Parent Source Serving Kane County Fall 2022 Resource Guide For Parents ENRICHINGYOURKIDS Sweet Goodness 7 great bakeries and sweet spots to treat your kids (and yourself!) Get Ready for Fall Fun Places to go and things to do to celebrate autumn in Kane County Sensory Needs From haircuts to summer camps, businesses are able to accommodate As school child’ssupplementresumes,yourdevelopmentwithparkdistrictprograms,aroboticsclub,artclassesandmore!
2 | FALL 2022 | PARENT SOURCE Sowing the Seeds of Learning Children ages 6 weeks to 12 years Quality childcare, at affordable prices Programs developed with academic focus Healthy, organic minded breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks daily Experienced, qualified staff (exceeding industry standards) Clean, secure environment Large fenced outdoor play space designed for an outdoor classroom divided for age-appropriate play Huge organic vegetable garden Now Enrolling! Stop by for a tour, meet our team of dedicated staff, see our facility, and let the journey begin! Elgin Locations 545 Hiawatha Dr. Elgin, IL (224)281-497960120 1185 Dundee Ave. Suite B Elgin, IL (630)945-312260120(Ages5-12) Geneva Location 1400 Hill Road Geneva, IL (630)402-038560134 northendyouthcenter.orgtheivyacademy.org
PARENT SOURCE | FALL 2022 | 3 INSIDE Distributedwhat’sby PROJECT MANAGER Jaclyn jcornell@shawmedia.comCornell jbarichello@shawmedia.comJulieDESIGNERBarichello 4 St. Charles Park District Programs Are A Perfect Solution for Working Parents 6 Kids Can Join a STEM-ulating Club with Fox Valley Robotics 7 Balance the Mind and Regulate Emotions with Art Therapy at Pinot’s Palette 8 Sweet Goodness: 7 Great Places to Treat Your Kids (and Yourself!) 10 Fall Fun in Beautiful Kane County 12 Becoming Sensitive to Sensory Needs 14 The Ivy Academy Empowers Children Through Support and Education 15 Austin’s Violin Shop Strikes the Right Note for More Than 40 Years ADVERTISER INDEX AUSTIN’S VIOLIN SHOP 9 CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES 11 FOX VALLEY ROBOTICS 6 LEARNING EXPRESS 6 PINOT’S PALETTE .......................................................... 7 ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT ....................................... 5 THE IVY ACADEMY OF EARLY LEARNING 2, 16 Have a picture perfect photo to share of your child or grandchild out and about in Kane County? Send it to jcornell@shawmedia.com for a chance to have it published in our next Parent Source!
When mom and dad have to hit the road for work before their children have to hit the books, there are few options available to parents for safe, supervised yet entertaining early morning care. Before the Bell offers morning care that lets children ease into their day with breakfast snacks and quiet activities, and allows mom and dad to head off to work knowing that their child is enjoying a secure and stimulating environment. Held at either Haines Gymnasium or Bell Graham, this program begins at 6:30 a.m. Transportation to each child’s school will be provided by the school district.
Under the supervision of park district staff leaders, students can participate in arts and crafts activities, outdoor and indoor games, do their homework, or just have some quiet time to read on their own. With so many choices and so much going on, those hours before and after school can just fly by.
FOR WORKING PARENTS A PERFECT SOLUTION
BEFORE SCHOOL
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Who wouldn’t be enthralled by the artistic and culinary projects Baker Station staff creates? Paper lanterns and hand-print cards are fun take-home mementoes of time well spent, and cooking crafts such as creating butterflies from oranges and grapes or caterpillars from bananas, grapes and cream cheese not only teach children to look at things from a different perspective, they also demonstrate that healthy food can be fun, too.
NO SCHOOL DAYS Holiday breaks from school bring happiness to students, but they can mean headaches for working parents. As much as mom and dad might like to take a break from work and hang out with the kiddos, duty calls. What to do to make sure their school-age children are active and entertained when they can’t stay home alone? Sign up for No School Day activities with the St. Charles Park District. Fun activities are held at Haines or Pottawatomie Community Center and include gym time, board games, playground adventures and more.
FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS, contact Recreation Supervisor Taylor Krawczyk at 630-413-4331 or tkrawczyk@stcparks.org.
he hours before and after a child’s school day may be few, but they present an enormous challenge in terms of finding safe, stimulating and affordable supervision of children. The St. Charles Park District in partnership with Community Unit School District 303 offers before and after school programs for kindergarteners through fifth graders with fun activities, healthy snacks and professional staff leaders at reasonable rates. In order to participate, children must be enrolled in the following elementary schools: Bell Graham, Davis, Ferson Creek, Lincoln, Munhall, Richmond, Wasco or Wild Rose.
September 24 10am-12pm A rare chance to view the inner workings of the trucks, cars, tractors and more! Emergency vehicles, a garbage truck, street sweeper, tractor, and dump truck, may be among the workhorsesmanyondisplay. Bring your camera! Truck Show James O. CamptonCommunityBreenParkHills&Peck Rds St. Charles FREE! ALL Ages Tiny TrackTotsMeet September 17 • 10am Calling all Olympians!future Age 3 .............. #30113 Age 4 .............. #30114 Age 5 .............. #30115 Ages 6-7......... #30116 Participate in four running events and one field event. While this track meet is semi-competitive, all contenders are winners. Reid Field at Thompson Campus • 705 W. Main St. • St. Charles RES $12/NR $18 per participant Raindate: September 24 Ages 3-7 Sign up stcparks.org/registeronline: PERFECT SOLUTION Before & After School Care August 10, 2022 - May 26, 2023 The hours between the end of a child’s school day and the end of a parent’s work day may be few, but they present an enormous challenge in terms of finding safe, stimulating and affordable supervision. • For Grades K-5 • Professional Staff Leaders • Indoor & Outdoor Play • Breakfast Options & Healthy Snacks • Safe, Suitable & Fun Activities • Monthly Payment Plans A $50 initial payment per session will secure your child’s place in the program. Check out these FUN activities at the St. Charles Park District It’s time for... BACK TO SCHOOL Before the Bell Held at Bell Graham & Haines Gymnasium Programs begins at 6:30am For current details: stcparks.org/before-the-bell Baker Station Held at various CUSD303 locations Programs begins after school until 6pm For current details: stcparks.org/baker-station
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F ox Valley Robotics is ready to start its 21st season of robotics programs for kids. Children and parents can find out why robotics is fun, exciting, and challenging at one of three informational meetings in August, when the club will review the LegoWolves, LegoDogs and Coyotes divisions and what the robotics programs is all about. Informational meetings are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Rotolo Middle School, 1501 S. Raddant Road, Batavia, as well as 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at the Showroom, 1845 E. Main St., St. Charles.
Fox Valley Robotics is a nonprofit organization aimed at teaching students in first through 12th grades about STEM concepts through robotics. FVR teams participate in competitions run through FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and IFI VEX FVRRobotics.consists of three divisions: n LegoWolves for students in first through third grades and participates in FIRST LEGO League Explore program. n LegoDogs for students in fourth through eighth grades and participates in FIRST LEGO League Challenge competition. n Coyotes for students in eighth through 12th grades and can participate in IFI’s VEX Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. Over the summer, the FVR organization collaborated with Batavia Depot Museum in an exhibit focused on energy. Upstairs, the museum exhibits the historical aspect of the early Batavia energy pioneers. FVR designed and built the downstairs exhibit with the theme “World of Energy” past, present and future. Multimedia, posters, programming and models built with Legos, 3D printing and other materials were used. The exhibit runs through December 2022 at the Depot Museum in downtown Batavia. Visit www.foxvalleyrobotics.com for more information or info@foxvalleyrobotics.com.email STEM-ULATING
FOX VALLEY ROBOTICS JOIN A
CLUB SM-CL2003839SM-CL2004255
3. Engages the mind-body-spirit connection. 4. Provides a healthy distraction from physical and/or emotional pain and initiates the relaxation response through focused creativity.
www.pinotspalette.com/stcharles/events630-338-0278 YourMemoriesCreateandUnleashInnerCreativeChild
PARENT SOURCE | FALL 2022 | 7 Art is more than an expression of creativity, it can be a medium for any human being to draw on as an effective therapeutic experience. Even those without a creative bent can find a way to tap into the artistic side of their minds, igniting a chemical reaction resulting in more optimistic and feel-good emotions. Pinot’s Palette invites customers to examine some of the many ways painting can help balance their minds and better regulate their sentiments. PINOTS PALETTE 3823 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174 www.pinotspalette.com/stcharlesstcharles@pinotspalette.comClosed630-338-0278onTuesdays
7. Provides a visual signature that is unique and promotes awareness of one’s strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, values, memories, etc.
ART
PAINTING
1. Encourages curiosity, imagination, experimentation. 2. Induces positive emotions (enjoyment, interest, amusement).
8. Organically shifts perceptions by seeing different aspects of the self or the world around us.
5. Promotes mindfulness. 6. Simultaneously arouses and regulates strong emotions.
9. Elevates feelings of appreciation, gratitude, and empathy. THERAPY with Pinots Palette WITH PINOT’S PALETTE E. Main Street, St. Charles •
3823
Sometimes a quiet morning with one of your kids, one-on-one in a coffee shop, is just the remedy you both need. At Elder + Oat, you can enjoy an expertly crafted latte while your mini-me sips on hot chocolate or a slow motion (decaf) americano. Accompany your drinks with a selection from their carefully curated menu of donuts, pastries, sandwiches, and lunchboxes filled with hearty, healthy foods while enjoying quality time with your little love.
hen cooler weather settles in and the leaves begin to change, visions of apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, and comforting desserts dance in our heads. Fall into one of the best seasons of the year with seriously delicious treats, something every kid is a fan of. Check out these local bakeries and sweet spots to indulge your whole family with autumn flavors and scrumptious confections!
COUNTRY DONUTS
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
1086 Commons Dr., Geneva, 60134 www.nothingbundtcakes.com630-402-0311
Nothing goes quite as well with a crisp autumn morning than a coffee and a donut, especially when you want to treat the kiddos before school or while you’re running errands after drop-off. Bite into fresh apple cider, maple-iced, and pumpkin doughy goodness while sipping on a pumpkin latte. Country Donuts boasts and expansive menu and is a wonderful choice when impressing guests during the holidays.
3091 Hwy. 20, Elgin, 60124 847-488-1900 • www.country-donuts.com
Goodness
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Fall birthdays are a great excuse to dive into local and unique bakeries for delicious alternatives that are easy and sure to please a crowd! Choose from a decadent array of flavors including red velvet, chocolate chocolate chip, lemon, snickerdoodle, carrot and many more! In addition to their beautifully baked confections, Nothing Bundt Cakes carries party supplies like candles, balloons, and small serving plates if those items happened to slip your mind before a celebration.
124 W. Main St., West Dundee, 60118 (847) 844-0277 • www.elderandoat.com
By Kelley White 7 great places to treat your kids (and yourself!)
ELDER + OAT
This beloved bakery has been a staple in Fox Valley since 1960. With thirteen different pie flavors and an expansive listing of other baked goodies, choices never run dry, and you’ll be guaranteed to the most delicious dessert family get-together. W. State St., North Aurora, 60542 (630) 892-4400 BITES kids’ favorite desserts lies the cake pop. Blissful Bites by Cynthia is a unique, small business specializing the cutest desserts around. Choose from nearly shape, theme, flavor and Cynthia will work to make her magic come to life! (630) www.fb.com/BlissfulBitesbyCynthia465-0674
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• www.harnersbakery.com BLISSFUL
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It’s easy to get carried away with the everyday routine of parenting. Make sure to stop and smell the sweet goodness of your hometown this fall and enjoy some of the best, delightful luxuries life has to offer with your little (and big!) loves. SM-CL2004274 Fine Instruments For Purchase Complete Restorations & Appraisals By Experienced Luthiers Superior Quality Rentals Private Lessons Music And Accessories Courier Service 40 CELEBRATINGOVER40YEARS VIOLINS, VIOLAS, CELLOS AND MADE,BASSESREPAIRED AND SOLD 316 Wheeler Road • Sugar Grove, IL 60554 • e-mail: info@austinsviolinshop.com 630.466.7562 • www.austinsviolinshop.comSHOP OUR ONLINE STORE! SM-CL1974376
absolutely
1969 DeKalb Ave., #A, Sycamore, 60178 www.sweetdreamdesserts.com815-756-8150
Among
HARNER’S BAKERY
COOK’S SWEET BOUTIQUE
This hometown bakery is worth the trip and takes extra special care with their recipes – even better than grandma’s! Homemade cookies, cheesecakes and their famous buttercream-filled cupcakes are just some of the choices that make their reputation shine. Bite into their wide variety of sweetbreads like pumpkin, banana, and cranberry white chocolate as you enjoy your morning coffee at the park. There is an incredible display of choices for any taste or preference.
213 E. Chicago St., Elgin, 60120 224-407-2749 • www.cooksicecream.com
find
SWEET DREAM DESSERTS
The holiday season affords ample opportunity for gifting and showing your appreciation to hosts at gatherings. For a fresh idea, visit Cook’s Sweet Boutique and collect gourmet candies for your next shindig. Your kids will love to help pick out the perfect assortment of sweets, while choosing some treats for themselves. Cook’s carries an overwhelming collection of sugary indulgences including sours, fudge, macaroons, caramels, bottled sodas and artisanal candies and baked goods.
for any
any
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Running from Nov. 9-Jan. 8 as a part of their special Broadway Series, Roger & Hammerstein’s classic The Sound of Music will be playing at the Paramount Theater in Aurora with tickets starting at $28. 23www.paramountaurora.comEastGalenaBoulevard,Aurora, 60506 630-896-6666 Hay families, it’s the best time of the year! When school resumes, and anticipation for the holidays ignites amidst the autumn colors, Kane County offers plenty for your family to enjoy together before the frenetic pace of the holiday season begins. Check out these fall attractions around Kane County and rake in some good, clean fun! By Kelley White
ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour Pack everyone in the van and drive by some of the most frightening home displays of spooky delight in Fox Valley starting Oct. 15 and running through to Halloween night. You can enjoy the homes from your vehicle, or the sidewalk – Judging Night is set for Oct. 16.
Vote for your favorite out of 85 scarecrows around town in St. Charles Oct. 7-9 at the 37th annual Scarecrow Weekend. Visit the Family Zone with live entertainment and family activities for all. Don’t miss the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park!
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FUNFALLinBeautifulKaneCounty
Ghoulish Golf For $8, come join St. Charles Park District for a game of spooky golf on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4-9 p.m. Ghoulish Gourds on Parade Create a macabre pumpkin, carved, or simply decorated, and drop them off at Pottawatomie Community Center Park on Oc. 20 or 21. The spooky gourds will be on display on the stone wall along the path at Pottawatomie Park on the night of Oct. 22, illuminated with tea lights.
SCARECROW FESTIVAL
THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATER
PARENT SOURCE | FALL 2022 | 11 Register Online www.ChildrensArt Classes.com/geneva-il/ USE PROMO CODE: FALL40 for $40 off registration offer expires 9/17/22 1772 S. Randall Rd., Geneva, IL 60134 | 630-998-8162 Studio-Based Art Education for Ages 3+ Where a kid can be an artist. GOEBBERT’S PUMPKIN PATCH Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch is best known for their rollicking Fall Festival chockfull of family-friendly activities and attractions! Last year, the Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur and Corn Box were a big hit. Don’t forget to check out the corn maze, join a hayride and enjoy yummy food stalls! 847-464-595242W813www.goebbertspumpkinpatch.comReinkingRoad,PingreeGrove AURORA DOWNTOWN SUGAR SKULL CITY Help Aurora honor the Day of the Dead and watch Downtown transform into Sugar Skull City! View Dia De Los Muertos inspired art, activities, shopping, videos and more! This beloved Mexican cultural tradition will be celebrated in Aurora Downtown from Oct. 15-Nov. 6. KUIPERS FAMILY FARM Kuipers is a haven for your beloved family, offering a pumpkin patch ripe for the picking and an impressive array of fun activities for everyone! Try your hand at the Strength Test or watch your littles thoroughly enjoy drawing on the Chalk House. Traverse Tractor Tire Mountain and let the kids run amok on the Back 40 Playground. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to have fun at Kuipers. Pumpkin Farm | Pick Pumpkins | Fresh Pumpkin Store | Family Fun 1N318kuipersfamilyfarm.comWatsonRoad,Maple Park 815-827-5200 See 315 SM-CL1998112 OLD REPUBLIC KITCHEN 155 S. Randall summer.wonderfulour“Idiningtoofcocktails;smokedincludingclassicAtwww.oldrepublicbar.comRoad,thisindoor/outdoorAmericaneatsaward-winningmeatsanddailyspecials;all,OldRepublichangoutwiththeirarea.thinkmostpeoplefamily,”ownertohaveEveryone GLOBAL BREW TAP 2100 Prairie St., establishment“It’sowners.areAthttps://saintcharles.globaSt.thisGlobalBrewallowedbothinsidePetsmustagreatwaytowith Ride, Hike, & Play in Fox Valley 168 Parks, 48 miles of trails ROOM TO PLAY! Your adventure starts at www.wherefunbegins.org Looking for local bike trails? Ready to ride? Hudson Crossing Park • Saw Wee Kee Park • Find the 2022 Fox River Trail Guide at local park districts and most retail locations noted below. Elgin • St. Charles Dundee Crystal Lake McHenry South Elgin NOW OPEN IN GENEVA Elgin www.oldrepublicbar.com ST. CHARLES ELGIN HOFFMAN ESTATES HUNTLEY ROSELLE IN THE FOX VALLEY ICE ARENA AT 630-402-0468 WWW.ROOKIESPUB.COM AUGUST 202226 DINING & ENTERTAINING
BECOMING SENSITIVE TO NEEDSSENSORY
The salon invites clients who may need extra care to schedule an appointment; staff take time to learn more about a client’s needs and, if needed, book a time when the salon will be less busy. There is even a pre-appointment storybook to help explain the process. For Gonzalez, one of the most important aspects is time, letting clients know there is no rush, and giving a child the time needed to relax and become comfortable in the salon to make for a good visit.
Marylou Gonzalez’s son loathed haircuts. He detested the clippers. She says taking him for a haircut was Shehorrible.knew there had to be a better way. And when the St. Charles resident couldn’t find what she needed for her child, she and her husband decided to build the solution themselves. They invested in the franchise Pigtails & Crewcuts Haircuts for Kids and went the extra mile to train their staff on supporting clients who need extra time or “Becausecare.Iwish I would have had this. It would have been much easier,” Gonzalez says. “We understand some of the struggles that families face because we are that family.”
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“Our stylists will spend time with the client and child, explaining the process, showing them the clippers or scissors,” Gonzalez says. “Our
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by Marylou Gonzalez and St. Charles Park District
From haircuts to summer camp, businesses are increasingly able to accommodate a range of sensory needs
PARENT SOURCE | FALL 2022 | 13 staff is able to offer ample time because they care about the children and want to do whatever they can to make it Hereasier.”staff has cut hair while a child stayed entertained at the train table, or they have provided fidget toys and other “Thedistractions.mostimportant service we provide is treating families with kindness. Creating a space where all children feel welcomed and celebrated for who they are is at the heart of our mission,” Gonzalez says. And she has seen the difference, as parents are less anxious and children are more confident and comfortable. To train the staff at the salon, Gonzalez reached out to My Recess Therapy. Owner Brooke Backsen opened the sensory-based clinic in 2013 and today has locations in St. Charles and Elgin, providing experiencetherangeyouranyprocessing“Understandingadults,”canprocessingandbusinesses“Itwelcomed.processingforsensethatsensory-basedhelpwelcomeofBacksenphysicaloccupational,pediatric-focusedspeechandtherapies.andherteamspecializedtherapistsopportunitiestoeducateothersaboutneeds,addingitmakesgoodbusinesstocreateopportunitiesthosewithsensorychallengestofeelissovaluableforlocaltobeawareunderstandsensorychallengesasitimpactchildrenthroughBacksensays.sensorycansupportpatron’sexperienceinbusinessspace.Itcanfromhowloudandacousticsofadiningtothesmells
People who experience these challenges can feel overstimulated, sending their nervous system into a fight-orflight mode, which in a child can sometimes look like a Whenmeltdown.children and staff find themselves feeling overwhelmed during day camp at St. Charles Park District, they can use the sensory retreat tent in Pottawatomie Park. The blackout tent was designed and donated by the My Recess Therapy team and is a new feature this summer, following a staff training. Taylor Krawczyk, school days program and camp supervisor for the St. Charles Park District, says children and even staff have used the retreat tent this summer. “We love it. Whenever kids, campers need a break, they can go there,” Krawczyk says. On some of the hotter summer days, in the late afternoon, she adds the retreat tent has been a great tool to use when campers feel exhausted, frustrated and need a little time to regroup. Krawczyk says park district staff is already planning to use the tent in other ways, including having it available during events and other activities, since it is easy to set up the tent and its bin of fidgets. Backsen says she and her team at My Recess Therapy have welcomed the opportunity to educate, train and help the community develop programs. One of those partnerships includes Stay + Play Local Tri-Cities, which has a listing of sensoryfriendly businesses and experiences on its website. “It’s been my mission with My Recess Therapy to be out in the community and to work with what we call our partners in care,” Backsen says. “Local businesses sharing similar missions and values allows us to do better and be better for our community. I believe the Fox Valley is one of the most sensory-friendly communities in the state, maybe even the country.”
How one’s brain and body take in and respond to sensory information can vary by person and by day. Sensory processing challenges can vary to different degrees.
After several visits and time to become more comfortable with the process (see left photo), Toussaint sits for his haircut — and in a fun novelty car, to boot! of a shop to the lighting of a space. Being aware and supporting these aspects of an experience for a shopper, diner or patron can support everyone involved, but will also make these experiences accessible to all.”
The Ivy Academy of Early Learning Inc. is a non-profit child development center serving Cook, Kane, and DuPage counties with locations in Elgin and Geneva. Their core foundation is built upon the belief that no child should be left behind and that all children deserve access to an exceptional early learning education designed with the highest quality and function in mind.
info@theivyacademy.org • 1400 Hill Road • Geneva IL 60134 • (630) 402-0385 • www.theivyacademy.org Through Support and Education n THE IVY ACADEMY OF EARLY LEARNING n EMPOWERING CHILDREN
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Ivy Academy of Early Learning Inc. proudly serves as an academic preschool and offers an in-house full day Kindergarten program. The classrooms are specially equipped for each age group of early learners: infant, toddler, preschool, pre-IV & pre-V, kindergarten, and school age children. All classrooms are outfitted for the developmental needs of each peer group. The curriculum is a blend of “Teaching Strategies-Gold,” “Creative Curriculum” and “Learning for life.” Every classroom curriculum is designed to stimulate the child’s interest, help develop the skills necessary for their age group, and give them countless opportunities to interact with other children in a safe, encouraging environment.
Ivy Academy of Early Learning Inc. believes in giving children an exceptional developmental opportunity while maintaining quality and consistency in the classroom. Inquire about their services, learn more about their teaching standards and you’ll be pleased to discover why so many families are proud to include the Academy within their child’s educational journey.
The Academy’s mission is to provide outstanding early childhood education and related services while striving to empower young children through familyfriendly support and learning. One of their main goal’s is to help all children reach their optimal development, an accomplishment that is met by providing quality childcare and early learning for ages 6 weeks to 12 years while offering a variety of educational support and referrals to caregivers. Their standards exceed the Department of Children and Family Services minimum requirements and the Elgin location has achieved the highest level of recognition within the Quality Rating System (QRS). Elgin’s location currently holds the “Gold Status” as well as national accreditation by The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). Geneva’s location is on the cusp of achieving these accolades as well.
By Louise Treeny Photos provided
Daughter Holly, who graduated and works at the store now, and son Trevor, who currently attends school there, have both spent time at their late father’s alma ma ter, the Chicago School of Violin Making.
Striking T he shop began with a musically inclined husband-wife duo: Patricia, a Suzuki violin teacher, and her husband, Dana, a 1980 graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making. Now, Austin’s Violin Shop has marked more than 40 years as a beloved hub for all things related to string instruments: restorations, repairs, sales, appraisals, rentals, music and more. Located in Sugar Grove, the shop also serves as the rental base for a wide network of school districts and customers from Chicago to Rockford to PatriciaDanville.Austin, owner, says reaching the four-decade milestone was special for them. As the shop has grown and continued to serve the community, her children have become involved, too: Her daughter Honna is a string teacher for the violin, viola, cello and bass. Two of Austin’s sons, Taylor and Garrett, serve as the representatives for the schools.
In addition to the family’s involvement, the store features the instruments of Yongjin Gho and Kyunghee Lee. Both are luthiers, or makers of string instruments. If you’re interested in purchasing an in strument or bow, the shop allows clients to take them home for a one- or two-week trial period before making a decision — then follows up with a year of free servicing for the instrument. Meetings for instrument purchases are available by Ifappointment.you’reinterested in trying an instru ment, “Never hesitate to give it a whirl,” says Austin, who’s proud that the shop has been able to weather struggles and continue to succeed. She says the shop “maintains a high level of integrity and concern for our customers,” crediting the shop’s longtime employees and adding their customers’ best interest are always foremost. Another aspect of serving school districts is a continuous effort to build up the arts. Austin’s Violin Shop has part nered with Fox Valley El Sistema, a Fox Valley Orchestra program that provides instruments and musical education to children regardless of their ability to afford it, Austin says. Austin’s Violin Shop supports the program by providing some instruments and servicing the repairs. “We’re trying to address the musical needs of our communities,” Austin says. If reading this has struck a chord in you to try an instrument, Austin would encourage you to follow that idea and give it a shot. “String instruments are for all ages,” she says. “Music is so good for the brain.”
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n AUSTIN’S VIOLIN SHOP 316 Wheeler Road, Sugar Grove www.austinsviolinshop.com630-466-7562
INSTRUMENTSVIOLINAUSTIN’SSHOPBRINGSMORETHAN40YEARSOFANDMUSICEDUCATIONTOTHECOMMUNITY
www.theivyacademy.org ELGIN SCHOOL 545 Hiawatha Dr. 224-281-4979 GENEVA SCHOOL 1400 Hill Rd. 630-402-0385 Before and after school clubs & summer camps for kids 6 - 12 years old. Summer camps offered from Preschool - School age Large fenced outdoor play space designed for an outdoor classroom divided for age appropriate play. Stop by for a tour, meet our team of dedicated staff, see our facility, and let the journey begin! • Quality childcare, at affordable prices • Healthy, organic minded breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks daily • Experienced, qualified staff (exceeding industry standards) • Clean, secure environment • Huge organic vegetable garden Every classroom curriculum is designed to stimulate your child’s interest, help develop the skills necessary for their age group and give them countless opportunities to interact with other children in a safe, encouraging environment. with specialized classrooms for each age group Growing the Seeds of Learning
