KCC_ KC Magazine December 2022

Managerʼs NOTE

Let it snow!

Today was the first snowfall of the year, and by the time you’re reading this, I hope you are feeling as festive as I am in this moment. There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season, and everywhere I look, I see local businesses – the backbone of our communities – putting up lights and holiday adornments, and stocking shelves with carefully selected treasures for their beloved customers to discover. The magic can’t be denied.

But it’s the people behind these businesses that make them unique and keep their communities vibrant. For instance, Michelle Parker at Chi-cuterie brings family around her boards (P. 13) and the late Bob Untiedt’s love for Geneva continues on in the Christmas Walk, freshly pulled candy canes and all (P. 16).

This issue focuses on the warmth of having the wonderful people in your life around you, and the grace of giving. “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given

away” is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, It’s a Wonderful Life, a story that reminds us our presence in each other’s lives is the most valuable gift of all. When dreaming up your holiday shopping list, make it a little more personal and straight from the heart through the guide of a well-known gift poem (P. 10). You’ll be sure to uncover something special for those on your list.

This season, I hope you experience the joy and the heart I see all around me in these communities we hold so dear. Afterall, we would be lost without the place we call home.

From all of us at Kane County Magazine, we wish you the best holiday season!

PUBLISHER

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

EDITOR Kelley White DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com

LOCAL SALES MANAGER

Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Jaclyn Cornell, Local Sales Manager

on the COVER

Get inspired for holiday gifting with a simple poem. Read more on Page 10. Photo by April Duda Photography

Next month: The new year is a great time to prioritize taking care of yourself. Don't miss our health and wellness issue.

Jamie Baker, Jonathan Bilyk Hannah Hoffmeister, Katie McCall, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak and Chris Walker. This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

FOR LOVE AND MEANINGFUL MOMENTS Chi-cuterie puts down brick-andmortar roots in Geneva

HOLIDAYS IN AURORA Mark your calendars for these sweet family events

A CHRISTMAS LEGACY The Geneva Christmas Walk celebrates the late Bob Untiedt

BUSINESS & CIVIC

28 PREPARING FOR 2023 Tom McCartney helps set new goals and manage ‘bad’ debt

ART & FASHION

30 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Author and Illustrator Kyle White looks to natural beauty in his artistic expression

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Q & A With Captain Von Trapp Actor Christopher Kale Jones

HOME & LIFESTYLE

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON Wasco Nursery reflects on winter opportunities in the garden FAMILY IN FOCUS

HONORING FUR-EVER FRIENDS Dog memorial Timeless Tags opens at Delnor Woods Park

THE LEAVING Superdad ponders the connection between life and friendship

EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick falls in love with Ju Rin eatery

GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in December

Head to Hemmens Cultural Center for Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular.

Catch Santa at the East First Street Plaza in downtown St. Charles. He’s making his list and checking it twice!

Did you hear that? It’s “The Sound of Music,” performed at the Paramount Theatre at 1:30 and 7 p.m. Learn more on P. 32.

Join the Geneva community for the Christmas Walk down Third Street! Learn more about its history on P. 16.

Continue the jolly mood with Geneva’s Holiday House Tour, featuring professionally decorated homes.

Christmas is 11 days away! Time to make some cookies.

Batavia Boardwalk Shops, which hosts 10 incubator shops, is open for its last weekend of 2022. Shop local!

Santa is rumored to be making an appearance at 1 p.m. in Aurora — find out more about this free event at www. auroradowntown.org.

It’s national maple syrup day — celebrate accordingly with pancakes or a maple-inspired dessert.

It’s New Year’s Eve! How are you planning to ring in 2023?

Compiled by Hannah Hoffmeister

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Diane Krieger Spivak

The holidays can ignite a desire to be crafty and talented artificers can be found perusing the aisles of their local craft store, eyes peeled for their next adventurous project to dive into. At the end of the day, they can find glue sticking to their hands and paint under their fingernails, pulling sequins from their hair, exhausted but happy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a gift as heartfelt as one made with your own hands, for your loved ones or yourself. Take a page out of their (scrap)book and find time to connect with your inner artisanal calling.

PINOT’S PALETTE

Dec. 1 Adults can make a lighted stacking snowman wine bottle Dec. 2 Adults can paint your own snowman ornament or an “Old World St. Nick” wood pallet

COLOR ME MINE

Dec 11 Caitlin’s special needs class for all ages

Dec. 17 Pajama night all ages 7+

WATER STREET STUDIOS

Dec. 6 Drawing on Slate ages 16+

FINE LINE ARTS CENTER

Dec. 8 Adults can make a Woven Holiday Ornament Dec. 10 Adults can make chainmail earrings for Christmas Dec. 13 Adults can make a fused glass ornament

SUGAR GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

Dec. 3 Adults can make a Paper Holiday Ornament

BATAVIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dec. 14 All ages can make a grinch tissue paper craft

GENEVA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

Dec. 7 Adults can make a salt dough ornament Dec. 12 Adults can make a light-up holiday card Dec. 15 Adults can customize a tote bag or apron Dec. 16 Adults can paint a wooden tray Dec. 20 All ages can make colorful mosaic mittens Dec. 21 Adults can make a Froebel Stars gift Dec. 22 All ages can make a hot chocolate mug craft Dec. 23 All ages can make a personal keychain gift Dec. 28 Adults can make bath bombs and shower steamers Dec. 29 All ages can paint fireworks with a fork

Shop Local Shop Local

Find a gift for everyone on

list with a little help from a sweet holiday poem

By Kelley White | Photos by State Street

Vanderploeg

The holidays are my favorite time of year, not because of presents, but because of the joy that exists only in giving. Each new year, it gets harder to come up with something thoughtful and heartfelt for all of the loved ones on your list. Five years ago, I found the perfect solution for my kids and now I find it is a great way to get inspired when shopping for practically anyone! Follow this well-known poem to get your creative juices flowing and check out some of my local suggestions.

SOMETHING They Want

This one is especially fun. There is no shortage of unique and gorgeous shops around town to fill your cup. You can’t go wrong with something shiny for those who like to sparkle, and a classic watch is a staple of anyone’s wardrobe. State Street Jewelers has a wide selection of beautiful baubles and heirloom pieces that will last a lifetime. For over fifty years, State Street

Jewelers has helped the community find some of their most precious pieces, becoming a pillar of business in Geneva and establishing generations worth of beloved customers, so I’m sure you’ll find something to love.

Peppeard Design’s owner and principal designer, Shannon Peppeard, heads a truly beautiful shop of treasures. The Pep Line carries everything from hand towels to artwork and pillows, all chosen with an unmatched sense of style. Here you’ll find plenty of things

you want and many things you most definitely need. Their wrapped pink cone trees are absolutely darling and a

your

Jewelers, Kelly

Photography for The Pep Line, Red Hive Market, Liz & Kate Boutique, Odalisque, Grow Geneva, Pinot’s Palette, and April Duda Photography

Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear, Something to read, Something to do, Something for my family

great piece for those who prefer a softer tone to their holiday décor.

SOMETHING

They Need

a gift card instead so your giftee can browse the beautiful store themselves.

SOMETHING to Read

STATE STREET JEWELERS 230 W State St, Geneva (630) 232-2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com

THE PEP LINE 201 Cedar Ave, Saint Charles (630) 549-7088 www.thepepline.com

The Pep Line also affords customers the opportunity to pick out small furnishings they need while keeping in line with the latest trends and design. Pick from your favorite tea towels, serving platters and other kitchen goodies to help make the season bright while cooking your family’s favorite foods for the holiday.

Skin is easily ravaged in the cold months and gifting skincare products to someone you know who struggles with the season can be lifechanging. Consult the fabulous team at Odalisque and pick out products that work for the people you love (or yourself) while gaining an education about the best ways to accentuate and maintain your unique look.

SOMETHING to Wear

Snuggled up next to the fireplace in my favorite reading chair with a leather-bound edition of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is my idea of heaven. Visit Townhouse Books for the latest Young Adult bestsellers for your kids or gift your parents with a hardback of their favorite novels. When you give someone a book, you give them a world to get lost in, and that may be one of the greatest gifts of all.

SOMETHING to Do

RED HIVE MARKET 6 W Wilson St, Batavia (630) 326-9016 www.redhivemarket.com

LIZ AND KATE ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE 407 S 3rd St, Geneva (630) 208-0608 www.liznkate.com

ODALISQUE BEAUTY APOTHECARY 101 S 3rd St, Geneva (630) 232-2070 www.odalisquebeauty.com

TOWN HOUSE BOOKS & CAFÉ 105 N 2nd Ave, Saint Charles (630) 584-8600 www.townhousebooks.com

GROW GENEVA 220 S Third St, Geneva (630) 470-3637 www.growgeneva.com

Liz & Kate Boutique in Geneva is a haven for all the warmth and fuzzies you need this year. This bountiful boutique is a perfect place to purchase a dashing wardrobe accoutrement, but my favorite pieces are their holiday and wintertime accessories. If you’re not sure what to get, purchase

Scarves, hats and handmade gloves at Liz & Kate Boutique are rich in color and complementary to any winter coat out there. You’ll certainly find a set for someone who needs a touch of coziness in their wardrobe.

During the holidays, Kane County is rife with wonderfully imaginative workshops everywhere you look. But have you ever thought of creating your own plant arrangement in the winter months?

APRIL DUDA PHOTOGRAPHY

Batavia (630) 358-9480 www.aprilduda.com

PINOT'S PALETTE 3823 E Main St, Saint Charles (630) 338-0278 www.pinotspalette.com

Grow Geneva is offering a Christmas Monthly Plant Club and several creative classes throughout the year for all the green thumbs on your list– make sure to check their website details and dates.

Holiday Hostess Gifts

Pinot’s Palette is always a great time. Gifting an experience can far outweigh material presents –especially if you join them on their adventure! If your giftee is more of a stay-at-home type like me, Pinot’s Palette is also offering take home paint kits in a variety of themes.

SOMETHING for My Family

The best gifts are those given from your heart. Within Kane County, there are quite a few places to not only pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for someone you love, but one that’ll last forever, passing through generations. The stained-glass tree topper from Red Hive Market is a timeless piece full of color and would easily become that special decoration everyone looks forward to showcasing during the holidays.

A photo session for your recently engaged children would be a creative and thoughtful gift, helping them take stress off their plates. April Duda Photography features gorgeous photos and I love how she captures the love and affection between her subjects with ease. The cover we’ve chosen for December embodies the extraordinary love that comes alive during the holiday season.

MEANINGFUL ForLove

By Jamie Baker | Photos provided by Susan Ryan Photography

From a shared kitchen to a bona fide brick-and-mortar, owner Michelle Parker’s wildly successful Chi-cuterie is fortifying the foundation of the Geneva community while creating a meaningful business and supporting local vendors with unwavering dedication.

“We worked out of a shared kitchen, originally, and the request from our customers and the community was overwhelming in that they wanted us to have a brick-and-mortar space to expand our offerings and our retail shopping experience for them,” said Parker. “We decided to go all in and do this fulltime in the community with a brick-and-mortar store.”

The expansion has created a golden opportunity for the store to provide more products and services. “Now we are doing charcuterie building workshops, both private and public, as well as wine and cheese pairing,” said Parker. “We’re going to be adding additional workshops with other topics such as bourbon tasting, food, wine and entertaining, so stay tuned on that.”

Support for local vendors and artists shines throughout Chi-cuterie, from local meats, cheeses, and accoutrements to craft beverages, these vendors are the cornerstone to their business. “We have clearly expanded our retail space offering for anything that has to do with the meats and cheeses we build our boards with that are locally sourced,” said Parker. “We try to support as many local farmers, artisans and small businesses as we can and love, passion and support of local people goes into everything we create.”

Unequivocal care is clearly present in their selection of libations. “We’ve expanded to selling a collection of curated wines that we had a wine expert help us to develop,” said Parker. “So, they are curated to pair with what we sell here and the boards we create. We’ve since added bourbon, whiskey and other spirits. We’re working with Art History and Penrose on serving beer as well.” Artisanal support is especially important as the holidays draw near. “We’ve added a lot of gift-giving items from holiday napkins, plates and serving pieces to gift wraps, tags and cards that are all

locally created from artisans around the Midwest,” said Parker. “We have about four different artisans that we brought in to make our wooden boards. We even have some dried flower arrangements from a local farm along with jams and honeys. We have close to 100 artisans, farmers, and small businesses represented in our offerings."

For Geneva and Chi-cuterie, it was love at first sight and that devotion has only strengthened over time. “We are so touched,” said Parker. “Every day the support, the love, and the feedback we’re getting from the local community has been amazing. It speaks volumes to us to see the amount of customers that come back time and time again.”

Overall, it’s the love Parker and her staff put into their work that drives Chicuterie’s success. “Customers recognize that ‘thoughtful’ part of our tagline, and they can see how we thoughtfully create,” said Parker. “We truly think about the people who are receiving the boxes or boards. You never know what someone’s going through and being thoughtful can really make a difference.”

Holidays in Aurora

Put on your ugly sweater and hunt for the season’s tree. Tour miles of dazzling drive-through holiday light displays. Enjoy an enchanting production of The Sound of Music and warm up with mulled wine at Christkindlmarket. Visit friends and family in the Aurora Area of Illinois and you can discover some of Chicagoland’s favorite attractions and activities this holiday season.



FESTIVE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

From Aurora's Festival of Lights at historic Phillips Park to downtown Aurora, where the “City of Lights” has a magnificent holiday light display planned, miles of dazzling light displays offer magical holiday memories for visiting families this year. The best part? These holiday lights are free to enjoy!

Before and after your trip, we've got you covered with fun things to do at nearby attractions, from holiday shopping to family-friendly holiday events.

Aurora, Illinois this holiday season. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Fox River valley and downtown Aurora, RiverEdge Park is the perfect venue for Christkindlmarket, one of Chicago’s favorite holiday attractions year after year. Enjoy unique shopping, kid-friendly events and attractions, as well as intercultural activities. Admission to Christkindlmarket Aurora is free, but you will have to pay by cash or card for a mug of mulled wine or a rich and delicious European winter snack.

SHOP THE AURORA AREA OF ILLINOIS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON





CHRISTKINDLMARKET DEBUTS AT RIVEREDGE PARK IN DOWNTOWN AURORA, ILLINOIS

The most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe makes its debut in

The Aurora Area is home to two of Chicago’s top shopping destinations, Chicago Premium Outlets and Fox Valley. At Chicago Premium Outlets, find exclusive deals on your favorite fashion brands up to 65% off. The newly transformed Fox Valley features family-friendly attractions and events at the new Center Park indoor gathering space, as well as a Tapville craft beer and wine bar. New and forthcoming residential, dining, and entertainment options round out the experience at Fox Valley. Nearby, Pacifica Square offers one of the largest Asian lifestyle centers in Chicagoland. Enjoy dining options highlighting a range of Asian cuisines, live karaoke, gift and apparel shops, and more.



THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC...AND

LAUGHTER

One of the most popular musicals of all time, The Sound of Music has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years. This holiday season, visitors to Aurora can experience this beloved musical for the first time, or all over again, at the award-winning Paramount Theatre. The annual end of the year tradition continues: Second City is coming to the Copley Theatre, where you will never be more than 70 feet away from the sidesplitting, song filled holiday spectacular.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Winterfest Art Market in Batavia (Friday, November 11th through Sunday, November 13th).

Winter Lights Aurora (Friday, November 18th)

orkville’s Holiday Weekend Celebration (Friday, November 18th & Saturday, November 19th)  Christmas Walk and Cookie Walk in downtown Oswego (Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd)  The downtown Aurora Cocoa Crawl (Friday, December 2nd)

A CHRISTMAS LEGACY

Late, Beloved Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream Owner Bob Untiedt’s Memory Lives

On As His Traditions Continue At This Year’s Geneva Christmas Walk

By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos provided

As life returned to normal around her, Jayni Wunderlich knew three things, for certain: The fresh candy canes at Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream would get pulled. The little beaming faces would be pressed up against the glass, watching, waiting.

And in their eyes, gleaming with anticipation and wonder, it would be her dad and his love, his joy, that would be reflected.

“This was always his favorite time of the year,” said Wunderlich. “And we knew there was no

“We were going to keep the tradition alive, and we’re going to keep it going.”

On December 2, one of the grandest traditions of the year in Fox Valley will return to downtown Geneva as the community once more hosts the unofficial opening ceremony of the holiday season, known as the Geneva Christmas Walk.

Scheduled for more than 50 years on the first weekend of December, the event brings thousands of visitors to Geneva for a tour of stunningly decorated homes, draped with their Yuletide fineries.

The weekend’s festivities begin on Friday evening as thousands of locals and visitors join together on Third Street near the Kane County Courthouse awaiting the arrival of carolers and the iconic holiday visitors Santa Lucia, the Swedish bringer of light, and that other Santa, the jolly old elf, dressed in red.

THIS IS A NEW MONTHLY SERIES IN KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE WILL EXPLORE THE HISTORY BEHIND LOCAL TRADITIONS, BUSINESSES, EVENTS AND MORE.

“It’s just people, standing tall and deep, as far as the eye can see,” said Laura Rush, communications manager for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “It’s always so festive, and so amazing.”

But the moment that highlights the kickoff to Christmas – the moment the mayor of Geneva presses the button that literally lights up the downtown –begins with the beating of drums, the blaring of herald trumpets and the presentation of the First Candy Cane of Christmas in the spectacle now known as Bob’s Candy Cane Parade.

For three decades, Bob Untiedt stood at the heart of the Geneva Christmas Walk. Longtime owner of Graham’s, Untiedt was renowned in Geneva and beyond for his varied loves and passions: family, friends, music, confections, Christmas and, of course, Geneva.

At Christmas Walk, all those things came together and Untiedt helped to drive the event forward.

Every year since 1994, on the first Friday of December, Graham’s would transform for one day into a candy cane factory as candymakers worked in full view of the gathered crowds to pull the warm peppermint candy into familiar holiday treats.

The crowds would gather, as hundreds packed around, to catch a glimpse of the process and then, to get one of the free, fresh, warm candy canes Untiedt, his family and the team at Graham’s would hand out.

“To see the little faces of the kids looking through the windows, watching the old-time way the candy canes get pulled – it’s always so magical,” said Wunderlich, Untiedt’s daughter.

But Untiedt knew the event could get even better, and

more festive.

So Untiedt married his loves once more, producing the Candy Cane Parade. Accompanied for the past few years by a drum line from Geneva High School, trumpets, and carolers, Untiedt would lead the parade down Third Street as the escort of the first candy cane of Christmas.

“It’s always a thrill when that parade marches down the street,” said Rush.

In December 2020, amid the height of the Covid pandemic, Christmas Walk was paused. And on the first Friday of December, for the first time in decades, there was no parade, nor much of the other merriment that would normally have ushered in the holiday season in Geneva.

Untiedt and much of Geneva looked forward to the return of the tradition.

But in March 2021, Untiedt, at the age of 64, died, leaving behind a legacy of light and sweetness on Third Street and beyond.

As always, life continued on. Time marched on. The date of Christmas Walk 2021 dawned.

And while time had conspired to prevent him from being there in the flesh, Bob Untiedt was undeniably present in spirit.

To begin, the parade was renamed, forever in his honor.

But it was in the crowds, once again gathered at Graham’s for the pulling of the candy canes, that Wunderlich said she felt her dad’s presence most acutely.

“There were so many people my dad touched,” said Wunderlich. “It was such an overwhelming sense of

love and appreciation.”

Rush said the Geneva community was pleased the family decided to pick up where their patriarch left off.

“Bob will be missed,” said Rush. “He was one of the genuinely good guys, and he did so much for Geneva.

“So, we’re so happy the family has kept it going, to carry on his passion for this event,” said Rush.

Wunderlich said, for her and her family, the return of Christmas Walk last year was bittersweet, and likely will be, each year, for some time.

“I wish he could have pulled candy canes with me one last time, especially since the last Christmas Walk before he passed was during Covid so it was canceled that year,” said Wunderlich.

“As excited and proud as I was to take on the candy cane pull without him, I just missed him so much. I probably missed him more that day than any other to date. It will always be the hardest and most joyful day of the year for me at our shops.”

Christmas Walk is once again scheduled for the first Friday of December this year on Dec. 2. Festivities will begin at 6 pm and run until 6:30 p.m.

And they will not deviate from the usual schedule of events, said Rush.

“We don’t mess with Christmas Walk,” she said. “This is what people love.”

Rush advised anyone coming down to plan to arrive early, as large crowds are expected once more. If a visit with Santa Claus is in order for the weekend, families will need to reserve those appointments in advance through the Geneva Chamber’s website.

local experiences The Elgin Area Amazing

The holidays are coming with some amazing local experiences. From seeing Santa to Explore Elgin Area’s gift guides all the way to the festive beverage crawls, get to know the Elgin Area this holiday season. Every year, the wonderful communities in the Elgin Area come together to light their annual trees, show off their lights, display their gifts in the windows, and you can smell the scent of cookies in the air. Colors, lights, and sparkles adorn the streets of these towns and really show off their holiday spirit. Come together with your friends, family, and community members to see this spectacular range of events come to life.

Experiences

An amazing experience trumps all other gifts. It is a time to make memories with the people you love, in the community that you love. Perhaps you could purchase some tickets for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and hear some performances. Perhaps you could try doing something active like an Epic Air Trampoline Park or even a Fox Valley Flourish Twirling Club Class.

Foodie Finds

As for the foodies, there are many options in the Elgin Area. You could start by looking at Steep N’ Clay’s tea sets! From marshmallow root to Earls Grey tea, they have it all! But we cannot forget about Eastside Cafe’s coffee and wine selection! They have a full coffee bar made with high-quality locally roasted coffee to choose from! The wines come from small boutique wineries from around the world as well!

Gift Ideas

Gifts can be one of the most difficult parts of the holiday season. Some people are difficult to shop for. Others want one of everything they see. Whatever it may be, we have compiled a list of unique and creative gift ideas that anyone would love.

Shopping Spots

Well, if you are still at a complete loss as to what to get someone this year for the holidays, look no further than these shopping spots. Meraki

By the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Market Hub is one of our personal favorites for this time of year. Filled with handmade goods like soup, jewelry, and clothing- as well as other perfect gifts like mugs, dog toys, and food- what's not to love? Other shops such as the State Street Market Shop and The Half Full Nest are other local favorites for holiday shopping. They have a variety of different items that would look perfect in a gift box!

Plants

Tons of people are obsessed with plants right now- so why not stop on in at Trippots Plant Shop or Platt Hill Nursery and grab them something they can love and cherish for a long time coming?

In general, gifts come from the heart and not from the pocketbook. Spend your time exploring the downtowns of our communities, get to know the locals, and see what inspires you. Gifts are a great way to show your love and appreciation to people, so shop local and be sure to #Explore the Elgin Area.

Explore Elgin Area is the hub for your holiday needs. From gifts, cookies, Santa, and more- Explore Holidays at:

www.exploreelginarea.com

TREASURES

By Chris Walker | Photos provided by The Little Traveler and Batavia Depot Museum

Finding Tri-Cities-themed ornaments for your Christmas tree may be challenging, but not nearly as difficult as surviving the festive season without hearing Wham’s “Last Christmas.”

Most would agree that Perry Como’s “(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays” is more pleasant on the ears and fitting for those who would like to add an ornament highlighting the

local scene to their tree this year.

As one might expect, The Little Traveler has such ornaments, including wood laser cut ornaments specifically for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. The Fabyan Woodmill is used for “The Windmill City” of Batavia, a bicycle rides between two trees for “A Picture Postcard” for the Geneva ornament while the St. Charles one depicts two foxes and a riverboat for “The Pride of the Fox.” One can also purchase a

blue acrylic ornament bearing the Geneva name in white from The Little Traveler.

“The wood laser ornaments have been made special with details for each of the towns,” says Marylou Campbell, manager/buyer for Christmas and the gift gallery at The Little Traveler. “We also sell them year round and have a section with ornaments for all of the states because people come here from all over and like to bring something back home with them.”

The Curious Fox Gift Shop in the St. Charles History Museum still is offering a brass Christmas ornament that features the front of the St. Charles History Museum. It’s the lone ornament that the shop is carrying at this time. While its last ornament is already four years old, the Geneva Store at City Hall is open Monday through Friday and has some of its city-themed ornaments from prior years still available. These pewter ornaments have a 2.25-inch diameter and are available for $8 each.

Its most recent ornament, the ninth part in a series of citythemed ornaments, is the 2018 Fabyan Windmill, which was built in the mid-1800s and moved to Geneva from Lombard in 1914 after

being purchased by George Fabyan. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

The five remaining city-themed ornaments that the Geneva Store also carries include the 2017 Peck Farm House, 2016 Moore House, which is now the home to the Little Traveler, the 2015 Patten House along with City Hall in 2011 as well as 2012.

Unfortunately, the Geneva Store discontinued making and selling new ornaments after 2019.

Dishique’s clever collection of online gifts includes both a Geneva and St. Charles holiday ornament that will be sure to be a conversation piece for those who truly love where they call home. These 3-inch porcelain disk ornaments feature a plaid bow on top with some of the city’s best features listed vertically in green letters in assorted fun fonts so that it looks like a tree.

Batavia Park District’s Depot Museum Gift Shop has a small assortment of ornaments from over the years including the 175-year anniversary of Batavia (1833-2008) on genuine 24K gold flashed brass as well as similar ones of the 50-year anniversary of the Batavia Park District and Holy Cross Church, among others.

Accessories to Stylish Coats

With the new season upon us, it is time to dine out as much as we can to support the restaurants who have been struggling during the past years. With care and some extra precautions we can keep this up, hopefully for the duration. Let’s support with twice a week, if you can, at the restaurants.

I decided on a wonderful fall day to take a ride to the wonderful Ju Rin. What a fun time.

To start I had the edamame, which are soybeans that have been steamed and sprinkled with salt. Very tasty, and so tasty I needed an extra order.

Then I tried the filet mignon and grilled red snapper. To start they bring a teppan soup and a salad with a ginger dressing. Both get the taste buds peaked and ready for what comes next.

The filet mignon and the red snapper were grilled to perfection with some of those asian flares and flavors. This very healthy combination is enough food perhaps to share. It packs the protein with some fat and keeps that waistline intact with less carbs.

Adorned on the side are some vegetables to bring out the brightness and flavors of the asian flare.

While they serve a wonderful and tasty fried rice, I had a spoon or two but wanted to be a little careful on the carbs.

The amazing part of this place is just the entire feeling that you are in Asia but yet you are right at home!

 Dr.TarunMullickisaspecialist trainedatJohnsHopkinsand ClevelandClinicinGastroenterology andEndoscopybasedinGeneva. Connect with him at www.mullickmd. comorbyphoneat630-232-2025.

WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

It is my honor and privilege to serve the community and readership of this publication. Our practice’s focus is to care for patients, to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies.

Q: I have some constipation issues and have tried Miralax. What else can I do?

A: There are many laxatives out there over the counter to try. Miralax is one kind that works to help many people. At this point if you are having some challenges despite trying Miralax, it would be best to see a gastroenterologist and get a workup. In this workup you could rule out any potential reasons for this and get a colonoscopy to assess for any polyps or narrowings. Then after that, a regimen could be discussed for your constipation.

Q: My GYN is all I see, I only need PAP smears right?

A: As well, you should get a mammogram and a colonoscopy for breast and colon cancer screening.

Q: Which is better, Prilosec or omeprazole?

A: Both medicines are similar. At times there are brand names and generic names. But the effect is similar to help with acid control. Over the counter strengths can be tried, but if they are not helping after a short trial per the package insert please see your doctor for the next steps.

Q: Do you offer telehealth? Many don’t? What do you think about that?

A: Yes, we offer telehealth. This means you can get treatment without leaving your home. We will only bring you in for necessary tests and can choose locations away from hospitals, which likely have more serious COVID 19 (coronvirus) patients. It's safer to go to smaller practices and centers away like ours. In general, it appears telehealth is here to stay for years to come. It presents an alternative. And, for those who don’t like waits, we call you. Thus, you can continue to do whatever you need to in the meanwhile.

Connie, Batavia -- “Lost 44 lbs, with Dr. Mullick’s recommended system, and it stayed off.”*

Jamie, Geneva -- “Lost 12 pound in my FIRST MONTH!! It really works. Call

Facility Fees are significantly lower. Cost of health care is going up. Pay less for your test. We are JCAHO certified.

Met your Deductible?? Get in before year end. Save on your deductible. Pay LESS. Heartburn, Diarrhea, Constipation, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Abdominal Pain, Colitis, Crohns/ Ulcerative Colitis, Gallbladder, Rectal Bleeding

We have quality doctors and team on staff to serve you well. Its our honor to take care of you.

AMERICAN COLONOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPY CENTER 2631 Williamsburg Ave 301. Geneva, IL. Call now for your appointment. 630-232-2025

CANCER

It

deaths. It is VERY important to get this

done -

cancer is beatable

treatable if caught early enough through colon screening. HEARTBURN PATIENTS PLEASE COME TO GET EVALUATED FOR PRECANCEROUS BARRETT’S; ESOPHAGEAL CANCER HAS INCREASED IN THE PAST 4 DECADES. FREE BOTTLE OF A USANA VITAMIN WITH COMPLETED COLONOSCOPY FOR NEW CLIENTS* *Some restrictions may apply. Available while supply lasts.

Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer. Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane

Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.

Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies? My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen

Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.

CATERING Homestyle

By Jamie Baker | Photos By Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli, Riganato Old World Grille and Chi-cuterie

The holidays can turn into a demanding mess exacerbated by hectic schedules and good old-fashioned chaos. In an effort to mitigate holiday stress, it’s time to find simplicity. Start by utilizing local eateries and markets to augment holiday meal plans, making it easy to spend time with family instead of cooking for hours over a hot stove. Tap these local restaurants and retailers for hearty, homestyle cuisine.

 CHI-CUTERIE

321 Franklin Street, Geneva (331) 901-0474 | www.chi-cuterie.com

Chi-cuterie is not only a great place to grab colorful appetizer boards, but an ideal source for creative desserts as well. “For the holidays, we do several dessert boards that are popular, and we focus on using many different local vendors and bakeries,” says owner Michelle Parker. “We can create beautifully themed dessert boards and boxes. Last year we did some around The Nutcracker. We can do snowmen and we’ve also done hot cocoa boards – which is always fun around the holidays and features peppermints, marshmallows and chocolates.”

Parker’s family uses charcuterie boards for the perfect holiday snack. “My family loves to do charcuterie boards on Christmas Eve,” says Parker. “We know we’ll be doing a big spread on Christmas Day, so we eat a little snack of charcuterie on Christmas Eve. We’ve even incorporated threedimensional reindeer on the board.”

 JOSEF’S ELEGANTE MEAT & DELI

716 W State St, Geneva (630) 262-1878 | www.josefsmeats.com

Josef’s is beloved in the community for their quality meats and classic catering fare. “Our eggplant parmesan is definitely popular, and we do our meat lasagna, veggie lasagna, Italian beef and Italian sausage trays with the peppers, already cooked,” says owner Pat Falcone Jr. “We have the smaller trays available in the front case and if you need larger sizes for the holidays, those are definitely a pre-order for larger groups.”



RIGANATO OLD WORLD GRILLE

700 E State St, Geneva

(331) 248-0191 | www.riganato.com

Riganato’s catering menu is full of mouthwatering comfort foods cooked to perfection, available in full and half pans.

“We have a pretty varied menu, and everything goes with carryout, from lamb chops to burgers — it's a crazy menu,” says owner and Chef Jimmy Nicolaou. “Even for a family of five – everyone can find something they like here. Almost everything, from the appetizers to the salads, chicken, pastas and sub sandwiches are all on the catering menu with the side dishes.”

Their most popular meal around the holidays is most definitely lasagna. “Lasagnas are always popular on Christmas Eve, and we make a million of them,” says Nicolaou. “If you go on the catering menu, there are a lot of popular packages.”

INSPIRATION More



REAM’S MEAT MARKET

250 S Main St, Elburn (630) 365-6461

www.reamsmeatmarket.com

Choose from a variety of mains, sides, and ‘toppers’ including Italian beef, mostaccioli, mac n’ cheese, pasta salad and a range of scrumptious condiments. Check out their website for a full catering menu. Catering Items are available for pickup only, please call to place your order.



ENTICING CUISINE

1117 N Washington Ave, Batavia (630) 761-0399

www.enticingcuisine.com

With a wide array of options for every occasion imaginable, Enticing Cuisine can truly cater to your needs. Their menu offers a large selection of cold and hot appetizers, classic Italian entrees, chicken enchiladas, BBQ pork, breakfast options and many more!



OBSCURITY BREWING & CRAFT MEAD

113 W North St, Elburn (630) 320-2255

www.drinkobscurity.com

From brisket to veggie pinwheels, salad and street corn, Obscurity has a curated and tasty catering menu for you to choose from. Their cuisine will be an instant hit!

A VERY MINDFUL HOLIDAY

By Katie McCall, local food columnist

We all know the holidays can be overwhelming; it’s the season of overspending, overeating and overstimulation. Not to mention the waste. Oh, the waste! From billions of dollars spent solely on gift wrapping and a 25% increase in food dumped into our landfills (yes, I researched), to the increased emissions emitted as a result of expedited deliveries and careless shopping trips around town — the holiday season is anything but thoughtful to the planet.

To help counter this, I made it a personal mission years ago to be more mindful and less wasteful during the holiday season. I attribute a great deal of this mentality to a lovely book titled “Handmade Living,” written by Scandinavian artist and designer Lotta Jansdotter. Her minimalist, less-is-more (yet meaningful) approach to life has always served as a wonderful source of inspiration, particularly during the holidays.

Simplifying the way I buy and wrap gifts, bringing nature in to decorate my home, and preparing meals with little to no waste has allowed me to feel more at peace about my carbon footprint — without losing the essence of the season. Don’t worry if you can’t do it all; enacting just one of these elements puts us

a step closer to a kinder, more sustainable holiday … and I think that’s something worth celebrating.

GIVE EXPERIENCES VS. MATERIAL GIFTS: This year, I’m focusing on gifting experiences in place of material items. Think concert or theater tickets, an art class, a nice dinner out, museum visit, etc. The memories will last forever, and you’ll cut back on costs of gas, delivery fees and packaging.

ECO-FRIENDLY WRAPPING: When gifting traditional items, forget the glittery bags and bows — which typically aren’t recyclable — and consider using recycled kraft paper embellished with natural decorations like pinecones and greenery. Better yet, let the kids have fun by coloring or painting the paper for a personalized touch.

MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE: Cooking for a large crowd is tricky; the fear of not having enough often forces us to prepare way more than needed — but then results in waste. Start out by visiting savethefood. com and use their “Guest-imator” tool to create a personalized menu and determine the correct amount of food to prepare. Then, purchase inexpensive food containers prior to your party and send any leftovers home with your guests. If you’re pro-leftovers, have fun revamping them into new dishes like soups and casseroles.

a fresh take

HOLIDAY CARDS: We all love opening the mail box to find a bundle of holiday cards, but it’s not always the most environmentally friendly option. Consider sending a digital e-card this year, or find a company that uses recycled paper and plant-based inks. I’m a huge fan of the company Paper Culture; double bonus that for every order placed, a tree is planted in a loved one’s name.

DIY DECOR: Every year, I seek out unique ways to decorate my home using natural elements that can be gathered or made rather than store-bought. Branches wrapped in twinkle lights, dehydrated citrus rings hanging from twine, popcorn garland, snipped greenery from the woods … the options are endless. And the best part? They can be returned to the earth when the holidays come to a close.

 Katie McCall, former owner of Two Wild Seeds Baking Co., is a bona fide Midwestern girl. Raised on four acres of rural property in Yorkville, she was always taught to respect nature and all of its bounty. From foraging morel mushrooms in the woods to picking wild black raspberries for homemade jam, Katie feels most at home when in nature and preparing food for others. When she’s not creating new dishes in the kitchen (and writing about them) she can be found nose-deep in cookbooks, exploring the outdoors with her family — and eating … always eating.

Photo by Victoria C Photos

“EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK” ENCHILADAS

This serves more as inspiration rather than a true recipe, as everyone’s leftovers are unique to their own celebrations. Pre-cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, rice, vegetables … anything can be added into this classic enchilada base and adjusted according to your own preference! The leftovers will take on the flavor of the enchilada seasoning and transform into a brand new, delicious dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

• Leftover protein of choice (shredded chicken, turkey, vegetarian protein, beans, etc.)

• Leftover vegetables of choice (spinach, kale, mushrooms, corn, carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc.)

• Leftover starch of choice (mashed potatoes, diced sweet potatoes, rice, etc.)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 - 1/2 cups mild red or green enchilada sauce (could also mix in leftover gravy if feeling adventurous!)

• 1 - 1/2 cups cheese (queso fresco, cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)

• Corn or flour tortillas

• Extra toppings: herbs, sour cream, black olives, avocado, tomatoes.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Make the filling: In a medium sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the spices and any leftover *pre-cooked* protein being used. Cook a minute or two, just to heat through, then add in any leftover greens, vegetables and/or starches. Remove from heat and gently stir in the lime juice, 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. To assemble: Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Then, using a small sauté pan, warm each tortilla slightly (to make pliable) and fill each one with a heaping scoop of the mixture. Then, roll up and place seam side down in the dish.

Once all tortillas are placed in the baking dish, pour the remaining 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce over the top, as well as the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve with favorite toppings and enjoy!

Preparing for

Before we know it, the holidays will be behind us and we will be gearing up for the new year with the pressure being on for New Year’s resolutions! Preparing for the new year is a great time to set new goals and check in on your progress towards existing goals. We encourage you to think about your financial goals during this process. It is not a bad idea to periodically revisit your personal finances and financial objectives.

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

 CREATE A BUDGET. There are many different financial planning programs available today to help you create a budget as well as an overall financial plan. These platforms range from simple calculators to complex, comprehensive platforms your financial advisor may utilize that can automatically update balances daily. Why are there so many tools? Because this is such an important yet neglected task. Make 2022 the year you tackle your budget.

 ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY FUND. As part of your overall financial plan, you will be asked to establish an emergency fund. It is recommended that you have at least three months’ worth of living expenses sitting in a money market. If you are self-employed or

have an erratic income, you should have six to nine months set aside. Don’t let lessons from the pandemic go to waste! Make sure you have rigor around your emergency fund.



REVIEW YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN

CONTRIBUTIONS. If you are fortunate enough to have a retirement plan offered where you work, make sure you are making the most of it! Many people only save enough to get their employer’s matching contribution if there is one. Instead, recognize that the real power in these plans is your ability to save for your own retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Although the maximum amount you can save will vary by the type of retirement plan you are in, for 2022 participants in a traditional 401(k) plan can defer up to $20,500 into their account. Age 50 or over? In 2022 you are allowed to defer an additional $6,500 into your 401(k). Pay yourself first!

 TAKE CONTROL OF DEBT. We tell our clients that there is “good” debt and “bad” debt. Good debt pertains to money borrowed on an appreciating asset. Bad debt is money borrowed on a depreciating asset. In general, a mortgage on your home is hopefully “good” debt while financing a new car is often “bad” debt. Starting with the new year, pledge to work to reduce your debt and start with bad debt first.

 REBALANCE! With the bear market you may find that your portfolio is no longer allocated in a manner that reflects your risk tolerance. This is a good time to meet with your financial advisor to review proper asset allocation.

 REVIEW YOUR ESTATE PLAN. Think that estate plans are only for the wealthy? Think again. Whether a simple Will or a Living Trust with a Pour-over Will, if you are reading this article, you need an estate plan. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney yet this quarter. If you have not revisited your estate plan in over five years, it’s time to do so. Include verifying your named beneficiaries in this exercise.



CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT. It’s not just markets that have been on the rise. Phishing attacks, ransomware payouts, and supply chain attacks are all up significantly year to date. Your best defense is to monitor your accounts regularly and to periodically check your credit report. If something doesn’t look correct, the faster you react, the better off you should be.

 REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE. Insurance companies are constantly reviewing and evaluating risk. With the pandemic as well as the increase in extreme weather events, life insurance companies as well as property-and-casualty companies may be adjusting their charges for risk, adjusting coverage parameters, or both. Review your policies with your agents to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.

If you are like us, you probably feel that each year passes more quickly than the last. Before 2023 takes off at an even faster pace than 2022 did, take a moment and work though the list above. Your future-self will thank you!

Investinginvolvesriskandyoumayincuraprofitorlossregardlessofstrategyselected. Diversificationandassetallocationdoesnotensureaprofitorprotectagainstaloss. Holdinginvestmentsforthelongtermdoesnotensureaprofitableoutcome.Future investmentperformancecannotbeguaranteed,andinvestmentyieldswillfluctuate withmarketconditions.Theinformationcontainedinthisreportdoesnotpurporttobe acompletedescriptionofthesecurities,markets,ordevelopmentsreferredtointhis material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but wedonotguaranteethattheforegoingmaterialisaccurateorcomplete.Anyopinions arethoseofTomMcCartneyandnotnecessarilythoseofRaymondJames.Expressions ofopinionareasofthisdateandaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

 TomMcCartneyistheFoundingPrincipalof MyAdvisor&PlannerandaWealthManager.

SecuritiesandInvestmentAdvisoryServicesOffered ThroughRaymondJamesFinancialServices,a RegisteredBroker/DealerandInvestmentAdviser, MemberFINRA/SIPC.MyAdvisor&Planneris independentlyownedandoperated.

Tom and his team can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net,at630-457-4068,oryoucan visitthematwww.mapyourfuture.net.

Artist

OF THE MONTH

KYLE WHITE

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

The artist's first book, Wisconsin River of Grace, was published in 2009 and featured in Northern Public Radio’s Winter Book Series. His latest literary work is entitled Freezing,Thawing:New&RevisedStories from the Midwest, published in 2020.

Most recently, White presented an outdoor exhibit of his writing and illustrations from the book Winter Is Scissors as an ArtistIn-Residence at Sycamore Public Library in the winter of 2022. White describes his work as “contemplative art prints” that are “illustrations made with the feel of Northwoods fresh air and water.” White is also an instructor at Water Street Studios where he teaches “sketchbook as lifestyle” classes.

After visiting Batavia with his wife on several occasions, Water Street Studios caught his eye. “We love the mix of natural beauty, and unique restaurants and shops,” says White. “We often come this way just to have coffee and a change of scenery. In those little trips I heard about Water Street Studios (WSS) and was intrigued by the idea of a not-for-profit gallery and studio.”

White’s outdoor exhibit was perhaps the most challenging project for the artist to date. “I illustrated 31 written observations around the metaphor of “winter cold and wind cuts”, based on my 2018 book Winter is Scissors,” says White. “It was meant to be a community experience in the midst of COVID isolation and cabin fever. Viewers walked the 31 outdoor stations in winter weather, then we met to warm up and share more stories inside the library.”

White’s art prints can be found online and in various shops and galleries in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

“There’s something powerful that starts to happen when you put your art out in ‘the wild’ for others to witness. You get to feel, hear, and see their impressions before your very eyes.”

A Wisconsin native, Kyle L. White is an author and illustrator who currently resides in Sycamore with his wife of 31 years.

By Chris Walker Photos provided by the Paramount Theatre, preview photos of Maria taken by Amy Nelson Photography

Christopher Kale Jones was just on the Paramount stage this spring with his group “Under the Streetlamp,” which plays classic hits. You may have also seen him playing Frankie Valli in the national tour of “Jersey Boys.”

Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with the talented performer, who has returned this winter to play Captain Georg von Trapp in the holiday classic “The Sound of Music.”

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: What’s it like playing Captain von Trapp?

CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES: The captain starts the play recovering from the loss of his wife and trying to run a household the best way he knows how as a retired military captain. He treats his children like little soldiers until Maria brings music and, of course, joy and laughter into his home. Given that this particular piece of theater takes place during the rise of the Nazi party prior to WWII, it’s also gratifying to play a character who was on the right side of history, standing up to a despotic dictatorship, even at the cost of his livelihood and perhaps even the safety of himself and those he loves. It is also an incredibly lush classic love story, which I think Paramount’s patrons will enjoy very much.

 KC: What makes this particular show unique?

CKJ: The scope of what the Paramount Theatre is able to do in a nearly 1,900-seat house with its sprawling proscenium theater is going to set this production apart. It is going to be absolutely gorgeous to watch. Additionally, we have the privilege of performing with a 17-piece orchestra, which is almost unheard of in regional theater and will result in these classic songs sounding better than you may have ever heard them live. Also, I think every piece of theater is affected by the time in which it’s performed, which I hope will allow audiences to hear this story in a fresh and different light

 KC: What is the family appeal to “The Sound of Music”?

ComingSoon! CrystalLake

St.Charles Remodel

CKJ: Well, first and foremost, the show is about a family, and we have some of the most talented young performers in the city appearing as the children in the Von Trapp family. Also, the music of the show is universal, having woven its way into the cultural consciousness as well as the fabric of the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear “My Favorite Things” or “The Sound of Music” or “Edelweiss” around the holidays? Lastly, although the stakes are heightened, I think the issues the family faces have universal appeal: What does a family do when its beliefs are threatened by the society they live in? How important are the arts and fun in family dynamics versus organization and discipline? Can one family make a difference?



KC: What message would you hope theatergoers take away from this show?

CKJ: With the invasion and possible annexation of parts of the Ukraine by Russia, with the current tension between the Democratic and Republican parties (no matter which side of the aisle you are on) in our own country, and with the recent wealth gap that was brought into stark visibility during the pandemic … I think it’s the perfect time to put on a musical that asks the questions: When is the right time to stand up for what you believe in? Is the health of a family based on your bank account, or the love and music that you share? Can (or should) we try to love each other for what we have in common while holding space for what we disagree on? What part do the arts play in political and cultural conversations? But I hope most that audiences leave having enjoyed some of their favorite music and perhaps holding each other a little closer during our cold Chicago winters!

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” IS PLAYING NOW THROUGH JAN. 14, 2023!

To Everything

There is a Season

When I was a kid I would listen to my dad’s old record albums - Neil Diamond, The Carpenters, Captain and Tennille, The Byrds….all the greats from the 60’s and 70’s. (I’m dating myself but let’s just say I’m a “seasoned” gardener.) Often, I’m reminded of the lyrics of a song by The Byrds:

Toeverything(turn,turn,turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

Andatimetoeverypurpose,underheaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

Atimetolaugh, a time to weep

Translate it however you wish but for me it reminds me of the garden. I think that we often forget about the four seasons we are blessed with in suburban Chicagoland. We hurry up and rush spring, we jump right into summer, and then all of sudden it’s fall so it’s time to put the garden to bed and think about the holidays. But we can’t forget winter in the garden. It’s a time to observe, to reflect, to remember what the garden gave us the past three seasons – sometimes we laugh…sometimes we weep! Sure, we aren’t outside much flitting about the garden, but do you ever wander the garden after a freshly fallen snow? It’s so peaceful and clean and there is so much to observe. Tracks of the little birds that have visited the seed heads of your coneflower you left untrimmed. The quiet rustle of the grasses held frozen in time by the first frost. Little puffs of snow on the tips of the evergreens. The damage the rabbits have already done…

I love winter in the garden. It gives me time to rest. Time to absorb all of the information thrown at me during the regular growing season (do you know how many NEW hydrangeas are coming out in 2023??? I need a week just to learn their names…). I also love the peacefulness and calm of winter. As my kids get older, we have less responsibilities with them and have more time to ourselves. My husband and I have always taken advantage of winter to catch up on projects, dream up new gardens, and make long wish lists of things we want to do in next year’s growing season (like turn the veggie garden into a perennial border…). I always make a list of things I need him to build – trellises, stakes, supports, and hopefully this year, an arbor for some fragrant honeysuckle for my hummingbird friends. Poor guy is a teacher who never gets a break in winter or the summers off.

Winter also allows me to reflect on how many great people in our community that I have gotten to meet – sharing our love for the outdoors. I thank all of you for including me in your garden planning, sharing your stories of success and gaffes, and for wanting to help our

Seasonlocal ecosystem however you can. Take a moment to enjoy the winter and all it brings. Stop and see us this winter and we’ll get you a cup of coffee and chat about plants!

From my family and the Wasco Nursery family, Happy Holidays!

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Let us gro w them into the gar den of your drea ms.

Honoring FUR-EVER FRIENDS

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos Provided

No matter their size or breed, our pets leave footprints on our hearts that are immeasurable. Their love and loyalty are the inspiration behind the St. Charles Park Foundation’s Dog Memorial at Delnor Woods Park.

Dog owners may honor their pets by hanging tags upon the sculpture Timeless Tags at the Dog Memorial. This scruffy, larger-than-life-size steel sculpture was created by local sculptor Douglas Eageny, who welded steel loops of varying sizes

where pet owners could attach tags in a tribute to their fur-ever friend. The sculpture continues to grow and change as more and more tags are added each season. It is a colorful tribute to the many pets who have shared walks and snuggles with their owners through the years.

“It’s a powerful memorial,” said Jayne Beck, current president of the St. Charles Park Foundation. “Every time I see it, there are more new tags and plaques.”

The vision for the project started with Julie MillerLongo and Vanessa Bell-LaSota, members of the St. Charles Park Foundation, both who had lost their

own treasured pets. Miller-Longo said it’s similar to an idea of people who place locks on a bridge in Paris in a tribute to their love.

The memorial sculpture is open to everyone, and it is free to add a tag. Additionally, the St. Charles Park Foundation invites residents and businesses to purchase a permanent bronze plaque, placed on the sculpture’s pedestal, for a reasonable fee.

The plaques provide name recognition, making it a perfect way for anyone to commemorate the loss of a pet and show their support for this unique tribute.

“St. Charles offers an abundance of beautiful open

space, walking trails and three dog parks perfect for getting some fresh air and exercise,” said Beck. “A lovely, landscaped plaza was designed and installed by the park district’s parks department around the Dog Memorial making it a peaceful, outdoor setting surrounded by nature.”

Timeless Tags was made of mild steel with copper and stainless-steel accents to withstand the elements, while slowly changing hues through the years. The sculptor, Eageny, is a long time St. Charles resident who has shared his work through local exhibits including the annual Sculpture in the Park exhibit.

Beck said the St. Charles Park Foundation is currently seeking new members to join its initiative of supporting the Park District for everyone to enjoy St. Charles parks, facilities, programs and events.

“The foundation is a wonderful way to get involved in the community,” Beck said. ‘We have a lot more we would like to do and we’re revving up for it.”

To learn more about the Park Foundation, visit stcparkfoundation. org. To inquire about the open trustee positions, email parkfoundation@ stcparks.org.

THE LEAVING

Ultimately, she was probably just upset at the prospect of being left out.

But the fact did not mean her question caught her mother and I any less flatfooted, or lessen in any way the laughter we still share when we remember the moment.

It did not lessen, ultimately, the cutting clarity of the question – just maybe not in the way she intended. See, for all of our kids’ relatively brief sojourns in this world, my wife and I have made regular gatherings with friends an essential part of our family life.

We all try to gather for special occasions, of course –birthdays, holidays, other life highlights. But of even more importance are the smaller get togethers.

Camping weekends with friends of a hardier variety, who enjoy dinner and conversations around a fire under the stars, and can tolerate a few days without air conditioning, evenings without the nest-like comfort of their bed at home, and slightly longer walks to a common bathhouse, when nature calls.

For those whose closest approach to camping might be a 2-star hotel, water park resort weekends have proven to be a big splash.

Or on a smaller scale, summer evenings on the patio, with a bit of backyard barbecue and splashing in the pool.

Friday nights with pizza and board games, or perhaps a weekend brunch.

Whatever form it may take, those gatherings have proven invaluable, offering an opportunity to shake off the stress, and to just be, well, *us* again, with people who know and understand *us.*

And the kids have almost always accompanied us on these gatherings, sharing the meal before usually being dispatched to play, watch movies, or hit the pillow for a couple of hours in another room, to allow for grown-up time.

So, you can only imagine the utter shock and laughter,

amid gasps, that erupted with the question.

The exact details of what precipitated the moment remains a bit fuzzy. As I recall, we were having breakfast in our dining room, discussing text messages we had received from another couple, firming up plans for the weekend – plans that, for once, did not include the kids.

In her consternation at the thought of not being allowed to see her friends, my youngest daughter suddenly blurted out, loudly: “Wait, you have friends?! Of your own?!”

After the gasping and laughter died down, we asked her to explain herself.

What followed was the nugget of truth, a completely unintentional sobering slap if ever there was one: “But I thought you lost all your friends when you grow up?”

If only she knew.

Growing up, I knew my parents had friends, of course. I even knew most of their names, and a little about most of them. There was, for instance, the evangelical pastor, who at one time had been a Catholic priest. There was the nurse, who was married to the police officer. There were the Italian couple, with 12 kids, all of whom were more musically talented than us, and could have been the next incarnation of the Partridge Family.

And so on and so forth.

But I probably would have been a bit more prepared for what awaited us in adulthood if I had paid a bit more attention to the departures.

This isn’t really about death, though that is a part of it. Rather, it’s about the *leaving.* It’s about friends who, after years of sharing those weekends, barbecues, game nights, holidays, birthdays, and more, suddenly just vanish. Some advance in their careers and relocate. Others have a falling out with family or others close to them, and suddenly decide a change in scenery is in order. Others decide the time has

arrived to execute a long-schemed plan to exit the region, and head to warmer (and lower tax) climates (he says, circling Florida, Texas and Tennessee on the map on the wall.)

But for others, there isn’t really a good explanation. The connections that once seemed inseverable quietly fray over time, and then disappear altogether, and spiritually, relationally, you both just drift away to very different places, though geographically still the same.

And when next you meet, it is never - can never - be the same, because you are not the same.

Perhaps we are not all that usual, the exception that proves the rule, as they say. But observation and experience say otherwise, I think.

Thankfully, the consternation is softened by a few friendships that never seem to fade, and the understanding that there are always new opportunities to make new connections, to forge new bonds with people who will soon no longer be strangers, to continue to find ways to gather, and make and share memories, as families and as friends.

But as we again recently have bid farewell to more friends, we are constantly reminded that The Leaving never really stops.

And, darn it, if that kid wasn’t wrong, in a way that only a kid can be.

 JonathanBilykwritesabout thetriumphsandtravailsof beingamodern-daydadwho legitimatelyenjoystimewith hisfamily,whiletoleratinga dogthatseemstoadorehim. Healsodoesn’treallylikethe moniker“Superdad”becauseitmakesitsoundlikehe wantstowearhisundergarmentsontheoutsideof hispants.(Also,thecaperemainsonbackorder.)

FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “Pie” by Sarah Weeks

Would you leave a valuable recipe to your pet? “Pie” by Sarah Weeks features one great mystery about a famous pie crust recipe that fell into the paws of a cat … a not-so-nice cat named Lardo. Alice's Aunt Polly is the Pie Queen of Ipswitch. When Polly passes away, it seems that she takes the secret to her world-famous pie crust recipe to her grave. But in fact, Polly leaves the recipe to her large, disagreeable cat — who is left to Alice’s care. Everyone is going pie-crazy with the desire to be the next big pie contest winner. Meanwhile, Alice and Charlie discover that friendship, family and doing things right is the not-so-secret recipe for happiness. “Pie” is funny and enjoyable all the way through. The characters are lovable, and it is a quick read for ages 8-12. It may also leave you wanting to bake a pie!

— Lexy Rodriguez, librarian

FOR OUR READERS: "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee

A tale of sacrifice, resilience, feminism, love, integrity, loyalty and honor, "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee is an epic, passionate story that will keep you captivated. The novel begins with Sunja, a young woman born in a Korean seaside village to parents who adored her. As a teenager, she fell in love and conceived a child with a wealthy stranger — whom she later learned is a powerful but married businessman. After he learns Sunja is pregnant, the man offers to keep her as his mistress, but Sunja refuses to be bought. To save her honor, she gladly accepts an offer of marriage from a young minister on his way to Japan. This book, detailing the lives inside the tenements, in the street markets and in the pachinko gambling houses, provides an educational experience that rivals any history class on the subject. This historical fiction page-turner is one of the most compelling books I've read in the past year. “Pachinko” was also a National Book Award Finalist.

— Mary Foster, library associate