MC-Mag-June-2017

INTO THE WOODS

Daylong hiking itineraries PAGE 12

RELAXING WISCONSIN RESORTS

JUNE 2017

PAGE 44

Wander by water ACTIVITIES ABOUND ON LOCAL LAKES AND THE FOX RIVER SURAN’S PLAN

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Editor's Note Modern-day living takes quite a toll on us all.

Day in and day out, we follow the marching orders of our bosses, cater to the demands of our families and try to keep up with our neverending, obligatory to-do lists. Why? Because if we don’t do these things, then who will?

This issue is dedicated to the great outdoors, and – in it – I’m hoping we’ll be able to offer some insight on what’s available locally to help boost those spirits and allow you to slow down just enough to be able to enjoy the moment.

Teamed with the infiltration of technology (i.e. smart phones and a dependence on screens), it’s no wonder why many of us feel a void, a chasm that no amount of escapism seems to allow us to ignore. Instead of looking inward, as one may suspect, apparently one of the answers lies in looking outward – to the outdoors, rather.

To experience a bit of nature’s remedy, we’ve come up with a stellar lineup of stories to help steer you in the right direction.

There have been countless scientific studies on the health benefits of nature, which has been said to offer one of the most reliable boosts to both our mental and physical wellbeing. And you don’t have to plan some long, harrowing outdoor adventure in order to reap the benefits of the outdoors, either. You don’t even have to leave your own zip code, if you don’t want to.

In “Into the Woods,” we’ve pinpointed a few local hiking itineraries for daylong adventures; in “Bikes and Brews,” we’ve mapped out McHenry County’s (untapped) brewery trail; and in “Wander by Water,” we’re highlighting the various activities available on the beautiful Fox River and other local waterways.

And that’s just the beginning…

Thanks for reading,

Kara Silva, Editor

The beauty of living in McHenry County is that there are more than enough outdoorsy options right outside your front door.

GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ringness 815-526-4614 jringness@shawmedia.com DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLISHING Laura Shaw 630-427-6213 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

Living in a riverside community has its perks. Boating, fishing and kicking back along the shores of local lakes and the Fox River are just a few ways in which McHenry County becomes a haven for outdoor activities in the summertime.

Find out how to have fun on the water this season, on Page 8.

Styled by AGNES OH! Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist - JENNA Makeup - DAVINA

4 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com

DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Melissa Riske, Kelsey O’Connor, Jonathan Bilyk, Yvonne Benson, Elizabeth Harmon, Kevin Druley, Allison Manley, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Allison Horne PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Nancy Merkling, From Me 2 You Photography, Mark Busch

McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@ shawmedia.com.

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INSIDE THE GREAT OUTDOORS ISSUE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 8 WANDER BY WATER Activities abound on local lakes and the Fox River

12 INTO THE WOODS Daylong hiking itineraries to enjoy nature’s remedy

16 GOING MOBILE Adventures via RV are making a comeback

Gear up for a cycling tour of McHenry County’s breweries Outdoor dining at its finest

44 WISCONSIN WEEKEND Five beautiful resorts to relax, rejuvenate and play

Stay cool at local swimming holes

OUT & ABOUT

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Evenings heat up with these afterdinner delights

Outsource your chores to remodeling company Suran Built

6 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

40 BIKES AND BREWS

TRAVEL

28 HONEY-DO LIST LIAISON

Stout’s Island Lodge in Birchwood, WI Photos provided

DINING & ENTERTAINING

Twenty films, that celebrate the great outdoors

24 BEACHY-KEEN

Five beautiful resorts to relax, rejuvenate and play

Sizzling summer style from Agnes Oh! in Crystal Lake

42 PATIO PERFECTION

To add to your summer bucket list

WEEKEND

38 GET THE LOOK!

20 EDITOR’S CHOICE: MOVIE NIGHT

22 SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS

44 WISCONSIN

FASHION & BEAUTY

BUSINESS & CIVIC 32 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION Woodstock resident Kathie Comella a tough act to follow in community theater

34 MONEY MINDFULNESS Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s

36 LET’S DANCE! Summers Academy of Dance to feature Radio City Rockettes during June workshop series

48 SUMMER NIGHTS

49 BOOK NOOK Discover the great outdoors, between the lines

50 SOCIAL LIFE Home of the Sparrow hosts 30th Anniversary Gala

52 ARTIST SHOWCASE Woodstock Fine Arts Association Helen Wright Scholarship-winner Emily Cyr shares painting, entitled “Desktop Clutter”

54 CALENDAR OF EVENTS See what’s happening in McHenry County this June!

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Start this summer Right!

Wander by water

Activity abounds on the Fox River and local lakes

By ELIZABETH HARMON

In McHenry County, the Fox River is more than a local landmark; it’s a beautiful place to enjoy hot summer days and breezy summer nights.

While it’s banks and riverside parks have a lot to offer, make this the summer you experience the Fox River out on the water.

No boat? No worries. McHenry County and area lakes offer plenty of options to get you out on the water. Whether it’s an afternoon spent fishing or kayaking, tubing or water skiing, it’s easy to find fun on the Fox.

-Continued on page 10

Photo by Mark Busch

-Continued from page 9

■ FAMILY-FRIENDLY FISHING Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry is a closeto-home gem that’s a great spot for picnics, hiking, overnight camping, boating and fishing.

Fishing is allowed on the Fox River and on 48acre Lake Defiance, located inside the park.

Both are served by Fish Tales Concessions, located inside the park on McHenry Dam Road.

Co-owner Travis Schreiber says that once customers rent a boat, they have the option of driving less than three miles to Lake Defiance, or launching into the Fox River, right in front of the shop.

“We’re about 20 or 30 yards from the river and have staff here to help,” he says.

In addition to boat rentals, Fish Tales sells tackle, bait, fishing licenses and picnic supplies.

“There’s a small picnic area with fire rings right by here that people can use,” he says.

While Fish Tales caters to fishing enthusiasts, some customers are after fare of a different kind.

“People can go down river to some of the restaurants,” he says.

Fish Tales is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through Oct. 13. Rowboats cost $25 a day; kayaks are $10 per hour; and canoes are $15 per hour. Rentals are first come, first served.

This summer, MCCD will offer two sevenmile guided trips for families, and an evening moonlight kayak trip for experienced kayakers, ages 14 and older. Both trips leave from the Keystone Road Landing near Richmond and include boats and safety equipment. Advance registration is required. For more information, including costs, visit MCCDistrict.org or call 815-338-6223.

Boaters interested in exploring the trail on their own can download a guide from the MCCD website, or download an app, also available through the website. The page also lists several boat rental providers, including Scull and Oar, located at the Creekside Country Store in Wonder Lake.

Scull and Oar is open daily, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information, visit www.scullandoars. net or call 815-790-4249.

■ WET AND WILD

The Fox River flows through the Chain O’ Lakes, an interconnected network of large and small For more information, visit Fish Tales Co-owner Bikram Kahlon says that customers lakes that straddle McHenry and Lake counties.

Concessions Facebook page or call 815-385can launch from the store right into the The Chain O’Lakes is one of the busiest water 5921.

Nippersink. recreation areas in the state and is not only ■ AN AFTERNOON ADVENTURE “We’re closest to Keystone Landing. Once you’ve known for fishing, but also for boating, water Nippersink Creek, the Fox River’s largest gone as far as you want, you can call from the skiing and tubing. There also are restaurants that tributary, flows 23 miles through McHenry landing where you end and we’ll come pick you cater to boaters, including the famous Blarney County to the Chain O’Lakes, and passes through up,” Kahlon says.

Island, a bar that can only be reached by boat. the McHenry County Conservation District’s The shop rents canoes and kayaks.

While most of the marinas in the area cater to Glacial Park Recreation Area near Richmond. The boat owners, Spring Lake Marina in Antioch “Our kayaks have a flat bottom and are built for 12-mile Nippersink Canoe Trail takes boaters past rents powerboats and pontoon boats that can be beginners,” he says. wet prairies, farmland and an oak savannah. used throughout the Chain, with the exception All boats rent by the day and include life jackets of an area south of the Route 12 bridge. Advance Along the way, look for native plants, such as and oars. Kayaks cost $45; tandem kayaks are the 10-foot tall Big Bluestem prairie grass and reservations are recommended. $55; and canoes, which hold up to three people, colorful wildflowers. In the water, you can spot For hours, rental rates and to make are $65. Reservations are required and can be bluegill and catfish. Along the banks are frogs, reservations, visit www.springlakemarina.com or made via email, at reserve@scullandoars.net. turtles and the occasional river otter. call 847-395-6440.

10 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 11

Into the Woods

DAYLONG HIKING ITINERARIES TO ENJOY NATURE’S REMEDY

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

A

day spent hiking outdoors is a perfect way to discover new places, enjoy the sunshine and make up for all of that time cooped up inside this winter. And McHenry County has no shortage of trails for hikers to spend the day exploring.

“The Conservation District has over 115 miles of trails scattered throughout 33 sites that are waiting to be explored,” says Wendy Kummerer, marketing and communications manager at McHenry County Conservation District. “The best part about hiking at our sites is you’re able to get away from it all. The wide open spaces, the diversity of the landscape and the highquality natural areas makes for an enjoyable hike.”

With so many options, how does a hiker know where to start? To help you out, we’ve created a few itineraries for the perfect daylong hike, or mix and match for a weekend adventure.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick one, grab a friend and hit the trails!

12 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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SOUTH PRAIRIE TRAIL Prairie Trail spans the length of McHenry County from Algonquin to the northern state line near Genoa City, Wisconsin. Most of those miles follow the route of the old Chicago and Northwestern rail line that used to run through Illinois. The entire trail connects eight communities, diverse ecological areas and some of the county’s most popular sites. The southern half of the trail takes hikers along a scenic route that touches many of the area’s best natural gems.

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Start your journey at the southern tip of the trail in Algonquin. You can park and access the trail off Meyer Drive, just north of Algonquin Road.

Head north on the paved path and you’ll quickly come across Larsen Prairie and Diverse City Prairie. Both are stunning examples of the diversity of native plant life in McHenry Country. Downtown Crystal Lake is a good place to stop for lunch before heading back on the trail.

Just north of Crystal Lake you’ll pass by Veteran’s Acres Park and then Sterne’s Woods. The lush, rolling preserve is the most wooded and hilly part of the trail. Call it a day once you hit Whispering Oaks Park in McHenry. From there, you can easily find a spot to grab dinner and spend the night in downtown McHenry.

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The next day, you can head back the way you came and stop by any points of interest you may have missed. Alternatively, continue your journey with the next itinerary for the northern end of the trail.

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-Continued on page 14 www.nwherald.com/magazine

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 13

-Continued from page 13

NORTH PRAIRIE TRAIL The northern stretch of the Prairie Trail is more rustic and remote than its southern counterpart, but no less beautiful. The unpaved trail runs nine miles from McHenry through Richmond near the Wisconsin border.

Start out in Whispering Oaks Park near downtown McHenry and start hiking north. Once you hit the small, historic Ringwood, the asphalt trail turns to crushed rock and you’ll see less people on your route.

This section of the trail passes along the north edge of Glacial Park, which comprises 3,400 sprawling acres of savanna, prairie, wetlands and deltas.

Take a detour along Harts Road to explore the heart of the park or check out the next itinerary for a more in-depth visit.

A little more north, you’ll pass by Nippersink Creek, a peaceful waterway popular with canoers and kayakers.

Your last stop will be the North Branch Conservation Area, where meadows and wetlands create a rich environment for a variety of wildlife. You can reserve a camping spot through the McHenry County Conservation District a week in advance; be sure to bring your own tent and supplies.

Ambitious hikers can continue their journey along the Hebron Trail, built along the former Kenosha Division Railroad. A 1.5-mile trail connects it with the Prairie Trail on the east side of North Branch Conservation Area. The quiet, rural route is the perfect way to wrap up a weekend outdoors.

GLACIAL PARK Glacial Park, home to the county’s most extensive trail network, is worth spending a day exploring. The park covers 3,400 acres, including 400 acres of dedicated nature preserve, and is considered McHenry County Conservation District’s “most treasured open space holding,” according to Kummerer.

14 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

“The Conservation District has over 115 miles of trails scattered throughout 33 sites that are waiting to be explored. The best part about hiking at our sites is you’re able to get away from it all.”

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The area’s complex ecological diversity is due to the glacial heritage of the region and meticulous restoration efforts. Hikers will experience sprawling savannas dotted with seasonal wildflowers, expansive wetlands and plenty of wide open spaces for breathtaking views.

Choose your own adventure on the winding loops of trails that interlace throughout the park. A smart strategy is to start out at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in the heart of the park. Park your car nearby then pop in the center to check out the latest exhibit. Grab a trail map or download the Prairie State Hike App to guide you.

From the visitor center, head south along the Deerpath Trail. The app includes an audio tour that notes points of interest and explains the history of the region.

The trail will connect you to Marsh Loop Trail, which encircles Kettle Marsh. The round depression was formed from chunks of ice breaking off of a retreating glacier.

There’s plenty to explore for hiking history buffs too. The Powers-Walker House gives visitors fascinating insights to the lives of early settlers’ and their connection to the land. And don’t miss the Wiedrich Barn, a turn-of-the-century farmhouse that’s like walking back in time. u For more information and trail maps, visit mccdistrict.org/rccms/hiking.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 15

Adventures via RV are making a comeback

By JONATHAN BILYK

Ryan Van Pelt knows there is no one size fits all vacation.

In the same way, Van Pelt – rental manager for US Adventure in Naperville and Davenport, Iowa – says there is no one size recreational vehicle that’s best for every American.

“Some people want that classic American family road trip,” he says. “Others want something a little different, like [a] group of people headed down to the Kentucky Derby, and just wanted some place to sack out in the middle of the events down there.

“But we’re all Americans, and we love our vacations.”

As the national economy has recovered and gas prices have gone down, the eyes of people across the country have returned to the road, reflected in the surging interest in recreational vehicles of all kinds and sizes.

According to industry estimates, RV sales surged in 2016 to the highest levels in four decades, rebounding strong from a dip at the depths of the Great Recession that shuttered many RV dealerships across the US. But Van Pelt and Joel Zytko, sales manager at the Vacationland RV dealership, says renting a RV can also open the road to those for whom a RV purchase may not be a good fit.

“Right now, gas prices are low, so a lot of people are going west, taking that iconic trip to Yellowstone and places like that,” says Zytko.

But there are also dozens of campgrounds in and around McHenry County.

“It’s a great time to hit the road,” Zytko says.

And today, Van Pelt and Zytko say, the RV rental options available to families and other groups of all shapes and sizes have also never been more plentiful – from the classic Class C motorhome

with the van-profile cab to “toy hauler” trailers with space for motorcycles, ATVs or other small vehicles behind the living quarters, or smaller RV trailers and campers that can be hauled by a minivan or even a car, in some cases.

Through US Adventure’s Chicago Airstream, renters can even rent a classic Airstream RV trailer.

satellite television and other more luxurious amenities – even fireplaces. These layouts can be found on dealership websites, as well as manufacturers’ sites.

Next, Zytko advised to evaluate towing capacities.

“Don’t even look at something if you know your vehicle can’t tow it,” says Zytko.

To help those kicking the tires on the idea of a RV But they also noted today’s RVs are easier than trip, Van Pelt and Zytko offered some tips. ever to haul, thanks to new lightweight, yet strong construction materials, allowing a greater For starters, they advised exploring the layout of various RVs – their floor plans – online before number of vehicles to tow RVs of ever larger capacities. signing a rental contract.

“Don’t worry about the brand,” says Zytko. “Find the one that’s the right fit for you, and meets your wants and needs for your trips.”

Some RVs offer only “horizontal surfaces” to sleep, while others can offer flush toilets,

Van Pelt and Zytko say anyone considering renting a RV shouldn’t wait to press the gas.

Zytko notes some of the larger and more popular RV model rentals, in particular, start booking up soon after the RV shows over the winter and in early spring.

And Van Pelt says Airstream models always are in high demand, likening the brand to HarleyDavidson or Porsche.

Overall, Van Pelt advised calling a RV rental professional, to help talk through those needs, wants and expectations, and find the RV that’s right for that upcoming trip.

“There’s no one right answer,” says Van Pelt.

“It’s different for everyone, and a RV is not right for every trip. But RVs can present an amazing vacation value, letting you see amazing parts of the country many people only would otherwise see from 30,000 feet.”

McHenry County Magazine

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EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Movie night:

20 FILMS THAT CELEBRATE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

By KARA SILVA

Hollywood has a vast collection of wilderness-loving, soul-nourishing cinematic gems to tantalize one’s innate yearning for freedom and adventure. If you’re looking for a little inspiration to hit the road, pitch a tent or shack up somewhere in the woods this summer, then look no further. From documentaries and television series to Oscar-nominated epochs and family-friendly comedies, here are our top 20 films and TV series that celebrate the great outdoors.

1

“INTO THE WILD” (2007) Drama film/Biography 2h 28m | Rated R

3

“CAPTAIN FANTASTIC” (2016) Drama/Comedy 1h 59m | R

“MAIDENTRIP” (2013) Adventure/ Documentary/Biography 1h 22m

With a mind rife with ideals brought forth by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, college-grad Christopher McCandless decides to give up on the conformities of society for the search for truth and to live an aesthetic lifestyle in remote Alaska. Set in rugged American landscapes and numerous national parks, witness Author Jon Krakauer’s bestselling non-fiction story brought to life by director Sean Penn and lead actor Emile Hirsch.

A father gives his six kids an unconventional upbringing deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. Cut off from the distractions (and technology) of the outside world, Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen) devotes his entire life to molding his children into philosophers and free-thinkers while co-existing with nature.

Mortensen’s Academy Award-nominated performance does not go unnoticed in this wild tale.

Dutch sailor Laura Dekker embarks on an around-theworld solo sailing expedition.

The catch? She’s 14 years old.

The documentary covers two years of her maiden voyage.

2

“THE GREAT OUTDOORS” (1988) Adventure/Comedy 1h 39m | PG This classic John Hughes comedy is fit for the whole family. Starring John Candy and Dan Akroyd, the “The Great Outdoors” features Chet Ripley (Candy), an outdoorsy father of two from Chicago, who embarks on a family vacation to the woods in Wisconsin. But the family’s wooded bliss doesn’t last long.

20 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

4

“THE REVENANT” (2015) Drama film/Thriller 2h 36m | R Leonardo DiCaprio picked up his first “Best Actor” Oscar win for his role as a frontiersman in this highlyacclaimed film. The beauty, from cinematography to lighting and sound, captured in this sweeping epoch is unparalleled.

A true masterpiece of storytelling, director Alejandro González Iñárritu delivers an ode to the outdoors without dismissing the harshness of the wild.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

5

6

“THE WAY” (2010) Adventure/Comedy/ Drama 2h 3m | PG-13 Starring Martin Sheen, “The Way” covers one man’s journey as he walks the legendary pilgrimage route known as the “El Camino de Santiago” in Spain.

Sweeping views of the Pyrenees Mountains, cobbled medieval villages, rolling hillsides and multi-dimensional characters – check!

7

“TRACKS” (2013) Adventure/Biography/ Drama 1h 52m | PG-13

9

“Tracks” is based on the real-life journey made by young Aussie writer Robyn Davidson in the late-’70s.

In the company of four camels and a dog, Davidson (played by actress Mia Wasikowska) treks 1,700 miles across the deserts of Australia.

Using only maps and a compass to navigate, four adventurers retrace the steps of journalist Henry Morton Stanley, who – in 1871 – went to Africa to find explorer David Livingstone who disappeared during an expedition. The four explorers embark on a month-long, 1,000-mile journey and are constantly having to overcome conflicting personalities, getting lost and the dangers of the African bush.

8

“LONG WAY ROUND” (2004) and “LONG WAY DOWN” (2007) Reality-TV mini-series/ Documentary The two mini-series’ feature Scottish actor Ewan McGregor and pal Charley Boorman as they take two several-months-long motorcycle trips. In “Long Way Round,” the duo travel around the world, ending in New York City, and in “Long Way Down,” McGregor and Boorman travel from northern Scotland, to Cape Town, South Africa.

“EXPEDITION AFRICA” (2009) Reality-TV series/ Documentary

10

“WILD” (2014) Adventure/ Biography/Drama 1h 55m | R Based on Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir, “Wild” chronicles one woman’s soul-searching solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. From the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Mountains, Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon) will want to make you strap on a backpack, lace up a pair of boots and hit the trails.

Other films to consider: 11 “DANCES WITH WOLVES” (1990) Adventure/Drama/Western | 3h 1m | PG-13 12 “WHITE FANG” (1991) Adventure/Drama | 1h 47m | PG 13 “127 HOURS” (2010) Adventure/Biography/Drama | 1h 34m | R 14 “LEGENDS OF THE FALL” (1994) Drama/Romance/War | 2h 13m | R 15 “LAST OF THE MOHICANS” (1992) Action/Adventure/Drama | 1h 52m | R 16 “CAST AWAY” (2000) Adventure/Drama/Romance | 2h 23m | PG-13 17 “CAPTAIN RON” (1992) Adventure/Comedy | 1h 30m | PG-13 18 “EVEREST” (2015) Action/Adventure/Drama | 2h 1m | PG-13 19 “THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY” (2013) Adventure/Comedy/Drama | 1h 54m | PG 20 “A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT” (1992) Drama | 2h 3m | PG

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 21

Seven natural wonders to add to your ‘Great Outdoors’ summer bucket list

Summer is finally upon us, which means that it’s time to take advantage of all of the fun to be had outside (while the warm weather lasts). From bird watching and fishing to picnicking and perusing your local farmers market, here are a few ideas to add to your “Great Outdoors” summer bucket list.

1

BIKE in the Glacial Park Conservation Area, which features 8 miles of trails, including a 5-mile stretch of the Prairie Trail that runs along the east side of the park. As the most popular natural site in the county, Glacial Park encompasses more than 3,400 acres.

6313 Harts Road, Ringwood

2

HIKE Veteran Acres Park, which is home to a short trail, but visitors can extend their hike by exploring the adjacent areas, such as Sterne’s Wood and Wingate Prairie. The trail meanders through nearly 300 acres of a beautifully restored natural area.

431 N. Walkup Ave., Crystal Lake

3

and can be fished from shore or by boat.

It offers bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish, among others. Featuring the North Lake and the South Lake, Three Oaks offers shore fishing from both locations, but boat rentals are available for North Lake. It offers 10 species of fish, but all fish must be released.

Dufield Pond, 11750 Country Club Road, Woodstock The Hollows, 3804 Route 14, Cary Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Route 14, Crystal Lake

4

PACK A PICNIC with a stop at Angelo’s Fresh Market in McHenry.

Located right off of the Prairie Trail (.1 miles away) in McHenry, and near to Whispering Oaks Park, Petersen Park and East Beach Park, Angelo’s makes a great stop to stock up on your picnicking essentials. It’s known for its cannoli, fried chicken and homemade sausages, and it also offers sandwiches.

GO FISHING at Dufield Pond, The Hollows or Three Oaks Recreation Area.

Spanning 7 acres, 4400 Elm, Route 120, McHenry Dufield Pond has largemouth PADDLE the Nippersink Canoe bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and Trail. As the Fox River’s largest yellow perch. At the Hollows, Lake Atwood tributary, the 23-mile waterway allows is the biggest of the property’s lakes, paddlers to meander through restored

5

22 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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prairies and wetlands, while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Canoe and kayak launch points include Keystone Road Landing, 6500 Keystone Road, Richmond; Pioneer Road Landing, 7405 Pioneer Road, Richmond; Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park, 2816 Blivin St., Spring Grove; and Nippersink Canoe Base, 400 E. US Highway 12, Spring Grove.

Our Lifestyle at

FOX POINT

6

PERUSE the Woodstock Farmers Market. Running from May to October, the Woodstock Farmers Market has been the No. 1-rated market in the state. It takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays and Saturdays, and has live music, fresh-made doughnuts, berries, perogies, pickles, fresh-squeezed juice, spreads, maple syrup, honey, dog treats, wool, pottery and so much more.

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BIRD WATCH at Pleasant Valley. In this undisrupted prairie and wetland area, birders have reported seeing bobolinks, meadowlarks, owls, orioles, thrashers, woodpeckers, pheasants, wrens, hawks and kestrels.

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• Kelsey O’Connor, Yvonne Benson and Kevin Druley contributed to this story.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 23

Beachy- I keen

f you haven’t experienced or witnessed cable wakeboarding up close, Quarry Cable Park, 5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, offers a hands-on home for the high-flying water sport.

Stay cool this summer at local swimming holes

“We can coach it all, so we’re really working on getting everybody to progress safely and know how to do the sport correctly,” manager and professional rider Timmy Burnier says, adding that the park is for people of all experience levels. “We’re really looking to get a lot of new people out on the water.”

Going into its second year of existence,

By KEVIN DRULEY Quarry Cable Park is situated in the North Lake section of Three Oaks Recreation Area.

Cables run through a series of pulley towers standing adjacent to the area, allowing for wakeboarding without speedboats.

Burnier says that the park attracts

24 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

wakeboarders from around McHenry County, as well as Illinois. A few international participants even scoped out the premises in 2016.

Quarry Cable Park offers daily, multi-ride and season passes. Prices range from $35 for a two-hour pass and $850 for a season pass.

Separate fees apply for equipment rental; a package including a helmet, U.S. Coast Guardapproved vest and board costs $30.

“Wakeboarding has kind of really been onesided in the Midwest area, the northern states, which has been boat riding. And that’s one of the main aspects of the sport, but there’s another, which is cable, which is us,” Burnier says. “We saw that there’d be a need. This is really growing. The boat market is getting pretty expensive, and this is a great alternative to get people that can’t afford a $100,000

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Quarry Cable Park in Crystal Lake Photo by Ron McKinney

With summer looming, here’s a glance at other swimming and water recreation opportunities in McHenry County: MERKEL AQUATIC CENTER 201 S. Green St. McHenry 815-363-2169 www.ci.mchenry.il.us/aquatic_center

boat on the water to get out on the water, experience something new and get to wakeboard and enjoy water in the summer months.”

Quarry Cable Park is a great spot for families, and it has a restaurants and beach area for those not wanting to hit the water.

“We’re really good about trying to cater to all ages out here and just having a good time and just sharing the love of the sport,” Burnier says.

Quarry Cable Park in Crystal Lake Photo provided

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THREE OAKS RECREATION AREA SWIM BEACH 5517 Northwest Highway Crystal Lake 815-356-3782 www.crystallake.org/residents/threeoaks-recreation-area/swim-beach

OPEN: May 27 to Sept. 4 HOURS: 10 a.m. to sunset daily DAILY COSTS: Free for Crystal Lake DATES OF OPERATION: May 27 to Sept. 4 residents with an I.D., who can bring up HOURS: Open swim is from 12:30 to 5 p.m. to five guests for a daily fee of $1 each; Monday through Thursday; 6 to 8 p.m. for non-residents, the cost is $6 for those Wednesday; 12:30 to 7 p.m. Friday; Noon ages 4 to 15 and 62 and older; and $10 for to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. those 16 to 61; non-resident rates are half DAILY COSTS: $4.50 for residents and $6 price after 4 p.m. for non-residents for each above slot but NOTE: A boat rental marina is on site, Wednesday nights, which cost $2.50 for along with opportunities for fishing and residents and $3.50 for non-residents. scuba diving.

NOTE: Children ages 3 and younger earn STINGRAY BAY FAMILY free admission with a paid adult.

AQUATIC CENTER PETERSEN PARK BEACH 12219 Lois Lane 4300 Peterson Park Road Huntley McHenry 847-515-7665 815-363-2168 www.huntleyparks.org www.ci.mchenry.il.us/petersen_park OPEN: Opens Memorial Day weekend OPEN: June 3 to Aug. 13 HOURS: 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday; 11 a.m.to 8 p.m. Friday; DAILY COSTS: $2 for residents, $5 for noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday non-residents DAILY COSTS: $7 for residents ages 4 to NOTE: Boat rentals operate from 11 a.m.

17; $9 for non-residents ages 4 to 17; $9 to 4:30 p.m. Canoes, rowboats, power for residents ages 18 to 54; $11 for nonpaddlers, one-person kayaks and tworesidents ages 18 to 54; $8 for residents person paddleboats are available for $6 an ages 55 and older; $10 for non-residents hour. Four-person paddleboats and twoages 55 and older; $4 for residents after 5 person kayaks are available for $7 an hour. p.m.; $6 for non-residents after 5 p.m.

WOODSTOCK WATER WORKS NOTE: The facility opens 15 minutes earlier for season-pass holders daily.

1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road Woodstock INDIAN TRAIL AND BUTCH 815-338-4896 HAEGLE BEACHES www.woodstockrecreationdepartment.

228 Indian Trail and 71 Hilltop Drive com/recreation/page/woodstock-waterLake in the Hills works 847-960-7460 OPEN: May 27 to Aug. 19; weekends only Aug. 20 to Sept. 4 HOURS: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday DAILY COSTS: $9 for adults; $7 for children ages 4 to 17; $7 for seniors ages 62 and older NOTE: The rec pool and baby pool opens at 11 a.m. for season-pass holders.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

www.lith.org/parksrec/page/indian-trailbutch-hagele-beaches OPEN: May 29 to Sept. 4 HOURS: Sunrise to sunset daily DAILY COST: Open to the public NOTE: Beaches are not guarded. All visitors must swim at their own risk.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 25

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 27

Honey-Do list liaison OUTSOURCE YOUR CHORES TO REMODELING COMPANY SURAN BUILT

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY

E

veryone has that nagging list of things they’d like to get done around the house. Fix the leaky faucet. Sort through the kids’ toys.

Replace the broken door latch.

All too often, life catches up with us, and those projects – however small – never get done.

That’s no way to live, says Kamil Suran, owner of Suran Built, a Crystal Lake-based remodeling company. Your house should be your sanctuary, not a place that causes anxiety because of its disorganization and imperfections, he says.

While there are certain home improvement projects you’ll have to do yourself – like declutter and organize your belongings – Suran recognizes that the more difficult items on your to-do list may often get put off because, either, you don’t want to call a different professional for each small project, or you don’t want to pay for a travel/assessment charge from each professional before they even get to work.

“Start your project and get it done,” says Suran, noting each of these projects could easily be a Saturday activity. “Don’t start any of these items if you don’t think you can get it done that day … you have to start fresh, not [try to fit it in] after work.”

1. ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSETS Start with the basics: set aside clothing that is too small or too big, outdated or worn out and donate those items or get rid of them.

Suran’s Honey-Do Special eliminates the need to make multiple phone calls to multiple professionals. The company provides 10 hours Next, find an organizational method that will of mix-and-match service, whether you need a plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter or all four. help you pare down your wardrobe further.

All services provided cost a flat rate of $650.

Dawn Goerger, communications director for “Every client [of ours] has a bunch of little things Suran Built, personally likes the technique of taking everything out of her closet. Set aside the that need to get done,” Suran says. “There items you don’t want to keep, and put everything are things they can do around the house to else back in the closet, facing the hangers feel better … and then [they] can basically call backward, she says. After you wear an article of one company and get 10 hours of combined clothing, put it back in your closet hanging in the [professional experience] from a carpenter, regular direction. At the end of the season, if you electrician, painter or plumber.” still have items hanging backward, donate them.

To break down your projects into manageable “It was actually very eye-opening, slices, Suran Built has come up with two honey-do lists – one for you and one for Suran Built – to help you tackle all your home improvement projects.

With that in mind, Suran Built has come up with an idea to help you tackle that list of things to do: the Honey-Do Special.

28 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

¢ YOUR LIST

HOME & LIFESTYLE

because you tend to wear the same things,” Goerger says. “It helped with weeding out [my things].”

2. ORGANIZE THE GARAGE Similar to closet organization, the best way to clean out the garage may be to pull everything out, then put back the essentials. Get rid of items you no longer use, and if something isn’t working, either throw it away or make it a point to get it fixed.

“It’s hard to organize a garage, so team up,” Suran says. “It goes much faster as a family.

That’s a way to get kids part of [the process], too.”

3. ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT “Whenever there’s something you don’t know what to do with, you throw it in the basement,” Goerger says.

She had a friend who reorganized the basement every other year to keep pace with increasing belongings.

“If you do it every other year, it’s not so overwhelming,” she says.

4. ORGANIZE THE KITCHEN You should recognize a familiar theme by now.

A great method of decluttering is to pull out everything and start fresh.

The kitchen is no different. Start with that junk drawer and remove the things that don’t belong.

Use small boxes or organizers to make it easier to find items you want to keep.

¢ SURAN’S LIST

Write down a list of all of the things you’d like to see completed around your house before calling Suran Built so that you’re ready to discuss how many of those items can be accomplished in 10 hours.

Then, tackle the cabinets.

“Do you need 35 coffee mugs when there’s two people living in the house?” Goerger asks.

5. LANDSCAPE Clean up piles of old leaves and branches that have stuck around since last fall. Weed your flower beds. Power wash the house, your deck and your patio.

Make sure to reward yourself when the job is done, especially when the kids are involved. Dinner and a movie are a great incentive to finish a project.

1. ELECTRICAL Do you have a light fixture or a ceiling fan that quit working months ago? Do you want to replace an outdated fixture with the one still sitting in its box in your garage?

A certified electrician from Suran Built can fix/ replace/install your small electrical projects as part of the Suran Built HoneyDo Special.

Keep your mind open to new ideas, too. The electrician easily could

-Continued on page 30

Honey-Do sampler

-Continued from page 29 install a dimmer switch or even a motion sensor light so that the light automatically comes on as soon as you enter your laundry room, closet or garage and turns off soon after you leave.

2. PLUMBING As a homeowner, you’ve probably encountered a leaky faucet, toilet or outside spigot.

A Suran Built plumber can tackle that project, plus add a water filtration faucet to your kitchen sink so that you and your family have healthy, clean water to drink right from the tap.

“It will make you feel good, [knowing] you’re drinking good water,” Suran says.

Organizers can be a tremendous aid, but they’re not always easy to install.

So, have someone else do it.

Pick out the organizers you want – whether a shelving system for your closet, a bike rack that hangs from the ceiling or professional-grade wall systems and cabinets for the basement – and Suran Built will install them for you.

5. PAINTING Last, but not least, consider hiring a professional painter.

You may not need an entire room repainted, but you probably have scuff marks and nicks throughout the house that could use a quick touch of spackle and paint.

“A good painter can do a lot of touch-ups around the 3. CARPENTRY Every house has a crooked cabinet door, a broken drawer house in two to three hours,” Suran says. “A skilled or a squeaky cabinet. painter knows how to do a touch-up to feather it in – [like how] to clean up marker from the kids.”

Professional carpenters can fix those little nuisances, plus make a few simple upgrades to transform the look of your kitchen. “[We can install] new hardware on cabinets, which will update and make [you] feel good about [your] kitchen without needing a whole new kitchen,” Suran says.

If you’ve got locks that don’t work, ask if they can be fixed before buying new ones. Often, the plate simply needs to be realigned, Suran says.

Don’t forget the exterior of the home. A carpenter can replace rotted deck boards, holes in the siding left from woodpeckers and more.

Suran has several skilled painters in-house. After all, he started Suran Built in 2000 strictly as a painting business before branching out into custom renovation work years later.

Suran’s best advice is to keep your old paint – even if there’s not much left in the can - so painters can exactly match the color on your walls.

You’ll be amazed what a fresh coat of white paint can do for your baseboards, or what your front door will look like after the scuff marks are gone.

“Everyone has a front entry-door or garage door that’s beat up [because] you kick the door open,” Suran says.

4. ORGANIZERS “[New paint] will make you feel better, [especially on] While you were organizing your closets, garage, basement and kitchen, did you wish for an organizational the front door, where everyone walks through and leaves scuff marks.” system?

30 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

How much can the professionals from Suran Built REALLY get accomplished in just 10 hours? Here’s a sample list of what you could knock off your honey-do list with the help of Suran Built.

2-3 hours of touchup painting throughout the house Replace a leaky faucet Install a new toilet Install new doorknobs Install a new light fixture Install a couple of motion sensor switches Install a few organizational systems

SURAN BUILT SHOWROOM 30 N. Williams St., Unit J Crystal Lake 815-444-1293 www.suranbuilt.com

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Honey Do List ___________

1) Call Suran Built 2) Take back my weekend!

“Honey Do” Mix and Match Special UP TO 10 HOURS OF HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE $650 At SURAN BUILT we understand that weekends are precious — especially after a hard week of work.

Thankfully, you can take back your weekend and enjoy the limited days of summer by letting our skilled tradesmen handle that “honey do” list.

From plumbing to painting, electrical or carpentry work, you can secure up to 10-hours of skilled labor from any three trade specialities.

So let us clean out those sink traps,

repair those soft deck boards or touch up those dirty fingerprints on the walls. While every home needs that occasional TLC or emergency repair, it shouldn’t come at the expense of a lost, summer weekend with your family or friends.

To secure your spot in our project calendar, visit our Crystal Lake showroom or call SURAN BUILT at 815-444-1293 to schedule your Mix & Match service call special.

30 N WILLIAMS | CRYSTAL LAKE, IL | 815.444.1293 | SURANBUILT.COM

TOWNSQUARE PLAYER

Woodstock resident Kathie Comella a tough act to follow in community theater

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by FROM ME 2 YOU PHOTOGRAPHY To call the stage her home would be an understatement. For well more than 50 years, Woodstock native Kathie Comella has acted on stage, directed, managed and assisted behind the scenes. She has taught various theater subjects, and she has dedicated countless hours to serving on the board of directors to ensure that the community theater program remains as vibrant as the stage lights.

Comella was a high school student when she landed her first acting role on stage. In 1964, she decided to tag along with a friend attending a meeting with a new theater group through the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. Those small steps set in motion what would become a future career in community theater. She enjoyed acting, as well as the roles behind the scenes, assisting the assistant director and stage manager production. She has painted scene sets and has served as a costume coordinator.

Comella also honed her skills as a makeup designer by watching others and reading up on techniques. For more than 20 years, she designed makeup for the award-wining Historical Haunting program for the McHenry County Historical Society, and relished the challenge of making characters appear dead.

(The event will return to the museum Oct. 11, and Comella will once again apply makeup.)

“I’ve seen [Comella] wear a number of hats, and she wears them all well,” says Paul Lockwood, a fellow community theater actor and former president of the TownSquare Players. “When she is involved in a show … you know if your involved with it, it’s going to be a fun experience.”

In her role as president and executive producer

for the Woodstock Musical Theatre Company, Comella often finds herself behind the scenes in her work, which – despite the hours she dedicates each week – isn’t her actual “day job.”

Her real job involves answering phones as a receptionist. But, like those with whom she surrounds herself, a love of the theater requires dedication. She often spends her free time at rehearsals for each production, whether she is acting, directing or filling any other number of roles.

“Over the course of three months rehearsing and performing, you develop a bond, and you become like a family and learn to work as a team,” Comella says. “It is a very rewarding journey because of all the volunteers, all the various levels of talents and capabilities.”

In June, Comella will play the role of Ethel in the McHenry Community College production of “Moon over Buffalo,” which will be staged at the Black Box Theater.

Some may remember Comella as the character “Aunt Holly,” a persona she developed when she was invited to read stories to children at the Woodstock Opera House during the holiday season, which also included a ride in the Christmas parade.

“It was fun reading to the little kids, and I was pretty good at it, as I held their attention because I did all the voices,” Comella says.

She enjoys teaching young people and, for a number of years, she served as a drama teacher for the Woodstock Dance Academy, helping young dancers learn expression and movement.

Her reign in the theater spans decades and,

on occasion, she works with the children and grandchildren of friends, which brings joy to her work.

Comella was part of the founding of the TownSquare Players, a resident acting company at the Woodstock Opera House that is marking its 50th anniversary this fall. During the Sept. 9 anniversary show, Comella will sing “Little Girls,” as the character Miss Hannigan from “Annie.”

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32 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 33

MONEY MINDFULNESS Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s With PAULA DORION-GRAY

Alzheimer’s is one of our nation’s costliest diseases.

finances well before you see signs of mental decline. Obviously, this has to be done with great sensitivity and respect. Make sure your family member knows that you don’t want to take control, but you would like to ensure that he or she is protected and his or her wishes are honored in the years to come.

of attorney (POA) or a more limited living will; either a limited or durable power of attorney for finances; an authorization to disclose account According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the information; and a form authorizing a financial national cost of healthcare, long-term care and institution to contact you if concerns arise about hospice payments related to Alzheimer’s disease his or her ability to manage finances. Not having and other dementias will total $236 billion these documents when they’re needed can make for 2016. Sadly, afflicted individuals without helping your elderly relative considerably more During ongoing dialogs, try to learn what you’ll adequate long-term care insurance frequently need to know if it becomes necessary to manage difficult. For example, without a POA, you may lose most, if not all, of their financial assets. need to go to court to attain guardianship of his or her finances: the names and contact But even the beginning stages of dementia your family member to access accounts on his or information of his or her financial planner, and mild cognitive impairment experienced her behalf. accountant and attorney; financial records by healthy seniors can put personal wealth at and where they are kept; monthly income and A financial advisor can provide more information risk. That’s why it’s important to begin having its sources; insurance policies; the location of on protecting your loved one or help you create a conversations about your aging family member’s financial accounts; regular plan to care for them. bills and how they are paid; and log-in information for Paula Dorion-Gray, online accounts.

CFP, wealth advisor at Suggest meeting jointly Dorion-Gray Retirement with his or her financial Planning, Inc., located advisor and/or other at 2602 IL Route family members. Gain an 176, Crystal Lake, Il understanding of your 60014-2225. Securities family member’s priorities. offered through Ask which assets are most Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. important, which causes he Advisory services offered through Securities or she wants to support and America Advisors, Inc. Dorion-Gray is not whether his or her will is affiliated with Securities America companies. up-to-date.

Written by Securities America for distribution Propose having legal

by Paula Dorion-Gray. Please consult legal documents created that or tax professionals for specific information will allow you or another regarding your individual situation. The opinions u Dorion-Gray family member to make expressed and material provided are for general Retirement Planning decisions if your loved one information, and should not be considered specializes in planning becomes unable to. This can a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any clients’ retirement years. include a healthcare power security.

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34 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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Let’s dance!

SUMMERS ACADEMY OF DANCE TO FEATURE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES DURING JUNE WORKSHOP SERIES

For more than two decades, Summers Academy of Dance in Crystal Lake has been teaching dance to students as early as 18 months to adults.

But the dance school has more to celebrate than longevity.

This month, as part of its second annual Crystal Lake Dance Initiative summer weekend workshop series, the dance studio will host the Radio City Rockettes Experience for young Chicago area dancers.

During the three-hour workshop, the master class, featuring the renowned Rockettes will include a two-hour class, 30-minute mock audition (similar to the one held in New York City) and a question-and-answer session with Rockette dancer Sara Hoenes.

Along with the Radio City Rockettes Experience, the Crystal Lake Dance Initiative will offer Modern dance, taught by Thom Dancey – company dancer with The Big Muddy Dance Company; Body Conditioning, taught by Summers Academy Artistic Associate Marc Petrocci – a former dancer with Milwaukee Ballet; and Hoenes will teach Musical Theatre class. In the Musical Theatre class, Hoenes will bring with her all of her professional experiences working in New York in shows like “The International Tour of Zorro the Musical.”

The workshop will take place Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25, at the academy, 5186 Northwest Hwy., Suite 115, Crystal Lake.

The Friday workshop is for dancers ages 5 to 10, and the Saturday workshop is for dancers ages 11 and older. The Sunday twohour musical theater workshop is for high school seniors and college students who have aspirations of singing and dancing on Broadway.

Workshop registration is open to dancers from all over the Chicago and southeast Wisconsin areas – not just Summers Academy of Dance students. To register or for more information about Summers Academy of Dance and Crystal Lake Dance Initiative, visit www.summersacademyofdance.com or www. crystallakedanceinitiative.com.

Photo by Ron McKinney

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 37

GET THE LOOK! Sizzling summer style

From the beach to the streets, this look by Crystal Lake women’s clothing boutique Agnes Oh! will have you ready to take on the summer in no time. Agnes Oh! is located at 79 N. Williams St. in Crystal Lake. For more on-trend style, visit agnesoh.com.

Photos by Ron McKinney

38 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

www.nwherald.com/magazine

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Bikes and brews

GEAR UP FOR A CYCLING TOUR OF MCHENRY COUNTY BREWERIES

By KEVIN DRULEY

S

corched Earth Brewing co-owner Jennifer Dallas requested a quick clarification when asked about the volume of bike traffic the Algonquin establishment receives.

“Now, are you talking, like, motorcycle bikes, or are you talking, like, bike bikes?” Dallas says.

The latter – bicycles. The two-wheeled, pedaloperated vessels that are as integral to the “McHenry Brewery Bike Tour” as beer. Wait, you haven’t heard of this cycling tour? That’s because McHenry County Magazine is just now proposing it, a bikeable itinerary connecting various craft beer spots in the county.

Sounds good by Dallas standards.

“I would say the biking culture and community 40 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

does seem to be really complementary with beer and the brewing culture, the craft beer culture,” Dallas says. “For whatever reason, it just seems like the two kind of go together really well, and we get a lot of crossover kind of business. It’s a good match, yeah.”

Crystal Lake Brewing general manager Beth Alberger shares the sentiment. She’s seen her share of bicycle gear-clad patrons in the taproom, too.

“We have a bike rack out in the front,” Alberger says. “We do get a lot of bikers that just come and hang out and drink beer while they’re on their ride. Or before or after, or whatever.”

Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, and Scorched Earth Brewing, 203 Berg St., Algonquin, both sit near the McHenry County Prairie Trail, a 26-mile stretch that connects Algonquin to the Wisconsin state line. Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Prairie Grove, McHenry, DINING & ENTERTAINING

McCollum Lake, Ringwood and Richmond are accessible in-between.

This tour also includes Chain O’Lakes Brewing Company, 3425 Pearl St., McHenry, and Emmett’s Brewing Company, 128 W. Main St., West Dundee, the second of which links with Kane County’s Fox River Trail, making this a twocounty tour.

The Prairie Trail helps comprise the Grand Illinois Trail system, a 500-mile loop between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River that at least some Scorched Earth patrons have traversed.

“We’ve had people bike all the way up from Chicago before, just as a fun little project, and then maybe they figure out a way to kick back other than riding their bike, you know,” Dallas says. “We’ve definitely had some longer trips, too, that people have made.”

To her knowledge, however, such sojourns www.nwherald.com/magazine

involved far more biking than recreational alcohol consumption. The promise of craft beer served as a carrot at the final destination, not a constant presence, as it would for a multi-stop brewery bike tour.

By design, this tour bids to test endurance of the bicycle seat over that of the barstool. With safety and your own sanity in mind, we recommend only consuming one beer per stop while ordering food, too.

The tour works north to south, beginning in McHenry and ending in West Dundee. We recommend a weekend completion, ideally on Saturday, considering the safety of riding in daylight hours and the operating hours of breweries on the tour. Chain O’Lakes is open from noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays, while Emmett’s closes at midnight Saturdays.

Chain O’Lakes lies slightly east of the Prairie Trail, and requires biking about one mile west on Route 120 before accessing the trail at Whispering Oaks Park, home of Fort McHenry playground. From this point, the cyclist is about 14 miles north of the McHenry/Kane County line.

Chain O’Lakes (www.chainolakesbrewing.com) offers pints and four-ounce taster flights in its taproom.

Patrons may bring their own food or consult Chain O’Lakes’ deliver-in menu. Nearby restaurants include Twisted Burger and Taco Bell.

Early sustenance figures to be vital, as the ride between Chain O’Lakes and the next destination, Crystal Lake Brewing (www.crystallakebrew.com) is the longest between stops – about eight miles.

Still, numerous points of interest appear along the way, namely Sterne’s Woods. Therein, you’ll find long stretches of hilly, wooded pathway. Another landmark, Diverse City Prairie, showcases native prairie plants along the appropriately named trail.

We’ll take a detour between these landmarks, however, traveling a few blocks west on Route 176, riding from Glen Ave. to Main St. for slightly under two miles. Upon reaching Main, bike south about two blocks. Crystal Lake Brewing is adjacent to the intersection of Main and Prairie streets.

“We’ve got a really great location because we’re right downtown, and we’re near the bike trail,” Alberger says. “We get a lot of foot traffic and people that are www.nwherald.com/magazine

Scorched Earth Brewing in Algonquin

just walking from the downtown area, the families that live around here.”

Crystal Lake Brewing also hosts Pedal for Pints nights beginning at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each summer month. These collaboration rides with nearby bicycle shops Lucky Brake or Wheel Werks convene at the Crystal Lake parking lot before taking to the trails, then turning around to finish the night with some drinks back at the brewery.

In this instance, we’ll stay on the trail for our next destination. After Crystal Lake Brewery, retrace your tracks back to the trail as we head south for Scorched Earth (www.scorchedearthbrewing.com), which Dallas said is conveniently accessible off the trail’s Algonquin Road access.

“It runs right behind us, essentially,” Dallas says.

After you finish at Scorched Earth, it’s time for the final stretch, a six-mile ride to Emmett’s (www. emmettsbrewingco.com), which we’ll access through the Fox River Trail, whose north end connects to the Prairie Trail. The ride winds along the Fox River, remaining on its east bank. But once we proceed past the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve and Carpentersville, the route takes us west across Route 72 for a short distance. Emmett’s sits two blocks west of the river, near the intersection of Main and 2nd streets.

One of Emmett’s beer offerings is an English ale called 1a.m. Ale. Here’s hoping you enjoy one well before that hour. Although this is a recreational ride, we suggest maintaining a reasonable pace.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

If you go CHAIN O’LAKES BREWING COMPANY 3425 Pearl St. McHenry 815-331-8345 chainolakesbrewing.com CRYSTAL LAKE BREWING 150 N. Main St. Crystal Lake 779-220-9288 crystallakebrew.com SCORCHED EARTH BREWING 203 Berg St. Algonquin 224-209-8472 scorchedearthbrewing.com EMMETT’S BREWING COMPANY 128 W. Main St. West Dundee 847-428-4500 www.emmettsbrewingco.com

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 41

PATIO PERFECTION Outdoor dining at its finest

By YVONNE BENSON

S

ummer is a time when sidewalk cafes bust out their patio furniture and waterfront restaurants open their decks for patrons to enjoy dinner with a view.

And, in McHenry County, there is no shortage of great eateries to enjoy dining al fresco.

Here is a list of a seven McHenry County enclaves to visit this summer:

¢ PORT EDWARD 20 W. Algonquin Road | Algonquin 847-658-5441 www.portedward.com Port Edward is known for its awardwinning Champagne Brunch with all-youcan-eat crab legs. However, it also has water views of the Fox River both inside and out. Imagine sipping a Mai Tai ($5 Saturdays) or bloody Mary ($5 Sundays) on the back patio, which also happens to be dog-friendly. Guests can also enjoy a unique dining experience from the restaurant’s 25-foot sailboat floating on the indoor harbor. ¢ THE COTTAGE 6 E. Crystal Lake Ave. | Crystal Lake 815-459-7520 Often a gathering place for friends, The Cottage serves classic pub fare, from award-winning fish and chips to thincrust pizzas and hand-crafted, half-pound burgers. Its covered outdoor patio has heaters and is fit with hanging lights and multiple flat-screen TVs so that you can catch the game while enjoying the outdoor ambience.

¢ THE LITTLE CHEF 1332 North Riverside Drive | McHenry 815-385-9752 Even though the Little Chef is right on the Fox River, its outdoor seating is in the front of the restaurant, located on the sidewalk – perfect for people watching. The restaurant, which is known for its breakfast menu, offers a quaint space for getting a morning cup of Joe. ¢ BUDDYZ PIZZA 1138 N. Green St. | McHenry 815-363-1010 www.buddyzpizza.com Go to Buddyz Pizza for their enviable location on the McHenry Riverwalk and dog-friendly patio. It has frequent events (multiple times a week), including live music, open mic and charity fundraisers.

Visitors go for the butter-crust pizza, but consider getting a chopped salad to share.

¢ BIMBO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 1318 Riverside Drive | McHenry 815-385-1444 www.bimbositalian.com

¢ VICKIE’S PLACE 1211 N. River Road | McHenry 815-385-2014 www.vickiesplace.net

Bimbo’s is proud of its Italian family tradition. Try the Country Rigatoni or Lobster Ravioli. You can request an indoor table with a view of the river or sit on its small, torch-lit patio.

Vickie’s Place is all about crazy fun. People go for laughs and good times. They’re located on the shores of the Fox River and have a colorful patio for outdoor seating.

People often order burgers and fries but consider the pizza or tacos, too. Some random trivia about Vickie’s Place is that it has its own beehives (off site) and sells fresh, raw honey at the restaurant alongside redneck shot glasses and tie-dye T-shirts.

¢ PUBLIC HOUSE 101 N. Johnson St. | Woodstock 815-337-6060 www.publichouseofwoodstock.com Public House has a large, cobbled, caféstyle patio complete with a huge, stone, 42 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

wood-burning fireplace and views of downtown Woodstock. It occasionally has live music and offers a large menu, with a variety of items, from a tuna salad croissant and fish tacos to filet mignon and gourmet burgers.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

www.nwherald.com/magazine

64B N Williams St Downtown Crystal Lake

779.220.4653

KitchenOutfittersCrystalLake.com

It’s finally grilling season! Come in and see what we have to make your grilling easy and FUN! Gift lists and wedding registry are available.

We have what you need, and some things you didn’t know you needed to help you whip up a feast.

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www.nwherald.com/magazine

DINING & ENTERTAINING

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 43

weekend Wisconsin

FIVE BEAUTIFUL RESORTS TO RELAX, REJUVENATE AND PLAY

By ALLISON HORNE

44 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Even though more than 52 million people visit Chicago annually, and it’s home to more than 5,000 restaurants, 125 art galleries and 250plus theaters, sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all.

Just over the Illinois state line – just a quick car trip away – Wisconsin boasts a slew of beautiful resorts welcoming its neighbors to the south for a weekend retreat.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly place with plenty of activities for the kids or an adults-only getaway for some rest and relaxation, Wisconsin has plenty of resorts that will help you kick back and leave your world behind.

TRAVEL

www.nwherald.com/magazine

The Abbey Resort in Fontana Photo provided

■ THE ABBEY RESORT LOCATION: 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana DRIVE TIME: Approx. 50 miles one hour, 20 minutes CONTACT: 262-275-6811 theabbeyresort.com Lake Geneva is known as a family-favorite getaway for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, but the Abbey Resort is upping the ante. The 90-acre resort is located right on the shoreline and is the only full-service resort in the area.

Destination Kohler in Kohler

The hotel features indoor and outdoor pools (one is for adults only), the relaxing Avani Spa, onsite Frisbee/disk golf, paddleboarding, bike rentals, and it is also home to the only Not only does the land feature four awardHere are five to consider for protected marina on the lake. Waterskiing, winning gold courses that have hosted PGA your next summer escape: parasailing and boat rentals are all part of the Championships, but it’s also nestled near River fun located just steps away from the cozy ■ DESTINATION KOHLER Wildlife, an 800-acre wilderness preserve accommodations. along the Sheboygan River. If the outdoors LOCATION: 419 Highland Dr., Kohler Whether you want your own villa, a suite or aren’t for you, the resort’s five-star Kohler DRIVE TIME: About 160 miles simply a room to stay in so you can enjoy Waters Spa provides the perfect stress-free two hours, 30 minutes the outdoors, the Abbey Resort has plenty to getaway.

CONTACT: 855-444-2838 offer for couples, friends and a large family. americanclubresort.com Destination Kohler also has plenty of special It also offers special packages, ranging from events throughout the course of the year, What first started as a place for immigrant an expectant mom getaway to a bed and including the Sounds of Summer, a weekly workers to stay in 1918 has developed into a breakfast getaway. five-star, world-class resort destination in the music performance; the Chef’s Table Dinner Visit the Abbey Resort’s website for more Series; and Sip, Swing, Smoked – a package stunning town of Kohler, Wisconsin. information on packages and events. that features a night stay, round of golf and The original house, which is now known as The American Club, isn’t the only resort on the whiskey dinner pairing. sprawling grounds; Inn on Woodlake, Sandhill A full list of upcoming events can be found by -Continued on page 46 visiting Destination Kohler’s website. and Riverbend (members only) are also options for overnight stays, as well.

Photo provided by Kohler Co.

www.nwherald.com/magazine

TRAVEL

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 45

Sundara Inn and Spa in Wisconsin Dells

Delivery & Catering Available

Photo provided

-Continued from page 45

■ SUNDARA INN AND SPA

Restaurant & Cantina

Serving the community for over 30 years!

Open;

Sun - Thurs 11-9 Fri & Sat 11-11

Country Corners Shopping Center 230 W. Virginia Rd., Crystal Lake

Best of Fox winner for Best Mexican Restaurant and Margaritas

815-455-7398

Pablo’sCrystalLake.com

Tradition, Excellence, Familia

847.844.0528 • alianosdundee.com • 310 N. River St. East Dundee, IL 60118

LOCATION: 920 Canyon Road, Wisconsin Dells DRIVE TIME: Approx. 160 miles two hours, 30 minutes CONTACT: 608-253-9200 sundaraspa.com Don’t be deceived by the location of this spa, Sundara Inn is anything but the hustle and bustle of the Wisconsin Dells area. Located in a 26-acre pine forest, the resort is adults-only and also is electronics-free in the common areas, which creates a completely tranquil environment for a weekend getaway.

Since 2003, Sundara, which means “beautiful” in Sanskrit, has strived to be the go-to spa destination not only in Wisconsin, but in the entire Midwest.

From salon services to massages, bath and body treatments and even “just for him” outings, Sundara is ideal for a girls’ weekend or even a romantic getaway.

The resort is currently in the midst of an addition, which is expected to be complete in the spring of 2018, and will include a new saltwater pool, fitness area, retreat center, rooftop garden, hiking trails and more.

■ HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT AND SPA

Are You An

Artist?

See your work in the pages of McHenry County Magazine!

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two-to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

46Artist1/6HsqFILL.indd | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE 1

TRAVEL

7/25/16 11:36 AM

LOCATION: 643 Illinois Ave., Green Lake DRIVE TIME: Approx. 175 miles 3 hours CONTACT: 920-294-3344 heidelhouse.com While the estate started as a private residence in 1890, after Herb and Lucille Heidel purchased the property in 1945, it turned into one of the most popular resorts for Wisconsin visitors.

There are 180 guest rooms to choose from, but there also are two larger vacation rentals, the Stable house and Guest House, which provide accommodation for more than 10 guests at a time. While swimming, biking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, paddleboarding and canoeing are some of the daily options, guests also can chill out on the resort’s 60-foot catamaran – the “Escapade” – which offers public and private cruises on the lake in the warmer months.

The Tuscumbia Country Club and Lawsonia Golf Courses also are nearby.

For anyone wanting a relaxing day indoors, the Evensong Spa was built in 2006, and it has an interior inspired

by Frank Lloyd Wright. Every session begins with a walk through a labyrinth, which has been used for centuries as a tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. Services include pre-wedding packages, facials, pedicures, massages, day spa deals and overnight packages, such as the babymoon getaway package and honeymoon anytime package.

■ STOUT’S ISLAND LODGE LOCATION: 2799 27th St., Birchwood DRIVE TIME: Approx. 350 miles five hours, 15 minutes CONTACT: 715-354-3646 stoutsislandlodge.com Literally located on a ferry-accessible, 18-acre island in the middle of Red Cedar Lake, Stout’s Island Lodge was originally built in 1903 as a summer estate for Frank D. Stout’s family. Now, it’s a stunning, quiet getaway for couples or families trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.

Aside from the beautiful lake and private cabin accommodations, the island also features a clay tennis court, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing and even golf (on the mainland).

In addition – off of the island – there is hiking at the Tuscobia State Trail and Ice Age National Scenic Trail, boat rentals, restaurants and a distillery. But, most of all, you definitely don’t want to miss a sunset on the dock – they’re stunning!

TRAVEL

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 47

SUMMER NIGHTS Evenings heat up with these after-dinner delights

By JONATHAN BILYK Like so many, Jaki Berggren loves the arrival of summer in the McHenry County region.

And for the second year, Berggren, executive director of Visit McHenry County, says she also is looking forward to – with just as much anticipation – summer’s end, when nearly two dozen balloons will add their luminescence to the skies above the county’s northern regions over Labor Day weekend.

“It’s just an incredible site to take in,” says Berggren. “It’s a great way to end a summer filled with so much to do.”

There’s a lot to love about summer. School’s out, opening up the daylight hours for family and other fun activities. Pools, water parks, beaches and amusement parks all beckon. Baseball is in full swing. Picnics and road trips are in the offing.

But the best part of the onset of summer in the region just might be summer evenings. Hot days ease into warm, but mostly comfortable evenings. And dusk can seem to stretch on to infinity, calling people out of their air-conditioned homes and offices to kick back with a cool drink, delicious seasonal food and great music and entertainment.

And, in McHenry County, locals and visitors alike can find no shortage of great entertainment options for those laidback and fun-filled summer evenings.

For Berggren and her family, the list of options begins in Algonquin, with the village’s Riverfront Summer Concerts series. Each Thursday evening from June 22 to Aug. 17, Algonquin’s Riverfront Park plays host to a great musical act, highlighting a different genre or decade each week. And, there’s a food truck on site, as well.

“For my family, it’s become almost a tradition,” says Berggren. “It’s almost Ravinia-like, with the music, under the stars, with the river right there.

Just a fun night to enjoy being outside.”

Other communities also host free evening outdoor concerts throughout the summer,

including Huntley, with its Concerts in the Park series on select Tuesdays, from June 20 to Aug. 29.

And for those seeking yet more outdoor nighttime entertainment, the region boasts an abundance of summer community festivals.

Led by Crystal Lake’s 38th annual Lakeside Festival, running June 29 through July 2, and McHenry’s Fiesta Days, running from July 13-23.

The festivals boast strong evening lineups of concerts, carnivals and more.

From July 6-9, Lake in The Hills’ Rockin’ Ribfest will take place, boasting an array of nighttime concerts and rib vendors.

However, for those seeking quieter summer evenings, the county abounds with those options, too.

Outdoor dining options are seemingly endless.

Duke’s on the Water – the latest location for Crystal Lake’s Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen – will offer diners a unique waterfront dining experience overlooking the Quarry Cable Park in Crystal Lake.

And for something a little more rustic, the Loyola University Ecology and Retreat Campus in Woodstock, will host two Farm-to-Table Dinners on July 21 and Aug. 12, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a meal prepared from locally grown ingredients while dining under the stars.

McHenry County locals and visitors alike can also take a step back in time, while taking in today’s hottest films, during a double feature at the McHenry Outdoor Theater – one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in the region.

The Conservation District also offers camping at its Thomas Woods Campground at Marengo Ridge.

But the cap to the summer, says Berggren, should be Harvard’s Balloon Festival.

Now, in its second year, the festival is expected to bring in more than 20 hot-air balloons, which will be available to the public for rides. The evening “night glows,” during which the balloons are piloted into the evening skies, are estimated to attract thousands of spectators.

But for those seeking still quieter summer evenings yet, the McHenry County Conservation District will offer a number of evening programs “This is just a great time of the year,” Berggren at its Prairieview Educational Center near Crystal says. “And this is a great place to enjoy it, all Lake. Programs include evenings for children to summer long.” catch and learn about fireflies, as well as events for adults, which include sipping libations around a campfire.

Book Nook

DISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS, BETWEEN THE LINES

By ALLISON MANLEY

As much as I love relaxing indoors with a good book, sometimes I need to step outside and get a breath of fresh air. But after spending an afternoon on the lake, taking a long walk in the park, or working in the garden, books are my go-to way to make the most of my summer days. Fortunately, there are many books that can take you outside from within their pages.

Here are a few picks to remind you of why we put the “great” in “the great outdoors.”

Allison Manley was born in Georgia and raised in Island Lake. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. She loves opera, craft beer, and (of course!) reading.

www.nwherald.com/magazine

¢ “BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: INDIGENOUS WISDOM, SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE, AND THE TEACHINGS OF PLANTS”

by Robin Wall Kimmerer Thoreau meets Pollan in this comforting and insightful book by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist, a mother, and a member of the Potawatomi Nation. In “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Kimmerer combines Native American culture with horticulture, poetry with personal essay. Writing passionately about her appreciation and understanding of all things nature, she brings each scene of natural beauty to life. Her book discusses topics like raising her two outdoorsy daughters, her people’s perspective on nature (like the way trees and plants need to give permission before being harvested), and how Native American roots helped inspire her to learn more about another kind of root – plant roots! I don’t know which I liked more: getting to know Kimmerer’s family and lifestyle, reading cool things about plants (like how corn, beans, and squash complement each other when planted close), or learning more about Potawatomi history and language. ¢ “TRACE: MEMORY, HISTORY, RACE, AND THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE”

by Lauret Savoy

History buffs rejoice – “Trace” is a triple threat, mixing family history, natural history, and American history as Savoy explores locations in the U.S. that are significant to her and her geological studies. I’ve never travelled to the places Savoy visits for this book, but her brilliant descriptions of some of the country’s greatest natural spaces made it feel like I was right there with her. ¢ “SWAMPLANDIA!”

by Karen Russell The Florida swamplands are as much a character as any of the people in “Swamplandia!” the intriguing and dark novel by Karen Russell.

The books goes back and forth from goofy and light-hearted to strange and bittersweet as you follow the Bigtrees, members of a family whose livelihood depends on the success of an alligatorthemed amusement park/tourist trap located on an island all to itself. Seventeen-year-old Kiwi runs away and works his way up the corporate ladder at a competing amusement park; Osceola, the middle child, imagines she’s in love with a young ghost; and the main character, 13-year old Ava, tries to make sense of it all while her father pursues mysterious business ventures. As the Bigtree kids navigate the marshes, they also navigate the feelings of grief over their recently-deceased mother and the angst of adolescence.

Lauret Savoy’s insightful “Trace” is grounded in specific places: the rocky soils of Piedmont; South Carolina; the majestic and vast Grand Canyon; and the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, among others.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 49

SOCIAL

Life

GLAMOROUS GALA

Home of the Sparrow celebrates 30th anniversary Home of the Sparrow hosted its 30th Anniversary Gala on April 29 at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington. Guests were treated to self-guided tours of the mansion, an organ concert, a silent and live auction, dinner and an open bar. More than 220 guests were in attendance at the event, which raised $100,000 in support of Home of the Sparrow programs and services for homeless women and children in McHenry County and Northern Illinois.For more information about Home of the Sparrow, visit www.hosparrow.org.

Photos provided by Home of the Sparrow.

50 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

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Apartment Style Living We specialize in serving seniors 65 years and older of all income levels!

Heritage Woods of McHenry, your affordable assisted living community in McHenry Features:

Services:

Helpful services arranged to make your days fulfilled and comfortable • On-going health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance

• Three restaurant style meals daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs & events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour staffing by Certified Nursing Assistants • Dakim Brain Fitness Center

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Places to go, things to do, all with convenience in mind • Lounge Area • Spacious Dining Room • Private Dining Area • Library & TV Lounge • Activity Room

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To Learn More & Schedule a Visit,

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Gardant Management Solutions

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 51

Artist SHOWCASE

52 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

EMILY CYR

LAKE IN THE HILLS ACRYLIC ON CANVAS “DESKTOP CLUTTER”

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L

ake in the Hills resident Emily Cyr creates art because she loves to “create images that take you away from the outside world.”

In “Desktop Clutter,” which she created this year, she had to come up with a series of pieces that revolved around a specific theme.

Make new friends at Hearthstone!

“I chose to explore the idea of nostalgia, and how personal it is to each individual,” she says. “This still life is a collection of objects that I’ve accumulated throughout the past couple of years: Some are from trips, some are gifts and some are just mementos I felt like I’d like to keep at eye level while I work on homework.”

The 18-year-old hopes to enter into a career as a concept artist for a major animation studio.

“I’ve been taking art classes for as long as I can remember, but only recently have I been considering it as a career,” she says.

“I want to … have the ability to be able to create a story with my art. And, though, at this given moment, my art does not convey any specific story but my own, I hope that in telling my own story that I’m able to captivate and entertain those who are willing to listen.”

Cyr will make steps to attain her dream when she attends the Ringling College of Art and Design, where she plans to major in illustration and minor in creative writing. She was recently awarded the Woodstock Fine Arts Association Helen Wright Scholarship, which was received by 10 McHenry Countyarea students.

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.” www.nwherald.com/magazine

Visit us at hearthstonewoodstock.rog for more information. Call or visit us online

815-338-2110

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 53

JUNE 2017

CALENDAR

CARY-GROVE JAYCEES FAMILY DAYS WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 8; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 9; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 10; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11 WHERE: Corner of Kaper Drive and Georgetown Road, Cary The Cary-Grove Jaycees will host Family Days featuring live music by Stone Rollin Devils, Stateline, Gener8r and Uncle Will.

There will be carnival rides, a food tent and a beer tent. For more information, visit www. carygrovechamber.com.

LUMINARY BIKE RIDE WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9 WHERE: Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary Let luminaries light the way as participants cycle a moderately hilly paved loop, less than one mile long. Ride the trail once or enjoy several laps with candlelight and glorious colors of sunset illuminating the path. Relax at the campfire with sweet treats. Don’t forget a helmet. The cost is free for McHenry County residents and $5 for non-residents.

Register online at www.MCCDistrict.org.

FLEA MARKET WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10 WHERE: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake will host a Flea Market rain or shine. For more information, visit www.stpaulsucccl. org.

FIGHT FOR AIR RIDE WHEN: Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June 11 WHERE: McHenry County College 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake Cyclists of all levels will gather and ride approximately 50 miles a day for two or three days. Riders will travel through scenic rural communities of northern Illinois and the picturesque hills of southern Wisconsin.

Cyclists start their trip at Crystal Lake and ride to The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where they will stay overnight and enjoy fellow teammates, buffet-style meals, spa amenities, and more. To end the trip, cyclists will ride from Lake Geneva back to their cars in Crystal Lake. SAG vehicles, medical volunteers, bike mechanics, luggage transportation, and rest stops are all available throughout the ride.

54 | JUNE 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

PAWS IN THE PARK WALK AND PET FEST WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11 WHERE: Emricson Park Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock

RUN WILD - RACE FOR OPEN SPACE 5K PREVIEW-RUN WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 28 WHERE: Hickory Grove Highlands, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary

During Paws in the Park, enjoy a walk around the nature path at Emricson Park in Woodstock with friends, family and canines.

After the walk, spend the rest of the day at the Pet Fest, which will feature contests and games, a pet blessing, K-9 demonstration, a pet photo booth, doggy pools, vendors, face painting and raffles. Attendees will meet some of the shelter dogs that are available for adoption. Registration costs $35 and event-day registration costs $40. For more information, visit helpingpaws.net.

Don’t miss the summer training opportunities for the fall Run Wild – Race for Open Space 5K. The free preview-Runs will be Wednesday, June 28, and 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Get a sneak peek of the race route while learning training and trail etiquette tips that will make you a better trail runner. Local running experts will guide the group through a warm-up, a 30-minute fun run and a cool down session immediately following the run. Registration is recommended.

BARNSTORMER DAY WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17 WHERE: Galt Airport 5112 Greenwood Road, Wonder Lake

LAKESIDE FESTIVAL WHEN: June 29-July 2 WHERE: Lakeside Arts Park 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake

Barnstormer Day is an old-style, fly-in with vintage planes, cars, motorcycles, local crafters and entertainment. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m.

Admission is free. For more information, visit galtairport.com.

Northwest Herald Readers voted the Lakeside Festival as the best festival in McHenry County for 2011, 2014 and 2016.

Celebrating 38 years and attracting more than 50,000 people, the festival will feature live music, food at the “Taste by the Lake,” carnival rides, games, historic tours, a great selection of beer and wines, and more. For more information, visit lakesideartspark.org.

LAKE IN THE HILLS TRIATHLON WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 18 WHERE: Ken Carpenter Park, located at the corner of Randall and Miller roads in Lake in the Hills The Lake in the Hills Triathlon is great for beginners and elite athletes. The course consists of a .5-mile swim, 15.5-mile bike and a 4-mile run. The cost to participate is $70.

To register, visit www.raceentry.com/racereviews/lake-in-the-hills-triathlon.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE WHEN: 7:30 a.m. June 24 WHERE: Sunset Park 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills

‘GUYS AND DOLLS’ WHEN: 8 p.m. June 30, July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 22; and 3 p.m. July 2, 9, 15 and 23 WHERE: Raue Center For The Arts 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will present “Guys and Dolls,” Broadway’s toe-tappingly romantic musical about a couple of high-rolling gamblers and the strong-willed ladies who love them. General admission is $35.50. For tickets, visit www. rauecenter.org.

The drive-in movie event at Sunset Park will feature the animated hit “Sing.” Parking opens at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk. The cost is $2 per family for lawn seating or $5 per car (first-come, firstserved). Blankets, chairs and non-alcoholic refreshments are welcome. For more information, visit www.lith.org.

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Residential & Commercial

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017 | 55