SW Lake, IL August 2023

We List &

“Our experience with Renee exceeded our expectations. She is extremely professional, delivers a great service and does what she says she will. She represented us on both the sale of our home and purchase of our new one. Renee goes above and beyond to ensure you get the best result. Her communication skills are exceptional, and she takes the time necessary to communicate all components of the complex process of buying or selling a home. We are thrilled to have selected her to represent us...”

A Summertime Reminder

Outside, the fireworks are cranking up on a small Wisconsin lake as I write this. For a community of about a hundred households, the all-volunteer lake association puts on a terrific show. Planning starts months before with the promise that this year's production will be even better than the year before. Funding for the fireworks is by pass-the-hat; give what you can if you are so inclined.

Late in the afternoon today a barge was towed into place, the anchor dropped and traffic on the lake slowed to just a puttering parade of cocktail cruisers.

Just after dusk, families filled docks and piers. Drinks were in hand and bug spray at the ready as the anticipation builds. The conditions had to be just right — and darkness needed to be complete — before the first rocket launched. It seemed to climb tentatively against the dark sky before exploding into a cascade of falling sparks, reflecting a mirror image on the still lake surface.

The show ends in a cacophony of shouts, applause and honking boat horns, oohs and aahs... phones pointed to the sky, capturing images that never quite do justice to the real thing.

It was another small town celebration of our independence that served as a reminder that building a community is a group effort, and a job that is never ever finished.

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Christina Sikorski

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker, Christina Sikorski, Cindy Wigdahl

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Beightol, Kate McArdle, Stephen Neilson, Kasia Vetter, Kate Wilhite

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL, PUBLISHER @SWLAKELIFESTYLE

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Note: Try as we might to never do so, we made a mistake in the July issue in a story on page 10. The correct website address for Alyssa Gummerson’s business is YouJustGetStronger.com . We regret the error, and encourage you to visit Alyssa’s website.

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram

Every Home Has a Story...

Heidi used elaborate professional photography, lifestyle videos, masterful copywriting and advertising to market this estate. Heidi, ultimately, brought both seller and buyer together, culminating in the highest volume single real estate transaction by one agent in 60010 in years.

Unrivaled in its exclusive, pristine setting, this 46-acre luxurious estate features a stunning Artisan French Country home, seven-acre lake, exquisite landscaping, tiered bluestone patios, a guest villa, barn, trails, fruit orchard and wooded nature preserves.

Quite simply, words, pictures, pricing, marketing, guidance and story-telling require an expert.

|

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Summer is farmers’ market time, perfect for sampling bread from Suzannah Prayter (Simple Bakery & Market). 2: Chef Anthony van Zyl (Indaba) serves up a South African Boeri Roll at the LZ Farmers Market. 3: Paulus Park is the scene for the Friday Farmers Market in Lake Zurich. 4: Tempting to the taste buds, and a feast for the eyes. 5: So much goodness for your table, fresh from a local farm family. 6: A friendly pup from Animal House Shelter at the weekly Lake Zurich Farmers

7: There’s much more than just seasonal fruits and veggies, such as these fresh flowers

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @SWLakeLifestyle

Market.

from Andrews Heirlooms.

LZ FARMERS MARKET

LZ FARMERS MARKET

LZ FARMERS MARKET

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, to exciting the little ones, and creating lasting memories together.

Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun

PEDEGO WAUCONDA: Cruising is smooth and easy on an e-bike from Pedego Wauconda. Ride pedal-assisted at your own pace along the trails that radiate from Lakewood Forest Preserve. 513 S. Main Street, Wauconda

MONTROSE DOG BEACH: Take your dog swimming at Montrose Beach, a nearly four-acre park on Chicago's northside. Watch for end-of-season dog days at suburban pools, too. 600 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago

PAULUS PARK: Wiggle your toes in the sand at Lake Zurich while watching your youngsters build sand castles and splash away a steamy August day. 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich

TOP GOLF: Grab your besties for golfing fun, food and drink at Top Golf. Swing away, play different games and have fun before summer says buh-bye. 2050 Progress Parkway, Schaumburg

FILM FUN AL FRESCO : "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" on August 18 will be the final Outdoor Movie Night at Hawthorn Woods Community Park. Pack blankets and snacks.  Showtime at dusk. 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Pedego Wauconda

BACK-TOSCHOOL ESSENTIAL

What’s the most essential back-to-school item of all?

“A library card,” says the American Library Association. September is National Library Card Sign-up Month; let’s get a jump on it before classes resume!

In 1987 Secretary of Education William Bennett urged a national campaign for all kids to obtain and use a library card. Today’s libraries offer a bounty of free materials, services, and activities for kids and adults alike. Here are a few great reasons to make the library an integral part of your child’s life and education.

Movies & films: Today’s libraries offer mainstream movies and television series, as well as educational, independent, and foreign films on DVD for kids and adults alike. In addition, library-sponsored services such as Hoopla and Kanopy allow these same benefits in streaming form; check out movies and TV shows online and view at home without the library visit!

Music CDs: Music is the universal language. You’ll find a large selection of pop, rock, and country music CDs; plus, introduce your kids to classical, jazz, blues, international music, and more. Don’t have a CD player? No worries; CDs play fine on a DVD player. (Bear in mind that not everything you want for your kids is on Spotify.)

Computer software & games: Are your kids into video games? The library has an array of children’s educational software and games, as well as teen and adult video games, instructional and reference software, and productivity software ranging from Microsoft programs to graphic design and photo/video editing.

Books, audiobooks, ebooks: In addition to vast collections of print fiction, non-fiction, and reference books, libraries offer audiobooks on CD, including unabridged editions. Many libraries also provide ebooks in multiple formats.

Inter-library loans: This is big. If you can’t find an item you’re looking for, most libraries have inter-library and reciprocal loan programs: just ask a librarian to order what you want from another library. Many library systems also allow you to use your card at libraries in nearby communities.

ARTICLE

KIMBERLY

Online catalog: Most library websites offer access to their complete catalog. You can browse/search for materials from home to determine availability before you head out. If an item you want isn’t available, you can usually reserve it or request an inter-library loan right from your home phone or computer. Special events: Many programs, events, and activities are held at libraries year-round. These may include children’s story times, computer classes, enrichment programs, book discussion groups, used-book sales, meet-the-author events, children’s/teen movies, craft activities, and more.

TAKE

BY

BLAKER AND CHRISTINA SIKORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA SIKORSKI AND PROVIDED

MAKE GOING TO THE LIBRARY AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION.

BARRINGTON AREA LIBRARY, featuring a great early learner area: 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington; BALibrary.org

ELA AREA LIBRARY, celebrating 50 years with exciting new spaces: 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich; EAPL.org

There’s so much more than just books at the library. They’re great places to read, study, play, enjoy live music, hear a speaker, learn a new skill, or participate in hands-on programs.

Locally, in recently-spiffed-up space, the Ela Area Public Library is celebrating 50 years. There are new meeting spaces for cardholders, including a fully wired Zoom Room for community groups. Dedicated Children’s and Teen areas feature outdoor patio access, hands-on STEM programs and seasonal games, crafts, and book recommendations.

When you want to tinker there’s the Forge Makerspace to design and create projects with 3D printers and a GlowForge laser cutter, which can etch on wood and glass. Need inspiration? Inscribe a family recipe onto a cutting board... or etch your class year and school logo on a custom mug.

The ever-growing “Library of Things” has telescopes, GoPro cameras, cake pans, fishing poles, Giant Jenga blocks, and an ice cream maker, among other items of interest.

Enrich your family life: engage your kids with the remarkable free resources available through your local library.

LIBRARY SERVICES

AVAILABLE AT HOME

Many library services are accessible/ downloadable via smartphone, tablet or computer (services vary by library):

Freegal: Stream or dow nload songs (millions available).

PressReader: Read m agazines & newspapers from around the world.

WAUCONDA AREA LIBRARY, recently renovated, serving the community since 1939: 801 N. Main Street; WaucLib.org

VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY, has a new outdoor “Library Learning Garden”: 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire; VAPLD.info

Tumblebooks: “e-books for e-kids” Grades Pre-K—6. Watch, listen and read as favorite picture books come to life with animation.

Scholastic BookFlix: helps kids build a love of reading and learning.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Lake Zurich residents Diego and Karly Espinoza with their 2-year-old daughter, Goldie, in Ela Library's Children's Department.

THIS PAGE, TOP: The “Forge Makerspace” at Ela Library.

THIS PAGE, BOTTOM: Studying near the fireplace in Ela Library’s Quiet Reading Room.

Healing Hands

Lake Zurich Clinic Provides Relief for Patients Living With Pelvic and Other Orthopedic Issues.

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL BEIGHTOL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KASIA VETTER

It rhymes with Elvis, whose enthusiastic gyrations of his own distracted and attracted fans everywhere.

We all have one. Turns out, maintaining its health is a crucial component for our overall well-being.

The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles acting like a “hammock” that runs between the hips (side-to-side) and from the pubic bone to the tailbone (front-to-back). Their main role in the body is control of bowel, bladder and sexual function. These muscles, like any other muscle in the body, can become tight or overworked.

The list of symptoms that affect patients — both male and female — is extensive, ranging from pain when sitting or during exercise to incontinence, low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy or postpartum period.

Commonly referred to as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD), one in three women will experience this condition during their lifetime. Although much attention is directed toward women, the Mayo Clinic reports that 16% of men suffer with similar symptoms.

In a bright, sunny clinic in Lake Zurich Dr. Maureen Strasser specializes in helping patients with PFD. She’s been treating patients for the last 23 years. We recently talked to Dr. Strasser about her career.

SW LAKE (SWL): WHAT’S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND HOW DID IT HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB?

Dr. Maureen Strasser (MS): I earned a Bachelors in psychology from Loyola University Chicago, a Masters in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Indianapolis. I got my doctorate degree later in my career which combined with my clinical experience has made me that much stronger of a therapist.

SWL: DID YOU KNOW FROM AN EARLY AGE THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

MS: No, I was always squeamish with the sight of blood so I never gave medicine a second thought.

Dr. Maureen Strasser.

SWL: WAS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT PROMPTED YOU TO FOCUS ON PELVIC HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY?

MS: After 15 years of treating mostly orthopedic problems like back and neck pain, I started to see patients who would describe pain in their pelvic area. Since I wasn’t familiar with how to treat pelvic health problems at the time, I would refer them to a pelvic health physical therapy clinic in Lake Zurich for this specialized care. Soon after, I reached out to the clinic to see if they were interested in mentoring me specifically in pelvic health. I was hired by the owner and therapist, Teri Elliott-Burke who was a pioneer in the field of women’s health physical therapy since she opened the clinic in 2000.  A year after I was on staff, I took over ownership of the clinic, and the rest is history.

SWL: PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR SERVICES.

MS: A common condition we treat in females is urinary incontinence (leaking) which can start any time from adolescence to post menopause. We also help women during pregnancy with back, hip and sacroiliac joint pain, as well as postpartum moms who can have similar issues after delivery along with pain or scarring.  In our expanded clinic we now have the space and equipment to treat our orthopedic patients including postpartum moms who may need guidance on how to return to high impact activities like weight lifting and running safely.

Natalie Crocilla, physical therapist assistant (left), works with a patient.

SWL: YOUR CLINIC USED TO BE CALLED WOMEN’S PHYSICAL THERAPY INSTITUTE.  WHY THE NAME CHANGE?

MS: When we assumed management of the clinic in 2017, we rebranded and changed the name to Pelvic & Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists.  We wanted males who need pelvic and orthopedic therapy to feel just as comfortable as females coming into our clinic. A common population we treat are men with pelvic pain that can be caused from hernia repair surgeries, prostatitis, vasectomies, constipation or other causes, such as bike riding or repetitive lifting. We also help men improve urinary incontinence after surgical removal of the prostate due to cancer.

SWL: WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM OTHER CHOICES THAT READERS HAVE?

MS: Our model of care is key.  Every patient is with their therapist one-on-one every session. We do not utilize support staff in our treatments. To deliver the highest quality of care we believe the quality and form of each exercise is just as important as the hands-on care we provide.

SWL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY LIFE.

MS: I am in a house full of males, including Thomas, my husband, and two boys, Liam (8) and Dean (7). My house is filled with dirt, chemistry experiments and Legos!

SWL: WE HEARD THAT YOU ARE AN AVID GARDENER.

MS: I love nature and being outside. Being in my garden and pulling weeds is my happy place.

SWL: WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG PERSON CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD?

MS: Observe as much as you can of all different aspects of physical therapy. There are so many different specialties in our profession and so many things you can learn and do within the field.

Pelvic & Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists, 745 Ela Road, is open five days a week. Learn more at PelvicandOrthoPT.com and call 847.550.9784 to schedule an appointment.

TOP: Dr. Strasser provides movement guidance to a patient. BOTTOM: Natalie lends a patient a helping hand.

Educational Pathways to Success: Managing a Local Factory

SHE KEEPS THE LIGHTS ON — HER LOVE OF PUZZLES AND MATH LEADS TO FULFILLING CAREER.

Thunder booms. Wind rattles the windows. Rain pounds on the roof. The lights flicker, but the power stays on.

While a summer storm rages outside, a product manufactured right here in SW Lake County has helped keep the lights on.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), with headquarters in Pullman, Washington, and locations around the world, has a 130-employee manufacturing facility in Lake Zurich. SEL invents, designs, and manufactures products to protect power systems.

If a tree falls and takes down a power line, within milliseconds SEL products locate the fault, redistribute power, and safely shut off the power to the damaged line. What we see at home is just a flicker, but the lights stay on.

Company founder Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer III comes from a family of prolific inventors:

• His grandfather, Edmund O. Schweitzer, partnered with Nicholas Conrad in 1911 to create the S&C Electric Company, a provider of equipment and services for electric power systems which still has offices here in Chicago.

• His father, Edmund O. Schweitzer, Jr., founded a company in 1949 in Northbrook, IL to manufacture fault indicators, devices that provide visual indication of a fault on electric power systems.

These businesses became part of SEL in 2004; the Lake Zurich location still goes by the name E.O. Schweitzer Manufacturing.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA SIKORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WILHITE

Howell holds one of SEL's many products in the Lake Zurich facility.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Dr. Schweitzer III wanted to make electric power safer and more reliable.

He ultimately revolutionized the power industry by creating a microprocessor-based digital relay that could not only advise a utility that a fault occurred, but more importantly could pinpoint the fault’s location. Prior to this technology, crews would need to search by helicopter or by driving the line to find a fault, a time-consuming activity when minutes are precious.

The energy industry was initially cautious, reluctant to accept a new product that had been a professor’s basement project. It took two years for Dr. Schweitzer to make his first sale. Now, however, his technology is widely embraced. SEL has grown from having one employee to more than 6,500.

Those 6,500 employees are now stakeholders. In 2009, SEL converted to a 100% employee-owned company, a move empowering the company to focus on taking care of its employees, customers and communities.

Seven years after starting as an intern, plant manager Taylor Howell is responsible for the Lake Zurich location, where her desk sits on the manufacturing floor.

Howell never imagined she would be a plant manager, originally planning on becoming a math teacher. In high school, she loved math and her calculus teacher. “Mrs. Olsen really challenged me but showed me there was still a way to have fun while you’re working hard,” she says.

Howell also grew up in a problem-solving environment. “My mom always had a puzzle she was working on,” Howell says. “To this day, my mom puzzles almost every day. I loved helping her with them and finding pieces that worked.”

While still loving math, in college Howell pivoted to focusing on people, studying sociology and Human Resources and Management with an operations focus at the University of Idaho. In 2016, she started her career at SEL as a Human Resources intern.

SEL made a commitment to training her, setting her up for success. Howell says, “Manufacturing may not be a career path that people are thinking about, but it’s one where you can start small. Our current SVP of Manufacturing started as an assembler.”

Kate Wilhite, Senior Media Manager at SEL’s headquarters in Pullman, Washington, further explained how SEL creates opportunities. Through a K-12 Outreach Program, SEL offers students hands-on activities to create and innovate with engineers.

“We recently partnered with a robotics class at Lake Zurich High School on a project where students were presented with a real-world manufacturing challenge. The class worked on developing a solution that involved creating a prototype of a tool to automate a press process,” Wilhite says.

Howell has also visited local schools to talk about her experience and give real life examples of her work in engineering manufacturing and what happens at the plant.

The facility is gleaming and open, with wide aisles and a layout dedicated to workflow, from sub-assembly to finished goods, with “co-bots” (collaborative robots that work with rather than replace employees) helping with shipping efficiency. Employees wear PPE smocks and shoe-grounders to keep any static electricity where it belongs. Moving toward vertical integration, the site features in-house solutions like 3D printing and injection molding to ensure customers receive high-quality products quickly even when traditional supply chains are constrained.

Ever wonder what is in those big green boxes along the street? These pad-mounted transformers step down voltage from the main power lines to voltage that is appropriate for homes and businesses.

The Lake Zurich facility produces fault indicators that are applied to underground cables as well as products that can

mount to overhead lines. And when you call JULIE before starting a digging project, SEL products help identify risks and prevent homeowners and contractors from damaging existing underground infrastructure.

“We take it for granted that things are going to work when we flip the switch. We expect it to work 100% of the time, every time,” Howell says. It’s not just the lights. Other industries like healthcare depend on SEL, too, for products that need reliable power, like ventilators.

Howell says this is one of the coolest things about her job. “There is a sense of pride in what we do. What we do in this facility protects this local community. I can see our products on overhead lines or on pad mounts. It brings home that what I do is important. We support our employees and take care of our customers while investing in the future.”

What advice does she have for students and young people thinking about their future? “Say ‘yes,’” she says. “You will be supported. If you want to change and be better, you need to grow. Saying ‘yes’ will lead to more opportunities to say ‘yes’ again.”

In that spirit, we at SW Lake fully endorse one of the many inspirational “morals to the story” here:

Keep saying ‘yes’, and maybe you will be the person keeping the lights on.

Moi Avalos

Sara Davalos

Maria & Norma

Designer sketch of the Animal House Shelter expansion.

A PUPPY NAMED KILEY

ARTICLE BY CINDY WIGDAHL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The story of Animal House Shelter (AHS) began in the summer of 1996.

Lesley Irwin got a call about a dog just thrown out of a car on Lake Cook Road, dodging cars in the Barrington area. Lesley was home on break from the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign, where she was an Animal Science major.

The little puppy, a six-monthold female American Staffordshire Terrier who was soon named Kiley, changed everything. Irwin, who grew up in a family filled with rescue dogs, horses, cats and even wildlife, never had a pet as special as Kiley. After summer break, Irwin headed back to campus with Kiley in tow.

Over time Kiley helped open Irwin’s eyes to a new career path leading to the launch of AHS: a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. The first few years the rescue was run from her childhood home. As the shelter grew a new home was sought with Huntley being the ideal location for its next phase.

After more than 21 years as a caring place for rescued animals, the shelter is now beginning an expansion project to help save the lives of more animals in need. All operating (and

construction) funds are raised from private donations.

The expansion will include an on-site veterinary clinic, not only for residents but for other animals in the community. Currently, veterinary care is outsourced, depleting vital AHS resources needed elsewhere. Every aspect of the expansion will better enable AHS to continue with animal rescue and serving the community.

“When we began our mission, Kiley helped us in so many ways,” Irwin said. “Because her temperament was so amazing, she was a natural to help us determine if an animal was dogfriendly. She also mothered several orphaned puppies throughout the years. Kiley died in 2008. Because she was such a special soul who impacted my life in ways I can’t fully explain, AHS has now rescued, rehabilitated and found forever homes for over 63,000 dogs and cats to date.”

Cindy Wigdahl manages fundraising and events for Animal House Shelter. Visit AnimalHouseShelter.com to learn more about the organization and its capital campaign to expand its facility and enhance services.

A painting in tribute to Kiley.

Lesley Irwin and staff at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the future Animal House Shelter.

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor

run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

Pollinator Pajama Party

1899 W. WINCHESTER ROAD, LIBERTYVILLE | 5:30 PM

Put on your PJs and learn about the incredible bee, with a story, craft and hands-on programming at the Dunn Museum. Meet in the North Shore Gas Education Classroom. Presented by the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more at LCFPD.org .

Summer Shakespeare Shorts

116 N. LAKE STREET, MUNDELEIN | 7:00 PM

Enjoy short scenes from many of William Shakespeare's plays including The Taming of the Shrew, Midsummer's Night Dream, The Tempest  and others in "Sounds and Sweet Aires" outdoors at Kracklauer Park. Presented by the Mundelein Arts Commission. Search for more information at Mundelein.org

Big Trucks

50 ROTARY DRIVE, BARRINGTON | 9:00 AM

Kids love watching demonstrations and climbing behind the wheel of their favorite big trucks including fire engines, garbage trucks, village vehicles, and more. Stay for a trackless train ride and enjoy Big Wheels racing. Raffle prize tickets to families who donate a non-perishable food item at Ron Beese Park. Presented by the Barrington Park District; more info at BarringtonParkDistrict.org

To Kill a Mockingbird

18 W. MONROE STREET, CHICAGO

Join Scout and her father, Atticus Finch, in the 1930s American South in Aaron Sorkin’s new play touring nationally based on the Harper Lee novel. Matinee and evening performances available. Learn about tickets and show times at BroadwayInChicago.com . Presented at the CIBC Theater.

Improv Networking

360 HISTORICAL LANE, LONG GROVE | 7:00 PM

Get your business networking groove on with Marty Jalove and Improv Networking at Buffalo Creek Brewing. It’s a fun way to meet people, make business contacts and up your networking skills. Learn more at MasterHappiness.com/improv

Cruisin' Lake Zurich Car Show

645 N. RAND ROAD, LAKE ZURICH | 5:00 PM

Kids, parents and grandparents will love the "Vvroom, Vroom" of the last car show of the season. Classic, custom, sports, and vintage cars will be on display. Stay for fun, food, and raffles during this family-friendly summertime event. Presented in the Lake Zurich Culver's and Kohl's parking lots by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce (LZACC.com).

AUGUST 13TH

AUGUST 14TH

AUGUST 16TH

AUGUST 17TH

AUGUST 19TH

SEPTEMBER 22ND - 24TH

EVENTS CONTINUED

Walk with Therapy Animals

DEER PARK TOWN CENTER | 10:30 AM

Walk with friends and get in your steps with an adorable therapy dog or miniature horse. Meet on the sidewalk across from Pottery Barn. Take lots of photos, too. Presented by SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program; SoulHarbourRanch.org .

Summer Concert from Broadway In Chicago

MILLENNIUM PARK | 6:00 PM

Enjoy selections from Broadway in Chicago's current season, including MJ, Hamilton, The Wiz, BOOP! The Musical, Company, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. This concert is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Presented at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in downtown Chicago; details at BroadwayinChicago.com.

A Taste of Japan

ONLINE EVENT | 6:30 PM

The Ela Area Library Summer Food Tour continues to span the globe as Kristyn Slick gives a taste of Japan. Learn about favorites that include steamed dumplings, yakitori chicken skewers, and matcha white chocolate cookies. Discover more at EAPL.org .

Evening with the Elgin Symphony

511 N. LAKE ZURICH ROAD, BARRINGTON | 6:30 PM

Love music? Love being outdoors? Bring a picnic, blanket and chairs and relax to the beautiful sounds of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for a classic summer concert in Citizens Park. Presented by Barrington's White House. Children and students under 18 years old are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Learn more and purchase tickets at BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com .

Taste of the Phillipines

110 SLOCUM LAKE ROAD, WAUCONDA | 6:00 PM

It's time for another themed dinner at The Side Lot, Wauconda's gastropub. Enjoy the classic flavors of the Philippines with a welcome cocktail and multi-course tasting dinner. Additional drinks can be purchased à la carte. An optional beverage pairing highlighting premium wine & spirits common to the region is available for an additional charge. Reservations may be made at TheSideLot.com/events

Apple Fest

DOWNTOWN LONG GROVE

The Midwest’s biggest tribute to apples will return to the historic streets of Long Grove with the 32nd annual Apple Fest. Apple delicacies range from apple sangria to apple popcorn. As always, there will be live music stages in multiple areas, family activities, and a classic carnival offering bushels of fun for everyone. Learn more at LongGrove.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

- Steven