KC_Mag_Nov-2018

THE PEOPLE EDITION

MOUNTAINEERING GRANDMA STEPPING HIGH AT 95 PAGE 52

LOCAL TEEN SONGWRITER BUILDS FOLLOWING PAGE 16

Art and inspiration

NOVEMBER 2018

Batavia High School's Dawn Zalkus is art educator of the year PAGE 14

STERLING BANK IS BUILDING COMMUNITY IN ST. CHARLES PAGE 18

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Editor's

NOTE Hometown heroes and holiday happenings There’s a chill in the air, a signal of the coming winter season. But before Jack Frost is let loose across our communities, we’ve got feasts to eat and festivals to partake in, as the cheeriest of seasons is about to begin!

As a long time resident of the Fox Valley area, I often have said I can think of few better places to celebrate the holidays than in our quaint and walkable downtowns.

Like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, we gather in the town squares for Santa visits and tree lightings, cocoa and camaraderie with our neighbors.

And as the bells ring out and the holiday lights glisten, reflected off the waters of the Fox, we are reminded why we love these towns we call home.

In this month’s issue of KC Magazine, we preview all the festive and fun holiday happenings across our cities, starting in November, so you don’t have to miss a thing.

But even with the excitement these events and activities bring, the holiday season is about people.

day after day for their neighbors. We meet a creative and outstanding local teacher, Dawn Zalkus of Batavia High School. We chat with a mountain climbing great grandmother, who is reaching heights unheard of by people her age. We absorb the excitement of a local teen about to embark on a recording career.

Their stories, and more like them – a philanthropist, a first responder, an entrepreneur – are the real reason our hometowns are so beloved, because the folks who live and work here make them better with all they do.

So amidst the hustle and bustle, the planning for Thanksgiving dinners and holiday shopping lists, we hope you’ll take a moment or two to peruse the pages of KC Magazine, and discover for yourself how much we’ve got going – with our people and our places – right here in Kane County.

Thanks for reading,

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

And in this November issue, we focus on the people in our towns who make a difference

on the

COVER

Dawn Zalkus of St. Charles heads up the art department at Batavia High School. She recently was honored as Illinois Art Educator of the year.

Read her story on Page 14.

Photo by RON MCKINNEY Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist - DAISY Makeup - MAGDALENA

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2018

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

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

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8 A HOST OF HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS After the turkey’s been gobbled, kick off the season with some festive holiday events and activities.

32 GENEVA’S PB KITCHEN DESIGN Innovative designers are recreating the heart of every home.

48 ME, MYSELF AND EYE Five common behaviors that could be hurting your eyes.

What's

INSIDE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

12 STRICTLY BALLROOM Dance class provides foundation, confidence on the dance floor.

14 ART AND INSPIRATION Teacher Dawn Zalkus brings personal passion to the classroom.

16 CATCHING THE EAR OF AN INDUSTRY Teen singer-songwriter releasing original music this fall.

BUSINESS & CIVIC 18 BUILDING COMMUNITY Sterling Bank makes its home along the St. Charles waterfront.

22 AN ‘ANGEL’ IN DISGUISE For kids facing cancer, Cal’s Angels founder Stacy Sutter keeps coming back.

24 FIRST CLASS RESPONDER Hometown hero John Maertzig is a real lifesaver, and Kane County’s officer of the year.

26 PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE Make a careful evaluation of your investments before the year is past.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 28 DEAR DOCTOR Gastroenterology expert Taruin Mullick answers questions about care, treatment, and healthy eating options.

30 KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Rid your home of unused prescription opioids.

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34 SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Susi and Rob Brucato open ‘scentsational’ new business.

36 CURB APPEAL When checking out a new home, or prepping one for sale, don’t’ forget your outdoor real estate.

DINING & ENTERTAINING 38 GRILLING? NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT Cookbook reviewer Tom Witom takes a look at the latest on grilling, in the final days of patiobased dinner prep.

40 CATER YOUR TURKEY DAY An Editor’s choice of great local options to make your holiday meals more relaxing.

TRAVEL 42 HOMEWARD BOUND Travel expert Peter Stadalsky waxes nostalgic on the emotional pull of ‘home, sweet home’.

44 JUST CHILL Experience a serene escape along Lake Michigan’s frozen shores.

FAMILY IN FOCUS 50 CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN At 95, a mountaineering great grandmother hits uncommon heights.

52 GIVIN’ CANCER THE BOOT We check in at an annual luncheon hosted by Cal’s Angels, supporting pediatric cancer research and awareness.

54 KEEPING THINGS CHILL Suburban Superdad Jonathan Bilyk gives big props to those who keep us all cool.

Gear up for the holiday season, at home in Kane County!

A

fter the turkey has been gobbled and the dishes all are done, its time to ring in the season at some great local events. Whatever your pleasure, from festivals to stage plays, the Tri-Cities have what you need to get your early holiday fix.

 NOVEMBER 23 & 24 HOLIDAY HOMECOMING IN ST. CHARLES

5 P.M. FRIDAY Lighting of the Lights on First Street Plaza, including carols and an appearance by Santa.

10 A.M.- 5 P.M SATURDAY Enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides, Santa’s house is open for visitors, and take in live holiday window displays along Main Street.

5:30 P.M. SATURDAY The annual Electric Christmas Parade hits the streets in bright and glorious style to kick off the season.

For information, visit www.dowtownstcharles.org

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

 NOVEMBER 24 LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS PARTY 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E Main Street St. Charles

Kick off the Christmas Light Spectacular with the inaugural lighting of the lights! Light show will run every half hour and Santa’s Workshop will be open for holiday crafts and fun on Bourbon Street!

Cost: Free

 NOVEMBER 24DECEMBER 30 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACULAR 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E Main Street St. Charles

Indoor Christmas Light display set to music on Bourbon Street.

Light show runs daily every half hour and Santa’s Workshop will be open for holiday crafts for an additional fee Friday – Saturday.

Cost: Free For information visit www.pheasantrun.com

-Continued on page 10

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-Continued from page 8

Visit www.genevachamber.com/ holiday_house_tour for details.

 NOVEMBER 25

 DECEMBER 8

HOLIDAY PRIME RIB BUFFET HOLIDAY PARTY 5 p.m.-Midnight Cost: $32.95-$56.95++ Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E Main Street St. Charles

(tentative) CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS 4-7 p.m.

Batavia Riverwalk Hay rides and roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and family photo opportunities, sing-alongs and ornament making – it’s all at the ready at the annual Batavia Celebration of Lights, traditionally held the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, from 4-7 p.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk.

Enjoy musical performances while you stroll through the lane of holiday trees decorated by community groups and business from all over town. Santa arrives at about 5:30 to light the community tree with the mayor!

For details, visit bataviaparks.org.

 DECEMBER 1

SANTA’S FROZEN FINGERS GOLF TOURNAMENT 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start The Resort Course at Pheasant Run 4051 E. Main Street St. Charles There is no off-season for a true golfer! Four person scramble.

All holes will be par 3s. All golfers who bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive will receive a round of golf for the 2019 season. Registration deadline 5p November 30th.

Cost: $45 per person For information visit www. pheasantrun.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

You want to plan an amazing holiday party, but you don't know where to start. We've made holiday parties easy with a special prime rib buffet, cash bar, and either DJ entertainment or a comedy show at Zanies.

For information visit www. pheasantrun.com

 DECEMBER 2, 9, 16 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E Main Street St. Charles

Enjoy our enhanced breakfast buffet while taking in the lighting display, decorate cookies, and leave your list with the man in the red suit! Crafts available at an additional cost in Santa’s Workshop on Bourbon Street.

Make it a getaway with our Bed & Breakfast package.

Cost:Adults: $24.95 | Children 6-12: $12.95++ For information visit www. pheasantrun.com

 DECEMBER 7

GENEVA CHRISTMAS WALK AND HOUSE TOUR 6-9:30 p.m.

Downtown Geneva Enjoy visits with Santa, candy cane pulling, carriage rides and more as the community rings in the season. Carolers, traditional Swedish entertainment and all kinds of food and merriment fill your senses.

The traditional Geneva Holiday House Walk takes place December 7 and 8, featuring five architecturally unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. 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

 DECEMBER 7 & 8

DENNIS O’BRIEN BAND’S 15th Annual HO-HO-Holiday Show 8 p.m.

Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run 4051 E. Main Street St. Charles The Dennis O'Brien Band is a group of Chicago-based musicians who have been performing classic covers with meaningful arrangements for over 40 years. Their blend of vocal harmonies and strong musical arrangements continue to entertain audiences throughout the world.

Cost: $25 For information visit www. pheasantrun.com

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Ballroom dance class provides foundation, confidence on the dance floor

By SARA CARLSON

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

Every Monday night at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles there is an infectious energy that bounces from couple to couple, as they practice their dance moves to upbeat, modern music filling the grand space of the Collins Auditorium.

For one hour each week these couples immerse themselves in various styles of dance during the St. Charles Park District’s Ballroom Dance class. It’s not uncommon to see these students do the boogie as the giant speakers play “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars; practice swing to Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband”; or learn the foxtrot to the jazz arrangement of “I Have Dreamed.” It’s hard not to smile, to join in and start moving.

From day one, instructor Andy Fuzak keeps students engaged with contemporary songs, nonstop practice of various dance patterns and enthusiastic and helpful instruction.

“Learning to dance can be made very easy,” says Fuzak, who has been teaching Ballroom Dance at the park district for more than 25 years.

“People love to move to music and when you have good, simple instruction and know where the pitfalls are, it takes a lot of the challenges out of it.”

Many new dancers admit to having difficulty finding the beat of the music or claiming to have “two left feet.”

“Some students have never danced before or have had bad experiences, but if they get the foundation, they will be off and running in a short period of time,” Fuzak says.

From the first class in Beginner Ballroom Dance, Fuzak provides that foundation

Italian American Eatery since 1975 with basic steps of marching, stepping from side to side and clapping to the beat of the music. Throughout the session, introductory four-step patterns are added for popular dances such as salsa, waltz, foxtrot, swing and hip hop. Advanced Class students review the dances and continue to build upon them each week as well.

Leading and following also is a skill dancers in each session pick up. “When couples are in sync and moving together, it is an awesome experience and what makes partner dancing so fun,” Fuzak says.

The popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” may have had an impact on the rebirth of ballroom dancing, but most couples who attend do not have expectations of becoming the next Derek Hough or Cheryl Burke.

They are couples of all ages wanting a fun, regular date night; are preparing for a wedding; or enjoy dancing and learning new skills.

For St. Charles couple Chris and Liz Rayl, their love of live music motivated them to sign up for Ballroom Dance 10 years ago.

As a result, dancing has become a lifestyle, as they dance multiple times a month in and outside of class.

“Over the years our skills have progressed and we’ve gotten a lot more confident,” Chris Rayl says. “There’s always something new to learn. Even if we’re comfortable with the dance steps in class, we can sharpen them a little bit and work on it.”

The social aspect of dancing also has become just as enjoyable as dancing itself. “There’s a core group of regulars in the advanced class. We’ve really made some good friends,” says Liz Rayl. And this is apparent as the advanced students start congregating

before the Beginner class is finished, catching up with one another and even getting a head start on practicing their steps.

PARTIES 25-40

Liz Rayl admits dancing doesn’t come naturally for her, but Fuzak’s teaching style has made a difference in her confidence on the dance floor.

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“Andy is very patient and energetic, very committed to each couple,” agrees Geneva resident Andrea Cladis, who attended the advanced class with her husband to prepare for their recent wedding. “Andy doesn’t ignore anyone. He’s knowledgeable and skilled in what he does and it comes across in how he leads the group.”

The mixture of ages in class is as diverse as the dances Fuzak teaches and accordingly benefits every stage of life.

Dancing has a positive impact on heart health, strength, coordination, posture and balance, but its benefits also extend beyond the physical.

Research has shown the correlation between dancing and brain health. In fact, a recent study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that frequent dancing is the most beneficial of physical activities to reduce the risk of dementia.

“There are benefits besides just burning calories,” Fuzak says. “Dancing is intellectually stimulating and physically invigorating.”

The next Ballroom Dance sessions start Monday, November 5. There is no prerequisite to join the Advanced session. The fee is $130 per couple for residents and $180 for nonresidents. Register at www. stcparks.org/register.

320 N. 2nd Street | St. Charles 630-584-7900 | salernosonline.com

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Friday • December 7 • 11:30am-3pm Q Center • 1405 N 5th Ave • St Charles Celebrate the holidays with friends! Enjoy dinner and entertainment by the Good Clean Fun Band duo - Mike and Traci. A raffle drawing will feature special prizes! Advanced registration is required.

AAC Member $40 • Nonmember $60 (#17017)

For more information or to sign up visit stcparks.org/register.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

13

Art and inspiration Dawn Zalkus brings personal passion to the classroom

By AIMEE BARROWS Photos by RON MCKINNEY

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As soon as she got her hands on clay as a teenager, Batavia High School art teacher Dawn Zalkus knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. There was something about the texture of the clay and the way she was able to manipulate it to make something beautiful that inspired her creativity. Zalkus is now living her dream, teaching Advanced Placement Studio Art, 3-D Art and Art Fundamentals courses, as well as sponsoring several arts organizations events, at the school where she has worked since 2007.

This summer, Zalkus was announced as the winner of the 2018 Art Educator of the Year Award, which was given out by the Illinois Art Education Association. Zalkus was nominated by an art teacher at Oswego High School whom she met through various student art shows. Zalkus was also recently notified that she is nominated

for the National Secondary Art Educator of the Year award, and will learn in early 2019 if she was selected as the recipient.

“It was shocking, exciting and humbling,” she says about winning the award. “I feel like our entire art program was being celebrated, not just me. We’ve all worked together on the curriculum and programs.”

Teaching at Batavia has been a perfect fit for Zalkus, who says that the school, and Tri-City community in general, are very supportive of the arts and student artists, which allows her to expand the program and include conceptual art projects in the curriculum.

“Students can use a variety of materials based on a theme, so each of them has a unique project.

It’s very individualized-learning. Their projects are not ‘cookie-cutter,’” she says. “I’m able to tie

hopes to build a strong art community within the school so students feel like they have a “home.”

“I love working with the students and giving them a sense of community through art,” she explained. “I love growing and becoming a better teacher. I love being inspired by new work, and that has helped me grow as a teacher and as an artist.”

One student who was inspired by Zalkus is Isabel Walker, who graduated from Batavia in 2018 and now attends art school in Michigan.

Isabel’s mother, Beth Walker, says Zalkus encouraged her daughter to become involved with “Rock the Runway,” where she became a leader.

“Dawn gave my daughter a home [in school] and her confidence grew,” she explains. “Dawn was always pushing the program forward, challenging kids to go outside their comfort zones and take artistic risks.”

themes to art projects, so they have a purpose behind them. The art program also gives these students a sense of belonging and a place where they can feel comfortable to show pride in what they do.”

Zalkus has been the faculty sponsor of “Rock the Runway,” a wearable art fashion show, for the past ten years. She also founded the Batavia High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society and sponsors the annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser, where money raised from the sales of student-made ceramic bowls is donated to the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.

JoAnne Smith, Batavia High School principal, says that Zalkus goes above and beyond, not only in the classroom but with her tireless dedication to her students’ success. Smith explains that Zalkus supports the students’ passion for art and making a personal connection with them.

“She focuses on individualized projects so the students can determine what statement they want to make with their art,” Smith says.

“Dawn and the entire art department has elevated the offerings to our students and has given them opportunities to shine in different ways. I’m very proud of her because she’s poured her heart and soul into this program.”

Zalkus, who lives in St. Charles with her husband Jeremy, grew up in the south suburbs and earned her bachelors and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois. When she’s not busy with her students, Zalkus enjoys boating and creating her own art, including pieces that have been shown at Water Street Studios.

She also painted the “Always Learning, Always Growing Dog” for Batavia’s Bulldogs Unleashed initiative.

“Art connects us to who we are as human.

Most people have a fundamental need to create,” she explains.

“It tells the story of who we are, exposes people to new ideas and can even make people uncomfortable. But artists often have their fingers on the pulse of our culture. There’s such a rich community for the arts here, and I’m happy I can give students joy and help them discover a love of art.”

While getting recognized for her work is appreciated, Zalkus says that the most important part of her job is fostering a love of art in her students and helping them realize the potential each of them has. She ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

15

Catching the ear of the industry Teen singersongwriter J.J. Burke releasing original music this fall

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS Photos by ALDO RISOLVO

J.J. Burke has been singing since she was a little kid.

By middle school, she was recording herself as she echoed covers of her favorite artists and strummed along on her guitar. She’d post the recordings on YouTube, just for fun.

Soon those renditions of famous hit songs – Taylor Swift, Lourde, even Jack White – were getting viewed and shared all over the world.

Burke plays guitar and piano, and even plucks away on a ukulele…but these days, it’s the songwriting that keeps her busy. And the talented 16-year-old is about to release her third single, due out Nov. 1 with an EP of four original songs to follow in early 2019.

“I think it was in about the 8th grade that it suddenly clicked, that this was something more than a hobby,” Burke says. “I mean, I always had friends or family who would say ‘you’ll be famous one day’ and I would think, ‘okay, that would be cool. But also …college, I should probably do that.”

But right now, burke isn’t thinking about college.

She’s putting the finishing touches on her new

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release. She’s flying out to Los Angeles every month to meet with music producers and industry executives. And she’s writing music. She’s always writing music.

“A lot of it just comes from my days, what I am going through. Playing helps me work through things.”

Describing her style as dark indie pop, Burke’ songs are emotional, touching the issues that effect so many teens – friendship, love, trust.

And as she’s building her repertoire, she’s also building her brand, her website, and her business.

As serious as she is creative, Burke learned a lot about the ins and outs of the trade over the summer, as a student in the acclaimed Grammy Foundation Music Camp.

The week-long immersive music industry program is designed for high school students interested in having a career in music. Hosted in Los Angeles, students from across the country apply for one of the eight offered career tracks. GRAMMY Camp faculty of music professionals as well as guest industry professionals provide valuable insight to give the campers the best chance at achieving success in their chosen career.

“It was such an amazing experience,” Burke says, adding that she focused her experience on the business side of music, hoping to gain insight into what it takes to get her music produced, distributed and heard. It was there she met her music producer, and the beginnings of the EP began to take shape.

Burke’s release “I Don’t Owe you Anything,” produced by .btl, will be available on iTunes Nov. 2.

With social media such an important part of the music industry these days, it is where Burke has been focusing much of her attention, and spending most of her time on promotion and marketing.

“Social media is where kids are getting their music, today. It’s where they live,” Burke says.

“So it’s where I need to be.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2018

17

Building community STERLING BANK MAKES ITS HOME ALONG THE ST. CHARLES WATERFRONT

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

Tom Russe has been a banker for more than 30 years. He worked his way up through the big guys – 18 years with Chase, seven years with Inland – honing his skills. There, he came to realize all the things he loved about banking: the relationships, the partnerships, the ability to solve a problem for a customer that changes their life.

He also discovered all the things he didn’t like about what mainstream banking had become.

And Russe believes he has found that in Sterling Bank, where he has been for five years, since its initial arrival in St Charles. The Missouri-based community bank sought out St. Charles because it so closely resembled the towns where it already had established itself – history-rich communities with close-knit downtowns, active residents, and a riverfront.

From left: Jack McNally, Carrie Johnson, Jennifer Guerri, Tom Russe, Jessica Spudich, Diane DeWitte

“At many larger institutions, it's just about availability,” he says. “There’s no wiggle room for anyone. And if you don’t fit in the box, it’s a quick no.”

Today, Russe is at the helm of St Charles latest edition – Sterling Bank – at home in its brand new building along the Fox River. And this community banker couldn’t be happier.

“Sterling ownership truly believes in community banking,” he says. “It’s a privately held bank, started by business people from manufacturing, construction

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

and retail. They had a vision for how they treat customers.”

Community banking, the kind offered at Sterling, differs from the big banks in the way they work with customers.

It's relationships and knowledge versus prolific distribution and convenience," he says. “Everybody wants to be a success, they work hard, but maybe don’t have the tools. Working with Sterling Bank gives our customers access to information and resources that can help them succeed."

“Helping our customers succeed takes a lot of work, but it also takes the right attitude and integrity” he says.

“Sterling Bank believes in the identity of St Charles, and its history,” Russe says.

“From day one we knew we didn’t want to be a tenant. We wanted to build our own home. We wanted the river, too.”

And St Charles was a great fit for this one time Marmion Cadet, who came to love the Tri-Cities at a young age for all it had to offer. He now has lived in St Charles for 14 years with his wife, Sarah, vice president of community relations for Aurora University. Their three children have attended St Charles schools, two already establishing their own homes in the area, one in St Charles and one in South Elgin.

-Continued on page 20

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

19

-Continued from page 18 “We love the fact that the downtown has community owned businesses,” he says. “This is a place that really believes in shopping small.

The school system is great. Our kids have chosen to stay. It’s been very good to us.”

So Russe and Sterling went to work on a new building, a part of the city’s First Street Development project. The new bank opened in October at 10 Illinois Street.

“We knew we wanted to be on the river,” he says. “And working on the new building has been a pleasure.” Russe and Sterling worked with local businesses including Maurice McNally at McNally Construction Management, architect Dan Marshall, Bob Rasmussen of JRD Development, the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Historical Society.

“All these local people have nothing but the best intentions for St Charles,” he says. “We couldn’t be happier. We really feel that way.

And we want people to feel special and valued when they walk in. Whatever their need is.

“Part of our brand is our building. We are

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

focused on relationships that can be life long, even generational. That’s a concept that used to drive the banking industry,” he explains.

phone, you’ll get a live person, a real answer, and access to decision makers. We want to help you succeed.

And while Sterling Bank may be built on old-school philosophies and traditional banking values, it doesn’t mean it lacks the modern conveniences. “Technology has leveled that playing field,” Russe says. “Our online platform, mobility, bill pay, etc., are all top of the line technology. You aren’t sacrificing anything. We can serve any customer as well, if not better, than any of our competitors.”

“And our employees are all local, active in the community, with loads of banking experience.

So we aren't really new.”

But if you’re looking for something more than an ATM on every corner, that’s where Sterling Bank really shines.

“When you have the opportunity to chart your own course, our customers are looking for not only competitive pricing, but also the value of a true relationship,” Russe says. “Does my banker know me? Understand me? Is there a lot of turnover? Will they work with me?

“There has to be a vision of longevity to it,” he says. “Let’s do things right with solid long term relationships. When you pick up the

As for Russe, he’s happy to find a place where he plans to be for the remainder of his career, right here in St. Charles.

“Its not rocket science,” he adds. “It’s very simple, but it’s not easy. You have to work hard. You have to expand relationships one at a time by understanding people's needs.

“We are committed to the city and the communities we serve, and look forward to making the city part of the Sterling Bank History.”

www.sterbank.com St. Charles | 10 Illinois Street | (630) 549-7065

AN ‘ANGEL’ IN DISGUISE For kids facing cancer, Cal’s Angels founder Stacy Sutter keeps coming back

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Her daughter had just started cancer treatments, but Esther Lee says she was still reeling from the news as she walked through the hospital corridors when she met Stacey Sutter.

“I was trying to process everything and suddenly I run into Stacey and she greets me with a warm hug,” Lee says.

From that first embrace Lee realized Sutter and the pediatric cancer nonprofit organization Cal’s AllStar Angel foundation was something truly special.

“Stacey and Cal’s Angels are a little unique in that they continued to reach out to me,” Lee says.

“Those first few months of cancer treatments you are just in survival mode. Stacey and Cal’s Angels continued to reach into my world and see what we needed.”

While she serves as the president of Cal’s Angels, Sutter isn’t just processing paperwork. From the monthly pizza parties at the oncology ward at Lurie’s Children Hospital in Chicago to meeting with families like the Lees, Sutter is there to lend a shoulder of support, a warm hug and share at a time when many families feel incredible loneliness.

“When you are the parent of a child with cancer, I can say with confidence, it feels very lonely, very scary,” Sutter says. “I want parents to know, they are not alone.”

Sutter’s stepson Cal was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. During his 14-month battle with cancer and treatments, Sutter says Cal never stopped caring about others, asking about the friends he met along his journey, always showing concern for others.

It was during one of his hospital stays that Cal’s father, Tom, met another family struggling with day-to-day life. Stacey Sutter said it became the “ah-ha moment” when Stacey and Tom realized something more was needed.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

“We wanted to give back,” Stacey Sutter says. “We didn’t know what that would look like or how at the time.”

Cal lost his battle with cancer, but his legacy of caring for others remains through Cal’s Angels. The multi-faceted foundation supports families, provides wishes to pediatric cancer patients and promotes education about pediatric cancers as well as advocacy for the research into pediatric cancers and treatments.

Lee says when her daughter Ava’s cancer relapsed, Cal’s Angels was there offering a wish: a family trip to Disney World.

It would be the last vacation the family would have together before Ava died.

“It was really special because it meant we were given quality time,” Lee says. “To really have those quality memories with our child, because that’s what we’re left with, having those memories to cherish.”

But Cal’s Angels goes beyond simply granting memorable experiences. Sutter has picked up her phone in the middle of the night to talk with a parent facing the nightmare of losing a child, and she has shared her experiences.

“When a child passes, really a piece of Stacey’s heart goes with,” Lee says. “I think because she has been there and had a child with cancer, she can share in cancer journey. There’s an understanding.”

For Stacey Sutter, her role with the foundation is an honor. It is her happiness and yet she is pained to know she wouldn’t

there if Cal had never been sick. She admits it is hard to understand, but knowing the difference Cal’s Angels makes in the lives of others motivates her.

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“We, as adults, have a responsibility to be the voice for our children,” Stacey Sutter says.

“We’re all in this together.”

Stacey Sutter and her team, along with support from its board of directors have worked hard to build a strong reputation for Cal’s Angels.

This includes teaming up with other businesses. John Rukel of AJR Group in St. Charles saw an opportunity for his business to support Cal’s Angels with donations of Pillows of Health for the pediatric cancer patients to use while they undergo treatments.

“I’ve had the privilege to go with Stacey to deliver the pillows at Lurie’s [Children’s Hospital] and to see the smiles on the kid’s faces, it’s such a great honor,” Rukel said. “[Stacey] connects with people and she’s so sincere, so understanding.”

And for families like Lee, the connection to Cal’s Angels doesn’t end with the passing of a child or the end of cancer treatments. Through the foundation parents have connected to share their bereavement and to be a part of the foundation’s continued efforts to educate, advocate and help the next family in need.

“Stacey is amazing. She remembers names, birthdays, siblings,” Lee says. “That’s her joy, to be with families.”

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

23

LIFE SAVER

BRAVE AND COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY, JOHN MAERTZIG IS A TRUE HOMETOWN HERO

By CHRIS WALKER

For Officer John Maertzig of the Bartlett Police, a career shift was a real life saver.

During 2017, just two years after deciding to walk away from teaching and opt for law enforcement, Maertzig was credited with saving the life of a suicidal person who was armed and barricaded, keeping him calm and at bay until experts arrived.

His heroism didn’t take time off during the holidays, as he saved a man’s life who simply had been shoveling snow. Maertzig performed CPR and then using a defibrillator, provided a shock to the man’s heart during a lifethreatening arrhythmia episode.

There was at least once during the year when Maertzig saved two lives on the same day, providing CPR on an unconscious man and later administering the opioid antidote Narcan to another.

reputation. It’s awesome, but I know that there are cops in major cities running and gunning all the time and aren’t even given a pat on the back. In the end, it was cool to get recognized for something this awesome, but don’t forget about the other coppers doing good work.”

At 6-foot-7, John Maertzig is an imposing figure. But the big guy felt like something was missing in his life, so a few years ago he made a drastic career change from school teacher to a police officer. The rest, as they say, is history.

And it is of note that he was the lead officer during one particularly risky domestic call, entering the home first, while wielding a ballistic shield and protecting his colleagues who entered behind him.

“He’s one of our newer officers and he’s constantly finding ways to help improve himself,” says Bartlett Police Chief Patrick Ullrich. “It makes me very proud as our chief and it’s reflective of our agency and of the community’s commitment to give us resources so we can provide the right service when we need them. He’s a great example.”

This was quite a change of pace for a guy who until recently, had been teaching PE.

Maertzig, who grew up in Oswego, always was captivated with law enforcement.

Earlier this year, he was named the 2017 Kane County Officer of the Year. The accolade followed him receiving the Bartlett Police Department’s Life Saving Award on four occasions in 2017, along with its Unit Citation Award.

“I have a lot of buddies who are cops so I’ve always had an interest in it,” he says. “My best man in my wedding is a cop so I got hooked.

I ended up testing at Bartlett, scored well, and here we are.”

“I was shocked when I first won the award,” he says. “It’s cool, but not so much about me.

In today’s world, police sometimes get a bad

24

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

As someone who thrives under pressure, Maertzig has excelled despite being on the job for just three years.

“I’ve always worked well under pressure,” he says. “One thing you learn real quick is to put other things off to the side and deal with the present. I love that not everyday is the same. You might have a busy day with a lot of calls and the next thing might be traffic oriented or a barricaded subject with a gun.

You kind of have to take everyday as it comes and deal with what is right in front of you.”

When off duty, Maerzig’s remains active in recreational sports. He also has a 1-year-old son with wife Stephanie so he’s a busy family man as well. And while he says he cherished his time as a teacher – building friendships and helping kids –he’s now helping an entire community.

“I didn’t see teaching as wasted time because I think things happen for a reason,” he says, “but inside I felt like something was missing and I saw some of my buddies who were on the job and I did some ride-alongs and something clicked and I went from there.

“I think it’s sometimes easy to forget when you’re hopping from call to call, but the reason people get into this job is to help people at their weakest moments,” he says. “I take pride in knowing that I can be there for someone.”

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Portfolio performance needs careful evaluation

If you are really ambitious you can take this a step further to see what your “real return” is by also taking into account the impact of taxes and inflation. An example of the impact of taxes and inflation on common market segments is illustrated here:

By THOMAS MCCARTNEY

A

s of the end of the third quarter of 2018 U.S. stocks continue moving forward in this historic 9 year bull market. How happy are you with the performance of your investment portfolio and what are you comparing it to?

It is not uncommon for smart people to take shortcuts when evaluating how their investment portfolio is performing. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see: GROSS RETURNS VS. NET RETURNS: You’ve probably heard the adage that it is not what you make, but what you keep that matters. At a minimum, an investor should make sure that she/ he is measuring their returns after all relevant fees and expenses. When is an 8% return not really an 8% return? Consider the following illustration: Gross Return: Annualized Advisory Fee: Annualized Product Expenses: Annualized Administrative Fees: Net Return:

8.00% (1.25%) (1.00%) (.15%) 5.60%

You may see a performance number quoted from one firm that is a gross return figure compared to a net figure quoted from another firm. Demand full transparency so that you are confident of the performance figure you are looking at.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2018

OVERSIMPLIFICATION: Comparing the return of a diversified portfolio to a single market index like the DJIA1 or the S&P 5002 is often done but when viewed alone misses much of the story. Diversified portfolios are made up of different asset classes that typically don’t correlate exactly to each other in hopes of providing a hedge against an uncertain future. The more conservative the investor the greater the diversification towards bonds. Here is one way to view varying behavior of different asset classes:

To compare a complex portfolio’s performance to a simple index is probably not going to tell you much. Think of this like comparing the estimated mpg of a pickup to a small sedan.

Each vehicle is built for a different purpose and has different capabilities.

TIME: Lastly, we caution investors to not become hyperfocused on returns over a short period of time but rather encourage at least a trailing five-year view and preferably a measurement over a complete market cycle.

Note how given time assets have historically stabilized suggesting that you should allow them to do so in your portfolio rather than falling victim to an impulse to make short-term trades based on the news of the day.

Keeping Returns “Real” Who’d have thought that something as apparently simple as measuring the performance of your investment portfolio could be so complex? Although evaluating performance may now seem daunting, your financial advisor should have the tools and experience to help you better understand your returns on a risk-adjusted basis.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is an average of prices of 30 well-known, predominantly blue-chip industrial stocks.

Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is a composite index that tracks 500 industrial, transportation, public utility, and financial stocks. The selection of stocks included in the index is determined by Standard & Poor's Corporation, which also publishes the index.

1

2

FILE#2263079.1

 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

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 NOVEMBER 2018

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Dear Doctor:

Local physician offers answers to patient questions about care and treatment

E

very day in the office, we get questions from patients and other members of the community about their physical health, and the options available to them. As we age, many of us have these same questions and concerns.

Here are just a few recent ones:

 DEAR DR. MULLICK: Why has the suggested age of colonoscopy for cancer screening changed to 45?

- Jennifer, Geneva DEAR JENNIFER: Yes, recently a study was done that demonstrated 27 year old currently compared to a 27 year old from 40 years ago had a significant increase in colon cancer. This prompted the change of the guidelines for men and women to get screened with a colonoscopy at age 45 rather than 50.  DEAR DR. MULLICK: Is a colonoscopy just for men?

- Jacob, Batavia DEAR JACOB: 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, present for a workup to the gastroenterologist then.

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.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2018

 DEAR DR. MULLICK: I have gas bloating. Some of my friends have diarrhea. Some have constipation. Are there any new medications available to help treat these symptoms?

- Kathleen, St. Charles DEAR KATHLEEN: In the recent few years, there are new medicines for constipation that work well for patients with mild symptoms or chronic symptoms.

In addition, the same is true for diarrhea that is irritable bowel related.

Prior to giving those medications, a proper evaluation and workup should be done to rule out other diseases like celiac sprue, infections, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and others. In addition, structural evaluation to rule out reasons are important as well.  DEAR DR. MULLICK: Heartburn is bothering me, and gas. What should I do?

I have tried over the counter medicines, but I am not sure how long I should stay on them before seeking something else.

- Brad, Elgin DEAR BRAD: It is important to present to gastroenterologist for evaluation of the heartburn. An evaluation should include an endoscopy to determine the level of esophagitis and rule out a precancerous condition, like Barrett’s esophagus. In addition, it is important to identify ulcers and gastritis. Other conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, which are related to food allergies can present similarly.

Length of treatment and types of treatment, along with lifestyle and dietary changes can be determined after that evaluation.

 DEAR DR. MULLICK: Liver disease and pancreas problems run in my family. I heard that baby boomers and others should get screened for Hepatitis C and other diseases. When should I do that?.

- Chris, Elburn DEAR CHRIS: Yes, baby boomers should be screened for Hepatitis C. There are great treatments for this now. In addition, fatty liver can occur from diet or alcohol. A periodic evaluation of liver function tests and at times, an ultrasound are helpful.

Present to the gastroenterologist for evaluation and determination of need for other blood tests and work up.

It is my honor and privilege to serve the community of the readership of this publication. Our practice focus is to care for patients to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies.

If you have questions about procedures, screenings, digestive challenges, and the like, I hope you’ll reach out to us for answers.  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.

LOSE WEIGHT NOW! Connie, Batavia -- “Lost 44 lbs, with Dr. Mullick’s recommended system, and it stayed off.”* Jamie, Geneva -- “Lost 12 pound in my FIRST MONTH!! It really works.

Had tried Weight WatchersTM which did not work for me, but this system works.”*

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Program invented by a Physician at Johns Hopkins Supported by Dr. Mullick who trained at Johns Hopkins. Lose up to 15 lbs per month* Clinically proven & sustainable program

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Call today to make your appointment Geneva/Elgin/Sycamore 630-232-2025

Pay LESS for your colonoscopy or endoscopy.

EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU'RE OUT!

DEAR DR.MULLICK: What do you suggest as a healthy item to eat at a restaurant that you like?

- Jennifer, St. Charles

DEAR JENNIFER: Livia restaurant in Geneva features a kale and farro salad that you can have with or without chicken.

The contents of the salad balance well nutritionally to provide a healthy array of vitamins and nutrients. Protein with grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, and nuts create a favorable balance of protein as well if you are trying to keep the protein and carbohydrates in harmony. But the beauty of Livia's salad is the taste and appearance of the salad. It is vibrant in all aspects.

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.

AMERICAN COLONOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPY CENTER

2631 Williamsburg Ave 301. Geneva, IL. Call now for your appointment. 630-232-2025

IF YOU DO BREAST CANCER SCREENING, GET COLON CANCER SCREENING.

It affects men and women BOTH and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

It is VERY important to get this screening done - colon cancer is beatable and treatable if caught early enough through colon screening.

HEARTBURN PATIENTS PLEASE COME TO GET EVALUATED FOR PRECANCEROUS BARRETT’S; ESOPHAGEAL CANCER HAS INCREASED IN THE PAST 4 DECADES.

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.

SAVE YOUR LIFE! TELLYOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Get colon cancer screening. Beatable, Treatable, Preventable in most situations.

S. from Geneva. “I am glad I had my colonoscopy done at the American Colonoscopy and Endoscopy center. I had some polyps removed and that will likely prevent a cancer. The facility was wonderful and it saved me money.”

LET’S BEAT IT! 630-232-2025.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2018

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Keep your family safe:

GET RID OF UNUSED PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS

W

ant to help keep your family and community safe? Get rid of any unused prescription opioids that may be in cabinets, drawers or anywhere else you store medicine.

WHAT ARE OPIOIDS? Prescription opioids are powerful, painreducing medicines.

You can find them in pill forms, syrups or even prescription patches. Commonly prescribed opioids include hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone.

But they also can cause overdose deaths. Every day, 115 Americans die from opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WHY LEFTOVER OPIOIDS ARE DANGEROUS The United States is battling an opioid crisis. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that up to 71 percent of opioid tablets prescribed after surgery went unused. Trouble with opioids can start at home, where unused medicines are stored in cabinets or drawers and are ingested either intentionally or unintentionally by people who do not have a medical need for these prescriptions.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2018

“We’re facing a public health tragedy right in our own backyards; opioid addiction and overdose affect communities across America,” explained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. “We know that people fighting addiction often began by accessing prescription opioids from a friend or family member. It’s critical we all do our part in safely disposing of these medicines once they’re no longer needed as part of our effort to ending this crisis.”

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR COMMUNITY Make sure your medicines do not get into the wrong hands. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, half of people who misused prescription opioids got them from a friend or family member.

Unused opioids can also pose a risk to

kids. Even childresistant containers cannot completely prevent a child from taking medicines prescribed to someone else. Emergency departments see thousands of patients for opioid overdose and addiction each year, according to data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample.

As more opioids are being prescribed to adults, the risk of both accidental and intentional exposure increases for children and adolescents.

Grandparents, neighbors and others who take care of children should make sure they have disposed of any unused medicines. Opioids also can be harmful to pets.

“In the last two decades, the FDA has received heartbreaking reports of accidental exposure to powerful prescription pain medicines such as fentanyl patches - most of them in children under 2 years old,” added FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Director Dr. Janet Woodcock. “That’s why disposing of unneeded medicines is such an important step in keeping your family safe.”

Disposing of unused medicines can help turn the tide on the devastating opioid crisis affecting so many American families. Proper disposal of unused prescription opioids saves lives. Learn more at www.fda.gov/ DrugDisposal. (BPT)

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RECREATING THE HEART OF EVERY HOME at Geneva’s

PB Kitchen Design PB Kitchen Design has been making its mark on the industry for more than three decades. Offering a combination of innovative thinking, problem-solving knowledge, and precise technical expertise, the design experts at PB Kitchen Design have created more than 1,000 kitchen spaces for clients all over the Chicago area.

“At PB Kitchen Design, we believe every client has unique tastes, needs and challenges,” says president Dan McFadden.“We win clients' hearts by listening to what they want, then designing the kitchen of their dreams, from scratch, and on budget. We'll create a kitchen that you'll love because it will be created specifically for you.”

And with a multitude of kitchen challenges, in rooms from the newest to those constructed in the 1800s, it can call for some innovative thinking. And that starts with leadership.

McFadden joined the family business (a division of Past Basket) in 1991 after graduating from the University of Colorado-

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HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2018

Boulder and has continued to play an increasingly integral role in its growth. His easygoing demeanor belies his talent as a designer and his ability to steer a renovation project along its proper course.

McFadden’s designs have been highly regarded, receiving numerous design awards, including a submission for the National Kitchen and Bath Association that simultaneously won two awards in its annual design contest: -Best in Category and Best in Show. Dan was recently named a 2018 Top 50 Industry Innovator by Kitchen & Bath Design News, and is also President of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Chicago Midwest Chapter. With work published in dozens of separate trade and consumer titles such as Traditional Home, Veranda, Kitchen & Bath Business, and Midwest Living Magazine, Dan will participate this year as a judge for the Kitchen & Bath Business Design Awards as well as the Denver Metro Home Builder’s Association annual design competition – Colorado Cares.

McFadden also puts his skills to work outside the kitchen, and giving back to the industry and community is important to him. A major fundraising event is the Fox Valley Kitchen Walk. PB Kitchen Design hosts the nonannual but recurring event, featuring some of the firm’s premier kitchen projects located in Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia. The most recent event in May 2018 raised more than $13,000 to benefit Fox Valley Food for Health (FVFFH), an organization which instructs teens how to prepare healthy, predominately organic and nutrient-filled meals for seriously ill or cancer patients. It’s a natural fit for a company with ties to the kitchen.

“It’s not about working from templates, but about consistently delivering exceptional ideas,” McFadden says. “It takes more than creative talent – it takes the right attitude.”  PB KITCHEN DESIGN 200 S. Third St., Geneva 630-208-1011 www.pbkitchendesign.com

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We make over 100 varieties of smoked meats and sausages.

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Susi and Rob Brucato open ‘scent-sational’ new business

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he right scent can soothe your stress, calm your anxiety, spark your hunger, and even transport you to a special place, or a particular time in your life.

Susi and Rob Brucato want to be part of the process. So they opened Scentcerely Yours, a new, one-of-a-kind experience and retail store in downtown Geneva.

“We specialize in pour-your-own natural gourmet soy candles in more than 100 scents,” explains Rob Brucato. “Our candles are made from the best, most natural ingredients producing a candle that will burn cleaner, longer, and more true-to-scent. You will enjoy an unparalleled experience where you create your signature scent at our fragrance bar.”

The experience begins by browsing the scent wall, then selecting a container from the many options available for the product you are making – there are custom home and personal fragrance products including reed diffusers, wax tarts, room sprays, body mist, lotion, and sugar scrubs –staff members help customers create their own signature scents by pairing fragrance oils together.

“These days, people want customization in all aspects of their life from food to clothing to furniture to cars… just about everything,” Brucato says. “Why not scent?

The Brucatos started the business in May 2018 after long careers in the banking industry.

“We wanted to create a concept where individuals, friends, couples, and families can create something unique in a fun and casual environment,” he says. “Shopping in general can be a stressful time for many people as they are often in a hurry to get what they need.”

The store design, layout, and atmosphere are simple and clean, with the purpose of creating an inviting and low-key environment for people to relax and experience something unique. Now, with the assistance of an energetic and helpful staff, they are bringing this idea to folks across the area.

“We are extremely blessed to have such a great

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HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2018

team of employees ranging from high school and college students, to experienced marketing professionals, to moms looking for part-time work while kids are in school,” Brucato says.

“All of our employees are responsible for ensuring an unparalleled experience for our customers while they create their signature scent by consulting with them throughout the process beginning by browsing the scent wall through mixing the oils at the bar.

“Our employees live and spend their time in the community, so they are a familiar face to many customers that come into the store,” he adds. “We encourage everyone to be active in the community and think creatively for new product ideas. We empower our employees so they feel that they are an integral part of the business and contribute to the success.”

Experience for yourself, and discover your signature scent at Scentcerely Yours in downtown Geneva.  SCENTCERELY YOURS 211 W. State St, Geneva Mon - Wed 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Thu - Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

630-730-9302 info@scentcerely-yours.com www.scentcerely-yours.com

A New Chance Fur Babies Adoptions and Rescue in Muskogee, Oklahoma became aware of Chance via social media in the fall of 2017.

A group of friends sharing a house found him in their yard one morning and didn't know what to do. When Fur Babies arrived, Chance was in rough shape. He was emaciated, infested with mites (demodectic mange) and was diagnosed with pneumonia. His immune system was severely compromised and his prognosis was not good. The veterinarian recommended euthanasia. It was going to take a lot of work (and money) if this little boy was going to survive - but Chance's foster mom Mary Casady, who volunteers with Fur Babies, was determined to save him.

She took him home and nursed him back to health.

Once he gained weight and his hair grew in, Chance was a gorgeous, happy, healthy little boy! Given the limited numbers of adopters in Oklahoma, Fur Babies knew his only chance was to be transferred here to Anderson. In October he was officially adopted by the Craney family.

Chance now goes by the name Tucker and spends his days lounging in the sun, snuggling with his humans (mom, dad, brother and sister) and his two fur-sisters, Bella and Hershey.

BEFORE & (HAPPILY EVER) AFTER "[Tucker] is such a joy to our family. He is the friendliest dog and loves every human and every animal he meets! He spends most of his days lounging between all the beds in the house. He loves car rides, dog parks, and any activities we are doing - he just wants to be around us! He is so friendly and such a people dog, I am even considering the possibility of him becoming a therapy dog. We cannot imagine our life without him. Thank you so much to Anderson Animal Shelter for transporting him up from Oklahoma and saving him!"

-- Molly Craney (Tucker's Mom)

Adopt. Donate.

Foster. Volunteer.

www.andersonanimalshelter.org

This message is made possible thanks to DePAW University Canine Campus SM-CL1588989

HOW PETS CAN

Positively AFFECT PEOPLE On an emotional level, owning a pet can decrease depression, stress and anxiety; health-wise, it can lower your blood pressure, improve your immunity and even decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke.

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OUTDOOR REAL ESTATE With MEAGAN PROVENCHER

I

was chatting recently with a local realtor (Hi Meg!) and discussing landscape importance in real estate.

I was telling her how I have had quite a few clients lately who have purchased new homes and didn’t pay any attention to the outside of the home during the purchase. They walked right past the overgrown yews and weedy beds as they headed to the kitchen to see the updates and the bedrooms to see the view. They fell in love with the house, purchased it, moved in and all of a sudden noticed the drama outside, having failed to calculate what the cost of updating, redoing, or adding to their outdoor space.

Every day I see patios and sidewalks that are crumbling, trees that are half dead or damaged, overgrown shrubs, and perennial gardens gone rogue. The new owners call me

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HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2018

in to help make sense of it all because they have become overwhelmed. The previous owner may have been a gardener and now the new owners inherited a plant hoarding mess.

Or the previous owner landscaped back in 1972 but hasn’t done a thing since. Often the outside of the house is overlooked when you are buying or selling. It may not necessarily be something you can negotiate, but at least you can budget for it in the long run and make your outdoor space as good as your indoor space.

If you are getting ready to buy a house, walk around the entire yard. Sit on the patio – are there views to screen? Is the patio stoop crumbling or the deck rotting and in need of maintenance? Are you going to need to plant some shade trees or remove old trees? Are trees or shrubs covering any windows or access points or hanging over the roof?

All of these needs can add up to thousands of dollars you may not have budgeted for when looking for your dream home. For a typical home, I would budget about $3000-$5000 to do updates, rejuvenations and plant trees. For a new patio, sidewalks, and other more intense landscape projects, budget at least $5000 if not $10,000. I know those numbers seem high, but a landscape that has been left neglected for years can be a challenge to correct. But it’s worth the challenge and you will reap the benefits immediately and can enjoy it for many years.

If you are getting ready to sell your house, take a good look at the landscape. Of course, no one wants to spend a bunch of money only to leave the house shortly after. However, a few small tweaks can make your house stand out from others both inside and out. Look at the front of the house and make sure the

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plantings are neat and clean and not overgrown. If something is overgrown or aged, take it out and replace it with a new plant.

Replacing the occasional odds and ends before you sell will help make it look updated and fresh, especially if you do it about three to six months prior to listing.

Usually tweaking the existing landscape doesn’t cost too much – maybe budget $300-$500 for some new plants, or a bit more if you are including crisp cut bed edges, seasonal containers, fresh mulch, and some professional pruning of the existing plants.

Buying or selling a new home can be a very overwhelming process, especially when you

throw in the yard to add to the discussion. Don’t find yourself scrambling to fix things and afraid of the shrubs by the front door! Give yourself time to analyze the outside needs along with the inside. You’ll be rewarded in the end with either a better asking price or a beautiful new home to make your own.  Meagan Provencher is the Senior Landscape Designer for Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com

2017 41W781 RT 64 | St Charles, IL 60175 wasconursery.com | 630.584.4424 HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2018

37

Tom’s Cookbook Library:

Grilling?

No time like the present

By TOM WITOM

CLEVELAND BBQ SAUCE (Makes 3 cups) Serious barbecue aficionados, it seems, won’t let an arbitrary date on the calendar define when they can or cannot fire up the grill.

One such dedicated pitmaster who proudly proclaims his obsession with meat is Michael Symon. A chef and restaurant co-owner, Symon gained recognition as a popular TV co-host of ABC’s The Chew and Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Burgers, Brew & ‘Que. In 2016, he opened Mabel’s BBQ in his hometown, Cleveland.

In his latest cookbook, “Michael Symon’s Playing with Fire” (Clarkson Potter), the author shares his tasty discoveries readers can make in their backyards and home kitchens.

Various chapters focus on pork, beef, chicken, seafood, lamb and vegetables a sides.

• 2 cups cider vinegar • 1 small red onion, quartered • 1 large garlic clove, smashed • 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, plus 1 Tbl. of sauce from the can • 3Tbl. bourbon • 1 tsp. coriander seeds

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika • 1 cup Bertman Ball Park Mustard or other brown stadium-style mustard • 1/2 cup yellow mustard • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup • 1 Tbl. soy sauce • 2 tsp. kosher salt • 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, onion, garlic, chipotle in adobo, bourbon, coriander and paprika. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the flavors come together, about 10 minutes.

Cleveland BBQ Sauce (recipe follows) goes well with Mabel’s Pork Ribs.

It joins the established barbecue sauce lineup that includes Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City and Texas.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle puree, brown and yellow mustards, maple syrup, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Strain the vinegar mixture through a finemesh sieve into the mustard mixture (discard the solids) and whisk until smooth and combined.

To keep the sauce from burning, Symon recommends basting grilled foods only during the final stages of grilling.

Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one month.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2018

NOW OPEN IN GENEVA hand crafted pasta • fresh baked bread seasonal menu • italian wine • local beer NOW SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER! tuesday through saturday 11AM to 9PM closed sunday & monday

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DEC. 7 & 8

Let the Festivities begin!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! Join us Friday, December 7th at 6pm when Santa lights the great tree and sparks a Christmas to remember. There’ll be chestnuts roasting, carolers strolling, a live nativity and candy cane pulls. On Friday and Saturday you can tour five spectacular houses decked with holly and innovative Christmas decorations. For House Tour tickets and a complete schedule give us a jingle or visit genevachamber.com.

Geneva. Where the spirit of Christmas comes ali alive.

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630-232-6060 • genevachamber.com

Come taste 60 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world. Unique Gift Baskets Available.

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39

 EDITOR'S CHOICE 

CATER YOUR TURKEY DAY,

and Christmas too!

Do you love the holidays, with all the fuss, family and trimmings? It’s a cherished time, but it can get stressful and harried, even under the best of circumstances.

To help out, we’ve collected some of the best options to reduce the load this season, with the assistance of catering companies and special assistance to keep you happy and joyful all the holidays-long.

There’s nothing nicer than sitting down to a delicious, homemade holiday meal, but all the planning, grocery shopping, timing, stove space sharing and serving is enough to make a gal run for the hills like a turkey facing the axe. But don’t squawk yet, rather give thanks for the folks at Moveable Feast in Geneva have you covered! The Thanksgiving takeaway menu is stuffed with delicious, handmade items like old fashioned sweet potatoes made with with sugared pecans and marshmallows, sausage stuffing made with locally sourced meat, fennel and apples; and delicious specialty items like roasted squash lasagna and pumpkin persimmon pie. They even have wine pairings at the ready, to complete your meal.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2018

Do you come from a family with European heritage? Are your holiday tables filled with Slavic and Polish delicacies made with pork and cabbage and potatoes? You don’t have to sweat over the hot pan as the pierogi boil any longer! A traditional holiday meal awaits, courtesy of DRM European Catering in St. Charles. DRM offers authentic eastern and central European cuisine using traditional recipes for things like stuffed cabbage, Swedish meatballs, Polish sausage, goulash, schnitzel and potato dumplings, so even Great Aunt Sally won’t be the wiser. ( And yes, there are pierogi on the menu, too!)

While you’re at it, don’t forget Christmas morning. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the presents are being opened.

So this year, sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and a delicious hand pie from DRM. These three-inch pies are filled with Croatian fig jam, ham off the bone, and brie cheese. Complement them with artisan scones, bagels and cream cheese, and a signature butter pecan coffee cake from Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora. It’s the best breakfast pastry around, but you have to order early!

There is a catch to all this catering – you still have to go pick it up. But if you’re willing, we have that problem solved as well. Just hire an errand assistant to make the rounds for you!

Errand Up is a new local service to the TriCities, offering everything from restaurant delivery and grocery shopping, to taking in your dry cleaning or picking up some couch syrup for a sick child. For a small fee, they take care of it all while you stay warm and cozy at home, working, wrapping gifts, or even drinking wine. (And speaking of wine, they can grab some more of that, too, while they are out.) The folks at Errand Up have partnerships with more than 15 local stores and restaurants, and even if they don’t, they can usually get you what you need.

So free yourself from the hassles of the holidays this season, and leave the work to the experts.

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The GlassHalf-Full Guy:

HOMEWARD BOUND

By PETER STADALSKY

When taking a vacation, feet propped up with a drink in hand, it’s natural to think “I could totally live here.” As we catch a picturesque glimpse of a travel destination, life looks much greener on this side.

But I believe this pendulum swings both ways - an escape from the doldrums of daily life can create the illusion of a better situation. And contrarily, if life is such a bore, what’s stopping one from creating an epic life? And why would that be different by changing geography?

I’ve hung with locals all over the world; the ones who put on the shows for visitors, the ones who cook their meals, and the ones who take tourists white water rafting. Even in paradise, life becomes typical. The excitement of travel is in seeing things for the first time, but that allure must fade and what’s left is a life not too much different from home.

PROS AND CONS There are clear differences between countries, provinces, and even villages. I’ve seen the stone thrown from both sides of the fence. Some patriots claim they live in the best country.

Others claim that people in other countries are the happiest people alive. Examples of culture, politics, economics and lifestyle all form the arguments of whose life is best.

When it’s all boiled down, no matter where I’ve been, it seems there are always pros and cons to living anywhere. Take Costa Rica: It’s virtually impossible to get pulled over for driving behaviors, save major accidents. But you also have to be okay with roads randomly washing out, and be willing to take a six-hour detour. There is always a give and take.

JUST LIVE ANYWHERE After spending four months straight in Europe, I stopped missing home and all of its familiarities. It occurred to me, for the first time, that the majority of my preferences and

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TRAVEL NOVEMBER 2018

opinions are rooted in what is common and typical. I eventually stopped missing American toilets and it was normal to use the hole in the floor. In smaller countries, I stopped missing mega-stores and was fine without having 15 different toilet paper choices. People adapt, and traveling has shown me that having friends and good relationships far outweighs what types of stores, public services, and products are available.

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOME The beginning phases of my travel were motivated by the excitement to explore the world, but also my contempt for some American values. Visiting and even living in some different cultures and countries taught me a valuable lesson; although the earth is everyone’s home, there is still a non-tangible home from our childhood that is inseparable from us.

Home is wrapped up with memories that have shaped the person we are. No matter where I live or travel, nothing can ever replace my home. And it’s part of my honor

not to abandon that place I came from. My home is special – just like the Himalayas or glaciers of Antarctica – in its own way. And only by leaving home have I truly grown to appreciate it. Only by remembering my home when I am away have I been able to truly appreciate other’s homes and not just see it as a commodity for a great social media picture.

It doesn’t matter if home is located on the frigid Great Lakes, near the Rocky Mountain peaks, or along the sandy Keys. What matters most to me is finding that something special that makes each place great.

Whether I’m traveling or at my origin, every day and place can be an adventure. u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.

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TRAVEL NOVEMBER 2018

43

Just chill People from the Chicago area love Lake Michigan.

The ability to traverse a gorgeous sand beach and zone out for a while, staring the expanse of the great lake, and all just a couple hours from home? The adoration is understandable.

Try to rent a house on the Lake Michigan shore in summer and you’ll realize just how popular it is.

Places from Monticello to Muskegon get booked up seasons in advance, with some families coming back year after year to the same place.

But while the allure of the summer beaches is without question, consider setting out to our Midwestern neighbors ‘round the lake once the air chills, and experience what this land of bluffs and byways has to offer in the colder season.

Experience a serene escape along Lake Michigan’s frozen shores

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

 GORGEOUS VIEWS FROM TRUCK OR TRAIL

At the Indiana Dunes, towers of sand pour gently into the icy lake, and more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails through dunes, forests, marshes and prairies are transformed from beachside escape to winter wonderland, even more peaceful and relaxing than it was in July, if that’s possible. And with camera in hand, you’ll find little as breathtaking as the area’s signature lighthouses, now draped white in icy elegance, that dot the coastline town after town. It’s well worth the boots and the parka.

 COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE

After taking in the wonder of the St. Joseph Lighthouse, you’ll surely relish a warm up with a cup of rich coffee or cocoa, and something equally decadent to eat.

A favorite spot of mine is Clifford’s Coffee Canal in nearby Benton Harbor, where you can sip on some of the most deliciously prepared coffee drinks you’ll find anywhere, fill you stomachs with delightful breakfast and lunch treats – most organic and locally sourced – all while taking in a quaint view of the St. Joseph River. The owners, who once owned a plant nursery, fill their café with a variety of succulents and flowers available for purchase year-round, and so juxtaposed against the icy landscape of Michigan in winter.

The South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum offers personal tours at the top of each hour, at which you can bear witness to all of the factory processes, including panning, enrobing and more. For an extra special treat, you'll dip a chocolate spoon, walk through

TRAVEL NOVEMBER 2018

The Chocolate Museum is home to one of the largest collections of chocolate memorabilia in the world – including a 1,300-year-old Mayan chocolate pot – among the hundreds of tins, containers and chocolate boxes of all shapes and sizes. The collection extensively features nostalgic American chocolate companies.

 WINTER…WINE NOT?

Most Midwestern wine lovers are well aware of the offerings in Southwest Michigan wine country. But while many of the area’s wineries shutter their doors and close their taps for the season, those that remain open are worth a visit. The tasting rooms are less crowded, so conversation ensues with the winery folks, and you’ll learn a little more, taste a little longer, and come away with a great appreciation of the wine of the region.

Baroda is a great place to begin your winter wine journey, with destinations that include Dablon Vineyard, where the tasting room offers a peek at winemaking in process, or Gravity Vineyard, which might just have the best views in winter, thanks to its glassed-in tasting room with floor to ceiling windows all around. You’ll feel you’re right in the vineyard, without the winter chill.

And if you’re bold enough to travel a little further north and take on winter in the the wine region of Leelanau near Traverse City, you might consider the outdoorsy adventure of the Leelanau Ski/Snowshoe Wine Trail, which stretches 7.5 miles and connects two wineries and an artisan cider manufacturer.

Photo provided by Indiana Dunes Tourism

44

the Chocolate Museum, and get to sample a bit of the luscious chocolate they create there.

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PAMPERING  EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

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The result? Touchable, smooth skin that leaves you feeling absolutely gorgeous.

In fact, we’re so confident you’ll love your oh-so-smooth skin, your first wax is on us. First-time guests can enjoy a complimentary brow, underarm or bikini line wax for women or ear, nose or brow for gents.

What are you waiting for? Make your reservation today!

GREEN ENVEE 

17 S. 3rd Street | (630) 423-7140 | www.greenenvee.com Our philosophy is clean beauty. We create safe and non-toxic products, loaded with good for you ingredients you can feel good about putting on your body. All products are produced in small batches to ensure potency, effectiveness and freshness. We promise you will find safe, nutrient dense formulas that nourish the skin + body and preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Stop in for a complimentary skin analysis with one of our on-staff estheticians.

They’ll help you match the perfect products for your skin. Once per month, we also host a Demi-Spa event, a guided self-facial that allows you to relax and replenish, while enjoying lovely small-bite appetizers and refreshments in a wonderful setting – great for a birthday or girls night out.

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Whether it is eliminating the sun damage to your face, lessening the appearance of wrinkles or replacing the fullness in your lips or face, Vanishing Ink Laser Aesthetics is focused on getting the results you are looking for. During a Free Initial Consultation, Dr. Gibson will be happy to discuss your goals and objectives and offer suggestions. By using their specialized lasers, injectables and a professional skincare line they will help you achieve a more youthful appearance.

46

FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2018

5

ME, MYSELF AND EYE:

common behaviors that could be hurting your eyes

Y

our eyes are the “windows to your soul.� They are one of the first things people notice about you, and if you're like many of us, you could be damaging them.

Even if you're diligent about maintaining your health by eating right, exercising and regularly seeing your doctor, some of the the most health-conscious people are often unaware of daily behaviors in their lives that could be straining or even damaging their eyes. That's surprising, given that 21 percent of Americans believe severe vision loss would negatively impact the quality of their lives.

The good news? Taking steps to protect your eyes isn't difficult. Guarding yourself against these potentially damaging behaviors should be part of your regular health routine. And they will help you look great, too!

NOT WEARING SUNGLASSES.

Sun wear does more than just block glare. The same harmful rays that can burn your skin can also damage your eyes over time, sometimes leading to visionreducing issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration. As a precaution, ophthalmologists recommend wearing sunglasses anytime you're outside, seeking lenses that block out at least 99 percent of UVA and UVC rays.

48

FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2018

OVERUSING EYE DROPS.

Some people form a dependency on the over-the-counter whitening drops that reduce redness by temporarily restricting blood flow to the eye's blood vessels.

Repeat users often notice that their eyes "rebound" and get red again as oxygen returns to those deprived capillaries, creating a vicious cycle. As a rule, nonprescription eye drops should not be a long-term solution to any eye issue.

USING OLD OR BORROWED EYE MAKEUP.

You should replace your makeup every three months to keep from introducing new and potentially harmful bacteria into your eye area. Avoid other people's makeup for the same reason. Eye care experts also warn against applying eyeliner to your inner eyelids, which can be especially vulnerable to infection.

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STARING AT YOUR SMARTPHONE.

If your eyes are often sore or tired at the end of the day, you may be spending too much uninterrupted time zeroing in on your phone. To avoid that strain and even worse symptoms such as blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness or nausea, enlarge your font, always keep your phone at least 16 inches away from your face and take screen breaks every 20 minutes.

Getting in the habit of caring for your eyes need not be time consuming, and it doesn't have to be expensive if you think ahead by enrolling in a vision plan with VSPDirect.com, the provider with the largest network of independent doctors nationwide. Call for more information at 800-785-0699. (BPT)

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Seeing an eye doctor once a year to check on any prescription changes is important, but a visit can also help detect other serious eye issues. Alarmingly, one survey found 64 percent of Americans notice signs of trouble such as red, watery eyes, light flashes, blurry or double vision, difficulty seeing at night or difficulty reading up close, yet only 13 percent follow up with eye exams. Fortunately, taking that step is easier when you're covered by solid eye care insurance with a provider such as VSP Individual Vision Plans, which could save you literally hundreds of dollars a year in eye exams, glasses and contacts.

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FAILING TO VISIT YOUR EYE DOCTOR ANNUALLY.

Ce 27 lebra Ye ting ar s

FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2018

49

Mountaineering great grandmother hits uncommon heights

By ERIN SAUDER able to share her experience,” Sickafoose says.

You won’t find Frances Wickman using an elevator when leaving her second-floor room at The Holmstad in the Batavia.

When the rain put a damper on this year's climb, Wickman stopped by Sickafoose’s office on her return to share that news.

Instead, the 95-year-old insists on taking the stairs when she wants to move about the retirement community.

“When my friends see me going up and down they say, ‘Why don’t you take the elevator?’ I say, ‘I’ve lived here almost two years and I’ve never taken the elevator once,’” Wickman says proudly. “I climb those stairs about 10 or more times a day.

I keep active because I enjoy it.”

Walking up those flights of stairs also helps keep Wickman in shape for an even greater feat: her annual mountain climbing trip.

Wickman was 80 when she first picked up mountaineering. Now, more than a decade later, four generations take on a climb each summer, including Wickman’s son, grandsons and great-grandchildren.

Those treks offer the family breathtaking views.

“When we’re up there, the mountain goats down below look like they’re an inch wide,” Wickman says with a laugh. “It’s just such an experience. We love it.”

To help traverse the at-times difficult mountain trails, Wickman uses a cane.

“And my son is always on the cliffside. Some places are hard to climb because you have to step higher but determination makes you do it,” Wickman says.

Once the family reaches the top of the trail, they take a much-needed break and have lunch.

“We usually eat somewhere on the rocks,” Wickman says.

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She stays hydrated on the climbs by keeping plenty of water in her backpack, which she lets her grandson carry.

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2018

“We do lots of stopping to drink water,” she says.

Unfortunately, inclement weather prevented the family from making this year's planned 6,000 feet ascent up Mount Baker in Washington State. While they usually schedule the climbs for August, this year it was postponed to September to accommodate schedules.

“In 15 years this is the only year it’s been a bad one for weather,” she says. “Next year we’ll go in August.”

Nicole Sickafoose, resident life director at The Holmstad, calls Wickman “an inspiration.”

“I interact with her almost daily,” she says.

“My office is on the floor that she lives on and she’ll come and see me before she goes on her daily walk. She’s just so inspiring on so many levels, from her age and longevity to the way she embraces life.”

Much of their conversation has revolved around Wickman’s mountain climbs.

“I met her before her climb last year and she told me about it and the countdown of when she was going. And this whole year we’ve been talking about it. She told me how another little one would be joining them. She was always giving me little updates,” Sickafoose says.

The mountain climbing grandmother’s story is so compelling, it was recently picked up by a local television news channel.

“She was so lit up from the opportunity to be

"She stood in the doorway and looked at me. I says, 'What's going on Fran?'

And she says, 'We didn't get to climb the mountain because it started raining and my son told us we had to turn around because it wasn't safe enough.' She was so bummed," Sickafoose says. "But she was glad she still got to hang out with her family.

I told her that we’re going to do a celebration of all of her accomplishments. She’s such a blessing to everybody.”

These days, Wickman is back to her daily exercise regimen.

“I’ve always been a walker,” she says. “I walk every day and if the weather’s bad outside I walk inside for an hour. My son and I have a garden here at The Holmstad so I usually walk down there every day and check on it. I make sure I get a walk in every day.”

She also maintains a healthy diet.

“I have always tried to eat right so I don’t have any health problems. I’ve never had a surgery. I just try to eat right and exercise.

And I do stretches every morning before I get out of bed,” she says.

She plans to keep doing the annual summer mountain climb with her family for as long as she can.

“I’m heading for 100,” Wickman says. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

SOCIAL Life

Supporters of pediatric cancer research and awareness came out for the annual "Give Cancer the Boot" luncheon hosted by Cal's Angels at the Le Jardin Restaurant at Cantigny October 14.

Photos by KAREN NAESS

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FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2018

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

A salute to those who help keep things ‘chill’ With JONATHAN BILYK

There are few things that can make a child of the 21st Century lose his cool faster than losing power.

Kids today can otherwise be quite resilient, from what I’ve seen, educated as they are in processes and techniques my peers didn’t even stop to consider.

But kill the power? Now, you’ve got problems.

“Why aren’t the lights working?” “Can I still get into the refrigerator?”

“No wifi? Now what will we do?”

Thankfully, despite the seemingly never ending roll of storms that so characterized our summer months and left neighborhoods and communities all around ours suffering the doom of blackouts, my young ones didn’t come face to face with what is (thankfully) one of their worst nightmares: An evening, at home, with no wifi –no streaming Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon or Pandora – as the house plunges into darkness.

However, we did not escape entirely unscathed, as one of the final storms of the summer dealt a lightning strike very close to our house. It seemed at first a passing blow.

Days would go by before the real damage surfaced. As the thermostat logged the steady march upward of the temperature inside the house, it became clear that our air conditioner was no longer working.

Once the oldest of my young ones learned this, panic quickly set in.

“What will we do?” “Can we sleep here?”

“Will we have to leave?” “It’s getting so hot!”

“Can I sleep over at my friend’s house?”

54

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2018

Then came the answers from Dad, interspersed with lectures and reminisces drawn from a childhood spent in a house without a/c: “We’ll be fine.” “Yes.” “No.” “Get a glass of cold water and sit outside.” “Nice try.”

After calls throughout the next morning to arrange service, a technician – Greg, was his name - at last pulled into the driveway early in the evening, and quickly diagnosed the problem: The component that regulates the condenser had failed. Likely cause? A power surge (read: Lightning strike.)

Thirty minutes after he pulled in, Greg was on his way to the next service call, thanks to an innate ability to quickly and smoothly diagnose the problem, using only his eyes, his ears, his hands, his mind, a voltage meter and a couple of hand tools.

But in that intervening half hour, we had a bit of time to chat as he ran his diagnostics to confirm everything was working properly. He shied from sharing war stories of his travels around town, or even from his decades in the business.

Instead, Greg preferred to lament what he saw as the impending death of his industry. It was hurting, as he said it, for qualified technicians and young ones willing to be trained and one day replace him and other aging techs and shop owners as they approach retirement.

He lamented the number of young people, including some from his own family, who recoil in horror at the thought of working outside with their hands, preferring to pour themselves and their children into computer

coding and other deskbound pursuits.

He did not ask what I do for a living, and I did not tell. Nor did I share my plans to enroll my young ones in computer coding classes, to ensure they develop the skills everyone believes they will need in our digital reality.

In the end, he packed up his tools, swiped my card on his noticeably high-tech portable card reader, and headed toward his van.

I suggested more young people may choose to head into his profession once they recognize what life might be like without the HVAC creature comforts we take for granted, and the pay they could demand.

Greg paused and smirked a bit. “Or perhaps they can just ask Amazon to install their parts with a drone,” he said.

We shared a laugh, and he was on his way.

And while she never got to meet him, my daughter that evening made sure to thank God for the technicians willing to log long hours in terrible conditions, often with little thanks, to ensure our modern life goes on, so kids, and their parents, keep their cool.  Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

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