Smart Living Elite - April 2022

Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • April 2022

6 Memorably

MONSTROUS Golf Holes & Outstanding Courses to Play

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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In This Issue Right in Our Region..............................................Cover & p. 24 6 Memorably Monstrous Golf Holes Your Kitchen .............................................................. 13 Before Remodeling, Hire the Right Designer Inspiration & Worship............................................... 14 He is Risen!

Your Outdoor Living ................................................. 19 For a Lush Garden, Start These Plants Early Your Outings .................................................. 23, 33, 43 An Intro to Pickleball; A Visit to Utica; Tulip Festivals Your Home .................................................................. 27 Cover Your Roof with the Right Products Dining Out .................................................................. 31 Holiday Brunch Brings Families to The Anvil Club Your Entertainment ................................................... 35 Raue Aims High with Return of Live Theater Your Health ................................................................ 37 Men’s Health: Lose Weight, Fight Disease Your Fun ...................................................................... 44

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Katie Gray, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living.

Copyright 2022 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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Hope Springs

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herever you look, the signs of spring abound. Daffodils are poking through the cold soil, joined by other small green shoots. Buds are popping from the trees. Bird songs are filling the air, from robins chattering to geese and cranes squawking high above.

The kids have dusted off their bikes and hit the streets. Once more, we greet our neighbors face-to-face, picking up right where we left off in the fall.

We hoped for warm, sunny skies all through this brutal winter. Finally, they’ve returned and brought some fresh air for us all.

And what a breath it is. At long last, this spring is bringing a serious awakening as we shake off the burdens of this pandemic. Two years of this battering storm, through its ups and its downs, has taught us to no longer take for granted our rights to assemble, speak or be free.

We hoped for this season for so long, and we endured so much. Finally, the seeds of that hope are springing forth. It’s little sprigs, for now. But just as a mighty oak tree begins with a small acorn, we have to start somewhere.

Hope is so frail when the storm is at its strongest, but those who patiently endure find their reward in these signs of awakening.

The Easter season is upon us, and it’s an appropriate time to reflect upon hope, because that’s a central message to the story of Jesus Christ. He brought hope, life and salvation to this broken world, and on Easter day when he rose from the grave, he became living proof that good prevails (read more on p. 14).

This new month brings a period of joy and a chance to explore the good things in life.

The fairways are primed, the diamonds are groomed, the trails are calling and summer vacations are right around the corner. The grills are fired up, and people are reconnecting once more – at home, at restaurants, at church and beyond.

Whatever those April showers may bring, we’ve seen the blooming of our longawaited hopes, and it feels so refreshing. ❚ Chris Linden Executive Editor

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Your Kitchen

Before You Remodel, Find the Right Designer

By Chris Linden, executive editor fter nearly 40 years of designing Getting started, Wegner advises kitchens and bathrooms, Dave Wehomeowners to set an appointment. This gner can pretty much say he’s seen it all. first meeting is a time for designer and The designer at Blue Ribbon Millwork in homeowner to talk about project goals, Woodstock has worked his way through materials, finishes and options. Wegner remodeling jobs big and small, easy and also shows examples of his team’s work, hard, and all levels of challenging. And in photographs and in the showroom. more than a few times he’s saved homeThese details help the prospective client owners from contractors and designers to see what they’re getting into. who didn’t know what they were doing.

This first meeting may be a good That’s why, when it comes to plantime to talk budget, because things almost ning a remodel, he encourages homeowninevitably cost more than you’d expect. A ers to do their research, because hiring kitchen remodel might cost $30,000 on the right designer – one who listens, who the lowest end, and it can pass $50,000 follows through, and who provides a relion the high end. The price always varies able resource – makes all the difference. with materials and labor. Return on in“A good designer shows he or she vestment may also factor in. cares about the homeowner and wants to Don’t expect a detailed quote uphelp them succeed,” says Wegner. “And front. A thoroughly researched estimate that’s really what people are looking for: takes at least a week or two, as the designsomeone to give you the best service poser gathers renderings, prices and product sible. It’s not just about pricing.” availability – in between the other jobs

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(Bertch Cabinets photo)

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they’re currently juggling. Some designers take even longer, as they detail every aspect of the job, from material and labor costs to architectural renderings.

A good designer stands by the client during construction and well beyond.

When all is said and done, happy homeowners tend to refer family and friends.

“When we’re done, my customers are my friends,” says Wegner. “And they come back for new projects.” ❚ Blue Ribbon Millwork is located at 1401 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, (815) 338-8900.

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Inspiration & Worship

He is Risen!

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aster celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was executed by civic and religious leaders in Jerusalem in about 33 A.D. This event opened an era of human history in which eternal life is offered to anyone who believes in Christ Jesus, the Messiah.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28 (NIV) Easter marks the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies, including those

by Isaiah, 1,000 years before Christ’s birth. Isaiah said a savior would be born in Bethlehem to a descendant of King David. He would be exalted, beaten and rejected; would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver; would be silent before his accusers and would die with no bones broken. He would rise from the dead, in a rich man’s tomb, after three days and nights. All of these prophecies, and many more, came to pass.

What the prophets did not know was that Christ’s grace would extend to all people of the earth who believe, not just to Israel. Why didn’t they know it?

Because God didn’t wish to reveal His plan and give Satan/men a chance to foil it.

“None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory,” Paul explains in I Corinthians 2:8 (NIV).

Jesus fulfilled Mosaic law and replaced it with a far more powerful law of love and grace. Asked to name the greatest commandments, he said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:36-40 NIV) It’s no coincidence that the resurrection of Jesus occurred during the Passover season, as Jews celebrated their ancestors’ miraculous escape from Egyptian slavery.

The 10th plague was death to a first-born child in each household. Israelites who marked their doorposts with the blood of a spring lamb were “passed over” by death.

Jesus is the innocent “lamb of God” who spares us from eternal death. ❚

– Janine Pumilia 14

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Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances.

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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.

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Outdoor Living

For a Lush Garden, Start These Plants Early

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

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pring may have only just begun, but it’s not too early to start planting.

Think about it in terms of cold- and warm-season crops, says Matt Zerby, president and CEO of Wasco Nursery and Garden Center in St. Charles.

Cold-weather crops tend to do best when sown directly into the ground while it’s still cool, he says. Good candidates are leafy veggies like spinach, asparagus, cabbage, kale, lettuce and Brussels sprouts.

“They will grow if you plant them later in the season, but the quality of the vegetable itself – the quality and taste – will be diminished when you try to grow cool-season crops in warm weather; they’re more starchy and bitter,” Zerby says. “There are more sugars in the plant when it’s cooler, so they taste sweeter.”

Most cool-weather plants are annuals, but certain fruit – like raspberries,

blueberries and blackberries – are perennials so they can be planted in spring and come back every year.

An excellent kid-friendly choice is Raspberry Shortcake, Zerby says. Most raspberry varieties have thorns, but this one is a dwarf, thornless plant that does well both in a pot and in the ground.

Often, when plants are bred for certain characteristics – like being thornless – the fruit doesn’t taste as good as the original variety. “But in this case, they taste just as good as any raspberry tastes,” Zerby says.

If it’s still too cold for you to traverse outdoors, you can still get a head start on planting. Just get going indoors.

Tomatoes and peppers are warmseason crops that can be started in a pot inside and transferred outside later on, Zerby says. Tomatoes can go in the

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ground around Mother’s Day; peppers like warmer soil, so mid- to late May, if not June, is best.

Marigolds and herbs are also easy to start indoors and transfer outside.

However, not all plants like to be started indoors – particularly squash, cucumber, zucchini and sunflowers. It’s best to sow these directly into the ground when the soil is a bit warmer. ❚ Wasco Nursery and Garden Center is located at 41W781 Illinois Route 64 in St. Charles, (630) 584-4424.

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Your Outings

All Are Welcomed on the Pickleball Court N

o doubt you’ve played tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong. But have you tried your hand at the sport that combines all three of them?

Pickleball is a fast-growing game played with a paddle and ball, and it’s become popular across the Chicago suburbs. And with good reason: it’s accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

To give you an idea of what to expect, the court is comparable in size to the one badminton players use. It has similar markings to a tennis court, and there’s a short net in the middle. But the paddles are smaller than tennis rackets, and the ball is plastic, like in Ping-Pong.

If you’re brand new to the game, don’t be intimidated. “The regular pickleball players are open, welcoming and friendly,” says Megan Hatheway, athletic supervisor for the St. Charles Park

District, where pickleball is a rapidly growing pastime. “They love to see new players, and they’re even willing to teach you the basics during open play.”

New and experienced players alike can drop in during open play hours at Haines Gymnasium (Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-noon) and Pottawatomie Community Center (Monday and Thursday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.). It’s a low cost to drop in and play a few games.

Once the weather warms up, head to the outdoor courts at James O. Breen Community Park for open play. And bring the kids or grandkids with you: even the little ones are welcome to play here.

In this multi-generational game, there’s no need for fancy clothing or equipment. Anything comfortable that you’d wear to play basketball or any other court-based sport will do.

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(Photo provided)

By Katie Gray

Once you get the hang of the game, beginner and competitive leagues play round-robin style indoors on Monday and Tuesday nights.

Schedules and fees are subject to change, so double-check before you go.

Or, better yet, subscribe to “The Dink,” St. Charles Park District’s monthly pickleball newsletter. ❚ Contact St. Charles Park District at (630) 513-6200, and get the latest details on pickleball at stcparks.org/pickelball.

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Right in Our Region

6 Memorably Monstrous Golf Holes

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ypically, the nicer and more picturesque a golf hole is, the more memorable and difficult it is. A 500-yard hole that’s dotted with blossoming trees, calming waters and neatly manicured bunkers may look great in a photo, but these elements can also create some serious trouble for golfers.

There are many picturesque golf courses around our area that present the right balance of charm, length and dastardly distractions, but these three courses require a particular attention to accuracy, skill and patience.

Pottawatomie Golf Course

Stretching 489 yards, the first fairway at this nine-hole course in St. Charles involves some strategy right out of the gate. It’s tempting to drive the green in two shots, but in most cases, golfers wind

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up in the trees along both sides of the fairway. A shot too far to the right lands out-of-bounds.

“Decide which shot to hit into the green and play it backwards from there,” says Ron Skubisz, head PGA pro.

Skubisz suggests aiming the first shot about 180 yards off the Hole No. 1, Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles. tee. Position your second shot down the fairway, hopefully somewhere left third of the green also slopes down, that’s one easy shot from the green. so you’re just aiming at one-third of the As if the start wasn’t hard enough, green. You need to hit a long, high and the 420-yard ninth hole brings its own accurate shot to reach a narrow target.” challenges.

Skubisz speaks so highly of this clos“The ninth hole is the longest par-4 ing hole that he believes it can compete on the course, and by far it’s the hardwith some of the world’s best fairways. est hole on the course,” Skubisz says.

“If you put that hole on Pebble Beach “It requires a fairly straight drive and a Golf Links, in California, or on another really long drive. The right third of the great golf course, that course will get betgreen slopes down into a bunker, and the ter,” he says.

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(St. Charles Park District photo)

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

Right in Our Region

Orchard Valley Golf Course

(Fox Valley Park District photo)

Hole No. 16 is a long, 551-yard trek to the green, and just for fun it has a dogleg right with relaxed waters and quiet bunkers along the way. There’s also a backdrop of houses down the fairway, along the left side of the hole. Several trees overlook the green, creating a little shade during those putts.

“The view from the tee box offers a stunning view with water and bunkers along the right side,” says Kyle Halverson, director of marketing and communications for the Fox Valley Park District, which oversees this Aurora course.

By far, the standout hole at Orchard Valley is No. 12, a 165-yard par-3.

Orchard Valley Golf Course, in Aurora.

Golfers find it memorable because of one main obstacle.

“This hole has a scenic view and a water feature that hugs the green on the left-hand side,” Halverson says.

To the other side is a cart path and an outcropping of houses, with a bunker located just off the green. Accuracy is paramount from the get-go.

Many golfers unwind after their round at the clubhouse’s Orchard Valley Bar and Smokehouse, which serves locally-sourced barbecue brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken wings, among other favorites. The bar features cocktails, craft beers, wines and small-batch spirits.

Crystal Woods Golf Course

Hole No. 5 at this course near Lakewood is a 565-yard monster that plays downhill. Hit that driver long and straight, but be careful as you do.

Position your second shot to the right side of the fairway for the best approach to the green. Overswing, and you’ll find

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Crystal Woods Golf Course, near Lakewood.

the hard way that there’s water directly behind the hole.

“The left rough is tree lined, so players must avoid playing too far to the left to avoid hitting out of bounds,” says John Craig, golf director. “A good drive and fairway metal can usually leave a short approach to an undulating green.”

One of the tougher holes on this family-owned course is No. 12, a 415-yard par-4.

“This hole requires a long and straight drive to set up a mid to long iron approach,” Craig says. “There’s also a two-tiered green, guarded in front by a water hazard and a green-side bunker.” ❚

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Your Home

Cover Your Roof with the Right Products

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

W

hen homeowners look to have their roofs replaced, they tend to focus on one thing: the shingles.

And that’s the one place you shouldn’t try to cut costs, says Steve Marangos, president of the Midwest division of Rooftop Designs.

His best advice is simple: invest in heavy, solid, architectural asphalt shingles that are at least 230 to 250 pounds per square (or a 10-by-10-foot area).

“That’s the difference between your roof lasting 10 to 15 years versus 40 to 50 years,” says Marangos. “The heavier the shingle is, the more resilient it is.”

The Midwest sees plenty of rain, snow and high winds, and the combination of those elements will degrade shingles, causing them to lose weight over the years, Marangos explains.

“They’ll become so lightweight over time, they’ll fail,” he adds.

In fact, Rooftop Designs won’t even offer commonly used three-tab asphalt shingles unless they’re absolutely required by a homeowners association.

Those shingles are typically anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds per square, so homeowners end up replacing them every 15 to 20 years, Marangos says. Customers won’t get a warranty of more than 20 years with a system less than 250 pounds.

While that’s a good benchmark, customers can also upgrade to luxury shingles – asphalt shingles that look like cedar or slate and are even heavier, weighing up to 450 pounds per square.

“Yes, roofs can bear the weight – no problem,” Marangos says. “Roofs can bear upwards of 1,000 pounds per square.”

Shingles aren’t the only thing homeowners should pay attention to when it comes to roof replacement. Ice and water shield is a thicker underlayment that pro-

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tects the roof decking from water buildup or melting ice. While Illinois code requires a 3-foot barrier around the edges of the roof and chimney, Rooftop Designs goes beyond.

“Three feet is code, but it should be 6 feet,” Marangos says. “Those ice dams build up – ice freezes under the shingles on a house – so we do it 6 feet up. For us, we have a reputation we like to uphold.

We’d rather go the extra mile so people don’t have those issues.” ❚ For an estimate, contact Rooftop Designs at (855) 703-0905 or rooftopdesigns.net.

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Dining Out

Holiday Brunch Brings Families to Anvil Club F

or 66 years, The Anvil Club in East Dundee has been mysterious to many. No signage, no windows, a front door with the words “Members Only.”

Through all that time, The Anvil Club was a true supper club with members paying annual dues that ensured topshelf libations and gourmet meals could be enjoyed far beyond the big city.

Since it was founded in an old blacksmith shop in 1956, only members and their closest associates knew what sumptuous delights were enjoyed inside.

It was a setting where one could find suits and ties, nightclub couture, martinis, smoke-filled air and piano lounge standards. It was a place where the menu venerated Hearts-of-Palm salads, cheesy crocks of French Onion Soup and perfectly broiled prime cuts of meat. It was more than just a great meal; it was a place where deals were sealed and the gears of

networking oiled with Old Fashioneds. Children were rarely seen, but for special occasions.

But things have changed.

In 2020, the Club made a monumental shift and opened its doors to the general public. Since then, the Club has balanced its historic vibe with a modern freshness and inclusivity that make for a warm welcome and fine Chef Tino serves up generous holiday brunches at The Anvil cuisine. And yet, for all of this Club, in East Dundee. change, one thing is still true: On holidays, the Club rolls out extravaThe Club still has a dress code, but gant brunch buffets for the whole family. children are welcomed every day, espeIt’s a Club tradition to have the Eascially on Sundays when kids age 8 and ter Bunny handing out treats to the kids at under can eat for free.

Easter Brunch. Moms and their entouragReservations are encouraged and can es are treated like queens and their court be made by calling The Anvil Club or visat the Mother’s Day Brunch. In Decemiting TheAnvilClub.net. ❚ ber, the Club sets aside several Sundays The Anvil Club is located at 309 Meifor Brunch with Santa. er St., in East Dundee, (847) 426-7710.

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Your Outings

Area Tulip Festivals Are Blooming Soon A little piece of Holland is taking root outside of Chicago as tulip festivals arrive at Richardson Farm, in Spring Grove, and Kuipers Family Farm, in Maple Park.

Both of these family farms promise plenty of fun and colorful scenery once this perky spring flower blooms around mid April. Visitors to both farms can expect a breathtaking sight as the hills glow with a rainbow colors – from lemony yellows to soft pinks and deep purples. Tulip season lasts into early May. Richardson Farm, beloved for its autumn adventures and “the world’s largest corn maze,” is getting plenty of notice for its annual tulip festival, where some 600,000 bulbs dot 5 acres of farm field near the Richardson family’s private lake.

Representing 30 varieties of all colors, these flowers light up the field as they welcome the spring season.

The tulip displays include a pickyour-own area and a gift shop with wine tastings, fresh doughnuts, popcorn and restrooms. Visitors can expect to walk roughly half a mile along bumpy terrain.

Admission to Richardson Farm is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, with children under 3 entering for free.

Tickets include one free tulip per person.

Meanwhile, the Kuipers family in Maple Park is paying homage to its Dutch heritage with a brand-new tulip festival.

Kuipers Family Farm, best known for its pumpkin patch, orchard and wedding venue, spent last fall planting some 300,000 bulbs on 5 acres.

The Kuipers’ debut season welcomes visitors for casual strolls among the tulips and a pick-your-own area. Tickets include access to the Fun Farm, where children love playing during the fall season.

Weekday tickets are $12 online and $15

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at the gate. Weekend admission is $15 online and $18 at the gate. Kids 2 and under are free.

Weather always determines how soon the flowers arise, but it’s a good bet they’ll last from about mid April until early May. Check the farm’s website and social media for the latest updates. ❚ Richardson Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove, (815) 675-9729. Kuipers Family Farm is located at 1N318 Watson Road, in Maple Park, (815) 827-5200.

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Your Entertainment

Raue Aims High with Return to Live Theater A

t long last, live theater is returning and bringing a wave of magic to Raue Center for the Performing Arts.

The venue’s latest show, “Always …

Patsy Cline,” which runs through April 16, is the first live theatrical performance at Raue since COVID-19. With a cast of two and a small accompanying band, this play rallies audiences and actors back to the stage with a toe-tapping story about a country music icon. The play is based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with a Houston fan, and it weaves in some of the country star’s biggest hits.

“Sarah Beth Tanner and Michelle Tibble have such a delightful way about them,” says Richard Kuranda, Raue Center’s executive director. “It’ll be a nice springtime show to welcome people back and celebrate music so we can forget about COVID.”

The talented actors of Williams Street Repertory, Raue’s in-house theatrical troupe, are still planning their return, but in the meantime they’re sharing their passion with the next generation of actors.

Built on Raue’s long-running Sage Studio programming, the new Raue Center School for the Arts features workshops, classes and private lessons for children age 5 to 18. Classes typically involve acting, theater tech, and sessions on voice, piano and guitar.

This summer, Raue Center presents Camp RCSA, a series of weeklong classes aimed at local youths. Camps run June 6-July 29 and include a special session where children stage a full production of “Seussical Jr.” All camps and classes are held at the school’s new setting inside St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where Raue

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(Todd Heintz photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Center hosted an outdoor concert series last spring. Donors have stepped up to refurbish the space and fund scholarships so that no child is left out.

“If there was a silver lining coming out of this horrible COVID, it really is rewarding to see that the community has responded in such a caring way,” says Kuranda. ❚ To purchase event tickets or to sign up for Camp RCSA, visit raucenter.org or call the box office. Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

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Your Health

Men’s Health: Lose Weight, Fight Disease

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

C

ancer and heart disease are some of the biggest health concerns for men.

What they may not realize is that obesity is a contributing factor to these and many overall health conditions.

“People don’t recognize obesity as a chronic disease, which it is,” says Amy Paulus, a weight management nurse practitioner at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. “The percentage of men 20 and over with obesity is 40.5.”

Paulus works with men and women to create individualized weight-loss plans, though she’s not as worried about getting her patients to a specific BMI. Instead, her initial goal is to help people lose 5% to 10% of their presenting weight.

Even a small change can improve sleep, stabilize blood sugar and hormone levels, and allow a reduction or elimination of some medicines, adds Paulus.

A weight-loss plan might also include things like HMR (Health Management Resources); medical weight management; bariatric surgery and antiobesity medications.

Paulus has found that men, especially former athletes, enjoy the assignments that are involved with a weight-loss plan.

“For the most part, they are very task-oriented,” she says. “I require all of my patients to track their intake and then come back to me in a week or two with that tracking data. We use a mobile app that gives me average daily caloric intake and percentages of macronutrients.”

Tracking food and drink is all about accountability, and getting the diet component down first is key, she says. Seventy percent of a weight loss plan comes down to dietary intake; the remaining 30 percent is comprised of exercise.

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The big idea is to help patients form sustainable, lifelong habits.

“You’re not going to lose weight if you’re not eating properly,” Paulus says.

“Conversely, there will be some weight loss just with adjustments in dietary intake, but if they’re not adding the component of exercise to it, they won’t get the full benefit from it.” ❚ Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is located at 450 W. Highway 22, in Barrington, (847) 381-0123.

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Your Outings

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby ven when the vines are empty, August Hill Winery Tasting Room in Utica is serving up something new. Locally made wine and sparkling wine flow freely every week of the year.

August Hill’s 4-acre vineyard winery facility – owned by winemaker Mark Wenzel and his wife, Teri – is located 15 minutes away in Peru. But at the Utica tasting room, you can get a real taste for the town in one stop.

Every Tuesday and Friday, August Hill offers a special lunch catered by John and Rina’s, a favorite Utica restaurant.

“Chef Rina is really creative with the things she comes up with,” says Susanne Bullock, Wenzel’s sister and August Hill’s marketing manager. “It’s primarily a sandwich or wrap with a salad, soup or a side, then dessert – like a mini tart, chocolate mousse, something people can enjoy. It’s a special menu just for them.”

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Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., costs $20 a person and comes with a glass of wine from August Hill or a sparkling wine made by August Hill’s sister company, Illinois Sparkling Co. Sundays are for “Bubbly Brunch for 2,” which is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is catered by Nonie’s Bakery and Café, another Utica favorite.

Bubbly Brunch includes a bottle of ISC Brut or ISC Brut Ombré Rosé, plus a small carafe of orange juice for mimosas and two plates, all for $40. Each brunch includes three appetizers and a dessert.

Lunch or brunch reservations are required two days in advance.

If you can’t visit during the day, August Hill offers wine tastings throughout the day at its bar and lounge.

And if the weather is nice, a patio offers a place to enjoy a glass with perhaps a piece of Chuck’s Gourmet Cheese

(August Hill Winery photo)

Get a Taste of Utica at August Hill Winery

from Ottawa, or sweets from Cocoa Blue Chocolates in Rochester, Ill. – which is owned by a grade-school friend of Mark Wenzel.

“It’s important for us to partner with other local businesses,” Bullock says.

“It’s a small community. I think we connect with like-minded people, people who are as passionate about what they do as we are about what we do.” ❚ August Hill Winery Tasting Room is located at 106 Mill St., Utica, (815) 6675211, augusthillwinery.com.

FOOD, BEER, MEAD, WINE, & SPIRITS

IN DOWNTOWN UTICA

101 MILL ST. UTICA, IL

www.loditaphouse.com

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

‘Always … Patsy Cline’ Now through April 16, see website for times.

This musical is based on the true story of a country star’s friendship with a Houston fan.

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Farmers Market+ in the Dole April 11 & 25, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, eggs, meat, baked goods, artisan crafts and handmade items. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 4558000, thedole.org.

‘Rock of Ages’ April 13-May 29, see website for times.

Nominated for five Tony Awards, this musical takes you back to the world of 1980s rock ‘n’ roll, with all of its style and attitude. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 8966666, paramountaurora.com.

2nd Thursdays Jazz Cabaret Series April 14, 7 p.m. Enjoy an in-person, cabaret-like experience or watch virtually as jazz enthusiasts perform their favorite tunes in an “open mic” setting alongside the popular Kim Jazz Duo. If interested in performing, contact Roger Reupert at bwhcc@barrington-il.gov. Barrington’s White

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House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 5124066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

The Dennis O’Brien Band April 16, 7:30 p.m. A longtime local favorite, the vocalist and guitarist presents an evening of hits from the 1970s to now in this presentation

by Norris Cultural Arts Center. Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St., St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Edgar Miller and the Glasner Studio April 21, 10 a.m. Early in the 20th century, Miller designed four studio complexes in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Zac Bleicher explores the artist’s history and work. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Barnyard Dash 5K & Pig Pen 1-Miler April 23, 8:30 a.m. Follow a scenic 3.1-mile race through Blackberry Farm and Gilman Trail in this chip-timed race and fun run. Reg. req.

Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, (630) 892-1550, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Crystal Lake Community Cleanup Day April 23, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. In honor of Earth Day, join your neighbors to help clean up

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local parks and public areas. Info/Reg: Crystal Lake Park District, Admin. Bldg, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.

Elevation Nights Tour April 26, 7 p.m. Audiences are treated to a full worship experience as Steven Furtick preaches and Elevation Worship leads some of their hit songs, including “Graves into Gardens,” “Do It Again,” and “The Blessing.” Now Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates, (888) 732-7784, nowarena.com.

Migratory Bird Day April 30, 8 a.m.-noon. Learn all about birds and participate in more than a dozen activities.

Door prizes include binoculars, photo prints and more. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ill. Rt. 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 678-4532, mccdistrict.org.

ESO: Mariachi!

April 30-May 1, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.

Conductor Arturo Rodriguez welcomes guest artists Mariachi Acero for an evening of classic Mariachi favorites. Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org. ❚

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