KCC_ KC Magazine June 2022

COVER PHOTO

Batavia’s moment on the front of The Saturday Evening Post Page 10

 JUNE 2022

EXPANSION OF OBSCURITY

Mead and cider shine at second (dog-friendly!)

Elburn location Page 26

Fantastic Fox Celebrating the focal point of Kane County, starting on page 8

Community oriented.

Community minded. Community answers.

community bank.

St. Charles 10 Illinois Street | (630) 549-7065 | www.sterbank.bank

Your Future Is with Us! SM-CL1982080

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Editorʼs

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

Good things come to those who wait — and if that holds true, then we are in for an amazing summer in Kane County.

Even as I write this in early May, the weather has not completely turned yet; I’m still regularly donning a winter coat before stepping outside. We have clearly waited … now it’s time for those promised good things. A warm day full of sunshine is at the top of my wish list!

June is traditionally our outdoors & recreation issue, and this year focuses on the Fox River. The river occupies a spot near the top of my favorite things about Kane County; I love its accessibility, the wildlife, the spectacular views and the riverfront dining and drinking. Read about the upcoming Blues on the Fox music festival in Aurora on P. 9, and revisit the history of Fox River dams on P. 16.

Earlier this year, I noticed a handful of Batavia organizations posting about a riveroriented painting that appeared on the cover

of The Saturday Evening Post in the 1950s.

Jonathan Bilyk found the story behind the painting and wrote about it on P. 10. The resulting story is definitely worth your time.

As we emerge from a long, long winter, I hope you take advantage of all the joys that a summer in Kane County contains. Whether you’re headed outside to garden, splash around at a water park, bike along the Fox River Trail or just soak up the sunshine, I hope you take that time for yourself. Cheers to the best season and the best place to celebrate it!

Thank you, as always, for reading, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen this June!

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

COVER

Celebrate summer's arrival on or near the Fox River; read more on P. 8. Cover photo by James Cardis; "on the cover" photo by Both/ And Pictures and provided by the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Next month: Nothing says July like grilling and fresh, local produce. Don’t miss the vintage & Americana issue!

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2022

EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com 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 Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Patti MacMillan, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Louise Treeny and Kelley White.

This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

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

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INSIDE

Whatʼs

OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER

FAMILY IN FOCUS

8 CALENDAR From the Fox River Arts Ramble to live entertainment, here’s what’s happening in Kane County

29 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in June

10 COVER PHOTO Remembering Batavia’s moment on the front of The Saturday Evening Post 12 SPLASH DOWN Explore these 5 local pools and water parks for tons of summer fun 15 A STAYCATION ON THE FOX RIVER Mill Race Cyclery offers kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more for rental 16 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Upcoming exhibit explores the Fox River’s role in shaping towns 18 VENTURE OUT ON THE TRAIL The Elgin Convention & Visitors Bureau has ideas for an outdoor adventure 20 LIFE IS BETTER ON THE WATER From kayak fishing to paddleboard yoga, here’s what to try this summer

DINING & ENTERTAINING 22 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick grabs breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe 26 THE EXPANSION OF OBSCURITY The brand is “breaking down some barriers” with mead, now available at second Elburn location

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30 SEASON OF HONOR Superdad’s observations on senioritis and Father’s Day

HOME & LIFESTYLE 32 GREEN CARPET Wasco Nursery’s advice on lowering garden maintenance with groundcovers

ART & FASHION 34 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Marta Myers creates down-to-earth images using the acrylic pour method 36 PRETTY AS A PICTURE A local photographer captures the essence of summer with these sunny images 39 DREAM TEAM Behind the success of Addelise design studio, you’ll find two women prioritizing custom experiences and their families

BUSINESS & CIVIC 40 THE MONEY TALK Tom McCartney on the importance of discussing finances before marriage 42 PRESERVING WIDE-OPEN BEAUTY How Campton Township Open Space Foundation promotes conservation

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Dundee • Crystal Lake • McHenry • South Elgin

calendar

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Have you been to the Batavia Boardwalk Shops yet? They’re open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18.

Today is a big day — it’s Father’s Day and Juneteenth!

Celebrate the dads in your life and take time to read about the meaning of Juneteenth.

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It’s national chocolate ice cream day, and you don’t have to tell us twice. Head to your favorite local ice cream parlor to honor the day!

Today is Flag Day, which marks the adoption of the U.S. flag back in 1777.

Do you know how to play “The StarSpangled Banner” on an instrument?

June marks Pride Month in the U.S.!

Spend some time learning about LGBTQ history this month.

St. Charles Business Alliance hosts STC Live: free music hosted Wednesdays and Saturdays all summer.

It’s Swedish Days in Geneva! See live entertainment and enjoy tons of great local food and drinks.

Take a bike ride or walk along the Fox River Trail, and consider stopping in one of the Tri-Cities for a coffee or meal after.

Catch Blues on the Fox in Aurora, complete with riverfront views and headliners with star power.

It’s take your dog to work day … consider heading to “Yappy Hour” after. Learn more on P. 26.

SWEDISH DAYS IN GENEVA!

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Compiled by Hannah Hoffmeister

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From the Fox River Arts Ramble to live entertainment, here’s what’s happening in Kane County

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Head to a performance of “Hand to God,” part of Copley Theatre’s “BOLD Series.” The shows on this day start at 1:30 and 7 p.m.

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Grab your tennis shoes and head to the Bridge Walk & 5K, with proceeds supporting the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center.

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Catch the Fox River Arts Ramble from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., held at four major arts organizations in the Tri-Cities.

Visit the Local Love Market at Weathered Ways Farm, 39W270 Keslinger Road in Geneva, to support local and grab fresh produce.

SINGING A BLUE STREAK

Blues on the Fox returns June 17 and 18

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by RiverEdge Park; Billy Branch photo taken by Roman Sobus; Kenny Wayne Shepherd photo taken by Greg Logan

L

istening to the blues is more than music. It’s an experience.

After a pause for the past two years, excitement is brewing for the return of Blues on the Fox at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, scheduled for June 17 and 18.

“These are some of the greatest blues musicians,” says Jim Jarvis, vice president of programming and sales for RiverEdge Park, Paramount Theatre and Copley Theatre.

Jarvis booked these acts more than three years ago, and nearly every act was able to remain on the lineup — including legendary performers.

Friday opens with Shemekia Copeland, who is referred to as the “Queen of the Blues,” followed by headliner Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

“To hear Shepherd shred on guitar is an amazing experience and I couldn’t ask for a cooler way to open,” Jarvis says.

Saturday features Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy, who, at 85, still lights up the stage when he performs. Other featured performers include Billy Branch, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers, and Melody Angel.

“I feel this is one of our strongest lineups,” Jarvis notes.

Bringing together blues legends of the past and present on one stage is fitting for the city of Aurora, which has a unique role in the history of blues, Jarvis explains. In 1937-38, more than 300 blues songs were recorded by a number of artists in the top floor of what was known as the Sky Club of Aurora’s Leland Tower.

Marking its 24th year of the Blues on the Fox, the event draws music lovers from near and far to take in the music and great atmosphere of the outdoor concert venue — where even kayakers along the Fox River stop to take in a song or two before paddling on, Jarvis says.

New this year is a collaboration with the city to highlight recent renovations of Wilder Park with Saturday’s “Party on the Promenade.” The family-friendly event features activities for all ages, music and great food vendors, including local businesses cooking up barbecue, Mexican and Indian food and much more for the crowds to enjoy.

Party on the Promenade is free, open to all. Those with tickets to Blues on the Fox will have access to the new pedestrian bridge, visiting the Wilder Park activities throughout the day.

The renovations to Wilder Park are one element of the reinvention of downtown Aurora, which has welcomed new restaurants, retail and service businesses to add to a cool and refreshed vibe.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this,” Jarvis says.

 LEARN MORE AT WWW.PARAMOUNTAURORA.COM! OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

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Photo Cover

Remembering Batavia’s moment on the front of The Saturday Evening Post, starring the Fox River

By Jonathan Bilyk | “Fox River Skating” image provided by Batavia Park District

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s Dave Brown tells it, not everyone believed Batavia could revive that iconic moment from long ago, frozen in time.

The doubt primarily grew out of skepticism that the ice on the body of water now known as Depot Pond could still freeze solid enough, says Brown, a 67-year-old lifelong Batavian and former alderman.

“They said, ‘Oh, it doesn’t get that cold much anymore,” Brown says. “But as it turned out, we had some of the coldest weather we’d had in a long time that weekend.

“And the people loved it.”

Sixty years earlier, in a bit of serendipity, that pond — at that time, a small channel of the Fox River — had placed Batavia on the map of America’s consciousness in a way it perhaps hasn’t been since.

In 1957, one of America’s most beloved illustrators, John Philip Falter, found himself in Batavia in the middle of winter, traveling once more to the Windmill City to visit his sister.

For decades, Falter had garnered steady work, if not fame, creating illustrations for magazines, advertisements and posters throughout the country as he moved about from his native Nebraska, to New York,

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Kansas City, California and Philadelphia, and other points in between.

In 1943, however, Falter’s work was catapulted across the country as he began a longstanding stint as a cover illustrator for The Saturday Evening Post magazine. In all, Falter painted 129 covers, usually in the style of the Post’s most prominent illustrator, Norman Rockwell, giving Americans a fresh, often romantic glimpse into the scenes of their everyday lives.

On a cold winter day along the Fox River, Falter found inspiration in the scene of dozens of Batavians out enjoying an afternoon skate on the ice-covered inlet of the Fox River. According to published accounts, Falter said “that by the time he had finished painting all those portraits he had a sore wrist.”

One year later, in January 1958, the oil painting Falter created that clear, cold day — which he dubbed “Fox River Skating” — landed on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, putting his idyllic image before millions of readers.

for decades since. The original painting was acquired from Falter by the Batavia Woman’s Club in 1962, and has been reproduced countless times since. Most recently, it was acquired by the Batavia Public Library to be reproduced as an 80-inch-by-66-inch canvas mural, now mounted as part of the library’s permanent art collection in the northeast reading area in the upper level.

Copies of the cover are peppered throughout Batavia.

Mounted prints and copies can be found at Batavia City Hall, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the offices of Batavia MainStreet, and in various private homes and businesses — just about anywhere Batavia civic pride shines.

Both Brown and fellow lifelong Batavia booster Bob Hansen, owner of Funway, say they have copies of their own.

Hansen notes some Batavia residents have passed down family stories of relatives being among those painted by Falter that day in 1957.

It was an honor not afforded to most small towns anywhere, notes Brown.

“It was quite the thing, back in the day,” Hansen says.

“And in some ways, it still is.”

“For Batavia to make the cover, it was a big deal,” he says.

Batavia’s biggest celebration of the work, however, came in 2018 for the 60th anniversary of the painting’s publication.

While the illustration didn’t necessarily change the community, it has served as a source of local civic pride

To mark the occasion, Hansen and Brown helped

organize an event touted as a way to, in some ways, re-create the scene Falter had captured decades earlier, this time against the backdrop of the Riverwalk, museum and other public amenities that in more recent years have been developed around Depot Pond, to cement the location in many ways as the heart of the Batavia community.

The event was brought to life by a host of community organizations and volunteers, all willing to pitch in to

connect modern Batavia to this past moment of fame.

And the community bought in, with perhaps as many as 500 people turning out throughout Jan. 6, 2018, to slice and swizzle their way around the pond.

“The weather really cooperated,” says Brown. “It was cold, but crisp and bright sunshine. And people really got into it, too, trying to duplicate the scene.”

Brown and Hansen note some “old-timers” showed up in long coats and scarves and fedora hats, while

some parents pulled their kids around on the ice on sleds, and others simply tried to re-create the images they could see at the painting on display in the Batavia Depot Museum.

“It was a great day, filled with great memories, old and new,” says Brown.

And that, he says, is what has made Falter’s simple painting of that wintry scene so long ago, so powerful and profound, for so many in Batavia, for so long.

See images of all Saturday Evening Post magazine covers painted by John Philip Falter at www.johnphilipfaltermuseum.com.

OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

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N W O D SPLA SH s for tons of summer fun! rk pa er at w d an s ol po l ca Explore these 5 lo t, ed by Batavia Park Distric tos provid

By Patti MacMillan | Pho Park District ley Val Fox and in Elg of city

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Cykel Cycles is your Fox Valley bike shop for maintenance, and service dedicated to keeping your bike in top riding shape.

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 HALL QUARRY BEACH 400 S. Water St., Batavia 630-879-5235 www.bataviaparks.org This beach scene has it all, from slides — including one in which thrill-seekers free-fall into the water below — to a sandy beach perfect for castles, moats and lively games of volleyball. When hunger strikes, swimmers can sidle up to the concession stand or take advantage of a spacious picnic area. Outside food is welcome. Daily admission is $10 for Batavia residents and $13 for nonresidents. Twilight swim is $4 for residents and $6 for nonresidents.  MOORE PARK SPRAYGROUND 877 Geneva Drive, Geneva 630-232-4542 www.genevaparks.org Water comes from any and all directions at this free spot. Fountains

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Summer Art Camp Program bubble, mounted cannons spray and jets of water soak those who scurry through a series of giant colorful rings.

Enclosed by gates, the spray ground sits adjacent to a playground for some nonaquatic fun while a small pavilion provides shade for those catching their breath or a bite to eat at the picnic tables.  OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK 3615 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles 630-513-4377 www.ottercove.org Options abound at Otter Cove. A zero-depth activity pool, splash park and small frog-themed slide appeal to a younger set while slides that allow swimmers to race side-by-side or atop inner tubes are geared to those older and more adventurous. Diving boards and a sandy play area add to the enjoyment while a lazy river and covered cabanas offer a little rest and relaxation. Visitors can bring a

June 1st thru August 12th

Classes - Mon., Wed. & Fri. 1 - 3pm Featuring a Different Painting Each Day! Open Studio - Tues. - Thurs. from 11am - 3pm

Receive 25% off by signing- up for multiple days each week!

Register by day at:

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QUESTIONS? CALL 630.338.0278

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LOCATION: 3823 E MAIN ST, ST. CHARLES, IL 60174 OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

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picnic lunch or purchase from the park’s concession area.

Daily admission is $11 for St. Charles residents and $16 for nonresidents. Twilight swim is $7 for both residents and nonresidents.  SPLASH COUNTRY WATER PARK 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora 630-906-7981 www.splashcountry.info A stately red barn welcomes visitors to Splash Country, which boasts Illinois’ secondlargest lazy river at 1,100 feet.

The space includes a six-lane zero-depth pool and interactive features such as spray guns and a waterfall make for splashy shenanigans in an area for those

under 4 feet. Bigger slides, a sand play area and regulation sand volleyball courts round out the fun. Throughout the summer, Splash Country hosts special events, like a cardboard regatta, and theme days such as Christmas in July. More information about special days can be found online. Outside food is allowed. Admission is $8 ($9 on weekends) for Aurora residents and $12 ($13 on weekends) for nonresidents.

Children under 2 are free.  WING PARK FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER 1030 Wing St., Elgin 847-289-2542 www.cityofelgin.org At this summer destination,

little kids can climb aboard a small shipwrecked boat slide complete with faux palm trees and frolic in a water play area featuring tipping buckets, waterfalls, a tunnel and flume slide. Also welcoming visitors is a large zero-depth entry leisure pool, two larger slides and a 25-yard lap pool. Additionally, the center features a sand volleyball court, concession stand and an abundance of open, grassy space. Outside food is not permitted, though guests are welcome to picnic in Wing Park (the aquatic center is part of the larger park complex) and then reenter the facility. Daily admission is $8 for Elgin residents and $10 for nonresidents. Senior rates are $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents.

We Know FUN! Come in and Rent Electric Bikes, Kayaks & Stand Up Paddle Boards

Mill Race Cyclery, Geneva, IL www. MillRace.com (630) 232-2833

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STAYCATION ON THE

H

Fox River

By Bruce Heidlauf, Mill Race Cyclery

corner of State Street and Route 25. Renters from the shop enter the Fox above the dam on the east side of the river. This section of the river allows kayakers to paddle upstream to St. Charles and picnic at Mt. St. Mary’s Park or grab an ice cream before returning back downstream to Geneva. After your excursion, it is very popular to stroll into town to grab lunch, chocolate or a drink.

ow far would you drive to get away from the hassle of everyday life to kayak on a sparkling river, with great blue heron flying overhead, a random beaver sighting and adorable restaurants nearby? You don’t have to go far. Where, you ask? The Fox River, of course!

The Fox River is friendly and inviting for a large demographic of people. It works well for family outings, church groups and even an outdoor date.

Beginner-style kayaks don’t tip easily and do not require a lot of instruction on how to use them. You simply strap on your life jacket and go.

Below are some of our favorite places to launch a kayak or canoe, right here in the Fox River Valley.

John Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin is a great place to start. It has parking, bathrooms and features a quiet wooded setting, perfect for a picnic with space for the kids to run around and play. It’s undoubtedly one of the prettiest parts of the river in

this area, with a boat launch that’s easy to manage.

The 5-mile scenic drift downstream takes you to Ferson Creek Park in St. Charles. This park also has a nice amount of parking, restrooms and picnic tables.

Beware: On the weekends, this stretch of river is also popular with motorboats.

If you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, you can rent one from Mill Race Cyclery (www.MillRace.com), located in Geneva on the

For a little more adventure, kayakers can depart from below the dam in Geneva and travel under a handful of bridges to the quaint town of Batavia. There is an easy portage (carrying your kayak) around the dam to complete the 6-mile trip to North Aurora Island Park. In this case, a shuttle is required to get back upstream to Geneva.

Whether it is kayaking, paddleboarding or biking, the Fox River provides plenty of opportunity to get away from it all and take an afternoon vacation. Explore the beautiful area of the Tri-Cities from the water for a whole new perspective. Stop in and see us!

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LOCATION, LOC

location W

hen looking for a place to settle a new town in the 1800s, James Gifford knew the location of his town needed a water source to grow and thrive. He drew a line on a map between the up-and-coming cities of Galena and Chicago, and where he landed halfway near a river is where what is now today Elgin was built, explains Rebecca Miller, museum educator at the Elgin History Museum.

Later this month, the museum, in partnership with Friends of the Fox River and the Elgin Public Museum, will be debuting an exhibit about the role of dams along the Fox River and how people altered the river to influence life along these riverfront communities.

“The early settlers built dams as a power source for the saw and flour mills, which were drivers of the economy in the 1800s,”

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explains Elizabeth Marston, executive director of the Elgin History Museum.

Many towns didn’t make it during this time in history. The ones that did have the common thread of access to water, Miller notes. “Gifford wanted the Fox River to be the center of town with farming on the west side and community on the east side,” she says.

Miller notes many towns have the Fox River running through it. Some towns have different names on each side of the river, like East and West Dundee, while other towns kept the same name on both sides of the river, like Aurora and St. Charles.

Water not only helped drive a town’s economy but also provided a resource for drinking and sewage. The exhibit will look at how communities invested in water filtration systems and eventually cleaned up rivers after they became polluted during the industrial age of the 1880s and ’90s.

Welcome Summer’s Return With Geneva Park District!

Top 10 Ways to Live Your BestLife This Summer:

1

OCATION, Upcoming exhibit explores the Fox River’s role in shaping towns

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Elgin History Museum

Adds Marston: “If we didn’t have water treatment plants, we wouldn’t have had development and been allowed to grow.”

Looking toward the future of the river, there are ongoing debates about whether dams should remain a part of the Fox River. Some groups want to remove them to improve the ecosystem for fish and insects as well as remove any threats for boats getting caught, Marston says.

On the flip side, if the dams are removed, thing to consider include the impact on the city’s water levels

and filtration systems. There’s also concerns about the river staying deep enough for boats and whether lower water levels would impact bridge supports, she adds.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Returni ng to River Park!

Spread your wings Peck Farm Butterfly House Explore 70+ miles of trails bike, walk, or run Make a splash Flick n’ Float & Hawaiian-themed luau Swing over to mini-golf Stone Creek open daily

ng Returni t e to Suns Pool!

Stars under the stars movies in Moore Park Hit the gym 2 BestLife Fitness Center locations

Volunteer many opportunities available!

Audition or see a production at Playhouse 38

“We want to include both perspectives in the exhibit and educate people about the pros and cons of dam removal,” Marston says.

In addition to dams, the exhibit will explore how bridges connected communities and why people built human-made islands such as Walton Island near the Kimball Street bridge in Elgin.

“People try to control the water, but the river has a life of its own. You still see it today with flooding and drought,” Marston says.

Visit our website to learn more about these and MANY more programs, resources, and events at Geneva Park District!

www.GenevaParks.org

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.elginhistory.org.

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“We come from a rural world where farmers would dump waste and cover it up. In an urban world, we can’t do that. That’s when we saw a shift in awareness to keep our groundwater clean,” Miller says.

Tune in by the river concerts in the park Host a birthday party multiple locations

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t u o e r u t n e V on the l i a r T E xploring open spaces is a great way to exercise and has so many mental and physical benefits. Treat yourself to a weekend away in the outdoors this year. We’ve made it easy! The planning and researching are already done — now it’s time to venture out.

The portion of the Fox River Trail that runs through the Elgin area is full of things to do. It runs beside the scenic Fox River, alongside historic railroad lines, crossing six bridges and passing through nature preserves and charming towns. Riders can park for free and get on the trail in many locations including downtown Elgin by Festival Park or Gail Borden Public Library, South Elgin by the new Panton Mill Park or East Dundee’s Depot. If you would like to rent a bicycle, we recommend Main Street Bicycles in Carpentersville.

The Fox River Trail is also very popular for kayaking and canoeing, especially during the summer. We recommend renting equipment through Kayak Myak.

Check out www.ExploreElginArea.com for a list of routes recommended by the experts for all different experience levels. Going out on an organized trip is best for beginners and groups.

For the sportier visitor, you’ll want to know about all first-rate public fishing spots situated along the Fox River, which is popular for catching bass, catfish and walleye. And, of course, there are plenty of tackle shops to hook you up with the right gear. Local spots along the river in South Elgin, Carpentersville and West Dundee have become legendary among anglers for record-breaking walleye and smallmouth bass.

Plan a three-day staycation in the Elgin area focused on getting outdoors at www. exploreelginarea.com/escape-into-nature.

 Whatever you decide to do in the Elgin Area, we recommend starting with a trip to www.ExploreElginArea.com. Check out the events section for all area events happening this summer!

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ention & Visitors Burea By the Elgin Area Conv

Explore th the h Elgin l Area This Spring while enjoying the Fox River Trail

Family Fun

Gail Borden Library SEBA Park Escapade360

Arts & Culture

Elgin History Museum Public Arts Tour Live Music

Local Dining & Refrсhing Drinks

Black and Gray Brewing Bleuroot Farmers Market

Architecture

Painted Lady Homes Self Guided Tours Sears Homes

Plan your next adventure on and off the Fox River Trail at www.ExploreElginArea.com and share your photos with us by using our hashtag on social media.

#ExploreElgin OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

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Life is better

!RET AW

ON THE

From kayak fishing to paddleboard yoga, here’s what to try this summer

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

S

t. Charles Park District is making a splash with many Fox River adventure opportunities, offering unique experiences in the heart of downtown St. Charles. Partnering with local businesses, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and fitness are new programs available to all ages.

“Using the Fox River for safe, recreation activities is unique to St. Charles and a bonus for the park district since many of our parks are located along the river,” says Sabrina Hunley, recreation supervisor.

The District provides nine parks with either ponds or river access to enjoy this fun-for-all sport, though State licensing and

20

OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

regulations apply in all waterways.

All anglers, from amateur to expert, especially enjoy fishing on the Fox as there are plenty of fish to find — bluegill, catfish, walleye, muskie and smallmouth bass, to name a few.

In the Basics of Fishing class, all ages will learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, cast, set the drag and reel

it in as well as unhook and release a fish. Each week, participants will target a different species of fish as they like specific bait and water depths. All equipment is provided. Ages 6 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Chi-Yak Adventures owner Eric Stark spends his summers teaching all

ages his love of fishing. “Fishing is my mental sanity,” says Stark. “You can’t beat being able to be out on the water.”

As a middle school teacher and coach for Glenbard North High School fishing teams, Stark has much experience providing instruction to get everyone hooked

Cruise the Scenic Fox River

PUBLIC CRUISE TICKETS available online at stcriverboats.com and inside Pottawatomie Community Center

M-F Ages 16+ $11 Ages 3-15 $9 Ages 2 & under FREE

Public Cruise Departure Times

May, September and October from Pottawatomie Park Saturday & Sunday: 8 North Ave. • St. Charles 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3pm For holiday hours, refer to the website.

SaSu & Holidays $12 $10 FREE June, July & August Tuesday-Friday: 1:30pm Saturday & Sunday: 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3pm

Ages 10 & under must be accompanied by a person, age 16+, at the ratio of 1 adult per 2 children. The safety of passengers is of utmost importance to the St. Charles Park District. The captain reserves the right to cancel a cruise at any time, especially during inclement weather.

on the sport. One of his favorite ways to fish is kayak fishing. He’s developed a program for teens to get them outside and away from their screens.

“Being able to move away from the congestion (along the) shore is very rewarding. It’s very scenic with cool downtown spots that are fish magnets,” Stark says.

The goal after a four-hour class is for students to be comfortable enough to stand and cast their line as they try to reel in some big catches.

More reasons to paddle down the river this summer include a variety of classes for ages 15+. Explore the basics of kayaking with Rocktown Adventures of Rockford as their staff offers an introductory class with land and water practice.

“If your schedule allows, consider the evening class to catch the amazing sunset views as you paddle down the river,” Hunley advises.

Exercise isn't limited to kayaks as the instructors from the river as the instructor from Asanas & More Yoga leads a new class called Paddleboard Yoga. Challenge your strength and balance while performing yoga moves on a paddleboard in the river. As the class description notes, participants will get wet. Hunley says it’s the perfect class for a group of friends, even family members to get together and have some laughs, splashes and a great workout.

Those looking to burn calories while they kayak should check out Kayaking for Fitness, led by instructors from the St. Charles Canoe Club. This multiweek class provides basics of using a kayak with a focus on health and fitness benefits. It’s a great way to change up the cardio routine and enjoy the beauty of nature along the river. No prior kayaking skills are needed, and all equipment is provided.

If you own a kayak or canoe, bring it out on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m., now to October, to meet and hang out with fellow water enthusiasts while the St. Charles Canoe Club hosts a drop-in Fitness Paddling Practice, launching from Ferson Creek Park. Whether seeking a vigorous workout or just some time to paddle and relax, there’s something for every ability level. It’s a great way to see some of St. Charles’ amazing purple, pink and orange sunsets.

Not interested in a class, but still want to explore the Fox River? River View Miniature Golf Course in Pottawatomie Park rents kayaks and pedal boats all summer long from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The per-hour fee for kayaks is $15 and for pedal boats is $19. Both include lifejackets, paddles and boat. On Wednesdays, take advantage of the putt and save special’s $5 discount per hour. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult, age 18+. For more details, visit www. riverviewminigolf.org.

630-584-2334 • stcriverboats.com

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OUTDOORS & FOX RIVER JUNE 2022

21

WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

W

ith the new season upon us, it is time to dine out as much as we can to support the restaurants who have struggled the past few years. With care and extra precautions, we can keep this up hopefully for the duration of summer. Let’s support local restaurants twice a week if you can!

I ventured out to the wonderful breakfast/lunch eatery called Egg Harbor Cafe in Geneva. With tasteful decor and vibe that makes you feel relaxed and light, you can dine on these amazing choices, of which there are many.

I first went for the Bacado Omelette. I mean, seriously! The name itself — a combination of bacon and avocado. Who doesn’t love bacon!? And avocado is

 Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva.

Connect with him at www.mullickmd. com or by phone at 630-232-2025.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

creamy and smooth like butter, but with the good fat. This is topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions. It is served with housemade salsa. If you do it with did, you cut the calories and still get all the righteous taste!

And for a little carbs — yes, who doesn’t love some of those!? — Sam’s Swedish Pancakes. We are in Geneva after all! Home of the Swedish Days. These pancakes are topped with a lingonberry butter sauce and some lingonberries.

Mmm, delicious. Now I just had a third of the dish and shared with some others to keep my waistline trim. But these over-thetop pancakes take you right to Sweden!

TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

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Ask the doctor

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: What is NASH? A: NASH is Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. This is a liver disease

where the fat deposits in the liver and turns to scar over time, causing liver cirrhosis. It is truly a rising concern in the world now. If you are concerned, get screened with some liver tests; if elevated, then go to the gastroenterologist. We help several with that problem.

Q: Do you offer telehealth? Many practices 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 you can choose locations away from hospitals. 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.

Q: Does colorectal cancer screening work?

A: Yes, the data suggest that the effects of proper screening

and surveillance work well. The key is to get it done and with appropriate follow-up. Don't neglect. And if you have family history, start at 45. And if you have any symptoms, then prior.

Q: Has the screening age of colonoscopy for cancer changed to 45?

A: Yes, recently a study was done that demonstrated a significant increase in colon cancer for current 27-year-olds compared to a 27-year-old from 40 years ago. This prompted the change of the guidelines for men and women to get screened with a colonoscopy at age 45 rather than 50.

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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

IF YOU DO BREAST CANCER SCREENING, GET COLON CANCER SCREENING. It affects men and women BOTH and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. It is VERY important to get this screening done - colon cancer is beatable and treatable if caught early enough through colon screening.

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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.

SAVE YOUR LIFE! TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Get colon cancer screening. Beatable, Treatable, Preventable in most situations.

S. from Geneva. “I am glad I had my colonoscopy done at the American Colonoscopy and Endoscopy center. I had some polyps removed and that will likely prevent a cancer.

The facility was wonderful and it saved me money.”

LET’S BEAT IT! 630-232-2025.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

23

ANSWERS: Baseball, Fatty, Colonoscopy, Telehealth, Summer

Stockholm's 306 W. STATE ST., GENEVA 630-208-7070 | WWW.STOCKHOLMSBREWPUB.COM Out back and tucked in a nook with the neighboring building, protected by a high fence and covered with a shade sail, Stockholm’s patio is a little intimate dining gem.

Voted the Western Suburbs' best neighborhood tavern by the readers of both the Kane County Chronicle and West Suburban Living Magazine, Stockholm’s is known for its expansive menu of freshly prepared meals using only the highest quality ingredients. You can also enjoy its handcrafted beers, brewed in an Old World tradition, naturally conditioned and unfiltered, from the Tri-Cities' oldest brewery.

Village Squire

480 RANDALL ROAD, SOUTH ELGIN | 847-931-0400 125 WASHINGTON ST., WEST DUNDEE | 847-428-4483 WWW.VILLAGESQUIRE.COM Village Squire Restaurants have been part of the Fox Valley since 1974, family owned and operated. The Squire is an English pub style casual dining restaurant featuring live music Wednesdays through Sundays and a cozy atmosphere with a great outdoor patio featuring two fireplaces for enjoyment in the warm weather months.

Some of their specialties include BBQ babyback ribs that fall of the bone, charbroiled steaks, juicy prime rib and a wide variety of gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, pizzas, pasta and fresh fish. Famous for their house drinks, Mai Tais and Rum Barrels are made in house and are an all time favorite. For a casual drink or dinner, Village Squire is a great place to be!

Chime & Stave

40W188 CAMPTON CROSSINGS DRIVE, CAMPTON HILLS 630-549-6537 | WWW.CHIMEANDSTAVE.COM Discover Chime & Stave, a "hidden gem" of sorts, in Campton Hills near the Fox River Trail. Featuring artisan inspired meals made from the freshest ingredients with Mediterranean influences. We offer a first-class wine list, handcrafted cocktails and a large selection of whiskey and bourbon. Enjoy our Happy Hour Wednesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. in the bar area and on the patio.

Looking for the perfect spot to host a private event? Celebrate life's milestone moments with us! Bridal and baby showers, birthdays, retirements, anniversary parties and more! We are here to help you plan every detail. For inquiries, contact carol@chimeandstave.com.

24

DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

WindMill Grille & Pizzeria

90 N. ISLAND AVE., BATAVIA 630-326-9717 | WWW.WINDMILLGRILLEPEIZZERIA.COM Ready for your next delicious meal? Safely enjoy outdoor and indoor dining at WindMill Grille & Pizzeria. Voted Best New Restaurant in Kane County! Open for lunch and dinner. Family owned and operated!

Ready to ride?

Looking for local bike trails?

Find the 2022 Fox River Trail Guide at local park districts and most retail locations noted below.

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ST. CHARLES • ELGIN • HOFFMAN ESTATES • HUNTLEY • ROSELLE

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Your adventure starts at www.wherefunbegins.org

DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

25

F O N O I S N THE EXPA

Y T I R U C S OB The brand is “breaking down some barriers” with mead, now available at second Elburn location

By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Obscurity Mead Hall and Cidery

26

DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

Y

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L

egend holds that mead endures among the world’s oldest fermented beverages, dating to centuries before humanity pondered such questions as “To be, or not to be?”

Perhaps in the spirit of Shakespeare, Illinois Crafted created another conversational conundrum with the recent opening of Obscurity Mead Hall and Cidery at 21 S. Main St. in Elburn: Can something still be considered obscure if there’s a venue of a similar name down the street?

Indeed, the mead hall and cidery is a cousin to Illinois Crafted’s nearby Obscurity Brewing & Craft Mead, 113 W. North St., albeit a designedly distant one. Illinois Crafted director Nicole Bergner and managing partner Luke Goucher say a majority of Obscurity’s mead — a blend of water, honey, malt and yeast — is available at the mead hall, while 90% of the beer is exclusive to the brewery.

In another nod to Billy S., what’s in a name?

“There’s definitely a little bit of overlap,” Bergner says, “but we do try and keep them unique, as well.”

Obscurity brass believes patrons will find the mead hall and cidery, which occupies a smaller space

than the brewery, to be more laidback and intimate. The taproom is situated among the fermenters and production tanks, and the establishment does not serve food, although visitors can bring their own or order menu items from the brewery, which specializes in barbecue.

The mead hall and cidery is dogfriendly. On Sunday afternoons there, you’ll find “Yappy Hour,” featuring activities catered to drinkers and their dogs.

Bergner says because the establishment carries a winery license, ergo prohibiting hard liquor, staff must “get fairly creative on the bartending/mixology side.” Obscurity uses handcrafted syrups and fresh juices with other ingredients to make cocktails and mocktails to augment the cider and mead.

“There’s not a ton of cideries in Illinois, there’s not a ton of meaderies, so it gives people an opportunity to come out and experience something a little different than the traditional brewery and beer setting,” Goucher says.

So it goes with a certain featured drink.

“The cool thing about mead, too, is DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

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Sweeten Someone’s Day a lot of people have tried a mead and say, ‘Well, I don’t like it.’ And that’s like trying that beer in your dad’s fridge and saying, ‘I don’t like beer,’ and then kind of quitting on it,” Goucher says.

“Just like beer has evolved with a wide range of flavor profiles — from sweet to sour, hoppy, citrusy, hazy, clear — mead is the same way.

“It has all those same complexities that you can do with it, and I think that’s really the exciting part, is there’s always something new coming out. And we’re breaking down some barriers.”

Other Illinois Crafted holdings include Lodi Tap House in Utica and Maple Park, Soul Loco coffee shop in Maple Park, and Pizza Beer Whiskey, a restaurant set to open in downtown Sycamore “around June 1,” Goucher predicted at press time.

Located near Noodles & Co. RMCFGeneva.com

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DINING & ENTERTAINING JUNE 2022

SM-CL1983111

Illinois Crafted also recently purchased property at the southwest corner of Routes 64 and 47 in Lily Lake, Goucher says. The group plans to redevelop the location with The Hot Dog Inn, a spot for “dressed up, exciting hot dogs” and more, as well

as DeathXDonuts (pronounced “Death

by Donuts”), which will feature a reimagined spin on donuts and serve Soul Loco coffee.

“It’s not a problem trying to stay busy,” Goucher says. “I don’t like idle time.”

He hopes the same outlook applies to Obscurity customers, who now have a new spot for kicking back just a stone’s throw from another.  OBSCURITY MEAD HALL & CIDERY 21 S. Main St., Elburn www.drinkobscurity.com

Grab a Enjoy a picnic along the Fox River — complete with a new book! Here are two recommendations for your June reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: "The Boys in the Back Row" by Mike Jung

 FOR OUR READERS: "A Study in Scarlet Women" by Sherry Thomas

What do you do if your best friend in the world is going to move away? Plan one last grand adventure, of course!

"The Boys in the Back Row" by Mike Jung provides plenty of hijinks as it celebrates the friendship between two boys who genuinely care about each other. Matt and Eric have been best friends since fourth grade, and then they learn that Eric is going to move away at the end of sixth grade. They can’t imagine a life without each other.

They decide they have to go out in style and plan an epic adventure that will commemorate their friendship.

During an upcoming marching band competition, they will sneak away to a nearby comic book convention and meet their idol! While there are plenty of escapades to enjoy, the core of the story is all about the beauty of Matt and Eric's friendship. The two boys are proud nerds who share a great love for comics, band, orchestra and each other. The book does confront some of the challenges these boys face in middle school, including racism, bullying and the need for acceptance.

Jung handles these topics with humor and insight. This is a well-written, funny and touching book perfect for readers in grades 5 and up.

— Ruth O’Brien, library associate

Everyone knows Sherlock Holmes. He is a brilliant, London-based detective celebrated for his prowess at using logic — and astute observation — to solve criminal cases. Along with his partner and friend, Dr. Watson, the duo solves high-profile crimes that evaded even Scotland Yard in Victorian England.

"A Study in Scarlet Women" by Sherry Thomas challenges what we know about the famous fictional detective and offers a fresh perspective: In this book, Sherlock is really Charlotte, a blond woman forced to create a male proxy to build credibility as a detective.

Charlotte does not want the traditional life of marriage and children, and this book traces her quest to make a place for herself in the world. Charlotte is every bit as clever as her male invention, but being a woman, she must be more creative and persuasive in her investigations. Her first case involves three murders that put her skills to the test immediately — especially since her sister and her father are both suspects.

Thomas' incarnation of Sherlock as Lady Sherlock is as refreshing as it is absorbing. Sherlock fans will appreciate the references to the original character.

And if you enjoy this book, it's the first of a series, so you can treat yourself to more of Lady Sherlock's adventures!

— Mary Foster, library associate

FAMILY IN FOCUS JUNE 2022

29

 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

SEASON OF HONOR OBSERVATIONS ON SENIORITIS AND THE ANNUAL QUESTION: WHAT DOES DAD WANT FOR FATHER’S DAY?

L

ooking back, there may have been a reason my name wasn’t listed with one of those additional Latin modifiers.

Sometimes, it arrives with the first truly warm day of spring — that’s what it was for 22-year-old me. For some people, other causes may instigate it.

For me, it went something like this: sitting in a classroom, staring out the window, contemplating the warm sunshine radiating through the still cool breeze, wondering if the sunroof on my car should be fully open or just a

crack, then suddenly realizing I missed everything the lecturer at the front of the room had just said, for … how long? Maybe 15 minutes? Fingers crossed that material wouldn’t be on the test.

Walking out of the building into the sunshine, telling myself that test may not be all that important and deciding to skip the next class altogether, then eating a sandwich on a park bench, giving knowing nods to my classmates who made similar choices.

Yes, senioritis had arrived. That blessed and unnerving sensation of realizing graduation day is

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FAMILY IN FOCUS JUNE 2022

near, and all you need to do now is hang on and don’t fail while squeezing as much joy as possible from the final few moments before true adulthood crashes in.

Sure, that case of spring senioritis may have been a contributing factor as to why I needed to settle for only the Latin phrase “cum laude” — “with honor” — written next to my name in the commencement program, while others received the coveted modifier “magna” or even the more magical “summa,” which always makes the aunties swoon.

More than two decades later (thankfully, not too much “more than”), I’d be willfully deceptive if I said the call of this season did not still prompt my Illinois-native, winter-dulled brain to wander, floating in the sunshine beaming through the windows, pulling my gaze away from the suddenly less important work glowing on my laptop screen.

But with the onset of middle age, this time of year also now prompts meditations of a different sort: this time on those Latin words, “cum laude,” “with honor.”

In so many ways, this time of year is the season of honor. We move quickly through the weekends, with gatherings and ceremonies to recognize America’s valorous fallen service men and women, as well as America itself; our beloved high school and college graduates; and, of course, our moms and dear old dads.

But through it all, the concept of honor stands front and center. Perhaps, precisely, how best to honor

those who have sacrificed so much to now stand in the place of honor.

in me some understanding of what it means to conduct myself with dignity, to live a life of honor.

And this time of year, it may be expressed in a seemingly intractable question: What does Dad want for Father’s Day?

And as a father now myself, the answer to that question becomes clearer: Dad wants honor.

Through my formative years, I always thought this difficulty just meant dads were picky, or difficult, or boring. After all, as a youth, I certainly knew what I wanted to receive on my special days. But what do you get for someone who can already just get what they want for themselves?

That they matter.

But as a father now, with my prior nature now (mostly) in check, my understanding of the difficulty behind that question — “What does Dad want?” — has become much more acute.

For instance, the older I get, the more amazed I am whenever anyone recognizes my special days, like my birthday. As the cards in the mail have become increasingly replaced by Facebook best wishes or texts, they have also become increasingly prized.

But at the same time, I would much rather not receive a “gift” if it is purchased using the money from my own bank account.

So, what does Dad want?

In many ways, it returns to the concept of honor.

So many of the father figures in my life — by blood and by law, uncles, mentors, pastors — all have taught lessons along the way, many of them instilling

But more to the point, Dad wants what so many of us want: to come to the end of the journey believing and knowing that what they did mattered, for the better.

This season, as the sirens of the oncoming summer sunshine beckon us to the busyness of the season to come, remember to pause now and again to let the people who matter to you — those whose names are listed in your memory with the phrase “cum laude” — know their lives, their work and their love mattered.

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

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31

A GREEN CARPET to lower your

MAINTENANCE!

I

’ve met with many clients lately that have mentioned “low-maintenance” gardens. While no garden is completely maintenance-free, there are many plants you can introduce that require little care and will actually reduce your overall maintenance! Groundcovers are top on my list for easy plants.

Groundcovers replace mulch that needs to

32

HOME & LIFESTYLE JUNE 2022

be applied frequently and weeded, therefore reducing costs and labor almost immediately.

They also provide flowers for pollinators and require very little care once established. There are groundcovers for sunny areas and shady areas and even woodland areas. There is a movement to replace high-maintenance lawns and giant mulch beds with groundcovers and small perennials, and

we are all for it … more plants > more mulch!

Generally, groundcovers should be planted MaySeptember so they can get established before winter since they usually start out small. Spacing depends on the plant, but we can help you calculate how many plants per square foot you’d need. Secret tip: You’ll need to remove mulch from any areas you are planting with groundcover so

they can spread better — bare, turnedover dirt and a dusting of compost is all they need! Another secret tip: Don’t blow your lawn clippings into groundcover beds, or you’ll get lawn grass infested in the groundcover — and that is impossible to remove.

Here are some of our favorite groundcovers: • AJUGA: I love this little groundcover!!! Blue flowers that the bumblebees love, fills in fast, tolerates sun or shade, comes in several different leaf colors such as burgundy or variegated.

• SEDUM: There are a million different groundcover sedums, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Hot, dry, crummy soil is their preference and they usually bloom in the summer, too, much to the pollinators’ delight!

• CREEPING PHLOX: This happy, semievergreen groundcover is one of the first to bloom in spring. Blues, pinks and whites in a giant carpet of color.

Excellent for drier soils, tolerates hot sun and spreads to 2 feet.

• CREEPING THYME: Though an herb, it also makes a nice, flat groundcover for between stepping stones or in rock gardens or pond gardens. Flowers are usually pink and the foliage is absolutely tiny but still showy!

• LAMIUM: An excellent shade groundcover that the bees love, variegated foliage, doesn’t like mulch so remove before planting.

• LAMIASTRUM: Fairly aggressive but grows in the absolute worst, dry, shady sites; white and green foliage brightens up dark areas — way better than bishop’s weed in my opinion.

• WILD GINGER (N): Super cool native that unfolds in spring with large, heart-shaped leaves, can take some time to establish and doesn’t like heavy mulching, good for woodland or shady areas.

• CAREX (N): The sedges are also a large family of plants that make great groundcovers. The grass-like foliage can be used in shady, wet, sunny or dry spaces (depending on type of sedge); many of them are native.

• BARRENWORT: This underused shade lover has delicate blossoms and heart-shaped leaves, spreads nicely when not mulched and is a great companion plant with hostas and other larger shade perennials.

• STRAWBERRY: Both decorative and edible, strawberries can be a fun groundcover if you can beat the critters to the fruit!

• SWEET WOODRUFF: A dainty leafed plant that has fragrant white flowers in spring, does not tolerate heavy mulch or leaf cover, shade lover that can spread quickly if not hindered by mulch.

• GERANIUM: Though a “fancy” perennial, many geraniums make excellent groundcovers. My favorite is ‘Bevan’s Variety,’ which has thick, fragrant, fuzzy leaves and pink flowers, spreads nicely if you let it (clear out mulch) or leave it mulched to keep it a certain size, deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

• LIRIOPE: Grass-like foliage that spreads quickly, will have small pale blue flowers spikes when established, sun or shade, good for large areas that need cover quickly.

• PACHYSANDRA: Fragrant, white flowers in early spring that the pollinators love, spreads fast, taller than most other groundcovers at 6-8 inches, semi-evergreen, best in part sun to full shade but will tolerate full sun if irrigated.

• VINCA: Quarter-sized blue flowers appear in early spring on fluffy foliage, spreads quickly, very tolerant of most garden situations, very common and easy to grow.

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE JUNE 2022

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Artist OF THE MONTH

MARTA MYERS 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.

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n fall 2018, the walls of Marta Myers’ new resident artist studio at Water Street Studios seemed bare.

The studio was intended originally to serve as her hub for web design, but she took it upon herself to decorate the space. “In a short time, I created enough paintings to cover the walls of my studio,” Myers says.

Now her artistic expression is a mix of web design and fine art. She pours acrylic paint onto a canvas without using brushes, then adds mixed media elements like flowers. “I hope that viewers are inspired and feel down to earth, with these earthy landscapes,” she adds.

This year she says she’s going to keep the same subject matter — trees, along with forests and landscapes — but experiment with adding brushstrokes and working with different canvas sizes.

“Most of my previous paintings were medium to large size,” says Myers, who has been drawing for more than 30 years. “I am going to explore the different challenges of small painting and very large paintings.”

Myers is a lifelong Fox Valley resident who came to Water Street Studios after obtaining a web technologies certificate from Harvard in 2016.

“I don’t think of art as work, but a way of life,” she says.

“Your entire life is art. Art is a way of thinking. It doesn’t matter your ability to start creating art. That is where art can begin, and who knows where it will take you.”

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2.

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DETAILS OF MARTA MYERS’ WORK: To purchase or learn more about these creations, visit www.myerswebsite.com or www.waterstreetstudios.org/ shopwaterstreet.

 Blue Tree: 18x24, $500, available online  Purple Blossom: 24x36, $800, available online  Batavia Windmill: 24x36, $1,600, available online  Autumn Sparkle: 24x36, $700, available online  Oak Tree Wood: 24x36, $700, available online

Marta Myers has been a Water Street Studios resident artist since August 2018. She specializes in web design and the acrylic pour style of painting. Learn more at www.myerswebsite.com.

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

ART & FASHION JUNE 2022

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Pretty as a

Picture A L O C A L PHOT GRAP HER

SUM ER WITH THES SUN Y IMAGES

CAPTURES THE ES NCE OF

Photos by Kylee Wells

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ane County in the summertime — is there anything better? Consider getting outdoors and trying your hand at art: drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting a flower, taking a photo or writing about what you see. Kylee Wells’ appreciation of nature in the Fox Valley shines through her photography, shown here. A graduate of Batavia High School, Wells is a selfdescribed amateur landscape photographer and violinist in the Batavia Fermi Community Orchestra. See more of her work on Instagram @kyleesmiley85.

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ART & FASHION JUNE 2022

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dream team

BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF ADDELISE DESIGN STUDIO, YOU’LL FIND TWO WOMEN PRIORITIZING CUSTOM EXPERIENCES AND THEIR FAMILIES

By Louise Treeny Photos provided by Addelise

 ADDELISE 27 N. Second St., Geneva www.addelise.com

I

nside the pristine room at Addelise’s new space, one just gets the feeling that beautiful products are created there.

Creativity flows within the airy studio, which is composed of natural light, plush velvet chairs, tasteful wall decor and a comfortable leather couch.

The Addelise team moved into its brick-and-mortar space last September and has been blown away by the show of support from the Geneva business community. “We’ve felt very welcome since Day 1,” says Jessica Dempsey, creative director.

Dempsey works alongside Addelise owner Tanya Smith; together they provide branding, web design and print pieces for artisans, boutiques and women-owned businesses. Their work centers around what Smith describes as “high-end custom creative.”

“We take time to develop a relationship with clients,” Dempsey says. “It’s not just logos.”

After a consultation and extensive research behind the brand, the Addelise team can design everything from entire storefronts to the bags you receive when you make a purchase, often working with companies long-term to add to their branding gradually. Kennay Farms Distilling, Wiltse's Farm and Studio Onyx are just three of many local brands Addelise has helped develop.

the “inspiring factor” behind the company and, of course, its name.

Family didn’t just inspire the company, though; it has continued to shape how Dempsey and Smith, both moms, prioritize their time. The company has been built around family values, says Smith.

“Putting that first helps us be more organized,” she notes. With this in mind, the team strives to both create tailored products for their clients and be present for milestone family moments.

As a women-owned business interested in empowering other women to follow in the same path, Addelise has found connection with the Geneva Women in Business group through the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

The two women met years earlier through work at their former companies; they quickly became friends and started discussing a way to work together in the future. Dempsey joined Addelise about three years after Smith started the company.

“It does feel more like we’re family,” says Smith.

Adds Dempsey: “We’re pretty lucky.”

Smith started the company almost six years ago after seeing her daughter ride the bus for the first time. “Addison stepped onto the school bus and time stood still,” she recounts on the company’s website. “It was a pivotal moment in Tanya’s career to step out of the corporate world and into creating Addelise — helping other businesses thrive and grow.” Her daughters, Addison and Elise, were ART & FASHION JUNE 2022

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HAVE THE “MONEY” TALK before tying the knot

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n early May, my wife, Gina, and I sat in the front row and watched as our son and new daughter-in-law recited their vows. We will soon have the privilege of once again having the best seats in the house as we watch our daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law recite their vows. Two marriages in two months. So many thoughts, emotions, hopes and dreams for both of our kids. Words of advice shared with hopes that they will be adhered to while knowing that there is no guarantee that they will. Here are a few nuggets shared with my kids that I wanted to share with you.

 LOVE AND MONEY CAN BE COMPLICATED. Although early on in a relationship it may be difficult to imagine the love of your life having any flaws, time together will bring clarity to differences in attitudes, priorities, and behaviors. Before you walk down the aisle, it’s important to realize that no matter how uncomfortable the topic might feel, it is important for both of you to have a deep understanding of each other’s financial attitude, dreams and current position. Putting this conversation off “until later” is a big mistake that can have nasty consequences.

Start with full disclosure regarding any debt that either of you may have. Credit card debt or student loans that one person may think of as “normal” may be a shock to the other and it is unfair to bring debt

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into the relationship without full disclosure. You need to not only be open about each other’s debt; you also need to discuss your plan for eliminating it.

Along those same lines, share your credit scores with each other. You are going to join forces to take on life’s challenges and understanding your fiance’s credit history is important. These facts may become obstacles when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage together or reaching other financial goals, and avoiding the topic is not going to help.

Next, you need to talk about how you are going to financially function as a new household. Are you going to keep separate checking, savings and investment accounts, or will all the financial assets you have be co-mingled? Does it make sense to have a segregation of duties which play to each other’s unique talents? For example, if one person enjoys being a savvy shopper and the other is a more impulsive purchaser who does not enjoy taking the time to look for values, it may make sense to put the former in charge of purchasing. In some cases, one of you may really dislike paying bills while the other loves these tasks. Regardless of whether you take on these assignments equally or one of you becomes the de facto household CFO, you still need to make ongoing communication of your financial status a priority. You should agree on the method you're going

to use before you say "I do."

 FOCUS ON THE MARRIAGE, NOT THE WEDDING. Do not go into debt for your wedding. Although it may be tempting to indulge in fantasies of a fairy-tale wedding, it is simply not worth incurring debt that might take years to pay off. Focus instead on your marriage. Afterall, isn’t that what it is all about?

We shared with our kids that both Gina and I came from humble backgrounds. When we decided to marry, we had to face the reality that we could not afford a traditional wedding with a nice evening wedding reception including an upscale dinner.

Instead, we got creative and had a morning wedding with a champagne brunch for a reception for a fraction of the cost. Afterwards, guests were welcome to change into comfortable clothes and to come to my family’s farm for a pig roast and potluck meal. Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and neighbors, this was a big success despite having a miniscule price tag. Although that was over 30 years ago, to this day I’m still reminded by attendees that it was one of the best receptions that they had every attended.

 CREATE GOOD FINANCIAL HABITS TOGETHER. Your upcoming wedding is an opportunity to set

good financial habits together. Agree on a budget and set financial goals and priorities together. This can be difficult to do without insight from a third party who is at arm’s length — a role a good financial advisor can fulfill. Including a financial

professional with a good financial planning software program to complement their insights can make a world of difference and help make those dreams a reality. Make this commitment today and your future self will thank you.

Photo by Indre Cantero

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a Wealth Manager.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered Through Raymond James Financial Services, a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

Tom and his team can be reached at info@ mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

BUSINESS & CIVIC JUNE 2022

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WIDE-OPEN BEAUTY HOW CAMPTON TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE FOUNDATION PROMOTES CONSERVATION

By Kelley White Photo provided by Campton Township Open Space Foundation

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onprofit organizations offer the kind of support a community needs to thrive and grow in a positive direction. As its name suggests, Campton Township Open Space Foundation focuses on the preservation of open space in the area, funding projects for the betterment of the 1,500 acres that the Township owns.

“I’ve been active in the Campton Township government and as a trustee and volunteer in the community since 1987,” says Joe Garbarski, executive director. “I formed the foundation in 2017 as a way to help the township with some financial assistance on the existing Open Space properties for enhancements or improvements that they don’t have the financial wherewithal to complete.” The Open Space Program, separate from the foundation, started more than 20 years ago at a time when Campton was one of the only townships in Illinois with an Open Space initiative.

“We have a five-person, all-volunteer board as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and each year we’ve been able to donate approximately $2,500 to the township specifically for Open Space,” says Garbarski.

Last year, the foundation secured an exciting opportunity that allowed them to increase their support for the Open Space Program. “We were able to secure a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy (Community) Foundation and that allowed us to come up with specific funding for Harley Woods,” says Garbarski. “They had a 3-1 matching grant so we as a foundation had to come up with $7,000. Illinois Clean Energy (Community) Foundation matched that 3-1, making it a total of $28,000 which was used strictly for improvements at Harley Woods.”

As the beautiful and natural scenery of Campton Township draws more residents each year, the Campton Township Open Space Foundation

seeks to take its support to new heights and direct funds where they’re needed most. “The Open Space properties have active and passive recreational components,” says Garbarski. “The township is restricted in how funding can be used for maintenance and improvements. So, our foundation is very specific to Campton Township and their Open Space Program. Our charter is to help fund some of these projects.”

Passive components include signage, walkways or general information at certain locations in the space. Active recreational aspects to the space revolve around youth sports by hosting a number of softball, baseball and soccer fields.

With such an important role in the community, outside support for the foundation is essential.

Garbarski would love to see a tech-savvy individual volunteer their time; otherwise, donations are the best way to help sustain the foundation’s necessary endeavors.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.CAMPTONTOWNSHIPOPENSPACEFOUNDATION.COM!

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