May 2023

COMMON SENSE REMODELING

“From the beginning, Advance Design Studio was responsive, courteous, and professional. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome or process.”

Tom R. || Arlington Heights

“We highly recommend Advance Design Studio. Our only regret is that we did not find them sooner! We are delighted with our bathroom remodel, and the care and attention to detail from the team.”

Terry P. || Barrington

“We wanted to do something a little unique... Advance Design was the first one that understood the concept of what we were trying to do. The ability to work through one point of contact really made the process achievable.”

ADS Client || Barrington

2023 SEASON EVENTS

Saturday, June 17 7:30 p.m.

Linda Eder

Showcasing one of the greatest voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country, and jazz. When she performs live in concert, it is amazing to experience the ease with which she moves back and forth from one genre to another.

Sunday, June 25 4 p.m.

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Five-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts is one of the founders of the modern family music scene. For 25 years, Roberts has been creating the soundtrack to families’ lives, helping kids navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up, while inspiring parents to remember their own childhoods.

Saturday, July 8 7:30 p.m.

Martina McBride

Multiple Grammy nominee Martina McBride has sold over 23 million albums to date, which includes 20 Top 10 singles and six #1 hits. She has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association.

Sunday, July 16 4 p.m.

Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra

Travel with the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra this summer and visit places across the country through music! Experience Chicago from the musical and Sinatra’s New York, New York. Come along for this amazing adventure!

Saturday, July 22 7:30 p.m.

The Guess Who

Legendary Canadian band The Guess Who enjoyed chart-topping hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s with an impressive catalogue of songs, including “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” The band has released 11 studio albums, and charted 14 Top 40 hit singles.

Saturday, July 29 7:30 p.m.

BritBeat

Take a trip back in time with a fantastic voyage through the days of Beatlemania with BritBeat’s multimedia concert journey through Beatles music history. See why this nationally acclaimed Beatles show is captivating audiences and generating rave reviews from critics.

Music by the Lake is presented by George Williams College of Aurora University on its Geneva Lake campus, just seven miles from downtown Lake Geneva in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

WOODHAVEN LAKES

A Private Recreational Camp Resort

509 Lamoille Rd. Sublette, IL | 815-849-5209 www.woodhavenassociation.com

So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights. Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

Smith

N. Grimoldby, Melanie Kalmar, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner

Life is Precious

Weeds love my yard. Dandelions cover the lawn with a yellow carpet and they overrun the garden beds, where they’re joined by a whole host of strange visitors.

Of course, that’s on top of the many desirable plants – irises, phlox, coneflowers, salvia, hydrangeas, daylilies, etc. – that proliferate in their own way.

There’s a good reason the critters end up in our yard. It’s got to be the best buffet in town.

You may be asking yourself why I put up with it all. My neighbors do. Why don’t I chase off the bunnies? Why don’t I douse everything in Roundup? Why do I let the occasional dandelion or exotic stranger stay? Truth is, I’m a bit of a softie.

Life is precious, and you can’t help but appreciate the miracle of life when you’re working in the garden. Tiny seeds go in the ground and as their hard shell softens in the moist dirt, out pops a tender little chute. They always come in their own time, never on our schedules. And until they’re fully mature, they’re so vulnerable. Sudden cold, a dry spell, or even Peter Rabbit can spell their doom – or else strengthen their resolve to grow. Those weeds sure have a lot of resolve.

After all that it takes to bear beautiful flowers and fruit, how can you not marvel at the wonders of life – even the life of a weed? Every sunny little flower head, every poky stem, even those fluffy baby bunnies (we named this year’s kit “Parsnip”) are tiny little miracles.

It reminds me of the first time I held my son and daughter in my arms. To see those perfect little fingers, that peaceful little face, their every adorable move, you just can’t help but wonder at life and its many mysteries.

And yet, there are those who can’t see the miracle. Or won’t. All they see is a yard choked by weeds and a garden overrun by a mishmash of colors and textures. I admit, a perfectly coiffed garden is pretty in its own way. But, I like my slice of wild Creation.

It’s my daily reminder that every life is precious.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Make the Garage Functional Again

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Your garage is practically your front door. But it’s also one of the messiest and most easily forgotten spaces in your home. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Overhead storage maximizes wasted space, and wall-mounted systems make quick work of the remaining mess.

Garage Store, in East Dundee, specializes in Gladiator Garageworks, a storage system that includes cabinets, modular wall systems and tons of hooks for ensuring everything has its place. Because the brand is owned by Whirlpool, the line also includes refrigerators built especially for the extreme heat and cold of a garage. They blend right in with the built-for-tough metal cabinetry.

“You get what you pay for with the Gladiator product line,” says Jim Melchert, owner of Garage Store. “And what we like about it is wall cabinets can handle 300 pounds, and cabinets on

wheels are rated at almost 1,000 pounds. Our product is good in mechanic shops, homes, just about anyplace.”

With a garage makeover comes a refreshed floor, and Melchert’s team specializes in durable, long-lasting polymerbased floor coatings. They come in many colors and applications, and they can range from a simple polish to a sleek floor that sets the tone for a man cave garage. The process begins with a free consultation. Then, it’s time to design solutions that are on-budget and fit the client’s goals, whether that’s cleaning the garage so it’s more functional or transforming it into another room of the house where you can entertain.

While it might be tempting to make this a DIY job, if you factor in labor, materials and time the cost is roughly the same as a professional – and the quality and warranty are better, says Melchert.

He usually budgets three to four days to install a concrete coating system. The first day involves concrete preparation and repairs, the second day is for applying the base coat and flake system, and the third day is for the finishing topcoat. The final result is stunning.

“I understand the garage is sometimes not a high priority, but your garage is like a front door or entrance to your home,” says Melchert. “It’s best to have it organized and presentable.”

Garage Store is located at 1082 Rock Road Lane, East Dundee, (847) 428-8862.

The Eyes of God

Oneof the remarkable things about the New Testament is the lack of judgment its writers make about peoples’ ethnic backgrounds. It’s not how we were born, but who we choose to be that matters to God. All who believe are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, and that’s far more important than our human bloodlines.

To Paul, who penned many of the letters written to the early church, there were two kinds of people: Those who’d heard the good news of Jesus Christ and those who hadn’t. He knew it was his job to increase the former and reduce the latter, regardless of anyone’s race, religion, gender or social class.

Jesus made fellow Jews the focus of his brief ministry but also spent time with folks outside the fold, something the Gospel writers carefully noted. He showed kindness to people shunned, mistrusted or overlooked by society, including children, lepers, disabled people, widows, the mentally deranged, the poverty stricken and flagrant sinners. He even invited a tax collector to be a disciple.

Just before his execution, Jesus told his disciples to take his message to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Salvation was now open to all. Christ himself was every believer’s new identity.

Paul tells Christians in Galatia:

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29 NIV)

It’s man, not God, who magnifies our differences. Both Jesus and Paul understood what God told Samuel many centuries earlier:

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:17 NIV.) ❚

Orchard Valley Golf Gets Big Upgrades

By Chris Linden, executive editor

One of Aurora’s favorite golf courses is hitting refresh, just in time for its 30th anniversary.

Orchard Valley Golf Course is under new management and exciting changes are underway.

New manager Ben Nachtwey and Troon LLC, one of the world’s largest golf course management firms, are bringing in a new team of golf professionals, superintendents and food service workers, and that’s just the start.

“We’re committed to the overall service element at Orchard Valley as well as reinvigorating the restaurant,” Nachtwey says. “We want Orchard Valley to be considered a worthwhile destination for golf enthusiasts and the community.”

Along those lines, the park district’s new director of golf, Justin Wyeth, is launching the Fox Valley Golf Academy

to engage children from age 6 to 14. The progressive, instruction-based programs run through the summer and culminate in an August mini-camp.

Meanwhile, the Orchards Restaurant is getting an upgrade with a new, full-service menu and a refreshed main dining room, along with a reimagined allday menu for the bar and patio. Orchards Restaurant is open for dinner service with a menu that includes entrees such as seafood risotto and herb-crusted chicken.

Because Orchard Valley is now a member of the Troon family of golf courses, players are eligible to participate in the free Troon Reward program. Accrued points earn benefits at more than 150 Troon properties worldwide, including top courses around the Chicago area and destination courses in Arizona, Florida and beyond.

Plans are also in the works to refresh the course’s 6,800-yard, par-72 championship layout, which has earned 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. And there’s plenty more to come.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of making sure our members and guests can enjoy themselves any way possible,” says head golf pro Joe Fritz. ❚ Orchard Valley Golf Course is located at 2411 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora. Call (630) 907-0500 or visit orchardvalleygolf.com to book a tee time.

Outdoor Additions Bring the Family Together

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

If you want to expand your living space without seriously contracting your bank account, a backyard renovation might be the solution. By consulting an expert, you can create a beautiful outdoor living area for relaxation, entertainment and communion with the outdoors.

Brian Hogan is the owner and founder of Hogan Design & Construction, a full-service design-build firm that has been specializing in luxury high-end remodels, renovations and new home construction throughout the Chicago suburbs since 2000. If you have an idea for what you want to create, he recommends sitting down with a design team and mulling over options and considerations.

Early conversations focus on the essentials, such as a feasibility study, design needs, finishes, sizes and any restrictions that might exist in your neighborhood.

While this may seem like a heady process, this is all in a day’s work for a design-build firm. A pool house that Hogan designed and built took about 12 weeks of planning with another eight weeks of construction. And that includes the pool.

Swimming is fun, but many of Hogan’s clients are looking for a place to relax. For the recline-inclined customer, a screened-in porch is a popular choice for an addition.

“We just finished working with Cara Mamott, from Haven Design Group, on one of my favorite porches we’ve ever done,” Hogan says. “It has phantom screens, which drop like garage doors with the touch of a button.”

Another rising trend among suburban homeowners is the “she shed,” a small outdoor structure that’s typically

used as a personal retreat or workspace.

“They’re like a little living room,” Hogan says. “They typically don’t require plumbing, just air conditioning or heating.”

The possibilities are truly endless, but the results are oh so satisfying. ❚

Hogan Design & Construction is located at 21 N. Sixth St. in Geneva, (630) 991-8700.

(Hogan Design and Construction photo)

Make Your Patio Look Like All That-io

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

Your patio is an extension of your home and of yourself. You deserve for it to be the best a patio can possibly be. That means investing in quality furniture.

The difference between long-lasting furniture and the cheaply made alternative doesn’t just come down to price.

A quality piece is made of durable materials, and it also offers premium comfort. Manufacturers of high-quality furniture prioritize ergonomic design, cozy cushions and flexible fabrics to ensure maximum snug. They also focus on look, meticulously crafting furnishings that compliment a variety outdoor decor styles.

“You want to make sure that you’re getting great fabric,” says Jessica Salisbury, CEO and creative director at Village Green, a destination garden center in Rockford with a collection of patio decor that’s considered one of the largest casual furniture showrooms in the U.S. “A

cheap polyester fabric is going to fade. Cheap framework is going to rust. Cushions from a big-box store are made from cut foam, which acts like a sponge, collects water and develops mildew.”

Strolling through the cobblestone walkways of Village Green’s showroom, visitors will find top-of-the-line furniture, built to withstand the Midwest’s weather.

Trusted brands like Breezesta, Castelle Lloyd Flanders and Homecrest offer hundreds of varieties of dining sets, loungers, benches, sofas and sectionals to make your patio look cool. There are plenty of umbrellas and shades to keep it cool, as well. Whether you’re seeking deep-seated dining chairs, all-weather wicker, or a casual sling-backed chair, there is no shortage of options.

Before settling on a set, be sure to measure your patio to make sure your new furniture fits. If you’re planning to

store your furniture during the winter months, measure your storage space, too.

If the sheer number of choices has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask an expert. Showroom staff like the Village Green team are studied up on the products they sell.

“We sell furniture that should last up to 20 years,” says Salisbury. “If you focus on quality, you end up saving money in the long run.” ❚

Village Green is located at 26101 E. Riverside Blvd. in Rockford, (815) 8779559.

Craft Beverage Trail is a Taste of NW Suburbs

By Melanie Kalmar

Do you enjoy sampling unique craft beers and spirits? Are you up for a challenge? If you answered yes to both questions, there’s a prime opportunity for you: the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail Challenge.

The goal is to visit all 11 participating craft breweries and distilleries – and you don’t have to live in McHenry County to enjoy the experience. Of course, you don’t have to do it all at once, either. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach

the finish line. The challenge is ongoing and has no expiration date. Naturally McHenry County, the region’s visitors bureau, wants you to drink responsibly and use designated drivers when needed. This is how it works: Go online to mchcraftbev.com, download the app and sign up for the challenge. The website contains a list of local taxi companies, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts for those who want to make a night of it. Each time you visit a stop on the trail, ask the bartender or other staff member for the check-in code and enter it on the app. Once you’ve completed the challenge, notify Naturally McHenry County on the app to receive your prizes. Those who finish take home a branded sticker and T-shirt that shows all 11 stops.

Nearly all of the breweries and distilleries on the trail are exclusive to

McHenry County, and each offers craft beer and spirits you can’t find elsewhere. The trail begins and ends in any order.

All of the establishments are family friendly and host special events each week, from food trucks to live music or trivia nights.

Browse each company’s social media or webpage to find out what’s on tap. If you don’t want to leave your dog behind, it can join you on the patio at More Brewing Co. in Huntley. Are you a trivia buff? Kishwaukee Brewing in Woodstock hosts Trivia Wednesdays. Do you have an idea for a new craft beer recipe, one that hasn’t been done before? Submit it on Holzlager Brewing Co.’s website and it might appear on the menu of its Woodstock taproom. If it’s a unique atmosphere you crave, head to Sew Hop’d Brewery and Taproom in

Huntley. The brewery shares space in an early 1900s building with a manufacturer of industrial sewing machines.

While two stops on the trail have restaurants on site – More Brewing and Cary Ale House & Brewing Co. – the other nine don’t. Those are Crystal Lake Brewing, Holzlager Brewing Co., Kishwaukee Brewing, McHenry Brewing

MobCraft Beer in Woodstock. Those that don’t have a kitchen typically invite patrons to bring their own food, and they offer take-out menus from nearby restaurants. Many also host food trucks on particular nights.

The idea for the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail Challenge came about last March at an event celebrating the rebranding of Naturally McHenry County. The handful of brewery and distillery owners in attendance brainstormed ways they could work with the visitors bureau to bring more traffic to their establishments. After meeting a few more times, they decided on the Craft Beverage Trail Challenge.

“This is an example of how our organization can synergize with local busi-

provide the prizes and everything else that went along with it.”

The challenge began in September 2022, and within three months there were 3,697 check-ins at local brewpubs and distilleries, says Kristine Austin, sales and marketing manager at Naturally McHenry County. By January, at least 130 people had completed the challenge. Several winners picked up prizes at their favorite stop on the trail while everyone else chose to receive prizes by mail.

The challenge continues this spring, just in time for the busy tourist and summer festival season.

“As the weather gets warmer, we’d like to see people take the opportunity to pick back up, if they’re in the middle of the challenge, or to start so they can ex-

Food Truck

on the Square

@Elkhorn Antique Flea Market

Cover photo by Naturally McHenry and John Bender of Good Boy Digital Originals

(Naturally McHenry/John Bender photos)

A FAMILY VACATION WHERE LUXURY GOES WILD

Relax and reconnect with your family on a cruise to Alaska aboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium®. Enjoy stunning staterooms, menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and intuitive service. Step up to The Retreat® featuring luxury suites, a private restaurant, an exclusive lounge and sundeck, plus a Personal Retreat Host. For an even more in-depth experience, choose a Cruisetour that combines a 7-night cruise with a land tour in deluxe motor coaches and a glass-domed train. For a family vacation you’ll always remember, book your Celebrity Alaska cruise today.

CARY TRAVEL EXPRESS 9 Jandus Road Cary, IL 60013

(847) 639-3300 ~ www.carytravelexpress.com

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. “All Included” Pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after 01/09/2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside through AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing will receive a Classic Drinks Package, Tips Included and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in a stateroom must choose the same pricing package. Visit celebrity.com for complete details. ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

Dine Outdoors with Class at Anvil Club

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Patio season is finally here, and that means it’s time once again to hit the veranda at The Anvil Club in East Dundee.

This cozy patio, complete with umbrellas and solid metal furniture, has its own bar and a seasonal menu built around the veranda’s stone oven. It’s a beloved spot for after-work happy hours and Sunday dinners, but it’s also a prime spot for social events such as baby showers, bridal showers, small wedding receptions, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries – just about any special occasion that gathers up to 90 people.

“People really like sitting out there and enjoying the weather and sunshine while they dine on The Anvil Club’s amazing food,” says Joe Robinson, general manager. “Maybe they’ll even have one of our custom veranda cocktails while they’re there.”

Happy hour specials sweeten the deal, especially for those who enjoy one of the veranda’s creative seasonal cocktails.

These drinks pair perfectly with the steak and seafood entrees that have made The Anvil Club famous, but they also pair well with the veranda’s special menu. Every dish on this limited-time menu is made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and fired up in the veranda’s stone oven.

“Our veranda menu is only offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays,” says Robinson, adding that it’s available starting June 1. “We’re not going to do it on the weekends, so it’s an extra incentive to come back during the week.”

To further set a backdrop for summer, the veranda occasionally hosts live entertainers. Keep up with all of the latest events and special occasions at The Anvil Club by signing up for the newsletter at theanvilclub.net.

While the veranda is a prime spot all summer long, the rest of The Anvil Club’s nine dining rooms continue to attract private events all year long. Social gatherings come with a customizable menu crafted by Chef Tino Almaraz.

The Anvil Club’s dining room and veranda are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Reservations are encouraged at theanvilclub.net or the OpenTable app. ❚

The Anvil Club is located at 309 Meier St., in East Dundee, (847) 426-7710.

(Photo provided)

Live Music, Markets and More at The Dole

By Chris Linden, executive editor

n action-packed season is underway

at The Dole, in Crystal Lake, as this cultural destination shows off all it has to offer. There’s much for families to enjoy inside and on the grounds of the historic Dole Mansion and its Ringling annex.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., catch the The Dole’s Farmers Market+, which last year brought more than 100 vendors to the mansion’s sprawling lawn. The block party-like atmosphere, with local farmers, crafters, artists, food trucks, live music and more, covers even more ground and includes new attactions

Independence Day brings back The Dole’s annual Lakeside Fest, with its lineup of live entertainment, carnival activities, food vendors and family fun.

The festival runs June 29-July 2, with classic rockers the Spin Doctors taking the stage on opening night. Live

music plays on two stages all weekend, with about 14 acts in total.

Festivalgoers enjoy a wide range of activities for everyone in the family. The carnival runs daily, with unlimited ride wristbands on sale. Friday brings food and fun while Saturday brings a bike parade and baggo tournament. Sunday includes the annual Independence Day parade, which starts at City Hall and ends at The Dole. The night sky is filled with a brilliant fireworks show from the lake.

Not to be forgotten, Music Under the Trees returns for its fourth season with nine Ravinia-like shows scheduled from May through September. Bring out the lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy top-notch tribute bands and original artists under the shade of centuriesold oak trees. This year’s lineup includes John Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar, Cap’n Funk & The Groove

Train, ‘90s and 2000s tribute band Winnie Cooper, ‘80s tribute band The Jolly Ringwalds and alt-rock/indie pop group The Red Roses.

As summer gives way to fall, watch for more fun, as the farmers market heads indoors and the new Lou’s Lounge music venue heats up. ❚

The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, in Crystal Lake, (815) 4558000.

(Patty Bell/The Dole photo)

The Right Flooring Makes All the Difference

By Peggy Werner

Your flooring conveys a look and a feeling that echoes throughout your home. Change this one element and your home feels very different. That’s why it’s important to choose the right material and the right forms of upkeep.

“The greatest change in flooring in recent years is the realistic look of wood or tile in luxury vinyl,” says Lisa Carlson Nelson, co-owner with her brother, Gregg, of Carlson’s Floors, in Geneva. “It’s hard to tell the difference just by looking.”

Similarly, porcelain tile can now look like natural stone but, like luxury vinyl, it’s more durable and easier to maintain.

When choosing a new floor it’s important to consider the look of the floor, the location where it’s going, the customer’s budget and their plans to stay or move in the next few years, says Carlson Nelson.

There are endless possibilities in the family-owned business’ 3,000-squarefoot showroom, with everything from solid colors to plaids, stripes, patterns and interesting designs. Each item has its strong suits.

“Just when you think rug manufacturers can’t come up with anything more, they do,” Carlson Nelson says.

Once you have new flooring, it’s important to maintain it properly. Start with a neutral PH cleaner for hard floors. The urethane finish on most hard wood floors is made from a petroleum product and using soap or an oil-based cleaner will make the finish look cloudy and dull, says Carlson Nelson.

With carpets, it’s important to get a good vacuum and use it regularly. Spot clean a carpet by quickly saturating the area with warm water and blotting up the

stain. Don’t rub it or let it sit for long, because that will make the stain harder to get out, she says.

Some warranties require carpets be professionally cleaned every couple of years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean applying harsh chemicals, says Carlson Nelson. Warm water works well to extract dirt from carpet. ❚

Carlson’s Floors is located at 728 W. State St. in Geneva, (630) 232-4964, carlsonsfloors.com.

Advancements in Heart Care Are Good News

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

Cardiology is evolving, and that ought to provide some relief.

“Every 5 to 10 years, things improve, get safer, get more comfortable for patients,” says Dr. Jeff Freihage, interventional cardiologist at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. “I think that’s important for patients to realize: The arena for cardiovascular patients is becoming quicker and less invasive, and the patient goes home sooner.”

There have been many advancements in minimally invasive heart surgery, and one of the more promising new developments involves the mitral valve, which lies between the two chambers on the left side of the heart: the left atrium and the left ventricle.

The mitral valve prevents blood from going back into the left atrium. When this valve no longer works properly, a person will feel short of breath, says Freihage.

In many instances, surgery is superior to other treatments, he adds, but some patients may be able to use mitral valve therapies not available in the past, such as a device called the MitraClip. It’s proven especially effective with older patients or those with congestive heart failure.

“You put a clip on the valve to tether it together so you don’t have the severe leakiness that you had previously,” Freihage says. “The patients feel better and live longer.”

While new therapies provide welcome news to many, it’s also important to remember the first step toward better health: keep in touch with a primary care physician. Routine screenings can go a long way toward identifying issues with a valve or the effects of heart disease, says Freihage. Your primary care physician will know how to proceed and when it’s appropriate to connect with a specialist.

“These valvular disease issues don’t appear out of the blue. They’ve been there for a while before they become symptomatic,” he says. “It’s much better for a primary care physician to hear a murmur, so when it’s time to do a procedure on a valve they’ve been following you for two years. Ideally, we should be picking up on these when they’re mild or moderate.” ❚

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is located at 450 W. Hwy. 22 in Barrington, (847) 381-0123.

A Summer of Song at Music by the Lake

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, look no further than Music by the Lake. Nestled against the backdrop of Geneva Lake, this outdoor music series weaves together a tapestry of engaging events and breathtaking natural beauty at George Williams College (GWC) of Aurora University.

“For the past 22 years, it’s been a summer tradition,” says Tom McReynolds, assistant vice president of GWC. “It’s really a part of the social calendar of the lake.”

Kicking off the season on June 17 is Linda Eder, who stole the show in Broadway’s “Jekyll & Hyde.” Eder is joined by jazz piano virtuoso Billy Stritch, who served as Liza Minnelli’s musical director and confidant.

Then, Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players stop on July

25. This author of three children’s books brings two decades of experience in an afternoon appearance that’s dedicated to children and their families.

On July 8, welcome award-winning country music icon Martina McBride, who has more than 23 million album sales, 20 Top 10 singles and six charttopping No. 1 hits.

Then, the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra returns on July 16. Conductor David Anderson leads a musical journey from Broadway’s “Chicago” to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” with additional stops in Oklahoma, California and other spots.

Classic rock band The Guess Who takes the stage on July 22. Best known for their 1970 album “American Woman,” the legendary Canadians promise a mix of early hits and newer tunes.

Finally, step back in time with BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band, on July 29. The group’s attention to detail transports audiences back to the musical zenith of Paul, John, George and Ringo.

“It’s a very intimate venue and you get that proximity to the action that you wouldn’t get in a huge arena or theater,” says McReynolds. “And you can’t beat the setting.” ❚

To purchase tickets for Music by the Lake, visit musicbythelake.com or call (262) 245-8501.

(Music by the Lake photo)

Adoption Event Set for June 24-25

Each year Anderson Humane connects more than 4,000 pets to loving families. The organization, founded in 1966, has become the leading animal welfare organization throughout the Elgin area.

The success of Anderson Humane goes beyond the shelter, medical care, rehabilitation and education it provides. Its dedicated staff and volunteers understand the true value they provide is through the connection and healing that happens when pets are connected to loving families.

Another reason for Anderson Humane’s success is the partnerships they forge throughout the community. For the past three years, Brilliance Subaru of Elgin has been one of these important partners, teaming up with Anderson Humane for the annual Road Home Mega Adoption Event. Each year, hundreds of families gather at the Brilliance Subaru showroom to meet the puppies, kittens,

cats and dogs that are searching for a forever home. The local event is part of Subaru Loves Pets, a national initiative that strives to get pets out of shelters and into the arms of loving pet owners.

The next Road Home Mega Adoption Event will be held at Brilliance Subaru of Elgin, 1500 N. Randall Road, on June 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the last event, 156 pets joined loving families.

In addition to shelter services and educational programs, Anderson Humane also provides low-cost spay and neuter services. And, the organization’s Constant Companions program provides volunteers to help seniors, veterans and others with in-home pet care assistance such as walking their dog, cleaning the litterbox and helping with the pet’s medical care. Training classes are offered for owners who are new to pet care or who are struggling with their pet’s behaviors.

Anderson Humane has been part of the local landscape for more than half a century, providing refuge and second chances for thousands of animals and opportunities for light and love for individuals and families throughout the area. Through events like the Road Home Mega Adoption Event at Brilliance Subaru of Elgin, many more animals will find their forever home.

For more information, contact Anderson Humane at (847) 697-2880 or visit ahconnects.org. ❚

(Photo provided)

Woodstock Farmers Market

Through Oct. 28, Tues. & Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The market features live music and everything from veggies, to hand-made spun yarn, desserts and seedlings. Historic Woodstock Square, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

Farmers Market+ at The Dole

Through Oct. 29, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Support local farmers and artisans with family activities, local produce and artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Concerts in Lincoln Park

May 25-Aug. 10, Thurs. 7 p.m. Gather around the gazebo while a local tribute band serenades the evening. Lincoln Park, 450 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 513-6200, stcparks.org.

34th Prairie Arts Festival

May 27-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The fine arts and crafts show features arts, entertainment, children’s activities, more. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, (847) 895-4500, villageofschaumburg.com.

Concerts in the Park

May 30-Aug. 8, Tues. 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and some drinks, then enjoy live music by the lake.

Entertainment & Events

Crystal Lake Park District, Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.

Spring Festival of Dance

June 3, 2 p.m. The Judith Svalander School of Ballet celebrates dance with two acts and guest vocalists. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Music Under the Trees: Mellencougar

June 8, 6 p.m. This John Mellencamp tribute band plays the superstar’s hits with help from former bandmates. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.

Barrington Cruise Nights

June 15-Aug. 10, Thu. 6 p.m. Weekly gathering features local food vendors, kids’ activities, raffles and prizes, and some sweet rides. Parking lot at Cook and Station Streets, downtown Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.

MBTL: Linda Eder

June 17, 7:30 p.m. Her recording career includes three albums before her breakthrough role in Broadway’s 1997 run of “Jekyll & Hyde.” Music by the Lake, George Williams College of Aurora

University, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.

Musical Tribute to the Beach Boys

June 18, 5 p.m. Seven musicians from the Kansas City area accurately re-create the music of the Beach Boys. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

Swedish Days

June 21-25, events daily. Celebrate the heritage of Swedish immigrants with a carnival, children’s activities, nightly entertainment, a parade and food vendors. Downtown Geneva, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., (630) 2326060, genevachamber.com.

Concerts in the Square

June 27-Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Enjoy a show in the hometown atmosphere of the Huntley Square. Huntley Square, 11721 E. Main St., Huntley, (847) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.

Arts on the Green: David Sarkis and Friends

July 8, 7 p.m. Gather on the lawn in a classy but relaxed setting and enjoy a wide-ranging style of acoustic music. Raue Center’s Arts on the Green, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. ❚