Mc mag october 2017

OCTOBER 2017

THE HOMES ISSUE

DESIGN-SAVVY DUO PRESERVE THE PAST, ONE HOME AT A TIME

ARCHITECTURE TRENDS through the decades PAGE 20

SURAN BUILT:

Home is where the hearth is PAGE 29

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Editor's Note Being a first-time homebuyer can be a scary thing.

I’ve always been a bit of a nomad, so tethering myself to one place for an indefinite amount of time is something that doesn’t come naturally.

The convenience that I found in renting lay in the lack of financial burden, worry-free upkeep and – most notably – the impermanence of a yearlong lease.

But, as a woman of a certain age, the time has come to enter into the next stage of life, which often involves putting down roots and starting a family of my own.

Fittingly, this month’s issue is our Homes edition. So, needless to say, my work and home life, as of late, has been inundated by all things architecture, real estate, homemaking and home design. But, to be honest, I can’t get enough. I still haven’t managed to get my fill of late-night internet trolling for hot home listings and DIY-projects.

It’s difficult to contend with a dream. I have cooked up notions of what I think my first house will look like, and – who knows – maybe I’ll check very single one of those boxes (highly unlikely).

But, as one of our freelance writers once stated in a story, “Home isn’t necessarily where we live, but how we live, and who is there with us.”

Reality may not always live up to the dream that I’ve concocted in my mind, but as long as I am honoring what’s good and beautiful in my life and surrounding myself with the people and things I love, how could that ever be undesirable?

Different than the “dream” doesn’t mean worse. Honestly, it might even be better.

Happy house-hunting, buying, selling, improving, renovating … and the list goes on.

Kara Silva, Editor

on the

COVER

Architect Michael Breseman and interior designer Patricia Breseman are best known for historical restorations, particularly of estates built by noteworthy architects, such as David Adler and H.T. Lindeberg.

The married couple also are standouts in custom home design in the Chicago area, including Prairie Grove, where they’ve raised five children. Read more, on Page 8.

Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist - BIANCA Makeup - STEPHANIE 4 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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

Thanks for reading,

Current homeowners reading this might find themselves reminiscing about their first time buying, and those of you who haven’t quite taken the plunge (present company included) may be daydreaming about that wrap-around porch or behemoth backyard you will – one day – call your very own.

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

EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Melissa Riske, Kelsey O’Connor, Shonda Dudlicek, Jonathan Bilyk, Elizabeth Harmon, Allison Manley, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Kevin Druley, Allison Horne PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Nancy Merkling, From Me 2 You Photography

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. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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INSIDE

HOMES

8 THE ROMANCE OF RESTORATION Husband and wife team revive the past, one historic home at a time 12 GOING SOLAR McHenry County sheds light on sustainable energy 14 FIRESIDE CHATS Backyard fire pits spark conversation between family and friends 16 THE MORE OF LESS How to incorporate minimalism in the home without foregoing function 20 ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST An encyclopedia of distinctive home design 22 PIONEERING SPIRITS The Boyers breathe new life into dilapidated industrial building by creating ‘business-based home’ 24 ‘SHE SHEDS’ A woman’s response to the man cave 29 HEARTH OF THE HOME Stay cozy this winter with a timeless fireplace 33 KEEP IT MOVIN’ Moving company helps households downsize without the drama

51 HAVEN IN

THE HILLS Lush forests, rolling countryside make up Illinois’ scenic Shawnee Wine Trail Photos provided

34 LASTING RELATIONSHIPS Loyalty and commitment to community at heart of Woodstock Lumber 36 A MARRIAGE OF ARTISTRY AND INGENUITY Mueller Interiors builds century-rich business in Crystal Lake 39 SPIRITCRAFT Furniture craftsman brings new life to fallen trees

HEALTH & WELLNESS

44 JUNK FOOD GIANTS Seven things a nutritionist would never eat

BUSINESS & CIVIC

47 UNSHAKABLE FAITH Carol Lewis puts service above self as the executive director of The Salvation Army of McHenry County

DINING & ENTERTAINING

48 PUB IN THE PARK Craft beer, food trucks, dueling pianos on tap at Lake in the Hills festival

TRAVEL

51 HAVEN IN THE HILLS Lush forests, rolling countryside make up Illinois’ scenic Shawnee Wine Trail

OUT & ABOUT

54 WICKED GOOD FUN Celebrate the ‘season of scary’ 56 COUNTRY ROAD Autumn Drive is back for its 30th year 58 ARTIST SHOWCASE with artisan metal worker Nancy Graham of Crystal Lake 61 BOOK NOOK Reads to make you feel at home 62 CALENDAR OF EVENTS See what’s happening in McHenry County this month!

40 CHICAGO WINDOW PROS: Replacing old, inefficient window systems is a breeze 43 BRICK BY BRICK Diana Wood of Brokerocity builds a longstanding reputation in real estate

6 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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THE ROMANCE OF RESTORATION

Photos were taken at the Breseman’s home in Prairie Grove.

8 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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“We’ve been blessed … to walk these homes and document them and photograph them.

Little by little, you start to understand the genius that was there.”

– Mike Breseman, Principal at Michael E. Breseman Architects Ltd.

Husband and wife team revive the past, one historic home at a time

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY | Photos by RON MCKINNEY

Michael and Patricia Breseman of Prairie Grove are best known for their historical restorations on the North Shore, particularly of estates built by noteworthy architects, such as David Adler and H.T. Lindeberg.

“Could I have done a Kersey Coates Reed house right away?” he asks, referencing one of Adler’s more significant structures.

“No, I didn’t understand it. But after working on my own, and after 20 years, I was ready for the challenge.”

The husband and wife team – Mike Breseman is principal at Michael E. Breseman Architects Ltd. and Trish Breseman is the designer – also are standouts in custom home design. They utilize traditional styles, such as English Manor or French Country, throughout the Chicago area, including Prairie Grove, where they’ve raised five children, who range in age from 8 to 21.

“[Now], I’ve worked on David Adler, worked on Lindeberg. Some of these architects, if you work on enough of them, you start to understand the vocabulary they’re working with,” he adds. “It’s just a matter of having the experience.”

Their historical restorations have helped solidify their reputation as a top-notch Chicago-area firm, Mike Breseman says.

But it’s taken a lot of work to get to where they’re at today.

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“You have to let your ego go [and think], ‘What would that architect do now if he was going to renovate the house now?’”

Mike Breseman says.

Many of the North Shore homes the Bresemans have redesigned are prominent old estates, with servants’ quarters and other outdated, albeit striking, features.

The Bresemans, who have been married for more than 20 years, gained much of their experience by touring Europe. It was overseas that Mike Breseman learned why certain materials and proportions made architectural styles work, and where Trish Breseman learned how traditional elements could be combined with the clean, crisp looks of modern design.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Together, their philosophy is to renovate and build for the 21st century with the vocabulary of early 20th century architects.

“That’s not how people live today,” Mike Breseman says. “These might be museum pieces, but they need to be practical.”

The couple has taken those servants’ quarters and turned them into guest suites or new kitchens, providing better function for a modern family, but with details that complement the home’s original features.

-Continued on page 10

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 9

-Continued from page 9 “We’ve been blessed … to walk these homes and document them and photograph them,” Mike Breseman says.

“Little by little, you start to understand the genius that was there.”

 WORKING TOGETHER Mike Breseman grew up in the construction business. His father was a general contractor on the near west side of Chicago, and at the age of 8, he started moving bricks for 25 cents an hour.

Though the Illinois Institute of Technology graduate had always loved old homes and traditional architecture, the first firm he worked for solidified his enthusiasm for renovating older homes.

Located in Evanston, the firm specialized in high-end residential work, where $300,000- to $500,000-additions to homes of varying architectural styles were the norm.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

“I got a taste of doing high-end [renovations] and being thoughtful and trying to understand the house and [using] materials that were matching, so whatever you were going to add would be complementary and sympathetic to the original structure,” he says.

His early work eventually led to the historic restorations he has become known for. By 1993, he had opened his own firm, and, since then, he has worked on six David Adler houses alone, including the famed Kersey Coates Reed residence.

Trish Breseman, meanwhile, started her business career in fashion merchandising. After the couple had a second child, she decided to stay home to raise their children.

It wasn’t long, however, before Mike Breseman ran across a client who needed an interior designer. He persuaded his wife to take on the project – arguing that her strong background in fashion, good eye for color and innate sense of design made up for her lack of a design degree – and the couple has worked together ever since.

“My style and the style of homes that he’s doing mesh together well,” she says.

“We feed off each other.

 FINDING BALANCE

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Though historical renovations might seem to headline the work of Michael E. Breseman Architects Ltd., the majority of the Bresemans’ work remains in custom builds and projects, big and small.

They continue to meld their European travel influences with their historical renovation experiences to create traditional-style homes that, once landscaped, look as though they’ve been in place for 100 years, Mike Breseman says.

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“We try to combine all those good things from the past, bring them back, but make the homes, if they’re new, with the functionality – [using] great rooms and [other] spaces – that are required for families today,” Mike Breseman says.

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Whether it’s a small custom garage or a historic home worth $25 million, there’s only one requirement to work with the Bresemans.

“The constant for us and our clients [is], do they care about design? Because no project is too small,” Mike Breseman says. “We are a small boutique firm that caters to the individual and their families.”

To that point, the Bresemans continue to work out of their Italianate farmhouse, the very first house Mike Breseman ever designed.

“We try to build relationships,” he says.

“It’s more than just, we’re going to do the work and give you a great house and great interior. We leave a little bit of ourselves in each project and, we hope, a relationship after that.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 11

GOING SOLAR

MCHENRY COUNTY SHEDS LIGHT ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

By KEVIN DRULEY Ten cents.

at around $1,000 each. However, Pat Dieckhoff That’s how much Crystal Lake couple Terry and Pat says that annual federal tax credits and a nowdefunct credit available from the state of Illinois Dieckhoff spent on their August ComEd electric helped alleviate the cost over time, in tandem with utility bill. reduced energy bills. Prices for solar panels and “Of course, it isn’t that way in the winter, and it other equipment also have decreased in recent does average out over the year,” says Pat Dieckhoff, years, Dieckhoff says. who is retired. “We’ve kept track of our energy use Naturally, homes with solar panels generate more and our solar output for the last three years, and energy in the summer than winter, but panels we are generating 85 to 95 percent of our energy can produce intermittent energy when clouds use over the course of the year.” are overhead or snow has fallen. During the tour, Stories such as this probably abounded Oct. 7 (The a homeowner may open his or her house or hold event took place after this issue went to press.) court on the lawn as others visit, and tour guides during the Illinois Solar Tour, a free and selfoften explain various elements of going solar. guided glance at more than 100 suburban or city “It’s fun; it really is fun,” says Pat Dieckhoff, a of Chicago homes and businesses that use solar, former sustainability specialist at McHenry County wind or geothermal energy.

College. “Some people are really serious, and Apparently, it IS easy being green. they’re ready. So, they’re just there to find out [about] the companies and look at your statistics “I know it’s a growing segment,” says Phil Baggio of Crystal Lake, who, with his wife, Alison, also had and make sure it works and they’re done. Others are just trying to figure it out, you know.” a home on the docket for the tour. “I’m surprised that it’s not growing faster than it is, just because The Baggios built their home in November 2016, of how economical and cost efficient it’s become, and thought the solar energy route fit perfectly as well as – of course – the [environmental with an overall green approach to energy advantages] which – by itself alone – is a standout conservation and “reducing our carbon footprint,” feature.”

Phil Baggio says.

A list on www.energyinformative.com provides “When people come over to the house, they ask twice as many pros as cons (12 to six) when about it. It’s something I’ve always talked about, discussing solar energy. The “pros” list includes even with colleagues,” Phil Baggio says. “It’s just renewability, sustainability, environmental[good] sense. It’s nice to have it incorporated. friendliness, being low maintenance and improving It’s great to have reduced energy bills. We’re not technology. Among the “cons” are expense, completely self-sufficient or energy sufficient, intermittency and space. but we’re really close, and especially during the summer months.”

In 2014, the Dieckhoffs purchased 10 solar panels 12 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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“We’ve kept track of our energy use and our solar output for the last three years, and we are generating 85 to 95 percent of our energy use over the course of the year.”

– Pat Dieckhoff, Crystal Lake resident

 For more information about solar energy in Illinois or the tour, visit the nonprofit Illinois Solar Energy Association website at www. illinoissolar.org.

Photo provided

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 13

Fireside chats

Ahh, there’s nothing quite like curling up around a fire.

Use backyard fire pit to spark conversation between family and friends

“You can do s’mores and hot dogs,” says Gabriell Murgatroyd of Bjorkman’s Ace Hardware in McHenry. “People who like sitting around the campfire would really like this.

And the next thing you know, it’s 2 or 3 in the morning.”

By SHONDA DUDLICEK

When incorporated as part of a patio space in the backyard, a fire pit can be the centerpiece for formal or casual seating.

Bjorkman’s Ace Hardware offers portable fire pits that range from $70 to $400.

“We sell at least eight or nine different kinds,” 14 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Murgatroyd says. “Usually they’re all portable, either assembled or in the box. Usually people want assembled. We have ones in the backyard and others for tailgating – these are propane and fire-burning wood.”

The professional landscape team at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center in Crystal Lake helps people create and maintain inviting outdoor living spaces.

“We see decisions made more on how people want to gather around and whether they use crushed or natural stone, patio or incorporate pavers,” says landscape designer Barb Kindinger of Countryside Flower Shop,

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Nursery and Garden Center in Crystal Lake. “Fire pits are usually incorporated with some kind of patio area, with natural stone or concrete paving stones. They’re gas or wood burning and, traditionally, it’s a round pit. Some are square.”

Kindinger says that defining a space is an important factor to consider when creating a fire pit in a patio area.

“If it’s part of an entertaining area, then what kind of furniture would you have? Would they be on the edge of the patio? Or would the seat wall be incorporated into that? Then you know where the pit would be, if you know your furniture,” says Kindinger.

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“We had a client who did a nice setup with Adirondack chairs and footstools and they were put at a very specific distance,” she says. “An entire project might take a couple of days or a week or two weeks. A fire pit itself is no longer than a day project.”

Usually, the cost of the space depends on the size and seating.

“You can do a nice [fire pit area] for $2,000 to $3,000 with lesser expensive product. But you can also do a nice one for $8,000 to $10,000,” Kindinger says. “The sky’s the limit.”

Kindinger urges them to think again.

“A lot of burning has to do with villages and cities,” she says. “There are lots of restrictions in municipalities, and there are very strict codes, like you must be 25 feet away from a house.

There are lots of government hoops to jump through. And it’s frowned upon to do too much burning.”

For instance, the Open Burning Ordinance in McHenry County prohibits burning garbage.

“When outside, you have to be careful where you put the fire pit,” Kindinger adds. “Then you have If people think they can dump their used to be aware of trees and not put a fire pit under wrapping paper and leafy branches into a fire pit, a tree.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 15

The more of less How to incorporate minimalism in the home without foregoing function

By ELIZABETH HARMON

16 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

In contrast to our cluttered homes and lives, the clean lines and peaceful feeling of minimalist living have a lot of appeal.

Mary Meyn – owner of Yours & Meyn Simply Designed in historic downtown Crystal Lake, and an interior designer for more than 20 years – says that minimalism is “a very clean look with straight, simple lines and high visual impact.”

Meyn says that the 2008 recession sparked an interest in downsizing and decluttering, which led to an interest in minimalist style. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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While decluttering and minimalism are often used interchangeably, blogger Sarah Anne Hayes draws a distinction between the two. “Decluttering is an action, while minimalism is a lifestyle,� she writes.

Clients with an interest in a minimalist design tend to be younger couples without children, or empty nesters who are ready for something sleek and simple.

-Continued on page 18 www.nwherald.com/magazine

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 17

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-Continued from page 17 “It kind of straddles generation,” says Meyn.

Getting and keeping the look can be a challenge for busy families, but it isn’t impossible. The journey begins with decluttering. (Check out “Becoming a Minimalist” for five tips to jumpstart the decluttering process.)  CHOOSE WHAT YOU’LL KEEP When considering which pieces will become part of your new minimalist look, evaluate items by quality, condition and the memories attached.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

Furniture that serves multiple purposes or offers hidden storage also is a good option.

Meyn says that important pieces can be updated with new finishes or hardware to fit into a minimalist design.

“We can also move [pieces] to another area,” she says.  CHOOSE WHERE YOU’LL GO MINIMAL The minimalist look doesn’t have to encompass the entire house. Meyn says that she works with clients one room at a time.

“For the most part, we focus on the public spaces,” she says.

Bedrooms can be a challenge because often designers have to get creative with storage, adds Yours & Meyn designer Erin Van Nevel.  DECORATE ORGANICALLY Emphasize architectural elements, such as crown moldings, woodwork or the outside view. Visual impact can also come from contrasting colors and fabric.

Van Nevel recalls a recent client who used black drapery with white walls and trim.

“The contrast gave high impact, while keeping things very clean and simple,” she says.

Apartment Style Living

 DON’T FORGET COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY Contrast sleek lines and hard flat surfaces with soft upholstery, accent pillows and throws.

“Minimalist rooms don’t have to be uncomfortable. You can still have clean lines and softness,” says Meyn.

While neutral solid colors are a key element in minimalist design, use darker shades for high use areas like the family room, and lighter shades for those you use less.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 19

Architectural digest An encyclopedia of distinctive home design

By ELIZABETH HARMON

A walk around town becomes more interesting when you learn to identify distinctive architectural features.

From Craftsman to mid-century modern, here is an encyclopedic rundown of the prominent features associated with the various architectural styles that you may encounter in McHenry County (and beyond).

Art Deco (1920-1940) Art Deco buildings have stucco or smooth walls, rounded corners and are often decorated with geometric designs such as zigzags or stylized flowers or leaves. Windows and doors may have decorative frames; the building faรงade may have small towers or projections along the roofline.

The roof is low or flat. More often used for public buildings or businesses, Art Deco homes are rare in the Midwest, though more common in Florida.

Craftsman (1905-1930) Two California brothers, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, designed bungalows in the Pasadena area, before simplified versions were replicated in pattern books and kit homes, 20 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

including many sold by Sears. Craftsman homes have a low-pitched roof with wide overhangs, decorative beams, and porches with square or angled columns to support the roof. Exterior walls are usually wood or stucco. Stone is often used as a decorative element for the foundation and chimney.

Mid-Century Modern (1945-1980) An updated take on Prairie style, mid-century modern design also incorporates a wide, lowpitched roof, and clean lines. Wide windows, extensive use of glass, including glass brick accent walls, and stone and metal accents to incorporate the natural elements. Simplified versions of mid-century modern architecture HOME & LIFESTYLE

are the classic ranch and split level homes built during the suburban boom of the 1970s.

Prairie (1900-1920) Prairie style design was developed by a group of Chicago architects that included Frank Lloyd Wright. There are numerous examples throughout the Midwest. Characteristics of Prairie style homes are a wide, low-pitched roof, porches, wood trim, wide flat chimneys, window boxes or urn planters.

Queen Ann Victorian (1880-1910) Characteristics include a steep roof with irregular shapes, including towers, textured shingle siding, bay windows and wide porches

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that extend across the width of the house. Queen Ann Victorian homes are often large with two full stories and an attic. Popularized by British architect Richard Norman Shaw, these homes are found nationwide.

Cape Cod (1920-present) This simple, symmetrical flat-fronted style originated in England in the 1600s and was brought to North America by early New England settlers. Cape Cod homes have a steeply pitched roof, dormers, shutters and a small cupula, or dome-like cap, to cover the front door and steps. The modern Cape Cod was introduced in the 1920s by Boston architect Royal Barry Willis and, during the post-World War II housing boom, it became one of America’s most popular housing styles. www.nwherald.com/magazine

Tudor (1890-1940)  Tudor homes come from an old English style known for having a steeply pitched roof, exterior chimneys, and arched doors and windows. Siding could be wood or stucco, with heavy dark accent beams.

Occasionally, these homes have a curved “false thatched” roof. Casement windows are common. Tudor cottages were popular with kit home companies and many can be found in older residential neighborhoods.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 21

Pioneering spirits

The Boyers breathe new life into dilapidated industrial building by creating ‘businessbased home’

By JONATHAN BILYK Photos by NANCY MERKLING

After years of working from home, Carmen Boyer felt it was time to take her interior design business to the next level by giving it its own space to thrive.

For many suburban business owners that might mean renting a storefront studio in a strip mall or a shop in a downtown area, or even a fashionable urban loft with a long commute, but Boyer thought there had to be an even better option.

That’s why, as Boyer enters her third decade in business at White Oaks Interiors, she and her husband, Neil, left their Algonquin colonial home for an old Crystal Lake factory.

been built in the early 1940s as a tool-and-die shop – had fallen into “great disrepair,” Boyer says.

And while others saw a dilapidated building with questionable future redevelopment prospects, Boyer saw a home not only for her and her husbands’ businesses, but also for her and her husband.

“It was a place I could have my studio, some rental income from some other tenants, and we wanted to live there,” she says.

The work began almost immediately after the couple purchased the building, and it continued “I like to say we had a home-based business, and for most of the next year, with the Boyers now we have a business-based home,” she says moving into their in-factory home in October 2015. with a laugh.

In late 2014, the Boyers purchased the former printing plant at 171 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake.

Located just south of the intersection of East Crystal Lake Avenue, the building – which had 22 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

But along the way, they say, they encountered a number of challenges.

Extensive demolition was performed, including gutting the interior and completely replacing the HOME & LIFESTYLE

roof, as well as all of the old windows and doors.

New heating, ventilation and cooling systems were installed, as well as sewer and water lines and a tankless hot water system. Wooden beams in the ceilings were exposed and refinished.

More than 120 light fixtures in the building were repurposed.

And while the original 10-inch-thick concrete floors were retained, they were polished, amid a painstaking process that required the couple to ultimately bring in Chicago contractors who were up to the task.

Over the course of the renovation project, more than 40 dumpster loads of trash were hauled away before the building could begin to conform to the vision set forth by the Boyers and their architect, Brian Korte.

In addition to the physical challenges, the Boyers also had to spend a significant amount of time helping the – at-times – skeptical city officials at City Hall and, on four different city boards, www.nwherald.com/magazine

“I love helping people come to love coming home. I want to help everyone find the most tasteful way of realizing their own vision for their own space.”

– CARMEN BOYER, owner of White Oaks Interiors

see their vision. They needed approval on the mixed-use zoning needed to allow the Boyers to not only work in the building, but to live in their new 1,200-square-foot suite located inside the building, as well.

“We knew going in, it would be a stretch for them,” Boyer says with a chuckle.

The couple needed to finance the project themselves to avoid having to persuade lenders who similarly may have wondered how to classify the project, as it was neither truly residential nor strictly commercial.

When the project was completed, however, the old building had been reborn and repurposed, holding not only White Oaks, but her husband’s estate sale business – Lifestyle Transitions – and spaces leased to Wilson Hill Custom Cabinets and Mayfield Flowers, while also bringing new life to an empty space that otherwise would have been left for dead.

While the building is only open by appointment, Boyer says that she loves showing the place off, in the hope of – perhaps – inspiring others to tackle projects of their own.

“I love helping people come to love coming

www.nwherald.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

home,” says Boyer. “I want to help everyone find the most tasteful way of realizing their own vision for their own space.”

However, while that vision may not necessarily include resurrecting empty industrial buildings, Boyer says she’d love to see this project start a trend, as well.

“Something like this does require a certain amount of pioneering spirit,” says Boyer. “And you have to like to live in a certain way. But I feel like we did a great service for Crystal Lake, to take something like this was, and turn it into a real benefit for this community.”

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 23

Photos provided

‘SHE SHEDS’ A woman’s response to the man cave

By ELIZABETH HARMON Home designer Susan Curtis is a cat lover.

When strays and feral cats drift into her backyard, she cares for them.

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“I wanted a place for them in the winter.

I also wanted something that would be functional for me,� she says.

The answer was a 6-foot-by-6-foot shed outfitted with an upholstered bench, drop-down desk, skylight, and, of course, a cat door. Painted dark blue, with cedar shake shingles on the outside, and shiplap paneling on the inside, the shed doubles as a haven for cats and for Curtis.

Say hello to the “she shed� – an upscale, design savvy take on the traditional garden shed or basement man cave.

In her book “She Sheds: A Room of Your Own,� author Erika Kotite calls the she shed “a small, but splendid, room built in the backyard.�

Not only are the sheds growing in popularity in the Chicago suburbs, but also around the world.

-Continued on page 26 www.nwherald.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 25

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Closer to home, Douglas Stralka, owner of Shedcraft and Decks in Illinois, agrees.

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“We have women who call and are looking for a personal space,” says Stralka. “I had one who wanted to put in a loft so she could sleep out there.”

Stralka admits that, at first, he found the concept surprising.

“I’m used to garden sheds, and I’ve heard of man-caves, but never a ‘she shed,’” he says.

In the last four years, he’s built at least six, and possibly more.

“Some customers go in after we’re done and do the interiors themselves,” he says.

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26 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

The company offers several shed models and Stralka says that the Alpine model, which has a high, steeply pitched roof and chalet-style door, has been the most popular choice among “she shed” customers. The basic models can be customized with upgrades that include Dutch doors, lofts, front porches and skylights.

The company also builds sheds that are completely customized to the customers’ specification.

“She shed customers seem to be all ages and with different budgets,” says Doug’s wife, Mary Stralka, who helps customers with their shed design. “Some people know

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Sheds start at around $4,000 and go up to $25,000 or more, depending on upgrades and the amount of customization. Adding insulation, heat and electricity can expand the shed’s use, but also increase the cost.

One of the Stralka’s most luxurious sheds was for a suburban woman who uses it as a pottery studio.

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“She has a kiln out there and a patio outside where she can sit. It really came out beautifully,” says Doug.

Curtis estimates that she spent under $6,000 for her shed, which has insulation, and a skylight, but no electricity.

“It’s a place for me to relax, and cat space.

Think about how you’re going to use it, and build for function as well as beauty,” Curtis says. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 27

28 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

www.nwherald.com/magazine

HEARTH OF THE HOME STAY COZY THIS WINTER WITH A TIMELESS FIREPLACE

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY For years, Kerrie and Lon Johnson of Cary wanted a traditional wood-burning fireplace in their home.

Their original kettle stove had been converted to a gas fireplace at one point, but it just didn’t give off the right ambiance. In fact, Kerrie Johnson says she hated it.

“The only good thing about winter in the Midwest is having a wood-burning fireplace,” says the 51-year-old.

Unfortunately, whenever the couple contacted a fireplace company to see if their gas fireplace could be converted to wood burning, they were told they didn’t have the right kind of chimney – a masonry chimney – to accommodate burning wood.

The answer was always, “No …” until they contacted Suran Built.

The Johnsons had utilized the services of the Crystal Lakebased, full-remodeling company just a few years earlier to redo their home’s master bath, and they had been extremely impressed by the workmanship, quality and general attitudes of the workers, Kerrie Johnson says.

-Continued on page 30 Photos provided

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 29

“Don’t go too trendy. It’s not like paint that can be easily changed. Tiles can be replaced; countertops can be replaced – [fireplaces are harder to replace]. Use accessories to be trendy; use art to be trendy.”

– Dawn Goerger, communications manager of Suran Built

-Continued from page 29 It finally dawned on her to ask owner Kamil Suran to provide his opinion on her outdated fireplace.

“In Europe, there are [stone buildings that are] 700 years old,” he says. “They look so good after all these years, and people love them.”

“For the heck of it, we had Kamil come over one day, and we asked, ‘Do you think we could ever do this?’” she recalls. “He said, ‘I think so.’ He figured out a way.”

“Sometimes, a fireplace – done by a highlyskilled mason, guys who could build a castle – can be a piece of artwork,” he adds. “The way they do it, chiseling it like they did 200 years ago, it’s a real skill that takes 20 to 30 years to perfect. That art is always part of the character of the home.”

Suran talked with his masons and together, they came up with a plan to rebuild the chimney without taking it completely down by breaking holes into the outside brick and rebuilding the inside, section by section, so that it could safely burn wood.

“They did what everyone else told us they couldn’t do,” Johnson says. “We couldn’t believe what they were able to do. We’re so happy with it.”

TRENDING, YET TIMELESS The Johnsons’ project was not the norm when it comes to fireplace remodels, though it does prove any renovation is possible.

For most homeowners, refacing an old fireplace is all that’s needed to completely change the look and feel of a room. If old brick doesn’t match the current updated style of the home, the fireplace may stick out like a sore thumb instead of being a room’s prized feature, Suran says.

The Johnsons wanted full stone on their new wood-burning fireplace, and Kerrie Johnson personally picked out each of the stones that were used on the floor-to-ceiling rebuild.

Suran, who has been in the home-remodeling business for 17 years, personally agrees with the Johnsons’ choice, saying that natural stone is the way to go.

30 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

There are three ways to utilize natural stone: as a full veneer, a veneer or a stacked stone.

A full veneer fireplace is made up of individually carved stones that are 3- to 4-inches thick, which means the final fireplace often weighs several tons, especially if the stones are run floor-to-ceiling in a two-story living room, Suran says. Such fireplaces require a concrete footing to carry the weight – and therefore won’t work in every refacing job – but they’re beautiful.

Veneer stone, like full veneer stone, require a professional mason for installation, but each piece is only three-quarters to an inch thick.

Often, masons will carve out the middle of a stone to use as an endcap over an existing brick or tile so that it looks like a full stone is set in mortar, when, in fact, it’s just the thin veneer.

Stacked stone, meanwhile, looks almost like tile and is, in fact, installed by tile professionals, Suran says. Most stacked stone comes in interlocking 1-by-1-foot sections, which means one person can install a complete fireplace in just two days. Full veneer fireplaces can take up to four days to install, with two masons working together.

If natural stone isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options – such as tile, brick or other HOME & LIFESTYLE

materials – just keep in mind that the material you use likely will remain in place for a long time, so stick with neutral colors and patterns that will last.

“Don’t go too trendy,” says Dawn Goerger, communications manager for Suran Built. “It’s not like paint that can be easily changed. Tiles can be replaced; countertops can be replaced – [fireplaces are harder to replace]. Use accessories to be trendy; use art to be trendy.”

Suran often will accent his fireplaces with thick wooden mantels, either utilizing reclaimed materials from local companies like All American Reclaim or Reclaimed, both in Crystal Lake, or building one himself.

www.nwherald.com/magazine

Suran Built takes on Florida The devastating effects of Hurricane Irma that hit Florida in early September will take months – even years – for residents to recover from.

Suran Built is ready to help.

For those who experienced property damage due to the Florida hurricane and need repair work done, Suran Built is available to help. Yes, the 17-year-old company is based in McHenry County, but it has worked on multiple projects in Florida in the past, and workers are ready to head back, says owner Kamil Suran.

Adding a limestone hearth is another touch that can really set the tone of a room, he says.

No matter what you choose, simply owning an updated fireplace can provide you with comfort and style all winter long.

“That’s part of the Midwest feeling,” Suran says.

“A fireplace can get you through the winter. Yes, it’s going to get bad here in winter, so why don’t you make it all a little cozier?”

INSTALLING A NEW FIREPLACE If you don’t currently have a fireplace in your home, or if you want to change from one kind of fireplace to another, there are three options to choose from.

• Wood burning – For those, like the Johnsons, who want the “real thing,” nothing can replace an old-fashioned, wood-burning fireplace.

However, there are safety hazards to consider.

Burning wood creates carbon monoxide, so it’s important to have a chimney that properly vents those gases to the outside. It’s also mandatory to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home.

You’ll also, obviously, need to gather wood to burn, whether it’s from the local grocery store or by felling trees on your property. Some consider this part of the rustic quaintness of owning a wood-burning fireplace; others need a reminder that burning wood does require some effort. www.nwherald.com/magazine

• Direct vent insert – A direct vent gas fireplace is the safest option because the glass door is completely sealed, keeping all gases out of the room.

“It won’t give you the feeling of being back in the woods, or the smell, but it actually gives off better heat,” says Suran.

High-end gas inserts have realistic logs that almost look like they’re burning, he says. Plus, they’re remote controlled – no heavy lifting of logs involved.

Direct vent fireplaces still need a vent to the outside, but they don’t require a masonry chimney, which means you could install a direct vent insert in the basement and simply direct the vent sideways to the outside of the home.

• Electric – The most economical option is an electric fireplace. This type of plug-in fireplace still gives off heat and provides a visual of burning wood, but there is no gas – or burning wood – involved.

“An electric fireplace gives you the ambiance on a budget,” Goerger says.

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Showroom located at: 30 N. Williams St., Unit J Crystal Lake 815-444-1293 www.suranbuilt.com

HOME & LIFESTYLE

There likely will be a shortage of Florida remodeling companies as communities and homeowners rehab structures affected by the hurricane. That fact, coupled with the reality that many Midwesterners who have Florida property can’t travel south to oversee an entire remodel, is why Suran Built may be an option.

“A lot of people up here have second homes in Florida,” says communications director Dawn Goerger. “They know us; they know our work. [They know] we’re always trying to outdo ourselves.”

“People would rather pay a company [they trust] from Illinois to drive down,” adds Suran.

If you don’t currently own Florida property, but you foresee real estate potential, Suran Built is ready to help you move forward with renovating an investment property.

“Raising the bar is what we do,” Suran says. “Stuff we did five years ago, we were so proud of it.

Now, [our work] is so much better.

We keep trying to get better and better.”

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Moving company helps households downsize without the drama

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

W

hen it comes to moving, the logistics aren’t always the hardest part. Often it’s the emotional load that comes with packing up and culling through personal belongings. Paxem, Inc. is here to help with both.

“If someone’s moving, it’s not just about the stuff,” says Jennifer Prell, president at Paxem.

“There’s a lot of emotion connected to those items, and people don’t know how to process that emotion in order to move forward.”

Prell founded the company in 2003 with a focus on assisting seniors with moving and streamlining their homes. “I love helping people get organized,” she says. Paxem offers moving, estate liquidation and organization services for homes big and small.

The company’s comprehensive moving services help clients move out of their old place and into their new one with less stress and hassle.

That includes packing belongings, hiring and managing movers, directing movers as they unload, unpacking and setting up the new home.

Experts also help with organizing and decluttering projects, from one room to an entire home. This includes purging clutter and holding estate sales. The company is an American Society of Estate Liquidators Accredited company and a service award winner.

Many items that families no longer need end up in the Paxem Showroom located in Palatine.

It’s stocked with unique finds that the public is welcome to browse, such as area rugs, art, chandeliers, collectibles, furniture, mirrors, jewelry and more.

But getting rid of belongings isn’t always easy.

That’s why Prell and her team also provide www.nwherald.com/magazine

Photos provided

support and guidance through the sentimental hurdles of moving and downsizing. “We’re helping people come to grips with letting go,” says Prell.

Prell says moving is a difficult experience and anyone transitioning from one home to another can benefit from the extra support. As A+ accredited Senior Move Managers, they are held to a higher standard than typical moving companies.

“There’s a lot more emotion involved with moving as a senior,” she says. “It’s not just moving their things, but changing their lifestyles.”

Prell experienced this firsthand with a recent client. The woman had lost her husband and had a serious fall in her home. She had decided to relocate to an assisted living community, but was nervous and apprehensive about the move.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Prell and her team supported her every step of the way and made her new apartment look like home before she even walked in the door.

“We’ve done more than 9,000 jobs. We’ve helped so many people,” she says. “A lot of people start as an emotional wreck. But at the end of the move, they just breathe a sigh of relief.”  For more information about moving and organizing services at Paxem, Inc., visit paxem. com or call (847) 829-4437.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 33

Loyalty and commitment to community at heart of Woodstock Lumber

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

A lot has changed since Woodstock Lumber opened more than 130 years ago. The free deliveries, for instance, are no longer made by horse and wagon (although they still remain free). The company was founded in 1886 by a group of citizens looking to provide superior construction materials to a booming community. The shop has endured the Great Depression, both World Wars and the recent recession.

renditions of projects. They also provide quick quotes and in-home measuring to keep jobs running quickly and smoothly.

Today, those original shares have been consolidated to just one held by the Kammermeier family.

As a member of one of the largest buying groups in the country, Woodstock Lumber has access to over a million products at some of the best prices. This allows them to offer a wide variety of styles and finishes, whether you’re searching for a classic look or the latest trends.

As the construction industry has continued to evolve and incorporate new technology, the Kammermeiers make sure the team stays up to date on the latest building techniques, materials and zoning requirements. They also help educate contractors and community members.

“We pick up and take over a lot of jobs that have gone south because other suppliers can’t handle the intricacies of the job,” says Mark Kammermeier, manager at Woodstock Lumber. “We’ve done $10 million houses and $2,000-dollar jobs. We’ve got someone who can take on the most complicated project to a very basic one.”

Photos provided

The company provides design services to help bring their clients’ visions to life. They specialize in kitchen, deck and roof design. To help customers better visualize the end result, they offer 3D color

34 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Woodstock Lumber is well known throughout the area for their exceptional lumber quality, which has earned them a loyal following of regular customers.

Many are local, but some come from other states for the best-in-class value, and the store offers delivery as far as seven hours away.

What truly sets Woodstock Lumber apart is its longevity. Being a longstanding facet of the community has allowed the company to build lasting personal relationships with people in the area.

“We’ll always take care of you,” says Kammermeier.

“We have experience, knowledge, dedication and resources you need for your project.”  Woodstock Lumber is located at 1101 Lake Ave. in Woodstock. For information, visit woodstocklumber. com or call 815-338-0075.

www.nwherald.com/magazine

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 35

A marriage of artistry and ingenuity MUELLER INTERIORS BUILDS CENTURY-RICH BUSINESS IN CRYSTAL LAKE

By KELSEY O’ CONNOR | Photos by NANCY MERKLING

In a few months, Mueller Interiors will celebrate its 25th year serving the Crystal Lake community. But the company’s roots run deeper than that, as the Mueller family started practicing interior furnishing in Germany almost a century ago.

The family patriarch eventually opened two upholstery shops in Chicago. He taught his son the trade, who then taught it to his son.

George Mueller, who started to learn how to upholster furniture when he was 12 years old, can remember all three generations together in one workroom.

“There was a time when I was younger that we all worked together,” he says. “I didn’t know that was special because it was normal to me.”

Today, Mueller is the master upholsterer, and he carries on his family’s legacy at Mueller Interiors with his wife, Pam, as lead interior designer.

Their shop specializes in home décor services, including drapery, upholstery, new furniture, blinds and shades, and more.

The two met when Pam Mueller was a sales representative for a fabric company.

“He was my best account,” says Pam Mueller, who has a design degree, and several years of experience managing various interior-furnishing shops in Chicago.

Her talents meshed with George’s artistry and marketing experience.

“What sets our shop apart is we both have our individual expertise,” says Pam Mueller.

“Not only did we fall in love with each other as people, but our skills worked well together.”

Pam Mueller works directly with customers to help them find the perfect products for their home. This might include color consults, design direction, furniture and accessory planning at house visits, and at the showroom. With thousands of fabric options available, clients 36 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

can customize their furniture, draperies, and bedding to perfectly fit their vision.

Mueller Interiors first opened its doors in Crystal Lake in 1993.

Space was expanded dramatically in 2011, when they purchased and moved into the building next door.

They now have a workroom and showroom to showcase their offerings.

Visitors to the showroom can peruse the fine furniture selection handpicked by Pam Mueller.

That includes an array of fine furniture brands.

Mueller Interiors is a Hunter Douglas Centurion dealer, which puts them in the top 5 percent of dealers in the U.S. Pam Mueller says that she often sees HOME & LIFESTYLE

homeowners only begin sprucing up their home to boost the resale value. But she recommends starting sooner.

“My advice would be don’t stage it when you’re ready to sell. Stage it when you live in it and enjoy living in it,” she says. “We’re ready and willing to help anyone make their house a home.”

Mueller Interiors is located at 440 W. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake. For more information, visit muellerinteriors.com or call 815-477-0400. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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Furniture craftsman brings new life to fallen trees

By KEVIN DRULEY

H

and-crafted, live edge wood furniture may appear inanimate, but woodworker Skip Gleichman hardly considers the medium to be stationary, not when it has helped reinvigorate his career while establishing his East Dundeebased business, Spiritcraft Furniture, as a wellsought after name in the region.

Spiritcraft sells kiln-dried, live-edge tables, as well as slab tables, table tops and conference tables. Gleichman considers them an investment in more ways than one.

“One of the coolest things about it is these trees that we use for a lot of our products, a lot of them would go to the chipper or something,” Gleichman says. “But we actually turn them into tables, and our goal is that these things will last 100 years. And so, they kind of ‘live on.’ And I get to create jobs and teach people how to do this.”

Once heavily involved in a vast array of collections and designs, Spiritcraft since has transitioned predominantly to the table circuit.

Its solid hardwood tables can be customized for residential, commercial or industrial use, and are shipped throughout the country.

Live edge tables have garnered particular interest from customers. The trees Gleichman and Co. use come from within about a 140mile radius of McHenry County, and Spiritcraft assures the integrity of the wood being used.

“We only work with people who cut trees that had to come down or died or came down in a storm,” Gleichman says. “We don’t use trees from someone going to clear cut a forest.”

While Spiritcraft has a showroom at 7 Jackson St., Suite C, in East Dundee, Gleichman says www.nwherald.com/magazine

the company attracts numerous prospective customers via online channels, as well. Web searches routinely unveil pictures of Spiritcraft handiwork, and they are far from simple, basic images thanks to Gleichman’s past endeavors as a photographer.

Spiritcraft is a family operation, with Gleichman’s wife running a design component, his son working in the woodshop and his daughter serving as office manager.

Tables are available in numerous species of hardwood, including walnut, cherry, sycamore, maple and ash. For information, call (224) He once operated his own studio in Portland, 801-1969 or email sales@spiritcraftfurniture.

Maine.

“We take really nice, big pictures and people find com. The company is online at www. our pictures more often before they even find our spiritcraftfurniture.com. website,” Gleichman says. “They find the picture on Google or something, and that kind of is a big lead for us, the images that we take of our tabletops and tables.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 39

CHICAGO WINDOW PROS: REPLACING OLD, INEFFICIENT WINDOW SYSTEMS IS A BREEZE

By JONATHAN BILYK

A

s the world hurtles on into the 21st Century, technology only continues to improve and amaze.

Smartphones and other mobile devices now put the power of what once passed for supercomputers, in a purse or pocket. Selfdriving cars cruise toward reality, just over the horizon. Appliances that know what you want, before you want it.

Similarly, technology continues to reshape and improve what had been, for many years, considered a weak link in a home’s exterior – the window.

In business, installing windows in McHenry County – and elsewhere in northeastern Illinois – for nearly two decades, Danny Gast, owner of Chicago Window Pros, has had a front row seat for the rapid evolution and advancements in window features.

“Technology has changed, and continues to change,” says Gast. “People are always looking for more energy efficiency, and when you’re talking about the glass coatings that enhance it, and the design features that make it happen, the manufacturers are really mastering that.”

Gast says that nearly all homeowners with whom he talks want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, to stop heated and cooled air – and the dollars it costs to heat and cool that air – from literally flying out the window.

But, every day, he and his crews regularly help homeowners learn about the vast array of options available to them when replacing their old and inefficient window systems.

“People aren’t aware, really, of just how much of a role windows play in heating and cooling their homes,” says Gast. “And they may not be aware of just how much better the products on the market are now than even just a few years ago.”

Gast points to the product lines he sells from different companies, such as Franklin Park-

40 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Photo provided

based Climate Solution Windows and Doors and Lindsay Windows and Doors, which operates a factory in North Aurora.

learn about their products, to determine if the products are the absolute best fit for a home and budget.

He says that such products include windows made with “i89 glass,” which is near the insulating performance of triple-pane glass at a fraction of the weight.

“Get a few estimates, compare them, and ask lots and lots of questions,” Gast says. “Quality companies will answer them.”

And the windows that his company installs also minimize the amount of metal to reduce heat conduction, and come filled with polyurethane foam to increase rigidity and further boost insulation.

“That’s what I have on my house,” Gast says. “I thought the windows I had before did a great job, but the efficiency of these, even I have noticed the difference.”

For now, Gast recommends that homeowners focus first on the company, researching the company’s history and reputation.

“There are so many fly-by-nights out there today,” he says. “People should check out their Better Business Bureau rating, look at their pictures, read their reviews, and find out what kind of warranties they offer on their work.”

From there, he says that it’s important to HOME & LIFESTYLE

And, finally, homeowners shouldn’t think there is such a thing as “window season.”

“We work year-round,” he says. “As long as it’s sunny – or at least not raining or snowing too hard, not too windy and above 20 degrees – we can get the work done and get people the windows on your home that you really want and need.”

Gast’s company employs five full-time work crews, stationed at various points in a region stretching from Interstate 80 through Chicago to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, and as far west as Rockford.

 Chicago Window Pros serves all of Northern Illinois. For more information, call at 847-807-4515 or 888-308-9050, or visit chicagowindowpros.com.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Brick by brick Diana Wood of Brokerocity builds a longstanding reputation in real estate

By ELIZABETH HARMON Earlier this year, Diana Wood joined Brokerocity, at 601 W. Main St., West Dundee.

“I generally do residential, vacant land, commercial and rental properties,” says Wood, who serves the northwest suburbs. “I’ve always done commercial, but mostly residential – that’s what I enjoy most.”

Wood enjoys helping people find their next dream home or first-time buyers take the plunge in home-owning. Having been in the real estate business for 42 years, she is good at steering clients in the right direction.

Wood initially became interested in real estate when she sold her Carpentersville home and moved to Algonquin.

“The gentlemen we worked with got me interested in the business and, by the time our house sold, I was already signed up to go to Real Estate Class,” she recalls.

“Builders discovered the ambience and cornfields of the area and were coming in from everywhere,” she says. “That’s how it grew to having a population of 30,000 in Algonquin At the time, Wood was a bus driver for Community Unit School District 300 (elementary alone.” through high school) with young children in She says that today’s first-time buyers are school. generally more informed than first-time buyers She began her career in real estate with Daniels Realty in downtown Algonquin. But, in 1993, Daniels died, making Wood the sole broker and owner of three ReMax offices.

of that earlier time due to the internet.

The housing stock, at the time, was located in the older central part of the community with a few developments of new construction scattered around the outskirts.

Although, she warns that the information that buyers find online or hear from friends isn’t always accurate.

“First-time buyers were so much fun to work with,” she says. “We’d take them out and show them what was available, both existing and new “It was still a small town of just 5,000,” she says. construction.”

The market was slow due to high interest rates, so the company diversified in other areas for a brief period in the early 1980s. But, in 1984, Daniels realty bought the local ReMax office, and was poised for the building boom, which started in the late 1980s.

Wood remembers it as an exciting, and hectic time. www.nwherald.com/magazine

With the Internet, maneuvering today’s real estate market is a little different.

“We can email listings; set up a tickler system that sends emails on a daily basis; we put in your zip, price, number of bedrooms, any other features a client is looking for,” she says. “If it’s listed tonight, tomorrow the listing will be sent to you.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Because competition for a home is high, sellers have to be educated in how to present their home in a way that creates interest among buyers.

“I love to stage homes and take pictures of properties,” she says.

Over the years, Wood has received numerous awards, including – in 2015 – Wood received the Emeritus Award from the National Association of Realtors for 40 continuous years in the business.

Even after four decades in real estate, Wood continues to do what she loves and believes that each day is precious.

“Every day teaches you something new,” she says. “I love to say that a day is never wasted if you learn something new or meet someone new.”  BROKER: DIANA WOOD Brokerocity Real Estate 847-343-8335 (cell) Diana@dianawood.net MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 43

JUNK FOOD GIANTS

SEVEN THINGS A NUTRITIONIST WOULD NEVER EAT

By KELSEY O’CONNOR Your diet, like your life, is all about balance. Occasional indulgences are essential, but there are certain foods that have no place in even the healthiest of diets. While complete restriction isn’t always realistic, it’s best to avoid these worst offenders as much as possible.

“You have to look at your overall diet,” says Tiffanie Young, director of the Centegra Healthy Living Institute in Crystal Lake. “It’s OK to treat yourself now and then, but you have to look at what you consume on a daily basis and make sure the focus is on nutritionally dense foods.”

Here are the food and drink items that Young recommends cutting out of your regular diet: 1. SODA This is typically one of the first things people cut out of their diet when they’re trying to get healthy – and for good reason.

“It’s loaded with sugar and high fructose corn syrup,” says Young, who’s also a registered nutritionist and dietician. “It’s a lot of calories without any nutritional value.”

Young recommends swapping out that daily pop with a calorie-free option. Water is always a great choice, but if you’re looking for more flavour, try reaching for one of the many sparkling water brands available on supermarket shelves.

2. PROCESSED MEAT There’s no denying that cold cuts and hot dogs are convenient options to throw in your shopping cart. But many of these processed proteins are hiding preservatives and nitrates.

“Nitrates can have a cancer-causing effect,” says Young.

44 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

breasts at home is a smart option.

3. FAST-FOOD SMOOTHIES Think your morning drive-through smoothie is harmless? Think again.

“Most of them are not made with real fruit or the real fruit content is relatively small,” says Young. “They market them as being a healthier option, but they’re nutritionally comparable to a milkshake.”

Skip the morning sugar bomb by opting for fresh fruit or oatmeal instead. If you crave the convenience of a smoothie, look for one that’s made with a real fruit base.

“Ask the restaurant, ‘How do you make that smoothie?’” suggests Young.

4. HYDROGENATED OILS This often-overlooked offender is particularly dangerous because it can lurk in many everyday foods. It’s typically found in pantry items with a long shelf life, such as baked goods, crackers and biscuits.

“It’s a man-made fat, also called transfat, and it’s the worst fat for our heart,” explains Young. “It has a hardening effect on our arteries.”

Fortunately, there are meat products available that skip the nasty preservatives.

Luckily, there’s also an easy fix. A quick scan of the ingredients list will help identify what products contain hydrogenated oils.

“If you’re looking for a convenient lean meat option, there are lunch meats on the market that are nitrate-free,” says Young, adding that cooking chicken and turkey

“There are a lot of options that exclude that ingredients,” says Young. “It may be as simple as picking up the boxes and reading the ingredients.”

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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5. SPECIALTY COFFEE DRINKS You’re morning caffeine fix might include a lot more than you bargained for. Specialty coffee drinks can be loaded with sugar and calories, thanks to ingredients like whole milk, cream and flavored syrups.

“When coffee shops had to start labeling calorie counts on their menus, everyone was really surprised how many calories some of those lattes and frappes contain,” says Young.

Instead, hold off on the sugary syrups and ask for non-fat milk. Many shops now carry healthier dairy-free options, such as coconut or soy milk as well.

6. 100-CALORIE SNACK PACKS At first glance, these convenient little packs might seem like a smart grab-and-go snack.

But in reality, they won’t do much to quell those hunger pangs.

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“A lot of clients tell me when they have a 100-calorie pack they don’t feel satisfied afterwards,” says Young, who likens many of these treats as “air crisps.”

Her advice? Listen to your cravings (in moderation).

“If you’re craving chocolate, eat one real cookie instead of a whole [bag of chips],” she says. “Have a little bit of real food instead of processed food without nutritional value.”

7. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP This manmade sweetener is found in many common processed foods, but it can be tough to identify by taste alone.

“This one can be sneaky because it’s in a lot of things that aren’t sweet,” says Young.

That means everyday foods like bread, ketchup and sauces can be surprisingly laden with the sugary substance.

Why cut back? Research points to high fructose corn syrups as a culprit for stimulating fat production in the body, says Young.

“If you eat it often, it adds up over time,” she says. www.nwherald.com/magazine

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UNSHAKABLE FAITH

Carol Lewis puts service above self as the executive director of The Salvation Army of McHenry County

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by FROM ME 2 YOU PHOTOGRAPHY When Carol Lewis leaves her house in the morning to go to the office, she isn’t just heading into work. She’s following her calling.

Lewis is the Corps officer pastor and executive director of The Salvation Army of McHenry County.

While for some, The Salvation Army may conjure images of bell ringers collecting donations around Christmas time, there is far more to the organization and its church. Founded by William Booth in 1865, it is a part of the universal Christian Church. As an organization, it supports local communities through programming, services to seniors, emergency disaster relief, as well as spiritual care.

“We say, ‘Heart to God, hand to man,’” Lewis says. “Our heart is committed to God, and our hand is outstretched in love and compassion to serve those around us.”

Lewis loves what the organization represents, and she finds happiness in serving others.

“I love this ministry, and I love what we do,” Lewis says. “I get great joy in serving, seeing visions of how we can help a person or change the trajectory of a person’s life. We meet people in every stage of life, usually when hope has run out. Bringing hope to people at their greatest time of need is why we do what we do. Other times, people just need an outstretched hand to help lift them up.”

Her work for the church is a family affair. She is a third generation “Salvationist” whose parents retired after serving more than 40 years as Salvation Army officers, including an appointment to serve as missionaries in Moscow. She has two siblings, who, with their spouses, are serving as officers, and her eldest son and his wife are serving as officers, as well.

But she’s quick to point out that her decision to take up a calling and serve was her choice.

“I grew up in The Salvation Army, not by choice, but by a rich heritage,” Lewis says. “As a teen, when I had the opportunity to choose, [the] decision became my choice.”

After she met her husband, they were content as church members, but there was a calling to do more, she says. It was something she and her husband both felt. So, in the early 2000s, they opted to leave their careers and enter the Salvation Army seminary, where – after two years of study and training – they were commissioned as officers and ordained as ministers for The Salvation Army.

As captains, they, along with their young sons, were stationed together as Salvation Army Officers in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.

However, their work together was abruptly halted when her husband, Captain Scott Lewis, became ill and died suddenly in 2006.

“It was a difficult time for me and my boys, but God is so good, and He sees us through the most unimaginable circumstances in life,” Lewis says.

Her faith and support from those around her became the strength to move forward. She and her sons transferred to a new ministry opportunity with the Salvation Army in Des Plaines before being sent to take the helm in McHenry County in 2014.

Beverly Peterson is a long-time friend and fellow member of The Salvation Army. She and Lewis first met as teenagers attending camps run by The Salvation Army and maintained a friendship through the years. Peterson says that she is in awe of Lewis’ ability to lead, balance her life as a leader for the organization and her role as a single mother.

“It’s such an honor to work for her and with her, as well as the families and individuals we serve

in McHenry County,” Peterson says. “She’s an incredible leader; she engages with people so well and it all comes from her heart.”

Lewis recently completed a yearlong study with the Leadership of Greater McHenry County, an experience that gave her a broader understanding of the community and what she considers the essential skills to improving her ability to lead others.

“It was the single most transformative process of servant leadership development I have experienced in so many years,” Lewis says. “As Catherine Booth (wife of The Salvation Army founder William Booth) once said, ‘If we are going to better the future, we must disturb the present’ and [Leadership of Greater McHenry County] has taught me that.”

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 47

Pub in the Park Craft beer, food trucks, dueling pianos on tap for Lake in the Hills festival

By ALLISON HORNE Brewing Company and Crystal Lake Brewing are just a few of the breweries that will return this year, in addition to a slew of homebrewers and During the third annual Lake in the Hills Pub in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 14, Sunset Park will be other big names, such as Dogfish Head Brewery, transformed into a beer garden for roughly 1,000 Leinenkugel’s and Lagunitas Brewing Company.

General admission tickets cost $45 each and attendees. include a sampling glass and access to the beer Founded by the nonprofit organization People tasting event. There will be VIP tickets available for Parks Foundation of LITH, all of the funds for $65, which includes an extra hour of tasting raised at the outdoor event will go directly to (exclusively for VIP ticketholders), as well as a the LITH parks sampling glass. and recreation Beer, food and live entertainment – need we say more?

programs.

For those interested in attending, but not Liz Wakeman, the drinking, designated driver tickets are $15. even chair, has a Wakeman recommends purchasing the tickets long history with online in advance, as each ticket includes a $10 parks programs in surcharge at the door. the area. She is a Food is not included in the ticket price, but there co-founder of the will be plenty to choose from when the food Photos provided trucks roll in. Fan-favorite Grill Chasers will be LITH Parks and Recreation board, and she has visited more than back for another year with roti wraps (made with a Malaysian flour-based pancake), skewers 30 craft beer fests to fine-tune what they had envisioned Pub in the Park to be. and wings.

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48 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

“[Beer festivals] are really fun so it’s a great activity to have for the community, and they can raise some money for a good cause,” Wakeman says.

There will be approximately 50 brewers at this year’s event, and each will have two different beers or cider to sample.

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Other vendors will include Ms. Tittle’s Cupcakes and Your Sister’s Tomato – a mobile wood-fired pizza truck.

As if the beer and food weren’t enough, the event also will feature the talents of Felix and Fingers’ Dueling Pianos. The performance, which is a completely request-based show, is interactive and relies on the audience to get

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involved in order for it to be a success.

“Everything is under one tent, which will be good for all weather, and the live entertainment [will be] in the center of the tent,” Wakeman says. “The entertainment is really interactive, which is outstanding.”

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Not only will there be live entertainment, but also, in the past, there have been pub games, such as dominos and checkers.

“Last year, one of my brewers came out to get a feel for the event, and he said, ‘Wow this is literally a pub in the park,’” Wakeman says.

While it’s evident the event is a fun time for everyone, it’s also for a good cause.

This year’s funds will be going toward purchasing a new bus for the parks department.

“The bus we have right now is in need of replacement,” she says. “It’s used to take seniors to the city; it helps transport children to the beach; and [it’s used] for other summer programs. We have a lot of mileage on our current bus.”

Wakeman is hoping to see around 2,000 people attend so that the department can raise the $60,000 needed to purchase the vehicle.  For tickets or more information, visit www.pubinthepark.org. www.nwherald.com/magazine

Are You An

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See your work in the pages of McHenry County Magazine!

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

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TRAVEL

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Wine haven in the hills

LUSH FORESTS, ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE MAKE UP ILLINOIS’ SCENIC SHAWNEE WINE TRAIL

By ALLISON HORNE

Photos provided

From the rolling hills to the tree-lined lakes, you might forget that you’re in Illinois while spending time in the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest.

Not only does the forest provide plenty to do outdoors, but it also has created an environment that nurtures grape growing, fostering a wine haven in the Shawnee Hills.

The Shawnee Wine Trail, which was the first of its kind in Illinois, is located along a 45-mile loop in the Shawnee Hills and is made up of 11 award-winning wineries.

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“It’s really a beautiful drive and they’re all relatively close together,” says Brandy Nance, executive director of the wine trail and

marketing director for Blue Sky Vineyards.

“Over a couple of days, guests can visit the entire trail.”

The trail first started in 1995, when the owners of Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard decided to team up and create a unique experience for all visitors to enjoy.

“When people think of Illinois, they mostly think of Chicago,” Nance says. “The further south you go, the landscape changes. Here you’re in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest with rolling hills and grapevines. It’s really a gorgeous setting.”

-Continued on page 52 TRAVEL

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 51

“We’re along the same lines as the Loire Valley in France. The climate is similar, we’re on the same longitude, and grapes that grow there grow very well here.”

– Brandy Nance, executive director of the Shawnee Wine Trail

-Continued from page 51 Not only is it a gorgeous setting, but also the climate is ideal for growing wine grapes.

“We’re along the same lines as the Loire Valley in France,” Nance says. “The climate is similar, we’re on the same longitude, and grapes that grow there grow very well here.”

Nance also notes that most grapes like when their “feet are dry” and they have to work to grow. The rolling hills allow for good drainage and loose soil, which lets the vineyards have a longer growing season.

Chambourcin grapes, which create a red wine with a full flavor and deep body, are popular in the Shawnee Hills, as well as Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, Vignoles and Seyval. Some of the wineries, like the Pomona Winery, use locally grown fruits, such as strawberries, currants, blackberries and apples. They don’t make wine using a single grape and each winery has something different to offer.

“Even if people come to the trail once or twice a year, they can go to a winery that they haven’t been to or try a wine that is out of their wheelhouse,” Nance says. “It kind of gives you a little push in trying something different.”

At Orlandini Winery, Randall Feather and his wife, Renée, who are both physicians, are busy keeping up with the demand of owning a winery.

Although the Feathers recently purchased the property in June, Gary Orlandini, the original owner, was thought to be one of the pioneers of the wine trail. He originally worked for Alto Vineyards as a grape grower before working as a grower and wine maker at Blue Sky Vineyards.

He eventually realized the potential that opening his own winery had, so he opened Orlandini Winery in 2001.

52 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

The vineyard sits on 20 acres with four acres of grapes growing as of this fall, but Feather has purchased additional land connected to the property with the hopes of expanding – eventually. The vineyard also will rebrand itself as “Feather Hills Vineyard” in the winter.

“We were crazy enough to buy it,” Randall Feather says. “I grew up in southern Illinois and most of my family members are farmers, so I always grew up around working outside with my hands.”

Orlandini’s 2013 Reserve Chambourcin is a popular wine, but it also produces a semi-sweet Saluki White, Saluki Red and Saluki Blush, both of which are named after the Southern Illinois University mascot. One of the Orlandini’s employees is actually the husky dog trainer for TRAVEL

SIU, and – often – he brings the dogs out on the weekends. While many of the vineyards grow similar grapes, each winery specializes in its own kind of wine.

“Don’t be afraid to explore different wines,” Feather says. “We get so many people that come in and say, ‘I only drink sweet wines’ or ‘I only drink dry wines,’ but there are so many different kinds. Just be open.”

While there are various kinds of music and events that take place each day at most of the wineries, a trail-wide food-pairing event will take place Nov. 4 and 5. The event, which is inspired by the fall harvest, features a dish paired with wine at each winery for $35.

Fall is harvest season and is generally the busiest www.nwherald.com/magazine

Trailside B&Bs FOR YOUR WINE WEEKEND ESCAPE

With such a vast selection of Bed and Breakfasts within walking distance to many of the Illinois Shawnee Wine Trail wineries, you don’t have to go far to find the comfort of home. From small hobbit houses to rooms on winery grounds, there’s plenty to consider for a night or an entire weekend.  ROCKY COMFORT CABINS 295 Panthers Den Road, Makanda 618-967-7236 | rockycomfortcabins.com No need to dream about staying in a hobbit house – Rocky Comfort Cabins makes it a possibility. Cabins come complete with a private hot tub, grass roof and fireplace. The Cove and the Hollow also come complete with circular doors and arched doorways.

“It’s got a round door and everything,” Nance says. “You can literally walk out of the door to the hobbit hole and walk to Blue Sky Vineyards. It’s a nice little country-style walk.”  ALTO WINE TRAIL LOFT 5 Elm St., Alto Pass 618-698-7474 | altowinetrailloft.com

time of year across the wine trail, but Nance notes that really any time of year is perfect for a day or weekend visit.

“We’ve got wetlands, rock climbing and antiques,” Nance says. “There are opportunities for something for everyone to enjoy, from the wine to the outdoors to the local shops; it’s really a great time.

“The scenery itself is so much different than the rest of the state,” she adds. “We’re kind of a gem in the Midwest.”

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Housed in an historic building that was originally constructed in 1912 as a general store, the Alto Wine Trail Loft is an environmentally friendly loft that sleeps up to 20. The Alto Pass Quetil Trail is located just steps away from the loft for easy outdoor access, and it also is located conveniently along the wine trail.  DAVIE SCHOOL INN 300 Freeman St., Anna 618-833-2377 | davieschoolinn.com Sleep in the spot where students once studied in 1910, and what is now the Davie School Inn. The building was fully remolded into a unique venue in 2002, and now houses eight suites and three luxury suites.

“You’re literally staying in a classroom,” Nance says. “They’ve done a really good job of making that stand out.”

The Lincoln Heritage Winery and Blue Sky Vineyards and Winery are within walking distance, and the Shawnee National Forest, with plenty of outdoor activities, is nearby, as well.

Wicked

good fun Celebrate the ‘season of scary’

By KEVIN DRULEY

“Spirits are absolutely, positively everywhere,” says McHenry County Paranormal Research Group founder Tony Olszewski in a story published in the Northwest Herald on Halloween last year.

new frightening attractions to go with familiar – but no less scary – standbys. Gaudy, lifelike sets and environments augment the atmosphere, along with many chilling sounds of the season.

Haunted house staff members state that the experience may not be suitable for those under Whether you believe him or not, Olszewski’s age 16. General admission tickets cost $25. The words capture the essence of Halloween, or – rather – the “season of scary.” Halloween is near, house is open from 7:30 p.m. to11:59 p.m. on Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28; and from 7:30 p.m. to 10 but a handful of events in the McHenry County p.m. Oct. 29. For more information, call 847-973area will allow revelers to get in the spirit even 6053 or visit www.realmofterror.com. before Oct. 31.

Boo you scare easily? Check out one of these upcoming Halloween-related programs and experiences to find out.

 THE REALM OF TERROR HORROR EXPERIENCE The haunted house deluxe at 421 W. Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach is back, promising plenty of

 CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT ‘TRUCK OR TREAT’ Plenty of free family fun is on tap at this Crystal Lake Park District event at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive. Children dressed in Halloween costumes can trick-or-treat at trucks, which represent local businesses. Festivities will

be scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 and will operate rain or shine. Other attractions will include a Halloween display and Monster Bash Games sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. For more information, visit www.crystallakeparks. org or contact Jessica Ortega at jortega@ crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680.

 MCHENRY OUTDOOR THEATER The venue, located at 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road in McHenry, will wind down its Fall Throwback Series with a handful of seasonal favorites, beginning with the original Universal screenings of “Frankenstein,” “Dracula” and “Wolfman” on Oct. 20 and 21. “Hotel Transylvania” and “Hotel Transylvania 2” are set to follow on Oct. 27 and 28. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Visit www.goldenagecinemas.com for showtimes and more information.

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 RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Director Joe Lehman and musical director Mike Potts will present a production of the spooky musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” which tells the story of floral assistant Seymour Krelborn and his bloodthirsty pet plant, Audrey II. The center, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, will stage performances Oct. 13,14, 15, 20, 22, 27, 28 and 29. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. For ticket information, www.rauecenter.org or call 815-3569212.

OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 55

Country Road Autumn Drive is back for its 30th year

By ALLISON HORNE

You never know what you’re going to find at Autumn Drive.

The 30th annual event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22, in Woodstock.

Autumn Drive is a weekend event when local farmers and neighbors open their properties to sell services and goods. Housed within a few square miles in Woodstock, this year’s event will have 29 total exhibitors featuring goods that will be available for purchase, including fall produce, jams, soaps, artwork, crafts, pottery, holiday and home decorations, jewelry, furniture and antiques. Various activities also will be offered along the route, such as pumpkin picking, tractor rides, petting zoos, hayrides and even apple launchers.

“I don’t know that there is anything else in the Northern Illinois area like this,” says Bob Blue, coordinator of the event. “It’s not an art fair; it’s not a music festival; it’s not a food fest; it’s not a farmer’s market; it’s not an antique market; it’s all of them.”

The whole event first got started when Fran Stake and Henry Boi, neighbors who lived along Garden Valley Road. After seeing the success of a 15-house garage sale in Algonquin, the duo had the idea of getting their neighbors together to share their talents with the community.

Blue is one of the neighbors who has been involved in the event since day one. He owns Blue Eagle Pottery with his wife, Susan, and the couple works extensively in stoneware clay for production pottery. When given the opportunity to share his work through the Autumn Drive, he 56 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

jumped at the opportunity.

the beginning; there are four total neighbors “It was exactly what I dreamed of when I moved who participated in the original Autumn Drive: Grasser’s Antiques – a 5,000-square foot antique here,” Blue says. “People get to look at my new stuff, take a look at some of the older stuff I want barn; Lisk Pumpkins; Squash and Friends – offering an expansive selection of affordable to get rid of, and I get to celebrate the year of pumpkins; and Ceramic Bug – more than 20 being a potter. It’s been spectacular.” vendors selling various items, from gifts to Blue, like many other neighbors involved in Christmas decorations.

Autumn Drive, also invites an array of artist While there are several businesses that have friends and McHenry County-area mainstays to participated in Autumn Drive since day one, sell and share their goods on his property. there also are new ones joining in on the fun Strangely enough, Blue’s not the only one each year. that has participated in Autumn Drive from OUT & ABOUT

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IF YOU GO AUTUMN DRIVE WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 22 WHERE: Various locations in Woodstock INFO: The event is free and open to the public. For maps or more information, visit www.autumndrive.net.

Photos provided

This year, guests will find Rich’s Foxwillow Pines Nursery, a barn and estate sale with a nursery; River Road Relics; Garden Valley Farms – a local produce vendor; and Goebbert’s U-Pick Farm Stand – a fall produce and pumpkins stop.

tractors. There are a whole variety of things.”

“The whole point from year one was that the neighbors can do whatever they want on their own property,” Blue says. “Some artists, like myself, invite others. Some people bring in food trucks. Some people bring in musicians. Some people bring in magic shows. Some people have hayrides and petting zoos and antique cars and

“There’s something for [everyone],” Blue says.

“Something for grandparents, something for kids and something for adults. It’s a very eclectic show, and it’s a unique experience for anybody that shows up.”

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Parking is plentiful during the fest. Maps also are situated at each location and homes are divided by category to help provide insight as to what is featured at each stop.

in fall activities or shop for unique finds, Autumn Drive has it all.

“Each stop is so unique and different,” Blue says.

“You can’t miss one, but you can’t do them all in one day.”

Whether you want to pick pumpkins, participate OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 57

Artist SHOWCASE

58 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

NANCY GRAHAM | CRYSTAL LAKE ‘BRANCHING OUT #1’ Bronze

OUT & ABOUT

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FALL . . . Time for a New Outlook!

Hide & Sleek Men’s Antique Finish Nappa Lamb Leather Snap - up Car Coat

A

retired teacher, Nancy Graham first got involved with jewelry-making when she attended a class at McHenry Community College about eight years ago.

The class ignited a passion for metal in Graham. Since then, she has created artisan jewelry, shares her creations with family and friends, and sells it in local stores.

Today, the jewelry artist is expanding her skill set to include metal vessels. Although, this type of work requires much more time, the Crystal Lake resident gets “great satisfaction from bringing a natural sense of beauty to a flat, lifeless material,” she says.

“Branching Out #1” is a hand-raised bronze bowl formed with the use of hammers and heat.

“It took many hours of heating the metal with an acetylene torch and then hammering it against steel,” she says, adding that the sterling silver forged branches are a representation of her work branching out into the world of artisan vessel making.

To view more of Graham’s work, visit nancygraham.weebly.com.

The New Arrivals SALE

Embrace the changing season with a stylish new look.

This Fall’s MUST HAVES await you exclusively at York Furrier. Fun furs, versatile capes, lightweight leathers, sporty shearlings and a collection of colorful accessories. For him or her, for glam or on the go, the New Arrivals are all ON SALE NOW!

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

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Connect: YorkFur.com/subscribe

Furs Cashmeres Leathers Shearlings Accessories OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 59

Book Nook

FEEL AT HOME WITH THESE READS

By ALLISON MANLEY

Home can be a source of stress as much as it can be a source of comfort. Between the things we keep in our homes and the people we invite into them, our homes have as much room for love as they do for anxiety. Check out these tales of how the relationships we have with our homes can affect us in different ways.  ‘GOODBYE, THINGS: THE NEW JAPANESE MINIMALISM’

By Fumio Sasaki In “Goodbye, Things,” Fumio Sasaki writes about his experience removing all types of clutter – physical and mental – in his guide/self-help book. A regular guy working as an editor in Japan, Sasaki decided one day to do a mass cleanout of his home, drastically cutting down on clothes, furniture, entertainment, art, things he bought for his hobbies, knick knacks and appliances until only 5 percent of his stuff was left.

Unlike other home-cleanup books, Sasaki really makes himself vulnerable, sharing the secret fears that caused him to clutter his home with possessions that masked his insecurities. He shows from his personal experience that when he downsized his possessions, his home was cleaner and better decorated, he lost weight and got healthier, and his relationships with others improved.

The book itself is well-organized, and – in the mix of pictures, lists and minimalist anecdotes – offers an elegant argument that keeping a minimalist home is more likely to cause you to be happier than have you missing the items you gave up.

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 ‘THE GRIP OF IT’

By Jac Jemc “The Grip of It” starts with all of the hallmarks of a classic haunted house tale. James and Julie, a young couple originally from the city, move to the edge of a scenic small town.

Soon, nosy locals provide vague comments on the house’s dark history, the realtor who showed the home disappears and the couple experiences various frights – such as waking up with mysterious bruises and finding creepy drawings on the walls without any clue as to how they got there.

Jemc’s novel differentiates itself from others like it by the natural way that James and Julie’s relationship devolves into a paranoid chaos.

The unresolved resentment they feel toward each other boils over, and we get just the right amount of the couple’s history mixed with the current horrors. The two of them question the decisions (and people) that led them to buy the new home and, with each new turn of terror, the distrust and fear grows until the book’s inevitable final act.

reading her daughter Alia’s fortune in coffee grounds, then ending in 2014 with Salma’s great-granddaughter, the book works through the different generations as they adjust to the wars between countries and within their own homes.

The characters we see the most are Alia and Souad. Alia, whose passion for family and tradition clashes with the lifestyle choices of Souad, her cosmopolitan – but subversive – daughter who prefers to live abroad rather than keep with her family’s traditions. One recurring theme is the relationship the characters have with home when they’re constantly pressured or forced to pack up their lives to leave for other cities.

As members of the family marry, have children, and try to raise those children in their own image (with varying results), Alyan’s story feels deeply personal and real.

 ‘SALT HOUSES’

By Hala Alyan Expansive and sentimental, Hala Alyan’s debut novel “Salt Houses” moves through three continents over fifty years as it follows the Yacoubs, a Palestinian family experiencing change on a global scale. Starting in 1963 with matriarch Salma OUT & ABOUT

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

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 61

CALENDAR OCTOBER 2017

JOE DIAMOND PRESENTS: ‘PARANORMAL’ WHEN: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and Tuesday, Oct. 31 WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake Mind reader Joe Diamond stars in “Paranormal,” a one-hour tour through the unknown. Diamond will share real life ghost stories from his life, reads minds and perform acts that defy explanation. After the show, there will be a flashlight tour through the Historic Dole Mansion, while guests will hear about its mysterious secret history. Admission is $18.

For more information, visit www. joediamondlive.com/halloween.

landmark buildings, including the Woodstock Opera House, the Frank and Louise Newman House, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tryon Grove Farm, the Rudolphus Hutchinson House, Greenwood School, the Powers-Walker Historic Site, the John James House, Holcombville School, the Christopher/ William Walkup House and the Ormsby-Starck House. Tickets cost $20 a person or $27 a person with the inclusion of a boxed lunch provided

by Heavenly Ham. Reservations and payment are required in advance at McHenry County Planning and Development (667 Ware Road, Room 208, Woodstock) or call 815-3344560.

SECOND ANNUAL GREAT APPLE RIDE WHEN: 7 to 10 a.m. Oct. 14 WHERE: Royal Oak Farm Orchard 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard

WORLD’S LARGEST CORN MAZE RUN WHEN: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 WHERE: Richardson Adventure Farm 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove

Royal Oak Farm Orchard and The Bike Haven will present the second annual Great Apple Ride at Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard, with partial proceeds going to benefit the Agape House School for Girls in Walworth, Wisconsin. The course opens at 7 a.m., and cyclists can leave between 7 and 10 a.m. with the course being completed by 3 p.m. Course options include 16 miles, 21 miles, 31 miles or all three. For more information or to register, visit www.royaloakfarmorchard.com/ greatappleride.html.

Run or walk a 5K through the “World’s Largest Corn Maze.” Runners and walkers will weave through hundreds of turns on the clearly-marked course.

Participants will receive a long-sleeve event shirt. For more information, visit allcommunityevents.com/cornmaze5k.

60050/51 COMMUNITY OKTOBERFEST WHEN: Noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 WHERE: Veteran’s Memorial Park 3400 Pearl St., McHenry The McHenry Sunrise Rotary will host its annual Oktoberfest with a new location, and a new look. Live music will play throughout the day, including Modern Day Romeos, Jim Sieg and Staff Infection. Food vendors will be in attendance and beer will be served.

All of the proceeds will be used to fund the rotary’s key initiatives. Raffles and other fundraising activities will be available during the event. For more information, visit www.rotaryoktoberfest.com.

LANDMARK BUS TOUR WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 WHERE: The Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission will host a relaxing bus tour through the McHenry County countryside while viewing

CREATIVE LIVING SERIES: ‘JUDY COLLINS A MODERN DAY RENAISSANCE WOMAN’ WHEN: 10 a.m. Oct. 19 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock Judy Collins, legendary singer, songwriter and author, will open the 54th annual Creative Living Series, which is sponsored by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association.

Famous worldwide for her vocals and vulnerable songwriting, Judy Collins also is the author of several books, including “Judy Blue Eyes” and, her latest, “Cravings.” The artist will speak about her life-long career in the music industry and answer questions from the audience. For tickets, visit www. woodstockoperahouse.com.

FARM TO TABLE DINNER WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 20 WHERE: Mia Passione Restaurant 228 Main St., Woodstock Mia Passione Restaurant in Woodstock will host a Farm to Table Dinner, featuring ingredients from the restaurant’s vendors. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Choirboys will perform classics from the ’50’s, ’60’s and ’70’s at 8 p.m. Dinner Tickets and Raffle Tickets can be purchased at the Tuesday and Saturday markets from

62 | OCTOBER 2017 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Can’t make it to the market? Contact Keith Johnson at offsquare@gmail.com or call 815-3824240 to purchase tickets.

HOWL-O-WEEN FESTIVAL WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 WHERE: Huntley Town Square 11704 Coral St., Huntley Join the Animal House Shelter for its Howl-O-Ween Festival, featuring a pet parade, costume contest, vendor booths, snacks, music and more!

Dress to impress. There will be prizes for best cat, best dog and best themed family. The cost is $15 per pet and people will be admitted free of charge.

For more information, visit www. animalhouseshelter.com.

PAINT AND SIP: ‘THE SCREAM’ WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 WHERE: The Inebriated Artist 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock Join The Inebriated Artist to paint our version of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” Registration is required and all painters must be 21 or older to participate. The class costs $45 for a single painter or $65 for two working together. The price includes beer or wine, snacks, art instruction and supplies to paint your own 16-by-20 acrylic version the masterpiece. For more information, visit theinebriatedartist.com.

GERMAN BEER AND WINE FEST - ‘OCTOBERFEST’ WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 WHERE: Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology Campus 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock Celebrate the anniversary of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen at LUREC’s Octoberfest. Traditionally a beer festival, the evening event will start with a German beer reception with appetizers and will proceed with a five-course authentic Octoberfest dinner paired with German wines.

HALLOWEEN FUN NIGHT WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 WHERE: Huntley Park District Rec Center Gym 12015 Mill St., Huntley

JEFF DANIELS AND THE BEN DANIELS BAND WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock Emmy Award-winner and accomplished musician Jeff Daniels will take the historic Woodstock Opera House stage for a night of music. Daniels and his son’s band, The Ben Daniels Band, will perform an unforgettable evening of folk Americana music. Tickets are available for $45. Meet and Greet tickets are available for $75, which includes the opportunity to meet Jeff Daniels after the show. For tickets or more information, visit ww.woodstockoperahouse.com.

ST. PAUL’S THIRD ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27 WHERE: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake St. Paul’s United Church of Christ will host its third annual Trunk or Treat event, featuring more than 20 trunks full of treats, a free dinner (hot dog, chips and a drink), hayrides, a bonfire, face-painting and temporary tattoos, a decorate-your-own-cookie area and an outdoor movie showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”

The admission fee for each family is a suggested donation of three canned goods to benefit the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. For more information, contact the church at 815-459-5096 or visit www.stpaulsucccl.org.

ST. PAUL’S COUNTRY ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 WHERE: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake The 44th annual show will feature handmade items, accessories, jewelry, wooden items, fall and Christmas decorations and more from the approximately 50 area crafters. There also will be a silent auction, baked goods, a raffle and luncheon. For details, call the church at 815-4595096 or visit www.stpaulsucccl.org.

Join the Huntley Park District for some spook-tacular family fun, including games, prizes, hayrides, music and contests. For more information, visit www.huntleyparks.org.

OUT & ABOUT

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