Words Of Wisdom

"Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Smith, 1822

Summertime--And Roadwork Is Underway

It’s the time of year when road construction is underway. It can be a disruption to routine travel. However, it is a necessary evil in order to keep the roads drivable.

There is a handy website at http://www.dot.state.il.us/road/mchenry.htm that gives loads of information on the projects underway.

Four Hours Per Week Exercise

Americans spend, on average, only about two hours each week participating in sports and fitness activities, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Maryland who examined U.S. government data from the American Time Use Study.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 get about four hours of physical activity each week by exercising moderately for 2.5 hours per week and engaging in a vigorous activity, such as running and muscle strengthening, for an hour and fifteen minutes per week.

Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/59645#nw1

Beach Sampling Begins May 23

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will begin its beach sampling program on Wednesday, May 23 to ensure residents enjoy a safe and healthy swimming season. 

Testing of the County’s 35 beaches is done every 2 weeks, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, to monitor for E. coli bacteria – a health risk indicator.  Samples are taken from both shallow and deep areas and compared to acceptable limits set by the State Health Department. 

Sample results are posted regularly and can include a swimmer’s advisory or closure of the beach, if elevated E. coli levels are found. Beach results are posted online at www.mcdh.info, link to Environmental Health, “public beaches”.

The best way to prevent recreational water illness is to keep out germs in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these seven healthy swimming steps: 

• PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• PLEASE don’t swallow the water.
• PLEASE practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before and after swimming; wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom or diaper-changing area.
• PLEASE wash your children (after toileting) with soap and water before they go swimming.
• PLEASE don’t swim 24 hours after a heavy rainfall. 

 Gastroenteritis-type exposure to contaminated recreational waters could result in illnesses including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with headache and low grade fever. 

Early public notification can prevent additional people from getting sick.  If you become sick after swimming at a McHenry County beach, notify MCDH at 815-334-4585 as well as the beach operator. For information about healthy swimming, visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming.

Tomorrow-Important Day For 655 Individuals

WHAT:          MCC Spring 2012 Commencement

WHERE:       MCC Gym/Multi-purpose Room (Building A)

WHEN:          Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Description:   More than 655 students will graduate from McHenry County College this spring, with 250 who have applied for degrees and 405 who have applied for certificates.

Jesica Carbajal of Hebron has been selected as the student speaker for the commencement ceremony. She will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree.

Carbajal, who is the first person in her family to graduate from college, has overcome personal obstacles and plans to transfer to Roosevelt University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also plans to attend law school so she can become a lawyer. She is most interested in immigration law.

She currently works part time as a front desk receptionist in the MCC Student Life Office where she greets visitors, answers phones and works on special projects.

This year’s commencement ceremony includes the College’s first two graduates of the new Associate in Applied Sciences for Culinary Management degree: Jamie J. Goddeyne of Crystal Lake and Elizabeth Ann Krol of Union.

Also new to this spring’s commencement is the addition of the Americana Cord for students who have served in the military. They will wear a red, white and blue cord in recognition for their service to our country and community. The Americana Cord recipients are: John H. Kessler of Crystal Lake, Joshua Ray Soderburg of Crystal Lake, Mark A. Andrews of McCollum Lake and Taylor H. Matousek of Crystal Lake.

This year’s commencement ceremony is reflective of the truly diverse and impressive group of students attending MCC. The following are notable students:

Tim Carol, graduates with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Digital Media. 
He plans to return to MCC in the fall to complete the College’s new AAS in Graphic Design and transfer to DePaul University in Chicago to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Carol, who has muscular dystrophy, uses a wheelchair. “He has not let that slow him down. He is one of the best students I’ve ever had,” said Meri Winchester. Carol said, “The Special Needs Department helped keep me informed on the services available, such as note taking, which I have used,” he said.

Danny Delgado, president of XGI Student Veterans Organization. 
He will receive an Associate in General Education (AGE) on May 12 and plans to attend DePaul University to major in business. “Danny has done an exemplary job as president of XGI. This past year, we have provided over 400 paperbacks to deployed army units in Afghanistan. Also, over $500 was raised for Honor Flights, where WWII veterans are given free flights to see the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.” – Don Curfman, faculty advisor, Student Veterans Organization (XGI).

Jamie Goddeyne, one of two students to receive MCC’s first Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Culinary Management. “Jamie is a great asset to our program and he works especially hard in the culinary environment and he already was hired at an area country club and then was part of hiring another student as kitchen manager.” – Thomas Kaltenecker, instructor of Culinary Management/Executive Chef

Tim Kopinski, receiving an AAS in Manufacturing Management

“Tim is planning to transfer to Southern Illinois University in Grayslake after completing his AAS degree. Tim has performed outstanding academic work and continues to advance in his career. He is the engineering manager at Plaspros in McHenry. In class, Tim strives to fully comprehend the most difficult concepts and excels at applying technology and math concepts to real manufacturing and engineering challenges.” – Heather Zaccagnini, Dept. Chair for Applied Technologies

Dan Puckett, receiving an AAS in Manufacturing Management

“Dan is a leader both in and out of the classroom and serves as a mentor to many of his peers. He works at Chicago Cutting Tool as a manager and has received promotions while working toward his AAS in Manufacturing Management. He has been accepted at Southern Illinois University in Grayslake to continue his education.” – Heather Zaccagnini, Dept. Chair for Applied Technologies

Also speaking will be MCC president Vicky Smith, Ed.D. In addition, Julie Freelove, instructor of Administrative Office Management, will give a final charge to all graduates as they move forward on their educational journey. Freelove is being awarded the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) 2012 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award.

Fox River Grove Water Department Emergency

The Fox River Grove Water Department has placed a boil order in effect immediately for the entire community.  The Village water system has experienced multiple main breaks. Water Department staff is working to make the appropriate repairs.

As a precautionary measure the EPA requires notification to boil drinking water for 5 minutes and allow water to cool prior to use and until satisfactory water quality results have been received by the laboratory.  Please allow a minimum of 48 hours until the test results are received. We will notify you upon receipt of satisfactory lab results.

Notification will be made once the boil order has been lifted.

If you have any questions please call Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer, Tim Zintl at 847-639-8360 or the Fox River Grove Village Hall at 847 639-3170

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this situation.

Words Of Wisdom

"In disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasoning must depend."

--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 31, 1788

New Health Requirements For Students

Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, parents in Illinois will be required to provide proof of a one-time “booster” vaccination for whooping cough (Tdap) for any student entering sixth or ninth grades, in addition to school physicals typically required at these grades.  The Illinois Department of Public Health issued the new school requirement last week which is endorsed by the Illinois State Superintendent of Education. Students must have an appointment to get the vaccine or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file.  Those students who don’t will not be allowed to attend school.

“Immunization is a shared responsibility,” states Patrick J. McNulty, Administrator for McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH).  “Families, health care professionals and our public health partners must work together to help protect our communities.”  MCDH encourages parents to schedule appointments now for their sixth and ninth grade students for the coming school year.  While most children are vaccinated against pertussis as infants, protection does wane over time.  This puts pre-teens, teenagers and adults at risk for the illness. 

Several outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) occurred during the 2011-2012 school year among children in Illinois. McHenry County reported 336 cases from August, 2011 through April, 2012 – including an ongoing outbreak that borders a school in McHenry County and Kane County.  Over half of the 336 cases involved children 10 years of age and younger; two infants were briefly hospitalized.  This eclipsed the last outbreak (191) reported by the County in 2004. 

Immunization is one of the best ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases.  Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, which is why it is critical to provide a “circle of protection” through immunization. Vaccine is provided to uninsured and underinsured families through the federal program Vaccine for Children.  Call the MCDH clinic at 815-334-4500 for more information.  Get the latest news from MCDH on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.

Recognition For MCC Faculty And Staff

Fifteen McHenry County College faculty and staff members were recognized for their exemplary support of students with disabilities and named Howard’s Heroes 2012 for their tireless dedication and advocacy for students with special needs.

The Howard’s Heroes award was established in 2005 in memory of Howard Foreman, Special Needs director, who passed away in 2004.

“We recognize these individuals for going the extra mile to make an education at MCC accessible for students with disabilities,” said Bev Albright, Special Needs coordinator. “Their patience, understanding and creativity have meant so much to many students.”

Special needs students were asked to nominate faculty, staff and administrators who made a difference in their lives. MCC employees named Howard’s Heroes 2012 are: Deborah Alheit, math instructor;

Gerry Braasch, psychology instructor

Peter Daley, social science adjunct instructor

Robin Deak, social science adjunct instructor

Kelly Fallon, biology instructor

Deborah Firak, biology instructor

Jeff Hageman, math & science adjunct

John Peters, biology instructor

Robert Reass, math specialist

Rob Smith, biology instructor

James Stockwell, humanities adjunct instructor

Stephanie Stoklosa, Duplication Center coordinator

Sarah Sullivan, business instructor

Dawn Wagner, international business and marketing instructor

Sara White, business adjunct instructor

For more information about the Special Needs Department services at McHenry County College, call (815) 455-8676.

Recycling Event Saturday

On Saturday, May 12^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash and it is illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. The Defenders continue to fill this need. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $25-$35. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or phone 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

A New Way To Check Your Social Security Statement

“I am pleased with the public’s initial response to our new online Social Security Statement,”

That is the statement of Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security remarking on the initial success of the New Online Social Security Statement.

“Since our May 1 launch, more than 130,000 people have successfully created an online account to access their Statement information, with the first 100,000 coming online in less than three days,” says Astrue

“The new online Statement is simple and easy-to-use, and the initial satisfaction scores from users prove it.  According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, users are giving the online Statement a score of 89, making it competitive with our other top-rated, best-in-government online services,” reports Astrue

The online Statement is a very useful financial planning tool.  It provides estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits.  It also provides workers a convenient way to determine whether their earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records.  This feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over a person’s lifetime.  Now people as young as 18 can access their Statement for the first time, as well as find links to important information and online services.

People are advised to get in the habit of checking their online Statement each year -- around their birthday, for example.  To learn more about it, or to try it yourself, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.

Why Medicare Is Broke

Medicare paid $5.6 billion to 2,600 pharmacies with questionable billings, including a Kansas drugstore that submitted more than 1,000 prescriptions each for two patients in just one year, government investigators have found. The new report by the inspector general of the Health and Human Services department finds the corner drugstore is vulnerable to fraud, partly because Medicare does not require the private insurers that deliver prescription benefits to seniors to report suspicious billing patterns. 'While some pharmacies may be billing extremely high amounts for legitimate reasons, all warrant further scrutiny,' said the report being issued Thursday. The analysis broke new ground by scrutinizing every claim submitted by the nation's 59,000 retail pharmacies during 2009 -- more than 1 billion prescriptions. Using statistical analysis, investigators were able to reveal...

Read the rest of the story HERE:

Take A Little Trip

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program for a five-day trip to see Niagara Falls-Canada from July 18-22 that features beautiful scenery and exciting guided tours.

Among the highlights of the trip is a ride inside enclosed gondolas on the 175-foot high Niagara Skywheel. Other trip highlights include: eight meals, home pick up and return, African Lion Safari and Game Farm, Journey Behind the Falls, Fort George demonstrations, wine tasting, Walters Family Dinner Theater and several guided tours. A valid Passport or Passport Card is required for travel into Canada.

Cost of the trip is $1,464 per person for double, $1,444 per person for triple, and $1,839 per person for single.

To register or for more information, contact Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782

Government At Work

FRIDAY, MAY 11 –

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Budget Task Force Committee-

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

Discussion is slated on the development of the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Policy.

Used Bike Sale Saturday -- Veterans Acres-Crystal Lake

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting its Annual Used Bike Sale on Saturday, May 12!

This is a good chance to sell your used bikes or buy some bargains for the whole family. Bikes are in high demand, so sellers are encouraged to gather their bikes and bring them over to the early check-in times listed below.

Location: Rotary Building at Veteran Acres,

431 N. Walkup,

Crystal Lake

Fee for selling: 25% of sale

(Bikes must be priced for at least $5)

Seller Check-in Times: Friday, May 11 --  5-7 PM

Saturday, May 12  -- 9-10:30 AM

Sale: Saturday, May 12 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Reclaiming of unsold items: Saturday  May 12 12:30-2 PM

NOTICE --FOX RIVER GROVE RESIDENTS

The Fox River Grove Water Department has placed a boil order in effect immediately for the entire community.  The Village water system has experienced multiple main breaks. Water Department staff is working to make the appropriate repairs.

As a precautionary measure the EPA requires notification to boil drinking water for 5 minutes and allow water to cool prior to use and until satisfactory water quality results have been received by the laboratory.  Please allow a minimum of 48 hours until the test results are received. We will notify you upon receipt of satisfactory lab results.

Notification will be made once the boil order has been lifted.

If you have any questions please call Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer, Tim Zintl at 847-639-8360 or the Fox River Grove Village Hall at 847 639-3170

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this situation

Words Of Wisdom

 "In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example ... of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness."

--James Madison

Government In Action Thursday

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012-

8:30 a.m. -- McHenry County Board Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee –

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

The Committee is expected to continue a discussion of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 as well as any State or Federal Legislative Update matters.

7:30 p.m. – Grafton Township Regular Board Meeting –

Meeting in the Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley.

In addition to the regular business meeting matters regarding Audit and Payment of Bills, including:

• Discussion and potential action on payment of hotel bill for Assessor’s Office employees who attended training in Bloomington;
• Discussion and potential action on confirmation of the credit for a sound system purchased for the 2012 Annul Meeting as approved at the April 12 Regular Township Meeting;
• Discussion and potential action on implementation of purchase orders
• Approval of minutes (April 12, 2012 Regular Township Board Meeting and Minutes of April 23, 2012 Special Township Meeting
• Public Comment and Board response to comments

Old Business includes;

• Discussion and potential action/presentation of the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 final audits
• Hiring of a new audit firm to complete audits
• Submission of said unapproved audits to the State of Illinois Comptroller’s Office
• Discussion and potential action on verification of cancellation of the Supervisor’s credit card and debit card, as approve at the April 12, 2012 Regular Township Board Meeting.

A list of new business includes:

A.  Discussion and potential action on review of check stubs/statements for January, February, March and April 2012

B. Discussion and potential action on the 2012-13 Township Budget

C. Discussion and potential action on hiring an audit firm to conduct the 2011-2012 audit.

D. Discussion and potential action on Senior Transportation services

E. Discussion and potential action for the Grafton Road District to transfer $70 from Miscellaneous Fund to Office Supplies in the 2011-2012  Budget

F. Establishment of agenda items for next meeting.

Time is also made for reports from the township officers including Supervisor, FOIA Report, Trustees, Clerk, Assessor, and Road Commissioner

Moving Along On Rakow Road

Take a look at the awesome photos on the work

New photos have been added to the Photos page!  Click here to view!

Click on photos to enlarge

New Worry When Traveling

Recently, there have been instances of travelers' laptops being infected with malicious software while using hotel Internet connections.

In these instances, the traveler was attempting to set up the hotel room Internet connection and was presented with a pop-up window notifying the user to update a widely used software product.

If the user clicked to accept and install the update, malicious software was installed on the laptop. The pop-up window appeared to be offering a routine update to a legitimate software product for which updates are frequently available.

Although specifically citing overseas hotels, the same type of intrusion can occur anywhere that someone connects to an unknown network.

Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while they are establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms.

The FBI recommends that all government, private industry, and academic personnel who travel abroad take extra caution before updating software products through their hotel Internet connection. Checking the author or digital certificate of any prompted update to see if it corresponds to the software vendor may reveal an attempted attack.

The FBI also recommends that travelers perform software updates on laptops immediately before traveling, and that they download software updates directly from the software vendor's website if updates are necessary while abroad.

Anyone who believes they have been a target of this type of attack should immediately contact their local FBI office.

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 –

6:00 p.m. –District 155 Board Policy Committee—

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

Several discussion items are on the agenda, including School Wellness Policy, Health and Safety and Dispensation of Medication.

6:30 p.m. – District 155 Curriculum, Staff Development, Technology & Student Services

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

The agenda calls for several topics including Curriculum Update, Technology Update and Shared Services Update.

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

Meeting in the Library Director’s Office, Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

Wods Of Wisdom

"It has long, however, been my opinion, and I have never shrunk from its expression ... that the germ of dissolution of our federal government is in the constitution of the federal Judiciary; an irresponsible body, (for impeachment is scarcely a scare-crow) working like gravity by night and by day, gaining a little today and a little tomorrow, and advancing its noiseless step like a thief, over the field of jurisdiction, until all shall be usurped from the States, and the government of all be consolidated into one."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Charles Hammond, 1821

Government At Work

Wednesday May 9 –

8:30 A.M. – Natural and Environmental Resources Committee –

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

Other than various committee reports as applicable, the only other business for this committee includes interviews of eight individuals desiring to be named to the McHenry County Conservation District.

These include Greg A. Masak, Bona Heinsohn, Don Larson, Michael Szurek, Sarah Bell, Elaine Krause, Joshua Marshall, and Arthur Krause. 

Commission Considers Funding For Various Agencies

Wednesday, May 9

8:30 a.m. Community Development Block Grant Commission –

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

The only business on the agenda for this committee is the 2012 CDBG Funding Round Recommendations. The Commission is recommending General Allocations including:

Northern Illinois Food Bank –Coolers/freezers and Equipment                     $  10,425

Family Service and Community Mental Health Center, Emergency Med.       $  10,000

Village of Union, -Drinking Water Compliance Phase 2                               $458,392

Village of McCullom Lake-Drainage Project-Phase 3B/C3)                          $346,400

Neighbors Helping Neighbors-Emergency and Housing Rehab                    $  50,000

NASA Education Corp.- Apartment Rehab (Boilers and Ramp)                    $  21,000

Village of Carey-Krause Senior Center-Stair Removal                                 $  12,000

 Families ETC –Resource Center                                                              
$  15,477

Planning and Development – Administration                                               $254,893

Contingency Allocations

Turning Point-Bathroom Rehab                                                                  $  18,646

Turning Point-Weekend Overnight Crisis Intervention                                  $  35,190

Pioneer Center-Providers Communication Network PCN)                            $  35,000

Pioneer Center Sage House Roof Rehab                                                   $    6,930

Pioneer Center – Towerview Apt. Sump and Drain Tile Repair                      $  37,000

Habitat For Humanity-Emergency Housing Rehab                                       $100,000

Family Alliance – Dryer Venting                                                                 $   7,000

Family Alliance – Software Upgrade                                                           
$   6,500

McHenry County Housing Authority-Emergency Housing Rehab                  $125,000

Ballot Placement Lottery Taking Place Wednesday Morning

Wednesday, May 9 at 9:00 a.m. the placement of the political parties on the ballot for the November 6 General Election will be held in the office of McHenry County Clerk Katherine C. Schultz. The office is located in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The determination will be by a lottery. The parties that might be expected to be involved are Democratic, Green, Libertarian and Republican.

Can We Fix Our Criminal Justice System?

Why has Lake County become Exhibit A in the national discussion on wrongful convictions?

Can We Fix Our Criminal Justice System?”

On Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m.

North Shore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield, 60015 (just east of I-294 on north side of the street),

Event co-hosted by Tenth Congressional District Democrats (Tenth Dems) and Common Cause Illinois.

Panel members include Rob Warden, executive director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions; Rey Lopez-Calderon, executive director of Common Cause Illinois; Jed Stone, criminal defense attorney; and former prosecutor Chris Kennedy.

This Tenth Dems University event is free and open to the public, but preregistration is preferred. Should the capacity of the room be exceeded, priority will be given to those who have registered.

In addition to discussing the wrongful-conviction mess in Lake County, the panel will discuss problems and offer solutions to these critical issues facing our community:

    

• Why are thousands of people spending time in prison for crimes they didn’t commit?  
• What are the economic and social costs of wrongful convictions on our community?  
•  Why would innocent people admit to a crime they didn’t commit?
• What changes can be made to law enforcement, prosecution, and our judicial system to prevent further damage?

 Rob Warden is an award-winning legal affairs journalist and cofounder of the Center on Wrongful Convictions. Warden has won more than 50 journalism awards, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame.

Rey Lopez-Calderon is a former labor organizer and political consultant who is currently the executive director of Common Cause Illinois. He is the founding community organizer of Alliance of the Southeast, a faith-based social-justice organization that brings together African Americans and Latinos on the South Side of Chicago.

As a criminal justice attorney for Stone and Associates, Jed Stone has acquired a nationwide reputation for the vigorous advocacy of fairness for his clients. He has been featured frequently on local and national television.

Chris Kennedy is a former prosecutor and statewide advocate for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens, and he has passed landmark legislation. He is the Democratic candidate for Lake County State’s Attorney.

For more info, call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or email: info@TenthDems.org.

As the Tenth Dems urge: Get ready to rock and enroll!

Breakfast Series Continues At Shah Center

 McHenry County College Shah Center continues its breakfast series, "Start@Shah," from 7:30-9 a.m. on Friday, May 18, featuring the topic, “Talent Assessment: How Assessing Your Employees Can Help Your Business.”

The Shah Center welcomes professionals who have expertise in Myers Briggs, Work-Keys and DDI Leadership and Workforce Assessments.

Assessments provide employers with a greater understanding of their employees.  They enable organizations to understand strengths and limitations, and identify opportunities to enhance performance and maximize employee contributions to the organization. 

Cost is $35.  Use course ID: NTL S91 004 when registering. This breakfast series is held at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. To register, contact the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, contact the Shah Center, at (815) 455-8593 or shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Words Of Wisdom

"In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 52, 1788

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MAY 8 –

8:30 a.m. —McHenry County Board Human Resources Committee—

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

New business for the Committee to consider:

Resolution authorizing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois as the Provider of Administrative Services including Stop Loss Coverage and Employee Medical and Dental Insurance for the Period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Resolution authorizing a contract between the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter 515 and the County of McHenry.

Resolution authorizing the reclassification of a full time certified nursing assistant into a full time activity assistant position in the Valley Hi Departmental Roster.

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a $85,663 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health for a vector surveillance and control program. This is an emergency appropriation to the Health Department’s Fy2012 Budget. It also involves the unfreezing of three temporary intern positions.

Other business to be considered includes a report from the Human Resources Director.

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

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

New business for the Committee to consider;

Resolution authorizing the reclassification of a Full Time Certified Nursing Assistant into a Full Time Activity Assistant position in the Valley Hi departmental Roster

Resolution authorizing acceptance of $85,663 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health for a Vector Surveillance and Control Program.

Resolution authorizing acceptance of the State of Illinois Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Planning Grant.

Two Resolutions authorizing acceptance of a modifications to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants for the County Workforce Network.

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification and emergency appropriation to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant.

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant and an emergency appropriation to the McHenry County Workforce Network Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

Resolution approving the purchase of maintenance equipment

Resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement for juvenile detention beds with Kane County.

Resolution authorizing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois as the Provider of Administrative Services including Stop Loss Coverage and Employee Medical and Dental Insurance for the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Resolution authorizing a contract between the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter 515 and the County of McHenry.

Resolution approving the appointment of a member to the McHenry County Farmland Assessment Review Committee.

Resolution authorizing multiple vendor contracts for the sheriff’s office operations for Fiscal Year 2012.

Resolution authorizing budget line item transfers in the FY2011 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program award in the Sheriff’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget.

11:00 a.m. – Liquor and License Commission –

Several new license requests are to be considered including a new Liquor License, Manager and/or Amusement License Request for Chapel Hill Country Club.

A raffle permit request for McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce --

A Special Liquor License Request for Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the McHenry County Fair Association.

Further discussion is to be held regarding a proposed winery classification.

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

Meeting in RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood.

The agenda calls for a continuation of a public hearing to consider amendments to Section 13.16 of the Lakewood Zoning Ordinance Regarding the required Content for a Public Hearing Notice.

Discussion is also slated with a possible vote to recommend or deny matters to the Village Board.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board –

Meeting in the RedTail Golf Club, 7900 RedTail Drive, Lakewood

A number of requests will be considered for the Board’s approval including: 

• Village of Lakewood’s Arbor Day Proclamation
• Kurt and Annette Johnson’s request for an extension of a variance of an Inground Swimming Poll at 7101 Marsh Drive.
• Authorizing the Village President and Chief of Police to enter into the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team Mutual Aid Agreement.

A number of items are listed for discussion including:

• An Ordinance amending the Reimbursement of Fees for Zoning Variations in the Lakewood Zoning Code;
• A motion to approve an agreement with Modespace for the purchase of the RedTail Clubhouse Modular Buildings for an amount not to exceed $66,735, subject to Attorney Review and Approval.