Manzullo Statement On Osama bin Laden

On the confirmation statement last night regarding the killing of Osama bin Laden, Congressmand Don Manzullo (R-Egan) issued the following response:

 “Nearly 10 years after he ordered the 9/11 attacks, justice has been served to Osama bin Laden. The most feared terrorist ever to walk the face of the earth was tracked down and killed today by U.S. armed forces, and the world is a better place tonight. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed on 9/11 and in other terrorist attacks with hopes that they can rest a little easier tonight knowing bin Laden is dead.” 

Golf Fundamentals At McHenry County College

Newly retired?

Want a new sport?

Desire to be the next golf legend of our time?

 

The beginning point for all of these is fundamentals. McHenry County College is offering the needed help—golfing classes.

Offered through the College’s Continuing Education Department, classes will be at the Golf Learning Center in Crystal Lake, an all-season facility that allows for lessons rain or shine.

Offerings Include:

Basic Fundamentals of Golf -- ideal for the beginning golfer and includes the basic rules of play, terminology, equipment, scoring, skills and techniques to help you enjoy the game. Basic Fundamentals will take place from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings starting May 18 through June 15 at the Crystal Lake Golf Learning Center. Use course ID: NRE S09 005 to register. Cost is $80.

Advanced Fundamentals of Golf --- a continuation of the basics and covers specific skills to improve your drives, chipping, putting and swing techniques. Advanced Fundamentals will be held from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings starting May 18 through June 15. Use course ID: NRE S10 005 when registering. Cost is $80.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588. For more information, call Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758 or Dori Smith at (815) 455-8559.

Governing Affairs on Monday

MONDAY, MAY 2

8:15 a.m. – Law and Justice Committee of the McHenry County Board

The Committee is to make two appointments to the McHenry County Emergency Telephone System Board including Linda Luehring and David Christensen.

Among the resolutions to be approved, is one authorizing acceptance of an IDOT Memorial Day Mini Grant Award and making an appropriation of a $4,453.68 Mini Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and requires a match from the County. It is known as an IDOT Memorial Day Mini Grant

The grant is being awarded as reconciliation by the Illinois Department of Transportation for their effective work implementing traffic safety campaigns.

A resolution is being presented to the committee for approval to recoup some of the snow removal costs for the period January 31 to February 3, 2011.

The Committee is also being requested to recommend approval of a Contract with New Sawn Technologies, Inc. for JustWare Case Management Software. This is the software for the next step in the plan to fulfill the County Board Strategic Goal of Integrated Justice. The cost is $1.5 million and has been planned.

7:00 p.m. – Crystal Lake Ad Hoc Clean Air Counts Advisory Committee

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Council Chamber Conference Room, 100 Woodstock Street.

Updates are to be considered including for Crystal Lake Draft Bicycle & Pedestrian Facility Master Plan, Safe Routes to School, Rain Barrel Incentive Program. Also, a newsletter, no-idling signs and a Bike with your neighbor program.

It's May Day

In medieval and modern Europe, May 1 is a holiday for the celebration of the return of spring. The observance probably originated in ancient agricultural rituals, and the Greeks and Romans held such festivals. Although later practices varied widely, the celebrations came to include the gathering of wildflowers and green branches, the weaving of floral garlands, the crowning of a May king and queen, and the setting up of a decorated May tree, or Maypole, around which people danced.

Such rites originally may have been intended to ensure fertility for crops and, by extension, for livestock and humans, but in most cases this significance was gradually lost, so that the practices survived largely as popular festivities.

Among the many superstitions associated with May Day was the belief that washing the face with dew on the morning of May 1 would beautify the skin. Because the Puritans of New England considered the celebrations of May Day to be licentious and pagan, they forbade its observance, and the holiday never became an important part of American culture.

In the 20th century, traditional May Day celebrations declined in many countries as May 1 became associated with the international holiday honouring workers and the labour movement.

Crystal Lake 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 -– May 2 through May 6, — is South of Barlina to Alexandra Bvd and West of McHenry Avenue and west of Randall Road.

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

Spring Cleaning Can Be Helpful To The Budget

Spring cleaning? How can that stuff from your attic or storeroom bring you a tax deduction and help the environment?

By donating that stuff to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County! The organization will be taking donations of gently used items for their spring garage sale from May 21 through May 25, 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary.

What type of things will be accepted? Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances. Not sure if they’ll take it? Call the office at 815-338-0393, or email mcdef@owc.net.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit or call 815-338-0393

Environmental Scholarships 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’ office, 110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL, or downloaded from the Defenders’ website

Questions regarding the scholarship-- please call the office at 815-338-0393.

Formed in 1970, 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 welcomed and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.