Category Archives: McHenry County Illinois

McHenry County is located in Northern Illinois bordering Wisconsin. The Fox River runs along the middle of the county providing recreation and home sites.

Owner Linda Costoff shows one of the Hula Hoops at Intrigue Fitness

Hula Hoop to Pole Dancing Classes at Intrigue Fitness in LITH

Classes at Intrigue Fitness in Lake in the Hills include hula hoop, pole dancing, Zumba, yoga and other fitness sessions. Owner Linda Costoff opened this women only boutique studio in August 2012. I sampled a wide variety of the classes available then joined as a member.

Picking up the hula hoop at my first class I realized this was not the same  type of toy hoop we used in grade school. The colorful hula hoops used in these workshops are larger and heavier in weight. Linda told us these adult sized hoops are for adult size bodies. The larger and heavier hoops are easier to keep in motion.

During our one hour hula hoop class we learned to swing the hoop around our hips both clockwise and counterclockwise. We did this with both a side to side then a forward and back technique. Next we learned how to walk forward while keeping the hoop in motion. We practiced three ways to do turns while the hoop continued to spin around our waist. We even attempted a trick transferring a spinning hope from one hand to the other.

Owner Linda Costoff shows one of the Hula Hoops at Intrigue Fitness

Owner Linda Costoff shows one of the Hula Hoops at Intrigue Fitness

Hula hooping is a great cardio workout and works the mid section of the body. Click on the video below to see Linda Costoff demonstrating basic and advanced hula hoop tricks.

Linda also taught our 90 minute pole dancing workshop which began with stretching exercises focusing on the core. Next we moved on to strengthening exercises including push ups and pull-ups targeting the upper body. During the session, my fellow classmates and I learned a simple mat and pole routine.

Classes sizes are small with eight poles in the studio. The room is softly lit and there are no mirrors. It is a comfortable environment where women of all levels can participate and have fun.

Students can try pole dancing workshops to learn more. These workshops are popular for private events and bachelorette parties. Classes generally run eight weeks and students advance at their own speed.

Linda began pole dancing about two years ago and at the end of class she showed us a routine she is working on. This included inversions and advanced tricks. She used both static and spinning poles for these moves.

A variety of fitness sessions are available at Intrigue Fitness. Mind body sessions include tai chi and three types of yoga classes are held during the week. Try Latin dancing infused Zumba and Hip Hop dance classes. Small group and individual personal training sessions are available.

At Intrigue Fitness, instructors remember students names and ask about injuries or restrictions. They show modifications and adapt to enable all fitness levels to participate. They even give you tips on how to wash your workout clothes.I am including the site for you https://www.odorklenz.com/product/sport-detergent-for-workout-clothes/.

Intrigue Fitness is for those who enjoy small group environments and personal service. It is not for those who are looking for expanded services big box gyms offer like child care, swimming pools, lockers and showers. There are no treadmills, elliptically or rowing machines at the studio.

Payment is per class, punch card or monthly dues. The studio is located 9115 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills, Illinois 60156. Phone (224) 678-9943 or email intriguefitness@yahoo.com
on the web http://www.intrigue-fitness.com

Fitness Center · Yoga & Pilates · Personal Trainer
9115 Trinity Drive, Lake in the Hills, IL.
Follow Intrigue Fitness on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/IntrigueFitness

Satori Fire Glass Creates Handcrafted Fused Dichroic Glass

Prior to discovering her true artistic talents, Stephanie Tantillo of Satori Fire Glass spent 18 years working in the pharmaceutical industry as a production supervisor, manager and technical writer. During this time she also enjoyed working on several major motion pictures and can be seen in films such as The Fugitive, Sleepless in Seattle and the remake of a Miracle on 34th Street.

Stephanie discovered her creative and artistic abilities through the inspiration of an incredible glass artist. She found several outstanding teachers to guide her into the processes of glass fusing. It was by applying what she had been taught and working with the media on her own that she has become proficient at the art of designing and creating glass jewelry. She has since become a skilled and passionate jewelry designer and glass artist. Her joy is in bringing the glass to life with the dramatic color combinations and elegant designs she creates. Much of her work is inspired by the colors of the ocean and her love of Hawaii.

Stephanie Tantillo of Satori Fire Glass

For the past 10 years Stephanie has worked as a full time artist. Initially, she worked from her studio in the Phoenix Arizona area where she created and sold her fused dichroic glass and silver jewelry. In August 2008 she returned to the area where she was born in McHenry County near Chicago, Illinois. Stephanie continues to expand her art business through participating in numerous art fairs in the Midwest and most recently in Florida. Stephanie is known for creating the Satori Heart Collection and donates $1 from the sale of each heart to the Children’s Heart Foundation.

Archeological evidence indicates that glass fusing can be traced back to the Egyptians (2000BCE).  However some historians now say that the Romans who were prolific glass workers first developed the earliest fusing techniques. Modern technology has added spectacular color to this ancient art with the development of dichroic glass. Dichroic glass is created when thin layers of non-conducting metallic oxides are applied to conventional glass and processed in a high temperature vacuum furnace. Most pieces are a combination of dichroic, transparent and opaque glass.

Although much more sophisticated, the process of glass fusing remains basically the same as it did in ancient Egypt and Rome. The glass is cut and layered. The layers are then fused together in a kiln at temperatures that can exceed 1500°F. Once the glass has cooled it is removed from the kiln and shaped into the desired design using diamond grinders and saws. The piece is then returned to the kiln to be fire polished at a slightly lower temperature than the original fusing. To achieve the optimum look many pieces go through this process three to four times. Fire polishing is done to give the glass pieces an elegantly smooth and finished look.

Stephanie Tantillo of Satori Fire Glass donates $1 from the sale

Due to the nature of the glass, the fusing and finishing processes, each piece becomes a unique jewel reflecting its luminescent colors in the light. Finished pieces are then embellished with sterling or fine silver, semi precious stones or crystals  becoming pendants, bracelets, earrings, hair adornments, rings and more. Satori Fire Glass jewelry is designed to be worn with the most casual to formal attire.

Follow Satori Fire Glass on Facebook.

RUN4VETS 2012 McHenry Supports Local Veteran Programs

Join McHenry TLS Veterans and support our local veterans this Veteran’s Day at the first annual RUN4VETS event. Mark your calendar for Nov. 11, 2012 and meet at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake.

The goal of this event is to honor our military and veterans and to let the community know that TLS Veterans is available to them. No veteran should ever be homeless or be hungry.

Mrs. Marge Gunnar & Dr. Rolf Gunnar

Mrs. Marge Gunnar & Dr. Rolf Gunnar at Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center. Photo credit TLS McHenry.

The 5K run starts at 9:00 and the 5K walk begins immediately afterward. RUN4Vets needs volunteers to make sure the day is successful. There are many ways you can help out including:

  • Help secure Sponsors
  • Distribute fliers
  • Set up / clean up
  • Donate new toys
  • Donate item/prize/money
  • Help during the run
  • Whatever / wherever the need is

If you can help out, please contact RUN4VETS through the Volunteer sign up form.

TLS Veterans operates New Horizons, a transitional-living center for homeless veterans in Hebron. TLS also operates a drop-in center in McHenry, IL, that serves as a hub for a Lake-McHenry County initiative focusing on the well-being of veterans and military families. Peer support by veterans is the key for this initiative’s major goals to cut veteran homelessness, suicide prevention and reduction of psychiatric hospitalizations by transforming the way services are delivered. 

The Voices of Veterans Writer’s Group, open to all military veterans meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6-8PM. There is no cost to participate in this program.

Please bring a new unwrapped toy to RUN4VETS Toys For Toys collection for local McHenry County residents, veterans and their families.

Toys for Tot waiting for Santa

Tot waiting for Santa to arrive at the Toys for Tots event. Photo credit TLS McHenry.

Jim Green The Wandering Endorphin Plays Algonquin Library

Jim Green commonly known as The Wandering Endorphin delighted crowds recently at the Algonquin Library. His distinct style of playing includes strumming, plucking, picking and percussion which he calls percussive guitar. Jim hammers the guitar strings like piano wires and Jim uses the entire guitar neck and all sides of the body. Visit Jim’s website  to view free lessons and learn how to play his style.

I when I asked Jim what he loved about playing music, he said Michael Hedges summed it up best with “Because I can dream out loud.”

Growing up in Sauk Village, Jim quit his day job and moved to Chicago to launch his music career. Beginning with open mike nights he later became a Chicago street musician. He can also be found writing digital piano reviews in his free time. His travels led Jim to Israel for 10 months where he lived, played and wrote music in Tele Aviv. Jim is heading back to Israel for four more months.

Jim Green the Wandering Endorphin plays guitar and harmonica

Jim Green the Wandering Endorphin plays guitar and harmonica

At Jim’s performances delighted the audience, both children and adults, with his engaging style. This show included singing, guitar, harmonica and a Native American Love flute. Jim still plays his first guitar, an Aspen, at his gigs and a Martin guitar for studio recording.

The playlist included mostly original tunes inspired by the outdoors, wind, sunset, beaches and fireflies. Several songs included train sounds. Jim played a beautiful cover of Don McLean’sVincent” inspired by Vincent Van Gogh‘s famous painting “Starry, Starry Night“. The show ended with the lively Endorphin Jig.

Follow Jim Green’s Wandering Endorphin Facebook page for news about upcoming shows and music.

Jim Green the Wandering Endorphin plays percussive guitar

Jim Green the Wandering Endorphin plays percussive guitar

Morkes Chocolate in Algonquin for Chocolate Parties

A visit to Morkes Chocolate Algonquin is a treat! Chocolate in every shape and size envelopes the senses from your first step in the door. Morkes Algonquin owner Claudia Kendzior gave us the grand tour of the candies and party room. All my favorites were there including fudge, peanut brittle, English toffee and orange peel. The giant sweet or tart apples dipped in caramel or chocolate topped with peanuts, pecans, Oreos, candy sprinkles or more chocolate.

Aprl M. Williams and Claudia Kendzior owner Morkes Chocolates Algonquin

Aprl M. Williams and Claudia Kendzior owner Morkes Chocolates Algonquin

We tried the Dark Chocolate Breakfast Toffee with a bit of mocha oil for a delicious roasted nutty flavor. Crunchy, nutty and sweet!

Pick your favorite truffles, nuts, mints, creams, fruits and chocolates or an assorted mix as a gift. All purchases leave the store decorated with a colorful complimentary ribbon. Gift wrapping is available for small fee.

Morkes Algonquin features seasonal items during the year. Cute chocolate ghosts will bring a smile to your little goblin. Other sweets you will find during Halloween include chocolate Frankensteins, eyeballs, skulls and brains as well as Pumpkin Fudge.

Additional specialty items include delicious chocolate award statues, party favors and birth announcements. Order a chocolate chess set for a special someone or a pair of high-heeled chocolate shoes.

Ready to make your own chocolate creations? Morkes party room is the place. Register for one of the candy making classes designed for children or adults. Create a Chocolate Pizza loaded with your favorite candy toppings. No baking necessary! At Morkes Candy Camp, kids make their own Cake Pops and Push Up Pops. During Morkes Fondue & Truffle class sample a variety of treats dipped in chocolate goodness then dip and decorate your own truffles.

Morkes treats the birthday child like royalty. After the chocolate making and eating, it is time to open presents. The guest of honor is the center of attraction sitting atop the regal throne while opening their gifts.

Holiday and special occasion candy

Holiday and special occasion candy

Scouts enjoy visiting the store and can even earn a badge for candy making.

The first Morkes began making premium chocolate in 1920 in Chicago before moving to their current home in Palatine. The Algonquin Morkes opened in 2007 and is independently owned though both stores co-market and both sell items like donuts made in the Palatine store.

Visit Morkes Facebook page or stop by their store at 2755 West Algonquin Road in Algonquin just three blocks west of Randall Road.

The Powder Room Affordable Luxury in Downtown Algonquin

The Powder Room Algonquin is the place for affordable luxury, designed so women can come back more than once. Owners Krysten Boylan and Julie Bailey opened the business as a place where women will enjoy being pampered. Located in a historic pink lady in the heart of downtown Algonquin the bright rooms are painted soft pink with white trim playing off the warmth of the wood floors.

The Powder Room Algonquin Fireplace

The Powder Room Algonquin Fireplace

Krysten and Julie told me it took many hours to make over this lovely home. Julie has a long history with the house. She lived in the upstairs apartment for several years.

I treated myself to a facial with Krysten which lasted about an hour. As I relaxed, listening to soft music, I enjoyed two cleanings, exfoliation, steam, massage, mask, toner, serum, moisturizer. I can see why many customers fall asleep during the session. I felt terrific and rejuvenated! The facial is customized to each skin type and only organic and natural products are used. Other services include chemical peels, waxing, makeup services. Call to make an appointment for a complimentary makeover.

Krysten's Relaxing Facial Room at the Powder Room

Krysten’s Relaxing Facial Room at the Powder Room

I also attended a small group event where a few of us really got know one another. The Powder Room hosts many networking and workshops to empower women. Check their calendar for details.

Parking in the lot or on the street. Hours are by appointment. Call (224) 241-8242, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s McHenry County at Three Oaks

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States today. It’s time to reclaim the future – a future free from this disease.

I’m participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s TM, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. By joining my team, you can help end this epidemic and show your support for the more than 5 million Americans living with the disease.

In my business I see clients and their families affected by this devastating illness. My goal is to raise awareness in the community so we can band together and join forces in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Beautiful Three Oaks is a scenic recreation area in Crystal Lakes. Bring the family and join us as we walk to end Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s largest voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, and the funds we raise will go directly toward supporting their efforts.The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you. To register, visit the link below.

Will you join me?

Sunday, September 30, 2012
Three Oaks
5517 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake, IL  60030
Check In and Registration: 8:00-10:00
Walk: 10:00
For more information about this event please contact: Jennifer Ratkovic, Manager, Special Events 815.484.1300 jratkovic at alz.org or download the paper registration forms.
Gary Wadsworth at the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's - McHenry County

Jon & Mary Anne Terry Left, Joy and Gary Wadsworth on right at the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – McHenry County

Chunn’s Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery Fox River Grove

Chunn’s Burying Ground also known as Oak Glenn Cemetery in Fox River Grove, Illinois is one of the oldest cemeteries in McHenry County according to McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission. The cemetery named after local business man T.R. Chunn, a pioneer in the area who owned the property and buried there. Several websites say the site is an old Indian burial ground.

Chunn's Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery Fox River Grove Nestled in a wooded area at the top of a hill,  the historic cemetery on Algonquin-River Road next to Algonquin Road School. Over the years the cemetery became overgrown with weeds and brush. Arnett Lines, a local historian, inventoried and transcribed the gravestones in 1944. The remaining headstones were relocated to a raised bed under a stand of trees for protection. In 2008, the cemetery was rededicated and designated a historic site. A bronze plaque on boulder at the cemetery entrance notes the historic status.

Gravestones at Chunn's Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery Fox River Grove

Today the site is well maintained quiet park lined with a wooden rail fence. A sign outside the cemetery stays “Chunn’s Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery.” As we walked through the park, we came upon a well-marked geocache. Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game where players try to find hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. We logged our find at the geocache and online.

HIstoric Chunn's Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery Fox River Grove

The next time you are on Algonquin Road, take a few moments to visit Chunn’s Burying Ground Oak Glenn Cemetery in Fox River Grove. The peaceful setting is perfect for a few minutes of quiet reflection. You can log an easy geocache while you are there.

Hydrobikes for Exercise or Fishing on Crystal Lake

Hydrobike in Crystal Lake? My friend Paul Myers offered to take me out for a hydrobike waterbike ride on Crystal Lake. Paul assured me the bikes were safe, steady and unlikely to tip. We left the pier on the water bikes with Paul’s dog as our mascot. Paul assured me I would not get wet though, as a precaution, I wore a life vest and I left my cell phone in the car.

A hydrobike looks like a conventional bicycle attached a small platform straddling two pontoons. Riders peddle to turn the propeller and drive the impulsion system. There are no engines and the morning was nearly silent so we could easily talk as we water biked around smooth as glass Crystal Lake.

Hydrobiking on Crystal Lake

Paul and his family live on Crystal Lake and enjoy regular family hydrobike outings. Paul’s puppy jumps right on the platform for these trips. Paul likes to take the hydrobike out for exercise early in the mornings. I quickly felt ease on the water bike and the only concern was when I wandered into a shallow, weedy area. A few seconds of back peddling was all it took to dislodge the thick water plants which had wrapped themselves around the propeller.

Paul Myers and his dog take the hydrobike out on Crystal Lake

Ray Buresch invented hydrobikes, the pedal powered waterbike, in 1989. He then founded Fun Watercraft. Paul told me he can easily waterbike about five miles an hour. The hydrobikes can easily be ridden in even the windiest and waviest conditions and they are almost impossible to tip over according to Fun Watercraft. You can even fish with a baitcasting reel from your hydrobike, something I didn’t have the chance to do the first time I saw this at Constitution Sportfishing San Diego. To learn more about these fun waterbikes, follow Hydrobikes on Facebook.

ARRL Amateur Radio Field Day Ham Radio Saves the Day Again

Field Day 2012 opened today at 1:00 pm CDT. Field Day is an annual event organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in Newington, CT. Many amateur radio operators, or ‘hams’, belong to this national organization. Field Day is a twenty-four hour period in which ham radio operators test their ability to set up and coordinate emergency communications in the event of disaster.

You may ask, “Why go to all the trouble when we have cell phones and the Internet?”. Well, often in times of disaster, these systems fail for many reasons. Ham radio operators are able to communicate with each other without relying upon any of these systems or even power from the electric company. This means that when disaster strikes, in many cases, ham radio is the ONLY way to pass emergency traffic within or out of the affected area.

 

Setting up our 2 meter and 440 antennas on an empty field SUHFARS Field Day 2012 Tower

 

This year, our Field Day site was an empty lot in Wauconda, Illinois. April M. Williams (N9GYG) and I (KE9AU) arrived around 9 am to help with the set-up of our club’s Field Day station. We belong to SUHFARS, the Suburban UHF Amateur Radio Society with members from McHenry and surrounding counties. Our club has about 50 members from around the Chicago area. When we got there, things were already well under way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first job was to erect the antenna systems. This was not trivial, as some antennas needed to be pretty high up in the air in order to have the best signal. We quickly assembled a 50 foot tower and, with coordinated teamwork, put it upright. Next, we strung up a 300 foot wire antenna through the trees and then set up the radio equipment.

Scott KC9TNX calling CQ on 6 meters at SUHFARS Field Day 2012

By 1 pm our emergency station, running on generator power, was on the air and making contacts with other hams across the country. Our station will be operating throughout the night, testing the ability of our members to reliably communicate with others under less than ideal circumstances.
There are more than 700,000 ham radio operators in the USA and our numbers are growing. To learn more about this great hobby and indispensable public service go to ARRL.

See all the photos on the SUHFARS Facebook page. Learn more about joining SUHFARS.

Setting up our fifty foot town on an empty field SUHFARS Field Day 2012 Tower

Setting up our fifty foot town on an empty field SUHFARS Field Day 2012 Tower