DECEMBER 2020
Sent with
Love
Holiday cards, gifts and more, starting on page 8
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Editor's
NOTE PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com
Deck the halls! My apartment is decorated, I’ve got Christmas cookies on the brain, and I’m constantly snuggled up with a blanket. It must be December. This is my favorite season for many reasons; I love coming up with personalized gifts and spending time at home for holiday traditions. My family always gets a live Christmas tree, which we pick out at a local farm and decorate together, complete with homemade ornaments that bring back funny, sweet memories. What are your traditions? I’ve always been a huge fan of sending and receiving mail, but this year I’ve leaned heavily on sending cards. It’s hard to be away from friends and family, and finding the perfect card is one of my favorite ways to communicate that I’m thinking of them. For Kevin Druley’s story on just this, turn to P. 12. This month’s edition marks the start of a new partnership between the magazine and Water Street Studios. Each month, we’ll be featuring one of the studio’s artists — a little about them, plus snapshots of their
incredible artwork. (To learn about Mark Adams, see P. 32.) You can also head to Water Street Studios’ website and social media to learn more about the artist. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: We’re lucky to have such a robust artistic community in the Tri-Cities. I’m excited to highlight that each month in the magazine.
EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com
Lastly, I hope this magazine can provide a few moments of peace for you in what is always a busy holiday season. Sitting down with a new magazine feels like an invitation to relax, and our stories about a new edible cookie dough destination (P. 24), local shops with great gifts (P. 8) and more can help you do just that.
LOCAL SALES MANAGER Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com
From our Kane County Magazine team to you, happy holidays!
Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor
on the
COVER
Cards are the perfect way to show someone you care. These cards are from The Paper Merchant in Geneva. Photo by Spencer Plum Photography. Read more on page 12. Next month: We celebrate 10 years of Kane County Magazine. Time flies when you’re having fun!
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DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com
CORRESPONDENTS Allison Bills, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Daniela Paladino, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Erin Sauder, Chrissy Somers, Diane Krieger Spivak, Kevin Trusty and Jessica Winkates.
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 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
DECEMBER
2020
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INSIDE
What's
HOLIDAYS 8 SUGGESTIONS FOR SANTA Local shops where you can find gifts for everyone on your list 12 SENT WITH LOVE Deliver some cheer this season with a seasonal card
ART & FASHION 32 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Mark Adams specializes in sculpting, specifically metalsmithing
15 WHAT’S UNDER THE TREE It’s hard to grapple with a different holiday season, Superdad writes
34 THE GIFT OF AN EXPERIENCE Seeing, creating or giving artwork emerges as creative alternative to traditional gifts
16 GIVE OF YOURSELF Donations of goods, food or time are needed at Tri-Cities charities
HOME & LIFESTYLE
19 BUCKET LIST Family columnist Chrissy Somers’ to-do list will get you in the spirit
DINING & ENTERTAINING 20 CLASSIC COMFORT FOOD A Q&A with Scott Beltran, coowner of Daddio’s Diner 22 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick gets takeout from Cotto A Legna 24 BLISS IN THE FORMERLY FORBIDDEN There’s no oven needed for this delicious cookie dough
38 GET YOUR HOLIDAY DECOR ON Tips from Wasco Nursery on decorating for winter
BUSINESS & CIVIC 40 BANK ON IT Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on staying the course with your portfolio
HEALTH & WELLNESS 42 NO GYM, NO PROBLEM When temperatures drop, keep endorphins up with at-home workouts
FAMILY IN FOCUS 27 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in December 28 FEED THE CRITTERS New program teaches about animals’ diets, daily habits and care 30 LOCAL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES Two high school students update us on their semester
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DECEMBER
2020
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Let Us Make Your Holiday Meal Special! • Chef Pasquale Beef Tenderloin • Boneless Rib Eye Roast Marinated Tenderloin Stuffed with two 1 • Fresh Geese lb. Cold Water Lobster Tails -Heat & Eat! • Boneless Rolled Pork Loin • Prime Rib of Beef Roast • Whole Beef Tenderloins • Italian Beef in Gravy • Chateaubriand • Boars Head Deli Meat Trays • Fresh (Chemical Free) • Cold Water Lobster Tails Ho-Ka Turkeys • Colossal Cooked Shrimp (Order by 12/18 for Xmas) • Variety of Fish • Crown Roast of Pork with • HUGE King Crab Legs Stuffing • Our Own Honey Baked Ham • Over 40 Varieties of Fresh Gourmet Pastas (Sliced & Tied) • Rack of Lamb
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Whether you need a men’s hoodie, reading pillow or stuffed animal, you can find it local By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by Ruby Jane, April Duda Photography for Red Hive Market, Learning Express, Broken Brix and Desmond Brown, LLC
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HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020
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BROKEN BRIX 225 W. Main St., St. Charles www.homebrewshopltd.com If the man in your life has been itching to get into the home brewing game, Broken Brix in St. Charles has you covered. For newbies, the shop sells books and homebrew beer kits to kick off their new hobby. Or replenish supplies for the master brewers in your life by picking up some bottles, flavorings and chemicals for their next batch. If beer (or wine) tasting is more their style, Broken Brix also sells growlers, wine and cider to go. MOTTO 217 S. Third St. Suite 90, Geneva www.mottoformen.com Nestled in downtown Geneva, Motto offers both contemporary and
SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL GIFT LOCAL
traditional styles of clothing and accessories for the guys on your list. For a causal look while he’s working remotely, pick up a soft drawstring hoodie. If they’re back in the office, try a performance fabric shirt that’s wrinkle resistant. Gift cards are available to purchase online. Note: Gift returns are accepted until Jan. 9.
Special Online Holiday Offers This Holiday Season!
GIFTS FOR HER
RED HIVE MARKET 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia www.redhivemarket.com This chic shop in downtown Batavia offers an array of items to help make a house a home, from home decor to holiday signs. You can even rent premium IOD silicone stamps to create your own DIY gifts for the ladies in your life. If you’re not ready to head into stores yet, Red Hive Market’s new virtual tour, available
VISIT OUR LOCAL HOLIDAY OFFERINGS OR PURCHASE A CHAMBER GIFT CARD REDEEMABLE AT OVER 500 LOCAL BUSINESSES AT:
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GIFTS FOR HIM
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he holidays might be celebrated a little differently this year, but time spent with family can feel meaningful regardless of whether it’s in person or virtual. For all your gift exchange needs, check out these nine stops for shopping inspiration.
WWW.STCHARLESCHAMBER.COM/GIFTLOCAL HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020
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These finds are from Red Hive Market, Harvey's Tales, Trend + Relic and Peaceful Parlour.
tor's EdiPICKS etting to know my new home has meant popping into each and every local shop I come across. So here are a few bonus picks, straight from my own holiday shopping road map: FOR THE WORK-FROM-HOMERS: I love gifts that start with “This made me think of you.” For your family and friends who are still working from home (I’d raise my hand here, too), I’d suggest a small, thoughtful addition to their desk setup. Whether that’s a seasonal candle (Trend + Relic in St. Charles has nice ones) or a knickknack (I’ve had recent success at Peaceful Parlour and Cocoon in Geneva), they’ll appreciate that they came to mind when you saw it!
on its website, lets you browse the store from the comfort of your couch before you order items online for local delivery or curbside pickup.
rings toy for toddlers. Another popular item, Snow Pets, lets kids meet their mystery pet when they pour water into a plastic snowball.
DESMOND BROWN, LLC Batavia Boardwalk Shops 14. E. Wilson St., Batavia www.desmond-brown.com
RUBY JANE 10 E. Wilson St., Batavia www.rubyjanebatavia.com
For the book lovers on your list, the handmade reading pillows created by Desmond Brown, LLC will bring joy to her favorite pastime. Each pillow includes a pocket to safeguard her book, tablet or magazine along with a handle for easy transport when she’s reading on the go. The shop also sells throw pillows and farmhouse hoop ornaments. Note: The Boardwalk Shops are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20.
GIFTS FOR KIDS LEARNING EXPRESS 1420 Commons Drive, Geneva www.learningexpress.com/geneva From science and educational activities to games and boredom busters, Learning Express is bound to offer something for all the youngsters on your holiday shopping list. Hot items this holiday season include Squishmallows, archery sets and Spinagain — a new take on the classic
Looking for cute clothes for babies and young children on your shopping list? Ruby Jane in downtown Batavia offers a modern style to children’s clothing, including striped pullover tunics, ribbed tights and ruffled dresses. The store is open to the public Fridays through Sundays and by appointment only for private shopping Mondays through Thursdays. You also can shop from home for curbside pickup or delivery in the Fox Valley area, or purchase an online gift card. ROCKET FIZZ 301 W. Main St., St. Charles www.rocketfizz.com Check out Rocket Fizz for unique treats to tuck under the tree or into stockings. This sweet shop sells over 400 types of different sodas and candies. The sodas come from microbreweries all over the world. And the candy selection spans generations of favorite childhood treats, from old-fashioned classics to modernday sweets.
FOR THE READERS: I have three really close friends with whom I could talk books for hours. They definitely deserve Christmas presents. My 2020 favorites, in no particular order, include A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Life after Life by Kate Atkinson, and Motherhood So White by Nefertiti Austin. (Also keep your eye on Libby Page, a British author whose delightful debut novel, The Lido, is always an option for gifts.) I’ll probably spend an afternoon at Harvey’s Tales in Geneva, finding the right copies with a cup of hot coffee in hand. FOR THE FRIEND WHO PREFERS HANDMADE: My parents fall into this category; whether it’s homemade soap, jelly or a piece of art, my mom and dad love local gifts. For them, I’ll head to the Winterfest Art Market in Batavia (outdoor this year, over multiple weekends!), where I can shop from a variety of local vendors in one place. Happy shopping! — Hannah
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HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020
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GIFTS FOR PARENTS TOWN HOUSE BOOKS 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles www.townhousebooks.com This independent bookstore is located in historic Century Corners in downtown St. Charles. The staff of avid book readers enjoys getting to know customers and putting the right book into their hands. You can shop the store online and have books shipped directly to your parents or arrange for in-store or curbside pickup. If you opt for the latter, the adjoining cafe sells homemade sweets and soups. THE LITTLE TRAVELER 404 S. Third St., Geneva www.littletraveler.com Through the years, The Little Traveler has transformed from its original Italianate Victorian residence into a 36-room shopping destination. Each room has a different
theme filled with treasures related to the theme, including a room designated yearround to Christmas ornaments, decorations and collectibles — perfect for starting a new tradition of buying an ornament for your parents’ tree. This one-stop shop could help you find items for others on your shopping list. There’s room filled with toys for kids, bath and body products, and gourmet treats for your favorite foodies.
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Sent WITH
LOVE If you’re staying stationary this year, perhaps investing in some stationery will help you stay connected By Kevin Druley Photos by Spencer Plum Photography and La Familia Green
Available at
LA FAMILIA GREEN 773-875-7460 www.lafamiliagreen.com
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usiness restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic kept Pat Burnham from operating her Geneva greeting card and gift shop for much of the spring.
B
Loyal customers of The Paper Merchant also were shut out, of course, though it turns out many didn’t forget to write. Just witness the flow of cards and messages Burnham received at her home, thanking her
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and saying hello. “It’s really nice to open your mailbox and find something there that’s not a bill,” Burnham says. If readers haven’t yet found that feeling to be mutual while passing the time at home, chances are they will as the holiday season descends upon Kane County. In July, a study commissioned by online photo outlet Shutterfly expects “the number of people buying holiday cards this year is expected to increase 7%” from last year, according to the Chicago Tribune. With gatherings scaled back or postponed altogether, sending messages by mail remains a surefire, safe way for people to communicate warm wishes. “Definitely that people aren’t traveling for the holidays or seeing people or going to parties or whatever, this is their way of connecting and letting people know that they’re thinking about them, that they care about them, letting them know what’s going on with them, as well,” says Mollie Green, owner of La Familia Green, a Chicago-based, eco-friendly greeting card company. Consequently, the fourth-generation small business owner and St. Charles high school product senses there might be at least one positive to emerge from this turbulent year. Whereas birthday cards typically have been her top seller — followed by Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day — Green says the company already had sold “a good amount” of holiday cards by the beginning of November, putting it in position for one of its best holiday sales seasons since La Familia Green launched in 2005. The Paper Merchant anticipates an influx of interest in its holiday inventory as well, if summer and fall trends were any
indication. Burnham happily reports many customers were buying cards in multiples, prompting her to reorder certain selections several times over. “People are stocking up, and other people that are used to having cards on hand were missing them, so when they came in, they just bought them by the handful in every category, so they were prepared in case we have to have another lockdown,” she says. Burnham cherishes an additional measure of success that can’t be quantified on a balance sheet. Burnham’s daughter, Kate, who works for a global commercial real estate services firm by day and operates the store’s Instagram page in her spare time, also has accelerated her card-sending game, alongside her fellow millennials. “Getting mail is fun,” Kate Burnham says. “I’ve sent more stuff to friends this year than ever. We’re all Zoomed out. No one wants to ‘Zoom happy hour’ anymore. Cards are more fun.” Pat Burnham says most cards sold at small shops such as hers feature original artwork and brief messages on the front, with blank space inside. Cards from La Familia Green fall under that category, as Green says she found inspiration in artists who used greeting cards as a medium. “It just felt like a way that I could get my work out to more people and have a bigger audience and make it more accessible, as well,” she says. “I felt like I always had a good sense of humor, too, so I was able to add that into it.” Neither Pat Burnham nor Green feel anything beyond solidarity toward larger, more commercial card companies such as Hallmark. “There’s room for all of us,” Pat Burnham said.
Available at
THE PAPER MERCHANT 328 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-1880 www.papermerchantgeneva.com
This year more than others, to be sure. Just as long as you clear space in the mailbox. HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020
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Offering photography services for the Chicagoland area. Specialized in food and product photography. 630-744-9611 info@spencerplum.com www.spencerplum.com
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SUBURBAN SUPERDAD
‘Not About What’s Under The Tree’ IT S HARD FOR BOTH KIDS AND PARENTS TO GRAPPLE WITH A DIFFERENT IT’S HOLIDAY SEASON
P
erhaps the strangest aspect of this lament is: I don’t really like parades. Or, at least, most parades.
Maybe we can blame it on the job — at least in part. After nearly 20 years on the job as a reporter at local community news organizations, certain assignments just come with the territory. Every reporter had their individual beats, certainly. Mine fluctuated from time to time, but mainly led to sitting in on seemingly endless local government meetings. Now, I can gladly tell you all you may care to know about building and zoning codes, proper meeting procedures, street repairs, sewer main replacements, even water tower maintenance, but your eyes are already glazing over and I’m pretty sure you just surreptitiously checked your phone, so maybe some other time. However, in addition to those regular coverages, the glamour-filled life of the local reporter is also occupied by the common assignments everyone must accept at some point. Things like: elections. Holiday and weekend desk duty. And community summer festivals. Those aforementioned holiday and community fest assignments almost inevitably led to one thing: parades. Now, mind you, as such side assignments went, parades weren’t all that bad. For example, physical exercise was abundant on such days. Who needs a gym when you have miles of parade route to walk, up and down — not even including the hike back to your car because every street is closed down for miles around? But after covering dozens of such parades, they do become rather tedious. So, like a retail worker who
loses that Yuletide feelin’, or a sports reporter who may want to watch anything but another game on TV, the joy so obviously felt by so many attending parades was one that soon became foreign.
family struggle, with trying to find joy in a time and in a world in which so many of the things we would base our lives around, so many traditions have either been canceled or reshaped.
That softened a bit, however, a few years back, when a glance up and to the right allowed me to capture the rapturous smile on the otherwise frozen face of my then-only little one, lit up by the twinkling lights of the floats passing by during the annual St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade.
While the summer was hard, holidays have proven particularly vexing. No family Easter egg hunts or big church services. No Fourth of July fireworks. And now, many Christmas traditions will also succumb.
That didn’t mark my inaugural experience with that parade. The job had brought me to the parade twice before, including once in the pouring rain of a random 60-degree Saturday after Thanksgiving. But on Thanksgiving, the wife and I checked the calendar and the weather forecast, and decided it shouldn’t be too horrendous to see how the young one liked it. And like it, she did. So much so, that over the next few years, it became an almost-annual holiday tradition, like usually baking cookies, or usually gaining at least 5 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s. In more recent years, we’ve added our younger one to the tradition. And now, against all odds, it has also gained the remarkable and wholly unexpected status of My Favorite Parade™. So it was with considerable melancholy — though certainly not infinite sadness — that we were forced to tell our littles that the parade had been canceled this year, another victim of our ongoing societal struggle with “the sickness,” as the youngest still calls it. And so the darkened streets of downtown St. Charles on the Saturday after Thanksgiving will serve as yet another symbol in our own yearlong
Like so many of you, we’ve always tried to tell our little ones: “Christmas is not about what’s under the tree. It’s not even about the tree, or the lights, or parties, or even family gatherings with all the trimmings.” But admittedly, that truth, in 2020, has made the celebration of this most joyous of holidays a bit difficult to navigate, even for more seasoned humans. Because, as a seasoned human, there are few holiday joys that outrank the warm glow that accompanies a glimpse of a rapturous, eyetwinkling smile on the face of a little one, awash in the illumination of a bit of holiday magic.
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.) HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020
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Give of YOU R SE L F this holiday season,
Donations of goods, food or time are needed at Tri-Cities charities By Diane Krieger Spivak Graphic provided by Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
W
hile charities need year-round support, it’s the holiday season when most people feel the urge to give. And while monetary donations are certainly the backbone of many charities, you can give in other ways — with tangible items, your time and even your expertise. BATAVIA INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET This Batavia not-for-profit, which has been around since 1981, has modified its operations to limit any possible coronavirus exposure. Volunteers fall into two groups: one to pick up food donations, then sort and organize them in the pantry; the other to fill online client orders and offer curbside pickup. Clients without internet access can fill out a paper order form in English, Spanish or through pictographs for nonreaders. “We try to maintain a pantry that still has client choice,” says Eileen Pasero, executive director.
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If you can’t donate your time, the organization accepts canned and non-perishable food items. “In winter particularly, we look for soup and other comfort foods like stuffing and mashed potatoes,” says Pasero. The pantry also accepts paper and personal care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner. The closet is looking for gently used boys and girls clothing as well
as new underwear. For a more detailed list of current needs, go to www.bataviafoodpantry.org. CASA KANE COUNTY Want to make a difference in a child’s life? CASA Kane County, located in Geneva, counts on its volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers are trained, recruited and supervised by CASA and
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DON’T GET tied up this
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2019 BY THE NUMBER S
HOME AWAY
741 families served ———30,720 times of service ———364,000 pounds of food rescued from local grocery stores ———2,900 gallons of milk distributed ———894 children served ———114,000 pounds of produce distributed ———12,750 hours of volunteer service
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appointed by a judge to speak for young ones.
CASA are placed more quickly in a home with less recurrence of abuse.
“The need is greater now than at any point in the history of the organization,” says CASA board member Jennifer Fisher. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in child abuse cases during this pandemic.”
“Our CASA volunteers come in to be eyes and ears for the judge to determine if placement is in the best interest,” adds Stephanie Marlatt, director of communications and events. Placement could be returning home, guardianship with a relative, a foster family or adoption. Volunteers are asked to visit the child at least once a month, either virtually or in person, to establish a bond so the child can relay what is going on at home.
CASA volunteers (Court Appointed Special Advocates) come from all walks of life, from retirees to stay-athome moms. There is a real need for male and bilingual volunteers. Volunteers are paired with a child in the court system, and make a recommendation to the court as to what placement would be in the child’s best interest by interviewing teachers, doctors and foster parents. “It’s not your typical volunteer experience,” says Fisher. “It’s a big commitment. We ask a minimum of three years.” Something to note: Kids that have a
Volunteering for CASA requires time commitments, notes Marlatt, who suggests attending one of CASA’s virtual meetings to learn more. The two December dates scheduled so far are at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 13. You can also contact sandiec@casakanecounty.org or go to www.casakanecounty.org.
To find more Tri-Cities charities that could benefit from your help and donations, visit www.greatnonprofits.org.
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A heart felt THANK YOU to these businesses supporting Big Hearts, Fox Valley's gracious efforts to sponsor families and children in need this holiday season!
est. 1851
If you'd like to sponsor a child, make a donation, or lend a hand wrapping, visit online at:
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HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST FAMILIES
.com
Visit a HOLIDAY LIGHTS display near you! Find several on our HOLIDAY LIGHTS Page Write a THANK YOU NOTE to your mail carrier and garbage man/woman with a small gift.
ORDER DINNER LOCALLY and play "Would You Rather" while you eat. Be sure to ask the kids, "Why?" with their answers! It's FAMILY GAME NIGHT tonight!
Go SLEDDING and enjoy hot cocoa after
BAKE COOKIES and share some with your neighbors
Have a SNOWBALL FIGHT and take pictures. If there’s no snow, make paper snowballs + have the snowball fight inside.
Get up early and PICK UP BREAKFAST in your PJs. Find a BREAKFAST + BRUNCH spot here
Mail HOLIDAY CARDS to family + friends
Enjoy HOLIDAY HOMECOMING or CHRISTMAS wlll wlll looklook different this this year) WALK festivals (the different year)
Go on a HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT through your Go on a HOLIDAY HUNTSee through neighborhood. You SCAVENGER MUST take pictures. the your neighborhood. YouHunt MUST See the Holiday Scavenger ontake the pictures. next page!
Watch POLAR EXPRESS in your PJs and drink hot chocolate
WRAP GIFTS for your parents + siblings
Complete a RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS for a stranger
Make room for new toys by DONATING GENTLY USED TOYS to Salvation Army or Goodwill
MAKE DINNER together... Let the kids decide what is on the menu
Collect PINECONES and craft them into holiday decor
Start the "YOU'VE BEEN ELFED tradition in your neighborhood. Get your FREE PRINTABLE here.
Set up the tripod and take a FAMILY PICTURE in front of the tree, menorah, or other holiday icon in your home
Build a BLANKET FORT and bring in a tablet or small TV to watch a holiday movie
Listen to holiday music while DECORATING THE HOUSE + TREE together
Visit a LIBRARY or LOCAL BOOK STORE to check out some books about how different cultures celebrate the holiday season SHOP LOCALLY to find gifts for your teachers + assistants at school BUILD A SNOWMAN together and take a walk in the snow
FAMILIES
.com
MAKE BREAKFAST TOGETHER before opening any presents on Christmas Morning.
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Q&A
CLAS SIC COM FORT FOO D
A Q&A with Scott Beltran, co-owner of Daddio’s Diner in Batavia By Kevin Trusty | Photos provided
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W
hen it comes to the craft of creating old-fashioned American comfort food with a dollop of nostalgia, Daddio’s Diner in Batavia delivers like no other.
For more than a decade, this charming icon has delighted customers with everything from famous “record-sized” pancakes, to homemade soups and salads, to burgers, paninis and more. The full menu is available for curbside pickup, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find lots of scratch-made, belly-pleasing options at the spot patrons have voted one of the best diners in Kane County. The diner began as a lifelong dream of owners Scott and Terry Beltran. Recently, KC Magazine interviewed Scott Beltran about the diner and the community it’s long served. This interview has been edited slightly for length. KC MAGAZINE: Tell us how Daddio’s Diner began and the concept behind it. SCOTT BELTRAN: We dreamed of fusing together our passions of food and community, of music and retro charm, and of friends and family. The concept was to create a space where everyone felt. A place for locals to claim their favorite spots at the counter and to chat with their neighbors. A spot with decorations and music that make you feel at home and brings back memories and stories for parents to share with their children. A place where their own daughters can serve and learn what it meant to be strong, hard workers who treat everyone they meet with respect. Sprawled across our main wall is the quote “I Am Everyday People,” a reference to the famous song by Sly and The Family Stone, but also to the values that the diner holds dearest. We are a place for everyone and anyone to eat delicious food with the people they love.
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DADDIO’S DINER 134 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-879-5299 www.daddiosdiner.biz
KC: Your menu is full of fresh takes on classic comfort food that people love. What made you want to get so immersive and inspired to do that? SB: Diners have such a massive presence in pop culture, especially in classic movies and TV shows or references in the old songs we love. We bring that charm and nostalgia through in our environment as authentically as we can, and we take the same approach with our food. A diner has to have the classics — pancakes, omelets, burgers, milkshakes, all that good stuff. But to keep things fresh, exciting and fun we are always trying out new twists on those classic items. They are often named and inspired by our favorite songs or movies as an homage to the diner’s place in Americana culture. Every weekend we find fun ways to “theme” our weekend specials — having a “Happy Days” weekend, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the “Golden Girls” or creating weekend specials inspired by our favorite Motown songs. Life is short; why not have some fun? KC: How has Daddio’s been able to get along during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic? SB: We have been through a lot this year. Back in March, we were scared and wanted to keep our staff and customers safe, so we completely shut down operations for two months. It was a huge hit. In May we slowly rolled out curbside pickup and
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finally expanded to outdoor seating in June. Our priority has been and will continue to be the safety and health of our community. We are depending on our community to help us through these hard times with their continued support. We have adapted the best we can and (are) now offering, in addition to our full menu for curbside pickup, our weeknight “Family Meal” specials and they are a huge success! Our Family Meal menu, along with all of our updates and weekly specials, can be found on our Facebook page and Instagram @daddiosdiner. KC: What makes owning a business like yours in this community so special? SB: What an incredible community we get to be a part of! Batavia is very united — the small businesses come together to support each other during the good times and tough times. Our community has come out to support us and we show up to support them. We give back through our school nights, fundraisers and our “Hands Across Batavia” shoutouts where we highlight other local businesses on our Facebook page. Being a part of Batavia and owning Daddio’s for 14 years, we have had the honor of actually watching our community grow up — literally watching customers grow from children to adults. We have enjoyed being a small part of their lives and want them to know they are a big part of ours. We are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community. Thank you!
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WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK
L
ike we were earlier this spring, restaurants are closed for social gathering purposes to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, we have delivery and curbside options that still exist. Let’s support our local restaurants. Come with me and do takeout at least twice a week. Cotto A Legna! What a delightfully cozy yet trendy location with amazing pizza and top-notch modern Italian cuisine! I decided to try the stuffed zucchini, which was out of this world! Carved out zucchini in the form of a half cylinder, cooked to perfection and stuffed with a combination of beef and bacon, potato, yellow and red peppers. Topped with provolone and mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs, this dish eats like a steak but without the heaviness. And if that’s not enough, the dish is served with a drizzle of yellow tomato sauce, which kicks this up a few notches!
I also wanted a sandwich, but not in the traditional sense. So, given I was in Italy for the moment, a spark went off. Bruschetta! Their bruschetta eats like a sandwich as the portions are magnanimous. This isn't a Giada little bite... more like a Guy Fieri big bite. I chose the figs and prosciutto, which has goat cheese, fig jam and prosciutto, all topped with extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan, peppery arugula and delectable sun-dried figs. It's a gourmet Italian bitesized sandwich — two pieces of this filled me up and kept my waistline intact. The prosciutto is so generous that there is enough protein to keep that balance of protein and carbs. This amazing food takes me back to Rome, a place that in this era seems so far away. But, nestled on Third Street in Geneva, it’s all there. Ciao!
Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva. Connect with him at www.mullickmd. com or by phone at 630-232-2025.
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Ask the doctor
It is my honor and privilege to serve the community and readership of this publication. Our practice’s focus is to care for patients, to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies.
Q: Do you offer telehealth? Many practices don’t? What do you think about that? A: Yes, we offer telehealth. This means you can get treatment
without leaving your home. We will only bring you in for necessary tests, and you can choose locations away from hospitals, which likely have more serious COVID-19 patients. It’s safer to go to smaller practices and centers away like ours. In general, it appears telehealth is here to stay for years to come. It presents an alternative. And, for those who don’t like waits —we call you. Thus, you can continue to do whatever you need to in the meanwhile.
Q: I heard getting a colonoscopy is just for women or men like breast or prostate cancer. A: Colon cancer affects both men and women, thus colonoscopy is important for both men and women above the age of 45 to get screened. In addition, if you have any symptoms of bleeding, change in bowel habits, weight loss, abdominal pain, request a workup with a gastroenterologist. The colonoscopy is equally as important as any other test for breast and prostate. Please get evaluated to identify polyps and get them removed. While colonoscopy is not a perfect test, it is the best out there.
Q: Did the colon cancer screening age just change? A: Colon cancer screening is for both men and women. It is
preventable, beatable and treatable. Screening starts at 45 unless you have symptoms prior at whatever age or family history of polyps or cancer. Get screened.
Q: I’ve been told the louder I belch, the better the meal,
especially during a Chicago Bears NFL game. It’s a compliment in some countries. But, is it a good thing?
A: Belching can sometimes be a fun activity, especially during a
Chicago Bears NFL game. But in all seriousness, it represents the body’s need to remove gas or air to relieve some pressure in the stomach, kind of like a teapot releasing steam when the water boils. Ultimately, it may be a sign of overeating at the moment, or of intake of foods producing gas, like roughage more difficult to digest, sodas or carbonated beverages, or large quantities of any kind of food. Also, there can be some slippage of the stomach above the diaphragm muscle that creates a hiatal hernia. If it continues, an endoscopy would be helpful.
Q: Everyone tells me my diarrhea or bloating is just in my head? Is that true, and are there medicines for it? A: It’s a real symptom or symptoms. Thus, it needs to be addressed.
If testing with endoscopy for celiac and workup for Crohn’s and other diseases are unrevealing, then functional causes exist, which include food allergies, food intolerances or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you have symptoms, then please go to gastroenterology for a workup, as treatments exist. There are multiple new medicines we offer for treatment. We are committed to bringing new, cutting-edge therapies to the Western Suburbs.
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Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer. Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.
Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies? My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen
Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.
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Formerly Fo There’s no oven needed for this cookie dough By Allison Bills Photos provided by Cookie Dough Bliss
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“
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ou can’t eat raw cookie dough!” is a common statement that has echoed throughout households in Kane County since the naive bliss of childhood.
But at Geneva’s Cookie Dough Bliss franchise, not only can you eat it — it’s encouraged. Co-owner couple Kirstie Geyer and Zach Norbut are bringing eggless, treated flour edible cookie dough to Geneva’s Third Street, with plans at press time to open in late November or early December.
That’s right: cookie dough that is safe to eat. “It’s a very new thing,” Norbut says. “That’s one of the most exciting things about it. We’re definitely cornering the market.” Specialty items like shakes, ice cream bars, pies, cookie dough sandwiches, cookie dough pops, ice cream and much more will be sold at the counter, along with pints to bring home. Not only is the cookie dough safe to eat, but it’s also possible to bake it for
its intended purpose or store it in the refrigerator for up to six months. “Our cookie dough won’t last in my fridge for six months,” Geyer says, laughing. “I’ve always had a sweet tooth. I believe I got it from my grandpa, who still has his sweet tooth as well.” She credits her grandma, Marilyn
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Forbidden Vanthournout, with making some of the best cookies around and says her grandpa, Don Vanthournout, has always had a giant box of Jelly Belly jelly beans to share on Christmas. “We can both never resist my grandma’s cookies,” she adds. While they carry regular cookie flavors like chocolate chip, cake batter, sugar cookie, oatmeal raisin, Andes mint, cookies and cream, and cookie
monster, they also have seasonal flavors as well as gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and keto options — plus puppy dough for Fido! “We both like the cake batter shake,” Norbut says. “But as far as the flavors, there are none that we don’t like. We have 30 flavors and that number is growing.”
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But with cupcake shops, ice cream stands and other sugary spots lining the streets in Kane County, she knew she was going to need something special to make it work. Geyer’s mom stumbled upon a Cookie Dough Bliss while on vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and immediately called Kirstie to tell her she could see her opening one. “It all kind of worked out for us and everything fell into place perfectly,” says Norbut, who also owns Marshall Motorsports in Elburn. “When we first started discussing this, we went through our ideal locations, and our exact spot was No. 1 at the time.” While it has taken longer than they wanted to open the business due to COVID-19 restrictions and construction delays (they were slated to open in May), both Norbut and Geyer have enjoyed working together, and have found that dating while running a business has made it easy to be open with each other about
business frustrations. “It’s been nice being able to have our worlds merge together,” Norbut says. “She has experience with the food industry and customer service, and I’ve run a business before. It’s just cool to see everything come full circle.” Norbut, whose other business focuses on vintage Volkswagen and Subaru engines, restored a VW bus to use for mobile catering and Cookie Dough Bliss marketing. “There’s not a time that we drive it that we don’t get people honking and giving us a thumbs-up,” Norbut adds. While the delays due to the coronavirus have been admittedly frustrating for the duo, they both know it was meant to be. “We’ve got something that nobody offers,” Norbut says. “It’s a new experience and it’s something fun for families to do with their kids. “We’re just a couple of people who like doing what we’re doing.”
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Grab a Christmas cookies and a book — is there a better combo? Put your feet up, rest from that holiday shopping and dive into a new book. Here are two recommendations for your December reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.
FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “City of Ghosts” by Victoria Schwab
FOR OUR READERS: “The Story of Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg
Thrill seekers and adventure lovers ages 8-12 will love the ups and downs of "City of Ghosts" by Victoria Schwab. This is a fast-paced, spooky tale about Cass, a totally relatable and unique girl. Cass has the ability to walk in our world, and, following a near drowning, she can also pull back the "Veil" and cross over to the in-between world where spirits reside. Even her best friend is a ghost! Meanwhile, Cass' parents are a writing team who created a series about the world's most haunted places. Their series is picked up to become a TV show, and they move to Scotland to film the first episode. Things do not go smoothly: They encounter graveyards, castles, secret passageways, and of course — ghosts. Cass befriends a girl who shares her “gift” and can visit the in-between world. Cass soon realizes she must discover the secret to the Veil before it's too late — because the city of ghosts can be dangerous. This book is the first in a series, and the second book, "Tunnel of Bones," takes place in Paris. “City of Ghosts” is the perfect read for fans of "Stranger Things" and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children."
"The Story of Arthur Truluv" by Elizabeth Berg is a feel-good book with characters you won't soon forget. Arthur is an 85-year-old man whose beloved wife has recently passed away. He still has lunch with his wife — rain or shine — at the cemetery, and while visiting his late wife one day he meets Maddy, a teenager who is motherless and bullied at school. She visits the cemetery to escape her classmates, and Arthur becomes an unexpected but most welcome new friend. Arthur also has a spinster neighbor, Lucille, who keeps trying to entice him onto her front porch with her delicious baked goods. As the story unfolds, Berg draws us in and shows how Arthur, Maddy, and Lucille — three very different people — forge an unlikely but powerful friendship that allows them to fill the void that their losses have created in their lives. This is a beautiful, wonderfully written book about second chances, and it shows us how it is possible to find happiness, no matter who you are or how old you are. Fans of Elizabeth Berg’s books will find this sentimental, optimistic story satisfying and heartwarming.
— Ruth O’Brien, library associate
— Ruth Glen, library associate
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FEED
THE CRITTERS New program teaches about animals’ diets, daily habits and care By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District
D
iscover what Blanding’s turtles eat for breakfast and how to prepare a meal for a bearded dragon at the St. Charles Park District’s Feed the Critters program this winter.
enjoy an occasional applesauce as their dessert. “Most of our animals are fed a variety of live and dried insects like mealworms, crickets, river shrimp, earthworms and their favorite cockroaches,” Tate says. “Our turtle’s pre-made pellets look exactly like dog kibble, just smaller and not as smelly. Many of our animals eat the same fruits and vegetables as we do, like our box turtles and bearded dragon grandma who goes crazy for applesauce.”
New this year, the program invites visitors in small, private groups inside the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center to prepare and feed meals for the center’s animal ambassadors. “This program is completely hands-on,” says Laura McCoy, nature education program supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
Participants will chop and scoop the animal’s food and deliver it to each animal, with opportunities to visit the animals and learn more about their diets, daily habits and other care. The center is home to a mammal, reptiles, amphibians and even an arachnid. Kevin Tate is a staff member at Hickory Knolls,
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having started with the On the Job Training program through St. Charles School District 303; today he helps care for the center’s resident animals. Tate explains that some of the center’s insect eaters enjoy super worms as a special treat, a reptile’s version of a french fry, while resident veggie eaters
Visitors won’t need to hunt for any insects. The center purchases its live insects through special stores and local pet food stores. Tate says it’s never a good idea to give a pet reptile a wild-caught insect, as it may carry parasites and disease and cause illness. At a time when many schools have eliminated field trips, Feed the Critters offers a unique opportunity
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Storytime rytime with Santa
Advance registration required at:
p p stcparks.ticketleap.com For more virtual programming visit:
stcparks.org/eactivities
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“It’s a really cool program because we
This is an indoor event and masks are required. Be sure to save extra time in the visit to the center to check out other animals and explore the outdoor grounds.
Invite jolly ol’ Santa Claus into your home for a special virtual LIVE reading of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Grab some milk and cookies before you sit down to enjoy this magical story. Before Santa goes back to his workshop, sing along to some holiday songs to get him in the Christmas spirit. After registering, you’ll receive an email with a link to the live program. SINCE 1911
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And, if a child has a special interest in specific animal, staff are able to take the extra time to answer questions and gear the program to the interest of its participants, McCoy says.
Advance reservations are required for Feed the Critter, which has sessions Friday and Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Reservations can be made online. Feed the Critters is open to one group per session, with a maximum of eight people per group, making it ideal for a family unit to participate together.
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K
CT
With small, pre-registered groups, each program experience is tailored to its participants, McCoy says. The program is able to meet varying age groups, making it ideal for children from preschool through middle school. The adults are sure to learn a few things, too.
Wednesday December 23 7pm $10 per family
can focus in on what the children are interested in most,” McCoy says. “If a child is considering a certain animal as a pet, this program will give them a taste of what care the animal would require as well as learn more about what the animal needs.”
ST
for a family to bring their children to the center and learn in a hands-on approach about the animals as staff use scientific terms to describe which animals are omnivores and which are herbivores.
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LOCAL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES In August, KC Magazine heard from Daniela Paladino and Jessica Winkates, two students who were a part of the D303 Reopen Communications Task Force. As the first half of the year comes to a close, the two look back on their semester, which was a mixture of inperson and remote instruction.
REFLECTING ON A SEMESTER AMID A PANDEMIC, ST. CHARLES HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR LOOKS AHEAD TO THE HOLIDAYS
A
t the high schools in St. Charles, the first and second halves of the semester looked very different. For the first half of the semester, all high school students were fully remote. This meant starting the school year without seeing and meeting our teachers and peers in person. At first, I thought this would completely ruin the year and make the semester harder. However, my teachers have been very understanding of the circumstances and made the start of the year smooth. For the second half of the semester, high school students had the option to attend in-person learning twice a week with remote learning the remaining three days, or continue full remote learning. At the start of the second half, I chose
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the in-person rotation schedule. So far, I think this schedule is working well for students. I have really enjoyed seeing and talking to my teachers in person and gaining some connections with them that we were unable to have during the first two quarters. Talking to my teachers about their children and lives outside of school is something I’ve missed! I also really enjoy seeing and talking to my friends and peers again in person. For me, I think the first half was a little better; I liked how every student was in the same situation. Alternating between in-person and remote learning gets a little confusing at times. Overall, I think the district has made wise decisions to keep everyone healthy and safe so far. I am anxious to know what next semester will look like; personally, I think full remote learning is a possibility because of the increase in coronavirus cases and the priority of health and safety.
As we approach the end of first semester, I am looking forward to the break, as I assume many students (and teachers!) are. I normally enjoy the break from school, but am very very excited for some holiday spirit this year! Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I have Christmas music on repeat! I highly encourage you to watch your favorite holiday movie and take a break from all the craziness that has come with school this semester!!
Daniela Paladino is a junior at St. Charles East High School. Daniela is the vice president of Student Council and a member of the bowling team. She enjoys being outside with her family.
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Holiday Hostess Gifts & Baskets Available ST. CHARLES SENIOR PRIORITIZES HER MENTAL HEALTH, FEELS GRATITUDE DESPITE THE LIMITATIONS OF A SEMESTER DURING A PANDEMIC
B
eing able to come back to school was a privilege in itself, but being able to plan safe school events was an added benefit. St. Charles North couldn’t have homecoming in the traditional sense due to the pandemic; however, that didn’t stop our student council from organizing engaging activities for students. We created “HC: Fall Fest,” where we provided both remote activities and an in-person option.
We drew with chalk on the sidewalks of St. Charles North High School, completely socially distanced and safe. Clubs and individuals came to boost overall morale and make people feel a part of a community again. Personally, I attempted to draw a ghost for Key Club (key word: attempted) and a more adequate Student Council message. It was incredibly successful, with shifts of people coming throughout the day. St. Charles North’s sidewalk was decorated with cute Halloween and club messages for individuals to see when they entered the building. We also had trivia and game nights as our remote choice. Shoutout to my escape
room team! Social interaction is an aspect of school that I missed dearly throughout this pandemic. Mental health is a detail that shouldn’t be forgotten when considering the well-being of students. My favorite way to prioritize my mental health is taking my dog on a walk. Isolation is a detriment to a plethora of kids, so it’s refreshing to transition back into the building and activities; furthermore, it’s reassuring that the school is doing everything in its power to maintain a balance between protection and slowly shifting back to normalcy.
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The pivotal triumph in the plan is allowing people a choice. For those who choose to be in person, everyone has been taking precautions seriously. I feel safe in regards to the school environment; however, other individuals may feel more comfortable staying at home. Either is totally acceptable. The choices are distinct to every individual person, but something that all students can surely agree on is that we all value having the choice.
During the holiday season BATV has many videos to watch on our YouTube channel BATV1017 Batavia Park District Celebration of Lights, mental health tips and great local shopping. Tune in now!
Jessica Winkates is a senior at St. Charles North High School. She is Co-President of Key Club and the Student Body President. Jessica hopes to study business in college next year.
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Artist OF THE MONTH
MARK ADAMS
T
he Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.
If you’ve been upstairs in Water Street Studios to view the artwork and check out the artists’ studios, you’ve probably seen the door that looks unlike the others. The entrance to Studio No. 25, Dave Wensel’s photography space, was custom-made by
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December’s artist of the month, Mark Adams. Adams, who became a resident artist at Water Street Studios in 2016, specializes in sculpting and metalsmithing. He remarks that he’s acquired a “meta(L)physical approach to his work,” influenced by artist Alex Grey and the transhumanistic art movement. Adams is “most comfortable taking a deep dive into the realm of the unknown,” he says. His work, which explores the intersection of the conscious and unconscious realms, includes themes like
man vs. nature, man vs. technology, evolution vs. stagnation, and darkness vs. light. Shortly after becoming a resident artist, he moved to Batavia, feeling drawn by its small-town feel and appreciation for history. “I believe that art can elevate communities,” he says. "Throughout history artists have played a vital role in revitalizing communities and turning them into art destinations. It is very encouraging to have Water Street Studios located at the heart of Batavia because that creative energy radiates throughout the city.”
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Details of Mark Adams' work: Name of piece: Mothership Media: Sculpture Medium: Metal, wood Dimensions: 9 1/2"X 7"X6" Location: Water Street Studios Batavia/ Studio #2 Mark Adams Sculpting Name of piece: THE DOOR Media: Sculpture Medium: Metal, wood Dimensions: 8'X6'9"X1' Location: Water Street Studios Batavia/ Studio #25 Dave Wensel's Photography studio Name of piece: Beyond The Screen Media: Sculpture Medium: Metal, glass Dimensions: 10'X9"X5" Location: Water Street Studios Batavia IL. Studio #2
Mark Adams is a self-taught artist; while he is proficient in many, his preferred medium is sculpting, specifically metalsmithing. Email him at markadams2667@yahoo.com or info@ waterstreetstudios.org to inquire about commissioned pieces.
For more information on the artist of the month, head to www. waterstreetstudios.org or the organization’s social media pages.
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‘THE GIFT OF AN EXPERIENCE Seeing, creating or giving artwork emerges as creative alternative to traditional gifts By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by Fine Line Creative Art Center and Side Street Studio Arts
W
hen it comes to finding the perfect present for even the most difficult people on the list, the solution may be to let them create it for themselves. The Fox Valley is home to several art studios offering choices from classes to pieces created by local artists, or even the opportunity to commission a piece of work. Art offers the opportunity to bring joy, whether in
the beauty of the piece or the experience of learning how to create. It may open the door to a new hobby or represent an invitation to express oneself — an effect that will surely outlast any new toy or gadget.
annual holiday classes offered at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles. These classes are quite popular, explains Eileen Collins, executive coordinator for Fine Line Creative Arts Center.
“I have enough ties, enough shoes,” says Tanner Melvin, co-founder and executive director of Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin. “I’m one who enjoys the experience to see a play, see live music or take a class.”
For many visitors, a class is their first introduction to the arts center, where there are classes for all levels and in a variety of mediums. If you don’t see the class you are in search of or a class that fits your schedule, Collins says to let them know and the art staff can design a class just for you.
FINE LINE CREATIVE ART CENTER Find a friend and create your own gift at the
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To learn about Mark Adams, a Water Street Studios artist, go to P. 32.
CE’
“People will say they have never spun clay before in their life and they come and do a class and discover they really enjoy it,” Collins says. Classes are available online and in person, with staff keeping learning opportunities available and proving their creativity goes beyond creations. For example, the instructor for the glass-blowing class realized it wouldn’t be safe to have participants using their mouths to blow air, then developed a
way to create airflow using a series of pedals, Collins says.
have never taken an art class in your life, we have classes for everyone.”
Throughout the challenges of the past year, Fine Line has continued to offer programs. Its gallery doors are open to the public for free viewing, providing a small escape to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful work of local artists. “We hope people will come out and take a class or buy a piece of art or enjoy the experience,” Collins says. “We have classes for beginners — even if you
See the website for classes, gallery hours, gift cards and memberships. WATER STREET STUDIOS Another great venue to see art and artists at work is Water Street Studios in downtown Batavia. It is home to more than 20 artists. “A walk through the gallery can be a peaceful, serene escape,” says Taylor Egan, executive director.
For another escape into the realm of arts, try one of the classes for adults and children, offered online and in person. Egan says in-person classes have been scaled back in size, but the small groups provide an opportunity to try something new or explore a new hobby. “Everyone has stuff, but the gift of an experience can go so much further,” Egan says. In addition to gift certificates, which can be used toward classes or art purchases, Water Street also has ART & FASHION DECEMBER 2020
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varying membership levels, which provide access to programs and discounts on classes and activities. Water Street Studios is open to visitors from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday with additional access Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon while the indoor farmers market takes place in the adjacent space. “I hope to bring exposure to Water Street so people can get to know us,” Egan says. “Water Street has so much to offer the community.” SIDE STREET STUDIO ARTS As the child of an artist, Melvin
says he was introduced to many different genres, but he knows not every person has that encouragement at home. And that is one of the inspirations behind his decision to create Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin. He and his wife, Erin Rehberg, have built a space where people of all ages can discover an inner love of art, whether that’s in print, podcasts or performances. “We’re in the business of creating experiences,” Melvin says. “We are trying to bring art to our community and provide access
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to it.” Register for a single class, a multi-week course or, with a membership, access special events and get discounts on classes. While COVID-19 has required the studio to implement changes, it hasn’t stopped the 7-year-old arts studio from its mission to bring art to everyone. “We are a direct reflection of our audience and our community,” says Melvin. The gallery space is open for public viewing and nearly every piece on display is available for purchase.
Melvin said they work incredibly hard at fundraising so that 100% of the sales from the gallery go back to the artist. You can also visit (online or in person) the art studio’s retail space, Made, to check out the offerings, which range from prints and T-shirts to handmade quilts and unique pieces. “We are here for the community, here for Fox Valley and here with our reach to artists globally,” Melvin says.
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GET
YOUR
Holiday DECOR ON!
A
s much as we don’t want fall to be over, winter is well on its way. Many of you may put your containers or planters away, but have you thought about filling them with greenery and dried flowers to keep color throughout the winter season? It’s easy to do, and freshly cut greens will last well into winter. Just about any doorway, container, hanging basket, window box and more can be decorated for the holidays. Here are some suggestions on outdoor decorating ideas to artfully arrange some winter beauty.
❉ DECORATING ENTRANCEWAYS The entranceway is the face of your house. In just a short time, you can have a beautiful entryway decorated with garland, containers, wreaths and swags. Always measure what you are decorating. Take photos so you can refer to them when shopping. Trust me… “eyeballing” measurements never works for anyone! Measure all around your doorway, and take into account the sidelights and any slack you want in the greenery. Don’t
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cut your garland until you’ve hung it and like the way it looks (save the scraps — you can use those later). You don’t have to limit yourself to just the door. Wreaths can be hung on windows. Window boxes can match the entryway. Garden statuary can be decorated with the same theme. ❉ DECORATING WREATHS No one says you have to just slap a red bow on a flat wreath and hang it from the front door. It’s easy to
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decorate plain wreaths and make them beautiful for the holidays. All you need is a glue gun (or florist wire) and some dried flowers, fruit, bows, ribbon, etc., and some imagination! It’s fine to use artificial “picks” of fruit, flowers, etc. but you can use real holly berries, dried coneflower heads, pine cones, apples, magnolia leaves, dogwood branches and more from your own gardens! Before you glue anything down, just start laying your accents on the wreath until you like their arrangement. It often helps to decorate like the face of a clock: sprays at 15/30/45 and the larger spray and bow at 60. You can always go back and add smaller pine cones or a sprig or two in the odd spaces if you have a larger wreath and need it to be dramatic. ❉ DECORATING CONTAINERS You’ve got planters sitting on your front porch — now stuff them full of greens and make them look great for winter! Purchase several bundles of mixed greens such as cedar, juniper, pine and spruce to fill the container. Take out all old/dead plants. Remove about 1/3 of the soil (or all of it if you wish). Start by arranging one type of greenery on the face of the clock again. Weepy, hanging greens (like cedar) look good around the rim of pots. Spruce and pine tend to be fuller and more upright. Keep filling in the pot like the face of the clock until you have a nice base of mixed greenery. If you don’t like the way something looks, just yank it out and trim it or put it in a different spot. Next, you’ll add your more colorful decorations like dogwood stems, dried flowers, holly stems, etc. Don’t overdo it — less is more when it comes to these elements. (EXPERT TIP #345: Just keep stuffing ’til it looks good — that’s what we do!)
Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.
❉ SOME TIPS WHEN PURCHASING AND ARRANGING GREENERY: • Purchase enough ribbon — it takes at least 2-3 yards of ribbon to make a bow plus more if you are winding it through garland. • Measure twice — cut once! • Save extra clippings for other uses — small bud vases on your dinner table, tucked in the soap dish or arranged in a candleholder (AWAY FROM FLAME!). • Lights, lights, lights! Lighting really accents greenery and creates a soft glow that warms the season. • Protect greenery if it will be in sun with an anti-desiccant spray like Wilt-Pruf® — just spray your greens and let dry before arranging in containers or hanging.
Meagan Provencher is the Sr. Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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Should you
“Bank on it”? S
urrounded by economic and political
uncertainty, many people may find themselves questioning whether to pull back a bit from what might feel to be increasingly disconnected financial markets.
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“Who can criticize me for being conservative?” some may wonder aloud. As there was a temptation in March when the markets dropped precipitously due to fears regarding the pandemic, you may be facing yet another temptation. Given today’s rate environment, moving money into an interest-bearing account at a bank may be more painful than you realize. With many banks paying only .01%, even some online banks who used high crediting rates to attract deposits may find themselves only paying .50% on deposits now. Ugh! Here are two thoughts as to why you may want to think twice about going to cash. 1. Attempting to time the market is extremely difficult and seldom is in the investor’s best interest. Think about it. You need to be “right” twice, both in choosing when to exit the financial markets as well as when to get back in. Most investors would be deeply regretful had they exited the markets in early April and
sat on the sideline in cash. If your long-term goals and objectives have not changed, you should stay the course with a well-structured and appropriate portfolio. 2. If the historical average of the annual inflation rate from 1920 through 2019 is 2.73%, a savings account yield of .50% will assure a loss of economic purchasing power. With the Fed now being more open to allowing inflation to creep into the economy, the loss of economic purchasing power on funds in cash may only be exacerbated. If you are still tempted to “go to cash,” reach out and ask for a meeting with your financial advisor. If you’d like to discuss with us, please don’t hesitate to give my team a call. This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider.
FILE# 3328710.1
BUSINESS & CIVIC DECEMBER 2020
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Photo by Indre Cantero
 Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with M Securities. Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/ SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.
Tom and Sharon can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. File #0709-2018
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TRY THE DIRTY 30 •30 burpees •30 v-ups (lie flat on your back with arms above your head, then bring arms and legs up so that your legs and torso bend like a V) •30 squat jumps •30 starfish sit-ups (lie flat on your back, then bring your right arm/left leg up to touch, then your left arm/right leg) •30-second handstand hold •30 jumping lunges •30 tricep push-ups •30 mountain climbers •30 reverse sit-ups (lie down with legs bent toward the sky, then lift up so that your legs go slightly higher, working your lower core) •30 lateral lunges •30 hollow rocks (lie down, arms and legs bent slightly upward, then rock without moving hips or shoulders) •30 jumping jacks For an even bigger challenge, increase to 50 per exercise for the Filthy 50!
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No gy m?
NO PROBLEM By Erin Sauder
W
hen the weather outside is frightful, going to the gym seems less than delightful.
Coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Kane County residents these days are opting to stay home, but that doesn’t mean staying fit has to go by the wayside. Freddy Hansen, owner of CrossFit Enclave, 1051 E. Main St. in East Dundee, says there are a variety of workouts which can be done from the comfort of your own living room. One of those is Enclave’s Dirty 30, a total body and cardio workout. It includes a routine of 30 burpees, 30 v-ups, 30 squat jumps, 30 starfish sit-ups, a 30-second handstand hold, 30 jumping lunges, 30 tricep push-ups, 30 mountain climbers, 30 reverse sit-ups, 30 lateral lunges, 30 hollow rocks and 30 jumping jacks. “The Dirty 30 was designed to hit the
When t e m p e ra t u re d rop, ke s e endorph p ins up wit h athome wor kout s
entire body from arms, core, and legs,” Hansen says. “It will push you mentally and physically.”
sugar, and get your protein.”
Want to challenge yourself further? Increase the repetitions to 50 per exercise to complete what’s known as the “Filthy 50” workout.
Opting for healthier food can also help ward off illness. “Remember, if you put bad gas in your tank, your car won’t run well and will break down,” he says. “That’s not fun, especially now.”
Additionally, several park districts are offering virtual fitness classes and inperson classes with guidelines in place, including masks, smaller class sizes and enhanced cleaning schedules. Health experts recommend working out at least three times a week to pump up your endorphins — and that physical activity can be done in small increments. But exercise is only one part of the health equation. “While working out is great for stress, your sleep and diet are more important,” Hansen says. “Get your eight hours of sleep, eat whole foods with little
When it comes to eating carbohydrates, he recommends carb cycling. “The carbs should be cycled around your workouts, meaning, one of the three meals of the day should consist of just fat and protein,” Hansen says. During uncertain times, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is key. So, when the temperatures drop in the coming winter season, stay moving to keep your heart rate up.
HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2020
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