Author Archives: Mari Baskin

About Mari Baskin

Chicagoland designer and writer, Mari Baskin professionally partners with her husband, Eric Neumann in their design firm, Para Designers Inc. Tackling functionality, communication, and aesthetics for over twenty years, Para Designers delivers innovative graphic and structural designs for products, packaging, promotions, displays, branding, and campaigns. To see their patented invention for windproofing your cap, visit Capsurz online..

Canoe Kayak Voyager

McHenry County Conservation District Presents Paddle in the Park

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Cary, IL – Driving Route 14 in McHenry County’s Cary, IL is anything but serene, yet turn into The Hollows, McHenry County Conservation District’s 338 acre site just east of Route 31, and you’ll find a nature lover’s oasis.
“Lake Atwood is one of the best features of The Hollows and makes it an ideal place for beginner paddlers or experienced paddlers alike,” said Andy Talley Education Program Coordinator for the District.  This 20-acre self-contained artificial lake with boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic shelter and amenities includes a 1/2 acre of shallow, sandy-bottomed water and an area where the District hosted its yearly Paddle in the Park program on Saturday, May 21.

Canoe Kayak Voyager

Lake Atwood at The Hollows in Cary, IL welcomes all paddlers. Photo credit: Eric Neumann

 

Open to paddling enthusiasts of all ages the program provided multiple opportunities to learn about the sport. “Lake Atwood has calm, crystal clear water and it is small enough to be safe for beginners, but big enough to get some exercise and practice your paddling techniques,” described Mr. Talley.
Kayaks are fun!

Kayaks are fun! Photo credit: Eric Neumann

 

Canoeing and Kayaking on Lake Atwood

Canoeists and kayakers paddle Lake Atwood. Photo credit: Eric Neumann


Local paddle sport retailers and outfitters offered canoes and kayak clinics, and test paddles of a variety of boats and equipment. Participants included Richmond’s 2k Adventure Gear, Hoffman Estates’ Cabelas, Woodstock’s Capsurz – Windproof Your Cap, Richmond’s Flatwater Canoe and Kayak Rental, Lakemoor’s BK Boat n Sleds, Kayak Chicago.
Kayak Chicago SUP (stand-up paddle boards)

SUPs (stand-up paddle boards) joined in at Paddle in the Park. Photo credit: Eric Neumann  

 

Capsurz Windproof Your Cap Woodstock IL

Capsurz are American made in Woodstock, IL. Photo credit: Eric Neumann


Paddling organizations and clubs were on hand, too, with information on where to paddle, conservation and safety tips, and upcoming adventure trips. Explore more information at Illinois Paddling Council, Boone County Conservation District, Crystal Lake Rowing Club, Prairie State Canoeists, Chicago Kayak Club, Southwest Brigade, and Prairie Coast Paddlers.
 

Paddle in the Park MCCD

Paddle in the Park at The Hollows, Cary IL. Photo credit: Eric Neumann


An intermittent, soft rain complimented the day’s overcast skies. Crystal Lake’s Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen single-handedly nourished the masses that, dining beneath the picnic shelter, had clear view of the canoeists and kayakers enjoying Lake Atwood and the colorful charm of a voyager canoe.
People interested in finding out more about the McHenry County Conservation District should visit www.mccdistrict.org.

Southwest Brigade's voyager canoe.

Southwest Brigade's voyager canoe. Photo credit: Eric Neumann

2011 Little Angels Motorcycle Pledge Run Woodstock, IL

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Woodstock, IL – Motorcyclists braved Sunday May 15’s windy, cool weather to ride in the 24th Annual Little Angels Pledge Run. Sponsored by the Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners (EAO) in partnership with Woodstock Harley-Davidson proceeds from the 80-mile ride benefit Little Angels, a home for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. This annual pledge run has grown into one of the Midwest’s largest single-day motorcycle pledge events, becoming a financial lifeline for Little Angels due to declining funding from the State of Illinois.

Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners co-sponsor Little Angels Pledge Run with Woodstock Harley-Davidson

Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners co-sponsor Little Angels Pledge Run with Woodstock Harley-Davidson
Riders began and finished at Woodstock Harley-Davidson where the party included lunch, precision riding demonstrations, raffles, and live music by country-metal band Haf Bitten Moon.
“It doesn’t matter what the weather is like,” noted Woodstock Harley-Davidson’s Kricket Jackson, Marketing/Events Coordinator. “Harley riders have the biggest hearts and know how to have fun. And more importantly know where to come for the fun.”
Kricket Jackson, Woodstock Harley-Davidson Marketing/Events Coordinator

Kricket Jackson, Woodstock Harley-Davidson Marketing/Events Coordinator
Fun and great shopping: store customers received a special 15% discount on all motorclothes purchases. I was stationed inside the store demonstrating Woodstock-made Capsurz, the only patented cap saver accessory cord that keeps your hat on your head. “Made in USA? What a great idea! I don’t need to lose any more hats to the wind,” I was repeatedly told.
Beth Norman, EAO’s Pledge Run Coordinator, began the distribution of honors and prizes by presenting a plaque to the McHenry County H.O.G. Chapter. James Prout, accompanied by his daughter, Alannah, accepted the award.
“We had the most riders that signed up and showed up,” Mr. Prout proudly acknowledged.
vJames Prout, McHenry County H.O.G. Chapter, with daughter, Alannah

James Prout, McHenry County H.O.G. Chapter, with daughter, Alannah
Gathered outside in anticipation of the 2011 Raffle winners the crowd applauded the Top 3 Pledge Winners revealed by Ms. Norman.
  • 1st Place – Marilyn Fischer – $5000
  • 2nd Place – Joan Welsher – $4200
  • 3rd Place – Sandra Hodel – $1644
“Thank you for coming out on such a day,” Ms. Norman told the appropriately leather-clad group after announcing the lucky raffle winners.
  • Chad Falstad – 2011 Ultra Classic Electra Glide
  • Jay Bremer – Harley-Davidson Rec Room Package
  • David Kumpula – Hand-Made Harley Quilt
Save the date: the 25th Annual Little Angels Pledge Run will be held the third Sunday in May, May 20, 2012.