MCM-11-01-12 by Shaw Media

November 2012

Stage

Presence Local Theaters Offer Entertainment Variety Also In This Entertainment Issue: Find “The Nutcracker” Performed Near You Best Venues In McHenry County What To Wear To A Performance

HIT THE SLOPES!

Get The Latest Winter Gear At Viking Ski Shop pg 18

+ 8

“Ab-tastic” Exercises To Tone Your Tummy! pg 42

Season Of Thanks

Johnsburg Man Gives Back At Thanksgiving pg 30

INSIDE

Home & Lifestyle 8

‘‘

If you're getting tired or you're getting winded, I would just stop. Dr. Raja Sharma, cardiologist at Palatine Heart Center

Home Design — Flooring: If you didn’t think your

floors reflected your lifestyle, think again. Representatives from Exceed Floor and Home in Crystal Lake, Fidelity Flooring Solutions in Lake in the Hills and A&R Wood Floors in Hampshire explore how up close and personal you should be with the floors in your home and what choices are available to you. A Little Bird Told Me: What wines go best with ham, turkey and other holiday foods? The guys at Cardinal Wine and Spirits in Crystal Lake share their favorite entertaining beverages. Put A Fork In It: David Faccone of Crystal Lake Rib House has found a true community hub in Le Petit Marche in Crystal Lake. Find out more about the eatery that brings a touch of Europe to the area. Cover Inset: Viking Ski and Snowboard has everything you need to hit the slopes in style — and in comfort — this winter season! Artist Profile: A renovated turn-of-the-century barn is the home of Tish Studio in Woodstock, a home interior design studio featuring vintage and modern furniture, home décor accessories and inspiration gift items. It’s run by three generations of women who are trying to inspire others with art in both their homes and their lives.

Family 26

The number of female hunters in the U.S. is on the rise, and 23-year-old Megan Becker of Huntley is just one who enjoys the exciting sport and the adventures found in hunting. Thanksgiving can mean a whole lot more when it’s spent with others, so McHenry County residents Ronnie Reber and George Proesel have found different ways to serve sailors and those in need through their civic organizations.

Entertainment 34

37 38

On The Cover: Where can you go to ﬁnd the best live

theater entertainment in McHenry County? We take a look at Raue Center for the Arts, the Woodstock Opera House, Black Box Theatre and Cosman Cultural Center Theater — plus many more — to ﬁnd out what they have to offer! “The Nutcracker” is one of the most popular and beloved ballets performed today, and it has become holiday tradition for many families to attend a production. Find a local performance near you. Now that you’ve got tickets to opening night, what do you wear? And what happens if you’re late? We turn to theater experts to explain proper etiquette for live performances. Local band Barefoot Fred is taking bluegrass to a new level! Learn more about the talented musicians who perform right here in McHenry County.

Health

3 50

Work It Out: The ﬁnal installment of this three-part series heads to the core of exercise — your core. Learn how to get rock-hard abs from Lisa Stetz of CrossFit North Wall in Crystal Lake. Working in cold weather — as in, say, shoveling snow — can be a deadly mistake if you’re not careful. Dr. Raja Sharma of Palatine Heart Center in Crystal Lake shares how to avoid a heart attack before clearing your driveway this winter. Try these healthy holiday recipes from Chef Joseph Zaranski of A Pinch of This Personal Chef Service in Marengo!

Fashion & Beauty 54

Crystal Lake podiatrist Dr. Cheryl Brown says it’s unrealistic to ask women to never wear high heels. With that in mind, she shares pointers for wearing those beloved toe-walkers.

Out & About 60

64 66

WOD: Cheryl Niemo is reaching out to a demographic that

has found little to no local support — those who have a loved one who is incarcerated. The Woodstock resident was named a Woman of Distinction for founding Jail Brakers to help those families ﬁnd hope. Looking for something to do? You’ll ﬁnd plenty of local activities to keep you busy listed on our event calendar. Our Town: The Woodstock Opera House is steeped in local history. See photos of this historical landmark!

from the editor

Live, From McHenry County

O I

• Second, a listing of local performances of n my 10th birthday, my father took “The Nutcracker” — many people’s favorite live me to see what soon became my holiday performance of many favorite childhood movie — “Space • And finally, a look at proper etiquette for Jam.” those who haven’t been to a live show in a long absolutely loved Bugs Bunny and the time rest of the Looney Tunes family, but it’s Plus, for the ladies who like to dress to possible I loved the Chicago Bulls even the nines when they head out for a night of more … especially Sir Altitude himself, entertainment, we speak with Crystal Lake Michael Jordan. podiatrist Dr. Cheryl Brown to find out how My family and I watched nearly every Bulls to wear heels without suffering all evening long game together, with my brother — who is four years younger than I — opening up every (page 54). game by trotting If you plan to around the living entertain guests room with his at home, check fingers pointing out the holiday up over his head recipes we feature, like bull horns compliments as the pregame of Chef Joseph music played and Zaranski of the announcers A Pinch of rumbled, “From This Personal North Carolina, Chef Service in head guard, Marengo (page 6’6” … Michael 50). Jordan!” Just in time for Woodstock Opera House. Photo by Melissa Emory While we spent Thanksgiving, countless hours we take a look at in front of the Ronnie Reber and TV watching the Bulls of the ’90s, and our McHenry County VFW Post 4600 who have television screen grew larger and larger as the hosted sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes years rolled on, my father was never one to go and shared a feast with young seamen and watch anything on the big screen. In fact, until women. Then, we head to Johnsburg to find that special birthday, I can’t ever remember out how George Proesel has been serving those going to the movies with my dad. in his community on this special day of thanks At the time, I’m sure I thought I loved “Space (page 30). Jam” because it featured my favorite characters And we conclude our three-part exercise — both animated and human — and my series, Work It Out, by learning eight different favorite sport at the time, basketball. exercises that can strengthen a woman’s core on But today, I look back and realize that that her way to having a tight, firm stomach (page movie was particularly important to me because 42). A special thank you to CrossFit North Wall it was just me and my dad, hanging out and in Crystal Lake for teaching us body-specific sharing a cool father-daughter moment at the exercises the last three months. movies – something we had never done before. Whether you head out for Our November issue of McHenry County entertainment in the next Magazine features an entire package dedicated month or host your own to entertainment and the moments that entertainment for the can only happen when you and the special holidays, I hope you create people around you are on the edge of your special memories with your seat laughing, crying, anticipating a pinnacle friends and family. moment in a performance or just sharing the experience of watching others on stage or on Happy Thanksgiving! film. mc And while we’re not focusing on movie theaters in this particular edition, the moments — Stephanie N. I shared with my father are the same that many Grimoldby feel during live performances. Editor Our cover story (page 34) is broken down sgrimoldby@ into three parts: shawmedia.com • First, a look at the different live entertainment venues available in McHenry County

6 McHenry County Magazine • November 2012

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 Product Manager Kelly Buchanan 815-526-4445 kbuchanan@shawmedia.com Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby 815-526-4467 sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Vice President/Niche Products J. Tom Shaw 630-232-9222 jtshaw@shawmedia.com Correspondents Betsy Demitropoulos, Jami Kunzer, Lee Nelson, Amanda Marrazzo, Jacky Runice, Elizabeth Harmon, Pat Stemper Vojta, Romi Herron, Lauren Lynch Photographers Melissa Emory, Jeff Krage, Heather Nelson, Michele Idstein 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 mcmagazine@shawsuburban.com. McHenryCountyMagazine.com

SNEAK PeeK In our December “Holidays” issue, don’t miss: Proﬁles on 10 intriguing people in Lake County Ideas for how to ﬁnd the right gift

Pet accessories for the furry friend in your family Frost yourself — with diamonds Tips for home lighting in our Home Design series

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

On The Cover Pictured inside the Woodstock Opera House is Julie Fiore Hirsch of McHenry, an instructor at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet in Crystal Lake. The school will perform “The Nutcracker” at the opera house in December. For more on other local entertainment venues, including additional performances of “The Nutcracker” available in McHenry County, see page 34. Photo by Melissa Emory Hair and makeup by Isabella and Vivian, respectively, of Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas in Crystal Lake

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

home & lifestyle / HoMedesign

6 Exceed Floor and Home recently sold a Picasso travertine ﬂoor that was arranged in a Versailles pattern. Photos provided

I By Lee NeLsoN I

Putting Your Foot Down Identifying The Newest Flooring Trends Just like fashion, ﬂooring comes and goes in waves based on trends, needs, wants and desires.

But when a family gets a new floor, they have to live with it for quite some time. “You need to first consider the use of the room,” says Hawley Haleblian, designer and wife of owner Haig Haleblian at Exceed Floor and Home in Crystal Lake. Some of the questions she hopes people ask themselves before redoing their floors include: Will people be lying on the floor as they would in a family room? Will it have heavy traffic or light? Are pets and kids a consideration? What kind of budget do they want to follow? What style is their home? Floor coverings should match a family’s lifestyle and the things going on in their home. And there are

many types of flooring to choose from. “Keep in mind that there are inexpensive and expensive products in each category of flooring,” Haleblian says. She says the average cost of a 144-squarefoot room, including estimates for both installation and materials, is as follows: Hardwood: $1,500 Ceramic and porcelain tiles: $2,100 Cork flooring: $1,000 Carpeting: $900

Hardwood HappiNeSS

Hardwood ﬂoors are loved by many, but not all. “There are some people who can’t stand hardwood,” says Jason Eckhorn, owner of Fidelity Flooring Solutions in Lake in the Hills. “These are people who have experienced a leak or have heavy trafﬁc from people and animals. These customers tend to lean toward tile.” However, Mohawk is the most popular hardwood brand due to its cutting-edge technology, which is incorporated into its products,

Not only is porcelain tile more dense than ceramic tile, it is considered more durable and bettersuited for heavy usage than ceramic tile.

— Jason Eckhorn, owner of Fidelity Flooring Solutions

he says. “It is the only manufacturer who uses Scotch Guard on their products, which protects the ﬁnish,” Eckhorn says. “You can actually draw on their hardwood product with a permanent marker and then wipe off the marker with a paper towel.” Today’s wood ﬂooring is offered in a variety of wood species that are not found in North America, which provides even more choices that can offer a unique and

striking appearance. “Many of these exotic species are photosensitive and may change colors over time,” Eckhorn says. Ron Wehrs, owner of A&R Wood Floors in Hampshire, sees red oak as the most common wood used for residential flooring. “It is probably the most economical and readily available, takes stain and finishes well and is easy to decorate with,” he says. “Other wood species are often used for more custom applications and tend to be more costly. Wood floors have gained in popularity over the past 30 years. They are extremely easy to take care of and will last for years longer than almost any other type of flooring available.” Wehrs’ company only works with unfinished wood flooring materials that are installed, sanded and finished on site to the customer’s preferences. “All floors take stain and finishes differently,” he says. “There are different grade and sheen levels available to different applications. Typically, darker floors and floors with higher sheens will show more wear and dirt, but they all require the same amount of maintenance.” Haig Haleblian says he sees more and more people using hickory wood for their flooring. “They like the planks with widths of four inches or wider, distressed and/or scraped,” he says. “Manufacturers are applying aluminum oxide to make the finish harder, but wood floors will scratch and dent. If that is a sticking point with a client, we will recommend another type of floor. There are porcelain tiles manufactured in unbelievable wood looks. We love them.”

porCeLaiN, LimeStoNe aNd otHer CHoiCeS

Eckhorn says that the brand Color Body Porcelain is indestructible. “Not only is porcelain tile more dense than ceramic tile, it is considered more durable and better-suited for heavy usage than ceramic tile due to its through-body composition,” he says. “Chip the porcelain, and the color keeps on going. Chip the ceramic tile, and you ﬁnd a different color underneath the top glaze.” While both porcelain and ceramic are ﬁred,

porcelain is fired at higher temperatures for a longer time. Plus, porcelain has a higher feldspar — a hard mineral — content which makes it more durable. Limestone is another choice families have for their floors. Exceed Floor and Home recently sold a Picasso travertine floor — a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs — that was arranged in a random pattern for a dining room, great room and kitchen. “It really did stop you in your tracks when it was finished,” Hawley Haleblian says. “Over the years, there have been many

5 These ﬂoors were installed by Fidelity Flooring Solutions in Lake in the Hills. November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

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stunning floors that customers have fallen in love with.” According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, laminate flooring is becoming a competitor to many other types of flooring because of its versatility. It gets its beauty from a photographic image fused beneath a protective layer, which makes it very adaptable to all kinds of designs and styles.

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The carpet industry is trying to move in the “green” direction and find new ways to make its products even more durable. Carpeting is the least expensive way to cover a floor, says Haig Haleblian. “Both Mohawk and Shaw purchase polyester that has content made from pop and water bottles,” he says. SmartStrand, Mohawk’s most popular carpet made with DuPont’s renewably sourced polymer, is made in part from actual corn and called a triexta fiber, Eckhorn says. It has a lifetime stain and soil resistance that is built in, not sprayed on, and it’s odor resistant. It is very kidand pet-friendly. “It is incredibly soft and durable carpet fiber,” Eckhorn says. “Triexta also has a built-in stain protection that, no matter how many times you steam clean your carpets, it cannot be washed off.” mc

5 (Above) A medallion was inlaid into this wood ﬂoor by A&R Wood Floors in Hampshire. 6 (Below) Carpeting is the least expensive way to cover a ﬂoor, says Haig Haleblian of Exceed Floor and Home. (Photo provided by Exceed Floor and Home)

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

12 McHenry County Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2012

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

home & lifestyle

A Little Bird Told Me

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.

Time To

Celebrate

hat a crazy summer and fall, ﬁlled with ridiculous heat, drought and campaign promises. Thankfully, we can now focus on something that brings people together — the holidays. What will you be drinking for these celebrations? Turkey and ham are the most common feasts at this time of year, yet they are also the most challenging foods to pair with wine. The dryness of the turkey and the salty sweetness of the ham can punish a wine not up to the task. However, the fun part of trying to ﬁnd a good pairing wine is that it gives you the opportunity to try wines you might not automatically reach for. The following is a list of wines we will be enjoying as we gather with family and get carnivorous.

G&m maCHmer — GewUrZtramiNer SpatLeSe $15 Always a fall favorite, this Gewurzt has a classic nose of lychee, rose petals, spice and ripe stone fruit with notes of earthy minerality. Sweet and richly textured, with a round mouth feel of intense ﬂavors of sweet honeydew, carameled apples and smoky spices,

this wine also works well with Thai, pâté and exotic salads. treS piCoS — GarNaCHa $14 We love this Spanish red for its versatility, pairing well with everything from ham and turkey to salmon and PB&Js. It bursts with lush red fruit that, surprisingly, with all its intense flavors, doesn’t feel heavy on the palate. It has a pinot noir feel that has been jacked up on steroids. poetS Leap — rieSLiNG $25 Crafted by Armin Diel, one of Germany’s most acclaimed riesling producers, this Washington state product is absolutely beautiful. More of a refreshingly sweet than dessert sweet with vibrant hints of grapefruit, melon and ripe pear, it ends with a kiss of fig on the long, lively finish. VeNtaNa — rUBYStoNe $15 This blend of grenache and syrah erupts with flavors of black cherry and candy apple caressing the palate like liquid silk before giving way to a luscious finish sprinkled with toasted oak and vanilla. It’s a ridiculous value that will pair well with most anything. treaNa — wHite $20 This is another “no-brainer” for

turkey or ham. This stimulating blend of marsanne and viognier coats the palate with ﬂavors of caramelized pear, pineapple and candied orange slices with a delicate touch of honey on the long, sensual ﬁnish. SCHarFFeNBerGer — BrUt $15 The holidays aren’t complete without bubbles, and though we think of sparkling wines as just a celebratory beverage, the truth is they are the most versatile food wine available. This particular wine features lively, refreshing fruit that dances on the palate exposing hints of caramel and hazelnut complexity rarely found in bubbles at this price. There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delightful beauty. Wine only seems complicated. Actually, it is very easy — you either like it, or you don’t. What works for one person might not work for another — that’s why there are so many choices. That’s also the fun part as new wines are constantly being released. Something you never thought about trying just might be your new favorite. Cheers!

16 McHenry County Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2012

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Put A Fork In It

home & lifestyle

no Place If

Like It!

you go to Le Petit Marche’s website — petitmarche.biz — you’ll see the story of how Dawn Gerth started in business, how her restaurant evolved and how it quickly became a favorite gathering place for patrons of the arts. I think it should say patrons of the arts and artists. This is deﬁnitely a gathering place for many different groups, so many that I am tempted to use Shrek’s onion example — this place has many layers. On the surface, you quickly get all the obvious. The European feel, the art work on the walls, creative people sitting around. Wine racks full of a larger variety of wine, display cases showing rustic looking breads and delicious pastries and handwritten chalkboard menus listing all the imported cheeses to ﬁll your platter with. I get it, all of it, and obviously Dawn’s customers do, too. What you don’t get immediately are the intangible layers that come together that make this place so unique. Employee Janet Balboa says it the best. “If Cheers were a French bistro, this would be it.” I agree with her, but I would add that at Le Petit Marche, there are multiple sets of characters or regulars. I would also say that the staff here is as eclectic as the clientele, which further adds to the delightful mix. For example, there are the obvious groups: coffee and pastry patrons, wine lovers, the lunch crowd, wine and cheese chat groups coming in to decompress from the hustle and bustle, and the dinner crowd. On top of all these sit different socioeconomic groups are artists and

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.

social clubs that call this place home. The contrasting groups are too numerous to list, but with a Tuesday knitting group and an artists’ marketing boot camp using the same space, you get an idea of how much a community hub this place is. If the front of the restaurant is a community hub, I would describe the back of the house — the staff — as a family affair. Not immediate family, but Dawn’s network of friends, fans and contacts has become interwoven into the fabric of Le Petit Marche. From pastry chef Sue, to author-customer Ivan who manages Dawn’s website, to her husband who still sells bread at the markets, to guest chefs who come in to prepare specially themed menus, there are scores of people helping out. At one point, I was confused as to who worked there and who were the customers, because they all seem to love Dawn and her place so much. The wine selection here is impressive to say the least, but far more impressive is the fact that there are no house wines. Surprise! You can pick out any bottle and order a glass! I have never seen that anywhere. When I voiced my excitement over it to Dawn, she simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “You should have what you want.” No wonder she has such devoted customers. On the food side, you have to ﬁgure in more layers. Yes, Le Petit Marche has all the traditional fare you would expect, from salads

and cheese platters to olive and pepper platters to flat bread pizzas. There are sandwiches, too, but they seem to go quick. Another surprise — or layer — is that the restaurant has a full kitchen. They even do a fish fry on Fridays, plus full before and after theater dinners. You can have the pasta of the day or pan-seared pork tenderloin. If you already know this place, you can imagine the difficulty I had describing the many facets to this unique restaurant. If you are new to it, you will thoroughly enjoy discovering it for yourself. The end of Le Petit Marche’s “About” webpage ends with, “You’ll never find anyplace like it!” It couldn’t be truer. Dawn and Le Petit Marche are at 19 N. Williams St. in historic downtown Crystal Lake. Call her at 815-477-3296. Stop in and see her soon — you will be so happy you did. mc

3 Squash soup with grilled cheese and ham is a tasty treat at Le Petit Marche. Photo by Zach Walters

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

November 2012 • McHenry County Maga-

home & lifestyle

By sTePHANIe N. GRIMoLDBY Photos by HeATHeR NeLsoN

Get In GE A R

Viking Ski And Snowboard Shop Can Update Your Sports Style if you haven’t been to a ski shop in a while, it might be time to come in for a visit.

Technology has changed signiﬁcantly in the last decade, says Steve Olson, vice president of Viking Ski Shop in Barrington. And those changes have made the sports of skiing and snowboarding that much easier.

“About 12 years ago, things changed,” Steve says. “But some people still have [their old gear].” If your equipment is old — or if you’re new to the sports — now is the time to upgrade … or simply see what all the buzz is about. For veterans and newbies alike, there’s just something about being on a mountain that gives them a rush and a renewed sense of freedom, Steve says. And his employees agree. “It’s the whole ambiance of snow coming down, snow falling on your face, ripping down the mountain … it’s kind of a surreal feeling,” says Kraig Klopfenstein, who has worked at Viking and its predecessor company, Aspen, for the last 16 years. “It’s

just you and the hill … and the speed. It’s a lot of fun going fast.”

What’s new in skis/snowboards

The most noticeable changes in the most basic of skiing and snowboarding equipment — the skis and boards themselves — can be seen by laying them down on the ﬂoor and taking a look. Newer skis have a wider tip that make them look more like an hourglass, which makes it easier to turn and requires less work on behalf of the skier, Steve says. They also feature a new design called early rise, which keeps the tip — or shovel — up off the snow, creating a lift that makes it easier to glide on top of soft powder. Similarly, snowboards are now outﬁtted with rocker technology, which

is the opposite of older, traditional camber boards. While camber boards curve upward in the middle, rocker boards are the exact opposite — the middle touches the snow and the tips are curved up. Like early risers, rockers allow snowboarders to turn easier without catching an edge — or tripping — in the snow. Such boards also are great for terrain parks, which are increasing in popularity, Steve says. Popular male and female snowboard brands include GNU, Burton and Lib Tech, the latter of which offers Banana Tech snowboards with Magne-Traction — serrated edges that help a board hold better on packed snow, giving the rider more control, Steve says, noting that Roxy boards are popular with women, too. Popular ski brands include Volkl, K2, Rossignol and Kastle. Viking carries all of these brands and many others. Viking also carries the latest boots and bindings, which continue to improve as well. Boot liners are now made with more moldable foam that not only is more comfortable but also can be custom-molded to ﬁt a rider’s foot — particularly nice for those with bunions or protruding anklebones. Additionally, lighter bindings are available for women, and snowboard bindings for both genders sport ratchet systems that have become much easier to get in and out of, Steve says, noting such technology has come a long way in the last decade. For those who already have their equipment, Viking offers a fall tune-up service to get skiers and snowboarders ready for the upcoming season. Employees — who have years of experience at Viking — grind ﬂat a set of skis or a snowboard, sharpen the edges and add a fresh coat of wax. Because snowboards and skis are porous, they become dirty over time, Steve says.

Grinding the equipment takes out any dirt and small damages. Sharpening the edges, meanwhile, helps a board or ski run smoother, hold better and turn easier. The ﬁnal step or the tune-up is waxing. “Once you wax it, it goes faster,” Steve says. “When it’s dirty, it just sticks [in the snow].” Steve recommends a tune-up every 15 days a person spends on the mountain, or at least once a year.

What’s new in clothing

Ski and snowboard apparel hasn’t changed tremendously in the last year or so, but there always are slight variations in the latest fashions. Pants in general boast a slimmer ﬁt for both men and women, as the extremely baggy trend seems to have run its course, says Carol Olson of Viking. Most noticeably, jackets — and pants — are popping with bright, neon colors, Carol says. Prints, such as color blocks and stripes, are becoming popular as well. “The sophisticated look is still around for the women,” she says. “Traditional colors still sell well.” Most jackets hit mid-hip or thereabout, she adds, and many come equipped with half mitts, which look like mittens with the ﬁngers and thumb cut off. “[They] cover the top part of your hand where the skin is the thinnest, so when you take your gloves off, your hands can still stay warm,” she says. What has continued to get better each and every year is the wicking material used in base layers, Steve says.

WHAT TO WEAR

What should you wear on the mountain? Here’s a list of essentials: • Base layer pants, which should be made of moisture-wicking material • Base layer top, moisture-wicking material • Fleece or sweater • Snow jacket • Ski pants • Helmet • Goggles • Gloves or mittens • Face mask or bandana • Moisture-wicking socks

DON'T HAVE TO BUY

Viking offers a rental program for kids. Families can rent ski or snowboard equipment from now until the end of March, and if a child outgrows the equipment before the end of the season, a parent can bring it back and exchange it for the proper size. Daily rentals also are available for those who want to try the sport for the ﬁrst time or try out a different brand of equipment. 3 (Facing page, top) A wide variety of boards, boots, skis and poles are available at Viking Ski Shop. 5 (Center) A fashionable snowboarding outﬁt. 6 (Below) A collection of gloves and goggles available at Viking.

Viking Ski Shop

131 W. Northwest Highway Barrington, IL 60010

847-381-1188

STORE HOURS

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

3 (At left) The snowboard selection at Viking is large enough to satisfy anyone's taste. 6 (Below) A variety of hats to keep the body warm outside can be found at Viking.

A perfect example is socks, which have become thinner — while maintaining their warmth — over the years. “Thinner socks generally keep your foot warmer than a thicker sock,” he says. “Most people think you need to go to a bigger sock. But then your foot ﬁts tighter in the boot, so your foot actually gets colder.”

What’s new in safety/accessories

Helmets are extremely important to those who dabble in snow sports, and their popularity has grown in recent years as the general sports community learns more about the severity of head injuries. Gone are the days when helmets weren’t “cool” enough to be worn. “You’re a minority on the hill these days if you’re not wearing a helmet,” Steve says. “Once you wear a helmet that ﬁts your head [well], you don’t even realize you have it on.” New technology has helped designers make helmets ﬁt better and keep skiers and snowboarders warmer with new liners. A helmet, in particular, is an item that those who haven’t visited a ski shop in a while might want to investigate. “Generally, we say if you hit hard enough, it’s time to get a new helmet,” Steve says. “If it saved you once, it’s time to get a new one.” However, some helmets sold at Viking are multiple-impact helmets — meaning once

the lining has been compressed, it rebounds, maintaining its shock-absorbing capabilities. A nice perk to newer helmets is that skiers and boarders can add speaker systems and plug them straight into their iPod or phone to jam out to music while they rocket down the mountain. Black and gray helmets sell best at Viking, though colored helmets are available. But it’s helmet covers that might be the new rage, Carol says. The funky designs can brighten up any child’s headgear. Goggles, meanwhile, feature larger frames which provide skiers and boarders a better side-to-side view while they’re plummeting down the mountain, Steve says. Among other brands, Viking carries Smith goggles, which maximize color deﬁnition, increase depth perception and intensify light in any condition. And perhaps the best part of 20th century technology? Boot heaters — heating elements that run off of two rechargeable batteries and extend down to a rider’s toes without changing the ﬁt of the boot — and boot dryers. “They blow room-temperature air through the boot,” Steve says. “If you can start with a dry boot the next day — even with your hiking boots — your feet stay a lot warmer.” mc

artist PRoFILe

nspiration Interior Design And Art Inspire At Tish Studio In Woodstock

3 Dana Riley(middle), Ann Sailors (bottom) and Jordan Carpenter all contribute their own creative style to Tish Studio in Woodstock.

By PAT sTeMPeR VoJTA Photos by MICHeLe IDsTeIN

ana Riley has taken her love of design and mixed it with the artistic talents of her mother and daughter to combine three generations of creativity to form Tish Studio in Woodstock. The home interior design studio features vintage and modern furniture, home décor accessories and inspirational gift items.

5 A chair designed and upholstered by Tish Studio in Woodstock.

“What’s nice about the three generations is that everybody has their own perspectives,” says Riley.

Recreating furniture

Most of the furniture sold at Tish is custom hand-painted and upholstered by Riley, her mother and daughter. Riley’s mother, Ann Sailors, 72, adds traditional and refined qualities to furniture designs that the studio recreates. Meanwhile, Riley’s 20-year-old daughter Jordan Carpenter — who is taking interior design classes at McHenry County College — brings in a mix of big, bold colors. Riley herself prefers neutrals with a splash of color and likes to follow current trends. Riley finds many of her vintage pieces at estate sales and online sales and prefers to choose name brand and higher-end pieces. “Mom taught me early on, you have to [create] something fabulous from whatever you find,” Riley says. Once the ladies have a piece in front of them, their work begins. “It kind of naturally flows,” Riley says of the refurbishing process. “We take it all the way down to the bare bones.” Once a piece of furniture is stripped down, the women consider what type of room the piece will work in. For example, Sailors says that a chair they recently designed with soft colors of light orange, grey and beige stripes had a specific purpose in her mind. “I can see a man sitting in that reading a book,” Sailors says.

The trio decides on the fabric by choosing from more than 50 bolts of material they have on-hand or by custom ordering from an assortment of swatch books. Riley uses higher end fabrics like Barbara Barry and Kravet. Next, they test paint and stain samples to get the effect they are looking for. “We really love to create and mix our own colors and stains,” Riley says. “Of course, you can tell by our fingernails,” says Sailors, who left her retirement home in Houston, Texas, to join her daughter this past summer. The ladies then add glazes or faux finishes to the piece and finally turn it over to “the boys” — the three master craftsmen Riley hires for furniture repairs and to spray paint or stain the pieces — for a final layer of polyurethane or wax. She also hires an off-site master craftsman with 30 years of experience to upholster sofas, settees and chairs. Of her favorite part of the business, Sailors has a quick answer. “Being with the boys and polishing the furniture,” she says.

Recreating a studio

As unique as their one-of-a kind pieces are, the showroom at Tish Studio has its own

distinctive flair. Riley and her husband, Dennis, moved from Crystal Lake to their 10-acre home on Queen Anne Road in Woodstock six years ago. They fell in love with the 1850s farmhouse and barn, the latter of which had a dairy addition built on in 1910. After remodeling the farmhouse, Dennis Riley transformed the 1,000-square-foot former dairy barn into what is now Tish Studio, leaving behind the wood beam ceilings and loft space and adding a wood floor and white washed walls — all which lend to a comfortable, homey feeling. “We wanted the unique quality of the barn,” Riley says. “This defines who we are, the love of this property and the history of the barn.” While the dairy barn serves as a studio showroom, the original homestead barn is used as a workshop.

Recreating a business

Riley named her business Tish, a nickname given to her by her older brother Craig Sailors, owner of an architectural firm in Houston, Texas. Today, the initials of Tish hold new meaning for Riley — To Inspire Self and Home. Thus, the showroom at Tish Studio is arranged with furniture groupings, coffee tables, end tables, china cabinets, floral accessories and more, and the inventory is ever-changing. “Art in a home is the final layer,” Riley says. And so, she has invited several artists to display their work at Tish Studio. Woodstock resident Barbara Schneider offers mixed media textile art designs using die-cut fabric and creative stitching in both her reflections and leaf series. Schneider also can create digitally-printed fabric for customers using their photos. “Tish Studio seems like a good fit,” Schneider says. “It’s another venue to show my work.” 6 The home interior design studio features vintage and modern furniture, home décor accessories and inspirational gift items.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

Kim Holz, a Wonder Lake resident, creates soft, paint-like photographs using pinhole digital photography. With 30 years of photography experience, Holz prefers shooting a landscape with a single tree, cemetery scenes and photos in black and white for a deeper, darker mood. “It’s a huge honor,” Holz says of the opportunity to show her work at Tish Studio. Other artists include Nancy Merkling, photographer; Renee Dankert, mixed media oil painter; and Katherine Sheetz, jewelry designer who provides an exclusive inspirational line for Tish Studio. Riley also offers a line of soy-based soaps, lotions and candles made by local artisans bearing the Tish Studio name. Gift baskets are available as well. “What we wanted was a place for the small companies, the small vendors and the artists to have a place to be seen,” Riley says. “It’s such an honor to have them with us,” Sailors says. Riley’s future plans include sharing her passion for writing and inspiration by launching what she calls Porch-Time Lessons in the spring of 2013. A portable stage will serve as a venue for artists, authors, counselors and doctors for casual inspirational evenings. mc Tish Studio is located at 202 S. Queen Anne Road in Woodstock. The studio is open by appointment only by calling 815-451-6617. Items also can be purchased online at tishstudio.com; new pieces are added weekly. To learn more, visit Riley’s blog at tishlifestyle.com. 6 Five local artists have been invited to display their works at Tish Studio.

24 McHenry County Magazine • November 2012

family

6 Megan Becker, 23, got hooked on bow hunting after her older brother brought her along on a hunting expedition when she was 14.

Adventures

In Hunting

By JACkY RuNICe Photos by HeATHeR NeLsoN

might not seem common to ﬁnd the word “hunting” coupled with the word “woman” unless the conversation turns to chasing down bargains. However, the fact is that more women are becoming skilled at tracking and snagging an elusive target — and not just bagging a pair

of Jimmy Choo pumps at wholesale. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, the number of females hunting with ﬁrearms was 2.4 million in 2011, up from 2.3 million in 2010, and the number of bow hunting women checked in last year at 765,000. One of those hunting with a bow and arrow is 23-year-old Megan Becker of

3 Becker mostly hunts waterfowl like geese and ducks.

McHenry County.

An exciting sport

When Becker was 14, her older brother took her along on a bow hunting expedition. Although she didn’t begin to hunt herself for a couple of years, she was immediately hooked. “When I shot my ﬁrst goose, it was a real adrenaline rush,” the Huntley resident says. “It was a couple of years before I went for deer because I knew I couldn’t shoot a deer from 30 yards away. I never would have hit it, but I would have wounded it.” It may sound counterintuitive when Becker expresses concern for an animal that she may end up killing, but she learned her ethics from her mother. “My mom was a farm girl and told me that if you’re going to hunt something and kill it, you’re going to eat it,” she says. “It’s all about what you do with the animal, whether it‘s deer in the woods here or an elephant in Africa. You give the meat and everything to the village, and you’re not killing it just for the ivory.” It’s stereotypes of hunters that really irk Becker. “It’s true that most of my hunting friends

are blue collar, but I have met a lot of white collar people who are hunters, too, and people hunt for different reasons,” she says. “My brother and I hunt for the food. We don’t shoot animals just to shoot animals.” Although she works at the shooting range On Target Range and Tactical Training Center in Crystal Lake, Becker is into primitive hunting, constructing her own bows and arrows and practicing how to live off the land. “I mostly hunt waterfowl like geese and ducks,” she says. “Deer hunting is a solitary activity, and you have to be very quiet and patient. I’m a people person, and I think that group hunting is more exciting.” Becker likes to bow hunt with her older brother, Luke, who is now in the Navy, college chums and her other older siblings, a brother and sister who also hunt every now and then. “No, I don’t hunt with females just because most girls don’t hunt,” Becker says. “I grew up with older brothers, so I’m used to hanging out with guys. My best friend from college, though, just got her ﬁrst shotgun and now hunts deer with her dad.”

Knowing the sport Becker, a Roosevelt University student, is majoring in history because “it’s the broadest major and I like to learn,” although for a while she studied auto service and wanted to be a car mechanic. One thing in which she’s very well schooled is knowing the dangers when hunting. “There’s definitely etiquette involved, and safety is always the biggest thing,” Becker

6 Becker likes

says. “I learned a lot from my brother, to bow hunt with and much of it is common sense, her older brother like if you’re hunting near homes, be Luke and college friends. sure there’s no way you’ll hit a house. Know the limits of your firearm and know your own limitations. “There’s nothing wrong with being a new hunter.” What about those who don’t have a big brother to school them in hunting protocol? The young woman suggests looking for hunting blogs online, and she says it’s not that difficult to find people who are willing to share their land so newcomers can get some experience under their belts. “You can learn strategy just by doing,” Becker says. “For example, when the wind shifts, everything downwind of you will know you’re there!” Since she doesn’t hunt turkey, Becker’s Thanksgiving table won’t be starring a bird she bagged herself. That’s not to say the young hunter doesn’t have some recipe tips. “I make goose poppers all the time,” she laughs. “It’s goose breast “Whatever you do, do not cook goose like cut into bite-sized pieces, stuffed with you would chicken,” she warns. “That’ll be jalapenos and cheese and wrapped in bacon one gamey and tough bird.” mc — it kind of tastes like steak.

6 Becker is into primitive hunting, constructing her own bows and arrows and practicing how to live off the land.

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

family

extenDeD Family Older Veterans Host Thanksgiving Dinner For Younger Generation Of Enlistees

ast Thanksgiving, nearly 250 uniformed sailors ﬁlled the McHenry as karaoke, group photos and dancing kept Veterans of Foreign Wars Post everyone on their toes until about 9 p.m. 4600 hall for a turkey dinner amongst the company of veterans who wanted to show their gratitude to the younger sHowING APPReCIATIoN For the sailors, who were graduates of generation. Naval Station Great Lakes in Lake County, “It’s a privilege … I’m humbled to be serving them,” says Ronnie Reber, the VFW’s post commander and a retired veteran, who recalls peeling potatoes for the crew during the early morning hours. Reber, along with 100 volunteers from the three organizations that hosted the event — the American Legion, the Polish Legion of American Veterans and the VFW — exchanged stories with one 5 Nearly 250 uniformed sailors another while taking turns celebrated Thanksgiving last year at the dipping 50 turkeys into a deep McHenry County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4600 hall. Photos provided fryer. “There was a lot going on in a short amount of time,” Reber says, noting that activities such I By LAuReN LYNCH I

30 McHenry County Magazine • November 2012

spending the holiday off base also meant having the opportunity to learn something outside of the classrooms they had attended at boot camp. Serving as a special guest that evening, a World War II veteran quickly became the center of attention, despite a deejay performing nearby. “It was very nice to see young sailors speaking with a great generation,” Reber says. “The World War II generation is slipping away from us now … there’s not too many veterans left.” This Thanksgiving will mark the third year Reber has participated in the dinner that has quickly become a popular tradition for sailors during the past ﬁve years. For Reber and his wife, Diane, who also lends a hand during the day’s festivities at the VFW, there’s no better way to show appreciation to those who represent the country on the seas than by treating them like their own family members. “They always have a good time,” Reber says. McHenryCountyMagazine.com

VALuING LIFe

r at the e Thanksgiving dinne

6 Th Not far from the popular tradition VFW has become a the past five g McHenry VFW, in rin du rs among sailo the small village of s. ar ye Johnsburg, George Proesel spent last Thanksgiving quietly wrapping up fruit and turkey dinners that were part of a care package dropped off for those in need living around town. “I didn’t ask for any donations,” says Proesel, a Johnsburg resident and member of the Knights of $40 and $45, Proesel picked up fresh fruit, an Columbus Council 9167. oven-ready Jenny-O turkey and gravy already Nearly six years ago, Proesel joined the in a roasting pan, and other various food fraternal benefit society not long after his items to make a holiday feast. wife had overcome an illness — in which she Proesel decided to reach out to the local Eucharistic minister at St. John’s Catholic Church in order to get a number of how many people were living in Johnsburg that could benefit from a meal that would fill their stomachs as well as lift their spirits. When the final number was revealed as 10, Proesel quickly got to work on his project. Utilizing a brother knight’s job connection with Meijer in McHenry, Proesel was able to purchase heavily discounted items and even throw in some complimentary merchandise that the superstore generously donated. While Proesel couldn’t see the faces of those he affected during Thanksgiving, he knew his baskets were well received when he would found an occasional “thank you” note lunteers in the mail. 5 One hundred vo ile taking turns wh s rie exchanged sto Noticing his good intentions, other er fry ep de a o int dipping 50 turkeys Knights of Columbus brothers even ll. ha outside the donated money to their fellow brother who felt so inclined to open his arms and embrace poverty-stricken individuals in the community. was hospitalized for 40 days and attended Following the motto that life, no matter rehab for two weeks — that made him realize what hardships have interfered, is precious, just how valuable life is, not just for family Proesel is hoping that he’ll be able to continue members, but also for complete strangers. his charitable work again this Thanksgiving. “I wanted to step forward and do Proesel says he hopes to stay connected something for the community,” Proesel says. with people more and more as the years go He recalls witnessing his fellow brother on, especially around the holidays, when it knights arranging more could be a lonely time than 300 food baskets for him and his in delivery trucks to wife. be dropped off to “When needy families during I was a kid, Christmas every year. Thanksgiving “I thought of was a bigger what we serve at thing,” he says. Thanksgiving dinner, “You had more and I made up a 5 Spending th relatives back then grocery list,” Proesel opportunity fo e holiday off base meant th r … and now I don’t outside the cl cadets to learn something e says. assrooms they camp. attended at bo have many more Keeping within ot left.” mc a budget between McHenryCountyMagazine.com

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

on the cover / entertainment

Stage

Presence Local Theaters Offer Entertainment Variety

Whether it’s national comics on the rise or local performers displaying their acting, singing or dancing talent, McHenry County has a wide array of live theater entertainment to suit any taste and budget. Fall and winter are a great time to enjoy a night out at the theater. Whether your plans are a special date night or introducing your kids to the magic of live performance, check out one of McHenry County’s great local venues.

Raue Center for the Arts

Now in its 12th year, downtown Crystal Lake’s Raue Center for the Arts offers an eclectic mix of national, regional and local performing arts, live music, comedy, children’s shows, lectures, ﬁlms and more. The 750-seat theater opened in 1929 as the El Tovar movie theater. Later known as the Lake and then the Showplace, it closed in the 1990s until a gift by lifelong Crystal Lake resident Lucille Raue allowed the Crystal Lake Civic Center Authority to purchase and renovate the theater. The restored interior still features many original details such as the façade of a Spanish village in the auditorium. Executive Director Richard Kuranda says that during the past four years, the Raue has focused on ways to broaden its audience, adding an array of lower-cost, cabaret-style shows to its season of nationally known performers. “The $20 ticket price point has been welcomed by the community, especially by a younger audience that wants to come out but can’t afford some of the higher-priced tickets,” Kuranda says. One of the most popular offers is Lucy’s Café comedy night. “We’ve worked closely with Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago to book some of the acts coming into the area,” Kuranda says. “These are people you might see at Zanies on Saturday nights, but we have them on Friday night.” Other cabaret shows include Lucy’s Music Café and Nashville Backstage. The Williams Street Repertory Company is the Raue’s resident company made up of professional actors from the area and from Chicago. “Most have some professional credits, but occasionally we have people who are new to professional theater,” says T. Paul Lowry, producing director for the Raue Center and the Williams Street Repertory Company. For the holiday season, the company will present “It’s a Wonderful Life” radio drama. Set in the late 1940s, the drama includes a play-within-a-play, as a cast of radio actors attempt to broadcast the Christmas classic. “It’s Christmas Eve, and everything that can happen does, as the cast tries to pull everything together,” Lowry says. The Raue also will present “The Nutcracker Ballet” in conjunction with the Berkshire Ballet Theater of Crystal Lake. Now in its sixth year, the ballet is an annual favorite featuring local dancers and professionals. “Every town needs a holiday tradition, and the community has embraced it,” Kuranda says. “It’s become a benchmark of the holiday season.” By eLIZABeTH HARMoN • Photos by MeLIssA eMoRY

3 Julie Fiore Hirsch of McHenry started dancing at the age of 4 at Judith Svalander’s School of Ballet in Crystal Lake. Today, she is an instructor there. The school will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Woodstock Opera House in December.

Raue Center for the Arts

26 N. Williams St. • Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-356-9212 • www.rauecenter.org

• “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” Nov. 23 through Dec. 14

Purchase tickets at the Raue Center Box Ofﬁce, by phone, online or email boxofﬁce@rauecenter.org. Visit the Raue Center website for show times, prices and other information.

Woodstock Opera House

Built in the 1890s and city owned for all of its 122 years, the Woodstock Opera House has been a city hall, town library, fire department and performing arts center. “In Victorian times, it was fashionable for cities to have a place for people to gather for events, theater and dance,” says John Scharres, managing director. “This has been maintained and owned by the city of Woodstock as a service to the public.” The theater’s first floor public rooms are used for parties, community events and exhibits such as the annual holiday display featuring trees decorated by more 5 The original seats at the Woodstock Opera than 30 community groups. House featured a wire rack underneath the Next door, a newer building seats so men had a place to put their top hats. constructed 10 years ago houses the Stage Left Café, offering live music, open mic nights, storytelling, coffee house events performers and is home to two local theater and more. companies. “It was originally a glorified concession Each December, the opera house presents stand, but it’s now become a venue in its own the Judith Svalander Dance Theater’s right,” Scharres says. production of “The Nutcracker.” The opera house auditorium seats 410 and “A lot of people use it as a way to introduce preserves the look of the 1890s. young kids to classical music and the theater “It’s a state-of-the-art theater in an historical experience,” Scharres says. “Everyone gets box,” Scharres says. “We preserved and restored dressed up and goes out for dinner afterwards. what we could, but you can’t light with open Because it’s a non-verbal show, we also have flame anymore. We have digital sound and are people with hearing disabilities, because the in the process of upgrading our lighting. It’s story is told with music, not words.” good now, but we want it to be great.” The opera house hosts local and national Woodstock Opera House

121 E. Van Buren St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-5300 www. woodstockoperahouse.com

• Woodstock Musical Theater Company’s “Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Nov. 23 through Dec. 3 • Ed Hall’s “Christmas Guitar Night,” Dec. 23.

Purchase tickets by phone or online. Visit the Woodstock Opera House website for show times, prices and more information.

Black Box Theatre 5 Seating on the inside of the Woodstock Opera House.

Located on the McHenry County College campus, the Black Box Theatre is both a training ground for aspiring actors

and other theater professionals and a resource for the community. “Our goal is to educate students with [a] nice, eclectic mix of productions, everything from Greek tragedies to American classics,” says Jay Geller, chairman of theater, speech and journalism at MCC. “We want to expose the students to different things and also to illuminate the community.” Past productions have run the gamut, such as works by renowned playwrights Sam Shepard and Tennessee Williams, to modern Broadway hits such as “The Wedding Singer.” William Shakespeare’s comedy “The Twelfth Night” will open in November. Cast members and crew are primarily MCC students, though many productions include people from the community, MCC faculty and alumni. “We try to make the experience as professional as possible, whether the students will be transferring to a four-year school or going out and starting to audition professionally,” Geller says. That approach applies to not only the cast members, but also those behind the scenes. “We work hard on the sets, lighting and costumes,” Geller says. “There are a lot of people doing a lot of hard work to make it the best we possibly can.” He describes the 100-seat theater as a big, empty room that can be arranged to ﬁt the production. “We have done theater in the round, thrust, alley — we can build it to whatever we want,” he says. “It’s a very versatile space.” Geller says the goal for each show is to make it “the best show we’ve ever done.” “When people come out and see our shows, we want them to say, ‘Wow! What an amazing thing we have right here in the community.’” Black Box Theatre

8900 U.S. Highway 14 • Crystal Lake, IL 60012 815-455-3700 • www.mchenry.edu

• “The Twelfth Night,” Nov. 1 through 17

Purchase tickets by phone at 815-455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu. Visit the MCC website for show times, prices and more information.

Cosman Cultural Center Theater,

One of the area’s newer theaters, the Cosman Cultural Center Theater, located inside the Huntley Recreation Center, seats up to 300 and has full lighting and sound to support a variety of productions, including live music, dance and musical theater. “It’s a very versatile space that’s used by various park district programs, local dance companies, Christian Youth Theater and other groups,” says David Genty, recreation supervisor for the Huntley Park District. “We get a lot of calls for it.” The Cosman’s resident company, GreenRoom Productions of Elgin, is a semiprofessional ensemble company performing musicals, sketch comedy and improv.

Founded in 1999 by a group of Judson University students, GreenRoom productions are “100 percent clean, 99.27 percent hilarious,” according to its website, www. greenroomtheater.com. “They do full-blown sets and are just a tremendous ensemble,” Genty says. The GreenRoom’s improv show, presented the second Saturday of the month, includes sketches created from audience suggestions and stories. “These are family-friendly shows, and the productions are fun and entertaining,” Genty says. “If you’re looking for something to do, come see one of our shows. You’re guaranteed to laugh, it’s affordable, right in town and you’re keeping it local.” Improv tickets are available at the door only. Cosman Cultural Center Theater

12015 Mill Street • Huntley, IL 60142 847-639-3180 • www.huntleyparks.org

• Green Room Productions’ “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 8 through 16

Purchase tickets through the GreenRoom Box Ofﬁce at 847-931-4233 or online. Visit the GreenRoom website for show times, prices and more information.

Other Local Theaters And Companies TheaterUndreground Memorial Hall Civic Theatre 10308 Main St., Richmond, IL 815-575-9884 www.theatreundreground.com

This nonproﬁt theater brings new and seldom-seen theater to McHenry County. TheaterUndreground is dedicated to nurturing local writers, directors, actors and musicians. Spotlight Youth Theater 755 Industrial Drive, Cary, IL 60013 847-516-2298 www.spotlight.org

Formerly known as Christian Youth Theater, Spotlight is an afterschool theater arts program for students ages 8 to 18 that produces musical theater shows throughout the Chicago area.

A Holiday Tradition One of the world’s most famous ballets, “The Nutcracker,“ was ﬁrst performed in 1892. The story, by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, tells the tale of a young girl named Clara who discovers that a magical nutcracker is actually a handsome prince. Together, the pair travels to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where the prince is released from a spell, and he and Clara live happily ever after. “It’s such a wonderful Christmas tradition,” says Judith Svalander, artistic director of the Judith Svalander Ballet Theater. “We have 175 dancers involved, which is two full casts. These are dancers from our school, our pre-professionals and 10 professional dancers. We get lots of people from the community who come year after year.” This holiday season, check out one of these local productions: Judith Svalander Dance Theater: “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be performed at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8; 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Woodstock Opera House. For more information, call 815-338-5300 or visit www. woodstockoperahouse.com. The Berkshire Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be performed at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Raue Center for the Arts. For more information, call 815-356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org. Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble: “The Nutcracker” will be performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2, at Barrington High School. For more information, call 847-382-6333 or — By Elizabeth Harmon visit www.byde.org.

5 While McHenry County venues don’t have strict dress codes, “there’s still a segment that considers going out as an occasion,” says John Scharres, executive director of the Woodstock Opera House. “So, they might dress up a little.” A good rule of thumb is to think jackets and dress slacks for men, and skirts, dresses or nice pants for women. Pictured is Julie

Fiore Hirsch.

Etiquette Entertainment

By eLIZABeTH HARMoN

Tuxedos aren’t necessary … and neither are cellphones. If you’re new to live theater, attending a performance may seem a little intimidating. Do you dress up, or go casual? What happens if you’re late? Knowing how to dress — and behave — can make the experience that much more enjoyable. A few McHenry County theatre pros weigh in on the following topics. PROPER ATTIRE

Many people don’t attend live theater often, so it’s a great excuse to dress up. While McHenry County venues don’t have strict dress codes, “there’s still a segment that considers going out as an occasion,” says John Scharres, executive director of the Woodstock Opera House. “So, they might dress up a little.” Judith Svalander, artistic director the Judith Svalander School of Ballet in Crystal Lake and the Judith Svalander Dance Theater, says that her school’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” has become a holiday dress-up tradition for many audience members. “We’ll have little girls in beautiful dresses, and everyone goes out for dinner,” she says. A good rule of thumb is to think jackets and dress slacks for men, and skirts, dresses or nice pants for women. For causal shows like live comedy or improv, however, jeans are ﬁne. “We want you to be comfortable and have a good time,” says David Genty of the Cosman Cultural Center Theater in Huntley.

CAMERAS, CELLPHONES AND TExTING

Though the rules can vary, patrons won’t go wrong by leaving cameras at home. Flashing lights not only can distract the performers, but also fellow audience members. “This is live theater — it’s not like you can rewind and watch it over again,” says Jay Geller of McHenry County College’s Black Box Theatre. That means all cameras, including those on cellphones and iPads. “We make an announcement before the show and in our program asking the audience to refrain from photography,” says T. Paul Lowry, producing director for Raue Center for the Arts and the Williams Street Repertory Company. “If our ushers see it, they’ll ask you to refrain.” As for phones and texting, it’s quite simple. “Put the phone on vibrate and answer it later,” Scharres says.

ARRIVALS AND SNACkS

Unlike movies, live theater doesn’t kick off with 15 minutes of trailers. Pay attention to the curtain time. “Some shows allow for late seating; others don’t, though our ushers do a great job of helping people to their seats as soon as possible,” Lowry says. Though food is often sold during intermission, don’t bring snacks into the theater or auditorium. “We spent a lot of money restoring the theater,” Scharres says. “We have custom carpeting that’s expensive to clean, and it’s easy to trip and dump something. “It’s live theater, not a movie theater.” mc

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

entertainment

By RoMI HeRRoN Photos by HeATHeR NeLsoN

4 (From left) Shane Levin, Ryan Stevens, Mike Needham, Steve Nordin and TJ Fick play live as Barefoot Fred at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake.

JAM

hane “Papa Bear” Lavigne says when his band, Barefoot Fred, jams with “a sea of people out there,” the group’s unique blend of music is impossible to categorize. And whether it’s at a summer festival with thousands of people or a local gig in Crystal Lake, the stage is set for ﬁve guys to take their talents and chemistry to new heights.

4 Mike Needgam of Crystal Lake plays the bass for Barefoot Fred.

“We have the inﬂuence of blues, jazz, rock, funk, Latin and Reggae, and we mix it all together to get our sound,” says Lavigne, the band’s percussionist, who also produces a music festival called Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival in Rockford. At age 37, the McCollum Lake resident has 22 years of percussion experience. He owns Artisan Tile Creations in McCollum Lake and through his company, Barefoot Fred Productions Inc., he books bands around McHenry County. In 2008, he formed Barefoot Fred with Ryan Stevens of Crystal Lake. During a poker game, Lavigne decided to name the band after his close friend, Fred Vroman. “I was trying to come up with something you could put in Google and ﬁnd nothing on,” he says. “My buddy Fred is a great guy, and he never wears shoes. And that was it.” But other decisions haven’t been as simple. In the past year, Barefoot Fred was at a crossroads. “We were going to call it quits or revamp it,” Lavigne says. “We actually got to the point where this year we were really not playing much ... we were playing with a few other guys and were kind of having differences of opinion, where we wanted the music to go.” A new beginning It’s only been a few months since Barefoot Fred’s newest direction was chosen. Bassist Mike Needham, who also plays with local band Flatland Ramble, and TJ Fick, mandolin player, are new additions. In late September, the revamped band – with drummer Steve Nordin of Chicago – played

TIME Local Band Barefoot Fred Takes Bluegrass To A New Level

its ﬁrst gig together to a packed house at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake. “Based on that gig, I would say the changes are a success,” Lavigne said the night after the show. Needham, 27, who lives in Crystal Lake, says a big plus for the band is the fact that Lavigne has a strong network. In just the past couple of months, Needham has noticed that Papa Bear deﬁnitely is plugged into the Midwest entertainment circuit. “What’s really cool is Papa Bear is a wealth of contacts,” Needham says. “He knows people who know people.” In Rockford, at Whippersnap Music

and Arts Festival, Lavigne had nationally touring acts come through, Needham says. Relationships make a difference, Needham adds, since members of the region’s musician community frequently interact. “If you go to a festival in Wisconsin, for example, you’re going to run into people you see in shows out here in Illinois,” he says. Shared passion While Flatland Ramble is what Needham calls “a straight bluegrass band, with anything from traditional bluegrass, to classic rock transformed into bluegrass,” he feels Barefoot Fred offers more of a progressive rock element. “It’s the whole jam band scene,” says Needham, also a chef at BBQ King Smokehouse in Woodstock. His older brother got him interested in Fish and The Grateful Dead, Needham explains, and with those inspirations, he dove deep into the bluegrass role. “I’ve been hooked on it for 18 years now,” he says. It also was about 18 years ago when TJ Fick, then a ﬁfth grader growing up in Crystal Lake, started playing drums. As Barefoot Fred’s mandolin player, Fick came on board just a few months ago and agrees the band’s ﬁrst gig together was a hit. Now 26, he lives in Chicago and is looking ahead to the band’s opportunities: recording,

performing and writing music. “I would really like to do it all,” Fick says. “I have a blast with these guys. We’ve started writing a little bit. I feel it’s going to go in more of that direction.” He says Lavigne and Stevens are driven with a love and need to play. Aside from mandolin, Fick also plays guitar, cello and violin. Though drums were his ﬁrst exposure to playing an instrument, he fell in love with guitar as a freshman at Crystal Lake Central High School. “My dad bought himself a guitar for his birthday, and I kinda stole it and learned how to play,” says Fick, who adds he and all the guys in the band share the goal that they’ll be able to earn a living doing what they love – performing music. “I actually work 8:30 to 5 in Chicago at [a retail store],” Fick says. “And it’s boring. It’s really boring.” Fore more information about Barefoot Fred, including upcoming performances, visit www.barefootfred.com. mc

5 Barefoot Fred is heading in a new direction, its members say.

3 Steve Nordin drums for barefoot Fred.

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

S ee Page 64

40 McHenry County Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2012

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

health / worK it oUt

ABsolutely!! 8 exercises To Firm Up Your Midsection By AMANDA MARRAZZo

hollow hold

Photos by JeFF kRAGe

Ladies trying to gain a nice set of six-pack abs may have a tougher time then their male counterparts, says one area ﬁtness expert. leg rAiSeS

“The most difﬁcult issues women see are with [toning] the lower abs, especially after having kids,” says Lisa Stetz, a group ﬁtness instructor at CrossFit North Wall in Crystal Lake. Stetz says though there are some draw backs for women obtaining strong, sexy abs due to pregnancies, hormone surges, monthly bloating and a slowing metabolism after the age of 40, it is possible.

But ladies cannot “spot reduce,” she says, explaining that women can’t focus on abs alone during workouts. Instead, women need to be consistent with total body conditioning, strength training and cardio. And they need to watch what they eat. “Your abs are made in the kitchen,” she says. “You have to eat well to have good abs. Even though you may exercise a lot, you can’t build that six-pack by just exercise.” Not only are toned abs sexy, but they improve overall health and posture and alleviate back pain, ﬁtness experts say.

Try ThiS rouTine

Steven Schwab, owner of CrossFit North Wall, offers up eight abs and back exercises to get you on track to a ﬁrm mid-section. But ﬁrst, he says to warm up your muscles with a quick 10- to 15-minute cardio exercise, a jog or a spin on the elliptical machine. He recommends a mix of static/anti-rotational and dynamic/rotational moves. Schwab also says to not push yourself to the point of pain. Take your time reaching your goal. For example, if you’re doing a static exercise and your end goal is to hold it for 60 seconds, but it’s physically hard

to reach that goal, do the exercise in increments, eventually working your way up to 60 seconds, he says. Once you’re warmed up, try the following mix of exercises. “These basic exercises will work every aspect of your abdominal area and mid- to lower-back,” Schwab says. For added back support in the ﬂoor exercises, he recommends buying an AbMat or rolling up a towel so that it is about two to three inches thick and placing it right behind your lower back.

hollow hold

To begin, lie on your back on the ﬂoor with your arms by your sides. Slowly lift your legs, chest and head up off the ﬂoor to form a V with your body. Hold them in that position for 60 seconds or for the maximum time increment that you can, eventually working your way up to 60 seconds.

SiTupS

To begin, lie flat on your back with one leg bent at the knee and your arms at your side. Tighten your abdominals and push your hips into the floor as you rotate your torso around your pelvic axis and sit upright with your chest high and your back completely straight. Lower yourself in the same way, keeping your body straight with the exception of the bend at the hips. You can increase the difficulty by bending your knees and putting the bottoms of your feet together instead of having your legs extended out in front of you. This helps focus your effort on the abdominals without the help of the hip flexors. Try to start with two to three sets of 10 to15 repetitions. Progress as you get stronger.

Side leVer

Secure a resistance band to a stationary object, like a pole, at chest level. While standing, turn so that the pole is either on your right or left side. Place your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart to create a wide and stable base. Hold one end of the band with both hands in close to your chest. You should be at a distance far enough away from the pole so that there is a slight tension in the resistance band while you hold it. Slowly extend your hands away from your chest until your elbows are locked. Hold that position for 60 seconds or for the maximum time that you can. Do not let the band spin you back to face the pole. Work toward a maximum hold of 60 seconds.

ruSSiAn TwiSTS

Begin by sitting on the ﬂoor with your knees slightly bent. Lean back at about a 45-degree angle. With your arms extended out in front of you, slowly twist your upper torso as far as you can to the right and then as far as you can to the left without moving your lower back or hips. To increase difﬁculty, continue the same movements with either a medicine ball or other heavy object. Again, try to start with two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions in each direction and progress as you get stronger.

l-SiT

Find two elevated platforms such as kitchen counters, chairs or pushup bars spaced about 19 to 20 inches apart. Support your body weight between those two platforms by placing a hand on each and keep your arms fully extended. Extend your legs out in front of you so that your body takes on the shape of an L. If your abdominals are not quite strong enough to extend them straight out, you can start by bending your knees and tucking them up in front of you. As with other static holds, maintain that L position for 60 seconds or for the maximum time increment that you can. Eventually you will be able to hold this position for up to a maximum of 60 seconds.

SupermAn

4Chelsey Avila of Crystal Lake does the “Superman” exercise with Crossﬁt North Wall trainer Steve Schwab.

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

l-SiT leg rAiSeS

Lie down on your back with your legs together and your arms extended out to the side of you at 45-degree angles. Slowly raise your legs together until they are pointing straight up toward the sky. Then lower them back to the ﬂoor in a controlled manner. To add difﬁculty to this exercise, hang from a bar while raising your legs — either bent knees or straight legs — as high as possible. As with the other dynamic movements, you can start with two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions and progress from there.

These next two exercises will help strengthen your back so that your abdominals are assisted in supporting your torso, Schwab says.

SupermAn

Lie face down on the ground with your arms extended out over your head. Raise your arms, head and legs off of the ground and hold that position. Continuing in the tradition of the other static holds, you want to try to maintain that position for 60 seconds or for the maximum time increment that you are able. Eventually, you should be able to hold this position for 60 seconds.

reVerSe hyperexTenSionS

Lie face down on an elevated platform or bench so that your legs are hanging down at a 90-degree angle while your upper torso — from your hips to your head — remain ﬂat horizontally. You will need something to hold onto to prevent your torso from lifting during the exercise. Contract your glutes and your lower back in order to raise your legs up to the horizontal position while keeping them stiff and straight, then lower them again. Start with two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. This three-part health series enlisted the expertise of sports performance trainers at CrossFit North Wall in Crystal Lake to help McHenry County women strengthen and tone their bodies. Each month focused on exercises dedicated to one speciﬁc area of the body. November: Stomach mc

44 McHenry County Magazine • November 2012

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

health

WARNING! Use At Own Risk

think twice before picking up that snow shovel. Doctors say working in cold weather can set you up for disaster. “With the overexertion and the cold weather, that can lead to a heart attack,” says Dr. Raja Sharma, a cardiologist at Palatine Heart Center in Crystal Lake.

SloW doWN

Assess the weather and heaviness of the snow before shoveling, local doctors say. For those who do decide to go outside, doctors suggest they take their time and shovel for short periods. Sharma compares snow shoveling to weightlifting and warns people to avoid overloading the shovel when the snow is heavy and wet. “If you’re getting tired or you’re getting winded, I would just stop,” he says. “And sometimes, you may even have to go inside after 10 minutes or so to catch a break and warm up.” “Everybody feels like they have to get that little thing done in a short space of time,” says Dr. Vincent Bufalino, a national spokesman for the American Heart Association and senior director of cardiology for Advocate Health Care in the Chicago area. “And that time pressure is something that you should not have.” By CoLLeeN LeoNARD I 46 McHenry County Magazine I• November 2012

He tells his patients to avoid heavy snow shoveling and yard work in extreme weather and to “support the kid in the neighborhood” to get the job done. Using a snowblower, climbing a hill and doing a project in the garage are other activities that can lead to a heart attack during cold weather, Bufalino says. “Just because you have a snowblower doesn’t mean you’re exempt,” he says. “Every year, we have a number of folks who have a heart attack using their snowblower.” Avoid working in cold weather after consuming a big meal or alcohol, Bufalino says, because the digestion process interferes with the ability to exert yourself.

KNoW the SymptomS

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. The American Heart Association reports that nearly 73 percent of men and 72 percent of women in the age group of 60 to 79 have cardiovascular disease. During a heart attack, plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms around the plaque. A heart attack occurs because the clot clogs an artery and prevents blood ﬂow to the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, pain in the left arm or both arms, and pain in the jaw and neck area, Sharma says. While both men and women can experience classic symptoms, women are more likely to exhibit less common signs, such as heartburn, loss of appetite, tiredness, coughing and heart ﬂutters, according to the U.S. Department of

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Health and Human Services. “Females can have very vague symptoms,” Sharma says. “They may be just fatigued or tired. They may have back pain or shoulder pain.” Because most people believe it will never happen to them, they need to know what factors put them at risk, Bufalino says. “The No. 1 predictor of an early heart attack is smoking,” he says. “So, if there’s a single thing that people need to change, it’s [to] quit smoking.” Other risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, overweightness and a sedentary lifestyle. Of course, aging also increases the chances of a heart attack. As women age, they are more likely to have a heart attack during postmenopause, Sharma says. Cardiologists recommend a routine checkup to screen for potential problems. Glucose and cholesterol testing will help assess a patient’s risk of developing heart disease. In addition, patients with a couple of risk factors should have a heart scan to look for calcium deposits in the arteries, an electrocardiogram, which records the heart’s electrical activity, and a stress test to make sure exercising is safe, Bufalino says. A CT coronary angiogram is another scan that may be requested by a doctor, Sharma says. It is used to determine the extent of blockage in coronary arteries.

hoW to Act/ pReveNtIoN

The American Heart Association recommends a daily low dose of aspirin, with physician approval, for heart attack survivors and patients with a high risk of a heart attack. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner and helps prevent blood clots from forming. If a heart attack occurs, Sharma suggests taking four baby aspirin after calling 911 to increase a person’s chances of survival. Exercise strengthens the heart, Bufalino says, but it shouldn’t be done in extremely cold or hot weather. He puts his patients on a walking program until they can endure a 30- to 40-minute exercise routine of their choice every other day, whether it’s a brisk walk or working out at the gym. Besides exercise, he suggests three balanced meals a day as part of a hearthealthy plan, being mindful to control portions, avoid snacks and eat only at the table. mc McHenryCountyMagazine.com

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health

I By JAMI kuNZeR

HEAltHy Holiday Recipes Festive Foods You Can Feel Good About Eating

ake Chef Joseph Zaranski’s roasted butternut squash soup, and it’s going to be a hit. The owner of A Pinch of This Personal Chef Service in Marengo guarantees it. It’s the perfect soup for a cold winter day, he says. “It’s aromatic when the hot soup and aroma of the [black trufﬂe oil] comes up — it just hits the notes and it makes you want to melt,” he says. The recipe is one of a couple Zaranski offers up this holiday season. They’re relatively healthy, but Zaranski’s main advice for eating

lighter is simply to cut back on portion sizes. Avoiding saturated fats and using olive or grape seed oils instead of butter also helps. “It’s just a matter of what people’s preferences are as to what’s going to be healthy versus not healthy,” he says. “Mainly, it’s smaller portion sizes.” Zaranski began his personal chef business about three years ago as a way to cut back on commuting to Chicago, where he had been working in the restaurant business for 28 years. He wanted more time for himself and his family. He became a member of the American Private and Personal Chef ’s Association, offering up catering for private parties, group cooking lessons and at-home meal services. He goes to clients’ 3 Roasted Butternut Squash Soup homes, consults with them about their preferences and makes one to two weeks’ worth of meals for them to heat up later. “It’s ideal for families with busy schedules, kids going here and there and they don’t have time to sit down and eat at the table because they’re running

around so much,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy sitting around the table again.” Following are a couple of Zaranski’s recipes:

Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin Serves: 6 to 8

“It’s a nice winter-type of meal,” Zaranski says of the beef tenderloin recipe below that he ﬁrst served up as a chef at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Add a side dish, such as whipped potatoes, and it becomes a richer meal. Or, simply serve with a vegetable dish or roasted potatoes to keep it lighter, he says. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup prepared horseradish 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs 2 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin (center cut, trimmed) 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 2. In a bowl, mix together the horseradish, oil and mustard. Fold in the Panko bread crumbs and stir with a fork until well mixed (add a small amount of oil if needed to moisten the Panko). 3. To get a nice, tight-looking ﬁnal product, tie the tenderloin in about three or four places with butcher’s twine. Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper, and rub the horseradish mix all over the McHenryCountyMagazine.com

beef. Transfer to a roasting pan and place on the center rack of the oven. 4. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a thermometer registers 140 degrees F for medium rare. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cutting board and let the meat rest for 5 minutes. 5. Remove the twine, slice and serve.

This will pair nicely with roasted beets and mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, Zaranski says. If desired, a horseradish sauce can be made quickly using 1 part horseradish to 3 parts sour cream, a dash of Worcestershire and black pepper.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Serves: 6

“For this flavorful fall/winter soup, I added tapioca to it just to let it play whimsically on the tongue a bit,” Zaranski says. “The truffle oil adds a touch of sophistication and brings out another layer of flavor. You can find truffle oil at specialty markets, especially at Joe Caputo & Sons in Algonquin.” INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds butternut squash 3 medium carrots, washed, and tops removed, rough chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 2 ribs celery, rough chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 4 to 5 cups water 1 teaspoon dried sage

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

1/2 cup pearl tapioca 1/4 cup lemon juice 5-ounce can evaporated skim milk Salt and pepper to taste Black truffle oil INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 2. Split the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Turn the halves so that they lay flat on a roasting pan, and carefully 4 Horseradishpierce the skin with Encrusted Beef the tip of a knife or a Tenderloin fork. Turn them back over and drizzle two tablespoons of the oil over the flesh, then season with half of the salt and pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until the flesh is softened. Toss the vegetables in the remaining oil, salt and pepper, place them on a second roasting pan and roast in the oven until all the veggies have begun to caramelize (30 to 40 minutes). 3. Remove the squash from the oven and set aside to cool for 15 to 20 minutes (enough to handle them without burning your hands). 4. Scoop the squash out of the shell into a bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the bowl. 5. Working in batches, place the veggie mix into a

blender (about half way if the ingredients are still hot) and puree, adding water to thin out to desired consistency. Transfer puree to a 2-quart sauce pot. 6. When all of the ingredients are pureed and in the pot, add the lemon juice and bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring often. Stir in the evaporated milk, tapioca pearls and sage, return to a simmer and cook for 15 more minutes or until the tapioca pearls have softened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in warm bowls and drizzle with black trufﬂe oil. mc Chef Joseph Zaranski of A Pinch of This Personal Chef Service in Marengo can be reached at 815-5054303 or www.apinchofthis-pc.com.

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

fashion & beauty

avoiding

HIGH-HEEL HURT

High heels are a staple of femininity, and many women consider learning to walk in heels the next step after learning to crawl. Heels can be a great fashion accessory for women, but they can come at a cost — and not just the cost that they pay at the cash register. Heels can be sexy and fun, but wearing them can be painful. Still, women buy them anyway! Dr. Cheryl Brown, a podiatrist at Back on Your Feet in Crystal Lake, says high heels are associated with dressing up, looking your best and having a fun time in general. “Consider the types of places you go and things you do in a high heel versus a gym shoe. It’s a totally different attitude,” Brown says. “Plus, when wearing high heels, a woman’s legs look longer, her derriere appears lifted and she is taller for a while. Who doesn’t want that?” Many women want just that, but they ﬁnd themselves wrapped up in a love/hate relationship with their heels. And rightfully so. Brown says high heels aren’t good for feet, though she does say moderate use of high heels shouldn’t do any long-term damage. “Constant use of high heels, however, can contribute to the formation of permanent foot problems such as bunions and hammertoes,” she says. “Short-term side effects commonly include foot and leg fatigue, but women generally recover from these.” Brown says the effects that wearing high heels have on a

person’s body are strain, strain and more strain. She cites studies that use electromyography, a test that involves attaching electrodes to the muscles to measure how much work they’re doing. “[In the studies], as expected, the calf muscles and posterior thigh muscles have a much greater workload while wearing high heels,” she says. “Also, the length of each step is shortened, causing less efﬁcient use of the lower half of the body including knees and back.” A woman’s center of gravity moves forward when she wears high heels. This further increases the weight on the ball of the foot, which is already held in an abnormal position by the shoe. As a result, the ball of the foot is where most women experience discomfort after wearing heels.

4 High heels are associated with dressing up, looking your best and having a fun time in general, according to Dr. Cheryl Brown, a podiatrist at Back on Your Feet in Crystal Lake.

I By BeTsY DeMITRoPouLos

PROTECT YOUR FEET

Brown says there are many ways women can protect their feet while wearing heels. If a woman has any bony prominences — such as bunions, hammertoes or bone spurs — a small piece of moleskin covering the prominence can keep it from rubbing and forming blisters, calluses and corns. Or, if a woman is wearing heels with slacks, a light-weight trouser sock can prevent some of the rubbing from the shoe. High-heel lovers also can add cushions and pads to their heels. Brown says there are many brands of pads for shoes, and some ﬁt into heels. Gel, felt and foam types are available over the counter.

“You are limited by the thickness and bulkiness of the pad of course, so look for thinner, more streamlined types,” she says. “Thin gel pads work especially well under the ball of the foot area.” High heels also can be fitted with custom orthotics — orthopedic insert supports which are made at a podiatrist’s office from a mold of your feet. “These work especially well for women who require heels as part of their dress code at work,” Brown says. “Health insurance often covers them.” Changing shoes throughout the day and not staying in one heel height all day long is a good way to ensure a woman won’t be asking someone for a foot massage when she gets home from work. “It is a good idea to avoid wearing heels every single day, although a strict regime of rotation every other day is not necessary,” Brown says. Even varying the height of a pair of heels can help. Everyone should wear flats some of the time to ensure that the Achilles tendon gets a

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

proper stretch, she says. Excessive use of heels can cause permanent contracture in the back of the leg. Planning ahead to have a change of shoes handy can help. When Brown is downtown, she says she sees many women walking to work in gym shoes and carrying dressier shoes to change into once they get there. “If you are going out on the town for the night, throw some ﬂats in your bag,” she says. “You will probably be happy to have them by the end of the night.”

RELIEVE THE PAIN

Brown says the healthiest way to wear heels is to only wear them for a few hours every day, as it limits the strain on the feet. If it’s impractical for the occasion to limit the duration of wearing the heels, then a woman should try to kick them off under the table when she’s seated to give her feet a short break here and there. However, what woman hasn’t worn her heels longer than she should?

For painful feet after a night of dancing, Brown suggests taking a few minutes to stretch. Try ﬂexing the toes down slowly and holding them there for a few seconds, she says. Extend the foot up at the ankle level and hold a few seconds. Relax and repeat these motions several times. “Many women also ﬁnd relief in a warm foot soak or massage,” Brown says. “If pain persists past a couple days, or if it is very intense, call your podiatrist.” Brown’s practice, Back on Your Feet, is a unique concept, offering complete podiatric foot care and chiropractic care in one practice. Dr. Greg Cook provides the chiropractic care at Back on Your Feet. Cook says while women have worn high heels for decades in the effort to look great, it is increasingly having a bad effect on their back, not to mention their knees and feet. “When your back or feet hurt, it affects everything,” Cook says. “It affects how you walk and how you feel.” mc

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

women of distinction

of WOMEN distinction

Inaugural Winner:

Cheryl Niemo

In May, seven local women were named McHenry County Magazine’s inaugural 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.

Cheryl Niemo

City of residence: Woodstock Organization/company/corporation: Jail Brakers Title: Founder/Executive Director orty-two year old Cheryl Niemo knows what it’s like to have a family member incarcerated. The Woodstock resident says she is the parent of a child who dealt with significant mental health and substance abuse issues, and despite efforts from his family and social service agencies, he was incarcerated at 18 years old. “It was a pretty traumatic event,” Niemo says. “And nothing prepares you for something For her dedication to serving McHenry like this.” County families who have loved ones Niemo looked for a support group that incarcerated, Niemo was chosen as the recipient included others who had family members in of one of seven inaugural McHenry County jail — either in the past or present — but she Magazine Women of Distinction Awards. couldn’t find any. She was awarded with her fellow winners at a “[I thought], I know this is not the first luncheon May 15 at McHenry Country Club, person in the U.S. who has had a beloved where more than 200 people supported their family member to deal with a situation like fellow community leaders. this,” Niemo says. “I knew if I felt this need Harold Rail knows Niemo through his so greatly, there must be many, many other organization, Principled Minds — a nonprofit families feeling the same way.” that works with other organizations to help With years of her own experience in social fight racism, discrimination and prejudice. services, Niemo called upon her coworkers — He says he has been impressed with Niemo’s family resource developers — plus professors, dedication to her cause, especially because it family members and others in the community speaks to an underserved group of people. to discuss how they could help others like her. “I think that’s what important about this In 2009, that team put together its first support — it deals with a population that’s just not group — and Jail Brakers had begun. “There were so many families suffering and carrying such a burden, and previously they had no outlet for the loss, the shame, the stigma and the Jail Brakers will host its annual Turkey Bingo night fear that they had just about others from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Moose Lodge in knowing, [wondering] how they would Woodstock. The evening will include bingo, live music be perceived, how their loved one would and a spaghetti dinner. Proceeds will go toward live a normal life after [getting out],” Jail Brakers programs. For more information about Niemo says. “We knew right off the bat the event or Jail Brakers, call 224-422-7431 or email that we had something, we were onto jailbrakers@gmail.com. something really important.”

Turkey Bingo Fundraiser

90 McHenry County Magazine • August 66 October2012

addressed through other organizations,” Rail says. “It really means a lot to the group because they feel like they’re completely isolated. They’re part of a population that’s completely left out of support [provided by] general help.” What’s more, Niemo works to help prevent others from having to go through what she and others have, Rail says. “This whole idea of how the prison system is set up, it really doesn’t do anything to create anything but failure once people come out, and so her goals, with much of her work, is to reduce this idea of recidivism,” Rail says. “So, when they come out, they have a life and they have the potential to have a good life helping other people. “It’s really a completely different perspective on what we consider prisons and the prison population,” he continues. “It’s pretty unique in terms of McHenry County.” Jail Brakers works to keep those incarcerated in touch with their families by giving family members gas cards to visit their loved ones in jail and helping arrange visitations. “Recidivism is greatly reduced by having an ongoing support system that’s positive support through family and friends,” Niemo says, noting that helping family and friends stay positive by feeling better about themselves is yet another mission of Jail Brakers. Some people feel so self-stigmatized that they have a hard time realizing they have much to offer the world. “[Families] feel so isolated in some communities,” Niemo says. “[We] try to help families elevate their identity, putting their strengths to work in the community through community service.” Niemo’s hope is that Jail Brakers helps break cycles of intergenerational crime as well. “We really see this organization as able to provide preventative measures,” she says. mc

— By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

November events In McHenry County EVENTS

Nov. 1 through 3 — Fall Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fox River Grove Public Library, 407 Lincoln Avenue, in Fox River Grove Come discover a great new read! For more information, call 847-639-2274 or visit www.frgml. lib.il.us. Nov. 2 — The Christmas Gathering, 7 p.m. at Springbrook Community Church, 10115 Algonquin Road, in Huntley For ladies only! Join the women at Springbrook for an evening of Christmas inspiration, ideas, holiday how-tos and tasty appetizers. Ideas and tips from Pinterest will be presented in a HGTV/Oprah’s Favorite Things-type of program. You will leave with several take-aways as well as instructions and recipes from demos. This will be a night you won’t want to miss! For more information, visit springbrook.org. Nov. 2 and 3 — Used Book and Media Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, in Johnsburg Come discover some great bargains at this sale! Prices will range from 25 cents to $2. For more information, call 815-344-0077 or visit www. johnsburglibrary.org. Nov. 3 — Lost Valley Ventures: White Tail Deer, 2 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, in Ringwood This program will include a nature lesson, game and a hike. Programs take place primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather and walking. No registration is required. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccdistrict.org. Nov. 4 — Harvest Gathering of 1858, Noon to 4 p.m. at Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, in Ringwood Step back in time to the 1850s Powers-Walker House at harvest time. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into ﬂour, or making a cornhusk or yarn doll, all while learning how integral the use of corn and other natural ﬁbers was to the everyday lives of early settlers. Other harvest activities will take place, including the baking of bread in a wood-burning cookstove and making candles for the winter. No registration is required. For more information, call 815-459-5779 or visit www.visitmchenrycounty.com. Nov. 9 — Fall Gala, 6 p.m. at Boulder Ridge Country Club, 350 Boulder Drive, in Lake in the Hills The Big Brothers Big Sisters Fall Gala is an elegant evening celebrating improving lives through one-onone mentoring. Val Warner from Windy City LIVE! will emcee the event. Rocky LaPorte, Chicago comedian, will be the entertainment. The evening will include cocktails, a live and a silent auction and dinner. Tickets are $125 a person or $225 for a couple; $1,000 for table of 10; and $2,500 for a patron-level table. For more information, call 815-385-3855. Nov. 10 — 30th Birthday Bash, 1 p.m. at the Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, in Johnsburg Join the party as the library celebrates its 30th birthday! Don’t miss all the fun activities, free refreshments, a balloon artist, giveaways, and more. Also, if you return any overdue items to a staff member before 5 p.m., all late fees will be waived (no bookdrop returns). For more information, call 815-3440077 or visit www.johnsburglibrary.org. Nov. 10 — Holiday Craft and Vendor Sale, 9 a.m. at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, in Cary

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Shop for gift ideas, home decor and much more from a variety of crafters and vendors. For more information, call 847-639-6100 or visit www. carypark.com. Nov. 17 — Norge Ski Club Wine and Beer Tasting, 5 p.m. at the Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, in Fox River Grove Proceeds benefit the Norge Ski Training Center. Come and enjoy light appetizers, ski jumping demonstrations and a chance to win raffle items. For more information, call 815-382-4696 or visit www. norgeskiclub.com. Nov. 17 — Tellebration Celebration, 7 p.m. at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, in Crystal Lake Tellebration is a worldwide evening of storytelling. It creates a network of storytelling enthusiasts bonded together in spirit at the same time and on the same weekend, traditionally held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It will include stories appropriate for storytelling enthusiasts of all ages. To register or for more information, call 815-479-5779 or visit www.mccdistrict.org. Nov. 18 — Affair of the Arts, 10 a.m. at Shores of Turtle Creek, 8316 William Lane, in Spring Grove Local artists display art and fine craft at this show, which will feature 30 to 35 vendors. Art by a blacksmith, photography, paintings, drawings, jewelry, wood and glass art will be available. For more information, call 815-675-1087 or visit affairofthearts.org. Nov. 23 — Lighting of the Square, 7 p.m. on the Woodstock Square, in Downtown Woodstock Christmas will officially come to Woodstock as a flip of the switch illuminates tens of thousands of lights on the park trees and square buildings. While the lighting itself will take place at 7 p.m. in the Park-in-the-Square, there are many other wonderful holiday activities planned throughout the day. The evening’s activities will feature holiday carolers, street musicians, holiday sweets and favors. Enjoy the carriage rides and caroling, too. Plus Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in his home on the Woodstock Square that evening to greet children and even pose for pictures. For more information, visit www.woodstock-il.com. Nov. 23 — 2012 Festival of Lights Parade, 7 p.m. starting at City Hall on Woodstock Street, in Crystal Lake Join us for Santa’s arrival from the North Pole! Decorated floats, marchers and music make this an evening of enchantment. This is the only night parade in Crystal Lake. For more information, visit www.downtowncl.org. Nov. 23 through 25 — kris kringle Days, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ridgefield Antique Shops, on Ridgefield Road, 3/4 mile off Route 14 between Crystal Lake and Woodstock, in Ridgefield At the Ridgefield Antique Shops, the mood will be festive and the shops will be filled to the brim! For more information, call 815-477-4601 or visit theshopsofridgefield.com. Nov. 25 — Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. on the Woodstock Square, in downtown Woodstock Santa will officially arrive in Woodstock the Sunday after Thanksgiving as he joins the Christmas parade around the Woodstock Square. For more information, visit www.woodstock-il.com. mc

For additional calendar events and updated details, visit www. planitnorthwest.com. McHenryCountyMagazine.com

November 2012 • McHenry County Magazine

oUr town: WOODSTOCK

122 YeArs And Still Performing The Woodstock Opera House, built in 1889 and located on Woodstock Square, is steeped in local history.

Over the years, different organizations have worked to fully restore the building. While some portions of the building are no longer original — such as the seats — certain historical pieces can still be viewed. Right by the box ofﬁce, for example, sits a row of the original opera house seats, which came complete with a wire rack under the seat in which to store a top hat.

Old newspaper clippings announcing shows of years gone by line the walls inside the opera house, as do plaques that boast of former entertainers who have graced its stage, including Paul Newman, Tom Bosley, Betsy Palmer, Geraldine Page, Shelley Berman and Lois Nettleton. The opera house also played a part in the major motion picture, “Groundhog Day,” in which it appeared as “The Pennsylvanian Hotel.”

To read more about the Woodstock Opera House, turn to page 34.

Photos by Melissa Emory

— By McHenry County Magazine

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