Smart Living Elite - Feb/March 2022 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Feb/March 2022

Winter-Fresh Foods at the Indoor Market

4 Top Spots for Family Outings

Norris Center Launches New Music Series A Visit to Woodstock’s Antique Mall

4 Ideas to Heat Up Family Dinner Right-Sizing Your Health Care The Anvil Club Opens to All

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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WOODHAVEN LAKES A Private Recreational Camp Resort 509 Lamoille Rd. Sublette, IL | 815-849-5209

www.woodhavenassociation.com

In This Issue

Right in Our Region............................................................... 24 Winter Fresh at the Indoor Market Your Kitchen .......................................................... 13 4 Ideas to Heat Up Your Next Dinner Inspiration & Worship........................................... 14 God Alone is ‘Good’ Your Outdoor Living ............................................. 19 Why Now is the Time to Start Veggie Gardens Your Home .............................................................. 23 Helping Woodworkers from Log to Finish Your Outing ................................................ 27, 35, 37 Norris & Baker Center Events; Fun at Starved Rock; Journey to Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall Your Health ............................................................ 31 Right-Sized Care for Orthopedic Injuries Your Local Dining ................................................. 39 FoxFire: An Enduring Favorite in Geneva Your Entertainment ............................................... 43 Elgin Symphony Resumes Live Performances

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.

Your Fun .................................................................. 44

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Kathy Casstevens, Randy Ruef, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com

Smart Living. Copyright 2022 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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Little Chefs

or our family, the stomach is an easy way to our hearts. Seriously, have you seen the kids when they’re hungry? It’s not pretty. Food is a big deal in our house. Maybe it’s my Mediterranean roots or Mom’s work with picky eaters, but either way food appears in the background of many a family ritual. We dine together, snack together, cook together, even vegetable garden together. Since their youngest days, the kids have been working alongside Mom and Dad in the kitchen, and we’ve found common bonding over the stove and a good dish. We sample new foods in between lessons on hot ovens, sharp utensils and Dad’s improvisational cooking style. Something’s clicked. You should see my 5-year-old make a pizza, almost entirely by himself. At 3, he was crumbling his own herbs (which he picked himself in the backyard). Little Sister is catching up quickly and making her mark with our winter soups. I don’t care how messy it gets; we’re having fun. And it shows when they snarf down a delicious bowl of their own creation. There’s a sense of pride, accomplishment and self-sufficiency filling more than just their tummies. And for us to share it at the table is something priceless. Family dinner is a bonding experience all its own. Now, if you think it’s amazing to watch the children in the kitchen, you should see these little chefs exploring the farmers market, as well. Regardless what time of year we visit, there’s no shortage of good finds. These kids are world-class mooches who nab every sample they can. When we stock up on hot soups, fresh breads, local produce and preserves we feel good about helping local farmers, and we know we’re teaching the kids. When they go home and cook that squash – which they picked out themselves – it’s a special moment in their eyes. These little chefs are winning a lot more than my stomach. They’ve captured my heart with it, too. Chris Linden Executive Editor

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Your Kitchen

4 Ideas to Heat Up Your Next Dinner By Chris Linden, executive editor

s there anything quite so rewarding as a steaming pot of soup to warm up a cold winter’s day? It’s just one of many joys to be found in the kitchen this time of year. If you’re looking for a way to spice up family dinners, perhaps a new piece of cooking equipment is what you need to kickstart things. The Zavor pressure cooker makes dinner in a snap, heating a complete meal in as little as 10 minutes. A slow cooker function also makes it versatile. “To cook a chicken breast will take you 10 minutes,” says Mary Behrens, owner of Kitchen Outfitters, in downtown Crystal Lake. “Split pea soup, which I’m making later this week, takes about 15 minutes.” Kitchen Outfitters carries thousands of kitchen items that help to make cooking an even more enjoyable experience.

From cookware and gear to locally made cutting boards, and a selection of gourmet foods and teas, this store sparks many new meal ideas. The Zavor pressure cooker is gaining plenty of notice among local shoppers, but so is the enameled carbon steel Dutch oven. It has the cooking quality of a cast iron model without the weight or the maintenance. “They’ve officially become my favorite Dutch oven,” says Behrens, who tests out the products she sells. As often as possible, she tries to carry American-made items, like the composite wood cutting boards and utensils made by Epicurean. They’re dishwasher safe, won’t dull knives and have an antimicrobial quality. Behrens also carries traditional wood boards made by a local craftsman.

For families that love Taco Tuesday, there are many accessories to liven up the table. Taco stands by Prepara are not only colorful, but they also make it easy to hold your shell. Taco spoons make it a breeze to load up the toppings, and colorful bowls make a fun complement. “We have a lot of taco things – even taco warmers and tortilla presses,” says Behrens. “My husband has mastered the making of tortillas because we have fish tacos every week.” ❚ Kitchen Outfitters is at 64B N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (779) 220-4653.

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Inspiration & Worship

God Alone is ‘Good’

hroughout history, people have sought human heroes to save them from whatever they faced – and God has warned them not to make gods of men. (See the First Commandment, Exodus 20:3 and the Greatest Commandment, Matthew 22:36.) Such was the case when Israel begged for a king in I Samuel 8: “When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders…But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him,’...now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have’… this displeased Samuel so he prayed to the Lord.” God told Samuel not to take it personally. “It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so are they doing to you.” God told Samuel to warn Israel that a king would take away their children, would take the best fruits of their labor and would enslave them. “When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day,” Samuel warned. But they insisted on having a king, which led in time to their enslavement and dissolution as a nation. Only God deserves absolute allegiance. In Mark 10:18, even Jesus refuses to be called “good.” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Men will always seek to impress and enslave other men with their worldly power, but don’t be fooled; this is not the way of God, says Paul in I Corinthians 1:26-31. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him … Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” – Janine Pumilia 14

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Outdoor Living

Why Now is the Time to Start Vegetable Plants B y J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r

hen the winter winds are blowing, the idea of puttering around in the garden seems eons away. And yet, these frigid months are the perfect time to get started. Steps taken now to plant, nurture and prepare your vegetables can have a big payoff. Carol Sevrey, a retired biology teacher who works at Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center, in Cary, suggests starting with a little planning. First, consider how you’ll lay out your garden. Consider that some plants need more heat and sun, while others prefer a little shade. Sevrey puts cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach and broccoli on the shady side of her garden. If you don’t have a patch of ground that can be dug and tilled, don’t despair. Above-ground beds and containers are a suitable alternative.

Once your plans are ready, consider getting a head start on planting. Many crops, including lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower can be started indoors, beginning around February. Most seedling starter kits come with a plastic tray or lid that can be used for sprouting. Flats from last year’s flowers work, too. Stick with a light potting mix or seed-starting mix and set the trays in a sunny spot of the house. When it’s time to take the seedlings outside, keep a close eye on Mother Nature. Balmy months like March, April and early May might still have a few frosty days up their sleeves, and you don’t want all of that winter work to go to waste. “Tomatoes, green peppers and squash are more hot-season vegetables,” Sevrey says. “I always try to push the boundaries a little bit.”

If there’s any doubt, there’s plenty of help available at the local plant nursery, where designers and professional gardeners can offer insights and advice – especially during these slow winter months. “You just have to try stuff,” says Sevrey. “If you try different kinds of seeds and vegetables and it doesn’t work out, you can try again next year with something new.” ❚ Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center is located at 8401 S. Ill. Rt. 31, Cary, (847) 658-5610.

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Your Home & Garden

Helping Woodworkers from Log to Finish B y J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r

hen Dan DeSerto struggled to find quality wood at local outlets, he took his hobby to a whole new level. In January 2016, he founded Bull Valley Hardwood and established a woodworking retail store that also handles custom furniture, bar top, countertop and cabinet design and builds. His mission: to be the only shop a woodworker could ever need. DeSerto’s “log-to-lumber” approach gives him the ability to oversee every step of the cutting and drying process for the hardwood he sells. His dedication to quality helps him ensure Bull Valley Hardwood’s lumber and woodworking supplies are top of the line. “We don’t just bring items in here and convince you to buy because we sell it,” he says. “We use the products

ourselves, and we’re very knowledgeable about them.” DeSerto and his staff maintain quality in several ways, starting with the way they source lumber. Most comes from local sources and contains the sort of character many woodworkers desire. DeSerto carries some 70 species of wood. Knowledge is another piece of the puzzle. An on-site classroom and woodturning studio host a wide range of classes for woodworkers and woodturners of all skill levels. From beginner classes that focus on working with wood to advanced classes that include special guests, woodworkers of all skill levels can study up on topics like basic and advanced joinery, veneering, bent lamination work, hand tools and power tools. The final subject, finishing, is taught over its own set of classes. This

Dan DeSerto, owner of Bull Valley Hardwood

topic, says DeSerto, is the Achilles heel for many. DeSerto encourages aspiring woodworkers to take advantage of hands-on education. “It doesn’t have to be like drinking from a fire hose,” DeSerto says. “You can learn as you go. You don’t have to be overwhelmed. Just take it step by step. That’s what our classes are for.” ❚ Bull Valley Hardwood is located at 1251 Cobblestone Way, Woodstock, (815) 701-9400.

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Right in Our Region

Fresh Goods Abound at Winter Markets B y C h r i s L i n d e n , e x e c u t i v e e d i t o r, & J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r

t’s no secret that the farmers market is a prime place to stock up on farm-fresh sweet corn, apples, peaches and all variety of produce – not to mention related items like preserves, floral bouquets and baked goods. Think of it like an open-air grocery store, except it’s all farmers and producers who typically live within an hour’s drive. But did you know many of those markets are still going all winter long? Not only are they good for finding fresh, healthy foods, but they’re also a fun, family-friendly outing. Woodstock Indoors Market When: Saturday, Feb. 19, March 5 & 19, April 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at McHenry County Fairgrounds This market is considered a gold standard after decades of operating on

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the Woodstock Square and at the county fairgrounds. At least 60% of vendors are farmers, so you’re guaranteed to find things like apples, hydroponically or greenhousegrown produce, canned or preserved vegetables, meats and eggs. There are also folks selling things like cheese, olive oil, baked goods, granola, hot soup and more. Most vendors come from within 90 miles of Woodstock. Market founder Keith Johnson visits every operation to ensure quality for consumers and reinforce the value of supporting local. “If the local farmers are gone tomorrow, the prices in the store are going to go up,” says Amy Fowler, owner of Mimi’s Pet Treats. “I think a lot of people may have realized that with the recent pandemic because prices did go up. It was harder to get things.”

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Farmers Market+ in The Dole When: Sunday, Feb. 27, March 13 & 27, April 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at The Dole in Crystal Lake The Dole’s Farmers Market+ has a block party feel to it, with kids activities, farmers, food trucks and other vendors at the Dole Mansion. About 40 vendors, plus live entertainers, have been gathering indoors this winter. It’s easy to find something new on every visit. John Kasperk, of River Valley Ranch in Burlington, Wis., sells several types of mushrooms as well as mushroom salsas, mushroom burgers, pasta sauces and frozen soups. “They might cost a little more at the markets, but the quality and the taste are a step above what you’re getting elsewhere,” he says. “The biggest comment I get is, ‘Wow, I bought those mushrooms

(The Dole photo)

Right in Our Region

Farmers Market+ in the Dole, Crystal Lake

two weeks ago and they’re still in my fridge and they still look good.’” Proceeds from the market support Service League of Crystal Lake and continued upkeep of the 160-year-old mansion. The market heads outdoors in May. Lake Zurich Indoor Market When: First, third and fifth Sunday, November through May, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Paulus Park Chalet in Lake Zurich For nearly eight years, this market has drawn families for a Sunday outing. “It has a strong community feel that I haven’t seen in a lot of other places,” says

Maryam Wood, co-owner of Middleton’s Preserves. Set inside a community park with views of the lake, this market is intimate, with just eight to 10 vendors, but there’s a surprising array of food represented. Wood sells fresh produce from her Wadsworth farm and a network of microfarms. Her fellow vendors supply baked goods, jerky, hydroponically grown greens and other treats. Event organizer Nick Janovski sells meat and eggs. Glenn D. Gonzalez and his Azteca Catering Co. sell homemade salsas and nine types of tamales to-go. Not only do dollars at the market support these small businesses, but they also reduce the number of miles food travels from the farm to your plate. “By supporting local, you’re ensuring that you’re eating healthier and you’re continuing to ensure that we, as small farmers and producers, have the ability to provide your food,” says Wood. Those who can’t make the market

can contact vendors via their websites or the market’s Facebook page. St. Charles Farmers Market When: Every Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Baker Memorial Methodist Church This blended market sells food-related items alongside artisan crafts, health products, clothing and jewelry. Among the vendors is Grandma’s Farm Fresh Eggs, a family-owned farm that has been operating since 1868. Sixthgeneration owner Bonnie Ogle and her family are longtime vendors at the summertime outdoor market and have recently started selling indoors, as well. For Ogle, there are many advantage of purchasing from a farmers market. “A customer can ask us, ‘How do you raise your chickens?’” Ogle says. “They can ask us if we put additives in our feed or chemicals on our pasture. The answer is no to both. People are seeking out things that are local because they can talk directly to the producer.” ❚

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sculpture

IN THE

PARK

FREE!

For the love of art in the park As spring emerges in the Fox Valley, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy this magnificent free exhibit.

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Each annual exhibit offers sculptural masterpieces made from various mediums by artists from all over the country.

ALL YEAR LONG stcparks.org

Enjoy 20 sculptures from the District’s permanent collection located at Baker Memorial Park, Delnor Woods Park, Fox Chase Subdivision (East Entrance), Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Lincoln Park, Mt. St. Mary Park, Pottawatomie Golf Course & Pottawatomie Park.

Mt. St. Mary Park • St. Charles

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Your Outings

Norris, Baker Centers Unite for New Series K

nown for more than 40 years as a performing and visual arts venue on the campus of St. Charles East High School, The Norris Cultural Arts Center is now presenting events at another familiar location: The Baker Community Center, located in downtown St. Charles. Over the next several months, Baker Community Center hosts the new Wednesdays @ One and Saturday Night Lights event series. Wednesday afternoon events combine live and multimedia content. Saturday-evening shows welcome live bands and solo performers. Shows take place in the Baker Center’s Collins Auditorium with round tables seating four to six people, and evening show tickets include two drinks at the bar. Most performances draw about 50 to 75 people, which also keeps the atmosphere cozy.

The events are a collaboration between Norris Center and the St. Charles Park District, which operates the Baker Community Center. The two have been working together since at least 2018. Norris Cultural Arts Center donated and installed new lighting and sound equipment in late 2019, holding just two cabaret events before COVID shut things down. The Baker’s Dozen holiday festival started in late 2020 as a remote-only event and returned again last year. With restrictions still limiting events inside the high school auditorium, Norris’s newest lineup gives audiences a reason to return. “It’s been really gratifying to us to have audience members coming in saying, ‘I’ve driven by here a thousand times and I’ve never come in. This is the greatest venue and you’re doing a good job of putting on concerts,’” says Mark Smith,

(Norris Center photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

The Ragged Rascals Irish Band at Baker Center

vice president of the Norris Center board. “It really validates our ideas.” Visit norrisculturalarts.com to order tickets, which are free on Wednesday and cost $25 or $30 on Saturday. The Baker Community Center is also available for wedding receptions and social gatherings; reservations can be made by calling (630) 584-1055. ❚ Baker Community Center is located at 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Contact Norris Cultural Arts Center at (630) 5847200, norrisculturalarts.com.

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Your Health

Right-Sized Care for Orthopedic Injuries By Chris Linden, executive editor

hen it comes to treating fractures, sports injuries or the results of slips and falls, one’s instinct is to head for the emergency room. But what if there were a different setting available, where you could be seen quickly, avoid filling the hospital, and get affordable care? Many families are skipping the emergency room and heading straight to the orthopedist, thanks to a growing number of orthopedic urgent care clinics, including Fox Valley Orthopedics’ OrthoFirst clinics in Elgin and Geneva. Locations are open Monday through Saturday. “We think the last thing busy families want to do is wait around in busy emergency rooms for three, four, five hours and get charged an emergency room deductible, which oftentimes is $500,” says Dr. Vishal Mehta, CEO of Fox Valley Orthopedics. “They can come and see the

experts in a much quicker period of time and get charged for a normal office visit.” Fox Valley Orthopedics additionally provides a full range of services in-house, including consultation with an orthopedic specialist, X-ray and MRI scans on-site, and a full outpatient surgical suite. Physical therapy often follows, so a full team of specialists is now available at all seven of the group’s clinics. In addition to experts in sports medicine, full hand therapy and preventative care, the team includes a rheumatologist, pain management specialists, a spine surgeon, a hand surgeon and a total joint replacement specialist. “We’d like for you to get the right treatment – not overtreatment, not undertreatment, just the right treatment,” says Mehta. “We think that makes a lot of sense, not just for the individual but for

society. The cost of health care is growing, and we all pay for it in one way or another, so we think that right-sizing your treatment and taking care of it right away is a good way of taking extra cost out of the system.” ❚ Fox Valley Orthopedics is located in Geneva, Elgin, Barrington and Algonquin, with walk-in care at 1975 Lin Lor Lane and 1710 N. Randall Road in Elgin, and 2535 Soderquist Court and 2525 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Call (630) 584-1400 for an appointment.

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Your Outings

No Time for Cabin Fever at Starved Rock S

ay goodbye to the winter blues and get out your calendar. Starved Rock Lodge, near Oglesby, Ill., has a glowing fireplace in the Great Hall, and comfy rooms and cabins are just steps away. Guided Winter Hikes depart from the Lodge every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. You’ll see the winter wonderland of Starved Rock State Park, complete with frozen ice falls. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip. Reservations are required. Winter Wildlife Tours run each Saturday and Sunday. These tours, which run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., include a trolley ride to see the bison at nearby Buffalo State Park. You’ll also go to the Illinois Waterway Center observation deck to search for eagles. Bald Eagle Tours are the highlight of winter here. Eagle tours begin with lunch at 11 a.m. and a trolley ride to the

Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for eagle viewing. Advanced reservations are required. Princesses and Super Heroes of all ages are invited to attend the newest event at Starved Rock Lodge. On March 27, the first-ever “Princess & Super Hero Breakfast” takes place in the Great Hall. Children are invited and encouraged to come in their favorite costume to meet “Beauty,” “The Ice Princess,” “The Ice Queen,” “Bat Hero” and “Spider Guy.” The event begins and 9:30 a.m. with an enchanting breakfast buffet. There will also be face painting as well as photo ops with each of the characters. Once Easter arrives, get in the Easter Spirit at Breakfast with the Bunny. After breakfast, the Bunny himself joins in for an egg hunt. Advanced reservations are required as space is limited.

(Kathy Casstevens photo)

By Kathy Casstevens, marketing director, Starved Rock Lodge

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Starved Rock, and there’s plenty more to enjoy with an overnight stay in the lodge. It’s time to enjoy the best of winter, so start planning your escape now. ❚ Starved Rock Lodge is located at One Lodge Lane in Oglesby, Ill. Make reservations by calling (815) 220-7386. or visiting starvedrocklodge.com.

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Your Outings

Travel in Time at Woodstock’s Antique Mall By Chris Linden, executive editor

here are antique malls, and then there’s the Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall, in Woodstock, where there’s always something fresh to be found. Across 35,000 square feet, visitors find all variety of interesting items, each carefully curated by one of about 80 vendors. Strict standards are upheld to ensure every item is authentic and crafted between the 1800s and 1979. “We have people come in all the time and tell us, ‘I don’t know how you do it, because it’s so different every time,’” says Gaylene Stomberg, who owns the antique mall with her husband, Ted London. “That’s the flaw of most antique malls – people set up their booth, never change anything and after awhile you stop visiting. We try to always keep ours changing.” Some of the most popular wares include vintage clothing, authentic vinyl

albums, jewelry, collectibles and oak furniture. Special displays showcase Christmas items year-round. The midcentury room plays up fashions from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Downstairs, find more clothing and military items as well as a room of “project” furniture – items that need a little TLC. Look in the game room for slot machines, pinball games, neon signs and other electronics. Around the corner, find advertising signs and classic Americana. Numerous curiosities are hidden all around. A restoration shop onsite handles restorations and repairs. Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall began in 1998 in Roscoe, Ill., and came to Woodstock in 2018. Today, people visit from across Chicagoland, and around the nation, to see what’s new. Stomberg finds many people make a day trip out of it, browsing the

shelves at the antique mall in between adventures on the Historic Square. Visitors of all ages are welcomed, and that includes children – so long as they’re well-behaved. “You can see just about anything, in any price range,” says Stomberg. “We have a lot of great high-end items, but we have lots of things that are under $20. There really is something for everyone, even little kids.” ❚ Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall is located at 890 Lake Ave., in Woodstock, (815) 334-8960.

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Dining Local

FoxFire Restaurant: An Enduring Favorite

By Jermaine Pigee, managing hrough the past couple of years, diners have seen FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva as more than just a place to eat. When other restaurants were temporarily shuttered, FoxFire remained a destination for all. “We have regulars come in here once a month or even twice a week, and I think they’re coming in here for a mini vacation,” says K.C. Gulbro, chef and coowner with his father, Curt. “They’re trying to get away from the world.” What still makes FoxFire unique is its ever-changing menu, along with rotating wine and beer lists that include 50 wines served by the glass. Longtime staples are always available, like the Napa Valley Chicken, which comes with chicken breasts, white wine cream sauce, green grapes and garlic potatoes. The FoxFire Tuna consists

editor of Cajun-crusted sashimi ahi tuna, wasabi yogurt and a teriyaki glaze. The Pittsburgh Style Ribeye is also a classic. While meat is certainly the star of the menu, there’s a growing offering of dishes for those who prefer a more vegetarian palate. Diners can find vegetarianinspired dishes, including a vegan cauliflower steak, which comes with grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, herb gremolata and chimichurri sauce. The pandemic has been hard on restaurants but Gulbro says he’s doing everything he can to keep diners feeling comfortable. Among other measures, he’s installed air purifiers capable of scrubbing out 99.9% of air particles. “The reason we’re staying open is not just for us,” Gulbro says. “We’re open for our staff and their families, and we’re open for businesses that find FoxFire

essential. A lot of other people depend on us to keep their people working. ” Foxfire is open for lunch Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner is served Mon.Thurs. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.10 p.m. It’s closed Sundays. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone or online at foxfiregeneva.com. ❚ FoxFire Restaurant is located at 17 W. State St., Geneva, (630) 232-1369.

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Your Entertainment

Elgin Symphony Returns to Live Performance

oing to the symphony conjures images of men in tuxedos and women in elegant gowns sitting in an ornate theater and listening to classical music. That is not the case with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. While the quality of the music is superb, the variety of shows and the setting are more inviting to all walks of life. Consider it the “People’s Symphony.” “We really want to connect with everybody and provide something that everyone should enjoy,” says Marc Thayer, ESO’s new chief executive officer. “It’s your orchestra. It’s everyone’s symphony.” The 2021-22 season, which opened in October, features genres for just about everybody. Performances have included works by classical conductors such as

Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Beethoven, as well as symphonic takes on contemporary tunes, from the film scores of John Williams to the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper. In between are plenty of other surprises. On March 5 and 6, ESO takes on Mozart’s Requiem and Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis. The Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon performances begin with a special pre-concert chat an hour earlier. On April 2 and 3, guest conductor Jose Luis Gomez joins the orchestra for a round of old Americana with tunes by Barber, Coplan and Dvorak. Mariachi music is the subject of a concert on April 30. In June, the symphony returns with its “on the farm” series, which was a hit last year. Audiences are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

(Elgin Symphony Orchestra photo)

By Randy Ruef

Guest conductor Tania Miller led Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening concert this fall, as they returned to Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center.

“We want people to come and have a good time,” Thayer says. “We don’t want cost or clothing to be a barrier. We are a musical organization that does all kinds of music, and I think there is something everyone will enjoy.” ❚ To purchase tickets for Elgin Symphony Orchestra, call (847) 888-4000 or visit elginsymphony.org.

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Your Fun Cary Indoor Farmers Market Ongoing, Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On the first and third Sundays of the month, discover locally raised produce and meats as well as locally made goods. Algonquin Township Building 6, 3702 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake, (815) 639-2700. Saturday Night Lights: NIU Steelpan Studio Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Experience the range and lyrical power of these hand-made instruments. Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St., St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com. Theatre 121: ‘Noises Off ’ Feb. 25-March 13, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This play brings together a menagerie of actors rehearsing a total flop. Theatre 121, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com. Brr-ington Winter Fest Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hit the s’mores and hot chocolate stations, then see ice carving demonstrations and watch for the ice princesses. Barrington Metra Lot, 206 S. Hough St., Barrington, barrington-il.gov. Puzzle Palooza Feb. 27, 1-3 p.m. Gather friends and family in four-person teams as you race to complete the

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Entertainment & Events 500-piece puzzle. Prizes for the winners. Event includes a puzzle swap. Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Ill. Rt. 176, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org. Pen Pals March 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Children from pre-K through fifth grade pair up with a local senior to exchange letters. Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, (847) 458-6060, aapld.libnet.info Kane County Flea Market March 5-6, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. With more than 600 dealers each month, there’s a good chance of finding something unique. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com. ESO: Mozart’s Requiem March 5-6, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Presenting Tallis’ “Why fum’th in Fight,” Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,” and Mozart’s “Requiem, K.626.” Pre-concert chat one hour before. Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

Feb/March 2022

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I Knew I Was in Trouble When... March 11, 7:30 p.m. Borrowing the format of “Moth Radio Hour,” storyteller Jim May and friends share family-friendly tales. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com. Frank Caliendo March 18, 8 p.m. The comedian blends a high-energy act with impressions of famous Americans. His shows are clean and familyfriendly. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com. WSR: ‘Always … Patsy Cline’ March 18-April 16, see website for times. Based on the true story of the country star’s friendship with a Houston fan, this musical has plenty of charm and Cline hits. Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. Maple Fest March 20, noon-2 p.m. Join the annual tradition of turning maple sap into syrup. After a presentation, head to the trails and see for yourself. Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia, (630) 897-0516, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org. ❚

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At Fox Valley Orthopedics, patient-centered, comprehensive care is at the forefront of everything we do. Our team of board-certified specialists provide orthopedic care for: -Foot & Ankle -Hand & Wrist -Joint Replacement -Pain Management -Rheumatology -Spine -Sports Medicine For same day walk-in orthopedic urgent care, visit OrthoFirst - Fox Valley Orthopedics’ immediate care for bone, tendon, joint and muscle pain or injury.

Call 630-584-1400 for an appointment, or visit FVOrtho.com 46

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Algonquin Barrington l Elgin l Geneva To advertise calll 815-316-2300

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