Crystal Lake Park District Basketball Program Seeks Players

Everybody plays in this basketball program held directly after school in District 47 elementary school gymnasiums! Participants will develop basic individual basketball skills and team concepts all while having fun in a no pressure environment!  Five officiated games will be scheduled during the season at various schools to give the player a chance to use his newly acquired skills in game situations.  NEW for 2015! We will be hosting an exhibition game along with a skills challenge. Every registered participant will get to sign up for our skills challenge held on Saturday, March 7 & 14, 2015 at Lundahl Middle School.

Team shirts are included in the fee. 6th grade players may select to play at the grade school of their choice.  This program will not meet on half days of school or when district 47 does not meet. Parents are responsible for transportation to all away games.  Teams are being formed at Canterbury, Coventry, Husmann, North, South, West, Indian Prairie, Woodscreek and Glacier Ridge Schools.  Call Joe Davison at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1228 for more information.

Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org

Registration deadline is Friday, January 7, 2015

Program Fee: $93

GRADE          DAY    TIME               DATES

4th                   T/Th     3:30-5 PM       Jan 15-Mar 19

5th/6th             W/F     3:30-5 PM       Jan 16-Mar 20

No class as per District 47 and individual school calendars.

EarthShare Illinois Speaker Wednesday-Green Drinks

On Wednesday, January 7th, the public is invited to McHenry County Green Drinks at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake, from 5pm-7pm. Additional parking is available at the train station.

The main speaker for the evening is Tom Jacks, the Managing Director of EarthShare Illinois, a network of environmental nonprofits working together to address issues in our communities. EarthShare Illinois works with private and public sector organizations to provide employee engagement opportunities in sustainability, including workplace giving, volunteer events and educational opportunities. 

Tom Nowak will be in the Living Room from 5pm until the presentation. He is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner with Quantum Financial Planning LLC  and has been providing, hourly, as-needed financial planning and investment advice for 10 years.  He is a member of The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), Green America, the International Environmental Forum, the Garrett Planning Network, Inc., and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). In early 2012, he self-published a book titled “Low Fee Socially Responsible Investing: Investing in your worldview on your terms”. His latest book (December 2014) is titled “Low Fee Vegan Investing: Taking veganism to the next level”. Both books are geared to the green investor.

To be added to the Green Drinks email list, go to http://www.greendrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake  or “like” the group on FaceBook www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty.

The Green Drinks network was founded in North London, England in 1989 and now is active in over 600 cities worldwide. Interested public is always welcome to attend the McHenry County Green Drinks monthly event. Each month there is a short presentation on a different eco-topic plus displays and demonstrations. Also, information about upcoming eco-events and green products and services is made available. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available plus a featured “green drink”.

Green Drinks McHenry County is sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen.

Train For In-demand Career

Train for an in-demand career or upgrade skills in your existing job with degree and certificate programs offered by McHenry County College’s Fast Track program.

Programs include degrees in Business Management, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Management, and certificates in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining, Advanced Manufacturing, Architectural and Engineering Design Technology and more. 

These programs give students the advantage they need when competing in today’s workforce.

Registrations are still being accepted for Spring 2015 Semester classes. For details, go to mchenry.edu/fasttrack. For more information, contact Lori Smyth at (815) 479-7831.

Tap Dancing Classes -- Children And Adults

Is your child an aspiring ballerina or hip-hop dancer?  Or have you always wanted to learn to tap or just get fit through dance?

The Crystal Lake Park District has several ways to help anyone get started dancing. The next session of dance classes begins January 10 and include both recital and non-recital class opportunities. Recital classes are 16 weeks long and run January-May. Classes are available for ages 2 years & up, and are for all ability levels.

Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue. The following dance classes are offered for the winter/spring session: 

• ·       Tu Tu Tots
• ·       Tiny Tapping Hip Hoppers
• ·       Fairytale Dance Time
• ·       Pre Ballet
• ·       Pre Tap and Jazz
• ·       Tap/Jazz/Ballet
• ·       Pos/Hip Hop
• ·       Ballet/Lyrical
• ·       Jazz/Ballet Fusion
• ·       Baton Twirling
• ·       Musical Theater Workshop
• ·       Dance Fitness Jam
• ·       Adult Ballet & Jazz
• ·       Adult Line Dance
• ·       Active Adult Tap and Jazz
• ·       Ballroom and Social Dancing.

For more information contact Jennifer Peterson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1219, jpeterson@crystallakeparks.org

MCC Offers Phlebotomy Technician Training

McHenry County College will offer Phlebotomy Technician Training Jan. 12-April 29 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.

Phlebotomists are skilled healthcare professionals who have been trained to collect, transport, handle and process blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis using venipuncture and micro collection techniques. In addition, phlebotomists must be able to identify and select equipment, supplies and additives used in blood collection and understand factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results.

This is an in-demand profession, and MCC's program is designed to prepare students to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Route 2 Phlebotomy Technician National Certification Exam.

The program is geared toward a variety of students, including those with a healthcare background looking to strengthen their current skills and those desiring to become career phlebotomists.

The Phlebotomy Technician Training program consists of 160 hours, including 60 hours of classroom and lab and 100 hours of external clinical sessions at offsite locations for approximately three weeks near the end of the course. The clinical hours are Monday-Friday during daytime hours (starting as early as 5 a.m. and ending as late at 4:30 p.m., depending on location) and will be used to attain 100 unaided blood draws required by the ASCP. The fee for this course is $2,309, which includes the necessary textbooks, materials and one set of scrubs.

For more information please contact: Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or rkormanak@mchenry.edu.  Please be advised that there is sometimes a high demand for this program and due to limited openings you may be put on a waiting list to enroll.

Take A Little Trip For A Pleasant Day Out For Lunch

Treat yourself, or someone you love, to a day out for lunch. The McHenry County College Trips and Tours program and Van Galder Tour & Travel present "Dine and Discovery," a new restaurant of the month program beginning in January. Each outing features quality cuisine at a unique restaurant, followed by an educational and entertaining activity. Price includes a meal, an activity and transportation from MCC on a deluxe motor coach. 

The following restaurant trips are available:

January - Rosewood Restaurant in Delevan, Wisconsin. The Rosewood Restaurant is Southeastern Wisconsin’s newest live entertainment attraction. Farm fresh culinary experience paired with the high energy vocals of Mark and Gretch Productions that will get you tapping your toes. The Beat Goes On show spotlights hits by Glen Miller Band, Andrew Sisters, Elvis, Johnny Cash and more. While onsite, enjoy the fireplace or stroll the shops for special treasures. Trip takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Cost is $89 per person.  Use course ID: NST S36 001 to register.

February - Millrose Restaurant in Barrington. Enjoy a rustic ambiance in a relaxed country atmosphere and dine on quality food with generous portions. Seven large, 125-year old barns have been moved and used to create the restaurant, banquet facilities and country store. Browse the store to find goodies to take home. Next, visit the Baha’i House of Worship for North America, where all are welcome. One of only Seven Baha’i temples in the world, this unique structure symbolizes unity and invites spirituality. Trip takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Cost is $79 per person.  Use course ID: NST S37 001 to register.

March - 52 Stratford in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Wet your whistle in one of Wisconsin’s prettiest Irish Pubs. Enjoy exquisite cuisine in an atmosphere of elegance. Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine area, this area was at one time, home to the largest number of Irish settlements in the state. Tour the historic inn, which has 19 rooms onsite and learn a little Irish history, plus a mystery activity will delight the senses. Trip takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Cost is $89 per person.  Use course ID: NST S38 001 to register.

Registration can be made online at www.mchenry.edu/trips and follow the prompts for Workforce and Community Development class registration or to register by phone, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

Take A Little Day Trip -- See "West Side Story"

Join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours program for a day trip to see the captivating musical “West Side Story” at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18.

Drury Lane completes its 30th anniversary season with one of the world’s greatest love stories. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of two, star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs. A revolutionary work that changed the course of the American musical, West Side Story features an electrifying Latin and jazz-infused score including “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” and “America.”

Enjoy a delicious meal, included in the price, before the 1:30 p.m. show. Cost is $99 per person. To register for this trip, call (815) 455-8588 and mention course ID: NST S33 001. For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

Everybody Plays -- After School Basketball Program

Everybody plays in this basketball program held directly after school in District 47 elementary school gymnasiums! Participants will develop basic individual basketball skills and team concepts all while having fun in a no pressure environment!  Five officiated games will be scheduled during the season at various schools to give the player a chance to use his newly acquired skills in game situations. 

NEW for 2015! We will be hosting an exhibition game along with a skills challenge. Every registered participant will get to sign up for our skills challenge held on Saturday, March 7 & 14, 2015 at Lundahl Middle School.

Team shirts are included in the fee. 6th grade players may select to play at the grade school of their choice.  This program will not meet on half days of school or when district 47 does not meet. Parents are responsible for transportation to all away games.  Teams are being formed at Canterbury, Coventry, Husmann, North, South, West, Indian Prairie, Woodscreek and Glacier Ridge Schools.  Call Joe Davison at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1228 for more information.

Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org beginning December 18. 

Registration deadline is Friday, January 7, 2015

Program Fee: $93

GRADE         DAY   TIME             DATES

4th                   T/Th     3:30-5 PM       Jan 15-Mar 19

5th/6th             W/F     3:30-5 PM       Jan 16-Mar 20

No class as per District 47 and individual school calendars.

Become A Literacy Tutor For Reading, Math And English

Free information sessions on becoming a literacy tutor for reading, math and English are available at McHenry County College (MCC) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Room A342 or from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in Room A372.

o   MCC’s Adult Education Department is in need of volunteers to tutor adult students in reading, math or English as a Second Language. Anyone over the age of 18 with a desire to make a difference in someone’s life is encouraged to attend. 

o   A literacy volunteer tutor does not have to speak a second language or have any teaching experience to tutor in the adult education literacy program. Volunteer tutors will receive free basic training that provides the information and skills needed to work with literacy students.

o   Training classes are held either on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings starting in February. All teaching materials are supplied to volunteers. Tutoring scheduling is flexible to meet people’s busy schedules, including those who are retired or working full time.

o   “People looking to make a difference in the life of an Adult Education student should come to an orientation session to learn about this rewarding opportunity,” said Marie Day, coordinator of Adult Ed and Literary Support Services.

o   Additional information sessions are offered at 6:30 p.m. March 4 and at 9 a.m. March 7. For more information or to register for an orientation or training session, call Marie Day at (815) 455-8542. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

o   This project was made possible in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.