Summertime--And Beaches Are Open

TODAY—MAY 26 –

A big day for Crystal Lake “beach bums” – those who like to be able to enjoy the beaches of the City’s namesake.

The following are the beach hours at each of the two public beaches:

WEST BEACH

2330 Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Open daily at 10:00 a.m.  -- Closing daily at 7:30p.m.

Closing date for the season—Sunday, July 29 – 7:30 p.m.

However, the above daily hours are applicable only on weekends while school is in session.

Contact: 815-477-5009 – NOTE-staff at this beach are often not available to answer this phone number. Contact the Main Beach at the number listed below.

MAIN BEACH

300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake

Opening Date; Today – 9:00 a.m. to dusk

Beach Hours:  9:00 a.m. to dusk daily; 3:00 p.m. until dusk when school is in session.

Contact: 815-477-5404 (this number is staffed only during the summer season)

BEACH FEES

Resident Daily Admission--$1 daily fee for all park district residents and their guests (up to 4 guests per family.) Any guest above the maximum of 4 per family will be charged $4 each.

*Resident Senior – Daily Admission (ages 60 and older) Free

*Resident Children – Daily Admission (age 5 and under – Free 

*Resident Season Beach Pass 

*Individual Season Pass - $10 

*Family Season Pass -$10 for first family member – each additional family member is $5.

*Replacement cost for season pass-- $5 each

NON-RESIDENT BEACH FEES

*Seniors (62 and older) $6 daily fee for beach entry - $3 after 4:00 p.m.

*Adults (16 and older) - $10 daily fee ($5 after 4:00 p.m.)

*Youth (4-15 years) $6 (3 after 4:00 p.m.)

*Ages 3 and under – Free

*Parking -$5 -- $3 after 4:00 p.m.

*Guests of residents-- $1 daily fee for al park district residents 

Words Of Wisdom

"Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing."

--Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

Local History Month -- May

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission is promoting May as “Look at Local History Month” in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and local historical societies, municipal commissions and committees. 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts around the country.  Preservation Week has grown into an annual celebration observed throughout small towns and big cities across America.   Historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability and is relevant for people of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds. 

As part of "Look at Local History Month" the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission ran a photo contest which solicited pictures of historic buildings and architecture of note from around McHenry County.

The contest winners were: First Place: Peter McCormack, for Streit Road Barn, Second Place: Margie Bjorkman for McHenry High School, East Campus, and Third Place: Rob Peterson for Starline Building, Harvard.  In addition, the Commission received photos of the Boy Scout Cabin in Deicke Park, Huntley, the Fish Hatchery in Spring Grove and several private homes.  All of these photos and more are currently on display in the lobby of the McHenry County Administration Building (667 Ware Road in Woodstock) and will be on display until the end of May.

For more information, please contact Sean Foley in the Department of Planning and Development at 815-334-4560.

USA Satellite Manufacturing Improved

“Before 1998, the U.S. share of global satellite manufacturing was 75 percent. But over the past 13 years, it has averaged 44 percent because of Congress’ overreaction in shifting commercial satellite export licensing decisions to the highly restrictive munitions list. as explained by Congressman Don Manzullo –R-16^th.District.

The action provided a competitive advantage to foreign satellite makers at the expense of American manufacturers and American workers,” says Manzullo, who Chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. 

Manzullo explains, “The amendment the House approved – while not perfect – provides a balance that will bolster both our national and economic security and give our satellite manufacturers an opportunity to sell again on a level playing field. I will continue to work on the bill as it heads to the Senate and eventually to conference committee because it will help create American jobs.”

The amendment is similar to bipartisan legislation Manzullo co-authored with Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) that would restore the President’s ability to determine what export restrictions should apply to commercial satellites and related components, The Safeguarding United States Satellite Leadership and Security Act of 2011

Unanimously approving H.R. 3288 also prohibits any such exports to China, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, or Cuba.

“Before 1998, the U.S. share of global satellite manufacturing was 75 percent. But over the past 13 years, it has averaged 44 percent because of Congress’ overreaction in shifting commercial satellite export licensing decisions to the highly restrictive munitions list.  That action provided a competitive advantage to foreign satellite makers at the expense of American manufacturers and American workers,” said Manzullo, who Chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

“The amendment the House approved today – while not perfect – provides a balance that will bolster both our national and economic security and give our satellite manufacturers an opportunity to sell again on a level playing field. I will continue to work on the bill as it heads to the Senate and eventually to conference committee because it will help create American jobs.

"Summertime, And the 'Goin Is Easy"

And that means it’s time for the annual Cardboard Cup Regatta

Cardboard now available—

Begin building your boat today for the 28th Annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta

As the temperatures rise this week, summer is officially on its way and so is the 2012 America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta. Four skids of 8ft by 8ft cardboard sheets were delivered to the maintenance garage at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Main Beach parking lot in anticipation of the 28th Annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta.

While race day is not until Saturday, June 23 2012, you can begin building your boat today. This year, why not get together with a group of your friends, family, and/or co-workers and let your creativity flourish.

 Cardboard sheets can be picked up from the Crystal Lake Park District Maintenance Garage Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or by special arrangement by calling (815) 477-5007. There is no charge for the cardboard thanks to a generous in-kind donation by American Eagle Packaging of Elgin, Illinois.

The 28th Annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Main Beach in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. and races will commence at noon. An individual/family boat registration fee is $20 per entry and the commercial/company registration fee is $250 per entry. General admission is $3 per person with a $15 maximum per family. All proceeds from the America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta are distributed to local charities. The America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible as allowed by Federal law.

Make plans today to join this exciting day of fun for families and the community while helping to make a positive difference for local charities. Stop by the park district maintenance garage and pick up a few sheets of cardboard and begin constructing your boat today!

For more details visit

Moving Right Along On Walkup Avenue

Segment 2 (Intersection)
Utility relocation work continues. 

Water main installation work continues. 

Seeding of Veteran Acres Pond and wetland cell complete.

Segment 3 (North Section)
Earth excavation to begin pending utility relocation completion.

Words Of Wisdom

"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."

 --James Madison

New Feature Opens At Veteran Acres

Acorn Alley, Crystal Lake Park District's playground and splashpad at Veteran Acres Park (431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake) is now open for the summer season.  There is no charge for Acorn Alley.

Acorn Alley is nature-themed and includes two play structures, log climbers, net climbers, a sandbox, swing sets and a spinner totaling 6,000 square feet.  The 1,500 SF splash pad features jets and nozzles that spray water in timed sequences.  A picnic shelter is also available for rent.

Acorn Alley is open daily 9 am-7 pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day), when air temperature exceeds 72 degrees. Acorn Alley rules are available on the Crystal Lake Park District website at www.crystallakeparks.org.

Groups of twenty or more wishing to use the facility must obtain a special permit at the Park District Administrative Office. For further information, call (815) 459-0680.

Walkup Avenue Lane Closures

Walkup Avenue, between the Union Pacific Railroad and IL Rte. 176, will experience lane closures on Thursday and Friday May 24th and 25th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM to facilitate the completion of the water main across Walkup Avenue.

At times, Walkup Ave will be down to one (1) lane with flaggers controlling traffic on both Walkup Avenue and Gates Street.

Priority will be given to emergency vehicles.

Words Of Wisdom

"It already appears, that there must be in every society of men superiors and inferiors, because God has laid in the constitution and course of nature the foundations of the distinction."

--John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

Appointments Available For June 1 Cardio Screening

Appointments are still available for the June 1st cardiovascular screen being held at the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) from 8:30am-11am in the Community Room, 100 N Virginia Street, Crystal Lake.

The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment.  Appointments are required at 815-334-4536; cost is $35.00.   

Having high blood cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states about 1 of every 6 adult Americans has high blood cholesterol. 

In McHenry County, heart disease is the 2nd leading cause of death (857 deaths in 2007 and 204 deaths from stroke).  The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.  Knowing the risk factors of heart disease is the first step towards lowering your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or similar health condition.

For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/. Get the latest news from MCDH www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth. 

Government At Work

THURSDAY, MAY 24

7:30 a.m. – McHenry County Stormwater Commission –

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

The committee is to consider, for action, an application to CMAP for a Technical Assistance Grant to Update the SMO Ordinance.

Also to be considered by the Committee is TAC Membership changes and renewals.

The Committee may discuss House Bill 0404, Community Certification and consider a report from TAC Chairman Graig Neville, of Manhard Consulting.  

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Legislative Committee –

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

The committee will consider both State and Federal Legislative Updates.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Technical Advisory Committee –

Meeting in the P & D Conference Room, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee will further consider Runoff Volume Reduction.

Under new business, the topic of additional countywide permits will be discussed

6:30 p.m.—McHenry County College Board of Trustees –

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

Following acceptance of minutes of previous meetings, and time for recognition of visitors and presentations, the board will consider the necessary reports provided such as financial statements, ratification for payment various bills, requests for the purchase of various services and equipment necessary to the operation of the institution, emergency repair of a storm drain which broke under the Art Department;. Among purchases which are presented for approval included are: purchase of two used Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Automotive Department teaching purposes; a Table Top 3-Dimensional CNC Milling Machine for teaching purposes;

Lake Treatment For Crystal Lake

On Tuesday, May 29 an area of Crystal Lake will be treated with an herbicide to control invasive aquatic plants. Hey and Associates, the company working with the Crystal Lake Park District on the management of Crystal Lake, will be treating the area in the north cove of the west end between the inlet channel and the point. A granular aquatic herbicide called Hydrothol 191 will be applied to the standing crop of Curlyleaf Pondweed and the emerging Eelgrass.

Treatment of Eurasian Water Milfoil was successfully completed approximately two weeks ago. There are no swimming or fishing restrictions associated with the Hydrothol 191 herbicide application. The complete list of restrictions is as follows:

• Water Use Restrictions for Hydrothol 191:
• Active Ingredients: Dimethylalkylamine salt of endothall
• Weight % Active Ingredient: 11.2, EPA Reg. No. 4581-172-82695
• Restriction Time Frame (# of days)
• Human Drinking 7-25 days
• Human Swimming 0 days
• Human Fish Consumption 0 days
• Animal Drinking 7-25 days
• Turf Irrigation 7-25 days
• Forage Irrigation 7-25 days
• Food Crop Irrigation 7-25 days

Walkup Avenue Project Update

Walkup Avenue, between the Union Pacific Railroad and IL Rte. 176, will experience lane closures on Thursday and Friday May 24th and 25th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM to facilitate the completion of the water main across Walkup Avenue.

At times, Walkup Ave will be down to one (1) lane with flaggers controlling traffic on both Walkup Avenue and Gates Street.

Priority will be given to emergency vehicles.

Visit the project website for more information . . www.walkuproad.com

Words Of Wisdom

"It will not be too strong to say, that there will be a constant probability of seeing the station [of President] filled by characters pre-eminent for ability and virtue."

--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 68, 1788

Crystal Lake Park District Offering New Program--Child Care

New for 2012! The Crystal Lake Park District is now offering Child Care.

Our newest program, Grand Oaks Child Care, is taking registration and will open as soon as a required minimum number of children are enrolled.

The Grand Oaks Child Care program is licensed by the Department of Children & Family Services and will provide children ages 3-5 years old, a quality child care and education program.

The daily schedule will include literacy, music, art and dramatic play. Breakfast, lunch and snack will be served daily. Registration is now open and open enrollment will continue throughout the year as space permits. 3 and 5 day schedules with full and half day options are available.

For further information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 220 or via email at sthompson@crystallakeparks.org

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 –

8:30 a.m. – Natural & Environmental Resources Committee

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

Four individuals are to be interviewed for the McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees. Included are Brandon Thomas, Robert LaPorta, James Albright, and Phil Stanko. A fifth individual, Julie Zamudio, is unable to attend the interview.

A review of watersheds is also listed on the agenda and a resolution endorsing the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek Watershed Action Plan.

6:00 p.m. – Gravel Advisory Council

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

An update on trucking and transportation issues in the County is one of a number of similar related topics.

Others include:

Concerns brought to Council’s attention regarding gravel mining operation in Harvard, with a review of progress being made.

Update regarding McHenry County’s process of revising and consolidating its Zoning, Subdivision, and Sign Ordinances, as well as various other development regulations to create a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) including Council member’s proposed changes to topographic mapping requirements.

Plans for a tour of sand and gravel mining and related industry operations on June 5; arrangements made so far, information packet materials, persons RSVP’d so far.

Update regarding proposed Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge: Environmental Assessment completed and open house events.

Under New Business, ideas for Council educational or outreach activities is listed.

7:00 p.m. – Valley Hi Nursing Home Operation Board –

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

The induction of a new Board Member, Gloria Mack is scheduled under new business.

 Strategic plan goals, IDPH Annual Survey Update, Medicare Part B Prepay Probe; Customer Service Program Update and Union Efforts Update are topics listed under Old Business.

Reports to the Committee are listed as the Administrator’s Report, Census Report, Staffing Report, April 2012 Financials, Quality Indicator Report, Quality Assurance Committee Meeting Minutes, and Resident Council Meeting Minutes.

Words Of Wisdom

"It is a singular advantage of taxes on articles of consumption that they contain in their own nature a security against excess. They prescribe their own limit, which cannot be exceeded without defeating the end purposed -- that is, an extension of the revenue."

 --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 21

Government At Work

TUESDAY, MAY 22 –

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

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

New business on the agenda calls for consideration of a resolution authorizing entering into a GIS Enterprise License Agreement with Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) Inc. and a Budget Line Item Transfer in the GIS Department FY2012.

Also being considered is a Loan Agreement/Child Care Assistance Program for Kiddie Campus.

A Resolution Authorizing the Approval of a formal Budget Process for Fiscal Year 2012/2013.

Also being considered by the committee is an Agreement Between the County of McHenry and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation.

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room for a voting meeting.

The petitions being considered for action include:

Carlos Solarte – Requesting renewal of a Conditional Use Permit to permit the continuation of a landscape waste site, allow storage of raw materials for wood chip mulch produced; outside storage of equipment used in the business; Renewal of the existing Conditional use permit to allow the property to be used for the operation of a permanent sawmill, to process and sell lumber, to make and sell furniture, to sell mulch and allow a free-standing, non lighted sign on the property, subject to the condition set forth in the Ordinance.

Century Point Apartments, LLC

The petitioners are requesting a reclassification from the A-1 Agriculture District to the A-2 Agriculture District; and a variation to allow a maximum accessory land coverage of 11,200 square feet instead of the 5443 square feet maximum allowed.

Ardito Trust

Petitioners are requesting a renewal of Petition #98-13 to allow the operation of a farm equipment/auto repair shop, and a sign on the subject property, and an amendment to allow for an enlargement of building and parking areas.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board

Meeting in Turnberry Country Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail, Lakewood.

A motion is being presented for the Board to consider regarding a Ordinance approving Budget Amendment No. 21 for Fiscal Year 2011-12.

Also a motion is being presented to approve an Ordinance authorizing Execution of a Real Estate Purchase Agreement Regarding Certain Real Property Located at the Southwest Corner of Illinois Route 47 and Pleasant Valley Road and Authorizing the Execution of Promissory Note for such Purchase.

Words Of Wisdom

"An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others."

 --James Madison

Viewing Of McHenry County Green Infrastructure Plans

Please join the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development on Thursday, May 31st to learn about the Draft McHenry County Green Infrastructure Plan and provide the County with feedback. 

This event will be held between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the McHenry County Administration Building (667 Ware Road in Woodstock).  Because of its open house format, attendees may arrive at any time to learn about the plan, green infrastructure concepts, and how these concepts promote the county’s goals of natural resource protection and intergovernmental cooperation. 

Presentations will be given periodically and exhibits and copies of the plan will be on display.  County staff will also be available to answer questions and receive comments.

The Department of Planning and Development has been working on a green infrastructure plan since late 2010. “Green infrastructure” is a term that represents the latest strategies and technologies that support the natural environment, wildlife diversity, and clean water.  These efforts stem directly from recommendations and policies of the McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan.  The plan embraces a collection of ideas and practices known as “green infrastructure” and, through maps and policy recommendations, presents a vision for countywide implementation.

To view a draft of the McHenry County Green Infrastructure plan, please click here.

For more information, please contact Darrell Moore in the Department of Planning and Development at 815-334-4549 or dnmoore@co.mchenry.il.us.

Government At Work

MONDAY, MAY 21 –

7:00 p.m. – School District 47 Board of Education –

Meeting in Bernotas Middle School, 170 N. Oak Street, Crystal Lake.

A number of reports are to be given to the board members including an update on Full Day Kindergarten, Character Education Update, the 2012-13 Draft Budget, and certificate of Excellence.

Otherwise the usual reports requiring board approval are provide for board consideration, including Treasurer’s report, Fund Review, Approval of Monthly payrolls, District Bills, TJA Bills, monthly contracts and disposal of district surplus assets.

It is also the time of year to consider various bids for supplies including fuel, art supplies, paper, gym uniforms, electrical, dual language writing program, early release days, a resolution to designate Banks of Depository.

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

Meeting in the McHenry County Department of Health Offices, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

A number of contracts are being presented for renewal including:

Community Coordinated Child Care Resource and Referral Program

Contractual Agreement with Belinda Waller, BSN, MPH

IDPH Death Certificate Surcharge Fund Grant Agreement

Teletask, Inc., Maintenance Agreement.

The program highlight for the meeting is Lyme Disease in McHenry County.

WARNING -- Severe Thunderstorms And Hail

.A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHWESTERN
LAKE & MCHENRY COUNTIES UNTIL 500 PM CDT.

AT 417 PM CDT.NATL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE
HAIL.& DESTRUCTIVE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH.

THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM HEBRON TO BULL VALLEY.MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

IN ADDITION.AT 400 PM..70 MPH WINDS WERE REPORTED BY A TRAINED
WEATHER SPOTTER IN MARENGO. WITH THESE STORMS. FURTHERMORE.QUARTER
SIZED HAIL HAS BEEN REPORTED IN WOODSTOCK.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR.SUNNYSIDE.SPRING GROVE.RICHMOND & PISTAKEE HIGHLANDS AROUND 430 PM CDT.
FOX LAKE AROUND 435 PM CDT.
LAKE CATHERINE.CHANNEL LAKE & ANTIOCH AROUND 440 PM CDT.

THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS MAY ALSO BE IMPACTED.
CHAIN O LAKES STATE PARK & MCHENRY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER
HOUR.LARGE HAIL.DEADLY LIGHTNING.& VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR
PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME
OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO
AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Words Of Wisdom

"Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act. And never suppose that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing, however slightly so it may appear to you... From the practice of the purest virtue, you may be assured you will derive the most sublime comforts in every moment of life, and in the moment of death."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785

The Winner Is---Huntley High School Senior, Tabitha Hein

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) announced the winner of the 2012 Illinois 16th Congressional District High School Art Competition today.

Students from high schools across northern Illinois submitted 16 pieces of art for this year’s competition, in which the winner receives two free airplane tickets to Washington, DC for the national reception in June. In addition, the winning artwork will be displayed in the halls of Congress with other winners for the next year. Winners may also qualify for a $3,000 scholarship to the prestigious Savannah Center for Art and Design (www.scad.edu).

Tabitha’s winning piece is a color pencil drawing entitled  “French Quarter”.
The second place winner is Michael Anthony Abboreno, who attends Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin
The third place winner is Andrew Plautz, who attends North Love Christian School in Rockford