Reliving the 1960's and 1970's With Music At MCC Retired Adult Program

Retirees who love music may relive the 1960s and ‘70s with the Chicago Music Scene, a seminar from 1:30-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, offered by the Retired Adult Program (RAP) at McHenry County College. The seminar takes place in Room B166-167 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

The Chicago Music Scene is presented by Dean Milano, musician, whose 45-year career included playing in 75 bands that encompassed his love of rock and roll, folk music, country and western, bluegrass, jazz, Cajun music, and show tunes.

He was born in Milwaukee, but moved to the Chicago area in 1964, just in time for the Beatles arrival and the subsequent formation of garage bands on every block of every city across the country.

Milano has released three CDs of original music, which reflect his wide interest in all the genres. He wrote a book called “The Chicago Music Scene: The 1960s and 1970s,” which recognizes the many talented artists who filled Chicago with music during those memorable decades.

The program combines Milano’s own live singing, accompanied by guitar, with a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos from his book and his personal stories of the rock and roll era.

RAP is a membership-based, non-credit program dedicated to adults ages 50 and older who are active, curious and serious about continually learning.  The cost for a one-year RAP membership is $25, and adults must be a member to register for most classes.

Cost is $12 with a RAP membership. To register for the class, use course ID: NRA S81 001 when registering. To register for any class or to become a RAP member (course ID: NRA C01 001), contact the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, contact Cindy Kearns at (815) 479-7605.

Words of Wisdom

"The construction applied ... to those parts of the Constitution of the United States which delegate Congress a power ... ought not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers."

 --Thomas Jefferson

A Day For Celebration

On September 17, 1787, forty-two of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention held their final meeting. Only one item of business occupied the agenda that day, to sign the Constitution of the United States of America.

Since May 25,1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention had gathered almost daily in the State House –Independence Hall, Philadelphia, to revise the Articles of Confederation.

By the middle of June, it became apparent to the delegates that to merely amend the Articles of Confederation would not be sufficient. Instead, they would write an entirely new document designed to clearly define and separate the powers of the central government, the powers of the states, the rights of the people and how the representatives of the people should be elected.

After being signed in September of 1787, Congress sent printed copies of the Constitution to the state legislatures for ratification. In the months that followed, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay would write the Federalist Papers in support, while Patrick Henry, Elbridge Gerry and George Mason would organize the opposition to the new Constitution. By June 21, 1788, nine states had approved the Constitution, finally forming “a more perfect Union.”

No mater how much we argue about the details of its meaning today, in the opinion of many, the Constitution signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787 represents the greatest expression of statesmanship and compromise ever written. In just four hand-written pages, the Constitution gives us no less than the owners’ manual to the greatest form of government the world has ever known.

We have no tribal council, nor can we vote anybody off the island. But, we do live in the land of the free, and as long as the Constitution stands, we always will.

Driver Safety Classes Tomorrow - Grafton Township Offices

An AARP Driver Safety Program Class is taking place tomorrow, Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Grafton Township offices, Reed Road and Vine Street, Huntley.

This comprehensive course is especially for drivers 50 and above, but all drivers are welcome to participate. Participants learn how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment and receive a thorough review of the “rules of the road,” with an emphasis on safety strategies of defensive driving.

Additionally, participants will find out how to safely adjust driving to compensate for any age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion that, under Illinois law, entitles a 55+ year old driver to a reduction in auto insurance premiums for three years. (A check with the individual insurance company is needed to determine the exact discount and the correct procedure to obtain it.)

This is a two-day course which requires attendance at both classes. Available in a classroom setting, the course is open to AARP members and non-members of all ages, and there are no tests. All participants must pre-register. This can be accomplished by mailing a check made payable to AARP for$14 (AARP members get a $2 discount) to Grafton Township Supervisor, Linda Moore, PO Box 37, Huntley, IL 60142.

If more information is needed, contact the Township office at 847-669-3328. The program is coordinated by Grafton Township Supervisor. Snacks and drinks during the class are sponsored by Bickford Senior Living.

The program is also offered next Saturday, September 24 at the same times. Other dates for the program are; October 10th, and Wednesday, October 12, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day, and Monday, November 21st, and Tuesday, November 22, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day 

Words of Wisdom

"[A] good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous."

 --George Washington, letter to Steptoe Washington, 1790

Preparing For A Possible Snowstorm--Later

Although the weather indicates we are not yet expecting a snowstorm in the next few days, it is possible to expect one in a few months.

McHenry County’s Division of Water Resources and Department of Transportation invite you to attend a workshop on Winter Snow and Ice Control on:

Thursday, October 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and

Friday, October 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The workshops will be held at City of McHenry Public Works Facility at 1415 Industrial Drive, McHenry, IL.

Removal of snow and ice from McHenry County pavement is essential for public safety and the local economy. This workshop will encourage sensible salting practices without compromising safety. Training topics include:

• Application Rates of Materials
• How to Calibrate Equipment
• Weather Conditions
• Deicing Storage and Handling
• Keeping Surfaces Safe
• Environmental Effects T
• Truck Washing
• New Maintenance Methods
• State/Local Law
• Hands-on Calibration Clinic for both municipal type plows as well as pick-up trucks with gravity fed units.

As part of the registration fee, participants will receive course materials, lunch, refreshments, and have the opportunity to receive Level 1: Certification (valid for 3 years) and continuing education credits (6 PDH’s).

Preregistration for this event is required. For further information, please contact Cassandra McKinney at (815)334-0309 or visit the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com.

*Course sponsored by the Illinois Section American Water Works Association, McHenry County Division of Water Resources, and McHenry County Division of Transportation and hosted by the City of McHenry Public Works.

Driver Safety Program At Grafton Township Office

AARP Driver Safety Program Class

Sponsored by and to take place at

GRAFTON TOWNSHIP

10109 Vine Street, Huntley, IL 60142

Saturday, September 17, and Saturday, September 24

From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm each day              

OR

Monday, October 10th, and Wednesday, October 12

Or

Monday, November 21st, and Tuesday, November 22

 From 9:00am to 1:00pm each day

A comprehensive course designed especially for drivers 50 and above is being offered at Grafton Township office. All drivers are welcome to participate.

Participants learn how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment and receive a thorough review of the “rules of the road,” with an emphasis on safety strategies of defensive driving. You will also find out how to safely adjust your driving to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.
 
A certificate of completion is provided that under Illinois law, entitles a 55+ years driver to a reduction in auto insurance premiums for three years (A consultation should be made with your insurance company for the exact discount and the correct procedure to obtain it).

This is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. Available in a classroom setting, the course is open to AARP members and non-members of all ages, and there are no tests.

All participants must pre-register. To register for the class mail a check made out to AARP for $14 (AARP members get a $2 discount) to Grafton Township Supervisor, Linda Moore, PO Box 37, Huntley, IL  60142.  For more information, please contact Township Office at 847-669-3328. This program is coordinated by the Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore. Snacks and drinks during the class are sponsored by Bickford Senior Living.

Secretary of State Driver's License Renewal In Grafton Township Office

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Grafton Township, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license, obtain a duplicate or corrected license or obtain an Illinois identification card.

On October 4, 2011 Mobile Driver Services Unit will be available for the general public at Grafton Township, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley IL.   If you are age 65 or older you may obtain a free, non-expiring State of Illinois photo ID card.   The following services will be available:

• Renewal/correction of driver’s license
• New/renewal/correction of state ID
• License plate stickers
• Motor vehicle registration with renewal of DL/ID
• Organ donor registration with renewal of DL/ID
• Free State ID for seniors age 65 and over
• Vision screening and written test available for driver’s license renewal

An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or identification card need only present a current valid driver’s license or identification card.  To find out what documents are considered acceptable identification and the fees involved, please call 217-782-7044 or visit the Illinois Secretary of States website at
www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a1751.pdf 

It is important to note that those who require a road test will need to visit their local DMV to renew their driver’s license.  To register for this event please call Supervisor Linda Moore’s office at 1-847-669-3328 or email lindamooregt@hotmail.com to reserve a time between 10 am to 2pm.  You can visit the township website at www.graftontownship.net.

Donations of frozen or non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at Grafton Township would be greatly appreciated

Words of Wisdom

"To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted."

 --Alexander Hamilton

Watching Government

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:00 a.m. – McHenry County College Finance and Negotiations Committee –

A report is scheduled from Internal Auditor, Nancy Gonisorek, followed by a Fiscal Year Audit Update from Larry West, Chief financial Officer.

The Committee is also to discuss a purchasing threshold, along with new budgeted positions, and private/public partnerships, an update on GMH Trust Property.

5:00 p.m.—McHenry County Conservation District Finance and Administrative Committee  --

Will meet in the Brookdale administrative offices, 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock. This committee will be presented with the Annual Audited Financial Report by Sikich, LLP along with the 2011 Property Tax Levy Extension and Truth in Taxation Ordinance.

A number of change orders and amendments to professional service agreements are also to be considered as well as administrative policy amendments including a second reading for Board Committees and a first reading for Salary and Wage Compensation Administration.

5:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Outreach and Advocacy Committee—

Will be meeting at the same time in the Brookdale Administrative Offices, to consider a Citizen Advisory Committee Status Report; Fox Bluff Conservation Area Master Plan; a second Reading of the administrative Policy: Board Committees, and also to consider any Outreach projects and a legislative update.

6:00 p.m. -- McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees –

Meeting at the District office, 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, IL.

The Board is to go into an Executive Session regarding Collective Bargaining, Probable or Imminent Litigation and Pending Litigation, and Review of Closed Session Minutes.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Board – Open Session

When the Board meets in open session, the communications Department is slated for a presentation and introductions followed by committee assignments and reports.

Board Business includes approval of minutes of prior meetings; a Treasurer’s Report, staff monthly report for August.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report prepared by Sikich, LLP for Fiscal Year 2011 is being presented for acceptance.

A number of contracts are being presented for approval of eight contracts for a total cost not to exceed $308,473.07 for the completion of seeding projects on approximately 237 acres of various habitats for standards mixes, bond projects and dedicated account projects within the conservation areas.

Many actions are being requested of the trustees regarding approval of contracts and modifications regarding numerous projects such as:

•  Completion of the rain gardens at the Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area;
• Engineering of the Boone Creek Conservation Area;
• Demolition of buildings at the Fel-Pro RRR Conservation area;
• Replacement of the Meyer South Middle Bridge for a cost not to exceed $191.996 plus any necessary construction of repair of trail;
• Authorize acceptance of a $24,260 Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Konopasek Dam Removal and Alternatives Analysis study of the Brookdale Dam;
• Reject bids received for the purchase of two Polaris and purchase the vehicles directly off the Illinois Sate Contract at a price not to exceed $21,534;
• Adopt Resolution authorizing the execution of a Letter of Understanding between McHenry County Conservation District and McHenry County establishing a framework to increase cooperation and coordination between the parties regarding Stormwater Management Ordinance;
• Authorize ratification of a $900 Change Order from Champion Paving Corp, Hampshire, for modification to the scope of work for Pleasant Valley Conservation Area Project
• Approve awarding a contract to Homer Tree Service, Lockport, as the lowest responsible bidder for the removal of brush and invasive species at North Branch Conservation Area for cost not to exceed $34,000;
• Central Forestree of Hoffman Estates is to be awarded a $29,800 contract for removal of invasive brush at the Hickory Grove Conservation Area;
• Farm leases are being presented for approval-one to execute the Farm Lease agreement and also to let bids to secure a farm lease on the Cavanaugh parcel;
• Approval is being sought for approval of a $33,000 change order from Champion Paving Corp., Hampshire, for modification to the scope of work for Pleasant Valley Conservation Area;
• Motion is being presented to award a contract to Behm Pavement Maintenance, Crystal Lake, for asphalt and overlay repairs for four projects and to reject a bid for one other one;
• Authorization for preparation of specifications and letting of bids to replace wood decking on the Prairie trail South Huntley/Algonquin Road Bridge;
• Motion to authorize preparing specification and letting bids on hardware necessary for the installation of automatic entrance gates;
• Motion to accept the Carl Mitchell scholarship Final Report by award recipient Danielle Carlson, McHenry.

Other Board business includes the payment of bills for August 2011; the 2011 Property Tax Levy; appointment of the Board’s delegate to Coon Creek, Greenwood, Hebron Drainage Districts, and approval of any change orders.

7:30 P.M. – Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners –

Meeting in the District administrative Office, One E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

In addition to payment of bills and committee reports, the Board will consider the unwished business of a Feasibility Study recommendation.

The Board heard from two possible firms at the last meeting including Ballard * King and AECOM provided presentations on feasibility studies for the Board. Staff was directed to contact references for both agencies and a final recommendation is going before the Board at this meeting.

The Board is being requested to approve the execution of a feasibility study contract with AECOM team in an amount not to exceed $54,055. This is contingent upon the confirmation of a land purchase contract being finalized. However, so far no word has been given as to the location of this land.

McDOT Wants Your Opinion

The McHenry County Division of Transportation will be holding pop-up meetings around the County over the next few months. The purpose of these meetings is to obtain big picture ideas about the future of transportation in McHenry County as well as build overall awareness for the project. We will have a number of quick, fun activities for participants at these meetings as well as water bottle giveaways. The pop-up meetings are scheduled to take place at the following events:

Marengo Fall Family Fest

September 23, 2011

Woodstock Farmers Market

September 24, 2011

Huntley Fall Fest

September 24, 2011

Fox Lake Oktoberfest

October 1, 2011

Serious About Quiting The Smoking Habit?

Seats are still available for an adult 7-week smoking cessation class offered by McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System beginning on September 28.  The 7-week class will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that is trained in the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program.

Classes will be held at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Crystal Lake, located at 200 Congress Parkway, on Wednesdays, from 6pm-7:30pm. A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all seven sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to the Health Bridge Fitness Center.

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

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

Slight Increase in Federal Criminal Prosecutions

Federal criminal prosecutions totaled 15,178 for the month of June, according to the most recent data released by the Department of Justice. This was an increase of just under 8 percent from the previous month.

Among the program categories, the largest number of prosecutions was seen in immigration, accounting for 52 percent of the filings. Drug related crimes accounted for 15 percent of the total, and weapons offenses made up four percent.

Besides immigration, drugs and weapons, TRAC offers free reports on program categories such as white collar crime, terrorism and civil rights. In addition, TRAC's reports cover the enforcement activities of selected government agencies such as DHS, FBI, IRS and ATF. For the latest information on prosecutions and convictions through the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, go to:

http://trac.syr.edu/tracreports/bulletins/

The above report is produced by TRAC (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse) a data gathering, data research and data distribution organization at Syracuse University.

MCC Volleyball Now Streaming Home Games

While McHenry County College (MCC) encourages families, fans and spectators to experience and support MCC home athletic events in-person, the MCC Athletics Department is now streaming MCC home volleyball matches "live" on the web. Residents can simply go to the MCC Athletics home page www.mchenry.edu/athletics to gain access to a live video feed from the MCC Gymnasium.

Upcoming September home games are: Sept. 15, 20, 21 and 27.  All weekday matches begin at 6 p.m.

 “Everyone is invited to cheer the MCC Lady Scots on in person but when you cannot get to the college, you can now view the action from wherever you are. We want people to let us know what they think and we welcome their input and feedback regarding this MCC athletics live web stream enhancement,” said Wally Reynolds, athletics director.

To provide input or for more information, send an email to athletics@mchenry.edu 

Words of Wisdom

"In our private pursuits it is a great advantage that every honest employment is deemed honorable. I am myself a nail-maker."

--Thomas Jefferson, Jean Nicolas de Meusnier, 1795

Smoke From Northeastern Minnesota Causing Concern For McHenry Countians

McHenry County is experiencing the affect of smoke from the Pagami Creek forest fire burning in Northeastern Minnesota. The Pagami Creek forest fire was ignited in late August near the Boundary Waters Canoe area and now covers 60,000 acres, according to The Associated Press.

Air quality will likely remain unhealthy at times in parts of McHenry County over the next couple of days.  Children, the elderly, individuals with respiratory and cardiac problems, or anyone engaged in strenuous and/or outdoor activity are recommended to remain indoors or use caution. 

Additional precautions are listed below:

• Leave the area if you are at greater risk from breathing smoke.
• Limit your exposure to smoke outdoors and indoors.
• Stay inside and use your air conditioner. If you do not have an air conditioner or smoke is likely to get inside your house, leave the area until the smoke is completely gone.
• Avoid activities that put extra demands on your lungs and heart. These include exercising or physical chores, both outdoors and indoors.
• Make sure you take all your medications according to the doctor’s directions. Contact your doctor if your health gets worse.
• An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection.  Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke.

 Updates will be provided on the McHenry County Department of Health website at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4510.

Today's Rakow Road Update

Concrete pavement will continue to be placed the next few weeks.  Mainline paving starting at Alexandra, proceeding north and east, will start Thursday, September 15th. 

Smaller intersection pours will also be done.  The concrete needs to be sawcut shortly after it is placed to control cracking.  It may be necessary for some of these sawcuts to be done after normal working hours.  To the extent possible, efforts will be made to minimize the noise disruption. 

The bicycle path will continue to be closed at the south side of Rakow to allow some of these concrete pours to be completed.  It will be reopened by the end of the day on Friday, September 16th. 

Expect traffic delays along the project as this work is done.  Flaggers will be used for these pours so please be alert! 

Thank you for your continued patience.

Watching Local Government

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

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

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

A number of sections of the Water Resources Action Plan are being reviewed. This includes two sub-sections on Winter Snow and Ice and Wastewater which was presented at the prior meeting. Four other sub-sections are presented at this meeting. These Include Facility Regulation, Pollution Prevention, Water Conservation and Education and Outreach.

Other matters on the agenda includes any reports regarding related matters such as County Conservation District, Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, Agricultural Conservation Easement Farmland Protection Commission, Regional Water Planning Group, National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems, Watershed Updates, Stormwater Updates, and Solid Waste.

10:30 a.m. – Sheriff’s Department Merit Commission –

Meeting the Administration Building of the County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

In addition to minutes and payment of bills, the Commission is expected to consider Lateral Applications. Under Old Business, the subject of Rules and Regulations are to be considered.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Board Finance Committee –

Will meet in the Library Directors Office of the Crystal Lake Library.

Bingo And Information On Managing Diabetes Today At Grafton Township Bingo

Grafton Township will be hosting a senior bingo event for township residents on “How to Manage Your Diabetes” today at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral Street, Huntley. 

This program is part of the Grafton Township Senior Bingo program that is held bi-monthly.  Northwest Home Health and rehab 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 1-847-669-3328. This free event is organized by Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore, please call if you have any questions.  

Also, mark your calendars for the September 27th bingo event. Food pantry donations of frozen or non-perishable food items would be greatly appreciated.

Electronic Waste and Document Shredding Event

On September 24th, 2011 from 9 am to noon, you can bring your electronic waste and documents for shredding to Grafton Township, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley Illinois. No early or late drop offs, please.  An on-site document shredding truck will be available at no cost to participants.  Please bring your paper in a paper bag.  All electronic items that do not have a compressor will be accepted

“It’s insane to think about the amount of waste that’s being generated,” said Mel Nickerson, an attorney at the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago and co-author of Illinois’ e-waste law.  Beginning next year, the Illinois law bans e-waste from landfills. Effective January 2012, per Public Act 095-0959, a local garbage company will start leaving electronics at the curbside rather than collecting them to put in the landfills.

E-waste is the fastest-growing segment of the nation’s garbage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An Illinois law that took effect last year requires electronics manufacturers to achieve recycling goals, but they’re falling short of benchmarks that were already lower than those in other states. Trying to meet the law’s benchmarks, manufacturers contract with recyclers and report the weight of collected items to the Illinois EPA.

Residency is not required to take advantage of this bi-annual event.  Questions about acceptable items for recycling should be directed to Com2, by calling 1-815-254-3535. 

Please call Linda Moore, Grafton Township Supervisor. At 1-847-669-3328 or visit  if you have any other questions or would like to volunteer to assist with unloading the electronics from the cars as the items are dropped off. 

Donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at Grafton Township would be greatly appreciated at the time items are dropped off at Grafton Township, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley.

Seeking MCC Alumni For 2011 Recognition Program

The McHenry County College (MCC) Alumni Office is seeking applicants for its 2011 Alumni Recognition Program to acknowledge MCC alumni, and celebrate the role the college has played in their success.

Alumni have the opportunity to be recognized, not only locally, but may qualify for recognition programs at the state and national levels.

Nominations are sought for three awards: “Career Distinction Award,” which recognizes an MCC graduate whose individual spirit and take-charge attitude makes a difference in their career field or for helping a fellow employee to excel; “

Excellence in Community Service Award,”  which lauds alumni who have made a significant contribution by volunteering his or her time in the community;

“Triumph Award” that honors alumni who have overcome personal, financial, or emotional hardship and have successfully completed his or her degree or certificate. This award celebrates the courage and applauds the perseverance of the nominee.

All nomination forms and support materials must be received by 5 p.m. Friday,

Sept. 30. Winners will be announced in November. Awardees will be recognized at MCC’s December graduation ceremony.

To access an application, go to www.mchenry.edu/alumni/awards.asp. Applications are also available at the main campus on the Alumni information board in Building A, outside the atrium, near room A251. The campus is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake, 60012.

Questions can be directed to Kathrine Pfister, development coordinator, at kpfister@mchenry.edu or (815) 479-7529.

Words of Wisdom

 "They are not to do anything they please to provide for the general welfare, but only to lay taxes for that purpose. To consider the latter phrase not as describing the purpose of the first, but as giving a distinct and independent power to do any act they please which may be good for the Union, would render all the preceding and subsequent enumerations of power completely useless. It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please."

 --Thomas Jefferson, Opinion on National Bank, 1791

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month with the slogan, “A Time to Remember – A Time to Prepare”. The campaign seeks to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. September also marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate states, “By doing what we can to ensure our communities and our nation are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards, we honor the memory of those who were lost that day.”

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents that disasters can happen at any time and any place – each event is unique. This weekend’s torrential storm along the East Coast caused by Hurricane Irene is a good example of how planning ahead can minimize the risk of injury. Locally, the area has seen a number of storms, extreme temperatures, lengthy power outages and flooding. Did your family have a 3-day supply kit? Having an emergency plan in place can mean the difference between a small inconvenience and a catastrophe. Keri Zaleski, MCDH Emergency Response Coordinator says, “If residents prepare now, the County will be better prepared when it faces the next disaster.”

Basic emergency supply kit instructions can be found at. David Christensen, McHenry County’s EMA Director, also recommends purchasing an all-hazard alert radio with a battery backup, a tone-alert feature and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology which would alert you when a Watch or Warning is issued in your area. MCDH has established social media websites for the community to receive emergency messages  and facebook. For more information on local emergency preparedness, visit www.mcdhprepare.info or call 815-334-4510.

Tuesday Government Observations

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.

A report is expected from RuckPate Architecture on the Building Renovations

A report is also expected regarding the Educational Master Plan Activities

A report is also expected from KJWW Engineering on the IT Center and Biology Room Ventilation

An update is expected regarding the Land Purchase

Summary Comments from Board Members is expected before a closed session, if necessary, and then consideration of future agenda items.

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 number of items are listed under new business including FY 12 Budget Revues for Health Insurance, Social Security Fund, and IMRF Fund.

These are followed by 360 Evaluation and a report from Human Resources Director.

9:30 a.m. – Finance and Audit Committee of McHenry County Board—

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

A resolution is being presented for approval of the appointment of members to an expanded Board of Review for Assessment Year 2011.

A couple resolutions are being presented for approval including authorizing monthly transactions for the Delinquent Tax Program; and a resolution to enter into contract with Mullins & Lonegan Associates for the preparation of an Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing Choice.

Also to be considered are non-departmental budget reviews for the FY 11-12.

11:00 – McHenry County Liquor and Licenses Commission—

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

The Commission is expected to hold discussion regarding Winery Classifications.

Other matters include New Liquor License, Manager and Amusement License requests for St. Joseph Parrish.

Also a couple raffle permit or Special Liquor License Requests are to be considered for Marengo Area Schools Education Foundation and Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois.

6:00 p.m. – Curriculum, Staff Development, & Student Services Committee of High School District 155 Board—

Meeting in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

The Committee is to receive an update on Student Achievement.

  

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board, meets at RedTail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood.

In addition to the necessary matters to be handled on a Consent Agenda such as minutes of previous meetings and bill payments, the Board is also to consider Financial Statements and the Board’s approval for Recommended Halloween Trick or Treat Hours for October 31 to be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Board is expected to hold discussion regarding Focus Group Reports from Dobbe Marketing as well as discussion regarding Zoning Code and Pools and Accessory Structures

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake High School District 155 Board –

Meeting in the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake. The agenda includes many items associated with operating a large high school district such as paying bills; approving resignations, retirements, dismissals and non-renewals of contracts, many which are for extra-curricular activities, approval of new similar contracts.

The Director of Human Resources, Dr. Randy Davis is slated to provide an administrative salary report.