MC Mag February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

Pop! Fizz! Cheers!

We learn the differences between bottles of bubbly

Barrington White House

Forever timeless & always elegant for your special event

Page 18

Page 16

Sisterly Love Celebrate your girlfriends out & about this Valentine’s

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g n i l i z Daz The Romance Edition

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Diamonds

Dalzell Jewelers invites us into a world of glittering gems Page 8

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800 McArdle Drive, Unit G, Crystal Lake IL ronmckinneyphoto.com ron@ronmckinneyphotography.com 312-613-0674

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Editor's Note Confession time: I am a hopeful romantic.

So, I’m very lucky this issue is allowing me to revel in all things love and romance!

This month, we are looking at love and romance from many different angles: from the people we celebrate, to where to celebrate.

We’re giving you various ideas how to celebrate, with everything from sparkling wine recommendations, to restaurants offering special evenings, to weekend trips away.

Our cover story, “Dalzell’s Dazzling Diamonds,” delves into the beautiful world of these sparkling emblems of love and promise with Dalzell Jewelers, masters of these fabulous gems. We’ll learn how to look at diamonds with a discerning eye, and admire some of Dalzell’s beautiful baubles in their showcases.

In our special Wedding section, we’ll look at new trends for your Big Day, including flowers, pastries, and honeymoon destinations. We’ve also cultivated a listing of local venues you’ll definitely want to check out.

a music educator, one a certified music therapist – I think you’ll find some surprises there!

Perhaps the most uplifting story to me in this month’s collection is that of Rosemary & Bob Blazier’s enduring love: they will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this June (SEVENTY)! The Blaziers are a cornerstone of the Crystal Lake community, but their journey together began long before they came to McHenry County. They epitomize the best of the vows “to love and to cherish…” Theirs is a love story that beats any other told by book, song, or movie.

I think you’ll find something here to help you celebrate those whom you love and cherish; whether you’re in a long-term love story like the Blazier’s, or just starting out; celebrating a much-loved sisterhood; showing your family how much they mean to you; or even just because.

This issue is for everyone who loves Love.

est. 1851

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

GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ringness 815-526-4614 jringness@shawmedia.com GUEST EDITOR Dana McKenna 815-353-9797 dmckenna@shawmedia.com

We are looking at couples’ counseling as a means to preserve our cherished relationships and keep trouble at bay, too (hint: really communicate). Who doesn’t need a little help now and again?

Dana McKenna

For music lovers, we delve into the brain science behind our love of melody and harmony with two local professionals: one

Guest Editor Janet Kay - Nancy Merkling Productions

In the article “Warm & Bright” (January 2019, pages 22-23), the store name of Wear Did U Get That was misspelled. We sincerely regret the error.

They are located at: 66 N. Williams St., Downtown Crystal Lake, 815-455-7500 Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/weardidugetthat

DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Jonathan Bilyk, Elizabeth Czapski, Sue DobbeLeahy, Kevin Druly, Annemarie Mannion, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Peter Stadalsky PHOTOGRAPHERS Nancy Merkling, Ron McKinney

on the

COVER Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI IN CRYSTAL LAKE Nails: Tiffany Hair: Paige Makeup: Stephanie Photos by Ron McKinney Model: Julianne Amato of Crystal Lake A Senior at Crystal Lake Central High School, Amato has been a ballet student for 14 years with the Summers Academy of Dance. She is also a Senior Ambassador for Ron McKinney Photography.

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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

ROMANCE

TRAVEL

8 DALZELL’S DAZZLING DIAMONDS

31 GLASS HALF FULL GUY

The experts share information about the original infinity stone

10 ENDURING LOVE Rosemary & Bob Blazier tell us why they’re still the ones for each other after all these years

DINING & ENTERTAINING 12 THAT’S AMORE! Local restaurants prepare for the most romantic day of the year

14 GALENTINE’S DAY Celebrate your girlfriends’ special place in your heart at these Valentine venues

16 ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE TO YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY Bubbly libations are a surefire way of lighting up your celebration

THE WEDDING SECTION 18 SOMETHING OLD IS SOMETHING NEW Barrington White House covers all the bases for your big day

21 WHITE DOVE RELEASE Creating memorable moments for you and your guests

A Classic American Destination: French Lick, Indiana

34 CAN’T GET AWAY FOR A WHOLE WEEKEND? Local B&Bs are your ticket

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 36 ARTIST SHOWCASE Local artist and educator, Laura LaRue, experiments with encaustic

38 THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE We talk to experts about how and why music affects our brains

HEALTH & WELLNESS 40 TIME FOR A TUNE UP? Why couples counseling isn’t just for trouble

FAMILY IN FOCUS 42 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD Model Behavior Starts with Mom & Dad

BUSINESS & CIVIC 44 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION: ELIZABETH FELT WAKEMAN

Dessert isn’t just another course on a wedding day’s menu

Taking Care of Community is Her Key to Success

24 I DO!

OUT & ABOUT

26 PERFECT PETALS From bouquets to boutonnieres, local florists create floral masterpieces

28 HONEYMOON HOTSPOTS We check in with our local travel experts for popular post-wedding trip itineraries to fit every budget

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32 WEEKEND WANDERER

22 SWEET CELEBRATIONS

Extraordinary venues exceed expectations

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Snowshoe Curiosity in the Colorado Backcountry

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

46 SOCIAL PAGE Algonquin Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce celebrates members in style

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Dazzling s d n o m Dia DALZELL’S

The first diamonds were mined in India over 4,000 years ago… and the world has been fascinated ever since.

By Annemarie Mannion | Photos by Ron McKinney

D

iamonds, the world’s hardest gemstones, are indeed something to last forever - even more reason to carefully choose a gem that not just sparkles, but will become a cherished heirloom to be handed down to future generations.

Diamonds are a specialty at Dalzell & Co., a Crystal Lake jewelry store where owner Steve Dalzell says, “We eat, sleep, and breathe diamonds.”

The first step toward choosing a diamond is to become educated about them. Dalzell says it’s important to get acquainted with the “Four Cs”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

“The cut is very important because it has a big effect on how brilliant the diamond is,” Dalzell says. “Round is typically the most brilliant because of the way light is reflected.” The quality of the cut is so important Dalzell notes that even though two diamonds might be the same size, the

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one that is cut better to show off its brilliance will have twice the value.

Color is rated on a scale from D to Z, with D being the whitest. The closer the gem gets to Z designation, the more likely it is to have a yellow shade. “The rating scale actually measures the lack of color,” Dalzell says. “So, a D is the whitest diamond designation.”

The clarity of a diamond is based on how many minor imperfections, known as inclusions, the diamond has. “The fewer the inclusions, or the less visible they are, the more valuable the diamond is,” Dalzell says.

The final C is for the carat weight, which is simply the measurement for how large the diamond is. “Some people would rather have a bigger diamond than a better diamond with fewer inclusions, and some would prefer the opposite,” Dalzell says. “It really all comes down to personal taste.”

ROMANCE

There are also many different diamond shapes, from cushion to princess, round, oval, marquise and more. Currently, round and oval diamonds are very much in vogue, says Dalzell.

To choose a diamond, Dalzell recommends shopping at a store like his where gemologists take the time to explain these various elements to customers. “You want to go to a store where they will take the time to explain the differences in the diamonds you are looking at,” he says.

He also recommends buying a loose diamond rather than already mounted. “It gives you more choice. You can put a lot of different diamonds into a single setting,” he says.

Dalzell says another way to better ensure you are happy with your diamond is to choose a store like his that boasts certification from the American Gem Society, which requires on-going training and testing. “We have to get our certification updated every year and our staff is required

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We import our diamonds directly and sell them to our clients without the middleman Clients may also want to get a GIA Diamond Grading Report, which a fine jeweler can obtain from the Gemological Institute of America.

The report assesses the four Cs based on predetermined benchmarks as to the ideal diamond. Only unmounted diamonds can receive a grade because a set stone can prevent a thorough examination.

“Some people are more comfortable with a lab report,” says Dalzell. “These reports represent the opinion of the laboratory as to the quality of the diamond.” You can learn more about diamond grading by visiting the websites operated by the American Gemological Society or the Gemological Institute of America.

A fine jeweler such as Dalzell’s will also provide an appraisal that will be needed for insuring a ring or other piece of jewelry.

While sapphires glow and emeralds gleam, Dalzell says diamonds still are the most sought-after gem for an engagement ring and other jewelry pieces.

“We work with diamonds and other gemstones every day to create one-of-a-kind pieces,” says Dalzell. “But diamonds really are the most popular.”

 DALZELL JEWELERS 41 N. Williams Street | Historic Downtown Crystal Lake 815-455-3600 | www.dalzellandco.com

to participate in continuing education,” he says. “Because of our wealth of experience and knowledge, we are also able to do most all our work here in the store. We have a very well-educated, creative, and talented staff.”

In addition, Dalzell notes, “We import our diamonds directly and sell them to our clients without the middleman,” so his store can provide a diamond at a better price point than many others.

Another choice a consumer can make is between a natural diamond and a synthetic diamond, which is grown in a laboratory and is less expensive. But Dalzell says, “I prefer the natural diamond because it’s rarer and more interesting, but we are happy show people both.”

Dalzell, who has been in the jewelry business since the late 1980s and has had his store since 1996, notes that settings in white gold or platinum continue to be a popular choice among clients. But they also have set diamonds in yellow gold and rose gold.

Steve Dalzell, owner and Eric Blum, store manager www.nwherald.com/magazine

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ROMANCE

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Enduring

Love

THE BLAZIERS HAVE A SPECIAL SPARK

By Sue Dobbe-Leahy | Photos by Nancy Merkling

O

ne of McHenry County’s most well-known couples is Rosemary and Bob Blazier.

Their names are etched on several buildings, and they have both served tirelessly to demonstrate love for their community. Yet, many people know little about their 73-year romance.

where Rosemary and her parents were members.

Bob Blazier met Rosemary Riva in 1946 while both were college students at Western Illinois University in Macomb. Bob asked a friend to arrange a meeting, but the encounter ended abruptly because Rosemary was dating someone else.

Once settled in their two-room Jacksonville apartment, Rosemary was recruited by the Illinois School for the Deaf. She quickly learned sign language and did it so well the other teachers complimented her on her ability to communicate.

In the fall of his sophomore year, Bob saw Rosemary cross the street heading for a movie.

He left his fraternity brothers across the street and re-introduced himself to her. That meeting went much better. The couple went on their first date on September 9th, and Bob stole a kiss. “He was fast,” laughed Rosemary. After that, she was smitten.

Bob and Rosemary advanced quickly in their careers. Bob taught four years in P.E. and was promoted to Assistant Principal after completing his graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. Bob’s impressive resume was circulated by a search firm as an example of candidates needed for Crystal Lake Public Schools. As a result, he was asked to come to Crystal Lake in 1962 to serve as principal at Lundahl Middle School.

The couple had much in common. Both Physical Education majors, they loved music, good food, and good books. Bob gave Rosemary his fraternity pin that first year.

“The second summer, I worked hard loading freight train cars and made enough money to purchase a tiny diamond ring,” said Bob. “It was a beautiful ring and I loved it,” gushed Rosemary.

The wedding was in June 1949, one week after their college graduation. It was held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Spring Valley

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ROMANCE

Employment was the next priority and Rosemary was the link to Bob’s first teaching job in Jacksonville, Illinois. Then known for its very progressive P.E. program, Jacksonville schools had a P.E. teacher for each school.

Jacksonville had been home to Rosemary for 13 years. She had her work and her many friends, and she was also quite a talent in competitive golf and bridge. Leaving was difficult. In recruiting Bob to Crystal Lake, the school board offered Rosemary a position as physical education teacher, a career she truly enjoyed. She served as a P.E. teacher until 1968, then became a Girl’s Counselor until her retirement in 1984.

Life’s journey is full of unexpected twists, and the Blaziers’ turn at parenting was different than

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most. In 1965, Bob shared with Rosemary an article he read in the Chicago Daily News about several “unadoptable” children. The couple had earlier filed a request for adoption of an infant, but the story had them thinking about the older children who were left behind. “It was heartbreaking to read,” says Rosemary.

An idea had sparked to life, and it turned to action when Bob was at the Chicago Public Schools Administration Center for a meeting: while waiting for a colleague, Bob came across the CPS newsletter which featured an ad for adopting a seven-year-old boy who was in the foster system.

“I came home and told Rosemary I felt that we should make the call,” Bob said.

They spoke with social worker Laura Epstein, who cut the red tape and made the connection with 7-year-old John. “It was John who interviewed us, and we were hooked,” remembers Rosemary.

John had been in the foster system since he was 18-months old. After two-months of visiting the Blaziers on weekends in their Crystal Lake home, the adoption was finalized on July 1, 1965. “Having been in many foster homes in his short life, John handled his adversity well. He never spoke negatively about the people

who may have treated him poorly,” explains Rosemary.

“John was, and is, a great athlete, and a wonderful blessing to us,” said Bob. The family thrived in Crystal Lake.

Bob and Rosemary serving on many committees and boards, and giving time, talent, and treasure to many organizations. John grew up and married Amy Fantner, his high-school sweetheart.

The young Blaziers have followed the example of John’s parents’ marriage, and are approaching their own 35th wedding anniversary.

Over the decades, Bob and Rosemary served the community in many roles.

Bob went from school district leadership to hospital administration. He was Vice President of Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, which evolved into Centegra and now is Northwestern Medicine. Rosemary was instrumental in forming the Women’s Cancer Care Complex, now known as the Sage Cancer Center.

In the 1990s, Bob took on the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and led as President for 17 years. He retired from the Chamber in 2008 - but was not ready to fully retire. Home State Bank recruited Bob and he continues to work there.

Three years ago, on her birthday, Rosemary suffered a stroke which kept her in the hospital for 100 days. Bob, John, Amy, Blaziers’ granddaughters, and many friends spent countless hours giving Rosemary encouragement and love.

“Recovery and rehabilitation are a slow process that can be frustrating,” Rosemary sighs.

Bob, her greatest cheerleader, says “She is a fighter and has great faith. Her physical therapists were happy to have her because she was always smiling, enjoyed the exercises, and never lost her ‘spark’! She can always light up the room.”

Today, Bob and Rosemary count their many blessings: family, friends, community, fun, music and laughter.

They share seven decades of life’s journey, and although there are ups and downs, they have kept calm and carried on – a personal mantra for them.

Spending time with the Blaziers, talking about life, family, and romance instills renewed faith in long-lasting love.

Bob and Rosemary will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this June, continuing the joyful journey they have shared together.

“Little things make the difference; Rosemary loves when I fix her a meal, or just make her laugh. Her eyes light up the room when she sees someone she cares about, and that happens often. She is always giving to others.”

-BOB BLAZIER

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ROMANCE

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! e r o Am That’s

Local restaurants prepare for the most romantic day of the year

By Jonathan Bilyk

O

ne year ago, Sallie and Massimo LoBue celebrated the most romantic day of the year by welcoming dozens of guests to their dining room, at the then-new 750° Cucina Rustica in Cary.

This Valentine’s Day, the LoBues are expecting even more, as few things go better with Valentine’s Day than the Italian cuisine that form the heart of the restaurant’s menu.

“We had a great Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve,” said Sallie. “And we anticipate Valentine’s Day to be very, very popular for us this year, too.”

Across the McHenry County region, diners will have no shortage of quality options, as they seek to bring a heaping dose of flavor and art to their Valentine’s Day celebrations, with a romantic and fun dinner out.

Here are some of the special options diners can find this year during the second full week of February. And be advised: reservations are highly recommended for all options.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

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 DUKE’S ALEHOUSE & KITCHEN

 BIAGGI’S

110 North Main Street, Crystal Lake 815-356-9980

Algonquin Commons 1524 South Randall Road, Algonquin 847-658-5040

Keeping with what has become an annual tradition, Duke’s will celebrate the entire Valentine’s Day weekend with a little friendly competition. The restaurant and brewery will again allow couples to engage in its special “Beer vs Wine” dinner.

“We have 150 different beers, and a great wine list,” said chef owner Zak Dolezal. “This is one of our best beer and wine pairing events, and it shows in the following it’s built up while we’ve been doing it.”

Dolezal said guests should expect to pay about $50$60 per person. For that price, they’ll receive four pre-determined courses, including entrees featuring such ingredients as escargot, pork belly and oysters.

All the dishes will be paired with tastings of the establishment’s beer and wine choices.

Dolezal said food choices will be “more aphrodisiactype foods,” playing on “textures and flavors,” and still featuring locally-sourced ingredients. There will also be vegetarian options and diners are always welcome to order from the regular menu.

Valentine’s Day evening will also feature live jazz performed by the Rick Embach Duo. The tastings event, however, will run from Thursday, February 14th, to Sunday, 17th.

“It becomes a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ thing, typically,” Dolezal said. “It appeals to all crowds and is just a great time.”

 DA BAFFONE CUCINA ITALIANA 111 North Main Street, Crystal Lake 815-893-6149 Over the last eight years, Camille Giangrande has regularly welcomed large crowds of romantic and hungry couples to her dining room at Da Baffone.

Yet, despite packages and specials galore, Giangrande said nothing sells better than the regular menu of Italian classics on the year’s busiest day for romantic dinners. The restaurant will likely feature a “surf-and-turf” steak and seafood special, but in general, “we’re not going to change anything,” Giangrande said.

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, she said couples can also expect to be able to take advantage of the restaurant’s regular wine lovers’ deal, as Da Baffone offers all bottles of wine $50 and up at 50 percent off. Dinner on Valentine’s Day is by reservation only, she said. “It’s always one of our most popular days, and we’re pretty sure that’s not going to change either,” she said.

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Jason Chablani, managing partner at Biaggi’s of Algonquin, understands local couples have a range of options for a special evening out in the region for Valentine’s Day. But Chablani said the difference comes in the food, service, and ambience. And he says Biaggi’s excels at each of those elements of a proper Valentine’s meal.

He noted Biaggi’s “chef-driven kitchen,” which prepares everything from scratch, delivering food with “an amazing team of servers,” amid a rich, warm dining area, with a fireplace. “If you care about food, wine and service, it’s a place you will always be happy to bring a date,” Chablani said. The Valentine’s Day menu will likely include a host of specials in partnership with Butcher on the Block, much as the restaurant did on New Year’s Eve. The evening before Valentine’s Day, on Wednesday, February 13th, the restaurant will offer couples the chance to partake in what Chablani called a special “chef-driven wine dinner.” The package, which will run around $60 per person, will offer guests a 5-course dinner, paired by the chefs with a selection of wines. The menu and wine list for the event will be posted on Biaggi’s of Algonquin’s website and Facebook page at least a week before the event.

Reservations are required for the special wine dinner.

 750° CUCINA RUSTICA 7 Jandus Road, Cary 847-829-4933 Sallie LoBue said the allure of 750° Cucina remains simple: “We offer quality food, cooked in a 750-degree brick oven, in a nice setting, not far from where our customers live. We’re a great opportunity for people to get away somewhere nice, without going far.”

For Valentine’s Day this year, the restaurant will offer primarily its regular menu, including such favorites as lobster ravioli and its homemade lasagna. She said they also anticipate a surf-and-turf special and will feature a selection of premium wines. For couples looking to dine a day early, the restaurant will offer $15 wine bottle specials. “We serve traditional fare, but it’s so good,” she said.

Reservations are highly recommended!

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Photos courtesy of Gifford’s Kitchen and Luke Rayson @lukerart.design for 1776

Galentine’s Da Whether it’s dinner and a show, cocktails and appetizers, or getting a little messy and creative, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your love and friendships this month. Why not go for a Galentine’s Day and get together with the girls for a night out?

Dressed up or keeping it casual, Jeff Murray says a table at Gifford’s Kitchen in Elgin is a perfect way to enjoy an evening out. Not quite a year old, the restaurant melds history with a nod to the community’s roots, and a menu and events calendar that makes planning a night out simple. See their website for dates and tickets for dinner and a show, or make reservations for dinner and catch live entertainment, or test your knowledge at a trivia night.

Murray and his business partners Rich and Missy Turasky have created a venue that pleases the eye as well as the palette, while infusing history throughout. Walking through the entrance, you see a 200+-year-old barn door which establishes a rustic look that draws the eyes toward the barn beams on the ceiling. The restaurant’s name invokes history

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with a nod to the founding settlers of Elgin.

Go beyond the extensive wine menu and consider a drink made from vodka infused in-house with pineapples and oranges, or the bourbon, also infused in-housewith bing cherries, vanilla beans, and oranges. With entertainment, weeknight specials and the appeal of the beautiful outdoor patio in warmer weather, there will be plenty of reasons to plan a return trip For those yearning to get in touch with a creative side, check out the new Crystal Nicole Designs in downtown McHenry where visitors can create their own custom home decor. Former teachers Nicole Fitzgerald and Crystal Rubenstein have left behind their desks to create a classroom in their woodshop

DINING & ENTERTAINING

studio, leading groups through a process of creating one-of-a-kind home décor signs.

“I have a love for everything art,” says Fitzgerald who admits that when she was nine, she started taking wood from her dad’s carpentry business and creating her own art creations.

The do-it-yourself shop has classes, camps, hosts bridal showers, birthday parties, and there are weekly hours for open workshops, perfect for those who prefer to come solo or with a small group. Prices start at $55 and include all materials and instructions. Check the website for class times and projects “My goal is for everyone to leave here with something they’re going to hang up in their house,” Fitzgerald says.

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Day

Getting married? We have a Wedding Registry Who says you have to be “a couple” to celebrate the people you love?

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

at Kitchen Outfitters. Come on in and register for many unique kitchen items you can’t find anywhere else.

We have what you need to whip up a romantic Valentine meal.

YUMMY PASTA DISH

And for those searching for a gastronomic delight, head to 1776 in Crystal Lake. The farm-to-table restaurant features a menu of locallysourced foods. Serving up fine dining is part of the venue’s 28-year history.

“We like to let the food be the artwork,” says owner Rhienna McClain Trevino.

“It’s about the food, but it’s about the people too. We’ve worked really hard to put together a menu that can accommodate everyone. Because everyone deserves good food, no matter your palate or dietary restrictions, we have something for you.”

And the attention to detail goes beyond the food. Find rare bourbons and whiskeys, a crafted wine list and more.

“If you’re looking for something a little more unique, we also have a cham-bong, which is a champagne bong. It has

recently become a ‘must-try’ at the bar,” says McClain Trevino.

With weeknight specials including halfpriced nosh, tapas and – yes – the $5 Tito’s vodka martinis, there are just a few great reasons to return for a visit or two.

 GIFFORD’S KITCHEN AND SOCIAL 2300 Bushwood Drive, Elgin 847-649-3900 www.giffordskitchen.com  CRYSTAL NICOLE DESIGNS 3411 W. Elm St., McHenry 815-669-0522 www.crystalnicoledesigns.com

(adapted from Oh She Glows) 12 oz of your favorite pasta ½ cup hummus (fusilli pasta works great) ¼ cup hemp hearts 2 cups of Easy Marinara Sauce Cook and drain the pasta, put back into the pan and mix in all the ingredients. Cook till heated throughout and enjoy with your Valentine.

EASY MARINARA 1 large sweet onion, chopped 4 large cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp salt

2 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes 2 bay leaves ½ fresh basil, chopped

Sauté onion and garlic, when softened add salt, tomatoes, bay leaves and oregano and simmer for 30 minutes.Add fresh basil.

This sauce freezes great!

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Add a little

to Your Valentine’s Day Whether you prefer dry, sweet, or something in between, a sparkling wine is a perfect pairing with love and romance.

By Kevin Druley

sked to differentiate between sparkling wine and Champagne, Jason Chablani, managing partner of Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano in Algonquin, chuckled and posed a question himself: he wanted to know how in-depth he could get.

Although many who have sampled sparkling wine can attest to its friendly palate, the same group may not be aware of the complexities behind its fermentation. Or the European geography lesson that helps drive things home.

WITH EXPERTISE FROM CHABLANI AS A GUIDE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT MAKES A SPARKLING WINE A SPARKLING WINE.  GRASPING THE GRAPE “It’s all in how you ferment the grapes,” Chablani said. “Any wine could be sparkling in terms of how you ferment it. In order to make alcohol, you have yeast and you have sugar.

When yeast eats sugar, they excrete carbon dioxide and alcohol, and depending on how you make the wine, whether you trap the carbon dioxide to make it sparkling or release it for non-sparkling.”

 TRYING TO PLACE IT “In the old world, they typically name their wine after the region. So, in order to be called a Champagne, you had to have been made in Champagne, which is in France,” Chablani said.

“For example, Chianti is a place, not a grape. Champagne is a place, Bordeaux is a place, Burgundy is a place. So, Champagne is a place, and it’s an area in France where they’re famous for making this style of wine.”

“In America, I don’t believe it’s illegal to call something a Champagne that was made, say, in California, but I just don’t think it’s done. But in other countries, it would be illegal,” explains Chablani. You could make a sparkling wine, like a Brut, which is a very dry wine. That can be made in Italy, and it can be made in California; you could have it made in France, and they all might be very similar. But Champagne is only from that area of France.

 POPULAR PICKS “Now, Prosecco is generally the same style as what would be traditionally known as Champagne, which would

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be a drier, carbonated wine, typically drunk from a flute,” Chablani said.

“Moscato, they have much more residual sugar. Champagne is traditionally dry because they leave the yeast to eat the sugar for a long period of time. So that means there’s less sugar left, which makes it a dry drink. But Moscato is done differently.

There’s a lot of sugar added, so that even though the yeast eats the sugar to create alcohol and it makes a fizzy wine, there’s still a lot of sugar left. So, a Moscato is so different to a Prosecco. Both are fizzy, but a Moscato would typically be drunk from a wine glass and is much, much sweeter, almost like a dessert wine.”

Whatever you enjoy, dry to sweet and everything in between, you and your Valentine can add some sparkle to your celebration.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

Local Sparkling Wines of Note Chablani said Biaggi’s top selling sparkling wine is Bricco Riella, a type of Moscato. Patrons can order a glass for $8.49 or try a bottle for $32. He added that sparkling wines need not be white wines. A popular sparkling red, also from Italy, is Lambrusco. M Supper Club in Crystal Lake sells two kinds of Proseccos: Tiamo ($10/glass, $38/bottle), and Adami ($46/bottle). The establishment also offers a sparkling rose from the Kir-Yianni vineyards of Greece ($10/glass, $38/bottle).

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SOMETHING OLD

IS SOMETHING

New

BARRINGTON’S HISTORIC WHITE HOUSE IS IDEAL FOR HOSTING UNIQUE WEDDINGS B y E l i z a b e t h C z a p s k i | P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f B a r r i n g t o n ’s W h i t e H o u s e

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Janet Kay of Nancy Merkling Productions

Tamara Jaros Photography

I

n 1898, John and Julia Robertson, Jr. built a grand mansion on Barrington’s Main Street.

Over a century later, the house still stands as Barrington’s White House, an intimate and historic space for corporate events, cultural events, and perhaps most significantly, weddings.

Renovated in 2015, the house is on the National Register of Historic Places and has three floors, a front porch with beautiful Corinthian columns, a luxurious bridal suite, a “groom’s room,” a full catering kitchen, and seven bathrooms. And when you rent it for your wedding, the whole house becomes yours.

This aspect really sets it apart from other wedding venues, according to Tamara Tabel, the White House’s Marketing Director.

“If you rented something in a banquet hall, you might be sharing the bride’s room or the bathroom with the other bride, who’s also hosting a wedding across the hall,” she said. “But when you rent the White House, you can have the entire house just for your wedding. So, it’s very private and intimate and has a nice warm feel, because it really was someone’s home.”

At the White House, the wedding ceremony and reception take place in one building, which makes

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for a relaxing event without guests and vendors having to shuffle from location to location. The ceremony takes place in the mansion’s thirdfloor ballroom with its 16-foot arched ceilings, chandeliers and brocade curtains. After the ceremony, the couple and their guests move to the first floor for cocktails, where they can relax and move around easily through the foyer, parlor room, fireplace room, dining room, and study.

Then, during the cocktail reception, the ballroom is set up for dinner and dancing, and the rest of the night can begin.

In theory, this sounds simple; in practice, there are florists, caterers, DJs, photographers and more working behind the scenes. Jennifer Salvatore, the White House’s Hospitality Manager, is an expert at balancing all of this. She specializes in helping couples make the White House their own, and she asks them about their style and vision so that she can help make it a reality.

“The planning process for each event, whether it be a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, welcome party or wedding, is unique and distinctive because clients really love to personalize the mansion for their special day,” Salvatore said.

“I try to take more of a consultative approach with our couples, providing them with guidance WEDDING SECTION

every step of the way. I often work with their photographers and florists who come in prior to plan and prepare for their big event. I enjoy being involved every step of the way.”

The White House has a list of preferred local vendors who they work with often and know well.

Jennifer, assisting in finding the perfect fit, sealed the deal for Maureen Butler and her husband, who had their wedding ceremony and reception at the White House.

“Jennifer held our hand the entire time. And the follow up was impeccable. We just felt cared for,” Maureen said. The day of the event, she was impressed by how well the vendors she used worked together. “They knew each other, and they knew how to work flawlessly behind the scenes to make the event amazing. It was just this perfectly flawless experience,” Maureen said.

“Apart from the fact that the home on its own is a beautiful backdrop for a wedding — it has its own personality, its own character, its own charm — it had everything in one location,” Maureen said.

“Our guests could do everything in one house, from the cocktails to dinner to dancing, and nobody ever had to leave the venue, which was really important for us.”

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It has its own p e r s o n a l i t y, its own c h a r a c t e r, i t s own charm…

Barrington’s White House isn’t just limited to weddings and receptions — the mansion hosts other, less-traditional wedding events as well.

Kyle Muza of Little Tree Studios

The night before her wedding, Lauren Weidner wanted to celebrate and welcome her family and friends in an intimate space with a welcome party, and for her, the White House was the perfect venue. She had her rehearsal dinner with the bridal party and her immediate family on the third floor, then went down to the first floor for a welcome reception with 75 friends and family who were in town for the wedding.

For this event, location was everything to Lauren.

“I grew up in Barrington, so it was really important to me that we showed off the town, and the White House is such a special little gem,” she said. “It felt so special to have all of that be in the same place, but upstairs felt so different from downstairs.

Everyone who was at the rehearsal dinner basically got to attend two events in one, and there’s so much beauty and character in that home,” she said.

“It just felt warm and welcome and cozy, and that was what we were going for our whole wedding weekend. We wanted everyone to feel like they were part of this warm, intimate space, and the White House really fit that.”

Lauren said Jennifer Salvatore took away some of the chaos of wedding-planning by being extra accommodating to Lauren’s and her husband’s schedules. They live in the city, and Jennifer would stay late at the White House to let the couple do walk-throughs. “The White House went above and beyond to make sure that we had the event we really wanted to have. I could not recommend it enough,” Lauren said.

While Lauren had a pre-wedding party at the White House, Louise Wright’s daughter Shawna had a wedding reception at the house. Shawna had an intimate wedding ceremony out of state and trusted her mother, Louise, to plan a reception in Illinois for family and friends who couldn’t make it to the wedding. Barrington’s White House was the first place Louise went.

“When I walked in, I knew there would be no other place that I would want to have the kind of party I wanted for my daughter. It was perfect. I never looked anywhere else,” Louise said.

When her daughter saw the venue for the first time, “she was instantly enraptured,” Louise said.

“She didn’t know what to expect, and she was gushing at how beautiful it is.”

The party, Louise said, was a rousing success.

The catering was stupendous, and relatives with disabilities could get around easily, which was a concern for Louise starting out. The entire experience, she said, was “elegant, genteel, and homey. My goal was when people came to this party at the White House, they felt like they were actually coming to my house. And people were admiring how wonderful and beautiful it was -- how this is like a little hidden secret in the northwestern suburbs.”

Shawna loved it too, especially because she’s a history buff and wanted a simplistic style. They didn’t need to do a lot of decorating: the house, Louise said, “is so beautiful that it does not need adornment.” She continued, “Once upon a time, someone lived in that house. It really was someone’s home and they were happy. You can feel it.”

BARRINGTON’S WHITE HOUSE Felix Rust of Felix and Sara Photographers

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1 4 5 W. M a i n S t r e e t | B a r r i n g t o n 2 2 4 - 5 1 2 - 4 1 1 5 | w w w. b a r r i n g t o n s w h i t e h o u s e . c o m

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A BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY Photos courtesy of White Dove Release

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Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day Give her Everything She Deserves.

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By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by Nancy Merkling

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N

ot long after opening the doors to Konrad’s Bakery, owners Beata and Konrad Kochmanski greeted their first couple and their first wedding cake assignment. The memory of that cake and the relationship that developed is what brought the first couple back to the Lake in the Hills bake shop for a cake to mark their fifth anniversary.

“It’s what we love,” says Beata Kochmanski, who manages the business and assists her husband, Konrad, the bakery and cake decorator. “We love our customers.”

For many couples, the cake isn’t just another course in the wedding day menu, it can be a central part of the day’s celebration. It’s not unusual for couples to come in with photos of what they’d like to see for their wedding cake or share a Pinterest page of ideas, but the expertise of a baker can help couples ensure their selection works well. Beata Kochmanski says, “For instance, a lemon and raspberry mousse filling can be a light, sweet treat in a cake or cupcake for a spring and summer wedding; but whipped cream frosting isn’t the right choice for an outdoor wedding venue in the warm summer months.”

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Some couples want a delicious cake but need to keep it within budget. Beata Kochmanski says there’s a dessert option for every budget. For example, a few extra fresh flowers from the florist and a cake topper can be a simple and cost-efficient way to decorate a cake. Some couples have opted for a small cake to cut and then serve guests from a sheet cake or offer a dessert table of cupcakes and pastries rather than a large, multi-tiered cake, Beata Kochmanski says.

Cupcakes remain a popular choice for couples and a great way to offer guests several flavors to choose from, says Kim Loewe of Kiera Confections Cupcakes & Ice Cream. The McHenry bakery boasts more than 20 flavors of cupcakes to choose from, though Loewe says when it comes to weddings, favorite filling flavors are chocolate salted caramel and a strawberry champagne cupcake with champagne butter cream frosting, adding the light texture and pretty design make it a favorite during the busy wedding season.

Crystal Lake Travel

Couples are not limiting themselves when it comes to dessert options. Loewe says couples love sweet tables offering their guests an array of delicious options including cheesecake bites, lemon bar bites, brownie bites, and sugar cookies too.

For some, the wedding dessert is a chance for the couple to let their personality shine. Beata Kochmanski says they’ve created a number of wedding cakes with a nod to the Cubs or other favorite sports teams.

Loewe says she recently made wedding cupcakes topped with small chocolate motorcycles for a couple that loved their Harley Davidsons.

Both bakers say they love being a part of a couple’s special day and how it leads to other life celebrations and a special relationship between baker and customer. “We’re not just here for the wedding, but for baby showers, first birthdays and all the greatest joys,” Loewe says. “That’s the part that’s most rewarding to me.”

As for the tradition of preserving the top tier of the wedding cake in the freezer and eating it on the first anniversary, Beata Kochmanski says skip it. “That is one tradition people should ditch,” Beata Kochmanski says. “At your wedding, eat your whole cake and then come back in a year and get a cake you can actually enjoy.

 KONRAD’S BAKERY

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! o ID Extraordinary Wedding Venues with the “Vow” Factor

 ALL SEASONS ORCHARD

 BRIX ON THE FOX

 SHORES OF TURTLE CREEK

Woodstock | 815-338-5637 www.allseasonsorchard.com

Carpentersville | 847-844-8010 www.brixonfox.com

Long Grove | 815-675-0001 www.shoresofturtlecreek.com

Celebrate your special day with friends and family at All Seasons Orchard. The beautifully landscaped rustic outdoor wedding venue provides the perfect location for couples seeking an elegant farm setting for their outdoor wedding ceremony and air-conditioned barn reception.

Whatever size crowd you’re inviting, Brix has 9600 sq. ft. to roll out the welcome mat. Originally constructed around 1888 for the Illinois Condensing Company (later renamed the Borden Condensed Milk Company), when it was purchased in 2014, the building was returned to its original historic condition.

The Shores has captured elegance in a series of urban-chic buildings on the grounds. Guests enjoy the charming oasis of natural splendor and comfortable accommodations for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Breathtaking spaces include plenty of room for ceremonies, cocktail areas, tents, chairs, stages, and dance floors both inside and out.

 AVANTÉ

 DOLE MANSION

Fox River Grove | 847-287-1006 www.avantebanquets.com

Crystal Lake | 815-455-8000 www.lakesideartspark.com

Since September 2017, Avanté Banquets and Conference Center has offered fine dining and a timeless experience, brought to you by owner George Kalkounos and family. Avanté prides itself on service and quality and we want to help you create a memorable day, whether you are looking for a more intimate setting under 100 people or hosting 550 people.

Steeped in local history, the Dole Mansion at Lakeside Park is a Civil War-Era building restored to its original glory. From its beautiful entryways, to the elegant galleries for ceremonies and receptions, the Dole Mansion can combine different rooms to accommodate a wide range of party sizes, from intimate to blow out.

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 SOULFUL PRAIRIES Woodstock | 847-366-6743 www.soulfulprairies.com Always open to new ideas, the people at Soulful Prairies enjoy supporting others in finding and creating their dreams. The property and the animals create an undeniably peaceful place. They also have accommodations on-site for groups or individuals who would like to stay for more than one day. Soulful Prairies can offer additional services to enhance your special day.

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D’Andrea Banquets

Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Showers Anniversaries Christenings Conferences

 STARLINE FACTORY Harvard | 815-943-4805 www.starlinefactory.com An historic event space, the Starline Factory is crafted with industrial elegance and highlights the structures’ original architectural design. With exposed brick walls, beautiful wood columns and beams, and walls of Starline ivy, it creates a unique, casually elegant space. Additionally, Starline can produce a menu that matches your style, budget, and vision.

 TURNBERRY COUNTRY CLUB Lakewood | 815-455-0501 www.turnberrycc.com The staff at Turnberry is committed to servicing your wedding from start to finish. From room design to menu development, event timing to personal

touches, all details are coordinated by dedicated management staff. Turnberry shares your vision to make the perfect celebration, allowing you to sit back, relax and be guests at your own wedding.

 WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE Woodstock | 815-338-4212 www.woodstockoperahouse.com The Opera House offers historic elegance in conjunction with a wide variety of services. Built in 1889 and beautifully restored, the Opera House offers a unique experience while relaxing in a small-town atmosphere. The modern facilities and professional staff will make your wedding a memorable and pleasurable experience for participants and hosts.

Our staff invites you to review our creative and affordable menu packages at dandreabanquets.com.

Call us today for a friendly consultation and discover how easy it is for us to handle every detail for your next event

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Perfect Petals

Planning ahead with florists creates one-of-a-kind memories on your special day

By Annemarie Mannion | Photos by Nancy Merkling You’ve selected a venue and a wedding dress. Now it’s time to consider another element that will make your wedding stand out from all others: the flowers. From the bridal bouquet to the centerpieces to chair decorations, you’ll want flowers your guests will be admiring – and even snap photos to share on Instagram.

Wendy Legare and Lynn Nattress, co-owners of Apple Creek Flowers in Woodstock, say that many couples today want flowers that don’t look too formal. “They’re soft and flowing,” says Nattress. “They look like a hand-picked bouquet – but a hand-picked bouquet that doesn’t look messy or weedy. It still has to look good – have good design, good balance, and will photograph well.”

They also find many brides are putting a personal item in their bouquets – a piece of lace worn by their grandmother or a cherished cameo passed down in their family. “Brides want something in their bouquets that’s personal to them,” says Legare.

Another trend is to include a memorial table at the reception where homage is paid to a family member or loved one who’s passed away. The table might include a framed photo of a loved one and surrounded by flowers.

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“As far as colors, they’re doing just about anything, but they’re incorporating a lot of greenery and succulents for a look that’s light and airy,” says Linda Mahoney, owner of Chapel Hill Florist in McHenry.

That trend extends to the boutonnieres worn by the groom.

“Boutonnieres have gotten a lot simpler, smaller and with a lot of greenery,” Mahoney says.

Amanda Nicolai, floral designer for Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center in Crystal Lake, agrees today’s couples want flowers that don’t look too contrived. “They don’t want everything to be too ‘matchy-matchy’ as long as it coordinates,” she says.

Nicolai and the other florists agree that flowers shouldn’t be an element that’s left to the last minute. They ask couples to show them photos or other inspirational items that can help the designers create bouquets and other arrangements the couple will love.

A good florist will also caution couples to learn what flowers cost so they can create a budget allowing them to include the flowers they love. With planning and care on the part of the bridal couple, a florist can tie an entire ceremony together, creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

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 APPLE CREEK FLOWERS 209 North Throop Street | Woodstock 815-338-2255  CHAPEL HILL FLORIST 2913 West IL Route 120 | McHenry 815-344-0290  COUNTRYSIDE FLOWER SHOP, NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTER 5301 East Terra Cotta Avenue Crystal Lake 815-421-1985

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Apple Creek

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Honeymoon HOTSPOTS

Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes and are based more on the couple’s joint personality than on tradition.

By Elizabeth Czapski

Photos courtesy of Laura Adcock, and Cary Travel Express Clients

T

he “honey” in honeymoon comes from Old English and refers to the sweetness of marriage.

How better to celebrate that newly-married sweetness than with a trip to somewhere new and exciting? But where to go? Local travel experts Neelie Kruse and Laura Adcock weighed in.

Kruse, owner and founder of Cary Travel Express, said one popular destination is Europe — specifically Italy. The Amalfi Coast especially, she said, is “very romantic,” and from there it’s easy to hop over to the picturesque Italian island of Capri.

Adcock, a Cruise Planners travel advisor, said that many of her clients want to explore their heritage on their honeymoon trips. She thinks this is a result of ancestry DNA services becoming popular.

These heritage trips commonly end up being cruises or tours in European destinations such as England, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy, Adcock said.

According to Kruse, “adventurous, exotic-type honeymoons” have grown in popularity over the past few years, especially African safaris and trips to Thailand.

For the sea dogs among us, Alaska has been “in high demand,” Adcock said. “It’s just great beautiful country, and with global change occurring, glaciers are starting to melt, so people want to get out there and see them before they’re gone.”

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 Â? Â? Â? Â? Â

� ­

Adcock added that Caribbean and Grecian cruises are great for those searching for a warmer climate.

For travelers with an unlimited budget and a preference for fresh water, European riverboat cruises are a unique and luxurious option, Adcock said. Viking Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Ama Waterways offer a variety of tours: float down the Rhine or the Danube or explore the canals of the Netherlands and the rivers of Belgium.

The most romantic — and expensive — honeymoon Kruse knows of lies across the world from the rivers of Europe in French Polynesia, on the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora. But when it comes to budget, Kruse said, “We can pretty much fit something into just about any budget. There’s something for every honeymooner.�

Kruse said there are numerous options for couples looking to watch their spending: a week on the beach in Florida, a trip to Cape Cod or San Antonio, a long weekend in New Orleans, or a three- to four-night CancĂşn package. Adcock recommended a four-to-five day all-inclusive to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, calling it “budget-friendly.â€?

There’s something for every honeymooner.

Adcock said that couples tend to wait longer to get married now than in years past, and that can give them an opportunity to save more money for a honeymoon. “They get married, and sometimes they take their honeymoons three or four months after the fact, or in the summer just so that they can have a nice experience,� she adds. Many couples are looking for a more luxurious experience, and “everybody defines luxury as something different,� Adcock said.

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WEDDING SECTION

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The Glass-Half-Full Guy:

SNOWSHOE CURIOSITY IN THE COLORADO BACKCOUNTRY STORY AND PHOTO BY PETER STADALSKY

Work and school shut down between Christmas and New Years, so I tossed a duffel bag of clothes, snow boots, snowshoes and a snowboard in the back of the truck and headed west. I’ve been a snowboarder for 17 years and still hadn’t carved any Rocky Mountain powder. What I found interesting when I got to Colorado was that although many people buy lift tickets and get carried up the mountain to ride down, many people hike up non-resort claimed mountains and take the path less traveled. This was the path I sought. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Getting a lift ticket and riding the iconic ski resorts is one option out west - and it’s a great one, too. I drove out to Snowmass Mountain next to Aspen and spent a day on some of the best runs I’ve ever ridden. But there are other ways to enjoy all that snow, and at a significantly lower cost. A few common ways you can traverse snow trails and find a backcountry ride down is by snowshoe, skins, or splitboards. Snowshoes provide flotation in powdery snow so you don’t sink every step in the snow like a pole into mud. Ski skins lay along the bottom of your skis and prevent you from sliding backwards while climbing uphill. A splitboard is a snowboard that splits longways, essentially into skis, and can be equipped with skins as well. I already had snowshoes, so I secured my snowboard to my back and trekked up the mountain.

I met up with a cousin and set out from the trailhead to Mayflower Gulch. The path takes you on an old, two-mile long mining road back to the gulch. You follow the snaking trail through tall evergreens until the tree line abruptly ends and opens up to a semi-circle of bare rock mountains against a bluebird sky. The steep bowl formed in the center of the mountains is the gulch. On your way into the gulch there are some dilapidated cabins, most with only two or three walls left; the last remnants of lost dreams striking gold during the western rush. After passing the cabins I had to slap on the snowshoes. The snow bowl is around 12,000 feet elevation and my origins of living at practically sea level were starting to show. Just tying my boots in the parking lot had me out of breath.

We trudged through the deep snow for a good half hour before hitting the highpoint in the gulch. By this time, all the other skiers and hikers had cleared out and the sound of silence overtook the valley.

I breathed in the still, cold air and took in the panorama of peaks surrounding me in every direction. Blankets of white covered nearly every surface, save some green trees poking through the snow like carrots waiting to be picked. If it weren’t 15 degrees I probably would have snuck in a quick nap.

Finally we bound our feet to our boards and dropped into the bowl’s fresh powder. Having an entire mountain of snow to yourself is like striking a snow day as a child, finding out you don’t actually have to be trapped in school all day, but rather will be building igloos and having snowball fights. No matter how you wish to experience adventure it’s all about exploring one’s curiosity and finding ways to feel like a kid again.

u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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TRAVEL

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Weekend

Wanderer A Classic American Destination It may have a funny name, but this resort community offers the ultimate in relaxing getaways

By Kevin Druley Photos courtesy of Visit French Lick West Baden

F

Springs Hotel. It’s a great combination.”

“We’re surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so it’s not like the rest of Indiana,” said Visit French Lick-West Baden executive director Kristal Painter, a nod to, not a prod at, the state’s fair share of farmland. “We’ve got lots of hills and trails, pristine shorelines with Patoka Lake and things to explore, as well as basking in the elegance of the West Baden

Originally built in the early 20th century, both luxurious spots laid dormant for decades until their respective renovations in November 2006 (French Lick) and May 2007 (West Baden). The restoration projects totaled about $600 million collectively.

rench Lick, Indiana, derived its name from French fur traders’ encounters with adjacent salt licks and mineral springs.

Along with neighboring West Baden, Indiana, the town offers resort getaway options for all seasons in a scenic southern Midwest locale that many might not expect.

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TRAVEL

Ideal for couples, girls’ getaways, and families alike, the dazzling décor and entertainment offerings at West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Resort, about one mile apart, are especially enticing at this time of year, when many are seeking even a brief respite from winter.

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IF YOU GO:

which features a space called Abbeydell Hall, a venue for dinner shows and an emerging event center for weddings, retreats, and reunions.

Additionally, hoops enthusiasts can dine at 33 Brick Street, a downtown French Lick sports bar owned by Bird’s friend that features hordes of the former Boston Celtic superstar’s personal memorabilia. Fans even can pose for photos wearing Bird’s warm-up jacket from the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Painter said a growing number of visitors from such larger metropolitan areas as Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati are traveling to French Lick and West Baden.

“It seems that a four- to five-hour drive is our sweet spot for people coming in, but we’re really trying to expand that,” she said. “And I think as we continue to market southern Indiana as a whole and all of the different things that are here, we’ll get that visitation from further out.”

 THE SPA AT FRENCH LICK SPRINGS RESORT www.frenchlick.com/spas/frenchlick (812) 936-5819  SERENITY DAY SPA www.serenitydayspafrenchlick.com (812) 936-9580  BLISS SPA & BOUTIQUE www.frenchlickmassage.net (812) 936-2639  THE SPA AT WEST BADEN SPRINGS HOTEL www.frenchlick.com/spas/westbaden (812) 936-5801  MOUNTAIN MEADOW MASSAGE www.visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com/play/ details.aspx?id=107, (812) 936-9305  FRENCH LICK WINERY www.frenchlickwinery.com (812) 936-2293  FRENCH LICK CASINO www.frenchlick.com/gaming (812) 936-5828

“It’s all been done by one family, the Cook family from Bloomington, Indiana,” Painter said, “so they’re both privately owned hotels operating as one resort.

And they’re continuing to grow. They’re actually in an expansion project right now where they’re adding close to 60 rooms and a restaurant.”

Additional shops and attractions have habitually sprouted since the late 2000s, as well, offering plenty to do for guests wishing to venture away from the property for a bit.

To be sure, French Lick touts ties to its favorite son, National Basketball Association Hall of Famer Larry Bird, as well: Bird’s former estate recently was converted to a boutique hotel, The Legend of French Lick (Bird’s nickname was “Larry Legend”),

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TRAVEL

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c i t n a m o R s y a w a t e G e m o H o t r Close

By Kevin Druley

You don’t have to empty the gas tank – or even leave McHenry County. Here’s a look at three popular bed and breakfast spots nearby:

 THE CHERRY TREE INN

 VICTORIAN ROSE GARDEN

 RAVENSTONE CASTLE

344 Fremont Street, Woodstock (815) 308-5946 www.cherrytreeinbnb.com

314 Washington Street, Algonquin (847) 854-9667 www.victorianrosegarden.com

4504 Illinois Route 23, Harvard (815) 943-5764 www.ravenstonecastle.com

Local, local, local. That’s the mantra of this historic Victorian home, which even uses locally sourced eggs and organic meats and goods from farmer’s markets to headline its hearty breakfasts. Fans of the 1993 romantic comedy classic “Groundhog Day” may recognize the spot as the place Bill Murray’s Phil Connors stayed, but as the Inn website says: “Same house, yet anything but stuffy and repetitive!”

Part of the historic district of downtown Algonquin, Victorian Rose Garden blends the hospitality of an 1886 Victorian home with modern accoutrements such as free wi-fi. Naturally, the interior surroundings offer the opportunity to conjure thoughts of a simpler time while getting away from the grind.

Guests also can play the grand piano in the parlor or read a book in the great room. And eat, of course: homemade baked goods are a staple in addition to breakfast.

Designed as a medieval castle in the 16th Century style, this destination bed and breakfast blends Old World ambiance with modern conveniences, all in your own backyard. Each guest room features a uniquely themed design along with central air conditioning and heating. Numerous extras are available to augment the experience, including rose petals strewn along the floor and across the bed ($10); in-room flower bouquets ($25); and customizable gift baskets ($25).

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TRAVEL

www.nwherald.com/magazine

1/29/19 5:32 PM

Advanced Dialysis Care Ultimate Comfort

Unsurpassed Patient Care is Our Commitment Dialysis Centers Centers McHenry & Crystal Crystal Lakes Lake Dialysis What makes our clinics special?

• All schedules available, flexible hours.

• In-center and home peritoneal dialysis • • •

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• •

options to meet all our patients’ needs.

DIRECTV, iPads, and wireless internet.

Contoured chair with heat and massage.

Emergency generator for backup power.

Latest Fresenius 2008-K dialysis machines.

Conveniently located close to hospital.

Contact us for a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities.

McHenry Dialysis Center 4209 W. Shamrock Ln, Unit A McHenry, IL 60050 Tel: (815) 344-8512 Crystal Lake Dialysis Center 6298 Northwest Hwy, Suite 300 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Tel: (815) 477-0825

www.americanrenal.com SM-CL1623924

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LAURA LARUE |CRYSTAL LAKE Encaustic Painting

“I can honestly say I’ve never known a time in my life when I didn’t consider myself an artist,” explains Laura LaRue, encaustic painting artist. “What attracts me to encaustic so much are the tactile qualities: so similar to working with clay, it is familiar and yet new at the same time.”

Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, uses heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface - usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used.

“Yearning to capture feelings of nostalgia and fleeting moments, I attempt to give

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[my paintings] permanence in an abstract yet tangible form. Colors, textures, and little mementos are used to represent and ultimately recapture snippets from another time and place. Recalling fragmented details like the color of the ocean nearest the shore, or the clarity of the horizon dividing the sky and the earth, is where I draw inspiration.

My immersion into this versatile medium is in a constant state of flux as I learn different techniques and continually stumble upon new inspirations.”

An artist and high school art teacher, LaRue lives with her family in Crystal Lake.

She received her bachelor’s degree in art education, concentrating in ceramics, from

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Eastern Illinois University and has a master’s in curriculum and instruction. She first discovered the art of encaustic painting in 2010 and then displayed her work at 4th Friday’s at the Starline in 2011, winning best of show three times in the following years. LaRue has since found more support, success, and further opportunities through FUSEDChicago. She regularly has work in shows around the area and has had her pieces displayed in area businesses.

You can find LaRue online: https://lauralarue.weebly.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaRueLa https://www.facebook.com/laura.b.larue Instagram: LaRueLa_art

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11810 Main St Huntley IL 60142 847-562-6616

February:

• Repair • Rentals • Lessons • Sales Hand Selected Instruments at A Price you can Afford!!!

February Special!!!

Buy a month of lessons and get your first month of an instrumental rental free!! If you already have an instrument Get a free lesson!! (some restrictions apply) www.theinstrumentbarn.com

• Identity: from over 40 artists from across the US explore how we identify ourselves and others.

• Oh Yes She Did: An exhibit of female makers from the Midwest showcasing the power and ingenuity of women in the arts.

• Portrait Mode: Current photography students exhibit images of the human form. In the MCC Satellite Gallery.

March:

• 32nd Annual Women’s Works: An exhibition of work by over 100 local, national and international female artists.

• A Solo Show by Gayle Cleveland: Local artist Gayle Cleveland presents a selection of art from her body of work.

For more information, visit www.oldcourthouseartscenter.org or www.Facebook.com/www.oldcourthouseartscenter.org.

February:

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Woodstock Country Club

Experience the beauty

• Gallery One & Gallery Two: Fowl Play: Elegance & Beauty. A collection of ceramics by MCC instructor Tom Vician inspired by roosters and hens. February 1 - 28.

• Epping Gallery: Black History Month Exhibition.

Selected works from the MCC’s ‘The Portrait in Print Collection’ in celebration of Black History Month. February 1 - 28.

March: • Gallery One & Two: MCC Art Faculty Exhibit.

Biennial exhibit of works by the MCC Art Faculty.

March 4 - April 12.

• Epping Gallery: Printmaking by Felicia Canon. March 1 - March 30.

For more information on art exhibits at MCC, please visit www.mchenry.edu/artgallery/

Set in the beautiful hills of Bull Valley, you will enjoy the picturesque grounds of Woodstock Country Club for your private event. We specialize in bridal showers and small weddings, hosting up to 150 guests.

We pride ourselves on giving you a memorable experience for your event. Party packages or customized gourmet meals are available.

Our experienced staff is here to help make your day a special one.

Woodstock Country Club 10310 Country Club Rd. Bull Valley, IL 815-338-2191 wccclub@sbcglobal.net www.nwherald.com/magazine

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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The Universal Language

Where words fail, music speaks.

-Hans Christian Andersen

By Annemarie Mannion Plato once said, “Music… gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” And, many scientific studies since the ancient philosopher’s time support that notion. The American Music Therapy Association reports that music therapy is beneficial especially for people on the Autism Spectrum, with Alzheimer’s, pregnant women, and those suffering from trauma or crisis.

Kate Taylor, a board-certified music therapist from Algonquin, says music reaches every part of a person’s being. “Music is a whole brain, whole body experience,” she says. “It can motivate movement. It affects speech. It also impacts the limbic system of the brain,” which is the part involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory.

Music is the doorway through which some of Taylor’s clients can access deeply buried emotions. “Sometimes it’s hard for people who’ve experienced a trauma to access it verbally, but we can access it through music,” Taylor says.

She’s also witnessed how music activates the brain. Taylor cites as an example a person with cerebral palsy who was unable to grasp a fork for a sustained period in order to feed himself. After teaching him to use a drumstick to hit a drum he was able to learn to hold a fork. “It taught his brain to make the connection in order to make that movement,” Taylor says.

Molly Sedivec, band director at Lundahl Middle School and music teacher at South and Woods Creek elementary schools, agrees that music is a beneficial therapy and important teaching tool that carries over to all subjects. Learning and practicing music engages the brain, affects breathing, and is a physical act that requires correct hand

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

positions and posture. Studies have shown that when people are playing music “all areas of their brains light up,” she says. “It’s like fireworks going off in our brains.”

Even shy students open up and learn to better connect with others and the world. “Band gives them a place to express themselves,” Sedivec explains. “They don’t have to talk a lot, but they can still express themselves.” She recalls an introverted student who picked up an instrument in grade school and went on to overcome his shyness as he grew. “He became the drum major in his high school. He was out in front of the band leading it,” she says.

Music also helps students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder who have trouble staying on track. “Music elicits a physical response,” Sedivec notes. “A student who has trouble focusing is going to focus better when involved in music because it’s a stress reducer.”

Any student who’s involved in learning music is also likely to become a better listener in other classes, she says. “They listen better because those areas of the brain have been further developed with music,” Sedivec adds.

For older adults facing Alzheimer’s or dementia, music is a pathway that helps them access memories. “We’ll play music they know,” says Taylor. “Music helps the brain remember.”

Music is a hobby that benefits health and can be practiced from childhood through old age. “It’s something you can do for a lifetime,” says Sedivec. “I play in the Crystal Lake Community Band and there are people in the band who are in their eighties. They’re still playing music and they’re playing well.”

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TIME FOR A TUNE UP? Being proactive is key to a strong relationship

By Elizabeth Czapski

F

lowers, chocolates and romance can all be part of a loving relationship, but it’s important to remember that along with the fun comes hard work. Couples counseling can help. For some couples, the thought of counseling may be uncomfortable, or counseling may feel unnecessary. Celeste Ballard, a licensed clinical professional counselor with Within Holistic Counseling in Woodstock, emphasizes that couples counseling is, at its core, educational, and something that every couple can benefit from.

“The best-case scenario is when people start early,” Ballard said.

Some of her clients start counseling before they get married to learn how to make their marriage strong; and other couples, married or not, come in not because of a specific problem in their relationship, but because they want to learn how to relate to and communicate with each other. These proactive couples, however, are the minority, Ballard said.

“Most couples wait until it’s gotten pretty much where they’re like, ‘We’re doing couples [counseling] or we’re going to get a divorce,’” Ballard said. “And then it works, and it can

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change a lot, but it’s a lot harder work, and there’s just more water under the bridge to fix.”

more on a team level. They just get lost in the minutiae.”

Ballard said that people don’t tend to learn about strong relationships on their own, so seeing a counselor can help them with this process.

People in relationships also need to think about themselves as individuals and get to know themselves better, as well as “make sure that they’re giving themselves everything they need so that they don’t demand it from the other person, that when they’re really loving each other it’s because they just want to love and share their life together; it’s not because they’re trying to fill a hole they haven’t taken care of in themselves,” Ballard said.

“Counseling is education from an expert, just like you would learn anything else from an expert, and [relationships are] the most important foundation of the family, so [they deserve] care,” she said.

Couples tend to struggle the most with two things, Ballard said: falling into unhealthy patterns and not knowing how to express their deeper feelings.

She said that everyone has a certain type of person they gravitate towards based on “comfortable” patterns in their life, and when these patterns aren’t examined, they can lead to conflict.

Additionally, when couples get caught up in-dayto-day problems, “they don’t actually know that there are feelings underneath they don’t know how to express or even understand,” Ballard said. “If they just expressed and did that, then the couple gets to be more on a simple level and

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ballard also recommends couples check out the book Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix, which examines the foundations of relationships and provides helpful exercises.

Ultimately, Ballard said. every couple could benefit from counseling. It’s important, too, to find the right therapist.

“You have to find a therapist who’s a good fit for you, because a lot of therapists won’t be,” she said. “So, you have to ask them questions; you have to make sure the therapist you’re working with does their own work and is practicing what they’re preaching.”

www.nwherald.com/magazine

1/29/19 5:32 PM

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Barrington & Crystal Lake

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www.nwherald.com/magazine

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

MODEL BEHAVIOR STARTS WITH

MOM & DAD With JONATHAN BILYK

A

s any new parent can testify, adding children to a marriage can present immediate challenges demanding accommodation to your way of life.

A newborn, for instance, may require adults who formerly believed it impossible to function in modern life without eight hours of sleep, proper nutrition and regular showers to find ways to get by.

After they, as toddlers, learn to sleep through the night (he says, understanding your results may differ), the challenges may morph. For instance, once a toddler learns to a) walk and b) turn a door knob, you may want to consider teaching them to knock.

yard, she obviously had been taking it all in.

Which left me with a third thought: teach her to change the oil next week. (Just kidding… maybe.)

Experience has taught me such realizations are worth their weight in gold as a parent.

Now, I try to moderate my reactions to sticky, cracking bolts and other frustration-inducing elements of home and auto repair, particularly when it’s obvious little ears can be listening and little eyes can be watching. (Key word: Try.) But the behavior modifications extend far beyond that.

But certainly one of the biggest challenges arises at the moment you realize you now own a world-class sponge, and now, you require a world-class filter.

Particularly, it’s become crystal clear that my little ones, and perhaps even their known associates, also pick up on how their mother and father treat each other.

For me, the moment came the first time I saw my little one throw down an object she was using as a tool, and yell, frustrated the device was not producing the result she was seeking.

This doesn’t mean we pretend we never disagree.

Even an intense disagreement, provided it doesn’t go over the line, can produce opportunities to model forgiveness, reconciliation, grace and compromise.

In that moment, the self-realization left me thinking just two things:

We also never shy away from modeling genuine intimacy and affection - holding hands, dancing, hugging, and sharing a smooch or two, at appropriate times, in front of the kids (bonus points if you can embarrass them, just a little).

• she had recently been quietly playing in the back yard near where I had recently been working on a car.

• boy, am I ever glad there wasn’t a cuss word slipped in there somewhere.

Although she had seemed oblivious to the dirty, sweaty, frustrating car repairs going on across the

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And we choose to spend time together. Throughout our marriage, we promised we would always try to do things together that the other person enjoys. For me, that’s meant musical theater, ballet, somewhat expensive dinners out and nights in with Netflix. For

FAMILY in FOCUS

her, that’s meant baseball games, the symphony orchestra, sci-fi movies and TV, and even whitewater rafting (she won’t budge on the skydiving yet, though).

Through it all, we hope our young ones use their powers of super-absorption to take in a proper mindset for the moment their significant other enters, stage right, and mom and dad become plot devices in their narrative. We hope they not only have heard, but can see, how their significant other is supposed to treat them – and how they are supposed to treat their partners – to note the best romance springs out of a bed lined with love, laughter, grace and conciliation.

And we hope they find someone who also shares a passion for sharing experiences together – even if it may mean jumping together out of a perfectly good airplane.  Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants.

(Also, the cape remains on back order.)

www.nwherald.com/magazine

1/29/19 5:33 PM

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FAMILY in FOCUS

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TAKING CARE OF COMMUNITY Dedication is Elizabeth Wakeman’s hallmark.

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by FROM ME 2 YOU PHOTOGRAPHY

E

ven before she had her own child, Elizabeth Felt Wakeman was working with her neighbors to ensure her community took care of the parks and playgrounds.

Taking care of one’s community was just one of the many lessons Wakeman says she learned from her parents as she grew up in Inverness with her two siblings. Wakeman says she remembers helping her mother, a real estate agent, pulling weeds and shoveling snow to prepare for house showings. And she speaks with pride about her father, a World War II Army veteran and graduate of Harvard Law School who went on to serve for 20 years as a judge in Cook County Circuit Courts. Wakeman says he was a big influence in her own decision to become a lawyer.

Although she calls herself shy, she has certainly risen above her own fears to build her successful career as an attorney, serve her community in appointed and elected positions, and to step up in countless volunteer opportunities. Just as her parents included her in their work, Wakeman says she has tried to find ways to share her work with her family, too.

It is this same dedication she demonstrates to her clients. Whether she is handling a personal injury case or dealing with the emotions of divorce and other delicate family law cases, Wakeman has a genuine interest in her client’s well-being, says Stephanie Thompson, who has worked as a

paralegal for Wakeman for over three years.

“She’s just very down to earth,” Thompson says.

Thompson says it’s not unusual for Wakeman to see her attorney-client relationship develop into a friendship over time.

“I am absolutely a partner with my clients,” Wakeman says. “We work to create and execute a strategy. It is incredibly rewarding to see people through to the other side.”

Wakeman and her husband moved to Lake in the Hills in 1994. Wakeman says she wanted to get involved and get to know more people, and that is how she found herself collaborating with neighbors to establish the village’s park and recreation programs.

“We had parks, but no one was taking care of them,” she says.

The neighbors volunteered to build the department in those early days, developing recreation programming through their network of contacts, printing brochures from their home computer and even signing up for classes to help get things off to a good start. Wakeman says she took a scrapbooking class, and to this day loves the hobby.

For Wakeman, her community service did, indeed, open the door to meeting more people, becoming involved in her community, and forming deep

“Her community service did, indeed, open the door to meeting more people, becoming involved in her community, and forming deep friendships.”

friendships. She even served as a village trustee. She speaks with pride about her son, an Eagle Scout, and the time she and her husband volunteered as adult leaders with the organization.

“In everything she does, Liz is committed to her community,” says Denise Wasserman Haugk, former village clerk for Lake in the Hills.

Thompson says Wakeman is a role model. And although the successful attorney may be reluctant to acknowledge too much praise, there’s no doubt about her dedication to the field of law, her family, and her community.

2017 Sponsors

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

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CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2019

PATIO DADDY-O: LIVE MUSIC WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rush Creek Distilling, 1501 West Diggins, Huntley 815-943-7874 Voted as “One of the Best Bands” in McHenry County 2014 by the Northwest Herald Reader Choice Awards, Patio Daddy-O is going to be rockin’ through the ages. Come catch some ‘50s-2000s music guaranteed to please any crowd at this adventurous distillery dedicated to craftsmanship and genuine craft distilling.

WIZARD DINNER IN THE GREAT HALL WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, February 9 & 10, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Shores of Turtle Creek 7908 Winn Road, Spring Grove 815-675-0001 Dust off your wizard cloaks and join us for a night full of magic and fun! You will be sorted into your houses, cross onto Platform 9 ¾, and into the Great Hall for a spectacular dinner and entertainment.

Come prepared to be introduced to the art of Divination, and to be graded on your Potion knowledge. Guests are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion. Tickets are $50, adults and children welcome.

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SWEETHEART TEA WHEN: Saturday, February 9 12:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Colonel Palmer House 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake 815-477-5873 Bring your sweetheart to the Colonel Palmer House for an elegant luncheon tea. The historic home with Victorian parlors is the perfect setting to bring someone special. Tables of four can accommodate you and three of your guests – make it a double date or a family affair. Register for code #23190901 for the 12:30 seating, or 231909-02 for the 3:00 seating. Tickets for children (ages 4-12) are $12 and adults are $18 ICE FISHING DERBY ON CRYSTAL LAKE WHEN: Sunday, February 10 7:00 a.m. – Noon WHERE: West Beach, 2330 Lake Avenue Crystal Lake, 815-459-0680 The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center is resurrecting the event hosted for many years by the Crystal Lake Anglers. A full day of contests, raffle prizes, cash prizes, food, and of course, fishing. Advanced registration is requested by February 6. $10 per person.

Please note: day of registration fee is cash or check only. Participants over the age of 16 must have a valid Illinois fishing license. Proceeds benefit the Crystal Lake Park District Crystal Lake fish restocking program. Register for code 242306-01 at crystallakeparks.org

CROSS COUNTRY CANDLELIGHT SKI/HIKE WHEN: Friday & Saturday, February 15 & 16, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rush Creek Conservation Area 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard 815-479-5779 Cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome, but you must bring your own equipment. Gather around the campfire for refreshments after your time out on the trail. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4” of snow or more. Not enough snow? Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike, and some hot refreshments around a campfire. Note: Cancellations may occur due to weather (if trails are icy/ hazardous or the wind chill drops below -20) or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or like us on Facebook for event updates. No pets please.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY LADIES’ NIGHT OUT FOR CASA WHEN: Thursday, February 21 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Bull Valley Golf Club 1311 Club Road, Woodstock 779-994-4398 Gather your girlfriends and don your little black dress for a fun night out!

Enjoy special drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, chocolates, jewelry, and entertainment to raise funds for Court

OUT & ABOUT

Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McHenry County. CASA gives abused and neglected children a voice in court so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes where they can thrive.

WINTERFEST HOME & BUSINESS EXPO WHEN: Saturday, February 23 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Jacobs High School 2601 Bunker Hill Dr., Algonquin 847-658-5300 Free admission. Enjoy live entertainment, raffles, a Kid Zone, and food vendors while you visit with local businesses all in one place! Bring the whole family and come enjoy a day of fun getting to know the people in your community.

AN EVENING OF PERCUSSION WHEN: Saturday, February 23, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 815-356-9212 Returning for the 9th straight year, this community fundraiser is always a sellout! The Crystal Lake Strikers All-Star Drumline leads multiple groups of outstanding musicians from all over the region to present a high-energy night of percussion, topped by the announcement of the Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship to a local high school drummer.

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SOCIAL

Life

 CHAMBER MASQUERADE GALA A ROUSING SUCCESS The Algonquin Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce kicked off the New Year with their 2019 Masquerade Gala and Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 19. Chamber President Renee Erling, along with emcee Bobbi Baehne from Think Big Go Local announced this year’s award winners which include Butcher on the Block, First National Bank, Scorched Earth, Elgin Community College, United Way of Greater McHenry County, Churros & Chocolates,

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Algonquin Public Library, Bii Hair Salon, Costco, Farmers Agent-Catalina Flowers, and Compassionate Dental Care.

Erling joined the Chamber in July 2018, and over the last seven months has seen an influx in membership, with an overall growth rate of 30 percent. “The reaction to the change in leadership has been met with excitement and enthusiasm,” she noted.

The gala, sponsored by Advocate Good Shepard, attracted nearly

OUT & ABOUT

130 attendees, including State Representative Allen Skillicorn and County Board Member Paula Yensen, who came out to support the success of local business leaders. “The event’s success is a tribute to how our Chamber benefits local businesses. We’re excited to see what 2019 brings!” said Board President Rich Perillo of Perillo Real Estate Group.

Photography courtesy of H Photography

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TOP LAWYERS

M CHENRY COUNTY BASED UPON A SURVEY OF THEIR PEERS

These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois.

Ralph C. Hardy

Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC

Huntley

847.669.5020

Norbert C. Ritt

Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC

Huntley

847.669.5020

Francisco J. Botto

Botto Gilbert Lancaster PC

Crystal Lake

815.338.3838

Herbert H. Franks

Franks Gerkin & McKenna PC

Marengo

815.923.2107

Gunnar J. Gitlin

Gitlin Law Firm PC

Woodstock

815.338.9401

Vonda K. Vaughn

Gitlin Law Firm PC

Woodstock

815.338.9401

Paulette M. Gray

Gray & Gray LLC

Crystal Lake

815.893.0257

Aleen R. Tiffany

HeplerBroom LLC

Crystal Lake

815.444.0250

Peter D. Michling

Michling Plaza & Associates PC

Woodstock

815.338.9600

Terry R. Mohr

Mohr Sullivan & Kasper PC

Algonquin/McHenry

847.658.9100

Elizabeth Felt Wakeman

Wakeman Law Group PC

Crystal Lake

815.893.6800

Kelly A. Cahill

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Melissa J. Cooney

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Ryan P. Farrell

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Richard G. Flood

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Jennifer J. Gibson

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

David W. McArdle

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Michael J. Smoron

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Closely & Privately Held Business; Real Estate: Commercial; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Closely & Privately Held Business; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Criminal Defense: Felonies & Misd; Workers’ Compensation Banking; Commercial Litigation; Workers’ Compensation Family Family

Family Appellate; Family Construction; Personal Injury Defense: General Family Family Family

Gov/Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Trust, Will & Estate Planning

Banking; Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections; Real Estate: Commercial; Real Estate: Residential; RE: Finance Family; Gov/Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Land Use/Zoning/Condemnation; Real Estate: Commercial; RE: Residential Civil Appellate

Commercial Litigation; Construction; Gov/Muni/Lobby/Admin; Land Use/Zoning/Condemnation; ADR: Comm RE/Enviro/Construction Gov/Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation

These EMERGING LAWYERS have been identified by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois who are age 40 or younger OR who have been admitted to the practice of law for 10 or fewer years.

Gregory J. Barry

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Zukowski Rogers Flood & McArdle

Crystal Lake

815.459.2050

Elder; Trust, Will & Estate Planning

Kevin A. Chrzanowski

Construction; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative

Timothy J. Clifton Family

Bradford S. Stewart Gov/Municipal/Lobbying/Admin

A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading or Emerging Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading or Emerging Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to

www.LeadingLawyers.com A Division of Law Bulletin Media – est. 1854

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