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Family Time
Awhile back, my wife and I read Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages.” To no surprise, we found quality time is our main “love language,” the thing that fills our hearts and makes us happy.
It explains so much about the way we’re raising our family, and why the best weekends are the ones spent together having fun. Since before we had children, we’ve enjoyed our daytime “adventures” to places both exotic and mundane. Maybe it’s a day touring Chicago, or a leisurely stroll down Geneva’s Third Avenue, or maybe a bike ride or a trip to the tulip farm or a point of intrigue. Wherever we go, we find ways to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
Those things didn’t stop when we had kids. The little ones simply became part of the adventure. To this day, those trips are still some of my favorite memories from when the kids were little.
Now that they’re getting bigger, those day trips are harder to plan, between the sports and the house chores and the general go-go-go of life. So, we carve out what we can, even if it’s a long walk or maybe a trip to Target (that always happened on date nights, too).
We finally “cut the cord” on our cable package earlier this year, and rather than replace it with a bajillion streaming services we’ve gone cold turkey. And, here’s the thing: I don’t miss it. Why? Because we’re spending more time together, as a family. We’re watching some old DVD together. Or, we’re making time for board games or puzzles or reading books in bed.
Truth be told, it’s my favorite when I come home from a long day of work and the kids are standing at the door waving to me. Big hugs, big smiles, followed by a few hours of quality time.
That’s what makes my day. And those moments when the kids hug me tight and whisper, “Daddy, you’re the best.”
Chris Linden Executive Editor
Bed, Breakfast and Beyond at Oscar Swan Inn
By Jim Taylor, managing editor
In a world where fast-paced travel and impersonal hotel stays are the norm, the bed-and-breakfast offers a refreshing return. For Nina Heymann, owner of Oscar Swan Country Inn of Geneva, it’s one of hospitality’s lost arts – almost.
“People are too in a hurry these days,” she says. “When they come here, it’s quiet and peaceful.”
Heymann and her late husband, Hans, purchased the estate in 1986. They’re the third family to call it home.
The mansion’s history is woven into the guest experience, with touches of the Swan and Harding families still present in each of the seven suites. For Heymann, these details aren’t just remnants of the past. They’re part of what makes the bed-and-breakfast experience special.
Weddings have long been a central part of Oscar Swan Country Inn, and
couples find this setting is full of charm and character.
In the front garden, couples exchange their vows amidst lush greenery.
The Big Top is an ideal outdoor space for parties of 100 guests. The mansion itself hosts intimate indoor ceremonies and reception dinners. For larger gatherings, the Back Patio hosts parties of up to 300 guests.
Heymann has hosted weddings of all styles and sizes. Catering is all done in-house. Often, the wedding party stays at the inn.
“It’s a total package. You can make Oscar Swan your wedding headquarters,” Heymann says. “It’s easier for your guests as well, since there are plenty of other hotels close by.”
In addition to weddings, Oscar Swan is a popular destination for birthday parties, anniversaries and other milestone celebrations.
Those who want to enjoy the experience without the overnight stay can join Sunday brunches and Wednesday lunches by reservation. The Mother’s Day brunch is always a crowd favorite. “We have groups of all sizes, but we accommodate them all,” says Heymann. “It’s a great way to give Mom a break on Mother’s Day.”
Oscar Swan Country Inn is located at 1800 W. State St. in Geneva. Call (630) 232-0173 to make a reservation. ❚
Nina Heymann is owner of Oscar Swan Country Inn, in Geneva.
Finding Peace
We live in one of the safest time periods and societies ever, enjoying average life spans undreamed of a century ago. Why, then, does high anxiety take such a toll on modern individuals?
Jesus Christ taught us there are two kinds of personal peace: the kind found in the world, and the kind found in him. The first depends upon factors often beyond our control. The second is rooted in our faith; no one can take inner peace from us, although we can choose to relinquish it.
Shortly before he was betrayed, Jesus began preparing his disciples for the terrible events that would follow. He understood their fear and anxiety.
“Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.”
(John 14:1)
Clearly upset, the disciples asked him questions. Jesus explained that after he would leave the Earth, “the Comforter” would come to dwell with them.
“Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells in you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:17-19).
Why would Jesus Christ ask his followers not to be troubled, unless it was possible to do so?
“Peace I leave with you,” he says a few verses later in 14:27. “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Many more verses of scripture speak of the “peace that passes understanding” given to us by Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the hope of his return and the knowledge that we have eternal life through his grace.
“These things I have spoken to you that in me you might have peace,” he says in John 16:33. “In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” ❚
– Janine Pumilia
Yes, You Can Afford Custom Cabinets
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Cabinets come in three types: stock, semicustom and custom. There’s a temptation to see semicustom options as beyond your budget, but they’re not.
“Semicustom has come so far that it’s almost a custom cabinet,” says Nic Gleason, lead project designer at Advance Design Studio, in Gilberts. “There are so many different things you can do with semicustom.”
That’s good news for consumers, who get more options with semicustom products – at a cost that’s more friendly to their budget.
Remodeling firms like Advance Design Studio work with cabinetmakers who offer many options. These cabinets typically come in several door styles, wood species, paint and stain colors, and drawer/door configurations.
The construction is typically better in semicustom, Gleason says, but what truly makes semicustom cabinetry
different is its customizability. Cabinetmakers can quickly account for subtle changes in dimensions.
Cabinet options typically come in three-inch increments – 12-inch, 15inch, and so on. If your designer needs something slightly smaller or larger, it’s easy to adjust. “They can build it to that custom size,” says Gleason.
Semicustom products typically come with helpful add-ons that further enhance your kitchen or bathroom’s functionality. Pulldown shelving is revolutionizing how we use corner cabinets and above-the-fridge storage. There are more pullout devices than you can imagine.
These options do impact the project budget, but that’s where a professional designer shows their value.
“We’ll suggest a solution that works best for your budget,” says Gleason. “We typically start by looking at a
good, middle-of-the-road, quality-built cabinet at a middle-line price point. But we can always adjust that based on your preferences.”
Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., in Gilberts. For a free estimate, call (847) 836-2600. ❚
Semicustom cabinetry comes with lots of options, including pullouts that maximize your kitchen space.
(Advance Design Studio photo)
Spring into Adventure at Starved Rock Lodge
By Lyndsey Nguyen, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge
As the days grow warmer and nature comes alive, there’s no better time to visit Starved Rock Lodge. Nestled in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, near Oglesby, the Lodge is the perfect place to experience the beauty of spring.
Whether you’re craving a delicious dining experience, an outdoor adventure or a fun-filled day of shopping, there are many ways to make the most of your visit.
For anyone who loves the thrill of the great outdoors, the Mega-Hikes on April 27 and June 29 offer an unforgettable adventure as you join a 13-mile guided hike that explores every one of the major canyons within Starved Rock State Park.
The journey begins with a trolley ride to the east end of the park, where hikers start their trek through the rugged landscape. With expert guides
leading the way, this is a must-do experience for nature lovers. Mother’s Day is a time to show appreciation for the special women in our lives, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful meal at Starved Rock Lodge? The Mother’s Day Buffet on May 11 delivers a delicious spread that will make Mom feel truly special. With a menu featuring a variety of options that please every palate, families can enjoy a memorable dining experience in the cozy and historic setting of the Lodge.
Whether you’re savoring a gourmet brunch, trekking through breathtaking canyons or shopping for local treasures, Starved Rock Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind spring retreat. There’s really no better place to embrace the beauty of the season.
To witness the magic of Starved Rock for yourself, head to starvedrocklodge.com or call (800) 868-7625. ❚
Explore the many canyons at Starved Rock State Park during a Mega-Hike on April 27 or June 29. The adventure starts in the park’s historic Lodge.
(Starved Rock Lodge photo)
Life Pain Free
In Assisted Living, Daily Activities Inspire Joy
By Peggy Werner
Getting older may mean slowing down and pacing yourself, yet staying active is more important than ever when you’re in your golden years.
“Physical activity is important to help reduce the risk of some diseases and improve strength and balance to prevent injuries and stay independent as long as possible,” says Nakamati Mborikia, life enrichment manager at Radford Green at Sedgebrook, in Lincolnshire. “Residents who participate in activities are more social and seem to maintain their health and happiness longer.”
At this health center, located on the Sedgebrook campus, residents find purpose every day, not just by staying physically active but by maintaining an active social calendar.
The Life Enrichment program is designed to nurture the whole person through eight areas of wellness: intellectual growth, spiritual reflection,
physical activity, environmental awareness and appreciation, vocational satisfaction, social engagement, emotional support and comprehensive health services.
Activities include religious services, live music performances, outings to local destinations, pet therapy visits, a complimentary local newspaper and family nights.
The Life Enrichment team posts a monthly calendar in everybody’s room. Staff encourage, but doesn’t require, participation.
To keep people engaged, residents and their families are asked to give feedback. This ensures their needs and interests are being met, Mborikia says.
Residents look forward to outdoor activities like picnics, dances and gatherings in the outdoor courtyard. Offcampus bus tours are a favorite, and so
are the seasonal family events.
“Some residents never fail to attend,” says Mborikia. “It helps them feel connected to their loves ones, as well as the entire community. The joy lasts for days.”
Radford Green at Sedgebrook is located at 960 Audubon Way, in Lincolnshire. To learn more or to schedule a visit, call (847) 876-2401. ❚
Daily activities at an assisted living facility help to keep aging minds strong and happy.
Tulips Bring Spring Joy to Richardson Farm
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Oneof the surest signs of spring is a tulip blooming.
It’s a big moment for the Richardson family in Spring Grove, because that means it’s time for the annual Tulip Festival at their Richardson Adventure Farm. Since 2021, the family has been lighting up 12 acres with a palette of spring colors, from reds and whites to deep purples and multicolored petals. With more than 1 million bulbs in the ground, the Richardsons are fully enjoying this year’s show.
“The colors are just wow,” says George Richardson, who owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sisterin-law, Robert and Carol; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen. “You come out of the brown end of winter and then you see that burst of colors – and acres of it – and it’s just amazing.”
Bloom time is dependent upon the weather, but the show usually begins around the last week of April. When it does come, people flock to see rows and rows of colorful blooms, like a little piece of Holland in the Illinois countryside.
Photo opportunities abound, as people are encouraged to walk between the tulips and fully enjoy the scenery. Moms photograph babies and children in the flowers, kids sport their Easter finest, boyfriends propose to their girlfriends. The possibilities are endless. “We had one guy doing yoga in the tulips,” laughs Wendy.
Best of all, admission grants each visitor one free tulip to take home; additional cuttings are $2 apiece.
This year, expect to see wider blocks of colors and more variety than ever before. After their trip to Holland last year, when they toured the Dutch farms where their bulbs are produced, the Richardsons brought home several varieties of colorful new flowers. Look for brand-new eye-poppers like the red-and-white “Carnival Rio,” or the sweet-smelling yellow pomponette this year.
“It has the most wonderful scent, which is really unusual for tulips,” says George. “Tulips aren’t noted for their scent, but the yellow pomponette is, and it has this deep, deep yellow. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
To one end of the tulip patch, centered around a 36-acre lake, there’s a wide lawn where food trucks, picnic tables and lawn games entice people to linger and soak in the scenery. This year’s collection of food trucks includes a stand for hot dogs and smoothies, poutine from Fork and Fries, and woodfired pizzas from Your Sister’s Tomato. There’s also a trolley with apple cider doughnuts and draft beer crafted by 9th Hour Brewing, based in Lake Villa. The Richardsons’ son-in-law, Jim, is a part-owner of the brewery.
Before or after their trip, many people stop by the gift shop, located in a big red barn near the farm’s entrance. The gift shop features wine tastings, fudge, restrooms, popcorn and kettle corn, and a growing selection of gifts and home decor. New to the lineup are Holland-imported gifts like handpainted vases and leather tulips. People can also stock up on
Nearly 1 million tulips bloom at Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, every spring. By the time they’re all blooming in early May, the fields are awash in springtime colors.
(Tom Funk photos)
their own plants, representing 25 varieties and some of the same flowers that are out in the Richardsons’ field. Come fall, when the farm opens for autumn activities, people can come back to the gift shop and stock up on tulip bulbs for next year.
“You don’t even have to pay admission to go to the gift shop,” says Wendy. “You can just come in, get your bulbs and go.”
Tulips typically open around the last week of April, but everything depends upon the weather. Too warm, and it starts early. Too cold, and it starts late. George starts monitoring the weather in January, so he can make an accurate prediction for opening day.
He uses a system called “degree growing days,” which starts with measuring the average temperature each day. Tulips are a “base 40,” meaning the plant starts growing when the temperature average is above 40 degrees. Your lawn is a base 32. If you add up the average temperature over 40 degrees every day, you’ll hit about 190 when the first tulips blossom and you’ll reach 300 when the whole field is abloom.
“It’s always exciting when we get that first warm day of the year,” says George.
Richardson Farm officially opened on April 26 this year. It was a day George had anticipated since October, when the farm’s team planted roughly 350,000 new bulbs. Each fall, the farm crew replaces spent three-year-old bulbs with a fresh crop, and then they till the soil and let the ground refresh. It helps to keep the tulip fields fresh and vibrant year after year.
“It’s different from a person’s yard,” George says. “This is a field, so it’s not sheltered by trees and houses. These need to be a hardier bulb than you’d grow at home. So, about three years is the maximum before they start to die and thin out.”
By early April, the Richardsons’ crew is making regular updates on social media, an email newsletter and the farm’s website, richardsonadventurefarm.com. The colorful blooms usually last through Mother’s Day – but, of course, everything depends upon the weather.
The farm is open in tulip season every day except Monday, starting at 10 a.m. – an hour earlier than last year. The gift shop opens at 9:30 a.m.
grass walking paths, the ground is known to be lumpy. This is, after all, a farm field.
“Last year, we started keeping a tractor in the field with a trailer that’s real low to the ground, so for no additional charge seniors or anyone else who has trouble walking through the fields can have a pleasant little ride,” says George. “They’ll get a really good taste of the colors without having to manage a walker or wheelchair through the paths.”
As spring brings more and more green to the landscape, the wait is finally over for this year’s tulip festival at Richardson Adventure Farm. That means it’s time, once again, for the family’s favorite part of spring.
Before you go, it’s a good idea to check the weather, as it can sometimes be colder in the fields. Be prepared for rugged terrain and mud, particularly after a good rain. Though there are
“There’s such a joyfulness to these tulips,” says Wendy. “It’s hard to imagine when you’re just looking at brown everywhere, but once the colors pop, there’s just this joyfulness, and people are so excited to see what’s there. They enjoy walking around, being outside and just taking in everything about this scene.”
Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road in Spring Grove. To find the latest updates, visit the farm’s Facebook page or richardsonadventurefarm.com. ❚
Photo opportunities abound at Tulip Festival, and people often dress up or bring the entire family to capture the moment.
People are encouraged to walk between the tulips, which are intentionally spaced out for an up-close experience.
Cover photo by Tom Funk
What’s Better: Rebuilt or Remanufactured?
By Jack Shields, JAX Auto & Tire
What does it mean when you see auto parts are rebuilt or remanufactured? Because the cost of new vehicles is getting higher and higher, many people are turning to rebuilt or remanufactured engines and transmissions to breathe new life into their current vehicle. But what does it mean for the life of your car?
A rebuilt engine or transmission is restored by inspecting, cleaning and replacing all parts that are worn or broken. So, long as a part is not worn or broken beyond the manufacturer’s acceptable wear limits, it will not be replaced. With that guideline in place, the internal components in the rebuilt product will have different levels of wear. A rebuilt product will typically have a shorter warranty period.
A remanufactured engine or transmission is a standardized process by which all worn or nonfunctional parts
are reconditioned or replaced to a same-asnew, or better, condition and performance. Many times, the unit will have new parts that are updated or redesigned for better functionality. This type of unit will come with a longer warranty coverage, typically three years or 100,000 miles. This option is also more expensive; however, many people find the benefits outweigh the extra cost.
Whether the engine or transmission is rebuilt or remanufactured, its functionality will be restored. The biggest difference is that remanufacturing is a more comprehensive process in which each internal component is returned to the original manufacturer’s
standards – at minimum. A rebuilt or reconditioned engine or transmission is only as good as its weakest part.
At JAX Auto & Tire, we install remanufactured engines and transmissions with a three-year or 100,000 miles parts and labor warranty.
JAX Auto & Tire is located at 5220 S. Ill. Rt. 31 in Crystal Lake. Call (815) 526-3552 for a quote or appointment. ❚
When you choose rebuilt or remanufactured components, it’s important to know what you’re really getting.
Downtown Crystal Lake Hosts Garden Party
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Downtown Crystal Lake is always buzzing, but things really come alive when the weather warms up.
To help kick off the season, Downtown Crystal Lake’s Garden Party brings the best of the season together in one spot on May 17. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Brink Street Market parking lot sets the stage for the first big gathering of the year.
At its centerpiece is the plant sale, where gardeners can stock up on a variety of greenery, including hanging baskets and plants that are native to Illinois. Proceeds support the Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street organization.
As a compliment, the Garden Party craft fair brings dozens of vendors hawking all sorts of handmade goods while the young dancers of Judith Svalander School of Ballet entertain the crowd. Many downtown merchants have specials and activities.
Just down the street, Duke’s Alehouse hosts “SustainabiliTEA,” from 10 a.m. to noon. The ecoconsciously themed white tablecloth tea party offers up sustainability resources, education and live music. Tickets are limited.
Sustainability is a big theme of this year’s Garden Party, so visitors are encouraged to walk, bike and carpool where possible. Expect to see plenty of cyclists, as downtown Crystal Lake is one stop on PedalPalooza, a bicycle scavenger hunt that centers around McHenry County’s recreation trails.
Downtown activities continue throughout the summer, including a farmers market that starts June 14.
This year, it’s held at the southwest corner of Grant and Brink streets
while its traditional home, Depot Park, undergoes a massive reconstruction.
“They’re breaking ground in May, and I am really excited about what’s happening,” says Joy Neal, executive director of Downtown Crystal Lake.
“The new Depot Park is going to be so much more useful and functional as a primary gathering space.”
To learn more about Garden Party or Downtown Crystal Lake, visit downtowncl.org. ❚
Downtown Crystal Lake’s Garden Party, on May 17, puts the neighborhood’s best qualities on display.
A Culture of Hospitality Makes the Difference
By Chris Linden, executive editor
There’s a reason why people choose to work and stay with Ignite Medical Resorts. It starts with a culture where hospitality and health care coexist.
“We use the term ‘medical resorts’ to put that whole hospitality mindset in place,” says Jim White, chief culture officer for Ignite, which operates 25 rehabilitation centers in the U.S., including in McHenry, Mundelein, Aurora, Lisle and Hanover Park. “You’ll notice all of our buildings have a Starbucks program so our guests and their families can get their favorite beverage. We have a hospitality director whose job is to make sure families are happy and guests are getting what they need.”
The patient experience is only the starting point. Recognizing that happy people provide quality service, White and the Ignite team carefully vet everyone they hire –and then encourage them with a robust system of rewards and recognitions. DoorDash passes, Planet Fitness memberships, child care subsidies and pet insurance are available to all employees. They can earn rewards like extra vacation time, company swag and a perfect attendance bonus.
Plenty of little moments help employees to know they’re valued. Every quarter, the company recognizes its best performers on key metrics. Every month is peppered with special recognition days, whether it’s National Cupcake Day, National Nurses Week, or some other occasion.
“We like to have superhero-driven parties – we call them Superheroes in Scrubs – and we all dress up,” says White. “I have three capes I can wear with matching shirts, like Batman and Robin or Superman.”
Passion drives the therapists, managers, nurses, cooks and other staff at each Ignite facility. In fact, it’s a critical component in the hiring process. Not only is the culture and engagement team (otherwise known as HR) looking for the right credentials. They’re also looking for the right personality, the type that will thrive where health care meets five-star hotel.
New hires get a good taste on day one. Orientation begins with brunch and introductions before diving into customer service. Trainees go out for lunch, enjoy an afternoon scavenger hunt and go home.
“You’re starting them on a high note, because they’re seeking out this kind of environment,” says White. “For the people who come from an environment that is drastically different, the first day is a game-changer.”
It’s also unique that Ignite’s hospitality directors come from the hospitality sector. So, they’re well-equipped for programs like “surprise and delight,” where they’ll perk up patients and employees.
“I know that you love chocolate milkshakes, so when I see you’re having a bad day, I’ll walk into your room and hand you a chocolate milkshake, and you’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, thank you,’” says White, whose background is in casino gaming. “We lead with hospitality, and that is what creates the different atmosphere in this building.”
White wants visitors to see the difference right away. Because, how many rehab facilities offer five-star service with warm welcomes and fond farewells?
“When a new guest is arriving, the building’s hospitality director is normally waiting for them at the front door,” says White. “They’re greeted and thanked for choosing us, we escort them to their room and then we spend some time with them. When they leave, we have a discharge celebration in the lobby. We wave pom-poms and give patients a medal like they’d get in the Olympics. I’ve participated in many of them, and they bring a tear to my eye. There’s someone who couldn’t walk when they came into the building and now they’re walking out. They’re crying, their loved ones are crying, we’re crying – those are the things that make a difference.”
To learn more about Ignite Medical Resorts, visit ignitemedicalresorts.com or call the McHenry facility at (815) 900-2500. It’s located at 550 Ridgeview Drive. ❚
A company culture that encourages fun – even in the form of superhero capes –keeps the team at Ignite Medical Resorts engaged with their work. It translates into happier patients, or guests, as they’re called in this unique environment.
Chief Culture Officer Jim White (center) uses his hospitality background to inspire the team at Ignite Medical Resorts’ 25 U.S. locations, including in McHenry, Mundelein, Aurora, Lisle and Hanover Park.
(Photos provided)
Quality Furniture Starts with the Craftsman
By Peggy Werner
These days, it isn’t always easy to find quality, built-to-last furniture, but it still is the hallmark of mom-andpop shops like Strode’s Furniture, in downtown Huntley. For nearly five decades, this family-owned business has specialized in top-quality furniture, much of it made by Amish builders and backed up with a commitment to customer service.
“We are not like any other store. We want to get to know our customers and their families and meet their needs, not just sell them,” says owner Bob Wozniak. “Our focus on quality is why we are now working with third generations in some families.”
Wozniak works with about 50 Amish woodshops around the Shipshewana, Ind., area. He places the orders and drives his own truck to pick up furniture, which ultimately saves customers time and money. It also ensures
the standards of high quality and durability that customers have come to appreciate at Strode’s.
Amish craftsmen use a multi-step process that includes sanding several times, staining, drying, and sealing before applying a final top coat with a hardener for durability.
Perhaps Wozniak’s favorite part of the business is sharing with customers how furniture is made, what to look for when shopping, and what options are available, including eight wood species, 30 finishes, numerous styles and a variety of hardware.
Strode’s can furnish every room of a house and will special-order outdoor furniture. The store also carries area rugs, lamps, sofas and home decor. Delivery is free in the Chicago area.
Having worked with the Amish for 35 years, Wozniak has become friends
with many of the craftsmen he calls on. Wozniak is not Amish, but he does practice a Christian faith.
“The Amish are very faithful, honest, hard-working, family-oriented people,” says Wozniak. “They consistently turn out good products because of their work ethic and religious beliefs. When dealing with the Amish, a handshake still seals a deal.”
Strode’s Furniture is located at 11707 Main St. in Huntley. Call the showroom at (847) 669-3500. ❚
Amish furniture makers use traditional techniques and high-durability finishes on their products.
Spice Up Dinner with Slow Cooker Tacos
If your idea of making street tacos includes standing over a hot skillet, wipe that sweat off your brow and give these Savory Street Tacos a try. They put the slow cooker and oven to work for you, providing that delicious street taco taste without the hassle.
For more ways to simplify cooking at home, visit culinary.net.
Savory Street Tacos
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
1 chuck roast (2-3 pounds)
1 package taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz.) beef consommé
16-20 street taco tortillas
1 package (8 oz.) shredded cheese
1/4 cup avocado oil
salsa, for serving guacamole, for serving queso, for serving
Cover chuck roast with taco seasoning and place in slow cooker. Pour beef consommé over roast and cook on low 6 hours. When meat is cooked, use a fork to shred roast.
Heat oven to 425 F.
Brush outside of tortillas with avocado oil and fill with meat and shredded
cheese. Place filled tortillas in a casserole dish and bake 10-15 minutes until tacos reach desired crispiness.
Place baked tortillas on a tray and serve with salsa, guacamole and queso.
Helpful Tip: Double recipe when serving for a larger gathering.
(Source: Family Features)
(Family Features photo)
‘Cats’
Through June 15. The beloved musical. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Woodstock Farmers Market
May 3-Sept. 30, Tues. & Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Producers-only market with local vendors. Historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 3385315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
Kane County Flea Market
May 3-4 & May 31-June 1, 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, kanecountyfleamarket.com.
Ladies Night Out
May 7, 5-8 p.m. Grab some friends and see how many stamps you can gather while you explore downtown Huntley. Check-in at Legion Hall, 11712 Coral St., Huntley, (847) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.
’70s FM Radio Rock
May 10, 7 p.m. Soundtracks of a Generation rides the wild waves of 1970s rock radio. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Eden on the Fox
Your Fun Entertainment & Events
May 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn about the history of Fabyan Forest Preserve’s Japanese garden. Reg. rec. Geneva Public Library, 227 7th St., Geneva, (630) 232-0780, gpld.org.
Barrington’s 3rd Thursday Art Night Out
May 15, 6 p.m. This month, event features fiber artist Sue Briesch and mixed media artist Cynthia Jones. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Hampshire Area Home & Business Expo
May 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Local businesses show off products and solutions. Hampshire High School, 1600 Big Timber Road, Hampshire, (847) 683-1122, hampshirechamber.org.
ESO’s 75th Anniversary Gala
May 17, 5 p.m. Elgin Symphony musicians perform with a movie palace organ. Sanfilipo Estate, 789 Plum Tree Road, Barrington, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Thirsty Thursday Street Fest
May 22, 6-9 p.m. A night of live music and food served by local eateries. The GooRoos perform. The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee, eastdundee.net.
Barrington Art Festival
May 24-25, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See more than 125 artists and original works. Cook Street, between Park Avenue and Lake Street, downtown Barrington, amdurproductions.com.
St. Charles Fine Art Show
May 24-25, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. More than 100 fine artists bring original, juried works in multiple media. Riverside Avenue, downtown St. Charles, (630) 4433967, stcharlesfineartshow.com.
Farmers Market+ at The Dole
May 25-Oct. 26, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities, local produce, artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
Huntley Farmers Market
May 31-Oct. 11, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Local vendors bring a wide variety of produce, handmade goods and local foods. Downtown Huntley Square, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us.
Cary Farmers Market
June 2-Sept. 29, Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets on the first and third Sundays of the month. Train Station Parking Lot, 100 W. Main St., Downtown Cary. ❚
