Smart Living Elite - Holiday 2022

200 Squash

Our backyard squirrels sure are prodigious, but they’ve really outdone themselves.

Every November, as the growing season comes to a close, our children’s pumpkins go out to the garden and the squirrels feast upon the remains. By springtime, a rich crop of pumpkins and exotic squash show up where Jack O’Lantern was laid to rest.

Somehow this past spring, squash sprout ed up in the most interesting places. By sum mer’s end, the plants had completely taken over our backyard. Squash vines filled our veg etable plot, overwhelmed our new landscaping, and even settled themselves into the branches of our pine tree. They were the talk of every neighborhood dog walker.

In the end, our family harvested nearly 200 squash of all sizes and shapes – long necks, fat bottoms, warty, stripey, orange or yellow. We’ve made a sport out of sharing the bounty any way we can. We’ve shared with neighbors, friends and strangers, and we’ve cooked up a storm because they’re also pretty tasty.

This is the time of year when we pause and count our blessings, and this windfall of squash is a good reminder that blessings come in many forms. Naturally, we feel blessed with a boun teous harvest, good health, a comfortable and stable home, and loved ones nearby.

As we gather at the table with friends and family this holiday season and we fuss over every little detail, it does us well to count our blessings, big and small. Gratitude is becoming a lost virtue in our society, but it doesn’t have to be. Now is as good a time as ever to remem ber that we are blessed beyond measure. There is so much in our lives that we probably don’t deserve. Yet here we are.

It’s so important to appreciate those small things. Even in the hardest of times good things still surround us, if only we know how to look. A sunshiny day and some fresh air. A friendly smile. A nation that af fords more freedoms than most other parts of the world.

And how about those pesky backyard critters, too?

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Raue Center For

Christmas Decor Starts with the Right Tree

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

The Christmas tree is a cornerstone of holiday decor, but many people struggle with how to decorate it properly.

For Laurie Kane, owner of Treetime Christmas Creations in Lake Barrington, the most important starting point is size. Then, it’s time to look at design elements like color, style, shape and lights. As a manufacturer of custom Christmas trees and a retailer of trees and Christmas de cor, Treetime has all the accents needed to create a dazzling holiday display.

“A lot of people look at the trees as just the tree and don’t think about how they’re going to decorate it,” Kane says. “You might like the tree as a tree, but re ally, is it going to work with your deco rating style?”

Trees come in many shapes and siz es, from short and wide to tall and thin, so it’s important to make sure the tree doesn’t overwhelm a room, says Kane.

To find your ideal size, Kane recom mends rearranging the furniture and mea suring the width of the space where the tree will sit. Subtract 12 inches to reveal your ideal tree width.

Trees also come in many styles, col ors, needle types and density. Generally, a denser tree lends itself to a minimal amount of decoration, says Kane.

A low-stress technique commonly used by designers is to repeat a pattern of ribbons or floral picks. For maximum effect, repeat seven of the same item, says Kane. Add other focal points by cluster ing ornaments together.

Be sure that the lights, tree color and decorations fit the color palette of your home. In recent years, Kane has seen more customers seeking out neutral col ors like whites or browns that combine with natural accessories such as pine cones, Santas and snowmen.

Education is baked into the sales pro cess at Treetime, so Kane and her design ers ask lots of questions to help assemble the right look. As a bonus, they offer instore demonstrations and tutorial videos on Instagram.

“I’m all about traditions,” Kane says. “When people come in and find a tree that makes them happy and want to start traditions – that’s what I like.” ❚

Treetime Christmas Creations is lo cated at 22102 N. Pepper Road, Lake Bar rington, (847) 527-8880, treetime.com.

The Origins of Thanksgiving

“… Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– Ephesians 5:19b

Being thankful is a healthy habit, whether or not you’re religious, and whether or not you have big problems.

The concept of “thanksgiving for the harvest” dates back to ancient times, in both Judeo-Christian and pagan cultures. The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian. Setting aside days for fasting and thanksgiving was common among 1600s New England Puritans.

In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first suc cessful corn harvest, inviting American Indian allies to join in the merrymaking. The colonists celebrated survival itself.

Much later, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiv ing per year. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask His blessings upon it. John Adams and James Madison followed suit, but there was no official date.

Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly four decades, she urged politicians to set aside an official day each year for Ameri cans to give thanks for their country.

Hale’s cause was finally answered by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. Lincoln chose the final Thurs day in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics referred to his action as “Franksgiving,” and in 1941 he reluctantly signed a bill making Thanks giving the fourth Thursday in November.

Today, for many Americans, the holi day is all about food and football, but it began with prayers for our nation and gratitude for survival itself. ❚

WOODHAVEN LAKES

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Know Your Numbers Before You Remodel

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Budgeting is one of the most impor tant conversations you’ll have in the remodeling process, so it’s important to do things right. Arming yourself with knowledge and a trusted partner will cre ate the foundation to a successful result.

“I’m still waiting for someone to give me a call and say it’s unlimited, so I can do whatever I want,” says Claudia Pop, a designer at Advance Design Stu dio, in Gilberts. “I think it’s very impor tant to remodeling, and it’s why a good designer walks hand-in-hand with their client.”

What’s the bottom line? That’s one of the first questions on a person’s mind when they contact their local kitchen and bathroom designer. The answer is complicated. A client’s needs, wants and tastes are some of the biggest differences between an entry-level or high-end job.

Many industry professionals turn to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for early estimates. That data re flects mid-range and upscale projects across the Chicago metro area. The report not only lists average costs on projects, but it also reflects the potential to recoup value when the house sells.

At Advance Design Studio, early conversations focus on a target budget. If everyone is in agreement here, then the conversation continues and the client begins selecting materials like cabinets, flooring, countertop and tile. Landing on that correct number might mean an al ternate choice that’s closer to the client’s budget target.

Design-build remodelers like Ad vance Design Studio keep designers and contractors under one roof, which makes for a seamless process and a tighter

control over costs, particularly in the de sign phase, when clients want to know how their choices affect the bottom line. Good relations between the designer and the client make all the difference.

“The client is really trusting that company and designer a lot – with their financial investment and their homes,” says Pop. “People will be physically working in their home for several weeks, so we want to make sure they’re comfort able with us.” ❚

Advance Design Studio Ltd. is lo cated at 30 Railroad St., Gilberts, (847) 836-2600.

(Advance Design Studio photo)

Explore Three Dog Parks in St. Charles

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

When temperatures drop, hardy Midwesterners still find ways to spend time outdoors – especially those with four-legged family members.

The St. Charles Park District main tains three dog parks that both humans and their dogs can enjoy for exercise all year round.

“Dog park play is great for owners and dogs. Both get fresh air, a bit of ex ercise and an opportunity to meet new friends,” says Erika Young, PR and mar keting manager at the St. Charles Park District. “As the seasons change and the temps drop, keeping active should still be part of your regular routine. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.”

The 2.5-acre dog park at James O. Breen Community Park, off Campton Hills Road and Peck Road, was built in 2007 as the first dog park maintained by

the Park District. In 2008, the East Side Sports Com plex, at 3565 Legacy Blvd., dedicated three-fourths of an acre for a second dog park. In 2015, the Park Dis trict added three-fourths of an acre at River Bend Com munity Park, 6N517 Gene va Ave., for a third dog park.

All three parks include a double-gat ed security entrance, a separate entrance for smaller dogs, and a fenced-in area for dogs to play.

The park at James O. Breen has agil ity equipment including a doggie crawl tunnel, hoop jump, weave posts and dog walk, while the park at East Side Sports Complex has a doggie crawl tunnel and king of the hill walk and jump-over. The park at East Side Sports Complex is the

only one with access to a pond.

Dogs can play unleashed at all three parks. However, owners who wish to keep their pets leashed can also take advantage of the 20 miles of trails the Park District maintains. The fresh air and beautiful scenery of the Fox River, forest preserves and wetlands are a treat for everyone to enjoy 365 days a year, Young says. ❚

For more information on dog parks and trails, visit stcparks.org.

Barrington Ensemble Presents ‘Nutcracker’

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Seeing

“The Nutcracker” is one of the most magical traditions of the holiday season, and year after year the Barrington Dance Ensemble attempts to outdo itself with a stunning production.

“We’re constantly working on the show,” says Artistic Director Mary Bren nan. “I think what’s special is our reputa tion for a stunning set and costumes – we

make improvements to both every year. We have a production crew that comes together from all over to work on this, and the choreography is really well done. People are surprised at how high the quality of the show is for the affordable price that they pay.”

The Barrington Dance Ensemble is a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage and inspire the community by providing cultural enrichment through exceptional dance educa tion, performance and scholarship. Brennan herself founded the en semble in 1989, growing the grass roots organization into a local stan dard bearer for the arts.

The ensemble presents two major productions each year, one of which is “The Nutcracker” every holiday season. It melds

professional dancers from all over the world with local dancers from the Bar rington area and surrounding communi ties. Students take on a rigorous training schedule to achieve high standards, Bren nan says.

“We also have an audition in August for children to join ‘The Nutcracker,’ so there’s about 100 dancers total on stage,” she says. “It’s a great start to the holiday season, and it’s kind of the highlight of our year – this production. Families come year after year, and I get letters from people about how much they enjoy the show and how much they look forward to it. It has become a real tradition in Barrington.”

“The Nutcracker” is set in 18th cen tury Europe and follows the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a toy

Cover image by Kelly Stachura

(Kelly Stachura photos)

nutcracker at her family’s lavish Christ mas party. After she falls asleep, Clara dreams that she’s transported to the Land of Sweets, where she encounters many characters in a fantastical setting, includ ing her nutcracker doll. When she wakes up, the audience is left wondering: was it all a dream?

“We model our ballet after the original story,” Brennan says. “‘The Nutcracker’ is one of those ballets that

everyone loves, even people who might not normally like ballet. It’s just highly enter taining from the time the curtain opens until it closes, and people are on their feet at the end because they just love it. So, it doesn’t matter who is in the au dience – there’s some thing in this show for everybody.”

This year’s show takes place Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Children who attend the Friday eve ning show have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus before the curtain call. After the Saturday evening show, children can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is a pro fessional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet. All shows are held in the auditorium at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main

St., Barrington. Brennan advises audi ence members arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime, since construction is going on nearby.

Tickets cost $25-$35 and are avail able at barringtondance.org or by calling (847) 382-6333. Girl Scout leaders who bring their troupe can inquire about spe cial pricing.

Brennan says tickets are affordable thanks to numerous sources of support.

“We’re supported by local and state wide foundations, and we’re recipients of the Illinois Arts Council for funding,” she says. “Additionally, many local busi nesses and foundations contribute to and support this production so that it can be the high quality that it is. We try to do the show in a completely professional way. It’s important we give experiences to lo cal dancers that they’ll never forget for the rest of their lives. They enjoy it, and the audience does, too.” ❚

To purchase tickets, call (847) 3826333 or visit barringtondance.org.

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Key Pieces to Freshen Up Your Wardrobe

By Katie Gray

The chill in the air tells us it’s time to trade shorts and tank tops for jeans and long sleeves, but what if our winter wardrobe needs a pick-me-up? There are some easy ways to make a big impact.

“Sweaters are always solid choices in the winter,” says Sherree Rothstein, owner of The Clothes Gallery in down town Crystal Lake. “I find that women like breathable fabrics they can layer if they need to.”

If you like a sweater with a distinc tive texture or knit pattern, choose a light er color. “When you get dark colors, you usually can’t see the pattern well,” Roth stein adds.

In this season between fall and win ter, classic autumnal tones are a smart choice. The palette includes rusty burnt oranges, golden tones, greens, browns and cognac. “It looks just like the beau tiful October treescape,” Rothstein says.

Once winter sets in, Rothstein switches to bright tops in colors like fuchsia, royal blue, hot pink and purple.

“The other color I like this season is cream,” she says, adding that it’s espe cially powerful with colorful jewelry or bright scarves.

As for accessories, Rothstein says younger shoppers gravitate toward deli cate jewelry styles, while those in their 40s and up prefer chunkier kinds. “Layer ing jewelry is still a big trend,” she adds. Complete the outfit with a nice pair of jeans and the ever-popular ankle boot. “Whether you do a roll on your skinny jeans or you wear a high-rise flare, ankle boots work well,” Rothstein says.

When asked if she had to pick just a few statement pieces to add to her col lection this winter, Rothstein says they’d have to be versatile items.

“I would add a fabulous jacket that I could fit a sweater or a silky top

underneath,” she says. “I’d also get a statement pendant, especially one with a 32-inch chain. Quite a few designers are doing that, so you can wear it long or double it. I think those are great with chunky sweaters.”

Whether you opt for a casual look or you like to dress up, adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe this winter is sure to keep your style fresh. ❚

The Clothes Gallery is located at 51 N. Williams St., in Crystal Lake, (815) 455-3307.

(Samantha Behling photo)

Please Pass the (Road) Salt

By Jack Shields, Jax Auto & Tire

It’s that time of year again, when Old Man Winter brings slippery roads full of snow and ice. It pays to be prepared for winter weather.

Keep a pair of jumper cables and an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Keep a flashlight in the glove box, along with gloves and an extra charging cable for your phone.

There are steps you can take to pro tect your vehicle, too. Start with good wiper blades, a supply of 20-below winter washer fluid, good tires and safe brakes. But there is one more item many overlook in the winter: keep your vehicle clean. “But wait,” you say. “It’s only go ing to get dirty again.” Yes, but rust is a huge detriment to your vehicle. And what causes rust? Road salt and brine spray.

Brine is used to pre-treat roads in the hope that snow will melt on contact. It’s

cheaper and more effective than road salt, it’s sprayed on as a liquid, it lands where it’s directed and it’s 100% effective. It’s also safer for you as a driver and better for you as a taxpayer.

In most states, brine is a mix of rock salt (sodium chloride) and magnesium chloride, dissolved in water so they can be sprayed on the road. Magnesium chlo ride dissolves when there is only about 20% to 30% humidity, and it creates an acid that leads to car rust and corrosion.

Think about it: Magnesium chloride is sprayed on the road, you drive over it, and it splashes on your car. Your car is wet constantly. The acid created by mag nesium chloride stays on your car and slowly eats away at the paint and metal.

This is a headache for car owners and your auto technician. It runs up the cost of repairs, because the more rust

there is, the harder it is to repair – some times, to the point that the vehicle is no longer cost-effective to fix.

What’s the bottom line? Wash your vehicle and wash it often, especially after heavy snow or ice – because you know those roads will be full of salt or brine. ❚

Jax Auto & Tire is located at 5220 S. Ill. Rt. 31, in Crystal Lake, (815) 5263552.

“We wanted to do something a little unique... Advance Design was the first one that understood the concept of what we were trying to do. The ability to work through one point of contact really made the process achievable.v” Chuck E.

“Advance Design never disappoints! This was our third project with them. We’ve already recommended them to our neighbors.”

A Holiday Getaway Awaits in Utica

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

The holiday season can be a whirl wind of a time, but getting away for a weekend can be rejuvenating as well as productive. This time of year, a visit to Utica checks both of those boxes.

“The quaint village is a great place to visit during the holiday season because there are a lot of great businesses with amazing gifts, as well as lots to do,” says Amanda Carter, museum director of the LaSalle County Historical Society and president of the Utica Business Asso ciation. “If you are wanting to relax and enjoy company, our restaurants, wineries and lodging offer many options.”

Starved Rock State Park provides en tertainment for outdoor enthusiasts with frozen waterfalls and peaceful trails. Hol iday bargain hunters can roam the village shops to find gifts for loved ones or treat themselves to something special.

“If you are a history lover, the LaSalle County Historical Society campus is a must,” Carter adds. “There’s lots of interesting history in the area, including that of the ever-popular Starved Rock State Park.”

During the weekend of Nov. 26-27, Utica visitors can attend Christmas in the Village to experience family-friendly fun, including free horse and carriage rides, a traveling barbershop quartet, games, movies, arts and crafts, cookie decorat ing, visits with Santa, trolley rides to the Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park, Small Business Saturday deals, and the lighting of the village tree and parade through downtown.

In addition, Utica has plenty of din ing options, including Cajun fare at Ca jun Connection, burgers at Skoog’s Pub and Grill or Lodi Tap House, steaks at

Canal Port Pub & Grill, pub-style food at Joy & Ed’s Bar and Grill or Jamie’s Out post, and deli options at Bruce & Ollie’s or John and Rina’s.

“Nonie’s Bakery & Cafe has scrump tious pastries and breakfast options,” Carter adds. “Starved Rock Lodge has beautiful surroundings to enjoy for your overnight stay and great places to eat in cluding the Backdoor Lounge and their coffee shop.”

Utica’s charm never gets old.

“The people, businesses and village government are very community-orient ed, and it shows,” Carter adds. ❚

Nephrologists Find the ‘Silent Killer’

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

Syed Ahmed has taken to introducing himself as a nephrologist kidney doc tor because, although redundant, without the “kidney” clarification, most people wouldn’t have a clue what he does.

It’s also why the interventional ne phrologist at Rockford Nephrology As sociates in Sycamore spends nearly half his time educating others about chronic kidney disease, dialysis and staving off future problems.

“Your kidney does two things in your body: one, it cleans the toxic waste in your body, and two, it pumps out extra fluids,” Ahmed says. “That’s what dialy sis will do when your kidney has failed.”

Most patients see Ahmed because they have chronic kidney disease (CKD), often caused by diabetes or hypertension, he says. A failing kidney can lead to ad ditional health problems.

Often, the only way to tell if a per son has CKD is to look at their glomeru lar filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well kidneys filter the blood, Ahmed says, adding that a normal GFR is 90 to 120. A sudden drop in GFR or the appear ance of symptoms indicates trouble.

“People need to start seeing kidney doctors once their GFR is less than 60, because that is the window, the period of time we have, when we can prolong kid ney function and delay dialysis,” Ahmed says.

Once patients start to have symp toms such as swelling, nausea or vomit ing, their GFR is usually at 15%, Ahmed says. And by then, it’s time for dialysis.

With dialysis, blood is pumped out of a patient into a machine that cleans the blood and takes out excess fluids be fore returning it to the body. This process

takes place at a dialysis center like Rock ford Nephrology. Depending on the cir cumstances, patients may also be able to do dialysis at home.

GFR is included in normal labs, so regular checkups with your primary doc tor can go a long way in preventing CKD.

“This is a silent killer, and it does not give you any symptoms until it’s time for dialysis,” Syed says. ❚

Rockford Nephrology Associates is located at 2127 Midlands Court, Ste. 102, Sycamore, (815) 227-8300.

Raue Center Offers a Hearty Holiday Lineup

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

With an eye toward “arts for all,” Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake meets every season with a diverse lineup of na tional, regional and local entertainment. This holds true for the upcoming holiday season, as the stage welcomes a range of acts that appeal to everyone in the family.

“You just never know whom you’ll see here,” says Meredith Schaefer, director of institutional advancement and market ing for Raue Center.

Kicking things off for the holidays, Raue presents a new twist on Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” The show is based on the “Magic Tree House” classic “A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens,” in which Jack and Annie help the famous author to pen one of his most memorable stories. Running Dec. 2-4, the story is per formed by the young talents at Raue Cen ter School for the Arts (RCSA).

“That’s an all-youth cast featuring 55 students singing and acting,” Schaefer says. “It’s a great opportunity for those kids to explore their artistic side in a dif ferent way.”

On Dec. 9, Elgin Symphony Orches tra brings its holiday spectacular. As al ways, this year’s show promises a night of holiday warmth and classic yuletide tunes.

Rounding out the weekend comes the return of “A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” in which actress Jane Lynch spends two nights – Dec. 10 and 11 – sharing the stage with Kate Flannery (Meredith from “The Office”), Tim Davis and Tony Guerrero Quintet. While this isn’t Lynch’s first time in town, her appearance comes with a new twist: students from RSCA’s youth musi cal theater ensemble join Lynch onstage.

Next, Raue welcomes Engage Dance Theatre for its annual presentation of “The Nutcracker” ballet on Dec. 17 and 18.

The latest New Year’s Eve bash brings back comedian Steve Cochran and friends, who are followed by Beatles trib ute band American English. Dressed as the Fab Four, their authenticity comes alive with the 1964 albums “Meet The Beatles” and “The Beatles’ Second Album.”

January brings performances of Bour bon Country – Raue Center’s new resident artist – and several comedy shows. ❚

Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212. Find tickets at rauecenter.org.

(Raue Center photo)

‘The Sound of Music’

Now through Jan. 15, check website for times. When nun-in-training Maria is sent by her convent to be the governess of seven children, she finds herself questioning her choices in life. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Charles Dickens: A Tale with a Twist Nov. 30, 1 p.m. Actor Terry Lynch portrays the famous British author, reflecting on his life and discussing some of Dickens’ best-loved holiday works. Norris Cultural Arts Center at Baker Community Center, 101 2nd St., St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Lighting of the Square

Nov. 25, 4 p.m. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate trees and buildings as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an antique fire engine. Visit Santa’s Hut in the Park following the ceremony. Woodstock Square, 121 W. Calhoun St., Wood stock, (815) 338-4300, woodstockil.gov.

Festival of Lights Parade

Nov. 25, 7 p.m. The traditional start to the holi day season, when Santa Claus comes to town and the evening is filled with lights, music, pageantry and magic. Downtown Crystal Lake, (815) 479-0835, downtowncl.org.

St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Nov. 25-26, Fri. 5 p.m., Sat. 5:30 p.m. Welcome the holiday season with a Friday Lighting of the Lights in the 1st Street Plaza and Saturday’s annual Electric Christmas Parade down Main Street. Downtown St. Charles, (630) 443-3967, stcholidayhomecoming.com.

Geneva Christmas Walk Dec. 2, 6-9:30 p.m. Capture the magic of the holiday season with the lighting of the Great Tree plus Santa Claus, carolers, a live nativity, dazzling business window displays, Santa Lucia and shopping. Downtown Geneva. Info: Gene va Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

BDE: ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 2-4, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic comes alive as the young dancers of Barrington Dance Ensemble join professionals onstage. Barrington Dance Ensemble, Barrington High School Auditorium, 616 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 382-6333, barringtondance.org.

Miracle on Main Street Dec. 3, 3-6:30 p.m. Featuring a 35-foot Christ mas tree, with an opportunity to meet Santa and see entertainment by Lake Zurich High School’s

Bare Voices and Blue Notes Show Choir, Peace Lutheran Bell Choir and the Academy of Per forming Arts. Children’s crafts, reindeer, sleigh rides, food vendors, more. Downtown Lake Zu rich, (847) 438-5141, lakezurich.org.

ESO: Holiday Spectacular Dec. 9-11, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the Elgin Master Chorale. Fri. performance at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. Sat.-Sun. at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

A Swingin’ Little Christmas

Dec. 10-11, 8 p.m. Comedian Jane Lynch brings friends Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet for a fun twist on classic Christmas tunes. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Huntley Indoor Farmers Market

Dec. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Family farmers and smallscale vendors bring a variety of fresh produce and locally made goods on the second Saturday of the month. Huntley Legion Hall, 11712 Cor al St., Huntley, (847) 515-5262, huntley.il.us. ❚