Words Of Wisdom

"There is a just God who presides over the destines of nations ... who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. ... Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

" --Patrick Henry on this day, 1775

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Tomorrow

This spring, the Crystal Lake Police Department will once again partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide the public another opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications. On Saturday, April 28th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm local time, DEA and its partners will hold their third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at sites nationwide. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Collection activities are planned from 10:00am until 2:00pm on April 28th at the Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake. Residents are encouraged to bring all unused or expired medications during this time. Controlled, non-controlled and over the counter substances may be collected. Liquid medications will not be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

This program is anonymous and all efforts will be made to protect the anonymity of individuals disposing of medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made. Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual(s) will be encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.

If you should have any questions regarding this event, please contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620. 

Words of Wisdom

"There is a just God who presides over the destines of nations ... who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. ... Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

" --Patrick Henry, 1775

Third Time Is Not Always A Charm

 The saying that the “the third time is a charm” does not always hold true.

Thirty-five year old Kenneth Smith was recently sentenced, for the third time, to 67 years in prison for first degree murder and attempted armed robbery which took place March 6, 2001 at the Burrito Express Restaurant, McHenry.  

Smith was found guilty in 2003, and again in 2008. Both times, a McHenry County jury convicted Smith of shooting Breseno with a 22 caliber pistol in the course of robbing the restaurant.

Both convictions were overturned by an Illinois Appellate Court. On February 29, 2012 a third jury convicted  Smith of the crime bringing the total of 36 people of this community who heard the evidence and were convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of his guilt.

Today, Judge Sharon Prather once again sentenced the defendant to a term of 67 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of first degree murder with a concurrent seven-year sentence for the offense of attempted armed robbery.

Under truth in sentencing guidelines the defendant must serve the entire 67 years before he is eligible for parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Combs, David Johnston and David Metrick and was investigated by the City of McHenry Police Department with the assistance of the McHenry Investigative Assistance Team.

Free Band and Chorus Concerts At MCC Sunday

McHenry County College (MCC) will host a two concerts on Sunday in the Luecht Conference Center at MCC.

At 3 p.m., the MCC Concert Band, under the direction of Paige Lush, Ph.D., will include such selections as  “Mars” from The Planets by Gustav Holst; “Prelude,” “Siciliano” and “Rondo” by Malcolm Arnold; “El Choclo” by A.G. Villoldo, and “English Folk Song Suite” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

In addition, the MCC Chorus, under the direction of Steven Szalaj and piano accompaniment by Emily Jane Morlan, will perform an array of songs, with a vocal ensemble performing “The Last Rose of Summer,” an Irish Folk Song, arranged by Darmon Meader; “I Have Dreamed” from The King And I by Richard Rodgers, arranged by Kirby Shaw with soloists Kathryn Madigan, and Jake Seelye.

Songs performed by the full chorus include: “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” K. 47 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with soloists Alexis Artner, Danielle Kattner, Jesse Thielsen and Anthony Colangelo; “Up To the Mountain” (MLK Song) by Patty Griffin, arranged by Mac Huff with soloists Renn Hollander, Marianne Ling and Lindsay Tullar; and “People” from Funny Girl by Jule Styne, arranged by David Lantz III. The finale, “I’m Seventeen Come Sunday,” an English Folk Song, arranged by Percy Grainger, will be accompanied by members of the MCC Concert Band.

The concerts are free and open to the public. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. For more information, contact Michael Hillstrom at (815) 479-7814.

Locations For Medication Disposal On Saturday

The list of law enforcement agencies participating in Saturday’s medication disposal event has grown to twelve.  McHenry County Department of Health encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) program “National Take-Back Initiative” on Saturday, April 28.  The one-day event is from 10am-2pm at participating law enforcement sites.  

Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose (tablets, capsules) medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal.  Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps.  Prescription labels should be removed (or personal information blocked out with a permanent marker) from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers.  Drop-off sites include –

• Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive—Algonquin
• Cary Police Department, 654 Village Hall Drive–Cary
• Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W Woodstock Street–Crystal Lake
• Fox River Grove & Algonquin Twp Road District, 3702 Hwy 14–Crystal Lake
• Huntley Police Department, 10911 Main Street–Huntley 
• Johnsburg Police Department, 3611 N Chapel Hill Road—Johnsburg
• Lakewood Police Department, Village Hall, 2500 Lake Avenue—Lakewood
• Lake in the Hills Police Department, 1115 Crystal Lake Road–Lake in the Hills
• Marengo Police Department, 142 E Prairie Street–Marengo
• McHenry Police Department, 333 S Green Street–McHenry
• Spring Grove Police Department, 7401 Meyer Road–Spring Grove
• Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Avenue—Woodstock

Additional information is available from your participating local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

Don't Throw Away --- Recycle Instead

Don’t know what to do with that television that no longer works?

Or, that bag of packing peanuts, or bubble wrap?

What to do with those batteries that no longer power the devices in which they were used?

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has partnered with several businesses and community organizations to collect and recycle electronic waste and other recyclable materials at no cost to residents.  Residents can drop off items on Saturday, May 19, from 8am-1pm, at McHenry County Government Center (Administration Building), 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.  

This recycling event was made possible by AMS Store and Shred, Battery Solutions, Ken Santowski with Chicago Logistics Service, Chicago Textile Recycling, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Home of the Sparrow, McHenry County Community Foundation and Sims Recycling Solutions. 

Items that will be accepted include residential electronics (e.g. televisions, computers, VCRs, video game consoles, digital cameras); clothing (should be clean; slightly stained or torn also accepted); Styrofoam, packing peanuts, bubble wrap; alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt only) and rechargeable batteries, as well as documents for destruction.  There is a limit of 10 electronic items per resident. Christmas lights will not be accepted. 

For a complete list of accepted items, see the flyer at www.mcdh.info or call Kristy Hecke, Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

Roman Catholic Leaders CAll For Protests Against President

By Martin Gould

Roman Catholic leaders are calling for two weeks of public protests against President Barack Obama's policies as they intensify their argument that the administration is engaged in a war on religion.

The days between June 21 and July 4 have been set aside by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops which has sought to end the administration's contraception mandate, among other policies.

The protests against the Obama administration’s policies could be “the game-changer” in the presidential election, one leading lay churchman told Newsmax on Tuesday.

The protests, dubbed “A Fortnight for Freedom” will be an “unprecedented, aggressive attack” against policies that church leaders see as an assault on religious freedom, said Catholic Advocate chairman Deal Hudson.

“The bishops are seeing – rightly – a pattern of emerging of hostility towards the Catholic faith for upholding protection of the life of the unborn and because of its position on contraception,” said Hudson.

And Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League pointed out to Newsmax that the protests will come around the time the Supreme Court issues its judgment on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Unless the justices throw the act out completely, the protests could not be timed better, he said.

“If the individual mandate falls and the rest stands it will be more important than ever for Catholics to step forward and get involved,” said Donohue. “We will have to make the point that we are not going anywhere.”

Donohue said the mandate to make insurance companies cover not only contraceptives but abortion-inducing drugs is the key, he said. “It was done on purpose as a wedge to open the door. If we don’t fight it the next step is to force Catholic hospitals to provide abortion facilities,” he said.

“The idea that I as a Catholic should have to pay for some woman’s abortion makes me want to reach for the vomit bag.”

Donohue praised the bishops for their proactive stance “if for no other reason than to make the point that they are furious,” he said.

“Over the years there have been times when the resolve of the bishops wasn’t quite what we wanted it to be. Today that resolve is extremely strong,” he said.

The two weeks of protest has been called by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “That is not the type of body that goes out of its way to pick a fight,” Catholic Advocate’s Hudson pointed out.

“That is precisely what makes this so unusual a moment. The bishops have been provoked to such a degree that they will go to this extreme. They would prefer quiet negotiations leading to a principled compromise, instead they are talking about the probability of civil disobedience.”

Republicans are hoping the protests, planned for June and July will have a major bearing on the election which will follow four months later. They look forward to TV shots of robed priests and nuns being led away in handcuffs.

“These would be devastating images for the Obama administration,” GOP strategist Ron Bonjean told The Hill. “You have a very important religious demographic coming out in protest of Obama’s policies and being arrested for their expression.”

And Hudson agreed. When asked if the protests could be a game-changer come election time, he responded. “Potentially it could be the game-changer.

“It is a mistake to prognosticate with certainty this far out from the election, but two weeks of protest in mid-summer will help put this before the conventions and make it a major issue in the campaign.”

Hudson said Catholic Advocate has already been working in battleground states including Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to get its message across and is about to start work in New Mexico.

“At one meeting in Des Moines, we had about 80 people and one guy sat in the corner and at the end he raised his hand and said he had been a life-long social justice Catholic – so I was getting ready for the big smackdown on all the stuff we had been doing.

“But he said, ‘I’ve just had it with Obama.’ That was a moment that really got my attention.”

The bishops outlined their plan in an April 12 statement signed by Conference general secretary, Msgr. Ronny Jenkins. The statement entitled “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty” was drawn up by the ad hoc committee for religious liberty, which includes 11 bishop members including Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl, one of Obama’s fiercest critics in the church.

Manzullo Issues Caution Regarding Burma

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia & the Pacific, today said political reforms implemented in Burma the past year are encouraging, but the United States and its allies must proceed cautiously to ensure the changes continue.

Manzullo, who chaired a subcommittee hearing on Burma today, said he was pleased earlier this year with Burma’s release of hundreds of political prisoners, as well as the election of Nobel Peace Prize winner and legendary opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League of Democracy party that won 43 of 45 open seats in Parliament. But with 600 political prisoners remaining behind bars and 93 percent of Burma’s legislative body continuing to be controlled by the military junta, are the reforms real or just modest window dressing, Manzullo asked?

“I commend the Administration for returning an Ambassador to Burma and for USAID’s reopening of its mission there.  More than anything, we need Americans on the ground assessing what is actually happening,” Manzullo said. “But now, we face the next step in this journey, and it is my sincere hope that these actions in Burma are the beginning of real, meaningful political reconciliation.  However, let’s not lose sight of the reality that Burma has endured 50 years of military dictatorship, and those in power will not give up this power overnight.”

In June 2011, Chairman Manzullo held an unprecedented oversight hearing exploring the oppressive nature of the Burmese military junta.  The hearing featured taped testimony from Aung San Suu Kyi for the first time ever in Congress. 

Registration Underway For MCC Fall Semester

According to the Illinois Shared Enrollment and Graduation Database, Mc Henry County College students do as well as, or better, than non-transfer students at Illinois state universities.

College students can make the most of their summer by picking up some needed credits close to home at McHenry County College, which offers accredited classes in math, English, psychology, speech, sciences and more. Daytime, evening and online options are still available.

Summer 2012 credit courses begin June 11 and registration is underway through June 12.

Priority registration for the Fall 2012 semester will also be available for current students beginning April 23. General fall registration begins at 8 a.m. on April 30.

To view the MCC catalog and course schedule, visit www.mchenry.edu or check out MCC’s summer page at www.mchenry.edu/summer. Current students may visit www.mchenry.edu/priority. For more information, call (815) 479-7565.

Improv Comedy Workshop At Raue Center For The Arts

Improv comedy at Raue Center For The Arts straight from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Ed Helms and so many more! That’s right, Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company is stopping in Crystal Lake! Polish your improve skills at the improve comedy workshop on Thursday, May 3, then sit back and enjoy as the UCBTourCo takes the stage on Friday, May 4!

Improv Comedy UCBTourCo Workshop

Ages 16-18 | May 3 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Ages 19 + | May 3  from 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Classes are $20 per person, or $5 with a ticket to the live performance!

UCB improv workshops focus on introducing participants to a culture of agreement through improv. They teach that you can take any idea, no matter how simple, and turn it into brilliance. Through exercises they introduce a fresh approach to teamwork, brainstorming, problem solving, team building, trust and agreement. Participants leave the workshops with a new perspective and new tools to empower all communicating. You will participate in warm-up and performance-style improv games and exercises as well as a Q&A session. Download an application at rauecenter.org!

Improv Comedy Live Performance from UCBTourCo

May 4 at 8:00 pm

The UCBTourCo show lasts about 90 minutes and consists of two hilarious halves of the freshest longform improv the nation has to offer. The TourCo cast is hand-picked from the best improv comedians in New York City and Los Angeles – these performers are the “next wave” of comedy superstars from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Rob Corddry (The Daily Show), Ed Helms (The Daily Show, The Office), Rob Riggle (SNL, Daily Show), Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel (Best Week Ever), and many many more. Cast credits include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MadTV, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Showbiz Show with David Spade, MTV’s Boiling Points, VH1′s Best Week Ever to name a few.

“When ‘SNL’ and ‘The Daily Show’ need comics, they turn to the Upright Citizens Brigade.” - Larry Getlen, New York Post

“Catch the next generation of comedy superstars before they all sell out to stupid sitcoms and VH1 list shows.” - The Onion

Tickets to this hilarious night of improve comedy start at $20 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Got Stuff?

You can donate those unwanted and unused items to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

In preparation for their spring Use-It-Again garage sale, the organization will be taking donations of gently used items on Saturday, April 28 and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 30 – May 2, from 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive back to the beige garage on the right).

What type of things will be accepted?

Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances.

 Not sure if they’ll take it? Call the office at 815-338-0393, or email mcdef@owc.net.

“Reusing items is a Good Thing on many levels – you are keeping things out of the landfills, you are saving the energy & resources that would be have been used to create new items, and you are supporting a McHenry County non-profit,” said EDMC’s office administrator.

Sale dates for the garage sale are May 3^rd through 5^th, from 8am until 3pm.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides the community 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 or call 815-338-0393.

GOVERNMENT AT WORK

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 –

5:00 P.M. McHenry County College Board Special Meeting –

Meeting in the Leucht Conference Center (formerly known as the auditorium), 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The agenda for this Special Board Meeting calls for a presentation of the Facility Master Plan.

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board – Final Meeting of the Retiring Board–

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

This is the final meeting of the Retiring Board. The agenda calls for the acceptance of minutes of three prior Board meetings, committee reports, a report from Friends of MCC Foundation, and the President’s Report.

Two presentations are slated. The first is Coca Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar for Ms. Regina D’Amico. Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Student Affairs will make the presentation.

Ms. Christina Haggerty, Director of Marketing and Public Relations and Eric Sickler of Stamats will give a presentation on Rebranding.

The agenda calls for approval of financial statements, requests to purchase and renew various items used in the education and provision for safety of students and personnel,

A joint Educational Agreement Update between McHenry County College and College of Lake County as well as a cooperative Agreement update between the two institutions.

A number of personnel matters are being presented to the board for approval including salary adjustments, appointment of new and replacement instructors, and approval of a new position, Director of Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

The Board is being presented with a Facility Master Plan which has been in process for the past several months by Wright & Company, retained by the Board for the project. The Board is being requested to approve this Plan.

Organizational Meeting of MCC Board

Immediately following the final meeting of the retiring Board.

This meeting will be devoted to the necessary matters for the operation during the following year. Included are:

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary of the Board.
• Resolutions o continue the rules, regulations and polices
• Resolution to set board meeting dates and times
• Appointment of treasurer, board attorney
• Appointment of committee structure
• Appointment of Foundation Liaison and alternate
• Appointment of ICCTA representative and alternate
• Schedule of regular meetings.

Opportunity To Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Drugs

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) program “National Take-Back Initiative” on Saturday, April 28.  The one-day event is from 10am-2pm, at participating law enforcement sites. 

According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, approximately 2,500 teens a day use prescription drugs to get high for the first time.  Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. 

Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose (tablets, capsules) medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal.  Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps. 

Prescription labels should be removed (or personal information blocked out with a permanent marker) from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers. 

The nine (9) participating drop-off sites include –

• Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive—Algonquin
• Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W Woodstock Street–Crystal Lake
• Fox River Grove & Algonquin Twp Road District, 3702 Hwy 14–Crystal Lake
• Huntley Police Department, 10911 Main Street–Huntley 
• Johnsburg Police Department, 3611 N Chapel Hill Road—Johnsburg
• Lake in the Hills Police Department, 1115 Crystal Lake Road–Lake in the Hills
• Marengo Police Department, 142 E Prairie Street–Marengo
• Spring Grove Police Department, 7401 Meyer Road–Spring Grove
• Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Avenue—Woodstock

To find collection sites near you, visit the DEA’s webpage http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.  Check often as new sites will be added daily.

Many Americans are accustomed to flushing their unused medicines down the toilet or throw them in the trash – both potential safety and health hazards.  U.S. Geological Survey studies have found traces of prescription drugs in water samples from 30 states which have been linked to ecological harm to fish and freshwater supplies.  

Additional information is available from your participating local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.

Planning For Crystal Lake Library Expansion

A joint meeting of the Planning and Public Relations Committees of the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees is being held this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Director’s Office of the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

This is an exciting time for the Library. Planning is underway to expand the library space to meet the needs of an expanding community. Normally, expansions are usually done with additions to the present facility. However, the current library facility has some restrictions regarding an addition due to building that was done in the past and what might be called special needs for a library building.

Unlike buildings that house such as office space, the foundation is generally standard. However for a library, there are additional considerations needed due to the weight of books on floors and foundation. The current building has a portion that could be used for addition, however, the necessary foundation was not previously provided.

Most Crystal Lake residents indicated during a survey that they prefer to see the library stay where it is currently located. This is very close to downtown Crystal Lake, across the street from a grade school and near the Central High School.

There have been suggestions from some of the public that the former Walmart building located in the Route 14 shopping center where former Cub Foods was also located, could be turned into a library. This location backs up to the Three Oaks Recreation Area, but is entered from Route 14.

Indications for future building in this area has been shown as being considered for apartment buildings overlooking the Three Oaks Lake.

Possible plans for the library would include demolition of the current building and beginning with a properly constructed building and include a parking deck due to the slope of the property from Paddock Street toward north.

These plans could change since this is not a final plan. 

Words of Wisdom

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

--George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

8:15 .a.m. – McHenry County Board Committee, Community Development Block Grant Commission –

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

The CDBG Funding Applicant Discussion is scheduled with the Community Development staff. A recommendation for funding of projects is requested by the staff.

7:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Operating Board—

Meeting in Valley Hi Nursing Home, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock.

The Operating Board is to discuss the Tax Levy Utilization, an April 29^th Media/Political Event, National Nursing Home Week May 13 through May 19, with a proclamation recognizing Valley Hi staff for National Nursing Home Week.

Old Business topics include Operating Board Vacancy recruitment, Customer Service Program, the Illinois Department of Public Health Update and Medicare B Prepay Probe.

Future topics for the Board to consider include July Presentation to the County Board; Generator Expansion; Strategic Plan Goals (May) Drug Testing Policy.

Words of Wisdom

"To all general purposes we have uniformly been one people each individual citizen everywhere enjoying the same national rights, privileges, and protection. As a nation we have made peace and war; as a nation we have vanquished our common enemies; as a nation we have formed alliances, and made treaties, and entered into various compacts and conventions with foreign states."

 --John Jay, Federalist No. 2, 1787

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

9:15 a.m. – McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission --]

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

The Commission members are to conduct the 2012 Funding Applicant Hearings. The applications for this years funding have been reviewed by the CDBG staff with rankings for the seven eligible Housing and seven eligible Service projects. The applicants are to answer questions by the Commission members in order to make recommendations for approval.

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

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

Several resolutions are being presented to the Committee for consideration including:

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and Authorizing an Emergency Appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network FY2012 Budget.

Resolutions authorizing a budget line item transfer in the Dental Care Clinic’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. The Health Department accepted a $100,000 grant in 2011 from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the improvement of the capacity of Dental Clinic. This is taking place with the installation of digital x-ray equipment, software, staff training and equipment upgrades.

This resolution is to approve the transfer of $17,705 from the office equipment line to the machinery and equipment line for the installation of digital x-ray equipment, software, staff training, and equipment upgrades. The grant is payable over a two-year period.

The resolution authorizes an emergency appropriation in the McHenry County Mental Health Board Child Initiative Grant for Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

Also being considered is an ordinance for presentation and adoption by the County Board, a resolution and Ordinance for a combined annual budget and appropriation for the McHenry County Conservation District for the Fiscal Year April 1, 2012 and ending March 31, 2013.

6:45 p.m. Lakewood Planning and Zoning Committee—

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood. A Public Hearing is being held to consider amendment to the Lakewood Zoning Ordinance regarding the required Content for a Public Hearing Notice.

7:00 p.m. –Lakewood Village Board –

Meeting in the RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood. In addition to considering for approval of financial statements for the Village, RedTail Golf Club and Lake Patrol, the Board will also consider an amendment to Section 13.06 of the Lakewood Zoning Ordinance.

Also to be considered for approval is a request for Lake Special Use Permit for Crystal Lake Ski Association to host a Slalom Qualifier Event on Sunday, July 15 from 1:30 to 6:00p.m.; A Slalom Tournament on Sunday August 26 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; and the Crystal Lake Water Ski Show on Sunday, August 18 from 5:30 pm to 6:15pm with a rain date of Sunday August 19.

Words of Wisdom

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual -- or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."

--Samuel Adams (1781)

Job And career Fair At MCC Tuesday

Area job seekers and employers are invited to attend McHenry County College’s Spring 2012 Job and Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 in the MCC Gym/Multi-Purpose Room in Building B.

Sponsored by the MCC Career Services Office, the job fair will give job seekers with a wide range of education and skill levels, the opportunity to meet recruiters from several area businesses. Job seekers with high school diplomas through master’s degrees are welcome to check out opportunities for both full-time and part-time positions.

“Applicants should bring their resumes, dress appropriately and be ready to make a good impression,” said Lee Willis, on behalf of MCC’s Career Services Office.

A preliminary list of companies includes: Alden Terrace McHenry, AmeriCorps of McHenry County, AutoZone, Coldwell Banker Honig Bell, Community Action Agency for McHenry County-Head Start, Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank, Home Instead Senior Care, Ross Dress for Less, TCF Bank, International House of Wine & Cheese, JC’s Guitars & Music Lessons, The Agency Staffing, United Circulation Group, Universal Reconstruction, Valley Bell Credit Union, Working World Inc. Staffing Service, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and the U.S. Navy. In addition, internships are available at some companies.

For more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/jobfair or contact Lee Willis at lwillis@mchenry.edu.

Early May Improv Comedy Workshop At Raue Center

Improv comedy at Raue Center For The Arts straight from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Ed Helms and so many more! That’s right, Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company is stopping in Crystal Lake! Polish your improve skills at the improve comedy workshop on Thursday, May 3, then sit back and enjoy as the UCBTourCo takes the stage on Friday, May 4!

Improv Comedy UCBTourCo Workshop

Ages 16-18 | May 3 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Ages 19 + | May 3  from 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Classes are $20 per person, or $5 with a ticket to the live performance!

UCB improv workshops focus on introducing participants to a culture of agreement through improv.

They teach that you can take any idea, no matter how simple, and turn it into brilliance. Through exercises they introduce a fresh approach to teamwork, brainstorming, problem solving, team building, trust and agreement.

Participants leave the workshops with a new perspective and new tools to empower all communicating. You will participate in warm-up and performance-style improv games and exercises as well as a Q&A session. Download an application at rauecenter.org!

Improv Comedy Live Performance from UCBTourCo

May 4 at 8:00 pm

The UCBTourCo show lasts about 90 minutes and consists of two hilarious halves of the freshest longform improv the nation has to offer. The TourCo cast is hand-picked from the best improv comedians in New York City and Los Angeles – these performers are the “next wave” of comedy superstars from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Rob Corddry (The Daily Show), Ed Helms (The Daily Show, The Office), Rob Riggle (SNL, Daily Show), Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel (Best Week Ever), and many many more. Cast credits include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MadTV, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Showbiz Show with David Spade, MTV’s Boiling Points, VH1′s Best Week Ever to name a few.

“When ‘SNL’ and ‘The Daily Show’ need comics, they turn to the Upright Citizens Brigade.” - Larry Getlen, New York Post

“Catch the next generation of comedy superstars before they all sell out to stupid sitcoms and VH1 list shows.” - The Onion

Tickets to this hilarious night of improve comedy start at $20 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office at 26 N. 

Expand Knowledge of Mind and Body At MCC

The following classes are available:

Introduction to Zen Buddhism            

Explore the history and schools of Buddhism, Zen philosophy, koan study, and daily practice. The class is taught by members of the Woodstock Zen Group, part of the Kwan Um School of Zen. Wear loose and comfortable clothing and if you own a meditation cushion or zafu, please bring it to the class. Class takes place from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, April 27 at MCC in Room D154. Cost is $19. Use course ID: NHE S25 004 to register.

Beginner’s Yoga         

Yoga can help improve strength and flexibility. Asanas (postures) will be explored as they relate to our everyday movements and activities. Bring a large towel and wear comfortable stretch clothing. Do not eat a large meal before class, and do not wear perfumes or scented body products. Class takes place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28 through May 19 at the Kalitrea Yoga Studio, located on Route 176, ½ mile east of Route 31, on the north side. Watch for Camelback Ridge Business Building. Cost is $45. Use course ID: NHE S13 005 when registering.

Yoga for Stability and Safety
The majority of accidents occur in the home from falls, lifting, climbing and reaching or general inattentiveness.  Keep yourself safe by practicing yoga.  This four-class series discusses common injury occurrences and how to prevent them by working on body posture while standing, sitting and walking. Yoga poses for safety while lifting objects, bending, and reaching will also be introduced.  Mindfulness exercises will be practiced for overall awareness.  Street shoes are not allowed on the studio floor and bare feet are recommended for practice. If you need to wear footwear, bring non-slip slippers or socks. Class meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1 through May 22 at the Kalitrea Yoga Studio. Cost is $45. Use course ID: NHE S97 005 when registering. 

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

Government At Work

Monday, April 23

8:15 a.m. – Community Development Block Grant Commission—

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

The  Commission is to elect and CDBG Commission Vice Chair, consider granting permission for Community Development staff to ad project delivery costs to the project budget for 2012 Grant awards; and will conduct brief applicant hearings for 14 eligible General Construction and Infrastructure projects for which CDBG funding is being requested.

8:30 a.m. Management Services Committee –

Meeting in the Sheriff’s Training Room of the County Court House, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

In addition to a tour of the west entrance of the building which is being considered for upgrading, the committee will also consider ash tree replacement on the grounds, consider a  CMAP report, discuss a search for a purchasing director, discussion on a Sustainability Intern and consider County administrator Evaluation.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board of Health –

Meeting at the McHenry County Department of Health Crystal Lake Offices at 100 N. Virginia Street.

A number of contracts and agreements are being presented to the Board for renewal including:

For a nurse practitioner at $40 per hour

Illinois Department of Public Health FY 12 Vector Surveillance and Control Grant of $85,663

Midwest Cancer Screening Agreement for Laboratory Services

Centegra Primary Care – IBCCP (Reimbursement for services)

MOU for Marengo Community High School – Mass Dispensing Site

The Pointe Outreach and Conference Center – MRC ($360 for 6 meeting)

A new contract is being presented for consideration for reimbursement for services for Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program with Advocate Medical Group.

Under New Business, A budget amendment involving $ 85,663 for Illinois Department of Public Health for Vector Surveillance and Control grant.

A discussion is to be held regarding Open Meetings Act Board Requirements.