MCM May 2016

CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD MAY 2016

Becoming an adoptive mother isn’t easy. Two area women share their stories. page 32

Redefining Success Meet three local women who changed careers midstream and continue to thrive

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION Meet this year’s honorees.

11 McHenry County women who are leaders in their communities. page 46

2 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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INSIDE WOMEN’S EDITION 8 REDEFINING SUCCESS — Meet three local women who changed careers mid-life and are celebrating new success and happiness.

14 MAKING IT (NET)WORK — Women need and enjoy connecting with other women. Learn about business-networking organizations specifically for women in McHenry County.

16 WHAT WOMEN WEAR — Discover the newest trends in the business world for women from a personal stylist.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 22 SIMPLE DESK EXERCISES — Sitting is hazardous to your health. Follow these simple exercises you can do at your desk to keep you fresh and energize your body.

WHAT TO WEAR?

Discover the newest trends in female fashion in the workplace.

16

26 BUSY MOM’S BEST FRIEND — All hail the crock-pot! Two easy dinner recipes so after a long day, serving up something sumptuous is simple.

FAMILY IN FOCUS 30 IT’S A GIRL THING — Family columnist Michelle Stien recounts her experience with the Girls on the Run 5K program and is looking forward to this year’s race.

32 ADOPTING TO MOTHERHOOD — Local women share their stories of heartbreak and hardship on the path to becoming mothers.

FASHION & BEAUTY 36 BUSINESSWOMAN’S BLOWOUT — Hair stylists at Pepper Annex suggest getting a blowout a couple times a week as a way to reduce daily coif maintenance.

42 HOW TO CLEAN JEWELRY — Give your gold a beer bath?

Gemologist Karly Bulinski dispels some wives’ tales regarding cleaning your precious gems.

HOME & LIFESTYLE 44 FOR ALL THE MOMS — Were you handed down the love of reading by your mom? Book columnist Sandra Manley suggests some books for gifts on Mother’s Day.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 46 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION — Meet our honorees for the 2016 Women of Distinction awards presented by McHenry County Magazine.

52 BUSINESSWOMEN PROFILES — Learn about local businesswomen and what they do in their careers with these profiles.

FINANCE

68 INTENTIONAL SPENDING — Budgeting doesn’t have to be painful or restricting. Dorion-Gray Retirement Services explains the benefits of living within limits.

OUT & ABOUT 70 LIVE LIFE WIDE OPEN — Experience the 2016 Buick Cascada — a car that was designed for top-down driving.

73 CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Northwest website!

74 ARTIST PROFILE — Linda Rauen of McHenry shares her oils painting titled “The Earnslaw.”

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 5

Hip, hip, hoo-May! I cannot be more excited about our coldest months in Chicago being behind us. I enjoy May in McHenry County. It’s relatively temperate and I get to plant my annuals in the deck boxes once Memorial Day weekend comes. (I learned the hard way that planting before then can cause heartbreak both emotionally and financially.)

Our May edition is traditionally our largest of the year — this being no exception. We focus specifically on Women. Women of Distinction, Women in Business and women’s issues overall in McHenry County.

Each year since 2012, McHenry County Magazine has been proud to present recipients of our Women of Distinction awards. These women are nominated by readers like you, business leaders in the community, and other women active in our county. They are prime examples of women doing positive things for the community through their work, be it vocational or volunteer. We are proud to announce them in this edition and will celebrate their accomplishments with an awards luncheon this month. See page 43 for how to order tickets to attend.

Speaking of Women of Distinction, we are also pleased to feature this month three local women who completely changed the directions of their

careers midstream ... and are happier and more successful for doing so. Read their inspirational stories starting on page 8.

Learn about local women’s networking groups, trends in women’s business clothing, simple exercises you can do while at your desk during the day and even a couple of easy crock-pot recipes so dinner isn’t a hassle when you get home from a tiring day at the office.

Meanwhile, we haven’t forgotten the most important women of all — mothers! Read the stories of two adoptive mothers to whom Mother’s Day has an extra special meaning.

Plus we have fashion columns, financial advice, our family columnist and of course a calendar of upcoming events.

Here’s hoping you enjoy your May as much as I will!

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

Thanks for reading!

Allison McCaleb Managing Editor / Senior Designer

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

amccaleb@shawmedia.com 815-526-4485

Editor / Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Michelle Stien, Yvonne Benson, Dana McKenna, Sandra Manley, Wendy Foster, Kelsey O’Connor, Stephanie McCord-Kohl, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

on the

Photographers Nancy Merkling, Janet Kay

REDEFINING SUCCESS

President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com

COVER Cheryl Kranz, left, chose to leave her successful occupation as an account executive of 25 years for a completely different career in finance. She has no regrets. Read her story and two other local women who did the same starting on page 8.

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.

COVER PHOTO BY: Nancy Merkling SALON SERVICES BY: Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa Hair by: Paige Makeup by: Stephanie 6 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Heidi Pleune, Peggy Critchfield, Dr. Rivard, Ginger Gebka

AFTER 3 DECADES OF INSUFFICIENT VEINTREATMENT, A FAMILY FINALLY FINDS A SOLUTION FOR THEM ALL AT ILLINOIS VEIN SPECIALISTSTS.

W

hile there are many risk factors to developing varicose veins, none are more prevalent than your family genetics. As Dr. Rivard states, “the practice of phlebology offers many opportunities to learn more about vein disease. However, if one thing is true vein disease is hereditary and nothing provides a better example than seeing a family like Heidi, Ginger, and Peggy.” Three sisters, who after literally spending decades searching for the right relief for their varicose veins and almost losing hope, eventually found their way to Illinois Vein Specialists.

Peggy, Ginger, and Heidi may all look different and have different occupations, but each share a similar story about their varicose veins. As children they remember their mother having varicose veins. During that time the only solution was vein stripping. Each noted that their mother always took good care of her legs, but after her vein surgery she still needed to wear compression stockings to hide her legs even on hot days under her skirts and often suffered from leg pain. Peggy went to different doctors for many years before finding Dr. Rivard. One doctor was a vascular surgeon who offered vein stripping as a solution, but Peggy was not entirely comfortable with this procedure remembering her mother and the pain and suffering that she went through. To Peggy, vein stripping seemed “too drastic” so she decided to keep looking for a better solution.

Fortunately, Peggy was referred to Dr. Rivard and IVS by a friend. She was pleased with Dr. Rivard’s success rates, and decided that if her friend could do it so could she. Peggy scheduled a consultation that day. Ginger, much like Peggy, also noticed that she had varicose veins and sought sclerotherapy injections in her mid 30’s and 40’s, but finally decided her legs weren’t getting better and put off further treatment. A decade later she was recommended to Dr. Rivard by her sister Peggy. She came all the way from Bartlett, IL to get help. Heidi had noticeable spider veins but did not see any bulging veins like her sisters’. She too had sclerotherapy injections for nmany w h e years, r a l d . cwhich o m /m a gnot a zseem i n e to alleviate the pain, did

and eventually decided in 2000 to stop. When she heard that her sisters were getting their legs done again, she trusted their decision and came all the way from Itasca, IL to get the same quality care.

VEIN DISEASE IS HEREDITARY.

Heredity is the most common factor for determining varicose veins. The truth is that if one parent has varicose veins there is about a 40% chance that you will too, and if both parents have varicose veins, then you are almost guaranteed to have them. Dr. Rivard advocates, “this is why it is so important to understand that varicose veins are hereditary, not just an elderly disease as many believe. By learning this earlier you can get help without suffering needlessly for decades.” Unfortunately, many misunderstand that varicose veins are something that come with old age, but in actuality if you have the misfortune of getting them from your parents you may start noticing the disease as early as 10-12 years old. In fact, Dr. Rivard has seen patients as young as 17 years old with advanced vein disease. Many people notice their varicose veins later in life, because their veins have deteriorated to the point where they begin to bulge and cause greater pain, discomfort, swelling, and cramping, not to mention the various cosmetic issues. However, by being proactive and treating your veins the right way you can avoid a lifetime of pain and benefit cosmetically as well. Dr. Rivard notes, “the best advice is to be guided by how you feel, the symptoms, not by your age.”

TREATING YOUR VARICOSE VEINS THE RIGHT WAY.

In the last decade, technology has made significant advancements in vein care. In the past, the only solution was “vein stripping.” However, the success rate for this procedure still remains less than 50%, and often causes more damage to the veins, increasing the recurrence of varicose veins later on. Unlike the treatment options available today, vein stripping is very invasive, painful, and requires lots of down time.

Today, treating your varicose veins at IVS using methods like Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), takes less

than an hour, requires no downtime, and is essentially 100% effective with no recurrence.

In addition to EVLT, sclerotherapy is another great way to treat your veins, if done correctly. Although veins treated using sclerotherapy disappear, it will not prevent your body from forming new spider veins if you have underlying varicosities. This is why even though all three sisters received cosmetic sclerotherapy for many years it never seemed to work.

As Ginger recalls, “it was obvious that [sclerotherapy] was not a permanent solution…and it got to the point where wearing short skirts was just something that I never even considered because of my veins…

I would always wear slacks.” Peggy, expressed the same sentiment mentioning that she likes to golf, and the sclerotherapy helped the appearance of her spider veins, but she, “…didn’t want to show [her] ropey legs when golfing.” As Dr. Rivard states, “In order to properly treat your varicose veins, you must treat the source of the problem. Frequently, we see patients who have been treated by vein doctors using only cosmetic sclerotherapy, but never address the underlying issues of vein disease. Using sclerotherapy, however, is great after performing EVLT to treat the remaining branch veins.”

WHAT LIFE IS LIKE AFTER SEEING DR. RIVARD.

While it has been a few years since their last procedure at IVS, none can forget the significant impact in getting their veins treated correctly by Dr. Rivard. Heidi thinking back said, “I can remember going shopping for a few hours and coming home, and all I could think about were my legs and now I don’t even give my legs a second thought.” Peggy recalled a story of her cooking easter dinner the year prior to treatment, “I just remember standing all day long cooking with tears in my eyes because my legs felt like concrete…I knew what the problem was, and that was the impetus for finding a better solution for my legs… and now…” Heidi laughing, cut in to say, “we went to a wedding last year and [Peggy] danced all night!

We all feel great.”

Illinois Vein Specialists opened in 2009 and has a staff of a dozen—Board Certified physician, medical technicians, RNs, Certified ultrasound specialists and administrative personnel. IVS has successfully treated over 4,000 patients. “One of the things I like best about specializing in vein disease is the opportunity to restore hope and confidence in my patients like Peggy, Heidi, and Ginger; being able to help them is the reason I get up in the morning.”

To find out more information on vein disease and how Illinois Vein Specialists, A Center of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™, might be able to help you: call for an appointment at 847-277-9100, stop by our offices at 22285 Pepper Rd, (suite 105), Lake Barrington and look at our “brag book” or visit us online at www. IllinoisVeinSpecialists.com.

A Center of Excellence

in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vein Disease™

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© 2013 Illinois Vein Specialists. All rights reserved.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 7

Photo by Nancy Merkling

Redefining Success on their own terms 6Cheryl Kranz Photo by Nancy Merkling

8 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

By DANA McKENNA

Three remarkable women in McHenry County have redefined their careers, and in doing so, they have redefined their lives.

Making this Although change in my they arrived from career has different allowed me to directions, Cheryl grow in ways Kranz, Vicki I’d never even Madigan and Dorothy thought of.

Vetrovec all know they are exactly where they belong now — and it is an exciting and empowering place to be.

WOMEN’S EDITION

CHERYL KRANZ “My business is all about creating relationships,” says Cheryl Kranz, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Crystal Lake. She and her Branch Office Administrator, Autumn Siegmeier, are a team which encourages their current and potential clientele to ask lots of questions. “We don’t want finances to feel intimidating. Our clients need to feel at ease, first and foremost. Earning their trust is paramount to making our relationship work. Then we can get down to talking about their financial goals, and educating them about their options to reach those goals.”

Kranz was a Senior Account Executive at Shaw Media for 20 years before she decided to make her career change. “I had the great opportunity to work with people in all different types of industries while at Shaw.” One day, her client from Edward Jones asked if she would ever be

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interested in doing what he did. “I’d been contemplating my career, where I’d been and where I wanted to go. Since the financial industry has always interested me, Photo by Nancy Merkling his question sparked something.”

She spent over a year researching the financial world — the Edward Jones company in particular — and she liked what she learned.

“Their business model is formed around the idea of ‘clients first’ and I knew that was the kind of business I wanted to be in.” She left Shaw Media, and dove in to a whole new world.

Finance itself comes naturally to Kranz, she says. What was daunting, however, was how much she still had to learn. “I was suddenly back down at the bottom of the ladder, and with a lot of people younger than me,” remembers Kranz. “I was starting at the very beginning as a student, and I felt so vulnerable.”

After extensive hours in classes and studying, earning multiple certifications, and then immersing herself in learning about her community from a completely different perspective, Kranz has become one of the fastest-growing financial advisors over the past three years. “When a client looks at me after our meeting and says ‘now, I can sleep at night,’ it’s the best feeling in the world. Making this change in my career has allowed me to grow in ways I’d never even thought of. This is what I was looking for.”

After opening her own office, Kranz became the vice chair for Senior Care Volunteer Network in McHenry County, and is also vice president of the local chapter of BNI, an international business networking group. “Giving back to the community, volunteering for causes

close to my heart — it’s something I can make the time for and now have the energy to do. I am where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to do.”

Her children also see a difference in their mom.

“They see I’m happy, excited, and thriving, and they know this is my definition of being successful.”

devastating a family illness can be. “In 2008, my husband became very ill, and I ultimately needed to leave the workforce.

When he was well enough for me to return to work, I was unable to secure a new teaching position.”

For a short period, Madigan taught as an adjunct faculty member at Westwood College in Chicago, but when enrollment numbers decreased, she found herself unemployed again.

“At that point, I started to investigate several ideas that would allow me to be self-employed. The turning point came

4 Vicki Madigan, far right. Photo provided

VICKI MADIGAN “Knowledge really is power,” says Vicki Madigan, Agent/Broker for Madigan Insurance Group. “Teaching is in my blood. When I can educate someone about healthcare options that positively affect their lives, I am fulfilling my purpose.”

Madigan knows that building a strong, trusting relationship allows her to educate clients so they can make better-informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Indeed, her company slogan is “Changing the insurance experience, one client at a time.”

Madigan has first-hand knowledge of how

Finding this career fulfills the personal need and satisfaction I have in helping others, and creates my own financial success and independence. when I was talking to my sister, who has been a licensed insurance agent for over 25 years in Florida, and I thought ‘this could be it.’ I found a class offered by Dohrn Insurance, took the state tests, and

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WOMEN’S EDITION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 9

4 Vicki Madigan, far right, and Quilts For Valor. Photo provided

I became fully licensed in 2011.”

“Since I work in a straight commission job, the first two years were tough financially, and I did need to take on some part-time work. This job is a bit like farming: You plant seeds, cultivate and care for them, and then wait for the crop to grow.”

In those terms, “harvest time” for Madigan is during open enrollment in autumn each year.

“It’s very important to me that each client understands the health insurance process as it applies to them.

This could mean group health benefits, individual health programs with the new Affordable Care Act (ACA), and Medicare products.” Madigan also specializes in resolving problems for her clients. “Clients need assistance when their current enrollment has caused a claim or service payment to be declined. I work with the insurance carrier to resolve the issues.”

10 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Madigan has become many families’ “go-to” person for health and life insurance needs.

“I get the most wonderful thank you notes and even homemade cookies from some of my clients,” Madigan says. “I’ve also made great new friends and met new colleagues.”

Through those new relationships, she has found opportunities to serve as a Crystal Lake Chamber member, Fox Valley Sunset Rotarian and Sun City Lion. Madigan is also currently mentoring individuals to become independent agents/brokers.

“I’m still teaching and educating, although not in a traditional school setting. Now I have a portable classroom. Finding this career fulfills the personal need and satisfaction I have in helping others, and creates my own financial success and independence.”

DOROTHY VETROVEC “The sheer number of animal-loving people in our community is amazing. I knew the

WOMEN’S EDITION

pet industry was big, but I never imagined there were so many compassionate people,” says Dorothy Vetrovec, owner of Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove, a one-of-a-kind pet store focusing on pets’ health and nutrition.

A life-long animal lover, Vetrovec says the launch of her business began after she grew tired of traveling in her corporate career and started losing her excitement for the work she was doing.

“I needed to make a change to something I was passionate about and where I could make a difference in my community,” she says.

So Vetrovec left the realm of software and spent almost a full year researching the pet industry.

“When I first threw the idea out to some friends, a few thought I was crazy. We were in a recession and they couldn’t believe I wanted to open a business.”

Vetrovec had never owned her own n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

I truly believe that this is my calling in life. This is what I am supposed to be doing today.

5 Dorothy Vetrovec. Photo provided business nor ever worked in retail. “It was huge,” she recalls. “I was starting from scratch, leaving behind a steady income that paid my bills.”

Regardless, Vetrovec’s previous experience helped with many aspects of running a business such as accounting, customer service, sales, marketing and relationship management.

Vetrovec readily admits she is working more hours than ever as a business owner, but she knows that redefining her career has changed her profoundly in other ways.

“I’ve learned I need to just let go of some things. I don’t have as much personal time as I had before opening the business, so the time I do have is much more special.”

That free time is often spent volunteering for local animal shelters and other pet causes.

Vetrovec says she finds so much joy in educating pet owners and helping their pets live healthy and happy lives. She is proud of her store team that embraces the company’s philosophy about good health and provides impeccable customer service.

“I truly believe that this is my calling in life. This is what I am supposed to be doing today,” she says.

Vetrovec’s life and business philosophies both have a lot to do with happiness — life doesn’t just happen, YOU make it happen and YOU create your own

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5 Dorothy Vetrovec, far right, and staff celebrate being named best pet store and feed store. Photo provided happiness. She defines her success by the satisfaction and joy she can provide to her customers.

and I wouldn’t have met half of them if I hadn’t opened Nature’s Feed.”

“The key to our success is offering solutions. If you focus on helping the customer, the rest follows.

These women have found their passions, looked around their communities for where there is need, and then created their own paths to fulfilling their professional missions — on their own terms. They all agree it wasn’t easy getting there, but now the rewards are endless.

“When I opened the store, I felt I had a lot to share with the pet community. Over the years, I have been awed by how much my customers have taught me. They’ve brought new questions requiring me to learn more, which in turn allows me to share even more,” Vetrovec says. “There’s a whole lot of awesome people out there,

WOMEN’S EDITION

“It sounds kind of strange,” says Kranz, “but I don’t feel like it’s ‘work’ because I’m spending my time doing exactly what I want by helping others.”

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 11

12 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 13

Making It

(net)Work

By WENDY FOSTER

I

t is said, and has been written about, that men and women are from two very different planets.

This gains some credibility in the business arena.

While business processes and standards of success are the same across genders, the journey, management styles and challenges can be quite different. With this in mind, businessnetworking organizations specifically for women are important within the business community. “We’re basically a group of women meeting to grow in our relationships with one another,” says Pamela Strelcheck, program and awards co-chair for Women in McHenry

14 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

County (WIM3). “We truly believe from the deepening of those relationships grow natural business referrals.”

The national organization Women in Management originated in 1976 with chapters across the country. When it

Women need and enjoy connecting with other women.

— Kay Bates, president of the McHenry County Chamber

WOMEN’S EDITION

dissolved several years ago, the McHenry County affiliate remained active, and eventually re-branded itself as Women in McHenry: Meet, Mentor and Motivate, or WIM3.

WIM3 has a membership of 28 women, all involved in business in some capacity.

“Some are entrepreneurs, others are corporate, and we also have members from the academia sector,” says Strelcheck. The group meets monthly at 31 North Banquets in McHenry.

“We network and grow personally and professionally by listening, sometimes to a guest speaker, sometimes to an interview, sometimes a panel, sometimes a roundtable,” Strelcheck says. “Topics vary but all touch our mind, body and spirit.”

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Women’s Interactive Mentoring Group (WINGS) is a chapter of the McHenry County Chamber of Commerce. “Women need and enjoy connecting with other women,” says Kay Bates, president of the McHenry County Chamber. WINGS has approximately a dozen members from area retail, banking, manufacturing and small businesses.

WINGS meetings feature a variety of programs and presentations through events including mixers, luncheons and a Women’s Wine Walk.

The mission of women’s networking groups has evolved slightly through the years, reflecting the changing roles of women in business. “Back in the ’70s, women needed a lot of support. They were increasingly taking on managerial roles, and our organization started as a support group. To this day we continue to find that it’s really important to support gals professionally and personally,” says Strelcheck.

Additionally, Strelcheck says, WIM3 is committed to outreach and mentoring, as well as encouraging young women who may wish to pursue business careers. This latter goal is achieved largely through WIM3’s Challenge Scholarship which is awarded to

a female graduating high school senior who has dealt with physical, emotional or financial challenges.

“It’s important in order for our communities to thrive and for our young professionals to grow,” Strelcheck says about the importance of women’s networking groups. “We all need a support system and I believe that these types of organizations — on all kinds of levels personal and professional — encourage women. Some are looking to rebrand themselves, all are at different points of their professional journeys, and it’s nice to be able to have colleagues support that.”

WIM3 is unique in women’s networking groups as it focuses on relationship building rather than referral building. “We believe in professional and personal mentoring,” Strelcheck says.

Bates explains that what WINGS achieves is consistent with the way that the Chamber in general works. “Part of what we do within the Chamber is designed to shake things up a little bit ... to give people an opportunity to see another side of an individual who will hopefully become a good referral source or client. That’s what it’s all about.”

WOMEN’S NETWORKING GROUPS Women In McHenry: Meet, Mentor and Motviate (WIM3) P.O. Box 205 • Crystal Lake, IL 60039 www.WIM3.com info.wim3@gmail.com

McHenry County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Interactive Networking Group (WINGS) 1257 N. Green Street • McHenry, IL 60050 815-385-9142

57% of women are active in the workforce n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

WOMEN’S EDITION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 15

By YVONNE BENSON

What Working Women Are Wearing

W

omen’s fashion has some pretty exciting things to offer this season.

Getting in on it could be as easy as looking in a box of old accessories or buying a few fresh pieces.

Either way, Mallory Sills, owner of Image Success by Mallory, helps her clients look their best by going through their closets and making recommendations.

One fashion-forward trend takes a look back at the history of women.

“I’ve found that a lot of women are a little more open to going to skirts and dresses. I think it has a little to do with women’s history,” Sills says. “Women used to only wear skirts and dresses and when they could wear pants, that’s all they wore — to ‘fit in’ with the men. Now they are starting to feel good in skirts and dresses again. They say ‘Now I can wear them again.’ They feel good, plus they’re easy to wear.”

It’s nice that women no longer have to dress like men in order to compete with them in the business world. In fact, this skirt/dress trend says, “I’m feminine and in business!”

Along these lines, Sills says, “I’ve noticed that women are not really as prone to wearing button-up shirts any more except in interviews. You will see a crisp buttonup shirt in an interview, but women aren’t really wearing them as often (from my experience).”

According to Sills, button-ups aren’t worn regularly mostly because of fit. Since women have curves and a chest, it can be tricky to not have popping around the bust.

“Instead of the traditional white buttonup shirt, I suggest a softer or sheerer fabric because it’s easier to fit your body and it’s less stuffy,” Sills says.

Sills recommends wearing colors that are lighter and brighter and embrace the weather change, now that winter has passed.

“Black is an easy color to go to in the workplace. It’s easy and blends in. People

16 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

WOMEN’S EDITION

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struggle to wear color more than they do with black,” Sills says. “During the spring, there are lighter and brighter colors that feel fresh and energized. Rose quartz is the color of the year and it’s great professional wear too, since it’s a more toned down hue.”

Sills also is seeing more flats for shoes.

“Not every (or many) women can wear five-inch stilettos every day, or, in some cases, even at all. Retailers and brands are taking note and coming out with cute flats. It’s really exciting for me to help clients discover that there are more options,” she says.

In fact, the point of Sills’ business is helping her clients find a style that is a reflection of who they are so that others can notice their positive qualities. The fashion shouldn’t be a distraction.

“I want people to notice you, not necessarily what you’re wearing,” Sills says. “What happens when you have a style that’s authentic to you — your lifestyle, personality, body shape, etc.

It helps YOU stand out.”

How To Define ‘Business Casual’

S

ometimes it’s hard to know what is appropriate for “business casual” at work — particularly if you don’t have money to freshen your wardrobe, are crunched for time, or if your body has undergone some changes in size. It’s easy to get in a rut wearing the same outfits day in and day out.

“People think that it doesn’t matter what they’re wearing. Many people want to believe that what they wear has no impact [at work],” says Mallory Sills, owner of Image Success by Mallory. She says that’s not the case.

Sometimes poor clothing choices distract from an individual’s amazing qualities.

So how do you define “business casual?”

“The struggle is that business casual can mean different things from workplace to workplace. I struggle with the term because the [words] business and casual mean completely different things, and that’s where the confusion comes from. What does it mean?”

Sometimes it means jeans and a nice

shirt. Other times it means not necessarily jeans, but not a suit either.

“I see a lot of people going more toward the casual side and almost skipping the business aspect,” Sills says.

Her pet peeve with business casual is the introduction of exercise apparel into the workplace.

“Hence yoga pants making an appearance at work. I’ve seen articles online and television segments where they’re showing women how to ‘dress up’ yoga pants, but that’s really not appropriate. Let’s face it — they’re sweatpants.”

When it comes to work, Sills says that, in general, people don’t put enough emphasis on what they wear.

“They kind of take business casual as a green light to not care what you wear. But you should care because how you present yourself really makes a difference with how others perceive you. At the end of the day, you’re still a professional.”

Not every (or many) women can wear five-inch stilettos every day, or, in some cases, even at all.

Retailers and brands are taking note and coming out with cute flats.

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WOMEN’S EDITION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 17

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 21

By YVONNE BENSON

Simple Exercises To Do At Your Desk

M

any people set aside time to go to the gym or make exercise plans outside of work.

However, there are ways to remain active even while at a seated desk job.

Sitting for long periods of time is detrimental.

Destination Fitness expert and owner Jill Lindberg as well as Lindsay Boeke, site director at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley share their expertise.

“Sitting for long periods of time, even if you are physically fit, puts you at a greater risk of premature death,” says Lindberg.

“Regardless of whether a person exercises regularly or not, sedentary periods increase the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Desk chair sitting structurally puts great strain on your neck, shoulders and lower back. Much of this may be attributed to an improper desk chair or improper height of desk and computer monitor.”

Boeke says research has linked sitting for long periods of time to many health concerns, including Walking burns 3 to 5 obesity, metabolic syndrome, elevated times more calories blood pressure, than sitting so take muscle degeneration (weak legs and back), every opportunity and many more. “The to get up. key is to break up the long periods of sitting with exercise throughout the day,” she says.

Lindberg recommends sitting on a fit ball instead of a chair as a great option to fight being sedentary. She also suggests using a standing desk.

Boeke encourages finding ways to stand up as often as possible during the day.

“At the very least, you should plan to get up and move once every hour you are sitting,” Boeke says. She also recommends standing during phone calls, walking around the building, getting up to speak to coworkers, and other activities such as taking the stairs and parking far away from the entrance.

Lindberg suggests meeting time equals standing time or walking time. “Have standing meetings in the conference room or have meetings outdoors while on a walk.”

But sitting doesn’t necessarily end at the end of the workday.

“When at home, stand up during commercial breaks during TV time or walk in the house while on the phone,” Lindberg says.

She encourages a 30 minute vibrating alarm on your cell phone as a reminder to do so.

“Simple tasks to break up your day like this will help,” Boeke says. “Walking burns 3 to 5 times more calories than sitting so take every opportunity to get up.”

22 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Easy Exercises

Sitting Exercises

• Office desk pushups. Use one edge of your desk to complete pushups (some may prefer to just do them on the floor)

• Remind yourself to sit up straight in your chair. Keep both feet on the floor, shoulders relaxed and arms at approximately 90 degrees and remind yourself to not lean forward.

• Office standing calf raises. Perform standing calf raises, holding on to your office chair if balancing is initially challenging.

• Change out your office chair for a stability ball. This will force you to sit up straight and engage your core.

• Office wall sits. Use a small wall space in your office, lean against it and squat down so that there is 90-degree angle about your knees (hold as long as you can)

• Sitting in your chair, nice and tall, extend one leg out just far enough that it isn’t touching the floor. Roll each ankle in a circle one at a time. Repeat 20 times per leg/ ankle.

— Suzanne Janusz Certified Personal Trainer Destination Fitness

• Still sitting, move forward in your seat a few inches and place your arms behind you, thumbs facing down.

You should reach back toward your chair and feel a stretch at the top of your chest, shoulders and upper arms. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.

• Stand and perform 20 mini-squats behind your chair, using it for balance, keeping your heels firm. To ensure you are doing this properly, bend down like you are sitting in a chair, keep your core engaged and stand up.

• Still standing behind your chair, perform 20 leg swings side to side, swinging as high as possible in front of you and to the side as far as you can go without pain. Switch sides. Don’t forget to hold onto something if necessary for balance. This will help loosen the glutes, hamstrings and hips from sitting all day.

— Lindsay Boeke, Site Director, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley

• Sitting in your chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for 2 seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds.

Switch. Do each leg 15 times.

• Doorway Stretch: Stand inside a doorway bending your right arm 90 degrees. Place your forearm against the doorframe. Your bent elbow should be shoulder height here (like you’re going to give your co-worker a “High Five”). Rotate your chest to the left until you feel a nice stretch and hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides.

• To work your chest and shoulders, place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair.

Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do this 15 times.

• To stretch your back and strengthen your biceps, place your hands on the desk and hang on. Slowly push your chair back until your head is between your arms and you’re looking at the floor. Then slowly pull yourself back in. Do this 15 times.

• Wall Angels: Stand against a wall with your lower back, upper back and head against (touching) the wall.

Place your arms against the wall and in the position of “Touchdown” for football. Move your hands above your head slowly without arching your back. Repeat this 20 times.

— Suzanne Janusz Certified Personal Trainer Destination Fitness

— Lindsay Boeke, Site Director, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 23

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24 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 25

Busy Mom’s Best Friend

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By STEPHANIE KOHL-McCORD or busy moms on the go, nothing can be more stressful than trying to not only figure out what to make for dinner every night, but also finding the time to make said dinner.

Enter the slow cooker — a large electric pot used for cooking food at a low temperature very slowly. Generally, slow cookers are cheap to buy, easy to use and make the most of budget-friendly ingredients. There are a myriad of recipes out there to choose from — just check Pinterest if you don’t believe us!

Simply prepare your ingredients the night before, or in the morning before work, throw them in your slow cooker, turn it on and walk away. You head off to work while dinner is cooking and you come home to a dinner that’s ready — or at least almost ready — to serve.

As an added tip, if you want even less of a mess to clean up, consider slow cooker liners.

You can put pretty much anything you want into a slow cooker, but here are two great slow cooker recipes for busy days.

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken (allrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS 1 jar of salsa (16 oz) 1 package of dry taco seasoning mix 1 lime (juiced) 3 tbs chopped, fresh cilantro 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Place the salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice and cilantro into a slow cooker and stir to combine. Add the chicken breasts and stir to coat with the salsa mixture.

Cover the cooker, set to high and cook until the chicken is very tender, about four hours. If desired, set cooker to low and cook six to eight hours.

Shred chicken with two forks to serve.

Serving Suggestion: Fill flour or corn tortillas with the shredded chicken topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, cheese and avocado.

26 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Daria’s Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff (allrecipes.com) INGREDIENTS: 1.5 lbs top round steak (cut into strips) Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 onion (chopped) 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz) 1 can canned mushroom (8 oz) 1/4 cup water 1 tbs dried chives 1 clove garlic (minced) 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 beef bouillon cube 1/4 cup white wine 1 tbs all-purpose flour 1 container sour cream (16 ounce); 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Place the beef in the bottom of a slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place onion on top of beef and add mushroom soup, mushrooms and water. Season with chives, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and bouillon.

In a small bowl, mix together the wine with the flour. Pour over the beef.

Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours. Stir in the sour cream and parsley and continue cooking for one hour.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with French fries and pickles for an authentic German feel.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 27

28 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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H OME

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 29

Photo courtesy of Girls On The Run

It’s A Girl Thing

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y friend tagged me in a post on Facebook the other day, and I didn’t know if I should be proud or offended.

coordinated several other 5k events, I entered into the first year of this event with some trepidation. I knew it was a different beast than the standard 5k events that I had worked on.

It was a meme of Dory from “Finding Nemo” and it said, “My plate is full, I can’t possibly take on anything else ... Oh look, a project!”

Yes, I take on a lot. Part of it is because apparently I am incapable of saying “no,” but I prefer to think of it as being passionate about a lot of things and optimistic that I can juggle all those things at once.

The group grew closer to my heart as my own daughter was now old enough to participate in the program at her school.

As luck would have it, they were short a coach and needed someone to step up to help. I knew it would be challenging to throw into our already busy schedule, but I raised my hand anyway to see if there was some way I could help out. If

Last year I took on the role of Race Director for the Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois 5k, and it has proven to be the cherry on top of my full plate.

Despite having been involved with and 30 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

In the end, not only did I survive, but I also loved every minute of the experience.

The energy was palpable and the sense of accomplishment as more a thousand girls crossed the finish line with their running buddies was incredible. Best of all, they asked me to come back and do it again.

This year, I did not hesitate a moment when I officially accepted the role of Race Coordinator. I felt more confident having a year of experience under my belt and couldn’t wait to experience it all over again.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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becoming race coordinator was the cherry, this was the sprinkles so I dove in head first.

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

The girls are not all athletes. Some are shy, some are outgoing. Some are athletic and some are there to have fun and be with their friends. These 3rd5th grade girls spend approximately 10 weeks attending practices twice a week and work hard not only to learn how to train for a 5k, but lessons about empowerment, responsibility, intentionality, diversity, connectedness, joy, optimism, gratitude, nurturing, health, open-heartedness and compassion.

and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.”

We learned at our coaches’ training that this group isn’t just about running. This group could be called Girls on the Stage, Girls in the Library, Girls Doing Crafts.

The focus is giving girls the confidence and guidance to work toward a common goal and accomplish something. The Vision, according to GOTR International, “We envision a world where every girl knows

I attended a luncheon to kick-off the season and was fortunate enough to meet the founder of GOTR, Molly Barker, and hear her speak. What resonated with me was that her purpose, despite her many running accomplishments, was not to share her running experience with girls across the country and around the world. Her purpose was to help girls find out who they are and

— GOTR Vision Statement

feel comfortable in their own skin.

It became clear that I was exactly where I should be and this was the beginning of a unique journey where not only did I get to help young girls overcome a struggle with self-esteem, break free from stereotypes and pursue their dreams, but a chance for me to do the same.

For more information about Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois visit gotrnwil.org

1 Motivated Mommy

with Michelle Stien

• Michelle is a mom, freelance writer, group fitness instructor and motivational speaker. She also fits in marathon running, coordinating 5k events, volunteers and keeps the Stien household running like a fine-tuned machine ... most of the time. To inquire about speaking for your group or organization, contact her at mstien77@gmail.com or visit 1motivatedmommy.com

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 31

Adopting To Motherhood

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

Local women share their stories of heartbreak and hardship on the path to becoming mothers

E

very day is Mother’s Day for Sharon Ahmann.

As the co-founder and owner of Angel Adoptions, she spends her days working

32 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

with birth mothers and prospective parents. In the past 18 years, the Crystal Lake agency has facilitated more than 900 adoptions across the country.

But that’s not the only reason Mother’s Day holds a special place in her heart.

“Mother’s Day is just so special for me because of what I went through,” Ahmann says. She and her husband struggled with infertility for four years, including seven miscarriages.

“Back then, there were not many

FAMILY IN FOCUS

support groups for miscarriages. It was a tough thing to go through and a dark time. You’d feel so much hope and then you’d lose the hope,” Ahmann says.

Adoption helped turn her hopes into a reality. She and her husband adopted their three children, Lauren, Jennifer and Matthew, over the course of several years. The couple’s daughters are biological sisters. They adopted their oldest daughter Lauren at birth, and then brought home their daughter Jennifer when she was born just 11 months later.

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“We went from thinking we would never be parents to being blessed twice,” Ahmann says. “Matthew was our surprise baby. Our daughters went to bed every night waiting for a baby brother.” Lauren and Jennifer are now 27 and 26 and Matthew is 16.

but the couple didn’t let it discourage them.

“It definitely tests your relationship and it makes you realize that you either have a very strong relationship as a husband and wife or I could see how it could certainly tear some people apart,” Moser says. “My husband and I leaned on each other. We have to keep a positive outlook and know that [match] just wasn’t meant to be.”

“Every year when Mother’s Day comes along, it’s such a special day for me because of how my children were meant to come to me,” Ahmann says. “They’re the loves Angel Adoptions matched the couple with another of my life and no matter how they came to me, they’re just woman, and just three months later they got the call that my world.” they’d been waiting for. The birth mother, who lived in Her journey inspired her to start Angel Adoptions in Houston, was in labor and the Mosers were just hours 1998 to help guide potential parents and birth parents away from being parents. The couple immediately flew to through the adoption process. “After you adopt, you Texas to pick up their daughter, who they named Tessa. become an adoption advocate. We knew first-hand what everybody was going through,” she says.

“We decided we really Every year when wanted to help people and educate people and Mother’s Day make it affordable.”

Tara Moser is one of the women Ahmann’s agency has helped.

Moser and her husband began trying to have a baby as soon as they got married nine years ago. But after five years of trying to conceive, including four rounds of in vitro fertilization, Moser knew it was time to consider other options.

comes along, it’s such a special day for me because of how my children were meant to come to me.

“I was adopted years ago, so I always knew that if for whatever reason we couldn’t have kids, that adoption was always going to be an option,” she says. “I grew up in a very loving and happy family with a brother who was also adopted, so for me it’s always been very normal.”

The couple turned to Angel Adoptions to help them grow their family. After six months of paperwork, background checks, and home inspections, they were matched with a birth mother. They spent seven months communicating with and providing financial support for their match, only to find out they were being scammed.

“That was rough, that was a very hard, eye-opening experience,” Moser says. “We felt like we had lost a baby at that point.” The disappointment was a difficult blow,

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“Once we adopted Tessa, we realized this was why it didn’t happen the first time. We were supposed to have this child,” Moser says. “I just fell in love the second I saw her. From that minute, all the stress and the worries and the crying, none of it mattered. We were looking at this incredible gift.” The couple adopted their second daughter, Emma, earlier this year.

Despite the difficulties along the way, Moser says that bringing their daughters home has made the entire journey worthwhile. “Every day I look at my girls and think how did I get so lucky,” she says. “I’m sure every mother says the same thing, but I feel extra lucky because these two women [the birth mothers] thought that I’d be a good enough mother for their children. It just speaks volumes.”

FAMILY IN FOCUS

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 33

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48th ANNUAL Mark Your Calendars!

FALL DIDDLEY® 2016 October 8th • 9am-5pm October 9th • 9am-4pm Boone County Fairgrounds

Featuring over 300 Crafters and Artists Plus: Quality Handcrafted Work G B N a I k K e Sale FREE PAR AND N! ADMISSIO

Plant Sa 50/50 R le affle!

Sunday, May 15, 2016 Historic Woodstock Square 10am–4pm

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VISIT OUR BAKERY FOR SOME TASTY TREATS!

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Sponsored by Volunteers of The Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County.

See our web site for a coloring contest form. www.fairdiddley.com MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 35

Businesswoman’s Blowout Why should busy women care about their hair?

together. With a blowout lasting two to three days, daily maintenance is streamlined.

Public relations professional Sue Dobbe-Leahy of Dobbe Marketing & PR recommends all her clients be “camera-ready” when they are doing business.

Sure, you can blowout your hair at home. But let’s be honest, no one is really good at styling the back of their own head! Plus, you’ll enjoy the speed and efficiency of a trained stylist with the confidence that comes from a professional blowout. Obtain salon quality hair in under an hour at your favorite Dry Bar Hair Salon.

“Today more than ever, business leaders have their image on display in the marketplace. We are being photographed, video-conferenced and Face-timed. Clients and colleagues make decisions based upon our skills, our professionalism and our image. It is important to look your best at all times.”

How can busy women everywhere have better looking hair while saving time and money? With Dry Bar Salon blowouts, hair is spectacularly styled and lasts several days.

But who has time to spend all day in the salon? Not you. Yet, strategically scheduling professional salon services for a Dry Bar blowout can give you more attractive hair, less time wasted fussing and more time for your work, family and fun.

Dry Bars are the rage in major metropolitan cities around the globe.

With the trend in washing hair less often for healthier results, blowouts make everyday hair runway quality.

Less fuss can be more fashionable. For a woman on the go, a blowout offers a quick and relatively affordable treat that can make you feel instantly put

36 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Imagine visiting your salon twice a week for a stunning blowout. While your hair is styled, you check emails, return texts and plan your day. For two to three days afterward your hair requires just a fluff. Save yourself three to five hours a week to make more money or have more fun!

Slightly addictive, blowouts are an indulgence for some — who doesn’t want beautiful hair everyday with less than a two-hour per week commitment? A woman looks more polished when hair is at its best.

A simple addition to your current regimen will result in more confidence in less time.

Blowouts make everyday hair runway quality.

Discover the difference a Dry Bar blowout can make in your beauty regimen. Make a trial run with a weekend blowout. Once you breeze through a busy weekend with barely a fluff of your coif, you will be an advocate of Dry Bar blowouts! Be one of those “in the know” and others will begin to follow your lead in fabulous hair care fashion.

How often do you need to look gorgeous? Always!

Blowouts are great for special occasions, work, conferences, weekends, interviews, date nights or before you jet set to your next adventure.

Blowouts are intended to make your current hair as amazing as possible. Instead of waking up early to wash, dry, straighten and style your hair; you only have minimal maintenance in the morning.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Cutting Edge

with Pepper Annex • Cutting Edge hair cuts, hair care and hair color at Pepper Annex Hair Salon & Dry Bar, 1295 Randall Road Suite 111, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014.

PepperAnnex.com 815-893-0849

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FASHION & BEAUTY

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 37

IMMANUEL Lutheran school’s

Panther Pursuit Run - Walk Saturday

5K

May 14

th

st 1annual

presented by our title sponsor

2016

Become

a f an!

What

5K Race - $30

WHEN

($40 registration on day of race)

1/2 Mile Fun Run - $15

Saturday, May 14th, 2016 (rain or shine)

(for kids 12 and under)

Where

The race will start & finish at

Immanuel Lutheran Church & School 300 S. Pathway Court • Crystal Lake, IL (behind Jewel & Hobby Lobby on Route 14)

Why

All proceeds raised from this event supports the PTL, staff and students of Immanuel who generously donate their time and talents year after year to Operation Christmas Child, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, PADS, the Community Clinic, Upward and many other local causes.

7:00 AM - Race day registration & packet pick-up 8:30 AM - 5K run/walk race starts 9:15 AM - Half-mile kids fun run starts 9:30 AM - Awards ceremony (Pre-race day packet pick-up will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School on Thursday, May 12th from 2:00 - 6:00 PM)

HOW

Visit www.PantherPursuit.com

Follow McHenry County Magazine at facebook.com/McHenryCountyMagazine.

to register or learn more about the event

MCHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Congratulates Our

2016 McHenry County Women of Distinction We recognize our many philanthropic, community and business leaders as we celebrate our 15th year of supporting McHenry County.

Robin Doeden

MCCF- Executive Director 2016 Women of Distinction

620 Dakota Street | Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012 Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter for 15 years

815.338.4483 | www.mccfdn.org Founded by local residents, the Community Foundation offers people a method to pool philanthropic giving in our county

38 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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GOODBYE WINTER,

HELLO SPRING!

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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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 39

INDOOR CYCLING CLASSES

@ Young Masters Fitness

For information go to

WOODSTOCKSPINCLUB.COM Classes are designed for beginners to advanced cyclists and will also include specific cycling training programs for the experienced cyclists

GROUP FIT NES WEIGHT LO S CLASSES SS WORKO U YOGA PI LATES TA T I CHI KARATE/TA EKWONDO JUDO LIT TLE NINJAS

“Personalized workouts with the individual attention you deserve” Taught by Certified Trainers and Master Instructors Young Masters Martial Arts and Fitness Woodstock Square Mall, 110 South Johnson Street 815-206-2222 www.YoungMastersFitness.com

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 41

How To Clean Jewelry Toothpaste, beer baths and other wives’ tales about cleansers

A

few weeks ago, I stumbled across a posting in a group website where a girl was asking about techniques to clean her diamond ring. Intrigued to see the answers that were being offered to her, I started reading all of the comments and, oh my gosh, some of them were really silly!

The most common theme seemed to be recommending that she clean her precious gemstones and metals with toothpaste or baking soda. Which is not a very good idea considering there are abrasives in these products that can easily scratch metals — especially gold.

Some others included vinegar and bleach, which over time can break down the base metals and should never be in direct contact with your jewelry.

A few other old wives’ tales I came across while researching this topic ... ketchup is supposed to make your silver shine brighter and a little soak in a beer bath is supposed to do wonders for your yellow gold. As silly as these are, now I’m curious to see if they work. If you have ever tried something out of the ordinary to clean your jewels, let us know on our Facebook page.

So how should you clean your jewelry?

Every six months, or more frequently if you’d like, you should bring your jewelry in to a jewelry store to have it checked and professionally cleaned. Steffan’s Jewelers has

42 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

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Purch Your T ase ickets

an ultrasonic jewelry bath specifically for this purpose.

TO D A Y!

In addition to making your jewelry look brand new, a jeweler can tell you if there is any work that needs to be done and make sure there are no loose stones.

If you want to keep your jewels clean at home, use a bowl of warm water and a gentle dish soap (such as Dawn). Soak your jewelry, except for pearls, for 20 to 40 minutes and use a soft toothbrush to remove any gunk that may be hiding in between prongs or gemstones.

There are also jewelry-cleaning solutions on the market that you can purchase for home use that are very inexpensive, yet pretty effective. A jar of jewelry cleaner at Steffan’s will only set you back about $3. Just remember, cleaning your jewelry at home should not take the place of bringing it in to a store to be professionally cleaned.

Did you know that Steffan’s has been cleaning McHenry’s jewelry for 70 years now? That’s right! This year marks our 70th anniversary since my greatgrandparents opened Steffan’s. We will be celebrating all summer long with fun prizes, special sales and much more.

Keep up to date with all of our fun events by liking us on Facebook.

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.

Please join us for the Women of Distinction Awards luncheon.

The Women of Distinction Award will be presented to women who have been chosen as representative role models and leaders in their fields and communities.

A welcome reception will provide networking opportunities preceding lunch and the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will honor the 2016 Women of Distinction and provide honorees with an opportunity to share their stories.

Purchase tickets online

by May 1 at mcmwod2016. eventbrite.com. * To reserve full tables of 8 in advance or for questions, call 815-526-4416.

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Awards Luncheon May 11, 2016 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Crystal Lake Country Club

$35/ticket

Our 2016 winners: Robin Doeden Maralee Gordon Susan Ling Gloria Mack Jamie Maravich Kathryn Martens Kathy Rauch Jackie Speciale Linda Stengele Hadley Streng Ann Viger Kenote Speaker Sponsor

Luncheon Sponsor

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 43

Happy May, everyone!

Mother’s Day is this month, and a new crop of spring books have blossomed. So many of us were handed down our love of reading from our moms — now is the time to give back! Here are some of my book picks, depending on your mom’s personality:

For the Mom Who Makes Her Own Granola Whole Bowls: Complete Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Meals to Power Your Day } by Allison Day So many foods that come in bowls are staple comfort foods — cereal, mac and cheese, piping hot tomato soups. In her new book,

wellness institution in the UK, devoted to blogging and creating recipes for healthy food on-the-go. I have already made several make-ahead breakfasts and lunches (including a maple chia pudding and turmeric–infused pea and cauliflower salad — yum!). There are opportunities to experiment with unusual ingredients (baobab powder?) as well as make new creations from foods you already have. This is her second book published in the US.

For the Mom Who Can Spend Hours in Sephora or Ulta Face Paint: The Story of Makeup } by Lisa Eldrige

“Whole Bowls,” Allison Day crafts a colorful cookbook with an ideal protein/ vegetable ratio for all meals (breakfast, lunches, entrees and even desserts).

The meals are healthy, but still ultimately satisfying (and just as comforting as their lessthan-healthy counterparts).

For the Mom Who Calls Whole Foods Her “Second Home” Deliciously Ella Everyday } by Ella Woodward Trying to eat healthy while maintaining a busy lifestyle is an oft-revisited topic of conversation for many women today.

Ella Woodward has created a

44 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

This absolutely stunning book is one part history lesson and one part nostalgic trip down memory lane. The sections entitled “Makeup Muses” help us remember famous women who introduced major trends into the cosmetics industry, and sub-chapters dedicated to the role of various colors in the history of cosmetics makes for an introspective revisiting of the color wheel. The photographs of vintage makeup evoke the same feeling of discovering unique finds at an antiques store.

Even if you aren’t the kind of lady who embraces makeup for your everyday look, your heart might still skip a beat when you see that pink and green tube of Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara. Treat mom or grandma to this treasure, and flip through the pages to see what associations emerge.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

For the Mom Who Loves Her Mystery Marathons The Girl in the Red Coat } by Kate Hamer Abduction mysteries can get repetitive. Many novels have plots so focused on gruesome and traumatic torture that you feel like you need a support group after you’ve finished them. This book is neither of these, and to say it was a page-turner is an understatement.

The story surrounds the abduction of Carmel, our red-coat-cloaked heroine, who is kidnapped during a children’s fair in England, and whisked off to the United States by her kidnapper. Chapters are recounted back and forth from both Carmel and her mother, Beth’s, perspectives. Can Beth keep herself together? Will Carmel believe the lies she is told by her kidnapper? The questions are endless and keep you wanting more. A must read for the mystery lover in your life!

On a side note, this column is dedicated to my mother — a librarian!

Book Nook

with Sandra Manley Sandra Manley, LSW, grew up in Island Lake, IL. She is an Oncology Social Worker at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology and Solid Tumors.

In her spare time she can be found roasting vegetables in her oven, enjoying a very dark cup of coffee, and of course, reading. You can follow what she is reading on Goodreads: Goodreads.com/SandraReadsMSW.

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WOMEN IN

BUSINESS

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Meet our 2016 honorees, nominated by peers and readers.

Explore profiles of area businesswomen.

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 45

of WOMEN distinction In 2012, Shaw Media and McHenry County Magazine began a tradition of honoring women who have been representative role models and leaders in their fields and communities. After reviewing nominations from community leaders, local business professionals and our own readership, we are pleased to announce this year’s Women of Distinction recipients. We introduce our honorees here, and in each month that follows, tell the complete story of one of these outstanding local residents.

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE Photos by From Me 2 You Photography

McHenry County Magazine’s 2016 Women of Distinction

Robin Doeden

McHenry County Community Foundation

I

n her professional and personal contributions, Robin Doeden has made a positive impact on her community. Since 2012 she has been the president and chief executive officer of the McHenry County Community Foundation, steering the foundation to a greater community awareness and engagement. She has increased participation and fundraising for the organization.

From her previous roles as director of development to her career as a writer and marketer, Doeden is a top professional. Her ability to bring people together, break down complex issues and encourage everyone around her makes her a leader that others respect and follow. She has created programs in the community and is known for her ability to connect people to projects.

ROBIN DOEDEN McHenry County Community Foundation 46 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

She has worked with several other local groups, including the St. Paul’s Diaper Bank Dancing for Diapers, Rotary Western Auction and Family Health Partnership Clinic events. She is active with local chambers of commerce. When it comes to her work she is passionate and innovative. She is a leader and a collaborator.

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

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Maralee Gordon

McHenry County Jewish Congregation Rabbi

R

abbi Maralee Gordon has been an active member of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation since she, her husband and three sons moved to Woodstock in 1986. Just a few weeks after moving to the area she joined the teaching staff at MCJC and her work has continued since that time, from her role as principal from 1989 to 1996 to her role today serving the congregation as a rabbi.

After returning to school, Gordon was ordained as a rabbi in 2001. She is an educational resource on Jewish practice, a spiritual leader and a voice of the Jewish community in McHenry County. She is active in FaithBridge, stressing the importance of tolerance, interaction and collaboration among various faith groups. She regularly gives presentations to high school and college religion classes. She makes time for pastoral care to Jews in the community as well as regular visits with immigrants awaiting deportation at the McHenry County Jail.

Her work with the Jewish community extends beyond McHenry. She is active in the Chicago Board of Rabbis, she has worked with a Jewish congregation in DeKalb and she is participating in the Rabbinic Leadership Program of Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

MARALEE GORDON McHenry County Jewish Congregation

Susan Ling

Illinois Department of Human Services Family Consumer Specialist

S

usan Ling has been called a beacon of hope to families and individuals affected by mental illness. Through her own personal and family journey, she has created a role that has had an impact on the state and local levels.

Through her work with the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health/Child & Adolescent Services she is an advocate for families on a state level, while providing increased support and services to local families in the McHenry area.

SUSAN LING Illinois Department of Human Services

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She has helped families navigate the care and services available, helped increase the number of support groups and classes and brought more services to the area. She takes time to work with teachers, law enforcement professionals and others to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Through her work she has tried to help those in need, while increasing awareness and understanding in the greater community.

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 47

Gloria Mack Volunteer

G

loria Mack shares her time and talents with several organizations. She is a member of the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, the McHenry Landmark Commission and was an administrator with the McHenry County Historical Society. She goes beyond serving these commissions with board meetings and planning and has been known to spend time peeling wall paper or dressing up in historical costumes to teach children as a historical society museum volunteer.

Mack has been known as a positive force for change, leading preservation efforts for future generations to learn and understand.

She serves on the Valley Hi Nursing Home operating board and is a volunteer with JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She volunteers at the Wonder Lake Food Pantry and is active with Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church.

GLORIA MACK Volunteer

Whether she is counseling families of hospice patients or researching historical information, she is a dedicated volunteer who inspires others to share their time and talents. She strives to make personal connections with those she meets.

Jamie Maravich

BMO Harris Market President

W

ith an extensive career in the banking industry, Jamie Maravich has built a path to her current role as market president for BMO Harris. To her staff she is a role model and leader, but these traits extend beyond her day job and describe her work with the greater community.

Through her work with BMO Harris she lends support to various groups and programs in the community, including support for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Through her work and her time volunteering with local organizations and boards she continually finds ways to support the community and residents using her skills as a positive leader.

Outside of her work she is an active volunteer, serving on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, the United Way for McHenry County, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Maravich is considered a dynamic person, sharing her time and talents and creating a lasting impact in the community.

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

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Kathryn I. Martens

Crystal Lake Public Library Director

W

ith strong leadership and administrative skills Kathryn I. Martens has served as director for the Crystal Lake Public Library for the last 26 years. She is a fiscal conservative who keeps the library moving forward.

She has found ways to bridge the library to the greater community. Martens created a Library Pay It Forward Forgiveness Program, offering residents the opportunity to be forgiven half of their library fines if they donated half to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Since the program started in 2008 more than $46,000 has been donated.

Martens is an active part of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, serving in several positions from committee member to president. She is also an active volunteer and advocate of the Community Harvest program, which serves to collect items for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

She is a member and trainer with the Northwest Obedience Club, Inc. in Cary and has competed with her two standard poodles. She also has trained her poodles with Pet Partners Therapy Dogs, bringing them to the library for Read to the Dog programs as well as to hospitals for visits with patients.

KATHRYN I. MARTENS Crystal Lake Public Library

Kathy Rauch

Family Health Partnership Clinic Director of Volunteers

W

ith a keen ability to listen to others and think outside the box, Kathy Rauch is constantly finding ways to bring people together and inspire. She continually finds ways to motivate others to support the Family Health Partnership Clinic and its programs, bringing together people of varying ages and programs to support the clinic and its outreach.

She is considered a wonderful role model and cited for her enthusiasm.

She lends her time to the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, as well as several national and local foundations, clubs and boards.

She is a strong supporter for the arts, opening her home for an annual emerging artists show. The show becomes a way for the artists and members of the community to connect and develop relationships.

KATHY RAUCH Family Health Partnership Clinic

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She also is an athlete and enjoys the outdoors. She was involved in the United States Ski Association and was a cross county timing official at the 1980 Olympic games in Lake Placid. She is the past president of the Crystal Lake Rowing Club Board.

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 49

Jackie Speciale

MAC Automation Concepts

A

s the chief financial officer for MAC Automation Concepts, Jackie Speciale leads the financial welfare of the small Woodstock company. Outside of work she is a member of the Woodstock Rotary, where she helps plan and participate with events. She is also a member of the Woodstock Planning Commission.

Through her civic activities, charitable work and volunteer activities she continually makes a positive impact in her community. She’s an avid runner and athlete and often uses her love of running to raise funds through local races.

As a member of the Red Cross Disaster Team she volunteers her time to support and assist victims, even when work keeps her away from her family for several days. She is an active supporter and advocate for the Red Cross.

She also serves on the Woodstock Planning Commission, lending her time to the future growth of the community. She has been called an inspiration for the tirelessly way she gives of herself to her family, friends and community.

JACKIE SPECIALE MAC Automation Concepts

Linda Stengele

Local historian and volunteer

L

inda Stengele has devoted countless hours to preserving the stories of the past for future generations. Among her many projects is working with volunteers at the McHenry County Recorder’s Office transcribing property records dating back to the 1830s and creating a database through the recorder’s office website.

She has helped organize the Fox River Grove Lions Club historical records and is a regular volunteer in the Fox River Grove Library’s history section. She has organized groups of volunteers to index obituaries and death notices from past and current newspapers for the Crystal Lake Historical Society, with more than 70,000 names indexed.

But preserving history is just one part of Stengele’s story. She has enjoyed a career as a real estate agent and broker and achieved membership to the Million Dollar Club Life Member. Along with the countless hours she has volunteered in local libraries, Stengele also worked in a library in Wheeling.

Stengele’s work as a dowser has led to the detection of numerous unmarked graves, septic fields and wells across the county. She also worked to restore Chunn’s Burial Ground and the Oak Glenn Cemetery in Algonquin Township, including the grave of a Union Army veteran.

50 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

LINDA STENGELE Local historian and volunteer

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Hadley Streng

Centegra Health System

H

adley Streng has demonstrated leadership in addressing the healthcare needs of McHenry County. She was a key leader in the Centegra Hospital-Huntley and the opening of Centegra Immediate Care Centers, as well as the expansion of the Centegra Physician Care.

She joined Centegra in 2006 in a management role and grew into her current role as a vice president of strategy and development. Through her work she demonstrates an awareness of the patients and families in the region she serves and is continually working for their best interests. Her role is helping Centegra respond to the community’s health needs and ensure patients have local access to high quality care.

Additionally she serves on the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, working with fellow community leaders to plan, design and implement long-term economic development strategies to help the county’s businesses thrive. She is a member of the Curriculum Committee for Leadership Greater McHenry County to develop community leaders and knowledge on community issues as well as volunteer opportunities.

HADLEY STRENG Centegra Health System

Ann Viger

Crystal Lake Park District director of planning & development

W

ith a can-do attitude and proven leadership, Viger has been making her community better since her days as a volunteer raising funds and manpower to build a new playground at Woodscreek Park.

She has devoted countless hours to making a difference in her community, from her work on the Community Cleanup and the Community Harvest to her active involvement in the Crystal Lake Chamber and Economic Development Committee. She often serves in a leadership role, bringing others together and taking the reins in projects and programs.

She utilizes her skills and interests in her role on the Crystal Lake Park District and goes beyond her daily work with her active membership in several professional/park distraction organizations on the state, regional and national level. There she shares her experience and skills, as well as her ability to lead.

ANN VIGER Crystal Lake Park District

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With her passion for history she is an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as working with local history as a part of the Crystal Lake Historical Society.

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 51

Celebrating women who make a difference.

As a proud supporter of gender equality, BMO Harris Bank congratulates Women of Distinction honoree Jamie Maravich. We applaud your accomplishments and dedication.

BMO N.A.COUNTY Member FDIC 52 | MayHarris 2016 | Bank MCHENRY MAGAZINE

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Joni Fisher

Administrator

J

oni Fisher, Administrator of Hearthstone Communities in Woodstock has devoted her career to caring for others.

For the past thirty-eight years, she has held a number of different positions at Hearthstone. “When I moved to McHenry County, I interviewed for an activities director position at Hearthstone, and never imagined I’d be here this long.”

Fisher, whose motto is “teamwork”, oversees Hearthstone’s CCRC which has all levels for seniors available ranging from independent living to long term care. Her passion is all things Hearthstone wearing many hats through the years.

Her favorite responsibilities allow her to spend time with residents.

“They have so much to share and have given so much during their lives; I want to do all I can to make their senior years the best they can be.”

Hearthstone Communities

920 North Seminary Ave, Woodstock 815-338-2110

hearthstonewoodstock.org

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Marcy Piekos

Executive Director, Leadership Greater McHenry County

O

ften I am asked why my conviction is so strong in believing Leadership Greater McHenry County is the premier leadership organization in our area.

It begins with the key distinction that LGMC goes beyond enhancing individual leadership acumen. LGMC’s unique mission, community-based curriculum and the connections we foster clearly define who we are.

Each June, we graduate 32 highly committed, motivated servant leaders. These individuals join our alumni ranks and become a resource to the community to serve on nonprofit boards and government. The positive outcome of having 375 alumni members is evident through their commitment to shaping the county’s future.

LGMC transforms leaders’ perspectives, and provokes new thought. Maya Angelo ‘s words reflect what I believe, “When you know better, you do better.”

Leadership Greater McHenry County

(815) 337-8750 1290 Lake Avenue Suite 200 Woodstock, IL 60098 www.leadershipgmc.org

Bernice Zubrzycki Banquet & Catering

W

hether you’re hosting an intimate gathering, a grand wedding, training session, or a back yard picnic, Bernice Zubrzycki, Owner of 31 North Banquet & Catering has the experience and resources to make it an event to remember.

For over 35 years, Bernice has been partnering with local families and businesses to make their events a delicious success. “Whether you are a State Senator, a CEO, Charitable Events Captain or a bride-to-be, our determination to exceptional service, relentless attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence makes us the preferred caterer and banquet facility for anyone wanting a flawlessly planned event,” Bernice says.

Her luxury venue “31 North Banquet & Catering” brings a level of style and elegance to McHenry that, until recently, could only be found at the most exclusive locations in Chicago.

31 North Banquet & Catering 217 Front Street • McHenry 815-344-0330 www.31NorthBanquets.com MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 53

Karen Lagerhausen

Mary Behrens

Murphy’s Flooring

Kitchen Outfitters, Inc.

A

successful floor covering business takes hard work, dedication, and a focus on your customers’ needs,” says Karen Lagerhausen, Design and Sales Consultant at Murphy’s Flooring.

“Natalie and Keith (Murphy) are growing a great business, and I’m thrilled to apply my 35 years of experience to help them meet their goals.” Besides carpeting, Murphy’s sells hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, and sheet vinyl all displayed in their newly enlarged showroom.

Lagerhausen’s extensive knowledge of products and installation techniques was gained working in the commercial, builder, and residential sectors. “Helping customers find products they can rely on and enjoy is why I’m in this business,” explains Lagerhausen.

She continues, “I have a deep commitment to go the extra mile for each customer. That’s how we provide outstanding personal service.

M

ary Behrens opened her business in October, 2013 after she looked at downtown and determined a kitchen store was missing from the mix. “I’m a total foodie, and am addicted to kitchen gadgets, so I figured my passion would help me fuel my business!” explains Behrens. Kitchen Outfitters sells everything from spatulas/utensils to fine cutlery, small electrics, cookware, bakeware, barware, and grilling supplies. Tasty samples are a staple at the store, as well as product demonstrations.

“The experience customers receive from the time they walk in the door until they leave is key, and that means personal service that you can’t get from big box stores. More and more people are shopping local, and our customers really become friends. I’m having the time of my life!” says Behrens.

Murphy’s Flooring

54 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Kitchen Outfitters, Inc. SM-CL0341574

2104 South Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 www.murphysflooring.net 815-334-5985

Kay Rial Bates

64B N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 779-220-4653 kitchenoutfitterscrystallake.com

Chamber President

K

ay Rial Bates, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce President, is quite aware that women enjoy connecting with other women.

“Just like our male counterparts enjoy male bonding, we women love to interact socially and professionally. That ‘s why McHenry Area Chamber developed a professional women’s group called WINGs,” she said.

“The ladies love that WINGs offers women the opportunity to network at their table, receive complimentary gifts and introduce themselves to all in attendance.”

“I hope readers will join us on May 18th as WINGs presents, Clutter is Part of Life; Organization is not Letting Clutter Rule Your Life!” by Paula Ripple, of OrganizeWell,” Bates said.

WINGs is a Chamber-sponsored networking group, open to everyone. Meeting dates and locations are posted on the chamber’s website, www.mchenrychamber.com To register or learn more visit www.mchenrychamber.com

McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce 1257 N. Green St., McHenry 815-385-4300 www.mchenrychamber.com

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Lesley Smith

Membership Experience Director

E

ngland, Italy, India. These are just a few places Lesley Smith has called home. Living all over the world provided a unique perspective she draws upon daily as Membership Experience Director for Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake.

“People are the same everywhere.

Having an open mind and the ability to try to find ways to say ‘yes,’ make for a great experience for our members and the community,” Smith said.

She and her family have lived in the area 22 years. Previously, she worked in health & fitness and banking. Volunteering, community service, and participating in Leadership Greater McHenry County sparked her desire to work for a not-for-profit organization.

An active Rotarian, she’s driven by their motto ‘Service above Self’!

She’s responsible for delivering the YMCA Mission, attracting and retaining members, overseeing staff and “getting word out about this beautiful facility.”

Sage YMCA of Metro Chicago

701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake 815-459-4455 sageymca.org n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Sen. Pamela Althoff Illinois State Senate

S

en. Pamela Althoff has served in the Illinois Senate since 2003, championing legislation for businesses. What’s more satisfying?

Ensuring the Pioneer Center receives state funding; working with Marengo residents dealing with a water pollution issue, just like Flint, Mich.; working on economic development opportunities for McHenry County businesses – Althoff enjoys these more than activities in Springfield.

“Although I love every aspect of my job, I get more satisfaction working with people who elect me, helping them in a more handson fashion, rather than passing a bill for the entire state,” she says.

She credits her strong female support group for much of her success and plans to pay it forward.

“Women who have achieved success in their professional field need to do all we can to reach out to the next generation, offering support, encouragement and mentorship.”

State Senator Pamela J. Althoff 5400 West Elm Street, Suite 103 McHenry, IL (815) 455-6330 www.senatoralthoff.com

Glenda Miller

McHenry County Treasurer

M

cHenry County Treasurer Glenda Miller has established a new online portal that makes getting property tax information simple—and free!

Her office’s website, www.mchenrytreasurer.org allows taxpayers to search for information about their properties, and taxing bodies to obtain information about their annual distribution.

“This is something people used to have to come into the office for, now it’s available to everyone,” Miller said.

Miller’s job not only includes collecting and distributing property taxes, but also keeping over eighty accounts balanced, making monthly reports to the County Board, and protecting the county’s revenue while growing its investments.

“We want to make sure the taxpayer’s money is safe, and carefully invest it for a good return, so we don’t have to ask for as much,” she said.

McHenry County Treasurer 2100 N. Seminary Avenue 815-334-4260 www.mchenrytreasurer.org

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 55

“

The community is my heart, it means everything to me

Jennifer Wagner

Sarah Ashley Sobel

Vice President Commercial Lending

E

xcellent customer service and communication are two things that Jennifer Wagner strives to provide to each of her clients at Crystal Lake

Bank.

As vice president of commercial lending, Jennifer works closely with business owners, helping them fulfill their dreams of expansion, whether it be the purchase of a new building, acquiring another company or other avenues of growth.

She prides herself on being efficient - always getting requests processed as quickly as possible - and she stays in constant contact with her clients so they’re never in the dark about a transaction.

“I take pride in that,” she says. “If you become a customer of mine, I take the responsibility to make sure things get done. I’m building long-standing relationships with my customers, and it starts with trust.”

Chief Financial Officer

S

arah Ashley Sobel has countless memories at Pablo’s Restaurant & Cantina. “I went there often,” says Sobel. “Myself, and then my children, pretty much grew up there. It’s an amazing family environment.” Three years ago, Sobel and her family bought the casual Mexican spot. Sobel began as a restaurant manager before becoming the chief financial officer at Pablo’s. She is responsible for inventory, payroll, community events, advertising and more.

This year, Sobel and her family are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their restaurant in early November. “We’re going to have a huge anniversary party, the whole community is invited,” says Sobel. For her family, this milestone is especially meaningful. “I’m thankful for my struggles, because without them I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strengths,” she says.

A Crystal Lake native, Sobel is very involved in the community and a wide range of charity work, including working with the homeless, Turning Point and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She says she loves that working at Pablo’s has given her the chance to work beside her mother and grow herself and their restaurant within the community. “The community is my heart, it means everything to me,” she says.

PABLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Crystal Lake Bank and Trust Company A Wintrust Community Bank 815-788-3233 crystallakebank.com 56 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

230 Virginia Rd.; Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-455-2500 pabloscrystallake.com

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Karen Vedda

Owner/Operator

E

veryone remembers HoneyBaked Ham in Crystal Lake during the holidays.

But franchise owner Karen Vedda, manager Jake Kuenster and their team offer much more than oncea-year holiday staples.

For the last 25 years, Vedda and her team have provided customers with the hams they have come to love. But during non-holiday times, HoneyBaked also has offered box lunches - complete with a sandwich, chips or salad, cookie and a drink; dinner packages; and complete catering and delivery options for business and private events.

The Crystal Lake native is proud to have many long-time employees.

She’s also happy to give back to the community she loves.

“I see a lot of the people I’ve known for years,” she says. “It is very fulfilling to interact with the people, schools and churches of Crystal Lake that I have been surrounded by my whole life.”

Crystal Lake

5186 Northwest Hwy Between Exchange Dr and Pingree Rd 815-477-4426 HoneyBaked.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Crystal Lake Travel Travel

F

ounded in 1960, Crystal Lake Travel is one of, if not the oldest, travel agencies in McHenry County.

Owner Susan Marie Swett started working at the agency in 1975, and purchased the business in 1981, when she was twenty-four. Co-owner Patty DeRoo joined Crystal Lake Travel in 2003 and became a partner in October, 2014.

Today, the agency employs four full-time travel agents, five parttime agents and a bookkeeper. All of the agents love to travel and between them, they’ve visited every continent except Antarctica.

“Going to the destinations, seeing the resorts and experiencing the culture helps us do our jobs better,” said Swett.

A travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of a destination provides expert guidance that a website can’t. “We’re able to give an unbiased recommendation, and professional advice so clients can feel confident when they travel,” said DeRoo. For clients, working with a travel agent not only saves time, it’s more convenient than researching and booking everything on your own.

And if something goes wrong, the agent is there to help.“I provide clients with my personal cell number, so they can reach me at anytime. We believe in giving the best personalized service,” said Swett.

CRYSTAL LAKE

TRAVEL

Crystal Lake Travel

13 Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake 815-459-2500 www.cltravelagency.com

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 57

“

We’re experienced, offer outstanding customer service, and are committed to making your trip memorable.

Kathy Devyak

Founder/President

Neelie Kruse

V

Cary Travel Express acation season is fast approaching, but there’s still time to plan a great trip, says Neelie Kruse, CTC, and owner of Cary Travel Express.

Whether you’re ready for sun and sand, sightseeing, or exploring new cultures, Kruse and her team are ready to help you create an unforgettable vacation.

Kruse suggests that couples seeking a romantic destination should consider Italy.

“Rome has so much history, and the Vatican is incredible to see. Florence and Venice each have a character all their own. There’s so much to see, and the food and wine are amazing.”

For an awesome family vacation, Kruse recommends Costa Rica. “It has so much to offer, from the lush tropical rainforests with zip lining, to the bright blue water surrounding the island offering surfing; white water rafting inland, and volcanoes to climb.

Rather stay closer to home? “Disney and Universal Studios always make a great family trip, and we work with clients to make them fun and affordable,” Kruse explains.

Because Kruse and the Cary Travel Express staff are well-traveled themselves, they can provide suggestions for unique destinations and experiences to make your trip special. Committed to providing the best in customer service, they’re available to assist if you encounter any problems.

Cary Travel Express has received the “Best of the Fox” award as the area’s best travel agency, and in 2013, Kruse was named one of the nation’s Top 25 travel agents by Travel Agent Magazine.

Cary Travel Express

9 Jandus Road, Cary, IL 60013 847-639-3300 www.carytravelexpress.com 58 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

K

athleen’s Creative Expressions Full-service women’s hair replacement center Since she was a teenager, Kathy Devyak has worked in the hair industry.

But over time, the licensed cosmetologist saw a need for compassion and understanding in the hair alternative business.

In 2003, she opened Kathleen’s Creative Expressions to provide women suffering from thinning hair, Alopecia, chemotherapy/ radiation hair loss and more the solutions they needed to feel confident.

Thirteen years later, Kathy continues to offer full wigs, toppers and other hair systems to women, finding their perfect color match and styling it so that it’s impossible to tell the hair isn’t natural.

“When [my clients] are smiling and crying and telling me, ‘Thank you!

You gave me my life back,’ that makes it all worthwhile to me,” Kathy says.

Kathleen’s Creative Expressions

380 Terra Cotta Rd Unit C., Crystal Lake 815-759-0329 www.kcexpressions.net n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Luann Bauer

W

hen Luann Bauer, a breast cancer survivor, opened LuLu’s Wiggin’ Out in 2005, she had a clear goal in mind.

“I wanted to help other women who were going through what I went through to feel good about themselves,” she said.

LuLu’s Wiggin’ Out still brings that warm-hearted touch to downtown Crystal Lake.

The boutique is known for their fun and unique clothing, accessories, hats and wigs. They offer over 100 styles of high quality synthetic wigs, hairpieces, human hair, and heat friendly options.

LuLu’s is consistently named as one of McHenry County’s favorite women’s clothing boutiques, and Bauer credits her great staff.

“They’re just wonderful, very compassionate and caring.

Our goal is to make a woman feel beautiful, no matter what she’s going through,” said Bauer.

Diana Eihhorn and Amanda Scott

W

Sales Associates

hen you walk into Dalzell Jewelers, you feel like family.

That’s how sales associates Amanda Scott and Diana Eihhorn feel at the Crystal Lake jewelry shop, and that’s how they want customers to feel.

Whether it’s the freshly baked cookies offered daily or the friendly atmosphere, people find themselves relaxing and forming true relationships with these women.

“It’s a welcoming place here, and we try to just make you feel at home,” Amanda says. “It’s a very trustworthy environment.”

It’s also important that customers have confidence in Dalzell, says Diana, whether they’re purchasing designer jewelry and watches, creating custom pieces or leaving behind family heirlooms for repair.

The GIA accredited jewelry professional enjoys building that confidence by creating beautiful custom items.

“I love being able to have creative license,” she says. “People come in and if they want something we don’t have, we can make it. We are not a cookie cutter establishment.”

Amanda agrees. “We’re not just going to show [you] something that’s close to what [you’re] looking for. We’re here to help [you get exactly what you want],” she says.

Customers appreciate the care and respect they receive from their Dalzell family. “We love what we do, and you can feel that when you walk in here,” Diana says.

Dalzell Jewelers

LuLu’s Wiggin’ Out

63 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL 815-356-9900 www.luluswigginoutboutique.com

Dalzell Jewelers

41 N. Williams St. Historic Downtown Crystal Lake 815.455.3600 DalzellJewelers.com

SM-CL0340029

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 59

“ Cynthia Brown Komarek

First Vice President – Investments

F

or more than 30 years, Cynthia Brown Komarek, CRPC® has been dedicated to helping her clients achieve peace of mind. A financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, she offers a range of services that help her clients manage their investments and reach their financial goals.

Komarek specializes in business services, education funding, estate planning strategies, insurance, IRA & IRA rollovers and retirement planning. She is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, a designation earned from the College for Financial Planning®, which she received after extensive training in asset management, estate investment planning, planning and retirement planning.

Komarek is also involved with local animal rescue organizations such as Animal Outreach of McHenry County and Green Lake Animal Shelter. A member of the National Association of Professional Women, Komarek is well equipped to provide a broad range of services to executives and business owners. She believes that a strong client relationship is built on caring, trust, listening and loyalty.

“For over 30 years I have enjoyed getting to personally know each family member that I serve,” says Komarek. “It’s important for me to understand the dreams of each client so that I can help them achieve their goals.”

2424 Lake Shore Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 815-334-2216 wellsfargoadvisors.com

60 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Stephanie Ormsby Boutique

S

ince opening Wear Did U Get That boutique three years ago, Stephanie Ormsby says what she loves most is meeting the needs of her customers. “We really make sure we have something for everyone. We have three generations who shop here and it’s made me really happy to offer that,” she said.

Stocked with a great selection of tops, jeans, dresses, jackets and accessories, the boutique specializes in fashion for every day. “These aren’t pieces that are going to sit in your closet, and we’re really known for our selection of denim,” she said.

Wear Did U Get That carries sizes from 0 to 20. “There’s a perception about boutiques that they only carry limited sizes and are expensive. I want everyone to be able to find something that fits their size and budget,” Ormsby said.

Wear Did U Get That SM-CL0340046

It’s important for me to understand the dreams of each client so that I can help them achieve their goals.

Fashion For Every Day 66 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 815-455-7500 Find Us On Facebook n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

“ A child’s

wonder and our customers’ gratitude means

Julie Loehner, CKD Kitchens By Julie, Inc.

the world to us

G

ood design comes from understanding my client’s vision, and great design comes from exceeding their expectations,” explains Julie Loehner, owner of Kitchens By Julie, Inc.

Loehner opened her showroom in 2006. She is a Certified Kitchen Designer and holds an Interior Design degree, and her husband, Mark, has the architecture and building experience.

“We are a complete design/build firm, from concept to blueprints to products.”

With over 30 years of experience, Loehner and her team specialize in kitchens; however, they also design/ build bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, home offices, wet/dry bars, media centers, and much more.

“We’re an award winning team, and our clients love that we take care of a job from start to finish within our own company. And when my clients are happy, I’m happy!”

Katelyn & Lori McConville Owners/Marvin’s Toy Store

L

ori and Katelyn McConville are owners of Marvin’s Toy Store and are in the business of fun. This mother and daughter team runs a community toy store in downtown Crystal Lake that is fresh and inviting.

Marvin’s is full of toys that encourage active and engaging play from companies that manufacture with respect towards people and the environment. “We start with the basic tenants of learning: building, pretending, creating, exploring and questioning,” said Lori, “but our specialty is toys that inspire imagination and promote the wonder of play.”

“We choose toys with a hidden agenda to learn,” said Katelyn. “We also want to encourage play that helps limit screen time.” Marvin’s products come in a range of prices, but quality doesn’t vary. A $2 item has the same high quality as a $100 item.

Lori, a former teacher and an active environmentalist, saw an unmet need for high-quality toys made from natural materials. “Putting my background and environmental passion together, the idea for our store was created,” said Lori. “Working with the Small Business Administration and reaching out to local entrepreneurs got the business started.”

Katelyn also saw a need working with the McHenry County Department of Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. “Regardless of income, parents want to give their kids a good start.”

“My students and friends inspired Marvin’s Toy Store, but our success is thanks to a supportive community,” said Lori. “A child’s wonder and our customers’ gratitude means the world to us, and doing good work in our community keeps us motived.”

Julie Loehner, CKD

Kitchens By Julie, Inc. 815-455-2500 • 847-516-2226 www.kitchensbyjulie.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Marvin’s Toy Store

64A N. Williams St., Dwntwn Crystal Lake 779-220-4179 MarvinsToyStore.com MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 61

Renee Herrmann

Shaw Media/Digital Champion

A

s Shaw Media’s Digital Champion, Renee Herrmann specializes in helping local businesses create customized campaigns that include website and video production, search engine optimization, targeted display advertising for desktop and mobile devices, social media, reputation/review management, custom sponsorship solutions and more.

Herrmann’s education and experience make her a hidden gem for local businesses. With degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Roosevelt University, where she studied Marketing Communications, she spent twenty years in digital marketing for both local and Fortune 500 companies.

She joined Shaw Media five years ago, and views marketing challenges through the perspective of her favorite quote“when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” “I enjoy bringing a unique perspective to my clients, as we create and execute successful marketing strategies,” she said.

7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake 815-459-4040 NWHerald.com 62 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Mary Meyn

Allison McCaleb

Owner

Editor / Senior Designer

A

llison McCaleb, Managing Editor and Senior Designer of McHenry County Magazine, love words. Written words, spoken words, illustrated words — and it shows.

She has been involved with the newspaper industry for 20 years, working in many capacities including reporter, editor and graphic designer. What most excites her about the industry is “its inherent fluidity. No task is the same each day, and no day contains the same task.”

M

ary Meyn officially started a home-based design business in 2008.

In 2010, she opened a Crystal Lake storefront to provide furnishings that would help transform clients’ houses into true homes.

When Mary opened Yours & Meyn, Simply Designed, there was nothing like it. There still isn’t. Her store features eclectic home goods and furnishings from vendors around the globe. And her vision, to offer clients inspiration and guidance to grow their own creativity, has helped fuel the store’s growth and the design services it offers.

Allison is originally from Texas and has lived in upstate New York, Louisiana and Indiana prior to settling down in Crystal Lake with her husband, Dan, and two children, Aleah and Matthew.

“Too many women, in the busyness of life, forget that we all have a creative side that needs to be nurtured,” she says. “Any time I can give a woman a place to have a creative outlet, whether they’re shopping here or browsing us as a source of inspiration, that to me, is special.”

Shaw Media

Yours & Meyn

7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake 815-459-4040 McHenryCountyMagazine.com

33 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 815-455-2500 www.YoursAndMeyn.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

“

Always approach everything with a positive attitude.

Put your fears of the unknown aside and pursue what you’re passionate about.”

Mary Batson Out of the Box

O

pened in 2008, Out of the Box specializes in unique and affordable gifts for all ages. Owner Mary Batson says, “We pride ourselves on helping our customers find the perfect gift for anyone on their list!”

When asked what makes Out of the Box so successful, Batson answers, “The key to our success is the friendly feel we have. We have gotten to know so many of our customers over the years, and we treat everyone like a friend because that’s what we want them to be.”

Batson opened her store to fulfill a dream she’d always had. “At a certain point in my life, I needed to do something different, and it has turned out to be the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”

Out of the Box

71 N. Williams Street Crystal Lake,IL 815-444-7446 www.outoftheboxstore.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Lynda Walsh Shay Boutique

T

hat sums up the philosophy of Shay Boutique, a family-owned and operated specialty shop in downtown Crystal Lake, as well as its owners’ including Lynda Walsh.

We are a lifestyle shop,” Walsh says. “We sell an eclectic combination of chic, casual clothing and fabulous home accents and furnishings. We keep our prices affordable as we keep up with the trends.” Co-owned by Lynda Walsh, Michele Walsh, and Lori Hills, Shay’s unique mix reflects the multiple owners’ various backgrounds of interior design, event planning, advertising, and business management. “Four years ago, we decided it was time to combine those talents into one business,” she explains.

Walsh believes the key to Shay’s success is the passion for what they do, combined with providing exceptional customer service and a welcoming, comfortable environment. “A pleasant surprise as a result of all our hard work has been the close friendships we have made, not only with our customers, but with our neighboring businesses on the Brink Street Market Square. These relationships have enhanced not only our company, but also the personal lives of all of us at Shay.”

Shay Boutique

30 N. Williams St., Suite D Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-444-6460

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 63

“

What I love most about my business is getting to spend time with people and helping them make sense of their legal situation.

Stacy Stusowski

“

What I love most about my business is getting to spend time with people and helping them make sense of their legal situation – from analyzing their assets to determining what family situations concern them the most – and then working with those clients in creating solutions to help them achieve their goals and leave a

lasting legacy.”

Attorney Stacy Stusowski primarily assists clients with wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and other general estate planning needs, but is able to help with residential real estate transactions as well.

“I worked for other law firms throughout law school and when I first graduated,” explains Stusowski, “but eventually I realized that in order to truly focus on estate planning as my primary practice area, I really needed to be out on my own.

Stusowski continues, “I think it’s important to work hard and take responsibility. It’s vital to own your mistakes and to learn from them. If what you’re doing to build your business or get a job you love isn’t working, then try a different technique instead of taking the easy route and blaming forces beyond your control. Going into business for myself was very daunting, but I worked hard and have built a very good network.”

THE LAW OFFICES OF

Stacy Stusowski, PC

64 | May 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE

The Law Offices of Stacy Stusowski, P.C.

382 W. Virginia St. #3., Crystal Lake 815-893-0043 sms@trustsmslaw.com n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

NANCY MERKLING PRODUCTIONS Photography+Art Workshops and Mentor Program 4th Fridays at The Starline Gallery Commissioned and Commercial Photography

NancyMerkling.com | nancy@nancymerkling.com 815.347.8535

N

ancy Merkling has taken the confusing parts of learning photography and created a teaching system that makes sense for any photographer who simply wants to learn how to take better photographs.

From hobbyist to pro, there’s always room to grow and the Simply Learn Photography Workshops offer new skills and inspiration for everyone.

successfully guide you through learning camera [exposure] settings, composition, people pictures, iPhone photography, creative process, GoPro and more.

Adobe certified instructor Giovanni teaches Lightroom and Social Media Marketing for artists. [New workshops coming this fall.]

With digital photography easily available, Nancy encourages every individual to learn how to take brilliant pictures of their everyday lives, monumental moments and family events with a precision and flair that will enhance your family albums for generations to come.

Nancy also teaches students who want even more personal attention in a revered One-on-One Mentor Program that makes it all about you. This 3, 6 or 12 month commitment helps students take giant steps forward in their technical and art skills with personal guidance built in to individually crafted assignments and studies. This program has a waiting list so connecting sooner than later is recommended.

Taught in Nancy’s unique, energetic and compassionate way, the Simply Learn | Photography Workshops will gently and

In addition to teaching photography, shooting photography for her personal body of artwork as well as for clients

including McHenry County Magazine, Nancy also produces her event “4th Fridays” at The Starline Gallery nine times a year at the beautifully renovated factory turned art complex and event center, The Starline Factory in Harvard. “4th Fridays” is a trailblazing event meticulously planned to bring a memorable art experience to everyone who attends.

Families, gallery owners, emerging and established artists, art buyers and collectors all enjoy this evening that involves a juried art exhibit, featured artist solo show area, photo contest, open artist studios, live music, light appetizers, cash bar, people’s choice voting and more. On average, 600 to 1,000 people travel from as far as Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago and beyond for this unique evening. Once you’ve been, we know you will be back.

NancyMerkling.com

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Are You An Artist?

PROMO CODE: SDKAPR10

See your work in the pages of McHenry County Magazine!

NORTHROPE

4001 Country Club Rd. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-356-8600

APPLICABLE PROMO CODE MUST BE ON ORDER TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT Not valid with any other promotional offer. See designer for details. • Kemper Echo is NOT included in this promotion.

Not valid in the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

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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outďŹ t your female employees with our polos designed for women

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Apartment Style Living

We specialize in serving seniors 65 years and older of all income levels!

Heritage Woods of McHenry, your affordable assisted living community in McHenry Features: Common Areas:

Services: Helpful services arranged to make your days fulďŹ lled and comfortable • On-going health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance

• Three restaurant style meals daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs & events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour staffing by CertiďŹ ed Nursing Assistants • Dakim Brain Fitness Center

4609 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHenry, IL 60050

Places to go, things to do, all with convenience in mind • Lounge Area

• Beauty/Barber salon

• Spacious Dining Room

• Exercise Room

• Private Dining Area

• Outdoor Patio

• Library & TV Lounge

• Resident Laundry

• Activity Room

To Learn More & Schedule a Visit,

Call Jenneen 815-344-2690 www.hw-mchenry-slf.com Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

www.bma-mgmt.com

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 67

Intentional Spending

L

et’s give some thought to the last time you spent money. Whether you were purchasing a new outfit to wear to an upcoming social event, tending to some repairs on your house or car, or just picking up some groceries; were your actions consistent with your goal?

I believe that the day–to-day handling of your money, no matter how routine it may feel, needs to be intentional. When we are clear about what our priorities are and use our money accordingly, we are being intentional. However, this isn’t always the way it goes. Too often we are persuaded by others in the way we spend our hard-earned resources; either by our kids, our spouse, or our friends and find ourselves pushed or pulled into ways of handling our money. When this occurs, it may hurt our long-term finances, upset people we care most about, or just keep us from accomplishing our longer-term financial goals.

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Budgeting does not have to be painful or restricting.

obtaining a clear representation of your monthly cash flow. It tells me not only about the health of your relationship with money, but it also shows me what you value most. It is NOT about judging your handling of money, but rather making sure the advice I offer is in alignment with what is important to you. The best thing your budget can do for you is show you what your lifestyle is costing you today, and how you can continue to achieve your future goals without sacrificing your lifestyle. Give a simple budget a try. You just may discover that you CAN afford to fully fund your 401(k) or IRA, take an extended vacation next year, or retire early.

All it may take is being intentional with your money.

So how do we get intentional about how we spend our money? It starts by taking an honest look at what comes in, what goes out, and where it all goes.

I recommend designing a good oldfashioned BUDGET. Now, before you start to break out in a sweat and develop hives, please know that budgeting does Joe Ricciardi is a Certified Financial not have to be painful or restricting. It Planner® with Dorion-Gray Retirement also does not have to be down to the penny, although that helps keep us honest. Planning, Inc. located at 2602 IL Route 176, Crystal Lake Il 60014-2225.

Securities offered through Securities America, As a Certified Financial Planner® one Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory of the first things I am interested in is

FINANCIAL

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Money Matters with Joe Ricciardi

• Joseph Ricciardi, CFP® Wealth Management Advisor Joe has worked in Wealth Management for over nine years and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is an active community volunteer in the area and lives in Crystal Lake with his wife and two children.

WEDDINGS

services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Dorion-Gray is not affiliated with Securities America companies. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

(815) 459-7234 • dandrebanquets.com

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FINANCIAL

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 69

live life WIDE OPEN

Meet the 2016 Buick Cascada

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 71

The Buick Cascada was designed for top-down driving.

Raising or lowering the lid takes a mere 17 seconds. Highersitting, leather appointed and heated front seats provide for maximum comfort on leisurely drives.

Standard equipment on the Cascada include power windows, mirrors and locks, rearview camera and parking sensors, remote start, heated wheel and leather trim.

To keep connected while on the go, technology in the Cascada includes available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Buick IntelliLink with touch screen for playing your favorite music or hands-free talking on the phone, and a navigation system to help you get where you’re going.

Go ahead. Live life wide open in the 2016 Buick Cascada!

Gary Lang Auto Group provides more than 30 years of automotive experience with friendly, knowledgeable, low-pressure sales associates.

With over 1,000 new and used vechicles to choose from and seven new car brands across 22 acres, Gary Lang also features financing options for all budgets and credit ratings.

See what the Gary Lang Auto Group can do for you with a test drive today!

1107 S. Rte 31, McHenry • 815-385-2100

www.garylangauto.com

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OUT & ABOUT

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attending a free career services workshop. See the schedule at mchenry.edu/ MAY 7: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cary Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Road, Cary Celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Stop by and browse the selection of comics provided by Modern Age Comics in Algonquin and Crystal Lake. We will have a variety of comics including One-Punch Man, Strawberry Shortcake, Sanjay and Craig, Dr. Who, and more. The first 200 patrons can pick one to take home. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 847 639-4210.

MAY 15: SPRING POPS CONCERT, 4 p.m., D’Andrea Banquets, 4419 Hwy 14, Crystal Lake The Crystal Lake Community Band performs at a new venue this spring for their pops concert. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and the military, and $7 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets must be purchased by going to clcb.org or by calling 815679-2263 and leaving a message.

MAY 7: HOOVED ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY PLANT SALE, 10 a.m., Hooved Animal Humane Society, 10804 McConnell Road, Woodstock A wide selection of beautiful plants will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the animals. For more information, visit hahs.org or call 815-337-5563.

MAY 18: STERNE’S WOODS & FEN WAGON RIDE AND TOUR, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., transportation from Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake Join us for a guided wagon ride tour of Sterne’s Woods and Fen. Learn about the unique habitats in this natural area. Water bottle and snack provided.

This tour requires stepping up into the wagon.

Registration deadline is May 12, space permitting.

Cost is $5. Contact Jennifer Peterson for more information, jpeterson@crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680.

MAY 7: RED ROSE RAGTIME BAND, 8 p.m., Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock Formed in 1981 by percussionist Mike Schwimmer and pianist/arranger Joan Reynolds, the band specializes in ragtime for the 7-piece jazz band format and their concerts present a potpourri of musical Americana featuring ragtime, blues, and jazz. Violinist Will Ejzak-Reynolds will join pianist Joan Reynolds for some piano/violin duets during the program. Tickets are $19

MAY 21: CORKY SIEGEL’S CHAMBER BLUES WITH SUE DEMEL, 8 p.m., Woodstock Opera House,21 Van Buren St., Woodstock An Americana mix of blues, folk, classical and wry wit. Corky Siegel is an award-winning composer who learned his craft at the feet of such legendary first generation bluesmen as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf as well as the Siegel-Schwall Band. He is credited with moving the blues from smoky clubs onto the classical concert stage and obliterating musical categorization in the process.

MAY 8: 2016 COOLEY RUN 5K AND SUPERHERO DASH, 8 a.m., Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill St., Huntley This is a family event for novice runners of any age, and includes a chip-timed certified 5K course for the advanced runner. Kids ages 4-8 that do not want to run can participate in a free Superhero dash MAY 1: WALK MS ILLINOIS, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunset competition. Your $100 registration includes a chip Park, Albrecht Road & Miller Road, Lake in the Hills timed 5K certified course, food, music, face painting, Walk MS, the largest annual fundraiser of the National Petey the clown, Clark the Chicago Cubs mascot, a Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter Mobile Gaming Theater, and a T-Shirt! NEW for 2016! will take place at 11 locations statewide. More than $100 cash prize, each for the overall male and female 12,000 participants and volunteers are expected to winners. raise more than $2.7 million to drive research, provide MAY 13 & 27: COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE, 7:30 p.m. life-changing programs and guarantee a supportive - 9 p.m., Potts & Pans Building, 1039 Wanda Lane community for those who need it most. Visit Culture, Arts and Music of Woodstock hosts Community walkmsillinois@nmss.org or call 855-372-1331.

MAY 21 & MAY 22: MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION’S INAUGURAL FLEA MARKET AND GARAGE SALE, 10 a.m., McHenry County Fair, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock New this year! Buildings will be set up with antique and collectible vendors, direct sale vendors, artisans with hand-crafted items, and anyone who would like to take part in the garage sale. There will also be an outdoor area to set up cars, campers, boats and other large items for sale. Admission is $2 per person or $5 a car group rate (12 years and under are free). Events such as these assist in the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds year round.

MAY EVENTS IN McHENRY COUNTY APRIL 30 & MAY 1: FRIENDS OF THE CRYSTAL LAKE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, Crystal Lake Plaza, 6500 Northwest Highway #15, Crystal Lake Every spring, Friends of the Crystal Lake Library organizes a huge collection of books — both hardcover and paperback including fiction, nonfiction, coffee table, children’s, DVDs and CDs . All proceeds from this sale support the needs of the Crystal Lake Public Library. Please go to focll.com for more information or contact raneestrawn@sbcglobal.net.

MAY 1: BOB BLAZIER RUN FOR THE ARTS, 8 a.m., Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake Calling all Superheroes!! Join Super Bob in the fight to preserve the arts in our community! Capes and masks will be given to every 5K participant and sidekick masks to every 1M participant. You can also be a superhero by donating your gently used shoes at the bins located in Raue Center For The Arts or next door at The Running Depot. As long as they are in “gently used” condition (no holes, cracked heels, etc.) they are accepted. Your donation will be sent to underdeveloped countries around the world.

APRIL 29 - MAY 1: RIDGEFIELD ANTIQUE GARDEN EVENT, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., The Antique Shops of Ridgefield, 8509 Ridgefield Road, Ridgefield Join the dealers in all three of our shops as they present their antiques, vintage and garden finds. This popular event is a great way to prepare your garden with wonderful and unique pieces for the season.

The event is free and open to the public. Contact theantiqueshopsofridgefield@gmail.com or 815-4774601 for more information.

MAY 6: JOB FAIR, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., McHenry County College, 8900 Us Highway 14, in the Multipurpose Room/Gym, Building A, Crystal Lake Tips for job seekers at www.mchenry.edu/jobfair.

Search the list of employers participating at http:// bit.ly/1oDdpyd. Be sure to prepare for the job fair by n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

Drum Circles led by Juli Realy, a Remo Inc. Health Rhythms trained facilitator. This is a cross-cultural, family friendly event suitable for all ages and requires no previous experience or musical ability. Benefits include having fun, relieving stress, finding creative expression and making social connections. Suggested donation is $10, or $5 if you bring your own drum. For more information, please call 815-814-8360.

MAY 22: RAUE CENTER’S ARTFUL WOMEN SERIES FEATURING AMY ORTIZ, 3 p.m., Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake Join visual and conceptual artist, Amy Ortiz, to discuss the female body as the canvas. Travel through time and explore fashion’s effects on the female body beginning with the Middle Ages and ending with fashion trends of the 21st century. For more information, visit rauecenter.org.

MAY 28: 4TH ANNUAL MCHENRY MASONIC BALL, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., McHenry Country Club, 820 N. MAY 15: 48TH ANNUAL FAIR DIDDLEY, 10 a.m.-4 John St., McHenry p.m., Woodstock Square, Main Street, Woodstock This event benefits the Lodge as well as hosts for the Enjoy the 48th Annual Fair Diddley on the historic sailors from Great Lakes Naval base on Christmas Woodstock Square. The square opens to pedestrian- Day. We provide breakfast, movies, phone calls only traffic as over 300 crafters line the streets, worldwide as well as a full Christmas Dinner. At the exhibiting their hand-crafted items. Join nearly 10,000 event will be dinner, dancing and a silent auction. shoppers. Fair Diddley is an outdoor event and takes Cost is $50. Contact the McHenry Masonic Lodge at place rain or shine. wk1776@sbcglobal.net or 815-385-2386.

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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | May 2016 | 73

artist profile

LINDA RAUEN McHenry “THE EARNSLAW” Oils

My name is Linda Rauen. I have lived in McHenry since 1984. After not having painted before, I began taking art lessons at 56. Two years ago I won the “Best of Show” at the Lake County Fair for “Cindy’s Farm.” I like painting from my own or my friend, Dave’s, photographs. Now that I am retired from Pepsi as a quality engineer, I plan to paint more from my travels. I prefer working with oils. “The Earnslaw” is my most recent. It is from a photo I took while on vacation in New Zealand.

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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OUT & ABOUT

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Sound advice may save you hundreds!

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Antique Malls

Spend the Day!

Mercantile Mall

300 of the area’s finest dealers displaying ying antiques and collectibl collectibles in 4 malls including 3 floors in our 1880’s dairy barn. Small wares to furniture. 100’s of Booths. 100’s of showcases and so much more!

Like Us On At the Famous Volo Auto Museum Near Routes 12 and 120 In Historic Volo, Illinois

About 50 Miles From Chicago, Rockford or Milwaukee

815 15-344 15 344-6062 344 6062

Helping Honeymooners

since 1984

1142 N Green St • McHenry 815-385-6900 www.worldwidetraveler.net SM-CL0335789

• Collision repair with care • 24-hour towing • Eco-friendly waterborne paint system waterbo

815-459-3232 “Cindy’s Farm” is from a photo that my significant other took of my friend’s Iowa farm. n w h e r a l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e

On Rt.176, East of Rt.14 HerrickAutoBody.com Herr OUT & ABOUT

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IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMOND’S BRILLIANCE.

H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

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325 N. Front St. McHenry, IL 60050 815-385-6070 www.steffansjewelers.com M-W & F 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, n w h eSat. r a l d . c o9-3 m /m a g a z i n e