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Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designer
Ashley Smith
Contributing
General
Brent Hughes
Sales Manager
Brad Hughes
Advertising
A Fan Club
Let me tell you about my pal “J.” He and his sister live on the other side of the park. He was on my tee-ball team; he loves baseball. And, he loves to read – which is how I ended up with a tiny clipping of my photo, the one you see below.
Just like you, J and his family enjoy thumbing through this magazine every month. J’s just learning to read – he’s barely 5 years old – so he asks Grandma or Mom and Dad to read him our stories, even this column.
And so it was that this past spring, in the heart of tee-ball season, J read this magazine, grabbed a pair of scissors and gently cut out my picture. We were just about to start a game against the Diamondbacks when he approached. “Coach, I saved this for you.” My heart melted, just a bit.
I’m old enough to remember when we cut out pictures of friends and family from the newspaper and shared them. It was like their 15 seconds of fame, and we were so excited to celebrate with them. When you grow up in a big city, it’s a big deal. These days we share in other ways, so J’s small act of friendship got me to thinking.
As a writer, we churn out material, always wondering who’s reading and how they receive it. As a father, I do the same thing. Every day, in a thousand little ways, the children are observing me and learning from me. They pick up my sense of humor and I laugh. They copy some of my mannerisms and I groan. They reflect my bad habits … and then I know I’m in trouble.
Stephen Sondheim plays in the back of my mind, “…children will listen…” and suddenly I’m hyper-aware of these pintsized paparazzi catching my every act. It makes me wonder: what kind of face am I showing them? Am I living out sound values and setting the best example? Because if Mom and Dad don’t, the world will. And what kind of face is that? Not the type I want to clip and share.
Chris Linden Executive Editor
Blackberry Farm is an Autumn Tradition
By Peggy Werner
Everything autumn is the focus of the family-friendly Pumpkin Weekends this October at Aurora’s Blackberry Farm.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through October. It brings unlimited train, carousel, pony, and hay wagon rides as well as seasonal activities.
“We are highlighting all of the attractions we have at Blackberry Farm, emphasizing how it transforms in the fall,” says Becky Harling, manager of Blackberry Farm, a facility of the Fox Valley Park District. “We have people who come from all over to enjoy Pumpkin Weekends. Families make a day trip out of it.”
Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun, with an emphasis on
Aurora’s rich history from 1840 to 1910.
Pumpkin Weekends celebrate plenty of age-old traditions that bring out the best of the farm.
At the Discovery Animal Barn, you can visit with the animals and feed them. Pick your own pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, and then decorate them in the adjacent Carriage Museum.
Every weekend brings special activities, too, like a pumpkin carving demonstration on Oct. 12, Trick-orTreating on Oct. 19, and a Jeanie B Children’s Concert on Oct. 20. Finally, on Oct. 27 meet the World’s Tallest Scarecrows.
Five golden pumpkins are hidden in the park. Find them all and enter to win four season passes for next year. All activities at Blackberry Farm are included in the $10 admission ticket, which can be purchased at the door or online at foxvalleyparkdistrict.org. Blackberry Farm is located at 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora. Call (630) 892-1550 or visit blackberryfarm.info. ❚
The carousel is a favorite for children at Blackberry Farm in Aurora.
(Fox Valley Park District photo)
Make the Most of Your Fall Gardening
By Chris Linden, executive editor
It’s tempting to see autumn only as the time when we clean up our yards, but smart gardeners know it’s a great season to get ahead. Cool temperatures, warmed-up soil and rainy conditions create the ideal conditions for new plants to take root.
“The ground is also more workable than in summer, when it can be rockhard after weeks of little rain,” says Dana Garretson, nursery sales associate at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center, in Crystal Lake and Elburn. “Weeds are less prolific in the fall, so you can cut new planting beds without the rampant weed growth we get in the spring.”
Fall plantings do require a different mindset and some strategy because it’s so close to winter.
Perennials are your best starting point. Things like hostas, daylilies, sedum and grasses need time to
establish their roots, so get them in the ground by midOctober.
Evergreens and shrubs also should be planted by midOctober. Deciduous trees – like maples, crabapples and lindens – don’t need as much winter energy as an evergreen, so they can go in the ground until it’s frozen, says Garretson.
Fall is a great time to shop at your local flower nursery, as you’ll find many plants on super-sale. Avoid pruning them, as that encourages tender new growth. Keep them watered and add some mulch to create a blanket.
“And pay attention to plant hardiness zones,” says Garretson. “While we’ve recently been classified a 5, that’s based on average temperatures and doesn’t reflect the occasional severe temperatures. For trees, shrubs
and long-term plantings, plan on Zone 4 hardiness.”
If you’re ever in doubt, turn to the experts at your local nursery.
“We can keep you up-to-date on freeze warnings and ongoing plant care, and we’ll give you tips for growing things successfully,” says Garretson.
Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center is located at 5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave. in Crystal Lake and 42W075 ll. Rt. 38 in Elburn. ❚
Fall is a great time to get things ready for spring, but it takes a little strategy to do it right.
Strive for Unity
Can’t we all just get along?
If we choose to view one another as God does, the answer is “yes.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious.
The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head around this concept. In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t His ideal way to operate, however. God wanted to bridge the distance caused by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and to make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18)
The New Testament teaches that favoritism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9)
Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Rulers, cultural icons and fashionable ideas come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph. 4:31).
We’re to imitate Christ (Eph. 5:1 & 2), and we’re each made in God’s image.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10:9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts. (I Sam. 16:7).
Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19:
“These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage … These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
Can’t we all just get along? We can if we decide to. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
You’re Invited on an Autumn Adventure
By Kathy Casstevens, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge
The October calendar at Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, in Oglesby, is filled with adventures. From Fall Colors Trolley Tours, Autumn on the River Boat Rides and Sunset Cruises on the Sainte Genevieve sternwheel riverboat to Oktoberfest Dinners and Ghost Tours, the calendar is full of excitement.
Tribute to the Stars shows present dynamic vocalists like Quentin Flagg’s “Shake, Rattle n’ Roll,” World War II radio show “Let Freedom Ring” and “Rosie & the Rivets.” A hot lunch buffet is included with every ticket.
There’s still time to reserve a spot at the Lodge’s Annual Leinenkugel Dinner on Nov. 8. Everything on the menu (including dessert) is made with Leinenkugel beer. This year’s guest speaker is Katie Leinenkugel, part of the sixth generation of Jacob
Leinenkugel’s Brewery, based in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Call (815) 220-7386 for reservations.
And speaking of food at Starved Rock, the Lodge’s main dining room was recently named Best Hotel and Best Brunch in the “Best of the Illinois Valley.” The contest began in March 2024 and received an impressive 25,000 nominations and a staggering 108,297 votes.
The Lodge’s award-winning brunch serves a wide variety of options from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday.
Join the Lodge’s Guided Hikes any weekend for a great look at Starved Rock State Park. If you’ve ever wanted to hike with your pet but didn’t know your way around Starved Rock, there’s a new way to hike called “Tails on the Trails.” Every month, bring your furry,
feathered or scaly friend for a fun activity. Go on pet-friendly guided hikes and enjoy “yappy hour” on the Veranda. The kickoff event is a Guided Hike on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. It’s $15 per human and reservations are required.
To reserve your spot at these occasions, call (815) 667-4211 or book online at StarvedRockLodge.com. ❚
Join the “Tails on the Trails” hike at Starved Rock Lodge, in Oglesby, for a new spin on guided hikes.
(Kathy Casstevens photo)
Medicine Isn’t the Answer for Neuropathy
By Chris Linden, executive editor
When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, physicians commonly prescribe medications, but those are only masking the problem, says Dr. Daniel Horn, of Nerve Pain Centers.
By contrast, Horn uses non-invasive, nonsurgical treatments that activate the body’s healing processes. He’s found it’s roughly 94% successful.
“I’m treating a doctor right now, and he’s made 70% improvement,” says Horn. “He was being told by his doctor to take Cymbalta, but it didn’t do a bit of good. He tried acupuncture, medication, supplements, and those didn’t work.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where nerves experience weakness, numbness and pain, such as burning or tingling. Neu-
ropathy has over 100 potential causes, but the most frequent involve diabetes and chemotherapy treatments, exposure to toxins and traumatic injuries.
Horn begins his treatments with state-of-the-art equipment such as Low-Level Light Therapy and wearable Red Light Emitting Diodes. Coupled with oxygen therapy and nerve stimulation, these tools activate the body’s self-repair mechanisms. Horn then re-educates and re-balances those nerves to restore their function.
whose doctor recommended amputation, which he didn’t after seeing Horn.
Horn has seen these treatments help not only to reverse the effects of neuropathy but also to address vascular conditions. His success stories include physicians and nurses who wanted a non-pharmaceutical option, dance instructors who were confined to canes or walkers, and a 93-year-old man
“Our patients wind up getting back into the swing of things, feeling better and doing those things they haven’t done because of their pain,” says Horn. “They get their lives back.”
Nerve Pain Centers is located in Elgin, Palatine, Des Plaines and Bloomingdale. Call (847) 461-3808 to schedule an appointment. ❚
Dr. Daniel Horn
Year-Round Fun Comes to Primrose Farm
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Fall might be our favorite time to reconnect with the farm, but it’s not the only time to engage with Primrose Farm in St. Charles.
With the recent opening of a new education center, this St. Charles Park District facility is becoming a yearround destination.
“Meeting the people who are growing and harvesting our food is important,” says Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretive services. “Food education is part of our job here as a farm, and a lot of people are very disconnected with the idea of how their food is produced and where it comes from.”
The new center features a spacious multipurpose area, staff offices, a climate-controlled indoor space, and improved accessibility with paved pathways and modern restrooms.
A fully equipped kitchen is designed for cooking classes and demonstrations.
The new facility was funded by a $750,000 matching grant from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant program.
Primrose Farm shows the way farming looked in the mid-1900s. Visitors enjoy animal adventures like milking cows, gathering chicken eggs, feeding goats and grooming horses. Friendly farm residents include sheep, donkeys and a cat named Clyde.
Additional fun this fall includes scenic hayrides and a “Fa-BOO-lous Pumpkin Carving Party” on Oct. 26. “Soap it Up!” on Nov. 2 introduces the chemical reaction that forms soap.
Thanks to the education center, expect things like a two-day camp during Christmas break, toddler playgroups and a chance for children to meet the animals when it’s cold out.
“Everyone is excited about the Education Center,” says Jones. “They’ve watched it rise for the past year, and now it’s finally here.”
Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road, in St. Charles. For more information, see primrosefarm.org. ❚
Milk the cows, gather chicken eggs and meet the other animals this fall at Primrose Farm in St. Charles.
(St. Charles Park District photo)
Blue Man Group Inspires Wonder, Awe
By Chris Linden, executive editor
TheChicago area is rich with theatrical productions, but few of them hold the sort of magic or enduring affection that have marked Blue Man Group over the past 30 years.
From the stage of Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Blue Man Group continues to wow audiences of all ages with a unique blend of onstage antics.
“It’s colorful and it’s bright and it’s fun,” says Gareth Hinsley, one of six full-time Blue Men in Chicago. “You can expect to laugh. It’s very funny. There are elements of the show that are very impressive to the stage. Still, when I watch the show I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s really cool.’”
Every show is a little bit different, particularly when the Blue Men and the audience interact onstage. Special holiday performances take the magic to a whole different level.
A Halloween show at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 is specially made for families, with pre-show fun in the lobby that includes face painting, spooktacular surprises during the performance, goodie bags for children in costume and a post-show meetand-greet with the Blue Men in the theater lobby.
“My kids are desperate to go,” says Hinsley. “They went last year and really loved it.”
The holiday season brings out unique onstage fun, particularly on New Year’s Eve when four shows help to ring in
midnight – because it’s always midnight somewhere.
“We have a special ending where we play Auld Lang Syne, so you get something like a New Year’s experience without staying up past midnight with your kids,” Hinsley says. “It’s a good time with our Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas shows. We make them as special as we can.”
Blue Man Group got its start in New York City in the late 1980s and arrived in Chicago in 1997. There are currently about 80 Blue Men in seven cities and three tours.
Using only gestures and facial expressions, the characters in Blue Man Group communicate humor and fun within every show.
Paint and music factor into every Blue Man Group show. There’s even a “poncho section” closest to the action.
(Blue Man Group photos)
No matter where you see them perform, there are some things you can always count on, starting with the three performers onstage, each clad in black clothing with his hands, face and head covered entirely in blue. The characters are silent; they communicate only through nonverbal cues, especially gestures and facial expressions.
Much of the show is accompanied by music, from both the house band and the Blue Men, who use the most inventive things to tap out rhythms and expressions.
“A piece of plumbing pipe doesn’t have to be just a piece of plumbing pipe. It can be a musical instrument and then an entire musical experience,” says Hinsley. “It’s like, we have these antennas and we can use them to make sounds. And paint is a huge part of the show. We’re always asking, ‘What can we do with this?’”
All of this invention can sometimes get a little messy – in the most entertaining of ways. A certain part of the theater is designated the “poncho section” for good reason.
Wonder and magic abound in Blue Man Group’s foot-tapping shows. Hinsley’s three children – ages 6, 8 and 10 – aren’t the only ones in the audience who are spellbound by the Blue Men.
“It piques their curiosity, and I see it in adults, too,” Hinsley says. “It’s that moment where they say, ‘Huh, I’ve never seen that sort of thing before. How did they do that?’ It brings you to this state of being curious to watch a great piece of theater. You’re ready to have fun. It’s like a state of child-like play.”
Hinsley had only a vague idea of Blue Man Group when he was cast for the role 17 years ago, about the time it launched in London. The Leicester, England, native saw his first show in New York City and was blown away, all while wondering what he was getting himself into. The training process included six months of drum school and weeks of practice before he debuted on the Chicago stage.
These days, he performs onstage and trains up-and-coming Blue Men in this unique art. Fun fact: It takes about 30 minutes for the Blue Men to get into full costume.
“We take our time because, without sounding pretentious, there is something about putting the makeup on that is important for the three performers. We all share a dressing room. We all get ready at the same time. In order to perform a show, we need to be pretty well connected and in tune with each other, because we’re not speaking onstage. The audience is fresh that night, so we have to be in a place where we’re connected.”
If you’ve seen Blue Man Group before but it’s been awhile, there’s plenty of new material arriving on the Chicago stage. Some acts are unique to the Windy City, while others are simply new arrivals, part of a “surge” of new material to arrive over the past two years. Hinsley says this latest iteration is one of his favorite lineups yet – and there’s plenty more coming, all of it filled with magic that appeals to children, moms, dads and grandparents alike.
“I love watching the audience react to us, especially with a family unit,” says Hinsley. “Seeing an 8-year-old kid and a 40-year-old parent have the same expression on their faces as they’re like, ‘What just happened? Wow.’ And you get these moments of, ‘What is this?’ There’s so much joyful surprise, and when you can see it across multiple generations, I just love that.”
To order tickets to any of Blue Man Group’s 2024 shows, head to BlueMan.com/Chicago or call 1-800-BLUE-MAN. Briar Street Theatre is located at 3133 N. Halsted St., in Chicago’s Lakewood neighborhood. ❚
Each Blue Man show is unique, in part because it includes entertaining audience interactions.
The Blue Men use lots of inventive tools, like plumbing pipes, to tap out rhythms and expressions. They’re accompanied by a house band and fun visuals.
Where Are the Tiny Trains in Woodstock?
By Peggy Werner
Matthew Drennan wanted to help his community, support local businesses and feed his own passion when he opened a hobby shop on Woodstock’s Historic Square. Every October, he keeps that commitment with Rail Fest, which runs Oct. 12-13 this year.
Drennan, the owner of M.D. Trains, gets businesses across the Square to set up train displays in their shops for customers to enjoy.
“The event is a lot of fun and exposes people to the hobby of railroading while exploring downtown,” he says. “People are walking in and out of shops to see the trains, often visiting places they have never gone into before.”
M.D. Trains is a hobby shop with an emphasis on model trains. Drennan buys, sells and consigns collectible and new model trains. It started as a home business in 2014, and in
2018 he moved into the Square. He started Rail Fest in 2020.
Four times a year, Drennan offers classes. The next one is Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and covers basic maintenance of trains. Other sessions might touch on lighting, painting, scenery building and getting started.
“If you start a new hobby, people don’t often give it up,” he says. “Trains, especially, bring back feelings of nostalgia for things that are missing in today’s computer age.”
Drennan had his own train set as a child, and he enjoyed visiting train museums. He worked for a “G” scale train dealer until it went out of business. He then provided products,
did technical analysis, and helped train staff on installing and operating displays at Lincoln Park Conservatory, Sea World and Epcot Center in Disney World. Through Rail Fest, he continues to share his passion with others. Catch Rail Fest on the Woodstock Square or visit M.D. Trains at 124 Cass St., Ste. 1, (815) 276-9982. ❚
Matthew Drennan, owner of M.D. Trains in Woodstock, displays toy trains around Woodstock’s Historic Square every October.
‘Sci-Fi’ Surgery Effectively Cuts Knee Pain
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Every once in a while, medicine catches up with science fiction. And in the case of a 12-year-old girl from unincorporated Elgin, that innovation changed her life.
Clair Bone first visited Dr. Timothy Petsche at Fox Valley Orthopedics in January 2023 with a very swollen left knee. It hadn’t responded to physical therapy and other conservative treatments.
An MRI showed Clair had cartilage defects behind not one, but both of her kneecaps, to the extent that 75% of the cartilage behind one kneecap was simply gone.
“I had a long conversation with mom, who is a doctor herself – a naturopathic doctor – and I told her, ‘Look, Clair is young for it, but she’s a candidate for this cartilage transplant surgery,’” says Petsche, an orthopedic surgeon. “Technically, the surgery is only for people who are done growing … but after careful review, everyone agreed it’s crazy to not do it. There’s nothing else that worked.”
The matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is a two-part procedure in which a surgeon removes a TicTac-size piece of the patient’s cartilage so a medical lab can grow it into a membrane of collagen. This new piece of cartilage – made completely of the patient’s own cells – is reimplanted in the knee.
“It’s the most ‘science fiction’ thing I do in orthopedics,” Petsche says. “We’re literally growing a person’s own cartilage outside the body and then transplanting it back into the knee. I’ve done it quite a few times, but on no one as young as Clair, and she is the first one to have it done in both knees.”
The decision wasn’t made lightly. But Dr. Jennifer Mercier, Clair’s mother, had worked with Petsche years prior when he surgically repaired her own meniscus.
“I’ve trusted him ever since,” Mercier says, noting her family’s faith also helped see her through the surgery. “We are followers of Jesus, and we pray about things, and I pray circles around my children every day. We prayed Petsche would bring the best results.”
Clair underwent the MACI procedure on her right knee in August 2023 and her left knee on Dec. 1, 2023.
“So far, so good,” says Mercier. “She’s actually training for the ‘Thriller on 38’ dance that the Vargo Dance Studio performs in Geneva … and she’s really doing very well. The transplants have taken beautifully.”
And Clair isn’t in pain anymore. “I think about, ‘Will this movement hurt my knees?’ I try it, and if doesn’t hurt my knees, I just do it,” she says. “It’s never hurt my knees.”
Mercier calls the surgery “an absolute miracle.” Petsche feels the same.
“We can do things that nobody was able to do 10, 20 years ago,” says Petsche. “This technique is really helping people live better lives.”
Clair’s scars run a good 6 to 8 inches down both knees, yet they’re the only reminder of her previous pain.
“We were in Iceland this summer,” Mercier says. “We climbed behind waterfalls and up mountains. Clair didn’t complain of knee pain one time, and I’m so thankful.”
Fox Valley Orthopedics has clinics in Algonquin, Barrington, Elgin, Geneva and Yorkville. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Fox Valley Orthopedics at (630) 584-1400 or go online to fvortho.com. ❚
The knee pain that Clair Bone (left) once experienced is no longer there, thanks to a revolutionary procedure performed by Dr. Timothy Petsche, of Fox Valley Orthopedics.
Homemade Meals to Tackle Takeout
Some nights, we struggle with the question of cooking at home or grabbing some takeout. Why not enjoy them both with a healthier alternative?
Featuring a blend of chilled, freshly chopped vegetables; ready-to-eat, pre-cooked noodles; gourmet dressing sauce; and crispy toppings, Fresh Express Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kits offer two meal options in every bag – hot or cold – so you can make dinner your way. Available in Teriyaki, Asian Sweet Ginger and Korean Sesame flavors, they’re a true inspiration for homemade takeout-style dishes.
This Marinated Teriyaki Steak with Teriyaki Noodle Salad recipe combines juicy steak with crisp vegetables and pre-cooked Udon noodles for the ultimate at-home comfort food. Visit freshexpress.com/hot-or-cold to discover more than 300 fresh recipes and to find a retailer near you.
Marinated Teriyaki Steak with Teriyaki Noodle Salad
1/2 cup dark soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 pound flank steak
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 bag (16.9 ounces) Fresh Express Hot or Cold Teriyaki Salad and Noodle Meal Kit
In saucepan, add soy sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha sauce and chicken stock; bring to simmer while whisking. Simmer 4 minutes.
Cool marinade mixture until cool to touch, about 20 minutes.
Slice steak into thin strips and place in bowl. Pour marinade over steak and leave for 1 hour.
In large pan over medium-high heat, stir-fry steak 2 minutes.
Remove steak from pan and allow to rest.
In same pan used for steak, add oil and cook hot or cold kit according to instructions on bag.
Add steak back to pan and stir to incorporate.
Garnish with toppings from hot or cold kit and serve. ❚
(Source: Family Features)
30 Fresh Reasons to Visit Valley Orchard
By Peggy Werner
For more than 45 years, Valley Or-
chard in Cherry Valley has been giving people a reason to celebrate fall with a variety of apples, other seasonal fruits, bakery items and home decor. Each year, the orchard introduces new apple varieties.
“It gives people a reason to keep coming back. Many people say visiting the orchard has become a family tradition,” says Brandon Bergersen, who works at the orchard with his brother, Bret, and their parents, Raoul and Jodie, who are the original owners.
Newcomers this year include Summerset, which is a crisp, sweet eating apple made from Honeycrisp with Fuji varieties. Ludacrisp is a firm, crunchy apple. Rosalee is a firm, sweet and tart apple with a good shelf life. Sweet Zinger comes along at the end of September and is a yellow sweet apple
that’s good for eating or baking.
Valley Orchard is a 35-acre familyowned business with about 5,000 trees that produce more than 30 apple varieties. Visitors have a choice of picking their own apples or purchasing pre-picked apples in the store. The orchard also has a bakery, kids’ play area, props for photos, pumpkins and mums, and floral gardens.
gourds and more. Fall decorations, linens, candles and other unique seasonal items for the home are also for sale.
The orchard makes its own 100% pure apple cider with no additives. Apple cider slushies are a new offering this year. The bakery also sells apple cider doughnuts, apple pie, apple-cinnamon bread, caramel apples and fudge, as well as a variety of jams and jellies, salsas, honey, squash, pumpkins,
The orchard is open MondaySaturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It closes for the season in mid-November.
Valley Orchard is dog-friendly. Pets much be leashed, socialized and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Valley Orchard is located at 811 E. State St. in Cherry Valley. Call for information at (815) 332-9696. ❚
A Convenient Source for Kidney Care
Nephrology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the kidneys.
Kidney disease affects 1 in 7 people (approximately 37 million total) in the United States and may result from causes such as diabetes, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis or obstructions of the urinary tract.
The most well-known function of the kidneys is to act as filters to form urine containing waste products from the body. However, the kidneys are also responsible for certain hormone secretion, which can affect the production of red blood cells and promote absorption of calcium.
RNA Sycamore
2127 Midlands Ct., Ste. 102
Sycamore, Ill.
RNA Dixon
KSB Hospital Commerce Towers
215 E. First St. Dixon, Ill.
Beloit Dialysis Center
Beloit Memorial Hospital
1969 W. Hart Road
Beloit, Wis.
Rochelle Specialty Center
900 N. Second St.
Rochelle, Ill.
The kidneys also help with fluid and acid-base balance, blood pressure control and glucose production. Therefore, anemia, high blood pressure, Vitamin D deficiency, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances are also monitored and treated by the nephrology team.
At Rockford Nephrology Associates, 10 board-certified nephrologists and seven nurse practitioners provide consultative services and follow-up visits, which along with lab and radiology testing help to diagnose kidney disease and determine the best quality treatment options.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 227-8300. ❚
Back Row: Dr. Michael Robertson, Dr. James Stim, Dr. John Maynard, Dr. Mashood Ahmad, Dr. Syed Ahmed, Dr. Charles Sweeney and Dr. Krishna Sankara. Front Row: Dr. Bindu Pavithran, Dr. Charlene Murdakes, Dr. Joanna Niemiec.
How to Narrow Your Cabinet Options
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Home remodeling comes with so many choices and selections, but these decisions don’t have to feel overwhelming. Just start with some creative exploring.
“With a lot of our customers, we suggest they start a Pinterest board or go on Houzz.com to search for ideas,” says Nic Gleason, lead project designer at Advance Design Studio, in Gilberts. “The important thing is to get an idea of what they’re looking for.”
A good place to find conversation starters is with remodelers like Advance Design, which shares lots of project photos on Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram as @advancedesignstudio.
As you search, set aside images you like. A qualified kitchen/bath designer can help you to bring it together.
“Typically, one of our first meetings is on site, so we can get a sense of the space you’re working with,” says
Gleason. “We can see your personal aesthetic and the feel of the house. That’ll give us lots of direction.”
One of his next steps is to present a “mood board” that joins cabinet colors and styles with samples of flooring, countertops, backsplashes, wall colors and other elements. It’s a way of seeing, at a glance, your future room.
Once you choose materials, your designer builds a floor plan that shows how everything fits together. That map should include accessories that maximize every cabinet. Pullout and pull-down shelving is transforming the way we use hard-to-reach cabinets. There are drawers where you can hide your charging devices and there’s even a multi-tiered silverware caddy.
There’s a big advantage to making these selections with a professional designer. Not only can they quickly
narrow down your options, but the good ones also bring years of experience. Some, like Gleason, are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
“It really goes to show that we take the extra time to be educated on the products we’re selling,” he says. “We have become an expert in the field.”
Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., in Gilberts. For a free estimate, call (847) 836-2600. ❚
Cabinets come in many styles and varieties. To find what’s right for you, start with an idea of what you like.
(Advance Design
Studio photo)
DESIGNATED
COMMUNITY & ARTS CENTER HISTORIC DOLE MANSION
‘THE DOLE’ MOVES FORWARD WITH A FOCUS ON COMMUNITY.
Charles S. Dole threw lavish parties from 1865-late 1890's on his 1000+ acres of land he and his family called ‘Lakeland Farm’. In 1922, Eliza ‘Lou’ Ringling, of the Ringling Bros. Circus fame, along with her investment group, purchased the mansion and created the Crystal Lake Country Club. The mansion with it’s new addition complete in 1925, and grounds were once again the center of entertainment. Fast-Forward 100+ years...
OUR MISSION IS TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE BUILDINGS, PROPERTY & HISTORY. We do this by hosting events to support the local Community, the Arts, and other local NonProfit Organizations. This is how we raise funds to maintain, restore and repair the historic property rather than asking the community for donations. We do this with love and passion for our community and to honor the history of the property. Please visit our website for up-
coming events such as the Jazz Series in Lou’s Lounge (named after ‘Lou’ Ringling!) Farmers Market+ every Sunday - NMP 4th Fridays Art Show - Singer Songwriter Showcase in Lou’s LoungeChildren’s Culinary Classes3rd Annual New Years Eve Spectacular! and MORE!
Info or Tickets Visit:
A Fresh Experience at Farmers Market+
“It was important for the local community to have a place to go,” says Jay. “The Dole was saved by the local community from demolition in 2002 and the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was created to preserve and protect the property for community use. We felt an obligation to do something unique and a way to also support The Dole during COVID, when The Dole could not host the annual Lakeside Festival that year.”
Farmers Market+ was twice named Illinois’ top farmers market by the American Farmland Trust. It’s twice earned Best Farmers Market in the “Best of the Fox” awards.
Sharon and Linda, along with 35 volunteers, many from Service League of Crystal Lake, keep the weekly market running. A portion of proceeds from the market support the Service League. In fact, all of the more than $50,000 the Service League has received since 2021 has gone to help local families in need.
“We are putting the money right back into the community,” says Sharon. “We are on this planet to help each other. That’s what being part of a community is all about.”
A share of the proceeds also supports the ongoing preservation of the 1865 mansion and its programming.
“The Dole is self-funded, so all of the events we are doing – including the farmers market, Lakeside Festival, NMP’s Friday Art Event at The Dole, and many events for local nonprofits in the area – help us to keep The Dole running,” says Sharon. “This ensures it’ll be here 100 years from now.”
The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Farmers Market+ runs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through October. Look for details on the indoor market this November. ❚
Farmers Market+ at The Dole, in Crystal Lake, sports a “food court” setting that’s complete with food trucks, live music, facepainting and a balloon artist.
Huntley Farmers Market
Through Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Market moves indoors in November. Huntley Downtown Square, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us.
Woodstock Farmers Market
Through Oct. 29, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Producersonly market. Moves to County Fairgrounds in November. Woodstock Square, (815) 3385315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
Farmers Market+ at The Dole
Through Oct. 30, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids activities, local produce. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ Through Oct. 20, see website for times. The classic fairy tale comes to life in this onstage musical with a freshly updated script. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-5982, metropolisarts.com.
36th Annual Autumn Drive
Oct. 18-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore farms, art studios, antiques, more along country roads. Start at Perkins Hall, 3601 Franklinville Road, Woodstock, autumndrive.net.
Nightmare on Chicago Street
Your Fun Entertainment & Events
Oct. 19, 6-11 p.m. A night for the “living dead,” with music, Svengoolie appearance, food, more. Age 17 and up. Downtown Elgin, nightmareonchicagostreet.com.
Barrington Area TasteFest
Oct. 23, 5-8 p.m. The area’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries come together for a night of tastings. Location: Wild Onion Brewery, Barrington. Tickets/ Info: Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, 190 E. James St., Barrington, (847) 381-2525, barringtonchamber.com.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence
Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Learn about some common types and their uses. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
The Dam at St. Charles: A 200-Year History
Oct. 30, 1-2:30 p.m. Eric Krupa explores its milestones and some mishaps. Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St., St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
Disney’s ‘Frozen the Musical’
Oct. 30-Jan. 19, see website for times. The beloved film is adapted as a Tony Award-
winning musical. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Geneva Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl
Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore the many shops downtown while sampling tasty morsels at several of them. Info/Tickets: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
Kane County Flea Market
Nov. 2-3 & Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of dealers bring collectibles and more. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com.
Lunch & Learn: English Daisy & Daisy Hall
Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m. Discover expert insights on decor and gifts. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
ESO: Joyce Yang Plays Grieg
Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Pianist Joyce Yang joins the orchestra with a lineup of Grieg, ColeridgeTaylor and Dvorak. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org. ❚
BLUEMAN.COM BRIAR STREET THEATRE
SCAN FOR OFFERS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 1PM
Celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Blue Man Group! This Sunday matinee will feature pre-show face painting, Halloweeninspired surprises, goodie bags for children in costume and a chance to meet a Blue Man in the lobby after the show. Halloween costumes are encouraged for all audience members! SPECIAL HALLOWEEN
