Words Of Wisdom

"A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever may be its theory, must, in practice, be a bad government."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Crystal Lake Blast On The Beach -- Saturday

Entertainment for all ages will be a huge part of the BMO Harris/Crystal Lake Park District Blast on the Beach. Tomorrow,  Saturday, August 10 from 3-9 pm, Crystal Lake Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake) will be the hot spot to enjoy one of the final summer weekends before the beginning of school.  Rain Date: August 11.

With over 25 years experience entertaining and astonishing audiences of all ages, Circus Boy will appear on stage at the Main Beach Band Shell from 5:30-6:15 pm. Circus Boy Bobby Hunt is one of America’s most unique and popular variety performers. Bobby’s unique talents and unusual family of Circus performers were featured on an episode of television’s Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, and Bobby was a featured performer with the world famous Ringling Bros. Circus, traveling the globe and entertaining audiences from all walks of life with his unforgettable brand of stunts and physical comedy.

Festival goers will have a chance to grab a bite to eat from several local food vendors and restaurants while waiting for the musical entertainment to take the stage for the evening from 6:30-9 pm. The Lounge Puppets are a tribute to the 80’s Hair Band. The music of the Lounge Puppets is an incredible heart pumping, fist-thrusting, scream out loud, head banging trip back through time! Taking the term "Tribute Band" to a new level, The Lounge Puppets have raised the bar, packing all the large clubs, venues, & festivals in and around the Chicagoland area. Lounge Puppet will thrill the crowd with one of the best light shows around and all of the hair, leather and attitude that made the very bands they are covering.

In addition to the performers above, Blast on the Beach features a Kids Fun Fair with over 20 games and activities, a Craft Fair, a Treasure Hunt (real gold coins and other prizes buried in our beach!),Bags Tournament for cash prizes, a beer/wine garden and food vendors from some of your favorite local restaurants.

Best of all, admission to the Blast on the Beach is FREE. Through the generosity of BMO Harris Bank, admission is free for the event. “The Crystal Lake Park District does a wonderful job of putting together an afternoon of fun for everyone on the beautiful Crystal Lake Beach.  We feel fortunate to have such a fantastic venue in our community and are honored to be the presenting sponsors. We hope that all who attend have a Blast on the Beach,” said Jamie Maravich, Market President  McHenry-Northern Lake County BMO Harris Bank. In addition, media partners for this event are the Northwest Herald and Star 105.5/Fox103.9.

For more information about the BMO Harris Bank/Crystal Lake Park District Blast on the Beach, contact Connie Cooke at (815) 459-0680, ext. 213.

Colonel Palmer House-Crystal Lake-Continues Sunday Series

The 2013 Summer Sunday Series at Colonel Palmer House continues on Sunday, August 11, 1-4 pm with “Weaving a Tale: Coverlets, Quilts, and the Art of Storytelling”. This FREE program takes place on the grounds of the beautiful historic Colonel Palmer house, 660 East Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176) in Crystal Lake. Summer Sunday programs are free and open to people of all ages.

Summer Sunday visitors will discover the history of jacquard coverlets woven here in Illinois from the 1840’s to the 1860’s. Loom woven jacquard coverlets began to appear in Illinois in the 1840’s as skilled weavers from the east moved west to acquire property. In many of the eastern states coverlet weaving had become competitive; Illinois offered an opportunity for the weaver’s to establish a new frontier of clients.

Predating the popularity of quilts, coverlets introduced color and design to bed coverings. The patterns and motifs used by weavers often followed folk traditions of Western Europe or the Eastern United States, particularly Germanic motifs. Weavers purchased or fabricated their loom structures and then added the Jacquard attachment developed by Joseph Jacquard of France in about 1800. This attachment allowed the weaver better accuracy and less time spent at the loom. With the rise of factories in the 1860’s, weavers of jacquard coverlets were edged out of the market. Factories could produce goods faster and at lower costs. Illinois would be the farthest west that weavers of jacquard coverlets were to go.

Coverlets are just one of the featured events for the final Summer Sunday, “Weaving a Tale: Coverlets, Quilts, and the Art of Storytelling.” Families will enjoy storytelling, weaving demonstrations, a quilt exhibit, and children’s craft.  During the Summer Sunday Series, Colonel Palmer House will be open to visitors.

For further information contact Mary Ott at (815) 477-5873, or via email palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org.

Words Of Wisdom

"Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No, to this question, is an Independent for independency means no more than this, whether we shall make our own laws, or, whether the King, the greatest enemy this continent hath, or can have, shall tell us there shall be no laws but such as I like."

--Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Government At Work

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9—

8:00 a.m. – McHenry County Mental Health Board Finance Committee –

Meeting in the Mental Health Board Main Floor Conference Room, Mental Health Board facility, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake.

A number of items are being presented for committee discussion or recommended action.

Special At Raue Center Tomorrow Night

Join Raue Center For The Arts for the 2013/2014 Single Tickets Discount Night -- Friday August 9 --  from 6:00p to 9:00p! For one night only patrons can take 35% off tickets – that’s the deepest discount offered ALL YEAR (restrictions apply, see below for more details). As a bonus the evening will include a FREE concert with 28 Days starting at 8p!

28 days provides audiences with an unparalleled "Live" experience that electrifies the senses. Members consist of Kevin Triplett on Bass, Joe Maxwell on Guitar, PJ Howard on Drums & Paul Shamoun on Lead Vocals. They'll perform awesome covers U2, Lenny Kravitz, Coldpay and more.

Beer, wine and soda will be offered in 26 North, Raue Center’s upstairs bar, from 6-8p. The discount will end promptly at intermission of the free concert. Come early for family fun!

Developed three years ago, Discount Night continues to grow. This event strives to advance Raue Center’s mission of bringing the arts to all and making the arts more accessible in our community.

“We’re offering a night out for the community that includes a free concert with one of the best family bands in the region, 28 Days,” says Richard Kuranda, executive director. “What a great way to launch the new season!”

Raue Center’s 2013/2014 Season includes visits from Ben Vereen (9/21), Los Lobos (9/26), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (10/12), Dr. John (11/8), Dave Coulier (1/18/14) and so much more. More information and tickets to the aforementioned shows are on sale at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office: 815.356.9212 or 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois

Financial Assistance For McHenry County Recent Flood Victims

On June 26, McHenry County experienced its second flooding event of the year which resulted in over 200 McHenry County homes experiencing moderate to significant losses.  Following the 4.53 inches of rain that fell in Crystal Lake and 6.15 inches in Cary, McHenry County appealed to the State of Illinois to pursue disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration to provide disaster assistance for these residents. 

“Unfortunately thresholds were not met for either of these disaster relief programs for our County residents,” stated County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill.  “As a result, the McHenry County Community Foundation has created a disaster relief fund to assist those affected.  Further, the County is pursuing using the Long Term Recovery group of the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) to get residents back on their feet.”

To donate to the disaster assistance fund, visit the McHenry County Community Foundation website by clicking here and indicate in the comments section that funds are to be used for “Disaster Assistance”.

Alternatively, County residents affected by the severe storms, straight line winds, or flooding during the period of April 16th to May 5th, 2013 are strongly urged to call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.  The last day for McHenry County residents to register for Individual Assistance through FEMA is Thursday, August 8.    

Affected residents and business owners have several ways to apply.

₊ Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

+Another option is to register online at: www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For further flood recovery information, please visit the McHenry County Flood Recovery Center.

Words Of Wisdom

"Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No, to this question, is an Independant for independency means no more than this, whether we shall make our own laws, or, whether the King, the greatest enemy this continent hath, or can have, shall tell us there shall be no laws but such as I like."

--Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7—

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

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

Seven resolutions are to be considered by the Committee as follows:

• Resolution Amending the Policy for the Establishment and Posting of Speed Limits on County and Township Highways within McHenry County Illinois
• Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of McHenry for the Construction of Knox Drive from Municipal Drive to Charles J. Miller Road
• Resolution Approving an Engineering Services Agreement to Perform a Signal Coordination and Timing Study and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution Approving a Supplemental Agreement  for improvements to Illinois Route 31 from Virginia Road to Rakow Road and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution Approving an Amended Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois for Improvements to Illinois Route 31 from Virginia Road to Rakow Road
• Resolution Approving an Engineering Services Agreement to Perform Traffic Counts and Appropriating Funds
• Resolution Approving a Supplemental Engineering Services Agreement and Appropriating Funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge over the Rush Creek Project

Other matters for consideration include:

• Walkup Road - Veteran Acres Retaining Wall Discussion
• Staff Recognition

 6:30 p.m.—McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission—

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

Several committee reports are scheduled for the meeting, including

Survey – Harmony School Landmark Case Discussion and Rural Intensive Survey

• Municipal Liaisons – Ostend Cemetery: Report regarding McHenry Township plans for property Camp Algonquin (Also New Business)
• Buildings & Facades
• Education
• Public Relations
• Special Programs
• Budget - Grants
• Staff Report 
• MCCD Liaison Report

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

Meeting in the McHenry County Department of Health Crystal Lake facility, 100 North Virginia Street, Crystal Lake.

In addition to a Dangerous Dog Review, other business to be considered includes

July 27 vaccination and Microchip clinic

23^rd annual McHenry County Children’s Health & Safety Fair

Information and Communications

End of the Month Report

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

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

Four matters are scheduled for public hearing including:

Doherty – 5201, 5425, 4501, 4420 Route 176.

The petitioners has requested that the public hearing be continued to September 4

CRESS CREEK (GEDZYK) – 580 Cress Creek – This petition is being continued to the September 4, 2013 PZC meeting.

SKYRIDGE APARTMENTS – West of Randall; North of Alexandra

 PUBLIC HEARING Final PUD Amendment to allow an additional free standing sign.

UDO AMENDMENTS – PUBLIC HEARING

This petition was continued from the July 17, 2013 PZC meeting

Text Amendment to various provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance

Words Of Wisdom

"Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No, to this question, is an Independant for independency means no more than this, whether we shall make our own laws, or, whether the King, the greatest enemy this continent hath, or can have, shall tell us there shall be no laws but such as I like."

--Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Quit Smoking Classes Begin September 4

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System are partnering to offer a once-a-week quit smoking class for adults. 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.

Classes will be held on Wednesdays, from 6pm-7:30pm at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley, located at 10450 Algonquin Road.  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 Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES.

Woodscreek Park Playground Replacement Meeting Scheduled

The Crystal Lake Park District will hold an open, public meeting on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 PM at the Administrative Office (lower level), One E. Crystal Lake Avenue.  The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback from park users on a variety of proposed playground layouts and equipment types.

A master redevelopment plan for the 20 year old park was approved by the Park District Board of Commissioners in 2011 and a grant from the Illinois Department of Resources was awarded to partially fund the project.  In addition to a new playground, the redevelopment project will include a splash pad, second tennis court, second fishing pier, bocce courts, baggo courts and a new parking lot.  Construction is expected to begin in May of 2014.

Questions can be directed to Ann Viger, Director of Planning and Development, at (815) 459-0680 x 205 or aviger@crystallakeparks.org

Government At Work

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

9:00 – McHenry County Board –Meeting in the County Board Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Following opening of the meeting, a special presentation is slated regarding the activity of the General Assembly from State Legislators.

Actions to be taken regarding:

 Recommendations for appointments to the McHenry County Building Commission and the Senior Services Grant Commission.

Six resolutions are to be considered by the Board including: 

Authorizing an emergency appropriation to the Division of Transportation FY 2012-13 Budget for Fuel, Oil and Grease.

• Authorizing the purchase of three vehicles for the McHenry County Division of Transportation.
• Authorizing an emergency appropriation in the Planning and Development Fiscal Year 2013 Revenue and Expenditure budgets for the Community Development
• Block Grant Program.
• Authorizing the Acceptance of Metro Suburban Accelerated Training for
• Illinois Manufacturing Grant as a Sub-Recipient of Will County and Authorizing an
• Emergency Appropriation to the Workforce Network 2013 County Budget.
• Authorizing the Symantec Software Maintenance and Support Agreement Renewal For the Period of September 27, 2013 through September 26, 2014
• Establishing the Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Pay-For-Performance Adjustments.
• Resolution Authorizing Adoption of Amendments to the McHenry County Board Rules
• Under Planning and Development, the Board is to consider a resolution authorizing program year 2012 Investment Partnership Act Grant Allocation to the McHenry County Housing Authority.
• A resolution authorizing additional 2013 Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations.
• Transportation matters to be considered by the Board include:
• Resolution to approve Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Group Agreement
• Resolutions authorizing a lease agreement with the Woodstock Farm and Fleet Store for a Touch a Truck Event
• Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Right of Way for highway purposes and appropriating funds for the South Main Street/Pyott Road at Virginia Road intersection.

10:00 –McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole

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

The only order of business is the review of the proposed changes to the McHenry County Board Rules.

7:30 Crystal Lake City Council

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

St. Thomas The Apostle Church is requesting a Temporary Liquor License

• A resolution is being presented the Council for approval regarding the Centennial Celebration Sponsorship Acceptance
• Wheels and Deals, 8805 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, is requesting a sign variation to allow a 33-square foot wall sign to be installed above the roof line.
• The Council is being requested to consider the Centennial Celebration sponsorship Acceptance Resolution.
• Wheels and Deals, 805 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, is seeking a sign variation to allow a 33-square foot wall sign to be installed above the roof line.

Matters on a consent agenda include:

• St. Thomas the Apostle Church request for a Class 16 Temporary Liquor License
• Centennial Celebration – Sponsorship Acceptance Resolution
• Wheels and Deals, 805 E. Terra Cotta Avenue—Sign Variation to allow a 33-square foot wall sign to be installed above the roofline.
• Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Highway Sign variation to allow wall signs to total 112 square feet
• Gas Depot, 4410 Northwest Highway, requesting approval of a final planned unit development amendment to allow changes to a free-standing sign.
• Also, Gas Depot is presenting a final planned unit development amendment
• A simplified residential variation to allow a four-foot fence in the front yard setback for a lake front house at 175 and 175 Edgewater.
• Signature Auto Group, 970 Pyott Road is requesting referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a petition reconsideration
• A request to allow a sign that is 35 feet in height to be setback 10 feet from Route 31 instead of the required 35 feet for property at 10216 Route 31
• An update is to be provided on Crystal Lake Avenue and East Street/East Crystal Lake Avenue left turn and parking restrictions ordinance.
• A resolution is being presented authorizing execution of an agreement for the purchase of computer desktops through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program.

Recycling Collection Of Electronics, Batteries, Styrofoam Saturday

On Saturday, August 10th, 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 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.

Care For The Sick And Injured Animals

Explore a new career or side job providing care to sick and injured animals with McHenry County College’s Veterinary Assistant program.  Fall classes will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday from August 13 through December 12 in Room A207 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Students will complete an additional 30-hour externship outside of classroom hours. The days and times of clinical hours will vary based on availability and hours of the clinical sites.

Veterinary assistants work with veterinarians in private practice, animal shelters, animal control facilities, pet stores, kennels and veterinary drug companies.  With pet ownership on the rise, there is a great need for veterinary assistants.  Veterinary assistants have been identified by the U.S. Dept. of Labor as one of the fastest growing professions.

Cost is $1,899. For more information, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or at rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register, contact (815) 455-8588 and reference course ID: QVT C01 001.

Government At Work

MONDAY, AUGUST 5

8:00 Crystal Lake Park District Commissioners Special Meeting, --

Meeting in the Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

A resolution accepting the donation of certain property and authorizing the redemption of taxes is the only item of business.

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

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

Several resolutions are to be considered including authorization to purchase electronic key control cabinets for the McHenry County Jail Facility

Authorizing the purchase and installation of a new video visitation system in the County Correctional Facility.

Also authorizing a contract with D’s Marine for the refurbishing of two marine patrol unit boats.

Also to be considered are budget reviews for the Public Defender, Court Service, Court Administration and Coroner.

New Dawn Project Updates and invoices are also to be considered.

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

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

The committee will consider a request for a new liquor license from Sunrise Food and Liquor.

New raffle permits and special liquor license requests being considered include:

Helping Hannah’s Heart Foundation – special liquor license

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Ben Hur Lodge 870, special liquor license

Hooved Animal Humane Society – special liquor license

Hooved Animal Humane Society – raffle permit

Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program – raffle permit

McHenry County Historical Society – raffle permit

Police Benevolent & Protective Associate Lodge #192-McHenry County Sheriff’s Police – raffle permit

Woodstock Country Club, -- raffle permit

6:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake High School District 155 Board Finance Committee—

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

The committee is to consider a number of financial items including:

Year-end unaudited projections

FY13 Audit update

FY14 Budget Officer Resolution

Proposed Tentative FY14 Budget

Review of financial forecast Consultant

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee-

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

The Committee is to consider the 2013 goals, bike with your neighbor event—a scavenger hunt

Plans for the Johnny Appleseed festival on Saturday, September 28

Other matters as they are applicable will also be considered.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Building Committee

Meeting in the Ames II Room, Crystal Lake Public Library.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake High School District 155 Board –

Meeting in the District Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

A resolution is to be considered regarding the Budget Officer, followed by consideration of a tentative budget for 2013-2014 and a resolution to adopt a tentative budget.

Ultimate Frivolous Lawsuit

An attorney has taken "frivolous lawsuit" to a new level by filing a petition with the International Court of Justice saying the state of Israel should be held responsible for Christ's death.

Dola Indidis, a lawyer in Kenya and former spokesman for the Kenyan Judiciary, claims the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ was unlawful. In addition to Israel, he names as defendants Tiberius, who was emperor of Rome at the time of the crucifixion, Pontius Pilate, King Herod, several Jewish elders, and the Republic of Italy.

"I filed the case because it's my duty to uphold the dignity of Jesus and I have gone to the ICJ to seek justice for the man from Nazareth," Indidis told the Nairobian, a Kenyan news outlet.

"His selective and malicious prosecution violated his human rights through judicial misconduct, abuse of office, and prejudice."

While the individuals named in the petition have been dead for 2000 years, "Indidis insists the government for whom they acted can and should still be held responsible," according to the Jerusalem Post.

Indidis hopes the court in The Hague decides "that the proceedings before the Roman courts were a nullity in law," he told the Kenyan website Standard Media.

"Some of those present spat in his face, struck him with their fists, slapped him, taunted him, and pronounced him worthy of death.

"I am suing as a friend."

The attorney first filed his case in the High Court in Kenya, but it was rejected. He then applied to have it heard at the ICJ.

He asserts that his case has a "high probability of success."

But a spokesperson from the ICJ told the website Legal Cheek: "The ICJ has no jurisdiction for such a case. It is not even theoretically possible for us to consider this case."