July 2013

The Glass

MasterMundelein Artist Creates Wonders In Blown Glass

+107Take An ArtWauk

Camping Essentials

& More!

HealthySmoothie

Recipes

Through Waukegan

Fine Arts EditionK L

28Must-Read!

Top Summer

Books

8 Home Design: With school out, where can the kids enjoy recess? How about right in your backyard? Find out what children crave in playground equipment from experts at Rainbow Play Systems in Vernon Hills and Fenceworks Inc. in Highland Park.

12 From The Vine To Townline: Gints Brencis of DiCarlo Fine Wine and Spirits in Mundelein debates whether winemaking is an art form or scientific process.

14 Explore an extensive summer reading list for kids, teens and adults from the people who know books best – Lake County librarians and book sellers.

3 Learn about the essentials needed for a camping trip, plus some of the neatest outdoor gear available at Uncle Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store in Highland Park and Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer.

18 Success Lives Next Door: Abbie Pietruszynski of Grayslake says that music has helped her children develop, and others agree that music can play a vital role in children’s lives. Find out how the arts may be beneficial during early childhood development from registered nurse Jennifer Johnson at Advocate Condell Medical Center and Susan Henning, director of Kindermusik by Susan, which offers classes in Libertyville, Gurnee and Lake Forest.

21 Write This Down: Stay-at-home mom Michelle Stien shares what it’s like to have a 6-year-old drama queen in the household.

24 On the Cover: Meet Peter Patterson, a Mundelein artist who creates colorful and ornate glass pieces including glass sculptures, lighting, ornaments, vases and more.

28 If you haven’t experienced ArtWauk in Waukegan, find out what this monthly event is all about!

32 Get recipes for healthy homemade smoothies from local restaurant representatives who know just how to blend them. Robeks in Vernon Hills and Lake Forest and Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee share their secrets!

36 Check out these outdoor workout tips from local fitness facilities that know how to utilize nature — Basic Training Academy, which houses a boot camp at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa, and Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, which offers boot camp plans.

40 Protecting your skin is essential during the summer. Find out what ingredients to look for when you purchase makeup and sunblock with SPF.

42 Social Life: Take a look at who attended The Button Room’s latest Victorian Tea party in Gurnee.

44 The month of July is swamped with different festivals and local events to attend! Check out our arts and events calendars to help plan your next activity.

46 Artist Showcase: Bob Nonnemacher of Gurnee shares two of his Native American iconic portraits that he painted “to show the resonant and eloquent beauty of my [subjects’] cultural heritage, their respectful individual disposition and their strong spirituality — in order to help establish a truer history and identity for them,” he writes.

INSIDE Fine Arts edition

Tom Barrington [in reference to camping gear],

assistant manager, Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer

3 Tony Brosio, sales associate, wears a Columbia

Compounder shell, Kuhl Revolver pants, Oboz

Yellowstone II B-Dry hiking boots with a Black Diamond

head lamp, Black Diamond Trail Shock Mountain Series

trekking poles and an Osprey Aether 70 pack on his back

outside of Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer. Photo by

Candace Johnson

Home & Lifestyle

pg 16

Out & About

Generally,

the smaller

and lighter

something

is, the more

expensive it is.

Arts

Family

Fashion & Beauty

Health & Fitness

‘‘

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

PublisherJohn Rung815-459-4040jrung@shawmedia.com

General ManagerAlese Campbell847-223-8161acampbell@shawmedia.com

Account ManagerStephanie Barrons847-231-7504sbarrons@shawmedia.com

EditorStephanie N. Grimoldby815-526-4467sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com

DesignerAllison McCaleb815-526-4485amccaleb@shawmedia.com

CorrespondentsElizabeth Harmon, Lee Nelson, Jacky Runice, Amanda Marrazzo, Erin Sauder, Colleen Leonard

PhotographersCandace H. Johnson, Melissa Emory

Lake 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 Lake County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or by email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-4040Fax: 815-477-4960

www.LakeCountyMagazine.com

from the editor

See The Art In Everything

I saw images of Peter Patterson’s glass works months and months ago, and apparently, they stuck with me.

When it came time to think about possible stories for our July “fine arts” issue, I knew I wanted his work to appear somewhere within our pages.

And so it has, featured not only on the inside but on the cover of our magazine, with the hope that it would inspire readers like you to pick up our publication and wonder what that image was.

Sometimes a piece of artwork just hits you like that — it speaks to you, or it makes you stop and say, “Wow! That’s something!”

It might be a world-renowned piece like the Mona Lisa that grabs your attention, or the crayon drawing that your 4-year-old daughter just presented to you. Regardless, art has a way of releasing feelings of awe, respect, amazement or even amusement.

I believe art, in its many different forms, has a place in our world, whether it’s a man standing awestruck at the design of the latest Chevrolet Corvette, a woman tasting

the finest chocolates

in the

world or children marveling at the shuttles that carry human beings through space. And I would argue that almost anything man has created has some sort of artistic quality to it, thereby making art a key component to our everyday lives.

And so, in our fine arts issue, we have tried to present local art in a variety of ways, including a feature on Peter Patterson’s blown glass; photographs of art pieces that recently were on display at ArtWauk in Waukegan; conversations with professionals about how the arts can aid in the development of children; and a discussion about the artistic quality in wine.

Hopefully, you find something that appeals to your artistic senses and you enjoy the stories we’ve put together for you.

We also offer a few articles to go along with the hot weather this month. The kids will love the playsets we feature from Fenceworks Inc. in Highland Park and Rainbow Play Systems in Vernon Hills, but we’ve been assured that adults can use the sets for their own workouts, too (page 8)!

In fact, that’s the perfect introduction to our health and fitness story we have for those tired of exercising indoors and in need of a new workout that gets them outside (page 36). The tips from Basic Training Academy and Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center utilize picnic benches, parking blocks, tree branches and more.

And after you’re done with that outdoor workout, you can head home and make one of seven healthy smoothies, the recipes of which are compliments of Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee and Robeks in Vernon Hills and Lake Forest (page 32).

The arts are all around us — even in our work and play — and I hope you take a moment to appreciate the art in your life this month!

— Stephanie N. Grimoldby

Editor

4 A glass-blown piece by Peter Patterson. See some more of his work on page 24.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 7

On The Cover

SNEAKPeeKIn our August “Back To School” issue, don’t miss:What to pack in a healthy school lunch

Scholarships: How to get them and when to start looking

The story of a student who overcame a disability

Fashionable kids’ haircuts

Home design tips for the family room

... and more!

Pictured on the cover is a large glass bowl with swirls created by Peter Patterson of Peter Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein. The piece is shown in a blacklight room, its phosphorus materials glowing in the dark. To see more of Patterson’s work, see page 24.

Photo by Melissa Emory

home & lifestyle / HoMedesign

While slides, swing sets and monkey bars are still popular choices in today’s playsets, other features are quickly

gaining steam. Area backyards are now filling up with rock walls, forts and even

castles.“You name it, and you can do it,” says Susan Peterman,

co-owner of the Highland Park-based Fenceworks

Inc. “You can have tire swings, different

lengths of slides, rock climbing

walls, picnic tables.

You can basically duplicate what you could get in a park.”

She says the rock walls and forts are popular sellers at Fenceworks Inc.

“The rock walls are great for gross motor skills and for coordination and balance,” she says.

Joanie Barrus, a partner with Rainbow Play Systems in Vernon Hills, credits Rainbow as the originator of the popular castle design play set.

“You can have angle ladders that go up to the platform and a tire swing with a 360-degree swivel under the deck. You can add a slide, swings and monkey bars, and you can even join it with another structure, like a bridge or tunnel,” she says. “With our sets, you can mix and match and even add on later. Our sets are totally expandable.”

I By ERIN SAUDER I

Backyard FUN!

Explore The Many Options Available For Playsets

More popular choicesWhat feature do children typically want

most in their play sets? Barrus says there is no typical anymore.

“Every child is so different,” she says. “Some, all they want to do is continually move. They want to climb up the rock wall and come down the other side. Others love the spiral slides. Some kids just love to swing. Our sets can promote whatever interest a child has.”

And parents don’t have to worry about children outgrowing a play set too soon, especially when monkey bars are added.

“I’ve had adults that even use them for a little workout,” Barrus says. “There really is no age limit.”

Wondering what material is ideal for a playset? Both Barrus and Peterman say wood is a popular choice.

“We sell more wood than anything else, and we use three different types — cedar, pine and redwood,” Peterman says. “The different grades of wood are all very good for the outdoors.”

“We use wood with some steel on our sets,” Barrus says. “The wood is a little more aesthetically pleasing and looks a little more natural.”

As with any wood product that’s going to be stored outside, Peterman says maintenance is key.

“It’s important to keep moisture in the wood, so it does need to be resealed every couple of years,” she says.

Things to considerParents can help their children avoid

injuries by making sure to have appropriate surface material under the playset.

“These days, a lot of people put them on grass,” Peterman says. “But it never hurts to have more of a cushion, so mulch and rubber mulch are also popular. You want that extra cushion especially under the monkey bars if the kids want to drop down.”

She says six feet of open space on either side of the playset is recommended.

Barrus says the variety of playsets available today help make finding the right choice an easy one for families.

“We have multiple designs and units on display so they can pick what’s best for their family,” she says. “Parents know their kids better than we do. They know their yard. They know their budget. And we have something that will fill all of them.”

Peterman says Fenceworks Inc. has been in business for

nearly five decades and in the playground business for almost 25 years.

“We pride ourselves on using amazing, top-of-the-line materials and working together with companies that know what they’re doing and having people who put them together that are knowledgeable,” she says. “The service part is very important, especially when it comes to the safety and children.”

I’ve had adults

that even use them for a little

workout.— Joanie Barrus, partner with

Rainbow Play Systems in Vernon Hills

5 (Above) Fenceworks Inc. in Highland Park offers several playset packages, including the Colossal Kingdom Elite. Photos provided

3 (At left) Fenceworks Inc. also offers the Royal Palace as a playset option.

4 (At right) Pictured is a playset provided by Rainbow Play Systems in Vernon Hills.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com10 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

Barrus calls outdoor play sets “a convenience you can’t replace.”

“People do a lot more in their own yards — they don’t send kids to the park like they used to,” she says. “We don’t replace a park, we just make it so much easier to have some activity going on, even if it’s only for five minutes.” lc

This ongoing Home Design series is dedicated to inspiring Lake County residents

to rethink, redesign and renovate their homes one room at a time.

June: GaragesJuly: Playsets

August: Family room

5 A Rainbow Play Systems playset at a home in Volo.

home & lifestyle

From The Vine To Townline

with Gints Brencis • Gints Brencis is director of

fine wines at DiCarlo Fine Wine and Spirits on Townline Road

in Mundelein. He offers his expertise in the wine industry to

the Lake County community.

For me and other fellow enological enthusiasts (or flat-out wine geeks), looking at a glass of wine is like looking at a piece of artwork.

The varying colors and hues of differing intensities from the middle of a wine glass all the way to its rim present each wine like a piece of art, each on its own unique liquid canvas.

This piece of art, however,

is basically a complex stew of chemicals and compounds,

which, collectively, give each wine its own visual, olfactory and sensory characteristics. The major ingredients in a wine are simple chemical compounds — water, alcohol (ethanol), acid (tartaric acid predominately) and sugar (glucose and fructose) — all of which could be mixed together in a laboratory to create a pseudo wine.

However, the things that make each wine unique are the thousands of other chemicals that appear in minute quantities.

These chemical compounds vary from wine to wine, with many originating in the grapes themselves and from the soil in which they grow. Others are created during the fermentation process, while countless others are simply created through chemical reactions when molecules interact with one another in the wine bottle itself. These interactions continue to occur throughout the entire life of a wine, thus making each bottle a unique and ever-changing work of art.

Depending on the varietal, degree of aging in oak barrels and even their age, wines can

exhibit an astonishing number of different

hues and colors. Much about a wine can be

determined by simply looking at it. No need to sniff it, or even taste it … yet.

Very pale yellow-

green colors appear in

young white wines from cool

growing regions, while deeper golden

yellow hues highlight older whites as well as young whites from warmer growing regions along with those that have spent time in a barrel.

Inky purples can be found in young reds, while brick red tones are typical in older, mature red wines.

Ruby-orange highlights are commonly found in reds with high acidity, while black-blue colors are exhibited by red wines with low acidity.

Our appreciation of wine, however, is mainly due to its odors. The sense of smell is by far our most important and sensitive sensory evaluation tool. In fact, the flavors that we experience when drinking a wine are primarily due to the scents that reach the nose when the wine is held in the mouth.

Our sense of smell can detect an estimated 10,000 different odors, and a typical person can be trained to identify about 1,000 odors. Science has identified almost 700 different compounds that can contribute to a wine’s aroma. However, both the aroma and flavor profile of a wine are the result of an almost infinite number of variations in both grape growing and wine production, resulting in the unique characteristics of each and every wine.

Science has determined that specific grape varieties are defined by their predominant aroma compounds. Muscat, for example, can be identified by its floral monoterpenes, while the sauvignon varietals have characteristically fruity volatile thiols. Fermentation creates major chemical changes through the action of yeast cells, and science has provided winemakers the ability to select specific yeast strains in order to produce desirable sensory results for any given varietal and wine.

That being said, it is the winemaker’s own artistic talents, personal experience, intuition and deft touch that will control this entire process, thus putting his or her own individual stamp on his or her own unique creation. He or she will determine when the grapes will be harvested, control the length, temperature and extent of the fermentation process, choose whether the wine will be aged in stainless steel or oak barrels, and for how long the wine should be aged.

Winemaking is where science and art intersect. Wine is the result of science and art working in unison and living in harmony. lc

a science that deals with wine and wine makingEnology:

CONDELL MEDICAL AD0225642

home & lifestyle

ChildrEnPatrick Toto, library services manager

at the Waukegan Public Library, can still remember checking out Beverly Cleary’s

Henry Huggins’ books from the Gurnee Grade School library. “This is my earliest memory of when

reading went from something I wanted to do to something I needed to do,” he says. “I love turning the pages to answer the question, ‘What happens next?’ I want to see what happens next. To me, reading is like food. Ingest every day.”

His favorite book of all time — “This is an impossible question for me to answer.”

His favorite genre — “I like science fiction and fantasy. I like Sherlock Holmes stories. I like contemporary fiction with a little quirk to it, a little something outside the norm. ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger is an example I often use.”

His favorite reading spot — “The couch.”The following is Toto’s list for best children’s

books for summer reading, along with a short review:

“Me Hungry” by Jeremy Tankard. An inventive Stone Age boy takes matters into his own hands when he gets hungry. A humorous story for every young child who wants something now.

“Heist Society Series” by Ally Carter. Katrina Bishop is drawn back into the family business to pull off the biggest heist in their history. A fun series filled with adventure, close calls and romance.

“The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry. As a man sets to chop down a massive rainforest tree, the animals living there each give a reason why the tree is important to their survival. Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful message. Fantastic.

“Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. A boy comes of age in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma accompanied by two beloved friends — his dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. This classic is a favorite read, but fair warning — tears may be shed before you read the last page.

“Bone” by Jeff Smith. This is a much-loved graphic novel series of three brothers thrown out of their home who stumble into an epic adventure. The story starts off as a series of fun, mischievous episodes, but then grows into a dense fairy tale that will have you quickly turning the pages.

“Encyclopedia Brown Series” by Donald Sobol. Young Leroy Brown sets up a detective agency in his garage and solves all manner of small-town mysteries. What makes the stories fun is that the reader can try to solve the mystery before looking to the back of the book for the answer. Fun stuff.

“My Name is Not Isabella” by Jennifer Fosberry. A young girl imagines herself as different influential women of history and discovers that being herself is being the best parts of them all. A great empowering message for girls, with excellent artwork.

“Alison Dare Series” by J. Torres and J. Bone. As the daughter of an archeologist and a super-hero, you can imagine the adventures Alison Dare gets into in this graphic novel series.

TEEnsSusan Boucher, who has owned the Lake Forest Book Store since 1995,

didn’t know much about retail when she opened the store.

Is there any better time than the summer to pick up a book, find a comfortable chair — or hammock if you’ve got one — and read to your heart’s content?

Some people who really know books — area library and bookstore professionals — weigh in on great reads for children, teens and adults. Plus, they reveal a little bit about their own reading habits.

By Lee NeLsoN

Must Readssummer

“But I had been a passionate reader since I was a child,” she says. “As a child, I loved everything I could get my hands on including series, biography and fiction.

“I have enjoyed sharing books with our customers,” she continues. “It’s the best part of the job.”

Reading has taken Boucher all over the world and to different time periods in history.

“Reading is not only a great escape, but I always am learning when I read,” she says.

Her favorite book of all time — “It’s hard to pick a favorite book because there are so many, but if I had to pick a perfect book, it would be the children’s book ‘The Trumpet of the Swan’ by E.B. White. All of his children’s books are brilliant.”

Her favorite genre — Fiction. “But I enjoy reading memoir and narrative non-fiction. I sometimes read mysteries and thrillers.”

The following is Boucher’s list for best teen’s books for summer reading, along with a short review:

“Rithmatist” by Brandon Sanderson. As Wild Chalklings threaten the American Isle, Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense. Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students learn the magical art that he would do anything to practice, in this epic novel.

“Reboot” by Amy Tintera. “La Femme Nikita” meets “Maximum Ride” in this action-packed debut novel about 17-year-old Wren who has risen from the dead as a Reboot and is now the government’s top soldier — until she is given an order she refuses to obey.

“Out of the Easy” by Ruta Sepetys. Josie, the 17-year-old daughter of a French Quarter prostitute, is striving to escape 1950 New Orleans and enroll at prestigious Smith College when she becomes entangled in a murder investigation.

“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. Sixteen-year-old Hazel, a stage IV thyroid cancer patient, has accepted her terminal diagnosis until a chance meeting with a boy at a cancer support group forces her to re-examine her perspective on love, loss and life.

“Every Day” by David Levithan. Every morning A wakes in a different person’s body, in a different person’s life, learning over the years to never get too attached, until he wakes up in the body of Justin and falls in love with Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon.

“5th Wave” by Rick Yancey. This is an epic new series from an award-winning author. On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from them — the beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.

“Prodigy” by Marie Lu. In the highly anticipated sequel to “Legend,” June and Day make their way to Las Vegas where they join the rebel Patriot group and become involved in an assassination plot against the Elector in hopes of saving the Republic.

“Invisibility” by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan. A magical romance between a boy cursed

with invisibility and the one girl who can see him is chronicled in this first collaboration by New York Times best-selling authors Cremer (“Nightshade”) and Levithan (“Will Grayson” with John Green).

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

“The Program” by Suzanne Young. After suicide becomes a worldwide epidemic, the only known cure is The Program, a treatment in which painful memories are erased, a fate worse than death to 17-year-old Sloane who knows that The Program will steal memories of her dead brother and boyfriend.

AdulTsTerri Suda, adult services programming

coordinator at Wauconda Library, finds reading relaxing, fun and educational.

“There isn’t anything I don’t like about it. Reading takes me away. It’s pure escapism,” she says. “Also, reading gets people talking and brings people together. I lead multiple book discussions at the library and have been for over 13 years. I am amazed at how many friendships I’ve seen take shape simply because of a book bringing people together.”

Her favorite book of all time — Some that stand out are “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker; “Peace Like a River” by Lief Enger; and, of course, “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell; “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee; and “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith.

Her favorite reading genre — “Epics, classics — purely good fiction.”

Her favorite reading spot — “Anywhere that I can sit with a book! Most favorite is up at the cabin where we vacation on the shores of Big Crooked Lake in Lac du Flambeau, Wis.”

Here is Suda’s list for best adult books for summer reading, along with a short review:

“A Good American” by Alex George. This touching first novel by a British expat now living in Missouri traces four generations of one German immigrant family as they search for acceptance in America. This book has everything and would appeal to both male and female readers.

“The Paris Wife” by Paula McClain. This is the fictionalized account of the true story of Ernest Hemmingway and his first wife, Hadley. Can’t-put-downable.

“The Dressmaker” by Kate Alcott. A story of mistaken identity and battle of class aboard the RMS Titanic. Fiction based on actual fact. Loved it.

“The Story of Beautiful Girl” by Rachel Simon. My book club absolutely loved this story. A gripping story and one you won’t soon forget. You’ll be telling your friends to read it. From Barnes and Noble: “Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African-American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone — Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl.”

“Sister” by Rosamund Lupton. If you liked “Gone Girl,” you’re going to enjoy this as well. An excellent story with plenty of twists.

“Wife 22” by Melanie Gideon. Film rights have been purchased by working title pictures, and I believe it’s already been cast. We brought the author in last summer, two short weeks after the book was released, and it was already a New York Times best-seller. Awesome beach read — you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll most likely relate. Loved it.

“Prodigal Summer” by Barbara Kingsolver. Perfect, perfect summer read. Wait ‘til you can hear the cicadas buzzing, then pick this up. Kingsolver is a masterful storyteller that keeps me up all night.

“A Reliable Wife” by Robert Goolrick. Rural Wisconsin 1909.

In the bitter cold, Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train

platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper

advertisement for “a reliable wife.” But when Catherine

Land steps off the train from Chicago, she’s not the “simple, honest woman” that Ralph is expecting. Chilling, suspenseful — perfect climate switch read during the dog days of summer.

“A Knight in Shining Armor” by Jude Deveraux. Here’s a romance, my very favorite one of all time — and I’m not a romance reader. Attention romance readers: if you haven’t read this one, you’ve missed the best.

“The Persian Pickle Club,” “Diary of Mattie Spencer” and “The Bride’s House.” Anything, absolutely anything, written by Sandra Dallas. She writes smart historical fiction that I just love. Her stories are so good — usually a bit of a mystery hidden inside. lc

Whether it’s a backcountry trek or a family campout at a nearby state park, it’s a good idea to mind that old Scout motto,

“Be Prepared.”The key to a great campout, not to mention

a safe and comfortable one, lies in planning, prep and packing.

But where to begin?“Back in the day, if you were going camping

and you needed stuff, you went to the Army-Navy surplus store,” says Brent Weiss, co-owner with his wife, Diane, of Uncle Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store, which has

locations in Highland Park, Evanston and Chicago.

Instead of olive drab canteens and basic nylon pup tents, today’s outdoor gear includes state-of-the-art hydration systems and sleeping bags suitable for the Himalayas.

If you’re not an experienced camper, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.

Where to startA great place to begin is with the “Ten

Essentials” list, which offers a systematic guide to what campers need for a successful stay in the great outdoors. The original list was compiled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers.

The “Essentials” include items for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter.

What you need within each category depends on the type of camping you plan to do, says Tom Barrington, assistant manager of the Erehwon Mountain Outfitter store in Kildeer.

“It depends on whether you’re park camping versus backpacking,” he says.

If you’re planning to drive to a park and pitch your tent 50 feet from your car, it might not make sense to purchase a high-end backpacking tent.

On the other hand, if you have to carry the

tent 20 miles in a backpack, shaving off a few extra pounds could be worth the money.

“Generally, the smaller and lighter something is, the more expensive it is,” Barrington says.

The Mountaineers’ website, www.mountaineers.org, also suggests campers consider two questions: Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? And can you safely spend a night or more out?

With an eye toward the “Ten Essentials,” Lake County camping pros share a few of their favorite items and tips.

I By eLizabeth harmoN • Photos by CaNDaCe JohNsoN I

home & lifestyle

GEAR UP!For Camping Fun

6 (Below) Hiking boots: Basque Wasatch GTX, AHNV Coburn Dark Olive, and Oboz Yellowstone II B-Dry sit on a Kelty mesh chair available at Erewhon Mountain Outfitter.

4 Sea To Summit dry bags are made of high performance waterproof fabric to keep contents dry. Photo provided by Uncle Dan's The Great Outdoor Store

3 A Marmot Limelight 2-person tent with essential camping gear

featured at Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer.

Understanding the ‘10 essentials’

Navigation — Bring a map and know how to read it, rather than rely on a GPS, Barrington says.

“I can’t emphasize it enough — have a map,” he says. “What do you do if your battery dies or you can’t get a signal?”

Sun Protection — The Mountaineers recommend sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Insulation — Layering is key. “It seems basic, but it’s critical to

survival,” Weiss says. He recommends a base layer of

Merino wool, like Icebreaker’s Tech Ts, sold at Uncle Dan’s, Erehwon and other retailers.

“It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter and doesn’t collect odors like synthetics can,” he says.

Check weather forecasts and layer protection accordingly over your base layer, such as a fleece or another Merino top, and if needed, an outer shell to repel water or wind.

And don’t forget your feet. Weiss recommends Merino socks as well.

“You want to avoid cotton because they hold moisture,” Weiss says.

Illumination — Weiss loves the convenience of a hands-free headlight

for nighttime chores and

walks. “People think they’ll look like geeks, but once they try it, it’s

heaven,” he says.Uncle Dan’s

also carries The Illuminaid, a solar-

powered inflatable vinyl pillow that’s

compact and lightweight. It was developed by two

graduate students to provide inexpensive, dependable light for Third World residents.

“It’s so cool when we find something that’s completely new,” Weiss says.

First Aid — Commonly overlooked, first aid kits should be part of any outdoor adventure, even a day hike. In addition to basics like Band-Aids, sterile wipes and antibacterial ointment, include necessities to tape a sprain or a break.

“Band-Aids won’t do you any good if you have a broken bone,” Barrington says.

A guide to outdoor first aid, sold in many outdoor stores, is also a good idea, Barrington notes.

Fire — The Mountaineers recommend bringing a fire starter, matches or lighter.

Repair Kit — The Mountaineers recommend a knife, duct tape, tools and spare parts be included in

the equipment you’re bringing. Barrington also recommends scissors, tape for inflatable items, tape for nylon items and strong nylon rope, which can be used to hoist food into trees out of an animal’s reach, or to dry clothes.

Nutrition — Your camping trip is not the time to start a diet, Barrington says.

“You’ll expend a lot more energy when you’re out camping and hiking,” he says.

For long hikes, consider freeze-dried trail foods, which Barrington says have improved in quality in recent years.

For campsite cooking, look for utensils that do double duty, such as Sea to Summit’s X-Set line of tableware that has food prep space on the reverse side.

And don’t neglect basic kitchen cleanliness. “Always remember to wash your hands,”

Barrington says.Hydration — Beyond the basic water bottle

are backpack hydration systems — such as the Camelbak, available at Uncle Dan’s, Erehwon and other outdoor retailers — that let you sip as you hike.

“They make it easier to stay hydrated, because by the time you get thirsty, it’s too late,” Weiss says.

Turn an existing backpack into a hydration system by purchasing reservoirs individually. For trips into the wilderness or areas with questionable water quality, consider a self-purifying water bottle, such as the Katadyn MyBottle Purifier, available at Erehwon and Uncle Dan’s.

Emergency Shelter — For a comfortable family tent, think big, Barrington advises.

“Go a little bigger than the actual number of people sleeping in it so you have some elbow room,” he says.

Or, consider two smaller tents, especially if you’re camping with older children.

“It makes it a little more special,” Barrington says.

He also recommends spending extra on a tent with aluminum poles rather than fiberglass.

“It’s going to last a lot longer,” he says. lc

CLOSe TO HOme CAmPINg:

Check out these local campgrounds for a place to spend a night outdoors.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Spring GroveIllinois Beach State Park, ZionSilver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, YorkvilleI & M Canal State Trail, JolietKankakee River State Park, KankakeeBuffalo Rock State Park, OttawaThomas Woods-McHenry County Conservation District Site, MarengoBig Foot Beach State Park, Walworth, Wis.Richard Bong Recreation Area, Kenosha, Wis.Kettle Moraine State Forest, Waukesha, Wis.

For hours, fees, directions and more, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov, dnr.wi.gov or www.mccdistrict.org/web/re-camping.htm.

3 (At left) Jackets: North Face RDT100 Full Zip, Marmot Precip, and a Patagonia Nano Puff are featured at Erehwon Mountain Outfitter.

4 (At right) Stuart Fraser, a sales associate at Erehwon Mountain Outfitter in Kildeer, wears an NRS hat, Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T fleece top and Kuhl Ryder pants with an Osprey Aether 70 pack on his back.

5 A first aid kit is a must when camping. Photo provided by Uncle

Dan’s The Great Outdoor Store

McHenryCountyMagazine.com18 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

Abbie Pietruszynski is a firm believer in the importance of music in the development of children.

The Grayslake resident made sure music was present during both her pregnancies.

“I played a range of classical, folk songs, jazz, bluegrass, country and pop music for my kids,” she says.

After their births, her children listened to the same bedtime music each night, a mix of classical and instrumental. Pietruszynski also would sing a variety of different musical genres to her children, including folk, country, pop and hits from Broadway.

“And [I] just made up songs all the time for them about what we were doing,” Pietruszynski says.

For her, there’s no question music has a soothing effect.

“As infants, I definitely observed them calm down when music came on,” she says. “I’m also the type of mom that is able

to listen to the same songs 100 times in a row because I know the repetition helps to develop their brains.”

Her children learned to recognize what came next, which led to early triumphs.

“I really think that’s one of the reasons why my kids could identify and sing harmony at an early age,” Pietruszynski says.

Does Music Help?Can music really be beneficial to babies as

they develop? Many say yes.Jennifer Johnson, a registered nurse-

certified and a perinatal education coordinator at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, says fetuses begin to hear and become aware of stimuli outside the womb around the fifth month.

“While opinions vary widely on the topic of prenatal musical stimulation, most will agree that those babies exposed to music in utero sleep better, are more alert to their

environment and are more content than infants who did not receive any form of prenatal musical stimulation,” says Johnson, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Want to stimulate prenatal learning?Johnson says the best option for providing

prenatal musical stimulation is simply listening to music via the stereo or an iPod, keeping the volume no higher than 65 decibels.

“Using headphones on the belly may overstimulate the baby,” she says.

And beware, Johnson says, the American Academy of Pediatrics has cited several studies that state unborn babies exposed to loud noise over a prolonged period of time are more likely to be born prematurely, have lower birth weight and even suffer from hearing loss at birth.

For parents wondering if prenatal musical stimulation will enhance a child’s IQ, Johnson says there is no definitive research to

family / SUCCeSS lives next door

For The MindcMus

I By eriN saUDer I

support that conclusion. Regardless, music can still be a means of

bonding between mother and baby.“Most important for expectant mothers to

take away is to play music to enjoy it, not to make your unborn baby smarter,” she says.

And don’t discount what music can do for expectant mothers. Music can help them relax, fall asleep and/or enhance their mood, all of which are good for mom and baby, Johnson says.

“Once the baby is born, music provides entertainment and stimulation for babies, and doing so together is a wonderful way to interact and bond with baby,” she says. “And although it is unlikely to turn the baby into a genius overnight, exposing them to a variety of musical forms is a fantastic way to teach babies about the world. Parents must remember that they are a baby’s favorite form of entertainment, and interaction with Mom and Dad will have a far greater effect than any other stimulation.”

Music and educationSusan Henning is director of Kindermusik

by Susan, which offers classes in Libertyville, Gurnee and Lake Forest. A licensed Kindermusik teacher, Henning says listening to music, singing, playing instruments and moving to music are all very beneficial practices that can stimulate the development of children of all ages, starting at birth.

“Singing and listening intentionally to music [different from just hearing] stimulates early language and literacy by increasing phonological awareness, comprehension skills, speaking ability and auditory discrimination — all building blocks of reading,” Henning says.

The way the brain processes music stimulates the cognitive abilities of reasoning and spatial-temporal skills needed for math and science, she says. Moving to music stimulates gross motor abilities, while playing instruments strengthens fine motor skills.

“All types of interaction with music help a child regulate and communicate emotions, helping build social skills,” she says. “Children learn to regulate their behavior, contributing to their school-readiness. Music provides a creative outlet for children and, when exposed to music from other cultures, music can also

contribute to their acceptance and awareness of multiple cultures.”

Pietruszynski’s children are students at Kindermusik by Susan, and she lauds their experience.

“I believe my kids’ exposure to music and Kindermusik in general has absolutely broadened their vocabulary, increased their attention spans and made them appreciate all kinds of music, beyond the typical children’s fare,” she says. lc

McHenryCountyMagazine.com July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 19

5 Susan Henning (left) is a Kindermusik teacher. Kindermusik offers a full range of classes for infants and children up to 7 years old. Photo provided

I think if I had to sum up the difference between raising a boy and a girl, it would be that boys are physically exhausting and girls are emotionally exhausting. Since the beginning, my daughter has fulfilled her role as my “emotional child.” I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this girl started a

“cycle” at age 2. Every few weeks, she would get noticeably moody, crabby and irritable. I never knew a little girl could be described as melancholy until my kid came along. To say my daughter is a drama queen is an understatement.

Now that she is turning 6, she might as well be turning 16 because the drama has become more intense, her moods more drastic and unpredictable. She is affected by everything and everyone so much, I might change her middle name from “Elizabeth” to “Sensitive.” I am known for my sarcasm and simple jokes, but if I catch Maddie on an off day, she will pour on the waterworks for a simple quip about her hair.From the moment she wakes up, she is in character. If I don’t make her waffles perfect so that

the butter melts just right, she brings on the drama. If I don’t allow her to wear red pants with a hot-pink top along with mismatching socks, she

puts on a pouty face. When the Velcro on her shoes won’t line up properly, she is sure to blow a gasket. And don’t even get me started on homework. She can turn two plus two into the most

complicated algebraic equation in three seconds flat. If she’s this bad in kindergarten, I can just imagine how high school homework will go down. Of course, I have to have a relative amount of empathy since I was known to spend

many an evening crying over my Spanish homework at the kitchen table. If things didn’t go my way, I admit I could pout, sulk, sigh and stomp my feet with the best of them. Maddie has always been particularly attached to me, and if I make plans to be away

from the house for any period of time, she finds a way to manipulate me and send me on a guilt trip that warrants a stamp on my passport. She has also developed a sensitivity to when I am going through my own mood

swings. If I am feeling down or stressed out, she is the first to look out for me and make sure I am OK. However, sometimes we feed off each other’s emotions, and God forbid we both wake up on the wrong side of the bed. It is battle royale in the Stien house. Of course, that is when I employ my own form of armchair psychology

in order to work through our respective rough patches. I’ve enlisted a little therapy session for such occasions. We sit down together, talk through what is bothering us, agree to press the restart button on our day, count to 10, force ourselves to smile and move on with our day. Oddly, in most cases, we can never really pinpoint what is bothering us. Bad moods just crop up for no reason. Typical girls.I have to admit, as challenging as it is to raise a daughter, it has enabled this

self-proclaimed drama queen to take a long, hard look in the mirror … and then call my mom to apologize for my behavior for the first 18 years of my life. My payback for putting my mother through the emotional ringer is my very own daily dose of Academy Award-winning performances. In the end, those who suffer the most are my husband and son. They

are just left shell-shocked by the two lovely ladies they co-habitate with. Catch us on the wrong day and end up in our cross-hairs, and they might as well sign a death wish. Even Maddie has learned to throw daggers with her eyes and disappear into her room for some alone time if she is rubbed the wrong way. The boys seem to push buttons and don’t know when to stop. Both my husband and son had better learn a valuable lesson in quitting

while they are ahead if they ever want to make it past Maddie’s 16th birthday and my Change of Life. lc

family

Drama Queen S y N d R O M E

Write This Downwith 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 Lake County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

McHenryCountyMagazine.24 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

on the cover / ArTIST profile / arts

Mundelein artist Peter Patterson has built a successful career in a field he once dismissed.

As a student at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, Ohio, Patterson took an elective in art glass and fell in love with the medium.

“I love the luminosity of glass and the way it changes, but I didn’t take it seriously as a [career] option because I didn’t think it would be financially viable,” he says.

Thinking practically, he chose a more marketable field, graphic design, and after college, he went to work for a major insurance company.

But after a few years in corporate America, Patterson felt dissatisfied and was in search of a new direction.

A job managing a stained glass store provided one.“Meeting other glass artists rekindled my interest, and

I decided to go to ahead and pursue my love of working with glass and learn as much as I could,” he says.

master ofglassMundelein Artist Creates Unique, Beautiful Glass Art

By ELIZABETH HARMON I Photos by MELISSA EMORY

He enrolled in the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina to study glassblowing, and even more than 20 years later, he’s never looked back.

“I’ve tried all the different mediums — metal, ceramics — but to me, glass is the most intriguing,” Patterson says.

Patterson’s ‘Bright Ideas’As the owner of Peter Patterson Glassworks

in Mundelein, Patterson creates colorful, sinuous blown glass sculptures, lighting, ornaments, vases and more. While some of his work is flowing and abstract, he also fashions realistic portrayals of flowers, fish, leaves, animals and sea creatures.

Patterson’s work incorporates hues and forms found in nature.

“I love to camp and hike; I like to go mushroom hunting,” he says. “I just love being outdoors, and I draw inspiration from nature.”

His passion for aquatic life is evident in his subjects: fish, coral, squid and octopi. His home contains several aquariums, and during diving trips to Cozumel, he’s observed stingrays, colorful fish and a school of squid.

“It looked like a billboard swimming past with all the changing colors,” he says.

Joe Tanner of Elgin owns one of Patterson’s seascapes.

“I go to a lot of art shows and know a number of glass artists, and I’ve never seen another do what he does with such specific colors and details,” Tanner says.

Having tried his hand at glass art, Tanner understands the difficulty of Patterson does — working with glass that has been melted in a 2,500-degree furnace, then shaping it, fusing it with other pieces of glass or using hand tools to add textures and other effects.

“Glass is incredibly hard to work with, so for him to be able to

take glass and make it look so life-like is really quite remarkable,” Tanner says.

Patterson also has created a technique to infuse phosphorescent elements into glass to create glowing sculptures that he displays in a special blacklight room in his studio.

His “Glo Glass” creations include oversized light bulbs with colorful glass swirls captured inside. Mounted on a small base, the pieces are just right to be displayed on a desktop or mounted on an office or classroom wall.

“I call them ‘Bright Ideas,’” he says.

3 (Facing page) This medium-sized glass egg, done with powder and frit

colors, was created by Peter Patterson of Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein.

The piece also can be made into an Eternal Glo Keepsake, in which

Patterson puts the ashes of a cremated person or animal into the glass to create

a lasting keepsake.

3 (At left) This is a special technique called threading,

which adds depth to the patterns and spreads

out the color like water droplets on a watercolor

painting.

3 (At left) Peter Patterson fire polishes the bottom of a small habitat. To fire polish, he uses a torch to heat up the bottom of the piece that came off the pipe, which has a jagged surface. Then he uses a metal spatula to flatten the bottom so that the piece will not wobble.

6 (Below) This is a classic Peter Patterson piece called a seaform. Its transparent color and shape give it an underwater flower motif.

6 Pictured are some of the many art pieces Patterson has for sale in his studio.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com26 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

Patterson’s work also includes inspirational art, in which he incorporates symbols from Christianity, Judaism, Native American spiritualism and other faiths and cultures, and he even creates memorial pieces that incorporate human or animal cremains. The custom-designed memorials take the shape of pendants, tree ornaments, hearts, discs, eternal eggs and flames, a glowing “rainbow bridge,” and figurines, such as a sleeping, curled up cat.

“I always feel uplifted spiritually when I work on these,” Patterson says.

Giving backA native of River Woods, Patterson

felt his calling in life as early as kindergarten.

“I made a clay sculpture, and I knew that being an artist was what I wanted to do with my life,” he says.

Growing up in a family that included several artists, Patterson always felt encouraged, and when he opened his first studio after leaving his corporate job, his parents provided space in their home.

Not only has Patterson’s art evolved over the years, so has his business savvy.

“I’m always looking for opportunities to promote my work and the studio,” he says.

As part of the Illinois Artisans Program, his work is sold in Illinois artisan shops, including one in Chicago’s James R. Thompson Center. Additionally, Patterson exhibits at area galleries and art fairs, where he has attracted many fans, including

6 Patterson scores the jax line, where the piece

will come off the pipe, by cooling the line with a dull saw blade dipped in water.

The next step is to fire polish the bottom to make

it smooth.

4 Patterson created a technique to infuse phosphorescent elements into glass to create glowing sculptures he calls “Glo Glass” creations.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 27

former Gov. James Thompson, who gave Patterson’s paperweights as gifts to visiting dignitaries during his gubernatorial term.

Patterson also has become passionate about using his talent to give back to the community, so he teaches classes for adults and children, opens his studio to Scout troops and hosts unique events, such as private parties — including girls’ nights out — and corporate teambuilding activities.

The events usually include a short talk about glass art followed by a studio demonstration. Then, clad in long sleeves, heat proof gloves and protective eyewear, the participants create their own piece of glass art.

“They come away with an appreciation of what it takes to make a piece,” Patterson says. “Some are a little nervous, but by the end of the class, they’re delighted.”

Patterson understands the feeling. He experiences it whenever he creates a new piece.

“Just the act of making something is a high in itself, and sometimes it turns out to be spectacular, which is really exciting,” he says.

Catch Peter Patterson locally at The Deer Path Art League’s 59th annual Art Fair on the Square, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday Sept. 2, at Market Square and Western Avenue in Lake Forest. For more information, visit www.deerpathartleague.org/af-general.htm. lc

4 Patterson also teaches glass art classes for adults and children, and he hosts private parties and corporate team building activities.

6Pictured is ”Large Habitat World,” a piece that glows in the dark.

ArtWauk is a monthly cooperative art experience that takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. the third Saturday of the month in downtown Waukegan.

In its 13th year, ArtWauk — pronounced “art walk” and short for Waukegan” — strives to

improve the perception of the downtown area by filling vacant properties with art and hosting art shows, thereby bringing people through rentable properties and showcasing not only the talents of artists, but the availability of downtown retail spaces. The properties that have been

featured during an ArtWauk have a track record of becoming spaces rented to a paying tenant.

One of those spaces is now Dandelion Gallery, co-owned by Emilie Dieck-Correa of Waukegan and Michelle Miscenic-Patch of Beach Park.

“Waukegan’s always been a very artsy place,

arts

Take A Walk:By LaKe CoUNtY maGaziNe I Photos by CaNDaCe h. JohNsoN

“Fall 2012 Tree” • Melissa Rasor

“Immaculate Earth” • Melissa Rasor

Dandelion Gallery co-owners Emilie Dieck-Correa and Michelle Miscenic-Patch

Jacob Rasor, 8, with sister and artist

Melissa Rasor

Eileen Shanley-Roberts and her

daughter Abigail, 10, with artist Anne

Leuck Feldhaus

The Water Street Gallery featuring Bicicleta: Bicycle-themed artwork

but it’s been a very underground thing,” Dieck-Correa says. “Now, we’re seeing people coming out of the woodwork.”

While ArtWauk is more than a decade old, it has a seen a resurgence in the last few years, Dieck-Correa says.

“People wanted something to do, a reason to get out of the house,” she says. “It’s that old-fashioned face-to-face time that so often we don’t get these days. It was so nice to see people get excited that something good was happening in Waukegan.

“[We’re] seeing people coming from all over

Lake County and the North Shore ...” she says. “It’s amazing how many people come out for this event. We love that.”

Below are photos from the ArtWauk that took place May 18. The next ArtWauk is scheduled for Saturday, July 20. To learn more, visit www.artwauk.com. lc

Enjoy downtown Waukegan And Local Artists

Chi-Town Hot Shots • Tommy Bartlett

Chi-Town Hot Shots

Horse sculpture • Rohan Ward

“Musicians at the ArtWauk” • Peggy Raasch

Artist Leslie Marley and Russ Schneider

“Are We Doing Enough?” • Melissa Rasor

Various artwork • Patrick Tufo

ust Google, “Why do people like to drink smoothies?”

Repeatedly, you’ll find the same reasons: lots of vitamins and nutrients in a single glass can help satisfy hunger; the beverages can help a person maintain, if not lose, weight; they can help sustain healthy sugar levels; and, most simply, smoothies taste great.

Brian Crescenzo, a shift leader at Robeks — a smoothie shop with locations in Vernon Hills and Lake Forest — concurs.

“I’ve been [drinking] smoothies the last three years I’ve been working here, and I have more energy,” says Crescenzo, who works at the Robeks located at 271 W. Townline Road, in Vernon Hills.

Crescenzo drinks three to five smoothies a week, replacing one meal a day with a

nutrient-loaded smoothie.With all natural sugars and no artificial

additives, smoothies fill him up, taste great and give him loads of energy, he says.

A heAlthy crAzeCrescenzo says the current “craze” is

smoothies made with vegetables, specifically kale, which he notes is the “next best wave in health.”

The leafy, green antioxidant vegetable is loaded with fiber, iron and calcium as well as vitamins A, C and K, according to www.mindbodygreen.com. The website touts kale as “the new beef,” “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.”

Crescenzo also recommends healthy Greek yogurt smoothies because Greek yogurt has fewer carbs and more protein than other yogurts.

Below, he shares recipes for popular smoothies that can be found at Robeks or easily made at home.

tips for homemAde smoothies

Renee Kallianis, owner of Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt, 5250 W. Grand Ave. Suite 4, in Gurnee, says smoothies are popular year-

round, but especially in the summer. She recommends a number of colorful

recipes but says most people, especially kids, love her Strawberry Bonanza.

This basic blend includes strawberries, a banana and strawberry juice blended with a little ice.

“The kids prefer this one,” says Kallianis, who has owned her restaurant more than 20 years. “The kids get scared with all the different [concoctions], but everybody knows strawberries and bananas ... . And anything mango is the madness.”

Kallianis offers a few tips when making smoothies at home:

• Be sure not to overwhelm the taste with too much of one fruit; keep the portions of each somewhat balanced for a refreshing, blended taste.

• Use real coconut flakes — found in the baking aisle at the grocery store — for flavoring rather than coconut juice. The juice often is not 100 percent pure coconut and likely contains added sugar.

• Yogurt can be added to just about any smoothie recipe if a creamier flavor is desired.

health & fitness

Summer FUN!

By amaNDa marrazzo

Photos by CaNDaCe h. JohNsoN

J

3 Kurt Gros of Lindenhurst drinks a Berrylicious smoothie

at Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee.

4 Renee Kallianis, owner, adds coconut flakes while making a Pink Pineapple smoothie in the blender at Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee.

July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 33

• Frozen concentrate — Kallianis recommends Tropicana or Minute Made — can be used instead of juice. They do not usually contain added sugars.

Below, Kallianis offers a few “extremely healthy” and refreshing smoothie recipes she serves up in her restaurant that also can be made at home.

SmOOTHIe ReCIPeS FROm ROBeKSFor each smoothie, mix all ingredients in

a blender for at least 22 seconds, until no fruit chunks remain.

Tropi-Kale Smoothie A 22-ounce medium drink at Robeks contains 372

calories.

11 ounces papaya juice2.5 ounces nonfat vanilla yogurt

2.5 ounces pineapple sherbet

6 ounces freshly frozen pineapples

“Half a fist-full” fresh kale

The emperor Acai A 22-ounce medium drink at

Robeks contains 337 calories.

11 ounces acai juice (acai is a Brazilian fruit loaded with antioxidants)

5 ounces Greek vanilla yogurt

3 ounces strawberries 3 ounces blueberries

The Acai energizer A 22-ounce medium drink at

Robeks contains 383 calories.

11 ounces acai juice 2.5 ounces nonfat vanilla

yogurt (not Greek)2.5 ounces pineapple

sherbet3 ounces strawberries 3 ounces blueberries*To kick this smoothie up a

notch, when made at Robeks, Crescenzo adds an all-natural

energy booster, a multi-vitamin and soy protein. Similar supplements can be found at local health/vitamin shops.

SmOOTHIe ReCIPeS FROm mAmA K’S PIZZA, gRILLe AND YOgURT

For each smoothie, mix all ingredients in a blender at a high speed no longer than 15 seconds. Kallianis recommends not over-blending or the smoothie will lose consistency and bits of fruit. Blend, don’t liquify, she says. Recipes can be altered to taste.

The Berrylicious An 18-ounce small drink at Mama K’s contains 235

calories, a total of 4 net carbs.

1/2 ounce strawberries1/2 ounce raspberries

3 Lauren Dunkleman of

Gurnee drinks a Pink Pineapple

smoothie at Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and

Yogurt in Gurnee. The ingredients

for this smoothie are pictured on the

facing page.

4 Renee Kallianis, owner, pours a Pink Pineapple smoothie into a glass at Mama K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com34 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

5 Renee Kallianis, owner, holds a Pink Pineapple smoothie she made at Mama

K’s Pizza, Grille and Yogurt in Gurnee.

5 An “Acai Energizer Smoothie” available at Robeks.

Photo provided

1/2 ounce blackberries1/2 ounce blueberries 6 ounces unsweetened real strawberry,

banana juice5 ounces ice5 ounces frozen vanilla yogurt (low carb,

sugar-free and 98 percent fat-free)

The Pink Pineapple An 18-ounce small drink at Mama K’s contains 245

calories, a total of 4 net carbs.

1/2 ounce strawberries1/2 ounce pineapples1/2 ounce bananas1/2 ounce coconut flakes6 ounces mango juice 5 ounces ice 5 ounces frozen vanilla yogurt (low carb,

sugar-free and 98 percent fat-free)

The Pomegranate Red An 18-ounce small drink at Mama K’s contains 235

calories.

8 ounces pure pomegranate juice (not cocktail juice)

1/2 ounce blueberries1/2 ounce raspberries 1/2 ounce strawberries4 1/2 ounces ice4 ounces nonfat yogurt

The Pomegranate Blue An 18-ounce small drink at Mama K’s contains 235

calories.

6 ounces pure pomegranate juice1/2 ounce blueberries 1/2 ounce blackberries 5 ounces vanilla yogurt 6 ounces ice lc

health & fitness

Basic Training Academy, an online service, offers a one-hour boot camp three times a week at Old School Forest Preserve, located on St. Mary’s Road in Mettawa. Benches, trees and monkey bars are some of the equipment used to do exercises, and a

playground serves as an obstacle course for running.

“We like people to come to our program so that we can teach them how to be self-sufficient,” says Vince Christy, head instructor and owner of Basic Training Academy.

The classes are modeled after Marine Corps workouts and focus on flexibility, strength and conditioning.

Students learn easy and moderate exercises so they can practice them at any local park, though Christy encourages exercising with a friend to have more fun.

Christy offers several exercises that can help break up the monotony of an indoor workout by utilizing outdoor props:

• Several push-up exercises can be done on a park bench. To do an easy push-up, Christy says, stand next to a park bench and lean with your hands on the seat or back of the bench. If that is too easy, he instructs students to put their feet on the seat and hands on the ground to begin an inverted push-up.

• To work the legs, he says, stand with your back against a tree for support and lower your body into a chair position.

• A parking block can be used to increase

heart rate and build muscle. To simulate a mogul on a ski slope, students are instructed to jump sideways over the block.

Expect to get stronger before losing weight, Christy says.

“The reality is you’re not going to lose weight right away,” he says. “You will lose size.”

Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center also offers a boot camp. The class, hosted from 6 to 7 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, combines inside and outside exercises to provide a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, strength and conditioning.

“If your goal is to lose weight, you should be doing 60 minutes of exercise five days a week,” says Kristina Wrezel, the center’s fitness director. “If your goal is just to maintain where you’re at, you could probably do 45 minutes four days a week.”

To avoid the heat,

Work OUT

By CoLLeeN LeoNarD

Photos by CaNDaCe h. JohNsoN

Summer is a great time to lace up your running shoes and head to a local park to use nature and playground equipment as an alternative to the gym.

4 Dennis Suszek of Vernon Hills runs down a hill jumping over a rope, called the moguls exercise, during a Basic Training Academy boot camp.

July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 37

she suggests exercising outside at 6 or 7 a.m. or waiting until early evening.

Make sure to hydrate before the workout and have water on hand during exercise, she says.

Local fitness specialists list a water bottle and comfortable running shoes as the top essentials for an outside workout.

The fitness center offers the following exercises to get started with an outdoor workout:1. Park bench dip

a) Sit on a bench with your hands gripping the bench.

b) Slide your rear end forward, supporting yourself with your hands.

c) Bend your elbows, bringing your upper arms almost parallel to the ground; then return to the starting position.

d) Keep your lower back close to the bench throughout the exercise.

e) Complete 12 to 15 reps.

2. Park bench incline push-up

a) Stand facing a park bench and place your hands on the seat; walk your feet out behind you until your legs are fully extended.

b) Bend your arms and lower your chest toward the bench; then push up.

c) Complete 12 reps.

3. Park bench decline push-up

a) Turn around and place your hands on the ground and your feet on the bench; walk your hands forward until they’re aligned under your shoulders, legs extended.

b) Lower your chest toward the ground; then push up. Complete 8 reps.

c) Work up to 20 reps of each.

4. Hanging cruncha) Take hold of a sturdy, low tree branch,

3 (Facing page) Instructor Kevin Umphress of Lindenhurst (center) leads a group from the Atlas advanced class as they do push-ups on a picnic table — also called the lumber yard — during a Basic Training Academy boot camp at Old School Forest Preserve in Mattawa.

4 (At right) Vince Christy of Antioch, Brenda and Kevin Umphress of Lindenhurst, and Terry Hardekopf of Mundelein, are all instructors at Basic Training Academy.

3 Dennis Suszek of Vernon Hills and Susy Grayson and Tara Pakosta, both of

Libertyville, work on arm circuits during a Basic Training Academy boot camp.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com38 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

monkey bars or other elevated handhold, palms facing forward.

b) Keeping arms fully extended, exhale as you bend your knees and bring them slowly toward your abs.

c) Inhale as you slowly release.d) Do as many reps as you can, working

up to 12.

5. Side shuffle a) Stand with your feet hip-distance apart,

elbows bent, with your fists near your ribs.b) Take three giant steps to your right,

sliding your left foot to meet the right.c) Bend your knees and jump up, turning

to face the opposite direction.d) Repeat, shuffling to your left.e) Continue alternating sides for one

minute.

6. Step-upa) Using a step or park bench, step up

with your left foot and lift your right leg directly behind you.

b) Step down and repeat on the opposite side.

c) Next, step up on the left foot, raising the right leg diagonally behind you; switch sides and repeat.

d) Step up on the left foot, kicking the right foot out to the side; switch legs and repeat.

e) Continue until you’ve completed the kick cycle (back, diagonal, side) 26 times.

To learn more, visit www.basictrainingacademy.com or www.lakeforesthfc.org. lc

5 Audrey Westman, 51, of Vernon Hills, works on lunges during a Basic Training Academy boot camp at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

fashion & beauty

Despite the fact that sunblock is now available touting sun protection factors — or SPF — of 100, and although public service campaigns warn about the relationship between sun

exposure and skin cancer, Dr. Emily Rubenstein says the numbers are only going up.

“There’s [been] an increase in skin cancers in the last five years,” the Lincolnshire dermatologist says, “and an increase in melanoma in people under 30. It’s not only the most common, but [also] the worst skin cancer, and a significant percentage can be related to sun damage and tanning booths. I have so many patients that only stop tanning after they develop melanoma.”

With an incredible array of sunblock products available at corner pharmacies, how do you choose the goop that really works for you and your family?

The best sunblock is one you’ll actually use, but Rubenstein, who works at Advanced Dermatology in Lincolnshire, says to make sure the SPF is 30 or above.

And it’s worth scanning the ingredient list to make sure titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are listed, she adds.

“These are physical sunblocks that reflect sun,” she says. “Try to get one with a zinc percentage of 5 percent or higher.”

Don’t worry. You won’t look like a lifeguard from the 1970s with a dollop of white cream on your nose. Today’s zinc products are not white but micronized so they no longer linger atop your skin, Rubenstein says.

Get Extra Protection In Makeup

Another weapon in your battle against sun damage can be a cosmetic product that also contains a sunscreen.

Kelly Grossmann, a Mary Kay independent sales director from Ingleside, not only sells such products but also uses them on her family.

“The Mary Kay sun care products are particularly my favorite since my family and my customers like to spend time at the Chain O’ Lakes during the summer,” Grossmann says.

Primer has been a hot trend in makeup for a decade as it smoothes skin imperfections and

I By JaCKY rUNiCe I

Sunshine SafetyHow To Choose The Right Sunblock Products

3 The Mary Kay Timewise Miracle Set (at left) has received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 41

serves as a canvas for foundation and other facial cosmetics, helping keep them intact on sweaty, summer days.

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is an oil-free formula that is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light. It not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores, but it also offers an extra barrier from the sun’s harmful rays.

Although Grossmann started her Mary Kay business in February 2010, she has a much longer relationship with the line.

“I’ve been using Mary Kay skincare products for 23 years and can see and feel a difference in my skin,” she says. “The Mary Kay products containing SPF provide long-lasting coverage that feels lightweight. I tell my customers about our Mary Kay products with SPF, including our best-selling Timewise Miracle Set and Timewise Repair that have received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. This seal of approval helps me and my customers know that Mary Kay products are reliable, safe and do what they say they’re going to do.”

Mary Kay also offers a moisturizer with SPF 30, a sun care lip protector with SPF 15 that can be used alone or under lipstick or lip gloss, and even a special formula for those areas that have been getting more attention in terms of sun protection: TimeWise Body Hand and Décolleté Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15.

“Mary Kay offers skincare and color cosmetics to suit every skin type,” Grossmann says.

Apply DailyMary Kay is just one brand that

offers makeup with built-in SPF. Other companies carry similar

products, and Rubenstein warms to the idea of any extra protection.

“I like makeup lines with products that contain zinc and, again, titanium is a great block,” she says. “It’s just an extra bonus because even on cloudy day, there’s still significant exposure.”

She suggests women moisturize, apply sunblock and then makeup.

“Just remember that your skin is exposed to sun rays even through a car windshield,” she days. “The effect is cumulative, so apply daily.” lc

Dr. emily RubensteinLincolnshire dermatologist

Kelly grossmanMary Kay independent

sales director

4 Mary Kay has sunscreen available in SPF 50.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com42 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

social lifeThe Button Room’s Victorian Tea Party

5 The Button Room in Gurnee recently hosted its second annual

Victorian Tea Party to celebrate buttons and tea, both of which were

extremely popular in the Victorian era. Pictured are Carol Dittberner,

Judy Puetz, Judy Musich, Peggy Kerr and Rose Amidei, all from Beach

Park. Photos by Leslie Klocek-Pencak

5 Pictured are The Button Room’s curator

4 Pictured are decorations for the Tea Party with The

Button Room sign in the background. 5 Faith Anderson, Marie Corzine, Joyce Chris-

tensen and Jane Asperheim, all from Beach

Park, also enjoyed the event. lc

McHenryCountyMagazine.com44 Lake County Magazine • July 2013

out & about

June events In Lake CountyARTS

July 4 — matchbox Twenty and the goo goo Dolls, 6:30 p.m. at the Ravinia Festival, at Lake Cook and Green Bay roads, in Highland Park

Don’t miss Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls, performing together live at Ravinia. Reserved tickets are $125 or $105; lawn tickets are $38. For more information, call 847-266-5100 or visit www.ravinia.org.

July 19 — Dokken, 9 p.m. at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, in Lincolnshire

Dokken is an American heavy metal band formed in 1976. The group accumulated numerous chart singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Standing room tickets are $23; seated tickets range from $28 to $32. For tickets or more information, call 866-777-8932 or visit www.viper-alley.com.

July 19 through 28 — “Rent,” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 Washington St., in Grayslake

Set in the East Village of New York City, “Rent” is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Cost is $15 or $12 for children and seniors. For tickets or more information, call 847-543-2300 or visit jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.

July 20 — The All White Affair, 8 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre, at 203 N Genesee St. in Waukegan

This party will feature exclusive upper level VIP with dinner, DJ and rooftop access, along with three lower level party rooms. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP admission. For tickets or more information, call www.geneseetheatre.com.

July 26 through Aug. 11 — “The music man,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. at The PML Theatre, 877 Main St., in Antioch

A con man poses as a boys’ band organizer and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. For tickets or more information, call 847-395-3433 or visit www.pmltheatre.com.

eVeNTSThrough September — Park on Park Cruise Night,

5 to 9 p.m. every second Wednesday, at Park Street and Seymour Avenue, in downtown Mundelein

Don’t miss a fun night of entertainment, delicious food and hundreds of classic vehicles. For more information, call 847-710-4629 or visit mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

July 4 — Libertyville Fourth of July Fireworks, 7:30 p.m. at Butler Lake Park, 500 Lake St., in Libertyville

The Village Band will perform a special concert of patriotic music and other favorites at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks beginning at dusk. For more information, call 847-362-2430 or visit www.libertyville.com.

July 9 – Children’s Concert featuring Little miss Ann, 10:30 a.m. at the Viking Park Bandshell, 4374 Old Grand Ave., in Gurnee

Bring the little ones to the park for a delightful time with Miss Ann. She’ll be singing songs that are fun for the whole family. For more information, call 847-623-7788 or visit www.gurneeparkdistrict.com.

July 9 through 12 — Farm Camp, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Prairie Crossing Learning Farm, 32400 N. Harris Road, in Grayslake

Children will enjoy unique and educational summer activities on a working organic farm. At this “Don’t be a Chicken to Learn About Chickens!” camp, kids can learn about chickens, collect their eggs and participate in fun chicken and

McHenryCountyMagazine.com July 2013 • Lake County Magazine 45

egg activities. Cost is $95. To register or for more information, call 847-548-4062 or visit www.prairiecrossing.com.

July 12 and 13 — grandwood Park’s Summerfest Celebration, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 3 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at Grandwood Park Ballpark, 36630 North Hutchins Road, in Gurnee

Come out and enjoy plenty of good food, cold beer, kids games and more! Saturday will include a craft show, family games and a petting zoo. For more information, call 847-356-0008 or visit www.grandwoodpark.net.

July 13 — grayslake’s 22nd Annual 5K Run and Walk, 8 a.m. on Center Street, in downtown Grayslake

Take part in this annual 5K run and walk. There also will be a special children’s race. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m.; the run will start at 8 a.m. Cost to register is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the race. For more information, call 847-223-6888 or visit www.grayslakechamber.com.

July 13 — Summer Beach Fiesta, 1 p.m. at Wauconda Beach, 112 Park St., in Wauconda

Enjoy goofy games, sand castle building and conclude the day with root beerf. For more information, call 847-526-3610 or visit www.waucondaparks.org.

July 13 and 14 — Civil War Days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, in Wauconda

Don’t miss Northern Illinois’ largest Civil War reenactment, which celebrates 22 years in Wauconda this summer. The event will feature infantry, cavalry and artillery re-enactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, medical personnel and civilians. A large-scale battle reenactment, ongoing drills, kids’ activities and Civil War era shopping will be available. Cost is $8 or $4 for children and seniors. For more information, call 847-968-3400 or visit www.lcfpd.org.

July 18 through 21 — Antioch’s Taste of Summer, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, in downtown Antioch

Enjoy the delectable specialties prepared by top restaurants. Dine in the relaxing sunshine or under the big top while listening to top entertainment in the Brook Bandshell. Carnival rides and games will round out the event, making it fun for the entire family. For more information, call 847-395-2233 or visit www.antiochchamber.org.

July 18 through 21 — Vernon Hills Summer Celebration, 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday at Century Park, 1101 Lakeview Parkway, in Vernon Hills

This celebration will feature four fun days of food, fun, carnival rides and free entertainment. There also will be kids activities, bingo, live bands every night and fireworks on Thursday. For more information, call 847-367-3725 or visit www.vernonhills.org.

July 24 through 28 — Lake County Fair, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, in Grayslake

The 85th annual fair will feature motocross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, queen pageants and lots of delicious food. Cost is $10 for adults or $5 for children and seniors. For more information, call 847-680-7200 or visit www.lcfair.com. lc

e BoB NoNNeMACHer, Gurnee • “Medicine Man” and “Little Big Man” fIn each of my portraits, I aspire to depict my chosen subject in an extremely dignified manner without stereotype. “Medicine Man” stands

as a proud and noble person of great stature among his people. His green shirt covers his heart that is still ruled by Mother Earth. “Little Big Man” or Charging Bear was an Oglala Lakota, a fearless and respected warrior who fought under, and was rivals with, Crazy Horse. Both

pieces of art were created in watercolor and colored pencil. lc

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, and a two- to three-sentence description of the piece to LakeCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

e artist SHOwCASE f