KCM-12-1-2013

DECEMBER 2013

ten great

gift ideas

from local shops PAGE 17

Vintage Look the

Holiday glamour with Hollywood style PAGE 33

A REAL GEM

JP Jewelers celebrates 20 years PAGE 28

Putting the

KICK back in her game!

Our family has relied on Fox Valley Orthopedics’ specialists many times over the years, especially Alex – a soccer player who tore her ACL before her junior year. My heartfelt thanks to the entire ����� ���������� ��� ������������ - Deanna Gage

Deanna Gage credits FVO for getting her daughter Alex back in the game after a successful ACL repair by Dr. Kevan Ketterling.

Alex – who has since been voted MVP by her St. Charles North High School teammates and is an All-State selection for the IHSCCA – will be going on to play soccer at Loyola University Chicago with her sister Sammy.

Congratulations, Alex! We’re glad our team has been able to help put the kick back in your game over the years.

Here’s wishing you four years of killer passes at Loyola.”

- Dr. Kevan Ketterling

Dr. Kevan Ketterling is a well-known sports medicine surgeon in the Fox Valley area. He is the team physician for St. Charles North and East High Schools, and the Kane County Cougars.

Dr. Ketterling has helped thousands of athletes continue to play the sports they love.

(630 ) 5 8 4-140 0 W W W. F VO R T H O.C O M LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND CELEBRATE WITH US! GENEVA • ELGIN

Sub-specialized physicians providing precise expertise to keep your knees, hips, shoulders, hands, wrists, feet, ankles, muscles, and nerves in tip-top shape.

Christmas at The Berry House Shops 227 S. Third St • Geneva, Illinois 60134 • www.theberryhouseshops.com Our We Roast ee!

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Varieties Over 200 Coffee rieties of Va 0 Over 10

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Holiday Teas & Coffees Gift Sets, 6 or 12 Pack Samplers

Whimsical, Colorful, and Eclectic

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630.845.1399 www.verveonthird.com

Art

227 South Third St., Geneva, IL 60134 Carmela Rinella | Fashion Designer (630) 777-0874 | carmela@crinelladesigns.com www.crinelladesigns.com Directions: Corner of Third St & Franklyn, 2nd floor of The Berry House

Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room

Unique Clothing and Accessories for Everyday and Gift Giving!

Cozy cellar, beautiful patio, live music often, friendly people always.

Wine by the bottle, glass or case.

Wine shop and wine bar.

The

Prettiest Star

Handcrafted Jewelry, Clothing and Accessories

227 S. Third St. (The Berry House) Geneva IL 60134 • 630-232-8888 www.genevawinecellars.com

630-208-1652 www.prettieststargeneva.com

Specializing in Homemade Pastas, and Fresh Sauces Catering and Party Planning for All Occasions Book your Holiday Party Today!

Grazie e Buon appetito!

La Famiglia Rinella

Geneva

Antique Market In the Berry House Downstairs November 17th - December 31st Come see

CHRISTMAS AT GRANDMA’S The largest selection of vintage Christmas items in the Midwest!

630-232-2300 www.trattoriatotuccio.com

630-208-1150

Photo and Document Restoration Slide and Negative Scanning

Photo Retouch and Restoration Secure Local Experienced www.mcgleamstudios.com 630.587.5808

inside Family in Focus 8 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Our communities have so much to offer this festive season, There's no reason to stray too far from home. Check out some of the biggest draws and unique offerings.

10 BEING SANTA CLAUS: It's a role like none other, and we interview a veteran to the white beard and red suit, who delights young and old, year after year.

12 SEASON OF GIVING: This festive season, take some time to give of yourself, through a bevy of local charities and service opportunities.

16 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION: Meet Liz Eakins, who keeps so many warm, fed and safe at Lazarus House in St. Charles.

17 STUFF THAT STOCKING!: Great ideas from local shops to fill the stockings, and the hearts, of your favorite folks this Christmas!

24 IT TAKES A LITTLE FAITH: Parenting columnist Michelle Stien relays her Sunday morning struggles with two very different children and their young takes on morning mass.

Fashion & Beauty 28 A REAL GEM: JP Jewelers celebrates its history as the Fox Valley's "Family Jeweler".

33 THE VINTAGE LOOK: This season, try throwback glamour for your holiday parties. Local fashion and beauty experts offer tips to make your style a classic.

Health & Fitness 40 PILLOW TALK: The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, and stress, pain or just a reduced amount of natural sunlight can make sleeping troublesome. We talk to professionals for advice to help induce a better night's rest.

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BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST!

Welcome your guests with the warmth of the holidays 4 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Home & Lifestyle 50 DRESS YOUR SPACE FOR THE SEASON: Vignette Home Decor's Michael Grudecki talks holiday decorating.

54 BE GOOD TO YOUR PET: Five simple steps to help keep your pets healthy and happy.

56 COUNTRY GARDEN CUISINE brings the heart of the harvest to home kitchens across the area.

Dining & Entertaining 58 FLAVOR OF THE SEASON: Embrace the earthy late fall taste of pumpkin, and enjoy the bounty all the way through the first frost!

60 CHANGE THE FLAVOR: Pizzeria owner sees opportunity in South of the Border cuisine.

Out & About 67 SOCIAL LIFE: Wine, Wings and Wheels - Supporters of the Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice came out for an evening of Cabernet, classic cars and camaraderie in the hangar of the DuPage County Airport.

68 ARTIST SHOWCASE: Water Street Studios artist Jen Evans shares her mixed media piece.

70 CALENDAR: The array of holiday concerts, winter festivals and festive events fill the month across our communities.

kanecountymagazine.com

Happy Holidays to everyone!

with tips and trends from local salon experts and retailers in vintage designs? They’ll show you how to finish the look from top to bottom and have heads turning ‘til the clock strikes midnight.

In this, the most festive season of the year, it’s easy to get bogged down with the demands that December brings – the shopping and the parties, the school recitals and family gettogethers. Gift wrapping and cookie baking.

And when your hard work and running around is complete, sleep experts share ways to help you get the rest you need, even at the busiest time of the year.

But I encourage you to take some time to embrace some of the best the season has to offer. Take in a concert. Bring the kiddoes to meet Santa Claus enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at a local sweet shop.

So before things get too hectic, grab a cup of cocoa, curl up in your favorite chair and take a look inside this issue. And enjoy your holidays, here in Kane County.

This month in Kane County Magazine, we try to help you take advantage of what’s available, and highlight some of the more unique events and offerings across our communities.

Thanks for reading -

They are opportunities to serve the community in a variety of charitable efforts. And a host of holiday events light up our towns all month long. A list of great gift ideas will help with your holiday shopping. And if you’re looking for something extra special, meet family jeweler Jim Petteric of JP Jewelers, and discover the uniquely beautiful items offered by this friendly, and committed group of gem experts.

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

Publisher J. Tom Shaw jtshaw@shawmedia.com General Manager Jim Ringness 630-845-5228 jringness@shawmedia.com Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6209 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com

If you’re trying for a new look this New Year’s Eve, why not “go vintage” for the holidays,

on the

COVER

The holiday's hottest looks are vintage-inspired with a touch of old Holloywood glamour. Find out how to embrace this throwback look on page 33.

Salon services by MARIO TRICOCI SALON AND DAY SPAS Stylist-Michelle Makeup-Vivian Fashion and jewelry provided by JANE PABON SHOP, Geneva Photo by JASON ADRIAN Shot on location at WATER STREET STUDIOS, Batavia Cover inset photo by Heather Nelson

6 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-427-6209 www.KaneCountyMagazine.com

Account Managers Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Tricia Walter 630-845-5272 twalter@shawmedia.com Correspondents Elizabeth Harmon, Wendy Foster, Melissa Riske, Yvonne Benson, Martha Maddi, Michelle Stien, Stephanie Kohl, Erin Sauder, Nicole Weskerna Photographers Jason Adrian, Jodi Dazzo, Jennifer Kaye, Jeff Krage, Ron McKinney, Heather Nelson, Andy Young, Kathy Green Kane County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@ shawmedia.com. kanecountymagazine.com

The York Holiday Fur SALE! Luxe Look

Toscana Shearlings - Hooded Walking Coat with Natural Silver Fox Trim and a Funnel Collar Walking Coat

M. Miller Designed Finnish Raccoon Trimmed Ski Parka (Made in the U.S.A.)

York Signature Style Merlot dyed Sheared and Grooved Beaver Walking Coat with Matching Fox Trim

‘ Tis the Season Elmhurst City Centre 630-832-2200 Deer Park Town Center 847-550-2200

For yourself or someone special, discover Chicagoland’s most extensive selection of versatile furs, stylish fine outerwear, and awe inspiring accessories. Innovative Designer Creations and York’s own Signature Styles, the entire York Collection is ON SALE NOW!

Dominic Bellissimo Designed Superfine Wool Walking Coat with Mink Handbag, Chenille Scarf and Gloves; Natural Finnish Raccoon Trimmed Parka with Leather Gloves

Furs | Cashmeres | Leathers | Shearlings | Ski Wear | Handbags | Accessories

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Celebrate the Season with festive holiday events The holiday season is a magical time for young and old. Make a date for the family, or just a couple’s night out to one of many events this season. Family festivals, brunch events and more – there’s something for everyone here in the Kane County.

Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream to host annual Candy Cane Pull Every year during the Christmas Walk in downtown Geneva, the Graham’s kitchen closes for one evening to make homemade candy canes from scratch! Come for a visit, and watch through the windows as confectioners go through the entire process of making fresh candy canes, from boiling the sugar, to pulling it on our large metal hook, to rolling it out, and cutting and shaping them!

Then, join Graham’s employees, customers and friends for a march with members of the Geneva High School drum line in the First Candy Cane of the Season Parade, culminating with a presentation of the first candy cane of the year to Mayor Kevin Burns. The final treat…Graham’s candy-makers hand canes out for free to anyone who is watching! This is perfect for children, who will be amazed to see this process and get their hands on a fresh, homemade and even warm candy cane.

The Candy Cane Pull and Parade takes place Friday, December 6, as part of Geneva’s Annual Christmas Walk.

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Breakfast with Santa at Pheasant Run It’s an overnight escape with the jolliest guy around! Join Santa and delight your children with a special weekend holiday getaway at Pheasant Run in St. Charles.

Enjoy overnight accommodations • buffet breakfast on saturday or brunch on sunday with santa • participation in holiday scavenger hunt • 1 coupon per family to make a gingerbread house • 1 coupon per child to make crafts such as bracelets, ornaments, and cookie decorating • holiday movie in the solarium • access to 2 heated pools • access to the kids klub • outdoor skating rink (weather permitting).

Available November 29 through December 22, Friday and Saturday nights only. Prices start at $133. Just want brunch? Available Sundays from December 2-22. Call 1-800-4PHEASANT to book your reservation.

Places to Visit Santa in the Fox Valley Area Santa Houses this season will include Santa’s Gingerbread House in downtown Geneva at the corner of James and 3rd Streets and St. Charles at First Street Plaza.

Ceremonies and celebrations including Santa Claus will be at Batavia’s Celebration of Lights Festival on December 1 on the Batavia Riverwalk, the Elburn Stroll and Tree Lighting at the American Legion in Elburn on December 6, the Geneva Christmas Walk on December 6 in downtown Geneva, the Holiday Open House in Aurora on December 8, and Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles on December 15.

Times Square at The Arcada: A Rockin' New Year's Eve Featuring with The Bronx Wanderers Celebrate the New Year with more than the traditional dress-up dinner. The Bronx Wanderers recreate the magic of the era and build an energetic bond with their audience, guaranteeing an evening of toe-tapping, handclapping and dancing in the aisles all night long. Their show tells the stories and plays the music that will take you as close as you can get to having lived the actual experience. $75 per person includes food, drinks, dancing, and show. Limited availability.

Order online at www.oshows.com

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A right jolly old elf Suburban Santa enjoys seasonal spotlight

By WENDY FOSTER

H

e’s held the most coveted role in the world for more than 20 years.

Each winter, John Sullivan dons a fur-trimmed red suit, black boots and a fluffy white beard to enchant and charm Christmas lovers around the suburbs as he becomes Santa from as early as August through December.

Sullivan’s journey to becoming Santa was unintended. In the 1980s he was responsible for coordinating the pictures with Santa photo operation at Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles. When Santas were no-shows, he filled in and realized he loved the job. He soon became the regular Santa at Charlestowne and eventually accepted Santa gigs at other retail venues and reoccurring appearances

10 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

at Breakfast with Santa.

Sullivan relishes the outlandish requests that he’s gotten from children throughout the years.

“One year, a little boy told me he wanted a tarantula, and not one of the fake rubber ones, but ‘the real thing.’ His mother was behind him frantically shaking her head no,” he recalls.

“Recently a little boy told me he wanted a lump of coal. I asked if he’d been naughty and he said, ‘no, I just want a lump of coal because I think it would be cool.’”

Sullivan says he never promises anything other than “you’ll love what you find underneath the tree.”

There are memories that make him chuckle, and those that leave his heart full, he relays.

“Once at a senior community, a woman with Alzheimer’s commented, “’I know who you are but can’t quite remember your name,’ she said. But she still had the warm and happy feeling that Santa always provides,” Sullivan says.

“What I love best about playing Santa frankly are the littlest children,” Sullivan says. “When they’re five or six, they are true believers and are really into Santa; really believing. You can feel their love.

They’re wonderful,”

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Welcome the Holidays Photos provided

Places to Visit Santa in Kane County • Santa’s Gingerbread House in downtown Geneva at the corner of James and 3rd Streets and St. Charles at First Street Plaza.

• Batavia’s Celebration of Lights Festival on December 1 on the Batavia Riverwalk • Geneva Christmas Walk on December 6 in downtown Geneva • Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles on December 15.

with Geneva’s Annual Christmas Walk and House Tour

T

he traditional Christmas Walk begins at 6 p.m. on December 6 when Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors. Santa makes his appearance to light the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn (on South Third Street between James & Campbell) and officially opens his Gingerbread House (corner of James & South Third) at 6:30 pm.

Enjoy an evening of holiday shopping and dining in historic Geneva and delight in chestnuts roasting, strolling carolers, freshly-made candy canes and hot cider. Your family has the opportunity to be the first to greet Santa this Geneva holiday season.

The House Tour takes place from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday, December 6 and from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, December 7. Five distinctive homes decorated for the holidays will open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. A traditional tea at the Congregational Church in Geneva, and a keepsake decorating and entertaining ideas booklet are also included in the tour. House tour tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased by calling the Chamber directly.

For more information on the Christmas Walk and House Tour, contact the Chamber Office at (630) 232-6060

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 11

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Season Of Giving

By ELIZABETH HARMON

In this season of giving, your time or monetary donation can make a difference, in DuPage County and beyond. A variety of charitable endeavors are underway, looking for volunteers of groups and individuals, and donations of time, food, or funding.

Feed My Starving Children, Aurora The faith-based hunger relief organization provides specially formulated nutritionally balanced meals, served in schools, orphanages, and feeding centers to starving children around the world. “Our goal is to eliminate hunger and instill compassion for God’s starving children,” says Denise Gallina, Developmental Advisor.

Volunteers work in pre-scheduled shifts to help pack the meals. It’s a great opportunity for families, Scout troops, school, workplace or church groups, sports teams, and more.

“Whether you’re four or 104, you can work side by side here. One thing I love to see is three or four generations of a family working together,” says Gallina.

Mobile packing events can be scheduled for very large groups. FMSC’s marketplace raises funds by selling great gifts, including jewelry, accessories, mugs and more, all made by artisans in the needy communities worldwide which the organization serves.

December special hours include 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15; from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve, and from 7 to 9 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to midnight New Years Eve. Visit www.fmsc.org to schedule a packing session, donate or learn more.

United Way of Central Kane County With a goal of helping Kane County residents become self-sufficient, the United Way of Central Kane County, raises funds and monitors 26 not-for-profits and 35 programs, serving residents of St. Charles, Campton Hills, Geneva, Elburn, LaFox, Kaneville and Wasco.

“Ninety-four percent of the money raised stays in the community,” said Paula Yensen, Executive Director.

Last year United Way helped 13,500 Kane County residents. The agency is in the midst of its annual campaign with a goal to raise $450,000. “We’re in an era where many donors are now recipients, due to the Great Recession. It’s even more important now to

12 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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make a gift and make a difference,” Yensen said.

To learn more or make donations, visit www. unitedwayofcentralkanecounty.org

Northern Illinois Food Bank Serving some 13 counties in Northern Illinois, the organization provides food for 800 feeding organizations, that include after school programs, senior programs, shelters and mobile food pantries.

“In our service area, 425,000 people face hunger every day, and one in five are children,” says Donna Lake, Communications Director. “Our two mobile pantries made 408 visits this year and served about 300 families each time,” says Lake.

Donate $15 to the Food Bank’s Backpack program, to provide a hungry child with a weekend’s worth of nutritious food. A $30 donation to Food Bank’s Holiday Meal Box program provides a family of eight with everything they need for a traditional holiday dinner, including turkey and sides.

Other programs assist seniors, low income families and more.

The Food Bank’s Geneva office welcomes volunteers to assist with food sorting, packing, clerical help and other tasks.

Volunteer or donate by visiting www. solvehungertoday.org.

Toys for Tots/Kane County The Marine-sponsored program provides holiday gifts to children in need, and helped 3,000 Kane County families last year, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Kackert, local coordinator for Kane County.

Toys for Tots partners with local groups, including the Two Rivers Head Start, and the Salvation Army, to distribute new toys donated though drop-boxes from October through early December. Cash donations helps purchase toys where donations run short.

“It varies from year to year, but it often seems to be short for the ten to sixteen year age group,” Kackert sad.

Visit batavia-il.toysfortots.org for the most up-to-date list of drop box locations, or mail a check payable to Toys for Tots to Toys for Tots, 129 Flinn Street, Batavia, IL 60510

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 13

Is In The Giving A non-profit feature

Kane County has an assortment of nonprofit services providing support for families and individuals at their time of need. Each month, Kane County Magazine will feature a county-wide nonprofit organization. It is our hope that this will not only give you hope, but ideas on how to help others in your own way.

Without the support of hundreds of volunteers, Kane

County’s nonprofits would not survive. Take time to get to know the services available right here in Kane County.

Maybe someone you know needs support. Maybe you can give time or resources to help.

One great thing about Kane County is that we have so many excellent nonprofits and our communities are contributing to their success.

Salvation Army The Salvation Army Joe K. Th Anderson Corps Community Center is the entry point in the Tri-Cities area for many people who are seeking assistance in many areas of their lives. Whether it be people who are seeking help with paying their rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare needs, counseling, financial guidance, securing food for their family, spiritual counseling, worship, holiday assistance, health and education services, and senior services. The Salvation Army in St. Charles works to address the many needs that residents in the Tri-Cities find themselves facing.

Last yearThe Salvation Army in theTri-Cities assisted 41,676 with emergency related needs, it provided Christmas assistance for 4,152 individuals, and 44,196 food orders were distributed.

In our world today we are finding there are many people who are living with uncomfortable choices. Those whom are unemployed or underemployed are faced with, “do I pay the rent or do I buy food?” The Salvation Army is able through the generous support of the Tri-Cities Community to ease some of the pressure that many people find themselves in today. Through the comprehensive programming and services that take place at The Salvation Army Joe K. Anderson Community Center people find support as they face these difficult choices.

Programs and Services that include Utility assistance, Rent/Mortgage assistance, Bread distribution, Food Pantry, Senior Exercise, After School Care, Youth Summer

Sponsored by:

Day Camp, Youth Character Building, Health Screenings, Computer Training, Worship Services, Residential Summer Camp, Ladies Scrapbooking, Line Dancing, Senior Nutrition Programming, Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas Toy Shop, Christmas Meal assistance, Financial Budgeting Classes, Disaster services, Eyeglasses referral, Drug/Alcohol rehabilitation services, and community partnerships.

The Salvation Army has a long history of being adaptable to the ever changing needs in a community and striving to meet those changing needs.

Many people visualize us each holiday season as the people who are out there ringing the bells. This a practice that has occurred for over one hundred years rings out the awareness that there are people in our community with great needs and The Salvation Army needs the communities support to assist in meeting those needs.

The bells ring out that there is hope for our neighbors that are experiencing tough times. There is hope for children who need a safe place to grow and develop, there is hope for our aging population who’ve worked hard and have made many sacrifices for the next generation, hope that they will not be forgotten and their growing needs will be met.

Our programs and services are provided to the whosoever without discrimination and The Salvation Army is proud and honored to be serving so many in the Tri-Cities area.

Salvation Army 1710 S. 7th Avenue, St. Charles 630-377-2769 • Satricity.org

2010 E. Main St. St. Charles, IL 60174 www.HeinzBrothers.com • 630-377-6288

Make it a Merry Christmas!

We will help you adorn your home from the front door wreaths to the greens on the mantle.

Inside and out you will sparkle

Festive winter planters to adorn your front entrance!

The best selection of evergreen boughs in the Fox Valley!

While you stroll indoors to find your greens, pick out your perfect fresh Fraser fir Christmas tree.

(We deliver and set up!)

15 styles of fresh garland, cut to length!

A vast selection of decorated fresh wreaths!

Wonderful gifts— poinsettias, holiday flowers, and more!

2010 E. Main St. St. Charles, IL 60174 | 630-377-6288 www.HeinzBrothers.com

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A HAND UP

Lazarus House's Liz Eakins empowers and inspires through faith, service

By MELISSA RISKE

W

hen she reflects on her inspiration for helping others, Liz Eakins talks about the lessons she learned as a child growing up in St. Charles and attending church programs with her family and peers. She remembers how, as a young girl, she volunteered with her fellow parishioners at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and she learned about serving others.

“Something seemed to speak to my heart,” she says.

These days, it is Eakins who shares the lessons, through her work in the community, her friendships and her role as a mother and grandmother.

“She lives her faith, not just talking, which is why the job she has now is ideal,” says friend and former co-worker Gayle Bridger.

Photo by Andrew Young

Eakins is the executive director of Lazarus House in St. Charles. For the last eight years she has lead a team of professionals and volunteers at the organization dedicated to caring for individuals and families facing homelessness.

“There are a lot of great people in the social services profession, but I think she has exceptional qualities that make her stand out,” Bridger says.

She and Eakins previously worked together at another social service agency. Bridger says she learned from Eakins how to offer "help with boundaries," or in other words offering assistance to those in need while empowering them at the same time.

“Everyone has a different level of ability," Eakins says. "The more we allow someone to work

16 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

to their potential, the more they’re able to feel empowered. We don’t want to take away someone’s dignity, their self pride. We want to motivate them to achieve and become all that I believe God has in store for their lives.”

Her own life path has taken many twists and turns. Eakins was busy raising her children, helping her husband with the family business in Geneva and volunteering in the community when she decided to pursue a new career. She began taking classes and went on to earn a degree in human services.

“It was a very busy time,” she says describing how she juggled her role as wife, mother, student, intern and part-time book keeper for the family business.

Friend and former boss Sue DeKoyer described Eakins as humble, honest and insightful.

“She’s very honest and very open, which is hard to do with people who are very close to you,” DeKoyer says. “She’s absolutely amazing.”

Through the years of work and service, Eakins and her husband, Ed, have continued to run the family business, Ed’s Auto Repair, Inc., in Geneva and they raised three boys.

She added, “There is nothing like standing back and watching your kids become the adults they are. That is second to none.”

While the boys are grown and out of the house, life continues to be quite busy as Eakins and her husband enjoy a new title, grandparent.

“I am loving every minute,” Eakins says reflecting on the role of grandmother. “This makes life worth it."

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ten

gift ideas for the holidays

Giving and receiving gifts at Christmas is a custom representative of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men. In Jewish holiday customs, gifts of coin are given to children as reward for learning their lessons. The last day of Kwanzaa, or Imani, focuses on gift giving as a means to honor the creative spirit and reaffirm self worth. Therefore, the gifts are often homemade rather than purchased.

But whatever the purpose behind the gift - be it a small token for friend or family, a thank you for a treasured sitter or teacher, or a gesture to a party host - we have chosen some great options, all found right here in our local communities.

u One of the most popular gift items at For All Occassions in Batavia is the pillbox hat, little hats with loads of personality. They can add a nice vintage touch to formal outfits, or a quirky flair to casual styles. It’s the perfect gift for the throwback fashionista in your life. Prices vary. Located at 235 W. Wilson St. Batavia u A sleek and understated white ceramic reindeer vase gives the owner control over the décor, letting you choose the “antlers “ you want. Berries or pine boughs, ferns or flowers… imagine all the possibilities! Perfect for the season. Priced at $19.95, it’s available at Cocoon, 212 S. Third Street, Geneva. Photo below u Looking for an impressive gift for a wine lover? Go big and bold as a fine Cabernet with an Artisan Wine Glass Chandelier, available at Galena Wine Cellars. Located at 477 S 3rd St. in Geneva. Photo below u A great hostess gift, business gift, or special treat for a friend, Stackables from Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream make perfect gifts for candy lovers. Two or more boxes stacked on top of one another and tied together with beautiful wide sheer ribbon, these stackables have something for everyone. Priced at $30-160.

Located at 3 02 S 3rd St Geneva. u Add a little glitz under the tree with a special evening handbag just for her, and the promise of a holiday night out that’s equally elegant! Claudia’s Closet has a vast array of clutches and bags from which to choose, so you’re sure to find the perfect one. Prices vary.

Located at 217 W. Main Street, St. Charles. u Want to really make her day? Give her a spa package from OS2 Salon in Geneva. A variety of options are available to rejuvenate, relax and treat her like a queen. Packages start at $60. Men’s package available! Visit www.os2salon.com Located at 507 S. 3rd Street, Geneva. u Give a gift that’s as clever as it is useful, for busy kids everywhere! Portable, and stylish, the Boogie Board Paperless Tablet uses an LCD screen paired with a stylus to make notes, draw photos, play games, and simply press the “erase” button to clear.

Great for the car, sleepovers, school assignments. Priced at $29.99, it is available at Learning Express, Geneva Commons. u Look forward to spring with a gift for the garden! Artisan garden spinners from Windmill City Spinners and More catch the breeze, the light, and the hearts of those who own them. Prices vary by size and style. Available at 13. S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia. u Light up their day with the gift of Tiffany lighting. Beautifully constructed lamps and chandeliers in every size, shape and stained glass design are available at the Little Traveler in Geneva, and on sale through Christmas. It’s the largest selection you’ll find in the area. Located at 404 S. Third Street, in Geneva. u Reflect on an era gone by with a classic gift that is symbolic of the magic of the holiday season – a train set. The LGB starter set will take engineers young and old from across mountains and plains, as the steam locomotive engine puffs smoke as it leads a flatcar and a classic red caboose around the track. The set comes complete with train, track, power pack and smoke fluid. Priced at $459.99 and available at HobbyTown USA, 2061A Lincoln Hwy., St. Charles.

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Editor's Choice:

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Located in a historical home on Wilson St. in Batavia, this shop offers affordable high-styled accessories for women of all ages. You can count on personal service and style advice from the staff to help you find that perfect item. You’ll find a wide selection of designer-inspired purses, jewelry and watches, fashion scarves in the latest colors and prints as well as a great new selection of winter scarves, gloves, hats and headband warmers. Select from many handbags and totes in the latest styles, including this season’s hottest colors and textures. Come browse our great selection of evening bags for that special holiday party. Visit us during our Holiday Open House from noon - 5pm on Sunday, December 1. Enjoy refreshments, discounts and door prizes throughout the day.

RT. 31 & WILSON ST. (Connected to Bee Attitudes) | BATAVIA | 630-879-1234 Open seven days a week, 10am -5pm Mon- Sat. and 12 -5 pm Sundays

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Bee Attitudes Antiques Located in a beautiful Victorian home on the corner of Batavia Ave. and Wilson St., we have eight dealers in our shop at the moment ,so there is sure to be something for everyone. Glassware, artwork, lighting fixtures, oriental decor, jewelry, mirrors and silverware. In furniture, we carry various styles, including French, Victorian, and cottage chic.

A Christmas Open House from noon to 5pm on Dec. 1 offers wine, coffee and lots of Christmas spirit. Please join us at Bee Attitudes for excellent customer service and fun.

RT. 31 & WILSON ST. | BATAVIA | 630-761-0813 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat. and noon - 5pm Sun. Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

Windmill City Spinners & More Décor

Windmill City Spinners and More Décor has recently Decked The Halls. As the holiday season is approaching us fast we are your one stop shop for Christmas. We have a great selection of unique home and garden décor as well as gifts for you and your loved ones. Our specialty is hand made garden spinners, which make the perfect gift for anyone.

Visit us at 13 S Batavia Ave in Batavia and you will be glad you made us your holiday shopping destination.

13 S. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA | 630–406–6801 Facebook us @ Windmill City Spinners Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11am-7pm Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Tis the Season

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Wilson Street Antiques

Look for the black canopy across from the Batavia Public Library 235 W. WILSON ST. | BATAVIA | 630-761-6994 Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Janeen Home Décor

It often is said that Geneva is a magical town, especially at the Christmas season. One of the many great shops in Geneva is Janeen Home Décor. Janeen O’Brien and her staff will once again decorate the homes of more than 40 families in the Fox Valley Area. She also has donated her Christmas design services to help several local charities. The shop is stuffed with the finest Christmas florals, wreathes and garlands. There is a large selection of beautiful ornaments, elegant ribbons and fun gift ideas. We think you will be inspired by some of the amazing Christmas displays in the shop. Janeen’s is a great resource for holiday decorating advice. Many clients bring in photos of a specific area in their home, perhaps a mantle or bannister, and the designers at Janeen’s can help them put together a wonderful display. “This Christmas we are using many natural materials and soft earth colors" Janeen says, "but you will always find some festive ‘bling’ that we are noted for.”

215 W STATE STREET | GENEVA | 630-232-7884 | WWW.JANEENHOMEDECOR.COM

Photo by Jodi Michelle Photography

Hobby Town USA

Photos by Jason Adrian

This season, while searching for the perfect gift, keep HobbyTown front of mind. HobbyTown St. Charles is a premier destination for holiday shopping. The store carries a wide variety of gifts for kids and adults of all ages. HobbyTown is well known for its selection of educational toys, rockets, games and puzzles. They are your go to store for everything remote control and offer a wide variety of helicopters, planes, cars. They have trains in every size.

Be sure to stop by and browse the shelves at HobbyTown - stuffing stockings and filling the space around the tree will be easy with their wide selection. It is a toy and hobby destination for the entire family.

Shop local, play smart and celebrate with HobbyTown St. Charles.

2061A LINCOLN HIGHWAY | ST. CHARLES | 630-587-1256

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Now open, Wilson Street Antiques, Batavia’s newest antique store, opened by the owners of Bee Attitudes. Stop in and browse unique antiques and collectibles brought to you by the experts. Featuring a variety of Victorian, Primitive and French styled furniture. Find a wide assortment of lamps, crystal, glassware, and artwork, and many fine antique china pieces by Limoges and Haviland. Join us for our Holiday Open House noon-5pm on Sunday, December 1. Refreshments, discounts and door prizes offered throughout the day.

GIFT BOX

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Holiday gift giving from the Gift Box in Geneva is sure to please everyone on your list. Featured is our 2013 Christmas plates.

A small boy with a big heart is the motif ornamenting the Bing & Grondahl Christmas Plate "Light in the Snow". This little boy, having decorated a Christmas tree for the forest animals, is now lighting the candles in front of the animal audience. The wise owl, perched on his pole, is taking in this beautiful site.

The motif on this year's Royal Copenhagen Christmas plate is "The Little Mermaid". In all her beauty, she bids travelers welcome from her home at the Copenhagen waterfront - the Langelinie. This year she celebrates her centennial anniversary.

Make this a memorable Christmas with a treasured collectible.

310 WEST STATE ST. | GENEVA 630-232-4151 | GENEVAGIFTBOX.COM

CrystallineVelvet Located in the heart of Geneva’s Third Street shopping district – on the “Rodeo Drive” of the Tri-Cities area, CrystallineVelvet is home to more than ten local artisan jewelers, allowing them to offer a wide range of styles and price points from which to choose. “We’re trying to provide a venue for the small artisan who otherwise would go unnoticed, while at the same time, offering our customers meaningful and unique gifts made right here in their own community” says Taffy Massey, owner of CrystallineVelvet. “We believe that in tough times a community should pull together and support one another”. CrystallineVelvet also offers a full range of jewelry repair and custom design services, including those for bridal and wedding party jewelry.

“We’d be honored to have you drop in and see what we’re all about…and a blessed holiday-season to you all!”

228 SOUTH THIRD STREET | GENEVA | 630-262-9113 | CRYSTALLINEVELVET.COM Photo Kathy Green

Photos by Jason Adrian

ONE OF A KIND FIND One of a Kind Find is the place for unique, affordable, and creative finds. Our treasures that have once been forgotten are now reclaimed with a new charm. We have an assortment of home furnishings, specialty gifts, accessories and bargain basement with a variety of discounted items. Come visit us to browse our handmade gifts & new arrivals each day.

228 W MAIN ST | ST CHARLES | 630-549-7927 Open 11am-6pm Wednesday-Friday Saturday 10am-5pm | Sundays noon-5pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

Tis the Season

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Galena Garlic Company FinF

Galena Garlic Company has been “redefining the art of healthy cooking” for more than 10 years. Featuring a premium line of over 60 fresh extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamics, along with hundreds of award-winning seasonings, rubs, chef blends and sea salts, we cater to both novice and chef. From our popular Snakebite Ghost Chili BBQ Rub to our phenomenal Dark Chocolate Balsamic, holiday cooking and gift giving never has been easier. We are happy to customize gifts from hostess to corporate!

318 WEST STATE STREET | GENEVA | 815-777-9625

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

GALENA CELLARS Vineyard & Winery

Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Holiday wine and wine gifts Add festive flavor to your holidays with Galena Cellars’ seasonal favorites: Merry Merry Cranberry and Spiced Apple. Serve chilled or enjoy warmed with mulling spices on a frosty winter’s eve. Add a splash of orange juice to our sparkling cranberry to create your own “Crimosa / Mimosa.” Stock up on one of our sparkling varieties to ring in the New Year, or try our new Wedding Cake wine with a delicious almond flavor.

Giving wine? Make it personal with custom labels, or give the gift of Wine Club: three bottles delivered four times per year, handpicked by our winemaker. Unique accessories like the wine glass chandelier, artistan ornaments and handcrafted glasses, round out your gift choices.

477 S. 3RD STREET | GENEVA | 630-232-9463 515 S. MAIN STREET | GALENA GALENACELLARS.COM FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, TWITTER AND YOUTUBE

BURNING LEAF CIGAR

At Burning Leaf Cigars, we strive to have personal relationships with our customers, not just simply to be their local tobacco retailer, but so that every customer is 100% satisfied with their shopping experience. Our journey began in 1999 when we opened our first shop in Chicago's Bucktown area. A few years later, we now have five locations in Illinois, the Geneva location at 577 South 3rd street is our newest. Our commitment to customers, great service and superior cigar selection is our motto. We hope you will get a chance and visit our location. Here you will find hundreds of the best cigars, at fair prices. We offer a large selection of cigar humidors, premium lighters, and all kinds of tobacco accessories. Hope to see you soon, “because you are worth it.”

577 SOUTH 3RD ST., SUITE 101 | GENEVA | 630-262-0031

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Learning Express Toys At Learning Express Toys of Geneva Commons, we aim to provide our customers with a lively, interactive shopping experience that delights the young and the “young at heart.” Providing toy suggestions for children of all ages is a favorite pastime of ours, and we’re committed to helping you find the perfect toy for every occasion.

• Free gift wrapping all year • Complimentary personalization • Birthday Box gift registry program Learning Express is home of the Rainbow Loom! Rainbow Loom is the latest craze sweeping the nation! Get all the supplies you need for these fun and trendy rubber band bracelets at Learning Express.

Stop by and visit us soon!

610 COMMONS DRIVE | GENEVA | 630-232-8697

Photos by Heather Nelson

WASCO NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER

Find a huge assortment of holiday greens, stems, berry branches, potted evergreens and more at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center plus a large selection of colorful containers to inspire your holiday decorating creations. Wreaths, garland and fresh cut Christmas trees are available to help complete your holiday decorating. Talk to our creative staff about designing a custom holiday container for you.

You will also find unique gift items: gourd birdhouses, birdhouses made entirely of recycled material and cypress birdhouses; gifts for the gardener including tools, gloves, pruners and books; amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs.

Gift cards are always available for any occasion in any amount.

41W781 ROUTE 64 | ST. CHARLES | 6 MILES WEST OF RANDALL ROAD 630-584-4424 | WASCONURSERY.COM Photos by Heather Nelson

WASCO LAWN & POWER INC. An investment in quality equipment makes sense today and it makes "cents" for generations to come.

Wasco Lawn and Power only offers the highest quality lawn and snow equipment, backed by professional service.

Wasco Lawn and Power has been in business since 1992.

We are the Fox Valley's largest independent dealership, family owned, now and for generations to come.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Wasco Lawn & Power 4N969 OLD LAFOX RD. | WASCO 630-584-3199 | WASCOLAWN.COM Photos by Jodi Michelle Photography

Tis the Season

22 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Motherhood … it takes a little faith. mass, where the kids are taken out and given lessons from the readings and scripture that were easier for them to understand. That’s where she made her own group of girl friends, and they just might start the very first “Junior Altar and Rosary Society.”

When she stays for the whole mass, she does the crossword puzzles, riddles and activities available for kids in the back of church with.

She dutifully connects the dots of the Holy family. She also is pretty good at connecting the proverbial dots about faith in God. She often tells us she loves God and He loves us. She explains why we should be good to people. She understands why we celebrate Christmas and knows that giving is better than receiving, no matter how cool the toys under the tree might be.

Every child is unique, I know. But I still can’t quite figure out how two children, raised it the same household, can be so different.

My daughter, Maddie, is my ruler-follower.

She even has been known to chime in, “I’m her angel!” when I am describing the two kids to other people. I have to make sure I don’t inflate her ego too much, since she certainly isn’t perfect all the time.

I also have to make sure I don’t give my son a complex, since often I am telling people stories about his relatively devilish behavior.

I have learned all too well that he always is listening, and picks up on most of what I am saying whether I think he’s paying attention or not.

24 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

But there also is something inherently different about my daughter and son that cannot be denied, especially when in comes to faith and religion. Despite the fact that both kids are raised with the same religious upbringing, morals and values, they could not be more different in the way they embrace our faith.

My daughter always has been a bit of a “church lady.” She enjoys dressing up for church | the singing, the stories and even kibitzing with people she knows in the vestibule after mass. Now that she’s older, she goes to the Children’s Liturgy during

Then, there’s Colin. While Maddie is writing “I LOVE GOD!” in her notebook , brought along to keep her occupied during the service, Colin is asking if they have WiFi at church and why the angels above the organ are blowing on plungers. I explain we don’t play on iPhones in mass and that they are trumpets not plungers, but he insists he is right. He then continues on to race his cars up and down the pew, and climb on my lap, periodically tossing in a “God is dumb” comment. Still, he usually sings along with the songs and just when I think he has found something in church that interests him, I realize he has switched the words to “God is poopy. God is pee-pee. Amen. Amen.”

When we recite the Lord’s Prayer, he remains silent the whole time until the last line, “… but deliver us from evil…” where he yells “EVIL!” as loud as he can.

He’s been kicked out of the daycare at church and they told me he should probably try going to Children’s Liturgy instead. When we have sent him, his sister usually comes back with a bad report. I’m still waiting for one of the Children’s Liturgy leaders to come up to the

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A few weeks ago at church, he told me he didn’t believe in God because he couldn’t see him. I tried to explain that believing in something you can’t readily see is what having faith is all about. I compared it to Santa Claus, to which he replied, “I don’t believe in him either.�

The good news is he never stops asking questions throughout the entire mass. Every so often he hears words like “blood of life� and “Jesus was nailed to the cross� that particularly peak his interest, but at least I know he is listening.

One Sunday, when I thought he was more interested in his trucks than mass, the priest was giving his homily and at the end said our relationship with the Virgin Mary is comforting much like our relationship with our own mothers. The last line of his sermon was, â€œâ€Śjust call mom.â€? To which Colin shouted, “MOM!â€?

Â

After mass, I asked the priest if he had heard Colin and he said he hadn’t. I gave him a little background on Colin’s irreverent behavior and he responded, “Those are the people who become priests.�

Hmm. I kind of thought they were the kind of people who became convicts, so I guess we all need to have a little faith.

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

Receive 20% off any (1) item when you mention this ad!

Not valid with other offers. Expires 12/25/13. In store only.

Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 3 and 5. Her mother always told her to “write this down,� so she is sharing her experiences with other Kane County women to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.�

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 25

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priest in the middle of mass, whisper in his ear and have him announce that I need to go pick up my son from the church basement before they ex-communicate us all. I’d settle for an exorcism at this point.

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JANUARY 16 - MARCH 9, 2014

AUGUST 28 - OCTOBER 19, 2014

MARCH 27 - MAY 18, 2014

JUNE 5 - JULY 27, 2014

NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 28, 2014

4051 E. MAIN STREET — ST. CHARLES — WWW.FOXVALLEYREP.ORG — 630-584-6342

26 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Retirement isn’t an end. It’s just the beginning.

By Morgan Ball, Fox Valley Repertory GIFTS TO CHARITY AND HOW THEY HELP OUR COMMUNITY Without giving, there would be no way for charities to survive.

Giving to our favorite charity is something many of us enjoy, especially when we know that our gift helps feed a child, provide education, support the arts, or beautify our community.

Whatever the choice, it’s important to support what is meaningful to each of us. It allows us to make a difference.

There are many types of charitable giving.

For example: attending a fundraising event, bidding on auction items, and visiting with our friends; writing direct mail letters asking for our support; seeking funding through foundations and grants; and planned giving is available through trusts, wills, and life insurance policies.

GIFTS TO FOX VALLEY REPERTORY AND HOW THEY HELP THE FOX VALLEY AREA When we opened our theater in St. Charles in 2004, residents applauded us as we created engaging theater experiences. And as we grew, we knew we couldn’t stop there.

In 2006, the Performing Arts Academy was formed as a need arose in the community. As school arts programs were cut, we saw families looking for a resource to help their children learn self-confidence, poise, communication, and teamwork. The Academy flourished, but at FVR we again said, “We can’t stop here.”

We began looking for a way to assist students with special needs, often overlooked for artistic activities. In 2013, we launched our first special needs class, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to offer this opportunity. Having been blessed to have a brother with special needs, this program is especially exciting to me.

Our next step is creating outreach programs for students facing domestic turmoil, expanding our special needs programs, and helping local schools develop enrichment programs.

Through Fox Valley Repertory’s charitable giving program, donors are making a difference in the lives of local students and families. Join us, and help us find out where we can’t stop next.

To learn more, contact Community Development Manager Morgan Ball at 630-443-0438.

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A long and successful career should be followed by a long and happy retirement.

Make it happen for you, by investing properly and following a solid investment plan both now and through your retirement years.

Rick Romano Senior Vice President Financial Advisor 10 West State Street, Suite 204 Geneva, IL 60134 630-262-2038 rick.romano@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/

As a Financial Advisor, I have the experience and resources to help develop an investment plan to help you realize the retirement you envision, manage any changes to your circumstances or goals and keep your wealth working for you. Call me today, and let’s get started.

rick.romano

© 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. GP11-01370P-N09/11 7177651 MAR005 07/12

Twas Santa the Night Before Christmas day Event! i l o eH v i t c A Ne a r e t n I w November 30 – December 22, 2013 Sat & Sun at 1 pm & 3 pm Adult $15 / Child $9

Vero Voce Theater 951 State Ave., Ste F St. Charles, IL 60174

(630) 584-0139 www.verovoce.com

Holiday Concert December 21st! (in aid of a diabetic child)

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 27

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‘Tis the Season for CHARITABLE GIVING

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St. Charles

“Family Jeweler”

LOVES HIS WORK

By ELIZABETH HARMON

Photos by Heather Nelson

Ladies 14k rose gold enhancer with 3.57k cognac pear-shaped diamond, by Milan Imports.

28 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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ven as he rose through the corporate ranks with a rapidly growing jewelry chain, Jim Petterec never lost the desire to have his own store.

“It was something I wanted to do since day one. I started out working in a mom and pop-type of jewelry store, and always thought it would be great to own something like it, where the customers are like family, and you’re the family jeweler,” says Petterec.

The “family jeweler” idea provided inspiration when Petterec opened JP Jewelers, Inc. and became the new store’s tagline. Twenty years and three locations later, “it’s still our approach,” he says.

Located in downtown St. Charles, JP Jewelers specializes in bridal jewelry and watches, custom design, appraisal, repairs, fine gemstones and precious metals. But gold isn’t simply something that’s for sale – it’s the guiding principal behind the way Petterec and his staff do business.

“We follow the Golden Rule here, which is to treat others as we’d like to be treated,” says sales associate Alex Suptela, whose first experience with JP Jewelers was as a customer.

Petterec, a Melrose Park native, began his jewelry career as a teen, working part-time for a local jeweler. “I ran errands, did small repairs. Back in those days, they had tons of sterling silver items like tea sets and trays, and my job was to clean all the silver. We also had linoleum floors, and my job was to clean those, too,” he says.

In between wielding the polishing rag and mop, he learned about precious metals and gems. “I was fascinated by them,

and it’s not everyday that a 16 or 17-year-old has the chance to work with things like that.”

Petterec’s favorite part of his job was working with store’s customers. “I loved the interaction, especially helping them during the special times in their lives, like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines Day and Christmas . It’s always a lot of fun to help people choose something they’re proud to give,” he says.

After high school graduation, Petterec joined the Navy Reserve and continued to work in the jewelry business, eventually becoming an assistant manager at Frank Jewelers in Lombard’s Yorktown Center. In 1977, he joined Rogers Jewelers, which became Rogers & Hollands. “The company grew like crazy, to become a 60-store chain covering three states.”

Petterec rose through the company, eventually becoming the director of operations, and gaining the business knowhow he needed to strike out on his own. The corporate world also underscored the importance of building customer relationships.

“In a corporation, people tend to come and go,” he says.

“When you walk into a store, you don’t know if that person has been there six days, six months or six years.

As an independent, you’re there year after year, and it’s a professional relationship, like your doctor, lawyer, pastor or accountant. You’re selling yourself as well as the services you provide,” he says.

JP Jewelers opened in Bloomingdale in July, 1993. By 2004, the store had moved to Bartlett, where it remained until 2009, when Petterec had the opportunity to move into downtown St. Charles.

“I love the quaint character of the area. It’s beautiful, historical and there aren’t a lot of riverfront locations, so we’re fortunate to be part of that,” he says.

His staff includes marketing specialist Robert Ballou, who has been with the store for 10 years, and master jeweler and artisan Salvador Blanco. “He’s one of the best around.

Has over 30 years in the business and is phenomenal at what he does,” says Petterec.

Custom design and unique luxury lines such as Galatea, known for pearls, and Bassali, a popular Italian line, draw many customers, but the store’s bridal jewelry business has grown considerably in recent years.

-Continued on page 30 4.2k oval cut amethyst set in 14k rose gold with diamond shank, by Basali

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 29

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"It’s always a lot of fun to help people choose something they’re proud to give" -Jim Petterec -Continued from page 29 “Even during difficult economic times, people still get married and want something nice, so we’ve expanded in order to offer the best possible selection,” he says. “We have over 300 choices of engagement rings and wedding bands, and the largest selections of men’s bands in the area,” he says.

Like fashion, jewelry also follows trends.

“White metals are hot right now. In the 1980s, everything was yellow gold. In the 1990s, it was two-tones of white and yellow,” he says. “Since 2000, it’s been white, but now we’re starting to see two-tones again, this time, with white and rose gold.”

Pink-tinted rose gold is created by blending copper into gold.

Another gold alloy growing in popularity is green gold, produced by blending gold and silver. The alloys are especially attractive paired with white or yellow gold. “What’s nice about the two tones is that it gives flexibility to different fashion trends,” Petterec says.

Morganite, a peach colored gem goes especially well with rose gold, he says. Tanzanite, a periwinkle blue gem from Tanzania is striking in white or yellow gold. “It sparkles like a diamond, it’s vibrant and still relatively new to the market place,” he says.

When selecting a diamond, consider the “Four Cs” --color, clarity, cut and caret, though Petterec adds a fifth. “Our fifth C is for confidence. We want people to feel confident they’ve gotten the best value, quality and service,” he says.

Ladies 6.9k lilac amethyst pendant in 14K rose gold with halo diamond accents, by Basali

A diamond ring can be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, so Petterec advises customers to budget accordingly. “Choose something you’ll be happy with for at least 10 years. Diamonds and precious metals are always going up in value and if you decide later to upgrade, you’ll have better trade-in,” he says.

Opt for quality over size, Petterec added. “The brilliance comes from the quality and if chosen well, it can be passed down to two or three generations,” he says.

As the family jeweler, Petterec is also being passed to a new generation of customers, but his ongoing secret to success hasn’t changed. “It’s a little bit of luck, a lot of hard work and prayer.

That’s what we did from the beginning and 20 years later we’re still rolling.”

From left: Alex Suppela, Bob Ballou, Salvador Blanco and Jim Petteric

30 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Nestled on historic 3rd street in downtown Geneva is OS2 Salon. Bringing city flair to the burbs, our stylists are truly passionate about their craft and receive extensive training in hair design, color and trends to make you radiant. Our stylists add beauty to your day or evening look with custom makeup application and artistry nail care.

Our salon environment is chic and comfortable with our focus being totally on you. OS2 offers a full menu of services paired with a boutique product offering from UNITE Eurotherapy, newly introduced to the Chicago area and exclusive to the western suburbs at OS2.

Looking for a new look? Visit or call our salon today for a more beautiful you, tomorrow.

OS2 Salon

507 S. 3rd. St - Geneva

(331) 248-0316

Stylist/Colorist – Paul McNassar Nail Artist – Silvena Stefanova Make Up Artist – Melissa Rosner Photography – Jennifer Kaye Photography Model – Kasie Pheanis

Nails

Adding a little shimmer to nails is a fun way to welcome in the holidays.

Using the steel glaze shellac color makes it easy for anyone to look festive.

Hair - Style

This romantic “side swept look” is holiday party ready with a touch of old Hollywood glamor.

Color

Golden hues compliment her peaches and cream skin tone with soft cooper accents to make her beautiful blue eyes pop.

Make-up

Faux lashes and dramatic eyeliner were used on Kasie to create a classic Hollywood look. The holiday season would fall short without sparkly green and gray eye shadows. Matte plum lipstick with rose shimmer lip gloss added a beauty mark for a unique statement!

C'EST LA VIE

by Sylvie

Photos by Andrew Young

“Cozy up this Winter in cashmere blended sweaters, fur trim hats and suede booties, only at C’est la Vie...”

25 S. THIRD ST. | GENEVA | 630-578-6018

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Vintage Look the

Holiday glamour with a touch of Hollywood style

By YVONNE BENSON

Talk about whip lash!

Vintage fashion is a force majeure boomerang from days of yore.

But before you pull out your entire ‘70s and ‘80s wardrobe and strut down Main Street, take a lesson from Christina Stammen from Jane Pabon Consignment Boutique in Geneva who says “It’s got to be updated with a little 2013 in it, too. You can’t just dress in all '70s stuff. You’ve got to update it.”

–Continued on page 34

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Photo by Jason Adrian

Fashions and jewelry provided by Jane Pabon Boutique, Geneva Salon Services by Mario Tricoci Hair Salon and Days Spa, Geneva Shot on location at Water Street Studios, Batavia

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 33

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– Continued from page 33 Jane Pabon herself mused about this vintage upsurge: “[I credit] The Great Gatsby and the TV show Mad Men. [They’ve] brought back the pencil skirt and little cardigan.”

It also might have nostalgic value, if it is a piece which once belonged to a beloved family member or friend.

“You’ll find that vintage clothing is just better made,” says Stammen. “A lot of vintage pieces are wool, silk, and they don’t lose their shape like the stuff made now that are acrylic man-made fabrics.”

Karen Hollis from K Hollis Jewelers in Batavia explains that such pieces still can be brought up-to-date. “We take parts of that jewelry and redesign it – modernize it…

Sometimes it sits in a box because it’s broken. The best way to honor that person is to take it out of the box and make it wearable.”

If you’re lucky enough to find a vintage piece in good condition you can make it work for you. “I believe everyone has to have a good seamstress.” Pabon explains. “The vintage clothing has wider seams so you can take them out and hem them in.”

Besides, the trend is for people to blast their individuality.

“A lot of people are wanting that one-of-a-kind piece that you won’t see everyone wearing.” Stammen says, “People almost want a story about it – whether it’s locally made or antique from grandma’s closet. It’s kind of a piece of art.”

Even though vintage clothing might be versatile for a tailor it’s important to take care to consider the quality of antique pieces. “In some cases it’s made better, but it might be more brittle.”

So popular is the trend back to vintage, that modern day makers are embracing throwback styles in their new collections, says Heather Biron of the Crystal Bride in – Continued on page 37

Amp up your look in vintage style.

Vintage fashion embraces the best of an era gone by, but to do yourself up right for the holidays, you’l need to rev up your look with Hollywood glamour for hair and face.

“When you think of vintage makeup, think Hollywood stars! Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren,” says Mario Tricocci’s Regional Beauty Manager Josanne Rahning. “ Fashion icons of the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s.”

Photo by Ron McKinney

It’s easy to tie in a vintage look to your everyday style, Rhaning explains. “Vintage makeup can be incorporated a little at a time, by simply amping up everyone’s favorite… mascara! Or going fully into the look by adding the deep tone, matte lipstick.”

34 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

Rhaning’s colleague Hair Salons & Day Spas Creative Director John Gialluisi says vintage hair is best for an evening such as a black tie fundraiser or for the red carpet when you want to make a dramatic statement.” However, he has some great tips for more subtle vintage glamour for every day.

“Roll hair away from the face with a barrel curling iron. Curl the hair all in the same direction with a curling iron with a low side part. Then smooth through the top and keep curls at the bottom.”

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Photo by Jason Adrian

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 35

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36 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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– Continued from page 34 Geneva. “In bridal we’re seeing slinky, slip dresses with really low backs and beaded straps. Great Gatsby. That sort of dress will look better on someone who’s tall and thin. They tend to lay on your body and look really easy looking.”

There are always trends in fashion. Biron says, “I think that vintage jewelry is really big right now.”

Then she listed, “Lace is really big right now; peplum style; anything that’s silk; charmeuse (really flowing lightweight satin); any type of low backs; intricate straps; sheer necklines. They’re going to go both ends of the spectrum: sheer necklines and really low backs.

“For every day clothing I would say stores like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters where they’re a little less super mainstream. I went to Anne Taylor the other day and they were doing peplum style shirts.”

Photos by Ron McKinney

Biron says there are some key characteristics to eye up when perusing the aisles for vintage-look fashion.

“In terms of jewelry, anything that’s ornate or has a lot of detail to it. Things that were made back in the day, people took a lot of time and effort. A lot of jewelry is pavé now. That’s when you have a larger stone surrounded by a lot of smaller stones. That’s huge right now.”

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 37

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Summer ‘71

38 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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This particular shoot, created by Jerusalem, features Aurora model Dahlia Nunez. It is based in the early 1970s, and the full storyline is about a young woman on a road trip, with her classic Mustang breaking down on a hot summer day.

Jerusalem specializes in vintage look photography, capturing not only the style of the day, but the feel of the era as well, from the lighting to the ambience.

Shooting Star Studios Modeling and Talent Agency is located at 15 S. Second St., St Charles. The agency holds open casting calls from 1-3 p.m. every Friday or by appointment. Email your photo and resume to: info@ShootingStar-Studios.com

-KC Magazine

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T

homas H.P. Jerusalem is a St. Charles photographer, and the eye behind the early success of Shooting Star Studios. This local modeling and talent agency, in its first year of operation has taken the suburban talent scene by storm, booking fashion shoots for international magazines, casting calls for network television, and fashions shows with local boutiques.

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Pillow talk

Experts weigh in on the importance of a good night's sleep

By MARTHA MADDI

W

inter means shorter days, more time indoors and . . . sleeping problems? It’s true: Sunshine signals our brains to be alert and awake while darkness sends the message that it’s bedtime. With so little sunshine in the winter months, we tend to feel sleepy throughout the day so there’s no distinctive darkness to bring on slumber in the evening hours.

dark outside. But physical exercise is crucial to sufficient sleep.

According to Kuljeet Gill, M.D., Medical Director at Central DuPage Hospital’s Sleep Center, the short and overcast days of winter trigger three situations to hamper your sleep. First, since we acquire Vitamin D from sunshine, our levels of this important vitamin may drop so significantly that we feel fatigued. Secondly, the lack of natural light can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder. One of the main elements of this disorder is depression, which itself can cause either excessive sleepiness or insomnia, said Dr. Gill. Third, people tend to become less active in the winter months when it’s cold and

• Ensures our ability to stay awake and alert at school, work and on the road.

• Increases our ability to learn and retain new information.

• Promotes a healthy metabolism.

• Prevents disease and supports our immune system function.

• Lowers stress.

Conversely, a lack of adequate sleep can cause: • Accidents, since our judgment can be impaired.

• Memory problems that hinder performance at school or work.

• Aging skin.

40 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

When suffering from any of these winter woes, it’s important to take action because getting enough rest is critical to our mental and physical health. According to Rick Munoz, director of Delnor Hospital’s Sleep Center, getting adequate sleep (seven to nine hours for adults) each night:

• Weight gain and morbid obesity.

• Depression.

• Serious health problems, including heart disease, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes.

To foster healthy sleeping habits, Gill suggests maintaining a regular bed and wake time schedule, even on the weekends.

“By doing so, you train your biological or “circadian” clock,” Gill says. “You shouldn’t vary your bed and wake times more than 15 minutes each day.”

Additionally, adopting a relaxing bedtime routine, especially for people with insomnia, can be key.

The routine should last 30 to 60 minutes and can include a hot bath or shower.

“The warm water lowers your body temperature which is a signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep,” says Gill. Watching TV or reading are

kanecountymagazine.com

“Applying lavender essential oil at your temples or taking the herb valerian root can also be beneficial,” said Hart.

Watching TV or reading are okay but for those people struggling with sleep problems, they should not do these activities in bed. Rather, you should create an environment that is conducive to sleep, Hart advises.

“Make sure the room is dark, and white noise is the only sound you should hear,” she said. Additionally, avoid naps.

“Napping makes it harder to go to sleep at regularly scheduled times,” said Hart.

If none of these methods are working, you may have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. Lynn Lipskis, D.D.S, director of the Sleep Therapy Centre of Chicago, located in her dental practice St. Charles Family Dentistry, has received extensive post-doctoral education in the treatment of sleep apnea. With this condition, you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and they may occur 30 minutes or more an hour. Sleep apnea is usually a chronic condition that disrupts your sleep since you move out of deep slumber into light slumber when your breathing pauses. Lipskis said many people have this condition but don’t even know it. She is able to diagnose it and determine if a Continuous Positive Air Pressure(CPAP) device or Oral Appliance Therapy is the appropriate treatment.

-Continued on page 42

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 41

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okay but for those people struggling with sleep problems, they should not do these activities in bed. Deep breathing, light stretching and drinking herbal teas or warm milk are other ways you can “unwind your mind,” Gill adds.

Melody Hart, N.D., Ph.D., owner of The Hart Center for Alternative Medicine in Geneva. recommends drinking chamomile tea or eating pretzels before bed.

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-Continued from page 41

Bedtime best practices When children can’t sleep, parents may need advice from a physician who is a sleep specialist.

Anna Ivanenko, M.D. PhD, is the medical director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at Cadence Health at Central DuPage Hospital and she has the following tips to help parent and child:

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• Develop bedtime rituals. A bedtime ritual is a powerful cue that it is time to sleep. It needs to be simple so the child can “recreate” the ritual even if the parent is not present. Try writing out the ritual like a script to make it consistent and to share with other caregivers.

• Pay attention to the sleep environment.

Background noises, location, bedding, favorite toys and lighting can all affect a child’s ability to fall asleep. A cool, dark, quiet room is best.

Letting children cry themselves to sleep is not recommended. Instead, teach your child to soothe him or herself. Avoid rocking, holding or other activities that depend on a parent’s presence.

• Establish consistent waking times. Bed times and waking times should be the same day after day, seven days a week. Waking times are more potent than bed times in

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•

establishing sleep rhythms. “Sleeping in” can be a sign of sleep deprivation.

Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine is a potent stimulant so it can interfere with your child’s ability to rest.

Avoid medications to help your child sleep.

Medications become ineffective over time and may affect daytime alertness. They may also wear off during the night and cause your child to awaken.

Discourage excessive evening fluids.

Restricting fluids, however, is not an effective approach for children who wet their bed. You should allow them to satisfy their thirst and focus on teaching then to awaken to relieve a full bladder.

Establish daytime routines. Regular meal and activity times help to anchor sleep times.

Routines make it easier for children to wind down before sleep.

Make the bedroom a “sleep-only” zone.

Remove most toys, games, televisions, computers and radios if your child is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. These items can be powerful cues for wakefulness.

One or two stuffed animals are acceptable.

Adolescents may need a home office outside the bedroom to do homework.

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44 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

for Runners

It might be cold outside, but that won’t stop dedicated runners (or walkers).

And whether you’re preparing for a marathon, your first 5K or just want to get off your duff, these are apps you should check out.

COUCH-TO-5K: There are all sorts of apps that can help you with your training. You can start with one of the most popular — the Couch to 5K program designed by Active.com trainers. This will ease you into a regular running routine without going full tilt on your first time out the door and overdoing it. The app comes with a great workout journal to log your progress.

– Life Fitness. $1.99 for iOS and Android. www.active. com/mobile

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FLEETLY: Competitive much?

Try this app. You can earn points for completing your workouts, as well as compete against athletes at all levels.

Fleetly works great for long-distance running activities, but it also supports yoga, weight training, table tennis and more.

–Life Fitness. Free for iOS. www.fleetly.com

RUNTASTIC: This is a great free GPS tracker. Just turn it on when you begin your run, and it will track distance, time, speed, calories and more. There also are features that let you track your workouts and set goals for yourself.

–Free for iOS and Android. www.runtastic.com

MAP MY RUN: This app is very similar to Runtastic: It tracks your run in numerous ways. If you’re not sure which one to get, give them both a spin — they’re free, so you can decide for yourself which one is right for you.

–Free for iOS and Android. www.mapmyrun.com

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relax, you’ve found the perfect gift The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful. But when you give the gift of massage The Elements Way,™ you’re giving your loved one a personalized session of bliss that promotes less stress, elevated mood and holiday cheer. After all, ‘tis the season to Let Yourself Go.

Are you gluten-free or looking to be?

These apps are for you. They let you know what's gluten-free in stores, restaurants and home recipes. Being gluten-free has never been so easy!

FIND ME GLUTEN-FREE: This app allows users to view local business reviews and look at gluten-free menus from local and chain restaurants. Users also can get directions and call businesses directly from the app. - Charlyn Fargo/Creators Syndicate – Free for iOS and Android. www.findmeglutenfree.com

IS THAT GLUTEN FREE: This is designed for "those with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or anyone wanting more information on gluten-free products or leading a gluten-free lifestyle." The app includes more than 14,800 verified gluten-free products from more than 360 brands, including private-label grocery store brands. The app also includes a searchable ingredients tab that designates safe, unsafe and possibly unsafe ingredients.

- Charlyn Fargo/Creators Syndicate. $7.99 for iOS. http://isthatglutenfree.com/

I EAT OUT GLUTEN FREE: This app tells you what does or doesn't have gluten at ethnic restaurants around the world.

You can look at menus and see what's in the dishes at Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Thai restaurants. – $4.99 for iOS and Android (on Android, it's called Gluten Free Restaurant Foods) glutenfreepassport.com/allergygluten-free-shop/allergy-gluten-free-apps/ieatoutallergy-gluten-free-meals/

GLUTEN FREE RECIPES 1000: This app is exactly what it sounds like - a recipe database of gluten-free dishes. You can search the 1,000 recipes by name, ingredient and more. – Free for Android. https://play. google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stonepen. glutenfreerecipes&hl=en

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December Events Join Us at Heritage Woods of Batavia!

Tree Lighting & Silent Auction for United Way Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 pm

with music by the Batavia High School Madrigals

Oswego Senior Center Singers Friday, December 6 at 2:00 pm

Sing along with the choir to your favorite holiday songs

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Just bring in your gifts & we will wrap them for you. These days & times only: Saturday & Sunday (Dec. 7 & 8) 10 AM – 12 PM Tuesday & Wednesday (Dec. 10 & 11) 10 AM – 6 PM Wednesday & Thursday (Dec. 18 & 19) 10 AM – 6 PM Saturday & Sunday (Dec. 21 & 22) 10 AM – 12 PM Please note that all events are for seniors 62+ *Please call to RSVP for any Heritage Woods event!

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KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 45

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Fox Valley Medicine, Ltd. (FVM) is an Independent Physicians Association (IPA), delivering quality healthcare since 1984. As a physician founded, physician led organization, we are celebrating 29 years! FVM Primary Care and Specialty Care Physicians have, and will always be, focused on providing the highest quality personalized medical care.

In a managed care (HMO) environment patient’s partner with physicians, are engaged and take an active role in their health. We know one of FVM’s physicians would be a great physician partner for you and your loved ones! Our physician community continues to grow!

We proudly represent 57 Primary Care, 23 Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5 Certified Nurse Midwives and over 400 Specialty Care Physicians.

FAMILY PRACTICE Fox Valley Medical Associates Mark Bernhard, MD Sergio Mercado, MD Geneva Family Practice Christopher Fahey, MD Robert Rivers, MD Niraj Shah, MD Primary Care West, S.C. Josephine Mante, MD Rush Copley Family Medicine Center Natalie Choi, MD Nicole Costello, MD Brenda Fann, MD Maria Lasher, DO Rush Copley Medical Group Brian Adrian, MD John Davine, MD Karin Gustafson, DO Kinjal Kadakia, MD Neha Kapil, MD Garrett Katula, DO Patricia Kinsella-Stallter, DO Jennifer Kurka, DO

Cardiology Institute, Ltd. TianChu Shih, DO Chitra S. Madhavan, M.D., S.C. Chitra Madhavan, MD Fox Valley Medical Associates Philip Branshaw, MD Bob Manam, MD Medical Care Associates, Inc. Alafia Nomani, MD Presence Medical Group Nidhi Tiwari, MD Preventive Medical Associates, Ltd. Hardeep Arora, MD Primary Care West, S.C. Dave Mante, MD Rush Copley Internal Medicine Mary McAfee, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE Nazima Mustafa, MD Abdul Qadir, M.D., P.C. St. Charles Family Abdul Qadir, MD Advanced Integrative Medicine Medical Center, S.C. Darryl Link, MD Kalpesh Patel, MD

Gina Lesnik, DO Gregory Milani, MD Mary Nguyen, MD Daniel Novella, MD Deepak Patel, MD Diana Rosenburg, MD Christopher Stallter, DO Radka Todorova-Angelova, MD Nicholas Tzanetakos, MD Kristen Ufferman, MD Sandwich Medical Clinic Martin Brauweiler, MD St. Charles Family Medical Center, S.C. James Curtis, MD Michael Rivera, MD William Scurlock, MD Sugar Grove Health Center Hem Aggarwal, MD

Yorkville Internists, S.C. Sanjay Thakkar, MD OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS Aishling Obstetrics & Gynecology, S.C. Brett Cassidy, MD James Hawkins, DO Charalambos E. Menelaou, M.D., S.C. Charalambos Menelaou, MD Dukane Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ltd. David Aguiar, MD Daniel Lee, MD Jennifer Lew, MD Stewart Odell, MD Female Healthcare, Ltd. Steven Binette, MD Jason Cullen, DO Jennifer Moran, MD Mark Morrison, MD Tiffany Rogers, DO Paul Rosenberg, DO

Michelle Szwedo, MD Stacy Thomas, DO Presence Medical Group Elizabeth Baron-Kuhn, MD Azra Sadikovic, MD Rush Copley Medical Group Gregorio Carpio, MD Bernardita Druhan, DO Rakhi Shah, DO Richard Tom, MD Rochelle Wilburn, MD Woman’s Touch Healthcare Susan Acuna, MD PEDIATRICS Associated Pediatrics of Fox Valley, S.C. Nadia Abu-Nijmeh, MD Luis Bolanos, MD Hinna Khan, MD Jennifer Kleinfeld, MD Rush Copley Medical Group Eva Alessia, DO Paul Granoff, MD Nicole Keller, DO

Vrinda Kumar, MD Kyla Wiafe-Ababio, MD St. Charles Family Medical Center, S.C. Darryl Link, MD Suburban Physicians, S.C. Asma Bano, MD CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE Presence Medical Group Colleen Jones, CNM Deborah Riddell, CNM Marcia Snyder, CNM Rush Copley Medical Group Karen Barr, CNM Isabelle Guillou, CNM

Gaining access to our FVM member physicians is easy. Our physicians participate with the following plans: Aetna U.S. Healthcare BCBSIL Humana Senior Care Partners (Selected Plans) (BlueAdvantage HMOSM and HMO Illinois) (Selected Plans) (Humana Gold Plus HMO and HealthSpring) An FVM Member Advocate is eager to assist you in connecting with one of our outstanding FVM physicians.

Please call us at 630.482.9758 or you may visit our website at FVMed.com.

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onePAC Packaging If you take several medicines daily, even vitamins, supplements or other over-the-counter products, discover new onePAC packaging at Riley Drug.

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46 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Holiday Personality Vignette Home Décor’s

Michael Grudecki fuses glitzy style with personal favorites The holidays demand decorations, but how do you brighten up the every-year pieces and nostalgic heirlooms with a bit of your personal style? KC Magazine’s Erin Sauder talked with Michael Grudecki, president of Vignette Home Decor in Batavia who offered some tricks of the trade when it comes to decorating this holiday season.

ERIN SAUDER: What is popular in holiday decorating this year?

MICHAEL GRUDECKI: “This year I’m still seeing a lot of the sparkle, glitz and glam. Trees have become over-embellished. My philosophy: There is never too much on the tree. If it means something to you it should be there.

CASA Kane County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglectd children within the Juvenile Court system.

I send clients out into wooded areas and have them grabbing twigs and branches or going into the store and buying them to spray different colors--bright reds, greens, blues and add glitter.

These natural creations along with big bows make a great statement. They’re bringing a lot of the natural elements into their holiday decor.

Acorns, pine cones and all the wonderful things nature offers throughout the season can be used in arrangements. It’s like an adult craft project.

And you can definitely incorporate children into the project, which is a wonderful thing. As a little boy, my mom had us string popcorn and cranberries. Now it’s evolved.”

SAUDER: What festive extras can be added to the tabletop for the holiday party season?

For more information on ways you can volunteer or donate, please call us at 630-232-4484 or visit our website at www.casakanecounty.org

50 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

GRUDECKI: “Use decorative wrapping papers and greeting cards as part of your place settings.

We have taken crystal glasses and filled them with a little bit of sand or cranberries with water

kanecountymagazine.com

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

Celebrating 6 Years in Business!

Michael Grudecki

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

St. Charles Resident and Batavia Business Owner

and put tea lights inside of them. The glow and reflection can create a statement. If you have battery candles you can fill the glasses with artificial snow. At my table we always do little 2x3 photo frames, putting in a piece of wrapping paper that matches the color-coordinated gifts under the tree.

As for centerpieces, people can place artificial snow in the center of the table, add twigs and branches, then top off the arrangement with sporadically placed ornaments color-coordinated to their tree.”

SAUDER: How can people upgrade their decorations for the holidays without spending too much time or money?

VIGNETTE HOME DECOR

630.482.3000

1952 W. Fabyan Parkway • Batavia, IL 60510 (Between Trader Joe’s & Office Depot)

THANK YOU AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS from

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GRUDECKI: “There are a couple of options. You can do artificial flocking--buy cotton batting and pull off little pieces, putting them on the tips of the tree.

Using ribbon is another inexpensive item that gives your tree a bit of uniqueness. By bunching multiple ribbons together into little bushels, you begin to create pops of color throughout your tree.

Additionally, you can decorate with things you have around the home. So many people have tablecloths, runners and napkins. By thinking outside the box, those items become fashionable accents for your tree, mantel, and more. Don’t be afraid to take a tablecloth and put it around the tree as a skirt. If it works with the colors and scheme of your holiday decor, run with it. My grandmother had over 200 beautiful napkin rings that easily could have a string tied to them for hanging on the tree -- butterflies, jewels, multicolored rings and more. Everyday objects when repurposed take on a new and exciting life when done correctly.” kanecountymagazine.com

FIND US ON:

As we look forward to another Holiday season, we think of how many wonderful customers and homes that we have been able to work with, our dedicated McDowell team, and this great community that we live and work in!

R E M O D E L W I T H M C D O W E L L. C O M

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 51

H&L

Why Support Chains and Out of State Stores?

H&L

Brighten someone’s holidays with the gift of recreation!

Park District Gift Cards Discounted Season Passes to

Otter cove Aquatic Park | Swanson Pool | River View Miniature Golf

Pottawatomie Golf Course Punch Cards

Spruce up your season with a

hearty holiday planter

$75 for 6 rounds of golf

Looking for a way to spruce up your home or office this holiday season? Look no further than a homemade decorative holiday planter, and the expert tips of a local horticulturist.

Debbie Notaro, landscape designer, and gardening coach with My Secret Garden, says you can layer greenery, such as spruce tops, noble fir boughs and gold lace juniper to fill a planter, and such decorations could last as long as March, seeing you fashionably through the winter.

"I like to put things in that are not necessarily Christmas," she says. "As winter goes on, you can change it up."

Those changes come in the form of items like bows, pine cones, colored twine shaped into a ball, large decorative candy canes, artificial fruits, birch logs and hearts made of wire.

"You can keep changing the design for very little money," she says.

Notaro recently led a group of about 50 intrigued holiday DIY-ers at a seminar hosted by Wasco Nursery and Garden Center in St. Charles. There she advised

52 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

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workshop attendees to weigh down light containers headed outdoors using bricks so they wouldn't blow over.

Gifts Greens Terrariums Holiday Decor Ornaments Jewelry 27 S. Third Street, Geneva • 630-208-MOSSY • www.TheMossyTwig.com

Other outdoor tips: • Water the planter once the decorations are complete, as the water tends to freeze in the winter and helps keep the greens from fading into a rusty color.

• Avoid brushing off any snow that might accumulate, as that helps keep the container moist.

For ongoing DIY workshops like this one, visit Wasco Nursery and Garden Center, where seminars on such topics are offered every month. Upcoming offerings include working with native plants and perennials, and pruning techniques.

- Nicole Weskerna

Jobs may change.

Retirement dreams don’t have to.

If you’ve left a job and have a 401(k) or other retirement accounts, don’t forget about them. Rolling over assets you have with former employers or other institutions to an Ameriprise IRA can be important in making your retirement dreams a reality.

Understanding and managing your retirement income strategies can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

To start a conversation, call me at (630) 762.6556.

Steve Smith Financial Advisor Associate Vice President 3 N. Second Street, Suite 200 St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 762.6556 Toll Free: 1 (800) 942.5959 Steven.L.Smith@ampf.com

MORE WITHIN REACHSM Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

kanecountymagazine.com

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 53

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5 Steps

To Happy Pets

B

rushing your teeth and getting dressed in the morning are among the daily routines that are second nature to humans.

But you may not always remember that your pets need regular care too — such as avoiding potentially harmful table scraps, being protected from pesky fleas and ticks, keeping the sensitive pads of their paws safe from ever-changing weather conditions, and getting regular veterinary care.

Here are five, simple steps to help keep your pets healthy and happy from Cristiano von Simson, DVM, MBA, director of Veterinary Technical Services, Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division, and proud dog owner.

NO TABLE SCRAPS

What can be better than a gathering with family and friends around good food? According to Dr. von Simson, although you may be tempted — and your dog or cat may beg — remember to stop yourself before giving your pet a table scrap, leftover or bone. “You may make him happy for the moment, but it could create serious digestive problems for him in the long run,” he says. “So instead of sharing human food, give him an appropriate pet treat.”

PEST PREVENTION

You don’t like to be bitten by pesky bugs — well, neither does your fourlegged friend. While you may know that fleas and ticks may cause misery and disease for your pets, you may not know that these parasites can be active year-round, waiting for their chance to attack and feed on your dog or cat. Continuous protection against fleas and ticks is, therefore, an essential part of pet ownership. But it’s not always easy to remember to use a flea and tick preventive each month.

PROTECT THEIR PAWS

Do you wear shoes when jogging on hot asphalt — a no-brainer, right?

What about boots when it snows? But did you ever stop to think that your pet’s feet need protection from the elements, too? It is important to keep the pads of their feet cool in sweltering weather, which is why walks in the evening or early morning are best. And during winter, be sure to protect their feet from snow; sled dogs wear protective booties for a reason.

DON’T FORGET THE WATER

A summer run on the beach, a fall trek through the woods and blazing your own snow trail are all activities that not only make you thirsty, but your pet, as well. So when you pack a water bottle for the day, don’t forget to bring your pet’s water bowl, too. “Your pet will be grateful for a drink of clean water, not to mention properly hydrated,” says Dr. von Simson.

GET AN ANNUAL CHECK-UP

Just as annual check-ups are essential for keeping us healthy, regular visits to the veterinarian are vital to the health and well-being of your pet. You may think, “My pet looks fine, and has no symptoms, so why should I take her to the vet?” But since your pet can’t really talk, she can’t tell you when she is ill, especially if the “she” is a cat. In fact, according to the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study III: Feline Findings, a nationally representative study of feline owners, 52 percent of cat owners indicated they had not taken their cats to the veterinarian in the past year. “Because cats age differently than humans — with the first two years of a cat’s life equal to 24 years of a human’s life, and each successive year equivalent to four human years — annual examinations are essential to helping keep cats healthy and preventing potentially serious disease,” says Dr. von Simson.

— More Content Now 54 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

s

Animal elter

Ander

on

Sh

PETS

A Humane Society

Volunteer for a Great New Year

By Anderson Animal Shelter

Featured Sponsor: Tanglewood Kennels

With 2014 almost here, can this be the year you commit to volunteer a portion of your time? As with many nonprofits and charities, the support and time of volunteers is a critical piece to the success of the organization. At Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin, Illinois, volunteers are not only important, but they are an integral part of the daily business, operation and success of the Shelter.

Over 600 volunteers annually provide over 20,000 hours of service in a variety of capacities. The individuals or groups that volunteer dedicate time to walking dogs, playing with cats, cleaning kennels or cages, assisting with adoptions, providing support at fundraising events, preparing mailings, helping with office and administrative work and more.

Each volunteer, regardless of their role and amount of time they spend at the Shelter, play an instrumental role in the organization.

Utilizing volunteers to assist with daily tasks allows the Shelter to save money and to direct resources and staff time where most needed.

“Our volunteers are incredible,” said Laura Lingl, Board President.

“On a daily basis you can witness their love and dedication to the animals in our care. They come in enthusiastic to spend time with us and to make the lives of our companion animals better.”

Volunteers who choose to spend time at the Shelter do so for a number of reasons including: • Because they may not be able to have a companion animal of their own

• Because they wish to spend time with individuals who share in their passion • Because they wish to give back to the community • Because they need service hours to qualify for membership or graduation • Because they just love animals Regardless of the reason, each volunteer is needed and appreciated by the Shelter. In order to provide the highest level of care and comfort to our companion animals, the Shelter uses volunteers 365 days a year and typically between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Every volunteer and every hour makes a difference!

For more information on how you, your group or company can volunteer or become involved with the Shelter by volunteering your time or conducting a donation or support drive, please visit www. andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.

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www.tanglewoodkennels.com

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Appreciate the bounty with cooking lessons from Country Garden Cuisine

By NICOLE WESKERNA

W

hen it comes to cooking, Penny Newkirk teaches her students how to get back to the basics.

Through hands-on cooking classes at Country Garden Cuisine in St. Charles, she helps people learn how to make fresh meals using herbs, fruits and vegetables grown in her on-site gardens that surround an historic 1840s home on LaFox Road, where the classes take place.

“I wanted the food to come from a farm because people are forgetting. People can experience real food in its setting,” she says. “I wanted [the cooking school] to be like coming to the farm to cook with your aunt.”

Newkirk’s love of teaching and cooking combined to form her early career as a home economics teacher.

After having children, she continued teaching cooking

56 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

classes in the evenings as a stay-at-home mom. In the 1980s, she became an owner of the St. Charles-based cooking school, Cooking Craft. There, Newkirk says she specialized in teaching people how to make chocolate candies.

When the business started demanding 60 to 70 hours of her time each week, Newkirk decided to leave the retail sector and set out to start Country Garden Cuisine about 15 years ago. The cooking school now operates out of a home that was originally built in 1847 on Dean Street in St. Charles and was later relocated to the farm at Country Garden Cuisine.

Newkirk now teaches about two classes each week and hosts private group classes in between. Groups are typically smaller and often are limited to about a dozen or so people. Other events, such as the Farm to Fork dinners, can accommodate up to 35 people. The

cooking school also has a liquior license, which allows students to bring a bottle of wine or beer along.

Upcoming classes include lessons on how to make phyllo dough, sausage, savory pies and hearty appetizers, such as Asian chicken skewers with a plum barbecue sauce and smoked salmon bombs.

“We cook very healthy here, but we cook,” she says.

“You don’t have to eat Lean Cuisine to cook healthy.”

Newkirk trained as a master gardener with the University of Illinois Extension and incorporates the food grown in her gardens as much as possible. She says at one time, her garden held 16 varieties of thyme.

She says this year’s garden produced about 50 varieties of herbs.

kanecountymagazine.com

For your Holiday meal we offer: • Prime Rib of Beef • Whole BeefTenderloins • Chateaubriand • Fresh (Chemical Free) Ho-KaTurkeys (Order by 12/18 for Xmas) • Crown Roast of Pork with StufďŹ ng • Rack of Lamb • Our Own Honey Baked Ham (Sliced &Tied) • Boneless Rib Eye Roast • Over 40 Varieties of Fresh Gourmet Pastas • Fresh Geese • Boneless Rolled Pork Loin Roast • Italian Beef in Gravy • Boars Head Deli MeatTrays • Cold Water LobsterTails • Colossal Cooked Shrimp • Variety of Fish • HUGE King Crab Legs

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Newkirk says her goal is to teach people how to cook healthy meals from scratch without getting overwhelmed. “It’s gonna be better because you made it,� she says. “It didn’t have to have red dye No. 3. I’m of that era.�

Country Garden Cuisine, 3N369 LaFox Road, St. Charles, offers cooking classes using fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in on-site gardens.

kanecountymagazine.com

Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30–5:30pm Saturday 9:00–11:00am

630-584-5115 TriCity Auto, Inc. EST 1972 110 N. Randall Road St. Charles tricityauto.net Rt. 64

* Randall Rd.

She says a lot has happened to food since she entered the culinary field in the 1970s. She says that’s when she saw the first organic food movement as people realized they weren’t feeding their families well with processed foods. She says people are now more concerned about why organic is better and how animals are handled.

Come taste 25 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world.

Unique Gift Baskets Available.

315 James St. • Geneva, IL (630) 262-0210 www.olivemillgeneva.com

Store Hours Mon-Fri 10am–6pm Thursday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-5:30pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 57

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Sweet Delight family and guests alike with an autumn-inspired pumpkin treat this holiday season. Reader Katt Dull offers her flavor-rich favorite. Enjoy right through to winter’s first chill.

Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake

A Brand New Kitchen!

Remodeling • Additions • Kitchens • Baths

TOM RITCHIE

CONSTRUCTION

Inc.

H&L

Get Her What She REALLY Wants for Christmas

Ingredients 1 box supermoist yellow cake mix 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 2 1/2 12-ounce jars caramel ice cream topping (can substitute hot fudge) 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

tomritchieconstruction.com • 630.584.4400

Give the Park!

This holiday season, delight a friend or loved one with a membership to Cantigny Park. Benefits include unlimited free parking, shop discounts and a welcome gift.

Choose from three levels starting at just $50.

Purchase your gift online and save $5.

Go to Cantigny.org and enter code CP5OFF.

58 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

kanecountymagazine.com

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil, eggs and spice mix. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer until blended, then on high 2 minutes.

Spray a 9-by-13 pan. Pour batter into the pan.

Bake for 26 to 33 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Immediately after removing the cake from oven, use the end of wooden spoon to make evenly spaced poke holes at least a half-inch deep across the cake.

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake and let stand 5 minutes. Place the contents of 2 jars of the caramel topping in a bowl and heat in a microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and spread evenly over the cake, making sure to gently press caramel into the holes.

H&L

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Run knife around edge of cake to loosen. Cover and chill 2 hours. To serve, spread whipped topping over cake and drizzle the remaining 1/2 jar caramel on top.

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kanecountymagazine.com

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. The actual rate you receive will be based upon your credit and other qualifications. Rates and terms are subject to change. Rate includes KCT’s ecoAuto and ecoLoan discounts. To qualify for the ecoAuto Discount members must finance a hybrid, fully electric, or other vehicle that gets more than 40 mpg to receive a 0.50% ecoAuto discount. KCT ecoLoan Discount excludes Credit Cards, Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit, and Campu$ Ca$h Loans. KCT ecoLoans allow members to apply for and close their loans online with online applications and digital signatures. Addition of eStatements at the time of loan closing may qualify you for a KCT ecoLoan Discount of 0.25% APR. Payment Example: For every $1,000 borrowed at 1.49% APR for 24 months, your payment would be $42.32.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 59

Featuring Our Own Holiday Sausages

Featuring Our Own Smoked Hams

• Swedish • Smoked Polish • Fresh Polish • Lithuanian • Hungarian & More

• Spiral Sliced • Bone In • Boneless • Skinless Shankless

12 Varieties of Beef Jerky and 14 Varieties of Snack Stix for Holiday Gifts & Parties

Puebla

Modern Mexican

OPENS

By NICOLE WESKERNA

P

uebla Modern Mexican officially opened in late October in downtown St. Charles.

The restaurant features many small-plate dishes inspired by Puebla, Mexico, as well as many unique margaritas and more than 50 tequilas.

The owner of a new restaurant is putting a twist on the traditional flavors of Puebla, Mexico, after recently opening Puebla Modern Mexican in downtown St. Charles.

Ream’s Elburn Market Fine Quality Meats & Sausages Fresh • Aged • Cured • Smoked HOURS: Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm • Saturday 9 am - 4 pm • Sunday 11 am - 4 pm • Christmas Eve Open 9-2

128 N. Main Street • Downtown Elburn - Closed Christmas Day • 630.365.6461

A Great Old-Fashioned Full Service Meat Market

Owner Tony Alfonso, who also owns Pizzeria Neo next door to the Mexican restaurant at 51 S. First St., said he wanted to see more Mexican food options in the downtown area. He said the restaurant has a hip, modern atmosphere that pairs well with its modern twist on traditional Mexican food.

“It’s for modern palates,” Alfonso said. “It’s not Americanized. They’re authentic dishes from Puebla, Mexico.”

Alfonso said the restaurant’s head chef, Joseph Chapa, is from Puebla, Mexico, which is where a lot of the menu inspiration comes from. He said most of the dishes are served on small plates, so they’re easily shared.

Parties Large or Small: • Girl’s Day Out • Anniversaries • Sunday Breakfast • Ghost Hunting • Murder Mysteries

• Reunions • Open to the Public for Lunch • Private Parties and Tours on Wednesdays Call Tuesday for Reservations • Showers • Private Holiday Brunch or • Weddings Luncheon for 10 or more • Ceremonies people Please call for Details

Dishes include six types of salsas, such as chipotle salsa with garlic and oregano, as well as six types of mole sauces, such as a fresh pineapple and roasted pumpkin seed dip. Soups and salads include the watermelon salad with grilled queso fresco and alfalfa sprouts, topped with a house-made cilantro lime dressing.

Upcoming Events: Please call for details Thursday, December 5th, 7 pm Colonial Williamsburg Dinner Christmas Eve Dining Available

A Historic

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630-232-0173

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GALENA 3351 Elizabeth-Scales Mound Rd. Scales Mound, IL (Near Galena)

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60 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

815-541-0653

Alfonso said the restaurant also boasts nine unique taco selections, such as the arabe taco, which has some Arabian influences. That taco is made with trompo shaved pork and white onion arabe sauce. Another taco, the hongos, includes portobello mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers, corn, grilled queso fresco and guajillo salsa.

Leaving Puebla Modern Mexican without trying a margarita would be missing out on the full experience, Alfonso said. The restaurant has more than 50 types of tequila on hand, but most kanecountymagazine.com

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margaritas are made with Organic 123 Tequila.

“We make all our own syrups. There are no powders and no mixes,” he said. “We spend a ton of time each morning making those from scratch.”

Several types of tequila are offered in tequila flights, as well.

In addition to the traditional margarita flavors, the menu lists eight house margaritas. One of the more popular margaritas so far, Alfonso said, is the smokey sweet margarita, which is made with fresh mango, fresh blueberries, lime juice and chile morita.

“People love that one,” he said.

The restaurant also hosts a Mexican brunch on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m., which is paired with a bloody mary and bloody maria – the Mexican version of a bloody mary, only made with tequila instead of vodka – bar.

Customers can build their own bloody mary or bloody maria, choosing from a wide variety of ingredients, such as bacon and chicarones.

The restaurant seats as many as 150 people and has plenty of room to host parties, Alfonso added. He said they’ve been hosting taco parties, which is a build-your-own taco bar, and he said he plans to streamline that and incorporate it into a catering menu.

Alfonso said the restaurant has been wellreceived since opening.

“So far, it’s great,” he said. “There were two failed restaurants here before. Everyone gets excited, including other businesses. They want the traffic.”

THURSDAYJuicy Kind

e Prime Rib Th oz 20.99 • 14oz. 22.99 • 12 10oz 18.99 nner Di .99 BBQ Ribs LF SLAB 11 14.99 • HA FULL SLAB OS .99 MB 12 CO GERS ICKEN FIN RIBS & CH ICKEN 16.99 RIBS & CH EAST 13.99 BR N ICKE ) RIBS & CH t kids’ menu EE! (From ou ult Kids Eat FR meal per ad s’ kid e fre Includes 1 ase. entree purch s Dine-in only. cepted.

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• Puebla Modern Mexican, 51 S. First St., St. Charles, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday.

For more information, visit www.pueblamodernmexican.com or call 630-945-3408.

FRIDAY

MONDAY

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Fry N PERCH Friday Fish N EAT OCEA ALL YOU CA 11.99 10.99 D RE COD) IPS (BATTE FISH & CH e Juicy Kind Th b 22 Ri e Prim • 14oz .99 • 12oz 20.99 10oz 18.99

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“Great place to be!”

SOUTH ELGIN • 847-931-0400 • 480 Randall Road WEST DUNDEE • 847-428-4483 • 125 Washington Street

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 61

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Be the host with the most!

Welcome your guests with the warmth of the holidays

By STEPHANIE KOHL When it comes to holiday entertaining, the number one thing experts advise: just breathe.

“The key thing, really, is to just relax,” says Stewart Boynton, director of operations for the Herrington Inn & Spa, 15 S. River Lane, Geneva.

“If you're hosting guests or a meal – the host or hostess sets the tone for the entire time.”

Boynton says preparation is key. Make sure to have extra linens, towels and bedding clean and on hand in case it is needed and when it comes to meal time prepare what you can ahead of time. Make sure you have all necessary ingredients on hand, de-clutter your preparation space, chop vegetables ahead of time and anything else you can do.

between opening presents and other stuff,” Bulgarelli says.

The two suggest beef tenderloin, sliced for sandwiches, and a baked brie with cranberries, nuts, apples and maple syrup, served with baguettes or crackers.

“Make sure you also have extra little items for people that just drop in,” Boynton says, suggesting extra mince pies, shortbread and cookies for unexpected guests.

If you're planning to serve hot items, make sure to set up your serving table near an outlet so you can plug in your warmers and make sure to decorate your serving tables. Use neutral tablecloths so you can decorate with tulle and use shatter-free ornaments or candy canes to accessorize. The pair also suggested displaying the food in tiers.

To make out-of-town guests feel comfortable while staying with you, stock the bathroom with lotions, specialty soaps and candles.

Consider also offering your guests a special holiday cocktail or warm drink like mulled wine or apple cider.

“Make it unique so guests have something to remember,” Boynton says. “It's the little things that people will remember.”

Christmas morning can be special, too, with some advance preparations. Pear of Chefs recommends a pancake bar for kids, with homemade pancakes made in advance. They can be kept in the fridge for a day or the freezer for up to two weeks ahead.

And when it comes to cooking, Boynton advises cooks to remember that something will go wrong, but you need to just forget about it, move on and enjoy the rest of the day.

When it comes to preparing for Christmas Eve, Carol Segobiano and Ursula Bulgarelli of St. Charles-based Pear of Chefs, advise having a variety of finger foods available.

“That way, people can just graze all night long in

kanecountymagazine.com

Warm the pancakes in the morning and put out toppings like chocolate chips, whipped cream and berries. Also, make the pancakes various sizes and shapes so the kids can “build” a snowman, wreath or even a candy cane.

Hot chocolate with whipped cream is a great addition to the pancake bar, they add.

If cooking on Christmas just isn't your idea of fun, Moveable Feast offers a special Christmas menu, which will be available on their website at www. moveablefeastgeneva.com. Pick up all the sides and desserts to go with your meal, and their heating instructions, the day before.

“Everything is made fresh every day out of our kitchen,” says Monique Wallace, owner of Moveable Feast, 321 Franklin St., Geneva, adding they can even provide dinner for one person or a whole crowd.

Wallace also stressed decorating your table as an added touch for the holidays. Use berries, fresh greenery and pine cones as a replacement for a floral centerpiece.

This year, Moveable Feast is also introducing the Moveable Feast Hot Chocolate, made with high end chocolate, which would make an excellent “signature drink” for the holidays, Wallace says.

“Anything peppermint, chocolate and marshmallow related is a big hit at Christmas,” Wallace says, adding the Moveable Feast Hot Chocolate also makes a great hostess gift.

“This is great if you can pull the kids away from the presents,” Segobiano says.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 63

of

Course

4 N. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA Photo by Jennifer Kaye

Cashew Shrimp

Pilsner and Rootbeer

Galway Bay Clam Chowder

Stockholm's Photo by Jeff Krage

306 W. STATE ST. | GENEVA

Nachos Grande

1702 COMMONS DR. | GENEVA

Photo by Heather Nelson

Tapas Desser t: Chocolate Molten, New York Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie and Peanut Butter Pie

EL CASANOVA Mexican Restaurant 1890 MILL ST. | BATAVIA

Photo by Jason Adrian

204 S. 3RD ST. | GENEVA

Photo by Jason Adrian

Family Owned & Operated

Gratto Italian Tapas TAPAS. PASTA. PIZZA & MORE

1890 Mill St. Batavia via

DAILY SPECIALS

Daily Lunch Specials Monthly Entertainment

TUESDAY: 1/2 Price Wine Bottles

See website for details

*On Selected Bottles

WEDNESDAY: 1/2 Price Pizza *With purchase of a beverage

THURSDAY: $5 Martinis Night *On Select Martinis off the menu

FRIDAY: $4 Smirnoff Cocktails SATURDAY: $5 Homemade Sangrias SUNDAY: Kids Eat FREE

NEW CRAFT BEER LIST Hours: Tues & Wed 4 pm - 9 pm Thurs 11:30 am - 9 pm Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm Monday Closed

Book your lunch or dinner Christmas party.

*One child per adult, children’s menu only

Package rates available.

*All subject to change and all not valid with any coupons or offers.

Some restrictions apply.

Call for details

H GIFT C OLIDAY ER AVAIL TIFICATES ABLE!

(Located just south of Randall 15 Theaters) eaters eat ers)) ers

630-406-0669 9

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Sun-Th 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm 10pm

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Daily Lunch Specials

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KIDS EAT FREE*

Choose from 18 all served with different entrees rice and beans

207 S. 3rd St. Geneva 630-208-9988 www.grattogeneva.com

0244636

Award Winning Voted #1 The BestThai Food in Kane County

Mon-Wed: Free kid’s menu entree with purchase of adult entree.

Not valid with any other offer.

Visit our Website for Daily Deals:

www.elcasanovarestaurant.com

Thai Village RESTAURANT

www.thaivillagebatavia.com 630-879-5495 4 N Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510

Holiday Special Mention this ad for

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Gluten Free and Vegan Dishes Available

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O&A

Life

SOCIAL

Patrons of the Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice enjoyed a night of

Wine, Wings, and Wheels

Nov. 13, at the DuPage Airport.

Guests perused fine classic cars and personal aircraft in the Valley Air Service airplane hangar, while enjoying a great wine tasting, artisan hors d'ouvres and live music.

artist

showcase

JEN EVANS | Aurora “LET’S NOT CAST STONES AT ONE ANOTHER, MY DEAR” OIL, ACRYLIC, GRAPHITE, BEESWAX ON BIRCH PLYWOOD

Jen Evans creates peaceful environments inspired by nature. Most of her paintings are six feet wide, large enough to imagine stepping inside. The circle is a recurring theme in the work; it has long been a symbol of life and spirituality and is found everywhere in the natural world, from cells to stars. Evans experiments, makes messes, and loves the process of shaping the subsequent chaos into peace and beauty. She pours, brushes, carves, sands, and scrapes the

paint to create unexpected textures. Layered drawings, thin glazes of oil paint, and the warm light of beeswax create a depth to sink into. Embracing serendipity and finding beauty in the unexpected are the driving forces and messages of the work.

Jen Evans is an artist at Water Street Studios in Batavia. Her paintings are large scale, multi-media works that are becoming increasingly sculptural. She received her

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three - sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

‘T the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva!

‘Tis The Th festivities begin Friday, December 6th at 6 pm with Santa lighting the great tree – and continues with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, th a live nativity and candy cane pulls. On both Friday and Saturday, December mber 7th you can tour five spectacular houses decked with boughs of hollyly and innovative Christmas decorations. For House Tour tickets and a complete schedule give us a jingle or visit genevachamber.com.

Geneva.

Geneva. Where the spirit of Christmas comes alive.

A picture postcard .™

1-866-443-6382 www.visitgenevaillinois.com

YOUR Community Art Center 160 S. Water Street, Batavia 117 W. Main Street, St. Charles

www.waterstreetstudios.com Ŷ 630.761.9977 Batavia Gallery Ŷ Th 12-4p Ŷ F 12-9p Ŷ Sa 10a-2p Ŷ Su 12-4p

Master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is currently a professor of art. Evans lives in Aurora with her husband and three children. Evans is also active in her community and will be in a show this December at the Paramount called Broad Strokes, a tribute to the women who have influenced the Downtown Aurora Art Scene. jenevansart.com

Registration information online waterstreetstudios.com New classes include Spring Break art camps, screen printing workshops, 3D printing, metal sculpture, ceramics for couples, creative writing and more!

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 | 69

O&A

Christmas Walk & House Tour – December 6 & 7, 2013

O&A

DECEMBER EVENTS In Kane County THROUGH DECEMBER 29 | Making God Laugh at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, at 4051 E. Main Street in St. Charles Join two empty-nesters as they welcome home their three grown kids for the holidays - a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former star athlete. Over the course of three decades, not only do the hairstyles change, but their life adventures continue to evolve | dreams are crushed, relationships develop, unresolved issues surface, and yet old family traditions remain. Join in on this family comedy as you watch two parents hilariously and emotionally adapt to the change around them. Tickets start at $32. For tickets or more information, please call 630-584-6300 or visit http://foxvalleyrep.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER 22 | Nuncrackers: A Nunsense Christmas Musical at the Steel Beam Theatre, at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles It’s the annual Christmas program put on by the nuns of Mount Saint Helen's and what will go wrong this year?

Well, at the last minute Reverend Mother must dance the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy, for one, and Father Virgil replaces Sister Julia Child of God in the cooking demonstration! Children of the parish perform musical numbers and a Living Nativity Scene. Tickets for adults are $28, Seniors (62+) $25, Students (16 and under) $23.

For tickets or more information, please call 630-587-8521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

DECEMBER 6 - 15 | Just in the Nick of Time Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.. Located at the Albright Theatre, at 100 N. Island Ave. in Batavia.

Christmas is coming but Santa Claus is missing! The vibrant citizens of the North Pole soon start losing their color and holiday spirit. It's up to Detective Red Mistletoe to get some answers, rescue Santa, and save Christmas!

Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors.

For tickets or more information, please call 630-406-8838 or visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

DECEMBER 6 | Singer Songwriters Night with Don McLean & Judy Collins 8 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Two legendary singer/songwriters come together to showcase their insightful and down-to-earth performance styles and shaped America's musical landscape. Tickets start at $49. For more information, please call 630-3340817 or visit www.oshows.com.

DECEMBER 6 | Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl 8 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora The colorful and exciting music and dance troupe returns to The Paramount Theatre once again to dazzle audiences of all ages with traditional Mexican folkloric performance.

The choreography and costuming are all drawn from the richest and most vibrant heritage and customs of Mexico, and the dancers are renowned across the nation for their talent, grace, and artistry. Tickets: Main Floor Front: $28 Adults / $20 Kids 12 & under. Main Floor Back & Balcony: $25 Adults / $18 Kids 12 & under. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit http:// paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 7 | Friends of the Batavia Library Book Sale 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia Stop in and pick up a great new read. Located on the lower level. For more information, please call

70 | DECEMBER 2013 | KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE

630-879-1393 or visit www.batavia.lib.il.us.

DECEMBER 7 | Jim Peterik & The Ides of March 8 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Jim Peterik & The Ides of March perform to benefit the Lazarus House for Families in Need. Tickets start at $39.

For tickets or more information, please call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

DECEMBER 7 - 21 | The Little Mermaid Jr. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, at 4051 E. Main Street in St. Charles In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. For tickets or more information, please call 630584-6300 or visit www.foxvalleyrep.org.

DECEMBER 7 - 8 | A Christmas Carol Saturday at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., and Monday at 9 a.m. & noon. Located at the Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora Featuring lively music, gorgeous dance, breathtaking costumes, and magical design that evokes the wonder and spirit of Christmas. In Dickens' classic tale, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and given the chance to redeem himself and be better to his fellow man. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $25 for Kids 12 & Under. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit http:// paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 7 | Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Cantigny Park, at 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton The park will be decorated for the holidays, and an assortment of activities and offerings are planned to kick off the season in style. This is a free event, but parking fees apply. For more information, please call 630-6685161 or visit www.cantigny.org.

DECEMBER 7 & 8 | Candlelight Carols: Carols and Anthems of the Season Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, at 307 Cedar Ave. in St. Charles The program will include four songs arranged for choir and guitar, the first time that instrument has made an appearance at a St. Charles Singers Christmas concert.

Guest artist will be classical guitarist Goran Ivanovic. For more information, please visit www.stcharlessingers.com.

DECEMBER 8 | The Letterman Christmas Show 7 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles The 1950s chart toppers bring their unmatched harmonies to the Arcada for a night of incredible holiday entertainment for the whole family! Tickets start at $39.

For tickets or more information, please call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

DECEMBER 13 | Around the Paramount in 60 Sips 4 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora You'll be sipping wonderful libations and snacking on delicious treats as you go everywhere from the Orchestra Pit to Star Dressing Room A. Each station will feature fabulous wine and incredible never-before heard stories about the theatre and the stars. Tickets are only $20 which includes 5 wine or beer tasting tickets and appetizers. For tickets or more information, please call

630-896-6666 or visit http://paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 13 | Ho, Ho, Hoey Christmas Guitar Show with Gary Hoey 8 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles Gary Hoey has been named one of the top 100 guitarists of all time and has appeared with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent, The Doobie Brothers, and Peter Frampton.

Gary's new album, Deja Blues, consists of a variety of blues styles he calls a "great intro (to blues) with a modern twist." Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, please call 630-334-0817 or visit www. oshows.com.

DECEMBER 14 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 4 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora For over 25 years the American Christmas season has included the musical arrangements and uplifting harmonies of Mannheim Steamroller. They're considered the premier choral interpreter of Yuletide standards, and this December you can experience this beloved act live with your whole family, led by group founder Chip Davis. Tickets start at $59. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit http:// paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 16 | John Tesh: Big Band Christmas 7 p.m. at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles John is an American pianist and composer of pop and contemporary Christian music, as well as a radio host and television presenter. For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

DECEMBER 18 | Christmas with the Celts 1:30 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora It's high-energy, fast-dancing Christmas with music from the green and rocky lands of Ireland and Scotland.

For over 15 years the Celts have traveled the world playing the passionate songs of their homeland with a pop twist, including both fiery traditionals and the hits of beloved contemporary artists like Van Morrison and The Chieftains. Tickets start at $30. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit http:// paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 28 | Bill Blagg 2 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora Even the most skeptical audience will have to think twice about believing what they see when they watch the magic of Bill Blagg. A spellbinding stage performer, Blagg has thrilled and flabbergasted scores of people, and now you can see this consummate entertainer for yourself.

Adult tickets are $35, and tickets for kids 12 and under are $25. For tickets or more information, please call 630-8966666 or visit http://paramountaurora.com.

DECEMBER 31 | Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel 6 p.m. at The Paramount Theatre, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora It's the ultimate tribute to two of the greatest singer/ songwriters of our time by Craig Meyer (Almost Elton John) and Donnie Kehr - two of the best tribute artists in the country. You'll spend New Year's Eve singing your heart out and dancing in the aisles as these two amazing performers take the stage together with their pianos to play hit after endless hit. The 10 p.m. performance includes champagne toast and party favors. Tickets are $55. For tickets or more information, please call 630-8966666 or visit http://paramountaurora.com.

kanecountymagazine.com

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