Baby Bunnies
Critters really love my yard. And why not? Our gardens make a terrific buffet.
Over the years, we’ve spied most every kind of critter, from bunnies, hawks and ducks to owls, foxes and skunks. We’ve had our battles with crazy chipmunks and squirrels, we’ve spotted raccoon tracks in the dew, and we’ve marveled at the deer foraging in winter.
I’m not sure how it happened, but somewhere in time we took to naming the wildlife. The squirrels became Scrat, like that poor rodent from the “Ice Age” movies. The mangy, golden-haired cat became Aslan. Chipmunks became Chippy.
And then there are the bunnies. Their voracious appetites don’t keep us from naming these adorable nuisances. It started with food; enter Lettuce and Carrots. Then, we had Genevieve and Lord Cuckoo Face (we were in a “Madeline” phase). This year, the twins are named Peachie and Potato.
Oh, they’re just as destructive and mischievous as you’d expect a pair of kits to be, but they’re no Peter Rabbit. For that, I have my own “baby bunnies” – two children who have no problem foraging for summer treats. As soon as the snap peas arrive, they munch like crazy. When the raspberries redden, they sneak big handfuls. They help themselves to the mint, the carrots, the cucumbers, maybe even a pumpkin. They introduce their friends to the garden, too. It’s quite the lesson in healthy eating.
Late summer is a bounteous time here in the Midwest. You can see it in the garden and on the farm fields, and in all of our favorite places to play. This is a season for exploration, and there’s plenty of it in this corner of the Chicago suburbs.
When we were kids, we loved to declare “there’s nothing to do,” but how mistaken we were. There are so many things that make this time of year one of my favorites. So, I suppose the real question is: What isn’t there to do this season?
Chris Linden Executive Editor
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What Are Plantation Shutters All About?
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Window treatments come in many styles, but few offer the level of energy-efficiency, privacy, control and value that come with plantation shutters.
What exactly is a plantation shutter? It’s a frame with movable slats that sits over your window. They’re typically installed inside your home, so you can control the amount of light coming through. Move the slats up or down to block light, put them in the middle to let in some light, or open the frame and bathe in sunlight. They’re popular for every room in the house, including entryway windows.
“With drapes, blinds or roller shades, they’re either all closed for privacy or all open for light,” says Joshua Kierzyk, of Sunburst Shutters of Chicago. “With shutters, you control the amount of light coming into the room, because all you have to do is control the angle of the louvers.”
Sunburst Shutters of Chicago has been installing this type of window treatment for more than 35 years. Though the team also handles custom blinds, drapes and shades, their most enduring seller is the Polywood shutter.
Fashioned from a durable composite material, these shutters and frames have a baked-on UV coating that won’t fade. They have a lifetime warranty and the best energyefficiency rating on the market – one that makes them very cost-competitive with other products.
“Our shutters are the only window treatment I have heard of that qualifies for an energy tax credit,” says Kierzyk. Polywood shutters are produced in Wausau, Wis., and then custom-assembled at Sunburst’s Huntley warehouse,
where owners Natalie and JayAre Clark stand behind their team’s work.
“These shutters come with a lifetime warranty, so as long as the customer owns the home their product is fully covered,” says Kierzyk. “People just call us and we’ll take care of it. We’ve done warranty work on shutters that are a couple of years old and some that are almost as old as me.”
For a free consultation, call Sunburst Shutters at (847) 697-4000 or visit sunburstshutterschicago.com. ❚
Plantation-style shutters ofer privacy, control and energy efciency in ways that other window treatments don’t.
(Photo provided)
Te Only King
Jesus Christ was seen by some people in his society as a dangerous radical. His powerful words reached the human heart, threatening the status quo.
He chastised corrupt religious leaders (Matthew 23) and embraced social outcasts, teaching his followers to do the same (Matthew 5). He threw open the global floodgates of God’s love, offering eternal life to all people who choose to believe. He forever limited the iron grip that tyrants hold over the human mind, by providing hope. He exposed the selfish nonsense of those who sow division.
Unlike other revolutionaries, Jesus wasn’t interested in transforming politics. He didn’t expand his following through lies or bribes or violent coercion, although he could have.
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53).
Jesus Christ sought dominion over something better than material power: human hearts, freely given to him in loving obedience. Hearts motivated by love and gratitude to the Creator.
That hasn’t changed. Then, as now, Christ tells us to conform our thoughts and behavior to his, to treat people as he treated people, to call upon him for help and to find the peace only he can give.
Just as Israel demanded a king against God’s advice, we’re foolish to believe any human figure can save us. We’ve already been saved by the one true king, Jesus Christ. Our job is to act like it. Following Christ is a way of life, not a demographic identity. It’s a daily decision to seek and obey the master’s voice. That voice is found in scripture, prayer and in the still, small voice inside us where holy spirit dwells.
Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). ❚
– Janine Pumilia
Tradition Continues at McHenry County Fair
By Peggy Werner
The McHenry County Fair returns this year with plenty of small-town charm and a touch of the urban.
The fair began in the 1800s but was interrupted by the Great Depression and World War II. Since 1949, it’s been held in the same spot in Woodstock. This year, the tradition continues July 29 through Aug. 3.
“It’s a great way to get the community together and celebrate agriculture,” says Tom Linneman, a fair board member for 23 years. “Fairs are all about where our food comes from and how we work together to provide healthy foods.”
Visitors can find vendors and exhibitors both inside and outside, spread all across the 100-acre fairgrounds. The fair includes many traditions: contests and competitions, carnival rides by Skinner Amusements of Marengo, live music, food trucks and more.
New this year is a covered picnic area where people can take a break, cool off and get something to eat from the many food trucks nearby.
The headliner this year is Dylan Scott, who performs Saturday at 9:30 p.m. The country singer/songwriter from Bastrop, Texas, blends modern and classic country sounds in singles like “My Girl,” “Nobody,” and “New Truck.” The Eli Young band opens the show at 7:45 p.m.
Other highlights include a queen pageant, draft horse pulls and an antique tractor show. Thursday night brings quad racing, while Friday’s main event is bull riding. The Woodstock Truck’n Food Show on Saturday features big rigs and food trucks. Sunday features a truck and tractor pull and the demolition derby.
“The fair is important for the growth and development of our youth,” says Linneman. “It teaches them responsibility, caring, goal setting and leadership, whether they’re raising an animal, making a craft or baking food.”
The McHenry County Fairgrounds are located at 11900 Country Club Road in Woodstock. See a full list of events or buy tickets in advance at mchenrycountyfair.com. ❚
Events like the pedal pull at McHenry County Fair, which runs July 29-Aug. 3, appeal to the entire family.
(Photo provided)
Treat Neuropathy from the Comfort of Home
By Chris Linden, executive editor
For several decades, Dr. Daniel
Horn has been treating neuropathy without the use of pharmaceuticals. His treatments at Nerve Pain Center have generally gone the same way: Visit a free seminar to learn more, schedule a one-on-one visit, and begin a regimen of in-office treatments with tools that stimulate your body’s natural healing.
Now, patients have another option: an in-home treatment that’s more frequent and more affordable.
“The results are even better at home, because you can do your treatments almost every day,” says Horn. “If it’s in the office only, you can only do it about twice a week.”
The plan is pretty straightforward. Patients borrow high-tech devices from Horn – tools
like red light-emitting diodes, nerve stimulators and vibration plates. These tools help to repair blood supply, increase oxygen in the blood and stimulate damaged nerves. Treatment plans are customized for each patient.
Because the equipment is borrowed, patients simply return it when treatment is over. This saves several thousand dollars because patients don’t have to buy it themselves, says Horn.
Peripheral neuropathy causes weakness, numbness and pain, such as burning or tingling, in the hands and feet. Physicians have traditionally treated this condition with Gabapentin, Lyrica and Cymbalta, but Horn warns those drugs only mask symptoms and may actually make the condition worse. By addressing the underlying causes and stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms, he sees results more than 93% of the time.
“They’re getting better results than when they come to the office, and I attribute that to the fact that they’re doing it more often at home,” says Horn. “We can tailor the program or their treatment for what they have going on. It’s the best of both worlds: It costs less, and we can tailor the program to what they need most.”
Nerve Pain Centers is located in Elgin, Palatine, Des Plaines and Bloomingdale. Call (847) 461-3808 to schedule an appointment. ❚
Dr. Daniel Horn
Savor Summertime at Starved Rock Lodge
By Lyndsey Nguyen, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge
Experience the magic of summer at Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby.
The “Take a Hike and Lunch” experience delivers a weekend escape filled with natural beauty, fresh air and a satisfying lunch. Offered every Saturday and Sunday, this guided hike takes guests through some of Starved Rock State Park’s most scenic canyons. With waterfalls, towering rock formations and the chance to spot bald eagles overhead, it’s a truly memorable way to experience this wonder.
To take in the scenery at a slower pace, the “Land and Water Cruise” runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. This tour begins with a relaxing lunch at the Lodge followed by a narrated trolley ride that highlights the area’s rich history and local legends. Guests then board the Eagle 1 riverboat for a peaceful cruise along the Illinois
River, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
The “Visit a Canyon and Boat Ride” tour is another weekend favorite. This experience, held Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., takes you on a short, guided hike to one of the park’s scenic canyons followed by a boat ride along the river.
There are many ways to explore the canyons and wilderness of Starved Rock State Park, starting at its historic Lodge.
“Waterfowl Cruises” are a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Offered every Saturday and Sunday, these 1-hour boat rides let you observe the beautiful waterfowl that inhabit the Illinois River. The experience begins with a trolley ride from the Lodge to the boat launch.
For history buffs, the “Historic Trolley Tour” offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. You’ll learn
about the park and Lodge as you travel to the Lock and Dam, through downtown Utica and to the Starved Rock Visitor Center. This tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 1:30 p.m.
To witness the magic of Starved Rock for yourself, head to starvedrocklodge.com or call (800) 868-7625. ❚
Geneva, Illinois
ALWAYS IN SEASON!
Anytime is the right time to visit Geneva! Some of Chicagoland‘s finest shops, restaurants and taverns are here for you to enjoy year-round. In the fall, our Festival of the Vine offers the perfect blend of good wine, good food and good fun for the whole family. Celebrate a sparkling winter season to remember at our annual Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour. Whatever the season, Geneva is here to welcome you! Go to visitgenevail.com for full event details and ticketing information.
Festival of the Vine Sept. 5-7
Christmas Walk Dec. 5
Holiday House Tour Dec. 5 & 6
(Photo provided)
Pottawatomie Park Keeps It Fresh, Fun
By Jim Taylor, managing editor
Morethan a century after its founding, Pottawatomie
Park continues to shine as a crown jewel in the heart of St. Charles. Its 38 acres stretch along the scenic Fox River, where generations of families have come together to share quality time and enjoy outdoor fun. From paddlewheel riverboat cruises to mini-golf under the stars, the park remains a cherished place for the community to gather, play and unwind throughout the year.
The Fox River offers a stunning backdrop for Pottawatomie Park, and much of the park’s charm flows from these riverbanks, beyond the walking trails, picnic spots and waterside adventures.
“We really center the park around the river,” says Katie Miller, assistant superintendent of recreation for the St. Charles Park District, which manages the facilities in Pottawatomie Park.
There’s no better way to get up close and personal with the Fox River than gliding past Pottawatomie Park in a kayak or pedal boat. Rentals are available daily from mid-May through mid-August. If you’d rather let someone else do the steering, climb aboard the iconic paddlewheel riverboats –
the St. Charles Belle II and the Fox River Queen – for a relaxing cruise with photo-worthy views. Every summer and fall, visitors can experience daily sightseeing trips and special theme nights, like this July’s “Tiki Tuesday” event.
For a midweek treat, Wine Down Wednesday Cruises invite guests to bring a favorite bottle of wine aboard. On select Wednesdays through Sept. 17, guests enjoy live music from local artists with their beautiful river scenery. On select Fridays through October, guests bring their favorite beverage and take in the scenery during the BYOB Sunset Cruises.
“Our BYOB evening cruises are very popular,” says Miller. “It’s a really beautiful time to cruise.”
The enchanting “Under the Stars” event sets sail Sept. 26 and invites adults to unwind beneath a canopy of stars. Aboard a beautifully lit paddlewheel riverboat, guests enjoy live music as they glide along the Fox River and take in the evening scenery.
Historic Sunday Cruises run on the last Sunday of each month through October and share stories about the Fox River and the St. Charles area. The park’s paddlewheel riverboats can also be reserved for private events and school field trips.
Swanson Pool is one of many attractions within Pottawatomie Park, in St. Charles. The 38-acre public park also includes a pavilion, riverboat cruises, a mini-golf course, a nine-hole golf course and ample river scenery.
Of course, Pottawatomie Park offers much more than what’s on the water. For families, the park’s playgrounds are a can’t-miss stop. The sensory garden and inclusive playground are new features that blend native and sensory-friendly plantings with interactive equipment like a vine tunnel, musical play equipment and a picnic pavilion for gatherings.
“The new park features a wheelchair-accessible swing that allows kids to stay in their chair, says Miller. “The playground is also designed to be sensory-friendly.”
Another unique touch is the communication board, which was created by local therapy organizations to help nonverbal visitors express themselves. Families of sensory-sensitive kids will also find special events and swim lessons at Swanson Pool, Pottawatomie Park’s aquatic facility.
“We’re really trying to make it easier for families with sensory challenges,” says Miller.
Swanson Pool is a family favorite for Miller, who loves bringing her kids on hot summer days. The pool’s zero-depth entry, water slides, lap lanes and sand play area make it a fun spot for swimmers of all ages. Throughout the season, Swanson keeps things lively with theme nights, from DJ parties and special events to float nights – where guests can lounge on the water with their favorite inflatable.
At Pottawatomie Golf Course, also located within the park, golfers of every skill level enjoy nine scenic holes framed by nature and breathtaking river views. Designed in 1939 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. – who crafted more than 500 courses in his storied career – the course features a signature third hole that dares players to land their ball on a tiny island green. It’s a shot that’s far trickier than it seems, but it’s always rewarding for beginners and pros alike.
The River View Miniature Golf Course at Pottawatomie Park is also a local favorite. The charming 18-hole course
brings out the kid in everyone, with fun obstacles and scenic views that make every putt feel like a little adventure.
Pottawatomie Park’s story stretches back more than a century. In 1912, the St. Charles Township Park District acquired the land under the Illinois Park Act – making it Illinois’ first public park – and named it for the Potawatomi people who once lived in the area. During the 1920s and ’30s, the Works Progress Administration funded major enhancements, including the creation of the golf course. The park’s original pavilion, built in 1892, quickly became a beloved gathering place for families and park visitors. This summer the newly completed Historic Pavilion – faithfully reconstructed from vintage photos – reopened to the public.
“It’s a wonderful way to add space for our visitors while honoring the park’s history,” says Miller.
As summer gives way to autumn, Pottawatomie Park lights up Friday, Sept. 12 for Sunset Social – an evening of live music, riverside merriment and laidback, grownup vibes.
“We’re keeping the mini-golf course open late and there will be food and drink vendors there,” says Miller.
From its beginnings as Illinois’ first public park to today’s array of modern amenities and year-round events, Pottawatomie Park has never lost sight of its mission: welcoming families for recreation, relaxation and community connection. As the park has grown alongside St. Charles, it still stands as the place where families, friends and neighbors gather to make memories.
“We offer so many opportunities here,” says Miller. “You could spend days at Pottawatomie Park and still find things to enjoy.”
To learn more about Pottawatomie Park’s golf course, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, mini-golfing, swimming or pavilion rentals, contact St. Charles Park District at (630) 513-6200, or visit stcparks.org. Pottawatomie Park is located at 8 North Ave., in St. Charles. ❚
Pottawatomie Park ofers pedal boat rentals and two paddlewheel boats that set sail well into September.
Pottawatomie Golf Course puts the Fox River into play on more than one hole. The island green on No. 3 dares golfers to take their best shot.
My Basement Flooded. Now What?
By Chris Linden, executive editor
It’s the moment every homeowner dreads: A storm blows through and suddenly there’s water pouring through the basement windows or bubbling up from the sump pump barrel.
A little water on the floor is easy enough to clean up, but if it’s soaked into the walls or carpet your best move is to call in the pros, says Cahalt Murphy, owner of Top Notch Restoration in Wood Dale. The family-owned firm specializes in air duct cleaning, carpet cleaning and water damage restoration across the Chicago area.
“If we can get there in time, then depending on the source of the water we can dry out the structure to prevent further damage to the property,” he says. “Time is of the essence, because mold can grow within the first two to three days of exposure.”
Professional firms like Top Notch go a step beyond the DIY effort with
high-powered fans, dehumidifiers and other tools to clean up the mess. Top Notch’s crews are also certified in mold remediation and water damage restoration, which helps them to quickly identify and address any trouble spots.
One of Murphy’s first concerns is whether any electronics have been compromised. Then, he looks at the drywall and flooring.
Basement fooding can quickly turn into bigger problems. Restoration professionals know how to spot these hazards.
“If carpet gets wet and it has padding underneath it, you won’t have much luck drying it out,” he says. “The padding underneath is like a sponge, so it absorbs moisture and traps it in. Even if you try to dry the surface, there’s still moisture trapped underneath.”
It may be tempting to clean up the mess all by yourself, but this approach has its risks. That’s why many people
find a professional service is well worth the investment.
“It can cost you a whole lot more money in the long run if you don’t do it correctly,” says Murphy. “If you get mold and bacteria growth, then that’s a whole different ballgame.”
For a free estimate, call Top Notch Restoration at (847) 805-8052. Visit 4tnr.com for more information. ❚
Trendy is Good, but Your Style is Better
By Peggy Werner
Months before you’re thinking summer vacations, long days and outdoor cooking, Stephanie Ormsby is already preparing for fall fashions.
The owner of Wear Did U Get That, in downtown Crystal Lake, finds that most American fashion retailers take their cues from Europe – about six months before a season begins.
“I hear from my customers they are looking for trends, as long as they look good and feel good in them,” says Ormsby. “Trends are fun to see, but what people choose to wear has more to do with what looks good on them and their lifestyle.”
This year, brown is the new black, especially chocolate brown. Look for shades of brown, rust, cream and orange to round out this year’s fall color palette. Animal prints are making a big comeback, as well as wide-leg trousers and jeans, chunky accessories, pencil
skirts and a more classic look in dresses. Blouses and jackets for women are going collarless and belts have come back in a big way, especially long ones that tie around the waist.
Other styles, like skinny-leg and straight-leg pants, will come and go in popularity but you can still find them on the rack.
“We always have to get back to what looks good on people,” says Ormsby. “Not everyone is trendy and some trends don’t look good on everyone.”
How can you tell what works for you? It largely depends on your body type, Ormsby says. Shorter women should avoid crop tops and short capris that give the appearance of cutting them off. Full-body women should wear clothing that gives the illusion of
more length than width, and tall people look better in form-fitting clothes, she suggests.
“This is my second home, and I want people to feel welcomed here,” she says. “I know who my customers are and I shop with them in mind.”
Wear Did U Get That is located at 66 N. Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake. Call (815) 455-7500 or visit weardidugetthat.com. ❚
The trick to a good wardrobe is fnding what looks best on you – not what’s trending right now, says Stephanie Ormsby, owner of Wear Did U Get That in Crystal Lake.
Is It Time to Buy an EV? It Depends
By Chris Linden, executive editor
It’s important to do your homework before purchasing a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Whether you’re looking for convenience, environmental benefits or something else, you can expect a dramatic change in this technology over the next five years, says Kevin Keefe, president of Brilliance Honda in Crystal Lake and Brilliance Subaru in Elgin.
“Honda believes that the home of the future is going to have one battery electric vehicle and one hybrid or full combustion engine,” says Keefe. “The battery electric vehicle does a great job of running around, and it can go 200 to 300 miles on a charge. But if you’re going longer than that, the hybrid or full combustion engine is the right play.”
People value fully electric vehicles because they create no tailpipe emissions, and although they need routine maintenance it’s not like an oil change.
Hybrid vehicles offer an in between function, where they use both electric and combustion engine technology. The popular 2025 Subaru Forester hybrid can reach up to 581 miles on a single tank of gas. Honda’s CR-V hybrid can reach a fuel efficiency of 40 miles per gallon with a 204-horsepower powertrain.
For all of their benefits, electric vehicles do have challenges. The biggest concerns involve range and the speed of charging, which takes up to 40 minutes for some vehicles. And, charging ports aren’t as readily available as gas stations. For Midwest drivers, there’s also a question of winter weather.
“The battery gets a little funky when it gets really cold,” says Keefe. “That’s part of the ongoing evolution.”
So, is an electric vehicle right for your family? It all boils down to how and when you’ll use it.
“We’ll see where things go,” says Keefe. “The technology is evolving so quickly right now.”
Brilliance Honda is located at 680 W. Terra Cotta Road (Ill. Rt. 176) in Crystal Lake. To schedule a service appointment, call (815) 459-6400. Brilliance Subaru is located at 1500 N. Randall Road in Elgin. To schedule a service appointment, call (224) 281-4300. ❚
The all-electric Subaru Trailseeker
(Subaru photo)
SALT Teaches the Magic of Mixology
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Amid the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses, guests gather at the white stone bar at SALT, in Rockford, eager to try their hand at crafting unique cocktails for themselves.
“Can you feel the power coursing through your veins?” Beverage Director Greg Callahan asks a first-timer. “Doesn’t it make you want to say something catty?”
Callahan’s playful banter sets the tone for SALT’s monthly cocktail classes, where the art of mixology is the life of the party.
Each session focuses on a specific liquor. In one session, it was all about rum, from the classic Mojito to the tropical Mai Tai and a rum Old Fashioned, as Callahan led a step-bystep tutorial. The first lesson of the day: the Mojito.
“Bartenders hate making them, but we love drinking them,” Callahan jokes before explaining the process behind this minty drink. In true SALT fashion, the bartenders elevate their cocktails – in this case, with a technique called forced carbonation that adds a sparkling, carbonated fizz to the drink. Then comes lime juice, house-made mint syrup and a dash of saline solution.
“I compare it to a chocolate chip cookie,” says Callahan. “A chocolate chip cookie is not thought to be a salty treat, by any means, but if you don’t include the salt in the recipe, it’s not going to be good. Trust me, I’ve done it by accident, late at night.”
For Mai Tais, guests team up to mix their own while bartender Dev Cunningham guides them. As Callahan offers pointers, Cunningham shares the story of “Trader” Vic Bergeron, the San Francisco restaurateur credited with the Mai Tai’s original recipe.
The finale is a rum Old Fashioned. As the class explores rum’s origins, everyone builds their own blends of sugar, bitters and Caribbean flavors.
“Wherever sugar cane is grown, rum is made,” says Callahan. “There are no hard rules. Every country makes it differently. Play around and find what you like – sniff the bottles, taste and experiment.”
Their expertly crafted cocktails complete, the class wraps up with a spread of snacks – kale salad, shrimp ceviche, seven-pepper wings – that complement the rich, rumbased drinks. Like a home-cooked meal, cocktails taste better when made with care, says Callahan.
“You have more of a connection to it when you have a greater base of knowledge on your topic,” he adds. “If you played football, watching football is a little more enjoyable.”
Though Callahan knows most people won’t go home and infuse carbon dioxide into their drinks, he sees these monthly mixology classes as a fun way to engage with cocktail enthusiasts.
“There’s limited conversation at most bars,” says Callahan. “But here, we build relationships. You get to come behind the bar, make a drink, and see what we do and why we work so hard.”
SALT is located at 6860 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. Make a reservation by calling (815) 706-7258 or visiting saltrockford.com. ❚
Greg Callahan, beverage director at SALT in Rockford, creates unique experiences through monthly cocktail classes.
SALT’s monthly cocktail classes in Rockford are a fun and interactive way to meet new people and sharpen your mixology skills, one drink at a time.
Maximize Your Home with Smart Design
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Just because your kitchen or bathroom is small doesn’t mean you can’t do amazing things. You just have to think differently.
For designers like Megan Lebar and Kelsey Bechtel, of Blue Ribbon Millwork in Woodstock, there are many ways to maximize your space.
One of the first things to address is your layout. Are there holes or gaps that can be filled? Would it open things up if a wall was removed?
For one of Bechtel’s recent clients, a small kitchen was transformed by moving the refrigerator, adding taller cabinets and opening one wall halfway.
“I sometimes tell clients, ‘You have 12 inches of unused space in these lower cabinets, but if we go with drawer cabinets instead, we’ll increase our storage efficiency,” says Lebar. “Then, if we add a tall pantry cabinet with rollout trays, it’s like having three
cabinets, and items in the back are easier to reach.”
Bechtel also took advantage of a current style trend: frameless cabinets, which eliminate the lip around a cabinet’s interior.
“This allows you 3 more inches of accessible space per cabinet, which really adds up in a small kitchen,” she adds.
In this same client’s master bathroom upstairs, Bechtel found other ways to maximize space. She made it brighter by swapping a shower wall for a glass partition and using a light wood stain on the cabinets. She also closed off one of the bathroom’s two doorways, leaving room for a much wider vanity but also an extra powder room. Small ideas turned into big solutions.
“Inspiration photos always help us to see what you’re interested in, and then we can translate those ideas into something that works for your home,” says Bechtel. “With the right design, even a small space can be enormously stylish and functional.”
Blue Ribbon Millwork is located at 1401 S. Eastwood Drive (Ill. Rt. 47) in Woodstock. Call (815) 338-8900 for an estimate. ❚
In this recent remodel by Blue Ribbon Millwork of Woodstock, a few design changes made a small space feel bigger.
Back Surgery Reclaims an Active Lifestyle
By Peggy Werner
With all the drive, persistence and focus of a well-trained athlete, Matt Geier didn’t give up until he found someone who could help to relieve his excruciating pain.
The professional baseball and football player racked up years of injuries and numerous surgeries, leaving him with chronic back pain and eventually shooting pains down his legs that were so severe he could hardly walk.
Then, he met Dr. Lauren Matteini of Fox Valley Orthopedics last August. She specializes in minimally invasive techniques with quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort. To relieve the pain caused by pinched nerves, she fused vertebrae in Geier’s lower back and reduced the shift in his spine, holding it in place with screws. He still has arthritis, but that can be managed better with activity, she says.
“We were able to solve a big problem with a smaller procedure than others offered him,” she says. “Fusion surgery is not scary when done for the right person, at the right time, for the right reason.”
Geier’s life was changed by answering just one question: If Matteini could help his worst symptom, what would it be? Without hesitation, he said the leg pain was worst. Everything else he could live with.
Last September, Matteini operated on Geier’s lower back at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
Geier recalls feeling an “immediate difference,” even as he was waking up in the recovery room. With only a few incisions in his left side and lower back, the stabbing pain was gone. He walked out of the hospital. In three weeks, he could walk a mile with no pain. By April, he was walking 2 miles a day with his wife. Almost a year after the operation, he can easily bike 10 miles and work out at the gym.
He looks forward to playing golf again. Geier has played in senior tournaments at the national level and was planning to play professionally in his retirement, but his back pain put a halt to those plans.
He saw several surgeons who all came to the same conclusion: spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts painful pressure on the nerves. Disc degeneration led to worsening arthritic joints and a curvature of the spine. All
three surgeons recommended major surgery with no guarantee of any form of success.
The prognosis and the pain, coupled with the inability to stay active, sent Geier into a downward spiral of hopelessness and clinical depression, he says.
“There was no reason for me to keep going,” he adds. “All I had worked for my whole life was gone. I couldn’t be physically active, and that was devastating.”
Today, Geier is taking lessons from his son, R.J., who lives in St. Charles and teaches golf at St. Andrews Golf Course in West Chicago. R.J. is teaching his dad new techniques to reduce stress and deal with lingering challenges.
“He’s got me swinging the club again,” says the elder Geier. “It’s not always pretty, but I thought I’d never golf again.”
Geier endured many injuries as a football, basketball and track star in high school, before he spent 2.5 years with the New York Mets and two years with the now-defunct United States Football League.
He recalls experiences of torn ligaments in both ankles, numerous surgeries on his knees, ligament and nerve damage in both elbows, bulging and herniated discs, and having both shoulders replaced.
When his injuries took a toll on his ability to stay active, he decided it was time to do something. And he’s glad he made the choice he did.
“Dr. Matteini gave me more than a pain-free existence,” Geier says. “She gave me my life back.”
Fox Valley Orthopedics has clinics in Barrington, Elgin, Algonquin, Geneva and Yorkville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (855) 386-7846 or visit fvortho.com.
Dr. Lauren Matteini
It wasn’t the accumulated injuries that slowed down former pro athlete Matt Geier; rather, it was chronic back pain, the result of pinched nerves, that got him. Since Dr. Lauren Matteini, of Fox Valley Orthopedics, saw him last year his life has turned around.
These Burritos Simplify Schooltime Meals
If back-to-school season feels like a rush in your home, you’re not alone. Saving your sanity starts with fast meals you can prep for lunch or dinner. These vegan burritos feature boldly seasoned mushrooms, black beans, corn and saucy, tangy toppings – and kids won’t even notice it’s plant-based. These burritos are easily packable in lunchboxes and made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that’s available in a new, shareable 32-ounce size, which means more aromatic rice that cooks in 10 minutes. It’s gluten free, Non-GMO Project Verified and free of preservatives and additives.
Find more schooltime solutions at SuccessRice.com.
Vegan Burritos
1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup lion’s mane mushrooms, shredded
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 whole-wheat tortillas
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup dairy-free cheese, shredded 1 cup salsa cilantro, chopped (optional) lime wedges, for serving
In separate skillet, warm tortillas about 30 seconds on each side.
Prepare rice according to package directions.
In skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic and saute about 1 minute until fragrant. Add mushrooms to skillet, stirring to combine. Cook about 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and slightly golden. Stir in paprika, cumin, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes then remove from heat.
Lay one tortilla flat and layer 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup beans, 1/4 cup mushroom mixture and 1/4 cup corn with 1/4 of the avocado and 1/4 cup cheese in center. Top with salsa and fresh cilantro, if desired. Fold sides of tortilla over filling and roll from bottom up to enclose filling completely. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve burritos with lime wedges. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
Waterside Adventures Begin at Gage Marine
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Step onto a boat in Geneva Lake, and it’s possible Gage Marine helped to make it happen. After all, this familyled company has been connecting people to the water since 1873.
“Our roots trace back to transporting goods and guests across the lake during its early resort-town era,” says marketing director Alanna Congdon. “Over the decades, as Lake Geneva grew from a seasonal retreat to a vibrant year-round community, we evolved from a marine service provider into a custodian of tradition and curator of experiences.”
Today, Gage Marine draws visitors and locals to the lake through narrated cruises, boat sales, marina services and waterfront dining.
When it comes to narrated boat tours, many highlight the area’s architectural wonders and historic estates.
The Gage Boat Club helps members to enjoy the freedom of boating without the responsibility of ownership. PIER 290, the company’s lakeside restaurant in Williams Bay, operates year-round with seasonal menus, live music and cozy winter igloos.
Among Gage’s most popular offerings is the U.S. Mailboat Tour, a Lake Geneva tradition dating back more than a century. Each summer, from June 15 through Sept. 15, mail jumpers leap from the boat, deliver the mail to lakefront homes and then sprint back aboard – while the boat keeps cruising.
“We truly love the tradition of the U.S. Mailboat Tour,” Congdon says. “We are honored to be one of the last mail routes delivered via boat, and one
of the very few that allows passengers on that boat.”
Gage Marine has grown as more year-round residents, young families and businesses arrive.
“We have definitely seen a lot of growth in Lake Geneva,” Congdon says. “A lot has changed, but the families and tourists that are coming for a week or weekend, looking to experience beautiful Lake Geneva, are still the same.” ❚
For more information about Gage Marine, visit gageboats.com.
Gage Marine hosts narrated cruises, boat sales, marina services and waterfront dining at Geneva Lake.
(Gage Marine photo)
Thursday Night Out
Trough Aug. 28, Turs. 4-8 p.m. Farmers market, car show, live music. Downtown Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.
‘True West’
Trough Aug. 31. Brothers Austin and Lee fnd they have just one common connection. Copley Teatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Cary Farmers Market
Trough Sept. 29, Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Train Station Parking Lot, 100 W. Main St., Downtown Cary.
Woodstock Farmers Market
Trough Sept. 30, Tues. & Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Producers-only market. Historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 338-5315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
Huntley Farmers Market
Trough Oct. 11, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Local vendors bring a wide variety of foods. Downtown Huntley Square, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us.
Farmers Market+ at Te Dole
Trough Oct. 26, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities, local produce, artistic creations. Te
Entertainment & Events
Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
7th Annual Rusty Rodeo
Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-noon. Round up some invasive rusty crayfsh and enjoy related games. Mt. St. Mary’s Park, 79 Prairie St., St. Charles, (630) 444-3190, kaneforest.com
Te Woodstock Era
Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Relive the sounds of the ’60s with help from 11 top Chicago artists. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
51st Elgin Road Race
Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. See dozens of antique cars, pre-1980, and cruise the original Elgin Road Race Course. Avantara Elgin, 1950 Larkin Ave., Elgin, avantaraelgin.com.
Your Story on Stage, with Megan Wells Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-noon. Te master storyteller leads a workshop on her craf. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Exploring Artifcial Intelligence
Aug. 27, 7-8:30 p.m. Uncover AI tools that can impact your life. Reg. req. Gail Borden
Public Library, Main Branch, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Papermaking with Prairie Florals
Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-noon. Create paper sheets with fowers. For ages 8 and older. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Festival of the Vine
Sept. 5-7, see website for times. Food and drink vendors, live music and craf fair. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info/Tickets: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
Big Truck Show
Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-noon. James O. Breen Park, Campton Hills and Peck Road, St. Charles, (630) 513-6200, stcparks.org.
Art on the Fox
Sept. 6-7. Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. See the works of 75 fne artists. Downtown Algonquin, amdurproductions.com
Kane County Flea Market
Sept. 6-7, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, kanecountyfeamarket.com. ❚
