MCM-4-1-2014

APRIL 2014

Stage

Presence The arts come alive in galleries, theaters and studios across our county

All Ages Adventure Get out of town with a fabulous family tour page 18

Sneak Peek

Acting Out Black box theater cultivates creativity among local talent page 12

At Kiddie Academy parents get open access page 22

415 S. Main St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014

847-932-8145

INSIDE Arts & Entertainment 9 Laughing stock: Lucy’s Comedy Café builds its reputation, bringing variety of comedy to the stage at Raue Center 12 Thinking inside the box: McHenry Community College offers unique stagecraft space for performers, audience 14 Youthful masters: McHenry’s orchestras build love for music, skills for life 16 Changing of the guard: Old Court House Arts Center receives new leadership from an old friend

Family in Focus 18 All ages adventures: Travel expert Darrelyn Hanes offers up a great option for the family vacation: guided tours or some of the coolest spots on the planet.

20 Can I get a little respect? Columnist Michelle Stien weighs the pros and cons of being the “heavy” when it comes to parenting 22 A Learning Experience: Kiddie Academy offers parents care they can count on in an open and accessible format where children excel.

Health & Fitness

14

Academically, these kids are at the top of their class, they have the same love of music and love to play.

Cathy Ames, Executive Director of the McHenry County Music Center

30 Jump start your body for warm weather sports: Be it golf, tennis, cycling , whatever your favorite activity, a local trainer offers tips to get prepared.

32 Find your fit: These great apps will help you stay on track!

34 Technology and sport team up at Terra Cotta: The new Golf Academy is open for business, complete with advanced digital tools, expert trainers and even a post lesson massage.

Dining & Entertaining

36 PUT A FORK IN IT: Dave Faccone, owner of Crystal Lake Rib House, shares tips for grilling the perfect ribs this coming spring.

38 Barolos and Barbarescos: The taste of Italy comes alive when you pair these great Old World wines with your favorite Italian dishes.

Home & Lifestyle 40 Color-ific! Four quick color tips to awaken your home quickly and affordably.

Out & About

46 Artist Showcase: Gary Wigman shares two of his watercolor paintings.

48 Social life: Irish spirits ran high at Raue Center for the Arts, where patrons took part in an Irish Whiskey Tasting to welcome St. Patrick’s Day. 49 Calendar: Lectures and art exhibits, live music, films and more fill the calendar this month, across our communities.

Here, in the communities we call home, there are symphonies

and songstresses, children’s theater and cutting edge-adult dramas, tantalizing ballet and acclaimed comedians. Blend such culture with the area’s growing dining and retail districts, and its easy to see why so many people love to call McHenry County home.

In the pages of McHenry County Magazine this month, we celebrate the arts in our towns, and what these opportunities offer to both the avid artist and the enthusiastic patron.

At our local community college, a newly reenergized black box-styled theater is providing countless opportunities for actors from the student body and the greater community, and high quality entertainment for the audience.

We stop in at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, where young musicians from the McHenry County Youth Orchestra rehearse tirelessly for an upcoming performance. History melds with new perspective at Old Court House Arts Center, creating an inspirational place for artists and a unique spot for visitors to peruse their work and enjoy the day.

At the heart of our region’s entertainment scene is Raue Center for the Arts, offering a lineup of drama,

music, dance and more to fill anyone’s evening out on the town. We spend some time at the close-knit Lucy’s Comedy Café in the Raue, and even stop off for a festive Irish whiskey tasting event before the show.

Does your idea of entertainment involve a bag of clubs and a tee time? If so, it’s time to gear up for the golf season, and head into the golf academy at Terra Cotta in Prairie Grove, where pros and instructors have all you need, from the latest digital technology to comprehensive club care. And our local health care professionals offer tips to get your body ready for warm weather activities and springtime sports.

There’s so much to see and so many stories to tell.

It’s all right inside these pages, and just outside your door. We are glad to have you with us as we paint a picture of life in McHenry County.

Thanks for reading.

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

on the

COVER STAGE PRESENCE: Acrobats from

the New Shanghai Circus took the stage at Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake during March. The shows were part of Raue’s diverse spring lineup, which boasts singers, magic acts, stage plays, comedy acts and concerts.

See related story on page 9 Photos by RON McKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Advertising Paula Dudley 815-526-4474 pdudley@shawmedia.com Correspondents Yvonne Benson, Elizabeth Harmon, Stephanie Kohl, Michelle Stien, Martha Maddi Photographers Ron McKinney, Heather Nelson, Robin Pendegrast President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Cover inset photo by Robin Pendergrast

6 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Dr. Stephen Rivard (left) and Claudia Linda (right) at IVS’ offices

“I knew I had spider veins, but had no idea I had underlying vein disease, too.”

Claudia Linda, well-known North Shore Spanish teacher, came to Illinois Vein Specialists after several years of intending to have her spider veins examined. In her mind it was strictly a cosmetic issue that she’d eventually get around to improving.

She was actually a bit surprised when Dr. Rivard and his team at Illinois Vein Specialists insisted on a thorough exam of both legs including specialized ultrasonography by IVS’ certified technicians.

What she didn’t know is that spider veins in the legs are frequently associated with underlying venous hypertension. Dr. Rivard points out: “High pressure in the veins inside the legs is caused when the vein valves break and the flow of blood falls backwards. This pressure forces its way to the surface veins distending the small capillaries causing the appearance of spider veins. This typically occurs below the knees and especially at the ankles.”

Other factors in the development of spider veins include: Age: The development of spider veins can occur at any time, but usually peaks in late middle age.

Gender: Women are four times more likely to have spider veins than men.

Pregnancy: Hormones are thought to weaken vein walls and this is coupled with increased blood volume during pregnancy that tends to distend veins.

Lifestyle/Occupation: Daily activities requiring pro-longed sitting or standing are also implicated in the development of spider veins.

Claudia, as a middle-aged teacher and mother, was a perfectly typical candidate for spider veins.

BUT HERE’S WHERE THE STORY GETS INTERESTING She actually had symptoms of underlying vein disease for several years, but never recognized them.

They were a bit vague, occurred intermittently and then disappeared, and never really triggered the medical alarm bell we all have in our heads.

For example, every once in a while Claudia’s right leg had a dull ache without a seeming explanation, but then it would go away. And now and then she would suffer from restless leg syndrome in the same right leg for a couple of nights and then it would disappear. And this went off and on for years. There just didn’t seem to be anything to tell a doctor about.

PHLEBOLOGY,THE NEWEST MEDICAL SPECIALTY Dr. Rivard again: “Phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, is the newest Board Certified medical specialty—recognized only since 2008. My colleagues and I are discovering new aspects to vein disease on a regular basis.”

tension, whether painful or not, whether visible or not, cannot be ignored any more than arterial hypertension (usually called high blood pressure) can be ignored. Vein disease will only get worse if left untreated and will also interfere with wound healing, congestive heart disease and other medical conditions.

Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and has a staff of a dozen—physicians, registered nurses, medical technicians, ultrasound specialists and administrative personnel. Since then they have helped thousands of patients. “One of the things I like the best about specializing in vein disease is the opportunity to meet wonderful people like Claudia Linda; being able to help them is the reason I get up in the morning.”

To find out how Illinois Vein Specialists, A Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™, might be able to help you: call for an appointment at 847-277-9100, stop by our offices at 22285 Pepper Rd, (suite 105), Lake Barrington and look at our “brag book” or visit us on-line at www.IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com.

The field has rapidly developed to the point where internists and family practice doctors, who received their degrees in the twentieth century, may not fully be aware of the latest thinking. “I’m still surprised when I meet patients who were advised that they should not worry about varicose veins unless they hurt. And I continue to be stunned when I see men with advanced venous hypertension and huge, bulging varicose veins, who think it’s just a cosmetic issue.”

Like us on Facebook, or check out our blog at blog.IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com/blog-1

Vein disease is real disease. And venous hyper-

© 2013 Illinois Vein Specialists. All rights reserved.

A Center of Excellence

in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™

Photos by Heather Nelson

LAUGHING STOCK 56 Raue Center for the Arts transforms its stage into an intimate club-like venue for comedy and local independent musicians.

Lucy’s Comedy Café builds reputation bringing comedy to the stage | By Yvonne Benson Stresses in the modern world can pile up — bills, jobs, kids — and there are different paths to curb the tension, including running, yoga, and even religion.

But laughter, some say, is the best medicine and at and Lucy’s Comedy Café at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake you can reach your giggly nirvana in no time at all.

“The performers are a mixed group of nationally and regionally recognized comedians.” says Alexandra McMillin from the Raue Center. Noteworthy comedians have included: Pat McGann (House MC at Zanies Comedy Club, creator of the Chicago Stand-up Project and recently featured on David Letterman), Rocky LaPorte (The Tonight Show, HBO and Comedy Central), WGN Morning News contributors Mike Toomey and Pat Tomasulo and Patti Vasquez (WGN 720 Radio, My Life Is A Joke on the OWN network).

8 Continued on next page

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 9

Join Us for Ladies Night Out

Mark Your Calendar: Spring Flower Sales Fundraiser Saturday, May 10th (9am – 4pm) Just in time for Mother’s Day! Make plans to purchase your flowers for Mom (and yourself) at Downtown Crystal Lake’s Spring Flower Sale Fundraiser.

Thursday, April 24th 5pm - 9pm

Lucy’s Comedy Club holds about 150 people seated at tables along the existing Raue Center stage, and complete with a full bar.

The comedians perform on a smaller stage.

“It’s incredibly intimate with a real night club vibe,” McMillin explains, “The idea stemmed from focus groups in 2008. The theatre wanted to bring on a standing show with a low ticket price and also engaged a new demographic. And so Lucy’s Comedy Café came to fruition. It has become a real staple in our programming.

At just $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show, it has been a consistent sellout and an audience favorite, its success has spun into another Raue offering: Lucy’s Music Café which focuses on emerging music.

Follow us on A Premier Illinois Main Street Community

Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street

“Each evening is hosted by comedian Mike Preston and we feature two comedians.” she says. “This year Lucy’s Comedy Café also includes an hour performance from the Williams Street Repertory Improv Troupe following the comics.”

“Lucy’s is a great date night and it’s a great night out with a group of friends.”

www.DowntownCL.org 6 Lucy’s Café events, both music and comedy, allow patrons to enjoy an evening of entertainment at just $20 a ticket. Photo by Heather Nelson

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Think Inside The Box | By Elizabeth Harmon

M

cHenry County College’s new Black Box Theater is not only a performance space, it also is a classroom.

The theater serves as an instructional space for 16 classes that include public speaking, Introduction to Theater, acting, stagecraft and more. “It’s used all day long,” says Jay Geller, instructor and department chair for theater, speech and journalism at McHenry County College.

Now located in the first floor corridor between Buildings D and E on the college’s Crystal Lake campus, the theater was moved from it’s original location, to allow for the expansion of classrooms and lab space serving MCCs Computer Numeric Controls and Robotics advanced manufacturing programs.

Construction of the new theater began in September, 2013 and was completed in December.

The theater’s name is an apt description of the space.

It’s like a big, black box. The beauty of a black box theater is that it can be changed from a proscenium theater, (one where the stage opening faces the audience) to thrust (also called a platform stage, which jets out into the audience on three sides) to theater in the round.

“It gives great flexibility in that you’re not stuck with just one kind of space,” says Geller, who also is the Black Box Theater director.

The new 100-seat theater is a similar size to the former space, but offers a number of beside-the-scenes improvements.

Lighting upgrades not only illuminate the stage, but allow for dramatic effects, using small spotlights, dimmed lights and more. “Our old electrical system had capacity for only about 20 dimmers, we now have 48,” Geller says.

The sound system has been upgraded as well. “We

[A Black Box stage] gives great flexibility in that you’re not stuck with just one kind of space.

— Jay Geller, Black Box Theater director

College offers unique stagecraft space for performers, audience used to have to use CDs and there used to be visible wires everywhere. Now we can use MP3s and the wires are no longer exposed,” he says.

The lighting booth is significantly larger. “The booth is the hub of our technology, our techs have more space to work in and it allows our students to learn more about technical theater than ever before,” Geller says.

Actors have improved backstage dressing areas, and the new space also offers more space, Geller says.

In March, the new theater hosted its inaugural production, the musical “Cabaret.” Set in a decadent Berlin nightclub in the early 1930s, the show featured a cast of MCC students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community.

“Our first objective is to cast students, so we like to have about 70 to 80 percent of the cast be students.

But we like to have the community involved and

it also helps our students learn from the more experienced cast members,” Geller says.

In addition to the student cast, Cabaret featured MCC employees Laura Powers and Em Rademaker, MCC alums Gary Mackowiak and Bill Daniel, community members Tim Curtis, Jessica Miller and Tim Vance.

Audition notices are placed on the MCC website and Facebook page, in local papers and the Northern Illinois Community Theater website, www.nicoth. com. “We try to get the word out as much as possible,” Geller says.

The next production will be a fall play, “Almost Maine.” Auditions will be held the week before Labor Day. Through the summer Geller will keep busy organizing and settling into the new space. “We’re all very grateful to have this great space to do productions. Our first one sold out, so we were very happy,” he says.

Photos by Robin Pendergrast

McHenry’s orchestras build love for music, skills for life.

| By Elizabeth Harmon

T

hirty-four years ago a local mom, upset that the Crystal Lake schools had eliminated their orchestra programs, decided to take action.

The organization she founded, now known as the McHenry County Music Center, has evolved into a thriving community arts presence.

“Our founder, Dr. Mary Anne Vos, had two sons who were stringed instrument players and had nowhere to play. She saw a need for a place like this, not just for her boys, but for all the kids,” said Cathy Ames, Executive Director of the McHenry County Music Center.

In addition to three performing orchestras for children from fourth-grade through high school seniors, the McHenry County Music Center also

14 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

offers private lessons in violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, piano, oboe, saxophone, and trumpet for both children and adults.

The Crystal Lake facility, located at Lake Side Legacy Park, 401 Country Club Road has seven private studios and a rehearsal/classroom space.

MCMC’s three youth orchestras are Prelude, for children in fourth through seventh grades, conducted by Talia Pavia, the intermediate-level Intermezzo, conducted by Andrew Malovance and the Symphony Orchestra, comprised mostly of high school students, under the direction of Eugene Power.

“Musically, I’ve benefitted by being able to perform harder music, work with an ensemble, and blend tones with woodwinds, brass and other strings,” said Raina Shizas, 16 of Algonquin, a violin and viola player with the Symphony Orchestra.

All three orchestras perform a combined concert in November and May. Intermezzo and the Symphony also perform a winter concert.

In between are special events, such as a December benefit for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, which mchenrycountymagazine.com

(Pictured) Members of the McHenry Youth Symphony Orchestra rehearse at historic Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake. The group’s next performance, “Tales, Triumphs & Travels,” is May 18 at Raue Center for the Arts.

raised about $3,000 to purchase perishable items; and community performances, such as a Symphony Flash Mob at the Crystal Lake Public Library in November. (Check out it on YouTube).

There also are group outings such as the Intermezzo group’s annual Chicago museum performance, followed by attendance the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the fall Orchestra Overnight retreat in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

“My favorite memories happen at Conference Point. It’s a bunch of team building exercises and we learn the music for the first time. We get to meet the new people, become closer with our friends and get to know the conductors better, which is fun,” Shizas said.

Membership is by audition, at which prospective members perform a piece of their choosing to reflect their musical ability, demonstrate knowledge of scales and sight reading.

“It’s the same for all three orchestras,” Ames said. “We used to allow the little kids to join on a teacher’s recommendation only, but our directors decided they wanted to hear the kids too.”

The students practice together weekly, on Thursday evenings for Prelude, on Saturdays for Intermezzo and Symphony. Rehearsals are held at the Lakeside Legacy Foundation Arts Center, performances at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake and at Prairie Ridge High School.

Ames estimates that 16 to 26 hours of preparation go into each concert. “The kids are fabulous, including the little ones in Prelude, and I wish more people would come and see them,” she said.

Members also practice individually. During a typical week, Shizas devotes about 10 hours to music, including MCYO rehearsals, lessons

and participating in the orchestra program at Jacobs High School. “I have to learn music outside of that but with homework, it’s hard to find the time, so I try to practice at school as much as I can,” she said.

The cost to participate in the orchestras ranges from $415 for Prelude to $615 for the Symphony, but many families receive scholarships to cover part or all of the cost.

Participants come from McHenry, Kane, Lake Counties, and Walworth County, Wisconsin.

“Academically, these kids are at the top of their class, they have the same love of music and love to play,” she said.

Shizas also is a member of the National Honor Society, French Club and in the summer, has two part-time jobs, working at a beach, and as a stringed instrument instructor. “Being in the orchestra has taught me how to manage my time and balance school, orchestra and work,” she said.

Ames’ younger son is a cellist in the symphony and she has been involved with the MCMC since her older son, now grown, participated.

“I remember that the first concert he performed was a Pops concert and it was so much fun, I decided I wanted to help out.”

She said the members develop a camaraderie that continues even after they have left the orchestra and moved onto college. “You see them on Facebook, still keeping up with each other,” Ames said.

For more information, visit www.mcmusic.org

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 15

Changing Of The Guard

Shaw Media file photo

New owners embrace the Old Court House Arts Center | By Stephanie Kohl

W

hen the Old Court House in Woodstock was slated for demolition in 1972, residents Cliff and Bev Ganschow knew they needed to save it.

So the couple purchased it. The building, constructed in 1857, went through extensive renovations and now the Old Court House Art Center, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, houses several unique galleries, offering

16 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

multiple exhibits throughout the year. The art gallery opened in 1990.

“The gallery, over the years, has grown from a small gallery to (what it is today),” Bev Ganschow said. “… It’s the soul of the square. I think art is important to everyone’s life, and so many people have said when they come to Woodstock, they say the gallery is the place that lifts their spirits.”

Over the years, the gallery has built up a reputation among artists, and when Ganschow decided to retire, she wanted to make sure the Old Court House Art Center was left in able hands.

“It’s a pretty significant arts center and I wanted to assure it would continue,” Ganschow said. “When I tried to think of what organization could really advance the gallery’s mission, it seemed the Northwest Area Arts Council could really enhance the gallery’s mission.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

In January, the not-for-profit Northwest Area Arts Council took over the gallery. Dedicated to connecting artists with the community at large, the council also hosts programs and events that encourage appreciation, participation and support of the arts.

“We try to put on unique shows at this gallery,” said John Heng, a board member of the NAAC, crediting Gansschow with putting together groups that want to display in the second floor galleries year after year.

Throughout April, the ever-popular Women’s Works show will be on display, followed by a May Tribute to Orson Welles.

Women’s Works is one of the Old Court House Art Center Gallery’s largest shows, taking up the entire space and featuring about 120 pieces. Regularly, the space is broken up into several smaller galleries.

Women’s Works is the Northwest Area Arts

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Council’s annual, international, juried visual art exhibit for female artists. It is open to all mediums from photography to jewelry to oil painting and more.

“There are very few gallery spaces of this size in the Chicago area,” Heng said. “And we’re (the NAAC) one of the last regional councils.”

For each national show, expert jurors are hired to narrow down submissions and help chose which pieces to display.

“We believe art is very important in everyone’s lives,” Heng said, adding the Old Court House is a “wonderful fixture” that helps make Woodstock an art destination.

As a not-for-profit, the NAAC will reach out to the general public for support through an annual membership, which provides benefits like early access to gallery openings. It will also reach out to artists for support through membership, offering added benefits like discounts to enter shows, priority in the consignment gallery and more commission.

“We really want to help these artists sell their work,” Heng said, adding the consignment gallery takes up about one-quarter of the space and houses work of all mediums from 20-30 artists at a time. The consignment gallery is

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rotated on a quarterly basis.

McHenry artist Victoria Senn, a mixed medium artist, has both volunteered and worked at the gallery, as well as displayed her work at the Old Court House Arts Center.

“This gallery kind of ruins you for other galleries because it’s so inclusive,” Senn said. “This is the first gallery I showed and I just felt so welcome.”

She first displayed in the Women’s Works show about 18 years ago.

“There are a lot of artists who work, but there are not a lot who show,” she said.

“To show is scary. For me, that work is very personal and shows a piece of you.”

Senn said that through both volunteering and working at the gallery, she has learned a lot at the art center. She has learned not just how to show her work, but also how to talk about her work and look at other people’s work. She added the location on the Woodstock Square is a huge draw.

“People are always surprised at the quality of the gallery and that’s huge,” Senn said. “(The Old Court House Arts Center) is important because it’s inclusive. We make art very accessible to

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

people.”

Find more information by visiting the NAAC online at naac4art.org.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 17

expect the

W

RLD

With Darrellynn Hanes

Adventures For All-Ages Looking for a great option for your next family vacation? Try an “escorted” tour package. There are some fabulous itineraries available just for families. As a matter of fact if there’s not a child in your reservation you won’t qualify!

18 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Find the perfect getaway for your family, and take advantage of convenient summer and Spring Break departures.

These packages feature unique family friendly inclusions, VIP access to major sights and attractions, and an energetic

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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How does exploring Europe with your family sound? A Tale of Two Cities takes you from London to Paris for eight days in these cultural cities. In London, your tour will include: changing of the guards, the Tower of London, a cruise along the River Thames and a ride on the London Eye. You’ll take the high speed Eurostar train to Paris where your tour will take you to the top of the Eiffel Tower and a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 19

Respect?

Can I Get A Little

I

From the time we all rise in the morning, and as the day chugs along, my frustration mounts. I find that whenever I tell the kids something, it seems I have to say it at least 14 times.

In many cases, the fifteenth time I am screaming. Still, they still don’t listen.

was deathly afraid of her. She was fivefoot nothing and I think I outweighed her by the time I was in the eighth grade, yet she instilled the fear of God in us. She was a single mom raising two boys, as well as me. When her mere petite body didn’t intimidate us, she had a stern voice and a metal yardstick to get us in line. Don’t be alarmed; she never actually hit us with the yardstick. It was more of a threat and she used it to chase my brothers up to the top of their bunk beds where they would hide, just out of her reach. All she had to do was hit that thing on the side of the bedframe and the sound was enough to scare any 13-year-old boy into submission.

I think back to when I was growing up and consider my own mother. I

My mom didn’t have the luxury of falling back on “Wait until your father

’ve accepted the fact that, in this lifetime, I never will be deemed as “the heavy” in situations involving my children.

Despite the fact I am the caregiver for about 75 percent of their daily lives, I am surely not the one who is the disciplinarian in the house. I find myself saying, “Wait until your father gets home!” at least three times a day.

20 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

gets home,” because my dad wasn’t there to step in when my mom’s efforts failed. Perhaps that’s why we knew when to shape up. But it also meant she had to spare the softer, more comforting aspects of being a mom.

I look at my own relationship with my children versus their relationship with their father and I am envious — not only that they respect him, but also that he is able to stop and have fun with them. He has the ability to come in from work with a fresh perspective on their wild and crazy antics and jump right in. When they get out-of-hand, he hasn’t been battling them for the last 12 hours and isn’t on his last nerve, so he can speak to them in a voice that doesn’t mchenrycountymagazine.com

sound like that of a screaming banshee.

Of course, along with “fun dad” comes the fact that even he doesn’t listen when I reprimand, and when a half-hour of making fart noises finally breaks me down, it is my husband giggling right along with my young children that infuriates me. (Have I mentioned he is my third child?)

When bedtime rolls around, he comes in for prayers and for all of us to share a favorite part of the day. He gives hugs and kisses and then makes his way downstairs.

It is then that the kids request “snuggle time” with yours truly.

Despite my frustration, (and desire by that time of night for them to Just. Go. To. Bed.) I can’t complain when their sweet little faces ask for one last hug. When they wake in the middle of the night, they call for “mommy.”

When they are hurt or scared, when they need help or comfort, I’m the one they seek out. It is hard to be the “heavy” when you are a softie most of the time.

While I am envious of my husband, he has told me that he is jealous of me because I

The bottom line is this: My husband and I each have our roles in this operation.

get to spend more time with them. When they sneak into our bed at night with a bad dream, he’d trade the elbows in his rib cage and breathing in his ear to have them snuggle up with him instead of me. And despite his best efforts, I’m the one who makes waffles “just right.”

While I long for at least a little respect and sometimes that metal yardstick, the bottom line is this: my husband and I each have our roles in this operation. I’m fortunate that I have a partner who gives me the means to be the kids’ comfort, and is there to pick up where I leave off.

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 4 and 6. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with McHenry County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 21

A Learning Experience | By Sue Dobbe

Gloria and Jesus Montemayor have three daughters, ages 21, 18 and 14.

Though the oldest is now in college, it was an incident that involved her almost 19 years ago that led the Montemayors to their current business.

Gloria worked a night shift when her eldest was just 2 years old because she didn’t want to put her daughter in daycare, she recalls. But eventually, staying awake to watch the baby after working all night proved to be too much, so the Montemayors decided to try a childcare facility near their home.

While they understood it could take a while for their daughter to adjust, Gloria and Jesus became concerned when two weeks passed and their daughter still cried every time she was dropped off at the daycare.

It got worse. Three weeks after they had enrolled their daughter, Jesus volunteered to chaperone a field trip. As he held his daughter on the bus, a teacher walked down the aisle, and as soon as the little girl saw the teacher, she started shaking, saying, ‘No — go, go, go,’” Gloria says.

“Our initial visit was pleasant, and we felt at ease,” Jesus says. “Once enrolled, all of our questions were greeted with evasive replies, and the answers were less than adequate, leaving us a bit frustrated. I even did a surprise visit, which upset them, and found my daughter crying in a corner by herself.

“That was the last day she attended that daycare,” he adds.

A new vision for child care In the years following that traumatic experience, the Montemayors had many successful careers, including owning and running a restaurant in Chicago that, while no longer theirs, still bears its original name, Sol de Mexico.

But that long-ago incident fueled a fire in the couple that has finally sparked a new business venture.

Photos by Robin Pendergrast

“I always told myself, one day, I would like to own a childcare center …” Gloria says. “I don’t want the kids to go through what my baby went through. I don’t want the parents to go through what we went through.

22 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

“For me, that [memory] still hurts, because we don’t know what happened.”

Jesus feels similarly.

“Since then, we felt that there had to be a better way of running such an important business, but [we] lacked the knowledge on where to start,” he says.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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“After extensive research, we found Kiddie Academy, and after speaking with them personally, [we] found that what they offered checked every box in our must-have list. We promised ourselves that no parent will ever experience the heartache that we felt on our surprise visit back then.”

The couple now owns a franchise of Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, a well-known early learning school that has roots dating back to 1981.

Their 9,000-squarefoot state of the art facility located just off Pingree Road on Cog Circle in Crystal Lake has the capacity to provide full-time, part-time, before and after school care and summer camp programs to 140 students, 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

What sets Kiddie Academy apart The Kiddie Academy franchise has grown immensely in its 30-plus year history, but its core values have stayed the same, and those resonate with the Montemayors: safety, education and trust.

Safety and trust were obvious necessities for the couple, and so Kiddie Academy of Crystal Lake offers a webcam service that allows parents to monitor their child throughout the day.

WatchMeGrow cameras provide real-time visual — though not audio — confirmation that each child is doing and learning exactly what the teacher writes in his or her daily report, Gloria says, noting that the individual reports are mandatory for teachers to complete.

Parents can log in to the password-protected network on a computer or their smart phone to access a video feed of their child’s classroom, and many parents take advantage of their lunch breaks to do just that, she says.

“I want parents to have peace of mind … when they bring their children here,” Gloria says. “It’s something I didn’t have [when my children] were small. And it’s not offered at most other places.”

One of the reasons Ariadna Torres of Woodstock enrolled her 2-year-old daughter at Kiddie Academy of Crystal Lake was because of WatchMeGrow.

“I liked the camera features so we could actually watch

her during our work break. We use it all the time; we thought it was the best thing,” she says, adding that not only do she and her husband, Rafael, utilize the service, but so do their out-of-state parents. “It keeps the communication going, even though the grandparents are not here.”

Plus, if Torres ever sees anything she questions, she and her husband are able to contact Gloria, and they can watch the video together.

“My daughter is too young to let me know if something has happened at school,” Torres says. “When you get the report at the end of the day, you know she actually did the things on the report. And I like to see how the other kids are playing with her; how the teacher handles the situation when there’s lots [of commotion].”

As added security, parents are only allowed to see the classroom in which their child is learning, not additional classrooms.

WatchMeGrow is included in tuition.

A strong, healthy education Of course, WatchMeGrow isn’t the only feature that makes Kiddie Academy stand apart from other childcare centers.

Education is the primary core value represented by Kiddie Academy, and Jesus says parents particularly respect the emphasis placed on learning.

“The fact that we are not just an ordinary childcare facility but also a structured learning center that teaches children in a safe environment [is appealing],” he says.

Mealtimes simply provide additional opportunities to learn, Gloria says.

Children take part in family-style dining where the littlest ones learn to feed themselves and the older children learn to share, she says, noting it’s a great way to introduce new foods to developing palates.

And because Gloria is certified through the McHenry County Department of Health, she makes sure to provide the healthiest menu options possible.

For example, well-rounded meals, such as grilled chicken strips, cheese quesadillas, fresh vegetables and beans, are planned; and fresh fruit is always on hand.

Only Kiddie Academy provides the kind of care that focuses on days filled with learning and fun, the key ingredients of their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum. The curriculum is designed to suit each stage of child development, from infancy to preschool, and up to the age of 12. The center’s preschool and pre-kindergarten programs exceed the state standards for Illinois, Gloria says. Technology is available to children as young as 4, with computers, smart boards and tablets used in 4-year-old, 5-yearold and after-school programs.

Outside each classroom, the lesson plan of the day is posted so that parents know exactly what their child will be learning.

But Kiddie Academy also realizes kids still need to be kids, so much of the learning is done by playing, Gloria says. Sensory tables — filled with snow, sand, soil or even shaving cream — help little ones experience difference textures. Toy kitchens provide inspiration to future cooks, and puppets let young imaginations spring to life.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 23

Take A Tour When parents and guardians walk their children through the first set of glass doors that open to Kiddie Academy of Crystal Lake, security protocol ensures only registered adults and children are allowed inside.

Adults must log-in with either a fingerprint or a PIN code to fully enter the facility.

Once inside, turquoise and beige hallways lead to designated classrooms for individual age groups.

Within each classroom, play areas are divided into sections to promote different learning skills:

Library/reading• Music • Costumes/puppets • Toy kitchen • Painting easels • Computers • Quiet time Restrooms are available in classrooms for younger children, and changing tables are available where needed. Cots for naps are labeled so that each tired child receives his or her own cot with fresh sheets, and linens are washed every night.

Outside, the fenced-in playground features slides, jungle gyms and tables for special picnic days. Bikes, hoola hoops, basketballs and more age-appropriate toys are readily available.

In October, Kari Miller of Crystal Lake enrolled 2-year-old Amelia at Kiddie Academy, and she says her daughter’s transformation has been remarkable.

“She was kind of a quiet child,” Miller says. “Within the first couple weeks, she opened up so much. She can tell me her colors, her shapes — it’s amazing.”

Come to an OPEN HOUSE Kiddie Academy of Crystal Lake will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26.

It is open to parents and their children. Parents can learn first-hand what goes on during a typical classroom day while the children can play in a bouncy house, enjoy face-painting and more. One lucky attendee will win a free trial week to Kiddie Academy!

LEARN Kiddie Academy Life Essentials® Curriculum MORE • Infant daycare, 6 weeks to 12 months: “New Beginnings” Kiddie Acad • Toddler daycare, 13 to 23 months: “Discovering Me”

• Preschool curriculum, 2-year-olds: “Exploring My World” • Preschool curriculum, 3-year-olds: “I Can Do It” • Preschool curriculum, 4-year-olds: “Ready, Set, Go”

emy

720 Cog Circle Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-893-6232 crystallake@kiddieacademy. net kiddieacademy.com/crystallake

• Pre-kindergarten curriculum, 5-year-olds: “On My Way” • School-age, after school programs, 6- to 12-year-olds: “Creative Explorers” • Summer camp, 1- to 12-year-olds: “Camp Adventure” In particular, Miller says she appreciates the time each teacher spends with her daughter, and she loves receiving daily reports that tell her what Amelia did, what she ate, when she had diaper changes, etc.

“Every morning I walk in, and they’re all so happy and so nice and so excited to see [Amelia],” Miller says.

“Everything they do, even though she is young, they’re

still teaching her shapes and things. And she’s starting to potty train, so they work on that with her, which is awesome because a lot of other places don’t work on that as much or they expect them to be potty-trained before going there.

“As a first-time mom, they make me feel very comfortable.”

Not just a business While it hasn’t been easy to strike out on this new venture, Gloria and Jesus say simple goals help keep them grounded.

“I want to provide every parent the comfort and security in knowing that their child is truly being cared for,” Jesus says. “That is something I never got a chance to have.”

“I know it’s a business, but I never saw it like a business or I would have quit a long time ago,” Gloria adds. “I want to make a difference with the children; I want them to learn.”

24 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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the

Doctor What is dental erosion?

Are you a young person with yellow teeth? Do you have yellow/orange spots on the surface of your teeth that look like little pot holes? Do you feel like your teeth have been wearing down at an accelerated rate? Although these signs may have other explanations, dental erosion could be the cause.

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure caused primarily by acids in the diet or from the stomach. Most every beverage we drink has some degree of acidity but some are much worse than others. Most people are aware that cola type beverages are destructive but very few people are aware that sports and energy drinks are several times more damaging than sodas.

I have seen 15-year-old football players who are consuming sports drinks on a daily basis at practice that have permanently damaged their tooth enamel and turned their teeth yellow. Once the enamel is dissolved the tooth loses its hard protective shell and is subject to much more rapid wear. Other foods with high acid content are citrus fruits and juices, wine, vinegar, herbal tea and chewable vitamins.

Moderation is the key but sports and energy drinks

are so destructive that more than one a week will result in loss of enamel. If you must consume these products, using a straw will be less destructive.

Foods high in calcium, such as cheese, can assist in remineralization after an acidic challenge.

There are medical disorders such as gastric reflux disease, better known as GERD, and bulimia that allow stomach acids to come into contact with the oral environment.

Rapid destruction of tooth structure may occur as a result. A dental exam can usually spot this because the patterns of erosion tend to be unique to these conditions.

Treatment of dental erosion involves first identifying the source of the acidity and eliminating or controlling it. This almost always involves dietary modification. If stomach acids are suspected as the cause, a physician’s consultation is required. Restoration of the damage may or may not be required depending on the extent of damage.

Fluoride products may be prescribed. Night-guards, to prevent rapid destruction from grinding while sleeping, also maybe recommended.

Thomas Skleba, D.D.S. Owner, Cary Dental Associates, LLC | 412 Crystal St.• Cary • 847.516.1100 www.carydentalassociates.com Thomas Skleba has 29 years practicing general dentistry with a special interest in implant and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his degree from Loyola University College of Dentistry and did his general practice residency at Illinois Masonic Hospital.

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Jump Start Your Body | By Martha Maddi

T

he days are getting longer and temperatures are slowly rising. It’s been a long, harsh winter, but athletes, rejoice! It’s time to dust off your golf clubs, tennis rackets and baseball bats as summer is just around the corner.

Take this opportunity to get back into shape for whatever warm-weather sport you prefer.

“If you work on your flexibility, balance, strength and aerobic capacity, you will enjoy a happy and healthy spring and summer,” says Mike Gilligan, general manager of the Lifetime Fitness Center in Algonquin.

Flexibility And Balance “Over the winter, we have been sitting behind the desk and in the car, making our muscles get tighter and tighter,” says Gilligan. “Stretching and yoga are our friends.”

According to Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, stretching increases flexibility, promotes equal balance, stabilizes the core muscles, improves range of motion of joints, fosters better posture and boosts circulation. That’s why yoga is a popular performance and injury-prevention aid. Indeed, many professional athletes have made it part of their fitness programs, including Shaquille O'Neal, former NBA player; LeBron James of the Miami Heat; Ray Lewis, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker; Victor Cruz of the New York Giants; and Kevin Garnett of the Brooklyn Nets.

30 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Our minds tell us that it’s warm, but our blood is thicker than molasses and our — Mike Gilligan, muscles are cold and tight.

general manager of Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin

Some sports, such as cycling, baseball, golf and running, feature repetitive movements which develop certain muscle groups while ignoring others. Yoga goes beyond simple stretching and works the muscles and joints through all ranges of motion, activating the seldom used muscles that support the primary ones. Yoga is also important for improving your balance, Gilligan says. It helps you with daily tasks, such as lifting a bag of groceries and climbing stairs, and it helps with sport-related tasks, such as enabling you to run harder, bike longer and swim stronger.

Strength Training Building strength is one of the fastest ways to improve your sports performance and train more efficiently. According to Gilligan, you should tailor your strength workouts to target the muscles most used in your chosen activity. For example, softball players often experience atrophy in their wrists and forearms so they should do wrist curls on a regular basis. At the same time, you must be careful with strength training. “If muscles get too big, they can interfere with your suppleness and flexibility,” says Gilligan.

“You may want to do strength training with a personal trainer so he can make sure you don’t have an adverse effect.”

Aerobic Exercise To stay at the top of your game, you need to get your heart pumping. Gilligan suggests

choosing a cardio routine that mirrors your sport. For instance, tennis and baseball require little exertion for periods of time and then explosions of movement. Gilligan advises people who play sports like these to regularly do interval training which consists of alternating between very intense bouts of exercise and low intensity exercise. For marathon runners and cyclists, a more conventional, steady aerobic workout is best.

Warm Muscles Many of us embrace the first 40-degree day by playing our favorite summer sport.

“Our minds tell us that it’s warm, but our blood is thicker than molasses and our muscles are cold and tight,” he says. This is the perfect storm for an injury. Professional baseball players encounter this after spring training. “They come back from playing in Arizona or Florida and don’t have a problem until they take off running on the field,” he says. Their muscles are too cold to handle this sudden burst of movement.

That’s why it’s important to keep your muscles warmed up. Gilligan notes how you may see professional football players riding a stationary bike instead of sitting on the bench during their time off the field.

Likewise, when you begin to golf again in the early season, Gilligan recommends walking instead of driving a golf cart. By doing so, you will keep your body temperature at a more consistent level.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 31

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CHARITY MILES If you need more inspiration than just exercising for yourself, check out this app. You choose a charity you want to be connected with, and for every mile you travel, the charity will get a certain amount (10 cents a mile for bikers, 25 cents a mile for runners and walkers). You’ll be helping others and yourself.

Free for iOS and Android. www.charitymiles.org/ 7 MINUTE WORKOUT CHALLENGE With this app, you can do seven-minute workouts that will whip you into shape. Those seven minutes are fairly intense, however, so you might want to work up to this if you’re an exercise newbie. $1.99 for iOS. Android has a free 7 Minute Workout, but it’s not by the same creator. http://7minworkoutapp.net/#about

32 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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6 The Golf Academy offers two TruGolf simulators, pictured here and below, to help golfers improve their game.

Get Into Golfing Technology and sport team up at Terra Cotta | By Robin Pendergrast The Golf Academy at Terra Cotta recently opened its indoor facility at 5200 Pleasant Hill Road in Prairie Grove, offering the latest technology for practicing, learning, and playing golf during the winter season.

The Golf Academy offers two TruGolf simulators, calibrated by a three-time major champion. Each ball flies nearly identical to the manner in which it would fly outdoors. Each simulator has 69 courses to choose from including Pinehurst #2, the sight of the US Open, Gleneagles, the sight of the 2014 Ryder Cup, and, of course, Pebble Beach, a most popular choice among patrons.

Each simulator also includes modes for driving range and scoring, (which enables you to position a 30’ circle at any yardage) as well as chipping, pitching, and putting green, should you wish to practice your short game. Each simulator offers comprehensive feedback, (clubface open or closed, swing path outside-in or inside-out, etc.). For those who enjoy playing games, each simulator comes with 36 different options 34 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Photos by Robin Pendergrast

including skins, wolf, and alternate shot alternatives for couples.

4 Each swing can be reviewed, allowing the golfer to make adjustments instantly.

The practice bays are perfect for the analytical soul. Each bay comes equipped with a GC2 launch monitor to measure ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, and more. Video cameras placed in the down-line and face-up positions repeat each swing for the player to review, allowing the golfer to make adjustments and instantly see experience results.

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Additional amenities offered at the golf academy at Terra Cotta include: • Golf Fitness Room, including Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) assessments, personalized workouts specifically for golf, and yoga for golf.

• Golf Shop, which features equipment from Titleist, Taylor Made, Callaway, Ping, Foot Joy, and more.

• Conference Room, including a 55-inch TV with room for up to 10 people.

• Waiting area with DirecTV, beverages, and a snack bar.

The Golf Academy will also open outdoors as soon as the weather breaks. The 23-acre outdoor facility will feature a 2,700-square-foot grass teeing area, putting and chipping green, 20 stamped concrete hitting stations (including two for lefties) with real feel mats that allow players to use real tees, a short game area, and an athletic skills area for junior golfers.

The Golf Academy has a Grand Opening planned the weekend of the Masters, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday April 12. Golfers can register for the Grand Opening Event online at www.golfacademytc.com.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 35

Welcome, Grilling Season!

A

lthough this has been the worst and longest winter I can remember, eventually summer will be here. This is the time of the year when I get the most questions and e-mails about backyard grilling, so I thought I would share some of the most often asked questions, problems and solutions.

Ribs seem to be the favorite of backyard barbecue weekend warriors. A good slab of backyard ribs starts with a good quality rib.

Make sure you purchase a high quality rib with the back skin peeled off. Many of the large ribs you see in the mega markets are from older hogs that simply are not of high quality. If you’re just starting to experiment with ribs I recommend you start with spare ribs. They are the last cut before the rib tip and have a higher fat content which makes them easier to prevent a dried out product.

Then move on to a St. Louis rib, which is the second cut and finally to the baby back ribs, which are the best.

Everyone has their own way of preparing their favorite cut. It can be wrapped in foil and put in the oven first, (after you put on 36 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

some dry rub or your favorite sauce). I don’t recommend boiling them first. (Would you boil your steak?)

So I would start by sprinkling your ribs with a dry rub of your favorite spices. I’ve seen dry rub recipes that read like a laundry list, but I believe simple is almost always better … so stick to the basics. As long as you have salt, pepper and some sugar, you can add just about anything else.

In Memphis, where they serve their ribs dry, it’s important to note that they also baste them first on the grill with their sauce (usually in a watered down version) to give them flavor. I’ve spent time in some of the most famous kitchens on Beale Street in Memphis, and they all seem to use this trick.

oven, do the same thing, a little juice or water in the foil to keep them moist and tender.

Cooking times will vary, but to check for tenderness you’ll want your rib to have just a gentle tug before the meat comes off the bone.

Once you get your ribs to this point, they are ready for the grill. Make sure your grill is not as hot as you would have it to throw a steak on, but rather a steady medium heat.

I always start bone side down and get some sauce brushed on the top. Flip once and sauce again. If you like, add a light sprinkle of your dry rub for some extra flavor. Once they are done on both sides it’s time to plate them up and put a fresh brush of sauce on your finished product. Then sit down with your favorite cold beer and enjoy your efforts.

These tips should ensure you have a great Once you have your dry rub on, you can summer grilling season … if it ever arrives. prepare your ribs in the back yard smoker or in the oven. If you’re smoking them, make sure to add some liquid to the process either in the fluid container or in a bowl on the smoking rack. For extra flavor you can use with David Faccone apple, orange or pineapple juice instead of water. Either way, it will keep your ribs moist. • David Faccone is the owner/chef of Crystal Lake Rib House and brings 30 If wrapping them and putting them in your years of experience in the restaurant

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Dolcetto

ORIGIN

Dolcetto d’Alba, Italy

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A little sip of Italy right in your own home

2011 Lodali Dolcetto d’Alba

Italy’s Piedmont region is famous for its kingly Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

But glance around the tables at the average trattoria in this hilly northeastern corner of the country and you won’t see a lot of corks being pulled on these tannic, revered bottlings. What you will see is Dolcetto, a more modest, suppler red that’s a staple of Piedmont cellars. Much Dolcetto is light, simple stuff that’s made for drinking, not thinking. But in recent decades, as Piedmont’s winemaking traditions evolved and, in many cases, modernized, a new breed of Dolcetto has emerged—one exemplified by this bottling from the small, family-run Lodali estate. After Lorenzo Lodali died in 1982, his wife Rita quit her job as a hairdresser to manage the estate. Son Walter now masterminds the wines and grows Dolcetto for quality, not quantity, on prime hillside sites. That seriousness is clear in this lush, unusually intense take on the grape.

Milder tannins and juicy acidity mean that this Dolcetto will taste terrific with everything from salumi to robustly sauced poultry and lighter meat dishes— think meatloaf, pizza, tomato-based pasta sauces and quick-cooking chops, cutlets and sautés of pork, beef or lamb.

Fragrant black cherry and raspberry notes dominate this red’s pretty bouquet.

On the palate, it’s juicy and mediumbodied, with fine tannins bolstering more black cherry and raspberry fruit flavors and hints of rose petal and licorice.

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Serving Suggestions • Fast Pita Bread “Pizzas” with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil • Hors d’Oeuvre Salumi Platter • Dinner Party Spaghetti with Meatballs To try this wine and others, visit PlanitWineClub.com.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 39

4

Quick Color Tips To Awaken Your Home 1

Looking to make a big impact in your kitchen on a small budget?

A new color can awaken your kitchen to make it the center for all to gather. Try different hues, with a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items such as serving bowls, platters and pitchers.

If your dining furniture is looking a bit outdated, consider painting it. Chairs, tables, sideboards, buffets and more can be revitalized in just one weekend.

Be sure to properly prep your project so it withstands the wear and tear of regular usage.

2

Re-energize yourself by making calming updates to your bedroom. Paint your walls a cool hue to incorporate a sense of relaxation and tranquility to your resting space. Adding touches of new color and comfort with bedding sets, pillows and luxury throws can quickly upgrade your sleeping space.

Accent the space with color-complementing window treatments. For added rest, choose light-blocking materials to prevent excess light from waking you before your alarm.

40 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

3

mchenrycountymagazine.com

Perfect for your soft-sided pool!

4

Create a warm welcome guests will love by pairing a bright hue on foyer walls with an eye-catching display of white-framed photos or a grouping of ornamental mirrors and plates.

Paint stair risers with bold colors and patterns such as chevron, stripes or stencils for a modern and chic flair.

Opt for a deeper shade of paint to hide scuff marks. Finish off the space with a set of new rugs.

three simple steps 1 Smart PAK As a BioGaurd® Dealer we understand your pool is much more than just a body of water. You want sparkling clear water every time you jump in or relax in the backyard. The new Smart PAK® from BioGuard simplifies the process for beautiful results. Each PAK contains a 4 week supply of product and easy to follow maintenance instructions. No matter what your application method, or pool size, there is an option designed just for you. Come visit us today for a complimentary water analysis, sound advice and superior products and services that make sure every poolside moment is one to remember.

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It is best to paint any trim before tackling the walls. Start with the baseboards and paint around the room in one direction, paying careful attention not to miss any areas. Next, paint any window trim, door trim and crown molding. Be sure to remove painter’s tape before the paint dries for a cleaner line.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 41

H OME resource guide McHenry County Magazine

Find contacts for top home professionals in interior design, kitchen design, construction, and many other home-related fields. Whether you are a new or established home owner, you will find places and products of interest in this monthly guide!

NORTHWESTERN SUNROOMS Sunrooms, Porch Conversions, Gazebos, Awnings, Vinyl Glazing Repair, Blinds, Shades, Draperies.

Please call for an appointment.

9247 S. Rt. 31, Lake in the Hills 815-459-9078

Additions SURAN BUILT, INC. 30 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 815-444-1293, www.suranbuilt.com Does your kitchen or bathroom need to be updated?

Does your basement need to be turned into a great family living space? If so, then stop at our beautiful showroom in downtown Crystal Lake and see how we can make your house the home of your dream

Interior Design INTERIOR INSPIRATION, Algonquin, 847-854-2966, www.interiorinspiration.com For a home or workplace that is beautiful, functional and inspired, call Randi Goodman, IFDA, “designer extraordinaire.” Now is a great time to spruce up your space. Randi makes the best use of furnishings and accessories you already have. She can suggest additional pieces, or start from scratch. The choice is yours! Custom or ready made, she can do it all! Call today for a personal consultation.

42 | APRIL 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Interior Design MUELLER INTERIORS, 440 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, 815-477-0400 www.muellerinteriors.com Mueller Interiors for ALL your design needs! Stop into our AWARD WINNING showroom/workroom. WE do the work!

We offer complete home decorating. Draperies, Hunter Douglas Blinds, Reupholstery, NEW Furniture, Area Rugs, Fabrics, Accessories, and more.

Color consults to complete decorating projects. Family owned and operated. Downtown quality & style at McHenry County Pricing!

“WE MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME”

WHITE OAK INTERIORS, Algonquin, 847-854-8892, www.whiteoakinteriors.com From inspiration to installation you can have your space “Carmenized.” White Oak Interiors has the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. Creating attractive, affordable spaces designed specifically to meet your needs.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Kitchen Design KITCHENS BY JULIE, INC., 27-A Janus Rd., Cary, 847-516-2226, www.kitchensbyjulie.com Located in Downtown Cary, Kitchens by Julie is a family owned and operated organization that has extensive experience in all aspects of remodeling and construction.

“Every successful project is a unique reflection of personal tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager, Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience designing and building your dream from conception to completion.

To have your business included in this guide, contact your representative at 815-459-4040. mchenrycountymagazine.com

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www.kitchensbyjulie.com MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 43

He Was So Impressed With Aeroseal, He Joined The Company!

Twelve years ago, Joe St. Pierre discovered small openings in his new home’s ductwork. With a background in heating and air conditioning, he knew it was a problem that must be fixed.

Luckily for St. Pierre, his home was one of the first in Illinois to undergo the Aeroseal Solutions process. St. Pierre, noticing an immediate difference in his home, was so impressed that he joined Aeroseal as a sales representative and installation specialist. Today, he is the sales director for Aeroseal Solutions.

“When I learned about Aeroseal, it was a no-brainer to have it done in our home. After I saw the difference it made, I was completely sold.” Joe St. Pierre Are you experiencing temperature discrepancies throughout your home? Call (815) 356-7325 for a FREE consultation and estimate on how duct sealing solutions can work for you!

Here are 5 reasons to get your ducts sealed: 1. Eliminate those pesky rooms that are hard to heat yet impossible to cool!

2. Improve air quality – reduce dirt, dust and debris –perfect solution for allergy sufferers!

3. Reduce Home Energy Costs.

4. Correct Ventilation Problems.

5. Aeroseal duct sealing is one of the most energy saving things you can do – 2Xa’s effective as new windows, and 5X more effective than insulating (Department of Energy).

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46 | MARCH 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 47

WHISKEY TASTING

Raue Center for the Arts poured on the Irish spirit last month, at an Irish Whiskey Tasting, offered up by Cardinal Wine and Spirits of Crystal Lake.

Attendees moves from station to station sipping delicious brands, as part of the Raue’s tasting series in its intimate upstairs bar.

strongly encouraged. The hunt will be on rain or shine. For more information, call 815-459-4833 or visit www.stickneyhouse.org.

April 12 — Connections to Royalty, 8 p.m. at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St. in Crystal Lake Lakeside Singers will perform music composed for royalty by Purcell, Verdi, and Britten along with pop royalty such as Queen, Carole King, Duke Ellington, Lorde, Elvis, Aretha and more. Fun designed for royals and commoners alike. Tickets start at $24. For more information, call 815-356-9212 or visit www. rauecenter.org.

April 4 through 27 — “Annie,” 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays at Woodstock Opera House, 141 Van Buren St. in Woodstock The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930’s new York City. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 seniors and students. For more information, call 815-338-4212 or visit www.woodstockoperhouse.com April 5 — McHenry County Indoor Garage Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Industries Building, 100 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake Shop a variety of vendors, crafters and home based businesses all under one roof. Includes food vendors and used bike selection. Free admission. For more information, visit www. crystallakeparks.org.

April 5 — Behind the Doors of Dowtown Abbey, 1 p.m. at Fox River Grove Memorial Library, 407 Lincoln Ave. in Fox River Grove Steven Frenzel of Marquee Movie Presentations will feature many behind-the-scenes anecdotes and fascinating details, as well as highlight the historical context of the captivating characters and stories from the first three seasons of this remarkable show, “Downton Abbey.” Registration is required.

For more information, call 847-639-2274 or visit www.frgml.org.

April 7 — Extreme Couponing 101, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the main Algonquin Area Public Library, 2600 Harnish Drive in Algonquin Learn how to save 50% or more on every grocery bill during Money Smart Week. Presented by Laura Guzman. Advance registration required. For more information, call 847-458-6060 or visit www.aapld.org.

April 10 — Inspired Living Through Home Organization, 6 p.m. at Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St. in Woodstock Patricia Marie Kelly will offer the right tools, and guidance to streamline your home and family life in order to live a more organized and functional lifestyle with less stress. Free admission but advance reservations requested. For more information, call 815-308-5170 or visit www.mixinmingle.com.

April 11 — A Toast to Hope Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, 6 to 9 p.m. at Hampton Inn McHenry, 1555 S. Rt. 31 in McHenry Sample of 35 different wines, appetizers and dessert at this event to benefit Albums of Hope, a 501(c)(3) charity the donates pocket-sized albums filled with uplifting quotes and photos to local cancer patients. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, visit albumsofhope.com.

April 13 — Run Thru the Hills, 8 a.m. Starting at AMC Lake in the Hills 12 Theatre, 311 Randall Road, in Lake in the Hills The Run Thru the Hills race has walk, run and strolling distances for all levels. Participants will received a race shirt. Registration fees before April 7 are $25 for 5K and 10K and $17 for the molehill races; after April 7 the fees increase $5. Early packet pickup and registration available at Running Depot, 30-H North Williams Street in Crystal Lake on Saturday, April 12. To register, visit www.lith.org.

April 13 and 27 — Woodstock Roundup Radio Program, 5 p.m. at the Starline Building, 306 W. Front St. in Harvard This all new show, performed in front of a live audience, will feature local and regional performers, sketch comedy, music, people of interest and more. The show is modeled in part on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Doors open at 4:30 p.m. $5 donation gratefully appreciated. For more information, visit the show’s Facebook page.

April 19 — Crystal Lake Community Clean Up Day, 8:30 a.m. at McCormick Park, 427 W. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake After a breakfast treat, volunteers will head out to local sites to help clean up trash left behind from winter. Participants will return at 11:30 a.m for a hot lunch. There is no minimum age restriction, if accompanied by a parent. Pre-registration is not necessary for this rain or shine event. For more information, visit www.clchamber.com.

April 19 — Kite Fly, 10 to 11 a.m. at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Rd. in Cary Celebrate National Kite Flying month at this family-friendly free event. Participate in a kite flying contest or fly on your own.

Categories may include biggest kite, smallest kite, highest flying kite, and most unusual kite. Pre-registration is necessary for competing kite flyers. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 847.639.6100 or visit www. carypark.com.

April 19 — Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. at Deicke Park, Route 47 in Huntley Search for eggs and visit the Easter Bunny. Children will be divided by age group and there will be a separate area for children with special needs. Please bring a basket or container for your eggs. For more information, call 847-669-3180 or visit www.huntleyparks.org.

April 21 — Sampler Series: “Behind the Badge,” 7 p.m. at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St. in Union Take a look behind the Dick Tracy comic strip with its technical

adviser AMTRAK Police Sgt. Jim Doherty. Learn about the famous detective’s real-life role models and have an opportunity to buy a signed edition of Jim’s latest book, “Just the Facts True Tales of Cops & Criminals.” Suggest $10 donation. For more information, call 815-923-2267 or visit www.gothistory.org.

April 26 — Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake Listen to live music, watch a puppet show, take a guided nature hike, help on a restoration service project, enjoy handson games, crafts, storytelling and more. Food and beverage vendors available or bring your own “no waste” picnic. There will also be a household recycling drop off. Hosted by the McHenry County Defenders and McHenry County Conservation District. For more information and detailed schedule, visit www. mccdistrict.org.

April 26 — Star Party, 7 to 10 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Shelter #2, 2411 N. IL Route 23 in Marengo Look the planets Mars and Jupiter, The Great Orion Nebula, The Double Cluster and other deep sky objects with the help of Northwest Suburban Astronomers member telescopes. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane and your own telescope or binoculars, if available.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

For more information, visit www.nsaclub.org.

April 26 — 3 Blonde Moms, 8 p.m. at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street in Crystal Lake This high-energy, semi-scripted PG 13 standup comedy show is full of hysterical material about being a mom, having a mom, kids, schools, husbands, neighbors, in-laws and more. Tickets are $31-37. For more information, call 815-356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org.

April 26 — Shunnalo Brown: Blues Jam, 8 p.m. at “the Listening Room” at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake Shunnalo Brown and her blues band will be performing a variety of blues music. Audience participation with the band is welcome. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.lakesidelegacy.org.

April 27 — McHenry County Human Race, 9 a.m. at Follett Software, 1391 Corporate Drive in McHenry Run, walk and show your support. The Human Race is a unique 5K that supports charities serving the county. Each race participant designates what organization will receive the proceeds of their race fee. The Human Race will support over 50 local charities this year. Registration fee is $30. For more information and to register, visit www.mchumanrace.org.

April 30 — Lawn & Garden Spring Tune Up, 7 p.m. at McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St. in McHenry Topics include lawn care, trees and shrubs, selection and starting of annuals, perennials and vegetables, and pest and disease problems. Questions are encouraged. Free starter plants or seed packets while supplies last. Presented by the University of Illinois Extension, McHenry County Master Gardeners. Advance registration required. For more information, call 815-385-0036 or visit www.mchenrylibrary.org.

April 12 — Great Lakes Steelpan Festival 2014, 9 a.m. To 9:30 p.m. at Hannah Beardsley Middle School, 515 E. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake This festival provides a fun and educational opportunity for everyone to play pan, learn from other groups and clinicians, and hear other groups. Scheduled guest artists are Gary Gibson, Freddy Harris III, Kurry Seymour, and Potts & Pans Steelband. Admission is $5-$30. For more information, visit steelpanfestival.com.

April 12 — Kiddos and Fidos Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m at Bull Valley Dog Park, the corner of Country Club Road and Bull Valley Road in Woodstock Peter Cottontail will be stopping by at this hunt for children and dogs. Cost is $4.00 for each human or canine hunter and bags will be provided. Proceeds will go toward the continued restoration of The Historic Stickney House. Advance registration

mchenrycountymagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 | 49

of WOMEN distinction AWARDS LUNCHEON REGISTER NOW! Date: Time: Location: Tickets:

Thursday, May 15, 2014 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Crystal Lake County Club $35

You are cordially invited to attend the Women of Distinction Awards luncheon on May 15, 2014. The Women of Distinction Award will be presented to Ellen Ebann, Linnea Kooistra, Pamela Althoff, Laurie Dayon, Betty Zirk, Kim Qualls and Debbie Lazarski. These seven women have been chosen as representative role models and leaders in their fields and communities.

A welcome reception will provide networking opportunities that will precede lunch and the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will honor Women of Distinction and provide honorees with an opportunity to share their stories.

Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon Reservation Order Form Complete, clip out and mail this registration form by Thursday, May 1, 2014 along with a check made payable to the McHenry County Magazine. Absolutely NO REFUNDS will be issued.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ State __________Zip______________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number of Tickets_______________________

Total $ Amount Enclosed ______________________

Mail form and payment to: Women of Distinction, Northwest Herald, P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250 Tickets also can be purchased at the Northwest Herald office, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or with a credit card over the phone at 815-459-4040. Questions? Call 815-526-4416.

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