate each from Guam, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands."

Free Interactive Health Education Program For Women

“It’s Your Time” is the theme for this year’s National Women's Health Week (May 8-14) which empowers women to  make their health a top priority.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a free 8-week interactive educational program designed for women 18 and older to foster healthy choices for a better quality of life. The classes will be lead by MCDH’s Lila Keller, BSN, RN and are held at the Woodstock Recreation Center (Multi-Purpose Room A), 820 Lake Avenue, from May 12-June 30, 7pm-8:30pm. Pre-registration is required at 815-338-4363.

The “Life Smart for Women” program will provide participants with skill building tools, goal setting and self-help tips to improve their health.  Discussion topics will include nutrition, coping with stress, dealing with tobacco, alcohol, drugs and violence, and how to stay healthy through all ages of your life.  They will also have the opportunity to evaluate their own personal risk factors for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Free cardiovascular screenings will be provided. 

National Women's Health Week is a week-long health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women’s Health http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.  It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. It encourages women to take steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases.  For more information, call Lila Keller at 815-334-4510 or visit http://www.mcdh.info/.

An Observant Community Averted A Possible Accident

The cooperation of community members in unincorporated McHenry resulted in McHenry County Sheriff's Deputies being able to locate three young men who decided to remove stop and speed limit signs from the intersection of Eastwood Lane and Manor Road.

At 3:11 a.m. Wednesday, members of the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division were notified of individuals stealing street signs. The deputies notified the McHenry Township Road District and the signs were replaced. Deputies located three suspects who were taken into custody, including Kristopher J. Lomax, 23, of 1301 Eastwood Lane; David M. Mikos, 22, 2312 Glenwood Lane, McHenry, and Nathan C. Borter, 23, 809 S. Carol Avenue, McHenry. All three were charged with two counts of theft, and reckless conduct. They were transported to the McHenry County Correctional facility.

Sheriff Nygren provided thanks to the community for their awareness and quick reporting of an in-progress criminal activity. Suspicious or criminal activity should be reported to the local police department or the McHenry County Sheriffs Office at 815-338-2144 or Crime Stoppers for McHenry County at 800-762-7867 (STOP)

McHenry County's Thirty-First Improved Conservation Site Opens To Public May 7

McHenry County Conservation District will officially open the new High Point Conservation Area Saturday, May 7 from 10-11:30 a.m., entrance located at 10250 Reese Rd., in Harvard.

A ribbon-cutting will be held promptly at 10 a.m. followed by a brief history of the site and the on-going restoration efforts.  Visitors can then join Restoration Ecologist John Aavang on a 1 mile walking tour as he describes the intricacies of the site and the unique natural communities that thrive here.Perched in the center of a three-mile radius, High Point Conservation Area boasts the highest glaciated point in the county, at 1,189’ above sea level.  

This 253 acre oak and hickory savanna and ephemeral wetland complex mix, located between Reese and Wright Roads in Alden Township, creates attractive habitat for many savanna and declining grassland bird species, such as the bobolink and meadowlark.  Fifty-two species of birds, hawks and waterfowl have been spied within its boundaries, including Sandhill Cranes, snipes, wood ducks, killdeer, American woodcock, Baltimore Orioles and barred owls.

 High Point Conservation Area provides hikers with a quiet respite from which to enjoy the outdoors.  Roughly 1.25 miles of looped nature trails provide ample opportunity for visitors to appreciate the scenic views and observe wildlife in the woodlands and meadows.

What Is High Point Conservation Area?-In 2006, the District purchased 203 acres and in 2007 acquired another 49 acres. Restoration work began immediately removing dense buckthorn, garlic mustard, and box elders, which made for native wildflowers seeds which lay dormant and were awaken on the woodland floor.  In July, 2008 staff also sowed 118 acres of former agricultural fields with prairie seed.

The area around High Point contains about 70 vernal ponds, hosting one of the highest concentrations of ephemerals wetlands in the Midwest. These spring ponds provide necessary breeding areas for amphibians and reptiles.  These ponds cannot support fish because they dry up in the summer; instead they provide critical habitat for frogs and salamanders that need water to reproduce, lay eggs, and grow through the tadpole phase.  Without fish to prey on them, these amphibians thrive.

Gracing the woodland floor and restored sedge meadow areas, 108 native plant species thrive including March phlox, Turk’s cap lily, downy gentian, Solomon seal, May apple and wild bergamot, geranium, sweet potato and strawberry.

The appeal to protect this property was enhanced by the amount of dedication by the surrounding landowners to conservation. Over the last seven years, neighbors have committed half of their 800 private acres, within a five-mile radius, to restoration. Additional, roughly 60 acres of private lands adjacent the site are being permanently protected through conservation easements with the assistance of the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, another 60-acre tract has received a state Land and Water Reserve dedication, and two additional properties have been designated as Illinois State Natural Area Inventory sites. 

McHenry County Conservation District currently owns and manages 24,894 acres throughout the county and High Point marks the 31st site with improved amenities for the public to enjoy.

Dedication of Eighth Scenic Road in McHenry County On Saturday

As part of the McHenry County Scenic Roads Program, Fleming Road in Bull Valley is to be dedicated Saturday as the 8^th Scenic Road in the County.

The ceremony is taking place on Fleming Road, north of Country Club Road at 1:00 p.m. Parking is available along the4 shoulders of the road. But motorists are asked to please avoid damage to grassy areas or plants. The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, the Scenic Streets and Roads Committee is inviting the public to celebrate the dedication of Fleming Road as a McHenry County Scenic Road. A reception will follow at the Woodstock Country Club.

About The McHenry County Scenic Roads Program.

This program was established to recognize both roads and the surrounding features that create their character (the road corridor). The program can be applied to any type of road located in McHeny County, including city streets, residential streets and rural roads.

Completed application forms are reviewed by the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and the Scenic Streets and Roads Subcommittee, whose members consist of representatives from throughout McHenry County.

Scenic Streets and Roads designation does not “freeze” roads in time. Traffic and life safety issues continue to be addressed while those significant features are acknowledged. This program is intended to recognize roads that are important to the life of McHenry County.

Changes At McHenry County College Board

McHenry County College Board of Trustees conducted three meetings Wednesday evening. The first was a meeting of the retiring board.

Two members of the Board, Bob DeWitt and George Lowe were not returned by the voters, who chose Linda Liddell and Cynthia Kisser to be trustees.

The two new members were present, one of them by telephone. Linda Liddell, returning from a business trip, was traveling from the airport to Crystal Lake and participated by cell phone to be administered the Oath of Office.

The newly formed board returned Mary Miller as chair of the board, with Dennis Adams as Vice Chair and also returned Barbara Walters as Secretary. Meetings will continue to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month except for November and December when the meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month.

Stop Smoking Billboards In McHenry County

The winner of the McHenry County Department of Health’s (MCDH) annual Billboard Design Contest is Megan Teresi, a senior from Woodstock High School, for her entry entitled ―Dear Mom, I love you, stop smoking!.

Also selected for community and school posters were Nate Prosser, Johnsburg High School and Jim Anderson, McHenry County College.

The contest sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the health effects of smoking. Open to all McHenry County teens, designs were received under the following categories – tobacco prevention, secondhand smoke, and quit smoking. Entries were judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design. Making the final selection were teens from Reality Illinois Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, members of the McHenry County ―Tobacco Free‖ Coalition and MCDH’s Health Promotion staff.

Billboards depicting the winning entry are being displayed throughout McHenry County. This project is made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Visit www.mcdh.info for information on smoking cessation classes or call 815-334-4510.

Dedication of Fleming Road As McHenry County 8th Scenic Road

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission will be dedicating Fleming Road in Bull Valley, as McHenry County's 8th Scenic Road.

The date --Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

The location-- On Fleming Road, north of Country Club Road.

Parking-- Park along the shoulders and please avoid damage to grassy areas or plants.

You are invited to join local dignitaries, the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, the Scenic Streets and Roads Committee to celebrate the dedication of Fleming Road as a McHenry County Scenic Road. A reception will follow at the Woodstock Country Club.

McHenry County Scenic Roads Program

The Scenic Streets and Roads Program was established to recognize both roads and the surrounding features that create their character (the road corridor). The program can be applied to any type of road located in McHenry County, including city streets, residential streets and rural roads.

Completed application forms are reviewed by the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and the Scenic Streets and Roads Subcommittee, whose members consist of representatives from throughout McHenry County.

Scenic Streets and Roads designation does not “freeze” roads in time. Traffic and life safety issues continue to be addressed while those significant features are acknowledged. This program is intended to recognize roads that are important to the life of McHenry County.

Grafton Township Forming Disabled Citizen's Service Advisory Committee

Grafton Township is now taking applications for interested residents to serve on a Disabled Citizen’s Service Advisory Committee.  This committee will explore ways that the township can develop programs to ease the difficulties associated with disabilities.  The committee will also work to establish criteria for documenting disabled citizens eligible to utilize the transportation services offered by the township. 

Please contact Linda Moore, Grafton Township Supervisor if you would like to apply for this committee by calling 847-669-3328.

Free Concert At MCC-Bring Food Donation for Crystal Lake Food Pantry

McHenry County College will present Chicago performers Jaime Rojo, Rachel Eve, and the Jon Drake Quartet at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29 at the MCC Conference Center.  The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

The concert is open to all ages and features a non-perishable food drive coordinated by MCC students.  Food items will be donated to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

Indie rockers Jaime Rojo currently reside in Woodstock, where they are writing and recording their debut full-length LP. The new Chicago band has recently released a three-song EP and is gearing up for their two-week spring tour in France as a part of the Strasbourg-Chicago 2011 Festival. 

Rachele Eve and Jon Drake have won the hearts and minds of Chicagoans, having headlined and performed celebrated shows at Schubas, Metro, Taste of Chicago, Mayne Stage, Double Door, Beat Kitchen, Empty Bottle and more.  Both artists have reached audiences worldwide through DIY record releases, tours, and support from radio, press, and blogs alike such as WXRT’s Local Anesthetic, the Chicago Tribune, and Daytrotter.com.  Jon’s main band Jon Drake and The Shakes recently signed to Grape Juice Records, with a full length LP due out in the early fall.

The two-hour concert is free and open to the public.  Please bring a non-perishable food item. The event is co-sponsored by MCC Student Life and Drake Productions.

For more information, contact the MCC Student Life office at (815) 455-8550.

Manzullo Fundraising Luncheon Tomorrow Features Congressman Roskam

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Eagan) will host a fundraising luncheon in Rockford tomorrow with special guest speaker Congressman Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton), a member of the House GOP leadership team. The luncheon is taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Franchesco's Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Congressman Roskam is the Chief Deputy Majority Whip of the haouse. He also sits on the House Ways & Means Commitee and is Vice-Chair of AmericaSpeakingOut.com, an online platform created to give voters a stronger voice to help shape the Republican agenda.

As the Jobs Policy Director of the America Speaking Out initiative, Roskam is responsible for crafting the House Republican strategy on how to stimulate job growth and will meet with small business owners and other job creators to develop the economic plank of a new conference platform.

Manzullo, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific as well as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, will also briefly discuss the work he has been doing in Washington on behalf of his constituents.

Reminder For Northern Illinois Students

A reminder—the deadline for northern Illinois students to participate in the 16th District art competition is 3 p.m. May 6 at the Burpee Museum of Natural History 737 North Main Street, Rockford, Artwork can be delivered earlier to Congressman Manzullo's district office in Rockford at 415 S. Mulford Road. Artists can request a pick up of their art for a May 5 pickup date.

Judging begins at 4:30 p.m. May 6 at the Museum and Congressman Manzullo will host a reception for all artists and their families in the museum's Review Room from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The winner will be announced during this time.

Any high school student living within the 16^th Congressional District of Illinois may participate. The District includes the counties of Winnebago Boone, Stephenson, JoDaviess, Ogle, Carroll, the majority of McHenry and parts of DeKalb and Whiteside Counties.

Interest in participating in this year's competition should contact their high school art teacher for an entry form and rules. These can also be found at

Further information is available by contacting Pam Sexton at Congressman Manzullo's office—815-394-1231.

"Can Do" Attitude Nets Gift For Crystal Lake Student

McHenry County College named Juan Gonzalez of Crystal Lake as the recipient of the Spring 2011 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 gift given to a student with special needs who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Gonzalez has been a student at MCC since Fall 2009. He plans to use his award toward classes at College of Lake County next fall to study computer science. He is interested in a career in either computer science, web design or as a vision teacher.

“Juan is the epitome of what this award is all about,” said Joe Blanco, a Special Needs Department tutor who nominated Gonzalez. “He has a sharp intellect, but struggles with extremely low vision. Whenever I meet him for tutoring, I feel energized by his positive attitude and desire to excel in his studies. He has come up with some creative solutions to help me help him learn college algebra, using technology and black paper with silver markers for contrast,” Blanco said.

Blanco said that Gonzalez works at least twice as hard as students without his disability to comprehend the material and to do his homework and tests. “Juan is the spirit of our department and his ‘can-do’ attitude makes him the best choice for the Spring 2011 Spirit Award.  I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with him,” Blanco said.

Blanco founded the award in 2009 as a way to recognize students for their hard work and can-do attitude despite their disabilities.

Meetings of Wednesday

Wednesday, April 27

8:30 a.m. –Natural and Environmental Resources Committee

Meeting in the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, will interview 11 individuals interested in filling a five-year term as Trustee on the McHenry County Conservation District Trustees.

The committee will also consider authorizing an emergency Appropriation to the Planning and Development/McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program.

4:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Nursing Home Operating Board

Meets in the Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The agenda for this group indicates there will be a discussion regarding development of a Strategic Plan for Valley Hi Nursing Home. Other items for consideration include Operating Board Member Changes, State fundng/potentialMedicaid cuts, state survey process, 2011 Annual IDPH Nursing and Life Safety Code Survey preliminary results; security camera expansion and National Nursing Home Week Proclamation.

A number of reports are also to be presented if applicable such as a financial report, the Administrators Report; quality indicator report; quality assurance meting minutes; and resident senate meeting minutes.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County College Board of Trustees-Final Meeting of Current Board

In addition to the usual Board Committee Reports of the Committee of the Whole and Facilities Planning Committee, as well as any reports from the ICCTA, Friends of MCC Foundation, President's report, a couple presentations will be made for the Board of Trustees.

First, is a presentation regarding the Coca Cola Community college Academic Team Gold Scholar by Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Ms. Kathleen Frailey, a MCC student.

Dr. Miksa will also be providing a presentation on innovation in teaching and learning grant/

A few of the list of matter to be handled by the Board of Trustees includes:

A request to increase rental fees is being presented to the Board of Trustees due to the increase in the cost of maintaining the facilities. Most of the increases are between $5 and $10 per hour. Also being added is a weekend staff charge of $30 per hour instead of no fee. The increased fees apply to new rental contracts only.

A proposed academic calendar for 2012-2013 is being presented to the Board for approval. This calendar is prepared two years in advance in order to give students, employees and the community time to plan events in the future.

Several new positions are being proposed including a new Academic Health Professions Grant Advisor; a new Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences; a new Director of Online Learning and Educational Technology.

With the completion of the business for the final meeting of the "old" board, a meeting will be called for a meeting to include the new members and to begin a new year.

McHenry County College New Board

Installation ceremonies are scheduled for the newly elected Student Trustee, Taylor Irish Morrobel as well as installation of two new trustees, Linda Liddell and Cynthia Kisser.

Following this election of board officers including Chair, Vice Chair, Board Secretary, appointing a treasurer, board attorney and resolving to continue rules, regulations and polices currently in place, the newly formed board will need to set board meeting dates and times.  

The newly formed board will also need to appoint a treasurer, attorney, committee structure, Liaisons and alternates for the McHenry County College Foundation and ICCTA.

Royal Tea Social This Saturday In Woodstock

So you weren’t invited to the Royal Wedding?  Don’t fret, luv!  You can still have a smashing time and meet some brilliant people at the “posh”est party in town!

This Saturday, April 30, AAUW’s Women of Mystery Book Club will host a “Royal-Tea Social” from 3-5 p.m. at the Tarts and Truffles tearoom, 124 Cass St. on the Woodstock Square.  Refreshments will include fine European-style pastries prepared by Woodstock chef Debra Mindham, plus a selection of gourmet teas and coffee.  The public is invited to attend; admission is $8 for AAUW members or $10 for non-members.  

Co-sponsored by the AAUW Huntley Area Branch, this “royal” event also includes a slide show of photos from Friday’s wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and a chance to meet not just one, but two real mystery writers, live and in-person!

Special guests will be novelist Patricia Rockwell, founder and owner of Cozy Cat Press, an independent publishing house based in Aurora, IL, and one of her writers, Diane Morlan, of Sycamore, IL, whose first novel, ‘Too Dead To Dance,” debuted in May, 2010.  Both authors will be available to sign books and chat with “Royal Tea” guests.

Rockwell, author of the new “Patricia Barnes” mystery series, is a retired professor of communications who uses her background in human sound and acoustics to help create intricate mystery plots. Her first novel, "Sounds of Murder" (published in 2010) introduces amateur sleuth Pamela Barnes, a psychology professor who solves crimes using acoustic technology.  In her latest mystery, “FM for Murder” (March, 2011), Dr. Barnes applies her special skills to reveal who killed a radio deejay while he was on the air.

Diane Morlan has loved books since she was in kindergarten, and recently fulfilled her lifelong passion for creative writing.  A former psychotherapist and clinical social worker, she is now “semi-retired” and works part-time at the Kishwaukee College Library. Her first novel, “Too Dead To Dance,” features murder at small-town polka festival with lots of plot twists, quirky characters, and a crime-solving coffee vendor named Jennifer Penny.

The event also includes a short discussion of “Her Royal Spyness” by Rhys Bowen, which is this month’s Women of Mystery Book Club selection.  Membership in the book club is open to all AAUW members. 

AAUW (formerly the American Association of University Women) is a nationwide organization of college-educated women and men that works to advance equity, education, and opportunities for women and girls. Local branches meet monthly for networking, interesting programs, and community service projects.  To learn more,  visit .  For information about local branch activities, phone Diane Ayers, communications officer, at (847) 669-0848 or e-mail to: huntleyaauw@gmail.com.

Tuesday Government Meetings

9:30 AM—Finance and Audit Committee of McHenry County Board

McHenry County Assessor, Bob Ross will make a presentation on the State of County Assessments.

Also an appointment to the Board of Review is to be considered by the Committee.

Several resolutions are being presented regarding grants for the McHenry County Workforce Network. A $42,223 grant is to be used to provide wages for a work experience program for the youth of McHenry County and must be for 10 new youth not currently on the youth program.

An additional $7,978 is being awarded the McHenry County Workforce network for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.

An additional $4,000 is being awarded the McHenry County Workforce for the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act for program year 2009-2010. This program provides assistance to upgrade skills to help eligible individuals become more employable...

McDOT Grant-On a different topic, $173,000 is to be awarded by the McHenry County Department of Transportation (McDOT) for pavement preservation and maintenance using crack routing and sealing on approximately 35 lane miles of County Highways. The funding comes from the RTA Sales Tax Fund.

Environmental Education--The Finance and Audit Committee is also to consider a $10,000 budget line item for McHenry County schools environmental education Program (McSEEP). This is to provide for recycling education program that was initiated in 2002. Not until 2010 were fees generated from active landfill operations as planned. Annual amounts were provided for the recycling education from other sources.

In fiscal year 2010 there were $7,000 per quarter generated in host fees. Now an appropriation of $10,000 is to provided for McSEEP for recycling education program, if the committee, and subsequently the County Board, approve.

In connection with the County budgeting process, during the fiscal year 2010-2011 when revenues were declining, expenditures were reduced to meet that task and few if any supplemental request were awarded.

However, elected officials and department heads were notified that if the fiscal year 2010 ended in the black, it was possible the budget and supplemental requests would be re-addressed.

The Fiscal year 2010 did finish in the black with an amount of funds not sufficient enough to cover all the requests. However, $1,450,000 is planned to be made available as follows: $1,000,000 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to enhance the declining fund reserve balance as the result of higher employer contribution rates; $250,000 for the General Fund Contingency to cover unplanned expenditures that may occur in that fund; $200,000 added to the General Fund for Fuel Budget to address the dramatic price increase in fuel costs

10:00 a.m.—Facilities Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board

Meeting in the Library Director's Office of the Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

The agenda calls for an update and timeline regarding 17 McHenry Avenue

A Walkthrough is slated on the exterior

Then an open discussion

2:00 p.m.--Facilities Planning Committee- McHenry County College Board of Trustees

Meeting in the Board Room of McHenry County College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The committee is slated to hear:

A report on the analysis of the exterior facility condition

An update on request for proposals process for the Facility Master Plan

Selection process for small projects architect

Summary comments by board members

7:00 p.m.—Personnel Committee of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board   

The committee is to consider:

• Staff recognition event planning
• Library Director evaluation
• Fiscal Year 11/12 Personnel Budget discussion
• AED training
• Future meeting dates
• Open discussion

7:00 p.m. Lakewood Village Board.

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood

Following approval of minutes and bill payment and financial statements, the Board will consider a request for a Lake Special Use Permit for the Crystal Lake Ski Association. They plan to host a Slalom Qualifier Event on Sunday, July 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; a Slalom Tournament on Sunday August 14 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A number of items on the agenda require discussion and action by the Board. These include a work order from Baxter & Woodman for Rehabilitation of Concrete Spillway at Turnberry Lake No. 2. The amount for this work is not to exceed $20,000.

The Village Board is to consider a motion to approve an ordinance declaring property at 8810 Bard Road surplus. The Board is also being asked to approve a resolution authorizing the sale of surplus Village Real Estate of 1.118 acres of R-1 One-Family Dwelling Residential District property.

Another matter for the Board's approval is the waiving of any bidding requirements and approve a proposal from Motorola/Chicago Communications for Telecommunications Equipment in an Amount of $583,702. This is subject to final contract review by the Village Manager and the Village Attorney.

Presentation On Groundwater

A presentation on groundwater is being held Monday, May 2, hosted by the McHenry County Division of Water Resources. The location is the McHenry County Administration Building and the time is 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The agenda includes the keynote address by Peter Annin, author of the Great Lakes Water Wars, followed by a book signing opportunity. Presentations on the" State of Water in McHenry County", "the Science Behind Groundwater", and "Implementing Groundwater Planning" will be provided by local, state, and regional water experts.

Registration for this event is available on the Delta Institute website.The cost to attend the event is $15 and includes lunch.

Sponsors of the workshop include the Delta Institute, the United States Geological Survey, the Illinois Geological Survey, and the McHenry County Division of Water Resources.

Observing Governing Bodies

MONDAY, APRIL 25

8:30 a.m.—Management Services Committee of McHenry County Board

Meets in the Conference Center the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A resolution is to be considered regarding an intergovernmental agreement between the County and the McHenry County Public Buildings Commission regarding an agreement for management and retention of county records.

The utilization of the old Valley Hi facility for McHenry County Sheriff's Department SWAT Training is also to be considered.

A discussion is slated regarding the County Administrator Evaluation Process.

5:30 p.m.—McHenry County College Board of Trustees Committee of the Whole

The committee is to review the board packet for the April 27 Regular Board meeting as well as hear a presentations regarding McHenry County College's Completion Agenda.

A listing for closed session is included on the agenda with a listing of acceptance of Closed Session Minutes for a Committee of the Whole meeting February 21.

The Board is then to return to open session for consideration of future agenda items and summary comments by Board Members.

7:00 pm.—McHenry Board of Health

Meetingi in the McHenry County Department of Health, Annex A, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.

In addition to presentation of reports the Board will be presented a couple grants for approval including $15,000 IDPH Vision and Hearing and $10,000 IDPH Teen Tobacco Prevention grants.

A State of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Dental Grant for $100,000 is also being presented to the board for acceptance.

A proclamation for Rita Valentine for 26 years of Health Department Service will be presented to the Board for approval.

A number of budget amendments will also be presented for the Board's approval including

• $13,197 for IDPH HIV/Aids Program
• $84,500 for IDPH IBCCP
• $203,926 for IDPH Emergency Response Program
• $13,000 for IDPH Tobacco Free Communities Program
• $35,000 for IDPH Immunization Program

Matters for discussion by the Board include:

Letters of appreciation,

• The 2010 McHenry County Annual McHenry County Department of Health Report
• 2008-2010 NACCHO Local Health Departments Job Losses/Program Cuts
• McHenry County FY11 First Quarter Budget Presentation