Suburban Life Magazine_September 2019

DOWNERS GROVE WESTMONT

SEPTEMBER 2019

Mark your calendars for Halloween family fun Page 7

Alter your senses at a downtown craft beer fest Page 22

Catch the best of the Blues at Johnny's Blitz Page 28

HOMETOWN HOMET METOWN History comes alive at annual Landmarked House Tour Page 24

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Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event

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Editor's

NOTE Ah, autumn!

September is here and that means shorter days, longer evenings, school schedules, youth sports, and a general speeding up of everything.

At Suburban Life Magazine, we’ve got help to see you through that transition from lazy summer days to bustling autumn schedules.

Experts on nutrition sound off on the importance of your daily diet, with tips and suggestions to keep your family healthy and full of energy to take on the day.

In addition, we take you to some of the area’s most historic homes with a preview of the annual Landmarked Home Tour in Downers Grove. Then we set you up for some grown up fun with craft beers at Alter Brew Fest, and great live Blues at Johnny’s Blitz in Westmont.

However you choose to “fall” into the season with family and friends, take advantage of all that’s here in your hometowns.

Thanks for reading,

We’ve got to the low-down on all the best seasonal events happening around town, so you don’t have to hunt for the details. And when you make time to chill out, we’ve got some super choices for family game night that will get the whole crew in on the fun.

We’ve even got tips and conversation about finding the perfect furry (or scaled) family member to complete your household.

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

on the

COVER The Foote House is just one of four featured homes on tour this year at the annual Friends of the Edwards House Landmarked Homes Tour in Downers Grove. Page 24. Photos provided.

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PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Jonathon Bilyk, Chris Walker, Kevin Druley, Diane Spivak and Erin Sauder.

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 Phone: 630-845-5288

SEPTEMBER

2019

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SHOP, DINE, PLAY, LIVE

www.downtowndg.org ~ 630-725-0991 SLM Mag Sept 2019.indd 5

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INSIDE

What's

FAMILY IN FOCUS

HOME & LIFESTYLE

7 HALLOWEEN AROUND TOWN Catch the latest lineup of spooky, scary treat-filled and merry Halloween events and activities.

24 HOMES WITH HISTORY Celebrate the beauty and heritage of our hometown with a peek inside four distinguished local homes at the Landmarked Homes Tour.

10 PETS ON PARADE For a fun and furry time, hit the streets for the annual Pet Promenade in Westmont.

12 DOGS VS. CATS Suburban Superdad Jon Bilyk sounds off on this age old family debate.

14 MAKE YOUR HOME A LIZARD LOUNGE Connsidering the joys and trials of reptile ownership.

16 BACK TO SCHOOL NUTRITION Experts weigh in on the best foods for your family, and how to balance your meals with a busy family schedule.

20 FAMILY GAME NIGHT Gather round the dining room table for an Editor’s Choice of great family games every member can enjoy.

DINING & ENTERTAINING

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 STAY IN THE GAME WITHOUT ELBOW STRAIN The pros at Theracore in Westmont are here to help you relieve your pain and keep on swinging.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 28 DAMN RIGHT, IT’S IN THE ’BURBS The hottest suburban spot for blues is Johnny’s Blitz in Westmont.

BUSINESS & CIVIC 30 THE REIT WAY Financial expert Tom McCartney explains the lefts and rights of REITS.

22 ALTER YOUR SENSES Downers Grove’s own Alter Brewing to host its downtown craft beer festival.

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SEPTEMBER

2019

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SCARE UP SOME

Halloween Fun ALL OVER TOWN THERE’S THERE’S PLENTY PLENTY OFOFSPOOKY FUN SPOOKY FUN TOTOBE FOR BE HAD HAD FOR EVERYONE IN EVERYONE IN THE THE FAMILY FAMILY BYBYDIANE SPIVAK DIANEKRIEGER KRIEGER SPIVAK

Believe it or not, Halloween is sneaking up on us like a monster in a horror movie, so get your ghoul on and check out these family-friendly Halloween activities heading your way in Downers Grove and Westmont.  PUMPKIN FLOTILLA Fri. Oct. 11, 6-7 p.m.

Diane Main Park Twin Lakes 200 West 59th St., Westmont Admission: Free While Jack-O-Lanterns float nearby on Twin Lakes, hear scary stories around the campfire while munching on s’mores. Bring blankets. www.westmontparks.org

 ZOMBIE RUN Oct. 12, 6:30-10 p.m.

Ages 10 and older Cost: Under 16 - $25, 16 and older - $35 Twin Lakes Golf Course , 400 West 59th St., Westmont Obstacle course throughout golf course.

Make it through the entire course with at least one football flag left on your belt, and you will have survived. www.westmontparks.org

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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 DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT HALLOWEEN IMPROV SHOW Oct. 13, 2 pm Lincoln Center Tickets available starting Sept. 1 at the Lincoln Center or online.

By Oct. 10: Child: $8 / Adult: $12 At the door: Child: $10 / Adult: $14 Knuckleball Comedy will have kids and adults laughing, acting and wanting more. Featuring fun and spooky Halloween stories, kids will be engaged and eager to volunteer to be a part of this incredible show!

From their famous improvised stories, to bringing in their talented panel of “experts,” this show is unlike any other.  WICKED WEST FEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST Sat. Oct. 19, 10:30 am Downtown Westmont, Cass Ave. www.westmontchamber.com 630-960-5553  TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Downtown Westmont on Cass www.westmontchamber.com 630-960-5553  PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to Noon Cass and Irving, Westmont Pumpkin Decorating and smashing contest www.westmontchamber.com 630-960-5553  CASKETS ON CASS RACE Oct. 19, 5 to 9 p.m.

Bring your own casket to race Entry fee Register at www.westmontchamber.com 630-960-5553

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 HAUNTED FOREST TOUR Sat. Oct. 19, 5-9:30 p.m.

Diane Main Park Admission: $6 www.westmontparks.org  HALLOWEEN WINDOW PAINTING Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Admission: Free Main and Curtiss Street, Downers Grove Bring your paintbrush and a food donation for F.I.S.H. Pantry. No registration required. Downers Grove Rotary Club and Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation provide the paint.

Pick up your paint at 933A Curtiss.

(630) 725-0991 www.downtowndg.org  NOON LIONS CLUB HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct. 27, 2019, Noon Fishel Park, 1050 Grove Str., Downers Grove Admission: Free (630) 725-0991 http://www.downtowndg.org  SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING Oct. 27, 1 to 3 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat at participating Downtown Merchants Downtown Downers Grove, Main and Curtiss Street, Downers Grove Admission: Free (630) 725-0991 http://www.downtowndg.org  HALLOWEEN FUN FAIR Halloween, Oct. 31, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Diane Main Park Community Center Gymnasium Admission: Free Bounce houses, pizza, popcorn and other refreshments, carnival-type games, costume parade in the gym. www.westmontparks.org

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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With Oticon Opn S, you can enjoy speech understanding on par with normal hearing.**

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FURRYFun Westmont ’s annual pet promenade, party offers fun for the whole family

BY ERIN SAUDER

D

addy daughter dances and mom- son date nights are all too common.

But when is the last time you spent some quality time with your furry (or feathered) best friend?

Community members are invited to do just during the eighth annual Westmont Pet Promenade and Party in the Park.

Presented by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau and the Westmont Park District, this year’s event is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 22, at Ty Warner Park, at Blackhawk and Plaza drives.

The party will feature fun for the whole family, whether they’re two-legged, four-legged, winged or wiggly. Even better: the event is free.

and Tourism Bureau and is Westmont’s economic development director.

Just some of the day’s festivities will include vendor booths, the costume parade, and more. Don’t have a pet? No problem. There will be plenty of animal friends on hand to visit with. Additionally, those of all ages will find a full lineup of activities, including demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck exhibits, games, crafts, and more.

Back by popular demand is the live sheep herding demonstration, as well as

a police K-9 unit demonstration. The Cold-Blooded Creatures reptile roadshow will also return with its star attraction, Bubba the Alligator. The 8-foot long animal weighs more than 200 pounds.

Attendees can also satisfy their festival appetites with a snack from The Sweet & Savory Spot, who will be onsite with food for purchase.

The day will culminate with the Pet Promenade around the park at 1:30 p.m., with judges handing out contest prizes.

Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the Westmont Pet Promenade and Party in the Park has continued to add new attractions and draw larger

“We just want people to come out and enjoy the day,” says Larry Forssberg, who serves as executive director of the Westmont Chamber of Commerce

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FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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West Suburban Humane Society presents

26th Annual Barkapalooza 2019 Walkathon and Pet Expo

Sunday, September 29th, 10:00am - 2:00pm Lisle Community Park 1825 Short Street in Lisle

crowds.

“It has definitely grown since the very beginning,” Forssberg says. “Each year it gets a little larger. And the scope of the event has also expanded in terms of the number of family-friendly activities we have going on. The big highlight is the actual Promenade Parade itself which gives pets a chance to show off any special tricks they can do. Even folks who have pets in the parade will watch the others coming in from behind them. It’s a very interactive day.”

and birds. It goes way beyond that in today’s world.”

More information about the event can be found at http://www. westmontchamber.com/programs-events.html.

Great Prizes!

Schedule of Events

Great Food!

10:00 Blessing for the animals 10:15 Let the Walk begin!

10:30 - 1:00 Sunshine the Clown: face painting

From Wags to Riches Raffle 9:30 am • Winner will receive a $1,000 prize!

Early registration

• Chicago Pizza Boss • Pitty Que • Homemade Pastries and Fresh Coffee • Tacochella • The Vegan Food Truck

and balloon sculptures

Great Shopping!

12:00-2:00 Lure Course2:00

Fun for You and Your Dog! Raffle winner announced

Over 30 great vendors!

Collect pledges and help animals!

The more you collect, the more you win! $500 to the top collector and many other prizes to be won. Raise $100 for an event t-shirt.

A BIG THANK YOU

To All of our Barkapalooza Sponsors

Just what kinds of pets show up to this annual event?

“We’ve had people with parrots on their shoulder, all types of gerbils, hamsters, snakes, turtles, rabbits, cats, dogs. It’s a wide variety. We had a goat couple of years ago. It’s pretty amazing,” Forssberg says.

“When we think of pets our minds immediately go to cats and dogs

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For additional information or to obtain a pledge sheet, contact the West Suburban Humane Society at www.WSHS-DG.org, 1901 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, 630-960-9600, ext. 25.

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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We now offer Doggie Birthday parties in our facility. Three themes to choose from.

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THE GREAT DEBATE When it comes to the family pet, where do your loyalties lay?

S

ometimes, truly great moments in cinema can lend insight to the human condition and clarify one’s perspective on the world.

At other times, the insight can come from pondering a scene from a movie starring Rick Moranis.

For many years, the question quietly churned in the back of my head.

No, not “Why was Rick Moranis such a hot cinematic property in the 1980s?”

Rather, it was trying to decide how I actually came down on the great debate, one which has vexed and divided humanity for generations: Which animal makes the better pet, dogs or cats?

For decades, I had sought neutrality on the issue, because I honestly could not say. From my earliest memories, both species, canine and feline, had been a large part of my life, teaching me many of the truly important lessons of life, such as: • You must ensure a helpless creature doesn’t starve to death.

• Cleaning up bodily functions is not a desirable goal in life, so get up, let the dog out, and refresh the cat’s litter box every so often.

• Take a few seconds secure the back gate, or prepare to spend hours searching the neighborhood in a cold January wind for the lost animal (who will then wander back on their own, because, you know, they’re not actually lost and it’s cold in January.)

But most important, the animals taught me about mortality, the brevity of life, and how to face it with dignity and strength, choosing to balance the joy of life against the pain of having to say goodbye, and learning it was all worth it.

In the decades since my youth flitted, several dogs and cats have come through my life and that of my family. Some, as you may expect, are missed more than others.

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Not too long ago, it was left to me to be the final human our family cat, who I will identify only as ‘B,’ would lay eyes upon. B had lived a long life, but had gotten sick at the end, as living things often do.

Faced with huge veterinary bills or a quick, humane end, we opted to minimize the B’s suffering.

I didn’t think it would affect me much. See, for most of her life, B had been something of a recluse, coming out of her lair in our basement only so often, and usually hissing at me, unless she realized I was the only one around to feed her.

But in her final days, B had stunned us all, by coming out of hiding and actually warming up to our girls, seeking them out for play and cuddles, bringing smiles and laughter again.

So, when the time came suddenly to put her down, the feelings came unexpectedly, realizing my girls were being deprived of the experience.

Now, this is not to say they are missing out on having a pet. We still have a dog. And by most measures, he is a very good boy, if not particularly stout.

So they, too, are learning those important lessons listed above through him.

But it has become clear they are cat people. On one hand, it’s obvious from the way they interact with the dog, preferring indoor cuddles to tug of war or back yard games of fetch.

Also, they’ve asked, with puppy dog eyes: “Daddy, can we have a cat?”

But just months removed from one cat, I am not quite there yet.

A big reason? I have decided I am a dog person.

To be clear, I do not harbor hatred for cats. Rather, I am just not sure they secretly don’t harbor disinterest for me.

This is where Rick Moranis comes in. In 1989, Moranis starred in Disney’s film, “Honey, I Shrunk the

Kids.” Even as a pre-teen lad, I was struck by a scene in the film in which the aforementioned shrunken children, as they attempted to find their way back through the grass of their back yard to their house, decided to whistle for the family dog to serve as a shuttle. And the dog answered, barking at the back door until Moranis, portraying the mad scientist shrink-ray-inventor-father, let him outside.

As a young man, I wondered: If I were shrunk to the size of an ant, would my dog still know me, and respond the same way to me? Understanding this is a hypothesis impossible to prove, I submit he – despite his understandable initial confusion - likely would.

In the years since, this thought experiment has expanded to include my cats. It has led me to conclude there is a 50/50 chance, or worse, a shrunken me could expire in the pit of a feline digestive tract.

Again, to be clear, I do not dislike cats and wish the best to them all (or most of them, at least.)

Further, were you to fast forward a year or so in the life of my family, there is a likelihood you will find one lurking somewhere in our house.

And you would find me resting comfortably knowing shrink rays remain merely a plot device in silly movies starring Rick Moranis.  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 SEPTEMBER 2019

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FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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L

izards are growing in popularity as family pets, but while Bruce the Bearded Dragon, Mickey the Gold-Dust Day Gecko and Sven the Blue-Tongued Skink might seem like great names for coollooking lizards, that doesn’t necessarily me they’d make great pets for your family.

That’s something you need to find out before choosing to make a lizard your pet. It’s recommended that you research about pet lizard ownership, including cost, care and more because having a lizard as a pet is far different than Snoopy and Hooch or Sylvester and Garfield.

“Do you have the space available? Do you have the housing? What about an available food source,” asks Scott Smith of Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo. “Some lizards eat snails. Can you get a steady supply of snails?” These are some key questions before you decide to bring home such a pet.

Obviously, if you’re looking for a good-looking pet to take on walks and to play fetch with then a lizard is probably not ideal for you, although Smith did acknowledge there are lizards you can walk on a leash.

“It’s just like with different dog breeds, there are the same things with so many different reptiles out there,” Smith . “Some are on trees, some are on ground, some prefer to be underground.

I would say if you’re looking for a great starter lizard you should go with a bearded dragon.”

If you’re looking for a more quiet and calm pet, then a lizard might be perfect for you. Of course, there are certainly other factors that should be considered. You shouldn’t just swipe your credit card, take the lizard home and say, “Ok, this is your home. Enjoy your new life.”

jump at the chance to care for them.”

Several area locations sell lizards. While those business are certainly a good starting point to move forward with getting one, there’s also a lot that of knowledge that can be gained online.

“When I started in the hobby, I would go online and when I found four or five people telling me the same thing, that’s the information I would use,” Smith says. “Everybody has little quirks, but it all works, so take the basics and do the same thing.”

Audrey Kovach adopted a pair of five-year-old leopard geckos that a family no longer wanted.

Kovach says they eat mealworms, are easy to care for and the biggest cost was up front for their enclosure and heating.

“They are easy to handle and the female is very sweet and likes to be petted,” she says. “They both come out when they hear you getting food ready. That’s kind of fun. Who knew lizards were like that? Also, if you’re traveling, most people

A Toast to Good Times for a Great Cause!

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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REAL FOOD As kids head back to the classroom, power them with simple nutritious choices

By Diane Krieger Spivak

S

ummer is almost over and for most children, it’s about time to head back to the classroom.

Feeding kids a healthy diet isn’t always easy in this age of working parents, extra-curricular activities and the temptation of junk food that seems to

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be everywhere.

Whether just entering kindergarten or about to finish high school, kids need a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep them healthy and perform at their best academically and physically.

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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Kiwi Strawberry Parfait INGREDIENTS:

“Breakfast equals brain power is a real thing,” says Laura Barr, Nutrition & Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension, serving DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. “The research reveals that children who eat breakfast have both improved cognitive performance and better academic achievement, plus, decreased incidence of behavioral problems and tardiness.”

The evidence points to both young children and teens alike, though larger bodies and high levels of physical activity demand more calories, which is a measurement of energy, notes Barr. “As teens consume more calories, they will

naturally acquire the extra vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health.”

Children of any age should eat nutrient dense foods and limit foods high in sugar, fat and salt.

An ideal breakfast would include carbohydrates, protein and fat, says Barr. “That could look like a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole-wheat toast with a glass of milk.”

If you pack your children’s lunches (or even if they pack their own), Barr notes that it’s important to include a balance of protein, starch, fruit, vegetable and dairy.

“Be mindful of the foods that your child prefers, and make sure their favorites are built into the lunch,” says Barr. “Choose brightly colored produce and balance textures for variety.”

One way to get smaller children to eat their veggies and fruit, according to nutrition experts, is to let them have a say in which ones to pack. “It is important to let little ones choose the foods they like out of a variety of healthy options,” adds Barr. “Over time they will choose nourishing foods, if that is what is offered in the home and modeled by their caretakers.”

2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced 1 cup fresh (or thawed from frozen) strawberries, sliced 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup corn or bran flakes cereal PREPARATION: Use 10-12 ounce clear glass or plastic glasses.

Layer kiwifruit, strawberries, yogurt, and cereal in glasses and serve.

NOTE: Nutrition Facts calculated using fresh strawberries, 0% fat vanilla Greek yogurt, and bran flakes. Recipe makes about 20 ounces total parfait.

NUTRITION FACTS: Servings per Recipe:2, Calories: 210, Fat: 1g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 11g, Sodium: 100mg, Total Carbohydrates: 41g

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Turkey Sandwich Wraps INGREDIENTS: 4 whole-wheat tortillas (8”) 4 tablespoon light mayonnaise 8 slices turkey lunchmeat 4 lettuce leaves 1 tomato, sliced PREPARATION: Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on each tortilla.

Layer turkey, lettuce, and tomato on each tortilla.

Carefully roll each tortilla with toppings to make sandwich wrap.

NOTE: Recipe makes 4 full sandwich wraps. 1 sandwich wrap per serving.

Try this recipe with different types of lunch meats, vegetables, and spreads!

NUTRITION FACTS: Servings per Recipe: 4, Calories: 200, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 670g, Total Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 1.g, Protein: 9g

Harvard University School of Public Health’s Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate, a guide to nutritious food choices for children, also calls for colorful produce, which should fill half the plate or lunch box with two or three different kinds. Fill one quarter with whole grains, such as pasta, brown rice or quinoa, and the last quarter with protein in the form of beans, nuts, peanut butter, hummus, edamame, fish, chicken or a hardboiled egg. Add healthy fats, such as vegetable oils (olive, canola, sunflower, soy, and corn), nuts, seeds, and fish, plus dairy, if desired, such as cottage cheese, string cheese, milk or plain Greek yogurt. Yes, good fats are a necessary part of a healthy diet.

Harvard suggests one serving of fresh fruits, such as grapes, apple slices or rings, melon chunks (cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon), berries (strawberries, blueberries or

raspberries), or banana slices, and two servings of vegetables like carrot coins or sticks, cucumber, broccoli, bell pepper strips, asparagus spears, summer squash ribbons or grape tomatoes.

While breakfast may be the most important meal of the day in terms of maintaining energy, dinner time is important for reasons that go beyond nutrition.

“We live in a fast-paced culture, and it is imperative to view

dinner time to nourish both body and soul,” says Barr.

“Protect dinner time to connect with family members most days of the week.” Tips to make that happen during busy weekdays include using off times, such as a weekend, to prepare freezer meals and to pre-chop vegetables. Have children help in the prep. “Pre-planning a menu for the week will save time for communications between family members, which is essential for healthy family relationships,” notes Barr.

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FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

5

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

FUN CHOICES FOR THE FAMILY

 THE OREGON TRAIL CARD GAME That’s right, the 1970s era computer game that simulated an 1840s ride across the plains is now a card game, perfect for a night of unplugged nostalgia. It’s not without a share of drama. Throughout the course of the game, members of your party could fall ill from a variety of historic causes, such as measles, snakebite, cholera and exhaustion. People could also die from drowning or a broken leg. Your oxen were also subject to illness and death. When one of your party members dies, a funeral is briefly held, at which you may write a suitable tombstone epitaph, and after which you continue down the trail.

Prediction: Someone will die of dysentery.

 MONOPOLY Yes, I said it, the classic game of real estate moguling never seems to age out, and its by far my extended family’s favorite. Whether you play by the instructions in the box or make up your own “house” rules, you’d better make sure everyone is clear on what’s expected, and let the wheeling and dealing commence.

Put your cash on free parking and save those get out of jail cards.

20

 MINUTE TO WIN IT If you have seen the television game show, you already know how much fun these challenges can be. A combination of skill, speed and agility, most of the challenges are funny, sometimes silly, and always trying! What we love most about these is that the challenges vary – with age and size of the participants not necessarily an advantage. Kids, adults, teens and grandparents all can play, and win! My kids kicked my butt at “Face the Cookie” (stacking Oreos on your face and getting them in your mouth without use of hands), while my 1980s dance moves made me a master at “Junk in the Trunk” in which a belted tissue box full of ping pong balls gets emptied as you wiggle. There are plenty of options online, most made from stuff found at home or at the nearby dollar store. Just search “Minute to Win it games” online for ideas.  BANANAGRAMS Disclaimer: My teens say this game is unfair for me to play because I am an editor. But I like it for its speed. Imagine scrabble without the board. Players take a selection of letter tiles and when you say “GO!” everyone begins forming their own word puzzles with the letters they have.

You can trade back your extra ‘E’ or that lowly “Q” without a “U” but you get two tiles in return. First one to use up all their letters wins the round. No points, no board. Just fun. Round by round. It’s easy to play, jump in and out of the game, and stretch your vocabulary as you go.  SUPERFIGHT This is a lesserknown game that’s set up to pit player against player in a debate of strength, wit and prowess.

Consider it like a cross between Fight Club and Superfriends.

Players choose from a selection of character cards (think “fighter”) and attribute cards (think “skill”). Then they throw down to debate which combination would win in a fight. After making their arguments, the table decides the winner of the round, who moves on to fight again. Engage in hero vs. hero battles, villain vs. hero battles, or the definite favorite…villain vs. villain. Don’t like the fight? Determine your own test: who would build a house the best? Who would climb a mountain the quickest? Who would be better if trapped on a desert island. The options – and the arguments – are endless. Warning: if you don’t like to be interrupted, this isn’t a good game for you.

FAMILY IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER 2019

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geico.com/chicagoland | (773) 582-8888 | kware@geico.com Chicagoland Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or<default> all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image Š 1999-2019. Š 2019 GEICO adno=STM000109144001

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Third annualAlter Fest promises unique craft brewsto temptyourtaste buds

By Kevin Druley

A

bout 700 craft beer enthusiasts attended the third annual Alter Fest in 2018, making the third annual event of Downers Grove-based Alter Brewing the biggest to date.

A cocktail of momentum, experience and word-of-mouth – not to mention the brewery’s varied ingredients – have organizers poised to continue the growth trend as this year’s fest approaches Sept. 28.

22

“We’re really excited to take a step forward and hopefully make this year better than last and pack this place again,” Alter Brewing marketing manager Adam Hooczko says. “Organization has come a long way to improve our guests’ experience to find whatever it is they’re looking for.”

Visitors to the brewery at 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 213, Downers Grove, will find an assortment of Alter’s signature beers as well

as barrel-aged offerings and a section for experimental brews crafted by head brewer Matt McCowan and Co. “Some of the usual suspects will be more prominently positioned,” Hooczko says, referring to such favorites as Center Line Golden Ale (easy drinking golden ale with malt notes of biscuit and honey); Hell Hazed Over (New England IPA with minimal malt character and a mango/pineapple/melon flavor blend);

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and Festbier (Oktoberfest-like Vienna style lager that’s subtly toasted and sweet).

Still, that hardly means other offerings will be hard to find on what figure to be bustling Alter grounds. Food trucks and live bands, including Tom Petty tribute act Mojo and rockers Whiskey Jezebel, will be on hand when Alter Fest opens at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets cost $20 plus tax and fees and include two beer tickets. Tickets on the day of the event are $25 plus tax and fees. For $40 more, interested patrons can augment their experience with a VIP ticket that provides early admission and a limited-seating, hands-on tasting hosted by McCowan and his team, who’ll share some new offerings and tricks of the trade.

“You get a taste of some interesting new stuff and you also get to chat it up with the brew team,” Hooczko says. “We thought that would be a cool experience, kind of a hands-on look.”

Sixty VIP seats are available, and tickets were remaining at press time. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (630)

541-9558 or log on to www. alterbrewing.com. Website visitors and Alter Fest patrons must be 21 and over.

The Alter team provides a monthly look at what’s new at the brewery via an online newsletter. Sign-up information is available on the website.

Other news and updates can be found at Alter’s Twitter account, @AlterBeer.

The brewery’s slogan is “Alter your life,” and to that end, the team is preparing for a substantial shift within the year.

Hooczko says Alter is finalizing details to add a second brewery in St. Charles, adjacent to Hotel Baker along the Fox River, with a March opening tentatively scheduled.

Growth continues to be a theme at Alter Brewing, and the impending addition figures to be a conversation piece during Alter Fest.

“A great location that’s exciting for us,” Hooczko says. “We’ll have to see about maybe having a second event.”

DINING & ENTERTAINING SEPTEMBER 2019

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THE GORMAN-DUM HOUSE

time Stepping through

Enjoy the historic charm of Downers Grove at annual house tour

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

L

Sponsored by the Friends of the Edwards House, the third annual tour will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, and will feature the following landmarked homes in Downers Grove:

For one day, you can step back in time and take a peek inside four such older homes during the 2019 Landmarked House Tour.

 THE LYMAN HOUSE Built in 1839 for abolitionist Rev. Orange Lyman, this stucco-fronted Greek revival-esque home is believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad. The house is also believed to be the

ike many older communities, Downers Grove effectively blends construction of modern buildings like the ones that have popped up in the downtown area over the last few years with its older homes that are rich in history.

24

oldest in both Downers Grove and DuPage County.

 THE BUNGE HOUSE Gustav Bunge, the original owner of the Tivoli theater, built this Victorian home in 1883 in downtown Downers Grove and later moved the home to make way for construction of his movie theater and hotel that still stands there today. The home features stained glass windows, a floating

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THE LYMAN HOUSE

three story staircase and ornate woodwork. A previous homeowner did extensive renovations to restore and revive all the original woodwork and hardware.  THE FOOTE HOUSE Emerson Foote, who was a business partner with E.H. Prince and Fannie Linscott in The E.H. Prince and Company, built this home in 1892.

The home retains much of its original grandure representing the distinguishing characteristics of the Queen Anne architectural style, including clapboard siding, crossgabled roof, turret, an airy front porch and ornamental details.  THE GORMAN-DUM HOUSE Built circa 1895, this Queen Anne home features a steeply pitched, hipped roof and decorative detailing, a large wraparound porch, and striking towers and bays. The home still boasts its original stone foundation. The gabled dormer has a curved window, and the turret has leaded glass windows and decorative soffits.

“It’s a joy to showcase these beautiful historic homes. These homes remind us that persevering our past through architecture is

THE FOOTE HOUSE

beneficial to all of us,” says Christine Martin, co-chair of the Friends of Edwards House.

Tickets cost $15 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ landmarked-house-tour-2019tickets-66126350695 or $20 on the day of the event. Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets need to be picked up before the tour from 9 a.m. to noon at Platinum Partners Realtors, 5200 Main St. second floor.

Proceeds help cover the operational expenses of Friends of the Edwards House, a group of concerned residents that helps increase awareness about the importance of landmarking historic structures. The preservation group also works with homeowners to landmark their older homes, thus not only saving them from possible demolition, but also bestowing pride in their historical and architectural integrity. So far the group has assisted with landmarking 26 homes in Downers Grove, with more properties in the queue.

To learn more about the house tour or the Friends of the Edwards House, call (312) 485-4802 or look for the group on Facebook.

It was an idea born at a family birthday party in October 2011 that sparked Ellyn Nicodem and Jon Hoekema to open Friendly Stitches Sew and Vac. Hoekema was pastor of Horizon Community Church and Nicodem had just left a 28-year retail career, when the topic of a reliable place for people to buy or service sewing machines and vacuums at a fair and honest price was needed in the community.

committed to serving others and the community, and offers two different kinds of ongoing charity sewing events, as well as supports Horizon Community Church, Sharing Connections, and other groups.

“We have created deep friendships with so many of our customers, and feel we are in a position to help others in numerous ways,” Nicodem says.

For more information about Now in its eighth year, Friendly products, services and classes at Stitches sells quality sewing, Friendly Stitches Sew & Vac, visit quilting and embroidery machines www.friendlystitches.com. as well as vacuums. It’s service department repairs any make or model of the machines or vacuums. And Friendly Stitches encourages customers to come in and talk to them about their needs to find a solution together.

“We envisioned a store that would interact with and benefit the community,” Hoekema says. “We envisioned a store that would interact with and benefit the community. In order for that to happen, we knew that we needed the right people, people of good character with experience in this field. Our people have many years of experience with sewing machines and vacuum cleaners, having used them, sold them, trained on them or repaired many different makes and models.”

Friendly Stitches is totally

2135 63rd Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516 www.friendlystitches.com Ellyn@friendlystitches.com Hours : 9-5 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9-8 Thursday 9-3 Saturday SM-CL1686160

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STAY IN THE GAME

WITHOUT ELBOW PAIN P

addle tennis is quickly becoming a popular sport in the American Suburbs. With the new sport comes the challenge of staying healthy while playing. Have you ever had a sore elbow following a session of paddle tennis? If you have, you are not alone! Tightness, tenderness, or discomfort surrounding the inside or outside of your elbow is a common sensation among paddle players and is a sensation that should not be ignored.

The repeated motions of the wrist and elbow as they flex and extend during paddle may lead to inflammation that causes discomfort in the elbow. Do not ignore pain or discomfort! Elbow pain from paddle may be something that can be sustained during your training now, but as the condition persists, it may lead to more serious injury. Eventually, you may even find it more difficult or painful to grip or lift your paddle. Not to mention, this pain is frustrating when trying to focus on your game! Fortunately, there are exercises and treatment processes we can help you implement here at TheraCORE to reduce and even eliminate elbow pain for good. With the appropriate therapy and treatment, you can recover from elbow pain fairly quickly.

There are several steps you can take to try to treat elbow pain from paddle on your own. Resting the elbow, using an elbow strap, and using anti-inflammatory medications are all ways to potentially reduce your pain. However, these steps are more of “quick-fixes” and, while they might provide you with immediate relief from your pain, they do not offer you a long term solution. Performing wrist or elbow exercises will help to relieve your pain long term.

The goal of exercise is to improve the strength and flexibility of your muscles surrounding the source of injury (for example, forearm muscles). An example of a flexibility exercise can be seen here:

26

WRIST FLEXOR STRETCH:  Hold your arm out straight in front of you with your palm facing up.  Place your other hand on the fingers of your outstretched hand.  Pull your fingers back towards your body (you should feel a stretch in your forearm).  Hold for 30 seconds.  Repeat.

You might find this exercise helpful, but it is important to get to the root of your elbow pain in the first place.

Although the source of pain you may be experiencing feels like it is originating in the elbow, the actual problem leading to the elbow pain may be from a lack of mobility or stability at the wrist or shoulder.

Lack of mobility or stability across joints lead to compensatory movement patterns. Compensatory patterns affect the mechanics of the joint which cause increased stress along specific tendons depending on the movement being performed. For example, the elbow may play the victim to a shoulder that does not rotate properly. Without adequate shoulder rotation the elbow becomes torqued with each swing of the racket placing increased stress on the tendons which can eventually lead to pain. If compensatory patterns are not present, elbow pain while playing paddle can be from excessive gripping or repetitive motions of the wrist and is often

caused by overuse. Overuse injuries can be tricky because although they feel manageable for a while, they can potentially lead to increase tendon damage over time which prolongs recovery.

At TheraCORE, a physical therapist can perform a free injury screen to analyze your movement patterns and locate the origin of injury that is leading to your painful condition. Following the injury screen, the physical therapist may recommend a full evaluation to ensure that the problem is treated appropriately through quality treatment. You will perform exercises with the physical therapist that will help you get back to your paddle game in no time!

Zach Tomanovich is a Physical Therapist at TheraCORE Physical Therapy in Westmont.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SEPTEMBER 2019

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Photo by: Marilyn Stringer

Photo by: BERNIE WALBENNY

it’s in the ’burbs

Damn right 28

Chicago may be the heart of the Blues, but out west, it beats at Johnny’s Blitz

By Chris Walker • Photos provided by Johnny's Blitz

M

any come for the burgers, beers and bourbon. For others, it’s all about hearing the blues. Regardless of what brings you in to Johnny’s Blitz Bar and Grill at 20 N. Cass in Westmont, (open less that two years) quickly has become a popular music destination, keeping the Westmont blues tradition strong with live music and no cover charges several nights a week.

Owner John Dasoqi, a self-coined “blues rat,” was committed to bringing the blues back to Westmont where he believes it belongs. So he did.

“We love the blues, and this is Muddy Waters’ town and it’s a shame that we didn’t have an

avenue to celebrate Muddy Waters and the blues,” he says. “I’ve been frequenting blues clubs since 1981 so I’ve always been around the blues.

This appeals to me tremendously.

I’ve always wanted to have something with the blues.”

Johnny Blitz’s now has it with a busy schedule of talented performers, including a visit from Waters’ youngest son.

Upcoming shows from late September through early November include, Lurrie Bell (Sept. 20), Lil’ Ed and the Blue Imperials (Sept.21), Downtown Charlie Brown Band (Sept. 27), John Primer and the Real DealBlues Band (Sept. 28), Chicago Blues Angels (Oct. 4), St. Jupiter (Oct. 5), Charlie Love and

the Silky Smooth Band (Oct. 11), Joseph “Mojo” Morganfield, who is the youngest son of Muddy Waters (Oct. 12), Vino Louden Blues Band (Oct.18), Linsey Alexander (Oct. 19), Breezy Rodio (Oct. 25), Brother Elsey (Oct.26), Big Dog Mercer (Nov. 1), Luca Kiella Band (Nov. 2) and Linsey Alexander(Nov. 8-9).

Connor Korte, booking manager and FOH engineer for Johnny’s Blitz, does all of the venue’s booking, visiting other blues clubs, watching videos and listening to countless past performance and new tracks as well as belonging to numerous social media sites with a focus on the blues.

“I check out Rosa’s, Kingston Mines, B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, Buddy Guy’s

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and check out websites to see traction, and what names are out there, and then go on their Facebook pages and check them out,” Korte says. “If I see a video and it fits our criteria and they sound great, I’ll reach out to them or their booking agent.”

Recognizing that there are lots of great blues performers, but few blues venues, Dasoqi and Korte continue to put in the hard work so that the blues remain in Westmont.

“I kind of feel like we’re kind of helping to keep the blues alive,” Dasoqi says.

“Giving them a place to play and keeping it alive has kind of all led up to where we’re at now.

“We’ve got famous blues artists coming through along with upcoming artists,” Dasoqi says. “We don’t discriminate.

It’s a who’s who in the blues scene with the same guys who play the House of Blues, Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy’s Legends. They come up through the ranks and we try tobook them when they’re in town.”

While you won’t be overwhelmed by the stage and the overall size of Johnny Blitz’s, the same cannot be said for the sound, which continues to be praised

by blues fans and performers alike, with tens of thousands dollars invested in the state-of-the-art system.

“Sometimes an artist will go outside and take their guitar and perform in the middle of Cass Avenue,” Dasoqi says.

“We’ll open up the two garage doors and the sounds will overflow onto the street and bring people in. It gives Westmont its only little Austin, Texas and Nashville vibe.”

Despite all that’s been invested in the stage, sound and the cost of bringing such gifted performers to Westmont, Johnny’s Blitz still doesn’t charge a cover.

They do accept donations. One bucket is passed around and help Johnny’s Blitz pay for the band while a second bucket is also passed around with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Dasoqi’s Fine Arts Scholarship Program, where it is bestowed to the Lion’s Club each week.

“We see a lot of people enjoy the music and it puts smiles on their faces and on our faces,” Dasoqi says. “It’s a lot of hard work when all is said and done, but it’s a pleasure. We’ve basically built this from ground up and have people coming from all over the place to help us become a destination blues venue.”

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Enjoy an early or late pancake breakfast hosted by Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion. Stroll through Cantigny’s fall gardens and visit McCormick House and the First Division Museum, too!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER 2019

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Understanding REITs Unfortunately, I also learned that owning a lot of land was not a guarantee of wealth and prosperity.

The agricultural crisis that started with the 1980 US Grain Embargo resulted in many large farms going under. It was heart-breaking to see generational farms sold at auction leaving the once-proud owners penniless and homeless.

More recently, the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 saw housing prices drop 31.8% which was more than the price plunge during the Great Depression. Although this event largely reframed the desirability of homeownership among many, the overall allure of real estate ownership remains strong. Often investors who may still be a bit nervous about home ownership may not hesitate to put their money into Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). REITs can be attractive as their performance may not directly correlate to stocks or bonds and have become a popular asset class in diversified portfolios.

Let’s take a brief look at what they are and how they work.

Investing in real estate can hold a special allure and has a long history of being equated to wealth. Growing up on a multi-generational farm in WI, I learned at a young age who owned what farms and how many acres they owned. Those running the largest operations were held in highest esteem.

 WHAT ARE REITS? REITs were “born” in 1960 when Congress established them as an amendment to the Cigar Excise Tax Extension of 1960. They are companies that buy, sell, develop and operate real estate assets and distribute their profits to investors.

Originally, REITs were meant to give REIT INCOME SOURCE

 TYPES OF REITS There are many different types and each has underlying investments that make it unique. Broadly speaking, however, REITs can be distinguished by their income source and their availability to investors as follows: Most REITs focus on a particular industry or location. For instance, one REIT may own only hospitals and clinics in an effort to gain exposure to the medical industry. Smaller REITs might seek out a variety of building types and only operate in a few local cities.

DESCRIPTION

EQUITY

OWN AND OPERATE REAL ESTATE

DEBT

PROVIDE MORTGAGES ON PROPERTY

HYBRID

COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE.

REIT AVAILABILITY

30

investors an easy way to participate in the real estate market—similar to how mutual funds allow for easy participation in the stock market.

Today, REITs come in a variety of styles and carry different types of exposure, with some requiring high levels of investor expertise to use.

To qualify as a REIT, a company must—among other things—hold 75 percent of its assets in real estate, distribute 90 percent of its taxable income to investors, be operated by a board of directors and have at least 100 investors.

Most REITs are registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). “Private REITs” do not need to register with the SEC but still must meet the aforementioned operating requirements of a REIT.

DESCRIPTION

PUBLICLY TRADED

LISTED ON A NATIONAL EXCHANGE (VERY TRANSPARENT)

NON-PUBLICLY TRADED

SEC REGISTERED BUT NOT PUBLICLY TRADED.

PRIVATE

PRIVATE PLACEMENTS

BUSINESS & CIVIC SEPTEMBER 2019

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 INVESTOR AVAILABILITY: PUBLIC, NON-PUBLICLY TRADED, OR PRIVATE The most easily accessible REITs are those with shares publicly listed and traded on the exchanges. These are SEC registered and are meant to have a high level of investor transparency. Since these REITs are traded just like stocks, companies have created REIT mutual funds and REIT exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to broaden their real estate exposure rather than keeping it concentrated in a single REIT. A REIT that does not allow its shares to be listed publicly can choose whether to register with the SEC. If it does, it becomes a “non-traded REIT” that has rights and regulations similar to those of other public companies. If it does not register, it becomes a “private REIT.” Private REITs are not required to be as transparent with their investors. Private REITs carry a high level of risk and are generally only available to accredited investors (those with over $1 million in investable assets).

As part of the SEC’s regulations, nontraded REITs are required to have a predetermined end date. On the end date, the REIT must either liquidate and distribute its assets to shareholders or become a publicly traded REIT.  POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS AND RISKS Every REIT (like every investment) is subject to its own risks—some apply to all REITs, while some are unique to each REIT type. Here are a few to keep in mind: TAX RATES: dividends are typically treated as ordinary income for tax purposes which are higher than longterm capital gains rates.

MARKET RISK: REITs are subject to the success and needs of the renters or property owners and are not immune to economic fluctuations.

INTEREST AND DEFAULT RISK: mortgage REITs can be subject to underlying valuation swings if inflation or interest rates rise and/or the underlying borrowers creditworthiness erodes.

LIQUIDITY RISKS: because they are not traded on exchanges, shares of non-traded and private REITs can be very illiquid. Investors in these REITs may not be able to sell their shares for many years or could face penalties and loss of principal for selling their shares.

TRANSPARENCY: Non-traded and private REITs are less transparent than public REITs and may not report sales of assets or sources of income to investors. This means that earnings paid to REIT investors may not be stable and could actually be the result of decisions that damage the current or potential value of the REIT. Even with records filed at the SEC (non-traded REITs file reports, private REITs do not), investors cannot clearly predict a fair value when their REITs close or they sell off their shares.

FEES: are one of the most significant drawbacks of non-traded and private REITs. Whereas publicly traded REITs have trading fees similar to those on mutual funds, non-traded and private REITs carry huge commissions and fees that can easily exceed 10-15% of the principal investment.

We have had the privilege of meeting smart, successful professionals and non-profits who were sold non-publicly traded REITs and later found them to be inappropriate, worthless, or both. Our firm deploys highly-rated, publicly traded REITs in many strategies. If you are not sure what you own or would like to find out more, consult your financial advisor or give my team a call so you can invest wisely.

FILE# 2674944.1

 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

This material does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities. An offer can only be made by a prospectus that contains more complete information on risks, management fees and other expenses. Read the prospectus before you invest or send money. There is no assurance that the investment objectives of these programs will be attained. Consult the applicable prospectus or offering memorandum for suitability standards and minimum investments in your state. Participation in a real estate program is an investment in the program and not a direct investment in real estate or any other assets owned by the program. There are risks involved in investing, including market fluctuation and possible loss of principal value, and the investment may not be suitable for all investors.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC).

My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC SEPTEMBER 2019

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