KCM-11-1-2013

NOVEMBER 2013

Romancing

Holm brewed

Comfort food, camaraderie and cool craft beer set Stockholm’s apart from the ordinary PAGE 19

the crowd

Acclaimed songstress Maureen Christine talks about life at the microphone PAGE 10

All about

hue

Fashion forward fur boasts big color, playful patterns at York Furrier PAGE 36

Putting the

KICK back in her game!

Our family has relied on Fox Valley Orthopedics’ specialists many times over the years, especially Alex – a soccer player who tore her ACL before her junior year. My heartfelt thanks to the entire

- Deanna Gage

Deanna Gage credits FVO for getting her daughter Alex back in the game after a successful ACL repair by Dr. Kevan Ketterling.

Alex – who has since been voted MVP by her St. Charles North High School teammates and is an All-State selection for the IHSCCA – will be going on to play soccer at Loyola University Chicago with her sister Sammy.

Congratulations, Alex! We’re glad our team has been able to help put the kick back in your game over the years.

Here’s wishing you four years of killer passes at Loyola.�

- Dr. Kevan Ketterling

Dr. Kevan Ketterling is a well-known sports medicine surgeon in the Fox Valley area. He is the team physician for St. Charles North and East High Schools, and the Kane County Cougars.

Dr. Ketterling has helped thousands of athletes continue to play the sports they love.

(630 ) 5 8 4-140 0 W W W. F VO R T H O.C O M LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND CELEBRATE WITH US! GENEVA • ELGIN

Sub-specialized physicians providing precise expertise to keep your knees, hips, shoulders, hands, wrists, feet, ankles, muscles, and nerves in tip-top shape.

16

This is 40

Batavia’s Albright Theatre, now celebrating its 40th year, always has marched to its own beat, offering cutting edge dramas and playful performances.

Photo provided

Inside 7 Art to remember | Three local artists take center stage during a special showing at the Oscar Swan Country Club in Geneva.

8 Talent search | From the largest venues to the most intimate of nightspots, local pros tell us what it takes to bring talent to town, and what live entertainment means to our communities.

10 Romancing the crowd | Local Grammynominated songstress Maureen Christine talks about life at the microphone, and all that goes with it.

12 Life's a stage | Meet Centerfold, a pop and rock band balancing the day-to-day while taking the stage in clubs and festivals across the suburbs.

14 Games for grown-ups | Plenty of fun and games are on tap around our towns, to capture the kid in all of us.

18 Steele magnolia | Steel Beam Theatre founder Donna Steele has persevered to keep the stage full and her dreams alive in the Tri-Cities

Dining & Entertaining 19 Holm-brewed | Comfort food, camaraderie and cool craft beer set Stockholm’s apart from the ordinary.

20 The Art in the Craft | Local chefs and beer enthusiasts embrace the depth and flavors of the craft beer craze.

26 Breakout takeout | Niche takes care of all your turkey day worries, filling your table with fine Thanksgiving dining, at home

Home & Lifestyle 32 Style, awhile | Michael Grudecki, interior designer and owner of Vignette Home Decor in Batavia offers a hip new style for an underused home space.

34 Dine by design | design an entertaining space you'll love, and your guests will keep talking about, by covering your walls with fine art that fits your life and personality.

Fashion & Beauty 36 All about hue! | The colors of the season have arrived, at York Furrier in Elmhurst, where fur has found new form in rich shades and playful patterns.

39 Eye on style | Lash extensions create dramatic trend. Learn about the process from local lash experts.

4 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Family in Focus 42 Confessions of a Candy Crush addict Family columnist Michele Stien takes on the addictions of smart phones and silly apps, and how always being "plugged in" has her coming unglued.

43 Great days | Three cool destinations for weekends free or days off school, sure to please kids and adults alike.

Health & Fitness 48 Hands on relief | Is the stress of the day rubbing you the wrong way? A good massage could be the means to untangling a healthier you!

Out & About 56 Artist Showcase | Pencil artist Andria Burchett of Geneva offers her piece, Nepalise Woman and Child.

59 SOCIAL LIFE | Hundreds came out to an afternoon of fun and fashion in support of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center.

60 Calendar

kanecountymagazine.com

I’m a suburban girl. Always have been. And it’s in seasons like this one when I am consistently reminded of why I enjoy living in the Tri-Cities.

– there’s just so much to do!

This month in Kane County Magazine, we focus on all the entertainment across our great communities – thrilling theatrical events, beautiful ballet and great live music in some of the most stylish and intimate of local nightspots.

We meet some talented local musicians, who balance daytime routines of job, home and family with evening and weekend gigs on stages across the Chicago area.

We step inside some great venues, and find out from the pros what it takes to keep the stage filled, and what offering live music means to our local communities.

After the show (or the game, or the flick) grab a pint of something cold and tasty at a host of local stops specializing in craft beer. We visited a few this month, and found the brews are anything but ordinary, and the depth of flavors and styles have taken both the bars and the dining scene by storm.

Our region is bursting at its boundaries with great entertainment to help you keep your calendar full, and your feet near the Fox. I hope you’ll take advantage of all that’s on tap!

Thanks for reading -

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

We celebrate 40 years on stage with the folks at the Albright Theatre Company in Batavia, who mark this milestone anniversary with a throwback season of longtime favorites.

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-427-6209 www.KaneCountyMagazine.com Publisher J. Tom Shaw jtshaw@shawmedia.com General Manager Jim Ringness 630-845-5228 jringness@shawmedia.com Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

You’re only as old as you feel, and there are plenty of activities to bring out the kid in all of us. From bowling to karaoke, bags tournaments to trivia nights, there are fun choices made great for groups, putting a social spin on an evening’s entertainment.

Designer Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com Account Manager Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com on the

COVER

Maureen Christine has built a career in performance, from her Grammy-nominated recording career to her ownership of a local recording studio and Imperial Music of Geneva.

Page 10 Photo by MARY SOLBERG Taken on location at the herrington inn and spa, geneva Salon services by Mario Tricoci Salons and Days Spas, GENEVA Stylist-Katherine Makeup-Vivian

6 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Account Manager Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com Correspondents Elizabeth Harmon, Tom Witom, Melissa Riske, Sarah Vetter, Michelle Stien, Allison Horne, Wendy Foster, Erin Sauder, Yvonne Benson Photographers Mary Solberg, Jodi Dazzo, Kathy Green, Jeff Krage, Andrew Young, Heather Nelson, Jennifer Winder Kane 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 Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@ shawmedia.com. kanecountymagazine.com

Oscar Swan L

Art Show

ooking for an out of the ordinary Christmas gift idea, or a way to brighten your own rooms this holiday season? Look no further than the Artist’s Show and Sale at Oscar Swan Country Inn in Geneva.

On Sunday, Nov. 10, amidst the Inn’s famous Sunday Brunch, guests can enjoy and purchase fine art at while dining amidst the beautiful and historic surroundings of the Oscar Swan property, 1800 W. State St., Geneva.

Three local artists offer up their archivalquality, open and limited edition prints and originals at this unique event. Photographer Bill Brown, mixed media artist Carol Bonick and pencil artist Andria Burchett are featured. (See Andria Burchett's piece, Nepalese Woman and Child, in this month's artist showcase on page 56.)

Photography, watercolors, mixed-media, and unique pencil artwork all are available.

Artists will be present to meet you and personally sign their work for purchase.

Priced at $25 per person the event includes both the brunch and the show, available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seating is limited Call early for tickets, (847) 695-0458.

NATIONAL STREET STATION, by Bill Brown | Bill Brown's interest in photography started as early as 1955, which led him to become the owner of his own photography business for more than 35 years. He taught photography at N.I.U. and annually teaches a week long artist's retreat and class in Door County. He has been commissioned to create fine art photo images for both private and corporate clients producing unique scenes of Fox Valley and Chicago. His work featured here is entitled.

WINTER FIELDS, by Carol Bonick | After earning her B.S. Degree in Art at N.I.U., Carol Bonick taught art in middle school and then left to raise her children and manage another business. She reentered the art field three years ago when she was commissioned to paint large panoramic landscapes and historic scenes for commercial sale. She soon turned her watercolor and mixed media skill to producing a wider range of fine art.

kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 7

St. Charles Sound

Live SHOWS beckon listeners downtown

By Sherri Dauskurdas

Stroll through downtown St. Charles, and it’s easy to appreciate the nightlife the city offers.

Bars and restaurants flow along Main Street, beckoning pedestrians through the doors. And night after night, the sounds of bass and the steady rhythmic hum of rock and roll ring out, declaring St. Charles as a live music destination for the far west suburbs. The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main St, once home to Vaudeville acts, then a long-time movie house, has been reborn as an intimate music venue for big name stars and rock legends.

Already this year, Onesti Entertainment, which operates the Arcada, has offered up the Guess Who, Jason Bonham and, rock diva Pat Benatar

8 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

in a sold-out show. Wynonna Judd and John Tesh highlight the holiday season lineup.

“The Arcada has a magic reminiscent of those glorious entertainment palaces of yesteryear, while at the same time has the feel of the big theatres in Las Vegas and New York Today,” said Ron Onesti, president. “A classic music palace feel with the intimacy of a small private performance… what could be a better way to enjoy a show?”

Around the corner, sits the House Pub, at 16 S. 1st Ave. one of the city’s latest additions to the downtown music scene and a quick favorite among those seeking live rock amid

the trappings of a neighborhood tavern. There, patrons can find live blues and rock six nights a week and jazz on Sundays. Most of the bands are local, and management prides itself on its focus on delivering original live music to the community.

“For us, it goes hand in hand,” said House Pub co-owner Tom Wojcik. “Blues has worked best for us, it’s always a hit. People come to this town specifically for the bars and the entertainment,” Wojcik said. “Bands get more exposure here, and it’s a fun town with a great atmosphere.”

Across Main Street at the historic Hotel Baker in a treasure for lounge lizards and jazz enthusiasts.

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Looking for stage shows, theatre and more? The Tri Cities come alive onstage at a host of venues, large and small.

Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles plays host to the acclaimed Fox Valley Repertory Theater, and boasts stadium seating for 320, improved sightlines for all audience members and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. This season, the theater stages the holiday family comedy Making God Laugh, November 7 – December 29. Visit www.foxvalleyrep.org for times and prices.

And if laughs are what you’re seeking, stop by Pheasant Run’s signature comedy nightclub, Zanies, for live laughs and hilarious highjinx. November is funnier than ever, with featured comedians Tom Clark, Eddie Brill and veteran funnyman Gilbert Gottfried on November 22. Tickets and nformation available at www.stcharles.zanies.com

The John Tesh Christmas Show comes to the Tri-Cities this season with a Dec. 16 event at the Arcada Theatre.

Rox City Grill offers up live music in the intimate setting of its piano and martini bar. Entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

One of the newest venues in the Tri-City scene is the Batavia Fine Arts Center, located on the campus of Batavia High School, on Main Street. This fall featured everything from string ensembles to Broadway favorites, and a recent visit by the legendary Osmond’s. Upcoming shows include the stunning vocals of A Cappella Couture in January, The George Burns tribute “Say Goodnight, Gracie” in February, and an April visit from string quartet Well-Strung, which performs versions of everything from Mozart to Lady Gaga. Visit www.bataviafineartscentre.org for details.

Arcada welcomes "A Bronx Tale" this month with special guest Chazz Palminteri.

Onesti said he would like to see the city build Main Street’s entertainment reputation, with a concerted effort to join the club, music and restaurant venues. Not “crazy” like New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, but more like what is offered on Beale Street in Memphis, he explained.

“St. Charles is a central location, joining the western suburbs with downtown Chicago,” Onesti said. But along with that, there are so many live music lovers in the area who truly appreciate what we do, and that adds to the experience for all.”

Photos provided kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 9

St. Charles singer romances success

By Elizabeth Harmon

Though she came of age during disco’s heyday, vocalist Maureen Christine has a special love for the music of the Great American Songbook.

The St. Charles resident, who often performs with her husband, instrumentalist Michael Bazan, adores the lush pop standards of the 1930s through the 1960s, including the works of George and Ira Gershwin, songs of the Big Band era, and the Broadway melodies of Rogers and Hammerstein.

“The lyrics are timeless, romantic and often happy. I’m not a singer that gets into darker material or the blues,” she said.

Photo by Mary Solberg

She also has a heart for the generation that calls the music their own. “I love performing for seniors. They appreciate great lyrics and soaring melodies, which is what I love to sing,” she said.

10 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Throughout her adult life, music has been Christine’s primary career, as a recording artist, performing in concerts, at weddings, events, and as a singer of commercial jingles and the National Anthem. This year, she’ll perform about 150 shows which she books herself, though her company, Crystal Clear Music. She also schedules backing musicians as needed. “I have an organized personality, I’m detail oriented and not a procrastinator,” she said.

Upcoming local performances include “As Time Goes By,” a concert of movie music Nov. 10 at the St. Charles Public Library, and “Songs That Inspire Us,” Nov. 24, at Wheaton Bible Church.

kanecountymagazine.com

For more information, visit www.maureenchristine.com Since her childhood in McHenry, she’s known that singing was what she loved to do the most.

“I had a solo in music class and this big voice came out, and something happened.

I knew that this was what I would do. That day, I went home and told my parents I wanted to be a singer,” she said.

She also learned to play guitar and write songs. Early influences included ‘70s icons John Denver, Barry Manilow and Barbra Streisand, and she often performed their music live, beginning with a senior gathering at the McHenry Country Club when she was fourteen. At sixteen, she was invited to sing with the City of McHenry’s Big Band, by its director, who also taught at McHenry High School.

After high school, she was eager to begin her music career, but not eager to leave home, so she pursued opportunities locally.

She sang commercial jingles, was chosen as a finalist for Star Search, a TV talent show that was a precursor to American Idol, and performed at Six Flags in Gurnee, here she met her husband.

“We would perform five or six shows a day during the week, then on weekends we had a wedding band,” she said.

As she matured as a performer, she embraced the classic pop genre and has recorded two albums. Her 2002 release, “My Romance,” received a Grammy prenomination in the Traditional Pop Vocal category, which also included releases from Keely Smith and Harry Connick, Jr. When she’s not singing, Christine works as the business manager for Imperial School of Music, the Geneva music school she and Bazan have owned for 25 years, and manages their real estate company, Andante Properties.

“My music teachers encouraged me at a young age, and I really believe in the power of music education. Music gave me purpose confidence and a sense of belonging, and my husband and I want to share that with our students,” she said.

kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 11

Now playing Passion for performing drives local musicians

By Elizabeth Harmon

A chance encounter at a suburban bar changed the course of a band, and a typical mom, forever.

And for the members of Centerfold, it's been smooth sailing ever since.

The suburban pop-rock band began in the late 1970s, started up by Mark and Eric Wedow of Batavia and pal Chuck Federowicz, while they were students at College of DuPage. For the next several years, they performed as Centerfold, with Mark on guitar, Chuck on bass and Eric on drums, rounded out by the talents of guitarist and keyboard player Tom Kranz. By the mid1980s, the band had gone its separate ways, though they occasional discussed reuniting.

“It was like a Blues Brothers thing….’we gotta get the band back together,’” says Eric Wedow.

12 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Five years ago they did just that. And while performing in a Long Grove nightclub, they took a break to chat up some fans in the audience. Cindy Safran was among them.

“Cindy was there with her husband and some friends and somehow we got to talking with them, and she says ‘I sing a little.’ We invited her to come up and sing a song with us. She was phenomenal, and after the show, we were all like, don’t let her leave without getting her number,” says Eric Wedow.

Though the band hadn’t been looking for a female singer, Safran proved a perfect fit. Now she's is living out her rock ‘n roll fantasy and having the time of her life.

Safran belts out classic and current rock, from Heart to Pink to Journey. She attended music school in Los Angeles, but career aspirations took a back seat to marriage and motherhood. Though her husband Dan

encouraged her to give singing a try, she didn’t want to take time away from her family.

“This is my first experience in a band and I just love it,” she says. “We’re so much like a family, we get along so well. There’s no drama.

All have daytime careers, in banking, engineering, as a small business owner, and a stay at home mom. But when the weekend comes, the six piece band rocks bars, festivals and outdoor venues throughout the area. She and Mark Wedow share responsibility for booking most of the shows. Mark also handles the website and promotion. Centerfold rehearses once a week, and plays a couple of weekend dates each month, with a heavier schedule during the summer.

kanecountymagazine.com

“When you see that people enjoy what you’re doing, either they get up and dance or they come up and say they appreciate the music, that’s what I really enjoy,” -Eric Wedow, Batavia “We do a lot of festivals, and park district outdoor community concerts. They’re easy, family-friendly and a lot of fun,” Safran says.

As the owner of a surveying business, Eric Wedow says balancing a hectic schedule with weekly practices and late night weekend shows can be difficult.

“You have to have a certain amount of energy. I can walk into practice at the end of a long work day and look like I’ve been run over by a truck,” he says. Yet the rewards are worth it.

507 S. 3rd. St., Geneva www.os2salon.com 331.248.0316

“When you see that people enjoy what you’re doing, either they get up and dance or they come up and say they appreciate the music, that’s what I really enjoy,” he says.

Suburban rockers Centerfold play a packed house at Evenflow Music & Spirits in Geneva.

St. Charles Park District Everything you need to make your little one’s day as special and unique as they are!

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Reasonable Rates

kanecountymagazine.com

A variety of themes for ages 3 and up are available at the following Park District facilities:

Pottawatomie Community Center

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Otter Cove Aquatic Park

Primrose Farm

3615 Campton Hills Road 630-513-6200 ottercove.org

5N726 Crane Road 630-513-4370 primrosefarmpark.com

8 North Avenue 630-513-4331 stcparks.org

3795 Campton Hills Road 630-513-4399 stcnature.org

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 13

Games

for Grown Ups

Tri-Cities offer places which court the kid in all of us

By SARAH VETTER

In Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic, The Cat in the Hat says, “It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how.”

Carving out time in the busy day for play is important, and not just for kids. Although our society tends to dismiss play for adults as a guilty pleasure, psychologists believe play brings joy and is pivotal in problem solving, creativity and relationships. If you’re a “big kid” here in Kane County, you’ll find a number of opportunities to get out and get your game on, have fun, meet people and enjoy some serious play. Here are a few places to check out:

Pub & Grill

uFunway Ultimate Entertainment Center

1545 W. Main Street in St. Charles, 630-513-0681

1335 S. River Street in Batavia, 630-879-8730

Every Tuesday from 8-10 p.m, Rookie’s All-American Pub and Grill hosts an adult Trivia Night. According to managing partner, Mike Maridis, between 20 and 30 people typically attend the event, competing on teams to answer a wide variety of trivia questions.

“Fun” is right in the name of Funway, and it can be found in many forms at this long-running entertainment center, which opened in 1959 and still is going strong. Specifically for adults, Funway offers nine different bowling leagues, both recreational and competitive, at its 20-lane bowling alley. If roller skating is more up your speed, lace up some skates and enjoy Funway’s adult skate every Sunday night from 7:30-10 p.m. Mini golf, bumper cars and the center’s newest attraction, laser tag, also are popular with “kids at heart.” Funway’s full arcade is complete with retro games like Pac-Man and Air hockey.

u Rookie’s

All American

“Most of us are busy working all day and raising kids, so it’s good for us as adults to get out and have some fun too,” says Maridis. The winning trivia team takes home gift cards for food and drink at Rookie’s.

“As adults, we sometimes forget to stop and take the time to play, but it brings out the inner kid in all of us,” says Jodi Foland, manager of Funway.

14 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

H&L

Christmas Walk & House Tour – December 6 & 7, 2013

‘T the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva!

‘Tis The Th festivities begin Friday, December 6th at 6 pm with Santa lighting the great tree – and continues with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, th a live nativity and candy cane pulls. On both Friday and Saturday, December mber 7th you can tour five spectacular houses decked with boughs olly and innovative Christmas decorations. For House Tour tickets of holly and a complete schedule give us a jingle or visit genevachamber.com.

uRay’s Evergreen Tavern,

Geneva.

Geneva. Where the spirit of Christmas comes alive.

1400 W. Main Street in St. Charles, 630-584-3535 “With all the stresses in the world today, every adult needs a place to relax and unwind,” says Matt Dieter, owner of Ray’s Evergreen Tavern.

Ray’s is the perfect place to do just that, featuring a variety of games and fun for adults. Originally opened in 1928, Ray’s owners more recently installed a 40-foot outdoor Tiki bar. In the outdoor patio area, patrons can enjoy a game of “bags” or the old-fashioned Belgian game of Rolle Bolle, which is a unique combination of horseshoes, bocce ball and bowling. As the weather gets chilly, Skee-ball, Golden Tee golf and darts beckon customers indoors. And from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. every Friday night, you can belly up to the microphone and belt out your favorite song during Ray’s popular Karaoke night.

uSt. Charles Bowl, 2520 W. Main Street in St. Charles, 630-584-9400 If you’re an avid bowler, it is likely that St. Charles Bowl can “spare” a lane for you. This classic alley on the west side of St. Charles has been stacking pins for 52 years.

“We offer leagues every day of the week, and leagues are handicap, so all skill levels can join,” says manager Justin McGarry. If you just want to hang out with friends and play for fun, check out the once a month leagues or every other week leagues, or just come for the day and play.

A picture postcard .™

1-866-443-6382 www.visitgenevaillinois.com

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Kitchen Open Late

www.thevillagesquire.com SOUTH ELGIN • 847-931-0400 • 480 Randall Road WEST DUNDEE • 847-428-4483 • 125 Washington Street

“Great place to be!”

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 15

Bella Manningham (Jana Sanders), Jack Manningham (Vinny Arthur Prisco) and Detective Rough (Galen Malick) star in "Angel Street" taking stage in November.

This is

40

Albright Theatre marks four decades staging its own brand of intimate community theater

By TOM WITOM

Two adjectives aptly describe Batavia-based Albright Theatre Company.

“Strong” and “resilient” both fit the nonprofit company founded in April 1974 by Alvin Albright in Warrenville where the artist had a studio he donated to the city to encourage arts organizations. The group’s first production was “Star Spangled Girl.”

Since then, it has weathered many storms including a serious fire, the departure of some key players and the need to relocate eight times during the 1980s and ‘90s. But thanks to dedicated members and loyal theater fans, the troupe has endured. This season, the company celebrates its 40th year in Batavia.

“Even though we have been in a couple different spots since the ‘90s, we have remained in Batavia,” says Jennifer Ring, president of the Albright Theatre Company board.

“Since 2012 we have occupied third-floor space above the Batavia Government Center where we have a long-term lease. The city has worked with us to help improve the space and make the theater a destination place.” Ring says early September saw completion of renovation on the theater lobby, transforming a previously unusable attic space.

Last year, much-needed air-conditioning was added, and the company is now considering extending its season all year round. Proceeds

16 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

from a current fund-raising activity, One Brick at a Time, are earmarked toward installing thirdfloor restrooms for theater patrons’ use.

Albright’s performance space offers semipermanent assigned seating for 80 and, depending on demand, 20 additional temporary seats.

The company relies on volunteer help and welcomes all prospective participants, whether they have previous theater experience or come with a keen interest in learning the ropes – acting, set, costume and prop design and ushering.

Many long-time volunteers continue to dedicate a lot of their free time to the Albright, including one high-energy founding director, Jeannine Collins, a board member, box office manager, producer and occasional actor.

Ring says performers hail not only from Batavia but from surrounding communities as far as Carpentersville.

Its audience base is equally diverse, coming from the Tri-Cities, surrounding suburbs and occasionally Chicago.

Each season consists of five or six plays, excluding the periodic children’s show.

Among the more successful productions in recent years were “Diary of Anne Frank” (2011-12), “The Outsiders” (2007-08) and

kanecountymagazine.com

“The Laramie Project” (2008-09). For seven consecutive years the Albright staged “Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a show now on a hiatus.

Albright marks its anniversary with a nostalgic look at its own history, showcasing productions from its four decades onstage.

Upcoming productions include “Angel Street,” a thriller, Nov. 1-16 followed by a holiday show, “Just in the Nick of Time” that will run weekends Dec. 6-15.

Ring says one limitation of running a performance space above an active, functioning city hall is that it precludes musicals.

“It’s just not the best place to have a lot of people singing and dancing.”

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Bella Manningham (Jana Sanders) and Jack Manningham (Vinny Arthur Prisco)

“Angel Street” will run weekends November 1 – 16. Performance times are 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Rated PG-13. The Albright Theatre Company, 100 N. Island Ave. (3rd floor of the Batavia Government Building), Batavia.

Tickets are $15 for Adults & $12 for Students/ Seniors. Reservations are recommended – please call (630) 406-8838. For more information, please visit the Albright Theatre website at www.albrighttheatre.com.

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Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account. By member choice, this institution is not federally insured.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. The actual rate you receive will be based upon your credit and other qualifications. Rates and terms are subject to change. Rate includes KCT’s ecoAuto and ecoLoan discounts. To qualify for the ecoAuto Discount members must finance a hybrid, fully electric, or other vehicle that gets more than 40 mpg to receive a 0.50% ecoAuto discount. KCT ecoLoan Discount excludes Credit Cards, Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit, and Campu$ Ca$h Loans. KCT ecoLoans allow members to apply for and close their loans online with online applications and digital signatures. Addition of eStatements at the time of loan closing may qualify you for a KCT ecoLoan Discount of 0.25% APR. Payment Example: For every $1,000 borrowed at 1.49% APR for 24 months, your payment would be $42.32.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 17

Steele magnolia Dedicated thespian helps small theater blossom in St. Charles

By Melissa Riske

F

or some actors, a passion for the stage drives them in search of their next role, or their next production.

Donna Steele took her love for the theater and built a stage right in her hometown. as the founder of the Steel Beam Theatre of St. Charles.

“Steel Beam has been right in the middle of town for over a decade and produced a tremendous number of wonderful shows,” says St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina.

Photo by Andrew Young

The theater, named for a steel beam that provides support in the building, offers live theater in an intimate setting with seats for 79.

It opened in 2001 in downtown St. Charles. During the last 13 seasons it has earned numerous awards, produced 150 shows and given many young actors and students a unique chance to learn the art of the theater.

Steele, an actress in her own right, remembers her first production. She played Matthew, a boy, in her school Christmas play. She says after that role she was hooked. She went on to study acting and was involved in her college productions taking roles on the stage as well as working backstage.

Her skills backstage have played an important part in her work at Steel Beam. As the sole employee of the theater, she serves in many roles including director, makeup artist, costume designer and even the lighting technician for a night, though she says described that learning experience as a "baptism by fire" that she was happy to complete.

“I’ve worn more hats than I care to remember,” Steele says. “But that is what keeps me happy.

It’s where I started and it’s really fun for me.”

Steele says it was her daughter’s interest in acting that reignited her passion for the

18 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

theater. While her daughter was searching for roles, Steele began directing in a now-defunct community theater.

“I realized there is quite a lot of talent out here and decided I'd start a theater,” she says.

She found a space and it wasn’t long till her idea took shape.

“She’s my inspiration because of her passion for the arts,” says her older sister Mary Hutchings Reed, also a board member of Steel Beam Theatre.

Hutchings Reed says while Steele is an accomplished actor she also has the ability to spot talent and nurture others to bring out their best.

Through the years the theater has built a reputation for its performances, which includes several world premiers of original work as well as popular children’s programming.

Steele uses the theater for after-school enrichment programs and offers internships for high school students to work behind the scenes on productions. Along with her support for education, Steele often uses the theater to assist local community agencies and nonprofits for fundraising activities.

“We really have to be collaborative,” she says.

Steele continues to make time to act, accepting roles throughout the Chicago area gracing the stages of Steppenwolf, the Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens as well as her own Steel Beam Theatre. This fall audiences at Steel Beam can see her don a nun’s habit for the comedy “Nun Crackers.”

“I’ll be playing Sister Madonna,” she adds with a laugh.

kanecountymagazine.com

Hearty fare and signature craft beer create a following for Stockholm’s

By Sherri Dauskurdas At Stockholm’s in downtown Geneva, beer is more than a beverage…it’s an accompaniment to a menu rich in flavor and variety.

“The dining community's embrace of craft beers has made it easier for restaurants,” says Stockholm’s owner and brewer Michael Olesen.

“Beer, like food, offers a wide array of flavors.

As people have embraced craft beers, they are willing to be more creative, with both their beer choices and their food in general. They are discovering how the pairing of beer with foods enhances the flavors of both.

“Essentially, craft beer has helped usher in a whole new renaissance for dining,” he says.

To foster the creativity in their customers, Stockholm’s carefully crafts its menu, from soups and salads to pastas and vegetarian items, as well as seafood and steaks.

“We have items that are prepared with our beer, as well as choices intended to be served along with them,” Olesen says.

The specialty of the house at Stockholm’s isn’t really a single sandwich or entrée, he says, but rather how they approach the preparation of both the food and the beer.

“We take pride in being a ‘from scratch kitchen’” he says.

"Preparing everything we can in house to control the quality.”

So diners will find Stockholm’s takes the time to offer hand-cut steaks, six homemade soups, and house made sauces and dressings.

“There is a two-day, six-step process to prepare our barbecued ribs,” he adds.

And what about that beer?

Stockholm’s is known for its own craft beers, brewed in an Old World traditional manner, unfiltered and naturally conditioned (naturally carbonated).

“Though this process is more labor intensive and doesn't take advantage of many modern conveniences, we believe it provides our guests with the fullest and most balanced flavor possible,” Olesen says.

Guests can treat their taste buds to a feast of flavors, with Stockholm’s five beer samplers.

And enthusiasts can learn even more by attending Stockholm’s Beer Connoisseur classes, taught by Olesen, himself.

Not forgetting the younger guests, Stockholm’s offers a special menu including smiley fries and the restaurant’s own handcrafted root beer.

“We are driven by our guests first,” he says. “We intend to provide a welcoming atmosphere, a place where every guest is truly appreciated for choosing to visit and treated to the highest quality of service, food and drink.

Photos by Jeff Krage

“Because without our guests, neither our food nor our beer matters.”

kanecountymagazine.com

Stockholm’s is located at 306 W. State Street, Geneva.

Hours are: Monday to Thursday: 11a.m. to 1a.m.

Friday & Saturday: 11a.m. to 2a.m.

Sunday: Noon to Midnight KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 19

D&E

Brewing up business

D&E

Shaw Media file photo

the

ART craft

in the

Local craft beer purveyors answer call for creativity

Nestled amongst the personas of mason jar loving, do it yourself moguls, and locovores (folks who eat locally sourced foods) is a special place for craft beer. Long associated with good times: backyard gatherings, relaxing after work, and (of course) sports, beer has taken new forms and flavors, and in a sudden wave of grassroots enthusiasm, the market has been cracked by the unassuming world of craft beer.

Jeff Cagle from Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva explains, “A lot of growth in craft beer can be tied to a renewed interest in brewing culture after home brewing was legalized once again in the late 1970s. The explosion of craft

20 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

By Yvonne Benson

breweries and brewpubs has been like a system reset to how things were before Prohibition.”

But what really sets craft brew apart from the masses are the nearly endless possibilities when combining ingredients.

“The potential combinations for ingredients beers are made with are limitless compared to wines,” he says. “There are many different types of malt, hop varieties and yeast strains that come together to create a beer's flavor. Other adjunct ingredients like wheat, fruit and sugar can also be used in the brewing process.”

And the desire by beer drinkers for something unique to quench their thirst catapulted crafters into the industry.

“People got tired of the generic and they wanted something new and different,” says Michael Highly, who manages Flagstone in Geneva. “In our country we strive for new and different... It's not just about going out and partying. It's about going out with friends and having good beer that can excite the palate.”

Jon With from Gammon Coach House in Batavia agrees.

“People, once they taste craft beer, they're like, ‘This isn't a beer that tastes like every other beer.’” He explains. “The flavor profiles go from fruity beers to really strong forward beers. kanecountymagazine.com

D&E

“Some pairings can have flavors complement while others contrast, but the goal should always be to find balance,” -Jeff Cagle, Penrose Brewing Company “Before it was like, ‘What kind of yellow sissy beer do you want?’ And now we have a beer for everybody out there. It's a lot more flavors and a lot more interest in it and there's a lot of it,” With says.

Regardless of the technicality of beer and food pairings, Cagle from Penrose explains, diners should understand the strengths of flavors in your food and beer, so one doesn't overpower the other.

“To us, Belgian-inspired means brewing in the Belgian tradition with our own touch.” Cagle says, “Most of our beers feature Belgian strains of yeast paired with American hops, with the key again being balance.”

Where there’s beer, there generally is food, and with such a wide variety of beers it only follows that properly pairing them enters into the equation.

“Some pairings can have flavors complement while others contrast, but the goal should always be to find balance,” he says.

Conversely, The Gammon Coach House is a small tavern-style restaurant, and not a brewery.

“Just like wine - white goes with fish and red goes with red meat,” says Highly. “Different kinds of hops - citra hops - go really well with fish because citrus goes with fish. Amber lagers or amber ales go really well with red meats.”

Pairings are about exploration of food and beer flavors, and simply learning what you like. kanecountymagazine.com

Penrose brews its own beer at a new facility in Geneva, and uses a rigorous quality assurance technique to ensure that it’s delivering the best possible product. That product includes Belgian-inspired, seasonable beers that have lower alcohol by volume, with an emphasis on approachable, balanced flavors that are yeastforward, Cagle says.

“Our beers change constantly. Once we've gone through a keg of beer we switch to another. We go through about 250 beers on our taps,” With says. “People used to come in and say ‘There was a nice beer last week…’ and I had to say ‘Too late.

It's gone.’ Now people come in and ask ‘What's new?’ And they seem to like that.”

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 21

Full Slab BBQ Ribs

of

Course

Stockholm's 306 W. STATE ST. | GENEVA

Photo by Jeff Krage

Mango Margarita

Iceberg Wedge with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

EL CASANOVA Mexican Restaurant 1890 MILL ST. | BATAVIA

Photo by Jennifer Winder

Scotch Eggs

1702 COMMONS DR. | GENEVA

204 S. 3RD ST. | GENEVA

Photo by Jennifer Winder

Fried Bananas

Photo by Andrew Young

4 N. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA

Photo provided

Family Owned & Operated

Gratto Italian Tapas TAPAS. PASTA. PIZZA & MORE

DAILY SPECIALS

Daily Lunch Specials Monthly Entertainment

TUESDAY: 1/2 Price Wine Bottles *On Selected Bottles

WEDNESDAY: 1/2 Price Pizza *With purchase of a beverage

THURSDAY: $5 Martinis Night *On Select Martinis off the menu

FRIDAY: $4 Smirnoff Cocktails SATURDAY: $5 Homemade Sangrias SUNDAY: Kids Eat FREE

*One child per adult, children’s menu only *All subject to change and all not valid with any coupons or offers.

Some restrictions apply.

See website for details

NEW CRAFT BEER LIST Hours: Tues & Wed 4 pm - 9 pm Thurs 11:30 am - 9 pm Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm Monday Closed

Book your lunch or dinner Christmas party.

Package rates available.

Call for details

207 S. 3rd St. Geneva 630-208-9988 www.grattogeneva.com

Thai Village R E S TA U R A N T

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Purchase $100 of certificates to give

www.thaivillagebatavia.com 630-879-5495

Receive $20 certificate for yourself!

4 N Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510

DAILY DRINK SPECIAL

Award Winning Voted #1

Tuesday: $2 All Bottled Beer Thursday: $3 Margaritas

1890 Mill St. Batavia (Located just south of Randall 15 Theaters)

630-406-0669 Sun-Th 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

The Best Thai Food in Kane County Daily Lunch Sp ec

$6.95

ials

Choose from 18 all ser ved with different entrees rice and beans

Visit our Website for Daily Deals

www.elcasanovarestaurant.com

Construction Chaos Special: Mention this ad for 15% OFF with $2500 minimum order Good thru 11/30/13.

Not valid on the weekend, lunch special, delivery, or other offers.

Gluten Free and Vegan Dishes Available

* NO MSG * * BYOB * Open 7 Days a Week Dine-in • Carryout • Catering • Delivery

D&E

D&E

Breakout Gourmet Thanksgiving meals come home, from the Niche kitchen to yours A perfectly brined and roasted turkey.

Steaming, creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Tart and sweet cranberry sauce seasoned with a hint of sherry.

Come taste 25 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world.

Unique Gift Baskets Available.

315 James St. • Geneva, IL (630) 262-0210 www.olivemillgeneva.com

Store Hours Mon-Fri 10am–6pm Thursday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-5:30pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

26 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

It’s a fine-dining meal that took hours to prepare, but only minutes to order and pick-up from Niche Restaurant (nichegeneva.com), which is offering a classic and hand-crafted Thanksgiving carry out menu as part of the award-winning restaurant’s Turkeys To-Go program.

“This isn’t your average takeout,” said Serena Perdue, executive chef at Niche. “If you love great food and want to relax a little more this year, with Turkeys To-Go you can enjoy fine dining at home with the people who mean the most to you without having to spend days in advance preparing a meal.”

Restaurant customers can order a turkey only, or a whole meal with sides and dessert.

All dishes include generous portions for each guest, along with the option to pick up any of the entrées or sides hot or cold. Menu items include:

kanecountymagazine.com

e b r a t e L i f e ’s

D&E

Cel

For Parties Large or Small: • Girl’s Day Out • Murder Mysteries • Weddings • Anniversaries • Reunions • Ceremonies • Sunday Breakfast • Private Parties • Showers • Ghost Hunting Open to the Public for Lunch on Wednesdays.

Call Tuesdays for Reservations.

Upcoming Events: Please call for details

• Brined and seasoned whole fresh turkey, which can be picked up unbaked with directions for cooking, or roasted and ready for Thanksgiving Day • Buttery Yukon Gold potato puree • Roasted sweet potatoes with toasted walnuts • Brussels sprouts prepared with parsnips, chestnuts and Nueskies bacon • Fresh cranberry sauce with orange and sweet sherry • Cornbread and sausage stuffing, with handmade pork sausage, corn bread, celery, onions, sage and thyme • Pumpkin and pecan pie

A Historic

d

&

B

Each Saturday at Noon, Nov. 30th - Dec. 21st Christmas Around the World Luncheons

kf rea

ccommoda ast • A tion

ro

B

GENEVA 1800 West State Street Geneva, IL

630-232-0173

Customers are welcome to consult with the staff at Niche about choosing the right quantity and dishes. For more information on Turkeys To-Go, people can contact Niche at (630) 262-1000.

kanecountymagazine.com

up

Lodging

GALENA 3351 Elizabeth-Scales Mound Rd. Scales Mound, IL (Near Galena)

www.oscarswan.com

815-541-0653

DO YOU HAVE SPACE IN YOUR HOME THAT IS UNDERUTILIZED OR OUTDATED? COULD IT BE REPURPOSED TO BETTER FIT YOUR FAMILY’S LIFESTYLE?

BRAINSTORMING AND

Orders need to be placed by Wed., Nov. 13, and can be picked up on Wed., Nov. 27 or on Thanksgiving Day from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to order can access the order form online at www.nichegeneva.com/event/ turkeys-2-go. Customers will specify the number of guests and the items to include, and can submit orders via email at info@ nichegeneva.com, by calling (630) 262-1000, or by faxing the order form to (630) 262-1017. Various pricing options can be found online.

s f or

G

take-out

e

November 28th Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings December 5th Colonial Williamsburg Dinner

DETERMINING YOUR INVESTMENT LEVEL IS FREE! CALL OR EMAIL US!

VIDEO GAMES, ELECTRONICS

HOME THEATERS

REMODELING HOMES FOR OVER 40 YEARS; WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL, EXPERIENCE AND INTEGRITY…

WINE CELLARS

630-584-2255

ENTERTAINMENT, PARTY SPACES

REMODELWITHMCDOWELL.COM

mcdowellinc@sbcglobal.net

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 27

For All Occasions H&L

Located in a historical home on Wilson St. in Batavia, this shop offers affordable high-styled accessories for women of all ages. You can count on personal service and style advice from the staff to help you find that perfect item. You’ll find a wide selection of designer-inspired purses, jewelry and watches, fashion scarves in the latest colors and prints as well as a great new selection of winter scarves, gloves, hats and headband warmers. Select from many handbags and totes in the latest styles, including this season’s hottest colors and textures. Come browse our great selection of evening bags for that special holiday party. Visit us during our Holiday Open House from noon - 5pm on Sunday, December 1. Enjoy refreshments, discounts and door prizes throughout the day.

Rt. 31 & Wilson St. (Connected to Bee Attitudes) | Batavia | 630-879-1234 Open seven days a week, 10am -5pm Mon- Sat. and 12 -5 pm Sundays Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

Bee Attitudes Antiques Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

Located in a beautiful Victorian home on the corner of Batavia Ave. and Wilson St., we have eight dealers in our shop at the moment ,so there is sure to be something for everyone. Glassware, artwork, lighting fixtures, oriental decor, jewelry, mirrors and silverware. In furniture, we carry various styles, including French, Victorian, and cottage chic.

A Christmas Open House from noon to 5pm on Dec. 1 offers wine, coffee and lots of Christmas spirit. Please join us at Bee Attitudes for excellent customer service and fun.

Rt. 31 & Wilson St. | Batavia | 630-761-0813 Open 10am - 5pm Mon. and noon - 5pm Sat. and Sun.

Windmill City Spinners Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

& More Décor

Windmill City Spinners & More Décor recently has opened its doors behind the historic Gammon House, 13 South Batavia Ave., Batavia. Local owners Bill and Julie Saloga are proudly fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams, while following a family tradition in home decor set forth by Bill’s parents Vickie and Marc Roth, 20-year owners of the Cottage Garden Farm in Waupaca, Wisconsin. The shop specializes in artisan garden spinners, crafted by Bill’s skilled hands. These beautiful pieces are as efficient as they are artistic, using an aerodynamic and bearing technology Bill and his dad developed, allowing the spinner to perform with as little as two m.p.h windspeed.

Windmill City’s artistic presentation of home, garden and seasonal décor makes the shop a worthy destination in the Tri-Cities.

13 S. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA | 630–406–6801 Facebook us @ Windmill City Spinners

28 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Tis the Season

kanecountymagazine.com

Wilson Street Antiques H&L

Now open, Wilson Street Antiques, Batavia’s newest antique store, opened by the owners of Bee Attitudes.

Stop in and browse unique antiques and collectibles brought to you by the experts. Featuring a variety of Victorian, Primitive and French styled furniture.

Find a wide assortment of lamps, crystal, glassware, and artwork, and many fine antique china pieces by Limoges and Haviland. Join us for our Holiday Open House noon-5pm on Sunday, December 1. Refreshments, discounts and door prizes offered throughout the day.

Look for the black canopy across from the Batavia Public Library 235 W. Wilson St. | Batavia | 630-761-6994 Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday

Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

Janeen Home Décor

Photo by Kathy Green

It often is said that Geneva is a magical town, especially at the Christmas season.

One of the many great shops in Geneva is Janeen Home Décor.

Janeen O’Brien and her staff will once again decorate the homes of more than 40 families in the Fox Valley Area. She also has donated her Christmas design services to help several local charities.

The shop is stuffed with the finest Christmas florals, wreathes and garlands.

There is a large selection of beautiful ornaments, elegant ribbons and fun gift ideas.

We think you will be inspired by some of the amazing Christmas displays in the shop.

Janeen’s is a great resource for holiday decorating advice.

Many clients bring in photos of a specific area in their home, perhaps a mantle or bannister, and the designers at Janeen’s can help them put together a wonderful display.

“This Christmas we are using many natural materials and soft earth colors" Janeen says, "but you will always find some festive ‘bling’ that we are noted for.”

215 W State Street | Geneva | 630-232-7884 | www.janeenhomedecor.com

Wasco Nursery & Garden Center

Find a huge assortment of holiday greens, stems, berry branches, potted evergreens and more at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center plus a large selection of colorful containers to inspire your holiday decorating creations. Wreaths, garland and fresh cut Christmas trees are available to help complete your holiday decorating. Talk to our creative staff about designing a custom holiday container for you.

A Holiday Decorating Seminar is planned for Saturday, November 16.

Please call 630-584-4424 or visit www.wasconursery.com for additional information.

Photo provided

kanecountymagazine.com

41W781 Route 64 | St. Charles | 6 miles west of Randall Road 630-584-4424 | Wasconursery.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 29

H&L

The Prettiest Star The Prettiest Star was established in 1999 in The Market in St. Charles and relocated to The Berry House in Geneva in 2009. The Prettiest Star offers clothing suitable for work and casual wear, in comfortable knit fabrics along with scarves and accessories. Featured are clothing lines from Keren Hart, Bali of Montreal and Michael Tyler Collections as well as handcrafted jackets by the owner, Mary Curts. Handcrafted jewelry by Mary as well as fused glass creations by local artist and art instructor Carol Kinast are featured. The shop also specializes in custom jewelry designs to fit every budget for bridal parties, prom and all special occasions. Stop in, say hello and enjoy a unique shopping experience!

Photos by Kathy Green

The Prettiest Star | The Berry House 227 South Third Street | Geneva | (630) 208-1652 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM Expanded hours during the holiday season | Closed Mondays

CrystallineVelvet

Photos by Kathy Green

Located in the heart of Geneva’s Third Street shopping district ~ on the “Rodeo Drive” of the Tri-City area ~ Crystalline Velvet is home to more than ten local artisan jewelers, allowing them to offer customers a wide range of styles from which to choose.

Whether delicate or dramatic, Crystalline Velvet’s artisans work with components ranging from seedbeads to Swarovski and from trade beads to cut gems. They also offer a full range of custom design and jewelry repair services, including those for bridal and wedding party jewelry.

Come visit and find a treasure waiting just for you!

228 South Third Street | Geneva 630-262-9113 | CrystallineVelvet.com

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Learning Express Toys

30 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

At Learning Express Toys of Geneva Commons, we aim to provide our customers with a lively, interactive shopping experience that delights the young and the “young at heart.” Providing toy suggestions for children of all ages is a favorite pastime of ours, and we’re committed to helping you find the perfect toy for every occasion.

• Free gift wrapping all year • Complimentary personalization • Birthday Box gift registry program Learning Express is home of the Rainbow Loom!

Rainbow Loom is the latest craze sweeping the nation! Get all the supplies you need for these fun and trendy rubber band bracelets at Learning Express.

Stop by and visit us soon!

610 Commons Drive | Geneva | 630-232-8697

kanecountymagazine.com

H&L

Galena Garlic Company

Galena Garlic Company has been “redefining the art of healthy cooking” for more than 10 years. Featuring a premium line of of over 60 fresh extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamics, along with hundreds of award-winning seasonings, rubs, chef blends and sea salts, we cater to both novice and chef. From our popular Snakebite Ghost Chili BBQ Rub to our phenomenal Dark Chocolate Balsamic, holiday cooking and gift giving never has been easier. We are happy to customize gifts from hostess to corporate!

318 West State Street | Geneva | 815-777-9625 Photo provided

GALENA CELLARS Vineyard & Winery A tradition of Galena Cellars Nouveau Festival is the limited printing of its collectible Nouveau poster, mirroring the artwork chosen for the current year’s Nouveau wine label. This year’s artwork was created by Eric Faramus.

Galena Cellars’ Nouveau wine is available for sampling and purchase at three locations: Downtown Galena (515 South Main Street), Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery (4826 North Ford Road - 2 miles from the Galena Territory) and at Galena Cellars in Geneva, Illinois (477 South Third Street, Dodson Place). Also available online.

477 S. 3rd Street | Geneva | 630-232-9463 | www.galenacellars.com Photo provided

Burning Leaf Cigar

At Burning Leaf Cigars, we strive to have personal relationships with our customers, not just simply to be their local tobacco retailer, but so that every customer is 100% satisfied with their shopping experience. Our journey began in 1999 when we opened our first shop in Chicago's Bucktown area. A few years later, we now have five locations in Illinois, the Geneva location at 577 South 3rd street is our newest. Our commitment to customers, great service and superior cigar selection is our motto. We hope you will get a chance and visit our location. Here you will find hundreds of the best cigars, at fair prices. We offer a large selection of cigar humidors, premium lighters, and all kinds of tobacco accessories.

Hope to see you soon, “because you are worth it.”

577 South 3rd St., Suite 101 | Geneva | 630-262-0031 Photo provided

Tis the Season

kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 31

H&L

MERRY CHRISTMAS

65th Anniversary Sale November 16th - 27th 20% off Everything* *Excludes food items

Royal Copenhagen/Bing & Grondahl 2014 Christmas Plates Traditional Swedish Food & Candy

DG-548019

❈ fine glass ❈ jewelry ❈ hand-knit sweaters ❈ collectibles ❈ candles ❈ much more!

THE GIFT BOX

Too cool for the kids

Unused dining rooms find new life as lounge space

By Sherri Dauskurdas

Scandinavian Imports

310 W. State St., Geneva • 630-232-4151 • Open Daily Nov.17- Dec 22, 2013 Since 1947

In recent years, the way families eat together has changed. What once was a formal dining room for traditional pass-the-plate dinners has given way to the great rooms of modern construction, children often at the kitchen island, with plates filled directly from the pots on the stove.

The dining room, once a part of the weekly household routine, now sits in wait for a design re-birth.

Enter Michael Grudecki of Vignette Interiors in Batavia, who is reinventing the dining room spaces of old and creating hip, stylish adult lounges for entertaining friends and family.

“People are entertaining in their homes,” he said. “They want to show off their homes. We tie it into the formal living room (another commonly unused space) and create a toy-free, sophisticated atmosphere complemented by artwork and accessories.

In place of the traditional large table and half dozen chairs, Grudecki fills his spaces with club chairs and free-standing bar with two or three seats. Hip, lounge-like colors fill these spaces with grown-up style in a

32 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

100+ Lines of Furniture $ Home Accents $ Rugs $ Florals $ Home Staging $ Space Planning $ General Contracting

Celebrating 6 Years in Business!

Michael Grudecki

Vignette Home Decor: Your Locally Owned, Locally Operated Small Business.

St. Charles Resident and Batavia Business Owner

VIGNETTE HOME DECOR

630.482.3000

FIND US ON:

1952 W. Fabyan Parkway • Batavia, IL 60510 dedicated adult space.

“Often these rooms have been neglected,” he adds. “We are taking them from being used for major holidays to being used once or twice a month, or even weekly.”

It’s a style that feeds socializing, he says.

Like the kitchen island, it provides an intimate point for guests to gather, but with an upgrade to style and grown-up functionality.

“In these rooms, you aren’t all sitting around a table. You can stand and mingle and flow, which is what people want,” he says. “It’s like a Chicago nightclub, but in your own home.”

It’s not only cool, Grudecki adds, it’s typically more affordable that a traditional dining room set and hutch.

“By taking more of a lounge approach, cost could be 20-40 percent less,” he explains.

“A dining room table with six chairs and a hutch can be up to $5,000. But here, all you need is a free-standing bar with stools and a pub table, a club-like fixture and you’re done.

kanecountymagazine.com

(Between Trader Joe’s & Office Depot)

Walk in and Make Your Own

Terrariums

Bring your own containers or use ours.

Have your next Event at The Mossy Twig!

Call for details!

27 S. Third Street, Geneva 630-208-MOSSY www.TheMossyTwig.com KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 33

H&L

Why Support Chains and Out of State Stores?

H&L

Off the

ISLAND

From dark woods to large group seating, dining tables find their style

By ERIN SAUDER

W

hile the hustle and bustle of everyday life may mean less time for families to gather around the table, that doesn’t mean the importance of the dining room has gone by the wayside.

Instead, they are just getting a little less formal.

“Today’s consumer is definitely more casual,” said Diane Charles of Art Van Furniture in Batavia.

“Many times the eating area is connected to a living area.”

She said the days of the formal Queen Ann dining table and chair set with a china cabinet are gone.

“We see what we call Junior Dining Room Sets-it’s a dining set that is scaled down,” Charles said. “There isn’t a china cabinet, but there usually is a server.”

She said a gathering table continues to be popular with the great room, open concept living, adding that people shouldn’t be afraid to mix several styles into one space.

34 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

“Another hot trend is to mix and match chairs— two of one kind, six of another, or six completely different chairs,” Charles said. “There are no rules.”

Farmhouse tables are also a popular sell for Plantation House Furniture.

And it seems when it comes to dining room furniture, black back as the hot color this season.

In some homes, she said it’s not uncommon to find a table and chair set in both the kitchen and dining room.

“For a lot of people, the combination of darker wood with black is the most popular,” said Bonnie Mure, owner of Plantation House Furniture.

“Usually the (table) top is a little bit darker stained, like a chestnut. The apron and legs of the table are black and the chairs are black.”

Customers also are looking for comfort and usability when it comes to finding furniture to suit more casual meals or buffets.

“We’ve found people are asking for upholstered seats instead of all wood,” Mure said, and people want that fabric to be both sturdy and comfortable.

“Mostly the rectangle shape and sometimes they have a plank top,” Mure said.

“It depends on your house and how big your space is,” she said. “I have a dinette area where we can sit at the kitchen table and it seats 10 people so we don’t usually use our dining room unless we have a big group.”

With hectic schedules, are there families still serving meals at the dining room table?

Charles said yes.

“I would say that most families probably still serve at the table when they are eating dinner,” she said. “If someone is entertaining it’s likely buffet.”

kanecountymagazine.com

C'est la Vie by Sylvie

Photos by Andrew Young

Redefine Your Wardrobe with our 2013 Fall Collection

25 S. THIRD ST. | GENEVA | 630-578-6018

F&B

Bisang designed teal dyed velvet sheared mink belted walking coat with matching dyed chinchilla trim, Badgley Mischka designed evening clutch

Zuki designed red colorblock dyed sheared beaver walking coat

36 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Saffron dyed sheared beaver peplum jacket with Badgley Mischka clutch

kanecountymagazine.com

F&B

It's All About

HUE! The season’s fashions have arrived at York Furrier, in vibrant colors and bold designs

By Sherri Dauskurdas

For those who love fur, it’s about more than just fashion. A welldesigned fur coat wraps us in luxury, and transports us from any day to the perfect day.

At York Furrier, a purveyor of exceptional furs and fine outerwear since 1931, they believe fur shouldn’t just be donned for special occasions. That’s why you'll find such a large selection of designer label furs and fine outerwear, along with the store's signature creations, all in a full range of styles and sizes. Thousands of pieces fill the racks at the shops in Elmhurst and Deer Park, all part of this season’s 82nd Anniversary Collection.

“We have traveled the globe, scouted the runways, and worked with our own custom designers to create an extensive selection,” said co-owner Kathy Rezny.

This year’s designs are far from ordinary, blending trend and tradition in exquisite fashion. They boast bold colors, innovative patterns and combinations of textiles – fur with leather, fur with cashmere, fur with shearling.

Both stores showcase innovative designer creations by Michael Kors, Zandra Rhodes, Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen, Malan Breton, André and Lisa Bisang, Dominic Bellissimo and Zuki; as well as the classically inspired York Signature Styles. Or, for a client who prefers a one-of-a-kind garment, they may opt to work with York Furrier’s talented on-premise staff to create a custom-made York Exceptional Exclusive.

Michael Kors designed “camo” dyed mink wrap

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Continues on page 38

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 37

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Continued from page 37 “Paired with jeans by day or a skirt for evening, today's furs are FUNctional fashion, meant to be worn every day, everywhere,” Rezny attests. Her seasonal favorites include the versatile wrap by Michael Kors in a not-so-subtle version of camouflage, created from vibrant cobalt blue, black, slate and white mink; the Bisang Collection's clever pairing of lush furs, sleek silhouettes and sensational color; and at the top of her list, Zuki's artistic intarsia design motifs – color block, florals, and abstracts – created from exquisitely soft sheared beaver.

In addition to designer creations and York Signature Styles, the collection includes an array of accessories. Find handbags, scarves, hats, boots, gloves and belts, in deliciously rich hues and playful patterns, from animal print to classic herringbone.

Taking the formal out of fur, York’s collection puts some luxe back into leisure, with options for sports and travel. There are shearling-lined car coats for a man on-the-go, playful cashmere shawls ready to toss on as you run out the door, and down-filled jackets with fur trim, ready for heading down the slopes or into the resort.

York Signature Style cookies & cream dyed sculptured sheared mink

“The skiwear garments are really hot right now,” Rezny says, adding she wears her own Michael Kors mink hat in bright safety orange to chilly Sunday Bears games. “They’re so much fun!”

As a full service furrier, York also provides clients with an array of professional, on-premise services to maintain the beauty and condition of fur and fine outerwear garments. All store labels are welcome. York also offers state-of-the-art temperature controlled storage on the premises, along with cleaning and conditioning, essential repairs and complete restyling of vintage garments.

For an older outdated garment or one that is simply no longer being worn, York Furrier offers a generous trade-in allowance towards new fur purchases.

Preview the York Collection online at www.YorkFur.com or visit in person at either of York Furrier's convenient locations: Elmhurst City Centre 107 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126, phone 630-832-2200 Deer Park Town Centre 20330 Deer Park Blvd., Suite 104, Deer Park, IL 60010, phone 847-550-2200 Natural chinchilla shrug with matching hat

Accessories in fur and leather, by top designers round out the season's collection.

Photos provided

Rezny is excited to present this season's new skiwear line from M. Miller, which she is happy to say is made in the U.S.A. While styles have a retro vibe, the materials are futuristic, with research-

based "technofibers" to whisk away moisture and provide warm and cozy comfort while actively engaged.

Eyelash extensions create dramatic trend

E

very mascara company boasts that it will make your lashes longer, stronger, thicker and more appealing, but one new trend that can do all of that in one fell swoop—eyelash extensions. You can give your eyes a fresh, new look with color, length or an edgy new style, simply by attaining professional eyelash extensions at a local spa or salon.

Professional Quality It’s possible to purchase eyelash extensions at local convenience stores to apply at home, but generally, storebought lashes are applied in strips, which is a completely different look and quality than what salons offer.

Two of the leading product brands for beauticians are Lavish Lashes and Xtreme Lashes, both of which require taking a class and becoming certified to apply the lashes.

“I think it’s very important that the person doing it should be licensed in the beauty industry and certified to apply the lashes,” says Mary Jane Schwarz, owner of B’Shique Brow Boutique in Geneva. “If you don’t see the certificate of the person doing the lashes on the wall, you don’t know if they have experience with it or where the products are from.”

The industry’s finest glue is used for both Lavish and Xtreme Lash application, and the lashes themselves are lightweight and pliable to blend seamlessly with your own lashes.

B’Shique also offers mink extensions as an additional upgrade, which feel identical to your natural lashes.

kanecountymagazine.com

By ALLISON HORNE

The Application Process The first lash application tends to take longer than the rest, and generally requires 2-3 hours to properly attach the extensions. The process is very time consuming, as each lash extension is applied directly to your natural lashes with surgery-grade glue.

“At Xtreme Lashes, their highest priority is safety of their customers,” Josann Rahning, Mario Tricoci’s Regional Manager of Beauty Retail, says. “The application is pain free and will not harm your eyelids or natural lashes.”

Lash sets generally last two to four weeks, and shed when your lashes fall out naturally. To maintain the look, lashes can be reapplied every 2-3 weeks in a process that only takes 30-60 minutes.

“It’s almost like getting acrylic nails,” Schwarz says. “You need to get ‘fills’ just like you would if you had your nails done.”

Current Eyelash Trends Although many people have lash extensions year-round, others opt to get the procedure for special occasions, such as a wedding. With more than 600 different varieties of lashes to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what route you would like to go. So far this fall, Rahning says that full lash sets have been popular. Schwarz has also seen a rise in the demand for colored lashes.

“You can have blue lashes, purple lashes or red lashes,” Schwarz says. “Colored lashes are super popular and very fun.

They don’t have to be a full set—if you have green eyes, you can get a few purple lashes to make your eyes stand out.”

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 39

F&B

Lashing Out

F&B

Best fashion apps

Need some assistance with your wardrobe?

Want to stay on top of the latest fashion trends? Want to share your style? If any of the answers to those questions was "yes," these apps are for you.

POSE: This app lets you see what fashions are in style and are being sported by celebs, find similar items, follow trendsetters, share outfits and much more. You also can follow fashion bloggers using Pose. Free for iOS and Android. pose.com/ FITTING ROOM SOCIAL: This is an app for women who have problems finding clothing that fits well all around. The social-media app lets you share and view recommendations based on your unique measurements. There also are recommendations from the app based on your style and what fits. Free for iOS. www.fittingroomsocial.com/

I have so many black dresses, I could open a black dress store. ~ Claudia I have nearly 2,000 designer dresses in the shop, and a huge number of them are black.

Short. Long. Simple. Beaded. Foofy.

For parties, balls, coronations, the Oscars — you name it. I have your black dress.

At up to 85% off retail.

217 West Main Street, Saint Charles, IL 60174 - 630-584-8009 www.claudiasboutiquecloset.com - Facebook: claudiasclosetconsignment boutique Hours vary. Visit us on the Web or Call.

40 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

F&B

STYLISH GIRL: This cool app works as a style planner. You upload your current clothing and wish lists, and the app will help you decide what styles work well together for that perfect look. You also can share your outfits with friends.Free for iOS and Android. www.stylishandcool.com/stylishgirl.html

Mothers of the Wedding and

Special Occasion Dresses

CLOTH: Cloth is similar to Stylish Girl, but it also includes a nifty weather guide, which helps you pick outfits based on the current weather and forecast.Free for iOS. www.clothapp.com/ Hot app of the week COLOR ZEN: Tired of getting frustrated by Candy Crush Saga?

Check out this relaxing game. There's no score - you just combine colors while you listen to soothing music. It sounds simple, and it is, but it's highly addicting. Free for iOS and Android. www.largeanimal.com/#!color-zen/c16nl

-More Content Now

207 W. State Street • Geneva 630.397.5040 HOURS: M, Tu, W, F 11 am - 6 pm • Th 11 am - 8 pm Sat 10 am - 6pm

www.crystalbride.com

Hamilton House

Member:

• Geneva Chamber of Commerce • American Dental Association

DENTISTRY Shannon Samuels Farmer D.D.S.

SERVICES

ON THE AVENUE

2 N BATAVIA AVE BATAVIA

630.406.1515

AVAILABILITY

• Cosmetic & General Dentistry • Dentures & Repairs • Extractions & Implant Restorations • Kids Welcome!

309 Hamilton St., Suite C Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-1111 www.HamiltonHouseDentistry.com

Mon: 9am–5:30pm Tues: 9am–2pm Wed: 10:30am–7pm Thurs: Closed Fri: 9am–3pm Sat: 9am–2pm

Don’t forget to use your dental benefits before the end of 2013 www.specialoccasionsontheavenue.com OPEN MON-SAT 10-5, TH 12-8, SUN 12-5

kanecountymagazine.com

Accepting New Patients KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 41

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I

thought our “smart phones” were supposed to make us smarter?

Lately it has occurred to me that using the turn “smart phone” is quite the oxymoron.

Before I got my iPhone, I swore I wouldn’t be “that person” who stared at their phone and incessantly swiped at it with their finger. I knew I wouldn’t answer questions without looking up from my phone and in a robotic, monotone voice as if some outside force had snatched my mind. I never would look at my phone while walking through a busy parking lot.

f o s n o i Confess A Candy Crush

addict Write This Down

with Michelle Stien Michelle Stien is a stay-athome mom of two children, ages 3 and 5. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with other Kane County women to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

42 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

I had delusions of grandeur that I would use it for noble acts, like keeping track of my family’s schedule. I never would miss picture day at school or forget when the library books were due. My grocery list would be organized, my checkbook would be balanced to the penny and I could perfect my monthly budget all on my handy-dandy device.

Instead, I find myself checking Facebook, texting my girlfriends in "emoji" instead of using my words to communicate and worst of all, getting sucked into those damn games. I even missed “red day” at preschool last week thanks to my smart phone. I have become the moron. (And my husband reminds me of it on a regular basis despite his own addiction to Fantasy Football stats.)

Cozying up on my couch with my phone after the kids went to bed began as a way to decompress. I played everything from Words With Friends to Fruit Ninja, enjoying the mind-numbing activity without interruption.

Thanks to the fact that all of these games are connected to Facebook, I found myself in heated vocabulary wars with “friends” I barely spoke to while in high school. And thanks to my can-do spirit,

I realized I had a problem when I found myself yelling at Words With Friends and competitive nature, I feel the need to conquer whatever level I’m on, (or the kid from my junior year math class.)

Candy Crush had become my vice. Luckily, Candy Crush times-out and requires you wait for another life before you may continue. Which makes me chuckle, because clearly, I need “a life.”

I realized I had a problem when I found myself yelling at Words With Friends because it wouldn’t accept “pleather” as a legitimate word. I knew full well it was a word. Just ask the pair of circa 1999 pants hanging in my closet.

Last week, I deleted Candy Crush in an effort to regain control of my life. I was late dropping off my daughter for skating.

Had I just put the phone down sooner, we would have been out the door on time.

Pathetic.

The worst part is I am raising little iPhone junkies. They each have their own iPod Touch and can often be seen playing on them, heads buried, fingers swiping. My son even has begun sneaking his device, or any one else’s for that matter, in the middle of the night.

Let’s face it, as parents we don’t get out much. I know I’m not the only addict (I can see your scores online and it takes a lot of time to get to level 63 of Candy Crush.) But I need to nip this in the bud.

Heck, all time I spend crushing candy could be spent writing the next great American novel.

The kids are no exception and while their iPods offer some great learning apps and are pure joy when stuck waiting at the doctor’s office, I’ve got remember screen-time is screen-time, whether it is a television or iPhone.

In the meantime, I think I will keep Words With Friends, because at the very least, it is expanding my vocabulary. “Oxymoron” could score me some major points. kanecountymagazine.com

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Family Day Out Whether it’s a weekend free or a school holiday, fill it with fun

By Wendy Foster A variety of programs for families are offered at Hickory Knolls Nature Center in St. Charles. Photo provided

Spending time with your child need not be a spectator sport. The county boasts an abundance of fun, unique and interactive destinations where parents can share in the fun with their children side-by-side rather than from the sidelines. Whether it’s educational, environmental or recreational, there are many great hangouts for sharing quality time. }Hickory Knolls Discovery Center at 3795 Campton Hills Road in St. Charles Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, which is part of the St. Charles Park District, is an environmental education center that was launched in 2011. The theme of the center is “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got…”, and the focus is on showcasing animals and plant life indigenous to the area.

“We have lots of self-guided activities... scavenger hunts, puppets to play with in our wigwam, life animal displays, bird watching at the feeders outside the exhibit hall,” said Pam Otto, manager of nature programs and interpretive services for Hickory Knolls. Especially unique attractions she said include the turtle pond, which is the home to several Blanding’s turtles. “This is a species that is endangered in Illinois,” she said.

Hickory Knolls is very attractive to families, Otto

kanecountymagazine.com

said. “Our building is designed as a gateway to the Hickory Knolls Natural Area. Families can come to the Discovery Center and learn about the glacier activities that formed our knolls, and then go for a hike outdoors. Our trails range in length from less than ¼ mile to a 2.2 mile loop.”

her animal friends (David Brown, Maya Gutierrez, Mackenzie Hillman, Jamie Maul) as she tries to bridge peace between her father, Chief Powhatan (Nick Borodin) and Captain John Smith (Liam McCarron). The tale is cleverly woven with Native American lore and beautiful music.

}Funway Ultimate Entertainment Center at 1335 South River Street in Batavia

The Pocahontas cast includes local children: Riley Sachse (Batavia), Mackenzie Hillmann (Campton Hills), Nick Borodin, Ella Kobylecky, Lilly Nowak, Abageal Phelan, Isabelle Schamberger, Addison Zima (Geneva), Riley Brutto, Allison Cole, Trevor Cowart, Aaron Delaney, Maya Gutierrez, Girisha Kanuri, Skylar Knorr, Liam McCarron (St. Charles).

This beloved destination has a long history in the area, having first opened as a go-kart track in 1959. Since that time, many metamorphoses and expansions have resulted in what is the largest family entertainment center in Illinois. Some of the activities are blasts of the past to adults who may have fond memories of roller skating, bowling and bumper cars. Younger generations will relish laser tag and a video arcade. }Pocahontas Vero Voce at 951 State Ave. in St. Charles A treasured piece of American legend is brought to life in Vero Voce School of Performing Arts’ musical production of Pocahontas. Geneva’s Lilly Nowak as Pocahontas portrays the Indian princess as she tries to find common ground between her Algonquin tribe and the settlers of Jamestown. She seeks the counsel of the Spirit of Mother Earth (Kayla Bussert) and advice from

Directed by Kim Maslo with music direction by Melissa Pagano-Arndt, Pocahontas runs at 1 p.m.

Saturdays and 11 a.m. Sundays at 11am from November 16-24. Tickets: Adults $15 and Kids under 16 are $9. Contact the Box Office at www. verovoce.com or call (630) 584-0139.

Simultaneously, Vero Voce will be presenting Pocahontas Uncut, an alternate version of the show directed by David M. Rodriguez, Theatrical Artistic Director of Vero Voce. Using the same talented cast and crew, Uncut will appeal to older audiences by adding meta-humor, sarcasm and dry wit to the same script. Pocahontas Uncut will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturdays, November 16 and 23.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 43

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Become

a f an!

Follow the Kane County Magazine at facebook.com/KaneCountyMagazine.

EXPERIENCE the difference

Ask about Our Respite Program

Where our residents are respected, valued and nurtured by our senior care specialists.

• Residential Townhomes • Assisted Living • Memory Loss Care Delnor Glen — where our experience is the difference.

For more information or to schedule a tour call 630-443-8220 or visit delnorglen.com

Townhomes Available!

A member of Cadence Health System •975 North Fifth Avenue, St. Charles, IL kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 45

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Order Early For Fresh Ho-Ka Turkeys No Chemicals • No Defrosting

Try Our Autumn Pasta Specials Sweet Potato Raviolis & Gnocchi Butternut Squash Raviolis Pumpkin Raviolis & Gnocchi

Turkey not to your liking?

For Thanksgiving we also have: Prime Rib • Beef Tenderloin Crown Pork Roast • Boneless Pork Roast Italian Beef & Gravy Trays • Leg of Lamb

Ho-Ka Turkeys are grown in DeKalb County. Open, airy sheds prepare the birds for their move to open ranges when they are six weeks old. When the time comes, they are herded to the plant on foot. This eliminates the stress on the birds created when hauled for hours on a large truck. The result is better quality meat.

The birds are grown on a low-energy feed consisting mainly of corn.

They are never fed hormones or antibiotics for growth promotion.

The most important factor that insures high quality is the tender loving care these birds get during the time they are on the farm.

The same people handle these birds from day one, through all the process to the delivery of the dressed product. This fact encourages us to do the very best every day to produce a bird that we can sell with pride.

Please Order Early • Pick-Up Tuesday or Wednesday UR FILL YO INTER! W R O F FREEZER

Mention this ad for

Family Pack Special

3# Sirloin Steak 3# Round Steak 3# T-Bone Steak 3# Sirloin Roast 3# Pot Roast 3# Pork Chops

All for Only Engstrom Plaza • 716 W. State Street, Geneva 630-262-1878 • www.josefsmeats.com

Expires 12/01/13

$

5# Ground Sirloin 3# Pork Roast 3# Italian Sausage 1# Bacon 6# Chicken (Cut Up) 3# Beef Stew

15995

Reg. $175.00

Bring in this ad and receive $

500 off anything over $25.

Valid on any therapy or products in the store.

202 W. State St. Downtown Geneva

630 208 8250 www.halsaroma.com

Stay Healthy This Winter As we move indoors with the colder weather, we tend to get more colds and flu. Ward off viruses and ease symptoms with the following essential oils.

Essential oils like Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Thyme, and Rosemary are excellent flu and germ reducers.

They can be used by a few drops in palms of your hands, rub together and inhale cupping hands over nose and mouth.

And in a diffuser they work well to freshen the air and kill airborne particles. We also have blends like Personal Defense (Immune booster) Breathe Well (aid lung function and sinus congestion)

Single OilS: Eucalyptus Has a fresh smell in a diffuser to aid breathing difficulties, or drop a couple of drops on palms and rub together and inhale.

OrEganO This potent anti-viral will knock out an illness before it starts!

Lemon - Good anti-septic and germicidal essential oil with good uplifting properties. tEa trEE Also anti-septic essential oil with anti-fungal properties.It can also be added to cleaning rags and laundry.

Hälsa The Aromatherapy Shop

202 W. STATE ST. | GENEVA 630-208-8250 | HALSAROMA.COM

46 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

A Great Old-Fashioned Meat Market

Thanksgiving Day!

Fresh Ho-Ka Turkeys (Order Now)

Reams very own Fresh & Smoked Polish Sausage Fresh Swedish Sausage

HAMS

“Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Hams”

• Spiral Sliced Honey Glazed • Old Fashioned Bone-In • Semi Boneless • Boneless

Boys hat with detachable beard.

WARM & FUZZY Ream’s Elburn Market

128 N. Main Street, Downtown Elburn West side of Route 47 • 630.365.6461

Fine Quality Meats & Sausages

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm • Sat. 9 am - 4 pm • Sun. 11 am - 4 pm Closed Thanksgiving

Get Back to What You Enjoy!

Committed to: Compassion through Action

Fresh • Aged • Cured • Smoked We make over 100 varieties of smoked meats and sausages.

Just call Mendel At Mendel, we offer excellent service; that’s why we have grown to be one of the most trusted plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical service companies in the Fox Valley.

Mendel Plumbing & Heating

Excellence through Quality of Care

Serving the Fox Valley

(630) 377-3608

Changing Lives through Education

Physical Therapy Advantage is the connection from a self-limiting injury to a strong and informed lifestyle for all generations.

Visit us on:

critterspetshopinc.com

CRITTERS P E T

S H O P

630.584.0200

1437 W. Main, Saint Charles 35 S. Randall Road • North Aurora, IL 60542 630-892-8003 www.ptadvantagepc.com

kanecountymagazine.com

Pets & Supplies Tropical Fish Natural Foods Raw Foods

Rescue Pets Aquarium sales Dog Training Locally Owned

Rescue a Pet!

Bring in your adoption papers from your rescued pet from any rescue or animal shelter and receive

10% OFF Supplies offer valid through Nov. 30, 2013

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 47

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Everything you need for your

H&F

Working Out The

Kinks

By ALLISON HORNE

T

hroughout history, massages have been regarded as a luxury, in which you only indulge every once in awhile.

That idea is changing, and massages are slowly becoming a regular service for anyone looking for a way to release the every day stresses of life.

Massage As A Stress Reliever Our muscles often deal with the brunt of the stress we are under, holding on to any stress and tension that we intake. Massage is a useful tool that reduces stress by releasing hormones that increase happiness and your general well-being.

The immediate results are obvious—it feels good, and you leave the massage table feeling relaxed. However, massage also has long-term benefits, like keeping your body centered and stress-free.

“Massage can be a very powerful tool for a healthy mind and body,” says Cassandra Stratton, Body Director of Mario Tricoci Day Spas. “Along with simply feeling good, studies have shown that massage can be an effective treatment for

48 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

reducing stress, anxiety, headaches, pain and muscle tension.”

In order to keep your body working properly and to keep stress levels low, Stratton recommends scheduling a treatment plan to commit to healing your body. Massages can be scheduled once a month to as much as once a week, all depending on your needs.

Although some people may consider deep tissue massages painful, they are another form of massage that has been known to be beneficial for relieving stress. The muscles hold the stress and

“I like to think of massage sessions as time for the body to shut down and reboot,” says Stratton. “Massage can relieve stress immediately.

When the body and mind get a chance to rest from everyday physical, mental, and emotion stress it will easily regain balance.”

The Ideal Massage to Conquer Stress Although everyone is different and has various likes and dislikes, the one massage most commonly associated with stress relief is the Swedish massage. Swedish massages generally consist of long, smooth, relaxing strokes that don’t penetrate to the deep tissue.

kanecountymagazine.com

November Events Join Us at Heritage Woods of Batavia!

Different massage therapists offer different treatments depending on what you are looking for. Danielle Roesch, a licensed massage therapist at the Fox Chiropractic Center in Geneva, offers unique fixes for stress like fire cupping and the aforementioned deep tissue massage, both of which help to circulate blood flow.

BAKE SALE TO BENEFIT COLORADO WILDFIRE VICTIMS

“Therapists can also use aromatherapy, heat or pressure points to calm and jump start the relaxation and de-stressing process,” Stratton adds.

SHOP LOCAL on Thursday, November 7 from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday, November 5 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Stop in and buy a sweet treat!

BATAVIA MAINSTREET’S ARTISAN MARKET

We’re hosting this month’s flash market for all things handmade, crafty, and special. It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping!

No matter what each therapist offers, one thing remains the same—they will cater your individual massage to fit your precise needs.

“The best thing about our massage therapists is that they are great listeners,” Stratton says. “They hear your goals for the session and then they customize the experience to meet your needs.”

*Call any time to schedule your FREE lunch & tour!

Please note that all events are for seniors 62+ *Please call to RSVP for any Heritage Woods event!

Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

www.bma-mgmt.com

1079 East Wilson Street | Batavia | 630.406.9440 | www.hw-batavia-slf.com

let yourself go q An alternative to a Swedish or traditional massage is a hot stone massage. The stones are warmed to a comfortable temperature and then used to penetrate multiple layers of muscle below what the human hand can reach.

Reduced stress, elevated mood, and a strengthened immune system are all part of experiencing a therapeutic massage The Elements Way.™ GIVE THE GIFT OF MASSAGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

�� OFF

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YOUR FIRST ���MINUTE MASSAGE SESSION

New clients only. Exp 11/30/13.

Geneva ��� S Third St, Suite C, Geneva, IL �����

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elementsmassage.com/geneva Find out why people love us at facebook.com/elementsmassage

kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 49

H&F

tension, and the deep muscle manipulation helps to stretch out muscles and relax unwanted lactic acid.

H&F

NORTHWEST PODIATRY CENTER, LTD

FREE

CONSULTATIONS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Foot And Ankle Care Helping Your Feet Last A Lifetime

Aurora 630.585.8087 DeKalb 815.756.9491 Huntley 815.756.9491

Dr. Gregory C. Bryniczka*

Dr. Adam W. Bryniczka*

Dr. J. Allen Chvala, Jr.*

Dr. Richard R. Leitzen

Dr. Nicholas E. Vogelsang

Personalized Care by Board Certified Surgeons of the Foot and Ankle

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS *Diplomat, American Board of Podiatric Surgery *Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • Ankle Pain • Bunions • Corns • Sprains • Heel Pain

• Warts • Fractures • Diabetic Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Hammertoes

• Fungus Toenails • Ingrown Toenails • Orthotics • Foot & Ankle Surgery

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A SAFER, EASIER WAY TO TAKE YOUR DAILY MEDICINES

I By AMANDA MARRAZZO I

Keep coloring or let your silver shine?

The thought of going gray can be scary for many reasons, including the difficult transition to letting your natural color emerge.

Some women wonder if they’ll still look attractive and feel sexy with gray hair. Plus, there seems to be an almost societal push for women going gray to dye their hair.

A 2010 study in Aging and Society found that while people admire gray hair on others - have you seen Helen Mirren, Emmylou Harris or Jamie Lee Curtis lately? - we’re often averse to trying out the look ourselves. A poll at prevention.com found that 71 percent of respondents said women with gray hair can be sexy, while 78 percent say the same for men.

Going gray is an art that reflects a woman’s confidence whether she’s in her 30s, 40s or 50s, said style expert Rita Hazan of the eponymous New York City salon. Women can absolutely look fabulous with gray hair, but they may have to work a bit for it, Hazan said.

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“Some women look stunning and chic with gray hair, but oftentimes, gray hair needs a boost of shine,” she added.

Why do we gray?

As we age, hair starts turning gray as the hair follicles produce less color, and hair loses its pigment, Hazan said: “The lack of pigment increases the tendency to absorb chemicals and trace minerals that are often found in water,” leading to dull hair.

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Genetics and environmental factors can play a role in when your hair starts to go gray.

“Studies show that smoking is known to increase the rate of graying, as is poor nutrition,” Hazan said.

415 West State St, Geneva, IL 60134 • P: 630-232-0650 • F: 630-232-0637 • www.rileydrug.com

50 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

Geneva

Post-Acute Care & Rehab I Short Term Rehab I Orthopedic, Cardiac and Respiratory Rehab I Stroke Recovery I Complex Wound Management I Pain Management I Enteral Therapy I Bariatric Care I Infectious Disease I Palliative and Hospice Care I Respite and LongTerm Care I Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

By Melissa Erickson People who are under a lot of stress tend to shed more hair, according to trichologist Sandra Gilman, educational director for the Elan Center for Trichology, which studies the health of the hair and scalp. When your hair grows back, it may grow in gray.

Care for any hair To get back your hair’s shiny gloss, some women may want to use a color-corrective product that will also eliminate yellow from gray hair, Hazan said.

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“To keep the shine, condition hair often,” Hazan said.

“I recommend washing hair with a formula geared for gray once a week to counteract yellowing caused by the environment (sun, pollutants, hard water). But beware because many of these products contain a blue tint that can cause a purplish cast. Avoid products with dyes, such as colored stylers, which can tarnish gray hair.”

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No matter what color hair is, it should be protected with a hat from the sun, she added.

“Environmental damage is never good, so we have to do whatever we can to protect hair and skin.”

Dealing with feedback The decision to go gray will elicit reaction from friends, family and co-workers who may comment on the change, which can take months from start to finish.

“It is likely grays will start showing up slowly for most people,” Hazan said. To smooth the transition, a professional stylist can artfully place lowlights as the gray grows in. Or, you can wait it out, trimming off the old color until all that’s left is pure silver.

The haircut you chose “depends on an individual’s lifestyle, facial features and personal style,” Hazan said. “For gray to look chic, the cut should be modern and contemporary,” she said.

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kanecountymagazine.com

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 51

H&F

| The decision to go gray will elicit reaction from friends, family and co-workers who may comment on the change, which can take months from start to finish.

FALL SPECIAL For Mill Creek Residents Only! **$25 OFF your session fee you you mention this ad!** Voted Best Photographer in Kane County!

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s

Animal elter

Ander

on

Sh

PETS

A Humane Society

Remember Our Homeless Animals this Holiday Season

By Anderson Animal Shelter

Featured Sponsor: Tanglewood Kennels

Charitable giving during the holidays is a rewarding experience and one that can greatly impact an organization. Anderson Animal Shelter’s compassionate and humane treatment of homeless companion animals continues due to the generosity of kindhearted supporters year round but especially during the holiday season. A monetary gift in any amount or in-kind donations aid the Shelter in continuing to provide quality care and much needed services for homeless pets in our communities.

There are numerous ways to raise funds or give to the Shelter that are creative and fun while incorporating enjoyable hobbies and engaging others. Your mission of helping the animals will also bring awareness to this worthy cause by involving family, friends, students, neighbors, co-workers, and the community.

Operating a Shelter of this size can be costly and at times expenses can be unpredictable. When at resident capacity, it typically costs the Shelter over $100.00 per day to feed the cats and dogs, $250.00 a week for cat litter and $500.00 a month for laundry. Expenses that can fluctuate based on resident population include things such as medical supplies which can run upwards of $1,000.00 a week or veterinary services which vary greatly based on the animal’s need.

If giving monetarily isn’t possible, consider in-kind donations.

Do you belong to a group or membership organization? Maybe a

company you are involved with can do an employee donation drive.

The Shelter is always in need of everyday items such as garbage bags, laundry soap, paper towel, bleach and dish soap and various items for our companion animals. These items are fairly inexpensive and may consist of things you have extras of at home. Supplies like these are used by the volunteers and staff who care for Shelter residents.

They also keep the animals fed and cared for and make all the difference in providing them with comfort and entertainment until they are adopted into loving homes.

Do you have other ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Your support and enthusiasm will make a difference and that is a rewarding experience that lasts throughout the year. As you embrace the joyous spirit of the season, we encourage you to consider helping the animals at Anderson Animal Shelter. The residents of Anderson Animal Shelter and their future families thank you for your generous support.

To find out more please contact us at: www. andersonanimalshelter.org, (847) 967-2880 x25, or development@ andersonanimalshelter.org.

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www.tanglewoodkennels.com

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GLUTEN-FREE POTATO AND PARSNIP HOME FRIES 2079 Rt. 38 (Lincoln Highway) 356 N. Randall Rd. St. Charles, IL 60174 North Aurora, IL 60542 630.443.1472 630.701.1372

Holiday Pet Hazards While you are busy making your festive plans for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, please don’t forget to include your pets. The holidays are a time for giving, but there are some things you should not share with your furry friends. Once you know the hazards, a little precaution and prevention will make holidays a happy time for everyone.

Some of the more common holiday hazards include: Bones: The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don’t feed them to your pet. Beware of steak bones, too. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Holiday plants: Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. The lovely poinsettia may not be truly poisonous but its milky white sap and leaves can certainly cause severe gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties available each year, the best approach is to keep the plants out of your pet’s reach.

Pine needles: Check around holiday trees frequently. Ingested pine needles can puncture your pet’s intestines.

Holiday tree: Make sure your tree is well secured. If you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog with a happy tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall, using strong cord or rope. Preservatives often used in the water in a tree stand can cause gastric upsets, so be sure it is inaccessible or not used. Avoid sugar and aspirin additives in the water as well.

Ornaments: Sharp or breakable ornaments, dreidels, and even aluminum foil should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons, are to be safeguarded at all costs. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach.

Stress and company: With everyone coming and going, watch out for open doors and sneaky pets. Make sure your pets have updated collars and tags on in case of escape. Microchipping your pet will also help if your pet escapes. All pets should have at least two forms of id on them at all times. Ask guests to keep an eye out for pets under foot and remind them that sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a special quiet place with a blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful.

Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Comprehensive Treatment, Compassionate Care, For Your Companion Pet

animalhousevh.com 54 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Don't overlook your

parsnips Oh, the poor parsnip! When placed alongside its brightly colored cousins - beets, rutabagas, carrots, turnips - it is easily overlooked.

Despite its pale countenance, the parsnip is robustly flavored. Some say it tastes like a cross between a carrot and celery. Like all root crops, the parsnip is a boon for soups and stews, but this homely vegetable truly shines when roasted.

In a twist on home fries, diced parsnips and potatoes are roasted in olive oil, along with onions and peppers. It's great for a group brunch because using the oven instead a skillet frees your stovetop for other dishes. As a bonus, roasting instead of frying means you use less oil, thus adding fewer calories.

This hash-browned blend is equally at home next to a pork chop or a slice of quiche. You can fool around with the seasoning, perhaps using thyme instead of rosemary, or adding a blast of heat with cayenne.

Parsnips are a flavorful addition to soups and pureed side dishes, so try substituting parsnips for half the potatoes or carrots in your favorite recipe. Pureed parsnips would make a change up from the expected yams or butternut squash on your Thanksgiving table Try a blend of parsnips, onion and tart apples in a thick, spoonable side dish lightly scented with allspice.

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into small cubes (about 4-5 potatoes) 1/2 pound parsnips, peeled and sliced, large slices halved (about 2-3 parsnips) 2 T olive oil, divided 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced 1/2 t garlic powder 1/2 t ground rosemary 3/4 t paprika Preheat oven to 425 F. Put potatoes and parsnips in a bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on a large nonstick baking sheet or baking sheet greased with shortening. Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven. Add red pepper, onion, seasonings and second tablespoon of oil; stir to coat. Bake for another 20 minutes, stirring once, or until golden brown and cooked through.

- Adapted from recipe in "Naturally Gluten-Free Foods" by Olivia Dupin

PARSNIP AND APPLE PUREE 1 1/2 pounds parsnips, peeled and chopped 2 T unsalted butter 1 cup finely chopped onion 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped 1/2 t salt 1/4 t freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup sour cream 1/8 t ground allspice, or to taste Combine parsnips with enough water to cover in saucepan; bring to simmer, cover and cook till very tender, about 20 minutes. Melt butter in 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat.

Add onion, apples, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until apples are tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

Remove from heat. With slotted spoon, transfer parsnips to food processor. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Add apple mixture. Puree until smooth. With motor running, add sour cream and allspice. Add enough cooking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin puree to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

- From "The Gourmet Cookbook"

- More Content Now

kanecountymagazine.com

The

Happiest of Holidays

...

is a full plate for everyone

$30 provides a holiday meal for a hungry family.

Donate today at www.SolveHungerToday.org

ÂŽ

Sponsored by:

2011 Dean Street, St. Charles, IL (SE Corner Dean & Randall) 630-587-9400 • www.kidsconnection.info

showcase ANDRIA BURCHETT | Geneva “NEPALESE WOMAN AND CHILD” COLORED PENCIL ON WHITE In a small village in Nepal, several missionaries invited the children to sing songs, play, and do a children’s Bible lesson.

Parents and grandparents started to shyly surround the perimeter of where they were meeting. This particular mother sat through the whole visit, and seemed genuinely intrigued by the foreigners in her village.

Andria Burchett's original background was in fashion design. In 1990, however, she started producing colored pencil and graphite creations, which have won her multiple awards. Her work appears in both private and corporate collections.

In a small village in Nepal, several missionaries invited the children to sing songs, play, and do a children’s Bible lesson. Parents and grandparents started to shyly surround the perimeter of where they were meeting. This particular mother sat through the whole visit, and seemed genuinely intrigued by the foreigners in her village.

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artist

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours!

Thank You for Voting Hazen Insurance The Best Insurance Agency for the 5th year in a row!

Family owned and operated.

Serving you and the community since 1980.

Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health 1100 West Main Street, Suite B, St. Charles, IL Small enough to know you. Large enough to serve you.

p 630-485-5100 f 630-485-5200 www.hazeninsurance.com

Retirement isn’t an end. It’s just the beginning.

Burchett's work will be available in a show at Oscar Swan Country Inn in Geneva. See related story on page 7.

A long and successful career should be followed by a long and happy retirement.

Make it happen for you, by investing properly and following a solid investment plan both now and through your retirement years.

Rick Romano Senior Vice President Financial Advisor 10 West State Street, Suite 204 Geneva, IL 60134 630-262-2038 rick.romano@morganstanley.com

As a Financial Advisor, I have the experience and resources to help develop an investment plan to help you realize the retirement you envision, manage any changes to your circumstances or goals and keep your wealth working for you. Call me today, and let’s get started.

www.morganstanleyfa.com/ rick.romano

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

© 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. GP11-01370P-N09/11 7177651 MAR005 07/12

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 57

creating your story through the lens

630.639.1078 | jodimichellephoto@gmail.com jodimichellephotography.com |

O&A

Life

Photos by Heather Nelson

SOCIAL

Hundreds of friends of fashion and art converged for the

Fine Line Creative Arts Center Fashion Show and Boutique at the Q Center in St. Charles.

O&A

NOVEMBER EVENTS In Kane County November 3 | Orion Ensemble's “Danube Destinations” 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2300 South Street in Geneva Orion turns to the works of three German-speaking composers: Ludwig van Beethoven, Paul Hindemith and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. All were prolific in many musical genres and innovative in their writing styles, influencing the composers who followed them. Single tickets are $26 for adults, $23 for seniors and $10 for students. Admission is free for children 12 and under.

For more information, call 630-628-9591 or visit http:// orionensemble.org.

November 8 | Stars & Stripes Gala 6:30 p.m. at Piper's Banquets, 1295 Butterfield Road in Aurora Featuring Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch as the guest speaker. Other guests will include Joe and Helen Rippinger and John Carr, veterans of Aurora. Tickets are $90 each, and include a 5-course dinner, dessert and soft drinks. For tickets or more information, visit www.presencehealth.org/starsgala.

November 8 | Los Lonely Boys 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Rockpango, a Spanglish term coined by the Tex-Mex triumvirate, is the guys' recently-released fourth studio album and embraces the spirit and sound of their infectious Latin rhythms. An ode to fandango and huapango, Rockpango is the ultimate in celebratory fiesta rock. Don't miss your chance to hear the band and their hit single "Heaven!" Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit

www.oshows.com.

November 9 & 10 | Chicago Pet Show 10am-5 p.m. both days at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road in St. Charles Get nutritional and wellness advice from local pet food and clinics. Meet rescue animals that need forever homes and fellow pet lover volunteers. Admission is $7 per adult. For more information, visit www.

ChicagoPetShow.com.

November 9 | 39th Annual Mothers Club of Geneva Arts and Crafts Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave. in Geneva Shop more than 100 crafters, purchase delicious baked goods and bid on a variety of raffle baskets.

All proceeds benefit area philanthropic programs.

Admission is $4. For more information, call 630-7804264.

November 9 & 10 | The Bronx Wanderers Sock Hop Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles The Bronx Wanderers Sock Hop returns to the Arcada following a 2-night stint last year. Performing all your favorite hits, you don't want to miss these guys! Tickets start at $19. For more information, call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

November 10 | The 8th Annual Geneva Veterans Benefit Buffet 5 p.m. at Villa Verone Ristorante, 416 Hamilton Street in Geneva Featuring from Villa Verone and prizes. Proceeds provide comfort items and sporting event outings for veterans at Hines Hospital. Reservations are required.

Jobs may change.

Retirement dreams don’t have to.

If you’ve left a job and have a 401(k) or other retirement accounts, don’t forget about them. Rolling over assets you have with former employers or other institutions to an Ameriprise IRA can be important in making your retirement dreams a reality.

Understanding and managing your retirement income strategies can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

To start a conversation, call me at (630) 762.6556.

Steve Smith Financial Advisor Associate Vice President 3 N. Second Street, Suite 200 St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 762.6556 Toll Free: 1 (800) 942.5959 Steven.L.Smith@ampf.com

MORE WITHIN REACHSM Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

Tickets are $25. To register or for more information, call 630-232-1423.

November 11 | 7th Annual Veterans Celebration Concert 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles North High School, 255 Red Gate Road in St. Charles This free concert salutes veterans, men and women of the armed forces and their families and friends. Songs from each branch of the armed forces will be played to recognize the veterans present. Orion Samuelson of WGN will serve as the master of ceremonies. For more information, call 331-228-6416 or visit www.scnmusic. com/veterans.

November 16 | Gino Vannelli 8 p.m. at The Arcada

Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Since his debut release of Crazy Life, in 1973, Gino Vannelli has remained one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Gino Vannelli has sold over 10 million records worldwide, with hits including "I Just Wanna Stop," Living Inside Myself," "People Gotta Move," "The Wheels Of Life," and many more. Tickets start at $39. For tickets or more information, call 630334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

November 22 – Who's Who 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles "Who's Who" presents the music of Tommy and other Who classics. Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows. com.

November 23 | Walk Like a Man: Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 8 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles This is a musical production celebrating the most memorable music of the 1960's. Starring Val Martinez (formerly with the Four Seasons), Donnie Jasmin, Frankie Ortega and Wilson French. Tickets start at $29.

For tickets or more information, call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

November 23 & 24 | 3rd Annual Artisan Craft & Food Fair Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Road in Elburn Handmade art, housewares, knitted items, decorative goods, candles, and more for sale making great personal holiday gifts. For more information, visit www. heritageprairiefarm.com.

November 24 | Hot August Nights: An Evening of Neil Diamond 5 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Dean Colley will perform his tribute to Neil Diamond.

The singer, backed by his top-notch show band, will recreate the legendary concerts performed by Neil Diamond at the Greek Theater in August of 1972.

Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 1 | An Intimate Night with Michael Bolton 7 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles When you want to hear a soft rock ballad, Michael Bolton is your man. He's had 8 top 10 albums and sold over 50 million albums. Tickets start at $69. For tickets or more information, call 630-334-0817 or visit www. oshows.com.

© 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

60 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

O&A

Vero Voce Theater

Presents

OF MICE & MEN Show Dates/Times:

Nov 7-24, 2013 Thu-Sat at 8 pm Sun at 3 pm

Tickets: (630) 584-0139 or www.verovoce.com/theatre 951 State Ave., Suite F • St. Charles, IL • 630-965-0825 www.verovoce.com • www.facebook.com/verovoce

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Remodeling • Additions • Kitchens • Baths

TOM RITCHIE

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tomritchieconstruction.com • 630.584.4400

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013 | 61

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Find Us

HERE! Geneva Ace Hardware | 617 W. State Anabella’s Salon & Spa | 1414 Commons Dr. Anytime Fitness | 10 W. State Artemesia | 101 S. 3rd St. ATI Physical Therapy | 1002 Commons Dr. Carlson’s | 728 W. State CDI | 1416 S. Randall Rd. Cocoa Bean Café | 11 S. 7th St. Coffee Drop Shop | 227 S. 3rd St. Comfort Inn & Suites | 1555 E. Fabyan Pkwy.

Curves Geneva | 2401 Kaneville Rd Delnor Hospital | 300 Randall Rd Denim Loft | 208 W. State Fox Chiropractic | 423 Hamilton St. Fox Valley Ice Rink | 1996 S. Kirk Fox Valley Ortho | 2525 Kaneville Rd Fuller Car Wash | 1122 E. State St. Geneva Chamber | 8 S. 3rd St. Geneva Opticians | 1000 S. Randall Rd Geneva Place | 27 N. Bennett Geneva Public Library | 127 James Geneva Train Station | 328 Crescent Good Cents | 220 W. State Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse | 308 S. 3rd St. Graham’s Chocolate | 302 S. 3rd St. Greenfields | 0N901 Friendship Way Hamilton House Dentistry | 309 Hamilton St, Ste C Heartland Blood Centers | 649 W. State Inland Bank | 1900 W. State St. Josef’s Meat & Deli | 716 W. State Kane Podiatry/Dr. Mytych | 2712 Blackberry Dr, Ste 112 KCT Credit Union | 28 N. 5th St. Khanna Dentistry | 425 Hamilton St. Mario Tricoci | 1749 S. Randall Rd Michael Angelo’s Deli | 477 S. 3rd St. | Ste. 184 Mill Creek Market | 39W250 Herrington Blvd.

Montage | 612 W. State Moveable Feast | 321 Franklin St. Needle Things | 426 S. 3rd St. New Balance | 1749 S. Randall Rd Niche Restaurant | 14 S. 3rd St. OS2 Salon | 507 S. 3rd St. Oscar Swan Country Inn | 1800 W. State

62 | NOVEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Park Place Interiors | 407 S. 3rd St. Pearle Vision | 1749 S. Randall Rd Per Cup | 316 Crescent Prairie Path Podiatry & Spa Ltd | 4 S. 6th St. Riley Drugs | 415 W. State Sav Way Fine Wines & Spirits | 515 W. State Soup to Nuts Health Foods | 716 W. State St. Charles Bank | 2401 Kaneville Rd. Stand Off Computers | 823 W. State St. State Street Jewelers | 214 W. State St. Strawflower Shop | 210 W. State Tanna Farms Golf Course | 39 W. Hughes The Gift Box | 310 W. State The Mossy Twig | 31 S. 3rd St. The Reserve of Geneva | 2508 Kaneville Rd Veiled In Elegance | 15 W. State St. Villa Verone | 416 Hamilton St.

Batavia A Step Above Dance Academy | 103 E. Wilson Batavia Chamber | 106 Wilson Batavia Creamery | 4 N. Island Batavia Floral & Gift | 109 S. Batavia Batavia Public Library | 10 S. Batavia Bee Attitudes | 9 S. Batavia Bulldog Hotdogs | 32 N. Island Curves | 833 E. Wilson Designs | 1952 W. Fabyan Pkwy Elan Hair Salon | 22 N. Island For All Occasions | 235 W. Wilson Fox Valley Children’s Medicine | 1180 W. Wilson Holmstad | 700 W. Fabyan Pkwy.

Holmstad Michealson Center (Sandi Valatis) | 831 N. Batavia Ispirare School of Music | 104 1st St. Lisa’s Heads & Nails | 237 W. Wilson Riverwest Family Fitness | 108 1st St. Special Occasions on the Avenue | 2 N. Batavia Ave. T Water Street Studios | 160 S. Water St. Urban Style Salon | 3 E. Wilson X Sport | 81 N Randall Rd Zano Salon & Spa | 2016 W. Wilson

Hampton Inn | 2875 Foxfield Rd Hilton Garden Inn | 4070 E. Main St. Holiday Inn Express | 1600 E. Main St. Hotel Baker | 100 W Main St. Il Giardino del Dolce | 131 S. 1st St. J.P. Jewelers | 151 S. 1st St. JC’s Guitars Music Lessons | 962 S. Randall Jeans and a Cute Top | 161 S. 1st St. Jenny Craig | 2672 E. Main St. Jet Hockey Training Arena | 731 N. 17th St. K & K Fitness & Yoga | 5N201 Shady Oaks Ct. Kimmers Ice Cream | 1 Illinois St. LaVince Hair Salon | 2728 E. Main St. LeBelle Donne Day Spa | 505 W. Main St. Lin’s Garden | 2400 E Main St. Lundeen Liquors | 610 E. Main St. McNally’s Irish Pub | 109 W. Main St. Mercedes | 225 N. Randall Rd. Nail Service | 3827 E. Main St. Pheasant Run-Hotel | 4051 E. Main St. Physicians Express | 2000 W. Main St. Remax Great American North | 40 Campton Crossing Dr. Rookie’s | 1545 W. Main St. Sports Plex | 1400 Foundry St. St. Charles Chamber | 3755 140 St. Charles St. Charles Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge | 1611 E. Main St. St. Charles Gymnastics | 720 N 17th St. St. Charles Heritage Center | 215 E. Main St. St. Charles Public Library | 1 S. 6th Ave Starbucks-East Side | 101 E. Main St. Steel Beam Theater | 111 W. Main St. Trellis Farm & Garden | 2N492 Kirk Rd Tri City Fitness | 1505 W. Main St. Valley Ambulatory | 2210 Dean St. Valley Nails | 2736 E. Main St. Vino Thai’s Restaurant | 3825 E. Main St. Wasco Nursery | 41W781 IL Rte 64 Woman’s Touch Healthcare | 1400 Lincoln Hwy Ste. E X Sport | 238 N. Randall Rd

St. Charles Al Piemonte Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge | 1611 E. Main St. Ameriprise Financial | 555 S. Randall Rd | Ste 100 AMG Physical Rehab | 1601 E. Main St. AMLI Appartments (Clubhouse) | 100 Lakeside Dr. Angel Nail Spa (Inside Meijer) | 855 S. Randall Rd Antique Market III | 11 N. 3rd St. Arcedium Coffee House | 60 Indiana St. Aviva Medical Spa | 3310 W. Main St. Baird & Warner | 870 S. Randall Rd Best Western | 1635 E. Main St. Blue Goose | 330 S. 2nd St. Bond DS | 202 S. Kirk Boudoir Salon | 111 S. 1st St. Clear Skin Dermatology | 2560 Foxfield Rd Colonial Café | 1625 E. Main St. Country Inn & Suites | 155 38th Ave Courtyard by Mariott | 700 Courtyard Dr. Curves | 1578 E. Main St. Cyndirella’a Academy | 1301 E. Main St. Delnor Glen | 975 N. 5th Eddie Caruso Hair Salon | 111 W Main St. Fairfield Inn & Suites | 2096 Bricher Rd Family Medical Center | 110 S. 17th St. FastFrame | 615 S. Randall Rd. Fox Valley Women & Children’s Health | 3310 W. Main St. Full Staff Music | 614 W Main St. Gabby’s Kitchen | 1650 W. Main St. Geneva Motel Inn | 100 S. Tyler

NOVEMBER 2013

Holm bRewed

Romancing

Comfort food, camaraderie and cool craft beer set Stockholm’s apart from the ordinary PAGE 19

the crowd

Acclaimed songstress Maureen Christine talks about life at the microphone PAGE 10

All about

hue

Fashion forward fur boasts big color, playful patterns at York Furrier PAGE 36

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