SL_Mag_August-2018

WHEATON GLEN ELLYN

AUGUST 2018

Cool Summer Nights Take in the Tempest at Wheaton's Shakespeare in the Park PAGE 12

Jump Relax to great with your local jazz best pal during Glen Ellyn's Jazz in the Park series PAGE 7

on a downtown restaurant patio PAGE 23

Plus:

Glimpse inside Cantigny's impressive renovations PAGE 8

Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event

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­

Editor's

NOTE Who doesn’t love a gorgeous August evening?

Sure, the dog days of summer can be beastly, what with the local humidity and this season’s perpetual rainfall. But as the sun drops, our spirits rise a little, and the night takes on its own identity, alive with music, art, food and friends.

In this edition of the Glen Ellyn/Wheaton Suburban Life Magazine, we remind you all there is to see and do in our community as the sun goes down (and a few things for you sun lovers, as well!)

Pack your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinner to enjoy a relaxing night out with wonderful music from The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble at this year’s Jazz in the Park.

Shop all the bargains of the summer at the 41st annual Zurko's All-Night Flea Market in Wheaton. So many treasures available, it’s a collector’s paradise!

For theater lovers, Shakespeare in the Park is back again at the end of the month with two nights of “The Tempest” at Memorial Park in Wheaton.

Wrap up summer with a visit to Wheaton College for opening night festivities on Edman Plaza to kick off its annual Artist Series with live music and refreshments, followed by a live concert. (It’s not until September, but save the date now!)

EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

And for a true local treat, we take you beyond the gate at Cantigny, for a peek at the expansive recent renovations of this locally treasured estate, park and museum.

DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com

Once you’ve hit all these great local destinations, relax with food and drink on one of many neighborhood restaurant patios.

Might I suggest you take along a copy of Suburban Life Magazine, and plan your next local getaway over a cocktail? The MAC just released tickets for its entire 2018-19 series, and we have all the details.

Whether you find yourself dining under the shade of an umbrella or the starry night sky, you’ll be able to wrap up your day, or night, in style.

Have the time of your life this summer, right outside your door!

Thanks for reading,

Looking for something in the daytime hours?

Your towns have you covered.

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

on the

COVER

August comes alive with great outdoor arts events, including Wheaton's Shakespeare in the Park, set for Aug. 30 and Sept 1.

See page 12.

4

AUGUST

2018

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

The Festival of the Arts returns to Glen Ellyn this month. The juried fine arts festival, in its 49th year, features about 70 artists of various mediums. The Wheaton Brew Fest celebrates eight years pouring tasty craft beer at Memorial Park.

And the DuPage Historical Museum helps you explore Downtown Wheaton with a twomile architectural tour, featuring buildings by Frost, Zook, Brydges and more.

LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Allison Horne, Jonathan Bilyk, Kelsey O’Connor, Aimee Barrows, Peter Stadalsky, Erin Sauder, Vicki M. Petersen PHOTOGRAPHERS Ron McKinney, Missy Donovan, Dave Soderstrom, Sandy Bresner, Bill Ackerman This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174

Corey Schraw Real Estate Broker 630.561.8454 | Cell Chairman’s Club Top 5% Companywide

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Cell: 630.561.845 Email: corey.schraw@bairdwarner.com www.coreyschraw.com

Baird & Warner Real Estate | 543 Pennsylvania Avenue | Glen Ellyn, IL | 60137

INSIDE

What's

OUT & ABOUT

TRAVEL

8 TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF Multi-million dollar Cantigny project is largest since 1958.

30 THE GLASS-HALF-FULL GUY Recalling that time our passport was stolen.

7 UPCOMING EVENTS There's something for everyone in the neighborhood this month!

12 THE BARD IS BACK IN TOWN Shakespeare in the Park takes the stage in Wheaton.

15 ARTFUL AUGUST Festival of the Arts returns to Glen Ellyn.

16 CATCH A GREAT SHOW RIGHT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD The MAC releases tickets for its 2018-19 season.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

28 LINCOLN HIGHWAY Take a funfilled summer vacation on America’s favorite road trip

HOME & LIFESTYLE

32 KEEPING BEES Local farm a haven for this honey of an insect.

34 PLANTING SEEDS OF SUCCESS West Chicago garden center growing much more than flowers.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

36 BACK TO SCHOOL Taking on the year with two new knees.

20 DINNER WITH EASE These local markets help busy families get meals on the table.

23 FIDO-FRIENDLY DINING Patios across the suburbs are welcoming man's best friend.

16

The MAC releases tickets for its 2018-19 season

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AUGUST

2018

FAMILY IN FOCUS

24 WOOFBEACH COVE Your dog deserves a day at the beach.

25 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD Toddling our way through public transportation.

TAKE 6 Photo provided

26 YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE Plan now for your child's education.

“THE WONDER BREAD YEARS” STARRING PAT HAZEL Photo provided

UPCOMING in our EVENTS communities “The Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John” Friday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

McAninch Arts Center 425 Fawell Blvd. | Glen Ellyn PRICE: Free Seating begins at 6 p.m.

By popular demand, Broadway veterans Craig Meyer and Donnie Kehr return to Glen Ellyn to channel two of the most critically acclaimed musicians of a generation. For more information, contact www.atthemac.org

Dog Days Saturday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m.

Cantigny Park 1S151 Winfield Road | Wheaton PRICE: Free with $10 per car parking Bring your furry best friend and enjoy everything canine at this 10th annual event. Lots of special entertainment for all ages plus vendor exhibits and sales. All dogs must have current vaccination tags and be social with others.

For more information contant jreiter@mccormickfoundation.org (630) 260-8218

Wheaton Brew Fest Saturday, Aug. 4 from 12-4:30 p.m.

Memorial Park 208 W. Union Ave. | Wheaton Cheers to 8 years! Join us for the best party in Wheaton– unique brews, live entertainment and fun for craft beer lovers!

Wheaton’s annual outdoor craft beer fest takes place in Memorial Park, features unique brews, live entertainment, and food from some of Wheaton’s favorite restaurants. A portion of proceeds benefits CASA. General admission tickets start at $45 with discounts for designated driver admission Ticket hotline: 919-653-0444 or toll free at 800-514-3849 x1 Ticket email support: support@

etix.com. This is a 21 & over event. No one under 21 is permitted to enter the fest. This includes infants in strollers or carriers. Due to the nature of the event, pets or animals are also not permitted.

WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series - Joe Louis Walker Band Thursday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

McAninch Arts Center 425 Fawell Blvd. | Glen Ellyn PRICE: Free Seating begins at 6 p.m.

Joe Louis Walker plays the blues a distinctive style inspired by the southern blues of his parents' record collection, and the psychedelic rock of his hometown San Francisco. For more information, contact www.atthemac.org

Rick Michel: “My Sinatra” Friday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

McAninch Arts Center Lakeside Pavilion 425 Fawell Blvd. | Glen Ellyn PRICE: Free Seating begins at 6 p.m.

Michel is one of Las Vegas’ premier singers and has been hailed by Variety as “…the closest thing to Frank Sinatra we have ever heard.” The audience will recognize many of the song selections in the show as Michel pays homage to one of the greatest singers of all time. For more information, contact www.atthemac.org

Jazz in the Park Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

Lake Ellyn Park 645 Lenox Road | Glen Ellyn PRICE: Free.

Pack your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinner to enjoy a relaxing night out with wonderful music from The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble. For more information

contact Courtney O'Kray, support@gepark.org (630) 858-2462

All Nite Flea Market Saturday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

DuPage County Fairgrounds 2015 Manchester Rd. | Wheaton

It's Legends galore, fleas and more at the World Famous 41st annual Zurko's All-Night Flea Market. This is a collector's paradise! So many treasures and many vendors are negotiable with pricing. Bring cash and tote bag.

Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Wheaton Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.

DuPage County Historical Museum 102 E. Wesley St. | Wheaton PRICE: $6 for adults, $4 for children Explore Downtown Wheaton through the lens of the Museum’s new exhibit, DuPage Architects.

Visit buildings by Frost, Zook, Brydges and more! Tour covers 2 miles, dress for the elements. To register, visit dupagemuseum.org or call 630-510-4941.

Green Fair 2018 Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

DuPage County Fairgrounds 2015 Manchester Rd. | Wheaton

PRICE: Free

Join the annual Green Fair at the DuPage County Fairgrounds!

This event is free and open to everyone so come out and browse a variety of eco-friendly vendors, learn about new eco-friendly topics at the mini-workshop series, and more! Mark your calendars for this great event. For more information, contact www.scarce.org/scarce-green-fair

Artist Series Opening Night Festival Saturday, Sept. 15 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Wheaton College 501 College Ave. |Wheaton The Artist Series at Wheaton College, featuring performances by such talents as pianist Vadym Kholodenko, the Camerata Chicago orchestra, and the King’s Singers, kicks off in September with a show by the 5 Browns.

Members of the community are invited to Edman Plaza prior to this first subscription event of the season. Mingle with friends and enjoy live music and refreshments. behind Memorial Chapel, located on the northeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets in Wheaton. For tickets to the evening concert, please visit artistseries.org or call 630-752-5010.

Serving the Glen Ellyn and Wheaton Communities for over 40 Years State Farm®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Roger Brown, Agent

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491 Roosevelt Road Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-5608 Bus 630 469 4444 | Fax 630 469 4111 Roger@rogerbrownins.com OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

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Turning over a New Leaf 8

OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

Multi-million dollar Cantigny project is largest since 1958

By AIMEE BARROWS

W

hen you visit Cantigny this summer or fall, you’ll probably notice some pretty big changes.

The 500-acre estate of Robert McCormick, which is one of the most treasured destinations in the Western Suburbs, is undergoing major renovations. While “Project New Leaf ” won’t be completed for a few more years, the work that has been finished is already having a significant impact on the park and guests’ experiences.

The first phase of the $25 million re-design project is in its final stages, and construction on Phase II of “Project New Leaf ” will begin next spring. But the most visible and significant changes that folks will notice are already completed, or will be very soon.

Planning for the project began in 2015, and construction began in 2016. The First Division Museum, which McCormick served in during World War I, showcases the history of the Army’s 1stInfantry Division, underwent significant renovations first and reopened last August.

“It’s ambitious. This is the largest renovation project since the park opened in 1958,” says Matt LaFond, executive director of Cantigny, about “Project New Leaf.” “It’s a very special time because the work we’re doing now will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”

Photos provided

-Continued on page 10 OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

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-Continued from page 9 One of the biggest parts of Phase I was the installation of the Red Oaks Farm Playground, which opened this spring, and pays homage to Cantigny’s history as a working farm. The playground, which is built for children ages 5 to 12 and holds 100 kids, is made of California Redwood and has a simulated water tower, green silo, storage barn and traditional playground favorites like bridges, swings, slides and climbing walls. LaFond said that very little plastic was used for the equipment, which gives the park a more natural look and feel.

The Visitors Center, which originally served as McCormick’s horse stables, got a major facelift, including a new Oak Colonnade that lines the path running parallel to the building.

You’ll see new flooring, fresh décor, an additional information kiosk and plenty of educational exhibits to start your visit, including a brief movie about Cantigny’s history.

While you’re visiting the estate, enjoy breakfast or lunch at the renovated fullservice restaurant Le Jardin, which can also host weddings and special events. The restaurant reopened with a brand-new menu, new flooring and carpeting, a fresh coat of paint and a redesigned bar area.

Birdie’s Café, which now has a full lunch menu in addition to a variety of coffees, ice cream and snacks, also has a fresh new look.

“All of the renovations to the Visitors

10

OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

Center and restaurant will enhance the visitor experience here, from the new lighting in the parking lot, to the renovated museums and gardens. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says LaFond.

The updated Display Gardens, Rose Garden and Pond Garden, which were also a critical part of Phase I, reopened in midJuly. The gardens are unparalleled in their splendor and beauty, and thanks to the redesign, are now even easier to navigate.

Taxus hedges, that give the feel of walking through different rooms , separate all of the Display Gardens. The new Rose Garden now features steel trellises and more benches and seating, as the garden is frequently used for weddings and other special events. The White Garden explodes with a green and white color scheme with white floral blossoms set against a variety of green foliage.

Heading east from the White Garden, you’ll encounter the Pollinator Garden, which is meant to attract honeybees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

You’ll encounter several varieties of perennials that can provide pollen and nectar. Continue along the perennial-lined path to the lower gardens, which features a plethora of annual flowers and plants in an array of color.

“Our goal is to provide a diverse ecosystem with hearty perennials to showcase options for home gardens,” says Scott Witte,

director of Horticulture. “We pack a lot of different elements into the Display Gardens. Anytime you have an opportunity to get outside and experience nature in a way you don’t normally experience it, it’s inspiring. We’re committed to teaching and educating the value of all things green, and finding sensible ways to build sustainable landscapes.”

The Pond Garden is an ecosystem of its own, with aquatic plant life that mimics a natural shoreline. The entire pond, which previously was separated from the McCormick House museum,

Fond. “People don’t realize the rich history here in the heart of DuPage County.

We tell the story of Joseph Medill, Robert McCormick and their extended family.”

was completely redesigned, excavated and expanded. Eventually, the pond will be stocked with catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass.

“The museum is now in view while walking around the Pond Garden,” says Witte. “There’s a short boardwalk bridge across part of the pond that creates an exciting element because you can walk over the water. It now has a sense of openness that draws the eye to the museum.”

Witte explained that the park plans on installing more signage around the gardens and park to help guests find their way around all of the exhibits, and new lighting in the parking lot and on the pathways will allow the park to host outdoor evening events.

Phase II, which will begin construction in the spring of 2019, will concentrate on the east end of the park including the Fountain Garden, Rock Garden and the campsite. La Fond says the pathways will be upgraded and storm water detention and underground irrigation systems will be installed.

Phase III, which begins in 2020, will focus on the Robert R. McCormick home, which is dedicated to the history of McCormick’s family and legacy. The house was built in 1896 by Joseph Medill, and is in need of many infrastructure upgrades like new plumbing and wiring. La Fond says that an elevator may be added, as well as some new exhibits.

Cantigny will remain open throughout the project, and still has a full calendar of programs and events in 2018. The entire project is expected to reach completion by 2021. For more information about Cantigny and to receive updates about “Project New Leaf,” go to www.cantigy.org or www.projectnewleaf.org.

“It’s a special place where families can come and spend a day and everyone will have something of interest to do,” says La OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

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THE BARD IS Shakespeare in the Park takes the stage in Wheaton

By ERIN SAUDER

Calling all Wheaton area thespians and commoners: Shakespeare in the Park is back again this summer.

Performances of “The Tempest” are set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 through Saturday, Sept. 1, at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the show.

The event is free and limited bench seating is available, first come, first served.

Believed to be one of Shakespeare’s final plays, “The Tempest” is set on a remote island, where the sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his

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OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

BACK IN TOWN daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skillful manipulation.

Since 2013, Wheaton College’s Arena Theater and the Wheaton Park District have collaborated to bring a Shakespeare in the Park production to the community each year with full sounds, lighting, and costumes.

The company and cast is made up entirely of current Arena Theater students and Wheaton College alumni-turned-professional-actors from across the country.

Annually, more than 3,000 theatergoers descend on Memorial Park, located in the heart of downtown Wheaton, to

catch a Shakespeare in the Park performance.

The high-quality theater event is presented free of charge to the public. On-site concessions, such as hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation.

Donations collected in advance of the event and onsite go to paying for the costs associated with bringing the performance to the park, such as sound, stage set-up, park set-up and take down, and security, according to park officials.

A short puppet show will be held before the play begins.

 For more information on this summer’s production, visit https://wheatonparkdistrict. com/events/shakespeare/.

OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

13

Artful August

Display Gardens Now Open!

French Connection Day August 12

Festival of the Arts returns to Glen Ellyn

Family Fun Night August 17

By ERIN SAUDER

T

Welcome to Cantigny!

he summer’s end will bring with it Glen Ellyn’s annual Festival of the Arts event.

Plan your visit today at Cantigny.org

CANTIGNY PARK 1s151 Winfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189 630.668.5161 Cantigny.org

• • • • • •

CANTIGNY GOLF 27w270 Mack Rd Wheaton, IL 60189 630.668.8463 CantignyGolf.com

This was Colonel Robert R. McCormick’s gift to the community and all 500 acres are yours to enjoy.

Festivities are set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road. Admission is free.

Spectacular Gardens First Division Museum Championship Golf McCormick House Banquets/Weddings/Golf Outings Special Events

SM-CL1555884

Hosted by the Glen Ellyn Lions Club, the popular two-day fest has become a tradition for many.

The juried fine arts festival, in its 49th year, features about 70 artists of various mediums.

“There will be beautiful ceramics, gorgeous handmade jewelry, luxurious oil paintings, photography on many different mediums, watercolors, and tons of sculptures in wood, metal, and mixed media,” says Rachel Benning, president of the Glen Ellyn Lions Club. “There will also be wearable art, clothing, scarves, hats, bags.”

Food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and live music will round out the weekend’s festivities.

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Antique Car Show in Historic Downtown Wheaton

21ST ANNUAL

While a majority of the artists participating hail from Illinois, several are coming from states such as Wisconsin, Florida, Kansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington.

Festival of the Arts is the Glen Ellyn Lions Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, Benning says.

“The proceeds go to helping those in our community afford vision essentials, like eye exams, glasses, contacts, medications, medical procedures,” she says. “Also, we use this money to buy refurbished hearing aids from our hearing aid bank to provide someone with hearing limitations a discounted or free hearing aid.”

Proceeds from Festival of the Arts also help support organizations such as the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and Humanitarian Service Project, among others.

“These groups provide essential programs and resources to our community and we want to help them help others,” Benning says.

For more information about the fest, visit www.facebook.com/ GlenEllynFestival OfTheArts/.

FRIDAY NIGHTS • NOW UNTIL AUGUST 31ST • 6PM-9PM July 27 Kenny Rodgers August 3 R&B August 10 Country

August 17 Disco August 24 Southern Rock August 31 Last Night Blow Out

Featuring DJ: Cesar (Poppy) Garcia of Ultimate Muzik Productions

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DowntownWeaton.com OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

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Catch a great show right in the neighborhood The MAC releases tickets for its 2018-19 season The McAninch Arts Center is bringing an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, comedy, film and family entertainment to the campus at College of DuPage from September 2018 through June 2019. This fifth season since its grand reopening also sees the introduction of a new series of post-show “Common Ground Conversations” and continuation of its popular MAC Chats and VIP receptions.

“The sense of community our patrons feel here is tremendously rewarding. I believe the arts’ ability to bring people together is remarkable, and, in a very polarized climate, every organization has a role in the conversation,” says Director Diana Martinez. “We felt bringing people together to connect to new ideas and cultures through the arts is as important as getting together to just have a laugh.”

Select events will be accompanied by a free pre-show MAC Chat, providing the opportunity to engage with artists and learn more about their work. New for this year: the

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OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

MAC presents “Common Ground Conversations,” free moderated post-show conversations discussing issues to build common ground and understanding. For many shows, theatergoers can enhance their evening by adding on the VIP Experience, a private preshow cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by coffee and dessert at intermission.

“Whether our patrons are participating in these activities or simply enjoying the shared experience of seeing a show, all of these community connections are invaluable and I am thrilled that the MAC makes them possible,” Martinez says.

Subscriptions and single event tickets are on sale now. To become a subscriber, a patron must purchase tickets to three or more shows, by calling the MAC Box Office at 630-942-4000. Online tickets are on sale at AtTheMAC.org and by phone. Parking for MAC events always is free.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: “The Scared

Bassem Youssef

Scriptless Tour” Friday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. $55-$75

The Henry Ford’s “Innovation Nation – Live!”

Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. $14 Youth | $20 Adult World Premiere Recommended for ages 10 and up.

New Philharmonic: “Show Boat & Show Tunes” Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor Saturday, Sept. 29, 3 & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 30, 3 p.m. $55 MAC Chat: Free

Annie Moses Band Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. $45-$49 MAC Chat: Free

The Texas Tenors Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. $50-$70 VIP Experience Add-On: $30

“Take Me to the River: New Orleans LIVE” Sunday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. $47-$65 MAC Chat: Free Media Sponsor: WDCB 90.9 FM, Chicago's home for jazz.

Bassem Youssef Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

SINGLE-SHOW TICKETS ON SALE AUG 4.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: “The Scared Scriptless Tour”

The Texas Tenors

Annie Moses Band

$38-$43 Common Ground Conversation: Free

Compania Flamenca Eduardo Guerrero: “Flamenco Passion” Sunday, Oct. 21, 2 & 6 p.m. $45-$49 MAC Chat: Free

“Snake Oil's Tribute to Rock's Biggest Stars of the '80s” Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. $50-$55 Related Special Event: Pre-show Halloween Party and costume contest, beginning at 6 p.m.

New Philharmonic Orchestra: CSO Cellist Richard Hirschl Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor Saturday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m. $49 MAC Chat: Free

Theatreworks USA presents “Pete the Cat” Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. $14 Youth | $20 Adult

Compania Flamenca Eduardo Guerrero: “Flamenco Passion”

College Theater: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by William J. Norris Friday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 24 & 25, 3 & 7 p.m. $14 Youth | $16 Adults -Continued on page 18 OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

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-Continued from page 17

Celtic Nights: “Oceans of Hope— The Epic Journeys of Our Ancestors” Canadian Brass

Canadian Brass Saturday, Dec. 1, 4 & 8 p.m. $30-$49 MAC Chat: Free VIP Experience Add On: $30 The Doo Wop Project: “A Doo Wop Christmas Show” Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. $50-$60 VIP Experience Add On: $30

The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Saturday, Dec. 8, 6 & 9 p.m. $32-$46 VIP Experience Add On: $30

Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet “The Nutcracker” with New Philharmonic Saturday, Dec. 15, 2 & 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16, 1 & 5 p.m. $34 Youth | $44 Adult

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash: “A Million Dollar Christmas” Friday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. $45-$65 VIP Experience Add On: $30

New Philharmonic New Years Eve Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor Monday, Dec. 31 & 2, 5:30 & 9 p.m. $67

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OUT & ABOUT AUGUST 2018

Theatreworks USA presents “Charlotte's Web”

Russian National Ballet Theatre: “Swan Lake” Sunday, Jan. 13, 2 & 6 p.m. $39 Youth | $59 Adult MAC Chat: Free

New Philharmonic Opera: “Die Fledermaus” Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor Michael La Tour, Stage Director Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m.

Performed in English $59 MAC Chat: Free (Saturday only)

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble Presents “Defiance”

by John Patrick Shanley Directed by BTE Ensemble Member, Kurt Naebig Jan. 31 - March 3, 2019; Preview Jan. 31; Press Opening Feb. 1 Playhouse Theatre Tickets: $40 Common Ground Conversation: Free

“Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema”

Theatreworks USA presents “Charlotte's Web” Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. $14 Youth | $20 Adult

“Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema” Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m. $50-$65 Common Ground Conversation: Free

The Second City: “It’s Not You, It's Me” Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 & 9 p.m. $32-$46 Valentine’s VIP Experience Add On: $30

Celtic Nights: “Oceans of Hope—The Epic Journeys of Our Ancestors” Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m. $45-$55

The High Kings

The Capitol Steps Saturday, March 9, 4 & 8 p.m. $42-$49 VIP Experience Add On: $30

The High Kings Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m. $36-$49 Related Special Event: St. Patrick’s Day Pre-show party 7 p.m. The audience is encouraged to come early to “get the party started” in the lobby with Irish drink specials and treats.

Take 6 Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. $55-$67 MAC Chat: Free VIP Experience Add On: $30

Pilobolus “Shadowland: The New Adventure” Saturday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. $55-$65 MAC Chat: Free

Theatreworks USA presents “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” Friday, April 5, 7 p.m. $14 Youth| $20 Adult

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m. $37-$47

New Philharmonic: Pianist Winston Choi Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m. $49 MAC Chat: Free

“Me…Jane–The Dreams and Adventures of a Young Jane Goodall” Based on the book “Me...

Jane” by Patrick McDonnell

Pilobolus “Shadowland: The New Adventure”

Ballet Hispanico

Adapted and Written by Patrick McDonnell, Andy Mitton, and Aaron Posner Co-Arranged and Music Direction by William Yanesh Choreographed by Christopher d’Amboise Directed by Aaron Posner Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. $14 Youth | $20 Adult

“The Wonder Bread Years” starring Pat Hazell Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m. $39-$44

Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. $65-$75 MAC Chat: Free

Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony

National Geographic Live!: “Standing at the Water’s Edge” Presented by Photo Journalist and Marine Biologist Cristina Mittermeier Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m.

Common Ground Conversation: Free

Ballet Hispanico Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. $49- $59 MAC Chat: Free VIP Experience Add On: $30 Performances will take place in the MAC’s Belushi Performance Hall, unless otherwise noted:

DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2018

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Dinner with ease

Don't get caught up in the kitchen!

These local markets help busy families get meals on the table.

By VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN

Y

ou frequently pin exciting new ways to dress up a chicken breast. You diligently plot out your dinners for the week, adding any ingredients you need to your grocery list app.

Despite the best of intentions to cook dinner for your family during the week, sometimes life gets in the way. On those nights when you get out of work late or you’re stuck in traffic, you could reach for your cell phone to order a family size pizza for dinner. Or you could make a slight detour on the way home to your local market and pick up a readymade meal.

From salad bars to monthly meal prep sessions, these markets serve up plenty of options for fresh dinners on the go.  MARIANO’S 625 S. Main St., Wheaton www.marianos.com Stroll through this Italian market where options abound for a ready-made meal. The deli serves up comfort food entrees, including rotisserie chicken, meatloaf and ribs. Stop by the hot bar to pick up a side of mashed potatoes or mac & cheese to go with your entrees. Or peruse the extensive salad bar, which features seafood salad, vegetable blends, pasta salad and potato salad.

Don’t have time to grill? Mariano’s will cook dinner for you. Pick up some burgers, brats or salmon from the meat counter. Then head over to the grill station where staff will grill your meat or seafood purchases free of charge.

If you’ve got a taste for barbecue, Todds BBQ food stall has you covered. The smoked meats selections, which include brisket, ribs and smoked chicken, are served “au natural” without the sauce Or you can top off your dinner with Texas Spicy, Kansas City Sweet and Carolina Tangy sauces.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2018

ANIMAL HOSPITAL AT WHEATON

Dr. Melanie Murphy & Dr. Nicki Ciura and our incredible team are ready to meet you and your furry friend family member. Our services include:

 ENTRÉE KITCHEN 26W276 Geneva Road Unit A, Carol Stream www.entreekitchen.com/

 STANDARD MARKET 333 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont standardmarket.com

Want to serve up a homemade dinner, but don’t have time for the prep work and cooking during the week? Let Entrée Kitchen be your personal chef as the staff handles the shopping and chopping in their kitchen. Each entrée serves six or can be split into two threeserving portions.

For dinner on the go with a gourmet touch, try one of the What’s for Dinner Tonight@ meals at Standard Market.

Made in-house, these dinners feature a different meal each night of the week that can be easily reheated in the microwave or conventional oven.

You can opt to spend an hour in their kitchen to assemble up to a month’s worth of food.

Or for an additional fee, let Entrée Kitchen handle that step too. It will even deliver meals directly to your home or office for a delivery fee. Then pop the meals in the freezer, and thaw them when you’re ready to serve.

Each entrée comes out to less than $5 per serving and is available in a six, eight or 12 entrée package. You choose the meals from Entrée Kitchen’s monthly menu, which denotes nutritional information such as low carb or gluten free. Recent offerings include Asian beef kebobs, sweet ginger pork chops, and chicken grill packs with sundried tomato and asparagus.

Entrée Kitchen also offers a variety of Grab ‘n Go entrees and sides from pizza sliders and chicken club pinwheels to apple wheatberry couscous salad and chipotle buttered corn. Round out the meal with a key lime tart, chocolate peanut butter bliss or any of the other dessert offerings.

• Wellness exams • Vaccinations • Dentistry • Digital Radiology • Laboratory

• Dermatology • Nutritional Counseling • Behavioral Counseling • Pharmacy • Exotic Pet Care

1508 Aurora Ave., Naperville

Dinners include a protein, side and vegetable offering that rotates every season. Current selections include grilled salmon with Moroccan couscous and asparagus; lemon crusted cod with butternut squash risotto and Caesar salad; and cashew chicken with jasmine rice, baby bok choy and kale salad with soy ginger dressing. Each bag serves enough for a least two or pick up a few bags to feed the whole family.

The best friend nd of iend!

YOUR best friend!

414 South Main Street Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 665-8700 www.AnimalHospitalWheaton.com SM-CL1555016

If you have some time to cook, Standard Market’s Let’s Make a Meal@ offers recipes tested by the in-house chefs that you can make at home. Each recipe includes everything you’ll need to cook a dinner for two. Don’t worry about prep work – the meals come with all ingredients measured out.

For a lighter bite, Standard Market serves up homemade soups and salads, such as roasted red pepper and cauliflower soup, chicken tortilla soup and southwest quinoa salad. The store also makes marketmade pizzas, including buffalo chicken and margherita French bread pizza that you can heat up at home.

DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2018

21

PATIO Perfection

Reserve 22

VILLAGE LINKS OF GLEN ELLYN 485 WINCHELL WAY | GLEN ELLYN (630) 469-5550 | RESERVE22.COM Reserve 22 is nestled on the beautiful landscape of the Village Links Golf Course, and features a spectacular outdoor patio overlooking our pristine 18th green. This American Bistro restaurant and bar pours craft beer and mixed cocktails, all served with a serene view. Food is created in a scratch kitchen using seasonal produce grown on-site. Open to the public, but with a private country club atmosphere, your senses will come alive as you indulge and delight in the culinary creations

by Chef Thomas Fota. Call or visit our website to learn more about our daily specials, live music, outings and events or to book a private banquet space for up to 160 people.

Egg'lectic Cafe 145 N. HALE STREET, DOWNTOWN WHEATON (630) 690-9001 | EGGLECTICCAFE.COM Treat yourself to delectable home-cookin’ at Egg’lectic Café: Wheaton’s own breakfast and lunch restaurants Since 1999, Egg'lectic Café has been serving DuPage County residents freshly prepared breakfast and lunch in a cozy, friendly environment right in the heart of downtown Wheaton. Enjoy your meal outdoors on our covered sidewalk dining area, open every morning at 6 a.m. Or visit Danada location, at 221 Town Square, Wheaton.

Ivy Restaurant 120 N. HALE STREET, DOWNTOWN WHEATON (630) 665-2489 | IVYOFWHEATON.COM Ivy is a unique outdoor restaurant experience in Wheaton.

The courtyard offers wonderful al fresco dining when the weather is nice, bordered by a pleasant and inviting garden by day, when the sun bathes the sails. Enjoy cocktails as the sun sets and evening approaches, and the shadows of the brilliant foliage dance across the tables. On a glorious summer evening, dine under the stars at Ivy. Wednesdays and Fridays the courtyard comes to life with live music.

Whether your group is just a few, a business dinner, a table of friends, or you just crave a nice evening out, Ivy's patio always is full of friendship, and great food.

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DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2018

Fido-friendly dining running wild in the suburbs

By AIMEE BARROWS

In many families, dogs often share the same status as children, so it’s no surprise that many folks are bringing their four-legged friends with them while shopping, travelling and even while dining out. Many restaurants with outdoor dining areas are becoming petfriendly and catering to their customers who bring their beloved pets with them wherever they go.

The pet industry has exploded in the past 10 years as more and more people want to include their animals in vacations and evenings out.

The website www.bringfido.com, the world’s largest pet travel directory, lists pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, events and activities in locations across the country.

Erin Ballinger, pet-friendly travel expert at bringfido.com, says that people are working longer hours and are away from their pets all day, so when they get home, they want to spend as much time with their fourlegged friend as possible. She also says that dog ownership has increased nationally, especially with millennials who tend to delay childbearing, which has increased the demand for pet-friendly destinations.

And the hospitality industry is catering to

their customers’ demands, which leads to an increase in revenue for businesses.

water bowls that customers can use for their four-legged friends.

“It’s gaining momentum. We haven’t even seen the peak of pet-friendly destinations yet,” Ballinger says. “There are several restaurants in Chicago that actually have a menu for pets, and there are even food trucks just for dogs.”

“When you’re thinking of family time, that includes pets, and many people want to bring their pets with them whenever possible. Pets are an extension of family and we’re happy to offer this. It’s a very dog-friendly atmosphere,” says Rory Gallagher, manager of The Cellar Bistro.

For suburban folks, there are many eateries in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton that welcome their patrons to bring their animals along while enjoying a meal or drink on the patio.

Cindy Degen, owner of Chicks ‘N Salsa in Glen Ellyn, welcomes customers to bring their dogs along with them as they enjoy a meal on the patio. Degen says that she’s an avid doglover and loves to see pets at her restaurant.

She even provides free dog treats along with water bowls.

“Dogs are close to my heart. They’re part of the family, and people appreciate that they can bring their dogs here. I see more customers bringing their dogs and I think people come here just so they can bring them,” she explains.

Warren’s Ale House is another pet-friendly option in Wheaton. Manager Jerry Hernandez says the staff are all dog lovers and have allowed dogs on their patio since it opened.

“The dogs can hang out while their owners enjoy a drink or a meal. We’re a neighborhood restaurant and a lot of our regular customers have been bringing their pets. It’s a nice convenience,” he says.  For more information about pet-friendly destinations in DuPage County and around the country, visit www.bringfido.com, and Ballinger says that it’s always a good idea to call the restaurant before bringing your pet.

The Cellar Bistro in Wheaton is proud to cater to residents who want to bring their dogs with them for a meal, and even has a stack of DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2018

23

Your dog deserves a

DAY AT THE BEACH

No one loves your dog more than you do, except the team here at Woofbeach.

Founders Eric and Christina Wilson both share a love for animals- especially dogsand both have over 15 years experience in dog grooming and as canine behaviorists.

They put their backgrounds together alongside their love of the beach and their love for dogs to create Woofbeach, a beachthemed dog grooming and training facility that creates a fun, relaxing atmosphere for both owner and dog.

Woofbeach staff pride themselves on creating a positive environment where both the owner and dog want to come back.

by appointment and only have to be with us for the extent of the groom, unless you are a training client and would like to have your dog go through a complimentary refresher day. Groomers all specialize in handling fearful dogs and have the patience and understanding to build a life-long relationship with your furry loved one.

Here are a couple quick tips to help you in your journey to find the right groomer or trainer:

 TRAINING At Woofbeach it’ s believed owning a dog is a lifestyle choice. Training sets Woofbeach apart from the rest, by streamlining the communication between you and your dog. Staff focuses on customer service and understanding. Each training program is set up to cater specifically to the individual dog and family.

This allows the team at Woofbeach to create a timeline to help layout the expectations and steps of the program. Each program is guaranteed for the life of the dog and there is no limitation to the number of lessons with the dog and their owners. With an extensive knowledge in handling fear and aggression, trainers and behaviorists are well-equipped to handle impressionable puppy behavior etiquette all the way to the most dire situations.

1. Check reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google and Facebook 2. Ask for credentials 3. Seek the opinion of other animal professionals you trust in your area such as local rescues or veterinarians 4. Do an unannounced visit without your dog to ask for a tour of a prospective facility Stop in andcheck out Woofbeach Cove in Glen Ellyn. Please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions about specialized training programs, or take advantage of a free evaluation. The staff at Woofbeach look forward to the opportunity to serve you, can hardly wait to meet all the dogs and families in the community.

 GROOMING Breed cuts, weird cuts, they do them all. And at Woofbeach your pup can really get pampered. All staff are certified with years of experience. Woofbeach offers various packages from low-shed treatments to blueberry facials for tear stains. Dogs are groomed

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FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

WOOFBEACH COVE 462 N Park Blvd.

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 www.woofbeachcove.com

 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

Toddling our way through public transportation With JONATHAN BILYK

As a kid growing up in what was then a relatively far flung northwest suburb of Chicago, the image was enchanting.

Footage, broadcast during Chicago Cubs home games, of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Addison Red Line stop, and the thousands of fans boarding and disembarking at the train station, just outside of the walls of Wrigley Field.

To my eyes, it appeared to be so easy: Just step off the train, and voila! You’re at the Friendly Confines, aka, the Greatest Place in the World (for 10-year-old me.)

This notion was further reinforced by what seemed like hours spent whiling away in the backseat of the family car, as my dad circled the streets of Wrigleyville on game days, in search of a convenient street parking spot, all to avoid paying through the nose for the privilege of parking in a garage or stacked in an alley or “E-Z out” lot somewhere within walking distance of the ballyard.

While I loved the time with my dad at Wrigley, there still had to be a better way to get around, I thought. And it was in those moments, I’d hear the broadcast voices of the Cubs in my mind’s receiver, reminding me (and Cubs fans everywhere) of the ease and convenience of the CTA. As a young adult, I took that message to heart.

I learned the environmental benefits that came from pocketing my car keys for a few hours, and riding the third rail into the city. But primarily, the decision was driven by two main motivators: A lack of funds, and a relative surplus of time.

And so it continued for years – until the stroller rolled in, stage left.

Of course, I had seen parents before, getting on and off the trains with young kids in tow, struggling with the kid carriers, carriages and other accoutrements of life with little ones.

But while I saw them, I can’t say I ever really noted their struggles, until my wife and I attempted to continue to navigate the CTA, but now with a little one of our own along for the ride.

Carrying the stroller up L station steps, folding and unfolding the stroller, loading and unloading the gear and other goods, praying the approaching train would have enough open seating, or at least carry the right mix of empathetic and kid-tolerant passengers – everything suddenly made the mundane elements of riding the CTA more difficult by orders of magnitude.

And suddenly, the quiet comfort of my car beckoned.

Yet the prompting was tempered by one main dread: Parking. Like my father before me, I had developed an aversion to paying full price to park. But unlike my dad, the thought of driving in circles for miles to find a place to stash the car and save a few bucks also left me frozen.

And in those moments of great distress, often a hero will step forward. And in this case, as is often the way of the 21st century, the solution came from my smartphone. The parking app.

For the uninitiated, the apps – created under names like SpotHero, ParkMe, ParkWhiz or Parking Panda – allow users to browse and book parking spaces near a particular destination. You then simply drive to your destination.

Usually, the process saves a bit of money.

But what it really saves is time - and, by my reckoning, the planet – sparing the atmosphere from untold pounds of pollutants the car would otherwise spew as you circle, seeking an inexpensive place to land.

Others are free to dispute this reasoning. I know it doesn’t stack up to the environmental benefits of public transit. And as the kids get older, transit will once again become a more accessible choice for getting around much of Chicago and the suburbs. Perhaps you, my readers, have some transit-navigation tips for suburban parents with small children. (My only ask: Before offering tips, please either work in transit, or have successfully executed those tips yourself.)

But for now, my respect for the parents who use transit on a daily basis remains undimmed, as I, like so many others, rather reach for my smartphone to try to make the best choice possible for my family (and the planet). I may not greatly minimize my carbon footprint, but I will minimize the frustration of driving in seemingly endless circles or heaving a stroller onto the Red Line.

 Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

25

YOUR CHILD$

FUTURE

By THOMAS MCCARTNEY

A

ugust is the traditional heart of the family vacation season.

You may even find yourself on vacation, enjoying an adult beverage, and reading this article at the end of a long day refereeing disputes between overly-tired kids or grandkids.

As you survey your family and reflect on how fortunate you really are, you may find your mind wandering into the future, dreaming about each child’s next steps, and contemplating how some of your dreams for them will be funded.

Inevitably, you will allow yourself to think about what your child will do after high school. Your focus may start on what type of school they may attend and what they may choose to study – which are far more pleasant topics than how this all will be paid for. Out of curiosity you may grab your phone, google a favorite college, and look up what it will cost to attend. This is the point where your knuckles turn white as you tightly squeeze both the phone and the glass in your hand.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

INSTITUTION

TUITION/ROOM/ FEES 2018*

PROJECTED FUTURE TOTAL COST**

Indiana University, Bloomington (Non-Resident)

$45,103

$467,846

Northwestern University, Evanston (Resident)

$68,725

$712,873

The University of Iowa, Iowa City (Non-Resident)

$39,580

$410,557

The University of Wisconsin, Madison (Non-Resident)

$45,625

$473,260

University of Chicago (Resident)

$70,551

$731,815

University of IL, Champaign (Resident)

$27,176

$281,892

*Published annual tuition, room & board, and required fees. **Assume 5% annual increase and student attends for four years starting in 2036.

File #0933-2018

As the sampling of some popular regional institutions shows, the current published costs of attendance can be intimidating. The picture becomes more serious when you consider the amount you would need to plan for if you have a child born in 2018 who would attend a school for four years starting in 2036.

Unfortunately for your wallet, the aid you may receive from the government, colleges and private scholarships often only cover about one-third of all college expenses. The sooner you start saving, the better off you will be in the long run, and even modest savings can grow into significant investments by the time your child is ready to head off to school. Here’s how to get started saving:

✔ Save money methodically via payroll deduct or via another systematic investment method. (Your financial advisor should be able to help you with this.)

✔ Consult your financial advisor and collaborate to

develop a plan with milestones for achieving your child’s educational goal. As your children get old enough, have them periodically accompany you when meeting with your financial advisor, allowing them to learn and become engaged in the process.

✔ When they are old enough to get a job, have your children contribute half of their earnings into their college savings fund.

✔ Save and invest windfalls such as inheritances, income tax refunds or bonuses.

✔ Increase the amount you save by five percent each year to keep up with the college tuition inflation rate.

✔ Ask relatives to contribute to the savings account in lieu of gifts.

✔ Keep your savings and investment plans a priority. ✔ Make sure to not carry credit card debt and to maintain an emergency fund as this will help keep you from having to “raid” college savings to cover other expenses.

Strategies for investing for college are many and cannot be adequately covered in this single article. Contact us to discuss ways your money can work as hard as you do.  Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

McCartney and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Photo by Indre Cantero FAMILY IN FOCUS AUGUST 2018

27

Take a funfilled summer vacation on America’s favorite road trip

By ALLISON HORNE

The Lincoln Highway’s red, white and blue signs often go unnoticed on the side of the road.

That’s because today, it’s just another road.

But 100 years ago, the Lincoln Highway was the start of something groundbreaking a new: a transcontinental highway across the entire United States of America.

The Lincoln Highway stretches from New York and San Francisco and passes through a variety of different unique spots, including Philadelphia, Gettysburg, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Lake Tahoe region, and of course, the beautiful sprawling plains of Illinois.

“The Lincoln Highway Association wanted to plot out the fastest driving route from coast to coast,” says Kay Shelton, national president and Illinois state director for the Lincoln Highway Association.

Photos by Ruth Franz

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TRAVEL AUGUST 2018

In Illinois, the 179 miles of the Lincoln Highway begins in the east on U.S. 30, crosses through Joliet and Plainfield before turning into Illinois state route 31 towards Geneva. At Geneva, it turns west on IL 38 towards DeKalb. From there, it goes through Rochelle to Franklin Grove, where the National Headquarters of the Lincoln

Highway Association is located.

It continues through Dixon on IL 38, where the Lincoln Memorial is located, before rejoining U.S. 30 west of Sterling.

The Lincoln Highway then goes on IL 136

by Fulton, and passes a Lincoln Highway information center near the crossing of the Mississippi River into Iowa.

Creating the highway was no easy feat, and its’ meandering route and sharp turns are a testament to that.

“Before the middle of the 1920s, the government didn’t have anything to do with the roads,” says Lynn Asp, director of the Lincoln Association National Headquarters.

“The roads had no names and no numbers, and if you wanted something fixed or done, it was up to you.”

That’s exactly what some big businessmen, led by Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl Fisher, decided to do.

The Lincoln Highway Association is housed in the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove, which was built in 1860

by Henry I. Lincoln, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln. When it was first erected, the first floor was used as a store, while the second floor was dubbed Lincoln Hall, and

was used to social events and business meetings.

One of the original meetings that laid the foundation for what the Lincoln Highway would become was actually held at the store on February 14, 1914. The meeting was led by Fisher and several other industrialists who saw the benefit of having an improved coast-to-coast highway.

“He went upstairs to a crowd of 250 and explained to them how it would help their town and help people come to their town,” Asp says, adding that he also urged members to join their newly founded Lincoln Highway Association for $5. Their dues fee would get them a membership certificate and pin, which were first delivered at the meeting held at the H.I. Lincoln Building.

People bought in, and thus, the Lincoln Highway was born.

The Lincoln Highway has come a long way since it was first created. In 1913, there were not standard road signs and maps weren’t very common.

“Trying to navigate the Lincoln Highway was a challenge for early motorists,” Shelton says, noting that the Lincoln Highway Association printed road guides

and used a red, white and blue “L” logo to sign the road wherever they could. “Many industrious local businesses, however, put up their own “L” signs, even trying to entice motorists off the route to stop at their businesses.”

By 1928, the association enlisted the help of the Boy Scouts, who placed over 3,000 standardized concrete markers, which were much harder to duplicate, where the road was.

They were updated even further in 2001, when IDOT marked the entire route across Illinois.

“Since then, a couple of signs got knocked down, probably by snow plows, but nearly all of the signs from 2001 are still in place and it is possible to follow the route by following the red, white and blue “L” signs,” Shelton says.

When the road was first created, motorists would set out to cross the country but wouldn’t have anywhere to stay. Before motels, motorists would stop in open spaces and camp, often leaving behind trash.

“Cities wanted to eliminate people stopping at random open spaces so they would set aside plots of land, put in water

pumps, build places where people could set up their cooking fires, and they were called auto camps,” Shelton says.

By the mid-1920s, there were over 5,000 auto camps across the country, including one in Aurora. The camp, located near Phillips Park, has since been restored.

But as cross-country travel increased, so did the need for places to stay. Auto camps often got overcrowded and noisy and began charging fees, and thus, motels were born.

While the path of the road hasn’t changed much, the Lincoln Highway Association is trying to keep up with the times. They’ve worked to map out electric charging stations for electric cars and have talked to local businesses about adding electrical charge stations.

The roads may have new pavement or have been long forgotten, but the Lincoln Highway will always hold an important place in the history of the United States.

“It’s the world’s longest memorial to any person, President Abraham Lincoln,” Shelton says. “It also crosses a great sample of what the United States has to offer for history and beauty.”

TRAVEL AUGUST 2018

29

The GlassHalf-Full Guy:

THE TIME OUR PASSPORT WAS STOLEN

By PETER STADALSKY

We’d just arrived to one of the best surfing beaches in all of Central America - the swells were perfect, the sun was just warm enough, and board rentals were under ten bucks for the day, USD. It doesn’t get much better than that.

My friend was antsy to hit the waves and told us to “find him on the beach” when we were ready to ride. Hours later we finally found our buddy, standing there in the hallway of our rented condo holding a surfboard and wearing nothing but swim trunks. He had this look on his face that everything was not okay. As life has it, my buddy set his backpack down for a moment and turned his back on it just long enough for someone to snatch it unnoticed like Harry Houdini. Inside that five dollar backpack was his cell phone and mistakenly, his passport.

So what do you do when your passport is stolen in a foreign country?

STEP 1: freak out.

STEP 2: stop freaking out and start problem solving.

At first we went to the police station, which was a van in a parking lot. In broken Spanish we explained our problem. The officer lit a cigarette and stared into the distance replying, “Come back tomorrow, I’m busy.” Obviously we’d have to take matters into our own hands.

We hunted the beaches wearing headlamps, high and low to no avail. Some beta on many foreign countries: laws are often seen as

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TRAVEL AUGUST 2018

suggestions.

That being said, there was an obvious ring of workers walking the beaches offering people “good times” and “good stuff.”

I dug deep into my youth to conjure up my recently unused street smarts and basically hired one of these good time salesman to do some detective work.

We were able to get my friends cell phone back for a “service fee,” but we were told who ever kidnapped the bag likely threw the passport in the trash to avoid actual legal repercussions. I saw the bottom of more garbage cans on this trip than I ever wanted to, but without success.

The sun was long gone and the U.S. embassy was already closed. We buzzed them first thing in the morning to find out they would be open for five hours that day, and then closed for the next seven on holiday. The capital city was exactly four and a half hours away from our small beach town, if all the planets aligned.

But as you cannot board a plane nor return to your home country empty handed of a passport. So, if we didn’t get that passport, we weren't going home.

That day I pushed our tiny 4x4 rental to the

max, passing every car on winding mountain roads. As we dropped into the city I slammed the car in park and we ran for the embassy with seconds on the clock. Guards stood at the gates and pointed to an old phone in a box mounted to the wall. Within minutes, two officers came through a large steel door pulling my friend inside. We waited in the sun for an hour and a half until that steel door opened again with my friend standing there smiling, holding a new passport.

The lesson? Bad things happen and they can sneak up, even on your vacation. As inconvenient as that ordeal was, it was certainly an adventure I’ll never forget. And now if someone ever has a passport lost, I know exactly what to do…and so do you.

u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.

SM-CL1558700

Open House UPTOWN

484 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn

We are now on both sides of the “Glen Ellyn Great Divide”

KINDERGARTEN-GR. 2

Open House October 25th 7:30p.m.

• A Community Founded in Knowledge, Faith and Character •

KINDERGARTEN-GR. 8

Open House January 27, 2019 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m.

Always Convenient

KINDERGARTEN

Open House January 31, 2019 11:00a.m.

SM-CL1552228

Unique retail selections in each location, same awesome aged balsamic and olive oils in both.

Olive ‘n Vinnie’s UPTOWN 484 N. Main Street

Olive ‘n Vinnie’s 449 N. Main Street

630-547-4846

630-534-6457 TRAVEL AUGUST 2018

31

Keeping bees Local farm a haven for this honey of an insect

By KELSEY O’CONNOR Honey bees are crucial to our agricultural system. One third of the foods we eat are dependent on bees and the pollen they distribute. In fact, bees are so vital to our food supply that many farmers will have hives transported to their land to help pollinate their crops.

But we’re in a pickle, as these buzzing bugs also are at risk. A combination of factors, including parasites, pesticides, and habitat loss, are threatening bee populations around the world. Last year, beekeepers in the U.S. reported an increase in honeybee deaths and lost 40 percent of their hives.

In the fight to protect honey bees, community farms are at the frontlines.

Kline Creek Farm in nearby West Chicago has been a haven for honey bees for the past 30 years. The farm not only raises bees, but strives to educate the public about the insects and their role in our food supply.

Photos provided

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HOME & LIFESTYLE AUGUST 2018

“It’s a wonderful place for people to come and learn about honey bees,” says Keith McClow, heritage education manager at Forest Preserve District of DuPage County who manages Kline Creek Farm. “The honey bee is very important to us and the way we grow food.”

RESTAURANT & CARRY-OUT Finest Cantonese & Mandarin Cuisine at Reasonable Prices Cocktails – Tropical Drinks – Chinese Beer Large Oriental Deco Dining Room ~Lunch Buffett – 7 Days a Week~ Dine-in or Carry-outs www.wok2order.com

1180 E. Roosevelt Rd. • Glen Ellyn, IL 1/2 Mile East of I-355

Phone: 691-8828 Delivery Available, Minimum Order $10.00 $2.00 Delivery Charge + Gratuity

SM-CL1560413

The farm has 20 hives and each can be home to anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 bees. The bees are tended to by a group of a dozen volunteers who install hives, monitor for parasites, ensure the colonies are a proper size, extract honey and make sure the bees have everything they need to thrive.

Another responsibility of the volunteers is to harvest the surplus honey in the hives.

This honey is bottled and sold at the Honey House, located in the visitor’s center on Kline Creek Farm. They also harvest the beeswax, which they melt down and sculpt into candles and bars.

While the bees are beneficial to the nearby orchards, they’re also there to help raise awareness.

The farm is open to the public and guests can come observe the beehives or visit the Honey House, where they can view educational exhibits and chat with volunteer beekeepers.

The bees at Kline Creek Farm aren’t just good for the environment, they’re also historically accurate. The living history farm is modeled after a 19th-century farmstead, many of which had honey bees hives in their orchards.

One of these volunteers, Jim Truesdale, has been beekeeping at the farm for nine years. He says the alarming decline in the bee population motivated him to get involved. “Our two main jobs are beekeeping itself and educating the public on what’s going on with the bees,” says Truesdale.

“We’re open for the public to come and see what life was like 130 years ago,” says McClow.

“Just about anything a family farm would do in the 1890s, we try to do it here.”

Kline Creek Farm is located at 1N600 County Farm Rd., in West Chicago. For more information, visit dupageforest. org or call (630) 876-5900.

HOME & LIFESTYLE AUGUST 2018

33

Planting seeds of success West Chicago garden center growing much more than flowers

A

very special business in West Chicago holds the key to job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. As a direct result of their hard work, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse sells a wide array of high quality annuals, perennials and mums for area gardeners, decorators and landscapers alike.

The idea for a greenhouse employing people with disabilities came about when several local families were investigating job opportunities for their high school and adult children.

A greenhouse was identified as a labor-intensive business, something necessary for a dynamic job vocational training program for these potential team members.

The program would provide a set of building blocks for the new employees, such as how to punch

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HOME & LIFESTYLE AUGUST 2018

in and out for work hours, how to shake hands and establish a personal rapport with co-workers and customers. Being on time, understanding directions, learning key locations within the property and completing the tasks assigned also are key components of their weekly jobs. With the assistance of their job coaches, most tasks are completed on time with a sense of pride. When jobs are not finished, the team next up will get things done.

Then there are the flowers.

Each spring the garden center offers more than 650 varieties of annuals, 80 unique perennials, ground covers, ivy, hanging baskets and even tropical plants.

With fall comes the explosion of color that many customers anxiously await. Nearly 40 colors of mums – with names like Paintbox Purple, Radiant Red, Sundance Yellow and Emberglow

Orange – are available in 4.5 inch, 6, 9 and 14 inch pot sizes. This makes it very easy for the causal flower lover to pick a favorite color and size for pots, window boxes or front porch displays. Add to this a collection of dazzling fall cabbage and kale, and any gardener will have a host of colors and textures to use in decoration.

Pumpkins, gourds and straw bales round out the fall offerings.

For customers searching for something unique for fall, show up early for the unusual (and sought-after) hanging mums.

Also grown are tri-colored mums, featuring 3 unique colors blooming at the same time in larger 14 inch pots. These sell out quickly, usually gone by the end of September.

As for the role team members play in our production of these plants: they are the people responsible for washing the

We Grow Dreams pays its team members the state's minimum wage, offering them a path to qualify for additional benefits later in life.

pots (which the garden center recycles), filling the pots with soil and transferring them all to our growing houses throughout the year beginning in February.

Team members also paint and stain growing benches, weed the grounds, maintain the center’s five acres, grow produce for various food pantries and handle all of the center’s composting.

With an average of 30 plus team members on the payroll, We Grow Dreams is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the area. And the garden center pays its team members the state's minimum wage, offering them a path to qualify for additional benefits later in life.

lists and details about the job program.

We Grow Dreams is located at 1055 West Washington in West Chicago. Call 630-293-0100 for more information. If you have questions regarding a potential team member contact Gregg, for plant info ask for Linda.

Donations to this 501c3 not for profit business are always needed and can be mailed to: We Grow Dreams Greenhouse, 1055 West Washington St. West Chicago, Il 60185 or can be made thru our website at www. wegrowdreams.org by clicking on the donate button and following the directions thru Pay Pal.

We Grow Dreams operates year around, with varying hours which are posted online at www.wegrowdreams.org.

Also provided online are plant HOME & LIFESTYLE AUGUST 2018

35

Back to School…

WITH TWO NEW KNEES

School Principal Tonya Forbes has to keep up.

The 56-year-old administrator at Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora oversees hundreds of students every day in a busy two-story building on the city’s west side.

But after nine years of fighting degenerating knees, she knew she needed help. She could hardly stand, let alone mingle and relate with busy students, ranging in age from preschool through eighth grade.

Tonya Forbes and family

“I got to the point where I couldn’t put it off any longer,” says Forbes. “I could barely walk. By the end of the day, I would be in tears.”

The first step was a partial knee replacement of Forbes’ left knee. A partial knee replacement selectively targets only the damaged parts of the knee and preserves the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it. Because less tissue is removed, patients may have a quicker recovery.

Forbes received care from William R. Sterba, MD, orthopaedic surgeon for Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics, who deployed a hightech robotic system called MakoTM RoboticArm Assisted Surgery.

The system allows the surgeon to image the knee with a CT scan, develop a 3D virtual model and then load the model into the system to create a personalized pre-operative plan. The surgeon then guides the robotic arm during surgery to execute the plan, improving joint alignment and creating a custom-fit implant.

“With this technology, we can execute the surgery

36

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exactly as planned, ensuring more accurate placement and alignment of the implant,” says Dr. Sterba. “By balancing the knee properly, we can improve longevity of the implant and prevent damage to healthy areas.”

Forbes was able to return home the same day of surgery and immediately begin physical therapy. Within two weeks, she had regained the same 120 degrees of motion that typically takes patients eight weeks or longer to achieve.

Six months after surgery on her left knee, Forbes underwent a total knee replacement for the troublesome right knee.

The results have given Forbes a new level of gratitude for the wonders of human mobility.

“It’s the simple things you take for granted, such as just getting up off the floor or getting out of a bathtub,” says Forbes. “I forgot how wonderful it is to take a stroll around the block with my children.”

Forbes is expecting her new knees to last a long time, and Dr. Sterba agrees that is the ultimate goal.

“With the Mako system, we can make adjustments within a tenth of a millimeter,” he explains. “With that extraordinary accuracy, we expect improved outcomes for patients.”  For more information on Mako surgery at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, please visit mako.nm.org or call 630.225.2663.

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