The McHenry County Department of Health is offering a no-cost, type 2 diabetes prevention program, starting in mid-January 2019, based on a model developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

McHenry County

Health Dept. offers diabetes prevention program

The McHenry County Department of Health is offering a no-cost, type 2 diabetes prevention program, starting in mid-January 2019. An overview session of the program will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 17, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3 at MCDH, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. Program classes will meet on Tuesdays or Thursdays at the same location. Based on a model developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Diabetes Prevention Program is designed specifically to help prevent type 2 diabetes, and is intended for people who have pre-diabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes — but do not already have the condition. Classes will be led by Carol Waggoner, a Registered Nurse Health Educator for the MCDH Community Health Program who received lifestyle coach training from the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Registration for both the overview session and the class is available online at www.mcdh.info or by calling Waggoner at 815-334-4580. For more information about the NDPP, visit www.cdc.gov.

Woodstock

Plans in place for community garden project 

The city announced that the Woodstock Environmental Commission has identified a one-acre area of Castle Road Park suitable to construct a community garden consisting of raised beds. The city hopes to rent the raised beds on an annual basis to residents, for a fee, beginning in spring 2019. With the site currently undeveloped, the Environmental Commission recently created a subcommittee to establish guidelines and coordinate volunteer activities. As a result, the group gained permission to seek donations and sponsorships to fund this community project. Once funding has been secured, phase one of the project will consist of clearing and leveling the area, construction of the raised beds, construction of water service to bring water to the site, and construction of pathways. The Environmental Commission also envisions future phases, including fencing, compost bins, a storage shed and off-street parking. For more information, contact the Environmental Commission at 815-338-6118 or via mail at pwdept@woodstockil.gov — or visit www.woodstockil.gov.

Library to host program on art of storytelling

The Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., will host Memory Makers: The Art of Storytelling, a special program for adults, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 19. Author/speaker/storyteller Joy Aavang, coordinator of the Memory Makers Storytelling Group, in Richmond, will be on hand to encourage participants to learn and practice the art of storytelling. Participants are not required to tell their personal stories if they are uncomfortable doing so, and are welcome to attend as listeners. Light refreshments will be served. To register, and for more information, call 815-338-0542 or visit www.woodstocklibrary.org.

Crystal Lake

Teacher, research team earn national recognition

Community High School District 155 announced that Crystal Lake Central High School teacher Shannon Levitt — and a 10-member research team comprised of Illinois teachers — were named national finalists for Most Actionable Research at The Eddies, an Academy Awards-type celebration hosted by PIE Network (Policy Innovation in Education) that recognizes those who have made efforts to advance policy and advocacy efforts on behalf of students. As a member of the Illinois Teaching Policy Fellowship in 2017-18, Levitt worked with the research team to develop a report, titled, “From Zero to 100: Teachers’ Views on Implementation of Discipline Reform.” The group collaborated with the Illinois Education Association to survey 400 teachers across the state regarding their perceptions of attitudes and discipline reform measures in direct response to Illinois state legislation on discipline reform (Senate Bill 100). After two years of collecting and analyzing data, the research team published the report and presented its findings to state policy makers. Levitt was one of the report’s lead authors. Levitt, a District 155 employee for 17 years, teaches AP Research, Senior AVID and English 101. For more information, call 815-455-8500 or visit ww3.d155.org.

McHenry

Holiday lights recycling program underway

The city announced that Prairieland Disposal’s holiday lights recycling program is underway and will continue through Jan. 31, 2019. Drop-off sites are located at the Public Works Facility, 1415 Industrial Drive (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) and the Municipal Center, 333 S. Green St. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday). Acceptable items include mini lights, C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights and extension cords. All colors and lengths will be accepted. Garland, live greens, wreaths or other non-recyclable items will not be accepted. For more information, call Praireland Disposal at 847-381-9300 or the Public Works Department at 815-363-2186 — or visit www.ci.mchenry.il.us.

Fox Lake

Parks and Rec to host December Senior Luncheon

The village announced that the Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Grant Township Center will host the 2018 December Senior Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd. The menu includes baked ham, yams, vegetables, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. In addition, the Lotus Stanton Choir will perform holiday music. Admission is $10. Reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 224-225-1404. For more information, visit www.foxlake.org.

–McHenry County Calendar of Events–