Crystal Lake, IL March 2026

By Design

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

Designing Our Home and Future

For most of us, a home is far more than just a structure of wood, brick, and mortar; it is the heartbeat of the family. It’s where we celebrate milestones, seek comfort after a long day, and build the foundation of our lives.

There is a profound sense of pride that comes with homeownership and our homes reflect who we are. Because of this deep emotional connection, maintaining and improving our living spaces is one of the most significant investments we can make.

As we think about this here at Crystal Lake City Lifestyle, we think about the community effort that it takes to bring this magazine to your mailbox each month.  Local businesses partner with us to make it possible.

This being our Home & Design issue, we specifically thank our Home Services partners listed below, for their dedication to our publication, and also encourage you to explore all of the advertising partners featured throughout these pages. They are our neighbors and take immense pride in their craft.  We are grateful for each partnership and support in the community.

Our Home Service Partners:

• American Garage Floor Systems

• ASAP Garage Door Repair

• Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.

• C.T. Veach Landscaping Construction

• Closets by Design

• JC Licht Benjamin Moore Paint & Decor

• JR Lawn LLC

• Marj Carpenter: RE/MAX Suburban

• Red Wire Electric

• Reflections in Glass

• TL Decks LLC

• TriStone Development

• WeatherWise Heating & Cooling, Inc.

With spring just around the corner, there is a renewed energy in the air. It is the perfect time to start dreaming about your next project, or designing your future.   Warmly,

March 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

ROGERS, PUBLISHER @CRYSTALLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. STEVE

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

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Crystal Lake Chamber members welcome Mystic Paws Academy to the community in their new space! 2: The community came out to celebrate The Ellery at their official ribbon cutting. 3—7: McHenry County College hosted over 100 area non-profit organizations at the People in Need Forum. 3: Grief Guide 4: Home of the Sparrow 5: ChatterGirls 6: Family Health Partnership 7: Day Break Lounge & Independence Health & Therapy

Real Estate Report

business monthly

New Location for Unique Smiles Dentistry of McHenry

Dr. Deepa Williams, DDS and her staff at Unique Smiles Dentistry have officially relocated to a newer, more modern location at 4101 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry  (just off State Route 31). This move to a more convenient location allows the practice to enhance its patient experience while remaining dedicated to high-quality dental care in our community. The team is excited to welcome patients into the upgraded space, where they will continue their tradition of compassionate service.

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Mystic Paws Academy Opens New, Immaculate Facility

Mystic Paws Academy has officially opened its doors at its new facility at  140 W. Terra Cotta, Crystal Lake. Specializing in a lifestyle-based approach, the academy transforms training into a joyful, play-based experience rather than a chore. From AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy to courses for adopted/foster dogs and their families, their six levels of training help dogs become reliable, well-mannered companions. Visit the new space to learn how to turn everyday moments into meaningful bonding opportunities.

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Vulcan Room

Vulcan Room moved to a new location at  6228 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake , between Orange Theory Fitness and Ortho Illinois.  In business in Crystal Lake since 2023, Vulcan Room is a boutique wellness studio offering infrared sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, and recovery experiences designed to restore mind, body, and soul. Thoughtfully designed, the space provides a serene, refined atmosphere for intentional self-care. Learn more or book a service at vulcanroom.com.

EDUCATION ROOTED LOCALLY,

Built to Last

Four decades of adapting to community needs while staying deeply connected

Staying relevant for over four decades requires more than good timing—it takes foresight, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to serving people where they are. Some businesses grow because the market demands it; others endure because they listen to their community. First Institute has done both, by evolving with the needs of the people it serves—adapting, pivoting, and reimagining its role, while staying grounded in its goals: to provide practical education, open doors to meaningful careers, and give back to the community that made it possible.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ron and Judy Beier ran a husband-and-wife travel agency. When they struggled to find well-trained travel agents who shared their commitment to quality service, they made a pivotal decision.   Instead of continuing to search for talent, they decided to create it.  In 1982, that choice led to the launch of an accredited training program, Travel First— setting the foundation for what would eventually become First Institute.

As industries changed, First Institute evolved alongside them. When the rise of the internet transformed the travel world, the school pivoted to meet growing demand for IT professionals. Later, as healthcare careers surged across the region, the institute expanded again—this time into hands-on allied health and wellness programs, including Medical Assisting and Office Staff, Dental Assisting, and, most recently, Massage Therapy.

Today, First Institute is a private, career-focused training school, with campuses in Crystal Lake, Libertyville, and Aurora. Perhaps at first glance recognized more for its sign on McHenry Avenue with quirky quips than for the community and students it serves, its programs are designed to move students efficiently from the classroom into the workforce through hands-on certificate and diploma programs. With open admissions, small class sizes, financial aid options, and a strong emphasis on real-world preparation, the institute offers an accessible pathway for students looking to start or pivot their careers.

Over the years, leadership of the business has passed to the founders’ two sons, Eric and Kurt Beier, who have brought fresh perspective while honoring the values that built the organization. Their approach favors connection and culture over corporate formality— with students and staff alike—to stay genuine and personal. Both Eric and Kurt bring quick-witted energy to the office, known for keeping things light even while tackling serious decisions. Their leadership style is approachable and intentionally human—marked by humor,

“THE SIGN ISN’T ABOUT MARKETING— IT’S ABOUT GIVING THE COMMUNITY SOMETHING TO SMILE AT, LAUGH ABOUT, OR THINK ABOUT AS THEY PASS BY, ONE SMALL MOMENT OF CONNECTION AT A TIME.”

honesty, and an open-door culture that invites conversation rather than hierarchy.

Kurt is open about the fact that stepping into the family business wasn’t seamless or automatic. Early on, he made the difficult choice to step away for a time—allowing space for clarity on both sides. That pause helped define his value, strengthen trust, and ultimately shape the leader he is today.

Eric balances energy with a steady warmth— often smiling, always welcoming, and deeply invested in people. His presence sets the tone for an environment where staff feel seen and students feel comfortable walking through the door.

Spending time at First Institute during our photo shoot offered a firsthand look at what sets it apart. Conversations are easy, laughter is common, and the environment feels relaxed yet purposeful. In the classrooms, Medical Assisting students practiced drawing blood on one another, calmly coached by instructors who treated the moment with both precision and reassurance. In the Massage Therapy program, a classroom was filled with massage tables where therapists-in-training worked with real clients while an instructor moved quietly from table to table, offering guidance in real time. The Dental Assisting classroom felt less like a school and more like stepping into a functioning dental office—complete with equipment, layout, and the rhythm of a professional practice.

What stood out most was the confidence and camaraderie being built alongside the skills. Students were practicing what it feels like to do the work, with support close at hand. By the time students graduate, they’re ready to encounter real-world environments because they’ve already been immersed in them. While there, we couldn’t let the opportunity to talk about their sign pass us by.  If you’ve driven past First Institute, chances are you’ve noticed it.  Not a digital

marquee or scrolling LED display—but the old-school kind, complete with individual plastic letters that have to be changed by hand. Each week, the sign delivers a new phrase: clever, funny, occasionally groan-worthy, and sometimes thought-provoking. It’s the kind of message that makes drivers slow down just a bit, chuckle to themselves, or relate it later at the dinner table.

As Eric explains, “The sign isn’t about marketing–it’s about giving people something to smile at on their way through town.” And its magic isn’t just what it says—it’s how those words get there. The process is delightfully non-technical. Admissions Advisor, Scott LeRette, keeps a running list of possible phrases. Some are his own, others come from coworkers, friends, or conversations overheard in everyday life. No formal meeting.  No committee approval. No spreadsheet. Instead, the decision often happens organically—like it did on the day of our photo shoot when staff members gathered casually in the hallway.

Scott rattles off the contenders. Groans are as valid as laughs. A strong cringe earns just as many points as a loud “YES.” The phrase that sparks the biggest reaction wins. Decision made.

Every Friday—rain, snow, heat, or wind—Scott heads outside to swap out the letters, keeping the tradition alive week after week. It’s a small act, but one that perfectly reflects the culture inside First Institute: collaborative, lighthearted, and rooted in connection. A simple, shared moment offered to the community— one phrase at a time.

Each training year, students and staff often become a close-knit community—one that feels less like an institution and more like a family working toward shared goals.

That closeness is often felt most clearly at graduation. Tricia Maxim, Director of Career Services, shared

that she is often brought to tears watching students walk across the stage—many of them the first in their families to pursue advanced training. Over her 15 years at First Institute, she has seen siblings enroll together, or one after another, and now, even the children of former students returning to begin their own journeys. What starts as career training often becomes something generational. "You don’t just watch them graduate, you watch entire families change,” she said.  “That never gets old.”

The sense of belonging extends beyond graduation. Through externships, employer partnerships, and placement assistance, First Institute remains connected to students long after they complete their programs. Alumni can access support, preparation, and job placement help whenever they need it—reinforcing the institute’s role not just as a school, but as a longterm community resource.

Beyond the walls of the institute, both Eric and Kurt are deeply involved in the community, serving on boards, volunteering at local events, maintaining strong involvement with the Chamber of Commerce,

“YOU DON’T JUST WATCH THEM GRADUATE—YOU WATCH ENTIRE FAMILIES CHANGE. THAT NEVER GETS OLD.”

and most recently, Cars and Caffeine which will bring car shows back to downtown Crystal Lake and benefit a variety of charities throughout the year.

Giving back isn’t a checkbox—it’s woven into the culture they’ve created, one that encourages staff to engage, volunteer, and lead in the community. It’s another example of how leadership at First Institute looks outward as much as inward— supporting causes, strengthening connections, and investing time and energy where it matters most.

At its core, First Institute is more than a training facility. It has become a meaningful part of the community—rooted in the belief that education can open doors, preparing students for in-demand careers while fostering a workplace culture that feels more like family than corporate structure. It is a place where education, connection, and community intersect—guided by a steady commitment to serving the community it calls home.

ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN & SHARMILA TAYLOR

HISTORY IN MOTION

HOW RELOCATED HOMES REVEAL CRYSTAL LAKE’S GROWTH, SHOWING HOW PRESERVATION AND PROGRESS HAVE LONG WORKED SIDE BY SIDE IN SHAPING THE TOWN

At first glance, the neighborhoods just beyond downtown Crystal Lake look settled and familiar. The houses line the streets where they have always been, or so it seems. But a closer look at historic records, old maps, and preservation files reveals a more complicated story. Some of these homes did not simply age in place. They were lifted, hauled, and set down somewhere new as the town reorganized itself around growing businesses, changing roads, and expanding communities.

Much of what we know about these quiet relocations has been preserved through the careful work and generous assistance of the Crystal Lake Historical Society, whose archives make it possible to trace buildings across time, and, in some cases, across town.

That quiet reshuffling is easy to miss if you only look at what stands today. However, it is all part of how Crystal Lake developed, not by repeatedly clearing away the old, but often by reusing and relocating what it already had. Tracing the paths of

these moved houses offers more than an architectural curiosity; it shows how earlier residents balanced progress with practicality and preservation.

One of those traveling houses now sits at 108 N. Caroline Street.

Today, the house at 108 N. Caroline Street blends easily into Walkup’s Addition, but it did not begin its life there. Historical records show it originally stood on Minnie Street in the early days of the village of Nunda. Around 1900, local businessman Fred L. Colby chose to have the house physically moved rather than see it lost as the town’s layout changed.

The structure made the journey to Caroline Street, where it has remained ever since, passing through several early Crystal Lake families, including the Kardas family, longtime fixtures in the downtown business community. Historic fire insurance maps confirm that the house standing there today is the same one that was relocated more than a century ago.

“TRACING THE PATHS OF THESE MOVED HOUSES OFFERS MORE THAN AN ARCHITECTURAL CURIOSITY; IT SHOWS HOW EARLIER RESIDENTS BALANCED PROGRESS WITH PRACTICALITY AND PRESERVATION.”

Now firmly rooted in its second location, the home continues to evolve. The current residents have expanded the house with care, designing additions that respect its original character. Inside, antique dressers have been repurposed as bathroom vanities, old pantry doors have been preserved, and a kitchen island was designed and built by the homeowners to match the home’s

historic feel. They also hope to one day restore the front porch to better reflect what it once was.

More than a century after it was moved, 108 N. Caroline remains a lived-in example of how Crystal Lake grew, by adapting what it already had, rather than starting over.

The Finch House at 115 Elmhurst Street offers a more personal example of how early Crystal Lake homes continue to reveal their stories over time. Built during the town’s early years and tied to one of its first families, it reflects the kind of well-built, practical homes people relied on as Crystal Lake grew from a railroad town into something larger. It is also my home, a reminder that these houses are not frozen in time. They are lived in, adjusted, and cared for, often without the full story being immediately obvious. Once standing on the corner of Woodstock and Grant St. the Finch House (named for its first owner) was moved onto a waiting foundation at 115 Elmhurst St. in the spring of 1945. The true reason for the move is lost to time, however we can presume that as the downtown grew, the owners chose to keep what they had and move down the street in the name of progress.

The practice of moving houses was not limited to Crystal Lake’s earliest years. As late as the mid- and late-20th century, relocation was still used as a practical solution when modernization threatened existing homes. Two notable examples involve houses connected to the Genung family. The Belle Genung House, built in 1913 on McHenry Avenue, was moved in 1983 to 296 S. Oriole Trail to make room for a library expansion. Earlier, in 1966, the Frank L. Genung House which was originally located at 100 W. Paddock Street, was relocated to 140 McHenry Avenue, again to accommodate growth at the Crystal Lake Public Library.

That these homes were moved for two separate library expansions underscores how common and accepted the practice remained, even in relatively recent history. Rather than erase the past, the community repeatedly chose a path that allowed both preservation and progress to coexist.

Together, these houses illustrate that Crystal Lake grew not only by building new structures but by rearranging existing ones. Some houses stayed rooted while the town changed around them. Others were physically moved to make room for what came next, while still preserving what came before.

Crystal Lake’s moved houses are practical reminders that growth does not always require erasure. Sometimes a community advances by carrying pieces of its past forward, setting them down in new places, and allowing them to continue serving new generations while quietly strengthening the sense of continuity that helps a town know where it has been, and where it is going.

It’s easy to assume you know the history of the place you live, especially when the information seems straightforward. When we bought the Finch House in 2016, we were told it had been built in 1920. That date stuck. We didn’t question it.

A few years later, a loose nail in the floor caught my eye. It seemed older than it should have been, and curiosity got the better of me. What started as a quick search turned into something much larger. With the help of a friend on the Historic Preservation Commission and the work of a member of the Crystal Lake Historical Society, we began uncovering parts of the home’s history that had quietly faded from memory.

“UNDERSTANDING WHERE YOUR HOUSE (AND YOUR TOWN) CAME FROM DOESN’T CHANGE HOW YOU LIVE IN IT, BUT IT DOES CHANGE HOW YOU SEE IT.”

That experience reflects what the moved houses of Crystal Lake show us. Much of a town’s history isn’t obvious. It doesn’t announce itself. It sits beneath layers of everyday life, sometimes literally underfoot. Buildings get reused, relocated, added onto, and adapted, but their earlier chapters don’t disappear, they just become easier to overlook.

If you’re curious about your own home, the Crystal Lake Historical Society is a good place to start. Their archives, research, and volunteers make it possible to piece together stories that might otherwise be lost. Understanding where your house (and your town) came from doesn’t change how you live in it, but it does change how you see it. And that awareness has a way of strengthening the connection between people, place, and the community they share.

MARCHING INTO SPRING WITH LIGHTER BITES

After a heavy winter, these little bites won’t weigh you down on a spring day

Every creature big and small is happily marching into spring; birds with song, squirrels with frenzy, and the ground is swelling like a piece of bubble gum ready to pop with the first daffodils and tulips. Nurseries are sweeping their front steps ready to welcome in color-hungry eyes seeking those first little chatty pansies and violas, and colorful door wreaths to replace the now crunchy and color bled evergreen swags.

Furry boots shimmy aside for daintier foot decor, and a playful lightness steps in. March days can give you whiplash, warm one day and others quite chilly. And there’s still a desire for something warm and comforting to snuggle into after a joust in the breeze. This month’s recipes deliver that comfort with a delightful hot or cold soup, and a playful little nibble salad that can be enjoyed on the go.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KLAUDIA

BURIAN

CRUNCHY SPRING

NIBBLE SALAD

Ingredients:

• 3 oz mini dessert bowls (purchase online or party store)

• Small spray bottle

• Chop sticks (optional)

• 3 little heads Belgian endive (purple and green)

• Inner little leaves of romaine hearts

• Baby arugula

• Purple butter lettuce

• 36 thinly sliced carrot sticks (3 inches each, optional)

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed

• ¼ cup whipping cream

• Fresh lemon juice (1 lemon or 2 T)

• ⅛ tsp each salt and pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dry parsley crushed (1 T fresh)

• ¼ tsp dry dill crushed (½ tsp fresh)

• ¼ cup olive oil

This will make 12 generous servings.

Directions:

For dressing: Slice avocado in half around pit, twist open and gently squeeze to pop out the pit. Scoop the avocado into a bowl, add 1 T fresh lemon juice and mash fine. Add mayo, whipping cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley and dill. Combine all ingredients with a whisk and mix until smooth and the consistency of a dip (add more cream to loosen or more mayo to thicken). Cover and place the dressing in the fridge to chill. In the meantime, chop off ends of the endive and separate all the leaves. Do the same with the remaining greens. Choose whole pretty inner leaves that are not broken so they can stand up in the dressing. Make 12 equal piles, each with a couple sprigs of each of the greens. If using carrots, peel and slice the carrots into 3 inch tall thin sticks. These will curl and look super whimsy. Fill each dessert cup 1/3 of the way with dressing and place on a tray. Arrange the leaves, stem side down into the dressing. In spray bottle, mix olive oil with remaining 1T lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Shake to combine and lightly spray the veggies just before serving. Eat with fingers or serve with chop sticks for extra fun.

SPRING WHIPLASH CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Ingredients:

• 3 heads organic cauliflower

• 1 large sweet onion

• 3 ribs celery

• 2 orange bell peppers

• 1 package fresh shitake mushrooms

• 2 large shallots

• 2 - 32oz cartons organic chicken bone (or veggie) broth

• Olive oil, avocado oil, and butter for cooking

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

• Finishing flake salt

• Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning

• Immersion blender

Makes 12 generous servings with leftovers (you’ll want them).

Directions:

Wash cauliflower, and trim off the florets. Place into a bowl. Chop sweet onion and celery super fine. In a large stock pot, add ¼ cup avocado oil and heat on medium high until warm. Add onion, celery, ½ tsp salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and 2T Umami seasoning. Sautee until translucent and slightly golden. Add cauliflower, broth and 1T garlic powder; bring to a boil. Lower to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring well from time to time.

While the soup cooks, for the garnish, slice the shallot, shitake (without stems), and orange bell pepper into roughly equal pieces. In a skillet, melt 2T butter (or olive oil for a vegan soup). Add the veggies, sprinkle with salt, pepper, ¼ tsp umami, and saute for about 8 minutes until just a little golden. Set aside in a bowl for garnish at the end.

Check the cauliflower for doneness - it should feel super tender and break easily apart with a fork. Remove from heat. With a ladle, remove and reserve enough broth until the liquid is just level with the cauliflower. Very carefully puree the soup with an immersion blender. Add back broth as needed for a smooth creamy consistency. Taste for seasoning.

Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, fresh pepper, flake salt, and a center dollop of the garnish. Can be served hot or cold.

FESTIVITES

SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH

The Fresh Start

A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS

Week 1: Refresh and Declutter

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week 3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions

• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.

• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.

• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.

Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items.

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

Week 4: Finishing Touches and Maintenance

• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.

• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.

• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.

BRADBURN

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 Before After

MARCH 1ST

Licensed to Chill - Polar Plunge

Crystal Lake Main Beach | 10:00 AM

Looking for a way to support the Special Olympics?  How about taking a plunge and having fun! By participating or donating, you are supporting Special Olympics athletes across the state train and compete.  Don your favorite superhero costume and head to Main Beach in Crystal Lake! To take the plunge or to donate go to: support.soill.org/klara

MARCH 7TH - 8TH

Big Brothers/Big

Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake

3D Sideouts, Island Lake & Kingston Lanes, Woodstock

Support BBBS while having fun and raising funds for their youth mentoring programs! Bowl For Kids' Sake is a peer to peer fundraiser where community members collect donations, then celebrate during a bowling shift of their choosing! Collect donations online or in-person before your bowling date. All proceed directly impact kids in McHenry County. Info and registration at: bbbsmchenry.org

MARCH 7TH

6th Annual Veteran's Path to Hope Spirit Pull

McHenry VFW Post 4600, 3002 IL-120, McHenry | 2:00 PM

Hosted and presented by the VFW, this year's event promises unforgettable camaraderie and craft spirits. Celebrate the artistry of local Illinois craft distillers and, this year, two outstanding breweries. Enjoy a diverse range of flavors with select vendors including gourmet popcorn, nuts, and premium cigars. Plus a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle ($20 per ticket - cash only).  https://veteranspathtohope.org/6th-annual-spirit-pull-march-7-2026

We’re so

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.

224.888.4088 | TLDECKS.COM

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

MARCH 12TH

Aging in Crystal Lake - What Families need to know

Community Foundation For McHenry County | 2:00 PM

Hosted by the Crystal Lake Public Library, is this free, educational event for seniors, family members, and caregivers.  Certified dementia and community educator Lynne O'Malley will narrate the journey of an older resident who encounters an unexpected medical emergency at home. Learn how to prepare to remain safely at home, or understand next steps. Registration encouraged. For more information:  crystallake.librarycalendar.com/event/aging-crystal-lake-what-families-need-know-80397

MARCH 13TH

Crystal Lake Park District Barn Dance

Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive | 6:30 PM

Head over to main beach on your own, with a partner, or with a group of friends for open dancing including line dance, mixers, and pattern partner. Water and light refreshments provided. Pre-registration online is encouraged but paper forms and cash/check accepted at the door. $10 residents/$13 non-residents. Ages 15+.  More info at crystallakeparks.org/calendar-of-events

MARCH 20TH

Faster Than Light: An IMAX 3D Experience

McHenry County College Planetarium (Liebman Science Building, Building F) | 6:00 PM

"Faster Than Light," based on real science and engineering, takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the future, aboard laser-driven space sails, antimatter engines, and even warp drive - right out of science fiction. The show will include a live portion followed by the feature film on the dome theatre for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Ages 8+. Tickets $5.

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