MCC's Sweet Scots bakery reopens

McHenry County College's student-run bakery, Sweet Scots, will reopen Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. offering freshly-baked cookies, brownies, pastries and beverages.

Now in its fourth year, the bakery is part of the college's culinary management program where students get hands-on experience running a real bakery. Students in the class are working toward an associate degree in baking and pastry management.

All menu items are made from scratch without any artificial colors or flavors. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

Customers receive a free coffee with purchase. Back by popular demand are apple fritters, peanut butter cookies, Earl Grey cherry tea cookies and espresso cream brownies. Some highlights this year are a brownie sundae made with Sweet Scots' homemade ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and a small selection of soups made by Chef Aaron's Culinary 101 class.

The bakery will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday in the Scot Room (B178), next to the culinary lab in Building B of the college's Crystal Lake campus.

To view weekly soups and pastry specials, visit the Sweet Scots Facebook page at facebook.com/sweetscots.

For more information, visit mchenry.edu/sweets.

MCC seeks vendors, exhibitors for Green Living Expo:

McHenry County College is seeking vendors and exhibitors for its Green Living Expo 2016 on Nov. 5.

The expo is free and open to the public. It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

Business owners can share their green product, service or message with the community.

Early registration is recommended as spaces sell out fast. The early bird rate through Sept. 16 is $70 for businesses and $30 for nonprofits. The deadline is Oct. 17.

The event is hosted by the MCC Sustainability Center. To register or for more information, call (815) 479-7765, email sustainability@mchenry.edu or visit mchenry.edu/greenexpo.

U-46 Summer Reading Challenge winners honored:

For the fifth year in a row, Highland Elementary School in Elgin turned out the most devoted readers in the Summer Reading Challenge, sponsored by Elgin Area School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Library.

And, Sycamore Trails Elementary School in Bartlett had the most improved participation.

Winners of the 2016 Summer Reading Challenge were awarded trophies during the Elgin International Festival, also known as iFest.

U-46 and Gail Borden Public Library lead the challenge each year to support students in their quest to continue reading during summer vacation.

Nearly 150 of Highland's students participated in the program this summer. Every Thursday afternoon through July, Highland Elementary School Principal Steve Johnson, staff and Highland families gathered at the library to read together in English and Spanish.

"At Highland, we are always encouraging our students to read and stressing its importance," Johnson said. "We want them to keep the momentum going and maintain their reading level from the spring. The Summer Reading Challenge does this in a fun and engaging way."

Elementary schools also were recognized during iFest. Sycamore Trails Elementary School increased participation by 27 percent - 116 Sycamore Trails students completed the challenge this summer. Clinton Elementary School in South Elgin earned the title last year.

"We are extremely proud of our Sycamore Trails community for the improved participation in the summer reading challenge," Sycamore Trails Principal Lisa Cardenas said. "I am fortunate to have the best students, staff, teachers and parents. It's a proud day for us Timberwolves!"

All 40 U-46 elementary schools and its two early learning centers - Illinois Park in Elgin and Independence in Bartlett - participated in the challenge with 3,023 students completing the program across the four public libraries that serve the district. Bartlett, Carol Stream and Streamwood public libraries also participated in the challenge.

According to the Illinois Library Association, children who read at least six books over the summer score higher in reading and mathematics when they return to school.

"We are extremely pleased that we had a record number of intergenerational reading in families this summer. Reading as a family can have a lifetime impact," said Carole Medal, executive director of Gail Borden Public Library. "The library staff was thrilled that U-46 school students met here on a weekly basis and we had an exceptional opportunity to recommend great reads to kids on a daily basis."