Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Perfect Match White or red wine? Area experts share how to pair with seasonal fare.

Hit Me!

Give these whiskey drinks another shot

page 12

LUnch & Learn

Unique and healthy lunch ideas for kids page 46

A BEAUTIFUL Fox Point in McHenry treats LIFESTYLE seniors as family ... page 36

SEPTEMBER 17â€”20

FREE

CHARM

WITH YOUR $100 PANDORA PURCHASE

104 CASS ST â€˘ WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 815.338.5651â€˘ THOUGHTFULNESSSHOP.COM Like us on Facebook

Â? Â Â?

adno=0321101

adno=0316853

INSIDE FOOD & WINE 8 A PERFECT MATCH — From wine tasting events to classes, local experts explain how to perfectly pair a delicious meal with an equally delectable vintage. 12 HIT ME! — Forget your sangrias, craft beers and other typical summer drinks. This summer was all about the whiskey. 18 IN RESERVE — Wine columnist Laura Ribando helps you leave a lasting impression at your next dinner party with these simple suggestions. 22 PUT A FORK IN IT — Food columnist Dave Faccone can’t take it anymore and finally speaks his mind about cell phones and family dining.

fashion & beauty

24 GEM TALK — Local gemologist Karly Bulinski praises appraisals for your prized jewelry. 26 CUTTING EDGE — When’s the best time to schedule your next hair appointment? How long should you go in between visits? The experts at Pepper Annex share their tips.

HOME & LIFESTYLE 30 READY, SET! — Forget grandma’s stodgy, traditional place settings. Trends today are looser and more fun than ever before! 32 BOOK NOOK — Guest columnist Sandra Manley suggests a couple of great reads for this fall. 36 IT’S A BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE — Fox Point is more than a retirement community in McHenry. It’s a family.

Health & Wellness 40 VITAL SIGNS — Dr. Daniel Strelcheck Jr. explains how chiropractic can help ease hip and joint pain. 42 WHO’S ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS? Turns out, food allergies are actually fairly common. A local dietitian details the differences between an allergy, an intolerance and a sensitivity.

Family In Focus 46 LUNCH & LEARN — Fun, different and healthy lunches to prepare for your kid’s school day. 48 WRITE THIS DOWN — Family columnist Michelle Stien recalls 100 happy days of summer.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

READY, SET! Forget grandma’s stodgy, traditional place settings, trends today are looser and more fun than ever before!

50 SERVICE LEARNING — Colleen Geils of the Alden-Hebron School District PTO and the Hebron Library Board was named a 2015 Woman of Distinction. 51 LIVING TO SERVE — Cary Grove Vice Principal Rebecca Saffert seeks to help students and their parents ... and was named a 2015 Woman of Distinction for it.

Out & About 53 ARRIVE IN STYLE — The new 2016 Chevy Tahoe is so comfortable, you’ll want to do dinner and a movie every night! 57 SOCIAL lIFE — See some highlights from the Gavers Barndance fundraiser in Woodstock as well as the Best Under 40 awards dinner hosted by the Northwest Herald. 58 ARTIST PROFILE — Daniel Joseph Ten Brook of Crystal Lake shares some of his ceramics. 59 CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Northwest website!

adno=0321347

I have mixed feelings about September.

for you in this edition, we do have plenty of locallyavailable plates to tempt your palate!

School has started, so that’s a good thing for the kids to re-introduce structure in their (hence my) lives.

We have local experts who will explain how to perfectly pair wines with various foods, area bartenders weigh in on new whiskey trends, and professionals explain how to make fun (yet healthy) lunches for the kids.

Soccer season also has begun and that’s a mixed bag — good for them, difficult for my husband and myself as working parents to transport them to and from practice at invariably different places.

And just so it’s not ALL food and drink, we’ve got tips on table setting trends, recommendations for great fall reading, and some pictures from this summer’s fun events (Barndance anyone?).

And fall starts ... which means winter isn’t far behind (ugh).

So while we know the cold and snow are on their way, here’s to enjoying this time of year while we have it. Let the soccer games and gumbo eating begin!

I was raised in New York state (born in Texas, though, remember). Upstate New York where it’s mostly fields and very hilly. Fall was something to be celebrated and I remember family car rides on the weekends just to check out the foliage and see the leaves change. The same happens here and it’s beautiful to see. I admit I love fall. Though not so much the cold and wet soccer games. And I love the food that comes with it. At the first hint of cold weather, my husband is always eager to prepare the season’s first gumbo dinner (we met in Louisiana). And though we don’t have any authentic Cajun recipes Featured on the cover is Carnival Pumpkin stuffed with Wild-Caught Grilled Baja Shrimp. Pictured here is Spicy Fried Chicken Breast “Nashville Style” with Wasabi and Cayenne Pepper Batter, Serrano Pepper Tartar Sauce and Vinegar Coleslaw. Both are served at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake.

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com Publisher Kate Weber 815-526-4400 kweber@shawmedia.com

Allison McCaleb Managing Editor / Senior Designer

amccaleb@shawmedia.com 815-526-4485

on the

COVER PERFECT PAIRS How do you make the most of a meal? Order something scrumptious and pair it with the perfect wine! Learn how and where with our story beginning on page 8. The gourds, pumpkins and squashes are from Seventh Heaven Naturals Farm in Mchenry. Mary and Josh St. John are a first-year farming couple who use all-organic seeds. The food is all-natural with no chemicals or spray. Find out what they do at SeventhHeavenNaturals@ gmail.com or give them a call at 815-701-3415.

Editor / Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Coordinator Autumn Siegmeier asiegmeier@shawmedia.com Correspondents Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Michelle Stien, Melissa Riske, Allison Horne, Yvonne Benson, Wendy Foster, Angela Sykora, Sandra Manley (MSW, LSW) Photographers Nancy Merkling, Melissa Emory, Heather Nelson President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

COVER PHOTO BY: Melissa Emory

6 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Heidi Pleune, Peggy Critchﬁeld, Dr. Rivard, Ginger Gebka

AFTER 3 DECADES OF INSUFFICIENT VEINTREATMENT, A FAMILY FINALLY FINDS A SOLUTION FOR THEM ALL AT ILLINOIS VEIN SPECIALISTSTS.

hile there are many risk factors to developing varicose veins, none are more prevalent than your family genetics. As Dr. Rivard states, “the practice of phlebology offers many opportunities to learn more about vein disease. However, if one thing is true vein disease is hereditary and nothing provides a better example than seeing a family like Heidi, Ginger, and Peggy.” Three sisters, who after literally spending decades searching for the right relief for their varicose veins and almost losing hope, eventually found their way to Illinois Vein Specialists. Peggy, Ginger, and Heidi may all look different and have different occupations, but each share a similar story about their varicose veins. As children they remember their mother having varicose veins. During that time the only solution was vein stripping. Each noted that their mother always took good care of her legs, but after her vein surgery she still needed to wear compression stockings to hide her legs even on hot days under her skirts and often suffered from leg pain. Peggy went to different doctors for many years before ﬁnding Dr. Rivard. One doctor was a vascular surgeon who offered vein stripping as a solution, but Peggy was not entirely comfortable with this procedure remembering her mother and the pain and suffering that she went through. To Peggy, vein stripping seemed “too drastic” so she decided to keep looking for a better solution. Fortunately, Peggy was referred to Dr. Rivard and IVS by a friend. She was pleased with Dr. Rivard’s success rates, and decided that if her friend could do it so could she. Peggy scheduled a consultation that day. Ginger, much like Peggy, also noticed that she had varicose veins and sought sclerotherapy injections in her mid 30’s and 40’s, but ﬁnally decided her legs weren’t getting better and put off further treatment. A decade later she was recommended to Dr. Rivard by her sister Peggy. She came all the way from Bartlett, IL to get help. Heidi had noticeable spider veins but did not see any bulging veins like her sisters’. She too had sclerotherapy injections for many years, which did not seem to alleviate the pain,

and eventually decided in 2000 to stop. When she heard that her sisters were getting their legs done again, she trusted their decision and came all the way from Itasca, IL to get the same quality care. VEIN DISEASE IS HEREDITARY.

Heredity is the most common factor for determining varicose veins. The truth is that if one parent has varicose veins there is about a 40% chance that you will too, and if both parents have varicose veins, then you are almost guaranteed to have them. Dr. Rivard advocates, “this is why it is so important to understand that varicose veins are hereditary, not just an elderly disease as many believe. By learning this earlier you can get help without suffering needlessly for decades.” Unfortunately, many misunderstand that varicose veins are something that come with old age, but in actuality if you have the misfortune of getting them from your parents you may start noticing the disease as early as 10-12 years old. In fact, Dr. Rivard has seen patients as young as 17 years old with advanced vein disease. Many people notice their varicose veins later in life, because their veins have deteriorated to the point where they begin to bulge and cause greater pain, discomfort, swelling, and cramping, not to mention the various cosmetic issues. However, by being proactive and treating your veins the right way you can avoid a lifetime of pain and beneﬁt cosmetically as well. Dr. Rivard notes, “the best advice is to be guided by how you feel, the symptoms, not by your age.” TREATING YOUR VARICOSE VEINS THE RIGHT WAY.

In the last decade, technology has made signiﬁcant advancements in vein care. In the past, the only solution was “vein stripping.” However, the success rate for this procedure still remains less than 50%, and often causes more damage to the veins, increasing the recurrence of varicose veins later on. Unlike the treatment options available today, vein stripping is very invasive, painful, and requires lots of down time. Today, treating your varicose veins at IVS using methods like Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), takes less

than an hour, requires no downtime, and is essentially 100% effective with no recurrence. In addition to EVLT, sclerotherapy is another great way to treat your veins, if done correctly. Although veins treated using sclerotherapy disappear, it will not prevent your body from forming new spider veins if you have underlying varicosities. This is why even though all three sisters received cosmetic sclerotherapy for many years it never seemed to work. As Ginger recalls, “it was obvious that [sclerotherapy] was not a permanent solution…and it got to the point where wearing short skirts was just something that I never even considered because of my veins… I would always wear slacks.” Peggy, expressed the same sentiment mentioning that she likes to golf, and the sclerotherapy helped the appearance of her spider veins, but she, “…didn’t want to show [her] ropey legs when golﬁng.” As Dr. Rivard states, “In order to properly treat your varicose veins, you must treat the source of the problem. Frequently, we see patients who have been treated by vein doctors using only cosmetic sclerotherapy, but never address the underlying issues of vein disease. Using sclerotherapy, however, is great after performing EVLT to treat the remaining branch veins.” WHAT LIFE IS LIKE AFTER SEEING DR. RIVARD.

While it has been a few years since their last procedure at IVS, none can forget the significant impact in getting their veins treated correctly by Dr. Rivard. Heidi thinking back said, “I can remember going shopping for a few hours and coming home, and all I could think about were my legs and now I don’t even give my legs a second thought.” Peggy recalled a story of her cooking easter dinner the year prior to treatment, “I just remember standing all day long cooking with tears in my eyes because my legs felt like concrete…I knew what the problem was, and that was the impetus for finding a better solution for my legs… and now…” Heidi laughing, cut in to say, “we went to a wedding last year and [Peggy] danced all night! We all feel great.” Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and has a staff of a dozen—Board Certified physician, medical technicians, RNs, Certified ultrasound specialists and administrative personnel. IVS has successfully treated over 4,000 patients. “One of the things I like best about specializing in vein disease is the opportunity to restore hope and confidence in my patients like Peggy, Heidi, and Ginger; being able to help them is the reason I get up in the morning.” To find out more information on vein disease and 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 online at www. IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com. A Center of Excellence

in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™

adno=0320915

A Perfect Match

By ALLISON HORNE t may not be Napa Valley, but McHenry County still has plenty to offer when it comes to wine. From wine tasting events to classes, local experts have wines from all over the world to share, as well as a slew of tips to share for budding winemakers or simply anyone interested in creating the ultimate meal.

8 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Photos by Melissa Emory

3 (At left) Indiana Duck Breast and Texas Quail, both ranch-raised, roasted with Fresh Raspberry and Port Wine Sauce. 5 (Above) Cheese Plate with Fruit Chutney of Reenders Blueberry Farms, West Olive, Mich.; Montmorency Cherries, Dorr Co., Wis.; and apple from Nichols Farm & Orchard, Marengo. Cheeses are Hook’s Blue Paradise, Wis.; Sweet Grass, Thomasville, Ga.; and Tomme and Vermont Cheddar. All entrees and wines featured are available at 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake.

How to Pair While there are many different ways to pick out specific wines to go with your meal (or vice versa), there are some basic tips for picking duos that complement each other. The most basic advice is that red wine goes with red meat, while white wine goes with white meat like fish and chicken. “If you have a nice, meaty, rich piece of beef, you need something that’s going to stand up to that,” Loyola University director of food operations and executive chef John Schnupp says. “You need to pick a real rich, meaty wine.” Andy Andresky, owner of 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake, breaks down the concept even further.

meal is from. Dawn Gerth, owner of Le Petit Marché in Crystal Lake, adds that Italian foods go great with Italian wine, Spanish foods go well with Spanish food, and so on. Despite the basic red wine-with-red meat rule and white wine-with-white meat rule, that doesn’t always hold true. “The red and white thing doesn’t always have to be a rule,” Gerth says. “The wines that are available now have so much depth.” Gerth notes that full-bodied white wines go great with pork and veal, while a lighter pinot noir can go great with chicken or fish.

Local Wines

Although Illinois is not particularly known for wine, there are plenty of great vineyards “Acid seeks protein, and that’s one reason why you throughout the state that offer Illinois-specific supplement cabernet with meat,” he says. “People varietals. know that ‘cab’ is good with meat because it “They may not be the varieties that people have soften downs the protein and breaks it down.” heard of, but they’re hybrid grapes that can On the opposite end, something lighter, like a handle our winters,” Jeff Pankow, owner of Blue creamy pasta, will go excellently with white wine. Star Vineyard in Hebron, says. “For example, chardonnay grapes can’t handle our winters.” Another way to approach cooking a meal to pair 4 Continued on next page with wine is to focus on the country where the n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

FOOD & WINE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 9

Upcoming Events Pankow has been running his vineyard since 2008, and is currently in the process of opening a storefront location to sell his wine, named Centreville Winery, in Woodstock. At his vineyard, they grow a variety of grapes specifically for the Midwest, which he has been making into wine at an amateur level since 2008. He says that his very own Marquette grapes tend to lend themselves to a dry, red wine that goes well with meat, stew and steak, while La Crescent grapes form a nice, dry, white wine that goes well with cheese and fish. Pankow has a number of other Illinois varietal grapes that he has been experimenting with in anticipation of his brick and mortar winery.

6Grass-Fed Grilled Montana Elk, farm-raised, with a Tamarind and Merlot Wine Reduction.

For those interested in expanding their palates or exploring the different complexities of wine, there are plenty of locations throughout McHenry County that offer wine pairing courses. • Le Petit MarchÉ has wine pairings once a month, which generally feature four to five different courses paired with wines that are handpicked by Gerth and her wine reps. The next wine pairing event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, and more details regarding the dinner can be found on Le Petit Marche’s Facebook page or website. The quaint bakery also offers a wine club, which offers a once-a-month wine and cheese tasting, a loaf of bread made inhouse, and a surprise gift. • 1776 Restaurant also offers a wine pairing menu, but on a weekly basis. Every Wednesday and Thursday evening, the restaurant offers an eight-course tapas menu paired with wines for $45. “Food segues very well into wine, and it augments and complements a passion by two entirely different people — wine and cooks,” Andresky says. • JOHN Schnupp offers several wine pairing classes at Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock that are available to the public. “I always say it’s a hands-on class,” Schnupp says. “Meaning hands on your fork, knife, spoon and wine glass. There will also be a test — a taste test.” The class is a five-course menu paired with wines, which starts after a wine reception. Each class varies, but Schnupp tries to incorporate the school’s garden into every meal. He also chooses which wines to pair with the meals. “Basically I’ll taste a wine and form tasting notes off of that,” Schnupp says. “If the wine has a citrus, grassy, tobacco or leather taste, I’ll incorporate those assets into the menu.” Although there are some basic wine tips for pairing, Schnupp has some great advice for all wine lovers: “If you like it, and you like to drink it, you don’t have to be a sommelier to figure out what goes with it,” Schnupp says. “Drink it.”

10 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FOOD & WINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Hot Deals

Limited Time Offer!

On All General Electric Appliances!

Extra Bonus! Qualiﬁed Buyers Will Receive

12 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCING!

• Free Local Delivery • Free Standard Installation*n* • Free Removal of Old

*see store for details

424 W. Terra Cotta Ave (Rte. 176 & Oak St.) • Crystal Lake • 815-459-4380 • www.gulgren.com

adno=0316800

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 11

Forget your sangrias, craft beers and other typical summer drinks. This summer was all about the

whiskey.

3 Nikoâ€™s Red Mill Tavern in Woodstock carries a variety of whiskeys to satisfy any tastes. Photos by Nancy Merkling 12 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FOOD & WINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

‘Hit Me’ By ALLISON HORNE

lthough it’s not necessarily the first liquor that comes to mind when thinking about refreshing summer drinks, whiskey’s popularity is on the rise, and these revitalizing summer drinks are justifying its existence.

BENTON STREET TAP Dan Speicher has been bartending for about six years at Benton Street Tap, which isn’t far from his hometown of Crystal Lake. One of Speicher’s regular visitors is David Cunningham, owner of the local Wondertucky Distillery. “He’s always whipping up bizarre drinks,” Cunningham says about Speicher. “I usually like to drink my stuff straight, but Benton Street does a nice Wondertucky Old Fashioned over there.” Speicher has taken a fancy to the local distillery, and has started to use Wondertucky in many of his whiskey cocktails. One cocktail Speicher has been serving this summer combines one shot of Wondertucky whiskey, lemonade, two cherries and a splash of grenadine. “It’s summer so I’m really trying to push lemonade and cherry flavors, which generally catches people off guard,” Speicher says. “It really just adds a southern, mason jar kind of feel to it.” He’s also been whipping up Whiskey Sours but has been integrating Wondertucky as well. His Whiskey Sour includes a shot of Wondertucky, some sour mix, grenadine, and two cherries.

“You’re really just supposed to sip whiskey in a rocks glass and enjoy the flavors.” For anyone just wanting to throw back some whiskey in a shot form this summer, Speicher recommends Bird Dog Blackberry in those situations.

CORKSCREW POINTE William Conway has only been bartending at Corkscrew Pointe in McHenry for about two years, but his whiskey game is on point. He’s been concocting some sweet summer cocktails that put a new twist on whiskey flavors. “A lot of whiskey drinkers like it untouched, but for introducing whiskey to people, a lot of them want something sweet, nice and more suitable to their taste palate,” Conway says. For this, Conway serves up a sour cherry Old Fashioned, which consists of muddled cherries and oranges, a splash of sour mix, and Phillips Union Cherry Whiskey. Another great summer drink is the Crown Berry Apple, which combines a 1.5-2 ounce pour of Crown Royal apple with a half ounce of cranberry garnished with an apple. “I really like the Crown Berry,” Conway says. “There are not a lot of additives and it’s a lot more refreshing and enjoying.” For your typical mason jar summer cocktail, Conway recommends a Jack Tennessee Honey Tea. It’s made in a regular mixer glass, with one ounce of Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey, half an ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, half an ounce of Triple Sec, and three ounces of iced tea garnished with either a lime or a lemon. If you don’t think whiskey is your forte, don’t give up on it just yet.

For whiskey drinkers that are a little more adventurous, Speicher recommends just “Whiskey is not for everyone,” Speicher says. drinking Tullamore Dew on the rocks or neat. “It’s like when you first start drinking beer, “Some people who say they really like whiskey it’s the worst ever. After a couple of years of don’t really like it the real way,” Speicher says. developing a taste for it, it is really good.”

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 13

Fall

is the perfect time for planting and saving BIG! Cooler weather and moist soil offers ideal conditions for planting strong and healthy shrubs.

Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center offers a full selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals with fall interest.

Trust the experts at Whispering Hills.Our friendly and knowledgable team members are always available to answer your questions and help spark your gardening imagination. Stop in today to ďŹ nd everything you need to complete your fall planting projects

www.whisperinghillsnursery.com Open 7 days a week. Visit website for store hours! (847) 658-5610 â€˘ 8401 IL Route 31, Crystal Lake mile 14 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY1/4 MAGAZINE

South of Rakow Rd.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 15

We go the extra mile for you. See for yourself.

Our new website is here! Itâ€™s more informative and easier to use than ever before. Checkout our â€œFeels Like Homeâ€? section. Click to learn how we go the extra mile for residents, for families, for children. News about our facilities, events, early learning center programs and stories is only a â€œClickâ€? away.

Visit us at hearthstonewoodstock.org For more information, call or visit us online.

815-338-2110

Sunday, September 27 ďż˝ 11am to 3pm Event Admission

Â Â? Â?Â? Â? Â Â? Â Â? Â Â Â€ Â‚

Â€ Â Âƒ Â„ Â… Â? Â„ Â„ Â€ Â† â€˘ Â‡ Â„ Âˆ Â‰ ÂŠ Â‹ ÂŠ

â€˘ ÂŒ Â€ ÂˆÂ? ÂŽ Â â€˘ ÂŽÂ? ÂŽ Â â€˘ Â? Âˆ Â‘ Â‹ Â’ Â? Â“ Â â€˘ Â’ Â? Â‡ Â‡

â€˘ Â‡ ÂŽ Â Â” Â Â‹

Â•Â?Â? Â’ Â

16 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 17

Fret-Free

Wine Pairing

et’s face it, many of us fret over which wine we should pair with our meal. Maybe, you’ve never put much thought into it until you plan a dinner party and one of your invited guests requests to bring a friend who happens to be wine savvy. All of a sudden, the pressure is on! Leaving a lasting impression by following a few simple suggestions will guide you through your dinner party with finesse. Planning your menu and wine choice in advance is key. First, start with an Apéritif. This is the “welcome to my home” beverage when your guests arrive. Before the appetizers, welcome each guest with a flute of bubbly. This will make guests feel welcome and at ease. Consider spritzing it up with a little fruit for a festive flair. And, for really special occasions, Champagne is always an elegant crowd pleaser. Now, let’s move on to the appetizer portion of the meal. Since there will be a variety of flavors, keeping some sparkling wine in reserve is always a good idea to start. Especially if you are serving shellfish or soft cheeses. A dry rosé is also a good choice to pair with your dips and appetizers. Finally, the focus of your evening — the main course. This is where you want to be sure that your food and wine complement one another. Be certain that neither food nor wine overpowers the other, but rather, enhances each other’s flavors. It is well worth the effort to put a little extra thought into the wine that complements your meal. Some say white meats and white sauces pair well with white wine while red meats and red sauces pair well with red wine. While this is somewhat true, take note of the huge gray area in between. There are many other variables that come into play when pairing wine with food: grilling, smoking and brining are some flavor factors, but let’s not forget our taste factors — sweet, salty, sour, savory and bitterness. Does all of this matter? The short answer is “yes” but the key here is keeping it simple. Also, the type of red and white wine matter as well. For instance, is it sweet or dry? Bold or soft? Tannic or acidic?

18 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FOOD & WINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

WINE 101 SIMPLIFIED If you live in the NW Suburbs of Chicago and would like to try something new, try a Wine 101 gathering. Let learning be fun! We’ll spend our time discussing basic wine techniques. Seeing, snifﬁng and tasting wine will be the key to unlocking the nuances and complexity hidden within your glass. Book an event today!

Take a moment to think of your tongue as a little scale. Determining weight of the wine is like comparing skim milk, whole milk, and heavy cream on the palette. The mouthfeel is either light, medium, or heavy. Food is the same. A light goat cheese salad, a medium roasted chicken, and a heavy filet or lamb chop gives you an idea of the food scale. You want to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food you are serving. The same goes for sauces. Sauces play a major role in the pairing process. Wine varieties higher in alcohol content such as a Cabernet Sauvignon do not pair well with spicy food. Alcohol can sometimes have a “hot” effect on the palate if the wine is not fully balanced. Therefore, a wine with a slightly lower alcohol content that contains a little added sweetness would pair well with spicy foods. A nice Riesling for example would be a good match. A heavy Cabernet Sauvignon full of ripe tannins would hold up nicely to a hearty serving of prime rib because the weight of the flavors match one another. Also, red meat tends to hold up well to the intensity of the tannins contained in red wine.

• Holiday Ofﬁce Parties • Girls Night Out • Couples Gatherings • Bachelorette/Engagement Parties • Store Brand Marketing • Distributor Tasting Assistance • Basic Wine 101 Restaurant Staff Training • Art Galleries or Paint & Sip Event This is a unique opportunity to learn about wine and host a fun event for your guests. No sales involved. Must be 21 years of age. Places of business must hold a state liquor license or temporary event license.

Licensed Tasting Representative • WSET Certiﬁed

224-357-0994 • wine101.biz

Summer vegetables or foods that contain citrus, such as chicken with a lemon sauce or a mandarin orange salad, pair beautifully with crisp and dry white wines. Sauvignon blanc comes to mind. In some cases, pairing like flavor attributes of wine with like flavors of your meal holds true. Take Pinot noir for instance. While it contains a notable element of red fruit, there is also an earthy component that makes Pinot noir a great match for dishes containing mushrooms. Pinot noir’s tannins tend to be softer than most red wines, therefore, salmon, duck, or even certain pork dishes pair nicely with this wine.

In Reserve

with Laura Ribando

• Laura Ribando is the owner of Wine 101 Simplified. She is a state-licensed, independent wine consultant and is WSET Certified. Contact her at 224357-0994 or LauraLovesWine@ gmail.com. Wine101.biz.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

adno=0321340

FOOD & WINE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 19

A New Boutique & Art Gallery in Downtown Algonquin Our artwork is all original and one of a kind. In addition to paintings, Savour is home to many other artistic trades such as, lava fused glass with precious metal inlays, handmade Zulu wire baskets from Africa and hand turned wood bowls made from woods indigenous to Hawaii to name a few. Savour also offers wines and artisan spirits from small batch vineyards and distilleries, locally made chocolates, teas, candles and cigars.

Partners with:

302 S Main St., Algonquin, Illinois 847.363.2424 847 363 2424 â€˘ www www.SavourGallery.com S avourGall lery com

McHenry County Magazine

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

Kitchen Design

NORTHWESTERN SUNROOMS

KITCHENS BY JULIE, INC., 27-A Janus Rd., Cary, 847-516-2226, www.kitchensbyjulie.com

Sunrooms, Porch Conversions, Gazebos, Awnings, Vinyl Glazing Repair, Blinds, Shades, Draperies. Please call for an appointment.

Located in Downtown Cary, Kitchens by Julie is a family owned and operated organization that has extensive experience in all aspects of remodeling and construction. “Every successful project is a unique reﬂection of personal tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager, Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience designing and building your dream from conception to completion.

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

Additions SURAN BUILT, INC. 30 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 815-444-1293, www.suranbuilt.com Does your kitchen or bathroom need to be updated? Does your basement need to be turned into a great family living space? If so, then stop at our beautiful showroom in downtown Crystal Lake and see how we can make your house the home of your dream

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

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

Exceptional senior living that is

priceless

and never

As the most affordable senior living in Northern Illinois, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of services and amenities included in your rent— delicious meals, housekeeping, wellness services, 24-hour staff, plus a full calendar of social events for fun with friends. 3516 West Waukegan Road Peace of mind is priceless—personal and health care are right here should you McHenry, IL 60050 need them. Our beautifully remodeled building is in the location you’ll love, (815) 344-0246 in the heart of uptown McHenry right on the waterfront of the Fox River. www.McHenryVilla.com We look forward to meeting you! Call us today for Senior Living · Personal & Health Care your personal tour, and stay for lunch! n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

adno=0311397

affordable

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 21

I don’t know. maybe I’m getting old or I just don’t get it, but for the first time I feel it’s nessassary to use this column as editorial space rather than my normal, captivating, cutting-edge, unbelievably interesting thoughts and news about the hospitality industry.

am of the belief that when you dine out it is completely up to the guest how they spend their time at the table. If I didn’t believe this, I wouldn’t be in business for as long as I have — next year will be 35 years. For families dining out (at least for me) it is a time for discussion, interaction and catching up. Free from the distractions of home that normally break up a family dinner like dropping kids off at practice or lessons, the phone ringing with a very important message from a sales rep about cleaning my gutters or the myriad of other possible distractions. So it breaks my heart when I see families out for dinner and they are all completely consumed by their cell phones. Recently I had a family of six in for dinner and every single member was on their phone. I think some of the kids were texting each other! They were locked in with heads down and not a word spoken amongst them. I even see family members walking to the table holding the phone up in their face because they don’t want to miss a second of what must be extremely important issues going on. Like their friend has a hang nail, or Kim Kardashian burped ... yuck, what nonsense.

22 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Put The Device Down! Is that what we have been reduced to? Are we just drones that are fixed to our phones? I don’t believe so. I believe there is nothing better than seeing a family laughing, discussing and having fun over a restaurant dinner table. It makes me happy when my guests are passing plates between them, joking and laughing, realizing that this is the pinnacle of their day. It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting when you see a family enjoying themselves. This is an art that is too often forgotten as every

FOOD & WINE

family member is zoned out of reality and consumed by the world that exists between them and their phone. Last Sunday I took my extended family to Da Baffone for my wife’s birthday. You have heard me before talk about how great this place is. They have a family dinner special, only available on Sunday, that includes everything from soup to nuts for a fixed price. We all had it and it was fabulous. No cell phones out at this table. When I asked Camille (the owner) about her Sunday dinner special at an earlier visit, she said she wanted to bring back the tradition of Sunday family dinners, where families interacted and built tradition. I host a Sunday brunch every week from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I call it my Faith & Family Sunday Brunch. Take the family to church and then come in for a great family gathering. I know there are a million reasons people dine out, and on other occasions cell phone use may be more acceptable, but when dining out with the family ... please, save the family ... put the cell phones away.

Put A Fork In It

with David Faccone David Faccone is the owner/ chef of Crystal Lake Rib House, Certified Kansas City BBQ Society Judge and Table Captain, and brings 30 years of experience in the restaurant business to McHenry County.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 23

magine you are out boating on the Chain O’Lakes on a beautiful sunny 85-degree day with a group of your closest friends.

You decide to drop anchor at Pistakee Lake for a much-needed dip to cool off. As you’re floating on your noodle, you notice your heirloom engagement ring that is now just a shell of its former self ... your beloved and cherished center stone is now at the bottom of the Fox River! It’s every jewelry owner’s worst nightmare come true. Did you know that $1.5 billion of jewelry is lost or stolen each year in North America? Tragically, most of that jewelry is not appraised and insured or is underinsured, leaving the owner with little to no options for replacement. Some people teeter on the fence about whether or not they should have their jewelry appraised and insured. Many people think that a homeowner’s policy fully protects them from theft, damage, or

24 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Praise For Appraisals disappearance of jewelry. But the typical coverage for jewelry is usually between $1,000 and $5,000 plus a deductable, which is barely enough to cover the average engagement ring. In addition to the appraisal providing a replacement value, it provides valuable information about the piece of jewelry such as: the type of metal used, the type and amount of gemstones along with authentication of said stones, description of the design, manufacturer, origin or designer (when applicable) and a photograph. This detailed description will insure that if, for some unfortunate reason, you have to make a claim, your replacement piece will look almost identical to the piece that was lost. Here are a few appraisal guidelines to follow when determining when and what to appraise: • Costume jewelry or anything that would cost under $1,000 to replace does not need an appraisal. Fashion & beauty

• Appraise your jewelry collection every three to five years to keep the prices accurate and coverage complete. • Items valued at $100,000 or more or pieces containing diamonds of 3 carats or more should be updated every one to two years. • Be sure your appraiser has a certificate in gemology from a reputable laboratory such as the GIA or AGS. Don’t let the above scenario happen to you! Be sure to make your appraisal appointment right away to guarantee that your precious jewels are covered.

Gem Talk

with Karly Bulinski • Karly Bulinski is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and part of the fourth generation to work at Steffan’s Jewelers, a fine jewelry store that has been family-owned and operated in McHenry since 1946. Visit them for all your jewelry needs at 325 N. Front St. in McHenry.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Have you experienced Pepper Annex yet?

Proud sponsor of The Downtown Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market Saturdays June 6th - Oct. 7th

We can help you achieve spectacular, earth-friendly hair! “We carry a full line of environmentally responsible products!” cts!”

ini a Rd tt R d

Tues 12:00 pm - 8:00pm • Wed &Thurs 9:00am - 8:00pm

n w h e rFri a l d 9:00am . c o m /m a-g 6:00pm azine • Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm • Sun & Mon closed

Pepper Annex CVS Pyo

pepperannex.com

rg Vi

(815) 893-0849

N Randall Rd

1295 Randall Rd #111 • Crystal Lake

S Main St

McHenry Ave

Ackman Rd

James R Rakow Rd

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 25

Maintain Your Mane How long should you wait between haircut appointments?

tepping into the salon or barber shop can give a fresh feeling of energy and anticipation. Crisp haircuts, swingy long locks, sharp scissors and the buzz of the razor result in an enhanced appearance and new confidence.

velvety turban towels. After snipping, scissoring, buzzing and razoring, your hair has been revitalized. Then, with quality products and styling equipment, the transformation continues.

Begin by floating heavenward with the relaxing experience of having your hair washed by an expert with fragrant shampoos, conditioners and little extras like a massage. Salons often feature luxuries such as massaging shampoo chairs and

According to Marie Hatfield-Logan and Shalyn Hall, co-owners of Pepper Annex Hair Salon & Dry Bar in Crystal Lake, it is good to discuss the best date for the next haircut before you walk out the door. “Every haircut is different,” says Marie

26 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

The final look has you feeling smart, sassy, savvy and ready to take on the world. How often should you plan to renew the hair cutting experience to look your best?

Fashion & beauty

Hatfield-Logan. “Using a six to eight week time-frame for the next appointment may leave some folks looking shaggy and others not yet ready.” “Different styles require different maintenance schedules,” explains Shalyn Hall. “Everyone is so busy, it is most convenient to book your next visit while you are still in the salon.” Here are their recommended guidelines. Remember, everyone is unique and should plan for their hair type:

Short cropped hair Super-short (pixie) hair may need some love and attention within three weeks. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Really short hair can be low maintenance in the morning but higher maintenance as far as the cut goes. Plan on three to five weeks between visits.

Short or long bob Do you like to keep your hair between your chin and your shoulders? If so, know that when it hits your collar bone it will start to flip outward. If your neck is long, you may wait a little longer. Book your next trip within four to six weeks.

Layers Lots of clients want layers to remove the “triangle” that shows up when the haircut grows out. Once the layers grow an inch or two from where they started, they don’t move the same. Freshly cut, the triangle/bell shape returns. Time the next cut in six to eight weeks.

Textured shaggy layers or razor cuts Curly/wavy hair typically gets longer slower, so you can lean closer to the six or eight week mark if the ends aren’t too split. For straighter hair, you’ll need to clean up a

Curly/wavy hair typically gets longer slower ... shaggy or razored haircut every four to six weeks. If you like shaggy or rough texture, proper maintenance is key, otherwise it can get quite messy looking. Depending upon texture, schedule every four to eight weeks.

Medium to long hair This is the most flexible hair length as far as cut maintenance. You can go in when it feels too heavy or when you notice a lot of split ends. Clients who have medium to long hair usually come in every eight weeks because most of them are growing their hair out. In between cuts, consider an appointment for a gloss or deep-treatment to seal the ends down temporarily. This length is such low maintenance, it can benefit from lots of love at home, especially conditioning treatments! Visit in eight week intervals.

Long hair Keep your hair in check. Excessively long hair can appear dry, brittle, unhealthy and shapeless. Hair grows 1/2 an inch per month on average. Cutting a full inch off every month and a half will still leave your hair super long, but not too long. Please remember that really long hair needs extra love and attention on the ends as well. For a natural thermal protector, try applying Argan Oil to your hair. Pepper Annex recommends using U Argan Oil by Unite for lasting moisture and instant shine. Think of your hair care appointments as a pampering and revitalizing escape that will refresh you from head to toe!

Cutting Edge

with Pepper Annex • Cutting Edge hair cuts, hair care and hair color at Pepper Annex Hair Salon & Dry Bar, 1295 Randall Road Suite 111, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014. PepperAnnex.com 815-893-0849

www.edwardjones.com

Add an Important Item to Your Back-to-school List. For parents, back-to-school season means it’s time to stock up on school supplies. But it can also be a good time to think about how to save for your child’s future education. Developing a strategy for achieving your education savings goal – or other savings goals – can help you stay on track.

To learn more about your education savings options, call or visit today.

Steve Middaugh Financial Advisor

8505 Redtail Drive, Suite K Lakewood, IL 60014 815-356-5401 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Fashion & beauty

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 27

Apartment Style Living

We specialize in serving seniors 65 years and older of all income levels! Heritage Woods of McHenry, your affordable assisted living community in McHenry Features: Services:

Common Areas:

Helpful services arranged to make your days fulﬁlled and comfortable • On-going health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance

• Three restaurant style meals daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs & events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour stafﬁng by Certiﬁed Nursing Assistants • Dakim Brain Fitness Center

Places to go, things to do, all with convenience in mind • Lounge Area

• Beauty/Barber salon

• Spacious Dining Room

• Exercise Room

• Private Dining Area

• Outdoor Patio

• Library & TV Lounge

• Resident Laundry

• Activity Room

To Learn More & Schedule a Visit,

4609 W. Crystal Lake Rd. Call Jenneen 815-344-2690 McHenry, IL 60050 www.hw-mchenry-slf.com Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

www.bma-mgmt.com

28 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

adno=0311663

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

31st Annual Saturday, October 10

9am - 5pm

Sunday, October 11

9am - 4pm

Ove

300ters f

Cra

FOOD F

Pa REE rki ng

BOONE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Fairgrounds are located on Illinois Route 76, just North of Business Eoute 20 in Belvidere.

Over 300 Exhibitors! Quality Handcrafted Work!

Tickets are available in advance for groups of 25 or more for $5 each. Contact MHRL for more information. on $6 r i s s i m Ad 12 & olde Sponsored by Adults Volunteers of The Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County

www.falldiddley.com

Custom Drinkware for your wine event Indoor (glass) and Outdoor (rigid plastic)

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

adno=0325193

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 29

Ready, Set! Forget grandma’s stodgy, traditional place settings ... trends today are looser and more fun than ever before!

By WENDY FOSTER n empty tabletop for a hostess is much like a blank canvas for an artist. It provides the perfect opportunity for the hostess

30 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

to reflect her personality, while setting the tone and character for a dinner party through the tablescape she creates. Tammy Olsen, owner of Marengo-based Fern and Hearth Gift Boutique, says the shop she launched two years ago offers an “eclectic variety of different things” including home décor, jewelry and gifts, as well as items that are being repurposed on home & lifestyle

consignment. People frequently visit Fern and Hearth looking for home accessories, and Olsen will also visit peoples’ homes to share ideas on decorating. Olsen says it seems that people are spending more time in their homes, and subsequently, entertaining guests more frequently. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

She believes there are components of the basic table setting etiquette from generations past that remain constant still today. For instance, plates, glassware and flatware take up the same positions as they always have. Although it might seem confusing, in truth it’s very logical. The plate goes in the center of the place setting, with glasses to the upper right corner. Forks are on the left of the plate and knives and spoons on the right. The rule of thumb is to begin dining with the outside utensil and work your way in. Olsen says that other components of table setting have changed. In our mothers’ and grandmothers’ eras of entertainment, she says, they would pull out their sterling silver flatware. “I don’t think people do that as often anymore,” she says. “Now, a lot of people will use their everyday flatware when entertaining. The same is often true for glassware, although sometimes the hostess likes the sparkle of crystal.”

be in style, with people favoring crocheted or embroidered table linens.

People used to have everything of the same color and patterns, but that’s gone by the wayside. There’s much more versatility now.

Matchy-matchy china is a thing of the stodgy old past. “People are using more color and more of a variety of patterns,” Olsen says. “There’s a lot of mixing and matching. People used to have everything of the same color and patterns but that’s gone by the wayside. There’s much more versatility now.” Centerpieces should never be of a height that blocks guests’ views of each other. Olsen advises to have fun and be creative with centerpieces. “Use things that you already have. Bring in things from the outdoors. Use acorns or flowers, or pine cones; any number of things to give the table character and color,” she says.

— Tammy Olsen, owner of Fern and Hearth Gift Boutique

Table linens such as tablecloths, runners, place mats and napkins come in a myriad of different shapes, textures and colors. Linens can be layered and placed symmetrically or asymmetrically. Many hostesses will substitute non-traditional items for table covers including quilts, pieces of fabric and more. Olsen says that vintage items seem to

“Many things are more flexible now and decorating for a dinner party is way more open than in the past. Things don’t have to be symmetrical or perfect. Our lifestyles are so chaotic so that alone, requires us to be more flexible in our entertaining,” Olsen says.

SAVE

100

12600 S. H Hamlin li Ct Ct.• Alsip Alsip, IL • (708) 388-0045 1050 Corporate Grove Drive • Buffalo Grove, IL • (847) 353-7700 939 S. Rte 83 • Grayslake, IL • (847) 231-1500 14N915 US Highway 20 • Hampshire, IL • (847) 683-3993 2175 Aucutt Rd. • Montgomery, IL • (630) 801-9377 29-W-002 Main St. • Warrenville • (630) 393-9811 703 W. Wesley • Wheaton, IL • (630) 668-1400

www.hinessupply.com

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

home & lifestyle

O Your GAF Shingle or Off Hardie H Siding Purchase of $1500 or More! Any combination or GAF rooﬁng or James Hardie siding. Coupon must be received by promo expiration date of 12/31/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer/household/company. $100 maximum discount.

• HUGE IN-STOCK selection of the shingles & siding your customers want most • Full line of accessories IN-STOCK and ready to ship • Rooﬁng & siding specialist on-hand to assist you • Boom truck delivery available MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 31

Fall Into A Book Embrace the season with one of these great reads Nothing beats fall in McHenry County. We have that beautiful combination of forestry, bubbling brooks, with enough pumpkin patches and orchards to satisfy everyone’s seasonal tastes. My favorite place to visit is the Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, not far from where I grew up. I remember hearing the rush of the McHenry Dam as we played in the park as kids, the ground still damp from the morning dew. This was where I first learned the magic of quiet. As an adult, I am even more grateful for these stolen moments, where the world feels clear and a light jacket is all you need. Take a leisurely stroll or bike along the trails with one of these books in tow, and enjoy the bliss of the autumn season.

All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner

Weiner weaves a tale of a suburban 32 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

blogger and mother of one, Allison, who spins out of control with a prescription pain killer addiction. This is the first of Jennifer Weiner’s books I have read, and I can see why she has such a strong following of readers. I’m also a sucker for a great book cover, and I love the imagery of a descending rollercoaster for this story. What sets this book apart is how relatable the main character is. I found myself slipping into her excuses for just “one more pill.” You end up cheerleading her efforts because you’ve started to feel her stress, her guilt, even the drips of sweat as she develops a tolerance to pain pills and feels her first hint of withdrawal. Where I see Allison’s greatest relatability is her desperation toward wanting to make things right. home & lifestyle

Haven’t we all felt that weight at the bottom of our stomachs when we have done someone wrong and wish to seek forgiveness? This is a story that stayed with me long after I finished, the way a good book should.

Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home by Jessica Fechtor

When you study psychology, you become exposed to a fair share of medical memoirs. This book piqued my interest as I realized how unfamiliar I was with brain aneurysms, even though I work in oncology where brain injuries and disorders are not uncommon. I also love reading new recipes, and each chapter in this story includes one as a bonus! Fechtor weaves the story of her life, with the story of her recovery. Well known in the food community for her blog Sweet Amandine, she writes of how cooking and entertaining became tools for rehabilitation. When cooking is such a large part of your life, experiencing a medical trauma like an aneurysm can make recovery even more dismaying. Although encouraged to “take it n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

It’s amazing how sharing a recipe from one family to another can provoke such meaning and reflection. This book is “Julie & Julia” meets “Brain on Fire” and… dare I say it? I ate it all up! You can read her blog at SweetAmandine.com.

Book Nook

with Sandra Manley

slow,” she made a point to push from one recipe to another. The result was getting back to feeling like herself. The stories of how each recipe came into her life were the greatest delights, as it reminded me of my own family’s recipes, and how each one is linked to a unique memory. I especially enjoyed her recipe for tomato soup, which is a dish that has been a comfort for my family for years.

Sandra Manley, LSW, grew up in Island Lake, IL. She is an Oncology Social Worker at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology and Solid Tumors. In her spare time she can be found roasting vegetables in her oven, enjoying a very dark cup of coffee, and of course, reading. You can follow what she is reading on Goodreads: Goodreads.com/SandraReadsMSW.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES...TIMELESS QUALITY... “Fine Cabinetry For Every Room In Your Home”

Call Julie at 847-516-2226 for further information or to schedule an appointment!!

27-A Jandus Road n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

■

Cary, IL 60013

■

847.516.2226

home & lifestyle

■

adno=0311634

Kitchens ■ Baths ■ Basements ■ Laundry Rooms Home Decor ■ Designer Accessories Unique Gifts ■ Custom Furnishings • And Much More!!

www.kitchensbyjulie.com MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 33

Advanced Dialysis Care Ultimate Comfort

Unsurpassed Patient Care is Our Commitment McHenry & Crystal Lakes Dialysis Centers What makes our clinics special? • All schedules available, ﬂexible hours. • In-center and home peritoneal dialysis • • •

Mohammad Zahid MD, FACP, FACN

• •

options to meet all our patients’ needs. DIRECTV, iPads, and wireless internet. Contoured chair with heat and massage. Emergency generator for backup power. Latest Fresenius 2008-K dialysis machines. Conveniently located close to hospital.

34 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Contact us for a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities. McHenry Dialysis Center 4209 W. Shamrock Ln, Unit A McHenry, IL 60050 Tel: (815) 344-8512 Crystal Lake Dialysis Center 6298 Northwest Hwy, Suite 300 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Tel: (815) 477-0825 www.americanrenal.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

UPCOMING EDITIONS: October: Fashion November: Charity December: Holidays For advertising opportunities, please call 815-459-4040.

my Inner

Hero is called

adno=0322465

Innate Intelligence. To learn more about the “big idea”, visit our website.

www.strelcheckchiro.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

815.459.3860 MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 35

It’s A Beautiful Lifestyle At Fox Point

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY screen TV and Native American decor.

s you walk up to the front doors of Fox Point — a Senior Lifestyle community in McHenry — you might notice the colorful potted plants dotting the pathway. Once inside, you might notice the warmth of the great room, most likely being utilized by several residents as they sit and chat comfortably in front of the fireplace. You might even notice the parlor immediately to your left, with the piano, flat

36 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

But if you’re really lucky, you might notice organ music wafting from the library. And if you follow the music, you’ll meet your first Fox Point resident — Herman Wiersum, a former watch maker and self-taught organist who usually plays his 2002 Lowrey organ for several hours each day.

chatting with his colleagues is an easy thing to do. “I want to play for the people because they like it,” he says. “Because I love it. This is my love, second to my wife. First is the Lord.” Judy Nordschow, director of sales and marketing at Fox Point, sees Wiersum’s gift as a greater example of the familial atmosphere felt throughout the entire Fox Point community

“Herman was the first person I met,” says Frances Rovner, a resident of Fox Point since 2014. “He played for me right away. He was “This is their home,” Nordschow says only going to play three songs, but he played simply. for hours because I kept saying, ‘More! That’s why residents personally tend to some More!’” of the potted plants outside; why residents From Wiersum’s perspective, playing for and lend their personal collections — such as the

home & lifestyle

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Native American decor in the parlor — to Fox Point common areas; why Wiersum plays the organ for hours on end. “What I always tell people right off the bat is … I can show you a brochure, I can give you prices … but until you walk in the door and feel the warmth of the community, you won’t understand,” Nordschow says.

A Friendly Family Jackie Kerwin originally came to Fox Point for respite care, but within two weeks, she was moving in her own furniture. “Everyone right away knew my name and made it friendly,” the former Florida resident says. The friendly atmosphere extends beyond the residents and emanates from staff members, too. “Everybody here is fantastic,” says Carole Barrett, a former McHenry resident who says she had to convince her legally blind father, Roger Cook, and her mother that a senior living community was the right choice for them. Though Barrett now lives in Florida, she lived with her parents at Fox Point for seven weeks and saw firsthand the environment they were sharing with other residents.

3 (At left) The living room at Fox Point. 5 (Above) Living, dining and kitchen areas of a typical room. 4 (At right) The bedroom space. Photos by Heather Nelson

“They are absolutely wonderful,” she says of the Fox Point staff. “From the nursing staff to Wendy at the [front] desk, I couldn’t be happier. It’s a pleasant place … . I’m extremely comfortable. I know they’re in very good hands.” Fox Point Executive Director Timothy Braband says he’s grateful to work with such a team.

vibrant and joyful group of residents that are truly a blessing to care for ... . Second, we have an incredible group of dedicated staff that focus on our company’s CHART [Caring, Honesty, Appreciation, Respect and Teamwork] values each and every day they are in our community.”

Living At Fox Point

Besides a warm and welcoming community, Fox Point offers three different living arrangements for seniors 62 and older: “I think the real asset of our community independent living, supportive/assisted is our people, both residents and staff members,” he says. “First, we have a friendly, living and memory care.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

home & lifestyle

What often triggers residents to move to a senior community is their desire for socialization and/or their disinterest in cooking multiple meals a day, Nordschow says. Fox Point is a great option for independent seniors who want the freedom to come and go as they please while still being able to utilize resident amenities, she says. Independents are entitled to two meals a day in the Fox Point dining room; use of common laundry facilities (a washer/

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 37

3 (At left) The outdoor courtyard of the Memory Community at Legacy Court. 6 (Below) One of the gathering areas, featuring a large salt-water fish tank.

dryer in their apartment is available for an additional fee); bi-weekly housekeeping; basic cable; utilities; and all activities offered by the community. Plus, Fox Point offers an in-house salon, attached garages and storage units, free bus services to physician appointments within a 10-mile radius and free bus service to McHenry-area churches on Sundays. “Everything they need is here, but they are independent,” Nordschow says. To add to the “home-like” feel, residents can feel free to entertain their own guests by reserving a private dining room, the parlor or the patio for personal dinners/parties. An added benefit of moving to Fox Point while still independent is that a resident who finds it necessary to ask for more assistance can change to assisted living care without having to switch rooms, Nordschow says.

“A lot of memory care units are just a hallway,” she says. “With a building that has 40 people in it, you can have [residents dealing with] all stages of dementia. A resident has a better chance of fitting in with people [here].

“Brain Health is probably one of the biggest draws we have with attendance in our daily activities,” Cohen says. “We delve into their past, their memories, and ask them about things they haven’t had a chance to think about as of late … maybe raising their “We have people absolutely flourish once they children, buying household items … funny things, meaningful things, like what made get to memory care because they find their you choose a certain religion.” group of people,” she continues. “We call them ‘peacock moments.’ They feel successful. Participants also work on cognitive skills Even though it’s memory care, it’s assisted through number games and decoding riddles. living — we are assisting them, doing what Other daily activities include group exercises, we can so they can be successful.” provided by Genesis Rehab; games hosted in

Living An Active Lifestyle

All residents at Fox Point can participate in as many or as few activities as they choose, and many take advantage of the opportunities offered by Resident Program Director Susan Cohen and her team.

One unique program is Brain Health Assisted living seniors receive three meals a University, an ongoing curriculum that day in the Fox Point dining room; assistance encourages residents to stimulate their brains with showers; “up and about” checks in with different mental exercises. the morning; wellness checks; basic cable; utilities; and weekly housekeeping. 3300 Charles J. Miller Road Fox Point also offers Fox Point McHenry, IL • 815-385-9840 Manor, or Legacy Court, as its www.SeniorLifestyle.com/property/fox-point/#about separate Memory Care community.

Fox Point

Here, residents are able to safely walk around the all-enclosed, 40-apartment community set up in a circular footprint with an outdoor courtyard at its center.

“It’s almost like a senior college dorm,” Nordschow says. “They form their little groups and have [a great time].” Cohen also plans numerous outings for residents, including picnic lunches at Moraine Hills State Park, trips to Medieval Times and meals at local restaurants, in addition to regular stops at nearby shopping centers. Al Gort, formerly of Fox Lake, hardly ever misses a morning workout, and he’s happy with the opportunities available at Fox Point, he says. “They’ve got good people working here, they’ve got good people living here … it’s just a good place to be,” he says.

The size of Fox Point Manor is a benefit to many residents, Nordschow says.

38 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

the activity room; and other entertainment ventures, such as singalongs, bridge games and men’s poker tournaments. Friday afternoon happy hours always are well attended.

home & lifestyle

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMOND’S BRILLIANCE.

H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

325 N. Front St. McHenry, IL 60050 325 N. Front St. McHenry, IL 60050

325 N. Front St. McHenry, IL 60050

M-W & F 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, Sat. 9-3

815-385-6070 | www.steffansjewelers.com

n wM-W h e r a l& d . cFo10-6, m /m aThurs. g a z i n e10-7, Sat. 9-3 815-385-6070 | www.steffansjewelers.com

815-385-6070 | www.steffansjewelers.com

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 39

Hip Help Hip alignment issues are one of the major causes of hip pain. Given the role of the pelvis as a fulcrum in each of the three planes of motion in the body, there are numerous types of hip pain. Here are some examples: Double Trouble: Back and Hip Pain Lower back pain and hip pain are often experienced simultaneously. This is due to the close relationship between muscles and nerves that are common to each of these areas of the body. If a problem develops in the lower back, muscles in the hips often become stressed to compensate for lower back conditions. This can lead to various levels of pain throughout both the back and hips. Nerves extending from the back through the hips also can become injured or pinched resulting in symptoms of hip pain. Hip Flexor Pain The muscles located at the front of the hip are called hip flexors. They allow movement of the knee towards the chest. Running, sprinting, kicking and climbing stairs are typical movements where the hip flexor muscles are utilized. If hip flexor muscles are injured or stressed, it can cause pain in the front part of the hips or in the lower abdomen. Hip flexor pain can make every day functions like walking very uncomfortable. Hip Joint Pain The hip joint is where the round head of the femur bone of the leg meets the socket of the acetabulum bone of the hip. Inflammation within the hip joint due to an injury or an illness can cause pain in the hip joint. In addition,

40 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

health & wellness

the cartilage lining the hip joint which allows for smooth movement of the joint can also become damaged causing pain in the hip joint. Finally, the series of muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves surrounding or traveling through the hip can be the sources of pain. Psoas Muscle Pain The psoas muscles are powerful muscles that control a variety of movements in the spine and hips. They are also a common source of hip pain. Psoas muscles are one of the largest and thickest muscles of the human body and have diverse functions. Psoas muscles are vital to walking, bending, sitting and many other movements relating to the lower back, hips and thighs. The psoas muscles can become injured or stressed from such things as poor posture or prolonged sitting. When the psoas muscles suffer some type of injury or stress, they can cause pain anywhere from the mid-back region down through the hips to the thighs. Prevention Preventing hip alignment issues involves some initiative on behalf of the patient: Regular Chiropractic Check-Ups: Chiropractors help identify and correct hip and spinal misalignments before they become chronic sources of pain and discomfort. Regular massage: Prevent muscular tightness with professional massage to work out tightness and adhesions. Watch your posture: Maintaining good posture is one of the things we can do during our work day (or everyday lives) that helps. Switch up your old habits: If you instinctively carry heavy loads on the same side all the time (purses or other bags), get in the habit of alternating sides. Common Causes Old hip injuries: This seems the most obvious, but the increased force of an impact, such as a “slip and fall,” will transmit all the way up to the hip and cause misalignment. While the initial pain symptoms may subside, the misalignment remains, potentially causing multiple symptoms months or even years later in the form of knee, back, ankle or recurring hip pain.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Poor posture: This is a “low intensity, high frequency” contributor that can build over time. It can happen as we sit cocked slightly to one side, when we tend to lean against a counter or table while standing, and while driving — the very nature of having to use one foot can be a factor in misalignment. Habits: Many of us have a tendency to carry our toddlers, groceries, purses or laptop bags on the same sides, or to use our phones with the same ear (and hold it in place with our shoulders because we are, after all, busy). Diagnosis Hip misalignment can best be diagnosed by a professional, who will typically have you relax while lying down with your knees pulled up then extended fully so he or she can see how your knees are positioned. You may also notice a “tell tale” indication of this issue if you see different wear patterns on the soles of your shoes. Often the shoe with greater heel and toe wear will be the side that is slightly longer, since it may overextend and lead to more heel striking. Once an alignment issue is identified, the goal is to ease the muscle tightness and imbalances that are causing the problem. This is most effectively done through the efforts of a highly skilled chiropractor, massage therapist and possibly, physical therapist. I’m pleased to be able to help my patients with hip/pelvis alignment issues through specialized techniques known as Sacro-Occipital Technique. S.O.T. integrated procedures take into account biomechanics of the spine, pelvis, cranium, organs, extremities, nervous system, brain and muscles. These techniques promote balance, neurological integrity and integrated function of the organ structure and neurological mechanism.

For maps and more details go to

www.autumndrive.net

Therapeutic massage can help loosen up the muscles most often responsible for the misalignment — the hip adductors, iliopsoas and the quadratus lumborum. The collective efforts of your chiropractor and massage therapist can help reposition the hip back into place. A physical therapist can help to address general strength and mobility work focused on the hips can help address muscular imbalances that create hip alignment issues.

Vital Signs with Dr. Daniel Strelcheck Jr. • Dr. Daniel V. Strelcheck Jr. is the chief of staff at Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic in Crystal Lake. Feel Great Again! Go to StrelcheckChiro.com. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

health & wellness

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 41

42 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Who’s Allergic To Peanuts? Well, it would seem, quite a few

By YVONNE BENSON

t seems as if food allergies and sensitivities are popping up everywhere. In fact, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization asserts that nearly two children in every classroom has a food allergy. They cite a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that concluded that “food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.” It’s not clear why there are so many food allergies; however, Dawn M. Herbig, a Registered & Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at the Lake in the Hills offices of Portrait Health Center, provides some helpful insights. Herbig clarifies the differences between an allergy, intolerance and sensitivity by explaining that an allergy is when, “Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated reaction to normally harmless food protein (immune system creates antibodies to fight it) that is usually immediate, and can be mild to severe or life-threatening.” She added that allergies “Affect about 4 to 5 percent of Americans.”

may trigger chronic activation of the immune system causing a less-severe, often delayed negative reaction. “Sensitivity is the least understood and the most difficult to diagnose,” Herbig says. “Symptoms may vary widely and present between a few hours to days after the causative agent is consumed. This makes diagnosis difficult. Some symptoms of chronic activation of the immune system and chronic inflammation are headaches/ migraines, aching joints, arthritis, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, hyperactivity, ADD, asthma and even obesity.”

Most Common Food Allergies Peanuts, tree-nuts, eggs, dairy/milk, soy, wheat, shellfish and fish.

Herbig recommends that “if a person has a known allergy, avoid the allergen. Also seek medical advice and obtain a prescription to carry an emergency shot of epinephrine (epipen) for emergency self-treatment in the event the allergen is accidentally ingested.” For intolerance, Herbig says “enzymes may be available to aid in the digestion of the food item. Commercial products are also available with the food items partially broken down or removed. For example, Lactaid products are real milk that are 100 percent lactose-free.” Sensitivties are more complex. “Regular exposure to foods, chemicals and molds can induce chronic activation of the immune system and cause chronic inflammation where there may be no external symptoms initially,” Herbig says. “Once symptoms are detected, keep a food log to identify possible causes of symptoms. Since the symptoms are usually delayed, the minimum recommendation is to keep the food log for a minimum of three days to one week in order to notice a pattern or identify the potential cause of symptoms.”

After identification, Herbig suggests trying an elimination diet of the It’s a relief to know that most food suspected food items for a minimum Intolerance, Herbig says, is a non-IgE allergies aren’t bizarre. For example, of two weeks and until symptom-free, mediated response caused by an some people are allergic to red meat, and record any notable changes in absence of an enzyme necessary to but it’s pretty rare. Herbig says the fully digest a food. Reactions may be symptoms. If symptoms attenuate, then most common food allergies are those dose-related. involving peanuts, tree-nuts, eggs, dairy/ there is sensitivity to this item; if there is “No obvious reaction to milk included milk, soy, wheat, shellfish and fish. FARE no change, there is no issue or the food was not completely eliminated from in a recipe vs symptoms present says that those specific foods account the diet. Seek the advice of a registered when drinking a glass of milk.” Herbig for 90 percengt of food reactions. dietitian or health care provider prior to adds, “Symptoms are primarily “Your risk of having food allergies is starting an elimination diet. gastrointestinal in nature [with] stomach higher if you have a parent who suffers pain, bloating, cramping, gas, heartburn, Allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities from any type of allergic disease vomiting and diarrhea. Most common are serious considerations. It’s hard to (asthma, eczema, food allergies, or is lactose intolerance (lacking lactase determine if someone is saying that they environmental allergies such as hay enzyme), affecting about 10 percent of need to avoid a certain food because fever),” according to FARE. Additionally, Americans.” it seems a popular stance or because “children with a food allergy are 2 to 4 it’s a true health risk. Err on the side of Sensitivity is even more interesting. times more likely to have other related caution and treat food allergies seriously According to Herbig, it’s a non-IgE conditions such as asthma and other or seek a health professional for further mediated response, regular exposure to allergies, compared with children who common foods, chemicals, and molds advice. do not have food allergies.” n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

health & wellness

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 43

EFFECTIVE EFFECTIVE ON ON ORDERS ORDERS PLACED: PLACED: 7/6/2015 7/6/2015 –– 8/30/2015 8/30/2015

adno=0319191

Sound advice may save you hundreds!

44 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

OFF THE FOLLOWING STYLES: ASBURY, BANBURY, BRANTLEY, DENTON, HUXLEY ASBURY

BANBURY

BRANTLEY

DENTON

HUXLEY

OFF THE FOLLOWING STYLES: AINSLEY, CORTLAND, GALENA, PARKER, SEATON

4001 Country Club Rd. Woodstock, IL

AINSLEY

Promo code must be on order to receive discount: SDKSUM15. Promo code must be on order to receive discount: SDKSUM15 Offer not valid with any other promotional offer. See designer for Offer not valid with any other promotional offer. See designer for details. details. Schrock Entra is NOT included in this promotion. Not Schrock Entra is NOT included in this promotion. Not valid in the states: states: AK, AZ, CA, HI, CA, ID, MT,CO, NM, HI, NV, OR, WA,NM, WY valid infollowing the following AK,CO, AZ, ID,UT, MT, BuyDirect is excludedBuy from this promotion. from this promotion. NV, OR, UT, WA,Direct WY is excluded

815-356-8600

CORTLAND

GALENA

PARKER

SEATON

OFF ALL OTHER STYLES

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Crystal Lake Farmers Market Depot Park Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM

Sponsored by:

www.DowntownCL.org Our version of senior living upholds the standards of YOUR LIFESTYLE. Catered to your taste, our staﬀ and amenities deliver a

M A R ILY N SL resident since ��

level of quality and se��ice that will make you feel right at home.

BETT Y SL employee since ��

CALL 815-669-4386 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY

HERE FOR YOU in every way

AT FOX POINT n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE �� CHARLES J. MILLER ROAD | MCHENRY, IL �� WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 45

h c n Lu

n r Lea

lunch n u f d n a y h lt a e h a Ideas for packing

46 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

family in focus

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

By ANGELA SYKORA

chool is back in session, and for parents of picky eaters who won’t touch what the cafeteria is serving up, that means packing a lunch that is not only nutritious but also appealing.

Lunch helps students stay energized and focused in the classroom, but only if they eat it. “The important thing to remember is to make sure that each lunch contains a protein, a vegetable of some sort, fruit and a small treat as a reward for eating the entire meal. Well, that’s if they didn’t dump it in the garbage or trade for something else,” says Chef Tony Gomez of Pleasing Cuisine Personal Chef Services, based in Crystal Lake. When Gomez packed school lunches for his three children, who are now grown, he made healthy choices that were kid-friendly and included fun alternatives to old favorites. For example, Gomez would remove the crust from a standard peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut it in half and top each with a slice of cheese. He’d then roll each half to form a roulade and finish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon. “Although they were eating peanut butter and jelly, it didn’t look like an old-fashioned sandwich. Perhaps they pretended they were eating a cinnamon roll,” Gomez says.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Tortillas are a great alternative to sliced bread, as are English muffins, bagels, even waffles, says O’Brien, who worked in school nutrition services for nine years and developed a program called Vegimals geared toward elementary and middle school students. “It’s all about variety,” she says. “My kids always enjoyed getting a bagel with cream cheese for lunch, and with the endless varieties you will never run out of new ideas.”

Sneaky Approach

Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables can be tricky. Gomez admitted he was sometimes sneaky when it came to incorporating veggies into his children’s lunches. “I would blanch broccoli, just enough to make it tender, then I would sauté it in a very small amount butter to caramelize the broccoli’s natural sugars. Then I would press it between the slices of the cold cuts in their sandwich. Yes, I got busted doing it sometimes, but they ate the sandwich anyway,” he says. Gomez also took advantage of his daughter’s taste for lima beans. “I would pack those in her lunch along with a touch of balsamic reduction since it gave them somewhat of a sweet taste.” Veggies such as broccoli, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers and cucumbers go down easier if paired with a dip like hummus, while a yogurt cup makes a fun and nutritious dip for sliced fruit. “Kids never get tired of different forms of fruit, but the trick is not to give them an apple every day,” says Gomez, suggesting that mandarin oranges, kiwi and other tropical fruit are much more appealing. For a chilly treat, O’Brien suggests preparing a fresh fruit smoothie at home, pouring it into a disposable cup and freezing it. “When lunch time rolls around they should be the perfect consistency,” she says.

For schools that have banned peanuts, a tasty, allergen-free substitute is sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter, suggests Tamma O’Brien, a licensed dietitian nutritionist with Portrait Health Centers, which has offices in Lake in the Hills.

Though it may be more convenient for parents to have their children eat what the school cafeteria serves, Gomez says he preferred providing his kids with a packed lunch because it helped them develop a taste for healthier choices from an earlier age. It’s also a great idea to have your kids assist with the preparation and make suggestions.

“A fun way to make it a little different is to spread it on a tortilla with jelly, roll it up, then cut it into pinwheels.”

“My kids grew up healthy and none of them were overweight. That has to count for something,” he says.

family in focus

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 47

100 Happy Days Of Summer! People often ask me, “How do you have so much energy?” I suppose the fact that I run at a frenetic pace 99 percent of the time would lead people to believe I must be hopped up on something. Perhaps it is because I teach six to eight group fitness classes per week. Or maybe it is that when I’m not teaching classes I am running a 5k, 10k or training for a marathon. It could be that when I’m not actually running in a race, I am helping coordinate one. Or perhaps it is because, in between all this, I am taking my kids downtown where we go to Ed Debevics, followed by a trip to Navy Pier to see a dinosaur exhibit, grab some snow cones, ride a 4-wheel bicycle several miles up and down the lakefront path and then take a water taxi back to the train station, all before dinner. I recently finished my annual “100 Happy Days of Summer” countdown that I started doing two years ago. I post at least one “happy” thing each day on Facebook, whether it’s taking the kids on an adventure, going for a run and enjoying the weather or a date night with my husband. I wasn’t sure if was going to do it again this year, but as summer approached I had several people ask me when I was going to start it up again. Here I was worried I was annoying people, but apparently some people actually 48 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

enjoy and look forward to it. How could I disappoint? Most of the posts involve the kids: trips to the pool, the zoo, splash pads, out for ice cream, strawberry picking or going on nature hikes, to name a few. I am sometimes convinced that people think I am trying to paint some sort of perfect “Facebook Facade.” Don’t get me wrong, all our “happy” moments come with their fair share of temper tantrums, arguing and me ultimately screaming bloody murder or threatening to take away every toy they own. My true motivation is to get the kids up and moving. There is nothing I despise more than wasting a beautiful summer day holed up in the house staring a screen. Growing up, this was seriously frowned upon in my household. We were instructed to get out and play as much as possible. Unfortunately, since I can’t let the kids run rampant in the neighborhood like we did as kids, I’ve enlisted myself as “Ambassador of Fun.” Sharing these things, even the simpler joys, is really an effort to make people realize how precious this time with our kids is. I’m not trying to rub it in that I get to spend time with my kids. I want to let people know I’m making the most of it. I want to lead by example and prove every day needs to be appreciated for at least one thing. Being a mom is my job and it is one I take very seriously. I believe that no matter what your job is, we each bring something specific to the table family in focus

based on our talents. My strong suit is that I am very active, I have a ton of energy and I am not afraid to do things with my kids no matter how much energy it takes to get it done. There are plenty of things that I’m not particularly good at. I can’t stand playing with toys or playing Xbox. I should probably have them read more over the summer, keep up with their math skills and do more chores. They don’t always eat healthy and they aren’t dressed in designer clothes with matching bows and buckles. My house isn’t immaculate and that’s usually because I’d rather leave a sink of dirty dishes and head to the pool than spend the whole day cleaning while the kids watch SpongeBob. Do I ever sit down? Yes. It doesn’t happen until about 9 p.m. when the kids are in bed and I can finally pour myself a glass of wine, fold laundry and watch some TV. I’m thankful that my endless energy comes from the way I’m wired and an occasional nap.

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 www.1motivatedmommy.com

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

before

AFTER

Transform Your Business! Transform Your Life!ÂŽ

uring her 20-year sales and marketing career, Business Strategist Kathleen Caldwell restructured, revitalized and re-energized corporate teams and organizations. In the process, she learned more than how to sell complex products and build effective teams.

â€œThrough my experience I realized that I educated and inspired people not only to succeed in business, but also enjoy a fantastic quality of life,â€? said Caldwell, who held major leadership roles within several startup and established companies. She could have stayed in Corporate America, but... â€œI stepped back and realized that what I truly wanted to do was to bring this success methodology and knowledge to a broader corporate and individual audience,â€? she said. That decision led to the founding of Caldwell Consulting Group, LLC and a series of specialized educational and mentoring programs known collectively as the WHEE Institute ÂŽ.

An acronym for the Wealthy, Healthy, Energetic Edge, the institute is unique. Its philosophy and approach are holistic and comprehensive. â€œOur mission is to help people be successful in business, health, vitality and life. We focus on strategies to love our business and career, body and life, Caldwell explained.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

A sought-after speaker, business consultant and author, Caldwell has developed programs that incorporate education, coaching, mentoring and collaboration with other WHEE participants from around the globe. WHEE participants learn and implement new strategies for successfully managing their business and career, which carries

over to their lives replacing exhaustion with inspiration, and recapturing the thrill of setting and achieving new goals. The WHEE Instituteâ€™s Team Intelligenceâ„˘ program focuses on strategies for the group to succeed as a whole, renew the energy and creativity of team leaders and inspire the emergence of new group leaders. Active in the community, Caldwellâ€™s collaboration with local, national and global business leaders continues to fuel her innovation and spark new ideas. She is the Chair of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Foundation, graduate of LGMC and a member of many Chambers of Commerce and professional organizations. She has also received numerous awards and honors including a Women of Achievement Award, a Women and many others. Caldwell also holds three United States trademarks for her work in entrepreneurship, team building and leadership. Her book, Blueprint for Success features Caldwell, Dr. Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager, Dr. Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and thirteen business experts, sharing their insights on success and how to achieve it.

notherapist, ZUMBAÂŽ â€œNot only can you achieve your dreams and goals, you can have a fun time doing it,â€? she said.

See what WHEE can do for YOU and YOUR organization: For More Information Contact:

Kathleen Caldwell

815.206.4014 www.caldwellconsulting.biz

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 49

of WOMEN distinction

Service Learning By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

olleen Geils considers herself a lifelong learner, always searching for new and interesting ways to help her students learn. Yet it’s her tireless work as an educator that has people taking notice. Geils is the media specialist for Alden-Hebron Elementary School where she teaches computer and keyboarding skills to students, coordinates the media center and manages the school district’s two libraries. She remembers taking keyboarding as a high school course and learning to use a typewriter. Today her students, starting in kindergarten, are mastering use of a mouse, laptop and computers. While she may wear an assortment of educational hats on any given day, her favorite work is her role helping students with the school service learning program, a crossroads of using classroom skills, research gathering tools and creating community service projects.

“It’s exactly what education is supposed to be,” Qualls says. “It’s hands on learning. It’s relevant and the kids are creating.” Since the program began, students have tackled an array of topics, from encouraging voter registration and participation to educating the community on Autism, homelessness, organ donation and aiding families who’ve lost their homes because of a tornado.

Photo by From Me 2 You Photography

Through service learning students have packed lunches for the local PADS shelter, organized a walk to benefit the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism in Crystal Lake, and even taken their work to Springfield sharing their organ donation message with Secretary of State Jesse White.

Alden-Hebron School District, PTO, Hebron Library Board

“The students come up with wonderful ideas,” Qualls says. “It’s a fun and creative way that provides learning experiences.” Qualls says Geils puts so much energy into the projects. “It’s amazing what she does,” Qualls says. “She gets the students so into a project.”

Geils brings the students a topic, an idea or Geils grew up in the McHenry County area, statistic and serves as a guide while they examine remembering when she could go to a store in the issue, look for information and create an Woodstock and it seemed as though everyone action plan. knew everyone. She met her husband in 6th As the students work on the projects, they hone grade and while they grew up together they their communication and research skills, learn didn’t date until after high school. His family how to process and present information and owns Geils Farm in Harvard. collaborate on ways to make a difference in their Geils says she and her husband have enjoyed community and beyond. raising their children in the McHenry area, The program was initiated by principal Kim though it has grown considerably since their Qualls, who had a similar program when she own youth. taught at the high school level. Qualls invited She is an active member of the Alden-Hebron Geils to coordinate the service learning and six Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization years later it has become an integral part of the serving as treasurer for the last five years, school.

COLLEEN GEILS Wonder Lake

assisting with fundraising, book keeping and, in her words, supporting her own children’s school and teachers. Additionally she has taught Sunday school for Christ the King Church in Wonder Lake, enjoying her role in helping 2nd graders prepare for their first confession. “I just think working with children is very rewarding,” Geils says. She also serves on the Hebron Public Library Board, coordinating the annual summer reading programs. “I have fond memories of my mom enrolling me in the summer reading program,” she says. While her life is busy, Geils said she isn’t doing it on her own. She credits the support of her colleagues, family and friends. “I feel I surround myself with people who have the same interests I do and I feel driven,” Geils says. “I feel like it’s not what you know, it’s who you know and I surround myself with really great people.”

2015 Sponsors

50 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

BUSINESS & civic

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

of WOMEN distinction

Living To Serve Cary Grove Vice Principal seeks to help students and their parents

School Counselor Missy Berg, who works with Saffert on the Parent University Committee.

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

“So often parents thank us for offering this, they are really positive,” Saffert says. “The parents feel there is a need for this.”

s she walks through the halls of Cary Grove High School, Rebecca Saffert sees the building through the eyes of an administrator, a former teacher and past student. She’s also the parent of teenagers, students at a different Community High School District 155 building. It’s these connections to the school, the building and district that have enabled her to create strong ties and focus on her true desire, making a difference for the students, teachers and parents. Along with her day-to-day Vice Principal responsibilities, Saffert provides the blueprints to better understanding the high school years through her work with the district’s annual Parent University program. She is the district coordinator for the half-day event that brings together educators and community experts to provide information and resources for parents. Topics have included social-emotional issues such as bullying and teen anxiety, and seminars to teach parents how to foster good study skills and better understand the technology in today’s high school classroom. “It would definitely not be what it is today without Rebecca,” says Prairie Ridge High

Berg says Saffert’s leadership and organization are part of the program’s success. She coordinates the annual program, locating community experts and speakers who generously donate their time and skills.

Saffert attended Cary Grove as a high school student. She returned to the school 22 years ago to teach math, finding it rewarding to help those students struggling to make a real connection with the subject.

Working with kids keeps you young, alive. “Working with the kids in class was not just about teaching math, but teaching life lessons,” Saffert says. She also knew first-hand how to answer every high school student’s age-old math question: How will I use this math in the real world? Prior to becoming a teacher, Saffert worked at General Electric. She enjoyed her work, but decided to follow her passion for teaching.

Photo provided

REBECCA SAFFERT Crystal Lake Cary Grove High School

“I could bring in the real-world experience and tell them, ‘Yes, you are going to need this,’” Saffert says. After several years of teaching, she decided to become a dean. Saffert says she saw this as a way to further help students, especially those struggling in school. “In the dean position I thought I could help more kids,” she says. “It was very satisfying and I feel I definitely made a difference.” Her desire to help others continued when, five years ago, she made the decision to become the vice principal. “She keeps involved with faculty and students and so she is better at making those decisions that affect them,” Berg says. Saffert says she really enjoys her faculty and staff at Cary Grove. She’s excited for the new school year and the opening of the new auditorium.

As she pursued her career change, she worked days and attended classes in the evenings and on “Working with kids keeps you young, alive,” weekends. When it came time to student teach, she says. she taught during the day and worked in the evening.

2015 Sponsors

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

BUSINESS & civic

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 51

Banquets ~ Weddings ~ Seminars ~ Sports Banquets

Crystal Lak� Rib Hous�

Have Your Next Event Here! Banquets ~ Weddings ~ Seminars ~ Sports Banquets

BEST RIBS �ND BEST BBQ

Banquets ~ Weddings ~ Seminars ~ Sports Banquets

IN MCHENRY COUNTY

“A gift from the Gods of BBQ” Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun Times Food Critic 540 E. Terra Cotta Ave. ~ Crystal Lake

815-477-3600 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and at

www.crystallakeribhouse.com

52 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Arrive

in style

So comfortable, youâ€™ll want to do dinner and a movie every night in the new 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. This sleek, roomy, full-size SUV that can seat up to nine has undergone a number of technology advancements both inside and outside the cabin for the 2016 model. It not only can still haul up to 8,600 pounds and tackle offroad adventures with ease, now it also can charge your phone, connect to the Internet and play movies for the kids. 4Continued on next page n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 53

54 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Impressive standard features of the 2016 Tahoe include power-adjustable front seats, rear-view camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite radio, HD Radio and a six-speaker audio system. Throw in Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, an 8-inch color touch screen, five USB ports, voice commands for radio and phone functions and OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot and you’ve got yourself one highly advanced mode of transportation. And if you want to take the long way home, leather upholstery, heated seats, ventilated front seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and 22-inch wheels are options to add and enhance your experience. Whether it’s a quick trip through the drive-thru, or a trek to find that perfect spot for Italian food, the 2016 Tahoe is the car to get you there in comfort and style.

1107 S. Rte 31, McHenry • 815-385-2100

www.garylangauto.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 55

Our Bank CanDoBusiness Working capital lines of credit Responsive ﬁnancial resource for family-owned mily-owned businesses Remote deposit | Business ss bill pay Ann Jump and Shannon Ambrogio mbrogio VP Mechanical, Elgin

Crystal Lake: 381 South Main Street ★ 815.479.8600 Huntley: 10101 Route 47 ★ 847.669.0777 47.669.0777 McHenry: 1500 South Route 31 ★ 815.385.5556 Woodstock: 1290 Lake Avenue ★ 815.338.2300 Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

amcombank.com m

56 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

adno=0325195 adn adno o=032 =0325195 5195

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

GAVERS BARNDANCE

More than $6.8 million has been raised over the past 16 years during the annual Gavers Barndance Cancer Foundation fundraiser. Referred to as the best seven hours of summer, 2,500 tickets were sold to the July event this year. More than 7 inches of rain couldn’t stop the crowd (or the 350 volunteers) from having fun. Photos by From Me 2 You Photography

SOCIAL BEST UNDER 40 AWARDS DINNER In early August, colleagues, family and friends joined McHenry County’s young professionals as they were honored in the 11th annual Northwest Herald, Best Under 40 awards dinner at Turnberry Country Club in Crystal Lake. They are (at left, from left) Steve Georgy, Jill Ernst, Jennifer Wagner, Titus Mielke, Adam Diamond, Britten Follett, Mark Phipps, Michael Shipley, Joe Shulfer and Rebecca Lee. Not pictured is Cameron Hubbard. Photos by From Me 2 You Photography

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

out & about

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 57

58 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

artist

presentations and information booths for local groups and organizations. Fox River clean-up begins at 2 p.m. Visit Algonquin.org for complete details.

profile

DANIEL JOSEPH TEN BROOK Crystal Lake “THE MAD HATTER SET” Ceramic Daniel Joseph Ten Brook was born in Cary and grew up in Crystal Lake. He’s been a practicing studio artist his entire life, and has a background in drawing, painting, sculpting, ceramics and metal fabrication. He believes the versatility of skill is most important in his work which is why he exapnded them across many mediums. But his main focus lies in ceramics and painting. He is currently obtaining his BFA in fine arts with a focus in painting at Northern Illinois University but did most of his studio work at McHenry County College. (At left) After hand-building a multiple layered cylindrical form, “The Mad Hatter set” became a more popular piece among my classmates and friends. Each piece is created by throwing cylinders and deconstructing them and again rebuilding them by manipulating the walls to stack within each other. The appearance of glaze was done by the combination of two glazes made in the studio.

(Inset) “Tea for Three” was an attempt to turn a common form into one of abstraction while also maintaining complete functionality. The teapot has a set of three spouts, three handles, and three feet to help create a cohesive aesthetic from all angles. Truly a fun yet challenging endeavor.

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.”

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

SEPTEMBER events in McHenry County September 4 - 6: Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Fest, Sunset Park, Miller Road and Albrecht Road, Lake in the Hills This end of summer festival includes a carnival, wine tasting and beer garden, 5K run, food vendors, live music by Modern Day Romeos, Hi Infidelity, Pirates over 40 and more. For more information and times, visit SummerSunsetFest.com. September 5: Family Scavenger Hunt, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park, 6313 Harts Road, Ringwood Bring your family out for a fall scavenger hunt adventure! Check in at the Lost Valley Visitor Center for instructions and then explore the site searching for answers to the scavenger hunt questions. Bring your completed worksheet back to the visitor center for a prize. Free for residents and $5 for non-residents. Register in advance at MCCDistrict.org. September 12: Fall Family Fest, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary Enjoy hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, crafts, pumpkin patch and more. Admission is $9 for children 3 years and older, $5 for children ages 1 - 2 years, and is free for adults and children under the age of 1. For more information, visit CaryPark.com. September 13: 19th Annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon, 8 a.m., Lippold Park, IL Route 176, Crystal Lake This USATF certified course runs through Crystal Lake and Lakewood. Registration fee is $50 in advance and $60 on race day. Please no walkers. For more information, visit CrystalLakeParks.org. September 19: Michael Perry, 8 p.m., Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock Author, humorist, musician and radio host Perry brings an evening of hilarious and heartfelt stories drawn from his books and recordings, including his latest The Jesus Cow. Tickets are $20. Call 815-3385300 or visit WoodstockOperaHouse.com for more information. September 19: It’s Our River Day, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Cornish Park, South Harrison Street and Route 62, Algonquin This free event aims to educate residents how to preserve and protect natural resources. Includes short out & about

September 19: Star Party, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Marengo Ridge, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo Look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Dress for a chilly evening and bring a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Hosted by Northwest Suburban Astronomers. For more information, visit MCCDistrict.org. September 20: Dog-Tober Fest, Noon - 4 p.m., Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St., Huntley Celebrate man’s best friend at this event. Features pet rescue organizations, pet-related businesses and services, pet blessings and more. Dogs must be on a non-retractable lead. Free admission and parking. Check out HuntleyDogtoberFest.com for details. September 20: Country Meadows, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry Includes craft show, farmers market, small vendor fair and wine and beer tasting. Visit McHenryChamber. com for more information. September 20: Nothing Up My Sleeve 2.0, 3 p.m., Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St,., Crystal Lake This family-friendly show offers a whole new magical experience. Featuring magicians Dennis DeBondt, Greg Hubbard, Trent James and more. Tickets start at $17. RaueCenter.org for tickets and information. September 25: Irish House Party, 8 p.m., Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake This entertaining show provides a fresh take on authentic Irish music and dance. Consistently rated one of the top 10 things to do in Dublin, this is the group’s first time performing at the Raue. Tickets start at $20. RaueCenter.org for tickets. September 27: Sears Modern Homes, 2 p.m., McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union Presented by architectural historian Rebecca Hunter of Elgin. More than 400 models of these kit homes were sold by Sears Roebuck and Co. between 1908 and 1940 and up to 70,000 were built in 43 states, including many in the McHenry County. Admission is $5 for members and $10 non-members (includes museum admission). Visit McHenryCountyHistory.org for more information. September 27: Wanders at Wingate, 2 p.m., Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, 330 North Main St., Crystal Lake Enjoy the last guided tour of the year on a special wagon ride. Learn about the prairie and see it’s fall beauty. No registration necessary and free admission. Starts at the Lorraine Street parking lot. For more information, visit CrystalLakeParks.org. MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2015 | 59

Join us for a complimentary

Alaska Cruise & Tour Presentation Wednesday September 16th at 6:00 p.m. Hampton Inn, McHenry Seating is limited, please RSVP by Sept. 14

Special Rates & Incentives Reduced Deposits for 2016 Reservations Refreshments & Door Prizes

Conveniently Located on McHenry Riverwalk Center 1142 N Green St â€˘ Behind Buddyz www.worldwidetraveler.net | 815.385.6900 Hours: M-F: 10-5 - Sat: 10-1

60 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e