Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Holiday 2023
Christmas Parades
SANTA CLAUS
is Coming to Town
A Jazzy Way to Welcome New Year’s Harvard’s Christmas on the Prairie Secrets to Smarter Toy Shopping Why It’s Better to Buy from Local Folks Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment! Tell them you saw it in ...
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In This Issue Right in Our Region........................................ Cover & p. 24 Christmas Parades Inspire Holiday Magic Your Home .................................................. 11, 31, 41 Why It’s Better to Buy Local; New Projects from Old Materials; Find the Right Home Accessories Inspiration & Worship........................................... 14 Christmas Brought the Dawn of Grace Your Outings .................................................... 19, 37 Christmas on the Prairie; New Year’s at The Dole Your Tips & Information ....................................... 23 The Secrets to Smarter Toy Shopping Your Community ................................................... 35 Volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank Your Health ............................................................ 39 Meaningful Steps to Avoid Sports Injury Your Entertainment ............................................... 43 Legacy Continues at Raue Center Your Fun .................................................................. 44
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Rebecca Nunes, Pat Szpekowski, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Pamela Loebel Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingSuburbs.com
Smart Living. Copyright 2023 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Envelope Kids
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ovember had just arrived and already I was fielding that dreaded question: What do you and the kids want for Christmas? It’s a question I always struggle with, not only because our home already feels overrun with “stuff.” But really, what do I need? More time with the kids? Less time running everywhere? These don’t fit in shiny boxes. It feels like the kids are on the same wavelength. Of course, there’s always that one thing on their wish list, but that’s about it. They’re not barraged with toy commercials the way we were in the ’90s. This generation barely knows what to do with a commercial. No, I think there’s something more at play. Ever since they were babies I’ve referred to them as my “envelope kids.” You could give them this big, noisy, electronic toy and they’d be more enthralled by its box. An envelope hat and a peek in the mirror brought more giggles and delight – for baby and parents – than all the annoying singing stuffies in the world. It’s the simple things in life that truly matter. Deep down, they still recognize this value. Give them a quiet day at home and watch their imaginations soar. Pack them up for a long car ride and they’re content (mostly) with snacks, audiobooks and coloring. We sing songs together, we ask silly questions and we point out the world beyond. “Look at that plane take off! Isn’t it huge?” “Did you see the guy over there picking his nose?” The simple pleasures in life. As our Christmas trees spill over with abundance, this is a time for us to remember how grateful we are for little things. With any luck at all, our children are also learning we don’t need giant boxes and expensive goods. We are content with the little things. And we’re grateful for the blessings that have come our way. Whether it’s a giant Lego set, a pretty Barbie or a plain old envelope under the tree, we know this much: good things come to those who recognize their blessings. May this be a blessed holiday season and a happy new year! Chris Linden Executive Editor
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Your Home
Why It’s Better to Buy from the Local Folks
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By Chris Linden, executive editor eople who are accustomed to shopdistinguishes him from his big-box comping at the big-box warehouse or a petitors – not to mention the online shops smartphone app will notice somewhere human help is nonexistent. thing’s different when they walk into an Unlike the box store, where sales independent appliance store. staff may know little about what they’re “It’s personal service, all across the selling, Dinelli educates consumers on board,” says Mike Gulgren, co-owner of what they’re seeing and touching. He Gulgren Appliance in Crystal Lake. “It’s knows details they won’t find online. like it used to be, not like it is at most “They might ask me about a certain places now.” product and I’ll tell them, ‘You don’t It starts at the top. Gulgren and his want that,’” says Dinelli. “They might try brother-in-law, business co-owner Greg to argue it, but what I’ll do is share with Danielson, regularly meet with customers. them the track record of those products. Danielson oversees the service department I know they’re going to have problems.” and makes house calls. Gulgren helps with Gulgren Appliance services most deliveries. Their staff of nearly a dozen major brands, even if they didn’t sell the handle everything from office manageproduct. What’s more, customers don’t ment and sales to parts and service. Every have to call an 800 number and then wait call is answered by someone on the team, around for help. Sometimes, a phone call not a stranger at an 800 number. is all that’s needed to resolve the issue. Gary Dinelli has been working the When a service call is needed, a familiar sales floor for 20 years, and that alone face will ensure the problem is resolved
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quickly. It helps that Gulgren Appliance maintains a large inventory of replacement parts. When it’s time to replace that wornout appliance, there’s another familiar face greeting customers at the door. “We’re at the point where generation after generation has been doing business with us,” says Danielson. “The grandparents came here, their kids came here, and now their grandkids are coming here.” ❚ Gulgren Appliance is located at 424 W. Terra Cotta Ave., in Crystal Lake, (815) 459-4380.
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Inspiration & Worship
Christmas Brought the Dawn of Grace
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hile many details related to Jesus’ birth are murky, scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments couldn’t be clearer about his purpose for coming: to bring light to a dark world and everlasting life to those who choose to believe on him. In Luke 4:16-21, shortly after Jesus began his ministry, he went to his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (part of the Old Testament, written some 700 years before he was born) and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the minister, and sat down. Everyone stared at him, and he told them, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” While many religions recognize Jesus as a prophet, only Christianity celebrates him as the son of God and the messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Christianity is entirely unique in its message of grace. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” writes the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:8. John 1:17 tells us, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ extended salvation to all people, Jew and non-Jew, male and female, slave and free (Galatians 3:28). Shortly before his death by crucifixion, Jesus prayed not only for people who already believed on him, but for “all those who shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20) – and that means us. Why not make time this season to read for yourself the scriptures that describe Christ’s birth? You’ll find them in the first chapters of the gospels of Luke and Matthew. Merry Christmas! ❚
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Your Outings
Magic Abounds at Christmas on the Prairie
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By Steven Bonifazi, assistant ituated amid the snow-dusted expanse of Big Foot Prairie, there’s an annual tradition that intertwines holiday cheer and seasonal treasures. Christmas on the Prairie draws visitors to Steel Heart Ltd. in Harvard for a month of gatherings that transport them to a winter wonderland. The scent of evergreens lingers while twinkling lights and classic Christmas tunes fill the air. Complimentary cookies, coffee and hot chocolate warm spirits. “When we started Christmas on the Prairie six years ago, we had a huge turnout,” says Gretchen Peczkowski, who owns Steel Heart Ltd. with her husband, Jacek. “Now, people make a day trip out of it and bring relatives and friends.” Running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 22 this year, Christmas on the Prairie shows off an eclectic assortment of treasures within and surrounding Steel Heart’s
editor historic barn. There’s Christmas and seasonal decor, local honey, serving platters, birdhouses and feeders, steel tree ornaments and products by 1803 Candles of Waterman, to offer just a sample. Starting on Black Friday, the barn is transformed into a holiday haven that shoppers can enjoy all season. Dec. 2 brings the first of three special events for Christmas on the Prairie. Ladies Day Out is an occasion for women to spend the day shopping while enjoying sales and complimentary mulled wine. The following week, on Dec. 9, comes Shopping with Santa’s Elves, a day for children under 12 to go shopping. The men have their special day on Dec. 16, when the Steel Heart team helps them choose and wrap unique finds. They also can enjoy complimentary samples from Harvard’s Rush Creek Distillery.
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Finally, Steel Heart hosts a Blue Light Special on Sunday, Dec. 17. Every 15 minutes, a new item goes on discount, while supplies last. It’s a mystery where that blue light will pop up next. “Many of the people we’ve met who have come in as shoppers are now not only our friends – they’re like family,” says Gretchen. “We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so for me, family is everything. That’s what makes this whole thing special.” ▮ Steel Heart Ltd. is located at 10308 N. U.S. Route 14, in Harvard.
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Tips & Information
The Secrets to Smarter Toy Shopping By Peggy Werner oys and playtime are a necessary part of every child’s development, so parents naturally want their children’s toys to bring out the best. That means shopping selectively for the child in your life. “A good toy is one that holds a child’s attention and stirs the imagination. We want children to have toys that keep inner wonderment alive when at play,” says Lori McConville, a former educator who owns Marvin’s Toy Store, in Crystal Lake, with her daughter Kate. What makes a good toy? “Meet the child at their level of interest and build upon that,” says Lori. “Keep in mind they should be having fun.” The McConvilles specialize in toys that stimulate young minds. In fact, every toy in the store is carefully vetted along a set of criteria that includes high quality, “future friendliness” and affordability for all income levels.
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Some examples of best sellers include a sewing kit to make a stuffed animal, building kits for trains and mini rollercoasters, a science kit to make your own root beer, and slime and putty. While the staff at Marvin’s can help shoppers to select an ideal toy, Kate, who has children of her own, stresses the importance of letting children be involved. “Kids may be drawn to something a parent doesn’t agree they need,” she says. “And on occasion, grownups want to push children in directions they want them to go instead of letting the child’s interests lead.” If the objective is pure joy, the simple things can make a difference, she says. Things like a plush puppy, a small truck or a silly squishy toy will provide sensory input and help to develop a child’s mind. If a child seems to be focused on one toy for a while, that’s OK, she says, so
long as the toy continues to provide curiosity and build imaginative play. “Offer a different toy once in a while, but it’s good when children really like something and can explore it to the fullest extent,” Kate says. “Children will eventually try other things or find a way to extend their interest in a toy by adding to it.” ❚ Marvin’s Toy Store is located at 64A N. Williams St., in Crystal Lake, and 100 E. Station St., in Barrington.
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Right in Our Region
Parade Traditions Inspire Holiday Magic By Steven Bonifazi, assistant estive holiday events such as treelighting ceremonies and lively parades give us all a reason to come together and spread cheer in grand style. Across Chicago’s suburbs, you’ll find a plethora of heartwarming traditions. Downtown Crystal Lake’s Festival of Lights parade, scheduled for Nov. 24, brings families together in a magical atmosphere. The parade departs City Hall at 7 p.m., when 40 floats from community groups and businesses wind down Caroline Street, over to Grant Street and up Williams Street. The procession includes carolers, high school bands, and Boy and Girl Scouts before Santa makes his appearance. Santa Claus makes his grand entrance at the Brink Street Market courtyard around 8 p.m. to sprinkle magic dust and light the community Christmas tree
editor in the plaza. He then welcomes children and listens to their wishes at the nearby Santa House. Besides the parade, Downtown Crystal Lake illuminates its streets with luminaria every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. in December, to add to the city’s inviting atmosphere. “Our downtown events have become an annual family tradition for a lot of people,” says Lynn Reckamp, executive director for Downtown Crystal Lake, which organizes the event. “Everyone always asks how much they owe, and in this world of materialistic Christmas, it’s nice to have this amazing event as something we offer for free.” Roughly 10 miles northwest of Crystal Lake, the Historic Woodstock Square has been a holiday epicenter for generations. The city’s annual parade and Lighting of the Square are full of magic.
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Crystal Lake’s Festival of Lights
The Woodstock Opera House Christmas Tree Walk and the Gingerbread House Walk kick off the weekend on Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance at 5 p.m. Then, the Square is closed off for the Lighting of the Square at 7 p.m. Here, tens of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the Square’s park space, trees and Victorian-era buildings. The following day, free carriage rides from 2 to 4:30 p.m. allow visitors
Right in Our Region to soak in the holiday spirit as they ride around the Square. On Sunday, Nov. 26, the Christmas parade starts at Woodstock Water Works at 2 p.m. with as many as 50 floats heading east on Jackson Street. Cookies and Churros with Santa brings families together from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. “Woodstock is a great place to live, work and visit, and I think the parade helps underscore the quality of life here,” says Brad Ball, president of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “Community organizations are happy to show off who they are and what they do, and to just be part of the season.” There was a Lake Zurich’s time when Lake ZuMiracle on Main rich held a modest
tree lighting ceremony. Now, their Woodstock’s Christmas Parade Miracle on Main Street event is a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and festive carols. Scheduled for Dec. 2, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., the event starts with musical performances from Lake Zurich High School’s Bare Voices & Blue Notes Show Choir, Peace Lutheran Church Bell Choir, DJ Dave Chicago, Cricket Theatre, D95 Elementary Schools and the Academy of by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Performing Arts at the intersection of Old Commerce and hot cider courtesy of the Rand Road and Main Street. Lions Club. Local artisans also offer holiBefore Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive day treasures. on a fire engine, visitors can partake in “When I was a kid, I did different sleigh rides, meet Santa’s reindeer, create things with my family, the neighbors and crafts and watch a newly donated 20-foot the community, so creating memories for tree at Rotary Park set aglow at 6 p.m. the youth in our community is so imporAt the Lion’s Den, 81 E. Main St., tant,” says Bonnie Caputo, recreation little ones enjoy visits with Santa, face director for the Village of Lake Zurich. painting and a Candy Cane hunt at 3 p.m., “These events we do throughout the year thanks to the Lake Zurich Lions Club. are about connection, engagement and Enjoy roasted chestnuts and popcelebrating your community.” ❚ corn, or else fill up on hot cocoa served
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Your Home
Salvaged Materials Spark New Home Projects By Chris Linden, executive editor here’s plenty to absorb the minute when they come in here because there’s you walk into All American Reclaim, so much to look at and touch and feel and in Lake Barrington. That’s because the do. The best thing is to just come in and 22,000-square-foot showroom, formerly get your bearings. When you’re ready, a greenhouse and flower nursery, is filled come find us and we’ll help you out.” floor to ceiling with salvaged goods. Whether they’re looking for one True to its name, All American Repiece or a thousand, customers can ask claim specializes in wood and other mathe sales team to help them find whatever terials salvaged from old barns, factories it is they seek. The store draws many doand other Midwestern structures. The it-yourself decorators, but it’s also freshowroom and yard outside are filled quented by home remodelers, commerwith graying old planks and timbers. cial designers and other business owners Inside are countless other treasures, inwho want to use these items for decor at cluding old hardware, rusted signs, hand home or work. tools, hinges, doors, porcelain sinks and “We get a lot of creative customers,” many surprises. There’s also a selection says Michaelis. “I always joke that they of wood slabs, harvested from massive come in here with one project but they trees and still bearing the live edge – the leave with 10 projects, just because of all rough exterior bark – on its side. the stuff that’s here.” “The biggest thing is to come in, For those who want something more, walk around and take it all in,” says ownAll American Reclaim also has an on-site er Andy Michaelis. “People are distracted wood shop where carpenters transform
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barn wood, tree slabs and other finds into functional furniture such as dining room tables and fireplace mantels upon request. Michaelis and his team also take down the barns where they acquire much of their inventory. He invites people to call him if they have a barn to salvage. “My favorite part is going into a barn for the first time and seeing all of the stuff that’s in there,” he says. “Every barn is so different.” ❚ All American Reclaim is located at 990 W. Northwest Hwy., in Lake Barrington, (224) 209-8283.
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Your Community
Volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank By Rebecca Nunes
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f all the myths that surround the issue of hunger, perhaps the biggest one is that it doesn’t exist. Such was the case when Franciscan Sister Rosemarie Burian established Bethlehem Food Center in Carol Stream in 1983. Some folks told her the food center was a solution in search of a problem. But she’d worked closely enough with local families to know the need for supplemental groceries was real. She also knew food was being dumped into landfills by manufacturers and retailers. In its first month, the Bethlehem Food Center delivered 7,000 pounds of food. Today, what’s now known as the Northern Illinois Food Bank is among the 15 largest food banks in the nation. Thanks to a battalion of caring volunteers and donors, it provided 80 million meals last fiscal year.
“In the 13 counties that Northern Illinois Food Bank serves, there are 400,000 food-insecure neighbors, 100,000 of them children,” says Julia Jones, senior development officer. “That’s about one in every eight residents, one in every five children in northern Illinois.” There’s no “typical” client, Jones adds. People find themselves needing a little help for all sorts of reasons. Northern Illinois Food Bank receives about 63% of its donated food from retailers and manufacturers. It uses cash donations to purchase about 26% of its inventory, especially fresh produce. The Food Bank also sources food from farmers, individuals, businesses and federal government commodities. Every $1 donation buys $8 worth of food, adds Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank.
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Volunteers also matter. Nearly 1,000 helpers show up each week to evaluate, repack and distribute food. Earlier this year, the food bank launched a new Food Finder map to help people connect with nearby resources. It’s mobile-friendly and has filters to show which pantries are open when. “Our hope is that we can reach more neighbors experiencing food insecurity and help them and their families get to thriving faster,” says Yurko. ❚ To volunteer or seek help, contact Northern Illinois Food Bank at (630) 443-6910.
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Your Outings
B y Pat Szpekowski s there a better way to ring in 2024 than with a visit to the stately Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake? It’s a place where cherished memories of days gone by have proudly lingered over the years. Built in 1865, this Victorian-era Romantic Italianate manor is the perfect setting to dress in your finest and launch a New Year. “Last year’s New Year’s Eve party with a ‘Cirque du Soleil-esque’ circus theme was a fabulous event,” says Sharon LeCoque, chair of the New Year’s event and co-founder of the Farmers Market+ At The Dole. The fun returns again this year on the evening of Dec. 31. This year’s party theme is all about live music. You can find it in several corners of the mansion and its annex. Scrumptious heavy appetizers are served by Wild Asparagus Catering of Barrington, with a Retro Candy “Bar” courtesy of The Inside Scoop.
The GooRoos warm up the festive crowd starting around 7:30 p.m. Then, the Modern Day Romeos ring in the New Year with a performance from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. To know the magnificence of this beautiful venue is to have knowledge of its past. It was in 1922 that Eliza “Lou” (Louise) Ringling purchased the Dole Mansion, along with her investment group, to create the country club. With a nod to The Dole’s history, there’s also live jazz playing in Lou’s Lounge, a speakeasy-type venue in The Dole’s lower level. It’s named in honor of Ringling and the fact that her country club was built during Prohibition. “Surely, there had to have been a secret place to sneak cocktails, as it was a social club, after all,” says LeCoque. “There also will be live music in the mansion on our recently acquired 1921 Steinway.”
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(The Dole photo)
New Year’s Party Bridges Past, Future I
Events such as the New Year’s Eve party, summertime’s Lakeside Festival, a year-round Farmers Market+ and ticketed events in Lou’s Lounge help to fund this organization and support the restoration and upkeep of the historic property. A portion of proceeds will additionally support CASA of McHenry County. To purchase your tickets for New Year’s at The Dole, head to thedole.org. ❚ The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, in Crystal Lake.
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Your Health
Meaningful Steps to Avoid Sports Injuries By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
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here are two main types of sports injuries: acute and overuse injuries. Acute injuries include things like fractures and dislocated joints. Overuse injuries are aptly named because they come from repetitive work. Surprisingly, one meaningful way to avoid injury starts with your core. Abdominal and hip strength will help to keep the rest of your body in check. “When we see throwers who have Tommy John surgery – which repairs the elbow ligament – they’re always amazed because therapists will be focused on their hips and their core even though they have an arm injury,” says Dr. Harpreet Basran, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. “It’s critical to preventing these injuries.” Athletes used to develop core strength intuitively by participating
in multiple sports. Today, though, many young athletes specialize in one sport, and that can lead to overuse. “It’s the simple idea of cross-training that’s been around forever: if you move your muscles in a different pattern, it improves athletic performance,” says Dr. Justin Gent, an orthopedic Dr. Justin Gent sports medicine surgeon at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. For all athletes, it’s important to warm up properly, but it’s critical for older athletes and youths who are determined to play only one sport. “The No. 1 injury prevention strategy is to make sure you have the right equipment and your body is prepared for the sport,” says Gent. “Warm it up, and make sure your flexibility is there.
Dr. Harpreet Basran
Especially for older patients, if you feel something is tired or sore or achy before you even start, you need to think about it or even skip paddleball. Listen to your body. Understand what you need to perform your sport well. That’s the best way to avoid getting hurt.” ❚ Illinois Bone & Joint Institute has locations in Barrington, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Kildeer and McHenry. Call (847) 381-0388 for an appointment.
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Your Home
Cozy Up a Space with the Right Accessories By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor ot everyone needs to completely remodel their home to improve a room. Many times, a space just needs an aesthetic update, and new furniture and/ or accessories are just the trick. “A lot of times when we get somebody in, they pretty much know what kind of look they want,” says Robert Wozniak, owner of Strode’s Furniture in Huntley. “However, they don’t always know colors for accents, or things like that. We can help them make selections.” In addition to owning the store, Wozniak personally seeks out high-quality decor and accessories. “We have a large selection of artwork, clocks and accessories for tables and hutches and things like that,” Wozniak says. “It’s not the usual stuff you would find at some of the bigger stores. When we buy things, we try to be a bit more selective.”
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Wall decorations, table arrangements, area rugs and other decorative touches can add a warmer feeling to a space and give it a homier impression. Right now, Wozniak says he’s seeing more brushed brass being used to finish accessories, especially when it comes to fixtures like hanging lights or table lights. Brushed brass has a more matte look than polished brass. “And it goes with pretty much any stain color on furniture,” he adds. Wozniak advises against doing everything at one time. He suggests getting the main pieces in a room and then accessorizing around those pieces. “I say that because sometimes you have to live with something for a little bit to get a feel for how it sits in your room,” he says. For those who need a little guidance, Strode’s Furniture can connect customers
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with interior designers who do entire projects from start to finish. But when customers know what they want, they can also ask Wozniak or his staff for assistance. Either way, Wozniak loves to see the final product. “When we have someone help with decorating, we always ask the customer if they can send or bring in a picture of what the room is like when it’s finished,” Wozniak says. “We love seeing how it all turns out.” ❚ Strode’s Furniture is located at 11707 Main St. in Huntley, (847) 669-3500.
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Your Entertainment
By Peggy Werner wenty-five years ago, community leaders funneled $13.5 million into an aging theater in downtown Crystal Lake. The Raue Center for the Arts emerged with a mission to bring top artists to the stage. “The Center was created by about 1,700 families and more than 20 companies in McHenry County who wanted cultural diversity and a place to learn about and explore the arts,” says Richard Kuranda, executive director. Today, Raue Center continues to grow so it may be enjoyed for generations. For starters, a recent $750,000 upgrade to the lighting and sound systems has made them completely digital, with tools that compare to the best theaters anywhere, Kuranda says. The cafe inside is now larger and more conducive to traffic flow, particularly during intermission.
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There’s also a wealth of programming that keeps Raue Center humming throughout the year. Williams Street Repertory is a professional nonprofit theater company and is planning a post-pandemic launch this winter. Lucy’s Comedy hosts monthly comedy shows with local and national acts in an intimate environment. Raue Center School for the Arts offers classes and workshops for those ages 7-18, with plans to reach adults in the near future. Mission Imagination is an educational outreach program, and RaueNow is an annual membership program. Since the building’s mortgage was paid off in 2018, Kuranda and the Raue Center board have made plans to ensure viability into the future. The latest endowment campaign is supported by a foundation that will match up to $20,000 in tax-deductible gifts.
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(Todd Heintz Photography photo)
Legacy Continues at Raue Center
Lucile Raue, who lived and worked her entire life in downtown Crystal Lake, left a generous estate gift to support the theater’s restoration. Her legacy lives on. “We hope the community feels enriched by what we offer and will help us keep moving ahead,” says Kuranda. “Our mission has always been focused on bringing the arts to all people and making live entertainment available to everyone in the community.” ❚ Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
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Entertainment & Events
Cary Indoor Farmers Market Ongoing, Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On the first and third Sundays of the month. Algonquin Township Building 6, 3702 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake, (815) 639-2700. Woodstock Winter Market Ongoing, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Local produce and artisan goods. McHenry Co. Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-5315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org. Farmers Market+ at The Dole Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Farmers and artisans, family activities, artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, thedole.org. Huntley Farmers Market Ongoing, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets on the second Saturday of the month. First Congregational Church of Huntley, 11628 E. Main St., Huntley, (815) 515-5200, huntley.il.us. ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Through Jan. 14, see website for times. Adapted from the Roald Dahl classic. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
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Geneva Christmas Walk Dec. 1, 6 p.m. As the city heralds the first candy cane, Santa lights the tree and downtown goes aglow. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com. Barrington Dance Ensemble: ‘Nutcracker’ Dec. 1-3, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. More than 100 students join guest artists. Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 382-6333, barringtondance.org. Miracle on Main Street Dec. 2, 3-6:30 p.m. Santa and his reindeer arrive to light the village’s 35-foot Christmas tree. Rotary Park, 7 E. Main St., Lake Zurich, (847) 4385141, lakezurich.org. ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 8-17, see website for times. Judith Svalander School of Ballet transforms the stage. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com. ESO Holiday Spectacular Dec. 8-10, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Christmas favorites and seasonal music. Fri. at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams
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St., Crystal Lake. Sat./Sun. at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 8884000, elginsymphony.org. ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’ Dec. 9-10, see website for times. A fun twist on Christmas specials starring Jane Lynch of “Glee” and Kate Flannery of “The Office.” Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. The Second Annual Community Holiday Tea Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A city-inspired, adultsonly tea for women over 21. Reg. req. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com. A Norman Rockwell Tea Dec. 16-17, Sat. noon-1:30 p.m., Sun. 3-4:30 p.m. A holiday tea while celebrating a quintessentially American artist. Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 4775873, crystallakeparks.org. Steam Irish Quartet – ‘A Celtic Christmas’ Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. Traditional Irish music from the international acoustic scene. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com. ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Elite
Holiday 2023
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Smart Living Elite
Holiday 2023
To advertise call 815-316-2300
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Elite
Holiday 2023
47
48
Smart Living Elite
Holiday 2023
To advertise call 815-316-2300