MCM 6-1-2015

MEN’S EDITION

JUNE 2015

arts , a café, a martial rs ba o tw ns ow t Dan Har tock City ber of the Woods em m a is d an io y men stud r McHenry Count he ot e m so t ee M Council. g. page 8 cations interestin vo r ei th ep ke ho w

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How two area butchers keep their counters current page 40

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These handymen take on even the smallest jobs page 16

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INSIDE MEN 8 GUYS WITH COOL JOBS — Meet Dan Hart, John Hegner and Steve McKenzie. From multiple business owner to musician to former DJ, these men definitely enjoy their work!

12 the fast & fearless — When it comes to racing, there are only two people you need to know. The driver and the mechanic.

HOME & LIFESTYLE 16 CALLING mr. fix-it — Need a repair? These handymen tackle even the smallest of jobs around the house.

18 GET out there! Grab the kids, pack some sunscreen and check out the many festivals, fairs and events in McHenry County this summer.

22 MAKE A SUMMER SPLASH — Find the fun things to do around Crystal Lake. From canoeing to paddleboarding, boat racing to swimming, there’s sure to be something that sparks your interest.

Health & Wellness 26 to screen or not to screen — Learn the risk factors for prostate cancer and what the benefits are of screening for it.

28 spend to save — How can spending money on chiropractic care actually save you money? Dr. Anthony Ebel explains.

31 Kneed advice? Discover the alternatives to knee replacement with the help of Dr. Jill Howe.

fashion & beauty 32 soap opera — Jenny Griffith of Honestly Inspired makes all-natural hygiene products for men and women.

34 back to basics — Local barbers describe how men are opting for classic grooming trends again.

36 the future of jewelry? Virtual necklaces? A ring that heats up to remind a husband his anniversary is coming up? Karly Bulinski with Steffan’s Jewelers explains.

Family In Focus 38 is your spouse your bestie? Family columnist Michelle Stien writes about the evolution between her and her husband from friends to more than friends.

Dining & Entertaining 40 meat masters — Two butchers share why they do what they do and how the industry has changed over the years.

MEN’s hygiene

42 dear dave — Dave Faccone of the Crystal Lake Rib House addresses some questions and concerns that people have e-mailed him.

In addition to products for women, Honestly Inspired also makes home-made soaps, beard oils and more for men.

business & civic

32

46 woman of distinction — Meet Denise Wasserman of Lake in the Hills and learn why she was named a 2015 Woman of Distinction.

Out & About 50 artist profile — Marian Stamos of Crystal Lake shares her oil on board painting titled “Destination.”

52 social life — CASA McHenry County recently held its ninth annual Light of Hope Breakfast. See who was there.

54 calendar of events — Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Northwest website!

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Hi, McHenry County!

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you (our main audience) Women!

I’m excited to be the new editor of McHenry County Magazine and I intend to serve you well. After all, I have a vested interest in our community. I live and work here.

Read about fun things to do at our local lakes.

Plan ahead for the many festivals, fairs and other events that occur between now and September.

Learn about the potential future of jewelry (a virtual necklace anyone?). Discover whether or not you married your “bestie.” And more.

My husband and I have lived in Crystal Lake for 11 years now. We have two children who are in one of our local school districts. (The Boy will go to high school next year! Yikes!) We spend the free time we can find enjoying the many benefits of living in McHenry County — restaurants, parks, lakes and really comfy movie theater chairs.

I’m a native Texan, die-hard Longhorn fan and family taxi driver — there’s probably not a soccer field/ complex in the state I haven’t visited at this point.

But enough about me. We have plenty of time to get to know each other. Let’s talk about Boys. Grown-up boys in particular. OK ... they’re sometimes called Men.

I’m looking forward to the months ahead and the great stories we are fortunate enough to share with you.

If you have a suggestion, comment or just want to complain that it’s not hot enough out there to be summer (Texas ... remember), feel free to send an email or drop me a line. I always love hearing from our readers.

Enjoy June and see you next month.

Publisher Kate Weber 815-526-4400 kweber@shawmedia.com

June is Men’s Health month so McHenry County Magazine has traditionally chosen this month to feature the men in our communities. And this month we have plenty to feature!

We have guys with really cool jobs, guys with really cool cars and car parts, butchers and barbers and handymen. Oh, my!

Allison McCaleb Managing Editor / Senior Designer

amccaleb@shawmedia.com 815-526-4485

on the

COVER FOR THE BOYS Dan Hart of Woodstock has many cool jobs. Read about some more men who are doing what they love for a living. Starting on page 8.

COVER PHOTO BY: Melissa Emory

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

Editor / Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Michelle Stien, Martha Maddi, Stephanie Kohl, Melissa Riske, Wendy Foster, Hannah Peterson, Elizabeth Harmon, Allison Horne, Yvonne Benson Photographers Nancy Merkling, Melissa Emory, Heather Nelson, Joe Shuman President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

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Š 2012 Illinois Vein Specialists. All rights reserved.

GUYS WITH COOL JOBS For the “Men’s Edition” of McHenry County Magazine this month, we decided to feature “Guys With Cool Jobs.” These are three men among the hundreds we could have chosen.

Profiles by Stephanie Kohl

Dan Hart wears many hats.

He is owner of DC Cobb’s in Woodstock; owner of Hart’s Saloon in Hebron; owner of Centerville Station as well as Alpha BJJ Martial Arts Studio, both in Woodstock; and is a partner in Rosati’s Pizza in Harvard. As if that weren’t enough, Hart also was recently elected to the Woodstock City Council.

“I think the best part of what I do is constantly getting to have unique experiences,” Hart says.

He has worked in the restaurant industry since high school, starting as a waiter and working up to becoming a manager after college. He took over DC Cobb’s in 2008 and began transforming the historic location into one of Woodstock’s favorite restaurants and nightlife spots.

The restaurant offers a full menu with more than 20 gourmet burgers and 24 rotating craft microbrews on draft. Hart operated DC Cobb’s until January 2014, when he and his partners decided to purchase Rosati’s in Harvard. He opened Hart’s Saloon in May 2014, which features woodstone pizza and is an upscale biker bar. May 7, 2015, marked the opening of Centerville Station, a deli, coffee shop, wine bar and internet café in Woodstock. Alpha BJJ Martial Arts Studio opened in January 2015.

“I try to keep the change constant,” Hart says. “I am always investing back into the business, not just letting it be stagnant.”

Hart says he just enjoys seeing the customers happy and returning regularly, and loves seeing his employees come to work and being happy about coming to work. With so many plates spinning, one might wonder how Hart keeps them in the air. He manages his managers, he says.

Photos by Melissa Emory

Now that he was recently sworn in to the Woodstock City Council, Hart has another plate in the air.

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“I just felt like it was my obligation to be a bigger part of the community and give back,” Hart says.

In his position on the City Council, he hopes to make Woodstock better in the next four years than it was when he started.

MEN’S EDITION

5 Dan Hart is the owner of multiple businesses including DC Cobb’s, Hart’s Saloon and Alpha BJJ Martial Arts Studio. He also was recently elected to the Woodstock City Council.

Hart says at the end of the day, he expands and continues to improve his businesses, but it isn’t about the money. Rather, it’s about the challenges, keeping busy and making the community he lives in a better place.

“I try to keep the change constant.

I am always investing back into the business, not just letting it be stagnant.” n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

GUYS WITH COOL JOBS

The Music Man Harvard resident John Hegner has an ear for things musical.

He owns and operates Starbell Hatchery, a full service recording studio which offers original composition, songwriting, sound design, session musicians, performance coaching, oral history interviews and recordings, voiceovers, recording/mixing and producing/creative development.

Hegner is an accomplished musician, composer, songwriter and engineer. He opened Starbell Hatchery in 2006 and previously ran his own recording studio in New York.

“I’ve been playing music since I was 6 and as I got older, my interest in music and engagement with music increased,” Hegner says.

He attended music schools for high school and college and took an early interest in composing. As a child, he and his friends used to make up silly things and record them with a tape recorder. In 1987, while still in college, he first got his hands on recording equipment.

Although technology has changed tremendously over the years that Hegner has been recording, he can still mimic old-school sounds with digital equipment.

“I love what technology allows me to do for the process of recording,” Hegner says.

With his current studio, located in his home and available by appointment only, Hegner has observed the need to focus on not just the equipment used, but also the acoustics and how the studio is set up.

“When I set up a studio here, I thought a lot about how to set up the rooms and space,” Hegner says, adding he also realized he needed different sized rooms for the sonic sound. “…

Where I am in Harvard is the best studio I’ve ever had.”

Photos by Nancy Merkling

Also remarkable is that Hegner didn’t learn how to be a recording engineer. He created a studio and learned how to engineer just so he could record his own jingles.

Then, one of his session artists asked if he could do a project in Hegner’s studio, with Hegner’s help.

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6 John Hegner owns and operates Starbell Hatchery in Harvard. He also is an accomplished musician, composer, songwriter and engineer.

“I never studied how to be a recording engineer and here I was about to mix someone’s album and I was nervous about it,” he says.

He is still currently working with that first artist he mixed for.

MEN’S EDITION

With so many ways to produce music, Hegner says he loves the variety technology offers, but still tries his best to keep everything natural.

“What I love is when someone I am working with is pleased beyond their expectations,” Hegner says.

“I love what technology allows me to do for the process of recording.”

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GUYS WITH COOL JOBS

Radio Head Steve McKenzie talks a good game.

He is Creative Services Director for WTMX: 101.9FM Chicago and does some production for the Eric and Kathy morning show. September will mark 12 years with WTMX. Prior to that, McKenzie worked for Star 105.5 radio. McKenzie majored in broadcasting at Olivet Nazarene University and at first got an entry-level job at a radio station and worked his way up through some of the smaller stations.

“Initially, I just wanted to be a famous DJ,” McKenzie says, adding that he grew up listening to WLS. He lost interest in being a DJ when he discovered it wasn’t nearly as glamorous as he had originally thought, so he moved into production. Now, he creates commercials and audio elements for a show on WTMX and loves the variety his job offers. Some days he’ll write commercial copy, others he’ll be recording artists and on other days he’ll do voice work.

“The title (Creative Services Director) describes it,” McKenzie says. “I enjoy the creativity of it and being able to create something that gives people pleasure.”

“It’s weird because you don’t expect to hear yourself on TV,” McKenzie says.

McKenzie is also an independent photographer, though he calls it more of a hobby. He has a few stock images and posts regularly to Flickr.

“It’s always been something I’ve been interested in, and it’s always one (hobby) that stuck with me and I never gave it up,” he said, adding his parents gave him his first camera in elementary school — a box camera.

McKenzie says he likes to photograph people and landscapes; people, because the human face is so unique, and landscapes because it gives him a chance to explore. McKenzie has a booth at “4th Fridays” at The Starline Factory in Harvard, where he sells prints.

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5 Steve McKenzie is Creative Services Director for 101.9FM out of Chicago. A former DJ, he also does voice work, writes commercials and records artists.

In his spare time, he is an independent photographer.

“I enjoy the creativity of [my job] and being able to create something that gives people pleasure.”

Photos provided

About four years ago, McKenzie was the national voice for Craftsman for their

radio and TV ads, and if you listen to the Eric and Kathy show long enough, you will recognize the commercials McKenzie does.

MEN’S EDITION

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The Fast And How does one understand the relationship between man and machine?

Ask those who get behind — and under — the wheels of the fastest cars ever made! And when it comes to racing, there are only two people you need to know, the driver and the mechanic.

Photo provided

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MEN’S EDITION

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The Fearless “The fact is racing is an absolute thrill. I haven’t found another adrenaline rush like it anywhere,” says Taylor. “What started as a fun way to detox from the challenges of work is now a challenge to control something with immense power while competing to go faster and clock the shortest time.”

By Hannah Peterson

3 Stephen Taylor was surrounded by cars growing up. Now, he races highline cars on racetracks around the country.

B

y day, Stephen Taylor is a technology consultant and partner for LeadingIT, out of Crystal Lake, providing support for small businesses. By night, he races highline cars on big name race tracks around the country.

Growing up, Taylor was surrounded by cars, so his passion was only heightened when two years ago he found a way to participate in racing.

Xtreme Xperience is an event that allows you to race cars with an instructor, not to assist or limit you, but to ensure you drive safely and faster, which, according to Taylor, is one of the best parts.

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Having grown up around cars in his father’s gear and machine shop, O’Neill discovered his passion for cars early on.

6Mark O’Neill used his degree in engineering to start designing parts for race car transmissions.

Photo by Joe Shuman

Since he began racing competitively, Taylor has driven a Nissan GTR, an Aston Martin DBS, a Ferrari Italia and a Ferrari F430. Most recently he got behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Aventador. “But I haven’t started to race my own car, even though I should since it’s a ‘Hot Hatch’ with 250hp turbo and six-speed manual. I plan on changing that soon however,” says Taylor.

Speaking of going faster, if you’re familiar with NASCAR, Mark O’Neill is considered to be an expert engineer in race car mechanics.

MEN’S EDITION

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“There’s an immense satisfaction in seeing your work become so successful, the pride we take in what we do is strong,” says O’Neill.

At Andrews Products, where he currently works, they offer a vast series of diversified auto parts, many of which are why they are now considered the leader in their field.

“Not many people realize just how big a deal our business is. You think we’re sort of behind the scenes

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here in Illinois, and yet in reality we’re right there front and center.

Socializing with big names like Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt Jr, and Kaslowsky, to name a few,” says O’Neill.

But putting aside the big name publicity, why O’Neill’s so good at what he does, he says, is because of how detail-oriented he is.“Every design I ever came up with was to better or fine-tune an already made part or process. Then my designs just morphed into their own things, but that core ideal is still there,” says O’Neill.

“All our progress is born of the desire to do it better, to make it better. We strive for it, and now the lion’s share of the race car service market looks to us, follows our ideas because of that.”

MEN’S EDITION

Photo by Joe Shuman

Graduating with a degree in engineering, he took what he learned from his roots and started designing parts for race car transmissions. Over time, big name sponsors sought his help, resulting in his work being a part of winning cars in five world championships in Indianapolis.

Suddenly, Hendrix Motors, Joce Gibbs and Roush Racing had O’Neill’s gears.

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Handymen who embody excellence in and loyalty to their craft

By Hannah Peterson

Calling Mr. Fix-It

If you’re in need of a reliable handyman, look no further, because McHenry County boasts some of the best in the Chicago suburbs.

Lon Nicholls of McHenry is the owner of The Affordable Handyman. After graduating college, this accounting major took on the challenge of flipping houses on the side, as a sort of hobby.

However, after moving here from North Carolina, and having given up accounting for flipping houses full time, Nicholls soon realized this was not his calling either. Rather than abandon his newfound skills, Nicholls decided to take what he’d learned and channel it toward helping others as an affordable handyman. He knew the requirements well and for the last decade has built a well-earned reputation earning him Northwest Herald’s “Best of the Fox” winner in 2010.

“Since I’d been working on various job sites, speaking with contractors and other repairmen, I figured I’d learned enough to strike out on my own,” Says Nicholls. “I’d still be doing what I loved, just in a better, more convenient way.” The Affordable Handyman is a one-man operation focusing on one-on-one interaction with its clients to create a more reliable and trusting connection. “I never wanted my reputation to be dependent upon other people. I want to earn it all myself,” says Nicholls. “This way I control my schedule and the quality of the work.”

3 Lon Nicholls, owner of The Affordable Handyman, strives to provide quality services at affordable rates.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Whether it’s working on a church or a doghouse, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide nice work for

The services provided are mainly for residential clientele. “I [am willing] to do the smallest of jobs and still feel satisfied.

For instance, not many others would change a few light bulbs just because the homeowner didn’t have time, or didn’t want to do it themselves,” says Nicholls.

“But most of my services are plumbing or electrical in nature.”

Because Nicholls’ market is smaller jobs, he is able to see three to four customers a day, and complete jobs outside depending on the weather conditions. “The busiest times of the year are the spring and leading into late fall months. January to March is pretty slow as to be expected,” says Nicholls.

— Sol Klein, Klein Carpentry

After being recognized for his work in these last few years, Nicholls has gained a number of loyal customers even beyond McHenry County, into northern suburbs, Kane County and parts of Lake County. “No matter what you ask of me, my intention is to repair and replace whatever needs fixing. Even if that means referring you to someone I believe can do the job if I cannot,” says Nicholls. “My promise is to provide quality services at affordable rates, hands down.”

For any additional information about services or contact info, visit TheAffordable-Handyman.com or call 815814-9492.

3 Nicholls says the busiest times of year are the spring and leading into the fall.

Photos by Flash of Glory Photography

the everyday family.

Another reliable repair man is Sol Klein of Klein Carpentry, located in Harvard.

Sol is a former military man who, at 16 years old, started making and repairing storm windows in New York. Once he was stationed at Fort Sheridan in Illinois, he chose to stay and has been in the repair business for over 50 years.

In that time, Klein has branched out from just windows, to doors, decks, and cabinetry, among others. “Basically, anything that’s made of wood is what we specialize in,” says Klein. Klein Carpentry’s services are intended for the smaller, average-family market. This helps to create long-lasting and reliable connections. “We accept nothing but the best in our performance, shooting for excellent work every job. We’re not happy unless the customer is happy,” says Klein.

“Whether it’s working on a church or a doghouse, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide nice work for the everyday family,” says Klein. “No matter what.”

For more information, call Klein Carpentry at 815-943-4765.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Get Out There & Enjoy Your Summer!

McHenry County is fortunate to have an abundance of local fairs, festivals and events going on all summer long. Grab the kids, pack some sunscreen and check out some of these affordable (if not free!) activities.

Rotary Rockin’ RibFest 10th Anniversary Blast July 9-12

Sunset Park (5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills)

Barbecue provided by: Mojo’s Rib Shack, Pigfoot BBQ, Howling Coyote, Armadillo’s BBQ, BBQ King Smokehouse, Smokin’ Joe’s Hog Wild BBQ Event Schedule: Thursday & Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Music Schedule: Thursday: Eliminator and Kashmir Friday: The Fortunate Sons and Little Texas Saturday: Recycle The Day, The Gingers, The Personnel and Hoobastank Sunday: Jamie Campbell & The Redneck Romeos, Howard and the White Boys, and Wedding Banned For more information, visit LITHRibfest.com.

McHenry Fiesta Days July 10-19

Petersen Park (4300 Petersen Park Road, McHenry) Fiesta Days 2015 begins with Music Fest weekend featuring Ace Frehley lead guitarist of Kiss, Stephen Pearcy, the Voice of Ratt, Harley Show, Amusements, Sam Llanas of the BoDeans as well as Bella Cain.

Tickets are $5 on Friday and Sunday with Saturday presales at $15 and gate $20.

The following week includes the River Run, Track Meet, Children’s Big Wheel Race and Teen Night.

All ends the last weekend, July 16 through the 19, inviting Fiesta Days enthusiasts to attend the Concert in the Park, Arts and Crafts in the Park, Kid’s Ice Cream Social and the parade. Visit McHenryFiestaDays.com.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

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OTHER McHENRY COUNTY

July 23-26

Algonquin Lakes Park (1401 Compton Ave., Algonquin) Founders’ Days began in 1960. The idea was a celebration of the community, by the community, for the community. Fast forward 55 years and that same idea still holds.

Just as Algonquin has grown and changed, so has Founders’ Days. In the beginning, music was performed by locals, now we have acts such as Great White. Once we had horse rides, now there is a large carnival. We are home of one of the state’s oldest and longest parades. For further info, please call our hotline at 847-658-5340. Or visit AlgonquinFoundersDays.com or Facebook.com/FoundersDays.

Blues, Brews & BBQ July 31-Aug. 2

Petersen Park (4300 Petersen Park Road, McHenry) McHenry Rotary is proud to sponsor our Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ. Featuring Blues legends Melvin Taylor, Howard and the White Boys, Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners and more!

Enjoy a variety of craft beers and delicious BBQ and other food vendors.

An Amateur BBQ Cook Off and a sanctioned Home Brew Competition round out this great event. Please check out our website for additional information regarding advance ticket prices and purchase locations.

SUMMER FESTIVALS & EVENTS Harvard Milk Days • June 4-7 Events include a two-hour parade, carnival, food, fireworks, petting zoo and other animals, races, contests and entertainment.

MilkDays.com Taste of Summer • June 6 Sample food and drinks from 18 downtown McHenry restaurants on Riverside Drive, Green Street and Main Street for $1 or $2. The event also features bike demonstrations and shows at Veteran’s Memorial Park, live music, a special release beer from Chain O’ Lakes Brewing Company and a raffle.

815-385-4300 or McHenryDowntown.biz Celebrate Lakewood • June 7 The event has festivities including a petting zoo, balloon twisting, face painting, moonwalks, music by Bob Bero, golf lessons, child safety-seat inspections and more. Refreshments available.

Also accepting recyclable items. Free hot dog or soda with a nonperishable food donation.

815-459-3025 or Village.Lakewood.il.us Lakeside Festival • July 2-5 Held on the grounds at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, the event includes live music, food at the “Taste by the Lake,” rides and midway games.

815-455-8000 or LakesideLegacy.org Summer In The Park • July 15-19 Held at Emricson Park in Woodstock, with a kickoff this year on Wednesday at the Woodstock Square, the event includes live music, beer garden, games, activities and much more.

WoodstockIL.gov/SummerInThePark McHenry County Fair • Aug. 5-9 Events include 4-H animal judging contests, beauty pageant, live music, tractor pull, magic shows, midway and more.

McHenryCountyFair.com

Tickets at the gate are $ 10, children free. All proceeds go to McHenry Rotary Charitable Foundation for local and international service projects and scholarships.

Summer Sunset Festival • Sept. 4-6 Held at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills, the event includesa parade, live music, carnival games, rides, beer garden and wine tasting, a horseshoe tournament and more.

SummerSunsetFest.com

Visit Rotary Club of McHenry mrbbb.com For additional information, call 815-4828805.

* This is only a partial list. For a complete schedule of upcoming festivals and events, visit PlanitNorthwest.com.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 19

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 21

Fun things to do around Crystal Lake this summer

By Allison Horne

in the swamp and building some structures,” says Ann Viger, director of planning and development for the Park District. “It became a real popular place.”

early 20,000 years ago, the Earth warmed and a large glacier covering much of the Midwest retreated, causing several lakes to be formed. The same stands true today, as thousands of While some were bigger, such as the families each summer head for Main Beach and all Great Lakes, others, like Crystal Lake were smaller that it offers. and completely clear.

Aptly named for its formerly notable clear water, the 235-acre Crystal Lake — located in the heart of the town named after it — has become a local summer getaway for families of all ages.

What is now known as Main Beach was once a swampy area that was owned by an ice company, one of many properties around the lake owned by ice companies in the early 1930s.

Determined to get public access to the water, residents formed the Crystal Lake Park District in 1921 and set out to obtain and buy the property.

While there are plenty of fun activities going on around the lake this summer, there are also a slew of things to do on the lake itself. The Crystal Lake Park District has both a Main Beach and West Beach where families can gain access to the water.

A swimming section is cordoned off at both beaches and they are monitored by lifeguards, while the rest of the lake is available for boating, kayaking and more. While free swim is available, the Park District also offers both group and private swim lessons at the beach for those interested in fine-tuning their lake swimming skills.

“Learning to swim in a lake is a lot different than swimming in a pool,” Jessica Ortega, Recreation Aquatics Supervisor says.

“As soon as the Park District owned the land, they started improving it by filling

22 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

RECREATION AT THE LAKE

In addition to swim lessons, HOME & LIFESTYLE

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the Park District also participates in the World’s LAKESIDE FEST Largest Swim Lesson, which set a Guinness Book One of the most beloved family summer events, World Record last year with 36,564 participants Lakeside Fest, is back for the 36th year this July at at 480 locations in 22 countries. Anyone can the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. participate in the event, which is held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 18 around the world.

painting and a magician among other activities.

Friday’s live music features DNK, Suburban Cowboys and High Infidelity, while Saturday’s lineup is Ty Bates and local band Modern Day Romeos.

The Park District rents boats, paddle boats, standup paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and rowboats to those old enough to use them.

On dry land, there is a large playground, great picnic area and a fishing pier. Every Tuesday night during the summer Main Beach hosts summer concerts and three scattered Fridays throughout the summer will feature Movies in the Park.

“It’s a great location to see the sunset,” says Kim Buscemi, Superintendent of Recreation Services. “The setting is great. It’s in a residential neighborhood and it’s a quiet, quaint beach.”

CARDBOARD CUP REGATTA

Photo courtesy Lakeside Legacy Arts Foundation

If regular boating isn’t your thing, the Cardboard Cup Regatta is a fun-filled and exciting event for 31 consecutive years on the lake.

“It’s a real family-friendly, hometown festival,” Siobhan Cottone, executive director for Lakeside “People really look forward to it,” Karen Coleman, Legacy Arts Foundation says. “I think it brings back a lot of fond memories to the families and Chairman of the Cardboard Cup Regatta says. the communities here. It’s a tradition.”

“It’s just a fun event and we’ve had people that have been coming back for 31 years.”

The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 with live music from Pirates Over 40 and Vertical Once registered, participants can pick up as many cardboard sheets they want at Main Beach Horizon. as early as May 1. All entries are broken up into six different classes of boat, ranging from a kids’ race to paddle/oar powered or mechanical powered.

Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 are considered family days, and feature storytelling, face

“Some like to make their boats sink, and others like to build their boats and make them work,” Coleman says.

One of the categories each year is “Most Spectacular Sinking.”

Sunday will also be highlighted by the parade, which runs through Crystal Lake and ends at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. The parade will also be paired with several Chicago sports teams’ mascots, a kids’ bike parade and an ice cream eating contest.

“It’s really cool to see all the community lining up along the street and then seeing it end right here on the grounds,” Cottone says.

While there are plenty of games and activities for the kids, there is also plenty to do for adults. The Baggo tournament, which kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, is for ages 18 and up and comes with cash prizes, free festival admission, and two free beverage tokens.

“What is really touching to me is seeing families of all ages, from grandparents to their great-grandchildren, enjoying the festival,” Cottone says. “I’ll tell you, I love it. My husband, my son and my mom, dad and sister all come out and either support it or volunteer at it. We just really look forward to it.”

Coleman has seen all kinds of boats in her 12 years with the Regatta, ranging from the “Scooby Doo” mystery van to a red Solo cup. She expects to see between 60 and 80 different boats this year.

The trick to making them float? Coleman shares the secret: Shellac.

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Photo courtesy Crystal Lake Park District

HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 23

McHenry County Magazine

H OME resource guide Find contacts for top home professionals in interior design, kitchen design, construction, and many other home-related fields.

Whether you are a new or established home owner, you will find places and products of interest in this monthly guide!

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Interior Design INTERIOR INSPIRATION Algonquin, 847-854-2966, www.interiorinspiration.com For a home or workplace that is beautiful, functional and inspired, call Randi Goodman, IFDA, “designer extraordinaire.” Now is a great time to spruce up your space. Randi makes the best use of furnishings and accessories you already have. She can suggest additional pieces, or start from scratch. The choice is yours! Custom or ready made, she can do it all! Call today for a personal consultation.

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“Every successful project is a unique reflection of personal tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager, Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience designing and building your dream from conception to completion.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 25

To Screen or Not to Screen

P

By Martha Maddi rostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. One in three men between ages 40 and 60 has traces of it, with the risk rising as men grow older. The benefit of the test to screen for it, called prostate-specific-antigen (PSA), is currently under great debate. The problem with the test is that an elevated score may or may not signify cancer; if there’s cancer, it may or may not ever progress; and exploring further with a biopsy may or may not cause complications.

That’s why members of the American Urological Association (AUA) recently changed their screening recommendations from encouraging healthy men over the age of 40 to have the screening, to discouraging screening men who are at average-risk under the age of 55. According to the AUA, men should “weigh the benefits against the potential harms.”

men will be diagnosed with more advanced cancer because they (or their doctor) chose not to test and screen earlier.”

The Prostate and PSA The prostate is a gland, about the size of a walnut. It helps make semen as well as the PSA protein. In some men with cancer, PSA levels may be elevated. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, there is no unanimous opinion in the medical community regarding the benefits of prostate cancer screening. Those who advocate regular screening believe that finding and treating prostate cancer early offers men more treatment options with potentially fewer side effects.

Those who recommend against regular screening note that because most prostate cancers grow very slowly, the side effects of treatment would likely outweigh any benefit that might be derived from detecting cancer at a stage when it is unlikely to cause problems. The National Cancer Institute

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer According to Dr. Keuer: Older Age — Men who are 50 or older have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Race — African-American men have the highest risk for getting this cancer. For these men, the disease tends to start at younger ages and grows faster than in men of other races. The next race to have a high risk of developing prostate cancer is white men.

Family History — Men whose fathers or brothers have had prostate cancer have a 2 to 3 time higher risk of getting it themselves. Men from families with a history of breast cancer also have a higher risk.

Diet — Men who eat high fat diets are more likely to get prostate cancer.

Brian Keuer, M.D., urologist at Comprehensive Urologic Care, S.C. in Crystal Lake, has seen a decrease in men diagnosed with prostate cancer over the last few years. He attributes this to the backlash over PSA screening. “There are less men getting a PSA blood test and thus less being referred for biopsy (the test to diagnose the cancer),” Dr. Keuer says. “I worry that in the future, more

26 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

notes that, “More than half of all American men have some cancer in their prostate glands by the age of 80 but most of these cancers never pose a serious threat to these men’s health.”

Symptoms “There are typically no symptoms with prostate cancer, which is why the PSA blood test in combination with the digital rectal examination can have such value,” says Dr. Keuer. He says sometimes prostate cancer causes the prostate to become enlarged which manifests as trouble passing urine; a frequent urge to pass urine, especially at night; weak or interrupted

HEALTH & WELLNESS

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

urine stream; and nagging pain in the back, hips or pelvis.

Treatment Surgical removal of the prostate or destruction of the prostate by radiation is one type of treatment says Dr. Keuer.

A strategy called “active surveillance” is available for those men with less dangerous forms of prostate cancer. “This is an approach in which the urologist monitors the patient’s cancer with periodic PSA blood tests, examinations and biopsies to look for signs of cancer progression,” says Dr. Keuer. The plus is that the patient is able to avoid the side effects associated with prostate removal or destruction.

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Basically, I tell patients that if you eat a heart-healthy diet, you are also eating a prostate-healthy diet.

— Brian Keuer, M.D., urologist at Comprehensive Urologic Care, S.C. in Crystal Lake

© 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

Possible Permanent Side Effects of Treatment “Because of where the prostate gland is located, any treatment has potential for causing urinary and sexual side effects,” says Dr. Keuer. Radiation treatments and surgery can cause men to have urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, urinary urgency and erectile dysfunction.

Preventing or Delaying Prostate Cancer There is no silver bullet for prevention of prostate cancer. “There is some accumulating evidence that a diet low in saturated animal fats, high in fruits and vegetables, high in fish consumption and high in lycopenes (from cooked tomatoes) can lower a man’s risk of prostate cancer,” says Dr. Keuer.

“Basically, I tell patients that if you eat a hearthealthy diet, you are also eating a prostate-healthy diet.”

Advancements to Come “There is hope that we will soon be better able to understand which prostate cancers are aggressive and need early treatment versus which are indolent and do not need intervention,” says Dr. Keuer. “There is much research being done on the ‘genetic footprint’ of cancers to better individualize treatments.”

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 27

SPEND to SAVE With Anthony J. Ebel, DC, CACCP

The headline probably sounds weird to you, right?

How can spending money on chiropractic care actually save you money? Even though it seems contradictory, it’s an important concept to which every family should pay attention.

I felt compelled to write this column after reading an article from a popular news site that highlighted the alarming fact that Americans spend upwards of $100,000 in prescription drugs every year.

The statistics of America’s healthcare show two very startling trends. First: The money we spend on health care amd health insurance has skyrocketed. We now spend an average of nearly $10,000 out-of-pocket per person on health care expenses. This is nearly one out of every five dollars we earn. Second: Despite the money we spend on health care expenses, our overall health as a nation has plummeted. Even though we’re first when it comes to spending money on care, we rank 37th in overall health status, 39th for infant mortality, and 36th overall for life expectancy. Not exactly what you’d call “getting our money’s worth.”

So what gives? How can we have the most expensive health care system in the world producing such dismal results?

I’d like to share a different health care path with you — a “way out” of sorts — that won’t leave you with a $100,000 medical bill and mediocre results.

The facts A 2007 study done in Illinois found that people who used a Doctor of Chiropractic as their Primary Care Provider (PCP) had these results: • 60.2 percent less in-hospital admissions • 59 percent less hospital days • 62 percent less outpatient surgeries and procedures • 85 percent less pharmaceutical costs *Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2007

Does this sound too good to be true? I care for hundreds of families as their PCP. Because these

families are under regular chiropractic care and have an understanding of how easy healthy living can be, they rarely have to use pharmaceutical drugs and undergo surgeries. Because our world is more stressful and toxic than ever, we are sicker than ever, especially our kids. Being forced to deal with extreme stressors early in life (excessive use of birth interventions, toxins in our environment and food, etc.) means that kids and adults are suffering on a daily basis, putting them back in the hospital and under financial strain repeatedly.

A different way Chiropractic isn’t anything new and honestly, it’s nothing fancy. Chiropractors simply understand that as different stressors from physical, chemical, and emotional stress build up in the nervous system, it gets worn down, tense, and stressed.

This stress and tension is found within the spine, our “conduit” or “window” into our nervous system. Chiropractors find these patterns of stress and interference that cause the body to malfunction, and make safe, specific adjustments to clear the tension and restore normal tone and function to the nervous system. Healthy nervous system equals healthy brain and body.

It’s important to note that as a Pediatric and Family Chiropractor, we are health experts, not “sickness” and “disease” experts. We encourage families to think of us as their real “health care doctor”— the one they see regularly to get well and stay well. We still highly encourage them to have a “sick care doctor” who is very familiar with their child for those cases needing emergency intervention.

We find that the more patients regularly visit us — their health care doctor — the less they need to visit their sick care doctor. The less they need to visit their sick care doctor, the less money they have to spend in an expensive, high-risk, and often inadequate systems, circling back around to the financial point of this article.

28 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Though most of our patients seek us out for continued “wellness” care, we encourage them to come to us first when there are signs or symptoms of anything from an ear infection to an allergy flare up. We’d rather find their health challenge when it’s a minor issue that resolves easily rather than wait until it’s much worse. We are proactive in our approach, not reactive.

America’s health care system takes the exact opposite approach. Because it’s such a reactive system, most of the patients we see in our office don’t find us until multiple rounds of medicine and medication have failed. By that time, most kids and adults we see need a fairly significant amount of work to get their nervous system and body back to health. They may need to come in multiple times a week for a period of two to three months. After that period of Restoration Care, most are so happy with the results they stick around and never leave, becoming lifelong Wellness Patients who come in routinely to keep their nervous system healthy and at full power.

And the best part is that it doesn’t cost them $100,000!

Most people in the U.S. have no idea how

How can we have the most expensive health care system in the world producing such dismal results?

— Dr. Anthony Ebel, Certified Pediatric Chiropractor with Premier Wellness Chiropractic

much they spend on health care and health insurance. The U.S. health care system is not transparent with their fees because it’s dictated by “third party contracts” that dilute and distract the reality of the costs. However, now that deductibles and copays have soared, more and more people are finally starting to pay attention to the fact that they’re being cheated out of their health and their finances and they are looking for a way out.

and one of our (Best of the Fox-winning!) staff members will guide you step-by-step through the process.

You can also attend one our workshops, teleseminars, or webinars to get more information. Event details can always be found on our Community Impact page at PWCImpact. com. Our next teleseminar, “7 Reasons Your Kids Need Chiropractic Care,” is being held twice in June since summer is the perfect time to get kids started on their journey to lifelong health and wellness.

Wellness within reach

A Transparent Approach We are completely transparent with our costs and procedures. There is no “third party” that can get in the way of us getting our patients better and keeping them that way.

Interested in flipping the health script of the “traditional” American family? Visit our website at PwChiros.com or call us at 815-455-8213

with Dr. Anthony Ebel

Dr. Ebel is a Certified Pediatric Chiropractor with Premier Wellness Chiropractic in Crystal Lake, and nationally known expert on autism.

GENEVA’SS MIDSOMM GENEVA MIDSOMMAR FESTIVALL JUNE 23 – 28

Are You An Artist?

See your work in the pages of McHenry County Magazine!

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase (see page 36), email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to McHenryCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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How Swede it is!

Come fest at one of the Best of the West – Swedish Days, Geneva’s Midsommar Festival! The whole family will enjoy fabulous food, carnival rides, live music & entertainment nightly, plus Sweden Väst, our tent that’s everything Swedish. Visit www.genevachamber.com for a complete event schedule, or call us at 866-443-6382. Summer fun doesn’t get any swëder than this!

Circus on Third CraftBrew@402 Sweden Väst – Music, Food & Crafts Grand Parade on Sunday

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 29

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Is There An Alternative To Knee Surgery?

M

any patients come to Superior Health and Wellness after being told their knee joint was “bone on bone” and knee replacement surgery is their only option. This surgery involves replacing the ends of the knee with metal and plastic pieces. A quick Internet search will produce pages of information about knee replacement surgery, as well as the clinics that perform the procedures — there is very little published about existing alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis is the most common condition leading to a knee replacement. While it affects nearly everyone over the age of 60, it can also affect people as early as in their 30s or 40s based on a genetic predisposition or a previous injury.

Osteoarthritis by definition means a wearing away of the cartilage cushion on the ends of the bones. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many methods available to treat the pain associated with the arthritis, and thus postpone the need for a knee replacement.

Why postpone a knee replacement? A knee replacement is no small procedure and involves numerous risks and significant recovery time. These risks include: • Infection and stiffness • Blood clot, heart attack and death • Loosening of the pieces or components • Instability or loose feeling in the knee • Injuries to blood vessels or nerves • Risks of anesthesia If non-surgical treatments have not provided relief then a knee replacement might prove to be the best option. Since a knee replacement is not permanent, the longer you wait, the better the chances are that you will only need one replacement in your lifetime.

KNEE REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES Braces can be effective in treating the pain associated with arthritis. Simple neoprene sleeves will significantly improve pain for many patients.

It’s best not to get a brace that is too tight. Other braces that need to be ordered through your doctor can “unload” or take the pressure off the n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

side of your knee and balance out the stress on the knee. Since arthritis tends to begin on one side of the knee, these braces can be very effective too.

Gel injections involve the injection of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) into the knee joint over a period of three to five weeks. HA is a substance found in abundance in normal knees; arthritic knees stop producing as much HA. These injections are generally well tolerated and can result in relief for anywhere from five to seven months. Many companies manufacture these products and re-treatment is recommended every six months.

Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP, which involves the injection of a portion of your own blood into your knee, has been scientifically proven to reduce the pain from osteoarthritis for 12 months or more. In the end, PRP and stem cell injections may prove to be the best alternative to knee replacement surgery because of their ability to produce new tissue and promote healing. Most insurance plans do not cover PRP or stem cell injections. Research surrounding PRP continues to this day however, we are still unsure of the exact reason it works and the best way to prepare it. We do know the currently available methods appear to work well. Area offices charge $1,000 to $5,000 for a PRP injection into the knee.

Stem Cell Therapy is also called “regenerative therapy,” because it uses the body’s most basic raw material, stem cells, to grow or regenerate new cells that the body needs. Stem cells are “undifferentiated” or “unspecialized” cells, meaning that they are “blanks” that can be developed into another type of cell that is required to repair or replace damaged tissue. In the musculoskeletal field, stem cell therapy can stimulate the formation of new bone, cartilage, tendon, ligaments, fat, and fibrous connective tissue. Stem cells can replicate themselves too, so it is theoretically possible to have an unending HEALTH & WELLNESS

supply of these regenerative “machines” that can then divide and be guided to produce the cells your doctor needs to fulfill specific purposes in your treatment. These treatments range from $4,500 to $8,000.

At Superior Health and Wellness we take the proper steps to determine if you are a candidate for these treatments. The first step is to come in for a free consultation to determine if we should move forward with a detailed medical history, exam and X-rays (if needed). At that point our medical team will let you know what methods are available for you. A non-surgical approach could be your best chance for the relief of knee pain.

Contact us for more information at 815-451-5454.

Ask Dr. Jill with Dr. Jill Howe DC, CNPS • Dr. Jill Howe DC, CNPS, is president at Superior Medical Weight Loss in Crystal Lake.

Visit them at SuperiorMedicalWeightLoss.com

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 31

Making ‘McDreamy’ Soap Jenny Griffith of Honestly Inspired shares her love of making men’s soap, beard oils and aftershave sprays.

YVONNE BENSON: How did you get into making soaps?

JENNY GRIFFITH: My interest in soap making sparked when I started learning more about the toxic ingredients found in everyday washes and lotions. I knew I could provide my family and friends with safer options, and that I could use the luxurious ingredients we love, while doing it.

making soap, of seeing the beauty in the things that I created with my own hands — that spoke to my heart.

YB: What makes your products special?

JG: The main thing that sets my products apart from the rest is that I seek out the very best ingredients. I do not cut corners and I look for things that will make my products perform better.

For example, if a standard ingredient is almond oil, I would rather use avocado oil, or hemp seed oil, because they provide more nourishment for the skin. Using higher quality, more luxurious ingredients benefits everyone who uses my products.

YB: What made you start your business?

JG: I was a full-time student at the time [my business] Honestly Inspired was born. I had been making natural products for family and friends, often using them as gifts. When I would gift something to someone, the comments would always be “Jenny, this is wonderful!” “You really should consider selling this!” And so it started.

YB: How did you go from the Navy to making soaps?

JG: I would not say I went straight from being in the Navy to making soaps. It took me several years to fully transition back into civilian life.

That is a difficult process with which many veterans find themselves struggling. As such, my path in life was not immediately clear to me. Nothing spoke to my heart. The process of 32 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

YB: What else do you make?

JG: Honestly Inspired offers a variety of natural products. There are natural soaps, lip balms, lotions, beard oils, aftershave sprays, bath teas, body scrubs, facial care and eco-friendly home care items.

YB: Do you focus mostly on men’s products?

JG: I focus on products for both men and women equally. I offer soaps for men, soaps for women, and unisex soaps. The products I make exclusively for men, such as beard oils and aftershave sprays, are 100 percent all-natural and made with the finest ingredients so they deliver superior results.

FASHION & BEAUTY

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

3 (Facing page far left) Jenny Griffith of Honestly Inspired smells a soap she calls “McDreamy” after the character on the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.”

3 (Facing page bottom) A sampling of the beers Griffith incorporates into some of her beer soaps.

Photos by Nancy Merkling

YB: What do you recommend for men’s hygiene on a daily basis?

JG: What’s not to love about a man who smells good and looks good? For men who love to take care of themselves, my bar soaps are the perfect addition to their shower. My soaps cleanse and soften skin using natural, plant-based ingredients.

For my bearded friends, Honestly Inspired Beard Oils are amazing. They smell divine and they soften and condition beard hair. For my nonbearded friends, my all-natural aftershave spray is a lifesaver. No weird chemicals, no stinging. Just skin-loving goodness. I make things that people want to use and that leave them looking and feeling good.

YB: How can a man kick it up for a special occasion?

JG: In addition to a good soapy shower and some all-natural facial care, men can use my natural body sprays and aftershave creams to kick it up for a special occasion. The fragrances I use are all phthlate-free, which means they will not negatively impact the endocrine system. This goes back to abandoning toxic ingredients and offering safe, superior products.

YB: Can you tell me a little about your beer soaps?

JG: I make a variety of beer soaps. I use beer because the hops in beer can help soothe skin, much like chamomile, and make for a very mild bar of soap. People often think beer soaps will smell like beer, but they do not smell anything like beer.

The beer soaps I currently have are berry, lavender herb, rice flower and shea, amber, sweet almond, rose and a few others. They smell amazing!

YB: Do the beer soaps have actual beer in them?

JG: My beer soaps are made with beer. Some soap makers add only a little bit of beer to a batch, but I do a 100 percent replacement of liquid with beer so that my customers can get the full benefit of beer as an ingredient.

n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

4 (At right) Griffith stands among the wide variety of soaps she makes.

4 (Below) A sampling of soaps Griffith makes — some of which include beer as an ingredient.

YB: How did you decide to incorporate beer into your soaps?

JG: As a soap maker, I use many different liquids in my soaps because they are beneficial to our skin. Since creativity is essential to what I do, I am always looking for new ways to bring better products to my customers. When I learned about the benefits of beer on our skin, I knew I had to use it in soap.

Have you used any other nifty ingredients like beer?

JG: All the soaps I make have special ingredients, and I refuse to use just one plain recipe for all of my soaps. I make soaps using Greek yogurt, goat milk, coconut milk, buttermilk, tea, coffee, whiskey, and aloe vera juice, to name a few. I also like to add high-quality, skinloving butters and oils like kokum butter, shea butter, avocado butter, jojoba oil, meadowfoam seed oil and hemp seed oil.

I formulate my soaps specifically to be mild and moisturizing so they can be used literally from head to toe.

FASHION & BEAUTY

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 33

Back To Basics

Men opt for classic grooming trends

By Kelsey O’Connor

Lake, says these styles have withstood the test of time because they always look neat and polished. “It’s just a clean look and a cool look,” she says.

One of the most frequently requested styles at McArdle’s shop is the hen it comes to men’s pompadour. This classic look is short grooming, what’s old is on the sides, but longer and slicked new again. Classic styles back on top. “The young people and and services are making a major everybody else seem to be back to comeback with young men. And style, getting away from all those buzz these modern males are paying more haircuts everybody had for so long,” he attention to their appearance, spending says. “The pompadour has been a big more time and money on products one for the young people that’s coming and services. “They’re conscious of back. And back in the ’50s and ’60s, their grooming more today,” says Jack that was very popular. When I got McArdle, owner of Joe’s Barber Shop married that’s exactly what I had.” in Crystal Lake.

Facial hair is another current trend McArdle, who has been cutting hair among young men. “I think you see for 56 years, says retro styles are more beards,” says McArdle. He says becoming increasingly popular among that men tend to style their beards in young men today. These old-school the same way as their haircuts: clean, cuts are typically clean, sharp looks neat and polished. “There’s a lot of that were common in the early half of beards around, but they keep them the 20th century. Julia O’Grady, owner shorter,” McArdle says. “They keep of O’Grady’s Barber Shop in Crystal them well groomed like everything

W

34 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

else.” Both O’Grady’s Barber Shop and Joe’s Barber Shop offer shaves and trims to help men achieve this look.

Another old-school style essential that’s undergoing a revival is the barbershop itself. The defining difference between a barber and a men’s stylist is that barbers can perform straight razor shaves.

O’Grady says that barbers have unique skills that are a good match for today’s hair trends. “Barbers know how to do precision haircutting,” she says. “If you’re a true barber, you know how to blend the hair and that’s what it’s all about, creating a nice style.”

McArdle agrees that barbershops are making a major comeback. He says that for many of his regular customers, coming to the barbershop isn’t just about the techniques or the trends. It’s about the vibe and the camaraderie.

“It’s a fun atmosphere,” he says. “I think sometimes they come just as much for the atmosphere as the cut.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 35

The Future Of Jewelry?

A strand of your Grandmother’s pearls, a simple yet elegant solitaire diamond ring, a stunning diamond tennis bracelet … these are all classic yet timeless pieces of jewelry that will never go out of style.

But what about some of the new jewelry trends that are emerging? Are we letting these classic designs fall to the wayside for more “technologically advanced” jewelry trends? These designs will probably never go out of style, but there are some emerging jewelry designers that would like to say otherwise. Here are some budding ideas that just one day might make it into a jewelry store near you:

The Virtual Necklace

Forget wearing your mother’s diamond necklace out for the evening, you can now wear a virtual necklace that is generated by digitally projected images from a box that you wear on your wrist. A Polish design group is in the early stages of producing this holographic piece of jewelry that could one day replace the need for necklaces all together. Are we really ready to abandon atoms of gold for waves of light?

The Remember Ring

This one’s for the guys. Can’t seem to remember important dates like your anniversary? Then a remember ring might just be the jewelry accessory for you!

These rings heat up to 120 degrees a day before your special date so you won’t forget to plan your perfect celebration. Quite an ingenious idea actually, if you don’t mind getting a little “love burn.”

The Talking Pearl

Also known as the Momento pearl by Galatea. Forget the classic hand-me-down pearls from Grandma, this pearl can talk! Equipped with a microchip embedded deep within the pearl, anyone can record a special message in the pearl and the wearer can retrieve the message by tapping it to a smart phone. These pearls can even hold photos and short videos. According to the pearl’s inventor, “A person can ‘live’ in this pearl forever, as it holds the voice and memory of a loved one.”

While virtual necklaces and remember rings aren’t in stock, a Momento pearl can be ordered to give a one-of-a-kind gift to your loved one for her next special occasion.

Gem Talk

with Karly Bulinski

• Karly Bulinski is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and part of the fourth generation to work at Steffan’s Jewelers, a fine jewelry store that has been family-owned and operated in McHenry since 1946. Visit them for all your jewelry needs at 325 N. Front St. in McHenry.

36 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 37

Did You Marry Your Best Friend?

My husband and I recently celebrated our 11-year wedding anniversary.

I

had planned to write a FaceBook post lamenting how I “married by best friend” based on a recent blogger’s piece about the same topic. But I found myself at a loss on what to say.

The author gives seven marital “tips” based on her nine years of marriage. While I could relate to several of her points, I could not shake No.1. “I did not marry my best friend.”

Perhaps it was my defense mechanism getting the better of me. After all, I’ve said that phrase a million times and I kind of felt silly for being “one of those people” she was referring to with a “ugh.”

Then I really started to think about whether or not my husband was my best friend after all.

The blogger writes, “I met my best friend when I was 6-years old and she is still my best friend today. She knows every detail of my life, from my first kiss down to my deepest secrets.” Well, I’ve known my husband, Tom, since I was a child, too.

While we attended different grade schools, we went to the same church and have several mutual family friends. We forged a friendship sometime around my junior year of high school.

While our deeper friendship didn’t form until we

38 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

were out of college — we had already tried dating each other with little success — he actually did know all my deepest darkest secrets, and I his.

and while I do use my girlfriends as my sounding board regarding Tupperware left in the sink, he’s the one I turn to for everything else.

I counseled him through relationships. He told me which guys I was dating were jerks and not worth my time. We stayed up late at night talking about bad breakups, funny memories from high school and most importantly we laughed together a lot. I’m not going to lie, there was always an underlying “tension” between us. We typically brushed it off when anyone mentioned it to us, and the rest of the time one of us was dating someone else or living in a different city. Our timing was never quite right.

We still stay up late talking. We truly enjoy just hanging out together. No, he doesn’t braid my hair or paint my toenails, but then again neither do my girlfriends. I guess I don’t have traditional girly friendships to begin with and never have. My husband has been the truest, most loyal friend I have ever known. He always has my back. He always supports and doesn’t get jealous when I have success. He doesn’t compare himself to me or judge me. He makes me feel beautiful and important and never like I have something to prove.

When we finally decided to transition from “friend zone” to dating, it was difficult for me. I was the girl who got along better with guys. How could I know that this was “the guy” worth making the leap for? There was too much at stake and I didn’t want to lose my friend. It took me two weeks until I finally came to the realization that I could not live without this man. I knew if I didn’t choose him, I would lose him and that was not an option. Since then, I’ve never regretted it for an instant.

Yes, he is my best friend. Maybe not in the Hallmark “Just Because” section of the card aisle, but in the sense that he is my confidant. He is the one I call when I am happy or excited about something. He is the one I call when I’m sad, upset or angry, even if he is the one I’m sad, upset or angry with. We have open lines of communication FAMILY IN FOCUS

So, if I really must label our relationship, I suppose the proper term is “friends with benefits,” although I don’t think Hallmark will be churning out anniversary cards with that sentiment any time soon.

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 5 and 7. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with McHenry County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 39

MEAT MASTERS

5 Sauces, meats and more fill the display case at Butcher on the Block. Photos by Nancy Merkling

Two McHenry County butchers share why they do what they do and how the industry has changed over the years

“I stayed there through high school and then when I graduated,” Brandt says, adding that he kept climbing through the ranks. His only absence through the years was when he served in the military in the late ’60s. Beggs’ brother bought the shop and owned it briefly during that time, and then when Brandt returned from the service, he purchased it from him.

By Wendy Foster

“When I started working, I enjoyed it and still enjoy it today. I like the people and what I can do with different cuts of meat,” he says.

T

hey’re a blast from the past as well as a nod to the present.

Neighborhood butcher shops, much like those which dotted neighborhoods in bygone eras, maintain an important presence in the McHenry County area and even are growing their clientele.

The owners of both Wayne’s Country Market in Marengo and Butcher on the Block in Lake in the Hills boast impressively long personal histories in the butcher business which they both love.

Roger Brandt, owner of Wayne’s Country Market began his career in 1955. At the age of 12, he was hired by the shop’s original owner, Wayne Beggs, for cleanup.

40 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

5 A variety of meat sits in the display case at Wayne’s Country Market in Marengo. Photo provided DINING & ENTERTAINING

Tom Yucuis, owner of Butcher on the Block, started in the business at the age of 17. He answered an ad for a deli slicer, but instead found himself on the “kill floor” slaughtering cows and sheep.

He went on to work in a variety of grocery stores and meat companies until 2000 when he decided to open his own shop, Butcher on the Block.

Brandt says there are important amenities that make his shop different from chain grocery stores. “All our meat is USDA choice or better,” he says. “And we do cutting every day.

It’s all fresh meat. It’s not sitting around for several days, nothing is packaged. We have a service-counter and all the meat is displayed on trays. You can flip it over and see what’s on the other side. And there’s a lot of personal service.”

Yucuis says the quality as well as the variety of his shop’s meats cannot be matched.

“The creative ingenuity of what we carry is unbelievable. We have a lot of seasoned, stuffed or marinated products,” he n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

6 Tom Yucuis of Butcher on the Block cuts up servings of marbled steaks. says. “There are cooking instructions on every label that goes out, and we have recipes for everything. It’s an enhancement to the sale. We care how you cook your meat. We want you to do it right, so we share great recipes.”

Customer service is important to the butcher shops, both of which depend heavily on word-of-mouth referrals. “A customer has to talk with someone when they come in here, which is a great thing.

You can walk through an entire grocery store without talking to a soul, but here, customers ask questions and get advice. We have grown our customer base out of trust.

And we have the best product,” says Yucuis.

“We’ve had a lot of the same customers for

many, many years and we get new customers every day,” Brandt says.

“People are finding they’re tired of the chain store meat and the quality of it.

That’s what they tell me all the time.”

Brandt believes that another important reason butcher shops are gaining in popularity is because of consumers’ growing interest in buying locally.

“Most of our meat is from northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. People are starting to pay attention to these things,” Brandt says.

Despite the high quality and freshness of their meats, the butcher shops are able to stay fairly competitive pricewise with large chain stores. “Everybody tells us we’re reasonable,” says Brandt.

After many years, Yucuis remains passionate about his business. “I love bragging about the success we’ve had. When I opened the shop, I never saw this coming. It makes me really happy,” he says. “I wake up every morning and can’t wait to come to work.”

5Tom Yucuis, owner of Butcher on the Block, says his claim to fame was feeding the Olympians in Beijing in 2005-2006. “We sold 19 container-loads of 53,000 pounds each of steroid-free meat,” he says. “It was steroid-free so that the athletes could be tested, and not be disqualified.” Yucuis says he was selected because of his reputation in the international community. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

When I started working, I enjoyed it and still enjoy it today. I like the people and what I can do with different cuts of meat.

— Roger Brandt, owner of Wayne’s Country Market

5 Wayne’s Country Market in Marengo offers much more than only meats. Photo provided DINING & ENTERTAINING

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 41

DEAR DAVE: Every time my wife and I visit a restaurant it seems we have an over aggressive busboy constantly asking if we are done. Sometimes I’m afraid to put my fork down fearful my dinner will be snatched away.

Dave: This is probably the number one complaint I get. There are plenty of reasons why it happens but here is the cure: tell your server when ordering that you do not want your table cleared until you ask. This does two things. A, it solves your problem and B, it takes the burden off you and puts it on the one person who is most concerned with your experience and will get the job done; the tipped server.

DEAR DAVE: My husband and I are senior citizens and really object to being referred to as “guys” or “honey” and “sweetie” from a server barely out of their teens.

Whatever happened to Sir and Ma’am, and why do they have to tell me they are my server today, do they think we can’t figure that out?

Dave: Both of these can be overlooked, but for some reason bother people a lot.

The reason is lack of training and poor people skills, a product of our casual society.

Simply refer to your server

42 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

with the same term they used for you and then identify yourselves as their customer today. They will get the point and it usually ends in a mutual laugh and a much wiser server. It also is important to tip accordingly, rewarding those great servers.

DEAR DAVE: My wife is a coupon queen, and it seems we always have a coupon when we go out. Several times we have been denied because the coupon expired or had a condition on it we missed. Since I’m already there, isn’t it in their interest to honor it?

DEAR DAVE: Why do so few restaurants accept reservations? Seems to me they would prefer reservations.

Dave: The reason here falls into several categories. Every restaurant has to turn tables to be successful. To accept reservations, they now have to limit the turns on that table. Also, many people make reservations and don’t show up. Some restaurants now require a credit card to hold a reservation, (really not a good business practice, as it makes a lot of people uneasy). I suggest, especially if you have a large party, call ahead and ask. Even if they don’t take reservations you can find out the best time to come in.

Dave: This comes up a lot and we have addressed it before. You should always read the conditions of your coupon before purchasing it and before you go to use it. With today’s massive internet marketers, many restaurants use this as a loss leader or a LTO (limited time offer). My best advice is to always make sure the site you are buying from is reputable (the world of coupon marketing is bigger than you with David Faccone can imagine) and David Faccone is the owner/ don’t buy any chef of Crystal Lake Rib House, coupon that has Certified Kansas City BBQ Society Judge and Table Captain, conditions you and brings 30 years of experience can’t live with. in the restaurant business to

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 43

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A Driving Force

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

L

ake in the Hills resident Denise Wasserman was looking for a way to become better connected to her community so when she learned of the opportunity to become a part of the village board she accepted the challenge.

“I love being educated about my community,” Wasserman says. “I love talking to my neighbors and being well-educated.”

After growing up in Buffalo Grove, Wasserman and her husband, Joe Haugk, moved to Lake in the Hills in 1997.

“We had lived here four, five years and it still didn’t feel like home,” Wasserman says.

In 2004 she was appointed to fill a vacancy for village clerk. The following year she added her name to the ballot and won the seat in the village election, currently serving a third term.

Wasserman says the opportunity to become a part of her village as the clerk has been a great way to know the issues and lend her voice.

who rallied with a fundraiser. Ulbrich says it was Wasserman coordinating the efforts and bringing people together.

“This community has amazing generosity,” Wasserman says.

Lake in the Hills resident Liz Wakeman first met Wasserman during her term as a village trustee and says she was impressed by Wasserman’s attention to detail and professionalism.

Photo by From Me 2 You Photography

of WOMEN distinction

“She is so polished and professional,” Wakeman says.

It may not be obvious to the community, Wakeman says, but Wasserman does quite a bit to make a difference, especially with her creativity and attention to detail when planning.

“She has no idea she’s the driving force behind so much,” Wakeman says. “She’s so creative and thoughtful. She makes you want to do better yourself.”

It was her first time seeking an elected position and while it was a learning experience to run for Wasserman uses her planning and creativity the public office, Wasserman says the experience as the co-chairwoman of the annual Summer Sunset Festival, the Lake in the Hills end of the is not as intimidating as one would think. season carnival and festival.

Volunteering her time to help her community Lake in the Hills Village President Paul has helped it feel like home, Wasserman says.

Mulcahy says he invited Wasserman to step in She and her husband enjoy raising their two and help him with the festival in 2011. children in the community.

“She’s done a wonderful job,” Mulcahy says.

While it may seem like just another suburb, Wasserman says she has learned how much residents can care and help. When friend and Lake in the Hills resident Kim Ulbrich lost her home to a fire, Wasserman was among those

Wakeman says Wasserman does a great amount of work for the festival. She dedicates her time to the planning and preparations in addition to balancing her busy life as a wife and mother.

denise wasserman Lake in the Hills Village of Lake in the Hills

Ulbrich says Wasserman excels at keeping the festival family-friendly.

“She’s constantly looking for ways to improve it,” Ulbrich says. “She’s so organized and creative, which is fabulous for community events.”

Beyond her work with the village board and festival, Wasserman is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce, food pantry and helping with the PADS program at a Crystal Lake church.

Lake in the Hills Village Trustee Denise Barreto nominated Wasserman for the Woman of Distinction honor.

“I don’t think she sees how important her contribution is to our society,” Barreto says.

“She works really hard and she contributes to our community. I believe sometimes these everyday stories get missed.”

2015 Sponsors

46 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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48 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 49

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OUT & ABOUT

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artist profile

Sound advice may save you hundreds!

MARIAN STAMOS Crystal Lake “DESTINATION” Oil on board

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Marian Stamos has resided in Crystal Lake for 24 years. Her paintings are in private collections throughout the U.S. and are available for viewing at her website MStamosArt.com, by appointment in her home, or in galleries throughout the Northwest suburbs. She is a member of the Northwest Area Arts Council, the Arlington Heights Art Guild and the Barrington Cultural Arts Center. She has studied at the Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich under Frankie Johnson. Her work is currently at the Ice House Mall Gallery in Barrington and the Dunton House Restaurant in Arlington Heights.

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

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To learn more about the “big idea”, visit our website.

www.strelcheckchiro.com OUT & ABOUT

815.459.3860 MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 51

Photos by Heather Nelson

CASA LIGHT OF HOPE BREAKFAST Court Appointed Special Advocates McHenry County held the ninth annual Light of Hope Breakfast recently at D’Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake. The event welcomed new and returning CASA supporters, many of whom shared stories of the importance of CASA in the community.

CASA provides trained volunteers to advocate for child victims of abuse and neglect.

52 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015 | 53

JUNE EVENTS IN MCHENRY COUNTY June 6: Positively 4th Street, 7 p.m., Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren St., Woodstock No one does Bob Dylan better than this. Ben Abney nails Dylan. You will hear classic Dylan songs from the 60’s and 70’s such as “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Like A Rolling Stone” — as well as a special tribute to the Byrd’s jingle-jangly cover of several Dylan songs. Tickets: $28. For more information, go to WoodstockOperahouse.com.

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materials to the drive.

What is accepted: fluorescent tubes, household batteries (both alkaline & rechargeable), car batteries, clean styrofoam, video and cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc, as well as packing peanuts and re-useable bubble wrap. Suggested donations: 50 cents per pound of batteries, 50 cents each for 4 foot fluorescent (other sizes and shapes of fluorescent tubes may be higher).

Electronics — computers, phones, printers, electronic toys, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, etc. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35, depending on size.

June 20-21: Algonquin’s Art on The Fox Fine Art Show, 10 a.m., Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin Art on the Fox Fine Art Show celebrates eight years this June. This eclectic show attracts artists and attendees from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

June 13: Corvair Meet and Show, Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo Museum Admission not required. Guests who bring a Corvair get half off admission.

For more information, go to Volocars.com.

June 14: Summer Comedy Series, 7 p.m.

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake Raue Center for the Arts kicks off its summer comedy series. For ticket and performance listings, go to RaueCenter.com.

June 18: WIM3: Women In McHenry Co. 3rd Thursday Talks, 7:30 a.m.. 31 North Banquets, 217 S. Front St., McHenry Women in McHenry County (WIM3) continues to meet, mentor, and motivate its members and guests with our new 2014-2015 program series entitled 3rd Thursday Talks designed for women to empower a whole new life. Join us as we tap into our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in an effort to discover what ignites our soul’s fire for healing and growth. Please RSVP to Pamela at

5

June 10: Cary Cruise Night, 6 p.m. downtown Cary in the Metra Parking lot of US Hwy. 14 and W. Main Street, Cary Classic cars take over the streets of Cary every Wednesday night in downtown Cary. Free. For more information, go to CaryGroveChamber.com.

June 13 : EDMC Recycling Drive, 9 a.m., Soil & Water Conservation District building, 2222 S. Dean St., Woodstock The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County recycle materials which are not collected in curbside recycling and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill. Donations of any size would be appreciated from all who bring 54 | JUNE 2015 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

pstrelcheck@ymail.com. Price: $17.

5

June 23: Career Planning Workshop, 9:30 a.m., McHenry County Workforce Network, 500 Russel Ct., Woodstock Effective career planning basics will offer “direction” for your future and help you prepare for changes in the workplace. Learn about online resources such as Illinois workNet to find occupations related to your skills, interest and values. Price: Free. To register you can call 815338-7100, ext. 2771 or email workforcecenterRR@ yahoo.com.

June 24: Huntley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meeting, 2 p.m. Family Alliance Inc., 12555 Farm Hill Drive, Huntley Hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. All patients and their caregivers are encouraged to attend for an informative, fun meeting. Group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Free.

OUT & ABOUT

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

THE POWER OF INTENTION

The Art of Mastering Your Own Success Registration:

11 a.m.

Luncheon:

11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Ticket Price:

Where:

Highland Park Country Club

Learn Workshop: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Lunch $35 Lunch and Learn Workshop $50 Table of 10 $350 or $500*

Ask yourself this question. Are you just living your life or creating it?

By creating your life with positive intention, you harness the power of thought and action and drive yourself to success. Every day we are faced with challenges and obstacles to overcome.

Learn how to use positive, mindful actions to reach your goals and achieve success. Key takeaways from this presentation include: • How to accept where you are, define your goals and create the outcome you desire • The importance of using positive intention to infuse new possibilities personally and professionally • How deliberate choices create focus, motivation, and opportunities to align with others to achieve your dreams Please join us for the Women’s Power Luncheon Series featuring keynote guest speaker Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz an award-winning entrepreneur, national speaker, philanthropist and author of six books.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jackie Camacho-Ruiz

JJR Marketing Make it Happen Director

The Women’s Power Luncheon Series has been designed to inform, inspire and engage aspiring women, decision makers and leaders on contemporary business and life topics.

MODERATOR

Mary Miske

Miske Communications

PANELIST

Denise Barreto Relationships Matter Now

PANELIST

Mary Ross Cunningham

PANELIST

PANELIST

PANELIST

Melissa Haak

Nicole Martin

Eleanor Ann Sweet

Little Lake County

HRBoost LLC

Corporate Success Partners

Lake County Board District

Order tickets online at: http://lakecountywpl.eventbrite.com If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, sponsoring a table, or for event information contact Kelly Buchanan at kbuchanan@threesixtybluesky.com or 319-471-1202.

Priority reservations due by Monday, June 22, 2015. * includes workshop session following the luncheon MAJOR SPONSORS

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PRESENTING SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

HOSTED BY

LUNCHEON SPONSOR

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