Smart Living Elite - October 2022

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

Managing Editor Jim Taylor

Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi

Graphics Director Samantha Behling

Graphic Designer

Ashley Smith

Contributing Writers

Katie Gray, Janine Pumilia, Pat Szpekowski, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager

Brent Hughes

Sales Manager

Brad Hughes

Advertising Sales Representatives

Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky

Administration & Circulation Manager

Lisa Hughes

Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes

Kelly and Larry Fairbairn

Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingSuburbs.com

Seeing Beau-tea

When I was growing up, there was one oc casion that always brought out Mom’s tea box. Fighting a cold was better with a warm cup of Sleepytime Tea. One steaming mugful and you’re soothed right to sleep.

Our children, though, have a totally differ ent experience with tea. Their grandmother’s “milk tea” (warmed milk and honey) before bed is a soothing treat for any occasion. So, too, is “honey tea” (honey in warmed water). But even their love for these treats doesn’t compare to our discovery in the herb garden last year. A handful of mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon and a spritz of honey in near-boiling water make an herbal tea that our family still can’t get enough of.

The best thing about tea time with our children isn’t the relaxation – though mom and I are grateful for it after a long day. Rather, we appreciate the occasion to enjoy each others’ company. Tea time brings out laughs, snuggles and good conversation as we sit together and share a special moment – the kind of happy moment I hope the children carry with them for years to come.

I’ve been thinking lately … if tea has the power to draw my family together, couldn’t it also draw us closer to our neighbors and friends? It’s become so easy to push people away or to settle only on our disagreements. But when we’re sharing a warm cup of tea, cof fee, or some other beverage it’s a lot harder to see the person across from us as our enemy. We come to see them as our neighbor – a won derfully and fearfully made part of this crazy world we all share.

Do we always have to agree? Not at all. We all come from different places and offer different perspectives, and that’s OK. That plu rality of opinions and cultures is what makes America stand apart from the rest of the world. In our American melting pot, everyone contrib utes something. But first, we have to know them and their story.

Maybe a warm cup of tea is all we need to get things started.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Smart

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How Permanent Lighting Enhances a Home

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

Plenty of things can enhance the out side look of your home, but few can impact its appearance as much as exte rior lighting.

“We can light up your entire house and accent your eaves and peaks with downlighting,” says Patrick Chlada, owner of Trimlight Chicago, a patented permanent exterior lighting system. “Think about it this way: You pay all this money for your home, and when night time comes, nobody sees it. Now, we can have your home lit up and visible so you can enjoy it in the evenings.”

Aesthetics matter, but there are also other, more practical reasons why extra lighting is a wise investment – including added security.

Trimlight was founded in 2010 as an alternative to temporary, seasonal light ing outdoors. Since Chlada launched

Trimlight Chicago in 2017, he’s been helping people transform their homes with permanent, programmable architec tural lighting that works for daily use and special occasions, including gatherings and holidays like the Fourth of July, Hal loween and Christmas. The lights display almost every color and are controlled from Trimlight’s custom smartphone app. They can also sync with music.

Trimlight’s patented product is in stalled along a home’s fascia, where the lights point downward while adding extra illumination around the structure.

“It adds another depth to the archi tecture of your house,” says Chlada. “These look like a crown molding on your house. People pay a lot of money for crown molding.”

Permanent lighting has several advantages over temporary, seasonal

products. Chlada believes return on in vestment is one of the strongest benefits.

“Most of our clients are paying for professional lights to be installed every year,” he says. “Look at what you’re paying now and in 3.5 years you can pay for Trimlight. You’ll not only have holi day and color-changing lights but you’ll have them all year-round with a 40-year warranty.” ❚

For more information, contact Trim light Chicago at (630) 890-9387 or visit trimlight-chicago.com.

Who is Jesus?

When people asked Jesus who he was, he didn’t always provide a straight answer. He knew when they were more interested in trapping him than in learning the truth. But to those who sought him sincerely, Jesus made no secret.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus first explains his identity shortly after he’s baptized by John, his cousin, and filled with holy spirit. After resisting Satan’s temptations for 40 days and nights in the desert, he returns to Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue where he grew up.

From the scroll of Isaiah he reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV)

Jesus knew he would be killed for proclaiming himself the Messiah, but he also knew the timing of his execution had to be right. He had a ministry to carry out and disciples to train, before his bodily departure from earth.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still oth ers, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ [Messiah] of God.”

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. (Luke 9:18-21)

Who do you think Jesus is? A charac ter of fiction? Just one more prophet? The perfect son of God and our Messiah?

For each of us, no other question mat ters more. ❚ - Janine Pumilia

Easy Back-to-School Dinner Solutions

Every minute counts for the parents who make busy school days pos sible. Create some extra time for special moments with easy yet delicious dinners.

Making some extra time for your self is as simple as starting with Minute White Rice Cups packed in single-serv ing, BPA-free cups you can finish prepar ing in just 1 minute.

Introduce your little learner to the kitchen with your own homemade Buffa lo sauce, made by mixing hot sauce, but ter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Heat in a saucepan until the butter melts and the mixture simmers, then turn down the heat and wait for it to cool.

If your loved ones aren’t big fans of spice, turn to a tamer take with “Mac” and Cheese in a Cup, a creamy rice ver sion of the familiar favorite.

To find more quick and delicious dinner ideas, visit MinuteRice.com.

“Mac” and Cheese in a Cup

1 cup Minute Jasmine Rice

1/3 cup 2% milk

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon cream cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pinch dry mustard powder

Heat rice according to package direc tions. In a microwave-safe cup, stir rice, milk, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder and mustard powder, if desired.

Microwave on high, stirring occasion ally, 2 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and saucy.

Tips: For extra-cheesy rice, add 2 table spoons grated Parmesan cheese. Substitute garlic powder with 1/2 clove minced garlic.

Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken

1 cup Minute White Rice

1 breaded chicken tender, sliced

2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce

1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese

1 green onion, sliced, for garnish

Heat rice according to package direc tions. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, com bine chicken and sauce. Microwave on high 2-3 minutes. Serve chicken over rice. Garnish with blue cheese and green onion. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Seek Expert Advice for a Great Fall Garden

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

There’s

so much to consider when planning a garden. Location, sun light, soil health, plant selections and tim ing are just a few things to keep in mind. So, where do you even begin? Start with a little research and a visit to the local garden center.

“First, take pictures of the land scape,” says Sean Ducey, manager at Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center in Cary. “If you’re looking to start a project and have no direction, take pic tures. Next, pay attention to sunlight and the environment around you. Pay atten tion to some other conditions – low spots that might collect water, soil conditions.”

Ducey has spent 21 years at the nurs ery helping customers to find the right product and design for their landscape, whether it’s plant material or landscape accessories like rocks, paver stones and

mulch. Ducey and the nursery staff le verage their knowledge to help custom ers establish a successful landscape from the start.

“It’s not just about planting plants for a customer and walking away,” he says. “It’s also giving them the knowledge and background on why we chose these plants, and how they should maintain them, as well as how they’ll respond to their new environment.”

Design your landscape with all four seasons in mind. One approach is to en sure at least one-third of the landscape is evergreen, says Ducey. Boxwoods, yews, cypress and low-growing spruce are pop ular choices that add greenery all year.

It’s also important to consider the level of maintenance your landscape re quires. Some plants or garden arrange ments need more upkeep than others.

“If you’re a busy homeowner, let us know,” Ducey says. “There are plants that are extremely drought tolerant and rugged that would work better for you.”

Homeowners will also find many landscape centers go an additional step.

“We provide installation services for customers, or they can tackle the project themselves,” says Ducey. “We are able to accommodate any of our cus tomers’ needs.” ❚

Whispering Hills Garden & Land scape Center is located at 8401 S. Ill. Rt. 31 in Cary, (847) 658-5610.

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White Pines Lodge: A Log Cabin Retreat

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

Nestled in the heart of White Pines

Forest State Park, located roughly 2 hours outside of Chicago in Mt. Morris, Ill., lies White Pines Lodge.

The cozy lodge encompasses 23 rus tic one-room log cabins that were con structed in the 1930s by the Civilian Con servation Corps. The lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the center of activity for those who stay overnight or enjoy a day at the park.

Since 1989, the Lodge’s Pines Din ner Theatre has welcomed live entertain ment including singers, actors, comedi ans, plays and tribute shows. The menu offers a buffet, coffee or tea, and dessert.

“The Dinner Theatre features 30plus musical tribute shows and theater productions every year,” says Troy Der rer, general manager at White Pines Lodge. “We are well known for our

‘Scrooge the Comedy’ performances in December, which have been running for over 30 years.”

The Lodge Restaurant offers a taste of traditional American cuisine for break fast, lunch and dinner. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant’s menus feature everything from old-fashioned biscuits and gravy to 100% premium beef prime rib and more. The dessert menu includes specialties like the signature raspberry pie, made with fresh fruit and a flakey, buttery double crust.

White Pines Forest State Park of fers 6 miles of hiking trails in a scenic, wooded landscape. There’s access to a canyon where weddings and private events are hosted, and about 4 minutes west of the lodge is White Pines Ranch,

which offers youth horseback riding. The nearby towns of Mt. Morris and Oregon possess their own variety of shops, histor ical attractions, access to the scenic Rock River, and several other state parks and nature preserves.

“Get away from the hustle and bustle to relax in nature, enjoy a great meal in our restaurant or partake in a show,” Der rer says. ❚

White Pines Lodge is located at 6712 W. Pines Road, in Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 655-2400, whitepinesinn.com.

A Woodstock Gathering for Four Decades

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

From its humble beginnings as a gath ering of farmers in 1982, the Wood stock Farmers Market has become an established and celebrated community tradition. That may not have happened without the help of Keith Johnson, one of the market’s first advisory committee members and the first market manager, who guided it from a casual get-together to one of the nation’s top markets.

“While he isn’t the founder, he is the heart and the soul of what people now know the farmers market to be,” says Kelly Kempf, market manager for the Woodstock Farmers Market.

These days, the market is a yearround event that gathers on the historic Woodstock Square every Saturday be tween April and late October, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It also meets on Tuesdays be tween June and September.

Kempf believes fall is the best time to visit.

“Fruits and vegetables are bountiful, pumpkins are starting to come in; it’s just really an excit ing time,” she says. “Even though, theoretically, we should be wind ing down, we kind of ramp up.”

This time of year, visitors will find nearly 54 vendors gathered around the Square on any given Saturday. Their goods include fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, bread, honey, artisan crafts, cider doughnuts, fresh-cooked piero gi and much more. Good smells swirl around the Square.

It’s a lively atmosphere, as musicians play at the gazebo and children gather for story time with a Woodstock librarian or Arlene Lynes of Read Between the Lynes, a local bookstore located on the Square.

The market works closely with busi nesses around the Square. There are no drink vendors at the market as a courtesy to homegrown shops like Ethereal Con fections, 140 Cass St., which got its start at the market. Ethereal now serves up bean-to-bar chocolates, hot chocolates, coffees and teas, sandwiches and other treats at its stylish cafe.

Market patrons can meet vendors such as Lovely Roots, a seller of house plants that are propagated in the busi ness owner’s sunroom. There’s also Salsa

(Samantha Behling photos)

King of Chicago, which recently an nounced a contract with the Jewel-Osco grocery chain.

It’s not only the duration that sets Woodstock Farmers Market apart from other markets in the area. This is a pro ducers’ market, meaning only products that are grown, produced or made by lo cal farmers or artisans can be sold on-site. Kempf and the market team carefully vet new vendors and drop in on existing ven dors to ensure this promise to consumers.

“A lot of times, it’s very easy to turn a farmers market into an artisan fair, but we’ve got a strong blueprint for staying a

farmers market and remaining producerbased,” says Kempf. “Everybody in our market must produce what they sell.”

Once the temperatures drop in late October, the market heads indoors to building D at the McHenry County Fair grounds, 11900 Country Club Road. Smaller than the summer market, the winter market is open on Oct. 29 and the first three Saturdays in November and December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. From January to April, the market operates on the first and third Saturday of each month. This more intimate winter gathering brings many familiar vendors as well as family activities. More importantly, it provides a feeling of togetherness.

“I think we need that sense of community during the winter more than ever, and the Woodstock Farm ers Market is a community,” says Kempf. “It is a very welcoming, inclusive, homelike feel, and you miss that in the winter. You rush into a grocery store, you rush into work

and you don’t spend time outside with other people as much as you do in the summer. The winter market gives people that community outlet that they need dur ing those dark, cold months.”

After 40 years in business, the Woodstock Farmers Market has grown exponentially in size and popularity, from a casual get-together of farmers selling out of their trucks to a serious, consistent market that’s been ahead of its time. In fact, the American Farmland Trust has named Woodstock as the No. 2 best mar ket in Illinois, the fourth in the Midwest and the 12th best nationwide. The public is invited to vote at markets.farmland.org.

“While we’ve grown, that feeling of it being a true farmers market remains be cause of that blueprint that was laid out so long ago,” says Kempf. ❚

The Woodstock Farmers Market is held on the Historic Square every Sat urday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oc tober. For more information visit wood stockfarmersmarket.org.

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For Glass Accents, You Have Many Options

By Chris Linden, executive editor

It’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 ev erything from bathrooms to stairways, perhaps the most common starting point is the enclosed shower, a popular replace ment 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 ac cents to complement your plumbing fix tures, Reflections in Glass also carries a full line of Kohler products, including plumbing fixtures, faucets and mirrors.

Whether they want a simple hang ing 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 ob scured privacy glass – even custom op tions that can be digitally replicated. All

shower glass comes with a special non stick 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, Wauco nda, (815) 205-0297.

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Ask the Right Questions Before Plastic Surgery

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

Almost everyone looks in the mir

ror and wonders about making an unappealing feature go away. Cosmetic surgery is a safe and reliable option but, like all medical procedures, it should be approached with careful consideration. From minor work, like Botox and filler injections, to major procedures like face lifts, reductions or augmentations, the more you know, the more positive your outcome will be.

“I always recommend people start by getting some opinions,” says Dr. Phil Lambruschi, a plastic surgeon with more than 40 years of experience. “Most plastic surgeons don’t charge for consultations.”

Lambruschi’s practice, Valley Plas tic Surgery, in West Dundee, offers a free consultation to potential patients. It’s a chance for Lambruschi and the patient to connect and establish a plan. This consul tation is also a great time to ask questions

about the work and whether it’s the right work to do.

Lambruschi emphasizes the impor tance of thinking long-term. Many of the minor procedures, like Botox or fillers, last only a few months and require fre quent trips to the clinic for upkeep.

“I see a lot of clients who think that Botox or fillers are a ‘facelift in a syringe,’ and they’re not,” he says. “In some cases, a full facelift is better than a number of minor procedures.”

Lambruschi also points out that it’s best to stay realistic. “If you’re 61 years old, you’re never going to get back to looking 21,” he says. “But we will try to make you look great for your age.”

Most clinics, Valley Plastic Surgery included, offer a variety of financing op tions. For work that’s covered by medi cal insurance, check to see if your pro spective surgeon works with your carrier.

Insurance may also determine where the procedure takes place.

By sitting with your surgeon, listen ing carefully to your options, and express ing your goals, looking in the mirror can be a much more rewarding experience. It’s always good to have knowledge under your belt before going under the knife.

For a free consultation, contact Val ley Plastic Surgery at (847) 836-3200 or valleyplasticsurgery.com. ❚

Valley Plastic Surgery is located at 350 S. Eighth St. (Ill. Rt. 31), West Dundee, (847) 836-3200.

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Flooring: You Get What You Pay For

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

When it’s time to replace your floors, you want something that’s durable and well-suited for its location. The old adage that “you get what you pay for” rings very true for Lisa Carlson Nelson, who owns Carlson’s Flooring in Geneva with her brother, Greg Carlson.

“You want products that are going to perform for the investment that you are making,” she says.

Carpet is an enduring favorite, and pricing is dictated by the design, con struction and amount of fiber – all factors that could affect the product’s durability as well. A polypropylene-based carpet fi ber will be stain-resistant but less resilient against dirt while a nylon or wool carpet will be more soil-resistant and responsive to foot traffic.

One of the best-selling products at Carlson’s Flooring is luxury vinyl plank.

This product comes in many col ors and styles, including some that mimic the look of a classic hard wood floor. The price of a luxury vinyl plank could be comparable to that of a wood floor, says Nelson, but wood floors are known to bring a more enduring value to a home.

When it comes to tile or luxury vinyl, Nelson says it’s a good idea to keep a few extra pieces on hand, just in case something happens down the road. It’s much easier to replace one or two chipped tiles when you have extras set aside.

The quality of installation can also make a difference. As a second-genera tion, family-owned business since 1967, Carlson’s Floors takes extra efforts to en sure the right people are on hand to lay a new floor.

“We once had a commercial con tractor who didn’t want to pay our price for labor, so they had someone else do it,” says Nelson. “The tile is being torn out now because it wasn’t done right. He went with a lesser labor price, which I understand, but now it’s ending up cost ing more.” ❚

Carlson’s Flooring is located at 728 W. State St., in Geneva, (630) 232-4964, carlsonsfloors.com.

Success Smells Sweet at Strides for Pies 5K

By Pat Szpekowski

Gather your family and friends and head out to St. Charles to join the action during the Strides for Pies 5K race on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 a.m. in Primrose Park at Primrose Farm.

It will be more than just a sweet ac complishment when participants get to gether to walk or run in this fun-filled and newly named “easy as pie” 5K race, presented by the St. Charles Park District.

“The race is open to all age groups and running abilities,” says TC Hull, ath letics, tournaments and events supervisor for the park district. “For our first race last year, we had 72 participants, includ ing a family with a stroller, some die-hard walkers and accomplished competitive runners, too.”

Participants experience all types of terrain as they compete during this chiptimed course. Primrose Park, located just north of the working farm, offers

competitors a friendly challenge with gravel, grass and paved trails. While soaking in the picturesque scenery, run ners are strengthening their bones, im proving their mental well-being and en joying the benefits of nature.

They’re also working for a sweet reward. Fresh pies, ranging from apple and pumpkin to cream or custard, will be awarded to those with the fastest strides in each of six age groups. Why pies?

“With it being around Thanksgiving, we thought it would be fun to hand out pies to the winners in our various cate gories,” says Hull. “Last year’s race ran during the same time period, but this year our marketing team came up with the fun new name, Strides for Pies, for our 5K.”

To keep all participants energized and ready to walk or run the distance, fin isher awards are given to all participants, with pre- and post-race snacks provided.

Are you up to the challenge? Walk ers and racers who sign up and purchase a ticket for the Strides for Pies 5K before Oct. 14 are guaranteed a signature race T-shirt.

Sign up for the Strides for Pie 5K on the St. Charles Park District website at stcparks.org/events. ❚

Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road, in St. Charles, (630) 5134370.

(St. Charles Park District photo)

It’s a Pumpkin Weekend at Blackberry Farm

By Fox Valley Park District

Every fall, just about the time Mother

Nature starts to change her outfit, historical Blackberry Farm, in Aurora, shows off its natural beauty when it hosts Pumpkin Weekends.

This popular, monthlong event is especially fun for families who want to celebrate the season and add memories to their digital scrapbooks.

Pumpkin Weekends are held every Saturday and Sunday in October, and on Columbus Day, at Blackberry Farm. This living history museum is owned by Fox Valley Park District and includes a number of family-friendly attractions and museum sites.

Guests can roam the 53-year-old park and enjoy its festive decorations in the spirit of pumpkin season.

They’re also invited to enjoy un limited rides on the hay wagon, ponies,

paddle boats and replica steam-engine train. A picnic area has pumpkins for purchase and an assortment of decorat ing materials are provided.

The park’s historical sites are also waiting to be enjoyed. These sites in clude a pioneer cabin, a pioneer pottery shop, a historical home, a blacksmith shop and an early streets museum that

shows a glimpse of Aurora in the 1880s, when the city earned a nickname as the City of Lights because of its electric street lighting.

For more information, including admission prices, and to plan your visit, check out blackberryfarm.info. ❚

Blackberry Farm is located at 100 S. Barnes Road, in Aurora, (630) 897-0516.

(Aurora Park District photos)

Follow Your Dreams at Raue Center School

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

Robin Irwin considers her return to McHenry County not a matter of co incidence, but rather destiny.

“My childhood history is here, and I think there’s something to it,” says the McHenry native, who was recently named director of education and cultural partnerships at Raue Center for the Arts, in downtown Crystal Lake. “I just feel summoned.”

The new addition to the team behind Crystal Lake’s performing arts venue is helping to take its new Raue Center School for the Arts to the next level. The school offers a variety of group classes that pair up industry professionals with students of all ages – not just children age 18 months to 18 years, but also adults. Special production workshops put young sters on the Raue stage as they partake in public performances.

For the youngest ages, Raue School’s Broadway Baby class invites toddlers to explore music, storytelling and move ment. Tiny Tunes incorporates songs, rhymes, coordination and imagination into 45-minute classes for kids ages 3 and 4.

For older children, the Youth Mu sical Theater Ensemble expands vocal skills into small and large-group ensem ble singing. Their work culminates in a final performance at Raue Center.

Behind the scenes of Raue Center School for the Arts is a team of talented professionals from the Chicago area.

Irwin got her start at Judith Svalander School of Ballet in Crystal Lake. She appeared in international and regional productions, including the Tony-winning original Broadway production of “Titan ic,” and she later served as the executive director of the Appalachian Center for

Arts in Kentucky. Today, she’s showing area youths how art touches everything in their lives.

“You can walk down your hall, and I guarantee you there is some element of design, beauty, symmetry and color,” Ir win says. “Art touches everything. That’s what education is, that’s what art is, and that’s what I hope to instill in people.”

To register for upcoming classes, visit rauecenter.org/education. ❚

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

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(Todd Heintz Photography photo)

Woodstock Farmers Market

Outdoors through Oct. 29, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The award-winning, producers-only market ensures products come directly from the ven dor. Market heads indoors Oct. 29. Historic Woodstock Square, (815) 338-5164, wood stockfarmersmarket.org.

Farmers Market+ at The Dole

Through Oct. 30, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The sea son’s freshest produce plus food trucks, music, artwork, kid’s activities, drinks and more. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Geneva French Market

Through Nov. 13, Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The openair market brings fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and more. Downtown Geneva, 4th and South streets, (630) 232-7494, geneva.il.us.

Scarecrow Weekend

Oct. 7-9, Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. See handmade scarecrows and enjoy a Family Zone with live entertainment. Craft show held in Pottawatomie Park. Loca tion: Lincoln Park, 450 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 443-3967, scarecrowfest.com.

ESO: Andres Lopera

Oct. 8-9, 7 p.m. Meet the first of seven finalists for Elgin Symphony’s next music

director. Lopera is joined by violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins for performances of Dvorak, Marsalis and Elgar. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, elginsymphony.org.

Jane Peterson, Elgin Artist

Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. The Elgin Area Historical So ciety shares the story of a local artist who trav eled the world and befriended many of the 20th century’s best-known artists. Rakow Branch, Gail Borden Public Library, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin, (847) 531-7271, gailborden.info.

Third Coast Percussion

Oct. 16, 3-4:30 p.m. The Chicago-based quartet plays exclusive compositions written by the likes of Danny Elfman, Philip Glass and others. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4284, barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Richard Marx

Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. The artist known for hits including “Hold on to the Nights” and “Right Here Waiting” performs. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

GreenRoom Improv

Oct. 21, 8 p.m. Improvisers take audience suggestions and turn them into hilarious

theater pieces. These family-friendly shows are presented by a semi-professional ensemblebased theater company. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Flannel Fest

Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Marvel at the Timber works lumberjack shows, enjoy live music, try out axe throwing, see a raptor show, join the bear contest, and stop for children’s crafts and games. Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival

Oct. 26-30, see website for times. Annual fes tival brings a decorated pumpkin contest, two carnivals, an indoor craft show, live entertain ment and family activities. Parade Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: Downtown Sycamore, (815) 751-5699, sycamorepumpkinfestival.com. ❚

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival runs Oct. 26-30. (Pumpkin Festival photo)

Delnor Woods Park

Ferson Creek Fen

45.9 acres

43.1 acres

Illinois State Nature Preserve

Hickory Knolls Natural Area 123.7 acres - Illinois Land & Water Reserve

Hunt Club Wetland

Kingswood Wetland

6.4 acres

4.9 acres

Majestic Oaks Wetland

17.4 acres

Norris Woods

75.9 acres

Illinois State Nature Preserve

Otter Creek Bend

Wetland Park

71.9 acres

Persimmon Woods

Royal Fox Wetland

Williams Wetland

36.8 acres

3.8 acres

8.2 acres

Saturdays