KC_Mag_August2018

HONEY BEES AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY

AUGUST 2018

PAGE 14

LOCAL LEGENDS OF CONSERVATION PAGE 8

the

GARFIELD FARM 40 YEARS OF RESTORATION PAGE 12

GREEN ISSUE Plus: PRIDE OF THE FOX

HISTORIC ST. CHARLES BUSINESSES PAGE 36

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Editor's

NOTE My mother, now in her 80s, used to talk about the Sunday drives her grandfather would take them on, out to the country.

Raised in near west suburban Brookfield in the 1940s and early ’50s, those rides to the country were typically to St. Charles, and the treat she received when they reached their rural destination? Ice cream from Colonial.

Today, the look of our landscape has changed, but our natural open spaces still call to us.

We have truly fantastic outdoor spaces to explore and connect with nature. A river like no other, that boasts a tremendous array of wildlife to watch and admire, access to watersports, fishing, kayaking, and cycling treks from the easily accessible to the truly adventurous.

powered vehicles, and stop in at historic Garfield Farm, to chat about the four decades of restoration that’s been going on at its homestead in LaFox. No one is more aware of the need to protect and preserve the environment than our Kane County farmers, and in this issue, we talk to the folks at Heritage Prairie in Elburn about the importance of bees, the threats against them, and why they are such a necessity to our survival.

Some of the best sunsets I have seen have been looking out my back window to Western Kane County, and I am consistently amazed at the array of birds, four-legged friends, and yes, even insects that live here in our communities.

We also are reminded of the growth of our riverside towns over the years, and we visit one – St. Charles – to celebrate the businesses that have withstood the test of time, operating for decade upon decade, and whose founders and leaders over the years continue to shape the community. Places like the Arcada Theater, the historic Hotel Baker, Blue Goose Market, and yes…Colonial Ice Cream. We pay tribute to them, and many other local businesses, marking milestones in their history in St.Charles.

That being said, suburban sprawl continues to do its duty to our community, bringing in more residents to enjoy the surroundings, and conservation, while always a priority, becomes all the more important.

Yes, our landscape has changed here in Kane Couny. But together, we can keep it the place we always have loved, filled with nature’s greatest gifts at the ready for us to enjoy, and some pretty fine ice cream to boot.

In this issue of KC Magazine, we highlight the efforts of two great local conservationists, Dick Young and Fran Caffee, and tell the stories of how they have shaped the natural landscape of this area.

Thanks for reading,

We talk to local electric car enthusiasts about the growth in popularity of electric-

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

on the

COVER

BEE-ING GREEN The folks at Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn know the importance of honeybee survival. They even have dedicated an entire dinner event to delicious honey these insects produce on site.

PAGE 14 Photo provided

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PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Allison Horne, Jonathan Bilyk, Kelsey O’Connor, Melissa Riske, Aimee Barrows, Chris Walker, Cat Battista, Peter Stadalsky PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Missy Donovan, Dave Soderstrom, Sandy Bresner, Bill Ackerman This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174

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INSIDE

What's

GREEN

8 THEY LEFT NO TRACE Local legends of conservation Dick Young and Fran Caffee helped retain the county’s natural landscape.

12 RESTORATION IN ACTION Garfield Farm makes restoration a part of daily life, over four decades.

40 IN THE BUSINESS OF COMMUNITY Long-running businesses helped shape the city.

16 ELECTRIC AVENUE Slowly but surely, eco-friendly options gain momentum on the road.

44 MAJOR MILESTONES Business has been booming in St. Charles for over a century.

18 SUPER CUTE Kane County Chronicle announces the winners of its annual Cutest Pet Contest.

20 GOING TO THE DOGS Dog-friendly places and open spaces across our communities.

22 DINE WITH YOUR DOG Pet friendly patios to fill up with your furry pal. Plus, five ways to make mealtimetime more fun for your pup!

FAMILY IN FOCUS

26 TODDLING THROUGH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Join our suburban Superdad Jonathan Bilyk as he takes to the train, with the family in tow.

28 IT’S EASY BEING GREEN! Go earth-friendly for your next family party with tips from local DIY-er Cat Battista.

30 LINCOLN HIGHWAY Take a fun-filled late summer vacation on America’s favorite roadtrip.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

32 BACK TO SCHOOL WITH TWO NEW KNEES School principal Tonya Forbes embarks on knee replacement surgery, with the help of Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics.

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2018

36 GEM OF THE FOX Wander the riverside and explore scenic Pottawatomie Park.

14 BUSY BEES Honey bees fill important role on the farm, and at our dinner tables.

PETS

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HISTORIC ST. CHARLES

48 NATURAL BEAUTY Park District naturalists give Mother Nature a helping hand.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

50 PLANT A TREE, PLANT THE FUTURE Planting trees is a great way to improve your aesthetic, your air quality, and even the value of your property.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

52 FUNDING YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE Planning can make all the difference when it comes to saving for college.

54 DIGGING IN Woman of Distinction Halle Cox is building community, one book at a time.

OUT & ABOUT

56 GREEN LIVING IS EASY Learn about living a greener, more ecologically aware life at Aurora’s annual Green Fest.

57 THE TIME OUR PASSPORT WAS STOLEN Find out what to do in an international pinch.

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ACTIVISTS MADE THEIR MARK, BUT LEFT NO TRACE ON COUNTY’S OPEN SPACE

Local legends of conservation Dick Young and Fran Caffee helped retain the county’s natural landscape

By AIMEE BARROWS Photos by DAVE SODERSTROM

K

ane County has seen its share of environmental activists over the years who work tirelessly with nonprofit preservation groups to save natural open spaces and protect the waters in the area. While there are many individuals and organizations that have had significant impacts on the health of the local environment, two folks that made tremendous differences in Kane County are Dick Young, former chief environmentalist in Kane County, and Fran Caffee, founder of Valley of the Fox group, which is a member of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club.

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DICK YOUNG To say that Dick Young was passionate about the environment would be quite the understatement.

Young grew up in Oswego, and as a child loved the outdoors and later became heavily involved in Boy Scouts. Throughout his adult life, he was heavily involved in environmental causes and organizations in Kendall and Kane Counties. Young, who was a World War II veteran, lived in Oswego and was known not only for his passion, but also for his knowledge of environmental issues.

He first worked as the Kendall County Building & Zoning Inspector in the 1950s, and later co-founded the Kendall County Forest Preserve District, where he served as director.

However, Young wasn’t content to keep his efforts within Kendall County. He became active in Kane County and worked as its chief environmentalist until 1987, and was a consultant for many projects until he retired in 2008.

Young wrote “Kane County Wild Plants & Natural Areas,” which is still considered a must-read for

local naturalists. In the book, he encourages the protection of native plants and the use of native species. Young was also a steadfast supporter of The Conservation Foundation, one of the area’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations that is dedicated to protecting natural spaces and watersheds in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago.

John Church, Young’s friend and neighbor, says that no one did more for the environment in Kendall County. He says that Young didn’t want personal recognition, but truly wanted to make the world a better place for generations to come.

“He left a positive impact on the county. He worked hard and got results. The Forest Park District and a lot of natural sites wouldn’t be here today if not for Dick,” he explains. “He was big on educating the public about the importance of the environment, having clean water and a healthy wildlife habitat. He just thought it was the right thing to do.”

And over the decades, Young did teach many, many people about environmental advocacy.

Jason Pettit, ecological technician at the St. Charles Park District, worked with Young years ago when he worked with the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and says he learned a lot from him.

“I remember [Young] was very patient when we’d all go out in the field, and willing to answer questions and teach us about plants,”

Pettit says. “He was a Renaissance man.

In general, he was curious and he liked to learn. You could tell that he cared, and that showed by what he did for natural areas and watersheds in Kane and Kendall Counties.”

Young has been honored by both the Kane and Kendall Counties Forest Preserves, as he is the only Illinois resident who has two parks named after him: the Richard Young Forest Preserve near Yorkville, and the Dick Young Forest Preserve near Batavia. He passed away in 2011, but his efforts and environmental legacy continue to live on in the far western suburbs.

-Continued on page 10

GREEN AUGUST 2018

9

Valley of the Fox Sierra Club The club is one of 14 groups that comprise the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. Fran Caffee founded the group more than 25 years ago for residents of Kane and Kendall Counties.

The Sierra Club, which has chapters around the country, was founded in 1892 by conservationist John Muir. It is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, and works to protect and restore the quality of the environment and to promote the responsible use of the planet’s resources and ecosystems.

Fran Caffee Photos provided

-Continued from page 9 FRAN CAFFEE Fran Caffee was one of the area’s foremost experts on waterways and preservation in the Fox Valley area, and spent much of her adult life advocating for clean water and protecting natural lands in Aurora and surrounding communities. Caffee, who passed away in early 2018 at age 78, was the founder of the Valley of the Fox chapter of the Illinois Sierra Club.

Caffee, a longtime Aurora resident, passionately lobbied for clean air and water at the local, county, state and even national levels. She organized cleanups of area waterways with the Valley of the Fox club, founded the Water Sentinels, which was a group of club members who carefully monitored and tested waterways in the area, and lobbied to get phosphates removed from products to prevent them from polluting the water.

“Our waterways are healthier thanks to Fran,” says Jim Pilmer, executive director of the Fox Valley Park District. “She has a love of the outdoors and a love of nature. She took an avocation and made a legacy impact for future generations. She made a difference and provided an example of good stewardship of our natural resources and how to take care of them.”

In 2017, the City of Aurora dedicated a natural area along the banks of the Fox River near RiverEdge Park to Caffee. “Fran’s Garden” is comprised of native plants that naturally filters water and runoff that prevents pollutants from entering the river.

The national Sierra Club presented Caffee with the William B. Colby Award in 2014, which is one

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of the highest honors the organization bestows on individuals for their advocacy and volunteerism.

Linda Cole, a close friend of Caffee’s and Valley of the Fox club member, says that Caffee cared about overall quality of life, which led to her activism.

“She knew that without clean air or water we wouldn’t have good lives,” Cole explains. “Fran was a great person who encouraged people to work to solve problems. We have cleaner water thanks to Fran.

She’s missed today and she’ll be missed in the years to come.”

The Valley of the Fox group meets monthly, usually on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, and also hosts special outings and events throughout the year. If you’d like to get involved, attend a meeting or join the Sierra Club online. Visit www. sierraclub.org/illinois/ valley-fox.

RESTORATION IN ACTION

Garfield Farm makes restoration a part of daily life over four decades

By ALLISON HORNE Photos by MISSY DONOVAN

The Garfield Farm and Museum has been a long time in the making.

The Garfield family’s Kane County farmstead in LaFox, which features original buildings from the 1840s, has been undergoing an extensive restoration project since Elva Ruth Garfield founded the museum in 1977.

The restoration, which has now been in the works for 40 years, may not be quite finished yet, but it’s looking better than ever.

The Garfield Heritage Society, Inc. and Campton Historic

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Agricultural Lands, Inc. have teamed up on the project, which has been led by executive director Jerome Johnson since its inception.

“The project is meant to be an 1840s history farm museum,” Johnson says. “We’re still developing program and getting the physical plan completed, but that’s the ultimate goal.”

Johnson, a founding board member, has been involved with the Garfield Farm and Museum project since 1977 before taking it on full-time in 1981. His mother, Eve, was

a local historic preservationist who had worked on 20 projects in Kane County. She was responsible for the Garfield Farm, but when she got her second bout of cancer in the late 1970s, Jerome volunteered to step in.

The first 25 years of the process were centered about protecting the site and land acquisition, which went from 163 to 366 acres. The property, which is now on the National Registry of Historic Sites, features three homesteads, including 27 structures, 18 of which are

demonstrations, there’s something for everyone.

“People who are able to help and support us really gets magnified in its impact,” Johnson says. “Their contributions give us the tools to do all of this and they really mean a lot.”

Right now, the 1906 dairy barn and 1913 silo are the current restoration projects, but there are also small projects, like interior repairs and decorative design to be done. While the focus has been on the main 1840s buildings, restoration and preservation work still needs to be done to the buildings of one of the Garfield’s sons, Edward, whose farmstead was built 1859.

historical. The oldest building on the property, an 1842 barn, was just finished two years ago.

“It’s been a process,” says Johnson, who has a master’s degree in biology from the College of William & Mary. “But it’s been very gratifying to have all this wonderful help from the community through the years.”

Garfield Farm depends immensely on the community to maintain its efforts; all the funding for the restoration has been through fundraising and donations.

The farm also runs almost solely on volunteers. There are three full-time positions at the farm with several seasonal and contractor positions, but more than 300 volunteers actively keep the programs and business running.

“We have very dedicated staff members,” Johnson says, “but we want to become more competitive and really focus on the talent.”

Throughout the years, Garfield Farm has raised 11 million dollars for the restoration and operating costs, but Johnson says they’re still looking for about four million more to complete all of the projects.

“It’s the kind of thing where we are well on the way to doing the critical things that need to be achieved,” Johnson says. “Ultimately we want to reconstruct the log house, for example, but it’s more important to get the buildings restored and stabilized.”

While the farm isn’t completely finished yet, plenty of it is, and there are still a slew of activities and events held on the property.

From barn dances to harvest

Several summer events include the Antique Tool Show and Sale from 1 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5, the Heirloom Garden Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26. Harvest Days from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5 also tends to be a popular event.

“The goal is to have handson time and a participatory experience,” Johnson says. “It’s almost seminar-like, versus just a walk-through visit. All our events reflect that goal in that regard.”

The farm is also a popular place for kids, with farm camps every summer and scout troops are always welcome.

“Young kids need exposure to things,” Johnson says. “I grew up out here and explored the outdoors. You don’t see that today with young people.”

Johnson also notes the historical ties to farming and the beginning of democracy and the origins of this country and how things have changed since then.

“It’s not so much a tourist destination,” Johnson says. “It’s more to have an experience to get you thinking about the things you didn’t get a chance to.

“That’s what history is about – thinking about the long-term.”

GREEN AUGUST 2018

13

Busy bees Honey bees fill important role on the farm, and at our dinner tables

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

They say you’ll catch more flies with honey, but you’ll probably catch plenty of bees, too. The tiny insects create and consume hundreds of pounds of the sweet stuff each year. Luckily, there’s usually plenty leftover for us to enjoy.

“Bees don’t know when to stop making honey, which is the best thing about them,” says Glenn Mize, beekeeper at Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn. “They make way more than they need.”

That surplus is collected each summer by beekeepers like Mize. This year, the farm is celebrating the harvest by

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making it the theme of one of their monthly farm dinners. The honey and beer farm dinner will include a range of dishes made with farm fresh honey straight from nearby hives.

Heritage Prairie Farm has had bee colonies since it first opened in 2006. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The bees pollinate the farm’s array of crops and provide plenty of honey. In return, Mize makes sure they have everything they need to survive and thrive.

“We take good care of our bees,” he says. “They’re more like pets than livestock.”

They’re also a crucial part of

the farm’s operations. Heritage Prairie relies on bees to pollinate their crops and help them produce an abundant variety of fruits and vegetables.

“Just about every fruiting vegetable in our fields rely on honey bees,” says Mize.

“Anytime you see a misshapen cucumber on the vine, it means it was under-pollinated. The honey bees help make sure each fruit is pollinated fully.”

It’s not just Heritage Prairie that benefits from the buzzing bugs. Farms across the country rely on bees to keep our agricultural system running. In fact, one third of the foods we eat come from plants pollinated by bees, such as tomatoes, squash, peppers and cucumbers.

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NORTH AURORA DAYS SALE 15% OFF AUGUST 4th For those looking to take advantage of all the benefits of honeybees, Mize teaches an annual beekeeping workshop.

The two-part course is held at Heritage Prairie Farm each spring and covers the basics of bees, from the initial equipment for setting up hives to harvesting the first batch of honey.

This season, Mize is tending to 12 actives hives that each house up to 90,000 bees. Each of those hives will produce more than 100 pounds of honey throughout the summer.

Mize makes sure the bees have plenty for the winter, and then harvests the surplus to sell at the farm.

The first harvest is in midsummer. Mize uses a fume board, which is saturated with a harmless but potent solution, to temporarily drive bees away from the honey frames. After collecting the frames and cutting away the beeswax cap, he puts the frames into the high-speed extractor. As the extractor spins, it flings the product out of the honeycomb and into Mize’s waiting bucket.

Once the honey is collected, much of it is immediately bottled and put up for sale at the farm store. Infused varieties,

which include lavender honey and mint honey, are made by soaking the herb or flower in honey for several days before straining and bottling. There also are blended flavors, such as cocoa, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.

Besides the shelves of the farm store, the honey also makes its way to the farm’s kitchens.

The on-site chef will be using it to craft the honey-inspired farm dinner in August. The meal will include a variety of honey-infused dishes alongside Solemn Oath beer pairings.

Heritage Prairie hosts farm dinners each month from July through November. The evening includes a welcome drink, butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, a farm tour and a family-style seated dinner. Tickets can be purchased on the farm’s website.

At the honey and beer dinner in Aug. 16, dishes will incorporate farm fresh honey in a variety of creative ways.

The menu will include fromscratch options like focaccia with whipped honey butter, strawberry and cucumber salad with a lime honey vinaigrette, and lobster grits with preserved lemon and honey parsley verte.

Heritage Prairie Farm is located at 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn. For more information about farm dinners or the farm store, visit www. heritageprairiefarm. com or call (630) 443-5989.

Photos provided

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ELECTRIC AVENUE

Slowly but surely, eco-friendly options gain momentum on the road

By CHRIS WALKER

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Imagine never having to buy gas again.

Consider the end of scheduling and sitting around for oil changes.

Ponder the finale of costly major engine repairs.

It’s all a possibility today more than ever before, thanks to the continued rise in ecofriendly vehicles.

“The future of transportation isn’t going to be fracking and digging up oil and shipping it all over the world,” says Ted Lowe of the Fox Valley Electric Auto Association (FVEAA).

“My vision is that in 10 years gas stations will have rapid charging and you’ll be able to refill

“It’s very hard to beat the amount of energy in a gallon of gas, but it’s explosive and you have to mine it,� Lowe says. There’s also the downside of global warming. “With electric, you can get it from where the wind blows and make electricity. Dozens and dozens of companies, governments and universities are working on better battery technology and trying to replace gasoline tanks.�

your battery pack and be on your way.�

The FVEAA was formed in 1975 around the time of the first oil embargo, so it has been promoting efficient and clean electric vehicle use for nearly 45 years. “We certainly like electric cars and electricity can come from many sources, Lowe says, “They’re far more energy efficient than gasoline cars. They’re simple, they don’t have a tailpipe polluting the air and they're quite fun and powerful.�

And they’re no longer a novelty. Earlier this year, the American Automobile Association recognized a number of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as fuel-efficient, gas-powered ones based on a baker’s dozen criteria, including fuel economy, performance, ride quality and safety. Cars from BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan and Tesla all won, while Ford’s F-150 4x4 S75 was recognized with the Top Green Vehicle award for best pickup truck. “People are still used to gasoline cars, so it

rs Burge Salad

There’s no denying that gasoline delivers, so replacing it is going to take some time.

“We have a massive amount of resources you can link to from our website,� Lowe said. “Plug In America is an excellent organization and their website has a ton of information.�

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takes some time when introducing a new technology,� Lowe says. “It’s only been 100 years with gasoline cars but they’re going to be a thing of the past. They have too many problems and not enough benefits. But right now we’re in the early stages of change.�

Illinois residents who go the eco-friendly route don’t receive any state tax incentives for driving green, but may be eligible for a federal tax break. They also are eligible for discounted vehicle registration fees and some may be able to take advantage of insurance discounts for having green driving habits and/or owning an eco-friendly vehicle, which some companies provide.

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Going to the dogs Dog-friendly places and open spaces The open spaces of Kane County have plenty to offer humans as well as their furry companions. Consider one of these dog-friendly locales for your next adventure:

OFF-LEASH DOG RUNS  AURORA WEST FOREST PRESERVE 40W032 Hankes Road, Aurora Your pup can run free at this 715-acre property open to off-leash dogs. A trail connects the Virgil Gilman regional bike trail to the preserve featuring prairies, marshes and woodlands  FOX RIVER BLUFF WEST 5N753 Route 31, St. Charles Fox River Bluff is located right off the Fox River in St. Charles. While there are offleash spots here, owners are asked to leash dogs while walking to and from vehicles and while crossing the bicycle bridge on the river.  REGOLE FOREST PRESERVE 3790 Commerce Drive, St. Charles A pond and plenty of agility equipment for adventurous dogs is waiting at Regole Forest Preserve. There are even other trails available nearby for leashed dogs to explore.

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 SCHWEITZER WOODS 16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road West Dundee This rolling 160-acre preserve is designated an off-leash dog area. The property features forests, hay meadows and marshes. In addition to the fenced dog park, there also are miles of hiking trails that wind through the property. No permits are required.

FREE DOG PARKS  BATAVIA BARK PARK 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia The Bark Park has three acres of fenced land at the West Main Community Park in Batavia, including a pond and a pavilion located inside the dog park. There are also on-leash hiking trails throughout the park.  RIVER BEND COMMUNITY PARK 6N517 Geneva Ave., St. Charles This dog park is located within the 45-acre River Bend Community Park, offering human interests such as a skate park,

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fishing, basketball, tennis and restrooms, but also plenty of trails for your leashed dog to run. The dog park itself features double-gated security entrances and water fountains for Fido.  STUART SPORTS COMPLEX Griffin Dr. and Route 30 Montgomery Built in 2014, the Stuart Sports Complex Dog Park has more than 15 acres of off-leash areas for dogs. There are separate zones for large and small dogs, an agility section and a large pond for dogs to swim.  WEST SIDE COMMUNITY DOG PARK Campton Hills and Peck roads St. Charles

including three different dog park enclosures. Picnic areas, playgrounds and more round out the fun.

MEMBERSHIP DOG PARKS  GREGORY ISLAND DOG PARK Indian Trail at the Fox River Aurora  LINCOLN PARK DOG PARK 201 S. Russell Ave. Aurora  WOOF RUN DOG PARK 901 Wheeler Road Sugar Grove

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21

Pet-friendly patios to fill up with your furry pal

By AIMEE BARROWS

We love our pets, they’re like members of the family! But when you’re out and about with your furry friend, and hunger sets in, it can be hard to find a place that’s as welcoming to Rover as it is to you. Here’s a few fur-friendly spots to grab a bite with your best friend.

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PETS AUGUST 2018

 River’s Edge Bar & Grill

 Old Towne Pub & Eatery

Guests will enjoy classic pub fare and more than 100 local and craft beers in an early 1900s building in the heart of downtown Batavia. Bring your pooch because the outdoor beer garden is petfriendly, and stick around for some live music.

Geneva’s Old Towne Pub and Eatery is known for its large outdoor patio and fun, casual atmosphere. This family-friendly pub has specials most nights of the week, and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team.

12 N. River St., Batavia (630) 406-9200 www.theriversedgebatavia.com

 The Filling Station Pub & Grill 300 W. Main St., St. Charles (630) 584-4414 www.filling-station.com

This downtown St. Charles favorite has one of the best shaded patios along the Fox River. From a family-friendly destination to one of the city’s hottest nightspot, the Filling Station is an ideal stop for a bite to eat while navigating the trail. Enjoy a made-from-scratch meal in the pub’s antique décor, just blocks away from the river.

201 W. State St., Geneva (630) 232-7962 www.otpgeneva.com

 Pig Dog Pub

1250 S. Broadway, Montgomery (630) 340-5221 Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Enjoy views of the Fox River on the beautiful patio, located steps off the river and trail. This pub offers a diverse menu of homemade pub food and pizza, combined with a plethora of beers and made-to-order cocktails.

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Five ways to make your pooch's mealtime more enjoyable

3. PROVIDE YOUR DOG WITH A MEAL THAT GIVES THEM VARIETY Dogs and humans alike enjoy food with variety! That's why for nearly three decades, Kibbles 'n Bits(R) has been making dog food with its signature combination of crunchy kibble & tender bits to bring joy to your dog's every bite. With varieties including Bacon & Steak Flavored dry dog food and Steak & Cheese Flavored dry dog food, you will be sure to find the perfect match for your furry friend.

Dogs and their owners have many things in common, but perhaps one of the biggest commonalities is that they both love to eat! When preparing meals for your four-legged family members, it's important for the meal to be packed with flavor and nutrients, and to create a dining experience they enjoy and look forward to. Help give your pets the ultimate mealtime experience with these tips:

4. TURN MEALTIME INTO A DANCE PARTY Have you ever danced due to excitement?

Well, now your dog will, too. Play a song before each mealtime to signal when it's time for your dog to eat. This new bonding ritual will create more fun for all family members and will have your dog busting moves in anticipation in no time!

1. CREATE A MEALTIME ROUTINE Animals love routine. It's important for dogs to establish a mealtime routine whether they get fed first thing in the morning, after their walk or as small meals throughout the day.

By establishing a routine, your pooch will quickly catch on when it's mealtime.

2. PURCHASE A PUZZLE BOWL OR TOY Does your dog eat too fast? Do you want them to make a game out of their meal?

Puzzle bowls and food dispensing toys are a great way to stimulate your dog's mind during mealtime. They allow them to slow down to truly enjoy their food, making mealtime fun! Head to your local retailer to choose the correct bowl or toy for your dog.

5. MAKE IT A TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Use mealtime as an opportunity to train and reinforce wanted behaviors. Using commands like "sit" and "wait" before allowing your dog to eat helps them practice impulse control and good manners.

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“I recently found my new famliy and home. This wonderful US Army Sergeant First Class and his wife and were visiting their family here in Illinois over the 4th of July and he found me at Anderson Animal Shelter. I love my new family and have a lot of room outdoors to run and play.”

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Three Adoption Locations: Bloomingdale (inside petco) 412 W Army Trail Road Bloomingdale, IL 60108 (847) 697-2880 ext 90

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Toddling our way through public transportation With JONATHAN BILYK

As a kid growing up in what was then a relatively far flung northwest suburb of Chicago, the image was enchanting.

Footage, broadcast during Chicago Cubs home games, of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Addison Red Line stop, and the thousands of fans boarding and disembarking at the train station, just outside of the walls of Wrigley Field.

To my eyes, it appeared to be so easy: Just step off the train, and voila! You’re at the Friendly Confines, aka, the Greatest Place in the World (for 10-year-old me.)

This notion was further reinforced by what seemed like hours spent whiling away in the backseat of the family car, as my dad circled the streets of Wrigleyville on game days, in search of a convenient street parking spot, all to avoid paying through the nose for the privilege of parking in a garage or stacked in an alley or “E-Z out” lot somewhere within walking distance of the ballyard.

While I loved the time with my dad at Wrigley, there still had to be a better way to get around, I thought. And it was in those moments, I’d hear the broadcast voices of the Cubs in my mind’s receiver, reminding me (and Cubs fans everywhere) of the ease and convenience of the CTA. As a young adult, I took that message to heart.

I learned the environmental benefits that came from pocketing my car keys for a few hours, and riding the third rail into the city. But primarily, the decision was driven by two main motivators: A lack of funds, and a relative surplus of time.

And so it continued for years – until the stroller rolled in, stage left.

26

FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

Of course, I had seen parents before, getting on and off the trains with young kids in tow, struggling with the kid carriers, carriages and other accoutrements of life with little ones.

But while I saw them, I can’t say I ever really noted their struggles, until my wife and I attempted to continue to navigate the CTA, but now with a little one of our own along for the ride.

Carrying the stroller up L station steps, folding and unfolding the stroller, loading and unloading the gear and other goods, praying the approaching train would have enough open seating, or at least carry the right mix of empathetic and kid-tolerant passengers – everything suddenly made the mundane elements of riding the CTA more difficult by orders of magnitude.

And suddenly, the quiet comfort of my car beckoned.

Yet the prompting was tempered by one main dread: Parking. Like my father before me, I had developed an aversion to paying full price to park. But unlike my dad, the thought of driving in circles for miles to find a place to stash the car and save a few bucks also left me frozen.

And in those moments of great distress, often a hero will step forward. And in this case, as is often the way of the 21st century, the solution came from my smartphone. The parking app.

For the uninitiated, the apps – created under names like SpotHero, ParkMe, ParkWhiz or Parking Panda – allow users to browse and book parking spaces near a particular destination. You then simply drive to your destination.

Usually, the process saves a bit of money.

But what it really saves is time - and, by my reckoning, the planet – sparing the atmosphere from untold pounds of pollutants the car would otherwise spew as you circle, seeking an inexpensive place to land.

Others are free to dispute this reasoning. I know it doesn’t stack up to the environmental benefits of public transit. And as the kids get older, transit will once again become a more accessible choice for getting around much of Chicago and the suburbs. Perhaps you, my readers, have some transit-navigation tips for suburban parents with small children. (My only ask: Before offering tips, please either work in transit, or have successfully executed those tips yourself.)

But for now, my respect for the parents who use transit on a daily basis remains undimmed, as I, like so many others, rather reach for my smartphone to try to make the best choice possible for my family (and the planet). I may not greatly minimize my carbon footprint, but I will minimize the frustration of driving in seemingly endless circles or heaving a stroller onto the Red Line.

 Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

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It’s easy being green!

Go earth-friendly for your next family party With CAT BATTISTA

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recently designed an engagement celebration for a couple. They wanted a “rustic chic” theme (right in my wheelhouse) – but they threw me for a loop when they requested that every aspect of the party be “green” and sustainable. I mean – I know what recycling is (I’m not from Mars). But biodegradable flatware?

Re-purposed materials? Trash receptacles with distinguishing signs for plastic, paper or landfill? This all was new to me.

But I love a challenge, so I went to work designing an event that would not only be fun and elegant, but also comply with the bride and groom’s desire environmentally conscious.

Want to host your own earthfriendly soiree? Here are some tricks to try on your own!  Re-purpose old furniture I put to use items that were already on the event site and could be transformed into something special.

In the basement, I discovered eight wrought iron chairs that were filthy and had long been forgotten. Rather than ship the chairs off to a landfill, I cleaned them off with soap and water. Once dried, I spray painted them in chalk finished colors of cream, antique white, mint and rose.

(Tip: Try Rust-Oleum paint brand

28

FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

in its chalk matte finish.) I freshened up the chairs with throw-pillows.

The transformation was incredible!

The chairs were saved and the cost per chair was less than $15.  Use bio-degradable plates and flatware In truth, I’d never heard of such a thing before this couple. However, I found an incredible variety of bio-degradable merchandise on Etsy. com (a popular online market for small businesses). These products are plant-based and decompose naturally. When the plates and silverware arrived, I was surprised by how beautiful they were. Stylish and good for the environment? Sold!

I will definitely be recommending these green products to all design clients for future events!  Shop local Before you head out to a big-box store for party supplies, consider browsing through one of the amazing shops owned by a local merchant. We used local businesses for food, alcohol and décor. The candles, vases and wood elements came from Cocoon in Geneva. The tables and drink containers were found at SG-Too in St. Charles.

The food and drink? All from local wineries, breweries and caterers (we relied upon “Alice’s Corner” – the

amazing Bolivian empanada maker whose food-truck is always hopping at the French Market in Geneva on Sundays).

The engagement celebration was a total hit! Because of the unique touches, this was one of the most personal events I have ever hosted.

Also, planning a “green” party was a lot easier than I thought. At the end of the event, I not only felt great about the experience the bride and groom had at their party, but also about the fact that nothing about the party caused an ugly footprint on Mother Earth. I will definitely be including a “green” component in all events I coordinate moving forward!

 Cat Battista is a wife and mother of three children.

She celebrates faith, family and friendship in the Fox Valley, and writes about food, DIY, entertaining, home decor and style. Follow her on Instagram @ FaithFamilyFete or visit catbattista.com.

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Take a funfilled summer vacation on America’s favorite road trip

By ALLISON HORNE

The Lincoln Highway’s red, white and blue signs often go unnoticed on the side of the road.

That’s because today, it’s just another road.

But 100 years ago, the Lincoln Highway was the start of something groundbreaking a new: a transcontinental highway across the entire United States of America.

The Lincoln Highway stretches from New York and San Francisco and passes through a variety of different unique spots, including Philadelphia, Gettysburg, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Lake Tahoe region, and of course, the beautiful sprawling plains of Illinois.

“The Lincoln Highway Association wanted to plot out the fastest driving route from coast to coast,” says Kay Shelton, national president and Illinois state director for the Lincoln Highway Association.

Photos by Ruth Franz

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FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

In Illinois, the 179 miles of the Lincoln Highway begins in the east on U.S. 30, crosses through Joliet and Plainfield before turning into Illinois state route 31 towards Geneva. At Geneva, it turns west on IL 38 towards DeKalb. From there, it goes through Rochelle to Franklin Grove, where the National Headquarters of the Lincoln

Highway Association is located.

It continues through Dixon on IL 38, where the Lincoln Memorial is located, before rejoining U.S. 30 west of Sterling.

The Lincoln Highway then goes on IL 136

by Fulton, and passes a Lincoln Highway information center near the crossing of the Mississippi River into Iowa.

Creating the highway was no easy feat, and its’ meandering route and sharp turns are a testament to that.

“Before the middle of the 1920s, the government didn’t have anything to do with the roads,” says Lynn Asp, director of the Lincoln Association National Headquarters.

“The roads had no names and no numbers, and if you wanted something fixed or done, it was up to you.”

That’s exactly what some big businessmen, led by Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl Fisher, decided to do.

The Lincoln Highway Association is housed in the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove, which was built in 1860

by Henry I. Lincoln, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln. When it was first erected, the first floor was used as a store, while the second floor was dubbed Lincoln Hall, and

was used to social events and business meetings.

One of the original meetings that laid the foundation for what the Lincoln Highway would become was actually held at the store on February 14, 1914. The meeting was led by Fisher and several other industrialists who saw the benefit of having an improved coast-to-coast highway.

“He went upstairs to a crowd of 250 and explained to them how it would help their town and help people come to their town,” Asp says, adding that he also urged members to join their newly founded Lincoln Highway Association for $5. Their dues fee would get them a membership certificate and pin, which were first delivered at the meeting held at the H.I. Lincoln Building.

People bought in, and thus, the Lincoln Highway was born.

The Lincoln Highway has come a long way since it was first created. In 1913, there were not standard road signs and maps weren’t very common.

“Trying to navigate the Lincoln Highway was a challenge for early motorists,” Shelton says, noting that the Lincoln Highway Association printed road guides

and used a red, white and blue “L” logo to sign the road wherever they could. “Many industrious local businesses, however, put up their own “L” signs, even trying to entice motorists off the route to stop at their businesses.”

By 1928, the association enlisted the help of the Boy Scouts, who placed over 3,000 standardized concrete markers, which were much harder to duplicate, where the road was.

They were updated even further in 2001, when IDOT marked the entire route across Illinois.

“Since then, a couple of signs got knocked down, probably by snow plows, but nearly all of the signs from 2001 are still in place and it is possible to follow the route by following the red, white and blue “L” signs,” Shelton says.

When the road was first created, motorists would set out to cross the country but wouldn’t have anywhere to stay. Before motels, motorists would stop in open spaces and camp, often leaving behind trash.

“Cities wanted to eliminate people stopping at random open spaces so they would set aside plots of land, put in water

pumps, build places where people could set up their cooking fires, and they were called auto camps,” Shelton says.

By the mid-1920s, there were over 5,000 auto camps across the country, including one in Aurora. The camp, located near Phillips Park, has since been restored.

But as cross-country travel increased, so did the need for places to stay. Auto camps often got overcrowded and noisy and began charging fees, and thus, motels were born.

While the path of the road hasn’t changed much, the Lincoln Highway Association is trying to keep up with the times. They’ve worked to map out electric charging stations for electric cars and have talked to local businesses about adding electrical charge stations.

The roads may have new pavement or have been long forgotten, but the Lincoln Highway will always hold an important place in the history of the United States.

“It’s the world’s longest memorial to any person, President Abraham Lincoln,” Shelton says. “It also crosses a great sample of what the United States has to offer for history and beauty.”

FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

31

Back to School…

WITH TWO NEW KNEES

School Principal Tonya Forbes has to keep up.

The 56-year-old administrator at Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora oversees hundreds of students every day in a busy two-story building on the city’s west side.

But after nine years of fighting degenerating knees, she knew she needed help. She could hardly stand, let alone mingle and relate with busy students, ranging in age from preschool through eighth grade.

Tonya Forbes and family

“I got to the point where I couldn’t put it off any longer,” says Forbes. “I could barely walk. By the end of the day, I would be in tears.”

The first step was a partial knee replacement of Forbes’ left knee. A partial knee replacement selectively targets only the damaged parts of the knee and preserves the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it. Because less tissue is removed, patients may have a quicker recovery.

Forbes received care from William R. Sterba, MD, orthopaedic surgeon for Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics, who deployed a hightech robotic system called MakoTM RoboticArm Assisted Surgery.

The system allows the surgeon to image the knee with a CT scan, develop a 3D virtual model and then load the model into the system to create a personalized pre-operative plan. The surgeon then guides the robotic arm during surgery to execute the plan, improving joint alignment and creating a custom-fit implant.

“With this technology, we can execute the surgery

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HEALTH & WELLNESS AUGUST 2018

exactly as planned, ensuring more accurate placement and alignment of the implant,” says Dr. Sterba. “By balancing the knee properly, we can improve longevity of the implant and prevent damage to healthy areas.”

Forbes was able to return home the same day of surgery and immediately begin physical therapy. Within two weeks, she had regained the same 120 degrees of motion that typically takes patients eight weeks or longer to achieve.

Six months after surgery on her left knee, Forbes underwent a total knee replacement for the troublesome right knee.

The results have given Forbes a new level of gratitude for the wonders of human mobility.

“It’s the simple things you take for granted, such as just getting up off the floor or getting out of a bathtub,” says Forbes. “I forgot how wonderful it is to take a stroll around the block with my children.”

Forbes is expecting her new knees to last a long time, and Dr. Sterba agrees that is the ultimate goal.

“With the Mako system, we can make adjustments within a tenth of a millimeter,” he explains. “With that extraordinary accuracy, we expect improved outcomes for patients.”  For more information on Mako surgery at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, please visit mako.nm.org or call 630.225.2663.

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*Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital ranked #30 in Adult Orthopaedic Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, 2017-18

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35

Gem of the

FOX Wander the riverside and explore scenic Pottawatomie Park

By AIMEE BARROWS

St. Charles has so many outdoor recreation options throughout the city, but one of the highlights is the riverwalk, which offer beautiful green spaces and plenty of shopping and dining options just steps away. You can spend an entire day strolling along the path, which hugs the banks of the Fox River, while enjoying the gorgeous views of nature, and the downtown area’s locally-owned businesses.

The Freedom Trail portion of the riverwalk begins in Pottawatomie Park, the flagship of the St. Charles Park District. Part of the halfmile Freedom Trail, created decades ago, is known as the Jack Kerr Memorial Riverwalk, named after the longtime Park District board member.

Before heading down the path, enjoy Pottawatomie Park by relaxing under a shady tree while the kids have fun in one of the park’s two

playgrounds, playing a game of mini-golf or tennis, or taking a paddlewheel boat cruise along the river.

“Pottawatomie Park has something for everyone.

It’s an active environment that always has something going on. It means a lot to so many people,” says Laura Rudow, superintendent of parks and planning at the St. Charles Park District.

As you stroll south along Freedom Trail, you’ll experience magnificent views of downtown St. Charles and the famed Hotel Baker. The path winds past the St. Charles Police Dept. and ends near the city’s Municipal Building on Main Street. But before continuing down to the Bob Leonard Riverwalk on the south and west side of the river, the trail spills you into the heart of downtown St. Charles, at the ready with food and drink, and whimsical retail shops to be explored.

-Continued on page38

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-Continued from page 36 Several new businesses have opened near the Riverwalk on First Street within the last year. Stop by Brunch Café for a midmorning meal, satisfy a sweet tooth with a scoop of handmade ice cream at Kilwin’s, relax with a glass of wine at Vintage 53 or dig into a modern Mexican meal at Puebla.

And just a few blocks off the Riverwalk path are more dining options, including Romano’s and Taste of the Himalayas, or Eden on the River, which serves authentic Mediterranean food and features live music on the weekends, a great spot to enjoy the beautiful Fox River.

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On a hot day, cool off with a frosty pint at classic St. Charles haunts like McNally’s Irish Pub, Main Street Pub or The Filling Station on Main Street. You’ll find locallyowned retailers in the downtown area near the Riverwalk, including the women’s clothing stores Jeans and a Cute Top Shop and Chic Boutique, the retro candy store Rocket Fizz, Townhouse Books & Café and Two Wild Seeds, a new gluten-free bakery.

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East Side Sports Complex

Open daily 9am to dusk (weather & conditions permitting)

Access via parking lot off Commerce Drive

River Bend Community Park

Courier & Geneva Avenues

James O. Breen Community Park

• 3/4 acre dog park • 5-foot chain link fence • interactive play features with mulch surface • access to the site’s pond • separate area specifically for smaller dogs

• 3/4 acre dog park • 5-foot chain link fence • separate area specifically for smaller dogs • doggy water fountain • double-gated security entrance

• 21⁄2-acre fenced dog park • doggy water fountain • double-gated security entrance • dog-friendly equipment and activity stations • separate area specifically for smaller dogs

Campton Hills & Peck Roads

Dogs must be supervised at all times, be current on all vaccinations, and have current rabies tags worn and visible. Maximum two dogs per person. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their pets, fill in any holes dug, and not bring food into the park. Dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot.

“I see a lot of bikers and hikers stopping to enjoy downtown,” says Jenna Sawicki, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. “It has a unique vibe to it. There are so many diverse offerings and businesses, and is always bustling and full of energy.”

The Bob Leonard Riverwalk continues south on the west side of the river from the Illinois St. Bridge to Mt. St. Mary Park.

The riverwalk was constructed in 2010 to pay tribute to the late St. Charles resident who was very active in the community.

Last year, members of the River Corridor Foundation installed benches and planters along the paved path.

“Having a river run through the middle of a downtown is unique, and that’s a big advantage for St. Charles,” says John Rabchuk, president of the River Corridor Foundation. “It attracts a lot of people to downtown. Not many other places in Illinois have that kind of natural scenery.”

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39

In the business of COMMUNITY

LONG-RUNNING BUSINESSES HELPED SHAPE THE CITY

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

C

elebrating the history of St. Charles means celebrating those who helped to build the community.

In the early days, the founders of local commerce demonstrated a certain foresight for the needs of the city, and while they toiled long hours to build their business, many offered similar commitment to community service, taking pride in the growing city where they grew their business and their families.

The city is fortunate to have more than a few long-time businesses still hard at work in St. Charles, a part of the community’s legacy. They represent perseverance and tenacity as owners and operators persisted through challenges and hardships over the years. They demonstrated the adaptability to change with the needs of customers and offer innovations to keep striving and thriving.

Here are their stories:

 Hotel Baker

Dorsey and Louis Armstrong.

While some long-time businesses pass from generation to generation, Joe and Rowena Salas stepped into the historical footprint of their business based on their love for its location, architecture and significance to the community.

But like the story of many long-time businesses, there have been peaks and valleys in its story. In 1971 Lutheran Social Services began operating a senior living center in the hotel. When the agency decided to leave the property a pair of local businessmen purchased the hotel and restored it in 1996. The pair decided to end their venture in 2002 and placed the property up for sale.

In 2003 the Salas of nearby Wayne bought The Hotel Baker through an auction sale.

“Joe fell in love with the hotel because of the river views,” says Rowena.

The hotel was constructed with a budget of more than $1 million by St. Charles native Edward Baker, who was more commonly known simply as “ Colonel.”

It opened in 1928 with 55-rooms and some of the finest furnishings and modern conveniences of its time. It’s included in the National Register of Historic Places. Through the years the hotel has welcomed several important guests including John F. Kennedy and famous entertainers such as Tommy

It had been vacant for more than a year when the Salas’ bought the property.

At 90-years old, there is a fine line of maintaining the building’s historical features and working with an aging structure and mechanicals. Rowena said thanks to their incredible team, including an amazing chief engineer, they are able to maintain the structure.

“It takes so much to keep up an old building,” she says. “That’s been a real challenge.”

Rowena says the community’s support for the hotel has been very strong, from referrals to attending events, stopping at the restaurant for dinner or popping in for a drink and to enjoy live music in the evening. She jokes that one doesn’t have to be dressed in their finest to enjoy the hotel’s beautiful amenities. Yet, for many the hotel represents a special destination and its popularity with weddings, banquets and corporate functions is one that Rowena enjoys.

“The Hotel Baker has always been a special occasion destination,” she says.

“Even though [brides and grooms] have gone off to school and moved away from St. Charles, they long to come back and have their wedding at the hotel because of the fond memories from their families,” Rowena Salas says.

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 Blue Goose Market When Paul Lencioni moved back to St. Charles to take up work in the family business he wasn’t just coming back to manage operations at the popular downtown grocery store. For him, it was a return to his roots.

“You’ve got to take care of your community or you won’t have a community to take care of you,” Lencioni says. “That’s a lesson I learned from my grandfather.”

It was, in fact, Lencioni’s grandfather, Vasco Lencioni and his wife, Germaine, who took the fruit store, started by Vasco’s mother, Annunciata “Nancy” Lencioni, and developed the market selling produce, meats and dry goods. The original store was on the 200 block of West Main Street.

“My grandfather really cared deeply about the community,” says Paul. “He worked real hard to create the bones of what we know of today as St. Charles.”

Vasco’s understanding of retail took the produce market to success, ensuring his customers had the fresh ingredients for their families meals. His commitment to the community – serving in various appointed and elected positions – cemented his dedication for building a community that he was proud to work, live and raise a family, Paul says.

Paul Lencioni Photo by Ron McKinney

Today, that pride inspires Paul, who also makes a point of serving his community, having been appointed to the plan commission and elected as a township trustee, in addition to his volunteer roles in local organizations and projects.

“I believe in creating a good community, a quality community,” he says.

And while he is proud to serve as president and chief executive officer at the Blue Goose Market, Paul didn’t take a direct route up the ladder as the fourth generation in a family business. Before stepping into the role he spent time working in California, before his hometown pulled him back.

“I came back to St. Charles after realizing exactly what we have here,” Paul says, “because of how hard we have worked and what makes this community so special.”

And having grown up with the market, Paul says he saw that it’s more than a place to shop.

Neighbors stop and chat in the aisle and today, they can linger over coffee and a sandwich at the market’s café.

“Blue Goose is almost like a part of the family,” Paul Lencioni says. “You’ve got to take care of it and it takes care of you and it has a responsibility to the community. It’s never just about business.”

through the evergreen business.

Through the company’s history brothers, sons, daughters and wives have all lent their time and talents to the company whether it was working weekends and summer breaks or heading up divisions from within the company. The Wagners can easily wander through the community and point out the buildings they’ve worked inside, laying pipes and sewer lines, making repairs and working on renovations.

 J.L. Wagner Plumbing and Piping, Inc. With her husband away at war, Mary Agnes Wagner saw an opportunity to build a family business. So without hesitation, she bought out her husband Roscoe’s previous business partner, and in 1917, after fighting in World War I, Roscoe returned to his St. Charles home and his newly named business, Roscoe Wagner Plumbing. With folks moving from outhouses to indoor plumbing and the construction developing in the downtown of the farm town, there was plenty of work to be done.

But Roscoe Wagner wasn’t just a man building a business. He built connections, stepping into work in the Chamber of Commerce and making friends with fellow founding members of the community. The foresight of his wife and his own dedication built the foundation of what is today, J.L. Wagner Plumbing and Piping, Inc. At the helm of the 101-year-old company is Jack Wagner and his son Dan Wagner, the third and fourth generation to steer the company

Jack Wagner and his son Dan Wagner Photo by Bill Ackerman

At 70, Jack is old enough to recall the open farm fields that greeted visitors once they left the center of town and how he used to walk everywhere as a child, whether it was to school or hang out with friends. He remembers being a teen hanging out at Dog & Suds and when the first McDonalds opened on Randall Road. He remembers when he was young and his family would meet up with his grandfather for Sunday lunches after church at the Hotel Baker’s restaurant. And he recalls the business meetings at Brass Fox. -Continued on page 42 HISTORIC ST. CHARLES AUGUST 2018

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-Continued from page 41 What once was considered dangerous and as Jack called it, “heavy grunt work” to lay pipes and dig ditches, the plumbing business has changed considerably with the advances in technology and machinery.

“Now the trade is a lot less injury related and a lot less burdensome,” Jack says.

Today his employees included skilled men and women, but Jack says the challenge is continuing to find those interested in the trade and entering into the training programs.

With more competition from larger business, Jack and Dan Wagner have altered the focus of the company, tackling a mixture of commercial and residential work. This summer they are working on the new Carol Stream Police Department, a renovation at school in Crystal Lake and the Ryder Truck Facility in St. Charles, along with day-to-day projects for residents’ homes and answering service calls.

“You have to change and keep up with the changes,” he says. “It’s a whole spectrum and you have to go with what is the best opportunity for the people I’ve got working with me.”

 Colonial Café In 1901, Simon Anderson started the St. Charles Pure Milk Company delivering milk orders with a horse-drawn wagon through town. It soon evolved into The Anderson Dairy Company and Creamery. It satisfied customers’ appetite for drive-ins in the late 1940s and in the spring of 1957 it opened its Snappy Snack, where customers could buy a Tasty Burger for 16 cents and Krispy Fries for 10 cents. Also on the menu were fresh doughnuts at 59 cents for a dozen and customers could grab one of the 10 stools that lined a counter to sit and enjoy their meals.

A few years later it expanded operations with a larger facility and the addition of the Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop with two soda fountains. The menu began to expand too with 11 sandwich options and a soup of the day.

Clinton Anderson, president of Colonial Café, says that people used to question the first location out on Main Street

in St. Charles for being “so far out of town.” Advertisements encouraged customers to “drive out” to see what’s new at the ice cream and sandwich shoppe.

“Now we’re in the middle of everything,” Anderson says.

By the late 1970s customers habits and tastes had shifted and the business replaced counters and stools with booths and tables to serve from a larger menu as part of a family restaurant where the desserts remained a favorite. But Clinton’s great grandfather may have never imaged that today’s restaurant would include a men where customers can order a quinoa breakfast bowl, avocado toast or place a to-go order from their phone, tablet or computer.

“People’s habits keep changing and we’re evolving with those expectations,” Clinton says.

Clinton accepted the role of managing the business from his father, Tom

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Anderson, who still retains the beloved title of Director of Scooping Fun. The fourth-generation owner now oversees operations at the seven restaurant locations including two in St. Charles.

Additionally visitors at the amusement park Santa’s Village in East Dundee can visit the ice cream parlor to order Colonial Café ice cream treats including the favorite of more than 42 years, The Kitchen Sink, featuring 6 scoops of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream served a top two bananas, and topped with chocolate and caramel sauce with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.

One of the staples from the early founding of the business is its commitment to the community, from sponsorships and Colonial Cares fundraising nights to supporting local nonprofits.

From left: Tom Anderson, Clinton Anderson and Asher Anderson Photo by Sandy Bresner

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Major milestones Business has been booming in St Charles for over a century! Celebrate these longtime city businesses for the service and products they provide – then, and today!

By AIMEE BARROWS

 ARCADA THEATRE 105 E. Main St. | St. Charles www.arcadalive.com What began in 1926 as a vaudeville playhouse has grown into one of the premier live music and entertainment venues in the Midwest. The Arcada Theatre, which was once the site of St. Charles’ old Burchell Hotel, was built by local millionaire Lester Norris for $500,000. Visitors from across the Chicago area visited the 1,000-seat theatre in its early heyday to catch acts like George Burns and Gracie Allen, the John Phillip Sousa Band, Walter Slezak and Maria Von Trapp, Vincent Price and many others. As the entertainment industry changed throughout the decades, the theater suffered with dwindling performances and attendance, and almost closed in the early 2000s.

That’s when Ron Onesti, owner of Onesti Entertainment, stepped in to revitalize

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the Arcada Theatre. Onesti purchased the theater in 2005, and added technological upgrades and restored it to its original elegance. Onesti spent thousands on renovating the dressing rooms, stage, lighting and sound systems, while retaining the theater’s warm, comfortable ambiance. Onesti kept the original pipe organ that rises from underneath the stage.

Onesti brought the likes of Mickey Rooney, Jerry Lee Lewis and Martin Short to St. Charles shortly after taking ownership, and consistently attracts worldclass performers and bands. In addition to the live entertainment, the theater still hosts monthly silent movie nights.

Onesti continues to pay homage to the theater’s beginnings with Club Arcada, a “Roaring 20s”-themed speakeasy and restaurant located on the third floor of the building that also features unique live entertainment on weekends.

 FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE 1645 E. Main St. St. Charles www.firestonecomplete autocare.com Firestone Complete Auto Care has been St. Charles’ choice for quality car care needs since 1968, and is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary this year. The company began servicing vehicles since 1926, and has been leading the auto care industry for generations. If you suspect a problem with your car, bring it in where Firestone’s trained technicians will provide a free courtesy check by inspecting tires, steering, hoses and more.

 BETHLEHEM PRESCHOOL 1145 N. Fifth Ave. | St. Charles www.bethlehemluth.org Bethlehem Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of quality childcare and early education through its Preschool Center that provides half-day and full-day care for children ages 3 to 6. The preschool opened its doors in September of 1968, and since then, the programs have been nurturing children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs in a warm and caring environment. The preschool is based on Christian care, and offers daily prayer and Bible stories.

Children in Bethlehem programs learn through exploration and interaction with peers and adults, and are encouraged to initiate play using developmentallyappropriate materials. One fundamental goal of the preschool is to build children’s self-esteem, which is achieved when they’re able to make their own choices, and by providing multi-cultural materials.

The program’s flexible schedule is perfect for working parents. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30 p.m. and can be picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. The all-day program provides lunch and two snacks daily, and children in both half-day and full-day programs will have outdoor play time. The half-day program runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and parents can choose how many days a week their child attends.

The preschool follows St. Charles School District 303 calendar.

Firestone Complete Auto Care can service brakes, repair engines or air conditioning, replace batteries and belts, perform alignments, oil changes and more at affordable prices and quick turnaround times. Customers can buy new tires online and schedule an installation that’s convenient for them. Firestone prides itself on expertise automotive knowledge and offers a Fixed Right Guarantee. If the service performed doesn’t solve the problem, technicians will fix it free of charge.

Firestone Complete Auto Care’s website also offers great deals and coupons on its website, and appointments can be scheduled online.

 HEINZ BROTHERS GREENHOUSE GARDEN CENTER 2010 E. Main St. | St. Charles | www.heinzbrothers.com St. Charles’ premier garden center is celebrating nearly 40 years as a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs. The family-owned garden center has a large nursery yard that carries everything from trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, aquatics, houseplants and more, while the retail center has tools and equipment, pottery, fountains and other items to make your landscaping stand out. For those who may need a little help, Heinz Brothers offers landscape design services, installation, holiday decorating and more. Heinz Brothers’ professional landscape designers can expertly create your small-to-medium sized garden. The company even rents out plants, containers, garden accessories for special events. For those who’d like to learn more about gardening, Heinz Brothers hosts several workshops throughout the year.

Heinz Brothers was a family-owned wholesale seedling business that began in the 1940s. Geneva resident Joel Schrock purchased the business in 1979 and moved it to its current location in 1985. The business was changed from a wholesale business into the greenhouse and garden center that Kane County residents know today.

Joel’s son, Jay Schrock, now runs Heinz Brothers and is proud that it has remained a local, family-owned business.

-Continued on page 46 HISTORIC ST. CHARLES AUGUST 2018

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-Continued from page 45

 SKYLINE TREE SERVICE 303 N. Second St., Suite 23A St. Charles www.skylinetreesvc.com Keeping America beautiful has been a guiding principle of St. Charles’ Skyline Tree Service since it was founded in 1988. For 30 years, the family owned-and-operated business has been providing exceptional customer service and quality tree care to Kane County. Trimming trees can be dangerous, so Skyline prides itself on providing safety training and continuing education for its team of certified arborists, while keeping up-to-date with the latest technological advances in equipment.

Skyline’s services include tree trimming and tree and stump removal for residents and businesses, and utility line clearing for municipalities. Tree experts are also able to come to your home to evaluate your trees for insect infestation or disease, and recommend a treatment plan to suit your landscaping needs.

When a storm hits and causes damage, Skyline offers 24-hour emergency tree pruning, removal and clean-up service. And when winter hits, the company offers snow plowing, snow blowing and snow shoveling services for both commercial and residential properties.

Skyline Tree Service is fully insured and bonded, and offers competitive rates and free estimates.

 DETOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN,INC. 451 Dunham Rd., Suite 1000 St. Charles www.detourinc.com Detour Graphic Design in St. Charles is celebrating its 20th year of creative, award-winning advertising and design. Founder and Creative Director David Enger, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, has won numerous international awards and has led countless successful campaigns. Detour has been a part of 126 successful campaigns with more than 70 clients from a variety of industries, including Hewlett Packard, Olcott Plastics, Now Personal Care and Culinaire.

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The firm’s specialties include advertising, identity, packaging, print collateral and product/ lifestyle photography. The designers work with both large and small businesses to ensure that the finished product is unique, focused and successful. Creative, attentiongrabbing designs and photography for marketing and advertising materials are guaranteed for each and every client. In addition to the creative services, designers work with clients to uncover a quality brand identity and message, which can translate into increased sales.

Detour will work with clients to create a cutting-edge website that will drive customers and increase Internet presence.

 ST. CHARLES DENTALCARE/DR. SMITH 2455 Dean St. Unit E St. Charles www.st-charlesdental.com St. Charles Dental Care has been the dental office of choice in the Fox Valley area for 20 years.

Dr. Peter Smith and his staff of professionals have been providing exceptional dental care since it opened in 1998, and their main goal has always been to make their patients feel as comfortable as possible while receiving the highest quality dental treatment. From the moment patients walk through the door, the staff at St. Charles Dental Care are ready to make sure they feel relaxed and pampered in the soothing waiting room with diffused scents and oils and a paraffin-wax hand dip.

The practice offers a full-range of restorative, cosmetic and periodontal services, as well as root canals, dentures and orthodontic care. At each visit, Dr. Smith or Dr. Tucker give each patient a thorough exam by inspecting the teeth and gums, screening for oral cancer and viewing x-rays to ensure proper treatment and care. The dentists and hygienists take their time with each patient, carefully reviewing treatment options and preventative care. The practice is accepting new patients, so contact the friendly staff today to schedule your family’s next appointment.  HELPING HAND PC 40W270 La Fox Rd., Suite A St. Charles www.helpinghandpc.com Helping Hand PC in St. Charles has been committed to providing quality, affordable technology services to businesses and homes since it was founded in 1998by Dave Eshoo.

Since its beginnings, the company has grown into a staff of nine full-time employees, including five technicians, a web developer and a graphic designer.

Proper technology support is critical to any business and Helping Hand PC offers numerous services, including WiFi setup, remote backup, graphic design, hard drive crash recovery, web and email hosting, web application, maintenance and much more. For homes, Helping Hands friendly, knowledgeable technicians can find the right computer for your needs and set it up while suggesting the best possible software. The company prides itself on offering affordable solutions to all technology problems.

Helping Hand is proud to be an authorized Barracuda reseller, and authorized Dell solutions provider, Microsoft partner and an authorized Apple reseller. Clients can feel confident they’ll receive the highest-quality IT support when partnering with Helping Hand PC. The company offers free on-site technology assessments.

 POWER PACKAGING 525 Dunham Road St. Charles Power Packaging, a DHL company headquartered in St. Charles, is celebrating its 50th anniversary of business this year, having grown from a small, privately-owned company to North America’s leading contract manufacturer for food and beverage consumer packaged goods. With more than 1,000 employees, the organization has worked with several of the world’s leading food brands to remain innovative in one of the most competitive industries.

Through industry changes, continuous growth and its acquisition by DHL, Power Packaging has maintained its reputation as a company with anentrepreneurial spirit and passion for supporting its customers. Now, as a DHL company and part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, Power Packaging has the financial strength and supply chain sophistication to offer its customers a full breadth of solutions, including real estate, e-commerce and logistics.

Power Packaging is known for finding new and innovative ways to package products and provide service to meet market demands, including: • Introducing paperboard aseptic to North America in 1983 and establishing a regional aseptic beverage manufacturing plant.

• Collaborating with customers to successfully develop solutions to support the commercialization of over 100 new products.

• Americanizing stick-pack technology in 2002, becoming the first in North America to successfully launch a stick-pack solution, which was then automated.

HISTORIC ST. CHARLES AUGUST 2018

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Naturally BEAUTIFUL Park District naturalists give Mother Nature a helping hand

By CAROL HAGGAS Most people driving past the wetlands at Otter Creek Bend or hiking the trails at Norris Woods Nature Preserve must think, “Okay, this is the way this place always looks.”

native plant gene pool by encouraging rare species to survive and evolve.

Nature unspoiled, nature unassisted.

“We’re here to help good plants thrive and get rid of the bad plants that get in their way,” says Voegtle. “It’s so easy for non-native species to get out of control and crowd out the plants that are supposed to be here.”

In fact, Mother Nature needs a hand to keep natural areas looking, well, natural. For the St. Charles Park District, this assistance comes via the naturalist staff: Ecological Restoration Technicians Jill Voegtle, Jason Pettit and Ryan Solomon and Native Plant Specialist Joan Kramer. These four manage the District’s dozen natural area sites with a combined total of more than 400 acres, plus an extensive Native Plant Demonstration Garden along the banks of the Fox River.

“There is always something to do somewhere,” said Voegtle.

That “something” takes many forms. Maybe it’s an afternoon at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center monitoring a prescribed burn – an intentionally set fire that helps stimulate germination of desirable plants and controls competing, unwanted vegetation – or perhaps it’s a day of brush clearing at Majestic Oaks Wetland to open up a woodland canopy so that more sunlight reaches the understory plants. It could even be a Saturday morning spent seed collecting at Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve, gathering seeds that will be used in restoration projects in the future.

From savannas to streams, marshes to meadows, the natural habitats in the Park District can be as diverse as the native oakhickory woodland at Delnor Woods Park to the upland swamp at Persimmon Woods.

Several are designated as Illinois State Nature Preserve, giving them permanent protection under state law. They provide essential functions such as water filtering and flood control and contribute to the health of the

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Plants like the impressive bur oak (pictured above) in Delnor Woods Park. Impressive now, yes, but for years one could hardly see the tree for the forest of buckthorn and other invasive species growing up around its base.

Naturalists set about removing the marauding plants, and within one year the tree was visible again, now framed by a diverse complement of grasses and wildflowers that enhance – but won’t eclipse – its beauty.

While encouraging the health and beauty of native plant species in their natural habitat may be the overall objective of the naturalist staff, showing their diversity and application in the home landscape is the mission of the Native Plant Demonstration Garden, located behind Pottawatomie Community Center. By installing native plants against the building’s foundation, tucking them beneath benches and bird feeders, and having them cascade over garden walls, garden manager Joan Kramer replicates typical landscape situations to show home gardeners how native plants can be used in their own backyards.

“They can be integrated with plants gardeners already enjoy in their yards, and generally they are less demanding and more drought and disease tolerant” says Kramer. “Plus they have the added benefit of attracting butterflies,

hummingbirds and pollinators.”

Remember that earlier statistic? Four naturalists, more than 400 acres? In the best tradition of “many hands make light work,” the Park District has established weekly restoration days in the community’s scenic natural areas. Held on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM, these regular morning work sessions are perfect ways for volunteers to contribute to the maintenance of these essential habitats. The volunteer schedule rotates as follows: First Saturday of the month is at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center; second at Norris Woods Nature Preserve; third at Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve; fourth at Persimmon Woods.

And so, while it may look like these many diverse areas are functioning perfectly well on their own, the truth is, they are doing so with a little – okay, a lot – of help from their friends.

“It’s impossible for a natural area to maintain a healthy ecosystem without human help,” said Voegtle. “Nothing exists in a vacuum and things change. We naturalists are here to monitor that change and help things move in the right direction.”  Visit a natural area today. For specific locations, visit the Park District’s web site at www.stcparks.org. To volunteer to help the naturalist staff on weekly restoration days, call 630-513-4399.

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Plant a tree, plant the future.

P

lanting trees can add a great deal of value to a property.

Money magazine suggests that a professionally landscaped yard can add up to 15% to the value of a home. ComEd & Nicor often include notes in their newsletters stating the great energy savings one can receive from mature trees (shading the house in the summer and blocking wind in the winter).

Trees provide shelter, food, oxygen and many other elements necessary to sustain an ecosystem. Planting trees can be very rewarding, especially if the proper tree is chosen for the location.

Choosing the right tree for the right location is the first step in planting a tree. Here are some great trees that do well in our area.

BLACK HILLS SPRUCE (Picea glauca ‘Densata’) - Dense evergreen best used as a specimen or windbreak. Adapts well to our windy, dry climate. Medium growth rate, matures at about 30’. Smaller than Colorado Blue Spruce, the Black Hills Spruce is an excellent conifer for the smaller, suburban lot.

TULIP TREE (Lirodentron tulipifera) – Fast growing unique tree with teacup sized yellow and orange flowers. No serious pests or diseases.

Oval to columnar habit makes it nice for smaller yards. Gold fall color.

‘RIVERSII’ PURPLE BEECH (Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’) – Fast growing, large tree with absolutely gorgeous dark burgundy leaves. Very tough long lived tree with few pests or issues. Some of the oldest and largest Beech in the state are in the Fox Valley area.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE AUGUST 2018

DAWN REDWOOD (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) – Fast growing deciduous evergreen with pyramidal habit. Tolerant of poorly drained soils, attractive ferny leaves turn copper in fall. ‘Gold Rush’ is a beautiful golden hued variety.

BLACK ALDER (Alnus glutinosa) - Large multistem tree very tolerant of a wet area. Can be grown along stream banks and rivers or that swale at the back of your yard where nothing else seems to grow.

KENTUCKY COFFEETREE (Gymnocladus dioicus)- Large tree well suited to our harsh winters and dry summers. Seedless (male) cultivars such as ‘Espresso’ make excellent specimen trees without the mess of their female counterparts. Unique winter habit and attractive bark, no serious disease or insect problems and is a favorite of municipalities interested in diversification.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now. ~ Chinese Proverb

 Planting Tips:

Measure the root ball or container first. The hole diameter should be at least 50% wider than that of the root ball or container. Dig your hole deep enough so that the top of the ball is level with the existing grade - no deeper. In wet (heavy clay) soils the top of the root ball can be 2"-4" above grade. To avoid settling, the hole should have a flat, firm bottom. As you dig, save all of the topsoil and dispose of the excess subsoil (clay or rock).

Place plant in hole and orient as desired. Cut twine or rope (if any) from around the trunk.

(Remove potted plants from their containers.) If possible remove top layer of basket once the plant is in the hole. Do not remove burlap from the tree ball.

BACK FILLING Fill around the root ball with the original soil. Soil amendments such as peat moss are not recommended in our heavy clay soils. A small amount of mushroom compost mixed with the existing soil may be helpful. Chop up the heavier soils and use in the bottom of the hole saving the better topsoil for the top layers.

Adding mycorrhiza (a beneficial soil bacteria) to the backfill is recommended to improve the tree's long-term health. Tamp soil as you back fill to eliminate any air pockets. Mound a ring of soil at the edge of the hole to form a water-catching saucer and to allow settling around the ball. Place little or no soil over the top of the root ball and do not pile soil around base of trunk.

WATERING The first watering should be liberal to both saturate root ball and settle any remaining air pockets. Subsequent watering should be at 1-2 week intervals for trees and 3-5 day intervals for shrubs depending on weather and soil conditions.

Soak ground thoroughly with a slow running hose or root feeder. Do not over water.

When in doubt as to whether the tree is receiving adequate water, try prodding a stick or pole into the ground. If the pole goes in very easily and comes out wet, then the tree does not need to be watered.

If the pole does not go down easily, and requires a lot of force to get down farther, then the tree may need to be watered.

When using this technique, try to get down at least 18" as surface soils may be more wet or dry than sub-soils.

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51

YOUR CHILD$

FUTURE

By THOMAS MCCARTNEY

A

ugust is the traditional heart of the family vacation season.

You may even find yourself on vacation, enjoying an adult beverage, and reading this article at the end of a long day refereeing disputes between overly-tired kids or grandkids.

As you survey your family and reflect on how fortunate you really are, you may find your mind wandering into the future, dreaming about each child’s next steps, and contemplating how some of your dreams for them will be funded.

Inevitably, you will allow yourself to think about what your child will do after high school. Your focus may start on what type of school they may attend and what they may choose to study – which are far more pleasant topics than how this all will be paid for. Out of curiosity you may grab your phone, google a favorite college, and look up what it will cost to attend. This is the point where your knuckles turn white as you tightly squeeze both the phone and the glass in your hand.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC AUGUST 2018

INSTITUTION

TUITION/ROOM/ FEES 2018*

PROJECTED FUTURE TOTAL COST**

Indiana University, Bloomington (Non-Resident)

$45,103

$467,846

Northwestern University, Evanston (Resident)

$68,725

$712,873

The University of Iowa, Iowa City (Non-Resident)

$39,580

$410,557

The University of Wisconsin, Madison (Non-Resident)

$45,625

$473,260

University of Chicago (Resident)

$70,551

$731,815

University of IL, Champaign (Resident)

$27,176

$281,892

*Published annual tuition, room & board, and required fees. **Assume 5% annual increase and student attends for four years starting in 2036.

File #0933-2018

As the sampling of some popular regional institutions shows, the current published costs of attendance can be intimidating. The picture becomes more serious when you consider the amount you would need to plan for if you have a child born in 2018 who would attend a school for four years starting in 2036.

Unfortunately for your wallet, the aid you may receive from the government, colleges and private scholarships often only cover about one-third of all college expenses. The sooner you start saving, the better off you will be in the long run, and even modest savings can grow into significant investments by the time your child is ready to head off to school. Here’s how to get started saving:

✔ Save money methodically via payroll deduct or via another systematic investment method. (Your financial advisor should be able to help you with this.)

✔ Consult your financial advisor and collaborate to

develop a plan with milestones for achieving your child’s educational goal. As your children get old enough, have them periodically accompany you when meeting with your financial advisor, allowing them to learn and become engaged in the process.

✔ When they are old enough to get a job, have your children contribute half of their earnings into their college savings fund.

✔ Save and invest windfalls such as inheritances, income tax refunds or bonuses.

✔ Increase the amount you save by five percent each year to keep up with the college tuition inflation rate.

✔ Ask relatives to contribute to the savings account in lieu of gifts.

✔ Keep your savings and investment plans a priority. ✔ Make sure to not carry credit card debt and to maintain an emergency fund as this will help keep you from having to “raid” college savings to cover other expenses.

Strategies for investing for college are many and cannot be adequately covered in this single article. Contact us to discuss ways your money can work as hard as you do.  Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

McCartney and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Photo by Indre Cantero BUSINESS & CIVIC AUGUST 2018

53

DIGGING IN Halle Cox is building community, one book at a time

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by RON MCKINNEY f libraries are a place for discovery, then Halle Cox is a treasure hunter of sorts, in her work as director of the Kane County Law Library as well as the time she devotes to local community libraries.

I

donate their time to meet with visitors. Cox says while the meetings are brief, they can be an important way for a visitor to ask a question or two and help get on the right track to solving an issue at hand.

Cox admits a life-long love of the library and in high school she enjoyed her role as a page, assisting the local public library staff and restocking shelves. After earning a degree in English at Luther College in Iowa she pursued a graduate degree in library information studies with a specialty in law at the University of Rhode Island.

Cox initiated the evening hours at the library and says she understands not everything can be done in a 9-to-5 time span and wants to make it easier for visitors to utilize the library and its resources. This includes providing computers for the public to use, which can be essential for someone filing paperwork for a case.

“I love it because I’ve always been a strong community person and this was a really great way to meet my interests and help those in my community,” Cox says.

“I think libraries, in general, are really important in the community, to allow people of all areas to empower themselves,” Cox says.

After several years of working on the East Coast she was recruited to bring her talents to the Kane County Law Library, a hub for law professionals and an important resource to the community for research with its Self-Help Legal Center.

“About 60 percent of our users are the general public,” Cox says as visitors research information on a myriad of topics from how to create and refine condominium bylaws, create landlord and tenant contracts, information on establishing a business, laws pertaining to divorce proceedings and how to defend oneself in traffic court.

“We are trying to create informed legal consumers,” Cox says.

The Kane County Law Library was established in 1961 and through the years has continued to evolve from a location to find information to one that also connects people to those in the field of law. Cox and her staff have established programs such as the Lawyer in the Library program where attorneys

54

BUSINESS & CIVIC AUGUST 2018

And under Cox’s tenure the library has expanded its scope in the community, with annual family reading nights, helping Boy Scouts earn merit badges and supporting high schools Mock Trial programs. However one of the special partnerships has been with the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center collecting books and funds to purchase books to encourage its residents to read.

“We’ve committed to gathering books for the kids. Many of the books there were really outdated and worn out,” Cox says. “We want to and we feel strongly that the kids need to feel excited about learning and they needed new materials.”

She connected with Town House Books & Café in St. Charles, working on a Shop and Support day, upcoming Tuesday, Sept. 4, when a portion of proceeds from the day’s sales will support book purchases for the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

“The kids need to see we’re investing in them,” Cox says. “We feel it gives them more support.”

The passion Cox demonstrates for the community is genuine, says Heidi Krueger, manager of adult services for the St. Charles Public Library. In her spare time Cox can often be found at the reference desks of the St. Charles and Batavia public libraries where she says she enjoys searching out the answers to visitors questions.

“She’s so incredible friendly and really approachable and she has such great expertise,” Krueger says.

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City’s annual green fest event moves to September

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

56

OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

The Aurora GreenFest is moving to September in an effort to get more groups involved, and to take advantage of some cooler weather.

The ninth annual celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave. The event runs until 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Previously held in June, the event, themed "Something Green is Happening Here." will host a plethora of environmentminded businesses, organizations and purveyors.

Sustainability-focused exhibitors, including nonprofits and businesses “with a green

story to tell,” as well as organic farmers and artisans specializing in reusable and reused materials, will be participating.

Spots still are available, and exhibitors can sign up at www. auroragreenfest.com.

According to organizers, "Something Green" includes ways to make food healthier, homes more energy efficient and transportation produce less pollution. The fest will feature a Green Car Show, kids activities and suggestions to reduce, reuse, recycle and repair.

Previous year’s festivals have featured “state of green” addresses by the local and national legislators; performances by local musicians, artists and dancers; kids

activities, food, and more. More than fifty vendors are expected to participate this year, from purveyors of local produce to yoga instructors, park districts to social service organizations, and everything in between. Going green has never been easier!

Aurora GreenFest is presented

by Aurora GreenLights, an affiliate of The Conservation Foundation ,with support from Fox River Valley and Chicagoland Green Community.  For more information, a schedule of events (as it is released) or to volunteer at Aurora GreenFest, visit online at www. auroragreenfest.com.

The GlassHalf-Full Guy:

THE TIME OUR PASSPORT WAS STOLEN

By PETER STADALSKY

We’d just arrived to one of the best surfing beaches in all of Central America - the swells were perfect, the sun was just warm enough, and board rentals were under ten bucks for the day, USD. It doesn’t get much better than that.

My friend was antsy to hit the waves and told us to “find him on the beach” when we were ready to ride. Hours later we finally found our buddy, standing there in the hallway of our rented condo holding a surfboard and wearing nothing but swim trunks. He had this look on his face that everything was not okay. As life has it, my buddy set his backpack down for a moment and turned his back on it just long enough for someone to snatch it unnoticed like Harry Houdini. Inside that five dollar backpack was his cell phone and mistakenly, his passport.

So what do you do when your passport is stolen in a foreign country?

STEP 1: freak out.

STEP 2: stop freaking out and start problem solving.

At first we went to the police station, which was a van in a parking lot. In broken Spanish we explained our problem. The officer lit a cigarette and stared into the distance replying, “Come back tomorrow, I’m busy.” Obviously we’d have to take matters into our own hands.

We hunted the beaches wearing headlamps, high and low to no avail. Some beta on many foreign countries: laws are often seen as

suggestions.

That being said, there was an obvious ring of workers walking the beaches offering people “good times” and “good stuff.”

I dug deep into my youth to conjure up my recently unused street smarts and basically hired one of these good time salesman to do some detective work.

We were able to get my friends cell phone back for a “service fee,” but we were told who ever kidnapped the bag likely threw the passport in the trash to avoid actual legal repercussions. I saw the bottom of more garbage cans on this trip than I ever wanted to, but without success.

The sun was long gone and the U.S. embassy was already closed. We buzzed them first thing in the morning to find out they would be open for five hours that day, and then closed for the next seven on holiday. The capital city was exactly four and a half hours away from our small beach town, if all the planets aligned.

But as you cannot board a plane nor return to your home country empty handed of a passport. So, if we didn’t get that passport, we weren't going home.

max, passing every car on winding mountain roads. As we dropped into the city I slammed the car in park and we ran for the embassy with seconds on the clock. Guards stood at the gates and pointed to an old phone in a box mounted to the wall. Within minutes, two officers came through a large steel door pulling my friend inside. We waited in the sun for an hour and a half until that steel door opened again with my friend standing there smiling, holding a new passport.

The lesson? Bad things happen and they can sneak up, even on your vacation. As inconvenient as that ordeal was, it was certainly an adventure I’ll never forget. And now if someone ever has a passport lost, I know exactly what to do…and so do you.

u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.

That day I pushed our tiny 4x4 rental to the OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

57

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