JULY 2017
the
AMERICANA
ISSUE
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INSIDE
AMERICANA
8 I AM AMERICAN Immigrants share stories of love, sacrifice and living the American Dream 10 ‘FORGING A PRESIDENT’ Local author William Hazelgrove probes the past to unveil little known moments of American history
HEALTH & WELLNESS
12 BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD Organizations for veterans offer service and fellowship
TRAVEL
14 RIDES BY NIGHT Summer shows for classic car connoisseurs
BUSINESS & CIVIC
44 THE GLASS-HALF-FULL GUY: The American heart
OUT & ABOUT
FASHION & BEAUTY
46 CLASS-A ENTERTAINMENT Cougars hit home run with this month’s lineup of family fun
HOME & LIFESTYLE
24 SUMMERTIME BLUES … and pinks, reds, orange and yellows 26 IF WALLS COULD TALK Historic gems keep Kane County’s curious past alive
DINING & ENTERTAINING 28 THE DINER SIDE OF LIFE All-American eateries serve up nostalgia, with a side of bacon (extra crispy)
WEEKEND
30 TOP DOGS Restaurants offer riffs on America’s summertime staple
Photos provided
32 AL FRESCO DINING Perfect patios for dinner and drinks
Five beautiful resorts to relax, rejuvenate and play
40 WISCONSIN WEEKEND Five beautiful resorts to relax, rejuvenate and play
16 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION Former educator Nan Phillips prepares students to be seekers of knowledge 20 GET THE LOOK! Cover girls bring back the ’50s via Jori and June in Geneva
40 WISCONSIN
38 TRAINING GAME Triathlete comes back from injury just in time to compete in Ironman
45 STAR-SPANGLED SUMMER Fireworks and Fourth of July festivities in the Fox Valley
48 FAMILIES ON THE FAIRWAY Tournaments give young golfers a moment to shine – on and off the course 51 BOOK NOOK Immersive reads into the American experience 52 ARTIST SHOWCASE Geneva artist Ana Zanic shares a watercolor piece, entitled “Origin” 54 CALENDAR See what’s happening in Kane County this month!
36 PICNIC PERFECT Pack a basket with tasty fare along the Fox River Trail 4 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
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Editor's Note What does it mean to be American? I’m sure we all have varying degrees of insight to offer on this one. Having been all over the world, I will just say that no, we’re not perfect. There are many flaws in our system. But being born in this country is kind of like hitting the jackpot. If for no other reason than this: opportunity. Some may even be of the opinion that the American Dream is an archaic ideal. No longer an option – especially in the aftermath of the recession. So, we’re telling the stories of a few immigrants living and thriving in Kane County. And they’ve assured us that the American Dream is still very much a reality. They’re living it afterall, and it’s one of the reasons why they came to this country in the first place. For the pursuit of happiness.
Within these pages, you’ll find out where to hunker down for fireworks this Fourth of July; which foodie enclaves offer an enticing riff on an all-American classic – the hot dog; why diners continue to be the perfect place for a piece of pie and a slice of nostalgia; and what kind of class-A entertainment is on the docket for Cougars baseball. Looking for a luxurious resort for a weekend retreat this summer? Wisconsin just might be the right spot to relax, rejuvenate and play. Happy Fourth of July! Thanks for reading,
DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLISHING Laura Shaw 630-427-6213 lshaw@shawmedia.com
Kara Silva, Editor
This month’s Americana issue is a celebration of our culture and identity.
EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com
on the
COVER
In this year’s Americana issue, we’re paying homage to the classics – from 1950s pin-up style and vintage cars to summertime staples like baseball and hot dogs. Celebrate America’s favorite pastimes, beginning on Page 14. Styled by JORI AND JUNE IN GENEVA Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Hair - Brynn and Annalise Makeup - Stephanie and Kat
6 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288 www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Kelsey O’Connor, Kevin Druley, Jonathan Bilyk, Allison Horne, Peter Stadalsky, Allison Manley, Melissa Riske, Elizabeth Harmon, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Yvonne Benson PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney
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.
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
I AM AMERICAN
Immigrants share stories of love, sacrifice and living the American Dream By KEVIN DRULEY
A
sk the next person you see what “the good life” entails, and you’re liable to get a different answer than the one you hear from the person you see after that. Material wealth may or may not appear in the response, and some might invoke the idea of the “American Dream.” Diversity and unity were among the building blocks of the United States, and the immigrants who helped further the country’s foundation brought new ideas of comfort and culture with them. Here are three stories about the lives of immigrants working or living in Kane County, with each touching on the sacrifices they made and what being an American means to them.
of what motivates me.” De Los Santos’ wife, Lindsey, works as a licensed counselor, and marvels at her husband’s ability to take care of people. “Sergio’s personality is just perfect for this kind of business, because he’s just all about hospitality – taking care of people,” Lindsey De Los Santos says. “He can’t get enough of being around people and ‘busyness.’ And not a lot of people have that capacity to be inundated 14 hours a day with people and problems and ‘busyness’ … I can’t understand how he does it, but he loves it.” Lindsey De Los Santos, a Glen Ellyn native, met Sergio De Los Santos while working a shift at a restaurant in 1994.
Sergio De Los Santos
“It was a love at first sight story,” Lindsey De Los Sergio De Los Santos first visited the United Santos says. “So, I guess that because we met States during a vacation from Mexico in the early and hit it off, then he ended up staying here.” 1990s. Before meeting his wife, a sense of family had His perpetually energetic demeanor persists been tugging at his emotions. nearly three decades later, and teamed with “After I started saving money, all I wanted was his work ethic, which is equally apparent, and to go back to Mexico,” he says. “I wanted to a desire to help his family financially – in part visit my family. Back then, my grandpa passed – is what motivated De Los Santos to turn his away, and I’m like, ‘What am I doing here? I’m cooking prowess into a full-blown business when just going back to Mexico. I mean, I’m losing my he opened Sergio’s Cantina, 30 W. State St., in family.’” Geneva. But once he met his wife, Sergio De Los Santos “When I started working, I mean, obviously, I had no choice but to stay, he recalls. wanted to help my parents,” De Los Santos says. “It was kind of like magical,” he says. “As soon as “You can’t do too much in Mexico. It was, like, really hard to survive. And here, if you work hard, I saw her, I’m like, ‘Wow.’” you can get whatever you want, and that’s kind Sergio’s Cantina will celebrate its 10th 8 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
AMERICANA
anniversary in November, the product of its owner’s hard work, and because friends urged him into the business to begin with. The couple often hosted dinner parties during the early years of their relationship, and visitors wondered aloud why Sergio De Los Santos couldn’t open his own restaurant. Sergio De Los Santos ultimately agreed. With his wife alongside him and support being offered by his parents, two sisters and their families – awho all live in Mexico City – he followed the path in front of him, and opened his own restaurant. “Hard work, I mean, it does pay off, and I think that’s just the key to having the American dream,” Sergio De Los Santos says. “You come into this country, and you’ve just got to be a part [of it] and work hard, and I think it is possible.”
Kamyab Shakouri Kamyab Shakouri learned enough intricacies about his father’s craft to eventually join him as a coworker at Greg’s Shoe Repair, 722 E. State St., Geneva. His father, Hossein Shakouri, has taught his son much more since the family emigrated from Iran in 2005, and every lesson stems from an appreciation of the unique opportunities the family enjoys in the United States. Great and small alike. “To me, just in my eyes, if you find something that you love and you’re passionate about and really makes you happy – to me, that’s the American dream, you know,” Kamyab Shakouri says. “If you’re satisfied, if you’re happy where you’re at, if you work somewhere that you really www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
Hossein Shakouri (second from left), owner of Greg’s Shoe Repair, spends a moment with his family including daughter, Paradis, wife Shirin, and son, Aryan, in his Geneva shop.
like and your conditions are great and good, to me, that’s the American dream.”
Kamyab Shakouri, who delayed coursework at Waubonsee Community College to assist his father.
Although she and her husband moved to the U.S. for different reasons, they found one another just the same.
“He needed the help, you know. That was the biggest reason, because he was alone,” Kamyab Shakouri says. “Ever since then, I’ve just been helping him out and doing anything for the business that I can.”
“You know what, for me, it was more because I met him, and I just loved the lifestyle here and the way it is totally different than where I came from,” Isabella Romano says. “For them, he has three other siblings, so there were no opportunities back in Italy, or as many as there were here.”
Shakouri’s wife, Shirin Klingerman, was the daughter of a former coroner at the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran, making her a U.S. citizen. Amir Shakouri, a 2012 Geneva graduate, is the oldest son of Hossein and Shirin. Kamyab Shakouri comes next. Younger brother Aryan is set to enter Batavia High School in the fall, and sister Pardis, the lone Shakouri sibling born in the U.S., will be in third grade.
“My country, Iran, is way different than here, He believes that to have good life in America you you know. I love it here,” Kamyab Shakouri says. “When I first came here, I went to school, made don’t need to be wealthy. friends, loved the nature – loved just the way it “It’s not really about how much money you have is. Obviously, the country has had its problems or how many houses you have, how many cars, over the years, but if you work hard, if you dream even though some people may look at it that it, obviously, you can do anything you want in way,” he says. “But, I don’t really, you know. I just life.” think about being loved, having a loving family Hossein Shakouri says that he has returned to and just having a good life. That’s it.” Iran once since 2005, but remains in touch with The Shakouris consider their customers an others there via phone. His correspondences extension of that family. It’s evident in the often feature a familiar theme. meticulous nature of their handiwork and the “I’m constantly happy,” Hossein Shakouri says. nature of the vast majority of exchanges inside the shoe repair shop. “Tell me what I owe you,” one customer says during a recent afternoon. “Ten thousand dollars,” Hossein Shakouri replies with a playful grin. “Times 10.”
Tony and Isabella Romano
Isabella Romano emigrated to the United States from Poland 11 years ago, trailing her husband, Tony, an Italian immigrant, by nearly two decades.
Since Tony Romano was interested in cooking, he decided to open Romano Mercato Italiano. “Ever since he came here, he used to work for all different Italian restaurants, and then at one point, he opened his own,” Isabella Romano says. “So, he’s been doing it for years.” Consequently, Isabella Romano cedes any culinary prowess and expertise to her husband, describing herself as “more the paperwork and managing kind of person.” “I’m not too much into cooking,” she says. The Romanos, who live in Bartlett, first owned a fast food/pizza establishment in Franklin Park, near O’Hare International Airport. Anticipating a move to the West Coast, the couple sold that restaurant before relocation plans faltered. Ultimately, those events simply opened the door to develop and open Romano Mercato Italiano, a deli that offers reasonably-priced sandwiches, salads, pizzas, desserts and other Italian food. The restaurant, which will celebrate its two-year anniversary in December, also provides group and outdoor seating. The couple both has family in its respective homelands, and tries to take visits to Italy and Poland at least every other year.
Amid innocent laughter, Shakouri and a customer Together, they operate Romano Mercato Italiano, settled on an appreciably less expensive repair 310 Cedar St., St. Charles, where both revel in Naturally, the Romanos each hold fond memories bill moments later. sharing a life together that began simply enough. and feelings about their formative years, but “This is good, you know. I like it,” Hossein “I came here on vacation and started loving it,” have found bliss together in an Italian restaurant Shakouri says. “For me, number one – I love Isabella Romano says. “I met Tony, I went back, I near the Fox River. the people. A lot of different people, but I’ve stayed there for a while (in Poland) and decided “Opportunities most of all,” Isabella Romano found they’re all … very nice to me, very nice to to permanently move here.” says. “We’ve done things that we probably my family. Nice to everyone, you know. I love Isabella Romano was working at a Chicago café could have never done. Visiting other countries people.” that her future husband frequented when they … enjoying a vacation. Which, if we would have Kamyab Shakouri, 21, graduated from Batavia first met. The encounter added incentive for stayed there, I don’t think it would be possible. High School in 2014, finishing his studies after Isabella Romano to consider building a future Also, having our own home and being able to spending his freshman and sophomore years in America after earlier aspirations to pursue a run a business, I don’t think that would have at Geneva High School. The family’s relocation career in education in her homeland. happened back at home.” simply expanded their Tri-Cities network, says www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
AMERICANA
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 9
‘FORGING A PRESIDENT’
LOCAL AUTHOR WILLIAM HAZELGROVE PROBES THE PAST TO UNVEIL LITTLE KNOWN MOMENTS OF AMERICAN HISTORY By JONATHAN BILYK
Everyone – particularly after the most recent presidential election – knows a woman has never served as President of the United States. But don’t tell that to St. Charles resident and author William Hazelgrove, whose last book told the story of Edith Wilson, who – when her husband, President Woodrow Wilson, became incapacitated in 1919 – essentially ran the White House. After tackling such a monumental yet little known moment in American history, it perhaps only made sense for Hazelgrove to take on the origin story of a larger-than-life president whose visage actually adorns one of America’s largest monuments. In May, publisher Regnery History released Hazelgrove’s latest effort, “Forging a President: How the Wild West Created Teddy Roosevelt,” which is available through booksellers everywhere. The book takes up the life of America’s 26th president – whose exploits, words and policies played an oversized role in shaping America’s future as a superpower, and whose likeness, in homage, now towers above South Dakota as a part of Mount Rushmore National Memorial – telling the story of how South Dakota and America’s Wild West first shaped Theodore Roosevelt. Kane County Magazine caught up with Hazelgrove, who answered some questions about the book, his career as a writer and his life in the Fox Valley.
Q: You are the author of a dozen novels, as well as “Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson.” And you’ve served as the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence. What inspires you to write? A: I went through the school of hard knocks in becoming a writer. I probably have 500 rejection letters over time, and slowly became a better writer through developing my craft. I usually find something that appeals to me emotionally and that’s what gets the fingers flying. Good writers write by emotion and not from plot. Lately, with narrative nonfiction, it is some piece of history that intrigues me and then I am off. In “Madam President” and “Forging A President,” both came from reading biographies. In “Madam
President” I came to realize that Edith Wilson was our first woman president, and in “Forging A President,” I put forth the idea that the West created Teddy Roosevelt. Q: How did you come to settle in St. Charles? A: I started in Chicago, Oak Park, then moved further west as the family expanded. I think this westward migration is pretty classic. We live outside of town and my office is over my garage. It is a great place to write as there are few distractions and low commute time. I literally just walk upstairs. Q: How did you come to settle on Teddy Roosevelt’s “Cowboy Years” as the subject of your latest book? Without spoiling too much, how did Roosevelt’s time in the West influence his later actions and overall demeanor, and shape world history? A: I settled on Teddy Roosevelt after reading that his wife and mother died on the same day in 1883. He then went West for three years and
came back the barrel-chested Teddy Roosevelt we know from history. His transformation from a sickly asthmatic to the man who would personify “the vigorous approach” to life intrigued me. What happened in the West forged Teddy Roosevelt and created the man who would eventually become President. Q: How long was this book in the works? A: The book took two years to write. Research takes longer than actually writing the book. Since I was a novelist first, the writing is easier for me than the research. Q: What’s next on your horizon? A: I have a book coming out in the fall called “Al Capone and The 1933 World’s Fair.” It is about the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933, and the fight to rid the city of Capone before the fair opened. What is incredible is this fair was put on during the worst year of The Great Depression when Chicago was broke. But first they had to get rid of Al Capone.
u For more information about local author William Hazelgrove and his work, visit williamhazelgrove.com. 10 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
AMERICANA
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BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD Organizations for veterans offer service and fellowship By ELIZABETH HARMON
The symbols are familiar: the Memorial Day “Buddy Poppy,” sold to benefit disabled veterans; the color and honor guards, which offer final salutes at the funerals of veterans; the parades and solemn observances that unite us in remembrance.
Memorial and more. According to www. vfw.org , the organization has 6,536 posts worldwide.
For generations, the Veterans of Foreign War, the American Legion and AMVETS have played vital roles in our communities and continue to do so today.
American Veterans, commonly known as AMVETS, was formed after World War II. It is open to anyone who honorably served, or is currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. According to www.amvets.org the organization has more than 250,000 members and is America’s largest veterans group.
“We do so many things people don’t even realize,” says Robert Phillips of St. Charles, incoming commander of St. Charles American Legion Post 342. While the organizations are dedicated to serving local communities and helping veterans on local, regional and national levels, there are differences between them.
Photos provided
12 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in 1899 by veterans from the SpanishAmerican War to secure benefits for their service. The VFW worked to establish the Veterans Administration, secure expanded educational benefits for active-duty service men and women, and have helped fund memorials for the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, the planned Desert Storm AMERICANA
VFW membership is open to former servicemen and women who have served in a foreign war.
The American Legion was chartered in 1919 as a “patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.” It is committed to community service through scholarships, educational outreach, public events and celebrations, and more. The organization also advocates for veterans. According to www.legion.org, the American Legion has 13,290 posts. The American Legion is open to those who served in the military during wartime, though not necessarily at the battlefront. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
July 22 – 23, 2017
Geneva ArtsFair drawsa crowd The
“It doesn’t matter if you served in a war zone, or stateside, if you’re a veteran, you’ve served,” says John DePauw of St. Charles, Sargent of Arms for American Legion Post 342. Like a number of other Post 342 members, DePauw also is a member of St. Charles VFW Post No. 5036, and AMVETS. That cross-membership has fostered a united front between the St. Charles groups for veterans. The groups work cooperatively on the Memorial Day parade, cemetery observance and community picnic, which drew more than 1,000 people. Each June there is a Fox River boat outing for veterans from the Hines VA Hospital and DuPage Care Center nursing home. The veterans visit local schools for Veterans Day, and other occasions, to help students learn more about their service. During the holiday season, the “Be a Hero to a Hero” project provides stockings stuffed with toiletries and small gifts to more than 700 area veterans. The groups offer scholarships to deserving students and work to support a plethora of local service organizations, ranging from the St. Charles Arts Council to the Salvation Army. American Legion post 342 Commander Steve Ledbetter says that the St. Charles groups’ joint efforts are unique, but he feels that they can serve as a model to help veterans’ groups in other communities to thrive.
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AMERICANA
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 13
RIDES BY NIGHT I
f you revel in the idea of a rehabbed Volkswagon campervan or 1963 Corvette Stingray, then you might want to venture to a classic car show near you. Luckily, summertime provides the best opportunity for your classic car perusing, as classic car shows in Kane County run both weekly and monthly, while other events consist of a onetime, big blowout showing. Paul Zaccaria, owner of StreetStyle, Inc., considers himself a true vehicle connoisseur, and while he prefers more modern cars (his business specializes in them), he always finds time to attend all different types of car shows in the area. “Car shows are wonderful for so many reasons besides the summer weather,” Zaccaria says. “Young and old alike, every [vehicle] has a story to tell. Each story is as unique as the vehicles themselves.” Zaccaria often attends car shows that allow newer cars, and he often brings his StreetStyle demo car, which is a 2016 Ford Mustang GT with more than 750 horsepower. “Vehicle owners are always more willing to talk about their pride and joy with anyone willing to listen,” Zaccaria says. “Car shows also serve as a vast knowledge base for someone just getting into the hobby to do their research and education before making an investment and commitment.” Whether you prefer classic cars or new speedsters, car shows provide an enjoyable, lowcost way for families to spend warm summer nights. ST. CHARLES CRUISE NITES WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month, from April through September WHERE: Riverside Avenue, entrance at Walnut and Second streets, St. Charles MORE INFO: stcharleschamber.com 630-584-8384
14 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
St. Charles is switching up its cruise nights this year; instead of hosting them for six weeks straight, the chamber of commerce opted to spread them out, hosting a show once a month from April through September.
to enjoy.
“It’s a really nice location to be able to step back in time with these classic cars,” says Amanda Lutz, special events and marketing coordinator for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. “The people are really friendly, and it’s cool to see all of the works of art.”
“If you have a cool car, show up,” Emma says. “You can pretty much expect to see anything here.”
In addition to the cars, other cruise night features include a DJ, trivia, 50/50 raffles, giveaways and more. Entry is free for both the cars and anyone attending, and all cars, old and new, are accepted. For more information on St. Charles Cruise Nites or special events for each month, visit the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce’s website. GENEVA CLASSIC
CAR SHOW
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in July and August WHERE: Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. 3rd St., Geneva MORE INFO: genevachamber.com 630-232-6060 Every Thursday in July and August, the Kane County Courthouse is the place to be. Held in the parking lot of the courthouse, the Geneva Classic Car Show highlights both classic muscle cars and new, souped-up vehicles for everyone AMERICANA
One of the car show coordinators, Jim Emma, has been a part of organizing the event since its inauguration, and he has been working with cars and car events for more than 20 years.
The parking lot can house up to 228 cars, and everyone is welcome to bring their prized possession. Emma says that they’ve had original Shelby Cobras, a 1970s hearse, motorcycles, and much more. Emma doesn’t bring his own cars to the show anymore, but he says he has a Saturn Sky, a two-seat convertible that was made from 2006-08, as the star of his personal collection. “It’s free, there’s great food on premise, with bands, entertainment and, of course, it’s in beautiful downtown Geneva,” Emma says. “There are all kinds of restaurants – it doesn’t make any sense not to come; it’s just great entertainment. I’d go every night if I could.” Certain nights will be themed nights, including first responders’ night and veterans’ night, but those dates and times have yet to be determined. Other activities on site include a DJ, local bands, face painting and much more. For more information, visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s website.
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
Summertime Your Local Butcher
GENEVA CONCOURS
d’ELEGANCE
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 WHERE: Third Street from State Street to South Street, Geneva MORE INFO: genevaconcours.net 630-584-3107 As one of the best and most exquisite car shows in the area, the Geneva Concours d’Elegance brings more than 175 classic and exotic cars to the streets of Geneva for its 13th year. Registration is required to enter a car, and awards will be given out at 3 p.m. to the best vehicles. This year, Woodies, Indy-Style racecars and Buicks will be featured, as well as other cars that celebrate the 100th birthday of the Nash Automobile Company. Emma notes that it’s basically a “Pebble Beach car show,” and that it’s “the big one.” The event is free for the public to attend, but donations will be accepted. There are also two other reservation-only events on Saturday for car enthusiasts; more information can be found by visiting the Geneva Concours d’Elegance’s website. LASALLE STREET
ANNUAL AUTO SHOW
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 WHERE: S. LaSalle Street between Downer Place and Benton Street, Aurora MORE INFO: enjoyaurora.com | 630896-0181
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We dry age choice & prime cuts of American Beef and cut them to your specs!
COOKOUT FAVORITES! Homemade Italian or Polish Sausage • Brats • Aged Tender Steaks • BBQ Ribs • Jumbo Chops Signature Burgers for the Grill (12oz. each) • Tuscan • Blue Cheese • Bacon-Onion Cheddar • Jalapeno Jack 20 Different Fresh Salads Daily and Our Own Homemade Potato Salad What’s a party without Josef’s potato salad? Gourmet Sliders a Summer Favorite, They’re The Talk of The Town!
Featuring a full Line of Boars Head Lunceheon Meats Engstrom Plaza 716 West State St., Geneva
Historic LaSalle Street stays true to its roots with the ninth annual Historic LaSalle Street Auto Show. The strip of LaSalle Street between Downer Place and Benton Street was formerly known as “LaSalle Street Auto Row” and cars were serviced there starting in 1907. Stroll along LaSalle Street, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, while enjoying food, games, prizes, and plenty of vintage cars. Registration is open to the public and will begin before the event. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
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AMERICANA
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 15
LEARNING RESOURCE
Former educator Nan Phillips prepares students to be seekers of knowledge By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by RON MCKINNEY When Nan Phillips was in first grade, she felt what it was like to be the new student walking into a classroom. To this day, she has never forgot the experience of being the new kid. “I’ve always tried to be sensitive and welcoming, because I know it is not an easy thing to do, to be the new kid in a new school,” says Phillips. As a former educator, first as a classroom teacher and then as the director for the school’s learning resource center, Phillips has always strived to welcome others, to go above and beyond, and to step up where help was needed.
learners,” she says. As a learning resource director, she utilized her teaching skills while working with students, fellow teachers and when she managed the ever-changing role of technology in learning and in the classroom. She was there as schools moved from reference books to the Internet, from desktop computers to laptops. She guided students and teachers, while always looking for new ways to spark interests.
“She always went above and beyond,” says Joann Spitz, a Batavia resident who met Phillips more than 20 years ago when her oldest child For more than 20 years, was a kindergarten she served as the student at Louise director of the learning White School in “I have found my joy in resource center, first at Batavia. Through the Louise White School in teaching because it has years, the two women Batavia, and then she would cross paths been, and always will accepted a position at in school settings Batavia’s Hoover Wood be, about the children I and then beyond, School in 2001. At as they worked work with – to prepare Hoover Wood School, together on the Phillips was given the them to be life-long Batavia Foundation task of setting up the for Educational learners.” library, selecting books, Excellence and the establishing programs nonprofit Chip In and collaborating on technology. Batavia, which Spitz co-founded. “It was very challenging, and I loved it,” Phillips Phillips says that she has enjoyed finding says of the experience. ways to make a difference in the lives of her Phillips started her career as a first-grade students, helping them to not only learn but to teacher at McCleery Elementary School in enjoy school, as well. For almost 10 years, she Aurora. She has always loved school, from the organized a family reading motivation program days when she was a young girl raised on her culminating in an all-school field trip that parent’s farm in Huntley to attending college, allowed students to see a Kane County Cougars where she met her husband, Ray. He also baseball game. became a teacher, and has enjoyed a teaching “I just wanted to make those little memories. I career in Geneva. believe those are the key things that come out “I have found my joy in teaching because it has of childhood,” Phillips says. been, and always will be, about the children And, although she is retired, Phillips continues I work with – to prepare them to be life-long
16 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
BUSINESS & CIVIC
to care for those around her, serving her community through volunteer endeavors, leading committees and participating in fundraising programs. Earlier this year, she was appointed as a trustee for the Batavia Township and Countryside Fire Protection District. She has served as vice chairwoman for the Batavia Foundation for Education Excellence and, as chairwoman of the grant committee – which supports teachers’ classroom grants – she led the committee to establish the Batavia Public Schools 101 Hall of Honor and still serves as the chairwoman of the 15-member committee, which seeks to recognize outstanding alumni and volunteers of the school district.
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870 S. Randall Rd., Suite B St. Charles KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 21
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Summertime
BLUES
… and pinks, reds, orange and yellows with MEAGAN PROVENCHER
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he dog days of summer always bring great color to the garden, even though the weather is warm and sometimes rain is not reliable. I always ask clients if they have any dislikes in the garden and rarely do they say “color.” Occasionally, I have clients that don’t like a specific color, which is certainly fine, but most agree that the more color in the garden the better. My best advice for this time of year? Stop by a garden center and start browsing. Pick the ones that are blooming while you visit, and you will be guaranteed that bloom at the same time of year for years to come.
¢ Sun Perennials
CONEFLOWERS There are hundreds of varieties and colors, including yellow and orange
p SALVIA These stalwarts of the garden are the dark blues you see popping up everywhere. Want to know a secret? When they start to flop over after blooming, cut them completely to the ground and they will come back up and bloom again!
This is certainly not a complete list, but it will help you down the right path to color in the summer garden. Here are a few of my favorite colorful summer perennials:
p BEE BALM A vigorous plant that does well in hot sun and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators 24 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
BUTTERFLY WEED You must have orange bloomer for all gardens; it’s a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly
HOME & LIFESTYLE
DAYLILIES Don’t roll your eyes at me. There are so many nice colors other than the orange “ditch lilies” that you see everywhere. Daylilies are the fancy girls of the garden! “Bela Lugosi” is my favorite. COREOPSIS Dainty yellows and golds; it’s a good cut flower, has a long bloom time and is easy to grow ALLIUM I love the ornamental onions. (Ask every design client of mine I bet they have one or two in their yard and love them too!) They are reliable, easy, clean, no maintenance and attractive. GERANIUM (Cranesbill) A huge family of plants and every single one is different. They consist of mostly blues and purples, but also a few pinks and whites. They serve as good groundcovers and are great for reliable color and texture.
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¢ Shade Perennials HOSTA Again … stop with the eye rolling! There are so many cool hostas. Make sure you site them correctly (shade not sun!) and the leaves, colors, textures and size will blow you away! Favorites of mine this week? June, Sum and Substance, Liberty, Patriot and Blue Cadet.
Enjoy Your Yard This Summer! Visit Wasco Nursery to find beautiful flowers and foliage to add color and interest to your home.
CORAL BELLS u Another family of plants that is enormous. Every color leaf, from darkest black to the brightest lime green. The orange and purple of “Caramel” looks outstanding next to ferns. FOAM FLOWERS/ FOAMY BELLS u Similar to Coral Bells, but it has more dainty, deeply colored veins.
Locally grown trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials and a knowledgeable staff to assist you. Brightly colored hanging baskets, containers, geraniums, annuals, and tropical plants.
LIGULARIA Tall spikes, large leaves, great for shady spots that need exaggerated color. FERNS Not just the big Ostrich Ferns, but there are new varieties with colored stems, heavily cut leaves and more. Look for “Dre’s Dagger” or “Ghost” Meagan Provencher is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles. She was named the 2016 Illinois Certified Nursery Professional of the Year. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 25
IF WALLS gems keep COULD Historic Kane County’s curious TALK past alive By KELSEY O’CONNOR | Photos by KARA SILVA
I
f walls could talk, the walls in Kane County would have a lot to say. The area is brimming with historically significant structures that are tied to both local and national history. Together, these buildings bring the story of Kane County’s rich legacy to life. “Historic preservation is incredibly important,” says Allison Costanzo, executive director of the St. Charles History Museum. “We don’t want to forget the past. It defines the community. It’s ingrained in the everyday and in the fabric of the community.” While the stories of some local landmarks are common knowledge, other spots have lesser known, but equally fascinating, tales.
a group of angry townspeople stormed Dr. Richard’s home. The riot escalated and culminated with the mob firing gunshots into the home. One of the students responsible was killed and Dr. Richards was injured. The young woman’s body was returned and the school was promptly closed. Since then, the building has housed a dry goods store, a hardware store, and a law firm. Today, it’s occupied by Riverside Pizza & Pub (102 E. Main St.).
■ Campana Factory in Batavia
■ Elizabeth Place in Geneva
Much of Batavia’s early growth was due to a manufacturing boom during the turn of the 20th century, and the Campana Factory is a relic of that era. Many have driven by the striking factory at Route 31 and Fabyan Parkway, but less have heard the history of Batavia’s only landmark building.
Here are a few hidden gems that played an integral role in the shaping of the Tri-Cities:
■ Franklin Medical College in St. Charles
The Henry Bond Fargo residence, often called Elizabeth Place, is nestled near historic downtown Geneva. Henry Bond Fargo, a prominent local businessman, built the house in 1900. Fargo served two terms as mayor of Geneva and one term as an Illinois State Representative. He also was a driving force in the economic development of the area and spearheaded the creation of many local institutions.
The first medical school in the state was housed at 102 E. Main St. in St. Charles. The downtown building was built in 1836 and became the Franklin Medical College in 1840. The school, The home is named after Fargo’s first wife who founded by established doctor George W. died while the home was still being constructed. Richards, taught anatomy, surgery and obstetrics In 1919, he successfully petitioned the city to to eager students. rename the street Elizabeth, as well. The house It wasn’t long before the medical school and its is the embodiment of Mission Style architecture, founder became the target of public outrage. from its red tile roof to its baroque parapets. Two young students had robbed the grave of a A privately owned residence, the house has recently deceased young woman from a nearby undergone several restoration efforts, including town. When the empty grave was discovered, 26 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
the reconstruction of a porch that had been removed decades earlier. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
HOME & LIFESTYLE
Ernest Oswalt founded Campana Co. in 1927 and eventually became famous for its Italian Balm, a popular hand cream. The company changed the name of the product to Campana Balm during World War II due to growing animosity toward Italians. The product was a leading hand lotion by 1936, and Oswalt commissioned the construction of the Campana factory a year later. The company also began making lipstick, cologne, perfumes and more. The factory included many innovations that were ahead of its time. The art deco style included long strips of glass on the exterior that let more light into the building. Another innovation was forgoing mechanical devices and using gravity to move lotion from the third floor lab to the bottling area below. The Campana Factory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
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Diner side of life
All-American eateries serve up nostalgia, with a side of bacon (extra crispy) By ALLISON HORNE
If you go DADDIO’S DINER 134 W. Wilson St. Batavia 630-879-5299 www.daddiosdiner.biz
T
here’s something to be said about sitting down at a diner and immediately being greeted with a smile and a cup of coffee. Several establishments in Kane County have carried on the all-American tradition, serving as a friendly face to the community for decades.
and we know how you like it.”
STATE STREET DINER 630 W. State St. Geneva 331-248-0646 www.statestdiner.com
Definitely not a stranger to his customers, Noe GENEVA DINER Ortiz worked at Mel’s 14 S. 2nd St. Diner, the former Geneva restaurant that occupied 630-232-1288 One of Geneva’s oldest establishments, the space, and has been thegenevadiner.com the Geneva Diner, originally started in a railroad car in working in the same 1921. Although they’re no longer serving pancakes from building for more than inside an old vestibule, its menu includes homemade 20 years. fare just like Mom used to make. Daddio’s Diner in Batavia is another establishment that “It’s all homemade food, which people like,” manager Alex Ajazi says. “It’s family-owned. People like to come in and sit at the counter. It’s just like the old times. Who doesn’t like home cooking, you know?” Part of that “home-cooking” feel that goes hand-inhand with diners comes from the use of fryers and skillets as the main source of cooking. Pancakes, hash browns, omelets, and biscuits and gravy are just a few of the staples that can be found at most diners, with many adding a fun twist to the classics. When Karen Ortiz and her husband, Noe, first purchased State Street Diner about 15 years ago, they set out with the goal of combining fresh Mexican food with the regular diner classics. Now the duo boasts a menu that offers a slew of Mexican dishes, in addition to classic skillets and sandwiches. “Consistency is key,” Karen Ortiz says. “We try not to make too many changes, because when people go to a diner, they know what they want. We have that old-fashioned, your-coffee-is-on-your-table kind of establishment. They know what they’re going to order,
provides a fresh take on prototypical dishes. Owners Scott and Terry Beltran pride themselves on their “No Way Jose” special – a breakfast tostada with chipotle bacon refried beans – as well as the pancakes, which are as a big as one of the vinyl records donning the walls of the establishment. “It’s an old-school diner,” Scott Beltran says. “We do all the cooking right in front of everyone. It’s not your cookie-cutter joint. It’s from scratch home cooking. I call people by their names when they walk in the door.” Scott Beltran has 40 years as an executive chef under his belt, but he and Terry Beltran always knew they wanted to own their own diner, and are now celebrating 10 years at Daddio’s. They’ve recently updated the décor at the establishment, and even have an “I SPY” game that incorporates all of the trinkets on display at the restaurant. “We’re really the last of a dying breed,” Beltran says. The diners that have stuck it out all these years and are still around in Kane County definitely warrant a visit, if not for the nostalgia, than at least for the food.
Photos provided DINING & ENTERTAINING
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 29
Top dogs
Restaurants offer riffs on America’s summertime staple By KELSEY O’CONNOR
In the battle to be the official food of summer, hot dogs have to be a top contender. From ballparks and barbecues to your favorite drivethru, you’ll probably find someone with a hot dog in hand. Chicago style, chilli-cheese or plain on a poppy seed bun are just a few ways in which to enjoy a hot dog. But some local spots are going beyond ketchup and mustard to put their own unique spin on the iconic American fast food item. Whether it’s creative toppings or upscale ingredients, these unexpected twists on the classic dog are a far cry from the backyard barbecue of your youth. A good place to start is local favorite Mr. C’s Hot Dogs and More, 1350 E. Chicago St., Elgin. This family-owned fast food joint offers plenty of Americana nostalgia in both the decor and on the menu. That means red vinyl booths, checkerboard floors and all of your typical hot dog options.
menu offers four variations that are a serious upgrade from your typical frank. Of course, you’ll find a classic Chicago-style bratwurst and a Polish topped with onions, mustard and peppers. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, you can dive into a Buffalo Dog, which comes smothered in horseradish cream and giardiniera. Or take a bite out of the Duck Dog topped with cherry compote, blue cheese and red onion. For fun frankfurter options in more casual digs, look no further than Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs, 44W361 Rte. 64, Maple Park. The tiny fast food joint serves up home-style favorites, such as Italian beef, pulled pork and megaburgers. And there’s always room on the grill for hot dogs, too.
Plain Ol’ Dog is the most popular, there are plenty of fun toppings combos to choose from. The Pizza Dog is loaded with mozzarella cheese and marinara; the Diego Dog has salsa, bacon and cheddar; and the Sloppy Dog comes buried in Pete’s own homemade sloppy Joe recipe. If you’re extra hungry, make it a super dog for a frank measuring one-and-a-half time larger than your average dog. No matter how you top it, hot dogs are the perfect grub for your backyard barbecues, poolside parties and everything in between.
While the
But Mr. C’s doesn’t stop at typical. You’ll also find a slew of inventive options you won’t find anywhere else. For example, the Tamale Dog. A juicy frankfurter is nestled into a “tamale boat” then topped with chilli, cheese and onions. Or you can order your dog covered in creamy macaroni and cheese. Neither option will set you back more than $4. Still hungry? The Ditka is a deep-fried Polish served on toasted French bread with mustard and grilled onions. Or try the Francheezie, a cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped, deep-fried hot dog that’s sure to fulfill any craving. If you’re looking to elevate your hot dog experience, the Grandstander, 507 S. 3rd St., Geneva, serves up a gourmet version of the ballpark staple. The “Sausages” section of their 30 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
DINING & ENTERTAINING
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YOU’RE NUMBER ONE. If you go MR. C’S HOT DOGS AND MORE 1350 E. Chicago St., Elgin www.mrcshotdogsandmore.com 847-888-4600
THE GRANDSTANDER 507 S. 3rd St., Geneva grandstanderbar.com 331-248-0919
PETE’S FAMOUS HOT DOGS 44W361 IL-64, Maple Park 630-365-5650
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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 31
Al fresco dining Perfect patios for dinner and drinks By YVONNE BENSON
¢ ACQUAVIVA WINERY 47W614 IL-38, Maple Park 630- 365-0333 www.acquavivawinery.com
Enjoy a glass of wine and Italian cuisine on a patio overlooking the winery’s beautiful vineyard. ¢ PUB 222 222 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-584-4222 www.pub222stc.com
Pub 222’s award-winning outdoor courtyard includes twinkling lights, trees and is dog-friendly. Expect live music on many Friday and Saturday evenings. ¢ CHARLESTON ON THE RIVER 1 Illinois St., St. Charles 630-549-7712 www.charlestonontheriver.com
Visit on a Saturday, when the riverside restaurant doubles as a live piano bar (9 p.m.). ¢ CLADDAGH IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT 1702 Commons Drive, Geneva 630-208-0337 www.claddaghirishpubs.com/geneva
This Irish eatery’s outdoor balcony is fit with couches and fire pits, plus it overlooks a pond. ¢ PATTEN HOUSE 124 S. 2nd St., Geneva 630-492-5040
This restored historic home in Geneva doubles as a New Orleans-style restaurant and has a beautiful outdoor patio and wraparound porch.
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32 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
DINING & ENTERTAINING
Casual Dining in a Rustic Atmosphere On Featured Nights, after the ballgame, enjoy the fireworks display from our Patio. Located across from Fifth Third Bank Stadium, at the Northeast Corner of Fabyan Pkwy & Kirk Rd
¢ COUNTRY HOUSE 2095 S. Kirk Road, Geneva 630-208-8181 www.burgerone.com/countryrestaurant-geneva
Casual dining in a rustic atmosphere, Country House’s outdoor patio overlooks a pond, and is the perfect place to enjoy a beer and one of its renowned burgers. ¢ EL MOLCAJETE 227 S. Third St., Geneva 630-457-5348 www.molcajetegeneva.com
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Enjoy inventive margaritas and Mexican fare from one of two balconies overlooking popular Third Street in downtown Geneva. ¢ STOCKHOLM’S 306 W. State St., Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
Enjoy a refreshing beer tasting from this microbrewery, while seated on the covered back patio. ¢ PAL JOEY’S 31 N. River St., Batavia 630-593-6600 www.paljoeys.com
306 W State Street Downtown Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
Pal Joey’s, a casual Italian restaurant on the Fox River, offers award-winning deep dish pizza and enviable views.
DINING & ENTERTAINING
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 33
Farm Fresh ¢ Batavia Farmers’ Market This is the 22nd year of the annual Batavia Farmers’ Market, which takes place place from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, from June 3 through Oct. 28, on North River Street between Wilson and State streets.
On the third Saturday of the month, the market features the Artisan Collective. Enjoy living and shopping local with an additional 10-plus vendors. Shop handmade items from local artists and designers.
Enjoy over 30 different vendors offering a variety of vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, cheeses, herbs, flowers and more.
The market is the place to be on Saturday mornings with a free kid’s tent, pop-up street food vendors, and live music!
¢ Primrose farm stand Find fresh food at Primrose Farmstand
plants 130-plus varieties of fruits and vegetables that Primrose chooses for their practicality in the kitchen and Nothing tastes so good as a tomato beauty on the plate. The Farmstand plucked right off the vine or a also offers fresh light brown eggs freshly-picked ear of corn, yet few home gardeners have the time, space produced by Primrose Farm’s own resident Columbian Wyandotte or skill to put such edibles on their tables. That’s when it’s time to make a chickens. The hours are from 3 to 7 trip to the Primrose Farmstand, 5N726 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crane Road. A USDA-certified organic Saturday. For more information, visit primrosefarmpark.com. farm, the local Foxtrot Organic Farm
¢ geneva french market The Geneva French Market is an open-air European-style market that has made Geneva its home for over 17 years. Enjoy your choice of fresh vegetables and fruits of the season and so much more. Take home a bouquet of flowers to brighten your day. Stroll the aisles for fresh baked goods, honey and farm fresh eggs. At this market, treasures from myriad artisans
with unique gifts for the home and your family. The Geneva French Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through mid-November, located in the parking lot between Fourth and South streets near the Third Street Metra Station. For more information, visit www. bensidounusa.com.
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Pack a basket with tasty fare along the Fox River Trail By YVONNE BENSON There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors along the beautiful Fox River. Between bike paths, parks and forest preserves, the opportunities to appreciate nature are endless. So, why not pack a picnic to truly savor the moment. Here are a few grab-and-go spots to stock your picnic basket while biking or hiking the trails (Distances and travel times are not exact):
• 2-minute walk to the Fox River Trail • .3 miles to Mount Saint Mary Park Blue Goose Market is a family-owned grocery store. Some of its claims to fame include baked goods and homemade deli offerings. The rare roast beef sandwich and chicken salad are specialties, and a vast selection of gourmet meats and cheeses, specialty sodas, wines and craft beers makes it a no-brainer for your picnic planning. EARLY LIGHT CAFÉ 11 E. State St., Geneva | 630-296-6690 www.earlylightcafe.com • Located directly on the Fox River Trail A part of Mill Race Cyclery in downtown Geneva, Early Light Café is a perfect spot for delicious take-away options along the Fox River Trail. Menu items include smoothies made – 100 percent – with fruit; daily baked goods, like cinnamon rolls and donuts; locally-roasted coffee; ice cream sundaes and milkshakes; breakfast sandwiches,
Voted One of the Best Delis GENEVA in Kane Co. HOUSE MADE SANDWICHES, SOUPS AND SALADS. LOCAL ARTISANAL FOODS, CHEESES, CHARCUTERIE. EAT HERE OR TAKE TO GO. | PICNICS PACKED FOR YOU! 500 S. Third St., Geneva | 630-402-0139 | deanesmarket.com 36 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
DINING & ENTERTAINING
paninis and wraps; and more. Try the Avocado Toast with A Kick ($4.99). It’s made with Early Light Café’s signature gluten-free cheddar jalapeño bread – lightly grilled – and then topped with avocado, oven-roasted tomatoes, and a drizzle of cilantro oil. Yum! DEANE’S MARKET & DELI 500 S. 3rd St., Suite 141, Geneva | 630-402-0139 deanesmarket.com/menu • A 3-minute walk to the Fox River Trail • A 4-minute walk to the Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve Deane’s Market & Deli is close to the Metra train station for the convenience of out-of-town visitors. Many visitors bring their bicycles and lock them up outside of Deane’s Market. “Everything we do can be packaged to go, or they can eat it here,” says co-owner Vicki Deane. “We do no processed food; everything is clean label, and we smoke our own meats. We do a smoked chicken salad, and we smoke the chicken inhouse. It’s the yummiest thing you can eat.” Also offered at Deane’s is a line of cheeses, crackers, preserves and all kinds of craft sodas.
SM-CL0385650
PICNIC PERFECT
BLUE GOOSE MARKET 300 S. 2nd St., St. Charles | 630-584-0900 www.bluegoosemarket.com
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
Triathlete comes back from injury just in time to compete in Ironman By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY Christina Fleming was at her peak of fitness, having just finished a Half-Ironman competition, when an injury turned her world upside down.
From the outset, she discussed her determination to continue to train safely while allowing her injury to heal properly.
He wasn’t even surprised when she ran the Chicago Marathon, though he questioned her faculties.
In August 2015, the 43-year-old athlete was attending an outdoor master’s swim class at a nearby gym in preparation for upcoming triathlons and, ultimately, her first Ironman.
“I think I went into my very first appointment announcing that I wanted to continue training as much as possible,” she says. “We started the whole conversation from that mindset.”
“I thought she was insane,” Jim Fleming says. “She was in a cast at the time. Every shock you take with every step just jars that injury and causes pain.”
She wasn’t even in the pool when disaster struck.
¢ TRAINING WHILE HEALING
She stepped on the edge of the lap pool lane, and a plastic grate cover – which she later found out had a corroded screw – collapsed. Fleming fell into the shallow trench that was part of the pool’s filtration system, putting her arm out to break her fall. By the time she got to the locker room minutes later, she knew her wrist was broken.
And that’s on top of the normal uncomfortable Even though she broke her right wrist – and she’s feelings experienced when running 26.2 miles, he added. right-handed – Fleming initially didn’t think the injury was that bad. “I was incredibly proud, but not surprised,” Jim Fleming says. “It was just another demonstration “But after subsequent visits, I realized it was of her toughness.” going to take longer to heal and recover than I had expected,” she says. “Honestly, some of ¢ ONE TOUGH COOKIE the things I didn’t expect it [would affect were] Once her cast did come off, Christina Fleming taking caps off of bottles. The twisting motion entered occupational therapy at Northwestern was excruciating. You think your fingers are free Medicine Rehabilitation Services, attending two from the cast, and it’s not a big deal, but it is.” to three sessions a week for some time to regain
She drove straight to an urgent care clinic, where Still, under Dr. Makowiec’s supervision, the she was put in a cast and told to follow up with mother of three managed to run the Chicago a specialist. Marathon that October – cast and all. The diagnosis was more than a simple Colles “Dr. Makowiec and I had talked about how to fracture – a common injury sustained when a person falls with an outstretched hand. Fleming manage that because, when I was running, my wrist would swell more,” she says. “That was also had ligament damage. taken into account when my cast went on. I had So, Fleming sought advice from Steven E. Mayer, a custom splint made, too, [to] account for my MD, the team physician of Endure It! – the heavy activity.” triathlon club where Fleming and Dr. Mayer both train. (Endure It! is a Naperville- and Westmont- Fleming was even able to swim and bike with her based coaching, training and equipment facility, custom cast. and a resource for athletes from all walks of “I couldn’t put weight on my wrist for long time,” life and levels of fitness. The club has been she says. “But by being able to use my triathlon helping athletes reach their performance goals bike – and not put weight on it – I could train since 2006. For more information, visit www. indoors.” endureitsports.com.) Her husband, Jim Fleming, wasn’t surprised Dr. Mayer, who also is a Sports Medicine that his wife wanted to continue training while physician at Northwestern Medicine healing. Orthopaedics, suggested that Fleming see “One might use the word stubborn,” he says. “As Richard L. Makowiec, MD – Orthopaedic a husband, I would never use that word. I would Surgeon, specializing in hand, wrist and elbow say dedicated.” surgery at Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics.
function, flexibility and strength in her wrist. After she completed her therapy, there still was a mental battle to fight, particularly because the extent of her injury presented itself in one lingering form. “I used to do pushups, and it was probably a full year before I could do pushups again,” she says. “Now I can do them and I don’t think about them. [But] it definitely took some time to recover from that injury.” This November, all of Fleming’s hard work and training will come to fruition as she tackles her first full-length Ironman competition in Arizona – a 140.6-mile triathlon. “I’ve completely healed from the injury,” she says. “I’m not thinking about the risks when I’m out running, biking or swimming, and that’s important to me. I wanted to be able to do all the things I did before my injury, and I’m able to do that.”
THE PATH TO BETTER STARTS HERE. Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage and Delnor Hospitals offer specialized orthopaedic care, close to home. And when we say specialized, we mean it. If you injure your knee, you’ll see a knee specialist. Injure your shoulder, you’ll see a shoulder specialist. If you injure your hip, well, you get the idea. What else would you expect from a hospital ranked nationally for orthopaedics?* Learn more at rmg.nm.org/orthopaedics.
*Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital ranked #25 in Adult Orthopaedic Hospitals byU.S. News & World World Rep Report, ort, 201 2016-17 6-17
HEALTH & WELLNESS
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 39
weekend Wisconsin
FIVE BEAUTIFUL RESORTS TO RELAX, REJUVENATE AND PLAY By ALLISON HORNE
40 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
Even though more than 52 million people visit Chicago annually, and it’s home to more than 5,000 restaurants, 125 art galleries and 250plus theaters, sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all. Just over the Illinois state line – just a quick car trip away – Wisconsin boasts a slew of beautiful resorts welcoming its neighbors to the south for a weekend retreat. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly place with plenty of activities for the kids or an adults-only getaway for some rest and relaxation, Wisconsin has plenty of resorts that will help you kick back and leave your world behind.
TRAVEL
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
The Abbey Resort in Fontana Photo provided
■ THE ABBEY RESORT LOCATION: 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana DRIVE TIME: Approx. 50 miles one hour, 20 minutes CONTACT: 262-275-6811 theabbeyresort.com Lake Geneva is known as a family-favorite getaway for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, but the Abbey Resort is upping the ante. The 90-acre resort is located right on the shoreline and is the only full-service resort in the area. Destination Kohler in Kohler
The hotel features indoor and outdoor pools (one is for adults only), the relaxing Avani Spa, onsite Frisbee/disk golf, paddleboarding, bike rentals, and it is also home to the only Not only does the land feature four awardHere are five to consider for protected marina on the lake. Waterskiing, winning gold courses that have hosted PGA your next summer escape: parasailing and boat rentals are all part of the Championships, but it’s also nestled near River fun located just steps away from the cozy ■ DESTINATION KOHLER Wildlife, an 800-acre wilderness preserve accommodations. along the Sheboygan River. If the outdoors LOCATION: 419 Highland Dr., Kohler Whether you want your own villa, a suite or aren’t for you, the resort’s five-star Kohler DRIVE TIME: About 160 miles simply a room to stay in so you can enjoy Waters Spa provides the perfect stress-free two hours, 30 minutes the outdoors, the Abbey Resort has plenty to getaway. CONTACT: 855-444-2838 offer for couples, friends and a large family. americanclubresort.com Destination Kohler also has plenty of special It also offers special packages, ranging from events throughout the course of the year, What first started as a place for immigrant an expectant mom getaway to a bed and including the Sounds of Summer, a weekly workers to stay in 1918 has developed into a breakfast getaway. five-star, world-class resort destination in the music performance; the Chef’s Table Dinner Visit the Abbey Resort’s website for more Series; and Sip, Swing, Smoked – a package stunning town of Kohler, Wisconsin. information on packages and events. that features a night stay, round of golf and The original house, which is now known as The American Club, isn’t the only resort on the whiskey dinner pairing. sprawling grounds; Inn on Woodlake, Sandhill A full list of upcoming events can be found by -Continued on page 42 visiting Destination Kohler’s website. and Riverbend (members only) are also options for overnight stays, as well. Photo provided by Kohler Co.
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
TRAVEL
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 41
We now offer Bike Rentals
Sundara Inn and Spa in Wisconsin Dells Photo provided
-Continued from page 41
■ SUNDARA INN AND SPA LOCATION: 920 Canyon Road, Wisconsin Dells DRIVE TIME: Approx. 160 miles two hours, 30 minutes CONTACT: 608-253-9200 sundaraspa.com
2nd Location on the Great Western Trail Wasco Rd, Wasco 630-940-2137
Enjoy Summer on The Fox River At Mill Race Cylery - In Geneva We Rent Brand New: Comfort & Road Bikes / Tandem Bikes / Electric Bikes / Burleys / Trailer Bikes Kayaks / Stand-Up Paddle Boards / Canoes
Don’t be deceived by the location of this spa, Sundara Inn is anything but the hustle and bustle of the Wisconsin Dells area. Located in a 26-acre pine forest, the resort is adults-only and also is electronics-free in the common areas, which creates a completely tranquil environment for a weekend getaway. Since 2003, Sundara, which means “beautiful” in Sanskrit, has strived to be the go-to spa destination not only in Wisconsin, but in the entire Midwest. From salon services to massages, bath and body treatments and even “just for him” outings, Sundara is ideal for a girls’ weekend or even a romantic getaway. The resort is currently in the midst of an addition, which is expected to be complete in the spring of 2018, and will include a new saltwater pool, fitness area, retreat center, rooftop garden, hiking trails and more.
■ HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT AND SPA Conveniently Located on the Fox River Bike Trail, At the Geneva dam. The corner of State St. (Rt 38) & Rt. 25 Reserve your equipment online today:
www.MillRace.com ● 630-232-2833
While the estate started as a private residence in 1890, after Herb and Lucille Heidel purchased the property in 1945, it turned into one of the most popular resorts for Wisconsin visitors.
Summer Hours: Weekdays10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ● Sun. 11:00 am - 5:00 pm * Rentals open 9:00 am on weekends
42 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
LOCATION: 643 Illinois Ave., Green Lake DRIVE TIME: Approx. 175 miles 3 hours CONTACT: 920-294-3344 heidelhouse.com
TRAVEL
There are 180 guest rooms to choose from, but there also are two larger vacation rentals, the Stable house and Guest House, which provide accommodation for more than 10 guests at a time. While swimming, biking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, paddleboarding and canoeing are some of the daily options, guests also can chill out on the resort’s 60-foot catamaran – the “Escapade” – which offers public and private cruises on the lake in the warmer months. The Tuscumbia Country Club and Lawsonia Golf Courses also are nearby. For anyone wanting a relaxing day indoors, the Evensong Spa was built in 2006, and it has an interior inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Every session begins with a walk through a labyrinth, which has been used for centuries as a tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. Services include pre-wedding packages, facials, pedicures, massages, day spa deals and overnight packages, such as the babymoon getaway package and honeymoon anytime package.
■ STOUT’S ISLAND LODGE LOCATION: 2799 27th St., Birchwood DRIVE TIME: Approx. 350 miles five hours, 15 minutes CONTACT: 715-354-3646 stoutsislandlodge.com Literally located on a ferry-accessible, 18-acre island in the middle of Red Cedar Lake, Stout’s Island Lodge was originally built in 1903 as a summer estate for Frank D. Stout’s family. Now, it’s a stunning, quiet getaway for couples or families trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day. Aside from the beautiful lake and private cabin accommodations, the island also features a clay tennis court, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing and even golf (on the mainland). In addition – off of the island – there is hiking at the Tuscobia State Trail and Ice Age National Scenic Trail, boat rentals, restaurants and a distillery. But, most of all, you definitely don’t want to miss a sunset on the dock – they’re stunning!
ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM MARK Y OUR CA
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July 1-4 – July 8-9 & 15-16 – August 6 – August 12-13 – September 2-4 – September 16-17 –
FOR AMERICA’S LARGEST
RAILWAY MUSEUM
Independence Day/Trolley Weekend kend nd Day Out With Thomas™ Vintage Transport Extravaganza Diesel Days Labor Day Weekend Museum Showcase Weekend
Go to www.irm.org for timetable and admission info. 7000 Olson Road • Union IL 60180
800-BIG-RAIL OR 815-923-4000 TRAVEL
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 43
THE GLASS-HALFFULL GUY:
THE AMERICAN HEART By PETER STADALSKY
Recently, I had the privilege of hosting San Francisco resident Kieran Mullins – a cyclist riding from his hometown in California to New York City, exclusively by bicycle. Two months ago, Mullins stood on his porch, handed over the keys to his California penthouse, and left his job at Major League Baseball to travel the world with his belongings strapped to his bike. He is on a journey that I am sure will forever change his life. I met up with Mullins in Oswego at the Village Grind Coffee shop and cycled with him to my Aurora bungalow. He had contacted me through a traveler-hosting app similar to Couchsurfing – a hospitality service and social networking website. This traveler-hosting website is called Warm Showers, which is specific to those traveling by bicycle. Basically, anyone can create a profile on this platform and offer his or her home as an oasis to a cyclist. The host usually provides a warm meal, hot shower and soft bed. There is no charge and no expectations. It’s just a courtesy to help someone else along on his or her cycling journey. During my own travels, hundreds of families and individuals have welcomed me into their homes and showed me a level of care that I didn’t know existed between strangers. Only moments into these experiences, strangers became lifelong friends. It was finally my turn to pull in a traveler on a mission and show him that same grace that was shown to me. It’s easy to be suspicious of strangers or believe that the world is a dangerous place. But a journey like Mullins’ can change a person’s heart. 44 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
The stories a traveler carries and shares can change the way people think about the world in which we live. The day Mullins rolled into town happened to be my birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift. That day, we lit up the grill with a few friends and huddled around Mullins to hear his stories from the road. Over the past two months, he has stayed with 30 different hosts along the historic Route 66. It may take some people by surprise, but not an ounce of danger came his way during that time – but that didn’t surprise me. Most people are good, and the world really does want to help people along their journeys.
“impossible” may not seem so impossible. A light rain crept in the next morning. We sat over coffee scanning the maps Mullins would use to traverse the rest of this great American landscape. I made sure to supply him with a carb-loaded breakfast to get him to the windy city. I couldn’t help but feel the same satisfaction that came when people brought me into their homes and lives when I was on the road. It feels no different to host or to be hosted – it’s the same love for your fellow brothers and sisters that made this experience so special.
I laughed while telling Mullins that a couple of my coworkers inquired about his name in case he happened to be a serial killer. I just told my well-meaning colleagues that I highly doubted a person would ride his or her bike 2,000 miles to murder me. I’m just not that important. Despite America’s bizarre reality TV shows and circus politics, there is a farmer, a cashier, a doctor, and a carpenter, who reach out their hands to welcome strangers into their homes. This hospitality is the heart of our culture. We have a very welcoming country. It’s something we mustn’t take for granted. Mullins told me that by going on this epic adventure, it could push people to wonder about the possibilities of life. Someone might not want to ride a bike across America, but he or she might have his or her own dreams of achieving the daunting or seemingly impossible. Maybe after meeting Mullins or hearing his story, the TRAVEL
u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
STAR-SPANGLED SUMMER
Fireworks and Fourth of July fun in the Fox Valley By YVONNE BENSON
Kane County has plenty of patriotic pride when it comes to the Fourth of July. To celebrate the red, white and blue this year, enjoy local parades, carnivals and (of course) fireworks displays! Here is a list of Independence Day delights (by town):
AURORA
BATAVIA
ELGIN
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
BATAVIA’S FOURTH OF JULY SKY CONCERT
4TH OF JULY PARADE
The City of Aurora will host its Fourth of July celebration at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. It is free to attend, and families are encouraged to bring coolers with picnic food (but no alcohol). There also will be food and drink vendors and inflatables to keep the kids busy. The park opens at 3 p.m. and the American Legion Band will perform at 6:15 p.m., followed by the Fox Valley Orchestra at 7:45 p.m. Fireworks will take place at approximately 9:35 p.m. RiverEdge Park 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora riveredgeaurora.com
With more than 50 years of setting the standard for fireworks displays, Batavia’s citizen-funded show known as the “Sky Concert” will be set to music. The Batavia Community Band will set the mood about an hour before the show by playing patriotic music. “Savor the Flavor” food vendors will begin serving food at 5 p.m. and the Batavia Community Band will start playing patriotic music at 8:15 p.m. The Sky concert will begin at 9:30 p.m. 326 Millview Drive, Batavia bataviafireworks.org
ST. CHARLES
ELBURN
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
THE 2017 FIREWORKS SHOW
On Tuesday, July 4, the St. Charles Park District, in cooperation with the City of St. Charles, will host what is widely known as one of the best fireworks displays in the area. The free fireworks display is best viewed from the grounds at either Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park. The band, Final Say, will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6 p.m. until the start of the fireworks extravaganza. Picnic tables will be available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs. Food, such as hot dogs, bratwurst, popcorn and ice cream will be available at the River View Miniature Golf concession stand, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m.
The Elburn Lions Club will host the 2017 Fireworks Show on Saturday, July 8, reviving a tradition from years past. Lions Park, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, will open at 7 p.m. and the show is expected to begin at approximately 9 p.m. If necessary, the rain date will be July 9. Food and drinks, such as hot dogs, nachos, pretzels with cheese, popcorn, candy, pop and water, will be available for purchase at the clubhouse. Local businesses will also be open prior to and after the show. Alcohol, dogs, guns, coolers and grills will not be permitted on the park grounds. www.elburnlions.com
Elgin’s 4th of July Parade, themed “prehistoric creatures,” will start at Douglas and Slade avenues and end at Highland Avenue. The parade will start at 9 a.m. and last approximately two hours. www.elginartscentral.com
BARTLETT BARTLETT 4TH OF JULY The Bartlett 4th of July Festival will run from June 30 through July 4, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Apple Orchard Park in Bartlett. The five-day festival will take place at the festival grounds, located at the corner of S. Stearns and S. Bartlett roads. It will feature rides, games, concessions, entertainment, vendors, bingo, a turtle race, parade and skydivers. www.bartlett4thofjuly.com
Class-A entertainment Cougars hit home run with this month’s lineup of family fun By KEVIN DRULEY
T
he Kane County Cougars market themselves as diversified family entertainment, not simply the Class-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. As such, fans often emerge from Northwestern Medicine Field with memories of both an outfielder’s sprawling catch and the hijinks of mascots Ozzie T. and Annie Cougar. If they’re lucky, fans’ experiences might also include a keepsake or giveaway, the latter of which are abundant this month at the ballpark, located at 34W002 Cherry Lane in Geneva.
“‘Christmas Vacation’ took place here in the Chicagoland area and, I mean, it’s a beloved movie,” Bromann says. “We’ve done Christmas in July here at the stadium before, but it’s been a couple years since we’ve done it. And it’s one we thought we’d bring back, because it’s a lot of fun.” information. For a glance at some of the Cougars’ ¢ WAYNE’S WORLD NIGHT prominent summer promotions, visit www. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27 kccougars.com. Cougars vs. Beloit Snappers Here are a few promotional events to look forward to this month: ¢ CHRISTMAS IN JULY NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 14 Cougars vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods The Cougars resuscitated a time-honored minor league theme night that also features a postgame fireworks show set to holiday music.
“Once it feels like summer, I think especially in the Midwest, you naturally associate it with baseball,” Cougars promotions director Amy Bromann says. “July, that’s really when the weather tends to start being beautiful all the time and we’re a little less worried about rain. … People are really trying to find ways to enjoy the summer as a family and have an affordable outing somewhere.”
A new wrinkle has Bromann and Co. feeling especially festive. The first 1,500 fans will receive a bobblehead commemorating Cousin Eddie’s iconic bathrobe and trooper hat ensemble from the 1989 film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
The club’s regular season concludes Sept. 4. Tickets start at $9. Call 630-232-8811 for more
Fans should expect various Christmas-related games between innings, too.
46 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
To paraphrase Randy Quaid’s character, the Cougars envision the bobblehead as the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.
OUT & ABOUT
Honoring another well-known film comedy struck Cougars brass as a no-brainer during the annual planning meetings last year. “Wayne’s World,” the story of rockin’ Aurora teenagers Wayne and Garth, turns 25 this year, just slightly older than the “Saturday Night Live” skit that inspired the film and its sequel. “It’s a movie I love,” Bromann says. “I think a lot of us kind of grew up in the area and really appreciated ‘Wayne’s World’ as just a ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch and a movie back in the day. So, it’s fun to celebrate that, and it’s a local thing for us, so it’s very exciting.” A “pretty cool and unique” themed bobblehead awaits the first 1,500 fans, Bromann says, as well as postgame fireworks. The evening event also happens to fall on Thirsty Thursday, when hot dogs, soda and select beer cost just $1.
www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
Ream’s Meat Market
“Once it feels like summer, I think especially in the Midwest, you naturally associate it with baseball … People are really trying to find ways to enjoy the summer as a family and have an affordable outing somewhere.” – Amy Bromann, Cougars promotions director
¢ FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29 Cougars vs. Quad Cities River Bandits The Cougars are set to honor law enforcement workers on First Responders Night, giving special recognition to first responders from St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva and Aurora. “We’re excited about the opportunity to really integrate ourselves with the community a little bit more and thank the people who make our community safe and a great place to live,” Bromann says. “We need them here at the Cougars and, of course, the people who come to our games need them, as well.” The night begins with a pregame concert from Beatles tribute band American English, one of several events the Cougars offer in its music garden each season.
s r e t r a u q d a e H g Your Grillin ummer this S FAMILY
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Steak and Chicken Kabob Our own Italian Beef, Pork Bar B Que Pulled Pork, Potato Salad Meat and Cheese Trays We mak National Grand Champion 100 v e over ari Bratwurst, Beef Wieners of Sm eties o Meats ked Steaks, Burgers a Sausa nd ges
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www.ReamsMeatMarket.com Fine Quality Meats & Sausages Fresh • Aged • Cured • Smoked 250 S. Main St. (Rt. 47) • Elburn South of the tracks • 630.365.6461 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm • Sat: 9am-4pm Sun: 10am-4pm • Closed Julyy 4th
A GREAT OLD FASHIONED FULL SERVICE MEAT MARKET OUT & ABOUT
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 47
Families on the fairway TOURNAMENTS GIVE YOUNG GOLFERS A MOMENT TO SHINE – ON AND OFF THE COURSE
O
ne only need watch famous golf tournaments – such as the Masters Golf Tournament, the U.S. Open or the Players Championship – to be inspired by the skill and grace of the game.
But for a 13-year-old kid – or a 3-year-old child, for that matter – aspiring to one day wear a green jacket or raise a silver trophy may seem like both an impossible dream and an insurmountable goal. Thanks to the summer tournament schedule at Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles, there are ample opportunities for young golfers to experience the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of a game well played. No longer do young players have to watch from the sidelines. At Pottawatomie, children from ages 3 to 18 have stroke-play tournaments to play in themselves. “Tournament play takes golf to another level,” says Ron Skubisz, Pottawatomie Golf Course manager and PGA pro. “It’s an opportunity for a child to be king of the hill for a little while.” The park district course hosts two youth golf tournaments during the summer months.
“Out on the course, everything counts – every hole, every stroke. You play it as it lies,” says Ogiego. “Kids really start to understand the rules of the game.” And it’s not just official rules that are stressed during tournament play. As the old saying goes, “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” And, in golf, that “how” is just as much about attitude and behavior as it is about putting and chipping.
While the game of golf follows accepted rules of practice – raking the sand in the traps, replacing divots on the greens and fairway – tournament play stresses codes of good sportsmanship that The Junior Tournament – for those ages 12 to can be applied to off-course behavior, too. For 18 – is a two-day, stroke-play competition that starters, players remove caps and introduce will take place Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, themselves to their fellow players before they July 20. tee off. Tournament play is an ideal way for young “I like to express the sentiment that everyone golfers to realize the rules, regulations and likes to win, but you’re here to encourage each etiquette of the game, says Bill Ogiego, assistant other,” says Skubisz. “And that brings in another golf manager. element of golf – you can make lifelong friends, The Little Guys and Gals tournament is designed for children ages 3 to 11 and will take place Tuesday, July 18.
48 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
OUT & ABOUT
even at a young age.” In fact, age is a great leveling factor in golf. Unlike football, for instance, where it might not be appropriate or feasible for a grandfather to actually play the game with his grandson, golf encourages generations to enjoy the game together. “We have a lot of senior players here at Pottawatomie and many of them are willing to play with younger players,” says Skubisz. “Part of the experience is that the junior players are learning from the seniors and vice versa.” Learning from other golfers is another reason youth tournaments are so popular with and beneficial to budding players. In both the Little Guys and Gals, and the Junior tournaments, players are grouped according to age. Observing your fellow players is a great way of improving your own game, says to Skubisz. “Say you’re a mid-level player who wants to become an upper-level player,” says Skubisz. “If www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
“Tournament play takes golf to another level. It’s an opportunity for a child to be king of the hill for a little while.” – Ron Skubisz, Pottawatomie Golf Course manager and PGA pro you’re fortunate enough to be paired with one, you have the opportunity to see how they do things. What do they do that I don’t do? It’s difficult for a youngster to watch a player on TV and want to be like them. It’s different when they’re watching a peer. For those perceptive enough to recognize it, it’s a rare opportunity to learn things.” It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy a bit of role reversal. For players in the Little Guys and Gals tournament, a parent or guardian acts as the child’s caddy. Grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles can come out and watch the competition, but it’s mom or dad who actually carries the clubs. At the end of the game, the players give a round of applause for the parent who caddied for them. In fact, golf is becoming more and more of a family sport. Skubisz sees an increase in parents taking an active role in a child’s golf lessons and practice sessions. They will stay and listen to the guidance being given by the instructor, maybe even videotaping the lesson to help the child reinforce those newly-acquired skills on their own. And when a child competes in a tournament, sometimes he does so in front of his parents or guardians, brothers and sisters and grandparents. “I think that’s the hope and the future of golf,” says Skubisz. “I think it’s our job at Pottawatomie to make golf a family activity in whatever way we can. Our job is to make that environment possible.” Registration for both the Little Guys and Gals, and the Junior tournaments ends at 7 p.m. July 16. For more information, contact Bill Ogiego at 630-584-8356.
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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 49
SPORTSMAN’S RAFFLE EXTRAVAGANZA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 Winning Ticket pulled every 3 min. for 5 HOURS!
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IMMERSIVE READS INTO THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE By ALLISON MANLEY
July is one of my favorite months. For me, this time of year means warm, sunny weather, trips to the beach (blasting the air conditioning indoors!), and, of course, the promise of Independence Day gatherings. In keeping things patriotic this month, check out one of these America-inspired reads:
¢ ‘HIDDEN FIGURES: THE AMERICAN DREAM AND THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE BLACK WOMEN WHO HELPED WIN THE SPACE RACE’ By Margot Lee Shetterly What’s more American than the Space Race? Margot Lee Shetterly’s “Hidden Figures” tells the story of the African American women who worked as “computers,” employees of NASA who calculated the advanced equations used by the aeronautical engineers. Don’t be content to just see the movie – the book version takes you even deeper into the personal lives of the women it chronicles, as well as the historical events that led to the Space Race. Shetterly takes the women’s stories a step further by linking their technological and civil rights advances to the impact they have in the present. Insightful and empowering, “Hidden Figures” is a great read to immerse yourself in American history, ingenuity and triumph over adversity.
Allison Manley was born in Georgia and raised in Island Lake. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. She loves opera, craft beer, and (of course!) reading.
¢ ‘NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE US’ By Stephanie Powell Watts One of the great American novels, “The Great Gatsby,” is re-told in the present-day South in “No One Is Coming to Save Us” by Stephanie Powell Watts. The setting, characters and tone of this modern reboot are unique enough (and compelling enough) that this book is a worthy read on its own – you don’t need to know Fitzgerald’s classic to appreciate Watts’s novel. Instead of Jay Gatsby, this novel has Jay “JJ” Ferguson, who returns to rural Pineville, North
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Carolina, to reconnect with Ava, the answer to Daisy Buchanan. While the story is set in the present, the book spends so much time in the minds and memories of the residents of its small-town setting that if you edit out the occasional mention of a computer or contemporary politician, it could ostensibly be set decades ago. As Watts weaves the story around Ava and her close-knit family, it doesn’t feel like random family members’ stories have been patched together – “No One Is Coming to Save Us” feels like one cohesive tale filled with equal parts regret and resigned acceptance. ¢ ‘BURQAS, BASEBALL, AND APPLE PIE: BEING MUSLIM IN AMERICA’ By Ranya Tabari Idliby Ranya Tabari Idliby is an American: her son plays baseball, her family celebrates Thanksgiving, and, when she was a child, her mother would cook her American dishes. Idliby, however, is not just any American – she’s a Muslim American – and she discusses the relationship between these two identities in “Burqas, Baseball, and Apple Pie.” Reflecting on the wide range of media coverage of Islam after 9/11, the teachings of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars and the (mostly) well-meaning questions of friends and neighbors, Idliby shows that part of what’s great about being an American is that she can be proud to be Muslim and American at the same time. Tackling the controversial issues of religion and politics with grace, humor and heart, “Burqas” is a great read about the American experience.
KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 51
Artist SHOWCASE ANA ZANIC | GENEVA WATERCOLOR 'ORIGIN'
52 | JULY 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE
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Everyone WILL NOTICE
A
na Zanic was born and educated in Croatia, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb.
No One
Her award-winning work has been exhibited in 20 solo shows and more than 70 group exhibitions in the U.S. and Croatia. One of her large solo exhibitions took place last year at Fermilab in Batavia.
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Zanic’s signature style of abstract watercolors belies the rigor required to create each piece. “My abstract paintings are executed in a combined media of watercolor and ink,” Zanic says in her artist’s statement. “They are built with layers of washes, intermixed with dynamic lines, scribbles and marks of ink drawing, with an emphasis on the mark making. There is often a quiet tension between the watercolor’s fluidity, softness and calm, versus the dynamic, rhythm and energy of drawing,”
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Through abstract form, the artist says that she often investigates questions of memories, past and origin. “For me, making art has always been a search that allowed me to explore the formal visual elements, as well as my personal feelings, through an intuitive, spontaneous process,” Zanic says in her artist’s statement. Zanic’s watercolor paintings are a part of numerous private and public collections, some of which include Loews Hotel in downtown Chicago, Wachovia Headquarters in Houston and Central National-Gottesman in New York. Her work is represented by galleries in Chicago, New York, Denver and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Zanic currently lives and works in Geneva with her husband and two sons. u For more information on Zanic’s work, visit www.anazanic.com or anazanic. blogspot.com. 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.” www.kcchronicle.com/magazine
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CALENDAR JULY 2017
GREAT WESTERN FREEDOM 4 WHEN: 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 WHERE: LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles The Great Western Freedom 4 consists of a 4-mile run, a 2-mile walk, and it includes a Kids Dash for children under the age of 12. The competitive 4-mile race is a USATF-certified course and is part of the Fox River Trail Runners Circuit. All proceeds benefit Lazarus House and the Center for Transitional Living – an outreach program for men, women and children who are homeless or in crisis from Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and rural Western Kane County. For more information, visit lazarushouseonline.com/ greatwesternfreedom4.php. TOWN-HALL ON THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday, July 10 WHERE: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles The Arcada Theatre will host the Town-Hall on the Environment event. Chris Kennedy, candidate for governor, and Karen Hudson, co-founder of Illinois Citizens for
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Clean Air and Water, will speak during the event. There will be other local guest speakers, too. Topics will include factory farms, Illinois oil pipelines, income inequality, growing local food, and practical strategies and solutions for the problems facing humanity. There also will be a Q-and-A. The event is free. WINDMILL CITY FESTIVAL WHEN: Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16 WHERE: Downtown Batavia, at the Riverwalk The Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. The event will feature the Fun Zone for interactive inflatables and family-friendly attractions; a sidewalk chalk drawing contest, pet parade and ice cream eating contest. For more information, visit windmillcityfest.org. AURORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WHEN: Monday, July 17, through Monday, July 24 WHERE: various Aurora venues The Aurora International Film Festival will bring audiences and filmmakers
together to better enjoy the art and fun of filmmaking. The Film Festival offers moviegoers the opportunity to view and experience unique, quality films from all over the world. For a schedule and more information, visit www.enjoyaurora.com. KANE COUNTY FAIR WHEN: Times vary, Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23 WHERE: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles The four-day, 149th annual Kane County Fair will feature carnival rides and games, 4-H animal competitions, cow-milking demonstrations, farm animals, festival food, live music, professional bull-riding, a demolition derby, a Bengal tiger show, racing pigs, a magic show, wild science interactive games, a business expo and Jack Axe competition. New this year is the Pre-Kane County Fair “Customer Appreciation Carnival” with unlimited carnival ride specials Wednesday, July 19. For more information, admission and carnival ride savings, visit www. kanecountyfair.com. COCKTAILS IN THE PARK WHEN: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 22 WHERE: Appleton Park, 100 N. Island
Ave., downtown Batavia The sixth annual Cocktails in the Park event will feature live music, drinks, small plates and cigars on the Fox River. This year, there will be a “Win the Bar” $20 raffle ticket that will give its winner the opportunity to receive an entire tent full of cocktail mixers, sprits, barware and more. The event helps to raise funds for Batavia MainStreet and its revitalization efforts. Tickets cost $25 or $30 if purchased at the event. Ticket prices include small plates, a collectible whiskey glass (first come, first served) and entry to the event. A cash/credit bar is available. GENEVA ARTS FAIR WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23 WHERE: South Third Street in Downtown Geneva Geneva will host its nationally acclaimed outdoor gallery of juried art. More than 140 artists will show their work. Drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass, textiles and jewelry will be available for purchase. For more information, visit genevachamber.com/geneva_art_ fairs.php.
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ANNUAL PETS-A-PALOOZA FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES AND FURRY FRIENDS
By Anderson Animal Shelter
Want to have a great day with your family, friends and
“Pets-a-Palooza is a celebration of pets who are an
pets? Anderson Animal Shelter invites the community to important part of our families,” said Beth Drake, executive the third annual Pets-a-Palooza festival on Sunday, Sept. director of Anderson Animal Shelter, which is based 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mooseheart Child City & in South Elgin and also has satellite adoption centers School, 255 James J. Davis Dr., off Route 31 between in North Aurora and Bloomingdale. “Our third annual North Aurora and Batavia. Pets-a-Palooza, which attracted more than 3,000 people festival promises to offer fun for people of all ages, last year, is a free, family- and pet-centered event that and it’s a chance to bring together our compassionate celebrates the joy of animal companions.
community of animal lovers, adopters and advocates.”
Throughout the day, Pets-a-Palooza will feature various activities for pets and children, as well as humane and pet education sessions. Training demonstrations will even help attendees learn some new tricks and tips for their
More information about Pets-a-Palooza can be sniffed out on Anderson’s website at www.andersonanimalshelter. org/petsapalooza. The schedule of pet-centered activities
pets. Anderson Animal Shelter, along with other local and events will be updated throughout the summer. rescue groups, will have dogs and puppies available for Businesses are invited to participate as vendors, adoption, allowing local residents to meet and welcome
advertisers or sponsors.
a new family member. Pets-a-Palooza at Mooseheart Child City & School offers the perfect location for a family to enjoy a day out together. In addition to the pet related activities, local businesses will be selling pet- and-human themed products.
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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | JULY 2017 | 55
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