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SPAIN, PORTUGAL WEAVE TAPESTRY OF ENDLESS 4 NATURAL, HISTORICAL WONDERS
FunME travelers discover history and beauty across Spain and Portugal
INIGA PIZZERIA INTRODUCES REGION TO AUTHENTIC 7 NEAPOLITAN-STYLE PIZZA
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Arrives in DeKalb
BROTHERS COUNTRY SUPPLY- JUST WHAT 10 YOUR PET NEEDS
Brothers Country Supply opens in DeKalb
OAK CREST OFFERS PREMIER SENIOR 12 LIVING EXPERIENCE
Oak Crest offers full-spectrum senior living in DeKalb
Photography: Shaw Media
Project Manager: Lisa Angel
Writers: Johnathan Bilyk
Layout & Design: Sophia Gibilisco
Spain, Portugal Weave Tapestry of Endless Natural, Historical Wonders
By: Jonathan Bilyk
After 40 years of introducing DeKalb County residents to the world, Michael Embrey thought he knew all about Europe. That is, until his travels brought him for the first time to the Iberian Peninsula and the countries of Spain and Portugal.
“When most people think of Europe, they always think of places like Germany, France, Italy, Austria, maybe Prague, you know, places like that,” said Embrey. “But this is something so different. It’s just wonderful.”
For four decades, Embrey and his guests through his company FunME Events, of Sycamore, have toured the globe, sampling some of the best the world can offer, whether in gleaming modern cities or amid jaw-dropping historical and natural wonders. In recent years, FunME guests have explored Europe’s northern seaports and traversed the resplendent cities of Italy, among other destinations.
In 2026, Embrey and FunME will take globetrotters to Scotland and then on their always popular tour of the castles and pubs of Ireland. And in 2027, FunME has trips planned to allow explorers to ooh and aah at the majestic wild sights of an African safari, and then, later in the year, to again return to fair Italia.
Recently, though, Embrey said he and his fellow travelers were still left stunned and in awe by the sights, culture, and other gems uncovered during a 14-day tour of Spain, Portugal, the straits and Rock of Gibraltar, and the Moroccan city of Tangiers, guided by Globus Tours.
“Everywhere you looked, it was extremely picturesque,” said Embrey. “But beyond that, everywhere you turned, it was history at its best.”
The tour began and ended in Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid. In between, Embrey and his fellow explorers traveled a grand loop through Spain’s southwest corner, one of the world’s most important and history-soaked corridors.
From early prehistory, that section of the peninsula, from what is now central Spain to the straits of Gibraltar – known to the ancients as the Pillars of Hercules – has been a contested and desirable stronghold and center of trade, commerce, and culture.
To the ancient Greeks, it was known as Iberia. To the Carthaginians, who colonized the region and established key trading posts, ports, and fortresses to guard their gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, the land became known as Ispania. The land kept its name when it switched to Roman rule, as the Empire called it Hispania.
For hundreds of years after Rome, the region came under the rule of the Muslim Moors, who crossed the straits of Gibraltar and conquered from North Africa. They called it Al-Andalus, a name which lives still in the ancient province of Andalusia. After the Catholic Spanish kings and Portuguese drove the Moors from the peninsula, the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal rose to power, in turn, colonizing vast swaths of the Americas.
All of those elements and influences of the region’s rich and diverse past remain on ornate display in the southwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, blended to make the place unlike any other in Europe and the world.
About 55 miles west of Madrid, for instance, travelers quickly encounter the ancient city of Segovia. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Center, Segovia offers visitors glimpses into the medieval age, with its Jewish Quarter, narrow streets, and fortifications, and deeper still, thanks to the preserved arches of the 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct, which dates to at least 50 B.C.E.
From there, the tour transported travelers through the western high plains of Spain to the city of Salamanca. Another World Heritage site, Salamanca is renowned for both its golden Renaissance sandstone architecture, but also the ancient University of Salamanca, Spain’s first such central hub of higher learning, which helped to standardize the Spanish language. Next, the tour wound into beautiful Portugal, stopping in the capitol and largest city of Lisbon.
Embrey said Lisbon stood out as one of his favorite stops on the tour, thanks to the city’s mix of amazing food, history, and stunning art and architecture. From Lisbon, the tour headed south and east, back into Spain, stopping in the Andalusian inland river port city of Seville. The city,
also a World Heritage site, is famed for its Moorish palaces, architecture, and tiled streets, as well as its history as the birthplace of the passionate dance form known as flamenco.
In myth, the city was founded by the Greek god Hercules. But it was enlarged under both Roman and Moorish rule, before growing wealthy and notable as a gateway port for trade from the Spanish colonial empire.
From Seville, the tour hopped onto Hercules’ pillars on the Britishcontrolled island of Gibraltar, then across the Straits of Gibraltar to enjoy a magical night in the city of Tangiers, Morocco, before ferrying back across to spend time on the stunning beaches and the Mediterranean cities of Spain’s Costa del Sol region.
From there, the tour wound its way back north to the former
Moorish stronghold of Granada, with its stunning Alhambra palace and fortress and its renowned tapas food culture, and then north to the Castilian city of Toledo (pronounced “tow-lay-doe”), a key medieval city from Spain’s Middle Ages, which served as Spain’s capital until 1560.
Embrey said this region, also known as “La Mancha,” captured his interest and his heart, as the storied home of the fictional insane would-be knight, Don Quixote, “The Man of La Mancha.” While the novelist who created Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, hailed from a town near Madrid, the area around Granada and Toledo served as the backdrop for Quixote’s adventures.
“They love Don Quixote there,” Embrey said. “And I’ve always loved that story, too. So, to be able to be there, in those lands, to see La Mancha, that was a special treat.”
Embrey said in some ways, he has struggled to find words to describe the rich tapestry of beauty, both natural and
manmade, and the history he and his cotravelers took in on the trip. Embrey noted that those visiting these historic cities and landscapes are advised to be in good health and to bring comfortable walking shoes.
Most of the exploration will be done on foot, particularly in the cities, which are ancient, with narrow, often maze-like street layouts, paved for cobblestones, built for a time long before vehicles.
From stunning cathedrals, four stories tall, with ornate stained glass and gold leafing, and two-story church organs to palaces, and countless other architectural wonders, to the food, art, music and dances, and the history that whispered from every stone, street and turret, it was just moment after moment, everywhere you turned,” Embrey said.
FunME will return to Iberia, with the next excursion to Spain and Portugal slated for 2028.
Embrey said it is that kind of tour that guests should always expect to find on a FunME vacation. “We don’t just sightsee,” said Embrey. “We want people to make lasting memories, to come back and say, ‘I didn’t just go on vacation. I experienced something.’”
Iniga Pizzeria Introduces Region to Authentic Neapolitan-Style Pizza
By: Jonathan Bilyk
Tim Cottingim knows he’s not introducing “pizza” to DeKalb, but the owner of Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana said he may be introducing some in the DeKalb region to their first taste of what people from the birthplace of pizza consider to be real pizza.
“We know this (type of pizza) isn’t really around here,” said Cottingim. “We’re bringing something different to the table.”
In late 2025, Cottingim opened his new restaurant, Iniga Pizzeria, in downtown DeKalb at 206 E. Lincoln Highway. The restaurant, whose name is an Italian word pronounced Ee-neega, which roughly translates to ‘fiery,’ opened inside the space at the corner of Lincoln Highway and 2nd Street, long associated with Eduardo’s Mexican restaurant.
Eduardo’s, which had operated for nearly four decades until it closed in 2019, left an unoccupied space until Cottingim brought Iniga to town. But Iniga’s story actually began about 45 miles south down Route 23 in the city of Ottawa.
For most of his adult life, Cottingim had worked by trade as a union painter. Cottingim’s life changed when he was at last introduced to pies prepared in the style of old Napoli, widely considered the birthplace of pizza.
“I tried this style of pizza one day, and said, ‘Why would anyone not want this over the American kind of pizza we have here?’” Cottingim said.
Realizing it was difficult to find such pizza locally, Cottingim decided to bring it here himself. He then dedicated himself to learning the ins and outs of preparing the perfect Neapolitan pizza. He traveled to Los Angeles to complete education and certificate programs taught through VPN Americans, the primary program offered in the U.S. through the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletano (AVPN. Those completing their programs are qualified to prepare authentic Neapolitan-style pizza using traditional techniques.)
Returning home, Cottingim eventually opened the first Iniga Pizzeria in downtown Ottawa in 2019. While anyone in north and central Illinois is likely familiar with local varieties of pizza, Neapolitan-style pies offer a very different experience. On the surface, the products are similar, offering a wheat flour crust, topped with tomatoes or sauce, cheese, herbs commonly used in Italian cooking, and meats or other vegetable toppings, ultimately baked in an oven.
However, that’s where the similarities end. Neapolitan pizza is typically smaller, with a thin, but soft and toothier crust, and instantly
While his intent had always been to operate two locations, Cottingim said economic realities dictated he needed to commit to the DeKalb location alone. So, with the lease on his space in Ottawa expiring, Cottingim turned to the task of preparing the former Eduardo’s space for the new home of Iniga Pizzeria.
“It took a while, but we got it right,” he said. The most important part of the renovation involved the installation of a new open hearth wood-fired pizza oven, imported from Italy, a key element in making every pizza turn out perfectly. “We use Neapolitan recipes and stay true to Neapolitan style,” Cottingim said. “Everything about our food is meticulous.”
In addition to the authentic Italian ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes and premium imported olive oil, Cottingim noted Iniga makes its own mozzarella and sausage fresh, in-house.
In addition to pizzas, patrons can also find a range of other Italianstyle entrees and antipasti (appetizers), including burrata, salads, meatballs, and pasta dishes.
recognizable thanks to its high, airy edges. Toppings are also typically simple, with tomatoes or sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. The pizzas are then baked in a high-temperature oven, usually fired by wood, but sometimes natural gas.
Neapolitan pizza’s different composition also means they are typically eaten ‘Italian style,’ as well, with a knife and fork, while seated at a table, as a single serving with one pizza per person, not sliced, shared or eaten by hand.
Cottingim said the key to authentic Neapolitan-style pizza lies in the ingredients and preparation. He noted Neapolitan pizza demands only certain high-quality ingredients, such as doublezero flour, a finely milled, silky flour commonly used in Italy; fresh yeast; imported or certified San Marzano tomatoes; fresh mozzarella cheese; and even the right kind of mixer.
A typical, commercial-grade planetary mixer is simply too strong and fast for Neapolitan pizza dough. Patience, Cottingim said, is key. “To get that consistency right, you need a slower fork mixer,” Cottingim said. “There’s no substitute. Then, the dough must sit for at least 18 hours to be ready for making pizza the next day.”
Then, he said, the pizzas are typically baked quickly, in a 750–800-degree oven for about 90 seconds and brought quickly to the table.
After about five years in Ottawa, Cottingim said he was looking to expand the operation to DeKalb. “With (Northern Illinois University) and a larger, diverse population base, we felt this would be a great fit here,” Cottingim said.
Cottingim said popular items on the menu include the traditional marinara pizza and Margherita pizza.
Other favorites include the spicy Diavola pizza, which adds soppressata and red chili flakes to the traditional Margherita pie; and the Mais pizza, which includes fresh corn, cream corn, red chili flake, and cilantro, along with mozzarella and Parmesan Reggiano.
Non-pizza favorites include the smoked oyster salad, and for dessert, the deconstructed lemon olive oil cake, which includes lemon curd, blackberry coulis, fresh blueberries, toasted coconut, and a lemon mascarpone frosting.
Cottingim said the response from the community and others in downtown DeKalb has been outstanding. He particularly noted Iniga has been welcomed well by their neighbor, Class VI wine bar, which allows patrons to bring in pizzas from Iniga Pizzeria to pair with their wines, and by the nearby Egyptian Theatre.
“It’s been a great partnership,” Cottingim said, noting Iniga Pizzeria has enjoyed significant crossover foot traffic from those attending the theater’s assortment of shows. Cottingim noted customers can also order pizzas and other food from Iniga Pizzeria to go, including through food delivery service DoorDash.
Cottingim said those looking to truly enjoy Iniga Pizzeria’s pies should take the time to stop in and try it for themselves, fresh at the table. “It’s the best pizza experience,” he said. “And you’ll really see how it’s different.”
Brothers
Just What Your Pets Need
Country Supply touts ‘big box’ selection, pricing, great customer service
By: Jonathan Bilyk
One of David Bankowski’s favorite parts of his job is telling people not to buy something in his store. For more than two decades, Bankowski and his brother, John Bankowski, have built Brothers Country Supply into one of the top spots in the region for pet owners, livestock owners, and other animal enthusiasts to find exactly what they need for their animal friends, companions, and work partners.
One of the biggest reasons for their success, said David Bankowski, is the store’s commitment to providing top-quality products, prices, and service with the customer and their animals in mind.
“There have been so many times we tell people in our stores: ‘You don’t need that. Put that back,’” Bankowski said. “But that is just part of what sets us apart. I enjoy dealing with people and listening to their needs. We want to make sure what we sell fits our customers and our customers’ animals.”
Brothers Country Supply made its entrance in DeKalb County in February 2025, opening its newest location at 1702 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. The pet and animal supply retailer got its start in Ottawa in 2004, when the Bankowski brothers were presented with the chance to purchase what was then a small pet store.
The owner was looking to retire, Bankowski said, and offered the business to the brothers to keep going. At the time, he said, he was working as a farrier blacksmith, in the trade of shoeing horses in the Ottawa area.
The store at the time focused on supplies for “pets and birds,” Bankowski said. “We’ve always loved animals,” he said. “So, we said, ‘Why not?’”
But before too long, the Bankowski brothers had used their knowledge of animals and “good, common business sense” to quickly grow the business into the 6,800-square-foot space still occupied by their flagship location at 339 W. Stevenson Road, a short hop from the Ottawa Walmart Supercenter.
In the years since, they’ve added more locations, generally following state highways leading north and east from Ottawa. Brothers Country Supply opened its next outlet in Morris, before adding storefronts in Oswego and Plano, and, most recently, DeKalb.
Bankowski said Brothers Country Supply also prides itself on setting down roots in every community in which they may land. This has included establishing partnerships with animal shelters or other animal welfare organizations in every community in which they have a store. In DeKalb, the company has partnered with Tails Humane Society. Elsewhere, Brothers Country Supply has partnered with Rescued Rascals, of Oswego; VIP Service Dogs; Kats & Kritters Foundation; and Pet Project.
In addition to its partnership with Tails in DeKalb, Brothers Country Supply has also partnered with
Northern Illinois University athletics to become the official food supplier for Mission, the live Siberian husky mascot for the NIU Huskies.
Under the multi-year partnership, Brothers Country Supply will provide Open Farm dog food for Mission, and the Brothers Country Supply logo will be included on Mission’s vest, as well as on a patch on the jersey worn by NIU’s costumed mascot, Victor E. Huskie.
Both mascots will also be featured on co-branded social media posts and will make instore appearances at Brothers Country Supply locations.
In the two decades since they launched, Bankowski said Brothers Country Supply has become a retail destination, of sorts, as they have grown a loyal clientele of regular local customers, while generating interest from people much farther away.
Bankowski said the company remains in growth mode, and customers should look for still more locations to open in other communities in the region in the coming months and years. He declined to discuss where he and his brother are looking to open next.
However, wherever they go, Bankowski said pet and animal owners should expect to find the same combination of “great selection at great pricing with great service.” Bankowski said the secret to Brothers Country Supply’s success lies in its ability to deliver customers with “the best of both worlds.”
On one hand, Bankowski said the brothers have developed a network of suppliers who enable them to stock their warehouse and distribution center and their stores with more than 12,000 products for customers, at any price point, from the budget-conscious to those looking for premium products.
Brothers Country Supply, for instance, carries more than 50 brands of dog food, he said.
Bankowski said the brothers’ connections within the animal supply industry enable them to offer products and supplies for just about any kind of animal, as well. While customers can come into the store to find traditional pet supplies for house pets, like dogs, cats, small mammals, wild birds, aquarium fish and reptiles, Brothers Country Supply also provides more direct-to-customer service and products for those needing supplies for animals more associated with farms and barnyards, including horses, llamas, pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, poultry and more.
“Some of these products are needed by the pallet load, so those we deliver to you, straight from our warehouse,” Bankowski said.
But Brothers Country Supply is not limited by the products it has on hand, Bankowski said.
“I tell people, ‘If I don’t have it in my inventory, I can find it for you,’” Bankowski said.
He said this includes supplies for just about any kind of animal, including exotics.
Bankowski related that he has even succeeded at finding food supplies to support a tiger rescue operation. “There’s really not an animal we don’t cover,” Bankowski said.
Bankowski said this level of inventory and distribution sophistication enables Brothers Country Supply to go toe-to-toe with the biggest players in the game, including online retailers like Amazon and Chewy.
What sets Brothers Country Supply apart is its commitment to customer service. “We don’t act like a big box or online store,” Bankowski said. “When you come to our stores, you’ll find a comfortable, ‘mom-and-pop’ style shopping experience, with the best prices. And we’ll make sure you leave with exactly what you need for your animals.”
$12
PER PERSON
Breakfast Bunnythe
Saturday, April 4 7:30-9:15am
Community Center
480 Airport Rd, Sycamore
Registration required by March 28 NO REGISTRATION ON SITE
Welcome the bunny to and share breakfast with family and friends. Breakfast includes: Eggs, Sausage, Pancakes, Juice, & Coffee.
Each child receives a craft to take home while supplies last. Balloon sculpting. All ages.
Oak Crest Offers Premier Senior Living Experience
By: Jonathan Bilyk
For people entering their golden years, there may be many goals. From spending more time with family to travel, hobbies, and relaxation.
According to Linda Sherman, director of admissions at Oak Crest Retirement Center in DeKalb, there is an overarching goal to simplify life. “There are always going to be responsibilities that come with life. But we want to allow you to have time for the things you enjoy, whatever it is,” she said.
For more than four decades, Oak Crest has provided senior citizens from DeKalb County and elsewhere the chance to retire comfortably and continue to live well, while staying close to home. The nonprofit, singlesite retirement community offers opportunities and support for senior citizens, no matter their condition and stage of life.
Currently, the facility boasts about 260 residents living on its 30-acre campus on DeKalb’s north end, nestled in the space along Greenwood Acres Drive, behind Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. Like many modern retirement communities, Oak Crest exists to support senior citizens on their journey through the latter decades of life.
Oak Crest offers Medicare skilled nursing beds for those who require the most assistance, Sherman said. She noted Oak Crest recently expanded that element of housing, adding more Medicare-certified beds to its license.
Sherman said Oak Crest is far more than a skilled nursing facility. In addition to the skilled nursing setting, Oak Crest offers a variety of other living arrangements, all built around the goal of helping residents live as independently and fully as possible for as long as possible.
“Our youngest resident is 68, and our oldest is 106,” Sherman said.
“People like to do a lot of different things within that 40-year age span.”
Oak Crest offers full independent living apartments and duplexes, as well as assisted living units. She noted some residents currently living on their campus have been at Oak Crest for 30 years.
“When people join us here, we anticipate being together for a long time,” Sherman said.
Oak Crest’s well-apportioned independent living apartments and townhomes come in a range of sizes. Some measure as small as 600 square feet, while others come in at 2,200 square feet, increasing in 300 square foot increments in between.
“Some people like not having much space to fill,” said Sherman. “Others really want it, whether for entertaining family and friends, or just to have that extra room for sewing or some other hobbies or whatever they enjoy doing at home. We all have different lifestyles. And here, there are choices for people.” As recently as 2016, Oak Crest completed its most recent expansion, a 70,000-square-foot project that added 23 new independent living residential units and other amenities, including a larger fitness center with a swimming pool, to the campus.
Sherman noted the expansion helped Oak Crest respond to growing demand from senior citizens seeking larger and better independent living spaces. Oak Crest designed its new apartments to include some punch list items that may not spring to mind when thinking of retirement communities, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and customized layouts.
The units include full kitchens, in-unit laundry, balconies, and even the opportunity for heated parking. The demand for such spaces has not abated in the decade since. “We’re still seeing that trend continue today,” Sherman said.
The project has allowed Oak Crest to not only add in-demand living spaces but also amenities that continue to increase their residents’ quality of life and enjoyment. The larger fitness center, for instance, offers a range of “land-based exercise programs” with new equipment, while also offering aquatic fitness programs in the facility’s pool. All are designed to help residents remain strong, mobile, and well-balanced.
“Improving and maintaining balance is so important at these stages of life,” said Sherman. “We are committed to keeping everyone as healthy as possible.”
The expanded fitness center has also allowed Oak Crest to deepen its partnerships with Northern Illinois University. Students in NIU’s kinesiology program regularly come to Oak Crest to work with residents.
Oak Crest also partners with the neighboring Kishwaukee Family YMCA to support its aquatic fitness programs.
Oak Crest further supports intergenerational opportunities for residents in other ways, as well, including other partnerships with other departments at NIU, as well as Kishwaukee Community College and local elementary and high schools.
Residents can enjoy visits from nursing students at both NIU and Kishwaukee, as well as nutritional education sessions with students in NIU’s dietetics program and performances from students in NIU’s music programs.
“The energy the students bring is just contagious,” said Sherman. “Our residents love it.”
But health and wellness are just one aspect of life at Oak Crest. The community offers residents a host of opportunities for socialization, recreation and lifelong learning, as well, including worship services in its chapel, an on-
Independent Living with Comfort, Community & Peace of Mind
Looking for a lifestyle that offers both freedom and support? Oak Crest’s spacious apartments and duplexes are perfect for seniors who want to enjoy life on their own terms—without the hassle of home upkeep.
Why Choose Oak Crest for Independent Living?
Lower Entrance Fees
We offer lower entrance fees, without complicated refund structures.
Spacious Floor Plans
Choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed apartments and duplex homes.
Vibrant Social Life
Enjoy clubs, fitness classes, events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Delicious Dining Options
Dine with friends, have lunch in our café, or cook in your own full kitchen – the choice is yours.
On-Site Health & Wellness Resources
Access support if your needs change—without leaving campus.
Sherman noted Oak Crest’s pub stands out as a popular regular destination for residents, offering a space to kick back and catch up with friends. The facility offers a full bar and a range of beverages, along with pizza or appetizers.
The pub also offers regular activities, including the popular trivia nights. “It’s a way to get to know other people who live right next door,” said Sherman.
Most recently, Oak Crest has welcomed onto its campus the Lifelong Learning Community. Formerly known as the NIU Lifelong Learning Institute, Lifelong Learning is a member-directed group, mostly including adults over the age of 60, whose motto is: “Just learning for the fun of it.”
If one spouse requires more extensive care, the other spouse can continue to live in an independent or assisted living unit right there on campus, and still visit their spouse daily, Sherman said, usually without ever having to brave the elements outdoors.
“It’s an amazing way to make sure they stay together, with all the resources they need nearby,” Sherman said.
Sherman noted that, to transition to assisted living and skilled nursing care, residents must have first arrived at Oak Crest in independent living. Residents must be at least 62 years old and move through the Oak Crest admissions process, which includes financial reviews and health and independence assessments.
The subject matter changes with each module and is designed to “satisfy that continuing thirst for knowledge, and to keep up on what’s going on,” Sherman said. Topics are taught by knowledgeable members, and have included history, art, science, politics, and movies. In the fall of 2025, for instance, participants engaged in the history of Egypt. Lifelong Learning is open to non-Oak Crest residents, as well.
Sherman noted the range of opportunities and levels of assistance and care available at Oak Crest make the community an outstanding destination for senior couples to grow old together, no matter the differences in their physical and mental abilities. She noted that at least 50 couples reside at Oak Crest.
She said residents mostly arrive at Oak Crest from DeKalb and the surrounding regions. Several residents, she said, include those who moved away from the area at or near retirement, but decided to return after a few years, usually to be closer to family once more.
“When they do the comparison, they see just how good of a value Oak Crest offers,” said Sherman.
The next few years at Oak Crest will include projects to renovate and refurbish some areas of the campus, beginning with the health care units in 2026. “Our focus will remain on keeping Oak Crest the premier site for senior living,” said Sherman. “And a great place for people to call home.”
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