KCC_KC Magazine June 2025

STUDENT

Editorʼs NOTE

Exploring Kane County in June is a dream.

There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the sunshine and spend the summer having the time of your life. In this edition of Kane County Magazine, we have included a range of activities, festivities and farmers market fun for those who are ready to get out of the house.

Starting out on page 8, peruse the outdoor shopping spaces around the area and get a taste of the unique retail experiences. With Father’s Day coming up, maybe give dad a break on the grill and try your hand at firing up meat to perfection (page 16). Save the date for summer festivals (page 18) and mark your calendar for various farmers markets to procure local bounty (page 19).

Summertime brings its own unique self-care needs – and we’ve got you covered! From maintaining that beautiful glow (page 24) to getting together and exercising with fellow moms (page 22), don’t forget to take care of

yourself amidst the hectic pace of the season. Are you looking for a new favorite place to eat? Aurora has found a renaissance in its restaurant scene, and it can’t be missed. Learn more about some of their new hotspots on page 34. And if dining al fresco is your mode for summer meals, turn to page 30 for a sampling of local patio dining opportunities. No matter how you spend your free time outside or around town, we hope you enjoy this incredible county and the vibrant cities within it. Thank you for reading!

Kelley White, Editor

on the COVER

Photographer April Duda captures the essence of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. Find more outdoor shopping opportunities on page 8.

Next month: What does Americana mean to you? The July issue will celebrate summer and American culture!

PUBLISHER

Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

EDITOR Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com

DESIGNER

Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com

SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST

Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Yanira Andel, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Patricia MacMillan, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Grace Rosati and Chris Walker

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 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

INSIDE

OUTDOORS & RECREATION

8 EXPLORE OUTDOOR SHOPPING SPACES

Enjoy summer weather while visiting plazas, downtowns and seasonal hotspots

12 SKATER 4 LIFE

Cheryl Cryer glides through life on wheels

14 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

St. Charles Park District maintains its gorgeous green spaces for five decades

16 FIRE UP THE GRILL

Tips for the perfect summer barbecue

18 SUMMERTIME FESTIVALS

Save the date for local celebrations

19 FUN AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Find out where to pick up local produce and delicacies

20 SAVE IT FOR A RAINY DAY

Flip the script on inclement weather with these indoor activities

22 FITNESS OUTSIDE THE BOX

Two local groups help parents stay in shape

24 SUMMER GLOW

Your guide to seasonal self-care and beauty with Yanira Andel

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

26 HAVE A SAFE SUMMER WITH YOUR PET

Midwest Veterinary Services highlights pro tips for your pets in the heat

28 PIECING TOGETHER YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Thrifting, upcycling and repurposing backyard décor

29 LETTERS & LIGHTBULB MOMENTS

Raising children from their ABCs to the SATs

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

30 PATIO PERFECTION

Where to dine and wine al fresco

34 NEW BITES ON THE BLOCK

Get the dish on Aurora’s restaurant scene

38 SMALL PLATES, BIG FLAVOR

Find scrumptiously delicious appetizers around town

40 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Carly Palmer combines visuals and writing to create jaw-dropping works of art

42 CALENDAR

Don’t miss these events in June

43 GRAB A BOOKMARK

Check out reading recommendations for teens and adults from Geneva Public Library

LOCAL HISTORY

44 NETWORK TO FREEDOM

These Kane County locations played a role in the Underground Railroad

BUSINESS & CIVIC

46 WHAT IS YOUR BIAS?

Weigh the facts over selective statistics with your finances

EXPLORE OUTDOOR SHOPPING

In the mood for some retail therapy? Shop local at one of Kane County’s outdoor shopping experiences!

Downtown St. Charles is one of the most popular retail destinations due to its stellar directory. With the newly renovated First Street Plaza, feel free to leisurely shop and dine alongside the beauty of the Fox River. While you are there, stop into the family-owned MION Artisan Soap Co., a hotspot for soaps, skin care and bath products.

Each item is handmade in Wheaton, with extra special care put into its design by soapmaker and owner Olga Boldyreva. “We're proud of using the highest quality ingredients we can find on the market,” asserts Boldyreva. “We avoid using any synthetic fragrances, artificial colorings, parabens, or toxic chemicals, so everything is super good for your skin and safe for the environment.”

Soapmaking is not an easy task, but Boldyreva and her team always make sure to put their customers first. “Everything starts with what benefit we can bring into the product and then we work to also make it

look beautiful, smell nice, and have beautiful colors.” When entering the store, customers have the chance to try their products, from bars to scrubs to body butters.

Their most popular series is their face line, and Boldyreva recommends the Rosehip Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream, as it’s one of her favorites. MION Artisan Soap Co. found its way to St. Charles through local farmer’s markets, and they could not be happier with their location. “When the time came to open the second shop, we fell in love with First Street. We're very glad we made that choice, especially now with that beautiful plaza,” remarks Boldyreva. “It’s so alive and happy and vibrant. We're definitely looking forward to the nice weather and hoping for a big season this summer.” Stores like MION are what make First Street special, so make sure to drop by.

One thing about Kane County is that it’s packed with history, and the Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District takes full advantage of this. Located on Third Street and State Street, many of their stores are housed in historic buildings and Victorian homes. With over 100 shops, there is so much to explore.

MION Artisan Soap

SHOPPING SPACES

Enjoy summer weather while visiting plazas, downtowns & seasonal retail hotspots

By

Batavia Boardwalk Shops

Grace Rosati | Photos by April Duda Photography and provided by MION Artisan Soap and Geneva Chamber of Commerce

“You could come in the morning for a cup of coffee and stay all the way through after dinner time,” remarks Johanna Patterson, Communications Director at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “Or a lot of people like to come and stay for the weekend. We have three hotels as well as bed-andbreakfasts in town. It's definitely a popular place to come with girlfriends or as couples.”

Patterson is also a homegrown Geneva-native, so she knows this district like the back of her hand. “We have a little bit of everything, from apparel items to spa stores, candle stores, food stores; anything you can think of, we have it down there.” She recommends visiting The Little Traveler located on Third Street. The store contains 36 rooms, each more different than the last.

No matter what you are looking for, Geneva’s Historic Shopping District is the perfect place to shop while enjoying a piece of the town’s history.

Finally, if you like supporting upand-coming businesses, take a stroll through the Batavia Boardwalk Shops on the corner of Wilson Street and Route 25. Going into their sixth year, this business incubator has helped dozens of shops transition from at-home ventures to brick-and-mortar establishments.

The program is run by Batavia MainStreet, who oversees the management of the space and boardwalk season. “This year we are

really happy about our offering,” declares Beth Walker, Executive Director of Batavia MainStreet. “They're more cultural this year, and we have a wide selection of different things that we don't have in our downtown district.”

Their offerings this season include Guatemalan clothes and decor, packaged African food, internationallyinspired baked goods, crocheted masterpieces, and even a store specializing in tabletop games.

All store owners go through a vigorous application process before being selected. They are then guided through a series of workshops hosted by MainStreet to help prepare them for the season. After that, each storefront is run solely by the entrepreneurs. “We really encourage each of the shop owners to make their place into what they envision as their brick-and-mortar. We don't want it to feel like a stall at a market,” assures Walker. “We want it to feel personal and compelling to the consumer. Hopefully, the community will grow to love them and those businesses will open in our thriving downtown retail district.”

The Batavia Boardwalk shops are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so be sure to have a look this weekend. With summer just beginning, it’s the perfect time to shop until you drop. So take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, and see everything these areas have to offer.

Geneva Historic Shopping District

SKATER 4

From roller derby to recreation & from workouts to weddings, cheryl cryer glides through life on wheels

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

As a little girl in the late 1970s, Cheryl Cryer remembers lacing up her white roller skates and making endless laps at the nearby roller rink with her cousin. All of her friends had bicycles, but when it came to getting around town, Cryer preferred her roller skates.

Today, she still chooses her roller skates, four wheels under each foot and the wind breezing through her hair as she enjoys a 10-mile skate through the Tri-Cities.

“I probably go 100 miles a month,” Cryer said, whether its roller skating around the community or along smooth trails such as the Fox River Trail.

The owner of two Batavia businesses, Urban Apothecary and Fat Sam’s for Pets, even keeps a pair of her roller derby skates on display in a rack in the shop and she is always happy to chat about the health benefits of roller skating.

Roller skating and roller derby inspired her mission to find a topical pain relief, a popular item sold in her shop. She tinkered with recipes, asking her roller derby friends to try the balm until she found the perfect formula.

“My topical pain relief was born out of a need to address strains, pains of athletes and people,” Cryer said. Cryer has faced her own health challenges, and more than a fair share

of injuries, but she also credits roller skating for her maintaining physical and mental fitness. She’s tried yoga, and other fitness outlets, but she always comes back to the benefits of roller skating, with her favorite option to skate outside whenever possible.

“Sometimes I need to skate it out, or work it out,” Cryer said. “Skating outside is a way to keep healthy and keep my mind positive.”

For Cryer, it’s a way of life to be on roller skates.

“I got married on roller skates at the Lombard Roller Rink,” Cryer said, adding that her husband, Brad, shares a passion for roller skating and roller derby too.

Today, Cryer owns a collection of

Photos provided by Cheryl Cryer

LIFE

skates for use indoors, outdoors and derby as well as at least 10 vintage pairs of skates she keeps out of sentiment. When outdoor skating she prefers the four-wheel, super soft wheels that can handle skating over debris like small rocks and tree twigs.

Some of her favorite local roller skating destinations include Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles, Peck Farm in Geneva and the Gilman Nature Trail in Aurora. She is happy to skate on her own to get a coffee or meet up with friends for a nine or 10-mile trek.

“I skated a marathon in my quads,” Cryer said.

While some hang up their skates in their teens Cryer found new ways to enjoy life on roller skates, whether its

skating for distances or mixing it up in a roller derby.

These days she prefers coaching and refereeing when it comes to roller derby. Cryer is a coach and trainer for the Aurora 88s, helping out at the Aurora Skate Center with their newbie program, teaching them how to play roller derby. Cryer said she’s been with the team for the last 14 years. Nurses, lawyers, students and, like Cryer, small business owners, all don their helmets, lace up their skates and show their athleticism on skates. Cryer is quick to point out, it’s a rough sport, and it’s not just a hobby, with costs for skates around $800 as well as costs for insurance.

“This is not a bar room sport. These are professional women out there,” Cryer said.

of parks in St. Charles

By Melissa Rubalcaba

As stewards of the land maintaining the parks, the team at the St. Charles Park District makes sure the grass is cut and playground equipment is in working order, as the echoes of children laugh and play while couples stroll past trees that mark the passing of time.

This year the park district marks its 50th anniversary of caring for Baker Field Park, Baker Memorial Park, Fairview Park, Haseltine Park, Kehoe Park, Lincoln Park and Surrey Hill Park. The St. Charles parks' existence stretches further back into the community history, but 1975 marked an important milestone as the city turned over the continued care of the parks to the St. Charles Park District.

“Their longevity is a testament to the dedication of local officials, volunteers and visitors who have nurtured and

safeguarded them over the past five decades,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Holly Cabel.

The St. Charles Park District’s own roots are more than 100 years old. In 1911, with the Township Act, the St. Charles Township Park District was established; it was one of the first park districts in the state. The commissioners for the St. Charles Township Park District were Bert C. Norris, David S. Wilson and W.P. Lillibridge.

One year later in 1912, it purchased Pottawatomie Park from the St. Charles Hotel and Park Company, for the cost of $8,100.

In 1967, voters approved the formation of the St. Charles Park District, creating a separate taxing body that would manage public park and recreation services for the residents of St. Charles

Riske | Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

Haseltine Park - then and now

Township. Then, in 1975, the park district acquired additional parks from the City of St. Charles. Each park has its own story, and there are markers on stones in several parks to highlight the history. Some parks have simple stories, like Fairview Park. It was built in the development of a new subdivision and given to the city, which then sold it to the St. Charles Park District.

Some parks have intrigue in their founding and namesake. The history of Haseltine Park goes back well over 100 years, named for August A. Haseltine, born in 1845. She was a primary school teacher from 1866-1916. She never married. The park was originally the land where she lived, having inherited it from her father, but the challenges of a woman owning property at that time created a dispute. Haseltine would eventually win her case shortly before her death in 1917. The small park was established in 1920.

Located near downtown St. Charles, Lincoln Park – once known as West Side Park – has long been a favorite destination, known for its gazebo. The St. Charles Park Foundation raised funds and oversaw the construction of a new gazebo to replace the aging one in the park, incorporating the architectural designs also seen in Pottawatomie Park’s historic pavilion.

On the other side of the Fox River was East Side Park, established in the 1920s and donated to the city in the 1930s.

On Colonel Edward J. Baker’s 89th birthday in September 1957, the park was officially named Baker Memorial Park in his honor for his contributions of

buildings and philanthropy that beautify and serve the community to this day.

Some of these parks were neighborhood playgrounds and, in fashion with the times, used metal equipment. The rocket memorial structure in Kehoe Park was once a part of its playground slide when the park was established in 1962; hence, locals often referred to it as the “Rocket Park.” It has such an iconic look and became so much a part of the neighborhood that when the playground equipment was decommissioned after 60 years of usage in 2022, the park district retained it as an artistic statue.

“From hosting summer concerts downtown St. Charles to leisurely picnics in dedicated open space, these parks are woven into the fabric of cultural and recreational life across our neighborhoods,” said Erika Young, marketing manager for the St. Charles Park District.

Preservation of the past, forward thinking to the future and creating spaces for all to use remain at the heart of the St. Charles Park District, where each day brings new memories for visitors of all ages enjoying leisure time at its finest.

Ages 2 & under FREE FREE

Fire up the Grill

Tips for the perfect summer barbecue

By Chris Walker

Some would argue that the only thing better than grilling is grilling more. It’s certainly come a long, long way from the days of the cavemen era, where early humans likely inadvertently cooked meat and realized it was far more tasty and easy to digest than raw meat.

Regardless, there are still some who think of grilling today as simply tossing protein over charcoal or gas and then removing the meat when it’s cooked. Those who are passionate about grilling would certainly disagree, especially grilling enthusiasts who are eager to share the delicious flavors they can bring to mid-day cookouts and dinners.

Grilling for a larger group than just those that live under the same roof can be a bit intimidating, especially for those who fear they’ll undercook chicken and sicken guests or overcook burgers into hockey pucks and become the laughingstock of the neighborhood.

Who knew that cooking delicious meals for others could be so nerve-racking?

“When feeding a large group of people, chicken is an excellent choice,” says Paul Darrow, owner of Country Village Meats in Geneva. “It’s versatile, easy to grill and economical. Chicken breast is the most popular cut followed by chicken thighs. You can apply a poultry seasoning rub, barbecue sauce or purchase pre-seasoned poultry for the ultimate convenience.”

Preparation in advance is one of the best grilling tips when getting ready to host a party. That also could be as simple as reaching out to Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli in Geneva.

“You can give us a call beforehand and we’ll help you order,” says Pat Falcone Jr., operations manager of Josef’s. “You can say six filets, four chicken breasts and that you want to do 10 hot dogs for the kids. We’re very accommodating.”

Grilling doesn’t come with an eraser. While something undercooked can return to the grill, the same can’t be said for something that’s been overcooked. That’s money wasted.

Falcone recommends letting a steak sit out at room temperature for 25 minutes and to use a dry rub before putting it over flame.

“We usually put a little olive oil on our steaks,” he says. “Give it a quick blast of your favorite dry rub, both sides of the meat, and cover it adequately. We usually recommend something with not a lot of salt in it.”

It certainly helps when the meat you’re grilling is high quality, which is what Josef’s has been known for now for over 25 years. If you’re not sure of what to prepare, ask someone, such as the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Josef’s.

“We ask our customers what do they like,” Falcone says. “Do you like something with more marbling and fat content? That’s our prime rib steaks and porterhouse. If you want something leaner you can go with a center cut filet or NY strips.”

For those looking to grill vegetables, Falcone says skewers provide an easy option, allowing the cook to choose what to include.

“You can do veggie skewers with zucchini, yellow squash, red onions and peppers,” he says. “Add some seasoning and slow cook at 325.”

Local BBQ Joints

FIREWATER

524 W. State St., Geneva

331-248-0270 • www.firewaterbbq.com

After first opening in Crest Hill in 2012, Firewater has continued to grow. Geneva is one of its five locations with a sixth opening in Lake Zurich later this year. With some outdoor seating, diners can enjoy Firewater’s award-winning Southern-style barbecue featuring farm-raised meats that have been slowly smoked over hickory and applewoods. Come on down, dig into Angus beef brisket, pulled pork, barbecue rib tips and more and wash it all down with a couple ice cold beers with local and regional ties.

OBSCURITY BREWING

113 W. N St., Elburn 630-320-2255 • www.drinkobscurity.com

Brisket, shoulder, St. Louis style ribs, turkey and shrimp are all on the barbecue menu here where you can dine outdoors, sip on a lengthy list of draft beers, ciders and meads. And, if you’re in luck, while you're enjoying a delicious meal, perhaps live music is filling the air as Obscurity often features entertainment.

PUFF SHACK BARBECUE

2075 Prairie St., St. Charles 331-210-0947 • www.puffshackbbq.com

This joint just opened a year ago and quickly has become a hit/ As the weather continues to warm in the summer more picnic tables will be added for those to enjoy its homemade recipes outdoors.

TEAM FIB BBQ

(Menards parking lot)

300 N. Randall Rd., Batavia 630-947-2439 • www.teamfibbbq.com

Sean Trowbridge and Bryan Whipple prepared countless low and slow smoked meats and delicious side items when they’d host cookouts for family and friends. Now you don’t have to be invited to one of their cookouts to enjoy their delectable smoked meats. You can find them on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Menards parking lot. One can only imagine what Ray Szmanda, the late great pitchman for Menards, would have to say after biting into anything on the Team FIB BBQ menu.

Summertime

Festivals

By Patricia MacMillan • Photos by Ryan Rayburn and Mark Black

l BATAVIA UNCORKED

Summer is the prime season for festival fun. Whether you’re looking to revel in live music, peruse original artwork or simply unwind over food and drinks with friends, these local fests have got you covered.

Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave.

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7

l ELGIN PRIDE PARADE

Festival Park and Downtown Elgin

11 a.m. Saturday, June 7

l SWEDISH DAYS

Downtown Geneva

Wednesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 22

l ELGIN MICHELADA FEST

Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.

Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 22

l CONCERTS IN THE PARK

River Park, 151 N River Lane, Geneva

7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 9 through July 30

l WINDMILL CITY FESTIVAL

Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave.

5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 11

Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 13

l KANE COUNTY FAIR

Kane County Fairgrounds

525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles

3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17

Noon to midnight, Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19

Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday July 20

l SUGAR GROVE CORN BOIL

Volunteer Park, 31 S. Main St.

5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 24

5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 25

11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, July 26

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 27

l GENEVA ARTS FAIR

Third Street, Downtown Geneva Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27

l NORTH AURORA DAYS

North Aurora Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St. Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2

l HAMPSHIRE COON CREEK COUNTRY DAYS FESTIVAL

Along State Street, Downtown Hampshire

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7

6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 8

1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 9

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10

l END OF SUMMER BASH

Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9

l ELBURN DAYS

Elburn Lions Park, 500 S. Fillmore St. Friday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 17

l ALLEY ART FESTIVAL

Water Street Mall, 13 Water St., Aurora Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30

Fruits and vegetables picked at peak perfection, flower bouquets bursting with color and texture, handcrafted goods that can’t be found anywhere else—shopping at a farmer’s market is not only nourishing for the body, but for the spirit. Find the ripe, the one-of-a-kind, and above all else, the local at one of these Kane County spots this summer.

n Abbey Farms

2855 Hart Road, Aurora

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. 31

n Aurora Farmers Market at Water Street Square

65 S. Water St., Aurora

8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, June 7 through Oct. 4

n Geneva French Market

South and 4th streets, Geneva

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays through mid-November

n Batavia Farmers Market

North River Street between Wilson and State streets

8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays through Oct. 25

n St. Charles Farmers Market

Baker Memorial United Methodist Church

307 Cedar Ave.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays through Oct. 31

n Elder Oaks Farm Market

Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles

3 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays and

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through late fall

n Huntley Farmers Market

Huntley Town Square, 11704 Coral St.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. 11

Farmers Market Fun at the NOW OPEN!

n The Farmstand at Rustic Road Farm

Rustic Road Farm, 1N292 Brundige Road, Elburn

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer season

n Downtown Elgin Market

Riverside Drive downtown Elgin

3 to 8 p.m., Fridays through August

3 to 7 p.m., Fridays in September and October

n The Depot Market

319 N. River St., East Dundee

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. 25

n Theis Farm Market

6N953 County Line Road, Maple Park

9 to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and 9 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31

n Klein’s Farm and Garden Market

Two locations:

39W130 Plank Road, Elgin 1175 Lillian St., Elgin

Both are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the summer season

Save it for a

Rainy Day Indoor activities to entertain all ages

By

LBilyk

aurel Ulaszek and the rest of the team at Batavia's public library know that few times call for curling up with a good book more than gray, soggy days.

And it doesn't hurt to have a dizzying array of other resources, plus fun programming and safe, clean play spaces for the little ones to explore, to make the region's brilliant assortment of public libraries a prime destination on those rare - though inevitable - summer days when the call of the outdoors may get a bit dampened.

"The library is a place where you don't have to buy anything to come hang out and let your children play while you spend time with other caregivers," said Ulaszek, Youth Services Manager at the Batavia Public Library

"The library is a great equalizer."

But while always a great choice, public libraries represent but one among a litany of amazing options for getting out of the house on rainy summer days in Kane County for families and grown-ups flying sans kids.

From Aurora through the Tri-Cities and up into Elgin and its northernmost corners, Kane County bursts with a welldocumented and staggering array of beautiful parks, ballfields, water parks, public pools, recreation trails, festivals, and more options for outdoor summertime fun.

But every summer will always bring with it a number of days on which clouds may roll in, cool breezes may leave everyone reaching for a sweater, and rain,

sometimes accompanied by thunder – or worse – may pour down.

On those days, people may be faced with an inescapable question: What do we do now?

Fortunately, Kane County also enjoys no lack of entertaining, educational, and recreational options to provide the answer – whether or not it's the kids who are asking.

BOUNCE AROUND

For families with little ones, there is no escaping the need for them to sometimes literally bounce off the walls. And that's where trampoline parks can come in handy.

In St. Charles, Urban Air Adventure Park offers a heaping helping of performance trampolines, climbing walls, go-kart tracks and more, open to kids of all ages.

And in South Elgin, Epic Air Trampoline Park offers a 32-trampoline open jump area (including a separate area for younger bouncers), along with options for trampoline basketball and dodgeball, depending on the day or time.

TAKE A SWING

Even a little rain can certainly wash out games like baseball, soccer or golf. But the region is bursting with options for keeping the fun going, no matter the weather outside.

Duffers looking to work on their golf swing without dodging raindrops, for

Jonathan

• Photos provided by Batavia Public Library, Al Benson and by Shaw Media

instance, can find no shortage of indoor golf simulators. The St. Charles Park District, for instance, offers indoor golf opportunities at Pottawatomie Golf Course.

Virtual tee times are also available at many local indoor golf centers, including X-Golf Geneva and Fairview Indoor Golf, located inside the Fox Valley Ice Area.

At the Pickle Haus in Algonquin, visitors can drop in for a match of America's hottest sport, pickleball. According to its site, Pickle Haus offers daily open play sessions in the morning and afternoon, as well as special youth pickleball court times, including times for players as young as 7.

Young athletes looking to toss a football, keep their soccer dribbling skills sharp, or other athletic pursuits can check out the expansive St. Charles Sportsplex for Drop-In Turf Time, subject to availability.

And baseball and softball players can keep working on their swing no matter the conditions at indoor batting cages, such as the Hittrax Batting Cages at Dick's Sporting Goods in Geneva or at Funway Entertainment Center in Batavia.

LACE 'EM UP

A summer rainy day could be the perfect time to knock down some pins or go for a skate.

In addition to regular open bowling, bowling alleys throughout the region, like St. Charles Bowl, offer special youth bowler programs, allowing junior bowlers to bowl all summer long for one price.

If roller skating is your speed (or your kids'), from Tuesday-Sunday every week, Funway Entertainment Center offers public indoor roller skating, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. According to their website, Funway is offering a summer special, allowing visitors of all ages to skate all summer for $90.

And for those maybe seeking to really cool off, the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva and the newly reopened Polardome Ice Rink at Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park in East Dundee offer public ice skating sessions on weekends and other select days, all summer long

MEET CRITTERS

Every day, Monday - Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the St. Charles Park District's Hickory Knolls Discovery Center offers young visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the Center's resident "Animal Ambassadors." These can include snakes, turtles and even a tarantula. During these indoor sessions, Hickory Knolls staff will display and discuss the critter of the day. And the ambassador animals change daily.

SAIL BACK IN TIME

The Fox Valley region is blessed with an abundance of local museums offering a trip to the past, with many facilities mostly situated indoors.

Though not all are open every day for public tours, the museums offer glimpses of local history. These include artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil

War at the Grand Army of the Republic museum in Aurora; the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, which features two floors of exhibits chronicling the history of firefighting in Aurora and the region; and the Elgin Public Museum in Lord's Park in Elgin, featuring exhibits telling the story of the Fox Valley region's natural history and the deep past before the arrival of European settlers.

And in Geneva, on select dates, visitors to Good Templar Park can take a guided tour of a real 78-foot long Viking longship. In 1893, the ship, named The Viking, sailed from Norway through the Great Lakes to Chicago for the World's Fair, where it was exhibited. The ship has resided in Geneva since the mid1990s. According to the Friends of the Viking Ship website, the ship will be available for tours inside its enclosed canopy on June 15 and 21-22; July 19; and Aug. 16.

CATCH A FLICK

What summer is complete without a trip to the local cinema to take in a blockbuster film or just an entertaining matinee in the cool darkness of a theater, complete with a bucket of popcorn and cold drink? Whether your choice is the Marcus Cinemas in Elgin, Charlestowne 18 in St. Charles, Cinemark West Dundee, or Emagine Batavia – among other choices – you can't go wrong.

The summer release schedule includes a long list of thrilling and amusing offerings for theater goers of all ages,

including "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning," "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," "Superman," "Jurassic World: Rebirth," "Karate Kid: Legends," Disney Pixar's "Elio" and the live action versions of "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Lilo & Stitch."

DROP ON IN

And through the summer, don't forget about the abundant options at your local park districts and public libraries.

The St. Charles Park District, for example, will offer video game tournaments and other workshops and programs for teens, while also offering an abundance of programs for little ones.

And at the Batavia Public Library, staff said rainy days can be a prime time for young readers, in particular, to curl up with a good book and work toward their summer reading challenge goals.

Or library users of all ages can join in any of the broad range of special programs and activities. Or they can choose to create, utilizing the library's MakerZone, where users can find a Cricut mug press, Singer sewing machine, a sublimation printer for custom-print jobs and a heat press for transferring special ink and vinyl onto various materials.

And that comes on top of the books, music, videos and other media always available for free, all year round – and welcoming, comfortable spaces to enjoy it all, rain or shine.

Twolocalgroupshelp parentsstayinshape

FITNESS

OUTSIDE

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Back when her soccer-playing son was 9, Sam Kucaba thought it would be fun to have a sport they both could enjoy. She signed up for a Walk2Run program at the Dick Pond Athletics store in St. Charles. Once a week she ran with the fellow newbie runners at the shop and then her son would join her on her twice a week practice runs at home.

Parents know, sometimes it takes creativity to fit in fitness and thinking outside the box, or gym.

Today Kucaba works at Dick Pond and she loves welcoming runners of all ages and stages for the shop’s weekly runs, where everyone is welcome. Whether jogging alongside a tween or pushing a stroller with a toddler, Kucaba said there’s a running community for everyone.

“For some, running alone can be so boring and doesn’t have to be,” Kucaba said. “You can meet

THE BOX

so many people in our walk-to-run and run groups who stay and become friends.”

The shop hosts a number of group runs each week, with something for all levels and experience, from the beginner training for a 5K to someone training for a marathon. Kucaba said the Walk2Run group includes many new to running uses a loop through the beautiful Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles, so a parent of young ones can finish their distance and reward patient toddlers with some playground time.

Early Saturday mornings, when most shops are still closed, Dick Pond is bustling with runners stretching to prepare for the store’s most popular weekly run session. The shop hosts a variety of training runs throughout the week, and almost all are offered for free. The Walk2Run program is a multi-week program offered a few times a

Photos provided by Kristin Knobloch

year, and includes additional guidance and a weekly newsletter to help participants stay on track.

On a nice summer morning, around 60 runners will show up for the group run, Kucaba said. The beginning runners will aim for 30 minutes of running, not worrying about distance. Others will try to reach six miles or 11 miles, and of course some will follow their own distance and drop-off when they’re ready to turn back. The group leaders help organize runners by pace and distance.

Studies show group exercise is a great way to stay accountable to a program, and as a bonus, a great way to make friends too. It’s at the heart of Fit4Mom of the Greater Northwest Chicago Suburbs, with classes in St. Charles, Bartlett, Barrington, Algonquin, Lake Zurich and Mundelein.

This summer will mark the ninth anniversary for franchisee owners Nicole Fraser and Kristen Knobloch, marking a journey in fitness and motherhood too.

“This is for moms looking for something as a way to get out, feel less isolated and also meet other moms,” Knobloch said.

She remembers her first class, having just moved to Bartlett she was home with a toddler and newborn and feeling isolated.

“I didn’t know anybody in the area. I spent months

alone in a new town with an infant and toddler,” Knobloch said. “I didn’t know what to do.”

During preschool pick up she began to notice a mom pushing a stroller and carrying a yoga mat. Knobloch worked up her courage, after a month or two, to ask the mom what class she was doing and learned it was a “new” thing called Stroller Strides.

“She invited me to my first class and I really liked it. I was hooked after my very first class,” Knobloch said.

Knobloch said her husband, seeing a new light and energy as she talked about the class, decided to surprise her with a membership. It was a transformative moment.

“I don’t think moms really realize they’re losing themselves,” Knobloch said. “When we stay shut in, you lose a little bit of yourself. Here, you get to be around other moms who are going through the same ages and stages of motherhood.”

Five months later, she became an instructor and then, she and Fraser joined forces to purchase the franchise, which they have expanded in size and scope of classes. There are classes for women with children, classes for women only, a run club and there’s Body Well, a multiweek, multi-faced class that focuses on fitness, nutrition and self-care. Knobloch said in Body Well some choose to take it for the eight-week session, others stay for multiple sessions, seeing the value in accountability

and connections and setting individual goals for each session.

“It’s 100 percent guided by each individual mom’s goal,” Knobloch said.

One of the reasons she loves the Fit4Mom classes is how it meets each individual where she is, whether she is postpartum, pregnant or perimenopausal. Navigating sleepless nights with a teething infant, juggling a toddler, tween or teen, there’s a fellow mom who’s been there, done that, understands that sometimes, the energy just may not be there, but there’s support and friendship.

“We’re meeting moms where they’re at, physically and mentally,” she said.

Summer Glow

Your Guide to Seasonal

Self-Care and Beauty

By Yanira Andel

Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and a chance to refresh not just your wardrobe but also your self-care and beauty routines. With the heat, humidity, and increased sun exposure, it's essential to adjust your habits to stay healthy, hydrated, and glowing from the inside out. Here are some simple tips to help you feel and look your best this season.

R PRIORITIZE SUN PROTECTION

Sunscreen is a summer must, regardless of your skin tone. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapplying every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Opt for lightweight, gel-based formulas or tinted sunscreens that offer both protection and a skin-perfecting base. Don’t forget areas like your ears, the tops of your feet and your scalp. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses can enhance your style while providing extra protection.

R KEEP SKIN HYDRATED AND LIGHT

As the weather warms up, swap heavy creams for lighter, hydrating products. Gel moisturizers, hyaluronic acid serums, and facial mists are great for maintaining moisture without clogging pores. For a fresh, minimalist makeup look, try a tinted moisturizer, a dab of cream blush and waterproof mascara. Incorporate a gentle weekly exfoliation to remove dead skin and keep your glow intact, using a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs.

R HAIR CARE FOR HOT DAYS

Sun, saltwater and chlorine can dry out your hair. Protect it with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming, especially if you have color-treated hair. UV-protectant sprays can help prevent fading. Consider air-drying your hair more often to avoid heat damage, and try loose braids, buns or ponytails — stylish and practical ways to manage frizz and stay cool.

R STAY COOL FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Hydration goes beyond your skincare routine — it's crucial to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle and consider infusing it with cucumber, mint, or citrus slices for an extra refreshing boost. Eating seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers, which are packed with water and antioxidants, will help nourish your skin and keep it glowing.

R INDULGE IN RESTORATIVE RITUALS

After long, active days, take time to unwind and recharge. Treat yourself to a cooling sheet mask, a foot soak with Epsom salts, or a lavender-scented body oil before bed. A good night’s sleep rejuvenates both your skin and energy levels. Establishing a calming summer evening routine — whether it’s meditation, journaling or stretching — can help you stay grounded and fully enjoy the season’s vibrancy. Summer is a time to embrace life’s simple pleasures. By adjusting your self-care and beauty habits, you can protect your skin, nourish your body and glow from within — all while enjoying every sun-filled moment.

Have a Safe Summer with Your pet

As with many people, summer is my favorite time of year. Summer offers opportunities for outdoor fun and bonding with our family, friends and our pets. Whether you have a tail-wagging trailblazer or a feline who loves to sunbathe in a window, engaging in summer recreation safely is crucial. From hydration tips to injury prevention, here’s a small taste of what every dog and cat owner should know, direct from my surgical suite to your backyard.

HEAT AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS

Dogs: Dogs are prone to overheating, especially flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, due to inefficient panting. Heatstroke is a medical emergency — look for signs like heavy panting, drooling, disorientation or vomiting, and seek veterinary help immediately.

Never leave your dog (or cat) in a parked car, even with windows cracked; many pets die this way each year.

Hot asphalt can burn their paw pads — use dog boots, walk on grass and schedule walks in the cooler morning or evening hours. Remember that hot asphalt that burns our feet will also burn your pet’s paw pads. Watch for signs of burned paws like limping, blisters, missing pad pieces or excessive licking. Always provide shade and plenty of water during outdoor time.

Cats: Cats love warmth and may overheat, especially when sunbathing in windows with poor airflow. Ensure window screens are secure to prevent dangerous falls. Even indoor pets need fresh air circulation and access to water in the heat.

HYDRATION

Dehydration can exacerbate kidney disease among other organ damage. In a hospital setting, we often manage animals with heat-related

complications using IV fluids — something entirely preventable for our pets.

For dogs: Bring a collapsible water bowl on hikes and offer frequent breaks.

For cats: Use water fountains to encourage drinking and offer wet food to increase fluid intake.

SPRAINS, STRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES: EXERCISE INJURIES

Summer fun can lead to overexertion. As a surgeon, summer is the season that I treat dogs with torn cruciate ligaments, sprains and torn ligaments from vigorous ball-chasing or cats with fractures from falling out of open windows. This happens in the summer months more than any other time of the year.

While chasing balls, pets also can run into streets. PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH AND UNDER CONTROL WHILE OUTSIDE. This is the time of year emergency visits increase due to motor vehicular accidents and animal bites.

Dogs: Ramp up exercise gradually. Avoid sudden sprints on slick or uneven terrain.

Cats: Enrich indoor environments with climbing trees, tunnels and interactive toys. If you allow supervised outdoor time, consider using a harness and leash to help control your feline friend.

PARASITES, INSECTS AND SKIN ISSUES

Warmer months bring fleas, ticks, and allergies — common triggers for skin infections and ear problems that may require surgical intervention if neglected.

Prevention is key: Use veterinaryapproved parasite prevention year-round.

After swims or baths: Dry ears thoroughly, especially for floppyeared dogs and dogs with lots of hair. Residual moisture can result in skin infections.

ROAD TRIPS AND TRAVEL

Sudden braking injuries or poorly restrained pets can lead to orthopedic trauma. I have treated many pets who have been injured due to being unrestrained in a car and either caused a car accident or injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Dogs and cats: Use crash-tested carriers or seat belt harnesses. Our pets love to have the wind in their face out of a window, but remember if they can put their face out of the window, they can also jump out of a window. The idea that dogs won’t jump from a moving vehicle is a fairy tale. Dogs will happily jump from a moving car if they think they can.

Crate training: Helps with stress and reduces injury risk.

SURGICAL EMERGENCIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

While summer is a time for recreation, certain emergencies spike in frequency:

• Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV): Mostly (but not always) in large-breed dogs after eating and

playing vigorously, after eating and/ or drinking. Please discuss with your primary veterinarian on ways to prevent this from happening to your pet as preventative surgeries exist to help prevent GDV from occurring in dogs.

• Lacerations from barbed wire or rough terrain, windows (yes, dogs will jump through a window if given enough stimulation)

• Foreign body ingestion (corn cobs, BBQ skewers, peach pits and bones); keep an eye on the trash during outdoor events.

If your pet shows signs of abdominal pain, vomiting or lethargy after a day out, seek veterinary care immediately.

KEEPING CATS SAFE: THE OFTEN-OVERLOOKED OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

Though cats aren’t typically part of beach or hiking excursions, many enjoy supervised outdoor time.

• Leash training: Yes, cats can learn this! Start with short, stress-free sessions.

• Beware of wildlife: Birds of prey and coyotes pose real threats to our pets. Always supervise outdoor activity.

CONCLUSION: ENJOY SUMMER RESPONSIBLY

Summer can be a season of joy, connection, and exploration for both pets and owners. With foresight, prevention and awareness, you can ensure your pets enjoy summer recreation safely — without a visit to the emergency room, urgent care center or my operating room.

Dr. Aaron M. Jackson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience in advanced surgical care for pets. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1998, followed by specialized training in small animal surgery. In 2006, he achieved board certification in the specialty of Small Animal Surgery. Jackson has held leadership roles at Chicago’s largest veterinary specialty center, including chief surgeon and medical director. His expertise, skill and compassion provide pet owners with confidence in their pets’ surgical care. Submit suggestions and questions for future article topics via email at info@mvss.vet.

Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon Bringing Expert, Compassionate Care to your Primary Care Veterinary Clinic

Midwest Veterinary Surgical Services aims to provide compassionate, expert surgical care for pets right at your local veterinary clinic. Our mission is to make advanced procedures affordable and convenient by eliminating the need to visit a distant specialty facility. Your pets deserve top-notch medical care, and we are here to provide it in the comfort of your home clinic.

AN IDEAL OUTDOOR SPACE

Thrifting, upcycling & repurposing objects for backyard decor

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

“So many things can be used as a planter; it doesn’t have to be a typical flower pot. For something fun and funky, one year I used different fabric lampshades as planters,” Johnson said.

One time she took an old table and used tiles to create a mosaic pattern, turning a plain little end table into a fresh new look.

She added, “I’m all about trying to create an oasis here in Illinois and dream that I’m in Key West, or Jamica.”

Johnson loves the opportunity to get creative and years before she opened Red Hive Market in Batavia she was tinkering with upcycling furnishings and more. Today she continues to share her talents and creative eye, while running a business that features products from 38 artisans and local producers. The shop’s inventory includes handmade and locally produced products, from jewelry to home décor, pet products to fashion and much more. Inside the shop there’s even a maker space, where Johnson and guests host on-site classes and

Johnson said.

Along with artisan pieces in her shop, she carries a collection of Dixie Bell Paints and Iron Orchid Designs, stamps and stencils. Johnson and her staff are comfortable helping customers navigate the best paints for each surface. Whether it’s a fresh coat on outdoor patio furniture or giving a new life to an old table, chair and décor, Johnson knows the options, and the steps to make it easy even for a first-timer.

Johnson said she loves to thrift and hunt for treasures, whether in local shops or at garage and yard sales.

“That’s how I have updated our patio furnishings and if I can, avoid spending on brand new,” she added.

After all, if she saves a little on the furniture, she can splurge on some colorful new pillows that say “60510 Batavia” in her shop, or a beautiful sign or a wooden charcuterie board.

“When you create something DIY, then you can invest in some pieces that are going to be heirloom pieces,” Johnson said.

SUPERDAD

Raising children from their ABCs to the SATs LETTERS & lightbulb moments

Somewhere in the jumble of single syllables and three-letter words, the lightbulb came on.

I can't recall the exact date. But just about all of the other details are as clear as day, even more than a decade later.

It came shortly before bedtime, as we – my oldest and I – sat on the edge of the bed, completing yet another rendition of "Curious George Feeds the Animals." For those less familiar, in this monumental masterpiece by Margret and H.A. Rey, our primate hero, George, visits the zoo with his friend, the Man with the Yellow Hat (because how else would a monkey get into a zoo?).

Eventually, they grow hungry and the Man buys George a bag of roasted peanuts. Being generous and obviously inquisitive by nature, George shares his peanuts with all of the animals at the zoo who had the misfortune of having never met the Man before being placed behind bars.

(I like to think that, in a parallel universe somewhere, there is a curious and mischievous hippo named Fred with a friend in a red beret, or something similar.)

In any event, George's nefarious generosity is soon discovered, and he lands in hot water – but only temporarily, as is so often the case, because he soon uses his monkey talents to ensure a recently escaped bird remains securely within her enclosure. The feat ultimately not only allows George and the Man to remain at the zoo, but to visit whenever they like to catch up with his new animal and zookeeper pals. Heartwarming, to be sure – and absolutely riveting to both of my little ones between the ages of 2 and 4.

But the story will forever be engrained in my memory for the moment I saw my oldest realize for the first time that those sequences of squiggly lines, dots and dashes on the page did more than just accompany the colorful imagery of Yellow Hats and silly monkeys and myriad other illustrations in the shelves full of books in her

bedroom or at the library. It was the first time, perhaps, that she realized daddy or mommy weren't just reciting stories from memory.

Grabbing the book from me, she flipped back and forth to different pages, asking me to say the story on those pages, now in beautifully chaotic disorder. Her curiosity satisfied, but still a bit mystified, she allowed me to complete the story. But within weeks, our eldest little one was herself reading to me some of her favorite early childhood tales, filled with those amazing three letter words.

Fast forward about 12 years, and that same little one faced the daunting task of navigating a different set of three letters. Though it may depend on where you live, those three letters may spell out S-A-T. Or A-C-T.

But much to the consternation of young readers everywhere, those letters, in that sequence, are never pronounced as the three-letter English words they spell. Rather, they refer to the all-too-familiar assessment tests high school students typically take to measure their "college readiness" or whatever that means.

In any event, for my high schooler, it meant weeks of stress and a harrowing, long Saturday morning at a strange school more than an hour from our home. For others, we know it means much more – countless hours, perhaps months or years, and thousands of dollars spent on tutoring, online aids and other services to prepare for a test that so many seem to believe is determinant of their child's future success in life.

To be sure, a few points on the test could determine if a student lands at an elite school or must settle for "only" a more mundane college degree, which may (or may not) hand them the key to enter an ivory tower somewhere.

And, as parents, it is certainly always fun to brag on your kids' achievements – especially if given documented proof of genius-level intellect.

Now, to be clear, our kid's scores did not inspire us to immediately schedule campus tours at Harvard or MIT (another three-letter conglomeration that is not prounounced as it is spelled). However, we are quite certain the scores reflected a curious and vibrant intellect, well-equipped for a successful future.

As our kids have grown older, we have been asked by parents of infants and young children for advice and tips on raising kids. Somewhere in the Top 5, I always include: Read to your little ones. And don't stop just because they learn how to read themselves. Reading aloud to your children makes reading fun and attractive to children, rather than mere drudgery associated with school classes or homework.

Fostering a love of reading enables children to explore any number of subjects on their own. Want your child to excel in math? Science? History? Engineering? Having a foundation in reading rewires the brain to more easily absorb new ideas and information and think more critically.

And along with the future academic (and adult-life) benefits, reading to your children is just plain fun, helping to rewire daddy's and mommy's brains to make room for indelible memories – like the moment a stupid little monkey's trip to the zoo just may ignite your child's mind and prep them for launch.

n Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also,the cape remains on back order.)

Squire Ale House

41W379 Route 64, Campton Hills

630-389-7740 | www.squirealehouse.com

Squire Ale House is a fresh take on the traditional experience of its sibling restaurant, Village Squire. This new addition to the Karas Restaurant Group offers a more tavern-style atmosphere while maintaining the signature elements that make the original brand a success. Squire Ale House is a destination for family dinners and casual dining. Menu highlights include a mix of homegrown, classic and craft brews plus burgers, ribs and the Village Squire’s famous broasted chicken. Enjoy food and beverages on a newly designed outdoor patio. Don't miss live music every night Tuesday through Sunday.

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill

2486 Bushwood Dr., Elgin | 847-551-9006

1996 S. Kirk Road, Geneva | 630-402-0468

12220 Princeton Dr., Huntley | 847-669-8600

1360 Lake St., Roselle | 847-278-1666

1545 W. Main St., St. Charles | 630-513-0681 www.rookiespub.com

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill has seven locations across Northern Illinois with it’s newest location now open in Crystal Lake. The menu features a variety of pub food and American favorites including their famous wings, burgers, sandwiches and specialty pizzas. Check out their house drinks – Bob’s Mai Tai has been a house specialty since 1975 – as well as house wines by Robert Mondavi, by the glass or by the bottle. The restaurant regularly hosts special events, such as Cruise Nights from June through September at Elgin and St. Charles locations and Atomic Bingo (Tuesdays in Elgin and Geneva, Wednesdays in St. Charles). A huge patio and bar with a live music stage is open in Geneva

at the ice rink!

Geneva

Rookies

Alexander’s Cafe

1725 N. State St., Elgin | 847-888-4146 1650 W. Main St., St.Charles | 630-549-0514 www.alexanderscafe.com

Alexander’s Cafe is named in honor of Alexander the Great, a king of Macedonia in Northern Greece, where the restaurant owners are from. Alexander’s serves breakfast and lunch 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – all home-cooked meals are made fresh on the premises by the chef. All of the soups, sauces, gravies and dressings are made fresh on-site. Alexander’s also features bloody marys and mimosas!

Village Squire

480 Randall Road, South Elgin | 847-931-0400

125 Washington St., West Dundee | 847-428-4483 www.villagesquire.com

Village Squire Restaurants have been part of the Fox Valley since 1974, family owned and operated. The Squire is an English pub-style casual dining restaurant featuring live music Wednesdays through Sundays and a cozy atmosphere with a great outdoor patio featuring two fireplaces for enjoyment in the warm weather months. Some of their specialties include charbroiled steaks, juicy prime rib and a wide variety of gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and fresh fish. Famous for their house drinks, Mai Tais and Rum Barrels are made in-house and are an all-time favorite. For a casual drink or dinner, Village Squire is a great place to be!

moto imoto

181 S. First St., St. Charles 630-425-0990 | www.motoimoto.com

moto imōto is a unique blend of "East meets West" Pan-Asian culinary experiences. Our Asian street-food inspired menu offers shareable plates, signature sushi rolls, and chef-designed farm-fresh dishes that elevate and heighten the overall guest dining experience. Our open-air wraparound patio provides a comfortable dining experience while being right in the heart of St. Charles. Explore Half-Price Sushi Tuesdays (available all day Tuesday for dine-in or carryout), or wind down at our bar, lounge area, or patio with our happy hour offered every weekday from 3-6 p.m. Don't forget to get your “WOW” on with Wine on Wednesdays, offering half-off all bottled wines and any of our bottled sake selections, or stop by for lunch offered daily and enjoy our $14 lunch combos and our $15 Bento Lunch Box specials. Our fresh and innovative dining experience is sure to become a new personal favorite and a welcome escape from the everyday routine.

Ella’s Italian Pub

407 S. Third St., Geneva 630-457-1115 | www.ellasitalianpub.com

This summer, experience BG Hospitality Group's newest restaurant concept: Ella's Italian Pub. Ella’s is located in the heart of Geneva’s historic shopping district, at the corner of Fulton and Third Street. After your first visit, Ella's will soon become your favorite spot to dine and unwind. Our familyfriendly dining experience starts with our signature Roman-style pizzas made from handcrafted dough, accented by creative Italian pub-style street food offerings, along with an extensive wine list and crafted cocktails, making it the perfect destination for any occasion. Be sure to stop by and try our off-the-menu specials: Happy Hour on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the bar and lounge area, or enjoy “Sundays in Rome" with half-price pizzas for carryout or dine-in all day Sunday. Ella’s also offers our signature Wine on Wednesdays (WOW); enjoy half-off all wines listed by the bottle on our menu every Wednesday.Visit our website for more. What makes us different? It's how we "dough it!”

GIA MIA

13 N. Third St., Geneva | 630-405-5544 31 S. First St., St. Charles | 630-415-0770 www.giamiapizzabar.com

Gia Mia provides chef-driven, farm-to-fork concepts such as Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, fresh pastas, and much more. Along with our crafted cocktails, we feature craft beers and exclusive wines carefully selected to complement any meal. Enjoy al fresco dining on our open-air patio with a lovely pergola at our Geneva location, or an inviting covered patio and piazza at our St. Charles location. Gia Mia also offers Wine on Wednesdays (WOW); enjoy half-off all wines listed by the bottle on our menu every Wednesday. With offers such as our $13 lunch special, half-price pizza Mondays, and Wine on Wednesdays, it's the perfect time to enjoy the summer weather with family and friends.

Livia Italian Eatery

207 S. Third St., Geneva 630-402-6444 | www.liviaitalianeatery.com

Livia Italian Eatery features a broad Northern Italian-inspired menu, offering dishes that range from pastas and fresh greens to crowd favorites like our New Zealand lamb chops. Along with other specialty entrées, each dish stays true to our farm-to-fresh motto. Our open-air patio, located in the heart of Geneva, has a sunken-in design that allows for a more private outdoor dining experience, along with a ramp for easy access. Livia also offers Wine on Wednesdays (WOW); enjoy half-off all wines listed by the bottle on our menu every Wednesday. Whether you wind down on Wednesdays wine, enjoy happy hour from 3-6 p.m. every weekday, or end the week with brunch offered on Saturdays and Sundays, a summer outing at Livia is the perfect staycation oasis.

Stockholm’s

306 W. State St. , Geneva 630-208-7070 | www.stockholmsbrewpub.com

Out back and tucked in a nook with the neighboring building, protected by a high fence and covered with a shade sail, Stockholm’s patio is a little intimate dining gem. Voted the Western Suburbs’ Best Neighborhood Tavern by the readers of both the Kane County Chronicle and West Suburban Living Magazine, Stockholm’s is known for its expansive menu of freshly prepared meals using only the highest quality ingredients. You can also enjoy its handcrafted beers, brewed in an Old World tradition, naturally conditioned and unfiltered, from the Tri-Cities’ oldest brewery.

Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden

12 N. River St., Batavia 630-406-9200 | www.sidecarsupperclub.com

Sidecar Supper Club is a cozy, neighborhood watering hole, specializing in eclectic high-end pub fare prepared from scratch and regular live music performances in historic downtown Batavia. Diners can expect amazing hand-ground, hand-packed burgers, house-smoked bacon varieties, Prime Rib service on the weekends as well as vegetarian and vegan fare. Expect a good rotation of craft beer, whiskey and non-alcoholic options. Patrons can enjoy a beautiful five-tiered outdoor beer garden with live performances – dogs are welcome on the patio, too! Both local and touring musicians perform under the stars every Friday and Saturday, singer/songwriters on Tuesdays. Wind down the weekend with Bluegrass Sunday a weekly, free family-friendly event held on the North River Street Woonerf.

Obscurity Brewing and Craft Mead

113 W. North St., Elburn 630-320-2255 | www.drinkobscurity.com

Obscurity Brewing is a traditional barbeque restaurant with a 1000 pound capacity wood smoker, the second largest in Illinois. It’s located in the heart of the agriculture district of Elburn, preserving the old Farm Services Offices and Warehouse space. The love of craft beer, the passion for mead, the live music, the childhood memories of eating your favorite BBQ, and the desire to give back to the community. All these things drive the creation of our atmosphere and experience in the restaurant, brewery, and outdoor beer garden patio.

new on the block

Here's the dish about the restaurant scene in Aurora

There's a new restaurant boom underway in Aurora, giving foodies a chance to taste their way around the world without a passport. From soul food and Asian fusion to Italian classics and Korean-style corn dogs, here are some of the latest eateries to enter the Aurora dining scene.

l LEILANI ASIAN FUSION

2 N. River St. www.leilaniasianfusion.com

l TOUCHE FRENCH CREOLE

6 N. River St. www.touchefrenchcreole.com

l GIARDINO PIZZERIA AND TRATTORIA

12 N. River St. www.giardinoaurora.com

Within the past year, this trio of restaurants have brought new life to the historic Hobbs Building in downtown Aurora. Leilani Asian Fusion, a chef-driven experience, explores Filipino and Pan-Asian flavors and traditions. Their diverse menu includes inventive takes on sushi, steak, vegetarian dishes and signature cocktails.

In the middle is the Touche French Creole, which brings the spirit of New Orleans right to the heart of Aurora. The menu features NOLA classics including shrimp po'boy, gumbo, Louisiana catfish and Bourbon Street beignets.

If you like Italian food, check out Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria. Giardino offers appetizers to share like bruschetta, brick-oven pizza, a variety of pasta dishes, and other Italian specialities including white fish alla milanese and rustic pan seared chicken.

Atrevete Cafe 1888

5 E. Galena Blvd. www.atrevetecafe1888.com

Another new eatery bringing a new chapter to a historic Aurora building is Atrevete Care 1888. The cafe is nestled inside Aurora’s first hospital building and the name gives a nod to the year it was built – 1888. The savory menu features soups, salads and sandwiches along with sweet pastries and desserts.

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos by Ulysses Arriaga, Sarah Cervantes and provided by Menudazo

Giardino Pizzeria and Trattoria

Menudazo

1146 Front St.

Menudazo — also known as “La Casita del Menudo” or “The Little Menudo House” — specializes in authentic traditional Mexican soups. The menu spotlights menudo, a beloved Mexican soup made with cow tripe in a savory chili pepper base, as well as posole, a rich and flavorful soup featuring pork.

The Arthouse

5 E. Galena Blvd.

Located next door to the Paramount Theatre, The Arthouse lives up to its name with artistic touches such as a wall of records when you walk in. The eatery serves up a variety of burgers, sandwiches and entrees. Or hang out while enjoying a cocktail, craft beers or glass of wine.

JJ-N-MeMe's Custom Meals

525 Station Blvd. www.jjnmemes.com

Located at the Station 500 complex on the Aurora's far east side, JJ-N-MeMe's is the place to go when you're looking for a little bit of soul with your comfort food. The

menu includes hot honey fried chicken, collard green egg rolls, and oxtails and gravy. They even have Sunday dinner covered with a special featuring entrees like loaded pot roast, smothered chicken and ribs along with your choice of two sides.

Two Hands Corn Dogs

4328 E New York St. www.twohandsus.com

Also nestled on the city's far east side is this made-to-order Korean corn dog eatery. To begin, you'll choose a coating with options like crispy rice, fried potato cube and American corn-based batter. Next select a filling such as the spicy two hands sausage or beef sausage. Then you're set to enjoy your battered, fried and seasoned bit of goodness on a stick.

small plates, BIG FLAVOR

Appetizers set the tone for an amazing meal

By Grace Rosati |

When dining out, nothing beats the perfect starter. An appetizer can set the mood for the rest of the meal, and will hopefully leave you wanting more. Kane County has its fair share of delicious shareables, and these restaurants are ready to wow you.

Looking for a relaxed dinner experience? Stop into River Street Tavern in East Dundee. This gastropub has all your favorite comfort foods combined with unique flavors that their regulars rave about. Owner Loren Rattner has been in the restaurant business his entire life, and he believes that the best appetizers leave a good first impression.

“We like to have certain things that make people think about us specifically,” remarks Rattner. “For example, take the peppered candied bacon. We found that was unique for us, and for the area, I think we're the only people that serve it.” This maple syrup glazed confection is the sweet-and-savory combination of your dreams.

He also encourages his customers to look outside the box and make your meal your own.

“We get people that have disco fries as their entree, or cheese curds or pretzels. When we're in the kitchen and we see an order come through, we double check with our server to make sure that they didn't want that out first. But no,

it's actually someone at the table using it as their entree.”

Or, feel free to order an entree as a shareable. Rattner recommends their delicious smoked chicken wings. Come on in and have a taste on Wednesdays between 4 and 6 p.m. to enjoy half-off all appetizers.

If you’re wanting more eclectic flavors, Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery in North Aurora is the place for you. This farm-to-table restaurant is known for their odd combinations, and executive chef AlyseMarie Warren is the visionary.

“My brain just understands food and flavors in a way in which sometimes I don't even try things. I will just put them together and put them out, and my servers will tell me if it works,” explains Warren.

And her creations are always a hit.

The appetizers are a great introduction

to her cooking style, with choices that range from the comfortable to the strange. Her recommendations?

“I think it's a toss-up. I’d say our brisket tacos, which is a super traditional approach to an appetizer that everyone can wrap their mind around. Or our teriyaki bacon, which is super untraditional. It's deep-fried bacon tossed in teriyaki served on watermelon. It's something that you wouldn't expect to work, but once you put it in your mouth, you understand it.”

Warren aims to build trust with her clientele, and making a positive first impression is a crucial step. With their executive chef’s exceptional culinary talent and their use of fresh homegrown ingredients, Hardware is a spot you’ll want to return to again and again.

Whether you’re out for a sports game or just looking for a mouthwatering start to your meal, a unique appetizer is a great way to kick off your dining experience.

Photos provided by River Street Tavern and Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery

Candied bacon, River Street Tavern

OF THE MONTH

Artist Carly Palmer

The Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

As an artist and writer, Water Street Studios’ Carly Palmer is an accomplished and wellestablished creative in the Kane County area. Palmer is based out of St. Charles with her main mediums being hard-edge geometric abstracts and hand-cut paper collage alongside writing. Currently, Palmer is a resident artist at Water Street Studios and instructor for the School of Art Outreach at the studio.

“I first became a Resident Artist in September 2022 and shared a studio with a fellow artist,” says Palmer. “In October 2023, I moved down the hall to my own studio to have a larger space to create in. My work was evolving and expanding, and I wanted to explore what was next for me.” Palmer fits right in with downtown Batavia and the studio’s atmosphere, appreciating the occurrence of finding art out and about.

“I enjoy being able to see artwork in gallery community spaces such as in libraries, coffee shops, and outside murals,” she says. “Having the chance to appreciate artwork, in your everyday experience, is

meaningful. Each encounter serves as a reminder that art is everywhere.”

Last summer, Palmer self-published her first book, which features her hand-cut paper collage art coupled with reflective writings. “I thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating something that others could engage with in a tactile rather than digital way.” she says. “It gave folks the chance to engage with my art and writing in ways other than on a screen or in a gallery. It is much more personal to hold a book in your hands.”

Palmer notes the challenges she faced writing her first published book. “I had never created a book before,” she says. “There were different style decisions and edits, several iterations to get to the final version, and marketing of the book. It made me appreciate my dedication and determination in making it feel like an extension of my creativity. I wanted my work to also be able to stand on its own.”

Writing is such an integral part of Palmer’s work, and last year she made it a priority to highlight the

relationship between her art and writing forms. “Folks new to my work might not realize that writing about my art, or in response to it, is a unique part of my artistic practice,” she says. “It not only deepens my individual relationship with it, but it offers a collective connection as well. I also presented my exploratory papers, all of which featured my artwork, at several conferences last year. I kept my commitment to writing frequently and sharing my art with others, through my bimonthly newsletter 'Artful Reflections.'”

As Palmer continues to create her stunning and unique works of art, she will let her natural abilities guide her. “I will continue to let my creative instincts lead the way for they have not led me astray,” she says. “I create for the future, but I do not need a crystal ball. I see myself continuing to deepen my artwork practice in both my painting and collage work, as well as writing. The limit does not exist when I put my faith in my ability to keep evolving. I do this by learning, growing, trusting any creative detours, and letting my curiosity be my north star.”

1.

For more information on the artist of the month, head to waterstreetstudios. org or the organization’s social media pages.

DETAILS OF Carly Palmer's WORK

u Undercurrent: Acrylic on wood, 48x12

v Playing Koi: Hand-cut paper collage, framed 12x12

w Daydreaming: Hand-cut paper collage, framed 12x12

x Technicolor: Acrylic on wood, 20x20

y After Hours: Acrylic on wood, 20x20

z Passing By Myself In Light: Hand-cut paper collage, framed 12x12

{ Limelight: Acrylic on wood, 20x20

Carly Palmer has exhibited in several local galleries and community spaces in the Greater Chicago Area as part of both group and solo shows. She is a resident artist and School of Art

Outreach Instructor at Water Street Studios in Batavia. She also is an avid reader and recently started an artist-themed book club for fellow resident artists and instructors. She is a 2021-2023 Jungian Studies

Program Cohort graduate from C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. About

JUNE 2025

Free community yoga class at Prana Yoga Center.

*Must register online prior to event

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Grill tips on page 16if you need 'em

Wacky Water Olympics at Hall Quarry Beach starting at 12:30 p.m.

*Free with Quarry admission

Children's Concert with Justin Roberts at the Peg Bond Center in Batavia from 5:306:15 p.m.

Stop by Fine Line Creative Arts Center to view an art showing for 30 artists who teach at the studio from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*There are additional dates

Windy City Dueling Pianos at EvenFlow

Music & Spirits in Geneva at 9 p.m.

Swedish Days in Geneva

Second Fridays in the Batavia Arts District from 6-9 p.m. - Water Street Studios

Fox River Arts Ramble at Water Street Studios in Batavia from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Batavia Uncorked from 1-4 p.m.

Elgin Michelada Fest from 12-11 p.m. at Festival Park in Elgin

Open Mic Mondays at Preservation in Geneva from 6-9 p.m.

A Special Storytime with Geneva Firefighters at Geneva Public Library from 10-11 a.m.

Wednesday Evening Farmers Market on N. River Street in Batavia from 5-8 p.m.

Wishing you a meaningful Juneteenth

Happy first day of summer!

SWEDISH DAYS

Create patriotic mason jars at St. Charles Public Library from 10-11:30 a.m.

World Blood Donor Day Drive with Versiti Blood Center of IL from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Geneva Public Library event

and plan ahead for the month of June

Grab a

FOR TEENS AND ADULTS:

Reading is both an indoor and outdoor activity. Kick back in the A/C or settle in the sunshine with these recommendations for your June reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair" by Lucy Knisley

Do you ever wonder what is going through your pet’s head? Comic artist Lucy Knisley certainly has. In a collection of comics starring her cat Linney, Knisley imagines Linney’s internal monologue as she deals with the indignities of life as a house cat. Linney, like many cats, seems to relish the love of her family and loathe the attention that it brings. Often rendered as an orange blob of fur, Linney encounters the daily indignities including children, dogs and being picked up by her owners. These little comics are contained to a singular page and tell stories like the time Linney got an undignified haircut or what Knisley imagines to be her cat's origin story. Be forewarned that “Woe” does follow Linney through the end of her life. Lovers of all animals, especially cat owners, will appreciate Knisley’s humor and expressive art style. In “Woe,” we see that the bond between humans and their animals is simultaneously a unique yet universal experience.

– Allyson Palagi, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator

FOR ADULTS:

“How to Age Disgracefully” by Clare Pooley

“How to Age Disgracefully” by best-selling author Clare Pooley is a delightful novel that combines humor, heart and a vibrant cast of characters. Seeking a reprieve from the disappointments in her life, Lydia takes a job managing a senior citizens' social club at the local community center. Expecting a quiet escape with a group of docile retirees, she is instead met with a lively and spirited crew full of surprises. When the local council announces plans to close the community center and sell the property to developers, an unlikely coalition of the seniors and their neighbors – including the center’s daycare –rally together. With plenty of scheming, determination and a good dose of mischief, they fight to save their community gathering place. But will their efforts be enough to make a difference? At first glance, “How to Age Disgracefully” appears to be a charming story about a quirky group of characters. However, it quickly reveals deeper themes, exploring how communities are built, the power of intergenerational collaboration and the resilience of the human spirit. With its heartwarming narrative and Clare Pooley's upbeat writing style, this novel is a joy to read.

– Rebekah Malek, Adult and Teen Services Librarian

The Wheeler House, St. Charles

Network to Freedom

County residents and locations

Nineteenth-Century abolitionists who helped freedom seekers reach the North or Canada via the Underground Railroad frequently used routes along rivers.

The contemporary Fox River Trail fits that description, and through extensive research, St. Charles History Museum archivist and curator Eric Krupa confirms that “thousands of freedom seekers came through here.”

Now Krupa and cohorts in DeKalb and DuPage counties hope thousands more will learn more about the antislavery efforts in northern Illinois before President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Efforts are afoot to help various locations in the region gain federal recognition as UGRR sites through the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom.

“There’s so many stories about this area that we just haven’t heard,” Krupa said, “and our role in Kane County has been completely glossed over in the national history books.”

In March, Krupa discussed more about Kane County’s history with the UGRR as part of a River Corridor

Foundation of St. Charles lecture series presentation at Baker Community Center. A workshop with Barry Jurgensen, Midwest regional manager for the Network to Freedom program, took place in April as part of the St. Charles History Museum's goal to offer further information to the public about the latest developments relating to NPS recognition.

Krupa has collaborated with Jurgensen before, assisting with research that connected the final steps of the journey of formerly enslaved women Celia and Eliza Grayson from near Nebraska City, Neb., to Chicago.

The Graysons arrived in Campton Hills on Feb. 1, 1859, before moving along to shelter in Robert Finley’s home in St. Charles.

“We kind of helped complete the storyline, which is not easy to do but we got lucky with people giving us sources and stories from back in the 1800s,” Krupa said.

Admittedly no stranger to “deep dives,” Krupa grew up in Geneva with an interest in the Underground Railroad. He recalls learning in third grade, for instance, that the St. Charles home of James T.

Wheeler also was recognized as a spot for assisting and housing freedom seekers.

Helping further the project, then, has at times felt like an extension of that early curiosity.

Albeit an extremely involved one.

“To really find the trail, you take everything you can get. You take secondary sources, you take journals. Obviously, the maps are crucial. The 1860 atlases. We’re lucky that we have a lot of good maps around here,” Krupa said. “Then you kind of go into each person, the newspapers. I went to Chicago, to other places, to do research in different archives. It’s really like an all-hands-on-deck kind of thing, going out to every source you can possibly find.”

Krupa cites previous work from Jeanne Schultz Angel on the efforts of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Society for helping hid research.

He’s eager to keep it going as the project progresses.

“Everybody has been so honestly thrilled and happy about it,” Krupa said. “I’ve just been so happy about the support we’ve received, especially with the homeowners and the general public, too.”

By Kevin Druley • Photos provided by Eric Krupa

Kane

played a role on the Underground Railroad

WHAT IS YOUR BIAS?

Our team observation is that people are working harder than ever to find economic and investment marketplace facts to support their political narrative.

I’ve been in the financial services industry since the summer of 1987 and cannot recall a time when emotions were more pronounced based on a person’s political persuasion. A pessimist might declare that gone are the days of examining facts and then drawing conclusions from them. Rather, many desperately search only for statistics that will support their opinions.

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” – Mark Twain

When it comes to your finances, weigh the facts over selective statistics

Real-world life experience often opens one’s eyes to the prevalence of the strategic selection of certain statistics to support a position. This is not new. In fact, it may even be traced back to Eve’s pitch to Adam about the benefits of eating the infamous apple in the Garden of Eden.

In regard to decisions about your investment portfolio, the consequences of selective listening may not be biblical but can still be severe.

Our team noticed anxiety in both clients and prospective clients last year as the November elections approached, and these feelings did not disappear after Nov. 5. Emotions among a sharply divided nation continue to run high as we are bombarded with one breaking “news” event after another. My observation is that these events are further exasperated by the unfortunate replacement of news reporting by news commentary.

Call me old-fashioned, but I still like to review facts and draw my own conclusions rather than be manipulated. In this spirit, here are facts:

• The U.S. Labor Department reported on May 13 that the consumerprice index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in April. Annual inflation was 2.3%. This is the lowest since February 2021.

• Tariff impacts to the U.S. as well as the world’s economy remain difficult to predict. Tariff policy movement further complicates the ability to predict impacts.

• Common indices YTD through May 13 were as follows:

Here is my commentary:

• Strategic asset allocation in your investment portfolio is preferable over a tactical approach.

• If strategically allocated, your portfolio should be reviewed and possibly adjusted based on life events and/or changes in your financial goals, not due to breaking news.

• It is time in the markets, not timing the markets, that historically has favored investors.

If enhanced market volatility is causing you concern, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your financial advisor and discuss the appropriateness of your portfolio structure. If you have not heard from your financial advisor or are seeking a second opinion, give our team a call! INDEX* YTD THROUGH JUNE 13 TRAILING 12 MONTHS

Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Diversification and asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Holding investments for the long term does not ensure a profitable outcome. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, and investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. This material is intended for informational purposes only, does not constitute a recommendation, and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.

Tom McCartney (third from left) is the founding principal of My Advisor & Planner and a wealth manager, RJFS.

Pictured left to right with his team are Samantha Meyer, Client Service Associate; Michael Holevas CFA, Wealth Manager; and Co-founder and Wealth Manager Sharon Piet. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Tom and his team are located at 107 S. 2nd St., Geneva, IL 60134. 630-457-4068

Your unique life, planned.

Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.