KC Magazine_October_2019

OCTOBER 2019

AWESOME ADDITIONS

TO EXTEND YOUR SPACE PAGE 10

WHAT'S SELLING

IN THE TRI-CITIES PAGE 14

INGENUITY BUILDS UNEXPECTED HOME DESIGNS

ISSUE

PAGE 8

BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT MARKS 50 YEARS

PLUS+

PAGE 30

FASHION’S GONE WILD WITH BOLD PRINTS AND FAB FALL COLOR | PAGE 38 KCMag Oct 2019.indd 1

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Move in and make memories at Cooper Woods

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Schedule a private viewing of our AVAILABLE Builder’s Model. For sale!

• Close to downtown restaurants and shopping • Adjacent to Geneva Golf Club • Less than a mile to Metra station • Ranch and two story elevations • Fully custom homes with gourmet kitchens • Three to four bedroom plans with full basements

630.232.4000 | HavlicekBuilders.com

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We can create any of your remodeling ideas, from design to installation We Do It All.

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Editor's

NOTE Awesome October!

If you’re a fall lover, like I am, October is your month! From crisp fall mornings that urge you toward hot mugs of coffee, to golden moonlight that glows – sometimes eerily – across the night sky, to pumpkin flavored… well, everything!

It also means its time to pull out the jackets, boots, sweaters and more! And in the October edition of KC Magazine, we have all the great looks from local boutiques to get you, and your closet, ready for the season.

From bold patterns in shades of autumn, to wild animal prints, we’ve got you covered.

Even with all the great events in an around our towns this season, something about fall just makes me want to snuggle up at home and appreciate being there. So we made this month our annual HOME edition highlighting great home design and building stories from our communities. We’ve got the scoop on what’s hot in the real estate market these days, from smaller footprints to high tech options. Thinking of expanding? Experts offer advice on additions to your existing space, allowing you to meet your demands without packing your bags. And we talk with some local builders who utilized nontraditional buildings and materials to create beautiful homes for local families.

October is also a time of anniversaries, and we stopped in to chat with two tri-city favorites marking a milestone: The Batavia Park district celebrates 50 years in the city, and we take a look back at all these great folks have accomplished through the decades, and all that’s ahead for our parks and locales in the future.

Colonial Café, a Kane County favorite, is marking 60 years since it opened its first fullservice restaurant in St. Charles. I enjoyed a bit of ice cream on my visit, of course, but was blown away by all the menu expansions, renovations and overall appeal of this restaurant.

Wherever you go, and whatever you do this month, enjoy October in Kane County…it’ll be snowing before we know it!

Thanks for reading.

EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Pete Stadalsky, Melissa Riske, Tom Witom, Diane Spivak, Chris Walker, Vicki Martinka Peterson, and Pat Szepkowski.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Sandy Bressner and Marina Storm

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

on the

COVER

This modern family home, nestled in the woods, is the newest build of Geneva-based Havlicek Builders and features kitchen cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Gallery. Modern amenities, like smart home technology and open spaces for entertaining are sought-after items on the homebuyer checklist this season. Find out more about what's hot in local home sales on Page 8.

Photo by Marina Storm - Picture Perfect House

4

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

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

OCTOBER

2019

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INSIDE

What's

HOME & LIFESTYLE

31 FUN AND FIT AT 50 Batavia Park District marks five decades filling the free time of a community.

8 HOT HOMES Technology, space and amenities driving today’s local buyers.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

10 MISSION OF THE ADDITION Adding size, space and function to your existing home.

14 INGENUITY MAKES HOMES SWEET From a historic school building to old shipping containers, these local residents have created houses in unique settings.

16 FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION Architect Tim Nelson brings beauty to functionality.

17 HOUSE OF FIREPLACES Turning houses into homes for over 60 years.

FASHION & BEAUTY 38 FASHION’S GONE WILD With bold prints and fabulous fall color, our local boutiques are bursting!

FAMILY IN FOCUS

18 DOES YOUR LANDSCAPE BRING YOU JOY? Landscape designers Megan Provencher talks about the pleasures of tidying up.

42 REMOVE, REFRESH, REIMAGINE Whenever a new season arrives, it can bring with it a desire to renew your space. Chrissy Somers has some local sources to aid the effort.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

44 HELPING HANDS Special volunteer workdays make a difference in park district natural area.

21 WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM …and chicken, and meatloaf, and more Colonial Café marks 60 years serving up fabulous food.

46 THE GREAT SUBURBAN COLLEGE TOUR The right college experience could begin close to home.

24 KIELBASA AND PASTA Tom Witom reviews ‘Gourmet Cooking for One or Two.’ 26 SOUPER DOUPER When looking for comfort food, nothing warms the soul like soup.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 28 EVEN HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT This month our health meal reviewer ventures to ABBA in trendy Fulton Street Market.

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34 FALL INTO FUN Whether you’re looking for thrills and chills, or hayrides and pumpkins, we have all the great fall treats, so grab your calendar!

BUSINESS & CIVIC 52 THE R WORD Financial expert Tom McCartney reviews what you need to know to prepare for the dreaded “recession.”

54 SOCIAL LIFE The weather was perfect and so was the hospitality at the St. Charles Park District’s 2nd annual Sunset Cider Stroll.

OCTOBER

2019

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Whether it’s Entertaining…

Watching Netflix...

Game Night… or just relaxing It’s Cool in the Summer, Warm & Cozy in the Winter Time to make your basement a fun and functional part of your home!

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HOT HOMES Technology, space and amenities driving today’s local buyers

By Diane Krieger Spivak

T

rends in housing embody an ever-changing commodity, dependent on geography, lifestyles and advances in technology.

We tapped local industry experts to see what tops homebuyers’ lists in the Fox Valley. What we found is that it’s not necessarily the style of home that buyers are looking at, so much as what a home has to offer, and technology tops the list.  SMART HOMES “The biggest trend we see is smart homes,” says Paul Kempa, broker/owner for Realty One Group Excel, in Aurora, and president of the board of directors of Realtor Associates of the Fox Valley, Inc. From appliances and thermostats, to water heaters, doorbell cameras and garage door openers, “everything seems collected in one hub.” says Kempa. Think Alexa and Google Home. You can control your home through your phone or tablet.

“If you left your a/c on, you head to the office and it’s 60 degrees outside, you just click on an app and you can turn

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the air off in your house,” says Kempa. “If you’re coming home late, you go to the app and turn on the lights so it looks like somebody is home. A lot of younger buyers are moving toward builders that are catering to this, and, believe it or not, the older population is moving toward that, as well,” adds Kempa. Snowbirds can even monitor their house from their winter locales.

Donna McQuade, managing broker and realtor at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, in Geneva, and a member of the board of directors of Realtor Associates of the Fox Valley, Inc., also sees a trend toward technology-equipped homes.

“Whenever I’m with a buyer in a home, and it has technology, like the thermostat Nest or the Ecobee, they get excited about that. Smart home technology is definitely important to younger buyers, but baby boomers are focused on that, as well.”  SMALLER HOMES Also trending is the movement toward smaller homes.

McMansions of 5,000 square feet are giving way to homes

Photo - Michael Kaskel Photography Kitchen - PB Kitchen Design, Geneva, IL

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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Younger, first-time home buyers are looking for something more sleek and open, with an open floor plan, and nd green.

– Natalee Dismuke, Managing Broker of Century 21 Affiliated

half that size. It’s a trade-off for a more community-like feel: smaller lots with more open green space for parks and walking paths.

“They’re going back to the trend of having a neighborhood again,” says Kempa.

“It’s not just a playset. There are picnic tables, covered barbecue areas; it’s more engaging and a great idea.”

Specializing in French country/farmhouse furniture & home decor. Retailer of Fusion Mineral Paint, Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint and Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) products.

Natalee Dismuke, Managing Broker of Century 21 Affiliated, in St. Charles & Algonquin, and secretary of the board of directors of Realtor Associates of the Fox Valley, Inc., echoes McQuade in seniors’ demand for ranch styles, but with the extras that reflect a more active senior lifestyle.

“Retirees are looking for a ranch house, and one with more amenities, such as a golf course or walking path; just activities in general that they can partake in on the grounds.,” says Dismuke.  LOADS OF AMENITIES One group still seeking bigger floorplans are couples with growing families, often wanting homes in the area of 3,000 square feet, typically two-stories, close to good schools, but with more communityoriented amenities, similar to older buyers.

“They want nice, close knit family subdivisions where there are other families with children around, and amenities such as clubhouse, and park, exercise facilities,” says Dismuke.

“Younger, first-time home buyers are looking for something more sleek and open, with an open floor plan, and green,” adds Dismuke. “Oh, gosh, they’re definitely into green living.”

But not necessarily if they have to renovate to get there. The advent of HGTV has heralded in a generation of homebuyers looking for turnkey, says McQuade.

“They don’t want to do rehab. Today’s buyers want a home that’s move-in ready, inside and out,” she says. “It’s important that the mechanics are updated. It’s a concern when they see furnaces and a/c units that have a short life left on them.

HGTV is setting the bar higher for sellers.”

Part of that attitude is driven by cost, says Kempa.

“The whole green movement is still there, and people want to do the right thing, but the cost is prohibitive, especially retrofitting a house,” he says. “If you want to do solar, for instance, it can be expensive, but the new smart home technology is relatively cheap, and they’re things that can control everything through your phone.”

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MISSION of the

Addition

Adding size, space and function to your existing home

By Pat Szpekowski

D

oes the house suddenly seem too small? Is it time for mom or dad to live with the family? Are the mosquitoes or scorching sun taking over the deck?

point in life when they love their house, neighborhood and neighbors, and just don’t want to move. They decide to stay there and make changes to their home.”

These are some of the questions that can start a simple internal home conversation resulting with the emphatic statement of “we need a room addition.”

His family-owned business with wife Bonnie was established in 1985. Their experience includes room additions, historic renovations, and other custom projects.

“There are many reasons for a home addition,” says Sue McDowell, marketing manager of McDowell Remodeling and co-owner of the 45-year-old family-owned business in St. Charles with her husband Bob. “We’ve worked on a variety of projects, including adding space for in-laws or a growing family, but one of the most popular additions is adding a 3-4 season room to the home. It serves as an extension to the family room and kitchen and expands the living area to help us all enjoy our silly Illinois weather.”

When asked what’s the key to success for a room addition project, both agreed “it’s all about the planning.”

Jack Zaruba, president of BBC Construction & Remodeling in Batavia, added that “many people reach a

10

Delving into the experience of a home addition is more like a journey. It takes time. There are additional questions to ask, budgets to set, checklists to mark off, and decisions to be made.

With the right professional contractor, it will be a pleasant process and path.

Finding an appropriate local construction and remodeling company for a seamless room addition project is the key to success.

“Do your research,” says McDowell, “and check out social media, the Internet, job-site signs, and even chambers of commerce members.

I’ve been in this business a long time and a word-of-mouth referral from family and friends is one of the most dependable ways. Work with someone you like, trust, and can communicate with easily.”

upgrades that need to be done, no matter where the community is located. Contractors are familiar with the most up-to-date information and don’t expect a homeowner to get into the nitty-gritty.”

Once a decision has been made, call the company as soon as possible.

Everyone has busy schedules. It might take weeks to set appointments and talk about budgets, plans, wishlists, and dreams. Cost of common additions can vary. General guidelines to expect are anywhere from $100 to $350 per square foot, depending on the extent of work.

Zaruba adds a home and property survey is critical to determine setbacks and confirm there actually is space for an addition.

An established construction and remodeling company has the tools to help a homeowner select the necessary products, such as flooring, lighting, plumbing, windows, doors, and whatever else is needed, to complete the project.

“Many people don’t even think about another entirely different aspect,” says Zaruba. “There are many stringent zoning laws, building codes, and necessary life and safety

“Another thing to think about are cost factors if any utilities, like gas, electric, water and sewer, need to be moved. ” There are many stages in finalizing plans and determining when the project can actually start.

“It’s an eye-opener,” says McDowell, “and homeowners should be prepared.”

Certainly all of these steps in the home addition process are meant to guide the homeowner to avoid problems. A professional contractor provides assurance, confidence, and peace of mind.

Projects will run smoothly when everything is in place before it

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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starts. When it does, expect good communication with the contractor to be aware of everything that will take place through completion.

“There will be a little disruption,” adds McDowell, “but your professional contractor will walk you through all of the steps before that point. You might hear some pounding and trucks and see a little dust and maybe some mud in the yard or on the street.”

The goal of experienced subcontractors, carpenters, plumbers, painters, and electricians, is to get the job done with minimum fuss. Both Zaruba and McDowell are proud of their team members. Many have been with their companies for as much as 20 years.

Finally, one of the most asked questions by homeowners embarking on an addition is if it will actually add value to their home and if resale value will go up. “The first thing we ask a client is how long are they going to stay in their home,” said Zaruba. “An addition or renovation is worth gold, but it will take a number of years.”

With realistic expectations and knowledge, a room addition project will be a good investment and provide lifestyle enjoyment for years to come.

Does the house suddenly seem too small? Is it time for mom or dad to live with the family? Are the mosquitoes or scorching sun taking over the deck?

These are some of the questions that can start a simple internal home conversation resulting with the emphatic statement of “we need a room addition.”

“There are many reasons for a home addition,” says Sue McDowell, marketing manager of McDowell Remodeling and co-owner of the

45-year-old family-owned business in St. Charles with her husband Bob. “We’ve worked on a variety of projects, including adding space for in-laws or a growing family, but one of the most popular additions is adding a 3-4 season room to the home. It serves as an extension to the family room and kitchen and expands the living area to help us all enjoy our silly Illinois weather.”

Jack Zaruba, president of BBC Construction & Remodeling in Batavia, added that “many people reach a point in life when they love their house, neighborhood and neighbors, and just don’t want to move. They decide to stay there and make changes to their home.”

His family-owned business with wife Bonnie was established in 1985. Their experience includes room additions, historic renovations, and other custom projects.

When asked what’s the key to success for a room addition project, both agreed “it’s all about the planning.”

Delving into the experience of a home addition is more like a journey. It takes time. There are additional questions to ask, budgets to set, checklists to mark off, and decisions to be made. With the right professional contractor, it will be a pleasant process and path.

Finding an appropriate local construction and remodeling company for a seamless room addition project is the key to success. “Do your research,” says McDowell, “and check out social media, the Internet, job-site signs, and even chambers of commerce members. I’ve been in this business a long time and a word-ofmouth referral from family and friends is one of the most dependable ways.

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can communicate with easily.”

Once a decision has been made, call the company as soon as possible.

Everyone has busy schedules. It might take weeks to set appointments and talk about budgets, plans, wish-lists, and dreams. Cost of common additions can vary. General guidelines to expect are anywhere from $100 to $350 per square foot, depending on the extent of work.

An established construction and remodeling company has the tools to help a homeowner select the necessary products, such as flooring, lighting, plumbing, windows, doors, and whatever else is needed, to complete the project.

“Many people don’t even think about another entirely different aspect,” says Zaruba. “There are many stringent zoning laws, building codes, and necessary life and safety upgrades that need to be done, no matter where the community is located. Contractors are familiar with the most up-todate information and don’t expect a homeowner to get into the nitty-gritty.”

Zaruba adds a home and property survey is critical to determine setbacks and confirm there actually is space for an addition.

“Another thing to think about are cost factors if any utilities, like gas, electric, water and sewer, need to be moved. ” There are many stages in finalizing plans and determining when the project can actually start.

“It’s an eye-opener,” says McDowell, “and homeowners should be prepared.”

Certainly all of these steps in the home addition process are meant to guide the homeowner to avoid problems.

A professional contractor provides assurance, confidence, and peace of mind.

Projects will run smoothly when everything is in place before it starts. When it does, expect good communication with the contractor to be aware of everything that will take place through completion.

“There will be a little disruption,” adds McDowell, “but your professional contractor will walk you through all of the steps before that point. You might hear some pounding and trucks and see a little dust and maybe some mud in the yard or on the street.”

The goal of experienced subcontractors, carpenters, plumbers, painters, and electricians, is to get the job done with minimum fuss. Both Zaruba and McDowell are proud of their team members. Many have been with their companies for as much as 20 years.

Finally, one of the most asked questions by homeowners embarking on an addition is if it will actually add value to their home and if resale value will go up. “The first thing we ask a client is how long are they going to stay in their home,” said Zaruba. “An addition or renovation is worth gold, but it will take a number of years.”

With realistic expectations and knowledge, a room addition project will be a good investment and provide lifestyle enjoyment for years to come.

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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Bring your life-style home.

of selecting the right furniture, fabrics, window treatments, rugs, art, lamps, flooring, tile, fixtures and unique accessories that will make your home a haven.

We invite you to experience how great design can improve the quality of your life!

Haven Interiors Studio

15 S 3rd St Geneva, IL 60134 630.402.0444 www.haveninteriorsltd.com

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INGENUITY G I V E S H I S T O RY A H O M E

F ro m w h a t o n c e w a s a n o s t a l g i c s c h o o l b u i l d i n g , b u i l d e r s c r e a t e d a h o m e l i k e n o o t h e r.

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

F

inding a place to call home can be a challenging process. Beyond the basics of finding a place with enough storage and ample space for entertaining, home buyers also seek that feeling when they enter a home that this is the place where they can create new memories.

For some homebuyers, the house that becomes “the one” isn’t even a house. They found the magic and potential for a home in a unique setting, such as a more than 100-year-old school building. The end result is giving new life to the structure as a place that local residents can call home.  FROM SCHOOL TO DUPLEX A few years ago when the old Blaine Street School building in Batavia was for sale, Chris Winkle and Mike Spillane saw potential in the property. When Winkle ultimately won the bid, Spillane, a custom

14

builder, reached out and offered his services on the project.

“Both Chris and I wanted to save a piece of history in the community. The remodeling was very easy to do because of the quality of construction for the original building. That’s not always the case with older buildings” Spillane says of the former school building, which was built in 1906.

With an 18-foot brick wall running through the center of the building, the team decided to convert the school building into luxury duplexes.

When designing the project, Winkle researched photographs of the school building at the historical society in a desire to keep the windows, doors and exterior similar to the original school building. For Winkle, it was interesting during construction to find features from the old school, including eight

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urinals still in the boys’ bathroom and chalkboards in what were once classrooms.

In the end, many elements from the building’s former days as a four-room school were incorporated into the homes, including keeping the original doorways for each classroom. The classroom doors were repurposed as powder room doors on the first floor of each unit and wooden beams became shelving in the kitchens.

The grand entrance with its pillared columns where neighborhood elementary students entered for the classes until 1969 now serves as a common vestibule and entrance for the individual units.

The building where local children learned how to read and write now features two homes measuring about 1,800 square feet plus a basement.

Each house has two-and-a-half

bathrooms and three bedrooms. The great room is 20-by-30 feet, offering plenty of space for entertaining in the expansive living and kitchen areas.

When the time comes someday to enter the empty nest phase, Winkle says she would love to move into the duplex unit that she currently rents out.

“The building has an openness you can’t find anywhere else,” Winkle says of the home’s 12-foot ceilings and oversized windows.

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Architect Tim Nelson Brings Beauty to Functionality

here’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.”

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

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

16

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.

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.

what they want,” says Nelson. “Their input is more important than mine in most cases.”

for a large shower. “Tubs aren’t as common as they once were,” says Nelson.

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

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.”

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421 James St., Geneva 630-397-5122 timnelsonarchitect.com tim@timnelsonarchitect.com

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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TURNING

HOUSES INTO HOMES

H

ouse of Fireplaces aspires to be your “one-stop fireplace shop,” where we can meet all of your fireplace needs, from complete installation of new fireplaces to technical support and advice. Offering gas, wood and electric fireplaces, gas logs, inserts, custom glass doors, custom mantels, granite, marble, cultured stone, installation and superb service.

Visitors to the newly-updated and redesigned showroomwill marvel at the dramatic new centerpiece, the Heat & Glo True masonrystyled direct vent fireplace, a new line of durable Broilmaster grills, and all the new displays and products.

Showroom manager Kevin Sandell represents the third generation of the Sandell family business. Kevin manages the retail side of the business while his father, Mark Sandell, manages the wholesale side.

Founded in 1953 by Stanley Sandell after his return from the Navy in World War II, the business began as one of the first distributors of the Thulman wood burning fireplace. When Thulman turned into the Majestic Fireplace Company, the business took the name Majestic Distributing.

for over 60 years

Originally a strictly wholesale company selling the Majestic Fireplace to builders and heating contractors, we opened our first retail outlet in 1963—and House of Fireplaces was born.

Kevin, who started at the bottom sweeping the warehouse after school as a kid, worked summers and winters while going to school. He started working full time shortly after graduating college with a degree in business administration, and took over showroom operations in 2010.

“We have been selling fireplaces since the very beginning of the air-cooled prefabricated fireplace,” Kevin said.

We have seen the industry go from one manufacturer to hundreds, from three fireplace choices to thousands.

Throughout this evolution, we have continued to adapt to the changing tastes by adding more options, brands and choices for the customer.

“We offer the best fireplaces, and with the most knowledgeable employees, the best possible customer service before and after the sale.”

He recalled a customer interaction: “One of our funniest and most memorable experiences happened when a customer came in with his wife to look at gas logs. He really liked the gas grills, but she was not interested in the grills. So they looked at log sets and left.

“A couple days later, the wife returned, saying she would like to buy the grill for her husband as a surprise birthday present.

She bought the grill and asked us to hold it until they came back for a log set. Later that week, the husband returned by himself and said he would like to buy the grill without his wife knowing about it.”

“Somehow, we managed to hold him off on buying the grill. It ended up being a great surprise for him when they came in to get the gas log set, and he saw the grill with a big bow on it.”

Plans for the business include expanding the showroom space during the next year to better showcase some of the exceptional fireplaces and options available, and perhaps add an outdoor products display area.

Additionally, the company is keeping an eye on the industry, discovering how it will change and what new things there will be. Owners said they would like to see an increase in onsite manufactured products, perhaps including a millwork shop for in-house custom mantels or a metal shop for high quality chase tops.

“Although we look forward to the future, we are extremely proud of our long history as a family-run business.

We have been turning houses into homes for over 60 years.”

HOUSE OF FIREPLACES 1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 thehouseoffireplaces.com

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

KCMag Oct 2019.indd 17

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DOES YOUR LANDSCAPE BRING YOU

Joy? I’m sure you’ve heard of the bestselling book by Maria Kondo called ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.”

If not, basically, it’s a book full of tips on how to declutter your life. Remove old clothes, get rid of knick-knack clutter, and clean up your messes.

Her tag line is asking yourself if each item you are removing “brings you joy”. And if it doesn’t, you get rid of it. I got to thinking that these same tips can definitely apply to the landscape!

Many homeowners are afraid to get rid of plants they don’t like. I think it stems from the fact that plants are living things and it’s hard to just throw away something that is alive. Like Marie, I’m here

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to tell you that if it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it! Landscapes become overgrown. Houses change hands. Shrubs die. People have different tastes.

Plants are changed over the years to breed out the bad things like seeds, messy fruit, and disease issues. It’s okay to not like a plant (or all of them!) in your yard.

Many homes in the typical subdivisions around here are in the 25-40 year old range and aging. Also many of them were landscaped when they first were built and not changed since. Landscapes get old. It’s not unusual for plants to have life spans 7-10 years for shrubs, 20-30 years for smaller trees, and of course, 40+ years for larger trees. But so many factors go into how a plant looks as it ages. If you inherited some aging plants, you should triage them and see what might make sense to remove for fresh or to cleanup to get a few more years. This is where the “does it bring you joy” comes in.

If you dislike a plant in your yard, there are easy ways to remove it and replace it with something you like. Don’t feel bad if you detest Barberry or

can’t stand the color yellow. Your tastes in your life can definitely spread to the outside. You may like a simplistic approach to the inside of your home so why not extend it to the outside? You don’t have to keep all those high maintenance perennials that the previous owner planted. Donate them, give them to friends, or compost them. Replace them with shrubs that are lower maintenance and have a more “behaved” appearance.

If you are new to gardening or just purchased your first (or new) home, don’t be overwhelmed by the outside.

There are plenty of ways to whip the outside into shape without you becoming a green thumb who spends hours each day in the garden. Often starting with a meeting at your house with a plant person,

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

will help you reel things in a bit and get you a plan to start to your attack.

Sometimes plants can be saved and moved to a better spot. Other times they may need to be removed to make room for younger plants that stay smaller and are lower maintenance.

Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you to rip off the band-aid (and I’m your girl to do that!).

Choose plants for around your home that bring you joy and get rid

of the ones that don’t. I’m pretty sure just about every client I meet has a secret love for Hydrangea. There is a hydrangea for every spot so maybe remove that half dead burning bush and replace it with a ‘Fire Light’ Hydrangea.

You’ll be rewarded with months of huge blooms and an easy to take care of plant – much easier than fussing with that burning bush. See how easy that is? And hydrangeas bring way more joy that burning bush!

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

HOME & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2019

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Welcome Fall

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We all

Scream for

ice cream …AND CHICKEN, AND MEATLOAF, AND MORE! Colonial Café marks 60 years serving up fabulous food With Sherri Dauskurdas Photo by Sandy Bressner

W

hen I was a child, I’d often hear stories from my mother about long Sunday drives out to the country. Her grandfather would pack up the entire family in Brookfield and drive out of the suburbs to rural St. Charles. This was the late 1940s, post-WWII when St. Charles was just beginning to build up from its resort-town roots.

Still, for a Brookfield gal, it was as open a country as she’d ever known. But she didn’t go just for the drive or the company of my greatgrandfather.

She went for the ice cream.

Colonial Ice Cream Company was a standard even then, and a scoop or two of this delicious delight was a highlight of the journey for her.

Today, it’s a treat many of us still enjoy – a sundae or a soda, a banana split or a simple scoop of pink peppermint – its sweet finish making

you smile without even realizing it.

But Colonial is hardly just an ice cream company anymore. Years of growth and expansion into a full service restaurant and café have made Colonial a household name for more than dessert – offering menu items like homemade meatloaf, WHAT ELSE, and even healthy quinoa at its five locations across the region.

And it all started 60 years ago, at its first restaurant location on Main Street and Tyler Road in St. Charles.

Tom Anderson remembers, because he’s been there since day one.

“I was here the day we opened the restaurant – our first – and it was a big day, but its even bigger now,” he says.

Anderson is the CEO at Colonial, and son Clinton is president of the family-owned and operated restaurant and ice cream purveyor DINING & ENTERTAINING OCTOBER 2019

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Photo by: Sandy Bressner

that’s called St. Charles home since 1901.

Founded as a milk route by Anderson’s grandfather, the company has grown through waves of business expansion, which included distribution from Woodstock down to Joliet and Elmhurst out to Waterman. And Today, there are five Colonial Café restaurant locations in St. Charles (two) and Algonquin, Aurora, and Naperville.

In the 60 years Colonial Café has been open, it’s seen immense change. Known as the Colonial Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe at its birth, there were just a handful of items available on its first menu. Things like Hamburgers, egg salad sandwiches, grilled cheese and even liverwurst! Most sold for about 35 cents each, as did the classic three-scoop ice cream sundaes.

Customers to the renamed “Colonial Café” can today treat themselves to breakfast served all day long – biscuits and homemade sausage gravy, crispy chicken and waffles drizzled in warm syrup, classic griddle favorites like hot cakes and eggs. Hand

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battered chicken, pulled pork mac & cheese and a host of tasty sandwiches fill the menu, alongside more elegant, and perhaps unexpected fare including grilled seafood, chicken and broccoli fettuccine, or slowly braised beef pot roast.

Complement those meals with a Bloody Mary or one of three mimosa varieties, and a variety of wines by the glass and menu of season craft beers.

For the kids there are nearly 20 entrees from which to choose, as well as specialty fruit lemonades and ice teas in flavors like cherry, mango and strawberry, perfect for a kid, or a kid at heart.

is at the ready for meetings and parties, and a “museum” area in the back is filled with photos, menus and even mixers to spark the nostalgic spirits in all of us.

What’s to come in the next 60 years for Colonial Café? Anderson says the menu will continue to evolve to reflect the tastes of customers, from expanded dinner selections to more healthy choices. But the ice cream, as always, remains.

“You have to have ice cream, he says. “I mean, what’s a day without ice cream? I eat some every day.”

“Coming up with all the new menu items, that the part that’s the most fun,” Anderson says.

As the menu continues to evolve, so too, do the surroundings. Major renovations at Colonial Café boast trendy barn wood paneling, attractive hammered tin ceilings and two fireplaces to boot. A private room

SHERRI DAUSKURDS is the Editor of KC Magazine and Brand Manager for BESTOFTHEFOX.com

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TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:

‘Gourmet Cooking for One or Two’

By TOM WITOM

N

o matter the circumstances, food lovers from empty nester couples to widows or widowers, can find comfort in a cookbook that addresses their situation.

“Gourmet Cooking for One or Two” (Page Street Publishing), by food blogger April Anderson, offers updated classics, easy-to-make one-pan dinners and 30-minute single-serving dishes that appeal to chefs no matter their level of experience.

In an introductory note, Anderson

observes: “I believe cooking is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. Chopping, simmering and stirring, transforming ingredients into a meal that you made by yourself for yourself, creates a sense of satisfaction no meal from a box or bag can deliver.”

Her book is designed to eliminate wasted leftovers and endlessly repetitive meals in favor of personal meals that can be made quickly on busy weekends or when there’s more time to savor cooking on the weekends.

KIELBASA

WITH CREAMY HORSERADISH PASTA (SERVES 1) • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 4 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick • 4 ounces fresh Brussels sprouts, sliced very thin • 1 tablespoon dry white wine • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, divided • 2 teaspoons creamy prepared horseradish • 2 ounces gemelli, cooked according to package directions* • 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water

* Gemelli are a type of pasta. The name derives from the Italian word for “twins.” Gemelli are not twin tubes twisted around one another, as they may appear to be, but rather a single s-shaped strand twisted into a spiral.

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A good example of a single-serving dish is found in the scaled-down comfort food chapter: Kielbasa with Creamy Horseradish Pasta (recipe follows).

Meanwhile, Tuscan-Style White Bean Soup, is also worth a try. The two-servings recipe leads a chapter devoted to soups, stews and chilis.  Journalist Tom Witom, who lives in Elgin, has

written extensively for years about food and the food industry. Contact him at editorial@ kcchronicle.com.

In an 8 ½-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the sausage slices in the pan and cook them for 2 minutes, or until they start to brown and release some of their fat. Turn the slices and cook them on the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer the sausage slices to a clean plate and set aside.

In the same pan, cook the sliced Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften. Add the wine and simmer it, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, until it mostly evaporates. 30 to 60 seconds. Add the salt, half of the parsley, cream and horseradish. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and sausage and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add up to 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed. Garnish with the remaining pasta.

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T

here’s a chill in the air, and the best way to beat it is with some great soup served right here in Kane County.

When Mike Dixon, owner at Nosh, in Geneva, creates a pot of Cream of Jalapeno soup, it never lasts long.

“I put it on, it goes away,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s in the middle of summer or the dead of winter.”

Clearly a fan favorite, the recipe has morphed over the last decade, “with a lot of help from our kitchen staff and customer feedback.” It’s vegetarian and gluten-free. The heavy cream eliminates the need for thickeners and the soup is made with vegetable, instead of chicken stock.

The spice factor depends on the season and the chilies, he says.

“Right now, it’s pretty hot. It all depends. That’s what’s great about it,” he adds. “I have people buy multiple quarts at a time. We don’t

rs Burge Salad

Balmoral, in Campton Hills, has served up authentic Scottish fare since its opening. It’s favored Scottish soup: Cullen Skink. It’s a cream-based fish soup with potatoes, onions and smoked haddock, according to Balmoral Manager Alante Wynn.

“It’s been on our menu since we opened a little over a year ago.

Everyone says it’s really good,” Wynn says. “It’s surprising how well the cream and fish work together. They’re always impressed by the smokiness that the haddock presents to it.”

Your Cullen Skink will be served in Royal Albert china, as are all of the restaurant’s dishes.

“Fine dining is a lost art these days,” says Wynn. “We focus on the traditional. You won’t find pizza, burgers or chicken wings here.”

The favorite dish at Hot Pan Noodles & Dumplingin Batavia, is its Dan Dan noodles. The dish is on the spicy side, something customers seem to favor.

“I make our noodles by scratch,” says owner Daisy Slaboszewski. The sauce, also a scratch recipe, includes peanut butter, garlic and ginger, sesame butter and soy sauce. You can add beef, pork, chicken or seafood.

“Our pan-fried noodles are very popular,” says Slaboscewski.

A Best of the Fox sandwich winner two years in a row, Deane’s Market & Deli in Geneva also serves a mean Cream of Tomato Basil soup. “By far, it’s our number one soup,” says owner Chris Deane.“It outsells all our other soups two to one.”

Never using premade ingredients, the soup is offered year-round, but orders ramp up in fall. Bonus: All Deane’s soups are served with a freshly baked cornbread muffin, made

from minimally processed, non-gmo organic heirloom cornmeal from a little farm outside Rockford.

The Atrium Cafe, inside Little Traveler Tea Room, in Geneva, has been serving up Little Traveler Vegetable soup “for who knows how many years?” says Chef/Manager David Bogash. The recipe, which has been passed down, is served daily, plus one other soup, which changes day to day.

“You never know when,” says Bogash, who makes Little Traveler Vegetable in 5-gallon batches. “I start with a vegetable stock, then crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and the standard celery, carrots, onions and cabbage. Then we put in mixed vegetables, also, and of course, seasonings. Our customers just love it. We do a lot of take-out on it. Some weeks it’s hard to keep up with it.”

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EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT! With Dr. Tarun Mullick | Photos by Sandy Bressner

This month I wanted to venture to the ABBA restaurant in Fulton Street Market in downtown Chicago.

It was that desire to catch a glimpse of the vibe of life. The food selection is quite a healthy blend of Mediterranean flair that is small in the portions, but larger than life in the taste.

28

To start, we ordered a take on hummus that had a lamb ragu. Hummus (which is a chickpea-based dip) blended with spicy harissa and topped with this braised lamb shoulder is nothing common. But it does send you over the top to somewhere in Morocco or Turkey. All I can say is, “pow!”

What a flavor punch!

The second spread we ordered was the charred eggplant, which is a blend of cooked eggplant, charred on a flame and then blended with some salt and pepper into a dip, and smoothed out with olive oil. The zing comes from a bit of lemon and a topping of house yogurt. You really don’t gain any weight from these spreads, provided you just have a little piece of the house bread (like a quarter piece). It also is amazing.

For the main course, I selected the black garlic shrimp scampi which comes out sizzling in a sort of fancy dish, that houses the shrimps sizzling in oil and some spices

with lime pickle and chilies. So far, so good with my meal staying well balanced without much in the carbohydrate department.

And today, I had to splurge. It’s ok once in a while. So, we dove into the double chocolate babka, which is a bit of a cake or roll infused with chocolate, cardamom, raisins and cinnamon. I only took two bites – and I took my time with them – saving my waistline and enjoy the flavors that just satisfied!  Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva. Connect with him at www.mullickmd. com or by phone at 630-232-2025.

HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 2019

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Ask the doctor

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

Q: I am experiencing heartburn, with reflux sometimes.

I take Tums and Zantac to relieve the symptoms. Do I need more tests or is this over-the-counter treatment okay?

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

esophagus. You should get checked and evaluated for Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous lesion that can only be seen at an endoscopy test. The earlier detection of altered profile allows you to adjust diet and take some medicines if needed. It also permits surveillance. If you are in a surveillance program, then chances to get a cancer and die from it are less than 10 percent. Without the surveillance, then the death outcomes from esophageal cancer are near 90 percent.

Q: If I experience constipation, is Miralax a sufficient treatment?

A: Miralax is a powder that is mixed with water that promotes

movement of stool forward. It is often difficult to take and causes bloating. However, there are newer medicines that selectively increase water secretion in the intestines locally.

These are tablets and don’t usually result in bloat.

Q: Are there locations in the nearby area that offer newer therapies for IBD?

A: Yes. Usage of steroids multiple times can result in bone

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

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

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

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d n a n Fu 0 5 t a fit decades e v fi s rk a m t ic tr is Batavia Park D a community f o e m ti e e fr e th g fillin

By Sherri Dauskurdas

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HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 2019

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ake a stroll through Batavia and you’ll see it around nearly every corner – people participating in fitness groups and yoga classes, swimming at the Quarry, kids cheering or playing ball, climbing on playground equipment, and seniors sipping coffee before a trip somewhere interesting.

And the Batavia Park District is behind all of that.

Celebrating 50 years of serving its residents with programs, recreation and park facilities, the Batavia Park District has become an integral part of life here in the city, impacting residents of every age and interest each and every week.

For Eric Lacher, director of parks and properties, it’s been a whirlwind 33 years as a member of the team.

“When I started we had seven parks and I was one of only three full time park employees,” he recalls. “Our maintenance facility was in the old Batavia Body Company storage barn on South River St., which the majority of the floors were dirt,” Lacher says.

“One of our duties from yesteryear, was opening and closing the bike

path! Yes there were actual gates along the path to keep people from using them after dark. We created a lot of excellent memories in those days.”

Today, the bike trail has become a highlight of the community, and a point of pride across the region.

“We are so fortunate to have that Fox River Trail,” says Jim Eby the park district’s director of capital projects and a 28 year staff member.

“Consistently, trails and paths have rated absolute highest on the community interest surveys we do.

Maintaining them, as well as making connections between them.”

That’s due to a shift in the priorities of residents, Eby says.

“The athletic focus is still there – tennis and baseball and basketball and that sort of thing– but I would tell you that in the last 20 years, the focus on the wellness and the benefits of being outside has increased awareness, and the Fox River Trail and the Prairie Path have seen tremendous increased use.”

Over the years, gauging community interest has been a hallmark of

the Batavia Park District process.

Community input is sought after, valued and evaluated with every major step the district foresees taking, from major facilities to playground upgrades.

“Early on, we developed a public input process, refined now to an open house in December for the parks to be worked on that year,” Eby explains.

“We have the residents of the local neighborhoods choose playground equipment themselves. Our residents can come and vote on which pieces they want.

“We really do listen to the community.

And I think it’s important to know that we take seriously what they are trying to tell us.”

And that familiarity between park staff and local residents has been one of the elements that has made the Batavia Park District so successful.

“The biggest highlight of my career has been getting to know hundreds and hundreds of people in my classes,” says Kathy Freedlund, fitness supervisor for the Park District and one of the most recognizable faces on the team.

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" It warms my heart to see all the friendships that have been made by those whom have met in class.

Kathy Freedlund Fitness supervisor for the Park District

"

“It warms my heart to see all the friendships that have been made by those whom have met in class,” she says. “Many have remained friends for decades. And that’s what a community center should be!”

In addition to yoga and fitness, Freedlund says she estimates she’s taught “hundreds and hundreds” of preschoolers how to tumble, a truly rewarding part of her 33 years with the BPD. “Just to see the expressions of how proud they were to learn something new was quite rewarding. I could write a book full of all the fun & hilarious things kids have said to me over the years.”

Lacher shares Freedlund’s nostalgia.

“It is very rewarding to see young adults that I knew as grade schoolers bringing their own children to our Eastside Community Center for preschool, soccer, basketball, dance, weddings and so much more,” he says.”

That “much more” Lacher speaks of is a lot. It now encompasses 40 parks in the BPD system from naturalized areas to high quality athletic fields – soccer/football/lacrosse, softball and baseball – with game field lights as well. “We have incorporated the use of rain gardens, bioswales and permeable paved parking lots in our park development all to help manage our watershed along with many green and environmentally friendly applied practices in our services,” he says.

“I see a huge trend with baby boomers and older, working out and wanting a healthy active lifestyle,” Freedlund says. “Sixty is the new 40!

And we have developed programs to accommodate their needs. We have yoga for people with osteoporosis.

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We’ve added TRX classes, pickleball and so much more!

“I am proud of the care that our staff takes in seeing that we offer excellent programing. From the people in the office, to those taking care of our parks, to those coaching and those of us helping others achieve good health through exercise, dance, social time and so on, we all care!”

One of the biggest additions to the Park District system, has been the purchase and renovations of the former Holy Cross Church into what is now the Eastside Community Center and Shannon Hall.

“We have added new windows and doors, brought the building up several levels in its function and use,” says Eby. “We now have a commercial grade teaching kitchen. And will be replacing the flooring and electric.

It’s been really satisfying to see what it was when we took it over and now see it as a 21st century kind of center.”

Another significant change has been seen in accessibility, Eby adds, since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1992.

“Since then any development we do, we think about that first. Parking lots, playgrounds, sidewalks and pathways…its all top of mind now,” he says. “It really changed the world of parks design, and its great to see that our facilities can truly be used by everyone.”

In the works for the future are two playground renovations, upgrades to the ball fields at Big Woods Park, and a new gym floor at the civic center.

About $2 million each year is invested in park district capital projects.

“It’s not always the sexiest, but in order to be the best stewards of the tax dollars, you have to keep the building safe and dry and warm,” Eby says. “It’s a lot.”

For Lacher, the evolution of the parks and programming has been exciting and a point of pride.

“Our recreation programmers have “creativity” pumping through their veins,” he says. “Some of the things they come up with to offer are amazing. Everyday I am proud of the Parks Team as they are always ready, always willing to lend a helping hand, always go above and beyond to make things better for everyone else at the sacrifice of their own comfort.

“Memorial park, is now a picture perfect park with awesome amenities,” Lacher says. “We have playgrounds that my kids could only have dreamed of when they were young, from zip lines at Engstrom Park to Gravity Rails at Prairie Path Park and Skate and Bike park at Clark Island Recreation area.

"It took a long time to get to where we are now. We have accomplished a lot in 50 years, yet we have so much more to offer."

Freedlund concurs, inviting residents to see for themselves.

"If you haven’t picked up your Park District Fun Guide to read it from cover to cover, do so! It’s a great publication and gives a look at all we have to offer,” she says “Next, try a class. We have so much to offer, they are reasonably priced and we are waiting to meet you! Come on in.

“And, we have free coffee in the lobby.

Have a cup, sit and enjoy.”

HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 2019

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Y+("*$ I!'#)$%& 50th

                                            

           

           

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     



ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2019

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THIS SEASON ALL OVER

e n a K

Whether you’re looking for thrills and chills, or hayrides and pumpkins, we have all the great fall treats, so grab your calendar!

Compiled by Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

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 PUMPKIN PATCH 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 SEBA Park, 151 Water St., South Elgin Admission free; fee for some activities www.southelgin.com Celebrate the season with plenty of fun with familyfriendly activities including a petting zoo and touch-atruck. There will be a trolley ride and pumpkin carving too.

Even four-legged members of the family can enjoy the fun with the Halloween Costume Pet Parade at noon.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2019

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! y t n Cou  MOONLIGHT HAYRIDES 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles $8 resident; $12 non resident; free ages 1 and younger; advance registration required www.primrosefarmpark.com/ moonlight-hayrides/

Experience a crisp autumn evening with a wagon ride around the farm fields. Stop by the bonfire to roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate and cider. Register in advance through the St. Charles Park District. Select your time to enjoy a ride at sunset or wait until the sun sinks down and watch the moon rise into the sky. Ride in a tractor-pulled wagon. Each ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR DEC. DEC 6 & 7

Deck the halls!

Start your holiday out with Geneva’s festive Holiday House Tour, December 6 & 7. This annual event features five architecturally unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. These lovely homes, aglow with holiday spirit, are sure to inspire decorating and entertaining ideas for your own home.

Tickets are $35 each and go on sale in mid-October.

Visit genevachamber.com for more details.

A picture postcard .

™

630-232-6060 • genevachamber.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2019

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 MYSTERY HISTORY DOWNTOWN FOOD CRAWL 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main St., St. Charles $25 resident; $38 non resident www.stcmuseum.org Explore the history and culture of St. Charles while stopping for food bites and trivia fun at each stop. Uncover stories about the town and test your own knowledge with the trivia contests. All the while enjoy delicious treats at local venues.  SCARECROW FESTIVAL Oct. 11-13 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11, 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 450 W. Main St., St Charles Free admission, free parking www.scarecrowfest.com Discover the town’s creative side as more than 100 handmade and mechanical scarecrow displays created by local businesses and organizations that are competing in the Scarecrow contest. Join in the fun and stuff and dress your own unique scarecrow during the day Saturday and Sunday. For the last 34 years the festival has drawn crowds to view the displays, enjoy live entertainment, an arts and crafts show, and a carnival too. Shop the local boutiques or meet up with friends to enjoy a great dining experience.  AUTUMN ON THE FOX ART AND CRAFT SHOW 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11-12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Oct. 13 Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St Charles Free admission artoftheheartland.com/autumnonthefox Steps from the popular Scarecrow fest the arts and craft show find more than a 170 crafters and artisans featuring jewelry, metal art, stained glass, photography and whimsical folk art. Find fall décor including floral, painted pumpkins and carved gourds.

Satisfy the sweet tooth with chocolates and caramel apples or find other delicious treats. Be sure to make time to enjoy the show’s setting on the beautiful grounds of the Pottawatomie Park.

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 HAUNTED QUARRY 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, Oct. 18 Hall Quarry Beach, 400 S. Water St., Batavia Admission is $10 per person www.bataviaparks.org/calendar/events/ Haunted-Quarry-6478152903 Be ready to be scared at this annual event known to send people shrieking. Note this event is not suitable for young children.

Once the fears subside satisfy hunger cravings with Nate’s Dogs concessions.  GRAVE REMINDERS CEMETERY WALK 7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 North Cemetery, 1145 North 5th Ave., St. Charles $18 resident; $27 non resident www.stcmuseum.org/events/2019/9/21/ grave-reminders-cemetery-walk-with-stcpark-district Walk through one of St. Charles’ oldest cemeteries after dark while hearing stories about some of the individuals buried in the cemetery. This event is hosted by the St. Charles History Museum. The tour will take people through dark corners in this spooky setting. Advance registration is required and those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  COTTAGES IN THE WOODS 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 19-20 Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, Geneva Admission is $8 per person www.goodtemplarpark.org/ events/2019/10/19/cottages-in-the-woods Artists and craftspeople share their handmade items including pottery, jewelry, watercolors and much more on display among 20 unique cottages or “stugas.”

Find collectible items and vintage pieces.

Several artists showcase the areas Scandinavian heritage. There will be Rosemaling and Dalamaling by the Illinois Norsk Rosemaling Association. Swedie Pies Bakery will feature Scandinavian baked goods to enjoy during the visit or to take home.  HALLOWEEN HAYDAY 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva Advance registration $5, and non residents $8; day of $7 and $10 non residents; free for adults

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www.genevaparks.org/specialevents/halloween-hayday/ This spooking celebration is a great way for young ones to enjoy the festivities with bounce house, hay rides, science activities and crafts too. Be sure to look your best for the costume contest. Check out the games from 10 a.m. to noon and be sure to watch the magician perform at 12:15 p.m.  BATFEST Saturday, Oct. 26 10 a.m.-2 p.m., downtown Batavia Riverwalk, Peg Bond Pavilion downtownbatavia.com/ currentevents/bat-fest/ This annual festival is sure to delight all ages. There is trick-or-treating, a Mothers Club Parade and plenty of contests for humans and pets too.

Shop the harvest at the final outdoors Farmers Market of the season.

Enjoy tasty treats. Dress up for the Halloween Costume Contest or better or if you like, enter your pet in the Pet Costume Contest. There will be live entertainment featuring music and local dance groups. Test your strength and luck in fun contests including a pumpkin roll and marshmallow shooting. Carve a pumpkin or join in on the sing-along too.  HOWL O’WEEN DOG PARADE 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Peck Farm Peck, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva | Free www.genevaparks.org/specialevents/howl-o-ween-dog-parade/ From wacky to scary and creative too there will be costumes for pups of all shapes and sizes at Peck Farm.

Be sure to arrive early to line up in

the courtyard and lead your dog on a stroll before the judges. There will be awards for top costumes in several categories.  THE GREAT PUMPKIN BOWL 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St Charles | $5 per person stcunderground.com/the-greatpumpkin-bowl-nov-4-1-3pm/ Pack up those leftover pumpkins and join the fun at Pottawatomie Park where participants roll their pumpkins down the hill at oversized bowling pins. Smash and crash those pumpkins into pieces. Warm up with warm apple cider. Proceeds from the event support STC Underground.

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www.salernosonthefox.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2019

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SIX + CYPRESS, BATAVIA

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With

BOLD PRINTS and

FAB FALL COLOR PHOTOS BY: RON MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY Services from Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa, Geneva.

Shot on location at Fabyan Japanese Garden.

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JEANS AND A CUTE TOP SHOP, ST. CHARLES

FASHION & BEAUTY OCTOBER 2019

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FASHION's

e n o g

Wild

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EVERNIA, GENEVA FASHION & BEAUTY OCTOBER 2019

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800 McArdle Drive, Unit G, Crystal Lake IL ronmckinneyphoto.com ron@ronmckinneyphotography.com 312-613-0674

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TRAVEL OCTOBER 2019

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Photo by Chrissy Somers

Photo by Fox + Grey Photography

REMOVE. REFRESH. R REIMAGINE.

With Chrissy Somers, www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

Friends, I come to you this month with a confession. And I don’t think I am alone in my trial: Whenever a new season arrives, it causes me to want to renew my space. Purge all the clutter in all the places. Organize our pantries, closets, cabinets, and drawers. Place seasonal decor throughout our main level to create a welcoming feel.

Repurpose vintage items in a new, functional way.

My biggest obstacle, though, is my tight budget. I can’t afford to spend a ton of money every season to give the interior of my home a facelift, nor do I have the storage space to house all this décor! Having gone through this cycle for years, I have finally discovered affordable solutions, and some great local places, to help cure my seasonal affliction. Take note, because I foresee these being beneficial to you, too!

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REMOVE  DE-CLUTTER I follow Geneva-Based @ SimplyStagedByVanessa on Instagram and Facebook because the owner, Vanessa, has such great ideas and solutions to de-clutter and organize all of the common household problem areas. It is because of Vanessa that I went through my kitchen last fall and filled six garbage bags with utensils, storage containers, and small appliances to donate that we no longer used. Vanessa is a professional stager and not only knows the power of de-cluttering and organizing, but she works with home owners frequently on reconfiguring the layout of their space to give their space a fresh, new feel on a small budget.

 DONATING OR CONSIGNING Once you go through your closets, cabinets, and drawers, you will have loads of items to be donated. Goodwill in Batavia, Salvation Army in St. Charles, and Batavia Interfaith Clothes Closet are all great options when it comes to donating. If you would rather consign your more expensive and gently used pieces of clothing, decor, or furniture, consider consigning with Acosta’s in St. Charles, Paula’s Consignment in Batavia, ReVive in St. Charles, or Jane Pabón Consignment Boutique in Geneva.

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Photo by Fox + Grey Photography

REFRESH  THIRD & MAIN The start of the season means I get a box delivered to my doorstep with new home decor items from Third & Main. This premier home decor subscription service is nationally recognized, though they are based out of Geneva! Created by two best friends, Third & Main focuses on providing its audience with a carefully curated collection of the latest trends in home decor, supporting local small business owners whenever they can. Not only can you be part of the seasonal subscription, but you can shop their inventory online at mythirdandmain. com.  SIDE BY SIDE I don’t know about you, but storing seasonal wreaths is a pain in the booty. Plus, what I liked last fall may be different than what I like this fall!

Enter... Side by Side.

Geneva-based Side By Side specializes in custom-created wreaths for purchase or rental. That’s right... I said rental. This is what I do.

I am part of SBS’s monthly wreath subscription program. Every month, I get a new wreath for my front door that the SBS team hand- delivers and hangs. I don’t have to worry about storing four different bulky wreaths in my garage, and I don’t have to worry about changing them out seasonally.

NOTE: Side By Side also offers inhome wreath-making classes! Invite

your friends over with their favorite bottle of wine and get to creating!

Sign up for yours at SideBySideLLC. com.

REIMAGINE  715 VINTAGE There’s a big push in home decor to repurpose vintage pieces (All Hail, Joanna Gaines). Whether it’s using architectural salvage as wall decor or vintage toolboxes as toy storage, we are on the hunt for affordable ways to reimagine old pieces. Old pieces have a story and natural character that most new pieces just don’t have! I found an old ladder that was brought into 715 Vintage from a barn in DeKalb. It was weathered, used, and paint-splattered, but it was perfectly imperfect. I fell in love with it and knew after a light cleaning it would be perfect in our great room to store our throw blankets.  OTHER GREAT VINTAGE SHOPS Salvaged Heart Vintage Wares in Batavia, Villa and Farm in Batavia, The Gathering in The Berry House in Geneva, The Vintage Market in North Aurora, and Frivolous Treasures in Elburn.

For more ideas and local shops, visit the SHOP LOCAL GUIDE on FamiliesOnTheFox.com! Be sure to follow FOTF on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop with what’s going on in the Tri-Cities! @ FamiliesOnTheFox

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

FamiliesOnTheFox.com Photo by Fox + Grey Photography

Stop in and find something new for fall!

Handcrafted... Jewelry ! Handbags!

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

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HELPING

HANDS

Special volunteer workdays make a difference in park district natural area

By Sara Carlson | Photos Provided

The St. Charles Park District is calling all volunteers to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to help restore and maintain the natural areas that are dependent on hands large and small.

While you can lend a hand any Saturday throughout the year, save the date special volunteer days coming up include: • SEED HARVESTING Oct. 5 at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park • MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY Oct. 26 at Delnor Woods Park Each event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. All ages and groups, Scouts and families are welcome to participate, as no green thumb is required. A member of the Natural Resources team will provide instruction throughout the morning for activities that could include collecting seeds of native plants and/or brush removal of invasive species. Work gloves, tools and refreshments will be provided. Long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

“While we have workdays every week, these special volunteer days continue to bring more awareness of the hard work and dedication required to foster the growth of native species, thereby providing a healthier ecosystem and a healthier community,” said Ecological Restoration Supervisor Jill Voegtle.

“Prairies and woodlands clean the air we breathe and wetlands clean the water we drink,” Voegtle said. “Our hope is that volunteers who participate

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in these work days begin to better understand and appreciate the natural environment and its benefits to the community.”

honeysuckle and buckthorn impede native prairie plants from flourishing.

Removal of the shade layer gives the native plants a fighting chance.

As Voegtle oversees the Natural Resources team of three and volunteers, she has witnessed firsthand the volunteer restoration efforts pay off. For example, a prairie in Ferson Creek Fen last year was overrun with invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle as well as aggressive dogwoods.

“Clearing the woody species saved the prairie, and that’s a direct correlation of the work of volunteers,” Voegtle said.

Over the course of five workdays during the winter, eight volunteers plus Voegtle’s team worked to clear out the nearly 35,000-square-foot area.

The plan was to lay seed mix in the spring, but to her surprise, that wasn’t necessary. That section of the prairie had rejuvenated well, now that it wasn’t competing for sun and resources. It became lush with native plants including rattlesnake mater, foxglove beardtongue, and a matrix of grasses and sedges. Other areas in the fen were cleared of cattails and reed canary grass. As a result, Ferson Creek Fen is abuzz with more insects and animals including skippers and frogs.

“If you have a healthier plant base, you have a healthier ecosystem,” Voegtle said. Increased competition for sunlight from nonnative trees and shrubs like

“It’s pretty amazing what such a small group of park district naturalists and volunteers have been able to achieve,” agreed volunteer Jim Lotarski of St. Charles.

“Those who are not familiar with our native species may not notice the difference being made, but if you spend time in the natural areas, you will begin to see the changes and it feels great to be part of that,” he added.

Lotarski began volunteering two years ago as a concrete way to help the environment, and while he said it’s still the primary reason for coming out on workdays, his reasons have evolved over time.

“Spending time with the naturalists and other volunteers has helped me learn more about the flora and fauna of our local ecosystems, build camaraderie and network with others,” he said.

Advance registration is requested for volunteer days. For more information, call 630-513-4399.

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Apple Season Large Variety of Caramel Apples • Custom Gift Baskets Chocolate Covered Strawberries • Fresh Fudge Boxed Chocolates • Sugar Free Chocolates

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JOHN B. NORRIS

RECREATION CENTER

The Body Achieves what the Mind Believes GROUP FITNESS CLASSES for all levels 7 Days a Week • Morning & Evening Classes Available

Our group fitness classes will get you motivated while being safely introduced to a number of different workout styles, instructors, music and goals.

Daily admission fees apply. All classes are free to members.

• Bootcamp Interval Training • Group Cycling • Kickbox Fusion • Pilates

• Step Challenge • Total Body Sculpting • Yoga • Zumba & more!

View the current schedule: norrisrec.org/group-fitness 1050 Dunham Rd. • St. Charles • 630-377-1405 • norrisrec.org •

/NorrisRecCenter

Managed by the St. Charles Park District in cooperation with Community Unit School District 303

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The

GREAT SUBURBAN COLLEGE TOUR The right college experience could begin close to home

Y

ou don’t have to travel far to find a community college, private school or public university that fits your needs for today or tomorrow. We live in an area dotted with college opportunity, of every style and focus – public, private, campus, satellite – for those who want a traditional experience and those who want to slide in for class and then leave. So before you head off on an hours-away college road trip, check out many campuses close to home. Here’s a taste of what’s offered within a short drive of your own front door.

By Chris Walker

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FAMILY IN FOCUS OCTOBER 2019

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 AURORA UNIVERSITY (AU) strives to empower its students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. On its 37-acre, tree-lined campus nestled in a residential neighborhood in Aurora, AU offers academic programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy, the School of Education and Human Performance, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work. AU also offers “Plus One” graduation programs that allow students to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Award-winning professors, academic tutors and counselors and an 18:1 student-

faculty ratio ensures graduates are prepared to succeed.  BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY in Lisle is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict. A Benedictine education prepares students to communicate effectively, to reason and make informed judgments, to identify and solve problems, to develop a sense of intellectual

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curiosity, to pursue and communicate the truth, and to confront and resolve ethical issues.

Benedictine offers 59 undergraduates majors, 56 traditional undergraduate dresses, 34 graduate certificates, 23 graduate programs, four doctors programs and features a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.  ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (ECC) offers 138 associate degrees and certificate programs as well as dozens of continuingeducation classes on its park-like campus setting. Featuring a strong sense of community, including over 40,000 alumni, there are currently about 10,000 students who are in the midst of their educational journey, with the majority taking university transfer programs and continuing education classes. Tuition at ECC is affordable ($132 tuition/credit hour) plus the college offers scholarships and financial aid packages. Uncertain of what you want to do with your future? ECC can help students via its many academic resources, including a university transfer services team.  JUDSON UNIVERSITY, conveniently located in Elgin, is home to over1,250 students from 30 states and 20 countries, and offers a broadly based education in the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, minors and preprofessional programs, Judson is the only evangelical Christian college or university to offer a fully accredited graduate program in architecture. Judson represents the Church at work in higher education, equipping students to be fully developed, responsible students who glorify God by the quality of their personal

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relationships, their work and their citizenship within the community, the nation and the world.

Judson grads become decisive leaders and active participants in life.  NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE is an independent college situated in downtown Naperville that’s dedicated to the power of the liberal arts and sciences to transform its students into leaders in their careers and communities. And it has been doing it successfully for a long time as North Central is ranked among America’s “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, making the annual list for the 26th consecutive year. North Central also maintained its ranking from last year as No. 13 among “Best Regional Universities” in the Midwest. Approximately 3,000 students are attending North Central now, studying across more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs.  NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, the largest college in the immediate area, has students who know what they want to do after college as well as those who remain undecided, but with over 100courses of study, many look back to DeKalb as the place where they were able to explore their passions and find a major that matched their interests. Some of NIU’s highinterest programs today include environmental studies, biology, computer science, accountancy, marketing, finance, business administration, pre-med, physical therapy, psychology, sociology, chemistry, music, communication studies, history and English.

NIU also features more than 300 student organizations as well as Division I sports. NIU’s

undergraduate tuition has remained at the same rate for five years. There’s an NIU All-Majors Internship and Job Fair scheduled for Oct. 13.  RASMUSSEN COLLEGE takes a studentcentered approach to its principles and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Such regional accreditation, affordable tuition and innovative programs that can lead to careerfocused degrees make its Aurora/Naperville campus a popular destination for many. With over 50 programs to choose from in seven major areas of study, Rasmussen College students can find the right path to their future career. And for those returning to school or getting a late start and looking to acquire a degree faster than ever, Rasmussen’s Flex Choice options has real-world learning opportunities that might be the ideal fit for you.  WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE in Sugar Grove believes that learning is a lifelong process. With such a belief, Waubonsee has created a place where students can pursue knowledge and enhance their lives through education. Waubonsee’s transfer programs include associate degree education consisting of communications, social and behavioral sciences, physical and life sciences, mathematics, humanities and arts, education, engineering, and other pre-professional fields designed to prepare students for easy transfers to 4-year, baccalaureate degree granting institutions.

Other services and programs include workforce education and training, pre-college programs, community education and more. In addition to the Sugar Grove campus, there’s also downtown Aurora, Fox Valley Aurora and Plano.

FAMILY IN FOCUS OCTOBER 2019

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Did You Know Pet Ownership is Healthy?

www.walk4animals.org This message is made possible with the help of Critter Sitters.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS OCTOBER 2019

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HINSDALE • GENEVA • ST. CHARLES

Semi Annual Sale All Wines on Sale 10 -40% Off

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R

ecession. There, I said it. My voice has joined the sea of noise whose waves are lapping up on the shores of your mind.

It’s hurricane season and those opining on an economic reversal are approaching a level four storm. The signs are there, we are told. “The yield curve has inverted!” we hear proclaimed in a shrill voice.

“This is always a predictor of a recession!,” we hear.

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 NOW WHAT?

Time to take a deep breath, turn off the TV, and clear our minds. It’s been so long since we have had a recession that it is easy to forget that it is an economic decline announced by at least two consecutive quarters of contraction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). From an investor’s perspective this is worrisome as an economic recession is typically tied to a “Bear Market” which is a decline in the market of 20% or more for a period of time (usually at least two months). Although the Bear last reared his head on December 24th of last year, the last prolonged Bear Market was during the Financial Crisis and ran for 17 months from 2007 into 2009 during which the S&P 500 Index lost 50% of its value. For many of us, this drop left some psychological scars that did not heal. That is precisely why it is so easy today for town criers to stir us up now.

Here’s the deal. Despite best efforts, economic cycles happen. Trying to predict exactly when a Bear Market will begin or end is extremely difficult if not impossible. For those pointing to the inversion of the yield curve (a phenomena where the yield on a 10-year Treasury is lower than that of a 2-year Treasury) as a harbinger of an upcoming recession, the reality is that the actual event of a recession may not occur for two or three years after the inversion.Market response to an inversion can also seem contrary to an upcoming threat. (See “The S&P 500 Tends to Rise After an Inverted Yield Curve”, The Wall Street Journal, Sept. 4th, 2019.)

Q: What, then, is an investor to do?

A: If your financial circumstances have not changed and you have a disciplined and appropriate investment strategy in place, stick with it.

BUSINESS & CIVIC OCTOBER 2019

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It is understood that this may be difficult. Here is how emotions tug at a typical investor: Many Investors Follow Their Emotions

People may struggle to separate their emotions from their investment decisions.

A company’s equity, its prospects for future earnings, and perceived risk

All Ava ailable Info ormation

Following a reactive cycle of excessive optimism and fear may lead to poor decisions at the worst times.

2582293.1

Remember how stressful the financial crisis was? Here is what happened to investors afterwards depending on whether they exited the market and went to cash, exited the market and then re-entered one year later, or stayed invested throughout: The Importance of Staying Invested

Ending Wealth Values After a Market Decline $300

Exit market and invest in cash Exit market and reinvest in 1 year

$250

Stay invested in stock market Recession (Dec 2007 - June 2009) $227

$200

$150 $146 $100 $56 $50

$0

Data sources: Strategic Capital Investment Advisors. The market is represented by the Russell 3000 Index. Cash is represented by the 30-day U.S. Treasury bill. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. The data assumes reinvestment of income and does not account for taxes or transaction costs. This is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any investment. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. This information has been taken from sources, which we believe to be reliable, but there is no guarantee as to its accuracy. For index definitions please visit http://mfinwealth.com/index-definitions/ 6/14/19. 2582293.1

Overall, equity markets have been on a really nice run for some time now.

Although market volatility has returned, as of early September you may very well still be enjoying attractive returns in 2019. If you are concerned about what might be around the corner, now is a great time to set an appointment with your financial advisor. That’s what they are there for. If you are seeking a second opinion, my team is a phone call away.

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

McCartney and his team can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Photo by Indre Cantero

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC).

My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

File #0709-2018

BUSINESS & CIVIC OCTOBER 2019

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SOCIAL

Life

ď ľ EVENING IN THE PARK

A gorgeous pre-autumn evening played host to a crowd for the St. Charles Park District's 2nd annual Sunset Cider Stroll in September. Guests enjoyed tasting portions of wine, cider and craft beer from local purveyors including Wine Exchange, Broken Brix, and Pollyanna, as well as tasty bites along the path from a variety of local restaurants, markets and bakeries.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC OCTOBER 2019

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Are you looking for ways to expand or streamline your

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We can help you keep that Promise!

We will be leaving on October 18th for our Semi Annual Diamond Buying trip to Antwerp, Belgium the Diamond Capital of the world where we can hand select the Diamond of your Dreams!

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