Environmental Defenders Holiday Book Sale Begins Friday

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual Holiday Kick-Off Book Sale at the Woodstock Square Mall building lobby, 110 S. Johnson Street, on the Woodstock Square. The sale begins on Friday, November 28^th from 11am-7pm, in conjunction with the Lighting of the Square, and continues through Thursday, December 11^th. Hours are 11am until 4 pm (3pm on Saturday, closed Sunday).

Books are priced at $1 for hardcovers, 50¢ for mass market paperbacks and 25¢ for children’s books. Tuesday through Thursday, December 9-11, all books will be $5 per paper grocery bag!

Books have been donated by the public as well as several libraries. There is an amazing variety of books – everything from kids’ books to popular fiction, science to biography, and everything in between!

Donations of re-sellable books are accepted year round at the Defenders’ Green Spot Used Book store, also located in the Woodstock Square Mall building on the main floor.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. 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.

Recycling Collection Saturday Of Electronics, Batteries And Others

On Saturday, June 9^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them. Discarded electronics must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. The Defenders are here to fill this need. Electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines, clean microwaves, and just about anything with a cord or batteries, are accepted at their monthly drives. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $25-$35.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive also accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive 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 at each location, 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, phone 815-338-0393, 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 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

Environmental Scholarship Available

Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

• Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organization
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher
• Grade point average from high school transcript
• An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’, S. Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL, or downloaded from the Defenders’  website 

(http://www.mcdef.org/Community_Scholarship_Application.pdf)

Completed applications must be received in the office of the Defenders by April 30, 2012. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call the office at 815-338-0393. The winner will be notified by May 9, 2012.

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 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 or call 815-338-0393.

Wednesday September 21 Meetings

8:15 a.m. – McHenry County Board Transportation Committee –

Meeting in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A couple presentations are scheduled, including one on county bridge update and a second one being 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update.

Five resolutions are to be presented to the committee. The first is approving an early state-up construction engineering services agreement fund for the Walkup Road projects.

Also in connection with this project is a resolution approving a right-of-way plat and legal description preparation services supplement agreement and appropriating funds.

A supplemental agreement and appropriation of funds for traffic signal coordination and timing is to be considered

Amended engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for the park and ride lot at Virginia road and Illinois Route 31 intersection.

An amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the Park and Ride Lot at Virginia Road and Illinois Route 31 intersection.

Approval of a supplemental engineering services agreement along with appropriation of funds is being requested for the Main Street Culvert Project.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Public Library Board, meeting in the Thomas Ames Meeting Room of the Library.

In addition to handling the necessary financial matters and hearing committee reports, the Board is also to consider a HVAC Maintenance Contract, a janitorial services contract, the Fy10/11 Audit and FY 10/11 Operating Fund Balance allocation, as well as the FY 11/12 Working budget. Also for consideration is a Library Fine Amnesty proposal

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission—

Meeting in the Crystal Lake Council Chambers.

The Commission has three items to consider. One is a public hearing for a Special Use Permit Amendment for Mobil Gas Station, 451 Virginia Street. This is a gas station, convenience store and car wash. The petitioner is seeking to upgrade the current pricing sign although it is not being enlarged.

Residents at 125 South Williams Street are requesting approval of a Special Use Permit to remove a garage located on their property and replace it with a slightly larger garage with storage area on a second floor.

The Planning Commission is also to consider the final section of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment which is Community Facilities. The section has been divided into city facilities and public facilities. A discussion on the section is anticipated.

Plans are being made to hold a public hearing on the entire revised 2030 Comprehensive Plan at the October 19^th meeting.

McHenry County Earth Day Celebration Tomorrow

On Saturday, April 30th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again co-sponsor the county-wide Earth Day celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District from 11 am–4 pm at MCCD’s Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

A regular service by the Defenders at this annual event is offering the opportunity for people to bring in hard-to-recycle items. With the help of their partners - Computer Recycling Center and Ken Santowski of Chicago Logistic Services – the Defenders will accept athletic shoes, electronics, white Styrofoam™ block, packing peanuts, re-useable bubble wrap, fluorescent tubes, and household batteries. A donation is requested to offset the cost of recycling computer monitors, televisions, and fluorescent tubes. For questions on what electronics will be accepted check the web site www.computerrecyclingcenter.net or call the Defender's office at 815-338-0393.

The Defenders are still amazed at the amount of materials brought in to drives like this. They are proud of the efforts made to keep certain materials out of the waste stream. Volunteers at the last Woodstock recycling drive saw it as one of busiest days they can remember. At times there were 8 cars lined up waiting to drop off electronics, Styrofoam™, fluorescent tubes or batteries. Despite the wait to be unloaded, all the folks bringing recyclables were patient, helpful and generously donated to help defray costs. One of the Defender volunteers thought it must be that everyone was doing “spring cleaning” considering the warm nice day.

When that collection closed at noon, the workers were left trying to figure out how to jam all the materials into the box truck and Defender trailer. The combination of large old televisions and big chunks of block Styrofoam filled up every space possible. Long-time recycling coordinator Dwight Dalton said he had never had a day like that before. One thousand forty seven pounds of car batteries were collected and sold at market. Fluorescent tubes that were collected were taken to Fluorecycle, Inc. in Ingleside where mercury gas is safely removed. The Styrofoam is shipped to a company that chemically makes hard plastic “silverware” type objects. The electronics are stored until a full load can be taken to Ecotronics in Carol Stream for recycling.

The Defenders’ recycling team is looking forward to doing it again at the Earth Day Celebration! That's tomorrow!

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are a 41-year-old not-for-profit citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Recycling activities began almost from the organization's inception, because it seemed (and still does) to be the best way to handle the solid waste problem. It also served as a source of funds for the group’s educational activities.

McHenry County Collection Efforts Pay Off

The McHenry County State's Attorneys Office, with assistance of the McHenry County Circuit Clerk, Kathy Keefe, has recovered over $250,000 in outstanding fines and court costs owed the County from traffic and criminal offenders.

In January, 2009 a contract was entered into with Alliance One Receivables Managements, Inc., an outside collections agency to recover outstanding fines and court costs due the County on cases that have been closed by the courts.

This collection comes at no cost to the taxpayers as all costs are passed onto the delinquent offenders. This money would have remained largely unpaid without these efforts which help ease financial pressures for McHenry County and the taxpayers.

Expedited Permit Process for Government Agencies

A discussion regarding Quality of Life Nuisance Ordinances is scheduled with the State's Attorney and Sheriff's Departments when the McHenry County Board Natural and Environmental Resources Committee meets Friday. That meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in the McHenry County Government Center Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Other matters for consideration include the adoption of a letter of understanding between McHenry County and the McHenry County Conservation District to expedite the permit process for routine projects undertaken by government agencies.

Lots And Lots Of Books At Low, Low Prices

The countdown is on, and so are the discounts at the mega-book sale hosted by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.  The Defenders’ Annual  Used Book Clearance Sale runs today through Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Algonquin Township Garage, 3702 US Route 14 between Crystal Lake and Cary.  

During this last week of the sale, prices have been cut to $1 for all hardcovers and 50 cents for paperbacks, today through Friday, Oct. 1.  Remaining books will be sold in a $5-Per-Bag Sale from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, the final day of the sale. 

This year, the Defenders received over 20,000 donated books for their annual sale, said outreach director Diane Ayers.  Thousands of books have already been sold, but there are many more bargains still available.   

“This is a once-a-year chance for parents, teachers, or anyone who just loves books to get some really wonderful bargains,” she said.  “And it all goes to a good cause - to help us preserve and protect the environment.” 

The sale is open this week from noon - 7 p.m. on Tuesday - Friday, Sept. 27-Oct. 1, and from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.  The Algonquin Township Garage is located at 3702 U.S. Route 14, east of Crystal Lake.  Enter the parking lot and drive straight back to the large, beige metal building.  A tax-deductible receipt will be provided upon request.  

After this week’s sale closes, the remaining books will be packed and sent to the “Green Spot,” the Environmental Defenders’ used book resale shop, which is set to open Oct. 11 in a new location at 110 S. Johnson Street in downtown Woodstock.  The group will continue to accept donations of good used books, videos, CDs, and collectibles at their new location.   

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization;  all money raised from its resale activities helps to support local environmental programs, recycling services and educational projects.  For information, visit www.mcdef.org or phone (815) 338-0393 during normal business hours.

Savings Available With Entertainment Books Benefit Defenders

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are now selling the hugely popular 2011 Entertainment® Book, filled with hundreds of coupons worth thousands of dollars in savings on restaurants, shopping, attractions, travel and more.

For $25, you’ll get a huge assortment of discounts and buy-one-get-one offers, including restaurants, sports, travel and more. The 2011 Entertainment® Book can save customers hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars over the next 15 months. The coupon books are good through December, 2011, and include discounts at many popular, local-area businesses.

A portion of each purchase goes to support the environmental programs and services of the Environmental Defenders. The books are offered for sale during regular business hours, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Defenders’ office, 124 Cass Street, Ste. 3 in downtown Woodstock. Interested persons are invited to stop by the office to have a look and pick one up!

If you want to purchase your Entertainment® Book online, you can also help the Defenders by ordering at. Shipping costs will be an additional $4.99.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. For more information, visit.or, phone (815) 338-0393, or email to

Observing Government At Work

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13
8:15 AM -- Human Resources Committee of the McHenry County Board meets in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. The agenda indicates consideration of a number of resolutions including several for workers compensation claim settlements; acceptance of a $25,000 Illinois Department of Public Health grant to be combined with a $45,000 budget transfer providing for a full-time position in the dental health clinic.

Another IDPH grant being considered is $388,410 to help offset the cost of Breast and Cervical Cancer screenings for McHenry County's low income women. The committee is to consider acceptance of the grant and also use of county revenues to cover the additional needed funds.

9:30 AM – McHenry County Transportation Committee plans to meet at 9:30 AM or immediately following the Human Resources Committee meeting. This is primarily regarding the acquisition of property and is to be in executive session

7:00 PM -- Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Advisory Committee.
Meets in the Crystal Lake City Council Chambers.
A number of updates on matters are in the agenda including a draft bicycle and pedestrian facility master plan; safe routes to school and I Go Car Shopping.

A number of other topics are also on the agenda including Bike With Neighbors Event, No Idling at Schools, Safer Pest Control Project, and a Recyle Bank.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
8:30 AM -- Management Services Committee of the County Board meets in the County Board room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to view a presentation regarding purchasing ordinance-apprenticeship and training program as presented by a representative of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting.

Additionally, a couple resolutions authorizing Workers' Compensation Claim Settlements are being presented for consideration; a resolution authorizing the remodeling of the former Regional Superintendent of Education office which is to be utilized by the Planning and Development Department.

9:30 AM – The County Board Finance and Audit Committee meets in the Administration Building. That agenda also includes Workers' Compensation Claim Settlements for consideration. Also to be considered is the acceptance of a $1,250 National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant for a Heritage Grove Program. This has been in the process for the last several years.

Funding for various Senior Programs is to be considered by the committee. These are programs involving transportation, volunteer services for seniors, mental health care, dental program, senior care, legal services, and nutritional meals for seniors. Funding for these programs is covered through the successful passage of 2003 referendum.

3:00 PM -- Crystal Lake Park District Planning Committee will leave the Crystal Lake Administrative Offices for a visit to Barrington and Palatine Park District facilities.

6:30 PM – District 155 Boundary and Enrollment Committee will meet in the Board Room, at the Administration Office, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake. An update on the Ridgefield boundary is to be considered along with recommendations for changes and also community meetings.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 –
8:30 AM – The Planning and Development Committee of the County Board is meeting in the Administrative Building of the County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A request for another extension of the tentative plat for Twin Creeks due to the current economic situation causing a lack of demand for the housing product proposed. Other agencies involved in this have approved the requested extension.

A request has been received from the McHenry County Islamic Center for waiver of fees for their building, planned for location at 5008 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

2:00 PM – McHenry County College Plan Committee meets in the Board Room to review the current plan.

Where To Go With Good Reusable Items

Environmental Defenders want your good useable "stuff" for a Use It Again warehouse sale.
This nonprofit group plans its annual garage sale fundraiser with 1000's of good, reuseable items
 If any of these scenarios fit you, there is help.

1. Did you finally clean out that closet, basement, or garage?
2. Have a yard sale, but don’t know what to do with the leftovers?
3. Want to de-clutter, but can’t bear to toss out Grandma Gertie’s china? 

 The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) wants your old stuff, and they’ll make sure that it doesn’t wind up in a landfill. The nonprofit organization is collecting donations of good, used household items for its Use-It-Again Garage Sale on Jul. 29 - Aug. 1. The annual fundraiser will be held at the Algonquin Township Road District complex east of Crystal Lake, and proceeds will support the nonprofit group’s eco-friendly programs and services.

 The Defenders are looking for antiques and collectibles, household items, books, tools, dishes, pots and pans, dressers and tables . . . just about anything that sells well at garage sales, with a few exceptions. Small appliances and electronics must be in working order. Clothing, upholstered furniture, televisions, computers, or large appliances cannot be accepted. If you are unsure about the suitability of your “stuff,” contact Christy Matsuoka at the Defenders’ office at (815) 338-0393.

Donations may be dropped off at the Algonquin Township Garage from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Friday, Jul. 23 - Wednesday, Jul. 28. The Defenders’ Use-It-Again Garage Sale will run from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jul.29 - Saturday, Jul. 31, with a bag sale from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1.

The facility is located at 3702 U.S. Highway 14, next to The Hollows, between Crystal Lake and Cary. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload items and provide a tax-deductible receipt if requested. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC), a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Most donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Summer is the season for garage sales, and each year thousands of homeowners dump tons of “leftovers” to be hauled away. This year, the Defenders hope you’ll let them find a new use for those items, instead.

“Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” has long been a motto of the Environmental Defenders, and their annual sale helps fulfill that very mission. Reusing a secondhand “widget” not only saves you money, it also reduces the environmental impact that manufacturing a new “widget” may have caused. And, of course, it keeps that used-but-useable item out of a landfill and out of the waste stream.

Serving the McHenry County area since 1970, the Environmental Defenders is a nonprofit, citizen-based organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. For information about EDMC membership and programs, visit www.mcdef.org or e-mail mcdef.outreach@gmail.com.