Congrats to Advance McHenry County…. and more county news!

Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on services, programs to help our citizens, and events in our county through Resume McHenry County updates.

Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as we move forward in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!

Treasury Department touts Advance McHenry County

On Valentine’s Day, the Advance McHenry County grant program got a tip of the hat from the US Department of the Treasury, which put out a fact sheet highlighting it as an example of a great way to put American Rescue Plan Act funding to good use!

The County Board created the program to allocate at least half of the $59.7 million the county received in ARPA funding to self-sustaining projects that directly benefit county residents. Of almost 3,200 counties in the US, we were one of 17 singled out for recognition. It’s a testament to the program itself, and to the groups that came forward with thoughtful and impactful ideas as to how to wisely invest the funding.

You can read more by clicking here.

New video highlights how veterans can file a claim with the VAC

If you’re a McHenry County resident who served your country in the Armed Forces, the staff of the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission stands ready to help you obtain the benefits you earned.

That process starts by filing a claim with a veterans service officer.

Click on the video above to watch a brief video explaining how to get the claim process started. You also can learn more by calling 815-334-4229, or visiting www.mchenrycountyil.gov/vac.

The video is the second in a series highlighting the VAC and the vital work it does. Click here to watch a brief video explaining what the VAC does and the benefits available to veterans and their loved ones and caretakers.

Treasurer reminding seniors about property tax deferral program

The McHenry County Treasurer’s Office is reminding eligible seniors that they have until March 1 to enroll in the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program.

The program allows qualified seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes and/or special assessment payments on their principal residence. It operates like a loan, allowing seniors to defer up to $7,500, which is then borrowed from the state, which pays the tax bill to the Treasurer’s Office.

This year, the maximum deferral amount has been increased from $5,000 to $7,500, and the household income qualification threshold has been increased from $55,000 to $65,000.

Click here and here to learn more, or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 815-334-4260.

Environmental Defenders launching commercial compost pilot

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County has set up a commercial food waste composting pilot program.

They’ve teamed up with WasteNot Compost, a Chicago composting business, to encourage local food businesses to collect their food waste for composting. Keeping food waste out of landfills reduces emissions of methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas.

You can sign up for the commercial pilot program by clicking here, or you can email wastereductioncl@gmail.com for more information. Please share this opportunity with business owners who might be interested!

Calling all library lovers! An expedition calls!

Do you love libraries, and love exploring? Naturally McHenry County has teamed up with 13 area libraries to create the Library Lovers Expedition.

You can register at any of them to receive a map of participating libraries and a bookmark – no library card required.

At each library is a fun challenge from which to collect a ribbon to attach to your bookmark. When you’ve visited all 13, show your bookmark to any participating library, and your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a gift basket prize.

The contest runs through March 31 – click here to learn more!

Festival of the Sugar Maples coming up in March

With no offense intended to Woodstock Willie‘s forecasting abilities, the flowing of sap from the maple trees is a sure sign that spring is coming.

That, of course, means it’s time for the McHenry County Conservation District’s annual Festival of the Sugar Maples, which runs March 4-6 and March 11-13 at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset Drive, Marengo.

It’s a unique opportunity to learn the fascinating history of maple sugaring and how the sap collection process has evolved over time. Tours last an hour and involve a half-mile woodland hike, so dress warmly – and no pets, please.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Click here to do so, but spaces are filling fast!