Group Guitar Lessons Offered by the Crystal Lake Park District

Enrollment is now open for the next session of Crystal Lake Park District.  Register

Group Guitar Lessons (ages 9 & up)

Date: Tuesday, April 7-May 2

Time: 6-7 pm

Location: Woodscreek Bldg, 1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake

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

Instructor: SKC Music

Take Back The Night At MCC April 30

The Student Peace Action Network of Mchenry County College will sponsor its 5th annual Take Back the Night event on Thursday April 30th in the Luecht Conference Center.

The event begins at 5:30 with a resource fair and a presentation of the Clothesline Project, followed by speakers at 6:30 who will present on various topics regarding sexual exploitation, sexual assault, healing and building healthy relationships. A march outside around campus, ending with a vigil around a fire pit by the peace pole concludes the event.

MCC was selected by the national organization of Take Back the Night to be one of the 10 points of Light, 10 schools circling the U.S. who will have their vigils at the same time to show support of survivors and unite in efforts to end sexual violence in all forms. This event is free and open to the public, all are encouraged to attend.

McHenry County Government Center Closed Friday

In observance of Good Friday, the McHenry County Courthouse and Government Center is closed Friday April 3. It will reopen on Monday, April 6 at the usual time 8 a.m.

Environmental Studies Scholarship Offered

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is offering an Entering College scholarship of $1,000 to an outstanding high school senior planning to pursue a career directly related to environmental studies. To be eligible, the applicant must reside in and attend high school in McHenry County, have a respectable GPA, two letters of recommendation, plan to attend an accredited college or university, and complete an application which is available online, along with more information, at http://mcdef.org/what-we-do/environmental-scholarship. Applications are also available at the EDMC office, 110 S Johnson Street, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL.

The application and accompanying documents are due in the EDMC office no later than April 24, 2015. 

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a non-profit member organization celebrating its 45th year of dedication to the preservation and protection of the environment, and education of the public, and is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The group provides community residents 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.

Used Shoe Recycling And Repurposing Drive

Drop off your used shoes of any kind at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. This used shoe recycling/repurposing drive is in recognition of environmental efforts by the Crystal Lake Park District, as well as, the ‘Whose Shoes’ Scavenger Hunt program.

Used Shoe Donations (through August 7, 2015)

For every used pair of shoes dropped off at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office between now and August 7, donors will receive a raffle ticket for one of two prizes: a $100 New Balance Gift Certificate or a $250 Lou Malnati’s gift card. All shoes donated will be accepted by New Balance, Crystal Lake for donation to their shoe recycling/repurposing program. Depending on the condition of shoes, some may be donated to community partners that assist individuals needing shoes or recycled into items such as mulch and other materials. Any and all types of shoes will be accepted. Raffle ticket drawing winners will be awarded in a drawing at the Crystal Lake Park District/Black Diamond Blast on the Beach on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Winner need not be present to win.

Whose Shoes Scavenger Hunt (April 1-August 7, 2015)

Whose Shoes game cards are available at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, the Crystal Lake Public Library, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, Main Beach, the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce  or print out your game piece on the Whose Shoes page on the Crystal Lake Park District website. www.crystallakeparks.org/Programs/WhoseShoes

1.            There are 8 different Crystal Lake Park District facilities with a shoe on display. The shoe on display does not ‘belong’ at that location.

2.            On the Whose Shoes game card write the shoe type in the box across from the location where it was found.

3.            Once all shoes have been located at the facilities, write the number that corresponds to the building where the shoe would ‘normally’ be found.

4.            Bring the completed game form to the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Building, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake for a prize. Office hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm, Saturdays, 9:30 am-Noon (April-July).  For more information about shoe donations, other collection sites and the Whose Shoes game contact Jacqui Weber at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1214, jweber@crystallakeparks.org.

Mask-making Workshop For Area Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members

The McHenry County College Clay Club and Student Veterans of America invite all area veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard to “Unmasked,” a mask-making workshop beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11. The event will take place in the Clay Studio, Room A145

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Participants will build their own personal masks and will receive one-one-one guidance from experienced clay arts practitioners. Participants will learn surface altering and glazing techniques to decorate the surfaces. Clay-making demonstrations and discussions will also be included. 

“The creative process of mask-making gives veterans and service members a format to express themselves in a new way,” said retired Air Force technical sergeant Kati Beck, president of MCC’s chapter of Student Veterans of America. This event was inspired by a recent National Geographic article: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/healing-soldiers/index.html and the images pictured with veterans.

The event is free for veterans and includes lunch, tools and supplies. Donations to the Student Veterans of America are welcome. Space is limited. Register by April 4 in the Student Veterans Resource Center, Room C122 or in the Student Life Office, Room A252.

For more information, contact the MCC Student Veterans Resource Center at (815) 479-7543.

McHenry County College Seeks Exhibitors for Spring Job Fair

Area employers are invited to sign up for an exhibit booth at the McHenry County College Job Fair that will take place on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room in Building A, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Sponsored by the MCC Career Services Office and the McHenry County Workforce Network, the job fair is a key component of MCC’s commitment to meet our community’s educational and workforce needs.
 

The fair will be open to MCC students and community residents and is expected to draw a wide range of job seekers, including students looking for seasonal employment through seasoned professionals looking for career opportunities

The fee for exhibit space is $75 and advance registration is required. Deadline to register is Friday, April 17. Employers can register online at www.mchenry.edu/jobfair.

For more information, contact MCC Career Services at (815) 455-8576 or at careers@mchenry.edu.

Plans Underway To Reduce Number Of McHenry Townships

The McHenry County Citizens for Township Consolidation (MCCTC) announced plans today to pursue an initiative to reduce the number of Townships in McHenry County through consolidation via a binding referendum in the March 15, 2016 primary.

MCCTC spokesman Mike Shorten explained, “For many in McHenry County, township governments provide valued services. With 136 elected officials governing 17 different townships, it is our belief that those services can be delivered just as effectively and at a lower cost if we were to reduce the number of townships to eight through consolidation. “While we are still working on finalizing projections, our initial estimates indicate that taxpayer savings will be well in excess of forty million dollars over ten years.”

Illinois statutes allow for citizens of townships to vote via binding referendum to consolidate, however in order for the referendum to appear on the ballot county board approval is required. “We do not anticipate any difficulty receiving the support of a majority of the county board to have the binding referenda placed on the ballot. The ultimate decision will be left to the voters,” Shorten said.

Shorten, who also serves as an elected Trustee in Nunda Township explained, “MCCTC would like to see the referendum on the ballot in March of 2016, so that the townships would have a full year to work on consolidation plans once the voters give their approval.”

The organization has launched a website and will be posting updates on the initiative as it moves forward. McHenry County Citizens are encouraged to visit mcc4tc.org  to learn more about the initiative, submit questions, endorse, or contribute financially to the effort.

A Surprise For Mother's Day

Surprise your mom this Mother’s Day with a unique class that will create memories. The McHenry County College Continuing Education Department is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch culinary class, mosaic art or an acrylic painting class that mom can share with friends or family.

The following classes are available:

Mosaic Art: Students will have a choice between a beautiful Mosaic Stepping Stone to paint, wShich will be glazed and fired on site, or creating their own Mosaic Mirror using glass pieces that they will attach to the mirror base and then grout. All supplies are included. This new class takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at Handmade on Main in Algonquin. Cost is $29. Use course ID: NFA S74 004 to register.

Lovebirds in Blue: A 12 x 12-inch canvas will be the platform for this beautiful painting. Learn the technique to create the shaded background, trees, two-tone flowers and of course, the lovebirds. Class takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, April 24 in Room A142 Cost is $29. Use course ID: NFA S02 004 to register.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Give Mom the best gift this Mother’s Day—time with family and some seriously good food as she and other family members make an unforgettable meal together. Menu: vegetable patties with salted yogurt, eggs Florentine skillet with sausage, savory crepes, and dessert trifle. Class takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 at the Confetti Gourmet Academy in Lakewood. Cost is $69 per person. To register for this class, use course ID: NCU S86 005.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758 or Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.

MCC Job Fair Slated April 24 At MCC Campus

Area employers are invited to sign up for an exhibit booth at the McHenry County College Job Fair that will take place on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room in Building A, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake

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Sponsored by the MCC Career Services Office and the McHenry County Workforce Network, the job fair is a key component of MCC’s commitment to meet our community’s educational and workforce needs.

The fair will be open to MCC students and community residents and is expected to draw a wide range of job seekers, including students looking for seasonal employment through seasoned professionals looking for career opportunities.

The fee for exhibit space is $75 and advance registration is required. Deadline to register is Friday, April 17. Employers can register online at www.mchenry.edu/jobfair.

For more information, contact MCC Career Services at (815) 455-8576 or at careers@mchenry.edu.

Enjoy Musicals? MCC Offers Two Opportunities

Fans of Elvis Presley songs and the Jersey Boys musical can enjoy these music sensations with two separate trips offered by the McHenry County College Trips and Tours program. Upcoming trips include “All Shook Up,” a premiere of an Elvis Presley musical comedy on April 26 at Fireside Dinner Theatre and the Jersey Boys musical on May 20.

The following musical trips are available:

“All Shook Up” an Elvis Presley musical comedy at Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, Wis.: Enjoy the Fireside premiere of this rocking, rollicking musical comedy featuring the songs of the King of Rock and Roll—Elvis Presley. No tight pants, no kissing and no loud music are the rules in one small Midwestern 1950’s town, but then a stranger comes to town—a rebellious, guitar-playing, hip swiveling roustabout (who bears a striking resemblance to the King himself). All at once everything changes—young love blooms, unspoken dreams begin to come true, and the once quiet little town is turned upside down in this hilarious, tuneful, high-stepping, award-winning Broadway romp featuring laughs, romance, thrilling dances, and favorite Presley classics such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Burning Love” and more. A delicious brunch is included. Trip takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Cost is $99 per person. Use course ID: NST S66 004 to register for this trip.

 “Jersey Boys” at Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago: They’re making their way back to Chicago to present the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical. “Jersey Boys” is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. The story unveils how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs such as “Sherry,” Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Oh What a Night” and sold 175 million records worldwide — all before they were 30. Lunch is on your own. Trip takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 20 and departs from MCC.  Cost is $129.  Use course ID: NST S34 001 when registering.

 To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 or register online at www.mchenry.edu/myMCC. For more information, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.