New Members For Crystal Lake Park Board

New Members Coming To Crystal Lake Park Board

The Crystal Lake Park Board will see three new faces at the next meeting on May 19. The recent meeting on Thursday, April 21 was the last meeting for Commissioners, Eric Anderson, Michael Zellman, and Richard Sexton who chose not to seek re-election in the recent election.

The newly elected Commissioners to be seated at the May meeting include: Paul Myers, Richard Passavant, and Larry Wheeler. These gentlemen have been attending the Board meetings for a number of months.

May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 Budget

The meeting last week also saw the Board adopt the annual budget appropriation ordinance covering the period May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012. Following are the amounts involved:

Estimated Cash on hand at beginning of fiscal year             $ 6,024,375

Estimated Cash expected to be received-all sources          $13,226,485

Estimated expenditures for the year                                       $15,039,045

Estimated cash expected at the end of fiscal year                $  4,211,815

Estimated taxes to be received by Park District                    $  6,426,000

The budget adopted in conjunction with the appropriation ordinance is expected to cover all expenses for operating the parks and facilities. User fees cover the costs for the various programs provided.

McDOT (McHenry County Department of Transportation) and the Park District previously entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding construction easements on the Walkup Avenue portion of widening Route 176.

This part of the planned improvements involves inclusion of a bicycle path along the east side of Walkup Avenue, adjacent to Veteran Acres. It took years of work and planning between the Park District and McDOT to accommodate a bike path without too much disturbance to the park.

Then IDOT, Illinois Department of Transportation, got involved and began working with McDOT and the City of Crystal Lake on plans to rebuild the Walkup Avenue and Route 176 intersection so that the widened Route 176 to the east of the intersection would allow for turn and through lanes. Storm water runoff needed to be accommodated in the Veteran Acres Pond and the Park District as asked to be a part of that plan.

Hey and Associates was contacted by the Park District to review the proposed impacts to the park and provide suggestions to lessen any negative effects. Following many revision and reviews of plans, they are now finalized and let for bid by the State. Construction is expected to begin in the fall. 

Fire Hydrant Flushing Continues

Fire hydrant flushing is ongoing in Crystal Lake and is expected to continue through May 13.

The section being flushed this week -– April 25 through April 29 — is west of Route 14 and McHenry Avenue, north of Barlina.

The process is necessary to clean the City's water distribution system and to allow the Water Division to perform an inspection of City hydrants. During this flushing, water may become temporarily discolored due to material being removed from water mains.

It is safe to drink, but it may stain clothes that are washed during the flushing in the area. Residents are advised to try to limit water usage during this time, but if this is not possible, the City offers Rover, a chemical that can be used as a cleanser in laundry to remove iron stains, free of charge, should problems occur.

Questions may be directed to the Water Division at (815) 356-3614

Calling All Runners and Walkers

It’s time to register for the 14th Annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts, brought to you by EISENMANN.  This year’s event will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.  Named after Bob Blazier, a zealous supporter of the arts, this event is an annual fundraiser for Raue Center.  100% of the proceeds benefit Raue Center’s programs including Mission Imagination (an educational program inspiring children through the performing arts), its visual arts galleries (a space to be inspired by local artists’ work), Sage Studio (all-age classes in theatre, film and improv), and its season performances.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.  VISIT    to download an application or to register online, or you can visit the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.  Register before April 25 and only pay $30. Plus, the first 700 registrants will receive a t-shirt.  All registration forms and payment must be received by 11:59 pm on April 24, 2011 to be considered “pre-registered.”  If not registering online, forms and payment can be turned in at Raue Center’s Admin Office, located at 108 Minnie Street in Crystal Lake.

Late-Registration (April 25 – May 1):  VISIT    to download an application or you can visit the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake (no online registration).  All registrations on or after 12 pm on April 25, 2011 will increase to $35, and t-shirts will no longer be available.  Forms and payment can be turned in at Raue Center’s Admin Office, located at 108 Minnie Street in Crystal Lake.

Pre-Registered Participant Packet Pick-Up (April 30):  Pick-up your bib, t-shirt, chip timer and race packet at Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake, between 10am – 2pm on April 30, 2011.

Race Timeline (May 1):

7:00 am – 7:45 am:     Day-Of Participant Registration & Packet Pick-Up

8:00 am – 11:00 am:   Arts Festival – Face painters, balloon artists, music & more!

8:00 am:   Start Gun for 5K Run/Walk

8:45 am:   50-Yd Dash & Sack Races – Kids Under 12. No registration.

9:00 am:   Awards Ceremony

Pancake Breakfast:  Start your day off right or, end your run, with a pancake and sausage meal from our partners at Benedict’s La Strata.  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased the day of the race at the designated pancake station.  Grab your ‘cakes and hang out outside or take them on the go!

Route:  Please log onto RAUECENTER.ORG and click on the Bob Blazier Run For The Arts logo to download the route PDF.  The route will also be available in participants’ race packets.

Course:  Flat asphalt and concrete course.  Water will be available along the course, and food and drinks will be available at the finish line.  Split times will be announced at miles 1, 2 and 3.

Awards: 

Top male and female winners (1st place only) across all categories will be awarded a trophy and $50 gift card to Running Depot.

Male and female category (1st, 2nd & 3rd place) will be awarded medals and gift cards to local retailers.

Age Categories:

Under 11         12-14               15-19               20-24               25-29               30-34  

35-39               40-44               45-49               50-54               55-59               60-64  

65-69               70-74               75+

Sponsors:

Accelerated Rehab, Advance Landscape, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Benedict’s La Strata, Centegra Health System, Conscious Cup Coffee, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, Dalzell Jewelers, EISENMANN, Grand Rental Station, Home State Bank, L&V Distributors, Inc., Northwest Herald, OWC Pro IT Services, RFP Photography, Inc., Running Depot, Sage Products, Inc., Schaumburg Audi and Working World.

Questions

Contact Raue Center’s Administration Office at 815.356.9010.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.  Celebrating their 10th anniversary season, they are proud to provide quality programming and strive to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all.  Raue Center is delighted to welcome you back this year and looks forward to the next years and continuing to “Rock the Raue.”

Good Friday

Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.

The word "good", used in this context, has a different meaning than is usually considered. It comes from the senses pious or holy.

The exact year of this occurrence appears to be in dispute, but based on what learned beings of the past have recorded, it took place on Friday 3 April AD 33.

Because of this day, McHenry County Offices are closed.

Invitation To High School Art Students

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) is inviting northern Illinois high school students to participate in the 2011 Congressional High School Art Competition.

The winner from Illinois’ 16th Congressional District will receive two free airplane tickets (courtesy of Southwest Airlines) to Washington, DC for the winner’s reception in June. In addition, the winning artwork will be displayed in the halls of Congress with other winners for the next year. Winners also qualify for an annual $1,500 scholarship to the prestigious Savannah Center for Art and Design

Deadline for submissions to the 16th District art competition is 3 p.m. May 6 at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main St., Rockford. Artwork can be delivered earlier to Congressman Manzullo’s district office in Rockford (415 S. Mulford Road) or artists can request a pick up of their art (art will be picked up on May 5).

Judging will begin at 4:30 p.m. May 6 at the museum, and Congressman Manzullo will host a reception for all artists and their families in the museum’s Riverview Room from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The winner will be announced during this time.

Any high school student living within the 16th Congressional District of Illinois may participate. The District includes the counties of Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, JoDaviess, Ogle, Carroll, the majority of McHenry County and parts of DeKalb and Whiteside counties.

Those interested in participating in this year’s competition should contact their high school art teacher for an entry form and rules of the contest. The rules and forms can also be found at

For further information, contact Pam Sexton at Congressman Manzullo’s office at 815-394-1231.

A Scholarly Winner At MCC

Kathleen Frailey, a Phi Theta Kappa student at McHenry County College, has been named a Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars, and providing nearly $187,500 in stipends annually.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 37 states.  Student scholars also receive local recognition during ceremonies held on campus.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

“We are so pleased that Kathleen has received this distinguished honor,” said MCC Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Heidi Haegerich. “MCC is proud of her and the work that she has accomplished, and it is encouraging to know that she is being recognized for this at the national level.”



Thursday's Opportunities

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21

4:30 p.m.—McHenry County Conservation District Finance Committee

Meeting in the Brookdale Administrative Offices, 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock.

The committee is to consider bills for payment, and review the Treasurer's Report.

Otherwise the agenda calls for consideration of change orders and amendments to professional service agreement for Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, as well as a financial audit update, a discussion regarding the Fiscal Year ending budget variance and installment payment status.

An executive session is also planned regarding real estate matters and a review of closed session minutes.

An executive session is also to be held regarding sale/lease of real estate and review of closed session minutes. The agenda indicates option for action on items discussed in Executive Session in an open session.

5:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Outreach & Advocacy Committee

In addition to approving minutes of a previous meeting, the Committee may hear reports from the Citizens Advisory Committee, The Outreach Project, Community Organization Outreach and Legislative Update.

5:30 p.m.--McHenry County College Board of Trustees

A Special Board Meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the McHenry County College Board Room. The brief agenda lists as follows:

Call to Order

Roll Call

Acceptance of Agenda

Closed Session

Resolution to Make Offer

Closed Session

Summary Comments By Board Members

Adjournment

6:30 p.m.—McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees

The Board is planning to go into Executive Session for probably or pending litigation and Review of Closed Session Minutes.

7:00 p.m.—MCCD Board will reconvene

The Board will adjourn to a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget.

Public comments from the public are welcome and should be limited to three minutes per person.

The Public Hearing will be closed and the Board will reconvene the Regular Meeting.

A presentation is scheduled on the Nippersink Watershed, a Section 319 Funded Social Research Study.

The Board will also recognize the retirement of Susan Hayden, Wildlife Ecologist.

The Board will also hear various committee reports, along with a list of matters to be approved on a consent agenda. A few interesting items include a motion to adopt a resolution for submittal of an IDNR Local Government Snowmobile grant to provide the McHenry County Snowmobile Association with $30,000 to maintain snowmobile trails throughout the county for a three-year period.

A motion is also included regarding the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with McHenry County for the crossing of Walkup Avenue as part of the Phase II construction of Ridgefield Trace.

Also the Executive Director is to be authorized to execute documents for the construction phase of the Ridgefield Trace Bike Path between Oak Street and Walkup Avenue along the Commonwealth Edison Licensed property in Crystal Lake. The documents provide for Federal Participation with IDOT and A Construction Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with Baxter Woodman in the amount of $40,755 and Professional Services Agreement with Soil and Materials Consultants, Inc.

Earlier, this project was awarded $934,950 in federal funding. The path is to be located along a ComEd right-of-way and go two miles from McHenry County College nearly to Oak Street in Crystal Lake. Plans are to continue the trail from a loop near Oak Street to Veteran Acres Park, and eventually southwest to the intersection of Lake Avenue and Route 47 in Woodstock.

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake Park District Board

The Board is to adopt an annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012.

In other matters before the Board, approval is requested for payment of Lake Manager 2011 Activities as presented by Hey and Associates in the amount of $101,500.