The briefs

Crystal Lake sets brush pickup

The city of Crystal Lake Public Works Department will conduct its annual brush pickup during May.

Residents are reminded to have all brush set out on the parkway before 7 a.m. Monday. All brush must be less than six inches in diameter and no more than six feet in length. City crews will make only one pass down each city street to collect the brush.

In addition, on the first and third Saturday of every month, April through November, residents can drop off brush from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 at Coventry Lane and Dartmoor Drive. Proof of residency is required.

All brush will be ground into wood chips and made available to Crystal Lake residents free of charge for landscaping.

For more information, call the Public Works Department at (815) 356-3614.

Dental clinic offers free sealants

McHenry County Cooperative Dental Clinic in Woodstock will provide free sealants to qualified McHenry County children ages 6-17 at its "Free Sealant Day" clinics scheduled May 14, 19 and 21.

Eligible residents include children from uninsured and underinsured families or those who qualify for free or reduced school lunch programs.

A dental sealant is a white or clear plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth for protection against decay.

Application is quick and painless. Sealants are an effective measure in reducing cavities.

Appointments are available by calling the dental clinic at (815) 337-5616.

McHenry County Department of Health has identified children's dental and oral health as one of its priorities in its 2007-2012 strategic plan (IPLAN) available at Web site www.mcdh.info.