Kendall County MAGAZINE
FALL 2017
Heart and Sol
Passion project grows into successful organic farm Sol Gardens
WANDER BY WATER Whitewater course is quite a rush! | 20
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STAGE SALUTE
to Sandwich Opera House | 23
FALTZ FAMILY AFFAIR Uncorking truth behind Midwest winemaking | 14
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Editor’s Note Hello readers! Welcome to Shaw Media’s first issue of Kendall County Magazine, a local lifestyle magazine and sister publication to the Kendall County Record. I’m Kara Silva, editor of what I consider a fine inaugural issue. (But I’ll let you be the judge!) Allow me to briefly introduce myself. If there are any qualities that I can claim from my Irish heritage, it’s the love of a good story. Nine years ago, I entered my first professional newsroom, and – since then – I have lived the life of a journalist: ruled by deadlines, hunkered down in the trenches of truth-telling and consistently referring to my AP Stylebook as a sort of writing bible. I’ve been following the leads and lives of those living in the Chicago suburbs (and beyond) for nearly a decade, and – as the editor of Kane County Magazine and McHenry County Magazine – I am thrilled to have Kendall County Magazine under my tutelage for it’s first run. Our inaugural issue will showcase local people making large impacts in their communities, and will aid in the exploration of the area just beyond your front door. This issue will inject a little fun into fall by giving you more reason to seize the day and get outside, whether it’s roasting
marshmallows over an open fire and sleeping under the stars; taking in the kaleidoscopic colors at the Hoover Forest Preserve; or feeling the rush of paddling the Marge Cline Whitewater course. More interested in culinary exploits? Culture? The arts? Well, we’ve perused the county for the finest in wine and dining; previewed the latest stage performance to come through the Sandwich Opera House; and shined a spotlight on a local artist due to open a gallery in downtown Oswego this November. If you like the magazine, have a story to share or want to offer constructive feedback, let us know! Knowing our strengths and weaknesses will only make this publication better for you — the reader. Enjoy! And thanks for reading —
Kara Silva Editor
on the COVER From the Pacific Northwest to New Zealand and now Oswego, Kris and Lara Gawrych have come a long way. The couple turned their dream of owning an organic farm into a reality when they started Sol Gardens in Oswego three years ago. Find out what it takes to keep things moving for this busy family of five, on page 8.
Kendall County Kendall County Magazine Published by Shaw Media 109 W. Veterans Parkway Yorkville, IL 60560 Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com Director of Niche Publishing Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com Advertising
Kristin Hawkins 630-553-7034, ext. 2004 khawkins@shawmedia.com Julie Harn 630-385-4402 jharn@shawmedia.com Editor Kara Silva 630-427-6209 ksilva@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Elizabeth Harmon, Kelsey O’Connor, Kevin Druley, Allison Horne, Allison Manley, Jonathan Bilyk and Kelli Murray Photographers Linda Bell, Ron McKinney
Photos by RON McKINNEY
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INSIDE
HOME & LIFESTYLE 8 HEART AND SOL Yorkville couple enjoys organic growth of sustainable farm Sol Gardens 11 CABIN OF CREATIVITY Velvet Grace home goods shop celebrates ‘all things beautiful’
FAMILY 13 FINDING GRACE Yorkville resident’s alternative school melds education of the mind, body and spirit with academics
DINING & ENTERTAINING
11
CABIN OF CREATIVITY Velvet Grace home goods shop celebrates ‘all things beautiful’
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ARTS 23 ACT OF LOVE Historic Sandwich Opera House continues long-running relationship with Illinois Valley Theatre 24 ARTIST SHOWCASE Oswego resident Michael Barry shares photograph ‘After the Storm’
OUT & ABOUT 25 BOOK NOOK Sweet and savory reads to devour
14 WINTER AND WINE On the Faltz-family vineyard, 26 A RETURN TO SIMPLE WAYS cold-climate viticulture is a labor Enjoy the country side of life at of love Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room 15 TASTE OF THE TOWNS Epicurean adventures in Kendall 28 BARNSWORTH & County FARNSWORTH Two Architectural edifices OUTDOORS ‘worth’ the visit 20 QUITE A RUSH! Marge Cline Whitewater Course 30 CALENDAR See what’s happening in Kendall gives paddlers a taste of County this fall! adventure 22 NATURE’S REMEDY Hoover Forest Preserve a ‘tree-mendous’ place for hiking, camping and fall family fun
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Heart and Sol Yorkville couple enjoys organic growth of sustainable farm Sol Gardens
Photo by ALDO 8 KENDALL COUNTYRISOLVO MAGAZINE
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Story by Kelsey O’Connor Photos by Ron McKinney
I
n his college agriculture program, Kristopher Gawrych fell in love with two things: farming and his future wife. The East Coast native was studying at The Evergreen State College in Washington when he met his — now — wife Lara Heckelsberg, who shared his passion for sustainable agriculture. The couple quickly developed a shared dream of one day owning their own farm.
That dream took them from the Pacific Northwest to New Zealand and, finally, to the Midwest where a friend offered to let the Gawryches farm a small slice of his land in Illinois. In 2013, the sustainable-farming-savvy duo began tending to one acre using all organic practices. “We never thought we’d stay in Illinois, but we saw that we had an opportunity here,” says Gawrych. That small plot of land was the beginning of Sol Gardens — “sol” is the Spanish word for sun. The pair uses sustainable methods to grow and sell a wide array of organic produce, including tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, potatoes, greens, cauliflower and more. “You name any vegetable, I think we grow it,” Gawrych says, adding that the farm also offers all-organic chicken and eggs. “Our mission is [that] we’re really trying to create a farm that is valued by the community as a place that’s committed to producing the highest quality, cleanest, most environmentally-friendly food — from animals to produce,” he says.
The couple began selling the “fruits” of their labor in spring 2012. Not long after, they moved most of the farm operations to a larger swath of land in Yorkville. The couple — with their three children, two dogs and a litter of kittens — now lives and farms on those 20 acres, though the Gawryches still use the original acre of land that they first started farming. Sol Gardens sells its good throughout the area, with a regular presence at the Oswego Country Market in downtown Oswego; and at the Batavia Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, running through Oct. 28. Farmers’ market visitors can expect a diverse seasonal bounty from Sol Gardens. The fall harvest will likely include different varieties of winter squashes, spinach, arugula, turnips and beets. Their greenhouses allow them to grow peppers and tomatoes through November. “We continue as long as we can,” says Gawrych. While Gawryches have always used strictly organic methods, the USDA officially certified Sol Gardens as an all-organic farm in 2013. That rigorous designation includes everything they produce, from produce to eggs and meat. “There’s a lot more to it than people realize,” says Gawrych. “It’s not just about using only organic feed and fertilizer. It’s about the whole environment on the farm. We’ve always believed in the farm as a diversified organism where everything is working in symbiosis together.” u Continued on page 10
“The most rewarding part is being able to see my kids grow up this way, because I didn’t, and I didn’t have this inherent understanding of how this all works.” – Kristopher Gawrych, owner of Sol Gardens in Yorkville
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u Continued from page 9 The farm’s explosive growth has kept the pair plenty busy, but — in the past – they’ve managed to make time to host community events and hope to do more in the future. Sol Gardens collaborated with local restaurants to hold farm-to-table dinners, such as an event at Chef Amaury’s in Aurora, which included Sol Gardens’ vegetables, chickens, and even beer that was brewed by Three Angels Brewery, which used wheat harvested by Sol Gardens.
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Kris Gawrych manages daily farm operations, including managing the greenhouses and raising the chickens and livestock. Lara Gawrych helps keep the farm running while also holding a full-time job as a Realtor. They have only one other person on staff that helps the couple out a few times a week. There also are six tiny hands that are on the farm all of the time — the couple’s three small children, ages 8, 7 and 4. “They help out more and more now. My son, who loves cherry tomatoes, has been doing the tomato harvest for market. Though it may just be the small amount of money I’m paying him that’s motivating him,” Kris Gawrych says with a laugh. Watching his children interact and connect with the land is one the most gratifying aspects of running Sol Gardens, he says. “The most rewarding part is being able to see my kids grow up this way because I didn’t, and I didn’t have this inherent understanding of how this all works,” says Kris Gawrych. He hopes this understanding of what it takes to grow sustainable food is part of the lasting impact of Sol Gardens. “The older generation isn’t likely to change,” he says. “But the younger generation — our kids, other kids — seeing how all this works and having an understanding of what it takes to put clean food on the table, I think — eventually — it will change the way our food system works.”
• For more information about Sol Gardens, visit solgardens.net.
THE C S G TEAM HECKELSBERG Cindy Heckelsberg (630) 253-2997 Leslie Heckelsberg (630) 253-2990 & Lara Heckelsberg Gawrych (630) 253-2995
5
2725 US Route 34 Oswego, IL 60543
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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Cabin of creativity
[hed
[dek the
Pu abo rela – no Edu
Photos provided
Velvet Grace home goods shop celebrates ‘all things beautiful’
The storefront has been a lot of things over the years, but — when Blanchflower and Menard saw the two historic log cabins located along Route 34 in Oswego two years ago — they knew it was the ideal location and offered the right vibe for their shop.
| By Allison Horne |
“When we walked into the building, the charm of the building really set the stage for what we have,” Blanchflower says.
W
hat started as a neighborhood friendship between a few Oswego residents blossomed into so much more when Mary Blanchflower and Nicole Menard put their creative minds together.
When it came to naming the business, they wanted to stay away from words like “vintage,” because the shop offers so much more than that and its owners didn’t want it to be misleading. “We wanted a name that would change with the time, and we wanted a … soft, romantic, classic word,” Blanchflower says. “We also do a lot of inspirational — not religious — signs and, we thought, ‘everybody needs a little grace.’”
Blanchflower, a graphic artist, and Menard, a crafter and designer for her husband’s home-building business, combined their talents and an eye for good design to come up with the groundwork for Velvet Grace — a home goods boutique They landed on Velvet Grace, which they believe sums up their business perfectly. and workshop. “We have a lot of unique home décor items,” Menard says. “We have The duo had the option to buy an existing business to get started some unique to traditional items — soft modern, a little industrial. several years ago, but it wasn’t exactly what they had in mind. I would say there’s something for everyone in many styles. Our “It just wasn’t a fit for us,” Blanchflower says. “We wanted to biggest strength is being able to combine a lot of different styles, develop our own dream and not just continue someone else’s. The and I think that’s what gives our shop a unique feel.” more we talked, the more we developed what Velvet Grace is all about.” u Continued on page 12
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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u Continued from page 11 The duo is constantly rotating their inventory, and they only carry one of many of their items, making each piece truly unique. Unlike a box store, their inventory is displayed throughout the store instead of packaged in boxes. “We actually give people the canvas of being able to see how they can incorporate [items] into their homes just through our display,” Menard says. “We have furniture pieces and a mantle, and I think people are able to envision the décor in their home, which I think is helpful.” Although, they don’t offer any in-home design consultation, Menard notes that they’d be happy to take a peek at photos of any space to help customize it, as Velvet Grace takes pride in helping “do-it-yourself”-ers customize their homes. To aid in the DIY process, Velvet Grace also offers an array of classes and workshops. Painting classes and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint are two of its biggest draws. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is often regarded as the No. 1 chalk paint and is difficult to find in-store due to its exclusivity. Menard and Blanchflower had to undergo extensive training and classes in order to carry it in their shop, and they strive to share their chalk paint knowledge with all of their customers. “Classes are available if they’re interested in learning different techniques,” Menard says. “They can dive in and experiment with it, or they can take the class and learn about it that way. We’re very flexible about how we present the information on the paint.” Classes range from Annie Sloan basics, painting trays or wine racks, custom wood signs, and more experienced classes. It also offers custom classes and private parties for groups. All classes include supplies, snacks and beer and wine. “It’s a great ‘ladies night out’ type of thing,” Blanchflower says. “There’s no artistic ability required. We say it all the time. You don’t have to be an artist to do any of our classes.” One thing is for sure — everything, from the paint to the candles and furniture, is aesthetically pleasing. “Our theme is just ‘all things beautiful,’ and we just fill our store with all things beautiful,” Blanchflower says.
PAINT & POUR Creative classes in home décor
SATURDAY, OCT. 7 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Custom wood signs THURSDAY, OCT. 12 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Custom wood signs (round) FRIDAY, OCT. 20 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Custom wood signs FRIDAY, OCT. 27 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Custom wood signs (round) THURSDAY, NOV. 9 | Holiday open house
More to explore (Dates to be determined)
VELVET GRACE 4025 US 34, Oswego 630-636-6570 www.velvetgrace.net
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Annie Sloan basics | $45 Annie Sloan 101 | $75) Annie Sloan free demos Silk scarf marbling | $65 Kids craft birthday parties | $25 per child Private parties
• For a schedule of events or more class information, visit www.velvetgrace.net.
HOME & LIFESTYLE
| FALL 2017 |
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SAVING GRACE
Yorkville resident’s alternative school melds education of the mind, body and spirit with academics | By Allison Horne |
Grace decided to start her own.
Tairi Grace is a busy woman.
“Just me homeschooling doesn’t solve the community issue,” Grace says. “So, I said, ‘let’s go big and help as many people as we can.’”
Grace Holistic Center for Education
But Grace isn’t hoping to just help students who are struggling in public school. Her second son, Gavin, 12, was doing fine in school, but is doing even better in his new school setting, she says. Her two daughters also attend the school.
331-207-8932 • www.ghcfe.org
The Yorkville resident is a mother of four; she is a licensed clinical social worker with her own private practice; she owns the Sense of Samadhi Yoga studio (and the coinciding holistic healing market); she is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher and 200hour educator; she founded the Metaphysically Fit Fest; and — most recently — she launched her own private school, the Grace Holistic Center for Education in Yorkville. It may seem like a lot (and it is), but Grace just can’t stop helping people. She credits a TV show she used to watch as a child, “Growing Pains” — and specifically Alan Thicke’s character, Dr. Jason Seaver, who would give therapy session out of his home — with her desire to get into social work and help others. “I thought, ‘I want to do that,’” Grace says. “I wanted to care for my own kids and do therapy out of my house and get the best of both worlds.” After successfully owning her own private practice, Grace has moved onto her biggest venture yet — the Grace Holistic Center for Education, 210 Beaver St., Yorkville. Grace first opened the center, a non-public school registered with the state of Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Education, two years ago. When Grace started the school, she didn’t know what she was getting into, but she knew that she needed to make a change for her son, Aidan, when he started struggling in school. “He had a staff of people helping him but it wasn’t getting better, and he was getting more anxious,” Grace says. “It was interfering with his learning, and it was difficult to see.” Two years ago, Aidan, now 14, came home after a rough day, and that’s when Grace decided he was never going back to public school. Rather than find a private school or homeschool her kids, | FALL 2017 |
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210 Beaver St., Yorkville
Students are taught by skill level with the BEarth Institute’s Earthschooling Curriculum and are monitored using aimsweb testing, which the district also uses. Her school has three grade levels in one classroom, and classes never top 15 students. “It’s helpful for the students because some are working at a higher level than others. Teachers get to learn who they are and where they are with their learning because the class sizes are so small,” she says. “We’ve even moved a couple of kids up a grade so we can teach them where they’re at.” In addition to a regular curriculum, students also are able to take certain electives (and often get to suggest what they’d like to learn), which include aquaponics, pet therapy, guitar lessons, culinary classes and more. “There’s more opportunity to cultivate the personality and the individuality of each student here,” she says. All students are taught Spanish, and high school-age students have even gone to a local mechanic to learn how to change their own oil. “We don’t just do testing,” Grace says. “It’s more about focusing on the child’s creativity, emotional wellness, relationship needs and preparing them to be productive humans, not just test takers.” The school’s enrollment started with 37 the first year, and has expanded to 52 this year. “I guess I’ve always been a ‘save the world’ type of girl,” Grace says. “I get an idea in my head and I just think, ‘let’s just take it as big as we can.’” FAMILY
Photos provided KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 13
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W
Extreme
Winemaking On the Faltz family vineyard, coldclimate viticulture is a labor of love | By Elizabeth Harmon |
Photos courtesy of Fox Valley Winery 14 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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inemaker Michael Faltz has an expert’s knowledge about the grape varieties best suited to Illinois’ sometimes extreme climate. And, as vice president of Fox Valley Winery, he enjoys crafting fun, memorable names for different varietals. For example, the family-owned winery’s newest hit is called Corruption Red. “Well, we are in Illinois,” Faltz says, with a laugh. “The name definitely addresses the elephant in the room.” Made with 100 percent estate-grown Frontenac — a hearty, cold-weather tolerant grape — Corruption Red is a sweet blended wine with cherry and plum favors. “It’s a great wine and a great name,” Faltz says. “We’re almost sold out of it, and are working on the next vintage.” Fox Valley Winery produces an array of red and white wines, in dry, semisweet, sweet and dessert varieties. The vineyard grows about 15 different varieties of grapes, and produces 40 to 50 tons of fruit per year. “All of our grapes go into our wines,” Faltz says. “We buy other grapes to supplement, but everything is grown in the area — within about six hours from here.” The winery sprang from his father’s wine hobby. “He fell in love with wine around 1995, so we researched how to make it,” Faltz says. “We produced some small batches for our personal use, and entered some amateur competitions. After taking ‘Best In Show’ several times, we started to think there might be something to this.” The family searched for land to plant a vineyard and, in 1998, purchased 172 acres near Sheridan, Illinois. “It’s right along the Fox River, with a half-mile of riverfront, and loose, sandy soil that grapes love,” he says. “The Southern exposure means lots of sun, which they also love, and westerly winds.” He added that wind keeps vines from developing moisture-related problems, such as mold and rot. The first vines were planted in 2000, and vineyards take several years to establish. A partial harvest takes a minimum of three years and full harvests take about five years. “It’s a lot of years of pulling weeds and pounding posts before you get anything out of it,” Faltz says. The winery’s early output included familiar varietals, such as chardonnay and pinot noir. But the 2014 polar vortex, with 72-hours of freezing temperatures
DINING & ENTERTAINING
devastated the vineyard. “It almost broke our spirits and financially,” Faltz says. Faced with having to replant almost half of the vines, the family decided to use grapes with better tolerance for extreme temperatures. Among them is the Petite Pearl, developed for cold climate wine production. “It’s a big, heavy, bold red grape that produces wine with a big flavor and strong tannins,” says Faltz. Another new addition is the Lacresent. The white grape is used to make Sweet Beginnings, a sweet white wine with aromas of tropical fruits and melon. The Marquette grape, related to the Pinot Noir, was first planted in 2016. “The first wines are in a barrel now and should be ready in about a year,” Faltz says. Visitors to the tasting room and wine shop, located on Route 34 in Oswego, can sample these and other wines from the Fox Valley Winery’s inventory. Open daily, the tasting room is decorated with the work of local artists and serves artisan cheeses produced in Bloomington. With a cozy fireplace and a lovely outdoor patio, the tasting room is a relaxing spot to visit any time of the year. Wines are sold by the bottle and many also are available in 3-liter boxes. “Its superior packaging, which is produced locally, and does away with three of the four things that will ruin wine; sunlight, oxygen and cork failure,” Faltz says, adding that boxed wines will hold their flavor for up to six weeks. “Though we drink it up long before that.” Winery tours are available year-round by reservation, except during harvest season, which Faltz expects will take place mid-September through midOctober this year. The winery also offers a wine club with subscriptions for dry or sweet wines. In addition to discounts on wine purchases, complimentary tastings, invitations to members-only wine events and more, members receive a select bottle of wine every other month. For more information, visit www. foxvalleywinery.com.
FOX VALLEY WINERY 5600 US-34, Oswego
630-554-0404 www.foxvalleywinery.com | FALL 2017 |
9/25/17 5:07 PM
Taste of the towns
editor’s CHOICE
HIT THE SPOT Other foodie favorites
PLANO
Epicurean adventures in Kendall County | By Kelsey O’Connor |
T
he area is rife with gastronomic gems for any foodie’s discerning palate. From morning to night, embark on a culinary adventure in the downtown area dining scenes of Oswego, Yorkville, Plano and Sandwich.
OSWEGO Downtown Oswego is both the geographical and symbolic heart of the village. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with old, charming buildings, reflecting the value that the community places on its history. While the past is an important part of downtown, the thriving business community brings a vibrant atmosphere to the area. “We’ve got a lot of great individual businesses in downtown,” says Angie Hibben, president of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce. “They’re not your standard chains by any means. It’s a place where you can find a lot of wonderful and unique things for every aspect of your life.” Start off your day on the right foot at The Village Grind (19 Main St.), a bustling and quirky coffee house. “It’s the most popular place to gather in the morning and have a great cup of coffee,” says Hibben. On a typical weekend, you can expect to bikers from the Fox River Trail enjoying their drinks in the shop’s outdoor area. For a hearty breakfast, check out Oswego Family Restaurant (69 S. Main St.). This downtown diner serves up delicious and affordable comfort food that will keep you smiling all day. You’re in luck if you visit on a weekend. That’s the only time you can try their homemade cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking for a quick morning bike ride, swing by
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My Sister’s Lil Donut Shop (25 S. Madison St.). This hidden gem offers both classic and unique flavors, such as peanut butter and jelly, Oreo and sour cream.
• The Friendly Tap 14 N. Center St. 630-552-3696
Another local favorite is Shu’s Sushi Bar & Grill (4566 State Route 71). Located just outside downtown, Shu’s is known for its stellar Japanese cuisine and sleek, modern digs. Many of its popular maki rolls have playful names or pay homage to local sports teams, such as the Go Blackhawks rolls.
• Uncle Lar’s Pizza 108 W. Main St. 630-552-3535
YORKVILLE Yorkville is a city on the verge of a transformation. New restaurants and venues have been popping up all over downtown as developers eye the area as an emerging hot spot. “We’re on the edge of seeing some great things happening downtown,” says Sherri Farley, executive director of the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce. One recent addition that’s become a quick hit is the Law Office Pub & Music Hall (226 S. Bridge St.). A former attorney turned the site of his former law office into a unique bar that serves up craft beer and hosts live music. If you’re looking for somewhere to catch a game, head to Rowdy’s (210 S. Bridge St.). The classic sports bar is known for their fun atmosphere and great burgers. Another popular spot is Southbank Original Barbecue (129 E. Hydraulic St.). Guests enjoy slow-smoked pulled pork and tri-tip sirloin on its laidback riverfront patio. For an al fresco brunch, check out Ginger and Soul (131 E. Hydraulic St., Unit C.). The catering company hosts brunch buffets on select Sundays. Its pop-up style dinner series features a multi-course menu that showcases local farms and artisans.
• Bien Chido Mexican Grill 10 N. Center St. 630-273-2685
SANDWICH • South Moon BBQ on the Tracks 102 E. Railroad St. 815-786-9227 • Main Street Pub and Grill 1 S. Main St. 815-570-2315 • Dearborn’s Café 220 Indian Springs Drive 815-786-6185 • Brenda’s Frozen Custard 205 Wells St. 815-570-2236 • Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant 132 E. Church St. 815-786-6737
“Downtown Yorkville has the strength of many privately owned restaurants,” says Farley. “They’re all so unique, it’s not just your typical chain restaurants. It gives us a nice blend of places to visit.” DINING & ENTERTAINING
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 15
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Michelson Team, Baird & Warner 1454690
K
elly Michelson team started in the real estate industry in 1999, assisting buyers and sellers with all of their real estates needs. They are teamed with Baird and Warner, the largest independent and locally owned real estate company, and have been in business for over 160 years. Since then, the Michelson Team has successfully worked through many changes in the economy and real estate industry. They embrace new tools and technology to keep up with the changing marketing trends in order to better serve their clients, and focusing on their client’s needs and wants is what the Michelson Team does best. She and her team understand they are not only selling a home, but a lifestyle. They carefully listen to their client’s needs and offer guidance as home advisors, stagers and transaction coordinators. The team thrives when it’s time to get creative with tools to market properties and attract new buyers for their clients.
They personally assist with every facet of a move so no detail is left undone. And as experts in their field, they understand every aspect of real estate so their client’s have a successful experience. Women in the community who are curious about the real estate business and perhaps becoming an agent can contact Kelly. As someone who has found success and joy in the industry she always encourages them to pursue their dreams. As a leader in the industry, she sets an example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish, but for Michelson, her joy truly comes from the journey of helping her clients attain their goals of selling their home for the best price, or assisting a buyer in finding their dream home. The Michelson Team feel very blessed by God to have the clients and business they’ve had over the past years. In turn, always strive to be a benefit and blessing to the people they serve, and take pleasure in helping them to achieve their dreams and goals.
www.michelsonteam.com Beth David Kelly Michelson Patty Harbin Brenda Weaver
815.325.3563 630.551.1111 630.777.5861 630.330.6195
beth@michelsonteam.com kelly@michelsonteam.com patty@michelsonteam.com brenda@michelsonteam.com 836 W. 75th St., Naperville
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“I sell
houses, you make them homes”
“We’ll get the job done” MICHELLE MUELLER-CUNDIFF AMBER MUELLER
T
Real Estate Brokers
he mother-daughter team of Michelle Mueller-Cundiff and Amber Mueller work closely together with every one of their buyers and sellers to ensure their clients receive the highest quality
customer service. The duo offers a free, no obligation Buyer and Seller Consultation that informs and guides clients through the entire process. To help clients get top dollar for their home, the Michelle &
Amber Team offers staging services and only uses professional real estate photographers to showcase their clients’ homes. Additionally, the team utilizes all the latest technology to help make a smooth and efficient transaction. The Michelle & Amber Team love helping people get to the next stage of their life. Certified Real Estate Negotiation Experts (RENE), they have assembled a team of lawyers, home inspectors, and lenders that specialize in real estate to assist you every step of the way. Call us today and we will get you on your way.
BOBBIE SORIS
Realty Executives Success
F
or real estate professional Bobbie Soris the relationships she makes with people, teaching them about the home-buying process and helping them find the right home are the best parts of her job. She spends hours with her clients and learns about their lifestyle, likes and dislikes and has developed long term bonds with many during the process. Inspiration to help others comes from being a wife and mother, and always wanting the family to feel comfortable and safe, she says. Her past activities of working with the school PTO, helping to run the Yorkville Youth Tackle Football organization and Boosters involvement taught her the value of volunteering and making connections with people in the community.
While she borrows her catch phrase from her aunt, “I sell houses, you make them homes,” Bobbie finds deep contentment knowing her efforts played a part in the creation of a client’s home that they will fill with traditions, love and memories.
Michelle Mueller-Cundiff Phone: 630-450-0888 michelle.muellercundiff@coldwellbanker.com
The Real Estate Group
Amber Mueller Phone: 630-222-7859 amber.mueller@coldwellbanker.com
Success
Realty Executives Success 1107 S. Bridge St., Unit C, Yorkville 630-553-8405 www.bobbiesoris.com
SM-CL1459855
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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“Meeting
your needs every step of the way”
“The
Beauty of Life Captured”
LINDA BELL
Songs of Life Photography Studio
S
ongs of Life Photography Studio
specializes in showcasing the love and connection her clients share and helps to preserve their history through photography. Owner Linda Bell places high value on her client, their family and the relationship they have together to provide beautiful artwork they can love in their home now and pass down to future generations For 40 years, Linda Bell’s inspiration has come from seeing the joy her clients have when they see their artwork and the beautiful family connections she has captured. In fact, her goal is to see love win in every family situation. As a longtime business owner, she has learned that listening to her clients’ needs is paramount to a successful and memorable photography experience.
CAROL GUIST
Baird & Warner Real Estate Agent
C
arol Guist has an award-winning business background in marketing, sales and advertising. A graduate of Michigan State University, Carol worked for a Fortune 500 company for over 13 years. She joined Baird & Warner, the largest Real Estate Company in the Chicagoland market, almost 5 years ago. Her high sales volume quickly earned her a spot in the Vice President’s Club. As her client base and business continues to grow, Carol was inducted into the President’s Club and is also a trained Relocation Specialist. With her ‘team’ of professionals, Carol is able to meet the needs of her clients every step of the way. She believes that communication is the common thread to the success in her professional, personal and volunteer life. Listening to the needs of her clients, current market research and up-to-date technology, ensures her clients have a reliable partner every step of the way.
Songs of Life Photography Studio 3 W. Rickard Dr., Oswego 630-636-9107 www.songsoflifephotography.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Carol Guist, Baird & Warner 630-244-6808 www.Carol.Guist.BardWarner.com
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Creating Opportunities for a Healthy Community!
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Providing Results That Move You Buying or selling a home in today’s market can be challenging. You need the right Realtor with the skills, compassion and customer service to help you transition into your next home. I will share my knowledge rtise and marketing expertise wer with you to empower you to make the right decisions. I will advise you and be there for you 24/7 throughout the process. Contact me today for a free comparable market analysis.
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The Real Estate Group SM-CL1459796
SM-CL1458541
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Quite a rush! Marge Cline Whitewater Course gives locals a taste of adventure | By Allison Horne |
I
t’s hard to believe that you can paddle down a rapid just a few minutes from home, but the Marge Cline Whitewater Course in Yorkville has made it a reality.
The course, which was finished several years ago, first came to fruition when the state opted to redo the Glen D. Palmer Dam after it claimed 16 lives. “The whole dam needed to be redone, and they thought, ‘there’s an opportunity to add a recreational activity that the state can offer to the Chicagoland area,’” says Tim Evans, director of Yorkville parks and recreation. “It used to just drop straight down, but now it goes in layers, so, if someone goes over it, they won’t get sucked under.”
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It was modified to a four-step configuration, which eliminated the dangerous “roller” at the bottom of the dam. The whitewater addition is an 1,100-foot bypass chute that drops six feet from end to end. In addition to being a fun recreational activity, it also allows canoes, kayaks and tubers to travel around the dam without having to portage. While the term “whitewater” may seem intimidating, no experience is necessary for taking on this adventure. “It’s a Class 2 at its best or worst, depending on what side you’re on,” says Jeff Brown, owner of the Yak Shack — a local water sport rental shop. “[It has] the style and features without any consequences to it.” Although anyone is welcome to paddle down the course, Brown also offers a variety of classes for different skill levels at his shop. He also hosts “paddle parties” that pick up groups from a local bar, take them paddling, and then return them back to the bar. Brown says he had about 1,200 rentals last year, but he’s already at about 1,500 for the season this OUTDOORS
year — and that number doesn’t include people who bring their own gear for the rapids. Rentals cost $50 per canoe, $35 per kayak and $15 per tube, and the course itself is free. Brown, who has been rafting for 23 years and hardshell kayaking for 18 years, was inspired to open his own shop when he found it difficult to find instructors and vessels in the area. He opened up shop eight years ago in his garage, but has had his location near the whitewater course for the last two years. He was one of the original testers of the new whitewater chute before it opened. “Some say ‘it’s better than nothing,’” Brown says. “But I say it’s even better than that.” But that’s not all the river offers — there’s fishing, camping, boating and hiking all in the area. With 11 forest preserves all centered on the Fox River, both kids and adults alike can find a weekend full of adventure. “I just think from a Yorkville standpoint, the fact that you have this river that allows you to kayak, tube and fish, it’s a unique feature in the downtown area,” Evans says. “You can enjoy going out to eat and enjoy the recreational activities.” | FALL 2017 |
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CALL IT A NIGHT
The Fox River offers a bevy of outdoor recreation all year. Why not escape to the great outdoors and enjoy a weekend retreat right outside your front door. Here are a few local camping spots to store your stuff by day and sleep under the stars at night:
F
F
For any youth groups looking for a way to completely surround yourself with nature this fall, this is the place. Located overlooking the Fox River, this primitive camping spot, which is only available for youth groups, requires a short hike in to stay. There are no vehicles permitted, and hiking, prairies, and a pool of bubbling water are just a short walk away. Picnicking, fishing, sledding, ice-skating and crosscountry skiing also are popular activities.
F
F Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area (youth camping) 13608 Fox Road, Yorkville 630-553-6297 | dnr.illinois.gov
Hide-A-Way Lakes Camping and Recreational Park 8045 Van Emmon Road, Yorkville 630-553-6323 | hideawaylakes.com
Jellystone Park Chicago 8574 Millbrook Road, Millbrook 1-800-438-9644 | jellystonechicago.com
With more than 200 full-hookup sites for RVs and 300-plus tent campgrounds on 150 acres along the Fox River, Hide-A-Way Lakes is a great place to take a breather from all of the hustle and bustle. Rates range from $27 for a primitive site to $35 for water, electric and sewer, depending on the amount of people camping.
Kids can go off on their own outdoor adventures with Yogi Bear while adults can take a breather and enjoy the outdoors at Jellystone Park in Millbrook. There is a general store and a snack bar, mini-golf course, rec center and a ceramics program on site for the little ones. Boat rentals, hiking, fishing and golfing are nearby for the adults. While there are cabins available for rental, there also are primitive sites, full hookup sites and water/electric sites available.
Hoover Forest Preserve 11285 Fox Road, Yorkville 630-553-4025 | co.kendall.il.us Enjoy the sprawling 400 acres that Hoover Forest Preserve offers while bunking up in one of the renovated bunkhouses or a family or group tent campsite. Bunkhouses cost $160 per night for Kendall County residents and $220 for nonresidents, while family campsites are $20 ($30 for non-residents) and group campsites are $60 per night ($80 for non-residents). There are 5.5 miles of trails throughout the preserve that highlight 300 native plant species.
(See page 22 for more information)
Shaw Media file photos
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OUTDOORS
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Nature’s remedy Hoover Forest Preserve a ‘tree-mendous’ place for hiking, camping and fall family fun
| By Elizabeth Harmon |
K
endall County’s Hoover Forest Preserve, located west of Yorkville, is a great place to experience what could be considered nature’s most beautiful season – fall. The 400-acre site offers Fox River frontage, fiveand-a-half miles of hiking trails, group and family campsites, a restored Native American village, educational programs for kids and adults, and even a newly renovated eco-friendly banquet facility.
TRAIL TREKS
Hoover Forest Preserve’s woods, ravines and prairie remnants are home to more than 300 species of native plants, several of which don’t grow anywhere else in the county. “Our trails range from easy to moderate,” says April Morris, environment education coordinator for the Forest Preserve District of Kendall County. “Our easy trails are paved; so they’re accessible for people in wheelchairs, with limited mobility and also strollers.” Paved trails run through the prairie and along the Fox River. “That’s where you get really good views, so it’s a big draw for people,” says Morris. In the prairie, monarch butterflies flit among tall prairie grass and wildflowers – such as little blue stem, coneflowers and the rare Cardinal flower. Oaks, white pines and a rare native plant, Wild Ginger, grow in the forest. Moderate trails run through the prairie and forest. At the Neshnabe’k (pronounced “nesh-nah-beck”), Pottawatomie Village has a recreated a wigwam, longhouse and fireplace. “Historically, this was a Native American site, and the last known group here was the Pottawatomie,” says Becky Antrim, administrative assistant for the Forest Preserve District. 22 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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OVERNIGHTS IN NATURE
For overnight camping in the fall, Hoover offers options for families and small and large groups. “We have three group campsites and five family campsites,” says Antrim, adding that Hoover requires a week’s notice, and that rental forms and cost information is available on the preserve’s website. The campsites include picnic tables and fire rings. Indoor restrooms are located nearby. Firewood must be purchased from the Forest Preserve District. Hoover’s Moonseed and Kingfisher bunkhouses each sleep 32, and have full kitchens, rustic interiors with fireplaces, separate men’s and women’s restrooms with showers and enclosed porches. And there are picnic and campfire areas, as well. The four Blazing Star primitive cabins, sleep a total of 16 people, and share an outdoor fireplace and pavilion with Moonseed. The bunkhouses were renovated about seven years ago, Antrim says, and are used by Scout and church groups, family reunions and for birthday parties. “At night you can hear barn owls calling to each other,” says Emily Dombrowski, environmental education coordinator. The Meadowhawk Lodge was renovated and opened in Oct. 2012, and is used for weddings, parties and meetings. It features a banquet room that accommodates 120 people, a full kitchen and restrooms. Outside, native plants surround the lodge, and solar and wind power offset the cost of regular power. “Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, it has geothermal heat and cooling, which uses the OUTDOORS
Photos provided
aquifer underground to heat and cool naturally,” says Morris.
PROGRAMS APLENTY
Hoover offers a variety of education programs, including its Natural Beginnings Early Childhood Program, which is aimed at connecting children, ages 3 to 8, to the natural world. Each month, there are a variety of one-hour programs for children and their caregivers, including Toddling Naturalist for kids ages 1 to 3, and Babes in the Woods for kids ages 4 to 6. On Oct. 21, an evening program called Creatures of the Night will give families a chance to learn about the nocturnal animals and birds that call Hoover home. And, on Oct. 14, Hoover will host its first Women in the Wild program, a guided hike for women ages 18 and older. “There are women who want to get out and hike, but don’t want to do it alone,” says Morris, who will lead the hike. “I felt the time was right to offer something like this.” To register for a program or for more information, visit www.co.kendall.il.us/forest-preserve. | FALL 2017 |
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ACT OF LOVE Shaw Media file photo
Historic opera house continues long-running relationship with Illinois Valley Theatre | By Kevin Druley |
S
andwich Opera House executive director Christine Roe works in a building originally constructed during the Rutherford B. Hayes administration.
Dilemma” – a story in which fibbing plays a central role. Christine Johnson, wife of Illinois Valley Theatre president Matt Johnson, will direct the production, which will run from Friday, Oct. 20, to Sunday, Oct. 22, at the opera house, 140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich. Playwrights Michael and Susan Parker had been in touch with the Johnsons about the possibility of bringing their show to the stage in Illinois, and the decision became easy as talks progressed. Experience with one of the Parkers’ earlier works boosted the cause.
“We jumped at the chance,” Matt Johnson says. “If Roe routinely expresses astonishment at the venue’s you enjoyed ‘Sex Please, We’re Sixty,’ you will enjoy longevity. And she isn’t the only one who appreciates this show.” that it has stood the test of time since 1878. In “Dilemma,” Joan is hoping for nothing more than “Whenever people come in, they marvel at the fact to spend a quiet birthday with her main squeeze, that it’s been kept up-to-date and not torn down, Sandy, but that aspiration quickly goes askew when her sister-in-law, Olivia, turns up in town. An and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into overbearing moviestar, Olivia is accompanied by a reestablishing the opera house in the style that it mobster, Vinny, in pursuit of a relative’s gambling was back in the late 18-, early 1900s,” Roe says. debts. Leery to explain her relationship to Olivia, Reinvention will take center stage once again this Joan convinces Sandy to hide their love connection autumn, as the Sandwich Opera House will offer by using the guise that he is Joan’s psychiatrist. The audiences a fresh artistic schedule. One earlywhite lies ultimately snowball, and the problems season performance will bring special intrigue, as only begin with Sandy blossoming into a soughtthe Illinois Valley Theatre will present the debut after shrink. Illinois performance of “Love, Lies and the Doctor’s Other scheduled Illinois Valley Theatre productions
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ARTS
at Sandwich Opera House include “Mostly Minnesota Christmas,” running from Dec. 1-3; and “On Golden Pond,” running from March 2-4 and March 9-11. “It is enjoyable for us to work in an old, historic venue,” Matt Johnson says. “There are some challenges that we have to overcome – space on stages for sets, some technical issues. However, this is what makes it fun … many people get to use their creativity to figure everything out.” The Illinois Valley Theatre has been renting Sandwich Opera House for shows since the venue’s grand reopening in 1986. In its former life, in the early 20th century, the building also housed various components of city government, augmenting the aesthetics and experience for contemporary patrons and performers alike. “You’ve got to understand this was a one-stop shop when it was originally built,” Roe says. “It was the jail; it was the fire station; it was the police station; it was everything in one building.” Tickets for “Love, Lies and the Doctor’s Dilemma” cost $15, with performances set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21, and 2 p.m. Oct. 22. For tickets or more information, call 1-888-365-8889 or visit www. indianvalleytheatre.com. KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 23
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Artist
SHOWCASE MICHAEL BARRY | OSWEGO “AFTER THE STORM” PHOTOGRAPH
Oswego resident Michael Barry has been an artist for nearly 25 years. While his focus has been photography for the past 16 years, he has been drawing and sketching since he was a child.
best effect possible. The storm moved through fast, and I was captivated by the amount of water drops on this particular plant – an Adam’s needle – that happened to be in full bloom at that time.”
“[My mom] knew I’d become an artist because of my skill and dedication to it at such a young age,” says Barry.
Barry says that he has been lucky to find success in various media, from clay to drawings and sketches, and – ultimately – photography.
Barry has traveled all over the world, capturing landscapes in places like Scotland, Ireland, the Panama Canal and Alaska.
As soon as early November, Barry will be opening a studio and gallery space in downtown Oswego, which he hopes will be “an anchor in the Oswego art community.”
However, he captured “After the Storm” closer to home. Barry has been roaming Kendall County with his camera for 15 years, covering as much of the area as possible in order to find the best photo opportunities. “I took [‘After the Storm’] right off of my back porch after a thunderstorm earlier this summer,” Barry says. “I mounted my camera on a tripod and used my macro lens to get the
A father of three children, Barry often tries to nurture their inner artist, as well. “I believe that art is in everybody,” he says. “And that you just need to find your niche and go with it.” To view more of Barry’s work, visit www. mikebarrystudio.com.
To submit an entry to Artist Shocase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village oresidence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to SuburbanLifeMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.” 24 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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ARTS
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Book Nook
SWEET AND SAVORY READS TO SINK YOUR TEETH INTO By ALLISON MANLEY
My first job out of college, I worked in a chocolate shop and I remember tasting a small piece of a citrus truffle because I had to sample everything we sold. I remember my first glass of Gewürztraminer, and the pronunciation lesson my first boyfriend paired it with. And I remember the first bite of the almond cake I ate at my high school graduation dinner. It’s no wonder that the world of food and drink has been the subject of so many books – they’re closely tied to memory, emotion and love. This September, check out these sumptuous food-filled stories.
¢ ‘SWEETBITTER’ By Stephanie Danler In “Sweetbitter,” Tess, a recent college graduate from Ohio, moves to New York with no plans, no friends and no money. But a new set of worries occupies her mind during her first year as a back waiter in a ritzy New York City restaurant. Tess learns the ins-and-outs of the restaurant world with the help of Simone – a sophisticated but suspiciously kind wine manager, who takes Tess under her wing – and Jake – a brooding bad-boy bartender and the object of Tess’s ill-fated infatuation. Since she’s only 22, we see her make youthful mistakes and, as much as she learns about the restaurant industry, her biggest education is learning about who she is. Danler’s writing is elegant and gives an apt juxtaposition to Tess’s messy life. ¢ ‘CORK DORK’ By Bianca Bosker
Allison Manley was born in Georgia and raised in Island Lake. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. She loves opera, craft beer, and (of course!) reading.
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Bianca Bosker takes us on a sensory adventure while studying for the Certified Sommelier exam. The language she uses to describe wine tasting is as delicious as the wines themselves, and she shows how the world of wine tasting depends on a sommelier’s ability to describe wines beautifully and accurately. She also shows how the world
OUT & ABOUT
of wine is filled with contradictions: classy wine-tasting events often end in debauchery; wine managers drink from vintage bottles that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, but live in tiny apartments; and a sommelier’s enjoyment of wine is often matched by the stress that comes with learning about it. “Cork Dork” shows that sommeliers aren’t just people who like being snobby about wine – they are psychoanalysts, historians, biologists, poets, businesspeople, chemists, and servants – and there is an art to what they do. ¢ ‘LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE’ By Laura Esquivel “Like Water for Chocolate” tells the story of Tita, the youngest daughter caught in a family tradition that forces her to take care of her aging mother instead of marrying and raising a family of her own. Despite her duty, she falls in love with Pedro, who marries Tita’s sister Rosaura so he can be as close to Tita as possible. Tita’s role as caretaker also includes cooking duties, and her meals have a magical effect on anyone who eats them. The story doubles as a cookbook. Esquivel weaves Mexican recipes, like mole and quails in rose-petal sauce, into the story to highlight the tension and emotion within Tita’s family. Esquivel’s novel is pure passion and will leave you dreaming of romance (and dinner!).
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Enjoy the country side of life at Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room | By Jonathan Bilyk |
A
s the sales manager at Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room, Kayleigh Borchardt loves meeting the couples that come through looking for the perfect venue for their wedding.
‘A return to simple ways’
But what makes her happiest, she says, is running into those couples again, just a few hours later, still on the property, either kicking back on the porch, or browsing in the shop, or nibbling on goodies in the tea room. “It’s easily one of my favorite things about being here, at this place,” says Borchardt. “I tour couples through at 9, 10 a.m., and then, at 1:30, 2 o’clock, I see them, still here, having a great time. “You just fall in love out here.” Since the turn of the millennium, Emerson Creek has been serving up a heaping helping of country living, offering what they call the chance for everyone to experience, if just for a day, “a return to simple ways.” As they tell the story, almost 20 years ago, Chris and Dave Demiduk were traveling in Virginia when they came upon Emerson Creek Pottery, a shop selling handmade pottery in an old farmhouse at the end of a long gravel road. The visit inspired the couple to return home and renovate an old farmhouse of their own. Located at the end of a gravel drive as well, the Demiduk’s farmhouse was where the couple decided to start selling the same handmade potteries they saw during their Virginia trip, and so the Oswego-based Emerson Creek Pottery was born. As more people came to visit with picnic lunches in tow, the Demiduks decided to expand on their vision, renovating the property’s former horse stables into what they called their “one-of-a-kind café,” or the Emerson Creek Tea Room. The menu changes weekly at the direction of the property’s head chef and the Demiduks. But it consistently promises a mix of gourmet sandwiches,
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OUT & ABOUT
| FALL 2017 |
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Photos provided
salads, potpies, crepes and desserts, including fruit cobblers and brownies, among other favorites. The menu also features an assortment of vegetarian and gluten-free options, Borchardt says. “It’s all homemade, ‘homely’ foods, I’d call them,” says Borchardt. “They’re all made with fresh ingredients, and so delicious, just like you’d expect.” In 2010, in advance of their own wedding, the Demiduks renovated the old barn on the property into a wedding venue that rivaled some of the finest wedding barns in Illinois, if not the country. Today, that wedding barn and various associated buildings are offered for rent for weddings, drawing people by the dozens and hundreds to the property each weekend from late spring to mid-autumn, from throughout the state and the country, Borchardt says. And the Demiduks and Emerson Creek have only continued to add to their assortment of recreational draws. Recently, Emerson Creek has begun hosting special yoga-centric events, including “Yoga and Wine,” “Candlelight Yoga” and, on a few select Saturday mornings, “Yoga and Mimosas” — all located in the rustic barn. Pilates
classes also are offered in the barn, as well. For the past three years, the shop has hosted its Backroads Vintage Market each Wednesday from May to November, offering visitors the chance to browse and pick up some unique finds, including refurbished vintage furniture, repurposed items, signs, various handcrafted items and other “rustic finds.” The Backroads Market wraps up in November with a special three-day holiday market event. Last year, the holiday market drew 500-1,000 people each day, Borchardt says. After that, the tea room closes for the season in mid-December, and the pottery shop follows two weeks later. But Borchardt says that the property loses none of its charms with the departure of summer, as the landscape exchanges the verdant green of the growing season for the rich yellows, reds, oranges and other hues of fall. “No matter when they visit, people always come back, and then they bring their families and friends,” she says. “It’s just like a day out in the country, and it calls you back again and again.”
THE BEAUTY OF LIFE CAPTURED 630.636.9107
www.songsoflifephotography.com studio@songsoflifephotography.com
“No matter when they visit, people always come back, and then they bring their families and friends. It’s just like a day out in the country, and it calls you back again and again.”
– Kayleigh Borchardt, Manager at Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room
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OUT & ABOUT
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 27
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BARNSWORTH & FARNSWORTH Architectural edifices ‘worth’ a visit
| By Kevin Druley |
special from the start.
amage, resulting from flooding of the Fox River in 2008, threatened to compromise the architectural aesthetics of the Farnsworth House in Plano. But, instead, the flooding offered an opportunity for rebirth. A budding venue, with a similar name to the one with which it shares a campus, was built in response to the threat of the Fox.
The funds for the Barnsworth project were completely raised by the students through a Kickstarter campaign and local businesses. And, according to www.barnsworthstudio.com, “Much creativity went into recycling and conserving material, including using all of the lumber scraps from the project to create an end-grain floor.”
D
“We want people to, as much as possible, do a deep dive when they come up to visit the Farnsworth House, and Barnsworth really provides us with a significant opportunity to accomplish that,” says Parrish.
Visitors to the Farnsworth House and Barnsworth are encouraged to linger on site after tours in order to really soak up the surroundings and gain a better understanding of what these In addition to the wardrobe, Barnsworth also displays photos depicting the stages and evolution structures represent. Farnsworth incorporates the International Style of architecture and uses a sleek Situated adjacent to the Farnsworth House visitors of the Farnsworth House, which was built as a Modern dwelling to showcase the juxtaposition country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth — a center — a site of the National Trust for Historic of its surrounding organic environment. The home pioneer in treating children with kidney diseases. Preservation — is the Barnsworth Exhibition represents one of the “pivotal moments of Mies Center, which was funded by students of professor Of course, Flury visits from time to time to see the van der Rohe’s long artistic career,” according to project in action, says Farnsworth House executive the Farnsworth House website. Frank Flury of the Chicago-based Illinois Institute director Maurice Parrish, who lauds Flury’s of Technology. The late German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, an influential vision. voice for many in the field, designed both the “He is an expert in terms of working with wood,” Farnsworth House — built in 1951 — and the Parrish says. “He’s done a number of significant Illinois Institute of Technology. wood structures in the United States and Barnsworth was built in order to have a safe space for a restored 12-foot by 6-foot by 2-foot wardrobe that sat in the Farnsworth House and was too large of a piece of furniture to be removed from the house if the Fox River were to flood again. After the flood, Flury approached students with a potential design-build project. Students decided to design Barnsworth as a contemporary round barn, resembling the various farm buildings found in Plano and the surrounding corners of Kendall County. The building that would become Barnsworth was
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Europe. And Barnsworth is a wooden structure, so he really makes sure that the craftsmanship is outstanding.” In May 2014, the American Institute of Architects Chicago chapter recognized Barnsworth Exhibition Center with a Special Recognition award in the “500-square-feet and under” category as part of a ceremony for small projects. Barnsworth continues to complement the Farnsworth House, which offers tours as well as lectures, music performances and other events. OUT & ABOUT
Farnsworth House fall happenings
In October, the Farnsworth House will host a couple of opportunities to experience the grounds in a unique way. Moonlit tours of the property will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7, and will offer visitors a special glimpse at the National Trust Historic Site in Plano — built in 1951. “You’re inside the house, and you see how your perception of the landscape changes from sunlight to darkness, and you see how the materials in the house have a different feeling when they’re | FALL 2017 |
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The Farnsworth house. Photo courtesy Jeff Goldberg
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Now You’re Cooking Barnsworth. Photo courtesy of National Trust of Historic Preservation “We encourage people who come on the tours to … just take in what it is that they just experienced before they get back into their cars and onto the highway … .” Parrish says. “Hopefully,
that helps them internalize what they just heard and learned, and — hopefully — it means that it will stay with them longer.”
not lit externally,” says Farnsworth House executive director Maurice Parrish. “They’re only lit by the few internal lights we have in the house. Speaking personally, the house has a warmer feel in the evening than it does at night, so it is very special. Not many people get a chance to see it at night.”
through the woods to and from the house, followed by a brief guided tour. A certified yoga instructor will lead the class, and time will be granted for silent meditation and reflection at the end. Visitors should bring a yoga mat and socks are required for the interior portion of the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The Farnsworth house also will offer visitors a chance to practice yoga on its grounds, during Fall Flow: Yoga at Farnsworth House at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The event will run approximately two hours, and includes a mile-long walk (round-trip)
Moonlit tours cost $30 a person, and visitors have the option of adding an internal photography permit for an additional $10. The Fall Flow yoga event costs $20 a person. For more information, visit www. farnsworthhouse.org.
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OUT & ABOUT
3381 N. Rt. 23 Ottawa 815-431-0545 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 29
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CALENDAR OCTOBER TRICKS, TREATS & TRIVIA WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 WHERE: Van Emmon Activity Center, 102 E. Van Emmon Road, Yorkville Tricks, Treats and Trivia will test your general knowledge and costume creativity on one of the spookiest days of the year. Trivia teams of all ages and size are welcome to join in the fun. After trivia, prizes will be awarded for best costume and best team costume. Register your team online at yorkville.il.us.
HALLOWEEN EGG HUNT WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 WHERE: Town Square Park, 301 N. Bridge St., Yorkville The Halloween Egg Hunt offers a spooky twist on an old tradition. Children are invited to bring a flashlight and wear a costume to hunt in the dark for candy and toy-filled eggs. The event is free and open to the public.
PARK AFTER DARK: OUTBREAK WHEN: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21 WHERE: Event will depart from South Point, 810 Preston Lane, Oswego A zombie plague is sweeping across the nation and it has infested Oswego. The Oswegoland Park District will transport participants to the remote “hot zone,� and the only chance a person has to survive is to make it through this heavily infested forest without becoming infected. On the way, participants will need to find and secure all of the elements that are essential for survival while evading the impending hordes of the undead in rough and uneven terrain. Bring a flashlight to help guide you during this interactive adventure. The scary event is rated PG-13. Upon emerging from the woods, all participants will receive gear commemorating their survival or an induction into the growing zombie nation. Registration costs $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents. To register, visit www.oswegolandparkdistrict.
HARVEST MOON HAYRIDES WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 WHERE: Knights Park, 1001 Latham St., Sandwich The Sandwich Park District will host Harvest Moon Hayrides, a night of fall fun featuring free hayrides, 30 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
Kendall Magazine October 2017.indd 30
hot chocolate, cookies and a campfire. For more information, visit sandwichparkdistrict.org.
HALLOWEEN WALK WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 WHERE: The Gazebo in Veterans Park, 151 E. Railroad St., Sandwich Children and adults are invited to join the Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the merchants of downtown Sandwich for the fifth annual Halloween Walk. For more information, visit sandwich-il. chambermaster.com.
FRAIDYCAT 5K, GHOST RUN 10K AND MEOW MILE RACE WHEN: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 WHERE: Oswego 308 Center, 72 Polk St., Oswego
Riverfront Park that evening for a holiday parade, tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. The Chili Chase 5K Run/Walk will take place Sunday. For more information, visit www.yorkville.il.us.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 25 (Hours vary) WHERE: Various locations, Oswego Small Business Saturday is a national event celebrating and supporting small businesses. Come stroll the streets of Oswego and explore the variety of local, independent businesses downtown and throughout the area. Make sure to stay the whole weekend to enjoy the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to see the village aglow in twinkling holiday lights.
Participants will run or walk through historic downtown Oswego on a challenging course. There are three races to choose from: 5k, 10k or 1-mile. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on site. For more information or to register, visit www.fraidycat5k.com.
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 WHERE: Downtown Oswego
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 WHERE: Sandwich schools located on Wells Street, Lions Road and Dayton Street, Sandwich The 38th Annual Christmas in the Country will feature a craft show at participating schools in Sandwich. Shuttle service will be provided. No strollers allowed. Admission costs $3, and will benefit Sandwich school bands.
CHRISTMAS WALK The Christmas Walk is a magical night in downtown Oswego. The annual event includes holiday train rides, a skating rink, carolers, ice carving demonstrations, kids crafts and games, local food vendors and horse-drawn hayrides. One highlight of the night is the silent, illuminated fire truck parade down Main Street. Families also will have a chance to take pictures with Santa Claus. For more information, call 630-554-4636 or email info@ oswegoil.org.
YORKVILLE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WEEKEND WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19 WHERE: Various locations, Yorkville The fourth annual Yorkville Holiday Celebration is a fun, festive way to kick off the winter season. Activities start with the Winter Wonderland Festival at Circle Center Grade School (901 Mill St.), which will include carnival games, a bake sale, and a visit from Santa Claus. Gather at OUT & ABOUT
| FALL 2017 |
9/25/17 5:07 PM
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32 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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| FALL 2017 |
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