KC Magazine_December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

StheA VOR season!

DOWNTOWN STREETS FILLED

DELICIOUS MENU IDEAS

GIVE GORGEOUS DIY GIFTS

with holiday cheer

for friends and family

with help of fun group classes

PAGE 33

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Season’s

EATINGS Featuring Our Own

SMOKED HAMS

SPIRAL SLICED CED BONE IN BONELESS

Featuring Our Own

HOLIDAY SAUSAGES

SWEDISH

SMOKED POLISH FRESH POLISH LITHUANIAN HUNGARIAN & MORE

HOLIDAY GIFTS & PARTIES 12 VARIETIES OF BEEF JERKY

14 VARIETIES OF SNACK STIX

www.reamsmeatmarket.com SM-CL1720729

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Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Visit our show room to see over 40 burning models on display. See a wide selection of electric, gas, and wood fireplaces designed to enhance the warmth and beauty of your home. You’ll also find a full line of mantels, fireplace screens, and hearth accessories to complete the picture.

Sales • Service • Installation

1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 • thehouseoffireplaces.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Editor's

NOTE Happy holidays!

It’s December, and our downtowns are filled to the brim with holiday cheer! Storefronts are bursting and streets are bustling amid the spirit of the season.

There’s no more beautiful time to be in Kane County than right now!

So join in the festivity of the season with a holiday event, concert, festival, or even an event! In this month’s issue of Kane County Magazine, we have just what you’re looking for.

Grab a family member, a friend (or even a few) and head to a fun and social DIY holiday class, and make a great gift for someone special, even if that someone is you! We’ve got opportunities to paint and share a glass of wine, design artwork and gifts, or even create a gorgeous holiday table decoration.

Not looking for DIY? That’s okay, we have

plenty of entertainment for you to sit back, relax and enjoy! Get in the spirit of the season with holiday concerts from one end of the county to the other, stroll the streets of our downtowns enjoying tree lightings and hot cocoa, or visits with Santa Claus.

Whatever you decide this season, share some time with friends, family or community, and enjoy the peace and camaraderie that surrounds us, here in Kane County.

Best wishes for a glorious season, from all of us at KC Magazine.

Thanks for reading. g

Sherri Dauskurdas, k d Editor

on the

COVER

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Tom Witom, Diane Spivak, Chris Walker, Erin Sauder, Vicki Martinka Peterson, Jonathan Bilyk, Allison Horne and Pat Szepkowski.

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.

Our downtown streets boast a bevy of beautiful, seasonal events! check them out on page 33.

Shaw Media file photos.

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Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288

DECEMBER

2019

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Christmas at The Berry House Shops 227 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134

Our We Roast ee!

Own Coff

Geneva

of Tea Varieties Over 400 e s of Coffe tie rie Va 100

Antique Market

Native American Jewelry, y, Arts & Fashion Since 1984

In the Berry House

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Holiday Teas & Coffees Assorted Gift Sets 630-845-3255 www.coffeedropshop.com

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Come Celebrate the Holidays with Us! Beers $3

Visit our website for our menu, hours and catering

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Antiques ❖ Vintage ❖ Primitive Folk Art ❖ and more The Berry House, Geneva, IL (630) 457-5024 DECEMBER

2019

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INSIDE

What's

8 PAINT SIP AND BE MERRY DIY goes social at crafting parties, paired perfectly with wine, friends and fun.

10 TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS From baking to brewing, local cooking classes help inspire DIY presents and hostess gifts.

12 GET ART SMART Take a great class in artisan craftsmanship this season.

14 DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY Check out a winter home and garden workshop.

16 THE FAMILY TREE Be thankful for the communities we live in, the families that make them so great, and the family businesses that serve our communities.

DINING & ENTERTAINING 20 COFFEE LOVERS DREAM COME TRUE The Weeknight Dessert Cookbook gets a review, and there’s a great recipe, too!

22 FIORA’S IN GENEVA 10 years of fantastic food, 130 years of atmosphere.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

26 ADVANCES IN BREAST HEALTH Here’s all you need to know about options for prevention, detection and treatment to start your year out healthy and safe.

FAMILY IN FOCUS 28 RESCHEDULING SANTA Generational politics aside, this nostalgic Gen-Xer is taking issue with how we’ve begun to regard the holidays.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 31 HAPPIEST OF HAPPENINGS Merrily ring in the season with entertaining holiday options.

36 NATURE’S WINTER WONDERLAND Adventures await inside and around Hickory Knolls.

BUSINESS & CIVIC 38 HOW TO BE SMARTLY CHARITABLE A Donor Advised Fund provides a simple, flexible, and efficient way to manage charitable giving.

24 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT! Dr. Tarun Mullick goes shopping for the holiday dinner.

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DECEMBER

2019

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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:

BIGHEARTSFV.ORG KC Mag December 2019_V2.indd 7

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DIY goes social at crafting parties, paired perfectly

By Allison Horne

D

o-it-yourself crafts have officially been taken to the next level in Kane County and just in time for the holidays.

DIY workshop, Pinot’s Palette in St. Charles, was one of those people who never realized she could paint.

“I’ve always been in corporate America and I just kind of felt like I was always working and really stressed,” says Kumler, who opened her own shop in November. “I was very analytical with zero art skills.”

Local DIY studios have been popping up around the county and they make for a great night out for couples, groups or families.

Classes vary depending on the studio, but all include a finished take-home product at the end of the night. Many studios offer scheduled classes with a set painting or craft, open craft nights for clients to choose their own piece of art, as well as other events like corporate parties, team building activities, bridal and baby showers, fundraisers, birthday parties and much more.

Miriam Kuta, owner of the Chilled Palette in Geneva, first opened her

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workshop almost six years ago after realizing she wanted to use her love of painting to get people out of the house.

It’s not necessarily about the art or how it looks as a finished product; it’s about being creative in a welcoming environment.

“People have to let loose and relax and this is the perfect fit,” Kuta says, noting that she teaches the majority of the classes. “I’ve had people who have come in here and broken down in tears because they never thought they could do this.”

Amy Kumler, owner of the newest

That’s when her friend “dragged” her to the Pinot’s Palette in Barrington for a class for a “project pet” event, where she painted her very first dog, Cocoa.

“I was really just hoping people would know it was a dog,” says Kumler. “It shut down my analytic side and it was so relaxing and better than a spa. I got hooked.”

Another fun DIY trend that has been

HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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geneva, il FOR UNIQUE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

No two stores are alike! emerging is stenciling classes. Katie Ilic opened Board & Brush in St. Charles in October after her original workshop in Oswego opened in 2018. She has seen a warm reception from the community with several sold-out events already.

“We offer wooden signs, build projects, coat racks, shelves, boxes, porch signs, clocks, customized doormats and personalized pillows,” Ilic says, noting that they provide all of the materials, design and instruction to help distress, sand, stain, paint and customize each piece of art.

Board & Brush requires that each customer signs up at least three days prior to the event so that the custom stencil can be made in advance.

“Everyone’s signs turn out amazing because we walk you through the process step-by-step and use personalized stencils,” Ilic says.

While it’s technically possible to watch a few youtube videos and craft up something in your basement yourself, there’s something to be said about the social environment that classes are held in.

“It’s really all about the experience,” Kumler says. “It’s so fun! You bring your friends and it’s just a class full of people singing along and joking with the artists, who are really good at getting the crowd going. We take care of everything and you really just show up and have a good time.”

All of the Kane County DIY classes serve up cash bars with beer, wine and other beverages and permit crafters to bring their own food and snacks to enhance their evenings.

“Our workshops are such a fun experience,” Ilic says. “Not only do you have a great evening out, but you also get to take home an amazing sign to

hang on your walls at the end of the night!”

The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to bring home a themed craft to deck the halls with.

The Chilled Palette offers holiday-centric paintings throughout the month of December, and even has a kids’ surprise day on Monday, Dec. 23. Kids will paint a gift for someone special and wrap it before they leave the shop, making for a great gift on Christmas! In addition to a selection of holiday paintings throughout the month of December, Pinot’s Palette has a special kids day on Saturday, Dec. 21, which is designed for parents to finish holiday shopping while their kids whip up a gift for someone.

Board & Brush offers holiday stencils all month, as well as a Christmas pajama party with free donuts and mimosas on Sunday, Dec. 22.

For those wanting to gift a DIY experience, gift cards are available as presents for the holidays, too. Not sure what to get grandma or that hard-toplease aunt? No need to worry about crafting abilities or having a skillset anyone can attend these classes.

“You don’t need to have any artistic talent whatsoever- it’s fun art, not fine art,” Kumler says. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Kuta says her oldest painter so far has been 92 years old, while Ilic has seen a range from five to 95 years old.

Each store in Geneva is as unique as you are. Some are whimsical, others classic, elegant or scrumptious. All invite you to discover the one-of-a-kind merchandise they have to offer.

There’s no better place to shop during the holidays.Warm your spirits with a cup of hot chocolate. Splurge on spa services. Pamper yourself in a world-class hotel.

Or simply linger over lunch with old friends. Come to Geneva. Where the spirit of Christmas comes alive.

A picture postcard .

™

630-232-6060 genevachamber.com

GRAND OPENING

Join in the Holiday Fun at Pinot’s Palette of St. Charles! Check out our online calendar to book a class. Bring your friends and have a great time in our new studio. www.pinotspalette.com/stcharles

Most just come to have a good time.

“People are very hard on themselves to be perfect in life,” Kuta says. “We want to be good and perfect and this helps to get you out of your comfort zone and realize and realize you can do things you’re not comfortable with.

“It doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s not going to hang on a museum wall.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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Taste of the

HOLIDAYS From baking to brewing, local cooking classes help inspire DIY presents and hostess gifts

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

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From cookie swaps with your book club to a holiday potluck dinner with family, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your culinary muscles this time of year. You even can DIY treats for your parents, bestie and hostess of said holiday potluck.

To get started, check out these cooking classes to help you up your culinary game this holiday season.  BAKING SENSATION Many holiday memories are wrapped around the aroma of freshly baked goods drifting from the kitchen. To create your own holiday baking memories, check out the Adult Baking Series at DRM Deli & Café in St. Charles.

Bill the Baker, who’s been baking artisan breads for over 40 years, teaches the courses. Just like Alton Brown on the Food Network, Bill doesn’t just instruct students on how to bake sweet treats. He also delves into the science of behind baking.

The classes cover a variety of baked goods from muffins and flatbreads to pierogis and tortes.

At a recent class, participants mastered a basic muffin recipe to make a chocolate vanilla muffin.

Then, they learned how to modify the recipe to make cranberry muffins with a homemade cranberry sauce. The class also covered how to take the muffins up a notch by adding an optional streusel topping.

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SHOP LOCAL SHOP SMALL

home. These handson classes are intimate, about five to eight people, so everyone has a chance to ask questions.

You can impress your family and friends with your baking skills by checking out the Holiday Desserts class from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. You’ll bring home one of each dessert you make during the class. If you decide to share these delectable treats, the cranberry orange holiday ring – a twist on the classic coffee cake – would make a nice hostess gift to thank relatives for letting you stay over at their house. The chocolate version of the Polish Babka would make a lovely addition to a holiday potluck.

To register, visit www.billthebaker. com.  BOTTOMS UP! If you’ve been itching to get into the home brew game, Broken Brix in St. Charles has got you covered. After a brief hiatus, these popular beer and wine making classes are making a comeback this fall and winter respectively.

The 90-minute wine making classes and two-and-a-half hour beer making classes cover the basics of making these beverages at home as well as the equipment needed to brew batches at home. The beer class kicks off with the initial process of brewing an actual beer.

The rest of the six-week process is demonstrated using water instead of beer.

“It’s definitely not hard to make a high quality beer or wine at home,” says manager Mike Seaman.

Cost is $40 per person. Attendees also receive 10 percent off their purchase at the store to buy equipment for their new hobby at

Besides learning a new hobby, you also can present a personalized six-pack of beer or a bottle wine as a hostess gift during your next holiday gathering.

Check out the list of upcoming classes at www.homebrewshopltd. com or call (630) 377-1338 to register.  BAKER’S DOZEN The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a cookie swap.

And Williams Sonoma in Geneva has plenty of upcoming classes featuring favorite holiday cookie recipes.

Fans of Martha Stewart can learn how to make gingerbread trees and candy cane cookies from her new Cookie Perfection Cookbook. The class will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. Cost is $40 for the class and includes a copy of the cookbook.

103 E. Wilson St. Batavia, IL 60510 www.sixpluscypress.com

Give The Gift That Will Make Them Smile!

The littlest bakers ages 8 to 13 can whip up a batch of sugar cookies and shape them into Elsa, Anna, Olaf or Kristoff during a Frozen II Cooke party at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The $30 fee includes the store’s Frozen II cookie set. Line a cookie tin with a tea towel to nestle these sweet treats and present them as a holiday gift for grandma and grandpa.

Holiday baking wouldn’t be complete without making a classic gingerbread house. Youngsters ages 8 to 13 can build and decorate their own gingerbread house during gingerbread house decorating class at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The class costs $30 and includes a gingerbread house decorating kit. They can enjoy the treat themselves or perhaps show off their creation to family and friends.

Buy $100 worth of Gift Cards and get a $20 gift certificate to use for yourself by Feb. 28th 2020

Vani s hing Ink La ser Aesthetics Center 2020 Dean Street, Suite L 2B, Saint Charles, IL 6 0174 63 0.5 49.74 4 0 • w w w.vani s hinginkla ser.com HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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WITH A GREAT CLASS IN ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP THIS SEASON

By Chris Walker

O

ne of the unheralded advantages of living in the Tri-Cities area is that there are wonderful opportunities to celebrate art culture and to be apart of a creative learning community close to home with an abundance of hands-on experiences.

Unfortunately, time is running out this year with only a couple opportunities to take a class before 2020, but there’s also a great gift idea for those looking to scratch their creative itch early in January as well as gift ideas for those really-hard-to-buy-for people on your holiday list.

Plus, the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles and Water Street Studios in Batavia offer a wide-array of art and artisan skills classes throughout the year so that interested folks can find something that fits into their own busy schedules.

There’s the Coaster Pouring Workshop on Dec. 8 at Water Street Studios for those 14 and older. You’ll learn to dilute acrylic paint so all the work happens in

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the mixing, pouring and tilting.

Participants will create a set of four coasters and the instructor will seal them with polyurethane and cork to the backs making them a unique, handmade gift idea or something to keep yourself. $35 members/$40 non-members.

Water Street Studios also is offering a Watercolor Painting: Intro Workshop on Dec.7. This gives beginners a cool opportunity to try watercolors while creating a small, finished painting in just one session. The best parts?

No experience is necessary, all supplies are provided, it’s fun and you’ll walk out with a finished painting. $41 members/$48 nonmembers.

Many creative folks seem to put off trying something new time and time again. Don’t put it off in 2020,especially since the Fine Line Creative Arts Center is once again offering its Exploration Day on Jan. 11.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to come out and for $70 you get little tasters of what we offer,” says Eileen Collins, executive coordinator for the Fine Line

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Creative Arts Center. “You get to try three or four classes including blacksmithing if the weather allows.”

Fine Line provides all the materials as well as lunch while offering hand building ceramics, Thermofax screen printing, blacksmithing, felting, chain maille, weaving on the floor looms, cuff bracelet, photography, glass bead making and glass blowing opportunities during Exploration Day. The Fine Line Creative Arts Center will also have plenty of great items to purchase during its 32ndannual Artisan Gift Sale, Dec. 6-14.

In addition to many one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift items, you will also find more traditional choices, including jewelry, pottery, hand woven scarves, decorations and more.

Water Street Studios is collaborating with Artisan Collective Batavia and Batavia Main Street for a three-day art and fine craft sale that its calling Winterfest Art Market the weekend of Dec. 13-15.

The event affords visitors with a

unique shopping experience as well as open artist studios, cash bar, food and more.

and workshops. But it’s really great for the local people because we’re right here and open year-round.”

Looking ahead, there are many workshops and classes to check out in 2020 by visiting Water Studio Studios and Fine Line Creative Arts Center websites.

Water Street Studios provides art classes, exhibitions, artists studios, events, outreach and more. The studio offers classes in ceramics, colored pencils, digital, drawing, glass, metal, painting and more.

Metal clay appears to be extremely popular as Intro to Metal Clay and Metal Clay Insects and Butterflies classes in Novembers at Fine Line both sold out.

In the intro class, participants create original jewelry using metal clay, the pieces are fired during a lunch break and then polished afterward so attendees are able to go home wearing their own silver creation. How cool is that?

Fine Line offers a wide-range of classes and workshops in twodimensional, three-dimensional, ceramics and textiles.

“People like being able to create something themselves right here,” Collins said. “And we’re right on their door step close to home, although we have people who come from out of state to take our classes

There’s also curriculum more geared for the kids with comic drawing, ceramics for young artists, cuckoo for clay, paint your pet and studio art for kids.

While Water Street Studios hasn’t released its scheduled for 2020, its website should be updated soon. It’s paint your pet one-day workshop has been well received. It allows those eight years of age or older to be guided through the sketching of their pet on canvas and then painting the features using acrylic paint while receiving professional direction. In just two hours, artists like you will leave with a painting of your beloved pet. And it’s something you can frame and hang in your home without ever having to worry about taking it out for a potty walk.

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GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY

Winter home and garden workshop

By Diane Krieger Spivak

f the holiday season gets your creative juices owing, take advantage of classes and seminars offered by local home and garden experts, just in time for celebrating. Whether you’re looking for decor to spruce up your holiday table, a winter porch pot that lasts through spring, or an arrangement beautiful enough for gift giving, the following workshops offer tried-and-true projects, as well as some that are brand new. There are even classes just for kids!

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Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center, St. Charles offers workshops for both adults and children. “We offer container workshops geared more toward outside containers as well as indoor centerpieces,” says Manager/ Horticulturist Christa Bormann. “We’ve been told its, relaxing, fun and even therapeutic. It’s kind of a fun event to do at the end of the year. You get to go home with something pretty.” If you have a group of 10 or more Heinz can arrange a special workshop date for you. For more information on individual workshops, visit their website at www. heinzbrothers.com or call (630) 3776288. Call for reservations.  WINTER CONTAINER WORKSHOP Sun, Dec. 1, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 11a.m.

Don’t leave your containers empty all winter. Dress them up with greens, twigs and holiday accessories, and enjoy all the way into March. Fee: $15 plus materials fee 10” container $35 12” container $45 and a 14” container $55.  WINTER CONTAINER DEMO Sat., Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Heinz Brothers staff will present an array of beautiful winter planters and how to create and care for your masterpiece.

Program fee: Free.  ADULT CENTERPIECE CLASS Tue, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Let Heinz Brothers guide you in making a beautiful holiday centerpiece for your table or mantel. Includes all greenery and accessories for either a round or rectangular centerpiece. Program Fee: $30 for round or $40 for rectangular centerpiece.  KIDS CENTERPIECE (4+UP) Sat., Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun, Dec. 22, 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Children will use fresh cut greens to make the base of their holiday centerpiece. Each centerpiece includes a pre-made bow and ornaments. Great gifts for holiday gatherings. Program fee: $5

 ADULT CENTERPIECE CLASS Sat., Dec. 21, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Let Heinz Brothers guide you in making a beautiful holiday centerpiece for your table or mantel. Greenery and accessories available for either a round or rectangular centerpiece. Program Fee: $10 plus materials fee of $20 for round or $30 for rectangular centerpiece.  KIDS HANDPRINT SNOWMAN ORNAMENT (2+UP) Sun, Dec 22, 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Kids create an ornament that looks like a snowman from their own hand print. Add an air plant for a living ornament Fun little gift. Program fee: $15.  KIDS HOLIDAY DECORATED POT (5+UP) Olaf Snowman Potted Plant Sun, Dec 22, 3 p.m. -4 p.m.

Kids create a clay pot with a green plant that looks like Olaf the Snowman.

Perfect project for kids and a fun little gift! Program fee: $10

Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, Wasco, Illinois offers two make it-and-take it seminars during Dec.. For information visit www.wasconursery.com or call (630) 584-4424. Space is limited, but Wasco will add special classes for groups of 8 or more. “Our Mason Jar centerpiece is new this year,” says Sales Associate Hannah Potter.  PORCH POT - MAKE & TAKE Sat. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 11am.

Learn how to make a beautiful porch pot and bring it home with you. Bring gloves and pruners, and dress for the sap. $60.

Register on Wasco’s facebook page, or Eventbrite or call (630) 584-4424. Santa will be on hand from noon to 4 p.m.  HOLIDAY MASON JAR CENTERPIECE Thurs. Dec. 12, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A fun painting party to make a festive mason jar centerpiece with wooden holder to fill with greens, candles, or even candy. Choose from five different stencils. Boxes will be pre-finished and jars provided. $40. Register on Wasco’s facebook page, or eventbrite or call (630) 584-4424

JOHN B. NORRIS

RECREATION CENTER

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www.skylinetreesvc.com

HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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The FAMILY TREE with Meagan Provencher

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HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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T

his is the time of year we all discuss what we are thankful for. It is a time to be with family and friends – reflecting on how the year went. At the risk of sounding sappy, I am very thankful for a job that I love. I get to be outside (usually…when I’m not chained to my desk…). I get to meet new people every day and design their dream landscapes. It’s a “dirty” but rewarding job that I have enjoyed the past 25 years. But my career is only rewarding because of the amazing people I work with and for. Like any family business, we rely on the hard work of a relatively small amount of people. Would you believe at peak season we work with around 60 employees total? That number is much less in the colder months. Sixty people to dig all of our trees fresh each season (well over 1200 trees!), set up our 10 acre sales yard, organize all of our plants, pull sold landscape jobs, water, weed, keep the greenhouse looking spectacular for its short season, maintain our grounds, sell and monitor our inventory, design and install custom landscapes and, most important, help customers. Phew! Bet you didn’t think that planting trees took so much work!

Our “family” has been growing plants for local families since 1925. Back in the day, we had a small nursery where the Wasco baseball fields are currently. In the 1960’s the Nursery was moved to its present location and grew (pun intended!) to its current 140 acres. We have four generations of workers that keep us up and running every day. Feliz (a.k.a. ‘Grampa’) and his sons are the backbone of our organization, and his grandsons and great-grandsons fill our crews and keep them running efficiently. We couldn’t function without these men and appreciate their hard work every day. If you’ve ever stopped in the Nursery or had our crews at your house, you’ve most likely met one of the Galvans. They will treat you and your yard like you’re their family. If Tom the “Pumpkin Man”, has ever planted a tree for you, then you most certainly have heard of his giant pumpkins – the largest being well over 1200 pounds. Tom has been part of the Wasco family since he was a teen.

I know this may sound like a love letter but all small businesses take the dedication to their trade very seriously. It’s a personal mission and labor of love. Through many ups and downs, the local Fox Valley businesses still hit it out of the park. The services that small businesses provide contribute to the uniqueness of our communities. Fantastic food and service in restaurants and superb workmanship from the service industries. High quality goods – often handmade or home grown - that make one-of-a-kind gifts or accents for your home. Personal experiences that tie families together and events that leave people talking for years. All of these things performed by your friends, neighbors, or family – the people you are thankful for – because they love their jobs. Their skill and pride show through in each and every interaction with customers.

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

As the holidays fast approach, be thankful for the communities we live in, the families that make them so great, and the family businesses that serve our communities. Remember to shop local and take advantage of all the great stores, restaurants, and service businesses that we are so fortunate to have in the Fox Valley – they deserve our thanks and patronage. These small measures may not seem like much but if you become part of the small business family and shop local, we can make a huge difference in our communities and continue to grow our family tree.

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!

HOME & LIFESTYLE DECEMBER 2019

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CALL the McDowell Team today to set up a time for a FREE Consultation 630-584-2255

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TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:

THE WEEKNIGHT DESSERT COOKBOOK

COFFEE LOVER'S DREAM COME TRUE

BY TOM WITOM

C

offee Lovers’ Cake is one of 80 tasty, easy-to-prepare and decadent treats in food writer Mary Younkin’s just-published The Weeknight Dessert Cookbook (Page Street).

Younkin’s latest addition comes with an added incentive. Home cooks who follow her directions should be in a position to whip up the author’s tempting desserts in no more than 15 minutes of hands-on prep time; some can take as little as five minutes.

In her introduction, Younkin recommends having all of the calledfor dry ingredients lined up on the counter but not yet measured. Also, have the eggs, butter and additional ingredients within easy reach. She

has several timesaving suggestions on equipment and techniques.

The book is divided into six chapters covering such topics as cookies; bars; cobblers; crisps, crumbles and flops; ice creams and no-bake treats.

Younkin, the creator of food blog Barefeet in the Kitchen, has two previously released books to her credit – The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook and The Weekday Lunches and Breakfasts Cookbook.

 Journalist Tom Witom, who lives in Elgin, has written extensively about food and the food industry. Contact him at editorial@ kcchronicle.com

COFFEE LOVERS' CAKE (YIELD 8 - 12 SERVINGS) FOR THE CAKE: • Butter, for greasing pan • 1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee • 1/2 cup room-temperature water • 1/2 cup light-brown sugar • 1/4 cup white sugar • 1/3 cup vegetable or lightflavored olive oil • 2 eggs • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

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FOR THE FROSTING: • 1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee • 1 tablespoon water • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 2 cups powdered sugar • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan with butter. To make the cake, combine the instant coffee and the water and stir to dissolve. Set aside.

Combine the light brown sugar, white sugar and oil in a large bowl. Beat until fluffy crumbs form. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine. Slowly pour in the coffee mixture while continuing to beat the mixture.

Slowly add the flour, baking powder and salt to the egg mixture. Beat until, just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 34 to 36 minutes, or a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the instant coffee and the water and stir to dissolve. Place the butter in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, beating until well combined. Add the vanilla and the coffee, beating until well combined.

Slowly add the cream, while beating the frosting. The frosting should be light and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Add more powdered sugar to the frosting for a thicker frosting or more cream for a thinner frosting.

BAKER’S NOTE: This cake can also be doubled for a 9 x 13-inch cake pan or made as a layer cake using two 8-inch round pans.

DINING & ENTERTAINING DECEMBER 2019

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Fiora s

10 years of fantastic food, 130 years of atmosphere

BY DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK

W

hen Mike and Ann Anastasio opened a restaurant in 2009, some thought it was a bad move. It was the height of what has come to be known nationwide as the Great Recession, and neither had any prior restaurant experience. Mike is a lawyer, and Ann heads her own human resources firm.

Initially, Ann bought the building to move her company’s team to a larger location. “I’ve always loved the building, as my father worked in it 40 plus years ago. I also did not want to see it torn down,” says Ann. A year after moving into the location, Mike envisioned the first floor would be the perfect venue for a restaurant. Naysayers aside, the couple spent a year renovating the historic 1890 home, knowing 317 S. 3rd Street would be the ideal spot for a restaurant. In the last few years, Mike has taken on one of the offices to grow his law business.

“It was a cyclical investment that worked out,” says Mike. “At the time a lot of restaurants were going out of business and filing for bankruptcy. Our accountant thought we were crazy. We knew Geneva and 3rd Street, and we had a great location. Notwithstanding the economics of the time we knew things would rebound in a place like this, and they did. The financial saw, “Invest when nobody else is investing” worked for the Anastasios.

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On Nov. 4, 2009 the couple opened Fiora’s.

The popular casual fine dining venue now employs 30 to 40 people seasonally. Mike and Ann have their offices upstairs, while the restaurant is located on the main floor. Mike attributes Fiora’s success to finding “the right people. We hired experts. Our chefs have been here since we opened, which is not very

common in this business. But mostly, it’s gratitude to the community and our guests that come here. Ten years is a long time for a restaurant these days, and all the people who patronize us have just been fantastic. Geneva is a very special place with good people and wonderful government.”

Fiora’s is known for its artisan cheeses and lunch specials that have remained on the menu for a decade. The Waldorf chicken salad sandwiches and crab cakes are highly regarded, and the bananas foster bread

pudding is a favorite dessert. “Our short ribs have become a very popular staple item,” says Mike. Fiora’s even has its own red label and white label wines.

In the heart of Geneva’s historic district, near quaint shops, Fiora’s uses the former home’s sunroom porch as a dining spot that’s great for people watching. The outdoor patio is a popular spot and live music adds to the mix.

The patio is furnished with its own bar and stage. “It’s been a fantastic attraction for us,” says Mike. It’s not uncommon for the Anastasios to welcome diners who have lived in the building. “It’s a nice little bit of history,” says Mike. “In the ‘60s it was converted to a real estate office. A lot of guests said they bought their homes here.”

Fiora’s has planned anniversary events and specials for next spring when the weather warms up. “We’ve learned a lot in the last 10 years about this business,” says Mike. “We really love it. We focus on giving good food and a great experience — and you get to meet a lot of wonderful people.”  FIORA’S 317 S. 3rd Street | Geneva 630.262.1317 www.fioras.com

DINING & ENTERTAINING DECEMBER 2019

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We all have busy days and eat lunch on the run from time to time (or more often.) So today, I decided to take a taste of The Fresh Market’s deli.

I had this craving for chicken salad, but not just your ordinary chicken salad. So, I decided to venture to the store, where they had not one –not two – but four different kinds of chicken salad The one I selected was the rotisseriestyle chicken salad. It is so flavorful! The rotisserie-cooked chicken is pulled and then mixed with celery and mayonnaise and a few simple spices. There are no heavy overtones, rather the flavor of the rotisserie chicken comes right through.

Thereafter, I ventured on the sweet potato and kale salad. It packs a punch and has a few spices in it with a light dressing that kicks it over the top, while keeping your waistline intact.

Now, of course, it was The Fresh Market’s

24

pre-Thanksgiving taste trial day. So I had no choice but to sample the sweet potato and pumpkin pies, just a bit, in little sample cups. The smooth texture and freshness of their potato and pumpkin was fantastically smooth, enabling the opportunity for a flavorful dessert in a bite-sized manner. Sweet with a punch!  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.

HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2019

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Our practice focus is to care for patients to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies. We receive a lot of questions from patients, friends, and even just those we know casually on many healthcare topics of the day. Here are some common questions we have recently been asked:

Q: Ulcerative Colitis therapies are important for me as my disease is troubled by repeat use of steroids. What do you suggest?

A: There are a number of newer therapies called biological

medications that work well to calm symptoms or put in remission. Steroids overused can result in definite side effects.

We also recommend vitamin supplementation, especially with a brand USANA that have FDA regulated labs. Calcium and at times a multivitamin can help with overall nutritional wellness and side effect prevention. Please feel free to contact for more information.

Q: Is colon cancer screening important for women, as well as men?

A: Colon cancer screening is for both men and women. It is a

preventable, treatable and beatable disease. Screening starts at 45 unless you have symptoms prior at whatever age or family history of polyps or cancer. Get screened.

Q: Getting tests done like colonoscopy, blood tests or

CT scans can be covered but up to double, triple and five to seven times higher at hospitals. My insurance premiums worry me? — Brian, St. Charles

A: Yes, the cost differential between hospitals facility fees and

endocenters, surgical centers or imaging centers is often several thousands of dollars. Deductibleshop, at www. deductibleshop.com is a platform that enables you to shop your deductible to save in your medical, auto, home, and vet (pet)costs. As it grows there will be more users that will want to put their information to enable the consumer to better shop their deductible. It is my policy to serve the community well and find the better value for them as well. If you need any help, please call my office at 630-232-2025 and we will help you navigate.

Facility Fees are significantly lower. Cost of health care is going up. Pay less for your test. We are JCAHO certified.

Met your Deductible?? Get in before year end. Save on your deductible. Pay LESS. Heartburn, Diarrhea, Constipation, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Abdominal Pain, Colitis, Crohns/ Ulcerative Colitis, Gallbladder, Rectal Bleeding We have quality doctors and team on staff to serve you well. Its our honor to take care of you.

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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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ADVANCES IN BREAST HEALTH: What women need to know

By Erin Sauder

These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer. And those advances in breast health are helping to improve the quality of life of patients and survivors.

You can take control of your health by getting yourself checked, and understanding the tests and procedures now available.

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Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Also known as 3D digital mammogram, this technology has improved sensitivity and specificity, leading to fewer callbacks, preventing unnecessary biopsies compared to digital mammogram and is the preferred way to screen young women, particularly women with dense breasts and higher than average-risk women.

“We have been offering this screening exam in our hospital for a while,” Jayachandran says. “Recently installed software upgrades and technological advances have let us cut the already low radiation dose by half. That is a huge improvement. We know mammography isn’t perfect and yet it is a proven screening technique in multiple randomized control trials to reduce breast cancer mortality. We always strive to provide the latest technological advances in breast cancer early detection to our community.”

Supplemental imaging In addition to the digital tomosynthesis mammogram, automated whole breast ultrasound imaging is offered for women with dense breasts and who are determined to be an intermediate risk for breast cancer.

“Whole breast ultrasound helps us capture the entire image in 3D so it can be interpreted by our breast imaging specialist,” Jayachandran says. “It has the advantage of being non-operator dependent and gives even better 3D coverage of the patient’s anatomy.”

HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2019

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Breast MRI Contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging is used in breast cancer screening for women at higher than average risk.

“MRI of the breast has the highest sensitivity and specificity among the imaging tests offered to find breast cancers,” Jayachandran says. “The gadolinium-based contrast that we require to inject for the MRI exam is also chosen with care. We offer the lowest dose by weight, as well the most stable and safest contrast for such exams.”

Individualized care In the past several decades it has become clear breast diseases, in particular breast cancer, is a very diverse disease, Jayachandran says.

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“Many factors including the patient’s personal and family history and her breast density are taken into consideration when we develop her breast imaging plan,” she says. “It is the era of precision medicine.”

That’s why Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Breast Health Center offers the Breast Risk Assessment Program.

“We have a team of caring, dedicated, highly trained breast physician specialists and advance nurse practitioners serving our hospital and our community,” Jayachandran says. “I feel fortunate to be a part of a great team.”

How can women be proactive when it comes to their breast health? Annual screenings beginning at age 40 are recommended.

“The rationale behind this strategy is that cancers that develop in young women are usually more aggressive and have a faster growth,” Jayachandran says.

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“I believe in educating the women in our community to be well informed so they can make informed decisions,” Jayachandran says. “The women should fully understand the benefits and risks of committing to a screening program and then we can help them follow through with the recommended plan.”

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Re-scheduling

? a t n Sa

Generational politics aside, this nostalgic Gen-Xer is taking issue with how we’ve begun to regard the holidays

T

he most ironic part of the column that follows may be that I don’t like wearing ties very much. And my wife thinks fedoras look funny on me. But at the end of this column, you may wish to consider getting off my lawn. Here goes: Since childhood, history has held a fascination for me.

From stories of yesteryear to old sports statistics, which fuel the never-ending debates over how young stars stack up against the luminaries of the past, mulling over such trivia has engulfed countless hours.

Offer up an album of historical photos, or a trove of historical video footage or (even better) audio? That’s also a rabbit hole I won’t quickly climb out of.

It’s why few things on the interwebs hold my interest like Postmodern Jukebox. For those not familiar, PMJ, the brainchild of musical genius Scott Bradlee, has built a touring company around the premise of taking modern pop, rock and hip hop hits, and reworking them into the musical styles of yore, such as swing, jazz, ragtime, bluegrass, Motown and more, performing them with a full musical ensemble, live, complete with period attire.

A warning, however, for history and music lovers: allow ample time before checking them out on YouTube (which everyone should.)

While the talent is undeniable and the music superb, the true attraction in PMJ is the living glimpse they provide of the musical performances and standards of the decades gone by, appealing to my sense of tradition – and to my concern that important traditions have been and are being lost, amid the continuing cultural revolution begun by the Boomers, sustained by a shrugging Generation X, and kicked into a higher gear by the often unfairly maligned Millennials.

You know who they are: While technically, defined as those born from about 1981-1996, the term is more properly defined today as “Anyone kind of young whose technology, worldview and way of life are

28

destroying everything good in the world, or at least everything I like.”

Take a quick spin on the Google machine, and watch the results light up with articles plastered everywhere, decrying “Millennials” for destroying (or at least kneecapping) everything from traditional financial institutions, movie theaters and network TV, to fast food, breakfast cereal and the auto industry.

The generational blame game grows tiresome after a while. Consider how Boomers changed societal standards. When was the last time anyone wore a tie and fedora to a baseball game or other sporting event?

(As an aside, I’ve long thought a minor league team somewhere should stage a ‘40s Night, and offer discounted tickets and concessions to anyone who comes to the game dressed to the nines. Can we make it happen, Kane County Cougars?)

When was the last time a majority of people on an airliner wore even business casual?

Dress code aside, there remains the gnawing sensation in the back of my mind that amid the desire for change and comfort, we are losing something important.

Most recently, this has emerged in a discussion in my family over holidays. For as long as my memory serves, holidays – and particularly Holidays, with an uppercase “H” – were times for families to gather, from near and far, and make a point to be together, you know, on or immediately adjacent to, the holiday.

This year, though, for the first time, my family has decided to relocate one of our holiday gatherings to a Saturday. Why? Because it’s just not “convenient” for everyone to travel on the holiday itself. Weekends are better, or they prefer to travel somewhere else, or they just want to stay home and lounge.

While I see the attraction of ensuring the most people possible can gather, the strategy, to my

mind, diminishes the significance of the holiday itself - the reason for the season, if you will - and produces a gathering with little to distinguish it from a summertime get together, while making the holiday just another day off in the middle of the week.

It feels as if the busyness of modern life has intruded on sacred ground, complicating the efforts of too-quickly aging, flummoxed traditionalist parents to pass on the holiday traditions, and significance thereof, to the next generation.

No one sings “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and means the middle of January. In a few years, however, who knows?

Please don’t misunderstand: I love my family, and all the times we get together. And summer reunions are a blast. Give me a backyard filled with significant others, kids and grilled meats any day of the week.

But I’d prefer not on a mutually convenient Saturday, standing in for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Given the growing popularity of such relocated, unmoored gatherings, though, I suspect many of you feel differently.

Now, if you could please take a couple steps onto the sidewalk, I’ll pretend to tighten the tie I don’t like wearing, don the fedora I don’t own, and be on my way.  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.)

FAMILY IN FOCUS DECEMBER 2019

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Look your very best this holiday season with help from the experts at Beauty x Briellen Day Spa at 310 Campbell Street in downtown Geneva. Lash lifting and tinting, brow shaping, dermaplaning, mirconeedling, customized facials, advanced skincare and more leave you feeling rejuvenated and sure to be a show-stopper! Or, give the gift of glamour with a Beauty x Briellen gift certificate. Spa hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit BeautyxBriellen.com or call (630) 815-6247 to book your appointment today!

 VANISHING INK LASER AESTHETICS CENTER

2020 Dean Street, Suite L2B | St. Charles (630) 549-7440 | www.vanishinginklaser.com

Look your best for the Holidays and as you ring in the new year. Lessen the appearance of wrinkles with Botox or replace the fullness in your lips or face. During a Free Initial Consultation, Dr. Gibson will be happy to discuss your goals and offer suggestions.

By using their specialized lasers, injectables and a professional skincare line they will help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Give the gift that will make them smile, buy $100 worth of Gift Cards and get $20 gift certificate to use for yourself by end of February, 2020.

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER 1056 Commons Dr. | Geneva | (630) 332-2880 | waxcenter.com

At European Wax Center, we’ve always believed that revealing beautiful skin is the first step to revealing your best self. Our 4 Steps To Gorgeous process & exclusive Comfort Wax™ will help prep and pamper your skin for the most comfortable experience possible.

We're so confident you'll love your oh-so-smooth skin, we'll give you your first wax FREE*!

We think every woman who leaves EWC shouldn’t just walk out. She should strut out. Make your reservation today and start revealing YOUR beautiful skin *First-time guests enjoy a complimentary brow, underarm or bikini line wax for women or ear, nose or brow wax for men.

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FASHION & BEAUTY DECEMBER 2019

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for BEAUTY! 11/19/19 5:08 PM

Merrily y ring g IN THE SEASON, WITH ENTERTAINING HOLIDAY OPTIONS

BY JONATHAN BILYK

T

he holiday season is upon us, and the Fox River Valley is a marvelous place to experience all the wonders – annual traditions and new experiences! Here are some wonderful opportunities to catch the holiday spirit this year, right here in Kane County.

Private Party Room Speciality Menu Parties Up To 40 Guest

Enjoy your Holiday’s...

Let Salerno’s Cater your Corportate and Family Parties. Call now to reserve your date and time for delivery and set up. Check out our web site for all of our Homemade Italian Specialities.

Dine-in - Take Out - Delivery - Catering 320 N 2nd St, St. Charles • (630) 584-7900 • salernosonthefox.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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± DEC. 6 GENEVA CHRISTMAS WALK Tis the season to be jolly... especially in downtown Geneva! The annual Geneva Christmas Walk begins Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m. with the first candy cane of the season being presented to the mayor, the arrival of Santa Lucia who lights the brand new Great Tree, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. The evening’s events continue with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, a live nativity and special offerings from Geneva merchants. Free carriage rides are offered on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

± DEC. 6-7 GENEVA’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR Features five architecturally unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. Aglow with holiday spirit, you are sure to be inspired. Homes are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35 each and include a traditional holiday tea at the First Congregational Church at 327 Hamilton Street from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. *This event may sell out. ± DEC. 6-7DEC. 6-8 “CANDLELIGHT CAROLS” The St. Charles Singers will again ring in the holiday season in style, with their annual traditional Yuletide show.

According to their website, each set of music presented in the concerts “will set familiar themes of the season into motion,” including “peace, hope and joy,” with a variety of music. The musical selections have also been chosen to pair with the aesthetics and acoustics of the concerts’ venues, the Baker Memorial Church and Fourth Presbyterian Church in St. Charles.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for students. Concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Happy Holiday Railway!

Holiday Railway Santa Trains!

All Aboard for the North Pole!

December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, & 20th-23rd See our website for additional dates & ticket information!

ILLINOIS Visit: www.irm.org RAILWAY MUSEUM Or call 800-BIG-RAIL or 815-923-4000 32

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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± DEC. 6-7 “AN UNFORGETTABLE NAT KING COLE CHRISTMAS” Vocalist Evan Tyrone Martin, a musical theatre “sensation” according to his bio, “brings the velvety vocal style of music legend Nat King Cole” to life in this holiday concert. Martin, who has been featured in recent productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Side Show and Dreamgirls, will “intimately relate Cole’s personal journey,” according to a listing promoting this show. The show will feature Nat King Cole holiday classics, including “All I Want for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” as well as other Cole hits, including “L-O-V-E” and “Mona Lisa.” The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. Tickets cost $34. ± DEC. 8 WIZARDS OF WINTER HOLIDAY ROCK SHOW Originally founded in 2010 as a cover

rs Burge

Steak s

s Salad

Pasta

Ribs

Soups

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B Root

band performing renditions of the modern holiday rock hits produced by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, Wizards of Winter have since blossomed into a frosty force of their own, performing entirely their own original works from three full-length albums. The band has also added to their ranks two former Trans Siberian Orchestra performers, as well.

This holiday season, the Wizards land in the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles for an evening of rocking and rollicking holiday magic, fueled by the Spirit of Christmas.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$79. ± DEC. 8 ELGIN MASTER CHORALE CHILDREN’S CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT The EMC Children’s Chorus is a professional organization designed to educate and develop young students’ singing and performance abilities. Each year, the chorus presents a number of

D

esse rts 306 W State Street Downtown Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com

Monthly Food Specials Monthly Beer Pairing Dinners Seasonal Brews

SM-CL1721524

November 29th - December 24th Buy $100 in Gift Cards and receive a free $20 Gift Card

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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220 N. Randall Rd. || Batavia, IL (630) 454-4392 || www.crabbyboil.com CLOSED MONDAY | TUESDAY - FRIDAY 4-9 SATURDAY 11-9 | SUNDAY 11-8

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concerts, and in December, they will perform a selection of holiday favorites. The holiday concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre. Tickets are $24 adults and $19 for students and seniors. ± DEC. 13-15 WATER STREET STUDIOS AND ARTISAN COLLECTIVE Batavia will be collaborating again for the Winterfest Art Market, a unique holiday shopping event December 13, 14 and 15 at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water Street in Batavia. Explore the Dempsey Family Gallery to view and purchase a juried collection of fine art at affordable prices so you can share the perfect gift for that creative someone. The Chicago Capital Gallery will feature the “Chicagoland 4x5 Art Exhibition” displaying nearly 200 pieces of artwork created by students of Chicagoland. Continue on throughout the historic 16,000 square foot venue to shop from over 20 artisan vendors and 25 resident artists featuring handmade jewelry, candles, soaps and more. The event will kick off Friday evening with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. and continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Enjoy food and coffee vendors and a cash bar featuring beer by Solemn Oath Brewery alongside wine and cocktail options. ± DEC. 13 – DEC. 14 “HO HO HO HOLIDAY SHOW” Featuring Dennis O’Brien. The MainStage Theater at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles will serve as the venue for this holiday frolic featuring the Dennis O’Brien Band.

According to the band’s bio, the members of the Dennis O’Brien Band are accomplished professional musicians who have shared the stage and studio with some of the recording industry’s brightest lights and biggest names. For more than four decades, band has used their “blend of vocal harmonies and strong musical arrangements” to entertain audiences around the world, performing classic covers of many beloved musical numbers. The shows begin at 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets cost $25. ± DEC. 14-DEC. 15 ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S “DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY CONCERT” The ESO will reprise Elgin’s perennial holiday tradition. Pairing with the

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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Holiday Shopping Starts Here!

SHOP LOCAL

Elgin Master Chorale, the ESO will offer the community the chance to exult in the splendor and joy of the season with this community singalong event conducted by Stephen Squires of the Elgin Master Chorale.

The show even includes a visit from Santa Claus. Concerts will be at the Hemmens Auditorium, at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, with an additional performance Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40-$60. ± THROUGH DEC. 22 SECOND CITY’S HOLIDAY REVUE, “THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY SWEATER” For those seeking some laughs

this holiday season, the Paramount Theatre in Aurora will offer the right dose, with the Second City’s Holiday Revue, “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Sweater.” Celebrating “the most wonderful-ish time of the year,” this Second City show will be presented five teams each week from Thanksgiving weekend until just before the man in the red suit takes flight on his annual rounds.

The show is designed to “roast the chestnuts outta all the things we lovingly loathe about the holiday season,” according to its official description. Tickets are $37.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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Nature’s Winter

Wonderland Adventures await inside and around Hickory Knolls

By Sara Carlson

D

on’t let cold, winter days keep you home when there’s so much to explore inside and out at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

With a menu of creative and interactive programs for the entire family from painting classes to birding, Hickory Knolls provides an outlet for all ages to learn, be inspired and have fun in nature.  PAINTING Let nature be your inspiration, as you and your family members paint a forest keepsake together during the Bob Rossthemed Happy Trees Family Painting Class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Ages 2 and older will explore different ways to create “happy little trees,” whether it’s using fingers, a hand or a paintbrush.

Another painting class, for children ages 6-12, is conveniently scheduled Jan. 6, on a “no school” day for St. Charles public schools. Take a break or run some errands while your child participates in Painted Turtle Palette from 1-2 p.m., using the discovery center’s resident turtles as inspiration to create a take-home canvas painting.  HIKING Start the New Year on the right foot, literally, and sign up for an organized hike Jan. 1 to experience the beauty

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of winter in the Hickory Knolls Natural Area led by staff members.

From 9:30-10:30 a.m. bring along your little ones for a casual walk on the trail during the Family Fun Hike. Led by Hickory Knolls staff, ages 2 and older are welcome to explore the trails and look for signs of critters; afterward, enjoy breakfast treats inside! This hike is not stroller friendly.

Or, sign-up for the Fresh Start Hike from 9-10 a.m. Blaze your own trail or bring a buddy as you breathe in the fresh air and exercise together during a onemile loop through the natural area of wetlands, woodlands and prairies. This hike is for ages 12 and older.  SCOUTS Have a Cub Scout or Girl Scout in your family? Take advantage of three events designed for Scouts ages 5-12.

During Scouting Out Evening Explorers, Scouts will participate in an hour of hands-on activities revolving around the theme Marshmallow Madness, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Later in the season, Letter Boxing, an outside treasure hunt in the natural area, will take place April 23.

Troops and Dens won’t want to miss the winter Scout Overnight. Girl Scouts will stay over Jan. 31 to Feb. 1; Boy Scouts

are scheduled for March 13-14. Both overnights provide an outdoor camping experience with nature hikes and a campfire, but also offer the comfort of sleeping in the warm Discovery Center.

Scouts must bring their own sleeping bags. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served.

Additionally, an all-afternoon STEAM Scout Day will be held from 1-4 p.m.

March 20 at Pottawatomie Community Center. Led by park district staff from various facilities including Hickory Knolls, Scouts will rotate through hands-on stations to help earn their requirements.

“This Scouting event is a cohesive package with a wide variety of activities to explore all aspects of STEAM, but in ways Scouts may not be used to, such as using dance to demonstrate math,” said Laura McCoy, Nature Programs Supervisor.  BIRDING Learn about the birds in your community with three different birding opportunities co-led by Hickory Knolls and Kane County Audubon. All birding events are free and no experience is necessary.

Birds on a Winter Morning, for ages 16 and older, will meet at Mt. St. Mary Park from 8-10 a.m. Jan. 23, to witness

various species such as bald eagles, diving ducks and other species that overwinter along the river.

The Winter Bird Count for Kids, for ages 8-12, will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25, at Hickory Knolls. Through interactive activities, children will learn basic bird identification skills. Then, they’ll apply what they’ve learned to count and record the birds they see. Parents are encouraged, but not required, to stay during this event.

All ages are welcome to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count held Feb. 16. Stop by any time between 1-4 p.m. to sit on the comfy chairs inside the exhibit hall, to record birds on the feeders outside the floor to ceiling windows. Participants also can venture into the natural area to record data.

“Birding in the winter brings so many surprises,” McCoy said. “There are a variety of birds that residents can easily identify in the springtime but will look much different in the winter, such as the goldfinch. We also have a few species that migrate here from the north including dark-eyed juncos and American tree sparrows.”

To register for these and other Hickory Knolls programs, visit www.stcparks. org/register. For more information, call Laura McCoy at 630-513-4393.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2019

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

NOW PLAYING THROUGH JANUARY 19

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How to Be

SMARTLY CHARITABLE A Donor Advised Fund (DFAs) is a charitable investment account that provides a simple, flexible, and efficient way to manage charitable giving. It is a registered non-profit that typically functions as a conduit to allow you to fund, and then to make subsequent grants from, qualified charitable organizations you wish to support.

DFAs have experienced a jump in popularity over the past years as US wealth continues to build and also, in part, due to 2018 tax reform. Historically popular among both high net worth (those with a net worth of $1 million - $30 million) as well as among the ultra-high net worth (those with a net worth of $30 million+), DAFs are now becoming an attractive alternative to affluent investors (those with a net worth of $100,000 to $1 million) as thanks to a competitive landscape some DAF’s can now be accessed for as little as an initial $5,000 investment. Donor Advised Funds allow the donor to provide funding and then to allow that funding to be invested and grow tax-free as long as the funds are ultimately dispersed to qualified

CHARACTERISTIC

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non-profits. Some allow illiquid assets to be donated, such as real estate, which the DAF can then eventually liquidate for subsequent investment or disbursement. Let’s take a quick look at why these have become so popular.

Over the decades I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of people whose hard work and good fortune resulted in significant personal wealth and who are philanthropically inclined. As part of a desire not only to “give back” but to also instill this value to their family members, often times these successful people are tempted to form a private foundation. Here is a simple comparison on a few key elements of both:

DONOR ADVISED FUND

PRIVATE FOUNDATION

Annual distribution requirement

None

5%

Confidentiality

Donor can choose from full recognition to complete anonymity

None. All information is publicly available.

Excise tax on investment income

None

1-2% of income

IRS Approval

One Day

Can take weeks

Set-up expense

None

Legal & Filling Costs

Valuation for charitable deduction: closely held stock or real estate

Fair Market Value

Cost Basis

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Often the thinking behind the establishment of a private foundation is that it allows for a tax-advantaged way to grant funds to a charitable cause that the donor is passionate about supporting. This same goal can be accomplished with a lower required investment by using a DAF. In addition to structural advantages, there can be tax advantages to using a DAF. According to the American Endowment Foundation DAFs can offer tax benefits in the five following ways: 1. INCOME TAX: You receive an immediate income tax deduction in the year you contribute to your DAF. A DAF administrator is a public charity, so contributions immediately qualify for maximum income tax benefits. The IRS does mandate some limitations, depending upon your adjusted gross income (AGI): • Deduction for cash – up to 60 % of AGI. • Deduction for securities and other appreciated assets – up to 30% of AGI. • There is a five-year carry-forward for unused deductions.

2. CAPITAL GAINS TAX: You will incur no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated assets (i.e. securities, real estate, other illiquid assets.)

3. ESTATE TAX: Your DAF will not be subject to estate taxes.

4. TAX-FREE GROWTH: Your investments in a DAF can appreciate tax-free.

5. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT): If you are subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT), your contribution will reduce your AMT impact.

Of final note, more recently DAFs have become attractive to “impact investors.” Impact investments are investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. In response to a growing desire among investors, many DAFs offer impact investing options and more recently some have been set up exclusively to that end. Although some may feel that this is an overlyultraistic focus, know that it can be accomplished if it is important to you.

For additional insights, reach out to your financial advisor or give my team a call. Our firm believes strongly in “giving back” and you can often find us supporting a local charity with our time, talent, and treasure. We also stand ready to serve you and your family.

FILE# 2814910.1

 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

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.

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

BUSINESS & CIVIC DECEMBER 2019

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Thank You

for helping Anderson get 4,000 animals HOME for the Holidays.

This advertisement is made possible with the help of Critter Sitters.

Critter Sitters Pet Sitting Service Our team is excited to meet your pets. Call today to reserve your holiday pet sitter.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC DECEMBER 2019

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SM-CL1721301

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E XP X P ER E R IE IEN CE EX NCE We take care of tickets, parking, meals and driving.

“ALMOST HEAVEN” JOHN DENVER’S AMERICA AT THEATRE AT THE CENTER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 8 a.m. / Home Depot Aurora: 8:30 a.m.; Arrive Home Depot Aurora: 5 p.m. / Sugar Grove Campus: 5:30 p.m. $99 includes transportation, ticket, meal and stop at Albanese Candy Factory for a tour and shopping.

MAGICIAN DANIEL MARTIN * SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Sugar Grove Campus, Auditorium at 7 p.m. $19/Adults and $12/Children 12 and under

"EVITA" AT THE SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

“A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR BASEMENT" AT THE FIRESIDE THEATRE THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 8:30 a.m.; Return 6:30 p.m. $99 includes transportation, ticket, meal and a stop at Jones Dairy Farm.

STATESVILLE, AND MORE! WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

Tour the Joliet Historical Museum, the Old Joliet Prison, the Jacob Henry Mansion, the Rialto Theatre and the St. James at Sag Bridge.

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 7:30 a.m.; Return 6 p.m. $99 includes transportation, tour fees and a meal.

FANS UNITE! PROFESSIONAL SPORTS OUTINGS Buy tickets on waubonseetickets.com

BULLS VS. BUCKS AT THE FISERV FORUM MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 11:45 a.m.; Return 9 p.m.

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 9:30 a.m.; Return 7:30 p.m. $99 includes transportation, lunch and ticket. $99/person includes transportation, meal, ticket, a stop at The Elegant Farmer for Apple Pie Baked in a Paper BLACKHAWKS VS. SHARKS Bag® and shopping.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020

Depart Sugar Grove Campus: 3 p.m.; Return 11:30 p.m. $199 includes transportation, dinner and ticket.

Waubonsee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs or activities. Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to: Michele Needham, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, or Emily Hinton, Section 504 Coordinator, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554, compliance@waubonsee.edu. If you need a sign language interpreter or an accommodation for an event, please contact Community Education at (630) 4662360. A minimum of two weeks’ notice is requested. *This event does not include transportation or meals.

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ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

HEARTS ON FIRE 9.35 CT DIAMOND NECKLACE VALUED AT $39,000

Entry details at State Street Jewelers and 959theriver.com KC Mag December 2019_V2.indd 44

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