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Carnival Time
CanI make a confession? I can’t do carnival rides. Oh, I’ve tried them, but it never goes well. The twirling, the swirling, the stomach dropping, it’s just not my thing.
In fact, if you put me on the Tilt-oWhirl today, I might look at lot like a child on his first carnival ride. (Well, that’s how I’d look inside, anyway).
There’s no denying the magic of the carnival and a good, old-fashioned street festival. Those blinking lights, the spinning machines, the look of joy and terror on people’s faces – these are rites of passage every summer. And just like the children, I get excited when the carnival pulls into town. It really is a magical moment.
But I’ll never forget that look on my son’s face the first time he hopped on a ride. It was a mask of pure amazement, as he watched the big kids running from ride to ride. We settled on the train, an easy loop he could ride himself.
Guess again. From his tears, you would have thought he was sitting on the Raging Bull, and not a kiddie choo-choo.
Those days are long behind us now, but the sense of amazement and wonder remain. We love when the carnival pulls into town.
It feels like no summer festival is complete without great food, a little music and a classic carnival. Indeed, that’s the attraction at many festivals, from Geneva’s Swedish Days and Crystal Lake’s Lakeside Festival to McHenry’s Fiesta Days. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there are plenty of other elements that make up a great festival.
Fine art, folk music, jazz, farm life –these are just a few things we found in our latest cover story. I’ve only just realized that the festivals in this story don’t have carnivals. That wasn’t by choice, but maybe Freud would say otherwise.
Festival season is upon us and I couldn’t be more excited.
No, these are happy tears. I’m simply watching the carnival this year.
Chris Linden Executive Editor
Show Your Garage Door Some Extra Love
By Peggy Werner
Your garage door is one of the most used pieces of equipment in your home, but it’s also one of the easiest to neglect. It’s time to start paying closer attention, says Allen Holley, salesperson with A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair in Huntley.
“No one uses the front door anymore,” he adds. “Everyone enters and exits the home through the garage door, so it gets a workout.”
To keep your door functioning well, there are several things to consider. A broken spring is the most common problem when a garage door won’t open. Your door can also be affected by a power surge, a defective part or a failure in the door opener.
One of the most common service calls happens after someone backs into the garage door. This is easy to avoid.
“It’s never a good idea to open the garage door with the remote while your
car is inside the garage,” Holley says. “If you use the button on the wall, the garage will be open by the time you get into the car and need to back out. The garage door opener is meant to be used only for opening the door from the outside.”
To ensure your door is working properly, it’s a good idea to get it serviced once a year. This is a chance for the professionals to check that it’s adequately lubricated, aligned and adjusted, while also testing the safety system and checking for wear and tear. Professionals inspect the springs, cables, rollers, hinges and bearings for signs of imminent problems.
Because they’re used so frequently, garage doors need an annual checkup to keep them in good working order.
A.S.A.P. Garage Door serves customers across the Chicago area. Technicians are trained and experienced in the installation, maintenance and repair of both residential and commercial garage doors and openers.
“We will bring to your attention anything that needs to be done to prevent having to make an emergency call to us,” Holley says.
A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair is located at 11351 Allison Ct., in Huntley. For service or a quote, call (847) 695-8888. ❚
Lack of Faith
Whenwe feel wronged, we’re tempted to seek revenge. But revenge is simply a lack of faith. God tells us not to meet evil with evil. If anyone had a right to seek revenge, it was the one perfect human being, Jesus Christ. Instead, while in agony on the cross, he prayed, “…Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34 NIV)
Jesus Christ chose love over revenge and commanded us to do the same.
In the Greek New Testament from which the English was translated in the early 1500s, various words are used to distinguish types of love. The English language lacks such distinctions.
“Agape” is the highest form of Godly love. It’s described by Paul in many of his letters to fellow believers. In Romans 12 he writes:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves … Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21 NIV)
Love is not weakness. Revenge is weakness born of human arrogance. To seek revenge is to lack faith in God’s ability to handle evil better than we ever could. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ❚
–Janine Pumilia
Cruise through History on Geneva Lake
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
For more than 150 years, Lake Ge-
neva’s iconic excursion boats have been a staple of the shoreline, thanks to the enduring presence of Gage Marine and its Lake Geneva Cruise Line.
Summer begins in earnest on June 15. From that point forward, the team operates 15 to 17 daily tours and up to eight private charters a day.
“Even if the tour schedule is the same, everything else is different,” says Ellen Burling, general manager. “The crew, the passengers, the tour experience, the weather – we book and provide over 700 private parties (charters) each season and no two are the same.”
Among the most beloved offerings is the U.S. Mailboat Tour, a longstanding tradition that delivers real mail to lakefront homes – with a twist. Mail jumpers leap off the boat onto
docks, deliver letters, and jump back aboard, all while the boat keeps moving.
“As far as tours go, the Mailboat is a favorite of mine because being a mail jumper was what drew me to the job at the cruise line when I was just 19,” Burling says.
She also treasures the historical vessels in the fleet, especially “Polaris,” the lake’s oldest yacht, which still shines like new. And, she’s proud of how the cruise line’s meal cruises have evolved into elevated dining experiences, with lunch, brunch and dinner on the water.
With a seasonal staff of about 140 and a dedicated year-round crew planning behind the scenes, Lake
Geneva Cruise Line continues to blend tradition, tourism and thoughtful care for the lake it calls home. Preserving the natural beauty of Lake Geneva is central to the company’s mission.
“We, as a company, take great care to be good stewards of the lake,” Burling says. “We would not exist without it, and having the opportunity to responsibly show it and share it with others is a very important part of what we do.”
For more information or to book a tour, visit cruiselakegeneva.com.
Boat tours with Lake Geneva Cruise Line ofer a close-up glimpse of historic mansions and lake life in Wisconsin.
(Photo provided)
7 Signature Summer Festivals
By Chris Linden, executive editor
What’s
summer without a few good festivals to bring us all together? In our corner of the Chicago suburbs, the events calendar is chock-full of fun events, from music festivals to food festivals to classic hometown festivals and everything in between. Here are a few highlights.
Woodstock Folk Festival, July 20
With this Woodstock tradition, the mu sic is the attraction. Even better, you won’t find these tunes anywhere else this summer.
Now entering its 40th annual gathering, the Woodstock Folk Festival highlights an array of folk tunes on Sunday, July 20, from noon to 6 p.m. Centered around the bandstand in Historic Woodstock Square, this year’s gathering draws together traditional and contemporary folk music, Americana, country, blues, Appalachian and even Latin sounds. The mix of local, national and international performers includes familiar names like Corky Siegel and Tricia Alexander as well as up-and-comers like Mercedes Escobar, who hails from Guatemala.
hands-on activities just for kids. And, if it’s rainy, the show continues at Unity Spiritual Center, 225 W. Calhoun St. Find updates at woodstockfolkfestival.org.
Woodstock Folk Festival is truly a community affair. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets, along with a pair of worn but usable shoes or boots to donate to Warp Corps of Woodstock. There are no tickets, either; just a suggested donation. Proceeds from donations and sponsors, including the City of Woodstock and Real Woodstock, help to pay performers and keep the festival going.
“Our performers come for the day, and they very much interact with the audience when they’re not performing,” says Carol Obertubbesing, festival president. “That’s something a lot of people have said they like about this festival. Most performers are used to doing their gig and running off. Ours stay here and interact, they join in the all-sing finale, they sign CDs – and this is a community that still buys CDs.”
Geneva Arts Fair, July 26-27
The day closes out with the all-sing finale, which is just what it sounds like: The entire cast jams out onstage.
In between sets, catch the open mic session at Stage Left Café at the Woodstock Opera House. Local band Blind Hills is the featured performer; folk artist Carla Gover leads a dance workshop on Appalachian Flatfooting. The newly named Ella Jenkins Children’s Area has performances and
It’s true that Geneva’s Third Street is colorful any time of the year, but it gets a little more vibrant when the annual arts fair rolls into town. This juried show attracts more than 145 artists from across the nation, and their works run the gamut, from watercolors and oil paintings to photography, textiles, sculpture, pottery and jewelry.
“We have Geneva’s historic Third Street all closed down, just for pedestrian traffic, and the artists’
booths line the street along four blocks,” says Johanna Patterson, communications director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the event. “People can walk along our beautiful downtown, check out all of the artists, and take advantage of our shopping and restaurants, as well.”
The artistic flourish wouldn’t be complete without a little landscaping art to complement. At Franklin Street, look for the colorful display of trees, shrubs and flowers plopped right into the middle of the intersection. The team from Plandscape, in nearby Elburn, left room for a little secret inside: an acoustic guitarist is performing there.
At this family-friendly event, people make a day of it, browsing and buying artwork while also enjoying the business district. Kids get their own make-and-take craft area.
Families can also join in the community paint-by-number at Dodson Place, where they’ll help paint an 8-foot by 4-foot canvas mural.
“It’s been designed by a local artist who’s going to draw some familiar Geneva landmarks, and then people can sign up for a time slot to paint,” says Patterson. “The idea is that the whole community can come together. We’re so excited for it.”
Festival of the Vine, Sept. 5-7
If you’re looking for a real taste of the Tri-Cities, it doesn’t get much better than Geneva’s Festival of the Vine. This annual gathering along James Street in downtown Geneva brings together a rich lineup of local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries and musicians for a fitting complement to the late-summer harvest.
This is a family-friendly gathering, so people of any age can buy food tickets and sample the generous platings served
The County Fair is Coming
For many people, the festival of all festivals is the county fair. Here’s what to expect at some of our region’s top events.
Kane County Fair
From July 16-20, the fair features bull riders and cowgirls, a demolition derby, and country music acts in the grandstands. There’s also a magic show, a petting zoo and pig races.
Lake
County Fair
From July 23-27, this fair enters its 96th year with monster trucks, motocross and the 406FMX High Air Tour. The music lineup covers many genres, from country and classic rock to folk and a Taylor Swift tribute.
McHenry County Fair
From July 29-Aug. 3, this year’s fair includes a demolition derby, Next Level Bull Riding, and country music star Dylan Scott. There’s also a fair queen pageant, livestock showings and mutton racing – like bull riding, but children try to stay on a sheep.
by local restaurants. Adults who are 21 or over can show a valid ID and get a wristband to sample beverages from places like Penrose Brewing Co. in Geneva.
“It’s all under the same tent, so mom and dad can come and have a glass of wine while their kids dance along to the live music that’s playing on the stage,” says Patterson, of Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Outside the festival tent, there’s plenty more to see. Local merchants host their own special events, while the courthouse lawn welcomes dozens of crafters in the city’s largest craft fair.
Put it all together, and it’s easy to see why many people consider this their personal transition into autumn.
“Everything turns a little bit crisp and a little bit cooler, and the foliage in the trees starts to change,” says Patterson. “It’s a good time to come out and see your neighbors. Things start to slow down from the hustle and bustle of summer, and everyone loves to grab a bite with friends.”
St. Charles Jazz Weekend, Sept. 11-14
Music is everywhere in downtown St. Charles during this annual celebra tion of jazz music. Across four days, you can expect to see nearly 30 bands and artists at some 21 venues.
Most performances are free to the public and set in small, intimate venues – bars and restaurants as well as coffee shops, small theaters and the library. Some of the biggest gatherings are at Arcada Theatre and the First Street Plaza, set along the Fox River.
This year, expect to hear the likes of Haley Reinhart, Diego Rodriguez Big Band, Frank Catalano and the John Wesley Experience, among others. A full lineup goes live at stcjazzweekend.com around Aug. 1.
Saturday’s schedule opens at St. Charles East and North high schools, where jazz workshops bring together students and professional musicians. Sunday brings a jazz worship service at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church. That’s just a sampling of the nearly 50 performances you can catch all weekend.
“You can hop from one performance to the other,” says Susan Stark, events manager for the St. Charles Alliance, which organizes Jazz Weekend. “When you’re downtown you can hear the jazz music playing from so many places. It’s a truly memorable experience.” ❚
Your Summer Starts 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.
“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. ❚
There are many ways to explore the canyons and wilderness of Starved Rock State Park, starting at its historic Lodge.
(Photo provided)
Home Health: A Partner in Your Recovery
By Chris Linden, executive editor
The journey from hospital to home isn’t always an easy one. Recovery can be a long road, particularly when someone is recovering from a stroke, a heart attack, an amputation or a combination of illnesses.
Rehabilitation is the first step, but what happens when they get home? A home health service ensures these patients have a partner on their way to wellness.
“A lot of people get discharged from the hospital and then go to skilled nursing homes, but once they’re home they end up back in the hospital in the next 60 days if proper care isn’t provided,” says Prit Patel, a partner in Luxe Home Health. “We want to make sure they don’t go back to the hospital.”
Home health care offers a critical next step. The objective is to help the patient recover from and manage their condition. Home health is a combination of direct medical care and education, and it goes beyond the scope of “home care,” which is limited only to assistance with daily activities.
Luxe Home Health specializes in skilled nursing care and therapy services for homebound patients in the Chicago area and parts of Indiana and Missouri. These health care professionals can handle things like vital checks and labs, medication management, wound care, cardio-pulmonary management, and physical, occupational or speech therapy.
There’s a special focus on medical services and in-home therapy, with the ability to do some scans, such as mobile Xrays and lab workups.
For all of its patients, Luxe Home Health provides several check-ins each week for as long as the patient needs it, typically from a few weeks to a few months.
“Our goal is to keep them for at least 45 to 60 days,” says Patel. “The goal is to make sure they’re safe. We don’t want them to end up back in the hospital.”
Patients first engage with home health services while they’re in a skilled nursing facility or in the hospital, by way of discharge planners. Luxe Home Health offers an inside edge because it’s owned by therapists who have been in the long-term care industry for 25 years.
“We collaborate with hospitals and skilled nursing homes to make sure there’s constant communication,” says Tony Kochuparambil, who’s also a partner in Luxe Home Health. “If the patient feels like they’re not doing well,
we can work with nursing facilities and send them back for more nursing care and therapy in a skilled nursing setting. It’s much better than them ending up in the hospital, which is typically what happens.”
Luxe Home Health also distinguishes itself through its use of technology. Chatbots help patients to communicate with their care providers and better manage their care at home. A robust wound management program taps into the expertise of nurse practitioners, physicians and cutting-edge wound care products.
Most notably, Luxe Home Health is the first of its kind in Illinois to partner with Motus Nova, a company that specializes in robotically controlled hand and foot exoskeletons. These high-tech devices help users to better regain motion in a way that provides therapy anywhere, any time, with guidance from robotic controls.
The goal is to prepare patients for life back home, but most patients are dealing with multiple challenges as they return. Home health care acts as a bridge.
“We always tell them, if there is anything you need you can always call us,” says Patel. “If you need additional therapy or nursing, we’re there to help.”
Luxe Home Health has also expanded to offer hospice care and private care in the Chicago area. With private care, patients get assistance with daily activities, sometimes for a few hours and sometimes overnight.
“If someone has had an episode of hospitalization with a nursing home stay, our goal is to get them stronger and remain stronger,” says Kochuparambil. “We don’t want to see them readmitted. We want to avoid that revolving door of hospital, rehab, home. So, we educate people on their disease management process and empower them to take care of themselves.”
Luxe Home Health is located at 2860 S. River Road, Ste. 270, in Des Plaines. For more information or to seek a referral, call (847) 588-2111. ❚
Home health care allows a patient to recover in the comfort of their home while still receiving critical support. The goal is to keep patients out of the hospital.
Regular check-ins help the patient to stay on track with their recovery.
Retreat Year-Round at Woodhaven Lakes
By Pat Szpekowski
Many campers dream of finding a site to call their own, a place that’s close enough to home but still far enough to get away from it all.
They find just what they’re looking for at Woodhaven Lakes, a private, gated recreational property owner resort located in Lee County, in the heart of north-central Illinois about 2 hours west of Chicago. The property encompasses 1,756 picturesque acres of woodlands, lakes and prairies, with individual lots that accommodate many lifestyles. The natural settings at Woodhaven Lakes come with 15 miles of natural trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
“We are very affordable compared to a typical campground that only operates seasonally,” says Nicci Leffelman, marketing/communications manager.
“In the summer it’s a haven for our property owners and that’s the time of
year when most of our programs take place, but they can access the property yearround for ice fishing, crosscountry skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and more.”
Woodhaven is a private facility, meaning you have to purchase one of its lots to become a member. Property owners gain access to all of Woodhaven’s amenities and the ability to spend up to 200 overnight stays every calendar year.
The community also has an on-site grocery store, natural gas and liquid propane, a nature center, a bait shop, an ice cream shop and an arcade.
The events calendar is filled with activities for kids, adults and families, and it includes swimming, crafts, dance lessons and fitness classes – just to scratch the surface.
When it comes to ideal campsite locations that are worry-free, private, safe and convenient, it’s easy to see why many people stop at a place like Woodhaven Lakes. It’s filled with all sorts of amenities to help you enjoy time together as a couple or a family, all year round.
Woodhaven Lakes is located at 509 LaMoille Road, in Sublette. For a tour or information, call (815) 849-5209. ❚
Private camping communities like Woodhaven Lakes, in Lee County, Ill., ofer many amenities for families and couples.
(Photo provided)
3 Red Flags to Watch When You Buy Flooring
By Chris Linden, executive editor
We’ve all been there: The salesman is laying it on thick, presenting a deal that’s almost too good to be true. But time is of the essence, he says, so we take the deal. Only later do we see it really was too good to be true.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s time to keep shopping, says Taylor Schroeder, of Kenny’s Floor Coverings. Her family has owned the Johnsburg retailer for 30 years and they’ve built a reputation for quality products backed by solid service.
“We want to match the customer with the right product for them,” says Taylor. “We’ll help them find what makes them happy. We’re not going to push them.”
The first sign of trouble is the high-pressure sale, where the salesperson won’t take no for an answer. He sets deadlines, offers steep discounts and makes lots of promises.
By comparison, Schroeder’s family encourages shoppers to sleep on their decision.
“We want you to feel comfortable with your purchase. We want you to love what you purchase and know that we’re there to help you out,” says Taylor’s sister, Sarah Schmidt. The pair have worked alongside their father, Ken Schroeder, for over a decade.
Another sign of trouble is the baitand-switch. This happens when the salesman promises one thing but substitutes it with something cheaper – or else he suddenly tacks on extra fees. Think of it like ordering ice cream.
“You order three scoops of ice cream, and you pay for three scoops of ice cream,” says Ken, “but you only get two scoops.”
Finally, take a close look at who’s
installing your new floors. Are they experienced and reputable? Kenny’s installers are tested and trained before they fly solo. This ensures a quality result that’s built to last, Ken adds.
“Our main concern is making people happy,” says Taylor. “We’ll work with you for as long as it takes to make sure you get exactly what you need.”
Kenny’s Floor Coverings is located at 3812 N. Richmond Road (Ill. Rt. 31), in Johnsburg. Call (815) 385-4069. ❚
Reputable fooring dealers are transparent and upfront with customers, says Taylor Schroeder, of Kenny’s Floor Coverings in Johnsburg.
Memory Care Embraces Your Life’s Story
By Peggy Werner
Getting older and more forgetful doesn’t erase a lifetime of experiences, relationships, likes and dislikes, hobbies or careers. That’s why the world of memory care is starting to take a different approach.
At Radford Green at Sedgebrook, in Lincolnshire, staff members draw from each resident’s unique life story to create individualized care plans. Their Heartfelt Connections: A Memory Care Program is exclusive to Radford Green’s parent company, Life Care Services, and it’s nationally recognized for supporting those who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
“We focus on what remains, not what has been lost. Each person’s lifetime of experiences is a unique story,” says Tiffany Zapata, assistant administrator and certified instructor in Heartfelt Connections.
The program emphasizes preferences, personalities and abilities. The staff are trained to engage in meaningful connections with residents, using personal histories to guide interactions and routines, which includes learning about their favorite foods, cherished memories and pastimes, Zapata says.
“Instead of trying to redirect or correct, the aim is to involve residents in decisions and tailor experiences to their comfort,” she adds.
Zapata also draws from her background as a U.S. Air Force veteran, particularly when serving others who have military experience.
The success of Heartfelt Connections is evident, she says, when residents get into a routine. They feel better, experience greater happiness, and show increased engagement and independence.
“If you can find one thing that connects you with a resident or makes them happy, you create a bond,” Zapata says. “When we reach people where they are and bring a smile to their face, we’re making the truly heartfelt connections that make all the difference.”
Radford Green at Sedgebrook is located at 960 Audubon Way, in Lincolnshire. For more information, call (847) 876-2401. ❚
The Heartfelt Connections approach uses personal preferences to help someone living with dementia.
Upgrade Lunch with a Fruity Grilled Cheese
This summer, give your kiddos the fuel they need with a healthy twist on a childhood classic.
Picky eaters have met their match with Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Tender shredded chicken meets tart apple slices, ooey gooey cheese and whole-grain bread for an unexpected twist that will have taste buds tingling. They’re ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.
If you’re aiming to upgrade your cheesy sandwich arsenal, consider these tips from Healthy Family Project:
• Real butter or olive oil adds a level of crispiness and flavor.
• Experimenting with cheese can give sandwiches an extra boost. Cheddar is the classic option, but mozzarella, gouda and brie bring newfound flavor profiles.
• Look for the Produce for Kids or Healthy Family Project logo in
your local grocery store to find brands that are dedicated to creating a healthier generation. Serve up more delicious, kid-friendly lunches by visiting HealthyFamilyProject.com.
Chicken and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Recipe: Healthy Family Project
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 slices whole-grain bread
8 ounces sliced rotisseriestyle chicken breast
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
1 apple, thinly sliced
cheese and apple slices. Top with slice of bread butter-side-up.
Heat large skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place bread butter side down in skillet. Top with chicken,
Cook 2-3 minutes, flip and cook 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and cut in half. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve with prepared salad. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
(Family Features photo)
Soak Up Summer Beneath an Awning
By Chris Linden, executive editor
It’s a curious paradox about our decks and patios: We love to bask in the summer sunshine, but eventually we crave the shade.
Most of us turn to a deck umbrella, and yet it sometimes feels imperfect, particularly when the sun hits the right angle. That’s where awnings provide a satisfying alternative.
Bill Lapins, owner of ZNL Window Coverings, has seen the difference many times in his 15 years as a dealer of retractable awnings. There are many benefits, but there’s one that homeowners most seek.
“It almost acts like air conditioning,” says Lapins. “If it’s 80 degrees out and you have your patio door open with the screen, the air coming into your house will feel about 15 degrees cooler. It’s pretty amazing.”
For the past 15 years, ZNL has been a dealer for SunSetter, a
Wisconsin-based leader in retractable awnings. SunSetter awnings come in a variety of styles, each one custom-built from fabrics that resist water, fading, mold and mildew.
Generally, awnings are 8 to 20 feet wide and about 13 feet long, which is just enough to satisfy most homeowners’ patios and decks, says Lapins.
Perhaps the best way to learn more about retractable awnings is to call ZNL or visit their display at a Costco store. Then, ZNL’s in-home consultant can come to take measurements, show samples and explain the product. Installation usually comes about three to five weeks later, because every unit is custom manufactured in McAllen, Texas.
SunSetter’s retractable features are available in many applications,
including screened-in porches and garages, so people can enjoy the outdoors with more shade and fewer bugs.
“There are a lot of options you can put on the awning,” says Lapins. “There’s even a wind sensor that’s very popular. It will automatically close the awning during windy conditions.”
Call ZNL Window Coverings at (815) 654-0870 for a free estimate. ❚
(SunSetter photo)
Awnings help to block harsh sunlight on a deck or patio, so it’s more comfortable on hot summer days.
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.
Cary Farmers Market
Trough Sept. 29, Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets on the frst and third Sundays of the month. 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 Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
McHenry Fiesta Days
July 10-20, events daily. Includes cask and
Entertainment & Events
barrel night, car show, freworks and live music. Location: Peterson Park and Veterans Memorial Park, McHenry. Info: McHenry Chamber of Commerce, (815) 385-4300, mchenryfestadays.com.
Crafy Crayfsh and Pond Dip
July 12, 6:30-8 p.m. Help catch these crustaceans from the bank of the pond. Nets provided. Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
‘True West’
July 16-Aug. 31. Brothers Austin and Lee fnd they have just one common connection: a sense of cutthroat ambition. Copley Teatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Hollywood Nights
July 19, 8 p.m. The Bob Seger tribute band returns to Aurora. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Explore the Fox River by Kayak
July 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Paddle with a group for about 4.5 miles. Ferson Creek Park, Ill. Rt. 31, St. Charles, (630) 444-3190, kaneforest.com.
A Visit with Jane Austen
July 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Te 19th century author shares insights from her past. For adults. Geneva Public Library, 227 7th St., Geneva, (630) 232-0780, gpld.org.
Tirsty Tursday Street Fest
July 24, 6-9 p.m. A night of live music and food served by local eateries. Te Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, eastdundee.net.
Beautiful Blooms
July 26, 9 a.m. On this guided hike, see the prairie in all of its summer colors. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Kane County Flea Market
Aug. 2-3, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of dealers bring collectibles and more. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfeamarket.com
Night Owl Bike Ride
Aug. 2, 9 p.m. Follow a family-friendly route of 10 or 20 miles through local neighborhoods. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. ❚
