patrick.oconnor@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ patrick.oconnor
'Tis the Season–For Reflection and Looking Forward
Here we are in the thick of holiday season and approaching the closure of 2025. The holidays often have a way of stirring something deep within us – a mix of joy, nostalgia, and sometimes, grief and ache. Whether you want to kick this year to the curb or you look back on it fondly hoping to savor the memories, the end of the year provides an opportunity to take stock and reflect on what we’ve learned, how we have grown, or what setbacks we’ve faced so that we may embrace the conclusion of this chapter and welcome the story that awaits in 2026.
For many, this season shines bright with gatherings and gratitude; for others, it brings quiet moments of reflection, longing, or even loss. It’s a complicated time — one that isn’t as perfectly wrapped up as a Hallmark movie would like us to believe.
As the year winds down, I remind myself of the old saying: “When one door closes, another opens.” Each ending carries the promise of a new beginning. This month, I choose to look toward the light of the open door. I am opting for stillness, listening to the whispers the universe sends me to remind me of how far I have come, and moving with purpose and intention toward who I am meant to become.
While the world is ‘hustling and bustling’ around me, I plan to savor the smallest and simplest moments: journaling, a hot tea (or bold red wine) shared with a friend, fireside chats, the warmth of a memory. I will lean into the pause — the deep breath we take before making a decision or responding to that text message or email.
I invite you to join me in making time for yourself, honoring that voice inside you. This season, I hope we all find both the sparkle and the stillness. The room to just breathe and the space to dance. The gratitude for what is, and even for what once was. And the peace and grace we all deserve.
Warmly,
PATTI NOBLE, EDITOR
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Klaudia Burian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Bradburn, Sharmila Taylor
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
inside the issue
Departments
What Matters Most
A
Capturing Community Through Their Lens
How
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—3: Witches, Witches everywhere! The 3rd Annual Witches Ride was a cackling good time for all! 4: Members of the Crystal Lake Chamber welcome VASA Fitness to the community with a ribbon cutting. 5: Members of Leadership Greater Mchenry County celebrate the 50th birthday of one of their own! 6—7: Walkers and runners braved the cold and rainy weather for the Care4 Breast Cancer 5k.
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
KATIE SINDE
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Real Estate Report
8/6/2025 10/30/2025 10/27/2025
8/29/2025 10/31/2025
8/29/2025
8/29/2025
10/30/2025
10/27/2025
9/5/2025
What Matters Most
A warm reflection on first responder holiday traditions that keep their hearts close to home.
ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN
In a charming historic midwestern town, with Main Street and a train running through it, neighbors and window shoppers saunter about town, and relish in the magic of the season. Or take a walk past timeless established lakeside homes noticing warm scenes taking place inside the deeply loved and cared for dwellings along the way. December brings a scene of families preparing to celebrate their cherished traditions. Parents are making a list, and checking it twice, ensuring not one detail goes missed.
A thin stream of smoke may swell from the chimney, signaling the warm home fires are burning. Familiar melodies play on the radio, and a sweet hum-along can be heard coming from the kitchen. A peek around the corner shows a mom putting decorative touches on a sweet ham, and sprinkling parsley on perfectly mashed potatoes. Children wiggle with anticipation of what is to come–some eagerly waiting for their cue to place serving utensils into the delightful dishes adorning a shared table. Crisp gusts of air escort in beloved guests. Joyful stories, laughter, and kiddos' feet running through the house crowd out the holiday music.
Each ‘house’, whether a treasured family home, a place of work, or the local, trusted fire house or police station, celebrates with joyful and reliable holiday traditions. Some community houses, like those of first responders, don’t ever close their doors or settle in for a warm winter’s nap. They have the unique responsibility of
ensuring the safety of each person and place, day in, and day out. On holiday nights spent away from loved ones, it’s these ‘house’ traditions that strengthen the bonds among men and women honorably standing by.
Through conversation, there’s a similar story that is told through the words of some of these brave souls. Battalion Chief Dan Teson enjoys working the holidays, and feels like the crew grows closer talking about family traditions. In his 27 years of service, his kiddos have spent holidays without him. Those years they would write a letter to Santa asking him to come a day early. His favorite traditions include three firehouses getting together for breakfast, and a kids Christmas party, where families could come in off-shift and celebrate alongside. “The Chief and Deputy Chief always come around to the stations and thank those working, and the community shows gratitude by bringing various treats," he explained. “The mindset stays on work, but there’s a more laid back feel.”
Fire Fighter/Paramedic Sergio Delgado reflects how the kitchen becomes the heart of the station, and connection is strengthened with their second family. “We all pitch in and cook together. We take care of each other.” Sergio smiles, sharing a story of how the Grinch showed up one year with presents for everyone. “The community really shows up for us. Families bring food and notes from children. It really hits home."
Some holiday traditions he and Deputy Chief Heidi Olsen love are the Holiday of Lights Parade, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, and Keep the Wreath Red to promote fire safety. The wreath hangs outside, and starts with red bulbs, and when there’s a fire, the bulb gets changed to white. “We want to see it stay red.” Heidi shares, “We understand this is a career path we chose, and we want to be here with honor and pride. We don’t want people to feel sorry for us, we took an oath, and our families understand that.”
Sheriff Tadelman has been in service for almost 22 years. “This profession takes you away from family, so we remind our guys that they matter, anything we can do to lessen the blows. Shop With a Cop is the best. We have an opportunity to be paired up with a child from our community that needs support. We pick them up in a squad car, and take them to shop for their family. The presents are wrapped by volunteers while the kiddos have breakfast with us. I still have my photo from 2014, and still look at that photo and the smile on that child’s face.”
“The community really shows up for us. Families bring food and notes from children. I really hits home.”
For first responders, building connection with staff and authentic recognition for those who work on those days is really important. This is sometimes a difficult time for people, and they try to help each other through that time. Sharing stories, a meal, and feeling the appreciation and camaraderie is what matters most.
Retired firefighter David Marshall reflects lovingly on his time spent with the department, relating a sweet tradition of spaghetti Saturdays. Each week, they would take turns getting creative when preparing this dish for everyone to share. They even experimented with black bean pasta, and his favorite, spaghetti squash. Why spaghetti? It’s a comforting meal that can feed a hungry crowd.
And what goes better with Spaghetti than meatballs? This recipe comes from a vintage Italian kitchen, and serves a crowded ‘house’. These can stay warm in a pot for up to a couple of hours, in case someone has to quickly run out, and still be able to come back to a nice hot plate of generously comforting food. These are also great on a sub the next day with some fresh grated mozzarella, or even cold, just right off the tip of a fork. Share with those you love, or maybe even with your local first responders 'house', on a holiday, in December, when it matters most. .
Grandma's Famous Meatballs: a holiday tradition
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 lbs 85% lean ground beef
• 4 slices good Italian bread, with crust
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed
• 5 large eggs
• 1T onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1T ketchup
• 1 pepperoni stick sliced thick
• lard or avocado oil for frying
SAUCE:
• 1 onion, diced
• 1-28oz can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
• 1- 28 oz can tomato sauce
• 1T tomato paste
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Few sprigs fresh basil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare the sauce. In a generous favorite pot, brown the onion with a little salt and pepper until soft and slightly golden. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer on low.
2. In a food processor, pulse the bread slices with the parsley until small crumbs form. In a large bowl, gently fold beef, bread with parsley, eggs, spices, and ketchup. Mix just until combined (don't overmix) and form into slightly larger than golf ball sized meatballs.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan. First, brown the pepperoni and add it to the sauce. In the same oil, brown the meatballs on all sides in batches. Don’t over crowd the pan. Add them to the sauce and gently stir them in, being careful not to break them up.
4. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour so the meatballs cook through and can flavor the sauce. The result is the juiciest meatballs you’ll ever try.
5. Serve topped with some fresh chopped basil and grated Parmigiano Reggiano over a thick Italian semolina spaghetti pasta, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a roasted spaghetti squash.
CAPTURING COMMUNITY Through Their Lens
How two local visual artists bring heart, friendship and connection to everything they create
ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN & SHARMILA TAYLOR
Photo Credit: David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions
David's favorite cover: "The Pillow"; Sharmila's favorite cover: "A Man and his Horse"
Each month, we introduce our readers to individuals who help define our community. Sharing a person’s story so that it may inspire, validate, uplift, or relate to others is one of the greatest joys of my work. As someone who values connection and relatability, this month’s feature is especially meaningful to me because I have the honor of highlighting two gifted professionals who help define the look and feel of our magazine, and whom I’m not only proud to collaborate with but also have the privilege of calling my friends.
David Bradburn and Sharmila Taylor are creative artists whose dedication, vision, and creativity elevate our pages and help shape the heart of this publication–and they remind us that the best collaborations are built not only on talent, but on trust and shared passion.
David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions
He walked into the room and I felt like we already knew each other. Not because we had met before, but because I immediately recognized him from photos in his brother’s Facebook posts. When I approached him and very matter of factly said, “I know you!”, he looked at me as though I was a stalker but respectfully let me drone on about how and why. Little did I know in that moment, we would go on to build a friendship that began as writing accountability partners and now includes seats on the Arts Commission as well as our roles with Crystal Lake City Lifestyle.
David is the friend that is comfortable in the passenger seat; the wind beneath your wings, holding you up when you don’t think you can stay afloat on your own. He is the friend who checks in just to let you know he sees you, reminding you that you are not alone. A confidante who knows how to hold space while you process. He is also a fierce advocate, not just for his friends, but for his community and for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves.
David is also a talented director and producer who has created a boutique film and content studio, Fork the Man Productions, specializing in emotionally grounded, cinematic storytelling that “bridges the worlds of commercial, branded, and narrative filmmaking.”
Photo Credit: Sharmila Taylor Photography
Photo credit: Sharmila Taylor Photography
Growing up in Elgin, his deep sense of compassion began at home. His parents modeled service to David and his two brothers—opening their doors to women escaping domestic violence, welcoming refugees until they could stand on their own, and always extending a helping hand to those in need. At just ten years old, a viewing of the film Gandhi sparked something profound within him, igniting a lifelong calling to advocate for others.
That sense of purpose led him to study social work in college and later to Chicago, where he worked in the field, then went on to earn a master’s degree in education and devote two decades to teaching English and film production in the Chicago Public School system.
While spending 20 years inspiring students, he continued to weave together creativity, empathy, and mentorship in everything he did. Film production became a natural extension of the lessons he’d been teaching all along — about perspective, storytelling, and seeing beauty in the everyday. This transformed into a new chapter, one where his camera became both a tool for art and an instrument for advocacy. As David explains, he creates “work that’s visually elevated yet human, merging agency-level creativity with the agility and authenticity of an independent filmmaker.” His projects often blur the line between advertising and art–a commercial that feels like a short film, a testimonial that plays like a character portrait, or a tourism campaign that looks like a movie trailer.
With the tagline: Cinematic storytelling that moves people and brands, Fork the Man Productions’ ideal clients include healthcare brands wanting to humanize patient stories, a tourism board or city government looking for cinematic destination storytelling, or a university ready to transform recruitment films into emotional journeys. The favorite part about film production or drone work for David? “Getting to bring ideas to life and create content that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”
Sharmila Taylor, Sharmila Taylor Photography
Two years ago, as I searched for photos for our City Scene section, I was repeatedly drawn to social media posts tagging a local photographer. Each of the photos captured the moment as well as the emotion of the event and the people. I was moved to reach out to request permission to feature some in our magazine.
In the months to follow, I found myself drawn to the work of Sharmila Taylor Photography. Taking that as a sign, and wanting to add to our freelance photographer team, I scheduled a meeting with Sharmila. At that first meeting, I new we would be friends.
Sharmila is genuine and thoughtful. Honest and open. Her hugs have meaning. She looks you in the eye when she says “I am here for you, whatever you need!” And you believe her–because it is true. She knows how to show up, and she does. Maybe it is because she has had people show up for her or maybe it’s because she knows what it feels like to be alone. Either way, here she is, authentically Sharmila.
Just one photo shoot with Sharmila and I was convinced we would work together for a long time. Words are often not necessary for each to know what the other is thinking. The trust was there from the start. Often, long after a photo shoot has ended, you will find us lingering in the parking lot talking, not about layouts or editing, but rather contemplating life, sharing news or events, or bonding over the experience we just had with the people we are highlighting.
Along the way, Sharmila has continued to evolve her business, carving out a niche for herself. Sharmila Taylor Photography specializes in personal branding, passionate about helping people, business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, influencers, life coaches, and authors, stand out with purpose.
With roots in Hampstead, London UK, Sharmila’s career began in London’s busy beauty industry where she worked as a retail manager for iconic brands in major department stores. That experience sharpened her eye for detail, design, and human connection–attributes that define her work today.
After moving to the U.S. in 2006, she had a varied career, exploring everything from working as a realtor to serving as an accounting associate with an adult-day-care facility in Woodstock. For a time, she also ran an on-line vintage clothing store which reignited her passion for styling and visual storytelling. A creative spark that eventually led to her true calling: photography.
Sharmila’s genuine interest in people and their stories is what sets her apart from other photographers. She explains, “I love working with clients who are ready to invest in their brand story and visuals that communicate confidence, professionalism and authenticity.” An entrepreneur at heart, she is equally passionate about the business and marketing side as she is helping her clients attract their ideal audience, grow their visibility, and step into their confidence.
Both David Bradburn and Sharmila Taylor bring something special. They’re storytellers, artists, and community champions who see beauty where others might not. Every image or video they capture reveals the vibrancy,
emotion, and authenticity that makes our community shine. Each have described a draw toward the creative challenge of translating a theme into visual form, and finding joy in connecting with the people behind each story.
Working alongside them has been more than a creative partnership—it’s been a friendship built on shared purpose and genuine respect. Their talents extend well beyond the pages of this magazine. Each runs a thriving business of their own, blending artistry with authenticity and capturing not just what something looks like, but what it feels like.
As we reminisce about how our paths crossed here–within our pages–their gratitude for being part of this creative journey matches my own. We often talk about how much we value helping shape the magazine’s identity.
Working with David and Sharmila has been one of the most rewarding collaborations I’ve experienced. Together we share a passion for storytelling, community, and building connections that extend beyond the pages. I’m endlessly grateful for their friendship, creativity, passion, and partnership and the way they help bring our stories to life month after month.
Photo Credit: Sharmila Taylor Photography
Photo Credit: David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions
Photo Credit: David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions
Photo Credit: Ashley Rufino
Home for the Holidays
College breaks and rediscovering what home means
We’ve all been there before, either on the leaving end or the welcoming home end, maybe both. When the shape of home changes, it can feel complicated. The house looks the same, but the rhythm of it has shifted. The rooms that once held daily routines now hold memories, and when everyone returns under one roof for the holidays, it takes a moment to find that groove again. But change, while sometimes bittersweet, can also be exciting. It’s proof of growth, of progress, and of love that continues to evolve. Just because home looks different doesn’t make it any less meaningful.
It’s a scene that probably sounds familiar: a college kid pulling into the driveway after months away. The car is loaded with laundry, half-empty snack bags, and a haphazardly packed trunk. The front door swings open, and suddenly the house fills again with the sound of their voice, their laughter, and maybe the thud of a duffel bag being dropped in the hallway. Before hugs are even exchanged, the family dog barrels in, tongue lolling and tail wagging wildly, incapable of containing the excitement.
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
When we spoke with several Crystal Lake families about what it’s like when college students come home for break, one common thread stood out; everyone missed their dog. “My dog, Copper,” said Gavin F. when asked what he didn’t expect to miss most about home. Brady S. echoed the same sentiment. “I love coming home and seeing my dog, which I didn’t expect to be the case,” he said. “He can be a handful sometimes, so I was initially looking forward to living without him, but I miss him!”
There’s something grounding and steady about a dog’s greeting. They don’t ask questions or comment on grades. They don't judge your choice in major or new haircut. They’re just happy you’re home. Dogs give their love freely, without any pretense or expectations and that can feel refreshing when life is full of changes.
For parents, though, the return home can feel a little like walking into a new chapter of a familiar book. The last time their child lived
under their roof full-time, they were asking to borrow the car, leaving lights on, and being reminded (again... and again) to pick up their shoes. Now they’re coming back as young adults, used to their own routines, opinions, and independence that doesn’t always fit neatly into old expectations.
“Really, the only thing I ask of my adult son who lives with us is that he contributes to the operations of the house: dishes, yardwork, garbage, etc.,” said Sharon B. The emphasis shifts from control to collaboration, with everyone doing their part to make the household work.
Some parents said the change feels more like a reward than an adjustment. “I love the change!” Sharon added. “Of course I enjoyed having little kids during the holidays, but where we are now feels like a reward for all of our hard work while the kids were young and teenagers.”
Brigid F shared a similar mix of nostalgia and pride. “People tell you how fast it goes, and it's hard to believe it when you are in the thick of it,” she said. “Letting him go is exciting and sad all wrapped up in one crazy feeling.” Her son Gavin agreed, though from a simpler perspective: “It’s pretty much the same,” he said of being home, though he did note one change with a smirk: “My sister is in my room.”
Even with those small moments of humor, coming home often reveals how much everyone has grown. “Our conversations seem
more in depth,” Brigid said, also noting that “he looked like a man with his facial hair.”
That growing-up is clear to Courtenay S . too. “When Brady came home for the first holiday break, I felt like we were trying to be a little more deliberate and purposeful about maintaining some of our holiday traditions,” she said. “It was really important to me that we still all go cut down the tree together before he left.” It may take a little more intention than it used to but consequently makes the traditions that much more meaningful.
For Brady, that return brought a shift in pace more than anything else. “At school, I feel like there is always something that needs to be done… When I come home, though, all that goes away. It’s a 60 to 0 almost instantly,” he said. The quiet of home, and the slower rhythm takes some getting used to.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t small moments of tension. “I tend to give people space first,” Sharon said. “If I feel adjustments have to be made, I will address them directly; I also try to use humor.”
For some, it’s about finding a new balance between freedom and respect. “When he came home for the holidays, we didn’t really discuss the idea of curfew at first,” Courtenay said. “Then there were a few late nights that prompted the three of us to sit down together to have a simple discussion… It’s being conscious and respectful of others and their time.”
Even with those adjustments, the joy of having everyone home outweighs the bumps. “Just watching my three children be back together warms my heart,” said Brigid. “When he is home, there is definitely more laughter and shenanigans happening.” Courtenay agreed: “When Brady came home for the first time last Thanksgiving, we all had missed him so much… Hearing them all laughing and talking was a memory I’ll treasure forever.”
Students feel the push and pull between independence and belonging too. “Honestly, it’s the really simple things that I do with my parents and siblings that make it feel like I’m home again,” Brady said. “Sometimes when we are playing cards or eating dinner together, I forget that I go to school hundreds of miles away.”
Still, the holidays have a way of softening everything. The tree goes up, the familiar recipes come out, and somehow, everyone finds themselves slipping back into the comfort of shared traditions. “Stand back, feel proud of this person you've raised, and trust that you've given them lots of tools to navigate the world they live in,” Sharon said.
Because ultimately, that’s what coming home is about. It’s not trying to make things as they were but learning to love them as they are now. The hugs might be taller, the conversations deeper, the visits shorter, but the connection runs just as strong. And somewhere between the unpacked laundry, the wagging tails, and the old (and new) expectations, you realize that home has simply grown a little too.
Comfort Outside, No Compromises
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Winter Simmer
Magic
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES
Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.
This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.
Making Spirits Bright
There’s something magical about sharing the season and celebrating traditions — old and new. From festive dinners and cozy gatherings to thoughtful amenities that make every day effortless, it’s all here, beautifully wrapped into one easy monthly price. Embrace the warmth of community living where the spirit of togetherness shines all year long. The most meaningful gifts aren’t under the tree— they live down the hall.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAYS
Luminary Nights
Downtown Crystal Lake | 5:00 PM
Every Thursday night in December from 5-8pm, the sidewalks of downtown Crystal Lake glow with warm lights. Shop local and be sure to stop by Christmas Tree Lane and Santa House located in the Brink Street Market Lot at the corner of Brink Street and Grant Street. Santa House hours vary daily November 29th and through December 21st.
DECEMBER 3RD - 6TH
Luminaria Walk
Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, 330 N. Main Street | 4:00 PM
Enjoy a beautiful stroll through a lit trail under the stars in Veteran Acres. Dec. 3-5 (lit trail only/no activities). Dec. 6 – Delight in a leisurely stroll with campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, a candy cane forest, carolers, and a special visit from Mrs. Claus! A donation of $1/per person and $5/per family is appreciated. Trail map and information: crystallakeparks.org
DECEMBER 6TH
Victorian Ornament-Making Drop in
Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta | 10:00 AM
Drop into the Colonel Palmer house between 10am-2pm to create your own unique Victorian era ornament you can treasure on your tree for years to come. This is a free pop-up community event that is family fun for all ages.
DECEMBER 7TH
McHenry County Santa Run for the Kids
The Raue Center Center for the Arts | 9:00 AM
Get ready to dash through the streets with holiday cheer at this festive and heartwarming event that isn’t just about the run, but a fullblown celebration where exercise meets holiday spirit right in the heart of Crystal Lake. Walk, run, and jingle to support local kids in need this holiday season. Registration required at raceroster.com
DECEMBER 13TH
Merry & Bright Movie Night Out
Grand Oaks, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake | 4:00 PM
Come in your coziest PJs to this festive family event featuring the movie Elf and a delicious pancake bar. Enjoy a night of laughter, connection and holiday spirit while supporting local children and families through Kids In Need McHenry County and CASA of McHenry County. Adults $10 Children (3-16) $5 Children 2 and under are free. Tickets available while supplies last: kinmc.org
DECEMBER 21ST
Welcome Winter Celebration
Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood | 12:00 PM
Welcome the winter at this free all-ages event featuring traditional indigenous music, dancers, family-friendly arts/crafts, and storytelling. Learn about indigenous peoples’ connections to the winter solstice in this multi-cultural celebration. Hot chocolate and cookies provided, plus a campfire and warming stations on the patio! First come, first serve - doors close when room capacity is reached. More info: mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/calendar_of_events/special_events.php
We Keep It Real— The Real Deal!
At Al Piemonte CDJR, The Real Deal isn’t just a slogan - it’s the way we do business. From the moment you walk through our doors or browse our inventory online, you’ll notice the difference. We believe in keeping it simple, transparent, and focused entirely on you.
That means the price you see online is the price you pay in-store. No hidden fees, no last-minute markups — just real deals on vehicles you’ll love. We understand that buying a vehicle is a big decision, and our team is committed to making it a stress-free, enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Our driven sales and service professionals work every day to deliver a top-tier experience that feels personal, honest, and easy. Whether you’re shopping for a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram — or servicing the one you already love — we take pride in making sure every customer leaves feeling confident and cared for.
At Al Piemonte CDJR, we don’t just sell cars; we build relationships that last. That’s what keeping it real is all about.
Come see why we’re the real deal — right here on Route 31!
Sam Barakat General Manager
Al Piemonte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram