CL Park District's New Recreation Aquatics Supervisor

Jessica Ortega joined the Crystal Lake Park District in December 2014 as the District’s Recreation Aquatics Supervisor. Her responsibilities include overseeing Crystal Lake Park District beach operations, youth and teen programming, and special events. 

Jessica received her undergraduate degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University in 2011. In addition to her degree, Jessica is also a certified Lifeguard Instructor with Ellis and Associates. She began her career at the Elk Grove Park District as the Aquatic Program Supervisor before heading to Darwin, Australia to work for the YMCA of the Top End as the Palmerston Water Park Facility Manager. After returning to the United States, Jessica joined the Kankakee Valley Park District as the Aquatic Manager and the General Manager of the ice arena.

Jessica is pleased to take on this exciting opportunity at the Crystal Lake Park District and encourages residents with an interest in aquatics, special events and youth/teen programming to contact her with their program suggestions. Residents interested in sharing program ideas and suggestions with Jessica may contact her via email at jortega@crystallakeparks.org, or by phone at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1213.

Veterinary Assistant Training At MCC

The next Veterinary Assistant training program at McHenry County College is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 6 through May 21 in Room A207. Veterinary assistants work alongside veterinarians and technicians providing care to sick and injured animals.

Students will complete an additional 30-hour externship outside of the 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, veterinary assistants are in demand. Veterinary assistants have been identified by the U.S. Dept. of Labor as one of the fastest growing professions. Anyone who is seeking a new career or side job may consider this opportunity close to home.

Course fee 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 002

Federal Marketplace Insurance Offerings Enrollment Deadline Monday

Open Enrollment for 2015 health insurance plans offered on the Federal Marketplace ends on February 15, 2015.  However, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents that Monday, December 15 is the last day to select a plan and get health insurance coverage that will begin on January 1, 2015.  This is also the deadline to review your existing Marketplace plan and re-enroll to ensure the correct amount of tax credits are applied to lower your premium in January 2015.  To schedule an appointment or speak to a local Navigator for assistance, call MCDH at 815-334-4510 or visit www.mcdh.info for available appointment times and Navigator contact information.  To make an appointment after hours call Get Covered Illinois at 866-311-1119. 

Through funding made possible by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Enroll McHenry County is a partnership of the Department of Health, Centegra Health System, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Pioneer Center for Human Services, and Advocate Good Shepherd.  State licensed Navigators will provide education and drop-in enrollment assistance appointments at the Johnsburg Library on Saturday December 13th from 1-5 p.m (3000 N. Johnsburg Rd, McHenry, IL 60051, (815) 344-0077)

More than 6,000 McHenry County residents used the Marketplace to get health insurance in 2014 and Enroll McHenry Navigators provided crucial assistance to many.  Consumers are reminded to respond to notices from the federal Marketplace to update their account information online.  There are 56 health plans available to McHenry County residents and prices and networks have changed.  It’s a good idea to review your existing plan to see if a better plan or a larger tax credit is available. 

After Open Enrollment ends (February 15th 2015), you must have a life change to enroll on the Marketplace (eg. birth, marriage, loss of employer coverage, etc.).  Residents eligible for Medicaid/All Kids can enroll at anytime during the year.  For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace and/or enrollment, contact MCDH at 815-334-4510. 

An Important Event At MCC Saturday Morning

WHAT:          McHenry County College Winter 2014 Commencement

WHERE:       MCC Gym/Multi-purpose Room in Building A

WHEN:          10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13

Description:   McHenry County College Winter Commencement will honor students who have earned associate degrees and/or certificates in 2014 summer and fall semester.

Antonio Hernandez of Fox River Grove has been selected as the student speaker for the commencement ceremony. He is a Cary-Grove High School graduate and will be receiving his Associate in Science degree. His career goal is to become a physician. He served on MCC’s Student Senate and MCC’s Forensics Team.

Representative Wheeler Statement Regarding Judy Baar Topinka

Statement by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake)

The passing of Judy Baar Topinka is a tremendous blow to our state. Judy led the way for so many women like me to become involved in Illinois Politics. She was a trailblazer who held firm to a belief in sound fiscal management and her leadership will be sorely missed.

"Citizens Can Always Record The Actions Of Police Officers Working In Public" Representaive Wheeler

Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has sought to alleviate the concerns of many residents following a number of misleading media pieces concerning Senate Bill 1342. SB 1342 pertains to surreptitious recording of private conversations and seeks to protect all citizens from having private conversations recorded and made public without their consent.

“I think it’s fair to say we should all be very concerned about the prospect of our freedom of speech being infringed upon,” said Wheeler. “Unfortunately, a great deal of misinformation is being circulated right now that it’s a crime to record the police. This is simply not true; in fact SB 1342 ensures each and every one of us is protected from someone else secretly recording a conversation we think is private.”

Senate Bill 1342 was passed by both houses of the state legislature and is now on its way to Governor Quinn for consideration. It specifically criminalizes secretly recording “private conversations” between two or more people, where at least one has a “reasonable expectation” of privacy. The proposed law does not make it illegal to record police interactions in public, it actually makes it clear that such recordings are legal. The new bill attempts to protect people from surreptitious and improper recording of their conversations to protect their right to a reasonable expectation of privacy.

In March, the Illinois Supreme Court struck down an eavesdropping law that would make it a felony to record audio of police officers working in public. The court ruled that no state could make it illegal to record conversations where there was no “reasonable expectation of privacy,” highlighting the potential for infringement upon the freedom the speech.

“I want to make it very clear for everyone concerned about this that citizens can always record the actions of police in public, and if you suspect something illegal is going on, you should record it,” said Wheeler. “What we don’t want to happen in this day and age of constant transmission of information due to new technologies, is to have our private conversations and interactions made public as a means of slander, or anything of that nature.”

Representative Barbara Wheeler Statement

The passing of Judy Baar Topinka is a tremendous blow to our state. Judy led the way for so many women like me to become involved in Illinois Politics. She was a trailblazer who held firm to a belief in sound fiscal management and her leadership will be sorely missed.

Expanded MCC Offerings In Harvard Area

McHenry County College has expanded its offerings in the Harvard area to further help both students and residents save time and transportation costs. In addition to offering credit classes, which count toward associate degrees, MCC offers a free tax preparation clinic during tax season.

The credit courses include: tax preparation, computer literacy, English, elementary algebra, sociology, Spanish and speech, which take place in the evenings at Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Administration Building at 401 N. Division Street.

Offered for the second year in a row, McHenry County College will continue the free bilingual tax preparation with free e-filing for individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic. The tax clinic is for those with household income less than $55,000. The Harvard tax clinic hours are on Mondays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning in mid-January through April 13 at the District 50 Administration Building, in the Board Room. For more information on the tax clinic, contact (847) 260-VITA.

Registration is now open for Spring 2015 semester classes, which begin the week of Jan. 19, 2015.

Returning students with general questions may contact the Advising Office at (815) 479-7565. New students with general questions may contact Kellie Carper at (815) 455-8670.

Objection Filing To MCC Board Candidates Filed Petition

Anyone wishing to file an objection regarding a candidate’s filed petition for the April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election may file said objection at McHenry County College in the Campus Public Safety Office, Room B176 on December 23, 26, 29, 30 and 31, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Objections must contain an original and two copies and must be filed no later than December 31, 2014.

Those filing petition objections may use the entrance at Building B, (Located by the flagpoles at parking lots B and D.)

For more information, contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

Added Flu Shot Clinics

There is still time to get your flu shot before the holiday get-togethers with family and friends.  As flu cases have already been reported in the County, college students returning home for the Christmas break are also reminded to get the flu vaccine.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has scheduled additional vaccination clinics to protect residents against the flu.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.  Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info for the following clinics –

·         4pm-6pm, Thursday, Dec. 18: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue

·         4pm-6pm, Monday, Dec. 29: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Even healthy people can get the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. The flu vaccine protects not only you but those around you who are most vulnerable like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection.  Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. 

For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Just Passing Along Information

WD Larsen has left a new comment on the post "Recycling Drive Saturday, December 13"It follows:

“Re-use and recycling are great, but I have serious concerns about the used clothing collection company 'USAgain', mentioned in the announcement.

“Around the country, USAgain and other outsider groups are reportedly causing donations of wearable clothing to dwindle at local charities. That would mean charitable groups in many communities have less funding to help the needy. Please think about this next time you have clothes to give away.

“USAgain is controversial for even more disturbing reasons. Reports going back a decade suggest that the for-profit company, to quote a Seattle TV news investigation, “... routinely pretended to be a charity so business owners wouldn't ask for rent on the bin space.”

“Worse, Danish prosecutors link USAgain to an alleged cult called the Tvind Teachers Group. Five leaders of this group are Interpol fugitives wanted in their native Denmark in connection with a multimillion-dollar tax-fraud and embezzlement scheme.

“To clarify, it’s likely that the only Tvind Teachers Group members at USAgain are its officers, none of whom are wanted by Interpol. And the company’s laborers and local managers are probably just regular folks trying to hold down a job. But the following report quotes a former USAgain branch manager who says she had been pressured to join the Teachers Group, reportedly an elite group within the broader Tvind organization.

“Google search these two reports:

“Millions In Clothing Donations Diverted From Charity kirotv

“Local Mayor Wants Red Bins Out Usagain in Seattle YouTube

[“The description box in the 2nd report has more info. Click 'Show more' while on that page.]

“Thanks for the chance to express my opinions. Please research before you donate.”

Objections To Crystal Lake Council Filings

The Crystal Lake Municipal Officers Electoral Board will conduct two hearings on Wednesday, December 10 in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street.

At 7:00 p.m. the Municipal Officers Electoral Board, comprised of Brett Hopkins, Nick Kachiroubas and Ralph Dawson, will consider objections to Sascha K. Chadwick who filed nominating papers for the office of Mayor, to be voted on in the April 2015 City Election. The objection was filed by Aaron T. Shepley.

At 8:30 p.m. on the same date, the Electoral Board, comprised of Aaron T. Shepley, Nick Kachiroubas and Ralph Dawson, will conduct a hearing on objections filed to the nominating papers of Jeremy Krick filed by Cathy Ferguson Brett Hopkins and Ellen Brady Mueller.

Representative Wheeler Notes Lack Of Bipartison Legislative Solutions

Op-Ed by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake)

During the second week of this year’s veto session, the majority party once again sought to ignore the demand of Illinois voters and their call for bipartisan solutions. On a party-line vote of 67-46, the Democrats in the Illinois House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 3075 under the guise of a narrative to reduce costs. The bill, if signed into law by Gov. Quinn prior to Gov.-Elect Rauner taking office, would slash civil juries from twelve members to six, while increasing pay by more than six-times its current level.

On face value this seems like a relatively good thing, local governments are financially strapped, why not save some money by reducing the size of juries. Governments can reduce expenditures and be able to better compensate those missing time from work to perform their civic duty. However, what about the rights of a person to have a jury of their peers, doesn’t it seem a bit obtuse to arbitrarily cut jury sizes in half? In a democracy as diverse as ours, a group of only six people may come to a very different conclusion than a group of twelve, particularly on civil cases where money is being awarded to one of the parties. The reason for twelve jury members was not determined without careful consideration, and for good reason.

Even if we ignore the questionable nature of arbitrarily cutting jury size in half, what about the difference between civil and criminal juries? Only civil juries will be reduced to six, not criminal juries, so how will this impact cost-savings? Here again we have a problem of actually saving money. In both McHenry and Lake County, the counties have stated that the vast majority of jury trials are criminal in nature, not civil, making any savings from reducing jury size negligible. However, if jury compensation were to remain at current levels, there would be some savings to the counties that could then potentially be passed onto taxpayers.

The problem with SB 3075 in terms of savings to the counties is that it dramatically increases the costs associated with juries. This bill doesn’t only increase the compensation for the civil juries it cuts in size, it increases the compensation for all juries. Instead of $4 per day and mileage compensation, compensation would jump to $25 for the first day and $50 for the second day; that’s an increase of six-times and twelve-times respectively. There is no doubt that this increase in costs will be borne on the backs of the taxpayers in McHenry and Lake Counties. Officials from both counties have stated unequivocally that SB 3075 will dramatically increase costs; a 425 percent increase according to McHenry County’s own estimates. In 2013, McHenry County spent just over $88,000 paying jurors for performing their civic duty. Had SB 3075 been law in 2013, McHenry conservatively estimates that it would have had to payout $368,000. Similarly, Lake County estimates its costs under SB 3075 increasing by $500,000.

The simple fact is that this is another unfunded-mandate handed down to Illinois taxpayers at the behest of special interest. Actions like this are what have led Illinois into its current state of financial calamity. Until sensible fiscal management is sought by all the elected officials who represent McHenry County and Lake County in Springfield, this type of bludgeoning of county budgets and taxpayers will continue.

Woodscreek Park -- Crystal Lake-- Open

Woodscreek Park (1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake), a Crystal Lake Park District park, quietly reopened to the public in mid-November. Watch for a Grand Opening Celebration early next summer.

• The new park includes:
• 60% more parking spaces
• Permanent baggo and bocce courts
• Improved sand volleyball court
• Expanded tennis courts
• Castle themed playground and splash pad
• Bioswales, rain gardens and a water feature
• A second fishing pier

Stop by before the snow piles up and enjoy some chilly outdoor fun! The picnic shelter can be reserved for next year beginning in January 2015.

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. 

Recycling Drive Saturday, December 13

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will again conduct a recycling drive on Saturday, December 13th from 9a.m. until noon, at a NEW LOCATION - in front of the Soil & Water Conservation District building at 2222 S. Dean Street, just south of Route 14, in Woodstock

. 

The Defenders recycle materials not collected in curbside recycling and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.  It costs them to recycle these unusual items and therefore monetary donations of any size would be appreciated from all who bring materials to the drive. 

The Defenders will take household batteries, car batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. Electronics, such as computers, televisions, 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 EDMC at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!)

USAgain Clothes Collection System (http://www.usagain.com) will be providing a truck at each EDMC drive to accept any kind of cloth items—clothing, linens, or just plain rags, clean and bagged.  They will also accept shoes, tied together by their laces and placed in the bag. 

There are additional drop off sites for electronics:  Algonquin Township Road District 3702 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, 847-639-2700 X6, Computer Recycling Center in Crystal Lake, 815-455-6300 (call for information) and Lakewood's electronics drop-off site at 6570 Haligus Road, south of Ballard Rd. Also, Styrofoam can be dropped off any time at the Lakewood Village Hall or the Lakewood Public Works building on Haligus Road.

EDMC will accept donations of aluminum cans at all recycling drives to help fund our educational and advocacy programs.

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

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

Three MCC Board Seats Open For April 7 Election

The McHenry County College Board of Trustees has two, six-year seats, and one, four-year seat open for new board members for the April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election. According to the Illinois Public Community College Act—whether filling a vacancy or running for election, all candidates for the position must meet the following eligibility requirements. A candidate must be:

- A U.S. Citizen

- A resident of the community college district (MCC District #528)

- At least 18 years of age

Petitions for McHenry County College trustee candidates will be available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at McHenry County College – Office of the President, room A233, at McHenry County College, 8900 U. S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2738.

Candidacy petitions for McHenry County College Board of Trustees positions are still available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23. Petition filing starts at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 and ends at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.  

For more information contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her atpkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

For more information about the benefits of becoming a community college board member, visit the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) website at: www.communitycolleges.org or read more at: http://www.commuitycolleges.org/candidatebrochure.pdf

Petitions For McHenry County College Board Available

Petitions for McHenry County College trustee candidates will be available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at McHenry County College – Office of the President, room A233, at McHenry County College, 8900 U. S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2738.

Candidacy petitions for McHenry County College Board of Trustees positions are still available. Petition filing starts at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 and ends at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.  

For more information contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her atpkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.

For more information about the benefits of becoming a community college board member, visit the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) website at: www.communitycolleges.org or read more at: http://www.commuitycolleges.org/candidatebrochure.pdf

Objection Filing Dates for MCC Board Candidacies

Anyone wishing to file an objection regarding a candidate’s filed petition for the April 7, 2015 McHenry County College Consolidated Election may file said objection at the College in the Campus Public Safety Office, Room A233 on December 23, 26, 29, 30 and 31, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Objections must contain an original and two copies and must be filed no later than December 31, 2014.

Those filing petition objections may use the entrance at Building B, located by the flagpoles at parking lots B and D.

For more information, contact: Pat Kriegermeier, Office of the President, at (815) 455-8726 or email her at pkriegermeier@mchenry.edu.