Slm mag july2017

Suburban Life JULY 2017

MAGAZINE

Local couple builds business in restoration

Hot Dog Heaven! page 16

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Editor’s Note

Hooray for summer!

Warm, sunny days, tasty family cookouts and all the great activities the season has to offer. And while many folks hit the road in July for summer vacations to new destinations, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here at home, with events, excursions, destinations and more, American-made!

This month we stop in to talk to some people who are spending their time in nostalgic American pursuits. We meet a Glen Ellyn couple that is building their dream, reclaiming and repurposing all kinds of found objects, into cool, function and historically artistic pieces for the home.

We stop in at the workshop of a local glass blower, whose artisan techniques embody the spirit of American craftsmanship, and a neighborhood soap maker, whose handcrafted cosmetic and skincare products are helping folks with allergies and harken back to a time gone by.

While we are on the topic of how things are made, we meet up with a local car enthusiast to chat about his fascination with American

Muscle cars and what their image has meant to the spirit of the U.S.A., and we take a tour through the homes of one of this country’s foremost architects, the suburb’s own Frank Lloyd Wright.

All this handcrafting makes one hungry, and we have just the fix at three local hot dog stands, where patrons line up to get the best dogs the area has to offer.

We round out that lineup with great veteranfocused events, rural photography, and even get a lesson in rating that great glass of wine for your next summer barbecue.

It’s all right here in your own backyard, and in the pages of Suburban Life Magazine.

Director of Niche Publishing Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

Advertising Bill Korbel 630-427-6230 bkorbel@shawmedia.com

Scott and Kristin Fischer embrace the spirit of American craftsmanship with their home business.

See page 8.

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Suburban Life Magazine Published by Shaw Media 1101 W. 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-368-1100 suburbanlifemagazine@shawmedia.com

Thanks for reading —

on the COVER

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Suburban Life

Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Correspondents Melissa Riske, Yvonne Benson, Chris Walker, Allison Horne, Elizabeth Harmon, Kelli Murray

Photos by ALDO RISOLVO

Photographers Aldo Risolvo, Ron McKinney

Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI SALONS & DAY SPAS Hair by CASSANDRA Makeup by NICOLE

Suburban Life Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Suburban Life Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

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INSIDE THE AMERICANA ISSUE HOME & LIFESTYLE

13

AMERICAN MUSCLE!

Love for vintage cars, both sporty and elegant, drives passion for local enthusiasts.

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BUSINESS & CIVIC 8 SALUTE TO AMERICAN 26 AMERICAN DREAM, CRAFTSMANSHIP Local residents build businesses REALIZED For Judy Hsu, journalism with artisan spirit. has granted her an extended 13 AMERICAN MUSCLE family..

Love for vintage cars, both sporty OUT & ABOUT and elegant, drives passion for 27 AMERICAN HEART local enthusiasts.

Travel expert Peter Stadalsky DINING & ENTERTAINING chats with a cross-country 16 HOT DOG HEAVEN cyclist as he pedals through America’s favorite sandwich town on his journey. takes shape at three great local 28 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT hot dog stands.

Tour the architectural delights 18 COMPARING GRAPES TO of this famed American archiGRAPES tect on the 150th anniversary Wine experts from Tannins in of his birth.

Elmhurst help us decifer the dif29 CELEBRATING OUR ferences in wines by their ratings.

VETERANS Pay homage to the dedication FASHION & BEAUTY of our servicemen and women 20 AMERICAN MAKEOVER with a host of great local The season’s fashions are hot events. with the country’s signature colors.

24 AMERICA’S ICONIC COVER UP When it comes to this fashion statement, T- is for terrific.

30 ARTIST SHOWCASE Photographer Tom Phelan shares his piece, “Barn in Autumn.”

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These local artisans are bringing the spirit of classic American craftsmanship back to the forefront, and customers are going wild for it. Take a look at the work they have been doing:

By ALLISON HORNE

From barn to home: Muirwood Reclamations Kristin and Scott Fischer’s garage in Glen Ellyn looks nothing like your typical garage filled with kids’ toys, cars, and lawn mowers.

Rather, it’s filled with vintage windows, old barn wood and railroad spikes, and has been transformed into a workshop for their homemade craft business, Muirwood Reclamations.

Kristin and Scott didn’t originally intend to start their own company, but their passion for reworking old goods was brought to light while Scott was stationed in Key West, Florida, with the Coast Guard.

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Photos by Aldo Risolvo Muirwood Reclamations has grown into something that Kristin and Scott cherish as a couple in their free time.

“We really like to find a purpose for older items and items that are not going to be used anymore,” Kristin says. “We like to take things that are going to be disposed of and give them new life.”

One of their most popular products, a railroad spike bottle opener, came to be by accident.

“He was just opening up bottles with a railroad spike,” Kristin says. “I have no idea how many beers he was drinking out there, but I knew there had to be an easier way to do it.”

Furniture options were limited in Key West, and the duo was unable to find a table they liked for their home. So instead of settling or shipping it from elsewhere, they decided to make their own.

They found a big piece of lumber from the Chicago area that was originally intended to be a mast for a ship. Instead, Scott was able to transform it into a pub table for their home.

Scott ended up being re-stationed in Wilmette (he grew up in Glen Ellyn), and the couple found themselves digging up their woodworking tools shortly after. They’d craft as a couple, and it didn’t take long for people to start inquiring about their products.

They wound up cutting a piece out of the spike, creating a lip to pop off bottle caps.

While their staple products remain consistent – the railroad spike openers and barn wood products – they are always experimenting with new creations. The duo recently added old faucet and vintage porcelain wine openers to their shop; one of the few items Kristin makes herself.

turn out better, so that’s really all I make. He makes everything else and I get stuck painting.”

Other items in the shop include a railroad spike wine rack, reclaimed wood Chicago flags, barn wood candle centerpieces, coat racks, tables, bar carts, and much more. Their products aren’t just limited to their online shop, either. Kristin notes they do all sorts of personalized custom orders, including various wood team flags.

“Scott is still active, but this is becoming more than a hobby now,” Kristin says. “Scott and I always say we want to grow as big as we possibly can while maintaining a small business mentality.”

Their latest venture is being featured in Carson Pirie Scott and Bergner’s for their “Close to Home” initiative, which features local artisans, designers and entrepreneurs from the community.

u Continued on next page

“He’s very much the maker, I’m very much the designer,” Kristin says. “I’ve tried to make things once Named after the street Scott grew up on in Glen Ellyn, Muirwood Drive, as well as a nod to John Muir, in awhile but his “Once we started getting attention from other people, we realized that we might have something awesome on our hands,” Kristin says.

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When he first started, usable glass was hard to come by, and Fritz would rely on damaged Zenith Television glass panels, which he would pick up in Melrose Park and melt down. Now, it’s a more common practice and glass is sold in 50-pound bags of nuggetshaped product.

Thirty years ago, glass blowing furnaces were not common.

Now, they can be purchased for a pretty penny, but Fritz has always made his own for a fraction of the cost. He uses bricks for the outer portion of the furnace, with a rounded crucible in the center.

“Glass blowing is different than pottery,” Fritz says. “It’s similar in that you’re working with forms and eventually with color, but you can just buy a potter’s wheel. With glass, you have to have this determination and be tenacious enough, and also you have to build your own furnace.”

His studio is attached to his home in Lombard, which features three rooms: a blowing area, a cold working area, and a room to display all of his work.

Although he doesn’t do many now, galleries were a huge part of his career when he first got started. For almost 30 years, he was appearing in as many as seven galleries at a time throughout the Chicagoland area, but also internationally. He has a permanent collection at Glasmuseet in Ebeltoft, Denmark.

His focus now is more on custom pieces, which he prides himself on making unique and special for each customer. Cranes are usually a feature in his art.

“I use them a lot,” Fritz says. “They’re a symbol of long life, good fortune and fidelity.”

While he specializes in paperweights, vases and silhouettes of cranes, he’s had a few interesting pieces throughout the years, including putting a customer’s father’s ashes inside the work.

For commissioned jobs, he always writes a letter breaking down

Photo submitted

“It’s getting so many people to see our products,” Kristin says. “We’re in 26 stores throughout Illinois, so that’s been really nice. It’s great when you have so much pride in your work and other people like your product.”

Robert Lee Fritz turns glass into memories Robert Lee Fritz has always loved working with his hands, but it wasn’t until college that he found his true calling.

Fritz was offered a scholarship to Illinois State for cello, and although he knew he didn’t want to make music for a living, he accepted the scholarship and headed downstate. It turned out to be the right decision.

While he was there, Illinois State started a glass-blowing class, and after taking the class, he knew it was something he wanted to do.

“I love working with my hands,” Fritz says. “There’s something very calming about it. When you finish the piece you created, it is unlike anything else.

I like the fact that I’m able to participate in the age-old process of doing something.”

It ended up being good timing for Fritz, who says that there were only 2-3 other places in Chicago in 1971 that had glass blowing. So he started up his own studio and got to work.

“I like working by myself and I like making what comes to my mind instead of being influenced,” Fritz says.

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Photo submitted

HOME & LIFESTYLE

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what each part of the design means.

Fritz is always experimenting with new pieces, including unique decanters, glass cairns, and pieces with various colors, like for when the Cubs won the World Series (his wife is a big Cubs fan).

“Music is such a wonderful background for something like this,” Fritz says. “If you’re going to work by yourself, you have to be comfortable and you have to be able to look at something that is hard, like a piano piece, and say ‘it’s hard now, but I’ll know it in two weeks’. It allows me to know I’ll work this out.”

In addition to his commissioned work, he also holds workshops for first-time glass blowers and other classes for those with more experience.

But it’s not always about business for Fritz. His son, Jonathan, co-owns Hopewell Brewery in Chicago, and Fritz created all of their beer flight trays, which are made out of glass.

“I made six glasses on a rectangular tray, and the edges look like a foamy beer under a magnifying glass,” Fritz says. “That was so fun to do.”

Fritz has also been working on glasses for everyday use that he plans on giving to his grandchildren one day.

“My favorite thing to work on is any new ideas, whatever might be going on,” Fritz says. “Last year it was the cairns, this year, it’s drinking glasses.”

One thing is for sure: you’ll never find Fritz too far from his studio.

“My wife likes working on crossword puzzles and Sudoku,” Fritz says, “and I like working on glass.”

Red Lemon is changing the skincare market Lemont native Jacquelyn Uznanski never really had any intentions of starting her own business, but that all changed while she was in college.

Uznanski’s mother, Nancy, developed an allergy to lip balms – everything she bought would make her lips swell up.

Rather than sit idly by, Uznanski set out to find a solution: homemade lip balm. And that’s how Red Lemon was born.

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Photo by Uznanski Creations Distinctive Photography made something that kind of worked,” Uznanski says.

“The first recipe I used was just from online and it was just a recipe using kitchen things. The first time, I used lemon extract, red food coloring, beeswax, borax and petroleum jelly.”

She kept experimenting with different recipes that didn’t use preservatives, and after a few months, she actually had something she could use.

“It’s changed a bunch of Photo by Uznanski Creations Distinctive Photography times since the beginning,” Uznanski says. “Some of include tangerine and peppermint. them worked, but they weren’t consistent. I had to adapt.”

One of the perks to Uznanski’s product is that she knows all of the ingredients that go into each Uznanski herself has an allergy to preservatives item, and prides herself on them being vegan and in lotion, so she started branching out from lip mostly organic. balms to body oils and other products.

“I just like that it’s natural and I know exactly After making her own products for years for what is in it,” she says. “I like that I don’t have friends and family and receiving good feedback, to worry about preservatives; the first thing I Uznanski decided to try attending a farmers’ normally have to do when I go to the store is look market in 2011. By 2015, she realized she could at ingredients.” make a business out of it.

Her base recipe for her lip balm is soy wax, shea “It really just started out with the whole allergy thing,” Uznanski says. “But I realized I had a whole butter, jojoba oil and vitamin e. Her new lemonscented lip balm gets its color from beetroot, line and that I should do something with it.”

Her line has expanded to include bath salts, face and body oil, shea butter, soaps, baby balm and other products for children. Her favorite scents HOME & LIFESTYLE

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u Continued from page 11 which has come a long way since the first batch with food coloring.

Although she’s mostly self-taught, Uznanski is a member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild and has taken classes through them to further her knowledge about using essential oils and other ingredients.

For now, it’s just Uznanski and her mother working on products, but she hopes to expand her products and her business enough that she can hire someone to take care of sales and helping to create product.

“Running any business by yourself gets busy,” Uznanski says. “I am looking forward to that next tier when I can hire someone.”

She’s also hoping to put her Bachelor’s Degree in anthropology and her Master’s Degree in archeology from Northern Illinois to use in the future.

“I’d definitely want to hire enough people so I can disappear for part of the summer to put my degrees to use,” Uznanski says.

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For now, she’s focusing on making products that are honest and simple, and that allow her customers to use them worry-free.

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Love for vintage cars drives passion for local enthusiasts

By KELLI MURRAY

F AMERICAN

or Wheaton resident Ralph DeGroot, there is something special about the smell of oil and gasoline, the curve of a fender on a classic ’57 Chevy, and the growl of a ’64 Chevy Super Sport as the engine turns over. The love of American muscle cars, and classic cars in general, is one he’s had for more than 60 years.

“In 1956 I used to watch brand new cars drive down the road,” DeGroot says. “So when I got into high school it was all about cars. I like hot rods and customs, which are low and slow because of the body modifications. The hot rods were always something like a ’50 Olds with a Cadillac engine and built for speed. We did a lot of street racing.”

While he took auto shop in high school, DeGroot, 75, went into the class with knowledge far beyond an introductory level of auto mechanics.

“I learned from doing things myself,” he says.

“That’s how you learn.”

MUSCLE

As a high school freshman, his first car was 1941 Ford pick up with an Oldsmobile engine, the beginning of a long list of classic American cars, including a ’51 Ford coupe, ’49 Ford coupe, ’32 Ford pick up, numerous ’57 Chevy’s, ’55 Chevy, ’64 Chevy Super Sport, ’31 Chevy, ‘50 Oldsmobile coupe and ’54 Oldsmobile. Currently, his collection includes a ’51 Mercury Monterey and a 1991 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur.

DeGroot is not afraid to get his hands under the hood of a car, and to him, that’s all part of the hobby.

“Some cars I bought were perfect when I bought them, but mostly I put a lot of work into them,” he says. “I buy them cheap because they need a lot of work, but I do it for enjoyment. I can spend days in the garage just detailing it.”

Bill Kotzum and Larry Kelsey were introduced to classic muscle cars in their childhood, too, and turned their hobby into a business when they entered into a licensing agreement with California-based Corvette Mike in 2004 and opened Corvette Mike Midwest in Burr Ridge.

1951 Mercury Monterey

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u Continued from page 13 “We get a lot of people who inherited a relative’s car that’s been sitting in a garage for 25 years and they will bring it to us,” Kotzum says. “Some guys watch a YouTube video and think they are going to do the work and then take it apart and get into trouble. We’ll restore it to whatever level they want.”

DeGroot says he looks forward to restoring the coupe one day.

“These cars are almost like an addiction,” he says. “And that Ford is one. You never have a big enough garage. I have a three-car garage and it isn’t big enough. If I had a six car garage, I’d probably have seven cars.”

The Burr Ridge shop may have Corvette in its name, but Kotzum says they also work on Chevy Bel Air’s, Camaro’s, Chevelle’s, Ford Mustang’s and other muscle cars.

“We always tell people unless you have an emotional attachment to a vehicle, it’s better to buy one that is done already,” Kotzum says. “For cars, the amount of time and money – or someone else’s time – you don’t get it back.” It should be a really special car if you want to work on it, he added.

As far as special cars go, DeGroot didn’t hesitate when asked if he had one: a 1930s Packard. “I really love those cars, “ he says. “The styling and quality, they were built like tanks. Everything on them was built to last, not like today’s cars.”

But when it comes down to it, there is something special about all the cars that have been housed in DeGroot’s garage over the years. Take his Mercury Monterey, for example; it’s a car he’s owned for more than 40 years.

He’s had his share of car show wins over the years with the Mercury, traveling to local Cruise Nights as well as to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

“I was throwing trophies away, we had so many,” he says.

DeGroot has passed his love of classic cars to daughter, Stephanie and her husband John Van De Werken. The Winfield couple has a 1951 Ford Coupe sitting in the garage, a gift from father to daughter years ago.

“I probably enjoy old cars and notice them more than other people because of dad, but John is now more into that era because of him, too,” she says.

1991 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur

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HOT DOG HEAVEN An all-American sandwich shines at local vendors

By CHRIS WALKER

H

ot dogs are as American as baseball and apple pie.

While the supermarket is filled with a variety of hot dog options, making your own just isn’t the same as visiting a fun food spot that specializes in hot dogs. Plus, for whatever reason, hot dog buns are sold in packs of 10 and hot dogs come in packs of eight.

Just trying to figure out why is enough to scratch your head in confusion, making you frustrated despite still being extra hungry for a great dog.

Americans love their hot dogs. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans enjoy 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone, and during peak hot dog eating season - which is from Memorial to Labor Day - Americans generally consume seven billion hot dogs. That calculates to 818 hot dogs every second.

Locally you can find your own personal hot dog heaven at Johnny Dog in Lombard, Mickey’s in Villa Park and the Heavenly Hot Dog Stand in Glen Ellyn.

If you choose to head to Johnny Dog make sure you bring dollars, because it’s a cash-only establishment. Don’t worry though. With reasonable prices it won’t take much cash to fill your belly with awesomeness.

“We’re not the kind of place that’s going to cost you $150 and have to swipe a card,” Johnny Dog owner Sam Garcia says. “We’ve got great food at reasonable prices.”

And Johnny Dog has a wide variety of options to choose from on its menu. In addition to hot dogs, you can enjoy burgers, sausage, chicken, burritos, tacos and more.

Johnny Dog in Lombard.

“It’s a good experience to come out here,” Garcia said. “We’re family friendly. You can come and sit outside and eat your food and we take the food out to you so you can sit back and enjoy yourself.”

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Mickey’s Drive In has been around so long that when they first opened you could snag a hot dog, fries and a drink for just 37 cents!

Opened by Ann Sangiacomo in 1959, Mickey’s Drive In remains a favorite stop for those seeking delicious food and the at-home feel of a friendly mom and pop restaurant.

The 1950s were a time where many would eat by the roadside or on the hood of their car. It was part of Americana and an unforgettable part of history.

Sadly, that time has gone. Thankfully, it can still be relived in a way by visiting Mickey’s Drive In.

“When you work with a cart with hot dogs like I do, it’s like I’m not even working,” he says.

“Especially at parties where everyone is happy and having a good time.”

The Heavenly

Hot Dog Stan

Snellgrove prides himself on offering affordable dogs that he also believes are as good as they There are now two locations, the original in Bellwood come. and another in Villa Park, which opened in 1979 and “I don’t skimp,” he is owned by Dave Bruder. said. “I’m serving “We get to know our customers really well and they the best and do it because keep coming back, generation after generation,” I want to give them the best.

Bruder says. “It’s all about consistency and that’s “I’ve been fortunate to become friends probably our number one selling point. with so many people in Glen Ellyn and the There aren’t many places like Mickey’s so the unique surrounding area,” Snellgrove said. “There’s experience has made it a prime destination for those just something about people loving a good looking for their hot dog fix. hot dog and I even get a lot of senior citizens.

“We have that mom and pop feel of a restaurant and They love their hot dogs so it’s for all ages.” we get to know the people,” Bruder says. “Most fast While anytime is a good time to grab a hot dog food places have a high turnover rate but we keep from any of these establishments, July is even employees here for years and it’s like family with the better since it’s National Hot Dog Month. Go get co-workers and the customers. It’s a big difference a couple today. and we plan on continuing to do it for a long time.”

Nora Munro grew up in the Elmhurst area and frequented Mickey’s just about every week as a kid. She still gets out there occasionally and her six-year-old daughter Kennedy has also fallen in love with the food.

At Heavenly Hot Dog in Glen Ellyn you can enjoy Vienna Beef hot dogs that are boiled and served in steamed poppy seed buns, straight from a classic vendor cart. Those looking for the traditional Chicago-style dog will enjoy theirs with mustard, sweet green relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle, sport peppers and celery salt.

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Heavenly Hot Dog owner Joe Snellgrove operates his cart six days a week for the public and also does parties all over the place.

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Johnny Dog

WALSH’S

“I bet we went to Mickey’s three times a week when I was growing up because our dad was home with us and my mom worked nights,” Munro said. “I only get back a couple times a year but they remember my order and that’s going back 35 years. It’s my favorite place and they have the best fries in the world. I’m obsessed with them and getting extra sport peppers.

“They’ve been around forever and when you get back it’s like coming back home. My brother’s family is having their first child and I already know where the kid is going to have the first hot dog. It’s just one of those rare, special places to go.”

d in Glen Ellyn.

Home of the unique “Pocket Sandwich” DINING & ENTERTAINING

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Comparing Grapes to Grapes

A

With MIKE AND CYNDI ALLAS

s a society, Americans love to rate things.

Think movies, grades in school, and every purchase you have ever made on Amazon.

It seems like everyone has an opinion and wants to be heard, and wine is no exception. There are thousands of people lending their opinions on wines – whether it be a professional wine critic, blogger, or just a wine enthusiast – everyone seems to want their voice to be heard.

Wine ratings have been around forever, and though there are many different rating scales, the most widely accepted rating system is the 100-point scale developed in the 1980s by Robert Parker (similar to the scale below.) u 100-95 indicates “classic” - a great wine, typically very expensive. u 94-90 indicates “outstanding” – if the price is right, some exceptional value can be found in this rating category. u 89-85 indicates “very good” - This is the category with the best value. u 84-80 indicates “good.” u 79-Below indicates “average to flawed.”

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The idea behind rating wines is to compare wines from the same region, terroir, and varietal. It is essentially comparing apples to apples or in this case, grapes to grapes.

The actual opinion of the wine critic and what they like should have little or no influence on the score they give.

When points go wrong The problem with point scales is that the ratings are typically the opinion of one person or in some cases a small group of tasters. But wine is a lot like art: it is completely subjective.

What you think is a great wine, I may not like at all, and vice versa.

Wine makers are overwhelmingly against ratings because they feel that wines are being made to pander to the most influential wine critics. A winemaker trying to make a name for him or herself would be hard-pressed to not attempt to appease an influential wine critic.

After all, we are talking big business and potentially a lot of money here.

But just because someone is a professional wine critic doesn’t mean they can’t be wrong. There have been many instances where wine critics were fooled in blind tastings. In one instance, critics tasted wines, and three of the samples were the exact same wine, yet it received three different scores from each of the tasters.

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Though it is not a scientific system, it is the system we have, and I do believe it can be a useful one.

If you are going to drink what someone tells you, then I suggest you find a critic that has a similar palate to your own.

This takes time and effort on your part, but over time you can determine if you and a particular critic have similar tastes. You also can go online to sites like CellarTracker, or use an app like Delectable to get ratings from a larger pool of tasters. It may not necessarily be a professional giving the rating, however it will be a large group of people that are passionate enough about wine to give their opinion.

The best route to take though, is to go to your local wine shop and develop a relationship with the owner or employees. A good wine shop will ask you what kind of wine you like and find out what it is that you prefer about a particular wine, varietal, or region.

From there they should be able to guide you to some great wines that fit any occasion and budget, even helping guide you with pairing the wines with what’s for dinner.

Above all, remember to drink what you like, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to be good! Cheers!

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

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Great Geeky Wines Large Craft Beer Selection Best Hand Crafted Cocktails Retail Shop Cheese From Around The World

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DINING & ENTERTAINING

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7/5/17 11:08 AM

AMERICANA MAKEOVER for your wardrobe With STACY KALLAS

“Americana” is in this season, and I would like to share some chic tips on how to wear the clothes and accessories that are dominating the scene. But before I do that, let me explain what Americana is.

The first thought that comes to mind is stars and stripes – but it is much more than that. It is classic, modern and rustic all rolled into one.

From denim and flag inspired clothing to chic, striped off-the-shoulder blouses and a bold red purse, the looks are endless, and you can customize them to your personal sense of style.

Pair up some worn jeans, a little torn to add some spice, with a red or blue bandeau top and some cowboy boots. Classic, casual Americana!

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That’s easy. Pair up a your favorite blue pants or pencil skirt with a chic blue or red striped blouse and a classic American flag scarf. Accessorize with your favorite tie-up red heeled sandals and American flag purse.

NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN? The possibilities are endless however we do suggest keeping the look to more of a minimalist Americana style. A simple red off-the-shoulder slimming dress, or even your favorite denim with a sexy red blouse and high-heeled red shoes completes the look.

ACCESSORIES ARE NEVER-ENDING

Let’s look at a casual, rock ‘n’ roll or country-inspired look:

Stacy Kallas is the director of marketing and advertising at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale. She has served as a director for super regional shopping centers throughout the Chicago area for more than 15 years.

She highlights current fashion trends and stores within Stratford mall.

AMERICANA AT THE OFFICE?

Try sequence star purses, red purses, cowboy boots, striped scarves, red shoes, bandanas, gingham and so much more. It is a great trend that is slated to continue throughout the fall season.

A fun trend to complement a fun summer, enjoy your season of Americana style!

FASHION & BEAUTY

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FOOD

FASHION

ENTERTAINMENT

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AMERICAN STYLE,

one shirt at a time

By CHRIS WALKER

N

o one looked cooler in a white T-shirt than Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, who was better known as The Fonz.

teams and other organizations frequently call upon them to bring designs to life.

“People will come to us for design work or they might come in with clip art or a design idea that we can produce on T-shirts,” Berena says. “We’ve done a lot of stuff for sports teams, like Consider him on Happy Day, donning that iconic soccer tournaments and it’s huge for musicians. They don’t shirt under his black leather jacket, as he smacked generate a lot of money as you might think so merchandise is a the jukebox to get it to start or snapped his fingers big part of what they need to do and we’re able to help them in to introduce himself to one of the ladies. The epitome of pure that way.” coolness.

“T-shirts are 95 percent of our business but we continue to Today, the T-shirt, born as an undergarment in the U.S. Navy, evolve to meet the needs of our customers,” Berena says. evolved into basic American attire, known for its comfort “Whether someone is looking for something cheaper or more and affordability, and has seemingly found its place in nearly higher-end garments we can do that for them. Nowadays there everyone’s modern wardrobe. are people getting shirts made where they want to ensure it has great wearability and will last so there are those options.”

While the basic plain white T remains popular, there are so many other creative options available for people to purchase or even turn their own designs or ideas into a wearable print.

Whether it’s for a special event, an organization or nothing in particular, the option to create such T-shirts is easier now more than ever before for such customization.

Scrappy Apparel is one such destination for those interested in custom T-shirts. The shop also can take care of embroidery requests and considers its staff as experts in custom apparel design.

Co-owner Chris Berena founded the company in Georgia with Grant Kevins in 2006. The two first met while playing soccer together at West Virginia University. Their business is now in Woodridge but their customers are all over the country.

The duo initially began screen printing their designs onto custom manufactured T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and the like, and have continued to grow their business as musicians, sports

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Scrappy Apparel prides itself on using top-quality inks to produce its T-shirts. By doing so, they offer breathable prints that will last longer through the wash cycle. As anyone who has an old favorite T-shirt can attest, after years of wear and washing it just isn’t the same as it once was. While they won’t last forever, T-shirts from Scrappy Apparel enjoy staying power so that they can be worn time and time again.

Kevins says that one of the things that makes his business unique is the focus on that cost per wear and the longevity of their products. They focus on delivering a quality product that meets the satisfaction of customers, many who have no knowledge of the custom T-shirt business and are ordering for the first time.

“We’ve developed multiple clothing lines and we’ve got factories all over that we source materials from,” Kevins says. “We really didn’t mind visiting different factories so we could take our company to the next level.

FASHION & BEAUTY

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“It’s been a fun job and we have a good culture here,” Kevins says. “It hasn’t always been peaches and cream for us, but that’s probably like any business. But we’re doing well now and as first-time business owners I feel we have a good long-term sustainability game plan.”

Those interested in purchasing T-shirts for an upcoming event, a sports team or other purpose can do so pretty simply by contacting Scrappy Apparel with or without a design in mind. They can assist those aren’t sure what they exactly want conveyed on the T-shirt, whether it be in design or text. It’s all about getting the message delivered and selling their own unique brand.

“People don’t want to get a T-shirt for something that they wear once and then throwaway,” Kevins says. “Branding is key and you’re wearing your brand so we want people to get what they want and we want them to keep those T-shirts and to come back.”

Sounds like a good goal.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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7/5/17 11:08 AM

AMERICAN DREAM REALIZED For Judy Hsu, journalism has granted her an extended family

S

he was just 11 years old when her family left Taiwan and arrived as immigrants in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood and yet Judy Hsu says she recalls watching the local ABC7 news and wishing she could be a news reporter, able to speak her new language and share stories with a television audience.

And for more than 20 years, Hsu has been making that wish a reality as she enjoys a successful career as a broadcaster and uses her time and talents to bring a spotlight to those in need.

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE and sharing in her life as she became a mother for the first time, and then three more times.

She even made national headlines for the arrival of her fourth child, who was born on Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway.

“Our viewers are really part of my extended family,” Hsu says.

Today Hsu today anchors the 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. newscasts as well as a long-format interview segment that airs Sunday mornings.

“There’s never a routine day in news and I think that’s what all of us enjoy about our job,” Hsu Hsu says her first reporting experience came as a says. “And for me, it’s also the constant learning. freshman at Niles West High School when she was Reporting is learning about something new and assigned an interview with the school principal for different and bringing that information back to our audience.” the high school paper.

“Here’s me, just a freshman who’s sitting down and asking the principal questions, I was hooked from then on,” Hsu says.

She attended University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign to study journalism and reported for the school radio station. She landed an on-air reporting job the day after graduation in San Diego. There she proved herself and was promoted from general assignment reporter to weekend anchor and then to weekday 4 p.m. news anchor. In 2001 she got a call from a news director at ABC7 in Chicago.

“It was truly a dream come true,” Hsu says. “With no hesitation I came back home.”

For 15 years Hsu reported in the early morning newscast with viewers tuning in for the news

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Whether she is reporting the news from an assignment in the field or the studio set, Hsu says she loves being a part of major news stories. From breaking news to a one-on-one interview with a president, Hsu says she loves the work and the ability to connect people to what’s happening in their community.

“What I love the most is being able to do stories that shine a light on causes and issues important to our communities and that really connect our viewers to each other,” she says.

Outside of work, Hsu shares her time with her busy family and supporting local organizations.

From volunteering to emceeing local charity events to serving on advisory boards, Hsu says she enjoys giving back and helping to have a positive impact in the community. Additionally she

BUSINESS & CIVIC

is the co-chairwoman of the advisory board for the Chicago’s Chinese American Service League.

“CASL was formed nearly 40 years ago when a small group of friends in Chinatown saw a need to help new immigrants assimilate and succeed and today it serves more than 11,000 clients every year,” Hsu says. “I see me in the faces of the young children CASL serves and I am so proud that we can have a hand in helping them succeed.”

mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

7/5/17 11:08 AM

THE GLASS-HALFFULL GUY:

THE AMERICAN HEART

By PETER STADALSKY

R

ecently, I had the privilege of hosting San Francisco resident Kieran Mullins — a cyclist riding from his hometown in California to New York City, exclusively by bicycle.

Two months ago, Mullins stood on his porch, handed over the keys to his California penthouse, and left his job at Major League Baseball to travel the world with his belongings strapped to his bike. He is on a journey that I am sure will forever change his life.

I met up with Mullins in Oswego at the Village Grind Coffee shop and cycled with him to my Aurora bungalow. He had contacted me through a traveler-hosting app similar to Couchsurfing — a hospitality service and social networking website. This traveler-hosting website is called Warm Showers, which is specific to those traveling by bicycle. Basically, anyone can create a profile on this platform and offer his or her home as an oasis to a cyclist. The host usually provides a warm meal, hot shower and soft bed.

There is no charge and no expectations. It’s just a courtesy to help someone else along on his or her cycling journey.

During my own travels, hundreds of families and individuals have welcomed me into their homes and showed me a level of care that I didn’t know existed between strangers. Only moments into these experiences, strangers became lifelong friends. It was finally my turn to pull in a traveler on a mission and show him that same grace that was shown to me.

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journey like Mullins’ can change a person’s heart.

The stories a traveler carries and shares can change the way people think about the world in which we live.

The day Mullins rolled into town happened to be my birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

That day, we lit up the grill with a few friends and huddled around Mullins to hear his stories from the road. Over the past two months, he has stayed with 30 different hosts along the historic Route 66. It may take some people by surprise, but not an ounce of danger came his way during that time — but that didn’t surprise me. Most people are good, and the world really does want to help people along their journeys.

after meeting Mullins or hearing his story, the “impossible” may not seem so impossible.

A light rain crept in the next morning. We sat over coffee scanning the maps Mullins would use to traverse the rest of this great American landscape. I made sure to supply him with a carb-loaded breakfast to get him to the windy city.

I couldn’t help but feel the same satisfaction that came when people brought me into their homes and lives when I was on the road. It feels no different to host or to be hosted – it’s the same love for your fellow brothers and sisters that made this experience so special.

I laughed while telling Mullins that a couple of my coworkers inquired about his name in case he happened to be a serial killer. I just told my well-meaning colleagues that I highly doubted a person would ride his or her bike 2,000 miles to murder me. I’m just not that important.

Despite America’s bizarre reality TV shows and circus politics, there is a farmer, a cashier, a doctor, and a carpenter, who reach out their hands to welcome strangers into their homes.

This hospitality is the heart of our culture. We have a very welcoming country. It’s something we mustn’t take for granted.

Mullins told me that by going on this epic adventure, it could push people to wonder about the possibilities of life. Someone might not want to ride a bike across America, but he or she might have his or her own dreams of achieving the daunting or seemingly impossible. Maybe OUT & ABOUT

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

7/5/17 11:08 AM

FRANK LLOYD

WRIGHT Explore the architectural delights of one of America’s most famous designers.

2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birth and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has special excursions to celebrate!

historic Chicago skyscraper. This day-long tour is offered Mondays and Saturdays, through October.

The “Wright Around Chicago” guided bus tour visits sites in Chicago and Oak Park, including his Oak Park home and studio, his modern masterpiece, the Frederick C. Robie House, and the Rookery Light Court, located inside a

Prefer to peruse by pedal? With commentary from an expert guide, the “Pedal Oak Park” bicycle tour stops at 21 Wright sites in Oak Park’s historic District in a two-hour tour, offered at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through August.

Visit flwright.org for information about these and other tours and programs celebrating the 150th anniversary.

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Children’s Playroom, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1889/1898), Oak Park. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: James Caulfield n Emil Bach House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1915), Chicago. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: James Caulfield n Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1889/1898), Oak Park. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: Tim Long n Frederick C. Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908-10), Chicago. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: Tim Long n Living Room, Frederick C. Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908-10), Chicago. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: James Caulfield n The Rookery Building Light Court (Frank Lloyd Wright remodeling, 1905), Chicago. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust n Interior, Emil Bach House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1915), Chicago. Courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Photographer: Claudiu Voichin

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OUT & ABOUT

mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

7/5/17 11:08 AM

VETERANS’ EVENTS Pay homage to our servicemen and women at some great local events CONCERT: NAVY BAND GREAT LAKES: HORIZON

High-energy musicians Horizon from Navy Band Great Lakes, will perform a wide variety of popular music including rock, rhythm & blues, country and jazz. There is lawn seating; chairs and blankets are encouraged.

DATE: Saturday, July 15 Noon Cantigny bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton ADMISSION: free with $5 parking WEBSITE: www.cantigny.org AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS CELEBRATION

The third annual national gathering of American Indian Veterans event will include music, art, dance, guest speakers and award presentations. All veterans, eras and tribes are welcome. Visit www. trickstergallery.com for a full schedule of events.

ADMISSION: Golfers-9 holes with cart $40; brunch $25 per person; banquet $35 per person WEBSITE: http://neverforgetgolfout. wix.com/vfw5151 MILITARY THROUGH THE AGES REENACTMENT

Visitors can follow a wide span of military encampments ranging from ancient Rome through Operation Desert Storm. Learn first-hand how soldiers lived and fought during different eras and see the progression of weapons, technology and uniforms over time. Tour through encampments at your own pace and speak with living-history actors who will be available to interpret and answer questions.

DATE: Saturday-Sunday, July 29-30 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cantigny Parade Field, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton ADMISSION: Free with parking ($10) WEBSITE: www.cantigny.org

DATE: Friday-Sunday, July 21-23 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Cantigny Park, red band shell, 1S151 CANTIGNY POST 556 AMERICAN Winfield Road, Wheaton LEGION PASTA DINNER WEBSITE: www.trickstergallery.com Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion is hosting a tasty, all-you-can-eat ROCKIN’ FOR THE TROOPS pasta dinner prepared by Cantigny’s CONCERT Lynyrd Skynyrd is the headlining band for this family-friendly day of military support. Guests are invited to bring items for Christmas stockings for the troops serving overseas. Gates open at 2 p.m., entertainment starts at 2:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin about 10 p.m.

There are multiple seating options this year with tickets ranging from $35 to $60 per person.

DATE: Saturday, July 22 2 p.m.

Northwestern Medicine Field, home to the Kane County Cougars, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva WEBSITE: www.

RockinForTheTroops.org NEVER FORGET OUR HEROES ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

Enjoy a day of golf with fellow veterans and other golfers to benefit disabled veterans across the Chicago region.

DATE: Wednesday, July 26 Noon – 7 p.m.

Bridges of Poplar Creek Golf Course, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates

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OUT & ABOUT

award-winning culinary team. No reservations needed.

DATE: Monday, Aug. 7 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton ADMISSION: $10 per person, $3 for ages 4 and younger; free parking WEBSITE: www.cantigny.org FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM GRAND RE-OPENING After nearly 10 months of redesign and renovation, Cantigny’s military museum reopens. Visitors are welcome to tour the new gallery dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division’s history since Vietnam and the unit’s current missions around the globe.

DATE: Saturday, Aug. 26 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

First Division Museum at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton ADMISSION: Free with parking, $10/car WEBSITE: www.fdmuseum.org

mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

7/5/17 11:09 AM

Artist SHOWCASE

TOM PHELAN | WHEATON “BARN IN AUTUMN” PHOTOGRAPHY

“I like to explore. Since just about everything in the Midwest has already been ‘discovered,’ my journeys of exploration, such as they are, tend to have as their aim the rediscovery of things either forgotten or existing in relative obscurity. Whether old cars or farm buildings, I am fascinated with objects that have essentially outlived their usefulness, but whose presence says something about the society that generated them, as well as the individuals who once used them. My photographs therefore comprise a record of some of the places and objects I have encountered during the course of the past several years.

I find greatest satisfaction in the discovery of objects that might well be placed in a museum, but which have remained in their original context.

“My preference for night photography arises primarily from the unique qualities of light that are available, particularly when the moon is present. This more subdued lighting makes it much easier to bring time in as a photographic effect. For example, the use of long exposures allows the cumulative effects of wind to be visible on objects like leaves and clouds, and creates opportunities for seeing things in a slightly different way. Since unusual atmospheric conditions (e.g., storms, fog) also appeal to me, many of my photographs bring these in as ancillary subjects. And of course the stars frequently make their appearance, acting as a perpetual reminder that there is a much broader context to our individual lives.”

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to SuburbanLifeMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

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GIA GRADUATE GEMOLOGISTS & PROFESSIONAL NUMISMATIST ON SITE topcashbuyer.com 16 W. Ogden Avenue • Westmont IL 630-969-9600 • 1-800-304-3591 Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sun: Appointment only SLM Magazine July 2017.indd AmericashJUNE2017.indd 1 32

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