Discovering Possibilities, From the Inside Out
February, the shortest month, somehow always feels like the longest; like a waiting game. The gray skies and frosty mornings seem to stretch on, running together, leaving me daydreaming about brighter days...both literally and metaphorically. I look forward to the hints of Spring waiting just beneath the surface of what we see, whispering that new beginnings are always closer than they may first appear.
This year, instead of getting caught in the cycle of dwelling on what I wish was different, I’m taking a cue from nature and looking beneath my own surface, digging deeper and exploring opportunities to grow and create a fresh start. I am reminding myself that starting anew doesn’t have to be dramatic to matter. Sometimes it’s the little things—introducing yourself to someone new or signing up for that art class you’ve been curious about—that bring the most meaning.
February can also be the time to deepen your roots in the community around you. This month’s theme is “Love Local.” From finding a cause that speaks to your heart and jumping in to help, to expanding your friend circle, to fostering introspection, this is the perfect time to find something to love within yourself and your environment.
So, rather than idly waiting for February to pass by, I am choosing to do the work to prepare for the new beginnings that come with the spring. I will look past the exterior and explore what may be waiting for me just underneath. I invite you to look for those opportunities, as well. Whether it’s discovering a local treasure, forging a connection, or simply seeing your everyday world with fresh eyes, there’s always something new waiting to unfold.
Spring is just around the corner—and maybe something transformative is on its way, too. We just need to take this time to nurture our own inner landscape and prepare ourselves for the possibilities that come with new beginnings. Join me in embracing February and the opportunity to reflect and reset and find the love all around you.
Peace, Discover Crystal Lake City Lifestyle in the towns of Crystal Lake, Village of Lakewood, Prairie Grove, and Huntley.
PATTI NOBLE, EDITOR @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Klaudia Burian, Gina Jasovic
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
“One
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—4: Members of the Service League of Crystal Lake and their guests gather to celebrate and support their organization at the annual holiday party at Boulder Ridge Country Club. 5: Shopping for a Cause at Clothes Gallery to benefit ChatterGirls empowerment program for girls 8-14.
6: Members of the Hillstriders Running Club kick off 2025 with the annual New Year’s Day Run around the lake. 7: Photographer Sharmila Taylor puts Jeff Brown to work behind the scenes at his photo shoot.
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARMILA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
DAVID ELLINGER
Springbrook Rd
441 Country Ln 892 Kelsey Ct 3602 Franklin Ct
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Rock 'N' Kids
Rock ‘n’ Kids is celebrating 30 years of singing, dancing and playing with children throughout the Chicagoland area! For children ages 3 months - 5 years, class options include Baby Rock, Tot Rock, Kid Rock, Family Rock, and Senior Rock. Based in Crystal Lake, Rock ‘n’ Kids classes are available at over 60 locations. Rock ‘n’ Kids also provides mobile parties and events. Learn more about classes and parties at rockitkids.com
Music for the Ages
Music for the Ages is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation with a mission to provide intergenerational music events, integrating young children with seniors. These free events are held at senior living communities and open to children ages 6 months to 6 years, and their caregiver. Music provides intellectual, social, and emotional health benefits to both the children and the seniors. Events are made possible through tax deductible donations and fundraisers. More information at musicfortheages.net
Colorways Yarn Shoppe
Colorways Yarn Shoppe is a charming shop offering a wide variety of high-quality yarns perfect for any knitting, crocheting, or fiber art project. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artisan, you'll find everything you need in here. In addition to their yarn collection, you will find essential tools and accessories, including knitting needles, crochet hooks, patterns, and kits. Their knowledgable staff will help provide tips and inspiration for any project. Learn more at: crystallakeplaza.com/ colorways-yarn-shoppe
DESIGNING A New PATH
ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR
Many of us dream of a different path in life. But what does it take to actually change your life? For Jeff Brown, owner of Fire and Feast Outdoor Products, the answer wasn’t in a single, grand decision, but a series of determined, sometimes impulsive, pivots. Once facing the stress that comes along with being a school principal as well as the challenges of obesity and the physical and emotional limits that placed on his life, Jeff chose to rewrite his story—not just physically, but in every way that mattered.
High-energy and brimming with ideas, Jeff has the kind of personality that sees endless possibilities. He is often full of imaginings and new concepts to share, but when he sets his sights on something, his hyperfocus takes over, and he’s unstoppable. That determination became the driving force behind a transformation that began with a bold step: gastric sleeve surgery, and led to more life-altering and life-affirming decisions.
It’s important to understand the journey that brought Jeff to that pivotal moment. After earning a Biology degree from Indiana University, he began his career as a biology teacher.
ONE MAN’S JOURNEY FROM EDUCATION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH PASSION AND DETERMINATION
JEFF BROWN RESHAPED HIS MINDSET, HIS
HABITS, AND ultimately, his life . ALONG THE WAY, HE DISCOVERED the power OF PIVOTING.
It is evident when you meet Jeff, that he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience and truly enjoys mentoring others. His leadership qualities were put to the test when he made the move from classroom to administration at several schools as assistant principal and then principal. With a growing family and his wife taking time out of the workforce to care for their 4 young daughters, Jeff embraced the role of provider. True to his nature, he threw himself into it wholeheartedly, striving to be everything to everyone. However, mounting pressures of work and family took a toll on Jeff’s mental and physical health, as he coped by turning
to food for comfort. At nearly 350 pounds, battling sleep apnea and a range of health issues, Jeff faced a stark reality: if he wanted to be there for his family, he needed to make a drastic change. In 2014, he took a bold step and underwent gastric surgery. Over the following 15 to 18 months, he shed 160 pounds and began to reclaim his health and his life. Surgery gave him a starting point—opening the door to a world of possibilities. In November 2014, on a Disney Cruise with family and 30 neighbors, one of the activities was a 5K. On a whim, and no training, Jeff decided to enter with a few friends, just to see if he could run it.
Crossing that first finish line, he felt something new: pride, exhilaration, and the realization that he was capable of more than he’d ever imagined. From there, his goals grew bigger and his achievements mounted and like most things that Jeff sets his sights on, he was all in, completing to date: 29 half marathons, 7 marathons, 2 half ironman triathlons, and the 2019 Ironman Wisconsin full 140.6 mile triathlon. Most importantly, he was able to run with each of his daughters with Girls on the Run.
Jeff’s transformation didn’t stop with his health—it extended into his career. Naturally, and true to his nature, he set his sights on higher education—a doctorate degree. However, in 2016, in the midst of writing his dissertation, Jeff found his mind drifting toward a completely different path. Instead of completing his dissertation, he chose another pivot.
Fueled by his renewed energy and a desire to try something completely new, Jeff teamed up with a fellow teacher-friend, Glen Frank, to take a leap into the world of craftmanship, combining their creativity, precision, and hard work. Together, they launched Fire and Feast, specializing in handcrafted, poly (resin or recycled plastic) outdoor chairs and fire tables. The "lumber" for the furniture is created from plastic bottles and containers, repurposed into usable building materials, keeping the discarded plastic from landfills. From custom residential products to durable commercial furnishings, Jeff takes pride in knowing each piece is handmade from locally sourced materials.
Trading academics for hands-on skills, Jeff’s passion for learning and creating was ignited in a whole new way. He learned about Green Circle certified materials, took up welding, learned to run a Computer Numeric Control Machine, and now the sole-owner of Fire and Feast, has become entrenched in the Crystal Lake Community, with his workshop located on Virginia Street alongside the AAMCO shop.
While this new path is a significant departure from his days in education, Jeff’s love for teaching remains a driving force. He has opened the doors of his workshop to high school students, offering internships that allow them to explore a hands-on trade and learn valuable skills outside the traditional classroom. His ultimate vision for the business includes creating opportunities for those seeking careers that diverge from the mainstream, providing meaningful jobs and fostering a sense of community.
Jeff Brown didn’t just transform his body; he reshaped his mindset, his habits, and ultimately, his life. Along the way, he discovered the power of pivoting, of saying “Yes!” to new opportunities, and of leaning into the unknown to find something extraordinary.
Photo Credit: Danielle Mains
High Finance Farm is curating a special group of boarders, share boarders and riders to join our barn family. Special attention for our more mature Equestrians from riding instruction to group activities. A calm and beautiful home for horses and riders.
A Look Back
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CRYSTAL LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THE STORY OF CRYSTAL LAKE ACADEMY AND THE GATES HOUSE
“
“The house at 210 McHenry Avenue has continuously adapted while maintaining its historical significance.”
The city of Crystal Lake, officially founded in 1874, had its roots planted long before that. The Crandall family, believed to be the first settlers, arrived in 1836 and quickly discovered what residents still cherish today: Crystal Lake is a ‘good place to live.’ With its name-sake lake, beautiful parks, charming downtown, and rich history preserved in its architecture, the town holds a timeless appeal. Among its historical gems is one of the oldest buildings still standing, the Crystal Lake Academy Building on McHenry Avenue. This structure has witnessed the town’s evolution and holds countless stories of its past.
The history of the building at 210 McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake begins in 1855 when the Crystal Lake Academy was constructed as a two-story brick schoolhouse. It served as the area's first higher-education institution, offering college preparatory courses in subjects like science, mathematics, and literature. At a time when most schools focused only on primary education, the Academy stood out as a forward-thinking institution. Despite its initial success, the school closed by 1860 due to financial struggles.
Following its closure as a school, the building found new life as a boarding house under different owners. In 1867, Simon S. Gates, a prominent local farmer and businessman, purchased the property and transformed it into his family’s residence. During their time in the home, the Gates family made significant improvements, including the addition of a distinctive mansard roof that gave the building its architectural character.
The family’s influence extended beyond their home, with Simon’s oldest son, Sumner E. Gates, having an especially tragic connection to the era. Sumner served as part of Company H in the 8th Illinois Cavalry
during the Civil War. Captured and held at the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, Sumner’s experiences as a prisoner reflected the larger struggles of the time. After the war, he returned to Crystal Lake but sadly passed away in 1885 at the age of 39. He is buried in Crystal Lake's Lake Avenue Cemetery besides many members of his family.
Simon's other son, William D. Gates, who grew up in Crystal Lake, would later go on to establish the American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Company, a business that became nationally renowned for its architectural terra cotta and TECO pottery. William's contributions helped shape the future of Crystal Lake, further cementing the Gates family’s legacy in both the community and the broader industrial world.
After Simon’s passing in 1876, the estate was settled, and the house was sold, marking the end of the Gates family’s direct connection to the property but not their lasting influence on the town's history. The Gates family’s presence in the building helped preserve the structure while their work in Crystal Lake and beyond left a lasting mark on the town's development.
In 1883, Katie Gridley Jones of Chicago purchased the property for $3,850. Her husband, Henry T. Jones, was a successful brick manufacturer whose company supplied materials for notable Chicago landmarks like the Palmer House and Cook County Hospital. The purchase marked the beginning of a period of transformation for the house.
The Joneses immediately began renovations, adding a wrought iron fence along McHenry Avenue, which still stands today, and refurbishing the house and barn. They expanded the property west to Division Street, creating an entire city block.
Both Katie and Henry became involved in Crystal Lake's civic life, with Henry serving as Village President in the 1890s and Katie active in educational and temperance efforts. After Henry's death in 1898, Katie remained in Crystal Lake for a time, raising Angora cats and continuing her community involvement. By 1901, she returned to Chicago, renting out the house before selling it in 1904.
The new owner, Alonzo B. Lucas, brought his family to Crystal Lake after years of farming. The Lucas family were active members of the Nunda Christian Church and, like their predecessors, advocated against alcohol.
Alonzo's time at the house was relatively brief. By 1911, financial troubles led him to deed the property to a local banker, and it was eventually sold to William J. Nye in 1912.
Nye, a grain dealer from Oak Park, used the house as a summer residence for his family. They modernized the interior and became active in Crystal Lake’s social circles. One highlight of their time at the house was a grand musical concert hosted in 1916, featuring the famous Paulist Choir and benefiting the Ladies’ Aid Society. The event brought over 100 guests to the home, showcasing the house as a hub for community activity. In 1920, the Nyes sold the property.
Frederick B. Mathis purchased the home next, beginning a period of civic engagement and community leadership. Retiring early due to health reasons, Mathis moved to Crystal Lake with his wife, Lillian, and their two teenage children. Fred quickly became a prominent figure, serving as president of the Community Club and District 47 Board of Education before being elected mayor in 1927. During his term, Crystal Lake adopted its first zoning ordinance and continued infrastructure improvements like road paving and well drilling.
The Mathis family's presence added a multigenerational aspect to the home when their daughter Rosalind married Major E. Gates, a descendant of the original Gates family. Rosalind and her husband raised their children in the house alongside her parents. By 1941, the Mathises decided to relocate to California, and the property was deeded to Rosalind for $1 with the understanding she would care for them in their later years.
The property changed hands again in 1947, this time marking a significant transition in its use. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church purchased the home for $40,000, intending to repurpose it for religious and community activities. The house became known as "The Mission House," and plans for a new church sanctuary on the property began shortly after. By 1958, a new church
building was completed, followed by a rectory in 1961. Over the years, the Mission House continued to serve as an educational and social hub for the church and the larger Crystal Lake community.
In 1972, the house was renamed "The Rev. Kenneth J. Tarpley House" in honor of a beloved church leader and teacher at Crystal Lake Community High School. Throughout the years, the church made numerous efforts to restore and maintain the historic structure, including a major renovation in 1985 that stripped paint from the exterior and restored the brickwork to its original appearance.
The house at 210 McHenry Avenue has seen Crystal Lake grow from a small farming community to the lively town it is today. From its beginnings as an academy to its current role as part of a church campus, the building has continuously adapted while maintaining its historical significance. Through generations of owners and evolving purposes, it has served the community well and is a wonderful reminder of our rich history. As Crystal Lake continues to grow and be recognized as a wonderful place to live, it is important to remember and honor the many citizens of Crystal Lake who have left their mark on this building and countless others in the community.
Achieving the unique goals can be easier when right financial adviso matters most personali
The Magic of Libraries
A SIT DOWN WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, TINA SERRA
The glitter from the holidays is gone and winter has settled in bringing colder days along with boredom. Many people are searching for indoor activities to stay entertained and engaged. And parents are looking for activities to keep children occupied. One timeless solution lies in the heart of every community: the library. Libraries have always been a vital part of communities, offering access to books, resources, and programs that encourage learning and imagination as well as connection. At a library you can escape physically as well as mentally, because books can take you as far away as you wish to go. For young children, libraries are especially enchanting places where stories come alive, and a love of reading begins.
“Libraries are magical places,” says Tina Serra, the librarian at Husmann Elementary School. Tina’s journey to becoming a school librarian was shaped by her lifelong love of books. “I have very vivid memories of the bookmobile and public library as a child. I completed every summer reading program and loved rifling through the card catalog,” she recalls. Growing up, Tina even played “librarian” with her family’s books, complete with library checkout cards and date due slips. She also fondly remembers her first independent read, naming her childhood dog after it, Tuggy.
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE BOBROW & DAVID BRADBURN
Tina’s path to Husmann Elementary included roles at the Crystal Lake Public Library and Hannah Beardsley Middle School, as well as earning her Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University. Since 2014, she has been inspiring young readers as Husmann’s librarian.
“My favorite part of any class is connecting students to books,” Tina shares. “If you enjoy reading, you will never be bored. It is my job to make that a reality for our students.” She designs her curriculum to instill the joy and wonder of stories while teaching library skills. A typical day includes reading a new book to her classes, engaging them in projects, and hosting book clubs and extracurricular activities like the EnviroTech Club and a weekly plant club.
For Tina, the true magic of libraries lies in their ability to foster empathy and connection. “Reading creates an opportunity to walk in another person’s shoes or make you feel that you are not alone in your experiences,” she says. She delights in seeing students light up when they enjoy a book she recommended. “That connection is so honest and real. It exemplifies how books can bring people together.”
Parents play a vital role in cultivating a love for reading. Tina emphasizes the importance of modeling the behavior: “Read to your kids, read with your kids, and read yourself.” She wistfully recalls witnessing a multigenerational family reading separately but together on vacation and vows to recreate that with her own family. Creating cozy, distraction-free reading spaces, exploring audiobooks, and allowing children to choose their own books are all ways to make reading special.
“At a library you can escape physically as well as mentally, because books can take you as far away as you wish to go.”
For Tina, the true magic of libraries lies in their ability to foster empathy and connection. “Reading creates an opportunity to walk in another person’s shoes or make you feel that you are not alone in your experiences.”
For reluctant readers, Tina advises patience and persistence. “Finding the right book can be a process. Don’t be afraid to quit a book that isn’t engaging and find another. There are too many good books out there to waste time on one that isn’t right for you.”
This winter, families can also look to their local libraries and community organizations for programs and activities that connect and inspire. Tina recommends checking out the Crystal Lake Public Library for fun family events and resources. “The most wonderful thing about libraries is the opportunities they provide,” she says. “They are truly a level playing field, offering knowledge, support, encouragement, escape, and new experiences.”
As the snow falls, libraries remain warm, welcoming places where children can explore their interests, grow their imaginations, and experience the joy of curling up with a good book. You never know what a book may inspire, whether it’s the name of a family pet, an interesting conversation, or simple connection to others, books can ignite a spark in anyone. Tina Serra and her library at Husmann Elementary are proof that the magic of libraries is alive and well, ready to inspire the next generation of readers.
Follow Crystal Lake City Lifestyle on Instagram and Facebook to see Tina’s children’s book recommendations.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KLAUDIA BURIAN
Roses are red, violets are blue, and this month, the world celebrates all the ways to show and say I love you.
Celebrating
Love and Food
According to a dictionary, anyone who has experienced an intense feeling of deep affection, or great pleasure in something, has experienced love. How it’s celebrated is as unique as the person expressing it.
The central holiday this month has some vague and loose history. Following some breadcrumbs starting in ancient Rome (think 5th century), some stories claim mid February was a time of wild pagan rituals celebrating spring and fertility. As time went on, February 14th was specifically selected to honor the Christian martyr St. Valentine.
Imaginative writers laid the foundation for much of what is seen today on Valentine’s Day. Shakespeare and others romanticized the holiday, and gave a softer notion to the celebration, beyond ritual and persecution, sprinkling it with deep, and sometimes passionate love. As popularity grew through literary works and throughout Europe, people began expressing their affection through handmade gifts and paper cards. Today, it is hard to miss the rich array of pink and red paper hearts all around us.
Beyond gifts and written words, a loving message can be sent through a smile, a kind tone, or perhaps a show of much needed support. Sitting with a friend or a loved one and actively listening, just letting that person be who they are and say anything, may be the purest expression of unconditional love.
And let’s not forget the food. What a clear and delicious way to show someone how loved they are (grandmothers have done this for generations). This month’s culinary adventure takes us beyond the sweet and irresistible mystery box of chocolates. The invitation is to travel back to where it all began. We’ll explore the enticing allure of a perfectly al dente pasta, dressed in a bright peppery and herby sauce, topped with perfectly salty aged local cheese, served alongside a creamy and crunchy baby greens salad, and paired with a punchy grape and strawberry wine. Fresh cherries for dessert make this meal a complete showstopper.
On a hill in Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards, in an ancient, thousand year old kitchen, there’s a beautiful, electric, and kind chef named Gian Luca. This cupid’s mission is to joyfully teach those who visit how to love, make, eat, and share amazing food together. In his tiny stucco kitchen, several people can tuck in together and engage in a delightful
sequence of mixing perfectly milled semolina, with peppery olive oil, perfect sea salt and mineral rich water into the fluffiest dough and take turns kneading the dough together. Gian Luca, in what looks like a perfectly choreographed dance, guides the hands of the group into a perfect rhythm of rolling the rested dough into the thinnest spaghetti (called pici). He carries in fresh basil from his hillside garden, and when it’s blended with garlic and pungent cheese, the scent becomes more intoxicating than the Tuscan wine sipped along the way. Honestly, the whole thing feels like an opera. So, treat that bestie, loved one, or even yourself, to a lovely evening, taking the time and effort, to create an experience, from start to finish. Infuse the senses, and of course the heart and soul, with what writer Leo Buscaglia calls ‘love’, the largest experience in life. (This pasta might be a close second). Enjoy this beautiful meal.
PERFECT PESTO
This recipe is kid approved. If your meal includes kiddos, they will clean their plate. Gian Luca’s method for making this pesto is the easiest and comes out so creamy.
Ingredients:
• ¾ cup packed fresh basil leaves, no stems
• 1 cup good Italian extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs butter
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ cup raw pine nuts
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Pinch good sea salt
Directions:
Place all the ingredients in a tall glass container (a 4 cup mason jar works great for this). Blend with an immersion blender until well combined. Any extra will keep in the fridge for a few days, and in the freezer for several months. This is also great for dipping a fresh hot crusty bread. What’s not to love.
PICI WITH PESTO
Gian Luca's recipe, using the finely ground semolina, makes this pasta perfectly chewy and so satisfying.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups Semola Rimacinata (a fine milled semolina flour, can be purchased online)
• ¾ cup water
• 1 Tbs good Italian olive oil
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• Parmesan
Directions:
In a bowl, pour in flour. Make a well in the center. Add salt, water, and olive oil. Gently stir the ingredients together until they come together then empty onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Form into a nice ball, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes. On a clean surface, roll dough into a thin log then cut into 1 inch pieces. Roll each piece using both hands into long pasta strands (as thin as spaghetti). Mix each strand with a little flour to keep from sticking together. Boil for 3 minutes in salted water. Toss with pesto and top with your favorite freshly grated parmesan.
FABULOUS, Fashionable FEBRUARY
Celebrate the season of love and friendship with vibrant color combinations that capture the spirit of the month. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day date night, a Galentine’s Day dinner to honor the beauty of female friendships, or a brunch filled with seasonal charm, the right outfit sets the tone. To inspire your perfect February looks, we turned to the style experts at The Clothes Gallery in Crystal Lake.
Cozy is the new classy with a knit, V-shaped sweater with brown and grey patterns (opposite page, top). Match with indigo wideleg jeans for that effortless look. A delicate, gold sparkly heart necklace and warm leather handbag are perfect accessories.
For the ideal February date-night look (opposite page, middle), pair a soft, creamy white turtleneck sweater with a pair of stylish high rise red pants. Add a chunky necklace and trendy purse to complete the look.
To add texture and incorporate the tones of the season (right), a red and white plaid blazer over a white, collared, buttoned shirt looks casual yet chic. For a hint of elegance, add velvety black pants and a dainty pair of silver bow earrings to complement and elevate the outfit.
Celebrate the spirit of love, friendship, and connection with these chic outfit ideas
ARTICLE BY GINA JASOVIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINA JASOVIC & PATTI NOBLE
events
JANUARY 30TH - FEBRUARY 2ND
Groundhog Days in Woodstock
Woodstock Square
Celebrate Groundhog Day with 4 days of festivities. Enjoy story time, trivia night, the Groundhog Day movie and walking tours. New this year, a 5K race taking participants past iconic places from the movie. Plus a pub crawl, bags tournament and musical. There is something for everyone. All culminating with the prognostication on February 2nd. For more information, visit: woodstockgroundhog.org
FEBRUARY 1ST
Service League Casino Night
The Dole Mansion | 7:00 PM
Spend an evening with the Service League raising money to help neighbors in need in the Crystal Lake area. Enjoy hors d’œuvres, cash bar, late night Georgio’s pizza, live music by Chase Ventrella. Tickets, $75 pre event/$85 at the door, include one raffle basket ticket and $100 of chips to use on the casino games. Tickets and info at: slcrystallake.org
FEBRUARY 1ST - 2ND
Lake Geneva Winterfest
Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park, Lake Geneva
The 30th Annual Winterfest is FREE to attend and home to America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, where past champions from across the country return for an epic competition of skill and artistry. Fifteen sculpting teams begin their work on Wednesday, January 29 and finish on Saturday, February 1. Sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (or until they melt). More info: visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/
