The McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union, has launched an Adopt An Artifact program. Individuals and organizations can adopt a variety of items, highlighted by a 17-inch-diameter snare drum used by U.S. Union Navy veteran Henry Fish during the Civil War. (Photo courtesy of the McHenry County Historical Society)

McHenry County 

McHenry County Historical Society launches Adopt An Artifact program 

The McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union, has launched an Adopt An Artifact program. Individuals and organizations can adopt a variety of items, highlighted by a 17-inch-diameter snare drum used by U.S. Union Navy veteran Henry Fish during the Civil War. Fish, a Woodstock native, served from 1861-65, first aboard the USS Great Western and then the USS Carondelet. Fish’s drum was donated to the Historical Society in 1980, and is need of repair. For a tax-deductible donation of $700, the drum can be “adopted” in support of its restoration and storage needs. Other historical items are available for adoption as well, including an original version of a 1908 McHenry County Standard Atlas and a 19th Century Bible. Adoption benefits include a personalized packet that features a certificate of adoption, a photograph of the artifact and a description of its historical significance, Historical Society membership for one year, an exhibit of the artifact with signage recognizing the adopting party, and more. To adopt an artifact, and for more information, call (815) 923-2267 or visit www.gotohistory.org.

McHenry County Dept. of Health seeks nominations for 2017 Green Awards  

The McHenry County Department of Health is accepting nominations for the 2017 McHenry County Green Awards. The awards recognize the waste reduction, recycling and conservation efforts of businesses, institutions, organizations and residents in the county. Entries will be considered based on environmentally sound waste reduction efforts, innovation and education/encouragement of participation. Award winners will be selected by the McHenry County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and will be recognized at special events throughout the year. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: Business (manufacturing, retail, offices, hotels, restaurants); Institution (schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, government); Organization (associations, clubs, volunteer groups); and Individual. Nomination forms are available online at www.mcdh.info, and must be submitted (by March 3) to Solid Waste Manager Kristy Hecke at khecke@co.mchenry.il.us or by fax at (815) 334-4637. For more information, call Hecke at (815) 334-4585 or visit www.co.mchenry.il.us.

McHenry Township 

McHenry Township Senior Center to host Mardi Gras luncheon event 

The McHenry Township Senior Center will host a traditional, New Orleans-style Mardi Gras luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at McHenry Township Hall, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg. Following the luncheon, entertainment will be provided by the six-piece Sinful Saints Dixieland Band. The event is co-sponsored by Crystal Pines Health Care Center, of Crystal Lake, and Fox Point Senior Lifestyle and FirstLight HomeCare, both based in McHenry. Tickets are $8; reservations are required. For reservations, and more information, call (815) 344-5555 or visit www.mchenrytownship.com.

Woodstock 

Woodstock Library to host Health Wellness Event, blood drive 

In conclusion of its annual “Have a Heart Week,” the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., will host a Health Wellness Event from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18. Professional staff from Mercy Health System will be on hand to perform free blood pressure screenings, and provide information and education on the influenza virus, vaccinations and seasonally relevant child safety issues. Free goodies for kids will be provided as well. In addition, the library will host a Heartland Blood Drive from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 21. Donated blood will benefit area hospitals. All donors must show a photo ID prior to donating. To schedule an appointment, visit www.heartlandbc.org or call the library at (815) 338-0542. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information on either event, call the library or visit www.woodstockil.gov/library.

Spring Grove 

LifeSpring Church to host annual Kids Karnival 

The village announced that LifeSpring Community Church, 2503 Spring Ridge Drive (Suite G), will host its annual Kids Karnival from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24. The event includes face painting, balloon animals, games and a concert by La La Lisa & the Big Green Alligator. Hot concession items will be available for purchase. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. All proceeds from donations will go toward LifeSpring’s goal of $1,000 in an effort to help the Spring Grove Elementary School PTO acquire a Buddy Bench. Additional funds raised will go toward future PTO projects, including a school garden. For more information, call (815) 230-7101 or visit www.lifespringefc.org.

Cary  

Village of Cary invites public to pair of budgetary meetings   

The village is inviting the public to attend two upcoming Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Meetings. Both meetings will be held at Village Hall, 655 Village Hall Drive. The Committee of the Whole will review the village’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at 6 p.m. Feb. 21. The meeting will include discussion relating to facilities, infrastructure, water and sanitation, capital projects, vehicles and equipment. The Village Board will hold the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Workshop at 9 a.m. March 11. During the meeting, the Village Board will review the operating budgets for all village funds, along with special projects. For more information, call (847) 639-0003 or visit www.caryillinois.com.

Barrington Hills   

Village of Barrington to lower property taxes for third year in row 

The village reported that the Barrington Hills Board of Trustees recently voted to lower the property tax levy for the third year in a row. The village will request $5.3 million in property taxes in 2017, down from $6.1 million received in 2016. The 2017 village budget is $7.5 million, down from $7.9 million the previous year. As recently as 2013, the village was faced with a budget of $8.4 million. The levy reduction in 2017 is due, in part, to administrative and departmental restructurings and consolidation of emergency dispatch services. For more information, call (847) 551-3000 or visit www.barringtonhills-il.gov.