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TOURIST Winter 2017

DISCOVER THE WONDERS of the towns that surround you

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Baby, it’s cold outside!

But that’s no reason to stay at home. From the southwest suburbs to the Chain-O-Lakes, and the metro borders of Chicago to the rolling countryside of the west, Northern Illinois has shovelfuls of fun available to everyone!

In this premiere edition of Neighborhood Tourist, we uncover local gems, discover the best keptsecrets of our communities, and get readers out of their backyards and into the towns that surround them!

We visit the stunningly beautiful Starved Rock State Park to take in a wintery hike, gape in awe at some glistening frozen waterfalls, and hopefully, catch sight of some majestic wildlife in the process.

We hit the slopes all over the greater Chicago area, stopping in to visit a little longer with the folks at Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park in Algonquin, and chat with the folks at Norge Ski Jump in Fox River Grove about one of the craziest events of the winter season. We’ll also hit the ice at local rinks, guide you to some of the best sites for snowshoeing, and set you up to meet some real dogsledders.

And if the blustery days ahead seem too cold for wandering outside, don’t fret…we take you on a tour of the Greater Chicago area’s best conservatories and greenhouses, stopping to warm up at Bird Haven Greenhouse in Joliet. It’s a great destination to take away the wintery chill.

In this seasonal magazine, we offer advice for dining on Valentine’s Day, (but perfect, really for any night of the week) with farm-to-table focused

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restaurants and menus of authentic comfort foods.

Try our Spring Break Staycation, seven days of excursions for the whole family, all within a reasonable drive of your own front door. And should you decide you want that “getaway” weekend, we have charming and eclectic bed & breakfasts across Northern Illinois, where you can cuddle up for an evening or two and feel as if you are away from it all.

On top of all that, we tour classic movies houses across Northern Illinois’s historic neighborhoods, explore marvelous museums filled with wonder, and discover brilliant works of art in galleries galore, all right here in our communities.

Events, musicians, must-sees and more fill the pages of Neighborhood Tourist. It isn’t just a magazine, it’s an initiative… to turn home-dwellers into day-trippers, give ideas to the adventurers, and spark a renewed appreciation for all there is to do in the greater Chicago area. Thanks so much for sharing the ride with us.

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

J.TOM SHAW General Manager, Shaw Suburban Group

LAURA SHAW Director, Niche Publishing

CAROL MANDERFIELD Designer

¢ Special shout-out to Shaw Media’s photo editors and staff photographers for their support of this premiere edition.

FEATURED ON THE COVER… Algonquin’s Raging Buffalo Ski and Snowboard Park Joliet Heritage Museum Woodstock’s annual Groundhog Days Gaetano’s Restaurant in Batavia Starved Rock State Park in Utica Big Run Wolf Ranch of Lockport Turn to page 6 for a complete list of the stories and features inside!

Additional copies of Neighborhood Tourist are available for $5.95 each. Email your order to TOURIST@shawmedia.com

OUR CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ¢ ERIC SCHELKOPF When Eric Schelkopf is not hunting down stories in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton for Suburban Life Media, he enjoys going to concerts and musicals. He writes about the arts and entertainment scene in Chicago at http:// thetotalscene.blogspot.com.

¢ DIANE MOCA Diane Moca has more than 15 years experience covering news and features for television, radio, magazines, newspapers and websites, including her own blog, OverAchieverMom.com.

Diane is the wife of a musician, mother of teenagers, diehard Cubs and Bears fan, avid cyclist, scout leader, chaperone, chess teacher, tour guide, pub game show host, and head of her family's property management and yard sign businesses. Her husband complains that her abundant energy proves she must be a vampire who extracts his own while he sleeps.

¢ SHONDA TALERICO DUDLICEK Shonda Talerico Dudlicek is a freelance writer for a variety of Shaw Media titles. She also writes dining profiles for the Chicago Tribune, and teaches writing courses and advises communication students at Roosevelt University in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, reading and playing board games.

¢ KELSEY O'CONNOR Kelsey O'Connor is a content strategist living and working in Chicago. She is a freelance writer for several lifestyle publications throughout the suburbs. When she isn’t writing, you can find her running on the lakefront trail or planning her next trip.

¢ DIANE KRIEGAR SPIVAK

¢ CHRIS WALKER

Diane Kriegar Spivak, a lifelong journalist and author of more than 5,000 published articles, after talking to literally thousands of people, she’s learned that everybody has a story to tell. From firsthand experience taking off at 500 mph with the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds to an interview with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s exorcist, Diane shares the stories of real people - politicians, CEOs bishops, laborers, soldiers, toddlers, centenarians and even a clown or two.

Chris Walker loves stories.

He’ll tell you how seeing Jane’s Addiction at The Riv in 1989 changed him, why Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking & Screaming” is his favorite film and why being a dad is one of the coolest things. He has plenty of great stories, but it’s writing and sharing yours that he loves doing most. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him parenting, watching or umpiring baseball, listening to music or reminiscing about his wiffle ball field.

¢ ALLISON HORNE

Jonathan Bilyk has dedicated his career to finding and telling the stories of those around him in ways that not only inform, but entertain - and, as the case may be, drive people to act. Working as a journalist for almost a decade and a half, Jon has won numerous awards recognizing editorial excellence in business and finance reporting, science and technology reporting, news reporting, column writing and even an award for best sports story.

¢ JON BILYK

Happy to indulge in the vibrant literary and performing arts scene of the Chicago area, Elizabeth Rago is a freelance writer and small business lover who spends her days writing about luxury kitchens with PB Kitchen Design in Geneva, and her evenings with a cup of tea reading historic fiction.

Allison Horne is a freelance writer who works full-time as an application director for 120 Sports in the West Loop. She graduated from Millikin University, where she played soccer and studied English, and went to DePaul for her Master's Degree in Journalism. Allison resides in Lakeview, Chicago but most of the time, she'd rather be hiking and exploring in Colorado (especially Telluride), or hanging out with her dog, Cooper, a boxer/shepherd mix.

¢ ALDO RISOLVO

¢ BILL ACKERMAN

¢ LORAE MUNDT

¢ MELISSA EMORY

Aldo Risolvo owns D'Lara Photography out of downtown Downers Grove and~loves shooting a variety of things.

His fortes are weddings, kids, family portraits, headshots and Chicago architecture. He also sings in a barbershop quartet called “Where's Aldo?”

Bill Ackerman has been taking photos for the Suburban Life, and subsequently Shaw Media , since the late ’70s. His first published photos were of Dave Hasselhoff appearing in Lyons Township High School’s Corral Show. Bill recently took a mission trip to Kenya to work and play with the orphaned and vulnerable children of Teule in Oloitokitok, with Bill’s job to photograph the children as well as the projects that donors are funding.

Lorae Mundt is a professional photographer who specializes in pet photography, fine art and freelance photojournalism.

She is the owner of Furry Expressions Photography and has a passion for animal welfare. When she is not working or photographing her own five rescue dogs, she donates her free time to local shelters, photographing adoptable animals.

Melissa Emory is an Algonquinbased photographer, and a longtime partner with Shaw Media. She specializes in lifestyle, portrait, commercial and live event photography.

¢ ELIZABETH RAGO

PHOTOGRAPHERS

¢ MISSY DONOVAN Missy Donovan is an award winning ~photographer based out of Geneva, specializing in portraits and weddings/events.

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WHAT'S INSIDE

¢ WINTER IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS

20 GOT SKATES? Hit the ice at outdoor rinks across Northern Illinois. We share some great options, with amenities galore.

8 FROZEN FANTASY Take a hike through Starved Rock State Park, to gaze at the beauty of this 22 MUST LOVE DOGS frozen winter wonderland.

Get up close and personal with real 14 ALL THE RAGE sled dogs, at the Morton Arboretum’s Hit the slopes at Raging Buffalo Husky Heroes Day. Snowboard Park and finds other 24 CALL OF THE WILD fabulous slopes around Greater Big Run Wolf Ranch puts you closer to Chicago to soar with your board, your nature, for a howlin’ good time with skis, or your sled. some out-of-the-ordinary animals.

18 VIKING QUEST Continuing your pursuit of wild winter adventures, with the low down on the Norge Winter Ski Jump Tournament, set for January.

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29 WINTER BLUES? Escape the cold at Bird Haven Greenhouse in Joliet. We take you on a tour of this warm and wonderful local delight, and others like it around the area.

¢ DESTINATION DINING VALENTINE'S DAY 34 FARM TO FORK At 1776 in Crystal Lake, enjoy beautiful local food that is worthy of great romance.

36 ITALIAN EVENING Visit Milan with your Valentine and be home by bedtime with the help of Chef Isacco Vitali.

38 AS FRESH AS NEW LOVE Clean, creative American cuisine is focus for Glen Prairie Restaurant’s Mike Max.

40 SHARE SOME CHARDONNAY Wine experts Mike and Cyndi Allas walk you through the details of the most consumed white wine across the globe. Plus, find some great local choices on the Northern Illinois Wine Trail.

¢ GREAT GETAWAYS 42 PRIDE & PRESERVATION Lincoln Way Inn blends regional ecology with homespun hospitality, perfect for a close-to-home getaway.

46 STAY AND PLAY Explore Northern Illinois with seven days of “staycation” happiness, and sleep in the comfort of your own bed, every night.

¢ WHERE WE LIVE 50 VINTAGE VENUES Historic theaters remain nostalgic center points of many Illinois communities.

56 SLAINTE! Greater Chicago pays tribute to Irish heritage with array of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

60 MARVELOUS MUSEUMS Our communities are filled with great museums for every hobby or interest, including the newest celebrating America’s Authors.

¢ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 64 FULL OF HOT AIR Chicago artist Clare Ashley’s inventive and whimsical sculptures ‘breathe’ with life, humor.

66 ARTISAN OFFERINGS Auspicious events for the artist and art lover available around the area.

68 HEPCATS CONVERGE Acclaimed Elmhurst College festival marks 50 years with all-star schedule of jazz music diehards

71 MEET THE BAND Go backstage with the great musicians and performers from the area. In this issue, meet rock vocalist Cathy Richardson and saxophonist Shawn Maxwell.

76 STAGE, RIGHT! The greater Chicago area is overflowing with opportunities to enjoy the stage in 2017. We highlight some of the choices from across the region during the winter season.

80 FIFTY YEARS FOR FERMILAB America’s premier particle physics lab marks milestone with huge open house and a year of special events.

¢ THE HIT LIST 82 FILL YOUR FREE TIME A dozen wintertime ‘to-dos’ no localyokel should miss!

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FROZEN FANTASY

STARVED ROCK MAKES WINTER EXPLORING A MUST

Winter in Northern Illinois

By ALLISON HORNE | Photos BY KEVIN EBI

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Starved Rock State Park may be known for its colorful trees, sandstone bluffs, extensive hiking trails and dramatic waterfalls, but it also has so much more than that to offer.

As one of Illinois’ top visited state parks, there are more than 13 miles of trails that feature steep sandstone canyons and waterfalls formed by glacier meltwater. The yearly attendance numbers easily compare to the most visited national parks in the entire country, with an expected 2.6+ million visitors this year. This summer, the park even had to turn down visitors multiple times due to hitting capacity.

The fun doesn’t stop when the leaves all fall at Starved Rock though, because the state park, located on the Illinois River in La Salle County, has a slew of winter activities guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

From eagle watching to snowshoeing, hiking and waterfall climbing, Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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making it easy for families to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery, even in the frigid winter months.

While snowshoeing is permitted at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park, which is located just a few miles south of Starved Rock, rentals are not provided. Often, snowshoes aren’t even needed, considering many of wellmarked trails are packed down and groomed to the point where only a pair of boots, or even Yaktrax, are needed for daily hiking.

“Just picking up a pair [of Yaktrax] can reduce fatigue when hiking on ice and snow,” Kathy Casstevens, marketing director of the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, says. “No one would think you need them, but walking sticks or poles with points on the end are also helpful.”

-Continued on page 10

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-Continued from page 8 Casstevens notes that Yaktrax are available in the gift shop at the lodge, but can also be purchased at stores like REI or online for around $20. For those who would rather not venture into the wilderness alone on a hike, there are also guided hikes at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

14 waterfalls in 18 of the canyons at Starved Rock, including the St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, LaSalle, Hennepin, Ottawa, Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons, depending on precipitation. There are also two at Matthiessen Lake Falls and Cascade Falls.

One of the amazing sights hikers and snowshoers can catch each winter are the bald eagles that migrate through Starved Rock every year.

“It’s really an unexpected natural wonder,” Casstevens says. “Being able to see the magnitude of a frozen waterfall, you feel so small… even more so than in the summer.”

“This portion of the Illinois River is the Mississippi Flyway,” Casstevens says.

“We have the Starved Rock Lock and Dam here at the base, so it’s a fish buffet.”

The best place to see the eagles is Eagle Cliff in January and February, she adds.

In addition to access by showshoeing and hiking, guests can see the eagles on Starved Rock’s “Discover the Eagles” trolley tours at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 10:30 a.m. Sundays in January and February. Reservations are required, and Sunday tours include brunch. There is also a special Eagle Watch Weekend on Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan. 29, which offers shuttle busses to see the eagles instead of the trolley tours.

One of the views that hikers come to enjoy in the summer, the waterfalls, are even more majestic in the winter when they freeze. There are

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One of the unique aspects of the park is that ice climbing is permitted for those with experience. Each climber must sign in and out at the park office and provide proof they know how to ice climb. No equipment rental is available, and the park staff decides when there is enough ice to climb.

Cross-country skiing, is not recommended at Starved Rock, due to its hilly and rocky façade.

“It’s not that it’s not allowed, but there aren’t enough wide open flat spaces,” Casstevens says. “Cross country skiing wouldn’t work here. Just like bike riding wouldn’t. It’s even hard to jog here.”

Matthiessen State Park does have six miles of ungroomed trails for cross-country skiers open daily from December through March, depending on the weather. Rentals are available onsite on the weekends.

rowing up in Washington state where Mount Rainier National Park was often visible from his backyard, Kevin Ebi developed a passion for the wilderness from a young age.

As an adult, he began carrying a camera on his hikes and rapidly became just as passionate about photography. His images have been used by National Geographic, Smithsonian, National Wildlife and Lonely Planet, and have

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As far as preparing for the outdoors goes, Casstevens says the most important part is to have the right gear and to hydrate.

If possible, moisture wicking shirts are recommended, because they pull the moisture away from skin, making it feel dry. Avoid cotton as the base layer, if possible. Other cold-weather favorites are wool or alpaca socks in addition to a waterproof outer layer.

“You have to be able to peel off layers if needed,” Casstevens says.

“You should peel it off and carry a backpack.”

Other chilly outdoor events guests can enjoy this winter at Starved Rock include a sled dog demo and seminar on Sunday, Jan. 15 and Feb. 19 and the Flight Night Progressive Dinners on Wednesday, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12. There’s also a special Winter Wine Walk on Saturday, Feb. 11 for park-goers to enjoy all of the local wineries.

That’s just the beginning of all of the outdoor wonders available to explore this winter along the Illinois River.

While some events cost extra fees, admittance to all of the state parks is free and open to the public for families of all ages to enjoy.

“It’s amazing how beautiful nature is in the winter,” Casstevens says. “It’s free, unexpected and lovely.”

been featured on a “forever” postage stamp to commemorate the National Park Service centennial.

His focus is on capturing one-of-a-kind moments and he was drawn to Lake Michigan one winter to capture unusual ice. He heard about the frozen waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park and knew that he had to make a trip there as well. His images that accompany

OTHER GREAT PLACES TO SNOWSHOE

¢ MORTON ARBORETUM With more than 1,700 acres of land to explore, the Morton Arboretum is a great place to snowshoe every winter.

Trails are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily, but must be covered with at least four inches of snow to snowshoe.

Rentals are also available at the Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends starting December 5. Fees are $11 for two hours and $15 for all-day rentals for adult members, and $9 for two hours for member children and $13 for all-day rentals. Costs are an additional $2 for non-members, and the rental fees are charged on top of admission. Warming stations and restrooms are located in the Visitor Center, Thornhill Education Center and Shelter. Some family-favorite trails to enjoy while snowshoeing include the Conifer Collection, the Thornhill Education Center lawn, Main Trail Loop 4, the Spruce Plot near parking lot 12, and the Daffodil Glade at parking lot 22. For more information about snowshoeing at the Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074.

¢ PALOS TRAIL SYSTEM

Photos provided by Morton Arboretum

You may need your own snowshoes to snowshoe at the Palos Trail System, but there’s plenty to explore with 38.9 miles of trails through 15,000 acres in the Palos Preserves.

The trails are open from dawn to dusk, and are accessible at 104th Avenue and 107th Street in Willow Springs, but there are several other access points and parking locations available throughout the area. A full map of the area as well as more information about snowshoeing the Palos Trail System are available at fpdcc.com or by calling 800-8703666.

-Continued to page 12

this article were captured late in the winter as the waterfalls began to thaw. This is an especially beautiful time as the thickness of the ice can vary dramatically even within a single waterfall.

That variation causes the light to refract in different ways, resulting in spectacular colors.

Books and prints of his images are available at LivingWilderness.com.

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-Continued from page 11

¢ LINCOLN MARSH

Photo provided by Oak Plank Road Trail

¢ OLD PLANK ROAD TRAIL The 135-acre land the 21-mile Old Plank Road Trail travels through is a flat, paved linear trail that runs through the prairie, which is ideal for snowshoeing during daylight hours.

No rentals are available onsite, and user discretion is advised based on snow levels. The trail is accessible from Washington Street and Park Road Access in Joliet, the Hickory Creek Preserve in New Lenox, and the Hickory Creek Junction in Mokena. For further information, visit reconnectwithnature.org or call 815727-8700.

Winter in Northern Illinois

¢ GLACIAL PARK LOOP TRAIL

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New this year at Glacial Park, anyone interested in snowshoeing the 3,400 acres can rent snowshoes at the Lost Valley Visitor Center, located at Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.

Men’s, women’s and children’s sizes will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis for just $10 a pair for the entire day when there is more than five inches of snow on the ground. A $20 (cash only) deposit and driver’s license is required. Rental hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. For further information, visit mccdistrict. org or call 847-526-7433.

The Lincoln Marsh in Chicago offers a little more of an urban setting for those interested in snowshoeing this year. When snow is over three inches, snowshoe rentals are available for $5 an hour, and are available in both adult and children’s sizes. A waiver must be signed for those under the age of 18, and a driver’s license, credit card, or car keys will be held as a deposit. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the Lincoln Marsh Office, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends at the Northside Park Shelter House. More details can be found by visiting lincolnmarsh.org or by calling 630-871-2810.

¢ INDEPENDENCE GROVE FOREST PRESERVE More than 1,100 acres of snowcovered terrain await eager snowshoers at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve, located at 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.

The 115-acre lake provides a scenic setting for the 6.25 miles of trails available for snowshoeing daily until sunset, weather permitting. A visitor’s center provides a place to stop and warm up, although rentals are not available. Enjoying the park is free, but parking is $5 for nonresidents Monday through Thursday, and $10 Friday through Sunday. Further information is available at lcfpd.org or by calling 847-968-3499.

Photo provided by Independence Grove Forest Preserve NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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Photos provided by Red Oak Nature Center

¢ RED OAK NATURE CENTER While snowshoeing is permitted in any of the District 159 parks and 44 miles of network trails, the Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia, offers 40 acres to explore and has snowshoe rentals available onsite.

For $5 (cash or check only) and a valid driver’s license, Atlas 925 snowshoes and poles will be provided to explore the area, as long as there is more than three inches of snow on the ground.

To reserve a pair, call 630-897-1808, or visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org for further information.

Come visit us midweek, and get half off your second night’ s stay.

Of course, some of our guests stay here for free.

offt!

50% kday nigh

2nd wee Jan. 1-Apr. 30, 2017

Enjoy the unrivalled creature comforts of historic Starved Rock Lodge—with its famed hospitality, accommodations and dining experiences. It’s the perfect home base to explore the natural wonders of the Midwest’s most breathtaking landscape—Starved Rock State Park.

You’re sure to see some of our long-term residents as well enjoy the awe-inspiring views that have made Starved Rock one of the “Seven Wonders of Illinois.”

See our website for midweek getaways!

W HE R E

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2668 East 875th Road, Oglesby, Illinois • 1-800-868-7625 • StarvedRockLodge.com

Winter in Northern Illinois 14

All the rage NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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Snowboarding catches air on Algonquin slopes

By KELSEY O’CONNER

Keith Duck noticed a problem. It was the early ‘90s and the sport of snowboarding was just starting to take off. Duck had ski and surf shops throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs, and he had plenty of customers coming in to buy snowboard gear. The issue?

“The people buying snowboard equipment were complaining that there wasn’t any place to go to use

that equipment,” recalled Duck. “A lot of ski resorts back then didn’t allow snowboarding or it was a restricted sport.

You could only do it on certain runs or certain days.”

It wasn’t long before he thought of a solution. When he was young, he had skied at an area called Buffalo Mountain near Algonquin. He found that the land had -Continued on page 16 NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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Other great places to slip down the slopes

coexist peacefully on the park’s slopes.

Photo provided by Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park

-Continued from page 15 been purchased by Kane County Forest Preserve and wasn’t being used. Duck and his two business partners at the time approached the forest preserve about reopening the mountain as a snowboard-exclusive facility.

Winter in Northern Illinois

The idea got final approval in November of 1992. Duck and his team immediately started on renovations to improve the long-vacant facility. The only thing that remained of the former ski park was the shell of the lodge.

The group had to install lifts, snowmaking machines and completely renovate the rundown lodge.

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Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park opened in January of 1993 as the world’s first facility exclusively for snowboarders. The reception from the local snowboarding community was overwhelmingly positive, says Duck.

“Before we opened, snowboarding enthusiasts didn’t have a place that felt like their own, where they could learn and progress,” he said. “When we opened, it was a huge moment for the snowboard community. We doubled our business every year for the first three or four years when the word got out that there was a place just for snowboarders.”

As the sport of snowboarding took off, traditional ski resorts became more accommodating toward snowboarders. So Raging Buffalo began to do the same for skiers. About six 6 years after opening, the park became skier friendly. Today, snowboarders and skiers NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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Raging Buffalo typically opens on Thanksgiving weekend, depending on the weather. Rental equipment and lessons are available for snowboarders of all skill levels. The facility is a terrain park, which means there are an array of feature such as rails, boxes and halfpipes for snowboarders to practice tricks.

For experienced snowboarders, the park also hosts various competitions.

The United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association holds tournaments at Raging Buffalo where snowboarders can compete to score points and qualify for national events.

Duck says that snowboarding lessons are a great way to remain active during the cold winter months. “It’s about embracing the winter instead of hiding from it,” he siad. “If you’re a snowboarder you thrive on these moments and it changes your perspective. Instead of dreading the cold snowy winters, you look forward to them.”

Raging Buffalo Snowboard and Ski Park is located at 19-265 Western Ave. in Algonquin. For more information, call (847) 836-7243 or visit ragingbuffalo.com.

FOUR LAKES SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA 5750 LAKESIDE DRIVE LISLE (630) 964-2550

Learn to ski, snowboard, race and ski jump all in one place.

The Four Lake snowsports school offers lessons for those age 5 and up. The terrain park offers challenging features for an exciting ride, including boxes, rail and corrugate pipes. There are also regular events such as Midnight Madness and the annual Winter Carnival.

p BLACKWELL FOREST PRESERVE BUTTERFIELD ROAD WARRENVILLE (630) 933-7200

The 130-year-old forest is home to Mount Hoy, a prime spot for a winter adrenaline rush. The hill is open for snow tubing when there is at least three inches of snow. Visitors can rent district inner tubes on weekends and school holidays. The area also allows sledding and dogsledding.

VILLA OLIVIA 1401 W. LAKE ST. BARTLETT (630) 289-1000

p CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN

8700 W. CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RD. GALENA (800) 397-1320 The slopes at Chestnut Mountain are perfect for skiers and boarders of all skill levels. The 475-foot vertical drop runs through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond. The 20,000-squarefoot ski center features brand name ski gear, equipment rentals and winter sports school.

This Bartlett Park District facility has winter sports for every age. Try downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing or just relax in the lodge. The hill includes seven runs, six rope tows, a chairlift and a tubing hill. They also offer private and group lessons with specially trained ski and snowboard instructors.

SWALLOW CLIFF WOODS

536 NORTH HARLEM AVE. RIVER FOREST (800) 870-3666 Looking for a great sledding hill? Look no further than Swallow Cliff Woods. The Cook County forest preserve is known for its steep hill, the perfect spot for sledders looking for a thrill. The hill is equipped with lighting and limestone steps that are cleared and salted.

Photo provided by Chestnut Mountain

Ski jumping in Chicagoland?

You bet your ars!

Get your ‘Viking’ on at the Norge Winter Ski Jump Tournament

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

S

ki jumping is unlike any other sport. And the Norge Winter Ski Jump Tournament is unlike any other sporting event. The annual tournament, put on by Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, takes place over one rowdy, raucous weekend in January, when thousands of people gather to watch some of the best ski jumpers in the world compete.

Winter in Northern Illinois

“It’s a party,” says Guy Larson, a director on the Norge Ski Training Board. “It’s a really good time. We usually have a huge crowd. It’s a place where people can let their hair down.”

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The 2017 tournament will take place January 21 and 22. Larson says they expect the crowd to reach around 6,000 people. Spectators come from near and far to watch the world-class athletes, often tailgating out in the parking lot before the events begin.

Many dress in Viking outfits to honor the Norwegian roots of the sport and the club.

Ski jumping, a form of Nordic skiing, involves athletes plunging down a takeoff ramp and flying through the air as far as possible. Points are awarded for distance and style. At the Norge Ski Club, ramps range from 10 to 70 meters high.

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Each year, guests of all ages flock to the tournament. Plenty of food is available for sale, including brats, hot dogs, pizza and popcorn. Adults can choose from beer, wine and Jägermeister. Cowbells and horns, also on sale at the tournament, add to the roars and cheers during every jump.

The ski jump tournament features two main events: the Junior National Qualifier and the U.S. Cup. The Junior National Qualifier, on Saturday, is for ski jumpers age 12 and up. “It’s really exciting for these kids to be jumping in front of thousands of people,” says Larson.

The young athletes over the age of 12 will compete for a spot to represent the Central Division at the Junior National Championship. That prestigious team, the culmination of the winter season of ski jumping events, will take place at Norge Ski Club for the first time in 2017.

On Sunday, adult athletes participate in the U.S. Cup event, part of a five-tournament series across the country. Members of the U.S. Ski Team compete for U.S. Cup points, cash and national rankings. There are also smaller events throughout the

weekend, such as short hill jumps for younger skiers.

The 2017 tournament will mark the 112th anniversary of the event. Norge Ski Club, the oldest continuous ski club in the country, has held a ski jump tournament every year since its founding in 1905. The club, located in Fox River Grove, is a volunteer-based organization that provides training programs to teach kids how to ski jump.

The training program offers lessons for all ages and all skill levels, including beginner, intermediate and advanced. This year, there are 30 kids from throughout the area in the program. The hills can be used for practice year round.

“Our main goal is to be a resource for the community,” says Larson. “We’ve worked hard to improve our facilities and our coaching and we’ve really made some big strides. We have a lot more resources.”

The improvements have paid off.

Norge has become the largest feeder into U.S. Ski Teams, supplying more qualified young athletes than any club in North America. Currently, there are six kids from Norge on U.S. Ski Teams — including Larson’s two children. His

son and daughter, now teenagers, have both been ski jumping since they were young.

Once his kids got involved, Larson was hooked as well. “It’s not the type of sport where you drop your kids off and leave,” he says. “We encourage parents to stay and be involved. It’s really rewarding to see entire families get involved in such a unique sport.”

Larson has been volunteering with the organization for the past 12 years. During that time, he’s seen many talented young skiers hone their skills and move up in the ranks.

“Ski jumping is not easy. One thing I’ve noticed is that these kids persevere,” he says. “There’s going to be some fear and there’s going to be a fall here and there.

But the coaches support them and the parents support them. There’s a sense of accomplishment and confidence, and the kids see that and they want to keep pushing themselves.” u Norge Ski Club is located at 100 Ski Hill Dr., Fox River Grove. For more information, visit www.norgeskiclub. com. Tickets for the Winter Ski Jump Tournament can be purchased online or at local merchants. They are $10 presale, $15 at the door.

Shaw Media file photos NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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Ice Night Out I

By ALLISON HORNE

t’s easy to get sucked up by the couch in front of the fire during the cold winter months, but many awesome outdoor ice skating rinks throughout the greater Chicago area are making it easy to head outdoors and greet the frigid weather.

Winter in Northern Illinois

Enjoy the thrill of cruising across the ice without the danger of lakes or ponds by visiting one of the many ice rinks offering refrigerated man-made ice ideal for skating – both under the sun and under the stars.

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¢ ROSEMONT Every year, the center of the entertainment district of MB Financial Park in Rosemont transforms into “Frozemont,” an NHL-sized ice rink with free skating for those itching to hit the ice. The rink will open to the public on Friday, Nov. 25 following the “Light Up the Park” event, and will be open select days and holidays under the lights throughout the rest of the winter season. Skates will be available for rental, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to pop in for a quick toasty drink or bathroom break. The park is located east of the Tri-State Tollway and north of Balmoral Avenue. For more information, visit Rosemont.com or call the hotline at 847-430-4338 for weather updates and availability for skating. ¢ GENEVA There’s no need to travel to the city to enjoy the perks of outdoor skating, because Geneva has several

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rinks open to the public for skating, located at Wheeler Park. Two are dedicated hockey rinks while one is available for the public. A warming shelter is available at Wheeler Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Both locations are lit, and skating can be enjoyed until 10 p.m. daily starting in December, weather permitting. Wheeler Park’s ice complex is located at North Street and Route 31 in Geneva. For more information, visit genevaparks.org or call 630-232-4542. ¢ ORLAND PARK Centennial Park will once again turn into a Winter Wonderland when the ice rink opens on November 19, depending on the weather. No need to bring your own skates – the rink offers skate rentals for $2 a pair, and also has helmets available for free for any young children or adults interested in a little extra protection.

There is also a warming house open daily available for visits, which are limited to 30 minutes. Hockey is not permitted on the ice, and figure skating and spins are welcome if there are less than 30 skaters on the ice.

The rink is located in Centennial Park at 15600 West Avenue and Fun Drive in Orland Park. For more information and complete hours of operation, visit orland-park.il.us or call 708-403-6290. ¢ ELGIN Don’t forget to check out City Skate this winter, a free outdoor rink located at the Civic Center Plaza between Hemmens and City Hall in Elgin starting in November. Skate rentals are available daily for $4 during warming shelter hours, which vary due to private rentals, and no hockey is permitted on the premises. Youth ice skating lessons and private lessons are available starting in November, and a spot can be secured by visiting the cityofelgin.org. The entire rink

Frozemont Ice Skating in Rosemont

can also be rented out on Saturdays and Sundays for a fee. For weather updates, call 847-931-6140. ¢ GURNEE The Gurnee Park District operates four different ice skating rinks - one outdoor hockey rink and three figure skating rinks – throughout town from mid-December through mid-February.

Betty Russell Community Park, 5300 Pinewood Road, offers both a figure skating and hockey rink, with warming shelters and bathrooms, while Hunt Club Park, 920 N. Hunt Club Rd., and Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., both offer ice skating rinks and restrooms. Skating hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on school holidays. Call 847-623-7788 for information on ice rink conditions. ¢ NAPERVILLE Naperville is offering an array of outdoor skating options this year,

with six different locations featuring outdoor rinks starting in December.

Centennial Park, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Commissioners Park, 3704 111th St., and the Nike Sports Complex, 288 W. Diehl, are lit and will be open until 10 p.m. daily. Meadow Glens, 1303 Muirhead Ave., Gartner Park, 524 W. Gartner Rd., and Rotary Hill, 440 Aurora Ave., all close at dusk. Hockey and broomball is permitted at the two boarded rinks at Centennial Park, but is not permitted at any other locations.

Call 630-883-4242 for ice status updates, or visit napervilleparks.org for information on any of the outdoor rinks.

is returning to its iconic spot under Cloud Gate (otherwise known as “the bean”) for the 16th year. The rink, which sees 100,000 skaters annually, is open daily and free for the public, and has skate rentals available for $12. There will be free skating lessons on Fridays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m., and other free lessons and ice dance demos will be presented from December 24 through January 8. The rink is located at 201 E. Randolph Street in Chicago, with bathrooms and concessions available onsite at the Park Grill Tavern. Visit cityofchicago. org for further information and hours of operation.

¢ CHICAGO Forget your traditional ice skating rink, because Maggie Daley Park offers an ice skating ribbon that weaves through the park. The ribbon, which is twice as long as a regular ice skating rink, is open daily under the lights from November to March, and has skate rentals available onsite for $12 per pair. Locker rentals, hot chocolate and bathrooms are also available for skaters. The park is located at 337 E. Randolph Street in Chicago, and has the city skyline as a beautiful backdrop while you lace up your skates. Don’t miss out on the special events this year, including an ugly sweater skate on Saturday, Dec. 10, and skate with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17. Visit maggiedaleypark.com or call 312-552-3000 for a full list of events or any further information.

¢ ROCHELLE Rochelle’s Community Ice Rink is located at the East End of 7th Ave and is open dawn to dusk – weather permitting. There is no supervision provided so all skating is at your own risk. This is a partnership between the City of Rochelle & Flagg Rochelle Park District, with lighting provided by Rochelle Municipal Utilities. For more information visit enjoyrochelle.com

¢ CHICAGO Just around the corner from the Maggie Daley skating ribbon is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which

Maggie Daley Park in Chicago

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DOG DAYS

SLED DOGS GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT ARBORETUM

By DIANE MOCA

W

hen a team of Siberian huskies delivered critical medicine to a remote and inaccessible Alaskan town in 1925, they saved the lives of dozens of children. Every year in Lisle, children from the Chicago area repay the favor by convincing their parents to rescue a homeless husky at a popular event at the Morton Arboretum.

“Our goal is to educate everybody about Siberian huskies,” explained Noel Dagley, the treasurer of AdoptA-Husky, which showcases dog sledding at the annual Husky Heroes two-day extravaganza. “We hope that if you are the right family, you adopt a dog so we can save more dogs.”

The popular event features multiple demonstrations of husky sled-pulling and opportunities for visitors to interact with the dogs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 28 and 29.

“Somebody first talks about the dogs and sledding. We hook the teams up, and run around a trail by an open field – so everyone can see them pulling. Once everybody is back, people can come and pet the dogs and take pictures with them and ask the mushers questions,” described Dagley.

Gina Steele, special events coordinator at the Morton Arboretum, said about 7,000 people of all ages usually visit the arboretum over the two-day period to marvel at the huskies and their equipment. If there is enough snow on the ground, the entertainment also includes skijoring, a winter sport where the dogs pull

a person on skis. With no snow, the demonstrations feature sleds put on wheels and converted to carts that the dogs pull.

“We tend to get cooped up in winter.

This is a fun way to get the whole family outdoors; that’s what we’re all about,” noted Steele. “We also encourage people to check out the children’s garden, have breakfast at our restaurant and enjoy what we have to offer. You can make a day of it. Watch the husky demos; hike the trails.”

Steele said the event began 14 years ago as a small part of an arboretum Winterfest, but the huskies were so popular, they became the focal point and expanded the festivities to a second day.

“The dogs are intelligent, friendly, independent, and they make great

HUSKY HEROES

JANUARY 28 AND 29 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Enjoy Husky Heroes and the rest of the arboretum for the price of regular general admission: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for children under 18, and free for members. For more information, visit www. mortonarb.org/events/ husky-heroes or www. adoptahusky.com.

Photo provided

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pets for active families.

They’re just a very happy breed that likes to work,” enthused Dagley, who said people love “their looks and their personality.

They are very pack-oriented. They do like people, and they do what they’re bred to do – sled – and that’s not something people see much. It’s just part of their nature. They can run up to 15 miles a day without any effort.”

Dagley said all the dogs at Husky Heroes are from the Chicago area and sled in nearby forest preserves and state parks. She said at least half of the dogs that participate have been adopted as a result of the event.

Dagley owns and fosters several Siberian huskies herself, and is an experienced musher.

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“It was a little scary at first. Once I did it, I was hooked!” she exclaimed. “It’s quiet, with just you and the sled and the dogs running. While it is relaxing, you still have to pay attention to your surroundings. You have to protect your team.”

Dagley said sled dogs average between 8 and 10 miles an hour, but “when they have inspiration, they can get up to 24 miles an hour.” She said as few as two or as many as 18 dogs can be on a team hooked up to one sled. Dagley said large teams are more common in places with bigger trails, like Alaska.

“Up in places that are remote, there are some very rural towns that still use them for transportation because there are no cars or roads,” noted Dagley.

This quality became critical during the terrible outbreak of diphtheria in Nome, Alaska. When the coastal town ran out of serum to treat the deadly disease, and ice blocked access by modern transportation, the serum was delivered via trails by round-the-clock relays of Siberian huskies. Forty years later, some Alaskan historians teamed up to commemorate the great serum run with a sled dog sprint along the Iditarod Trail, which eventually evolved into the famous long distance dogsledding race. The annual tradition is credited with preserving the historic trail and saving the sled dog culture and the huskies.

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Family Fun 24

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Call of the wild Big Run Wolf Ranch puts you closer to nature, for a howlin’ good time

By SHONDA DUDLICEK | Photos by LORAE MUNDT Did you know that wolves don’t howl at the moon? They howl to call others wolves back to the pack. And that a wolf’s howl is soulful, unlike the screeching, high-pitched howl of a coyote? And how can you tell a coyote from a wolf? A wolf tail hangs straight down, unlike the curve of a dog or even a coy-dog, a dog that mated with a coyote. And black wolves gray out like we do as they age.

At Big Run Wolf Ranch in Lockport, a federally licensed non-profit educational facility specializing in North American wildlife, you can learn all about its nine wolves, including Arctic and British Columbia black wolves, plus other animals that have been rescued, including a black bear, cougar, Sicilian donkey and Siberian tiger named Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” The ranch also is home to less exotic animals like a porcupine, groundhog, raccoons, skunks and horses, plus peacocks and other birds.

The wildlife sanctuary started in John Basile’s back yard in Lockport, but the idea for it dates back to when he was a boy and read books like “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang” by Jack London. He wanted to work with wolves and eventually accumulated other animals through rescues. In fact, two-thirds of the animals at Big Run came through people who owned them illegally, when their only option was euthanasia.

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BIG RUN WOLF RANCH

14857 FARRELL ROAD LOCKPORT To book a program, trip or event or for camping inquiries, call 815-588-0044.

General information is at 773-517-0645 or www.bigrunwolfranch. org or bigrunwolf@aol. com. Admission is $6 at monthly open houses (next one January 28), which run on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Coyotes may not be liked by a lot of people, but we explain how they’re needed,” said Konrath, a teacher who has been a volunteer at Big Run for 15 years. “The Siberian tigers are endangered. There might come a time when no one knows what a tiger looks like.”

-Continued from page 25 “He takes in what he can take in, and they’re here forever,” said Theresa Konrath, secretary and volunteer at Big Run Wolf Ranch.

But the group’s mission is conservation through education. Basile, Big Run’s president, holds a USDA federal license and has been working with large North American predators for 30 years. He and other volunteers teach groups about conservation and how important these animals are to the earth’s ecosystem.

Family Fun

Can’t get enough animals?

Check out these places:

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PHILLIPS PARK ZOO, 1000 RAY MOSES DRIVE, AURORA: This free zoo is open year round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This zoo features about 100 animals representing 41 different species, including bald eagles, great horned owls, gray wolves, elk, goats, reptiles, turkeys, peacocks, Greater Prairie Chickens, a red tailed hawk, barred owl, Cooper’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and cougar. Don’t miss the North American River Otter as they play in the water! A self-guided tour can help lead groups on a logical tour.

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Basile saw how kids enjoyed presentations and how the events got bigger and bigger.

“People enjoy learning,” Konrath said. “It’s a lot of fun being around animals and nice teaching this to kids.”

One day a month, the group hosts an open house. The rest of the time, Big Run Wolf Ranch is available to private groups for birthdays, reunions and other events.

“We’ll go anywhere in the Chicagoland area to talk to school groups,” Konrath said.

Another notable event is Wild Fest, scheduled for Feb. 26, 2017, at Lockport Township High School. Animals from Big Run Wolf Ranch and other exotic animal

COSLEY ZOO, 1356 N. GARY AVE., WHEATON: Cosley Zoo’s five acres is home to farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Open year round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all kids are admitted free.

Hands-on exhibits immerse visitors in natural habitats for White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Blanding’s Turtles, bobcats, a coyote, a Black-crowned Night Heron and more. Eco-Exploration backpack tours equip packs with hands-on activities and items like scent jars, binoculars and duck identification cards and focus on a different theme.

Packs are $3 per visit.

VOLO BOG STATE NATURAL AREA, 28478 W. BRANDENBURG ROAD, INGLESIDE: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closing earlier in colder months, Volo Bog offers naturalistled programs including bog tours, prairie walks, insect and aqua safaris and summer bat programs. Onehour public tours on the weekends and astronomy nights and bird walks round out the offerings.

HAMILL FAMILY WILD ENCOUNTERS AT BROOKFIELD ZOO, 8400 31ST ST. BROOKFIELD: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. on the weekends, Hamill Family Wild Encounters is a three-acre exhibit with hands-on experiences to touch and feed animals, including parakeets and goats. There will also be red pandas, llamas, alpacas,

Byron Forest Preserve District

groups like Incredible Bats, Save Our American Raptors, Jim Nesci’s Cold-Blooded Creatures, Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary and K-9 Guardians bring their animals to be seen by the public.

Come Tour Our Newly Renovated

JARRETT PRAIRIE CENTER NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

People can also camp at Big Run, even though the ranch is not open to the public.

7993 North River Road, Byron, IL

“A lot of people are afraid of wolves and we try to explain they’re more afraid of people and would run away,” Konrath said. “We always respect the animal’s body language.”

Enjoy these free activities:

> Explore 4,000 square feet of new and interactive exhibits

> Play with hands-on learning opportunities suited for visitors of all ages > Enjoy showings in our immersive indoor theater designed to educate visitor on prairie ecology > Design your own farm at our plow exhibit > Take in the season at our prairie overlook area

For more information: www.byronforestpreserve.com 815-234-8535 Immersive Indoor Theater Sponsored by:

Newly Renovated Kitchen Sponsored by:

wallabies and reindeer as well as additional upclose encounters with more animal ambassadors.

Brookfield Zoo is one of Chicago’s two zoos. Other exhibits include big cats, bears, dolphins, penguins, primates, bison, wolves, amphibians, wombats and giraffes.

RANDALL OAKS ZOO, 1180 N. RANDALL ROAD, WEST DUNDEE: Open from April 9 to Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends only from Oct. 31 to Nov. 27. Kid-friendly farm animals are available for viewing, petting and feeding. In the barn, visitors can meet alpacas and goats. Other animals include cows, mini horses, a Clydesdale, sheep, goats, emus, alpacas, reptiles, deer, rabbits, chickens, pigs, fox and birds. Pony rides are $4.50 per person.

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STEP AWAY FROM THE SEASON

Escape the cold winter blues at Bird Haven Greenhouse

by DIANE MOCA | Photos by BILL ACKERMAN

I

n the middle of winter, when skies are gray and the ground is frozen over, many gardeners pine for a simple sensory experience – the smell of dirt. It’s one of many reasons plant lovers are drawn to the warm and colorful Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory in Joliet.

“They love that smell, and you can see things blooming and lush greenery,” described Kevin Eberhard. He’s spent the past 29 years as the horticultural superintendent at the Joliet Park District’s Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory because “this is something I always wanted to do. I loved horticulture as a kid. I started home gardening at six years old.”

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-Continued from page 29 That passion is shared by many who visit Bird Haven, though the facility attracts plenty of non-gardeners as well, attending a public or private event or enjoying its architecture, tropical plants, cacti room and beautiful flowers year-round -- such as the bird of paradise in bloom from January through March.

“Nowadays life is so fast-track. This gives people a place to go back, to enjoy the simpler life of planting and growing,” said Carol Kranz, who has been volunteering at the greenhouse for four years.

Kranz helps with the annual poinsettia sale in December and the big plant sale the first weekend in May. Though the Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory is funded and run by the Joliet Park District, the facility supplements its budget with these fundraisers and facility rentals.

Family Fun

Eberhard said a

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250-seat banquet hall, as well as a separate indoor space that holds 125 people, is an affordable option for weddings, luncheons and other functions. The three-acre site also has patio areas and outdoor gardens that are popular spots for people and the birds that inspired the facility‘s name in the 1930s.

“I love the cedar waxwings,” said Eberhard. “They eat berries off of junipers. We’ll get 100 birds eating those berries. It’s impressive to watch this flock come in and clean up a tree in two days in late fall. You’ll also see hummingbirds, woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, robins,” added Eberhard.

The conservatory specializes in growing and showing plants that are not native to Chicago, such as plumeria, brugmansia (angel’s trumpet) and palms.

In late winter, Kranz and other volunteers help with “potting, transplanting and pruning.

I have learned a ton about plants, and it helped in my own garden,” noted Kranz. “I just love to see the progress of the plants. When we start, they are so teeny tiny. And by May they are flourishing. This is very peaceful for me. I enjoy doing it and feel good about what I do there. It’s a great place to go,”

added Kranz.

The Italian Renaissance-style facility was designed by the Lord and Burnham Company, constructed in the early 1900s and restored to its original beauty in 2004.

Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the year (except holidays), even during private events. It’s located at 225 North Gougar Road in Joliet.

815-741-7278. www. jolietpark.org/jpdj/ index.php/facilities/birdhaven-greenhouse

-Continued on page 32

Taste of Joliet | 2017

June 23 – 25 | tasteofjoliet.com

ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium

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-Continued from page 31

Other Northern Illinois Conservatories and Greenhouses t The Chicago Botanic Garden opened more than 40 years ago and has matured into a living museum and conservation science center. The Orchid Show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 11 to March 26 and costs $12 for adults and $10 for seniors or kids. The Chicago Botanic Garden is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. (847) 835-5440. www.chicagobotanic.org For 83 years, the Wilder Park Conservatory has instilled a love of nature in visitors and taken on an iconic and symbolic place in the history of Elmhurst. Since 1993, native plants

Photos provided by The Chicago Botanic Garden

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have been raised in the greenhouses for transplanting to natural areas.

Wilder Park Conservatory is open 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily and is located at 225 Prospect Avenue in Elmhurst. (630) 993-8900. www.epd.org/facilities/wilder-parkconservatory

Friendship Park Conservatory offers group tours of its greenhouse as well as classes, merit badges and rentals for events and professional photography. The Friendship Park Conservatory is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 395 West Algonquin Road in Des Plaines. 847-298-3500. www.mppd.org/facility/friendshippark-conservatory

Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake. The park hosts Winterfest on February 4 from 12 p.m.

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p The Oak Park Conservatory is one of the top three historical sites in Oak Park. Every year staff and volunteers grow 20,000 bedding plants from seeds and cuttings, which are planted at 90 public parks and sites throughout the village. Every Tuesday staff answers gardening questions at its plant clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. year-round. The Oak Park Conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to dusk daily and is located at 615 Garfield Street in Oak Park.

(708) 725-2400. www.pdop.org/parks-facilities/oak-parkconservatory

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Destination Dining

EDITOR’S CHOICE VALENTINE’S DAY

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Farm-to-fork fine dining At 1776, enjoy beautiful local food

IF YOU GO

1776 restaurant 397 W. Virginia St. (Route 14) Crystal Lake 815-356-1776 www.1776restaurant.com

worthy of great romance

By JONATHAN BILYK | Photo by MELISSA EMORY

Andy Andresky knows his customers may not necessarily know what dish to order when they first glance at his restaurant’s menu.

other creative options, can be even more specific, noting within the dish’s description where almost every ingredient came from.

But Andresky, owner of 1776 restaurant in Crystal Lake, knows his patrons will know immediately where the ingredients, in whatever they order, have come from.

Andresky says that he can offer such specificity because he has established relationships with all of his suppliers, often partnering with them through the years in order to produce or gather particular items – such as shishito peppers and Jerusalem artichokes grown at Loyola University Farm in Woodstock or hen-of-the-woods mushrooms foraged from the woods near Marengo – specifically for his restaurant.

“We’re right up front – right on the menu,” says Andresky. “We tell you what’s what, and who’s who.”

Since 1990, Andresky says that he has dedicated 1776 to the idea that people want to eat “real food,” made from quality ingredients and prepared entirely inhouse, often from scratch.

And, in recent years, that commitment has led Andresky to not only diversify the menu with an increasing range of entrees, small plates, flatbread pizzas and salads, but also to create lasting relationships with local farmers and other food producers, who grow and raise a majority of the ingredients that make up the assortment of dishes diners will find on 1776’s regular lunch and dinner menus and ever-changing list of daily specials.

The regular menu, for instance, notes that the restaurant’s pork dishes feature meat sourced from whole hogs purchased from AM Farm, while other ingredients originate from more than a dozen other local growers, ranchers, dairy farmers, cheese makers and coffee roasters from McHenry County, southern Wisconsin and other locales within 100 miles of Crystal Lake.

The specials list, which typically will include ranch-raised wild game or

“They’re growing things for us, for our needs,” he says. “We’re one step ahead of just ‘buying local.’”

Some ingredients also come from more distant locales, which also is noted on the menu.

No matter where ingredients are from, however, Andresky says that the menu often features ingredients that are certified organic and, often, heirloom.

The menu can be modified to fit any dietary restriction, including vegan, gluten intolerant or 100-percent glutenfree. The restaurant bakes most of its own bread, including fresh gluten-free loaves.

The 1776 servers are trained to ask certain questions to be certain that the dishes not only meet expectations of diners, but also all dietary needs – a sensitivity near to his heart, as one of his own children has a gluten intolerance.

“We make everything fresh and to order,” he says.

And patrons can also expect to receive

their food and drink to be served on fine dinnerware.

“If you want a lemon drop, you’re going to get premium vodka with fresh, housemade lemon bitters and lemon juice,” Andresky says. “And, for the kids, our Shirley Temples will be made with real pomegranate juice and 100-percent cane sugar – nothing with high-fructose corn syrup.

“And our drinks will be served in crystal drinkware, not glass,” he says.

The restaurant also offers a “huge selection” of wine – securing 1776’s recognition from Wine Spectator annually, since 1995.

That designation accompanies a ZAGAT rating the restaurant has held since 1997.

In addition to lunch and dinner service daily, 1776 also offers catering and space for parties and other events.

The restaurant employs 19 people, including some who have been with Andresky from the early days of 1776.

Coming from a restaurant background, including 15 years on staff at a French restaurant in Chicago, Andresky says that he has never had any doubts that Crystal Lake is where his restaurant should be.

“We could’ve opened 1776 anywhere,” he says. “But this is my community, and we chose to open it here. This is a special place.”

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EDITOR’S CHOICE VALENTINE’S DAY

Visit Milan with your Valentine and be home by bedtime

with the help of Chef Isacco Vitali

By ALLISON HORNE | Photos by MISSY DONOVAN Some travel the world for fun, but others, like chef Isacco Vitali, travel the world so that they can share their experiences and love of food with others.

“I just kind of wanted to do a smaller menu with no mass production. I wanted more of a chef-to-table place.”

– Isacco Vitali, Isacco's Kitchen in St. Charles

Vitali has cooked all over the world, but has taken his talents to the western suburbs at his very own restaurant, Isacco’s Kitchen, in St. Charles.

Vitali grew up in Milan, Italy, just an hour from Switzerland, where his family worked in the cattle industry. He started working as a butcher at a young age and first started cooking when he was 16.

After attending cooking school in San Pellegrino, Vitali moved to Scotland to attend college to study foreign languages.

“I really wanted to travel,” he says.

While in college, he continued to cook and work in restaurants.

Following school, he moved to London, where he met a pastry chef who he worked with on a cruise ship. He traveled the world aboard the cruise liner for seven years. While working on the cruise ship, he also happened to

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meet his wife, Tracey, who was a passenger on the boat.

“I was doing a cooking demonstration, and we started talking,” Vitali says, adding that they hit it off immediately.

His wife is ultimately what brought Vitali to the Chicago area. After a couple of years of long-distance dating, the duo married in 2007.

Vitali took a job at Charlie Trotter’s in the city and dove headfirst into the Chicago food scene.

But, it didn’t take long before Vitali realized that he wanted to be his own boss. So, two years after getting married, he opened his own restaurant – Isacco Kitchen – in 2009. The restaurant could seat about 100 people, and it gained popularity for serving classic dishes at an affordable price.

“I wanted to help myself,” Vitali says. “I opened the restaurant because I wanted to make more sales with my knowledge and be my own businessman.”

Other Great Destinations for Valentine’s Day Dinner ¢ GAETANO’S 15 E. Wilson Street, Batavia 7636 W. Madison Avenue, Forest Park

¢ If you go ISACCO'S KITCHEN ADDRESS: 131 S. First St. | St. Charles PHONE: 630-444-0202 WEBSITE: www.isaccokitchen.com

After finding great success at his restaurant, Vitali opted to downsize and open something a little more personalized so that he could cater to each individual.

“I just kind of wanted to do a smaller menu with no mass production,” Vitali says. “I wanted more of a chef-to-table place.”

The new location opened in December 2015 and can seat 35 people. The new, more intimate space frees up enough time for Vitali to make homemade pasta and bread and serve seafood in season.

“I learned a lot from traveling,” Vitali says. “The menu is very contemporary.

I like to [use] plenty of different ingredients.”

Despite the downsizing, Vitali still does catering, homemade pasta and sandwiches to go, and personalized chef visits.

But even with years of experience in the restaurant industry, Vitali still enjoys experimenting at home and trying new things in the kitchen.

“I like mixing and trying new recipes,” Vitali says. “I cook at home a couple of days a week.”

Vitali has his own vegetable garden at home that he often integrates into his cooking, but his favorite food still tends to be seafood.

“I like seafood,” Vitali says.

“What I eat mostly depends on what is in season. I like to follow the seasons.”

When it comes down to it, Vitali says he just likes to cook for everyone around him.

“I love cooking at home for friends and family.”

Offering a wide selection of fine Italian flavors in an intimate neighborhood locale.

Enjoy appetizers such as crabcake cannelloni dei Cesari, entrees like Costoletta di maiale al granchio, or sumptuous after dinner treats like tiramisu or home made limoncello. The meats, vegetables, seafood and fish are always fresh daily – chef’s tasting menus with wine pairings are offered.

Many dishes are prepared with the restaurant’s unique wood burning stove imported from Italy.

¢ OROM 308 W. First Street, Dixon Proof that you need not be in the big city to find beautiful, creative menus, the newest restaurant in Dixon is making waves, and fantastic food!, The menu is small, but carefully chosen. Try the pork shoulder, coated in a house-made dry rub and beer-braised for six hours, or perhaps the Chicken Purse, filled with prosciutto and parmesan alongside homemade gnocchi. Best part for Valentines Day? Orom is cell phone-free, so enjoy the intimacy,

¢ DAVANTI ENOTECA 800 Hill Grove, Western Springs 1359 W. Taylor Street, Chicago If you want a relaxed Valentine’s dinner filled with great wine and delicious comfort food, look no further than Davanti Enoteca. Cozy and inviting, this rustic Italian experience will leave you more than satisfied. We suggest you begin with the Ricotta Vasi, which pairs creamy ricotta cheese and honeycomb on Tuscan bread, and don’t miss the ragu of the day, a decadent stew prepared with mascarpone polenta. Four and sixcourse tasting dinners also are available.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE VALENTINE’S DAY

As fresh as a new love

Clean, creative American cuisine is focus for Glen Prairie Restaurant’s Mike Max

By YVONNE BENSON

I

f you and your sweetheart take “clean eating” seriously, but aren’t looking to sacrifice anything in flavor or fare, Glen Ellyn has just the spot for you.

Chef Mike Max from Glen Prairie Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glen Ellyn is a regular, local guy who serves clean, fresh meals to guests, prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.

The menu of contemporary American cuisine is impressive without being boastful, taking artful, and understated spins on classic comfort foods, such as a pan-roasted Amish chicken, a balsamic glazed pork tenderloin, and even meatloaf, made with grass-fed beef and Nueske’s bacon.

The Hit List

IF YOU GO

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Glen Prairie Restaurant 1250 Roosevelt Road Glen Ellyn, Illinois (630) 613-1250 www.glenprairie.com

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An Open Table Diners Choice winner, the restaurant is focused on regionally grown ingredients, and the menu is 95 percent gluten-free. Even some of the five percent remaining – like the widely popular Prairie Mac & Cheese, which offers four different cheeses, toasted cracker crumbs, and an optional smoked pork topping -- can be prepared gluten-free upon request.

And even if you aren’t a carnivore by nature, you wont have to sacrifice at glen Prairie. Vegetarian dishes are rich in creativity and flavor, like the Eggplant Involtini, prepared with a roasted garlic ricotta, fresh basil and local cheese.

The Maple Leaf Duck Breast, one of the chef’s personal favorites is made with grilled local peach gastrique. “It’s got a good acid and sweet bite, but it’s around when I can get the peaches,” he says. “That’s one of the things that I enjoy about this restaurant. I’m able to do these special things, and then they’re gone.”

A classic American chef who prides himself on embracing traditional cooking, Max likes to manipulate his ingredients as little as possible, allowing the natural flavors to really shine through.

“I’m not creating new methods of doing things with nitrogen or creating edible menus.”

But that’s not to say diners wont find delicate and flavorful surprises at Glen Prairie. Creativity is key to the menu, and one of the things Max most enjoys about the process “You can do anything you want. There’s no wrong answer in most cases,” he says. “I’m not really a crazy, out of the box sort of cook. I take what works and make it work better, and that’s it.”

Simple dishes, like spaghetti, a childhood favorite of Max, receive special treatment under his hand. Thin pasta noodles, like angel hair, keep it delicate. Then it’s all about fresh, quality ingredients.

-Continued from page 37

¢ TRUTH 800 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet Elegant and modern, Truth is a perfect date night venue. Contemporary American cuisine is the focus at Truth, with menu items ranging from a delicate seafood cannelloni to an anything-but-basic pot roast to melt in your mouth and warm your soul. Ten varieties of martinis and 14 cordials fill the menu as well, rounding out the celebration.

¢ SHAKOU 625 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville with other locations in St. Charles, Park Ridge and Barrington

“You’ve got to use good meat and good tomatoes and everything else just falls into place. “ Max’s love of cooking came from his youth, spending hours in the kitchen with his mom. Born and raised in Glen Ellyn, his home cooking grew to a passion, and he pursued more detailed education in the culinary arts at Illinois Institute for Arts.

His love for fresh, homemade American comfort foods is second only to his love for the Chicago area, where he remains close to friends and family, and the city he loves.

“I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else,” he says. “The culinary scene here is fantastic and it’s spreading.”

¢ EXPAND YOUR PLAN FOR THE WEEKEND u FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Dinner at Glen Prairie and a show at the MAC at College of DuPage Frank… A Musical Journey—Rick Michel and His 12-Piece Orchestra Late night? Stay over at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, connected to Glen Prairie Restaurant. u SUNDAY, FEB. 12 Brunch at Glen Prairie and a show at the MAC at College of DuPage The Five Irish Tenors See more at: www.atthemac.org

Modern and hip, this Sushi and Japanese steak house is anything but traditional.

Creativity reigns at Shakou, with ingenious fusions of ingredients into tasteful and beautiful entrees. Try the surprising rack of lamb, marinated in lemongrass and served with sun-dried tomato couscous, one of Shakou’s signature Maki rolls, or perhaps the Filet Mignon Spring Roll, and fresh and delicious melding of flavors. Finish your evening by sharing an Exotic Bamba, layered tropical sorbetto encased in a rich white chocolate shell. Gluten-free and children’s menus also are available.

¢ ACQUAVIVA WINERY AND RESTAURANT 47W614 Route 38, Maple Park Acquaviva is a family-owned 40-acre estate vineyard and full service winery located at the corner of Route 38 and Meredith Road in Maple Park. And while the wine takes center stage, the food is much more than just a complement. Authentic and impressive, the menu is filled with fresh seafood, gourmet meats and cheeses, and homemade pastas. Reserve a tour and tasting in the winery while you are there to complete the Acquaviva experience.

¢ MONTARRA GRILL 1491 South Randall Road, Algonquin Sharing is key at Montarra Grill, and its small plates menu is perfect for an intimate date night. Bacon wrapped sea scallops get a lush bath in maple and pecan praline butter. Homemade sausage is braised in local craft ale and served open-faced on fresh bread with a tangy lemon aioli and giardinara. Or dive in to the Chef’s featured risotto, a daily special.

Complement any of Montarra’s delicious shareable menu with a glass of wine from the restaurants expensive menu for your own perfect pairing.

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KNOWING YOUR ABCs With MIKE AND CYNDI ALLAS

Chardonnay – though considered the greatest white grape varietal in the world, and the most consumed white wine across the globe – lately has become the most polarizing wine produced.

The acronym used in the wine industry is “ABC”, or Anything But Chardonnay, referencing the consumers’ often misunderstood perception of this varietal.

The Hit List

However Chardonnay is the most versatile white grape and is adaptable to a wide range of climates. It also is heavily influenced by the terroir (soil, climate) and the winemaker. In regions of France, this varietal is revered for its drinkability and food compatibility. Most of the bad rep for Chardonnay is due to the overuse of oak barrels in the good ol’ U.S.A. When oak is properly used with Chardonnay, the result is a well-balanced wine with a soft fruit presence, medium body, a touch of nut & vanilla with an elegant acidic finish. When over-oaked, it results in wine that is overly tannic, buttery, and flabby. Typically, this mode is used to hide imperfections during production.

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Burgundy, the birthplace of Chardonnay, still produces the most critically acclaimed Chardonnays in the world. They vary greatly from region to region, but all have a common dry finish.

If you have heard of the term "White Burgundy" this is always referring to Chardonnay from the Bourgogne region. Domaine A. Roy Montagny 1er Cru $28.99 is a fine example.

Chablis produces non-oakedaged Chardonnay that has medium-light body with hints of apple and pear. Chablis expresses lively acidity and minerality, pairing well with a large variety of foods. Seafood and Chablis are a match made in heaven. Oysters, fish and chips, sushi and baked fish with butter all complement the fresh acid in the wine. However, the wine carries enough weight to also go nicely with bolder flavored dishes like baked ham and bacon wrapped scallops. It is important to only purchase Chablis from France. French wine laws require that Chablis be made of Chardonnay, no other countries require as such and may consist of any dry white varietal. Our choice, Domaine Seguinot Bordet Chablis $20.99 Chardonnay from Côte De Beaune express more body and fruit than those of Chablis. These wines are ready to drink now, but can also be aged for three to five years if desired. Chardonnay from this region still maintains nice acidity, but also expresses a hint of vanilla and hazelnut due to oak aging.

A wonderful choice from this region is Benjamin Leroux Auxey-

Duresses $42.99 Great Chardonnay can and does come from California and other areas of the United States.

Typically the cooler climate regions produce the most balanced wines. Chardonnay from Carneros, like Ram’s Gate ($26.99) and Russian Rivers Dichotomy ($19.99), show the true expressiveness of the Chardonnay grape. Though fuller bodied, these wines are well balanced and are great with food or by themselves.

Another U.S. region with cooler climate and great Chardonnay is Washington State. Even leaner than those from California, these Chardonnays are more similar to French style wines. One of our favorites, ironically made by a French winemaker, is Forgeron Chardonnay $30.99, voted best Chardonnay of Walla Walla.

This wine is balanced and foodfriendly like all well produced Chardonnays.

Mike & Cyndi own Tannins Wine Bar in Elmhurst. With over 50 years combined experience in the hospitality industry their approach to wine is relaxed, uncomplicated and always drink what you enjoy!

tannins

LOOKING LOCALLY?

wine spirits craft beer

If you haven’t been to Tannins lately, you haven’t been to Tannins

Check out Chardonnay from these Northern llinois vintners: ¢ LYNFRED WINERY 15 South Roselle Road, Roselle 971 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling www.lynfredwinery.com ¢ GALENA CELLARS 515 S Main St, Galena (downtown) 4746 N Ford Road, Galena (vineyard) 477 S Third Street, Geneva www.galenacellars.com ¢ FOX VALLEY WINERY 5600 US Route 34, Oswego Oswego@foxvalleywinery.com ¢ COOPER’S HAWK WINERY Multiple tasting rooms across the region www.coopershawkwinery.com ¢ VILLAGE VINTNER WINERY 2380 Esplande Drive, Suite 100, Algonquin www.thevillagevintner.com ¢ FERGEDABOUDIT VINEYARD & WINERY 4595 West Speer Road, Hanover www.fergedaboudit.com ¢ PRAIRIE STATE WINERY 222 W. Main Street, Genoa www.prairiestatewinery.com ¢ AUGUST HILL WINERY TASTING ROOM 106 Mill Street, Utica www.augusthillwinery.com ¢ SILVER MOON WINERY 21305 Zier Road, Lanark www.silvermoonwineryinc.com ¢ LAVENDER CREST WINERY 5401 Highway 6, Colona www.lavendercrest.com Note: Some locations close for the winter season, re-opening in March. Check website for details and other sales locations

bites

Great Geeky Wines Large Craft Beer Selection Best Hand Crafted Cocktails Retail Shop

Cheese From Around The World Exquisite Chocolates Private Events Gift Baskets In Home Tastings Live Music

tanninswine.com • 112 north york street elmhurst

630.834.4800

SHOP AND SIP Stop in and See our Expanded Selection of Wine Accessories, Glassware and Gifts

Savor the Glass Preserve the Bottle Explore New Wines like never before with

Serving Wine by the glass or bottle ~ Wine Tasting Bar Daily ~

GALENA CELLARS Vineyard & Winery

477 South Third, Suite 100 Geneva, IL. 630-232-9463 NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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&

PRIDE

PRESERVATION Lincoln Way Inn blends regional ecology with homespun hospitality

By JON BILYK | Photos by ALEX PASCHAL

In the beginning, the draw was the Nachusa Grasslands.

Great Getaways

Sprawling over more than 4,000 acres, the magic of the preserved and restored prairie lands with their nascent herd of North American bison, the wind whistling through the shifting blades of grass and prairie plants, evoking memories of what Illinois once was, consistently called Lisa Ayres and her husband, John, out from the bustle and grind of Chicago to the Sauk Valley, just east of the Rock River.

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While they had purchased some farmland to aid the ecological restoration in the region, the Ayres would almost always pass by their future, standing just off Illinois Route 38 – a place the couple now calls the Lincoln Way Inn Bed & Breakfast.

“We must have driven past it hundreds of times,” Lisa Ayres said. “We had fallen in love with the area, and it was getting harder and harder to go back to the city and the suburbs.

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“Then, we were chatting about how it would be nice to have a place closer to here, and we saw this house was for sale.”

Last July, after nearly 18 months of renovation and restoration work, the Ayres – In partnership with a group who operate four other bed-and-breakfast inns in Evanston and Chicago under the name of Stone Heritage Properties - opened their new bed and breakfast in the small town of Franklin Grove.

According to Ayres, the home in which the Lincoln Way Inn is now housed boasts history dating back to 1912, when it was built by businessman C.D. Hussey, the owner of a local lumber and coal company, whose family was among the first Americans of European descent to settle the area in the 1830s. The Ayres are the fourth owners of the home and the first to dedicate its use to a bed-and-breakfast.

Now boasting five suites – dubbed Sandburg, Nachusa, Sauk, Lorada Taft and Blackhawk, names evoking elements

of Illinois’ history and the region’s heritage – the home was remade into an experience into which guests can comfortably sink, while retaining the house’s historical traits.

Ayres said the home’s interior was “taken to the studs,” and reframed, replumbed and rewired to add bathrooms to each suite and add two guest rooms to the home’s top floor. The lower level was recreated to include a sauna, massage studio, severe weather shelter and a stone cellar with a big-screen television and seating area.

Meanwhile, the Ayres preserved many of the home’s original elements, including its oak and pine floors, pocket doors and leaded glass windows, while replacing the modern vinyl siding with cedar.

All the work was performed by “local tradesmen and artisans,” Ayres said.

“Eighteen months may seem like a long time, but it went really fast,” Ayres said. “It was the perfect amount of time to

get the feel for the house and to make the right choices.”

So far, she said the inn’s guests have backed those choices, coming from Chicago, the suburbs and points more distant, including Taiwan and Germany, drawn to the area, as were the Ayres years earlier, by the Nachusa Grasslands, just a few miles up the road.

She noted Franklin Grove stands as a gateway, not only to Nachusa – “Right outside our front door,” Ayres said but also to the abundance of recreational opportunities offered at state parks and along backcountry roads up and down the Rock River.

The town stands just outside the Franklin Creek State Natural Area, and near the Franklin Creek Grist Mill. It also lies about 15 minutes by car from Dixon and a 20 minute drive from Oregon, and the state parks and attractions, such as the Lorado Taft Eternal Indian statue that has towered above the Rock River for more than a century.

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-Continued from page 43 For those who prefer two-wheeled, human-powered transportation, the surrounding country backroads offer tremendous opportunities for bicycling, Ayres said.

The Rock River and other area waterways offer canoeing and fishing opportunities.

And Ayres, who is also a beekeeper, said guests are also welcome to try their hand at “suiting up and helping work the hive.”

“Or perhaps their preference is to stay here, relax and do nothing,” she said. “No matter what, we can help coordinate it.”

Ayres said she understands some may struggle to locate Franklin Grove on a map, and particularly to identify the

town as a tourist destination, perhaps lost as it may be in the glare of such other renowned northern Illinois destinations as Chicago or Galena.

But Ayres said she believes her B&B and Franklin Grove are both uniquely positioned to capture the growing tourism potential of the region, as visitors seek authentic experiences, both in nature and in the towns and lodging they select.

“It’s always a delicate balance,” Ayres said. “You want to share it with the world, but you want to keep its uniqueness, and not lose what made it so special to start with. We feel like Franklin Grove can be the quintessential Midwest small town.

“And it’s on the brink of being discovered.”

¢ Brilliant B&B experiences across Northern Illinois

G

Great Getaways

alena and Chicago aren’t the only places to find great bed-and-breakfast experiences in northern Illinois. Visitors seeking unique and luxurious lodging experiences can find an abundance of options, including, in some instances, right on Chicago’s doorstep:

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OSCAR SWAN COUNTRY INN GENEVA Set on 8 acres, this 18th-century inn is 1.7 miles from downtown Geneva, 4.3 miles from Settler’s Hill Golf Course and 4.5 miles from downtown Batavia. The inn’s 8 rooms are individually appointed in traditional style and feature antiques and collectibles. Some overlook the lawn, some can accommodate up to 4 people, and the loft room has a fireplace. The grounds include a barn dating to 1800s, plus gardens and wooded paths. The inn hosts events that are open to the public such as murder mystery nights and holidayNEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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themed meals, and offers its space for private parties and weddings.

p THE HARRISON HOUSE NAPERVILLE Housed in restored Victorian-era home dating to 1904, the Harrison House offers six suites “tastefully sprinkled with period antiques and fixtures,” while boasting today’s “desired conveniences.” The bedand-breakfast is situated just blocks from Naperville’s downtown area, offering an abundance of dining, shopping and recreation options, including the miles of Naperville’s famed Riverwalk, the historic Naper Settlement, the DuPage Children’s

Museum and, for bibliophiles, Anderson’s Bookstore, which offers opportunities to not only browse the stacks, but meet and greet some favorite authors at special events.

p THE HOMESTEAD 1854 PLANO Built in 1854 by the founder of Plano, Lewis Steward, to resemble a Tuscan villa, The Homestead offers five unique guest rooms in a home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located 54 miles from Chicago, but much closer to Chicago’s west and southwest suburbs, The Homestead offers visitors the options to choose to

plunge into the busyness, recreation and culture offered by the Chicago region, or slip into a more idyllic and quiet small town, rural experience. The inn boasts “culinary adventures” in partnership with area chefs. And guests are invited to join the inn’s owner, who is also a yoga instructor, for Candlelight Yoga on Thursdays.

Experience

Peace & Tranquility

at our Historic Bed & Breakfast

VICTORIAN ROSE GARDEN | ALGONQUIN Situated in historic downtown Algonquin, the inn first served as “home” for the current owners for more than 20 years. Built in 1886, the Victorian home was expanded and upgraded, without losing any of its charm, opening as a bed-and-breakfast in 1995.

The inn offers four second-floor guest rooms, with private baths. Guests are invited to stay and play the grand piano in the parlor, or lounge in the inn’s other common areas, including a wraparound porch and brick patio. Those venturing out will be steps from Algonquin’s downtown, as well as from the Fox River and its adjoining miles of recreational trail. The inn is about 45 miles from Chicago.

RAVENSTONE CASTLE | HARVARD In 2001, Jose and Rose Michel broke ground on their dream home - a castle in the 16th century style. Truly making the house their own, Rose designed each room, arch and turret. Now they share their dream castle with visitors, giving guests a chance to step back in time and delight in the ambience of this majestic hillside castle located a ½ mile south of Route 14 on Illinois Route 23 in Harvard, Illinois. Stay in one of a themed room and enjoy a European-styled breakfast, book a Tea Party for that special occasion, or take a tour on one of Ravenstone’s popular event days.

Enjoy a bedroom with an in-room

fireplace, satellite tv, private bath and a hearty homemade breakfast.

We also offer group lodging, and can host your special event or wedding!

p HARVEY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST | OAK PARK Located just south of South Avenue near the heart of this near west suburban community, the Harvey House is situated within easy walking distance of Oak Park’s dining, shopping and gallery experiences. And, as it’s located just three blocks from a CTA “El” stop, the inn is just minutes from the heart of Chicago and all the city offers, as well. The inn offers five suites, each with luxury linens and in-suite baths.

www.oscarswan.com Two Beautiful Locations to serve you!

Come Explore the historic Country Inn reflective of an 18th century estate located on 8 acres within the city of Geneva.

Or: Experience a modern manor on 30 acres, just minutes away from the city of Galena.

GENEVA

1800 West State Street Geneva, IL

630-232-0173

GALENA

3351 Elizabeth-Scales Mound Rd. Scales Mound, IL (Near Galena)

815-541-0653

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STAY AND PLAY

with seven days of spring break fun

By SHONDA DUDLICEK

Great Getaways

When it comes to Spring Break vacations, some folks catch a flight to Florida or pack the car for the Dells. But if this season’s school break has your family staying put, that’s no reason to stay at home!

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Explore Northern Illinois with seven days of “staycation” happiness we’ve planned just for you, and sleep in the comfort of your own bed, every night.

Who needs Disney World, anyway?

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DAY 1 NAPERVILLE Younger kids will love the DuPage Children’s Museum, and if you haven’t been here for a while, most of the exhibits are new or rebuilt since a 2015 flood. The kids will have fun and not even realize they’re learning about basic STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts. Here you’ll find three floors of interactive exhibits that highlight the connection between math and art; exhibits based on light, shadow and texture; basic physics concepts by pounding hammers and experimenting with saws and real wood; and for next year, a new water experience, AWEsome Energy exhibit to better explain cause and effect. Have a small snack at the S.M.A.R.T. Café but save room for lunch or dinner and a World Famous Kitchen Sink at the Colonial Café in Naperville. For bragging rights and a free bumper sticker, order a Kitchen Sink, a giant sundae served in an actual kitchen sink with six scoops of ice cream, two bananas, three toppings, whipped cream, toasted almonds and a cherry. If the weather is fine, Make time to stroll along the Naperville Riverwalk featuring 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, outdoor sculptures and artwork. If you’re looking to stay indoors, catch some air, and some thrills at Naperville’s indoor IFLY indoor skydiving experience.

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

ST. CHARLES

WOODSTOCK

GALENA

Bibliophiles could literally spend hours at Town House Café & Books in downtown St. Charles, so start your excursion with a pastry for the kiddos and a cup of coffee to get you ready for the day. The 1850s country house is stuffed from floor to ceiling with old books, new books, children’s books, games and other items. Downtown St. Charles is situated along the Fox River, and there’s no place better to enjoy it than Pottawatomie Park playgrounds and open spaces parallel the bike and walking trails, while a miniature golf course sits adjacent to the river for family fun. Check out the impressive and ornate pavilion, where kids and adults can climb to the top for the best views.

Blow off some steam on a cold or dreary day at Kingston LAnes in Woodstock. Open Bowling is available every day of the week from noon to 6 p.m. unless there is a special event. And it's only a dollar a game on Mondays and Thursdays! Every day is Groundhog Day in Woodstock! You can take a walking tour of the sites featured in the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" (show your kids the movie first if they haven't seen it). Challenger Learning Center for Science and Technology in Woodstock aims to inspire children in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The facility is not open to the public, but visitors can check out the web site to find out when programs are offered. Relax with a delicious cup of artisan coffee and a chocolate treat at Ethereal Confections in Woodstock, or maybe something fancier, like Blackberry Mocha Espresso, or a Lavender Vanilla Latte. Either way, pair that cup of heaven with artisan chocolate, created in house (yes, they make their own chocolate...from the bean) in flavors that will make you sink into the chair in utter delight.

Driving to Galena almost feels like heading back into history. The rolling hills and bluffs provide a picturesque scene on the way to Main Street, filled with quaint shops, making it better to navigate on foot. Art galleries, antiques and collectibles, apparel and accessories, gifts and specialty foods abound. Kids will love the All-American popcorn Shop, or grab some lunch at Otto’s Place Café and Lounge. Got teenagers? Check out Chestnut Mountain’s Soaring Eagle zipline. Soar high above the mountain’s peak and get an eagle’s perspective of the Majestic Upper Mississippi River Valley on a familyfriendly thrill ride that allows up to two thrill seekers at a time an experience they’ll never forget. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride.

Now that everyone is thirsty, head a few blocks west to Rocket Fizz Soda and Candy shop. There are more than 20 different flavors of Rocket Fizz soda, from classics to more unique options, such as marshmallow and green apple-jalapeno. Kids of every age will appreciate the wide array of nostalgic candy favorites as well.

Finish the day on the west end of town, at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, a 10,500 sq.ft. building that features a spacious lobby that soars more than 20 feet in height, with floorto-ceiling windows that frame views of the oak savanna just outside the doors. A wide range of attractions – turtles, rabbits, reptiles and more – will appeal to visitors of all ages.

Across the river from Galena sits Dubuque, and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. This family friendly stop highlights the life in and around the Mississippi River, features live wildlife exhibits, a 4D movie experience and interactive educational displays.

-Continued on page 48

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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47

Great Getaways

-Continued from page 47

48

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

LAKE COUNTY

JOLIET

SCHAUMBURG/PALATINE

Spend the day in Volo for the Volo Car Museum with its 33 exhibits on 35 acres. See cars of the rich and famous, the Duesenberg Room, hot rods and customs, muscle cars, vintage campers plus an antique mall in an 1850s barn. For indoor water fun, visit Key Lime Cove Resort in Gurnee, always a tropical vacation no matter the time of year. Admission to the Florida Keys-inspired resort with a tropical 84-degree indoor temperature waterpark is free with a hotel room. Because of its proximity to Six Flags Great America, Gurnee offers plenty of restaurants if you feel like leaving the balmy resort. But for some Coney dogs and milkshakes, drive in to Miller’s Dog N Suds in Ingleside or Dog N Suds in Grayslake.

See the prison where the iconic “The Blues Brothers” movie was filmed in Joliet. The old Joliet Correctional Center on Collins Street has doubled as a filming location over the years, even though it closed down in 2002 and stopped housing inmates.

Outside the prison are signs detailing Joliet’s rich history and giving suggestions for other places to visit in downtown Joliet, just one mile south.

Chicken-N-Spice, Walt’s Ice Cream, Joe’s Hot Dogs and Ace Drive-In are just some of the few places in Joliet to get some grub. Chicago Street Pinball Arcade has throwback pinball machines and bills itself as “Joliet’s destination for the silver ball.” An all-you-can-play all-night wristband is $12.

With its famous Woodfield Mall and IKEA, Schaumburg is full of places to kill a day just in those two retail destinations. Woodfield has nearly 300 stores and restaurants on three levels. Legoland Discovery Center at the Streets of Woodfield, is one of 10 Legolands in North America. Explore 11 attractions including one-of-a-kind Lego exhibits, 4-D movies and rides, and then build amazing creations.

If you’re feeling hungry, visit Village Tavern in Schaumburg for a laid-back sports bar atmosphere that’s family friendly and serves World Famous Chicken Fingers with Top Secret Finger Mustard. Remember when you used to roller skate as a kid? Relive that feeling with an afternoon at Orbit Skate Center. The Palatine rink has a brand-new spacious 100-x 188-foot floor considered one of the finest in the area.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

WINTER 2017

EXPLORING

NORTHWEST ILLINOIS 110 E. 1st St. Dixon, IL. 61021

A Stone Heritage Property

Lisa Marie & John Ayres

(815) 315-8745

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northcreek2016@yahoo.com Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11-6:30 Mike Heath Gloria Heath

815.456.7700 www.lincolnwayinn.com 409 North State Street Franklin Grove, IL 61031

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featured exhibits include:

610 River Lane, Dixon 815.285.3481 www.RAZORCARTS.com

• Ronald Reagan’s Beautifully restored classroom • Original Reagan Diplomas & Movie Posters • Blackhawk War & Early American Farming Exhibits with Lifelike Talking Figures • Walgreen Family History Room, Art Gallery & Historical Paintings • Beautiful Models & Dioramas Of Dixon In The 1800’s

• Military Room

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Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 11am-4pm Exit 45 on I-80, Manlius, Illinois 61338 815-454-2066

Where We Live

Vintage

50

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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venues

Historic theaters remain nostalgic center points of many Illinois communities

By CHRIS WALKER Photos by LORAE MUNDT

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove

Going to the movies used to be an event, a night out on the town.

Now, with enormous HDTVs available for the home and the convenience of DirecTV, DISH, Netflix and Redbox, many are perfectly fine with watching movies from the comfort of home rather than getting dressed and going to the theater.

They’re missing out.

Whether it’s the mouth-watering scent of popcorn in the air, the large soft drink to wash it down with or even the seating, sticky floors and sharing the experience with strangers, there’s just something about going to the movies that you cannot experience at home.

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove

While today’s larger multiplexes show just about every current release and attract moviegoers with assorted amenities, like upscale food, craft beers and cocktails delivered to extra-comfy recliners, they still cannot match the ambiance of an old-school theater.

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-Continued from page 51

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove

For those seeking such an experience, the good news is that you don’t have to go far as Northern Illinois boasts a rich history when it comes to vintage movie theaters. And while some have, unfortunately, shuttered their doors for good, many continue to operate while others are being rehabbed and hope to once again open to the community.

Where We Live

Amazingly, some of these theaters aren’t much different now than they were when they first opened.

52

The Catlow in Barrington, which was designed to portray a medieval English hall, opened in 1927 for vaudeville and films, with “Slide, Kelly, Slide as its first feature film.” By the early 1930s it became a full-fledged movie house.

Today, it remains one of the only singlescreen theaters in the state.

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove is another single screen. It opened on NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

WINTER 2017

Several theaters began as singlescreen movie houses and have been refurbished and expanded.

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove They have been transformed to feature multiple Christmas 1928 and was one of the first screens, with updates to their theaters built to show “talkies,” which projection and sound systems to meet were the first films with sound after the today’s technology, yet have preserved silent film era. Today, the Tivoli shows the décor and style to maintain their recently released films all week long. vintage vibe.

The theater has undergone several Glen Art, LaGrange, Lake, Meadowview, renovations over the past 25 years, the Paramount in Kankakee, Pickwick, none of which removed its luster and Roxy, Sycamore State and Wilmette historic ambiance that’s unparalleled. are all going strong, originally being Even today, guests can travel back in single-screen destinations. time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the theatre’s Wurltizer Pipe “I think one of the reasons why we’ve Organ is played. been able to stay in the business is because we really try to offer a The Mar Theatre is the gem of family product,” says Daryl Hopper of Wilmington as much of the original Sycamore State Theatre. “We mostly architectural hardware and lighting do first-run movies, but in September fixtures that were installed in the late we bring back the really good summer 1930s are still in use today. Its original movies for just $2 and we also have auditorium easily seats 300, while a premium popcorns. We may be a smaller one welcomes up to 64 guests.

91-year-old theater but we’ve brought The Mar shows first-run features with in the new digital stuff.” classic movies welcomed back a few times a year.

Sycamore State, which opened in

November 28 as a single-screen 900-seat theater for live stage performances and silent movies, also screens movies for free during the holiday season.

If you’ve ever seen the old Siskel & Ebert & Movies (later know as At the Movies) program on ABC, then you’ve seen the marquee and 100-foot tower of the Pickwick as its shown during the opening credits.

The Pickwick opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and movie house, which was named to the National Register of Historic Places more than 40 years ago. What was once a single screen theater now features the prized original auditorium and three smaller screens.

Some of the theaters have had the fortune of being restored by Classic Cinemas.

“Our owners have always done everything they could to properly restore and renovate these theaters while keeping their history alive, says Mark Marzimas, marketing manager for Classic Cinemas. “A case in point is the Woodstock Theatre. When you enter, you can’t miss the chandelier, which is from the original theater.

Someone spotted it in a fair, notified the owner and it’s back now in the theater.”

Local cinephiles adore these theaters, but the folks from Hollywood are also gaining an appreciation.

“Sometimes when the film studios come to Chicago they come to see our theaters,” Marzimas said. “They are really amazed and take a bunch of pictures because these theaters are so unique and many have never seen anything like them.”

A handful of old-school theaters are only open for films on select dates, but well worth visiting.

The Arcada, Egyptian, Rialto, as well as the Paramount in Aurora are known more for their concerts, comedy and Broadway shows than movies but they also screen them at times.

Classic Movie Mondays are just a buck every Monday at 7 p.m. as the Paramount shows a variety of modern cinema classics.

While not a typical classic theatre, one cannot ignore the presence of the Cascade Drive-In. It has been showing double features for over 50 years and offers moviegoers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

While many vintage theaters have been restored in such a way that they should be around for many years to come, quite a few have met the bulldozer or been converted to

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora

something completely different.

Located halfway between Chicago and Iowa, the Historic Dixon Theatre is currently a rental facility that provides a unique, elegant venue for special events and offers large stage, sunken orchestra pit, a gorgeous domed ceiling, 5 dressing rooms and 2 restrooms in the basement below the stage.

The Geneva Theatre, (2000) Hinsdale Theatre (2003) and DuPage Theatre (2007) all turned off their projectors for good as have many from the heart of Chicago itself, including the Lawndale, Ramova and Uptown.

The Wheaton Grand theatre has been closed now for 10 years, but there are plans for it to be brought back to life.

For more than 80 years, the theatre was the home to silent films, live drama, vaudeville, second-run movies and even rock and roll concerts.

It would be truly unfortunate if the Wheaton Grand weren’t restored, because these special places are inimitable.

As Roger Ebert once said, “Old theatres are irreplaceable. They could never be duplicated at today’s costs – but more importantly, their spirit could not be duplicated because they remind us of a day when going to the show was a more glorious and escapist experience. I think a town’s old theatres are the sanctuary of its dreams.”

-Continued on page 54 NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora

WINTER 2017

53

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PARAMOUNT THEATRE 23 E. Galena Blvd.

Aurora (630) 896-6666 www.paramountaurora.com

LAKE THEATRE 1022 Lake St. Oak Park (708) 848-9088 www.classiccinemas.com

CATLOW THEATER 116 W. Main St. Barrington (847) 381-0777 www.thecatlow.com

ROXY CINEMA 827 LaSalle St. Ottawa (815) 433-8303 www.roxycinemas.com

EGYPTIAN THEATRE 135 N. Second St. DeKalb (815) 758-1215 www.egyptiantheatre.org

PICKWICK THEATRE 5. S. Prospect Ave. Park Ridge (847) 825-5800 www.pickwicktheatre.com

HISTORIC DIXON THEATRE 114 S Galena Ave. Dixon (815) 285-1917 www.dixontheatre.com

ARCADA 105 E. Main St. St. Charles (630) 962-7000 www.arcadalive.com

YORK THEATRE 150 N. York St. Elmhurst (630) 834-0675 www.classiccinemas.com

CASCADE DRIVE-IN 1100 E. North Ave. West Chicago (630) 231-3150 www.cascadedrivein.com

GLEN ART THEATRE 540 Crescent Blvd.

Glen Ellyn (630) 469-1976 www.glenarttheatre.com

THE MAR THEATRE 121 S. Main St. Wilmington (815) 476-4662 www.the-mar.com

                              

RIALTO THEATRE 15 E. Van Buren St. Joliet (815) 726-7171 www.rialtosquare.com

                                                                            

WILMETTE THEATRE 1122 Central Ave. Wilmette (847) 251-7424 www.wilmettetheatre.com

MEADOWVIEW THEATRE 55 Meadowview Center Kankakee (815) 936-6843 www.classiccinemas.com

WOODSTOCK THEATRE 209 Main St. Woodstock (815) 338-8555 www.classiccinemas.com

                        

           

         2670 DEKALB AVENUE • SYCAMORE, IL 60178      

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

WINTER 2017

LAGRANGE THEATRE 80 S. LaGrange Rd. (708) 354-0460 www.lagrangetheatre.com

SYCAMORE STATE THEATRE 420 W. State St. Sycamore (815) 895-3549 www.sycamorestatetheater.com

   

54

CLASSIC NORTHERN ILLINOIS THEATERS

TIVOLI THEATRE 5021 Highland Ave. Downers Grove (630) 968-0219 www.classiccinemas.com

www.mmaviation.net

SM-ST11389-0112

-Continued from page 53

PARAMOUNT THEATRE 213 N. Schuyler Ave. Kankakee (815) 936-6843 www.classiccinemas.com

Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event

APPETIZERS

1/2 Pan

Full Pan

Bruschetta

14.00

Fior Di Latte

PASTAS

1/2 Pan

Full Pan

28.00 Spaghetti or Mostaccioli

32.00

64.00

28.00

56.00 Baked Mostaccioli

36.00

72.00

Fried Calamari

39.00

78.00 Ravioli

41.00

82.00

Funghi Ripieni

32.00

64.00 Tortellini

41.00

82.00

Baked Clams

37.00

74.00 Gnocchi

41.00

82.00

SALADS

1/2 Pan

Full Pan

Cavatalli

41.00

82.00

21.00

42.00 Raviolini Salvia E Basilico

44.00

88.00

44.00

88.00

Diced Seasoned Plum Tomatoes Over Toasted Bread

Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce

Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced Tomatoes, Roasted Red Pepper, Olive Oil & Fresh Basil Breaded Calamari with Marinara Sauce Stuffed Mushrooms with Breading Medium Clams Breaded & Baked with a Lemon Butter Sauce

House

With Melted Mozzarella, Parmigiano Cheese & Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce Meat or Cheese Filled, Topped with Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce Meat or Cheese Filled, Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce

Romaine, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Olives & Dressing on the Side

Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce

Mini Cheese Filled Ravioli Topped with Butter, Fresh Sage, Fresh Basil & Parmigiano Cheese

Caesar

26.00

52.00 Lasagna

Chicken Caesar

36.00

72.00

Antipasto

38.00

Lasagna 46.00 92.00 76.00 Vegetable Fresh Spinach Pasta Layered with Ricotta, Asparagus, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach,

MEATS

1/2 Pan

Full Pan

Italian Sausage & Peppers

36.00

72.00

Chicken Vesuvio

52.00

Add Alfredo Sauce or Vodka Sauce 104.00 Add Chicken Add Broccoli

Veal Parmigiana

60.00

120.00

Romaine, Parmigiano & Croutons Grilled Chicken, Romaine, Parmigiano & Croutons Chopped Assorted Meats & Cheese over a Salad

Layers of Pasta with Ricotta, Ground Beef, Parmigiano Cheese, Baked & Topped with Plain Sauce or Melted Mozzarella

Parmigiano Cheese, Baked & Topped with Plain Sauce & Mozzarella Cheese

Italian Sausage Sauteed with Mixed Peppers in a Garlic & Oil Herb Broth (½ pan-16 pc. full pan-32 pc.) Bone-In Chicken Cooked with Garlic & Oil, Fresh Herbs & White Wine Served with Roasted Peppers

Breaded Veal Topped with Fresh Mushrooms, Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta

Rigatons Pomodoro - Salsiccia - Piselli44.00 Pasta with Ground Sausage, Peas, Tomato Sauce & Parmigiano

QUARTS OF SAUCE

Vodka Sauce – Alfredo Sauce Polo Parmigiana 39.00 78.00 Meat Sauce Breaded Chicken Breast Topped with Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta Eggplant Parmigiana 48.00 96.00 Marinara Sauce Bolognese Sauce Breaded & Layered Eggplant Topped with Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta Boneless Chicken Breast 49.00 98.00 SIDES

• Marsala with Mushrooms & Marsala Wine Sauce • Piccata with Capers & Onions in a Lemon Butter Sauce • Pepperonata with Roasted Red Pepper, Onions, Touch of Garlic & Oil, Brandy Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes • Vesuvio with Garlic & Oil, Herbs & Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes

Italian Beef (by the Pound)

Fresh Sliced Italian Beef in our own Herb Broth (Bread Not Included)

8.00 8.00 6.00

88.00 16.00 16.00 12.00 Full Pan

10.95 8.95 7.95 11.95 1/2 Pan

Full Pan

Vesuvio Potatoes 24.00 48.00 Loaf of Bread (with Butter) 4.25 Tiramisu 39.00 78.00 10.95 Lady Finger Cookies, Espresso Coffee, Mixed Liquor & Marscapone Cheese

Homemade Italian Sausage –Mild or Hot (by the Pound, Raw) 5.25

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Where We Live

Greater Chicago pays tribute to Irish heritage with flury of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

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HERE’S A TASTE OF WHAT’S ON TAP ACROSS NORTHERN ILLINOIS: ¢ Elmhurst proudly presents its 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Now ranked as the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Chicago area, a record crowd is expected this year on March 4 in the western suburb of Elmhurst. The parade features floats, marching units & animated characters along with local organizations, businesses and clubs.

Don’t miss your chance to see over 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, local team mascots – Benny the Bull, Southpaw & Tommy Hawk.

Chicago Highlanders, Medinah Clowns, Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra,

featuring the world’s largest drum & the York High School Marching Band.

The fun begins at 11 a.m. with musical entertainment at Vallette and Spring Road, Prairie Path & Spring Road & McKinley at Spring Road. The parade will begin at the intersection of Wilson Street and Spring Roads and continue north on Spring Road in Elmhurst. The parade is only the beginning to this festive day. Stay for the food, music and family activities at this special community celebration. ¢ Family fun abounds at Plainfield’s Hometown Irish Parade The 15th Annual Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017. The parade steps off at 1 pm from Plainfield High School-

Central Campus and continues through this historic downtown.

Following the parade, the Village Preservation Association has lined up an extensive array of activities to keep the whole family entertained following the parade. Join the VPA in the heated tent adjacent to 24103 W Lockport Street, immediately following the parade. The tent will feature face painting, balloon sculptures, coloring contest by age group, bag toss competition for kids, and more. In addition to food options from downtown restaurants, the tent will also offer options from local food trucks. And special entertainment will be provided by some of the featured bagpipe bands and Irish dance groups from the parade.

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Proceeds are used to provide healthrelated services to those in need. Visit stpaddysday5k.org for details. ¢ Palatine ‘Paints the Town Green’ celebration and parade

-Continued from page 57 ¢ Freeze your shamrock off at the Leprechaun Plunge Operation Click will be hosting our inaugural Leprechaun Plunge on Saturday, March 11. This event will be held at Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake. At this event, anyone who signs up to plunge will receive a t-shirt. If you register before March 5, you will also receive a towel as an early registration incentive! We will be serving corned beef and cabbage along with boiled potatoes for all of our “Plungers” and have live music by bag pipers in full dress! Register at http://operationclick.com Tickets will also be for sale day of the event for just food, if you want to come and watch your friends or loved ones plunge while you sit back and eat it just $10.

Where We Live

¢ Naperville goes green for St. Patrick’s Day

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The West Suburban Irish's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday March 11 in downtown Naperville. The parade begins at Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., and continues to the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Parade-goers are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Pantry. Visit wsirish. org for details. Prior to the parade, The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise and the West Suburban Irish are hosting a 5K race, run and walk at 8 a.m. The race begins and ends at the corner of Jackson and West Streets.

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Festivities begin on Saturday, March 11 with Palatine’s annual Irish Market under a tent outside of Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The St. Patrick's Day parade begins at 11 a.m. at Community Park, 200 E. Wood St. Residents are encouraged to bring food, clothing and donations to benefit Journeys from PADS to HOPE, serving the suburban homeless.

Irish entertainment begins at 12:30 throughout the downtown area. Visit stpatspalatine.com. ¢ East Dundee's Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade set for March 11 Bandito Barney's Beach Club and Rosie O'Hare's Public House in East Dundee host the sixth annual Thom McNamee Memorial St. Patrick's Day Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday March 11. The parade begins north of Rosie O'Hare's on Water Street, traveling south to Barrington Avenue, then east to River Street, ending at Bandito Barney's at 10 N. River St. Visit banditobarneysbeachclub.com. Prior to the parade, take part in The Kilted 5k run and walk to benefit the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry & Friends of the Fox at 8:30 AM at Lifeline Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, 296 Williams Place, East Dundee, IL 60118. The race route is a straight in and out on the Fox River Trail path.

¢ It’s a family-centered celebration is St. Charles The St. Patrick’s Parade, hosted annually in Downtown St. Charles, has become a family tradition. Thousands of people of all ages line Main Street Saturday, March 11 to watch the antics of cheerful leprechauns, listen to award-winning local marching bands, watch the elaborate and colorful floats glide down the street, pay tribute to the walking units of veterans, hear the melodic strains of the Celtic pipe bands, and see all the best that St. Charles has to offer. The parade steps off at 2:00pm each year at Main and 6th Street. The route continues down Main Street and concludes at 4th Avenue. Follow the parade with a bevy of entertainment and events at McNally’s Irish Pub and the Arcada Theater, both in Downtown St Charles. ¢ City fun promised with parade, green river If a Chicago tradition is what you’re after, there’s nothing like the 57th annual downtown event Saturday, March 11. The Chicago River will be dyed green at 10 a.m. The best place to watch is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

Organizers won't reveal what's in the dye -- "it's a closely guarded secret" -- but they do say the formula has been tested safe for the environment.

Then, one of the country's largest St. Patty's Day parades kicks off at noon beginning at Columbus Drive and Balbo Avenue and continuing north to Monroe Street. Admission is free.

For details, visit chicagostpatsparade. com.

-Sherri Dauskurdas

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Where We Live

In a nation that celebrates the achievements of athletes, politicians, celebrities, and musicians, literature lovers now will have a place to visit their champions.

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New museum to celebrate American authors of every kind

The American Writers Museum (AWM) is set to open in March 2017, located in downtown Chicago at 180 N. Michigan Avenue, close to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Cultural Center.

This Hall of Fame for American writers is the first museum of its kind in the nation, will engage the public through themed galleries, interactive exhibits and educational programs, all celebrating American writers, and exploring their influence on our history, identity, culture, and daily lives.

Choosing Chicago for both its central location and its reputation as a destination city with a rich literary heritage, this dynamic museum expects to attract nearly

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120,000 annual visitors of all ages.

Additionally, the AWM Affiliates Program is collaborating with more than 50 museums and authors’ homes around the United States. to collectively strengthen the American literary story through the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Permanent exhibits will feature favorite works and tell the story of favorite writers, whether they wrote non-fiction or fiction, plays or poetry. Special galleries will showcase exhibits and artifacts on loan from the nation’s historic writers’ homes, joining with the museum to tell the behind-the-scenes stories of America’s great writers. Diverse educational programs and special events will promote literacy and foster a love of reading and writing.

Its seven rooms—Writers Hall, Writing Across America, American Identity, Readers Hall, The Mind of a Writer, Chicago: A City of Writers, and the Children’s Gallery— each will have themed exhibits.

Other marvelous museums to fill your calendar Midwest Museum of Natural History 425 West State Street (Route 64) | Sycamore www.mmnh.org ADMISSION: Adults: $8 – Members FREE Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and better): $5 Large Groups (15 or more): $5 *Special events may have additional pricing. Please check the calendar for this information.

Rotating exhibits will be the lifeblood of the museum and the range of topic areas is limitless. Here are just a few being planned: • Nobel Laureates • Censorship: Banned Books • Villains in American Literature • Great Characters in American Literature • The Lost Generation • Coming of Age—on the Page • Revolutionary Writing • The Poetry of Revolution • The Short Story • Bestsellers • First Novels that Rocked the World • Beat Poets • Rare Books • American Writers as Cultural Ambassadors • Regional Writing • The Agony and the Ecstasy—Love Poetry • Writers on Writers • American Plays and Playwrights • American Humorists from Mark Twain to the Present • American Literary Critics • Storytelling: Narrative Art in a Variety of Genres • The Immigrant Experience • The Native American Experience • Children’s Literature • From Page to Screen (Turning Books into Films) • The Art of Book-Making • Ethnic Literature • Literature & the Visual Arts Admission is set at $12 for adults and $5 for students. For more information and details of the opening, visit americanwritersmuseum. org

SEASONAL HOURS: October - February Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm MMNH is a natural history museum that works to inspire interest about the natural world, including biology, geology, and anthropology. The main gallery has over 100 mounted animals from around the world, and we are the home to over 30 live animals, many of which are rescues from around the Chicago area. Hands-on, active, engaging programming and exhibits are a specialty at MMNH. The renovated home of the Midwest Museum of Natural History has been known by long-time area residents as the Sycamore Community Center. At the turn of the millennium, this grand building found itself in dire need of a facelift with much of the building falling into disarray. Sycamore residents banded together to find a way to save the historic building, which led to the opportunity to create the Midwest Museum of Natural History.

In February 2004, this 128-year-old building was overhauled once again with a top to bottom 1.2 million dollar renovation. This included the creation of the main exhibit hall, a meeting/activity room, the Discovery Den, classrooms, offices, collection storage, and a new roof and climate controls, to help preserve the museum specimens.

Join us for SNAKE FEEDING! Every Friday, 3:30 pm Free with admission Watch the Museum's snakes eat their weekly meals, while learning about how snakes eat and other fun facts about their species! All ages.

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¢ The Aurora Regional Fire Museum 53 N. Broadway (Rt. 25) | Aurora Ample parking located behind the building in a lot accessible off of LaSalle Street. www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org ADMISSION: $5.00 for adults $3.00 for children HOURS: Thursdays and Fridays: 12 to 4 p.m, Also open First Friday nights. 6-8pm Saturdays: 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Groups are requested to schedule visits by appointment.

Other hours, guided tours, and educational programs are available for groups of ten or more.

Where We Live

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is located in Aurora's old Central Fire Station. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain children, families, and firefighters.

There are seven pieces of fire apparatus in the collection (and three more on loan) dating from an 1850s hand pumper to a 1960s aerial ladder truck.

The backbone of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum is our strong collection of over one thousand artifacts, two thousand photographs, and countless volumes of historical information.

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CURRENT EXHIBITS: Getting There • Getting Water • Getting Rescued 150 years of the tools and technology used to fight fires and save lives The exhibit traces the evolution of the tools and technology used by firefighters. Visitors can pass a leather fire bucket from the early 1800s, snap closed an authentic "quick-hitch" fire horse collar and discover what was found under the floor boards of the old central fire station. Marvel at the strange looking Vajen-Bader smoke mask, explore the differences in fire hose nozzles, and see and hear how modern fire engines clear the streets with sirens, air horns, and devices NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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that change traffic lights green. Watch vintage film clips of firefighters and fire engines on one of five video touchscreens.

Teamwork • Brotherhood • Change Aurora Firefighters 1950 – 1999 in their own words Firefighting is a career unlike any other. When a new recruit enters the fire station, they are struck by the rich traditions and enormous responsibility of the job. Over time, this strange environment will become their home, and the others who work here, their brothers. This exhibit is compiled from the stories and recollections of retired Aurora firefighters.

These are their experiences working on the job and living in the firehouse. This exhibit shares what it was like to be an Aurora firefighter in the last half of the 20th Century.

¢ On Any Sunday Motorcycle Museum Located in the former First Christian Church 208 W. Mason Street | Polo The museum, despite its name, is open only on Saturdays. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ADMISSION: free.

This privately held museum, named for a Steve McQueen movie, has about 80 motorcycles, of which 40-50 are on display. Curator/collector rotates the selection seasonally.

American made motorcycles are part of the collection, as well as those from England, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Japan and Spain. Among those featured are a yellow machine with dual lawnmower engines, a 1942 Indian Scout, and an original Harley-Davidson Hill Climb motorcycle last ridden in 1974 and in its original condition.

As long as you’ve made the drive to Polo, stay for lunch at the downstairs Grandma Jack’s Back 40 Deli, where wonderful aromas continue to drift upward, as customers enjoy the homemade food – pulled pork, meat loaf, chicken and dumplings, breads, and a different desert every day.

¢ Volo Auto Museum 27582 Volo Village Rd. | Volo www.volocars.com HOURS: Open Seven Days a Week 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Last Ticket Sold at 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: Adults $15.00 Children 5 -12 $9.00 Seniors (65 and over) $13.00 Veterans and Military with ID card $12.00 Military in Uniform and Children Under 5 FREE Group rates are available call 815-385-3644 The Volo Auto Museum is home to over 33 exhibits and display attractions. While most of the exhibits are auto related, there is something for everyone in the family.

Exhibits include TV and movie cars, celebrity-owned cars, bizarre cars, muscle cars for sale, antique cars for sale, cars of the 1950s, and kids cars. Other displays include snowmobiles, tractors, scooters, motorized cycles, bicycles, stagecoaches, campers, a train caboose, steam engine, boat and marine memorabilia. There are Disney and Looney Toons exhibits, and many coin-op machines from vintage arcades to kiddie rides. A military museum features a life-like setting with military vehicles, weapons and other artifacts that range from the Civil War to the War on Terror.

Family owned and operated since 1960, the 35-acre park also offers food and refreshment at Betty’s Diner or Show Biz Pizza onsite, as well as four antique malls ready for perusing. There is plenty of bench seating throughout to rest tired legs.

Upcoming special events include Elvis’s Birthday Party on January 8, Princess and Superheroes Day on April 2, and an after hours Night at the Museum on April 29 to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Charity.

¢ Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 North Ottawa St. | Joliet HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: Noon - 5 pm Open Monday during summer: 10 am - 5 pm (May through October) Closed most holidays ADMISSION: $7 Adults, $6 Seniors (60+) $6 Full-time students with valid school ID $4 Youth (Ages 4-12) FREE - Museum Members and Children ages 3 and under GROUP RATES are available for groups of 10 or more.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa Street Methodist Church at the intersection of Cass and Ottawa Streets in downtown Joliet. Since its opening in the fall of 2002, the museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people.

One well-known exhibit – the state-of-the-art Apollo/ Houbolt Exhibit - celebrates the historic 1969 moon landing and honors former Joliet resident and key proponent of the lunar orbit rendezvous concept, Dr. John C. Houbolt. The 500 square-foot, two-story exhibit features interactive panels, diagrams and maps, audio-visuals, flatscreen narratives, and period dioramas to tell the exciting story of the race to the moon, the Apollo 11 mission, the moon landing, and Dr. Houbolt's vision. A step-in Lunar Lander Simulator challenges visitors to begin their daring journey of space exploration. Once inside, visitors see the same controls used by the first lunar explorers during their missions. Using a throttle and a joystick, guests use skill and wit to guide their craft to the approaching lunar surface.

Exhibits are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, life-size models, award-winning touch screen visuals, and even a step-in Lunar Lander Simulator for your interaction as you explore how the past shaped the world you now enjoy. Temporary exhibits and targeted educational programming provide additional interpretive opportunities.

A new exhibit, “Joliet Area Sports Hall-of-Famers” celebrates the many accomplishments of athletes in sports programs in and around “The City of Champions” and runs through March 2017.

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Chicago artist’s sculptures

‘BREATHE’ WITH LIFE, HUMOR

By DIANE SPIVAK

Arts & Entertainment

C

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laire Ashley studied painting as a student in her native Scotland, but the genre never really had the right “fit” for her. Ashley came into her own after a summer internship at Hospitalfield House (a summer school for eight Scottish art students) in Arbroath, Scotland, where she met then dean of School of the Art Institute of Chicago Martin Prekop, who encouraged her work.

Today Ashley works in inflatable contemporary art and is an instructor at the renowned art school.

Recently, her work was displayed at the Elmhurst Art Museum where writer Diane Kriegar Spivak caught up to her, and learned about her journey through contemporary art.

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SPIVAK: Did you always have a passion for the arts?

ASHLEY: When my sister and I were kids we would sit and draw for hours. Early on I was interested in making drawings.

At 18, I went to the School of Art in Aberdeen, in Scotland. I earned my master’s degree at SAIC in Chicago.

SPIVAK: How would you describe your work?

ASHLEY: Inflatable sculptures that I look at as paintings. I knew from early on I could not work with a straight edge or a flat surface. Over the years I’ve done

a lot of experimentation. The inflatable is something I really like because it has a sort of ‘live being’ quality to it. It’s constantly breathing – sucking air in and breathing it out. I like that it has a relationship to the body and to an alien or live being of some sort. I treat the surface as a painting. I’m trained as a painter rather than a sculptor. I create this hybrid, mangled versions of painting. I’m really serious about abstraction and color, but I love that they have this humor to them because of the form that I’m painting on. It changes things entirely when you’re painting

on a shape that has a cartoonish, comedic quality Photo by Aldo Risolvo to it. It performs or moves through space in another way that is sometimes playful and sometimes with a little more dark humor. I want a tongue-in-cheek, but sort of an absurd quality to the way these paintings exist in the world.

SPIVAK: You mention humor in your work. Explain that.

ASHLEY: I’m really critical of contemporary art. It often scares people away. I think humor and the idea of interactivity allows it to become a little more democratic. I'm interested in my work drawing people in, making them curious and want to touch it. With most contemporary art you’re not allowed to do that. I want people to feel they can touch it and for it to connect with them on the level of physicality and also a level

of entertainment, and thinking about what art could be. The humor is part of that interest in accessibility.

SPIVAK: How did your background affect your work?

ASHLEY: Scots have a really selfdeprecating sense of humor and you’re not really allowed to say your doing a fabulous job. I think that’s part of not taking yourself too seriously and humor being a major part of the Scottish sense of self. I think that’s part of the reason I do the work I do.

Growing up in Scotland, humor pieces are an important part of my identity; allowing some absurdity in your pieces and recognizing its fragility or failures because you're recognizing yourself in them.

The pieces are more anthropomorphic shapes, also thinking about clowns or jesters. Or chickens. I never want the work to sit exactly in a way that is recognizable but I want the work to have an

uncanny look: there’s something that you recognize and there’s something that is abstract happening at the same time, so you’re not quite able to put your finger on it.

Claire Ashley teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Department of Contemporary Practices, and Department of Painting and Drawing. Her recent work investigates inflatables as painting, sculpture, installation and performance costume. She mines the language of painterly abstraction, monumental sculpture, slapstick humor, and pop art to transform mundane industrial materials into inflatable painted sculptures and performative props. Visit her work, and discover where it will next be shown at www.clareashley.com.

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Auspicious events for the artist and art lover around the area Kings and Queens: Pinball, Imagists and Chicago February 25, - May 7, 2017 Elmhurst Art Museum 150 Cottage Hill Avenue, Elmhurst

Arts & Entertainment

Two of Chicago’s greatest exports, pinball and imagist painting, have an intertwined history of mutual appreciation. Arguably the world’s finest pinball machines were made in Chicago's North Side factories, and many of those were produced

by Elmhurst's Gottlieb family. As those machines reached their apex of pictorial and engineering ingenuity, the artists now known as Imagists were finding their unique visual sensibilities. From pinball they drew inspiration from the game’s high contrast coloration, absurd juxtapositions, and ultra flat forms.

Pinball, of course was but one inspiration for these artists, along with the city’s many color storefronts and the enormously popular Riverview Park.

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In 1982, Ed Paschke, a leading imagist, curated Flip Flash! Pinball Art, at the Chicago Public Library Cultural Center. Paschke’s painting, Black Out, based on the pinball game, was prominently displayed, and the artist himself selected scores of games, most from the city, to make good on his debt to the otherwise anonymous art form. Flip Flash! was the only exhibition Paschke curated, and one of just a handful of pinball shows ever

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mounted at a cultural institution.

This exhibition will display a dozen pinball machines from the 1960s and 1970s, all designed and built in Chicago, along side paintings, sculptures and prints by Jim Nutt, Gladys Nilsson, Ed Flood, Ed Paschke, Christina Ramberg, Barbara Rossi and Karl Wirsum. It will also contain photographs of Chicago in those years, as recorded by some of these same artists.

Bunky Echo Hawk and Joe Yazzie Contemporary Native American Artist January 17 - February 28, 2017 Komechak Art Gallery at Benedictine University 5700 College Road, Lisle Kindlon Hall – 5th floor Meet the Artists: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm On exhibit will be the artwork of four contemporary Native American artists, along with, artifacts from the Trickster Art Gallery. The Trickster is the only Native American owned and operated arts institution in the State of Illinois and is located in the City of Schaumburg.

Visit www.ben.edu/komechak-artgallery for details

“4th Fridays” at The Starline Gallery 300 W. Front Street, Harvard “4th Fridays” at The Starline Gallery is a regional art event held nine months a year in the beautiful, historic Starline Factory in Harvard, Illinois.

“4th Fridays” rocks the world of art events with our juried mixed art exhibit, juried photo contest, featured artist solo exhibit, vendor artists in the lower level, open Starline artist studios, People’s Choice voting, live music on all 3 levels and a cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks. This must-attend event brings in between

700 and 1,000 art enthusiasts each month traveling from as far away as Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison.

January through the grand finale in October. (Skip September.)

“4th Fridays” supports regional artists with a genuine commitment to excellence and the idea that art events can also be fresh and fun. Each event is filled with new artwork, new and returning artists, new featured artists, rotating and new musicians and new event design theme and installations.

Live music, cash bar, light appetizers served.

For more information visit 4th Fridays at NancyMerkling.com or call 815.347.8535 Enter at the 300 door on Front Street

Open Sketch Sessions At Water Street January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, 2017 Water Street Studios 160 S. Water Street, Batavia Join us for a relaxing afternoon of sketching and meeting other artists at Water Street Studios. 1-4 p.m. Bring a friend and make some new ones!

Studio provides: • An interesting still life set up in the main gallery • Easels and drawing benches around the still life (must be reserved) • Drawing boards • Basic drawing supplies (graphite and charcoal) – if needed • Drawing paper – if needed • Tables and chairs with photo references for sketching • Free coffee!

A few guidelines: Ages 14 – adult only.

Allowed mediums: Graphite, charcoal, pastels, Conte Crayons, colored pencils, and other dry drawing tools - No painting or wet mediums are allowed.

Bring your own easel or reserve one when you RSVP.

(Re)presenting (Re)presenting Guatemala January 17 - February 24, 2017 Closing reception with the painters, Thursday, February 23, 5-7 p.m.

Northern Illinois University Art Museum First floor of Altgeld Hall on the NIU campus in DeKalb.

Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 12 - 4pm A series of exhibits and programs on campus in conjunction with the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies and the James B. and Rosalyn L. Pick Museum of Anthropology exploring Guatemala.

Regina José Galindo: Bearing Witness Documentation of performance works blurring the line between art and activism. Regina José Galindo: Bearing Witness is organized by the Van Every/Smith Galleries, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bacca Foundation Visiting Lecture and Artist Fund, the North Carolina Arts Council, Herb Jackson and Laura Grosch Gallery Endowment, Davidson College Friends of the Arts, Davidson College’s Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), Latin American Studies at Davidson College, and Multicultural Affairs. The exhibition is curated by Lia Newman, Director/Curator at the Van Every/Smith Galleries.

Visiones e Historias: Mayan Paintings from Guatemala Featuring the work of Paula Nicho Cúmez and Pedro Rafaél González Chavajay.

Rotunda and North Galleries

Guatemala Exhibitions/Events at Northern Illinois University

Winter/Spring 2017 Center for Latino and Latin American Studies Latino Resource Center

niu.edu/latinostudies The James B. and Rosalyn L. Pick Museum of Anthropology

niu.edu/anthro_museum NIU Art Museum

niu.edu/artmuseum Image credit: Pedro Rafaél González Chavajay, Aj tz’unun ya’ / La Voz de Nuestra Cultura / The Voice of Maya Culture, 2012, 15” x 13”, Arte Maya Tz’utuhil Collection.

School of Art and Design � School of Music � School of Theatre and Dance

13th Annual Regional Survey of Art Exhibition January 7 – February 25 January 14 - Opening Reception & Awards, 6 p.m. – 8:00pm The Next Picture Show Fine Arts Center 113 W. First Street, Dixon Showcasing area artists and identify current trends in the Rock River Valley. This show is open to all regional artists. This is an all media exhibition of both 2 -D and 3 -D original work created and signed by the artist.

Visit www.thenextpictureshow.org for details.

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Hepcats converge as acclaimed jazz festival marks 50 years

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

Arts & Entertainment

For half a century, Elmhurst College has been drawing in some of the biggest names in jazz.

The upcoming year marks the 50th anniversary of the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, making it one of the oldest in the country.

The nationally renowned event will include performances by an array student groups and professional artists from around the country.

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“The Elmhurst College Jazz Festival has a long history and so many fantastic musicians have performed here over the years,” says Doug Beach, director of jazz studies at the school and head of the festival. “It has a great reputation of being an outstanding event for people to come and learn.”

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26. During the day, college jazz bands will play free performances that are open to the public.

These two dozen groups come from around the country and include some of the most talented ensembles in the nation.

“We have a solid tradition of some really excellent groups coming to perform. Some of these college groups are as good as professionals,” says Beach. A highlight of these performance is, of course, the esteemed Elmhurst College jazz program. The college has produced many famous alumni, including Chicago jazz musicians Typhanie Monique and Chris Siebold.

The festival will also feature performances by various world-class musicians, such as saxophonist Denis DiBlasio, bassist Rufus Reid, and singer Dee Dee Bridgewater. Many of these performers will also serve as adjudicators, who listen to collegiate performance and offer critique and feedback.

Tickets for the featured performances are on sale now. There will be an extra featured performance this year on Thursday to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Many of these artists will also take part in a free Master Class on Saturday, Feb. 25, an informal clinic where the public and students can interact with the performers.

Beach, who has been director of the festival since 1978, says the event has become an important part of the community. “The most rewarding part has been to watch the festival grow. It’s really gained a national reputation,” says Beach. “To hear all these great world class professionals, I think it provides a rich cultural experience for people in this community.”

For more information about the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, visit www.elmhurst.edu/jazzfestival.

Featured Performers

“These featured performers are not only chosen for their talent, but also for their value as educators,” says Beach. “They’re an encouraging force for these young artists.” And the performers all have something else in common: They’ve all played at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival before. “They’re all part of the history of the festival.”

Dee Dee Bridgewater The jazz singer, who has won a Tony and three Grammy awards, first performed at the festival as a student from the University of Illinois. She was named a 2017 Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra The Grammy-winning band returns for their third festival appearance. The jazz ensemble performs every Monday at the Village Vanguard in New York.

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-Continued from page 69

Elmhurst College Jazz Festival 2017 Schedule Patrick Williams Big Band An accomplished composer, Williams has been nominated for an Academy Award and the Pulitzer Prize in music.

He also composed two Frank Sinatra albums.

Andy Martin

Denis DiBlasio The director of the jazz program at Rowan University in New Jersey, DiBlasio is also an accomplished baritone saxophone and flute artist.

An in-demand trombonist, Martin is currently a member of three big bands. His credits include recording with Coldplay, Michael BublĂŠ, and many movie soundtracks.

Rufus Reid

The big band composer will premiere a brand new commission for the festival’s 50th anniversary. Holman holds an honorary doctorate from Elmhurst College and a Grammy for composition.

An author and bassist, Reid has toured and recorded with some of the premiere names in jazz. His book, The Evolving Bassist, is considered the definitive bass method.

A fixture of the Toronto jazz scene, saxophonist LaBarbera writes and performs his own jazz ensembles.

4:30pm: Bobby Shew, Denis DiBlasio and Dennis Mackrel with the Elmhurst College Jazz Band 7:30pm: Gala Opening Concert: Dee Dee Bridgewater with the Elmhurst College Jazz Band FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 11:30am: Collegiate Performances 7:30pm: Collegiate Performance

Bill Holman Band Pat LaBarbera

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 12:30pm: High School Invitational

8:00pm: Feature Performance: Judges Jam Session featuring Michael Abene, Denis DiBlasio, Pat LaBarbera, Dennis Mackrel, Andy Martin, Rufus Reid and Bobby Shew 9:30pm: Feature Performance: The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 9:30am: Master Class with Michael Abene, Denis DiBlasio, Pat LaBarbera, drummer Dennis Mackrel, Andy Martin, Rufus Reid and Bobby Shew

Arts & Entertainment

11:30am: Collegiate Performances

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7:30pm: Collegiate Performances 9:00pm: Feature Performance: The Patrick Williams Big Band

Michael Abene A composer, arrange, pianist and record producer. He has worked with numerous acclaimed big bands, including Carnegie Hall Jazz Band.

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Dennis Mackrel The drummer, composer and arranger is currently chief conductor of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Holland.

Bobby Shew A renowned trumpet player and educator, Shew has performed with countless jazz legends, including Buddy Rich, and holds music clinics around the world.

Sunday, February 26, 2017 11:30am: Collegiate Performances 4:30pm: Feature Performance: The Bill Holman Big Band

MEET THE BAND

The Voice

Cathy Richardson keeps legendary rock songs alive

I

t seems like Elmhurst resident and Burr Ridge native Cathy Richardson always is on stage, whether it is fronting the legendary band Jefferson Starship, which she has done since 2008, or performing on her own.

Reporter and music blogger Eric Schelkopf had the chance to talk to Richardson about her current musical projects.

SCHELKOPF - Former Jefferson Airplane member Grace Slick invited you to sing in her place at when Jefferson Airplane received its Grammy Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural Grammy Salute to Legends Concert in April 2016. Was that a big surprise?

RICHARDSON: Yeah. I had a little bit of a heads up. China (daughter of Slick and Airplane guitarist Paul Katner) called me and said, ''my mom wants you to do this. Would you be willing to do it?'' So she kind of gave me a heads up. But then I forgot about it. And then the next day or so, China and Grace called and said, ''You're doing it, it's done.'' And I just was completely stunned. It was very strange just to rap with Grace on the phone. She's very normal and easy to talk to. Once you get over the celebrity ''goddess of rock'' thing, she's very cool.

SCHELKOPF - Is she a kind of inspiration for you?

RICHARDSON: Oh, absolutely. I feel like she has iconic status, for especially women in rock. I feel like Grace and Janis Joplin were the queens, you know.

And both of them were huge inspirations for me. So yeah, it's really, really cool.

SCHELKOPF - How did the event go?

RICHARDSON: It went great. It was very exciting and fun. I just tried to relax and have fun with it. I was extremely prepared, because I've sang "Somebody to Love" with Jefferson Starship hundreds of times.

I'm just very confident singing that

song in particular. It was really cool to play with Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen. I had met them before, but we hadn't played together. It was so cool, because I played with Paul for many years, and Marty Balin sometimes too, but never those guys, and they were such an integral part of the sound of Jefferson Airplane, those two in particular. They are distinct players. So playing with them and playing that song, it was just like singing with the record. It was just so fun and so cool.

SCHELKOPF - Unfortunately, Paul Kantner had passed away in January of 2016.

RICHARDSON: Paul had been sick for a long time. It's very sad and it was a great loss to the world. But his music is going to live on through us and other people who keep playing it. We all loved Paul a lot.

SCHELKOPF - So it was Grace Slick who thought you guys should carry on as Jefferson Starship? What did she say to you?

RICHARDSON: Well, we wanted to carry on. David Freiberg is an original Jefferson Airplane and Starship member. He's been there from the very beginning.

We have a great band and we love each other so much. We're like a family. So it was like, “let's not break up the family, and keep going.� And I think that Grace thinks it's cool that we want to keep playing the music. And people still really want to hear it. We get into some more obscure stuff too.

There's just so much there, so many different eras and so many sounds. It's -Continued on page 73 NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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-Continued from page 72 such a perfect catalog for me to sink my teeth into as a singer, and also as a fan who loved the band growing up.

SCHELKOPF - Why did you want to join the band in the first place?

RICHARDSON: I was absolutely floored to be asked. I was singing with Big Brother and The Holding Company, Janis Joplin's former band. We were on tour with Jefferson Starship and some other bands, so that's where I met them. I think Chris Smith, the keyboard player, was the first one to say to me if I would ever consider singing with them. I said, ''Oh, my God. Are you kidding me? Yes.'' A few months later, it actually did happen. Paul came to my apartment in San Francisco and we got out some acoustic guitars and we banged around on the guitars and harmonized a little bit.

And then he was like, "OK, you're in."

It was a huge honor and opportunity.

I was always adamant about being an original artist and writing my own songs and doing my own albums, which I still do very actively.

Arts & Entertainment

But after I got cast in "Love, Janis" (She portrayed Janis Joplin in the original cast of the hit Off-Broadway musical) and I took that journey into another artist, it made me grow as an artist in ways that I could never have before. Interpreting songs as that singer is its own form of artistic expression.

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SCHELKOPF - So you’re trying to make the songs your own, you're not trying to replicate Grace Slick's voice or anything like that?

RICHARDSON: No, but I definitely am trying to pay homage to her and her whole vibe.

SCHELKOPF - What did you learn from working with Paul Kantner?

Richardson: Paul was incredibly supportive and he had a very free

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spirit about music. He allowed me to do whatever I wanted. He gave me an incredible opportunity as a singer just to shine. He gave me that spotlight.

CATCH CATHY RICHARDSON AT THESE UPCOMING SHOWS ¢ FEB. 3 Cathy Richardson Band Fitzgerald's in Berwyn

SCHELKOPF - Besides touring, is Jefferson Starship working on any new material?

¢ MARCH 4 Jefferson Starship Cubby Bear in Chicago

RICHARDSON: We're talking about it. We're kicking it around. We get together when we are on the road. I think they're definitely is potential for collaboration and songwriting in this band. We're just trying to find our feet right now after Paul's death.

¢ SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Voice Box Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn

SCHELKOPF - You talked about "Love, Janis," which kind of brought you into the spotlight for people who didn't know of you. Did you ever imagine it would be as successful as it was?

RICHARDSON: I thought it was going to be more successful than it was.

I was really excited about it, and everything was going great until 9/11 happened, and that really cast a pall over everything, not just the play, but everything in the world at that time.

It was just a very dark time, especially being in New York. Before that happened, it was awesome.

SCHELKOPF - Do you think you were made to play the role of Janis Joplin?

RICHARDSON: I didn't think I was, but in the end, I think I was. By the time the show ended up in San Francisco, I had gotten really good at it. It pushed me further and further as a performer and a singer.

SCHELKOPF - I know you sing on your own as well. During those show, will you be doing old material, new material A little bit of both?

RICHARDSON: A little bit of both. For the past few shows, I've been doing these surprise encores. One time, we played side one of "Rumours."

Recently, our encore was a set of Prince songs. I also have a new album with my band, Macrodots, and we

¢ THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH Voice Box Evenflow in Geneva.

Visit cathyrichardson.com for more dates and details.

will be playing a lot of that stuff live, which is really fun. I also am in a project called Nelson Street Revival, which people can check out at www. nelsonstreetrevival.com. It's a killer band with four women and four men and super, super fun.

And I do this project called Voice Box. It's a storytelling night, with a musical twist. All the themes to the stories are songs. After the stories are told, I jump up on stage and play a song inspired by what I heard from their story. So I don't know what I am going to play and neither does the audience. That's what makes it such a fun night.

And the stories are usually fun or sad or heartwarming.

Richardson also hosts storytelling nights with a musical twist on a monthly basis at EvenFlow in Geneva and FitzGerald's in Berwyn. More information is available on her website, www.cathyrichardson.com.

Eric Schelkopf writes about the arts and entertainment scene in Chicago at thetotalscene.blogspot.com. He also is an employee of Shaw Media, where he covers news and events from his hometown of Glen Ellyn.

MEET THE BAND

Creative collaboration JAZZ SAXOPHONIST SHAWN MAXWELL BLENDS TONE AND TALENT FOR NEW RELEASE Chicago musician Shawn Maxwell's musical vision continues to get bigger.

And now, the North Aurora resident who has been playing with his quartet for a decade, elicits even more musicians for his latest project/CD, "Shawn Maxwell's Alliance," which features 10 of the finest jazz musicians in the greater Chicago area.

Maxwell performs on a regular basis across the area. Reporter and music blogger Eric Schelkopf had the chance to talk to Maxwell about his latest musical project.

SCHELKOPF - Your new CD, "Shawn Maxwell's Alliance," soon will be released. How did you go about

assembling the musicians on the album?

MAXWELL: I’ve been performing with my quartet for ten years now and have recorded four albums with them. I wanted to change things up and experiment with a new sound.

I knew I wanted to involve different, or “odd,” instrumentation so I started looking at friends that I didn’t get a chance to perform with as much as I’d like. Chris Greene, a great Chicago saxophonist, was at the top of the list. Unless we’re in a big band, or some kind of larger combo, he and I don’t usually end up on the same bandstand because we’re both saxophonists. My quartet focuses on the tonal center of a piano providing the chordal structure so I wanted to change that entirely and use good friends and great musicians, including Stephen Lynerd on vibraphone and Mitch Corso on guitar. My wife, Rachel Maxwell, is an educator and French horn player, as is her colleague, and

friend, Meghan Fulton. I knew that with this last addition we would have a large, different group who could do great things.

SCHELKOPF - Was it difficult making the adjustment from playing with your quartet to playing with such a large group of musicians?

MAXWELL: It has been an adjustment going from a quartet to the Alliance.

With a 10-member band, we need to have very tight arrangements and make sure everything stays under control. That said, it’s been great to write and arrange for such a larger, ensemble with odd instrumentation.

I’ve been able to flesh out chords and lines that I just can’t with only four musicians.

SCHELKOPF - The new CD roams through a number of genres, including jazz, rock and funk. In sitting down to record the album, what were your goals and do you think you accomplished them?

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MAXWELL: When I wrote tunes for this band and CD, I wanted it to be different. I’ve recorded four CDs of original music that, perhaps with debate from some, pretty easily fits into the “jazz” category.” While I’ve always like to write more rock-like tunes with angular melodies and time signatures, you wouldn’t confuse [those with] anything outside of jazz.

I wanted it to be different with this group. The Alliance was created to be an ensemble that could perform at a jazz club/festival as well as in a concert hall, rock venue and/or any other type of musical setting. Also, while we’ve all studied music and most of us are full time jazz musicians, we wanted to incorporate more of the music that we grew up with.

Arts & Entertainment

There is a long list of bands, from the 70’s to today, who come from the genres of rap, rock, funk and more that have influenced us as musicians and people. It seems odd to not incorporate that into what we’re doing, even if it is jazz. I wanted this group to allow everyone to be themselves and allow all influences to come out. Yes, I feel that I accomplished writing tunes and arrangements that allow us to step out of the jazz world, while still being close by, and showcasing individual musician’s personalities and influences beyond the genre of jazz.

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SCHELKOPF - How did the fact that you had multiple players, including two French horn players and two upright bass players, add to the recording process?

MAXWELL: It made things a bit more challenging than a standard quartet.

Often times with the quartet, we were in the same room, or perhaps the drummer would be in an isolation booth. Nick Eipers did a great job of recording and isolating all instruments to receive an excellent sound. We still NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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recorded everything live but each bassist had his/her own isolation booth and the French horns were in their own little part of the main studio recording room.

SCHELKOPF - Who are your main influences and how do you think they have influenced your music? How do you think your music has evolved since you formed The Shawn Maxwell Quartet?

MAXWELL: I have too many influences to list here, but a person who has influenced me as a performer and writer would have to be Kenny Garrett. I love the way he plays and his approach to soloing. He may have the best alto saxophone tone I’ve ever heard. There isn’t one thing about his playing that I don’t like, and didn’t try to copy or emulate for most of my twenties. Along with that, Kenny is also a fantastic composer. I think that he might not receive all the credit he deserves in this category because his tunes are just great.

When I started the Maxwell Quartet my goal was to be a Kenny Garret clone. As I’ve performed more, composed more and grown as a musician and individual, I have maintained my Kenny Garret influence but also added to it.

I’ve picked up other little things from other musicians and composers that I dig, while all the time putting much more of me into it. I have learned that it’s great to be influenced by others and, especially as a younger musician, you need to study and try to emulate those before you, but at some point you need to let your inner voice come out and become your own person and musician.

I believe that I’ve very much created my own “voice” although it has influences from many others.

JAZZ SHOWCASE – SHAWN MAXWELL’S NEW TOMORROW 806 S PLYMOUTH CT CHICAGO February 2, 3 and 4, 2017 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm February 5, 2017 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm Special all ages 4pm matinee.

SCHELKOPF - What do you think of the Chicago music scene, and where do you see yourself fitting into it?

MAXWELL: The scene is a very delicate ecosystem that has several layers. Even the jazz scene has about a hundred sub-structures to it and even little cliques. I’ve always tried to avoid the cliques and embrace all aspects of the music, even outside of jazz. That said, while I do believe the Chicago scene is very strong, and one of the best in the country, I wish that we as musicians could work more together.

I have always tried to be open and supportive of all other musicians, regardless of genre. Unfortunately I don’t find that [to be] the case with everyone.

As far as my role in the Chicago scene…. that’s not for me to define.

I’m just trying to be myself and let my voice be heard. If I can do that successfully, my role in the scene will be defined at that point.

Eric Schelkopf writes about the arts and entertainment scene in Chicago at thetotalscene.blogspot.com. He also is an employee of Shaw Media, covering news and events in his hometown of Glen Ellyn.

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Stage, right!

NO SHORTAGE OF GREAT THEATER IN SUBURBS, CITY Compiled by ELIZABETH RAGO

T

he greater Chicago area is overflowing with opportunities to enjoy the stage in 2017. From classic Shakespearean-inspired comedies to modern dark tales of a life lived in virtual reality, the earliest months of 2017 bring an array of possibilities for theater-goers. Take a tour of our selection of performances not to be missed throughout the suburbs and Chicago.

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¢ MAMMA MIA! Mamma Mia! runs from February 8 – April 2, 2017 at the Marriot Theater, Ten Marriot Drive in Lincolnshire. www.marriotttheatre.com/show/ mamma-mia A mega-hit on Broadway, Mamma Mia! is a lofty tale of a young bride named Sophie in search of her birth father, whom she suspects is one of three men described in her mother’s old diary. Set in a Greek Island paradise to the sounds of 70s Swedish pop group Abba, Mamma Mia! is a fun and lively production that just might bring you out of your seat to dance.

¢ MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Madagascar: A Musical Adventure runs from February 25 – April 15, 2017 at the Marriot Theater, Ten Marriot Drive in Lincolnshire. www.marriotttheatre.com/show/ madagascar From the big screen to the bright lights of the stage, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure is an upbeat romp suitable for the entire family.

Take a trip with Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo while they escape from the Central Park Zoo in New York City and travel to Madagascar. This fun-filled musical is the perfect outing for audiences of all ages, and even

includes a Q & A session with the cast after every performance.

¢ PINOCCHIO: A FOLK MUSICAL Pinocchio: A Folk Musical runs from January 22 – March 6, 2017 at the Filament Theater, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. www.filamenttheatre.org/2016season/ Based on the book by Carlo Collodi and adapted for the stage by Tyler Beattie, Pinocchio: A Folk Musical is not only aimed at children, but adults alike, encouraging the more mature theater goer to reflect on the challenges of growing up.

The lead character, Pinocchio, a wooden puppet created by a wood carver named Geppetto, dreams of -Continued to page78 NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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-Continued from page 77 becoming a real boy. Through lively folk music performed by a mere 6 actors playing an array of instruments, the tale of Pinocchio is brought to life and demonstrates a series of lessons for the moral compass.

to life, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre company tells the tale of the valiant Hamlet from the perspective of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern and, in true Shakespearean fashion, tragedy ensues.

¢ SHAMILTON: A CHICAGO CLASS ACTION MUSICAL Shamilton: A Chicago Class Action Musical runs January 20, 2017 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 West Campbell Street in Arlington Heights. tickets.metropolisarts.com/shows/ shamilton-%20a%20chicago%20 class%20action%20musical/events A spoof of the Broadway hit Hamilton, Shamilton: A Chicago Class Action Musical is a musical comedic review that gathers a barrage of local and national current events parodied by Chicago area lawyers and judges.

In its 93rd annual performance, this Bar Association tradition is an epic evening of entertainment via singing and dancing completely revolving around this years events in sports, political moments, and show business.

Arts & Entertainment

¢ ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

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Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead runs from February 2 – March 18, 2017 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 West Campbell Street in Arlington Heights. tickets.metropolisarts.com/shows/ rosencrantz%20-%20guildenstern%20 are%20dead/events Two more obscure characters in William Shakespeare’s legendary play, Hamlet, are brought into the limelight by Tony and Academy Award-Winning playwright, Tom Stoppard. Bringing this comedic duo NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST

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¢ DON’T DRINK THE WATER Don’t Drink the Water runs February 24 – March 19, 2017 at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 West Main Street (2nd floor) in St. Charles. www.steelbeamtheatre. com/2016season.html Written by Woody Allen, Don’t Drink the Water is a two-act comedy that chronicles the brief travels of an American family, the Hollanders, who accused of spying, seek refuge in an American embassy. Set in the 1960s in a Communist country just behind the Iron Curtain, this lively comedic performance features Allen’s classic maladjusted one-liners and a nostalgic charm of the time.

¢ SWEENEY TODD - THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Sweeney Todd runs February 8 - March 19 at The Paramount Theater, 23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60506 paramountaurora.com/events/ sweeney-todd/ It’s just another day in 19th Century England, and Benjamin Barker has returned home. The only thing is, it has been 15 years since the once fresh-faced barber has been home to see his family. He was unjustly sentenced to prison on trumped up charges by the corrupt Judge Turpin, who had his leering eyes on the barber’s beautiful wife. Some critics call Sweeney Todd Sondheim’s most perfect score, filled with ravishing

beauty. Others have described it as a pitch-black comedy filled with thrills and terrors, while others have heralded it as one of the single greatest achievements of American musical theater in the last 50 years.

Based on a Victorian Penny dreadful, this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece has been nominated for Tony Awards in 3 different decades.

¢ THE BALLAD OF THE SAD CAFÉ The Ballad of the Sad Café runs March 2 – March 19, 2017 at the McAninch Arts Center at The College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn. www.atthemac.org/events/collegedupage-theater-presents-ballad-sadcafe/ The College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center presents The Ballad of the Sad Café, a production based on the novella by Carson McCullers and adapted for the stage by Edward Albee. A story of heartbreak turned vengeance, The Ballad of the Sad Café introduces a passionate trio: Amelia, the Amazon-esque proprietor of the Sad Café, her dwarf cousin Lymon, who has come to live with her, and her husband, Marvin, kicked out of the house on their wedding night years earlier. The unconventional Southern tale comes to a head when Marvin returns to town to find his wife heaping affections on Lymon, which prompts a physical brawl between husband and wife.

¢ SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Saturday Night Fever runs from January 19- March 19, 2017 at Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace Gel back your hair, dig out the bell-bottom suits and flash those medallions, as the definitive Seventies-themed musical explodes

onto the Drury Lane stage! Chock full of the hits made famous by British disco band The Bee Gees in the original 1977 movie that starred John Travolta, follow the exploits of rebellious Brooklyn teenager Tony Manero as he flaunts his impressive moves on the dance floor in the hope of snagging the girl of his dreams!

Featuring all the tunes of the original movie such as “Stayin’ Alive”, “More Than a Woman” and of course, “Night Fever. A gritty and sultry coming of age tale for the disco generation, the stage musical first premiered in London in 1998, with Australian theater star Adam Garcia originating the role as the troubled Tony.

¢ SHEN YUN Shen Yun runs February 7 – 8, 2017 at Govenors State University Center for Performing Arts - 1 W University Pkwy in University Park. For more information about the University Park Center for Performing Arts

the United States. dramagroup.org/shows/goodpeople-comedy/ Full of honest characters and comedic voices, Good People walks through the lives of South Boston residents making their way through the failing economy. Bringing show-goers to question what exactly decides our fate, director Toni Labriola assuredly recognizes that this play will speak to real people all over the country.

“Good People, in my opinion” said Labriola, “is the show Lindsay-Abaire always wanted to write and Rabbit Hole gave him the opportunity. It’s a story about his old neighborhood in Boston, where real people, working people, good people are doing their best to survive and smile with the bingo cards dealt to them. This show could as easily be a commentary on Chicago Heights as South Boston.”

¢ THE NETHER The Nether runs from January 26 – March 12, 2017 at A Red Orchid Theater, 1531 North Wells

www.shenyun.com/cpa/ center-for-performingarts?tb=1&land=1&code=sy17 On a mission to bring back to life the culture of Classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun is a display of the lost civilization that lived in harmony with the universe. A combination of cultured and artistic voice, this troupe of elite Chinese performers tell a tale of time lost and reveal an unprecedented presentation suitable for the entire family.

¢ GOOD PEOPLE Good People runs from February 24 – March 5, 2017 at The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street in Chicago Heights. The Drama Group is one of the oldest community theaters in

Street in Chicago. www.aredorchidtheatre.org/2016-17season/ The Chicago premier of The Nether,

by American playwright Jennifer Haley, is a futuristic drama that will inevitably muster unsettling feelings about the virtual world we have created online. Described as “a clever, strange and scary look at online mortality” by the Washington Post, Haley explores the mind of what society deems as ethical in the Web stratosphere.

TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 West Wellington Avenue in Chicago. timelinetheatre.com/ seasons/1617/#event-a-disappearingnumber The Chicago premier of the work originally created and directed by Simon McBurney, the internationally acclaimed play, A Disappearing Number is brought to life by director, Nick Bowling of Chicago’s TimeLine Theatre Company. Two intertwining narratives span from the early 1900s to a modern day tale, weaving the beauty of mathematical discoveries and a focus overall on the relationships between past and future events. The historic tale of famed mathematician, G.H. Hardy and clerk, Srinivasa Ramanujan, combined with the love story between a British math lecturer and an American businessman brings a deep appreciation to theorems as the ultimate connection that binds all relationships together.

¢ EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON Earthquakes in London runs from January 26 – March 4, 2017 at Steep Theatre Company, 1115 West Berwyn Avenue in Chicago. steeptheatre.com/season-16/ Debuting in London in 2010, Earthquakes in London is a modern play by Mike Bartlett that explores the worldwide obsession with the mass breakdown of society. In this epic rollercoaster of chaos, a climate scientist and his three estranged daughters are brought together again, bringing the adage of “what matters most” to the forefront of this broken family.

¢ A DISAPPEARING NUMBER A Disappearing Number runs from January 11 – April 9, 2017 at

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Fifty years for Fermilab America’s premier particle physics lab marks milestone with huge open house and a year of special events If it’s true that life begins at 50, Fermilab is just getting started.

Arts & Entertainment

The country’s premier particle physics laboratory celebrates 50 years of discovery and innovation in 2017. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy lab, was founded in 1967 under the direction of Robert Wilson and in the ensuing half-century has explored many of the most fascinating mysteries of the universe.

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Along the way, scientists working at Fermilab discovered three of the elementary particles that make up our universe, photographed the farthest reaches of space to learn more about dark energy and recently received the Department of Energy’s approval to start construction of the largest physics experiment ever built on (and under) U.S. soil, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment.

So excited are officials at Fermilab, that the agency has scheduled celebrations, arts events, demonstrations and more on its Batavia campus.

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Fermilab launched a new webpage,50.fnal.gov, with full details of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Some highlights include: ¢ SATURDAY, JAN. 21 A public kickoff party for the birthday year, featuring a reception in Wilson Hall at 7 p.m. and a concert by Chicago’s own rock ‘n’ roll marching band, Mucca Pazza. Tickets are on sale now. ¢ FRIDAY, JAN. 27 Fermilab’s Greatest Hits, a lecture by longtime Fermilab scientist Chris Quigg detailing some of the most important moments from the last 50 years. Tickets are available now. ¢ SUNDAY, FEB. 12 The annual Family Open House in Fermilab’s Wilson Hall will celebrate the laboratory’s birthday with handson science activities for the entire family. This event is free! Watch the website for more information about registering for tours. ¢ THURSDAY, JUNE 1 The Fermilab Art Gallery will host an opening reception for “A Lasting Mark: Artist Angela Gonzales at Fermilab 1967-1998,” an exhibit of work from the artist who helped give Fermilab its visual identity. This event is free! ¢ THURSDAY, JUNE 15 The day Fermilab employees first reported to work will be commemorated with a social media celebration. Follow Fermilab onFacebook,Twitter and Instagram for more information. ¢ SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 Fermilab’s big 50th anniversary open house will welcome the public to tour facilities at the lab that they would normally not get to see. The event will include a science and innovation fair and dozens of activities for families.

This event is free as well!

More events and activities, including pop-up science events in places around the greater Chicago area, will take place throughout the year. Watch 50.fnal.gov, where more information will be posted as it becomes available.

Fermilab is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. A U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, Fermilab is located near Chicago, Illinois, and operated under contract by the Fermi Research Alliance, LLC. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on Twitter at @Fermilab.

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The Hit List 82

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THE HIT LIST

A dozen wintertime ‘to-dos’ designed to warm your spirits GROUNDHOG DAY 1 CELEBRATE IN WOODSTOCK

Annually in February, celebrate the springtime forecast with Woodstock Willie at the sight of the famous Bill Murray movie. Woodstock has embraced its fame and now hosts an entire five day festival in its historic downtown February 1-5, including movie showings, walking tours, beer tastings, family fun and the classic groundhog awakening and prognostication of the season. Visit woodstockgroundhog.org for details.

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-Continued from page 83 an art glass piece of your very own, in the colors of your choice. Note: Pieces will NOT be ready to take home on the same day. This is because they have to cool down after being made and cooling times vary from 24 – 48 hours.

PERUSE THE AISLES AT 2SURPLUS, AMERICAN SCIENCE AND WEST CHICAGO Yes, it’s a hobby store, but it’s oh, so much more! American Science & Surplus provides a unique mix of industrial, military and educational items, with an emphasis on science and education. You’ll delight at the wide range of unusual and hard to find items (some say bizarre stuff) to the hobbiest, tinkerer, artist, experimenter, home educator, do-ityourselfer, and bargain hunter.

COMPETE TO WIN AT K-1 3 SPEED IN ADDISON AND BUFFALO GROVE Have you been go-kart racing before?

If you haven’t been to K-1, then you’re in for a treat. Most kart tracks fall short for teens and adults, but K1 Speed will change your opinion. Offering highperformance, all-electric go-karts that can achieve a top speed approaching 45mph in mere seconds, However, the power is adjustable based on the needs of the driver, so its great for all levels of driving experience.

GET YOUR GAME ON AT 7ARCADE, THE GALLOPING GHOST BROOKFIELD WARM UP AT THE 5 ORCHID SHOW AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS IN GLENCOE

With more than 10,000 orchids all blooming at once, the Orchid Show is a welcome sight for winter-sore eyes— and the only show of its kind in the Chicago area! With colors bold and ethereal, flowers elegant & bizarre, fragrances sweet & rotten, and stories ancient and modern, a visit to the Orchid Show is a fascinating study in contrasts. Every weekend during the show, orchids are for sale at the Orchid Marketplace. Event runs February 11 – March 26, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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At the Galloping Ghost Arcade, visitors pay a $15 entry fee, after which all 440-plus classic games are at their disposal from open ‘til close.

Each and every one of the games is set to free, eliminating the need for tokens, or discovering the nature of the terror lurking beneath one’s couch cushions in a desperate search for quarters

HUNT FOR VINTAGE 8BATAVIA VINYL AT KISS THE SKY,

TAKE A CLASS AT 4 PETER PATTERSON GLASSWORKS IN MUNDELEIN Embrace your inner artist and try your hand at creating glass art, with the help of local artisan Peter Patterson. Each Hot Glass Event is two-three hours in length, during which participants tour the studio, gallery and hot shop; hear a short explanation of Peter’s background in art and glass processes; and watch a demonstration of how art glass is made. Then, get your creative juices flowing, because you will get to make

the concepts behind how accelerators work and why we use them. Race two hot wheels to study acceleration and the connection between acceleration and final energy-oomph. Test your timing on an analog of Fermilab’s famed Linear Accelerator. The Center is open to the public Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Call (630) 840-8258 for holiday hours.

ENGAGE THEIR INNER 6LEDERMAN SCIENTIST AT FERMILAB’S SCIENCE CENTER IN BATAVIA

The Leon M. Lederman Science Education Center houses handson exhibits for ages 10 and older, technology and science labs, a store and the K-12 Teacher Resource Center. Explore what acceleration is,

Set aside some time to wander through this classic record store and take home some classic favorites for the music lover, from new and used vinyl records, turntables and accessories, to clothing, posters , collectibles and gift items. Join the staff and regulars for Saturday Morning Café, featuring live local musicians from nearly every weekend.

Coffee, tea and munchies are on the house.

Eating Healthy and Delicious

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CURE WRITER’S BLOCK AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF ERNEST HEMINGWAY IN OAK PARK

in the coming year!

We have olive oils from 15

Oak Park, a near west suburb of Chicago, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, who brought the novel out of the Victorian era and into the modern world. The house has since been turned into a museum. The town has also established a museum dedicated to Papa’s life, as well as dubbing part of the restaurant district as the “Hemingway District.” The home itself, a 5,500 square foot two-story Victorian, sits at 339 North Oak Park Avenue.

countries, aged balsamics, and blended spices from The Spice House.

Come and try our 65 tasting stations. We are worth the trip - downtown Glen Ellyn next to Metra line

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GRAB LUNCH AT THE COOLEST MCDONALD’S AROUND, IN CHICAGO Rock’n’Roll McDonalds in Chicago, a 2-story burger palace that offers the restaurant’s standard fare plus so much more, in a setting much swankier than the typical orange and yellow plastic… everything. Redeveloped to act as a flagship store and active museum in 2005, the museum contains vintage uniforms, pop culture items popular in each decade, and of course photos of McDonalds past.

449 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn 60137 630-534-6457

THE TANKS AT CANTIGNY 11 CLIMB PARK, WHEATON

Cantigny is super well-manicured and staffed, The grounds and the museum are worth the trip. There are real life tanks spread out throughout the park for everyone to climb on. The museum is very interactive.

The reenactment of various war history are amazing.

The kids and the history buff will enjoy this place, and it’s a great way to work out those early Spring jitters.

PAY IT 12 FORWARD AT FEED MY

STARVING CHILDREN IN AURORA, LIBERTYVILLE OR SCHAUMBURG FMSC offers volunteers a one-of-a-kind experience.

You’ll hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to our incredible partners working hard to reach the neediest children around the world.

Through volunteering at FMSC, you’ll get the chance to impact hundreds of kids in just two hours per packing shift. You’ll experience what it’s like to make a tangible difference—today.

-Sherri Dauskurdas

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Stay & Play.

SHOP .

DINE .

ENJOY .

S YCAMORE .

WHERE M OMENTS BECOME M EMORIES

#onlyinsycamore • discoversycamore.com SM-CL0401837

Indulge Your Passion

230 WEST STATE STREET GENEVA, ILLINOIS Corner of State & Third Street

630.232.2085

www.statestreetjewelers.com Specializing in Fine Jewelry, Custom Design and Watches with a Full Service Repair Shop on Site.