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Financial Advisor Managing Director

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10229 Vine Street, Huntley, IL 60142

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy, Healthy 2026

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com

Welcome to our latest issue, dedicated entirely to the most valuable luxury of all: your well-being. In the hurried pace of modern life, it is easy to view self-care as a treat—an indulgence to be scheduled only when time allows. But I believe that prioritizing your health—in mind, body, and spirit—is not a luxury; it is the essential foundation upon which a truly rich and fulfilling life is built. It is the smartest investment you can make. Over the years, I have ebbed and flowed with making my own health a priority. Let’s face it, life does get busy, and it is easy to stray from choosing the healthier options for ourselves. But as you get older, the poor choices of earlier years start to catch up to you. That realization perfectly aligns with this month’s theme of Health and Wellness. Beyond trendy diets and quick fixes, a healthy lifesytle is about uncovering sustainable, sophisticated ways to integrate healthy practices and natural beauty and skin enhancements into an already high-demand lifestyle. Our mission is to introduce and connect you with local resources to help you reset, recommit, and thrive. We believe that investing in your health is a profound act of self-love and integral in securing a vibrant, energetic future. We hope this issue serves as a supportive partner in that journey –encouraging you to prioritize your internal wealth, just as you prioritize everything else of value in your life. Thank you for welcoming us into your home.

E D I TO R

Patti Noble | patti.noble@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R

Katie Bobrow | katie.bobrow@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Klaudia Burian C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

David Bradburn, Sharmila Taylor

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry

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

COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / C R Y S TA L L A K E

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

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

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

16 10

Featured

10 16 22 28 6

28 On the Cover

Strength at Every Stage

How small intentional movements create big change, one transformational step at a time.

The Drip Difference

More than a med spa, a place where medicine feels personal again

Changing the Game

How One Sheriff’s Office Is Reimagining Wellness, Leadership, and Legacy

Wander into Winter

From wooded paths to paved streets, enjoy Crystal Lake’s best spots for staying active this season.

Members of Hillstriders Running Group on a run while checking out the beautiful benches throughout the downtown. *Benches featuring local artists are sponsored by local businesses or individuals and commissioned by the CL Arts Commission.

Photography: David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Must See FITNESS

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Locally Sourced HEALTH + WELLNESS

How To LIFE + CULTURE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

DIGITAL ORIGIN PRODUCTIONS

1: Fun after the photo shoot at Pvolve. 2: Huntley Chamber members attended the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kick-off at Boulder Ridge Country Club. 3: Santa arrived in style this year during the annual Holiday Lights Parade downtown Crystal Lake! 4: Community members attended the ribbon cutting of the new Shops on Main Street in Huntley. 5: Runners bundled up and showed up ready to run the Trout Valley Turkey Trot. 6: Community members and businesses came out to support The United Way at the multi-chamber mixer. 7: Non-profit organizations, the heart of the community, came together at the United Way multi-chamber mixer

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ C R Y S TA L L A K E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

Real Estate Report Recently Sold Properties in the Crystal Lake Area SOLD PRICE

SOLD DATE

% SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Lot 0 Route 14 & 176 Hwy

ADDRESS

$2,075,000

10/30/2025

72%

610

3515 Oak Ridge Rd

$1,900,000

10/27/2025

66%

498

4.1

1365 S Shore Dr

$1,215,000

8/29/2025

92%

3.1

4410 Woodland Hollow Trl

$1,100,000

11/6/2025

102%

5.1

8760 Belfield Rd

$985,000

10/31/2025

99%

140

4.3

4317 Carlisle Dr

$980,000

8/29/2025

99%

3.1

6919 Inverway Dr

$920,000

8/29/2025

93%

112

4.1

4011 Valley View Rd

$875,000

11/14/2025

92%

4.2 5.0

5609 Farmbrook Ln

$850,000

10/30/2025

91%

3218 Opengate Rd

$845,000

10/27/2025

99%

4.0

56 S Caroline

$830,000

11/12/2025

98%

3.0

9605 Stonecastle Ln

$792,000

9/5/2025

99%

3.1

3717 Lindsay Ln

$725,100

10/29/2025

110%

2.2

7270 Bannockburn Cir

$725,000

8/29/2025

100%

3.1

140 McCullom St

$720,000

10/14/2025

96%

5.0

3814 Church Hill Ln

$710,000

11/4/2025

99%

3.1

828 Waterford Cut

$700,000

9/26/2025

100%

4.1

3903 Niblick Ct

$680,000

10/24/2025

97%

122

3.1

3103 Stonegate Dr

$665,000

10/27/2025

99%

3.0

8980 Bardwell Ln

$655,000

10/7/2025

97%

2.1

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 8/27/25 - 11/26/25. DOM is Days on Market.

Because of you,

I’m a

le Mirac t Agen

MARJ CARPENTER CNE, CRS, GRI, SRES, CFSP™ ASP Realtor®, RE/MAX 100% Club, RE/MAX Platinum Club, RE/MAX Hall of Fame Licensed as Managing Broker

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

*Member Institute for Luxury Home Marketing #1 Individual Agent RE/MAX Suburban 2023

Strength at Every Stage

How small intentional movements create big change, one transformational step at a time. ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR

M UST SE E | FI TNES S

Tracy with her three children, mom, & Fiance

When Tracy Eberhardt Izquierdo opened a fitness studio in Algonquin in May 2024, she wasn’t simply launching a business— she was stepping boldly into the second half of her life with intention, courage, and a renewed sense of self. Her studio isn’t just a boutique gym; it’s part of a national movement called Pvolve, a functional-fitness franchise built for real life. Before she became the owner of Pvolve, Tracy worked as a critical care and trauma nurse, then earned a law degree and spent 14 years practicing workers’ compensation law here in McHenry County. Her careers were demanding and fast-paced. But like many women, phases of her life required different versions of herself. When her children reached high school, combined with her then-husband’s orthopedic surgery schedule, she realized that home needed her more than the courtroom did. So she stepped away. During those years at home, pilates—especially reformer pilates—became her grounding space. In fact, she attended so consistently that the studio owner eventually asked whether she had considered teaching. The invitation awakened something and she earned all three levels of Pilates reformer certifications, fell in love with the power of low-impact training, and discovered just how transformative functional fitness could be. As Tracy approached age 50, several major life transitions collided at once: sending another child to college, reevaluating and eventually ending her long marriage, planning for the next chapter as an empty nester. It was during that time that an Instagram post appeared looking for people who may consider opening a fitness studio. She clicked the link on a whim. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

The next day, the corporate team called. “I honestly didn’t think they’d call me back,” she laughed. “I wasn’t even sure I was serious.” But as conversations continued, she realized she was intrigued and decided to take the leap. Over the next year, she navigated the SBA loan process, secured a location, and embraced the milestone of turning 50. Tracy decided that life was too short not to choose joy, autonomy, and purpose. “It was the most life-changing year of my life,” she says. “Opening the studio. Getting divorced. Turning 50. Sending my second kid off to college. It was all hard, but it was all necessary. And ultimately, it was the best decision I ever made.” With a strong education, a demanding legal career, and years spent raising her children, Tracy had already built a full and successful life long before opening her Pvolve studio. But now, she felt a pull toward something more aligned with who she was becoming. Today, Tracy works more hours than she ever did as an attorney—often 60 or more each week. But this time, she says, “I get to make the decisions. I get to shape the environment and build something that reflects what matters to me.” Of the studio’s 200 members, only two are men—by choice, not exclusion. Tracy knows that many women crave a fitness environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and understood. Her goal from day one wasn’t just effective workouts or beautiful equipment—though the studio offers plenty of both. Her dream was community and compainionship where everyone can show up authentically and feel welcomed, supported, and capable. “I wanted women who didn’t know each other before to form friendships because of this space,” she says. “And now I see members getting smoothies together after class, celebrating each other’s milestones, encouraging one another. That’s what fills me up.” Because women’s bodies move, strengthen, and age differently, Pvolve classes are intentionally designed to support them through every stage—pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic floor rebuilding, scoliosis, injuries, and the natural shifts of midlife. Functional fitness is the heartbeat of the Pvolve method. “We train for the real world,” she explains. “Getting in and out of a car. Reaching into your pantry. Turning your head while driving. All the things that make everyday life feel better.” The studio’s unique resistance equipment makes classes equally accessible for beginners and challenging for advanced

M UST SE E | FI TNES S

athletes. Every session can be tailored to meet your pace and ability. And with four core class formats—Strength & Sculpt, Progressive Weight Training, Mat Definition, and Cardio—variety keeps both the body and mind engaged. “People think low-impact means easy,” she laughs. “It’s absolutely not.” She wants others to discover the joy in movement. From the moment you walk in, the studio feels elevated and serene—soft interiors, a custom signature scent, and light-filled space that feels more like a wellness boutique than a gym. And behind it all is Tracy—open, warm, resilient, and deeply committed to helping women discover what their bodies can do. Today, Tracy is engaged, happy, and living a life that looks different than it did before —proof, she gathers, that good things can happen when you are open to them. “You think you’re ready, until you’re actually ready,” she says. “You have to let go of the fear and the old stories to learn to trust again.” Tracy’s journey is about choosing growth, curiosity, and possibility. She is driven, yes, but her evolution reminds us that everyone has their own path, and each is worthy. We are allowed to grow at our own pace change course when drawn to do so. And evolve—again and again—no matter our age, our background, or the season we’re in.

Mobile Detailing

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Call or Text Today to Secure Your Winter Protection Package! snrmobiledetailing.com | 815-271-2259 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

DRS. KAY & AMANDA HENRY We’re so grateful to serve this wonderful community. Start the new year off with a healthy, confident smile that you deserve. Book your appointment today- your smile will thank you! Search for Kay Henry DDS on Google to see what other people have to say about us in our 400+ Google Reviews

815-459-4847

260 E Congress Pkwy, Suite C Crystal Lake, IL

kayhenrydds.com

A Happier New Year Retirement living that opens the door to new possibilities. No matter how you’re hoping to grow, explore, or thrive in the year ahead, we’re here to help you make the most of every day. Our all-inclusive services and amenities give you the time and freedom to focus on what brings you joy.

Lunch is on us—schedule your tour today! 224-393-7001 11700 Samantha Lane 14



Huntley, IL 60142

Huntley Springs 

HuntleySpringsRetirement.com

Your Local Self-Care Clinic Botox • Filler • Hydrafacial • Hair Restoration PRP with Microneedling • Laser Medical Weight Loss • Exosomes IV Infusions • B12 Shots • Clinical Skin Care • Chemical Peels Microchanneling • Thyroid Optimization HRT • Testosterone Replacement Therapy Red Light Therapy • Japanese Head & Scalp Spa

Lindsay Loehner, Owner

3923 Mercy Dr., Unit F, McHenry • (779) 378-7330 • mydripclinic.com • V@my_drip_clinic

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 out continued commitment to provide high-quality mental health care.

EXPANDED CLINICAL SERVICES WILL INCLUDE: Diagnostic Evaluation | Medication Management Coordination With Existing Therapists & Providers Evidence-Based Treatment

815.575.8181

Near Bull Valley, IL JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

MORE THAN A MED SPA, A PLACE WHERE MEDICINE FEELS PERSONAL AGAIN

When you walk into Drip IV Nutrition & Aesthetics Clinic in McHenry, you can feel immediately that this is not corporate medicine. It’s warm, inviting, relaxed. No sterile lights. No rushed greetings. Instead, you’re met with easy smiles, hellos from behind softly lit counters, and the calm energy of a place built to make people feel better from the inside out. That feeling is no accident. It’s the product of owner Lindsay Loehner’s journey through many demanding years in corporate medicine and the unwavering belief that health care could look, and feel, different. Lindsay, a nurse practitioner and mother of four, began her career as an ER trauma nurse. The work was intense, sometimes overwhelming, but it taught her something important: she was drawn to women’s health. She later moved into OB/GYN, where she loved helping her patients, but over time

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYAKA SANO

THE DRIP DIFFERENCE

she began to feel what so many providers feel today—the weight of corporate systems that prioritize numbers over people. “It became harder and harder to help patients the way I wanted to,” she said. “That’s a trend we’re seeing everywhere.” A series of moments, each one nudging her forward, ultimately pushed Lindsay to step away and create something of her own. With encouragement from her husband, Todd, an Ironman athlete familiar with IV therapy and the benefits it has for the body, she opened a small IV clinic. At the time, she was still working in women’s health, still balancing motherhood, and Todd stepped back from his career so one parent could be home full-time. What began as a small, deeply personal leap turned quickly into momentum. “Every time I saw a need, I wanted to fill it,” Lindsay told me. And she did. IV hydration became hormone support, which led to injectables, aesthetics, wellness treatments, and more. Today, Drip has grown to 19 employees including other nurse practitioners, a cosmetologist, an aesthetician, and a team that handles everything from Botox to weight management to skin health. “I want people to feel good about how

they look on the outside and how they feel on the inside,” she said. “Both are important.” What also matters to Lindsay, deeply, is the people who work with her. She is determined to “break the cycle” of burnout and exhaustion that defined her years in corporate medicine. “My employees will never not feel valued,” she said with conviction. She pays for them to receive monthly massages, insists they take lunch breaks, and encourages time off with a simple rule: “Just tell me you’re going. I never want anyone to feel like they have to ask permission.” And it’s clear the effect trickles outward. The staff exudes the relaxed confidence of people who like where they work. They feel supported and that naturally extends to the patients. One of those staff members is Brandon, the young, driven nurse practitioner who, like Lindsay, became discouraged by corporate medicine early in his career. Despite earning two master’s degrees in nursing at a remarkably young age, he often felt restrained by systems that didn’t prioritize the relationship between patient and provider. Drip changed that. “We’re changing the name of health care in McHenry County,” he said with a smile. He and his husband live in McHenry, and he loves serving the community he calls home. When Brandon talks about his patients, his entire demeanor shifts. He lights up. “I want my patients here for a good time and a long time,” he joked. “I want them invested in their health, and that means we’re collaborative. I’ll educate you, guide you, and listen to you.” Brandon sees patients for everything from illness visits to Botox to hormone balancing. He believes in a whole-body approach that embraces both traditional western medicine and supportive

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

wellness practices. “Sometimes people just need someone to talk to,” he added. And he means it, deep conversations are part of the care. And Brandon is easy to talk to. His calm, cheerful, and attentive approach is inviting, immediately putting you at ease. An important quality to have when establishing a partnership in your health journey. Then there’s Karissa, one of two Drip aestheticians. Fresh out of school when she started at Drip, she’s now an expert guiding clients through facials, skincare, and treatment education. She lives in McHenry with her boyfriend and their dog, and she loves working in the same community where she lives. At Drip, every service begins with a free consultation. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a hormone visit, skincare appointment, or IV hydration, they believe clients should understand their options and feel informed.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

On my recent visit Karissa and I talked through my concerns (fine lines and dullness), and together we decided on a HydraFacial. She walked me through each step as if teaching a class—lymphatic drainage to start, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and even a gentle hand massage while my face soaked in the glow of a redlight therapy dome. It was relaxing, educational, and surprisingly emotional to take an hour just for myself. Walking out of the treatment room, it struck me that the experience reflected Drip’s larger philosophy: thoughtful care, no rushing, and providers who genuinely want to help you understand your health. That intentionality comes straight from Lindsay. As she talked about her four children, her eyes filled. “I want them to have everything they dream of,” she said softly. “I want them to see what hard work can create. And I want to build something for them, if they ever want or need a place to land.”

Her vision for Drip is clear: a place where employees feel valued, patients feel heard, and the community receives healthcare that blends compassion with expertise. It’s a vision reinforced by Brandon’s whole-body approach to medicine, and by Karissa’s passion for helping people feel confident in their skin. “If you build it, they will come,” she said, quoting Field of Dreams. And they have. What started as a small IV clinic run between shifts and children’s schedules has evolved into a thriving wellness space. Somewhere people come not just to look better or feel better, but to be cared for by a team who truly believes in what they do. At a time when healthcare often feels transactional, Drip offers a model built on intention, clarity, and respect for the patient experience.

“EVERY TIME I SAW A NEED, I WANTED TO FILL IT.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Introducing

ENVISION @

Get Happy Eyes dry eye clinic, located inside of Family Eye Care, provides cutting-edge Envision dry eye treatments that deliver real relief and lasting results.

Effective Preventative Non-invasive

Non-drug therapy Stimulates tear production

Befor

After

New Ownership!

Extended Hours! 10:30am - 9:00pm EVERY DAY

Catering Available!

224-484-7007 290 N. Randall Rd., Lake in the Hills, IL JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

CHANGING ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN

the

GAME

How One Sheriff’s Office Is Reimagining Wellness, Leadership, and Legacy In an era when health and wellness are becoming central pillars of workplace culture, Sheriff Robb Tadelman discusses what genuine, structural well-being can look like inside public service. As a health and wellness coach, I sat down with him for a conversation, rooted in vision and lived experience, highlighting how organizations support their people from hiring through retirement. I began with the heart of the inquiry: “What does health and wellness really mean to you, professionally and personally?” Robb’s response reflects both intention and urgency. "Do not be afraid to take that big step,” he quotes from a fortune taped to his screen, a reminder of the bold shifts required in a traditionally rigid system. Another reads, “We’re here to create, not merely survive.” For him, these are not trite sayings but anchors for decision-making in a profession that too often burns people out long before they retire. What does it truly mean to build a culture where people don’t just survive public service; they grow, heal, and eventually retire healthy enough to enjoy the life they’ve earned? The conversation reveals a movement that is slow, intentional, and deeply human, built on the belief that wellbeing at work and wellbeing at home are inseparable. At the center of the vision is a simple idea. As Robb frames it: “When we talk about wellness at the department, maybe during an 8-hour day, there is an hour that is about you.” He clarifies that the return on investment for the employer is obvious; “The department gets better for the other seven hours of the day.”

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

What sounds like a modest adjustment is actually a huge cultural shift. To carve out protected personal time during the workday requires rethinking schedules, contracts, staffing patterns, and long-standing assumptions about what “counts” as work. But to Robb, the shift is non-negotiable. “Until that goal is met, that’s my primary focus for employees inside the walls.” This initiative began with supervisors, but phase two expands support to line staff; the people “taking care of everyone else.” The hope is that insights and practices will meet in the middle, bridging gaps in communication, trust, and resource access. For now, Robb is choosing patience: “I want the input to naturally find its way into our system.” Collaboration and Trust as the Core of Wellness While some agencies struggle to articulate why wellness matters, Robb sees collaboration and trust as the backbone. He and Undersheriff John Bucci have been deliberate about transparency, consistency, and accountability. “We do what we say,” Robb explains. “We’re super transparent, probably to a fault.” Patience and persistence are now part of the design. Robb and John inviting so many voices in to help build this new structure… that’s a slow process. Robb knows this approach is paying off. Grievances are down. Conversations are up. Barriers feel lower. And to Robb, that’s the heart of the work: “Trust is the number one part of wellness.”

Culture change in government is slow, bound by mandates, contracts, and long-held habits. “This profession hates two things: the way things are, and change,” Robb notes. Even introducing basic communication tools reveals deeper challenges. Still, progress is emerging. I recalled his early declaration: “I want our guys to retire well.” That intention sparked pilot wellness programs, leadership training, and a growing understanding that “wellness” is not one-size-fits-all. Robb explains, “When we talk about wellness, what it means to you is different from the person next to you.” The coaching pilot program we developed together is a return to a more holistic doctor of the past. A place where someone can safely talk about mental health, home dynamics, resources, safety, stress, and anything affecting their wellbeing. We bring in health and wellness coaches who sit down in a private space and really inventory where a person is under-resourced. Over time, employees become less reactive, more confident, more willing to speak up, and more hopeful. These are quiet, accumulated shifts that change lives. Five years is a realistic horizon for measuring a department-wide culture shift. Early indicators, like healthier bodies and minds, feeling supported, having resources, all move the community in the right direction. Peer Support and the Weight of Loss The department’s investments extend beyond conversation. A workplace gym helps staff recalibrate their nervous systems after hours of high-stress work. Peer support teams allow employees to receive care from colleagues who intimately understand their environment. These structures matter even more in years of heavy loss. I acknowledge the grief the department has carried. Robb answers plainly: “Three correctional officers passed this year.” The silence after that acknowledgment becomes part of the story. Wellness is not an abstract goal, it is a response to real human pain.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

The department faces constraints. Robb’s self identified “pie-in-the-sky” vision remains firm: every employee gets one truly protected hour a day, built into the shift. But achieving it requires negotiating with unions, exploring length of shifts, and challenging structures. That hour isn’t purely for exercise; it’s for decompression, report-writing, training, grounding, or simply transitioning between the intensity of the job and the rest of their lives. “When they go home,” he says, “they’re just allowed to be home.” When asked about his personal motivation, Robb returns to the stark reality of his profession: “In law enforcement, the average is three to four years, you die after you retire.” He’s seen too many friends fail to enjoy the years they earned. “We ask people to give their life to this profession. Then when it’s time to go enjoy their life, we don’t give them anything back.” What if the profession became something people could walk away from whole? “That’s the why.” I recalled how Robb identifies with Ted Lasso, the coach who slaps a “BELIEVE” sign above the door and

“We ask people to give their life to this profession. The profession can become something people walk away from whole.” leads through hope. Robb laughs, acknowledging the truth of it. He’s driven. Intense. And committed. He’s finding what works. “Before this process,” he says, “I thought wellness was just, ‘make sure you get in the gym.’ That’s wellness for me, but that’s not for everyone.” Ultimately, wellness is both an organizational responsibility and a personal opportunity, woven into the workday rather than siphoning from precious family time. Robb’s goal is simple; an agency where people feel heard, supported, and equipped to thrive long after the badge comes off. A man plants a tree knowing he may never enjoy the shade. Robb agrees. “Everyone’s chasing legacy… you want to leave this place a little better than when you started.”

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Don’t hibernate this winter! Join us for Memorable events! Stay Connected! Scan to view our Calendar!

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

Linda Grizely PERSONAL FINANCE EXPERT FINANCIAL WELLNESS SPEAKER

Because you deserve to feel conf ident with money and good about how you spend it™. For Individuals · Coaching · Courses · Communities For Workplaces & Groups · Keynotes · Webinars · Workshops · Lunch & Learns · Group Coaching Linda Grizely, CFP®, MSFS, CAP® Hello@LindaGriz.com LindaGriz.com 224-662-0098 Creator of the MeMoney™ method Host of the Real Money, Real Life™ podcast

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN

Wander into Winter

From wooded paths to paved streets, enjoy Crystal Lake’s best spots for staying active this season.

When winter settles over Crystal Lake, the world takes on a quieter kind of beauty inviting you outside – offering a refreshing dose of movement and scenery. Whether you’re a runner, a snowshoer, or someone who just wants a peaceful walk, our community is full of places to explore.

Veterans Acres & Sterne’s Woods

A beloved local favorite, this sprawling natural area offers wooded hiking paths and rolling hills perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. It’s one of the region’s best spots for getting wonderfully lost in nature — in the best way. When conditions allow, this groomed Nordic Ski Loop comes alive with cross-country skiers gliding through frosted pine trees. It’s a local gem for anyone who wants a true Nordic experience without leaving McHenry County.

Lippold Park Trail

With miles of crushed-limestone paths looping through open fields, prairies, and wooded pockets, Lippold offers a gentle but beautiful winter trek. The trail stays

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HE ALT H + WE LLN E SS

wide and accessible, making it ideal for walkers, runners, or snowshoers looking for a scenic route close to home.

The Lakeside Legacy Path and Crystal Lake

A run or walk past The Dole and the charming nearby “Gates” neighborhoods offers great views, historic character, and a quick way to get your heart rate up. When the lake is fully frozen and officially deemed safe, winter on Crystal Lake becomes pure magic. Head out for ice skating, casual hockey games, and even ice fishing — a timeless midwestern tradition.

A Winter Wander Through Town

If you want movement without leaving town, Crystal Lake’s charming downtown makes for a perfect run-walk loop of its own. Enjoy some of the public art around town and check out the progress on the new Depot Park, then reward yourself with a warm drink while strolling past boutiques and storefronts. No matter your pace or preference, Crystal Lake offers countless ways to enjoy winter’s charm.

ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment,

H OW TO | L I FE + C ULTUR E

Health

and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:

5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

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Design. Craft. Build. Winter may be here, but your dream outdoor space starts now. While the snow settles and the holidays wind down, it’s the ideal time to begin planning your deck or outdoor living project. Our spring and early-summer schedule fills up fast, and starting the design process now ensures you get the perfect spot for morning coffee, summer BBQs, and latenight conversations under the stars. From modern composite decks to custom outdoor features, we bring craftsmanship, creativity, and heart to every project—no matter the season. Let’s turn your vision into something extraordinary. Plan today. Build tomorrow. Enjoy forever.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Picky Little Eaters; Feeding the Gut ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KLAUDIA BURIAN

NOTES: Inside the digestive system, especially the intestines, lives a community of bacteria and other little ‘microbes’ that help digest food, assimilate vitamins and minerals, create powerful neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and energy, and create mighty fighters to shore up the immune system when cold and flu season wreaks havoc. They love fiber, which is only found in plants. And, they’re picky eaters. In a worldwide gut project that focused on researching these little guys, the findings were eye opening. The overarching recommendation to feeding these diverse colonies of bacteria is a diverse variety of plants (think fruit, veggies, mushrooms, nuts, spices and seeds), shooting for 25 different plants each week. This might sound like a lot, but take some inventory and find that it’s not so hard. This month's simple recipe has 10-15 depending on what greens are used, and generously serves 2 people.

Ba sil Be r r i es an d Toa st

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 slices favorite grainy bread (lots of seeds adds plant variety) • 1 ripe avocado • ½ c chopped fresh basil • 2 perfectly soft boiled eggs • 1 cup chopped organic baby power greens • 3 crushed raw walnuts • 1 T. olive oil • 1 T. honey

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) • Salt and pepper • Handful fresh organic raspberries • Handful fresh organic blackberries • ½ cup fresh pomegranate • 4 oz mascarpone cheese • 2 T. whipping cream • 2 T. pure maple syrup • 1 oz good dark chocolate

A c o l o r f u l p l a t e i s t h e ke y t o a h e a l t h y g u t m i c r o b i o m e , a n d a s t r o n g i m m u n e s ys t e m fo r f i g h t i n g w i n t e r s n i f f l e s

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

DIRECTIONS: 1. For perfectly soft boiled eggs, bring 2 cold eggs (more if you want leftovers) in cold water, with 1T vinegar to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and let sit covered for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Once cool to the touch, peel and slice. 2. Toast the bread. Peel avocado and remove pit. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a little salt and pepper to taste, and chopped baby greens until fairly smooth. Spread avocado evenly over the 2 toasts, top with sliced egg. 3. Drizzle the toast with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if desired.) Sprinkle with the walnuts and ½ the chopped fresh basil. 4. For the berries, arrange the mixed berries on a plate. 5. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone, cream, and maple syrup. Drizzle over the berries, and top with the pomegranate seeds, and remainder of chopped fresh basil. Grate dark chocolate over the top. 6. Enjoy with a hot mug of delicious tea like green or chai, and your tastebuds will sing in harmony with a happy and healthy digestive system.

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