Crystal Lake, IL April 2026

patrick.oconnor@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ patrick.oconnor

Spring Starts in Your Backyard

Imagine morning coffee in the sunshine, family dinners outdoors, and summer evenings spent relaxing under the stars. A custom deck from TL Decks transforms your backyard into a beautiful outdoor living space designed just for you. From premium composite decking to elegant railings and thoughtful design details, we build that bring people together. This spring, invest in more than just your home-invest in the moments you’ll create there.

Investing in Relationships Pays the Biggest Dividends

The word investment usually conjures images of spreadsheets, market tickers, and long-term yields. But recently, as I marked my 60th birthday, I was drawn to look at my own "holdings" through a much different lens.

Not being one for the spotlight, much more comfortable behind the scenes than at the center of a toast, I told my wife I didn’t want a party or grand gestures. But in her infinite wisdom, she ignored me and threw a surprise party that caught me completely off guard. I truly had no idea until the moment I walked through the door.

As I looked around that room, I saw a living map of my life’s journey. It meant the world to see my brother and sister-in-law who made the trek from Minnesota and my oldest son who flew in from Florida. While I deeply missed my mom, my other two brothers and their families, and my two younger sons who couldn't be there, celebrating with the three who represented the family from out of state was a powerful reminder of the ties that bind us across the miles.

Surrounding them was a sea of familiar faces: my wife’s family, who have always treated me as one of their own; friends from high school and college; and neighbors from years past. It was in that moment that I was reminded of the final scene of It’s a Wonderful Life. I realized that for six decades I hadn’t just been living a life, I had been making deposits into a "relational fund" I didn't even know I was building.

This is the true essence of investment.  We often focus on the market value of our assets, but the highest-yielding investments we own are the people who will travel across the country—or simply across town—just to share a milestone with us.

As we explore the theme of investment in this issue, I encourage you to look beyond the numbers. Consider the people who make your life rich. Remember that the time you pour into your family and your community is the only investment that truly pays dividends forever.

I may have walked into my birthday party reluctantly, but I walked out feeling like the richest man in town.

STEVE ROGERS, PUBLISHER @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

Discover Crystal Lake City Lifestyle in the towns of Crystal Lake, Village of Lakewood, Prairie Grove, and Huntley.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Klaudia Burian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sharmila Taylor, David Bradburn

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Congratulations Dr. Ron! Celebrating 20 years of chiropractic service. 2—4: Volunteers and committee members made dress shopping a rewarding experience with My Sister’s Dress, offering affordable dresses, shoes, and accessories for prom and beyond! 5: Behind the scenes at Social Butterfly with Lead Staff Writer Katie Bobrow, and Photographer Sharmila Taylor. 6: NAMI board members celebrate the opening of their new facility in Crystal Lake. 7: Service League of Crystal Lake’s Casino Night at the Dole hit the jackpot!

Real Estate Report

12/11/2025

2/20/2026

business monthly

New NAMI McHenry County Facility in Crystal Lake

NAMI McHenry County opened its new headquarters at 338 Memorial Drive, funded by a $1.3 million gift. The facility launched the "Living Room," a peerled, non-clinical alternative to emergency rooms, and a Drop-In Center focused on recovery and social connection. As a leading mental health advocate, NAMI partners with local schools and workplaces to provide free education, support groups, and suicide prevention training to residents. More information about NAMI and the facility at: namimch.org

New Law Firm in Crystal Lake

Kelleher + Holland, LLC, a full-service law firm co-founded by Andrew Kelleher and Robert Holland, opened its newest office in Crystal Lake in March. Located in the historic downtown area at the corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and Williams Street, K+H now has five offices throughout Chicagoland, plus Naples, Florida. The Crystal Lake office provides estate planning, trust administration, family law, tax, and real estate services. For information or services contact: kelleherholland.com/

ChatterGirls: Changing the Chatter One Girl at a Time

ChatterGirls, a 501(c)(3) non-profit program for girls ages 8-14, is launching a session through the Crystal Lake Park District for girls 11-14 starting April 4. This once-weekly, five-week after school program helps young girls build self-esteem and resilience against anxiety through activities and mindfulness techniques. Designed to foster confidence and strong friendships, the curriculum empowers girls to become their truest selves and transform "negative chatter" into lasting strength.  For information and to register: chattergirls.org

REWRITING THE Money Story

Linda Grizely uses her experience to create a safe place to talk about money

ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR

What if everything you went through and survived was just so you could help someone else make it through their own storm?  Sometimes the experiences that shape us most don’t feel meaningful at the time. They feel confusing. Frustrating. Like detours we never planned to take.

But over time, those moments begin to reveal something different. The lessons we learned the hard way slowly become something valuable. Not just for us, but for others. Because sometimes the things we struggle through aren’t meant to end with us. Sometimes they are meant to become guidance for someone else walking a similar path.

Linda Grizely is the embodiment of that idea—turning life’s lessons into guidance for others. Through her business, she meets her clients exactly where they are—her perspective shaped by her own journey. As a young single mother and later rebuilding life after divorce, there were seasons when money felt more like a source of stress than possibility. She's navigated times of uncertainty, marriage with blended families, career changes, and even self doubt.  But all of it landed her where she is now. Stronger, more confident and able to guide others. Those experiences now shape the way Linda approaches her work, naturally drawing her toward women navigating similar emotions around money.

With a background in financial planning, today, Linda describes herself as a financial coach—an advocate and a bridge. While financial advisors focus on investments and long-term planning, Linda creates a space where money conversations feel less intimidating and learning happens without pressure or judgment.

In fact, Linda likes to think of the first meetings less like appointments and more like coffee with a friend. And quite often, that’s exactly what they are — two people sitting across a small table (or virtually), getting to know each other. Linda believes financial coaching works best when it’s personal. Understanding someone’s goals is important, but understanding their “money personality” is just as essential. By learning how a person thinks about spending, saving, and risk, she can guide them in ways that feel realistic and sustainable rather than overwhelming.

For many people, women in particular, conversations about money can carry an undercurrent of uncertainty. Some were never taught how investing works. Others feel they should already know more than they do. Linda understands that hesitation because she’s seen it again and again — and she’s felt parts of it herself.

That’s why her work focuses on education, awareness, and empowerment. Through coaching and conversation, she helps clients better understand their financial picture, ask thoughtful questions, and begin making decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Linda developed  MeMoney™, a trademarked philosophy that reframes traditional budgeting as a form of freedom rather than restriction. This concept reframes the conversation around choice. It encourages people to set aside money specifically for themselves — money they can spend without guilt.

For Linda, the concept is simple but powerful. Financial confidence doesn’t come from never spending; it comes from understanding what you can spend and making intentional choices. Saying “yes” to something today might mean saying “not right now” to something else, but it removes the shame that often surrounds money decisions. In that way, MeMoney™ becomes less about limits and more about permission — a small but meaningful shift that can help people feel more in control of their financial lives.

Today, Linda looks back on her experiences and leans into them to help others feel less intimidated by money and more confident starting the conversations that matter. It’s about empowerment, understanding, and removing the fear that often surrounds financial conversations.

And perhaps that’s the real gift of life’s unexpected lessons. What once felt like struggle can eventually become guidance — a way to help someone else feel a little more confident taking the next step.

Linda’s Five Smart Money Habits to Build Financial Confidence.

Know your money personality

Are you a spender or a saver? Security-seeker or risk-taker? Understand your personality to help you comfortably manage your finances. Take Linda’s Money Personality Quiz: www.lindagriz.com

Live within your means

Understand your cashflow and expenses.

Pay off your credit card monthly

Credit card points or mileage is good; compounding interest is NOT. If you cannot pay for it, consider waiting to purchase it.

Invest early and oftenbut it’s never too late

Regardless of your age or stage in life, start investing money. A coach and finacial planner can help determine a best fit for you.

Have an emergency fund

Keep accessible income available to cover 3-6 months of living expenses in case of emergency or loss of income.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY DELIVERS STRATEGIC SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CARE PROVIDERS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

WHERE STORIES MEET STRATEGY

In 2013, Erika Klein was working from a small nook in her master bedroom. A toddler played nearby, a newborn needed constant attention. Between nap times and snack breaks, she opened her laptop and helped her family’s senior home care agency figure out Facebook and Twitter.

She was not building an agency. She was simply helping her family.

Her father and his wife had owned a non-medical, in-home senior care agency in the Chicagoland area for two decades. Erika had studied marketing and advertising in college and had always been drawn to creative work. At the time, social media was still new territory for many small businesses, but she was curious enough to teach herself.

ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW

What started as helping one senior care location soon expanded. By the end of 2013, she was assisting several Illinois franchises within the same national network. In 2014, she was added to the corporate preferred vendor list.

Erika recalls that moment as the moment she went from being a local woman who “did social media” to the founder of Social Butterfly, a name affectionately coined by her father. At the time, she was a one-woman show. Today, it feels fitting in ways neither of them could have predicted.

More than a decade later, Social Butterfly serves approximately 150 clients. One hundred of them are in senior care and home care. The others are small businesses, many local, and a growing number national. Most of those national relationships came through word of mouth, something the team is especially proud of. In an industry built on visibility, their own growth has come largely from reputation.

The office is made up of six women, including Erika’s sister, Lisa Edelman who officially joined the team two years ago. When Erika

started, it was just her balancing client calls with bedtime routines. Now she has five employees. Her longest team member, Lisa Pettinelli, has been with her for six years. The others have joined over the past two to four years as the need has grown.

When listening to Lisa P. and Erika speak, there is a rhythm to it. They move around each other easily, finishing thoughts without trying. At one point Lisa laughs and says, “She’s the butter, I’m the fly.” They both admit they are not entirely sure what that means, but they like the way it sounds. The ease between them is clear and so is the shared pride in what they have built.

From the beginning, senior care has been the heart of the business. Growing up around a home care agency shaped Erika’s understanding of aging and caregiving. She saw how deeply personal those decisions are for families. In senior care, marketing is not about pushing a product, it’s about trust and connecting people to much needed services.

“It’s all about the people,” she explains. The staff and caregivers, the seniors and their families, the referral partners and community connections. Social media, in this space, becomes a way to tell those stories thoughtfully.

On their website, they talk about compassionate storytelling and building trust. In conversation, it becomes clear that empathy and strategy are not separate lanes. They begin with the human side and shape the content from there. Each post is meant to connect emotionally while also serving a clear purpose. Building visibility. Building credibility. Supporting growth.

Lisa P. shared one example that stayed with her; A client who has donated much of his time, expertise, and personal historical collection back to the community. Her role is to spread the word in a thoughtful way. As she described the project, there was pride in her voice. It was not just about engagement metrics; it was about honoring someone who had invested in his town and making sure the community knew the impact of his generosity.

That mindset extends to all their clients. Social Butterfly works with organizations such as the American Legion in Huntley and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. They have also helped launch the McHenry County Brand Builders campaign, encouraging businesses to spend their advertising dollars locally. The idea is simple, when you invest in your own community, everyone benefits.

Michelle Obrochta, another team member, put it this way: The goal is for “each client to feel like the only client.” She prides herself on developing close relationships with the businesses they serve. Knowing a client’s story and personality leads to more authentic content. It also builds trust on both sides.

Lisa P. is quick to add perspective. “We are not a silver bullet but an important part of a moving puzzle,” she says. Social media alone does not fix a business but works best when it supports a larger strategy. That honesty has helped shape long term partnerships rather than short term contracts.

Over the past decade, the industry has changed dramatically. Social media is no longer something businesses feel they should do. It is something they must do. Algorithms shift. Platforms rise and fall. Attention spans shrink. Through it all, Social Butterfly has evolved alongside its clients.

“KNOWING A CLIENT’S STORY AND PERSONALITY LEADS TO MORE AUTHENTIC CONTENT.”

Their hard work has been recognized. In 2024, they were named Best of the Fox Business to Business Service in McHenry County. They have also received multiple Huntley Chamber Committed Contributor Awards. Erika serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Huntley Chamber of Commerce, another sign of how connected the company is to the community it serves.

Erika still remembers that bedroom nook. A young mother figuring things out one post at a time. What began as helping her dad has grown into a team of six women supporting 150 clients. The scale has changed. The heart has not. The women at Social Butterfly understand that the stories they share can do more than build a brand. They can connect people to services, to support, and sometimes to each other.

Social media is personal work. And for Erika and her team, it remains rooted in the same place it started. Relationships first. Everything else follows.

Join Today! Membership is for 2 Rewards, Discounts & More Save $100 in April-No Fooling! ode: CLLM100

In 1922, as prohibition swept the nation, the Crystal Lake Country Club was established At The Dole Mansion, with the Clubhouse completed in 1925.

In 1922, as prohibition swept the nation, the Crystal Lake Country Club was established At The Dole Mansion, with the Clubhouse completed in 1925.

Eliza Louise ‘Lou’ Ringling was the majority stakeholder in the country club.

Eliza Louise ‘Lou’ was the majority stakeholder in the country club.

Lou’s Lounge and the Membership Club were created as a tribute to that history. Lou was a visionary. Her legacy...Like ours... Continues today. YOU can be a part of the story!

Lou’s Lounge and the Membership Club were created as a tribute to that history. Lou was a visionary. Her legacy...Like ours... Continues today. YOU can be a of the story!

PSYCHIATRIC & MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

Coming soon will be the addition of psychiatric services allowing us to offer a more complete continuum of personalized and professional care within a multidisciplinary practice. This enhancement reflects our continued commitment to provide high-quality mental health care.

EXPANDED CLINICAL SERVICES WILL INCLUDE:

• Diagnostic Evaluation

• Medication Management

Erica Veach, Psy.D. Owner

• Coordination With Existing Therapists & Providers

• Evidence-Based Treatment

815.575.8181

INVEST IN THE NEST

Homemade meals nourish the bottom line and health of all the birds in the nest.

“Love is communicated in food. Maybe that’s the magic we underestimate. It’s just as important as the nutrition in the food." - Alice Waters

Once upon a time, long before the myriad of competitive reality TV cooking shows, a curious young woman participated in a cooking competition with classically trained, creatively inspired chefs. She showed up cooking the way she cooked at home, discerning over the sweet scent of a juicy piece of

a fruit, an indicator of its peak of ripeness. Tender leaves of green and various intensities of bitter and sweet  were stacked, one by one, in a charming bowl. As snickering competitors, perhaps too consumed with their own complex creations to notice the revolution, admired their plates and felt no pressure, Alice quietly and confidently stepped into her own idea of what true nourishment is, and humbly walked away with the prize, for creating a salad.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KLAUDIA BURIAN

In 1971, Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley California, launched the California culinary scene, and with the support of local farmers, pioneered the farm to table movement as we know it today; one that has become the most popular way to dine across the country. Alice started her training as Montessori teacher in London, and recognized first hand that love and learning take place with all the senses; what is felt, and what is seen, informs and imprints the experience. Her intention to support local regenerative farmers in her community, confirmed that the love they poured into shepherding the land infused the ingredients with reverence. By using what was available and in season, she brought a flavor profile to her patrons that most people weren’t accustomed to getting anywhere else but home. She built a team of valued collaborators who further infused each creation with love, themselves cared for and valued; everyone involved in running the restaurant has a voice. From the farmer to the table. She made sure there were windows, she lit candles, she played lovely music, and built a little nest for people to come and be loved through delicious, whole, simple meals. In 1992, this curious girl went on to be the first woman to win the James Beard award and was named top chef in America. Salad is always on the menu. She is also a pioneer in connecting schools with farmers to bring that same responsibility to nourishing littles in schools.

In the modern food system and our fast-paced environment, plus the availability of already prepared meals, it can be all too easy to pivot towards convenience, and away from the time it takes to invest in the nutritional ecosystem of the home. Alice discovered quickly that the process of cooking, and connecting to nourishment with, and for, all those in the nest, created a unique comfort people were hungry for. The invitation for this month is to just get a little curious, and take a loving inventory of what adjustments can be made to raise the bar on the health of everyone in the home. There’s a quiet wisdom that takes shape when nourishing the nest becomes a value as non-negotiable as any portfolio. Bringing every voice to the shared table teaches collaboration. Planting carrot seeds teaches nature's pace, faith, patience, and mystery. Collaborating with local farmers, and visiting the farm, re-connects the family with the earth and all the gifts she provides. A happy farmer will also teach a kiddo how to lovingly catch a chicken, and where eggs come from (this is how Jane Goodall started her education and fascination with the natural world). Meal planning can be effective whether there’s an elaborate tool kit, or a piece of paper and a pencil. Cooking a meal at home can take less time, and often less money than going out. And an investment that pays dividends in dollars and time saved is one worth exploring.

This month’s recipes are nutritionally, ethically and financially sound. Argentinian chimichurri is a staple sauce around the world, and raises the taste experience when matched with a high quality meat. Once this starts to make a regular appearance in the kitchen, it quickly becomes apparent it’s a delicious topper for any roasted veggie (cauliflower would be amazing) or a punchy, fresh powerhouse salad dressing. It’s obsession worthy, loaded with nutrients, and can be kept easily for 5-7 days in the fridge. Baby bok choy, served two ways, creates unique textures and surprisingly different flavor, without any additional work or complex ingredients. The featured meal is primarily whole food, locally available, sustainable and ethically sourced, budget friendly compared to eating out, and from start to finish, takes all of 20 minutes to prepare. Maybe less if all the birds help out. On a value scale, and what’s worth investing in, they check all the boxes. Enjoy.

BABY BOK CHOY -  2 WAYS

Baby bok choy is a tender and sweet forerunner to the much bigger, less flavorful grown up version of a Chinese cabbage and can be eaten raw or gently cooked. Chili crunch oil has gained popularity over the last couple of decades and can be found in most grocery stores. Most aren’t too spicy, some contain garlic and onion, and are a nice contrasting complement to the tender and mild baby bok choy if a little extra kick is what you’re looking for.

Ingredients:

• 6 crisp baby bok choy cabbages

• 4 T organic unsalted butter

• 3 T garlic infused olive oil

• 1 tsp organic red wine vinegar

• 1 T chopped fresh parsley

• 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced

• Salt and pepper

• Chili crunch oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash bok choy well under running water to get down between the leaves without removing them. Let drain and dry a little. Slice 3 of the bundles in half lengthwise.

2. In a skillet, heat 2 T of butter and 2 T garlic-infused olive oil over medium high heat. Season cut side with salt and pepper. Place bok choy cut side down in skillet, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Turn heat to low and add the remaining 2 T of butter and allow for brown slightly. Add the garlic and parsley, and cook for 1 more minute stirring. Place aside in a little bowl.

4. Cut the remaining 3 bok choys in half lengthwise, and slice thinly crosswise. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with 1 T garlic-infused oil, add the vinegar, and toss gently to coat.

5. Place the warm bok choy cut side up on the platter along the steak (if serving this way) and drizzle with the warm garlic parsley brown butter. Serve with crunchy chili oil in a cute bowl on the side.

CLASSIC CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

Ingredients:

• 4 T organic red wine vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ cup garlic infused olive oil

• ½ cup avocado oil

• 1 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley

PERFECTLY DELICIOUS RIBEYE

Ingredients:

• One 8-10oz grass fed ribeye steak,1.5 inches thick

• Salt and pepper (that’s all a good steak needs)

Directions:

1. Remove steak from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside to make the sauce.

2. In a medium bowl, mix vinegar with the garlic and spices. Whisk in oil to emulsify, mix in parsley, and set aside to season while preparing the steak.

3. *Grill or cook steak in a preheated cast iron pan for a total of 7 minutes for medium rare, 8 minutes for medium, and 10 minutes for well done. Note: Ribeye can handle a longer cooking time to render fat and still stay tender.

4. Remove from the grill or pan and rest under some foil for about 8 minutes before slicing. Fan the steak along the center of a charming serving dish and top with the chimichurri. Serve with warm pan seared baby bok choy and the crunchy cold bok choy salad. Serves 2 generously.

*According to ‘America’s Test Kitchen’, the best way to cook any steak is in a cast iron pan. They recommend preheating the pan in a 500 degree oven before taking it stovetop. Put the pan in a cold oven, preheat, and remove once the oven comes to temperature (use a mitt for the handle). Put the pan over medium heat to sear the steak, 1 minute on each side. Turn the heat to medium low and flip every minute for the remaining minutes.*

The Power of the Small Act

We often view volunteering as a grand gesture—a major board position or a year-long commitment. But the heartbeat of McHenry County is actually found in the small, quiet moments of neighbors helping neighbors. There are nearly 2,000 local non-profits that all deserve support, and many offer "micro-volunteering" opportunities perfect for those who want to help without a heavy time commitment.

FLEXIBLE WAYS TO GIVE BACK

Sometimes small gestures make big impacts. For instance,  Senior Care Volunteer

Network (SCVN) operates on an on-demand model serving seniors living independently in our county. Through their volunteer program, you can brighten a senior’s day with a birthday flower delivery, or provide a ride to a doctor visit or grocery shopping—fitting service into your schedule when you are available.

Do you have an hour a week at lunch time? Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County offers a "Lunch with a Little" program. You can visit a local school for just one hour a week during your lunch break to provide a child with a supportive friendship.

If you prefer more hands-on tasks, the Animal House Shelter in Huntley and On Angel’s Wings in Crystal Lake allow volunteers to drop in and walk dogs or socialize cats after completing an application and a simple orientation. Additionally, the Crystal Lake Food Pantry frequently needs help for short shifts to sort donations or stock shelves.

THE "DAY-OF" DIFFERENCE

One of the most vital ways to support our community is through "Day-of" event volunteering. Local races like Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois 5K and the Family Health Partnership Clinic’s Care4 Breast Cancer 5K are always looking for race-day heroes to manage check-ins or act as course marshals. Beyond the race course, our county’s many galas, fashion shows, and golf outings rely on people to help with registration or raffle sales for just a few hours. These roles are high-energy and finished the moment the event ends.

DISCOVER YOUR PATH

For a complete look at local non-profit organizations and what pulls at your heartstrings, visit the People in Need (PIN) Resource Directory (mchenry.edu/pin/ PIN-eng.pdf), maintained by McHenry County College. Remember, an hour of your time—given freely —is exactly what our community needs to stay strong and may just warm your heart and the hearts of others along the way.

Simple, low-commitment ways to support McHenry County non-profits without a long-term obligation

ARTICLE

BY

PATTI NOBLE

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

DAVID BRADBURN

APRIL 9TH

Independence Health & Therapy Masters--Full Viewing

Bull Valley Country Club, Woodstock | 12:30 PM

Spend an hour or the afternoon at the Masters - viewing.  This event features Masters-themed lunch buffet, drink specials, golf contests, raffles, all while viewing the Masters. Proceeds benefit Independence Health & Therapy: a local non-profit that promotes independence and improves lives through care, education, and advocacy by providing Adult Day & Memory Care and Behavioral Health. Tickets at: independencehealth.org/masters-full-viewing-event-2026/

APRIL 9TH

Service League Annual Fashion Show

Elara Ballroom, Holiday Inn, Crystal Lake | 6:00 PM

Reserve your spot at Service League's annual Fashion show: A Fashion and Philanthropy Garden Party.  This year, members of many of the McHenry County non-profit organizations will be modeling the clothing from 10 local shops and boutiques.  Mix, mingle, and check out the amazing raffle baskets. Tickets $85/person, include dinner, dessert, and a glass of champagne.  Information and registration: slcrystallake.org/fashion-show/

APRIL 18TH

Crystal Lake Community Clean-up Day

Chamber of Commerce Office, 427 W. Virginia Street | 8:00 AM

Join the Crystal Lake Park District and Chamber for some spring cleaning.  Gather your friends and family and help clean up our community. The day begins between 8:00-9:00am at the Chamber office where you and your team will check in, enjoy a refreshment, grab gloves and bags and learn your clean-up location.  More information at: clchamber.com/community-cleanup/

APRIL 23RD

Crystal Lake Chamber Foundation's 13th Annual GEM Leadership Celebration

Boulder Ridge Country Club | 11:30 AM

The Crystal Lake Chamber Foundation will celebrate the best of the community at the GEM Leadership Celebration. This annual event shines a spotlight on local “GEMs"– those who embody Generosity, Enthusiasm, and Motivation through their leadership and service. In addition to honoring this year’s GEMs, will be the foundation's college-bound scholarship recipients.  Learn more or purchase tickets at: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/13th-annual-gem-luncheon

APRIL 25TH

Miles in Their Shoes

Emricson Park, Woodstock | 10:00 AM

Join Kids in Need McHenry County for Miles in Their Shoes, a meaningful walk supporting local children facing crisis and foster care. Walk as many laps as you choose along the 1/3 mile interactive loop.  Each step and lap makes an impact, helping ensure children in our community feel seen and supported.  Tickets, info, and 10% team discount at: kinmc.org/milesintheirshoes/

MAY 1ST

Something to Talk About: Midway Magic

Crystal Lake Holiday Inn | 6:00 PM

Step right up to a 21+ carnival experience brought to you by Senior Care Volunteer Network.  Indulge in carnival-inspired appetizers and enjoy a cash bar while exploring unique attractions like the silent auction, wine pull, and other surprise opportunities to win, all to support seniors in our community.  $75/person, $65/Senior.  Tables and add-ons available. Tickets and information at: scvnmchenrycounty.org/magic