Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Aug/Sept 2022 A Century of COMMUNITY at Crystal Lake’s The Dole Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!
An A-Maze-Ing Farm Fun Adventure! Since 1840 Richardson LLC JUST 60 MINUTES NW OF CHICAGO & FREE PARKING! May not be combined with other offers. www.RichardsonFarm com $10 off 4 admissions $5 off 2 admissions NW OR #Adventure Farm September & October • Pumpkins, Sunflower Field & Pig Races • Slides, Kid Play Zone & Zip Line • Carousel, Train Rides & Campfires • Picnic Area, Concessions & Beer Garden Richardson Farm offers a massive variety of on-farm excitement for all ages. Sure, we have the world’s largest and most intricate corn maze... but we have so much more to experience. Come visit our wide open spaces and build memories that last a lifetime!
8 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas In This Issue Right in Our Region Cover & p. 24 A Century of Community at The Dole Your Home 11, 31 Rhino Shield Adds a Layer of Protection; Important Questions for Buying Windows; Inspiration & Worship 14 Got Joy? Your Outings 19, 41 Adventure Awaits at Richardson Farm; Primrose Farm is Bursting with Fun Your Destinations 23 Member-Only Resorts Are a Personal Retreat Your Dining 27 Two New Eateries at Rockford Casino Your Entertainment 35 Preview Raue Center’s Show-Stopping New Season Your Kitchen 39 Where to Focus Your Remodeling Budget Your Fun 44 RockCutStatePark.net | @RockCutStateParkConcession@RockCutConcession815-885-4740 BOAT RENTALS Kayaks, Canoes, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Paddle Boats & Row Boats, Fishing Boats, and Aqua Water Trikes! LONE ROCK CAFE Delicious breakfast, burgers, ice cream, and more! AT ROCK CUT STATE PARK ADVENTURE AWAITS!
9Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
Chris
Since before our kids were born, people have told me that time speeds up when you’re a parent. It’s cliche but astoundingly true. One blink and your little peanut is out in the world, taking in all of those new sights, sounds and experiences. Another blink and they’re a toddler finding their way into every thing. And then, before you know it, they’re starting kindergarten, as our oldest just did. Every day brings an exciting new adven ture for our maturing boy, but sometimes I’d love to have just one more day with that snug gly little toddler – the one who rode around on my bike trailer in the summer and watched me build snowmen in winter. The one who buried himself in leaves in the fall and who slept in my arms the night the Cubs won the World Series. The one who found more delight in boxes than his toys and said the silliest things (When did you get so big? “Because I ate my veggies”). That boy is still here in so many ways, al though now he’s riding his bike alongside me, building his own snowmen, raking his own leaf piles and watching Cubs games himself. He still loves a good adventure with his dad, and he still says the silliest things. It’s fun to watch him mature, and I try so hard to be fully pres ent, enjoying the moment as we make memo ries together. These are the moments I treasure, and I hope he remembers them fondly, as well. These first days of kindergarten mark a major milestone in our family, and I can’t wait to see where they lead us. No doubt they still will be filled with joy and adventure as father and son step into a whole new chapter.
The subject of our latest cover story is no stranger to milestones. Crystal Lake’s Dole Mansion marks two big occasions this year, none more significant than its rescue from the wrecking ball. Today, The Dole is a backdrop for summertime fun, whether you’re listening to music under the trees, celebrating Indepen dence Day or enjoying a farmersSummertimemarket. is fleeting, but you know what they say: Time flies when you’re hav ing fun.
ExecutiveLindenEditor Time Flies
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Add a Layer of Shield to Your Home Exterior
By Jermaine Pigee Life is busy, so there shouldn’t be a need to worry about maintenance and upkeep of your home’s exterior –especially when it comes to siding or other exterior finishes that need regular upkeep.Rhino Shield provides an alternative to replacing your siding or painting your home’s exterior every few years. The company uses an elastomeric product that looks similar to regular latex paint but is thicker and more durable. It can last for 25 years, holding up against cracking, chipping and peeling. The thick, flexible coating is waterresistant and breathable, it has a Class A fire rating, and it helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Because ceramic spheres in the product help it to reflect the sun, Rhino Shield reduces the amount of heat the house absorbs and thus saves money on cooling costs in the summer. Crew members apply the paint using professional spraying equipment, though the product, which looks like rich latex paint, can also be rolled on or brushed. There are more than 1,600 colors to choose from, and if home owners don’t know what to pick, one of the team’s consultants can help. If a homeowner wants to change colors down the line, it’s easy enough to re-coat the home’sRhinoexterior.Shield is flexible enough to be used on pretty much any surface includ ing wood, stucco, brick, vinyl and metal. If the product is applied to vinyl siding, however, Rhino Shield consultants rec ommend selecting a lighter hue, because darker colors tend to absorb more heat and could cause the vinyl underneath to buckle or Rhinowarp.Shield has been used in many applications, and the company has even been approached by historic commis sions to help protect famous homes and buildings. ❚ For more information on Rhino Shield or to request a quote, call (630) 866-8390.
Your Home 11Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
13Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ... Remodeling can be scary... but it doesn’t have to be. COMMON SENSE REMODELING Jennifer M. || Deer Park “The kitchen functions beautifully and it’s gorgeous. Beauty-wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed!”
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beginning, Advance Design Studio was responsive, courteous, and professional. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome or process.” ADS Client || Barrington “We wanted to do something a little unique... Advance Design was the first one that
the concept of what we were trying to do. The ability to work through one point of contact really made the process achievable for us,” Advance Design Studio.com (847) 836-2600 Celebrating 30 years of Common Sense Remodeling! kitchens • baths • lower levels • additions • renovations
Tom R. the understood
A Private
Above all, joy is a gift to us from God.“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (He brewsGot1:9).Joy? ❚
Inspiration & Worship 14 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Got Joy?
God wants our lives to be abundant with fruit of the spirit. The more we follow in Jesus’ footsteps, the more fruit we reap – such as love, peace, forbear ance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – and joy. (Gala tians 5:22-23, NIV).
Resort 509
To Christians in Thessalonica, he writes, “…in spite of severe suffering, you wel comed the message [of salvation] with joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (I Thess. 1:6). Clearly joy is linked to Christ, not to circumstance. It’s a gift from God that can’t be stolen from us unless we relin quish it. Christians may bring joy to one an other, when they live in faith. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth,” John writes to a friend in Third John, verse 4. Jesus taught us, by example, to value joy. “For the joy set before him, he en dured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).
Joy is much bigger than “happiness,” which comes and goes according to cir cumstances beyond our control.
The word “joy” (and “rejoice”) is most often translated from the Greek word “chara,” (pronounced khar-áh), in the New Testament, and is found in the NIV version 155 times, appearing in nearly every book. Jesus and joy go hand in hand.Before Jesus was born, the angels declared that his coming would bring people great joy. John the Baptist, while still in his mother Elizabeth’s womb, “leaped for joy,” when he heard Mary tell Elizabeth the news of her pregnancy. Joy in no way depends upon circum stances. Paul wrote about his great joy from a dank prison cell. He also wrote about the overflowing joy of the Chris tians in Macedonia, despite their “severe trials” and “extreme poverty” (2 Cor. 8:2).
www.woodhavenassociation.com WOODHAVEN LAKES
So Much to See. So Much to Do. Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights. Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics. Recreational Camp Lamoille Rd. Sublette, IL | 815-849-5209
Your Outings 19Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
Adventure Awaits at Richardson Farm
It’s no mystery that the Richardson Ad venture Farm in Spring Grove has a reputation for bringing on fall thrills for all ages. It’s a labor of love for this fam ily farm co-owned by George and Wendy Richardson, Robert and Carol Richard son, and Ryan and Kristen Richardson. The farm’s fall caper is open every Thursday through Sunday from Sept. 10 to Oct. 30. It’s also open on Columbus Day, Oct. 10. Hunt down checkpoints through out the 28-acre corn maze this year and search for the many iconic faces of James Bond, “007.” Choose as little or as much of the maze you can do. “Even though the maze is huge, there are no dead ends, so it’s easy to get in and out, and we have never lost anyone yet,” says co-owner Ryan Richardson. Are you a night owl? Join the “Maze ‘til Midnight” on Sept. 10, Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 to navigate the maze by moonlight. Admission to this year’s fall festival includes entrance into Richardson’s Sun flower Maze. “Be sure to come early in the season, as the sunflowers might not last through October,” says co-owner RobertRideRichardson.ontheRichardson Railroad, take a spin around the carousel, race fam ily or friends down a slide or around the Pedal Cart track. Cheer for a victor at the pig races. Relax in one of the picnic areas with campfires. Join in or watch guests as they sail down the 700-foot zip line. The Cornfield Concessions is open daily with many farm favorites. On weekends, food trucks provide every thing from poutine to wood-fired pizza and barbeque favorites. The over-21 crowd can stop by the newly expanded Beer Garden to enjoy a glass of the new Richardson draft beer or sip a glass of wine. Live music is provid ed by local Illinois and Wisconsin bands on theOnweekends.Oct.16, All Community Events holds its popular 5K, billed as The World’s Largest Corn Maze Run. Of course, there are pumpkins galore at Richardson’s, too. Visit the pumpkin fields or check out the display inside the entrance to choose your perfect pumpkin. Visit richardsonfarm.com for more. ❚ Richardson Adventure Farm is locat ed at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring
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By Pat Szpekowski
photo)Farm(Richardson
20 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
22 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
While fishing enthusiasts love the variety of fish in the lakes, the depth of the water only allows for certain kinds of boating.
Once you’ve made a purchase, you’ll need to arrange accommodations. At Woodhaven Lakes, that means having an RV or pitching a tent.
Many families are finding just that at a members-only resort, where they can get away as often as they like.
Member-Only Resorts Are a Personal Retreat
Vacation means relaxing and spend ing quality time with loved ones. Planning a vacation, on the other hand, can feel like a stressful and time-consum ing experience. Wouldn’t it be great to have a reliable getaway of your own?
Before purchasing a lot at any mem bers-only resort, it’s best to research and visit your top choices, says Leffelman.
“Our recreation department works year-round to make sure there is plenty of fun for our members,” says Leffelman. “It’s the reason people come here.” ❚ Woodhaven Lakes is located at 509 LaMoille Road, in Sublette, Ill., (815) 849-5209. Learn more at woodhavenas sociation.com.
photo)Lakes(Woodhaven
23Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ... Your Destinations
Nicci Leffelman, marketing commu nications manager at the Woodhaven As sociation, has spent more than 15 years helping families find their dream spot at Woodhaven Lakes, a private recreational camp resort in Sublette, Ill. With seven lakes, two swimming pools, a beach, a large array of sports facilities and a ro tating schedule of activities, Woodhaven Lakes is a go-to resort for many families.
Lakes has more than 6,000 lots, each with its own benefits.
While resorts are a wonderful place to stay, they’re not supposed to be a per manent retreat. Many resorts, Woodhaven Lakes included, have limits on overnight stays and cannot be used as a primary res idence. This, and other policies, will be included in your membership agreement, which should be read carefully. Once you’re moved in, it’s time to enjoy a smorgasbord of recreation.
By Jim Taylor, managing editor
“For the past couple of years fami lies have been looking for a way to get out of the home without being in public,” says Leffelman. “We’ve been in pretty high Woodhavendemand.”
By Jermaine Pigee The Dole Mansion, in Crystal Lake, sits amongst tall oaks close to the waters of the city’s namesake lake. In 157 years, this property has been “home” to several endeavors, from a country club and boys school to a church and now its current life as a nonprofit art center and gathering place.
Dole’s mansion and its annex are now home to a cultural arts center that’s complete with two art galleries, a culinary kitchen, a cozy music venue and lounge, and 40 resident artist studios. Repairs and restoration to the mansion, its annex and its surrounding grounds are ongoing.
The house then fell into the hands of Ringling, the widow of a founding mem ber of the Ringling Bros. circus. She es tablished the first Crystal Lake Country Club and built the mansion’s Tudor-style annex that still stands today. The stock market crash of 1929 hit the club hard; it closed in 1938. The man sion was bought by the Franciscan Order and became St. Mary’s Minor School for Boys, which closed in 1970. First Con gregational Church bought the property, restored it and operated it as a community center until 2000, when its members put the property back up for sale.
Right in Our Region 24 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
For 100 Years, a Cultural Destination and More
Charles Sydney Dole was an early member of the Chicago Board of Trade. In 1865, he built a three-story mansion near the lake where he could spend sum mers with his family. He later sold it to his son-in-law, who used the property for harvesting lake ice.
This year, The Dole celebrates two major milestones: the 20th anniversary of the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, which saved this historic property from the wrecking ball, and the 100th anniversary of Eliza “Lou” Ringling’s purchase of the mansion and its Lakeland Farm.
Further marking this year’s anni versaries, The Dole has reimagined its former The Listening Room space into a speakeasy entertainment venue. The drinks menu includes two sig nature craft drinks named after Ringling
“We take pride in preserving the history and maintaining the green space that provides many unique experiences for our community to enjoy,” says Erin McElroy, chief relationships officer. “The Dole is an historic landmark and a valued treasure.”
The mansion was on the verge of be ing sold to a Chicago developer in 2002 when community leaders, Crystal Lake Jaycees and neighbors spearheaded a fundraising effort to buy and preserve the mansion. The group raised $1 million in 42 days for the Lakeside Legacy Founda tion, a nonprofit formed to purchase the property and support its restoration.
The mansion is now a beautiful cul tural destination in the heart of Crystal Lake, and while showing its age, it still impresses. Self-guided tours allow the public to experience the property up close – and it’s like a step back in time.
The Dole has been a community gathering place for 100 years, from its days as a country club (left) to the Farmers Market+ that’s now held every Sunday in the summer.
The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000.
photo)Dole(The
The Dole and its foundation con tinue to reinvest funds into the historic building and its grounds, all while sup porting local musicians and artists, small businesses and the community. Interested volunteers and donors can learn more on line at thedole.org.
The Dole hosts fundraisers through out the“Peopleyear. who come to Lou’s or Music Under the Trees for a great night of enter tainment don’t even know we’re a char ity,” McElroy says. “So, they have a good time and it’s our opportunity to share that they’re also doing good.”
“I think 2022 is a great launch ing pad to build a bright future for The Dole,” McElroy says. “Whether you’re looking for an art show, a farmers mar ket or a festival, if you’re just interested in yesteryear or you’re just looking for a place to sit under the trees with a beauti ful backdrop, come join us.” ❚
The Dole’s programming continues to evolve, even as it remains grounded in cultural events and hospitality. The arts remain at this organization’s core, with a monthly 4th Fridays event recurring throughout the year, but this destination offers much more. The Ravinia-style Mu sic Under the Trees concert series con tinues with German music on Sept. 22.
The Dole also is planning a special 100th anniversary golf outing on Sept. 15, hosted at the current Crystal Lake Coun try Club just down the street.
Right in Our Region 25Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ... and her husband’s circus legacy. The Lou 22 is a riff on the French 75, which is made with gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar. The Snake Charmer is The Dole’s take on an Old Fashioned.
Meanwhile, the Farmers Market+ runs every Sunday through October, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plans currently call for the market to head indoors come November.
26 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
More Than Gambling at Rockford Casino
Iafrate says the Opening Act and the future permanent casino are meant to be entertainment destinations.
“A lot of people who visit us don’t gamble, and they don’t have to,” says ca sino president Geno Iafrate. “You might just want to come out and have a beer and a burger and watch a football game.”
Come early on Sundays and enjoy brunch favorites like chicken and waffles or steak and Midwayeggs.Baris more of a casual din ing experience, with several wood-fired pizzas on the menu, including a pizza inspired by lasagna. This pizza has moz zarella and ricotta cheeses along with meatballs, sausage and tomato sauce. Or, check out the Rock’n Vodka Pasta with sausage meatballs, ricotta cheese, spin ach, vodka sauce and rigatoni.
By Jermaine Pigee Great times and lasting memories can be had by those who visit the Rock ford Casino–a Hard Rock Opening Act, even if they’re not a gambler. In addition to 37,000 square feet of gambling space, the “Opening Act” to Rockford’s Hard Rock Casino is also home to two restaurants.
“In recent weeks, we’ve given away a Sea-Doo and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” Iafrate says. “We’ve hosted dozens of musical events, we had Super Bowl parties and we have some new en tertainment plans in the works as we ap proach our one-year anniversary this fall.”
Dining Out 27Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
photo)Casino(Rockford
Rock River Bar & Grill is a casual eatery featuring USDA Prime steak, while Midway Bar is a sports-themed setting that also serves as a gathering place.
Rock River Bar & Grill is open Wed.Sat. 5-10 p.m., with Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Midway Bar & Grill is open Sun.-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. ❚ Rockford Casino–a Hard Rock Opening Act is located at 610 N. Bell School Road, in Rockford.
Rock River Bar & Grill’s menu is simple, yet tasteful in an upscale-casual setting. Seafood lovers enjoy the woodfired Atlantic salmon served with arti choke and tomato stew or the surf and turf, which comes with lobster tail, an 8-ounce filet mignon and mashed potatoes. The Shellfish Fra Diavolo is a fan favorite served with shrimp, clams, mus sels, a spicy tomato sauce and fettuccini.
28 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
By Pat Szpekowski
Important Questions for Buying Windows
Due to the company’s long-term relationships with several well-known manufacturers, Simply Windows is con tracted to directly handle window war ranty
“Our first step is to find out your ac tual motivation for a change,” says Ron Strobel, general manager. “While we are in the business to provide and install high-quality and energy-efficient win dows, we have also found that sometimes all a customer really needs is a simple repair or new glass. Every home is dif ferent, and we want to make sure that a customer truly understands what they are purchasing.”Whendigging deeper, Strobel asks even more questions about the home’s current windows and their energy effi ciency. And, he educates customers about the differences in the most common win dow styles: casement and double-hung. Knowing the difference helps. Dou ble-hung are traditional vertical-style windows. They remain popular among homeowners. Casement windows offer a contemporary style as one side swings out, while the other side is stationary.
“Ourrepairs.company does not just insert windows but concentrates on providing full window installation,” says Strobel. “We take pride in installing windows the proper way, and we offer competitive pricing for our work.” ❚ Simply Windows and Doors is lo cated at 9235 S. Ill. Rt. 31 in Lake in the Hills, (847) 496-0954.
Your Home 31Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
The Simply Windows showroom highlights these windows, and the staff can help a customer to understand the benefits of each brand it carries, including Weather Shield, Lincoln, Polaris and Windsor.
Do you suspect it’s time to replace the windows in your home? Perhaps you’re looking for something that’s more energy-efficient, or maybe you’re con cerned about a foggy window. Or, maybe you’re just looking for an overall facelift. Your end goal is one of the most im portant parts of the conversation when you first meet the experts at Simply Win dows and Doors in Lake in the Hills. This family-owned business was founded in 1999 and has exclusively focused on window installation, repair, replacement and maintenance services. It also pro vides door sales and installation, as well as high-quality glass repair.
34 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300 GALLERY of Ghoulish Homes TourGALLERY Homes Tour Tour guides available Oct 14 at stcparks.org/halloweenfun9am: Best Viewed at Dusk to 10pm • Oct 14-31 Judging Night: Saturday, Oct 15 Interested in having your home listed in the guide? Submit an entry form online: stcparks.org/halloweenfun FREE! Pack up your family for an eerie evening cruise & drive by some of the spookiest houses in St. Charles! Please be courteous and respect the homeowners’ rights and property during your adventure. Warning: Some displays may not be appropriate for all ages.
In the heart of downtown Crystal Lake sits a historic theater that has struck a delicate balance: big enough to attract Alist performers yet cozy enough to pro vide an intimate experience.
Your Entertainment 35Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
Lynch, an Illinois native and star of the Emmy-winning show “Glee,” has performed at Raue several times.
“She’s got a strong connection to this area,” Kuranda says. “Some of her for mer roommates are in our theater compa ny, Williams Street Repertory. Every year we try to mix it up between the Grammy, Academy or Tony award winners, a cou ple of great literary types, and then a lot of regional artists as well.”
Accessibility is a priority at Raue. United States veterans can see a show for free by registering with the box office, and scholarships are available for per forming arts
“McHenryclasses.County people really care about each other,” Kuranda says. “We wouldn’t be here without them.”
For the latest info and tickets, head to rauecenter.org. ❚ Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
By Katie Gray
For the fall season, you can find tickets to comedy shows, concerts, pre sentations and musicals. “For people who want to have fun with the whole family, we also have GreenRoom Improv. They do a clean improv show that’s hysteri cal,” says Kuranda.
In addition to hosting performances, Raue Center also offers opportunities for kids and adults to take the stage. “The school we started last year has taken off,” says Kuranda. “We’re attracting more and more children every year for classes, and this fall, we’ll offer adult musical theaterKurandaclasses.”says a few things set Raue apart. “It’s relaxed, convenient, budgetfriendly and intimate. And most impor tantly, it’s in a beautiful setting of a small Main Street town with great eateries and wonderful roadways to get in and out.”
Raue Center Presents a Show-Stopping Season
“Our space is unique in that it’s not only intimate, but it’s also a show-stop per,” says Richard Kuranda, executive director of Raue Center for the Arts. After two years of abbreviated schedules, Raue Center returns this fall with a lineup of incredible talent, from the likes of David Sedaris and Jane Lynch to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
38 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Unlike cabinets, appliances or faucets, which are harder to replace over time, ac cessories can go in any time during the life of the“Focuscabinet.on the high-quality cabinets first,” adds Bechtel. “We can leave space for future organizational things. Besides, many people aren’t really sure how they want to organize their kitchen, so this gives them time to figure it out.”
“I love standing in a kitchen with a client and saying, ‘What do you love and what do you hate here? What do you use most in your kitchen? What do you wish you had or wish wasn’t there?’” says Lebar. “Starting with their priorities ensures that we focus their budget on the areas that matter most to them.”
photo)Ribbon(Blue
Where Do I Focus My Remodeling Budget?
❚ Blue Ribbon Millwork is located at 1401 S. Eastwood Dr., in Woodstock, (815) 338-8900.
“Even when you’re on a budget, don’t neglect your individuality,” adds Lebar. “It’s a beautiful kitchen that fits your home because you’re in it. It’s about you.”
No matter if your budget is high or low, there are some areas where it’s better to make a strong commitment. For Lebar and Bechtel, cabinets are one area where quality should never be sacrificed. Most designers have access to a variety of cabinet lines, each one catering to certain strengths and price points.
Ultimately, home remodeling is about individual taste, and the final prod uct should bring joy to its users – not re grets. Because it’s your home and your living space, it’s important to focus on your own wants, needs and tastes.
By Chris Linden, executive editor So, you’re ready to remodel. You want something that looks nice but won’t break the bank. But starting out, it’s hard to know what’s even possible. That’s why it’s important to start your remodeling journey with a trusted, professional kitchen and bath designer.
Good designers use their instincts to tease out details and alternatives most cli ents hadn’t considered, say Megan Lebar and Kelsey Bechtel, designers at Blue Ribbon Millwork, in Woodstock.
If budget is a concern, it’s OK to de lay some of the add-ons to your cabinets.
Your Kitchen 39Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
40 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300 BELOIT Where Stories Begin Live Music • Night Life • Dancing • Festivals • Outdoor Concerts 608.365.4838VISITBELOIT.COM/HEAR Hear the difference. 60 Miles South of Madison 75 Miles West of Milwaukee 90 Miles West of Chicago
Doesn’t it sound like bales of fun to enjoy a fall adventure on a farm with apples, pumpkins and s’mores?
Primrose Farm in St. Charles is so close, yet its natural environment helps you feel like you’ve escaped into the country. It’s a facility of the St. Charles Park District that serves as a year-round window into the “working” farm life.
Hayrides are an autumn tradition on the farm, and they take place every Fri day and Saturday from Sept. 30 through Oct. 22. “Individuals and families are welcome, but we also accommodate pri vate parties for groups of 8 to 12 people and 13 to 20 people,” adds Jones.
There’s so much more to enjoy on the farm this year. For information and registration, visit primrosefarm.org. ❚ Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road, in St. Charles, (630) 5134370.
“We provide activities every season, but this year’s fall season includes some fun new programs,” says Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpre tive services at Primrose Farm. “Our events are designed for the whole family, special parties and even employee events.”
How about joining the spectacular Fall Color Walk from Oct. 1-30, when the landscape is bursting with color? This free adventure includes a scavenger hunt where you can walk, hike and explore.
Your Outings 41Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022Tell them you saw it in ...
By Pat Szpekowski
Primrose Farm is Bursting with Fall Fun
Delve into the 100 acres of this pre served agricultural landscape as you take in the breathtaking views and aromas that make fall special.
All About Apples is a new applethemed program on Sept. 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be games, activities and demonstrations with an apple doughnut and cup of apple cider included with admission. Do you like to dance?
On Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., the popular Barn Dance returns for all ages to enjoy swing dance fun with the music of Shout Sec tion Big Band and dance lessons provid ed by Vargo’s Dance in Geneva. Pumpkin Patch Creations is new on Saturdays from Oct. 1-22. “It will be a fun day that includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin,” says Jones. “We’ll have an area where you can paint and decorate your pumpkin, if you’d like, or just take it home. There will be a bonfire and marsh mallow roast treat.”
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42 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300
Fun Entertainment
Heirloom Apple Fest Sept. 18, 1-4 p.m. Learn about and taste apples that were popular during the 19th century. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, (630) 377-6424, ppfv.org.
Get Your House Ready to See – Virtual Sept. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Get the home you want
Art on the Fox Sept. 10-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nearly 75 juried artists are showcased, featuring all forms of media. Family activities, too. Old Town Algonquin, 2 S. Main St., Algonquin, (847) 9264300, amdurproductions.com.
Johnny Appleseed Festival Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Activi ties for the whole family include The Great Ball Race, pony rides, wagon rides, chil dren’s games and Johnny App leseed himself. Various loca tions, downtown Crystal Lake, (815) 479-0835, downtowncl.org.
Collect and Sow Native Seeds – Virtual Sept. 29, 7-9 p.m. Learn how to propogate more native wildflowers. Reg. req. Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington, (847) 382-1300, balibrary.org. ❚
The Great Outdoors Beer Trail Sept. 24, 1-5 p.m. Walk the 1-mile, partially wooded and paved trail while visiting various regional brewers. Reg. req. Fel-Pro RRR Con servation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, cityofelgin.org.
Wauconda Farmers Market Ongoing, through Sept. 29, Thurs. 4-7 p.m. Fresh-grown produce, meats, baked goods, food vendors, more. Downtown Wauconda, Main Street between Mill and Bangs streets, (847) 526-5580, waucondachamber.org.
Music Under the Trees: Oktoberfest Sept. 22, 6-9 p.m. The lively Die Musikmeisters German band plays German dance music. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.
Sept. 10-11, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. Sample specialties from Geneva restaurants and taste unique wines. Location: Downtown Geneva, South 3rd and Campbell streets. Tick ets/Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
2022 Elgin Short Film Festival Sept. 24, 7-10 p.m. The top pre-screened films up to 20 minutes long are presented, with winners selected by judges and the audience.
McHenry County Civil War Roundtable Sept. 13, 7-8:45 p.m. Join in an interesting and informative historical presentation. Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock, (815) 338-0542, woodstockpubliclibrary.org.
Your & Events 44 Smart Living Elite Aug. - Sept. 2022 To advertise call 815-316-2300 with the house you have. Reg. req. Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-1687, clpl.org. Heritage Fest Sept. 16-18, Fri. 6-11:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Live music, car show, craft/antique show, kid’s activities, 5K race and more. Downtown West Dundee, in municipal parking lot between 1st and 2nd streets, (847) 5513800, wdundee.org.
Festival of the Vine
Ragdolls – The Female Aerosmith Tribute Sept. 16, 8:30 p.m. The all-female crew produces a high-voltage show. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
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