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Editor's Note As a lover of all things travel, I’ve been pretty excited to put together this issue. And, inspired by the process, I have a story to tell.
from the movies. I had always assumed that a field blanketed by fireflies was merely “movie magic.” Fantasy.
In this month’s travel issue, I interviewed British adventurer Alastair Humphreys, inventor of the microadventure. Microadventures are cheap, close-to-home, no-fuss outdoor experiences meant to serve as a welcomed interruption to routine. Inspired by the story, I decided to put to practice what Humphreys preaches by going on two microadventures in one week – an expedited version of the concept.
After the sunset, while driving home, I was taken aback by what happened next. With the absence of the sun, the farm fields began to glow in the darkness. Hundreds of fireflies lit up the open spaces all around me, like a ground-level meteor shower.
The first bit of micro-fun took place on a temperate Saturday afternoon. I recruited two adventurous companions to hike 12 miles on the Fox River Trail. The walk took four hours to complete, but the time spent reconnecting with a friend was well spent. The second microadventure took place on a work night while driving home. The sunset on this particular evening was a real showstopper. So, instead of resorting to the usual post-work sedation by television, I continued driving west – into the sunset – looking for the perfect spot to take it all in. I found a spot on a patch of grass to watch as this unassuming Wednesday came to a close.
Therein lies the beauty of the microadventure. You set out to do one thing and somehow end up surprised by what you find. That is the essence of a great adventure. It's the moments that are unaccounted for that stick with you. Thank you, Alastair, for opening my eyes to the opportunities for adventure that await outside my front door. Readers, if you decide to embark on your own microadventure, email me. Tell me about it. I’d love to hear your story. Happy travels and thanks for reading.
Kara Silva, Editor
But, a funny thing happened that night.
GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ringness 815-526-4614 jringness@shawmedia.com DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLISHING Laura Burke 630-427-6213 lburke@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com
During my 12-mile hike, just five days earlier, there was plenty of time to talk of many things. I don’t know how this particular topic came up, but I mentioned that I’d never seen a flurry of fireflies, like the romanticized scenes
on the
COVER
In an effort to showcase the awe-inspiring achievements of man, we've highlighted the New Seven Wonders of the World in a way that breathes new life into these iconic images. The "Modern Wonder" photoessay begins on Page 8. Photo by RON MCKINNEY Model SOPHIE SALT of Algonquin Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist - OLIVIA Makeup - KAT
4 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com
CORRESPONDENTS Melissa Riske, Kelsey O’Connor, Yvonne Benson, Elizabeth Harmon, Paul Schneider, Tom Witom, Peter Stadalsky, Dana McKenna, Michelle Stien, Jonathan Bilyk, Allison Horne PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Paul Schneider, Kelsey O’Connor, Nancy Merkling, Tom Witom, Aldo Risolvo, From Me 2 You Photograyphy
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.
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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 5
INSIDE
TRAVEL 8 MODERN WONDER A photoessay dedicated to the New Seven Wonders of the World
13 FABULOUS FESTIVALS
BUSINESS & CIVIC
Ten events worth traveling for
34 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION
14 MICROADVENTURES
Library director Kathryn I. Martens is a passionate purveyor of the written word
Adventurer Alastair Humphreys shares his philosophy on close-tohome exploration
18 TAKE A DRIVE ON THE WILD SIDE Ten U.S. safari parks for quality animal encounters
Redesign your space with worldly wares
FASHION & BEAUTY 37 WEDDED BLISS
After 100 years, the National Park Service continues to keep the U.S. wild
Blowouts for the big day
FAMILY IN FOCUS
22 HIGH AND MIGHTY MACHU PICCHU
Exploring the world of gaming
Novice hiker offers beginner’s guide to the Inca Trail
A little extra paperwork creates solid foundation for decisionmaking
Man cycling across Europe shares insights from the road
Adventurer Alastair Humphreys shares his philosophy on close-to-home exploration
35 TRAVEL-SAVVY STYLE
20 LAND OF THE FREE
24 ‘THE WORLD IS A GOOD PLACE’
14 MICROADVENTURES
HOME & LIFESTYLE
39 UNCHARTED INTERNET 41 INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE
HEALTH & WELLNESS 42 EFFECTS OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL STRESS
26 EPIC CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
A discussion with Dr. Tony Ebel of Premiere Wellness Chiropractic
A 10-day itinerary that features the highlights of the Golden State
44 HUNTLEY HOSPITAL
28 SHANGHAI
New, innovative Centegra facility to open Aug. 9
Inside China’s biggest city
OUT & ABOUT
29 QUINTESSENTIAL BRITAIN
49 ARTIST SHOWCASE
For first-timers heading across the pond
McHenry photographer Kelsey Adams shares “London Eye”
DINING & ENTERTAINING
50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
30 TRAVEL BY TASTE
See what’s happening in McHenry County this August!
Imported brews allow beer-lovers to explore the pour
32 SUSHI STATE OF MIND Best spots in McHenry County for quality Japanese cuisine
6 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
www.nwherald.com/magazine
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Dr. Stephen P. Rivard (L.) and Mr. Joe Kainz (R.), inside Joe’s Onion Pub
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oe Kainz is Barrington’s well-known proprietor of The Onion Pub. He became a patient of Illinois Vein Specialists in 2010 after his orthopedic surgeon became concerned that Joe’s knee replacement surgery was not healing properly and requested a consult. Joe could not move comfortably, required the aid of a walker and just was not recuperating from his knee surgery. This was not the plan. Thinking back, Dr. Stephen Rivard, medical director of IVS, recalls: “Below the knee, his legs were 19 inches in circumference and so hard and taut I doubt a needle could have penetrated the skin. My initial diagnosis of hypertensive venous disease was immediately and definitively confirmed by our Doppler Sonography equipment. Joe was scheduled for endovenous laser closure of the severely incompetent veins in his legs and as his circulation improved he began walking again without the walker in less than a month.” Joe smiles: “When I learned that Illinois Vein Specialists was moving in right next door to us in the Lake Barrington Professional Center, I knew we’d be doing business together. Our selections of in-house, craftbrewed beers are mighty popular and our pub grub can’t be beat. But, little did I know I’d be the one paying the bill . . . but I’m sure glad I did.” A BROAD MEDICAL MISSION While it may seem a bit boastful, such results are common at Illinois Vein Specialists. Dr. Rivard has become the go-to physician when other doctors are having trouble diagnosing the reasons for lack of patient progress after hip and knee replacement, and general wound healing. He has also found venous circulatory improvements can aid neuropathy sufferers and can even ease the pumping burden of those with congestive heart failure. Spreading the word about the broad implications of venous disease— quite apart from obvious important medical issues like varicose veins and the less serious spider veins—is very much a part of the mission at Illinois Vein Specialists.
Dr. Rivard pointed out some little known facts: “It is not generally understood that three-fourths of all circulatory problems relating to poor wound healing and ulcerations are problems with venous stasis and poor oxygenation from veins rather than with arteries. Nor is it understood that people have about 400% more venous capacity than is needed; that’s why we can eliminate those big, painful, ropey veins some patients suffer from without impairing circulation. Finally, vein disease and complications impact about 25% of the population and are not necessarily a function of age.” PHLEBOLOGY: THE NEWEST MEDICAL SPECIALTY Phlebology is the name of the Board Certified Specialty that diagnoses and treats vein disease. Dr. Rivard, who began his career in Emergency Medicine and practiced at Good Shepherd Hospital, is among the very first group of physicians in the US to be Board Certified in Phlebology (and one of the few physicians so certified in IL). He’s also Certified in Vascular Ultrasonography, which is the essential diagnostic technology used in Phlebology. This combination serves as the foundation for everything that happens at IVS. Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and has a staff of a dozen—physicians, medical technicians, ultrasound specialists and administrative personnel. Since then they have helped well over a thousand Barrington-area patients. “One of the things I like the best about specializing in vein disease is the opportunity to meet wonderful people like Joe Kainz; 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.Illinoisveinspecialsts.com. © 2012 Illinois Vein Specialists. All rights reserved.
MODERN WONDER ¢ A P H O T O E S S AY By KARA SILVA | Photos by RON MCKINNEY
W
hen Sandi Waryck visited the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, she referred to the experience as being “simply spectacular.” “I was very fortunate to have been able to have been there and experience this great wonder,” says Waryck, owner of SW Travel, Inc., in Cary. “It is [certainly] worth the time to go – so much to learn and [so] much history.” Nearly a decade ago, Chichén Itzá, the Taj Mahal in India, the Roman Colosseum in Italy, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru and Petra in Jordan were declared the New Seven Wonders of the World. The votes of more than 100 million people were tallied,
and some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places landed on a list meant to serve as a representation of global heritage. The New Seven Wonders of the World are some of the most photographed and recognizable sites on the planet. And, as with anything, when something becomes ubiquitous it has a tendency to lose its luster. The hope is that the initial awe and mystery that once shrouded these exotic and distant places still remains. In an effort to reinvigorate the recognizable, we’ve dedicated this photoessay to some of the world’s most mysterious and hypnotic achievements of man – the New Seven Wonders of the World.
THE TAJ MAHAL – AGRA, INDIA A labor of love, the white marble mausoleum was built between 1631 and 1648 in memory of emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife. Of the Taj, American travel writer Bayard Taylor wrote: "Did you ever build a castle in the Air? Here is one, brought down to earth and fixed for the wonder of ages."
PETRA – JORDAN The roughly 2,000-year-old desert site – halfbuilt, half-carved into rock – is “A rose red city half as old as time,” writes poet William Burgon.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA Built by the Chinese Empire in the 5th century B.C., the Great Wall stretches 4,000 miles and once served as border protection from invading Mongols.
1. CHICHEN ITZA – YUCATAN PENINSULA, MEXICO The Temple of Kukulkan, also known as the El Castillo pyramid, is the icon of the ruins of Chichen Itza – an urban center in Mexico from A.D. 750 to 1200. Serving as an astronomical observatory, the Maya built El Castillo with 365 steps – representing the days in a year – and, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow in the shape of a serpent appears to descend the pyramid steps as the sun sets.
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2. CHRIST THE REDEEMER – RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Erected on Corcovado mountain in 1931, the 130-foot, Art Deco-style statue of Jesus Christ took five years to complete and serves as the symbol of the city. 3. THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM – ITALY Nearly 2,000 years old, and serving as the largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum was used for staging violent gladiator games, battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. 4. MACHU PICCHU - PERU The 15th-century Incan site is perched between two peaks in the Andes mountains. The citadel was later abandoned by the Incas and remained unknown until archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site in 1911.
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10 festivals worth traveling for By ELIZABETH HARMON
A close to home weekend festival is a sure-fire recipe for fun. But why stop at the 50-mile mark? Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean that festival season is, too. In fact, some of the nation’s best festivals are still to come! Whether it’s live music, art, food, film, family fun or all of the above, mark your calendar, book a flight and pack your bags. Here is a rundown of upcoming events worth traveling for:
August Burning Man Black Rock City, Nevada Aug. 28-Sept. 5 burningman.org Burning Man attracts more than 50,000 people each year to a temporary utopia erected in the desert, about 100 miles from Reno. This free-flowing, do-it-yourself, grown-up playground is based on 10 core principals, shuns corporate sponsorships and offers everything from art and tribal dance workshops to naked bicycling and New Yorkstyle pizza. Don’t look for Black Rock City on a map, it only exists through the life of the festival, and attendees aren’t passive observers, but active participants who create the community. The festival’s highlight is the burning of a 50-foot wooden man, and – in honor of this year’s Italian Renaissance theme – the 2016 Burning Man is Turning Man, a nod to DaVinci’s famous drawing. www.nwherald.com/magazine
September
Music City Food and Wine Festival Nashville, Tennessee Sept. 17-18 musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com
Bumbershoot Seattle, Washington Sept. 2-4 bumbershoot.com The name comes from an oldfashioned term for an umbrella, and it’s a good description for this three-day celebration that covers all things creative. There’s live music – this year’s line-up includes Death Cab for Cutie, Billy Idol and many more – live theater, stand-up and improv comedy, panels on literature and pop culture, kids events, art, food and a market featuring crafts, housewares, clothing and jewelry crafted by local artisans.
A weekend showcase for artisanal food, wine, beer and spirits, with demonstrations, tastings, chef meet-and-greets, a barbecue, cookbook signing and – of course – live music. This year’s musical highlights include a performance by special guests Kings of Leon and a Sunday gospel brunch.
Telluride Film Festival Telluride, Colorado Sept. 2-5 telluridefilmfestival.com
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Columbus Oktoberfest offers more than just beer. There are traditional German games, such as the 75-pound stone toss, a 4-mile Brat Trot, kids activities, live music, dancing, an art and craft marketplace, and food all set in the charming surroundings of three century-old buildings.
Nine-thousand feet up in the Rocky Mountains, film enthusiasts and celebrities rub elbows and watch movies. More intimate and less glitzy than Sundance or Cannes, and located in a beautiful setting, Telluride doesn’t announce its full line-up until just before the festival opens. Festival attendees have included Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogan and Rooney Mara, numerous critics, directors and screenwriters. Past Telluride premiers have included “Juno,” “Capote” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida Sept. 14-Nov. 14 disneyworld.disney.go.com/eventstours/epcot/epcot-internationalfood-and-wine-festival
Columbus Oktoberfest Columbus, Ohio Sept. 23-25 columbusoktoberfest.com
Austin City Limits Austin, Texas Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and Oct. 7-9 aclfestival.com Austin is proud to be one of the nation’s premier destinations for live music, and this festival is one of the reasons why. Originally held on a single weekend, the festival now takes place over two weekends to accommodate the crowds. This year’s headliners include Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, LCD Soundsystem, Willie Nelson and more. With more than 130 bands on eight stages, there’s something for everyone. And, with the same acts appearing both weekends, you won’t have to miss your favorite.
and 750 hot air balloons, including a number of interesting shapes – elephants, Angry Birds, space aliens and clowns. Visitors can talk with balloonists, see the balloons up close, and even take a ride in one – though flight reservations go quickly. Earth-bound attractions include a car show, chainsaw carving, fireworks, watching balloon races, mass ascensions and glows, which are lighted flights in the early morning and evening. Village Halloween Parade New York City, New York Oct. 31 halloween-nyc.com New York City’s most famous parade doesn’t kick off until Thanksgiving, but this wild Halloween celebration is one of the nation’s largest public participation events. During the event, nearly 50,000 costumed participants parade through Manhattan, past two million spectators. Ghouls, witches, Ghostbusters, Go-Gos and Elvis can usually be spotted in the parade. Along the streets are volunteer puppeteers, musicians, dancers, performing artists and more. Want to do more than watch? Bring a costume and join in the fun.
December Christmas Lighting Festival Leavenworth, Washington Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-18, and Dec 17 (Lantern Parade) leavenworthchristmaslighting.com
The Cascade Mountain community of Leavenworth is known for its Bavarian architecture and becomes especially festive in December. The town goes dark on Friday nights, but that doesn’t stop the Saturday With kids back in school, it’s time fun, which includes food, visits from for adults to frolic in the “Happiest Santa, caroling, a living Nativity Place on Earth.” The Epcot festival scene, sledding, sleigh rides and showcases global cuisines and October a Christmas market. At dusk on beverages, live music and more. Albuquerque International Saturdays, attendees gather to Enjoy chef demonstrations, Balloon Fiesta sing “Silent Night,” just before the tastings, seminars on cheese, wines Albuquerque, New Mexico town comes alive with thousands of and cocktails, and a plated brunch Oct. 1-9 twinkling lights. The Lantern Parade prepared by visiting celebrity chefs. balloonfiesta.com welcomes families to create their Between meals, the Magic Kingdom own lanterns at morning workshops As one of the world’s premier awaits. and join in the procession to the ballooning events, this festival draws more than 30,000 spectators town church. TRAVEL
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 13
The microadventure movement “It’s always worth it.”
ADVENTURER ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS SHARES HIS PHILOSOPHY ON CLOSE-TO-HOME EXPLORATION By KARA SILVA Photos provided
That’s what U.K. author and itinerant traveler Alastair Humphreys says in his blog about upending the monotonous moments of daily life by seeking out microadventures – short, inexpensive and close-tohome outdoor experiences. As the inventor of the microadventure, Humphreys – who also wrote a book on the subject – uses the concept to inspire “real people with real lives” to “hit the refresh button” by getting back to nature for a day, an evening or even just an hour. Solo camping on a hilltop via bivvy bag, an impromptu trail hike under the stars and cycling the morning commute to work instead of driving are just a few examples of microadventures offered by Humphreys. “What was precious to me about my adventures was going to new places, leaving the boring bits of the ‘real world’ behind, slowing down, simplifying, having time to think, being out in nature and having fun,”
says Humphreys. “I realized that I did not need to go to the ends of the earth to find all those things.” Though Humphreys adheres to the notion that adventure is all around at all times, he is no novice when it comes to world travel. The 39-year-old Brit was named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year in 2012. His travel credentials include a round-the-world cycling journey that took him 46,000 miles through 60 countries; he has walked across southern India; rowed across the Atlantic Ocean; ran six marathons through the Sahara desert; and trekked 1,000 miles across the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter desert – a journey documented in the film “Into the Empty Quarter.” “Many people love the idea of adventure; of turning off the computer and heading for some place you have never been before; of sleeping under the stars and enjoying coffee with your friends as the sun rises in front of you,” says Humphreys. “Yet
most people do not have the time, or the inclination, to embark on an expedition that takes months or years to complete. And so, most people don’t have the chance to live as adventurously as they might dream of doing.” There is more opportunity for adventure than a person’s scant two weeks of vacation or even the weekend. As Humphreys points out in his blog, from 9-to-5 most people are occupied by job-oriented obligation, but the often-neglected 5-to-9 block of time can serve as a window of opportunity. “I am a busy person, like all of us,” says Humphreys, adding that he has benefitted enormously from taking microadventures during the 5-to-9 timeframe. “Just knowing that less than an hour from the computer … is an empty hilltop where I can lay back and watch the sun set this evening, is enough to bring a smile to my face.”
While the tenets of a microadventure include minimal planning and keeping it close to home, Humphreys has implemented the concept while traveling abroad, as well. On a recent trip to L.A., the microadventure mastermind put what he preaches to practice by setting aside time during his busy business trip to sleep under the stars. “Arriving in [L.A.], I felt jet-lagged and horrible. Instead of collapsing in a hotel room, I made the effort to seek out a deserted hilltop,” says Humphreys. “Nobody on Earth knew where I was; nobody disturbed me. And I grinned to myself as I woke the next morning – refreshed and ready to explore – with the best view of anyone in that enormous city.” • For more information about microadventures or Alastair Humphreys, visit www.alastairhumphreys.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @al_humphreys.
-Continued on page 16
CHILD W/ ADHD,ALLERGIES, & ASTHM
-Continued from page 15
Take the Microadventure Challenge
CHILDW/OUTADHD,ALLERGIES,&ASTHMA
“One of the problems with life is committing to adventures rather than thinking, ‘I’m too busy, so I’ll do it later’; this doesn’t work as we never get less busy,” says author and adventurer Alastair Humphreys. “So, I thought laying down the challenge of spending one night out a month … for a year would be an incentive to stop procrastinating. Also, if lots of people via my blog were sleeping out on the same night, then it might give a bit of moral support and encouragement to people to go and do it!”
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First, declare your intention by sharing a picture on social media to officially make the commitment. Then designate a day to do a microadventure in each month, and mark it on your calendar or in your diary. Lastly, share your photos online using the #microadventure hashtag.
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16 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
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Some ideas to get you started, according to Humphreys, include: • Sleep in your garden • Swim wild – in a river, lake or sea • Go solo • Take someone on his/her first microadventure • Take a child for his/her first microadventure • Do one on a work night • Sleep under a full moon • Get there by bike or foot • Paddle a river • Sleep outside on a snowy night
For more ideas, visit www.bit.do/microadventure.
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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 17
TAKE A DRIVE ON THE
WILD SIDE 10 U.S. SAFARI
PARKS FOR QUALITY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS By KELSEY O’CONNOR 1. ROAM THE PLAINS OF AFRICA
You’ll feel like you’re on a different continent during a drive-thru safari at African Safari Wildlife Park in Ohio. Meet and feed animals from around the world, including alpacas, kudus, zebras, giraffes, camels and more. One-day admission is $18.95 for adults, $11.95 for children. 267 S. Lightner Rd. Port Clinton | Ohio 419-732-3606 africansafariwildlifepark.com 2. FLOAT WITH MANATEES
River Safaris & Gulf Charters in Florida provides year-round airboat trips down the Crystal River. Guests can disembark and float alongside families of manatees in the shallow water. Manatee tours start at $64 a person. 498 S.E. Kings Bay Drive Crystal River | Florida 352-564-8687 riversafaris.com
3. RUN WITH MUSTANGS
6. GET A BEAR HUG
Get a taste of the Wild West at Mustang Monument in Nevada. The eco-resort offers safaris to view the free-roaming horses, horseback rides and wagon rides to feed as many as 500 wild mustangs. Day trips start at $125 a person.
Or at least get close. Bearizona in Arizona is less than an hour from the Grand Canyon and specializes in walking and driving safaris that spotlight animals native to North America. Guests will see wolves, birds of prey, bison and, of course, lots of bears. One-day admission $20 for adults, $10 for children.
888-979-1422 reservations@ savingamericasmustangs.org 4. FEED GIRAFFES BY HAND
Grab a bucket of feed and feed wild animals as you cruise through the 180-acre Virginia Safari Park. Hop out of the car to check out the walk-through areas, such as the enclosed giraffe platform and the tiger territory. One-day admission is $19.95 for adults, $12.95 for children. 229 Safari Lane Natural Bridge | Virginia 540-291-3205 virginiasafaripark.com 5. ENJOY A SKY-HIGH VIEW
San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California has something for every animal-lover. Tours include caravan, cart, trike and even zip-line safaris. There are also overnight and behind-the scenes options. One-day zoo admission is $50 for adults, $40 for children, additional safari add-ons vary. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido | California 760-747-8702 | sdzsafaripark.org
18 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
1500 E. Route 66 Williams | Arizona 928-635-2289 bearizona.com 7. SEE HUNDREDS OF ANIMALS
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas is home to more than 500 animals from 40 different native, exotic and endangered species. And the sprawling 450-acre location offers stunning views of nature, such as rolling hills, creeks and oak trees. One-day admission is $22 for adults, $13.50 for children. 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road San Antonio | Texas 830-438-7400 wildliferanchtexas.com 8. CRUISE THROUGH THE WILD
Come face-to-face with tigers, hyenas, zebras and more at Wild Animal Safari in Georgia. You can drive or rent a vehicle, or hop on the complimentary tour bus. Afterward, stroll around the zoo area to check out the smaller critters, like lemurs and peacocks. One-day admission is $20.95 for adults, $17.95 for children.
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1300 Oak Grove Road Pine Mountain | Georgia 706-663-8744 animalsafari.com/Georgia 9. RIDE A CAMEL
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Guests can catch a glimpse of more than 300 mammals, reptiles and birds on driving or walking tours at Wildlife Safari in Oregon – a drive-thru wild animal park on 600 acres. For an additional fee, you also can select from different animal encounters, like meeting a cheetah or feeding bears. 1790 Safari Road Winston | Oregon 541-679-6761 wildlifesafari.net
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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 19
LAND After 100 years, the National Park Service continues to keep our home wild Story and photos by PAUL SCHNEIDER This year, the National Park Service is celebrating Luckily, the parks had real-life “Loraxes” – John its centennial. Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt. By 1916, the nation had set aside dozens of iconic American landscapes like Yellowstone, the Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon without a cohesive vision of what was being protected, why, how and for whom. The idea that the nation’s natural treasures should be preserved in a state of wilderness for the enjoyment of all and that living beings – such as the bison of Yellowstone and the giant sequoias of the Sierras – should be protected in those settings was big, unwieldy and unlike anything ever accomplished in modern society. These lofty goals were under constant threat from ranchers, hunters, miners, dams and railroads. 20 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Muir, a naturalist, writer and fierce advocate for the creation of Yosemite National Park and preservation of wilderness in general, always felt most at home in the High Sierra and even entertained Roosevelt there. Muir took Roosevelt camping in Yosemite’s backcountry and, by the light of a campfire, ultimately was granted federal protection for Yosemite, which was then under state control and overrun with tourists and commercial enterprise.
to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” Given that the National Park Service recorded 307 million visitors last year, Muir’s statement has never been truer. Maybe, this year, it’s time to find yourself at home in the mountains, too. In honor of the centennial – and to evoke a bit of wanderlust – enjoy Schneider’s photographs of some of America’s national treasures.
Roosevelt, an avid outdoorsman and adventurer, went on to use his executive authority to create dozens of national monuments. In the book “Our National Parks,” Muir wrote, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning TRAVEL
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2. 1.
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1. Badlands National Park: Badlands National Park in South Dakota provides a close-up study of the geological power of deposition and erosion. For an otherworldly experience, take the Badlands Loop Road drive to Sage Creek Rim Road at twilight to see wildlife – such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, prairie dogs and coyotes – prepare for nightfall. When the sunlight disappears, your headlights will throw the nearest peaks into sharp relief with some of the darkest night skies in the country. Camp at Cedar Pass Campground (available at recreation.gov)
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and hike the Notch Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip).
3. Olympic National Park: Hike Rialto Beach
2. Olympic National Park: Washington’s wild
to Hole-in-the-Wall (3 miles roundtrip), head inland the next day to hike the Hoh River Trail through incredibly lush temperate rainforest to Five Mile Island and back (10 miles roundtrip). If you’re lucky, you’ll come across a Northern Spotted Owl (pictured) – a threatened species and the source of much controversy between conservationists and the timber industry – on the trail.
coast is protected from development and set aside as part of Olympic National Park. Rocky seastacks jut out from under the waves and provide nesting sites for weary seabirds and hunting perches for bald eagles and osprey. Tide pools show off vibrantly colored sea anemones, starfish and sea urchins, while seals hunt in the waves just offshore. Camp at Kalaloch Campground (reserve a spot at recreation. gov) and book early to nab a spot with ocean views.
4. Mount Rainier National Park: Mount Rainier National Park, just southeast of Seattle, is home TRAVEL
to the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. The wet, temperate Pacific climate produces lush green lowlands and the volcanic action in the range projects dramatic, isolated peaks holding the largest glaciers in the lower 48.
5. Grand Teton National Park: The payoff at the end of a sevenmile hike up the north fork of Cascade Canyon is an icy plunge into Lake Solitude (9,045 feet), an alpine lake fed by the snowfields above. Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail to Lake Solitude (14.4 miles roundtrip). Camp at Jenny Lake Campground (first come first
serve, no RVs) and don’t miss the chance to venture into the ski town of Jackson or to visit Yellowstone National Park (just to the north).
6. Grand Teton National Park: The Teton Range rises abruptly out of Jackson Hole Valley in Wyoming. There are no foothills here to subdue the intensity of the cathedral-like granite crags. Instead, you will find 7,000 feet of relief between the sprawling valley floor and the highest of the jagged peaks in Grand Teton National Park. You may see black bear, moose, the elusive mountain lion or the park’s abundant elk.
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 21
High and mighty Novice hiker offers beginner’s guide to the Inca Trail Story and photos by KELSEY O’CONNOR
The bus was careening along the side of a cliff, high up in the Andes Mountains, when what I was about to do finally set in. My sister and I traveled to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to the mysterious Machu Picchu – an ancient Incan citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Having grown up in the Midwest, I had never hiked anything more intense than the trails at Starved Rock State Park, so to say I was a novice hiker is an understatement. The four-day trek was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – but also one of the most rewarding.
22 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Here’s what first-time hikers should ¢ Plan ahead. know about the Inca Trail: Hiking the Inca Trail isn’t really something you can do on a whim. ¢ Know what you’re in for. There are a lot of regulations in place The trek covers 26 miles of vastly that help preserve the trail. Only 500 different terrain and altitude. Our guide described the trail as “Peruvian people are allowed on the trail a day flat,” which we quickly learned means and everyone is required to get a permit. The easiest way to set up a lots of hills. The toughest challenge hike is with a reputable tour operator. is Dead Woman’s Pass, a 13,828-foot We used Wayki Trek and they handled high mountain pass that we climbed the entire permitting process. You’ll on the second day. The entire trail want to book your tour six months is full of stunning views, llamas and Incan ruins. On the last day, we woke in advance if you’re going during the high season (May through October) up before dawn to hike to the Cloud and three months before for the low Gate and watch the sunrise over our season (November through April). The final stop – Machu Picchu. trail is completely closed in February. We booked eight months in advance, which is a little excessive, but it gave us time to monitor airfare and score a great deal. TRAVEL
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“I had never hiked anything more intense than the trails at Starved Rock State Park, so to say I was a novice hiker is an understatement.” - Kelsey O’Connor on hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ¢ Be ready for anything. I mean anything. The weather in the Andes can turn on a dime, and fluctuates greatly depending on when you go. We went in May, during the dry season, but still carried light raincoats and lined our trekking packs with garbage bags in case of a sudden deluge. My best decision was to grab alpaca gloves and a hat at a market in Cuzco City the day before the trek. They came in handy during the cold mornings and nights. The climate can change dramatically on the trail within minutes, so wear lots of light layers that you can take on and off quickly. ¢ Know your limits. At the last minute, my sister and I decided to hire a porter to carry our heavier items, such as sleeping bags and extra food. It was literally a huge load off of our shoulders. The trail is difficult enough for first-time climbers without having to carry 15 extra pounds of gear. Even experienced hikers in our group were struggling at times. Don’t be afraid to hire a porter, use walking sticks or just go at your own pace. ¢ Enjoy yourself. When I started the hike, I thought reaching Machu Picchu would be the highlight of the trip. But some of my favorite memories are from the trail, such as summiting Dead Woman’s Pass or when the chef baked us a cake on our last night. It’s easy to forget when you’re exhausted and your feet hurt, but the hike is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure to take the time to appreciate your surroundings and just enjoy the experience. Because when it comes to the Inca Trail, it’s about the journey and the destination. www.nwherald.com/magazine
¢ 5 Things You May Not Think to Pack (But Should)
You’ll want to pack light for the hike, but make sure to leave room for these essentials: 1. Batteries. A couple in my group got in a fight on the final leg of the hike because their GoPro camera died. Save your memories (and relationship) by bringing extra batteries and portable chargers for all your electronics. 2. Good book. Bring something to entertain you during downtime in the evenings. I brought my journal and Kindle loaded with “The Last Days of the Incas” by Kim MacQuarrie. 3. Headlamp. When you’re already carrying toilet paper to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the last thing you’ll want is to be fumbling with a flashlight. We also brought a small lantern to illuminate the tent after dark. 4. Cash. You’ll need it for tips at the end of the trek. Our group ended up tipping about 10 soles per porter (a little extra for the chef) and 50 soles for our guide. You can also buy snacks and drinks on the first day of the hike and once you’re at Machu Picchu. 5. Inflatable pillow. A few people in our group just rolled up sweatshirts to use as a pillow, and that worked fine for them. But because my clothes got pretty dirty, I was grateful to have a pillow at night. The inflatable kind takes up hardly any space in your bag when deflated. TRAVEL
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 23
‘The World is a Good Place’ Adventurer cycling across Europe shares insights from the road By PETER STADALSKY | Photos PROVIDED
M
y girlfriend, Lydia, and I are currently undertaking a 115day bicycle trip across Europe. Two novice cyclists against the world.
Our Great European Adventure, as we call it, started in Ireland and will take us through the U.K., France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Greece and then somehow back to Spain for our flight home. The plan is to cycle the route entirely, with all of our gear strapped to our bikes and no tour guide or pre-planned itinerary. I’ve crossed America various times on foot, by canoe, on motorcycle and by hitchhiking, so I knew that my next big adventure had to be of such considerable feats that I couldn’t fathom its accomplishment. On previous trips, I’ve had the privilege of stripping myself of all resources and creature comforts and setting off into the unknown. These trips have taught me that personal growth begins where one’s comfort zone ends. I also love these kinds of adventures because, in my weakest moments and without any expectations – more often than not – some kind stranger will reach out to lend a helping hand. With all of the tragic headlines in the media, we need some positivity to balance our worldly view. And I find great pleasure in reporting back to my homeland that the world is filled with gracious people. 24 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
I’ve learned that the simplest things can have the most profound impact on a person’s life. Being offered a hot shower, warm meal or dry place to sleep have been some of the greatest gifts anyone has ever offered me. And it is those little acts of kindness that restore my faith in humanity. Slowing down allows me to see that the little things in life are the most important. My adventures have taught me that giving up the need to control life’s course allows it to flow effortlessly from one chapter to the next. Things always seem to fall perfectly into place – if I let them. Our travel blog, “The World is a Good Place,” aims to not only document our European adventure but the acts of kindness and the moments of serendipity that we experience while on the road. One such moment was when, in a tiny Dublin pub in a city populated by half a million people, we managed to bump into the family that sat next to us on the plane. Another moment came when we had lunch in a small restaurant referred to as “The Goat.” Later that evening, at a bed and breakfast a few towns over, our host asked where we had dined that day, and our response left her awestruck. “The Goat” is where her daughter works.
“With all of the tragic headlines in the media, we need some positivity to balance our worldly view.” – Peter Stadalsky mysterious it was to bump into the same cyclists days later on some nowhere rural road. Thus far we’ve endured great mountains, been welcomed into people’s homes, chased by dogs and camped on cliffs overlooking the sea. We’ve tested the durability of our bikes by unintentionally crashing and quickly discovered the sorest backsides we’ve ever known. There’s always duality in adventure. The uncomfortable parts make the finer moments so much sweeter. And when times get tough, the suffering only comes from resistance of what is. Peace comes from accepting the situation; knowing that this too shall pass. Those downhill coasts would never feel so wonderful if we didn’t burn our thighs for a half day getting to the summit. u To follow Peter Stadalsky’s adventure, visit www.theworldisagoodplace.com.
For half a day, we saddled up with two cyclists from California before parting ways. How TRAVEL
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H OME
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To have your business included in this guide, contact your representative at 815-459-4040. MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 25
The California landscape is sweeping, varied and vast. From the Hollywood hills and the Golden Gate Bridge to Yosemite National Park and Big Sur, California requires exploration, and there’s no better way to discover its intricacies than the open road.
CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
What I call the “Ultimate California Loop” begins and ends in San Diego (Car rentals are cheaper when the pick up/drop off location is the same place.) and hits many of Cali’s must-see national parks, cities and stops. Here is a 10-day itinerary to help kick start your journey. (All drive times are rough estimates.)
By KARA SILVA
DAY 7-9
DAY 5: Explore Tuolumne Meadows during the day. Drive to Napa Valley in the evening (5hour drive). Overnight in Napa Valley. SITE-SEEING TIPS: Trail hike to the top of Lembert Dome (2.8 miles roundtrip; 1.5 to 3 hours) for amazing views. Spend some time at Tenaya Lake, an alpine lake surrounded by granite domes. It has a beach, too! DAY 6: Explore Napa Valley. Overnight in Napa Valley.
DAY 1: Arrive in San Diego in the morning. Grab your bags; pick up your rental car; and drive 2.5 hours to L.A. straight away. (Explore San Diego at the end of the trip). Overnight in L.A. SITE-SEEING TIPS: The legendary Chateau Marmont Hotel on Sunset Boulevard is a good place for celebrity run-ins or enjoy a bus adventure with Esotouric for a literary tour of the old haunts and havens of L.A. writer Charles Bukowski.
DAY 2-3
DAY 2: Leave by 9 a.m. and drive five hours to Sequoia National Park. Overnight at Buckeye Flat campground, located in the heart of the Sierra foothills. No shower facilities, but a nearby waterfall is perfect for freshening up.
Park; and nearly 400 stairs will take you to Moro Rock for sweeping mountain valley views. DAY 3: A free day to explore Sequoia National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overnight at Hume Lake Campground (2 hours from Buckeye Flat Campground) for some beachside relaxation. SITE-SEEING TIPS: For the popular General Sherman sequoia – the world’s largest living tree – visit the Giant Forest. Drive the General’s Highway through sequoia groves and montane forest. If you have time, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for spectacular views while traveling from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove. DAY 4: Wake up call at 7 a.m. Drive four hours to Yosemite National Park. Arrive around noon. Explore Yosemite Valley. Overnight at the amazing Tuolumne Meadows (2-hour drive from Yosemite Valley).
SITE-SEEING TIPS: Stop off at Tunnel View overlook for that post-card view of Yosemite’s granite monoliths. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Glacier Point – a viewpoint above Yosemite Valley. If visiting during the summer, hike and SITE-SEEING TIPS: climb atop a series of boulders to reach the basin Lots of opportunities of the prominent Bridalveil Fall, and take a dip to to see black bears cool off. at Sequoia National 26 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
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SITE-SEEING TIPS: Have coffee and croissants at Bouchon Bakery. Visit the beautiful Chateau Montelena, as seen in “Bottle Shock” – a film that depicts the 1976 Paris wine competition, when California wine (Chateau Montelena) defeated French wine in a blind taste test; and visit Orin Swift tasting room in downtown St. Helena for quality red blends and a cool atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to share tastings; it’s less expensive and you can sample more wines. DAY 7: Drive to Big Sur via San Francisco and Highway 1. Overnight in a yurt with ocean views at Treebones Resort in Big Sur. SITE-SEEING TIPS: On the way to Big Sur, stop in Martinez to visit the John Muir National Historic Site – the home where conservationist and author John Muir wrote and raised his family. Quick stop in San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and – later – have lunch in Carmelby-the-Sea – a cute-as-pie beach town of which Hollywood actor/director Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor. While driving the iconic coastal road Highway 1, stop just before Bixby Bridge for a great photo opportunity. DAY 8: Free day in Big Sur. Overnight in yurt at Treebones Resort. SITE-SEEING TIPS: Visit Henry Miller Memorial Library – an arts center, book shop and music www.nwherald.com/magazine
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DAY 9: Half day in Big Sur. Continue driving south on Highway 1. Drive to San Diego in the evening (6-hour drive from Big Sur). Overnight in San Diego. SITE-SEEING TIPS: In Big Sur, hike Salmon Creek Trail (2 hours), which offers expansive ocean views. Stop in San Simeon, along Highway 1, to visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to watch wild elephant seals basking in the sun on a beach.
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DAY 10: Explore San Diego before heading to the airport for your flight back home. SITE-SEEING TIPS: If you haven’t had your fill of wine-tastings, stop by Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido or visit the renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 27
Shanghai
INSIDE CHINA’S BIGGEST CITY By YVONNE BENSON
You look around Shanghai and you might as well be submerged in any major American city. The homes look familiar, everything is written in English and everyone seemed to know the language. My friend said it best, “The hardware looks the same but the software is completely different.” I was delighted by Shanghai during my 10-day Chinese tour in April. Shanghai, China’s largest city, is located along the central coast. The city is pretty navigable, as using public transportation is a breeze and smartphones make taking to the city streets on foot easy. When in need, I could show an address to a pedestrian and he or she would readily point me in the right direction. The captivating views of Pudong – a district of Shanghai, located across from the historic city center of Shanghai – from the Bund, a waterfront area, put Chicago’s skyline to shame. Unlike anything I have seen in the U.S., its spires and globes and even the second tallest building in the world light up with bright, dynamic designs, shapes, advertisements and messages, like “I love Shanghai.” Dozens of newlyweds with photographers posed for glamorous photos in front of the skyline while tourists took selfies. The Bund, an international settlement along the Huangpu River, was developed by foreign financial businesses in the early 20th century. I noticed that there was only one building that featured Chinese architecture along the entire strip. Shanghai is a relatively new city – even compared to the U.S. It was mostly built up within the past 200 years with a boom around the 1940s. I visited one of the oldest parts of the city, Yuan Market, designed in the architecture styles of the late Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is an
overwhelmingly popular attraction where you can look at and buy traditional Chinese candies, snacks and knick-knacks. My favorite part of Shanghai was the French Concession neighborhood. Wandering around on foot, I discovered it was Shanghai Fashion Week. Fabulously dressed people posed for pictures in intricate doorways and alluring alleys. It was along one of these streets where I found T8 – an enticing restaurant run by a Spanish chef. Made to look like a 19th-century shikumen home, the restaurant serves “contemporary, Asian-flavored cuisine” and has a “one-of-a-kind wine list for boutique bottles rarely seen in Shanghai,” according to the restaurant’s website. Natural light cascaded in through large windows in the restaurant while water flowed around the entryway. Shanghai is a city where you can find any kind of restaurant you want, and T8 was a perfect example. Also within the French Concession area was Taikang Terrace, a community of local artists and craftsmen who sell their pieces between intriguing cafés, bars and restaurants, and in galleries and shops. The streets are narrow and would abruptly end, making it feel like a wonderful maze. I loved getting lost while looking at amazing galleries and buying handmade leather shoulder bags. On the surface, Shanghai looks familiar to American eyes, but it still feels like a foreign place. The framework – the buildings, transportation and even the availability of a variety of food – is familiar, but that’s where it ends. That’s what made China alluring to me during my trip and Shanghai is not only a standout, but my favorite city during the tour.
Tips for trips to Shanghai • T-MOBILE – T-Mobile offers free data and texting without any special additions to our plan. • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – Easy to use, clean and quiet. • AIR POLLUTION – The sky looks continually overcast because of the smog, so a face mask is good to have. • ENGLISH – Everybody is taught English in school and most of the signs at least use English letters. Furthermore, since Shanghai is an international financial hub, many streets have English names. • SAFETY – Our tour guides assured us throughout Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai that each city was very safe. I compare them to any American city. We had money belts under our clothes but we wouldn’t use them if we went again. • ALCOHOL – Much more expensive than in the U.S.; however, they had a good variety in Shanghai. • BATHROOMS – There are public bathrooms all over the place. They are clean and – in Shanghai – often had Western toilets. Sometimes it’s necessary to grab toilet paper at the door or bring it with you, because it was not always provided in the stalls. • RESTAURANTS – Unless you’re at a fancy restaurant, napkins aren’t always provided. When napkins are provided, they’re the size of what you might get when ordering a cookie from a café in the U.S. Water isn’t automatically brought to the table and servers don’t usually refill your glass. Lastly, the service at restaurants is good, but different. The servers only come to your table when you wave them down; they’re not obsequious. • MONEY – The exchange rate during our trip was about 1:6. It was easiest for me to think of 100 Chinese Yuan to be a little less than $20. Most of the time we used cash that we got from Travelex ahead of time, but there also were Citibanks with ATMs where we withdrew more money as needed. One thing to note is that only new currency is used in China. • FASHION – People dress up in Shanghai, especially when going to a restaurant.
QUINTESSENTIAL BRITAIN for first-timers heading across the pond Story and photo by TOM WITOM
Stonehenge retains its centuries-old secrets.
World-class attractions, heritage and culture might explain why Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales – is such a tourist magnet. It drew a record 36.1 million foreign visitors in 2015, up 5.1 percent from 2014, according to the Office for National Statistics. Figures for 2016, so far, show the growth pattern continuing. Even though Great Britain has been a port of call for my wife and me at least a half-dozen times, we were eager to return to revisit favorite spots and explore attractions new to us.
hours is at the formidable Tower of London. The historic castle, said to pull more than two million visitors annually, is on the north bank of the River Thames. Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the complex served as a fortress, a royal residence, a home for the Royal Mint and the Crown Jewels, a storehouse for military weaponry and a notorious prison. Political and religious prisoners abounded in the tower especially during the Tudor period in the wake of King Henry VIII’s break from Roman Catholicism.
a grocery store, printing shop, iron factory and bank, among others. Many establishments offer costumed docents who share information on their specialties. The sweet shop sells a selection of old-fashioned candies, too. Geology buffs will relish a visit to the National Slate Museum in Gwynedd, Wales. A little off the beaten path, this interesting museum, which opened in 1972, rests in the shadow of Elidir mountain – the site of Dinorwig quarry which has roots tracing back to the 1780s. The sprawling complex offers insightful talks and demonstrations on a variety of subjects, including slate-splitting and quarry life.
The Crown Jewels consist of a collection of historic ceremonial objects, including the regalia and vestments worn by kings and queens at their coronation. Visitors get a gander at crowns, If time permits, add Scotland to the itinerary scepters, orbs, swords and robes, plus many – even if it’s only for a few days. You’ll find other priceless objects. For those about to experience their first trip to Edinburgh a bustling and congenial place. Don’t Great Britain, here’s a smattering of highlights to There isn’t a more dramatic way to view the city be afraid to sample haggis, the Scottish national consider: than via the London Eye at Westminster Bridge dish. True, it’s made with sheep’s offal mixed The British Museum, which has many exhibitions Road, which debuted in 2000 and is billed as the with onions, oats and seasonings – to some palates the dish brings to mind a British black that are free to the public, is a must-see. Visitors world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. Is it worth the 45-minute wait in line? You bet! pudding and a Polish blood sausage known as will learn the history of the Rosetta Stone – a carved stone “tablet” dating back to 196 B.C. Its Each capsule holds up to 28 passengers who are kishka. Egyptian symbols and Demotic and Greek script given 360-degree views during the 30-minute For another adventure, stop by the nearest pub provided the key to the modern understanding of ride which, at its highest point, is nearly 443 feet to try aged single-malt scotch, and discover – above the ground. Egyptian hieroglyphs. firsthand – what all of the fuss is about. In May, we did just that, embarking on a guided holiday that took us on a direct flight from Chicago to London and, 18 days later, from Edinburgh back home.
While there, take time to marvel at the beguiling display of sculptures from the Parthenon. For a fee, visitors also can experience (through Nov. 27) the exhibition “Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds.” Just be prepared to contend with the inescapable crowds. Another impressive stopping-off point is Westminster Abbey, an iconic landmark in central London and the site of 38 coronations. Pay respects to Geoffrey Chaucer, known as the Father of English literature. His final resting place is in Poets’ Corner at the abbey. Another noteworthy place to spend a few www.nwherald.com/magazine
Fans of mystery will want to consider a journey of about 88 miles from London to Wiltshire – the site of the prehistoric monument known as Stonehenge, dating back to 3,000 B.C. It consists of a set of stones laid out in concentric rings and horseshoe shapes on an empty plain. Exactly how those stones got there and what the site was used for (religious worship, burial ground, a place of healing?) remains shrouded in mystery.
If it’s a visual experience you’re after, pop into the National Gallery of Scotland – a highly-accessible museum offering a taste of Dutch art (Vermeer) and the Impressionists (Monet, Degas and Pissarro). The museum café serves a respectable and affordable lunch.
At every turn of our Great Britain adventure, scenic images presented themselves. One image that still lingers vividly in memory is Loch Anyone who fancies a walk through history will find Blists Hill Victorian Town in the Madeley area Lomond, a large freshwater lake that serves as the boundary between the lowlands of central of Telford, Shropshire, England, to be their “cup Scotland and the Highlands. of tea.” This re-created hamlet features dozens of shops depicting the Victorian era, including TRAVEL
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 29
TRAVEL BY TASTE EXPLORE THE POUR WITH THESE IMPORTED BREWS By JONATHAN BILYK Photo by ALDO RISOLVO
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have sat around a fire or table, laughing, talking and drinking together. And, very often, that drink of choice has been beer. For many cultures, beer continues to stand as a form of expression, helping those who drink it understand, perhaps, a bit more about the people and the geography that produced it. Whether you’re partial to the brews of Asia, South America or the traditional beer hotbeds of northern Europe, travel by taste by sampling a slew of imported brews right here, in McHenry County.
EUROPE ¡ NØGNE Ø 100 (Norway)
¡ BIRRA MORETTI LA ROSSA
(Italy) Produced in Udine, Italy, by Reviewers on BeerAdvocate. Birra Moretti – a subsidiary of com say this complex reddish-, Heineken – this Doppelbockmedium brown-colored brew style brew could be the “best brings a balance of “sweet looking beer” ever seen, toasty malt and herbal, spicy according to a reviewer on hop flavor,” with hints of “faint BeerAdvocate. Others say dried fruit, wine and tobacco,” it “pours clear” and has a with a “strong chocolate finish.” “caramel, toasted malt, with FIND IT AT: Armanetti Huntley, light chocolate and smoky” 9714 N. Route 47 taste.
¡ BELHAVEN WEE HEAVY (Scotland) This brew comes to the U.S. from Edinburgh. The folks at BeerAdvocate say this beer is “exceptional,” bringing “hints of toffee and thick caramel,” along with “clove, sweet brown sugar and a bit of honey” to round it out.
FIND IT AT: Mandile’s Italian Restaurant Banquets & Catering, 2160 Lake Cook Road, Algonquin
¡ CHIMAY GRANDE RESERVE
(Belgium) This beer, in the Belgian Strong Dark Ale style, also rates highly among Belgium’s strong class of brews. Overall, FIND IT AT: Cary Ale House, 208 BeerAdvocate also calls this W. Main St., Cary one “World Class.” Reviewers say the “deep, dirty brown” ¡ 3 MONTS (France) colored beer carries an aroma This golden ale, produced by La similar to “honey-wheat Brasserie de St.-Sylvestre in St.- brown bread,” and the flavor Sylvestre-Cappel, just outside is “very complex … with notes Belgium, also scored well with of prunes, molasses, peppery reviewers on BeerAdvocate. yeast, cloves, noble hops, burnt Reviewers praised it for being coconut, umami, toasted malts, “easy-drinking” with an “almost cinnamon, apple puree …” to marshmallow-like head that name a few. sticks like glue all over the FIND IT AT: Duke’s Alehouse and glass” and hints of “pear … Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal white grape, honey and peach Lake. skin” with “notes of vanilla.” FIND IT AT: Binny’s Beverage Depot, 844 S. Randall Road, Algonquin
¡ WEIHENSTEPHANER HEFEWEISSBIER (Germany) Brewed in the Hefeweizen style by the “oldest existing brewery in the world” – the Weihenstephan in Bavaria – this beer scores incredibly high marks on BeerAdvocate. One reviewer says, “This is for the serious beer drinker who drinks for the appreciation of a fine brew.” FIND IT AT: Public House of Woodstock, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock.
30 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
DINING & ENTERTAINING
ASIA ¡ ASAHI (Japan) Just as in America, where brands like Budweiser and Miller dominate the market, certain brands also are ubiquitous in Japan. Asahi is one of those. The reviewers at BeerAdvocate rate Asahi’s Japanese Rice Lager-style draft beer on par with massproduced domestic brews. FIND IT AT: Kumi Sushi, 145 S. Illinois Rte. 31, Crystal Lake
¡ TSINGTAO (China) This German-style lager is the No. 1 beer in China. The rating may perhaps not be for craft quality, but as one reviewer on BeerAdvocate says, “There are more happy people in China drinking Tsingtao this evening than live in your city.” FIND IT AT: Plum Garden Restaurant, 3917 W. Main, McHenry
SOUTH AMERICA ¡ XINGU BLACK LAGER (Brazil) This imported Brazilian beer looks and tastes the part, according to the reviewers on BeerAdvocate. “The Brazilians have got this schwarzbier dialed,” one reviewer says. FIND IT AT: Binny’s Beverage Depot, 844 S. Randall Road, Algonquin
¡ QUILMES (Argentina) Much as Corona is to Mexico, so Quilmes is to Argentina. And while it may not score high marks from reviewers, there is no question that drinking Quilmes will give drinkers a taste of the nation that brews it. FIND IT AT: Binny’s Beverage Depot, 844 S. Randall Road, Algonquin
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 31
SUSHI STATE OF MIND BEST SPOTS FOR QUALITY JAPANESE CUISINE By ALLISON HORNE | Photo by NANCY MERKLING
H
ope you have your chopsticks (or even just your fingers) From artfully plated dishes to entertaining hibachi, here is a ready, because the sushi selection in McHenry County is rundown of the best sushi spots and Japanese restaurants in so expansive and delicious that it’s impossible to sample just McHenry County. one. ¢ KYOTO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE AND SUSHI BAR Whether you’re craving sushi or are looking for dinner with flair, Kyoto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake is a must-visit. The restaurant was recently voted as having the best sushi in McHenry County in the 2016 Best of the Fox contest. The restaurant features hibachi grills, a sushi bar, the chef’s special Maki menu and premium sake. Sample the chef’s special sushi options, like the Geisha Roll – soy paper, tuna, salmon, Hamachi, spicy crab meat, a spring mix and pineapple sauce. Reservations are recommended. WHERE: 5690 Northwest Highway | Crystal Lake INFO: 815-477-8300 | kyotosteakandsushi.com Kyoto Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake
¢ BISTRO WASABI Named “One of the Best” in the 2016 Best of the Fox contest, Bistro Wasabi has been a Japanese food staple in McHenry County, and it’s no secret why: large portions, great cocktails and martinis, an upscale atmosphere and a quality sushi bar. The menu features traditional Japanese delicacies, in addition to Latin-, Korean-, Italian- and Frenchinspired appetizers and entrees. Bistro Wasabi’s prices generally run from $30 and up for an entree, and reservations are recommended. WHERE: 4590 Algonquin Road | Lake in the Hills INFO: 847-515-2700 | facebook.com/ thebistrowasabi ¢ SAKURA JAPANESE Named “One of the Best” in the 2016 Best of the Fox contest, Sakura Japanese offers top-notch authentic cuisine at reasonable prices. A kids menu makes Sakura very family-friendly, and the “Love Boat for 2” feast is served in an actual boat. Sample the Batman Roll with Mackerel, scallion and squash. Lunch specials are available daily, and the chef highlights various dishes monthly. WHERE: 2302 N. Richmond Road | McHenry INFO: 815-344-3030 | sakuramchenry.com ¢ KUMI JAPANESE Since opening in 2013, Kumi has been known for its modern interior, beautiful sushi bar and extravagant lunch and dinner menu, which features the Crystal Lake Roll, Crazy Salmon Roll and an all-you-can-eat sushi for lunch for $21.99 per person. Kumi Sushi also has a mobile app for online ordering, exclusive offers, discounts and updates about the restaurant.
¢ WOOW SUSHI Woow Sushi in Algonquin is one of four suburban locations that offer a cool vibe (think dangling crystals and animal print) along with various unique takes on traditional sushi. The Fire Roll is a fan favorite and has received rave reviews, which may be because it comes to the table literally on fire. Woow also offers an all-youcan-eat sushi lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday for $21.99 per person. WHERE: 780 S. Randall Road | Algonquin INFO: 847-458-5211 | woowsushialgonquin.com ¢ YO SHI JAPANESE After emigrating from Japan more than two decades ago, Simon and Yuki Shi opened their third restaurant, Yo Shi, in Algonquin in 2016. Six hibachi tables provide customers with an upclose and personal food experience with chefs who are willing to entertain throughout each meal. Takeout is available, and every birthday guest will receive a free birthday treat. WHERE: 2523 N. County Line Road | Algonquin INFO: 224-678-7178 | facebook.com/ yoshijapanesealgonquin ¢ GOLDEN ROLLS SUSHI BAR AND GRILL What was formerly a BYOB spot tucked away by a mini-golf course relocated to Woodstock in 2015. The restaurant offers a full bar and was voted as “One of the Best” places for sushi in McHenry County’s 2015 Best of the Fox contest, Golden Rolls has an extensive sushi list and offers takeout and catering. WHERE: 790 S. Eastwood Drive | Woodstock INFO: 815-308-5099 | goldenrollssushi.com
WHERE: 1145 S. IL Route 31, Suite N | Crystal Lake INFO: 779-220-0288 | kumisushicl.com 32 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
DINING & ENTERTAINING
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BEWITCHED BY BOOKS Library director Kathryn I. Martens a passionate purveyor of the written word By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photos by FROM ME 2 YOU PHOTOGRAPHY
L
ibraries are more than just a building to house books, according to Kathryn I. Martens of Crystal Lake.
“From the time I was a child, and my mother took me to the library, I was captivated by the magic of the public library,” Martens says.
“It’s our job to figure out what people need in their day-to-day life and see how to enhance that,” Martens says.
The library – with its shelves of books, rows of DVDs and aisles of CDs – serves as the gateway to entertainment and knowledge and, as library director for the Crystal Lake Public Library, Martens says she enjoys her role.
She accepted her role as library director in Crystal Lake in 1990. Working with the library board, city officials and her own staff, Martens has steered the library through space studies, additions and the continued examination of how to meet the community’s future library needs while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“At the library we are informational professionals, helping people connect with the information, reading [and] anything that they are interested in,” Martens says.
“She’s very responsive to what the community asks for and needs,” says Linda Price-Natter, public relations coordinator for the Crystal Lake Public Library.
Martens’ first job was working at the public library in Barrington at the age of 16. From high school through college, she spent summers as a page, shelving books and typing out countless catalog cards. She attended the University of Illinois, pursuing a degree in math and sciences, before deciding that the library was where she wanted to be. Martens followed up with a master’s degree in library science at the university.
Beyond her work inside the library, Martens shares her time and talents with state and national library organizations.
Though she didn’t follow her original career in mathematics or computer science, Martens says she applies her math skills to her role at the library, where she is responsible for the budget and keeping up with the latest technology in library systems. In the more than 40 years that Martens has worked in libraries, change has been a constant. Computers have replaced large card catalogues; and today’s library is very automated, but Martens says it still takes a knowledgeable staff to keep pace with the needs of library patrons.
Martens has made strides to better connect with the larger Crystal Lake Community. She is a member of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, having served in several positions in the organization. Each summer the library participates in Fourth of July festivities by entering a float into the annual parade, which Martens says is a labor of love. She’s also made connections with the Crystal Lake Community Harvest, a program that supports the local food pantry. In previous years, the library collected food for fines, but it was difficult to find space for the collection of non-perishable food items. So, Martens initiated the “Pay It Forward” library fine forgiveness program, where – for two weeks in November – library patrons can pay at least half of their fines and the library, in return, donates all of the money to the food pantry. Started in 2008, the library has collected more than $46,000 for the food pantry.
“It’s a really good example of how we try to have the library be much more than about housing books in the community,” Martens says. Martens says she still finds the library to be a magical place, and there is no better way for her to see that than through the eyes of her two young granddaughters. As their “Nana,” Martens says she loves spending time with the girls, and she especially enjoys bringing them to the library for programs or to select books to read. “I feel very lucky,” Martens says. “To me, this is not a job; it is a passion.”
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BUSINESS & CIVIC
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Travel-savvy style REDESIGN YOUR SPACE WITH WORLDLY WARES By DANA MCKENNA
W
hether your house has 10 bedrooms or your apartment is 800 square feet, home is a place where life and style come
together.
Whatever your taste – boho-chic, elegant vintage, kid-friendly or plush comfort – your travels can become an integral part of your home’s decor. Why not surround yourself with treasures from your favorite journeys? While traveling, “If you love it, buy it!” proclaims Julie Loehner, certified kitchen designer and interior decorator of Kitchens by Julie in downtown Cary. “Finding something on vacation that speaks to you will bring back beautiful memories for years to come. I tell my clients not to worry about whether or not it will go with their current décor; it doesn’t have to ‘match’ anything.” In other words, if it already has a place in your heart, it will easily find a place in your home. Loehner says that using pieces you’ve found on vacation can rejuvenate any space. “Change up your curio cabinets, hang new pictures and photos on your walls, and – suddenly –spaces that have looked the same for 10 years suddenly become fresh, and you’ll enjoy your travel mementos every day,” Loehner says. “It might take some imagination and creativity to incorporate certain objects, but if you gravitated toward it on vacation, chances are it will indeed fit into your existing style.” Using a popular color or color scheme from your favorite destination is another way to relate your space to a place you consider special. Different regions of the world have their own color preferences and trends. For example, some tropical locations use bolder patterns or pastels while others take a natural approach by infusing the color of the ocean with crisp white or beige tones. When it
comes to the palette of your preferred destination, paint and fabric selections can go a long way; or, better yet, bring home material or fabrics from your travels to create stylish seat covers, bedspreads or chic curtains. Another fashionable means of incorporating your globetrotting is by creating an actual display. Try a family photo gallery with collages from your various vacations and don’t be afraid to mix and match your journeys on the same wall space. The key is to be selective, and let your memories cover the walls of different rooms, hallways and even down a stairway wall. Beach holidays present some of the simplest and least expensive decorating options, such as filling up dishes with collected seashells, sea glass or colorful pebbles. Vacation on beaches often? Buy a shadow box and fill it with sand from different trips – each layer tells the story of where you’ve been. A shadow box can be displayed in a powder room, hallway, nook — any room that has a coastal or beachy theme. Keepsakes and souvenirs have a tendency to trigger vivid memories and feelings. So, by decorating with them, each time you walk down a hallway, chat with friends around the coffee table or go up the stairs, you'll have the opportunity to relive that once-in-alifetime adventure, beachside vacation or family road trip.
¢ MORE INFO
Kitchens by Julie, Inc. 27 Jandus Road, Suite A, Cary 847-516-2226 or www.kitchensbyjulie.com www.nwherald.com/magazine
HOME & LIFESTYLE
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 35
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FASHION & BEAUTY
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 37
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FAMILY in FOCUS
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UNCHARTED INTERNET Exploring the world of gaming By MICHELLE STIEN Just when I thought I had grasped the concept of Minecraft – and figured out why my kids watch videos of other people playing video games – it seems I have to, yet again, step up my techsavvy game. Both of my kids have started playing new games online that have my head spinning. Gone are the days of games based on popping bubbles or racing cars. Now my kids have entered into a more sophisticated world of gaming that includes chat rooms, subscriptions and friend requests. My heart sinks a little bit, because, while I am clueless about much of what “kids these days” are into, I know enough to realize my kids are now at a higher risk for cyber bullying, online predators and seeing things that I would never –
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in a million years – allow them to see. We’ve had to establish some pretty stringent rules related to technology usage, especially for my son who could sit on the computer all day playing Roblox. So, aside from time parameters, we’ve had to take a hard look at what games he’s playing and from whom he receives friend requests. My daughter seems to be veering more towards the social aspect of the Internet, and she asks me on a daily basis if she can get her own YouTube channel with the hopes of going viral. She also is a big fan of apps, such as Instagram and Musically. I know she is only sharing information with family and close friends but, as she approaches her tween years, I worry about the potential for drama and bullying at school. It turns out that it is really hard to explain to our kids why we have to approve all of their friend requests – both incoming and out-going. Just explaining to them that we don’t want them to be-friend people they don’t know doesn’t satisfy their curiosity. “He’s probably just another kid my age playing the same game,” my son might say.
FAMILY in FOCUS
That’s when I had to enlighten them on the big, bad world of the Internet. I explained that, just like the real world, the Internet is full of bad people who want to do bad things to other people – even children. My biggest fear is that I don’t even fully understand all of the games, videos and apps that they are using. There is something new every day. My hope is that, as a parent, I remain educated and diligent enough to stay on top of all that goes along with the world in which we live.
1 Motivated Mommy with Michelle Stien • Michelle is a mom, freelance writer, group fitness instructor and motivational speaker. She also fits in marathon running, coordinating 5k events, volunteers and keeps the Stien household running like a fine-tuned machine ... most of the time. To inquire about speaking for your group or organization, contact her at mstien77@gmail.com or visit 1motivatedmommy.com
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 39
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n the financial services arena, we occasionally hear a little bit of grumbling about the amount of paperwork that must be completed.
documentation that explains what the client wants and needs. We understand paperwork frustration, but – at a minimum – an advisor must take into account the following: risk tolerance, age, liquidity needs, experience, the I believe you can chalk it up to increased objective, timeframe, tax situation, current suitability oversight. Although appropriate overall portfolio and assets, as well as the suitability has always been the goal for investment recommendations at reputable firms, client’s financial status. These determinations over the last decade or so, much more attention must be clearly documented and kept up to date. and regulation has been made part of the Risk tolerance is an important consideration. business. With these requirements comes a need It has been my experience that some clients for more documentation. feel they can handle higher levels of risk than they really would be comfortable with during a The number of investment product types volatile market. A third-party risk analysis tool available to the average investor is vast. In can be used to compute the client’s real risk addition, the public is bombarded with TV, print tolerance. This tool is helpful, as it takes some of and radio advertisements touting the virtues of the guesswork out of the determination. various products. These same media formats provide commentaries and advertisements vilifying various investment products, as well. This can add to the confusion and attributes to the need for clear and forthright disclosures. Products available to investors always have positive and negative aspects. The most important task for an investment advisor is to determine which products best meet his or her specific needs and document in writing the reasons behind those decisions. Fortunately, we now have many more standard forms and tools that confirm the thought, discussion and research put into suitability matters. As a compliance officer, I appreciate
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determine what path will be used to strive toward a goal. A good advisor will ask a lot of questions and then listen for the answers. Documentation of those conversations is not only required but in everyone’s best interest. Looking on the bright side, while all involved may consider it a pain in the neck, a little extra paperwork and introspection create a great foundation for sound decision making now and in the future.
u Ann Mariani-Issel is the vice president, compliance officer and director of operations at Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning, It is important to establish accurate timeframes. Inc., located at 2602 For instance, certain annuities and alternative IL Route 176, Crystal investments are designed for holding long-term Lake. Securities and particular mutual fund share classes are offered through Securities America, Inc. Member designed with shorter timeframes in mind. FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Clients must consider their liquidity needs before Securities America Advisors, Inc. Dorion-Gray is committing to any investment that may be not affiliated with Securities America companies. difficult or impossible to exit prematurely. Consult legal or tax professionals for specific Investment objectives determine what path will information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and the materials be used to strive toward a goal. Are you aiming provided are for general information and should for growth, income or perhaps a combination not be considered a solicitation for the purchase of both? Are your needs insurance-related? or sale of any security. How does your tax situation fit in with your investment choices? Investment objectives FAMILY in FOCUS
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | August 2016 | 41
Back-to-school
STRESS with DR. TONY EBEL
Sports physical – check. Eye exam – check. Dental visit – check. Every summer, as parents, we are tasked with not only carpooling the kids around – getting them to games, practices, camps, beach days and barbecues – but we also have to make sure we get in the mandatory visits to the pediatrician, eye doctor and dentist for regular checkups. While checkups can certainly add some stress to a family’s already jam-packed schedule, it should also alleviate stress knowing that your child is in good health. But, what happens when things don’t always check out that way? With nearly a decade of pediatric and family practice experience, I know that the month of August can lead to a lot of anxiety for parents. As the demands of school, schedules, homework and interacting with other kids return to the lives of children, so do the behavioral, emotional and sensory challenges. Once school starts other issues begin to arise, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sensory challenges, allergies, asthma and more. In a similar way, when the seasons change and move into fall, more allergens and irritants start to overwhelm some children’s sensitive 42 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
immune systems, causing their congestion and illness to return. But, for some reason, this isn’t every kid. Why is that? Don't the kids without behavioral or sensory challenges, and without allergy- and asthmarelated challenges adhere to the same schedules, get the same homework, walk the same halls and breathe in the same air? What’s the difference? Simply put, some children adapt better to their environments than others. They have better balanced and more optimally functioning nervous systems, and – in turn – better working immune systems. So, when the same stressors come at these kids every fall, they get through them with little to no struggle or sickness. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to measure and find out how well your child’s nervous system is working? Wouldn’t it be great to know if a child’s immune system is functioning and performing at a healthy level before the stress of the season starts? Well, there absolutely is. There is a set of scans that can measure the stress placed upon the spine and central nervous system. The more color visible on any given scan – especially reds HEALTH & WELLNESS
and blacks – the more stress. The more stress a child has on his or her immune system, the more easily he or she can succumb to the stress brought on by school and get sick. (See the improved nervous system scans of a child under chiropractic care on page 16.) Give your child a chance to thrive this school year by scheduling a back-to-school checkup.
Dr. Ebel is a Certified Pediatric Chiropractor with Premier Wellness Chiropractic in Crystal Lake, and nationally known expert on pediatrics.
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Huntley Hospital
New, innovative Centegra facility to open Aug. 9 Photos PROVIDED
44 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Centegra Hospital-Huntley buzzed with excitement this summer as community members enjoyed a sneak peek of the state-ofthe-art facility. Centegra Hospital-Huntley is the second new hospital to be approved in the state in about 35 years. The hospital aims to make history for its innovative design and the services it will provide to patients and families. When Centegra Hospital-Huntley opens Aug. 9, patients in southern McHenry County and northern Kane County will have access to the same quality of care available at Centegra’s two other hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock. “Our team understands that patients want the best care right here close to home,” says Michael S. Eesley, chief executive officer of Centegra Health System. “We live here, work here, and we take great pride in serving our friends and neighbors.”
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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conditions, such as stroke and heart attack, to give patients the care they need. If a patient suffers a heart attack, he or she can be taken immediately to Centegra HospitalHuntley’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, where the cardiology team can treat heart blockages within minutes. More than 16,000 community members sent letters to the state board to support Centegra Hospital-Huntley. Hundreds of business leaders, patients and family members spoke at hearings to lend their voices to the cause. On a cold February morning in 2014, their efforts paid off when crews broke ground for Centegra HospitalHuntley. More than two years later, the 128-bed, allprivate room hospital is ready to serve patients and families.
¢ A DECADE MAKES A DIFFERENCE The Centegra Hospital-Huntley building process began in August 2006, when Centegra Health System purchased 110 acres of land at the intersection of Algonquin and Haligus roads in Huntley. In 2008, the health system built the medical office building that houses Centegra Immediate Care, the Centegra Back and Spine Center, and Centegra Physician Care. That same year, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center opened to serve as the community’s hub for wellness and physical rehabilitation services. By 2010, Centegra Health System recognized the community’s need for a higher level of medical care. So, it filed the required application for a certificate of need with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. www.nwherald.com/magazine
Doctors and nurses helped design every inch of the building to make sure patients receive efficient care. They’ve dedicated their time and energy to help ensure that the hospital will serve the community for generations to come.
Whether patients receive care in the cardiac catheterization laboratory or have surgery in Centegra Hospital-Huntley’s operating suites, skilled nurses have joined the team to support the recovery of patients. Inpatients and outpatients may recognize some of the faces of the nurses on staff, as many have been brought from other Centegra hospitals to provide care in the Huntley region. Nurses, doctors and other members of the Centegra team work together to care for patients in the medical-surgical unit, the cardiac monitoring unit and the intensive care unit.
¢ ORTHOPEDIC EXPERTS Nobody wants to live with pain, and the orthopedic experts at Centegra Hospital-Huntley will provide advanced surgeries and procedures ¢ EXPERT CARE, CLOSE TO HOME to help patients get the most out of life. Whether it’s a sports injury that requires arthroscopic Every minute counts in emergency medicine, especially when rapid access to medical care can surgery or arthritis that is keeping a patient from enjoying his or her favorite activities, Centegra’s save a patient’s life. The Level II Trauma Center doctors and nurses can help. at Centegra Hospital-Huntley ensures that the necessary doctors, experts and equipment are The Centegra Hip and Knee Replacement available 24 hours a day to provide trauma care Center will help patients recover quickly from to the region so patients get the care that they joint replacement surgeries. Modeled after the need without leaving the community. center of the same name at Centegra HospitalEmergency medical services teams worked with Centegra to design an enclosed ambulance garage that protects patients and medical teams from bad weather. A nearby helipad allows patients to be brought to the hospital for care and transferred out for the most serious treatments. Inside the emergency room, doctors and nurses will use the latest protocols for
HEALTH & WELLNESS
McHenry, the Huntley unit will provide patients with nurse navigators who will walk them through every step of the process. Patients will receive physical and occupational therapy from a team that aims to listen to the goals of patients so that they can take their first steps toward pain-free living.
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-Continuted from page 45 ¢ POWERFUL PEDIATRIC PARTNERSHIP Children and families at Centegra HospitalHuntley will have around-the-clock access to pediatric experts in a unit staffed by hospitalists from Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The hospitalists are dedicated pediatricians who specialize in the care of hospitalized children. “Centegra understands that children have different medical needs than adults,” says Dr. Laura Bianconi, medical director of pediatrics with Centegra Physician Care. “We are treating whole families when a child is sick – not just pediatric disease. The association with one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals elevates our ability to care for our youngest patients.” Doctors from Lurie Children’s will work with a child’s pediatrician or family practitioner, and also will provide support to the emergency department team to ensure a child receives the care he or she needs. ¢ LITTLE PATIENTS, LASTING MEMORIES Luxurious private rooms, spacious bathrooms, spa-like amenities and comfortable in-room furniture are just some of the features families will enjoy at the Family Birth Center at Centegra Hospital-Huntley. Mothers and their loved ones will be able to focus on the birth experience because they will receive care from a team of knowledgeable doctors and nurses.
46 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
“Our team has years of experience in all types of labor and delivery situations,” says Joan Stout, assistant director of women’s services. “We keep mothers and babies safe, and we know how to quickly respond to the needs of a patient.” Each time a new baby is born, Brahms’ lullaby will softly play throughout the hospital. This continues a long-standing Centegra tradition that celebrates the births of its newest community members.
From preventive and wellness care to doctors’ appointments, emergency care and advanced inpatient treatments, patients can now receive care without leaving the community. “When you come to our hospital, you will experience a unique combination of sophisticated medical care, passionate caring and a joyful spirit,” Eesley says. “It is our honor to serve you.”
¢ ALL-IN-ONE CAMPUS Guests at Centegra Hospital-Huntley will enjoy a café that offers made-to-order entrees and graband-go snacks. Specialty coffees and outdoor seating adds to the dining experience. Other notable features of the hospital include sophisticated medical imaging technology, a pharmacy where medications and gift items can be purchased, and a chapel for all who enter the space. In 2017, construction work will be complete on the campus’ second medical office building, which will connect to Centegra HospitalHuntley. The building will be home to many medical providers, including doctors’ offices and an outpatient dialysis clinic. The Centegra Immediate Care Center, located in the original medical office building, will remain open, as well. By building a hospital on an already wellknown health campus, Centegra is fulfilling its promise to provide community members with the services they need right in their backyards. HEALTH & WELLNESS
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CENTEGRA HOSPITAL-HUNTLEY OPENS AUGUST 9
The vision is now a realilty.
Centegra Hospital–Huntley is part of a complete health and wellness campus built with your future in mind. It’s where a Family Birth Center delivers new beginnings. Where a state-of-the-art Hip & Knee Replacement Center puts lives back in motion. And when every second counts, it’s an Emergency Department that gives you access to advanced cardiac expertise right here in Huntley. Our vision isn’t just about what happens inside our walls. It’s about how we can change your life beyond them.
LEARN MORE AT CENTEGRA.ORG/huntley
©2016 Centegra Health System CHS30045
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Artist SHOWCASE
KELSEY ADAMS MCHENRY PHOTOGRAPH “LONDON EYE”
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London Eye, a giant Ferris Wheel on the South hat Kelsey Adams loves most about Bank of the River Thames in London. Adams a photograph is its ability to leave a lasting impression on those who see it. captured the image in late March as the sun was “From capturing a beautiful sunset to shooting a setting. family expecting their new child, these moments are what inspire me to create an image that can stay with you for a lifetime,” says Adams, who has a degree in digital photography from the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg. “Day by day, people, places and things are constantly changing. I feel photography is a way to preserve and share these moments that we have enjoyed.” This cityscape of London provides viewers with a different vantage point of the iconic Big Ben tower. The photograph was taken from the
“What I love about this shot is that not only do you get to see a different view of London and some of its major landmarks, you also get to see a little bit of the Ferris wheel's structure in front of the cabin,” says Adams. “I was in awe at how vivid the colors of the beautiful city were, although it was a typical gloomy, dark day.” Adams has been a digital photographer for seven years, and her work has been accepted and displayed in numerous contests and exhibitions. She won the cover image for the McHenry Town Planner Calendar for two consecutive years; and
has been volunteering as a photographer for the Family Health Partnership Clinic for six years and the LAM foundation for three years. When she’s not capturing life with her camera, she loves to restore old windows, frames and household items, which she uses to display her photographs when exhibiting at local arts and craft fairs. The artist says she looks forward to continuing her life as a photographer and capturing life's every moment. To view more of Adams’ work, visit www. kadamsfoto.com.
To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”
AUGUST 2016 MIDWEST MOZART FESTIVAL
through Sunday, Aug. 7 WHERE: McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road | Woodstock
121 Van Buren St. | Woodstock
CALENDAR
MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3,
The McHenry County Fair will feature a 4-H, livestock and non-livestock shows; business and food vendors; a carnival; and live music and entertainment, such as a beauty pageant, concerts, motocross racing, lip sync battles, a talent show and demolition derby. For more information or a schedule of events, visit www. mchenrycountyfair.com.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQS
WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House
In its 30th year, The Midwest Mozart Festival concert series will feature two shows in Woodstock. Many of the musicians in this orchestra have played together for a long time. Tickets start at $43. For tickets or more information, visit www.midwestmozart.org.
GET LIT(ERARY)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 WHERE: Le Petit Marche
INTERNATIONAL GEOCACHING DAY PICNIC SOCIAL
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 WHERE: Pleasant Valley
Conservation Area, Shelter 2 13315 Pleasant Valley Road | Woodstock The McHenry County Conservation District will host an International Geocaching Day event. Attendees should bring a picnic lunch. There are grills on site or bring your own. This is an official geocaching.com event. For more information, visit www.mccdistrict.org.
TRINITY OKTOBERFEST 2016
WHEN: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27; GET LIT(erary) is a monthly reading series based and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Aug. 6, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. around selected themed classic and contemporary WHERE: Trinity Lutheran Church WHERE: Petersen Park literary works. Each month a group of readers 11008 N. Church St. | Huntley 4311 Lakewood Road | McHenry are chosen from a pool of Williams Street McHenry Rotary will host a three-day Blues Repertory actors and supporters to read work by The Trinity Lutheran Church will host Oktoberfest Festival at McHenry's Petersen Park located on distinguished authors. Past authors have included 2016, which will feature food, live music, scenic McCullom Lake. The festival will feature Orson Wells, Oscar Wilde, Djuna Barnes, Philip K. Oktoberfest beers, kids activities and a craft show. an array of barbecue fare from well-known Dick, Rudyard Kipling and more. Admission is free. Admission is free. Proceeds will benefit the TLC restaurants, roasted corn on the cob and desserts Food and beverages are available for purchase. For Preschool and Trinity Lutheran Church Building Expansion Fund. The event is free. For more and a bevy of brews. more information, visit rauecenter.org. information, visit www.trinityhuntley.org.
19 N. Williams St. | Crystal Lake
WHEN: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; 4 to 11 p.m.
SUMMER STOMP 2016
WHEN: noon to midnight Friday, Aug. 5;
and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 WHERE: McHenry Extreme Sports and Events Park 1911 W. Fernview Lane | Holiday Hills
‘MUSIC, MOOD, & MELODIES’ WITH KIM RICHEY WHEN: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
401 Country Club Road | Crystal Lake
Two-time Grammy-nominated Kim Richey is a storyteller. Tender, poetic and aching with life’s Mackey’s Hideout in McHenry and Midwestival truths, Richey’s songs will transport you to Production will present the 2016 Summer Stomp. another world, where words paint pictures. Bring The two-day summer festival will feature live a blanket, chairs, beverages and have a picnic. music on two stages, camping, craft beer, art and Tickets cost $10. For tickets or more information, more. This is an all ages event. Tickets cost $45 visit www.lakesideartspark.org. and kids ages 12 and younger will be admitted free FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER: of charge.
ST. PAUL’S-A-PALOOZA AND PIG ROAST
WHEN: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 WHERE: St. Paul's United Church of Christ
485 Woodstock St. | Crystal Lake The fourth annual fundraiser will benefit the Pioneer Center, Home of the Sparrow, Crystal Lake Food Pantry and Salvation Army. Hosted by the church Men's Christian Fellowship Group, the event will feature music by five area bands, a classic car show, bounce house, face painting, carnival games and a pig roast. Pig roast tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Free admission for all other events. For more information, visit www.stpaulsucccl.org.
‘PINN-OAK RIDGE FARM LAMB’
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 WHERE: Loyola University
Retreat and Ecology Campus 2710 S. Country Club Road | Woodstock Pinn-Oak Ridge Farms, located in Delavan, Wisconsin, will showcase its own locally grown lamb. Each course will include lamb and will be paired with wines from Napa Valley. The evening starts with a wine reception in the LUREC gardens with appetizers before the five-course wine dinner in Searle Hall. The cost is $80 a person and the event is capped at 40. For more information, visit www.luc.edu.
WOODSTOCK JAZZ FESTIVAL
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 WHERE: Shows will take place at Stage Left Café, 125 E. Van Buren St., and the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St. (both in Woodstock)
The ninth annual Woodstock Jazz Festival will feature Typhanie Monique, Potts & Pans Steel Band, Outcast Jazz Band, Petra van Nuis and Andy Brown, the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, and Patty Greer and the Fred Wackenhut Quartet. Tickets cost $20 in advance for premium reserved seating (within first four rows), available through brownpapertickets.com; $10 at the door (first come, first seated). For more information, visit www.jazzonthesquare.com.
BREAKFAST CLUB RIDE
WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 WHERE: The Bike Haven
3318 Pearl St. | McHenry
300 Lake Shore Drive | Crystal Lake
Enjoy a slow-paced (5 to 10 mph), scenic ride the last Sunday of every month. Any paced rider or bicycle is welcome. The ride will go through McHenry County and stop for breakfast midway through the ride. Registration is required. The ODD FELLOWS ROCK THE FOX MUSIC FEST breakfast buffet costs $11 for adults and $8 WHEN: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19; 1 to 11 p.m. for children ages 10 and younger. For more Saturday, Aug. 20; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 information, visit www.thebikehavenmchenry. WHERE: Carpenter Park, located at Maple Avenue com. and Carpenter Blvd. in Carpentersville
Blast On The Beach will feature food vendors; a fun fair and craft fair from 3 to 7 p.m.; a treasure hunt at 4 p.m.; and live music by the band Soda at 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit crystallakeparks.org.
The Odd Fellows will present "Rock the Fox Music Fest," a three-day festival featuring live entertainment, a beer garden, food vendors and carnival. The festival is free to attend. For more information, call 847-791-0939.
BLAST ON THE BEACH
WHEN: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 WHERE: Main Beach
50 | August 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
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