Kc mag october 2017

OCTOBER 2017

THE HOMES ISSUE

Architect Sean Gallagher

PRESERVES HISTORY ONE GENEVA HOME AT A TIME

MEET THE CLASS!

MINIMALISM MOVEMENT

ARCHITECTURE TRENDS

PAGE 51

PAGE 20

PAGE 12

The 2017-18 Women of Distinction

captures the more of less

through the decades

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INSIDE THE HOMES EDITION

HOMES

DINING & ENTERTAINING

8 HISTORIC HOME HERO Architect Sean Gallagher preserves Geneva’s rich history one house at a time

42 FINE DINING FINESSE FoxFire head chef K.C. Gulbro gives menu a makeover

12 ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST An encyclopedia of distinctive home design

44 HARDWARE HARVEST Sustainable gastropub looks to hops and root vegetables for fall menu

16 ‘SHE SHEDS’ A woman’s response to the man cave

BUSINESS & CIVIC

20 THE MORE OF LESS How to incorporate minimalism in the home without foregoing function 24 HAVLICEK BUILDERS: ‘LESS HOUSE, MORE HOME’ The slogan of today’s homebuyer 26 GENEVA GEM Strawflower Shop enjoys continued growth of boutique, community

‘SHE SHEDS’

A woman’s response to the man cave Photos provided

48 LIFE AFTER LOSS After family tragedy, Melinda Kintz turns focus on Make-A-Wish foundation, CHIP IN Batavia, United Way 51 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION NAMED Introducing the class of 2017-18

28 FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION Architect Tim Nelson brings beauty to functionality

TRAVEL

29 FAMILY THREAD Isaac’s Upholstering in Geneva is here for the long haul

OUT & ABOUT

30 NEW BEGINNINGS Design Essentials relocates to transform into boutique interior design studio and online retailer

16

47 POWER OF ONE (HUNDRED) Charitable group 100 Women Who Care – Fox Valley demonstrates what it means to have strength in numbers

32 A LETTER AWAY FROM HEAVEN High-end design studio Haven Interiors brings new style to downtown Geneva 33 STAYING GROUNDED Carlson’s Flooring celebrates 50 years of success 34 RENOVATION RESURGENCE McDowell Remodeling experiencing ‘pent-up demand’ for home improvement projects

56 THE GLASS-HALF-FULL GUY Why I left home to find it 58 WICKED GOOD FUN Celebrate the ‘season of scary’ with cemetery tours and ghost walks 60 EMBRACE THE CHANGE (IN SEASONS!) Autumn fun abounds with St. Charles Park District programs, projects 62 BOOK NOOK Feel at home with these reads 65 SOCIAL LIFE Game changers: Best Under 40 honorees celebrated 66 CALENDAR See what’s happening in Kane County this month!

36 FURNACE FACTS The benefits of annual heating system inspections 38 KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOR Trees and plants that paint the town in the fall

4 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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Editor's Note Being a first-time homebuyer can be a scary thing.

I’ve always been a bit of a nomad, so tethering myself to one place for an indefinite amount of time is something that doesn’t come naturally. The convenience that I found in renting lay in the lack of financial burden, worryfree upkeep and – most notably – the impermanence of a yearlong lease.

But, as a woman of a certain age, the time has come to enter into the next stage of life, which often involves putting down roots and starting a family of my own.

Fittingly, this month’s issue is our Homes edition. So, needless to say, my life as of late has been inundated by architecture, real estate, homemaking and home design.

But, to be honest, I can’t get enough. I still haven’t managed to get my fill of latenight internet trolling for hot home listings and DIY-projects.

It’s difficult to contend with a dream. I have cooked up notions of what I thought my first house would look like, and – who knows – maybe I’ll check very single one of those boxes (highly unlikely). But one of our writers, Peter Stadalsky, reminded me of something in this month’s “The GlassHalf-Full Guy” column, on page 56.

In “Why I Had to Leave Home to Find It,” The Aurora resident – and our “resident” adventurer, if you will – wrote, “Home isn’t necessarily where we live, but how we live, and whom is there with us.”

My reality may not live up to the dream I’ve concocted in my mind, but as long as I am honoring what’s good and beautiful to me in my life and surround myself with the people and things I love, how can that be undesirable? Different than the “dream” doesn’t mean worse. Honestly, it might even be better.

Thanks for reading,

Current homeowners reading this might find themselves reminiscing about their first homes, and those of you who haven’t quite taken the plunge (present company included) may be daydreaming about that wrap-around porch or behemoth backyard you will – one day – call your very own.

Kara Silva, Editor

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

DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLISHING Laura Shaw 630-427-6213 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com

on the

COVER

It’s difficult to drive around Geneva without seeing the work of architect Sean Gallagher.

This busy dad has a passion for preserving the past. Find out why restoring local historic homes is so important to Gallagher, on Page 8.

Photo by Ron McKinney

6 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

CORRESPONDENTS Kelsey O’Connor, Kevin Druley, Jonathan Bilyk, Allison Horne, Peter Stadalsky, Allison Manley, Melissa Riske, Elizabeth Czapski, Elizabeth Harmon, Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Zachary VanVuren PHOTOGRAPHERS Missy Donovan, Ron McKinney, Sandra J. Zmuda, Karen Naess

Kane County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Historic Home

HERO Architect Sean Gallagher preserves Geneva’s rich history one house at a time

By KELSEY O’CONNOR | Photos by RON MCKINNEY

Sean M. Gallagher has dedicated much of his career to building up the Geneva community.

As an architect, he’s worked on various historic and noteworthy homes throughout the area. But his work is about more than building four walls and a roof. It’s about creating spaces for people to live, work and play.

“You want to look like it belongs there, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb.”

“It’s a neat thing to see the project go from an idea in a homeowner’s mind to being something they’re enjoying their lives in,” he says. “I love to be able to serve the people that I call neighbors.”

“Some people have stylistic preferences,” he says. “I just believe in good design.”

Gallagher specialize in residential work.

A majority of his project are renovations or additions to existing home in the Geneva area. His works runs the gamut of architectural styles, from Neo-Colonial to French Country to Italianate.

Gallagher first became interested in architecture after writing a fifth grade report on Rheims Cathedral in France. He was immediately intrigued by architecture’s ability to awe and inspire people.

Another major aspect of his role is preservation. Geneva has a wealth of old and historic homes and Gallagher works diligently to turn his clients’ visions into a reality, while Gallagher went on to study architecture at the University of Illinois at Champaign. still preserving the area’s rich history.

He began his career at a large corporate “When you connect something new architecture firm in Schaumburg, and quickly to something existing, you have to be realized it wasn’t a good fit. sympathetic to what’s there,” says Gallagher. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

“I just knew I was not cut out for corporate stuff,” he says. “Corporations are anonymous in some ways. I really like to work with real people, and you can’t work on a more personal project than a house.”

He found his calling at R. Scott Javore and Associates, a Glencoe-based firm that specializes in historic residential projects on Chicago’s North Shore. He loved the work, but there was still one problem – the commute.

Gallagher, by this time, was a father of young children and was living in Streamood, making the inconvenient daily commute to Glencoe difficult.

On the verge of accepting a job at a Wheaton firm, Gallagher and his family moved to Geneva. But, at the last minute, he was able to make arrangements with the Glencoe firm to work from home four days a week, cutting his commute to Glencoe to merely once a week.

-Continued on page 10 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 9

“When you connect something new to something existing, you have to be sympathetic to what’s there. You want to look like it belongs there, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb.”

– Sean M. Gallagher, Geneva architect

-Continued from page 9 In 2004, Gallagher started his own architecture practice in Geneva to fulfill his dream of living and working in the same community. During the early years of his practice, he still worked full time at the Glencoe firm. That meant 80- to 90-hour workweeks, especially once Gallagher Associates Architects began to take off.

His first major commission was the Westberry-Goldsmith house, a historic Arts and Crafts bungalow in Geneva. The clients wanted to add on a master suite, but a challengingly narrow site and the historic nature of the home presented obstacles.

“That was a real tricky project in a lot of ways,” he says. “We tried to match existing details as best we could.”

The effort paid off. Gallagher was able to seamlessly blend old and new by borrowing many Arts and Crafts details in the new addition, such as a period-appropriate garage door. The project received a Preservation Award from Geneva’s Historic Preservation Commission. Gallagher has won three more of these awards since then.

When the recession hit in 2008, it was a huge blow to the architecture industry.

When business slowed, Gallagher reached out to his connections at Judson University in Elgin. He began working as an adjunct professor in the school’s well-respected architecture department.

After five years of teaching, Gallagher became a full-time professor. He currently teaches undergraduate and graduate classes, including a construction technology course and an advanced capstone studio.

10 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

His mission is to give his students realistic insights into the daily life of an active practitioner.

“I love [teaching]; the energy that the younger people have is great,” says Gallagher. “They’re there for a reason and they’re serious about what they’re doing.”

After 13 years of working and building in the Geneva area, it’s almost impossible to walk around town without seeing one of Gallagher’s projects. He sees plenty of them everyday on his own street, where he’s completed work for his friends, neighbors HOME & LIFESTYLE

and even on his own house.

“It’s really neat to have that legacy,” he says.

“A lot of times folks are doing work on these homes not only for their own families, they’re doing it to make sure these homes stay in the fabric of our community and I think that’s so important.”  For more information about Gallagher Associates Architects, visit gallagherarch. com or email contact@gallagherarch.com.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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Architectural digest An encyclopedia of distinctive home design

By ELIZABETH HARMON

A walk around town becomes more interesting when you learn to identify distinctive architectural features.

From Craftsman to mid-century modern, here is an encyclopedic rundown of the prominent features associated with the various architectural styles that you may encounter in Kane County (and beyond).

Art Deco (1920-1940) Art Deco buildings have stucco or smooth walls, rounded corners and are often decorated with geometric designs such as zigzags or stylized flowers or leaves. Windows and doors may have decorative frames; the building façade may have small towers or projections along the roofline.

The roof is low or flat. More often used for public buildings or businesses, Art Deco homes are rare in the Midwest, though more common in Florida.

Example – The Campana Factory, Batavia Cape Cod (1920-present) This simple, symmetrical flat-fronted style originated in England in the 1600s and was brought to North America by early New England settlers. Cape Cod homes have a steeply pitched 12 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

roof, dormers, shutters and a small cupula, or dome-like cap, to cover the front door and steps.

The modern Cape Cod was introduced in the 1920s by Boston architect Royal Barry Willis and, during the post-World War II housing boom, it became one of America’s most popular housing styles.

Example – Residence, 1400th block of S. 5th St., St. Charles Craftsman (1905-1930) Two California brothers, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, designed bungalows in the Pasadena area, before simplified versions were replicated in pattern books and kit homes, including many sold by Sears. Craftsman homes have a low-pitched roof with wide overhangs, HOME & LIFESTYLE

decorative beams, and porches with square or angled columns to support the roof. Exterior walls are usually wood or stucco. Stone is often used as a decorative element for the foundation and chimney.

Example – Residence, 500th block of Jackson Ave., St. Charles Mid-Century Modern (1945-1980) An updated take on Prairie style, mid-century modern design also incorporates a wide, lowpitched roof, and clean lines. Wide windows, extensive use of glass, including glass brick accent walls, and stone and metal accents to incorporate the natural elements. Simplified versions of mid-century modern architecture are the classic ranch and split level homes built www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

during the suburban boom of the 1970s.

Example – Residence, River Grange Road, St. Charles.

Prairie (1900-1920)  Prairie style design was developed by a group of Chicago architects that included Frank Lloyd Wright. There are numerous examples throughout the Midwest. Characteristics of Prairie style homes are a wide, low-pitched roof, porches, wood trim, wide flat chimneys, window boxes or urn planters.

Example – The Ravine House, Batavia Queen Ann Victorian (1880-1910) Characteristics include a steep roof with irregular shapes, including towers, textured www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

shingle siding, bay windows and wide porches that extend across the width of the house.

Queen Ann Victorian homes are often large with two full stories and an attic. Popularized by British architect Richard Norman Shaw, these homes are found nationwide.

Example – The Wing Mansion, Elgin HOME & LIFESTYLE

Tudor (1890-1940) Tudor homes come from an old English style known for having a steeply pitched roof, exterior chimneys, and arched doors and windows. Siding could be wood or stucco, with heavy dark accent beams. Occasionally, these homes have a curved “false thatched” roof. Casement windows are common. Tudor cottages were popular with kit home companies and many can be found in older Kane County residential neighborhoods.

Example – Residence, 100th block of S. 11th St., St. Charles

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 13

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‘SHE SHEDS’ A woman’s response to the man cave

By ELIZABETH HARMON Home designer Susan Curtis is a cat lover.

When strays and feral cats drift into her backyard, she cares for them.

“I wanted a place for them in the winter.

I also wanted something that would be functional for me,” she says.

The answer was a 6-foot-by-6-foot shed outfitted with an upholstered bench, drop-down desk, skylight, and, of course, a cat door. Painted dark blue, with cedar shake shingles on the outside, and shiplap paneling on the inside, the shed doubles as a haven for cats and for Curtis.

Say hello to the “she shed” – an upscale, design savvy take on the traditional garden shed or basement man cave.

In her book “She Sheds: A Room of Your Own,” author Erika Kotite calls the she shed “a small, but splendid, room built in the backyard.”

Not only are the sheds growing in popularity in the Chicago suburbs, but also around the world.

-Continued on page 18 www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 17

-Continued from page 17 “From Australia to Alaska, Texas to Ukraine, women are staking claim to a completely personal space to call their own,” writes Kotite.

Closer to home, Douglas Stralka, owner of Shedcraft and Decks in Illinois, agrees.

“We have women who call and are looking for a personal space,” says Stralka. “I had one who wanted to put in a loft so she could sleep out there.”

Stralka admits that, at first, he found the concept surprising.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

“I’m used to garden sheds, and I’ve heard of man-caves, but never a ‘she shed,’” he says.

In the last four years, he’s built at least six, and possibly more.

“Some customers go in after we’re done and do the interiors themselves,” he says.

The company offers several shed models and Stralka says that the Alpine model, which has a high, steeply pitched roof and chalet-style door, has been the most popular choice among “she shed” customers. The basic models can be customized with upgrades that include Dutch doors, lofts, front porches and skylights.

The company also builds sheds that are completely customized to the customers’ specification.

“She shed customers seem to be all ages and with different budgets,” says Doug’s wife, Mary Stralka, who helps customers with their shed design. “Some people know

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exactly what they want, and we can get it ordered in one day. Others can take three to four months. We try and take their ideas and apply them to one of our models to save them money. We’ve also taken their designs and custom-built sheds, though that drives up the price.�

Sheds start at around $4,000 and go up to $25,000 or more, depending on upgrades and the amount of customization. Adding insulation, heat and electricity can expand the shed’s use, but also increase the cost.

One of the Stralka’s most luxurious sheds was for a suburban woman who uses it as a pottery studio. “She has a kiln out there and a patio outside where she can sit. It really came out beautifully,� says Doug.

Curtis estimates that she spent under $6,000 for her shed, which has insulation, and a skylight, but no electricity. “It’s a place for me to relax, and cat space.

Think about how you’re going to use it, and build for function as well as beauty,� Curtis says. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 19

The more of less How to incorporate minimalism in the home without foregoing function

In contrast to our cluttered homes and lives, the clean lines and peaceful feeling of minimalist living have a lot of appeal.

By ELIZABETH HARMON

“We noticed a change around 2008 when the economy crashed. I’m not sure if it was a reaction to the austerity we experienced after the crash, but there was a shift toward clean lines, less décor,” says Dean Malambri, president of

20 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

The popularity of Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” as well as a growing interest in minimalism suggests we’re eager to simplify our surroundings.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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Dean Alan Design in South Elgin.

Laura Griggs of St. Charles worked with Malambri on a makeover of the home she shares with her husband, and their youngest child, a high school student. The three older children are away at college but still return home on vacations. “I wanted modern, sleek and no clutter,�

Griggs says.

-Continued on page 22 www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Artist?

See your work in the pages of Kane County Magazine!

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two-to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.�

HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 21

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Sunday Brunch 10am to 1pm

-Continued from page 21 While de-cluttering and minimalism are often used interchangeably, blogger Sarah Anne Hayes draws a distinction between the two.

“De-cluttering is an action, while minimalism is a lifestyle,” she writes.

Getting and keeping the look can be a challenge for busy families, but isn’t impossible. The journey begins with de-cluttering.

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 CHOOSE WHAT YOU’LL KEEP Malambri begins by helping clients decide which objects are most important to them.

“When you have less stuff, what you have becomes more meaningful,” he says.

His rule of thumb? Consider the quality of the piece, the investment of time and money needed to restore it, and the memories attached.

“When I ask clients about special pieces, sometimes we build the design around that piece,” he says.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

Also, look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, or those with hidden storage.  CHOOSE WHERE YOU’LL GO MINIMAL Your minimalist look doesn’t have to encompass the entire house. Griggs’ minimalist makeover included the living room, dining room and family room, but not her kids’ bedrooms.  DECORATE ORGANICALLY Rather than bringing in objects to decorate a room, emphasize architectural elements such as crown moldings, woodwork or the outside view.

Because Griggs’ home backs up to a wooded area, Malambri left some of the

rear windows uncovered, except for a simple decorative valance.  DON’T FORGET COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY Contrast sleek lines and hard flat surfaces with soft upholstery, accent pillows and throws. For her family room, Griggs chose pieces that were comfortable and inviting.

“You can still relax on the couch and put your feet up,” she says.

While neutral solid colors are a key element in minimalist design, use darker shades for high-use areas like the family room, and lighter shades for those you use less.

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• Stop the inflow of new stuff and use what you have • Part with the easy things first (old clothes, unread books, unused kitchen gadgets, worn out items) and have a disposal plan in place. Hint: donating is faster and easier than selling.

• Don’t keep things out of obligation. Just because your mother collected figurines, doesn’t mean you have to keep all of them.

• Look for items that perform multiple duties, especially in the office and kitchen.

• Request and give others consumable gifts of food and drink, or non-material items, such as tickets or restaurant gift cards.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 23

Havlicek Builders:

‘LESS HOUSE, MORE HOME’ is the slogan of today’s homebuyer

By JONATHAN BILYK

Nearly 10 years after the crash, George Havlicek is liking the momentum he’s seen building.

Since 1983, Havlicek and his company, Havlicek Builders in Geneva, have built hundreds of luxury homes in and around the Tri-Cities. And, after a trying decade, Havlicek says it’s starting to finally feel more like old times in some ways, and good in other ways, too.

“Are things where they were, or where they should be?” he says. “Probably not. But building is up, and it’s up quite a bit.”

Across the country, the number of new homes being built and sold has risen to levels not seen since the pre-Great Recession real estate boom of the early to mid-2000s.

At the depths of the Great Recession, sales had tanked at 300,000 to 350,000 homes sold per month.

With still lagging existing home sales – and still not quite keeping up with the pace set at the market’s peak in 2007 – new home construction and sales activity has surged, as homebuilders across the country have sold 500,000 to 600,000 new homes every month since 2015.

In July 2017, for instance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported builders sold 571,000 new homes. While that was down about 9 percent from July 2016, June’s sales totaled 630,000 across the country, which was slightly up from the same month the year before.

That improvement also is reflected in surveys conducted by homebuilders, who are revealing a sense of optimism in the market also not seen for quite a few years.

“You’d go to homebuilder shows and it was like a ghost town,” Havlicek says. “Now, it feels a bit 24 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

more like old times.”

However, while the new housing market may be finding a new groove, the homes that are being built indicate that it is in many ways a new groove.

Havlicek points to his latest development, Cooper Woods in Geneva, where the new homes are reflecting the needs and wants of today’s buyers. He noted the homes there were featured in the Northern Illinois Home Builders HOME & LIFESTYLE

Association’s most recent Cavalcade Tour of Homes, which offered a glimpse of 22 model homes in six counties.

For starters, Havlicek says, buyers of new homes – for the most part – appear to not be particularly keen on the idea of building giant homes on the edge of a cornfield.

Buyers, he says, are seeking homes inside of town, preferably as close to “the center of the action” as possible. That is particularly true of www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

“Are things where they were, or where they should be?

Probably not. But building is up, and it’s up quite a bit.”

Your Local Butcher

– George Havlicek, owner of Havlicek Builders in Geneva

buyers from the Baby Boomer generation, who, as they approach retirement and whose children have all flown the coop, are “wanting to live more simply,” Havlicek says.

“They may like their homes; they may like where they live, but they want to downsize, too,” he says. “And they definitely don’t want to sacrifice quality when they do.”

That’s where new homebuilders enter the scene, he says. Havlicek Builders offers 2,400-square-foot homes with new materials, open floor plans, and all of the latest modern technologies, complete with furnaces, appliances and other features “with their own IP addresses,” which allows a homeowner to use a smartphone to control and monitor various features.

“And all of that tech is no longer proprietary,” Havlicek says. “It’s really popular, and it’s a fraction of the cost it used to be.”

However, the desire for that kind of home is not limited to retirees or the older set, either. Younger buyers, particularly millennials, also are entering the market, also seeking smaller, modern, high-tech, maintenance-free homes within walking distance of downtown restaurants, shops, parks and culture.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 25

GENEVA GEM

STRAWFLOWER SHOP ENJOYS CONTINUED GROWTH OF BOUTIQUE, COMMUNITY

By KELSEY O’CONNOR | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN As the city of Geneva has grown and changed, so has the Strawflower Shop. The boutique has been serving the downtown area for almost 40 years. The Haas family, who own and operate the home accessories shop, have transformed their business over the years to meet the changing needs of the community.

“We have a vested interest in Geneva’s growth and development,” says Mike Haas, director of operations at The Strawflower Shop. “I think the growth of the community sent us in a direction to be able to help our clients decorate their home in many different styles.”

The shop was started by Susan Haas in 1978.

Originally, it mainly sold design-focused floral arrangements and a few gift items. The offerings slowly grew to encompass a wide array of home products, including area rugs, fine furniture, decorative items, jewelry, art and more. Her husband Mike began working with her in the shop shortly after they were married.

Today, the boutique is a one-stop shop for anything and everything home related. Along with home goods and accessories, the shop also offers in-house design services. The inhouse design services allows clients to bring an experienced Strawflower designer into their home to better incorporate the new, eclectic or current design of the home with the existing design. Though their inventory has expanded greatly, their buying philosophy has remained the same.

“The first thing we’re looking for when picking products for is quality and design,” says Haas.

“We look at quality first, and then we’re looking for design that fits the current trends that the market wants.”

He notes that their current products cover a variety of tastes, from farmhouse to modern.

Susan Haas is the director of buying for home accessories and the floral department, and 26 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

provides guidance on purchasing for the other departments. Mike Haas focuses on furniture and area rugs. Their daughter, Kelsey Haas, helps pick out products for all of the departments, with a focus on fashion accessories, home accessories, lamps and the latest trends for the interior market place. She also plays “mom” to the shop dog, Toews.

Mike Haas says each family member has their own taste, which helps bring in a diverse selection of products.

“I love watching this because Kelsey brings the youth taste in,” he says. “Combine this with my wife’s taste and, all of a sudden, we have a nice array of choices for our clients.”

The boutique has been housed in two previous locations in downtown Geneva. Its current location is in a spacious showroom on State Street. The lower level houses floral arrangements. All arrangements are completely customisable and can be redone in a variety of colors.

The first floor is dedicated to area rugs and furniture, with jewelry and home accessories displayed throughout. During the holidays, first floor is taken over by a display of Christmas products and décor. The mezzanine, which HOME & LIFESTYLE

overlooks the first floor, carries the shop’s large selection of lamps and mirrors.

The top floor is the interior design showroom. Two professional interior designers are available to consult with clients on projects big and small, from creating a customized sofa to redoing an entire home.

A recent collaboration will expand The Strawflower Shop’s design services. They are working with On Edge Design & Construction in St. Charles to offer custom Amish handmade doors, cabinetry and flooring.

“We’re a full-service interior design store,” says Haas. “We’ll now be able to design and manage any remodel projects from flooring and cabinets all the way to rugs, furniture, florals and art.”  THE STRAWFLOWER SHOP 210 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-7141 strawflowershop.com www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION ARCHITECT TIM NELSON BRINGS BEAUTY TO FUNCTIONALITY

By KELSEY O’CONNOR There’s one thing that all good architecture has in common: It takes time. That’s what architect Tim Nelson would advise homeowners looking to make renovations of any size.

“Often I think people underestimate the amount of time it takes from the beginning to the end of a project,” he says. “It depends on how fast people make decisions and how eager they are to get started.”

Nelson is the owner and president of his own architecture firm, Tim Nelson Architect Ltd., based in Geneva. He specializes in residential projects of all sizes, from adding on a porch to creating a brand new custom home.

Nelson’s role as an architect is to provide guidance to his clients and develop a design that will be both beautiful and functional. He’s available to help his clients every step of the way, including initial planning, evaluating contractors and visiting the construction site.

AFTER

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TIM NELSON ARCHITECT LTD. 421 James St., Geneva 630-397-5122 | timnelsonarchitect.com tim@timnelsonarchitect.com 28 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

An additional master suite is one of the most common projects that Nelson’s clients request. Often this means building additional rooms over a garage, where people tend to have extra space.

Another popular project is creating a more open floor plan between the kitchen and family room. Many clients also are opting for eat-in kitchens instead of formal dining rooms that only get used a few times a year.

In recent years, Nelson has seen more and more clients ask to swap out an old bathtub for a large shower. “Tubs aren’t as common as they once were,” says Nelson.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

Most of these projects require a similar process. Nelson always briefs his clients on the different steps and gives an estimated timeline upfront. The first phase is measuring, planning and design, where Nelson works with the clients to put their vision to paper.

“I like to have some creative input into the process, but – really – I’ve learned you have to work closely with the client and find out what they want,” says Nelson. “Their input is more important than mine in most cases.”

Nelson received his master’s degree in architecture 1999, but his passion for the field began long before that. “I never considered doing anything else,” he says. “Ever since I was a kid I was always interested in being an architect.”

Outside of work, Nelson is very active in the community. He volunteers with the Geneva Lion’s Club, Geneva Community Chest and the Geneva Beautification Committee. He also enjoys playing basketball, reading and working in his yard.

While most of his work is residential, some of his favorite projects are for the public to enjoy. He’s worked on Fiora’s restaurant in downtown Geneva and designed the outdoor fireplace that’s become a popular gathering spot on Third Street.

“It’s pretty satisfying in your own town to drive around and see things that you’ve drawn on paper and they’re coming to life,” says Nelson. “I think that’s probably one of the most rewarding things.”

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Family

THREAD ISAAC’S UPHOLSTERING IN GENEVA IS HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL

By ALLISON HORNE | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN It’s been 40 years since Isaac Chavez first started doing professional upholstery in his garage in Winfield. Today Isaac’s daughter, Yvette Cortes, is carrying out the same passion and love for the business that her parents did for decades.

Isaac’s Upholstery, now located at 830 E. State Street in Geneva, offers a slew of fabric options and ideas onsite for upholstering, cushions and pillows, drapery and bedding. There is also a workshop and showroom on site. Isaac’s services also include pick-up and delivery.

The whole business got started when Chavez taught himself how to upholster by working on the family’s furniture. It’s all Cortes has ever known. Now owner, she took over Isaac’s Upholstery two years ago after her mom, Sylvia, retired.

“I’ve seen my dad put in hours and years and seen him grow the business from the ground up,” Cortes says. “He started after he came home one day and decided to pursue his dream by challenging himself to become a skilled upholsterer.”

Running the business means keeping those traditions alive today, a passion apparent by simply speaking with Cortes.

“Interior design is something you can’t really be taught,” she says. “You have to have a natural eye and a passion for it, and I always had an advantage because I saw my mom and dad do those things when I was growing up.”

Although she proudly plans on keeping the family name alive, since her family stepped aside, Cortes has made a few business changes of her own. The latest Isaac’s innovation is that customers can go online and upload a photo for a free estimate.

And in 2013, she branched off and started Flourishing Finish, a vintage furniture rental, event design, interior design and custom furniture venture, but her main goal is to While Chavez’ design-savvy daughter was highlight Isaac’s name and carry on the family always around the business as a child, she officially began working full time for the business business in upholstering. To do so, Cortes recently purchased the building that Isaac’s after high school – before she received her Upholstering is housed in, noting that she’s there interior design degree from Robert Morris for the long haul. Cortes has also expanded the College.

“I take people’s ideas and their inspirations, and I try to bring them to life for them,” she says. “I guess that’s just my designer part of my brain.”

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

HOME & LIFESTYLE

storefront and added more furniture, rugs and custom-designed pieces that she created herself.

“I help the customers bring their vision for their furniture to life,” Cortes says. “I always see the potential to make something better. My goal is to assist my customers in achieving the same thing and meeting their expectations. It is extremely important for me to earn my customers trust and respect when they choose us to reinvest in a piece of furniture or choose us for their design needs. We are confident in providing customers with values, quality, and a source they can depend on for any future design needs.”

ISAAC’S CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY AND FURNITURE 830 E. State St., Geneva 630-208-9391 www.isaacsuph.com HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wed. -Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 29

New beginnings Design Essentials relocates to transform into boutique interior design studio and online retailer

By ALLISON HORNE | Photo by SANDRA J. ZMUDA From kitchens to custom upholstery, Design Essentials can turn a design dream into a reality.

clients’ unique personal vision into a stunning reality.”

After working for builders, at furniture showrooms and with designers for almost 20 years, owner and principal designer Rose Giliberto decided to put her experience and talent into her very own design studio.

Another exciting change Giliberto will be implementing is an online retail store.

The shop will feature unique accessories handpicked by Giliberto and her staff of designers. Giliberto also will be designing an upholstery line of furniture that will be sold through the online store, as well as the studio.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Giliberto created Design Essentials. The company opened in September 2008 in its current location on Third Street in downtown Geneva, but will be making a move to a new studio at 65 N. River Lane in Geneva.

The move was initiated to transform the company into a small boutique interior design studio, which will “enable the staff at Design Essentials to offer [customers] a more personalized experience with highly customizable design solutions tailored to reflect [one’s] personal needs, tastes and lifestyles,” Giliberto says.

As a full-service interior design firm, Design Essentials specializes in functional space planning, color consultation, lighting design, window treatments, bedding, custom architectural details, flooring, fabric and furniture selection, and material selection for homes.

“The Design Essentials studio houses an extensive sample selection of fabrics for upholstery, custom window treatments, custom bedding, as well as a broad selection of wall coverings,” Giliberto says.

Giliberto guarantees everyone will “find inspiration that precisely suits your personal style regardless of if you’re looking for a single piece or to furnish an entire home.”

She recognizes that each client is different and, therefore, starts her process with an initial consultation to listen to the needs and inspirations of each person.

“It’s not my style that’s important,” Giliberto says. “It’s about my clients’ style; their likes and dislikes and what they’re comfortable with. A well-trained designer should be capable of creating a masterpiece within all styles, form traditional to modern. It’s really about making my 30 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

In addition, the online shop will feature an interactive design studio, which will allow customers to customize and purchase their own window treatments without even leaving the comfort of their own home.

While Giliberto is making some moves and changes, keeping her customers happy, incorporating timeless design and continuing to be forward thinking are her main priorities.

Design Essentials 65 N. River Lane Geneva 630-444-2144 designessentialsco.com

“There are fabulous changes happening at Design Essentials as [we] progress onto bigger and better ways to help [clients’] interior design visions come to a reality,” Giliberto says.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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A LETTER AWAY FROM HEAVEN HIGH-END DESIGN STUDIO HAVEN INTERIORS BRINGS NEW STYLE TO DOWNTOWN GENEVA

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN

T

he minute customers walk into Haven Interiors, they say, “Wow, this is so different,” says Bridget Carroll, president of one of Geneva’s newest retail stores on Third Street.

“I explain to them, you can consider us a furniture store, because we’re stocking dealers so we’re as competitive as big box stores, but our focus is design,” says Carroll. “We like to do things a little more unique – a little more fashion forward – to give people a broader perspective of what’s out there.”

car dealership, and later, as a series of women’s clothing stores – with its concrete floors, high ceilings and atriums, all of which provided great aesthetics.

Having run out of retail space at their Milwaukee location, Sweet and the Carrolls decided to expand their business to Geneva – a decision that they’re happy they made.

“The town has an amazing energy,” Sweet says. “We have been so excited about every festival. Everyone in Geneva, businesses and residents alike, are so active. And the chamber Haven Interiors opened its doors at 15 S. Third St. is incredibly involved and supportive. Suffice it over Memorial Day weekend, but the business to say, we truly love Geneva.” is hardly new. Carroll and Donna Sweet, vice While the Geneva store has more retail inventory president and senior designer, started the – furniture, fabrics, accessories, art – than the original Haven Interiors in 2005 in Milwaukee Milwaukee studio, it’s still a high-end design and built a reputation as a full-service, high-end studio, Sweet says. design studio. “[Customers] can walk in and purchase a piece The duo and their team of designers have of art or a lamp, or if they want to sit down and worked with many clients for years, winning talk with a designer about layouts and space over each homeowner with stylistic furnishings planning, [they can do that],” Sweet says. that are as comfortable and practical as they are Already, Haven Interiors has made an impact on beautiful.

Geneva real estate.

However, earlier this year, Carroll and her Julie Matuck, an interior designer at the Geneva husband, Scott, were dining in downtown shop, recently helped a local couple live in their Geneva when they noticed the Third Street charming home in town. Space was a part of the storefront for lease. The couple fell in love with challenge, but Matuck made it both beautiful the 1920s two-story construct – first used as a 32 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

DID YOU KNOW? The original Milwaukee showroom for Haven Interiors was such a sanctuary for Bridget Carroll and Donna Sweet that they decided to incorporate that feeling into the name of their business.

They didn’t feel comfortable using the actual term “sanctuary” for a design studio but haven – just one letter away from spelling heaven – fit the bill perfectly.

and functional.

“We are finding” explains Matuck, “that many people are downsizing. Some smart space planning before determining where you can use your existing furniture and where something new is the better choice, can make a move so much easier. Our goal is always to make it wonderful, and make it yours.”

Initially, this couple struggled with a space that was serving multiple functions.

The kitchen, for example, was beautiful, but because it included a fireplace and sitting space, it needed to not only function as an eating area, but as a living room as well.

With the proper furniture scale and arrangement of furniture, Matuck created a natural flow that was comfortable and beautiful.

“I think one of our strengths is we are inspired by the challenges homes of all styles and sizes present,” Sweet says. “Customization makes so many dreams a reality.”

To learn more about Haven Interiors, visit www. haveninteriorsltd.com.

 HAVEN INTERIORS 15 S. Third St. | Geneva, IL 60134 630-402-0444 www.haveninteriorsltd.com www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

STAYING GROUNDED Carlson’s Flooring celebrates 50 years of success

By KEVIN DRULEY | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN By the very nature of its work, Carlson’s Flooring, 728 W. State St., Geneva, established a base when it opened in 1967.

Fifty years later, the second-generation family business hasn’t stopped scratching the surface when it comes to the people Carlson’s serves, making this year’s anniversary particularly golden.

“I think we’ve prided ourselves in customer service and putting ourselves in the customer’s shoes and servicing small situations as well as large situations,” says sales manager Lisa Carlson Nelson, who helps run the business alongside her brother, Greg Carlson. “We always try to bring the customer what they want, but we also realize that a lot of people have budgets, and we try to value engineers to get them what they’re wanting for their budget.”

Carlson’s provides various services, such as home and commercial flooring installation and design consultation. The company works with carpet and area rugs, hardwood and cork flooring, tile, stone and vinyl.

The company’s showroom offers examples of various work while providing a gateway to the brand of personal service to which Carlson’s strives to adhere. When providing a proposal, the company appreciates when customers offer room dimensions, photos, fabrics or paints.

A complimentary measure is available with flooring selections. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

“We have great craftsmen that have worked for us for a long time,” Nelson says.

To be sure, the company and industry have witnessed plenty of evolution since parents Don from Houzz as “Best of Customer Service” and Shirley Carlson founded the operation during as part of Houzz’s annual awards. Houzz is a the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration. website and online community having to do with “A lot of people are installing prefinished woods architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. in their home and stain-resistant carpet is very popular [and] pet-resistant carpet,” Nelson says.

“Along with luxury vinyl plank and tiles, they’ve kind of replaced sheet vinyl of the past.”

Nelson called the latter a cost-prohibitive move.

“We’ve got longtime dedicated people working for our business, and employees that have been here [and] installers that have been here for a while,” Nelson says. “We’ve developed a team.”

“So, the new vinyl planks and tiles are designed to go over existing floors, and they’re more waterproof and easier to install and handle,” she says.

To that end, Nelson says that the flooring world has become “more of a fashion industry” – a movement that hardly has hampered the company or its creativity.

Just take a look in the showroom for proof, whether in person or through a panoramic view available on the Carlson’s website.

“That’s probably what separates us also,” Nelson says. “We have staple type products, staple everyday goods, but we also have design-driven products in our showroom to make people’s projects unique.”

 CARLSON’S FLOORING 728 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-4964 www.carlsonsfloors.com HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Saturday

In January 2016, Carlson’s earned recognition HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 33

RENOVATION RESURGENCE MCDOWELL REMODELING EXPERIENCING ‘PENT-UP DEMAND’ FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS By JONATHAN BILYK

I

n recent months, Sue McDowell says she’s seen a lot of pent-up demand finally bubble to the surface.

“During those recession years, people were still remodeling a bit, here and there, utilizing ideas to make their homes more livable,” she says.

“But we’ve really seen people’s confidence come back, and now people are really getting back to investing in and improving their homes.”

For more than four decades, Sue and Bob McDowell – who, together, own McDowell Remodeling in St. Charles – have helped local homeowners turn the houses in which they live into homes they can love, redesigning kitchens, bathrooms, basements and more.

But, during the recession, Sue McDowell says, the desire of many people to remake their homes was held in check by restrained means amid uncertainty over their economic future. Those days, however, seem to be, at this point, merely bad memories, as economic conditions have largely revived.

And that restored confidence is being expressed in many different home-related investments.

“People had been limiting themselves to ‘need projects’ – replacing things that broke, fixing leaks, that sort of thing,” she says. “But now we’re seeing the ‘want projects’ coming back.”

And, outside of bathrooms or basement finishes, few things rank higher on the list of “want” remodels than a renovated kitchen.

34 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Full kitchen renovations are again accounting for an increasingly large share of McDowell Remodeling’s business, as homeowners seek to take advantage of the abundance of quality materials and high-tech wonders that can make modern kitchens downright luxurious and inviting, says Sue McDowell.

“We’re looking at clean lines, and an overall lighter, brighter appearance, with less clutter,” she says.

Desk areas in the kitchen, desired a few years back, are out; and, in their place, are cabinets, large drawers and even pantries in and effort to get items off the countertops and into easily accessible storage.

Many clients also are looking to change their countertops, swapping outdated styles for granite, quartz, marble and other high-quality materials.

“It’s still ‘gaining steam,’ if you will,” she says.

“But in most homes, it’s going to become the appliance you use more than any other. It’s really a great way to cook.”

However, for those looking to upgrade the kitchen without a complete redesign, Sue McDowell says that there are still great ways to get a better look and feel, while not draining your savings and piling up debt.

The place to start, she says, is with lighting and paint.

Many homes may feature only a single ceilingmounted light fixture in the kitchen, leaving the room feeling closed, dark and gloomy. So, a relatively simple switch to, perhaps, track lighting with some accompanying lighting under the cabinets and over tables and a peninsula countertop. Coupled with some new fresh paint and color on the walls, one can breathe instant life into any old kitchen.

“Granite is still extremely popular,” she says.

“And, I don’t know if it will ever go away, because From there, McDowell recommends – the best part – it’s even a lot more affordable homeowners consider adding tiled backsplashes now than it was.” or changing the hardware on cabinet doors and drawers. And one might even consider removing As for appliances, Sue McDowell says that some cabinetry to open up a room, if necessary, the demand remains strong for stainless steel to make way for still more light. finishes, with many homeowners willing to pay a premium for black stainless steel finishes to better complement their overall design. And particularly hot right now, she says, is the steam oven, which is rapidly replacing the microwave as the food-heating element of choice for many households.

HOME & LIFESTYLE

“It’s always amazing how simple it can be sometimes,” she says. “It can make a world of difference, and you may just step back and say, ‘Wow, I have a whole new kitchen.’”

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FURNACE FACTS The benefits of annual heating system inspections with TOM WANGLER

Furnace inspections should be an annual affair. In the long run, it can save a homeowner money and prolong the life of the heating system.

1. It will prolong the life of your heating system (good)

2. It will save a homeowner money on energy bills New or old, it’s important to keep a furnace in good (better) working order. It’s recommended that a homeown- 3. It will decrease health risks (best!) er schedule his or her annual furnace inspection in Your furnace is a lot like your car. If you ignore it, it the fall – from late September through Dec. 21. will break down, which will require more time and Ideally, furnace maintenance should be done money to restore it to good working order. If you before the cold Chicago winter tries to blast us into don’t maintain your car’s engine with regular oil hibernation. changes, for example, your car will die. It will never Schedule a time that works best to have a heating to be restored to life again, and you can forget about “good working order.” contractor inspect the furnace on – approximately – the same date every year. Then, just as you Failure to maintain your furnace annually will would an annual checkup with a medical doctor, increase monthly heating bills, too. When a furnace dentist or optometrist, schedule an appointment is neglected, it might not run efficiently. Meaning and keep it. The health of a furnace depends on that it must work harder to do its job to keep your consistent care. family warm. And that means higher energy bills.

One may ask, “Is an annual checkup for the furnace Yes, furnace maintenance decreases health risks. really that important,?” Good question. Yes, and for Your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide – three very good reasons. that colorless and odorless gas that causes head-

36 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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Trees and plants that paint the town in the fall with MEAGAN PROVENCHER

One of the reasons I love living in the Midwest is the changing seasons. Nothing is prettier than the oranges, reds and yellows of the trees and shrubs dotting the area’s landscapes in the fall.

For the shrub border, there are many interesting plants that have great color or even flowers in the fall. Black Chokeberry, Burning Bush, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Gro-Low Sumac and most Viburnum have dark red or burgundy leaves in the fall.

“Tiger Eyes” Sumac not only has bright yellow leaves all summer, but a showy collection of scarlet red and orange leaves in the fall. It’s quite a conversation piece during all seasons.

(It’s the big plant that you may be seeing around town in people’s yards looking spectacular this year.)

There are shade-loving Hydrangea, such as “Incrediball” with huge white flowers and “Invincibelle Spirit” with pink flowers (that don’t flop). I can hardly keep track of the new Hydrangea introductions, so there are many more I don’t have room to mention that have great flowers and fall color.

Common Witch Hazel has tiny orange and yellow flowers in October, followed by spectacular fall color.

Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), a deciduous Holly, has yellow fall color followed by deep red berries after the leaves drop. The berries are a welcome sight in the dead of winter.

Many shade trees have a stunning display of dark brown, red, burgundy and yellow. Of course, Maples are some of the favorites of fall. Sugar Maples have a blend of colors, Red Maples are red, and Norway Maples are gold.

Hydrangeas hold their flowers well into fall and early winter, and their tan heads look nice after a fresh snow.

If you have a smaller yard, try the “Regal Prince” Oak or the “Scarlet Sentinel” Red Maple – both are tall and narrow, yet cast nice shade and have beautiful red, orange and burgundy fall colors.

“Limelight” is one of the best sun-loving types.

38 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

One of my favorites, is the “Red Jewel” Crabapple, which has bright red fruit in the winter. New varieties of crabapple trees are not messy – the fruit is persistent into winter – and more resistant to Apple Scab, the fungal disease that makes them drop their leaves in summer.

“Whitespire” Birch is smaller than a River Birch and has smooth white bark and bright yellow fall color.

“Autumn Gold” Ginkgo has beautiful fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant gold during the fall season and float to the ground like feathers.

Since we always seem to have long winters, I’ve come to appreciate evergreens much more.

Whether you add a few Boxwood or Yews, or have room for Pines, Spruce or Fir, you’ll be glad you added some evergreen to the mix.

“Vanderwolf” Pine is a neat small specimen that reaches about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Its soft blue-green needles are gorgeous, and its smaller size is perfect for suburban yards.

Another great smaller conifer is “Fat Albert”

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Tag trees in our growing fields for planting later this fall.

PERENNIALS - Do some of your beds have color only in the spring?

Plant perennials that bloom in the summer or fall!

Spruce. This steely blue spruce only grows to about 15 feet tall. Plant breeders are developing smaller versions of the old favorites to fit in suburban settings. Also, there are plenty of “weirdo” evergreens that give unique and colorful accents to the winter landscape.

Try some of these unusual trees and shrubs to brighten up your fall landscape. You’ll be rewarded by other characteristics during the other seasons, as well. There are many more plants that put forth some glorious fall color, so, to be sure, wander around local forest preserves, neighborhoods and your friendly garden center for inspiration. ¢ Meagan Provencher is the Senior Landscape Designer for Wasco Nursery and Garden Center in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630584-4424 or design@ wasconursery.com.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 39

A NIGHT TO PAWS GALA FUNDRAISING EVENT

By Anderson Animal Shelter Featured Sponsor DePaw University Canine Campus

For over thirty years Anderson Animal Shelter’s Gala Dinner and Auction has been a tradition in the Fox Valley. The gala is the shelter’s premier fundraiser and each year celebrates the work that this nonprofit organization accomplishes in our community.

to the public. If you own a business, the shelter is currently searching for those who might be interested in sponsorship or advertising opportunities. Those who participate will receive a number of benefits depending upon the level of involvement. In addition to supporting a great cause, you will be able to establish and strengthen your brand recognition at both the dinner and auction, as well as in the shelter and community. The shelter’s gala is also a great way to entertain clients, employees and vendors.

A Night to Paws generates thousands of dollars that directly impacts the lives and futures of the animals in their care. The success of the shelter and this event is directly related to the support received from For more information on the event or to purchase individuals who attend as well as corporate supporters tickets visit http://www.events.org/2017ANighttoPaws and sponsors. or call (847) 697-2880 x25 The shelter has seen adoptions increase significantly over the past few years, along with humane education programs and community outreach events. You can find Anderson Animal Shelter almost every weekend out in the community showcasing adoptable pets or helping to spread the word of its mission. Events such as the gala are important fundraisers for the organization. The evening promises to be elegant and enjoyable while raising much needed funds to support the shelter’s mission.

You don’t want to miss out on this special event, for an equally special cause. Tickets are now on sale

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Fine dining finesse

FoxFire head chef K.C. Gulbro gives menu a makeover

By KELSEY O’CONNOR | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN

A

fter more than 20 years in the industry, K.C. Gulbro has worked his way up the restaurant industry ladder, from the bottom rung to the top. His latest role is as a co-owner at FoxFire in Geneva. And when the fine-dining spot needed a new head chef two years ago, he stepped up to fill that role, too.

Gulbro’s culinary training comes from working at the grill at a variety of establishments.

“I have a culinary background, but I was never in the kitchen here,” he says. “I’ve worked at a few different places in the kitchen and a few places as general manager. I was always cooking wherever I went.”

His first restaurant job was as a busboy and dishwasher at the now-closed Baker’s Square in Carol Stream. Over the years, Gulbro worked his way up the ranks at various restaurants in the Iowa City area. He moved back to Geneva in 2005 and began working with his father, and FoxFire founder, Curt Gulbro. mom’s favorites, so we cant get rid of them,” K.C. Gulbro says with a laugh.

Since taking over the kitchen, K.C. Gulbro has brought a fresh perspective to the Foxfire menu, with a focus on seasonality and fresh ingredients.

“We’ve been doing some revamping of the menu,” he says. “We’ve made a lot of strides in bringing in new flavors.”

That means doubling the size of the menu to offer new steak, seafood and pasta options.

One recent addition, The Curt, pays homage to Gulbro’s father. It’s a Cajun-crusted filet mignon served with avocado, wasabi yogurt and a teriyaki glaze, served alongside Asian-style Brussels sprouts.

Another new dish, The Bordone, is a nod to his

42 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Refreshing the menu has kept the chef plenty busy, but he still makes time to fulfill various duties outside the kitchen.

mother’s Italian heritage. It’s a 14-ounce prime New York strip steak with a garlic crust and fresh basil, served with a peperonata salad and roasted fingerling wedges.

While there are plenty of new options, many tried-and-true dishes are there to stay.

“There are some items that have been on there since we first opened. And some of them are my

DINING & ENTERTAINING

“I do everything from payroll, to purchasing, to cleaning the bathrooms,” says K.C. Gulbro. “It’s some long days and a lot of work, but it’s pretty rewarding.”

Fortunately, he has plenty of help. His father helps with billing, administrative tasks and manages the front of the house. Curt Gulbro greets every table and is the “face of Foxfire,” according to K.C. Gulbro. His brother, who works as a manager and jack-of-all trades, often mans

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“We’re a family place,” says K.C. Gulbro.

“People like to come here. We’ve got an open kitchen, so we get a lot of people that come up and say thank you and you can see they’re happy with their meal. That’s the most rewarding part.”

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 43

44 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Sustainable gastropub looks to hops and root vegetables for fall menu

By ELIZABETH CZAPSKI | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

If you think Hardware in North Aurora looks like someone raided a demolition site and artfully constructed a building from the raw materials, you wouldn’t be that far off – reclaimed building materials play a significant role in the young restaurant’s design.

The building’s look ultimately points to a larger theme: sustainability – the driving mindset behind everything Hardware does.

-Continued on page 46

DINING & ENTERTAINING

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 45

-Continued from page 45 Opened in June 2016, the gastropub is focused on reducing its carbon footprint with its own greenhouse, hop farm, micro-orchard and gardens, which employees water with reclaimed rainwater.

Alyse Marie Warren, Hardware’s executive chef, described the restaurant’s cuisine as “old school ideas about food done in a new way.”

Hardware’s menu changes with the seasons and, this fall, Warren anticipates tweaking current dishes to make them more appropriate for autumn, as well as removing lighter summer dishes. Her favorite fall ingredients are root vegetables like celery root, squash and beets.

In addition to its food menu, Hardware offers mixed drinks, wine, 350 kinds of Whiskey, and beer brewed under its own label, BBGB. That’s “It’s really about getting back to the nuts and where Brent Fiedor, Hardware’s brew master bolts of cooking,” she says. (and former executive chef), comes in. Fiedor Warren says that when it comes to designing the brews all of the BBGB beer and helped build menu, she takes inspiration from everywhere.

Hardware’s 1.5-acre hop farm in 2015, before the restaurant opened.

“When you’re a chef you kind of eat, sleep and dream about food, so you’re never sure exactly The goal for the hop farm, Fiedor says, is to be where [an idea] comes from,” she says. able to brew BBGB beer exclusively with hops grown on-site. This year’s harvest is the first one Lunch menu items include everything from Fiedor can use for brewing. Hops get better after grilled cheese with wood-grilled mushrooms a few harvests, so first-year hops are not of a and truffle cheddar to a Chicago-style hot dog high enough quality for brewing, Fiedor says. made in-house. Or try a charcuterie board with selections of cheeses and meats, some of which He anticipates that this autumn’s harvest will are also made in-house. yield about 200 pounds of hops; and – at full The dinner menu features options like 14-hour in- yield – they will harvest 2,000 pounds. Warren hopes to have a harvest celebration next year house smoked brisket barbecued in Hardware’s own coffee stout and served with rustic mashed where people can come and sample the hops, then return a year later – during the next harvest potatoes and corn relish.

– to drink a special beer made from those hops.

And who says that meat can’t be sweet? For BBGB beers are also branching out. Fiedor says dessert, sample whiskey-braised pork belly that they have entered beers into both the served with Luxardo red cherry ice cream and a Festival of Barrel Aged Beers in November and, reduction of dark brown sugar syrup.

46 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

this month, the Great American Beer Festival – the largest in the country – where they also will have a pouring booth.

The “whole idea of a gastropub,” Warren says, is that the food and the drinks complement one another.

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Power of one (hundred)

Charitable group 100 Women Who Care–Fox Valley demonstrates what it means to have strength in numbers

By KEVIN DRULEY

T

he charitable organization 100 Women Who Care–Fox Valley counts new members among its ranks at seemingly every quarterly meeting.

Theoni Limouris, who founded the local chapter alongside fellow Batavia resident Karen Hollis in 2015, doesn’t hesitate when theorizing about why.

“Definitely, I think that it’s the welcoming atmosphere that we have,” Limouris says. “I mean, I always want to make sure that people that come in know that they are welcome, and they have a friend, and nobody feels like they’re alone. Because it’s hard, you know, to walk into a room with a bunch of women that you don’t know. And that’s one point that we make, is that we’re just a very friendly group of people.”

-Photos provided

It was a colleague who alerted the then-Aurora Mayor, Tom Weisner, to the video for the suicide prevention center, Limouris says.

Shortly thereafter, Limouris’ contact at the center reported that Weisner had provided a grant that helped cover the center’s rent payments for one year.

Celebrating its second year as a chapter, 100 Women Who Care–Fox Valley has donated about $70,000 to various nonprofit organizations in the greater Fox Valley region. And organizers have no plans to slow the pace of goodwill.

Limouris and Hollis aim for innovation whenever the group chooses a new nonprofit to make a possible, and have been instrumental in donation to. Although it was built on the charity launching related “100” organizations for Fox of others, the organization nonetheless has Valley children and men, respectively. benefited from more discreet assistance, as well.

In April, officials from 100 Women Who Care–Fox As part of its donation to an Aurora-based Valley delivered the closing keynote address suicide prevention center, 100 Women Who Care at the 100 Alliance Conference in Chicago.

“The word is getting out more. The community published a video on its social media channels Limouris called the distinction humbling, and a is getting out there,” Limouris says. “Everyone displaying footage of the donation itself. hopeful sign the organization is continuing on its is so excited when they hear about what we’re mission.

The ritual soon became a staple each quarter, doing because the concept it’s such a simple with Limouris and friends brainstorming new and “That was really cool,” Limouris says. “For a concept, and it’s so easy, and people want to be creative ways to deliver donations in a surprise brand-new group to come in and tell them this is a part of it.” fashion. One video captured images of a flash how we do it and close the conference and give The concept does seem simple. According to its mob at Geneva’s Buttermilk restaurant during them a lot of ideas and feedback and energy to website, the mission of the group is aid in the peak hours. take back to their own chapters – that was really community by finding at least 100 women to a cool honor for us, as well.”

“These are by no means professional videos,” meet for 60 minutes (roughly) and contribute Limouris says. “They’re very raw and very $100 each, four times a year, resulting in a homemade. But they’ve resulted in people seeing $10,000 donation to a local charity. Each quarter, them.”

The organization’s first donation came in the amount of $4,000 to Mutual Ground, an Aurora center where members work to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse. Limouris says the most recent donation, to a different organization, totaled $11,000.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 47

LIFE AFTER LOSS

After family tragedy, Melinda Kintz turns focus on Make-A-Wish foundation, CHIP IN Batavia, United Way

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE | Photo by RON MCKINNEY She’s a wish granter. She’s a problem solver.

She’s a fund raiser. And, above all, she’s someone trying to make the community better one day at a time.

Melinda Kintz of Batavia turned a difficult chapter in her life into a new opportunity to be a part of something great by helping others and herself in the process.

In 2009, her eldest son, Alex, died after an 18-month battle with bone cancer. Alex was just 14. After he was diagnosed in 2007, Kintz made the quick decision to leave her job to care full time for her son and family. After his death, Kintz says that she saw herself at a crossroads.

“I needed some where to give my focus,” she says.

So, she turned her focus to volunteer work. She started small with Make-A-Wish of Illinois, a nonprofit that grants a wish to children facing life-threatening medical conditions. She had worked with the organizations during her son’s battle with cancer, though he wasn’t able to completely fulfill his wish of meeting actor Steve Carell.

“He didn’t get to meet him, but Steve Carell did call and talk to him,” Kintz says. “I was so impacted by Make-A-Wish I thought I could help somebody else.”

And help she has. She and her friends, who are also part of the organization, have granted 40 wishes in six years. Kintz says she enjoys her role, meeting and talking with the children and their families, uncovering a wish and working as a liaison for the family, as staff from the foundation make the connections to fulfill each wish.

“It’s nice to be able to bring them so much joy,” Kintz says.

48 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Kintz says that she and her family were overwhelmed with the outreach and support they received during the time of Alex’s illness.

Friends and neighbors wanted to help by offering meals for their family, fundraising for Relay for Life and lending a hand where they could. The experience opened her eyes to the generosity of the community, as well as the role of being someone in need.

“No one wants to need things,” she says. “It’s a lot easier to give than to take.”

Perhaps that is why she feels so passionately about her roles with CHIP IN Batavia, which assists homeless students and their families in the community. Through liaisons with the school district, CHIP IN volunteers collaborate to provide basic necessities, support and programming. Kintz co-created the organization with longtime friend, Joann Spitz.

“Melinda is so creative,” Spitz says. “She learned to use her grief to help people.”

Kintz soon found one volunteer role would lead to another opportunity to help in the community.

Then, three years ago, she accepted the position of executive director for the Batavia United Way. The role has been the perfect fit, allowing Kintz to merge her community connections with the strength and support of the United Way. She has the ability to be creative with fundraising and programming, while also providing outreach and support.

The Batavia United Way’s annual “adopt-afamily” program, which takes place during the holidays, has been a successful way to help neighbors in need and has been enhanced through partnerships with other community organizations.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

And, Oct. 28, Kintz is looking forward to the annual Batavia United Way 5K/10K, a popular event that also serves as an important fundraiser with its community pancake breakfast.

Kintz says she considers herself blessed to be able to serve her community and support others, and that taking time to give back can be easier than one might think.

“It can be as little as a few hours, but those couple of hours spent out there can really make somebody’s day,” she says.

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everal years ago, Kane County Magazine began a tradition of honoring women who have offered their talents to the community.

COURAGEOUS, COMPASSIONATE AND COMMITTED

Introducing the 2017-18 Women of Distinction

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE Photos by RON MCKINNEY

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

business professionals and our own readership. And, through this process, we discover that our communities are full of inspiring women.

They have created nonprofit organizations, commanded local advisory boards, participated in volunteer opportunities outside of their own workplaces and, most of all, continue to lead by example.

Each year, we solicit nominations from community leaders, local

This month, we continue the tradition with Kane County Magazine’s Women of Distinction class of 2017-18.

We’re introducing our honorees in this issue, paying tribute to them at an event Oct. 11, and – in each month that follows – we will tell the complete story of every one of these outstanding local ladies.

-Continued on page 52 BUSINESS & CIVIC

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 51

MARY O’CONNOR MARY O’CONNOR AND COMPANY

CYNTHIA WADE DO-OVER.ME

After a long career in marketing, and serving as a former manager for a church-based education program, Cynthia Wade of Geneva found herself at a crossroad. She was facing a health issue and was unemployed at an age that employers might consider less than optimal. She could have easily decided it was time to retire, but – instead – she reinvented herself, and carved a new career path that led to helping countless other people.

Wade is the founder of Do-over.me, a nonprofit career and community center that provides support to those who are unemployed, under employed or looking to make career changes. Since its launch in 2014, the organization has impacted more than 300 people, and it has connected many more via partnerships with other local nonprofits and organizations through which the company has offered free workshops on topics such as resume writing and interviewing skills.

Throughout her life, Wade has always been someone to step up to spearhead a committee or take charge of an event. In creating Do-over.me, Wade utilized her skills in marketing, leadership and teaching. She inspires volunteers to share their talents and is encouraging to everyone she meets.

For many, Mary O’Connor is a role model.

She demonstrates that both in business and through philanthropic efforts one person can impact many.

As an event planner for more than 25 years, O’Connor has helped others to enjoy special occasions and celebrations. Her St. Charlesbased business, Mary O’Connor and Company works with organizations and businesses, from small groups to Fortune 500 firms.

She and her team are able to offer creative solutions for meetings and events, and handle logistics and provide support, from the planning stages to hosting the event.

As a mid-sized company, O’Connor uses her business to help others by supporting local charities with donations and by offering her time as a volunteer. Each year, her business hosts a holiday celebration for a local group of adults with developmental disabilities.

She loves her community and makes a point to support other small businesses, too.

Additionally, O’Connor often mentors others, from interns to business associates. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and social responsibility. Her leadership helps her to stand out, whether she is at work, lending her time or serving others.

COLDWELL BANKER

Whether her clients are searching for their dream home or saying farewell to the community they love, Debora McKay of St. Charles is ready to work hard and find answers to their real estate needs.

McKay is recognized as one of the top agents in the Chicago area and is highly regarded with her brokerage firm, Coldwell Banker. She earns honors as a top producer and has been recognized for having sold some of the most expensive homes in St. Charles. She has more than 20 years of experience in residential real estate.

Along with the accolades, McKay offers a kindness and easy-to-work with demeanor.

As a longtime resident of St. Charles, McKay offers an intimate knowledge of the community.

As a professional, she inspires others. Her leadership has allowed her to build a strong team of professional Realtors – The McKay group.

At the helm, she instills a high level of integrity and professionalism. McKay is known for her commitment to customer service. She works to guide her team, which happens to include her two daughters and son-in-law.

She is a strong role model, and one that demonstrates that success is achievable through hard work and compassion.

While she has faced challenges, Wade tackles each event with determination and perseverance aimed at helping those around her do the same.

52 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DEBORA MCKAY

BUSINESS & CIVIC

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SHARON SCHMIDT CULTURAL CONNECTION

THEONI LIMOURIS FOX VALLEY CHAPTER OF 100 WOMEN WHO CARE

When it comes to community, Theoni Limouris knows that a small number of people can create big change.

Limouris is the co-founder of the Fox Valley chapter of 100 Women Who Care. In 2015, she helped establish the local chapter of the philanthropic women’s group dedicated to making an impact in the community through monetary donations. In 2016, the group collected $11,000 to support local groups in the Kane County area.

The success of the group prompted Limouris to launch 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley this year. The children, ages 7 through 17, will work together on community service projects.

Limouris is excited to work with children, as she spent a number of years as a preschool teacher, as well as a director of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church preschool in Elgin.

Through her own work within the community, Limouris saw firsthand the impact of helping nonprofit organizations. She worked with Cal’s Angels, a pediatric cancer organization that supports families, which spurred her to accept a position on the executive board.

Sharon Schmidt’s eye for art makes her an invaluable member of the community, as she shines a light on the local landscape of talent, helping hardworking artists receive recognition.

Schmidt established Cultural Connection, a local art consulting business dedicated to expanding art appreciation and recognition in the Fox Valley community. Whether she is searching for a specific piece of art to meet a client’s needs or creating a non-traditional gallery setting, she continually uses her artistic sensibility to find artists and helps bring their work to the forefront.

Through the years, she has spent time serving on boards and has coordinated art festivals, fairs and exhibits. She is known for her dedication to the arts and her tireless energy geared toward supporting local artists.

No matter the task, Schmidt demonstrates leadership qualities and her work to promote the arts is ceaseless.

Schmidt brings artists and art appreciators together while increasing the opportunities for artists in the community. Her hard work and success is visible through the countless local art programs in which she has played a part.

BLOGGER AND GENEVA ALDERWOMAN

As a journalist, Geneva resident Tara Burghart covered an array of subjects, from news to features.

Today, she takes years of experience in writing, researching and asking questions to serving thousands of readers through her popular blog and website Go West Young Mom. The site features interviews with local families, stories about events and activities, and an endless events calendar aimed at helping families enjoy their time together through community exploration.

Through the blog, Burghart is able to keep her writing and editing skills sharp. She also has managed to find the time to share her writing skills with the next generation by being a volunteer leader for an elementary school journalism club, where she encourages young writers to explore their talents.

As a Geneva alderwoman, her passion for the community is evident. She uses her journalism skills to understand all sides of an issue, listens with an open-mind and promotes communication among residents, business owners and her fellow city council members.

In her blog, and in the community, Burghart serves as a positive role model.

Her experiences allow her to serve the community by bringing out the best in others.

For her next fundraising challenge, Limouris will run the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 9, which she is using as an opportunity to raise money for a good cause.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

TARA BURGHART

BUSINESS & CIVIC

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 53

ESTHER ROBY

ALL CHOCOLATE KITCHEN AND PRIMO

HALLE COX

DIRECTOR, KANE COUNTY LAW LIBRARY AND SELF HELP LEGAL CENTER Batavia resident Halle Cox has dedicated her career to educating the public. She returned to the Kane County area after completing a master’s degree in library and information studies (with a specialization in law) in the early ’90s, and she has dedicated herself to helping others find the information they seek.

She is a staff member of the St. Charles Public Library, where she is a valued employee, as she always welcomes patrons in a kind manner.

For roughly 20 years, she has served in various law associations, on boards and in committees, including serving as secretary and as a president of the Kane County Bar Foundation.

As a strong leader who seeks unique collaborative opportunities and community partnerships, Cox is committed to helping others.

Educated in the arts, Esther Roby has found a sweet spot in downtown Geneva where she helps operate All Chocolate Kitchen and PRIMO with her husband, and renowned chocolate artist, Alain Roby.

Esther Roby helps manage the business and its many community partnerships, from working with charitable organizations to helping coordinate a local 5K race – the Ooh La La Chocolate 5K – to benefit St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

Esther Roby demonstrates a passion for the local community and a commitment to bringing joy through art and food.

At a young age, Esther Roby followed her passion for the arts to the University of Rome in Italy where she studied at the College of Architecture. Her work spans a variety of media, and she has even done work for the NFL. Whether dedicating time to the arts, the business or philanthropic needs, Esther Roby enjoys spreading joy to others.

VOLUNTEER

Through her positive spirit and enthusiastic sense of volunteerism, Karen Schock is someone who continually works hard to make the community better. Time and again, Schock’s passion for the arts, history and literature has led her down a path of service and volunteerism.

A love of music led her to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, where she served as chairwoman of the board. Schock also was a founding coordinator of the Gale Borden Library Foundation Book Sale, which supports the library’s projects and programs.

She has served with the Elgin Heritage Commission and, during her term, worked to pass the Historic Preservation Ordinance. She also has been a docent for the Gifford Park Housewalk.

She makes time to help younger members of the community, serving with the Boys and Girls Club of American. She also is a founding member of the Elgin Charter School initiative.

Her resume for community involvement is impressive. As a strong leader and dedicated volunteer Schock is leaving a lasting impact on the community, history she strives to preserve.

In fact, she passionately dedicates herself to equal access to justice and sees projects through to completion.

It is in her commitment and dedication that others see her as a mentor.

54 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

KAREN SCHOCK

BUSINESS & CIVIC

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

The Glass-Half-Full Guy:

WHY I LEFT HOME TO FIND IT

By PETER STADALSKY

I remember standing on a cobblestone street in Switzerland looking into a restaurant packed full of friends laughing over wine and bread. It dawned on me that every one of them had a home to return to after their night out. I looked down at the tent strapped to my bicycle knowing that I had no guaranteed place to go that night.

There is a dichotomy in travel. A rhythm of missing what is so familiar at home and the thrill that awaits in the mysterious.

FEELING STUCK When I was a kid I dreamt of venturing off and exploring the world. My favorite stories in history were of Lewis and Clark and Magellan. After high school, roaming the world seemed unrealistic when faced with the “normal” societal progression of life: college, job, house.

Within a few years, I realized I would have to create my own equation lest I be trapped in the cycle that allows a meager two weeks of vacation time a year. That simply wouldn’t suffice for me. So, the planning and research began. And I figured out how to leave home for months at a time and still be able to circle back in time to resume where I left off.

LEAVING HOME It’s very difficult to pack up and leave a life of routine, but that is the essence of travel.

Breaking up the monotony of everyday life is one the biggest draws for travelers. But it’s scary to leave everything behind and take a risk by stepping into the unknown. Making the ultimate decision to leave that familiar life behind is what prevents some people from taking extended trips. I’ve never regretted any of the trips I’ve taken, only the ones I didn’t take.

It just takes a little push and prep to step out of the nest for a while.

56 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

RETURNING HOME

CAN ANYWHERE BE HOME?

Equally as difficult is returning home after months or years in transit. Each time I land back into my typical life, there is a process of reinventing myself. When I left home, I developed a certain identity, and by the time I returned – months later – a new identity had emerged. This process has forced me to look a little deeper as a person, beyond titles, occupations and locations.

I’ve had to invent and destroy myself many times to see what has remained through it all.

Everything that is left through these upheavals has revealed who I am and where home is.

After working through the emotions of missing home on the road, I broke through an interesting wall. At some point, I ended up not caring if I ever returned back to my place of origin. I could see myself finding happiness anywhere I lived.

Any place could become “home” if I was open enough to it. Home isn’t necessarily where we live, but how we live, and whom is there with us.

TRAVEL

I suspect that someone could learn to love a place they despise by changing their perception instead of their location. It’s funny that I’ve realized this by changing my location, but it has helped me appreciate my “original home” to a new degree. www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

FALL . . . Time for a New Outlook!

“I’ve had to invent and destroy myself many times to see what has remained through it all.

Everything that is left through these upheavals has revealed who I am and where home is.”

Hide & Sleek Men’s Antique Finish Nappa Lamb Leather Snap - up Car Coat

– Peter Stadalsky, Aurora resident and adventurer

WHAT IS HOME? Having more than 500 days of travel under the soles of my feet has given me the time to contemplate the notion of home.

Sometimes it was video chatting my parents from the balcony of a stranger’s apartment above a Spaghetti House.

Another time home was a hug from a Swiss painter who wanted us to feel welcome.

One rainy night, it was an old soggy almond croissant inside a leaky tent. And, when I am back to my origins, it’s tossing food on the grill with my family.

A house is a structure in which we live for shelter. Home is something on the inside that everyone gets to decide for themselves. For some, it’s knowing everybody in their small town and for other’s, like myself, it’s in every corner of the world I search.

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

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 57

Wicked good fun

Celebrate the ‘season of scary’ with cemetery tours and ghost walks

By KEVIN DRULEY

Do you believe in spooks? Or, perhaps, you might Donna Latham, who authored the book “Ghosts prefer calling them ghosts, ghouls or apparitions. of the Fox River Valley,” will serve as guide of At any rate, it’s the “season of scary,” when there the ghost tours, which meet at the Geneva History Museum (rain or shine). Ghost tours just happens to be a heightened interest in the are limited to 30 participants for each tour. paranormal. Halloween is nigh, but a handful For bookings, call 630-232-4951 or call www. of events in the greater Fox Valley region allow genevahistorymuseum.org/cemeterywalks. revelers to get in the spirit even before Oct. 31.

Boo you scare easily? Check out one of these upcoming ghost tours, cemetery tours or other related programs to find out.  GENEVA HISTORY MUSEUM CEMETERY WALKS AND GHOST WALKS Geneva cemetery walks will take place at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at West Side Cemetery; and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ghost walks will be at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Oct. 29 The West Side Cemetery tour is set to feature the burial places of such Geneva luminaries as the Herrington family, which founded the city. Former police chief Ruben Anderson is among those interred at Oak Hill Cemetery.

 SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF HAUNTED SITES IN ST. CHARLES According to the website www.hauntedplaces. org, St. Charles contains at least two haunted buildings. The entry for the Arcada Theater, built in the late 1920s, is “haunted by disembodied voices that waft from the balcony throughout the rest of the building and sometimes has a phantom odd odor and unexplained cold pockets.”

If the place is indeed haunted, those ghosts certainly have witnessed a bevy of free entertainment through the years.

Haunted Places also offers the adjacent Hotel Baker as a haunted site.

“Moaning sounds come from the sixth floor

storage area, which used to be used as housing for employees,” the website states. “Folks say in the 1970s, a hotel chambermaid who was left at the altar committed suicide by drowning herself in nearby Fox River.”  DOWNTOWN AURORA GHOST WALK TOUR There are guided ghost tours available on more than half of the October calendar in downtown Aurora. Tours meet at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month and at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday (excluding Oct. 5). Tours also are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31.

Meet outside Two Brothers Roundhouse on Broadway Ave in downtown Aurora. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 8 to 13. Visit www.hauntedhometowns.com/ HistoricGhostToursAurora.html, call 630-9787033 or email tickets@hauntedhometowns.com for more information.  NIGHTMARE ON CHICAGO STREET Elgin implores anyone able to help fend off a

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swarm of zombies that are planning to invade the town on Oct. 21. Participants will meet at the safe zone on Chicago Street in downtown Elgin. Enter through gates at Spring Street, Douglas Avenue, Grove Avenue or Fulton Street. Food and drink vendors will be on hand for this would-be Zombie Apocalypse, along with bands and special guests, including Chicago horror movie icon Svengoolie. Visit www. nightmareonchicagostreet.comor the Nightmare on Chicago Street Facebook page for ticket information.  TALES TOMBSTONES TELL At press time, the West Chicago City Museum had not released information for its annual Tales Tombstones Tell cemetery walk, which turned 25 in 2014.

The tour traditionally has not focused on ghost stories, but includes historical lessons shared by candlelight. Visit www. westchicago.org

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OUT & ABOUT

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 59

EMBRACE THE CHANGE (in seasons!)

Autumn fun abounds with St. Charles Park District programs, projects As seasons go, fall is always a fan favorite. With foliage afire in crimson colors and the smell of bon fires, autumn is a feast for the senses.

Whether it’s a leisurely walk through golden fields or a brisk bike ride down riverside trails, fall at the St. Charles Park District is a time of inviting colors and invigorating changes.

“Fall is just such a great time for all ages to get outdoors and enjoy nature,” says Erika Young, public relations and marketing manager for the park district. “We’re lucky to have so many places to enjoy the change of seasons and ways to explore our natural areas.”

Nestle under a cozy blanket and marvel at the harvest moon during evening hayrides at Primrose Farm. Look for delicate asters that shimmer like purple amethysts or goldenrod that is the color of liquid honey as they pop up throughout the Native Plant Demonstration Garden behind Pottawatomie Community

Center. Keep track of maple and oak leaves as they morph from green to orange and red while walking along the paths through Delnor Woods Park. Feel the downy softness of native grass seed heads in the prairies at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

From spur-of-the-moment nature hikes to markyour-calendar educational classes, fall fanatics can find plenty of opportunities for both learning and leisure in this season of change. With the holidays just around the corner, a do-it-yourself candle-making class with Primrose Farm staff is perfect for anyone who gets nostalgic about home-crafted gifts.

Or maybe enjoying fall is as basic as bundling up for an afternoon stroll. The boardwalk and cleared trails at Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve meander through floodplain forest and restored prairie, while the preserve’s wetland fen abounds with rare plants that are a feast for the

eyes. And, while Mother Nature may be at her best in this season of delights, she doesn’t pull it off without a helping hand or two. From school groups and Scout troops to business teambuilding exercises and families who enjoy doing things together, many volunteer hands help lighten the workload for park district staff.

“Fall is such a beautiful time of year that we want to do everything we can to help make things look their best,” says Lara Piner, volunteer coordinator. Piner appreciates the assistance of church groups, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, individuals and families who want to pitch in to keep things looking picture perfect.

“We always can use seasonal help,” says Piner.

“It may be something as simple as working along an area of shoreline to pick up trash or tidy up garden beds around buildings and parking lots.

We’re grateful for the generous help we get and it all goes to making our parks welcoming and beautiful.”

“Volunteers in Action” is a rallying cry for fall at the park district as local participation in nationwide public service efforts – such as “Make a Difference Day” and weekly Saturday morning ongoing restoration projects at the natural areas at Hickory Knolls, Norris Woods, Ferson Creek Fen and Persimmon Woods – is utilized.

“We have great volunteers who come out on

For more information on volunteer activities, contact Lara Piner at 630-513-4330 or Denis Kania at 630-513-4367.

60 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

OUT & ABOUT

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

FAM ILY

NEW!

.C

HA R L

Pottawatomie Community Center 8 North Avenue • St. Charles • 630-513-6200

SINCE 1911

R

K

stcparks.org/register

CT

PA

“That’s what makes it the most fun for people,” says Kania.

Old and young will enjoy this family favorite, complete with beverages, popcorn and prizes! Each registered participant will receive one card.

Additional cards are available for purchase onsite for $1 per card.

Resident $5 • Nonresident $8 per person (#14049) ES

And sometimes it is the smallest activity that can reap the biggest rewards. Seed collecting is the most common volunteer project, an outing that Kania likens to a treasure hunt.

DISTR

I

The project concentrates on native plants, such as Joe-Pye weed, zigzag goldenrod, monarda, cup plant and wild quinine, and seed collecting can be an ideal family activity. With their small and nimble hands, children are especially adept at gathering seeds, which will be used to restore areas that have been disturbed by erosion or heavy traffic. Older family members can take part in the equally important task of clearing away invasive plants, such as buckthorn.

Whether it’s helping keep the community beautiful through volunteer activities or just getting out and enjoying the beauty of the season, there’s sure to be a time and place to enjoy fall to its fullest at the St. Charles Park District.

Get involved  Seed Harvesting Day will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7, at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park in St. Charles.  Make a Difference Day will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 28, at Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

T H G I N

Friday • November 17 • 6-8:30pm pm ST

their own to help on these weekend work days, as well as large groups who help with more involved projects at specific times,” says Denis Kania, manager of Natural Areas.

Corporations such as OMRON Automotive Electronics and Clarke – a St. Charlesbased environmental products and services company – often host an “employee day of service” that can involve brush-cutting at Norris Woods or planting plugs of native plants at Mount St. Mary Park.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 61

Book Nook

FEEL AT HOME WITH THESE READS

By ALLISON MANLEY

Home can be a source of stress as much as it can be a source of comfort. Between the things we keep in our homes and the people we invite into them, our homes have as much room for love as they do for anxiety. Check out these tales of how the relationships we have with our homes can affect us in different ways.  ‘GOODBYE, THINGS: THE NEW JAPANESE MINIMALISM’

By Fumio Sasaki In “Goodbye, Things,” Fumio Sasaki writes about his experience removing all types of clutter – physical and mental – in his guide/self-help book. A regular guy working as an editor in Japan, Sasaki decided one day to do a mass cleanout of his home, drastically cutting down on clothes, furniture, entertainment, art, things he bought for his hobbies, knick knacks and appliances until only 5 percent of his stuff was left.

Unlike other home-cleanup books, Sasaki really makes himself vulnerable, sharing the secret fears that caused him to clutter his home with possessions that masked his insecurities. He shows from his personal experience that when he downsized his possessions, his home was cleaner and better decorated, he lost weight and got healthier, and his relationships with others improved.

The book itself is well-organized, and – in the mix of pictures, lists and minimalist anecdotes – offers an elegant argument that keeping a minimalist home is more likely to cause you to be happier than have you missing the items you gave up.

62 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

 ‘THE GRIP OF IT’

By Jac Jemc “The Grip of It” starts with all of the hallmarks of a classic haunted house tale. James and Julie, a young couple originally from the city, move to the edge of a scenic small town.

Soon, nosy locals provide vague comments on the house’s dark history, the realtor who showed the home disappears and the couple experiences various frights – such as waking up with mysterious bruises and finding creepy drawings on the walls without any clue as to how they got there.

Jemc’s novel differentiates itself from others like it by the natural way that James and Julie’s relationship devolves into a paranoid chaos.

The unresolved resentment they feel toward each other boils over, and we get just the right amount of the couple’s history mixed with the current horrors. The two of them question the decisions (and people) that led them to buy the new home and, with each new turn of terror, the distrust and fear grows until the book’s inevitable final act.

reading her daughter Alia’s fortune in coffee grounds, then ending in 2014 with Salma’s great-granddaughter, the book works through the different generations as they adjust to the wars between countries and within their own homes.

The characters we see the most are Alia and Souad. Alia, whose passion for family and tradition clashes with the lifestyle choices of Souad, her cosmopolitan – but subversive – daughter who prefers to live abroad rather than keep with her family’s traditions. One recurring theme is the relationship the characters have with home when they’re constantly pressured or forced to pack up their lives to leave for other cities.

As members of the family marry, have children, and try to raise those children in their own image (with varying results), Alyan’s story feels deeply personal and real.

 ‘SALT HOUSES’

By Hala Alyan Expansive and sentimental, Hala Alyan’s debut novel “Salt Houses” moves through three continents over fifty years as it follows the Yacoubs, a Palestinian family experiencing change on a global scale. Starting in 1963 with matriarch Salma OUT & ABOUT

Allison Manley was born in Georgia and raised in Island Lake. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. She loves opera, craft beer, and (of course!) reading.

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

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64 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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OUT & ABOUT

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

Jason Parthun, deputy fire chief at the East Dundee Fire Protection District

Jessica Isaacson, executive director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Danielle Hollis, executive director of Water Street Studios

Alex Hoffer, vice president of sales and operations at Hoffer Plastics

Austin Dempsey, CEO of BEI Properties

Rich Kitick, financial adviser with OnPath Financial

Kevin Phillips, a financial adviser at Savant Capital Management

Adam Vorin, chief operating officer and chief information officer of Abbey Farms

John Webb, owner of Just for Paws Pet Salon and Boutique

Toya Webb, chief marketing and communications officer at Elgin Community College

GAME CHANGERS

Best Under 40 honorees celebrated at Royal Fox Country Club

By ZACHARY VAN VUREN | Photos by KAREN NAESS

www.kcchronicle.com/magazine

SOCIAL ST. CHARLES – The 11 members of the Kane County Chronicle Best Under 40 Class of 2017 come from a lot of different professions – ranging from farmers to financial planners – but what is certain is that each improves his or her local community and is glad to do so. Best Under 40

OUT & ABOUT

Life

honors professionals in Kane County younger than age 40 who have made significant contributions to their profession, company and community. An award ceremony celebrating the honorable 11 took place Sept. 20 at Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2017 | 65

CALENDAR OCTOBER 2017

BATAVIA OKTOBERFEST WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7 WHERE: North River Street, Batavia The Batavia Oktoberfest will feature authentic German food, music, stein-hoisting contests, a German spelling bee, dirndl and lederhosen contest, yodeling, live entertainment and beer.

For more information, visit downtownbatavia. com/oktoberfest.

SCARECROW FEST WHEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 WHERE: Downtown St. Charles The 32nd annual Scarecrow Fest is a familyfriendly event that will feature more than 100 handcrafted Scarecrows on display, a juried craft show, carnival, food, live entertainment and many free children’s activities. For more information, visit www.scarecrowfest.com.

MYSTERY HISTORY FOOD CRAWL WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 WHERE: St. Charles History Museum 215 E. Main St., St. Charles The St. Charles History Museum and the St. Charles Park District will host the Mystery

the

History Pub Crawl for adults, ages 18 and older.

During the event, participants will explore downtown eateries and discover the ties that St. Charles has to U.S. History. There will be food and trivia fun at each stop. For more information, visit www.stcmuseum.org.

FALL FOX VALLEY ANTIQUE SHOW AND SALE WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 WHERE: Kane County Fairgrounds 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles

DOGFEST WALK ‘N ROLL WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 WHERE: Pottawatomie Park 8 North Ave., St. Charles

The 43rd annual Fall Fox Valley Antique Show and Sale will feature items from about 55 dealers from 14 states. The indoor exhibition also will feature a catered lunch. Parking is free and admission is $10. For more information, visit www.csada.com.

DogFest Walk ‘N Roll is a dog-friendly walk and festival, benefiting Canine Companions for Independence which provides highly-trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities free of charge. Registration is free. For more information, visit www.cci.org/dogfestillinois.

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS – CHICAGO WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 WHERE: Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles For the Love of Books and Chicago will create a more intimate setting for authors to have more time with their fans and for readers to discover authors they haven’t read yet. The event also will feature a Friday night mixer and a Saturday night mixer with entertainment, food and drinks. For more information, visit fortheloveofbooksauthorevents.com.

Mention you saw this ad in the KC Magazine and receive 10% off through the end of October 2017.

Loose Leaf Tea Gourmet Olive Oil Balsamic Vinegar Fresh Spices Essential Oils

29 N. River Street Batavia, IL 630-425-3340

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Let The Salt Escape be your first stop on your night out!

There are many great places for dinners and drinks within walking distance from our cave!

Private sessions are available for groups of 6 or more and are at a discounted rate!

Stop in today and see why people make us their ďŹ rst stop of their night out!

GALLERY OF GHOULISH HOMES TOUR WHEN: Dusk (for best viewing), Friday, Oct. 20, through Tuesday, Oct. 31 WHERE: St. Charles-area homes Pack the family in the car for an evening drive to see some of the spookiest houses in the St. Charles community. A complete list of home entries will be available online on preview night. Homes are best viewed at dusk. For more information, visit www.stcparks.org.

MARS 2020: DR. MOO COOPER OF JET PROPULSION LAB WHEN: 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 WHERE: Fermilab Pine Street and Kirk Road, Batavia Fermilab will host a lecture featuring Moogega Cooper of Jet Propulsion Laboratory for “Mars 2020 and the Importance of Planetary Protection.� Cooper will discuss NASA’s Mars 2020 rover mission, which is designed to investigate key questions related to the habitability of Mars. She’ll describe planetary protection and why it is an important aspect of space exploration. Tickets are required and cost $7 a person. For more information, visit 50.fnal. gov.

COUGARS WITCHCRAFT BEER FEST WHEN: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 WHERE: Fifth Third Bank 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva The Cougars Halloween WitchCRAFT Beer Fest, presented by The PRIDE Stores, is returning for its third year. With a ticket, attendees will receive a souvenir beer glass and 18 samples.

The event is for adults, ages 21 and older only.

The ballpark also will have specialty food trucks, including Toasty Cheese, Toasty Taco and Best Truckin’ BBQ, in addition to mood music and Halloween movies on the video board. This is a Halloween event, so costumes are welcome.

There will be costume contests, include “most unique,� “scariest� and “best couples.� Tickets cost $45 in advance and $55 the day of the event. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

9 N. River Street, Batavia, IL • 630-708-SALT • www.thesaltescape.com 66 | OCTOBER 2017 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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