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Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • March 2021
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Right in Our Region
In-Person Programming Returns to Raue Center Don’t Delay that Big Remodel Spring Landscaping Tips from the Pros Get Your Garage Under Control A New Specialist in Healthy Skin
Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!
Smart Living Weekly
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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Curtain Rises Once More at Raue Center Your Home ............................................ ............11 Make the Garage Functional Again Outdoor Living ...................................... ............13 Turn to the Pros for Landscaping Help Inspiration & Worship ......................................14 The Psalms Journey Your Kitchen ......................................................19 Set Apart that Kitchen with a Stone Surface Your Health ............................................. ........... 23 DSI Opens Third Location in Barrington Your Remodel ....................................................25 Don’t Delay on that Big Remodel Your Fun .................................................... ......... 29
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphics Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Monica Brubaker, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingMonthly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com
Smart Living. Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Snow Forts
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y brother and I were prolific snow sculptors in our youth, yet it’s our snow forts that remain strongest in my memory. Any chance we could get, we were outside building, bucketful by bucketful, sometimes well past dark (and after more than a few calls from Mom). Most years our handiwork lasted well into spring – like the time we capped off a 6-foot-tall behemoth with an old broom handle “flag.” It was still there past Easter. Seems the children are picking up Dad’s old tricks. Before January’s big snows, we spent a whole weekend stacking bricks of ice into a fortress that was taller than my 4-yearold (by his insistence). It’s since been buried into a mountain of snow, which, naturally, the kids climb whenever they’re outside. They’re pretty smitten with sledding, especially my 18-month-old, who giggles all the way down the slopes at Veteran Acres and the hill in our neighborhood park. “Cabin fever” is a good way to explain how we’re all feeling in these early days of March, but our family is doing everything we can to get out of the house. In a time when it’s easier to stay shut away indoors, we’re finding joy in whatever the season brings us. Cold, snow, dreary days? It’s always a great time to get out. There are forts to be built, snowmen to be rolled, stores to shop, restaurants to visit, forests to hike, church services to attend. And that’s not even the half of it. Adventure calls to those who will listen. Are you ready to answer the call? If you’re looking for something fun to occupy your early spring, we have lots of ideas to get you started. Our cover story teases some fun events coming soon to Crystal Lake’s Raue Center. Home improvement is on everyone’s mind, so we have ideas to get that garage organized, garden planned and remodel started. And, our latest recipe makes a great family activity on a dreary day. My little munchkins know. Nevermind the vestiges of winter. We’re welcoming this spring with open arms. Chris Linden Executive Editor
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Your Home
Make the Garage Functional Again By Chris Linden, executive editor
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our garage is practically your front door. But it’s also one of the messiest and most easily forgotten spaces in your home. It doesn’t have to be that way. Overhead storage maximizes wasted space, and wall-mounted systems make quick work of the remaining mess. Garage Store, in East Dundee, specializes in Gladiator Garageworks, a storage system that includes cabinets, modular wall systems and tons of hooks for ensuring everything has its place. Because the brand is owned by Whirlpool, the line also includes refrigerators built especially for the extreme heat and cold of a garage. They blend right in with the built-for-tough metal cabinetry. “You get what you pay for with the Gladiator product line,” says Jim Melchert, owner of Garage Store. “And what we like about it is wall cabinets can handle 300 pounds, and cabinets on
wheels are rated at almost 1,000 pounds. Our product is good in mechanic shops, homes, just about any place.” With a garage makeover comes a refreshed floor, and Melchert’s team specializes in durable, long-lasting polymerbased floor coatings. They come in many colors and applications, and they can range from a simple polish to a sleek floor that sets the tone for a man cave garage. The process begins with a free consultation. Then, it’s time to design solutions that are on-budget and fit the client’s goals, whether that’s cleaning the garage so it’s more functional or transforming it into another room of the house where you can entertain. While it might be tempting to make this a DIY job, if you factor in labor, materials and time, the cost is roughly the same as a professional – and the quality and warranty are better, says Melchert.
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He usually budgets three to four days to install a concrete coating system. The first day involves concrete preparation and repairs, the second day is for applying the base coat and flake system, and the third day is for the finishing topcoat. The final result is stunning. “I understand the garage is sometimes not a high priority, but your garage is like a front door or entrance to your home,” says Melchert. “It’s best to have it organized and presentable.” ❚ Garage Store is located at 1082 Rock Road Lane, East Dundee, (847) 428-8862.
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Outdoor Living
Turn to the Pros for Landscaping Help By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor
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andscaping projects shouldn’t start after the snow melts. They should be starting right now. There are many advantages to thinking ahead – and there even more advantages to planning with a professional landscaper. “The way I view landscaping for a home is like a painting-by-numbers picture that hasn’t been filled out,” says Sean Ducey, manager of Whispering Hills Garden and Landscape Center, in Crystal Lake. “You can see what it’s supposed to look like, but without the colors and details it just doesn’t carry the same impact.” Professional landscapers have a good sense of what belongs where, and they can quickly assemble a working plan. Even do-it-yourself gardeners can benefit from their advice. Not only do the experts have insights on what plants fit a particular landscape, but they also know how to get the most out of each plant.
“If you have a bee allergy, for example, find plants that flower at times when bees are not at their peak,” Ducey says. “If you have small children who love getting into things, maybe a plant with thorns isn’t the one for you. Mention these types of things to a professional, and they’ll help find the right plants for you.” These experts also have the knowhow and years of experience to assemble high-quality hardscaping – that is, the stone and hard surfaces that integrate with a landscape. Professionals are particularly helpful on hardscaping because they understand the products and any local ordinances regarding patios, steps and other features, Ducey says. “There are county code requirements that need to be followed and product guidelines that need to be followed as well,” Ducey adds.
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Before hiring just any landscaper, be sure to do your homework, adds Ducey. Understand who it is that you’ll hire and what expertise they can bring to the table. “Make sure they’re fully insured and also ask to see some of their jobs in person,” Ducey says. “You can do a lot with editing photos these days, so you definitely want to see their work in person.” ❚ Whispering Hills Garden and Landscape Center is located at 8401 Ill. Rt. 31, in Crystal Lake, (847) 658-5610.
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Inspiration & Worship
The Psalms Journey
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n the middle of the Bible is a collection of 150 psalms (sacred sayings) that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human rantings directed toward God. Several authors wrote them over a period of about 1,000 years, starting in the time of Moses (1500 B.C.). King David penned about half of them. They were passed down through oral tradition before they were written down. We gravitate toward the psalms that comfort us, the 23rd being a crowd favorite. Many of them, however, were composed during times of anguish and deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare; They’re both timeless and oddly familiar. If we’re honest, all of us have experienced anger with God. We see Christians suffer hardship, oppression, sickness, death. We see evil prosper and ask why. The psalmists’ emotional poetry helps us to know what a healthy relationship with God looks like, says author Philip Yancey. By “peering over their shoulders,” we witness both their rantings and the ways they talk themselves down from the ledge. They breathe deeply and then state what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, tender. They also acknowledge their own yearning for closeness with Him. The psalmists force themselves to recall the many times God rescued Israel from its self-inflicted messes. With hearts softened by memories of their own weakness, they regain some perspective. God is mighty; they are needy. The psalmists find wonder in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their ranting turns to flights of joyous praise they can’t contain. Yancey writes in “The Bible Jesus Read”: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did. Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.” To experience Psalms is to fellowship with all who have ever struggled with, and – Janine Pumilia deeply loved, God. ❚ 14
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Right in Our Region
Curtain Rises on a New Chapter at the Raue By Chris Linden, executive editor
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ackstage at Raue Center for the Arts there’s a veritable who’s-who of photographs depicting some of the theater’s famous visitors. Joan Rivers, Amy Grant, Bob Saget, Bob Newhart, Los Lobos and Ben Vereen … the list goes on. Crystal Lake’s hometown theater hasn’t lost a bit of its charm after nine decades of welcoming audiences. Still perched at the entrance to downtown’s main drag, Raue Center is the kind of place where even big-name performers feel right at home. So do local audiences, who are joyous to see this spring’s return of the performing arts. Raue’s latest lineup promises new attractions, old favorites and some new approaches to live, in-person entertainment. Since its grand reopening in September 2001, Raue Center has welcomed
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more than 1 million visitors. In good times, the 750-seat theater is bustling with activity most weekends, but even now, the stage is still keeping audiences engaged. “Our mission really is to service everyone in the county and beyond, and we take that seriously,” says Richard Kuranda, Raue Center’s executive director. GreenRoom Improv, a local improv troupe, returns in April. Singer Amy Grant is scheduled to return in November, about the same time young chefs from MasterChef Jr. make an appearance. Kuranda is also planning for comedian Colin Mochrie, of “Whose Line is it Anyway,” to bring a show that combines improv comedy with the hypnosis of Asad Mecci. Plans are being finalized around several tribute bands, including some that
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will play in the Brink Street parking lot just northwest of the theater. Williams Street Repertory, Raue’s in-house professional theater troupe, is working out final protocols for its presentations of “Native Gardens,” “Always: The Patsy Cline Musical,” and “Matilda,” performed with help from the youngsters of Sage Studio. If all goes to plan, the holiday season will bring “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker,” and a special performance by Elgin Symphony Orchestra, among others. There’s more in the works, but it’s still too early to announce. “I really think by September of this upcoming year, we’ll be welcoming more people back into the space above our current 50-person occupancy,” says Kuranda. Cover photo by Kevin Scott Photography
(MasterChef Jr: David Beyerlein photo; Amy Grant provided)
Right in Our Region honing their skills in the classroom while applying what they’ve learned in a mainstage production. Sage Studio alumni have gone on to top theater schools, some even landing work as TV actors or performing on “American Idol.” “I am blown away, constantly, by the sheer number If all goes according to plan, Raue Center’s return to in-person of talented people in this performances includes November appearances by MasterChef Jr. area,” says Kuranda. (left) and Amy Grant (right). For all of its successes, Children have become a major focus Raue Center has certainly faced its chalover the past decade. From its start as a lenges, none so strong as this past year’s summer camp, the Sage Studio program COVID-19 pandemic. Last March, the now draws hundreds of local youngsters theater abruptly cancelled its season. The who want to learn about theater. Classes, stage was dark for more than a month. which have continued in virtual form Since last summer, the team has been throughout this pandemic, are led by hosting virtual events and engageing with working professionals who cover acting, the community in new ways. music and production. Raue’s new video series, Our Voices, Through the new Sage on Stage Our Town launches one new episode each program, a few talented youngsters are month in 2021. The kickoff episode puts
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comedian Kevin Boseman, a relatively new face on Raue’s comedy scene, in a face-to-face interview with John DaCosse, a longtime friend of the Raue. Catch the videos online at rauecenter.org. For all the excitement that exists onstage, there’s plenty of enthusiasm offstage, as well. Behind Kuranda and his staff of 20 stands a team of 400 volunteers. Their passion and enthusiasm are contagious. “Everything I did before coming here was wonderful, and I’m exceedingly proud of it, but I think I’m more fulfilled because this is the theater that my kids come to,” says Kuranda, a father of four. “They show up and help out at the box office, and if my wife needs a break, she says, ‘What’s going on at the Raue?’ I feel like I’m having a positive impact, but I’m only able to do my job because of the board, the staff, the volunteers and this community.” ❚ Raue Center for the Arts is located at 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.
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Your Kitchen
Set Apart the Kitchen with a Stone Surface By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor
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ave Hammerl has discovered many paths to success as president of Stonecrafters, in Lakemoor. But there’s one thing above all others that has helped this specialist in custom marble, granite and hard surfaces to stay in business for more than 25 years. “You must take care of your customers,” he says. “You have to make sure you tell them the truth, and you have to tell them what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.” Serving all of the Chicago area and beyond, Stonecrafters maintains a Lakemoor showroom and production center that’s filled with natural stone and quartz countertop products. The elegant, brightly lit showroom displays the latest trends and designs. Stonecrafters carries more than 200 varieties of granite and quartz, each with its own benefits and design needs.
“It’s kind of like the anchor of the whole kitchen, believe it or not,” Hammerl says. “You prepare your food on it, it holds the sink, it holds the faucet and it holds the cooktop. The countertop is one part of the kitchen that’s used over and over again.” Hammerl’s 14 dedicated workers are trained to value precision – an important consideration when preparing stone. They’re aided by several cuttingedge tools, most notably computer-aided design (CAD) and digital templating, which uses a laser to create precise measurements and truly accurate installation dimensions. These tools can help to avoid common issues, such as a crooked cut or incorrect measurements – both of which can happen during a home remodel. Digital templating provides accurate and reliable measurements because it accounts for the exact conditions present.
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“The tools and technology that we’ve installed have made us jump three or four levels higher than most other companies out there right now,” Hammerl says. “We’ve received some great feedback, and customers love the work that we do. Communication and quality of work win every time.” ❚ Stonecrafters is located at 430 W. Wegner Road, Lakemoor, (815) 363-8730.
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Your Health
DSI Opens New Location in Barrington By Monica Brubaker
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s founder of Dermatology Specialists of Illinois (DSI), Dr. Vic Khanna has locations in Algonquin and Woodstock, with a new office in Barrington. “For many, there is the concept that, when you hear the word dermatologist, you think skin cancer surgery, moles, lipoma, skin rashes or acne,” he says. “Though that is a significant part of dermatology, our practice has grown to include a broad range of cosmetic dermatology treatments that include spa services such as Botox, injectable fillers, chemical peels and laser hair removal.” Dr. Khanna believes in supporting the “feel good” part of health care, the idea that, when someone feels better about their appearance outwardly, it helps them feel better inwardly as well. Dr. Khanna offers Mohs surgery, considered one of the most effective
treatments for the removal of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell, the two most common skin cancers. The procedure is done in stages, removing layers of tissue, which are examined under a microscope until all cancerous cells are removed. The process spares healthy tissue and leaves the smallest possible scar. All medical, surgical and cosmetic procedures are done at all three DSI locations. Additionally, the Barrington clinic offers vaginal rejuvenation. Some post-menopausal women have struggled with weakened vaginal muscles due to pregnancy and menopause, and they may experience urinary incontinence. For some women, this has affected so much of their life that they fear embarrassment of urinary incontinence and limit their daily activity, says Dr. Khanna. Vaginal rejuvenation offers these women a new lease on life. “We are committed to making DSI
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Dr. Vic Khanna with Certified Physician Assistants: (Left to Right) Marianne Rao, Mallory Jones, Jenna Raju.
a place where patients know they’ll be cared for in a warm and compassionate setting,” says Dr. Khanna. “Our patients are the cornerstone of our growth. It’s why we continue to grow our practice and offer options for innovative solutions and care.” ❚ Dermatology Specialists of Illinois is located at 22285 N. Pepper Road, Suite 407, Lake Barrington, (844) 307-7546. Also locations in Algonquin and Woodstock.
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Your Remodel
Planning a Remodel? Don’t Delay this Year
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ime is of the essence. It’s so cliché, but in today’s market it’s totally true. Remodeling and home improvement experts are predicting a blowout year. “The residential industry is poised and already in motion for one of its busiest years,” says Christine Jurs, co-owner of Advance Design Studio, in Gilberts. “That’s why it’s really important to get started.” Demand is rising, and it’s creating more pressure on manufacturers to keep up pace. In fact, many are producing ondemand, says Jurs, meaning your order is being built just ahead of delivery. The problem is especially pronounced in the electronics industry, where manufacturers are struggling to get certain parts from overseas. This is leading to delivery delays and price increases. When it comes to home exterior improvements, the industry is seeing the
biggest delays in products like siding, windows, decking and lumber, says Jurs. Indoors, the biggest challenges are with appliances, because many manufacturers were derailed while making ventilators and protective gear last year. Experienced and reputable home remodelers can anticipate these sorts of challenges and collaborate with their vendors to provide solutions. At Advance Design Studio, a team of designers and contractors remain committed to a process that ensures every step of the remodel goes smoothly, from concept and design to final sign-off. This Common Sense Remodeling process begins with a consultation, as client and designer flesh out the big ideas. Next, the designer comes back with a concept and a detailed budgetary breakdown that includes options for various budgets. Lately, this step may
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(Advance Design Studio photo)
By Chris Linden, executive editor
also include in-person or virtual meetings to go over samples and ideas. Jurs says she’ll even deliver sample packages for those who prefer a virtual appointment. “I would get going sooner than later,” Jurs adds. “If you want a space that’s usable this year, I would get your project going right away so your design team has time to procure all of the materials that you’ll need.” ❚ Advance Design Studio is located at 30 Railroad St., Gilberts, (847) 8362600, AdvanceDesignStudio.com.
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events Due to rapidly changing conditions, call ahead to confirm event dates. GreenRoom Improv March 13 & April 10, 7 p.m. Family-friendly interactive comedy. In-person and virtual tickets. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org. 3rd Thursdays Art Night Out - Virtual March 18, 6-8 p.m. Artist Frankie Johnson explores the dynamics of light and color in oils. Tickets online. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com. Woodstock Winter Market March 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Farmers market with seasonal produce, fresh-baked goods and artisan creations. Building D, McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, (815) 338-5315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org. Bunny Quest March 27, 10 a.m. Visit park district facilities and complete tasks to find eggs stuffed with goodies. Reg. online. Crystal Lake Park District, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Easter Egg Hunt at Bettendorf Castle April 3, 1-3 p.m. Children search for eggs around the castle, then meet fairy tale princesses and the Easter Bunny. Res. req. The Bettendorf Castle, 418 Concord Ave., Fox River Grove, (847) 639-8220, bettendorfcastle.com. Quinn Welder - Virtual April 11, 3-5 p.m. Welder is a Crystal Lake Central High School senior and 2020 Rising Stars Vocal Competition winner. Tickets online. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 5124115, barringtonswhitehouse.com. Summer Market on the Square April 17 & 24, Tues. & Sat. through Oct. 23, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm-to-table choices, produce, activities for children and local bands. Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 3385315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org. Green & Clean Huntley Day April 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day with a tour of the wastewater treatment center, a recycling drive and a kids coloring contest. Multiple locations, Huntley. Info: Village of Huntley, 10987 E. Main St., Huntley, (847) 5155262, huntley.il.us.
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Children and their families search for Easter eggs March 27 at Crystal Lake Park District sites and April 3 at Bettendorf Castle, in Fox River Grove.
Powers-Walker Homestead April 25, noon-4 p.m. Historically attired volunteers tell visitors about the families who once called this 1854 historic landmark home. Reg. for a time slot online. The Historic PowersWalker House, Glacial Park Conservation Area, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org. Along the Bluebird Trail May 2, 10-11:30 a.m. After a presentation about bluebirds, take a leisurely walk through the hilly prairie trails. Reg. online. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org. ❚
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Smart Living Weekly
Issue 1