YOUR SUPPORT MAKES AN IMPACT AT RAUE CENTER
For nearly a century, our theater has stood as the heartbeat of downtown Crystal Lake Built in 1929, it was originally envisioned as a movie and vaudeville house known as the El Tovar, welcoming audiences to its grand Mediterranean Revival interior The iconic marquee and old-world charm made the theater a gathering place for friends, family, and neighbors, lighting up our community through generations of evolving tastes and entertainment.
In the late '90s, with the support of the community and a vision to rekindle the arts, the theater was revitalized, reborn as Raue Center for the Arts Opening its doors once again in 2001, to become a cultural cornerstone for McHenry County
As we approach our 25th anniversary as a non-profit arts theater, Raue Center faces new challenges. Theaters nationwide are closing, unable to survive the financial pressures of these times But we are determined to defy that trend
With a goal of raising $400,000 to sustain Raue Center into the future, we’re over halfway there, thanks to the incredible generosity of those who value this historic space. Yet we still have a journey ahead. Reaching our goal isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about securing Raue Center’s future for the generations who will one day fill these seats, perform on this stage, and find inspiration here
Now, we ask you to help us complete this chapter. Join us in preserving Raue Center, a place that has been, and will always be, a theater at heart. Join with the others in your community and we are confident that we will reach our goal and lay the foundation for an extraordinary future Together, we can ensure Raue Center remains a beacon of creativity for years to come
We partner with/support more than 100 community organizations annually
300,000+ students have experienced Mission Imagination
340+ veterans have joined our Veterans Program
More than 200 RCSA students just in 2024!
*According
Embracing the Season
Happy Holidays! Though the days in the Midwest have gotten colder, the warmth of the Holiday Season is upon us. It’s funny how this time of year has changed for me, and I wonder if, as we age, that is the same for others.
When I was a child, the holidays meant the thrill of two weeks away from school, playing in the snow with friends, and coming inside to a cozy cup of hot chocolate my mom had made. More often than not, I would burn the top of my mouth because I started drinking it before it cooled down. And then there was the decorating, although that fell mostly on my mom as me and my brothers would lose interest very quickly in doing anything we thought may be construed as chores!
Then came the big days—Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My mom would spend all day preparing our traditional Christmas Eve dinner, filling the house with delicious aromas that set the mood for our family gathering. The routine was always the same: we’d go to church, come home to enjoy our festive meal, clean up (my older brother washed while I dried), and then open presents. We’d go to bed with excitement, only to wake up to a few more surprises from Santa. Those days were pure magic for me and my brothers.
As I near 60, with my three boys grown and living in different states, the holiday season has taken on a quieter tone. It can feel lonelier this time of year without a bustling house. But this year is different—special, even—because for the first time in ages, all three of my sons (and two of their girlfriends) will be flying to Illinois to stay with us for Christmas Eve. Truly, it’s the greatest gift I could hope for.
Cheers to those of you sharing the holidays with loved ones, and heartfelt thoughts and prayers for those who aren't. In this roller coaster of life, the ups and downs often feel a little sharper this time of year."
STEVE
ROGERS, PUBLISHER @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
Discover Crystal Lake City Lifestyle in the towns of Crystal Lake, Village of Lakewood, Prairie Grove, and Huntley.
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Klaudia Burian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn, Patty Bell
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
inside the issue
More Than Finance
Children
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—5: Witches, witches everywhere. Enjoying the Third Annual Witches Ride, beginning and ending at the Dole. Proceeds from the event benefited Big Brothers/Big Sisters of McHenry County. 6—7: Enjoying an evening benefiting children in McHenry County. Women dressed up and showed up for Little Black Dress, CASA of McHenry County’s annual event.
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
CATHY BEST, FOX VALLEY MEDIA ARTS
CATHY BEST, FOX VALLEY MEDIA ARTS
8/8/2024
8/8/2024
8/1/2024
8/2/2024
9/3/2024
9/30/2024
8/27/2024
9/10/2024
10/3/2024
8/29/2024
9/27/2024
8/5/2024
9/16/2024
10/29/2024
8/27/2024
9/16/2024
8/13/2024
10/1/2024
8/28/2024
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8: Enjoying an evening supporting Little Black Dress, CASA of McHenry County’s annual event. 9—11: Runners and walkers showed up in droves to participate in the annual Care4 Breast Cancer 5k, supporting Family Health Partnership Clinic and their efforts to provide care to uninsured men and women in McHenry County. 12: Having a spooky good time at Crystal Lake Plaza’s Halloween Trick or Treat event. 13: First place finishers in Senior Care Volunteer Network’s road rally, Life’s a Journey! 14: Volunteers posed with racers participating in Life’s a Journey, a road rally throughout McHenry County.
CATHY BEST, FOX VALLEY MEDIA ARTS
SYLVER MCALLISTER, SYLVERSTUDIO
SYLVER MCALLISTER, SYLVERSTUDIO
More Than Finance
A FATHER AND SON DUO INVESTING IN THEIR COMMUNITY
Tim O’Connor, with 40 years of experience under his belt, proudly works alongside his son, Patrick, at their Ameriprise Financial Services firm in Huntley. Tim often jokes that Patrick is on a 15-year internship, but behind the humor lies a deep pride and hope that one day, Patrick will carry on the family business. Watching Patrick grow into his role as a financial advisor is something Tim cherishes, as he reflects on their shared journey.
Their relationship is rooted in both personal and professional moments. Before Patrick joined his dad in the world of finance, he managed The Freeze, a well-loved ice cream shop in nearby Crystal Lake that Tim once co-owned. The Freeze has been around for decades, holding a special place in the hearts of the locals, and for Patrick working there felt like second nature. He grew up in that shop, starting at age 12, motivated first by candy and later by the desire to help his dad. Patrick recalls, “I never said no to helping him - if he asked, I was all in.”
Managing The Freeze gave Patrick a chance to understand people, a skill he’s carried into financial advising. He fondly remembers the kids he hired as their first boss and the responsibility he felt for them, watching them grow just as his father had watched him. “It’s a people business,” he explains, and whether it’s serving someone a cone or helping them plan for their future Patrick and Tim are all in.
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR
They both agree that the best part of their work is knowing they’re helping real people. “We want this to feel like a small-town firm where people can rely on us.”
For Tim, having Patrick by his side now in a professional setting is a dream come true. He’s quick to share memories of his son’s achievements, like the state hockey championship Patrick, a lifelong hockey player, won in high school. While hockey and ice cream were once his world, Patrick’s life has shifted to financial planning, community involvement, and his personal interests, including playing the guitar and spending time with his dog, Leia, a rescue he picked up on a spontaneous road trip through Chattanooga. Naming her after Princess Leia from Star Wars, Patrick’s playful side shines through, reflecting a sense of adventure that Tim couldn’t be prouder of.
While his new role as a financial advisor keeps him busy, Patrick still finds time for the things he loves outside of work. When he’s not meeting with clients or attending local Chamber of Commerce events, he’s likely hiking, enjoying music, or simply relaxing with Leia by his side. A fan of Dave Matthews Band, Patrick often unwinds by playing his guitar. “I like to keep things positive,” he says, drawing a parallel between bringing people a smile with a perfectly scooped ice cream cone and helping them feel secure about their financial future.
Young Patrick, setting his sights on his future
Their business partnership isn’t just about numbers and finances; it’s a reflection of the values Tim has instilled in his son. “Be a man of your word, do it right the first time, and turn off the lights,” Tim says, half-joking. Patrick nods, sharing his father’s commitment to integrity, hard work, and a close-knit approach to helping clients. They both agree that the best part of their work is knowing they’re helping real people. “We want this to feel like a small-town firm where people can rely on us,” Tim explains.
Beyond their roles as financial advisors, Tim and Patrick are also dedicated to giving back through The Green Marble Foundation, a charitable organization they created to support local nonprofits. The name “Green Marble” reflects a family tradition: Tim would tell his kids wild tales of a small green marble’s adventures, bouncing from mountain crevices to underground drains. It’s in these family moments that one can see the values of curiosity, kindness, and a sense of adventure that Tim has passed down to Patrick.
Tim’s pride in his children is palpable. He happily shows off a Father’s Day card from Patrick, and he speaks warmly about their family adventures to Table Rock Lake, recounting days filled with laughter, stories, and the chaos of packing five kids and their friends into multiple cars for the long drive. Patrick, the second youngest, remembers these moments vividly. And as they continue to grow their business together, Patrick reflects on how this journey represents a new phase in his relationship with his father, “I’ve gone from son to friend to business partner.”
As they move forward, the O’Connors aim to create a business that’s not only successful but also community focused.
With Tim’s steady guidance and Patrick’s fresh enthusiasm, they’re building a business rooted in family values and a deep commitment to the community they call home.
That friendship is a big part of what makes their professional relationship so special. They have a natural rhythm in the office, with Tim’s years of experience guiding Patrick as he steps into his own as a financial advisor. Tim’s approach is to let Patrick find his own way, offering support while trusting him to grow. For Tim, this foundation isn’t just about supporting nonprofits; it’s also a way to pass on his values to the community he loves.
As they move forward, the O’Connors aim to create a business that’s not only successful but also community focused. Tim’s decades of experience combined with Patrick’s fresh energy and drive make for a solid team, one that’s building a legacy of trust and family values. For Patrick, this journey represents a new phase in his relationship with his father, as they continue to grow their business together. With Tim’s steady guidance and Patrick’s fresh enthusiasm, they’re building a business rooted in family values and a deep commitment to the community they call home.
• Giclée
• Canvas
• Large Scale Prints
• Banners &
• Small Scale Prints
• Scans & Copies
• Laminations •
A LOOK INSIDE THE “SHOP WITH A COP” PROGRAM
Bringing Joy to Children in Need
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
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“Experiences like this offer a new perspective and a sense of purpose,”Stolzman says.
December is here, and for many, it comes with a sense of cheer, hope, and anticipation. Making memories filled with cozy fires, Christmas trees, sugary cookies, and brightly wrapped packages. However, there are some in our own community who face this season with worry and uncertainty, wondering how to provide a holiday for their families. Each year, for those whose reality may be heavier during the holiday season, Crystal Lake organizes a special event that brings holiday cheer to local children and strengthens bonds within the community. The “Shop with a Cop” program, coordinated by McHenry County Police Charities, pairs local children in need with police officers for a day that blends the joy of holiday shopping with moments of connection and kindness.
According to Community Relations Officer Stolzman from the Crystal Lake Police Department, Shop with a Cop is a deeply collaborative initiative. “The program is really a group effort,” she says. Organized by officers from various departments, teachers, business owners, and community leaders, all volunteering their time, it brings together people from throughout McHenry County, united by the shared purpose of helping children. In 2023 alone, fundraising events hosted by groups like Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine and the Crystal Lake Lions Club brought in $20,000, helping ensure a successful and meaningful event.
The program itself started in 1994 with a simple but profound mission: to “provide positive police interaction and Christmas to children in McHenry County who are less fortunate and may not have a Christmas otherwise.” Similar programs exist across the country, but the commitment to building bonds
and giving back has made Shop with a Cop in Crystal Lake especially successful, helping over 200 children last December.
On the day of the event, children are picked up in patrol cars by their police “buddies,” which builds excitement and a sense of wonder. Arriving at Walmart, each child is given a set amount to spend on gifts that bring them joy, and the program also provides winter essentials like coats, boots, gloves, and hats to keep them warm for the season ahead. Officer Stolzman describes one family who had been looking forward to the day for weeks. When officers arrived, the children were so grateful, saying, “Thank you, I never would’ve had Christmas without you. Our parents told us not to expect any presents under the tree this year, and now we can look forward to this.”
After shopping, the group enjoys breakfast together while volunteers wrap each gift, ensuring that the children can take home presents ready for the holidays. For many, this shared meal is just as meaningful as the shopping. “It’s a time when kids open up,” Stolzman says. “Officers see the kids’ faces light up, and the children see a different, caring side of law enforcement.”
For the children, this experience is more than just a fun holiday outing; it’s a day that can make them feel valued and cared for. Officer Stolzman recalls a story from a retired officer who had taken part in Shop with a Cop years ago. A man called the department recently, hoping to reconnect with the officer who had been his mentor through the program. He shared how just one day had sparked hope which carried him through hard times, eventually leading him to a stable life with a family and good job.
It’s moments like this that remind us why we do this work. “ ”
The program touches the officers deeply, too. Officer Rueff, who was paired with a young girl in a wheelchair and her two younger siblings, was moved by the bond he witnessed between them. During breakfast, he watched as her younger siblings fed her and made sure she was comfortable before caring for themselves. When it was time to shop, they focused on her needs first. “Experiences like this offer a new perspective and a sense of purpose,” Stolzman says. “It’s moments like this that remind us why we do this work.”
For the officers involved, Shop with a Cop is an opportunity to connect with children and families on a personal level, which can feel rare in the course of their day-to-day duties. Stolzman believes the day allows officers to show a side of themselves that kids may not typically see, building trust that carries into the wider community. “We’re grateful to volunteer and participate, knowing that the connections we build with the children go far beyond one day of shopping,” she explains.
The success of Shop with a Cop depends on community support, with donations making it possible for each child to enjoy the holiday they deserve. McHenry
County Police Charities welcomes donations yearround, and there are opportunities for community members to get involved through volunteering as well. Stolzman stresses that the more people know about the program, the more the community can help to create positive memories for local families.
As the holiday season draws near, let events like Shop with a Cop remind us of the power of community and generosity. In a time when many families face hardships, this program brings a message of hope and support. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up and knowing we’ve made a difference,” Stolzman reflects, “that’s what makes all the effort worth it.”
The goal of this program is simple: Make the holidays a little brighter and foster connections that will last. For those who participate, whether as children, officers, families, or volunteers, Shop with a Cop creates memories that linger well beyond a single December morning. And for those who wish to support, donations can be made directly through McHenry County Police Charities’ website, with each contribution helping to make the season a little brighter for those who need it most.
At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Let us help you work toward them.
Get started today by contacting us to schedule your first meeting.
Sheldon R Clark, AAMS
12167 Regency Parkway
Huntley, IL 60142
847-669-7049
Festive and Bright
NO MATTER THE HOLIDAY, CELEBRATIONS COMMENCE AROUND BRIGHTLY LIT TABLES AND WINTER’S DELIGHTFUL PLAYGROUND
ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN
What makes this time of year so festive and meaningful? Between the end of November and the 1st few weeks of January, the calendar is a kaleidoscope of holiday gatherings, celebrations, and traditions. Taking a step back from the bustle of it, and really settling in with loved ones, around some delicious food and warm drinks, can be the best gift. Hitting the pause button, allowing space to relax, can be the difference between a hectic and joyful holiday season.
While exploring holiday traditions and seasonal treats for this month’s winter fare, it quickly became clear—choosing which dishes to feature would be no easy task. But what stood out were the common threads; gathering of friends and loved ones, lots of delicious traditional foods, the sound of glasses clinking and laughter, and winter boots stomping at the door. The white of winter lit inside and out with bright colorful lights and ceremonial candles, invites all to sit long, laugh well, and love deeply. This month’s recipes are traditional, beautiful, and delicious. To create space for just visiting and being together, rather than cooking and cleaning, they are simple enough to not keep one in a kitchen for days.
Served with panettone, a traditional holiday cake, Peruvian hot chocolate is perfect after a romp in the snow. It’s sweet and hot enough to satisfy a body after a winter’s delight in the cold, and grown up enough to satisfy an adult palate. It’s a perfect blend of cacao, coffee, cream, and spices. The sweetness makes it feel fun and carefree, creating a moment where one doesn’t have to be a kid to feel like a kid.
Breakfast after a night of celebrating can feel like a chore. Easy and rich oatmeal is perfect for replenishing the body, and the caramelized bananas and pine nuts kick it into holiday worthy territory. Adding dried cranberries when cooking adds nourishment and wakes up the taste buds.
For the main course, many holiday feasts from various cultures showcase a variety of fish dishes. A standout option is this two-sheet pan sweet and savory salmon with roasted vegetables—an easy, elegant meal perfect for gathering family around the table on a festive evening.
PERUVIAN HOT CHOCOLATE
ingredients
• 4 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup cream
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup cacao
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• ¼ honey
• 1 T cinnamon
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• ⅛ tsp chipotle powder
• Pinch cardamom
• Pinch nutmeg
• Pinch salt
• Whipped cream
• Marshmallows (optional)
directions
1. In a small bowl, combine honey and spices (making a paste like this helps the spices distribute well). Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, evaporated milk, cacao, and chocolate chips. Bring slowly to a simmer, whisking gently until chocolate melts and cacao is incorporated.
3. Remove from heat and add in the spiced honey.
4. Pour into 4 mugs and top with whipped cream. Add marshmallows, if desired.
5. Share with friends after an evening walk on a snowy night.
MAPLE AND PINE OATMEAL
ingredients
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup rolled or old fashioned oats
• 1 T chia seeds
• 1 T ground flax seeds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 2 T butter
• ¼ cup pine nuts
directions
1. In a bowl, mix sour cream and ⅛ cup maple syrup. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine oats, chia, flax, cranberries, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a low simmer, stirring often. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and oats look creamy (about 5 minutes).
3. While oats cook, saute the banana in butter. Once caramelized, add pine nuts and ¼ cup maple syrup and heat through.
4. Split oatmeal between 2 bowls. Top with banana and cream. Serve hot.
ingredients
• 1 large salmon filet
• ½ cup kosher salt
• ¾ cup honey
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut lengthwise
• 4 gold potatoes, cubed
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red onion peeled and quartered
• 1 white onion peeled and quartered
• 1 cabbage cut into 6 wedges
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
directions
**This preparation keeps salmon very moist.
1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. With skin side down, cover top of salmon densely with salt, in a layer that you can see (it’s a lot of salt but it will be rinsed off before cooking). Place salmon in fridge for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, rinse salmon well and dry completely with paper towels. Place skin side down on oiled cookie sheet.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter and add the parsley. Set aside.
5. Rub veggies with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Arrange on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 20-30 minutes.
6. Evenly cover top of salmon with honey. Broil 10-15 minutes, checking often to make sure honey doesn’t burn. If it starts to caramelize too much, place it on a lower rack.
7. Remove from oven, arrange on platter and top with parsley butter.
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTY BELL
Winter Wonderlands
This season, why not explore serene trails, frozen lakes, and winter wildlife at Glacial Park, Marengo Ridge, Fox Bluff, and Pleasant Valley.
McHenry County offers plenty of outdoor winter fun with breathtaking natural spaces maintained and preserved by the McHenry County Conservation District. For picturesque, snow-covered scenery, Glacial Park in Ringwood is a top spot with expansive trails perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Marengo Ridge offers a magical forested experience that’s perfect for a peaceful winter hike. Fox Bluff in Cary has serene trails that wind through beautiful woodlands along the Fox River, ideal for a crisp winter walk. Pleasant Valley in Woodstock offers open fields and gentle hills that create a stunning, snow-blanketed landscape for wildlife watching. Thanks to the Conservation District’s ongoing efforts, these preserved areas stay pristine, providing accessible places for residents to connect with nature year-round. Whether it’s solitude in the snow or a brisk winter hike, these destinations highlight the beauty and resilience of McHenry County’s landscapes.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
DECEMBER 1ST
McHenry County Santa Run
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake | 9:00 AM
The McHenry County Santa Run is a non-profit, 5k run/walk and 1 mile walk that raises much-needed funds to benefit 6 local children’s charities. The course starts and finishes in front of The Raue and wraps its way through the downtown Crystal Lake community. Registration fee: $40. All participants receive a Santa suit. Sign up at: raceroster.com/events/2024/93471/mchenry-county-santa-run-for-kids
DECEMBER 4TH - 7TH
Luminaria Walk
Veteran Acres, Crystal Lake
Enjoy a beautiful stroll through lit trails under the stars, from 4:30pm-7:30pm. On the last day, enjoy campfires, hot cocoa, cookies, and activities. Trail map with parking and low mobility course information located on Crystal Lake Park District website. $1 per person/$5 max per family donation appreciated for future Nature Center education programs. Learn more at: crystallakeparks.org/calendar-of-events/events/ luminaria-walk-2024
DECEMBER 5TH
The Market at Crystal Lake Brewing
Crystal Lake Brewing | 2:00 PM
The Market at CLB is back! Get all your holiday shopping done in one night while enjoying local craft beer and delicious Neapolitan-style pizza from Your Sister’s Tomato.. Between the hours of 2:00pm-8:00pm, you can shop the curated market full of local artisans. What a fun night out with friends! Check out the Facebook page for details: facebook.com/events/809877941358182/
From the Clearbrook West family to yours,
Clearbrook West enriches the lives of 250+ individuals in the McHenry County area impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. With eight locations in 39 communities, Clearbrook West empowers those entrusted to them to live their fullest lives possible.
DECEMBER 6TH
Never Eat Alone - Squire on the Square
The Squire, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock | 11:30 AM
Presented by McHenry Chamber of Commerce, this networking lunch is great way to to meet other local business owners, while supporting a local restaurant. There is no cost to register; order off the menu. Open to members and non-members. Drop your business card for a chance for a free lunch. For more information or to register, visit: business.mchenrychamber.com/events
DECEMBER 7TH
Miracle on Main
Main Street, Downtown Algonquin | 3:00 PM
This annual event takes place downtown Algonquin, between Washington and Madison Streets. This is the perfect location to grab some holiday gifts from 25+ Unique Artisan Vendors at the Merry Market! Enjoy live music, ice sculpting, shopping for sweet treats, hand crafted holiday decor, and so much more! This all-ages event will take place from 3:00-7:00pm. More info at: algonquin.org/egov/apps/events
DECEMBER 20TH - 22ND
The Nutcracker
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake Engage Dance Academy and Raue Center for the Arts presents this sweet holiday tradition for the whole family. This 60-minute adapta tion of the classic story will take you on an adventure not to be missed. Ticket prices: $25-$32/adult, $17-$20/student, plus processing and facility fees. For tickets and information about the event and the Raue, visit:
