Have You Ever Eaten A Snapdragon?

Learn how to grow edible flowers in your kitchen or grow your own herbs to use in cooking with two unique workshops offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department.

The following summer classes are available:

Incredible Edible Flowers                                                                 

This workshop will show you how to get started or expand your existing herb garden.  You’ll get lots of recipes including Lemon Verbena Cake with Lemon Honey Butter Sauce, Lavender Shortbread Cookies and Garlic Rosemary Cheese, plus lots of information on how to use your herb garden. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at MCC in room D154.  Cost is $35. Use course ID: NCU S70 007 when registering.

Step Outside the Herb Box                                                                

Making your own infused oils and vinegars with easy-to-grow herbs from your garden is a great way to add flavor to food and be healthier too.  You’ll also learn how to make an herbal eye pillow that can help reduce tension, ease a headache or help with meditation.  Growing herbs is easy, fun and you may uncover some creative culinary talents to spice up your life. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at MCC in room D154. Cost is $35.  Use course ID: NCU S69 006 when registering.

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

Have You Ever Eaten A Snapdraggon?

Learn how to grow edible flowers in your kitchen or grow your own herbs to use in cooking with two unique workshops offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department.

The following summer classes are available:

Incredible Edible Flowers                                                                 

This workshop will show you how to get started or expand your existing herb garden.  You’ll get lots of recipes including Lemon Verbena Cake with Lemon Honey Butter Sauce, Lavender Shortbread Cookies and Garlic Rosemary Cheese, plus lots of information on how to use your herb garden. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at MCC in room D154.  Cost is $35. Use course ID: NCU S70 007 when registering.

Step Outside the Herb Box                                                                

Making your own infused oils and vinegars with easy-to-grow herbs from your garden is a great way to add flavor to food and be healthier too.  You’ll also learn how to make an herbal eye pillow that can help reduce tension, ease a headache or help with meditation.  Growing herbs is easy, fun and you may uncover some creative culinary talents to spice up your life. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at MCC in room D154. Cost is $35.  Use course ID: NCU S69 006 when registering.

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

Rabid Bat Found In Woodstock

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) confirms its first rabid bat of the year, found on June 14 on a Woodstock street.  There was no human exposure.  When a bat is found in a home and there is either human or domestic animal exposure, it is strongly recommended that it not be released but contained in a room, under a bucket or blanket (using gloves as a barrier).  In order to test bats for rabies, it is important they be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased.  Specimens in good condition and test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure.  McHenry County Animal Control should be contacted immediately at 815-459-6222.

McHenry County led the State in 2010 with rabid bats (22); bats reported statewide totaled 117.  This year, seven counties (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Macon, Peoria, Will and Winnebago) have already reported rabid bats.  In wild animal, rabies is more common in bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes, but the disease also has been found in deer and in large rodents, such as woodchucks. Cats, dogs and livestock can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated.  A rabies fact sheet is available at the Illinois Dept of Public Health www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbrabies.htm. 

The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory.  Residents are encouraged to take a “hands off” approach to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure.  Parents also need to educate their children of the dangers.  A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in your home, in a swimming pool or on the lawn) or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid. 

Questions about exposure should be directed to MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.

Moral Obligations

Do all of us have a moral obligation to the future of the earth?

Join the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College in a discussion on Moral Ground: A Discussion of Global Environmental Ethics” at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20 in the MCC Conference Center, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake.

Learn how climate destabilization and environmental degradation are not only scientific and technological issues, but fundamentally moral issues as well.

Kathleen Dean Moore, co-editor of “Moral Ground; Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril,” will lead the discussion of this book that features testimony from 80 world leaders’ thoughts and religious beliefs concerning the environment.

Co-sponsors include seven faith communities, five environmental groups, and the League of Women Voters of McHenry County. Local faith-based groups and environmental groups will display information about other public events. This event is one of a series of town hall meetings and lectures being held across the country.

“Genesis states that the beauty and wonder of creation is placed in the care of humanity to use, protect and preserve,” said the Rev. John Dillon of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church. “We need to do a better job,” he said.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. The MCC Culinary Management program students will provide desserts for participants. A book signing will follow the discussion.

For more information, call the Environmental Defenders at (815) 338-0393 or Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC at (815) 479-7817. To see a complete list of the Moral Ground co-sponsors, go to www.mcdef.org or www.mchenry.edu/recycling. More information about Moral Ground is available at www.moralground.org.  



Words of Wisdom

"The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy."

 --Benjamin Franklin, Emblematical Representations, 1774

FRIDAY GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

8:15 a.m.--Public Health and Human Services Committee of the McHenry County Board  is meeting in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The committee is to authorize acceptance of operational funding for implementation of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. This funding includes grants of $551,289 for Adult Program; $650,000 for Dislocated Workers Program, and $639,465 for Youth Program.

The committee is also to consider the offer of a $6,050 Tobacco Enforcement Grant from the Illinois Liquor Commission Tobacco Program. It is to educate tobacco retailers on minimum age tobacco laws and enforce those laws.

Acceptance of this grant by the County Board will allow the Health Department to enforce the goals of teenage anti tobacco use reality Illinois groups and provide a real life experience with laws designed to protect Public Health.

This is a program in which the Health Department is working with the Woodstock/McHenry Police Department and specially trained officers who will oversee the compliance check part of the program. The Department will be utilizing trained high school students from the Reality Illinois and tobacco program in the compliance check purchase of tobacco.

Another grant is being considered by the Committee. This is a $35,000 IDVA Lottery

Grant. The Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County is requesting approval of acceptance of the grant and an appropriation to the fiscal year 2011 budget to fund a Veterans Dental Services Program.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of the County was awarded a grant to convert the VAC High Top Van into a Mobile Office for the Saturday and Extended Hours Program. The Veterans Assistance Commission is being awarded $7,228.86 for this purpose.

All final action on the various grants is contingent upon the approval by the full County Board.

Government Events

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

8:00 a.m.—Finance and Negotiations Committee of McHenry County College Board of Trustees—

Meeting in the Board Room of the College,8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Board is to receive an Internal Auditor Report, consider the FYU 2012 Budget Update, as well as an audit update. Trustee Dennis Adams is Chair of this committee.

Meeting in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

 

Under new business, the Committee is to consider adoption of the Home Investment Partnership Program allocating $125,000 as a HOME Program obligation. Based on a recommendation from the Habitat for Humanity, the funding is to be used for the acquisition of land and construction of a single family residence at 1600 Hillcrest in McHenry.

According to a report to the Committee, it was determined a necessity to increase the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Reserve funds that were expended by an ineligible organization. In other words, the previous CHDO dollars were allocated and obligated via contract for project work to McHenry County Community Homes (MCCH) an organization that did not meet CHDO requirements.

The contract obligations were honored as project work had already commenced. Compensation for the work was paid from non-CHDO reserve funding to be compliant, hence the need for the additional CHDO reserve funding in 2010 to satisfy unmet 2009 requirements.

A report is slated regarding green infrastructure as well as reports from other applicable groups such as Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Community Development Block Grant Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Housing Commission.

8:30 a.m.-Planning and Development Committee of McHenry County Board--

Meeting in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building,

667 Ware Road, Woodstock

The abbreviated agenda includes considering HOME Investment Partnerships Program 2010 CHDO Reserve Allocation.

Reports to the Committee are also to be provided as applicable.

6:00 P.M.—McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees—

Will be meeting at the Lost Valley Visitor Center,

7210 Keystone Road, Richmond

. Access is from the main entrance to Glacial Park Conservation Area,

6512 Harts Road

, Ringwood. More detailed directions are available by calling the District office 825-338-6223.

The Board will go into Executive Session immediately upon convening for the purpose of Probable or Imminent Litigation and Pending Litigation and Review of Closed Session Minutes

The Trustees will convene immediately following the conclusion of the executive session at 7:00 p.m.

A new team member is being introduced, Hillary Clark, for the Police Department.

Various committee reports will be provided to the Trustees followed by a verbal report by the Finance committee regarding a meeting held prior to the regular board meeting.

Other board business, in addition to the approval of bills, is ratification of several change orders for Carmichael Construction, Inc. of Marengo, for the Fel-Pro/RRR Conservation Area project.

Another important matter handled is the awarding of a contract for invasive brush removal at the Nippersink North Branch Conservation Area. Midwest Forestree of Hoffman Estates is the lowest, responsible and responsive bidder for a cost not to exceed $21,994.

Recognition is being given for outgoing Board member Nancy Williamson.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake Park Board of Trustees—

Meeting in the Park District offices, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

 

A number of requests from the public will be considered including:

A Senior Programming Raffle Request. This is for the offering of a new program with lunch and cash raffle at Park Place for the McHenry County Senior Services. Various park districts currently offer this program which is well-attended. A raffle permit is required by the City of Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake Soccer Federation Raffle Request with a drawing to be held in the Soccerhouse in Lippold Park, Saturday, October 1.

Permission for Amplified Music at the Main Beach Bandshell for a private party on August 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Temporary Sign Request, for signs on Park Place property, Woodscreek Park, and Main Beach from October 5 through October 16 for the church’s 38th  

annual Country Craft Fair.

A number of ordinances are being presented to the Board for consideration. Most involve monetary related matters such as Prevailing Wage, Certificate 125PremiumOnly Plan, Home State Bank Signatures, Crystal Lake Bank and Trust Bank signatures, State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program.

One is a petition for annexation of 9100 Route 176. This is a request from property owners to annex to the Park District.

Words of Wisdom

"We are teaching the world the great truth that governments do better without kings and nobles than with them. The merit will be doubled by the other lesson that religion flourishes in greater purity, without than with the aid of government." -

--James Madison, letter to Edward Livingston, 1822

Wednesday Government Gatherings

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

8:15 a.m.--Transportation Committee of the McHenry County Board is meeting-- in the McHenry Count Division of Transportation, Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock

The committee is expected to approve a couple groups who re volunteering to clean up the trash left along highways by others. These include Pride in Education Foundation, Crystal Lake. This group will clean up along Kishwaukee Valley Road from Hobe Road to Rose Farm Road.

Another group, St. John’s Little Blessings, is to be responsible for cleanup on North Union Road from IL Route 176 to Kunde Road.

The committee is to consider the recommendation to the County Board for the awarding of a $6,500 contract to Impactor, Inc., Schaumburg, for the demolition of buildings and restoration of a building site on the south side of Rakow Road near the intersection of Illinois Route 31. This is part of the ongoing Rakow Road improvement taking place between Ackman Road and Illinois Route31.

10:30 a.m.—Sheriff’s Merit Commission—

Meeting in the County Administration Building, 667Ware Road, Woodstock. The committee is expected to consider 2011 Patrol Eligibility list along with Merit Commission Rules and Regulation Amendment. Under old business, the 2009 Patrol Eligibility list is to be considered.

Words of Wisdom

"During the course of administration, and in order to disturb it, the artillery of the press has been levelled against us, charged with whatsoever its licentiousness could devise or dare. These abuses of an institution so important to freedom and science are deeply to be regretted, inasmuch as they tend to lessen its usefulness and to sap its safety."

--Thomas Jefferson, Second Inaugural Address, 1805

Another County Nursing Home Problem--But In Lake County

The following was distributed by the Democratic Party of Lake County. It should be noted it does not affect McHenry County, but we thought it interesting in light of the fact that McHenry County also has a County Nursing Home, now operated a bit differently.

------------

Several of our members have asked us about the upcoming vote by the county board that may privatize Libertyville’s Winchester House, Lake County’s nursing home for low-income seniors. Here are the facts.

The Lake County Board will be voting to privatize Winchester House, the county-run nursing home. They will be voting to issue a Request for Proposals, otherwise known as an RFP, to private companies to manage and staff the home.

Winchester House workers have been providing high-quality caring services to the residents for decades. This proposal will make it easier for them to end collective bargaining for these workers and lay them off. Many of the almost 200 workers have been loyal county employees for 20 or 30 years.

Winchester House workers receive the same retirement benefits, health insurance plan and vacation/sick leave policies as all other Lake County employees. Now the County administrators believe the workers make too much money. The average Certified Nurse Aide at Winchester House makes $14.52 per hour or $30,201.00. It is very hard, labor-intensive work, performed by a mostly female workforce.

Many say the County's action will only serve to drive down wages in our area and further hurt economic progress. Privatization reduces County control over the quality of care our residents receive. Some are concerned that lower pay and benefits will increase employee turnover and interrupt continuity.

Call your county board members to tell them how you feel about this proposal.

Grafton Township--Rules of The Road Refresher Course

Grafton Township Sponsors

Rules of the Road Refresher Course 1:30 to 3:30 pm July 15^th

No fees for the course, but class size is limited. Call Grafton Township 1-847-669-3328 for information.

Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore has scheduled this course to help seniors who need to renew their driver’s license.  “The Rules of the Road Review Course is designed to give drivers, especially senior citizens, the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a driver’s license.  The Review Course combines an explanation of the driving exam with a practice written exam.  The questions and information in the course are provided only to help you measure your knowledge of driving skills and Illinois traffic laws,” said Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State.  Participation is open to all ages and residency is not required.  The class will be held at the township offices located at

10109 Vine Street

, Huntley on July 15th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.  There are no fees to participate, but class size is limited, please call Grafton Township, 1-847-669-3328, to register for this class.

Tuesday Government Meetings

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

8:00 a.m.—Facilities and Planning Committee of McHenry County College Board, Meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

Matters to be reported on or take action include:

• An update on the Contract for an architectural firm for small projects at the College.
• A report is expected on the process for selecting the Facility Master Plan Architect.
• A request has been made to the Illinois Community College Board for Authorization to Proceed on Purchase of Land 

8:30 a.m.--Human Resources Committee of McHenry County Board --Meeting in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A presentation is slated to be provided committee members regarding 360 Degree Performance Management/Development Process

A Workers’ Compensation Claim Settlement is being presented for Committee consideration.

A resolution is being presented the Committee regarding authorizing the Reclassification  of two positions for Self Help Center Navigators in the Law Library from less than 1,000 hours Per Year to 1,000 hours Per year each .

In another Resolution, a Health Department personnel matter is being presented for consideration of the committee. This is for a Line Item Transfer in the Health department’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget and a reclassification of hours for a Public Health Nurse.

A $50,202 Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health for Mosquito Vector Prevention Program is being presented for acceptance. Along with this, two part-time intern positions already included in the Health Department’s budget are to be unfrozen.

The grant is the result of the surcharge placed on new tire sales state-wide which provides for a fund to be used for Mosquito Vector Prevention at the local level. The money is distributed by the Illinois Department of Public Health based on a formula that considers a three-year history of past performances with grant standards, surveillance results, number of west nile cases and population.

A number of changes are necessary for the personnel policy manual and the committee will consider these for approval.

The committee will also be apprised of the Workers’ Compensation Reform Legislation.

11:00 a.m.-Liquor and License Commission of McHenry County Board, meeting in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building,

667 Ware Road, Woodstock

.

A number of raffle permits and special liquor license requests are to be considered by the committee.

Raffle permits are requested by Big Brothers, Big Sister of McHenry County, Cary Baseball Federation, Inc. and Police Benevolent & Protective Association Lodge #192.

Special Liquor License Requests are being made by Steirer Club of Chicago for July 10 and also for August14. Another permit is requested by the McHenry County Fair Association.

The committee is to consider action regarding Kickstand Kurts, Inc. d/b/a Dirty Hog Saloon.

Suggestions For Some Retirees--Heads Up Info For Others

With the 2011 hurricane season underway, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, has an important message for people receiving checks from Social Security: please sign up for Direct Deposit before the first storm hits.

"Direct Deposit is a secure and convenient way to receive Social Security payments, particularly when a natural disaster strikes," Commissioner Astrue said. "This is a simple step people can take to eliminate one concern as they prepare for the hurricane season. Having funds available in the event of a storm is critically important. Eighty-seven percent of our beneficiaries already take advantage of Direct Deposit, and I urge anyone not yet signed up for electronic payments to do so now."

New Enrollees Requirement

As of May 1, 2011, anyone who applies for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits will receive payments electronically, and all current beneficiaries must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. To sign up or learn more, please visit http://www.godirect.org/.

Flag Day and Birthday of United States Army

Tomorrow is the 236th birthday of the United States Army, born of the desire to defend liberty and spread its flame.

Tomorrow is also Flag Day. Our flag is a beacon of liberty, a symbol of hope for all people who “hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed -- that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...."

As the U.S. Army now leads the way in the Long War, let us not forget to pray for these brave Patriots standing in harm's way and their families awaiting their safe return.

On this Flag Day, we American Patriots display and pay homage to our national flag.



Words of Wisdom

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.

Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, February 12, 1779

County Committee To Review Responsibilities of County Administrator Office

MONDAY, JUNE 13

8:30 a.m.—Management Services Committee of McHenry County Board meets in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The committee is to consider an ordinance setting the duties and responsibilities of the office of County Administrator. Such an ordinance was adopted January 1986 and amended August 1992, May 1998 and March 2002. It is felt there is a need to re-define the duties of the county administrator. Some modifications are to be considered by the committee for the final approval by the County Board.

Also Deputy County Administrator, John Labaj, is expected to explain some of the changes in the Workers’ Compensation Reform Legislation which is on the Governor’s desk for signature.

7:00 P.M.—Governance Committee of Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees--

Meeting in the Library Director’s Office at the Public Library,

126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake

.