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Style Issue S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Stylish September

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Steve Rogers | steve.rogers@citylifestyle.com

Welcome to our latest edition of Crystal Lake City Lifestyle where this month’s theme is all about style. In a world that constantly evolves, style remains the timeless thread that connects the past, present, and future, shaping our homes, wardrobes, and even our smiles. In this issue, we explore how a stylish smile can be crafted through the art of orthodontics. It’s not just about straight teeth—it's about confidence, first impressions, and how a beautiful smile can become your most defining accessory. We highlight a local church and the building which has rich history in Crystal Lake and continues to serve the community more than 180 years after it was founded. Take a journey of style through the ages. From the timeless elegance of classic furniture to the bold, transformative nature of fashion, we’ll showcase how trends evolve yet always return to the roots of sophistication. Whether you’re curating your wardrobe or reimagining your home, we explore how style is an ever-changing art form. Our feature on personal color analysis will help you discover the hues that bring out the best in you. It’s a fascinating exploration of how color not only reflects but enhances our personalities, creating a style that feels uniquely you. Style, after all, is a personal journey, and it’s our hope that this issue inspires you to embrace yours with confidence, grace, and flair. Whether through a radiant smile, a curated home, or a vibrant wardrobe, may this edition remind you that true style is more than appearance—it’s an expression of your unique essence. Happy reading and here’s to a stylish September!

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 WRITERS

Klaudia Burian, Jamie Kayser 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 COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

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

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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

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

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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 SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

26 30

Featured

10 16

26 30 6

Smile in Style

Orthodontic Expertise That Looks and Feels Modern

Rooted in History

Honoring the past while preparing First Congregational Church for future generations and community needs

Vintage Chic Table Scape to Button-up Summer

Summer’s treasures and eclectic china have a playful celebratory vibe

The Power of Your Palette

Discover the colors that enhance your natural features

16 On the Cover

Departments

What can the right colors do for you? Our photographer Sharmila Taylor works double duty on this cover shot as both photographer AND model.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Trend Setter HOME + DESIGN

How to HOME + DESIGN

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Events

Photography: Sharmila Taylor Photography

SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

KATIE SINDE

MCCARREL PHOTOGRAPY

PAT PFALLER

1—3: Congressman Bill Foster joined Mayor Haleblian and members of the CL Chamber and the Downtown Association to tour our vibrant downtown businesses with a focus on entrepreuership, small business, and science and technology. 4—6: The Downtown/Main Street Association (with the support of many other organizations) hosted the inaugural Crystal Lake Disability Pride Event, an amazing day celebrating the beauty, diversity, and visibility of people with disabilities, who make our community richer and fuller. 7: The band Pearlsnap, saddled up and entertained the Railroad Street Block Party crowd

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 ADDRESS

SOLD PRICE

SOLD DATE

% SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

3820 Berry Ct

$2,000,000

5/28/2025

100%

126

5.3

8845 Belfield Rd

$1,250,000

5/2/2025

100%

357

4.1

795 Oak Ct

$1,020,000

6/6/2025

113%

2.0

5605 Farmbrook Ln

$895,000

7/18/2025

95%

5.0

6703 Colonel Holcomb Dr

$895,000

6/10/2025

102%

4.1

3409 Arbor Ln

$865,000

6/18/2025

96%

4.1

4329 Carlisle Dr

$859,000

5/27/2025

96%

198

4.1

5618 Farmbrook Ln

$835,000

6/4/2025

101%

5.0 4.1

6617 Colonel Holcomb Dr

$815,000

6/27/2025

96%

4201 Jacqueline Ln

$775,000

5/23/2025

105%

4.1

8475 Watson Cir

$750,000

5/16/2025

98%

3.1

7516 Bonnie Ridge Rd

$745,000

5/29/2025

102%

3.1

3718 Needle Creek Ct

$728,000

7/29/2025

100%

4.1

9735 Stonecastle Ln

$700,000

5/5/2025

97%

236

3.1

4001 Wyndwood Dr

$690,100

7/1/2025

102%

4.1

308 Kingsport Ct

$687,000

7/2/2025

98%

4.0

3919 Wyndwood Dr

$676,000

6/18/2025

106%

3.1

5880 Highland Ln

$675,000

6/16/2025

100%

5.0

7770 Farrell Dr

$665,000

7/10/2025

97%

4.1

5314 Renee Ave

$660,000

6/9/2025

102%

4.0

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 5/1/25 - 8/1/25. DOM is Days on Market.

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SMILE IN STYLE

photo credit Claudio Menrano

ORTHODONTIC EXPERTISE THAT LOOKS AND FEELS MODERN ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR & CLAUDIO MENRANO

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

Photo Credit: Sharmila Taylor Photograpy

Photo credit: Sharmila Taylor Photography

If you or your child has ever worn braces, you know the transformation that follows the years of pain and sacrifice (say goodbye to gum and taffy). What began with overbites, gaps that could fit a pencil, or overlapping teeth making it hard to chew much less want to flash a smile, ends with a newly aligned bite and an ear to ear grin––the outward representation of the inner self confidence. Orthodontic treatment is, after all, the ultimate form of conservative cosmetic dentistry—using your natural teeth to enhance your smile and express your personal style. Dr. Bob Skopek, owner of Clearcut Orthodontics, is redefining the future of orthodontics—one clear aligner at a time. Gone are the days of expanders, rubber bands, and broken wires; his practice is almost entirely dedicated to Invisalign treatment. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Skopek has become a nationally recognized leader in aligner-based care, committed to leveraging cutting edge technology to prescribe customized treatment plans and decrease your time needed in the office for routine appointments. He takes great pride in his tried-and-true techniques that not only straighten teeth, but add sparkle to one’s appearance. And more than that, he has also designed office spaces to be conducive to the new style of orthodontics.

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

His journey to becoming a leader in the field began in Antioch, Illinois, where he grew up before attending high school in northern Wisconsin. Dr. Skopek went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed both his DDS and MS at the University of Minnesota. He has practiced orthodontics in Illinois since 1995. The first in his blue-collar family to attend college, Dr. Skopek initially considered medical school due to his strength in science. But it was the artistic side of dentistry that drew him in. As he advanced in his studies, he discovered a deep passion for orthodontics—what he calls the perfect fusion of art and science. Outside the office, Dr. Skopek leads a full life centered around family and meaningful connections. He and his wife of 30 years, Stephanie, have two adult daughters, and he considers time with them—and with close friends—his greatest priority. Whether attending a local fundraiser, enjoying a concert, cheering at a sporting event, golfing, hunting, or simply relaxing, he finds joy in good company. "The most precious commodity we have is time," he often says, and he’s committed to spending it well. Dr. Skopek’s enthusiasm for providing customized treatment plans to his patients is palpiable. He will take you around his immaculate office space pointing out the state of the art equipment while explaining how patients rarely need to visit the office – reminiscing about the “old days” of monthly (or more) visits to have your wires changed, yanked, and tightened. What really stands out though, is his true love and dedication to his patients. He will speak of the special needs

kids (and adults) who historically hated going to the dentist or orthodontist and would never have considered braces. But with the new techniques he provides, these patients have a whole new outlook to go with their brand new smiles. The Clearcut Orthodontics expertise ensures that every aligner stage is precisely planned, monitored, and adjusted as needed. This level of specialized attention is designed for real life: more efficient, more personalized, and more comfortable. That same passion for patient-centered care extends beyond his own practice. As a founding member of the Vanguard Orthodontic Group, he and a team of fellow pioneers have helped shift the orthodontic landscape by championing innovation, collaboration, and smarter systems that benefit both doctors and patients. Vanguard Orthodontic Group is a doctor-owned, autonomous Orthodontic Service Organization (OSO) made up of top specialists who have chosen to subspecialize in clear aligner orthodontics using Invisalign. Formed by leaders from the 500-member Invisalign Pioneers study club, this group now accounts for over half of all Invisalign cases in North America annually. United by a shared commitment to expertise, mentorship, and patient-centered care, Vanguard is redefining what aligner-driven treatment can be—making it more accessible, affordable, and guided by trusted orthodontic professionals rather than corporate interests. Step into Dr. Skopek’s office and you’ll immediately notice—this isn’t the typical orthodontic setup. The space is streamlined, bright, and meticulously clean, with a modern design that prioritizes both privacy and efficiency; a model for

“What really stands out is his true love and dedication to his patients.”

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

all Vanguard Orthodontic Group offices. Instead of a large, open treatment bay with multiple patients lined up in chairs, you’ll find private treatment rooms and a calm, unhurried atmosphere. Everything is digital—from scans to treatment planning—and the hands-off approach means more precision, less discomfort, and fewer visits. With smart systems in place and carefully staggered appointments, the waiting room stays quiet—because most patients aren’t waiting at all. It’s clear that Dr. Skopek and the Vanguard Orthodontic Group are redefining what orthodontic care can look like. With cutting-edge tools, streamlined spaces, and a patient-first mindset,

they’re proving that straightening your smile doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your time—or your comfort. Whether Dr. Skopek is mentoring a new orthodontist, creating a personalized smile plan, or spending time with his family, his goal remains the same—make the most of every moment and every connection. Because at the heart of it is expert care, modernized and delivered with the kind of warmth and intention that makes a lasting impression From reshaping business models to reimagining the office experience, Dr. Skopek is not just keeping up with the curve—he’s creating it. One smile at a time.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

ROOTED IN HISTORY

Honoring the past while preparing First Congregational Church for future generations and communit y needs ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRADBURN AND FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Crystal Lake, founded in 1914, has rich history all around. From old Victorian homes and Algonquin brick buildings to the Crystal Lake terracotta decorating storefronts downtown, the city still offers reminders of what life was like in the early years. One such place really stands out as a reminder of not only what life was like all that time ago, but also the amazing community that built this city.

“This building has served so many generations before us. We want it to be ready to serve generations still to come.” That place is the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake. Founded in 1842, well before Crystal Lake was officially incorporated, the church has long been a part of the city’s history. Some of the names etched into its stained-glass windows, like Dike, Pierson, Gates, and Pomeroy, can also be found on our street signs and in our public spaces. These were the early settlers who helped shape the town, and their legacy lives on in more ways than one. The congregation’s first sanctuary was built in 1849 on the northwest corner of Virginia Street and McHenry Avenue. The current church building, completed in 1867, was funded in part by those same

founding families. Inside, the original 1,586-pound bell which was installed in 1875, still rings out from the steeple, once said to be heard as far away as Barrington and Marengo. The church has stood the test of time, both literally and figuratively. The original structure, erected in 1867 still opens its doors every Sunday. In 1850, the church publicly condemned slavery. During the Civil War, it sent its pastor to serve as chaplain to the 72nd Illinois Regiment. In the 1930s, when the Great Depression closed local banks and wiped out their funds, the church kept going thanks to a timely gift from a longtime community member. Through all of it, the church remained a place of gathering, resilience, and service.

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Today, that legacy is continuing with a major restoration project that honors the church’s history while preparing the building for the future. The congregation has raised more than $2.3 million for renovations, quite an impressive feat, and the work is being done with an eye toward both preservation and progress. The goal is to retain the beauty and integrity of the historic sanctuary while updating it to better serve today’s needs. That includes upgrading HVAC and lighting systems for energy efficiency, installing solar panels, and enhancing audio-visual technology to reach those attending services in person and online. Accessibility is also a priority, with improvements that will make the space more welcoming and usable for people of all abilities. Leading the church today is Senior Pastor Eric Fistler, who sees the restoration as a natural extension of the church’s mission. “This building has served so many generations before us,” Fistler says. “We want it to be ready to serve generations still to come, not just as a church, but as a home for the wider community.” The restoration isn’t just about the needs of the church’s members. It reflects the congregation’s broader mission of being a safe and welcoming space for the entire community. First Congregational has long been involved in civic efforts, from founding Friendship House daycare in the 1960s to helping establish the Crystal Lake Food Pantry in the 1980s. The church also founded the Lakeside Festival, which began as a humble spaghetti dinner and has since grown into McHenry County’s largest community event. And what all these efforts have in common is that once up and running successfully, the church quietly backs away and lets them shine on their own and continue to serve all members of the community.

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

As the church looks to the future, it continues to embrace its role as a space for all people, regardless of background, orientation, or belief. That commitment to inclusion was formalized in 2015, when it declared itself an “Open and Affirming” congregation. It’s a value that’s shaping everything from building design to programming. Inside the sanctuary, one of the newer additions is a memorial art piece called “Cloud of Witnesses.” Created during the pandemic, the piece features ribbons marked with the names of loved ones lost and serves as a reminder that those who came before are still present in spirit. The artwork, designed by local artists Barbara Schneider and William Schmiel, moves with the air in the sanctuary, an ever-present symbol of memory and connection. Music also plays a big role in life at First Congregational. The church’s music program includes choirs for every age, from preschoolers to adults. The Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir, led by Toni Gambini, recently earned a spot to perform at the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Connecticut, a rare honor for a volunteer church group. Many of the ringers have been part of the church’s music program since childhood, a testament to how deeply music is woven into this community. Whether you’ve attended a festival on the lawn, admired the steeple from the sidewalk, or heard the bells ring on a Sunday morning, chances are you’ve felt the presence of First Congregational Church in some way, whether you realized it or not. It has been a steady presence in Crystal Lake for more than 175 years, not just as a house of worship, but as a living reminder of the values, generosity, and resilience that helped build the city. Thanks to its ongoing restoration, it’s not just preserving the past, it’s making sure that legacy continues well into the future in a thoughtful and inclusive way.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

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TAKE YOUR SEATS AND PREPARE FOR THE NOSTALGIA

Style Throughout the Ages ARTICLE BY JAMIE KAYSER

The Recliner!

T R E N D SE T T E R | HO ME + D E SIGN

The classic wing back

“

T h e re a l b e a ut y of s t y le i s t h at i s a d e e p l y p e rs o n a l re f le c t io n of you .

Chuck Taylors, low-rise and skinny jeans, haircuts with bangs; can you guess what period of time we’re talking about? This could either be the 1980s, early 2000’s or…right about now! Styles can change a lot throughout time, and re-emerge over the decades. Let’s explore some of the styles from clothing to home decor that have had an influence on our culture, then and now. In the past, bell-bottoms were all the rage, today holey jeans are hip. Tube tops then, crop tops now. What you wear today and your style may look a lot different than that of your parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ but may also reflect their flair. Do they still have a stylistic influence on you? Or perhaps you would like the exact opposite choices. Practicality, comfort, personal style, taste, and popularity could all play a part in what we gravitate towards. Some fads are fleeting, others come back to stay, such as the classic living room chair––a beloved staple that evolved over time but is here to stay. What do The Goldbergs and All in the Family have in common (other than being sitcoms)? The “Dad Chair.” Murray Goldberg and Archie Bunker’s staples. While Archie’s chair may have been a wing back, Murray’s living room fixture was a recliner, what we now affectionately just call the Lazyboy. Even Joey and Chandler’s Friends apartment featured this classic. Still in circulation today, Lazyboy has quite literally been a household name for decades. Nowadays, such chairs have wireless charging for your phone and cupholders. They rock,

swivel, recline, have lumbar support, and more. Somehow these chairs have evolved to be even more comfortable! Possibly the biggest shift? The price tag. What once cost a couple hundred bucks now comes loaded with all the bells and whistles and a four-figure price. Our ancestors could've furnished an entire living room for the cost of one modern recliner. Whether it's a classic Lazyboy or today’s tech-savvy thrones, the iconic "dad chair" still holds its place as a cornerstone of comfort. How about the way men get a haircut? The classic “shave and cut, two bits” is now more like “fourty five dollars, plus tip”. Razor edges back then have become 5-blade razors, though the classic metal scissors have remained. The chair itself has evolved as well. From a high-back, stiff, swivel-only chair of one height to a low profile seat with a low back that not only swivels but moves up and down adding ease for the stylist. Think about women’s hairstyles over the years. From the carefully set pin curls of the 1940s to the teased volume of the '80s, women’s hairstyles have always reflected the spirit of their time. Today, versatility rules—sleek blowouts, beachy waves, and effortless buns all coexist, with modern tools and products making it easier than ever to switch up styles to match any mood or moment. When you think of stylistic icons, who comes to mind? Marilyn Monroe with her classic flowy dresses and skirts? Dazzling Doris Day with her big curly hair and colorful outfits? Both of these fashion icons were booming in the 1950s and 60s.

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RYSTA L L A KE

Consider music styles. The Beatles rock and roll and their many outfit changes for each album. How about ‘purpley’ Prince in the 1980s with his funky suits and unique guitars. Avril Lavigne became popular in the early 2000s with her emo style and punky music. Nowadays, Taylor Swift is all the rage with her ever-changing style depending on the “Era” of the album. Many artists are influenced by those who came before them, but still add their own flair and personality. Not only were all of these icons different in how they presented themselves and what they wore, the art they created was also very unique to them. Think of your favorite style icon—what is it about them that draws you in? Is it their ability to stay true to their signature look, or the way they’ve evolved over time? Trends come and go, and no one can truly predict which ones will stick. Sometimes it feels like there’s no rhyme or reason, because style is so deeply personal. Whether it’s a

Barber chair from the 1930s

T R E N D SE T T E R | HO ME + D E SIGN

favorite shirt, hairstyle, band, or artist, our individual preferences are what make each of us stand out. It has been said: “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. As we all explore our own styles, embrace what you like and be uniquely yourself! The real beauty of style is that it’s a reflection of you.

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Vintage Chic Table Scape to Button-up Summer ARTICLE BY KLAUDIA BURIAN

Summer’s treasures and eclectic china have a playful celebratory vibe

Cooler northern breezes of fall signal a time of an inevitable transition from the lazy dog days of summer, to a more monochromatic and earthy colorscape. Squeezing out the last subtle remnants of the summer wind, can be as simple as dining outdoors to witness and be present to the more comfortable shift in the season. A tablescape dressed with revered treasures found lake side, on late day summer walks, or that precious time spent vacationing with loved ones can offer space to pause and imprint new memories made.

1. When each person adds their own special treasure, it creates an altar, and a tribute to nourishment of days gone by. 2. This approach to decorating a beautiful chic lunch or dinner table, honors those around the crowded table, as well as many timely principles of watching dollars spent.

SUPPLIES • • • • • •

favorite tablecloth fairy tale rocks abandoned seashells pinecones antique market vases late bloomers from the garden • mismatched napkins

H OW TO | HO ME + DES I GN

• random chairs • plates left from grandma’s china • Glasses tall and short • savory food • sweet nibbles • bubbly drinks • favorite people

3. Seashells washed ashore, and pinecones stripped clean of their seeds, pull on the heart strings and bring back the moment. They’re a natural addition when sprinkled randomly alongside the whimsical and playful energy that lingers among the rich reminiscing. 4. Best places to source vintage table ware can be as close as the back of the forgotten kitchen cabinet, flea markets and resale shops, or having each person bring their favorite plate from home. 5. Because it’s about the people.

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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

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The Power of Your Palette Discover the colors that enhance your natural features ARTICLE BY PATTI NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARMILA TAYLOR

We’ve all been there: drawn to blouse or shirt that looked great on the hanger but made us look washed out in the mirror. Maybe a lipstick or grooming product promised a glow-up but left us looking tired instead. And the wrong hair color or tie that throws things off. Over time our closets and drawers become a graveyard for things we thought we liked but never felt quite right wearing. But what if the issue isn’t the item itself—it’s the color? That’s something Elyse Olsen, founder of Sirius Color Studio in Crystal Lake, knows from personal experience. After her own color analysis led her astray, she started a journey––learning how to effectively identify the tones that can change how we look and feel. A new color analysis, this time through the True Colour International system (TCI), made everything click. “It was like seeing myself clearly for the first time,” she says. “It changed how I show up in the world.” Now she helps clients uncover their natural palette—leading to smarter choices, fewer regrets, and a more confident presence. Personal color analysis isn’t just about fashion––it’s about presentation, a cohesive vs competing style, and confidence that radiates. When your appearance is in harmony with your natural coloring, people notice you, not the shirt, makeup, or hair color. Whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe, choosing a suit or dress for a big event, or want to feel more like yourself, finding your perfect color palette is a smart investment in how you show up.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

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Saturday Night Lights Glow in the Dark Mini Golf Fundraiser Lippold Park Family Golf Center | 7:00 PM Head over to Lippold Park for Saturday Night Lights Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf Fundraiser sponsored by the Crystal Lake Parks Initiative Foundation. Putt your way through 18 holes of black lights, neon, and LED obstacles while enjoying music, food, adult beverage, and fun at this 21+ event! Admission includes grilled burger or brat, chips, and beverage Prize for Best Team Costume! SE PT E M E R 1 2 T H

Service League of Crystal Lake House Walk Various | 9:00 AM This annual event is the Service League’s largest fundraiser and features four beautiful homes in Crystal Lake, PLUS a bonus stop with food and drinks. Grab some friends and make a day (or night) of it. Purchase tickets ahead of time on the Service League of Crystal Lake website or in person on the day of the event. SE PT E M BE R 1 3T H - 1 4 TH

Oktoberfest Crystal Lake Brewing Crystal Lake Brewing's annual Oktoberfest is back! Enjoy two days of sipping brews, food truck grub, and fabulous music from bands like Pino Farina, Modern Day Romeos and Pearlsnap. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and head over to CLB's parking lot celebration. SE PT E M BE R 1 9 T H

Luke Bryan Farm Tour Berning Family Farms, Prairie Grove | 5:00 PM Luke Bryan is taking is show on a farm tour this summer and stopping in Prairie Grove! This RAIN OR SHINE event is a one-of-a-kind concert experience under the open sky in America’s heartland. Celebrate live country music, good vibes, and great company. Must have a ticket to attend. Chairs and blankets welcome, coolers and outside food/drinks is not. lukebryan.com/farm-tour-2025 SE PT E M BE R 2 0 T H

3rd Annual Zerofest 135 Beardsley Street | 5:00 PM The Zero Fest is a sober street festival in front of The Other Side, featuring entertainment, bands, food trucks, and more. Hosted by New Directions Addiction Recovery Services (NDARS), the festival aims to create a positive, community-friendly environment while fundraising for crucial recovery support services in McHenry County. All proceeds support the NDARS mission. SE PT E M BE R 2 7 T H

Johnny Appleseed Festival Downtown Crystal Lake | 10:00 AM The 32nd annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in Downtown Crystal Lake is an all-day event to kick off the fall season. It’s jam-packed with engaging activities such as wagon rides, a pumpkin train, children’s games, bug fun inflatables for young kids, inflatable axe-throwing and hoops for young teens, a craft fair, live music, food trucks, apple cider donuts, and Johnny Appleseed!

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