Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Pat Szpekowski, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager
Brent Hughes
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Brad Hughes
Advertising Sales Representatives
Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director
Independence
Turning5 is hard. It’s this funny time in a child’s life when they start to fly the nest. In everything they do, they’re finding their voice and testing their freedoms.
For us parents, it’s beautiful and sometimes terrifying. And it sends more than a few headaches our way.
As hard as this phase is for us parents, it’s also a good reminder of the “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” that inspired our nation’s Founding Fathers 250 years ago.
You see, every time our children speak their minds, stomp their feet, sing at the top of their little lungs, they’re proving some of the most fundamental of American values.
We’re free to speak, worship and assemble as we choose, and we have the responsibility to resist all forms of tyranny. Our Constitution enshrines these freedoms, but it also constrains the more dubious sides of our nature.
Our Founders recognized that liberty and self-government aren’t doled out by monarchs, politicians or bureaucrats. Rather, our liberty is naturally within us ... endowed upon us by our Creator. These Godgiven rights exist within each of us. We don’t need permission to live freely.
Read the 10th Amendment and it’s hard not to hear Abraham Lincoln’s words about a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Now, try explaining this to a 5-year-old and they’ll give you a priceless reaction. But as parents we can show them what it means to be a nation that lives freely, without a government dictating our moves.
Independence Day weekend is full of food, fun, fireworks and festivals, like Crystal Lake’s Lakeside Festival, which has been a tradition for 44 years.
The more important tradition, however, lies in our embrace of this “American experiment” and strengthening the liberties of our next generation.
Happy Independence Day to you!
Chris Linden Executive Editor
Concerts in these Parks Light Up Summer
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Summer brings sunshine, warm weather and plenty of live music in outdoors venues.
In Crystal Lake, the Park District’s Concerts in the Park series returns to Main Beach every Tuesday at 7 p.m. From now through August, the air is filled with free lakeside entertainment that encompasses everything from jazz to rock. Pack a picnic or indulge in food trucks such as Chilo’s Mexican Grill or Hippie Gourmet Grilled Cheese.
Upcoming shows include 28 Days on July 16, Rosie & The Rivets on July 23 and the Crystal Lake Community Band on July 30. The season wraps up Aug. 6 with Hillbilly Rockstarz.
Meanwhile, Thursday nights in St. Charles bring the action to Lincoln Park at 7 p.m. Hosted by the St. Charles Park District and running through August, this series brings entertainment to the picturesque gazebo, a replica of
Pottawatomie Park’s historic tower. Grab a variety of snacks from local vendors including Wild Fries, Billy Bricks Pizza and Kimmer’s Ice Cream.
Upcoming shows include Mellenium on July 11, Starlight City on July 18, Radio Gaga on July 25 and Generation on Aug. 1. End the summer on a high note Aug. 8 with Euphoria Band. Both series highlight the joy of community gatherings and the simple pleasures of outdoor music.
Whether you’re enjoying the evening in Crystal Lake, St. Charles or some other town, a concert in the park offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy some tunes and create lasting memories.
For information on Crystal Lake’s Concerts in the Park, visit crystallakeparks.org or call (815) 410-4475.
To learn more about St. Charles’ concert series, visit stcparks.org or call (630) 513-6200. ❚
Live music comes to Main Beach in Crystal Lake (left) every Tuesday this summer. It comes to Lincoln Park in St. Charles every Thursday.
(Park District photos)
Trusting God with Reality
In
the middle of our Bibles is a collection of 150 psalms that offer a roller coaster ride of human emotion directed toward God. Several authors wrote the psalms over a period of about 1,000 years; King David penned roughly half of them.
While we gravitate toward the psalms that reassure us (like the 23 composed during times of deep disappoint ment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare.
If we’re honest, all of us have been disappointed with God. Most of us have experienced or witnessed hardship, oppression, sickness, injustice, unanswered prayers. We may feel that our acknowledgement of reality conflicts with our faith life.
This is when the emotional poetry of the psalmists shows us what a healthy relationship with God looks like, suggests author Philip Yancey. It’s like we’re “peering over the shoulders” of these diarywriters. We witness their rants, but we also see them “talk themselves down from the ledge” as they journey from rage to a calm acknowledgement of what they know about God: He is good, wise, powerful, loving.
The psalmists force themselves to recall the times God rescued ungrateful Israel from its self-inflicted messes and it helps them to regain perspective. Without God they would be nothing, have nothing.
The psalmists find God in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their rants turn to flights of praise – in spite of everything.
In “The Bible Jesus Read,” Yancey writes: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did. Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”
To experience Psalms is to feel kinship with people through the ages whose struggles were not so different from our own. ❚
– Janine Pumilia
End Your Week with a Thursday Night Out
By Peggy Werner
Barrington’s Cruise Night and farmers market have merged into one evening of family fun with more of everything, including food vendors, live music, classic cars and children’s activities.
“It’s like a festival every week. There is so much more to do,” says Clancy Potts, events and marketing manager for the Village of Barrington.
Every Thursday from June through August, the farmers market appears in downtown Barrington from 4-8 p.m. The Classic Car Show runs 6-8 p.m.
In previous summers, these events were in separate locations. Now, they’re together, with the Farmers Market on Station Street, between South Cook Street and Park Avenue. About 50-100 classic cars are on display in the adjacent BMO Bank parking lot, where you’ll also catch live music.
The village has partnered with Bensidoun USA to bring back its farmers market on a grander scale. Bensidoun USA manages more than 100 markets worldwide, including several across the Chicago area.
This year, you’ll find a greater variety of food trucks, hot food options, more produce stands, free balloon animals, face painting, other children’s activities and alcoholic beverages sold by Barrington’s White House staff.
Among the more than two dozen vendors featured at this year’s market are names like Barking Spot Bakery & Boutique, Tamales Express, Bill’s Organic Olive Oil, Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn, Miller Farms, Windy City Mushrooms, Linner Bakery, Grace Gardens, Joanna Beaumont Jewelry, Coffee Cake Guys, The Cookie Maker and Krick Woodshop.
Car themes and live music include Exotics Car Night and singer/songwriter showcase July 18; Buick/Oldsmobile Night and The Rolling Blackouts on July 25; European Car Night with Jim Sieg and The Chasers Aug. 1, and Mopar/Ford/Jeep Night featuring The Rolling Blackouts Aug. 15.
Although the car show and live music end Aug. 15, the farmers market continues every Thursday through Oct. 10. For information and weather updates, go to barrington-il.gov/events. ❚
(Village of Barrington photo)
Basement Buildouts Are Full of Possibilities
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Among some circles, the term
“basement” is a dirty word. It conjures up images of musty cellars, broken furniture or smoky bars.
Those images couldn’t be farther from the cozy “lower levels” that are becoming standard in today’s homes.
“Basements are such an untapped space of possibilities,” says Anna Leimann, designer at Advance Design Studio in Gilberts. “It can really add some customization to your needs and your hobbies when you do a basement remodel.”
Advance Design Studio’s clients often come in search of an extra entertainment area, where amenities like kitchenettes and bars, home theaters and children’s play rooms are top of mind. They may also want in-home gyms, hobby rooms and in-law suites.
Before you begin, there are some important considerations.
Basements are full of things like electrical wiring, plumbing and ductwork, and structural supports, like metal poles. Although these elements can be moved, it’s an expensive proposition.
As an alternative, designers like Leimann disguise these elements. They might turn a pole into a decorative beam or an air duct into a soffit.
When it comes to budgeting, no two basements are quite the same, so early estimates are a challenge. Leimann recommends starting with a list of ideas and inspirations, and a general sense of how much you’re willing to spend. This helps the designer to plan more effectively, she says.
Once the dust has settled, a great basement buildout is a showpiece, for both client and designer. It’s a space
where fun and practical needs meet with some outstanding results.
“This is a space with so many possibilities,” Leimann says. “It all depends on what the homeowner wants and how they’ll make the most out of this space.”
Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., in Gilberts. For a consultation, call (847) 836-2600. ▮
Spend a Refreshing Summer on the Fox
By Peggy Werner
Some of the best perspectives of a community start at the water, and that includes St. Charles, where the paddlewheel riverboat cruises all summer.
You can “Cruise the Scenic Fox River” all summer long, Tuesday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. and every weekend at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. After Labor Day, tours continue every weekend through October.
“Being on the river, you get a completely different view of the downtown and can see all kinds of wildlife and other boaters,” says Erika Young, public relations and marketing manager for the St. Charles Park District, which maintains the riverboat. “It’s just a relaxing way to spend a beautiful day.”
New to this year’s lineup is the Historic Sunday Cruise, a 45-minute tour at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month.
It comes with interactive commentary from docents supplied by the St. Charles History Museum, as they explore how the Fox River has been enjoyed throughout the ages.
River boats are a longtime tradition in St. Charles.
The first boat started cruising the waters in 1945 as part of a private business. In 2018, the St. Charles Park District purchased the business and the boats.
Over the years, newer boats have replaced older boats. The St. Charles Belle II and the Fox River Queen first disembarked in the 1980s and are still used today. One boat is dedicated to public tours and the other hosts special and private events including weddings, receptions, baby and bridal showers, and business meetings.
“The Park District is truly honored to carry on this unique experience in our community, which has been a part of the local landscape for decades and continues to be a beloved symbol of St. Charles,” Young says.
To schedule a trip or to learn more, call (630) 584-2334 or go to stcriverboats.com. All boats disembark at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., in St. Charles. ❚
(St. Charles Park District photo)
44th Lakeside Fest Keeps the Tradition Going
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Crystal Lake’s signature summer festival is on its way, with four days full of family fun at Lakeside Festival at The Dole. The fun kicks off at noon on July 4 and ends with a spectacular fireworks show on Sunday, July 7.
In between, this festival brings out everybody’s favorite activities, all of it centered around an historic mansion built in 1865. For 44 years, Lakeside Festival has been a gathering place for the people of Crystal Lake and beyond.
“I think people love it because it’s a combination of seeing families and the camaraderie and the people enjoying this venue, with its old oak trees and its historic property,” says Chip Whitman, who co-chairs the festival with Ron Russell. “At the end of the day, the money we’ve collectively raised because of this festival has all gone back to restoring this property. That’s satisfying.”
Live music sets the soundtrack for the weekend, with 16 acts across two stages. Thursday’s stage opens with Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band, a former Jimmy Buffet opening act whose playlist ranges from Margaritaville to Bob Marley and Sublime. They’re followed by Beyond the Blonde Band, a tribute to Pink, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga. The evening’s headliner is Journeyman, a Chicago-based tribute to the music of Eric Clapton.
That’s just a taste of what’s to come. On Friday, the Blooze Brothers open for the Chicago Experience tribute
band before they appear again, just ahead of Hi Infidelity. On Saturday, catch Billy Elton, Don’t Rock the Jukebox, Brass on Fire and the Modern Day Romeos. Sunday brings a rousing send-off with the likes of Whiskey Romance, the Crystal Lake Strikers drum corps, Radio Gaga and Pirates Over 40. The night closes with Semple Band, whose lead singer appeared on NBC’s “The Voice.”
Of course, great music is just the start. All weekend, food vendors bring the best of local cuisine and festival favorites. Vendors include local staples like Georgio’s Pizzeria, Chen Chinese Cuisine, Taqueria Las Cumbres, La Mexicana Buena Vista and Moontime Smokin’ Que. Local food trucks like Smash’D are also planning an appearance.
Between the food vendors and two stages, this is where you’ll find many friends, families and homecomings. “A lot of class reunions will call us and have us block out a table,” says Whitman. “There are so many big gatherings that happen here.”
Over at the Crystal Lake Brewing beer tent, festival cochairs Whitman and Russell are brewing something special.
“Crystal Lake Brewing has its own tasting tent, and the big thing this year is that Chip and I brewed a beer with them,” says Russell. “It’s called Whitsel 44, like Whitman and Russell. It’s a Weisse beer. We’ve done this a few times before and it always sells out.”
Lakeside Festival at The Dole, in Crystal Lake, hosts two stages and 16 musical acts throughout the four-day event, which runs July 4-7 this year.
(The Dole photos)
Lakeside Festival is one of McHenry County’s largest and longest-running festivals, and it brings people from all corners of the county. Fun family events keep things engaging for the children all weekend long.
Saturday brings a host of superhero characters, Chicagoarea sports mascots and a bike parade that’s just for the kids.
“We have a kids’ ice cream eating contest on Friday, which we’ve been doing off and on for years,” says Russell. “We have a family that volunteers the time and the ice cream to make it all happen. It starts around 1 p.m.”
And speaking of contests, Lakeside Festival’s biggest showoff is the bags tournament on Saturday. More than 40 teams are already signed up to play for cash prizes, including the $500 award for the first-place finishers. All competitors get free drink tickets and entrance to the festival. Sign up now at TheDole.org or on-site Saturday morning.
Crystal Lake’s beloved Independence Day parade kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m., although it’ll look a little different this year. Construction along Dole Avenue, from the mansion past U.S. Rt. 14, is forcing the parade onto a different route. This year, rather than ending at the festival, it’ll leave City Hall and head down Dole Avenue to Crystal Lake Avenue, where it then turns onto Oak Street toward Bernotas Middle School.
The weekend closes with a bang Sunday night as the city launches its traditional fireworks show from Crystal Lake. Since The Dole’s 10 acres overlook the water, this is one of the best views in town. In fact, the festival stays open until 10 p.m. this year so people can soak up those last few memories.
As dusk settles in, the Dole’s stages go quiet and the Crystal Lake Community Band, playing at a band shell by the water, sets the mood.
“They generally finish with the ‘1812 Overture’ as the fireworks start,” says Marty Moister, The Dole’s board vice president. “It’s another one of those traditions that has been going on for years.”
Festival admission is $10 for anyone age 13 and older. It’s free for active military and kids under 12, and it’s $5 for seniors. Parking is free, especially in nearby lots at Main Beach and South Elementary School.
All proceeds from Lakeside Festival help to support The Dole’s historic 1865 mansion and its annex, built in 1922 as part of the city’s first country club. The property was later a seminary and church center before it was saved from the wrecking ball in 2002. The Dole now hosts nonprofit events, artist studios, a monthly art show, live music and a farmers market that was twice ranked as the tops in Illinois.
“People should feel good about this,” says Sharon LeCoque, interim executive director and co-chair of Farmers Market+ at The Dole. “People are having a great time here, but they’re also supporting a historic property.”
Thanks to the proceeds of these public events, recent renovations are bringing The Dole back to its grandeur.
“It’s never looked this good,” says Moister. “This building looks enormously better than it looked five or even 10 years ago.”
For Russell, who’s been part of Lakeside Festival and The Dole for 40 years, there’s a lot of passion and joy mixed into this weekend celebration. He’s grateful for the support he has from nearly 500 volunteers, the City and local sponsors including Stryker, Home State Bank, and Crystal Lake Bank & Trust.
“This is absolutely a tradition,” says Moister. “People look for the sign to go up, and the kids get excited. The whole community of Crystal Lake, and beyond, looks forward to this.”
To learn more about Lakeside Festival, visit TheDole.org or call (815) 455-8000. The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake. ❚
The Ferris Wheel at The Dole’s Lakeside Festival offers unrivaled views of the surrounding neighborhood and lakefront scenery.
Lakeside Festival includes a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors and long-running traditions such as the children’s bike parade and an Independence Day Parade.
A Tasting Room for Adventurous Spirits
By Chris Linden, executive editor
We’reall familiar with craft breweries and all of their crazy flavors. What many people don’t realize is that craft distilleries in our region are just as adventurous.
Rush Creek Distilling, in Harvard, is making a name for itself with inventive whiskeys, gins and vodkas. Flavors like the American Gold whiskey, the coffee-flavored vodka or the barrel rested gin are a hit at bars and liquor stores across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, but for something exceptional, a visit to the Harvard tasting room is in order.
The industrial chic interior is a casual place to discover something new, at the bar or the gift shop, where you’ll find unique creations like the 100% rye or the bourbon-barrel maple syrup. You might even be the first to try some new, small-batch creation. That’s how the jalapeno-flavored vodka, infused
with locally grown peppers, got its start.
“I drank it and I thought, ‘This stuff is great, and not even for the drink it was designed for,’” says Mark Stricker, who owns the distillery with his brother, Todd, and friends Jay Nolan and Jeff McCarthy.
“Last year it was our No. 1 product sold in Wisconsin,” adds Todd. “It started as an experimental run, and now it’s huge.”
Rush Creek’s Harvard tasting room is a casual place to try a drink and relax with friends. Live bands play here on the weekends, and food trucks are a common sight from the outdoor patio. An event space inside hosts many showers, birthday parties and other social gatherings.
The team is extending operating hours this summer, so that the tasting
room is now open Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
True to the nature of their craft, the team at Rush Creek Distilling are always working on the next big thing. That’s half the fun of it.
“If craft turns into boring then it’s not craft anymore,” says Todd. “We want to be un-boring.”
Rush Creek Distilling is located at 1501 W. Diggins St., in Harvard. ❚
L-R: Todd Stricker, Mark Stricker, Jay Nolan, Jeff McCarthy.
The Perfect Summer Escape is Close to Home
By Kathy Casstevens, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge
Looking for a getaway that doesn’t involve airport delays? How about a destination that’s close to home, but worlds away? The answer is Starved Rock Lodge, located near Oglesby in the middle of scenic Starved Rock State Park. Hiking trails are just steps away from your hotel room or a cabin in the woods.
The summer calendar is filled with fun, starting with an experience on the Illinois River. Travel through the river locks on the Lock & Lunch Tour or take a sunset cruise on the Sainte Genevieve, which is the only sternwheel riverboat on the Illinois River.
The Lodge also offers the Waterfowl Tour, Visit a Canyon & Boat Ride tour or the Land & Water Cruise on the Eagle 1 pontoon boat. Historic Trolley Tours run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Back at the Lodge, you can catch Guided Hikes every Saturday and Sunday. Hikes are $25 per person and include a sack lunch.
The Lodge’s music tribute shows include a hot buffet lunch. Choose from an Elton John/Billy Joel Tribute Matinee on July 8-9 or a comedy show starring Jeremy Nunes on July 1516. Upcoming shows for August and September are detailed on the Lodge’s website.
and music by the Ukulele Moonshiners from 4-6 p.m.
The Veranda welcomes outdoor dining for lunch and dinner daily. It also hosts live music every Friday night from 8-11 p.m. The view is outstanding. Visit on July 14 for Rockin’ the Tropics Luau on the Veranda, when there will be a Hawaiian-themed buffet all day
Overnight guests can access the indoor pool, hot tub and saunas. Free parking and Wi-Fi are included.
To book a getaway or activity, call (815) 667-4211 or go to starvedrocklodge.com. Starved Rock Lodge is located at One Lodge Lane, in Oglesby. ❚
(Kathy Casstevens photo)
The Veranda at Starved Rock Lodge has unrivaled views.
Hot Tips for Smoking Meats the Right Way
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
It may seem daunting to the uninitiated, but smoking meat is like a good recipe: combine the right ingredients and savor the results.
“You need a good smoker, and you need to be patient,” says Mark Hibshman, co-owner of Headon’s Fine Meats in Creston. The butcher shop has supplied cuts of fine meat to grillers all across northern Illinois for decades, and Hibshman has smoked more than a few juicy briskets in his day.
The secret starts with a good cut of meat and some simple ingredients, says Hibshman. For fattier meats like brisket, use pepper, garlic powder and a dash of salt. Cover it and let it sit overnight.
“You want to make sure the Saran wrap is tight so that your meat doesn’t dry out,” he adds. “Then, take it out 2 hours before you put it in the smoker to get it close to room temperature so it can cook evenly.”
Once meat is in the smoker, temperature control and timing play a crucial role. The idea is to cook at a lower temperature, for a longer period of time, for a tender, flavorful outcome.
“I smoke meats between 190 and 210 degrees for about 9 to 10 hours,” says Hibshman.
The internal temperature of the meat is important to monitor, especially with brisket. Once the probe reaches 160 to 165 degrees, wrap the brisket in foil and continue to smoke it until it hits 200 degrees, says Hibshman.
“There’s a temperature window between 160 and 190 degrees where the heat stalls and the meat breaks down and becomes tender,” says Hibshman. “When your brisket stalls, take it out, wrap it in foil and put it back in so the juices can absorb.”
For those who are just getting started or have been frustrated with
past attempts, the best thing is to practice with inexpensive cuts like tri-tip or chicken, says Hibshman.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a piece of meat,” he adds. “If you don’t smoke it properly, the worst thing that happens is it’s going to be dry or tough. If you’re worried about that, you should start with a cheaper piece of meat.” Headon’s Fine Meats is located at 103 N. Main St., in Creston. ❚
Rockford Nephrology Associates
Nephrology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the kidneys. Kidney disease affects one in seven people (approximately 37 million) in the United States and may result from causes such as diabetes, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or obstructions of the urinary tract.
The most well-known function of the kidneys is to form urine containing waste from the body, which is the filtration function. Kidneys are also responsible for certain hormone secretion, which can affect the production of red blood cells and promote absorption of calcium. Kidneys also help with fluid and acid-base
RNA Sycamore 2127 Midlands Ct., Ste. 102 Sycamore, Ill.
Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Pavithran
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Dr.Ahmad,Dr.Niemiec, Dr. Robertson
Rochelle Specialty Center 900 N. Second St. Rochelle, Ill.
Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Pavithran
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Dr.Maynard,Dr.Murdakes, Dr.Stim,Dr.Sweeney
balance, blood pressure control and glucose production. Therefore, anemia, high blood pressure, Vitamin D deficiency, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances are also monitored and treated by the nephrology team.
At Rockford Nephrology Associates, our boardcertified nephrologists and nurse practitioners provide consultative services and follow-up visits which, along with lab and radiology testing, help to diagnose kidney disease and determine the best-quality treatment options. Education is key to understanding the disease and for preparing to make treatment choices at each stage.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Rockford Nephrology at (815) 227-8300. ❚
Back row: Dr. Michael Robertson, Dr. James Stim, Dr. John Maynard, Dr. Mashood Ahmad, Dr. Syed Ahmed, Dr. Charles Sweeney and Dr. Krishna Sankaran. Front row: Dr. Bindu Pavithran, Dr. Charlene Murdakes and Dr. Joanna Niemiec.
FVO Marks 50 Years of Independent Care
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Fox Valley Orthopedics (FVO) has been physicianowned and operated since its inception in 1974, and its independence has made it a shining example of what hometown medicine can look like in the 21st century.
“We’ve taken where we started, which was this very local, community organization founded in St. Charles with just two doctors, and we’ve grown that,” says Dr. Vishal Mehta, who joined the practice in 2006 has spent the past eight years as its president and managing partner. “We’ve always had this mission to provide the best orthopedic care to our community.”
When Mehta says the practice has grown, he’s not kidding. FVO has more than 40 providers at 10 suburban sites, including a new office in Yorkville, which opened last fall.
“We have over 350 employees,” he says. “We’ve increased the scope of what we do, as well. But as we grow, we always want to provide the best possible care.”
That’s evidenced by things like a new MRI purchased for the Elgin office and top-of-the-line physical therapists, which Mehta says is one of the biggest draws to FVO.
All of this has been possible because of FVO’s commitment to staying independent.
“For me, the most important thing is having respect for the people we take care of,” says Dr. Craig Torosian, a hand and wrist orthopedic surgeon who joined the practice in 1995. “We respect all of our patients, and it has that much more value when you live in the same community.”
Dr. David Morawski, joint orthopedic surgeon, vividly remembers when he first joined FVO in August 1993.
“I was excited because I believed the existing partners were really forward thinking and had a vision of building a place where you can not only see patients and diagnose their problems through X-ray imaging, but you would also have therapy to send them to,” says Morawski.
When Morawski started, he performed total hip and knee replacement surgeries in a hospital. Patients typically stayed overnight and then went to rehab.
its hometown feel, despite its larger size. And that’s been incredibly important to FVO staff.
“At least early on, the first eight, nine surgeons all lived in the Tri-Cities, and we very often saw our patients on the streets at high school games, movie theaters, other places in town,” says Morawski. “So, when we do have a Yorkville office, we like to fill that up with people who are from Yorkville or the southwest side of Naperville and Aurora and live in that community near that office.”
The term “individual practice” has a powerful presence behind it that patients can sense, as well, Mehta says.
“When I walk through my office, if there’s a piece of paper on the floor, I clean it up,” he says. “We close up at 5, but if a patient shows up at 5:01, I take care of that patient. It’s a different sense of pride and ownership and truly caring because each individual is Fox Valley Orthopedics. We are the organization.”
Independence also helps FVO stay on the cutting edge.
“Technology is a large part of what we do,” Mehta says. “That’s why we’ve invested in the latest implants, the latest imaging in the operating room. We purchased robotics for hip and knee replacement because we always want to make the investments to provide the latest surgical technology.”
Today, 95% of Morawski’s cases head home the same day as their surgery – which is performed in FVO’s own outpatient surgery center.
FVO continues to grow, having also added a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist, rheumatologist, spine surgeons, hand surgeons and physiatrists.
Staying independent in today’s health care environment has allowed FVO to keep
Staying a step ahead is key, but celebrating 50 years has provided FVO staffers time to sit back and reflect on where it was and what it has become, Mehta says.
“I think it really comes back to that constant,” Mehta says. “The reality is that everything around us will change. The population will grow, technology will change, but the constant is taking care of our community. That commitment will be there 50 years from now. We will continue to change as times change and be on the forefront of orthopedic care. We are really looking forward to what the future brings.”
Fox Valley Orthopedics has locations in Algonquin, Barrington, Elgin, Geneva and Yorkville. Call (630) 584-1400 to schedule an appointment. ▮
Dr. David Morawski (left) and Dr. Craig Torosian have watched Fox Valley Orthopedics expand numerous times since they joined in the 1990s.
Dr. Vishal Mehta
There’s a Smarter Way to Shop for Furniture
By Peggy Werner
In a world where everyone is in a hurry and consumers want things fast and cheap, at least one local furniture store takes a different approach.
Located in downtown Huntley, Strode’s Furniture has a 6,500-squarefoot showroom that’s full of Americanmade furniture. The quality craftsmanship inside is far and above what you’ll find in a big-box competitor.
“Customers appreciate the quality, attractiveness and durability of our furniture,” says owner Bob Wozniak. “When you have a quality product to start with, there are fewer problems and there’s greater satisfaction.”
Wozniak and his team take the time to help customers understand how this furniture is made and what makes quality furniture stand out.
“Real wood furniture feels solid, heavy and stable,” he says. “It does
not wobble or creak if proper joinery is used.”
Strode’s carries furniture for every room of the home, including specialorder outdoor furniture. There are also area rugs, lamps, artwork, ceramics and other home decor. Delivery is free anywhere in the Chicago area.
Best of all, what’s available on the floor is only a starting point.
“We do a lot of special orders because there are so many options to choose from,” says Wozniak. “For example, customers wanting a dining room table can choose from eight different woods, 30 different finishes, numerous styles, and their own number of leaves and hardware.”
Amish craftsmen are known for quality products made of real wood. They’re distinctly different from the imports you’ll find elsewhere.
Most importantly, they don’t take shortcuts. The Amish use a multi-step process that includes sanding several times, staining, drying and sealing before applying a final top coat with a hardener for durability. The thick top coat levels out for a smooth finish.
“They are very hardworking people who take pride in what they do,” says Wozniak.
Strode’s Furniture is located at 11707 Main St., in downtown Huntley. For more information, call the store at (847) 669-3500. ❚
In DeKalb County, Spirit of Illinois is Strong
By Pat Szpekowski
If getting out on the lake and soaking in the sunshine have been on your mind lately, wait no more! There’s no better place to soak up that summer sun than in DeKalb County.
“Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area in Shabbona is a tremendous place to get away from the stresses of daily life and get back to the peace of nature,” says Katherine McLaughlin, DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau marketing director.
In the midst of 1,550 acres of rolling hills and prairie, Shabbona Lake offers a 318.8-acre, man-made fishing destination. The natural resources it provides and the rewards of fishing here are many. It’s located off U.S. Route 30 inside a state park by the same name. Called the “Muskie Capitol of Illinois,” Shabbona Lake proudly holds four state Muskie fishing records.
The state park also comes with convenient amenities like boat rentals, cabins and camp sites.
There are many ways to soak up the sunshine around DeKalb County, and few experiences compare to enjoying live music and refreshing imbibements on the patio, particularly at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in DeKalb and Prairie State Winery in Genoa.
Whiskey Acres is noted for handcrafted spirits that come from DeKalb County grains. What a treat to enjoy the essence of the land.
Prairie State Winery was just one of 16 wineries in Illinois when Rick and Maria Mamoser established it in 1998. Today, Illinois has 100 wineries, and Prairie State Winery is still at the
top with more than 35 wines and an unforgettable atmosphere. The winery was recently named an Illinois Maker.
“They represent the pinnacle of small businesses in Illinois, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found in the cities, towns and rural communities of the Land of Lincoln,” says McLaughlin.
Visit dekalbcountycvb.com today and start planning your getaway. ❚
Prairie State Winery, in Genoa
(DeKalb County CVB photo)
Smart Plays Keep Your Golf Game Exciting
By Chris Linden, executive editor
There are so many things that can go right or wrong on the golf course, and your mental state is a big factor. Sure, you need self-control, but you also need a winning strategy.
At Orchard Valley Golf Course in Aurora, smart planning makes all the difference.
Your first challenge is the par-3 No. 2, where the right flank is guarded by water. Head pro Joe Fritz plays from the black tees, where it’s all carry to the green. The average golfer is wise to steer left and beware the sloping fairway. “If you miss to the right, you’re going swimming,” Fritz says.
Fritz starts No. 3 with less club so he can hit the wide part of the fairway, away from the water. He starts the next hole, a par-5, with a solid drive over the water before targeting a narrow green.
The next few holes are all about the beach. There’s a giant bunker
flanking Nos. 5, 6 and 7. Err toward the opposing side, says Fritz, as the scale of the bunker and its tallgrass islands lowers your chance at par. Hole No. 8 offers more bunkers along a zigzagging fairway before No. 9 lets off pressure on a long straightaway.
The front nine is where you want to get aggressive, says Fritz. The back nine is all skill, particularly on the signature par-3 No. 12, where you want to stay out of the water. This one’s all about the carry.
Then, there’s No. 13, where water bisects the fairway. Think of this one like a par-5, where a good lie before the water will get you a better approach to the green. “Taking a bogey here isn’t a bad score,” says Fritz.
No. 15 requires a similar strategy. On a good day, Fritz might aim across the water to the second fairway, roughly 260 yards away. But it’s a lot of risk
for little reward, he says. The smarter move is to hit a shorter club onto the first fairway.
Given its many hazards, this is a course that rewards safe, smart shots.
“Take what the course gives you,” says Fritz. “If the course gives you a lot on the front, take it. It does not give you a whole lot on the back nine.”
Orchard Valley Golf Course is located at 2411 W. Illinois Ave., in Aurora. Schedule a tee time at orchardvalleygolf.com. ❚
(Fox Valley Park District photo)
The par-3, Hole No. 12 at Orchard Valley Golf Course, in Aurora, is all about the water.
Barrington Thursday Nights Out
Through Aug. 15, 4-8 p.m. Farmers market, cruise night, live music, children’s activities. Cook & Station streets, downtown Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.
Huntley Farmers Market
Through Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Homemade and homegrown goods. Huntley Downtown Square, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us.
Through Oct. 30, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities, local produce, artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
Lakeside Festival at The Dole
July 4-7, daily noon-11 p.m. Two outdoor stages, food, carnival, parade and fireworks. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.
McHenry Fiesta Days
July 11-21, events daily. Parade, carnival,
Entertainment & Events
Music Fest, Food Fest, carnival, fireworks, car show and more. Peterson Park, 4300 Peterson Park Road, McHenry, mchenryfiestadays.com.
A Day Out with Thomas
July 13-21, Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Ride along with your favorite engine and enjoy a special storytime for children. Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, (815) 2447245, irm.org.
Meet Local Author Laurie Lawlor
July 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Hear from the author of the illustrated nonfiction book “Fearless World Traveler.” Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd Street, Woodstock, (815) 3380542, woodstockpubliclibrary.org.
Art on the Green: Music of Carole King
July 13, 7 p.m. Tina Naponelli presents the work of Carole King. Arts on the Green, Raue Center for the Arts, 210 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Kane County Fair
July 17-21, see website for times. Barrel racing, demolition derby, live entertainment, 4-H displays, carnival, more. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.
“Big Hoss” Bluegrass Festival
July 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Radio personality Buford T. “Big Hoss,” welcomes a dozen musical acts. Judson University, 1151 N. State St., Elgin, (224) 276-5692, bufordtamerica.com.
Algonquin Founders’ Days
July 25-28, events daily. Live music, cardboard regatta, a carnival, a fun run and fireworks. Spella Park, 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, (847) 242-1589, algonquinfoundersdays.com.
Metra Lot Concert: Mike & Joe
July 26, 7-9 p.m. Cover band plays popular songs from the ’90s through today. North Commuter Lots, 201 S. Spring Street, Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.
McHenry County Fair
July 30-Aug. 4, events daily. Pageants, carnival, monster trucks, bull riding; Saturday headliner is 38 Special. McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-5315, mchenrycountyfair.com
Kane County Flea Market
Aug. 3-4, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of dealers. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com. ❚
