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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • May 2021
Right in Our Region
Fresh Fun in the Sun at Crystal Lake’s The Dole
Inside a Unique Home Improvement Center 5 Things You Have to do in Delavan Don’t Ignore the ‘Check Engine’ Light
Why the Remodeler’s Showroom Matters
Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment! COMING TO ELKHORN, WI
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In This Issue Right in Our Region .........................Cover & p. 16 Open-Air Fun at The Dole this Summer Your Home ............................................. 11, 23, 27 A Unique Home Store; An Organized Home; Many Options for Glass Accents Your Outings ............................................... 13, 21 Delavan Must-Dos; Find Outdoors Joy at Rock Cut Inspiration & Worship ....................................... 14 Infants No More Your Remodel .................................................... 19 Why the Showroom Matters in Remodeling Your Auto ........................................................... 29 Don’t Ignore the ‘Check Engine’ Light
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 Caroline Carbonara, Jack Shields, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, 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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When it Rains
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emember that old rhyme about how April showers bring May flowers? Well, this past month sure brought its share of rain to our household. It’s been one of those when-itrains-it-pours kind of months. Maybe you’re feeling the same way. You’re going along and life is great – crazy, but good – and suddenly a dozen things come crashing down; chaos erupts. Some days it feels like you’re desperately treading water … in a hurricane. You know the feeling? It’s so easy to let the stress snap you apart and leave you shattered. It’s far harder to be the tree that bends and sways with the hurricane. Why can’t we be more like the wind-swept tree who finds joy in even the darkest moments? Just the other day, the kids reminded me why it’s so important to dance on the rainiest of days. We love our after-dinner walks and on this particular night a storm was rolling in. The swirling, dark clouds blew across the horizon. That rain smell clung to the battering wind. We packed our umbrellas, headed for a short route and braced for rain. Oh, it came, alright. Drips, at first. Then in buckets. The littlest one squealed with delight, her only protest coming when Dad scooped her up for the final yards. The older one was giggling wildly, even as a strong gust blew his umbrella inside out. The poor kid was nearly a kite. Once inside, we all were soaking wet and thoroughly happy. It’s funny, though, how our adult minds worry so much about the rain. Will my phone get wet? Will lightning strike? Ugh, I’ll have wet shoes … Sound familiar? But the kids didn’t care. They find joy in these little moments. Come to think of it, so do I – if I’m open to it. Just as the flowers need April rain to thrive, I suppose I need a good reminder of the joys right in front of me. Only then can I really blossom. So, whatever this month brings, I’m eager to see the flowers that bloom because of these rainy days. Chris Linden Executive Editor
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Your Home & Garden
The Midwest’s Most Unique Home Store F ounded nearly a century ago, Benson Stone Co. has become the most unique home store in the Midwest. Covering three city blocks in Rockford, this company provides homeowners one convenient location from which to satisfy their needs, whether it’s for fireplaces, grills, furniture, decor, indoor and outdoor lighting, a new kitchen, flooring, granite or quartz countertops, brick, pavers and/or landscaping materials. With the HearthRock Cafe at the store’s entrance, Benson Stone Co. is truly a one-stop-shop. Customers come from the Chicago suburbs, southern Wisconsin and west toward the Mississippi River. “This is a one-stop shop for anyone who’s remodeling or doing anything for their home,” says Andy Benson, company president and fourth generation of Benson leadership. “It’s convenient for them, because they can come in and pick
out kitchen cabinets and select the granite countertops, flooring and lighting that go with it. We can also fabricate the granite right here.” Benson Stone hangs its hat on the quality and durability of the products it sells. Those products come from around the world. The main showroom occupies four floors, each filled with product displays and staff members who boast a high level of expertise and professionalism. “All of our department managers are incredibly experienced, with a lifetime of experience in their field,” he says. “We also have staff members with decades of interior design experience, and incredibly talented kitchen and bath designers who’ve been in the industry for many years.” Benson Stone’s showroom is set inside a 134-year-old former furniture factory, a building that was thoroughly
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The third, fourth and fifth generations of Benson leadership: Paul (left), Howard and Andy.
restored in the early 2000s to show off its vintage character and charm. The renovated, opened-up space reveals a rustic timber frame, original wood flooring and exposed brick walls. Along the staircase, a glass elevator whisks visitors from floor to floor. A trip to Benson Stone is one outing that is sure to put a gleam in every homeowner’s eye. ❚ Benson Stone Co. is located at 1100 11th St., in Rockford, (815) 227-2000.
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Your Outings
5 Things You’ve Got to do in Delavan, Wis. By Caroline Carbonara, Walworth Count y Visitors Bureau
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ust a few miles west of Lake Geneva, the city of Delavan, Wis., is the perfect spot for a summer getaway. Whether you prefer to play downtown or on the water, you’ll want to add these five things to your summer itinerary. 1. See the WallDogs Murals. In 2015, the world-renowned artists known as the WallDogs created 20 masterful murals downtown. These murals bring the city’s history to life in a colorful way. Download a WallDogs Mural Scavenger Hunt and see if you can match the murals to the clues. While you’re downtown, stop into some of the boutiques and antique shops. You’ll never know what treasures you may find. 2. Set sail on a Delavan Lake Tour. Climb aboard the Lake Lawn Queen and embark on a scenic tour around Delavan Lake. Enjoy the narrated tour highlight-
ing historic homes, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and panoramic views. Also consider the Sunset Wine Cruise or a Brunch Cruise. 3. Enjoy a Concert in the Park. Summer in Delavan would not be complete without Concerts in the Park at the Phoenix Park Bandshell. All summer, the band shell will be jamming out to the sounds of classic rock, swing jazz, pop hits and more. Concerts are held every weekend from May 29 to Sept. 19. 4. Shop the Fresh Market. There’s no better way to experience Delavan than at Fresh Market. Area farmers, artisans, vendors and food trucks set up a farmers market-style fair every Thursday downtown. Arrive early to find the best treats. 5. Attend a Delavan festival. Kickstart your summer at the Memorial Day Celebration at Lake Lawn Resort from
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May 28 to May 31. Enjoy the arts at Brick Street Day on June 19. Celebrate Independence Day early with fireworks and festivities at Community Park on June 26. Shop till you drop at Delavan’s Maxwell Street Days, Aug. 6-7. Get a taste of fall with the annual Scarecrow Fest on Sept. 18. No matter your itinerary this summer, discover an adventure in Delavan, Wis. Start planning at visitdelavan.com. ❚ The Walworth County Visitors Bureau is located at 2375 E. Geneva St., in Delavan, (262) 728-6000.
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Inspiration & Worship
Infants No More
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he Bible is the Master Plan. It tells us where we came from, who we are, what we should be doing and what our future holds. Without scripture, we’re like infants “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:4). Scripture tells us our identity. We were once paradise dwellers in harmony with God; we chose to trust in ourselves more than God (the fall); our lives became unbearable without God. But God devised a plan to restore our harmony with Him (foreshadowed in the Old Testament) which culminated in the arrival, ministry, death and resurrection of our Messiah, Jesus Christ (Gospels). Now we are part of the “church” (ecclesia, in Greek, “the called out” of God) and our work is to help others be reconciled to God by faith. (Acts, Epistles). Our decision to accept Jesus Christ means our physical bodies will be transformed by God in the next life and we’ll forever be with Him. But in the here and now, we’re to: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Paul tells Christians in Rome to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2.) We’re to carry on Christ’s ministry of love and reconciliation, says Paul. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9). Our future life with Christ was settled the moment we accepted him. Our current life is determined day by day when we do God’s will – or not. Do our lives reflect a master plan? Or The Master’s plan? ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14
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Right in Our Region
Open-Air Fun at The Dole this Summer By Chris Linden, executive editor
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omething fresh is arriving at The Dole, in Crystal Lake, and just in time for the earliest of summer’s harvest. Starting June 6, The Dole hosts the Open Air Farmers Market+ every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 26. The market draws together local farmers, growers, artisans and food purveyors, in addition to artists and musicians. The Dole is best known for its historic buildings, monthly art events, Lakeside Festival and live music. Studios inside provide a place for artists – visual, performing and healing artists – to work and feed off each other’s creative energy. Now, that artistic flair is spreading across the lawn as the open-air farmers market brings food trucks and a cash bar, live musicians on a stage, and artists selling their works. Vendors can sign up at farmersmarketatthedole.org.
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“There were a lot of people who wanted to see something like this at The Dole, and there were generous donors who were able to make it happen,” says Linda Wozniak, Farmers Market+ manager. Wozniak has lived down the street for nearly 30 years, and she believes the market is a natural fit for Sunday mornings. Set just off the shores of Crystal Lake, The Dole is a landmark for people who bike and walk the neighborhood. The city’s Main Beach is close by, and it’s a popular draw all summer. “I can envision so many people coming here to shop the market and enjoy some music and food with family and friends,” Wozniak says. A portion of the proceeds from Open Air Farmers Market+ will support the Service League of Crystal Lake, an organization that helps local families
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in need. Funds will also support programming and restoration of The Dole’s historic properties. The original mansion was built by a wealthy Chicago grain merchant in 1865, and it was part of a 1,000-acre farm. The Lakeside annex, built in the late 1920s, was the original Crystal Lake Country Club. Music Under the Trees Since the COVID pandemic hit last year, it’s been a time of experimentation for The Dole. For at least five months last year, the nonprofit organization was shuttered to the public and unable to host fundraisers or other public events. So, leaders at The Dole decided to start a Ravinia-like music night that could draw people from all around the area. Volunteers quickly strung up twinkle lights among the centuries-old oak trees
Right in Our Region
Music Under the Trees at The Dole
outside. They set up a modest 10-foot stage for acoustic duets and spray-painted 70-some circles where groups up to six could sit together. From July through September, crowds gathered at sunset to enjoy live music, food and drinks. “We sold out three of the four shows, and we were turning people away from the last couple of events,” says Ron Russell, past president and a current board member. Music Under the Trees returns this summer with eight shows every other Wednesday evening from May 26 through Sept. 22. Just like last year, performers
are mostly duets with an acoustic setup, and patrons can select a dinner from visiting caterers or food trucks. There’s a bar service, and the vintage Julie Ann’s Custard van will be on-site, too. Shows start around 6:30 p.m. The season kicks off May 26 with Jim and Justin, from Modern Day Romeos. The pair play a wide range of cover songs, mixed in with some audience interaction. Additional performers are still being scheduled, including a special performance highlighting The Dole’s own resident musicians. Right now, seating is limited to 150 people, though Russell says the number may expand, depending upon state mandates. Thanks to several event sponsors, all proceeds support The Dole’s efforts to preserve the historic mansion and annex. Russell is confident shows will sell out, so he suggests buying tickets early. Advance tickets cost $20 and can be ordered at thedole.org.
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More Fun Coming Soon As summer wears on, keep an eye out for The Dole’s annual Lakeside Festival, an Independence Day tradition that was sidelined last year due to COVID-19. If all goes according to plan, the festival will bring at least some degree of carnival rides, food vendors and live music to the grounds. “We continue to support the arts and other special events, and increasingly The Dole is going to be much more active in supporting the local community,” says Jay LeCoque, vice president of the Lakeside Legacy Foundation board that oversees the property. “The Dole has a rich history and heritage in Crystal Lake, and we want everyone in the community to appreciate what The Dole has to offer as a place for family and friends to gather in a safe place and a beautiful setting.” ❚ The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 3074787.
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Your Kitchen
Why the Showroom Matters in Remodeling By Chris Linden, executive editor
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eeing is believing, and that’s certainly the case with the showroom at C&H Design Center, in Belvidere. Specializing in cabinets, countertops, flooring and remodeling services this store is a one-stopshop for any remodeling project. The flooring section is filled with samples of hardwood, carpet, luxury vinyl and ceramic tile. There are rows of countertop and cabinet samples. Vignettes pull everything together. Owner Tod Chapman leads the design process. “We have everything here, so when we’re designing a room we can go right to the floor and see the countertop, the cabinet style, the hardware,” he says. “And, we have all of the sub materials, like waterproofing board and shower pans.” C&H Design Center carries products at many price points, from cost-effective to high-end, and lots of things in between. The store covers more than 30
well-known brands, such as Pella windows, Amerock hardware and Cambria countertops. What’s not directly in stock can typically arrive within a few days. “If you walk into Menard’s there are 10 wood-looking tiles. Well, we have 10 racks of wood-looking tiles, and the same goes for our other products,” says Chapman. “That’s a big difference.” So is the experience. Since 2002, Chapman and his team have been designing and building kitchens and bathrooms. There’s a team of in-house remodelers, and most subcontractors have been working with the team for 15 years or longer. Throughout the design and construction process, there’s one person coordinating things and communicating with clients. The team’s deep experience is also apparent inside the showroom, where customers can receive one-on-one attention. Even someone who wants to do the
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installation themselves can stock up on quality products and professional advice in one visit. So, even if it feels like a bit of a drive to Belvidere, the savings add up, Chapman says. “The items we’re selling here have been carefully considered,” he adds. “If we’ve had issues with something, we won’t sell it. So, we know which brands will give you the best bang for your dollar. We know what’s going to be cost-effective and get the job done.” ❚ C&H Design Center is located at 6506 Logan Ave., Belvidere, (815) 5478453.
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Your Home & Garden
Imagine Your Home Totally Organized By Chris Linden, executive editor
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lutter has a way of controlling us, so what if there was a way to tame that clutter and turn it into a showpiece? It’s a reality for many homeowners, says Jamie Trewartha, co-owner of Closets by Design Chicago North. His team specializes in storage and organizational systems for every part of the home, and while closets are by far their biggest request, their work can be found most anyplace in the home. Office spaces have been a hot commodity this year. A custom system that combines shelves, drawers, cabinets and desk space in a stylish finish accounts for a multitude of uses. Multipurpose is the new buzzword, and it’s on full display in the garage, which is becoming a secondary entertainment space. Cabinetry, countertops and wallhanging accessories get things organized,
while a DesignFloor system brings some color, fun and protection onto the floor. “When people see it for themselves, they always say, ‘That’s what I want,’” Trewartha says. Customized storage systems are as varied as each client’s home, and with 25 color options, the choices are endless. One of the most popular styles this year is the Brio textured white. It’s all-white, with a woodgrain finish that highlights the character of the closet. New LED lighting options enhance the glamour. Closets by Design has 25 experienced designers on staff, and Trewartha estimates they’re within a 15-minute drive of any customer. Their free consultation starts with a walk-through of the space and includes measurements, a conversation about budget, a custom design and lots of recommendations. In one
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visit, clients can sign a contract and set an installation date. The Closets by Design team puts a premium on customer service. “We understand the meaning behind getting back to a customer in a timely manner, keeping promises you’re making to them, and making sure if there’s an issue with anything we’re on it right away,” says Trewartha. ❚ For a consultation, contact Closets by Design Chicago North at (630) 5010190 (mention SL-M).
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Your Home & Garden
For Glass Accents, You Have Many Options By Chris Linden, executive editor
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t’s sleek, it’s modern and it’s versatile. Glass is often a go-to choice for shower doors, and it’s also becoming a top seller for other accents in a home remodel. “It really opens up your space,” says Tim Meade, owner of Reflections in Glass, in Wauconda. “About 90 percent of the glass we do in homes is clear, so it really opens up the room and makes it seem larger.” While you’ll see glass used in everything from bathrooms to stairways, perhaps the most common starting point is the enclosed shower, a popular replacement for those old soaker tubs. The frameless enclosure is loved for its minimal look, but frame designs are still well-liked and can range from the understated to the industrial black grid. You’ll want some door hardware to complement, and the most common look
is simple, with an understated hinge and metal handle. Because you’ll want those metal accents to complement your plumbing fixtures, Reflections in Glass also carries a full line of Kohler products, including plumbing fixtures, faucets and mirrors. Whether they want a simple hanging mirror or a larger piece of plate glass, many homeowners are excited by the new “antique” look found in more traditional bathrooms. A clouding effect within the glass replicates the inconsistencies of old-fashioned mirrors and makes a solid complement to an ornate wooden frame. Of course, you’ll also have your choice of glass finishes. Clear is what you’ll see most often, but there are also choices for patterned, tinted, and obscured privacy glass – even custom options that can be digitally replicated. All
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shower glass comes with a special nonstick coating that makes it easier to clean. The team at Reflections in Glass brings more than 35 years of experience in designing, fabricating and installing custom options. Meade encourages a visit to the showroom, where vignettes provide just a sample of what’s possible. “We stay ahead of the trends,” says Meade. “We’re also family-owned and we rely on quick service as well as quick turnaround of quality products.” ❚ The Reflections in Glass showroom is located at 1160 N. Dato Lane, Wauconda, (815) 205-0297.
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Your Auto Care
Don’t Ignore that ‘Check Engine’ Light By Jack Shields, JA X Auto & Tire
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o, there’s a “check engine” or “service engine soon” light on your car. What does it mean? What do you do? Do not consider this your “ignore me” light. Your vehicle is equipped with a series of small computers that control the majority of its functions. Some of these control units have warning lights for their specific system, such as the anti-lock braking system, traction control, airbags and tire pressure. It’s the electronic control module (ECM) that turns on your check engine light. The ECM monitors more than 400 controls and sensors as soon as the engine is started. The check engine light indicates that the ECM has recognized a minimum of two consecutive faults in a certain system. When the light comes on, the ECM then generates a code that shows what system is experiencing a fault.
A code reading is not a diagnosis or a test. It is simply a code that tells where the fault might be found. Some codes are very specific and tell your auto technician exactly where to test. Some codes are very vague and give only a lead as to where an issue might be. Sometimes there are multiple codes, and each has to be treated as an individual issue. This is where much confusion comes to the typical auto owner, and there are many myths. The check engine light is not timed to coincide with a specific mileage. You might think it’s just your gas cap. It could be, but that’s very rare. Maybe you think you can just ignore the light. That’s not a good idea, because a small, inexpensive problem now can lead to a much more serious and costly problem later on. Auto parts stores will be happy to read your codes at no charge, but the best they
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can do is to sell you parts that might fix the problem. What it boils down to is this: if you see that light come on, do not ignore it. You rely on your vehicle for your family and your livelihood. Contact your trusted auto technician and have your vehicle properly tested and repaired. You’ll be better off in the long run. ❚ JAX Auto & Tire is located at 5220 S. Illinois Rt. 31, in Crystal Lake, (815) 526-3552.
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