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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Nov/Dec 2021
s a m t s i Chr eva in Gen
Annual Christmas Walk Returns Dec. 3
Know the Lingo Before Buying a Fireplace Prepare for St. Charles’ Christmas Parade Golf in December? Only at Pottawatomie Busy Lineups for Arcada & Raue Center
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Nov 2021 • No. II
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In This Issue Right in Our Region................................Cover & p. 16 Santa Claus is Coming to Geneva Your Entertainment.................................................9, 21 Raue Center Returns; Headliners at Arcada Your Home.......................................................................11 Cozy up with the Right Fireplace Your Outings............................................................13, 25 Golfing in Winter; St. Charles Electric Parade Inspiration & Worship ................................................14 Why Christmas Still Matters So Much Your Getaways........................................................15, 27 Goldmoor Inn’s New Chef; Escape to Kishauwau Your Remodel.................................................................19 Start Planning for Next Year’s Remodel Your Health......................................................................23 Meet Valley Plastic Surgery’s New Aesthetist Your Fun...........................................................................29
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Paula Hendrickson, Pat Szpekowski, 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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Fear Not
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e’ve officially hit the fear phase in our household. Suddenly, my oldest is afraid of every dark corner. Monsters lurk in the closet and shadows creep in at bedtime. It doesn’t matter that we’re safe at home, and Mom and Dad are right outside. Terror and panic rule the moment. Rationality and faith are far away. You know, the more I see this fear inside our house the more I see it outside our home, too. Let’s face it, today we are living in a culture of fear. It’s everywhere you look – on the news, in our entertainment, all over our pop culture and our social media feeds. It’s written in the hearts of our friends and families. Lately, a little voice has been breaking through the noise. It’s saying to me: “Fear not.” Because, what do we have to fear, really? Take a read through human history and you’ll see that good always prevails – never in our desired way, of course, but good always endures. So, I propose we start changing the narrative. It’s time to tune out the fear and tune into a different message: a message of hope. In these coming weeks, Christians around the world begin the celebration of Advent. It’s a time to prepare heart and mind for the arrival of Christ – the coming of hope. His story is one of hope even in the darkest times. Did you know the term “fear not” appears in the Bible 365 times, by some counts? Speaking of which, this is a special time of year for our Jewish friends, too, as they mark Hanukkah – another celebration of hope and light. In a time when darkness literally prevailed over their people, a miracle of light brought deliverance. So, remind me again: why are we afraid? As we close out this year it’s my prayer that you’ll remain patient in the face of fear. That, regardless of your beliefs, you can find the light and place your hope in things that endure. May you be the light when all around you is darkness. Conquer those fears and live with courage, for even in the darkest moments good prevails.
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Your Entertainment
Raue Center Embarks on a Spectacular Season C
rystal Lake’s Raue Center for the Arts marks its 20th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion – and the return of performers following COVID shutdowns – Raue Center is launching a bold lineup of entertainment this season. “It seems like everybody has gotten behind us,” says Richard Kuranda, CEO. “We are so fortunate to carry on the legacy and hold these standards high.” Leading into the holidays, Raue Center introduces its newest addition: Lynne Jordan, a singer and actress who was named the venue’s first Diva in Residence. She presents a series of shows over the coming months, including appearances on Nov. 19 and Jan. 15. The Christmas season begins in full on Dec. 4 and 5, when Raue Center mounts its own take on a time-honored classic, “A Christmas Carol: Panto
Edition.” Adapted from the well-loved story by Charles Dickens, this production promises to be an interactive, family-friendly show that includes young performers from Raue Center’s Sage on Stage program. It runs through Dec. 12. Elgin Symphony Orchestra pays its first visit on Dec. 10 with a special holiday spectacular. Then, Engage Dance Theater arrives Dec. 18-19 for performances of “The Nutcracker.” Raue Center closes out the holidays with its traditional New Year’s bash on Dec. 31. Radio personality Steve Cochran and friends lead a comedy show before a performance by American English, an authentic Beatles cover band. The new year brings even more excitement with the return of live comedy, tribute acts and the Williams Street Repertory theatrical troupe.
(Raue Center photo)
B y J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r
Raue Center kicks off the holiday season with “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 4-12
“With what we’ve been through the past 18 months, to see that we’re still standing and growing, and that we’re still strong, our team is incredible,” says Billy Seger, Raue Center’s institutional advancement associate. “I love everything that the Raue Center stands for.” ❚ Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
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Your Home & Garden
How to Find the Right Fireplace for Your Home By Paula Hendrickson
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hile the crackle and aroma of a wood-burning fireplace creates a relaxing environment, lighting fires and cleaning up ashes can be exhausting. Luckily, the traditional woodburning unit is just one of many styles available for today’s homeowner. “The majority of people want gas,” says Kevin Obee, general manager of Benson Stone Co., in Rockford. “Gas units have come a long way in the past 20 years.” Most modern units are ultra-efficient and fit into most spaces – new or existing. Before you go shopping, be sure to know your lingo. Open Vent vs. Direct Vent: While both systems exhaust fumes outdoors, open-vent systems – like traditional fireplaces – draw in air from the room. They’re less efficient than a sealed directvent system, which pulls combustion air from outside your home.
Wood Burners: High-efficiency wood fireplaces and inserts offer the look of a traditional wood fire without as much heat loss. Modern models have fans that blow the heat back into the room. Sealed combustion systems also mean you’re not using indoor air to fuel the fire. Gas Logs: They’re found in both open-vent fireplaces and direct-vent inserts. Most of today’s log units are made to radiate more heat than models made just a decade or two ago. Using his own fireplace as an example, Obee says he usually runs his gas log system on the high setting with the furnace set around 72. “It actually saves me money every single time I use it, because I’m not using my furnace to heat the same space,” says Obee. Electric: In situations where installing a gas line or proper venting would be impractical or expensive, some homeowners opt instead for electric fireplaces.
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Obee estimates that direct-vent units put out anywhere from four to 10 times as much heat as an electric fireplace, so these models are best for ambiance alone. Whatever system and style you choose, adding a functional hearth to your home is an investment that can pay off over time by reducing heating costs and increasing the value of your home – not to mention that warm and cozy feeling it provides on a chilly evening. ❚ Benson Stone Co. is located at 1100 11th St., Rockford, (815) 227-2000.
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Your Outings
By Pat Szpekowski he hawk may be blowing and the snow falling, but that’s no excuse to forego playing a round of golf at Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles. “Cold months are the ideal time to play indoor virtual golf and perfect your skills,” says Ron Skubisz, course manager and PGA Professional. “Our Foresight GC Quad Launch Simulator, which we tried to launch in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, had an inauspicious beginning. But ever since we opened it up, it has been very popular.” What are the advantages of a simulator? It is very precise and provides data on ball and swing speed, carry, roll and distance, path, contact and more. All of that information can improve your swing. “You’ll see your strengths and weaknesses as you work on your irons, woods and hybrid clubs,” says Skubisz. “How are you hitting the ball? Is it dead cen-
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ter? A simulator doesn’t lie. It delivers the truth on club head performance. The ultimate goal, of course, is to achieve better knowledge of your golf game and how to improve it.” Play the simulator alone or join with one, two or three friends. Choose from 20 of the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses, all faithfully reproduced to deliver a true-to-life simulation. Virtually play the legendary course at Pebble Beach on the California Monterey Coast or follow the footsteps of legends at the Old St. Andrews links course in Scotland. Other options include nine-hole courses, swingaway or practice on the virtual driving range. It takes about an hour for one person to play 18 holes. Add an hour for each playing partner. “It’s a good deal to play golf when
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(St. Charles Parks photo)
Get Your Golf Fix all Winter at Pottawatomie
Pottawatomie Golf Course closes Dec. 23, weather permitting, but its new simulator works all winter long.
you see 2 inches of snow outside,” Skubisz says. Of course, those diehards who prefer to be outside can still bundle up and play the nine-hole Pottawatomie course outside until Dec. 23, weather permitting. Find out more details on rates, reservations and hours at stcparks.org. ❚ Pottawatomie Golf Course is located at 845 N. Second Ave., St. Charles, (630) 584-8356.
Smart Living West
Nov/Dec 2021
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Inspiration & Worship
Why Christmas Still Matters So Much
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cholars debate many details about Christmas, including whether Dec. 25 is really the date of Jesus’ birth. But both the Old and New Testament are very clear about his purpose for coming: to bring light to a dark world and everlasting life to those who believe on him. And that purpose is no less relevant today. In Luke 4:16-21, when his ministry began, Jesus opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (who lived about 1,000 years before Jesus was born) and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the minister, and sat down. “And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.’” While many religions recognize Jesus as a prophet, only Christianity celebrates him as the son of God and the messiah prophesied in the Old Testament; and only Christianity offers salvation by grace to anyone who believes. John 1:1 tells us, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Shortly before his death, Jesus prayed not only for people who already believed on him, but for “all those who shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20) – and that includes us. Reading the story of Jesus’ birth, as detailed in the first few chapters of Luke and Matthew, is a great way to ready our hearts for the celebration of his birth. ❚ Compiled by Janine Pumilia
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Your Getaways
New Chef Elevates Dining at Goldmoor Inn By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor
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oldmoor Inn’s intimate, fine-dining restaurant has always been a staple of this Galena bed-and-breakfast, but with the addition of new Executive Chef Brandon Veitch, the dishes have been elevated to new levels. “Brandon brings the creativity and the complexity of the dishes up one notch, and the food is really sophisticated,” says Slobo Radin, who co-owns the Goldmoor with his wife, Birgit. “When people sit down and go through the menu, they often order one item to share so everyone at the table can taste the goodness of the food. It’s really amazing.” Veitch, whose experience includes French and Italian styles, came to the Goldmoor after more than five years at The Peninsula Chicago. Under Veitch, Goldmoor’s menu is simple, yet complex.
The fall menu features a hearty combination of dishes that warm the heart and feed the soul with ingredients supplied by local farms. This season, diners can enjoy Chilean Sea Bass served with rosemary marble potatoes, roasted parsnip, pickled squash and salmon roe. Handmade Squash Agnolotti has brown butter cream, butternut squash, chevre cheese, walnut and pomegranate. If you’re looking for something lighter, check out the Kale and Brussels sprouts salad with pomegranate seed, green apple, gorgonzola cheese, candied walnut and apple-serrano dressing. Making the experience even more exceptional, diners are treated to breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Fall colors and snow-covered trees add to a picturesque scene.
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Brandon Veitch, Goldmoor Inn’s executive chef
“It’s just a really beautiful place,” says Radin. “You have to venture out and see how beautiful this place really is.” The restaurant is open Thursday to Monday from 5-9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. ❚ Goldmoor Inn is located at 9001 W. Sand Hill Road, Galena, (815) 777-3925, goldmoor.com.
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Nov/Dec 2021
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Right in Our Region
That Christmas Magic is Coming to Geneva By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
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eneva has long enjoyed a reputation for its festivals, and the annual Christmas Walk and House Tour in December is, by far, the most festive time of them all. Excluding last year’s pandemic-hindered event, roughly 10,000 people annually flock to Geneva for the official start of the Christmas season. This year’s festivities take place Friday, Dec. 3. “Seeing people happy and knowing we’re the kickoff to most people’s holiday is a great feeling,” says Laura Rush, communications manager for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “There are carolers, lights – there’s just excitement, fun, energy. You feel it. Everyone is just full of happiness and spirit.” Ever since the Chamber started this celebration in 1946, it’s been a highly anticipated event that evolves each year.
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As is tradition, the Candy Cane Parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. Friday with a parade of sweets lovers trekking from Graham’s 318 Coffee House to the Third Street stage in front of the courthouse to present Mayor Kevin Burns with the first candy cane of the season. This year, the march has been dubbed Bob’s Candy Cane Parade in honor of Bob Untiedt, founder of Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream as well as Graham’s 318 Coffee House. Untiedt died in March after battling cancer. Decades ago, Untiedt debuted the parade in combination with an old-fashioned candy cane pull at his shop. As is tradition, when the candy cane is delivered Santa Lucia (a Swedish tradition) arrives and her attendants pass out Swedish cookies to visitors. Burns and Santa Lucia will light the large Christmas
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tree on the courthouse lawn, and then Santa Claus arrives. Bill Otter has played Santa since 2019. “I’ve been super excited about it,” he says. “Santa has been part of the Christmas Walk forever, and Christmas Walk has continued to expand to be an amazing event.” All of these festivities typically play out between 6 and 6:30 p.m., Rush says. But there’s plenty more to enjoy the rest of Friday night and into Saturday. Visits with Santa are available at the courthouse lawn until about 9:30 p.m. Friday. Santa also is available in his new Winter Wonderland in the Geneva Visitors Center, 10 S. Third St., on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December. To keep Santa and his friends safe, visits will be by appointment only – but reservation time slots (available on the
Right in Our Region
Santa Lucia arrives with the Geneva Christmas Walk on Dec. 3.
Chamber website) are every 5 minutes. Kids can also send Santa a letter. Another highlight of the Christmas Walk is the special holiday shopping in downtown Geneva. Locally owned stores offer giveaways, bargains and surprises. The Holiday House Tour is a ticketed event that usually sells out. It allows patrons to visit five professionally decorated homes on a self-guided tour either Friday, Dec. 3, or Saturday, Dec. 4. One stop on this year’s tour is a 1960s-inspired home, and the decorators
plan to use complementing decor – think vintage aluminum Christmas trees. “Anything showcased in the house tour sells out pretty quickly, which is great for the shop that provided those pieces,” Rush says. Holiday House Tour tickets are ordered not just by locals, but from people all around the U.S., including Texas and California, Rush says. The Holiday House Tour also is a huge fundraiser for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to supply holiday decorations for the city. Holiday House Tour tickets cost $35 and are available online or by calling (630) 232-6060. For those who can’t make it to the Christmas Walk or can’t get enough Christmas cheer in just one weekend, the Chamber now hosts a second weekend of festivities. Geneva’s second annual Cocoa Crawl takes place Saturday, Dec. 11, allowing patrons to visit local shops and try
hot chocolate, coffee and tea offerings. The Chamber put together this event last year to inspire more Christmas spirit, and it quickly sold out. Harvey’s Tales, a local bookshop, will participate this year, because its owners believe the Crawl channels the same spirit as the Christmas Walk. “It’s another fun event that provides so much joy to the people you come in contact with,” says Roxanne Osborne, who owns the shop with her husband, Chuck,. “We’re all trying to gear up to make this a really big year,” she adds. “I’m increasing how much I’m lighting the building just to make it look festive and welcome everybody back and bring a bit more cheer as we struggle through this ongoing pandemic. Everyone is so excited, and there’s just a sense of community.” ❚ For information or House Walk tickets, contact Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St., Geneva, (630) 2326060, genevachamber.com.
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Your Remodel
Don’t Delay Planning Next Year’s Remodel By Chris Linden, executive editor ou’ve heard how the early bird al- the design, order the cabinets and the ways gets the worm? When it comes appliances, as they can take nearly three to to home remodeling these days, there’s six months to arrive, says Havlicek. That’s a serious advantage to planning ahead. much longer than the pre-pandemic six or Product shortages, price increases and eight-week turnaround. high demand are adding up to an unpreWith all that extra wait time, you can dictable time for kitchen and bath design- start shopping for additional fixtures such ers like Lynn Havlicek, owner of Geneva as countertops, doorknobs, tile, flooring Cabinet Gallery, in Geneva. and lighting. These items are also taking If a remodel is in your home’s near fu- longer than usual to arrive. ture, the sooner you can place your order “Make the decision and put the order the more predictable everything becomes. in, because that’s what puts you on a good “That’s what makes the process go schedule without disappointments,” Havquickly and smoothly, even during these lieck says. “You don’t want to order countimes,” Havlicek says. “You really can go tertops the week before they’re installed. smoothly and quickly but you have to do That’s not how things work right now.” the work ahead of time. It’s really doable.” Be patient and flexible throughout the First, locate a designer you can process, she adds. It’s possible you may trust, and start talking out ideas. Expect have to make an alternate selection or wait the designer to visit your home and take a little longer for an item to arrive. measurements so he or she can produce There’s one more critical advantage to a design. Once you’re satisfied with planning ahead, especially when working
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(Geneva Cabinet Gallery photo)
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with a full-service remodeling firm like Geneva Cabinet Gallery. Locking in your prices right now ensures fewer surprises down the road. Havlicek says it’s not uncommon for prices to fly up 10%, sometimes with additional surcharges snuck in. “Ten, 15 or 20 percent on a remodeling job is a lot of money,” she says. “So, lock in your prices as soon as you can. It’s to your benefit. It’s not like you can’t get something later; it’s just going to cost you more. And you might not get your first choice.” ❚ Geneva Cabinet Gallery is located at 321 Stevens St., Geneva, (630) 232-9500.
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Your Entertainment
By Jermaine Pigee, managing here are theaters, and there are experiences. The Arcada Theatre, a fixture in downtown St. Charles for 95 years, is much more of the latter, especially after a renovation that promises to make this theater a true destination. Behind it all is Ron Onesti, president and CEO of Onesti Entertainment. His Chicago-area firm produces concerts, events and festivals across the country, and it’s a proud overseer of the Arcada. Last year’s shutdown of arts venues gave him just the opening he needed to breathe new life into the theater. Updates include new restaurants, a bar area and a boutique hotel. When longtime fans approach the building, they’ll notice something new right away: a former Starbucks has been replaced with Rock ‘N Za, a wood-fired pizza restaurant that also serves Chicagostyle hot dogs and ice cream.
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editor Inside, there’s also Rock ‘N Ravioli, an Italian restaurant that features some of Onesti’s homemade recipes. It has a Venetian-style cafe and a small stage. The second floor has a larger bar and VIP area, in addition to 11 themed hotel suites that each play on the venue’s connections to performers of yesteryear. The Club Arcada speakeasy, located on the third floor, has updated dance floors and an expanded menu. Of course, anyone who’s visited Arcada in the past 15 years knows the real highlight is the theater’s constant lineup of big-name entertainers and top tribute acts, and the current lineup includes an impressive array of talent. The holiday season kicks off with a Steely Dan tribute on Nov. 27, followed by a Carpenters Christmas on Nov. 28. December brings comedian Carrot Top, Chris Isaak’s holiday tour, a Queen
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(Arcada Theatre photo)
All the Big Names Come to Arcada Theatre
tribute, .38 Special, Kenny G, Trans Infinity Orchestra (a Trans Siberian holiday salute), and a Silent Film night, just for fun. “There are very few theaters in the country that have hosted more Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Famers than ours,” Onesti says. “When it comes to music from the ’20s through the ’80s, very few theaters can compete with us.” For a full lineup and to order tickets, visit arcadalive.com. ❚ Arcada Theatre is located at 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000.
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Nov/Dec 2021
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Your Health
New Aesthetician Joins Valley Plastic Surgery D r. Philip Lambruschi and the staff at Valley Plastic Surgery Center, in West Dundee, have added a new aesthetician, Mary Andre, to their clinic. Andre joined the team in January and brings several years of experience. Staff and patients alike say they appreciate her enthusiasm. Andre’s services include a variety of facials and peels, dermaplaning, facial waxing, brow tinting, lash extensions and a new addition: microneedling. She also helps patients find the skincare that best suits their needs. Andre is certified in lash artistry, dermaplaning and microneedling. Microneedling has helped patients transform their skin by correcting pigmentation issues, increasing collagen, and reducing acne scaring, fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses an FDA-approved skin pen to make micro wounds in the skin with tiny needles. These needles cause the body to create more collagen and elastin,
which heals your skin while helping it look younger. Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is safer and less expensive than laser treatment. Treatments are performed with a topical numbing cream and they require no downtime. Dermaplaning is a quick and painless exfoliation procedure that removes vellus hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells using a medical-grade scalpel. This should always be done by a licensed medical professional in a practitioner’s office, says Lambruschi. The benefits of dermaplaning include deeper penetration of skincare products, brighter and smoother skin, and easier makeup application. Andre has a passion for helping patients to treat acne with mild to aggressive treatments and plans. She also brings experience from a large dermatology practice where she worked with several providers and their patients to address skincare and acne concerns. Her extensive
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Treatment room at Valley Plastic Surgery Center.
training helps her to educate patients on the correct treatments, preventions and product usage. In her spare time, Andre enjoys hiking, gardening and baking. She lives in Huntley with her husband and two dogs. She also enjoys spending time with her two college-aged children and two adult children. Contact Mary Andre directly at (480) 710-7118 to set up a customized plan. ❚ Valley Plastic Surgery Center is located at 350 S. 8th St., in West Dundee. For more information, call (847) 836-3200 or visit valleyplasticsurgery.com.
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Nov/Dec 2021
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Your Outings
Light up the Season in Downtown St. Charles B y J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r hen the annual Lighting of the Lights ceremony comes to downtown St. Charles just after Thanksgiving, it’s a good sign that the holiday season is officially underway. The fun begins at 5 p.m. on Nov. 26 at the First Street Plaza, right by the Fox River. Together, visitors and community leaders count down until the city becomes aglow with lights. Santa will be on hand to say hello. A new side event from last year, the Holiday Tree Trail, was such a success that it returns this year. The trail stretches along First Street and the river walk, and it features 50 Christmas trees that are decorated by local organizations and businesses. People can cast their vote for the best-decorated tree and find out who won the award at the end of the weekend.
“It was a nice way to decorate the town,” says Amy Curione, events manager for the St. Charles Business Alliance, which organizes the event. “The trees will be up throughout the holiday season until the end of the year.” Saturday, Nov. 27, brings more fun, starting with the Arcada The- The Electric Christmas parade in St. Charles starts Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. atre’s free showing of “Frozen II” Nov. 27 and Dec. 19. He will also accept at 10 a.m. Then, as the sun sets on Small letters during his stay. Business Saturday, the annual Electric “Our town is very festive,” says CuChristmas Parade commences in grand rione. “It’s a wonderful place to visit durstyle. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and stretches ing the season.” along Main Street from Sixth Street to For more information, check out the Fourth Avenue. Expect to see bands and St. Charles Holiday Homecoming webfloats, as well as an appearance by Santa. site at stc.holidayhomecoming.com. ❚ Afterward, he’ll take up residence in The St. Charles Business Alliance is his house at the First Street Plaza, where located at 2 Main St., St. Charles, (630) children can visit every Saturday and 443-3967. Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., between
(St. Charles Business Alliance photo)
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Your Getaways
The Good Natured Hour featuring Pam Otto FREE! Ages
18+
Every Tuesday 8-9pm
You’ve read the column. Now watch the show! Each week take a closer look at timely nature topics, supplementing them with video footage and one-on-one interviews with local characters. Guests will include insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds—or parts thereof—as well as, from time to time, humans who are making a positive impact on our local environment. Hosted on Zoom.
For more info & to register:
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Your Getaways
Kishauwau Cabins Are an Escape to Nature N
ow celebrating its 35th anniversary, Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, Ill., maintains a loyal following. Many families and couples return year after year, during all four seasons. What they find is a place where they can savor a peaceful, restful getaway in a natural setting. The property envelops 65 acres of beautiful scenery on a bluff above the Vermilion River, in a spot that’s close to Starved Rock State Park and Ottawa. “We were fortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic brought visibility and relevancy to us because of our open space, when other hospitality areas were closed,” says Terisa King, who owns the cabins with her husband, Jamie. The 17 cabins on site can accommodate and sleep from one or two people up to 14, depending on the building. Their intimacy and flexibility help these cabins to cater to romantic escapes, family reunions
and even corporate teambuilding retreats. For all of their quaintness and country charm, these beautifully constructed cabins aren’t without their modern conveniences. Each is equipped with central air and furnace heating, enabling them to stay comfortable year-round. They also have wood stoves or gas fireplaces. All cabins have a fully equipped kitchen with basic pots and pans, cooking utensils and dishes. A private, outdoor bonfire pit, picnic table and grill enable guests to savor the outdoors without competing for space. For travelers with pets, Kishauwau Cabins offers a few pet-friendly rentals. The King family still resides on the property, and they remain devoted caretakers. They’ve used COVID-19 concerns to create contactless guest check-ins, something Terisa says will continue. Given its location, Kishauwau Cabins invites adventures to Starved Rock, Ot-
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(Photo provided)
By Pat Szpekowski
Winnebago Cabin is one of 17 places to stay at Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, Ill.
tawa and the surrounding areas for casual and fine dining, visits to local breweries and wineries, outdoors recreation, numerous state parks, and shopping, spas and live entertainment. “Each season of the year at Kishauwau Cabins has its own natural allure,” Terisa says. “That’s what makes our property one of the most inspirational and memorable places to be.” ❚ Kishauwau Cabins is located at 901 N. 2129th Road, Tonica, Ill., (815) 4428453.
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events St. Charles Farmers Market Ongoing, Fri. 9 a.m.-noon. Indoor market with seasonal produce and locally made foods. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, facebook.com/ STCfarmersmarket.
Elburn Christmas Stroll Dec. 4, 4-8 p.m. Downtown lights glow while families enjoy shopping and special events. Location: Downtown Elburn. Info: Elburn Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Main St., Ste. 1S, (630) 365-2295, elburn.com.
Holiday Homecoming Nov. 26-27, Fri. 5 p.m., Sat. 5:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with Lighting of the Lights on Friday, followed on Saturday by the annual Electric Christmas Parade. Location: Downtown St. Charles. Info: St. Charles Business Alliance, (630) 443-3967, stcholidayhomecoming.com.
Kane County Flea Market Dec. 4-5, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of dealers bring refurbished furniture, collectibles, antiques, “fancy junque.” Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.
Sycamore Chocolate Walk Dec. 2, 3-8 p.m. Visit 16 stops and sample all array of chocolates. Start at Blumen Gardens. Location: Downtown Sycamore. Info: Discover Sycamore, 519 W. State St., (815) 895-3456, discoversycamore.com. Geneva Christmas Walk & House Tour Dec. 3, 6 p.m. The annual tradition continues with a candy cane pull, a tree lighting at the county courthouse, and special deals at local retailers. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
Stories at Creek Bend Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m. For children 5 and under, a librarian reads stories and shares activities. Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, (630) 232-5980, kaneforest.com. .38 Special Dec. 10, 8 p.m. Known for hits like “Hold on Loosely,” these legends bring an explosive lineup to town. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com. Elgin Symphony Holiday Spectacular Dec. 10-12, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. noon & 5 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Features the Elgin Master Chorale. Dec.
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Uncover remains of the past at Duerr Forest Preserve, in South Elgin, on Dec. 18.
10 at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212. Dec. 11-12 at Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, (847) 8884000, elginsymphony.org. Armchair Generals History Trivia Dec. 14, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Match wits with other Civil War buffs. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info. Hike through History Dec. 18, 10 a.m. On this naturalist-led hike, discover pieces of the past along the trail. Dress for the weather and a light hike. Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Ill. Rt. 31, South Elgin, kaneforest.com. ❚
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