In recognition of its Community Forestry Program, McHenry recently was designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 23rd consecutive year.

Crystal Lake

New restaurant to open at wakeboarding park

The Crystal Lake City Council has approved an agreement allowing Zak Dolezal, owner of Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, to operate the restaurant at the wakeboarding park at Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Northwest Highway. The new eatery will be named Duke’s on the Water, and will feature burgers, sandwiches and salads. It is expected to open in early May. Under terms of the agreement, Duke’s will pay $3,500 in rent per month during the operating months of May through October, 5 percent of which will go to the city. The city also will receive 5 percent of all gross revenues generated by food and beverage sales at the new establishment. For more information, call (815) 459-2020 or visit www.crystallake.org.

 Woodstock

 Chamber names recipients of 2017 awards

The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced its 2017 award recipients during the Annual Dinner & Awards Presentation, held March 2. Recipients include The City of Woodstock (Teamwork Award), Steve Gavers/Gavers Community Cancer Foundation (Harold Buschkopf Award), Tom Dougherty/Dougherty Enterprises (Entrepreneur of the Year), John Stassen/Stassen Insurance (Leadership Award), Woodstock Fine Arts Association (Not for Profit Excellence Award), Eric and Dawn Iversen/Woodstock Heating (Professional Service Provider), Jim O’Leary/Copy Express (Retailer of the Year), and Juanita Vega/Country Financial and Cindi Carrigan/Carrigan Design (Volunteer of the Year).

 McHenry

 McHenry earns Tree City USA distinction

In honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management, the City of McHenry was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. McHenry achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The city’s Annual Arbor Day Ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 28 at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 S. Green Street. The deadline for tree donations is April 8. For more information, call the Public Works Department at (815) 363-2186 or visit www.ci.mchenry.il.us.

Harvard

Senior Center to offer new walking program

The City of Harvard and the Harvard Community Senior Center, 6817 Harvard Hills Road, are offering a new walking program called Walk With Ease. Originally developed for individuals with osteoarthritis, the program is now open to anyone seeking to benefit from regular walking. In studies conducted by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, the Walk With Ease program was shown to reduce pain, increase balance and strength, and improve overall health. Residents interested in participating in the free, six-week program can sign up at the Senior Center or via email (with name, address, phone number and any health conditions) at info@harvardseniorcenter.org. For more information, call the Senior Center at (815) 943-2740 or visit www.cityofharvard.org.

 Algonquin

Village offers rain barrel/composter program

The Village of Algonquin and the Land Conservancy of McHenry County have joined efforts for the seventh year in a row to promote and sell rain barrels and composters. Rain barrels can benefit the village’s water conservation program by offering residents an alternative water source for watering landscaping, thereby reducing the use of potable water. Rain barrels are placed under a downspout to collect and store rainwater for the purpose of watering flowers and gardens during dry weather. The use of rainwater decreases the amount of drinking water used for landscape irrigation, and reduces the amount of water runoff during storms. The use of composters will help reduce the amount of garbage sent to a landfill. Fruit scraps, vegetable scraps and yard waste can be put in the composter, creating organic compost for use in a garden while diverting the amount of items sent to landfills. Residents interested in purchasing a rain barrel or composter can place orders online at www.conservmc.org or by calling (815) 337-9502. Orders must be placed by May 11. Pick-up will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 19 at the Ganek Municipal Center, 2200 Harnish Drive — or by arrangement the following week. For further details, visit www.algonquin.org.

 Cary

 Library to hold annual Peeps Diorama Contest

The Cary Area Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, will host its fourth annual Peeps Diorama Contest April 5-11. Participants can create a miniature “Peeps World” in a shoebox. Prizes will be given to the best entries in four categories: Family, Youth (grades 5 and under), Young Adult (grades 6-12) and Adult. Dioramas will be on display April 5-11, and voting for the “Peeples Choice Award” will be conducted during the entire display period. In addition, a “Peeps Party” closing reception will be held from 7-8 p.m. April 11. All prizes will be awarded at the end of the reception. Entry forms are available at the library’s Service Center or online at www.carylibrary.com. Entries will be accepted April 1-4. For more information, call (847) 639-4210.

 Johnsburg

 Village earns prestigious financial reporting award

The village recently received notice that it has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the village and its management. A formal presentation to recognize the prestigious award will take place at a future Village Board meeting. For more information, call (815) 385-6023 or visit www.johnsburg.org.