KCC_ KC Magazine November 2023 by Shaw Media

HAPPY ‘HOLIDATE’

Enjoy a meal for two at KC’s Finest romantic dinner spots around town PAGE 36

WISHES IN A JAR NOVEMBER 2023

Pick out your next adventure in a fun new way PAGE 34

Finest Kane County’s

Celebrating distinguished and beloved businesses in more than 50 categories

To You’re Invited

e s u o H n e p O Our Holiday

! t e k r a M n a s i t Ar

November 25TH & 26TH

We look forward to ringing in the season with you!

Stop in for all your decorating and gift giving needs! Shop for the perfect gifts from 14 amazing Artisans and their creative masterpieces!

Immerse yourself in our greenhouses filled with the most gorgeous Countryside Home Grown Poinsettias!

Holiday Sneak Peak Ladies Night Thursday, Nov 16 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 42W075 Route 38, Elburn, IL 60119 630-365-5665 • www.countrysideflowershop.com Mon – Sat 9am- 5pm, Sundays 11 – 4

Visit our website or stop in to sign up for our Holiday Workshops!

Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Visit our show room to see over 40 burning models on display. See a wide selection of electric, gas, and wood fireplaces designed to enhance the warmth and beauty of your home. You’ll also find a full line of mantels, fireplace screens, and hearth accessories to complete the picture.

Sales • Service • Installation

1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 • thehouseoffireplaces.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NOVEMBER

2023

Managerʼs

NOTE Kane County Magazine is once again proud to announce the winners of the Kane County’s Finest Readers’ Choice contest! For the third year, we asked readers to submit their favorite businesses in over 50 categories. Within the pages of November’s magazine, we have highlighted all the winners who helped create the essence of our great Kane County community! From libations to apparel to home décor (P. 10-15), make sure to reference all these retailers to help guide your holiday shopping and dining this year! As you are out exploring all these businesses, you will quickly understand why they were selected by our readers. The people who run them are what truly make them the “finest.” Their passion and unwavering dedication to their beloved community is continually displayed and we are proud of their accomplishments. Selecting a meaningful gift for loved ones can be simplified by perusing the numerous shops throughout Kane County who offer unique and individualized options to choose

from (P. 16). While you are out this season, take time for a date night or friend outing to connect with those you are thankful to share life with at some of the best restaurants in the area (P. 36). Lastly, I always try to purposefully take time to create balance in life around this time of year because it can easily become overwhelming with the holidays around the corner! To help maintain healthy habits and carry yourself into the new year, see our feature on (P. 20) encompassing all things related to health and wellness. Thank you for reading!

Jaclyn Cornell, Local Sales Manager

on the

COVER

PUBLISHER Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Kelley White shawmagazineeditor@gmail.com DESIGNER Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Jamie Baker, Jonathan Bilyk, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Patricia Szpekowski 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.

Named One of the Finest photographers in Kane County, April Duda captures the essence of autumn in Batavia. Next month: ’Tis the season! Join us next month as we celebrate winter holidays and the joy they spread around Kane County.

4 NOVEMBER 2023

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630-262-1878

www.josefsmeats.com Tues-Sat: 10am to 5pm Sun 10am to 2pm

NOVEMBER

2023

INSIDE

Whatʼs

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT 7 HOUSE OF 423 Behind Kane County’s Finest women’s boutique 8 PÄRLA Behind the Finest gift shop and specialty item shop in Kane 10 FINEST LIBATIONS Find out where to go for the best cocktails and wines in the county 12 FINEST APPAREL Discover your next favorite clothing boutique 14 FINEST HOME DÉCOR Dress up your home and get cozy with these shops around town 16 THE PERFECT GIFT IN KANE COUNTY Let Kane’s finest specialty stores guide your holiday shopping

FAMILY & WELLNESS 20 TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE Feel healthy and bright this holiday season with our finest centers for wellbeing 24 LEAVE YOUR LEAVES Wasco Nursery encourages nature to handle some of your yardwork 26 GROWING INTO BIG SHOES Suburban Superdad reflects on still finding new shoes to fill 28 A SOCIAL LIFESTYLE FOR SENIORS St. Charles Park District keeps a full calendar for older folks to enjoy

6 NOVEMBER 2023

ART & ENTERTAINMENT 30 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Celebrated sculptor Jim Jenkins has been enveloped in creativity since childhood 32 GRAB A BOOKMARK Check out these reading recommendations for the month of November 33 CALENDAR Don’t miss these events around Kane County 34 WISHES IN A JAR Try out a different way to choose your next adventure 36 PASTA WITH A SIDE OF ROMANCE Plan a fantastic “holidate” 38 Q & A WITH KANE COUNTY’S FINEST PHOTOGRAPHER Meet the talented Drew Pertl

BUSINESS & CIVIC 40 PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Tap into Kane County’s Finest service providers 42 WHEN PLANS GO AWRY My Advisor & Planner on how to expect the unexpected

Behind the

FINEST

423 HOUSE of

By Jamie Baker • Photos courtesy of House of 423

arah Whitt of House of 423 is a fighter and a steadfast believer in what she loves.

“This brand was created during the hardest part of my life, and it wasn’t something that I had planned on happening,” she says. “At the time, I tried to transition back into medical sales and I kept making it to the final interview and didn’t get the jobs. Then I found out I was going to get full custody of my daughter, so I couldn’t travel.” After talking several times with her friend Shannon Gutierrez, owner of Wyckwood House, Whitt decided to dive headfirst into her first fashion venture. “I launched just a little curated collection about ten days before the world shut down,” says Whitt. “I launched it at Aurora’s First Fridays at Wyckwood House and then everything closed, and I had to pivot from being in the store to throwing private shopping parties out of my house.” House of 423 originated at Wyckwood House in Aurora and expanded into their second location in Wheaton for just a few months, when Jamie Saam asked Whitt if she would like her own brick and mortar. “Saam reached out to me around October of 2020 asking if I was ready for a space,” says Whitt. “When I first started this, I didn’t know where I was going with it or what dreams I had. But I moved into a 230-square-foot space the following April and then expanded in 2021, becoming a storefront boutique.” Through it all, Whitt leaned on her family and close friends, individuals she is incredibly grateful for in her life. “I’m thankful for my sister Mary Naylor, my

parents Jim and Deb Wheeler and my close friends who have always supported me. It’s great to show my daughter,” says Whitt. “She understands how hard I work and it’s really great to show her that you can start over, no matter how old you are. There’s no timeline to create a new dream and good things can come out of the hardest times of your life.”

Nowadays, Whitt is stepping into creating her own fashion line and moving the shop to Geneva. “I decided I wanted my staple item to be Mongolian cashmere sweaters,” says Whitt. “We carry the cashmere in short and long sleeve standard crewnecks. It’s a classic piece that is a forever closet staple. I also have washable silk cammies, organic cotton fisherman sweaters and European linen sets. All are natural, super soft fabrics, which I love.” Whitt is hosting her first solo fashion show Nov. 5 at Sturdy Shelter Brewing and using local small business owners to model her clothing. Limited tickets are available for purchase on houseof423.com. “Batavia was such a great starter space for me; I have friends and family there and a really loyal customer base,” she says. “But I’m ready for a larger space to do more events and carry more products, so I’m moving to 219 West State St. [in Geneva], four doors down from Starbucks.” New and exciting things are on the horizon for the tenacious Sarah Whitt and her gorgeous clothing at House of 423. If you’re wondering how her success story is going? “I love it and I love what I do,” she says. “I’ve made some of my best friends through this shop.”

Photo by Ellyn Theis

HOUSE OF 423

10 E. Wilson St., Batavia 630-423-1664 www.houseof423.com

Moving to Geneva soon 219 W. State St. Geneva

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

Behind the

FINEST

PÄRLA BY JAMIE BAKER

ärla, newly opened in April on Hamilton Street in Geneva, is a celebration of preservation, rich history and artisanal creativity. Owner Dawn Muir chose their location based on the storied history of the house itself, and because her husband thoroughly enjoyed the purple front door. “We sell a little bit of everything as we’re kind of a resale, repurpose kind of shop,” says Muir. “We have all kinds of higher end artwork; we’ve got a beautiful glass sculpture that was eight thousand dollars when purchased and we’ve got all the provenance. We have a pair of wings where each feather on the wings is an individual glass piece. At the same time, we have things in every price range.” The shop itself is laid out so that customers may be inspired to walk through, admiring treasures around every corner. Pärla also enjoys hosting affordable events while supporting local businesses, especially around Geneva. “We’ll do an event that is by registration only where we make something fun,” she says. “We just did these mophead light up ghosts. We’ll probably make pretty fairy light colored bottles for the holidays. We made PÄRLA

COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 8 KANE

• P H OTO S C O U R T E SY O F PÄ R L A

marble serving trays. We charge ten or fifteen dollars that just covers our supplies and then we provide food and beverage from some of our local places. One time we had wine from Up North and food from Cravings. We’ve had small bites from Villa Verone as well.” Their unique location and the home of Pärla has quite the history within Geneva, and it is a major reason why Muir desired the property. “It was one of the old houses where one of the original big builders downtown had constructed it,” she says. “Two of the rooms used to actually be across the street attached to a house between the two churches. They were the extension of a man’s house who created a famous horse salve and made a fortune. He had a covered walkway to his office in the early 1900s because he was a vet. Then, Martin Seastrom took the two rooms and got permission to move them over to where we’re at, converting it into a Cape Cod. He added the basement, rooms up, down and around.” According to Muir, the son of the man who lived there – Kenneth – was the first Geneva World War II casualty. “The United States wasn’t even in the war yet,” she says. “Because they were Swedish and because of everything that was going on in Europe,

122 Hamilton St., Geneva

331-248-0632

he wanted to fight to protect Europe, so he went to Canada but didn’t make it over to the fighting. He was driving to get on a ship that was going to take him to the UK and was killed in a car wreck. The ship that was coming from the UK was actually bombed and went down.” Utilizing the endless character of the gorgeous home, Pärla created a crystal and rock alcove that features hundreds of sparkling stones. It’s just one facet of the many magical touches found around the shop. Not only is Pärla quickly becoming quite the gem among shops in Geneva, but Muir also underscores her desire to support fellow businesses within the community, especially around Hamilton Street. “We try to promote each other as much as we can,” she says. “I know there’s a new antique shop coming to 4th and Hamilton. There’s a little bit of everybody, there’s a gorgeous hair salon on the other side of Villa Verone. People are happy once they find us. We have unique gifts and you can come in and find something for yourself or the perfect gift for someone special. And our location being a little off 3rd and State makes parking a breeze – we are an easy stop on the way in and out of downtown Geneva.” www.parlageneva.com

Holiday Headquarters For The Finest Meats And Sausages ~Beef, Pork, and Lamb Roasts~ ~Award-Winning Hams and Bacon~ ~Award-Winning European Style Sausages~ ~Homemade Artisanal Charcuterie~ ~Boutique Wines and Whiskeys~ ~German and Craft Beers~

reamsmeatmarket.com

250 S Main St. Elburn, IL

Three Generations Strong

Thank you for supporting your local Sausage Maker KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

FINEST LIBATIONS COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 10 KANE

FINEST BLOODY MARY

g Nobel House 309 W. State St., Geneva 630-402-0452 nobelhouserestaurants.com Nobel House seeks to create an entirely singular atmosphere for a truly unique dining experience and plenty of handcrafted beverages. n Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva 630-208-7070 stockholmsbrewpub.com Indulge in elevated, cozy fare or sip on a deliciously constructed cocktail. There is an extensive wine listing and plenty of exclusive flavorings to choose from. n Nosh 22 N. 3rd St., Geneva 630-845-1570 experiencenosh.com Known for a scrumptious menu and delightful drinks, Nosh is always a good idea – especially for brunch.

FINEST MARTINIS

g Bar Evolution 27 N. River St., Batavia 630-454-4315 barevolutionbatavia.com With Seasonal cocktails crafted in curated flavorings amid an elegant backdrop, Bar Evolution won’t disappoint even the most discerning of palates. n The Lewis 106 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-549-7167 thelewisstcharles.com The Lewis incorporates a classic ’70s aesthetic while offering quality wines, whisky and cocktails.

Photo by Sandy Bressner

Additional photos courtesy of Nobel House and Geneva Winery & Tasting Room

FINEST WINE SHOPS

FINEST WINE BARS

g Geneva Winery & Tasting Room 426 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-402-0739 genevawine.com Step outside and enjoy the lawn at this beautiful location for delicious sips and a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy company. Their wine selection is extensive and curated with the most flavorful choices on the market.

n Up North Wine Tasting Room 9 N. 2nd St., Geneva 630-345-6833 upnorthwinegeneva.com Up North Tasting Room understands the amazing flavors Northern Michigan has to offer. It was created for the simple reason of enjoying good wine with the people you love most.

n Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room 227 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-232-8888 genevawinecellars.com Live music, a boutique bottle shop, wine educators and more, Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room is a wellrounded experience for any wine connoisseur or first time venturer.

g Geneva Winery & Tasting Room 426 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-402-0739 | genevawine.com Fruit, rosé, red and white flavorings grace the extensive listing of velvety wines at Geneva Winery & Tasting Room. Choose from a variety of vintages and join the club for exclusive benefits. n Up North Wine Tasting Room 9 N. 2nd St., Geneva 630-345-6833 | upnorthwinegeneva.com With a plethora of vintages and flavors from Northern Michigan, experience the “great up north” in a new and unique way at this popular wine tasting room in Geneva.

Photo by V House Photography

n Vintage53 162 S. 1st St., St. Charles 630-549-0423 | vintage53.com Vintage53 is an all-in-one wine bar with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, glassware and, of course, a curated wine menu and bottled vintages. Find everything you need to host the perfect social gathering.

FINEST LOCAL BREWERIES

g Art History Brewing 649 W. State St., Geneva 630-345-6274 | arthistorybrewing.com A true celebration of artisans amid the timeless craft of brewing amazing beer, Art History Brewing is not to be missed. n Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean St., St. Charles 630-549-6293 | riverlandsbrewing.com The idea behind Riverlands Brewing Company is centered around family and friends honoring every nuance and flavor of craft beer. n Sturdy Shelter Brewing 10 Shumway Ave., Batavia 630-389-7769 | sturdyshelterbrewing.com This riverfront brewery is a true treasure in Batavia. Their curated beer listing and live atmosphere are perfect reasons to stop by.

g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

FINEST APPAREL COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 12 KANE

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

g House of 423 10 E. Wilson St., Batavia *Moving soon to 219 W. State St., Geneva 630-423-1664 | houseof423.com Owned by the talented Sarah Whitt, House of 423 is a staple in the womenswear community. Whitt is savvy in trending designs and makes an experience out of every shopper’s visit to the store. You can find timeless pieces to add to your closet or a new, sparkling bauble for your jewelry box collection. As Whitt moves her store to a new location in Geneva, she will add more from her own personal clothing line and different, newer products to the store as a whole.

FORMAL WEAR

Looking to step up your fashion and find great formal wear? Check out these Kane County Finest picks for the next step up.

n Jade Clothing & Accessories 25 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-360-0940 | jadeclothinggeneva.com Where trend meets unique style, Jade Clothing & Accessories is the perfect place to complete or create your own wonderful wardrobe. Their pieces stand out while maintaining their stylishness for the long haul. There are items for anyone or any style, dressed up or dressed down. Jade is not to be missed and is a great place to find gifts for the holidays as well. n Wyckwood House Aurora 80 S. River St., Aurora 630-234-0813 | wyckwoodhouse.com Wyckwood House is elegantly timeless and very on trend. Their gorgeous shop celebrates womenswear and all the different styles that make it so unique. You will have a blast picking out wardrobe staples or indulging in something shiny and new for your jewelry collection. Find your next favorite outfit, peruse the cocktail bar menu or book an event at this beautiful boutique.

g Love Theory Bridal 407 S. 3rd St., Ste. 160, Geneva 331-248-0591 lovetheorybridal.com n Special Occasions on the Avenue 2 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-406-1515 specialoccasionsontheavenue.com

n STITCH SWITCH – Men’s Consignment 310 Campbell St., Geneva 630-457-5223 stitch-switch.com n The Crystal Bride 207 W. State St., Geneva 630-397-5040 crystalbride.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Serving Breakfast All Day Long 630 W. State St., Geneva (331) 248-0646 www.statestdiner.com

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SHOP • DRINK • EAT • STAY • PLAY

MEN’S SHOP

g STITCH SWITCH – Men’s Consignment 310 Campbell St., Geneva 630-457-5223 | stitch-switch.com What’s better than staying stylish and trendy while practicing environmental conscionability? At STITCH SWITCH, menswear is high quality and high fashion for several dollars less than normal retail value. You can shop online or find constantly updated items in-store. When subscribing via email to their newsletter, you can keep up with incoming merchandise and promotions. g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category

n Motto 217 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-938-7637 | mottoformen.com Right on 3rd St in Geneva, Motto is the perfect shop for any man or menswear enthusiast. From classic styles to more modern fashion, Motto has some of everything for any point of style. Make sure to check their website for updates on hours as they change seasonally. Find a time to stop by and complete your wardrobe or get the next date night outfit. n Van Maur 3810 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-377-9987 | vonmaur.com Van Maur is a perfect example of a larger company doing fashion the right way. You’ll find all your favorite brands and styles for any occasion. If all else fails, you know you’ll be able to find something in menswear at Van Maur.

Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour

HO HO HOLIDAYS! ‘Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! Festivities start with Santa’s arrival at our annual Christmas Walk on Dec. 1, and continue with our House Tour Dec. 1 & 2. Visit five spectacular homes all decked out with festive holly and sparkling holiday warmth. Call 630-232-6060 or stop by visitgenevail.com for House Tour tickets, details and a complete schedule. Discover the holiday magic in Geneva! THRIVE IN

C H R I S T M A S WA L K & H O U S E T O U R S P O N S O R E D B Y

I LLI NO I S SHOP

DRINK

EAT

STAY

PLAY

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

FINEST HOME DECOR COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 14 KANE

g Red Hive Market

FURNITURE STORE

g Red Hive Market 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016 | redhivemarket.com This vintage shop is a favorite among the Kane County community. Walking in, you’ll be met with a variety of beautiful, artisanal treasures perfect for gifting or adorning your own home.

n Trend + Relic

n The Pep Line

n Trend + Relic

n The Rustic Fox Furniture & Décor 1790 Towne Centre Dr., North Aurora 630-907-9218 | therusticfoxhome.com Choose from vintage, seasonal décor and fashion, from adult selections to kids and beyond. Check out their fun events and peruse their unique vendors to find exactly what you’re looking for. n The Pep Line 201 Cedar Ave., St. Charles 630-549-7088 | thepepline.com Gorgeously elegant and completely on the pulse of ever-changing trends, The Pep Line is a haven for flawless home décor. n Trend + Relic 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253 | trendandrelic.com Trend + Relic brings a wealth of experience to design, décor, painting and more for their customers. All artisans and vendors within the shop are curated and chosen diligently for their creativity and design.

HOME DÉCOR

g Red Hive Market 6 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016 | redhivemarket.com There is a little bit of everything at Red Hive Market with gorgeous and singular pieces for any taste to bring home. n Urban Artisan 27 S. 3rd St., Geneva 331-248-0265 | urbanartisangeneva.com Urban Artisan features Black Angel Designs as well as other artisan creations in their plethora of gifts, décor and apparel. Check out their Chicago Fire Wall of Flame featuring more than 200 different hot sauces. n Trend + Relic 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253 | trendandrelic.com If you need something unique or want to gift someone something truly exclusive and spectacular, look no further than the selection of treasures at Trend + Relic. g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

Shopping

Local

Find the

Perfect Gift

in Kane County By Chris Walker Photos courtesy of Pärla

See page some of K 18 for ane C finest reta ounty’s ilers for gift select ions!

COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 16 KANE

Local retail offers unique selections for shoppers who seek more than the ordinary

hile retail shopping continues to evolve, it still hasn’t solved the challenge of finding gifts for those who are seemingly impossible to buy for during the holiday season.

Often finding the right store is equally, if not, more challenging than finding such unique gifts. Which brings us to Pärla, a new-to-the-scene curation of antiques, art, clothing, collectibles, crystals, designer handbags, fashion accessories, home décor and vintage items in Geneva. Pärla just opened in April. “The bulk of my stuff is vintage, repurposed and not necessarily new items, although a lot of the vintage items are new, but dated,” Pärla owner Dawn Muir says. “It’s an eclectic collection of items and they’re spaced out in a house so that nothing is crammed in. This way, people can come in and not feel overwhelmed with stuff shoved in every corner. We’re shopper-friendly in a tiny, little house.”

Curated fusion of fine art, jewelry, vintage, crystals, antiques, home decor, designer handbags, wearables, vintage toys & more

122 Hamilton St., Geneva 331-248-0632 • www.parlageneva.com KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

Let Kane County’s Finest help you knock gift shopping out of the park this holiday season!

GIFT SHOP

n K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar 2030 Main St., Batavia 630-879-8003 khollisjewelers.com

BAKERY

n Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9432 farmdogflowers.com

n Fox Jewelers 1009 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-7525 foxjewelersgeneva.com

n Flyleaf Bakery Café 10 S Batavia Ave., Batavia 331-302-3480

g Pärla 122 Hamilton St., Geneva 331-248-0632 parlageneva.com

n Pretty Pages 2 E. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9248 shopprettypages.com

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING g Geneva Batavia St. Charles Aurora Downtown

GOURMET SHOP

g Batavia Popcorn Depot 1 N. Water St., Batavia 630-879-2500 n The Royal Wren 11 S. 3rd St., Geneva 331-248-0344 theroyalwren.shopsettings.com n Chi-Cuterie 321 Franklin St., Geneva 331-901-0474 chi-cuterie.com

JEWELRY STORE

g State Street Jewelers 230 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-2085 statestreetjewelers.com

MEAT MARKET

g Ream’s Meat Market 250 S. Main St., Elburn 630-365-6461 reamsmeatmarket.com n Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli 716 W. State St., Geneva 630-262-1878 josefsmeats.com n Country Village Meats – Geneva 715 E. State St., Geneva 630-345-6900 countryvillagemeats.com

SPECIALTY ITEM SHOP g Pärla 122 Hamilton St., Geneva 331-248-0632 parlageneva.com

n Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9432 farmdogflowers.com n Red Hive Market 6 W Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9016 redhivemarket.com

COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023 18 KANE

g Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts 11 S. 7th St., Geneva 630-845-2990 cocoabeangeneva.com

n Brown Butter Baked Goods & Café 311 N. 2nd St., St. Charles 630-246-8626 brownbutterbakedgoods.com n The Tiny Kitchen 107 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-715-4472

CATERER

g Cravings 113 W. State St., Geneva 630-457-5058 cravingsusa.com Josef’s Elegante Meat & Deli n 716 W. State St., Geneva 630-262-1878 josefsmeats.com n Chicken Salad Chick 220 N. Randall Rd., Batavia 630-474-6994 chickensaladchick.com

g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest

Muir acknowledges that it’s difficult to explain what Pärla offers since it’s not a thrift store, but a thrift boutique. “I have higher end glass pieces from Italy,” she says. “I have artwork, costume jewelry, high-end jewelry, furniture, home décor and even vintage toys that are new and in the box,” she says. “I have designer purses that are 10 to 15 years old in style but still have tags on them. I never quite know how to explain it, but we have nice estate items and it’s always changing. We have a little room with crystals and rocks for those that are into that. I have old cameras, a vintage Gibson guitar, a Fender, amps and tons of old albums.” The only way to really know what gifts Pärla has is to visit today. Located at 122

Jingle While You Mingle NOVEMBER 3RD - 5PM TO 9PM

SELFIES WITH SANTA, HOLIDAY-THEMED FOOD & LIVE MUSIC WITH THE STICKY GUMBO TRIO

NOVEMBER 4th & 5th - 10am to 5pm NEW HOLIDAY DECOR, HOLIDAY SWEETS & LIBATIONS

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“I love the fact that if it’s the middle of winter or in the middle of a crowded festival, you can park right by us,” Muir says. “You don’t have to park and walk a long way.”

And while finding gifts for impossibleto-buy-for family and friends can be difficult, shopping at Pärla isn’t.

Perhaps the neatest thing about finding a gift from Pärla is recognizing that Muir had to find it first for

“The items come from estates or my family finds things,” Muir says. “It’s just a little bit of everything. We have these wings that an artist made and in every feather of the wings is a piece of glass. It hangs in the shop and is one of the higher-end pieces and then we have $3 earrings and even gift bags and cards.”

Thank You for nominating us the FINEST Furniture Store, FINEST Home Decor and one of the Finest Specialty Shops in Kane County!

•

“I had a lady come in looking for something for someone who she thought was a hockey junkie, but she wasn’t sure,” Muir says. “She kept looking up at a 2015 Chicago Blackhawks Championship banner we had and she eventually came back a few days later and grabbed it. It was for someone who was born in December 2014 so this was the season he was born and why she wanted it. I never would’ve thought of it in that way.”

someone like you in mind.

Hamilton St., Geneva, Pärla is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

1501 INDIANA AVE. ST CHARLES | 630-803-5253 | WWW.TRENDANDRELIC.COM

6 W. WILSON ST., BATAVIA, IL • 630-326-9016 W W W. R E D H I V E M A R K E T.CO M

SM-CL2114399

KANE COUNTY’S FINEST SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2023

lthy Feel hea t & brigh for the holidays

s we approach the holiday season that’s filled with the temptations of delicious sweets, tasty beverages, and scrumptious meal choices, it’s time now, more than ever, to take good care of yourself. Lifestyle balance is the key to maintaining optimum good health and wellness during the holidays and beyond. The day-today needs of working, taking care of the kids and the household, and perhaps volunteering, continue without skipping a beat. If not managed properly, it can take its toll.

Take Time

To learn a little bit more about how you can keep your health habits on track, why not contact the experts? We’ve reached out to two local businesses that were deemed as the readers’ choice in the recent “Kane County Magazine Finest” contest.

Self-Car for

& WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023 20 FAMILY

By Patricia Szpekowski

Let Kane County’s Finest in health and wellness help you achieve feeling great and building confidence! COSMETIC SKINCARE

COSMETIC SURGERY

n Chanla Chau Skin Care www.chanlachaucosmetics.com

n Todd S. Hewell III Ltd. 260 W. River Dr., St. Charles 630-377-1133 hewellfischer.com

g Sage Healing Collective 525 Tyler Rd., Ste. S, St Charles 331-901-5672 sagehealingcollective.com

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Wellness Center in Geneva was regarded as the finest in the “Health Club” category and Sage Healing Collective in St. Charles was voted as finest for “Cosmetic Skincare.” Each embodies a strong commitment and focus on holistic health and fitness. Joanne Finley, ACSM-EP, center director at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health and Wellness Center, knows how everyone can get all caught up in the busyness of the holiday season. “It’s all part of this hectic time, but we have to learn how to slow down a bit,” she said, “but still remember to stay committed to our exercise routine.” Finley advises getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated, too. “Stress management is also very important at this time of the year, too. Remember the good things in life that surround you.” Finley, an exercise physiologist, has served in her position at the center for nine years and has over 30 years’ experience in the exercise science field. She is acutely aware of how health and wellness play a large role in a person’s life. “Good health and fitness make a difference in making people stronger, confident, and independent throughout their life span enabling them to conquer obstacles,” she said. The NM Delnor Health and Wellness Center provides a variety of services to benefit its members, including personal trainers, group exercise, massage therapists, and nutrition counseling. The state-of-the-facility is a medically integrated fitness center and the only certified Medical Fitness Association

Photos by April Duda Photography and Jeremy Powlus

n MRB Esthetics 11 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-550-9629 mrbesthetics.com

HEALTH CLUB

g Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness 296 Randall Rd., Geneva 630-208-3933 delnorhfc.com n The Competitor’s Edge 103 N. 11th Ave., St Charles 224-456-7248 thecompetitorsedge.com n John B. Norris Recreation Center 1050 Dunham Rd., St. Charles 630-377-1405 norrisrec.org

PILATES

g Pilates Playground Geneva 321 Stevens St., Geneva pilatesplaygroundgeneva.com n H4 Training Geneva 1188 E. State St., Ste. D, Geneva 630-492-0442 h4-training.com n XS & OS Pilates 315 James St., Geneva 331-223-9175 xsospilates.wixsite.com

YOGA

g Prana Yoga Center 321 Stevens St., Geneva 630-262-9642 pranayogacenter.com n Sage Healing Collective 525 Tyler Rd., Ste. S, St Charles 331-901-5672 sagehealingcollective.com n Soma Studio 103 E. Wilson St., 2nd Floor, Batavia 224-762-0279 somastudiobatavia.com

g St. Charles Plastic Surgery 2900 Foxfield Rd., Ste. 201, St. Charles 630-762-9697 stcharlesplasticsurgery.com

n Versailles Nail Spa 2053 Lincoln Hwy, St. Charles 630-513-5958 versaillesnails.com n Well Polished Nail Spa 228 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-232-6264 wellpolished.net

n Been Facial Plastics 2800 Keslinger Rd .,110, Geneva 630-492-1226 beenfacialplastics.com

MASSAGE

DAY SPA

n Soul Flow Healing 103 N. 11th Ave., Ste. 235, St. Charles 630-890-2176 soulflow.net

g Elements Massage 507 S. Third St., Ste. C, Geneva 630-326-5058 elementsmassage.com

g Sage Healing Collective 525 Tyler Rd., Ste. S, St Charles 331-901-5672 sagehealingcollective.com

n Halsa The Aromatherapy Shop & Spa 202 W. State St., Geneva 630-208-8250 halsaroma.com

n Herrington Inn & Spa 15 S. River Ln., Geneva 630-208-7433 herringtoninn.com n MRB Esthetics 11 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-550-9629 mrbesthetics.com

PLACE FOR BOTOX

g St. Charles Plastic Surgery 2900 Foxfield Rd., Ste. 201, St. Charles 630-762-9697 stcharlesplasticsurgery.com

HAIR SALON

n Venice MedSpa 2690 E. Main St., St. Charles 331-901-5997 venicemedspa.com

g Meraki Artisan Hair Design 317 S. 2nd St., St. Charles 630-549-7458 merakihairdesign.com n Eddie Caruso Hair Salon 2400 E. Main St., Ste. 109, St. Charles 630-587-0680 n Nash Beauty Salon 27 N. 2nd St., Geneva, IL 60134 630-303-6326 nashbeautysalon.com

LASER & MEDICAL SPA

HEALTH FOOD SUPPLIER

g Avatar Aesthetics Laser Center 453 Dunham Rd., Ste. 200, St. Charles 630-549-0993 avataraesthetics.com

MANICURE/PEDICURE

g Sage Healing Collective 525 Tyler Rd., Ste. S, St Charles 331-901-5672 sagehealingcollective.com

n Dermatique Laser & Skin 407 S. 3rd St., Ste. 240, Geneva 630-262-2515 dermatiquelaserandskin.com g Bulldog Herbalife Nutrition in Batavia 144 W. Wilson St., Batavia 773-209-2554

n Fruitful Yield 155 N. Randall Rd., Batavia 630-454-4088 fruitfulyield.com n ProFusion Nutrition 27 N. 2nd St., Geneva 815-761-5372 profusionnutrition.com

g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

stern Northwe e Medicin alth e H Delnor ss e n it F & ll Rd. a d n a R 296 v e Gen a

(MFA) facility in the area. Members can use an extensive variety of strength and functional training equipment to meet their individual needs. “It’s such an honor to be here every day with our highly educated and well experienced staff that hold a variety of fitness degrees and certifications,” adds Finley. “The goal of our entire 40-member team is to help others and we are proud to have everything for health and wellness all in one place.” Looking good and feeling good also goes hand-in-hand with health and wellness. Sage Healing Collective offers a holistic approach to beauty, medicine, and movement. Dr. Emily Loveland, DC, has spent over 20 years in the spa and wellness community. She has owned and operated her own chiropractic practice since 2009. In 2020, Dr. Loveland established Sage. In addition to traditional day spa services like skin care, massage and nails, Sage has chiropractic, acupuncture, stretch therapies, yoga, and aerial silk yoga. The calming atmosphere at Sage Healing Collective is soothing to the body and spirit. “Skincare at Sage Healing Collective is very intentional from products to the facial experience,” Dr. Loveland says. “Regular facials are essential for skin health. However, if you had to choose only one or two times a year for a refresh, I would recommend at the major changes of seasons, like spring into summer and fall into winter.”

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FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

Dr. Loveland notes that “now as we are heading into the dryer months, hydration is a top priority. Our classic facial is the perfect blend of skincare, relaxation, and education on a home-care routine.” Sage believes that to maintain balance, a person needs to eat clean, rest soundly, engage in exercise, pursue happiness and celebrate the natural beauty that shines from within. Dr. Loveland is proud of her team of professionals. “Sage provides opportunities for practitioners to live out their passion for helping, healing, relaxing, and connecting with guests from the community,” she said. “Sage has gathered local talent of experienced professionals that have wisdom and expertise to thrive in their ever-changing industries, and also new talent, which has been hand-picked for their newfound knowledge and innate gift to treat, touch, and heal.” Staying healthy and well during the holiday season takes some effort but the benefits will linger far into the new year. As Finley and Dr. Loveland have both advised, it’s time to prioritize a list of good things to do to ensure a healthy you. Don’t miss your regular exercise routine, take a walk, and keep moving. It’s tantamount to de-stressing your life. Stay hydrated at all times and don’t skip nutritious meals. Clear your mind, think positive thoughts, and prioritize having a good night’s sleep. The holiday season is rushing upon us. Keep going and persevere with healthy habits. Enjoy the gifts of the season and most of all, be merry!

Sage Healin g Collective 525 Tyler Rd ., Ste. S St. Charles

FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

LEAVE YOUR

Leaves! This fall, consider the benefits of letting nature handle some of the yard work

t’s finally fall, and the trees are shedding their leaves. It’s the start of a process as well as the end of a process. But why are dead leaves so important to our gardens? First, a quick biology lesson on why leaves change color and fall off (courtesy of my amazing and dedicated husband who has taught AP Biology for 25 years): “There are typically two types of photosynthetic pigments in leaves – chlorophylls (green) and carotenoids (yellows and oranges). They are always present throughout the growing season and are regulated mainly by hormones called gibberellins. The hidden yellows and oranges absorb wavelengths of light that the chlorophyll can’t, but since chlorophyll is dominant, it masks all of the other colors and makes most leaves green.

& WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023 24 FAMILY

“Trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.” “All summer long, chlorophyll is made and maintained while it’s warm and sunny. It breaks downs and is constantly being replaced, which keeps the leaves green. But when temperatures drop and days shorten, plants slow down the replacement of chlorophyll and it breaks down

faster than it’s replaced and starts to disappear. This allows the other colors to emerge in fall. At this point, the carotenoids start to show, which are yellow and orange. “Also around this time, plants start to take sugars from the leaves and combine them with anthocyanins which are responsible for reds and purples. These are not photosynthetic pigments, but rather may play a role in protecting leaves from breaking down. Some plants have lots of anthocyanins like oaks and maples and some don’t have any at all like birch, lindens and hackberry. Eventually, when there is no more production of sugars, the pigments aren’t working anymore and triggers a different set of hormones, which leads to leaf abscission – thus falling off the tree.”

PHEW! Are you still with me? I hope so, as now we get to “what does this all mean?” You probably now have piles of leaves under your trees and dread the thought of raking them all into tidy piles at the curb for the big machine to suck them up, never to be seen again. Well, fight the urge to send them away and instead, keep them for your garden. Not only can you use them as mulch layers, but there are many beneficial insects that are hanging around to winter in those leaves. If you have lots of leaves, just make small piles and shred them with the lawn mower or a leaf mulcher. Then redistribute the shredded leaves in your garden. (You don’t have to shred them, but make sure they are evenly distributed so they aren’t too thick. I shred mine so they break down a bit faster.) Not only does this add tons of organic material to your garden, it keeps your bark mulching and fertilizing costs down. Then I just add them back into the gardens (about 2 to 4 inches thick is good). I make an extra heavy layer along my fence because Garden Dog likes to run back and forth to visit his neighbor friends, and in the winter, his path gets muddy. A generous pile of leaf mulch keeps his trail (and his paws!) clean and just gets worked back into the soil. Leaving your leaves in the garden not only adds to the organic material in your garden, it helps wildlife. There are tons of little bugs, moths and butterflies that are battening down the hatches for winter in your garden debris. Waiting to rake up what falls in your garden until midspring gives them a safe home in your yard, which not only will lead to more pollinators next year, but they also can be food for birds, turtles, snakes and small mammals over winter. Resist the urge to remove every last leaf from your garden. If you must remove them from the lawn, direct them to the garden. Even better, reduce your lawn and then you don’t have to worry about the lawn grass! Leaves can be left in gardens but can smother lawn grass leading to disease and weed issues that just require more chemicals and maintenance. Gardens are so much better than lawn anyway, right? And with less leaf raking, you have more time to enjoy the fall colors in the garden. And,of course, we always encourage you to jump in that pile before you put it in the garden ...

Meagan Provencher 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! FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

n SUBURBAN SUPERDAD n

Growing into

BIG SHOES Sometimes, adults are the ones who have shoes to fill

nyone who has ever visited our home knows The Gallery Wall.

multi-image portraits, arranged just so, to visually carry the viewer through each of the years of our daughters’ lives.

Situated in a hall – not a hallway, mind you – just around the corner from the kitchen, you’ll find this particular Wall.

Within the frames, viewers can take in the milestones and mementos: The years they each learned to tie their shoes, for instance. Or the year the oldest went en pointe in ballet.

There is an element that makes this particular 10-foot tall greenish blue wall special: The collection of 11-by-14-inch black frames, each boasting special

Priceless favorite dolls and stuffed animals also make repeat appearances, along with favorite books and other precious

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November’s Cutest Pet Contest

begins November 9th. Enter your pet’s photo for a chance to win!

Call 847.640.0402 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

& WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023 26 FAMILY

achievements and phases of life our photographers helped us creatively capture for all time.

which is why we believed it so important to capture that moment at the time.

But on those occasions when I pause before The Gallery, my eyes often linger over one particular image:

Lately, though, that image has lingered in my eye and in my mind for a different reason.

An image of my younger daughter, then 2 years old, accessorizing with a hat, necklace, purse and shoes, not unlike those you may find in the wardrobe of a proper British grandmother.

As a child, walking around in giant shoes was a fun game. But as the years have worn on, I increasingly find myself walking ever more in shoes that have proven hard to fill.

What the image depicts may not seem all that particularly special or unique. It is likely fair to say nearly every person, at some point in their childhood, has played dress up. And what child hasn’t, at least once, slipped into the shoes of a parent and stomped around a room or two, often accompanied by uproarious laughter, modulating their voice to mimic what they believe a grown-up may sound like, saying, “Look, I’m daddy!” (or Mommy or an aunt, uncle or grandparent – you get the point.) Then, often enhancing the laughter, they almost inevitably trip and fall because, as you know, their little tootsies can only keep up the canter for so long in the shoes designed for feet orders of magnitude larger. But what makes this photo so special is that our little one, from the moment she could walk and talk, always wanted to be older. From her earliest years, she has wanted to be like her sister, or her mommy, or even her dad, in a way matched by few children I’ve ever known –

In some ways, it’s just the natural turn of life: Children grow into adults, and along the way, assume ever more responsibilities, not only for themselves but for those around them as well, taking on new titles. For people like me, the list of these titles include such superlatives as “dad,” “husband” and, of late, “manager.” But what has consistently surprised me along the way is how heavy the shoes are, each time you put on a new pair. Most recently, that point has been driven home by a new promotion in my career. For the past eight years, I’ve worked and learned under a gem of a boss (not even a drop of snark here.) Last year, after decades of service, she decided this was at last the right time to retire. Following that announcement, her duties were reorganized and divided between a colleague and me. But even with just a portion of her responsibilities, I am left amazed, daily, at how she was able to handle this, and make it all seem so effortless.

I suppose it’s not unlike when children go about their lives, delighting in hearing their parents celebrate their childhood milestones, while not understanding at all the depth of work, service, sweat, tears, pain, late nights, negotiation, elevated blood pressure, prayer, planning, ridiculously uncomfortable conversations, paying (bills) and more that goes into simply plotting a semisuccessful course through adulthood. So, as I clomp around for a bit, trying to grow into these uncomfortable new shoes, borrowed from my admired friend and forever colleague, trying not to fall on my face too much, allow me to raise a toast in her honor, as she enters her golden years. Here’s to you, Ann. Godspeed.

n 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.)

Saturdays and Sundays

November 24th (Black Friday), 25th, 26th, December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, and 23rd. Visit: www.irm.org or Call 800-BIG-RAIL or 815-923-4000 FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

Social Lifestyle for

Seniors

ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT KEEPS AN ACTIVE CALENDAR FOR ADULTS By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photos courtesy of St. Charles Park District

arlier this year several adults joined the St. Charles Park District for a mystery outing. They paid their nominal program fee and boarded the small bus with Lynne Yuill, supervisor for the Adult Activity Center. She planned the mystery day trip that included a visit to a local dairy farm, lunch and a special dessert at The Milk House in Pingree Grove where participants even got a behind-the-scenes visit in the popular ice cream destination. “I gave them a few hints, but they signed up and trusted that I would provide them a great day out,” Yuill said. “They had a blast and we discovered a local hidden treasure.”

& WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023 28 FAMILY

for the members and guests of the Adult Activity Center, which is dedicated for adults ages 50 and older.

Whether it’s day trips or local lunches, educational programs or holiday parties, Yuill is always planning something worth adding to the calendar

Some know the AAC for its catalog of activities and events in the back of the seasonal park district catalog, but it also refers to the physical location inside the Pottawatomie Community Center where members and daily guests can drop in to use the computers, visit the library, join a lively card game or find a quiet place to sit and read. There are those who are regulars for a game of pinnacle and those who visit with a friend to catch a program or special event. The center is open daily and membership is $15 per year for park district residents and $23

“We have those who are newly retired and someone who just celebrated her 92nd birthday,” Yuill said. “Some drop in to watch Jeopardy together, some hang out with friends engaging in drop in programs while others just like the change of scenery to come in and read the newspaper.” And she’s always trying something new. This summer she hosted a chair volleyball match that was full of laughs, and a few bumps and serves. Along with events and programs at the center, she also coordinates off-site activities, including monthly lunches around town, musical and theater shows, and daytrips. Even before the trees began to change colors with the season she had filled most of her daytrips on the fall calendar. Pat Reding said she likes how Yuill uses a scale of 1-3 to show how much walking is involved, so she can select which outings will work best. “I use a walker so it’s helpful to me to see how much activity is involved,” said Reding, who took part in a daytrip to Milwaukee this summer adding it was a great trip.

It was the advisory board that helped develop the program for Kindness Day, where members assembled small gift bags that included toiletries and treats that they distributed to residents of a local memory care center. While it was a small program, it had a big effect and participants encouraged Yuill to find another facility to partner with to repeat the program.

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“The Speakeasy has a 1920s vibe with the décor and feel, we even have a password for when you exit the elevator,” she added. And she’s already planning another mystery trip for the winter season, researching different venues and activities, so even on a day with gray clouds and chilly temps, there’s a great reason to get out and be with friends. For more details, visit stcparks.org/aac.

THANK YOU READERS!

“Just because we are seniors doesn’t mean we can’t do things for others,” Reding said. “It makes you feel so good to give.” Yuill is wrapping up details on one of the biggest events of the year, the holiday celebration, Jingle Bell Bash, featuring a lunch, live entertainment and dancing. This year the party returns to the Speakeasy at the Arcada Theatre. The event draws groups of friends, couples and she’s looking forward to the annual celebration.

Rt. 64

Randall Rd.

“They always give me great ideas,” Yuill said.

SERVING THE FOX VALLEY AREA

TRI

Having a designated location makes it easier to host programming. Yuill keeps calendar of activities, trying her best to find something to for everyone’s interest, which can be a challenge when you have such a wide age range. While she said most participants are in their 70s and 80s, there are active members in their early 90s as well as younger members in their 50s.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Reding is also a member of the advisory board that meets with Yuill and lends input in the programming and events for the Adult Activity Center.

SM-CL2114084

for non-residents and with membership is discounted rates for activities and programming.

Pottawatomie Golf Course is honored to be chosen as the

FINEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE in Kane County

Discover it ALL at stcparks.org JOHN B. NORRIS RECREATION CENTER

For the Health of it

Fitness Center • Group Fitness • Wellness Coaching • Tennis • Pickleball • Aquatics

Join us for an

OPEN HOUSE Saturday • December 2 • 9am-12pm Come see all that Norris Recreation Center offers! • Facility Tours • Wellness Coaching Mini-Assessments • Fitness Demos & Tennis Clinics • Prize Drawings, Refreshments & more!

Plus Learn About... Fitness Center • Cycling Studio • Minigym Group Fitness Classes • Indoor Sport Courts Lap Swim • Open Swim • Child Care & more! *New memberships only. Cannot cancel within the first 3 months of membership. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid on discounted memberships. No cash value.

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1050 Dunham Rd. • St. Charles • 630-377-1405 • norrisrec.org •

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Managed by the St. Charles Park District in cooperation with Community Unit School District 303

FAMILY & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2023

Artist OF THE MONTH

Jim Jenkins 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.

elebrated artist Jim Jenkins first joined Water Street Studios in 2009 upon the establishment of the studio itself. “The draw of WSS was that it had space available that permitted welding and metalworking at any time of day or night with the freedom to grow and develop my work in conjunction with other working artists, something I hadn’t done since my days as a sculpture and fine arts student at the University of Iowa,” says Jenkins. Most recently, Jenkins was named a resident artist at Fermilab. “My most recent commission, “As a Twig is Bent, So Inclined the Tree,” installed in The Lederman Educational Center at Fermilab is perhaps the most challenging and ultimately satisfying project to date,” he says. “It’s at the heart of my mission as a working artist today: the education of young people. The “Educational Tool” I created for Fermilab is the most unusual tree one might encounter in the world.” Jenkins found an affinity for sculptural work at a very early age, watching his mother while she was sewing. “I was engaged in stitching together amorphous shaped pieces of fabric,” he says. “Fabric, thread and needle were utilized consciously to produce sculptural objects with actual titles that I assigned at my young age namely, Liberace’s Pants.” His next challenge will be an intricate collaboration with a scientist in Australia. “I’m always engaged in creating the next fabrication of cosmic consciousness,” he says. “The challenge will be to bring the science of The Bose-Einstein Condensate together with the help of a scientist in Australia, a collection of mixed metaphors both literally and figuratively. With objects such as Sumi brushes, Buddha boards, ice/H2O, glass, stainless steel, neutrino detection equipment and viewer selected words I hope to encourage community engagement into the creation of art with a macroscopic focus into the quantum realm.”

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023 30 ART

A lifelong artist, honoring creativity has been a part of Jenkins’ own fabric since the beginning. “Without art, music and science the human race will descend into chaos and savagery,” he says. “We are fortunate to have a community art center at WSS. The artists working there today bring their work in resistance to those forces. I’m grateful to be part of that effort.”

DETAILS OF Jim Jenkins’ WORK: Jim Jenkins' artwork is installed in multiple communities throughout Illinois. Four of his sculptures and their respective locations are:

u A Unique Cycle: Geneva v Read Them Like a Book: St. Charles w Deus Ex Machina: Aurora x Cosmic Clockwork Comet: Quincy

About the Artist Jim Jenkins lives and works in the Chicagoland area. He’s a graduate of The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa with a degree in Fine Art, Sculpture. While attending the university he was awarded The Graham Fellowship for artistic excellence.

For more information on the artist of the month, head to waterstreetstudios.org or the organization’s social media pages. ART & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023

Grab a This fall, we give thanks for the many good books on the market! Here are two recommendations for your November reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

 FOR ADULTS: “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

The tried-and-true tale of Patroclus and Achilles is infused with new life. Patroclus follows Achilles into war, unaware that their relationship is destined to be tested both on and off the battlefield. These vibrant characters come to life as you follow both Achilles and Patroclus through their childhood and young adult years. The relationship they share creates an intense dynamic that carries the rest of the story and leaves you wanting more. While this fiction novel is based on the Greek myth of Achilles, it diverges slightly from the original text. It expands on the original, instilling it with new meaning, while also staying true to the spirit of the original tale. Despite knowing the tragedy that awaits, the story keeps you engaged and rooting for this pair until the bitter end. The lyrical prose and atmospheric tone draw you in and makes this narrative particularly wonderful as an audiobook. “The Song of Achilles” is a wonderful read that is intensely engaging and is recommended for any adult looking for a heartfelt human story. Have tissues at the ready! – Cameron Byrum Ramberg, library associate  FOR KIDS: “The Secret Garden on 81st Street” by Ivy Noelle Weir

This charming story is a modern retelling of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In this graphic novel version, Mary Lennox lives in Silicon Valley with her parents. She is constantly left alone with only her electronics for company while her parents work long hours. After they are killed in a car accident, Mary is sent to live with an uncle she doesn’t know who lives in New York City. Her uncle has a tech-free house, so Mary looks for new ways to occupy her time. Mary explores her new home, discovering New York City’s charm and making friends along the way. Soon, she finds the key to a secret garden on the rooftop of their building, and discovers a cousin she never knew living on the second floor. Over time, Mary learns about friendship, family and healing. This is a wonderful retelling of the original story with beautiful illustrations that both adults and kids will enjoy. – Sandy Lang, library associate & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023 32 ART

calendar

NOVEMBER 2023 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Get cozy at the Geneva Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl.

e g a p s i h t Clip out and plan ahead for the month of November!

Enjoy an extra hour of sleep as daylight savings time ends.

Exercise your civic right and vote on this election day!

First day of Winterfest Art Market in Batavia. Event goes on through Sunday

We honor our military veterans and thank them for their service on Veterans Day.

Artisan Craft & Food Fair

Check out the Artisan Craft & Food Fair at Heritage Prairie Farm in the heated event tent and rustic barn.

Find the perfect gift and peruse the Craft Show at the Copper Fox in Geneva.

23 Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter Lights Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Aurora.

Catch a game with the Chicago Steel vs. Youngstown Phantoms at the Fox Valley Ice Arena.

Help celebrate small businesses and cross off a few items on your holiday gift lists.

Catch a performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Paramount Aurora.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023

e s h iins a Jar

A creative way to choose an activity – and a few suggestions to add to your list

By Jamie Baker Photos courtesy of the Geneva History Museum, 116Gallery, Travel A Latte and Shaw Media

Take a little inspiration from KC’s Finest in Arts & Entertainment and don’t forget to seize every day you can!

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023 34 ART

had an English teacher in high school who assigned a “carpe diem” project my senior year. She encouraged us to find something totally out of the norm and “seize the day,” jumping headfirst into some outlandish activity or bucket list item (provided we were safe, of course).

I was reminded of that project the other day when I saw a couple of different social media posts talking about putting the titles of books on slips of paper into a jar, to be pulled out at random when the time came for a new story to devour. I thought it might be a pretty awesome way to help decide what to do on a rainy day, or a direction to go in when the road is calling. So, pick out a unique jar – mine has hand-painted blue butterflies circling the glass – and write down different wishes on little slips of paper. Keep the jar on your nightstand or your desk and, when you’re feeling a little spontaneous, pluck out your next adventure.

116 Gallery

Geneva History Museum TRAVEL AGENT

g Travel A Latte Geneva 331-248-1896 travelalatteltd.com

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

g Bar Evolution 27 N. River St., Batavia, IL 60510 630-454-4315 barevolutionbatavia.com n Arcada Theatre 105 E. Main St., Saint Charles 630-962-7000 arcadalive.com n Preservation 513 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-208-1588 preservationgeneva.com

Bar Evolution

Travel A Latte

LIVE THEATRE

MUSEUM/CULTURAL

ART GALLERY

n Paramount Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora 630-896-6666 paramountaurora.com

n St. Charles History Museum & The Curious Fox Gift Shop 215 E. Main St., Saint Charles 630-584-6967 stcmuseum.org

n Urban Artisan 27 S. 3rd St., Geneva 331-248-0265 urbanartisangeneva.com

g Hello Broadway Theatre Company 8 N. 2nd Ave., Saint Charles (847) 287-8180

n RiverEdge Park 360 N. Broadway, Aurora 630-896-6666

g Geneva History Museum 113 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-232-4951 genevahistorymuseum.org

n Blackberry Farm 100 Barnes Rd., Aurora 630-892-1550 blackberryfarm.info

g 116Gallery 116 W. Main St., Saint Charles 630-549-6870 116gallery.com

n Midwest Nice 227 S. 3rd St., Ste. 104, Geneva 773-728-2803 midwestnice.com

g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category

ART & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023

Looking for a date night venue? At Villa Verone, guests will find

Pasta Rom S

low down and savor the spaghetti.

opened his first restaurant in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

That’s the advice of Pietro Verone, owner of Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano in Geneva. If it feels as though the days are rushing past and the holidays on the horizon cause an uptick in blood pressure, it’s time to make a date with someone special and let Verone’s staff serve up a dose of romance.

While he started his restaurant career in the kitchen, today Verone prefers to be up front to greet his guests, welcome back returning customers and help them navigate the menu he’s designed, based from recipes he knows and what his customers have told him they love.

Villa Verone was voted Kane County’s Finest for a Romantic Dinner and, stepping inside the more than 100-year-old former home nestled in downtown Geneva, it’s easy to see how Verone has created the intimate settings of each dining nook. They are the perfect place to re-connect with the one you love over a plate of fresh pasta, he added. Verone opened the Geneva restaurant in 1996 on what he called his “five-year plan” and today he is going on year 28 of serving up the recipes he learned from his mother. “I can’t stop. I love what I do,” Verone said. Verone was 18 when he and his parents left their small town outside of Naples, Italy and made their way to join some of his father’s relatives in Chicago. It wasn’t long before Verone found his way into a restaurant kitchen and before long

& ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023 36 ART

“I like to stick to the traditional stuff because that’s what I know,” Verone said. Among some top choices are the cavatelli

mance with a side of

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos courtesy of Villa Verone

casarecci which features small dumplings with chicken and mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce and there’s the pappardelle paradiso is a creation of tri-colored long, thick pasta served with chicken and roasted garlic in a goat-cheese sauce. There’s pollo and salmon Vesuvio or consider the pollo gorgonzolo served rich gorgonzola cheese. “We still use my mother’s recipes,” he added. And the homemade desserts are so good, sharing may pose a challenge.

In the spirit of romance, consider the Fixed Price Special where, for $120, two people can choose an appetizer, two entrees, one dessert and one bottle of wine to share. Verone said it used to be a menu special, but it became so popular he decided to keep it on the menu daily. Verone said he loves how the restaurant is housed in the historic home, with the small rooms he creates an intimate dining experience and that’s optimal for conversations and catching up with fellow diners. “It’s not one big room, but lots of different little rooms,” Verone said. “If you are looking to be romantic, it can be hard sitting in one big dining room. Here you have little nooks with each room having just three or four tables. It’s a different kind of place.” During warmer weather there’s a small garden dining setting Flavorful dishes and intimate dining rooms it’s easy to see why customers voted Villa Verone the best romantic dinner location in Kane County. Romance isn’t just for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.

Check out other “Finest” locations around Kane County to make your date a wonderful break from the hectic pace of the holiday season!

ROMANTIC DINNER

DINING ON THE WATERFRONT

n The Graceful Ordinary 3 E. Main St., St. Charles 331-235-5803 thegracefulordinary.com

n Eden Restaurant & Events 1 Illinois St., St. Charles 630-945-3332 edenstc.net

n Niche 14 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-262-1000 nichegeneva.com

n Atwater’s Restaurant 15 S. River Ln., Geneva 630-208-8920 herringtoninn.com

STEAK

COFFEE SHOP

n FoxFire in Geneva 17 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-1369 foxfiregeneva.com

n Smarty Pants Café 817 N Randall Rd, Batavia 630-326-9410 smartypantscafe.com

n Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery 306 W. State St., Geneva 630-208-7070 stockholmsbrewpub.com

n Limestone Coffee & Tea 8 W Wilson St, Batavia 630-454-4556 limestone.coffee

g Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano 416 Hamilton St., Geneva 630-232-2201 villaverone.com

g St. Charles Place Steakhouse 2550 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-377-3333 st-charlesplace.com

SUSHI

g moto imōto 181 S. 1st St., St. Charles 630-425-0990 motoimoto.com n Swordfish 207 N. Randall Rd., Batavia 630-406-6463 swordfishsushi.com n B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House – Geneva 124 W. State St., Geneva 630-587-2274 burgerandsushihouse.com

g The Graceful Ordinary 3 E. Main St., St. Charles 331-235-5803 thegracefulordinary.com

g Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse 318 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-845-3180 318coffeehouse.com

BRUNCH

g Buttermilk 7 W. State St., Geneva 630-845-0820 buttermilkrestaurants.com n Nosh 22 N. 3rd St., Geneva 630-845-1570 experiencenosh.com n Abbey Farms 2855 Hart Rd., Aurora 630-966-7775 abbeyfarms.org g Designates Finest winner in each category n Designates One of the Finest in each category

ART & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023

Q&A A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE LENS

Kane County’s Finest Photographers Drew Pertl Photography April Duda Photography Jennifer Kaye Photography

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Meet Drew Pertl, the photographer who captures stunning scenes of Kane County as a sincere desire to find beauty in every moment. As the survivor of four open heart surgeries, I have a daily reminder that every moment on this earth should be cherished. And as a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley, I’m honored to create images that show the true beauty of our community. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to slow down and take the time to appreciate the amazing world in which we live.

n KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: How and why did you get into the photography business? DREW PERTL: I received degrees in both broadcasting and graphic communication from Western Illinois University and started my career working in television production. After a few years in the industry, I found myself working as the editor of the Emmy Award winning children’s show “Green Screen Adventures” produced by WCIU in Chicago. The entire show was filmed in a green screen studio and I often needed to go out and photograph different locations to be used as the scenes for our actors. For the images to work, they had to feel very realistic so it actually looked like the actors were in these places. To accomplish this, I had to push the limits of the technology I had available and develop my own process for capturing ultra-realistic images. I found this very rewarding because I was able to combine my love of technology with my passion for creativity and get some amazing results.

n KC: How does it feel to be named KC’s Finest? n KC: How would you describe your artistic style? DP: My style was created with the goal of showing familiar places in the way they have never been seen. Simply put, I look for those times that life imitates art. So, I put a lot of effort into planning and shooting when the conditions will be best for my subject. I’m motivated by light, weather and capturing a unique perspective. My work is often described as looking

more like a painting than a photo because of the vibrant color and sharp details that I painstakingly work to capture. n KC: How long have you been a photographer? DP: I’ve been doing photo and video work fulltime since 2007. n KC: What inspires you in your art? DP: I’m inspired by both a sense of pride in my community as well

DP: I never imagined that my work would be so well received by the community. As lifelong resident of the area, I’m truly honored to be named KC’s Finest. n KC: What kind of services do you offer through your business and can folks purchase your work? DP: I sell stock photography to local businesses and municipalities in the Fox Valley. I also sell prints on my website (www.drewpertl.com) and do commissioned work.

Follow more of Drew Pertl’s work at www.drewpertl.com • www.facebook.com/DrewPertlPhotography • www.instagram.com/drewpertl ART & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 2023

Let Kane County’s Finest help you find the right service provider to fit your needs!

g CARPET CARE COMPANY g Great Guys Cleaning & Concierge 1183 Pierson Dr., Batavia 630-674-5612 greatguysclean.com

n Mister Natural Services 301 E. Irving Park Rd., Roselle 630-980-7571 misternatural.com & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2023 40 BUSINESS

HOME BUILDER

PET BOARDING

n Peppeard Design 201 Cedar Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174 630-913-1100 peppearddesign.com

n Autumn Green Animal Hospital 39W124 Keslinger Rd., Geneva 630-232-2222 autumngreenanimalhospital.com

g Kane Home Cabinetry & Design 410 S. 3rd St., St. Charles 331-901-5153 kanehomecabinetry.com

n Shodeen Homes 77 N. First St., Geneva 630-232-8570 shodeen.comm

HANDY MAN

g Propheter Home Services 39w233 Acres Pl., Geneva 630-370-6750 Mark Parkison Sugar Grove

MAID SERVICE

g Lemonclean 815-735-3666 lemoncleanhouse.com n Clove Cleaning 1605 W. Wilson St., Ste. 108, Batavia 630-686-7226 clovecleaning.com g Designates Finest winner in each category

g The Water Bowl 321 Stevens St., Ste. Y, Geneva 630-457-5583 thewaterbowl.net

n DePAW Pet Resort 100 S. Glengarry Dr., Geneva 630-232-8663 depawpetresort.com n Hound Town Aurora 2011 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora 630-800-1717 houndstownusa.com

PET GROOMER

g Just for Paws 40W160 Campton Crossings Dr. Unit F, St Charles 630-549-7845 justforpaws.com n Woof Wash 137 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia 630-879-1896 woofwash.weebly.com

n Designates One of the Finest in each category

n Autumn Green Animal Hospital 39W124 Keslinger Rd., Geneva 630-232-2222 autumngreenanimalhospital.com n Perfect Pup Inc. 2400 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-444-1404 theperfectpupstore.com n Woofbeach Palms 716 W. State St., Geneva 630-389-9610 woofbeachpalms.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SENIOR CARE

g Brighton Gardens of St. Charles 600 Dunham Rd., St. Charles 630-587-6120 sunriseseniorliving.com

PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

g Pottawatomie Park 845 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles 630-584-8356 pottawatomiegc.com n Settler’s Hill Golf Course 919 E. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia 630-232-1636 settlershill.com

GIGANTIC

Retirement SALE

NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

g Wasco Nursery & Garden Center 41 W781 Rt. 64, St. Charles 630-584-4424 wasconursery.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

g Lenity Financial 724 W. State St., Ste. A, Geneva 630-948-3330 lenityfinancial.com

n Heinz Brothers Greenhouse 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-377-6288 heinzbrothers.com

n Stonehenge Consulting LLC 1144 E. State St., Ste. A-280, Geneva 630-443-0664 stonehedgeconsulting.com

n Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden 42W075 Rt. 38, Elburn 630-365-5665 countrysideflowershop.com

n Fox Valley Tax Solutions 605 W. Main St., Ste. A, St. Charles 630-780-6810 foxvalleytaxsolutions.com

55+ COMMUNITY

g GreenFields of Geneva 0N801 Friendship Way, Geneva 630-578-6500 greenfieldsgeneva.org n The Landings Senior Living 2450 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Batavia 833-211-9741 dialseniorliving.com n The Reserve of Geneva – Independent Living 2508 Kaneville Rd., Geneva 630-208-9188 reserveofgeneva.com

FLORIST

g Farmdog Flowers 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9432 farmdogflowers.com n The Local Petaler 211 S. 3rd St., St. Charles 630-726-8207 thelocalpetaler.com n Town & Country Gardens Geneva 216 W. State St., Geneva 630-232-6685 tncgardens.com

Everything MUST Go! SALE opens to the public 10AM - 7PM on Thursday, November 9th

Due to Retirement, after 92 years in business, York Furrier will soon be closing the doors to Chicagoland’s favorite purveyor of Furs, Outerwear, and Accessories. With gratitude for your support over nine decades and three generations of family proprietors, ALL in stock inventory will be DRASTICALLY REDUCED up to 70% OFF for this once-in-a-lifetime SALE!

Hurry-in for BEST SELECTION & SAVINGS!

Elmhurst City Centre 630-832-2200

Connect: YorkFur.com/VIP

Furs | Shearling | Cashmere | Leather | Accessories BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2023

When

Plans Go “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – Robert Burns

y r w A

ne needs not have a daughter who is a published literary scholar to be familiar with poet Robert Burns’ reflection that, no matter how well one prepares, plans often go awry.

Important changes often have critical steps that must be sequenced properly for all to go smoothly. (Sale or change in ownership of a business, transitioning to retirement, changes in family construct, etc.) For example, we took possession of our historic building on Friday, Sept. 15. We contracted to have the place deep cleaned from top to bottom the following Monday – the same day we had contracted to have the building rewired to accommodate the high-speed internet needs of the team and our guests.

I had told the tenant not to worry about cleaning on his way out because we had a crew contracted to come in. The national company that was selected did not bring in the team they had promised and did only a fraction of the work contracted. My teammate and co-founder, Sharon, sought a remedy, but her conversation ended with a very professional, cool dismissal of that vendor. Our team rallied and outside of market hours, we dusted, scrubbed, mopped and much more as we had to stay on schedule.

These tasks needed to be done prior to painting and renovation work later that week which, in turn, had to be completed by Monday, Sept. 25, so custom furniture could be installed.

This phrase sprang to mind during the recent move of My Advisor & Planner to our new location. Despite a detailed timeline developed and refined many times well in advance of the move, our plan went awry.

Each vendor was selected out of multiple bids and locked in well ahead of time because we had a tight window due to our lease expiring. Finalists were selected, contracted and confirmed multiple times. What could possibly have gone wrong?

There were some additional challenges, such as the CAD drawings for the custom furniture being incorrect, necessitating some on-site carpentry and adjustments. Also, the second story “peacock” window which had been there since 1888, had issues. Fortunately, our craftsman were able to successfully restore it to good health. Although still a work in progress, here is what our “new” home looks like today:

& CIVIC NOVEMBER 2023 42 BUSINESS

Best laid plans... In early September, I got a call from the vendor selected to wire the house. “Tom, I’ve been thinking about this project, and I don’t think we are your best choice due to the historic status of the property and complexity of the job.” This was not the call I had expected or wanted. Fortunately, he continued by recommending another firm. We conferenced the owner of that firm in and he agreed to meet our timeline. Challenge handled. On the other hand, the deep clean was a complete bust.

HOW ABOUT YOUR PLANS?

Reflecting on all that has gone into transitioning to our new location made me think of parallels to situations we help our clients prepare for and navigate. Often the best-laid plans of a private business owner can be tested by surprises. For example: • A logistics company is doubling in size every 30 months, with that growth accelerating. The owner plans to sell in 10 years and retire young, but one of his key accounts has decided they want to own control of this aspect of their business and offers to buy him out now at a much lower price or they will take their business elsewhere. What now? • A new partner joins an orthodontic practice. She signs the cross-purchase agreement as part of the whirlwind of documents the partnership has, and she is excited to have her first experience as an owner. Unfortunately, months into her new firm one of the other partners dies unexpectedly, and she realizes that the cross-purchase agreement is unfunded. How does she meet her contractual financial obligation to buy out the deceased partner’s ownership? • A manufacturer had negotiated the sale of the business that has been his family’s life’s work. On the evening before the funds are to be wired, the buyer balks and steps away from the deal. With the ink still wet on the sales agreement, the owner had committed to constructing a substantial retirement home in a snowbird state. With both the interest rate and real estate environment having changed quickly, now what? Unexpected wrinkles in your life need not be nearly this dramatic to still cause you stress and pain. You not only need a financial plan, you need one that also has contingent scenarios and is periodically revisited with a trusted financial advisor. If you have not taken steps to do so, do not delay. When things do go awry – and they will – you’ll be glad you had properly prepared. P.S. A special shoutout to my teammates Sharon Piet and Michael Holevas for their dedication and perseverance through our move. Client service never missed a beat despite many challenges behind the scenes. P.P.S. A loving tribute to our Chief Pawsitivity Officer, Ivy (mapyourfuture.net/meet-ivy) Over the years, she greeted and set at ease many valued clients and provided loyal companionship at the office from early morning hours through late evenings. RIP, my faithful friend.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members.

Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a Wealth Manager, RJFS. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Tom and his team are located at 107 S. 2nd St., Geneva, IL 60134 and can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

MY ADVISOR & PLANNER helping assure lifestyle & legacy

Independent, confidential, private wealth management provided by industry veterans who focus on private business owners and executives, their families, and their key employees. Our services include: • Investment Management • Life and Long-Term Care Insurance for Business and Estate Planning • Retirement Plans for Privately Owned Businesses

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630.457.4068

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info@mapyourfuture.net 107 S. 2nd Street Geneva, IL 60134 MapYourFuture.net

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRNSIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor and Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. BUSINESS & CIVIC NOVEMBER 2023

Thank you for honoring

State Street Jewelers as the Finest Jeweler 2023 230 W. State Street | Geneva, Illinois | 630.232.2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com