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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Season of Gratitude and Reflection Thanksgiving evokes memories and traditions unique to each of us. For me, the vision of my mom up early working diligently to create “the meal of the year” is on the forefront. Thanksgiving Day included the anticipation of the NFL games, the lively conversation and laughter, and of course, the dining room table set with dinnerware used only for special occasions. We ate until our pants could burst and were grateful for every bite. And we paused and reflected on those whose bellies may still be hungry and whose Thanksgiving experience was vastly different than ours. After dinner my older brother and I were recruited to wash and dry the dishes, by hand, because the “nice dishes” deserved special attention a dishwasher could not provide. The day always ended the same way in our household - anticipating which of the four brothers would be chosen to break the wishbone. Of course, the two who were competing gloated to the two who lost out. And the winner of the competition, who showed no mercy, earned the bragging rights for the next year! These recollections live on for me. Every year is an opportunity for us to make new memories, adding on to the ones we already store away to think back on. For me, Thanksgiving is a compilation of shared experiences each fourth Thursday in November. A lifetime of reflection and experiences that bring up a range of emotions. This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, let us set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful. Remember those whose experiences may be different than ours. Reach out to someone who may not have a circle with whom to gather. And may we always find ways to ensure we stay connected, reconnect, or make new connections.

STEVE ROGERS, PUBLISHER @ C R Y S TA L L A K E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Katie Bobrow CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

David Bradburn, Patty Bell

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Crystal Lake City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Crystal Lake area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Crystal Lake City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Space to Gather

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Locals Only ENT ERTA I NMENT

Local Limelight A RTS + C U LTU R E

Hot Spot FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Trend Setter FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Party Planning LI FE + C U LT U R E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Events

The door is always open, come on in

14 Where do you satisfy your sweet tooth? Here is what our staff has to say.

16 In the Spotlight

Three local artists pull back the curtain to reveal why they are so passionate

20 Local Eats and Smoked Meats

Local couple turn their dreams into reality and create something of their own

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: David Bradburn Dining at the Depot, Crystal Lake. Table styled by Alicia Birong, Pat Pfaller and Patti Noble, eventswithbenefits.net David Bradburn is a local filmmaker and photographer, forktheman.com Special thanks to Countryside Flower Shop for the sunflowers.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

PAT PFALLER DANA TRESS

2 LYNN RECKAMP MIRANDA ALT

BRANDI HENRY

1: Volunteers welcome “Swifties” to the Crystal Lake Chamber Block Party at Crystal Lake Brewing 2: Volunteers escort firefighter to the finish line at the Crystal Lake Half Marathon. 3: Winners of “Best Dressed” at NISRA’s The Good, The Plaid and The Bogey golf outing. 4: Winners of “Most Creative” at Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association’s annual Women’s Golf Outing. 5: Getting the crowd excited for the Great Ball Race at Johnny Appleseed Festival 6: The Downtown Crystal Lake team celebrate the Johnny Appleseed Festival with Johnny himself! 7: Soaking up the sun at the annual golf outing for New Directions Addictions Recovery Services.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

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Enriching Lives & Embracing Potential Clearbrook West, Crystal Lake and Woodstock, empowers adults and children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to live their fullest lives possible. Through personalized services such as community-day programs, employment and vocational, home-based, residential, and clinical, Clearbrook supports individuals from birth until the end of life. Annually, Clearbrook West supports over 250+ individuals, as well as their families, in McHenry County, in over 39 communities and 8 locations throughout northern Illinois. For more information visit: clearbrook.org/west

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Want to be featured? Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrystalLake

No One Should Go Hungry The Crystal Lake Food Pantry organizes volunteers who help collect and distribute food supplies to individuals and families in need in the Crystal Lake area. Its guiding principles and values include: family, community, success through partnership, integrity, stewardship, and continued improvement. Area individuals or families needing support can visit the pantry twice each calendar month. The pantry is supported by grants, donations and fundraisers such as Community Harvest. To volunteer, donate or shop, visit: clfoodpantry.org.

On Angel's Wings On Angel's Wings, Crystal Lake, believes that all pets deserve a loving home. To help reach that goal, they rescue more than 350 pets each year from overcrowded shelters and local relinquishments. These pets are then cared for and placed into safe and nurturing homes. In the same building, the resale store helps fund operations and animal welfare programs. To learn more about pet adoption or donating to the resale shop, visit: onangelswings.org.

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Space to Gather

THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN, COME ON IN

ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTY BELL

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

When your kids have grown and flown and now have kids of their own, you may realize more than ever how important it is to have a welcoming home with space for a growing family. This is exactly why Cynthia and Frederick Schneider of Crystal Lake decided that after 30 years in their home, it was time for an overhaul. Theirs had become the house where their children, grandchildren and countless friends regularly congregated. They knew they needed to create an open concept where everyone could comfortably gather. As a retired math teacher and artist, Cindy has both an understanding of how things work in spatial relationship with each other and an eye for design and creatively combining styles and colors. So, naturally, she served as designer of this project.

The Schneiders called on TriStone Development to bring their vision to life. Owners Jeremy and Lindsay Velichkoff knew that opening up the space would involve the strategic removal of walls and adding support beams in the ceiling to ensure a safe and sturdy structure. Choosing to live on-site through the construction process, the homeowners were able to be a part of every decision, having a truly hands-on experience. The process involved reconfiguring and renovating the kitchen, dining room and living room to create a space that flows easily between all three. Mission accomplished! The result is a bright, stylish, modern, multi-use area that reflects the homeowners and their desire to continue to be the soft place where everyone lands.

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Where do you satisfy your sweet tooth? ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE

Here is what our staff has to say.

LOCA LS ON LY | ENTERTAI NME NT

KATIE B.

“Whether a family get together, birthday or holiday, Konrad’s Bakery is always present. My kids LOVE their specialty cookies (especially the “poop emoji” and Spiderman) and the adults love sampling all the delicious cakes. Konrad’s elevates any gathering.”

STEVE R.

DAVID B. Where else can you go to get amazing specialty chocolates by the pound and be able to antique just a doorway away other than Mellie’s? It’s one of my favorite places to get candy and ice cream in downtown Crystal Lake.

“What I love about Blessed Little Kitchen is that everything is so fresh. The Cinnamon Rolls are huge and delicious and the cookies are fantastic! There are so many things to choose from, it’s hard to pick what to try next. Mary and her staff are extremely friendly and helpful!”

PATTI N.

PAT P.

“When I walk into Pots and Pies it feels and smells like I am walking into a bakery in France. I love that everything is made fresh on site with daily specials along with their staples. Both sweet and savory items are available to satisfy my cravings that day. My favorites are the chocolate croissant and savory pot pies.”

Sweet treats? Without the Gluten? And tastes great? Yes, Please! Rosie’s does NOT disappoint. With everyday favorites and seasonal specials, it is hard to pick just one. Now, even my gluten-free friends can enjoy dessert at one of our gatherings! A welcome addition to the neighborhood.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE

THREE LOCAL ARTISTS PULL BACK THE CURTAIN TO REVEAL WHY THEY ARE SO PASSIONATE

Kathleen Rietz WHAT TYPE OF ART DO YOU CREATE? In 2018, after 30 years in commercial art, illustrating, and designing (and a career shift into high-pressure product development), Kathleen Rietz began painting abstract floral art on canvas and has expanded to include creating and selling one-of-akind luxury floral scarves. What began as a way to decompress from a stressful career and reconnect with herself quickly became much more than that.

DO FLOWERS HAVE SPECIAL MEANING? For Kathleen, flowers are relatable, represent universal connection, and evoke memories and feelings. They add life to special occasions. The vibrant colors can bring peace, joy and comfort in times of need or despair. Something that Kathleen understood personally when her sister became terminally ill. She turned toward painting as a distraction, a way to express her pain, and a solace that could resonate with her sister and others. In 2019, she quit her high-stress job and began her full-time career in art.

HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR ART EVOLVING?

Kathleen Rietz and her award winning "Floral Reverie"

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

During COVID, Kathleen designed online art courses and has since enhanced and expanded them to target a variety of blossoming artists. She continues to inspire and connect to herself and others. And adds beauty along the way.

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO PERFORM? In a family of 11 kids, with parents who owned a church, everyone had to find their way to stand out. Karen’s mom, recognized early on that her daughter had a voice that others needed to hear. The church provided the outlet for Karen to share her talents. And so the journey began. The self-titled “Blue Collar Musician” with a Blues and Americana influence once baked and sold cookies to make ends meet, but now earns a living performing live and writing her own music.

WHAT HAS SINGING MEANT TO YOU?

Karen Shook

At 17, after losing her best friend by murder, Karen turned deeper into music as a way to cope with that loss and some difficult relationships. Now, what gets her emotional is standing on stage and witnessing a dad dancing and singing with his daughter, eyes locked on each other, totally enrapt in the moment. She finds peace knowing she can be a part of the joy and bonding that comes from people connected through music.

CONTINUED >

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“If I can make a positive impact on even one student, I would consider Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance successful!”

Rebecca McCarthy with the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade performers

WHAT LED YOU TO PERFORMANCE DANCE? Rebecca McCarthy doesn’t remember life before dance. From the age of three, she has been dancing and knew for almost as long that her dream was to teach others. That dream became a reality at 17 when she first began giving lessons. She continued dancing and performing through college, as well as teaching, including a semester abroad in London, her junior year.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE TEACHING TODAY? Rebecca finds joy in watching the students grow, seemingly, before her eyes. She has the unique experience of teaching students year after year, much different than a school teacher who has classes turnover every year. What brings tears of pride and gratitude to her eyes is when, at a year-end recital, a shy, timid child who is blossoming into a confident dancer looks side stage where Rebecca is standing to cheer her on and catches her eye as if to say “Thank you!” and “Look what I can do now!”. For Rebecca, building confidence and self-esteem is her underlying driving force. As she explains, “If I can make a positive impact on even one student, I would consider Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance successful!”

WHAT LIES AHEAD? Currently, dancers known as The Irish Frosty Group are preparing to perform in their 10th appearance in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. A must see for thousands of loyal (and new) fans!

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

Rebecca McCarthy

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Local Eats and Smoked Meats Local couple turn their dreams into reality and create something of their own ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUBRIE BENSON Heather and Joe Cummings believe in hard work and commitment. Just like their fathers taught them. Before Moontime Smokin’ Que was even a twinkle in her eye, Heather was helping her veteran father at the VFW rib cookoff at the age of 6. And somewhere in a small town nearby Joe was learning from his father that a strong work ethic and dedication pay off. Their lives carried on and they walked similar paths, growing up in close-knit communities and working in the service industry. Their paths would eventually cross at a local bar and friendship turned romance turned marriage became the

first step to what would eventually become Moontime Smokin’ Que. A wonderfully rustic and charming BBQ joint in downtown Crystal Lake. When asked what the inspiration was behind Moontime, both Joe and Heather emphatically responded, “Having something of our own.” They were happy working in the service industry, after all, they love people and community, and most importantly, are hard workers, still, there was a yearning for something more. And while both were content with their life as it was comfortable, predictable and enjoyable, it was CONTINUED >

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

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Joe’s Motto: “If you want to eat BBQ in the daytime, you have to cook it in the ‘Moontime‘!”

also hectic working opposite shifts with little time together. All of that changed one uneventful day when Joe brought home a smoker. Not your average home appliance that fits on your back porch, but an enormous twelve-foot industrial smoker. Ever the dreamer, Heather was in for the adventure. However, like many fun, new passion projects, it was slowly pushed to the back burner as life just kept moving. Two years passed and neither Heather nor Joe could ignore the giant smoker in the proverbial room any longer, and their passion was revisited with a renewed sense of determination. Their time was spent working their respective jobs before coming home late at night to play with recipes and cook under the night sky together. As Joe likes to say “If you want to eat BBQ in the daytime, you have to cook it in the Moontime.” As they started to perfect their craft, cooking for friends and family gatherings, they realized they needed more input, after all your mom is always going to say “Great job, sweetie.” So came Smokin’ Sundays at Joe’s place of employment, a local bar, Labemi’s. With a full kitchen that happened to be closed on Sundays, Labemi’s offered a perfect place for Heather and Joe to debut their BBQ to friends, family, and locals. They were looking for honest feedback and feedback they got. Smokin’ Sundays became a local secret and fan favorite, spread by good old-fashioned word of mouth. The people loved it. And they all wanted more. So,

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Heather and Joe worked harder still and rented a kitchen from Ralph’s General Store on the West end of Crystal Lake. First offering catering and then moving to carry out. Still the demand grew. Moontime rented a booth at Lakeside Fest and people began buzzing. WHERE could they get more of this delicious tangy BBQ!? So, with their trademark determination and perseverance Joe and Heather opened the doors to a full-service restaurant and bar at 88 Railroad St. in downtown Crystal Lake. A beautiful brick building directly across the train station. And there it is. The American Dream. Having something that you can call your own. This is what started Heather and Joe Cummings down the path that led to Moontime Smokin’ Que, but what kept them going was the resilience instilled in them by their fathers. And although Heather and Joe’s fathers are no longer here, both Big John and Leroy are able to see the dream take flight. They were able to witness light in their children’s eyes as the result of their blood, sweat and tears began to take shape. And today Joe and Heather know they’re proudly looking on. So, the next time you’re there, enjoying some smoked brisket and maybe sipping on their signature ‘porch swing’ cocktail, make sure to heed the two silver plaques above the bar. Big John and Leroy. The very names given to the two smokers that keep Heather and Joe’s dream alive every day.

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL YO UR DIG ITA L DESTIN ATIO N F OR LO CA L L IV IN G

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

What if I’m serving ham this year? “Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert? “If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine? “That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.” James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Gather

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or an autumn dinner party, setting a festive table creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. Improvise and use what you have around the house for adding elements to the table. Candlesticks, vases, little pumpkins and gourds, or fall decor you have on hand can make a great centerpiece. Add fresh flowers or dried foliage for that extra layer of texture and color.

Set t ing th e Fa l l Ta bl e ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

e Tr

ad i t i o n al Table For this classic, traditional look, a plaid throw blanket stands in for a tablecloth to establish a festive base layer. Brass candlesticks with brown taper candles create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Use familiar accents such as amber jars filled with dried grass foliage and brass pheasants to adorn the table. To add a little character to the table, use a recycled wine bottle as a vase. The simple place setting is enhanced with a dried grass accent and brown silk ribbon tied into a bow to add a special touch to your traditional display. CONTINUED >

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The F

all

yT able

Are you planning to dine al fresco this fall? Create an earthy, fall garden party on the porch by using natural, organic elements, greenery and flowers. To make a statement, create a floral chandelier by hanging flowers upside down above the table using fishing wire (if your space allows). The centerpiece that runs down the length of this table consists of fresh eucalyptus with gold candlesticks and a ceramic pumpkin vase filled with flowers placed on top of a tree trunk charger. Adding small pumpkins and fresh flowers along the center gives a little extra character. Instead of going with the classic white plate, enjoy a pop of color at your outdoor fall garden party with a blue place setting as a nod to the sky. Adding a cloth napkin and cloth placemat is a great way to add texture and more autumn color to your table. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on your day, bring the outdoors in with a lovely indoor garden party dressed up in fall foliage.

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | L IFE + CULTURE

re nc h Co u n t r y Table

Rustic yet elegant, this tablescape combines the love of traditional, vintage and natural elements with an updated twist. Inspired by wooded acreage, the Spode Woodland Collection transferware designs are rooted in proper hunting tradition and perfect for marrying nature with traditional elegance. Dating back to 1831, the collection features various animals centered by the British Flowers border. This French antique dining room set was chosen for an intimate gathering for four. The fawn table runner mimicking deer spots brings an earthy, yet elevated foundation as the base for this table setting. Coordinating fawn napkins wrapped with twine and topped with natural feathers creates a whimsical touch. The stunning centerpiece starts with a vintage silver water pitcher that is then filled with fresh, sweet arrowwood Viburnums leaves. To complete the look, pair crystal glasses with vintage crystal stemware, and mix gold flatware with antique silver water pitchers, delicate salt and pepper shakers and your favorite trays.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Tips for creating the perfect board: • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

NOV EM BE R 2 3 RD

Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk

LIPPOLD PARK, CRYSTAL LAKE | 8 :0 0 A M The Hillstriders Running Club hosts its annual 5K to benefit The Crystal Lake Food Pantry. This fun run/walk has clocks so you can record your own time. In lieu of entry fee, monetary (preferred) and/or non-perishable food donations accepted on race day. Pre-register November 22nd at The Running Depot or walk-in registration the morning of the event. More information: hillstriders.com/thanksgiving-day-5k.html NOVE M BE R 2 4 T H

Festival of Lights Parade

DOW N TOWN CRYSTAL LAKE | 7 :0 0 P M The Festival of Lights Parade is the traditional start to the holiday season and when Santa Claus comes to town! The evening is filled with lights, music, and pageantry! Enjoy the creatively decorated floats and holiday music then head to Williams Street for the lighting of the community Christmas tree in the Brink Street Market courtyard! Details at: downtowncl.org/events NOV EM BE R 2 6T H

Crafts & Cocktails Holiday Market

SMITH'S CEN TRAL W EDDIN G S & E V E NTS , MC H E NRY | 1 1 :0 0 A M Shop local for all your gifting needs. Cross off names on your holiday shopping lists by stopping by the popular local event presented by Kit & Caboodle. This show boasts 25 local crafters, cookie decorating, a food truck, cash bar with specialty seasonal cocktails and more! This is a FREE, family friendly event. Details at: facebook/kit&caboodle or allevents.in/mchenry/crafts-cocktails NOV EM BE R 3 0 T H

The Market at Crystal Lake Brewing

150 N . MAIN STREET, CRYSTAL L A K E | 2:0 0 P M The Winter Market at Crystal Lake Brewing is back! Thursday, November 30th, 2:00-8:00pm. The carefully curated market, featuring all local artisans, has become a beloved tradition in Downtown Crystal Lake. Get all your holiday shopping done while enjoying a craft beer with friends! Parking is available in the Metra lot on Railroad & Grant Streets. Details at: facebook.com/events/crystal-lake-brewing/the-market-at-crystal-lake-brewing D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Pioneer Center Holiday Inspiration Luncheon

H OLIDAY IN N , CRYSTAL LAKE | 1 1 :0 0 A M Support Pioneer Center for Human Development as they help people live a dignified life of well-being, independence and inclusion. Enjoy lunch, raffle and entertainment featuring comedian, speaker and advocate Pamela Rae Schuller. Tickets $75 each or $750 for table of 10. 11:00am-2:00pm. For more information or to register, visit: pioneercenter.org D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Jingle & Mingle Winter Market

SEW HOP'D BR EW ERY, HUN TL E Y | 1 1 :0 0 A M Sew Hop’d & Kindly Made Goods have partnered to bring an amazing shopping event with many local small businesses! Enjoy food, drinks and live music, while checking many items off your holiday shopping list! Bring your friends and family. 11:00am-3:00pm. For more information visit: facebook.com/kindlymadegoods

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrystalLake

EVE N TS

DANIEL TONYAN OWNE R

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IS IT TIME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW HOME? Now is a good time to explore your options. Just be sure to work with a qualified real estate broker to help you navigate the process and get the best price for your home.

Angel Collins Realtor® C: (815) 355-0108 O: (815) 459-5900 angel.collins@starckre.com

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815.355.0108 | angelcollinshomes.com 330 W. Virginia St. · Crystal Lake, IL

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Real Estate Report Recently Sold Properties in the Crystal Lake Area

ADDRESS

SOLD PRICE

SOLD DATE

% SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

8680 Belfield Rd

$2,950,000

7/21/2023

98%

6.2

675 Woodland Dr

$2,750,000

8/10/2023

93%

5.1

0000 Haligus Rd

$1,500,000

9/5/2023

83%

109

4502 Maine Trl

$867,000

8/11/2023

99%

3.2

5605 Farmbrook Ln

$799,000

8/7/2023

100%

5.0

2613 Wyndsong Ct

$775,000

8/25/2023

103%

4.1

9090 Underhill Ct

$775,000

8/31/2023

103%

3.0

9555 Nicklaus Ln

$725,000

7/27/2023

104%

3.1

8520 Trevino Way

$717,500

9/20/2023

103%

3.1

2703 Skyline Dr

$700,000

8/3/2023

103%

4.1

1791 Andover Ln

$679,900

8/25/2023

100%

3.1

9735 Stonecastle Ln

$660,000

7/7/2023

94%

3.1

6203 Brighton Ln

$650,000

8/29/2023

100%

3.1

7065 Longmoor Dr

$630,000

7/28/2023

81%

2.1

868 Kelsey Ct

$630,000

7/28/2023

97%

3.0

464 Sunset Dr

$625,000

7/20/2023

92%

2.1 2.1

2735 Crystal Way

$619,000

9/1/2023

100%

1791 Kings Gate Ln

$615,000

8/25/2023

95%

3.0

3907 Monica Trl

$611,000

7/18/2023

102%

4.0

1282 Hunters Trl

$610,000

7/27/2023

98%

3.0

6609 Colonel Holcomb Dr

$610,000

9/11/2023

98%

3.0

1169 Overhill Ct

$597,330

8/29/2023

102%

3.1

139 Center St

$590,000

9/22/2023

100%

3.1

4115 S IL Route 31

$575,000

9/14/2023

85%

404

1.1

441 Country Ln

$575,000

8/3/2023

107%

4.1

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Midwest Real Estate Data Multiple Listing Service (MRED MLS), which does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data provided by MRED may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Properties listed may have been represented by various brokerages as indicated in MRED MLS data. This data is a sampling from 7/3/23 - 10/3/23. DOM is Days on Market.

MARJ CARPENTER Licensed Managing Broker

Cell: 815-444-MARJ (6275) Marj@MarjCarpenter.com www.MarjCarpenter.com 7107 Pingree Road Crystal Lake, IL 60014

I donate to Children's Miracle Network with every closing.