October 2023

Lifted Up

Ihave never seen the boy beam so much. He had good reason: He’d just licked his father in a game of checkers, wearing us down to one piece each. He was grinning from ear to ear.

Now, in all fairness checkers was never my game. My dad and I mostly played chess and backgammon together. But in this house, Mom is a checkers player, and she’s taught our son a few things.

So, he had me licked. What did I do? I lifted him up. “Wow, great game!” I told him, full of praise and excitement.

He grinned from ear to ear. “I totally beat you, Dad.” I had to laugh.

Not too long ago, our church’s adult Sunday School studied “The 5 Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman, who lays out five ways in which we most often give and receive love. They are: quality time, physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation and receiving gifts. We realized right away our daughter is an “acts of service” kid through and through. My son, we’re finding out he’s an affirmations kind of kid. Give him a complement and his eyes light up.

It turns out, though, that we all need some praise. We all need to hear that we’re loved and appreciated and valued by others. And we need to show others a dose of respect and love wherever we go.

Editors tend to pay a critical eye to everything. Call it a hazard of the trade. But we’re not alone. The World is constantly putting us down and telling us how this, that and the other group is out to get us.

Suppose we stopped listening to The World and spent more time encouraging our neighbors’ best side? Supposing we told people that, no matter who you are, where you come from or what you look like, you can achieve great things? And what if we praised them for their successes?

It seems to me we’d have a lot more to smile about, if only we’d spend more time lifting up those around us. Don’t you think?

Chris Linden Executive Editor

For Better Holiday Decor, Ask the Experts

By Chris Linden, executive editor

There are two common types of holiday home decorators: those who rush through it right after Thanksgiving and those who truly savor the experience.

Darlene Wagge is definitely the latter. Every year, she sets up as many as 17 Christmas trees in her house. The sales associate is in good company at Treetime, a Lake Barrington store that specializes in high-quality Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, custom floral displays and holiday decor. The 30,000-square-foot showroom also boasts a selection of Halloween and Thanksgiving decor to complement.

“We only focus on this. We’re not selling other things,” says owner Laurie Kane. “We dream and think about Christmas all year. So, we think about it a lot.”

For anyone who wants to do Christmas better, smarter or more over-the-top, this place is full of ideas – and passionate team members who are full of advice.

When it comes to picking out a tree, options abound. Treetime’s experts ask a few pointed questions and guide shoppers through their options: spacious types for ornaments, tight branches for a minimal look, pre-lit trees, needles in traditional or preformed styles.

“Design-wise, we’ll even teach them how to lay out their tree with ornaments, and we’ll play with ideas to fit their style. We’ll spend quality time with the customer,” Wagge says. “There are times I’ll spend an hour with someone to help them see the possibilities.”

Over in the floral studio, designer Casi Nickolas makes regular videos she shares on social media. By assembling a few items from the store – maybe some branches, some ribbon, lights and a flower pot – she creates custom arrangements like magic. She can even help DIY crafters to assemble their own.

The possibilities for better Christmas decor are endless. All one needs to do is ask for some guidance.

“We really want to help people to be successful,” says Kane. “Our goal is to bring great products to you, and we believe the only way to make you successful in your decorating is to share really good information.” ❚

Treetime is located at 22102 N. Pepper Road, in Lake Barrington, (847) 5278880.

Jesus the Merciful

Fear, guilt and shame sometimes cause us to shrink away and try to hide from God. It’s hard for us to believe that He really accepts us, warts and all. Selfcondemnation is counter-productive, however, since it’s hard to share God’s love or otherwise do His will when we’re in “hiding.” And, just as a dog hides his head under a sofa, not realizing that everyone can still see his body and tail sticking out, we can’t hide from God, anyway.

Jesus knows what’s in the heart of people; our sins don’t surprise him (John 2:25). Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.”

In the gospels, Jesus reassures followers that he’s come not for the righteous, but for the sinners; and we’re all sinners. Yes, we deserve punishment for our sins, but God chooses to be merciful. To ignore this is to ignore the price Jesus Christ paid. Further, the mercy we’ve been shown should inspire us to show mercy to others. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 KJV).

Jesus frequently comforted those who loved him. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me,” he told his disciples in John 14:1 (NIV), shortly before his crucifixion. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (John 14:18-21)

Rather than hiding from God, we can find courage to break free from our sins, motivated by the love shown to us. As Jesus told the adultress who was nearly stoned to death: “Neither do I condemn you: Go, and sin no more.”

–Janine Pumilia

A Taste of Fall Comes to Kuipers Farm

By Katie Gray

Living in northern Illinois comes with many perks, and one of them is a front-row seat to the gradual, magical transition from summer to fall. For Kim Kuipers, co-owner of Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, this time of year also means opening up her family’s 230acre farm for all to enjoy.

“We connect people to agriculture and each other,” Kuipers says. “It’s all about coming together as a group and enjoying the wonderful agriculture that the Midwest has to offer.”

Each year, the Kuipers team adds to the farm’s offerings to create a memorable experience for everyone. This year, changes include a larger bar for the over21 crowd, even more fall flowers and a new way to tour the property.

Elburn-based Obscurity Brewing returns with its hit apple cider doughnut beer and a new variety: pumpkin beer.

Both are expected to sell out quickly.

The Sunflower Festival is also back again. The field contains more than 20 sunflower varieties and sets the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s also more colorful this year, with several acres of zinnias planted alongside.

Of course, all of Kuipers Farm’s usual family favorites return this fall, including the Farmview Railway Train, jumping pillow and apple blasters.

Also returning this year are the pig races and live musicians. Any day of the week, visitors can also ride down the mountain slide, get lost in the corn maze, visit the cute farm animals and climb on the “crazy combine.”

No trip to Kuipers Family Farm would be complete without a stroll

through the Orchard Shop, where there are locally produced gifts and other items including made-from-scratch treats such as doughnuts, pies, cider and apples harvested right on the farm.

The fall season runs Aug. 26 to Oct. 31, with activities every day. The store remains open with reduced hours from Nov. 2 until the day before Thanksgiving.

“It’s a great place to come out, stay connected to agriculture and enjoy each other’s company,” Kuipers says. ❚

Kuipers Family Farm is located at 1N145 Watson Road in Maple Park, (815) 827-5200.

Keep Your Kitchen’s Chaos Under Control

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

There’s an ongoing debate in the remodeling world: Are drawers better storage devices than cupboards? To many designers, drawers are currently the undisputed champion due to their visibility and accessibility, more efficient use of space and healthier ergonomics. Anna Leimann, lead project designer with Advance Design Studio, in Gilberts, considers drawers a storage solution of choice.

“Gone are the days when people are digging into cabinets or trying to get into blind corner cabinets, where you can’t see,” she laughs. “We’re finding that pull-out drawers offer a great storage solution.”

To Leimann, drawers simply do more when it comes to space optimization. They offer a bird’s eye view of their contents, making it much easier to find what you’re looking for. Unlike cupboards, drawers are as easy to see in the

back as the front, and they’re just as easy to reach. Best of all, you can remove a drawer when it’s time for a deep clean.

Leimann sees drawers appearing in every size and shape. Spice drawers are replacing spice racks and counterdwelling spinners. Toe-kick drawers are becoming popular as a handy space save at floor level.

“A toe kick drawer has a magnetic catch that you open with your toe,” says Leimann. “You can place cookie sheets or pans in there. You’re utilizing all of your space, every nook and cranny in your kitchen.”

Another great advantage to drawers is their ease at keeping items organized. Add dividers, trays or containers to create dedicated spaces within the drawer.

“The more organized you can be, the better,” Leimann says. “It just makes life much easier.”

Leimann’s quest to create the most organized kitchen possible has led her down many paths, including rethinking the kitchen sink, proving that organizational solutions are everywhere.

“We’ve seen an increase in sink workstations, where you have a utensil caddy, a produce strainer or a drying rack all built into the kitchen sink,” she says. “I’ve been really enjoying that because I really hate seeing dishes on the counter.” ❚

Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., Gilberts, (847) 836-2600.

Toe-kick drawers store items in the space below the cabinet.

(Advance Design studio photo)

Fall Beckons at Richardson Adventure Farm

By Jermaine Pigee

It’s OK to admit it. Fall is one of the best times of the year, and for good reason. Cooler temperatures, mysterious corn mazes and those apple cider doughnuts are just part of the fun.

Spend a day at Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, and you’ll squeeze it all into one fall afternoon.

“Our farm is just about having fun on a fall day,” says George Richardson, a fifth-generation family member who co-owns the farm with his wife, Wendy; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol Richardson; and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristen Richardson.

The farm opened for the fall season Sept. 9, and the fun continues through Oct. 29 this year.

The beauty of this sprawling farm, located in northern McHenry County, is that there’s something happening year-

in September and October, there’s also a tulip festival that happens in the spring, a craft beer festival that happens in the summer and a Christmas tree farm that opens the day after Thanksgiving.

Of course, autumn is a favorite time for many to visit, and one of the main attractions is a massive corn maze that spans more than 28 acres. The Richardsons work with Shawn Stolworthy, owner of MazePlay.com, to help create designs. The cornfield is planted in early June with a specialized planter hooked to a computer and a global positioning system.

In years past, the farm has shown off corn mazes inspired by the likes of Star Trek, The Beatles, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, to name a few. This year’s maze celebrates dinosaurs.

Visitors to the farm might see a figure flying high above them. It’s not a bird

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across the grounds. Guests can climb the observation tower to soar across the farm on a 700-foot-long zipline.

Snoop Pigg, Taylor Swiftfoot and their friends have a muddy good time as they race around Richardson Adventure Farm’s pig race track on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“Wendy and I do most of the pig races every two hours with live pigs,” George Richardson says. “Each pig gets their own musical introduction and my wife and I do some funny banter, so that’s entertaining.”

Immediately after the fall season ends, the Richardsons and their team turn their attention to Christmas with the help of their Christmas tree farm. People from

MATTERS

a dairy cow pasture. Richardson and his family began thinking of a better way to use the space.

“We asked what we could do with the smaller area and we decided on the Christmas trees,” George Richardson says. “We bought 1,000 Christmas tree seedlings and planted those back in 1981, and six years later those trees grew to 8 feet.”

Today, the farm has more than 50,000 trees with plenty of variety available across 75 acres, so anyone who

comes looking for the perfect tree will have a good chance of finding it.

Richardson Farm staff make the process even easier because they offer wagon rides to and from the fields – and they’ll even haul the tree. While this is going on, people can thaw out indoors with hot chocolate, coffee and a homemade doughnut.

The autumn festival and Christmas tree farm are busy enough, but the Richardson family’s farm has still more.

Every summer brings a brightly colored sunflower field that is unlike anything else. The sunflowers are planted with more than 3 miles of walking paths, so visitors can spy a range of colors like orange, yellow, gold, red and peach.

The sunflowers typically are in full bloom through September and might last into October, depending on the weather.

A MUDGIRL obstacle race takes place on the grounds in July. It’s a 3-mile mud race with more than 17 obstacles geared toward women.

Then, a craft brew festival happens on the grounds in June. Hosted by the Richmond-Spring Grove Area Rotary Club, the Craft Beer Adventure Festival features craft beer, wine and spirits.

Don’t forget about the tulips – all one million of them. Since the Richardson Tulip Festival started in 2021, the farm has added more than 300,000 new bulbs from 30 varieties. They typically bloom from mid-April through mid-May with all-out color in the spring landscape.

“Our farm is about having fun,” George Richardson says. “We get high school kids, young couples, and guests with or without kids. People can even bring their dogs if they’re well-behaved. We’ll also get the 40, 50 and 60-yearolds who’ll let their kids and grandkids run around while they sit around the campfire. We get people of all ages who visit, and that feels really good for us.” ❚

Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove, (815) 675-9729.

Richardson Farm offers a massive variety of on-farm excitement for all ages. Sure, we have the world’s largest and most intricate corn maze... but we have so much more to experience. Come visit our farm and be part of celebrating two decades of family fun and tradition!

Power Weeknight Meals with Pecans

To make simple yet tasty meals, look to a nutrition powerhouse like pecans. They’re the ideal nut to keep on hand for meals and after-school snacks.

Not only do they pack a mix of healthpromoting nutrients but they’re also a versatile food with a range of tastes, from sweet or spicy to salty, smoky and savory.

These Superfood Pecan Energy Bars are simple and ideal for after-school snacks and on-the-go fuel. Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs makes for a delightful crunch to a family favorite.

For more back-to-school recipe inspiration, visit EatPecans.com.

Superfood Pecan Energy Bars

15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)

1 cup pecan pieces

1/2 cup gluten-free oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 200 F.

In food processor, process or pulse dates until chopped and rough texture forms. Add pecan pieces, oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon and kosher salt; process about 1 minute until crumbly dough forms.

Line baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Dump dough into center of paper and roll into 6-by-10.5-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 14 bars about 1.5 by 3 inches or into desired shapes.

Bake bars 30 minutes. Cool bars to room temperature and refrigerate in sealed container between sheets of wax paper.

Mac and Cheese with Pecan

Breadcrumbs

8 ounces cavatappi or other pasta

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter

1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese

1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese

4 tablespoons sour cream

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375F.

Cook pasta in boiling water. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Shred cheese and, using food processor, combine 1/4 cup cheese with pecans. Process to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add 2-4 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.

Bake 30 minutes.

(Source: Family Features)

My Dermatologist Can Do What?

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

There’s a common perception that dermatologists focus solely on cosmetic problems like acne, rashes, wrinkles and skin-related issues.

But dermatology extends well beyond, says Dr. Lauren Boshnick, a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Specialists of Illinois (DSI).

“There are a lot of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin, too,” says Boshnick. “Yes, we treat acne and warts, but sometimes people don’t completely understand the full scope of what we do.”

Boshnick recently received training for a new robotic device that allows doctors to harvest individual hairs from the back of a patient’s scalp and reinsert them in an area that needs coverage.

The state-of-the-art ARTAS robotic system, guided by AI technology, uses a scarless technique. The robotic assistance helps take away some of the

fatigue doctors could face after reimplanting thousands of tiny hair strands, Boshnick says. The procedure appeals to both men and women.

“The nice thing is, doing it with a dermatologist –people who are the skin, hair and nail experts – we really understand the anatomy of the scalp, the hair, the different types of hair loss,” she says. “Even if you’re not a candidate for this procedure, we can figure out another treatment plan that works.”

That’s not all a dermatologist can do. DSI’s team can also help to treat weak pelvic floor muscles with an Emsella device that strengthens the pelvic floor and potentially corrects urinary incontinence by “working out” muscles rapidly.

“Our founder, Dr. Vikram Khanna, is a father of three, so he knows it can help moms,” says Boshnick. “And it’s not just women. It can help men after prostate surgery or those who have problems with their pelvic floor.” ❚

Dermatology Specialists of Illinois is located in Algonquin, Woodstock, Lake Barrington and Huntley. To schedule an appointment call (847) 458-7546.

Dr. Vikram Khanna

Dr. Lauren Boshnick

Beagles Go from Rescue to Reunion

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

In a world often characterized by numbers, statistics and impersonal transactions, too few moments remind us of the beauty in connecting with individuals. This rings true for Kevin Keefe, owner of Brilliance Honda in Crystal Lake and Brilliance Subaru in Elgin.

For the past two years, Keefe has worked alongside Elgin’s Anderson Humane to help more than 600 rescue dogs find their forever home.

Anderson Humane provides services including low-cost spaying and neutering, in-home pet care assistance, training classes and resources. Each year, shelters in South Elgin, Algonquin, North Aurora and Bloomingdale facilitate a combined 4,000 pet adoptions.

Among those numbers are more than 150 beagles who’ve found a forever home. A reunion event this past August brought the beagles and their new owners together.

Their story begins in July 2022 when Anderson Humane helped to rescue some of the 4,000 beagles discovered at the Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland, Va. Brilliance Subaru provided vehicles to bring more than 150 of the maltreated dogs back to Elgin.

Anderson Humane and Brilliance Subaru have been working together since early 2021, when one of Keefe’s sales managers suggested bringing rescue dogs into the retail environment.

Soon after that first introduction, Keefe’s daughter Kelly, who serves as director of marketing and advertising, introduced the Rescue Dog of the Day, where one animal got a day to play at the dealership. A few months later, Keefe helped Anderson Humane to rescue more than 130 dogs from Oklahoma.

These days, adoption events are becoming a tradition at Brilliance

Subaru. The latest occasion, the October Mega Adoption Event, is the second of its kind this year and the fourth to date. In preparation for the event on Oct. 14 and 15, Keefe has once again packed up volunteers and rescued a fresh collection of animals. The next adoption event is currently in the works.

“When a dog gets adopted, we celebrate because that connection is something we can’t get enough of,” says Keefe. ❚ Brilliance Subaru is located at 1500 N. Randall Road, in Elgin.

Fall Feelings Come Alive in Elkhorn

By Pat Szpekowski

Thatinvigorating fall season – with its crisp air and those billowing scents –will get you every time. Especially when you head out of the city for a day trip.

“A trip to Elkhorn is absolutely worth the hour’s drive from all points of northeastern Illinois,” says Kate Abbe, partner engagement and marketing director for the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center. “Leave the suburban hubbub behind for a day and enter the mesmerizing Wisconsin countryside.”

A visit should include treasured family farms like the Apple Barn Orchard Winery. The original farm homestead was settled in 1848 and has been a family operation for six generations. Visitors can pick up to 13 varieties of apples and head to the pumpkin patch.

The biggest surprise, though, is the winery, which serves up delicious fruit

wines made from the farm’s fresh, nongrape fruits and berries. Yes, you can eat an apple you just picked here, but why not also sip the Honey Crisp Apple Harvest wine, the Hardy Pear and Apple Barn Blush, Backyard Blueberry or Big Buck Blueberry wines, to name a few?

Visit the Country Store & Bakery and you’ll find made-from-scratch cider doughnuts, shortcakes, cookies and apple pies, plus caramel apples, homemade cider and other favorites. Enjoy the fresh fall aromas that fill the store for as long as these treats stay on the shelves.

While you’re exploring the farmland of southern Wisconsin, try your hand at hunting for Walworth County’s colorful barn quilts. These brightly painted patterns are usually created using large wooden squares, mounted on the front of the building. Finding them all has become

a fun challenge for families, and there are special tours to help you learn more.

“The trail continues to expand with more than 80 barn quilts to discover in Walworth County,” says Abbe. “This project came about to promote what happens on the farm and to highlight the beautiful structures and histories of each barn. What better time to do that than in the fall season?” ❚

To discover the beauty of Elkhorn, go to elkhornchamber.com.

(Elkhorn Area Chamber photo)

The Details that Help You Love Your Home

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Having accessories and decor you love can make all the difference in how you feel about your living space.

“A well-organized, well-executed interior design is crucial to one’s outlook and state of mind,” says Robert Madden, furniture design consultant at Benson Stone Co., in Rockford. “One’s home environment should evoke feelings of delight, comfort and satisfaction. I tell clients if you don’t love it, it’s not right.”

Interior decor includes “everything,” Madden adds. From rugs to bookshelves, each piece plays a crucial role in a room’s overall aesthetic.

The thing most people neglect, which makes a huge difference to the warmth of a room, is artworks.

“Bare walls make a room look flat and cold,” he explains. “Art is so important. After that, in my opinion, would be texture and color.”

Accessories can include anything that looks interesting, such as repurposed objects, sculptures, ceramics, glass pieces and more. The most effective accessories are things with a personal connection.

At Benson Stone, Madden and his teammates help clients to coordinate, strategize and execute an entire plan for their home in one place. The one-stop shop covers all elements of remodeling and decorating from start to finish.

“I listen to what their preferences are and then begin to suggest things that speak to that,” Madden says. “In this way, we begin to narrow down choices based on what they like, staying away from focusing on what they don’t like.”

Madden has the following advice for those seeking to redesign or redecorate. First, find a design professional who will listen to your preferences. Talk with them about how you live and what’s important

to you. Then, listen to your designer because they have insights and options you might not have considered.

“I enjoy creating an environment for clients that best represents them and the way they live,” Madden says. “Our personal environments should uplift us and inspire us to live and be better. So, however I can contribute to that excites me. One’s home is the foundation of one’s personal experience. Invest in it. Love it, and it will nurture you.” ❚

Benson Stone Co. is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford, (815) 227-2000.

Is the Right College Close to Home?

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Not all high school graduates are ready for a four-year university. While some know they want to enter the working world or a trade school, many more find community colleges offer an accessible and affordable starting point.

“Community colleges provide a great opportunity to explore,” says Amy Carzoli, AVP of Enrollment Services at McHenry County College (MCC). “With smaller class sizes, lower cost, and often amazing career services networks, a community college is a great option for anyone.”

Like most community colleges, MCC offers a variety of pathways into a fulfilling career. Best of all, it’s open to people of all ages. While a good portion of students will transfer to a four-year university, many more follow a career-oriented track. Career training, continuing professional

education and workforce certification tracks include fields like fire service, health care, commercial transportation and manufacturing.

Prospective students should first sit down with their family and consider what they want out of their college experience. What academic programs, locations, and campus culture are most appealing? Also, consider what your financial picture looks like. Community college tends to be more affordable, more flexible with scheduling, and better accessible for students who are still contemplating their career path.

Even better, MCC accepts applications any time of year. About 33% of students enroll in August, says Carzoli. For parents who want to guide their children through this time, Carzoli says the most helpful thing to do is to offer

support, encouragement and guiding questions. Be a navigator through this complicated choice.

“Remember that community colleges are a perfect example of providing a variety of choices for students who may not be ready for a decision,” she says. “We also can provide a solid foundation of general education courses upon which someone builds at a university.” ❚

McHenry County College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, in Crystal Lake. Apply online at mchenry.edu.

(McHenry County College photo)

Farmers Market+ at The Dole

Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fun, family activities, local produce and artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.com.

Woodstock Farmers Market

Through Oct. 29, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Everything from veggies, fruits and cheeses to hand-made spun yarn. Heads to county fairgrounds in November. Location: Historic Woodstock Square, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

3rd Thursdays Art Night Out

Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m. Chicago artist Michael Latala displays a collection of landscapes, portraits, still lifes and figurative paintings. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 5124066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Fall Bulb Seminar & Workshop

Oct. 21, 10 a.m. & noon. Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center, 42W075 Ill. Rt. 38, Elburn, (630) 365-5665; 5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-8130, countrysideflowershop.com.

Tatum Langley: A Walk Down 42nd Street Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. The Chicago singer specializes

Entertainment & Events

in big band jazz and Broadway music. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Nightmare on Chicago Street

Oct. 21, 6-11 p.m. A night for the “undead” includes food/drink, wild costumes and special appearances. Mature audience only. Downtown Elgin, nightmareonchicagostreet.com.

Joe Diamond: Halloween at the Opera House

Oct. 27 & 31, 7:30 p.m. An all-new show demonstrates Diamond’s mind-reading skills and paranormal phenomena. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Halloween Geocache

Oct. 28, 2-3:30 p.m. Hunt for some geocaches and, if you find them all, leave with a treat bag. Reg. req. Brookdale Conservation Area, 2105 Paulsen Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.

Kane County Flea Market

Nov. 4-5, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Features more than 600 dealers. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com.

ESO: Beethoven & Brahms

Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. R. Halffter’s “Obertura Festiva,” Brahms’ “Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2.” ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

Lou Gramm

Nov. 4, 8 p.m. The founding member of Foreigner shares some of his classic rock group’s Top 40 hits. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

Harvest Time in 1858

Nov. 5, noon-4 p.m. Join harvest activities, tour a farmhouse and visit a calvary sergeant. PowersWalker House, Glacial Park, Harts Road & Ill. Rt. 31, Ringwood, (815) 893-6280, mccdistrict.org.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Nov. 8-Jan. 14. Musical inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Phil Vassar

Nov. 18, 7 p.m. His reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. ❚