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Crystal Lake Chamber members: Have you celebrated an anniversary, added a new associate, won an award? Click Here to submit your press release with your latest news. Go to 'Events from our Members' News from our MembersPADS SleepOut for Shelter 2010 Registration now Open  The SleepOut for Shelter rally and fundraising website is now live! All critical information including the event flyer, camper kit, release forms, and activities kits are all downloadable from the site. Online registration is an easy to follow step by step process and participants can actually send out emails directly from the site to friends and family seeking donations of support. The site will actually track donations live. The SleepOut for Shelter website can be found as a link from the McHenry County Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) website. Anyone not able to access the website is encouraged to call Barb Swanson at 815-759-7144 or email bswanson@pioneercenter.org to receive all of the necessary information through the mail, email, or for pick-up. SleepOut for Shelter will be held on April 17 throughout McHenry County. Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic Celebrates a New Parking Lot 
Dr. Daniel Strelcheck and staff are celebrating their newly paved parking lot. After 51 years of wear and tear, 250 yards of concrete were poured covering 15,000 square feet. Thank you to the City of Crystal Lake, Michael Follman, General Contractor and owner of Crafters Mill, Warner Concrete who formed and poured the parking lot, Bowar Concrete for providing the power screening, Berquist Concrete that formed and poured the curbs, Super Mix for supplying the concrete, Alano Club for the use of their parking lot and a huge thank you to our patients for your loyalty, faith, and understanding during this major renovation. The day was truly historic as Dr. Daniel and parents Dr. Dan Sr. and Barbara watched the transformation. "This is truly a day to remember and it makes us so proud to see where Daniel and the staff are taking the chiropractic profession," Barbara commented with tears in her eyes. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for the spring of 2010. Security Assessment for Businesses Offered The Crystal Lake Police Department, as part of its on-going crime prevention initiative, has entered into a partnership with the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce to offer security assessments to local businesses. This program was established last year with the intent of providing our local business owners the opportunity to have their workplace assessed by an officer specifically trained to recognize vulnerabilities that might contribute to crime. This free assessment will include suggestions for increasing security and safety for both buildings and employees. According to Chief David Linder, “our intent is to continue to work in partnership with our business community to promote safety as a cornerstone of our community”. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free assessment, please contact Officer Sean McGrath at 815-356-3775 or smcgrath@crystallake.org . Arnold Earns Certification 
The Cleaning Connection is proud to announce that Rosie Arnold has completed her physical and written training for certification as a Team Leader. In her training she has learned to properly identify and display functions of each of the cleaning programs offered. She has learned to differentiate between a general clean versus rotation cleans. She will now carry the responsibilities of handling time sheets, communication between staff and clients, as well as handling customer concerns and compliments. She will begin training of her first Team Member to share her knowledge and assist in their certification this month. The Cleaning Connection is proud of her accomplishments and value her contributions to the team. The Cleaning Connection offers both commercial and residential cleaning with honest and dependable service. You can reach them at 815-893-6460. Certification Completed 
John Pletz, Kathy Pletz, Marilyn Donta, and Betty Cragg of ServiceMaster Clean by Pletz recently completed Level 3 Healthcare Certification Training offered by ServiceMaster Healthcare Systems Division. Level III Training, was conducted by Jabin Newhouse, Director of ServiceMaster Health Care Systems, and consisted of systems for recognizing infectious medical waste and how to properly handle infectious waste. Being part of this group of certified Healthcare Professionals allows them to bring another advantage to their present and future Healthcare facility customers. They continue to learn about the Healthcare Industry through educational opportunities, Healthcare resources (CDC and JCAHO). ServiceMaster Clean by Pletz was established in 1986, and provides Green Cleaning, carpet, floor, and upholstery cleaning, windows, and ongoing janitorial cleaning. Centegra Earns Honor Centegra Hospital – McHenry became one of 23 hospitals in Illinois to receive the National Medal of Honor for its work in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), each hospital granted the prestigious Medal of Honor also works with Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. To qualify for the award, hospitals must have eight or more potential organ donors during a 22-month period, ending in April 2009. In addition, Centegra Hospital – McHenry sustained a donation rate of 75 percent or higher from eligible donors throughout the year. Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations. For more information on Centegra Health System visit www.centegra.org or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347). Pearle Vision Honored 
Rory Zimny, President of Pearle Vision Crystal Lake, was honored along with his partners Timothy Webb and Dr. Frank M. Valentino at the Pearle Vision National Franchise Convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada in October. The optical chain’s top honor The Stanley Award, named after founder Dr. Stanley Pearle, was awarded to the operators of the Crystal Lake location. Additionally, the Crystal Lake store was awarded the Platinum Spectacle Award for achieving top sales goals over the previous year and the OneSight Award which is based on charitable giving to local and global communities. This is the franchise group’s second Stanley Award since becoming Pearle Vision franchisees in 1997. Since 1999, the Crystal Lake Pearle Vision has served the vision care needs of McHenry County residents. Learn more at www.pearlevision.com. Shippy Joins Firm CPA Lee Shippy has joined the McDonald Doherty & Company group of CPA's to provide tax services in association with Lynn Doherty at her office on 35 Grant Street, Crystal Lake. Lee will continue to provide the types of tax services he has performed in Crystal Lake for many years, with a particular emphasis on tax consulting regarding estates, gifts and trusts, as well as related tax accounting services and tax return filings. He welcomes the opportunity to work with Lynn, a CPA who has established herself as an excellent provider of tax planning and tax preparation services to businesses and individuals. Contact the firm at 815-459-6303 or visit www.mcdonalddoherty.com. Dalzell Certified AGS 
Leading Jewelry Retailer, Dalzell and Company, has earned the prestigious honor of receiving the American Gem Society (AGS) Certification. Dalzell and Co. is the only American Gem Society certified store in the northwest suburbs to include all of Lake and McHenry counties. Owner Steve Dalzell joins an exclusive list of jewelers who have successfully completed stringent gemological examinations and continuous certifications. Extensive, continuous study in diamonds and colored gemstones, as well as the mastery of sophisticated testing procedures is required to hold the title. Dalzell and Company Jewelers has been a fixture in the Crystal Lake business community since 1996. Their current store, located at the corners of Brink and Williams Streets in downtown Crystal Lake, features a substantial line of designer jewelry and treasured gifts. Additionally, the store provides complete in-house custom design services with state-of-the-art technology. Learn more at www.dalzelljewelers.com. County Receives Award The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to McHenry County by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the 11th consecutive year. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer and her staff are primarily responsible for preparing the CAFR. Ms. Palmer stated, “It is a collaborative effort to produce this financial report to convey the financial position of the County to our citizens and others, as well as being a valuable resource when the County seeks to obtain financing. I would especially like to thank my Senior Accountant, Jim Bernier, and the professional services of our external auditors, Baker Tilley Virchow Krause, LLP.” Baxter & Woodman Project 
The Village of Itasca, Illinois recently broke ground on a new Wastewater Treatment Plant. Designed by Baxter & Woodman, Inc., this project will boost the local economy, create hundreds of new jobs, and take approximately two years to complete.Baxter & Woodman, Inc. worked closely with the Village to identify the funding necessary for these improvements. The project is funded in part by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Water Pollution Control Loan Program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Program, and the issuance of bonds under the Buy American Program. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. is an employee-owned Engineering News-Record Top 500 Design Firm which provides planning, design, construction and technology services for water, wastewater, storm water and transportation facilities for municipalities, counties, and state agencies. Clients are served from nine regional offices in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Local Association Chosen The McHenry County Association of REALTORS® (McHCAR) in Crystal Lake has been honored by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) for their idea on improving the functional processes of REALTORS® across the country. The announcement was made by Dale Stinton, NAR’s Chief Executive Officer. In August 2009, NAR instituted the Game Changers Challenge, whereby NAR challenged its 1.2 million members with creating benefits and programs to assist its membership during current economic conditions. These game changing ideas must have an impact on the association as a new product, program, process or service that improves the REALTOR® organization. At its recent convention in San Diego, NAR announced that from more than 200 submissions there were 14 first place winners and 22 runners up, who will each receive their share of $2 million to undertake their chosen projects, which must be completed by May 2010. Pelinski Chosen 
Judy Pelinski, Fresh Look Interiors, was honored to be invited to be a part of panel of writers for The Decorator's Notebook Online Magazine. This exciting publication, brought to you by The Society of Decorating Professionals, is filled with advice from a hand-selected team of decorating industry professionals. Each month, Pelinski, will share information on a variety of decorating related items along with 20+ other writers from around the country. As a respected industry expert, Pelinski has become a Certified Trainer with the SDP as well as been chosen to speak at several of The SDP’s National Conferences.Pelinski has been helping homeowners re-purpose and re-style their homes for the past eight years and is a Board Member of the Crystal Lake Chamber, current recipient of their Presidential Award of Excellence, and a National Training Coordinator for The Society of Decorating Professionals. Learn more at www.freshlookredesign.com. Local Attorney Elected Officer Rita W. Garry of The Garry Law Firm was elected as the first Secretary of the Midwest Chapter of the Family Firm Institute (FFI) which is the second chartered organization of FFI. The Family Firm Institute is the global resource for intelligence, education, and professional development of the family business and family wealth fields. FFI serves as a think tank for the sharing of skills and knowledge, facilitates essential connections both domestically and cross-culturally, and provides vital interdisciplinary education for the advisors, consultants, educators and researchers dedicated to advancing the family enterprise. For more information, please call The Garry Law Firm at 815-356-8581 or visit www.garrylaw.com. GWC Names Director 
Bill Paladino of Turtle Lake has been named director of conferencing sales and services at George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay. Paladino will be responsible for the overall management of the conferencing operation, including sales and staffing as well as supporting the interface of the academic program from a hospitality perspective. Paladino earned a Bachelor of Science in hotel management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Master of Arts in teaching with certification from GWC. He also serves on the board of the Turtle Valley Wildlife Area and is a member of the Turtle Lake homeowner’s association. George Williams College of Aurora University is located on the shores of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin and offers 72 rooms for overnight stays including lakefront accommodations, a dining facility, an 18-hole historic golf course, and team development programs. For more information on the Conference Center, visit www.aurora.edu/gwc/meetings-retreats, call 262-245-8519 or email wpaladin@aurora.edu. Schafer Celebrates 20 Years Schafer Home Improvements is pleased to announce their 20th anniversary. Since 1990, Bill and Joe Schafer, along with the entire organization, have provided the highest level of quality remodeling and customer service for their clients. A true design-build company, Schafer features an outstanding team of experienced designers, organized project managers, skilled craftsmen and dedicated support personnel. Along with receiving an A+ rating and complaint free awards from the Better Business Bureau, Schafer has also received top honors from Better Homes and Gardens, Remodeling Magazine, The Northwest Herald, and Pride in Crystal Lake Award as well as many other outstanding achievement awards. The Schafer system includes: Free initial consultation, design and building plans, detailed proposal and project approval, financing options as well as permit processing, construction scheduling, daily clean-up and the best warranties in the industry. Please call 815-459-1333 or visit www.SchaferHI.com to learn more. Festival of Lights Parade Winners 
Santa Claus arrived in style at the Downtown Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade hosted by Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street. A wonderful start to the Christmas season, over 50 floats, including stylish vehicles representing the city’s nine auto dealers traveled from City Hall on a new parade route. 2009 Parade Winner Trophies were awarded as follows: Best Use of Lights – Polar Express by Barlina Court Neighbors; Most Enthusiastic – St. Thomas Apostle School; Judges’ Choice – Crystal Lake Strikers. Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street is a Premier Main Street organization, one of only five in the state. Led by executive director Diana Kenney for the past nine years, the volunteer organization provides many opportunities for members and businesses in the historic district. For more information about Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street, visit the website at www.downtowncl.org or call Diana Kenney at 815-479-0835. New Bus Option in McHenry County McHenry County has teamed up with Pace Suburban Bus to offer expanded dial-a-ride transit service beginning February 13, funded by the County’s Transit Grant Program and Senior Services Grant Fund. Other agencies participating in the program include Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Dorr Township, McHenry Township, and Pioneer Center for Human Services. Everyone is eligible to make trips originating or ending within the city boundaries of Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Woodstock. Seniors older than 65 years and people with disabilities are also eligible for trips originating or ending anywhere in McHenry Township or in Dorr Township outside of Bull Valley All one-way trips on this new service are $3.00 to be paid on the vehicle. Trips are curb-to-curb and wheelchair accessible. Riders will only be picked up and dropped off in safe locations at the driver’s discretion. Rides must be scheduled one day in advance. Reservations can be made at www.McHenryCountyDOT.org, 800-451-4599, or (TTY) 888-454-4724. Clough Attains Certification 
Home State Bank is pleased to recognize Jenny Clough for attaining her certification as a Professional in Human Resources (P.H.R.). Clough, a Human Resource Generalist at Home State Bank for the past 3 years, passed the 4 hour, 225 question exam on December 5, 2009. Individuals must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years of exempt level experience to sit for the exam. The PHR exam tests for mastery of practical and applied knowledge in the following functional areas: Strategic Management, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations, and Risk Management. Home State Bank actively supports continuing education in order to improve the level of service and expertise provided to the Bank’s customers and their associates. In addition, the Bank is also interested in promoting their employees own pursuit towards personal growth. FIAMC Receives Grant 
Sam’s foundation has generously given a $1,000 donation to Faith in Action of McHenry County (FIAMC). Funds will be utilized to assist lonely county seniors and to provide transportation to seniors living in their own home that no longer drive.“Faith in Action meets the needs of approximately 250 seniors every month.” Rhonda Anderson, Executive Director of the twelve year old charity, reports. “Transportation is about 48% of what our volunteers provide. Light housekeeping, respite care, and durable medical equipment loans are also frequent requests.” These services are offered without any costs to the senior in need. “We are dependent upon grants from the community, as well as participation in our fund raising events.” FIAMC currently utilizes over 350 volunteers to provide services. For more information about FIAMC, please call Rhonda Anderson at 815-455-3120 or e-mail at Rhonda@fiamchenrycounty.org. Demonstration Held at Family Alliance 
The seniors at Family Alliance, Inc. took part in a crepe making demonstration. Four volunteers helped Chuck Litts, retired Marriott Chef and current Family Alliance employee, in the demonstration. Seniors and staff members enjoyed tasting the crepes after the demonstration. Family Alliance is a not-for-profit organization founded 28 years ago as a program enabling seniors to remain at home while providing respite to caregivers. Family Alliance services are not duplicated by any agency in surrounding communities, and remains the only adult day health and recovery service for seniors in McHenry County. Programs include: Adult Day Health and Dementia Day Programs with door-to-door transportation, in-home and on-site Senior Counseling, Community Support, Care Management, in-home Dementia Support Services, Caregivers Support Groups, and Caregiver Education. For more information about Family Alliance, Inc. and its programs, visit www.familyallianceinc.org or call 815-338-3590. Crystal Lake Historical Society Offers Collectable Ceramic Houses 
Looking for an original gift to commemorate historic Crystal Lake? Need a creative gift for a recent grad or family member who has moved away? Miniature lighted ceramic replicas of Crystal Lake’s Dole Mansion, Main Beach House and historic Community (Central) High School are now available for $25 each, a 50% savings from the original cost. Each ceramic is numbered and quantities of each style are limited. The ceramic houses are available for purchase online at www.cl-hs.org, at Heisler’s Bootery in downtown Crystal Lake, or by phoning 815-455-1151. Local delivery is free of charge. Proceeds benefit the Crystal Lake Historical Society whose mission is to identify, preserve, present and promote through education the history of Crystal Lake. George Williams College Names Hunter Director of Student Life Mariann Hunter of Elkhorn has been named director of student life at George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay. Hunter will be responsible for supporting the residential undergraduate program at GWC, working closely with students, faculty and staff to develop a cohesive academic community. Hunter brings a wealth of experience to her position, having worked in higher education for 21 years, at such institutions as Plymouth State University, Colby-Sawyer College, North Central College, College of DuPage and Aurora University, where she worked in the Advancement Office for the past five years on the Aurora, Ill. campus. Hunter earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from North Central College and a Master of Arts in Education Administration in Higher Education from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. For more information on George Williams College, visit www.aurora.edu/gwc or call 262-245-5531. Centegra Health System Welcomes Endocrinologist 
Centegra Health System welcomes Jawaad Khokhar, MD, to its medical staff. Khokhar, who is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, has joined the staff of Centegra Primary Care. He served a fellowship in endocrinology and his residency in the Department of Internal Medicine at Palmetto Health University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations. As the region’s leading healthcare provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit centegra.org or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347). To make an appointment with Khokhar at Centegra Primary Care in McHenry, call 815-338-6600 or visit centegra.org/cpc. McHenry County Expansion of Health Center McHenry County is pleased to announce the expansion of a federally qualified health center. The Greater Elgin Family Care Center, the area's only Joint Commission accredited, federally qualified health center, will be providing primary healthcare services to McHenry County residents. The McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler stated, “This is a great step forward for the citizens of McHenry County who have trouble affording quality primary healthcare. It is a partnership that has emerged over the last two years to bring enhanced medical services to McHenry County residents. This includes federal, state, and local officials from the McHenry County Mental Health Board, the McHenry County Department of Health, and Family Services and Mental Health Care Center”. Construction of a new clinic in McHenry will be on land adjacent to Family Services and Community Mental Health Center. It is expected to serve 2,100 unduplicated, new patients and 6,400 medical appointments which are expected to grow in number. For more information on the expansion of the federally qualified health center, please contact Bob Tanner of the Greater Elgin Family Care Center at 847-608-1344 or by visiting www.gefcc.com. Pearle Vision Delivers the Gift of Sight 
Pearle Vision of Crystal Lake hosted OneDay, a free clinic for local residents in need of eye exams and eyewear as part of OneSight, a charitable organization sponsored by Luxottica Group, Pearle Vision’s parent company. Pearle Vision optometrists, opticians, doctor’s technicians and lab technicians all volunteered their time to make the event possible for residents of Turning Point, Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS), S.E.D.O.M. and the Lion’s Club of Crystal Lake. Pearle Vision was able to help 40 patients by donating free eye exams and eyeglasses in Crystal Lake. Other OneSight events that Pearle Vision has been involved in include Sight Night, a used eyewear collection campaign hosted on Halloween night, and both domestic and international missions. “We believe in giving back to our community and other places profoundly affected by poverty”, said Rory Zimny, a partner of the Crystal Lake franchised location. For more information about OneDay or OneSight, contact Tim Webb at 630-921-8500 or visit www.onesight.com. |
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Do Business With a Member Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce 427 W. Virginia St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 phone: 815.459.1300 fax: 815.459.0243 |
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