NEWSLETTER u FALL 2024 u
Business & Industry United For A Better Community
Nash Vegas Saloon opens in Oswego
Chamber membership drive begins in October
Sign up for FraidyCat races and the Jingle Bell Jog
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
While she was a student, Dr. Katie Richards bought a small orange tree from a local farmers market in Cincinnati. It was a tiny tree. It didn’t seem like much and she remembers her mom and aunt teasing her about it. But she never gave up on it.
“People called it the ‘Charlie Brown’ tree or a ‘tree in training,’ and while it was small, it was still mighty,” Richards said. And that little tree, after years of care, did produce oranges.
To her, that tree was more than just a plant, it was about facing challenges. When she moved back to her hometown of Oswego to launch her career as a
psychiatrist she had the perfect name for her practice, Orange Tree Health & Wellness.
“It’s about perseverance,” Richards said. “It’s about growing where you are planted.”
Everyone can experience periods of stress, from daily life of work, family and friends. And yet there are some times when it’s more than a moment, and the stress, anxiety and depression can start to feel like an unbearable weight. The Oswego community is fortunate to have access to a number of mental health professionals, who understand and want to be a support during a time of challenges.
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Starting a family is supposed to be a time of excitement, but in truth many couples find the path can have a number of obstacles.
Clinical therapist Kate Fish is the founder of Graceful Therapy in Oswego and she specializes in perinatal mental health in addition to her work as a marriage and family therapist. The need to support couples facing fertility challenges as well as post-partum care for both parents.
“This isn’t just something we should grin and bear or it’s just ‘baby blues.’ The better we care of our selves, the better we can care for others,” Fish said.
A larger practice, Fish has crafted Graceful Therapy as a place where individuals and families can meet with counselors.
“We see individual adults, we see individual kids and we see couples and families,” Fish said, adding that when one member of a family is experiencing stress, anxiety and depression it’s important to recognize the need to support other members of the family as well. One of the benefits of a larger practice is the ability for therapists to collaborate as they work with members of a family.
Fish is also proud of her team’s ability to provide support in a number of ways, from traditional meetings with individuals to expressive art therapy for children and even equine therapy that takes place at local horse barn.
And, she adds, therapy can look different for each individual, whether its in-person meetings or the option for telehealth.
“Telehealth gives us the flexibility,” Fish said, adding it allows patients to navigate around work schedules or living far from the offices.
Fish explained she’s created a practice where everyone is welcome and her team members are passionate about social justice, and treating people with grace. Her team seems members
“I’ve created the kind of practice I would want to work with,” Fish said.
For Dr. Richards at Orange Tree Health & Wellness, creating a practice in Oswego where she grew up was important.
“That was one of my goals to come back and serve my community,” Dr. Richards said. “I struggled with anxiety when I was growing up.”
Anxiety can present as more than a feeling of worries. Dr. Richards said it’s not unusual for anxiety to present as physical symptoms such as upset stomach and trouble breathing. She aims for a wholistic approach to listening and treating patients
Sometimes it helps to bring the care to patients and that’s why Fish and her team have established collaborations with local schools and even companies where they provide workplace trainings, such as lunch and learn to talk about topics like stress management.
The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to have a number of mental health professionals as part of the organization, creating another avenue of connections for residents and those who work in the community. Find information and links to the following members’ websites:
• Aspyre Wellness
• Goldenstein Psychological Services-GPS, PLLC
• Graceful Therapy, PLLC
• Orange Tree Health and Wellness
• Oswego Wellness
• Sacred Journey Wellness LLC
• SafeSpace Counseling
25 E. Jackson St. Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: (630) 554-3505
Fax: (630) 554-0050
Email: info@oswegochamber.org
Check us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org
IANGIE HIBBEN President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce
t has felt like fall and I LOVE it. My favorite season is fall. I love the colors, the cool crisp air and just the whole season.
Fall brings our Fall Membership Drive for October. Join us and get your business promoted right before the holidays and the cold winter months. All members are assigned an ambassador, get a listing with a logo/description on our website and announced on Facebook. We offer many opportunities each month to network and several sponsorship opportunities throughout the year to promote your business to other members and the community.
Fall also means time to gear up for the holiday season. This year the Downtown Association will be hosting not just Shop Small Saturday but Shop Small season – when you make a purchase at a participating downtown merchant from Nov. 9-Dec. 14, you will be able to fill out a raffle ticket to win downtown dollars that will be good in the stores from January through March 2025. Shop Small weekend, of course, will be a big push to encourage shopping small, but we want to spread the fun and opportunities out for a longer period of time and give out more gift certificates as a thank you to everyone who shops local downtown Oswego businesses.
Remember to shop local, shop chamber members. Many of your local businesses are the ones who support your children’s clubs, sports teams and more. Many of these businesses have children or grandchildren in your child’s schools.
Thank you and have an amazing fall.
RICK WARNER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Attorney at Law
630-446-0087
KELLEY RICE
PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Imagination Print & Design 630-636-7474
RICK JACOBSEN VICE CHAIRMAN TJC Apartments 630-330-1660
KEN HOLMSTROM TREASURER Byline Bank 630-636-5205
KAREN KULZER SECRETARY
Fox River Academy of Music & Art 630-551-4321
LESLIE HILDERBRANT Hudson Design House 630-636-9000
DAN DISANTO Village of Oswego Administrator 630-551-2340
CAROL GUIST
Baird & Warner Real Estate 630-244-6808
JIM BAILEY Bailey Accounting Services 630-551-8307
WENDY GREENSLADE
Locked In Photography 630-608-8671
ANDY CLEMENTS
Instructor of Business Waubonsee Community College 630-466-7900 ext. 2315
Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. Leaves changing colors, bonfires, sweatshirts and cool nights. As we shift into the beautiful autumn season, I have several exciting updates and events to share with you. Here’s what’s happening around Oswego:
Following on the success of the Village Board On Your Block initiative that kicked off with the first meeting at the Southbury Clubhouse in July, our next meeting is this fall. This program brings local government directly to your neighborhood, fostering open communication between residents and village officials. Join us for the next event 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Hunt Club Elementary School for an opportunity to ask questions, discuss community issues and share your thoughts. All are welcome.
In July, the Village Board voted to pay off the $3 million remaining balance on a bond issued in 2013. The decision to pay the $3 million balance off early using our surplus funds is a testament to our commitment to financial responsibility, transparency and efficiency. We are always looking for ways to save taxpayer money; by eliminating future interest payments and reallocating $1 million during this transition year, we can further enhance our community’s services and infrastructure.
A new initiative is the Citizen Radar Program. We all know that Oswego is one of the safest communities in the country. In fact, in recently Oswego was recognized as the 12th
safest community in the country, among communities with a population of 25,000 people or more, according to FBI statistics. But one persistent frustration I hear from residents is frustration with speeding in neighborhoods. So, we’ve come up with a plan. The police department has a radar gun that we are going to loan out for short periods to interested residents concerned about speeding. That information would be conveyed to the police department and a letter (not a speeding ticket, since only police officers can issue tickets) encouraging them to slow down would be sent to the speeder. Look for a press release soon for further details.
It’s a wonderful time to be an Oswego resident! Oswego is thriving, and our community is the envy of the entire region. Take some time to soak in the beauty of autumn, connect with neighbors, have some hot cocoa and create cherished memories with loved ones. I’ll see you around the bonfire.
Sincerely,
Ryan Kauffman Oswego Village President
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by Eric Schelkopf
Dust off those boots and practice those line dances – Oswego is about to go country.
In August, the new Nash Vegas Saloon opened at 61 Main St., in the former location of the Oswego Brewing Company.
The new owners stripped the building down to a skeleton and rebuilt it, creating an atmosphere that evokes Nashville’s popular entertainment venues.
“It was completely revamped,” explained Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director for the Village of Oswego.
Leighty visited the site during construction and said the transformation of the site was incredible.
The interior features a large bar as well as restaurant seating and a stage for live musical performances. One of the first elements every visitor notices is the full-size, green John Deer tractor hoisted
above the main bar, which is a nod to the Deere roots in the community and the former equipment dealership.
The large art installation of the American Flag is created from an old fire hose that was previously used in Kendall County. The piece is a tribute to all firefighters and a nod to the property’s history as it was once the location of an Oswego Firehouse.
Nash Vegas Saloon in Oswego is open
for dinner, serving up food inspired by Nashville including the popular Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches on the menu.
The entertainment lineup has started strong with bands performing and those who still remember those country line dances are eager to get out on the floor. The location is offering line-dancing lessons to newbies as well, according to its Facebook page where the community can find updates on entertainment and more.
Local officials and members of the business community hope it’s the first in several steps to draw more visitors to the area.
“Oswego is on its way up and the time is now to get in on it,” Leighty said. “We have lots of projects in the works and much more to come.”
The economic development director said he’s had several inquiries on a few of the available properties in and around the downtown in addition to meeting with real estate and commercial property developers.
One of the vacant parcels is owned by the village, and Leighty explained, the aim is to find match with the right property development that will further enhance the community.
The village has crafted a grant and loan program to further assist property developers. For developments in the
downtown the village has an economic development incentive matching grant that can be used for interior or exterior building improvements. The aim is to provide a matching grant of up to $40,000.
The village is also able to provide a low interest loan to developers to help with property development. Leighty said the loan, which is near the 3 percent mark, comes with terms including repayment and requirements about the property development and operations.
The loan and the grant require applications and approval by the Oswego Village Board. The owners of the new Nash Vegas Saloon were approved for a grant and a loan to help with construction costs.
THE RIGHT GUY
CARPET CLEANING
Rob Reynolds Aurora, IL 60502 630-264-4369 therightguycarpetcleaning@gmail.com
BIBIBOP ASIAN GRILL
Rachel Gavalier Oswego, IL 60543 www.bibibop.com
POWER WASH DUDES
Devin Watkins Montgomery, IL 60538 630-248-6059 powerwashdudes@gmail.com
TERRI’S WANDERING PAWS
Terri Koller Oswego, IL 60543 630-615-1640 terriswanderingpaws@gmail.com
HELLO GORGEOUS
Danielle Glazier 74 W Washington St Oswego, IL 60543 630-636-6193 hellogorgeousskin@yahoo.com
EDWARD JONESGREGG SMALLEN
Gregg Smallen Oswego, IL 60543 630-636-6317 gregg.smallen@edwardjones.com
LENNAR-HUDSON POINTE
Anna Ford Oswego, IL 60543 224-293-3126 anna.ford@lennar.com
HIGHLIGHT EVENT RENTAL
Eric Rogers Oswego, IL 60543 630-346-1041 highlighteventrentals@gmail.com
PRIVATE LANDING CORP
Ryan & Donna Williams Oswego, IL 60543 630-639-7668 info@privatelanding.net
GREENGRIDS SOLAR
George Eggert Shorewood , IL 60404 815-325-3892 george@greengridssolar.com
WHITETAIL RIDGE GOLF DOME
Alex Balog Oswego, IL 60543 331-999-3545 alex@whiteridgegc.com
ZACHARY KRAUS MORTGAGE TEAM @ BARRETT FINAN
Zachary Kraus Plainfield, IL 60544 630-230-8602 team@zacharykrausmortgage.com
GARAGE KINGS GENEVA
Jason Dodd Oswego, IL 60543 331-400-5684 jason.dodd@garagekings.com
NEW LEAF SERVICE LLC
Sergio Uribe Beltran Oswego, IL 60543 630-888-2114 newleafsrvs@gmail.com
360 PAINTING OF YORKVILLE
Adam Bieranowski Yorkville, IL 60560 331-725-9227 abieranowski@360painting.com
Becoming a Member is EASY and Affordable!
Check us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org | Call, e-mail, or stop on by! Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce 25 E. Jackson St. • Oswego, IL 60543 Phone: (630) 554-3505 • Fax: (630) 554-0050 • Email: info@oswegochamber.org
The 14th annual Endeavor Health FraidyCat 5K/8K/Meow Mile will be at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at Prairie Point Elementary School, 3650 Grove Road, Oswego. Wear your costumes and be eligible to win a prize!
We have team challenges. Get your families together to save $5 per registration. Bring 10 or more people together to run/walk. Call the chamber office to get your code. Challenge your schools and/ or businesses to see which school, business or neighborhood brings the most people.
Contact the chamber office for sponsorship opportunities and registration information.
New this year, the chamber will host a Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday, Dec. 14. This fun, approximately one-mile jog will start at the Old Traughber Junior High School and run/walk toward the chamber office, around to Byline Bank, toward East View and back to the school where participants will be greeted with hot chocolate. This race is just for fun – no timing, no awards. It’s just a fun way to make some noise, burn off some stress and celebrate the holiday season.
All runners will receive a long-sleeve, red tech-type shirt and jingle bells to attach to their shoes, coats, etc. We are encouraging everyone to wear Santa hats and red and white. We encourage everyone visit downtown Oswego for food and shopping to finish their Christmas shopping and support local.
Contact the chamber office for sponsorship opportunities and registration information.
SEPTEMBER CRUISE NIGHT
5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 NEW MEMBER EVENT
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 FOX FALL FEST
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
FRAIDYCAT RACES
9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
SHOP SMALL WEEKEND Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1
CHRISTMAS WALK
Friday, Dec. 6
COOKIE WALK
Saturday, Dec. 7
JINGLE BELL JOG
Saturday, Dec. 14
DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY FOR KENDALL COUNTY AT FOX VALLEY UNITED WAY 44 E. Galena Blvd. • Aurora, IL 60505
630-896-4636 x110 • www.foxvalleyunitedway.org/ dolly-partons-imagination-library
TRAINING THAT LASTS
Yorkville, IL 60560
630-303-3545 • www.trainingthatlasts.com
