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HEARTH MARCH 2022

FLOOR IT

5 things to consider when buying new tile Page 17

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

A Q&A about Elgin’s Painted Ladies homes Page 10

Modern & WARM

Update your home with new trends and goods, all available locally in Kane County | Section starts on page 8

A T

C H R I S T

C O M M U N I T Y

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Editorʼs

NOTE I’m writing to you on the day after Valentine’s Day, so I’m feeling full of love.

friendships has done nothing but enhance my well-being.

Love for the sun, which is coming out of its winter hibernation; for my local coffee shop, which provides such a comfortable workspace; and for the relationships in my life: romantic, friendship and family.

In this same spirit, we included a feature on three female business owners who have carved out a space for themselves in the dining industry (P. 30). Don’t miss the accompanying sidebar on Janet Gallagher, who was chosen as a judge in this year’s Tournament of Roses parade.

As we head into Women’s History Month, I find myself thinking of the women who have made history in my own life. Grandma Jean inspired me as a writer. Grandma Hope left a legacy of strength and kindness. My first newspaper editor, Liz, instilled both a love and respect for journalism. My mom, sister and best friends provide daily inspiration of what it means to care for others and stand up for yourself. Who are the women who have left an impact on your life? What do you hope to pass along, either as a woman or person who has meaningful female friends? I’m still contemplating those questions myself, but I do know that having a wide circle of female

This March home & hearth issue features stories about enhancing your homes in ways big and small, from new tile to midcentury modern design (P. 17 and 8, respectively). If there are home-centered stories you’d like to see in our next homes issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from readers! Thank you for reading!

COVER

This living room features abundant natural light, pops of color and the cutest dog. Read more about home renovations starting on P. 8, and learn more about designer Shannon Peppeard on P. 16. Photo by Margaret Rajic for Peppeard Design. Next month: From consignment shopping to trends in nail art, we’ll have the scoop on what’s popular in fashion! MARCH

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 Kevin Druley, Patti MacMillan, Katie McCall, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak, Louise Treeny, Chris Walker and Kelley White.

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

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

HOME & LIFESTYLE

DINING & ENTERTAINING

8 MIDCENTURY MODERN With this style, everything old is “in” again

26 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick heads to The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles

10 BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL A Q&A with two Elgin experts about the city’s Painted Ladies homes 13 WITH THE TRENDS Trend + Relic’s mix of modern and vintage goods offers something for everyone 14 FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME At Premier Living Properties, it’s about asking the right questions to fit clients’ needs 16 AWARD-WINNING AESTHETIC Shannon Peppeard, owner of The Pep Line, was recently named one of the top three most influential designers nationally 17 FLOOR IT 5 things to consider when you’re getting new tile 19 NEW HARDWARE HEADQUARTERS Start your spring projects at St. Charles Hardware 20 SWIPE RIGHT FOR AMAZING TREES Wasco Nursery presents profiles of 5 trees 22 BUSY BEES BarnWood & BeesWax opens in Batavia, offering handmade and vintage goods 25 KNOWN FOR STONE MGT Stone’s custom countertops and technology have earned them the reputation as an industry leader

28 IN KITCHENS TO COME Katie McCall comes to terms with sharing her tried-and-true family recipes 30 3 WOMEN SHAPING THE DINING LANDSCAPE From Mexican food to vegan pastries, these business owners are experts in their field

BUSINESS & CIVIC 34 YOUR BEST INTEREST Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet explain Regulation Best Interest

FAMILY IN FOCUS 36 PRESCHOOL PREP TO SPORTS, DANCE AND KARATE Parents and children can explore new classes together 37 ‘MAKE A DAY OF IT’ St. Patrick’s Parade is scheduled for March 12 in St. Charles

ART & FASHION 38 FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD Copley Theatre reopens after $2 million renovation with new, thought-provoking series 40 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Sabrina Budasi Martin pushes herself as an artist 42 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in March

MARCH

2022

Spring is just the beginning of a new hiking season. The secret is that a trip to Starved Rock is fun in every season, but especially when winter fades away, waterfalls are flowing and everything is turning green! When you need to reconnect with nature and disconnect from your screen, unwind and recharge your batteries at Starved Rock. Take it from the wildlife who call this place home: once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again!

Relax with nature at Starved Rock Lodge Stay at the only Hotel in Starved Rock State Park and be steps away from the hiking trails, enjoy guaranteed free parking, free WiFi, and amazing photo ops. Imagine relaxing in our pool complex, or eating lunch on the Veranda where the view of the scenic Illinois River Valley is the best in the Midwest. During summer months, you can take a leisurely river cruise on the Eagle 1 or take a walk down memory lane when you attend a Tribute to the Stars performance. Book a room or cabin and celebrate with friends, get married or have a family reunion. We’ll help you plan an enjoyable getaway at a place that’s so much more than a day trip. Call our friendly staff at (800) 868-7625 or visit starvedrocklodge.com.

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MIDCENTURY MODERN WITH THIS STYLE, EVERYTHING OLD IS “IN” AGAIN By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Villa and Farm, Warehouse 55 and Trend + Relic

ome decor has gone “Back to the Future,” to quote the iconic time-travel movie.

If there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it’s to simplify. Working and being at home more has left us staring at the same rooms for extended periods of time, inspiring many of us to purge belongings in our quest for uncluttered peace. Enter midcentury modern. While the resurgence of this mid-20th-century design began before anyone had ever heard of COVID-19, the past few years have made the sleek look even more appealing. “There’s no fussiness in decorating anymore,” says Carolynn Maltese, owner of Villa and Farm, a Kane County-based pop-up home decor store. “Bedrooms have become offices, and rooms that were always offices are used every day now.” Midcentury modern took off after World War II when people wanted the clean lines of Danish and Scandinavian looks, explains Maltese. Back then, the style was considered avant-garde with its simple, often sculptural lines and fabrics sporting geometric, abstract

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

and atomic prints. Look up Charles and Ray Eames and Arne Jacobsen, pioneers in midcentury design.

“If you don’t design it correctly and you have a lot of pieces, it can look really dated.”

“People are liking the cleaner lines in furniture and simplicity, not fancy,” concurs Mark Allen, who owns Warehouse 55 in Aurora and Chicago. “People are no longer looking for ornateness and carvings.” Big sellers are the period’s long dressers. “People use them as a buffet console table,” says Allen. “Nightstands are really popular again.”

Karri Custardo, co-owner of Trend + Relic in St. Charles, says she’s doing a lot of mixing of midcentury modern with boho. “The texture blends really, really well with the clean lines of MCM, and it makes the MCM a little bit more current,” says Custardo, who suggests marrying the two styles by pairing a simple furniture piece with a boho pillow or rug. “It’s letting people bring color back in. We’ve been devoid of color for such a long time.”

Record cabinets are also flying out the doors due to a renewed interest in vintage LP records. “We’ve also been selling a lot of nightstands and credenzas.” Some buyers refinish their “new” pieces, while others leave them as is, adds Allen. One of Maltese’s customers had received a vintage record player as a birthday gift, and bought a small midcentury modern hall table. “Everyone wants raw or natural wood now, so we had left it the natural color and painted the front and added hardware. That was the perfect statement piece. It didn’t overtake the room. “You have to be so careful with MCM,” says Maltese.

Custardo updates midcentury pieces by changing out the hardware to a gold or black bar. “It gives a clean, sleek look that people just can’t get enough of. We sell a lot of that. People aren’t necessarily doing their whole house in MCM, but they’re mixing in pieces of MCM, which is very on-trend right now. It’s the same with decor. You may have a modern dresser, but on the wall above it you have an MCM clock,” says Custardo. Trend + Relic also sees a lot of midcentury modern dressers and in particular buffets going out the door. “We’ve brought more in the last six months because it’s becoming more and more in demand.”

 Don’t miss the Vintage Shop Hop, scheduled this spring for March 4-5! Many Kane County vintage stores are participating and will have midcentury modern pieces available.

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

Q&A BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

A Q&A with two Elgin experts, Elizabeth Marston and Christen Sundquist, about the city’s Painted Ladies homes By Hannah Hoffmeister | Photos provided by Christen Sundquist

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

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After rescheduling around a snowstorm, Kane County Magazine got a walking and driving tour of the impressive homes in the area’s historic districts. The magazine spoke with Sundquist and Elizabeth Marston, museum director at Elgin History Museum, about these awe-inspiring homes, which tend to more closely resemble works of art than your traditional neighborhood dwelling. This interview has been edited slightly for length.

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: I first wanted to start with defining what Queen Anne style is and what Painted Ladies style is. CHRISTEN SUNDQUIST: Painted Ladies is from the 1970s — it was a coined term in San Francisco by two people who wrote a book about it. Queen Anne is part of the aesthetic movement at the turn of the century, like 1880s. They played with a lot of form. The Painted Ladies is just taking that aesthetic movement and adding its own expression and vibrancy to those buildings. Not necessarily historically colored or painted, but really nicely done.

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 KC: It seems like there’s a restoration movement in Elgin to keep these homes looking nice.

Vintage

CS: A lot of people saw the potential of these homes, and they wanted to save them. Designating it a historic district gives it its best chance of survival and preservation. We have five historic districts, our last one being in 2015. With that, you get some incentives … and that helps

Shop Hop March 4th & 5th

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rchitecture fanatics don’t need to travel to Postcard Row in San Francisco to see ornately painted homes — just drive to Elgin instead. The area is home to many Painted Ladies, or homes that highlight architectural features through unique coloring. Historically, Painted Ladies would have been painted with more muted colors: greens, tans, browns, etc., explains Christen Sundquist, historic preservation planner for Elgin. The style has expanded to brighter colors — turquoise, pink and more.

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LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Sundquist and Marston recommend these seven websites to discover more about the Painted Ladies homes and architectural history of Elgin: • Chicago Paint and Coatings Association’s Painted Ladies contest: www.chicagopaint.org/ painted_ladies • Elgin History Museum, which has digitized objects, archival materials and photographs: www. elginhistory.org

homeowners bring back historic features on the home that were once there and are no longer. Bit by bit, it sparks people to work on the exteriors of their house because they see their neighbor’s house is getting improved.  KC: What is something most people don’t know about the Painted Ladies homes in Elgin? CS: That they come in all sizes. It’s not just the huge Victorians that you think of in your head — it could be that smaller pink house that we pointed out, 429 Division St.

• Gifford Park Association: www.gpaelgin.org

ELIZABETH MARSTON: That the Painted Ladies movement has moved past Queen Anne into many different styles, even though that wasn’t the original intent. It’s not just the 1890s homes that have that painting style — bright colors highlighting architectural elements of their home — that’s kind of going into colonial revival, into bungalows too.

• Historic Elgin, which lists more than 500 homes with Heritage Plaques with photos, history, walking tours and more: www.historicelgin.com

 KC: What is something that you personally admire or notice when you look at these style of homes?

• Historic Elgin House Tour: www.historicelginhousetour.com

CS: More of the detail that pops out. Like Liz

• Explore Elgin Area, particularly the architectural history blog posts: www.exploreelginarea.com • Gail Borden Public Library District and Illinois Digital Archives, where you can see digitized versions of Henry Jensen's estimate books: www. idaillinois.org/digital/collection/newgailbord01/ id/10035/rec/1

said, having these features painted when they might not have been historically, it’s just nice to have that detail pop out. But then you also have to make sure you’re walking. If you’re driving past, you might not see it, but if you’re on the ground walking, you’ll get to see a lot more of that detail. EM: Like the Izzo House, the one on State Street. (Editor's note: This is at 214 E. State St., shown above.) It was magical — it’s almost like a creative painting. There are so many houses that have that in the Elgin area. It spruces up the streetscape; it makes people know that you care about your house.  KC: Is there anything you’d like to add? EM: We both would want you and all your readers to know Elgin’s a great place to live!

Visit Elgin History Museum — 360 Park St., Elgin — to learn more!

��

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

with the trends Trend + Relic’s mix of modern and vintage goods offers something for everyone By Louise Treeny | Photos provided by Trend + Relic

n the spirit of its name, Trend + Relic is trending upward.

And not just in its customer following, which has grown exponentially. In less than two years the St. Charles store, a mix of new and vintage, has expanded its physical space twice, growing from 3,500 square feet to nearly 11,000. “It’s been extraordinary,” says Karri Custardo, who opened the shop with Heather Corcoran in July 2020. Trend + Relic’s vendors have also grown, from 14 to about 50 at its “grand reopening” this spring. Vendors range from repurposed vintage wares to new items to handmade furniture. “We have such good vendors,” Custardo says, noting dealers make sure not to duplicate each other’s offerings. Located in a stunning brick building on the east side of St. Charles, Trend + Relic feels warm and comfortable inside. Custardo describes the store’s aesthetic as “primarily new and vintage home decor with jewelry and clothing mixed in,” adding many

shoppers describe it as a “friendly vibe.” Lauren Garbutt began selling her repurposed vintage furniture at Trend + Relic last May. Her company, Lauren Michel Home, specializes in furniture ranging from the 1930s up to the ’70s. She had previously been operating out of her home, so Trend + Relic was her first experience selling out of a store. Regular foot traffic and connections with other small business owners are among the many benefits she’s seen. “They’re really great mentors,” Garbutt says of Custardo and Corcoran, adding they’ve advised her on marketing, social media and more. She enjoys that her fellow vendors are a good mix of “seasoned vets and newbies,” allowing them to grow together in the shop. “It’s been awesome,” she notes. “I’ve enjoyed the experience.” Trend + Relic has also expanded its offering of events and workshops. Customers will find monthly — sometimes even more often — “make and take”

workshops, such as paint your own pillowcase, pour your own candle and more. Register ahead of time online, and mark your calendar for these two upcoming events: • March 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Vintage Shop Hop, a popular event held twice a year, encourages people to shop local. Trend + Relic is on the official map! • April 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Several local businesses in St. Charles are collaborating on a “St. Charles Shop Crawl,” offering shoppers fun events and ways to boost the local economy. Custardo feels the store has something for everybody, whether you need a handmade throw blanket, refurbished end table or Fusion Mineral Paint for your own DIY projects. She says she and Corcoran love being able to provide a place for businesses to grow. “I think we have built something really special here,” she says.

 trend + relic 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles 630-803-5253 www.trendandrelic.com HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

Find your

Perfect Home

AT PREMIER LIVING PROPERTIES, IT’S ABOUT ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO FIT CLIENTS’ NEEDS By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Premier Living Properties

hen it comes to real estate sales, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Just ask Tamara O’Connor, owner and broker at St. Charles-based Premier Living Properties. O’Connor runs the family-owned real estate firm with her daughter Amanda. They consistently rank in the top tier of Realtors. “People think you have to be part of a national franchise. That’s not true,” she says. “You just have to be serviceminded, work by referral and give your clients an amazing experience.”

A big part of that experience is that O’Connor explains the selling process from beginning to end, so clients know what to expect. The numbers speak for themselves: • Tamara O’Connor is in the top 100 Realtors out of 60,000+ Realtors in Midwest Real Estate Data’s Multiple Listing Services (MRED MLS). • O’Connor has handled 3,500 real estate transactions since 1989. The vast majority of her clients come from referrals. So, what sets Premier Living apart from other real estate firms? “I think it’s our level of service. We’re not trying to hire a hundred agents,” says O’Connor. “We only have 30 between our two offices, and at the end of the day, if you want to sell your house or find a house, we’re going to make the experience so good you’re going to refer your friends. We’re relationship-based. Not transactionalbased.” While she is in the business of buying and selling homes, it’s not a hard sell as far as O’Connor is concerned. “We want

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

to find people the perfect house they’re looking for,” she says. “We don’t rush people when we feel there is something better out there that fits your needs. Some agents just want to make the sale.” Premier Living also prides itself on its attention to detail and thorough services. “We do every single thing that needs to get done to sell a house, whether it’s photographs, descriptions or exposure or marketing,” says O’Connor. “We do it on a very high level as if it were our own home. We’re pretty passionate.” Another key to her success is that she enjoys what she’s doing. “I like being involved with people and helping them find the perfect home. I just love meeting all the different people and helping them on their journey to find the house that helps them have their best life.” Finding a perfect match involves digging deeper than the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. “They might be into cooking or want

a finished basement for a sports collection, or a craft room. It’s about asking the right questions about how they’re going to live in the house. That involves being a good listener. They may not know what they want until they start talking.” O’Connor’s definition of a good Realtor is one who is local, knows the market and is connected. She finds homes through peers and thousands of past clients. An avid reader, she is always learning her craft and has earned all her real estate designations. As a top agent, O’Connor is also able to mentor and train other agents. Premier Living Properties not only helps families find homes locally. “Our slogan is we’re local, we’re global. When people move out of state, we find the person that can help them in their local destination city,” says O’Connor.

 PREMIER LIVING PROPERTIES 612 W. Main St., St. Charles 630-377-1646 www.plproperties.com

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.

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 THE PEP LINE 201 Cedar Ave. St. Charles 630-549-7088 www.thepepline.com

award-winning

AESTHETIC Shannon Peppeard, owner of The Pep Line, was recently named one of the top three most influential designers nationally

By Louise Treeny | Photos by Margaret Rajic

any people took time in 2020 to slow down.

To see her curated showroom, go to www.myrowedesign. com/shannon-peppeard, which shows both specific pieces and the completed room, along with a description of her inspiration and thought process. “A palette of subtle, earthy tones was the perfect complement to this multifunctional family living space,” writes the My Rowe Design team.

But not Shannon Peppeard.

In 2020 alone, Peppeard expanded her online shop to a physical vendor space and was named in the top three most influential designers nationally. Then, last October in downtown St. Charles, she opened her own brickand-mortar space, The Pep Line, which she describes as “curated goods for the home.” Everything happened “so fast and so organically,” she says. “You just know it’s right.” You read that right: top three designers nationally. But, first, some background: Peppeard has owned and operated her own design firm, Peppeard Design, for the past 17 years. She started The Pep Line as an online extension featuring goods she’d consider for her designs, then was approached by St. Charles vintage shop Trend + Relic to be a vendor in their new store. After wild success there, she moved into the Cedar Avenue home, which dates back to 1836 and is thought to be a former Underground Railroad stop. The space’s rooms provide a realistic, inviting setting for

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

Speaking of earthy tones, Peppeard advises homeowners to consider adding soft pops of color into their spaces. Mixing different genres of design creates a timeless, classic look in your space. Peppeard’s home goods. In the midst of the expansion, Peppeard received an email from Rowe Furniture. She had been named in the top 10 designers out of more than 3,000 nationally. “I felt like I was a winner there,” she remembers. From there, an online vote narrowed down the top 10 to three. At her son’s baseball game last July, she learned she was one of the three My Rowe Designers. Rowe asked her to design a showroom to be shown at the spring 2021 High Point Market, an industry-wide event held twice a year in North Carolina. “It was the most humbling experience,” she says. “I was just blown away.”

The Pep Line specializes in goods you won’t find elsewhere in the Fox Valley, from greeting cards to exclusive kitchen goods, handbags, garden items and more. You’ll find pieces that are available to be taken home that same day, or ordered for a quick turnaround. In addition to smaller accessories, the shop offers lighting, furniture, decor — essentially everything you need to create a comfortable space for yourself and loved ones. The team envisions holding events collaborating with local businesses (picture food trucks and live music). “It’s the perfect backdrop for my modern aesthetic,” says Peppeard.

FLOOR IT

5 things to consider when you’re getting new tile By Kevin Druley

hether you targeted a home tile project long ago or suddenly took up searching for meaning in the bathroom walls amid the cabin fever of another pandemic winter, you’re in the right place. With spring renovation season looming and trends seemingly shifting like the seasons, Kane County Magazine checked in with industry experts to see what’s in style with tile. Here’s a look — and we promise that will be the last rhyme.  TAKE A PEEK The Tile Council of North America recommends being as familiar as possible with the space and scope of the project. A resource the organization finds especially

helpful is a tile buying guide; check out www.whytile. com/tile-guide. Once you’ve determined the specifics, Tile Council of North America suggests leaving the nitty-gritty to the pros. “When ceramic tile is properly installed and maintained, it is a long-lasting surface,” spokesperson Roxanne Morris says. “This durability gives North American ceramic tile a low life cycle cost and sustainability advantages over flooring materials that need to be replaced more often. “To be sure ceramic tile is installed properly, it is best for it to be installed by a skilled and qualified installer. HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

But for the dedicated DIYer, it is certainly possible to install tile as well as a qualified professional if taking the time to read and research what is needed for the specific project and being careful during the installation.”  TRIED AND TRUE While spirals and other shapes have emerged on the ceramic tile scene lately, Chelsi Smith of Bataviabased Heart of the Home Kitchen and Bath Design tells homeowners there’s still room for a classic. Subway tiles — rectangular in shape and typically with squared edges — remain popular for walls in kitchens, bathrooms, backsplashes and other appropriate living spaces. Some things never change. “I can’t see it really ever fully phasing out,” Smith says. “It’s just kind of a staple tile. It goes into really any kitchen design pretty seamlessly. It’s neutral. It comes in the varying sizes. There’s your standard 3x5 or the elongated subway now. And people are even mixing, playing with patterns with subway tiles and doing the herringbone.”  TRY SOMETHING NEW Looking for a spot to take additional liberties with shades or designs? Smith finds bathrooms are best. “Whereas your kitchen is something where you really want it to stand the test of time, bathrooms, you can just have a little bit more fun with it,” she says. “And that’s why we’re seeing (that); whether it’s wallpaper or fun-

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colored tile or the pastel tile or the mixing of shapes and patterns and colors. It’s just an easy place to apply a mix of finishes and have a little bit more fun with it.” Wet bar areas and mudrooms also may lend themselves to more fun approaches.  PLAYING MARBLES If your aim is elegance or you’re trying to augment a more formal space, the best bet may be waterjet marble tile. “There’s so many different patterns out there, and they incorporate different marbles, different marble materials,” Smith says. “Some are your more geometric designs. And those are usually used more as a focal point, so you put that behind your range, for example.”  SOMETHING TO WEIGH Although various society norms have been relaxed during the pandemic, that reality doesn’t extend to interior design. No matter the color, material or pattern, don’t forget to plan for varied scales of tile when making selections. “Keeping the scale of those, you’re going to want a smaller pattern with a medium pattern and a larger pattern,” Smith says. “When you use two large patterns or two small patterns together, it gets chaotic and they don’t work together as seamlessly. So even if you’re using different materials and different textures and styles, as long as the scale is working nicely together, if you have varying scales within a space, it can usually come together pretty seamlessly.”

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 ST. CHARLES HARDWARE 3619 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-394-2378 www.stcharleshardwarestore.com

NEW HARDWARE HEADQUARTERS

START YOUR SPRING PROJECTS AT ST. CHARLES HARDWARE By Chris Walker | Photos provided by St. Charles Hardware

hether you’re considering a painting project, getting ready for your lawn and garden needs or tackling other home repair and improvement tasks on your to-do list, you should get to St. Charles Hardware soon.

of hardware stores, which is a member-owned co-op featuring hardware, building materials and more. While the store already has 20,000 items on its shelves, it has access to triple that. “We’re independently owned and run here,” Nestor says. “As part of the Do it Best chain we have 20,000 SKUs on the shelf, but I have access to 60,000 that I can have within two to three days.”

Located at 3619 E. Main St. in the Main Street Commons Shopping Center, St. Charles Hardware is unlike other hardware stores. “I was a flooring contractor for about 30 years and went into high-end retail, and living in Geneva, I jumped on this opportunity to build this from the ground up,” says Dave Nestor, store manager. “The majority of the people that work here are experienced and some are retired. They’ve built homes and value this kind of work, so we’ve been fortunate. We’re fully staffed.” Such a staff, which has decades of experience as carpenters, electricians, gardeners, painters, plumbers and more, can help you find what you’re looking for while their vast knowledge can help ensure your project is a success. Now is a great time to walk through those doors — which just opened in October — as it’s a great time for painting projects and work on your lawn.

Home of The Color Bar custom paint center, St. Charles Hardware’s one-stop paint department has been designed to provide inspiration for your projects while giving you confidence when choosing colors. Recognizing that paint trends change, St. Charles Hardware is up to date with the hottest colors, paint trends and examples of do-it-yourself projects. “Spring is a good time for painting and getting the lawn started,” Nestor says. “We’ll be ready with a full line of soils, potting mixes, fertilizer, grass seed and mowers; anything you can want to get your lawn in shape.” St. Charles Hardware is a part of the Do it Best chain

In addition to its countless paint, lawn and garden items, St. Charles Hardware’s product line includes hardware for home improvement, including power tools, keys, locks, hinges, plumbing supplies, cleaning products, housewares and utensils, according to the website. You’ll find brands such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Channellock, Scotts, Weber, WeatherTech, Purdy, Graco, Energizer, Diablo and William Henry. While St. Charles Hardware strives to be your destination for home repairs and improvements, it’s already making a difference within local high schools, Anderson Humane, Support over Stigma and others. “If anybody has got a fundraiser, please come talk to us, because we are willing to help,” Nestor says. “We’re also looking for local artisans, local businesses who want a place to sell their stuff. We can do that and be a part of the community.”

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

Swipe right for

AMAZING TREES A

s my cabin fever starts to intensify with the end of winter, I start to get a little desperate for plants. My houseplants are bored with me and it’s too early to start seeds. The snow is still deep enough to hide any hints of spring growth, and the tree buds are still pretty tight. My imagination starts to run wild dreaming about spring. I mentally reorganize all the plants in my head and remember all of their great characteristics so I can match good plants with my clients’ yards. The more I thought about plant traits, the more it sounded like a dating app … so I present “Timber” … the app for trees that need to match with good gardens. (Yes, you should probably send someone to check on me if the weather hasn’t improved and the green hasn’t shown yet … I might be losing it!)

tall, stately and strong and my distinguished gray bark stands out in winter. I’m looking for the perfect midsize yard that I can grow and thrive in. Are you my match?

 TIMBER PROFILE: TULIP TREE (LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA) Tall, dark and handsome, with lush green leaves, I’ll surprise you with flowers each spring. I stand

 TIMBER PROFILE: ‘NORTHWIND’ KOREAN MAPLE (ACER X PSEUDOSIEBOLDIANUM) If you want a show in spring and fall, then I’m your guy. When my tender leaves unfold in spring, there is

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

 TIMBER PROFILE: SWAMP WHITE OAK (QUERCUS BICOLOR) I get a bad reputation for growing slow, but that isn’t the case. I grow just as quickly as my counterparts, and I’m native so I’ve got that going for me. I have unique peeling bark that looks great in winter. My leaves are large with a bit of peach fuzz on the undersides that flickers in the wind. I do get acorns eventually, but that’s just one more way I help Mother Nature’s creatures besides being host to hundreds of pollinators and insects. I also survive in crummy soils or regular backyards.

a hint of red and orange. All summer long I bask in the sun and have large, lacy leaves. But fall is when I bring on the charm. My leaves will be a head-turning red, yellow and orange, and I positively glow in the warm sun of October. I’m smaller than other maples but still hardy (more so than my Japanese friends). Do you have a spot for me in your garden so I can brighten up your fall?  TIMBER PROFILE: CRABAPPLE (MALUS SPP.) I have been a mainstay in the plant community for hundreds of years. I’m the old-fashioned, stop-yourcar-and-gawk-when-I’m-blooming, reliable friend you need in the garden. My old crab friends from back in the day don’t perform as well as I do (thanks to some great breeding!). So, no worries about bugs and disease — I’m tougher than I used to be! And sheesh — don’t forget my fruit! I hang onto it until winter and then all of your bird friends will clean me up before spring. If you want the prettiest show of flowers followed by food for wildlife, then find a spot in your heart and garden for me.

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

 TIMBER PROFILE: AMERICAN HORNBEAM (CARPINUS CAROLINIANA) – NICKNAME: MUSCLEWOOD Want a little muscle in your garden? Pick me to thrive in your understory or smaller yard. While I don’t have the fancy flowers of my spring friends, I am a native guy that will stand out in your garden. My small leaves hang nice and neat. Occasionally I get a

small seed pod (that looks like hops) but nothing messy and the squirrels seem to like them. I show off a bit in the fall with a magnificent palette of red, burgundy, orange and yellow. And my smooth bark looks like human muscles that you can’t resist running your hands over. As I age, my bark gets even better. I’m short but I pack a lot of punch. Do you have room in your heart for this shy, native guy?

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

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

Busy Bees

HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

SADIE’S ON MAIN

BarnWood & BeesWax opens in Batavia, offering handmade and vintage goods

303 N. MAIN ST., ELBURN

630.849.8641 HOURS: SUN: 11 - 3 M & TH - SA: 10 - 5

Story and photos by Patti MacMillan

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

The ethos that quality goods are those made or improved upon by a set of hardworking hands is very much imbued in the boutique, which opened last July in downtown Batavia. “The majority of items we sell are upcycled or made from scratch by either our vendors or ourselves,” says Joe of the store, which displays the work of nearly 20 local merchants alongside refurbished furniture sourced from estate sales and the like. “We try to find things we can put our own spin on that make it applicable to modern life and also give it character.” Comprising six sizable rooms, the store feels almost like a gallery, carrying the shopper from one interesting discovery to the next. A multitude of products are available at BarnWood & BeesWax. Home decor (including seasonal items) reigns supreme, but there is no shortage of candles, jewelry and soaps. One room is festooned in macrame wall hangings while the central area of the shop features a vertical display of unique paper products and another laden with chocolates, including terrifically indulgent-looking truffles. The farmhouse style is embraced, with cream-colored ceramic pieces as well as chicly distressed signs ready to adorn the walls of family rooms and kitchens. Rustic open shelves, made by Joe himself, hold

“I’ve been making stuff my whole life,” she adds. “Even when I was a kid, I was constantly redoing my room.” As she speaks, she pulls from her bag freshly minted creations, charmingly patterned pouches that would be perfect for storing change or other small items. Joe has similarly always felt the need to create and appears thoughtful as he recalls the search the pair undertook to find a home for their handcrafted wares. It didn’t happen right away — there were many spaces seen, but none felt like the right fit — until one summer evening when they stopped downtown for a bite to eat. They first noticed how many people were milling about the area on a weeknight. Then they noticed the empty storefront with a sign declaring “for rent” in the window. “It was kismet,” he says of finding the space that would become BarnWood & BeesWax. “Batavia is a great destination. We really believe in this town and they believe in us.” And so the couple has worked hard to see relationships grow and deepen, providing the community with a place to sell and seek one-of-a-kind pieces. “Bringing people happiness through what we create is what brings us happiness,” says Joe with a smile.  BARNWOOD & BEESWAX 14 N. Island Ave., Batavia 630-454-4256 Facebook: BarnWood & BeesWax

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“It’s an all-in-one acrylic paint and very easy to apply,” says Kristin, who uses the line herself when restoring pieces.

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The two are avid makers; he welds, paints pictures and builds with wood, and she makes candles, sews and refinishes furniture.

decorative antiques in a room toward the back of the store. Fusion Mineral Paint, one of few wholesale items in the shop, has its own section.

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oe and Kristin Goulakos, the husband and wife team behind BarnWood & BeesWax, have their hands full — and not only with the everyday demands of owning a small business.

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HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

KNOWN

Stone

for

MGT Stone’s custom countertops and technology have earned them the reputation as an industry leader By Louise Treeny | Photo provided by MGT Stone

t is realistic to say that if you walked into an MGT Stone showroom today, you could have new countertops or a new vanity within 30 days.

The process, starting with hand-selecting materials and ending with installation, takes about four weeks total, says Tom Cimino, who works in marketing and sales. The only corners cut in this process are the physical ones, and even those are done with a high-tech robot. “We’re authentic stone people,” he says. MGT Stone — Marble & Granite Tech — has been a staple for all things stone fabrication since its 1987 founding. With a headquarters in Barrington (on the southwest corner of Lake County, near Kane) and 175 different quartz options and thousands of natural stone looks, clients can customize exactly what they want. Specializing in kitchens, vanities, fireplace hearths and more, “it’s all custom,” says Cimino. One thing that separates MGT Stone is its use — and invention of — vein matching software, which gives clients the “ability to put their thumb in the pie” when it comes to design, Cimino says.

With the software, clients can customize exactly where the seams and veins are, giving them greater control over the new surfaces that will transform their kitchens and bathrooms. Owner Tom Gust is the one who came up with the software, says Cimino, adding he’s a very innovative, “dynamic guy who’s created a legacy.” “He’s got a vision,” Cimino says. In terms of trends, MGT Stone points to granite patterns that look more like a landscape than dots. To achieve this look, search for slabs that are created out of sedimentary rock instead of metamorphic rock. “Graupe,” or a color combination of gray and taupe, is also becoming increasingly popular. Last, consider quartzite for a timeless, linear look that sometimes appears “like solid ice.” As many companies move toward an eco-friendlier approach, MGT Stone points to a long history of doing just that. When the team removes old granite to make way for new ones, they donate the material to a local facility that crushes it to be used to build roads. The company is not into putting resources into landfills, says Cimino, quipping that

as a result Kane County residents are “driving over old countertops.” Much of the application process can be done online, but the most important — material selection — always happens in person. You avoid surprises that way. Don’t forget a drawing of your space with dimensions, which will give you the best cost estimate. Once you’ve signed an agreement for work to be done, MGT Stone employees will schedule what they call a “laser-precision field measure” to get exact measurements. Cimino himself has had MGT Stone countertops for 25 years — and they still look new, he says. Long-lasting quality adds to the company’s stellar reputation as an industry leader in Chicagoland. “This is our livelihood,” he says. “We’re proud of what we do.”  MGT STONE 817 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington (Headquarters) 1749 S. Randall Road, Geneva 847-713-8023 www.marbleandgranitetech.com HOME & LIFESTYLE MARCH 2022

WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK | PHOTO BY MATT REEVES

was looking for something out of the ordinary, so I went to the new hot spot in St. Charles: The Graceful Ordinary.

With an elevated ceiling, the ambiance in this place is elegant with modern lighting and table decor. You can feel the vibe right when you enter. I was greeted with some warm bread which has some cheese bites within. I sampled some but curbed it a bit to keep that waistline intact. I have found slicing small reasonable portions works to control how much I take and consume. To start, our table ordered the grilled bloomy rined cheese, which is already heavenly when not grilled — but here, it’s melty warm with a sensation of comfort. Now, who doesn’t like a little acid and

fruit with their cheese? The chef pairs this dish with a blueberry beet jam that kicks up our taste buds in an extraordinary manner! The salmon was the star today. This wonderful portion of salmon with the crispy skin still intact (salted and seasoned) is wood roasted. Presented in an appealing way with a puree at the base, you get a smooth texture of delectable flavor to match. As if that was not enough, the crispy okra pieces adorned with some spices give you that crunch better than a french fry. It is certainly far healthier! And drizzled with lemon browned butter sauce, the dish is robust with flavor. Check out this wonderful new addition to our community. Once again there is nothing ordinary about The Graceful Ordinary!

 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.

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

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, which likely have more serious COVID-19 patients. It’s safer to go to smaller practices and centers away like ours. In general, it appears telehealth is here to stay for years to come. It presents an alternative. And, for those, who don’t like waits — we call you. Thus, you can continue to do whatever you need to in the meanwhile.

Q: Has the pandemic changed the guidelines for screening? A: No, the guidelines for screening are the same even amid the

pandemic. In fact, a lot of people have postponed their screenings or surveillance, which has resulted in more cancers and other later stage diseases. I recommend catching up with the screenings and surveillance so that you are up to date.

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.

Q: What about tests for heartburn? I have been taking over-

the-counter and some prescription medication for the past years periodically. What is best for testing?

A: Patients who have tried over-the-counter medication or

prescription even by their primary doctor for more than 14 days at any point should present for an upper endoscopy with a GI doctor. This is a test where you can screen for any silent precancerous cells in the lining and look to see how much inflammation is in the food pipe or stomach. It also looks for structural changes that can increase your symptoms.

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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! TELLYOUR 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.”

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DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

ANSWERS: Patrick, Shamrock, Colonoscopy, Telehealth, Flowers

a fresh take

IN KITCHENS TO COME Photo by Victoria C Photos

COMING TO TERMS WITH SHARING OUR TRIED-AND-TRUE FAMILY RECIPES By Katie McCall, local food columnist

ast June we announced the closing of our bakery — and within hours, my inbox was flooded with customers’ requests for our recipes. Though the messages were coupled with well-wishes and heartfelt thank-you’s for our years of business, I couldn’t help but feel like someone was walking through my house, pointing out the items they’d like to have when I passed away … while I’m still very much alive. Bestsellers like Cheddar and Spring Onion Biscuits, Oat ’n Honey Pies and Salted Caramel Bars laid the foundation for our success and drew customers from across Chicagoland. Some even trekked from out of state, three-plus hours away. What’s more, as a gluten-free bakery, the demand for our niche products

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

made us unique among the sea of local options.

your identity.

Providing these goods to our community gave me a true sense of purpose, and the thought of releasing our treasured recipes (before our doors even closed) seemed like a piece of me would be stripped away. In the competitive world of accessibility and immediacy, keeping these hard-copy recipes close to my chest felt like one of the only things I could control.

But as the months clicked on and the bakery officially closed by late summer, I realized there was no better way to celebrate the business we built than by sharing these recipes. Akin to a designer handbag collecting dust in the back of the closet, I asked myself: What good were our recipes if tucked away in a chocolate-stained binder when their original intent was to be enjoyed by others?

To me, our recipes were much more than just lists of ingredients with instructions. For more than a decade, my mom and I spent countless hours developing, testing and retesting our baked goods to an almost shocking level of perfection. And when that amount of time and energy is dedicated to anything, it tends to become a part of

That’s when we decided to bring our efforts full circle and write a Two Wild Seeds cookbook. It’s a project that would house all of the tried-and-true recipes our friends, family and customers love, and allow us a creative space to express our passion for baking through storytelling.

Anyone who loves to cook knows a good recipe yields more than just a delicious end product — it transports you to a different time and place, provides vivid memories and often connects us to those who are no longer here. Like a family heirloom, we hope that when our cookbook is published (slated for end of 2022, fingers crossed), it will find its way to your home, and the recipes will become traditions in your family, passed down through the generations. So now, rather than feeling stripped, I’m invigorated knowing a new chapter is being written; a piece of myself, my family and our business will live on in kitchens to come. It doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

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

GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CRUMB COFFEE CAKE

WITH STREUSEL TOPPING & VANILLA GLAZE

This was one of the very first items to grace the menu when we opened our brick-and-mortar bakery in 2016. It’s light, airy and full of fresh apples and warm spices — perfect served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s been a customer favorite since day one, and now you can enjoy it in your own kitchen!

MAKES (1) 9X13 PAN COFFEE CAKE: • 2 cups gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend (we like Betty Crocker) • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon each: ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 apples: peeled, cored and sliced + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• • • • • •

1 cup applesauce 4 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

VANILLA GLAZE: • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking pan by using cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Set aside. Prepare apples and sprinkle with the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss to coat and set aside. Prepare streusel: In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix with fingertips until crumbly and some large chunks are still present. Set aside. Then, in a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), combine the applesauce, eggs, sugars, oil and vanilla. Beat until well combined and light in color, 1-2 minutes.

Next, add the dry ingredients all at once to your wet mixture and whisk again on medium-high speed until light and airy, about 2 additional minutes. Add the apples and fold in with a spatula until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and top with the streusel. Bake 35-45 minutes or until a tester comes out clean and the top is golden brown. (Increase baking time as needed.) Allow to cool at room temperature. While coffee cake cools, prepare the glaze by combining all ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until smooth. When coffee cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice and enjoy!

Add Some Love to Everything You Cook!

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STREUSEL TOPPING: • 3/4 cup gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup quick oats • 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), slightly softened • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon salt

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DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

WOME SHAPING

Dining

From Mexican food to vegan pastries, these Kane County business owners are experts in their field By Vicki Martinka Petersen

Photos provided by all three women, Stolp Island Social photos by Huge Galdones, La Mesa photos by Shaw Media

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

MEN NG the

ng Landscape M

other’s Day isn’t until May 8, but you can start celebrating the women in your life early with Women’s History Month in March. Meet these three local restaurant owners who never gave up on their passion of serving good food and experiences.

 AMY MORTON Stolp Island Social, Aurora As the daughter of Arnie Morton, founder of Morton’s The Steakhouse, one might think it was Amy Morton’s destiny to follow in her father’s footsteps. Initially she didn’t plan to make this a career. At one point, she stepped away from her restaurant for 15 years to raise a family before returning to the business in 2012. “I like to think the business chose me rather than I chose the business,” says Morton, who currently owns three restaurants, including Stolp Island Social. For Morton, opening a new restaurant is an organic

process. When developing a restaurant’s concept, she’ll consider the space’s history, such as when it was built and its original use. The downtown Aurora building that houses Stolp Island Social, which opened a few months before the pandemic, was constructed in the 1920s and operated as the “it” department store. That bit of history shaped the development of what Morton describes as an “Aurora meets Coco Chanel” concept with high-quality seasonal food and drinks. “We can have really great food and beverage but if it’s not a memorable experience then it’s just food, and you can get that anywhere,” Morton says. DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

JUDGING THROUGH ROSECOLORED GLASSES By Vicki Martinka Petersen

iving near downtown Geneva, Janet Gallagher is accustomed to the Swedish Days parade being near her home. But being a spectator to this annual parade doesn’t compare to the opportunity she had earlier this year: serving as a judge for the Tournament of Roses parade. Gallagher, an associate professor of horticulture at Kishwaukee College and owner of Designs by Janet, was one of three people invited to judge the floats. The parade was presented New Year’s Day before the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. “It’s not something you apply to do. A committee researches who they invite to serve as judges,” Gallagher says. She was originally set to serve as a judge for the 2021 parade, but when the parade was postponed due to COVID-19, the assignment carried over to 2022. Judges visit each float twice over the course of two days — first viewing the partially completed floats, then seeing the floats “parade ready,” including installation of fresh flowers, people walking/riding on the floats and any music or animation, Gallagher explains. The winners are announced at 6 a.m. the morning of the parade. “The most unique thing is as judges, we’re the only ones who see every float before and after it’s finished, and we met all the people who worked on the floats from designers to builders,” Gallagher says. “I was really honored being asked to serve as a judge.”

DINING & ENTERTAINING MARCH 2022

 JO COLAGIACOMI New Moon Vegan, Batavia Like many people, COVID-19 prompted Jo Colagiacomi to rethink her career prospects. After earning a master’s degree, she noticed changes in openings in her field of higher education, which prompted her to pursue her dream of opening a bakery. Last summer that dream came true when she opened New Moon Vegan at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, an incubator program that provides opportunities for small businesses. At press time, she was in the process of opening a brick-andmortar store later this spring. “It’s one of those dreams I’ve kept close to my heart,” Colagiacomi says. She got into vegan baking 10 years ago when her

daughter developed a milk allergy. “Birthday parties and social events became challenging for my daughter seeing her friends being able to eat cake but she couldn’t,” Colagiacomi recalls. Initially Colagiacomi started looking up and making cake recipes as is, then through trial and error modifying the ingredients — swapping egg for flax egg or milk for almond milk. Now when she creates new recipes, she draws upon her knowledge to create a vegan version of desserts.

 KIMBERLY LAWSON La Mesa Modern Mexican, St. Charles Kimberly Lawson’s entry into the restaurant business consisted of busing tables on the weekends to pay her way through college. But once she got into clinical rotations for her nursing degree, Lawson realized she’d rather continue working in her other role. “I always say I should have gone to school to become a chef,” Lawson laughs. She worked her way through all the positions with the goal of opening her own restaurant within 10 years. When a space became available in downtown St. Charles, she jumped at the chance and opened La Mesa Modern Mexican in July 2019. Lawson’s childhood memories of eating at Mexican restaurants after her mom’s hair appointments inspired her restaurant’s cuisine. “Mexican cuisine is one of those foods that’s so versatile. Plus, I love learning about the culture,” Lawson says. In addition to running her own restaurant, Lawson unofficially serves as counsel to other female restaurant owners seeking her advice on everything from staffing issues to slower shifts. “I like that they feel comfortable enough to ask me for advice,” Lawson adds.

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YOUR BEST INTEREST? E

ver wonder in whose best interest your broker is working? Have you found yourself pondering what potential conflicts of interest there may be? In June of 2019 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to mandate disclosures around these very issues by creating Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) with mandatory implementation effective June 30, 2020. Let’s briefly review what Reg BI is and why you, as an investor, should care. First, let’s begin by reviewing how financial professionals have typically been classified prior to Reg BI. COMMONLY KNOWN AS:

STANDARD HELD TO:

ADVICE TO CLIENT US

"Broker"

Suitability Standard

Tangential to Relationship

"Financial Adviser"

Fiduciary

Primary Service Provided

Over time, both “Brokers” and “Financial Advisers” were often referred to as “Financial advisors” which often became very confusing for the investing client to know in which capacity they were being served. Although as a client you can be well served by either a Broker or a Financial Adviser, it is important to understand whether you were being offered an investment

BUSINESS & CIVIC MARCH 2022

that was suitable at the time of purchase or whether you were paying primarily for the advice of a fiduciary who by definition is supposed to be putting your best interest ahead of their own on an ongoing basis. Reg BI requires that when making a recommendation of a securities transaction or investment strategy to a retail customer, a broker must act in the retail customer’s best interest without placing his/her own interests ahead of the customer’s. This is referred to as the “General Obligation.” The General Obligation is satisfied only if the broker complies with the following four obligations: • The Disclosure Obligation: providing certain prescribed disclosures before or at the time of the recommendation about the recommendation and the relationship between the retail customer and the broker; • The Care Obligation: exercising reasonable diligence, care and skill in making the recommendation; • The Conflict of Interest Obligation: establishing, maintaining and enforcing policies and procedures reasonably designed to address conflicts of interest; and • The Compliance Obligation: establishing, maintaining and enforcing policies and procedures

reasonably designed to achieve compliance with Reg BI. Brokers and Financial Advisers have different licensing requirements and are both highly regulated. In addition, it is not uncommon for a Financial Advisor to be licensed to operate in either capacity depending on what might be more applicable to you, the client. (Our firm is set up this way.) Reg BI should help clarify the responsibilities of the financial advisor as well as of you, the client. In our opinion, this is a critical benefit. An additional important benefit to you is that Reg BI will require that you are provided a written disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. This disclosure is known as the Client Relationship Summary (aka Form CRS). If you ever wondered whether there might be an additional incentive to your financial advisor to recommend a certain financial product or service, thanks to Reg BI you should now know. Although some in the industry may complain about yet an additional regulatory requirement in an already burdensome environment, we welcome the clarity that this exercise should bring. Contact your financial advisor today and ask for their Form CRS, review it, then call to discuss it. If you don’t like what you hear, call us!

Photo by Indre Cantero

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.

 Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with Raymond James. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services 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 Sharon can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

BUSINESS & CIVIC MARCH 2022

PRESCHOOL PREP TO SPORTS, DANCE AND KARATE Parents and children can explore new classes together By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photo provided by St. Charles Park District

hile we anticipate the start of spring and watch for the first daffodils to appear, parents of young children must grapple with the big question: Is my child ready for preschool? While the answer may not be simple, St. Charles Park District has some creative programming for young children to help prepare them for a school atmosphere, as well as provide fun learning and play opportunities. One great avenue for parents and children is the Music Together family class for babies through age 5. Participants sing, dance and use instruments through musical play while practicing motor skills.

This program is one of the few where a parent can bring children of different ages and find plenty for everyone to enjoy. Playtime Pals and Growing to School both provide children as young as 2 the opportunity to experience their first preschool activities with the comfort of an adult nearby. Once a child is engaged and ready for the next step, Look at Me — I’m Almost 3 is offered. This is an independent classroom experience, allowing each child’s adult to wait in the lobby. Early childhood classes like this in the spring and summer help prepare children for preschool, says Kara Guizzetti-Reif, recreation supervisor at the St. Charles Park District. Given health concerns over the past couple years, many children haven’t been able to enjoy the typical social activities like playgroups and storytimes. These programs help a child gain independence and build confidence as parents look ahead to preschool in the fall. “It gets a child into school mode with the support of a parent or trusted adult. They learn how to follow directions from someone else, how to share supplies or toys and how to take turns,” Guizzetti-Reif says. “At first Mom or Dad are there, but then they begin to step out on their own. Children are learning valuable social skills and able to apply them right away.” It’s not just time for a child to learn about shapes, colors and letters; it’s also a place to socialize, make friends and learn etiquette, respect and cooperation. Classes that bring together parents and children provide a perfect setting for the grown-ups to make friends too, bonding over potty training and picky food habits. “I always tell parents that this is a place to find their tribe. Other parents are going through what

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2022

you are going through, and it helps you realize you are not alone,” Guizzetti-Reif says, adding these relationships often last well beyond a class or two. Parents discover and create lifelong friendships, including those they can trust enough to list as emergency contacts on school forms. St. Charles Park District offers two locations for preschool — a classroom in the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for Threes or Pre-K classes, and four classrooms at the Pottawatomie Community Center, housing Twos Plus, Threes and Pre-K classes. Resident and nonresident registration for fall preschool classes, ages 2 ½ to 5, is ongoing. For details, visit www.stcparks.org/preschool. For a more active class with toddlers, check out the District’s sports programs of soccer, basketball, T-ball and more at Sportsplex and Pottawatomie Community Center. There’s plenty of parent and child classes for both to get some fitness into their day and have fun learning sports basics together. As children grow older and more confident, they can advance to independent classes with their peers. The District’s Dance with Me program invites parents and a child, ages 1 ½ to 3, to have fun together as the basics of dance movement are taught for boys and girls. The class is also a great way to introduce young children to the dance studio. While many programs provide opportunities for toddlers and parents to bond in class together, consider the opportunity for parents to earn their black belt in karate as they master the program with their children. The Illinois Shotokan Karate Club offers group martial arts lessons where parents can learn alongside their children. All ages develop flexibility, strength and coordination through fun and disciplined activities.

St. Patrick’s Parade is scheduled for March 12 in St. Charles By Kelley White Photo by Laura Stoecker Photography

pringtime is just around the corner, and with it comes the St. Patrick’s Parade, a beloved annual tradition. The date is set for March 12.

“The parade has been going on since 1999 and it has always been such a festive day in St. Charles,” says Amy Curione, events manager at St. Charles Business Alliance. “Thousands of people have come downtown all dressed up in festive clothing while all the businesses have their St. Patrick’s Day specials — including green beer!” St. Charles has established the March celebration as a fixture in its holiday calendar, aiming to improve with every new year despite wrinkles caused by the pandemic. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 2 p.m.

Local businesses will be offering a variety of specials and products inspired by the Irish celebration. “Adults can go enjoy what our breweries have to offer, the entertainment is family-friendly, and we will have options for every age group throughout the weekend,” says Curione. “Make a day of it!” The parade will feature an array of local groups, and bagpipers will entertain throughout the entire downtown area. As for green beer, head to The Filling Station Pub & Grill, among others. For traditional Irish food and drink, McNally’s Pub is an easy, delicious option. Check the parade website, www.stcstpatricksparade.com, for more information on specific activities and details.

“Since we haven’t had the parade in the last two years, we’ve added a few things,” Curione says. “It was canceled in 2020 … last year we had a celebration during the day where everyone could be socially distanced and outside.” This year the parade is coming back with recently added attractions that worked well in 2021. “We had roaming bagpipers, a photo-op area over on Riverside Avenue and a treasure hunt throughout town so our families could get out and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day festivities but be more socially distanced,” says Curione. “It went over really well, and we had a lot of families come out and enjoy the celebration.”

FAMILY IN FOCUS MARCH 2022

FORTUNE FAVORS THE COMING SOON COMING SOON

O B COPLEY THEATRE REOPENS AFTER $2 MILLION RENOVATION WITH NEW, THOUGHTPROVOKING SERIES

KER TRE BY CHRIS WAL BY THE PARAMOUNT THEA ED PHOTO PROVID

ART & FASHION MARCH 2022

For ticket info, visit www.paramountaurora.com

D L O T

he Copley Theatre is set to blow away audiences this spring — before it even raises the curtain.

That’s because while the performances on the stage will entertain and inspire audiences, the theater itself, which is located across the street from the Paramount, is a work of art within its comfy, cozy confines. After a two-year, $2 million, top-tobottom renovation, the Copley Theatre might not be technically new, but hardly a trace remains of what the theatre once was today.

“It was 216 seats and now it’s 165 and it’s stadium seating so the rows are a little higher than the next ones so the sightlines are improved,” says Tim Rater, president and CEO of Paramount Theatre. “We’ve added new chairs which are extremely comfortable and there are only seven rows in the center section, so you don’t get very far from the action at any point. It’s a really neat space and has been completely transformed. It’s going to be a remarkably different experience for anyone that has been in here previously.” While the renovated theatre is expected to wow guests, the same is anticipated from the new Bold Series that launches in March with “Sweat.” These shows will offer intimate, professional live theatre experiences that are unexpected and thought-provoking. “The definition of ‘bold’ is the ability to take risks with courage and confidence,” says Amber Mak, artistic producer and new works development director for the Paramount Theatre. “I am thrilled Paramount is offering this Bold Series to

complement our Broadway subscription, as we have a whole new opportunity to thrill and inspire audiences through courageous and intimate storytelling in a beautifully renovated space that will bring the emotion, heart and talent within an audience's grasp. This series will create a shared experience amongst the audience that we hope will leave them inspired and ignite incredible conversation to carry them out our doors and into the world.”

“Sweat,” which “captures the everpresent constant battle between human needs and business against a pivotal time” in a Rust Belt town, will open the four-show Series on March 9, according to the Paramount’s website. The other shows include the darkly funny “Hand to God,” which features puppets (May 25-July 10), “Fun Home,” a Tony Awardwinning musical like no other (Aug. 3-Sept. 18) and “Bull: A Love Story,” which is a world-premiering drama about a Mexican American man who returns to Chicago to find a family who has moved on and a neighborhood he no longer recognizes (Oct. 5-Nov. 20). “The shows in the Bold Series are lesser known, more adventurous pieces of theatre that are not necessarily musical,” Rater says. “It’s a different approach to the theatregoing experience. It’s edgy, alternative types of shows to complement what we’re doing, and it’s all part of a bigger plan to bring people to downtown Aurora. We know people are willing to come to downtown Aurora and the Copley Theatre and the Bold Series are more reasons to come down for good theatre and help put downtown Aurora on the map.”

All the same fun you’ve experienced at the Daddy & Daughter Dances and Mom & Son Date Night, but combined to make it easier for the whole family to enjoy!

T ES

NEW!

Tiaras

AND

For moms, dads, kids & more!

Saturday • March 12 6:30-8:30pm Family entertainment at its finest: music, dancing, balloon artist, craft station, photo keepsake, refreshments & fun! Get dressed up in your fanciest attire for a memorable night. Wear whatever fits your style! Participants must be accompanied by a registered adult. One adult may accompany multiple children from the same household.

Ages Resident $25/Nonresident $38

Advance registration required.

Pottawatomie Community Center 8 North Avenue • St. Charles, Illinois

Purchase tickets: stcparks.org/events ART & FASHION MARCH 2022

Artist OF THE MONTH

SABRINA BUDASI MARTIN 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.

abrina Budasi Martin works frequently with collages, creating thought-provoking and beautiful images.

But collage is not her only art form. She keeps busy with teaching classes, participating in workshops, working with a variety of materials and more. Her approach to art, as she describes it, is “eclectic, reflecting (my) interests, experiences and life in general, a perfect fit for (my) work with mixed media and collage.” Budasi Martin has belonged to the group Collage Sisthars since 2006. “We are a group of mixed-media artists who meet monthly to share a variety of mixed media techniques, artwork, and arrange round-robin artwork exchanges or artwork swaps,” she explains. “The bottom line is to support, inspire and just have fun making art together. I love collaborating with other artists.” She collaborates in a variety of ways — at senior living centers, where she creates monthly art projects with residents, and by visiting local outlets like the Paramount Theatre and Fermilab. “We love it here,” the Crystal Lake native says of her family’s home in Batavia. “It’s less congested and very friendly.” Budasi Martin makes a concerted effort to push herself artistically. She recalls participating in a puppet slam workshop, an involved project from start to finish. She created characters, wrote the presentation and performed it, she says. Last year, she studied collage by working with prompts, among them torn paper, punched holes and others. The collage work shown here is available for viewing outside her studio at Water Street Studios. “Art is a way for society to come together and share an experience in many different ways,” she says. “It is a great source of inspiration and introspection.”

ART & FASHION MARCH 2022

2. 3.

Sabrina Budasi Martin became a board member at Water Street Studios in August 2015, joining as a resident artist just months later. She specializes in mixed media and collage, experimenting with a variety of formats.

Details of SABRINA BUDASI MARTIN’S work: To purchase or learn more about these creations, visit www.waterstreetstudios.org/shopwaterstreet.

 Study in Collage – Torn #1: torn magazine and image, 5x7, at Water Street Studios outside Studio 12, $40

 Into the Woods – Altered Book Collaboration: hand-dyed, hand-pulled prairie and papyrus papers, vintage images and glass

 Abstract Landscape: alcohol ink on tile

 Study in Collage – Perspective: mixed media papers and image, 5x7, at Water Street Studios outside Studio 12, $40

 Study in Collage – Color Block: cut cardstock, 5x7, at Water Street Studios outside Studio 12, $40

For more information on the artist of the month, head to www.waterstreetstudios.org or the organization’s social media pages. ART & FASHION MARCH 2022

Grab a Celebrate Women’s History Month with a book by a female author. Here are two recommendations for your March reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

ART & FASHION MARCH 2022

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “Every Missing Piece” by Melanie Conklin

 FOR OUR READERS: “Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes

“Life can go from good to bad in a heartbeat,” warns Maddy Gaines in the opening scene of “Every Missing Piece” by Melanie Conklin. And no one understands “bad” better than Maddy. At 11 years old, Maddy has survived the death of her father, manages anxiety caused from her overwhelming fear of danger, and adjusts to her mother’s new husband, Stan. To add to the turmoil, Maddy suspects her mysterious new neighbor Eric is actually Billy Holcomb, a boy declared missing six months earlier. Maddy knows reporting her suspicions about Eric to the police won’t be taken seriously thanks to her history of calling 911 at the slightest hint of danger. She tries to confide in her good friend, but Cress seems far more interested in boys and fashion these days. Determined to find the truth, Maddy befriends Eric and quickly learns things aren’t always what they seem. Filled with a cast of diverse characters, this middle grade mystery is perfect for ages 8-12 and touches on serious topics such as grief, changing family dynamics, mental health and domestic violence with an age-appropriate, lighthearted approach. Readers will find a familiar friend in Maddy, whose genuine spirit and sense of humor will connect with kids. This is a timely coming-of-age story for fans of realistic fiction with a mysterious twist. — Maureen Fako, librarian

Can there be a second chance at happiness for a grieving widow and a baseball pitcher who’s lost his mojo? That’s the premise behind “Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes as two people try to restart their lives while sharing a house. Evvie lives in coastal Maine. Her husband, Tim, was the local doctor in their small town. Since his death in a car accident nearly a year ago, Evvie’s friends and family are concerned about her mostly staying at home, which they attribute to grief. Her best friend, Andy, decides to shake up Evvie’s life by offering Evvie’s basement apartment to his childhood friend, Dean. Dean is going through his own life changes. He’s a former New York Yankees pitcher experiencing the yips: He can’t throw straight anymore and he doesn’t know why. After unsuccessfully trying to pitch again, Dean needs to get out of the city and recalibrate. The pair agree: Dean won’t ask about Tim, and Evvie won’t ask Dean about his baseball career. Somehow, this unlikely pair become friends, and as their friendship deepens, they learn to navigate through the challenges and disappointments in their lives. This heartwarming novel is perfect for fans of witty dialogue, novels set in small towns and flawed, likable characters. — Allyson Palagi, librarian

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