MCM-7-1-2013

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Fine Arts Edition

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Camping Essentials & More!

Books To Read This Summer

July 2013

Beauty In Bronze Crystal Lake Resident Creates Nationally-Acclaimed Sculptures

In Their Prime Woodstock’s Prime Law Group Is Dedicated To Establishing Positive Client Relationships pg 22

Keep It Smooth

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

INSIDE

Fine Arts edition

Home & Lifestyle 12

18 22

27

29

Home Design: With school out, where can the kids

enjoy recess? How about right in your backyard? Find out what children crave in playground equipment from experts at The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois in Lake in the Hills.

Explore an extensive summer reading list for kids, teens and adults from the people who know books best — McHenry County librarians.

Cover Inset: Prime Law Group is a growing law firm that prides itself on its versatility and dedication to establishing relationships with its clients. Find out how the Woodstock firm can help you today.

A Little Bird Told Me: In honor of our Independence Day, the guys at Cardinal Wine and Spirits in Crystal Lake share some of their favorite wines made from the grape most widely considered “America’s grape” — zinfandel.

Put A Fork In It: David Faccone of Crystal Lake Rib House has plans to visit some of the Northwest Herald’s Best of the Fox restaurant winners … and he has a few suggestions for next year’s contest categories.

Arts 30 32

36

If you haven’t experienced 4th Fridays at The Starline Gallery in Harvard, find out what this monthly arts event is all about.

On the Cover: Meet Erik Blome, a Crystal Lake resident whose bronze sculptures, including works of Rosa Parks, the Chicago Blackhawks, Wayne Gretzky and many more — are prominently displayed throughout the country.

Artist Profile: Mac Cochrane is creating music to help share his faith. The Algonquin resident recently released his first album, “Written on Your Heart.”

Family 40

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Generally, the smaller and lighter something is, the more expensive it is.

43

3 3 Tony Brosio, sales associate, wears a Columbia Compounder shell, Kuhl Revolver pants, Oboz Yellowstone II B-Dry hiking boots with a Black Diamond head lamp, Black Diamond Trail Shock Mountain Series trekking poles and an Osprey Aether 70 pack on his back outside of Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer. Photo by Candace H. Johnson

Success Lives Next Door: Melissa Zmuda of Wonder Lake says that music has helped her son develop, and others agree that music can play a vital role in children’s lives. Find out how the arts may be beneficial during early childhood development from Dr. Jonathan Kaufman of Pediatric Associates of Barrington and Irene Murphy, director of a Kindermusik program in Crystal Lake.

Write This Down: Stay-at-home mom Michelle Stien shares what it’s like to have a 6-year-old drama queen in the household.

Learn about the essentials needed for a camping trip, plus some of the neatest outdoor gear available at Uncle Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store and Erehwon Mountain Outfitter.

Health & Fitness

48 52

Check out these workout tips from local fitness facilities that know how to utilize the outdoors — McHenry County Fitness in Woodstock and CrossFit Prevail in McHenry.

Get recipes for healthy homemade smoothies from local restaurant representatives who know just how to blend them. Tropical Smoothie Café in Huntley, Expressly Leslie in Woodstock and Café Firefly in Algonquin share their secrets.

Fashion & Beauty 56

Protecting your skin is essential during the summer. Find out what to look for when you purchase makeup and sunblock with SPF.

Out & About

pg 44

Tom Barrington [in reference to camping gear], assistant manager, Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer

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59 60 63

WOD: Susan Dalton of Marengo has dedicated much of her life to teaching and advocating for the blind and visually impaired, both in her home life and in her career.

Social Life: Watch CreativArts School artists at work as they paint a mural.

The month of July is swamped with different festivals and local events to attend! Check out our arts and events calendars to help plan your next activity.

Artist Showcase: Katherine Weber of Woodstock shares watercolors with summer and patriotic themes.

from the editor

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See The Art In Everything

ith the Chicago Blackhawks right in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as we worked on this July issue of McHenry County Magazine, my mind often strayed to our team in their red, white and black uniforms as we searched for local artists to interview.

Perhaps understandably, when I saw a bronze statue of the Blackhawks created by Crystal Lake resident Erik Blome, the image struck a chord with me.

Once I saw some of his other works, too, I knew I wanted his work to appear somewhere within our pages.

And so it has, featured not only on the inside but on the cover of our magazine, with the hope that it would inspire readers like you to pick up our publication and wonder who created that work of art.

Sometimes a piece of artwork just hits you; it speaks to you, or it makes you stop and say, “Wow! That’s something!”

It might be a world-renowned piece like the Mona Lisa that grabs your attention, or the crayon drawing that your 4-year-old daughter just presented to you. Regardless, art has a way of releasing feelings of awe, respect,

5 Wayne Gretsky “The Great One” as portrayed by Crystal Lake artist Erik Blome.

amazement or even amusement.

I believe art, in its many different forms, has a place in our world, whether it’s a man standing awestruck at the design of the latest Chevrolet Corvette, a woman tasting the finest chocolates in the world or children marveling at the shuttles that carry human beings through space.

In fact, I would argue that almost anything man has created has some sort of artistic quality to it, thereby making art a key component to our everyday lives.

And so, in our fine arts issue, we have tried to present local art in a variety of ways, including a feature on Erik Blome’s bronze statues, which are scattered across the U.S.; photographs of art pieces that recently were on display at 4th Fridays at The Starline Gallery in Harvard; conversations with professionals about how the arts can aid in the development of children; and a feature on a Christian rock artist who is sharing his faith through music.

Hopefully, you find something that appeals to your artistic senses and you enjoy the stories we’ve put together for you.

We also offer a few articles to go along with the hot weather this month. The kids will love the playsets we feature from The Swingset Store/ Rainbow of Illinois in Lake in the Hills, but we’ve been assured that adults can use the sets for their own workouts, too (page 12).

In fact, that’s the perfect introduction to our health and fitness story we put together for those tired of exercising indoors and in need of a new workout that gets them outside (page 48). The tips from McHenry County Fitness in Woodstock and CrossFit Prevail in McHenry utilize swingsets, park benches, tractor tires and more.

And after you’re done with that outdoor workout, you can head home and make a healthy smoothie, with instructions provided by Expressly Leslie in Woodstock, Café Firefly in Algonquin and Tropical Smoothie Café in Huntley (page 52).

The arts are all around us — even in our work and play — and I hope you take a moment to appreciate the art in your life this month!

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

Publisher John Rung 815-459-4040 jrung@shawmedia.com Niche Account Executive Bethany Detert 815-526-4427 bdetert@shawmedia.com Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby 815-526-4467 sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Lee Nelson, Elizabeth Harmon, Colleen Leonard, Jacky Runice, Erin Sauder, Amanda Marrazzo, Pat Stemper Vojta Photographers Heather Nelson, Michele Almeida 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.

— Stephanie N. Grimoldby Editor McHenryCountyMagazine.com

SNEAK PEEK In our August “Back To School” issue, don’t miss: What to pack in a healthy school lunch

Scholarships: How to get them and when to start looking The story of a student who overcame a disability Fashionable kids’ haircuts

On The Cover Pictured on the cover is a bronze sculpture of Rosa Parks by Erik Blome of Crystal Lake. Blome was commissioned to create three identical lifesize sculptures of Parks, which are located in downtown Dallas, Texas; inside the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University in Montgomery, Ala.; and at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center in Lafayette, La. The Lafayette statue was unveiled on the 45th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ arrest for violating a city law requiring racial segregation of public buses in Montgomery, Ala. To read more about Blome, see page 32.

Photo by Michele Almeida

Home design tips for the family room ... and more!

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

9

home & lifestyle / HOMEdesign

I By ERIN SAUDER I

Backyard FUN!

Explore The Many Options Available For Playsets

L 5 Lakewood residents Jessica and Jeff Studnicka say they chose the Titan Treehouse by Backyard Adventures because of its versatility and solid structure. Pictured are their children, Piper, 2, and Logan, 5.

ooking to have the convenience of a park in your own backyard?

The playsets of today are more than just swings and slides, as area backyards are now filling up with castles, forts and even rock walls.

Molly Zerbe, owner of The Swingset Store/ Rainbow of Illinois in Lake in the Hills, says playsets are available to fit every child’s wants, including the popular castle design.

“Our castle series has a tire swing underneath the platform,” she says. “And rock walls are big, especially for a child that’s getting a little older.

Just about everybody that gets the castle gets the rock wall on it.”

The Lake in the Hills store offers freestanding modular systems.

“We have five major options that go onto our sets: the slide, swing beams, overhead monkey bars, the penthouse over the monkey bars and a spiral slide,” Zerbe says. “We have a huge

3 (Facing page) The Monster Castle Package Cabin with Dual Lofts is available at The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois in Lake in the Hills.

Photos provided 4 (At right) Huntley resident Scott Rowe purchased the Gorilla playset from Costco after his wife saw an in-store display. Their model has three swings, a rock wall, slide, rope ladder, regular ladder and a sandbox. Pictured are their children, Carson, 4, and Jillian, 1.

The advantage to playsets is you want kids outside being active.

— Dr. William Cox, McHenry County Orthopaedics

showroom for kids to try them out.”

The systems also can be joined to another structure with a bridge or tunnel.

When purchasing a playset, parents are encouraged to consider one that will suit the child’s needs now and into the future.

“Our concept has always been, buy like the child is 9, even if you come in with a 2-year-old,” Zerbe says. “We have sets kids can grow into and not out of.”

How quickly do children outgrow a playset?

“With some kids, it’s 10. With others, it’s 12,” Zerbe says. “Some families come in and the older sister is 13, and she says she wants it. It really depends on the child.”

Does every playset need a swing? No, according to Zerbe.

“It’s really about space, and it’s amazing how many people are limited in their yard space,” she said. “Not everybody has a big yard.”

Blain’s Farm and Fleet in Woodstock also carries a line of outdoor playsets in a range of sizes to fit the footprint for homeowners with limited space. Sets come with swings, slides and gliders.

Playsets in general can come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl and metal.

The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois sells wooden playsets made of cedar or redwood. Blain’s Farm and Fleet sells metal playsets made of powder-coated steel.

Family Fun

Lakewood residents Jeff and Jessica Studnicka bought their playset from Backyard Adventures of Northern Illinois in Rockford.

“We chose the Titan Treehouse by Backyard Adventures because of its versatility and solid structure,” Jessica Studnicka says. “As the kids grow, we’re

3 The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois in Lake in the Hills also sells commercial playsets such as the Rainbow Play Village, pictured here.

5 Scott Rowe's son Carson climbs on the family's playset in Huntley.

able to customize and add on. The swing set has a 10-foot swing height with a wide base so even adults can swing without the playset moving. Overall, it feels very sound and secure.”

Their children Logan, 5, and Piper, 2, are enjoying it.

“We were able to enlarge the sandbox in place of a picnic table, which has been a huge hit,” Studnicka says. “It’s not unusual to have at least 10 kids playing on it at a time. We look forward to adding new accessories as the kids grow.”

Huntley resident Scott Rowe says his family purchased the Gorilla playset kit online from Costco after his wife saw an in-store display.

Their playset has three swings, a rock wall, slide, rope ladder, regular ladder and a sandbox.

The kit was delivered in February, and the family put it together during a weekend in May. His two children — Carson, 4, and Jillian, 1 — love it.

“It’s been nonstop. The minute we get home, it’s all we do,” Rowe says. “And we’ve seen a couple of the same sets in our neighborhood, so it’s a popular buy.”

“Grass and soil are not recommended because they’re affected so much by weather conditions and wear,” Cox says. “The dryer it is, weather-wise soil gets harder and loses its shock absorbing capacity.”

Playsets also should be situated properly.

“We also see injuries from having inadequate space between different play areas,” Cox says.

“For example, you shouldn’t have a sandbox near a swing because then the kids in the sandbox can get hit by kids on the swings. You have to have separation.”

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also recommends children go down a slide alone rather than on the lap of a parent.

“Unfortunately, what can happen is that when a child is going down the slide on the lap of a parent, the child’s leg can get caught,” Cox says.

“So, it’s recommended children go down alone, and if the parent wants to supervise, to wait at the bottom of the slide. Even though it seems fun going down together, it’s the most common way children can sustain a fracture.” mc

Playing It Safe

While the kids are having fun, parents can help them avoid injuries by making sure there is appropriate surface material under the playset to provide a safe landing.

Dr. William Cox of McHenry County Orthopaedics says 80 percent of injuries stemming from playsets are caused by falls.

“That’s why there’s a big push to have relatively soft material under the equipment,” he says. “The advantage to playsets is you want kids outside being active. But what’s also important is having shock absorbing properties under the swingset. That’s key.”

He says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests wood mulch, shredded tires or sand.

14 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

5 King Kong Club package Superstar available at The Swingset Store/ Rainbow of Illinois.

6 Sun Castle package with Tube Slide available at The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois.

3 The Swingset Store/Rainbow of Illinois showroom in Lake in the Hills has many playsets to choose from.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

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home & lifestyle

summer

Must Reads

Is there any better time than the summer to pick up a book, find a comfortable chair — or hammock if you’ve got one — and read to your heart’s content?

Some people who really know books — area librarians — weigh in on great reads for children, teens and adults. Plus, they reveal a little bit about their own reading habits.

Adults

Cynthia Lopuszynski, head of adult services at the Crystal Lake Public Library, has been a librarian for 37 years.

“I started this profession before the wonders of technology became so common,” she says. “It has been an exciting career because of all the changes that technology brings.”

She reads whatever and whenever she can fit in a few minutes.

“A good book will grab all your attention, so the ‘when’ and ‘where’ don’t matter,” says the librarian, who has been married for 39 years, has two children and two grandchildren.

One of Lopuszanski’s favorite books is “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg, which was made into the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.”

“I read a lot of popular fiction by current authors such as James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, Jeffrey Deaver, Vince Flynn and more,” she says. “I also peruse the knitting books to see what is new.”

The following is Lopuszynski’s list for best adult books for summer reading, along with a short review: “Instant Mom” by Nia Vardalos. This conversationally-written book details how Nia and her husband adopted a 3-year-old girl from the foster child system. It is moving, funny and informative. Nia reminds the reader of the joy of discovering the person your child is and is becoming and the joys of sharing experiences with them.

“Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson.

By Lee Nelson

It’s about a serial killer on the loose in Chicago at the same time they were preparing for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Summer is the perfect time to head downtown and explore all the places mentioned in the book.

“A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)” by George R.R.

Martin. The first book in Martin’s epic fantasy series has war, romance, an exiled princess, secrets, spies and exciting plot twists around every corner. The third season of the TV show just ended. For fans that need a fix, the time is never better to start enjoying the novels.

“Redshirts” by John Scalzi. Meet young ensign Andrew Dahl, who is pumped to be assigned to the Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since year 2456.

But then strange things start happening around him such as crazy coincidences, weird solutions to emergencies, bizarre deaths. It’s a dark comedy that both loves and pokes fun at the world of space adventure well known to “Star Trek” fans. If you grew up with science fiction television, you’ll understand right away who the Redshirts are and why you never want to be one.

“Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman. From the back cover: “A middle-aged man

Heist,” Stephen King’s “Joyland” and Dan Brown’s “Inferno.”

Teens

returns to his childhood home and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where, when he was 7, he encountered a most remarkable girl and her mother and grandmother. As he sits by the pond ­behind the ramshackle old house, the unremembered past comes flooding back — a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.”

“Women’s Diaries of the Westward Journey” collected by Lillian Schlissel. Relive the

pioneering experiences and harrowing journeys of America’s women in the 1880s. For those who love history, it is thought provoking and makes today’s woman appreciate what she has now.

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed. This

is a memoir from a young woman reeling from the loss of her mother, her divorce and her drug problem. She walks the Pacific Crest Trail, with not much preparation, to try to set her life on a better course. I loved following Cheryl Strayed’s physical and mental journey as she starts to mature and actually becomes a hiker on the trail. Funny, moving and intelligent.

And then some favorite authors have books that just came out or are coming out this summer, including James Patterson’s “Second Honeymoon,” Janet Evanovich’s “The

Nancy Gaynor’s kindergarten teacher wrote on her report card, “Nancy spends too much time reading,” to the detriment of her other schoolwork.

Gaynor’s love of books carried into her profession. She has worked as a librarian in various locations since 1984, including the Illinois Institute of Technology, Motorola and the Barrington Area Library. She now works part time in adult services at the Cary Area Public Library, where she has been since 2009.

“I enjoy the ability of an author to transport me to another time or place through their use of words,” she says. “On many occasions, I have been known to lose myself in a good book for hours at a time.”

Her comfy chair in her bedroom — away from distractions— has become her reading sanctuary.

She enjoys light mysteries, young adult dystopian fiction and steampunk, classics, fantasy and even some nonfiction.

“I have also been able to share my love of reading with area Boy Scouts by continuing as a Merit Badge Counselor, specifically for the [Boy Scouts of America] Reading Merit Badge,” she says. “The Cary Area Public Library has encouraged me to continue this service here at the library for the past four years.”

The following is Gaynor’s list for best teen books for summer reading, along with a short review: “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones”

by Cassandra Clare. This is the first book in a trilogy by a popular author. The movie is set to be released this August.

“Sea of Monsters” by Rick Riordan. This is the second book and movie in the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series. These books are full of action and Greek mythology.

“I Am Number Four” by Pittacus Lore.

This is the first in the Lorien legacies series. I have enjoyed these books. The main characters include both teen boys and girls, lots of action and a good plot. This first book also has been made into a movie and is now out in video.

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth. This is book No. 1 in another popular series. Beatrice Prior lives in a dystopian Chicago world with a fivefaction society, each of which is development of a particular virtue.

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry. This is book No. 1 in a series of four. The setting is within a society aimed to be a utopia but, as you get deeper into the book, appears to be more dystopian. The

book follows the young character Jonas, 12.

“What’s Left of Me” by Kat Zhang. One

body but two souls. Addie and Eva are two souls born into one body. Not that this is unusual in the future. This is how everyone is born. Eventually, the more dominant soul takes over and the other soul fades into the distance before eventually disappearing altogether. Addie and Eva are different though.

At the age of 15, both of them are still present. But there are others like Addie and Eva. “Speechless” by Hannah Harrington. The main character, Chelsea Knot, has taken a vow of silence because the last secret she let out made her a social outcast and almost got someone killed. But keeping her mouth shut can be harder than it seems.

Children

Mary Ryan, youth services librarian at the Woodstock Public Library, says her mother always read to her.

“I cannot remember a time when books were not a part of my life. I would get into trouble in elementary school for reading in class,” she says. “There are so many things that are impossible for me to do in real life that I can experience in books.”

At the moment, Ryan’s favorite reading genre is urban fantasy. She says she likes the mix of real world and magical elements, and she doesn’t stray too far from the roost when she gets involved in a good book.

“I love curling up at home with a book, either inside on a rainy day or outside on the porch in nice weather,” she says.

While Ryan can’t name her favorite book of all time — “[that’s] an impossible question, especially for a librarian,” she says — certain books have her coming back to them all the time.

“I can say that I always enjoy re-reading “Dealing with Dragons” by Patricia Wrede or “World War Z” by Max Brooks.”

The following is Ryan’s list for best children books for summer reading, along with a short review: “Dinosaur vs. The Potty” (and the rest of the “Dinosaur vs. …” series) by Bob Shea. The little red dinosaur roars his way through each book, but his first one is hilarious, when he is determined to beat the puddles and juice boxes that might make him have to use the potty. It’s a picture book.

“Bink and Gollie” series by Kate DiCamillo. DiCamillo is already well known to children, but this series about two best friends manages to be fun while covering topics every friendship faces. The mix of black-and-white and color illustrations is a little like a comic book. It features short chapters.

20 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

“Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude” by Kevin O’Malley. A girl and

boy tell their own made-up fairy tale, but interrupt each other constantly in their tale about a fair princess, her beautiful ponies and the totally cool muscle dude on a motorcycle who shows up to fight an ogre. Best told in silly voices for maximum laughs. This is a picture book.

“Alcatraz Versus The Evil Librarians” by Brandon Sanderson.

Alcatraz Smedry thought he was just a klutz who tended to break things. Turns out he’s a hero in the making – destined to save the world from … evil librarians? This is a chapter book.

“Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King” by

William Joyce. Learn the secret history of Santa Claus. He used to be a mountain bandit, but when the children of Earth need to be rescued from nightmares, he rises to the occasion and fights alongside yetis, wizards and robots. This is a chapter book. mc

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

21

home & lifestyle

In Their Prime Prime Law Group provides a full-service practice

M

any times, a law firm will utilize the surnames of its attorneys as its company title, with two, three or four often unpronounceable names standing as the telltale marker that the men and women inside such an office are lawyers.

Not so with Prime Law Group, LLC in Woodstock.

The year-old law firm — that, despite its somewhat new brick and mortar, boasts a combined 100 years of experience among its six lawyers and one paralegal — is trying to break the mold in a variety of ways, and having a somewhat unconventional name is just the start.

By having a company name without surnames, Prime Law Group is able to provide stability to its clients, says managing partner Jim Militello III. If a lawyer were to leave the firm, the entire business model — name, stationery, website, etc. — would not have to change for the firm to continue serving its clients.

The name Prime Law Group also allows the growing Woodstock law firm to adapt to the growing needs of its clients by adding lawyers who have the skill sets to tackle new and changing legal issues.

If anything, Prime Law Group stands out from other firms based on its allencompassing, full-service model for its clients, Militello says. Instead of visiting three different law firms for different tasks, clients can make one stop at Prime Law Group.

“Our clients have more than just one issue usually — they have estate planning, business/employment, family law and real estate issues ...” he says. “Many firms are specialized, where they only practice in one area. Not here. We bring multiple areas together to provide a full-service office so we can best serve our clients.”

A New Philosophy

Besides having a different kind of name, Prime Law Group strives to have a different philosophy.

“We realize there is a large segment of the population that is hesitant to contact an attorney, mainly because [they] don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” says partner Jeremy Shaw.

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY •

With that in mind, Prime Law Group works to establish relationships with its clients so they understand what services can be beneficial to their situation.

“You need an attorney for some things in your life,” Shaw says. “We strive to form strong relationships with our clients and community and avoid treating them as another file matter… . Everybody needs an attorney they feel comfortable picking up the phone and calling.”

Shaw says educating clients and talking to them like human beings is key to effective communication.

“I think lawyers are so much more approachable when people understand what services the attorney is providing and what it is costing them,” Shaw says.

“Most issues are pretty simple, even in law. You just have to communicate it, not regurgitate the legalese.”

Each of the lawyers and paralegals at Prime Law Group has a certain area of practice. To help break down the legalese, and to explain what each professional can do for local residents in need of legal assistance, meet the team at Prime Law Group:

Headshots by MICHELE ALMEIDA

Paralegal Brent Tarter, Tax Appeals

There comes a time every summer/early fall when residents receive an assessed value of their home and, if they feel it’s too high, they have the chance to try to lower that assessment.

That’s where paralegal Brent Tarter comes in, with the supervision of Prime Law Group’s attorneys.

Tarter’s job is to assist the attorneys to reduce the assessed value of a client’s home in the interest of creating a savings through a tax appeal. Utilizing research and analysis and his knowledge as a former real estate agent, Tarter helps assist the attorneys at looking at the various methods available to appeal and determine which method will help obtain the maximum results.

“We don’t want to just get them a reduction, we want to get them the maximum reduction we can,” Tarter says.

“When we identify and utilize the best evidence, depending on the size, location, condition and features of a home, a typical reduction can vary from between 10 and 30 percent — the equivalent of hundreds to several thousand dollars.”

In one case last year, Tarter assisted the attorneys at Prime Law Group to help a McHenry County man go from a $205,000 assessment on his home down to $105,000.

Of course, that was one scenario, and even in the 10,000 tax appeals filed in McHenry County last year alone, such reductions don’t occur often, Tarter notes.

Still, the firm has a client intake tool, “QUICKQUERY,” located on their website at www.primelawgroup.com, in which a potential client can complete the details regarding their property and receive a call back. Tarter and the attorneys use this information to research the property so that when they contact the prospective client, they already have an idea of what they can do for the individual, which allows for faster communication and better information sharing.

“We like being able to call a client and tell them that we exceeded their expectations in obtaining an even lower reduction on their property than we had

originally estimated,” Tarter says.

Attorney Lance Green,

Family Law

When attorney Lance Green started practicing family law in 1992 in McHenry County, his daughter was just 2 years old and his son wasn’t even born.

Today, Green has found a niche in creating peaceful resolutions in matters affecting children and families, including divorces, paternity suits, custody disputes, domestic violence cases, visitation rights and more. He is, however, very able to litigate when necessary.

“I think I can help people,” Green says simply. “It’s nice to be able to do that on a daily basis. People’s lives are in [their attorney’s] hands. It’s different than a doctor, but their futures are being shaped by what’s happening.”

Green says a successful solution in family law is one that the courts approve of and both parties can abide by on a permanent basis.

To reach that end, Green takes a very personal, hands-on approach to his work, preferring to correspond with his clients face-to-face and through phone calls rather than letters and emails, though he’ll accommodate such communication when needed.

“It’s important for people to get good advice about [family matters],” he says.

Attorney Dan Lyons, Real Estate

One of the main reasons a person will hire a lawyer is to oversee the closing of a house sale.

Attorney Dan Lyons, who has six years experience in real estate, says he likes to get two parties together at a

negotiating table and walk away with both sides happy.

“You need a real estate attorney to buy or sell a home,” he says. “You need to pay careful attention to the

details. [Buying a house] is likely the largest financial transaction you will make in your life, so it’s smart to have an attorney on your side. . It’s very crucial to the success or failure of a closing.”

The Lake in the Hills resident can provide guidance for residential and commercial real estate transactions, landlord and tenant disputes, environmental issues and short sales, which occur when a house sells for less than current mortgage balance.

“It’s not widely known that a lender will bear all or almost all the costs associated with a short sale,” Lyons says.

“Short sales are better for [a person’s] credit than a foreclosure. Credit affects how much you pay in rent, your car insurance [and more].”

Attorney Meaghan Alexander, Estate Planning

A second major reason people will hire an attorney is to receive help with estate planning.

For attorney Meaghan Alexander of McHenry, that means people come Photo provided to her in times of great uncertainty and trepidation in their own lives.

“Oftentimes, estate planning is the only contact a person has with an attorney other than real estate,” the nine-year veteran says.

“With most of our clients, we have two main goals. First, to ensure that the assets of an estate are distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

Along with that, we can create trusts in the event the client becomes incapacitated so the client can draw on assets of the

trust and ensure their needs are met. Second is tax planning.”

Whether a client is suffering from an illness or simply is trying to think ahead for the future, estate planning can give a client and his or her family peace of mind, Alexander says. She says she feels privileged to have the trust of a client during such emotional times, and she does her best to make everyone feel at ease.

“A client may feel like they sound ignorant because they don’t know what to ask for, and I really enjoy making the client feel comfortable in our office, to listen to the client’s needs and goals and to create some recommendations for the client’s estate plans,” Alexander says. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, people leave feeling like, ‘OK, I’ve checked something off my lifetime to-do list. I feel like I know a lot more after meeting with Meaghan.’”

economic impact a case could have on a client.

“A lot of times when I’m talking to a client, I try to tell them to look at two points of view — the legal point of view and the practical point of view,” Boyd says.

“Legally speaking, your claims [may be] strong or weak. Practically speaking, to take it to court, it will cost you X, Y and Z … .

We provide people with a legal gauge and a practical gauge so they can make the best decision for their particular life situation.”

Why does he spend so much time advocating on behalf of others?

“Bottom line, I really like helping people come to resolutions in the legal field,” says Boyd, who also is a graduate of Leadership Greater McHenry County. “In particular, sometimes the legal process and the legal field can seem intimidating, and it’s nice to be able to provide solutions.”

Attorney John Boyd,

Attorney and Partner Jeremy Shaw,

As a civil litigator, attorney John Boyd is an advocate in the courtroom for whomever he is representing, whether it be defense work or Photo provided plaintiff work.

And whom he represents can run the gamut, including those fighting — or asking for — foreclosure; people on either side of a contract dispute; and more.

“A party thought they were the rightful beneficiary on a life insurance policy that had been changed. They felt they had been wronged,” Boyd says. “I did a cross claim and acted as plaintiff and brought that case to settlement.”

Boyd doesn’t just bring legal solutions to the table. He also looks at the practical and

Much of attorney Jeremy Shaw’s practice deals with municipalities, but such work can have a resounding effect on the community.

The village of McCullom Lake, for example, started Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a nonprofit organization that raises money to help local residents through various endeavors. If a person’s garage was in disrepair and they didn’t have the resources to address it, Neighbors Helping Neighbors would volunteer to rebuild the structure so that it stayed in compliance with local ordinances, Shaw says.

Shaw was able to assist NHN in receiving 501c3 status for the organization, which now is in its fourth year, he says.

The Crystal Lake resident, who is moving to Woodstock, also makes sure village boards stay in compliance with state regulations before voting on important matters.

Litigation

Local Government

“The politicians are tasked with making the difficult decisions,” Shaw says. “I simply ensure that their decisions are consistent with the law.”

Attorney and Managing Partner Jim Militello III, Business and Technology Law

While attorney Jim Militello III, like many of his colleagues, can handle different legal matters for clients, his practice deals with local government and business and technology law. Such work may include helping those who want to start a business, buy/sell a business, develop a business model, deal with employment issues, transfer a company to family members or work to utilize technology in an existing business.

Finding the right domain name for a company, for instance, can be key to business success, Militello says, who understands search engine optimization and the other technical aspects that can really put a company on the map.

Militello, part of a fourth-generation McHenry County family and a secondgeneration lawyer, also makes sure his colleagues are outfitted with the latest technology to better serve clients. Prime Law Group is cloud-based, meaning the attorneys can access client information on any of their computers or secure mobile devices, allowing them to work with a client anywhere.

“We’ve had the pleasure of really good clients and we appreciate their business… that has made it exciting,” he says. “When you see a fire station get built and serve a community or you see a development in Crystal Lake, McHenry or Woodstock or when you can see companies expanding … those are feel-good transactions.” mc

747 S. Eastwood Drive (Route 47) Woodstock, IL 60098 • 815-338-2040

www.PrimeLawGroup.com

A Little Bird Told Me

home & lifestyle

ZIN

with Cardinal Wine & Spirits • Bruce Garfield, president of Cardinal Wine & Spirits in Crystal Lake; Jeremy Brock, general manager of Cardinal Wine & Spirits; and Scot Stadalsky, the wine guy at Cardinal Wine & Spirits, offer more than 70 years of combined experience in the wine and liquor industry to McHenry County.

SANITY

With our Independence Day around the corner, we give tribute to the grape most referred to as America’s grape — zinfandel.

Though DNA testing found it to be closely related to grapes from Croatia and Italy, it is here in California that the wine has thrived. The vines have shown to be incredibly resilient, fighting off fungus, disease, old age and the government (aren’t they all the same?).

During Prohibition, while many vineyards were being torn up, small pockets of zinfandel continued to be nurtured. One with a cult following was “Black Chicken,” the code name Aldo Biale used for his zinfandel that local wine lovers could order along with their eggs and produce to keep from being harassed by the law. Today, Biale’s son has kept the tradition alive, paying tribute to his father’s courage with Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel. Still made in tiny quantities, this is a rare treat if you can find it.

Zinfandel also has shown its toughness with vines today that are more than 100 years old. These vines look more like stubby little trees than vines, but the fruit they produce is magical.

While some wineries are trying to create lighter, more delicate zins, we prefer ours with some depth and richness to them.

This is the style that made the wine what it is — why would you want to go away from what the people want?

So, as you’re paying tribute to our nation this Fourth of July, don’t forget to raise a glass of “our” wine.

KLINKERBRICK — ZINFANDEL, $17 Dark, brooding fruit fills the mouth with notes of blackberry, cassis and ripe cherries with hints of cocoa powder on the long, intense finish.

METTLER — ZINFANDEL, $20 There is no lack of fruit in this wonderful mouthful of fun. Exciting notes of black cherries, plum, tobacco and a kiss of dark chocolate lingers on the wonderful finish.

FOLIE A DEUX — ZINFANDEL, $12 Jammy dark fruit cascades over the palate with blueberry, cassis and espresso exposing a little cedar box spice on the invigorating finish.

JOEL GOTT — ZINFANDEL, $15 If there was ever a base line zinfandel to judge others by, this would be it. Not over the top with the fruit, it still shows distinctive varietal correctness. Aromas of wild blackberry jam and toasty oak work well with generous notes of blackberry, blueberry and plum with a gentle caress of mocha on the lengthy finish.

EARTHQUAKE — ZINFANDEL, $27 With a name like Earthquake, you know this isn’t going to be a wimpy wine.

Bursting with intense notes of sweet briar fruit, bramble berry and raspberry, nutmeg and vanilla are sprinkled over the long, forceful finish.

OLD GHOST — ZINFANDEL, $40 Many wines use the term “old vines” on their label without really having any restriction as to what qualifies as such. In this case, the vines are gnarly, 100-yearold vines with trunks fatter than a man’s thighs. As they get older, they produce less fruit, resulting in much richer, intense fruit. This is truly a stunning wine, not for mc the faint of heart.

28 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

home & lifestyle

Simply The BEST

Put A Fork In It

with David Faccone

• David Faccone is the owner/chef of Crystal Lake Rib House and brings 30 years of experience in the restaurant business to McHenry County.

The Northwest Herald’s Best of the Fox awards came out last month, which are the Academy Awards of the restaurant industry in McHenry County.

I love this time of the year because it provides me with a whole new list of restaurants to visit and reminds me of old friends I haven’t been to see in a while.

The actual insert in the newspaper is the best dining guide in the county. Not only are there plenty of suggestions and choices to choose from, but every listing also is one of the top three in the county. It’s like a tried and tested dining guide. It may be your first time going to one of the restaurants, but you are guaranteed a great dining experience.

My insert from last year is quite beat up now because I keep it in my briefcase and use it all the time when going out or making suggestions for friends. I wish the NWH would put out a small pocket version of all the winners, and not just those in the dining category. It would be great to have handy any time you wanted the best in the county, from plumbers to painters or burgers to barbecue.

I hope next year we get even more McHenryCountyMagazine.com

categories. For instance, people always talk about service in restaurants and how critical it is, but there is no category for that. And what about that all-important before dinner drink? How about “Favorite Bartender,” or “Restaurant with Best Bartenders?”

I know people would enjoy that. Or a “Best Restauranteur” category for some of the great innovators and leaders in our community, like Perry Moy, John Pilafas and Andy Andrewski, to name a few.

And what about a pet peeve — and personal favorite of mine — Coldest Draft Beer in the County? (My vote is for Wings Etc.) Now, a category like that would really make the guys vote.

I know I’m pushing it, but it would be fun.

I went through all the winners and found I have seven restaurants that I have not been to yet. Visiting them will be my first order of business, and I hope you will make it yours, too. We have so many great restaurants available to us in McHenry County; I urge you to shake it up a little and visit some of these new great places.

Don’t let yourself fall into what I call the “Chicago syndrome.” That’s when I recommend a restaurant, and it happens to be in Chicago, and I am met with a blank look and the typical, “Chicago?! Where can I park? What about traffic? I hate the Kennedy,” response.

Baloney. People come from all over the world to visit Chicago; you’re an hour away, and you don’t take advantage of that?

The same thing happens here. If you’re in Crystal Lake, visit a place in McHenry.

If you’re in McHenry, visit Lake in the Hills or Cary. You get the idea. It’s not 2008 any more — get out and enjoy some of these great restaurants.

If you know of a restaurant you would like me to review or of a category you would like to see added to the Best of the Fox Awards, this is the time to let me know. Send me an email at clribhouse@att.net with your suggestion. If I use your suggestion, I’ll send you a $50 gift certificate to The Crystal Lake Rib House.

Now, let’s all get out there and enjoy all these wonderful restaurants in McHenry County. Happy dining! mc July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

29

Original Art:

arts

By McHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE Photos by HEATHER NELSON

Work by Carol Hamilton

More than 700 art enthusiasts travel to The Starline Gallery in Harvard once a month to take in the exhibits and events hosted during the gallery’s “4th Fridays.”

Fourth Fridays, which open at 6 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month, nine months out of the year, support regional artists by providing a juried mixed art exhibit, juried photo contest, featured artist solo exhibit and more. A $5 entry fee covers admission, bottled water and light appetizers; a cash bar also is

available.

Angela Swan of Lakewood is an artist who has been featured during 4th Fridays and a volunteer who helps the event take shape each month.

“I think one of the coolest things about it is we’re showcasing regional artists in an event that we try really hard to make fun,” Swan says. “So, it’s a happening. It’s something to do in McHenry County on a regular basis, but it’s reworked every month.

So, it’s not the same live music, it’s not the same

Jason and Karen Lehnhardt look at art

“Get Your Feet Wet” photography contest

Work by Steve Ponio Natalie Wiley, Vanessa Angelo and Alicia Slavin look at “White Plain” by Michael Wilson

Carol Hamilton

The Starline Gallery In Harvard Hosts Monthly Art Show artwork and it’s not the same space. It’s fresh.”

As an artist, Swan says she has felt very supported through 4th Fridays.

“Part of our mission is to educate the public on what original art is; how to live with original art and buy it,” she says.

“Mostly, people, they see something and it resonates inside them and they want to live with it … . We are, through this event,

trying to help people value living with art because it validates me … as an artist. If people buy what I make, then I can make more things … . Who I am is honored.

“I think that this whole 4th Fridays is just a way to dignify artists and give them a forum and really make it fun.”

And the audience attending 4th Fridays has fun, too, she says.

“What we [hear] back is that people

appreciate the energy,” Swan says. “They walk in and feel it could be downtown, but it’s not — it’s in their backyard.”

Below are photos from the 4th Fridays event that took place in May. The next 4th Fridays is scheduled for Friday, July 26. For more information, visit www. nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays-at-thestarline. mc

“Every Artist Has A Story”

“Every Artist Has A Story”

Live music

4th Fridays at The Starline Gallery “Every Artist Has A Story”

Work by Jodi Wachman

arts / on the cover

Bronze Beauties Local Sculptor’s Work Admired Nationally

H

I By Elizabeth Harmon

5 Erik Blome, a nationally-recognized sculptor who resides in Crystal Lake, keeps a small bronze sculpture he calls “Little Dancer” inside his home. Photo by Michele Almeida

I

ockey stars.

A legendary entertainer.

Heroes of African American history.

Inspiring images brought forth from tragic sacrifice.

Crystal Lake resident and nationally known sculptor Erik Blome has depicted all of them in bronze.

Working from a studio tucked into a Crystal Lake industrial park, Blome’s public art can be found throughout the nation in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Milwaukee and Montgomery. His works also are scattered throughout smaller communities and suburbs such as Rockford, Waukegan, Bannockburn, DuQuoin, Oak Lawn, Aurora, Naperville and Muscatine, Iowa.

His commissions include work for cities, the federal government, sports teams, colleges, schools and civic organizations. His subjects have included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, George Washington Carver, Wayne Gretzky and Jack Benny.

5 Blome’s statue of comedian Jack Benny “We’re very lucky to have the work of resides in Waukegan, the city where Benny grew up. Photo provided such a talented artist on display in Oak Lawn,” says Sandra Bury, recently elected mayor of the community.

Bury was a member of a local Rotary chapter that commissioned Blome to create a 9/11 memorial using steel from the World Trade Center. The 40,000-pound finished sculpture, displayed at the community’s Metra station, features two bronze towers atop steel bases. The towers depict images of first responders and others who demonstrated heroism on 9/11. The piece was recognized with an Illinois Governor’s Hometown Award.

Photo provided

Blome is creating a second piece that depicts a firefighter’s empty boots and folded coat.

“We wanted an uplifting memorial, but the folded coat over the boots symbolizes the loss and sacrifice made by first responders,” Bury says.

Becoming A Sculptor

Blome grew up in Deerfield in an artistic family. His father, an oil painter and graphic designer, ran a design studio in downtown Chicago.

“He did all kinds of important graphic design work,” Blome says. “I worked with him for a while and considered taking it over, but I’d fallen in love with

5 Blome keeps a small bronze statue of an African elephant he created at his home in Crystal Lake. A full-size version of the sculpture (pictured at left) sits in front of the Embassy of Cote D’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, in Washington D.C. Photo by Michele Almeida

sculpture.”

Blome was a student at the University of Michigan studying English and fine arts when a basic sculpture class piqued his interest.

“I felt it was the most interesting area of art, and the instructor was a really down to earth guy,” Blome says. “He taught me how to cast figures. I was just learning the basics,

5 Blome created a sculpture of the Chicago Blackhawks that commemorated the team’s 75th anniversary. It was dedicated in 2000 and sits on Madison Street in Chicago, across from the United Center, where the Chicago Stadium once stood. Photo provided McHenryCountyMagazine.com

but I felt like he’d given me the world.”

After graduation, Blome returned to Chicago and worked in his father’s studio, creating sculpture and entering shows on the side. Eventually, the lure of sculpture was too strong to ignore and he applied to Boston University’s graduate fine arts program.

“My dad didn’t understand what I was doing,” Blome recalls. “His reaction was something like, ‘You have the chance to be an artist who makes money, and you want to go do THAT?’” Blome did, and he moved to Boston, waiting tables and teaching part time to pay for school. Graduate school helped him refine his technique and develop his artistic voice.

After completing his master’s degree, he won a scholarship from Rotary International and spent a year in post-graduate study

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

33

5 Blome keeps several models of his work at his home, including a model bust of Rosa Parks. Photo by Michele Almeida

at the Royal College of Art in London. But after returning to Chicago, Blome encountered a new challenge — how to turn his art into a viable career.

“I really had no idea,” he admits.

He took a job in the membership department of the Terra Museum in Chicago while teaching a summer credit course at the School of the Art Institute. His contacts at the Terra proved fruitful and led to Blome’s first public commission, a life-sized bust of Thurgood Marshall for a Chicago public library named for the Supreme Court Justice on the city’s south side.

More work followed, including bronze portraits of James Jordan, father of basketball star Michael Jordan, for the James Jordan Boys 6 Blome also created sculptures of the Edmonson sisters, who were important figures in the abolitionist and Underground Railroad efforts. Photo provided

34 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

and Girls Clubs of Chicago; a life-size figure of George Washington Carver for a Mesa, Ariz., residential development; and a figure of Martin Luther King Jr., commissioned by Milwaukee’s YWCA. Though Blome has become known for his AfricanAmerican subjects, he also has sculpted likenesses of Latino boxer Oscar de la Hoya, members of the Chicago Blackhawks, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, entertainer Jack Benny and children, a pregnant mother, animals, fishermen and firefighters.

His firefighter sculptures got Bury’s attention when she read about Blome in a Rotary magazine.

“We loved that he had a connection to Rotary and had already done sculptures of firefighters,” she says. “When we saw his work, the expression and emotion just blew us away.”

creating a sculpture

Blome’s sculptures begin with research as he examines photos and video of his subject.

Next, he draws a live model the size and build of his subject, creating facial features from photos. He sculpts a clay model, then coats it with rubber to create a plastic shell. The shell is used to create a wax impression, which is dipped into liquid ceramic slurry.

“The ceramic is the same material used on the exterior of the space shuttle and can take intense heat,” he says.

Next, the hardened slurry is heated to 1,400 degrees, which burns out all the wax, creating a hollow shell with the impression of the sculpture inside. Molten bronze is poured into the mold.

“It glows red for about five minutes, then

4 Pictured is a model of part of the 9/11 memorial Blome created out of steel from the World Trade Center.

The 40,000-pound sculpture was commissioned by the city of Oak Lawn.

Photo by Michele Almeida

hardens quickly, and it cools in about an hour,” Blome says. “Then, I break away the ceramic shell, and there’s the bronze cast.”

The cast sculpture is sanded, sometimes colored, and then polished to complete the piece.

teaching to others

Throughout his career, Blome has continued to teach, serving on the faculties of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Academy of Art in San Francisco and at the Royal College of Art in London. In 2012, he received a U.S. Fulbright Teaching Award, with affiliation at the sculpture department of Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt.

He also was a visiting artist at the American University in Cairo and an artist in residence at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia where he built a fine arts bronze foundry.

“Students tend to have a fresh way of looking at things and don’t take anything for granted,” Blome says.

“Because of that, I enjoy the rejuvenation I feel when I teach, asking old questions like it’s the first time and answering everything with an honest perspective.”

Though he enjoys traveling, the availability of large studio space, as well as a familyfriendly environment, brought Blome, his wife and children to McHenry County 10 years ago. He calls Crystal Lake home, but he loves the instant camaraderie that is formed when people recognize his art.

“If it’s a place people know, right away there’s an instant connection,” he says. “Through my art, I’m able to connect with people from all over.” mc

3 Blome keeps a small sculpture of a Friesian horse at his home. Photo by Michele Almeida

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

35

arts / ARTISTprofile

Sharing

FAITH Through

Music

By PAT STEMPER VOJTA Photos by MICHELE ALMEIDA 36 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

I think that the world is ready for a revival of faith.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Bolingbrook High School. He says it came naturally — he picked up a guitar, started strumming and soon was playing cords, though he admits he can’t read or write musical notes.

Cochrane went on to attend Illinois Wesleyan University and, in 2001, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics.

Although he never had formal music training, Cochrane says his degree in physics has helped him create music.

“When I write, I see things r. m's cove from both a scientific and ed on the albu ur at fe is , an son, Ev spiritual perspective,” he says.

5 Cochrane's “It helps me piece things together in life that don’t make sense.” ac Cochrane While at Illinois Wesleyan, he met Joe had two reasons Misek, a man who shared Cochrane musical to celebrate his vision. They immediately became best birthday June 4. friends.

He turned 34, After college, Cochrane began a career as and the date marked a service engineer for a company making the release of his debut Christian rock music emission monitoring equipment. But he was CD titled “Written on Your Heart.” always intent on pursuing his love of music.

The Algonquin resident had recorded 6 Mac Cochrane (below and facing page) started the CD demo writing musical lyrics as a teenager. He debuted with eight tracks his Christian rock album “Written On Your Heart” combining the styles in June. of rock, electronic and worship and submitted it online to several record labels. “Written on Your Heart” was immediately picked up by Tate Music Group in Mustang, Okla., which works with artists around the country in multiple genres, including country, rhythm and blues and Christian.

“Just like that, they wanted to sign me,” Cochrane says.

What made the music of “Thing’s He set up a home-based music studio in his Hidden” stand out among the rest? basement, using his laptop computer, special “They’re really inspirational. They just software and an eight-channel mixing board put their hearts in everything they do,” says to compose, mix, engineer and record his Jonathan Robles, publicist at Key Marketing music.

Group, part of Tate Music Group. “They It was then Cochrane formed Christian worked really hard and ultimately, if you do rock band “Things Hidden,” titled in that, it pays off.” reference to a Bible passage that states there are many things hidden that are meant to How the band began be discovered. He set out to make his first Cochrane started writing musical lyrics album with the help of Misek performing as a teenager in the late 1990s while at lead electric guitar on several tracks.

M

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

The album became a family affair when Cochrane’s wife, Portia, added a Scripture reading to one song, and the couple’s 2-yearold son, Evan, featured on the cover of the CD, provided the laughter that can be heard on another song. Cochrane wrote the lyrics, played guitar and offered the vocals.

Music to ponder

Divine inspiration is what drives Cochrane’s music.

“I pray when I write my songs,” he says. “I pray that God will use me and make that my purpose.”

Cochrane says Christian music is on the upstream.

“I think that the world is ready for a revival of faith,” he says. “There’s an emptiness that prevails in society.”

Still, Cochrane hopes people will think of his music as not only Christian, but also as introspective. “[I hope this is] music that will help you ponder the importance of life and the purpose that God gave us,” he says.

He continues to share his music on the weekends at the Village Church of Barrington, playing with the church band. He says he may have picked up his love of Christian music while watching his mother, Ann, as she sang in her church choir.

But his main goal is to continue to make albums and use his faithbased music as an inspiration to his listeners.

He already has completed 10 songs in preparation for his next album, and since Misek has left to attend seminary to become an ordained minister, Cochrane hopes to find members to join his band and pursue his dream of producing music full time.

“I’m excited to see where this is gonna go,” he says.

To purchase “Written on Your Heart,” visit www.amazon.com, the iTunes Store or www.tatemusicgroup.com. The cost of the CD is $13.99; a download is $7.99. For more information about Things Hidden, visit www.thingshidden.com or www. facebook.com/thingshidden. mc July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

37

See 0 Page 6

38 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

family health / SUCCESS lives next door

Mus c

For The Mind How the arts help babies develop While pregnant, Melissa Zmuda turned her passion for the Beatles and Van Morrison into a time of bonding.

The Wonder Lake resident would daily sing and play songs by those artists and others to her son, Michael, now 17 months old.

“Music has always been important to me,” Zmuda says. “I was reading baby books and things online on the importance of music and how it can help with brain development even before the baby’s born.

So, I would listen to music and sing music to him. I wanted to be able to bond with him in that way even before he was born so once he was here the songs would be familiar to him.”

40 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

Do the arts help?

Is there really something about music that makes it beneficial to babies while they are in the womb? Some psychologists, neuroscientists and experts say it can have many positive effects on fetal brain development.

Dr. Jonathan Kaufman, a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Barrington, which has locations in Crystal Lake and Fox River Grove, says there is scientific evidence that exposure to arts strengthens the synapses between brain cells, potentially leading to better development.

“Research shows that these synapses grow stronger through active participation in the arts,” he says. “Furthermore, it is scientifically believed that these essential activities at an early age can actually create new neural pathways and fortify those that are already present. Therefore, it can be postulated that in utero, music exposure

I By ERIN SAUDER

I

can also stimulate development of neural pathways.”

Exposure to the arts can also be a boon as children grow older.

“Toddlers benefit in several ways through exposure to the arts,” Kaufman says. “Through activities with the arts, children learn to express the unknown or mysterious. Making art allows a person to give image, word, sound or movement to something that is intangible or abstract.”

Music and education

Zmuda opted to enroll Michael into a Kindermusik program when he was 13 months old. She says he has thrived in the musical environment.

“He’s always loved singing and dancing, so Kindermusik was right up his alley,” she says. “That multi-sensory experience of singing and dancing, he took to it right away. It’s like second nature to him.”

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Michael’s teacher is Irene Murphy, a Kindermusik educator and director of her own program in Crystal Lake.

Murphy says there is absolutely a benefit for moms to listen to music while babies are in utero.

“I think the mom certainly hears it, and those soothing feelings and calmness you get from listening to music will transfer to the baby, of course,” she says.

Through her Kindermusik Village music classes, Murphy works with newborns to children 18 months old.

“We do movement and sing with them and work with some different props. The kids just love it. They absolutely 5Irene Murphy’s daughter, love it,” she says. “We’re Alexa, 17 months, takes part in her doing a lot of singing Kindermusik Village baby class. and chanting and all of that together. And it brings moms close to the baby because they’re doing these things 4Kyle Krull, together in a one-on-one 6 months, kind of interaction.” son of Trisha Murphy, who has Krull of been teaching the Barrington, Kindermusik program plays with for 15 years, says she chime balls often is asked about her during Irene method for teaching Murphy’s newborns.

Kindermusik “The first question Village baby people have is, ‘What class. kind of music do you teach babies?’ And it’s not teaching them as much as it’s just doing with them,” she says.

“Of course, they’re hearing the music. And in Kindermusik, it’s all types: jazz, classical, folk, music from other countries. It makes a huge difference. They don’t even know whether they like it or not, they’re just exposed to it. And there are so many different things we do with music. All the activities include music.”

The music classes also can help with development as children get older.

“When we’re rocking, there’s a sense of being a little off-balance, and that helps their muscle development and helps create a sense of space and gravity around them,” Murphy says. “And when we’re picking up objects, whether it’s an instrument or a little baby shaker or a paper bag, it helps with their fine motor skills. And listening to the sound of a bag when we’re crunching it up helps their listening skills. There’s so many things developmentally it’s doing for babies.” mc McHenryCountyMagazine.com

3Michael Zmuda, 17 months, son of Melissa Zmuda of Wonder Lake, plays with a toy keyboard.

He is enrolled in Irene Murphy’s Kindermusik Village baby class.

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

41

family

I

Drama Queen S yndrome

think if I had to sum up the difference between raising a boy and a girl, it would be that boys are physically exhausting and girls are emotionally exhausting.

Since the beginning, my daughter has fulfilled her role as my “emotional child.” I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this girl started a “cycle” at age 2. Every few weeks, she would get noticeably moody, crabby and irritable. I never knew a little girl could be described as melancholy until my kid came along. To say my daughter is a drama queen is an understatement.

Now that she is turning 6, she might as well be turning 16 because the drama has become more intense, her moods more drastic and unpredictable. She is affected by everything and everyone so much, I might change her middle name from “Elizabeth” to “Sensitive.” I am known for my sarcasm and simple jokes, but if I catch Maddie on an off day, she will pour on the waterworks for a simple quip about her hair.

From the moment she wakes up, she is in character. If I don’t make her waffles perfect so that the butter melts just right, she brings on the drama.

If I don’t allow her to wear red pants with a hot-pink top along with mismatching socks, she puts on a pouty face.

When the Velcro on her shoes won’t line up properly, she is sure to blow a gasket.

And don’t even get me started on homework. She can turn two plus two into the most complicated algebraic equation in three seconds flat. If she’s this bad in kindergarten, I can just imagine how high school homework will go down.

Of course, I have to have a relative amount of empathy since I was known to spend many an evening crying over my Spanish homework at the kitchen table. If things didn’t go my way, I admit I could pout, sulk, sigh and stomp my feet with the best of them.

Maddie has always been particularly attached to me, and if I make plans to be away from the house for any period of time, she finds a way to manipulate me and send me on a guilt trip that warrants a stamp on my passport.

She has also developed a sensitivity to when I am going through my own mood swings. If I am feeling down or stressed out, she is the first to look out for me and make sure I am OK. However, sometimes we feed off each other’s emotions, and God forbid we both wake up on the wrong side of the bed. It is battle royale in the Stien house.

Of course, that is when I employ my own form of armchair psychology in order to work through our respective rough patches. I’ve enlisted a little therapy session for such occasions. We sit down together, talk through what is bothering us, agree to press the restart button on our day, count to 10, force ourselves to smile and move on with our day. Oddly, in most cases, we can never really pinpoint what is bothering us. Bad moods just crop up for no reason. Typical girls.

I have to admit, as challenging as it is to raise a daughter, it has enabled this self-proclaimed drama queen to take a long, hard look in the mirror … and then call my mom to apologize for my behavior for the first 18 years of my life. My payback for putting my mother through the emotional ringer is my very own daily dose of Academy Award-winning performances.

In the end, those who suffer the most are my husband and son. They are just left shell-shocked by the two lovely ladies they co-habitate with.

Catch us on the wrong day and end up in our cross-hairs, and they might as well sign a death wish. Even Maddie has learned to throw daggers with her eyes and disappear into her room for some alone time if she is rubbed the wrong way. The boys seem to push buttons and don’t know when to stop.

Both my husband and son had better learn a valuable lesson in quitting while they are ahead if they ever want to make it past Maddie’s 16th birthday and my Change of Life. lc

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 4 and 6. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with McHenry County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

home & lifestyle

3 A Marmot Limelight 2-person tent with essential camping gear featured at Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer. Photo by Candace H. Johnson

GEAR UP! For Camping Fun

I By Elizabeth Harmon

E

• Photos by HEATHER NELSON

agle Scout Ehren Braun, 15, of Crystal Lake, and his dad, Tom, know a thing or two about camping.

When heading out into the wild, it’s a good idea to mind that old Scout motto, “Be Prepared.”

“Being prepared means being ready for anything,” says Ehren Braun, a sophomore at Crystal Lake Central High School. “Even if you think you know what the weather is going to be like, you never know for sure, and you don’t know if someone is going to get hurt.”

The key to a great campout, not to mention a safe and comfortable one, lies in planning, prep and packing.

But where to begin?

“Back in the day, if you were going camping and you needed

I

stuff, you went to the Army-Navy surplus store,” says Brent Weiss, co-owner with his wife, Diane, of Evanston-based Uncle Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store, which also carries online retail at www.udans.com.

Instead of olive drab canteens and basic nylon pup-tents, today’s outdoor gear includes state-of-the-art hydration systems and sleeping bags suitable for the Himalayas.

If you’re not an experienced camper, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.

Where to start

A great place to begin is with the “Ten Essentials” list, which offers a systematic guide to what campers need for a successful stay in the great outdoors. The original list was compiled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and 6 Having the proper shoe can be critical outdoor adventurers. when hiking. Jared and Jo Nieman choose The “Essentials” include items Chacos or Keen for comfort and support. for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter.

What you need within each category depends on the type of camping you plan to do, says Tom Barrington, assistant manager of the Erehwon Mountain Outfitter store in Kildeer.

6 Cooking items, such as cooksets, complete with pots, pans, bowls and utensils, can be found at companies like GSI.

“It depends on whether you’re park camping versus backpacking,” he says.

A family outing to a nearby forest preserve or state park may not require a high-priced, ultra-lightweight backpacking tent. On the other hand, if you carry the tent on a backpack, shaving off a few extra pounds could be worth the investment.

“Generally, the smaller and lighter something is, the more expensive it is,” Barrington says.

Jo Nieman of Crystal Lake agrees.

“As the tent gets lighter, the price goes up,” she says.

She and her husband, Jared, enjoy three- to five-day backpacking trips, carrying everything they need with them.

“My pack usually weighs about 15 pounds, and his weighs about 20,” she says.

The Mountaineers’ website, www. mountaineers.org, also suggests campers consider two questions: Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? And can you safely spend a night or more out?

With an eye toward the “Ten Essentials,” camping pros share a few of their favorite items and tips.

Understanding the ‘10 essentials’

Navigation — Go old school when you hit the trail, using a compass and paper maps, Nieman says.

“Sometimes there’s no signal for a GPS,” she says.

Sun Protection — The Mountaineers recommend sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Insulation — Layering is key.

“It seems basic, but it’s critical to survival,” Weiss says.

He recommends a base layer of Merino wool, like Icebreaker’s Tech Ts, sold at Uncle Dan’s, Erehwon and other retailers.

“It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter and doesn’t collect odors like synthetics can,” he says.

Check weather forecasts and layer protection accordingly over your base layer, such as a fleece or another Merino top, and if needed, an outer shell to repel water or wind.

And don’t forget your feet. Weiss McHenryCountyMagazine.com

recommends Merino socks as well.

“You want to avoid cotton because they hold moisture,” Weiss says.

Illumination — Weiss loves the convenience of a hands-free headlight for nighttime chores and walks.

“People think they’ll look like geeks, but once they try it, it’s heaven,” he says.

Uncle Dan’s also carries The Illuminaid, a solar-powered inflatable vinyl pillow that’s compact and lightweight. It was developed by two graduate students to provide inexpensive, dependable light for Third World residents.

“It’s so cool when we find something that’s complete new,” Weiss says.

Ehren Braun likes to keep a battery-powered lantern in his tent.

“It helps if you need to find something in the middle of the night,” he says.

First Aid — Commonly overlooked, first aid kits should be part of any outdoor adventure, even a day hike. In addition to basics like Band-Aids, sterile wipes and antibacterial ointment, include necessities to tape a sprain or a break.

A guide to outdoor first aid, sold in many outdoor stores, also is a smart idea.

“Pain reliever like Ibuprophen is also good to have,” Ehren Braun says.

Fire — The Niemans have found lighters to be reliable, but Jo Nieman also offers a tip.

“To make waterproof matches, dip matchsticks in candlewax,” she says.

Repair Kit — The Mountaineers recommend a knife, duct tape, tools and spare parts be included in the equipment you’re bringing. Also good to have

on hand are scissors, tape for inflatable items, tape for nylon items and strong nylon rope, which can be used to hoist food into trees out of an animal’s reach, or to dry clothes.

Tom Braun always packs a Leatherman multipurpose tool and at least 6 feet of duct tape.

“If something goes wrong, you can fix just about anything with those,” he says.

Nutrition — Your camping trip is not the time to start a diet, Barrington says.

“You’ll expend a lot more energy when you’re out camping and hiking.”

For long hikes, consider freeze-dried trail foods, which Barrington says have improved in quality in recent years.

For campsite cooking, look for utensils that do double duty, such as Sea to Summit’s X-Set line of tableware that has food prep space on the reverse side.

And don’t neglect basic kitchen cleanliness.

“Always remember to wash your hands,” Barrington says.

Hydration — Beyond the basic water bottle are backpack hydration systems — such as the Camelbak, available at Uncle Dan’s, Erehwon and other outdoor retailers — that let you sip as you hike.

“They make it easier to stay hydrated, because by the time you get thirsty, it’s too late,” Weiss says.

5 Finding a backpack that works for you can be a key piece to more comfortable and practical travel, say Jo and Jared Nieman.

Close to Home Camping: Check out these local campgrounds for a place to spend a night outdoors.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Spring Grove Illinois Beach State Park, Zion Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, Yorkville I & M Canal State Trail, Joliet Kankakee River State Park, Kankakee Buffalo Rock State Park, Ottawa Thomas Woods-McHenry County Conservation District Site, Marengo Big Foot Beach State Park, Walworth, Wis. Richard Bong Recreation Area, Kenosha, Wis.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Waukesha, Wis.

For hours, fees, directions and more, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov, dnr.wi.gov or www. mccdistrict.org/web/re-camping.htm.

Turn an existing backpack into a hydration system by purchasing reservoirs individually.

For trips into the wilderness or areas with questionable water quality, consider a selfpurifying water bottle, such as the Katadyn MyBottle Purifier, available at Erehwon and Uncle Dan’s.

The Niemans take along UV self-purifying water bottles and ask rangers to learn where to find water.

“A gallon of water weighs 8 pounds, so you save a lot of weight if you don’t bring it with you,” Jo Nieman says.

Emergency Shelter — For a comfortable family tent, think big, Barrington advises.

“Go a little bigger than the actual number of people sleeping in it so you have some elbow room,” he says.

Or, consider two smaller tents, especially if you’re camping with older children.

“It makes it a little more special,” Barrington says.

He also recommends spending extra on a tent with aluminum poles rather than fiberglass.

“It’s going to last a lot longer,” he says. mc 4 Sea To Summit dry bags are made of high performance waterproof fabric to keep contents dry. Photo provided by Uncle Dan's The Great Outdoor Store

46 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

47

health

Work OUT I By COLLEEN LEONARD

L

I

ocal fitness groups are leaving the gym.

Instead, they are heading for the hills … or moving outside to flip tractor tires.

CrossFit Prevail in McHenry is just one fitness club that sees the benefits of

6 The classes at CrossFit Prevail include members who range in age from 3 to 65 and are at a variety of fitness levels. .

extending classes outdoors.

During the summer, classes have gone outside to sprint, flip tractor tires, push weighted sleds or jump on boxes, says coach Kristy Mauer, who handles marketing for CrossFit Prevail, which is located on Ridgeview Drive.

The fitness center offers about 125 classes a week with a focus on strength and conditioning to improve competency in

daily physical tasks, such as squatting, lifting and running. The one-hour classes are comprised of a warm-up, a strength and conditioning segment, a workout of the day and a “cashout,” defined as mobility work or core exercises.

Members range in age from 3 to 65, Mauer says, and classes combine members who are at various levels of fitness.

“There is an incredible energy in the gym,” she says. “I think it’s because there’s such a mix of people.”

She describes the workout of the day as a high-intensity exercise to burn more calories and get muscles firing faster for better health results.

The “No Bar Cindy” workout is a combination of five push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 15 squats done in as many rounds as possible in a 20-minute period.

Mauer suggests a few other workouts of the day to try outside or at home: • Run a half mile and then do 50 air squats — squats without weights — for three rounds. To do a squat correctly, your

3 Siblings Ashley and Josh Conway of McHenry jump rope; Sue Conway of McHenry, Dan Vargas of unincorporated McHenry and Ladonna Wright of McHenry flip tractor tires; and (from left) Kristen Glaw of McHenry, John Glaw of McHenry, Sarah Fick of Ingleside and Milica Glaw of McHenry push weighted sleds during a workout at CrossFit Prevail in McHenry. Photos

by Heather Nelson

Exercises You Can Do Outside The Gym feet should be spread a little wider than shoulder width. Look straight ahead and keep your weight on your heels. Drop your butt below your knees while keeping your chest high and midsection tight.

• 10 rounds of 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 10 squats • 200 air squats at high intensity for time • Sprint 200 meters and then do 25 push-ups for three rounds McHenry County Fitness runs a boot camp to offer a cardiovascular and strength workout. During an eight-week period, participants meet from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Emricson Park in Woodstock.

As part of the routine, participants work on hills to do sprints, side squats, bear crawls and lunges. They also use park benches to perform push-ups and step-ups and anchor bands to benches or swing sets for other exercises.

“If weight loss is their goal, we’ll keep a food journal,” says Karen Von Lanken, a certified personal trainer and owner of McHenry County Fitness. “We’ll make sure that they’re eating right so they can drop that weight that they need to lose.”

She suggests that participants work out one or two more times every week to lose weight and gain additional strength.

Classes are held rain or shine. During bad weather, the group meets at the gym at Woodstock Assembly of God on Dean Street.

Von Lanken recommends drinking water one to two hours McHenryCountyMagazine.com

5 Sue Conway of McHenry flips a tractor tire during a workout at Crossfit Prevail.

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

49

before a workout, sipping water during exercise and hydrating afterward.

Here are a few exercises that she provides that can be used when exercising at a park: • Uphill moving lunges — Take an exaggerated step forward and bend both knees in a descending motion as you move uphill, alternating left and right legs.

• Park bench push-ups — Place your hands on a bench seat slightly below shoulder height. Lower your body, leading with the chest and tightening the chest muscle, then press up. Do one to three sets of 15 to 20 push-ups.

• Bench quarter squats — Instead of

50 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

sitting down on a bench, pause for a second in a squat and stand back up. Press through your heels and add glute tightening at the end. Do full squats if you have a strong back and don’t have knee problems. Do one to three sets of 15 to 20 squats.

• Step-ups — Use a stair or bench to step up and down. Add a hamstring kick or bring a knee to your chest for an aerobic benefit.

Perform for 45 seconds three to four times.

• Band rows on swing set — Anchor your band on a swing set post. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, grasp the handles and pull the band back with your chest out and shoulders down; squeeze your shoulder blades

together. Do one to three sets of 15 to 20.

• Band bicep curls — Step on a band with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your elbows and pull with your biceps. Do three sets of 15 to 20. mc

For more information …

• about CrossFit Prevail, call 815-578-9486 or visit crossfitprevail.com.

• about McHenry County Fitness, call 815-4513659 or visit mchenrycountyfitness.com.

6 Dan Vargas of unincorporated McHenryhas lost more than 70 pounds since he started working out at CrossFit Prevail.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

health

Summer Smoothie

By AMANDA MARRAZZO Photos by HEATHER NELSON

A

smoothie is the perfect summertime refresher — high in flavor, abundant in vitamins and low in calories — say those in the business of providing

FUN!

natural concentrates, not fruit juices, loaded with vitamins and low in calories. He says a few of his top favorites can easily be made at home, including strawberry, mango, peach, banana, wildberry and banana.

When making a smoothie at home from concentrate, which can be found in most the cool treat. grocery stores, mix 4 ounces of concentrate, “Light, refreshing, tasty,” is how Wade 4 ounces of hot water and between 6 and 8 Merritt, owner of Cafe Firefly in downtown ounces of ice, he says.

Algonquin, describes the fine designs of a Throw it all in a blender and mix on smoothie. high for about a minute, depending on the Merritt makes his smoothies from allpreferred consistency, he says. This makes a 16-ounce smoothie that contains about 130 calories.

If combining concentrates to make a smoothie — such as a strawberry lemonade smoothie — Merritt cautions going light on the lemonade concentrate because the lemonade is a strong flavor.

For this smoothie, use 3 ounces of strawberry concentrate and 1 ounce of lemon concentrate, he says.

3 Leslie Cook owns Expressly Leslie, a vegetarian specialties shop located on the Woodstock Square.

The Bugs Bunny 7 1/2 ounces ice cubes 3/4 cup pomegranate juice, with no added sugar A quarter slice of an apple with peel A quarter slice of an orange 1- to 2-inch chunk of a carrot Half a banana About 4 spinach leaves Half a cup frozen mixed berries — raspberries, blueberries and blackberries — with no added sugar

“Put [all the ingredients] into a blender on pulse until it’s all fairly evenly chopped up, then blend until it is the desired smoothie consistency,” says Leslie Cook, owner of Expressly Leslie.

A key tip when blending, she says, is to start on low, then blend on high to get the desired smoothie consistency.

Kill the sugar

Leslie Cook, owner of Expressly Leslie located on the Square in Woodstock, says she uses mostly organic fruits and vegetables in her smoothies and steers clear of any products with added sugars.

“I don’t use anything with sugar in it, and that’s the key,” Cook says. “In my opinion, sugar is killing us all.”

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Cook shares her recipe for The Bugs Bunny, a vegan and gluten-free smoothie loaded with a “nice variety of fruits and veggies, greens and yellows and reds [and] no added sugar.”

“It’s a nice, slightly sweet treat without having to [drink] a sugary drink,” she says.

Fresh and smooth Mike Ward, owner of Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Route 47 in Huntley in front of the Wal-Mart, makes his smoothies with all fresh fruits and vegetables.

Ward says many of his smoothie customers are daily visitors to his store.

“I’ve not met anyone that has had a smoothie that has said, ‘I don’t like smoothies,’” he says.

The adult size smoothie at Tropical Smoothie is 24 ounces with between 175 and 400 calories. At the lower caloric end, the main ingredients are typically fresh fruits or vegetables, ice and a calorie-free sweetener or no added sugar at all.

At the higher caloric end — the “indulgent” varieties, as Ward calls them — smoothies include ingredients such as Ghirardelli chocolates, caramel, sugars, peanut butter and cappuccino.

Ward shares a few Tropical Smoothie Café concoctions that can be made at home. Due to company policy, he cannot share the exact portions of the ingredients, but he recommends DIYers play around with portions until they find their perfect at-home smoothie recipe.

3 (Facing page) Two healthy smoothies available at Expressly Leslie in Woodstock include The Bugs Bunny and The Traditional.

The two share most of the same ingredients, but The Traditional also includes labna, a Middle Eastern yogurt spread.

3 (At left) The main ingredients for the Bugs Bunny.

spinach, kale, mangos, bananas, pineapples, ice and water.

• The Jetty Punch includes bananas, strawberries, ice, water and sweetener.

• The Kiwi Quencher includes kiwis, strawberries and nonfat yogurt.

• The Mango Magic includes a mix of mangos, pineapples, kiwis, strawberries and nonfat yogurt.

6 A variety of smoothies are available at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Huntley. Photo provided

• The Acai Berry Boost includes acai berries, pomegranates, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, ice and a little water to blend.

• The Island Green includes July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

53

Ward also shares six tips to creating a smooth-tasting smoothie: 1) All smoothies can be supplemented with healthful boosts such as powdered proteins, energizers, weight management supplements and vitamins. These can be found in most grocery stores or health food stores.

2) Water is important to add when using fresh fruits and powders without yogurt to help blend all the flavors.

3) The key to a great smoothie is to use a high-powered blender to pulverize the ingredients.

4) For the best-blended smoothies, do not use large chunks of solid ice. Rather, use shaved ice or thin, cubed ice that is hollowed out in the middle. Using the right type of ice will result in “a very smooth” smoothie.”

5) Fresh fruit always will produce a more flavorful and smooth smoothie than frozen fruit.

6) When combining fruits, add each ingredient equally so one fruit does not overpower the smoothie. However, when adding fruits such as lemon, go easy on the lemon as it can take over the flavor of the entire smoothie. mc

6 A chocolate smoothie is available at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Huntley. Photo provided

54 McHenry County Magazine • July 2013

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

fashion & beauty

Sunshine Safety How To Choose The Right Sunblock Products

I By Jacky Runice

I

D

4 Mary Kay has sunscreen available in SPF 50.

espite the fact that actually use, but Bangash, a skin cancer sunblock is now surgeon who founded the Mohs Surgery and available touting sun Dermatology Center in Crystal Lake and Elgin, protection factors — says an SPF of 30 should be sufficient. or SPF — of 100, “The key is reapplying every few hours if and although public you’re out in the sun,” he says. service campaigns warn about the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer, Dr. Suleman Bangash says the numbers Another weapon in your battle against sun are only going up. damage can be a cosmetic product that also “The numbers are definitely rising in terms of skin cancers,” the Crystal Lake dermatologist contains a sunscreen.

Cassandra Yates, a Mary Kay says. “People are getting a lot of Independent Sales Director ultraviolet radiation even with from Island Lake, says that all the prevention information the beauty line offers quite a out there. Beaches are still full few products with SPF, from and people are getting sunburns. moisturizers to foundations.

People continue to use tanning “One of my favorite Mary beds, and we’re seeing younger and Kay products with SPF is the younger patients partly due to the Volufirm Day Cream, part of use of tanning beds.” the Timewise Repair skin care With an incredible array of set,” Yates says. sunblock products available at Although women are Mary corner pharmacies, how do you Kay’s target demo, you can choose the goop that really works find skin-soothing products for Cassandra Yates for you and your family?

Mary Kay independent men, too, according to Yates.

The best sunblock is one you’ll

Get Extra Protection In Makeup

sales director

“The Mary Kay Men’s Advanced Facial Hydrator with SPF 30 is one of my topselling items right now,” she says. “These products help protect your skin all year long, and especially during the summer when more people like to spend time outdoors.”

Primer has been a hot trend in makeup for a decade as it smoothes skin imperfections and serves as a canvas for foundation and other facial cosmetics, helping keep them intact on sweaty summer days.

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is an oil-free formula that is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light. It not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores, but it also offers an extra barrier from the sun’s harmful rays.

Mary Kay is just one brand that offers makeup with built-in SPF, but for those already using the products, it’s easy to get double the benefits, Yates says.

“Many of the Mary Kay products with SPF are an added benefit to the already existing product line because they provide protection from the sun and antiaging benefits at the same time,” Yates says.

4 The Mary Kay Timewise Miracle Set (at right) has received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

The key is reapplying [sunblock] every few hours if you’re out in the sun.

— Dr. Suleman Bangash Crystal Lake dermatologist

Apply Daily Bangash says that if it’s a casual day, makeup with sunblock is better for your skin than makeup without it.

“If you’re planning a day on the beach or you’re outside a lot and active, you’ll still need a true sunblock,” he says. “You can layer them and put sunblock on first.”

If the possibility of skin cancer doesn’t give die-hard sunbathers pause, perhaps appealing to their vanity will by emphasizing the “anti-aging” aspect of sunblocks.

A study just published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in June 2013 shows that people instructed to apply sunscreen every day showed 24 percent less skin aging than those told to use sunscreen as they normally would.

The promise of fewer lines and less coarseness of the skin could be the catalyst for reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Bangash reminds us that there really is only one kind of safe tan ­— and it comes from a bottle, not the sun.

“A suntan is skin that has been damaged,” he says. “It’s the skin trying to protect itself. The only safe tan is from sunless tanning cream. Call it tan or color, but just as long as you’re not getting it through ultraviolet radiation, you’re good to go.” mc McHenryCountyMagazine.com

July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

57

women of distinction

of WOMEN distinction

2nd Annual Winner:

Susan Dalton

In May, seven local women were named to the 2013 class of McHenry County Magazine’s Women of Distinction for being representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities. Each month through December, we will feature one Woman of Distinction and share her story.

Susan Dalton

T

City of residence: Marengo Organization/company/corporation: Illinois TransVision Program Title: Director/Transition Specialist wo of Susan Dalton’s three children were born with albinism, a genetic condition resulting in a significant, uncorrectable vision impairment.

Not only did the Marengo resident advocate on behalf of her youngest son and daughter as they grew up, but she also decided to make a career out of helping the blind and visually impaired, going back to school when her children were small to earn a master’s degree in science and education in rehabilitation teaching of the blind.

In addition to teaching graduate students at Northern Illinois University, for almost 15 years, Dalton has led the Illinois TransVision Program, a statewide transition program for high school students who are blind or visually impaired to learn to become self advocates, live independently and understand what they’ll be up against once they leave school.

“A lot of times, they get many supports in the school system, which is great, but once they get out of school, it’s a different ball game,” says Dalton, who developed the TransVision program from the ground up.

“And they and their parents need to know that.”

TransVision aims to not only help its students prepare for life after high school, but also to enjoy the same activities children without visual impairments enjoy.

62 McHenry County Magazine • June 2013

“My philosophy is just to make sure that any kids with any disability really have a chance to have experiences,” Dalton says. “I try to let these kids do what their typical peers are doing, even more sometimes.”

Dalton has arranged field trips into Chicago to help her students learn to navigate the metropolitan area, and she’s worked out special tours with the White Sox, who have been gracious enough to let her students do something not even White Sox employees are allowed to do — go onto the field.

The experience helps the students “feel” what’s it’s like to play the game as they learn what the actual distance between home plate and first base is like, what the warning track feels like, etc.

“It helps them better understand the concept of the game,” Dalton says.

Having two children who are legally blind has helped Dalton better understand the needs

of those with visual impairments, she says.

“I think professionally, it really helps me also being a parent because I’m seeing the kids from the parent side as well as the teacher side,” she says. “Even working with teachers, I’ll hear comments … and I think, I have a better understanding … . This might be how the books say things should be done, but when you’re living at home, it might be different.”

Today, all three of her children have successful careers, and Dalton’s daughter, Kelsey Thompson, appreciates how Dalton has balanced her experiences at home with her work.

“I … admire that my mom looks to my brother and I for insight into our experiences as adults with visual impairments,” Thompson says. “She doesn’t automatically assume that she knows something just because she learned it in a classroom or at a conference. She’ll seek out our advice or ask questions about our experiences, which sends an empowering message to us as the real ‘experts’ in living with low vision.”

For her leadership and service to others, Dalton was chosen as the recipient of one of seven 2013 McHenry County Magazine Women of Distinction Awards. She was awarded with her fellow winners at a luncheon May 8 at Crystal Lake Country Club, where nearly 200 people supported their fellow community leaders.

“I don’t think my mom takes on everything that she does because she wants the recognition or the glory,” Thompson says. “I think she does it because she found something that truly inspires her and energizes her.

Everyone should be so lucky to find a vocation that empowers them in such a way.” mc — By Stephanie N. Grimoldby McHenryCountyMagazine.com

social life CreativArts School

Crystal CreativArts School in 5 Art students from or mural tdo ou ot -fo -27 on a 13-by mural Lake recently worked the of s Park. The theme .” A at Lakeside Legacy Art ted ec nn Co All Us y Keep more is “History and Creativit For .

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July 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

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out & about

July Events In McHenry County ARTS Through July 31 — Woodstock City Band Concerts,

7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Park on the Square, in downtown Woodstock Riders in the Sky will perform a different theme every Wednesday. The events are free to the public. For more information, visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

July 2 through Aug. 13 — Concerts in the Park, 7 p.m.

Tuesdays at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, in Crystal Lake Check out a free concert every Tuesday at the beach! If the weather is inclement, the concert will take place across the street at the Dole Mansion. For a full schedule of bands or more information, visit www.crystallakeparks.org.

July 13 — Music, Joy, Dance: A Night at the Cabaret, 7 p.m. at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., in Woodstock Both High Performance Dance Theatre and The Key of Joy are Colorado-based performing groups, and HPDT’s mission is to combine dance and modern technology to provide high quality training and productions while increasing the community’s knowledge of the arts. Tickets are $23. For tickets or more information, call 815-338-4212 or visit www. woodstockoperahouse.com.

July 19 — Lucy’s Comedy Café, 8:30 p.m. at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., in Crystal Lake Lucy’s stage has played host to many up-and-coming and established – not to mention hilarious – Chicago comedians including Pat McGann, Mike Toomey, Patti Vasquez, John DaCosse and many more. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information, call 815-356-9212 or visit rauecenter.org.

July 19, 20 and 21 — “Little Mermaid Jr.” 2 and 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., in Woodstock This Disney show with the familiar songs, the foot-tapping

“Kiss the Girls,” the romantic “Part of your World” and the award-winning “Under the Sea,” will stay in audience’s minds long after they have left the theater. Tickets are $8. For tickets or more information, call 815-338-4212 or visit www. woodstockoperahouse.com.

July 20 — Mural Dedication and Celebration Event, 2 to 4 p.m. at CreativArts School, 400 Highland Ave., in Crystal Lake Be part of the unveiling of a 13-by-27-foot outdoor mural representative of Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. The theme “History and Creativity Keep Us All Connected” has been brought to magnificent life by art students of CreativArts School! Meet the artist and celebrate with music, food and beverages. The event is free. For more information, call 815-404-6520.

July 27 — Peter Yarrow, 8:30 p.m. at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., in Crystal Lake As part of the legendary folk group, Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow’s music has spanned the generations and touched the lives of many. Tickets start at $32. For tickets or more information, call 815-356-9212 or visit rauecenter.org.

EVENTS July 1 — Family Adventure Hike: Pond Play, 10 a.m. at

Hickory Grove Riverfront, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Road, in Cary Get the children out of the house and create your own adventure exploring the natural marvels of McHenry County.

Staff will be available with ponding equipment, field guides and magnifiers. Staff will provide a brief lesson on the use of the equipment. Then, each family will be given a pond collection kit that will help you and your family create your own exploration experience. This event is free. For more information, call 815-3386223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

July 3 through Aug. 14 — Cary Cruise Nights, 6 p.m.

Wednesdays on W. Main Street, in downtown Cary Expect the best in hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars and

more. Each night this season there will be free raffle prizes and free dinners for show car participants. For more information, visit www.carygrovechamber.com.

July 3 through 8 — Lakeside Fest, at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, in Crystal Lake Experience live music, plenty of scrumptious food at the “Taste by the Lake,” thrilling rides, midway games, reunions with friends, historic tours, gallery exhibits, an incredible selection of beer and wine, and fun for the whole family. A fireworks display will take place at dusk July 7. For a full schedule or more information, call 815-455-8000 or visit www.lakesidelegacy.org.

July 9 — Cold Blooded Critters, 7 p.m. at Glacial Park’s Lost Valley Visitor Center, 6316 Harts Road, in Ringwood Staff from the Wildlife Resource Center will give an indoor presentation on reptiles and amphibians and will bring a live animal as an example. Then, participants will head outside for a hike to explore reptile and amphibian habitat and play games.

Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike on uneven terrain.

Residents are free; cost is $5 for nonresidents. To register or for more information, call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

July 12 — Movies in the Park: “Hotel Transylvania,” at dusk at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, in Crystal Lake In addition to the movie, Baskin Robbins will be having an ice cream eating contest for kids ages 5 to 13. To register for the contest or for more information, visit www.crystallakeparks.org.

July 14 through 28 — Annual Heritage Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., in Union As part of this year’s theme, “Hip for History,” visitors are encouraged to wear ’60s fashion. A car show will feature sports, classic and antique cars. The event also will feature entertainment from the Clef Hangers Barbershop Quartet and Freddy Fredricks Magic Show, as well as a cakewalk in the morning and ongoing ’60s games. For more information, call 815923-2267 or visit www.gothistory.org.

July 14 — Tour de Crystal Lake, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 26 N. Williams St., in downtown Crystal Lake This high-energy competition will feature international pro male and female cyclists racing at speeds exceeding 35 mph. Downtown Crystal Lake will come alive as residents and visitors enjoy this free, fun family event featuring a Family Fun Race, entertainment, local culinary fare, favorite summertime beverages, merchant sales, live music and more! For a full schedule or more information, call 815-893-6280 or visit www. visitmchenrycounty.com.

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July 18 — Things That Go Buzz in the Night, 8 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Shelter No. 1, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, in Woodstock Explore the world of nocturnal insects. The summer night is a-buzz with fascinating insects. Magnificent moths, beautiful beetles, calling crickets, flashing fireflies and many others are to be found out and about in the cover of night. Learn how to attract, catch and observe these tiny wonders. Cost is free for residents and $2 for nonresidents. To register or for more information, call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

July 21 — Car Show Fundraiser, 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Java Planet Café and Two Tails Market, at Route 14 and Lake Shore Drive, in Woodstock Don’t miss this second annual car show fundraiser to help support the Chicagoland Prostate Foundation. The event features a 50-50 raffle and door prizes, as well as morning Java Planet specials and lunch specials will be brought by Two Tails. For more information, call 815-337-4028 or visit www.twotailsmarket.com.

July 25 through 28 — Algonquin Founders Day, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. until after the fireworks Sunday at

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Algonquin Lakes Park, 700 Plumleigh Way, in Algonquin The 52nd annual event will feature a carnival, a Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Taste of Founders’, a social garden, music, Illinois Battle of the Bands, a petting zoo, walks, a 5K and 10K run and fireworks. Among the scheduled bands on the main stage are Pirates over 40, Mike and Joe, Modern Day Romeos, 7th Heaven, Smokin Gunz and The Lounge Puppets. For more information, visit algonquinfoundersdays.com.

July 26 — Fantastic Fireflys, 7:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, in Crystal Lake Find out about the firefly life cycle and play games that help us learn more about these flashy creatures. The last half hour of the program will be spent enjoying the light show with your family.

Bring a blanket and wear long pants and sleeves instead of insect repellent. Cost is free for residents and $5 for nonresidents. The program is for those ages 8 and older. To register or for more information, call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

July 27 — Duck Race and Pool Party, 4 p.m. at Water Works, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road, in Woodstock This 20th annual event will feature free swimming, children’s activities, a DJ and family fun! Adopt your ducks and watch them race down the slide to win great prizes. Food will be available for sale. For more information, call 224-770-2417 or visit www. journeycare.org/duckrace.

July 31 — Children’s Health and Safety Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, in Crystal Lake The 23rd annual interactive fair will include entertainment, door prizes, school physicals (by appointment; call 815-3348987), reduced cost immunizations and dental exams. For more information, call 815-334-4500.

Parking is $10 for pavement; $5 for grass. For more information, visit www.carypark.com/Programs/SummerCelebration.asp.

July 4 — Woodstock Fireworks, at dusk at Emricson Park, 900 W. South St., in Woodstock Woodstock’s annual fireworks display is free, though donations are welcome. Contributions can be sent to Woodstock Fireworks Fund, C/O Golden Eagle Community Bank, PO Box 1930, Woodstock, IL 60098. For more information, visit www.woodstockil.gov.

July 4 — Spring Grove Fourth of July Celebration, noon at Horse Fair Park, 8105 Blivin, in Spring Grove The celebration will kick off at noon with a parade and follow with live entertainment, concessions and a DJ. The fireworks will place at dusk. For more information, visit www.springgrovevillage. com/general-information.

July 6 — Pistakee Bay Fireworks, at dusk at the Oak Park Lounge, 801 W. Oak Grove Road, in Johnsburg The fireworks will take place over the bay. It is free, though donations are welcome. For more information, visit www. raiseitnow.com/Fundraisers/Pistakee-Bay-Fireworks.

July 6 — Fox River Grove Fireworks Celebration, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Picnic Grove Park, on Birch Lane, in Fox River Grove Festivities will start at 6 p.m. with food, drink and music. The Fox River Grove Lion’s and Lioness Clubs, the Cary-Grove Jaycees and Cary-Grove Masons will sell food and drinks. No carry-ins of food or drink are allowed. No pets are allowed. There will be no entry after 9 p.m. There is no parking in or near the park, but free shuttles will be available. For shuttle routes or more information, visit www. foxrivergrove-il.org.

July 6 — McHenry Jaycee Day Fireworks, at dusk at Petersen Park, 4300 Petersen Park, in McHenry The fireworks are free; some events and activities may have a free. Live music and vendors will be available. For more information, visit www.mchenryjaycees.org/upcoming-events.html.

July 7 — Crystal Lake Fireworks, at dusk at Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, in Crystal Lake The Crystal Lake Community Band with Voices in Harmony will accompany the fireworks display on Crystal Lake. The fireworks display is schedule to begin at dusk. For more information, call 815459-0680 or visit www.crystallakeparks.org. mc

FIREWORKS July 3 — Cary Summer Celebration Fireworks, 7:30 p.m. at Lions Park, 1170 Silver Lake Road, in Cary Celebrate the summer with neighbors, friends and family. Sit back and relax on the hillside while you enjoy great live music. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. with music from the ‘50s through today’s Top 40 performed by Spoken Four. Fireworks will follow.

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artist showcase

KATHERINE WEBER, Woodstock

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• “Roadside Bloomers” and “Patriotic Petunias”

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“Roadside Bloomers:” One of the delights of rural living is the blooming flowers along the roadsides in mid to late summer. My painting attempts to capture this lovely mix. “Patriotic Petunias:” Who doesn’t love summer annuals, especially petunias? I have a friend who was born on Flag Day, and she always inspires me to paint something patriotic for her. mc To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, and a two- to three-sentence description of the piece to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”