"Greening The Future" Discussions Every First Wednesday of Month

On the first Wednesday of each month, environmentally-minded people gather upstairs at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen to network and talk about “greening” the future. Everyone is welcome to attend the McHenry County Green Drinks on August 3rd,  from 5 pm until 7 pm, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake.

This month will feature Emily Zack, Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen's head farmer, talking about the restaurant's farm project.

This is Emily's third season as Duke's head farmer, but she has been growing vegetables most of her life. She earned her associates degree in horticulture from MCC in 2009.  Emily will discuss the issues that she deals with in growing on small pieces of land while having to produce large quantities of vegetables for the restaurant. She will also compare this season and last season and what worked and what didn't.  Emily will touch on insects, diseases, weather related problems and other issues she has had contact with.

There will be an information table set up, and businesses and organizations are welcome to bring information about their green products, services, or organizations to share. Additional parking is available at the train station.

For information on Green Drinks,  go to, send an email to: or “like” them on FaceBook

Children's Health Fair Coming August 3

“Makin’ a Splash!” , the 21st Annual McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair is coming next week – Wednesday, August 3 to be exact. It is taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McHenry County College, Building A (north entrance of Highway 14).

The Fair offers parents the opportunity to receive school immunizations, physicals, dental screenings and health education for their children before the school year begins.

Admission is free with 40 exhibits, games and prizes, a “smoke house”  (a safety demonstration led by local Fire Department).

There are also a couple surprise characters to entertain the children.

The event is sponsored by : McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair Coalition representing Community Action Agency/Head Start, Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Family Service & Community Mental Health Center, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, McHenry County College, McHenry County Department of Health, McHenry County Mental Health Board, Mercy Health System, United Way of Greater McHenry County Volunteer Center, STAR 105.5 and Youth Service Bureau.

Words of Wisdom

 "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition."

 --James Madison

Manzullo Explains The Debt Ceiling Legislation

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today voted for legislation that would end our immediate debt crisis while controlling spending without tax increases while making a strong case that America should maintain its top AAA credit rating.

The Budget Control Act would cut spending in return for a limited increase in the debt ceiling. To increase the debt ceiling again by the amount the Administration says it needs to get through 2012, Congress would have to pass legislation and the President would have to sign it into law detailing another spending cut greater than the debt ceiling increase. The legislation would also require the House and Senate to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment and send it to the states for ratification before the second debt ceiling extension could be enacted. 

Moody’s Investor Service has indicated that any vote to raise the debt ceiling must be accompanied by significant spending cuts in order for the United States to maintain its strong AAA credit rating. A downgrade in the rating would be disastrous for our economy, costing taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars in additional interest on the debt along with hikes in mortgage rates and other interest rates.

The Budget Control Act is supported by Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, the American Conservative Union, Club for Growth, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, and many others.

STATEMENT

“This is not about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about doing what’s right for Americans. We need to lift our debt ceiling, but we need to do it in a way that maintains our AAA credit rating. If we are downgraded, our economy and our people will suffer. Moody’s Investor Service has stated that any solution to our debt crisis must include significant spending cuts. And that’s what we need to do – support a realistic approach that will make our economy healthy and strong. We passed another bill in the House today that offers a real solution. I encourage the Senate and President Obama to act accordingly so we can end this crisis and revive hope for an economic recovery that puts Americans back to work.”

Some Beaches Closed Today Following Beach Sampling

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water sampling at 36 licensed beaches on Thursday, July 29.  Two Wonder Lake beaches remain on ADVISORY – Wonder Center, 4100 E Lakeshore Drive and Wooded Shores, 3221 E Lake Shore Drive.

The following beaches are CLOSED and will be re-sampled today:

• South Beach 2, Lake Shore Drive, Silver Lake, Village of Oakwood Hills
• Dorothy Court, 211 Dorothy Court, Island Lake
• Veterans Park, 332 W State Road, Island Lake
• Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 2, 3924 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake

 To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.  The Department recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after heavy rainfall. 

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities.  Beaches that require an advisory or closing are posted with signs by the Department.  

All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-4585.

MCC Trustees' Action Benefits Adjucnt Faculty And Students

Action by the McHenry County College Board of Trustees Thursday evening is expected to provide many benefits for adjunct faculty and foremost for the students.

A new four-year contract between the Adjunct Faculty Association and the MCC Board of Trustees, includes a salary increase, which will help MCC become a more competitive employer for adjunct faculty, enabling the College to retain valuable employees and not lose them to other community colleges in the area.

Right now, the average salary per three-credit course paid to adjuncts is well below the average paid at other community colleges within the geographic area. This is indicated by information provided from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for Elgin Community College, Harper College, College of Lake County, and Rock Valley College.

The average salary for a three-credit hour course at these colleges is currently reported as $2,505 – while average pay at MCC is only $1,707 per course.

In order to remedy this situation, the new contract provides for a salary increase (spread over the four years of the contract) that makes average pay at MCC competitive with these nearby colleges. The salary increase will have a total financial impact in FY 2012 of approximately $390,000 – only 1% of the College’s Educational Fund budget. Yet the improved retention of adjunct faculty initiated by these salary adjustments will lead to more continuity for MCC students and a better opportunity for students to get the faculty support they need. Longer retention of well-qualified and experienced adjuncts will also help better integrate their educational efforts with those of the full-time faculty.

In addition to the salary increase, greater professional development opportunities will be available to adjunct faculty, a more effective formal evaluation process will be put in place, and adjuncts will have more flexibility on how many hours they can teach each year. These and other amendments to the current contract will significantly enhance and strengthen MCC’s focus on excellence in teaching and learning.

Peter Ponzio, Vice-President of the Adjunct Faculty Association, stated, “We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations and feel that we have a new contract which will benefit adjunct faculty and the College, and ultimately the students at MCC. The process has been lengthy, extensive, and challenging at times, so we appreciate everyone’s patience, and want to thank our members for the assistance they have provided to the negotiating team. We also thank the Board of Trustees and the administration for their diligence and cooperation in reaching this agreement.”

Words of Wisdom

"Men must be ready, they must pride themselves and be happy to sacrifice their private pleasures, passions and interests, nay, their private friendships and dearest connections, when they stand in competition with the rights of society."

--John Adams, letter to Mercy Warren, 1776

Four Year Contract Agreement Reached Between MCC Adjunct Faculty Association and Board of Trustees

McHenry County College Adjunct Faculty Association and the College Board of Trustees reached an agreement on a four-year contract beginning in August 2011 and extending through the 2015 summer semester.

This agreement covers approximately 180 adjunct faculty employees at the College and the voting membership ratified the agreement which was approved by the Board of Trustees this evening.

“We are pleased to have come to this agreement that will allow MCC to continue to attract and retain exceptional adjunct faculty who are dedicated to the College and its emphasis on excellence in teaching and learning, “Mary Miller, Chair of the Board of Trustees, remarked. “Moreover, we are appreciative of the collaboration that served both the Adjunct Faculty Association and the Board of Trustees well in reaching this agreement.

Another Party Weighs In On Federal Spending

 WASHINGTON - As Republicans and Democrats in Washington continue chewing the scenery in their 'Debt Limit Theater,' Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released the following statement today:

"Everything I've heard from Washington politicians about the debt limit is nonsense. I propose the simplest option: Do nothing. Don't raise the debt limit, period.

"None of the deals I've heard would do anything to cut federal spending. Some reduce the rate of growth a little bit, but I'm afraid that doesn't count.

"And of course, some of the proposals would increase taxes, which Libertarians are totally opposed to.

"The best outcome would be no deal at all. If the debt limit is not raised, then the federal government will have to cut its spending by over 40%. That would be the best outcome for the future of America, and it's certainly the preferred outcome for Libertarians. (It reminds me of the World's Smallest Political Quiz, produced by the Advocates for Self-Government, which includes the libertarian option to 'Cut taxes and government spending by 50% or more.')

"I'm actually shocked at how resistant both the Republicans and Democrats are to making cuts. I wasn't expecting much, but their proposals are downright embarrassing.

"For example, consider Speaker Boehner's plan. According to the Cato Institute, the Boehner plan doesn't cut spending. It just sets the spending increases slightly below the imaginary Congressional Budget Office (CBO) 'baseline.'

"According to the CBO report released yesterday, the Boehner plan has practically no effect on the deficit in 2012, the only year that really matters. In fact, the Boehner plan actually increases Pell Grant spending by $4 billion in 2012. (So does the Reid plan in the Senate.)

"Of course, the Reid plan largely takes advantage of massive errors in the CBO baseline to claim 'cuts.' (For example, the CBO predicts absurdly high levels of spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.)

"As usual, Republicans and Democrats are trying to create the illusion of a high-stakes game between two vastly different visions. In fact, their visions are practically identical. I hope Americans will see through all the smoke, and consider the Libertarian option to make real reductions in the size and scope of government, across the board."

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.

Words of Wisdom

"[T]he duty imposed upon [the president] to take care, that the laws be faithfully executed, follows out the strong injunctions of his oath of office, that he will 'preserve, protect, and defend the constitution.' The great object of the executive department is to accomplish this purpose."

--Joseph Story

Climate Change May Alter Yellowstone

Climate-change-induced wildfires may alter Yellowstone forests.

Climate change in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem will increase the frequency of wildfires and alter the composition of the forests by 2050, according to a team of ecologists who modeled the effects of higher temperatures on fire occurrence. "We are following the long-term effects of fire in the Yellowstone area and encountering some lessons and surprises that challenge the way we think about fire in the area," said Erica

A. H. Smithwick, assistant professor of geography and ecology in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and principle investigator on the project. "Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world and is now a wonderful natural laboratory for studying natural processes."

Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/54245#nw1

HEAVY RAIN ADVISORY

Due to recent and anticipated heavy rains, all McHenry County public beaches are on a heavy rain advisory. 

The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increased risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

On Tuesday, July 26, MCDH posted all beaches with a HEAVY RAIN ADVISORY sign, however, some beaches are currently closed and several are on advisory due to high bacteria counts. These beaches are being retested today, Wednesday, July 27, with results posted Thursday, July 28 on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info.  

Water sampling results are also reported to the appropriate beach authorities.  For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Congressional Battle Looming Over Redistricting

Statement of Republican U.S. House Members from Illinois

on the Federal Lawsuit Challenging

the Democrats’ Congressional Redistricting Map

“In joining this lawsuit, we strongly contest the Democrats’ congressional redistricting map in Illinois.  From the beginning, we have said that this map cannot stand, because it disrespects the will of voters, discriminates against the state’s growing Hispanic population, and fails the tests for compactness and protecting communities of interest.

“While we are disappointed that Governor Quinn chose to rubber-stamp this flawed map, we are confident that an impartial review of the facts in court will expose the serious defects in this map and reverse the naked partisan power-grab contemplated by the Democrats.

“We look forward to the restoration of fairness and Constitutional principles in the redistricting process.  The creation of a balanced congressional map is necessary to ensure that the people of Illinois have an opportunity to express their will at the ballot box and elect those representatives who best reflect their shared interests.”

Rep. Judy Biggert (Il-13)                Rep. Peter Roskam (Il-6)

Rep. Robert Dold (Il-10)                 Rep. Bobby Schilling (Il-17)

Rep. Randy Hultgren (Il-14)              Rep. Aaron Schock (Il-18)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Il-11)             Rep. John Shimkus (Il-19)

Rep. Don Manzullo (Il-16)               Rep. Joe Walsh (Il-8)

Thursday, July 28 Meetings

6:30 PM—McHenry County College Board of Trustees, Regular Board Meeting, in Board Room of the  College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake

In addition to the routine matters for Trustees consideration, such as acceptance of minutes of prior meeting, hearing from visitors, committee reports, faculty, staff, student trustee, treasurer, and attorney reports, the Board is being requested to ratify the payment of a voucher for $1,540,013.57 which covers all the payment made during the past month for all purposes from providing for operation of the building, a trust fund, liability, protection and settlement fund and employee health insurance. The latter is the second largest amount with the education fund expenditures being the largest.

Facilities Master Plan Architect

The architectural firm, Wright Construction, is being presented to the board for approval as the firm to develop a Facilities Master Plan. This follows the review of interested firms by a committee appointed for that purpose.

New Program --TAACCCT

The Board is also being requested to approve new positions for a new program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program. This program focuses on workers who are eligible for training under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program; those who have lost their jobs are threatened with job loss as a result of foreign trade. The program prepare participants for employment in high-wage, high-skilled occupations.

Although the grant has not yet been awarded, the College is preparing for a September announcement. Plans are being made ahead since it would be necessary to move quickly if MCC is awarded the grant, rather than have to convene a special Board meeting to do so. If the College is not a successful recipient, then none the added employees and other costs would be implemented.

Other Board Matters

The Board is being requested to approve an Agreement between the Board of Trustees and the McHenry County College Adjunct Faculty Association for the period August 18, 2011 to the end of Summer 2015 semester.

A Tobacco Free Campus Policy is being presented to the Board of Trustees for a First Reading. The idea of this policy is to prohibit the use of all tobacco products inside College facilities and vehicles and on all College property. The prohibition includes all type of tobacco products including cigar, cigarette, pipe, electronic cigarette, as well as smokeless/chewing tobacco. 

A Lot Of Goodies Need New Homes

A special kind of garage sale is taking place Thursday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. The location is the Algonquin Township  Road District garage,3701 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary.

Directions—Once on the Township site, drive straight back to the last garage on the right.

“Folks have brought in a lot of “stuff” they no longer need, and we are happy to help find new homes for it. Reuse is better than recycle!” A Defenders’ spokesman said, “We have everything from an organ to a vintage hobby horse to a futon, and, of course, lots of housewares and decorative items.”

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The group, formed in 1970, 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 www.mcdef.org.

Some Good News For Rakow Road Travelers

Rakow Road will NOT be closed this week. 

Night closures and the corresponding detour route are anticipated to be used again starting Monday evening, August 1st. 

Night closures are not anticipated to be needed after the first week in August. 

Thank you so much for your patience while this work is done.

Reduced Fee Well Water Testing During August

August is Safe Drinking Water Month.

To help celebrate this occasion, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer reduced fee water testing for individual well water users for the entire month of August.

Residents can have their well water sampled for coliform bacteria and nitrate for $18.

Testing your well regularly is the only way to determine whether well water is safe to drink as many contaminants are colorless and odorless.  Water from a public or municipal water system is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards. 

Bacteria and chemicals can get into well water and contaminate it in different ways. Some bacteria and chemicals occur naturally.  Contaminants such as nitrate can come from animal waste, wastewater, flooded sewers, polluted storm water runoff, fertilizers, agricultural runoff, or decaying plants.  High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause illness in young children and pregnant women.  Coliform bacteria are microbes found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, in soil, on plants, and in surface water.   

For a nominal charge, MCDH will also sample private wells for nuisance chemicals resulting in water hardness, iron, discoloration and odor.  Sampling kits can be picked up at MCDH in Woodstock or at one of eight drop-off centers. 

Samples can be dropped off for testing on Tuesday mornings between 9:00am and 12:00pm at the following centers –

• Algonquin Township Office, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake, (847) 639-2329 
• Dorr Township Office, 140 Newell Street, Woodstock (815) 338-0125 
• McHenry Township Office, 3703 Richmond Road, McHenry (815) 385-5605 
• Nunda Township Office, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake (815) 459-4011 
• City of Marengo, City Hall, 134 E. Prairie Street, Marengo (815) 568-7112 
• City of Harvard, Police Department, 201 W Front Street, Harvard (815) 943-4431 
• Richmond Township Office, 7812 South Route 31, Richmond (815) 678-0077 
• Grafton Township Office, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley (847) 669-3328

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585 or visit www.mcdh.info.

Words of Wisdom

"Nothing is more certain than that a general profligacy and corruption of manners make a people ripe for destruction. A good form of government may hold the rotten materials together for some time, but beyond a certain pitch, even the best constitution will be ineffectual, and slavery must ensue." –

-John Witherspoon, The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men, 1776

Wednesday Meeting

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

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

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

The committee will be continuing consideration of a Water Resources Action Plan.

Also being presented for the Committee to review is the McHenry County Conservation District Budget.

A proposed Resolution is being presented for consideration-- Recognizing McHenry County’s Class III Groundwater Designated Areas for Protection from Contamination to Be Incorporated into the Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Area Overlay Map.

Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP), Sub-Section B9: Planning for the Future with two attachments and a power point on the topic.

Stormwater Management is a topic which is being presented to the Committee with a Summary of Stormwater Management legislation (House Bill 3372) which passed the House of Representatives 73 to 43. It provides Illinois counties with more flexibility to address basement and street flooding and water pollution from stormwater runoff. It also encourages the se of green infrastructure to save money.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Mike Fortner, with co-sponsors, Reps. Mike Tryon, Barbara Flynn Currie, Lisa Dugan, Robyn Gabel, Karen May, Rita Mayfield, Elaine Nekritz, Cynthia Soto, and Dave Winters. In the Senate, the legislation is sponsored by Sen. David Koehler, with co-sponsors Senators. Mike Noland, Iris Martinez, and Jacqueline Collins.

Stormwater is the principle contributor to local basement and street flooding as well as pollution of Illinois water bodies. Under current law, the urban counties must pay the state a stormwater permit fee, but receive no financial assistance,  

Proposed legislation would allow counties to adopt a schedule of fees as a source of revenue to cover the cost of ongoing stormwater management services and activities. Counties would be required to provide at least two years notice before adopting any fees. During this time the counties are required to provide education on green infrastructure practices and an opportunity to implement them in order to reduce or eliminate their fees.

Words of Wisdom

"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

 --James Madison, speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Note From Congressman Manzullo On August 8 Golf Playday

Congressman Don Manzullo sends a reminder that if registration has not been made for the August 8 Golf Playday, visit the Manzullo websitel for details.

Answers to questions are available by contacting Manzullo Campaign HQ

Tuesday Meetings

9:30 a.m.—Finance and Audit Committee of McHenry County Board meeting in County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is expected to discuss the County Financial Position in a review of existing debt along with some near-tern action  for consideration by the committee and ultimately by the entire County Board.

District 158 School Board is requesting a Qualified Energy Conservation Bond allocation from McHenry County to provide funding for an energy savings project. This is bonding that has been made available to large local governing bodies to finance certain types of energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

The District estimates that the amount needed is $2.0 to $2.5 million of McHenry County’s allocation for improvements and enhancements of its lighting and HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and costs. The district is also seeking funds from both Kane County since the district is located within the boundaries of both McHenry and Kane Counties.

Another topic for discussion is the Auditor’s Office staffing.

No Closure Tonight or Tuesday Night For Rakow Road

Rakow Road will NOT be closed Monday evening, July 25th nor Tuesday evening, July 26th. 

Night closures and the corresponding detour route are anticipated to be used again starting Wednesday evening, July 27th, weather permitting.  

Thank you for your continued patience as this work is done.

Property Tax Assessments Explained By Grafton Township Assessor

Assessor William Ottley will be making a presentation about property tax assessments on Tuesday July 26^th at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral Street, Huntley at 11 am.  This program is part of the Grafton Township Senior Bingo program that is held twice a month.  The presentation is open to the public.  Converge Home Health Care will sponsor the free lunch and provide door prizes for the bingo games which start at 12:30 and end at 2:30 pm.  Transportation is available by calling Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore’s office at 1-847-669-3328.  This event is organized by Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore, please call if you have any questions.   

Please mark your calendars for the August 16^th senior event.  The Huntley Lions Club will provide free hearing tests at the American Legion from 9am to 4pm.  There will also be a presentation by an audiologist at 11 am, followed by a free lunch and bingo games.

Assistant State's Attorney Receives Accreditation As Intervention Specialist

Stephanie Burton, assigned to the victim services division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, received accreditation as a victim advocate by the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)

State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi explains that the national organization designated Ms. Burton as a Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist and a Sexual Assault Intervention Specialist. To gain accreditation, Ms. Burton was required to complete extensive education and training requirements, secure observation evaluations from supervisors, and obtain letters of recommendations from both attorneys and colleagues in the community.

Ms. Burton is one of two specialists assigned to the victim services division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. The other specialist, Sara Danczyk, received national accreditation in 2008. The certifications reflect the hard work of both advocates and their tireless dedication in helping victims of violent crimes. 

MCC's First New Student Convocation -- August 18

MCC graduate Miguel Solis of Harvard played on the soccer team, gave tours to new students as a student orientation leader and he got to know the instructors and staff by working part-time in the Advising office. He’s an example of how students succeed when they are actively engaged in college and make the most of their education.

McHenry County College administrators want all students to find success, whether it’s a degree, certificate or skills to enhance their life. To help first-year students ease through the transition between high school and college and feel a sense of belonging, they are bringing together faculty, staff and new students for the College’s first-ever Convocation from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 18, to enlighten and inspire first-year students who begin their college journey on MCC’s campus beginning the Fall 2011 semester.

The 2011 Fall Convocation will take place in the MCC Conference Center, beginning with some pageantry that features Board of Trustees members and select administrators dressed in regalia. Students will hear stories from three former students about how MCC impacted their lives and watch MCC’s award-winning Forensics Team perform “An Overview of College Life.” 

Festivities will also feature a “presidential challenge” from MCC President Vicky Smith, encouraging students to take advantage of the variety of opportunities and resources available to them, followed by a picnic lunch and college resource fair. A special highlight for the first-year students will be prize drawings for a $500 and two $300 gift cards to the MCC bookstore.

The Convocation will conclude with mini workshops offering students a chance to delve into MCC’s technology, ask questions to a student panel or discover what faculty expects from students.

“The convocation is a celebration of first-year students’ educational accomplishments and embrace them into the MCC community,” said Flecia Thomas, Ph.D., dean of Student Success, “It’s also an opportunity for us to affirm MCC’s excellence in teaching and learning.

According to Dr. Thomas, research shows that several factors make students successful in college, including a sense of belonging, interacting in a collegial manner with faculty and timeliness in selecting a major of study.

“This kick off convocation helps students understand MCC’s mission. It’s not 13th grade; it’s an important transition in their lives and it’s a time for students to pledge their commitment to their own educational success and for the college to pledge its commitment to the students,” Thomas said.

The Convocation is one aspect of the College’s efforts toward ensuring a student’s successful first year. In addition to the day-long event, first-year students attend a one-day orientation that includes a campus tour and meeting with academic advisors as a group to select their courses. First-year students take placement tests for reading, math and English and enroll in MCC 101, a required course that provides a foundation for college success and lifelong learning.

Juletta Patrick, assistant vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, echoed Thomas’ comments by saying, “We want to inform students about their own possibilities for achieving academic and career goals. A big piece of success is to help students build a sense of community. When we acquaint our students to faculty and staff, they feel more comfortable, more engaged and tend to stick around,” she said.

“Because more people are coming to a community college as a viable option to a four-year university, we need to show early on the value of a community college education, so students view it as a milestone, not just a transition,” said Christina Haggerty, director of marketing and public relations. “We want students to know that MCC has many resources to help them succeed.”

Social Security Offices Shorten Hours

Effective August 15, 2011, Social Security field offices nationwide will close to the public 30 minutes early each day.  For example, a field office that is usually open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will close daily at 3:30 p.m.

“While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow us to complete face-to-face service with the visiting public without incurring the cost of overtime for our employees,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “Congress provided our agency with nearly $1 billion less than the President requested for our budget this fiscal year, which makes it impossible for us to provide the amount of overtime needed to handle service to the public as we have in the past.”

Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office.  For example, anyone wishing to apply for benefits, sign up for direct deposit, replace a Medicare card, obtain a proof of income letter or inform us of a change of address or telephone number may do so at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number: 

1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Words of Wisdom

 "Experience having long taught me the reasonableness of mutual sacrifices of opinion among those who are to act together for any common object, and the expediency of doing what good we can; when we cannot do all we would wish."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Randolph, 1803

McHenry County Board of Health Meets Monday Evening

7:00 p.m.—McHenry County Board of Health, meets in the McHenry County Department of Health, Annex A, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock

In addition to a number of routine reports to the Board, a number of contracts and agreement renewals are being presented for the Board’s approval. These include:

• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDFPH) Tanning Grant of $4,000;
• Illinois Department of Health Services () Family Case Management Grant, $162,777 (4 months;
• IDHS Coordinated School Health Education Grant, $8,832 (4 months)
• IDHS Healthy Child Care Illinois Grant, $19,998 (4 months)
• IDHS WIC Farmer Market Grant, $1,000 (4 months)
• IDHS WIC Grant $192,214 (4 months)
• IDHS Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Grant $9,250 (4 months)

 The program highlight is on the Dental Clinic.

Other matters to be handled by the Board of Health include any old business.

Under New Business, the Board is to consider and possibly take action on mileage reimbursement increase.