KCM-2-1-2015

WEDDING EDITION

5

romantic dining destinations PAGE 28

FEBRUARY 2015

LOVE that dress We found

GORGEOUS GOWNS for your big day PAGE 7

30 THE AREA’S NEWEST HOTSPOT

Capture that city vibe at Shakou Sushi,

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THE MCDOWELL DESIGN TEAM IS READY TO HELP WITH YOUR 2015 REMODELING PROJECTS! ROBIN LIBERATORE Robin’s creative approach along with her enthusiasm and fun loving personality creates rapport with her clients the very first meeting. With her degree in design and solid construction knowledge, she can handle any project confidently, with stunning results that exceed everyone’s expectations.

RANDY CHIAPETTO With over twenty years in construction and remodeling, Randy’s product knowledge and analytical approach to every project, whether it is a door, window replacements, siding or a bathroom, is essential in helping his clients make decisions regarding their home.

BOB MCDOWELL As owner of McDowell Remodeling for over 40 years, Bob has helped many clients improve and enhance their homes, with his knowledge, ideas and experience, from the smallest projects to very large whole house renovations. The strength and quality of the McDowell team has resulted in thousands of happy customers and beautiful homes.

ANDREW HUGHES Andrew looks at every project as an open book, imagining all possibilities, while listening to each client’s specific objectives for their home. Combined with his education in construction management, experience and passion for remodeling, he brings the best out in every project.

It’s February already, a great time to start planning any projects that you are planning for 2015! We look forward to meeting with you, sharing ideas, and helping you enhance your home! Is your home everything you want it to be? It can and should be...the possibilities are endless!

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38

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Valentines Day is the perfect time to share with your children just how much you care

INSIDE WEDDINGS

FASHION & BEAUTY

HOME & LIFESTYLE

7 GORGEOUS GOWNS

24 A TWIST ON BRIDAL STYLE

42 LIKE OIL AND VINEGAR

Ruffles and beads and full lace sheaths round out a bevy of beautiful choices available right out your front door.

As the vintage look wanes, find out what’s hot for bridal beauty today.

11 BAND OF GOLD

While we know it’s just February, warm up to Spring fashion with help from columnist Leanne Conlon.

Interior design expert Michael Grudecki encourages couples to embrace their differing styles and create a delicious room that’s the perfect blend of each spouse.

Platinum, yellow or white gold. Our local jewelry experts offer some favorite styles to signify your love.

14 TAKING THE CAKE Current cakes are all about flavors, with delectable fillings and combinations you’re sure to love!

16 STEPPING OUT Not every wedding ceremony is held in a church.

We highlight some options as unique as the couples themselves.

20 A PLACE TO STAY Weddings are about family and friends, so why put yours up at a boring hotel? There are quaint and creative places to stay, in and around the Tri-Cities.

22 PLANNING IN THE INTERNET AGE With so many online tools available, which are good to go, and which are a big “no”?

4 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

26 STEP INTO SPRING

DINING AND ENTERTAINING 28 EDITOR’S CHOICE Five romantic spots for the perfect date night dinner

46 SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING New appliances boast great style and put the “fun” in functionality.

BUSINESS & CIVIC 48 MEET JANELLE FULFS

30 ENTER SHAKOU

One-time honored Air Force sergeant and this month’s Woman of Distinction.

Welcome the newest hotspot in St.Charles – Shakou – and get ready for artistic food and a posh city vibe.

50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FAMILY IN FOCUS

OUT & ABOUT Check out a variety of local events, courtesy of our own Planit Kane website!

34 SAYING “I DO” AS A FAMILY Experts discuss ways to bring children into the wedding plans.

36 JUST A STAGE? Family columnist Michelle Stien shares her worries about her son’s quirks and habits. kanecountymagazine.com

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A wedding is an amazing thing to plan. As one of the most important days in a couple’s lifetime, it can fill you with hope, happiness, anxiety, excitement and even stress.

Need a getaway? We highlight five romantic dining destinations, perfect to escape for a quiet meal with your special someone.

Looking for a truly unique spot for the reception? We’ve got great local options around the area, including one of the hottest spots to hit the Tri-City streets, Shakou, set to open in St Charles this spring.

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

Wherever you look to plan you’re big day, we’re glad you started with us, and right here at home, in Kane County.

For a typical wedding day, there are many choices to be made. Who will be the attendants? Where will the ceremony be held? What food and drink will we serve?

What about flowers, music, family, the DRESS????

Thanks for reading,

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

It can all get overwhelming, so we are here to lend a hand. We have great places to host the big event, options for cakes, ideas for children, and options for out-of-town guests. And of course, gorgeous gowns to take center stage.

And its all available locally, so you never need to travel far to get all you need for a wonderful wedding day.

General Manager

Jim Ringness 630-845-5228 jringness@shawmedia.com Editor

Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer

Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com Magazine Coordinator

Becca Grosso 630-845-5288 bgrosso@shawmedia.com Account Managers

Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com on the

COVER

Dramatic eyes and light natural makeup are in style for brides this season, and pair beautifully with the soft lace of a wedding gown, like this one from Veiled in Elegance, Geneva.

Photos by Ron McKinney Salon services by One Bridal Company Flowers-Batavia Floral & Design

6 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com Correspondents

Michelle Stien, Yvonne Benson, Stephanie Kohl, Melissa Riske, Elizabeth Harmon, Wendy Foster Photographers

Nancy Merkling, Ron McKinney, Maureen Schwartz 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. kanecountymagazine.com

Wedding

WONDERFUL! Gorgeous gowns to fabulous flowers, delicious cakes and unique venues, Kane County has all that you need to make your special day truly amazing!

This full length beaded gown with cascading veil and accessories available at The Crystal Bride, Geneva.

Photos by Ron McKinney. Shot on location at The Fisherman’s Inn, Elburn.

Your guests will be in awe from every angle in this full length gown with tattoo lace detail Dress and accessories available at The Crystal Bride, Geneva

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WEDDINGS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 9

10 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

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p

A beautiful ring will reflect your personal style, and hold your wedding memories close at hand.

These choices available at JP Jewelers, St. Charles.

Ruffles are on trend for gowns this season, (far left) and add a touch of whimsy, while a classic lace sheath (left) and traditional fingertip veil always is in style.

Dresses and accessories available at Veiled in Elegance, Geneva.

kanecountymagazine.com

WEDDINGS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 11

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WEDDINGS

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cake Taking the

Couples choose creative alternatives to traditional tiers

By YVONNE BENSON

A

n elegant three-tiered cake takes only second place to the bride and groom. The guests’ eye the columns and icing drapery and speculate about the flavors underneath. Is it vanilla or chocolate? Then the cake cutting ceremony begins and everyone anticipates if either the bride or groom will be silly and try to smash the cake in the others face.

Well, that’s how it was for many weddings as recently as 10 years ago; however, now the cakes have been given a makeover. They are decorated with more than just white icing rosettes, drapery, and columns. There is fondant, colors, and creative flavors. What’s more, couples are branching out to other desserts, beyond the layered cake of tradition.

In 2013, Chef Stephanie Izard of the Girl & the Goat restaurant in Chicago showed gumption by offering her guests a deceitfully simple looking cake that hid layers of strawberry

14 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

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Nesquik cake, bacon buttercream and chocolate covered Cheez-Its. That might be too audacious for the average couple getting married this year so some local bakeries have shared their expertise.

At Cocoa Bean in Geneva, owners Nancy Wasik Saucedo and Paul Saucedo declare the most popular wedding cake has been chocolate cake filled with vanilla bean mousse, chosen during their cake tasting. “We like to think of it as the classics, done well,� Saucedo says. “Our cake is made from scratch, and the vanilla flavor comes from a real vanilla bean that is split open and used.�

The Saucedos’ often recommend certain flavors based on time of year. “We suggest that clients consider using seasonal flavors, for example lemon mousse in the summer (from real squeezed lemons). A seasonal winter flavor may be white chocolate peppermint mousse.�

Laura Parra of La Chicanita Bakery in Aurora says the most requested flavors are red velvet or chocolate cake with cream cheese filling. “But personally I love the chocolate cake with Nutella filling,� she added.

 � � � � �

When it comes to presentation, Parra said there is high demand for themed tall cake stands, in form of a heart, carriage or even the Eiffel Tower. “The most creative wedding dessert that we’ve had was a swan figurine dessert filled with whip cream,� Parra says.

Personal touches often are incorporated. “The most creative wedding cake we did was based on the groom’s final architectural drawings in grad school,â€? Saucedo says. “Nothing is set in stone.â€? One popular route is a small wedding cake just for the cake-cutting and photos, then serving the entire crowd dessert from a sweet table composed of miniature pastries, she says. “We are getting a popular demand for cupcakes or cake-pops instead of your traditional two, three or four tiered cake,â€? Parra says. “I would advise [couples] to search and brainstorm first and get an idea of what they are wanting for their special day. Visualize and ask yourself ‌ ‘What kind of memory do I want 25-50 years from now?’â€? adno=0296289

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WEDDINGS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 15

SAY “I DO” SOMEWHERE NEW Ceremony locations as unique as the bride and groom

By STEPHANIE KOHL

16 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

kanecountymagazine.com

At Fisherman’s Inn in Elburn, the newly restored building offers the warmth and ambience of a country barn, with the elegance and advantages of a modern banquet hall.

Photo by Ron McKinney

G

etting married doesn’t necessarily mean contacting the church you grew up in, or the church in town anymore.

These days, a couple can have a wedding ceremony anywhere and it can be as unique as the couple hosting it.

“Many of our clients come in and they want one place where everything can fit together,” says Leanne Valdes, owner and wedding/ event planner of Geneva-based You Name It Events. “For us, it’s nice because it gives us the opportunity to focus on a really great experience at one place. What we hear a lot is the idea that people want something different.”

Valdes says museums, farms and restored warehouses are becoming really popular venues. She says her clients are generally looking for a venue where their ceremony won’t feel like every other wedding they’ve been to.

“For a lot of our clients, it’s about finding the venue that really fits their personality,” she says.

In Kane County, Valdes says Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn, Fishermen’s Inn in Elburn, Water Street Studio in Batavia, Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park and The Haight in Elgin are all popular and unique wedding venues.

Forest preserves and park district facilities are also popular choices.

One of the trends Valdes has also seen lately is a move toward smaller weddings.

Weddings of only 80 or 100 people give planners the flexibility of investigating restaurants and other meeting spaces for ceremonies and receptions.

knowledge of unique venues. In addition to helping a couple find a venue to meet their needs, an experienced planner also has the know-how to approach a venue that hasn’t previously hosted a wedding, about doing just that. It’s all about the research.

Doree Haight, partner at The Haight, 166 Symphony Way, Elgin, says she loves to see how people transform the space for their own events. Haight’s own wedding was the first hosted in the space in Oct. 2013.

The Haight consists of two floors featuring architectural elements from the historic 1910 building, including timber beams and exposed brick walls. The first floor features a 100-seat space, which is ideal for separate ceremony space, cocktail hour, small parties and rehearsal dinners.

“The brides really get into the fact they can have so many looks in one space,” Haight says. “What I’m hearing [is couples] want to share their life and their personalities and join their families. And, a lot of them, they want to have fun with it and want people to remember it as a great event.”

Haight says she has seen some pretty unique ceremonies at The Haight. What she did for hers, and others have done since, rather than the traditional set up of the bride and groom standing up front with everyone sitting in chairs in rows behind them, a ceremony is set up more theater-in-the-round-style with the bride and groom in the middle and the guests all sitting, or standing, around them.

The Haight was also home to a surprise vow renewal in which a bride and groom pulled up to the building and the minute they opened the doors, their guests were lined up along an aisle the couple walked down for a ceremony.

“When folks want a venue that’s [unique], we definitely recommend they start their search “It just goes back to the uniqueness and the earlier because we’re finding those places are flexibility, and also the price,” Haight says, booked a lot further out,” Valdes says. adding her space is roughly a quarter of the price of similar spaces in Milwaukee or One of the challenges of hosting weddings Chicago. and receptions at these less traditional

kanecountymagazine.com

venues is they sometimes require lots of setup and transition. She says it can be difficult because you have to have something for people to do, and somewhere for them to go, while you transition the space from ceremony to reception.

It was in roughly six months leading up to Haight’s own wedding that the space was transformed from a warehouse into a beautiful venue, with 90 percent of the space being recycled or repurposed goods, but there are always tweaks being made.

Valdes recommends those planning a wedding at a less traditional venue seek the help of a wedding planner with prior

“It is an ongoing thing,” she says. “It will always be evolving and changing.”

WEDDINGS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 17

Nuptials in a natural setting, at Hickory Knolls

S

ince opening in April 2011, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center has enjoyed a steadily growing reputation as a unique venue for all types of large gatherings. Its convenient location, just minutes from historic downtown St. Charles and the busy Randall Road/Geneva Commons shopping corridors, belies the utter tranquility of its woodland setting.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a cathedral-like backdrop with views that look out onto a rolling natural savanna where colorful songbirds animate the natural gardens. Beyond the oaks, 130 acres of woods and prairie provide habitat for a wide range of local fauna, from red-tailed hawks to white-tailed deer and even great blue herons.

While nature enthusiasts are well acquainted with these gorgeous natural features, many brides— and grooms—to be are now discovering just how well-suited

the site is for weddings and receptions.

Creativity knows no bounds where the sky literally is the limit. Area couples have taken full advantage of the facility’s indoor and outdoor charms, with some celebrating their special day out on the patio and the low-growing buffalo-grass lawn; others have chosen to host their wedding and reception within the center’s warm and inviting Twinleaf Rooms and Gloria Klimek Exhibition Hall.

Hickory Knolls’ Twinleaf Rooms were intentionally designed with neutral décor, so that the space can be adapted to fit individual tastes. “Some people choose to keep it simple, others go all out.

We’ve had tulle draped from the ceiling, twinkle lights wrapped around the rooms’ border,” says Tricia Claypool, event coordinator, noting that the Twinleaf space seats 150 comfortably. “We’ve also set up receptions where the goal

was to achieve the feel of a small, intimate dinner party. We’ll do whatever it takes to accommodate the needs of our rental clients.”

One common factor that runs through all weddings and receptions is environmental sustainability. Hickory Knolls is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facility. As such, natural resource conservation is a given. The building features geothermal heating and cooling; high-efficiency lighting; and building materials that were responsibly sourced.

Located within St. Charles’ James O. Breen Community Park, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is available for rentals seven days a week. For more information or to schedule a tour of the facility, contact Tricia Claypool at 630-513-4345 or tclaypool@stcparks.org. For more details about Hickory Knolls, visit stcnaure.org.

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center A unique alternative to traditional wedding venues.

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3795 Campton Hills Road St. Charles, IL 60175 630-513-4399 • stcnature.org

18 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

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weddings engagements portraits dance 312.613.0674 | RONMCKINNEYSTUDIOS.COM

A PLACE TO STAY

FOR THE BIG DAY

When it comes to out-of-town guests, options abound

By ELIZABETH HARMON

Here are a few options, to get you started:

Oscar Swan Country Inn, Geneva

H

osting a wedding can be an exciting, busy and even stressful time.

Coordinating all the activities, the vendors and the schedule can often become an overwhelming task. Add to the mix a bevy of out of town guests, family and bridal party can send a happy couple right over the edge.

But worry not! Bridal couples who want their out-of-town guests to enjoy comfortable unique accommodations have plenty of options in and around Kane County. These bed and breakfasts inns and private guesthouses offer architectural charm and a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere you won’t find in a chain hotel. And you won’t have to be concerned with hosting them at your own home, either.

20 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

staying elsewhere are welcome to dine as well, making the inn a great option for a post-wedding gift-opening brunch.

The inn fills quickly, especially during uTHE OSCAR SWAN COUNTRY INN bridal season, so Heymann recommends 1800 W STATE ST. GENEVA booking as early as possible. For more Built in 1906, the former country retreat information, visit www.oscarswan. of Chicago investment banker Oscar Swan com call 630.232.0173 or email: nina@ has been a bed and breakfast since 1988. oscarswan.com The inn specializes in hosting weddings uTHE MANSION BED AND BREAKFAST and receptions, but couples having their 305 OREGON AVENUE ceremonies at other venues often book WEST DUNDEE the inn for their families or wedding party, This 1907 mansion was once home to said owner and innkeeper Nina Heymann. a local businessman who demolished The inn has eight guest rooms and an earlier Italianate home built on the sleeps 21. The largest room is the Swan site because his wife feared it would Loft suite, which accommodates five blow down in a tornado. The solid and includes a kitchenette with a small Tudor has stood the test of time, plus refrigerator for snacks and beverages. a few tornadoes, and is located in a The decor is vintage, but rooms offer historic neighborhood that was part of modern musts such as AC, wifi and the Underground Railroad, and home updated bathrooms. to Pinkerton Security founder Allen Pinkerton.

The landscaped grounds and gardens are perfect for photos, and the inn offers space for guests to socialize, or for quiet relaxation before the big day. The inn can also host other wedding-related events, such as showers, or cocktail parties.

Overnight guests are served a homemade country breakfast, and wedding guests WEDDINGS

It has been a B&B since 2001, run by owners and innkeepers Steve Fang and Eda Tomasone.

Rich oak woodwork through the first floor common areas, vintage fixtures and gorgeous stained glass windows offer a

kanecountymagazine.com

picturesque backdrop for photos. Guests are served breakfast in the first floor dining room, there is also a small lounge with outdoor patio for socializing or morning coffee.

The Mansion sleeps ten guests in five rooms, including the charming terrace suite, with a private second floor outdoor sitting area, and the master suite that also includes a dressing room. “Wedding parties can use that to dress or if they’ve booked the entire place, they can use the common areas downstairs for hairstyling and make-up,” said Fang.

Early reservations are recommended, and Fang says he is happy to work with couples to meet their accommodation needs. “We’re very flexible. Its part of being in the hospitality business,” he said. For more information visit www.themansionbedandbreakfast.com , or call (847) 426-7777. uTHE HOMESTEAD B&B 611 E. MAIN STREET PLANO Built in 1854, this grand rural home was once the residence of Lewis Steward, one of the founders of Plano, and a congressman. Steward was known for his philanthropy and the home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and houses Steward’s congressional library.

Carefully restored, it captures the flavor of an elegant Civil War era home.

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The inn sleeps 12 guests and has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Owner and Innkeeper Mary Kay Sergo said it’s a popular overnight stay for brides and their attendants. “We’ll often have the bride and bridesmaids here the night before, then they can have their hairstylist and make-up artist come in the next morning,” said Sergo.

Downstairs, the living room and dining room are perfect for pre- or post-wedding events, such as a rehearsal dinner or cocktail party, an intimate bachelorette party or shower, or a giftopening brunch the morning after the wedding.

“We do have a liquor license for beer and wine, and allow guests to use off-site caterers, which people like because it gives them flexibility.

The beautifully landscaped grounds include a hedge maze labyrinth, which makes a striking setting for photos and is a lovely place to relax and reflect. Near Yorkville, Sandwich and Starved Rock State Park, the inn is currently taking reservations for the summer season.

Learn more at www.thehomesteadbnb.com or call 630.552.4322

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 21

Setting the

STAGE IN THE INTERNET AGE

By STEPHANIE KOHL

W

hen it comes time to start planning a wedding, the first place people generally turn is the Internet.

there … nine times out of 10, you can find a dress … cheaper on the Internet,” she said.

Area wedding planners and event coordinators agree – wedding websites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire are great resources for brides, but there is lots more out there, too.

Although shopping on the Internet can yield better prices, McNees advised brides make sure to do their research to ensure they are using a reputable dealer that can get items out in time for the wedding. This, she said, is where the use of a wedding planner can come in.

According to statistics from The Knot, made available to those in the wedding industry, nine out of 10 couples use some sort of wedding planning app; one out of five use a checklist to keep track; one out of six use a budget app to keep track; and 55 percent of brides use hashtags to keep track of online activity related to their wedding.

Tonya McNees, owner and event/wedding coordinator of Always Perfect Special Events Inc., said she has quite a few sites she recommends to her brides. She said while many brides turn to The Knot, other sites like Wedding Wire, Offbeat Bride, My Wedding, Thumbtack and Etsy are great resources for brides.

p Candle displays by Wild Orchid, Maple Park Rose bouquet by Batavia Floral & Design Tablescape at Fisherman’s Inn, Elburn Photos by Ron McKinney

22 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

As a wedding planner, McNees utilizes the Internet to stay in constant communication with her brides. In addition to sending weekly updates, she also sets up an Outlook calendar, which she shares with her brides so everyone is on the same page. She also advises her brides to set up Pinterest boards and share them with her and use various sites to send her any ideas for the wedding.

McNees said social media is another great resource for planning. Joining local groups via social media and reaching out to its members for recommendations is another way to discover vendors in the area.

While brides often turn to Pinterest for ideas, McNees said there are a few things brides need to keep in mind.

“I think social media is fantastic, and it’s a great way to get some honest reviews for a business,” she said.

“There aren’t a lot of prices on Pinterest, and a brides think they can create it, but they don’t have the cost,” she said.

When it comes to utilizing the Internet, McNees said there are certain things a bride should look out for. Anytime a site requires a bride to join, have a membership or pay a fee, she advises against using it.

As an alternative, McNees said it is great to use wedding websites to find, and even shop the brick and mortar stores, but to make sure to do your research online.

“If you’re a really savvy shopper and you really take your time to see what’s out

WEDDINGS

“Anything that’s going to cost you money just to look, isn’t worth it,” she said.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 23

Hair by Alexa Rojic, and makeup by Christy Burns, One Bridal, St. Charles Photos by Ron McKinney

BRAIDS TEXTURES

WAVES

“Vintage bridal styling is fading out, making way for more modern bridal style including braids, textures and soft waves. We are seeing softer more natural bridal makeup. Airbrush makeup gives the effect of none at all, yet flawless skin.

The attention is on eyes or lips, but not both - a bold eye with lash extensions and a natural lip.”

-Ami Christianson, One Bridal Company, St. Charles

Hair and makeup by Katie Phelps, One Bridal Company, St Charles.

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YOU’RE THE ONE. IT’S YOUR DAY. LET US MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL.

Chicago & All Suburbs For Your Personal Consultation, Call 630-988-2446

W W W. O N E B R I D A L C O M PA N Y. C O M FASHION & BEAUTY

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 25

Put some spring in your step as warm weather styles hit the racks Brrrrrrr ... it’s cold! But our thoughts are warming up to the idea of spring – lighter fabrics and brighter colors are filling the stores in anticipation of warm weather. Even swimsuits are arriving! (Can you think of anything more stressful than a bathing suit in February?)

Although we have a few months of cold weather left to endure, some of the lucky ones who will travel over spring break will start scooping up those new pieces. And here’s what they will find:

Pattern pattern pattern

Ahh yes, the patterned leggings once again are the big trend, whether you are going out or working out. They are a great, comfortable way to update your look and get away from the ever-so-popular black. Wide leg pattern pants also are a comfy way to look great.

The fabrics are so amazing it is like wearing your favorite pajamas without looking sloppy.

This look is very chic. And pattern actually is a great way to camouflage those areas of concern.

Hopefully you have embraced the benefits of patterned choices, but if not of course you still have other options.

Colored denim Photos by Maureen Schwartz

pLeanne Conlon is the owner of LeLa, Une Boutique Unique located at 211 W. State Street in downtown Geneva.

The skinny colored crop denim in greens and blues are a safe but stylish way to get away from the ordinary. Consider all white, too.

Skinny white denim and a button down white shirt or T-shirt is a classic, yet fresh look.

26 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

We go from tight and skinny to loose and comfy with the “boyfriend” jean. Since this style is meant to look, literally, as if you threw FASHION & BEAUTY

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on your boyfriend’s jeans remember to stick with your size. We tend to want to go down a size or two because of the loose fit, but it’s recommended you stay with your size to get the proper look. Pair these with a fitted top and or a crop sweater (you don’t want to go super baggy on top, too.)

And we still want to look feminine and sexy, so a heel is nice or a bootie to balance the men’s style jeans.

Go nude, and create some curves

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Another color to shop for is mauve or flesh toned pieces . It’s a great neutral that goes well with everything. It’s a hot color so there are many different shades to choose from...but not all nudes are the same. You may have to try a few to find the color that suits you.

Dresses are classic shift styles in either solids or the ever-so-flattering body-con color block .This is one of the best styles for all body types – it has an hourglass look to it and is great for ladies with curves while it creates the illusion for those without. Sleeveless styles are nice.

You can take them from season to season. We love those pieces that we can change up and use throughout the year.

In the meantime, let’s all hope that Phil the groundhog does not see his shadow, and we can start dressing for an early spring.

Otherwise we may have to use the little guy as a neck warmer.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 27

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WWW.ROOKIESPUB.COM 28 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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ith this being the annual Wedding issue, and February being the month of Valentine’s Day, we thought it only fitting to highlight some perfect spots around our towns for a romantic dinner with that special someone. These are some of our favorites.

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There hardly is a more quaint neighborhood location where couples can share a bottle of wine and stare longingly into each other’s eyes. Delectable small plates pair as beautifully with the vino as a young couple in love, and the picture perfect Third Street location keeps you close to everything, even if you feel like you are miles away.

Daddy & Daughter Dances* Sat, March 7 & 14 • 6:30-8:30pm • Pottawatomie Community Center Ages 3+ • Resident $14 • Nonresident $21 Spend a memorable evening with your special guy—DAD! Run Fur Fun* Sat, March 8 � 9am � James O. Breen Community Park Ages 12+ � $30 until Mar 1 � $45 Mar 2-8 A walk & run for you and your fourlegged friend!

Springtime on the Farm Sat & Sun, March 28 & 29 • 12-3:30pm • Primrose Farm All Ages • FREE, please register • primrosefarmpark.com As winter winds down, the farm bustles with activity.

THE TURF ROOM North Aurora

Looking for a little competitive fun this Valentines Day? Try the Turf Room, where you can enjoy creative signature cocktails and inventive cuisine while placing your bets on the race of the day. Dressed up or down, it’s a fun and flavorful spot for couples.

Easter Egg Hunt Sat, March 28 • 10am • Pottawatomie Park Ages 9 and under • FREE The hunt is on!

Green Fest Sat, March 28 • 10am-12pm • Hickory Knolls Discovery Center All Ages • FREE • stcnature.org Fostering an enviromentally conscious community! * Advance registration required Doggie Egg Hunt Sat, March 28 • 2-3pm � James O. Breen Community Park Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult � $4 in advance � $7 on site Wag on over for a diggity dog good time!

ROX CITY GRILL St. Charles

There hardly is a place that exudes romance quite like the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, and Rox City Grill, located inside, embodies that spirit. Decidedly classy, its lounge-like atmosphere can be enjoyed with great food, and drinks, while you enjoy the beauty of the river and the sounds of some great live music.

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PATTEN HOUSE Geneva

Experience the romance of New Orleans, at Patton House. One of the newer entries to the Tri-City dining scene, Patton House converts a gorgeous historic home into a luxurious yet comfortable dining room with delicious southern fare and more than a touch of Southern hospitality.

Sweeten someone’s day

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If the award-winning food and beautiful presentation at Gaetano’s isn’t enough, the lovely location in intimate, downtown Batavia makes the perfect setting to put it over the top. Superior food and service and a delightful menu make this restaurant a go-to location for date night, anniversary dinners, or just the end to a beautiful day together.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 29

S h a ko u Experience that city vibe right here in St. Charles

Photos by Steve Neilson

by SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

Tri-City natives are no strangers to great dining. The downtowns that dot the riverside are filled with fabulous spots for an evening out, and year by year the area plays host to an impressive selection of stylish and succulent options for artful food and drink. the typical Tri-City venue. Bold and modern Japanese prints hang floor to ceiling along the walls, expanses of glass tile dance with modern colored accent lighting, paired with stylish furniture and out-of-the-box Readying for a March opening in the river seating, offering a club-like feel in a modern city, Shakou, which means “social life” in Japanese, promises the same big city caliber dining space. An intimate and decidedly cool mezzanine level is the perfect spot to service and ambience as it boasts in its Libertyville locale, a restaurant which marks relax and dine with friends and grab an artful signature cocktail. its two short years with continual honors by foodies and press for its atmosphere and But the food is the real star at Shakou. As fabulous fare. dramatic and artistic as the restaurant is, a Shakou entree is architecture in and of itself.

“Get ready to be blown away,” says Impressive. Bold. Delicious. marketing director Randi Moxi. “It’s unlike This Spring, the Kane dining scene gets even more exciting, as St. Charles welcomes Shakou Sushi, a decadently inventive and decidedly hip dining experience.

eateries such as Blue Fin, Blue Ginger, and Star Fish.

Start your experience with an appetizer, perhaps diving into the Sea Star, a salsa-like offering of tuna, salmon, and shrimp ceviche perfectly blended with cilantro, onions, avocado, tobiko and diced tomato, mixed in a sweet ponzu sauce and served with tortilla chips.

If you are a sushi lover, Shakou has designed a playground of taste and texture in its menu. Shakou’s signature maki are a combination of traditional sushi basics with a decidedly American style, blending anything you have ever seen.”

Leading the way is Executive Chef Sang the freshest fish and vegetables with Choi.

Chef Choi is a master of Asian Cuisine rich sauces and bright flavors. It is food Contemporary design is evident when you with 15 years of experience including leading constructed in perfect balance. step through the door at Shakou, and you know you are somewhere very different than roles all over the Chicago area at trendy -Continued to page 32 kanecountymagazine.com

DINING & ENTERTAINING

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 31

The Black Widow roll, a menu favorite is designed with black rice, lightly battered fresh water eel, and avocado topped with, tempura crunch, sautéed scallops, tobiko, and unagi sauce. Looking for something hotter? The Dragon Fire roll is a butter pan-seared roll built with crab, cucumber and avocado, topped with spicy tuna, spicy tako, citrus mayo, habanero sauce and unagi sauce.

The bento box lunch, like little rooms filled with deliciousness, offers a great way to taste a variety of Shakou’s favorite menu items. But for those less enthusiastic about sushi, Shakou offers a large and inviting menu of alternatives – Chilean sea bass, teriyakis of salmon and chicken, short ribs braised in sweet ginger soy – all created with the same inventive Japanese-American flair for the flavorful, and sure to utterly satisfy even the most conservative of diners.

crafted just for the Shakou menu on tap, we know Shakou will soon become a favorite spot for corporate lunches, events, cocktail hours and more,” says co-owner Adam Garvanian. “We are so excited to open and see the community’s response.”

As the area’s newest hotspot, Shakou Sushi is planning some fantastic events as it enters the neighborhood.

“We cannot wait to expand the Shakou brand to the St. Charles area,” says co-owner Aleks Dupor.

“The Shakou ‘city vibe in the suburbs’ ambience will appeal to local patrons We have already been embraced so openly by the community, local government and organizations and we look forward to serving them for years to come.”

Shakou Cares

-Continued from page 31

While Shakou may be new to the St. Charles community, it is no stranger to community spirit.

The Shakou Cares program is the social mission of the business. The owners of Shakou designed the program to help support local causes within the community.

Shakou has helped raise funds, find cures and champion worthy causes both local and regional, helping more than 100 charities in its short time in business.

Shakou can be utilized for fundraisers, happy hour and dinner benefits, and programs for nonprofits. Even its grand opening events will give back a portion of the proceeds to the MDA, in memory of Lonnie Russel, family member of one of the Shakou owners. u Go to shakousushi. com to secure invitations to exclusive pre-opening events.

And don’t forget about dessert. Save room for the Chocolate Truffle, a zabalone cream center surrounded by chocolate gelato and caramelized hazelnuts. Or if you’re looking for a lighter end to your meal, the Exotic Bamba is a mango, passion fruit and raspberry sorbetto, covered with white chocolate.

“With a city caliber venue, innovative menu selections, signature cocktails, sakes and a beer

32 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

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SAYING ‘I DO’ AS A

FAMILY

By ELIZABETH HARMON

W

hen Maureen Ringness of South Elgin married her husband Jim in 1998, the couple wanted the day to include Jim’s then-ten-yearold son, Tommy.

“Tommy was with us when we got engaged, and we wanted him to be part of the wedding as much as possible,” Maureen says.

Leanne Valdes, a wedding/event planner, is the owner of You Name It Events in Geneva. She says that the question of whether kids will be included in the wedding is one she asks every couple during their initial consultation.

“We consider whether the bridal party will include kids, or if it’s a blended family, we find that many clients want to include the children in the ceremony,” she says.

Roles as flower girls, ring bearers, junior bridesmaids or groomsmen, ushers, readers and other wedding helpers can offer a way to involve During the wedding, after Jim and Maureen exchanged vows, the minister kids. Traditionally, flower girls and ring bearers are under age 10, pre-teens called Tommy to stand with his dad and teens can serve in the other roles. and new stepmother. He received a “We’ve even had an infant flower girl medallion that bore three circles of equal size, representing the bride, the who was carried down the aisle by one of the bridesmaids,” Valdes says. groom and the child.

“There’s a short ceremony that goes with it, and then Jim and I spoke some verses to him, welcoming him into the family. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was very sweet,” says Maureen.

The question of whether to include children in the wedding is one every couple should consider.

“The topic of kids needs to come up at the beginning of the planning process, as you’re mapping out your budget and the number of guests.

You’ll need to budget for kids’ plates, which aren’t more expensive, but are a different cost. You also want to make sure your invitations communicate to your guests whether kids are invited,” says Monique Pirtle, Illinois State Manager for the Association of Bridal Consultants.

34 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

In blended families, children sometimes play the key roles of maid of honor, best man or may give away the bride. “We work to find ways to involve them so they feel special, and though the day is primarily about the bride and groom, it’s also about the creation of a family,” says Valdes.

Ceremonial affirmations also can be part of the wedding. “Couples have involved their kids by having the officiate ask them questions, kind of like speaking vows. Others have used the unity ceremony, either with candles for each family member, or with sand,” she says.

The sand ceremony uses small jars of sand in a different color for each family member. All of the jars are poured into a larger one to blend the colored sands, symbolizing the new family.

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Though children may attend the ceremony, some receptions, especially evening events, are for adults only. “If you’re planning an adults only reception, the invitation should specify that or set an age limit so people can plan ahead,” said Pirtle.

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Valdes says the decision is often driven by the children’s age. “Younger kids participate only briefly, if at all. It’s been a long day with a lot of stuff thrown at them. The older ones, say eight to ten and up, are often there start to finish,” she said.

If the reception includes children, Valdes advises couples to accommodate their young guests with kids’ plates, goody bags and possibly a supervised area or room with kid-friendly activities, desserts or snacks.”If there are going to be a lot of young children there, it’s nice because it frees up the parents to have fun, but still know that their kids are included,” Valdes says.

Maureen Ringness said Tommy attended part of the reception, but left after dinner with the other kids. “He got a little bored, because it was mostly adults, but we had our reception in a hotel and reserved a few rooms upstairs, so he and the other nieces and nephews were able to go upstairs and play video games, where they were watched by a couple of teenage relatives,” she says.

Blended families also can celebrate at the reception too. “The kids might be included in the introduction, or sit at the family table, or take part in a family first dance. These are all things that can help create a family feeling from the start,” says Valdes.

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“Couples take the traditional aspects of the ceremony and customize it to what they want it to symbolize,” said Valdes.

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Couples also may incorporate the exchange of jewelry into their ceremony as the Ringness family did.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 35

Just a stage...

or something more?

I

have likely mentioned before that my kids have some idiosyncrasies that make them very unique. But where do I draw the line between “unique” and “probably could use professional help?”

My dear son Colin is stubborn, opinioned and probably too smart for his own good. He’s quick-witted, the king of the one-liners and usually has us laughing out loud even when we know better. Among these other traits, he is also very detail-oriented.

shorts. There were a few soccer games for which I had to layer him up when the temperatures dropped, and he could not wrap his mind around wearing a long-sleeved shirt under his short-sleeved uniform with shorts. One evening I had to chase him around the house to get him ready (and that was before he found out he also had to wear pink socks for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)

He started wrestling a few months ago. One evening, amidst the typical carpool craziness While this attention to detail is out the window when it comes to cleaning his room, with the two kids, I was forced to bring clothes for him so he could change when we picking up his dirty clothes off the floor or got to practice. I didn’t pay much attention flushing the toilet, when it comes to the smallest string hanging from his clothing or a to what I grabbed, and apparently it was stuffed animal, everything must stop and I am completely unacceptable (based on his strict standards.) The shirt was too short on him required to cut said string or his day cannot and the sleeves hit him in a “weird spot” that possibly go on. bothered him. I told him he could put his Dressing him becomes quite long-sleeved shirt back on, but he refused. challenging, because he Desperate, I finally suggested I rip the sleeves won’t wear anything with off his T-shirt. It seemed like a good idea at buttons, zippers, snaps or the time, but once I removed the sleeves, even a drawstring. (The there were a ton of loose strings ... and he drawstring aversion is new really unraveled. Ultimately, we left practice and considering he only wears because there was no way he could cope with warm-up pants, most of which the wardrobe choices offered to him. have drawstrings, I have This was stressful, but not shocking. I usually been left to cut them out of have to allow extra time to get him ready at most pairs.) Luckily he has wrestling practice because he has to have the enough girth to hold his Velcro on his shoes “just right.” Even after I pants up. line them up to what seems perfect, he has In the fall, as the weather to re- attach them at least three times before was transitioning, he he’s satisfied. When school started this year, refused to wear short I had to return three pairs of shoes because, sleeves with long pants even though they fit, the Velcro didn’t line up or long sleeves with perfectly in his mind, and he refused to wear

36 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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them after that. I’m scared to see what happens when he needs to wear shoes with laces and learn to tie his shoes. He will become a quick learner to avoid having them come untied, or he will explode in the process.

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Now that the cold weather is upon us, gloves, hats, boots and snow pants spell disaster for this kid. Everything has to be tucked in just right. The Nike swoosh on his hat has to be right in the center. If any piece of material is bunched, scrunched or out of place, we have to start the bundling process all over again. And no matter how much extra time I allow, I’m usually screaming at the top of my lungs, sweating profusely and searching for a pair of scissors or clippers to bring along, just in case any strings rear their ugly heads while we are out.

Needless to say, I’m a little concerned. Sure we all have our hang-ups. I get a little nervous when a spatula ends up in the wrong drawer and often re-load the dishwasher after someone else puts dishes in it. But Colin’s need to tie up loose ends interferes with his daily life, and it leads me to believe he likely is suffering from something more concrete than a stage of childhood fussiness. And while I am hopeful this is just a phase, (like my daughter’s short-lived obsession with wearing three Band-Aids at all times when she was three) and shall soon pass, I think I will put a call into our child psychologist just to make sure.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 37

Valentine’s Day: A Family Affair

Photos by Maureen Schwartz

Kids love Valentine’s Day and why not?

Debbie L. Conley, LCSW is a clinical social worker and therapist in Geneva. She specializes in child and adolescent therapy, parenting issues and trauma/ptsd.

There are classroom parties, red heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate, Valentine’s Day cards to exchange, and even fuzzy, warm Valentine’s Day pajamas! Families are made in so many different ways whether it is from adoption, living with extended family, single parent families, and biracial families. Valentine’s Day can be a day to celebrate your love and appreciation for each other.

According to the U.S. Greeting Card Association, 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year across the nation. Half of these are given to family members other than spouses. If you feel like you just finished Christmas with all its excessive gift-giving and materialism, try something new with your family this Valentine’s Day. Kids learn what love is all about by watching our behaviors. Not every token of love has to revolve around an expensive gift. In turn, model for your children that there are other ways to express love besides lavish gifts.

38 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Deborah L. Conley, LLC Helping to get families back in line Child Therapist

Here are a few ideas that can keep Valentine’s Day simple and meaningful for your children:

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❤ Make your kids’ beds. Put clean sheets on and leave some heart shaped chocolate on their beds. Busy teenagers might especially like this idea!

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❤ Place notes in their lunch boxes, back packs, sports bags, or even musical instrument cases. Wish them a happy day and remind them you are thinking of them.

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❤ Depending on schedules, arrange a family dinner. Have every family member write down something they love about each other or something they enjoy doing with one another. Share this at the dinner table.

❤ One of the most important things to give your child is your time. Children need their parents’ time more than anything else. Take time today to really listen how their day went. Read to them or play a game together.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 39

SAVVY CONSUMERS

Comparing Health Care Costs As Out-of-Pocket Expenses Increase Now, more than ever before, people want to stay active well into their golden years. But in the midst of healthcare system reforms they face a dilemma: How to seek out the highest quality of care without incurring unmanageable costs.

To reconcile this problem, consumers are beginning to comparison-shop for healthcare services, the way they would for any other service they need or desire.

However, figuring out the cost of care and out-of-pocket expenses is not as easy it sounds.

In an effort to help consumers understand what the cost will be prior to surgery, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and independent physician groups across the country are making it easier for patients to get an estimate prior to receiving services such as an MRI or elective surgery in order to improve quality of life.

“If they do a little research, prospective orthopedic surgery patients will discover the fact that the ASC provides quality of patient care and substantial cost savings over a hospital setting,” says Dr. Craig Torosian, president of Fox Valley Orthopedics in Geneva.

“For example, most of our patients typically pay 30 to 50 percent less for diagnostic services, and about 50 percent less for surgical procedures,” adds Torosian. “But most

importantly, the quality of care is exceptional.”

For three decades, ASCs have offered patients a choice for surgical services; namely, a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to having surgery in the hospital.

How is this possible? Most ASCs are independently owned and focus on a number of specialized surgical procedures. By specializing on a narrow range of services, an ASC is able to maximize patient benefits – and a practice’s efficiency and productivity – while at the same time minimizing cost.

These savings – in part – are passed along to the consumer.

The end result is a higher level of patient satisfaction as well as savings.

Small business owners – who report health insurance costs as the most critical problem they face today – also benefit when employees patronize ASCs. Cost of care reductions enable them to keep their overall healthcare costs low.

In the last few years, Medicare and commercial insurance payers have substantially increased the portion patients must pay for healthcare services, which sometimes interferes with their ability to budget for procedures. So while aging baby boomers and gen-Xers want to keep moving as long

as possible, they need to find ways to cope with soaring out of- pocket deductibles when planning for elective procedures that will keep them healthier in the long run.

Many American consumers have become more costconscious in light of the challenges of increased outof-pocket expenses and the struggling economy...with good reason. According to recent Health Care Cost Institute – employees’ wages grew by just 3 percent for Americans in 2011 and 2012, while the national average for out-ofpocket medical expenditures increased by 4.8 percent. This trend is continuing to increase.

Comparison-shopping for elective surgical procedures can result in substantial savings for patients.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the growth of ASCs is due to the numerous benefits to the patient including: • Technological advances • Positive outcomes • Specialized care from highly trained nursing staff • Higher staff-to-patient ratios resulting in personalized care • Less time under anesthesia • Lower infection rates and readmissions • Convenient access and scheduling • Shorter wait times • Cost savings

Sharon Schreiber

CEO, BrandWeavers Strategic Health Consultancy

According to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and Ambulatory Surgery Foundation, 92 percent of patients surveyed report feeling satisfied after choosing an ASC for healthcare.

“I believe that ASCs offer the patient centered, costeffective, high quality of care essential in today’s healthcare environment, “ says Torosian.

“Patients deserve choices when it comes to surgery,” says Deborah Lee Crook, CEO at Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center, in St. Charles.

“Who wouldn’t choose to save money for quality services, positive outcomes, and superior patient care?”

CONSUMER TIPS FOR COMPARISON-SHOPPING

FACTS TO HELP YOU SAVE

• Some ASCs now post their prices on their websites. If prices aren’t posted, call in and ask for specifics.

• Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) treat patients faster and cost up to 50 percent less than surgery performed at a hospital.

• Medicare data is available to everyone. Ask the administrator at the ASC of your choice to show you how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be in advance of any procedure in order to make an informed decision.

• The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission reports that ASCs patient’s share of cost is lower.

• Ask your physician where he/she has hospital privileges.

• Freestanding imaging centers provide services for 30 to 60 percent less per visit than a hospital imaging facility.

• Information is power...ask the hospital in your area to provide you with all costs for any anticipated procedure.

• Specialty urgent care centers are typically 5 to 7 times less expensive than going to the ER.

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Our physicians are up to date with the latest developments in pediatric care: Lynn M. Ables, M.D. Cynthia R. Ambler, M.D. William C. Harenburg, Jr., M.D. Peter I. Liber, M.D. Ute L. Monson, M.D. Ruben J. Rucoba, M.D. Sabrina H. Zubair, M.D.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 41

LIVING BY

DESIGN with Michael Grudecki

When design tastes are like vinegar and oil The true secret to a good salad is balance. But when making that salad, what if you love black olives and your significant other despises them?

What can you do to keep the balance?

The same dilemma may hold true for your home when you are working to combine each other’s furnishings from a previous home or relationship.

You love the look of your home, but much like your significant other did not want black olives in your salad creation, you also may not want that retro black leather recliner in your family room.

Just the thought of adding a piece of furniture “Pre-You” throws off the balance of an otherwise well put together room, and you start to question the idea of adding it at all.

Will combining your two distinctive styles really work in one home? The answer is YES! Here is where compromise works together effectively with good design. By simply moving the retro black leather recliner into the room, it will look and feel forced into the space. But, if you begin to incorporate other retro pieces that offer the same feel, what may have been formerly a very traditional room becomes transitional, with pieces that reflect each of your styles and personalities.

Most furniture stores advertise their products in room groupings. While this provides a great visual and starting point, nothing in design says that is the only way to display these decor pieces. Just because you purchased a set of tables prior to your relationship, does not mean you cannot break up the set and put a table or two from each of your collections. The same holds true for fabrics and leathers or even styles of furniture – Contemporary with Traditional, Mission with Modern.

42 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

HOME & LIFESTYLE

kanecountymagazine.com

When you pour vinegar and oil into a glass, there is a noticeable difference. But when you shake up the two, you can still see each of them for what they are, but the balance of the two make it taste much better. They blend and complement each other. The same will hold true when combining decor pieces ... as long as you keep the SALAD Method in mind when working to create balance within the space: the decor pieces you are S elect each fond of between each others pieces A lternate when putting the room together pieces that L etyougodoofnotthelove the balance and function A ssess of the room D ecorate the room Once your have incorporated the SALAD Method into your design plan, you will have an absolutely delicious room to which you both will feel a connection, and hopefully will enjoy for years to come. The end result, when reached correctly, is a result of compromise and achieves balance through the harmonious combination of design styles and decor pieces.

The SALAD Method of design was developed

by Vignette Home Decor, Inc. out of Batavia, Illinois and has been practiced since its development in 2007. To find out more about the SALAD Method, please feel free to contact Vignette Home Decor directly.

r o f g y n o i d u e n e h t y r e v ! s E l a e m o i u c r s i l e w t i n e d & y s a e Voted V t d 2014 Best B t Meat Market / Butcher Shop in Kane County!

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Are You An

Artist?

See your work in the pages of Kane County Magazine!

Michael Grudecki is president and senior design consultant with Vignette Home Decor, Inc. Stop in for more advice, and see what's in the store at 1952 W Fabyan Pkwy, Batavia. kanecountymagazine.com

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 | FEBRUARY 2015 | 43

PETS

SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PET

By Anderson Animal Shelter

Featured Sponsor: DePaw University Canine Campus

World Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Every February, various organizations highlight spaying and neutering as a way to save the lives of companion animals, community cats, and homeless dogs who might otherwise perish.

Why is spaying or neutering pets important? Animal shelters are affected every day by the tragedy of pet overpopulation. Nationwide, it is estimated that 3-5 million unwanted pets are euthanized every year.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) there are many benefits to spaying or neutering your pet including but not limited to, possibly living a longer, healthier life; prevention of various diseases; and more.

In order to play its part, Anderson Animal Shelter recently opened a public low-cost spay & neuter program to help address the pet overpopulation problem in the Fox Valley Community by making spay and neuter surgeries more affordable for pet owners.

“Animal shelters exist largely because too many people don’t spay/ neuter their pets. When pets breed, they create unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that end up at shelters,” said Beth Drake, Anderson’s Executive Director. “People need to do two things to help us address the tragic problem of overpopulation: they need to adopt their next pet from a shelter, rather than purchasing from a pet store and they need to spay or neuter their pets. One of the great things about adopting from Anderson is that our pets are already spayed or neutered!”

Though Anderson Animal Shelter is a limited admission facility, meaning that it doesn’t euthanize one animal to make room for another, shelter workers still feel the strain of pet overpopulation. “We have a waiting list for cats and kittens to come in to the shelter,” said Jon Koffenberger, Animal Care Manager. “As soon as a cage opens, we

fill it, and could probably fill it several times over. During the spring, summer and fall, there seems to be no end to the steady stream of kittens that need our help.”

Through the Anderson Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, pet owners can get reduced rate, high quality spay or neuter surgeries for dogs and cats, as well as low-cost vaccinations and a limited number of other services. Male cats can be neutered for $50 and female cats spayed for $75. Dogs, depending on their size, can be neutered for as low as $75 (up to $125) and females spayed for as little as $100 (up to $150).

Vaccinations are available for $15 and microchips are available for $20.

All surgeries are performed in Anderson’s veterinary clinic by shelter veterinarian, Dr. Sharon Colgan, who has been performing spay/neuter surgeries successfully for over 20 years.

The Shelter encourages area residents and families to do their part in helping to control the pet population or increase awareness and education regarding its importance. For more information visit ASPCA.org, humanesociety.org, or our website for more information including our Humane Education classes and programs.

For more information and to complete an online appointment form for the Spay & Neuter Clinic at Anderson Animal Shelter, please visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, call the shelter at (847) 697-2880 x 34 or email neuteryourpets@andersonanimalshelter.org.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 45

Setting up Housekeeping

By WENDY FOSTER

WHEN FUNCTION MEETS STYLE, A HOUSE BECOMES YOUR HOME Choosing appliances is dramatically different than it has been in past decades. While once, selections would be made based primarily on functionality, now decisions also take style, technology, energy efficiency and size into consideration.

Brothers Dan, Mike and Rick Gilbert own fourteen Sears franchises including Appliance and Hardware stores, showrooms and outlets throughout the Chicago area, as well as in Wisconsin and Indiana.

REFRIGERATORS/ FREEZERS

Unlike bygone eras, refrigerator/freezers are no longer boxy and indistinctive.

Today’s appliances are sleek and attractive and come in various styles, sizes and finishes.

Dan Gilbert says among the top designs is the refrigerators/freezer featuring French-style doors and a bottom freezer.

“People like this style because you can open the doors and see everything at a higher level. You don’t need to bend down to see things. Furthermore, the bottom freezers are big enough so that you can lay things flat, like frozen pizzas boxes.”

Specialized features in refrigerators can appeal to different consumers based on their eating habits. “For example, we have refrigerators with special crispers that capture the moisture and drip it back down on the fruits and vegetables. This will give you another week or so on fresh fruits and veggies. It’s great if you eat a lot of fresh produce,” says Gilbert.

There’s good news in terms of finishes, he adds. The look of stainless steel is still the most popular way to go.

From left: Dan Gilbert, Rick Gilbert and Mike Gilbert

46 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

“GE and Kenmore both have come out with a different kind of finish. It looks like stainless steel but you can put a HOME & LIFESTYLE

magnet on it and it’s not as susceptible to fingerprints. It’s one of the new things coming out,” he says.

WHAT’S HOT FOR COOKING?

“One of the biggest things going on in cooking is convection,” says Gilbert who explained there are two types of convection ovens: regular and true. A regular convection oven has a fan which blows air around. A true convection oven also has an additional heating element along with the fan, so it blows warm air. Both types result in more even and efficient cooking in less time.

The new, combination double ovens feature a small oven on top, with a fullsized oven on the bottom.

“This is great when you’re baking or cooking something small or flat like a pizza. You can use the top oven and not heat up the whole house,” Gilbert says.

Additionally, you can cook things at two different temperatures simultaneously.

Built in ranges are very popular now as well.

“If you have enough counter space it’s a nice option. There’s nothing to clean under or around,” says Gilbert. “They look really nice, and people like that the height is just right.” kanecountymagazine.com

100+ Lines of Furniture $ Home Accents $ Rugs $ Florals $ Home Staging $ Space Planning $ General Contracting

Induction cooktops are being called, “the wave of the future” by some. “Metal pans go onto the cooktop and the heat is conducted right into the pan. The stove top itself doesn’t get hot,” said Gilbert. “It’s very energy efficient because there’s no wasted heat. And the top is smooth and doesn’t have any coils or grates so it just wipes off. We’ll see how it goes but right now it seems to be among the latest and greatest things.”

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DISHWASHERS

The buzz on dishwashers is actually the elimination of sound. “The biggest thing with dishwashers right now seems to be how quiet they are,” says Gilbert. “Bosch was leading the way in quiet but now everyone is following suit.”

Gilbert said that some customers prefer dishwashers with controls on the top rather than on the front, because of the sleeker appearance.

Michael Grudecki

Vignette Home Decor: Your Locally Owned, Locally Operated Small Business.

St. Charles Resident and Batavia Business Owner

LAUNDRY

The big push in terms of washers is on front load models. Because of the absence of an agitator, they are easier on clothes. The larger capacity of the top load washers is appealing, and sensors help determine the size of the laundry load and how much water needs to be used. Front load models feature water heaters, which because of higher water temperatures, can result in ultimate cleaning. Furthermore, the spin cycle is faster which reduces the drying time.”

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A newer feature in dryers is the addition of sensors which can shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry. “This is a huge energy saving,” Gilbert said.

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Unfortunately, appliances don’t last as long as they used to. “A lot of that is because of the electronics and technology and the changes in energy efficiency,” says Gilbert. “Most major appliances will last seven to eight years. “ The good news about appliance purchases is that there are great selections for any budget, taste and size requirements.

The Gilberts own 14 Sears stores including Sears Appliance and Hardware stores in Downers Grove and Lake Zurich,Illinois; Shereville and Valparaiso, Indiana; and Germantown, Wisconsin. Their outlet stores are located in Darien, Illinois and Portage, Indiana; and their showrooms are in Oswego, North Aurora, St. Charles and South Elgin, Illinois and in Mequon and Delafield, Wisconsin.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 47

A ROAD LESS TRAVELED After years of world travel, Janelle Fulfs finds life’s passion close to home

A

fter her first year of college, Janelle Fulfs decided school just wasn’t right for her. She left behind her books and college sports to forge a different path – joining the U.S. Air Force – considering a career as an air traffic controller.

At American Home Health, based in Aurora, Fulfs manages staff providing in-home nursing to patients of all ages, from young pediatric patients with special needs such as feeding tubes and ventilators, to elderly patients seeking home care.

In the course of life, her dreams and goals changed. Fulfs isn’t coordinating flight patterns for airplanes, but she is multi-tasking as the vice president of a home healthcare company, a mother and as a student continuing her education.

Fulfs says her military background also is an asset when it comes to problem solving, as she’s able to think “outside the box,” explore options and work to a resolution.

Fulfs joined the Air Force in the fall 1990 and during the span of her military career has been stationed in locations in the United States as well as South Korea, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

She says time spent in Germany often was her favorite, as the small town where she was stationed reminded her of life back in Sterling, Ill., where she grew up.

“There’s always a way to come to a resolution, it’s just a matter of finding a way to get there,” Fulfs says.

And while she may not have found college to the right fit as a young adult, Fulfs has re-discovered a passion for learning. She recently completed her masters of business degree at Northern Illinois University and began taking nursing classes in the Elgin Community College nursing program.

She rose to the rank of staff sergeant, working in security forces and administration. She was honing skills and experience that she would utilize when her mom invited her to join the company American Home Health nearly 12 years ago. Fulfs says her military training helps her keep a keen attention to detail.

As she sets out to complete a nursing degree she will becomes a third-generation nurse in her family, following in the footsteps of her mom and grandmother.

“It taught me to make sure you follow the tasks that you are working on day-to-day,” Fulfs says.

“This is especially important when dealing with people’s lives.”

Her mother, Jan Fulfs, says she is the kind of person always there to help others in need.

During her time in the Air Force she received several awards including two Air Force Achievement Medals, one during her assignment in Korea and one during her assignment in Germany. She was named Personal Administrator of the Year during her work at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. She served in the Air Force for nine years.

Colleague Edward Lara says Fulfs has been a great resource for him, whether she is lending input or helping to strategize on an issue.

48 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

“I do like to take care of people, I guess it’s in my blood,” Fulfs says.

“She’s a really good mentor,” Jan Fulfs says.

“She’s taken people under her wing.”

Photo by Nancy Merkling

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Fulfs says she and her mother have a good working relationship. She realizes at some point her mother will elect retirement and she’ll take over the business, but for now, they enjoy working together.

“My mom and I don’t fight at all,” Fulfs says.

“We’ll debate, we’ll converse, were very lucky that we see each other’s point. It’s not about us, it’s about what’s right for the patients and what’s right for the company.”

“She’s excellent at problem solving,” Lara says.

He added that Fulfs and her mother are great team, with their drive to help others and care for their employees as well.

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 49

FEBRUARY

EVENTS In Kane County

FEBRUARY 1 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15 THE WHO’S TOMMY at The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora The six-time Tony Award-winning 1993 Broadway musical adaptation of the legendary rock opera about an abused British boy who is struck “deaf, dumb and blind” at the end of World War II before he grows up to become an unexpected “Pinball Wizard” in the 1960s. For mature audiences.

Show times are 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, through Feb. 15. $41-$54. (630) 896-6666 or www. paramountauora.com. Price: $54 FEBRUARY 4 - THE SCIENCE OF SNOW 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Peck Farm Park: Orientation Barn - 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva Did you know a single snowstorm can drop more than 39 million tons of snow. Discover The Science of Snow at Peck Farm Park’s free winter exhibit for all ages! Learn about snow’s role in our environment as we investigate further into this unique form of precipitation. The Science of Snow will be on display January 10 through February 28 in Peck Farm Park’s Orientation Barn, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. This free exhibit is open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm. Group field trips are available for schools, churches, and scout groups. Call (630) 262-8244 or visit genevaparks.org for more information.

50 | FEBRUARY 2015 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH FEBRUARY 7 JOHN CAPONERA/SPECIAL EVENT Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run Resort at 4051 E. Main Street St. Charles As seen on ESPN, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, numerous movies, TV sitcoms and more!

Must be 21 years old. Two drink/food minimum purchase per person. Tickets can be ordered on line or by calling 630-584-6342. No passes, discounts or coupons for this show. www. stcharles.zanies.com FEBRUARY 6 - VERONICA’S ROOM 8 p.m. at Steel Beam Theatre 111 W. Main Street, St. Charles Chilling mystery thriller by the author of Rosemary’s Baby. Starring SBT Founder Donna Steele, Crystal Skipworth, Jackson Schultz and Larry Boller. Price: $23 - $28. Adults $28; seniors $25; students $23 Visit website for more information. www.steelbeamtheatre.com FEBRUARY 7 - FAMILY STONE AND JAMES BROWN EXPERIENCE 8 p.m. at Arcada Theatre 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles For information or to order tickets, call 630.962.7000. Tickets can also be ordered on line. Visitat www.oshows.com FEBRUARY 12 – B-52S 8 p.m. at Arcada Theatre 105 E. Main Street St. Charles.

For information or to order tickets, call 630.962.7000. Tickets can also be ordered on line. Visitat www.oshows.com FEBRUARY 14 - ROCKIN’ VALENTINE PARTY Loverboy and The Romantics – 8 p.m. at Arcada Theatre 105 E Main St., St. Charles Rockin’ Valentine Party Rockin’ Valentine Party with Loverboy and The Romantics Price: $49 $89. Visit at www.oshows.com FEBRUARY 15 - CALLIPYGIAN PLAYERS 2:30 p.m. at Fermilab’s Art Gallery, Wilson Hall, Batavia, Kirk Road & Pine Street Batavia The Callipygian Players are an ensemble of Chicago’s finest period instrument musicians and singers under the leadership of Director and Baroque Violinist Martin Davids. They present innovative and exciting concerts of music from the Baroque era (approximately 1600-1750).

Known for interesting programming, their concerts feature music of well known composers OUT & ABOUT

as well as lesser known masterpieces. The Callipygian Players include Martin Davids, violin; David Schrader, harpsichord; and Craig Trompeter, baroque cello and viola da gamba. They recently released a CD of the sonatas of Henry Eccles.

More information and samples of the CD are available at calplayers.org. Price: $17 FEBRURARY 20 - LAUGH OUT LOUD 8 p.m. at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St. (Entrance to Centre on Wilson St) Batavia Entering the comedy scene with nothing more than a guitar and his razor-sharp wit, Jonnie W – Faith Christian Academy’s 2015 Laugh Out Loud comedian – has gone on to entertain multi-generational audiences nationwide.

Enthusiastically endorsed by 2013 and 2014 LOL comedian Bob Smiley, Jonnie blends musical chops, mad vocals and off-beat standup for a hilariously unique comedy experience. When he’s not generating gut-busting laughs, Jonnie lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his lovely wife, Curry. He is a devoted follower of Christ and a Compassion International Artist Ambassador.

FEBRUARY 21- BILLY OCEAN 8 p.m. at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street St. Charles.

For information or to order tickets, call 630.962.7000. Tickets can also be ordered on line. 630.962.7000. Visit at www.oshows.com FEBRUARY 22 - ALYSSA ALLGOOD QUARTET 3 p.m. at Dellora A Norris Cultural Arts Center. 1040 Dunha.m Road, St. Charles Alyssa Allgood is an exciting new voice in vocal jazz, offering a unique interpretation of the repertoire. She was recently awarded the Best Collegiate Vocal Jazz Soloist of 2014 in DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards. Alyssa was a top 40 semifinalist of the 2014 Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition. She leads the Alyssa Allgood Quartet, specializing in new arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. She has performed in leading jazz venues throughout the Chicago area. The Alyssa Allgood Quartet concert kicks off The Norris’ inaugural “Music in the Gallery” season. Price: $10 - $15

kanecountymagazine.com

FEBRUARY 22 - VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA - A TWO WOMAN SHOW 3 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd Aurora They are two of the most recognized women in entertainment, and both performed for over a decade with Carol Burnett. They also worked together on their own hit TV series, Mama’s Family. Now Vicki and Mama are coming to the Paramount, and boy, is it going to be fun. First, Vicki Lawrence takes the stage to share stories from her long and diverse career, including insider scoop on her days with The Carol Burnett Show. Plus, she’ll take the mic to sing a few numbers.

Then as you watch a short behind-the-scenes bloopers film, Vicki slips back stage and changes into her alter ego – Mama. Hang on to your handbag after that because Mama is in the house and life ain’t going to be the same. Tickets $45. (630) 896-6666 or www. paramountauora.com.

Experience Brahms’ cheerful and triumphant Symphony No. 2!

Michael Christie conductor

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FEBRUARY 28 THROUGH MARCH 1 - CHICAGO FAMILY PALOOZA 10 a.m.

Saturday AND Sunday, at Pheasant Run, 4051 E. Main St. St. Charles A 51,000 Square Feet “playground” with attractions, rides, and fun! ST. CHARLES, IL (February 28+March 1, 2015) - Chicago Family Palooza is proud to be the solution to that every day winter dilemma for families of “what can we do today?” On February 28 and March 1 from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. in the Mega Center and Ballroom at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL, families are invited to experience an action packed day (or weekend!) of fun, participating in many attractions, including: Euro bungee, carnival games, an indoor 220 foot zipline, a rock climbing wall, trackless train rides, inflatables, miniature golf, moon jumps, a petting zoo, hands-on educational workshops and more! Visit www.chicagofamilypalooza. com for more information.

FEBRUARY 28 - PINK FLOYD NIGHT Saturday, 9 p.m. at EvenFlow Music & Spirits, 302 W. State St. Geneva.

The Midwest’s own Pink Floyd tribute band returns to Geneva’s premier live music destination for the launch of their 2015 tour!

Price: $8 kanecountymagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015 | 51

Let us create the kitchen of your dreams.

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Fine Custom Cabinetry

AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS AND ARTISAN TRADESMEN

630.232.9500 • www.genevacabinetgallery.com 321 Stevens Street • Geneva, Illinois 60134 • HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm or by appointment