Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Protection Against Heat Related Illness

Heat stroke and dehydration can strike with little warning. With high temperatures expecting to continue, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) urges residents to take preventive steps to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH’s Public Health Administrator, states “It’s very important for people to recognize the signs of heat-related illness to prevent being sick. High heat and humidity can lead to serious health problems.” Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, weakness, headaches or cramps, nausea and fainting. Warning signs for heat stroke are rapid pulse, high body temperature and skin that is red and dry.

Although any one can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk. During prolonged periods of hot, humid weather, extra caution should be taken by the elderly, small children and chronically ill persons. If there is no air conditioning in the home, residents should find relief in public facilities. Simple steps such as drinking more fluids, wearing light-weight clothing, wearing a hat and avoiding being outdoors during the hottest part of the day (10am-3pm) can reduce your risk. If you must be outside, take regular breaks and rest in a shady or cool area.

For more heat-related safety tips, visit Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Crystal Lake Park District Finance Committee Meeting Thursday Morning

The Crystal Lake Park District Finance Committee will meet Thursday (July 8) at 10:00 am to consider several matters including Banking Proposals, Bond Sale and any other related matters that need consideration.

That meeting is taking place in the Park District Administrative Building, One East Crystal Lake, Avenue, Crystal Lake.

MCC Student Trustee Receives Award

McHenry County College student Cody Sheriff of McHenry was awarded the Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award from the Illinois Community College Board.
The MCC Board of Trustees appointed Cody as the student trustee last summer. He recently was elected by his peers to serve a second term. Sheriff is a member of nine student organizations, including Student Senate and attends many events sponsored by other clubs, attends college athletic events and acts as the College mascot. He was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
“It’s a very big honor. To be recognized for things I’ve done all year and that I love doing is fantastic,” he said.
To be eligible for the award, Sheriff submitted an essay about “How MCC Changed My Life.” He said that the College changed him not only academically, but personally as well.
“I was shy and wasn’t sure of myself, but I applied myself and got involved,” he said. “I try to meet with every single student organization at least once a semester. Plus, I lost 103 pounds by working out in the MCC Fitness Center,” adding that he works out five or six days a week for about an hour. He also received an award last month for his contributions to the student club Latinos Unidos.
He graduated from McHenry West High School in 2008 and worked one semester before enrolling at MCC in spring 2009. He plans to graduate in spring 2011 with an associate in science degree in computer engineering and enroll in the officer’s program for the U.S. Air Force.
“My brother is a marine who will be coming home in July. “He’s been a big inspiration for me,” Sheriff said.
“I am amazed at the depth and breadth of the talent that Cody has shown as a student trustee, and I have been impressed by his involvement in everything MCC,” said George Lowe, MCC Board of Trustees chairperson

Name Change For Business Course At MCC

McHenry County College announces that the Academy for High Performance has changed its name to Fast Track, a program offering professional certificates and accelerated degree programs for adults.
Fast Track is the only program in McHenry County that provides professional certificates and degree programs for adults ages 24 and older who are looking to enhance their skill sets or career in a convenient, team-based setting. Students can earn a certificate in two years or less and an Associate in Applied Science degree in three or four years, depending on the program, by attending classes one night per week.
For the past 15 years, the Fast Track program has partnered with more than 150 local businesses to offer workers an opportunity to continue their education by taking night classes. More than 90 percent of Fast Track students have earned a certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science degree. The majority of the students have received one or more promotions since starting the program.
According to Melissa Stutz, director of Fast Track, the renaming took place because it was time to take a fresh look at the program’s overall role.
“With the current economy changing how businesses operate in our community, it’s necessary for us to review how we, too, are operating and to make adjustments to better serve the students and our community,” Stutz said. “With input from students, we changed the name to Fast Track to better represent the program’s philosophy and direction.”
In a traditional setting, if a student took one class, one night a week per semester, he or she would finish an associate’s degree in approximately 10 years, Stutz explained, but with the Fast Track program, a student would finish in three to four years.
“Students who are enrolled in the program say they enjoy the cohort format, integrated courses that relate to their everyday life, and the flexible scheduling,” she said.
In addition to participating in the uniquely integrated courses that combine general education with leadership and/or technical courses, Fast Track students develop performance skills such as communication, critical thinking, flexibility, organization, problem solving, and team building. Many students look to advance into managerial positions.
Three major program areas are available, including Business Management, Construction Management and Manufacturing Management. Online courses are available in Business Management.
To register or for more information on the Fast Track program, visit www.mchenry.edu/fasttrack or contact Melissa Stutz at (815) 455-8611 or mstutz@mhenry.edu.

County And Crystal Lake Meetings

McHenry County Board Meeting This Morning
McHenry County Board meets this morning beginning at 9:00 am in the County Board Room of the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.
Among the matters on which the Board is expected to be taking action is the appointment of members to the newly formed Valley Hi Operating Board. Expected to be appointed are Dallas K. Larson, Peter D. Michling and Lynn M Ryan for terms to expire June 30, 2013. Also proposed for appointment are Victor J. Narusis and Joanne F. Hanrahan for terms to expire June 30, 2012. Two Board members are also to be included as representatives.
This board will be in place of the Valley Hi Committee of the County Board. The Nursing Home is still under the control of McHenry County.

Crystal Lake City Council This Evening
Crystal Lake City Council meets this evening beginning at 7:30.
Approval is being requested for placement of a sign along the City rights-of-way recognizing Crystal Lake Central High School student Rosalie Albright and Megan Huberty for placing first in Write It, Do It at the State Science Olympiad Tournament held at University of Illinois Urbana Campus.

An award for a Lightning Prediction System for Three Oaks Recreation Area is expected to be approved along with a discussion regarding area concessions.



Monday, July 5, 2010

Crystal Lake Parade Today, Fun At The Beach, Fireworks Tonight

The 2010 Independence Day Parade will be held on Monday, July 5, 2010 with a kick-off time of 1 pm. The parade route will start at the Municipal Building at the corner of Woodstock Street and Walkup Avenue. turn south on Dole Avenue, and end at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. The fireworks will also be on Monday, at dusk, over the lake. Voices in Harmony choir will also be singing at the fireworks concert at the Main Beach Band Shell. 
Rain Date, Sunday, July 11.

July 5 Main Beach Admission Information:

Until 3:00 PM, all residents may present their annual beach pass for admission or pay the normal $1 daily admission fee without beach pass.

Non-residents will pay the normal non-resident fee of $10 for adults—over 16 years of age--$5 after 4:00 pm. Seniors (over 62 years of age) fee is $6.00--$3 after 4:00 pm. For youth 4-15 years, the fee is the same as for Seniors. Children under 4 years of age are admitted free.
Parking is $5 -- $3 after 4:00 pm.
People visiting the beach will receive a wristband to stay for the fireworks.

After the conclusion of the parade, all (with and without beach tag) resident and non-residents will be charged $2 for admission and receive a wristband for the fireworks

Crystal Lake Beaches are reported open.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Classics of the '20 and Latest Hits of Today Featured in Tuesday Concert

    Concerts in the Park are held every summer Tuesday evening in the Crystal Lake Park District's band shell, located at the Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive.
    The 70 to 90 minute concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is free as the result of generous sponsors, Raue Center For The Arts, McHenry County Living Magazine, Home State Bank, and Judson College.
    The featured presentation for Tuesday July 6 is Probable Cause –(Featuring 20's classics to latest hits of today.) In case of rain or other inclement weather, the concert will take place in Park Place, 406 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.
    Call the Park Weather Hotline at 815-459-PARK (7275) after 3 pm to confirm if there is inclement weather.