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As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to treat your furry friends to a cozy stay with us! At The Pet’s Home we believe in providing a home away from home for your beloved pets. Our facility is designed as a three room ranch style house including comfort, safety, and fun in mind, ensuring that every pet who stays with us feels like part of the family.
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Our dedicated team is passionate about animals and trained to provide the highest level of care, from playtime to special dietary needs.
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On the Cover: Photo provided by Blackberry Farm in Aurora. Find more fall activities on page 14.
Yorkville Dance Studio offers a place for everyone
By: Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos courtesy of Virtues in Motion Dance Studio
Each child enters the dance studio with a purpose. Some are ready to shake off the day, some are trying to perfect their ability to move with grace, and style. Some can’t wait to see their friends in those moments before the class begins as they stretch and talk. Some have big dreams of one day dancing on a grand stage.
At Virtues In Motion Dance Studio in Yorkville, all of these reasons and many more are embraced. From those who simply love to dance to those who love to compete and see themselves taking the sport to new heights, there’s a place for everyone at the dance studio.
“I have a really great make up of students, lots of new opportunities,” said studio founder Christy Schultz.
Inspired by their four children’s love of dance, Christy and Chris Schultz opened the Yorkville dance studio in 2016. Chris Schultz grew up playing hockey. Christy and her family are composed of musicians, and she said that music and dance is in their blood, as it has been their whole lives. Their four children have gravitated toward dance, from her daughters who took their first classes at age 2 to their son Layne, who is 22 years old with special needs and works part time at the studio. He is well-known and beloved in the hip hop world where the studio networks.
“I was glad my kids had something they all enjoyed,” Christy Schultz said.
In launching her business, Christy Schultz brings her vision that puts dancers and their families first. For starters, there are no contracts, something required by most studios. She wants her dancers and their families to pursue their dreams, and not feel
constrained by a contract that limits them from taking classes outside of the dance studio or seeking out a special special master class, intensive, competition, or other preprofessional opportunity outside of the studio.
Virtues In Motion Dance Studio offers classes for those interested in recreation as well as the VIM Dance Company which competes in regional and national events. Students audition for the dance company and those selected are expected to take dance classes at minimum three days a week.
This fall will mark the ninth season of the dance company, which has earned multiple awards through the years. Their dance company season starts in August and runs through June.
The studio hosts a large recital in the spring and its winter show is a community favorite that has included opening the studio to the public and even photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Virtues In Motion has dance instruction in varied styles, from ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, jazz funk, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater and acrobatics. There’s even been classes in breakdancing with student battles.
“We have great instructors, some of the best in the Chicago suburbs,” Christy Schultz said.
The studio places an emphasis on technique classes over choreography. Leandra Groth Mulcahy, artistic director at Virtues In Motion Dance Studio, explained most studios focus on choreography, but the philosophy at Virtues In Motion is that spending the time to perfect the technique will better serve the students when they are ready to learn choreography.
“All the training we require and provide will really allow our dancers to be successful,” Groth Mulcahy said. “They’re more successful because of the technique and training.”
Staying in-the-know on the latest for techniques and styles, the dance studio invites guest instructors, including wellknown and admired dancers from around the country. “I love it when the guest instructors come. Our VIM Staff, and myself, as an instructor and a dancer, will join these classes and take advantage of the opportunity to dance and learn from our guests too,” said Groth Mulcahy, who has been dancing for more than 30 years. “We get re-inspired. It’s really great that we can provide that for our students.”
VIM Dance Studio offers classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults, including many former students who will drop in for classes when they’re home on school breaks from college. Like many sports, children tend to start young, Groth Mulcahy said it’s not unheard of to have students begin their dance studies as a tween or young teen.
“I saw a dancer start at age 12 and go on to become one of the most successful dancers,” Groth Mulcahy said. “I think dance is something you can still enjoy as an adult.”
For the instructors, it’s been a joy to watch students start young and develop into talented dancers, Groth Mulcahy said. Several dancers from VIM Dance Studio have trained to be part of their High School Dance Teams and made their way to College Dance Teams, while others have graduated High School to move on to a Professional Career in the Dance Industry. In August Christy Schultz helped move her daughter, Jaidyn across the country to attend Chapman University in California where the intention is to continue dancing and performing. On the way to LA, my other daughter Mykenzie, who is also a recent HS graduate, was left in Las Vegas to begin her Dance career after attending TAPS, Theater Arts Preparatory School in Vegas. Christy Schultz said she works with talent agencies to support those students seeking professional dance opportunities. I have my 4th daughter, Graycn, and last dancer at home with me is a Homeschool girl that teaches at the studio part time, including teaching toddler classes during the day hours at the studio as well as teaching dance classes at the Plano YMCA.
While the studio promotes a focus on training, the beauty of the art and enjoyment of dance always remain at the center of the program. “I love that dancing is about an emotional expression and the ability to express yourself,” Groth Mulcahy said.
New Nash Vegas Saloon Oswego hotspot features delicious beverages and fare
By: Kevin Druley
Photos provided by Nash Vegas Saloon
Nash Vegas Saloon in Oswego stands roughly 500 miles from the bustling cultural hub for which it is named. Stare at the tractor suspended above the bar, attempt to finish a gargantuan hot chicken sandwich, or try your feet at line dancing lessons.
Downstate Nashville, Ill., already is named for Nashville, Tenn., but Nash Vegas Saloon owner Joe Porretta assures his establishment at 61 Main St. carries a heavy Music City influence, too.
“It’s a destination place,” Porretta said. “People are just coming in from all over the area.” The team operating Nash Vegas Saloon hoped for nothing less.
Housed at the site of the former Oswego Brewing Company, the restaurant and bar underwent a significant facelift before opening in August. So far, one addition consistently prompts an instant eyelift among visitors, a 6,000 pound 1946 John Deere tractor hanging over the bar.
“It’s a big boy,” Porretta said of the tractor which is a nod to a similar feature at country music star Jason Aldean’s bar in downtown Nashville, Tenn. As for the venue’s glowing, light-up bar? That pays tribute to Bob “Kid Rock” Ritchie’s bar in the original Nash Vegas, Porretta said.
Burgers, sandwiches, and salads highlight the menu alongside an array of appetizers including Honky Tonk Nachos – shredded carnitas, house-made pale ale queso, cheddar jack cheese, jalapenos, avocado, pico de gallo, and lime sour cream.
Nash Vegas Saloon offers free line dancing lessons on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and live music multiple nights a week. Visit facebook.com/ nashvegasoswego/ and www.nashhvegassaloonil.com for more information about offerings and events.
Several other unique dining experiences around Kendall County complement the new kid on the block. Here are a few others to consider:
Crusade Burger Bar
209 S. Bridge St., Yorkville
“Burger” is part of the name here for good reason; there are loads of diverse options from which to choose. There’s also this factoid: A place with a burger called Bite the Flesh – white cheddar, grilled onions, BBQ brisket, mac ‘n cheese and bacon bits over a savory patty – also offers vegan options.
Crusade is doing well in its movement to revolutionize drinks, too. Some milkshakes include donuts as a garnish and there’s a deep stable of craft cocktails.
Danelli’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
228 E. Washington St., Oswego
Danelli’s founder and co-owner John Daniels addressed what makes his establishment stand out in a 2022 interview with Kendall County Magazine.
“Why do they come here?” he said. “Because we put an effort into it. My people in the back, my people in the front. We’re cordial with [guests]. Friendly. They know them by name. And we put out a decent, good meal. It’s as simple as that.”
Oswego Inn
54 Main St., Oswego
No frills, great burgers, cold beer. Sometimes, that’s all someone in search of a nice night out needs.
A community staple since 1933, Oswego Inn offers those things and more in a cozy setting that feels every bit like the friendly neighborhood establishment it is. The menu goes beyond burgers, too.
Good Food...Good Mood!
Ribbon Cutting: Monday, September 30th at 4pm with an open house until 7pm.
Grand Opening: Tuesday, October 1st. Open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm thereafter
Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th from 10am-6pm
Create a game plan for downsizing home
By: Vicki Martinka Petersen
We spend a lifetime making memories in our homes. So, when the time comes to downsize to a smaller house, we suddenly find ourselves surrounded by a lifetime of precious mementos.
That’s where Nichole Gehman, owner of Organize by Designe in Plano comes in. She helps people make the best decisions to honor items that once brought them joy while preparing to move into a smaller home.
Gehman recommends beginning the process about four to six months before you’re planning to sell your home. The first step is to categorize and purge by going through every room in the house. “Tackle one room at a time. Most rooms take about four hours to go through everything unless there’s excessive clutter,” Gehman says.
The next step is to create functional solutions like using clear storage containers to hold spices in the kitchen. “When I’m baking,
I pull down a container and can see every one of my extracts. Nothing gets lost in the back of the cabinet,” Gehman says.
Another tip is to purchase multifunctional furniture. For example, Gehman suggests getting an ottoman that opens to hold blankets, dog toys, and similar items. “If you open bills in the living room, have a container for bills in that room,” she adds.
The final step is doing a daily reset by taking 10 minutes before you sit down at the end of the day and putting everything back where it belongs to reset the room. “I don’t feel relaxed unless my space is reset and clutter-free,” Gehman says.
The process can sometimes be challenging, especially when people have emotional ties to items. “If a family member passed away, people might feel a thing is attached to that person,” Gehman says. “Instead of keeping the physical items, take pictures of the items. That way you can still see and remember them without keeping the physical thing.”
Photos provided by Organize by Designe
When it comes to physical photos, Gehman suggests sorting and categorizing photos. Many companies will scan photos and send back the originals. Once you get back the originals, separate the photos of each kid and grandkid into an envelope, then put them into a banker box for each person.
There’s always the chance you might have to part with memorabilia that’s sentimental to you but not to your family. “Your kids don’t want their baby teeth back,” Gehman adds.
When going through items, Gehman suggests trying to recycle as much as possible, including electronics and prescriptions. “Get creative. You don’t have to just throw away things you no longer want,” Gehman says.
DO: Give items a second life
Create an artwork book made out of all those saved greeting cards.
Donate clothing not worn in the past year to organizations like Caring Hands in Yorkville or Wayside Cross in Aurora.
Send kids art to a service like Artkive that transforms into a book of art. “It takes two totes worth of memorabilia and puts it into one book,” Gehman says.
Donate crayons, coloring books and crafts to a daycare center.
NEW LOCATION & NEW HOURS!
12700 US Hwy 34, Suites A&B, Plano (Next to McDonald’s in Light Source Cove) Thursday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Sips & Savors
at area’s wineries & breweries
By: Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Gilted Edge Winery and Werk Force Brewing
At this time of year, beer Stein hoisting contests carry plenty of weight at craft brewery Oktoberfest celebrations. It’s no different at Werk Force Brewing Co., 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, except brewery brass add their own wrinkle: Stein spotting.
Werk Force creates a new stein each fall, with the latest edition to debut at Werktoberfest from Sept. 19-22. As the festival hails 10 years, staff know many patrons are simultaneously eager to add to their collections while holding on to the past for a $5 fill.
“It’s fun because we pride ourselves a lot on community and our loyal customer base,” said Amanda Wright, Werk Force co-owner and cofounder with her husband, Brandon.
“They’re excited, too, to show they’re alumni, that they’ve been coming this long, and kind of show off that glass.”
Day trippers figure to enjoy watching for other fall drink and event specials at breweries and wineries across Kendall County. Here’s a look:
Roll out the barrel
brewery’s barrel-aged program “has been creating some momentum for us” over the past 5-6 years. In June, Werk Force’s Brambleberry Cheesecake Sleepy Bear earned a gold medal in the Wood/Barrel-Aged Fruit Beer division at the U.S. Open Beer Championships in Oxford, Ohio.
But barrel-aging isn’t just for beer drinkers. The brain trust at Gilted Edge Winery, 9396 Plattville Road, Newark, has developed a bourbon barrelaged wine to be released Oct. 19 for a limited time and in limited quantities.
Beginning on Black Wednesday, Nov. 27, and continuing the three days after Thanksgiving, Werk Force will introduce four new variants in its Sleepy Bear barrel-aged series. Wright said the
“It generally caters to those that are more traditionally a beer drinker or usually aren’t into wine, essentially,” said Gilted Edge co-owner Laura Loos. “We get a lot of guys that like that wine because it’s got that bourbon note from the barrel and things like that.”
More fall wines
Fox Valley Winery, 59 Main St., Oswego, offers an Apple and Cranberry wine. The downtown attraction also features an array of wine slushies.
Look for similar fall wine selections at Gilted Edge, with a twist. The winery’s Cozy Autumn is a cinnamon-spiced apple wine, while the Cranberry Kiss is a spirited approach for a late fall release. Granny’s Apple Pie and Mulled Wine weekends – highlighted by a warmed, spiced take on sauvignon blanc and zinfandel that only is served on-site – are set to launch in October.
“Just some unique things that we try to take the traditional way of thinking in the wine industry and kind of elevate it and provide something that somebody else doesn’t offer today,” Loos said.
Now that’s collaboration Pumpkin anything often is polarizing come fall, while craft enthusiasts typically find smoked beers to be the same yearround. Fox Republic Brewing, 101 W. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville, is set to release a smoked pumpkin porter in late September.
To Fox Republic brewmaster and general manager Ken McMullen, however, this small batch brings an agreeable taste. “With most
smoked beers, the grain is smoked and you get a lot more smoke character from that,” he said. “With smoking the pumpkins, it keeps it more subtle and more in the background. It just makes for a delicious beer without overwhelming smoke.”
Southbank Original Barbecue, a Fox Republic neighbor, will smoke the pumpkins donated by a nearby pumpkin patch. “We’ve got three businesses kind of partnering on that batch,” McMullen said, “which is fun.”
Fox Republic has several fall events planned, including a Hispanic Heritage Month-themed celebration from 1-6 p.m. Oct. 6.
Comfort, Quality & Style
Pumpkin farms & family fun
By: Patti MacMillan
Row upon row, the trees stand sentry. Among sun-dappled leaves, ruby-colored apples await eager hands. On a different patch of land, a fruit of another kind grows rounder with each passing day.
This fall, make plans to hand-select a bountiful bushel and pick the perfect pumpkin at one of these local spots.
Photos provided by Keller’s Farmstand, Blackberry Farm and Oswego Cemetery Walk
Keller’s Farmstand
2500 Johnson Road, Oswego 630-219-8194
www.kellersfarmstand.com
Keller’s Farmstand is a mainstay in the Oswego community, dating back five generations. “It’s a working family farm. The people who work there are still Kellers, all of whom have the farm in their heritage and in their history,” said Valerie Budach who handles communications for the business, which also has locations in Naperville and Plainfield.
More than 10,000 apple trees line the grounds, with different varieties ripening at various times through late October. Those looking for a particular type of apple—varieties include the popular Pink Lady and Red Delicious as well as the delightfully named Ludacrisp—can sign up for alerts notifying them when a specific apple is ready for picking.
Weekends at Keller’s bring an abundance of family activities. A hit with visitors is the themed eight-acre corn maze which encompasses two observation decks as well as photo opportunities throughout its many twists and turns. Wagon rides, a kid’s play area complete with a pirate’s ship and the opportunity to see farm animals are also must-dos.
“Visitors can wander in and around the farm and around the pastures to watch the animals in their own environment,” Budach said.
Concessions include hamburgers and hotdogs, and Keller’s has a wide array of house-branded products such as apple cider donuts and specialty salsas. The establishment’s pumpkin patch is divided into two parts. In one, individuals can choose from pre-picked pumpkins, while in another more intrepid shoppers, equipped with a wheelbarrow, can select their pumpkin right off the vine.
Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm
4853 US-52, Minooka 815-651-7288
www.heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com
Those with a particular penchant for pumpkins of all shapes and sizes would be wise to explore Heap’s this season. Nearly 100 different types of pumpkins, gourds, and squash grow on 25 acres. Also available for purchase are mums, straw bales, corn stalks, and more.
Visitors can opt to explore a traditional corn maze but those with young kids may find the soybean maze more their speed. Considerably smaller in stature, the maze allows little ones to enter undaunted in their quest to journey out the other side.
Several other attractions include a fortress-themed play area, farm animals and a giant slide. Heap’s also offers family fun when the sun goes down with a moonlight hayride and flashlight maze. For those with something spookier in mind, there’s the haunted corn maze, which draws on the legend of a local farmer who went mad.
On weekends and October 14, visitors can enjoy grilled items like pork burgers and bratwurst as well as confections that include caramel apples and pumpkin cookies.
Woody’s Orchard
3223 Creek Road, Plano 630-247-9302
www.woodysorchard.com
A prominent red barn and towering grain silo welcome visitors to this orchard, where 20 different kinds of apples abound. September and October bring about varieties like Scarlet Star, Braeburn and Winecrisp. An online guide shares profiles on each kind, including their taste and how best to use them. For instance, the tart Gold Rush, which holds the distinction of the Illinois State apple and ripens in late October, is a great choice for apple pies and crisps.
In addition to its expansive orchard, Woody’s is open for pumpkin picking. Among its many attractions are apple cannons, where fruit becomes ammo for target practice, as well as an impressive miniature train tailor-made for pint-sized passengers, a corn maze, giant jumping pad and a large obstacle course outfitted with ropes and climbing walls.
A farm store sells apples as well as an array of bakery items.
HAVE A BALL
FALL LEAGUES ARE STARTING We have room for just you or if you have a team! Call for available spots! LEAGUES:
Monday morning misses, 11am Monday night trio, 7pm
Last day will be September 28th, 1 pm to midnight!
Oswego Cemetery Walk
Oswego Township Cemetery, 503 Main St., Oswego 630-554-2999
www.littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org
An event 20 years in the running, this cemetery walk isn’t scary so much as spirited. Stories feature tales of long-buried residents who played instrumental roles in shaping the city. The 45-minute walks take place at various times from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. Thursday, October 3.
This year’s script is a new one that promises to entertain. “Our story includes scandals, love triangles and a duel to the death,” said Ashley Hartman, marketing supervisor with the Oswegoland Park District which partners with the Oswegoland Heritage Association to put on the offering. “The ghosts themselves are played by members of the Limelight Theatre Company, and it is a fun way to get the younger generation interested in history.”
Individuals are asked to pre-register online for this all-ages event.
Fall is calling – dress up your home
By: Diane Krieger Spivak
Photos provided by Winding Creek Nursery
Golden days and crisp nights are here, which means it’s time to get yourself, and your abode, in the mood for fall.
According to Megan Dell’Aringa, of Floral Expressions and Gifts, in Oswego, “It’s all about the front porch and the fireplace this year. We’re seeing a ton of inspiration in the market.”
Gourds and pumpkins intertwined with dried elements of greenery and florals are key, both inside and out. Think lanterns mixed with vintage pieces for fun, unique styling. “The focus is a lot of muted colors—white pumpkins, brown, earthy, natural color schemes,” says Dell’Aringa.
Ribbons, once popular in the 80s, are making a comeback in full force in lots of different colors, says Dell’Aringa.
Penny Monkemeyer, of Winding Creek Nursery and Garden Center, in Millbrook, is also noting the movement. “People are mixing colors and textures instead of using one kind,” says Monkemeyer, whose favorites include combining a burgundy or rusty shade of plaid with a green burlap bow.
People are using a lot of succulents indoors in cute pumpkin planters, as well, notes Monkmeyer.
Front porches are decked out in anything and everything fun. “One is a super cute vintage ladder stacked with pumpkins and decor next to it, maximizing the use of space in a small porch area,” says Dell’Aringa. “Use blankets and mums, candles, anything to warm up that front porch. They’re making really good indoor/outdoor battery-operated candles now that have a lot more flair than a few years ago.”
Both Monkmeyer and Dell’Aringa point out that outdoor rugs and floor mats are making the front door a huge focal point for the fall. A wide variety of seasonal garden flags and mailbox covers to match add to the appeal, says Monkemeyer.
For those lucky enough to have a fireplace, the same elements can be incorporated on the mantel, next to the hearth, and if your fireplace is not operational, even inside the hearth.
Mums, the go-to flower for fall, can be mixed with other plants. “You can make a cool planter that doesn’t have to be so traditional,” says Dell’Aringa. “I like to put kale into mine and croton, which has a variegated orange, green, yellow kind of leaf. I like things that can trail, that can fall out of your planters that are always nice for a little drama. The sunflower trend is still large, and vendors are getting unique with pumpkin shapes and textures.”
Like ribbons, dried flowers are seeing a resurgence, and are easy to mix with other elements.
For outdoor plants, Monkemeyer advises it’s time to refresh planters’ fall colors. In addition to mums, pansies make a nice addition to fall plants, she says.
“They come in a lot of different colors and the cooler temperatures bring the colors out. We have a subzero pansy you can plant in the fall and they will come back in the spring and bloom. A lot of people are mixing perennials in with the fall annuals so they can use them in their planters, like ornamental grasses, mums, the asters, then they can put them in the ground and, being a perennial, they will come back if planted early enough in the fall,” Monkemeyer says.
Stay active with great activities for fall
By: Chris Walker
As the weather changes along with the colors this autumn, there’s plenty to do to stay active, healthy, and happy. Take advantage of these cool sports and recreational activities this season.
Friday Night Trap Shooting
Newark Sportsmens Club, 10251 Fox River Dr., Newark, features two trap fields including one of the only wobble trap fields in the area. Whether you’re new to this shooting discipline or already possess the accuracy and skill to succeed at it, consider making this Club your Friday night destination this fall from 7 to 10 p.m. www.newarksportsmensclub.com
Canoeing and Kayaking on the Fox River
Avid whitewater kayaker Jeff Brown offers canoe and kayak rentals via his Yak Shack down the Fox River. What a gorgeous time of year to take in the scenery on the water. Kayak rental: $35; Canoe rental: $50. Reservations only. www.yakshackonline.com
Run and Walk Events
Stay fit, promote a healthy lifestyle, and make a positive difference in your community this fall by signing up for one or more of these different walk-run events.
• The Gobbler Hobbler 10K & Mashed Potato Mile features a chip-timed course down the Fox River and through downtown Oswego on Nov. 10. Athletes are invited to enjoy Gobbler Hobbler’s complimentary walking pancakes after their run. 10K: $55; 1-mile: $40. www.oswegolandparkdistrict.com
• Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run welcomes runners, walkers, skippers and joggers to get outdoors, enjoy some apple cider and a dose of exercise with this 5K run on Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. at Keller’s Farmstead in Oswego; $49. www.gourdyspumpkinrun.com
• Rudolph Run 5K invites walkers and runners for this 4 p.m. event with a portion of registration fees supporting the Knights of Columbus which will provide food and toys to families in need in Kendall Country this Christmas; $50. www.yorkville.is.us
• Sandwich Education Foundation’s Trick or Trot is raising funds to support, promote, supplement and enrich educational programs and more for the students of the Sandwich school district with this inaugural 5K/1-mile walk/ run on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
Ready to try Pickleball?
The Oswegoland Park District is offering “Intro to Pickleball: Adult Beginnings” this fall, which is a class designed to introduce new players to this rapidly growing sport. This is an opportunity to develop the skills and confidence that are required to enjoy this wonderful game recreationally. Macey Brooks, a certified PPR Pickleball instructor and former Chicago Bear, will instruct the class.
In addition to this pickleball class, the Oswegoland Park District offers a variety of classes and open gyms for adults, including pickleball and basketball, as well as a co-ed volleyball league. www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org
