Boating Safety Course Offered By Crystal Lake Park District

If you are interested in an exciting, in-depth boating safety course, check out the 5-Week America's Boating Course offered by the Crystal Lake Park District. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course. This boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. The 5 Week America’s Boating Course is all new and completely updated. The course covers required topics (boat types, safety equipment, navigation aids, lights and sounds, anchoring, adverse conditions, water sports safety, trailing, communication afloat, personal water craft safety, knots and lines).  Optional introduction to digital charts and GPS waypoint navigation is also offered.  Successful completion of this course provides a certificate accepted by IL and other states that require boating education to operate watercraft.  Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. For more information contact Jessica Ortega at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1213. Register by February 25.

America’s Boating Course (ages 12 and up), Code #5177-0

Wednesday, March 4-April 1, 7-9 pm

Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

Resident Fee: $64, Non-Resident Fee: $69

Nominations Sought For 2015 MCC Distinguished Alumni Award

The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation seeks nominations for the 2015 MCC Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize MCC alumni who are making their communities a better place to live and work.

Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes the accomplishments of notable McHenry County College alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession and have made a positive impact on their community. The award winners will be recognized at the MCC Distinguished Alumni Ceremony at McHenry County College in April 2015. 

The 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were Ms. Mary Miller, President/CEO, Miller Verchota, Inc., Judge Mary Nader, 22nd Judicial Circuit, McHenry County and Ms. Sandra Pierce, President, Phoenix Woodworking.

“Many MCC alumni have launched successful careers and continue to make a difference in the community,” said Matt Lemke, Friends of MCC Foundation, Board of Directors president. “The Distinguished Alumni award program allows the College to celebrate the achievements of its alumni and the role that MCC has played in their successes.”

The criteria for nomination includes: former MCC student who has completed a minimum of three credit hours, achieved success of an exceptional nature within his or her chosen field or profession, and has made a positive impact on his or her community through leadership and/or volunteering. To be further considered for the award, the candidate must agree to accept the award at the Distinguished Alumni Ceremony and agree to return to campus at least once within the year to be a guest speaker and/or participate in a student engagement activity.

The deadline for nomination forms is Monday, March 2 at midnight CST.  Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else. If self-nominating, at least one letter of reference must be submitted. If available, MCC welcomes the additional submissions of up to three letters of recommendation.

For more information, and for a nomination form, visit www.mchenry.edu/alumni. For additional information, contact the Foundation office at (815) 455-8556 or by email at alumni@mchenry.edu.

Special New Restaurant Opens February 12 At MCC

McHenry County College culinary students are currently testing fine dining recipes for Slàinte (pronounced “slawn-cha”), the College’s student-managed restaurant. Slàinte will re-open for the spring semester on Thursday, Feb. 12. Restaurant hours are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 23.

This season’s theme is classic comfort food with a modern twist such as a napoleon of filet mignon and portabella mushrooms. Dessert will include classic bread pudding, a rotation of flavored crème brulee and a rumchata cannoli. The final menu will be posted to www.mchenry.edu/slainte during opening week.

According to MCC’s culinary management department chair, Tina Drzal, 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. 

In addition to standard coursework, students gain real-world experience in two forums: Slàinte, which runs during the spring semester, and Sweet Scots Bakery, which runs during the fall semester.

Slàinte is designed to both educate students and delight customers, Drzal said. “Our focus in the program is giving the students the opportunity to see the whole picture,” she said. “They test and cost recipes, maintain inventory, manage and learn the importance of service standards. Upon graduation, they are certified in food safety, safe alcohol service, nutrition, inventory costing and supervisory management.”

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, Drzal noted.

Drzal has been a chef instructor at MCC for six years and created the college’s Baking and Pastry Management degree for the culinary program. She has been a visiting chef for “Christmas at the Dole” and the Galena Chocolate Fest. Her background includes pastry, culinary and restaurant management. 

Seating capacity at the student-managed restaurant is 60, and reservations are suggested. The menu is a la carte style with most meals under $15. 

The restaurant is located in the MCC Scot Room, Building B, Room 178, behind the cafeteria. The College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. For menu details, reservations and more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/slainte. For information about MCC’s Culinary Program, visit www.mchenry.edu/culinary.

Crystal Lake Chili Open Golf Classic Scheduled February 7

A reminder – the 43^rd Annual Chili Open Golf Classic is scheduled Saturday, February 7 on the Crystal Lake. In the event of poor condition on the lake, the event will be postponed until February 14
.

The event will take place on the Crystal Lake Main Beach, located at 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Tee times begin at 8 AM and are available on a first-come, first served basis. The registration fee is $120 per foursome team.

The Chili Open Golf Classic is a favorite winter tradition for many. Golfers will play one championship, nine-hole, par-32 course on frozen Crystal Lake. You don't have to have any golfing experience to participate, just bring three friends, a few short irons, a putter and come have fun on the lake. All foursomes will receive our great giveaway, one bowl of chili and the chance to win several prizes. Prizes will include; golf bags, golf clubs, golf apparel, and gift cards. Decorate a sled and enter the Chili Open "Best Sled" contest for your chance to win even more great golf prizes.  Painted golf balls, prizes and side games are provided to all golfers. 

Just like a typical land golf tournament, the Chili Open features generous hole sponsors that provide prizes for the event. Special thanks to the 2015 Chili Open Golf Classic sponsors: Heritage Woods (Huntley and McHenry), Buffalo Wild Wings and Dunkin Donuts.

Private Investigator Career Training

Those who desire to locate lost loved ones, investigate fraud or be part of an undercover operation may consider a career as a private investigator.

McHenry County College is offering an Introduction to Private Investigation class on Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. beginning Feb. 19 through April 16. Taught by a licensed private detective, this class fulfills the training requirements mandated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for obtaining the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). The PERC is necessary for anyone interested in pursuing this profession.

All course materials are included in the cost of $209. Use course ID: QCJ C01 001 when registering.  To register by phone, contact the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 or register online at www.mchenry.edu/myMCC and select “Register for Workforce and Community Development Classes.”  For more information, contact: Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879.

Cholesterol Screenings Available In February

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer cholesterol screenings in recognition of February’s American Heart Month. The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, heart age assessment and cardiovascular education. The cost is $35. A nursing consult is available once results are received. Men who are 50 years of age may also receive a free PSA screening. Appointments are required (815-334-4082) for the following dates/locations:

9am-11am, Sat., Feb 7 – Alden-Hebron High School, 9604 Illinois Street, Hebron

9am-11am, Thurs., Feb 12 – Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street

6:30am-9:30am, Thurs., Feb 19 – Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Street, Crystal Lake

7:30am-9:30am, Wed., Feb 25 – McHenry Township, 3703 N Richmond Rd, Johnsburg

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 71 million Americans have high cholesterol. Having high cholesterol puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease (includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure) which is the #1 killer of women and men in the United States. It is also the leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. Certain lifestyles such as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of exercise can also put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease.

There are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol but it can be treated. Getting your cholesterol checked with a simple blood test is the only way you can know if you are at risk for high cholesterol or already have high cholesterol. Knowing your cholesterol level will help your doctor suggest steps for you to take to prevent high cholesterol or to reduce your levels if they are high. Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can keep blood cholesterols down.

For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/.

Kids Exploring Creative Side

Kids ages 3-10 will enjoy the chance to explore their creative side with 3 new art classes offered by the Crystal Lake Park District. Registration in advance is required for all classes. Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. For more information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1220.

Parent and Child Craft Club (ages 5-10)

Learn how to create your own Frozen Castle Dollhouse for your dolls, Viking or Pirate boat for your action figures, or folding backdrops for your American Girl doll. Please bring a doll or action figure that you plan to use, your own hot glue gun, glue sticks. All other craft materials will be provided.

Location: Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills

Dates/Time: Saturday, January 24, March 14, April 11, 9 am-Noon

Program Fee: $42 (each date), Resident Discount Fee: $42 (each date)

Me and My Grandparent (ages 2-6)

Class includes games and messy art projects. Bring a grandparent or special senior friend each week.

Location: Admin. Bldg. Art Room, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Dates/Time: Monday, January 26-March 9 (no program Feb 16), 9:30-10:30 am

Program Fee: $70, Resident Discount Fee: $60

Messy Fingers (age 3-6)

Children will play games, finger paint, and create art with clothespins, hole- punchers, finger paint and chopsticks (just to name a few). New ideas will be introduced each week to help your child strengthen their fingers for writing.

Location: Admin. Bldg. Art Room, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Dates/Time: Tuesday, February 10-March 17, 9:30-10:30 am

Program Fee: $70, Resident Discount Fee: $60

Music And Voice Lessons With Crystal Lake Park District

To round out the musical component of the Winter/Spring program brochure, the Crystal Lake Park District is now offering Private Voice Lessons and Group Guitar Lessons.  Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org for as many of the program codes listed below, or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue.

Private Voice Lessons (ages 12 & up)

Date: Thursday, January 22-April 30 (5 lessons, arranged at any time during this date range)

Time: 4-7 pm (30 minute lessons, offered during this time range)

Location: Woodscreek Bldg, 1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake

Program Fee: $97, Resident Discount Fee: $87

Instructor: Kristi Kellerman

Group Guitar Lessons (ages 9 & up)

Date: Tuesday, February 3-March 31 (no class March 24)

Time: 6-7 pm

Location: Woodscreek Bldg, 1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake

Program Fee: $134, Resident Discount Fee: $124

Instructor: SKC Music

For more information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1220, sthompson@crystallakeparks.org

Food Pantry Also Helps Pets

An anonymous donor is helping the less fortunate through the Grafton Food Pantry.

The donor’s only guidance was “My goal is to take a few first steps and hopefully have others join together in a united effort to really help the less fortunate of Grafton Township have a memorable 2014 holiday season.”

At Least Four Ways to Help
Four gift categories and their matching limits were created by the donor.
  1. Dog food: $1,000.
  2. Lake in the Hills “Bark Park” memberships: $500.
  3. Winter coats: $1,500.
  4. Non-food personal items (toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.): $1,000.

“It’s my hope these are only starting points, not maximums.” said the donor.

Winners of the Bark Park memberships to be awarded based on the best (as determined by the Grafton Food Pantry’s Board) “My dog should win a Bark Park membership because…” letters written by contestants.

Bark Park membership and participation requirements can be found at:
www.lith.org/parksrec/page/how-become-bark-park-member

As shown here, the Grafton Food Pantry isn’t only for humans!

Twenty-four Years Incarceration For Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of Child

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Jose Ruiz, age 48 of McHenry, was sentenced to 24 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child.

Ruiz pled guilty as charged to the sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13 years old. The child disclosed the abuse to her mother by writing a note which stated “dear mommy, daddy had sex with me.” The defendant was not the biological father to the victim, but they did live in the same home. The child was taken to a physician and medical evidence corroborated the victim’s disclosure.  Ruiz willfully failed to appear at the sentencing hearing, and as a result was sentenced in his absence. This case was investigated by the Woodstock Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Robert Zalud and David Johnston of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The defendant will be required to serve 85 % of the sentencing term pursuant to truth in sentencing provisions.