KC Magazine_November 2019*

THE

People EDITION

Batavia boutique a business dream for Kasey Hoag

NOVEMBER 2019

Page 10

PREVIEWS OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, HOLIDAY EVENTS, AND MORE!

Q

Pollyanna’s founders find quick success in craft beer business Page 12

the

St. Charles advocates build business together, in new alliance

SUCCESS C Chef Quenby Schuyler talks good food, good health and good business PAGE 7

Page 14

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Editor's

NOTE Batavia’s fashion boutique mavens, for some stylish advice and the story behind her shop, which just expanded downtown.

Won’t you know your neighbor?

As we head into the holiday season, it’s natural to start thinking more about the people who are most important to us.

Our family. Our friends.

But what about the people who surround us each and every day in our communities? The folks who help us feed our families, fix our homes, service our cars, provide us with the things we want and need day-to-day?

At KC Magazine, we wanted to give a shout out to some of those people who have become the threads in the fabric of our towns and help to make them places we truly enjoy calling home.

So in this month’s PEOPLE edition, we help you get to know some small business owners from our towns. You will read about the stories behind their businesses, their roles on our cities, and their ideas for the future.

We stop in at the Geneva kitchen of Quenby Schuyler, a local chef and caterer to find out about her growing meal prep business and why so many local folks are raving about her fresh, clean approach to eating.

We go shopping with Kasey Hoag, one of

We tip back a glass with Ryan Weidner, one of the co-owners of Pollyanna Brewing Company, which is opening its doors in St. Charles this season to the bated breath and thirsty mouths of craft beer enthusiasts across the Tri-Cities.

And we wrap up at Excel Automotive Repair, where Minor and Jennifer Mobley have built a charitable Christmas gift-giving endeavor that will reach more than 700 St. Charles children this holiday season.

So sit back, grab a beverage and a cozy spot of your own, and get to know your neighbors with us this month, in Kane County Magazine.

Thanks for reading.

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sandy Bressner and Sara Minior

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

on the

COVER

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.

Quenby Schuyler, owner and chef at Q’s Kitchen in Geneva, is building a catering and meal prep business with clean eating as the catalyst. Page 7 Photo by Sandy Bressner Salon services by Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa, Geneva Hair – Sandra Makeup - Magdalena

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NOVEMBER

2019

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

200 South Third St. Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 208-1011 www.pbkitchendesign.com

Better

By Design Quality cabinetry. Honest service. Great value.

INSIDE

What's

BUSINESS & CIVIC 7 BODY AND SOUL FOOD Geneva chef builds a catering and meal prep business with good health at the heart of it.

10 MULTIPLE HATS Owner of Six + Cypress balances running her boutique, raising four daughters and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

12 TOASTING NEW NEIGHBORS Pollyanna Brewing Company making itself at home in St. Charles.

14 MEETING OF THE MINDS St. Charles advocates join forces for a stronger city.

15 SHOP (LOCAL) ‘TIL YOU DROP Small Business Saturday reminds us the importance of our business neighbors.

16 BIG HEARTS, BIG GOALS Excel Automotive owners join forces with local schools and community partners to make holidays special for children of need.

18 BEWARE OF FREEBIES Discount brokerage firms with crazy good deals may not be what they seem.

20 SOCIAL LIFE Thousands enjoyed a chilly but bright Scarecrow Festival weekend.

DINING & ENTERTAINING 22 PAIRED TO PERFECTION Local food and drink pairing dinners offer more than your average meal.

24 TWO PEAS & THEIR POD Tom’s Cookbook Library declares blogger's debut cookbook a real gem.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Dr. Tarun Mullick ventures out for some Japanese cuisine at Swordfish in Batavia.

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28 HIDDEN HOLIDAY ALLERGIES Don’t let the symptoms ruin your good cheer.

FAMILY IN FOCUS 30 SMALL BUSINESSES Chrissy Somers takes a closer look at a few places that are the true heart of our community.

31 SHOP LOCAL The “Suburban Superdad” pays homage to the experts in our communities, and the assistance they provide.

HOME & LIFESTYLE 32 PLANTING THE FUTURE, TAKING CARE OF THE PAST Landscape expert Megan Provencher talks about a long-term commitment to your yard.

34 EDITOR’S CHOICE Great choices from Geneva to decorate your Thanksgiving table.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 36 SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Local performances fill ears, hearts with holiday music.

40 OUTSIDE THE BOX Turtle races provide more than your average entertainment.

FASHION AND BEAUTY 44 THE SKIN YOU ARE IN Prep your skin for winter and enjoy the benefits all season long.

Body and soul food

Geneva chef builds a catering, meal prep business with good health at the heart of it

By Kevin Druley | Photos by Sandy Bressner

Q

uenby Schuyler addresses her existence in phases. “Before my health scare” and “after a health scare of my own” are but two.

The constant during any time period she discusses remains the ethic that continues to drive her more than four years after suffering a stroke.

“Food is medicinal,” Schuyler says.

As owner of Q’s Kitchen in Geneva, Schuyler works to personify those words

as a caterer and private meal prep chef for both individuals and corporate events. She pridefully uses fresh, local and home-grown ingredients she calls “good for the gut, good for the belly, good for the brain, and then also good for inflammation.”

Schuyler also aims for an exquisite meal presentation that might offer a surprise for a customer who wasn’t expecting it.

Then there’s the spiritual side, the idea of food as an ultimate unifier.

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

7

“…make the world a better place by feeding people and by giving people what they need. It’s possible.”

– Quenby Schuyler

each other’s businesses,” Schuyler says. “If we can’t do something, we usually have somebody that can.”

It helps, Schuyler says, when local food sources share the “food is medicinal” outlook. One frequent partner, owners John and Lisa Ayres of Nomiah Meadows Farm in Franklin Grove, fits the bill.

This winter, Q’s Kitchen is set to partner with holistic nutritionist DeeDee Mehren of Feed Mind Body Soul in Geneva for a clean eating program called “30 Days to Feeling Fabulous,” scheduled for Jan. 13 to Feb. 9.

“It’s something that two people can have two completely different backgrounds and different stories, but if you get them together over a good meal, I mean, they’ll find a commonality,” Schuyler says.

And the food…oh, the food!

Known for creating clean meals with many locally sourced ingredients, delivered to you directly, and some of the most impressive and elaborate charcuterie boards you’ve ever seen, Q’s is quickly becoming a go-to caterer in the Tri-Cities for home, parties, and more.

Schuyler has discovered a growing base of supporters since opening Q’s Kitchen in summer 2018. An operation that started with one client – a person familiar with Schuyler’s “former life” as a private chef in Chicago – since has

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

blossomed to 20 to 40 clients a week.

Collaboration looms as a major factor in the growth of the business.

While the company began solely as a healthy, holistic meal prep endeavor, the advent of new customers and other Fox Valley food producers interested in working with Schuyler have helped Q’s Kitchen grow with gluten-free catering offerings, charcuterie boards and more for diners of all dietary needs.

Another catalyst for expansion: Networking through social media.

“I would say that there’s a really good niche group of businesses, that we all help each other out, and so we’ll collaborate through social media, as well, by sharing each other’s posts and recommending

“We just try to find people that have that same kind of vision, to make the world a better place by feeding people and by giving people what they need,” Schuyler says. “It’s possible.”

Schuyler traces her appreciation for food to her upbringing on a West Chicago farm.

“My mother and grandmother had gardens and gardens and gardens, and we were never inside,” she says.

“We grew up with chickens and goats, and I guess I’ve just always been inspired by nature. I’ve always been inspired by what comes out of the ground and how delicious something can be if it’s grown with intention.”

After high school, Schuyler studied English for a time at the University of Colorado-Boulder. When the pull of the Colorado outdoors – namely snowboarding and exploring

adjacent mountain ranges – proved too strong, she left school and worked in the kitchen of an organic café to afford her activities.

That soon opened Schuyler’s eyes to the joys of not simply enjoying food, but preparing and cultivating it, as well. She moved to an organic farm and learned about sustainable farming, adapting that appreciation when she returned to the Midwest as a private chef for a St. Charles family in the mid-2000s.

Schuyler spent about a decade as a private chef in Chicago and the western suburbs before her aforementioned “health scare.” IN 2015, nine days after giving birth to her daughter, Schuyler, suffered a stroke caused by postpartum eclampsia, a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure accompanied by swelling of the hands and feet.

She temporarily lost her sight, but once it was restored, Schuyler began working back to recovery.

At a friend’s urging, she found an invaluable outlet at Prana Yoga in Geneva, where Schuyler encountered others focused on the same holistic health goals.

Schuyler says her stroke “changed the whole course” of this latest chapter of her existence. Her recovery got her moving – and cooking – again, a chain of events that led, as before, to a familiar discovery.

Food is medicinal.

Multiple hats

W

hen Geneva resident Kasey Hoag isn’t behind the counter at her fashion boutique Six + Cypress in Batavia, she craves spending time communing with nature whether it’s walking her dogs or planning her family’s next camping trip.

Owner of Six + Cypress balances running her boutique, raising four daughters and spending as much time as possible outdoors

By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos by Sandy Bressner

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As a working mother of four daughters ages 11, 10, 6 and 4, Hoag understands the challenges of juggling both work and home. Having flexibility in meeting these demands prompted her to launch Six + Cypress, which was then an onlinebusiness, three years ago with her former neighbor, Abby, when they lived in Missouri.

Growing up in Michigan, Hoag worked at Ford motor company straight out of college. Her job required her to travel a lot, a demanding pace under normal circumstances.

It was especially trying when traveling for work while trying to raise her then three kids at the same time.

After a brief stint of being a stay at home mom, Hoag was looking for something more to do that offered her the flexibility of making her own schedule. That’s when she decided to pursue her own business.

“My goal was to make enough money to pay medical bills – two of my kids have epilepsy - and Abby’s goal was to contribute to her household income without having to work full-time,” Hoag says. “My husband encouraged me to start my own business saying if I didn’t do it now, I never would.”

Even though she was returning to the paid workforce, her role as a mom stayed front of mind as evident by the name of her boutique.

“Our business name comes from our kids. I have four girls and Abby at the time had two kids, hence the six, and the word Cypress is a street name from my old neighborhood in Missouri,” Hoag explains. After her business partner had one

more kid, they joked the seventh child is reflected in the “+” sign.

Hoag the flexibility she craved when going back to work.

While working in corporate America during her career in the auto industry, Hoag wore suits every day to work.

That experience of dressing up for work coupled with her love of shopping prompted Hoag to open a fashion boutique.

“When the kids get home from school, I spend time with them, even if it’s just going outside while they’re playing.

When they are at school, I’m either working at the store or getting things done around the house,” Hoag says.

“I’m a big fan of women empowering women. We’re often so hard on ourselves. I enjoy helping a woman who maybe gained weight after having a baby feel better about herself by finding her a fun, affordable outfit,” Hoag says.

When her husband’s job required the family to relocate to the Fox Valley area, Hoag jumped at the opportunity to transition her business from online into a brick and mortar store. Originally she set up shop in a former dentist’s office in Batavia before moving to a much bigger space in their new location in downtown Batavia. Her business partner also took the leap to open a second brick and mortar location in Wentzville, Missouri.

So far working in the store has given

One of the challenges Hoag faces as a working mom is not having family in the area to help out. However, she is blessed to have a supportive husband along with dear friends and a great staff who pitch in to help.

Like many working moms, Hoag struggles making the time for self-care, such as beginning a yoga practice.

“My best friend from Michigan tries to organize a quarterly girls weekend getaway. We might not get there until late Friday and then we leave Sunday morning, but we make the most of the time we do have to spend together,” Hoag says.

Spending time with her family also is important. On rainy days they settle in to watch movies. In the Hoag household, Sundays are dubbed

“Sunday Fundays” during football season.

“I’m a Lions fan and my daughters are Bears fans. Since we lived in Kansas City for awhile, we also root for the Chiefs,” she says.

During special events in Batavia, Hoag’s two oldest daughters love going into work with their mom and help out.

“They come with me to the shop and help dress customers or work the register. It’s fun when they can come in and see what I do,” Hoag says.

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

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TOASTING

NEIGHB T

he definition of a “pollyanna” is someone who is overly optimistic. In the case of five guys from diverse backgrounds who came together to form their own brewing company, they thought the name word was appropriate.

Their optimism, however, turned out to be right on target.

“Our 20-year plan turned out to be five years,” says co-founder and Chief Financial Officer Ryan Weidner, noting that Pollyanna Brewing Company’s newly opened St. Charles location, overlooking the Fox River at 106 S. Riverside Ave., is the third for the craft brewing company, which just keeps on growing.

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“In my first intro to business class at 15 I knew I wanted to own a business,” says Weidner, who went on to get a business degree in finance, followed by an MBA. Weidner is the only one of the group who has remained at his other full-time job, in corporate finance at Graybar Electric.

“Everybody else left their day jobs to run the business,” says Weidner.

“We get really romantic about beer. The connections it makes and social elements. That, and from a financial point it’s recession-proof.”

Pollyanna opened its doors in Lemont in late 2014 and its second location, in Roselle, in 2017.

Between its three locations,

Pollyanna employs 50 people.

“We are really entrenched in the communities,” says Weidner.“We try to be good stewards. We’re pouring at fundraisers, contributing to the library, historic district, parks.

We’re very, very focused on the community.”

A country kid from Woodstock, Weidner, who had no background in beer, provided the financial expertise for Pollyanna, which incorporated in November, 2013.

Partners include Paul Ciciora, who is president of Pollyanna, “the sales and finance guy;” Paul’s brother Don Ciciora, who is general manager, and who happens to be retired from the Chicago Board of Trade; Ed

NEW

Pollyanna Brewing Company making itself at home in St. Charles

By Diane Krieger Spivak

BORS Malnar, vice president of operations, a former consultant in an architectural firm who had founded a home brew club; and Brian Pawola, chief of brewing operations, a Naperville native who earned his master’s in brewing from the Siebel Institute of Brewing, in Munich, Germany, and whom the group found online, blogging under the hashtag Pollyanna.

decided I wanted to go to brewing school in Munich,” says Pawola. “I figured why not go to one of the best schools in the world? Germans have brewed the same way for hundreds of years. If you’re going to learn something, it’s good to learn from the best. That also intrigued me. Learning from somebody who has done it forever was very cool for me”

“It was a good alignment of backgrounds and interests,” says Weidner. “We’re all owners/operators.”

Malnar, vice president of operations , started homebrewing in 2001. He and his wife moved to Plainfield in 2006.

An architect, who lost his job to the Great Recession in 2009, Malnar then expanded his circle of homebrewers, eventually meeting Paul Ciciora, who wanted to start a brewery. Malnar and his wife happened upon a homebrew

Pawola became interested in brewing in college. After graduation, he spent five years traveling the country implementing software for hospitals, stopping at local breweries along the way. “I was fairly young, single, and

shop in St. Charles during their anniversary. The owner loaned Malnar the book, “The Joy of HomeBrewing.”

Malnar brought along his expertise in building, design,equipment selection to the group of co-founders. He’ll also be the distiller at Pollyanna’s St. Charles location, where the business plans to eventually produce vodka, gin, rum, Europan spirits and whiskey.

“It took the layoff to get me to move on,” says Malnar. “Sometimes you need a kick in the butt. For me, it’s all coincidence. It all started in St. Charles for me and here we are in our third location.”

distribution to Pollyanna. “At 45 I wanted to do something different,” says Ciciora. “I love craft beer and had an idea I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

I wanted to live out my dream and sought out others like me: Ryan at Graybar; my brother Don; Brian, who went to brewing school; Ed, an architect; and me in sales. We put our resources together, some of us left our jobs, and we decided to embark on this.

We all know our spots in the company, our strengths and weaknesses, and core competencies. The model is working, and we’re going full steam ahead.”

President and CEO Paul Ciciora brought his 20-year background in industrial BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

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MEETING of the MINDS

ST. CHARLES ADVOCATES JOIN FORCES FOR A STRONGER CITY

By Pat Szepkowski

T

he goal of the recently founded St. Charles Business Alliance is all about success stories. Success for tourism. Success for small business.

Success for downtown revitalization.

Earlier this year, the organization was officially formed through a melding of the former Downtown St. Charles Partnership and the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Relying on a small, experienced staff and a vast network of volunteers, the St. Charles Business Alliance has become a single, focused place to provide, share, and exchange relevant information and ideas with people who have a dedicated common interest in building a strong, vibrant, and beautiful community.

because there is so much to do.”

A season does not go by without a special event that has been planned and organized for the greater community. Six major festivals enliven the action and offer adults, children, and families plenty of fun things to do.

Some of the best-known programs include the recent 34th Annual Scarecrow Festival in October, which included more than 100 handmade and mechanical

place on November 29 and 30 on Main and First Streets in Downtown St. Charles.

Since 1980, the Holiday Homecoming has been one of the Midwest’s most spectacular holiday events. It’s the official kick-off for the holiday season in St. Charles. People come from far and wide to discover the weekend events, living holiday window displays, the Santa House, and free horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Friday night features the Lighting of the

Sawicki leads an eight person staff, plus four committees and a board of directors comprised of local business owners, employees, city staff, residents, and members of community groups.

“Our staff is a very active, experienced, and strong team,” Sawicki says. “With all of the exciting events we have planned throughout the year, we are never bored

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Sawicki is also very pleased that Saturday, November 30 is this year’s designated Small Business Saturday.

“What perfect timing to showcase our local businesses community,” she said.

Driving tourism and beckoning guests to linger and stay in town for a few days, the St. Charles Business Alliance website at stcalliance.org offers lists and suggestions of places to stay and even more things to do.

“Our staff meets to evaluate every event after it takes place,” Sawicki says. “We focus on trends and make sure that we are reaching different demographics.”

Jenna Sawicki serves as the organization’s new director but she is no stranger to the vibrancy of the St. Charles community, the one-time director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, Sawicki says she is am very pleased with the resulting merger.

“We made it down the long road to the finish line to begin our journey as the St. Charles Business Alliance,” she says. “It’s been 100 percent worth it.”

illuminates downtown St. Charles with thousands of shining lights on community floats that merrily move along Main Street.

scarecrow displays. Attendees shopped at the arts and crafts show, enjoyed live music, and a spin on a carnival ride, too.

There also was a concert at the historical Arcada Theatre and time to dine at one of the many restaurants and bars sprinkled throughout the city.

Without skipping a beat, the St. Charles Business Alliance staff became entrenched with last minute details for the grand Holiday Homecoming to take

Lights on First Street with St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina.

“This year’s free holiday movie is the popular cartoon version of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’,” Sawicki says.

“It takes place all day on Saturday at the Arcada Theatre and we hope kids and families will enjoy it.”| The star of the show is the sparkling Saturday evening Electric Parade. It

It won’t be long after the holidays that the staff will start working on next year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade of March 14 and the Fine Art Show scheduled for May 23-24.

Rounding out the event schedule for next year will also be next summer’s STC Live!

Series, taking place every Wednesday and Friday summer nights and wrapping with the September Jazz Weekend.

“There are so many arts and attractions in our community,” Sawicki says, “plus shops, restaurants and bars, salons and spas, and recreational activities. Our goal at the St. Charles Business Alliance is to elevate the branding of our community so all of our stakeholders will be stronger together and continue to benefit and thrive.”

Shop

(LOCAL) ‘TIL YOU

! p o r d

Small Business Saturday reminds us the importance of our business neighbors

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

T

he steady flow of customers at The Paper Merchant in downtown Geneva keeps Pat Burnham and her staff busy most days, and yet there is something even more special about helping clients as they check off their holiday shopping list and celebrate their hometown businesses.

The annual Shop Small on Small Business™ Saturday, promoted

by American Express™ and local communities, encourages residents to support local businesses. This year the official date will be Saturday, Nov. 30.

“It is usually a nice day when regular customers and local residents come out in support of their favorite store,” Burnham says. “We offer free totes to customers that use their American Express Cards until supplies last. We also have a number of buttons and pins to give away proclaiming they are small business supporters.”

Throughout the region small businesses, including restaurants, will participate in the occasion with special discounts as well as opportunities for customers to enter raffles for prizes. The day is a perfect reason to save on gas money by staying local and visiting the merchants who are dedicated to serving the community.

While Shop Small takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year the holiday falls at the end of the month, creating a short window for shoppers tackling their shopping before Christmas.

In Batavia, the shopping fun will kick off the Sunday before Thanksgiving with Shop Local Sunday, says Jamie Saam, executive director with Batavia Main Street. Shoppers can visit participating Batavia merchants and when they spend a set dollar amount they will earn a raffle ticket. Then shoppers can visit K. Hollis Jewelers for the raffle drawing at 4:30 p.m. to win prizes include an array of gifts donated from Batavia businesses.

For Shop Small Saturday the Batavia Merchant Group, Batavia Chamber of Commerce and Batavia Main Street have teamed up with business and a pair of local artists for a decorative way to mark the occasion. Local craftsmen Jamie and Ryan Putzier are creating unique holiday ornaments designed for local businesses. Shoppers who spend a set dollar amount at the participating businesses will be able to collect these unique ornaments, as well as enjoy the other specials offered at the local businesses.

“We are getting creative,” Saam says.

Creativity is exactly what Elgin merchants are planning for as they liven up the day with social media, encouraging shoppers to post and tag themselves with their favorite shopping finds, says Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

“We want to influence people to shop small businesses,” Fukala says.

In the past Elgin businesses have treated customers to tastings, live music, bounce-back coupons that reward shoppers who return in the following days and even after-shopping parties, Fukala says.

“With small businesses, it’s about the experience, having a unique experience,” Fukala says. She adds that she often finds unique gifts or items for the hardto-shop-for people on her list when she visits local businesses.

Knowing her customers sizes and likes is what drives Mary Pierce, owner of Soulful Sparrow in downtown Elgin.

“I’m always trying to find new things that my customers are looking for,” Piece says.

And she enjoys creative ways to make the shopping experience even more fun, whether that’s offering refreshments

or awarding coupons to keep her customers coming back to see what’s new in her boutique that offers clothing, accessories and jewelry surrounded by vintage décor. Pierce says she also makes a conscious effort to supply her store with items that are handmade, local or support women-based businesses.

And Piece isn’t just a local merchant, she, like many small business owners, lives in the community, just a few blocks from her shop. Fukala says this is true for many business owners and that’s just another reason for supporting local businesses. She says shopping local in many ways is giving back to the community.

“These are our neighbors,” Fukala says.

“If we value these people as our friends and neighbors we need to understand their livelihood is based upon these businesses.”

While businesses gear up for the holiday season and the Shop Small days, Fukala says it’s essential to keep the spirit of shopping local going throughout the year.

“I think it’s important for all of us to incorporate this into our lives,” Fukala says. “I think the holidays is a great time to start that process.”

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

15

Big hearts,

BIG SMILES St. Charles business owners organize gift-giving effort for local kids in need

W

hen Excel Automotive Repair set up shop in St. Charles, owners Minor and

Jennifer Mobley knew they were in for the long haul. It was a community they loved, and wanted to embrace, not just as customers, but as neighbors and friends.

So that first Christmas season they opened Excel – November 2014 – the Mobleys called their children’s elementary school to offer some assistance to local families in need.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

“We didn’t come from a whole lot ourselves,” Jennifer Mobley explains. “So we reached out to the Wild Rose social worker and asked what the need was.

We started that year purchasing bikes for families and small gifts.”

The very first Christmas, the Mobley’s helped about 50 local kids.

“Each year it just kept growing, from school to school,” she says.

That initial effort has turned into Big Hearts of Fox Valley, a 501 C-3, focused

on Christmas sponsorship of families and children in St. Charles School District 303. Big Hearts works hand in hand with social workers at the schools, to collect the children’s wish lists direct from the families.

Then, Jennifer, who heads up the organizations, rallies neighbors, customers, and other local businesses together to purchase those gifts– clothing, toys and the like – and brighten the holidays for kids across the community.

Last year the effort affected children of need from all the District 303 elementary schools and fifty students from each middle school, 443 children in all.

This season, there will be no cap on the number of middle school children whose wish lists will be filled, and Mobley estimates they are looking to provide gifts for 700 local kids.

The organization is always in need of participants and sponsors to help. Businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, teams, churches and local families have joined the cause, adding needy families to their holiday shopping lists each year.

From the sponsors, Big Hearts asks for the purchase of at least three items on each child’s wish list.

And from local businesses, in particular, Mobley is hoping for commitments to buy gifts for at least five kids each.

Last year, about 60 local businesses joined the effort. But given the jump in demand, Mobley is rallying the community for even more support.

“With 700 potential children on the list, I’d like to double that sponsor number,” she says. “The more businesses that help us out the more we can continue to do.”

Mobley estimates a typical child wish list at about $50. Occasionally, an entire family will make a larger request.

“It’s amazing what some of our sponsors do – they go above and beyond with what they purchase,” she says. “We had a company step up and buy beds for a whole family. And we had a family step up and give a father with five kids a gaming system and games.

“But one sweater and one pair of pants and a small toy, that’s great too,” she says. We need help! We need the community to come together to make this happen year after year, to step up and offer to buy gifts for these kids. The more people that participate, the more kids we can help.”

Also monetary donations are accepted. This is particularly helpful for purchasing wrapping supplies, last minute wish list items, and in the future, it may help the Big Heart organization reach teens as well, by using funds to buy gift cards for the older children in needy families, often left out of the process.

Once all the gifts are purchased and donated, Big Hearts of Fox Valley hosts an “all-hands-on-deck” wrapping party at Excel Automotive. It’s a festive holiday party, and the whole community is invited, so long as you can wrap.

for wrappers, and volunteers paint faces while a DJ pumps in music to keep everybody cheery. Santa even pays a visit.

“We wanted to make it something everybody could do, even if they couldn’t afford to sponsor a child directly,” Mobley says. This year, the wrapping party takes place December 10, from 3-9 p.m. Interested parties must sign up for a shift in advance!

Children welcome so long as they are able to “help“ wrap.

Looking forward, Mobley says they would like to continue to expand the program, offering a spring event, and something for teens.

“We’d like to see other school districts and communities shadow what we do and start them up locally,” she says.

 If you’d like to sponsor a child, make a donation, or lend a hand wrapping, visit online at https://bigheartsfv.org/ to get started.

Additionally, toy collection boxes are set up at each elementary and middle school this year and the St. Charles city building, the Blue Goose Market, fire station, public works building, and Excel Automotive.

Donations to the cause help fund food and drink BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

17

] E E [FR

BEWARE R

ecently there has been a lot of noise being made by some of the major discount brokerage firms as they have been racing each other to reach ‘free’ or ‘zero commission’ equity trading commissions for their customers.

18

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

Among many words of wisdom I learned growing up on our family farm, the phrase “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is” rings with deafening effect as I read the news about this competition to reach “zero”. Before you become tempted by this gimmick, sit back with your favorite adult beverage and let’s contemplate the concept.

My mind skips from the words of wisdom referenced above to a conversation I had with my son and some of his college friends when they were at our home well-prior to the 2016 Elections. As we gathered around our kitchen island, I asked if they were going to vote in the

upcoming primaries and subsequent election and was pleased to hear each enthusiastically claim that they would. I then learned that they favored a candidate who promised them “free” college.

Knowing that they were each working to help pay for school, the allure of a “free” education was easy to be sympathetic towards. I then asked them how “free” college would be possible and got blank looks. I asked them if they thought their professors were teaching just out of the kindness of their hearts or if they were also getting paid and they confirmed that they were compensated for their work.I then repeated the same line of questioning as it applied to those who worked in the library, administrative offices, athletic

department, campus security, and grounds/maintenance and they were quite sure that all were compensated for their work. “How, then, could this all be ‘free’ to the students?”, I asked. We decided that there were very real costs associated with a higher education and that should their candidate get elected these costs would merely be repackaged and paid for in another fashion.

This brings us back to “free” equity trades. The truth is that there are real costs to trading all securities as it is a complex business with many moving parts and, at least in the US, subject to extensive regulatory oversight.

The reality is that for the aforementioned firms these costs have been repackaged and paid for in another fashion. Here are just two common methods of cost-shifting that often occur and which can generate significant revenues for these firms: 1.

It is common that these firms no longer offer competitive money market funds for cash “sweep” activity in their discount brokerage accounts but rather allow those funds to sit as cash reserves which typically pay a much lower yield to the investor. For example, a money market fund that a firm is not taking compensation from may yield 2%. Meanwhile, popular discount brokerage firms may only be paying as little as .01% on that balance, or 1/100th of 1%.

2.

Trade execution is another area that most investors don’t think about but which you should be aware of.Many firms route their trades through wholesale trading firms that will pay them for “trade flow” which results in an additional revenue stream for the firm. This method of executing trades may result in worse trade execution— another ‘hidden cost’ investors should be aware of.

These are just two examples of methods used that result in the investor incurring costs that they may not be fully aware of. Think I may be overstating the sleight of hand that is occurring? Go online and look at the home offices of these firms. These impressive facilities were not built for free.

For additional insights, reach out to your financial advisor. For a second opinion, my team is a phone call away.

FILE# 2772435.1

 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 2019

19

Thousands enjoyed a chilly but bright Scarecrow Festival weekend. The event, hosted by the newly formed St. Charles Business Alliance, featured more than 100 handmade scarecrows of every shape and size, business offers and special events, food, music and more.

Photos by Sarah Minor

20

BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

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www.savwaywines.com BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2019

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Perfection

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Paired to

Local food and drink pairing dinners offer more than your average meal

By Chris Walker

22

DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2019

Be honest with yourself for a moment.

When was the last time you went out and enjoyed a truly memorable night out for dinner?

For delightful and delicious dinner out with great company, that feels as if it were carefully concocted just for you, then grab a seat at one of Tri-City restaurants that regularly scheduled food and drink pairing dinners.

At Stockholm’s in Geneva, staff regularly hosts such an event, sometimes paired with wine, and sometimes with their own signature craft beers, each course carefully chosen and matched to play off your palate like a delightful sonnet.

At the most recent Stockholm’s event, guests enjoyed a fall wine and food pairing dinner that began with roasted butternut squash bisque topped with Frangelico cream and

flash-fried prosciutto. paired with Prescription Chardonnay. The second course featured pan-seared scallop on a bed of zucchini pasta and mandarin orange, red onion, fennel and mission figs in a white wine broth, drizzled with balsamic reduction. It was paired with Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc. For the third course, there was a 22-ounce Berkshine pork shank braised with fresh root veggies, including stewed tomatoes, fresh garlic, rosemary and Cabernet Sauvignon on a bed of Parmesan polenta paired with Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon. And, for those who saved room for dessert, there was a surprise from Eye Candy Baking Company that paired perfectly with Carson Scott Pinot Noir.

Let’s just say that no one’s stomach was grumbling afterward, but rather

whistling silently in delight.

The wine for the evening was provided by Pure Wine, a familyowned and operated wine distributorship with over 600 wines from 17 countries around the globe.

Another similar event is being planned for early in 2020.

The concept is based not only in the delicious food, but in education as well. Guests can discover throughout the evening, the elements of each course that make them pair well together, and they get to hear about where the wine comes from, how it was made, and the history of the vineyard.

It’s an immersive experience that takes diners beyond simple sustenance and encourages them to appreciate the food in a new and more complex level.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

 Humorist Dave Barry calls beer the greatest invention of mankind, even better than the wheel, because beer goes much better with pizza.

He does have a point and River’s Edge Bar and Grill chef Rick Kaniuga would wholeheartedly agree. So if beer is your choice with dinner, then this Batavia locale may be the pairing spot for you.

From October through April, River’s Edge is offering five-course dinners paired with specialty beers from local breweries.  “In November Penrose Brewery is going to be all exclusive beers except for one course and then it’s 3 Floyds in December which will be featuring Behemoth Barleywine,�

Kaniuga says. The 3 Floyds Brewery is

located just over the state line in Indiana.

yourself to truly know what it’s like.

gastrique, chile marmalade.

“The dinners are a lot of fun and we have a lot of fun putting them together,� he adds. “Everyone is going to be happy with what we present and we get to do a lot of things that aren’t on the regular menu.�

“I think that any chance you have for a curated experience from people who know what they’re doing is really exciting,�

Kaniuga says. “Whether it’s this or a museum or music concert, when people really have a handle on what they’re doing and doing it well, let them speak directly to you as a customer and you’re in for a really exciting experience.�

Francesca’s by the River in St. Charles hasn’t announced its next wine pairing dinner yet, but usually offers such dinners a few times a year. The dinner events rotate between each of the Francesca’s locations.

Typically, River’s Edge keeps these dinners in the $65-$70 price range with tax and gratuity included on Wednesdays for a nice mid-week excursion. “We could probably charge$90-$100 but we want to keep them accessible,�

Kaniuga says. “We think we’re giving a good value and it seems to work out well on Wednesdays.�

It’s an experience you simply have to try for

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“We do it periodically,� says Hector Lopez, general manager of Francesca’s by the River in St. Charles. “It takes some time to put it all together with the chefs and the wineries.

We may do one in November.�

Soups

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

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Kaniuga is in the process of finalizing his menu for the next pairing dinner, but just as an example, some of last year’s courses for the Penrose evening included, bacon terrine with butternut cakes and kalamata cheddar balls; crispy duck fingers, pickled beet slaw and peach aioli; and spiced pork, pear

At Francesca’s by the River’s most recent California Central Coast Wine Dinner in September, the menu featured freshwater prawns, smoked salmon, pork shoulder, duck breast and more.

Monthly Food Specials Six Homemade Soups Daily Monthly Beer Dinners Seasonal Brews $3.50 Daily Handcrafted Beer Specials

-Continued on page 14

DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2019

23

TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:

TWO PEAS & THEIR POD

BLOGGER'S DEBUT COOKBOOK A REAL GEM

BY TOM WITOM

W

ell-regarded food blogger Maria Lichty, in her first cookbook, describes Black BeanQuinoa Enchilada Bake as one of her family’s favorite meals.

Lichty’s recipe (below) is one of 115 representative dishes in “Two Peas & Their Pod” (Grand Central Publishing). The flavorful recipe satisfies meat-lovers, vegetarians and kids. It makes the kind of dinner fare that can easily be prepared on a weeknight but also freezes well if one is planning ahead, Lichty writes. Other recipes run the gamut from pumpkinchocolate chip streusel muffins for breakfast and kale and wild rice salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette to a main-course barbecue chicken pizza.

Under an easy entertaining heading readers will find guidance on running an ice cream sandwich party.

Another chapter deals with Tools for Becoming a Confident Home Cook.

Lichty lives in Salt Lake City with her husband Josh and two young sons.

24

DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2019

BLACK BEAN-QUINOA ENCHILADA BAKE (YIELD 8 - 10 SERVINGS) Nonstick cooking spray • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed with cold water • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 small yellow onion, diced • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced • 1 cup frozen corn kernels • Juice of 1small lime • 1 tablespoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed • 2 cups enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese For garnish (optional): sliced scallions, sliced radishes, sliced avocado, sour cream For serving (optional): tortilla chips

 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Celebrate Fall in Style!

 In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups water, bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Cover and set aside.  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and corn and cook and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lime juice, chili powder, cumin and cilantro and remove the pot from the heat. Sea son with salt and pepper to taste.  In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and black beans.

Add the sauteed vegetable mixture and enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Fold in ½ cup of the shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1½ cups shredded cheese and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with your toppings of choice and serve warm with tortilla chips, if desired.

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

Handcrafted... Jewelry Handbags Scarves Hats Unique Gifts 226 S. Third St. • Geneva • 630-457-5606 falmouthroadjewelry.com

DINING & ENTERTAINING NOVEMBER 2019

25

26

It was time to venture out for some Japanese cuisine.

Thus, I decided to try Swordfish in Batavia.

To kick it up a few notches, I decided to try the Lobster Miso Soup to add an element of protein beyond the usual.

They combine some lobster, green mussel, and scallop in the soup, which adds a seafood flavor profile to the soup and makes you more satisfied.

With a modern atmosphere that makes you feel you are in downtown, there is nothing like starting with some miso soup, a traditional broth made from soybean that has infused soup with a little touch of onion and seaweed in the broth.

Next up was some sushi. I have heard all the rolls here were great, but I chose to try the shrimp tempura-based roll.

Tempura is a light Japanese batter that when fried, adds a crunchy element. It also has some extra tempura vegetables in it, if you ask, and you can even order the roll pure vegetarian.

HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2019

We added a little cream cheese to the center of the sushi, which blends all the flavors well and creates a richness to the roll. When dipped in a little soy sauce with a touch of the vibrant green heat that adorns the plate, it takes you to Japan.

For the main course, the grilled sea bass called my name. It is a pistachio encrusted Chilean sea bass accompanied with a butternut squash coulis (sauce), some pan-fried red cabbage, and vegetables. This is a blend of protein, with not a lot of carbohydrates, that allows you to preserve your figure while still enjoying a culture and cuisine that is extraordinarily delectable.

 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.

Ask the doctor

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

Q: I have heard that excess gluten can be a real cause of bloating and discomfort. What are the most essential foods to avoid to reduce gluten?

A: Wheat, barley, and rye are most common, though gluten is used

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Pay LESS for your colonoscopy or endoscopy.

The important concept is that you want less bloating and discomfort.

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

Q: I have recurrent heartburn, sometimes with reflux. I have

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

A: Reflux can cause esophagitis, which is inflammation of the

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.

in a lot of foods. Thus I would peruse the labels well, to ensure you are gluten-free.

been taking Tums and Zantac to relieve the symptoms.

Do I need more tests or are these over-the-counter options okay?

esophagus. You should get checked and evaluated for Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous lesion that can only be seen at an endoscopy test. The earlier detection of altered profile allows you to adjust diet and take some medicines if needed.

It also permits surveillance. If you are in a surveillance program, then chances to get a cancer and die from it are less than 10 percent. Without the surveillance, then the death outcomes from esophageal cancer are near 90 percent.

Q: Has the colon cancer screening age changed?

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

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

Q: Is belching a sign that’s something is wrong, or just the body’s natural process?

A: Belching represents the body’s need to remove gas or air to

relieve some pressure in the stomach kind of like a teapot releasing steam when the water boils. The question at hand is why the pressure exists in the first place. Ultimately, it may be a sign of overeating at the moment or of intake of foods producing gas like roughage more difficult to digest, sodas or carbonated beverages, or large quantities of any kind of food.

Also, there can be some slippage of the stomach above the diaphragm muscle that creates a hiatal hernia. If it is persistent, an endoscopy would be helpful to determine if there is cause for concern.

Q: Is diarrhea or bloating just a normal thing? Should I be concerned, and are there any medicines for it

A: These are real symptoms to real problems. Thus, they need to

be addressed. If testing with endoscopy for celiac and workup for Crohn’s or other diseases are unrevealing, then functional causes exist. These can include food allergies, food intolerances, or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you have symptoms, please go to gastroenterology for a workup. Treatments do exist!

There are multiple new medicines we offer, and are committed to bringing the new, cutting edge therapies to the western suburbs.

We have quality doctors and team on staff to serve you well. Its our honor to take care of you.

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Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer. Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane

Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.

Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies?

My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen

Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2019

27

Don’t let

hidden holiday allergies ruin your good cheer

W

hile everything may seem merry and bright, if you have asthma or allergies, this is when you need to be cautious. A season full of tradition and good cheer can often come with hidden allergy triggers if you’re not aware and prepared. The experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology share the most common hidden holiday allergies you should be aware of:

The holidays are a time to gather for food, friends and festivities.

 CANDLES AND FIRES Although many people light candles to enhance the holiday atmosphere, those scented candles can quickly trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, including headaches, watery eyes and aggravated noses. Wood burning fireplaces, while stunning during the holidays, are also a trigger due to smoke. Consider flameless candles and an electric fireplace, which have the calming appearance, but no scent or smoke to make you cough or wheeze.  TREES AND WREATHS Fresh fir trees and wreaths are beautiful, but some people have contact skin allergies to a substance called terpene, found in the

28

HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2019

sap of trees. What’s more, some live trees still have mold spores and pollen on them, which can cause nasal allergies to flare.

Take time to rinse off live trees before you bring them in. If you have an artificial tree and decorations that you use every year, clean them to remove dust and potential mold.  HUGS AND KISSES You enjoy seeing your friends and relatives during the holidays, but you may want to reconsider all the hugs and kisses, which can easily spread germs. Flu shots are available now, and it’s not too early to get yours - before flu and holiday seasons are in full swing. If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. If you have an egg allergy you may have been told in the past not to get the flu shot. But years of studies have shown the vaccine is safe and does not contain enough egg protein to cause an allergic reaction, even in people with severe egg allergy.  EATS AND TREATS Holidays are a time to gather to enjoy delicious meals and tasty treats. If you have

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 DUST AND DANDER If you are allergic to indoor allergens like dust, mold and dander, you probably diligently clean your home. But that doesn’t mean the host of the party you’re attending does the same. Many of these triggers are invisible, so even a home that appears clean can cause that dreaded runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers. If you’re attending a party, or traveling to see friends, consider packing allergy medicine just in case you start to feel symptoms from triggers tugging at your good time.

Have questions about an existing or potential allergy for you or a loved one? Allergists are the best-trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma, and can help you live the life you want. So if you need guidance on treating your symptoms before the holiday season is in full swing, use the allergist locator at acaai.org/locate-anallergist to find an allergist in your area.

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Before your social calendar fills up, consider hosting a holiday event yourself. Even though entertaining takes work, it adds a level of control, so you don’t have to worry about allergy concerns. You get to cook with foods your family can safely eat and decorate with flameless candles and other allergy-friendly decor. Plus, you know your house is free of Fido’s fur or hidden dust bunnies. If people offer to bring food, make sure they know of any allergy concerns, or consider putting them in charge of other items, such as holiday napkins or paper plates for the kids.

CITY AUTO SERVING THE FOX VALLEY

TRI

food allergies, you must be particularly vigilant about knowing what’s inside each item. Some people are sensitive to even trace amounts of certain foods, and this can be particularly concerning for bakery goods prepared in commercial kitchens. Always ask before you eat something new, and be an advocate for your children if they suffer from allergies. When in doubt, if you have food allergies it’s best to turn down a holiday treat with unknown ingredients.

630 W. State St., Geneva (331) 248-0646 www.statestdiner.com

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

Homemade Skincare Products made with Olive Oil: Soaps ~ Lip Balms ~ Moisturizers

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Store Hours

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm ~ Thurs 10am-8pm ~ Sat 10am-5:30pm ~ Sun 11am-4pm

315 James St. • Geneva, IL • (630) 262-0210 • www.olivemillgeneva.com FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2019

29

SMALL BUSINESSES are the true heart of our community With Chrissy Somers www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

Let’s play a game.

 LEAH JENSKI AT KAVA DIEM & SALTERNATIVE SPA | ST. CHARLES

I’m going to list a few roles and you try to figure out who is behind it. Ready? Here we go:

Leah, mom to six beautiful children, and lifelong entrepreneur shared a bit of her past with me and explained how she incorporated her skillset to achieve two successful area businesses.

They sponsor your child’s sports and fine arts programs.

They volunteer their time to local organizations.

They donate gifts, goods, and monetary donations for local charitable organizations.

Did you guess?

Small businesses.

If you visit FamiliesOnTheFox.com or follow us on social media, you know that I am 120 percent behind all the small businesses in our community.

They are a part of our community’s identity. Without these businesses, the Tri-Cities wouldn’t be the destination that it is, and in order to keep our area thriving, we need to support these businesses.

I often find I have an easier time supporting a local business when I know the owner and team behind it. I feel more connected. I become more loyal.

I want you to experience that same feeling, so I am introducing you to a couple of #FOTFFavorite Small Business owners in the community. Visit their businesses and meet them for yourself!

30

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2019

“I studied business at Indiana University and went on to work a corporate gig in New York City but my entrepreneurial spirit kept calling me to start something else, so I started the first Edible Arrangements franchise in Illinois and ended up with four stores, going to law school while running them. I worked for the largest law firm in Chicago and enjoyed law but my entrepreneurial spirit called again so while I still dabble in law now and again and I love the experience and background it gave me, my heart is and always will be entrepreneurial and I now focus on businesses that I truly love experiencing myself as well as sharing with my community.”

FUN FACT: “My goal is to touch down in all the continents and have so far spent time within North America, South America, Asia and Europe.”

Visit SalternativeSpa.com/facilities to book or call (630) 845-3333.

 AMY & MIKE ORLANDO AT FOX RIVER DISTILLING COMPANY, GENEVA Husband wife power team, Amy and Mike, brought different areas of expertise with them when they decided to open Fox River Distilling Company on

Dearborn Court in Geneva five years ago. While Mike has a career that spans 40 years of food service equipment manufacturing, Amy has come from a background of pure sales in several industries including residential kitchen equipment, magazine advertising, realty, and senior living. Her ability to network and build relationships quickly gave Fox River Distilling Company a solid base of supporters even before they opened the doors officially. The combination of knowing how to run a manufacturing company, and then selling what you make is more than what most entrepreneurs have to do when they first start a business.

Fun Fact: Mike is an ordained minister and has married six couples at the distillery where the couples also hosted their weddings.

Visit FoxRiverDistilling.com, or call (630) 402-0027.

Chrissy Somers is the owner of Families on the Fox, a website that serves as a free resource to the Tri-City community. A daily events calendar, indoor fun resource guide, seasonal events, pre-planned date nights, adult fun outings, and more can be found when you visit www.

FamiliesOnTheFox.com Photo by Fox + Grey Photography

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SUBURBAN SUPERDAD n

Shop Local

AND DON’T TAKE YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS FOR GRANTED WITH JONATHAN BILYK

A

s a longtime journalist and a shorter-time dad, there are certain sensations that have just become second nature.

Consider the lack of funds in the bank.

Some parents may recall a time before their joyous additions arrived, when their account balances boasted a few more zeroes after an initial whole number and before the decimal point.

But as one who spent much of the past few decades getting by on a byline in a local paper and living on the accompanying paychecks, I can attest the shock from the new financial demands placed by new arrivals is significantly lessened by the shorter distance for that whole number to travel to reach the decimal.

The journey of parenthood, however – and particularly as one of the young ones enters the teen years – has demonstrated another similarity between local journalism and parenthood: The feeling of being taken for granted.

This is not necessarily as bad as it sounds. Sure, one could perceive being taken for granted as a sign of disrespect. And certainly everyone likes to feel appreciated, from time to time.

It’s why, even years after leaving local newspapers, I still harbor a collection of notes and other trinkets given through the years from readers and interview subjects, who took the time to say thanks – and why every hug and handshake from many others remains emblazoned in my memory.

But most will never take the time to say thank you in any real way – and that’s OK. The way I see it, when some choose to “take someone for granted” it means that someone has become such an important

and ingrained aspect of their existence, they can’t imagine their life, their family or their community, without that someone in it.

This thought had time to churn recently while working on a home plumbing project.

I’ll spare you the details, but it involved an inordinate amount of time spent lying on my back, my head and shoulders inside the cavity of the cabinet of the bathroom vanity, the pain in my neck rising along with my blood pressure and frustration as I tried in vain to align a new drain and trap, to transport waste water from the sink to a sewer pipe in the wall.

After a couple hours, realizing any further flailing about beneath the sink could result in further potential water damage to the base of the vanity, my next steps found me darkening the door of the local hardware store.

Sure, I could have gone to the big box home improvement outlet down the street. Certainly, such outlets have taken more than their fair share of those zeroes from my bank account through the years. But for this kind of project, more expert advice and patience was needed – commodities I knew would be in stock with the grizzled veterans of the local shop.

And they did not disappoint, taking the time to talk through the problems with me, piecing together a solution that, as of this writing, has withstood the test of time.

Later, while mindlessly enjoying the smooth and drip-free flow of water once more from my bathroom sink, my thoughts returned to that store’s door, and the sign posted on it, proclaiming my good fortune at having my problems arise before 6 p.m., MondaySaturday.

While on this occasion, I found amazing helpful hardware folks inside, creating a true value, there will be others in which these kinds of projects won’t fit neatly inside a workaday window of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, while the big box home improvement folks up the street will.

Multiply this by dozens of shopping trips per year, and suddenly even a math-challenged journalist can run the numbers, and recognize the peril faced by these kinds of local treasures.

As a dad, my young ones should be able to presume I’ll always be there, ready to help, any time of the day or night.

But these kinds of local mom-and-pop establishments can’t be taken for granted. Without support from their neighbors and their community, like so many local newspapers, these pillars of the community may one day turn out the lights for good.

For now, though, on behalf of busy parents and homeowners throughout these communities, allow me to kindly and gently ask these amazing local shopkeepers to please, find a way keep the lights on and doors open a bit later, to give us the chance to experience the difference a local touch can make.  Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2019

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future,

Planting the

taking care of the past

I had the extraordinary pleasure of seeing the Angel Oak in Charleston, South Carolina a few weeks ago. This enormous oak is estimated to be anywhere from 250 – 500 years old.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2019

The thought of that just blows my mind. Think of how many things that tree has survived. Hurricanes for sure. The Civil War being fought all around it.

The Civil War! Development. Vandalism. Drought.

Rain. Wind. So many perilous things have been thrown at it and yet it still stands proudly in a large metropolitan city by the sea. It shows us that no matter what, trees are in it for the long haul… especially if they are taken care of.

I’m a firm believe in “right plant, right spot” and that definitely applies to trees. Many clients tell me “oh…I won’t be around when that tree gets big so who cares where we plant it”. Well….I do. I don’t want anyone – whether it is the person planting or the future generation to have to prune or cut down a tree that we planted. Wouldn’t it be cool if you planted an oak in your yard and 200 years from now, our descendants remembered you for it? Or even 20

years from now? Trees grow fairly fast so you will be around to see it grow. I’ve lived in my house for over 15 years now and have planted a dozen trees over that time. All of them have a place. The next owners of our house will have some great shade, flowering, and evergreen trees but shouldn’t have to worry too much about pruning or removing the trees because I sited them correctly for their future. Did I think we’d stay 15 years in this house? Not really. But we have and I’m glad I planted every single tree even if we do leave someday.

It’s also important to take care of the trees you have.

I have seen soooooo much volcano mulch lately.

It’s an epidemic and it’s going to take out our tree population sooner rather than later. Many of these teenaged trees have girdled roots already and are rotting at their base – which can easily lead to them just falling over in a storm or dying. Correct the

Here’s some of my favorites organized by size: SMALL (UNDER 25’) Redbud, Japanese Tree Lilac, American Hornbeam, Yellowwood, Serviceberry, Seven-son flower, Crabapples (disease resistant varieties), Magnolia, Pagoda Dogwood, Ironwood MEDIUM (25-50’) 'State Street’/’Redpointe’/’Autumn Blaze’ Maples, River Birch, Katsura Tree, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Linden, Elms, Horsechestnut/Buckeye

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

LARGE (OVER 50’) Oaks, Tulip Tree, Kentucky Coffeetree, Sycamore, Beech, Ginkgo, Elms, Sugar Maple

mulch as soon as you can. No more piles. Bare dirt or lawn is 100 times better than 8” of mulch piled up on the trunk (plus it looks dumb….). If you have older trees, invest in them. Ask a Certified Arborist to take a look and inventory and asses their health.

An old Chinese proverb says “The best

time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now.”. What are you waiting for? Plant a tree – it can be a small flowering tree or a majestic oak. Just get out there and plant! You can plant trees well into December as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

Meagan Provencher is the Sr. Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@ wasconursery.com Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2019

33

EDITOR’S CHOICE

FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

1

5 24

6 From classic styles to quirky originals, we hit the streets of Geneva to dig up an array of fabulous finds for your autumnal tablescape 1. All natural stone coasters make a great edition to an unclothed fall dining table.

Cocoon, Geneva 2. & 3. For a colonial look, these braided placemats and twist on a classic lantern are great additions to any table arrangement.

Country Naturals, Geneva

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HOME & LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2019

4. & 5. My favorite find for Thanksgiving were these quirky and cleverly-versed serving dishes, themed for the holiday table.

Shoppes at 127, Geneva 6. These look old, but aren’t. They are brand new items, cast from antique molds, and now available in this beautiful color for the first time. The Gathering, Geneva

Home Is Where the Hearth Is

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

Sales • Service • Installation

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

SOUNDS of the

Local performances fill ears, and hearts with holiday music

By Jonathan Bilyk

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2019

Season

T

here is nothing like the holiday season to warm the heart, to cultivate and nurture everyone’s best spirits and wishes for peace on Earth and good will to all.

other venues throughout Kane County will offer merrymakers the opportunity to exult in some of the season’s finest musical traditions, no matter your preference in music or style.

But no Yuletide celebration is quite complete without the imagery, conjured in the mind’s eye through the lyrics and melodies of the timeless Christmas classics.

And some will offer holiday entertainment designed to produce a slightly different kind of merriment and mirth.

From the soft pop of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, to the tinkling of silver bells amid the whitewashed grandeur of a winter wonderland, or the glory of the herald angels, calling all ye faithful to follow yonder star and bear their gifts to the manger once more, the music of the holiday season ranks foremost among the elements that make the holly jolly season the most wonderful time of the year.

As the calendar flips from the season of Thanksgiving to the season of giving, theaters and

Here are just a few of the best local live entertainment events to enjoy this Christmas in the Fox Valley region: ± DEC. 6-8 CANDLELIGHT CAROLS The St. Charles Singers will again ring in the holiday season in style, with their annual traditional Yuletide show. According to their website, each set of music presented in the concerts “will set familiar themes of the season into motion,” including “peace, hope and joy,”

with a variety of music. The musical selections have also been chosen to pair with the aesthetics and acoustics of the concerts’ venues, the Baker Memorial Church and Fourth Presbyterian Church in St. Charles. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for students. Concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening. ± DEC. 6 AN UNFORGETTABLE NAT KING COLE CHRISTMAS Vocalist Evan Tyrone Martin, a musical theatre “sensation” according to his bio, “brings the velvety vocal style of music legend Nat King Cole” to life in this holiday concert. Martin, who has been featured in recent productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Side Show and Dreamgirls, will “intimately relate Cole’s personal journey,” according to a listing promoting this show. The show will feature Nat King Cole holiday classics, including “All I Want for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” as well as other Cole hits, including “L-O-V-E” and “Mona Lisa.” The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College. Tickets cost $34.

± DEC. 8 WIZARDS OF WINTER HOLIDAY ROCK SHOW Originally founded in 2010 as a cover band performing renditions of the modern holiday rock hits produced by the Trans Siberian Orchestra, Wizards of Winter have since blossomed into a frosty force of their own, performing entirely their own original works from three full-length albums. The band has also added to their ranks two former Trans Siberian Orchestra performers, as well.

This holiday season, the Wizards land in the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles for an evening of rocking and rollicking holiday magic, fueled by the Spirit of Christmas. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$79.

Elgin Master Chorale Children’s Chorus Holiday Concert. The EMC Children’s Chorus is a professional organization designed to educate and develop young students’ singing and performance abilities. Each year, the chorus presents a number of concerts, and in December, they will perform a selection of holiday favorites. The holiday concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre. Tickets are $24 adults and $19 for students and seniors.

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the members of the Dennis O’Brien Band are accomplished professional musicians who have shared the stage and studio with some of the recording industry’s brightest lights and biggest names. For more than four decades, band has used their “blend of vocal harmonies and strong musical arrangements” to entertain audiences around the world, performing classic covers of many beloved musical numbers. The shows begin at 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets cost $25. ± DEC. 14-DEC. 15 ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY CONCERT. ± DEC. 12 A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS WITH JANE LYNCH Featuring Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, this jazzy holiday show swings into the Batavia Fine Arts Centre as part of its run through the region this Christmas season. The show stars actor and comedian Jane Lynch, best known for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical television series, “Glee.” Lynch and her musical co-stars will dazzle audiences with their renditions

of many holiday favorites. Can’t make the Batavia show? Lynch & Co. will take the show to Crystal Lake’s Raue Center for the Arts Dec. 13-15, as well. ± DEC. 13 – DEC. 14 HO HO HO HOLIDAY SHOW Featuring Dennis O’Brien. The MainStage Theater at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles will serve as the venue for this holiday frolic featuring the Dennis O’Brien Band. According to the band’s bio,

The ESO will reprise Elgin’s perennial holiday tradition. Pairing with the Elgin Master Chorale, the ESO will offer the community the chance to exult in the splendor and joy of the season with this community sing-along event conducted by Stephen Squires of the Elgin Master Chorale.

The show even includes a visit from Santa Claus.

Concerts will be at the Hemmens Auditorium, at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, with an additional performance Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $40-$60.

Happy Holiday Railway!

Holiday Railway Santa Trains!

All Aboard for the North Pole!

Starting November 23rd, 24th, 29th, & 30th See our website for additional dates & ticket information!

ILLINOIS Visit: www.irm.org RAILWAY MUSEUM Or call 800-BIG-RAIL or 815-923-4000 38

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2019

CALL THE MCDOWELL TEAM TODAY TO SET UP A TIME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

OUTSIDE THE

BOX TURTLE RACES PROVIDE MORE THAN ENTERTAINMENT

T

he box turtles at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center normally do not shy away from attention. Among the several different species cared for by dedicated staff, the box turtles are used to all eyes on them, as they entertain families with their slow movements and gentle demeanor, and educate children during camps and in classrooms. They even travel offsite for educational purposes and events in the community.

But this November five box turtles will embark on a new adventure: turtle racing.

Turtle Races presented by Hickory Knolls will take place during the Chicago Steel hockey game on Nov. 29. You won’t want to miss this familyfriendly event -- the perfect way to slow down from all the turkey gobbling and Black Friday shopping.

Competing for the turtle racing championship will be three-toed box turtles Daisy and Sally Jane, eastern box turtles Mertle and Commander Winkydink, and an ornate box turtle Samsonite.

Who will be declared the winner is anyone’s guess, but you can be a part of the action by picking which turtle you believe will crawl across the finish line first.

Before the puck drops at 6:05 p.m., guests will have an opportunity to meet and interact with the box turtles in the lobby. Hickory Knolls staff members will be on hand to educate attendees about each turtle and once you’ve decided who will be the winner, you’ll receive a player’s card with stats including their personal stories, breed characteristics, and fun facts such as quirks and temperament. Those who pick the winner will receive a free Colonial Café turtle sundae, redeemable at either St. Charles location.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2019

While the event promises to be entertaining, staff at both Hickory Knolls and Chicago Steel agree they hope guests also walk away with a new appreciation of turtles.

“Turtles have a reputation for being slow and not dynamic, but they are an incredibly valuable species in the wild,” said Pam Otto, St. Charles Park District outreach ambassador and naturalist.

“We approached Hickory Knolls to partner on Turtle Races for their expertise and guidance,” said Chicago Steel Hockey Team President Dan Lehv. “Not only will the races be exciting and fun to watch, we hope guests go home with a better understanding of turtles and their impact on the environment. It’s a good opportunity to bring that to light in a fun way.”

There will be two races, one during each intermission. The winners of the first race will compete for the championship during the second race. The racetrack will be circular, about five feet in diameter on a platform covered with artificial turf for traction.

Turtle racing is not a new concept and in recent

DEC. 6 & 7

Let the Festivities begin! in!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! Join us Friday, December 6th 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 alive.

years has been a trendy form of entertainment in Chicago restaurants and bars. But it is a first for the Chicago Steel and Hickory Knolls. All involved ensure the practice is safe for the turtles.

For one, the five turtles were chosen to compete because they are used to traveling and being handled.

“All of these turtles are frequently used in educational programs including in classrooms and camps and offsite turtle events,” Otto said.

“They are used to commotion and kids wanting to touch them. For that reason, it is not stressful on them to make a trip to the ice arena.”

Otto emphasized that Hickory Knolls turtles are not wild. “They were once pets, but were relinquished to us by former owners who couldn’t properly care for them. Any practice of

capturing a wild turtle in a pond for the purpose of racing would be inhumane and unhealthy for the turtle.”

Hickory Knolls staff also will make preparations to acclimate the box turtles to the cooler temperatures in the ice arena, by gradually introducing the cooler air to keep their temperature stable.

If after the game you find yourself wanting more, save the date for Hickory Knolls Turtle Racing and Brew Tasting April 17, 2020 – a fundraiser for the center’s animal ambassadors and education programs.

Tickets start at just $10 and parking is free. To purchase tickets, visit the Steel Box Office at Fox Valley Ice Arena, call 855-51-STEEL or purchase online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

For more information regarding the turtles or Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, contact Pam Otto at 630-513-4346 or potto@stcparks.org.

HICKORY KNOLLS CENTER

A picture postcard .

™

630-232-6060 • genevachamber.com

Jingle Bell

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Mix and mingle with holiday activities, games and fun. Entertainment provided

by Edizon Dayao. Enjoy a delicious plated dinner with coffee, tea and soda. Cash bar available. Everyone will receive one free ticket for your ol’ favorite raffle drawing with a new twist. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase.

Sponsored by:

Q Center • 1405 N. 5th Avenue • St. Charles

Register online: stcparks.org/register ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2019

41

Power Up Your

PAMPERING  EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

1056 Commons Dr. | Geneva | (630) 332-2880 | waxcenter.com At European Wax Center, we’ve always believed that revealing beautiful skin is the first step to revealing your best self. Our 4 Steps To Gorgeous process & exclusive Comfort Wax™ will help prep and pamper your skin for the most comfortable experience possible.

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

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

MERLE NORMAN 

518 W. State St. | Geneva | 630-232-0098 www.merlenorman.com Stop into Merle Norman Cosmetics, your full service skincare and cosmetics store where you can cozy up with the latest fall colors. Discover the newest shades in Baked eye shadows and cheek colors for subtle beauty and check out our ultra powder foundation, available in over 30 shades!

Our beauty experts can assist you with skincare, makeup, ear piercing, manicures and pedicures. We also offer waxing and a full service hair salon for men and women.

Merle Norman has been dedicated to crafting the perfect products for your skin for over 88 years. Stop in and see us, we're happy to assist with any of your beauty needs!

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FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2019

 SALON TRIO

322 W. State St., Suite 101 | Geneva |salon-trio.com At SALON TRIO you will find a cozy boho-chic hair salon right in the heart of downtown Geneva. The Trio gals will help to make you feel beautiful inside and out, servicing haircuts and color services for men women, and children.

Specializing in keratins, hair extensions, and bridal parties.

First time guests receive a complimentary haircut with their color service. Come in, relax, and get pampered!

To make an appointment, check out salon-trio.com for phone numbers of the Trio gals, or book online

ELEMENTS MASSAGE  507 S. 3rd St. Geneva | 630-232-7335 elementsmassage.com/geneva

Whether it is just to relax, or restore and rejuvenate, nothing can beat a personalized, handcrafted massage. At Elements we LISTEN to what you need and customize your massage, applying just the right amount of pressure to all the right areas.

Your massage session may include: deep tissue, trigger point, sports/stretch and Swedish techniques. Our massage therapists check in with you before, during and after your massage, verifying that your needs are being met. Come experience the Elements Way TM and find out why our clients give us the highest satisfaction ratings in the industry. Pamper yourself – there is no other massage like it in the area.

 VANISHING INK LASER AESTHETICS CENTER 2020 Dean St. Unit L2B | St. Charles (630) 549-7440 | www.vanishinginklaser.com

Whether it is eliminating the sun damage to your face, lessening the appearance of wrinkles with Botox 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.

FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2019

43

the SKIN YOU’RE in Prep your skin for winter now, and enjoy the benefits all season long

By Erin Sauder

Healthy skin doesn’t just look good. It also feels good.

offer a Mini Facial which is great for all skin types to rejuvenate and replenish the skin,” Linville says.

But both can be harder to come by when the temperatures drop. What can you do to prep your skin for Illinois’ rough winters?

“Enzymes can also help improve skin texture which is nice for the wintertime because the skin starts to get dry, red and rough to the touch,” Linville says.

MacKenzie Linville, assistant manager for Geneva’s Bare All Beauty Bar, 206 W. State St., says regular facials and a great skincare regimen are key.

The mini facial also includes either a CryoAlgae Mask or Anti Pollution Mask.

“Skin is our largest organ and shows so much about what is going on inside our bodies and our lives,” she said.

When skin doesn’t have enough protective oils, moisture escapes, leaving dry, irritated skin in its wake.

Bare All’s Classic Facial can help put moisture back.

The multi-step treatment includes a deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions to clear clogged pores, oxygenating serum, and a result targeted mask.

The result? Brighter, more hydrated skin. This facial also improves impurities and reduces redness and wrinkles.

Don’t have time for an hour-long treatment?

“For those that are constantly on the go, we also do

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FASHION & BEAUTY NOVEMBER 2019

This 30-minute treatment includes a gentle exfoliating enzyme which helps to loosen or remove dead skin cells and promote younger cells.

Want to really up your complexion game this winter? Make sure to use the right products. At Bare All Beauty Bar, you’ll find the Skin For Life and Bion lines, as well as the all-natural, handcrafted Bare All Beauty By Margie line, created by one of Bare All’s own estheticians.

Skin for Life products are cruelty, sulfate, petrolatum and paraben-free.

The Gentle Gel Cleanser is designed with soothing aloe to target irritated and inflamed skin.

“The aloe can also balance sensitive skin conditions while removing dirt, debris or makeup without leaving the skin dry,” Linville says.

Skin for Life’s Moisture Booster is a hyaluronic acid that provides hydration with the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid.

“Climate change or internal changes within the body can cause dehydration, dryness or redness, which Moisture Booster will combat,” Linville says.

Bion products, also made with natural, safe ingredients, are formulated to combat acne, antiaging and skin rejuvenation.

The line’s Cleanser for Normal Skin is great for all skin types with key ingredients of Lime Oil, Vegetable Glycerin and Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acid.

Bion’s Restorative Balm uses olive oil and organic hemp to help ward off cracked, dry skin.

“The buttery texture soaks into the skin without looking or feeling oily,” Linville said.

Other recommended products include Bare All Beauty by Margie’s Flower Face Wash which contains oats, almonds, essential oils and herbs to combat dead skin cells, and the Body Frosting, which contains organic sunflower oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil and beeswax to provide intense hydration all over the body.

Whatever winter brings this year, don’t let it wreak havoc on your complexion. Prepare your skin for the transition into the new season by scheduling an appointment with Bare All Beauty Bar.

What are YOU willing to do for Anderson?

Introducing Anderson’s Animal Challenge! Create “animal moments” , get them on video and then go to our Ander’s Animal Challenge Facebook Fundraiser on our Facebook page, to donate, post your video in the comments, and challenge your friends to do the same!

Get silly for the sake of saving more animals at Anderson Animal Shelter! Funds raised through the Anderson Animal Challenge will help support the care of the 4,000 homeless pets Anderson Animal Shelter cares for each year! To watch Anderson Animal Challenge videos and find details on how YOU can take the challenge and make a donation, visit: www.andersonanimalshelter.org/animalchallenge WHY your help is important: While caring for over 4,000 animals every year, we find that some cats and dogs require extra medical attention, special diets, or behavior training before matching them to the right adopter.

These expenses are not covered by the average adoption fee.

Because Anderson Animal Shelter does not receive federal or state funding, we rely on the generosity of our donors, like YOU. We Don’t Just Save Animals.

We Find HOMES for Pets.

MAKE A VIDEO. DONATE. SHARE. CHALLENGE OTHERS! Anderson Animal Shelter’s mission is to improve the lives of animals and people through service and education.

With locations in the Western suburbs of Chicago that includes South Elgin, Bloomingdale and North Aurora, they positively impact the community by supporting the human-animal bond.

www.andersonanimalshelter.org/animalchallenge

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

• Daily Dog Walking • Vacation Care • Home Security Checks

Loving your pets for over 30 years

(630) 844-9554 www.alltopcrittersitters.com NOVEMBER

2019

45

The Glass-Half-Full Guy:

FACE TO FACE

WITH A CANADIAN GRIZZLY WITH PETER STADALSKY

One aspect of the Continental Divide Mountain Bike Route that is on most rider’s minds is the reality of riding through grizzly bear country. I assumed I may see a bear from afar, but never imagined I would end up face to face with one of the greatest apex predators.

It’s important to know that grizzly bears don’t go looking for humans to terrorize, and rarely do they see us as a food source. But the stark reality is that grizzlies are a facet of nature that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Fatal grizzly bear attacks, although rare, happen almost yearly. Often times it’s because a person has either left food out, which attracts bears, startles one by coming around a sharp corner, or gets in between the mother and her cubs. Some tips from bear experts are to make plenty of noise and if you do see a bear, hold your ground and back up slowly.

Never should a person turn their back to or run from a bear, for it triggers their chase instinct.

My first night camping in the Canadian Rockies, just before the sun went down, a ranger pulled up in his pickup truck to warn me that he spotted a mother grizzly and her cubs in the woods about 30 yards from where I pitched my tent. Rather than cuddling my pillow that night, I had by arms wrapped tight around my canister of bear spray. Needless to say, it was a quiet night. But the next few days were very active for bears. I had arrived in Canada in late June - just in time for hibernation to break. This is an interesting way to say that the bears are hungry and

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everywhere!

I peddled off from that first campsite, seeing piles of fresh bear scat every mile. A rule of thumb is that if you see fresh bear scat, turn around and head out of the area. If I followed that advice I’d still be riding in circles. The chilly overcast morning soon turned into a colder rainy afternoon. I had every layer of clothing wrapped on my body. The dirt road winded around mountain lakes, steadily climbing higher and deeper into the pine forests. Finally, after four hours of grinding uphill in the rain I had reached the crest.

The downhill began and I looked up to the sky to cry in relief for my exhausted legs. Just as I brought my sight back to the road I saw something in my peripheral walk onto the road. The next moment occurred in slow motion; I turned my head to the left and saw a raw, wild, breathing grizzly bear, standing taller than me even on all fours. His paws were the size of my head and each nail longer that my hand.

This grizzly started walking towards me on the opposite side of the road, a mere 10 feet in front of me. Every bear advice tip left my mind as I observed this beast in complete awe. Water beaded from his wet coat and he paced straight in my direction. He held a presence that made the air feel electric. It’s as if he knew that he was the king of the forest. I imagine he felt the way that a human feels around a single ant.

The distance between us shrank as the road funneled us closer and closer. This three seconds, which felt

like an eternity, forced us side by side on the narrow Alberta road. My bike started to pick up momentum on the downhill and Looked to my left getting a perfect shot of the grizzly’s dripping jowls. His eyes glazed over as he trudged forward, acting as if I didn’t exist. I looked down at my bear spray, but decided to leave it be. As soon as we passed one another, I pedaled as fast as I could, looking back to see if he would decide to chase me down. Seconds later he stopped in the middle of the road and crossed heading into the woods.

In reflection, I’m pretty lucky for a number of reasons: One is that a solo encounter like this ended with no one getting hurt. Second, I got to experience an epic beast of nature up close and personal - closer than I ever wanted.

It’s odd to me that I wasn’t scared from this whole experience. Instead, a newfound respect for the strength and wildness of nature filled my soul, making every part of the journey to follow that much more wonderful. It reminded me of my mortality.

Strange it is that being so close to the potential of death is the one thing that can make us feel so alive.

 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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