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HOME LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026

WHAT YOUR HOME SAYS ABOUT THE WAY YOU DRESS The home decor and fashion crossover Page 38

THROUGH COLOR AND LIGHT A glimpse into the art of stained glass Page 14

A LITTLE FRIGHT, A LOT OF FUN Halloween activities for the whole family Page 22

L I V I N G B E A U T I F U L LY Expert voices in interior design, home renovation, furniture, decor and more share ways to make your home shine

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Editorʼs

NOTE It’s time for spooky season! Fall is in full swing and pumpkin spice has infiltrated, so don’t miss out on all the fun “-ber” months bring! And what better time is there to rejuvenate your space? With Kane County Magazine’s second homes issue of the year, we are focused on bringing out the best of your individuality in design and decor. Quality can be scarce in today’s market. If you’re looking for a piece that will last forever and become an heirloom, check out a local expert crafting modern Amish furnishings (page 7). Maybe you’re ready to update a room and not necessarily the whole house, or maybe you live in a smaller space but want the most out of your cozy design? Flip to page 8 and discover how to establish the best flow. This month, we are taking time to celebrate items that last forever. On page 10, you’ll find out how to revere the past while respectfully updating your home for the future—and get a glimpse of some historic structures around the area, too! There’s no limit to what you can do with the cherished pieces handed down

through generations in your family. Learn how to make room for memories and honor your legacy (page 16). Of course, what would October be without the revelers and tricksters that come about every Halloween? Find out where to take the whole family and fully celebrate spooky season this month (page 22). St. Charles Park District also has a few hayrides, haunts and Halloween fun events up their sleeve. Find out more on page 30! However you spend your days, always remember to be kind and enjoy every moment you can. Thank you for reading and Happy Halloween!

Kelley White, Editor

on the

COVER Lifestyle Design refreshes and rejuvenates your home to fit your style. Learn more on page 17. Next month: And the winners are ... The November issue of Kane County Magazine highlights businesses, services and destinations that are voted as Kane County's Finest!

4 OCTOBER 2026

MARKET MANAGER 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 Garcia Andel, Jonathan Bilyk, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak, Patricia Szpekowski, Chris Walker and Cayden Wells 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

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2026

INSIDE

Whatʼs

HOMES 7 FARMSTEAD HOME Modern Amish furniture crafted just for you 8 SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT Making the most out of compact rooms 10 HONORING THE PAST, UPDATING FOR THE FUTURE Restoring a historic home

32 MORE THAN A MASSAGE Halsa honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month 34 IS YOUR DOG HAPPY Dog behavior and mental health

14 THROUGH COLOR AND LIGHT A glimpse into the art of stained glass

36 KEEPING BRIDGES INTACT Sage advice from Suburban Superdad

16 MAKING ROOM FOR MEMORIES Where to put your precious heirlooms

38 WHAT YOUR HOME SAYS ABOUT THE WAY YOU DRESS The home decor and fashion crossover

17 LIFESTYLE DESIGN Geneva design team reinvents spaces 18 ABOVE AND BEYOND Upgrade a room’s look with your ceiling style 20 THE NEW OPEN FLOOR PLAN Creative ways to build on individuality

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE 22 A LITTLE FRIGHT, A LOT OF FUN 4 Halloween activities for the whole family 26 RESORT AT SEA OR WILD FRONTIER How to choose the Alaska experience that fits you best 28 FALL REFRESH Prepare your flowers, trees and bushes for a head start in spring

6 OCTOBER 2026

30 HAYRIDES, HAUNTS & HALLOWEEN FUN Autumn activities with the St. Charles Park District

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 40 LEGACY OF LITTLE BOOKS Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brings literacy home 42 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Sharon Feller creates wonder with mixed media 44 CALENDAR Check out events all month long 45 GRAB A BOOKMARK Add these titles to your fall reading list

BUSINESS & CIVIC 46 DON’T LET HALLOWEEN SCARE YOU OUT OF THE MARKET My Advisor & Planner has seen it all

FARMSTEAD HOME 227 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-338-6557

Farmstead Modern Amish furniture crafted just for you

Home By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by Farmstead Home

When selecting a wood species, it’s helpful to think about the environment the table will be used in.

“Amish furniture is not your grandma’s old oak table. People see modern styles on the floor and are surprised to learn it’s Amish furniture,” says Joanne Scara, owner of Farmstead Home, located inside the Berry House in Geneva.

Once she gets a feel for what the customer is looking for, Scara is available for in-home consultations to recommend the perfect fit and finish. Utilizing advanced design visualization, she can even preview exactly how the new table and chairs will look in your room.

hen envisioning Amish furniture, images of substantial, solid-wood tables and cabinets might come to mind. Yet the designs have evolved to span contemporary lines and styles that feel right at home in both rustic and modern spaces.

For years, Scara worked in marketing and sales at an Amish furniture store before starting her own business in 2018. One of Scara’s favorite parts of the job is traveling to Indiana and other states to meet with Amish furniture builders. “I really love the quality and craftsmanship of the furniture,” she says. The showroom at Farmstead Home is designed around the heart of the house, spotlighting casual kitchen tables as well as welcoming bedroom retreats. “The items on the floor include a curated collection of some of our favorite pieces. We also feature artisan sourcebooks that showcase the extensive range of styles and options available to create your perfect handcrafted vision,” Scara explains. The process begins with a free in-store or at-home consultation where she’ll ask questions to help people find the right furniture to fit their needs. For example, when selecting a new table, Scara might ask how many people they want to seat and whether that number is all the time or only during the holidays when hosting extra family members.

“Families with kids might want to choose a harder wood if the table will get more use like backpacks being thrown on it or kids playing games on it,” Scara says.

Another thing to consider are the various customizations that add to the style of a table. For instance, there are many table shapes besides square, round or rectangle. There are also boat sides, clipped or rounded corners and bowed ends. These minor details can make it easier to move around tight spaces or provide more visual interest. “It all depends on the room the table will go in. If it’s a tight space and you want a rectangular table, a rounded corner is a good option,” Scara says. When selecting chairs to go around the table, things to consider are good lumbar support if you’ll be sitting a long time. Scara says the height of the chair also is important. Typically, a chair back for a dining table can be very high, but chairs around a kitchen table can look better with lower backs in the smaller area. In addition to tables, Farmstead Home also sells cabinets and living room furniture. There are lots of details to consider for these pieces such as the type of cabinet doors or if you want space for a sound bar or media player in an entertainment unit. “That’s the beauty of Amish furniture. Every piece is made to order,” Scara adds. HOMES OCTOBER 2026

small space,

BIG IMPACT Making compact rooms more functional and mood-boosting By Cayden Wells Photos provided by Kristie Sandoval

or interior designer Kristie Sandoval, a cramped room isn’t a problem, but a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Sandoval, owner of Alaric Designs in St. Charles, has worked in interior design since 1997 and started her own firm 10 years ago. She said the key to a successful small-space project has nothing to do with the square footage, but with how the room is used. “I look at what the function is,” Sandoval said. “What is it that they want to accomplish when they’re in that room or in that space?” That question is the guide to everything else, from layout to furniture selection. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when taking on a small-space remodel themselves is turning to the internet for inspiration. “There’s a lot of people that don’t have a lot of experience with interior design, and they’re throwing out ideas and acting like they know when they don’t just to give content,” she said. The result is often clutter. Simplifying a room, even one that still needs to hold a lot of belongings, can keep it from feeling overwhelming.

OCTOBER 2026 8 HOMES

Layout is usually where Sandoval starts, studying how people move through a space before looking for ways to improve that flow. From there, she leans on a mix of light, medium and dark tones to balance the room, along with furniture scaled to fit. “A lot of people may underscale, or they may choose elements like pictures or artwork that are too small for a small space,” Sandoval said. She recommends artwork sized to fit a wall proportionally, not so small it disappears, and not overcrowded with things that make the room feel busier. Color has also crept into smaller rooms in recent years, Sandoval said, as more homeowners move away from allneutral palettes, painting built-ins in shades like blue and green. Lighting, too, has become a bigger focus. “Lighting can play a big factor on how you feel in a space psychologically,” she said. “It impacts your mood.” That showed up recently in a bathroom Sandoval designed for a client, a tight space packed with doorways and windows, where she had to fit in more than the room seemed to allow. Rather than choosing safe, common choices, she picked tile and countertop materials that were a little more distinctive than what shows up in most bathrooms. “I wanted people to just kind of be able to move their eyes through the space,” she said, rather than let any single element dominate. For Sandoval, the payoff is watching clients rediscover a room they had previously disregarded. “They get to utilize an area in their home that maybe was a problem area before,” she said. “I get to help find solutions for them and make it beautiful and functional.” HOMES OCTOBER 2026

HONORING the

UPDATING for the FU What to consider when restoring a historic home By Vicki Martinka Petersen

OCTOBER 2026 10 HOMES

Restoring an older home isn’t simply a matter of adding a fresh coat of paint or installing new windows. It’s about distinguishing what should be preserved and what can be adapted – particularly for properties in a historic district.

repairs, alterations or additions. An example is converting a historic home into a retail shop, such as The Little Traveler in Geneva. A restoration entails repairs that accurately depict the form, features and character of a property as it initially appeared.

“Words such as restoration, renovation and rehabilitation are often used interchangeably, but these words used to describe the treatment of a property have very different meanings,” explains Al Watts, heritage manager at Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.

“With restoration, you’re trying to bring back a home to what it once was similar to how you restore a car back to when it was new,” says Sean Gallagher, licensed architect and owner of Gallagher Associates Architects in Geneva and a professor of architecture at Judson University.

According to the Secretary of the Interior, rehabilitation makes a compatible use for the property through

It’s also important to understand the definition of a historic property. According to criteria established by

Historic buildings around town To see historic buildings and restorations up close, check out some of these legendary structures in the Fox Valley. Photos were provided by the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.

Judge Barry House • 217 Cedar Ave., St. Charles Originally constructed in 1844 as a private residence, the current owner plans to take advantage of the State Property Tax Freeze program, which will help with rehabilitation costs. Rehabilitation is expected to be completed next year.

PAST

UTURE

Beith House • 8 Indiana St., St. Charles Originally constructed in 1850, the first major rehabilitation was completed in 1988. The building currently is used as office space.

Durant-Peterson House Museum • 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Tucked away inside LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is this former private residence. Constructed in 1843, the first major rehabilitation was completed in 1978. Today it serves as a living history museum, offering visitors a glimpse into life on the prairie in the 1800s.

the National Park Service, a historic property is at least 50 years old and has significance in one or more of the following areas: person, event, construction/architecture or archaeology. Rehabilitation can qualify for financial incentives that aren’t available for new construction. For example, if a property owner wants a state tax credit for rehabilitation, the property must meet certain historic property requirements, Watts adds. “Restorations or rehabilitations are not limited to homes or properties within a historic district. Limitations only apply to financial incentives if a property owner wants to apply for any,” says Watts.

Fabyan Villa Museum and Fabyan Japanese Garden • 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva This former private residence was constructed in 1880, then later redesigned and expanded on by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907. The private Japanese garden was installed in 1910. Rehabilitation of this history museum and Japanese garden is ongoing. Both the home and the garden are open to the public for viewing. HOMES OCTOBER 2026

People also often seek to rehabilitate historic properties because it preserves resources and strengthens community identity. “Replacing historic buildings with new construction can irreparably harm a community and change it into something people no longer recognize or identify with,” says Watts. “Fixing what is already there means there is less need to expend more energy to make new parts for a building.”

Historic district

Before beginning any exterior work on an older home, it’s worth stopping by your City Hall to see if you live in a historic district. This exterior work includes roofs, windows, doors and fences. If you do live in a historic district, city staff can help ensure your project complies with historical district renovation codes. “Sometimes folks don’t realize

they live in a historic district. City staff is always helpful [in] guiding homeowners on what can and can’t be done to the outside of a home,” says Gallagher. In addition, city staff or a town’s Historic Preservation Commission may have resources or expertise that can help property owners save money. For example, repairing a wood window is often much less expensive and energyefficient than replacing it with a cheap, vinyl window. Properties that could be considered historic but aren’t landmarked or located in a historic district don’t need to obtain approval or follow historic preservation guidelines, Watts adds.

Challenges

When renovating or restoring older buildings, Gallagher cautions there could be potential infrastructure updates needed, such as:

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SHOP • DRINK • EAT • STAY • PLAY • Electrical updates if a home uses vintage knob-and-tube wiring. • Options to cool or heat a space if an older structure uses radiant heat and has no air conditioning. • Plumbing updates if the water supply comes from galvanized piping, which tends to erode over time and could restrict water flow. “These bigger-ticket items don’t contribute to the attractiveness of a home, but they’re necessary to make the building safe,” says Gallagher. “No matter what you do, some renovation will likely be involved to bring a home into modern use, like air conditioning or modern appliances,” he adds. For homes located in a historic district, Watts says finding appropriate, required historic materials may take longer to find and obtain. “There also are fewer contractors capable of performing quality work on a historic property,” Watts adds.

A general contractor with experience working on older structures can be an asset to the project, such as providing a bench of resources to help in areas like masonry work or someone to plaster crown molding and decorative applications in ceilings. “You never know what you’ll need until you get started. Subcontractors and general contractors with this expertise are really important, especially since there are fewer and fewer people able to do these things,” says Gallagher. Other good resources include organizations such as Landmarks Illinois, which has access to vetted architects and material suppliers. “There are some really beneficial resources and organizations willing to have conversations about how to repair a historic building appropriately,” says Jill Willett, operations manager at Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.

Holiday House Tour, Dec. 4th and 5th

DECK THE HALLS! Discover yuletide treasure in Geneva! At our annual Holiday House Tour you’ll visit five spectacular homes all decked out with festive holly and sparkling holiday warmth. Call 630-232-6060 or stop by visitgenevail.com for tickets, details and a complete schedule. The spirit of Christmas truly comes alive in Geneva! Tickets on sale now!

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HOMES OCTOBER 2026

Through Colo A glimpse into the art of stained glass By Diane Krieger Spivak Photos provided by Mark Radina

OCTOBER 2026 14 HOMES

t’s not the front window your toddler took a permanent marker to.

came back into vogue again in the 19th century in the form of lamps and decor.

you’re the creative type, you can take a class and make your own.

Well, technically it is, but we’re talking about the other kind. Think Tiffany lamp or the colored windows in a cathedral. Stained glass has been around since ancient Egypt, though through the millennia it’s changed in form and production.

Today, stained glass comes in three basic forms: leaded, art and faceted, according to the Stained Glass Association of America, which notes that stained glass is typically an eighth of an inch thick and held together by strips of lead cames. Louis Comfort Tiffany made art glass popular with colored enamels and opalescent glass. Faceted windows are made from slabs of glass called “dalles.”

“Today, in a window design application, you design what type of window you want, take sheet glass and cut it into forms that are going to be put into the window,” says Mark Radina, owner of Archetype Stained Glass, in Aurora, where he creates, restores and gives lessons in the medium. “We still use lead caning the glass fits into. Once the piece is assembled with the lead, you solder the joints. That holds everything together.”

The stain comes from metallic salts or oxides added to make different colors during the glassmaking process. Various pieces are assembled together, usually with lead, to make a pattern or picture. Stained glass was popularized in churches during the Middle Ages, and

If you happen to have a vintage stained glass lamp, window or other piece, consider yourself lucky. If you don’t, but want one, you can have one made. If

The restoration process is basically the reverse, says Radina. “You’re taking a 100-year-old window and dismantling it

r & Light because the lead has been weakened to the point of failure, broken lead, bowing or broken glass, and putting it all back into place.” Radina, who’s been working in stained glass since 1978, has done a lot of restoration on Frank Lloyd Wright houses, including Frederick C. Robie House in Hyde Park, Avery Coonley House in Riverside, Unity Temple in Oak Park, Heller House in Chicago, Davenport House in Oak Park, Tomek House in Riverside, and more. He also worked on a Tiffany window that is now housed in the Chicago History Museum. “That was a fun experience,” says Radina,

who also conducts classes on Saturdays through fall and winter. Recently, his restoration work has led Radina to Texas, where he’s been working on the large stained glass dome at the historic Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso. “I travel now a lot,” Radina says. While he does both original commissioned and restoration stained glass, Radina prefers creating his own designs. “Stained glass is always evolving,” he says. “Unlike a painting you hang on the wall that remains the same, glass is different. It’s affected by the sun that changes the color tone of the glass throughout the day. It’s alive.”

HOMES OCTOBER 2026

MAKING ROOM for

Memories By Patricia Szpekowski • Photos provided by Lauren Perrine

id you inherit a few furniture pieces that tug at your emotional strings? Are you skeptical about even keeping them because they don’t seem to match your preferred decorating style?

Before you decide with an emphatic "no," think about the possibilities and creative ways you can incorporate one, or a few, in your home. “Antiques and vintage pieces are having their moment right now,” says Lauren Perrine, co-owner of Boxwood Home Design and Cabinetry in West Dundee, along with her husband Rod. “Today’s trends are a blend of traditional and organic modern, and the mix of old and new styles is even more relevant now. People are looking for heirlooms and scouring flea markets and secondhand shops to add character to a room.”

Today’s trends are a blend of traditional and organic modern, and the mix of old and new styles is even more relevant now." — Lauren Perrine of Boxwood Home Design and Cabinetry

OCTOBER 2026 16 HOMES

Perrine notes, “By adding these pieces, it’s like an unfolding story. Your room becomes a canvas for conversations, where you can tell your guests, friends and even family members its rich history. In my home, we have a wonderful piece in our living room from my mother-in-law. It is different in style to what we have, but it adds so much character and each day we appreciate it more and more.” She doesn’t recommend toying with changing the furniture by lightening darker pieces or vice versa. “You can certainly be tempted to repaint or stain a cabinet, secretary desk, grandfather clock or bureau,” Perrine says, “but leaving it as it is, except for a careful cleanup, retains its original sentimental value. There are times, though, when changing the frayed upholstery of a sofa or chair enhances the piece.”

Use your imagination for ways to incorporate heirlooms in your home. Position a vintage chair next to a contemporary sofa. Place a table in a hall and decorate it with your favorite collections or grandma’s sterling silver tray. Move a wooden desk under a wall of art for an interesting backdrop. When decorating with heirloom pieces, there are several principles to follow to keep them stable and fresh. Avoid placing them near direct sunlight, fireplaces and heating/air-conditioning vents. Dust them with dry, soft cloths; lift the furniture, don’t drag it; and keep wooden furniture away from moisture and damp exterior walls. Welcome the heirloom furniture into your home and create a new chapter for your decorating story.

LIFESTYLE DESIGN

Geneva design team reinvents rooms into spaces where clients can live beautifully

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by Lifestyle Design

rom kitchen renovations to new home construction, Bobbi Alderfer and her team at Lifestyle Design in Geneva are with their clients every step of the way – from creating the design inspiration to placing the final touches that will complete the project. “We can step in and help guide our clients through these phases,” said Alderfer, principal designer and owner of Lifestyle Design. Each project is unique. Each customer has their own style, and that’s what drives her team as she ushers her interior design firm into its third decade of beautiful, purposeful design. “We have clients who want to reinvent their entire house. They are ready for a totally different look,” Alderfer said. Alderfer launched the business in 1986, pursuing her love of reimagining interior spaces, while she and her husband were raising their three sons. Her business degree and encouragement from her friends and family gave her the support needed to take classes at College of DuPage and grow her business. She continues to support COD’s Design Program by hiring student interns each year and she sits on its advisory committee. Through the years she’s had clients return to her for a room refresh, for help with a new home build and for help with a downsized home as well. She recently worked with a client from 20 years ago to design their unit at GreenFields of Geneva. “It’s such a joy to reconnect with past clients, knowing that they loved what was done for them in the past and knowing they can trust

us for future projects,” Alderfer said. “I’ve had clients that have also become close friends. All of them have enriched my life.” The team at Lifestyle Design includes Office Manager Kathy McNeil, Lead Designer Kate Steel, and Associate Designers Melissa Fisher and Lydia Lando. This semester she also has intern Gina Hagan helping the team and learning residential design. Alderfer said each member of the team brings their talents and eye for design to each project, helping clients through the myriad of decision making, from space planning and functionality to final finishes like paint colors and furnishings. With more than 30 years of experience, Alderfer also has a strong network of contractors and custom craftspeople to help create these beautiful spaces for their clients. And when it comes to new home construction, the team at Lifestyle Design can help with all of the decisions that need to be made, while creating a cohesive aesthetic that flows throughout the home. “New home construction involves overwhelming details and decisions, and having a professional interior designer to help guide a homeowner through this process is invaluable, eliminating indecision, stress and construction delays,” Alderfer said.

Each space offers new opportunities and challenges too. Even as clients share images and inspiration, the team at Lifestyle Design takes the time to really listen to their clients and understand how the space will function. Will it be a kitchen where a busy family gathers for meals together? Do they need a larger mudroom with space for everyone’s items stored neatly? Is it time to elevate a living space that no longer needs to store toys and children’s games? And while the team listens to each client’s wishlist, they also offer insights that help to elevate the end result, always with function in mind. “If the space is not going to be functional as intended, then we need to rethink the design,” Alderfer said. “We want every project to turn out even better than the client could have imagined. It is our job to introduce them to design elements that they didn’t think of or didn’t know existed,” Alderfer said. “We love reimagining spaces, whether we’re putting up walls or taking down walls,” Alderfer said. “Our before and after photos are always impressive. When we look at what has been created for our clients and how excited they are to be living in these spaces we know we are doing what we love.”

She added, “One of the most important aspects to a room’s design is the lighting. We absolutely love specifying beautiful light fixtures. They can make or break a room. They set the tone for the entire home and are definitely worth the investment. HOMES OCTOBER 2026

ABOVE Upgrade a room's look with a new ceiling style By Cayden Wells

& BEYOND

OCTOBER 2026 18 HOMES

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omeowners planning a fall renovation might want to look somewhere they often overlook: the ceiling.

Faux beams, crown molding and coffered ceilings have become increasingly popular additions for homeowners looking to add character to a room, according to Mike Howell, owner of Carpentry with Integrity, a St. Charles-based remodeling company that has served the Fox Valley since 1998. Before starting any project, Howell said he evaluates two things: the home’s existing architectural style and the height of the ceiling. “Moldings are all based on proportion,” Howell said. “It really kind of depends on their existing style and the height of their ceiling. That’s where we would start.” For homeowners considering a DIY approach, Howell said the deciding factor often comes down to comfort with tools rather than the complexity of the design itself. “None of this stuff is rocket science. It’s just wood and nails,” Howell said. Simple projects, like faux beams, are approachable for most homeowners, he said, while detailed work like crown molding requires specific tools and a more refined skill set. Cost varies widely depending on scope. Howell said a single room, such as a dining room, might run a couple of thousand dollars for crown molding labor and materials. A full coffered ceiling, the kind with beams dividing the surface into squares and rectangles, can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on whether the wood is paint-grade or stain-grade. Manufactured faux beams, sold in long lengths, typically cost around $1,000 per piece, installed, he said.

The length of time the project can take depends on material sourcing and design complexity. Simple crown molding can often be installed in a single day once materials arrive, which Howell said usually takes about a week from reputable manufacturers. More detailed coffered ceilings can take a couple of weeks to a month. Safety, Howell said, is the primary consideration for most ceiling projects, given the ladder work involved. Structurally, most molding applications are attached directly to existing drywall and require little additional support. More elaborate designs, like coffered ceilings, may require building a substructure to support the finished millwork.

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Older homes call for extra attention to detail, Howell said. While most modern homes share a similar aesthetic that suits a range of styles, homes built in the late 1800s or early 1900s often call for moldings historically associated with that architectural period. Howell recommends when homeowners hire a contractor, they confirm they’re insured and ask for references or past project examples. Illinois does not require contractors to be licensed, he said, making that step especially important. One tip from Howell’s own process includes using finishing materials, like paint or stain, before installation rather than after. Wood should be allowed to acclimate to the room for a few days before it’s cut, he said, to account for natural expansion and contraction. “It just makes it so much easier just to be able to kind of touch up your nail holes,” Howell said, rather than repainting an entire finished ceiling. For homeowners eyeing a ceiling project this fall, Howell’s advice is simple: measure twice and cut once.

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THE NEW

OPEN FLOOR PLAN [ ] Homeowners seek creative ways to build individual spaces within an open layout By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Vasilion Architects

pen floor plans offer families a sense of connection in the home, like parents being able to chat with their kids while making dinner. As the use of homes evolves, so does the way open floor plans fit into a desire for spaces that feel both connected and defined. “People still like to see through and across spaces,” says Sean Gallagher, licensed architect and owner of Gallagher Associates Architects in Geneva and a professor of architecture at Judson University. Steve Vasilion, licensed architect and owner of Vasilion Architects in Batavia, notes his clients still gravitate toward open-plan designs. “They like the feeling of unbounded space and having the flexibility for things like making the dining table longer for Thanksgiving dinners,” Vasilion adds. It’s the way homeowners use those open spaces that’s shifting. For instance, remote and hybrid work have nudged some families to carve out quiet pockets by converting their dining rooms into enclosed home office spaces.

OCTOBER 2026 20 HOMES

As the baby boomer generation ages and strives to stay home as long as possible, Gallagher says some have chosen to convert spaces like a front living room and home office into a bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. “If a house is big enough and it’s only a couple left, they can make these changes,” Gallagher adds. For families looking to break up an open floor plan but still be able to see through, there are some budget-friendly ways to do this, such as grouping furniture or adding area rugs between these spaces. Another option is adding a doublesided bookcase that’s either accessible on both sides or accessible on one side with art displayed on the back. “These are more affordable options than modifying walls or moving electrical,” Gallagher says. For those looking to do construction, adding partial dividing walls can break up space while still allowing people to see into the rest of the home. For instance, adding a wall with a cutout can break up space between the living room and kitchen. “When I have dividing walls, I try to introduce interesting shapes and materials so that the wall takes on a more

sculptural quality,” Vasilion says. Another way to define areas within an open space is by adjusting the ceiling heights, such as lowering the ceiling over a dining area. “Dining is a more intimate activity that might benefit from a lower ceiling height,” Vasilion says. In kitchens, Vasilion has lowered a ceiling in an area where he can then introduce lighting hidden above the dropped ceiling, further enhancing the quality of the overall area. If you decide to move forward with reconfiguring your open floor plan, Gallagher recommends talking to an architect, designer and contractor to develop a strategy and see what you can afford. They can help you plan a logical sequence to break up your space. “If your kitchen needs to be remodeled, that’s the time to think about if there’s a need to break up space,” Gallagher says. Beyond design decisions, Gallagher notes that when doing any work in the home, the project should include a safety plan, especially for families with young children.

"People still like to see through and across spaces." — Sean Gallagher, Gallagher Associates Architects

Gallagher Associates Architects 427 Anderson Blvd., Geneva 630-845-9981 www.gallagherarch.com Vasilion Architects 426 Illinois Ave., Batavia 630-406-8880 www.vasilion.com

HOMES OCTOBER 2026

A Little

Fright, A Lot of

Fun Check out these 4 Halloween activities for the whole family By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by Ghost Story Train, Mayhem on McCoy and Abbey Farms

& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 22 FAMILY

he gentler side of the spooky season comes alive this month from pumpkinpacked farm adventures to Halloween attractions where families can easily adapt to the level of scare. Take in the fall season at one or more of these upcoming events.

Ghost Story Train

Oct. 10, 17 & 24 at Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin Step aboard the spooky trolley through the haunted forest preserve for an afternoon or evening of familyfriendly frights at this event. Enjoy treats around the campfire while listening to chilling ghost stories and singing along to campfire songs. You’re welcome to dress up in costume. The Ghost Story Train event takes place at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.foxtrolley.org.

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026

Mayhem on McCoy Oct. 7-31 in Aurora

Awarded third place in the City of Aurora’s Haunt Your Home contest last year, Mayhem on McCoy was created due to one family’s love for Halloween. The walk-through display in their yard features a series of animatronics, skeletons and other things that go bump in the night. For less of a scare, families with younger children are welcome to come during the day when the displays are turned off. Older kids and adults can get the full scare when Mayhem on McCoy is open from dusk until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays at 3012 Anton Circle in Aurora. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring new men’s socks, gloves, hats and toiletries to support veterans through the group Featherfist. Follow Mayhem on McCoy on Facebook for more information.

Autumn Has Arrived

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Baked Apple Pancake

Fall Fest

Now through Nov. 1 at Windy Acre Farms in Geneva Celebrate the beauty of fall during Fall Fest, running now through Nov. 1. There are lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy from a trackless train and corn maze to mini golf and a petting zoo. If you've attended Fall Fest before, you won't want to miss some of the new attractions, including a giant mega slide, garbage can, ball pong and Skee-Ball. Stop by on a weekend to visit the beer garden grill for a fall ale or seasonal cider, grilled meats, sweet treats and a build-yourown corn cob bar. Then grab a seat to enjoy the lineup of weekend entertainment including live music/DJ along with face painting and a magic show most weekends. Other weekend attractions include Three Little Piggie Rides and an amusement park obstacle course.

Pumpkin Daze

Now through Nov. 1 at Abbey Farms in Aurora Forty acres of pumpkins and one of the largest corn mazes in Kane County await visitors at Abbey Farms this fall. The Activity Park features corn cannons, tractor tires and hayrides. On the weekends, youngsters can mingle with the farm animals at the petting zoo. If you’re looking to up the scare factor, bring your flashlight on Saturday nights for the flashlight version of the corn maze. Visit www.abbeyfarms.org/pumpkin-daze for more information, including admission and hours.

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FAMILY & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026

Resort at Sea or Wild Frontier? How to Choose the Alaska Experience That Fits You Best By Kelly Ortiz, M.Ed, VTA, ACC, CCC– Guru Travel

ctober in the Fox Valley is prime time to look ahead and start dreaming about those big milestone trips. For so many of my neighbors here in Kane County, Alaska sits right at the top of that wish list—we crave stepping away from our busy routines to experience untamed wilderness and thunderous glaciers. But when you start planning, the sheer amount of options, ship sizes, and land routes can quickly feel overwhelming.

WHAT KANE COUNTY TRAVELERS ARE REALLY ASKING "Small Ship, Big Ship, or Land Tour?" Large cruise ships offer incredible resort comfort and value for families, but can stick to major ports. If your dream is navigating tight fjords to stand face-to-face with calving glaciers and foraging bears, a small expedition vessel or boutique inland tour brings you right up to the raw wilderness.

Two families from our community can travel to Alaska on the exact same budget and have wonderful trips, yet come home with completely different stories. That’s because Alaska isn't a one-size-fits-all destination. The real secret to an unforgettable trip isn't spending more—it's simply matching the style of the journey to how your family loves to travel.

"Are All Port Stops Created Equal?" Not even close! Two itineraries can look identical on paper, but the fine print tells a different story. Some ships stay in port for just four short hours, leaving you rushed and unable to enjoy full excursion tours. Others dock miles outside of downtown, requiring mandatory shuttle buses or water ferries that eat up two hours of your precious time on the ground.

As your local travel expert, my goal is to help you cut through the noise so you can find the experience that feels like pure magic for you.

"What If Rain Spoils Our One Shot?" Alaska's coastal climate is famously unpredictable, which makes contingency planning essential. Smart itinerary design builds flexible, multi-opportunity windows for bucket-list excursions like flightseeing and whale watching, ensuring foggy weather never steals your moment.

YOUR SIMPLE ALASKA GAME PLAN 1. Focus on Your Style: Decide whether your family prefers relaxed resort amenities with scenic views or hands-on wilderness exploration. 2. Look 12 to 18 Months Ahead: Prime balcony locations, glass-domed train suites, and small-ship cabins book up early. 3. Let Guru Travel Help: We handle all the microdetails—from checking dock locations and port hours to organizing excursions—so your family's investment is protected and stress-free. You’ve earned the right to simply sit back, relax, and be a guest on your own adventure. Let’s skip the late-night search engine marathons and create a seamless journey tailored just for you. Scan the QR code or call 630-885-3999 today to schedule your complimentary Alaska Strategy Session with Guru Travel!

"Is Interior Travel Too Exhausting?" Coordinating remote wilderness lodges, private glass-domed trains, and transfers across the vast frontier can quickly feel like an unpaid second job. Securing seamlessly connected transfers turns a complex journey into an effortless, relaxing adventure. EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST: Kelly Ortiz is an Elgin resident, Burlington Central parent, former educator, mom, and grandma. As the founder of Guru Travel and a member of the Mast Travel Consortia Board of Directors, Kelly combines educational precision with global travel expertise. Whether choosing between cruise styles or planning a tour, Kelly uses her local residency to ensure your family's investment is protected and planned to perfection. Connect at kelly@thewdwguru.com | 630-885-3999 | thewdwguru.com & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 26 FAMILY

ALASKA HAS NEVER LOOKED BET TER

From calving glaciers to breaching whales, Alaska is a nonstop show of nature’s greatest feats. Experience one of the most majestic places you’ll ever visit aboard one of the most stunning ships there, Celebrity Edge®. Take in some of the most unforgettable views in Alaska—from a Magic Carpet. Watch for whales and dolphins from the privacy of your Infinite Veranda stateroom, where the touch of a button brings the outside in. Or find a cozy spot in Eden, a three-tiered, glass encased venue, to sip your favorite hand-crafted cocktail as you watch the breathtaking coastline slip by. Our resort at sea is the perfect complement to the pristine beauty of Alaska.

Kelly Ortiz-Guru Travel Enter Travel Partner Name Here

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GIVE YOUR GARDEN A

Fall Refresh Tips to prepare your flowers, trees and bushes to give them a head start in the spring

By Diane Krieger Spivak

hether we like it or not, fall is upon us. That means it’s time to get the yard ready for winter so it’s easier to get it going when spring rolls around. So, what does fall gardening entail? “Cleanup and pruning is what it’s all about,” says JP, who co-owns Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center in Elburn. Start with all the fallen leaves in your yard. “You don’t want to leave your grass and bushes sitting in wet leaves during the wintertime,” he says. “Leaves hold moisture that can kill the grass because it can’t breathe.” While grass should not be covered, it’s OK and even beneficial to put straw around perennial plants as winter protection. “Not 10 inches deep, though,” says JP, and not on plants on the north side of the house, which don’t get much sunlight. Straw can be placed around perennials on the south side, however, which gets more sunlight and warmth. Grass should also be cut right up to the end of the growing season. “Don’t cut grass too low, but not too

& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 28 FAMILY

tall, either,” adds JP, who advises leaving grass height at about 2.5 inches to winter over. “Tall grass is never good with a lot of snow on it.”

“The vegetation will help the crown survive,” Miller says. But take care covering roses with cones. “Don’t leave them on too long,” says Miller. “They don’t breathe.”

“A lot of people are trimming their ornamental grasses and bushes so everything looks good in wintertime,” says JP. “It can go both ways. Frost damages the top of your grass or plants if you prune too low to the ground. Sometimes it doesn’t come back. Most people prefer a little trim in fall. Add a final trim in spring and you’re ready to take off.”

If you have powdery mildew on your peonies don’t leave them to decompose in the yard. “Cut it and get rid of it and do not compost it,” says Miller, who advises hitting peonies, clematis and honeysuckle with a fungicide next spring.

Some plants need a hard trim before the snow flies. “Winter rest can be a perfect time for a hard trim to get overgrown bushes back in shape,” says JP. Trees should be trimmed just before winter to prevent damage, and never take more than 50 percent off. “What’s above ground is also below ground. You're gonna lose some of your roots and kill the tree,” he says. Linda Miller, team lead at Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center in St. Charles, recommends not cutting back rosebushes.

“You want the plant to get as much sunlight and sugar as it can possibly can make, so don’t cut anything green while it’s still sending energy to the roots,” says Miller. “Wait till it dies back to cut it when the leaves are brown.” Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs to get ready for spring. “That way, you’re getting color without doing anything in the spring,” Miller says. Since most bulbs like sunlight, planting an early bulb under a tree means it will bloom before the tree leaves out. But check the box when buying the bulb to make sure it’s an early bloomer, advises Miller.

Fall Favorites from Your Local Butcher

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OCTOBER

2026

Hayrides

Haunts & , Halloween Fun

Autumn activities with the St. Charles Park District

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske risp autumn air, glowing pumpkins, spooky trails and nights beneath the stars make October a magical time in St. Charles. This fall, the St. Charles Park District is filling the calendar with opportunities to celebrate the season — from farmyard adventures and festive markets to eerie encounters and Halloween traditions.

Kick off the month of October with a little shopping at the return of the Autumn Market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in the parking lot east of the Pottawatomie Community Center in downtown St. Charles. Browse the creations of local makers and hunt for garage-sale-style treasures while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the small seller registration fee benefits the STC Underground Teen Center.

FALL FUN ON THE FARM

At Primrose Farm, autumn comes with plenty of hands-on fun during Fall Fun Days, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, stop at the decorating station and enjoy old-fashioned games and activities throughout the farm. While visiting, be sure to say hello to the goats, watch the chickens roam and greet the dairy cows. Primrose Farm features a farmstand with fresh, local produce Wednesdays through Saturdays. For an evening adventure, climb aboard an Autumn Hayride Friday, Oct. 23, or Saturday, Oct. 24. The 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride travels past the orchard fields and around the property before returning to the main area for s’mores around the firepit. Individual tickets tend to go quickly, according to Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretative services for the St. Charles Park District. Groups can also register for Autumn Hayrides. Each season, the farm welcomes families, neighbors, scouts, sports teams and even groups of adults looking to enjoy an evening beneath the stars.

& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 30 FAMILY

LOOK UP — AND WATCH YOUR STEP

Not all October adventures are spooky. On Friday, Oct. 16, the St. Charles Park District partners with the Fox Valley Astronomical Society for an evening of exploring the autumn skies at Timber Trails Park. The free program begins at 8 p.m., giving participants the opportunity to gaze into the night sky through professional-grade telescopes. For Halloween fans, the thrills continue with Trick or Treating on the Trails at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center on Friday, Oct. 23. Choose a time slot between 6 and 8 p.m. and embark on a nighttime trek through the trails, stopping at activity stations along the way. Bring a flashlight to help navigate the trails and leave time to visit the resident animals inside Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Then, on Halloween itself, Primrose Farm introduces a new Barnyard Trick or Treat. Children ages 2-10 can show off their costumes, play games, collect treats and even snap a costume selfie with the farm’s resident animals. Register for a morning session from 10-11:30 a.m. or an afternoon session from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Whether the perfect October evening means pumpkin patches and hayrides, stargazing under a clear sky or following a flashlight down a spooky trail, there is plenty of seasonal fun waiting to be discovered in St. Charles.

A LITTLE SPOOKY, A LOT OF FUN

For those who prefer their autumn adventures with a side of fright, the Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour returns for its 25th anniversary. Local homeowners transform their yards into haunting experiences, competing for bragging rights and titles including Best Experience, Eeriest Haunt, Best Use of Technology and Family Fun. The spooky displays can be viewed from dusk to 10 p.m. Oct. 16-31, with judging taking place Oct. 16-17. A tour guide featuring participating homes

Coverage for the things you care about

will be available on the St. Charles Park District’s website, www.stcparks.org. Step even further into the eerie side of history during Victorian Funerals and Mourning Customs on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the historic Baker Community Center, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Four program time slots are available for registration. Designed for ages 21 and older, the program includes a themed libation while exploring the fascinating — and sometimes surprising — rituals and customs surrounding death and mourning during the Victorian era.

Gallery of

Ghoulish Homes Tour

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Pack up your family for an eerie evening cruise & drive by some of the spookiest houses in St. Charles! View displays from either your vehicle or the sidewalk. Please be courteous and respect the homeowners’ rights and property during your adventure. Warning: Some displays may not be appropriate for all ages.

Best Viewed at Dusk to 10pm • Oct 16-31 Judging Nights: Fri & Sat • Oct 16 & 17 Tour guides available Oct 16 at 9am:

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FAMILY & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a local business owner talks specialized care & therapy

More than a

MASSAGE By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

or more than 40 years as a massage therapist, Marja-Liisa Neylon has listened to her clients talk about their aches, stress and health concerns. She’s cared for clients through many of life’s challenges, but when a client shared information about a special massage therapy training class focused on care for those who’ve been through breast cancer and mastectomies, something stirred for Neylon, who is the owner of Hälsa The Aromatherapy Shop & Spa in downtown Geneva. This summer, Neylon completed The Mastectomy Guide’s Comprehensive Breast and Chest Surgery Training: A Guide for Massage Therapists, an intensive 48-hour continuing education program that focuses on the unique considerations of those who have had breast and chest surgeries. & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 32 FAMILY

“I want to learn something that gives me another tool I can actually use. This training added another big piece to the puzzle for me,” Neylon said. The training included topics on breast surgery foundations, 18 types of breast surgery and common postoperative complications as well as information on mastectomies, lumpectomies and breast augmentations. As a small business owner, there’s no shortage of things that need to be done, but for Neylon, the opportunity to expand her knowledge around such a sensitive subject was something she felt compelled to do for her clients. Neylon said through the years she has known many clients who have experienced breast cancer and chest surgeries. For some, the physical scars and emotions can run deep, and Neylon respects their trust to be there for them.

Massage therapy is far more than a luxury, as there is a long list of health benefits. In the 1980s Neylon was in a serious car accident. It was her frustration with Western medicine and her belief that there was more that could be done than simply taking medication for pain that drove her into her studies and started her on the path to becoming a massage therapist. She studied massage therapy while living in Sweden. Today, her home and her business are based in Geneva. She chose the Swedish word for health, “Hälsa,” in naming her business, which has been a part of the downtown Geneva landscape for the last 30 years. In addition to massage services, the shop offers a large variety of aromatherapy and natural products including essential oils, diffusers, nebulizers, incense, candles, bath supplies, soaps, Himalayan salt and hand sanitizers. At Hälsa, massage therapists offer several services including Swedish, deep tissue and aromatherapy massages, as well as prenatal massages. Neylon has long led the tenant that massage is customized to each individual.

“Everybody doesn’t fit into a box,” Neylon said. “Each person has different needs and their body has different needs. This gives me another specialty and another approach I can draw from when it’s appropriate for that individual.” The training encompassed bodywork considerations associated with a number of breast and chest procedures. It included training to address considerations for scar tissue, underlying tissues, lymphatic flow, range of motion and techniques to reduce discomfort and loosen constrictions. Over the years, Neylon has seen time and again how massage therapy can provide clients with the comfort of touch, and the release of emotions and stress. She has seen clients shed tears as their tensions release an outpouring of emotions. And, she has also seen how clients come to understand the effects of massage therapy and let it inspire their own journey in life. “I’ve inspired a few to become massage therapists,” Neylon said.

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BECAUSE CARING IS ALWAYS ON THE MENU BG Hospitality Group® proudly supports Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources, providing no-cost care, guidance and support for people facing cancer and their families. Every Saturday this October, 1% of our net proceeds will be donated to Living Well. Guests can also support the cause by ordering our featured Hopetini, with $1 from each cocktail donated to help provide care, encouragement and hope in our community.

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FAMILY & LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026

What mental stimulation can look like

Ask the Expert...

IS YOUR DOG

HAPPY? Dog Behavior & Mental Health

Separation anxiety, boredom, reactivity, socialization and stress are huge concerns for dog owners. There may be signs that your dog is stressed that you might mistake for normal behavior such as lip licking, yawning, pacing, panting, avoidance, shaking, excessive barking, etc.

• Understands body/social cues from other dogs and/or people: Responds to familiar cues vs. unable to focus or ignores • Approachable: Voluntarily approaches vs. avoids or escapes

Here are some signals to look for when trying to decipher excitement versus stress. The key is to look at the whole dog and the context, rather than one behavior in isolation. • Body language: Loose and wiggly vs. stiff and tense • Eyes and facial expressions: Soft eyes vs. wide-eyed or “whale eye” • Mouth and licking: Relaxed panting vs. repeated lip licking or tight mouth • Ability to listen: Excited but responsive vs. unable to disengage and respond • Play style: Balanced play with natural pauses vs. escalates, frantic, pacing, constant, repetitive behavior • Tail movement: Natural, relaxed tail wag vs. fast, high Or very stiff tail movement • Ability to settle down: (one of the most important indicators) Can disengage and settle vs. has difficulty • Recovery time after stimulation: Recovers quickly to a relaxed state vs. remains elevated long after • Treats: Takes calmly/normal vs. refuses or takes roughly

Do they display destructive behavior, excessive sleeping, excessive attention-seeking, repetitive behaviors or lack of engagement?

Is your dog bored?

Mental stimulation is not the same as physical exercise. A dog can spend hours running, wrestling and playing and still be mentally under-stimulated. Physical exercise works the body. Mental stimulation works the brain.

More stimulation isn't always better. A happy dog isn't necessarily the dog that plays the hardest, runs the fastest or comes home completely exhausted. A happy dog is one who can enjoy stimulation, interact appropriately, and then comfortably return to a calm state. A thoughtfully designed daycare program should provide a balance of stimulation and recovery: Engage [ Explore [ Learn [ Play [ Decompress [ Rest [ Re-engage

Dogs naturally spend a significant portion of their day using their brains to:

The goal isn't to keep a dog entertained every minute. Rests are critical to physical recovery, mental decompression and to avoid overstimulation. The goal is to give them meaningful experiences that satisfy their physical, mental and social needs while also teaching them how to settle and be in a happy place of content.

• Explore and investigate their environment • Use their sense of smell • Solve problems • Make choices • Learn new behaviors • Communicate and interpret social signals • Manipulate objects • Search for food or rewards • Navigate new experiences When dogs don't have appropriate opportunities to use these natural abilities, boredom can show up as behaviors owners may consider “unfavorable.”

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It doesn't have to be complicated games or expensive toys. It can be as simple as: • Nose work: Searching for hidden scents under, behind objects, or on a trail • Puzzle solving: Figuring out how to access food or rewards • Training: Learning new cues, commands, tricks and behaviors • Choice-based activities: Allowing dogs to make appropriate decisions themselves without constantly directing them • Social problem-solving: Learning how to appropriately interact with other dogs and people, especially in a public setting • Enrichment activities: Manipulating objects, exploring, play and engaging natural behaviors • Sensory activities: Experiencing different noises, textures, surroundings • Equipment work: Learning various pieces of obstacles, (in the park, natural settings), agility, or balance equipment, treadmills, etc • Place: One of the hardest, but most valuable results… Long, quiet sit/down stays in a specific spot with life happening around them.

This last piece—learning to settle—is incredibly important. A dog who can become excited, participate, and then calmly disengage is developing an important life skill. We do not believe a tired dog is necessarily a happy dog; We believe a fulfilled dog is a happy dog. Fulfillment comes from mental stimulation, appropriate physical activity, social interaction, exploration, choice and plenty of time to rest and decompress. - DePAW Pet Resort, For the Love of Pets and the People Who Love Them

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& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 34 FAMILY

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OCTOBER

2026

n SUBURBAN SUPERDAD n

KEEPING BRIDGES INTACT And other sage advice from old sayings

s it turns out, the answer was the wood. Like any language, English holds a metaphorical minefield of colloquialisms and pithy sayings.

To English speakers long immersed in a particular culture, these sayings, usually passed down through generations, often just make sense. And that can be true even when we don't really understand why we deploy these colorful phrases. Consider the phrase: "It's selling like hotcakes." Intuitively, we know this economic analogy means an item or idea is beyond popular, and supply cannot keep up with demand. But has anyone asked why "hotcakes" were chosen as the analog, when other food items like, say, pumpkin spice lattes, French fries or frozen custard are immeasurably more in demand? That aside, the phenomenon was certainly true for me. Growing up in a Midwestern community in the late 20th century, cues and context helped to give younger me a pretty good idea of what the old folks meant when they told me things like, "Mind your p's and q's" or "Don't put your cart before the horse." For sure, I didn't know why I should only take note of those two particular letters of the alphabet. And for my lower-middle-class family, the only "horses" that mattered in our household were the number that represented the power of our car's engine, or the ones we used to straddle boards when sawing for DIY projects around the home. But it didn't take deep thought, historical knowledge or equestrian experience to know that my parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents were warning an impetuous smart-aleck to mind my manners and get my life together. Some of those old-timey sayings, though, didn't really make sense to me for a few decades more. My mom, particularly, would always tell me: "The grass is always greener on the other side." On the other side of ... what? No one could say. The fence? The town? The country? The world? And why should I care where the grass is greenest? And then there was this one: "Don't burn your bridges." To young me, the idea of burning a bridge seemed preposterous. Bridges were essential for modern

& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 36 FAMILY

transportation. If people went around "burning" them, where would that leave our society? I mean, I would cross at least two bridges every day riding my bicycle to see my friends across town. But questions of utility aside: Bridges, to my knowledge, were made of steel, concrete and other less-than-combustible materials. Demolish them? Blow them up? Sure. Countless action-adventure TV series and movies had shown me bridges could be destroyed. But burn them? That seemed needlessly complicated. But then, two things happened: First, I studied history and learned that in the past, bridges of just about all kinds were built of wood. So, when armies would march across those bridges into enemy territory, crusading generals and would-be conquerors might literally choose to burn the bridges behind them as a signal to their forces that there would be no homecoming without victory. For certain, some of those gestures backfired, as losses turned into routes that could have been avoided if they had, you know, not burned the very bridges they needed to either facilitate a strategic retreat or resupply their armies. So it was, armed with that new insight, that I entered the workforce. And there, I discovered two of the most dreaded words in modern society: office politics. As a young worker, still wet behind the ears (there are so many of those sayings), navigating that minefield proved to be among the most daunting of tasks early in my career. After all, when taking orders from three supervisors, all of whom were competing for the role of Biggest Dog, how could I choose without getting mauled? The answer, as it turns out, isn't foolproof, as evidenced by my own mine-related rhetorical scars. But over the years, that answer has nonetheless served me in good stead: 1. "Mind those p's and q's." Be civil and courteous to all, even in confrontation. 2. "The early bird catches the worm." Show up every day, and do the work. Don't hesitate to grab opportunities for enrichment, advancement and amazing experiences when they arise.

3. "Don't put the cart before the horse." Keep your priorities straight. Understand why you're here. Your loyalty is to your family and your career, not to any boss. 4. "The grass is always greener..." Cultivate where you are. Your neighbors' grass may only be greener because their decisions, attention and labor have made it that way. Do the same. And, finally: 5. Don't burn those bridges. As I've moved through my career, this principle, in particular, has proven itself true . Were there jobs I hated? Bosses I disliked? Co-workers who did not become my best friends? Absolutely. But the intervening years have only reinforced the principle that in life and in business, few commodities are more valuable than connections. Indeed, those connections have allowed some of those less than amazing jobs, some of those bosses and some of those co-worker-only colleagues to advance my career the most, helping me to connect with so many opportunities and experiences, including two full-time jobs and numerous side gigs — including this very column. Now, as my kids begin their own marches into the world of work and forced interpersonal interactions, I can only hope they will allow my own experiences and stories to guide them. And I hope they, too, will one day come to see that a timeless truth, properly understood now, can set us up for joy and prosperity down the road. Or, as our great-grandparents might have said: "A stitch in time saves nine." 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.)

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what your home says about

THE WAY YOU DRESS A sense of style can cross over home decor and fashion By Yanira Garcia Andel

f you want to understand someone’s personal style, you might want to look in her closet. But I’d suggest looking at her home first.

The two are often telling the same story. The colors we choose for our walls, the fabrics we gravitate toward, the furniture we save for years and even the things we display on our shelves can reveal a lot about how we approach getting dressed. Our homes and our wardrobes are, in many ways, extensions of the same personal aesthetic. And that connection feels particularly relevant right now. After years of minimalist interiors, quiet luxury and carefully coordinated spaces dominating our feeds, there is a noticeable shift toward homes that feel more personal and collected. Vintage furniture, richer colors, natural materials, patterns and pieces with a little history are having a moment. The goal isn't perfection; it's personality. Fashion is following suit. The current trend cycle is less about buying an entirely new wardrobe and more about developing a point of view. We're

& LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2026 38 FAMILY

seeing more interest in vintage and secondhand clothing, unexpected color combinations, interesting textures and accessories that feel personal rather than mass-produced. So take a look around your house. If your home is filled with warm woods, aged brass, leather and earthy colors, you may find yourself naturally reaching for chocolate brown, camel, olive, cream and cognac when you get dressed. Those colors probably feel familiar because you've already surrounded yourself with them. If your home is colorful, layered and filled with art, perhaps your wardrobe could use some of that same energy. Try the red sweater you've been hesitant to wear. Add a patterned scarf. Mix prints. Wear the statement earrings instead of saving them for a special occasion. And if your home is calm and understated — with linen, soft neutrals, natural wood and minimal decoration — you don't necessarily need to dress dramatically. Your version of style might be about beautiful fabrics, thoughtful proportions and subtle details.

The point isn't to make your clothing coordinate with your living room. It's to recognize what you already love. One of my favorite styling exercises is to walk through your home and identify three things you are instinctively drawn to. Maybe it's a color, a texture and an object. Perhaps you love the deep green of your dining room, the softness of a linen chair and the vintage brass lamp you found at an estate sale. Now look for those same elements in your wardrobe. You may discover that you already have a very defined sense of style — you just haven't been calling it that. This is also why I don't believe every woman needs to follow every trend. Trends can be fun, but the most stylish women I know aren't necessarily wearing the newest thing. They're wearing things that make sense with the life they've created. Your home should feel like you. So should your clothes. And if the two happen to tell the same story, even better.

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Legacy

Little Books DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY BRINGS LITERACY HOME

By Patricia Szpekowski • Photos provided by Fox Valley United Way

or children, reading is a welcoming open door to new ideas, exciting adventures, and a pathway to their future success.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been a precious free literacy program for children. Its only mission is to bring books directly into the hands of young children from birth to their fifth birthday — all because of the compassion of the late and beloved singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman Dolly Parton. Her recent passing on Aug. 25, 2026 at the age of 80 brought to light the profound layers and “Coat of Many Colors” of what she has done to help others. Just like Dolly Parton’s love of butterflies, the symbolism of her literacy program helps children spread their own wings. Today, her program spans five countries and gives millions of free books each month to children around the world. Locally, children throughout the Fox Valley in Kane County from Algonquin to Aurora have the opportunity to receive her generous gift of a free monthly book through a simple registration online through Fox Valley United Way, a sponsor of the program. “6,000 children throughout Kane County are signed up and close to 900 children have ‘graduated’ out of the program on their 5th birthday,” says Tricia Hoover, community

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impact and administration manager of Fox Valley United Way. “In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire them to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write,” adds Hoover. “Dolly dreamed of a future where all children could experience the magic of reading. That dream lives here in the Fox Valley, too.” Once a child is signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, they can expect to receive their first book, “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, about eight weeks after registration. When they turn 5, they will receive their final book, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come” by Nancy Carlson. During those years, they’ll receive an age appropriate book mailed directly to them every single month for free. “The kids are so elated and excited to receive their own book in the mail,” says Hoover. “It’s so special because they know that someone really cares about them.”

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Introducing children to books at an early age helps establish an important pattern and habit of reading. “Once they stop receiving their books at age 5, it becomes a perfect transition for children to continue their love of reading by visiting their local library,” adds Hoover. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a lasting legacy. “Every month, thousands of children in our community find a book in their mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who advocate for it, and a woman from Sevier County, Tenn., who started it all,” Hoover said. “Thank you, Dolly. We will always love you.” Take time now to register your child to help build their own home libraries and make reading an exciting part of their childhood. Kane County residents can sign up at www.foxvalleyunitedway.org/enrollyour-child. Batavia residents can sign up at www.bataviaunitedway.org/ imagination_library/

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Artist OF THE MONTH

Sharon Feller 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.

ixed media artist Sharon Feller wants you to be curious.

“I work in series, making many iterations of the same image to be cut up and reassembled to tell my story,” she says. “In a society that peddles perfection, my process embraces my belief that the sum of many parts makes an imperfect yet more authentic whole and encourages my viewers to practice curiosity as a path to understanding.”

Feller started over from her original idea so she could begin to build upon those larger-scale pieces. “I worked up until the deadline for the exhibition but was so happy I hadn’t been afraid to change direction and put out more experimental work,” she says.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Feller retired from her corporate career last year and spent most of 2026 building her artistic business and brand. “I set up my website, began writing a blog and publishing a newsletter,” she says. “I am a big believer in continuing education, even for the most seasoned artists, and have packed my calendar with classes, recently returning from a four-day art retreat in The Driftless region of Wisconsin.” Feller lived in Batavia for 15 years, a period in which she witnessed the advent of Water Street Studios. After her sons graduated high school, she sought to further her artistry and looked into becoming a resident artist at Water Street. “I was drawn to being part of a community of artists and the opportunities to exhibit my work,” she says. Feller officially became a resident artist at the studio in 2018 and most recently taught a few collage classes in 2025. That same year, Feller curated her first solo exhibition of work, and it officially opened on Jan. 2, 2026. “The show, called & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2026 42 ARTS

else entirely. “During this time, I was also taking a class that was teaching painting techniques that were new to me,” she says. “The pieces I made in class took me in a new direction, were larger in scale and made through a new process.”

Feller is a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” a profound realization that has brought her freedom in her work and creativity. Her art is meant to inspire and evoke a delightful mystery for the viewer to solve — to bring about that moment of impact when they feel the connection she has created for them to discover in each piece.

Landscape Fantastic, included 21 pieces completed over five years,” she says. “It was the first time a significant amount of my work was exhibited in one place. It felt like a turning point for my art career.” In spring of 2026, Feller committed to another exhibition that, because she stayed open to the process and the possibilities, became something

“Art creates visibility, belonging and meeting places where we can access our humanness,” she says. “In classes and workshops, I watch strangers connect through the common bond of making. Visitors stopping in my studio will almost universally share their own experiences with art and convey the feeling that making art returns them to themselves. I think this is so important, the ability to reconnect with ourselves and others in this chaotic world, and the reason why the availability of art to all people is vital.” Keep up with Feller's work and view her pieces at sharonfeller.org.

3. Photo by Dave Morris

About the artist

Sharon Feller’s travels inspire compositions that play with juxtaposition, scale and color to magnify, celebrate and invite the viewer to connect with place. A resident artist at Water Street Studios in Batavia since 2018, Feller works en plein air and in studio. Studying under Leslie Baum, a Chicago-based artist and instructor, Feller explores making strategies, honing a transformational process to create stylistic source materials she tears or cuts up and assembles into collages.

DETAILS OF Sharon Feller's WORK u Tall Grass at Mears: 4”x6” watercolor collage, sold to a private collector

v The Organ Pipes: 4”x6” watercolor collage, NFS

w Moonlight Ride: 18”x18” torn paper collage, sold to a private collector

x Vista, Viejo San Juan: 4”x6” watercolor collage $250.

y Hollyhocks at the Bunkhouse: 4”x6” watercolor collage, $100

z Farm To Table: 9”x12” watercolor collage, NFS

For more information on the artist of the month, head to waterstreetstudios.org or the studio’s social media pages. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2026

calendar

OCTOBER 2026 SUN

MON

TUE

National Taco Day — Here, There pretend it's a Tuesday Exhibition at and dig in! Schingoethe Center in Aurora at 9 a.m.

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

International Coffee Day — celebrate with a pumpkin spice latte!

Chicago Regional Premier of "Mean Girls" at Paramount Theatre in Aurora at 7:30 p.m.

Come on down to the Batavia Farmers Market, starting at 8 a.m.

Registration required

Check out one of the Fall Fun Days at Primrose Farm from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pints & Points Game Mysterious Batavia Night at Riverlands Walking Tour at 6 Brewing Company in p.m. St. Charles, starting at 6 p.m.

3-on-3 skeleton basketball tournament with the Geneva Park District.

SCARECROW WEEKEND

Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples' Day

Candlelight Yoga at Callahan Community Center in Batavia from 5-5:45 p.m. Cost is $12 per person.

Pizza Palooza sponsored by Aurelio's Pizza at Sunset Community Center in Geneva.

Cemetery Walk at Westside Cemetery in Batavia at 6 p.m. Price is $12 per person.

Night sky adventuring with Fox Valley Astronomical Society at Timber Trails Park. Event starts at 8 p.m.

Don't miss your chance to enjoy Fall Fest at Windy Acres Farm in Geneva

Nerf Attack at VAC in Aurora 5:15-7:30 p.m.

Batfest in Batavia starting at 10 a.m.

Event is free, but registration is required.

31 Happy Halloween!

& ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2026 44 ARTS

Grab a every room Books have a place in it's a of the house, whether dside table, to-read stack on a be ader, a a classic bathroom re a living room collection shelved in tchen. Here or cookbooks in the ki tions for are two recommenda list. your October reading

 FOR TEENS AND ADULTS: "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Centuries ago, scientists overcame death. The world has become a peaceful utopia under the single government of an artificial intelligence known as the Thunderhead. All types of injury and illness are healed by nanites injected in people's blood, and any person who has a fatal accident is rendered "deadish" and returned to life at recovery centers. The only way for a life to end permanently is by the hand of a Scythe, members of an elite organization tasked with population control through sanctioned killings known as "gleaning." Teenagers Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch are strangers to each other until they each have a chance encounter with Scythe Faraday, who chooses them to be his apprentices. No Scythe has apprenticed two students at one time, meaning only one of them can join the ranks of the Scythedom. As the pair are trained in deadly arts of poison, weaponry and combat, they grapple with whether they want the duty they're competing to attain. When opposing political factions within the Scythedom begin to fracture the organization, Citra and Rowan are caught in the middle — and ultimately pitted against each other, despite their growing friendship. This dystopian sci-fi novel challenges readers to think about philosophical and ethical dilemmas in the first installment of a page-turning trilogy that includes the sequels "Thunderhead" and "The Toll."

 FOR ALL AGES: "A Literary Tea Party" by Alison Walsh

This cookbook features 55 recipes inspired by classic literature that make it easy to host a book-themed party. Want to plan a mystery-themed book club or movie night? Serve Alison Walsh's recipe for Sherlock’s Steak Sandwiches with an Agatha Christie-inspired Delicious Death Chocolate Cake for dessert. Or how about an Alice in Wonderland birthday party for a curiouser and curiouser young reader? Bread and Butterflies paired with Stuffed Button Mushrooms make good finger foods, and you can add birthday candles to the Queen of Hearts’ Painted Rose Cupcakes. Each recipe includes either a passage from its related book or an explanation of the recipe's link to literature. As the title suggests, the theme of the book revolves around a tea party, which means a hefty portion of the recipes are tea recipes; however, those are supplemented by a decently lengthy list of savory bites and desserts, plus five beverage alternatives to tea, such as Autumn Harvest Cider inspired by Brian Jacques' Redwall series or Raspberry Cordial inspired by "Anne of Green Gables." A sampling of other titles represented in the cookbook include "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," The Chronicles of Narnia, "Little Women," "James and the Giant Peach," "The Hobbit," "A Christmas Carol," "Winnie-the-Pooh," "The Secret Garden" and more. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2026

DON'T LET HALLOWEEN

Scare You OUT OF THE MARKET

By a Wealth Manager Who Has Seen More Than a Few Ghost Stories on Wall Street

very October, as porch lights glow orange and plastic skeletons take up residence on front lawns, people become fond of stories designed to unsettle the spirit. This is perfectly understandable. Human beings have always enjoyed a good fright, provided they knew the monster was wearing makeup and would be put back in a storage bin by Thanksgiving. The trouble begins when investors start treating the stock market as though it were one of those haunted houses. Our team has discovered that the financial world has its own collection

of ghosts, goblins and creatures of the night. There is the Phantom Recession that is said to be hiding around every corner. There is the Headless Market Correction, which appears suddenly and leaves perfectly sensible people galloping about without the use of reason. Then there is the Werewolf of Volatility, who visits every so often and convinces investors that civilization itself is in jeopardy because the market declined 3 percent before lunch. The peculiar thing is that these specters are often less dangerous than the fear they inspire. Fear is one of the oldest residents of the human heart. It moved in long before air conditioning and

has shown no inclination to leave. As a wealth manager, I have observed that investors usually suffer more from their reactions to frightening events than from the events themselves. The market falls. Headlines become dramatic. Predictions become theatrical. A gentleman who ignored financial news for six months suddenly becomes an expert in economic catastrophe and feels compelled to inform everyone at the coffee shop that the end is imminent. Yet history reveals an inconvenient fact. The market has survived wars, recessions, inflation, political quarrels, technological revolutions, banking

crises, pandemics and a remarkable number of experts predicting its demise. Like an old riverboat captain, it has encountered nearly every sort of storm imaginable and still found its way downstream. That does not mean every voyage is smooth. It merely means that turbulence is the fare paid for passage. Many people imagine successful investing to be a matter of perfect timing. They hope to board the train moments before it departs and disembark moments before trouble arrives. This ambition is understandable, but it reminds me of a fellow trying to predict the exact

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as 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. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. & CIVIC OCTOBER 2026 46 BUSINESS

location where lightning will strike next Thursday. The world has never produced a reliable method for consistently forecasting short-term market movements. If one existed, Wall Street would be populated exclusively by trillionaires and fortune tellers. What has worked, however, is remarkably unexciting.

of benefiting from decades of human innovation, productivity, and economic growth. These objectives are not always synchronized. The newspaper focuses on this afternoon. Your financial future may depend on the next 20 years.

• Invest regularly. • Stay diversified. • Remain patient. • Avoid panic.

I often tell clients that the stock market is a device that transfers wealth from the impatient to the patient. Admittedly, I did not invent that observation, but I have seen enough evidence to become one of its enthusiastic believers.

These principles are so boring that they rarely make the evening news. Nobody interrupts a television broadcast to announce that disciplined investors calmly followed their long-term plans. There is simply no drama in common sense.

The greatest rewards in investing rarely belong to those who were fearless. They belong to those who felt fear and continued forward anyway. Courage is not the absence of anxiety. It is the decision that anxiety will not be permitted to drive the wagon.

And yet common sense has built more wealth than excitement ever has.

So as Halloween approaches, enjoy the haunted houses. Carve the pumpkins. Hand out candy. Tell ghost stories to your grandchildren. Participate in every seasonal superstition that brings a smile.

Consider Halloween itself. A child wearing a vampire costume may appear terrifying in the twilight. By daylight, however, the vampire is revealed to be a third-grader named Tyler who still needs help tying his shoes. Market fears often behave the same way. When uncertainty first appears, it seems enormous. Headlines magnify it. Conversations repeat it. Social media decorates it with flashing lights and ominous music. Given enough time, many of those fears turn out to have been temporary visitors rather than permanent residents. That is why long-term investors must occasionally resist the temptation to treat every spooky headline as a prophecy. The financial press is in the business of reporting events. Your retirement account is in the business

But when it comes to your investments, do not allow imaginary monsters to occupy the driver's seat. The market will continue doing what it has always done. Some days it will delight us. Some days it will test our patience. Occasionally it will behave in a manner that appears to have been designed by a committee of caffeinated raccoons. Nevertheless, the long arc of investing has rewarded those who remained committed to a sound plan. In the end, the scariest investment story is usually not the market decline that happened. It is the opportunity that was abandoned because fear convinced someone to stop believing in the future.

Father. Business owner. Jazz fanatic.

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.

And that, unlike Halloween, is a ghost worth avoiding.

Authored by Tom McCartney, founding principal of My Advisor & Planner and a wealth manager, RJFS. Pictured left to right with his team are co-founder and wealth manager Sharon Piet, Tom, and Michael Holevas, CFA, wealth manager. Any opinions are those of My Advisor & Planner and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment objectives, risks and costs before making an investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. 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. Their office is at 107 S. 2nd Street, Geneva, IL 60134. Call 630-457-4068.

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