ten things to know about immunizations
August 2014
PAGE 24
Go Back to
School with Marisa Burkhart
And other outstanding educators and volunteers! Page 8
22
Understanding ADHD with Dr. Anthony Ebel
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Inside Family in Focus
13 Bonbons and bus routes Family columnist Michelle Stien weighs the pros and cons of her newfound free time, and how to choose between a return to work with the “me” time she craves. 16 Pack up right with great tips for back-to-school.
HEALTH & WELLNESS 22 UNDERSTANDING ADHD Facts, details and expert advice from Dr. Anthony Ebel of Premier Wellness 24 Shot in the dark In the midst of the great vaccination debate, here’s some things you should know about keeping your children safe.
FASHION & BEAUTY 28 Complex complexion Find out how to keep skin clean and bright from a skilled dermatologist.
HOME & LIFESTYLE 30 Family vacations take wise planning Start today, with help from travel columnist Darrellynn Hanes.
DINING & ENTERTAINING
8
CLASSROOM HEROES
CSalon services by MARIO TRICOCI SALON & DAY SPAS in CRYSTAL LAKE Stylist-Blanca. Makeup-Mickey Photo by RON MCKINNEY
4 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
32 Not-so-basic food group Where great food and single adults meet and mingle, something delicious is bound to happen! 34 Put a Fork in it Dining columnist Dave Faconne answers some common questions about the business.
OUT & ABOUT 36 Social Life Taste of McHenry proved delicious, both the food and the function! 38 Calendar Summer festivals, celebrations, cruise nights and concerts fill the close of the summer season in McHenry County.
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WHEN YOU SIGN A LEASE BY AUG. 31, 2014
H
ow did it happen that it finally got warm and sunny, and we already are going back to school? The summer break seemed to fly past me this year, pausing only long enough to serve as a reminder to buy supplies and get school physicals scheduled. Most students in the Chicago area return to the classroom this month, and with that return comes all that school life has to offer – the youngsters are filled with excitement and trepidation, the teens carry an air of coolness as they stroll the hallways, and the teachers respond with a mix of excitability and frenzy, as they push through to get all the classrooms ready and the lessons prepared. This month in McHenry County Magazine, we meet some of those teachers, at schools throughout our communities. We discover what they value most in the school day and how the efforts of outstanding educators are making our children’s lives filled with interest and promise.
But there still are a few weeks remaining of Summer break before the school buses hit the streets, so we tell you all about some great events and happenings, as well. The McHenry County Fair opens the month for the whole family to enjoy, or check out a club for singles, which embraces food and friendship around the dinner table. There’s still so much to see and do this summer, and this month, in our communities. We hope you’ll join us as we wrap the season up in style, and in print! Thanks for reading–
Sherri Dauskurdas Editor
Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com
We heed the advice of child psychologists on how to lessen the stress of the back-to-school season, get the scoop from the CDC on the importance of vaccinations, and what to look out for in the process.
Advertising Director Kate Weber 815-526-4400 kweber@shawmedia.com
on the
COVER
Marisa Burkhart leads the drive for integrated technology in School District 158, and it's been noticed. She was named Illinois Computing Educator of the Year for 2014. Page 8. Photos by Ron McKinney Salon Services by Mario Tricoci Salons & DAY Spas in Crystal Lake Stylist - Isabella Makeup - Juliet
6 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.McHenryCountyMagazine.com
Correspondents Yvonne Benson, Elizabeth Harmon, Stephanie Kohl, Michelle Stien, Allison Horne Photographers Ron McKinney, Jason Adrian, Nancy Merkling President / Shaw Media John Rung jrung@shawmedia.com McHenry County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to McHenry County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.
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Dr. Stephen Rivard, Illinois Vein Specialists (center), Megan Robin (left) and Sean Devine (right)
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Sean Devine’s experience was a little different. He became a patient of IVS at age 18. “I knew I had vein disease; I had big, ropey varicose veins and I had sclerotherapy done by another doctor. The problem was I never got better until I saw Dr. Rivard.” Dr. Rivard notes: “Both these young patients had serious vein disease, actually among the more advanced cases I’ve seen. In Sean’s instance it was obvious, but he had previously received the wrong treatment, which actually complicated his case management. Megan’s situation was that the disease was not visible and neither her family nor doctor, plausibly, thought vein disease was likely in one so young.” VEIN DISEASE DOES NOT JUST OCCUR AMONG OLDER PATIENTS That vein disease is just a disease of the elderly is a harmful myth. The facts are that vein disease will occur in about a quarter of the population. The primary cause is heredity, which accounts for about 80% of incidence, not aging. However, vein disease is less likely to be visible in young patients because the disease has not had as long to produce noticeable effects in veins near the
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MarisaBurkhartleadsthecomputing revolution in District 158 By Stephanie Kohl
Marisa Burkhart can’t stand still. Lucky for her, technology doesn’t stand still either, making Burkhart’s position as director of educational technology for Consolidated School District 158 a great fit. “What it comes down to is kids learning in a relevant environment,” Burkhart says. “The internet has changed everything. The evolution of it is that now the information is everywhere and you come to school to learn how to use it.” For Burkhart, that means making sure there is a connection between curriculum and the technology department and, oftentimes, driving what technology is needed for the curriculum. Two years ago, students at Martin Elementary School in Lake in the Hills were provided tablets. With those tablets, a new literacy curriculum was created. Last year, the program expanded to
8 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Conley Elementary School in Algonquin, Leggee Elementary in Huntley and to one sixth grade class at Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills. Next year, every student in the district in kindergarten through seventh grade will have a device, either a tablet or Chromebook. Burkhart says education has evolved from reading a story and reciting every detail about it, or creating a diorama to illustrate a lesson. With the use of technology and the internet, students can instead make a movie from the point of view of a character that didn’t have a strong voice in the book.
“To be able to really reflect on my experience in this role and be recognized for that, it was just a really powerful experience for me,” Burkhart says. Burkhart has spent four years in the position of director of educational technology. Prior to that, she taught eighth grade science for the school district. Although Burkhart started her college education with the intentions of becoming a bioengineer, she quickly found that while she was passionate about science, she wasn’t passionate about a career as a bio-engineer.
“The power of sharing beyond the school is a huge difference,” Burkhart says of how technology has changed education.
“I’ve always gravitated towards people,” she says. “I really thought I should just become a teacher and make science awesome for students.”
Earlier this year, Burkhart was awarded the 2014 Illinois Computing Educators Educator of the Year award. Each year, it selects one teacher and one technology educator to award. Burkhart was nominated by a teacher in her district.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field of study was never limiting to Burkhart. As a matter of fact, she says with the focus on STEM and many changes in programming to offer more choices at the high school level and more
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Photos by Ron McKinney
awareness of career readiness related to the field of science, Burkhart has seen more girls take an interest in science. It was near the end of her time teaching that Burkhart really started to focus on and use technology more often, seeing it as a great tool to give kids feedback faster than ever before, and make her class more hands-on. “There’s never a day that’s the same,” Burkhart says of her position now. “It’s very exciting.” Over the past two years, Burkhart has created a team of people helping teachers learn to teach with technology. With the size of the district and the demands on technology, it was created out of necessity. “It never ends,” she says. “You always have to keep moving forward. I can’t stand still.” With technology changing seemingly every day, Burkhart has to keep moving. Especially when students seem to have, and know how to use,
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the latest and the greatest in technology. “We’ve found kids are really good at technology, but they don’t intuitively know how to use it to learn,” Burkhart says. She added that kids are naturally curious about technology and, unlike adults, they aren’t afraid to mess around with a device and see what happens. She readily admits that some students know how to operate an Android device better than she does. Burkhart and teachers are doing their best to stay ahead of students in terms of technology, even if it isn’t always easy. “Part of our mission here is to keep people moving, but recognize it’s OK if you don’t move as fast as others,” Burkhart says. Knowing the teachers are coming to work every day eager to do their best for students, Burkhart encourages teachers to try everything, even if they fail the first time, or even more than once.
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“If you don’t fail, we don’t think you’re trying hard enough,” Burkhart says with a laugh. “We’ve really treated it (the incorporation of technology) as, we’re changing how we do business.”
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 9
Master
IngridMullanehasstudentskeepingthebeat By Stephanie Kohl
I
ngrid Mullane always looks for the connection to music.
“It’s very rewarding to see students that love music and want to do it more and more,” Mullane says. “And they’re motivated by the music.” The elementary music specialist at Martin Elementary in School District 158 has been with the district for 17 years, bringing music to her students. After receiving her Master's degree in music, and a few years serving as a high school band, chorus and jazz director, she and her husband Brent (who also is an elementary music specialist at Martin) spent two years in Nepal, starting up a middle and high school band and choral program at an American International School. “It was very exciting and also scary at the same time,” Mullane says. “It’s a third world country… It was a really, really good experience and we came to love the country and love the people.”
I just found it natural and easy to sign with the children,” she says. “I could craft lessons around plot, musical history and composers.” Mullane says she would often connect her music lessons to what the students were learning from their classroom teachers as well. “In real life, everything is incorporated together,” Mullane says. “Everything is connected.” In 1997, Mullane started with School District 158 and she says seeing the growth in the area and the number of new kids coming into the area has been exciting. Mullane enjoys the creativity she experiences being a teacher and crafting lessons, as well as the creativity she sees in students. She always wants students to have an active learning experience and does her best to find what motivates them, whether that be dance, incorporating technology, social aspects or anything else.
Following their time in Nepal, Mullane took a job as a Bell Choir Director and Children’s Choir Director at a church in Aurora, it was her first time teaching such young kids.
“We don’t just sit and sing,” Mullane says. “My classroom is not like that.”
“The energy and the enthusiasm in singing and the openness to making music with anything around them, I really enjoyed the kids,” Mullane says.
“I try to compare it to trying different foods,” Mullane says. “You might not know you like it until you try it.”
Her experience with elementary-aged children continued at her next job as an elementary music teacher in Sandwich. “Singing was a large part of the curriculum and
She also makes sure to expose students to as many different types of music as she can.
During the 2013-14 school year, Mullane received an award of Special Recognition from the Those Who Excel Education awards, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education. Mullane still doesn’t know who nominated her.
“I was very honored (and) surprised because we have 650 students in our school district and everyone works very hard,” Mullane says. Mullane believes music education is so important to students because it can be an outlet. “I think that the students need a chance to find an outlet to express themselves,” Mullane says. “I think music is a part of our culture, but it’s become a passive part of our culture.” Mullane encourages students to become active musicians and says music is something you can learn. “You can’t learn to sing by listening to others sing, you have to do it,” Mullane says. In addition to all the years she has spent teaching, Mullane has also been active in various orchestras including the Quad City Symphony and the Dubuque Symphony. She is currently active with the New Philharmonic Orchestra in Glen Ellyn and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. She plays the horn. “The music. Music is the inspiration, it’s the passion,” she says.
Photos by Ron McKinney
Music
Stepping up, giving back Debbie Lazarski helped rebuild a suffering school district
speech tournament Lazarski volunteered to help.
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
“It’s a lot of work, but it is also so much fun,” she says.
Debbie Lazarski loves her small town community in Cary. So when her local school district began to make deep cuts due to a financial crisis she knew she couldn’t sit idle and let the negativity around her continue.
She also stepped up to help run the Battle of the Books program, which encourages students to read and participate in activities and discussions based on the reading list.
“The district went through such a difficult time. It became such a negative, sad situation all around,” Lazarski says. “I don’t like to just sit by and see things be negative.” She joined the Cary 26 Education Foundation where she saw an opportunity to make a positive impact in her school community. “Most people join because their kids are in the district,” says Margaret Bussan, a member of the Cary 26 Education Foundation. At the time, Lazarski had a daughter in high school and one entering 8th grade. She was nearly finished with the district but she wasn’t ready to look past the need for help in her community. Lazarski says she had loved volunteering for classroom activities and programs when her daughters were younger. It provided an opportunity for her to meet and work with the teachers as well as the students. In 2010 as the school district struggled with financial problems and leaders had to make deep cuts to activities and programs Lazarski says she felt compelled to help.
“These two events are very rewarding and fun for me,” Lazarski says. She says things have improved in the school district and the once atmosphere of negativity she saw in her community has changed. “Everybody worked together and it did get better,” she says. “[Cary] is a wonderful small town.” Bussan says some view the foundation as a fundraising vehicle and while that is an important part it also needs volunteers who can help with programming or events, such as the Cary Shuffle, a 5K race in the fall. “We need volunteers and we could use a couple more Debbies too,” Bussan says. Lazarski hails from Bloomington, a few hours to the south. She and her husband, John, settled in Cary as a place to live and raise a family. Their daughter, Maddie, 20, is in college and Annie, 17, is finishing her final year at Cary Grove High School. “I’m from a relatively small town and it’s been very nice for me to have my girls in the same atmosphere,” she says.
she’s more of a “helper” as her daughter leads the preschool program and she provides assistance. Lazarski runs her own embroidery business and she can often be found leading quilting classes at the Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop in Fox River Grove. “She’s really talented. She’s just great to work with,” says Carrie Quinn, owner of Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop. “She’s kind of an amazing person. She’s very good at teaching people.” Lazarski says she began quilting soon after the birth of her oldest daughter. She began with a few classes. She says she loves the history and the art one can connect with through quilting. “It’s such a great way to express oneself artistically,” Lazarski says.
“Getting involved in the foundation fueled the need in me to do something positive,” Lazarski says.
Today, Lazarski is vice president of the Cary District 26 School Foundation and already making plans for the next school year’s Battle of the Books and annual speech tournament.
Whether she’s teaching quilting, religious education or working with local students to promote a love of reading, Lazarski says it’s about following one’s passion, being positive and sharing strengths.
The foundation, comprised of community members, was designed to raise money and support school programs. When the foundation took the reins on the district
In addition to her work with the foundation, Lazarski has been a religious education teacher at Cary United Methodist Church for the last five years. Lazarski says these days
“Everybody has different strength,” she says. “If everybody really tries to do their part and share their strength, we’d all benefit so much.”
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FAMILY IN FOCUS
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Bring On The Bonbons!
I
t recently occurred to my husband that with our son starting kindergarten, we’d save some money on preschool. I reminded him that the money we are saving is actually going toward my bon-bon fund.
This fall marks the end of an era for this mama when my second child starts going to school all day. It truly is a bittersweet time for me. When I quit my job six years ago to stay home with my daughter, knowing that we would soon be adding another member of the family, I thought for sure I would end up going back to work once both kids were in school. I spent a good amount of time trying to think of what I would do in my “next life” after being a stay-at-home mom. The further I got into my role, the further I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind. Now, I am acutely aware that time has come. Or has it? The whole time I’ve been home, I’ve kept myself busy with volunteer work, teaching group fitness classes and writing. Many of those things I did while finding ways to shuffle, schlep and bring my kids along with me. Once they started school part-time, I tried to fit as much in while they were in school, but I spent most of my time traveling between preschool and bus stops. I’m going from two and a half hours, three days a week of free time to six and a half hours every day. While that affords me flexibility to work, I’m left with a feeling of apprehension. I still want to be home when they get off the bus and be able to take them to their activities. I still want to be able to volunteer in their classes. I still want to be able to
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teach group fitness classes and volunteer on various committees. Going back to work would eliminate many of those things from the equation. But are those things enough? Can I have my bon-bons and eat them too? I’m not sure where my self-imposed deadline of going back to work comes from, but I guess all I need to do is look at the fact that I just referred to it as “self-imposed” and there’s my answer. My identity has been as a stay-at-home mom for the last six years and I got used to the idea that my “job” was caring for my children. But now that the kids will be at school all day, I fear that people will think I’m just sitting around eating bon-bons, taking
long naps, getting mani-pedis and going to the mall. Worst of all, I’m worried I might get bored. I don’t know why I doubt myself so much since I have never been the type of person to just sit around and do nothing. Why would I start now? So, here’s what I’m going to do. Cut myself some slack. Enjoy not having to entertain the kids all day. I’m going to grocery shop — alone — and save a ton of money by not having to bribe the kids with treats or toys just to get through the shopping trip. Perhaps I will use the
FAMILY IN FOCUS
money I save to buy more bon-bons! I’m going to try to teach more group fitness classes during the day since my window of opportunity will open up and I won’t be bound by preschool pickup and drop-off. After all, I need to burn off all those bon-bons. I’m going to go to my committee meetings and not have to lug a bag of tricks with me to occupy the kids for an hour. I’m going to write more. So, when I wave goodbye to the kids this month as the bus pulls away, I’m surely going to be emotional. I’m going to miss my little partner in crime. But then I’m going to march inside the house and enjoy a few bon-bons for the symbolism’s sake. I’m going to let go of my own self-imposed guilt knowing that at some point something will come along that will be a good fit for me to jump back in the workforce. Until then I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and wait with anticipation for the bus to pull up each day — well, most days anyway.
Write This Down with Michelle Stien
• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 4 and 6. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with McHenry County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 13
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Review all of the information. Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.
Fundraising ideas for your school, team, club or other non-profit
Mark your calendar. Make a note of important dates, especially backto-school nights. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations
16 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
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The degree of adjustment depends on the child, but parents can help their children (and the rest of the family) manage the increased pace of life by planning ahead, being realistic, and maintaining a positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful school experience, before the first day even arrives: Good physical and mental health. Be sure your child is in good physical and mental health. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Discuss any concerns you have over your child’s emotional or psychological development with your pediatrician. Your doctor can help determine if your concerns are normal, ageappropriate issues or require further assessment.
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Getting a new school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. The transition from August to September can be difficult for both children and parents. Even children who are eager to return to class must adjust to the greater levels of activity, structure, and, for some, pressures associated with school life.
Make copies. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year. mchenrycountymagazine.com
Local Farmers – Local Food! Buy school supplies early. Try to get the supplies as early as possible and fill the backpacks a week or two before school starts. Older children can help do this, but make sure they use a checklist that you can review. Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Plan to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least one week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Turn off the TV. Encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, flash cards, color, or read as early morning activities instead of watching television. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine. If possible, maintain this practice throughout the school year.
July 30 through August 3
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Visit school with your child. If your child is young or in a new school, visit the school with your child. Meeting the teacher, locating their classroom, locker, lunchroom, etc., will help ease pre-school anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment. Call ahead to make sure the teachers will be available to introduce themselves to your child.
2014
Minimize clothes shopping woes. Buy only the essentials. Summer clothes are usually fine during the early fall, but be sure to have at least one pair of sturdy shoes. Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines. Designate and clear a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement. Select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children. Freeze a few easy dinners. It will be much easier on you if you have dinner prepared so that meal preparation will not add to household tensions during the first week of school.
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FAMILY IN FOCUS
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 17
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 19
Lovell FHCC provides Veterans timely access to quality, patient-centered health care! The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is providing patientcentered health care to Veterans at our North Chicago campus, and our outpatient clinics in Evanston and McHenry, Illinois and Kenosha, Wisconsin. To learn more about your eligibility for primary health care at Lovell FHCC, call 224-610-1463 or visit our website:
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Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
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Understanding
ADHD
In just one or two generations ADHD has progressed from something nearly unheard of, to a disorder now afflicting nearly one in 10 kids. It’s a major problem and there are absolute reasons and causes for this dramatic rise, and for why children (and adults) suffer from ADHD.
It’s important to understand that while now today ADHD is classified as one diagnosis with six subtypes, it’s far easier to understand by looking at it as really just two main types: The first, traditionally known as ADD, exhibits when a child does not have so much hyperactivity or behavior problems, but instead has trouble paying attention, staying on task, and keeping organized. The second type is “classic” ADHD where the “H” is emphasized. In these cases, the child has an excessive amount of hyperactivity, anger, and abnormal behavior. In six years of caring for hundreds of these kids, my observation is most kids have some of both, but usually with a “dominant” type. Next, it’s far more important to understand the cause of the disorder, than simply properly diagnose (label) it. Medicine is in the business of diagnosis and treating the symptoms through medication, chiropractic is in the business of discovering the cause of the disorder and removing it. One approach is unnatural and temporary at best, the latter is natural, drugfree, and seeks to create lasting changes. It’s also been my observation that most parents and patients will choose the latter approach if given an option. The important thing is to know you do have options!
22 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
Here are the basics: ADHD is absolutely rooted within the brain or central nervous system. Medicine treats it by attempting to manipulate “chemicals” called neurotransmitters, but it’s important to note those chemicals are simply messengers for the central nervous system. It’s a neurological problem, not a genetic or chemical problem. If the brain is taking in too much stressful stimuli, it reacts with what’s called the stress response. When that “fight or flight” stress response is activated, it forces the body to create more stress chemicals, such as cortisol and epinephrine. It’s exactly the same as if you stomp on the gas pedal of your car; your car’s engine (brain) gets more gasoline. ADHD (and really all disorders) is an INPUT problem. The symptoms of hyperactivity and poor focus are just the brain’s natural reactions to bad input. If you calm and organize the input going into the brain and nervous system, you calm and organize its output. If you reduce the fight or flight activity of the brain and nervous system, you can reduce the production and output of stress chemicals like cortisol. This is the basis of chiropractic work. Our care is 100 percent centered around calming and balancing brain and neurological function. Just like our brains have a “gas” pedal, they also have a “brake” pedal, called the parasympathetic nervous system. Its job is to promote healing, growth, relaxation, and focus HEALTH & WELLNESS
In six years of caring for hundreds of these kids in my office I have noticed many common denominators in these kids’ case histories. But the key to helping these children is not medicating their symptoms; it is restoring normal input and function to their brain and nervous system. We must get their “brake pedal” working again, so they can calm down, balance, and focus. By improving the input (cause), we can improve the output (effect). If your child suffers from ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder, and you’d like to learn more about a natural, drug-free approach that seeks to get to the root cause of the problem, go to our website at www.pwchiros.com or give us a call at 815.455.8213 to schedule a consult and examination for your child. Or if you’d like to learn more, please attend our upcoming “The Perfect Storm: Understanding ADHD and Sensory Disorders” – you can register online at www. perfectstormpandemic.com.
Wellness within reach
with Dr. Anthony Ebel Dr. Ebel is a certified pediatric chiropractor with Premier Wellness Chiropractics in Crystal Lake.
mchenrycountymagazine.com
Early Detection
Apartment Style Living
of Oral Cancer is Key
You can reduce your risk when you stop smoking (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). Tobacco, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country.
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During your dental examination, our dentists check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the oral tissues can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated. If oral cancer is not found early, tumors may grow deep into local tissues and spread to lymph glands in the head and neck, making successful treatment more difficult.
Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer. For example, use of smokeless tobacco products has been linked to oral cancer development and exposure to sunlight for long periods on a regular basis could be a factor in lip cancer development.
With the innovative ViziLite® Plus system, you can easily check for oral cancer at your next dental visit. First, you rinse with a cleansing solution. Then, our dentist will inspect your mouth with a specially designed light, mark any suspicious lesions with blue dye, and you’re done! The American Cancer Society recommends an oral cancer screening every year. Ask your dentist at Bull Valley Dentistry about ViziLite® Provided by Bull Valley Dentistry 815.322.7689 www.bullvalleydentistry.com. mchenrycountymagazine.com
MCHenry County’s Leading Pediatric and Family Health Experts. We specialize in pediatrics, pregnancy, and family wellness, with a special emphasis on sensory and spectrum disorders.
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In addition to avoiding these risk factors, you may be able to help protect yourself from oral cancer by modifying your diet. Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may help prevent the development of precancerous lesions.
Congress Parkway, Suite C · Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
HEALTH & WELLNESS
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 23
10 things to know about childhood immunizations
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Why your child should be vaccinated Immunizations protect children from dangerous childhood diseases. Any of these diseases can cause serious complications and can even kill. 2. Diseases that childhood vaccines prevent • Diphtheria • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease a major cause of bacterial meningitis) • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Human Papillomavirus (HPV - a major cause of cervical and other cancers) • Influenza • Measles • Meningococcal • Mumps • Pertussis (Whooping Cough) • Pneumococcal (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections) • Polio • Rotavirus • Rubella (German Measles) • Tetanus (Lockjaw) • Varicella (Chickenpox)
24 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
3. Number of doses your child needs The following vaccinations are recommended by age two and can be given over five visits to a doctor or clinic: • 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis vaccine (DTaP) • 3-4 doses of Hib vaccine (depending on the brand used) • 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine • 3 doses of polio vaccine • 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine • 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine • 1 dose of measles, mumps & rubella vaccine (MMR) • 2-3 doses of rotavirus vaccine (depending on the brand used) • 1 dose of varicella vaccine • 1 or 2 annual doses of influenza vaccine (number of doses depends on influenza vaccine history) 4. Like any medicine, vaccines can cause minor side effects Side effects can occur with any medicine, including vaccines. Depending on the vaccine, these can include: slight fever, rash, or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your health care provider can give you additional information. HEALTH & WELLNESS
5. It’s extremely rare, but vaccines can cause serious reactions -- weigh the risks! Serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare. The risk of serious complications from a disease that could have been prevented by vaccination is far greater than the risk of a serious reaction to a vaccine. 6. What to do if your child has a serious reaction. If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or get the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse or health department to file a VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) report or go to VAERS web site to file this form yourself electronically. 7. Why you should not wait to vaccinate Children under 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection. By immunizing on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from disease and also protect others at school or daycare.
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8. Be sure to track your shots via a health record A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child’s vaccinations on schedule. If you move or change providers, having an accurate record might prevent your child from having to repeat vaccinations he or she has already had. A shot record should be started when your child receives his/her first vaccination and updated with each vaccination visit. 9. Some children are eligible for free vaccinations A federal program called Vaccines for Children provides free vaccines to eligible children, including those without health insurance coverage, those enrolled in Medicaid, American Indians and Alaskan Natives and those whose health insurance does not cover vaccines. 10. More information is available General immunization questions can be answered by The CDC Contact Center at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) English and Español Contact CDC-INFO Questions about vaccines and vaccinepreventable diseases frequently asked by people calling the TTY Service Hotline at 1-888-2326348 (TTY hotline)
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 25
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Probiotics may be the next big thing in acne treatment
In recent years, probiotics have become synonymous with helping maintain good digestive health. Now, emerging research is finding that the benefits of probiotics may extend beyond the digestive tract to the skin. In fact, according to experts at the American Academy of Dermatology, skin prone to acne or rosacea has shown improvement with daily probiotic use, giving dermatologists reason to consider supplementing traditional acne therapy with a dose of this beneficial bacteria. THE SCIENCE BEHIND PROBIOTICS EFFECT ON THE SKIN Most bacterial cells that live inside and on the body are harmless, and studies show that, in fact, they can be extremely beneficial to the body’s normal functioning. Whitney P. Bowe, MD, FAAD, notes that while the science of how probiotics can work to interfere with the development of acne and rosacea is very complex, researchers are studying how this type of healthy bacteria applied topically to the skin or taken orally can benefit these skin conditions. TOPICALLY APPLIED PROBIOTICS Currently, some manufacturers have started using probiotics in their products based on this early research – including probiotic masks, creams or cleansers. There are different ways that topical probiotics can benefit the skin: Protective shield Probiotics applied topically sit on the skin’s surface and act as a protective shield, and 28 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
interfere with the ability of bad bugs (or bacteria and parasites) to provoke an immune reaction. Antimicrobial Properties Sometimes the substances produced by probiotics have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can create holes in bad bacteria and kill them, Bowe says. Similar to the way antibiotics work in the treatment of acne and rosacea, probiotics can help fight harmful bugs from triggering inflammation. Calming Effect When certain types of probiotics are placed in contact with skin cells, they calm the parts of the cells that may want to react to the presence of bad bacteria that they see as a threat. These healthy signals produced by the probiotics stop the skin cells from sending “attack” messages to the immune system that result in flares of acne or rosacea. Bowe also reports that some of her patients are experimenting with probiotics by applying homemade Greek yogurt masks to their skin to control breakouts or flares. There is currently no research or studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this home remedy. ORAL PROBIOTICS Oral probiotics – sold as daily supplements containing Lactobacilli and/or Bifidobacterium, or in yogurts containing live cultures – could influence skin conditions such as acne and rosacea by affecting what is known as the
FASHION & BEAUTY
“gut-brain-skin axis.” According to Bowe, stress, often in combination with processed comfort foods that lack fiber, can slow digestion. This, in turn, changes the type and number of bacteria that live in the gut to unhealthy bacteria. Eventually, the gut lining becomes leaky and toxins are released into the bloodstream causing inflammation throughout the body. People who are predisposed to acne or rosacea can experience flares as a result of this shift in gut bacteria and subsequent inflammation. To counteract flares of acne or rosacea associated with the “gut-brain-skin axis,” Bowe advises patients to find ways to help manage or cope with stress, fix their diet or introduce healthy bacteria to the gut in the form of probiotics. The probiotics will line the gut and create a healthy, sealed barrier that prevents inflammation that can trigger acne or rosacea. “While more studies are needed to identify the most beneficial aspects of probiotics and determine whether topical or oral probotics yield the best results, I think we can expect to see some cutting-edge probiotic products for acne and rosacea in the near future,” Bowe says. “Until then, I would recommend that patients with acne or rosacea see their dermatologist to talk about adding foods with live active cultures, such as yogurt, to their diets or taking an oral probiotic supplement daily.”
mchenrycountymagazine.com
H OME resource guide McHenry County Magazine
Find contacts for top home professionals in interior design, kitchen design, construction, and many other home-related fields. Whether you are a new or established home owner, you will find places and products of interest in this monthly guide!
NORTHWESTERN SUNROOMS Sunrooms, Porch Conversions, Gazebos, Awnings, Vinyl Glazing Repair, Blinds, Shades, Draperies. Please call for an appointment.
9247 S. Rt. 31, Lake in the Hills 815-459-9078
Additions SURAN BUILT, INC. 30 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 815-444-1293, www.suranbuilt.com Does your kitchen or bathroom need to be updated? Does your basement need to be turned into a great family living space? If so, then stop at our beautiful showroom in downtown Crystal Lake and see how we can make your house the home of your dream
Interior Design INTERIOR INSPIRATION, Algonquin, 847-854-2966, www.interiorinspiration.com For a home or workplace that is beautiful, functional and inspired, call Randi Goodman, IFDA, “designer extraordinaire.” Now is a great time to spruce up your space. Randi makes the best use of furnishings and accessories you already have. She can suggest additional pieces, or start from scratch. The choice is yours! Custom or ready made, she can do it all! Call today for a personal consultation.
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Interior Design MUELLER INTERIORS, 440 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, 815-477-0400 www.muellerinteriors.com Mueller Interiors for ALL your design needs! Stop into our AWARD WINNING showroom/workroom. WE do the work! We offer complete home decorating. Draperies, Hunter Douglas Blinds, Reupholstery, NEW Furniture, Area Rugs, Fabrics, Accessories, and more. Color consults to complete decorating projects. Family owned and operated. Downtown quality & style at McHenry County Pricing! “WE MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME”
WHITE OAK INTERIORS, Algonquin, 847-854-8892, www.whiteoakinteriors.com From inspiration to installation you can have your space “Carmenized.” White Oak Interiors has the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. Creating attractive, affordable spaces designed specifically to meet your needs.
Kitchen Design KITCHENS BY JULIE, INC., 27-A Janus Rd., Cary, 847-516-2226, www.kitchensbyjulie.com Located in Downtown Cary, Kitchens by Julie is a family owned and operated organization that has extensive experience in all aspects of remodeling and construction. “Every successful project is a unique reflection of personal tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager, Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience designing and building your dream from conception to completion.
To have your business included in this guide, contact your representative at 815-459-4040.
expect the
W
RLD
With Darrellynn Hanes
Don't Delay In Booking Holiday Travel
B
ack-to-school time means the sunny days of summer are coming to an end. But it’s also a great time to start planning your next family vacation. Many times we’re asked about when would be a good time to make plans for Christmas Break or Spring Break. We say, "as soon as possible!" Confirming your trip early gives you the best availability to choose the dates, times, destination and resort that will be perfect for your family. What do you want to see or do on your trip? Some families enjoy tropical beach vacations that include lots of fun in the sun. Others want their trip to involve more adventure, culture or history. Many want a combination. So, think about what your perfect vacation should include. Next, how long can your trip be? Depending on how far you’re traveling, don't count on doing too much on your travel days. If you’re traveling by plane you have to allow plenty of time at the airport(s), then time to get to your hotel or resort and settle in! If you can get away for a week or longer, that usually works best. Whether traveling domestic or internationally,
30 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
be sure you have the proper identification. For your international travel more and more destinations are requiring that your passports are valid at least six months after your travel dates. Did you know your passport needs to be in good condition? If you accidently washed or damaged your passport in any way, be sure to get a new one as you can be denied travel for a damaged passport! If you don’t have a passport yet, try and allow as much time as possible. Although lately we have seen passports arriving in as little as two weeks it’s good to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to arrive prior to travel. While we’re talking about your identification, it is extremely important for your names on your travel documentation to match your identification. Another thing to consider in the planning process is your budget. When you’re considering Christmas or Spring Break, the pricing is at more of a premium, but we do our best to find you something within your price range. If you’re that traveler that liked the option of combining adventure, culture and fun in the sun, perhaps Costa Rica may be the destination
HOME & LIFESTYLE
for you! You can choose from several “escorted tours” from Guanacaste or San Jose, followed by a few days of fun in the sun at a beach hotel in Guanacaste. If more relaxation in the sun sounds best, you can spend your entire vacation at the beach. You may have some family members that would get a little restless, and for them there are plenty of day trips or activities that you can easily get to from the Guanacaste area. Some of our most requested destinations remain Mexico and the Caribbean. Both of these amazing locations have so much to offer. In Mexico, you can enjoy the Caribbean Sea side of the country with Cancun, Riviera Maya or Cozumel. Arrive in only three and a half hours from Chicago! Talk about something for everyone: Cancun not only offers a fabulous vacation experience for sun worshippers, it’s the gateway to the Riviera Maya, where you can experience the ancient Mayan world or the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza. Seeking more adventure? Zip lining, dune buggies on the beach, and more will entertain you. Just 12 miles off the coast sits the island of Cozumel. This paradise once was described by mchenrycountymagazine.com
Jacques Cousteau as the best diving area in the world.
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In the Caribbean, our two more popular islands are Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Like Mexico, these destinations are easy to get to from the Midwest. Many times, your non-stop flights will have you touching down at your destination within four and a half hours. When traveling to Jamaica, everything is “no problem”. Here, the Blue Mountains seem to spill onto shimmering sands and turquoise seas. Jamaica has it all – from relaxing beaches to zip lines and waterfalls – it could be the perfect destination for your vacation. The most popular vacation spot in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana. Known for its endless stretches of stunning beaches, this destination offers something for everyone. From casinos, to world class spas and amazing golf courses we’re sure your family will have memories to last a lifetime after visiting this wonderful destination.
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Darrellynn Hanes is president of Worldwide Traveler, McHenry Worldwide Traveler is your connection to seamless travel plans. Whether traveling alone, with friends or with family, we can make sure your time and hard earned vacation is going to create the memories of a lifetime. worldwide@ worldwidetraveler.net www.worldwidetraveler.net
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On the West coast of Mexico you have the gorgeous mountains as your backdrop to Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, or Ixtapa. The Sierra Madre Mountains, combined with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean provides Puerto Vallarta with an exotic blend of vibrant culture. Offering openair cafes, boutiques, and art galleries downtown Puerto Vallarta is a charming seafront city, while a trip to the tropical forest offers a canopy tour for the thrill seekers. Huatulco is located on the southern Pacific coast. Offering 22 miles of picturesque beaches this Pacific coastline consists of nine sparkling bays. Huatulco is a watersports lover’s dream. A fishing port for centuries, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo returns you to a simpler time, with seaside cafes, cobblestone streets, hillside inns and Old World charm. Average year round temperature is 84 degrees! A trip to Los Cabos takes you to the Baja Peninsula. Here, azure blue and turquoise waters offer rugged cliffs and quiet coves, together with those gorgeous mountains it all comes together with a wash of vibrant colors.
Summer Time
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 31
Organic Dating Dating and dining converge at dining clubs By Yvonne Benson
D
ining and dating seem like a perfect match for generating new relationships and good
(who goes by “Senny”) is the president and host for events. “Hosting dining events is a great way to ‘break the ice’ in what sometimes can feel like an awkward situation for singles and the newly-single (through divorce or the death of a spouse) as they get back into the adult dating world,” Senny says. “It is a comfortable approach to meeting and getting
times. Many people are either “singlelooking-to-mingle” or know someone who needs a social kick in the pants to get them into a meaningful and gratifying relationship. If you enjoy a good meal, and would like to engage your foodie side with new friends, a singles’ dining club might be right for you. SingleSync is an organization that hosts weekly dinner parties and dinner dances called Gourmet Connections. Jim Senhauser
32 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
It is a comfortable approach to meeting and getting to know other singles over time ...
DINING & ENTERTAINING
to know other singles over time who are in the same situation as you on a ‘friends-first’ basis. It is more natural than contrived party games, timed ‘mini-dates’ or fix-ups.” And while the group atmosphere can spell relief for many who may feel the pressure of the one-to-one blind date, Senny says that many first-timers remain nervous. “One thing that I have found is that many singles are apprehensive the first time that they come to one of our parties. Their biggest fear is that nobody will talk to them. Often they bring a friend for support,” he explains. “What they don’t realize is that everybody has been in the same situation they are now. As a result, everybody is very friendly and outgoing and conversation flows freely. For any of our parties, over 90 percent of the people attending arrive by themselves.” Senny went on to say the Gourmet Connections offers a “relational approach to meeting and dating.” mchenrycountymagazine.com
“Participants can expect to meet a lot of nice single people, who are friendly, outgoing and most of whom are interested in dating and developing relationships,� he says. “Ours is not a transactional approach like the Internet.�
Sweet Summertime!
At every party, about a third of the participants are regular attendees for the area in which the party is being held, about a third are occasional attendees, and the other third are new attendees, Senny explains.
Dream Gardens specializes in: Yard Clean-Up Landscape Design & Plant nt IInstallation nsta ns tallllat atio ionn Hardscapes ssuch uch as Patio uc Patios, ios, s, SSidewalks idew id ewal alks ks & Retaining Wa Walls Mo Mowing Mowi wing aand nd LLawn awn Maintenance aw Main Ma inte tena nanc ncee Tr Trimming, Trim imming,, Pr Pruning, Prun unin ing, g, Weeding Wee eedi ding ng & Mulching Mulc Mu lching ng Pl Planting Plan antiting Containers Con onta tain iner ers & Fl Flower Flow ower er BBoxes oxes ox es
“This is our twelfth year in business, and we have generated numerous marriages, relationships and lasting friendships,� Senny says. “My lawyer was one of the participants who met his wife at one of our events.� Participants can choose to have a SingleSync membership or pay for each event separately. “We have several levels of membership, with the most popular being free,� Senny explains. “Most events run between $30 and $40, including a full meal. Some are as little at $3-$15.� Furthermore, the parties are all over the Chicago area, making it easy for anyone to join. Two-thirds of the parties are in Chicago’s suburbs and one-third in the city. “We host events as far north as Palatine and Highland Park and as far south as around I-55. We go from the city to as far west as Route 59 in Naperville and South Barrington,� he says. “People come from all areas to our events. We have some who come from Milwaukee, Crystal Lake, Gurnee, Tinley Park and Frankfurt to our more central parties.�
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When asked for a good candidate for a Gourmet Connection, Senny says guests should be between 30 and 65 years old and “somebody who is open to meeting new singles of the opposite gender, the possibility of dating and developing relationships of all types.� Most importantly, he notes, “they should like to eat, talk, possibly drink and dance, and most of all, to be open to having a great time.�
Already Low Prices
18E Crystal Lake Plaza Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-356-1500
You can see listed events at www. SingleSync.com or www. GourmetConnections.com.
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 33
Pop
the question I’m here to help
Questions. I get lots of questions. People are always e-mailing or asking me questions about the restaurant industry. Luckily for me I never get tired of discussing everything and anything that concerns this crazy business. They must be of general interest because some of them I get over and over. Here’s a few I get asked a lot.
“Hey do you watch that Robert Irvine show”? Yes I do – not regularly, but I watch it. I don’t like it, and only watch it to see if there are any new ideas to be gained. I used to like his old show “Dinner Impossible,” where he had to scramble to cater to large groups on short notice (welcome to my world) and with limited manpower. It truly reflected what it is like to be in this business. The “Restaurant Impossible” show is too scripted and too easy. Anyone could walk into a failing restaurant and point out all those problems, just listen to the “before” dinner guests. They point out all the shortcomings with ease. If you wanted to showcase talent, let's have Mr. Irvine stroll into a good restaurant and turn it into a landmark, really pump it up to superstar status. Now that takes talent. Screaming at and humiliating broke operators with broken hearts does not take any talent, and showcases all the wrong management tools needed to lead a productive and effective staff. Not my cup of tea. My show is “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives". Love it!
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Why do you, as a restauranteur, write restaurant reviews? Aren’t you biased? I am a huge proponent of this industry. My mission is to promote all independent restaurants. It’s better for all of us to have more and more restaurants. I know the sacrifice and dedication it takes to open and operate a successful restaurant. Considering the fact that 90 percent of all restaurants fail in the first year and most of the rest go in years two to four, it's important to promote them any way I can. I eat in all my friends’ restaurants and they eat in mine. After all, who would you rather have review a movie… a “never done anything in my life film critic” or a successful movie producer/ director who knows all the ins and outs of the business? I think you get my point.
DINING & ENTERTAINING
Has Social Media changed the way you do business? Not really, the basic formula is still the same. We have to bring all the components of operating a restaurant – food, service and atmosphere – to the level where we are pleasing our guests. It’s not rocket science and those components will never change. It was this way in 1920 when my grandfather opened his first coal-fired pizzeria and is the same today almost 95 years later. Social media hasn’t really improved on the dining experience, it seems it has only given a pulpit to customers to embellish and exaggerate online when unreasonable requests are not met, or to trash competing restaurants.
Would you like me to visit your favorite restaurant and tell everyone about it? My pleasure. Send me an e-mail and next month, I will have a review of the restaurant you request. Thanks for all your suggestions.
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Upcoming Events in Depot Park: Farmers Market Saturdays 8am - 1pm
SUMMER FUN
Free Concerts - August 29 Lunch in the Park (11am - 2pm) Dinner in the Park (5pm - 8pm)
In Downtown Crystal Lake! www.DowntownCL.org
Follow us on A Premier Illinois Main Street Community
Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street
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WORK SMART WITH THE NEW HINES MOBILE APP! • Track Jobsite Deliveries • Check Account Info Anytime, Anywhere! • Check Our Latest Promotions • View Upcoming Events & More! SCAN the Code to watch the VIDEO!
Put A Fork In It with David Faccone
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• David Faccone is the owner/chef of Crystal LakeRibHouseandbrings30yearsofexperience in the restaurant business to McHenry County.
101 West Main Street • Kirkland, IL • (847) 403-3310 14N915 US Highway 20 • Hampshire, IL • (847) 683-3993 939 S. Rte 83 • Grayslake, IL • (847) 231-1500 703 W. Wesley • Wheaton, IL • (630) 668-1400 12600 S. Hamlin Ct.• Alsip, IL • (708) 388-0045 DINING & ENTERTAINING
MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 35
Life
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proved delicious, both the food and the function!
36 | AUGUST 2014 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE
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A. A. Anderson, Inc. 20508 Oak Grove Rd. Harvard, IL 60033 815-943-5454 / aaanderson.com
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DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
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MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014 | 37
July 30 through Aug 3 — McHenry County Fair “Local Farms: Local Foods," Wednesday, July 30 to Sunday, August 3 from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. at McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Dr. Woodstock This year we are featuring livestock shows, agricultural and 4-H exhibits, K-9 demonstrations, McHenry County Queen contest, talent show, truck and tractor pulls, wood carver, pedal pulls and demolition derby. We will have an entertainment tent with live music, carnival rides, and a lot of great food! Visit our website at www. mchenrycountyfair.com for more information. Can’t wait to see you at the fair! Daily Pass Adult $7 Child (8 to 12) $3, Children 7 and under Free
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Family and friends will enjoy this dynamic one-day festival offering live entertainment by four popular bands plus plenty of food, fun and fireworks. All food and drink must be purchased on the premises. Phone: 815-568-6680
August 5 — National Night Out, 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Sheriff's Office and the Wonder Lake Fire Departments team up to present National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime to promote crime prevention and safety programs, while strengthening police-community partnerships and encouraging neighborhood camaraderie. The evening is action packed with food and fun for the entire family. Stop by for complimentary food and beverages and enjoy the ongoing activities. Information booths include: Electronic Fingerprinting ID System for Children, Child Passenger Safety Information, Project S.W.E.E.P., as well as various police and fire equipment that will be on display. Check MCCDistrict. org for event updates.
August 27 — Cary Cruise Nights, Wednesday: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at W. Main and Jandus Rd off of Rt.14, W. Main and Jandus Rd off of Rt. 14, Cary Theme for the night is “Winner’s Circle “ Display Your Ribbons. For information, call the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 639-2800.
August 8 — Concert in the Park, 7-9 p.m. at Converse Park, 551 E. State Rd. (Rt. 176), Island Lake Bring your favorite beverage and a lawn chair and enjoy a 15-piece orchestra under the stars. Phone: 847-650-8410 August 9 — Black Diamond Blast on the Beach, 3 p.m., Main Beach Crystal Lake 300 Lake Shore Drive Crystal Lake Beer, Wine, Food Craft Fair 3-7 p.m. Kids Fun Fair 3-7 p.m. BMO Harris Bank Treasure Hunt 4 p.m. Dave Rudolph Family Beach Party Entertainment 5:15 p.m. Bad Medicine Concert (Bon Jovi Tribute Band) 6:30 p.m. Free admission to everyone provided courtesy of Black Diamond. Food, beer, wine, and souvenirs available for additional fee.
August 1 — McHenry Rotary Blues, Brews & BBQ, Fri 5-11 p.m., Sat 4-11 p.m., and Sun 12- 8 p.m. at Petersen Park, McCullom Lake Road, McHenry Blues Festival with great food, craft beers and BBQ Cook-off. Phone: 815-331-6428
August 15 — Movies in the Park, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Eating Contest Main Beach Crystal Lake, 300 Lake Shore Drive Crystal Lake Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Eating Contest begins prior to movie at approximately 7 p.m. Movie begins at dark. Movie: The Lego Movie (Rated PG) Concessions available or bring a picnic dinner Ice Cream Eating Contest Register online at star105.com for each child (ages 5-13). One entry per summer. Limited openings, you will receive your confirmation. Sponsored by Baskin Robbins Best Seat in the Park Contest Families may register online at star105.com for an entry into the contest. Prize includes family seating in huge red inflatable chair at the near the movie screen, Lou Malnati’s pizza, soda and dessert. Winner will be contacted 2 days prior to movie.
August 2 — Farmers Market, Saturday at Historic Square at Woodstock
August 23 — Marengo Music Festival, 2:30 - 10 p.m. at Indian Oaks Park, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo
August 1 — Concerts in the Park Billy Croft and the Five Alarm, Lions Park, 570 Penny Rd. East Dundee This red hot smokin’ country band offers current country chartbusters, country rock legends, and their own rockin’ originals. Billy Croft & the Five Alarm will leave you begging for more! - Cosponsored by the Village of East Dundee. Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 starts at 9 p.m.
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OUT & ABOUT
August 30— Nightrain: The Guns n Roses Tribute Experience, 8 p.m. at The Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake Nightrain’s tribute show to Guns N Roses has been taking the US by storm for four years running. Performances have ranged from The House of Blues, MTV’s Famous Club LaVela, the FC Dallas Stadium, to this year’s Carolina Rebellion, sharing the bill with Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Buckcherry to name a few. Nightrain continues to make its stamp in today’s ever growing Tribute Market. August 29 through August 31 — Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival, 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 8/30 & 8/31 Noon – 10:30 p.m. at Sunset Park 5200 Miller Road Lake in the Hills Join us for the farewell celebration to summer! The Summer Sunset Festival offers entertainment, food, rides, a parade, a custom/classic car show, melon propellin competition, arts & crafts plus small business expo, 5K run and 2K walk, Got Talent competition and McHenry County’s premier festival wine tasting event! Grand finale fireworks display on Sunday, August 31.
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August 1 — First Friday Concerts: The Diego Alanso Flamenco Ensemble, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center PatioGlacial Park, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood Join us on the first Friday of each month this summer for an evening of music and nature. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful view from the Lost Valley Visitor Center patio and stay for a concert from talented regional musicians. Note: site closes at 9 p.m. Note: No glass containers. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors. Aug 1 Diego Alonso Flamenco Ensemble The Diego Alonso Flamenco Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary flamenco music and dance. Like jazz, flamenco has roughly 400 structured forms that the dancers and musicians can improvise rhythmically, melodically, and dynamically. Guitarist Diego Alonso, singer Patricia Ortega and flamenco dancer Ronaldo Monge are sure to dazzle you with their talent. www.SpanishGuitar.org
We have vendors surrounding the Historic Woodstock Square on all four sides as well as throughout the park in the center of the Square. Every week we also feature musical performances from local artists. The music styles range from country to pop to jazz.
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CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION
ALL NEW
Crystal Lake Rib House
CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION
CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION
CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION CELEBRATION
BEST RIBS AND BEST BBQ
IN MCHENRY COUNTY!!
We moved across the street, 200 yards west! 540 E. Terra Cotta Ave. Crystal Lake
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815-477-3600 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and at www.crystallakeribhouse.com
FREE RIBS! Receive a half slab dinner FREE with purchase of one full slab dinner and your e mail address. Please no sharing on an offer this good. Dine in only, minimum party of two. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or AYCE special. Not valid on holidays. One per table, group or family per day. Must present coupon. Expires August 31, 2014.
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