Words Of Wisdom

"Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings -- give us that precious jewel, and you may take every things else! Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel."

 --Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Convention, 1788

Words Of Wisdom

"It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf.

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

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW.

THIS IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* TIMING.—PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE.HEAVY AT TIMES.ACROSS THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON & INTO THE EVENING.BEFORE TAPERING OFF. THIS WILL HAVE A LARGE IMPACT ON THE EVENING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC

ACCUMULATION -- *SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES ARE LIKELY WITH SOME ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS.

* MAIN IMPACT --THE SNOW WILL FALL AT RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR AT TIMES THIS AFTERNOON. THIS WILL RESULT IN REDUCED VISIBILITIES UNDER A HALF MILE & RAPID ACCUMULATION OF SNOW ON AREA ROADS.MAKING TRAVEL HAZARDOUS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS.

ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL.KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT. FOOD.& WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

.WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS
EVENING.

* TIMING.SNOW IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO OVERSPREAD THE AREA
EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE.HEAVY AT TIMES
INTO EARLY THIS EVENING.BEFORE TAPERING OFF.

* ACCUMULATION.SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH SOME ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS.

* OTHER IMPACTS.THE THREAT FOR A PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW COULD
RESULT IN REDUCED VISIBILITIES UNDER A MILE AT TIMES & RAPID
ACCUMULATION ON AREA ROADS DURING THE AFTERNOON COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS & LIMITED VISIBILITIES.& USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Crystal Lake Recycling Collection Completion First Thing Friday Morning

Due to the severe winter storm, the Crystal Lake City’s refuse contractor, MDC Environmental Services, has suspended operations for Thursday, February 7th. 

MDC has completed all refuse collection for Thursday routes, but approximately 50% of recycling has still not been collected.  MDC will complete recycling collection for Thursday routes first thing in the morning on Friday, February 8th, and then will conduct their normal Friday routes. 

Questions regarding refuse and recycling collection can be directed to MDC at 815-568-7274.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRYSTAL LAKE RESIDENTS

The City of Crystal Lake has been receiving calls from residents about solicitations they have received from companies seeking to sell electricity to them.  These contacts have been made by phone, by mail and in person (door-to-door solicitation).  Residents are asking whether any of these companies were selected by the City to provide electricity under the City’s electric aggregation program.

As previously described in earlier communications, FirstEnergy Solutions is the only company selected by the City to provide electricity under the City of Crystal Lake’s electric aggregation program.  If you receive a solicitation, you should not provide your ComEd account number. If you provide your ComEd account number, you may be unintentionally switched to another supplier and be removed from the City’s electric aggregation program.

Under the City’s electric aggregation program, the City secured a price of 4.69¢ per kilowatt hour compared to ComEd’s current residential supply rate of 8.3¢ per kilowatt hour. This rate went into effect in late summer 2012 for residential customers.

A resident may individually contract with a company other than FirstEnergy Solutions for electricity supply.  However, if a resident is considering another supplier, he or she is encouraged to closely examine the electrical rate being offered and the terms of any proposed contracts.

Any solicitations that you receive from retail electric suppliers are not related to the City’s electric aggregation program. Unless you chose to opt-out, are on real time hourly pricing, or you individually selected another supplier, you are enrolled in the City’s program.

You can confirm that you are enrolled in the City’s aggregation program by reviewing your ComEd bill.  In the Electricity Supply Services section, it should list FirstEnergy Solutions as your supplier.  If so, you are in the City’s program.  If it does not list FirstEnergy Solutions, you can call FirstEnergy Solutions directly and request to enroll in the City’s aggregation program.  You may contact FirstEnergy Solutions at 866-636-3749.

Environmental Defenders Recycling Drive Saturday

Recycling Drive accepts fluorescent tubes, electronics, Styrofoam™, more!

On Saturday, February 9th, 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 Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean 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.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of the Defenders at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

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.  People 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, phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

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

Dental Health Needs Assessment Grant For McHenry County

McHenry County Cooperative Dental Clinic has been awarded a planning grant of $40,700 from the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ICHF).  Monies will be used for an oral health needs assessment to address oral health disparities in low income children in McHenry County.  The Dental Clinic was awarded ICHF grants in both 2007 ($255,000) and 2009 ($75,000) for operational costs to provide oral healthcare and education to uninsured children in the County.

Joining the Dental Clinic in the needs assessment is Community Action Agency-Head Start, Community Health Partnership of Illinois, the Illinois Migrant Council and the McHenry Community Health Center.  The University of Illinois, School of Medicine at Rockford (Health Systems Research) has been contracted to conduct the needs assessment which is slated for completion in September, 2013.  Results will be used to develop an integrated strategy to increase oral health services.

In October 2012, ICHF awarded four other planning grants throughout the State of Illinois designed to implement a coordinated planning process for projects designed to increase the availability of oral health services for children.  Since the Foundation’s inception in 2002 through 2011, a total of more than $51.1 million in grants has been invested in over 285 programs aimed at improving children’s overall health in Illinois. For more information about ICHF, visit www.ilchf.org.

Conservation Scholarship Available

High school students interested in conservation are encouraged to submit an application for the Carl J. Mitchell Memorial Conservation Scholarship offered by McHenry County Conservation District.

 Funds distributed through this scholarship are intended to cover the costs of an environmental workshop or trip, camp, career seminar or other environmental related events of their choice. It is not intended for funding college fees or tuition.

Applications are due by March 1, 2013.  Interested students should send a letter of application that tells about themselves, describes the event they have chosen, why they wish to attend the event, and how the activity fits the goals of the scholarship program. A brochure or official publication about the program/event are applying for should be included with the application.

Application packets should be sent to Deb Chapman, Education Services Manager, Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.  More information about the scholarship can be found on the District website http://www.mccdistrict.org/web/ab-publications.htm or by calling 815.479.5779.

Carl Mitchell was a McHenry County resident who developed important new techniques in plant hybridization during his career. Upon his death, his family established this memorial fund to encourage young people to explore environment-related professions. The Mitchell Scholarship is an endowed scholarship fund managed by the Conservation District

Words Of Wisdm

"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, letter to Thomas Cooper, 1802

Representative Barbara Wheeler Remarks On Governor Quinn's Pension Reform

Before a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly, Governor Pat Quinn delivered his State of the State speech. Quinn outlined his priorities for the 2013 session, including pension reform, increasing Illinois’ minimum wage, and an assault weapons ban.  State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) released this statement following the governor’s remarks on pensions:

“While I am pleased that the governor sees the reality of our broken fiscal house, we must now make the bold and courageous decisions that are needed to save us from financial collapse.  Our pension system has over $100 billion in unfunded liabilities, we have nearly $9 billion in unpaid bills, and the unwanted income tax increase is set to expire in 2015.  We are at the brink of our own fiscal cliff.  We must act now; the people of Illinois cannot afford additional hardships in this slow moving economy.”

Representative Wheeler also made this statement on raising the minimum wage:

“We are in a stagnant economy and leaders are proposing increasing the State’s minimum wage to $10 an hour. How are employers and small businesses supposed to pay for this?  The State increased business taxes to 9.3% two years ago, didn’t go far enough in workers’ compensation reform, and now we are wanting to squeeze more out of the driving force of our economy?

We need to look for ways to save employers and small businesses money before we look to increase the minimum wage."

Time To Celebrate Mardi Gras

Jambalya, Zydeco Music, masks, beads and Hurricanes await you at a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 9, from 7-11 pm at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St, Crystal Lake.

Featuring Cajun and New Orleans-style food catered by 3 Chefs Catering, Mardi Gras at Park Place will also include dancing, raffle prizes, best costume contest, beads and masks. Tickets are $25 per person with a cash bar featuring Hurricane drinks.

 Register in advance at www.crystallakeparks.org (program code #5800-0) or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. Registration deadline is February 6. For further information call (815) 477-5871.

Government At Work

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7—

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

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

The Committee is to view a presentation regarding the Unified Development Ordinance before considering interviews of four individuals for appointment to three different organizations including the Community Development Block Grant, Housing commission and the position of Zoning Hearing Officer.

Two requests for Fee Waivers are to be considered by the Committee before considering any Old Business.

Words Of Wisdom

"The hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."

 --George Washington

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 – 

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –

Meeting in the Main Conference Room, Division of Transportation, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A presentation regarding pavement preservation program for 2013 is to be made.

Two resolutions are being presented for Committee approval including Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement and approval for a supplemental construction engineering services agreement for contract involving Charles J. Miller Road Construction project

Also a request for Qualification for 2013 Construction Materials Testing Services is being presented the Committee for approval.

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

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

The Committee is to interview four candidates including Benjamin Fredrick, Nicholas Spoor, Susan Stelford and Robert Goray.

A continuing discussion is also listed regarding a proposed landmark point system. Also to be considered is a discussion of certificate of appropriateness – Forms and Procedures.

Items for action include: Election of Officers, Committee Assignments, Confirmation of Meeting Dates, Historic Significance to McHenry County of the Harmony School.

Also, possible expenditures for memberships annual fund (Landmark Illinois) and Certificate of Appropriateness: and Changes to Forms/Procedures.

 7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Animal Control Advisory Committee –

Meeting in the Animal Control Crystal Lake facility, 100 North Virginia Street, (Route 14) Crystal Lake.

Reports to the Committee include:

Impound update

Yearly dangerous dog update

Kane County Administrator visit

Report from Extern—Molly Lynch

Information and Communications:

End of Month Report

State Representative Wheeler Seated On House Education Committee

Drawing on her experience in primary education as a middle school teacher, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has been seated on the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee.  Rep. Wheeler taught middle school at Wauconda Middle School and holds a Master’s Degree in Education, Language, and Literacy from National Louis University.

“Education and the development of our young minds has always been a passion of mine,” said Wheeler.  “Illinois is home to some of the finest institutions in the nation.  I want us to build off our strengths while addressing our educational weaknesses as we prepare our children for their future.”

Wheeler says her priorities on Elementary & Secondary Education Committee include enhancing college preparedness and attacking Illinois’ high truancy rate.  Wheeler notes that while Illinois has a high college attendance rate, our preparedness rate is surprisingly low.  Just 19.3% of high school juniors met readiness scores in all four subjects tested on the ACT in 2010.  This issue is being further exasperated by a growing truancy rate.  Of the 30,000 students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, 7.4% were labeled “chronically truant” in 2011; nearly double the rate from the previous year.

“While there are many fine aspects our education system in Illinois offers, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in order for us to serve the best interests of our students,” said Wheeler.  “Truancy is an ever growing problem in Illinois and the trend needs to be reversed.  We need to ensure that our children are growing and learning in a safe environment that will give them all the tools available for a bright future.”

Overall, Wheeler will be serving on eight committees in the 98^th General Assembly.  In addition to the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee, Wheeler will be serving on the House International Trade & Commerce, Appropriations-Human Services, Mass Transit, Museums, Arts & Cultural Enhancement, Adoption Reform, State Government Administration, and Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committees.

“Serving on eight committees should prove to be quite an undertaking, but I am excited to be given such a responsibility as a freshman representative,” said Wheeler.  “These committees have much to offer the people of the 64^th District and I am hoping to maximize the benefits for the people I represent.”

Words Of Wisdom

"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves."

 --Joseph Warren, Boston Massacre Oration, 1775

Government At Work

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 –

8:45 a.m.   McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee –

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

The Committee will be considering two new business items including

A resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to Grant #1-661002 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Additional Funds in the amount of $99,578.23.

A second resolution is for authorizing acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant of $70,632 for case management in handling dislocated McHenry County workers.

9:00 a.m. McHenry County Board –

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

A couple special reports are scheduled. The First from County Auditor, Pam Palmer—the GFOA Comprehensive Annual Financial Report/Popular Annual Finance Report.

The second is an Adult Drug Court Update by Dan Wallis and Scott Block

New and unfinished business to be considered includes liaison appointment to County Board Agencies and a resolution requesting exception from a potential conflict of interest involving CDBG program funding between Pioneer Center for Human Services and McHenry County Board Member James Heisler.

A number of resolutions are being presented for Board approval all dealing with various transactions regarding:

The Delinquent Tax Program

Accepting a $9,000 Children’s Dental Education and Access Improvement

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

Resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for additional funds amounting to $99,578.23

Resolution authorizing acceptance of an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant.

Transportation matters to be considered by the Board include

Approval of a Right-Of-Way Land Acquisition Management Services Agreement and appropriation funds for the River Road at Dowell Road Intersection project.

Approval of Right of Way land acquisition management services and appropriating the necessary funds for the Noe Road Project.

Funds for ice control management materials are also being presented for approval.

A resolution to approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreements

Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Franklinville Road Bridge over the Franklinville Creek Project

Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Lawrence Road over Piscasaw Creek Bridge Project

Resolution Requesting Consent of the Illinois Department of Transportation to the Reappointment of the Incumbent as County Engineer

7:00 p.m. Village of Lakewood Special Services Area No. 1

Meeting in the Village Hall, 2500 Lake Avenue, Lakewood.

The agenda for this meeting calls for a time for:

Public Comments

Approval of minutes of the December 4, 2012 meeting;

Reports and discussion on Committee Assignments

Follow-up with Committee ideas for 2013 Care of Turnberry Lakes.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council

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

The City's Economic Development Committee has requested that Mayor Shepley issue a number of proclamations including:

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Affrunti Design. Representatives of the company will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Barn Nursery and Landscape Center.  Representatives of Barn Nursery and Landscape Center will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Beam. Representatives of Big Beam will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Cardinal Wines and Spirits. Representatives of Cardinal Wines and Spirits will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Judith Svalander School of Dance. Representatives of the school will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Nelson's Jewelry. Representatives of Nelson's Jewelry will be present at the meeting to accept the proclamation.

Annual Feet Meet

The Council is being requested to authorize the closure of Alexandra Boulevard from an area west of Dogwood Drive to an area east of Driftwood Lane for the start of the Annual Woods Creek Feet Meet. Staff Contact: Brad Mitchell, Assistant to the City Manager

Crystal Lake Rowing Club

Is requesting a Waiver of Boat Sticker Requirements and Street Closure for the Greater Chicago Area Junior Rowing Championships Regatta to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 and other scrimmages/races on dates approved by the Park District.

The Council is also being requested to approve the closure of Lake Shore Drive between the Main Beach boat ramp entrance and Dole Avenue from 6:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the event.

Request For Use of Three Oaks Recreation Area

The Choctaw Girl Scout Service Unit is requesting use of Three Oaks Recreation Area for a day camp including overnight camping from Monday, June 17, through Thursday, June 20, 2013.

Temporary Liquor Licenses

A Number of Temporary Liquor Licenses are being requested by:

First Congregational Church in order to sell beer at their Irish Dinner being held at the church, 461 Pierson Street, on March 16 and 17

Crystal Lake Jaycees in order to sell beer, wine and alcoholic liquor drinks at their "Girls Night Out" and Bachelor Auction fundraising event to benefit Home of the Sparrow. The event will be held on April 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Dole Mansion/Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road.

Although the alcoholic beverages being served at this event will be labeled as a "free beverage" at the cash bar, there is an admission fee to attend the event and, in the opinion of the City Attorney, this fee can be construed as payment for the alcoholic beverage. The City is, therefore, requiring that the Crystal Lake Jaycees apply for a Temporary Liquor License for this event.

Traffic Flow Change On Grant Street

Request to Convert Grant Street between Woodstock Street and Brink Street to Two-Way Traffic Flow.

As part of the City's public outreach for the 2013 Bikeway Corridor improvements, staff explored potential options through Downtown to connect the Prairie Trail along Main Street to the new bike path along Walkup Road.

One of these options suggested the potential conversion of Grant Street between Woodstock Street and Brink Street to two-way traffic in order to facilitate an on-street bike route. This segment is currently one-way northbound.

While the options to create a bike route through downtown were not selected for implementation, the Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street Board of Directors (Downtown) and the Economic Development Committee (EDC) have both expressed a desire to change the flow of traffic on this segment of Grant Street to two-way traffic.

Both groups would like the City to consider this change without the bike route due to:

• Enhanced traffic flow to businesses along Grant Street through downtown;

• The ability to increase the number of parallel parking spaces on the west side of the street through re-striping; and

• Reports from business owners that motorists are occasionally seen traveling the wrong direction on Grant Street between Woodstock Street and Brink Street.

The City Council may adopt an ordinance to implement two way traffic flow on Grant Street between Woodstock Street and Brink Street or maintain the existing one-way traffic flow on Grant Street

Rosa Parks Story At The Raue Center Tomorrow

Raue Center For The Arts is pleased to share that Mad River Theatre Works will present ’Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks” tomorrow, Tuesday, at 12:15 pm.

This production is an unforgettable telling of Rosa Parks; a black woman who refused to give up her seat on a city bus and created an uproar that launched the Civil Rights movement changing our country forever. This special performance is part of Mission Imagination, Raue Center’s arts education program made by the generous support of the Foglia Family Foundation.

Limited seats are open to the public so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets are only $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased online at www.rauecenter.org, or via the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake or by calling 815.356.9212. This show is sponsored by Centegra Health System and Northwest Herald. The Town Crier does not charge the Raue Center for advertising.

About the Show: -- The tremors of an earthquake were rumbling across America. A new kind of music was making its first appearance on the radio and parents were outraged. While the rhythms of rock and roll were shaking the social fabric of the country, deep down an even more important transformation was about to take place. In Montgomery, Alabama, a determined activist named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus. The resulting uproar launched the Civil Rights movement and changed our country forever.

“Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks” weaves together music and drama to tell the story of Rosa Parks from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.” The play dispels myths about Parks and her protest as it paints a portrait of complex woman who had to find reconciliation within herself in order to become an effective Civil Right leader. Exciting and inspirational, Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks shows how the determination of one individual made all the difference in the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.

For more information about Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks or our Mission Imagination program please visit www.rauecenter.org.

The Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 12 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.

Winter Weather Advisory

* Timing. snow will continue through the morning hrs before  ending from west to east by midday today. Some light snow  showers or flurries may linger into the afternoon.
* Accumulation.2 to 4 inches. with the highest amounts expected along & north of a Dixon. to Joliet. to Valparaiso line. Isolated higher amounts to around 5 inches are possible.
*Main impact. - travel will be difficult on untreated or un-plowed  roads. Reduced visibility may make for hazardous travel even on the well maintained roads & highways. Motorists should allow for additional travel time to reach destinations.
Precautionary/preparedness actions.
A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. including during the Monday morning rush hour. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities.& use caution while driving.

Words Of Wisdom

"The eyes of the world being thus on our Country, it is put the more on its good behavior, and under the greater obligation also, to do justice to the Tree of Liberty by an exhibition of the fine fruits we gather from it."

 --James Madison, letter to James Monroe, 182

New Dining Experience For McHenry County

Foodies take note: Bring your appetite for fine dining to McHenry County College Monday, February 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. for a grand re-opening of Slàinte (pronounced “slawn-cha”), the College’s student-managed restaurant.

Billed as a “sampling buffet,” the event gives diners a chance to sample a variety of fare and experience the restaurant’s newly remodeled dining room and kitchens. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to help support the College’s culinary management program.

Students in McHenry County College’s Culinary Management program learn the skills needed for a range of job opportunities in the food and hospitality fields. With a strong focus on sustainable and hands-on practice, students learn preparation, handling, sanitation and safety. In addition to standard coursework, students gain real-world experience at Slàinte, where they produce various menu items like, lobster mac-n-cheese, parmesan crusted tilapia, bacon-wrapped steak and white chocolate mousse with a chia seed cake, along with set up the dining room, mixing non-alcoholic specialty drinks, fresh brewed espresso drinks and, of course, the most professional and friendly customer service.

Slàinte is designed to both educate students and delight customers. Slàinte is also a classroom full of future restaurant owners, executive chefs, pastry chefs, sous chefs, cooks, bakers, servers, bussers, bartenders and more. Slàinte is a Scottish toast that means “to good health!” which is the philosophy embraced through the restaurant’s emphasis on integrity of food, sustainable ingredients and a delicious diversity of dishes, according to Executive Chef and Department Chair for Culinary Management Thomas Kaltenecker.

“The name also represents MCC’s connection to the Scottish roots of the community,” he said.

The official re-opening is slated for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. Slàinte’s menu changes three times during the semester with a special Valentine’s Day four-course banquet prix fix, including soft drinks, for $25 per person on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Restaurant hours are 6-7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday through April 23. Seating capacity is 60. Average dinner price per guest is $20 with payment by cash or check. Reservations are suggested.

The restaurant is located in the MCC Scot Room, Building B, Room 178. The College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. For menu details and more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/slainte.

Photo Caption:

A McHenry County College culinary management student prepares the dessert course during the testing of Slàinte’s new menu.

Historical Events Presentations At MCC

Listen to unique perspectives of two historical events featuring a multimedia presentation by Barry Bradford, presidential award-winning civil rights activist, who will present “I Have A Dream – 50 Years Later” at 12:30-2 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College.

Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream” is one of the most famous ever given by an American. The speech was delivered on Aug. 28, 1963 and it stirred, inspired and challenged a nation. Bradford, an award-winning storyteller, historian and author, will delve beyond the famous catchphrase to answer the questions: What did King really say and why did he say it? Bradford will take the audience deep into the events culminating in one of America’s most dramatic moments.

Another presentation by Bradford, “Watergate at 40,” will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. and from 7-8:30 p.m. on April 11 at the College. Bradford will shed new light on the people and defendants of Watergate, the 1973 series of events that culminated in the resignation of both the United States president and vice president.

The lectures are free and open to the public. The College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. The lecture series is sponsored by the MCC’s Student Life and Multicultural Programs. Groups are welcome to make reservations. For more information, email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu or contact Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570.

Government At Work

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 –

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Law and Justice Committee –

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

Two presentations are to be provided the committee from the State’s Attorney and the Public Defender.

The Committee is to consider the appointment of James Saletta to the McHenry County Emergency Telephone Systems Board for a term to expire November 30, 2013.

A resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Transportation Van from the Sheriffs 2011 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAA) awarded in FY 2012

Also, the Committee is to authorize acceptance of the State of Illinois Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Preparedness (HMEP) Planning Grant of $9,230.

10:00 a.m. – McHenry County Liquor and License Committee –

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

The Committee is to consider several requests for raffle permits for St. Peter’s Church of Spring Grove, Crystal Lake Montessori School Parent Group, and Liberty Elementary PTO.

Also to be considered is a request for Special Liquor License for the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club.

Where Is The Land of The Free Headed?

(NaturalNews) There is a reason why America's founding fathers were willing to shed .their own blood to gain independence from the crushing authoritarianism of the Crown of England.

Nearly three years after first becoming a target for destruction by state and federal government agencies, Morningland Dairy of Mountain View, Missouri, has officially and forcibly been driven out of business by a rogue police state that recently confiscated, at gunpoint, most of the farm's inventory of perfectly safe, raw cheese, which was valued at roughly $250,000.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/038919_Morningland_Dairy_government_raid_raw_milk.html#ixzz2JqciMWHC