Words Of Wisdom

"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity.

" --George Washington, letter to Catherine Macaulay Graham, 1790

Ricky Nelson At Raue Center January 19

He is the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 TV show in the same week. Life Magazine coined the phrase ‘Teen Idol’ after him and he is credited with pioneering the country rock sound. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson’s life and music touched millions; his twin sons, multi-platinum recording artists, Matthew & Gunnar Nelson, relive the music and memories in their multi-media event, Ricky Nelson Remembered.  

Ricky Nelson Remembered is live in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on January 19, 2013 at 8:00pm at Raue Center For The Arts again! A sell-out in 2012, tickets are sure to go quick. They start at $31 and are on sale now! Purchase them online via rauecenter.org or through the Raue Center For The Arts Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake. Reach them by phone at 815.356.9212.

Featuring hit songs like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Poor Little Fool,” “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walkin’,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “Teenage Idol,” “Garden Party” and many more, RNR showcases his life with never-before-seen interviews from artists he influenced, including Paul McCartney and Chris Isaak. Matthew and Gunnar’s musical event is heartfelt and full of laughter. 

Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash on his way to perform a New Year’s Eve concert in 1986. His legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and nineteen other top-ten hits.  He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, a Golden Globe winner for his performance alongside John Wayne in Rio Bravo and in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

From Ozzie and Harriet to Ricky to Matthew and Gunnar, the Nelson’s are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history with three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. Matthew and Gunnar are also nephews of NCIS star, Mark Harmon, on their mother’s side.

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.

Words Of Wisdom

"If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy."
 --Thomas Jefferson

Crystal Lake Library Closed Friday Morning

The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed from 9:00 am until noon, Friday, January 4, 2013 or Staff Training.  The Library will open to the public at 12:00 noon.

Illinois GOP Chair Support For Marriage Equality Legislation

On Wednesday, Pat Brady, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, said he was putting his "full support" behind marriage equality legislation pending in Springfield.

"More and more Americans understand that if two people want to make a lifelong commitment to each other, government should not stand in their way," Brady said. "Giving gay and lesbian couples the freedom to get married honors the best conservative principles. It strengthens families and reinforces a key Republican value - that the law should treat all citizens equally."

"Importantly, the pending legislation would protect the freedom of religion," Brady added. "No church or religious organization would ever be required to perform a union with which it disagrees."

Words Of Wisdom

"If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy."
 --Thomas Jefferson

Government At Work

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3—

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board –

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

In addition to the routine matters handled by the Board, the appointment of members to the standing committees of the board and various related county agencies is being presented for approval.

Objections To MCC Board Candidates Due By January 8

Anyone wishing to file an objection regarding a candidate’s filed petition may file said objection at McHenry County College in the President’s Office, Room A233 on business days from January 2 and January 8, 2013 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President,

 at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

The following individuals filed nominating petitions:

Erik Sivertsen, McHenry, IL, received December 26, 2012

Thomas Wilbeck, Lakewood, IL, received December 26, 2012

Chris Jenner, Cary, IL, received December 26, 2012

Barbara Walters, McHenry, IL, received December 26, 2012

Molly Walsh, Crystal Lake, received December 21

William Scott Alford, Wonder Lake, received December 19

Carol Larson, Harvard, received December 17

Mike Smith, Village of Lakewood, received December 17

Arne Waltmire, McHenry, received December 17

TERMS EXPIRING

Dennis Adams - not seeking re-election

Barbara Walters

Carol Larson

Rakow Road Construction Work Nearing End

The McHenry County Division of Transportation is still monitoring the entire Rakow corridor.  They are looking at traffic signal installations, timings and “No Turn on Red” requirements.
 
Once the roadways are operational for a time allowing “normal” traffic patterns to resume, traffic counts will be analyzed to see if adjustments are required.  This will be a continual process.  All of the signals along Rakow are interconnected in an attempt to make travel along Rakow more efficient, although that comes with some disadvantages for cross road traffic

. 
Please continue to watch for crews as minor clean-up tasks are taken care of before the winter weather really starts.  Expect to see work at the intersections for the signals and at McHenry for the street lighting system.
 
Thank you and happy new year!  New photos have been posted to the Photos page!  Click here to view!

Editorial Note: There are also some interesting facts regarding materials used on the road.

Tennis Tournament At The Racket Club -- Crystal Lake

Professionals and Top Local Collegians Dominate This Year’s Entrees

For 4th Annual Walt Herrick, Sr. Memorial Men's Prize Money Tennis Tournament

 

On January 4-6, 2013, The Racket Club (a Crystal Lake Park District facility) will host its biggest pro tournament to date, the Walt Herrick Sr. Memorial Men's Prize Money Tennis Tournament.  A guaranteed $4,000 prize money distribution has made this tournament one that Professionals and top local collegiate players do not want to miss. Players committed for the tournament include:

Local favorites, McHenry County Classic Men’s Open finalists and recent NCAA Division 1 players John Cincola and Sam Sweeney.

Former Costa Rican David Cup player and local tennis luminary Fred Thome.

2006 NCAA Doubles Champion and University of Illinois All-American Ryan Rowe.

Crystal Lake Racket Club products and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater teammates Cam Laktash and Mitch Osborne.

 

The $4,000 prize money distribution is as follows: Prize money is guaranteed. 

SINGLES: Champion - $1600, Finalist - $800, Semifinalists - $300. 

DOUBLES (per team): Champions - $600, Finalists - $300. Players may register online at: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=132034

The Racket Club is located at 9101 South Route 31, one mile south of Rakow Road in Algonquin. The public is invited to stop by and watch the tournament action. Admission is $5 for the entire tournament or $3 daily. There will be great close up views through the spacious lounge windows. The Racket Club is truly excited about the opportunity to host this tournament for the 4th straight year. "Not only does this event provide the Club's members and the public a rare and special opportunity to observe great professional-quality tennis players on court, it also allows spectators the chance to interact closely with players when they are not competing," said Rob Laue, Club Manager at The Racket Club.

This tournament is a fundraiser for the Walt Herrick, Sr. Memorial Fund. Walt Herrick, Sr. was a Crystal Lake businessman who founded The Racket Club in 1972.  The Fund was created to provide scholarships to promising junior players who would otherwise not be able to afford access to tennis lessons and memberships at The Racket Club.

Words Of Wisdom

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
 --Thomas Paine, The Crisis, No. 1, 1776

Government At Work

Wednesday, JANUARY 2, 2013

8l15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee—

Meeting cancelled.

8:30 a.m. McHenry County Board Housing Commission Education Committee
Meeting cancelled

9:00 McHenry County Staff Plat Committee
Meeting cancelled

6:30 p.m. McHenry County Historic Preservation –

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

Four guests -- Benjamin Fredrick, Nicholas Spoor, Susan Stelford, and Robert Goray—are expected as visitors.

Following introduction of visitors and various staff liaison and committee reports, a discussion is scheduled regarding a proposed new landmark point system.

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

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake. The following petitions are scheduled for hearing:

Milestones Therapy – 394 Federal Drive

Final Plat of Subdivision to create a two-lot subdivision.

Approximately 2 acres with B-2 PUD General Commercial zoning.

Surrounding zoning includes:

North: B-2 PUD General Commercial (McHenry County –Federal Financial Credit Union)

South: B-2 PUD General Commercial (Sam’s Club)

East: B-2 PUD General Commercial (in-line tenant building)

West: B-2 PUD General Commercial (Post Office)

C and D Recycling/Virginia Road Recycling

1350 South Virginia Road,

Existing Use:  The site is currently vacant. In November 2011 C &D Recycling received a Special Use Permit for a construction and demolition recycling and processing facility along with landscape waste transfer station.

The land use map shows the area as Industry.  This is an appropriate land use designation for this use. The site is zoned M Manufacturing.

The site layout with approved buildings, parking and storage areas will remain the same from the 2011 approval.

Pedcor –Congress Parkway Apartment Homes—

Located on Congress Parkway between Commonwealth and the Post Office. This is a request for approval for a 70-unit residential development on the approximate seven-acre parcel.

In May of 2012, Pedcor received their preliminary PUD, preliminary plat and use variation approvals for a 70-unit development. There was considerable discussion by the Commission regarding the location of this development in what might be considered a commercial area.

4500 Northwest Highway

Request:  Use Variation to allow a use not permitted in the zoning district. 

Land Use:  The land use map shows the area as Commerce.  This land use designation is appropriate for the requested flooring retail use.

• Land Use:  The land use map shows the area as Commerce.  This land use designation is appropriate for a flooring retail use.

• Zoning:  The site is zoned M.  Manufacturing is not an appropriate zoning district for retail use.

Corner Bakery – Archway East – 815 Cog Circle

Conceptual Review for drive-through.

The petitioner is requesting a conceptual Planned Unit Development review for a drive-through addition to accommodate the Corner Bakery Cafe.

Words Of Wisdom

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
 --Thomas Paine, The Crisis, No. 1, 1776

Gift Of Health For Those Interested

As the New Year approaches, give yourself the gift of health by registering for a 7-week quit smoking class for adults.

Offered by McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System, the classes will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff that are trained in the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking” program. This project is made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health
.
Classes will be held on Wednesdays, beginning January 9th, from 6pm-7:30pm, at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, Crystal Lake, located at 200 Congress Parkway. A $25 course fee, payable at the first class, is refundable if all seven sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to the Health Bridge Fitness Center.

Quitting smoking can add up to measurable savings - $2,500 a year for those who smoke one-pack a day as well as the money saved on healthcare costs. For more information and to register, call 1-877-CENTEGRA, or visit www.mcdh.info.  To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line at 1-866-QUIT-YES

Words Of Wisdom

Government has become so vast and impersonal that its interests diverge more and more from the interests of ordinary citizens. For a generation and more, the government has sought to meet our needs by multiplying its bureaucracy. Washington has taken too much in taxes from Main Street, and Main Street has received too little in return. It is not necessary to centralize power in order to solve our problems."

 --Sen. George McGovern (1922-2012)

Snowmobile Safety Certification Courses

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office will be hosting two IDNR Snowmobile Safety Certification Courses:

Saturday, January 12, 2013 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

and

Saturday, February 23, 2013  -- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both courses are open to children 12 years of age and older and for those who do not have a valid driver's license. Those who do not have a valid driver's license need to have this certificate to legally operate a snowmobile in the State of Illinois. Those who possess a valid driver's license may also attend to expand their knowledge of snowmobile safety.

The IDNR Snowmobile Safety Certification Courses cover maintenance and repair of snowmobiles, proper and safe operation, history of snowmobiling, first aid, protection of the environment, and the state laws. Persons completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency and a graduate patch.

The course will take place at the McHenry County Government Center in the McHenry County Sheriff's Office - Training Division. Please pre-register with Cathy Hardt at (815)334-4739 or cdhardt@co.mchenry.il.us . Class size is limited to thirty students and pre-registration is required.

For further information on snowmobile safety courses or this class, go to IDNR's website: http://www.dnr.state.il.us/safety/snwmob.htm Additional information on this class can be found through the link to North Region, then McHenry.

Keith Nygren, Sheriff

www.mchenrysheriff.org/Media-Releases

Ugliest Yard Contest -- Burr Oak Seedling Prizes

In July 2011, a powerful storm swept through Crystal Lake and brought down a beautiful 125 year-old burr oak tree at Main Beach.

The Park District harvested 170 acorns from that tree and will plant 100 new seedlings in park district parks this spring. Park District staff also wanted to share a piece of this historic tree with our community. The 2013 Crystal Lake Park District Ugliest Yard Contest was created in order to select recipients of the Main Beach burr oak seedlings.

To be eligible to receive a burr oak seedling from our Main Beach tree, please enter our Ugliest Yard Contest by submitting an ugly yard photo by February 28 to intern@crystallakeparks.org or bring it in to the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue (attn: Ugliest Yard Contest). Please include your name, address, telephone number and email address with the photo.

The Park District will send you confirmation that your photo was received and when to pick up your seedling in May. Entrant must be a Crystal Lake Park District resident.

The first 70 entrants will receive a one gallon Burr Oak seedling. One grand prize winner will receive a land design by Park District Park Planner, Ann Viger and a $500 gift certificate from Two Amigos Landscaping, Inc.

Anyone can vote for the Ugliest Yard, March 1-30 via the Crystal Lake Park District website at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/2013UgliestYardContest.htm, at the Administrative Building or at the Crystal Lake Park District booth at the Crystal Lake Business Expo at Crystal Lake South High School, March 23 and 24. The grand prize winner will be announced April 1.

For more information contact Jacqui Weber at (815) 458-0680, ext. 214, or email jweber@crystallakeparks.org. Contents details available online at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/2013UgliestYardContest.htm

Be Prepared

Before the forecast calls for snow and potential hazardous driving conditions, McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents that taking preventive action is the best defense against winter’s harsh temperatures.  By preparing yourself in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
 

Prepare your car with emergency supplies –  

Snack food	Chains or rope	Shovel
Windshield scraper	Water	Extra hats, coats, gloves
Road salt and sand	Flashlight (extra batteries)	Bright colored flag; help signs
Booster cables	Blankets	Emergency flares
Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries		Battery-powered radio (extra batteries)

Travel with caution – 

• Listen for travel warnings.

• Avoid icy roads if possible.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to call for help if you are late.

Freezing temperatures combined with high winds make it dangerous for those inadequately prepared for weather extremes.  If you are trapped in your car in a winter storm, stay in the car.  Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards.

Listen to emergency broadcasts. Know what winter storm warning terms mean – 

• Winter weather advisory – Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.

• Frost/freeze warning – Expect below-freezing temperatures.

• Winter storm watch – Be alert. A storm is likely.

• Winter storm warning – Take action. The storm is in or entering the area.

• Blizzard warning – Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Shoveling snow is extremely hard work, especially if you lift large loads and throw the snow some distance away.  Overexertion can cause sore muscles, falls and heart attacks.  Know your limits when shoveling, as cold weather itself puts an extra strain on your heart.  Use extra caution to avoid slips and falls when walking on snow-covered surfaces.  Rest frequently and pace yourself.  If you become breathless, go indoors and warm up before continuing.  If you experience chest or arm pain or numbness, stop immediately and seek prompt medical attention. 

Visit CDC’s http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/takesteps/index.asp for more tips.

Starting A New Business? Learn More At MCC

Find out how to start a new business, learn about export documentation, or get tips on what others are doing to market their business at seminars offered by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College.

Registration is underway for the following seminars in January:

Tuesday, January 8

6 to 8 p.m.

Starting A Business In Illinois: An information-packed evening for anyone interested in starting their own business. An ISBDC experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources available to help small business owners. Cost: $25

Wednesday, January 9

6 to 8 p.m.

Marketing Roundtable: The ISBDC offers the Marketing Roundtable group as a no-cost option for small business owners to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to their businesses. Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

 

Thursday, January 17

8am to Noon

Export Documentation:  Exporting from the USA is more than sending your cargo to an export warehouse. Learn about payment terms and Incoterms, possible letters of credit for large orders, and the requirements on the commercial invoice and other documents. This course sets you up for re-vamping or developing current export processes or enlarging your supply chain to outside providers. Cost: $50.

 

Wednesday, January 23

6 to 8 p.m.

Social Media Roundtable: The ISBDC will continue the monthly Social Media Roundtable group for small business owners to discuss the latest trends in social media marketing and share various approaches with their peers. A social media professional will help facilitate the discussion and be available for questions. There is no fee to attend, but reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

All classes are held at the Shah Center.  The McHenry County College Shah Center is located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Hospital.

For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.edu.

Red Tricycle Award For Veteran Acres Park

Veteran Acres Park has won the Red Tricycle 2nd Annual Totally Awesome Award in the Best Liked Hike category.

The Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards is an online reader-driven awards program recognizing the best parenting brands, products, neighborhood services and local resources for families with children 0-10.

Totally Awesome Awards were given in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, Chicago, and the Los Angeles markets. Veteran Acres prevailed against seven other beautiful parks in Illinois.

The 8 finalists in the Chicago Category for 'Best Liked Hike' were:

Veteran Acres Park
Devil's Lake
Starved Rock
Fullersburg Woods
Indiana Dunes State Park
Matthiessen State Park
Moraine Hills
Palos/Sag Valley Forest Preserve

Words Of Wisdom

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

 --Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, 1776