Words of Wisdom

"Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." –

-Benjamin Franklin, letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, 1789

Pinhole Photography Day Celebration

The McHenry County College Art Department will celebrate the 12th World Wide Pinhole Photography Day with its first public two-day workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 in Room A139 at the college. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Pinhole photography is creating a photographic image without the use of a lens and an image is created from a pinhole. Artists such as DaVinci, Michaelangelo, Vermeer knew and used the principles of the pinhole to help create their art.

On Saturday, participants will build and test their own pinhole camera, along with learn traditional black and white darkroom techniques with hands-on darkroom experience. Those who use a digital DSLR can use the camera body cap as a pinhole device or create one for their own camera.

On Sunday, participants will create their own pinhole image that they will upload and submit to the pinhole day website to share with the rest of the world. Instructor is Jim Christensen, MCC adjunct photography instructor.

The workshop is open to anyone 13 years of age and older. Early registration is recommended as space is limited to 20 participants. Cost is $15. Lunch is on your own. To register, call the MCC Art Department at (815) 455-8677 or email Sarah Ruthven, art department chair, at sruthven@mchenry.edu.

Answers To Environmental Questions

Where can I drop off compact fluorescent bulbs or my old computer monitor?

Who will take leftover paint or used motor oil?

To find answers to these questions and more, area residents can turn to the “McHenry County Official Green Guide 2012,” which features a Recycling and Reusing Directory plus a Green Living guide.The publication is available at www.mchenry.edu/recycling.

Sponsored by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College, the Green Guide 2012 provides useful and educational information for anyone looking to recycle, reuse or reduce to protect the environment. The Green Living section lists places to buy green products locally and online.  The Institute also provides education on related solid waste topics.

In addition, the Green Guide 2012 is available at 80 different business locations and as an iRecycle app at Earth 911.com, the largest and most accurate recycling directory in the U.S.

“A new highlight this year is, our Green Guide is part of a national recycling and green living guide so people from all over the country can access recycling products and services offered here in McHenry County,” said Pat Dieckhoff, sustainability specialist at MCC. “By highlighting our local business and services, we’re helping the local economy,” she said.

For more information about the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute or anything related to recycling, contact Pat Dieckhoff, at (815) 479-7817.

Sunday Jubilee Concert At Raue Center

Voices in Harmony will present their Silver Jubilee Concert at 4:00 p.m. Sunday in the Raue Center For The Arts, downtown Crystal Lake.

The concert will celebrate 25 years of beautiful choral music and will recreate some of the most memorable performances of the choir’s first quarter century. The two organizations share a long history as Voices in Harmony was Raue Center’s first performance when the theatre re-opened in 2001. Steve Szalaj, a Raue Center Board Member as well as a member American Choir Directors Association, directs the choir. 

Voices in Harmony promotes artistic choral music and will perform a wide variety of music including classical, spirituals and folk music. Tickets are general admission and prices are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at Raue Center’s Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL or via rauecenter.org. Groups have more fun! Take $3 off each ticket for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may also be purchased from choir members. For more information about Voices in Harmony please visit voices-in-harmony.org.

Words of Wisdom

"The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them."

--Thomas Jefferson, Rights of British America, 1774

Celebrate Mother Earth - Saturday

Come Celebrate Mother Earth, Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, in Crystal Lake with McHenry County Conservation District and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

A myriad of activities are planned for the annual Earth Day celebration which include  kids’ crafts, games and activities, a puppet show, guided nature hikes, restoration service projects, environmental exhibitors on sustainable practices, live musical entertainment and a household recycling drop-off.  Learn how you can take measures closer to home to help protect, restore, and make an impact.  Activities are both inside and outdoors; the event goes on rain or shine!

Schedule of Events

   Opening Drum 11:00 a.m.    Circle   
      Off Square Music 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.   

      Joe Reilly                3:30 p.m.

Nature  Hikes         11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Puppet Shows      12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Ongoing Games,  Crafts & Storytelling

20 Environmental Exhibitors

 Ongoing  Restoration Service Project

Scouts can  complete activities and earn
a 2012 Earth Day Patch at a reduced cost

 Food Vendors or bring a "no waste" picnic lunch

HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING DROP OFF:
As you begin your spring cleaning drop off your unwanted items: athletic shoes, household batteries, polystyrene foam, computer monitors, TVs, radios, hair dryers and other electrical equipment (nominal fees may apply).

Government At Work

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 –

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee –

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

A presentation is slated regarding an agreement between Family Services and North Central.

A discussion is to be held on Communication between the County Board and the Health Department.

A number of resolutions are being presented for consideration including:

Authorizing Acceptance of a Modification to an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and authorizing an emergency appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network FY 2012 Budget

A second resolution for consideration is authorizing the reclassification of a full time certified nursing assistant into a full time activity assistant position for the Valley Hi Departmental Roster.

A resolution authorizing a budget line item transfer in the Dental Care clinic’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

Another resolution is being presented authorizing acceptance of a $85,663 Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health for a Vector surveillance and Control Program. This is also to unfreeze three temporary intern Positions.

A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation in the McHenry County Mental Health Board Child Initiative Grant Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

The appointment of David McPhee to the Lake in the Hills Sanitary District is also being presented.

The Committee is to review the Workforce Network and Workforce Investment Board Funding.

10:00 a.m. – Senior Service Grant Commission –

Meeting in Conference Room B, of the McHenry County Administration building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two items are to be considered: a review of Strategic Planning Sub-Committee’s Proposed Strategic Plan – 2012 and Review of Application and Request for Proposals for fiscal Year 2013 Programs.

Attention: Motorists Using Illinois Route 31 At Virginia Road-Klasen Road

The McHenry County Division of Transportation will host a Construction Information Meeting on Thursday May 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  The meeting will be held at the Algonquin Township Office which is located at 3702 US Route 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014.  

All interested parties are welcome to attend.  The Construction Information Meeting will outline the project in detail and inform local residents and business owners of the construction schedule, plans, and how they can stay informed during construction.

Preliminary work on the Illinois Route 31 at Virginia Road / Klasen Road Widening and Reconstruction Improvement has already begun.  All work is anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2013.

The improvements for Illinois Route 31 @ Virginia Road/Klasen Road Widening and Reconstruction include:

• Illinois Route 31 will be widened and reconstructed to provide 2 through lanes in each direction and dedicated left and right turn lanes at the Virginia Road and Klasen Road intersections.
• Realignment of the Virginia Road intersection to the north to improve safety
• New turn lanes on Virginia Road and Klasen Road at their intersections with Illinois Route 31
• Modernized traffic signals at both the Klasen Road and Virginia Road intersections

This approximately $8,500,000 improvement project is being funded in part by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Transportation Bill SAFETEA-LU.

Utility relocation work is underway now and will wrap up as the roadway work continues.

Visit the project website at www.IL31Virginia.com, for project information and to sign up to receive emails for the latest project updates.

Words of Wisdom

"Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Government At Work

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

 8:00 a.m. – Facilities and Planning Committee of McHenry County Board of Trustees.—

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

An overview of branding for the college is on the agenda along with a report on Professional Development Strategic Plan.

Other reports for the Board to consider include: Server Room Update, Sustainability Strategic Plan, Facility Master Plan Presentation by Wright & Company,

8:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board Planning & Development Committee –

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

An interview of Robert Kociecki for the Housing Commission is slated along with re-appointments of three others including David C. Henry, Fred W. Broling, and Corey J. Brackmann.

A discussion is slated regarding HUD Conflict of Interest Procedure Status Report as well as any other reports to the Committee as applicable.

7:30 p.m. Crystal Lake Park Board of Commissioners –

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

A public hearing is scheduled on the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, with comments requested from the public regarding the budget.

Other matters to be handled by the Board include approval of requests by various community groups to utilize Park District facilities for summer events.

The Board will be considering a number of policy manuals for the Park District including for General Practices, Park Policy, Employee Policy,

The annual Budge and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year May 1, 2012 thru April 30, 2013 will be presented for board approval.

The Board is also expected to accept a bid submitted by Schroeder Asphalt Services for the Lippold Park Trail Resurfacing project in the amount of $37,800. 

"The Doolittle Raid" Story Tonight At MCC

McHenry County College (MCC) will welcome back Barry Bradford, national award-winning storyteller, historian and teacher to present a commemorative program about “The Doolittle Raid” from 7-8:30 p.m. this evening in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College. The College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

MCC will commemorate the 70th anniversary of one of the most dramatic moments of World War II: The Doolittle Raid that took place over Japan on April 18, 1942. Bradford will share a dramatic presentation on the bold decision to make a dangerous and unprecedented attack on mainland Japan in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Col. Jimmy Doolittle and his valiant Raiders defied weather, conventional thinking and limited equipment to launch an attack that changed the tide of the Pacific War.

The program will feature first person accounts, extraordinary photos and rare color movie footage as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the brave men who flew into history on that date.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Amy Carzoli, at

(815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich, at (815) 479-7570 or send an email to conferencecenter@mchenry.edu.

Words of Wisdom

"What is to be the consequence, in case the Congress shall misconstrue this part [the necessary and proper clause] of the Constitution and exercise powers not warranted by its true meaning, I answer the same as if they should misconstrue or enlarge any other power vested in them ... the success of the usurpation will depend on the executive and judiciary departments, which are to expound and give effect to the legislative acts; and in a last resort a remedy must be obtained from the people, who can by the elections of more faithful representatives, annul the acts of the usurpers."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 44, 1788

Open Letter About Peace

By Mairead Maguire (about the author)

Dear Friends,

I write to let you know that I have decided not to attend the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates on April 23-25, in Chicago, Illinois.  

On April 10, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared on video on the US State Department Website announcing plans for the forthcoming Nobel Peace Laureates Summit and said "The US Department of State is proud to be an active partner in this event."

Secretary Clinton gave details of how the US State Department is working with US embassies around the world to bring 20 students and four teachers from four countries to Chicago. She explained that video conferences and portals for live streaming of events will be managed by the US State department.  

I have now decided, with some sadness, not to be associated in this partnership as I do not agree with many of the policies of the US State Department. Indeed I have, as a Nobel Peace Laureate, (and in the spirit of Alfred Nobel) often called for disbandment of NATO, end of militarism and war, and for disarmament and demilitarization.

I cannot therefore, in good conscience, be part of a partnership with the US State Government (NATO). I also believe that my participation in such a partnership would compromise my position and put in jeopardy my work in the Middle East and other countries.   

I am very disappointed that what is a great opportunity for young people, for the Nobel Laureates and organizations to listen, learn, and exchange friendships and experiences, has been, I believe, seriously compromised by such a partnership.

However, I hope it will be an enjoyable and educational summit, particularly for all the young people, and I am deeply saddened not to be with you all. 

Peace,

Mairead Maguire

Peace People, Northern Ireland 

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY APRIL 18

1:30 P.M. – McHenry County Board Public Aid Committee –

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

A hearing is scheduled on a Notice of Appeal in Case #12GA00549.

No other business is listed.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission –

Meeting in Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Pedcor Housing Development, planned for location on Congress Parkway, next to the Post Office, is requesting the setting of a public hearing date for May 2.

The proposed plan is for a workforce housing apartment complex which is to help stabilize the daytime and nighttime population fluctuation. Area employers rely on workforce housing projects to meet the needs of their workforce and reduce employee turn-over.

Currently seven buildings are proposed totaling 70 units and one clubhouse building with community pool, sand volleyball court and playground.

Lightning Lazer Tag, 19 E. Berkshire, Units 4 & 5. – A public hearing is slated for a use variation to allow an amusement arcade as permitted in a “B-1” district. The building where this is to be located includes co-tenants of 7-Eleven, Summers Academy of Dance, Mansion Salon and Spa.

Sadzeck, 958 Sheffield Drive –A public hearing is slated on a requested variation to allow a shed to be 3.3 feet from the property line and closer than 6 feet to the house. The replacement shed is to be located on an existing concrete pad and replacing an existing shed that has been at this location for the past 25-30 years. The current UDO requires all detached accessory structures to be at least from the de property line.

Watkins, 903 North Shore Drive – A public hearing on a Special Use Permit and variations to allow additions to the house and garage, including garage at 600 square fee and variations from setback requirements.

Country Corners Shopping Center –Dollar Tree—A final PUD amendment and variation for wall signage, which exceeds the 50-square foot UDO requirement and the PUD.

Tax Time

Tax Day has come and gone -- and once again, individual taxpayers and small businesses are paying extra to pick up the tab for corporate tax dodgers who game the system to avoid their taxes.

Illinois small businesses are hit especially hard, so last week, bakery owners Mike and Jo Anne stood with Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) in front of Boeing headquarters to demand an end to corporate tax loopholes.

As Mike said on Thursday:

"The ability of these companies to avoid paying federal taxes harms us and every other small business owner. It's simple math—if large U.S. corporations are able to avoid paying tens of billions of dollars, that money has to be made up somewhere else. So the burden falls on us."

Each year, Mike and Jo Anne’s bakery in Naperville puts more than $600,000 back into the economy, mostly in wages to their 14 employees, and they donate $30,000 in bread to local food kitchens. And every year, they pay their taxes on the profits they earn.

In contrast, Boeing — one of the most profitable companies in the nation — hasn't paid a dime in federal taxes in years. In fact, thanks to tax havens and subsidies, they actually made money off the tax code, receiving an average $177 million tax credit between 2008 and 2010. [1] And Boeing isn't unique. We found thirty profitable giants — including ExxonMobil and G.E. — that actually spend more on lobbying than they do in federal taxes.

Should a family bakery be paying more taxes than Boeing? We don’t think so.

You can stand with Mike and Jo Anne and all Illinois taxpayers and small business owners. Sign a petition calling for an end to corporate tax loopholes.

Go to

Words of Wisdom

"I had always hoped that the younger generation receiving their early impressions after the flame of liberty had been kindled in every breast ... would have sympathized with oppression wherever found, and proved their love of liberty beyond their own share of it."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Edward Coles, 1814

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 17—

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

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

Following a report by the President, the FY 2013 Budget Update is to be presented.

This is followed by a dialogue on partnerships with discussion regarding board members comments and future agenda topics.

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission –

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

Old business includes a review of staff report and discussion, as well as discussion on HOME funding notice and discussion and action if necessary.

New business includes the recommendation of reappointment of commissioners to the Housing Commission

6:30 p.m. -- District 155 Board Policy Committee --
Meeting in Cary Grove High School. 
Will be discussing Attendance Residency Requirements. 

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Some of the highlights include:

Two presentations are scheduled, including a Fair Housing Poster Contest and an Update Report on the Analysis of Impediments Study.

A contract agreement for a permitting system for the Planning and Development Department and the Environmental Health Department with a $158,200 contract to be approved for the purchase and implementing a digital plan review system for the County.

A resolution approving a Bond Record-Keeping Policy for the County is being presented for consideration.

Leslie A. Schermerhorn is being appointed to fill the vacancy of the election position of Regional Superintendent of Schools. This position has remained vacant for a prolonged period because the State of Illinois failed to fund the position which requires very specific qualifications.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council  --

Meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Recognizing High School Sports

The Council is being requested to adopt a resolution authorizing a sign to be placed along the City rights-of-way recognizing the Prairie Ridge High School football team, the Crystal Lake Central and Crystal Lake South High School Pom Squads, and Crystal Lake Central High School wrestler Gage Harrah for winning the State Championships for their respective sport.

Congratulations To All:

Prairie Ridge football team finished their 13-1 season with an IHSA 6A State Championship. South High School Pom Squad placed first in the Team Dance Illinois Kick 3A State competition.

Crystal Lake Central High School Team Dance Illinois Pom Squad placed first in the Pom 2A State competition.

Crystal Lake Central High School wrestler, Gage Harrah, placed first in the state in the 195 AA class State competition.

Teal Around Town

A request for approval is being made to allow “Teal Around Town” ribbon campaign to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer for the month of September. It involves the placement of teal colored ribbons on trees along common traffic arteries in Crystal Lake.

Liquor License Changes

Two establishments, The London Club at 394 W. Virginia Street and Papa Saverios, 540 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, are seeking Liquor License changes.

The London Club seeks t increase the number of Class 9 liquor licenses and decrease the Class 3 liquor license. They desire to allow alcoholic beverages to be served in an open unroofed area within 100 fee of land zoned for residential purposes.

Papa Saverios, 540 East Terra Cotta Avenue, desires to increase the number of Class 8 liquor licenses. This is an addition to the Class 8 licenses as Papa Saverios is to be located at in the former Taylor Street Pizza. The request by the new owners is to allow the sale on the premises specified in the interior of the building and open unroofed area immediately contiguous to the building,

Sign Variation Requests

Approval of a couple sign variations is being requested. One is to allow wall signage greater than the Unified Development Ordinance allowance for a gas station at 4410 Northwest Highway. A second is to allow a free-standing sign to exceed the required square footage requirements, allowing a variation of 4.85 square feet for the First Church of Christ, Scientists at 431 Woodstock Street.

The Crystal Lake Plaza is seeking a Final Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow changes to the existing electronic message center on the existing pylon sign to allow a three-minute hold for messages.

Senior Independent Living Facility

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is planning the construction of a 60-unit senior independent living development at 401 Commonwealth Drive. They are seeking approval of a Final Plan of Subdivision and Final Planned Unit Development for the project.

Fenced Boat Storage

Approval of a Special Use Permit is being requested by the Crystal Lake Park District at Kamijima Park for a structure over 100 square feet to allow a 736-square foot fenced storage area. This is for the Rowing Club which plans to construct a second storage area for existing and new boats and equipment.

The storage area is a chain link fence with steel roof. There is a need for the group to work with city staff to lessen the parking problem in the area.

Crystal Lake’s First Pawnshop

Preparing for Crystal Lake’s first pawnshop, the Planning and Zoning Commission recently developed an ordinance defining pawnshop regulations and expectations. The ordinance will require electronic record keeping, daily reports to be given to the Police Department, defined waiting periods before selling items, prohibited sale of certain items, required video surveillance system, penalties for ordinance violations, and license requirements.

Additionally, part of the application process will include a $500 license fee. This fee will contribute to the annual City purchase of Leads Online software, used o track and monitor items as well as enhance the Police Department’s investigative ability to protect both pawnbrokers and general public.

Provisions in the ordinance allow the City to reprimand the pawnshop business if they do not follow ordinance guidelines. The City can suspend or revoke the pawnshops license, if the violation is major. Minor violations will result in a fine, recommended at $150.  Approval of this ordinance is up to the City Council.

A pawn shop is planned for 457-469 W. Virginia Street. A pawnshop owner has been before the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission has recommended approval of the necessary ordinance amendment for this location.

Three Oaks Recreation Hours

A few changes are recommended for hours at Three Oaks Recreation facility. The area is to be open May 1 – the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend the same hours as last year—11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily.

Memorial Day Weekend to Mid-August (when beach hours are reduced) to be open daily 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. which offers three additional hours from last year.

Labor Day Holiday Weekend sill remain the same -- open daily 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Tuesday after Labor Day to October 1, last year the facility was open 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. That is being changed to weekend open only and weekdays when a high temperature is, or exceeds 70 degrees—then 11AM to 6 PM.

October – No required hours last year.

Columbus Day Weekend – Friday thru Monday – 11 AM to 6 PM

(In 2012 this is October 5, 6, 7, 8)

Public Hearing On Electrical Aggregation Plan of Operation and Governance

Residents of Crystal Lake voted at the March 20 primary election to opt authorize the City to adopt an “opt-out” program for the supply of electricity to residential and small commercial retail customers.

In order to comply with the State of Illinois requirements, the City must display a Plan of Operation and Governance (POGO) which was accomplished March 22.

Two public hearings must be held by the City Council on the POGO. One is taking place April 17 and a second on May 1.

Approval of an ordinance formally authorizing an opt-out program for the City on May 1.

Solicitation of bids from alternative electricity suppliers will be sought early to mid May 2012. Award of a bid shortly after that, early to mid-May.

Power flowing to Crystal Lake residents under this program should be late Summer 2012.

The POGO outlines the roles and responsibilities of the City, and the electrical aggregation implementation process.

The City anticipates that bids will be received soon after ComEd sets their new rates in May. A bid will only be accepted if it is less than the ComEd rate. Also provisions will be incorporated into the bid contract that will require the ARES to match ComEd rate if it falls below the contracted rate during the period of the agreement.

Additionally, the agreement with the selected ARES will include the elimination of termination fees, allowing residents and small businesses to revert back to the ComEd rate without suffering any financial penalty.

Public Hearing – Annual Budget Resolution and Salary Ordinance

The budget has been on public display since the April 3 City Council meeting. City officials note that the current budget for 2012/2013 continues the funding of General Fund services without the use of corporate property tax.

Crystal Lake continues to have the lowest municipal tax rate in the area – 0.758 with the next highest being Cary at 0.819.

The highest rate of 1.823 is paid by Woodstock taxpayers.

High School District 155 Board of Education--

Meeting in Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.

A public hearing is slated on a proposed Driver Education Fee Increase

Conservation District Promotes Earth Partnership For Schools

Teachers gain the knowledge to engage students to Build a Native Garden at their school

The Earth Partnership for Schools is looking for dedicated teacher teams to apply for this outdoor, hands-on institute offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Lake County Forest Preserves and the McHenry County Conservation District.

Teacher Teams learn ways to enliven their classrooms, invigorate students, and build a solid working team foundation, as skills are gained to lead students in building a native garden at their school.

The program is offered July 23-27, and December 8, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center, in Ringwood.

Registration is now being accepted at Chicago Botanic Garden; http://www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/teacherprograms/summer.

Cost of the Workshop is $100 per teacher (Title 1 schools); or $285 per teacher (non Title 1), which includes curriculum, meals, and supplies. Upon completion each school receives $250 for their school garden project. Another unique aspect of the program is that teachers can receive three graduate credits for only $138.

As part of the program, teacher participants will receive more than 30 cross-curricular lesson plans aligned with state standards. Teachers also build a working partnership with sponsoring agencies. Teams can be made up of teachers, administrators, and school board members. Additional information about  EPS is on-line at http://uwarboretum.org/eps/index.php.

The Earth Partnership for Schools Program began in 1991 as an outgrowth of the University of Wisconsin‐Madison Arboretum’s  focus on ecological restoration as a way to establish a positive relationship between people and the land. It is now a national, educational program.

For more information please contact:

Melissa Alderson, Lake County Forest Preserves, (847) 968-3326

Mary Kozub, McHenry County Conservation District, (815) 678-4532

McHenry County Bridges With Weight Limit Restrictions

The Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Bridges and Structures Local Unit (IDOT BBS) has recently inspected and analyzed various bridges in McHenry County.  Inspections are accomplished on a routine basis and intermittently on all County Highway bridges throughout McHenry County.  IDOT sets the inspection interval. The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for overseeing these inspections and reporting them to the IDOT.  The following bridges will have the following weight limit restrictions placed on them (please see the attached location map for these structures):

County Bridges

The MCDOT will post North Union Road Bridge located in unincorporated Seneca Township, north of IL 176 over the Kishwaukee River at a weight limit of 12 Tons for all vehicles. This structure will be considered to be programmed in the Highway Improvement 5-Year Program next year for the engineering phases to replace it.

The MCDOT will also reduce the existing load posting on Deerpass Road Bridge located in unincorporated Seneca Township north of IL 176 over the Kishwaukee River Main Channel from a posting of from Legal Load Only to a restriction to 15 Tons for All Vehicles. The MCDOT is currently in Phase I preliminary engineering working towards the actual bridge replacement.  The duration of the reduced load posting is indefinite at this point in time; however, the bridge has been programmed for replacement in the McHenry County Division of Transportation’s Five Year Highway Improvement Program.

Township Bridges

The following township bridges will also be posted with restrictions:

In Chemung Township - Oak Grove Road over Drainage Ditch located southwest of US 14 will be posted at 14 Tons for All Vehicles.

In Greenwood Township - Jankowski Road over Branch of Nippersink Creek located west of Raycraft Road will be posted at 5 Tons for All Vehicles.  Plans for the replacement of the deck of this bridge are currently being engineered for the Greenwood Township Road District for construction later this year.  Once this project is complete, the load posting will be able to be removed on this bridge.

Hebron Township - O'Brien Road over Nippersink Creek located 1.5 mi west of IL 47 will be posted at 13 Tons for All Vehicles.  Drivers are reminded that IL 173 over the Nippersink Creek upstream of the O’Brien Road Bridge is being replaced under staged construction.

Please use the designated staged construction route or call the MCDOT at 815.334.4980 to permit loads avoiding this construction zone. O’Brien Road is not a viable alternative route due to the weight limit restrictions on the bridge.

Seeking Outdoor Education Teachers

The Earth Partnership for Schools is looking for dedicated teacher teams to apply for this outdoor, hands-on, institute offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Lake County Forest Preserves and the McHenry County Conservation District.

The program is offered as three Saturday workshops, July 30, August 3 and December 1 from

8:30 am - 4:30 pm at Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, Deerfield.

Teacher Teams learn ways to enliven their classrooms, invigorate students, and build a solid working team foundation, as skills are gained to lead students in building a native garden at their school. As part of the program, teacher participants will receive more than 30 cross-curricular lesson plans aligned with state standards. Teachers also build a working partnership with sponsoring agencies. 

Teams can be made up of teachers, administrators, and school board members. Additional information about EPS is on-line at http://uwarboretum.org/eps/index.php.

The Earth Partnership for Schools Program began in 1991 as an outgrowth of the University of Wisconsin‐Madison Arboretum’s focus on ecological restoration as a way to establish a positive relationship between people and the land. It is now a national, educational program.

For more information please contact:

Melissa Alderson, Lake County Forest Preserves, (847) 968-3326

Mary Kozub, McHenry County Conservation District, (815) 678-4532

Dance Event Including Lessons At MCC Saturday

Join McHenry County College students when they present a Noche Cultural event beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 in the Luecht Conference Center and cafeteria, both in Building B at MCC.

Sponsored by Club Concordia, the event will feature an authentic and fun zapateado dance lesson and a live performance by Son del Viento, a music and dance group.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted and will go toward Club Concordia activities.

For more information, contact club.concordia@yahoo.com or call (815) 271-1123.