Mc april2017eedition

BEAUTY & BODY CONFIDENCE

PAGE 17

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS!

APRIL 2017

PAGE 24

Fitness trend:

AERIAL ART PAGE 34

style

Throwback

Fashion through the ages

ENIOR ORTRAITS

121 S. MAIN ST. | ALGONQUIN, IL 847-989-2782RONMCKINNEYPHOTO.COM

Everyone’s Unsung Hero...

Your Mom

Win Mom a FREE CUSTOM PENDANT for Mother’s Day! Attention kids... the artisans at Dalzell’s will hand-craft a custom pendant designed by the lucky winner of this contest. Simply draw your vision of the perfect pendant for your Mom and bring it into the store or have your parents post it to our Facebook page by May 6th for a chance to win a custom pendant Mom! for Mo

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Name ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________ Complete the information on this form, attach your complete pendant design on a 8-1/2 X 11 sheet and bring it to the address shown below. One entry per person. Must be 8th grade or younger to enter.Winner will be notified by telephone and announced on Facebook and other media. No purchase is necessary.Winner will be responsible for any income taxes associated with the prize. Employees of Shaw Newspapers, Dalzell & Co. and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. Questions call:(815) 455-3600. Entries must be delivered by May 6, 2017 at Dalzell Jewelers, 41 N.Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Presentation of winning design will be May 4, 2017. Any original artwork not picked up by May 31, 2017 may be discarded.

Editor's Note Spring is here and that means it’s time for some seasonal renewal.

From finding a new exercise regimen and eating healthier to cleaning out your closet and updating your wardrobe, it’s time to shake off those winter “blahs” and get back to being you! Who’s with me?

The April issue is dedicated to women’s fashion and beauty. But what is beauty?

What, or who, is considered beautiful? To answer those questions and discuss society’s obsession with physical perfection, we found a few professionals in fields related to the topic. Find out what it really means to be beautiful in “Every BODY matters,” on Page 17.

you to spice up that wardrobe by resurrecting a little ’90s grunge, ’80s glam or ’70s hippie chick/disco queen!

For those of you looking to change up your exercise routine, check out our story on the aerial arts (think Cirque du Soleil). Or, since running season is upon us, lace up those gym shoes and enter one of the many races or fun walks taking place this spring – and (bonus!) they’re all for good causes.

There’s a lot happening this season, so let’s kiss winter goodbye and bring on the spring!

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

Thanks for reading, GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ringness 815-526-4614 jringness@shawmedia.com

In the “Fashion through the Ages” cover story, three local boutiques provided decadeinspired spring style that’s both fun and fashion-forward. Part nostalgic, part trendy, these throwback threads currently hanging on the racks at Agnes Oh!, Wear Did U Get That and Lulu’s Wiggin Out are enough to inspire

Kara Silva, Editor

DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLISHING Laura Shaw 630-427-6213 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

Three local boutiques gave decade-inspired garments a contemporary twist for spring. In “Fashion Through the Ages,” on Page 9, see how this flashback to the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s is both fashion-forward and fun!

Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI

4 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Kelsey O’Connor, Yvonne Benson, Allison Manley, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Allison Horne, Nate Linhart PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Nancy Merkling

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 FASHION & BEAUTY 9 FASHION THROUGH THE AGES Agnes Oh!, Wear Did U Get That and Lulu’s Wiggin Out share decade-inspired spring fashion from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s

17 EVERY BODY MATTERS What is beauty? Professionals in the field discuss society’s obsession with perfection.

BUSINESS & CIVIC 20 MAKING CONNECTIONS Working World finds the right fit for local employees, businesses

22 SCAMS AND FRAUD How to protect your aging parents

24 AN UNFORGETTABLE 50 McHenry County College hits milestone of providing educational opportunities

24 AN UNFORGETTABLE 50 McHenry County College hits milestone of providing educational opportunities Photos by Nancy Merkling

6 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE 39 CLEAR THE CLUTTER Garage sales turn your ‘trash’ into another’s treasures

DINING & ENTERTAINING 42 MODERN, MIDWESTERN COMFORT FOOD Montarra Grill chef to open M Supper Club this month

TRAVEL 44 FANTASY ISLANDS Wild and wonderful (and lesserknown) island adventures in the Great Lakes

OUT & ABOUT 46 BOOK NOOK

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Great American stories by women and about women

29 FUN OVER 60

48 ARTIST SHOWCASE

Local clubs, classes and meet-up groups help retirees bask in their golden years

32 READY? SET. RUN! Get moving for a good cause with these races and fun walks

Woodstock resident Thomas Trausch shares a landscape painting, entitled ‘Doorway’

50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS See what’s happening in McHenry County this month!

34 FLYING HIGH Elevate your fitness regimen with the aerial arts

FASHION & BEAUTY

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815-444-6460 8 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHION THROUGH THE AGES When it comes to fashion, trends

from yesteryear have a tendency to resurface on the style spectrum. By revisiting your favorite era, and giving a tired look a contemporary twist, you can be fashion-forward while also injecting a little fun into your wardrobe.

Three Crystal Lake boutiques – Agnes Oh!, Wear Did U Get That and Lulu’s Wiggin Out – flipped through their racks to find several on-trend throwback threads from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. And with hair and makeup help from Mario Tricoci salon, old trends were given life anew.

Fashion is supposed to be fun! So, before refreshing your closet for spring, consider these decade-inspired looks.

-Continued on page 10

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 9

'70s LULU’S WIGGIN OUT 63 N. WILLIAMS ST. CRYSTAL LAKE 815-356-9900 WWW.LULUSWIGGINOUTBOUTIQUE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHER - RON MCKINNEY MODEL - ALEXANDRA BUSENITZ SALON SERVICES - MARIO TRICOCI IN CRYSTAL LAKE HAIR STYLIST - IVET MAKEUP - DAVINA

AGNES OH! 79 N. WILLIAMS ST., CRYSTAL LAKE 815-893-0535 | AGNESOH.COM

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WEAR DID U GET THAT 66 N. WILLIAMS ST., CRYSTAL LAKE 815-455-7500 | WEARDIDUGETTHAT.COM

FASHION & BEAUTY

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 11

12 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

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Leading Brands…

Main Street Shopping!

Casual clothing for women and men located on historic Main Street in Wauconda. The trendy boutique also carries fashion accessories, hats, scarves, jewelry, and unique gifts Tues-Fri: 11am-6pm • Sat: 10am-4pm 118 S. Main Street • Wauconda 847-526-2058 • threadsforall.com

Helping Honeymooners

since 1984

1142 N Green St • McHenry 815-385-6900 www.worldwidetraveler.net

LULU’S WIGGIN OUT 63 N. WILLIAMS ST. CRYSTAL LAKE 815-356-9900 LULUSWIGGINOUTBOUTIQUE.COM PHOTOGRAPHER - RON MCKINNEY MODEL - OLIVIA DESORMEY SALON SERVICES MARIO TRICOCI IN GENEVA HAIR STYLIST - HARPER MAKEUP - LUNA

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 13

PHOTOGRAPHER - RON MCKINNEY MODEL - OLIVIA LEDINSKY SALON SERVICES - MARIO TRICOCI IN CRYSTAL LAKE HAIR STYLIST - SHAWNA MAKEUP - STEPHANIE

WEAR DID U GET THAT 66 N. WILLIAMS ST., CRYSTAL LAKE 815-455-7500 | WEARDIDUGETTHAT.COM

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FASHION & BEAUTY

AGNES OH! 79 N. WILLIAMS ST., CRYSTAL LAKE 815-893-0535 | AGNESOH.COM

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 15

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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Every

BODY matters What is beauty? Professionals discuss society’s obsession with perfection.

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Beauty trends come and go. But every person has his or her own definition of beauty. An ideal is often created by the media, celebrities, advertisements, friends and family. And with so many competing ideals, it’s difficult to feel like you ever measure up. It’s no secret that America is obsessed with beauty, and this fascination can have a profound impact on how we judge our own appearances.

Here are some of their insights on what it means to be beautiful:

MEGAN ENGSTROM SENIOR STYLIST Blush Salon and Spa | Crystal Lake Q: What do you think is considered beautiful in America today?

A: I think beauty in America today means being able to overcome the stereotypes that society has created and truly loving yourself for who you are.

Q: How are beauty standards for women evolving?

Three local professionals in various fields were asked to weigh in on the topic of beauty.

A: Beauty standards are much different today than in the past. Women, today, are going to more extreme measures to alter their look to what they think is the acceptable beauty standard.

They provided first-hand experiences related to beauty standards and discussed how these standards impact their work and lives.

Q: What influence does the media have on beauty standards?

A: With smartphones, people have endless access to magazines, Internet and social media at their fingertips.

These all play a big part in what the beauty standards are today, and I think this can be both a very positive and negative thing. The positive thing about having such easy access to the media is that you can get beauty inspiration and ideas and learn so many amazing things.

The negative thing about the media is that people are constantly comparing themselves to one another and always trying to fit in.

-Continued on page 18

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FASHION & BEAUTY

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 17

-Continued from page 17 Q: How does this impact your work?

A: Clients come in every day with inspirational pictures of how they wish for their hair to look at the end of their appointment. This can be very tricky for us stylists because these pictures they show us tend to be extremely edited and/or have many filters.

Q: How does exercise help women feel more beautiful?

A: It’s the feeling of accomplishment, strength and the ability to see your hard work transcending into your physical appearance. It’s not just about the way you look, but how great it makes you feel afterward.

Q: Why is hair so important when it comes to feeling beautiful?

Q: In your experience, what motivates people to get fit? Is it enough to just want A: I think hair is such an important part of feeling to look better?

A: Most people start working out to either look beautiful because it allows women to express better or to get healthier. If someone is working their own unique personalities and styles out for purely aesthetic reasons, they absolutely through hair. can make a change. But most successful weight Q: What does beauty mean to you? How losses cases do come from people that have had has your work impacted how you define a deeper reason to want to change. Whatever beauty? the reason, the most important part is to just A: Beauty to me means that you accept yourself start and give it your all. for who you are and carry it with confidence.

Q: Are beauty standards helpful or Nothing is more attractive than a confident harmful when it comes to women’s fitness woman. My career has impacted my definition journeys? of beauty by connecting with so many different people from all walks of life. I’ve learned that no A: I think beauty standards are a good way to one is perfect, and we should learn to embrace feel motivated and help to work toward a goal. your own beauty. We are all unique in our own However, oftentimes, they do create more harm. ways and that’s what makes us beautiful.

Everyone’s bodies are different and will look different. This is why it’s important to always YISEL CARBAJAL strive to be a better version of yourself and not PROFESSIONAL compare to others.

FITNESS TRAINER Edge Fitness | Cary DONNA Q: How are modern beauty standards for women evolving?

A: We are slowly starting to see more women speaking up about accepting their bodies.

Women are less focused on beauty standards and more focused on loving themselves, inside and out. To me, beauty isn’t defined by the weight, color [or] height of a person, but attitude, kindness and loyalty.

Q: How has your experience in the fitness industry impacted how you view beauty?

A: I used to be someone that focused on standards. Not anyone else’s but my own. If I didn’t fit the picture in my mind of what I “should” look like, I wasn’t happy. When I started at Edge Fitness, I heard women talk the same way – have the same thoughts I used to have.

It opened up my eyes. I saw the beauty in them that they weren’t seeing in themselves in that moment. It showed me that beauty doesn’t just come from a number, but – instead – from being the beautiful, kind and brave women they were.

18 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

myself that beauty is much more expansive than that narrow definition. For me, beauty is exemplified by genuine, open smiles, confidence in personal uniqueness, fortitude to be a complex human being who can be vulnerable, strong, and caring. Beauty is present in so many ways that we sometimes overlook.

Q: Research has shown that a majority of American women are unhappy with how they look. Why do you think that is?

A: Girls look to the women around them for cues on how to think about themselves and where to place the most importance as they are building an identity. Comments that focus on girls’ appearance rather than their accomplishments or character also promote an over-importance on looks. The media and social media also play a part in advancing the damaging idea that women should constantly and critically assess and improve upon their looks to meet a socially accepted standard.

Q: What can women do to promote body positivity?

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER Personal Growth Associates Crystal Lake

A: Working on ourselves is always a good place to start. If I body-shame myself then it’s time to look at that and think about alternative, challenging statements to counter that harsh judgment. Monitoring how much we comment on others’ appearance and compare ourselves to them is another worthwhile activity.

Also, it’s important to provide to children early opportunities and education which promote body positivity. There are some great organizations, such as Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run and Boy Scouts that focus on overall health and well-being and building self-confidence.

Q: What do you think is considered beautiful in America today?

Q: What do you wish more people understood about beauty standards?

A: I think there’s still a tendency to immediately think of tall, thin, pale-skinned, able-bodied and young as some of the most beautiful characteristics. However, there is obvious movement in media and advertising toward more inclusion and celebration of all body types, ages and other dimensions, as well as greater emphasis on inner qualities of confidence and talent.

A: Beauty standards are created and maintained by persons who have the power to promote them and follow them, and by those who benefit from their existence. We cannot and should not all be the same or compare ourselves to others to decide if we’re acceptable. To strive for someone else’s concept of beauty diminishes our own unique version.

GARDNER JACOBY

Q: What does beauty mean to you personally?

A: Like so many others, I’ve been subtly educated from an early age about what I should consider beautiful. I make an effort to remind FASHION & BEAUTY

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 19

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Working World finds the right fit for local employees, businesses

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY | Photos by NANCY MERKLING When Nancy Wenzel was in college, temporary staffing companies were in their infancy.

But her mother, Barb Kalemba, a secretary for a staffing company in 1980, saw a bright future in the field. She bought the rights to her company and, armed with a recipe card box filled with names of women she knew could type and file, she began filling office jobs for local businesses through her newly-named staffing services company, Working World.

Today, Wenzel and her brother, Jim Sales, continue Kalemba’s work. They have a staff of 13 between their two offices – one in Crystal Lake and one in Fox Lake – and they employ between 300 and 375 field workers.

Despite the company’s success during the last 37 years, Wenzel – now president of Working World – and Sales have made a conscious decision to stay local.

“I think it’s important for us to keep good workers here in the community,” says Wenzel, who lives in Lakewood. “If people are working local, they’re prideful of the company they’re working for because they know it’s in their community.”

¢ FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Working World focuses on placing candidates in industrial/factory positions, mid-level clerical positions and mid- to upper-level management positions, which fits well with the jobs McHenry County offers, Wenzel says.

Most are temp-to-hire positions in which a company has an opening to fill but wants the opportunity to “try before they buy,” Wenzel says.

“Even though skills are important, fit is more important,” Wenzel says. “You can pretty much train anyone to do anything, but [employers want to] take the time to assimilate that person into the culture.”

In those situations, workers remain Working World employees, and companies pay a small fee on top of employee hourly wages to Working World.

20 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

When the city of Marengo recently needed to fill an open position, officials decided to hire an employee based on a trial period, says Jenny Snelten, finance director for the city.

Dan Schultz, controller at Serv-All Die and Tool Company in Crystal Lake, has worked with Working World since August 2015 and says their rapport is strong.

Because the city had never gone that route before, Snelten called upon Working World for assistance, and it’s been a seamless process, she says.

“We’ve gotten to the point we don’t even need to interview the employees because we trust them enough,” he says, noting Serv-All has hired dozens of hourly workers through Working World. “[If we say] we need a machinist, they can find someone.”

“The process of recruiting someone can be so time consuming, and they took all of that off of us,” she says. “All we had to do was re-interview the final candidates … [they said] here are three to four candidates to suit your needs. It was just served on a silver platter, if you will.”

¢ A GOOD RAPPORT

Working World has come a long way from a recipe box filled with applicant names. Today, the company shares job postings on social media sites, and interested candidates interview for a position with Working World staff.

Some of Wenzel’s staff are 20-year veterans, and their longevity has produced a good rapport with customer companies, she says.

“We’re a good go-between … candidates and the customers [whose positions] we have to fill,” Wenzel says. “The customers trust us. They’ve worked with us for years and if we say, ‘You’ve got to see this lady, she’s exactly what your firm needs,’ they know we know what we’re talking about.”

BUSINESS & CIVIC

At the end of the day, that’s what Wenzel enjoys most – finding the right job for local people.

“It’s really rewarding to put someone who hasn’t worked for a while - maybe [they] raised a family or just hadn’t had to work … in positions close to home, in our community,” she says.

Working World

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 21

Scams and fraud HOW TO PROTECT YOUR AGING PARENTS

A

s a youngster, your parents probably warned you – repeatedly – not to trust strangers. As your parents get older, it’s time to remind them of that vital lesson.

Seniors are frequent targets for financial scams.

Many have considerable assets and excellent credit. Growing up, it’s probable that they were taught to be polite and trusting. Extra time on their hands, accompanied by loneliness, can

cause them to listen to pitches and check out unsolicited emails. Some seniors are hearing impaired, and may believe a stranger on the phone who says it’s their grandchild who needs help with an unexpected expense. Seniors also tend to be less likely to report a crime.

Some of the most common cons involve fake cemetery plots or funeral arrangements, counterfeit medications, worthless anti-aging products, phony charity appeals, home repair fraud, lottery scams, investment schemes or a thief posing as a Medicare representative to obtain personal information.

Years ago, your parents did their best to keep you safe. Now, there are things that you can do to protect them. Visit your parents regularly.

Get involved with their finances and review statements. Use a credit monitoring service and get annual credit reports. Add them to the “Do Not Call” registry, and ask them to be extremely skeptical of telemarketers who still call.

Urge your parents not to give strangers any personal information or to make quick financial decisions, especially when pressured. Ask them to share requests and solicitations so that you can look into them. If your parents express enthusiasm about a risky investment, ask if they think you should participate; this may cause them to view it more objectively. After a parent receives a questionable call or letter, discuss the potential red flags.

Know whom they see and talk to. Carefully screen home caregivers. And, to be extra safe, lock your parents’ driver’s licenses, valuables and credit cards in a safe. This also provides a safeguard from persons hired to make necessary home repairs. Ask questions if they become withdrawn. If they’ve been victimized, encourage them to alert authorities in order to protect others.

Approaching an aging parent about his or her ability to keep making wise financial decisions can be difficult for adult children. A financial advisor can create opportunities to educate your parents about potential dangers and encourage them to take steps to prevent future problems.

u Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning, Inc., is located at 2602 IL Route 176 in Crystal and 977 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 150, in Vernon Hills. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Dorion-Gray is not affiliated with Securities America companies. Consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Written

by Securities America for distribution by Paula Dorion-Gray, CFP. 22 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Retirement Planning

815-459-6800 Crystal Lake - Vernon Hills

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Professional Guidance Personal Attention Financial Clarity

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning, Inc. located at 2602 IL Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014-2225 and 977 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 150, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1476. Dorion-Gray is not affiliated with Securities America companies.

AN UNFORG McHenry County College hits milestone of providing educational opportunities, contributing to success of community

For eight years, Robin Rutkowski had a good job as a union carpenter.

It’s not only Rutkowski who has seen the value of her education, so have her employers.

When the economy tanked in 2008, the construction industry suffered and Rutkowski found herself out of work.

“The company I’m at now is paying for it because they see it as a value,” she says.

“Whenever I need some kind of education, whether it’s just to brush up on Excel [skills] or I’m going into a new field, and I need the knowledge of that field, I can always go back to MCC. They’re always modifying [programs] to meet the needs of the companies out there.

They’re growing just as the companies out there are growing, and I think that’s awesome.”

“I decided I would go back to college,” the McHenry resident says. “I didn’t really know how to do that, since I wasn’t a teenager anymore. I’d raised a family and everything, and was in my mid-40s, and was kind of lost.”

Rutkowski visited McHenry County College, enrolled in a construction management program, graduated and found a good job as a project engineer. Unfortunately, her company went into foreclosure.

When a headhunter asked if she was interested

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY in aerospace manufacturing, Rutkowski decided Photos by NANCY MERKLING to jump into a new field. She has turned to MCC again, this time for an education in manufacturing.

Rutkowski’s success story is just one of many that has come to fruition at MCC since it opened in 1967.

As the college celebrates its 50th year of providing opportunities for students to earn a degree, enhance job skills or reinvent themselves for personal growth, MCC plans to mark the milestone with several special events that are scheduled throughout the year.

Her second time through the college’s Fast Track “It is truly remarkable how the college has program – an accelerated cohort that offers played a role in so many lives throughout our industry-specific certificates and degrees – is community,” says Christina Haggerty, interim proving to be extremely valuable, she says. vice president of institutional advancement.

“The Fast Track program is perfect for somebody “In most shops and businesses I frequent, I who’s working full time and needs to get some often meet one, two, even several MCC alumni, type of an education in a field that they’re in … all who have credited some or much of their and not have to go through the normal channels success to their time at MCC. After 50 years, we of somebody out of high school, because you want to reflect on and celebrate our rich history don’t need that – you have experience, and they and also envision the progress we hope to make take that into account,” says Rutkowski, who is in higher education over the next 50 years.”

57 years old.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

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Educating the community

MCC offers educational and cultural programs, which are open to the community, including MCC Night, the Latino Empowerment Conference, job and career expos, the Bioneers Speaker Series, Second Sunday Concert Series, Gardenfest and the Garden Walk, a free VITA tax clinic and more.

Learn more at www.mchenry.edu.

ETTABLE 50 we have our finger on the pulse of the community,” says Donna Bieschke, marketing communications specialist at MCC. “We heard from businesses and manufacturers, ‘We don’t have anybody to fix our machines that break down.’ So, that’s why we started to offer our Industrial Maintenance program – to put people in the pipeline of workers.”

Sandra Pierce, an MCC graduate and owner of Phoenix Woodworking in Woodstock, is paying for one of her employees to study industrial maintenance, and she’s been thrilled with the results.

“He’s been learning robotics, electronics and programmable logical controllers … all things ■ Supporting students he would not have known before,” Pierce says. and the community “He came to me with a skill set, and he is very When MCC opened its doors, there were 1,357 good at what he does, but our machinery enrolled students who chose between four and equipment have become so much more associate degrees and nine certificate programs, sophisticated. Instead of hiring someone from which cost just $5.60 per credit. the outside and bringing them in, I was able to send my own employee – who’s been with Today, spring enrollment at MCC is 6,489 students, and tuition is still reasonably priced at me for a number of years – and give him more $104 per credit hour. The programming, however, education.” has expanded immensely. MCC now offers seven An additional bonus is that her employee is associate degrees and 58 certificate programs. working alongside other manufacturers in the The college constantly updates its curriculum area, and as he learns about best practices in to train students in high-demand fields, such as the industry, he brings that information back to health information technology, paralegal studies, Phoenix, Pierce says. graphic arts, culinary management, robotics, “This wouldn’t have had happened unless MCC nursing, manufacturing and engineering. heard what our need was,” she says. “I believe “We’re always offering new programs because there are a lot of good jobs here in McHenry www.nwherald.com/magazine

BUSINESS & CIVIC

County, but there is a lack of skilled labor here.

So, whenever I can find a local employee who can fill [our] needs … I look to the college to help teach those skills.”

Jim Schaid of ReMax in McHenry has been on the advisory board for the MCC business department for the last 15-plus years, helping to suggest curriculum that is relevant to what the work force needs. He believes the partnership between the business community and MCC is very strong and benefits all.

“I think the business people in McHenry County have a better understanding of what we need, what we’d like to see in the ideal employee coming in the door,” he says. “We’re on the ground level … [and MCC is] responding to what the community leaders are saying we need.”

■ Innovative programming Whether it’s building a new science center – the Liebman Science Center, a 22,620-net-squarefoot facility that will open in 2018 – or offering more dual credit programs to help high schoolers get ahead, MCC is dedicated to providing programs in environments that are conducive to learning.

Sometimes innovative programming is the best way to serve an ever-evolving student population. The college’s faculty-driven Learning Communities – or “twofers” – blends two subjects in one class period, allowing students to earn twice the credit hours in half the time.

-Continued on page 26 MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 25

-Continued from page 25 Kate Midday, an English professor and coordinator of Learning Communities, says students are taught in vacuums: They learn about sociology, then put that information away and head to earth science, then put that information away and go to speech – and they never understand how the different disciplines can work together.

The marriage of two things, with intention, … will help students actually learn better.”

Learning Communities, however, allows professors to co-teach to benefit each other’s disciplines, plus provide students with different ways of looking at the same information.

“As much as our program is successful, because we have the [best] faculty I can describe, we also have the best administration,” Midday says. “They are so excited and supportive of what we do for our students, and constantly pushing innovation. That’s what good faculty need – we just need someone to say, ‘what do you want to try?’”

Midday says her students often have problems with formal argumentation papers in her Composition I classes because they don’t understand the basic principles of logic.

Conversely, even students who understand the concepts in logic often struggle with application, wanting to know how those concepts work in the real world.

“That would be ideal situation where [a philosophy professor] and I decide we are going to make a ‘twofer’ based on logic and composition,” she says. “[Students] would be implementing all of the skills they’re learning in logic to help enhance their college level writing.

New data shows that students in Learning Communities are nearly 20 percent more likely to stay enrolled at the college than those not in a “twofers” class, Midday says – a huge testament to the validity of the program.

■ Committed to success MCC has earned many accolades over the years – including being named a Top 10 best community college in Illinois by Schools.com – but what resonates with faculty and staff the most is the success of their students.

CELEBRATE WITH MCC

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, McHenry County College will host several special events throughout the year. Here is a list of events by date:

When you consider that nearly 100 percent of MCC automotive graduates land jobs, or that the college’s nursing students have a five-year average first-time pass rate for the national licensing exam of 98.6 percent, according to MCC, it’s clear that the college is successfully preparing students for their careers.

APRIL 11 – Golden Homecoming; 3 to 6 p.m.

But the college also considers it a success when students transfer to four-year universities to continue their education.

JULY 2 – MCC in Crystal Lake’s Independence Day Parade

“We provide some of the best transfer programming available, and our students often do better after they transfer from MCC to a four-year than their peers who start directly in a four-year,” Haggerty says.

NOVEMBER 10 – Friends of MCC Foundation Gala: Moonlight Masquerade

In between her Fast Track programs, Rutkowski completed her associate’s degree in construction management at MCC. The college helped her transfer her credits to Southern Illinois University so she could earn her bachelor’s degree in technical resource management.

JUNE 10 – MCC Scots Fest— art booths, auto show, food trucks, entertainment, and more

• Other events will include a Fall Opening Day celebration, multi-chamber mixer, MCC Night 2017 and the Winter Commencement. Learn more at www.mchenry.edu.

“They finally gave me that piece of paper,” Rutkowski says. “That was my proudest moment. It really was. I worked so hard for that.”

MCC believes education is a lifelong journey, Haggerty says, and the college takes responsibility for helping develop successful citizens who contribute to the future success of the community.

“Every time that we hear a story about how MCC played even a small role in a person’s future success, we have proof that we are meeting our goal,” she says.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE 8900 US Hwy. 14 Crystal Lake 815-455-3700 www.mchenry.edu

www.nwherald.com/magazine

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE Celebrating 50 Years of Education in McHenry County EVERY SUCCESS STORY HAS A BEGINNING… Ours started nearly 50 years ago when McHenry County College opened its doors to 312 full-time and 1,045 part-time students. Tuition was $5.60 per credit hour, and popular programs included Secretarial Science, Mechanical Drafting, and Business Administration.

Today over 60,000 people visit MCC’s Crystal Lake campus annually for classes, personal enrichment programs, athletics, special events, and more.

Our student body is as diverse as our offerings, and though our campus has grown, technology has improved, and popular programs have changed with the times, one thing is still the same: MCC has continued to meet the needs of its community and local workforce.

As a result, countless students and lifelong learners alike have started their own success stories at MCC. And that’s a story that never gets old.

This year, we celebrate 50 years of serving our students and helping them achieve success. We invite the Crystal Lake community—and our entire county—to commemorate MCC’s 50th and help us envision the next 50 years of education!

SAVE THESE DATES Special MCC 50th Anniversary Activities and Events •

•

•

All Year Long: View our Walking Timeline (located in the glass corridor between Building B and Building C—adjacent to the MCC Café and Commons) Wednesday, April 5 (5:30–6 p.m.)

2017 Career Exploration Showcase: Celebrating 50 Years of Industry in McHenry County Tuesday, April 11 (3–6 p.m.)

MCC Homecoming—Join Students, Alumni, Employees, and Retirees to honor MCC’s 50th and View Our Commemorative Documentary Film

• •

Saturday, June 10 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.)

MCC Scots Fest—art booths, auto show, food trucks, entertainment, and more Sunday, July 2 MCC Participates in the Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade

•

Tuesday, September 26 (5–7 p.m.)

MCC’s Annual Multi-Chamber Mixer

•

Wednesday, November 15 (5:30–7:30 p.m.)

2017 MCC Night

•

Friday, November 10 50th Anniversary Gala, Hosted by MCC and Friends of MCC Foundation

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Fun over 60

Local clubs, classes and meet-up groups help retirees bask in their golden years

By YVONNE BENSON

Some retirees say that retirement is just as busy (if not busier) than working, while others have a difficult time filling the hours.

If you’re living your golden years and are looking for a way to connect with the community (but not work or volunteer) or need something to occupy your time, there are plenty of events to attend and groups to join in McHenry County.

Park districts, religious establishments and the website www.meetup.com are great resources for meeting people and connecting over common interests. Whether you’re looking to take up a hobby, socialize or meet like-minded people, there are plenty of local clubs to help seniors stay active in the suburbs. (Some of these events and groups aren’t specifically for seniors, but all are welcome to attend or join.)

-Continued on page 30

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¢ Senior Services Associates

seniorservicesassoc.org/locations/ mchenry-mchenry-county McHenry and Crystal Lake are fortunate enough to have senior centers that offer many services – such as care coordination, home repair and transportation – and a busy calendar of activities. Many of the activities are free and low-key (think coloring and jig-saw puzzles), but most are social. Activities include movie matinees, exercise classes and line dancing. Clients also can offer suggestions for additional activities.

¢ Mar Ray Dance Studio www.marraydancestudio.com/ falldance.html

At $10 a class, Mar Ray Dance Studio in McHenry offers Zumba and ballroom classes to adults. It also has punch card passes for a discounted price.

Dancing is a good way to stay active and fit. Ballroom dance encourages good posture and core strength, while Zumba requires agility and might cause dancers to break a sweat.

¢ Algonquin Park District rec.algonquin.org

The Algonquin Park District (as well as many other park districts in McHenry County) has adult classes. In April, some of the classes offered include digital camera use, modeling, oil painting and gardening. Many of the classes are free, but some range in price from $5 to $37.

¢ Mindfulness Meditation for Psychological Growth

www.meetup.com/MindfulnessMeditation-for-Psychological-Growth The Mindfulness Meditation for Psychological Growth is a Meet-Up group at the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock. Mindfulness training teaches participants to focus their minds. Some people find that the practice leads to happiness, peace and healthy choices outside of meditation. The group is led by Celeste Ballard – a licensed counselor.

SM-CL0418310

30 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

¢ Woodstock Drum Circle

Apartment Style Living

www.meetup.com/Woodstock-DrumCircle-Come-Have-Fun-With-Us The Woodstock Drum Circle is a Meet-Up group. Some people believe that there are health benefits of group drumming, such as stress relief, improved moods and joy. The group is said to offer laughter and friendship. It meets at 3 p.m. the first Sunday of every month.

¢ Write Now – Writer’s Circle

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:

www.meetup.com/Write-NowWriters-Circle Write Now – Writer’s Circle is a Meet-Up group at the Barnes and Noble in Crystal Lake that assembles two to four times per month. They encourage people to come as often as they like to discuss one another’s writing. Members also share knowledge about writing, brainstorm plots and offer tips on getting published.

¢ McHenry VFW

mchenryvfw.org/events.html The McHenry VFW has frequent events, including bingo Fridays and Sundays; trivia on Wednesdays; fish fries on Fridays; and brunch on Sundays. It serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

¢ Crystal Lake Park District

crystallakeparks.org/index.asp Crystal Lake Park District activities for adults include watercolor painting, mahjong and open painting events.

Classes cost around $30 a person and new activities are introduced regularly.

People can even suggest an event and help organize it.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL2017 | 31

Ready?

Set. Run!

Get moving for a good cause with these races, fun runs and walks Running season is upon us!

is a Chicago Area Runner Association-certified walk and run that allows participants to choose which organization will receive the proceeds of the race fee and any fundraising they choose to do. In its first six years, the Human Race supported more than 60 local organizations serving McHenry County and raised more than $444,000. For more information, visit www. volunteercentermchenrycounty.org.

And that means it’s time to hit the pavement, trails and sidewalks, and start signing up for the races and fun runs you’ve been longing for all winter.

Whether you’re a novice or an avid runner, here is a rundown of some of the local races, fun runs and walks to get OUT OF THE DARKNESS you moving this spring: CAMPUS WALK

The March for Babies is a 3.1-mile walk that supports programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. For more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

RUN THRU THE HILLS WHEN: 8 a.m. Sunday, April 30 WHERE: AMC Lake in the Hills 12 Theaters 311 Randall Road, Lake in the Hills

Since 1999, participants have enjoyed this popular, challenging course in the rolling terrain and streets that surround Woods Creek Lake.

WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 29 The 5k Ruck Run and Walk turns the race into an ■ APRIL WHERE: McHenry High School-West Campus endurance endeavor. Participants can walk or EARTH DAY 50K/15M/5M 4724 W. Crystal Lake Road, McHenry run on the same course. Ruck Sacks must weigh WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 22 The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk raises 30 pounds and will be weighed prior to the start WHERE: Veteran Acres parking lot funds for the American Foundation for Suicide of the race and at the finish line. If you’re rucking 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake Prevention, allowing the nonprofit organization for fitness, you don’t need a fancy military-type Celebrate Earth Day by running through the to invest in new research, create educational pack – any backpack and any kind of weight woods and enjoying nature. Join Ornery Mule programs, advocate for public policy and support inside will do. A weighted vest also is permitted Racing for the 6th annual race, which takes place survivors of suicide loss. The walk begins at 9 as long as it weighs 30 pounds. at Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods in Crystal a.m. Online registration closes at noon the Friday VIKING STRONG 5K RUN/WALK Lake. The beautiful course features winding before the walk. However, anyone who would WHEN: 9 a.m. Sunday, April 30 single track, rolling hills, blossoming spring like to participate can register in person at the WHERE: Lippold Park, 851 IL-176, Crystal Lake flowers, open prairie and pine forest. For more event from the time check-in begins until the information, visit www.earthdaytrailrace.com.

The Viking Strong 5K aims to provide an walk starts. For more information, visit afsp. education on suicide prevention and awareness donordrive.com.

THE HUMAN RACE of depression in teens. Faculty, students and MARCH FOR BABIES WHEN: 8 a.m. Sunday, April 23 the parents of students of Bernotas Middle WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 29 (Start time is WHERE: McHenry County College School created the event. All funds raised will 10 a.m.)

8900 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake be donated to the National Alliance on Mental WHERE: Emricson Park Illness – McHenry County in Crystal Lake.

The annual McHenry County College Human Race is a family-friendly racing event. The event 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock 32 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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â– MAY

the city streets and sidewalks of Crystal Lake.

The race will start in front of Glacier Ridge Elementary and will wind through the Glacier Ridge area. The race will finish through the Glacier Ridge Elementary Parking lot. All proceeds from the Ridge Run will be donated The Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will to the Glacier Ridge Elementary PTA. This host its 20th annual Bob Blazier Run for the Arts. year, donations for the local food pantry will All of the proceeds for the 5K run and 1-mile walk be collected the day of the race. For more will benefit the Raue Center. For tickets or more information, visit the Ridge Race Facebook page. information, visit www.kintera.org.

5K ECORUN WALK MS MCHENRY COUNTY WHEN: Saturday, May 13 WHEN: 9 a.m. Sunday, May 7 WHERE: Prairieview Education Center WHERE: Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake Lake in the Hills Participants will run through the Silver Creek The walk to end multiple sclerosis will kick off Conservation Area and help benefit the Mchenry at the Lake in the Hills Park District and end at County recycling program Sunset Park. For more information, visit main.

COOLEY RUN 5K AND SUPERHERO nationalmssociety.org.

DASH RIDGE RUN WHEN: Sunday, May 14 WHEN: 8 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 7 WHERE: Huntley Park District WHERE: Glacier Ridge Elementary School 12015 Mill St., Huntley 1120 Village Road, Crystal Lake The Cooley Run 5K and Superhero Dash is a The 1-mile and 5K fun run will take place on BOB BLAZIER RUN FOR THE ARTS WHEN: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 7 WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

family event for novice runners of any age, and includes a chip-timed certified 5K course for the advanced runner. Kids aged 4 to 8 can participate in a free Superhero dash competition.

Participants can dress up as their favorite superhero. There will be food, music and face painting. For more information, visit ckmc.org/ cooleyrun2017.

WOODSTOCK KRAZY COLOR 5K WHEN: 8a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20 WHERE: Emricson Park 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock The fourth annual Woodstock Krazy Color 5K will benefit The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

Participants should wear a white shirt to be covered in colors. For more information, visit the Krazy Color Facebook page.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL2017 | 33

Flying high Elevate your fitness regimen with aerial art

By ALLISON HORNE

Many of us have seen the talented acrobats of Cirque du Soleil flying high above the stage in hoops and dangling from silks suspended in mid-air. But aerial art is not just for the professionals. Aerial art studios are located all over the suburbs of Chicago, providing women of all ages with an opportunity to exercise and an outlet to express themselves in a unique way.

Aerial art, which encompasses lyra, silk, sling, and even trapeze, combines performance, dance and acrobatics into a fun workout that has become more and more accessible in McHenry County.

That was also the case with Jessi Rae, the owner of Wild Roots Yoga, which contracts out of Crystal Lake and Barrington. She started teaching aerial yoga four years ago after seeing a picture of it.

“I just thought it was so beautiful,” Rae says. “It had the components of dance and yoga and it was aerial art. There was just so much happening in one art form.”

Rae’s aerial yoga classes consist of being fully supported from the ceiling in a silk sling while doing various yoga poses. They’re centered on the vinyasa method of yoga, which involves movement regulated by breathing, deep stretching, inversions and strength and toning. Classes always finish with meditation.

“Who else gets to work out in the air on a regular basis?” Leela Miller, aerial arts director at Cal Elite Kids, says. “Who can say they’re doing splits in the air on fabric that can hold an elephant? It’s just bringing “It’s really a full-body workout,” Rae says. “There’s the circus magic to the gym in a graceful, fun workout an accent on the core and creating flexibility in the that really intrigues people.” spine. There’s a lot of leg work and a lot of core strength.”

Miller was originally a dancer and gymnast, but was drawn into the aerial world two-and-a-half years ago While Rae’s classes focus solely on aerial yoga, Cal after being introduced into the circus arts.

Elite Kids offer silks, lyra and Spanish web, a coated

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Our Lifestyle at

FOX POINT

Jessi Rae of Wild Roots Yoga Photo provided

rope used for climbing training.

Aerial lyra is done in a metal hoop hanging from the ceiling, while aerial silk workouts consist of using two long fabrics hanging from one point in the ceiling.

“You’ll feel it in your arms first if you’re doing silks,” Miller says. “You might feel your abs next and your legs definitely hurt from climbing the silks. It definitely works the whole body.”

Cal Elite Kids offers a slew of aerial classes for kids, but it also recently launched an adult program for those ages 16 and older.

It also has open circus aerial training on Thursdays, which allows anyone curious in trying the training to get a taste of it without committing to anything long-term.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL2017 | 35

“You will not be any stronger in your life. I guarantee it. You’re holding your body weight. It’s a great workout.”

IF YOU GO Wild Roots Yoga

– Leela Miller, aerial arts director at Cal Elite Kids

www.wildrootsyoga.com 847-220-2421

-Continued from page 35

Cal Elite Kids

Miller says. “I guarantee it. You’re holding your body weight. It’s a great workout.”

For those interested in getting started, Intrigue Fitness in Lake in the Hills also offers aerial silk classes, and is actually where Miller took her first class.

“You don’t know unless you try it,” Rae says. “If there’s any interest at all, you should try it. Don’t let any doubt get in the way. You might fall in love with it.”

825 Munshaw Lane Crystal Lake 815-451-9600 www.elitekidsusa.com

Intrigue Fitness 9115 Trinity Drive Lake in the Hills 224-678-9943 www.intrigue-fitness.com

Aerial classes may look a little intimidating, but they’re ideal for all fitness levels and ages.

“Not only does it challenge you, but it takes you outside of your comfort zone,” Rae says. “Most people say, ‘I never thought my body could do that.’ That’s where a lot of the hype comes from. It’s a different world.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL2017 | 37

Clear the clutter

Garage sales turn your ‘trash’ into another’s treasures

By ALLISON HORNE

Spring is here, which means that it’s time to start the dreaded process of cleaning everything out – your closets, cabinets, storage unit and garage. While cleaning things out may be miserable, it’s a very necessary process that can be turned into something fun – and lucrative – if you decide to host a garage or yard sale.

Although, it’s possible to have a successful garage sale on your own, one way to garner more interest is to participate in a citywide sale or team up with your neighbors to create a one-stop shop for potential customers.

Kristi Brewer, recreation supervisor at the Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department, has launched the town’s firstever community sale, Junk in Your Trunk, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 22, in the parking lot at Village Hall.

“We wanted to create a community sale,” Brewer says. “We tried to bring everyone together so people can just make one stop instead of navigating all over.”

Brewer also is responsible for the Wheels and Deals Sale, which is held in conjunction with Junk in Your Trunk. During the Wheels and Deals Sale, residents can drop off bicycles, strollers or anything with wheels.

“If bikes are in good condition, they generally sell,” Brewer says. “In a couple of years – once you’ve outgrown it –you can bring it back to the sale, and we can continue it. It’s good for the environment to get some reuse out of items.”

Brewer is hoping for a good turnout in the event’s first year, and says they may consider doing a community-wide garage sale in the future.

All items are welcome, but they must fit in a parking spot, which is provided.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

“Items need to be priced reasonably,” Brewer says. “If you really want to sell it, if it can be priced reasonably under $10 usually things will sell. It also helps if you have a variety of items.”

For items that don’t sell, Brewer recommends donating them.

Lorraine Parisi, retail operations director for the St. Vincent de Paul Chicago Council, which has been around since 1857, is a big advocate of donating items from garage sales that don’t sell.

“Our mission is to help those in need,” Parisi says. “We want to help the poor and create systemic change. It’s all about serving others.”

Every donation to St. Vincent de Paul helps people in need in the community, including those who cannot afford to buy items they need for their home, such as furniture and clothing. The organization works with a voucher system, where – after a counseling service – assistance with food, utilities, rent or other needs are provided.

“My personal rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used it in a year, donate it,” Parisi says. “If you no longer use it, but it’s not garbage, donate it.”

St. Vincent’s has a plethora of drop boxes all over the Chicago area as well as multiple thrift stores, which also take donations. It does offer a pickup service if you have three or more large items. The Salvation Army and Goodwill are two other options for donating gently used goods.

“Don’t give us your garbage,” Parisi says.

“We provide these items to our clients and help people who are low income level and in need, but we serve them with dignity. If it’s something you would use yourself, we’ll take it.”

Whether you’re making a little bit of cash or sending donations to local organizations to help others in the community, a little bit of spring cleaning and garage sales can go a long way.

-Continued on page 40 MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 39

-Continued from page 39

¢ LOCAL CITYWIDE GARAGE SALES JUNK IN YOUR TRUNK COMMUNITY SALE AND WHEELS AND DEALS SALE

FLEA MARKET AND GARAGE SALE DAYS

¢ DONATION LOCATIONS ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Various locations svdpusa.org

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18

SPARROW’S NEST THRIFT STORE AND DONATION CENTER

WHERE: Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate Lake in the Hills

WHERE: McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Shop from cars lined in the parking lot and peruse a variety of wheeled items (bikes, strollers, etc.) at the Lake in the Hills Wheels and Deals Sale and inaugural Junk in Your Trunk event. For further information or to participate in the event, visit lith.org or call 847-960-7460.

More than 50 vendors and garage sale booths will be set up at the McHenry County Fairgrounds. The event will feature handcrafted items, direct sale vendors and local residents’ sales. The last day to apply to participate is Friday, June 2, and admittance is $2 a person, or $5 per car.

Visit mchenrycountyfair.com for further information.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 41

MODERN, MIDWESTERN COMFORT FOOD

MONTARRA GRILL CHEF TO OPEN M SUPPER CLUB THIS MONTH

By NATE LINHART

T

his month, Dave Perlick, the executive chef at Montarra Grill in Algonquin, is planning to open a new restaurant in Crystal Lake.

The restaurant will be a Wisconsinstyle eatery called M Supper Club.

“The ‘m’ is short for Montarra,” says Perlick. “We are committed to bring our proven method of gracious hospitality to a new market, especially one like Crystal Lake, which has a large demographic with a desire for more unique and high-quality menu offerings.”

Dennis Koukounaras and Niko Kanakaris.

“The Local community has supported us so well over the years and, with such a gifted team in place, we came to the conclusion it was time to grow,” Perlick says.

capture the essence of a classic Midwestern dish, or cocktail, and give it a modern touch,” Perlick says. “We look to give Midwestern comfort [food] a touch of class.”

Some menu items will include a chicken jagerschnitzel, praline-crusted walleye, oysters The general manager of M Supper Club is Rockefeller, local charcuterie and artisanal Rachel Mucci, a Crystal Lake native who has an extensive background in beverage and restaurant cheeses, and a beer and cheddar soup with pumpernickel and Fresno chile. management, says Perlick.

M Supper Club’s renovations are nearly finished, he says, and the restaurant is expected to seat about 160 inside, with an additional 40 seats available during the summer hours when the open-air patio is open.

The new restaurant will be at 394 W. Virginia St., the former location of London Pub and Grill. Along with Perlick, the owners of the new “The goal of our Supper Club cuisine is to restaurant include George Kanellos, Jim Kanellos,

In addition to the regular menu, the new restaurant will feature an entertaining food challenge inspired by a scene in the 1988 film “The Great Outdoors,” where actor John Candy tackles eating a steak dish, called “The Old ’96er.”

“We’re broiling a 64-ounce, center-cut, USDA Prime bone-in rib-eye steak and adding homemade hash browns, brandy roasted mushrooms and a super-sized chocolate shake on the plate for our challenge,” Perlick says.

Although it’s a $189.99 a plate, Perlick says that it will be free for whoever is able to complete the challenge. The dish also is available as a familystyle meal for six to eight guest, he says.

“This gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy this unique and delicious meal while seeing the bountiful presentation,” Perlick says.

Though the restaurant has “Supper Club” in its name, the restaurant is open to the public – no membership necessary.

• This story has been updated from its original version. It was originally published by McHenry County Magazine’s sister publication, the Northwest Herald.

42 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 43

FANTASY ISLANDS Wild and wonderful (and lesser-known) island adventures in the Great Lakes

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

Isle Royal

44 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

of North Woods wilderness – but don’t expect big crowds. Visitors must arrive by seaplane or There’s no better spot for that than an island boat, such as the three-and-a-half hour ferry ride vacation. The Great Lakes are full of scenic, secluded spots that feel like they’re a world away from Copper Harbor. It’s worth the journey to experience the diverse wildlife contained in such – but happen to be just a quick trip from home.

There are plenty of popular destinations, but savvy a picturesque spot. The rugged island, home to wolves, moose and 165 miles of hiking trails, is travelers can skip the crowded beaches and long open to the public from mid-April through October. lines with these lesser-known island adventures.

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all.

■ BEAVER ISLAND

■ BOIS BLANC ISLAND

Time slows down on the largest island on Lake Michigan. Beaver Island, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan, is accessible via the Charlevoix ferry from April through December. Call ahead to reserve a spot for your car on the ferry, or rent a vehicle, or bike, once you arrive. The island is a nature lover’s dream with plenty of camping, fishing, eco-tours and hiking.

Make sure to see the more than 150-year-old lighthouse, then swing by Daddy Franke’s for oldfashioned ice cream.

The lesser-known neighbor to popular Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island is perfect for a secluded, quiet getaway. There are only a handful of amenities, but Bois Blanc makes up for it with breathtaking natural beauty. After taking the ferry from Cheboygan, which runs regularly May through November, visitors can explore the untouched shorelines, dense forests and Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse. Stay at the Insel Haus, a cozy bed and breakfast, without another building in sight.

■ ISLE ROYALE

■ SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND

Located in the middle of Lake Superior, this remote South Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is the perfect spot for history island near the border of Canada is Michigan’s only national park. It’s considered a prime example buffs and nature lovers alike. Take the ferry from TRAVEL

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Camping is a popular option, but make sure to reserve a site before you go.

■ LIME ISLAND If you’re looking for a truly rustic experience, Lime Island is the perfect place. Adventurous travelers can charter a boat to take them across the St. Mary’s River from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Stay in one of the Lime Island Cottages (with limited electricity and no running water) or pitch a tent on one of the designated campsites. Hike up the bluffs for a stunning view of the river, or fish and swim along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for the black bears that call this island home.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 45

Book Nook

GREAT AMERICAN STORIES BY WOMEN AND ABOUT WOMEN

By ALLISON MANLEY

I love reading works you’d find in the classic books section. I grew up reading Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald and all of those men who wrote some version of “The Great American Novel.” But my complaint about this category of literature is that it doesn’t acknowledge women’s stories enough.

Stories about women and stories written BY women can be just as cool, intelligent and exciting as any books by and about men. To prove that point, here are a few interesting and inspiring books that fall in this category (not just because I’m a woman, but because they’re just darn good books):

■ ‘BREAKING THROUGH BIAS: COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR WOMEN TO SUCCEED AT WORK’

By Andrea S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris “Breaking through Bias” is hard to define in the best way possible.

Part self-help book, part critical study on the biases women face and part support system, it’s a must-read for any woman who has had to deal with stereotypes and discrimination in her professional life (which is probably every woman). The first part of the book walks us through studies, surveys and anecdotes that identify what the issues are surrounding gender biases: in which industries gender biases are more apparent, why women’s resumes are dismissed faster by recruiters than those of – otherwise – identical resumes submitted by men and more. The rest of the book, while adding on content in the first part, gives clear, practical advice on what to do and not to do to counter the subconscious biases that people (men and women) have about women at work.

While the book doesn’t fully address the intersectionality of gender bias, it does provide open-minded perspectives on why certain biases exist without vilifying the people who inadvertently perpetuate them.

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.

46 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Plus, there’s an immediacy to the book’s guidance that can help women instantly become better communicators, colleagues and self-promoters. Even though the priceless guidance in this book is directed toward women, I’d recommend this book to any woman or man who wants a better understanding of the extra steps women have to take just to get on an even playing field with men in the workforce.

OUT & ABOUT

■ ‘THE MOTHERS’

By Brit Bennett There’s a lot packed into “The Mothers”: it’s a novel about growing up, love, dreams, family, religion, jealousy and, of course, women. The beginning of the book introduces us to Nadia Turner, an ambitious, popular teen accepted to a prestigious college. We soon learn that Nadia is pregnant, and that the father is Luke, a former high school football star whose life was derailed after an accident left him unable to play. The novel shows Nadia, Luke and Nadia’s best friend, Aubrey, becoming adults and learning to live with their decisions, and it attempts to understand their mothers, who, for various reasons, have been absent for parts of their lives.

While a lot of the plot turns are those you’d see in melodramas, Bennett’s respect for her cast keeps “The Mothers” from being silly or trite. It’s both maddening and rewarding to see how the characters go about their decisions.

While you sometimes want to yell at the book the way you would at clueless characters in a horror movie, the terrible decisions we see being made by the young characters are hopelessly realistic.

Bennett writes as if writing were easy, giving us a perfect balance of detail and insight without bogging the writing down with the heaviness of the story. There’s a reason this book has been so lauded by critics lately – it’s a beautiful story, beautifully told.

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■ ‘THE SECRET HISTORY OF WONDER WOMAN’

By Jill Lepore While “The Secret History of Wonder Woman” is a nonfiction read about the inception of the superhero Wonder Woman, it’s filled with so many interesting characters and twists that it almost reads like a novel. Lepore shows how Wonder Woman’s creator, William Marston, was a quirky man influenced by the strong women in his personal life, and in the public eye, at the time he created the iconic character. The book explores everything from Wonder Woman’s relationship and fashion to fascism and feminism – and there’s a hefty dose of all of the above. It also discusses how Wonder Woman has affected comics and culture over the years.

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I don’t read superhero comics, but “The Secret History of Wonder Woman” makes the popular figure come to life so well that the story of how she was created became irresistible to me. With a bit of historical context, juicy details on Marston’s personal life and plenty of images taken from Wonder Woman comics through the ages, I couldn’t stop reading.

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OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 | 47

Artist SHOWCASE

THOMAS TRAUSCH | WOODSTOCK ‘DOORWAY’ OIL ON CANVAS

Woodstock resident Thomas Trausch has been offers a great variety of material from which a career artist for the last four decades. to choose.

“My work is driven by the use of both color and light,” he says, adding that both elements give the work energy. “I believe that light can impart a spiritual quality that resonates with the viewer. The design and the shapes behind the painting are what ultimately determine if the painting will succeed.”

“Doorway” features a scene from Door County, Wisconsin, which Trausch – who enjoys being immersed in the environment depicted in his landscape paintings – says

“Peninsula State Park – near Fish Creek – in the Fall, allows for the use of bold colors and composition,” he says.

He has exhibited with The Oil Painters of America, is a Master Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and has exhibited nationally for the past three decades.

The artist likes to paint in a “loose, interpretive “I have been extremely fortunate to be able to follow my dream of being a fine artist, and impressionistic manner,” he says, “with and I thank God for this,” he says. “Always a subjects that mean something to me.” challenge, making art allows one to explore Trausch has more than 1,400 original more deeply and, inevitably, find out more paintings in private, corporate and public about the maker – the artist.” collections – one notable client being Oprah To view more of Trausch’s work, visit www.

Winfrey, according to his website, www. trauschfinearts.com. trauschfinearts.com.

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.”

48 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

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CALENDAR

‘9 TO 5’ THE MUSICAL WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m.

Sundays, April 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 (An additional matinee will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8) WHERE: Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock The Woodstock Musical Theatre Company will present “9 to 5” the musical – which is based on the 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, “9 to 5” is a humorous story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. The women give their workplace a dream makeover and take control of the same company that had once kept them down. Tickets cost $24 for adults and $21 for students and seniors. For more information or tickets, visit www. woodstockoperahouse.com.

LUNCH WITH THE BUNNY WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15 WHERE: Old Towne Hall 54 Brink St., Crystal Lake Lunch with the Bunny includes a hot buffet lunch, a free photo with the Easter Bunny, a gift for each child, entertainment, music, games and prize drawings. Tickets cost $14 each. Children age 2 and older require tickets. For more information, visit downtowncl.org.

EARTH DAY MADNESS WHEN: 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, April 17 WHERE: McHenry Public Library 809 Front St., McHenry From recycled art to worm hotels, attendees will learn how to protect the Earth. The event will include information about recycling, pollution, planting and composting, and feature hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. This event is for children in Kindergarten through third grade. For more information, visit mchenrylibrary.org.

ABBA SALUTE WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 21 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock A tribute to the music of ABBA, presented by Piano Man Productions, is an experience that comes to life in a Las Vegas-style show. Tickets cost $28 for general admission, $23 for seniors and $18 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

F.O.C.A.L. SPRING USED BOOK SALE WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 22; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23 WHERE: Cary Area Public Library 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary The Friends of the Cary Area Library will host its spring book sale at the Cary Area Public Library.

Used books, DVDs and CDs will be available for bargain prices. Many children’s books also will be available. For more information, visit www. caryarealibrary.org.

ART FOR THE PAWS RECEPTION WHEN: 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 22 WHERE: Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St., Woodstock Mixin Mingle will host The Art for the Paws Community Mosaic Reception. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available as people enjoy the art created by the community, meet local artists and learn more about Helping Paws Animal Shelter. The event is open to the public. There is a minimum $5 donation. Artists and donors will be admitted free of charge, and no one under the age of 16 will be admitted without being accompanied by an adult.

The online auction site – go to www.helpingpaws. net for a link – will close at 9 p.m. April 22. A bid for a piece of art can be made through any device with Internet access, and it will start at a minimum of $25 with increases in $5 increments.

All proceeds will assist Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock. For more information, visit helpingpaws.net.

FCC ANNUAL SPRING RUMMAGE SALE WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 28; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29 WHERE: First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake The First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake will host its annual Spring Rummage Sale. Proceeds will go toward internal church programs and external missions. For more information, visit www.fcc-cl. org/home.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM ST. JUDE CHARITY EVENT WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 29 WHERE: Volo Auto Museum 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo The proceeds from the Volo Auto Museum’s annual Night at the Museum will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Attendees will enjoy their favorite characters with TV and movie cars. Event donation is a minimum of $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $9 for children ages 5 to 12. For more information, visit www.volocars.com.

‘A LAND TWICE PROMISED’ WHEN: 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 30 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock In “A Land Twice Promised,” presented by Jim May, Israeli storyteller Noa Baum grew up in Jerusalem in the shadow of the ancestral traumas of the holocaust and ongoing wars. In America, she met a Palestinian woman who had grown up under Israeli Occupation, and, as they shared memories of war years in Jerusalem, an unlikely friendship blossomed. “A Land Twice Promised” delves into the heart of one of the world’s most enduring and complex conflicts. Tickets cost $26 for adults and $21 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

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50 | APRIL 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

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