Learn About Mother Nature At MCC

Join one or more non-credit Sustainability classes offered by  McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department. Learn about tree identification, beekeeping, essential oils and hydroponics. 

The following courses are accepting registration:

Winter Tree Identification: Learn how to identify tree and shrub species by looking at the bark, buds, and twigs. Class will begin indoors, then move outside to test your skills on the wide variety of tree and bush species growing in the park. Class takes place from 9-11:50 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Hennen Conservation District in Woodstock. Cost is $7. Use course code: NPG S32 002 to register.

Beekeeping 101: The demand for bees for pollination is up, so this is a good time to learn about bees and beekeeping. Local bee expert Larry Krengel will cover bee biology, modern beekeeping techniques, construction of hives, and how to acquire bees. Keep bees for the fun of it, as a sideline job or to help your garden and orchard. Class takes place from 7-9:20 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1-22 in Room A102 at MCC. Cost is $59. Use course code: NPG S38 005 to register.

Introduction to Essential Oils: Learn the history of essential oils and how they were used throughout the years. The basics of how, when and why to use essential oils to enhance your everyday life will also be explained. Participants will bring home a sachet of salts scented with the oil of their choice, along with handouts on how to use the oils at home. Class takes place from 6-6:50 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 in Room A117 at MCC. Cost is $15. Use course code: NHE S45 004 to register.

Seven Ways to Raise a Queen: The number of small-scale beekeepers is increasing, and the demand for locally raised queen bees is growing. Gain information and seven simple methods of raising healthy honeybee queens. With a few insights and a small amount of equipment, the backyard beekeeper can raise locally adapted queens from bee stock with a great record of winter survival, good temperament, and excellent honey production. Class takes place from 7-9:20 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29 in Room A103 at MCC. Cost is $22. Use course code: NPG S83 006 to register.

Introduction to Hydroponics: Grow whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want with Hydroponics. This class will teach the basics needed to successfully grow your own food. From seed to harvest, gardening without soil is the way to go. See what this growing trend is about and how easy it really is. Class takes place from 6:30-8:20 p.m. Monday, March 7 in Room C104 at MCC. Cost is $20. Use course code NPG S25 002 to register.

In March, look for more Sustainability classes, including Eating the Rainbow: Nutrient Density, Introduction to Permaculture, Green Cleaning with Essential Oils and Burn Training for Landowners and Volunteers.

To register, call (814) 455-8588. For more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/community or call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782 or cterrones@mchenry.edu

McHenry County College Board Selects Next College President

The McHenry County College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Dr. Clinton E. Gabbard to serve as the College’s eighth president.

After a thorough, five-month presidential search process, Dr. Gabbard was one of four final presidential candidates selected by MCC’s presidential search committee, facilitated by national executive search firm, R.H. Perry & Associates. The Board selected Gabbard as the College’s new president due to his alignment with MCC’s mission, his commitment to community collaboration, his ability to develop relationships both internally and externally, and his ability to move initiatives forward, always with a continuous focus on learning and student success in mind.

The Board is eager to begin working with Dr. Gabbard,” said Board Chair Mike Smith. “He brings a new perspective to the College, and a balance of experience in both teaching and administration. With his extensive knowledge in strategic planning, community-based initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, Dr. Gabbard will undoubtedly move the institution forward.” 

Dr. Gabbard’s most recent role was the Vice President of Student Services at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI. During his years there, he provided the strategic vision and administrative leadership to numerous departments, including Admissions/Recruiting, Advising, Registrar, Athletics, Financial Aid, Early College, Student Life, Student Outreach and Support Services, Career and Transfer Center, and the Start-to-Finish Program. He also was responsible for the development and implementation of a $3 million annual budget with leadership responsibilities for 56 employees. Among Dr. Gabbard’s multiple accomplishments at Lake Michigan College were the design and execution of an intensive ‘Start-to-Finish’ student success program; the development of a new leadership and college involvement plan for the Student Success Council and its framework for a Title III proposal; and the development of key planning for two critical students spaces at the institution—a student activity center and a center for veterans. 

Previous roles include Vice President of Student Services for Walla Walla Community College, Director of Counseling and Psych Services at Purdue University, and Psychologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at University of Notre Dame. He also co-founded TrestleTree Inc., a private sector behavioral health service for employers. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel College. 

For Dr. Gabbard, the decision to come to McHenry County College was a simple one. “I am humbled and excited to accept this role at MCC. The College’s value of community aligns with my deeply-held belief that colleges are only as strong as their commitment to working together and to being an effective partner with the local community,” Gabbard stated.

He has also expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead the College into the future. “I am thrilled to work alongside the great faculty, staff, administrators, students, and Board members who all share a deep love for the communities that the College serves.” 

When he begins his new role with the College, he will focus much of his efforts on working with the Board to continue the strategic direction that has been set. He also plans to devote significant effort to listening to the College’s stakeholders. “I want to really understand what the strengths and the issues are—from the trustees, from the employees, from the students, and from the community.” 

 On behalf of McHenry County College, the Board of Trustees would like to express their sincere appreciation to every individual who served on the Presidential Search Committee, for their dedication and time throughout the process, as well as to all students, community members, and employees who participated in finalist sessions. “The Board is confident that Dr. Gabbard will lead McHenry County College on a path of continued student success, innovation, and fiscal responsibility,” said Chair Smith.“We have a profoundly serious role in making an economic impact on our region by helping improve the lives of our citizens through the hope of education and training,” Gabbard explained. “Students at McHenry County College are seizing a great opportunity with their education, and that will surely inspire me to provide collaborative leadership on their behalf.” 

Dr. Gabbard is scheduled to begin his role as MCC president on Monday, January 11, 2016. Upon his arrival at the College, various opportunities will be made available to meet and talk with him, as well as a formal meeting with the press.  

For a complete overview on Dr. Gabbard, including the presidential employment agreement, please visit http://www.mchenry.edu/presidentialsearch.

Rabid Bat Found In Crystal Lake Residence

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) confirms a rabid bat was found on December 10, in a Crystal Lake residence.  There was a confirmed human exposure so rabies treatment has begun.  Homeowners who find bats in their homes should contain the bat in a room by closing the door or placing a blanket on it and immediately call Animal Control (815-459-6222).  In order to test bats for rabies, it is important they be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased.  Specimens in good condition that test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure. Only in cases of confirmed exposure will bats be submitted for testing.

The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure.  For questions about exposure or to determine the need for treatment, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500. Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory.  Keeping cats and dogs up to date with vaccinations will not only keep them from getting rabies but also provide a barrier of protection for you if your animal is bitten by a rabid animal. Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. A fact sheet on bat exclusion can be ved at www.mcdh.info.

 

 Residents are encouraged to take a “hands off” approach to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure.  Children should also be educated about the dangers. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in your home, in a swimming pool or on the lawn) or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid. To learn more about rabies prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/

 

Celebrate The Holiday Season

McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption (MCAC) is celebrating the Holiday season by offering discounted pet adoptions with a donation to a local charity.  From now until December 31, bring in an item for one of three designated charities and adopt a cat (one year or older) by naming your adoption fee!

Bring in an unwrapped gift for the Salvation Army Toy Drive, a contribution to the McHenry County Food Pantry (pet food welcomed!), or to MCAC and adopt a cat for a fee that you establish.   If you can’t adopt a cat right now, your donation entitles you to name a kitten instead!

“Our hope is to find forever homes for all of our animal friends before the end of this Holiday season,"  Said Kara Plonczynski, the Volunteer Coordinator for MCAC. “In addition to naming your fee for older cats, we are also offering reduced adoption fees of $50 for kittens.  This special $50 fee also applies to adoptions of what we like to call “senior” dogs, which is any dog seven years or older.” 

The best gift for the MCAC staff would be seeing every cage empty by December 24, knowing it means every animal is in a forever home surrounded by a new family.   MCAC is offering this Holiday adoption special until the end of the year.  For more information about adopting a cat or dog from MCAC, find the Friends of McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption on Facebook, visit the Animal Control section at www.mcdh.info or call 815-459-6222.

Final Opportunity To Vote For Favorite Band

Crystal Lake Park District Summer Concert Goers! Summer Concerts in the Park at Main Beach are a long standing Crystal Lake tradition. The Park District hosts one concert weekly, June-August and admission is free. The Park District strives to offer a variety of music genres, community groups and long time crowd favorites.

Please help us bring back your favorite band for a special night of the Summer Concert Series. The band with the most votes will be brought back to perform on a Tuesday night during the summer 2016. The choice is yours! The winner will be announced in December. Voting closes on December 11.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X2GTKTZ

Not sure which band to vote for?
You Tube video links are listed below to review before your vote. 

R-Gang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGfGnvaNEOo&feature=youtu.be

New Odyssey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htRhemYiD6Q&feature=youtu.be

Cavern Beat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rku5BJVykpM&feature=youtu.be

Classical Blast 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08KmRSMeBM4&feature=youtu.be

MCC 2015 Joseph A.Blanco Spirit Award

Photo Caption:

MCC student Kayin Moore of Crystal Lake was named the fall 2015 recipient of the Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 award for tuition and books given to a student who displays a positive attitude while working toward the completion of a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability. Pictured are, from left, front row: Kayin Moore, Gayle Barkley and back row, l-r: Tutors Ellen Morton, Whitney Kuhlin, Hunter Flanagan; Lili O’Connell, Access and Disability Services manager; Tutors Donna Davis, Cathy Aney, Beverly Jackson; Adriane Hutchinson, dean of Academic Development; Brenda Stiff and Dane Walkington, foundation staff members.

McHenry County College (MCC) named Kayin Moore of Crystal Lake as the recipient of the Fall 2015 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $600 gift given to a student who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Moore was selected by MCC Access and Disability Services, formerly the Special Needs Department, for exemplifying the can-do attitude and determination that the Spirit Award recognizes.

He started at MCC in 2014 and is working toward an associate degree. Moore plans to pursue a career in computer science. He will use the award funds for tuition and/or book expenses at MCC during the Spring 2016 Semester.

The Spirit Award was founded in 2009 by Joe Blanco, a longtime MCC special needs tutor, before he passed away in 2011 as a way to honor students who inspire others every day.

Gayle Barkley, Access and Disability Services assistant, nominated Moore for the award, saying he is a most deserving “can-do” candidate for the Spirit Award.

“I have witnessed his personal growth over this past year,” Barkley said. “He has become a great communicator and self-advocate. His future plans include transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to pursue a degree in computer science. Kayin has been proactive in finding a good fit for his learning style and is already working with the Disability Services and Advising offices at Whitewater. I have no doubt he will be quite successful in his future.”