Smart Living Northwest - July 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • July/August 2021

Right in Our Region

Food, Fun & German Beer at DAS Fest USA

Know the Basics About Solar Power Living Luxuriously on a New Patio Raue Center Takes the Show Outdoors

The Tradition Continues at McHenry County Fair

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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In This Issue Right in Our Region................................Cover & p. 16 Release Your Inner German at DAS Fest Your Home Energy ......................................................11 Know the Basics Before You Go With Solar Your Outings ..........................................................13, 23 What’s New at McHenry County Fair; A Relaxed Hangout at Crystal Lake Brewing Inspiration & Worship.................................................14 David or Solomon?

Your Remodel ................................................................19 Why Everyone’s Bringing the Indoors Out Your Health......................................................................21 What Happens After Cancer Treatment Your Entertainment .....................................................25 Raue Center Brings Arts to the Green Your Home ......................................................................27 Tips for a Better Water System Your Fun...........................................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Anna Girgenti, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living.

Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Memory Lane

S

ummer has a way of taking me down memory lane.

I can’t help but think about family vacations to Yellowstone and Door County, summer youth group trips, college years working at the pool or the first time I took my kids camping.

How can I forget the time I went to a wedding and met the girl I’d one day marry? Our children are summer babies.

Yet, many of those happy times are also tempered with a sense of love and loss. One smell of the junipers and I’m transported to my grandparents’ patio. A cool breeze and the whiff of laundry soap reminds me of Grandma’s house. The clock turns 1:15 and I’m reminded of my childhood friend Phillip, whom you could always bet would call right on time.

How many summer afternoons were spent in his basement, giving his mom gray hairs?

We took the kids camping a few weeks ago, and what an adventure it was. Through hot, sticky nights in the tent we made more happy memories surrounded by nature. Sleeping on our squishy old air mattresses, though, I couldn’t help but think of a more recent loss.

Through my high school years, you could guarantee one thing on any youth group overnight: my brother and I would be sleeping next to Brian – and Brian was a snorer of epic proportions. We were buddies and like brothers, so it was all part of the experience. In later years, we spent so much time together that we called him “No. 3,” like he was my parents’ third child. This summer, Brian lost his battle with ataxia, a neurological disease that slowed him down these past few years. It was tough watching his struggles, but he had an amazing spirit of perseverance and faith in God. You could always count on Brian to find an adventure, to find the joys in life, and to make friends wherever he went.

We lost him too soon, but I’m grateful for the time we had and those lessons he taught me about life. In a thousand small ways, he keeps reminding me of happy days.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

150 North Main Street

Crystal Lake, IL

Easy to drink. Hard to put down.

Your

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Your Home Energy

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By Jermaine Pigee, managing n a hot summer day, the sun can feel downright uncomfortable.

But if you’re looking to save money, the sun is a real benefit.

“By going solar, you’re doing no harm to the environment,” says Tom Anderson, solar director of Greenlink Energy Solutions, a Rockford-based specialist in renewable energy, indoor air quality, efficiency and restoration. “In fact, you’re actually helping the environment, because you’re not burning fossil fuels.”

It’s pretty simple how solar energy works. Microprocessors located inside the panels on your roof collect the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity.

The energy collected by those panels goes straight to your outlets, and whatever you don’t use is net-metered with your utility. Think of it like an energy savings account for those times when the sun isn’t out – at night or on rainy days.

editor Whatever isn’t used is pushed back to the utility company’s power grid.

Greenlink staffers mount the solar panels to an aluminum rack that’s fixed to the trusses of your roof. The whole installation covers over your existing shingles.

Wiring is run through the attic and down to your circuit panel. The installation process takes about two days.

For anyone who says they’re concerned about the costs, or if they’re still on the fence, Anderson has a 25-year chart that shows what a ComEd bill is today compared to what it could be 25 years from now.

He estimates the average homeowner who uses ComEd will pay about $75,000 for energy over 25 years, which is about how long a solar system will last.

These solar systems cost about $30,000, but with state and federal rebates Anderson estimates homeowners will only pay

(Greenlink photo)

Know the Basics Before You Go With Solar

about $15,000 in the end. As an added bonus, Anderson says those solar panels will add at least 5% to your resale value.

More homeowners have made the move to solar power just this year, spurred on by state and federal tax credits that are available for such improvements.

“I always hear people say they’re looking for a catch, but there isn’t one,” says Anderson. “I’d call it a no-brainer to go solar, because you’re going to cut your energy bill in half.” ❚ For an estimate, contact Greenlink at (815) 205-5965 or visit usgreenlink.com.

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Your Outings

Fun for All at McHenry County Fair

By Brian Hughes

T

he McHenry County Fair returns this summer and it’s an event not to miss, especially given that last year’s festivities were sidelined due to COVID-19.

Serving the Chicago area for more than 70 years, this McHenry County tradition continues with a six-day event that kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 3, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 8, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock.

From the official opening at noon on Tuesday through the final closing gate at 8 p.m. Sunday, there’s fun for the whole family all week long. Favorites include the traditional 4-H displays, Open and Junior Open livestock and non-livestock shows, a carnival, Miss McHenry County Pageant, monster truck races, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, bull riding and more. Gates are generally open to the public daily starting at 7 a.m.

In addition to all the of the daytime attractions at the fair, there’s plenty of fun once the sun goes down. Grandstand entertainment happens every night and includes a draft horse pull and a professional championship bullriding competition.

On Saturday night, classic rock group Kansas arrives with special guest Femmes of Rock. Tickets can be purchased online at mchenrycountyfair.com.

Purchase general admission tickets at the gate or online, for either a single-day entry or a six-day admission. Tuesday is Family Fun Day, and tickets are only $5.

Veterans and Scouts in uniform get a free admission on Wednesday with accompanying paid adult, first responders get free admission on Thursday with accompanying paid adult, and health care workers

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get free admission on Friday with accompanying paid adult. Other special offers can be viewed online.

The McHenry County Fair is where families come to create summertime memories that last a lifetime. Mark your calendars, because this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. ❚ The McHenry County Fair happens Aug. 3-8 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, in Woodstock, (815) 338-5315.

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Inspiration & Worship

David or Solomon?

K

ing Solomon was the richest man of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world.

He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and is remembered for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and received from God when he was young.

Solomon told God, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 God answered Solomon’s prayer, but Solomon eventually squandered this great gift. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing God really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship.

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9 How many of us have longed to see God in person just once? Solomon saw God twice and still managed to put worldly things ahead of Him. For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David because his heart was not right with God. David behaved very badly at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing love poems to God, something frowned upon by the joyless religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew and God called David “a man after my own heart.”

Solomon built an impressive Temple, but David built an unshakable place for God inside his heart. Who was the richer man? Who does God tell us to emulate?

Humility matters and God is not fooled by man’s hubris. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14

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GO SOLAR WITH ZERO MONEY DOWN! Call Greenlink today to learn how you can be a part of the energy revolution and take advantage of historic incentives and tax credits.

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Right in Our Region

Celebrate All Things German at DAS Fest

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

R

aise a stein if you know that Wisconsin has the second-largest percentage of self-identified German-Americans in the U.S. StatisticalAtlas.com, which uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, puts only North Dakota ahead of Wisconsin, with 44.4 percent of the state’s population identifying as German, compared to Wisconsin’s 42.3 percent. However, Wisconsin’s millions far outweigh the 304,000 German-Americans you’ll find in North Dakota.

It would seem the Badger State is an ideal place for a celebration of German heritage, and this year Walworth County is hosting exactly that type of event.

DAS Fest USA – a free festival dedicated to German-American history – takes place Aug. 13-15 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn.

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“It’s a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate life outside, on what we hope is the heels of this trying pandemic,” says Tammy Dunn, executive director at United Way of Walworth County and the driving force behind the gathering of an impressive lineup of German entertainment and cultural experiences. “We have a lot of exciting acts that will be entertaining for our guests, including educational attributes and a few surprises that will make DAS Fest unique.”

In its inaugural season, DAS Fest offers three stages of German entertainment, including Grammy-nominated musician and producer Alex Meixner – performing all three evenings – and plenty of polka.

There also will be authentic German cuisine, highlighted by Mader’s Restaurant of Milwaukee, voted the top

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German restaurant in mid-America by TripAdvisor.

“We’re really excited about having Mader’s Restaurant,” says Chris Clapper, a director of the festival and executive director of the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center.

“As our headlining food vendor on DAS Fest grounds, Mader’s will occupy the Methodist Dining Hall and offer a sitdown dining experience with a menu that includes their famous pork shank dinner. It’s exciting that we have been able to engage someone like Mader’s, and they are behind us 110 percent in kicking off DAS Fest.”

German-inspired activities include Dachshund races, Bingo games – patrons have to yell “Volltreffer” to claim their prize – and other German competitions like stein hoisting, plus shopping at the

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Grammy-nominated musician Alex Meixner plays all three evenings at DAS Fest USA.

indoor and outdoor Marktplatz for authentic German wares.

And, of course, there will be plenty of German bier. Friday’s opening ceremony features the Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band who will help tap a keg and distribute free beer until it’s gone.

If you miss that experience, just stroll down Stein Street to enjoy German-style beverages from local wineries and breweries like East Troy Brewery, Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company of Elkhorn,

and Wein-Bauer of Franklin Park. There even will be authentic bier all the way from Camba Brewery in Germany.

However, DAS Fest is more than just raising a stein – which patrons are encouraged to bring.

“This event is being brought to the community by the Elkhorn Chamber and the United Way of Walworth County, where revenue captured by this event will be poured back into nonprofit agencies and businesses for the betterment of the county,” says Kate Abbe, a festival director who oversees partner engagement and marketing at the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center.

“It’s not to build wealth for one entity, but ultimately to build a sustainable pool of resources for the entire business community and the nonprofit arm of our county,” she adds. “The UWWC supports over 40 nonprofit agencies. A lot of them struggled through 2020, and added support is necessary. This is an opportunity to band together in a unique way, under

a beer tent … and we just happen to be drinking Hofbräu.”

DAS Fest directors have high expectations for their first festival.

“We’re hoping for 30,000 over the three days,” says Clapper. “And it’s obtainable.”

DAS Fest received a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant through Travel Wisconsin, which has given the directors nearly $40,000 to use for marketing.

“They believe in the event,” Clapper says of Travel Wisconsin. “I think because we are easily accessible from Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, that this will be big. That’s what we’re hoping. Our tagline is #DiscoverYourDeutsch, and we look forward to creating a space for German enthusiasts to ‘prost’ with us and to introduce German culture to an audience eager to be together this summer.”

DAS Fest USA happens Aug. 13-15 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., in Elkhorn, Wis. Learn more at dasfestusa.com. ❚

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Your Remodel

Why Everyone’s Bringing the Indoors Out E

verything inside is coming outside this summer, as designers transform ho-hum patios into elegant living environments.

Imagine lounge areas accented by pillows, rugs, sofas and a weather-resistant TV; dining areas connected to an outdoor kitchen; a built-in fire feature that warms up those chilly nights. Stone pavers, pergolas and attractive light fixtures can also help set the mood.

“We’re trying to pull in materials to soften up the hardscape, and normally you would do that with planters,” says Colleen Baader, senior vice president at VID Lifestyle in Elgin. “Then, you add outdoor rugs, which are beautiful, and you have a whole new look for an outdoor space.”

Baader’s team of interior designers is accustomed to leading full-scale remodels of homes and businesses, but their talents

are also shaping amazing outdoor living environments. Using the same approach they take inside, these designers review the client’s wish list before sketching out ideas and hiring a landscaper.

Before approaching a designer, think about what you want. Are there activities you want to accommodate? Can you find pictures of something you like?

With ideas in hand, it’s time to start talking materials, and the choices abound.

Baader finds that simple, clean, modern designs are a top preference.

“So, that means not as many curves, not as much greenery, just keeping things sleek and simple,” Baader says.

In one recent project, Baader used sleek lines and gray pavers to transform the space outside a navy-colored ranch home. Simplicity was the goal. Closer to the home, there’s a large space for seating, with planting areas under the windows.

(VID Liftstyle photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

At the farthest corner from the house, there’s a squarish space with a knee-high wall surrounding a fire pit. Shorter shrubs create interest and color.

The design process started last fall, and the landscaper was booked by December – well ahead of schedule so that work could begin this March.

“That’s the great thing about having someone like us help with the design, is that we can get the process going and then the landscaper just has to put it in his calendar,” says Baader.

VID Lifestyle is located at 2000 Fox Lane, in Elgin, (847) 760-8206. ❚

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LASALLE COUNTY & PONTIAC ILLINOIS

LOOKING FOR

LINCOLN

S TA R V E D R O C K S U M M E R . C O M

SCAVENGER HUNT 2021

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Tour some of LaSalle County and the City of Pontiac’s most notable Lincoln historical sites and attractions. On this family-friendly scavenger hunt, you’ll answer trivia questions and snap photos to earn your very own Lincoln-themed challenge coin!

For complete rules, challenge locations and entry, visit StarvedRockSummer.com or scan the QR code on this page.

LASALLE COUNTY CHALLENGES

CITY OF PONTIAC CHALLENGES

2. Ottawa’s Looking For Lincoln Wayfinding Signs Question: Where was Lincoln carried off to following the debate?

12. Pontiac’s Lincoln Statue Photo: Take a picture with this statue of Lincoln as a young lawyer.

1. Looking For Lincoln At The Ottawa Visitors Center Photo: Pick up a cut-out Lincoln and snap a selfie.

3. Ottawa’s ‘The Day Of The Great Debate’ Mural Photo: Take a seflie with this larger than life Lincoln Mural.

4. Starved Rock State Park’s Lincoln Plaque Photo: Join the time-tested tradition of rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck.

5. Starved Rock Lodge’s Lincoln Woodcarving and Souvenir Penny Smasher Photo: Snap a selfie with a freshly smashed souvenir penny or Lincoln carving.

11. Pontiac’s Strevell House Photo: Take a selfie at this historic home, where Lincoln spent the night.

13. Pontiac’s Prebyterian Church Question: What group did Lincoln give his speech to about “The Wheel and Axle”?

14. Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Funeral Train Question: What time did Lincoln’s funeral train pass through Pontiac?

15. Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Riverbank Debate Question: Who did Lincoln debate on the bank of the Vermilion River?

6. The LaSalle County Historical Society Museum’s Lincoln Carriage Question: Who owned the carriage that transported Lincoln to the debate site?

7. Lock 14’s Canal Silhouettes Photo: Capture a selfie with the iconic I&M Canal cut-out silhouettes.

8. I&M Canal Boat Tour Photo: Take a selfie on, or near, the replica canal boat.

9. Lock 16 Cafe and Visitors Center Question: What is the 4th word in the Lincoln quote in the exhibit panel?

10. Pop-up Lincoln Display at the Peru Mall Photo: Take a photo at this pop-up display, located inside the Peru Mall.

SCAN AND SUBMIT

Scan the QR code to submit your answers and photos. Submit your completed challenges to The Ottawa Visitors Center (1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350) to redeem your Challenge Coin or request to have it mailed directly to your door.

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Your Health

What Happens After Cancer Treatments

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B y To n i R o c h a

he prospect of weeks, months or years of cancer treatment is daunting. But what’s also worrisome is the question of what comes next.

Today’s cancer survivors have the benefit of an intensive medical and social network of caregivers who educate, guide, rehabilitate and support them through this crucial period.

“The main goal is to bring each patient back to the best quality of life,” says Dr. Alan Wan, a hematologist and oncologist for Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital in McHenry.

As their treatment concludes, each patient at Northwestern Medicine receives a personalized cancer survival plan that teaches them what to look for.

Northwestern Medicine also offers support services in McHenry and at the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, where experts help to educate,

support and guide patients and their families through diagnosis and treatment.

Regular physician visits and testing help to ensure future medical issues are caught quickly.

One of the most vital aspects of cancer treatment and survival is managing fear. Jessica Sima, an oncology nurse navigator with Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in McHenry, says patients are sometimes more worried about survival than they are about treatment.

“They come to me at every stage of their cancer treatment, and each person has a different way of handling their unique situation,” Sima says. “Some aren’t certain who they should see, while others need the reassurance that they are on the right path.”

Education is an essential part of Sima’s work, as patients navigate through treatment and beyond. She continues con-

Dr. Alan Wan

necting long into survivorship.

“The long-term side effects of cancer aren’t just medical,” she says. “Fear, emotional upset, financial constraints, fertility questions, and the changes to their home and work brought on by cancer are just some of the issues that survivors face.” ❚ Northwestern Medicine maintains facilities across McHenry County and the Chicago area, including hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock, as well as clinics in Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock and Huntley.

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Your Outings

Grab a Pint at Crystal Lake’s New Patio B

efore the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal Lake Brewing (CLB) had a small outdoor patio that accommodated roughly 20 people. Back then, the party was mostly indoors. Everything changed last summer.

“Out of necessity, we had to rethink what we could do to serve people outside safely,” says John O’Fallon, co-founder.

“We’re fortunate to have two parking lots, a small one in front and a larger lot on the side of the building.”

So, O’Fallon and his team used the smaller lot to expand their beer garden and create a fun outdoors hangout.

“People loved the extra outdoor space, and it worked great, so we decided to make it permanent,” O’Fallon says.

The expanded beer garden now includes several new tables, accompanied by large umbrellas and tents.

Building on what began last year, the team has added several improvements to make this more than just a repurposed parking lot. A special asphalt coating keeps the space cooler by reflecting the sun’s heat. New fencing and lighting over the original patio create a classy little nook. The lights stay on and the party keeps on going long after the sun sets.

“We’re making our little corner of downtown Crystal Lake an inviting place for people to enjoy a pint,” O’Fallon says.

Once you’re set up on the patio, enjoy a solid lineup of made-in-house beers featuring reliable favorites like Beach Blonde, a golden lager, and Busted Prop, a hoppy American wheat ale.

While you can find CLB drinks at many local restaurants, bars and retail locations, several small-release and special seasonal beers are available only at the

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(Crystal Lake Brewing photo)

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

Crystal Lake tap room. A recent offering is Snack Bar, a strawberry rhubarb milkshake IPA that captures the flavors of a strawberry chocolate milk.

There’s no restaurant in-house, so guests are invited to bring their own food to enjoy with a drink. Even so, be on the lookout for local food trucks that visit on Friday nights. ❚ Crystal Lake Brewing is located at 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, (779) 220-9288.

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Your Entertainment

Raue Center Moves to the Green this Summer C

elebrating its 20th anniversary, Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake presents Arts on the Green, a new outdoor series of music and entertainment hosted at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave., in Crystal Lake. Events run July 24-Sept. 11.

“Experience music and theater on summer evenings in a natural, yet elegant setting at St. Mary’s,” says Richard Kuranda, executive director of Raue Center. “Proper attire is encouraged, appropriate for the parish grounds. Swimsuits and baseball caps are not allowed, and men are to wear collared shirts.”

Space is limited, so order tickets early at the Raue Center box office.

Lynne Jordan kicks things off Saturday, July 24. Her soaring vocals dip effortlessly into blues, jazz, funk and rock.

Her talent so dazzled the Second City that the late film critic Roger Ebert declared her his “favorite diva.”

Bluesman Derrick Procell hits the green July 31. He’s an awardwinning songwriter, vocalist and musician whose songs have been recorded by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Logan Daniels and Melissa Manchester. His work is Lynne Jordan Corky Siegel & Ernie Watts even featured on TV shows and films such as “My Name is Earl,” “Truere-creates the experience of these rock Blood,” “The Office,” and the Oscarlegends with songs including “American nominated film “Lady Bird.”

Girl,” “Yer So Bad,” “Free Fallin’,” and On Aug. 7, Corky Siegel performs “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” with Ernie Watts. A composer of award“Late Summer Night’s Shakespeare” winning works that weave blues and clasfeatures a cast of Raue Center performsical forms together, Siegel has worked ers as they drop some knowledge, peralongside legends like Muddy Waters, form selected scenes and monologues, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Little Walter and share some fun with an evening of and Otis Spann. He’s joined by two-time Shakespeare on Sept. 4 and Sept. 11. ❚ Grammy-winner, jazz legend and tenor Ticket prices start at $14 for saxophonist Ernie Watts.

RaueNow members and $20 for the The Petty Kings, a tribute to Tom general public. Order tickets and learn Petty and the Heartbreakers, rock the more at RaueCenter.org or by calling the green on Aug. 21. This group faithfully box office at (815) 356-9212.

Looking for a unique venue for your next celebration?

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Your Home

What to Know About Your Water System I

By Anna Girgenti

f there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about, it’s your water. Having clean, accessible water in your home or business involves proper installation and maintenance, according to the experts at Affordable Water, in Belvidere.

“The biggest mistake people make with their in-home water systems is misapplication of equipment,” says Samantha Strobel, general manager at Affordable Water. Without proper installation, your water system is susceptible to permanent damage.

Installing a water treatment system is more complicated than many people think. The slightest mistake may result in hard water, staining or the introduction of bacteria and viruses. Misapplication due to inadequate installation can ruin both the equipment and the water. If you’re thinking about installing your own water system, you may be putting your system

at higher risk of malfunction. Consider calling a professional water company to handle the entire process for you.

“We specialize in water purification equipment and chemical-free systems.

We also offer a complete lineup of equipment for rental, leasing, residential, commercial accounts and more,” says Strobel. The family-owned business offers more than 35 years of experience.

“People commonly run into issues with their water softeners when they’re not keeping up with maintenance or when the system isn’t programmed properly,” says Strobel. Some types of water treatment systems need maintenance more often, and some require regular professional maintenance. Your water system will last longer if you rely on a company that can service all your needs.

“Affordable Water is an accredited business for the Better Business Bureau,”

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adds Strobel. “Consumers looking to install or repair a home water system should check with the Better Business Bureau to know they’re doing business with a reputable company.” ❚ Affordable Water is located in Belvidere and serves the entire Chicago area.

Call (815) 544-0918 for more information.

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Summer Concerts on the Square July 27-Aug. 17, Tues. 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live musicians. Town Square, between Coral and Main streets, downtown Huntley, (847) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.

Sensory Exploration Hike July 31, 11 a.m. Learn about animal adaptations involving the senses, play a game and take an exploration hike. Reg. req. Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.

McHenry County Fair Aug. 3-8, Tue. 4-10 p.m., Wed.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. The fair features 4-H livestock shows, conservation and agriculture displays, a carnival and grandstand entertainment. McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-5313, mchenrycountyfair.com.

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Arts on the Green: Corky Siegel & Friends Aug. 7, 7 p.m. The classical/blues pioneer plays an intimate show with saxophonist Ernie Watts.

Raue Center’s Arts on the Green, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

MBTL: Salute to the Rat Pack Aug. 8, 4 p.m. Members of The Chicago Philharmonic Society join four vocalists in capturing the essence of the Rat Pack. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.

DAS Fest USA Aug. 13-15, Fri. 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.11 p.m., Sun. to 7 p.m. Celebrate all things German with authentic food, vendors, a biergarten and a live music stage. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, Wis., (262) 723-5788, dasfestusa.com.

Barrington Cruise Nights Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. Features local food vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, more. Parking lot at Cook and Station streets, downtown Barrington, (847) 304-3400, barrington-il.gov.

July-August 2021

To advertise call 815-316-2300

(Photo provided)

Open Air Farmers Market Through Sept. 26, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dole Mansion brings locally sourced produce, flowers, art and artifacts, food trucks, cash bar, coffee drinks, acoustic music. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, thedole.org.

Huntley’s Concerts on the Square continue every Tuesday through Aug. 17.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Aug. 20-22, Fri. gates open 4:30 p.m., Sat. at 3:30 p.m., Sun. at noon. Includes live music, beer tent and numerous food vendors. Petersen Park, 4300 Petersen Park Road, McHenry, mrbbb.com.

German Beer Garden Aug. 28, 4 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with music, pretzels, local craft beer and soda. Reg. req. Park at St. Matthew’s Church and follow signs to the farm entrance. Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg, (847) 985-2102, parkfun.com. ❚

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Smart Living Northwest

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Smart Living Northwest

July-August 2021

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Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Northwest

July-August 2021

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Smart Living Northwest

July-August 2021To

advertise call 815-316-2300