Naperville magazine | March 2020

COVERING CHICAGO’S WEST SUBURBS

MARCH 2020

DOTING ON THE DOG

SPECIAL CARE FOR YOUR POOCH

DISCOVER ELMHURST

DAN CRONIN GIVES US A TOUR

GLOBAL CHARM

A C U S T O M H O M E W I T H C U LT U R A L S I G N I F I C A N C E

Live Life Artfully Live it here drurydesigns.com

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It’s not about the destination, It’s about exceeding the expectations The destination for relaxation, simplicity and convenience. With three miles of magnificent white sandy beaches and forty-five holes of championship golf, it’s never been easier to call a place home. Our very own Punta Cana International Airport guarantees an effortless journey from the terminals to the lobby of our AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Tortuga Bay Hotel and The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club.

Grupo Puntacana celebrates 50 years committed to sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic. Tortuga Bay Hotel, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club and Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village are located at Puntacana Resort & Club. Puntacana Resort & Club is a registered trademark of Grupo Puntacana © 2019. All Rights Reserved. www.puntacana.com

H E A LT H C A R E CAN BE EASIER Keep track of your health from the comfort of anywhere.

We believe that getting care shouldn’t add to your headache. So we created an app that puts your health in your hands. Find a doctor, schedule appointments, and keep track of your summaries, prescriptions, and follow-ups effortlessly. And if you need care now, find one of our clinics and view wait times right from your phone. We offer virtual health tools, including online health assessments to help determine the severity of your situation. At Edward-Elmhurst Health, we’re driven to make healthcare easier.

Download the MyEEHealthTM app or visit EEHealth.org/Easier.

Download the app today

Invisalign for Little Smiles at Innovative Orthodontic Centers

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven At this stage, they still have baby teeth but we can get a good idea of how things are developing. For most young patients, we just observe them and let parents know when it’s the ideal time to start treatment.

However, in other cases, if Dr. Ibrahim or Dr. Gin spot any red flags, they can intervene early while the patient is still growing to guide the growth of their jaws and help the permanent teeth come in properly. This ensures treatment is easier and faster down the road, prevents more serious orthodontic problems and helps to avoid the need for extractions or surgery. We refer to this early intervention as interceptive treatment or Phase 1 treatment.

During Phase 1 Treatment The patient wears Invisalign, braces or an appliance to achieve certain goals, like making room for permanent teeth, guiding the jaws in the proper direction, improving the way the lips meet or preventing a bad bite in an otherwise normal mouth, among other objectives. We always aim to complete this first phase in 12 months or less. When we’re finished, the patient usually wears retainers for 6 to 12 months to hold the adult teeth where we positioned them.

Then, they get a little break to allow the rest of their baby teeth to fall out naturally and enter our Growth and Development Program, where we monitor them until

their permanent teeth are in. When the grown-up teeth have erupted, it’s time to start Phase 2 treatment, which is the standard course of braces or Invisalign most people go through as a teenager. Typically, we see that patients who have undergone Phase 1 treatment benefit from a faster and more affordable Phase 2 treatment because of the earlier intervention. And in some cases there is no longer a need for Phase 2 treatment in their teenage and adult years.

Invisalign First is a proven way to address the issues we treat with early interceptive orthodontics As a practice dedicated to giving our patients the best possible outcome as comfortably and quickly as possible, we’re thrilled that Align Technology is helping us do that with our youngest patients. Interceptive treatment sets the stage for lifelong oral health and beautiful, functional smiles in the future. Beyond that, it improves the appearance of a patient’s smile to boost their self-esteem and confidence.

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Peer Preview

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THE 630 Community

16

Books

20

Discover Elmhurst

22

Expert Advice Caitie Smithe

24

Move

28

GIVING BACK Humanitarian Access DuPage

30

NaperScene CA$H FOR CANINE$

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Kudos

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TRENDS Shop Branch Gardens

42

Home

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Market

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Openings

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DINE Table for Two Stolp Island Social

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Recipe Ginger cake with tangerine curd and green tea icing

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Local Flavor

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68

77 84

4 MARCH MONTH 2020 2019 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

Editor’s Letter

FEATURE Beyond Borders A home that is a colorful and dynamic melting pot of British, American, and Indian beauty The Pampered Pup 15 ways to spoil the canine in your life, from toys to treats to travel ETC. To-Do List Encore Jennifer Koh

COVER PHOTO BY OLIVIA KOHLER

PHOTO BY JUERGANK

CONTENTS

A TRIBUNE PUBLICATION

Michelle Dellinger | Editor mdellinger@napervillemagazine.com Megan Holbrook | Advertising Director mholbrook@chicagomag.com Patty Brand | Account Manager pbrand@napervillemagazine.com Haleigh Brown | Art Director Kathy Aabram | Editorial Coordinator PRODUCTION Tom Kadzielawski | Prepress/Design Manager Julie Szamlewski | Production Specialist MARKETING Brittany Van Swol | Graphic Designer AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Elizabeth Kerndl | Specialist, Audience Development FINANCE Michele De Venuto | Senior Director, Finance Amber Zukowski | Senior Financial Analyst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa Arnett, Julie Duffin, Peter Gianopulos, Mark Loehrke, Annemarie Mannion, Cara Sullivan, Christie Whillhite CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Kohler CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Kevin Sterjo, Ievgenii Volyk EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICES 495 North Commons Drive, Suite 102 Aurora, IL 60504 630.696.4124 napervillemagazine.com

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Naperville magazine (Vol. 16, No. 3, March 2020) is published monthly by Chicago magazine, 160 North Stetson Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60601, a division of Tribune Publishing. Unless otherwise requested, submitted materials become the property of Naperville.

Statements, opinions and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. We cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. Naperville magazine assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials. Standard class postage paid at Aurora, IL 60504. Subscriptions: $11 for 12 issues. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.

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s the days get longer and the temps (sometimes) begin to stabilize, my motivation to clean out the garage—after months of avoiding the cold, dark space soiled with dirty snow—and freshen rooms increases. This inspiring issue offers ideas on updating kitchens (p. 22) as well as adding life to interior spaces with house plants (p. 40). And our Home pages (pp. 42–43) and “Beyond Borders” feature story (pp. 60–66) offer glimpses into local houses that have been designed to reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their owners.

Like many of you, I share my home with both human and canine family members, and our basset-beagle mix (a “bagel”) has been a part of our lives and home for the last decade.

Our informative—and gorgeous— feature “The Pampered Pup” (p. 68) offers more than a dozen ways we can enhance the lives of these special friends, including indoor and outdoor playgrounds. As the temps rise we can again enjoy long walks and dog parks with our furry friends, who make every house feel more like home.

Michelle Dellinger

CONNECT Subscribe, read articles, search local events and sign up for our e-newsletters at napervillemagazine.com or join the conversation via social media on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

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PEER PREVIEW

AVIATION ATTORNEY An excerpt from Bryan Smith’s feature story “The Man Who’s Taking on Boeing,” from the March issue of our sister pub, Chicago magazine

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he news footage of the crash’s aftermath, flickering images of loss and ruin amid the smoldering rubble, rendered the magnitude of death in the tiniest of details: charred tatters of fabric, a bottle of perfume, a singed purse, and, most heartbreaking, a torn corner of the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! fluttering in the breeze.

That morning, March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, bound for Nairobi carrying 149 passengers and eight crew members, had rumbled down the runway at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The Boeing 737 Max 8 lumbered into the air, banked to its right, and, six minutes later, hurtled back to earth in a conflagration that sent a fist-shaped fireball thrusting into the sky over a pasture near the town of Bishoftu, Ethiopia, instantly killing all onboard.

Just a few days later, some 7,600 miles away, on the 31st floor of a Loop skyscraper, Bob Clifford’s phone was lighting up. A few of the calls were from lawyers overseas calling on behalf of victims’ next of kin who needed a referral. Others were from family members themselves. The attorneys at Clifford Law Offices don’t solicit

survivors in the wake of a disaster.

Ambulance chasing is an ethics violation, and anyhow, they don’t have to.

Clifford has been retained by plaintiffs in every major domestic air disaster of the past 40 years—including the 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191 at O’Hare (still the country’s deadliest aviation accident) and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (which resulted in a $1.2 billion settlement with the airlines and airport security contractors). Widely considered the top aviation lawyer in the country, he has a reputation for securing enormous settlements and jury awards for his clients. When news of the Ethiopian Airlines accident broke, Clifford knew the calls would come.

A little more than eight months after the crash, Clifford, surrounded by shelves of law books, sits behind the wide expanse of his desk. Positioned on it, so that it looms both literally and symbolically between him and the person sitting across from him, is a sleek replica of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8. On display around the office are models of other planes involved in crashes Clifford has litigated: a United DC-10, an Asiana 777, an American 767.

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To make an appointment visit www.rushortho.com/naperville, call 877.MD.BONES or scan the QR code.

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Singer, songwriter, and actress Ava Morse

ASPIRING IDOL Local actress and musician Ava Morse keeps it real while she shoots for the stars

By Christie Willhite

A

single moment set the course of Ava Morse’s life when she was just 3 years old.

American Idol was on her family’s television. Ava pointed at the screen and declared, “I want to do that!” her mom, Debra, recalls.

“It was a significant moment for me.

I could’ve easily said, ‘I want to be a dancer,’ ” Ava, now 14, says. “It gave me the direction I’ve stuck with for years.”

12 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

Moment by moment, the Naperville eighth grader is building a future as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Ava’s interest led to musical theater auditions, her first professional stage role at age 5, and the moment her mom realized Ava just might have what it takes.

“I didn’t get to see rehearsals, so when I saw her first performance, I was just blown away,” Debra says. Ava’s acting résumé already includes musical

theater, national commercials, television, and feature films. But her first love is music, and about two years ago she decided she wanted to try writing songs.

“I’m a writer. I’ve always loved writing stories,” Ava says. “It’s a fun hobby that I’m excited I get to share with everyone.”

She draws on the little moments in life—friendships, middle school drama, and everyday stress—for songwriting inspiration, even using songs to work through situations when classmates have been negative toward her.

“Even if it’s a stupid song, it’s a way to express how I’m feeling,” she says. “It might turn into something, or I might chop it up and use it in six songs. It’s always worth it to write about it.”

Ava produced five original songs on “Close My Eyes,” her debut EP released in February 2019. Soon after, she performed in two concerts, including a benefit for the Alive Center in Naperville—moments she could hardly believe were real.

“There were people in the audience who I didn’t know, who knew me, knew my songs, and were singing along,” she says. “I see people I don’t know singing along and I just want to say, ‘I feel like you’re my best friend,’ because we’ve shared so much through the songs.”

These connections and the relationships she builds with fans on social media fuel her, as she juggles traditional school with voice, acting, and dance lessons, plus extended trips to Los Angeles to audition and to record her original music. To date, she’s recorded nine songs with titles that reflect teen topics, such as “Crush” and “What True Friends Do.” The hectic schedule means sometimes Ava has to choose between her career and her social life, but her parents encourage her to stay connected to friends and to be involved at school, Debra says. They want her to enjoy as many normal-suburban-teen moments as possible.

“We think it’s really important that she has a regular life. … We know all of this can go away in a second,” she says.

“And truly, it makes her a better artist … and gives her the experience to write.”

PHOTO COURTESY AVA MORSE

INFLUENCERS, EVENTS AND ISSUES ON OUR WEST SUBURBAN RADAR

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Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 pm Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville

Additional performances Apr. 18-26 in Evanston, Oak Park, and Chicago Chicago’s acclaimed vocal ensemble brings to life the irresistible rhythms and sentimental ballads of the 1930s and 40s, with iconic songs by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and more.

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Here’s a sampling of Ava Morse’s acting work on screen and stage: Billy Elliot (Drury Lane Theatre) Chicago P.D. (TV recurring role) A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre) Hazel (Drury Lane Theatre) History of Us (TV pilot) Les Misérables (Drury Lane Theatre) Seussical (Marriott Lincolnshire) Surprise Me! (film)

HEAVY ROTATION

Visit the Past Connect with your Tribe

CANTIGNY

Plan your visit today at Cantigny.org

14 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

“The Walker” by Fitz and the Tantrums “Maniac” by Conan Gray “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa “Robbery” by Juice WRLD

GETTING SOCIAL Ava Morse uses her social media to connect with fans, often posting videos of her covers of popular songs. “I know I’m a different artist, so I adapt it so they know it’s my [version of the] song,” she says, of the covers she posts.

Instagram @avamorseofficial Twitter @avamorseoffi YouTube youtube.com/avamorse Facebook @avamorseofficial Soundcloud soundcloud.com/avamorse Spotify search “Ava Morse” Web avamorse.com

PHOTO COURTESY AVA MORSE

Go Outside

Ava Morse loves recording artists who seem comfortable with their individuality, especially Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and Taylor Swift. Here’s a glimpse at what she was listing to one day, though she says, “It’ll be different tomorrow.”

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Nicole Kmieciak is writing a series of children’s books about inclusion under the name Dr. Nicole Julia.

GIGANTIC DREAMS Author and Naperville native teaches kids about inclusion and disabilities through her books

By Suzanne Baker This story originally appeared in our sister publication, the Naperville Sun, and is reprinted with permission.

A

n eighth-grade career fair at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville put Nicole Kmieciak on a pathway to where she is today as an occupational therapist and author.

Back in junior high, Kmieciak told her mother she wanted to sign up to hear from a chef, a baker and a teacher for her school’s annual career fair.

But mom challenged her daughter to expand her horizons.

The talk Kmieciak said she remembered the most was the one from the occupational therapist, a job she randomly picked because she knew nothing about it. As the only student in the session, Kmieciak said she was able to listen and ask questions about a career that helps people who have injuries, ill16 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

nesses, or disabilities perform everyday activities. “I just really thought it was cool,” she says. “It’s really interesting how my life has come full circle to be what it is today.”

Kmieciak said growing up she was drawn to making friends with kids with disabilities, though it often caused her to get mocked. “Different is cool to me,” Kmieciak said. “When I got older, it never fazed me,” she said of the teasing.

In second grade at Kingsley Elementary in Naperville she learned sign language from a neighbor and in fourth and fifth grades she ate lunch with students she befriended who had disabilities. While in high school at Naperville Central, Kmieciak job-shadowed with the South East Association for Spe-

cial Parks and Recreation and was a peer leader in the Naperville Central adapted physical education program.

She would go on to study occupational therapy, earning her doctorate at Belmont University in Nashville, where she currently resides. Kmieciak said she hopes to move back to the Naperville area to be closer to family.

The children’s book she published last year was drawn from her experiences in college when she was looking at wheelchair accessibility around Nashville.

Despite public spaces being required to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, she found accessibility difficult at times. “I couldn’t even get in the front door,” she says.

Her first book, written under the name Dr. Nicole Julia, is Gary’s Gigantic Dream. It’s about a young giraffe who uses a wheelchair and discovers independence and the ability to pursue his dreams. Other books in her Able Fables collection will feature other animals with different issues, such as a facial deformity and heart defect.

What brings her pride is that 20 percent of the profits from her books go to help build inclusive playgrounds, where children of all abilities can play together. Kmieciak says she’s donated nearly $4,000 to inclusive playgrounds in two months. Her goal is to donate $50,000 in 2020. While many playgrounds are ADA compliant, Kmieciak said they often are not inclusive. Inclusive playgrounds, she said, “go above and beyond ADA standards” and are universally designed for all people.

“We think playgrounds are just for kids,” Kmieciak says, but parents, grandparents and caregivers visit parks with their children and often want to get close or onto the playground equipment with their kids. “I have a dream to build my own inclusive playground”— something Kmieciak estimates costs between $600,000 and $4 million.

Because such a venture will require time to raise the funds and a lot of community support, she says in the meantime she wants to keep conversations about inclusion in the forefront and hopes to share her book with students in Naperville area schools.

To learn more about Kmieciak and Gary’s Gigantic Dream, visit theablefables.com.

PHOTO COURTESY NICOLE KMIECIAK

BOOKS

NOW OPEN

March 14 · St. Patrick’s Day 5k & Parade March 20 - 22 · Spring Style Weekend

DOWNTOWNNAPERVILLE.COM

BOOKS FICTION

NONFICTION

A Good Neighborhood

I Want You to Know We’re Still Here

By Therese Anne Fowler (St. Martin’s Press) With little in common except a property line, two very different families find themselves at odds: first, over an historic tree, then the blossoming romance between their two teenagers. This novel asks big questions: What is a good neighbor? And, how do we live alongside each other when we don’t see eye to eye?

The Glass Hotel

By Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf) In this novel of crisis and survival, St. John Mandel takes readers through campgrounds for the near-homeless, underground electronica clubs, service in luxury hotels, and life in a federal prison. This portrait of greed and guilt, love and delusion, ghosts and unintended consequences depicts the infinite ways we search for life’s meaning.

See the “To Do” Literary events for upcoming book signings in the area.

18 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

By Esther Safran Foer (Tim Duggan Books) Armed with only a photo and a handdrawn map, the author travels to Ukraine, determined to find the shtetl where her father hid during World War II. This memoir tells the story of survivors determined to keep the past alive and to imbue the present with life.

Upstream

By Dan Heath (Avid Readers/Simon Schuster) So often in life we put out fires. We deal with emergencies. We stay downstream, handling one problem after another, but we never make our way upstream to fix the systems that caused the problems. Upstream delivers case studies and practical solutions for preventing problems, rather than reacting to them.

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DISCOVER

ELMHURST The DuPage County Board chairman shares his favorite hometown spots

By Lisa Arnett

MEET DAN CRONIN

20 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

QUICK FACTS College town Elmhurst College’s 48-acre campus is located right near downtown Elmhurst.

First founding Elmhurst was first incorporated as a village in 1882.

Wright stuff Frank Lloyd Wright designed Elmhurst’s F.B. Henderson House (301 S. Kenilworth), which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rock out Rick Nielsen, lead guitarist for Cheap Trick, was born in Elmhurst.

ILLUSTRATION BY MAEVE NORTON

PHOTO COURTESY DUPAGE COUNTY AND BY GRAYDON MEGAN/PIONEER PRESS

B

orn on Chicago’s West Side in 1959, Dan Cronin moved to Elmhurst with his family a year later when his father, an orthopedic surgeon, was offered a job at Elmhurst Hospital. Cronin, now 60, has served as DuPage County Board chairman since 2010 and is one of nine children.

“Growing up where we did, near St. Charles and Spring Roads, I spent a lot of time riding my Schwinn Panther bicycle down Spring Road to Hank’s Corner to get penny candy on Saturday mornings,” he says.

After moving to Chicago to attend Northwestern University and Loyola University School of Law, he returned to Elmhurst. “My friends all called me DuPage Dan,” he says. He and his wife, Juli, have four children: two daughters in law school, a third daughter at Notre Dame University, and a son at IC Catholic Prep, Cronin’s alma mater.

The Cronin family has two dogs and enjoys walking the campus of Elmhurst College and the Prairie Path, which has several entry points in town.

Though Cronin appreciates Elmhurst’s downtown district, called City Centre, for its myriad retail options, he also has favorite destinations in Elmhurst’s other business districts, including Spring Road and York & Vallette.

DISCOVER WORTH A TRIP

1. Fitz’s Pub

“It’s a great cozy Irish pub,” Cronin says of this City Centre hangout. “You can have a Guinness and a bowl of potato soup.” Just about any deep-fried item your appetite could desire—mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, shrimp, wings—is at the ready to complement your choice of pint.

172 N. Addison Ave., 630.530.0777, fitzspub.com

2. York Theatre

“If you’re in Elmhurst, you have to go to the York Theatre,” Cronin says. This historic movie house centrally located in downtown Elmhurst has all the charm of its storied past (including a colorful neon marquee) along with modern amenities such as reserved recliner seating. “It’s a wonderful place,” says Cronin. “They even have the guy who plays the organ every once in a while!”

150 N. York St., 630.834.0675 classiccinemas.com/york

3. Victory Meat and Seafood

This steak and seafood house in Elmhurst’s City Centre “feels like downtown Chicago a little bit,” Cronin says. “They have high-top tables and it’s kind of a fun, cosmopolitan crowd and you can have a martini and a filet prepared just perfectly.”

116 N. York St., 630.359.5599 victorymeatandseafood.com

4. Prairie Cafe

This breakfast and lunch café in the York & Vallette business district serves all the diner-style classics, from peppers and eggs to pancakes and patty melts. “They have wonderful omelets and coffee and crispy hash browns,” Cronin says.

109 W. Vallette St., 630.279.7711

5. Roberto’s Ristorante

Cronin remembers this full-service restaurant in its early days as a tiny carryout joint in what is now called the Spring Road business district. “I’d lean up against the window, and Roberto would be making the pizzas and kneading the dough right there,” Cronin says. “He would smile and laugh at you.” Cronin and his son swear by the vodka sauce. “Whenever we travel, we go to an Italian restaurant and we always [try their sauce] and say, ‘It’s good here, but it’s not as good as Roberto’s,’ ” he says.

483 Spring Rd., 630.279.8486 robertosristorante.com

Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade

SPRING EVENTS

O

ne of Dan Cronin’s favorite Elmhurst events is the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. Though that is now in the rearview—the 53rd annual event was Feb. 20–23—there are plenty of other events to look forward to this spring in Elmhurst: The Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, elmhurststpatsparade.com) celebrates its 24th year on March 7. The parade steps off at noon at Spring Road at Wilson Street and heads north on Spring before ending at the railroad tracks just south of St. Charles Road.

Expect to see a festive lineup that includes Irish dancers from local schools, the York High School marching band, and floats from local businesses and organizations.

Elmhurst Park District’s lineup of Easter events promises

egg-hunting fun for all ages. Kiddos can meet the Easter Bunny and search for eggs at the Egg Scramble at Wilder Park (175 S. Prospect Ave.) at 10 a.m. on April 11. There’s also the Flashlight Egg Hunt, held after dark for teens at Wilder Park (175 S. Prospect Ave.) on April 9, and the new Adult Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 at Sugar Creek Golf Course. For details, visit epd.org/community-events.

Art in Wilder Park is a free two-day outdoor art festival slated for May 2–3 (elmhurstartmuseum.org). More than 100 artists will have handmade jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photography, and other artwork on display for purchase in Wilder Park. Held rain or shine, the fest also features live music, food vendors, and activities for kids.

In Elmhurst, we have a great sense of community … and a thriving downtown.”

—Dan Cronin NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 21

EXPERT ADVICE

IN GOOD TASTE New decade, new kitchen?

Caitie Smithe, design coordinator and stylist for Walter E. Smithe Furniture, serves up a bold new recipe for the most important room in the house

By Cara Sullivan PAY ATTENTION TO TRENDS Natural white oak wood finishes; clean, minimalistic cabinetry with no excess moldings or carvings; earth tones like sage and soft olive greens and beiges; and dark marble and stone countertops are going to be very popular in the next few years. … BUT NOT TOO CLOSELY Whether in a new home build or remodel, a kitchen is a significant investment of both time and money that affects your home’s resale value. For that reason, it’s best to err on the side of timeless for the big and expensive things, like cabinetry and countertops, and have fun with pieces that are easier to replace, like light fixtures, hardware, and paint color.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER Some of my favorite spaces I’ve designed were for couples who were very far apart style-wise. In my experience, design compromises usually result in a space that feels balanced and interesting.

MIX IN A POP OF COLOR I love a rich navy blue or teal in a kitchen, especially when used in small quantities—like blue on the island with a complementary wood finish or white for the rest of the cabinetry. Rich terra cotta flooring is also a classic and natural way to add color.

ADD A RUG It may seem unconventional, but it’s a great opportunity to soften an otherwise cold space while adding both color and pattern. Pro tip: Wool is easiest to clean.

EASY UPGRADE If you don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul, consider changing the hardware on your cabinets. It makes a really nice impact, and you can even do it yourself!

22 MARCH NOVEMBER 20202019 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPH BY OLIVIA KOHLER

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MOVE

BOOTY BLAST Get your derrière in shape with this workout from the owner of Strength Republic in Lisle

By Art Roman

T

he largest and strongest muscle groups in your body, the glutes and hamstrings, work together to extend, rotate, and abduct the hip.

They also stabilize the pelvis when walking, running, and climbing. So a well-trained rear isn’t just nice to look at—a strong backside can improve posture; alleviate lower back, hip, and knee pain; increase athletic performance; reduce bone density loss; and eliminate the abdominal pooch.

GOAL There are two ways you can do this program, adding weight to increase intensity.

For Time Set your interval timer app for 40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest, and do as many reps as you can within the 40-second time with good form.

For Reps Do 3 rounds, going through 15 reps of each exercise with good form. If it’s a unilateral movement (one side at a time, like lunges or leg lifts, do 15 reps per side) and rest for 20 to 30 seconds between exercises.

ROMANIAN DEAD LIFT

Hold a weight between your legs (or if you have 2 dumbbells hold them at the sides), arms extended to the floor, feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Without letting your knees move forward or rounding your back, hinge at the hips, pushing butt back to lower hands and upper body toward the floor. Pause, then drive through glutes to return to start position.

SQUAT TO REVERSE LUNGE

With a dumbbell held close to your chest and your feet hip-width apart, with a slight turn out of the toes, sit back into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Making sure knees stay in line with the toes, push down through your heels and return to standing. Lunge left leg behind you, dropping to kneel, then back up.

Repeat on other side.

SUMO SQUAT

Start with your feet roughly twice as wide as your hips, with toes pointed out 45 degrees. While holding dumbbell between legs, keep weight on heels and drop butt toward floor with knees in line with the toes. Pause on the bottom, then drive back up through hips.

HIP BRIDGE

With heels resting on the floor, and back flat to the ground, push up through your glutes and squeeze. To make it a little more intense, try single leg bridges for more bum burn. Pause for half a second at the top (keeping your ribs down and core engaged) before returning to start position.

EQUIPMENT Kettlebell, exercise mat, exercise band

LATERAL LUNGE

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.

Lift one leg and step to side, pushing hips back while keeping feet straight and knee pointing straight ahead. Straighten other leg, with foot planted on the floor. Push off from the floor with heel of bent leg to lift yourself up. Repeat on other side.

24 MONTH 2019 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2020

BANDED LEG LIFTS

Start on all fours, with hands under shoulders and knees under hips, and a band connecting both ankles.

Straighten one leg, with foot flexed, then drive leg as high as possible while squeezing glutes. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower back down.

Repeat on other side.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY IEVGENII VOLYK

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

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DIVORCE, NOW WHAT?

Making the decision to end a relationship is difficult and can be costly both emotionally and financially. There are numerous questions and considerations involved in the process. What happens to your home and retirement plans? Who gets the family dog? Where will the kids spend summer break and holidays? Our team at Grunyk Family Law knows how devastating a divorce can be and helping couples and families achieve their goals while maintaining dignity and self-respect is the cornerstone of our practice. We are dedicated to achieving positive outcomes in an amicable fashion.

(630) 428-3300 | grunyklaw.com

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PEOPLE AND PARTIES WITH PURPOSE

GIVING BACK

HUMANITARIAN PHOTOS BY HARLAN HOUSKA

Page 28

NAPERSCENE Page 30

Krissy O’Hara, Anjali Liazuk, and Dr. Alexis Newman at MARK-9’s Cash for Canines

KUDOS Page 32

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH MONTH2020 2019 27

HUMANITARIAN

ACCESS DUPAGE A collaborative solution for a difficult problem

By Julie Duffin

A

mazing things can happen when people work together for the common good, and Access DuPage is a prime example of this. Through the public organization, thousands of local health care professionals and hundreds of organizations seamlessly provide high-quality care to uninsured residents of DuPage County.

Since it began in 2001, Access DuPage has provided care to over 56,000 residents. “It’s a simple and elegant approach built on the foundation of what we had to offer here in DuPage County,” says Kara Murphy, president of the DuPage Health Coalition, which 28 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

runs Access DuPage. “No one can afford to be uninsured. People who don’t have access to primary care services have no choice but to use the emergency room as their main source of care. That’s a really expensive and ineffective way to be healthy,” she explains. “It makes sense to invest in strategies that give people an alternative to the emergency room.

We are so grateful that every hospital in DuPage County supports us financially and sees our patients in their facilities.

It’s thanks to them and our other health partners that we are able to ensure our patients get the care they need in a manner which they can afford.”

REASSURING THE UNINSURED Access DuPage is available to uninsured adults living at or below two times the federal poverty level. Participants enroll in the program for 12 months at a time and can reapply as long as they are not eligible for other insurance. “There is no substitute for having high quality health insurance,” Murphy explains. “We do a great job, thanks to our partners, but we always prefer that people be insured.”

Once enrolled, patients are assigned a primary care physician whom they see for a small copay. If a patient needs to see a specialist or have surgery, care coordinators connect them with the appropriate provider.

“Because we have so much commitment from our community partners, it costs us less than $400 per member per year to provide comprehensive health services. The remainder is written off by the volunteers and the hospitals,” Mur-

PHOTO COURTESY EDWARD-ELMHURST HEALTH

DuPage County physicians treat low-income patients through the county’s Access DuPage program.

phy explains. “Every dollar we spend in direct service for Access DuPage is matched by more than $10 worth of donated services.”

Enrollment information can be found at accessdupage.org. Providers interested in volunteering can complete a quick form on the website.

“Our goal is to make sure it’s a positive volunteer experience for our providers.

They decide the number of patients they will see and easily integrate them into their day,” Murphy points out. “We benefit greatly from whatever commitment level they are comfortable with.

We just ask them to the things that only they can do, then we do our best to take care of all the other pieces.”

Sheri Scott, associate vice president for Edward–Elmhurst Health, has served on the DuPage Health Coalition Board since 2011. “It’s amazing to see all the hospitals sitting together at the same table with a common goal. We put aside any notion that we may be competitors and focus on the people in our community,” she explains. “It’s so

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We are so grateful that every hospital in DuPage County supports us financially and sees our patients in their facilities. —Kara Murphy important for health care organizations to think beyond the walls of an inpatient hospital and look at health from a broader perspective. This is a key program for us to be able to reach those lower-income families who might not otherwise be able to access health care.”

In addition to Access DuPage, the DuPage Health Coalition runs three other programs: Silver Access, which helps people pay insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act marketplace; the DuPage Dispensary of Hope, a free pharmacy located in Wheaton; and Women’s Health Navigation Services, which supports screenings and treatments for breast and cervical cancer.

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 29

NAPERSCENE

1

CANINE CASH A good cause that supports retired paws

Retired K-9 Seamus

2 3

By Julie Duffin

M

30 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

4 5

1 Aron Bresnen with MARK-9 president Dr. Alexis Newman. 2 Dan Miller, retired K-9 Diesel, and Chicago Casino Suppliers.

3 Matt Szluka with retired K-9 Jordan. 4 Kristen and Travis Quigley with Joel and Elizabeth Claussing.

5 MARK-9 board members John Allen, Katelyn Kozielski, Krissy O’Hara, Dr. Alexis Newman, Anjali Liazuk, Tara Poremba, and John Coldwater.

PHOTOS BY HARLAN HOUSKA

ARK-9 (Medical Assistance for Retired K-9s) hosted its fourth annual CA$H FOR CANINE$ Casino Night on Saturday, January 25. Over 150 people attended the sold-out event held at the Hotel Arista in Naperville.

Guests enjoyed a night of gambling fun with top-shelf cocktails that included “cosmo-PAW-litans” and “marGRRRitas.”

Attendees were able to test their luck at the blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps tables with $2,000 worth of play money.

“The outpouring of support from the law enforcement and civilian community for this event is overwhelming,” says MARK-9 president and veterinarian Alexis Newman. “This is one of our two annual events that allow us to provide funding for these well-deserving K-9s.”

The nonprofit organization supports handlers in providing the necessary medical care for their retired K-9 partners.

Based in Lisle, MARK-9 provides funding for over 100 dogs all over the country.

Information about the organization can be found at mark-9.org.

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www.haveninteriorsltd.com NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 31

KUDOS Along with Manos, teammates Nayelin Delgadillo, Chris Feliciano, and Oki Honda placed third for their project Urban Jewel, which restores and modernizes a lost public square in Savannah, Georgia. “Savannah is known for the public squares, which make it the first planned city in America,” says Manos, “but three of these squares were removed to build a highway. Our design restores one … as a new modern interactive space. Every guest who enters the square can touch an interactive wall, which responds to their touch by glowing. Each person who enters the square can add their light, and the Home Fire burns brighter. We wanted this space to create social unity between the different groups of people in Savannah, like tourists, students, and locals.”

Manos’s team, along with 16 other students from five other teams of finalists, received an all-expenses-paid trip

DISNEY DREAMS Local resident and aspiring Imagineer earns honors in national design competition

By Michelle Dellinger

T

he Disney brand is widely known for telling engaging and compelling stories, but the engineering behind the immersive environments— theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships—is a bit more obscure.

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative division responsible for designing these immersive environments, and its ongoing talent search includes an annual design competition. College students are encouraged to create iconic installations, on their campus or city, that serve as inspirations that honor the past while providing a vision of the future. And for one local resident, the competition fused his childhood dreams with the promise of a bright future with the company.

32 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

“As a kid, I always wanted to work for Imagineering,” says John Manos, a 2016 Naperville Central High School graduate. “I first heard about the Imaginations Design Competition in middle school, and wanted to compete all through school.” The competition is also popular at Georgia’s Savannah College of Art and Design, he says, where John is a senior majoring in production design with a minor in architecture. When the prompt came out, he put together a team that consisted of production design, architecture, user experience design, and illustration. “It was great to work with new groups and it made our final project have more depth because we each contributed something different.”

Each person who enters the square can add their light, and the Home Fire burns brighter.

We wanted this space to create social unity between the different groups of people in Savannah, like tourists, students, and locals.”

—John Manos

in January to Walt Disney Imagineering in California. In addition to presenting their projects, the students met with Imagineers, interviewed for internships, and had behind-the-scenes tours.

Although Manos has lived in Naperville for most of his life, he’ll be moving to Orlando in May to begin a project coordination internship with Walt Disney Imagineering. “This has been a dream of mine for my entire life,” says Manos. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to compete in the Imaginations Design Competition, which helped make it reality.”

PHOTO COURTESY WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING

Savannah College of Art and Design teammates (from left) John Manos, Chris Feliciano, Nayelin Delgadillo, and Oki Honda, celebrate their thirdplace win for their project Urban Jewel.

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G FE AT U R E

2020

HOME +GARDEN

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G FE AT U R E

2020

HOME +GARDEN

C.B. CONLIN LANDSCAPES 28W490 95th Street, Naperville, IL 60564 630-416-8998 | cbconlin.com

Since 1985, C.B. Conlin Landscapes has been creating custom outdoor environments for discerning clients in and around the Naperville area. Our company was founded with three basic principles in mind: design, build and enjoy. We strive to design landscapes that are distinctive to our clients and the communities in which they reside. We aim to build not only fine landscapes, but lifelong relationships with our clients, co-workers and community.

Most of all we seek to promote the enjoyment of life through our custom-built outdoor environments.

Here at C.B. Conlin Landscapes, we believe that open minds and open lines of communication are key components to any successful landscape project. The main objective of every job we do is to create an outdoor space that is a true reflection of the architecture, the environment and—most importantly—our clients.

We take a collaborative approach to our design process, ensuring what we present is a well-balanced, timeless concept that fits the current and future lifestyle of the homeowner. We truly enjoy what we do and take a lot of pride in creating outdoor environments in which lasting memories are made.

Owner Barry Conlin attributes the company’s many years of success to the talent, knowledge and work ethic of his past and present staff. He gives a lot of credit to the great community of Naperville as well. “It was by luck that my family moved here in 1966. We have been fortunate enough to live and work in a city that is focused on community, growth and progress. We all feel very blessed to be able to provide our services to one of the most sought-after communities to live in the entire country” says Conlin. “We are gearing up for our 36th season in business, yet each project still feels new and exciting. I can’t imagine a more enjoyable career.”

34 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G FE AT U R E

2020

HOME +GARDEN

INTERIOR PLANNING & DESIGN, INC. Joan Kaufman, FASID, LEED AP 630-848-2119 | info@interiorplanning.com Showroom/Studio by Appointment

Since 1990, Interior Planning & Design has been creating amazing interiors that are beautiful and comfortable. We utilize our extensive experience completing Space Planning, Interior Design, and project coordination for both commercial and residential spaces. We work with each client to identify their needs and to develop the design concept for the project, to ensure the client’s desires are implemented. Our unique mission and focus is creating balanced, harmonious environments that foster health and wellness. We create the total environment through lighting, fabric, finishes, and furnishings. When you select Interior Planning & Design, Inc. for your project, we bring our expertise, education and experience to work for you to achieve your goals. We design and implement complete environments coordinating the details to achieve the vision. Our collaborative process allows us to carry out everything from planning to installation.

We are visionary, yet practical. We are dedicated to quality.

We orchestrate the project from start to finish to achieve your design goals.

We think…about everything. We are relentless in the way we devote attention to the details; striving to solve client problems and devising long term solutions. We analyze and listen closely to understand; then use those strategic insights to formulate beautiful spaces that are “just right” for each unique client.

We dream big…we show our clients the possibilities, we are not limited by preconceived expectations, we foster an environment focused on renewal — to ignite change through new, innovative creative concepts. We believe the products used in our designs can have a positive impact on health and wellness.

We convert dreams to reality. Ideas that look great on paper are brought to reality within the client’s means. We have exten-

sive expertise that allows us to devise methods and means of accomplishing the designs we develop for our clients by partnering with a loyal group of craftspeople to implement the vision.

We care. We strive for excellence. Life matters. Design matters. People matter: our partners, our clients, and our world. We actively participate in our community and give back though volunteering.

“With over 25 years of experience in design, and project management, we most cherish the long-term relationships we have kept with team members and clients.”

2019, 2018, 2015 Design Excellence Award; 2016 ASID Designer of Distinction NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 35

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G FE AT U R E

2020

HOME +GARDEN

MARIANI LANDSCAPE

300 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 847-234-2172 | marianilandscape.com Mariani Landscape is a third-generation, family- owned and operated company built on hard work, high quality and uncompromising customer service. Through dedication, knowledge and tradition, they have become the largest privately owned residential landscape company in the United States.

Mariani is an industry leader providing award-winning landscape design, construction and maintenance. Mariani Landscape has been a part of the Chicagoland community since 1958 and has been serving the Western Suburbs for over 20 years out of their full-service branch in Westmont.

“Providing local service allows us to insure the level of customer care that has been the hallmark of Mariani Landscape for more than fifty years,” says Frank Mariani Jr. “We are a part of this community and we are pleased that we can continue to provide our local clients with the design, construction and maintenance expertise they deserve.”

Another key component of the Westmont Branch of Mariani Landscape is the activities of longtime Mariani Landscape Design Director, Tony LoBello. Tony has been with Mariani for well over twenty years and he has designed and overseen the construction of numerous significant projects throughout the Western Suburbs.

The Westmont facility is the dispatching point for the regular maintenance and enhancement crews with our full-service facility housing the necessary equipment and personnel to properly maintain our many clients in this area.

36 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

For sixty years Mariani has earned a reputation for extraordinary landscape architecture and installation. As CEO Frank Mariani puts it, “We strive to make our next project our best project.” With the constant goal to grow and improve, and over 500 dedicated associates, Mariani Landscape continues to offer personalized, professional service.

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G FE AT U R E

PENNY O’BRIEN REALTOR Baird & Warner Real Estate 836 W 75th Street #112, Naperville, IL 60565 630-207-7001 penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

If there’s one word that consistently comes to mind regarding Baird & Warner agent Penny O’Brien, its “hustle!” With more than 125 reviews, Penny is the top ranked individual agent in Naperville on Zillow. Serving the western suburbs, Penny sold more than 29 million in real estate last year placing her in the top 1% of all Naperville agents. Penny is a creative and aggressive marketing strategist, a certified stager and seller representative specialist. She loves meeting with sellers to discuss home improvements and guide them to making their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. Penny strongly believes in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service to her clients. With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she help clients realize a higher return and quicker sale. “Staging transforms a home from average to amazing,” Penny says, and noting her secret to success is listening to her client’s well, molding her approach to suit their needs, and communicating with them in the way they prefer, noting that “real estate is a personality-driven business.” Penny enjoys assisting all categories of buyers: first-timers, downsizers, and movers up, in finding home to fit their particular needs and stage in life. Penny is a certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert, landing the best price and terms for each client; and, in multiple offer situations, her broad negotiation experience helps win the home!

CAMP GUIDE APRIL 2020

The 2020 April issue of Naperville magazine will feature a Camp Guide highlighting the top camps, schools and events this summer, which will serve as a resource to our readers as they plan out their perfect summer!

Reach over 150,000+ readers by purchasing space in our 2019 Camp Guide.

For more information, call 630.696.4124 or email info@napervillemagazine.com

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 37

INTERIOR DESIGN FLOORING BATHROOMS • KITCHENS • INTERIOR DESIGN SOLUTIONS OLUTIONS LUT TIONS

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CALL TODAY (630) 416-2020 or (630) 717- 0007 IN BUSINESS

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SUBURBAN BLISS

TRENDS SHOP Page 40

HOME Page 42

MARKET Page 44

OPENINGS

PHOTO COURTESY T. GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 46

A pop of green on a Wheaton fireplace mantel designed by Urban 1111 in Lombard NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH MONTH2020 2019 39

SHOP How do you describe your store?

I like to call it a garden boutique. We carry plants, apothecary and self-healing products, and home decor. We also have textiles—pillows, blankets, and rugs—as well as baskets.

Before opening the store what was your professional background?

After attending Wheaton-Warrenville South High School, my husband got his degree in horticulture, and I worked as a nanny. I also studied fashion design, and always knew I wanted to do something creative. One day I decided out of the blue that I was going to start a garden boutique with a twist. I call myself a plant designer. We show people where to place plants in their homes.

How do you help customers find the right plants for them?

The first thing I ask them is to describe the location where it’s going. What kind of window light is in that location? Is it near a heat vent? Or is it an area with a lot of moisture? Sometimes people bring in pictures of their space. Then I can point them to their options.

The living wall at Branch Gardens

GREEN BOUTIQUE Downtown Aurora’s garden oasis

By Annemarie Mannion

I

f you’re like throngs of others who don’t think they have a green thumb, there is hope for those who wish to add the beauty of plants to their homes but have trouble with the upkeep: the watering, pruning, and potting.

There’s help for finding all things green at Branch Gardens in Aurora 40 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

(77 S. Lake St., 630.303.1042, branchgardens.com). The store is operated

by Wheaton natives Kori Kasper and her husband, Bryan, who have the know-how to help others create environments where plants will thrive. We talked with Kori about what makes the business unique.

How do you help novices increase their plant-caring skills?

For most people, the reason plants die is from overwatering. I point customers to plants that I know they’ll have good luck with, that are very hardy, and that I know will help them build their confidence. We tag the plants with easy care instructions. My husband knows all about plants in depth.

I know he can back me up if there is something I don’t know. He’s just a phone call away and he can answer any questions I have.

What plants are popular right now?

One that a lot of people are asking for right now is the variegated Monstera Deliciosa. It’s the plant that everyone wants—they’ve seen it on Instagram.

Plant influencers set trends.

PHOTOS COURTESY BRANCH GARDENS

How do you direct them to plants that will look good in the space?

We look at the size; there are certain plants that will fit a space better than others. There are plants that grow more vertically, and others that are bushy, and ones that have vines.

Who’s your target customer?

Our main group is people age 18 to 35. They are buying homes or renting apartments, and they want to make their apartments feel warm and cozy and fill them with plants, which are affordable. People are also very aware of the health benefits of plants. They cleanse the air, and people want to bring that into their homes.

What are the prices for your plants?

They run from $3 into the hundreds of dollars. I tell people, “Don’t feel bad if you buy a plant for between $10 and $20, and it dies, unless you’re trying to kill it.” You’re going to have that plant for a least a week or two. It will definitely have more longevity than buying a bouquet or vase of flowers that you’d also spend $10 or $20 on.

Our plants are all onsite, but if someone wants something in particular, I do orders once a week. Once May hits, we’ll have all the annuals, perennials, and trees—you name it.

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Why does your store carry apothecary and healing products?

I think it’s important to let people know they can help heal their bodies with natural products. Most of ours are prepackaged, but some are open so customers can make a tincture or tea to help them with a particular problem, like anxiety or sleep. We also host herbology classes once or twice a month.

You recently renovated your store.

What does it look like now?

The walls are olive green—we’re going for a moody, modern feel. It’s kind of dark and mysterious, but it has beauty to it and it’s very welcoming. We want people to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves when they’re here.

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33 E 1st Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521 • 630-323-1840 • www.hinsdalefurriers.com NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 41

HOME This brassfinish Urchin chandelier by Dutton Brown (duttonbrown.com, $549) adds shine and whimsy.

“We have a very traditional house, and I never would have thought to throw that fun piece in there,” says Mary Beth.

Alonso-Carmona accessorized these shelves with the family’s existing possessions, including the kids’ sports-themed piggy banks, a music box purchased in Italy, and a mug from the homeowners’ alma mater, Marquette University.

Built-in cabinetry painted in Sea Serpent

by Sherwin Williams provides a dramatic focal point. The homeowners use the lower cabinets to store their treasured (but rarely used) heirloom china and crystal.

GROWN UP A fresh look for a new decade

W

hen Mary Beth and Tim Moran moved into their Wheaton home more than a decade ago, their two children were in elementary school. Now with their daughter in college and son in high school, they were ready for an update. “We felt it needed a refresh as well as a transition from a kid-friendly house … to being more adult friendly,” Mary Beth says. Enter Gaby Alonso-Carmona of Urban 1111 Design in Lombard, the mastermind behind a first-floor renovation that blended existing furniture with new finds. She also enlisted Naperville-based contractor Coan Services to install eye-catching architectural upgrades, such as crisscrossing ceiling beams in the family room and a wall-to-wall built-in for their cozy reading room.

42 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

Alonso-Carmona reworked the family room around the existing cognac leather couch, coffee table, and rocking chair—the latter was purchased for Mary Beth by Tim when they found out she was pregnant with their daughter. For additional seating, Alonso-Carmona added a new window seat cushion and pillows, cushy ottomans, and light-hued chairs. “All our family is local, so when they’re over or we host small group [Bible study] for church, now everyone can sit in here comfortably,” Mary Beth says.

PHOTOS BY T. GREENE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Lisa Arnett

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“These chairs were a hand-me-down from my mom and [Alonso-Carmona] was able to incorporate the fabrics,” says Mary Beth. The Misana rug by Hillsby Oriental (wayfair.com, $373) and Rambagh paisley indigo curtain panels (Pier 1 Imports, $45 each) add complementary colors and patterns.

To lighten up the foyer, a heavy wooden cabinet was replaced by the family’s antique sewing machine, which was converted into a table with a glass top. The height of the chair rail was raised under a durable vinyl wall covering with a woven silk-like look. New botanical prints and a vase with faux greenery adds a touch of nature.

MAGAZINE.COM NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 43

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TINY TREATS Welcome new additions with these perfect presents Styled by Joanna Aloysia Patterson 44 MARCH SEPTEMBER 20202019 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

1. Honest Kids panda diaper cake from Bye Bye Baby, $40; 2. Wee Gallery cloth book from Anderson’s Bookshop, $15; 3. Birch/Fjord boxy backpack diaper bag, $142, and tweed Sherpa blanket, $45, from Pottery Barn Kids; 4. Lumipet owl night light from Gotskind’s Shoes & Clothing, $26; 5. Fawn swaddle blanket from Alex and Andy, $30; 6. Golden Star baby memory book from Crate Kids, $40; 7. Owl ring rattle, $10, and Kringle Ringel, $14, from Anderson’s Toyshop; 8. Teddy bear Waddle socks from Bows & Babes, $12; 9. Milestone blocks from Nona Jo’s, $29 PHOTOGRAPH BY OLIVIA KOHLER

Thinking of Selling?

What's Your Home Worth?

Lush Cosmetics

BRAND MAGNET Downtown Naperville attracts more national and indie restaurants and retailers this spring

By Christie Willhite

T

he vegan in Kaleen Barbera knew a plant-based gourmet bakery would fill a market niche.

The businesswoman in her knew she’d need to find just the right location to make it work.

When the newly renovated storefront at Jefferson Avenue and Main Street (the “Times Square of Naperville,” she calls it) opened up, Barbera knew she had a recipe for success.

“I had a good pulse on the vibrancy of Naperville. It’s a neat hometown, but it’s sophisticated as well,” she says. “I couldn’t see doing this anywhere else. If it’s not going to work here, it’s not going to work anywhere.”

Barbera’s Cinnaholic opened in January with lines down the block of 46 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

customers eager to sample the bakery’s decadent cinnamon rolls done up with a choice of frostings and toppings.

The shop is only the franchise’s second location in Illinois—something that’s a bit of a trend in downtown Naperville, says Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

Many of the business district’s new stores and restaurants and many of those opening soon are making their first forays into the state—or at least into the suburbs—by setting up shop in downtown Naperville, Wood says.

“What we’re seeing is some destination brands choosing Naperville,” she says. “[The city] has caught their attention.

It’s great. It gives people another reason to come to Naperville.”

Filson clothiers, which brought its first Illinois store to Naperville at the end of last year, will be joined this spring by the state’s second Top Fashions name-brand streetwear store. The second European Living shop began selling handmade clothing, accessories, and housewares in January. Lush Cosmetics (shown) plans a spring opening, while Lululemon will expand this spring into a larger space at Main Street and Van Buren Avenue.

Like Cinnaholic, fusion restaurant Seoul Taco opened in January. This spring the downtown dining menu will grow to include Gyu-Kaku, a Japanese barbecue, and Ladies & Gents, a restaurant and lounge created by a group of Naperville businesswomen, Wood says.

Shoppers and diners also will want to keep watch on Central Park Place as it nears completion. Already, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea plans to bring its globally influenced café fare to the development on Washington Street. A restaurant and some retail likely will follow.

“Naperville enjoys a really good brand,” says Christine Jeffries, president of the Naperville Development Partnership. “The reputation of our community helps drive the level of development we want to see.”

The partnership works with city officials and property owners to ensure the downtown district—and the whole city—offer a mix of restaurants, retailers, and services that make both business owners and customers want to be here, Jeffries says.

“In the postmall era, we saw the rise of ‘lifestyle centers’ that basically grew out of grassy fields. But in downtown Naperville, we have a lifestyle center that grew organically,” she says.

“Younger consumers want an experience. With the Riverwalk and the Century Walk art pieces, we have that, and it’s not fabricated.”

The city plans to begin work in April on a large streetscape project that ultimately will enhance shoppers’ experience with wider sidewalks, new trees and planters, and other infrastructure improvements, Wood says.

During the construction, lasting likely into early fall, portions of Jefferson Avenue and Main Street will be closed to traffic, but sidewalks and businesses will remain open.

PHOTO COURTESY LUSH

OPENINGS

NEW ON THE SCENE

Downtown Naperville welcomes eight businesses in winter and spring Cinnaholic Gourmet bakery launched in 2010 in Berkeley, California, featuring 100 percent vegan cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, and catering; opened second Illinois location in Naperville in January. 41 W. Jefferson Ave., cinnaholic.com European Living Retailer offering handmade European coats, accessories, pottery, and bedding; opened its second location in Naperville in January. 124 S. Webster St., europeanlivingchicago.com

DINE E-NEWSLETTER

Filson Seattle-based rustic apparel and outdoor company founded in 1897; opened first Illinois location in Naperville in late 2019.

41 W. Jefferson Ave., filson.com Gyu-Kaku Japanese barbecue restaurant chain includes three locations in Chicago; expected to open in Naperville in spring.

47 E. Chicago Ave., gyu-kaku.com Ladies & Gents Restaurant and lounge being launched by a group of Naperville businesswomen; opening in spring. 5 W. Jackson Ave., ladiesandgents.net Lush Cosmetics Ethically minded cosmetics company is the latest incarnation by duo that launched Constantine & Weir in the 1970s in England; slated to open ninth Illinois store in Naperville in spring. 119 S. Main St., lushusa.com Seoul Taco Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant based in Missouri; opened third Illinois location in Naperville in January. 206 S. Washington St., seoultaco.com Top Fashion Retailer offering high-end streetwear brands; opening second Illinois location in Naperville in spring. 233 S. Main St., myabcspace.com/TopFashion In addition to these downtown retailers, the City of Naperville recently announced a second Costco will open in Ogden Mall.

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NAPERVILLE MAGAZINE’S CULINARY GUIDE

DINE TABLE FOR TWO Page 50

RECIPE Page 52

LOCAL FLAVOR

PHOTO BY GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 55

Social burger from Stolp Island Social in downtown Aurora NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH MONTH2020 2019 49

TABLE FOR TWO Kale salad

Interior

RAZZLE DAZZLE Relive the Roaring Twenties at Stolp Island Social

By Mark Loehrke

A

nyone who has observed the evolution of downtown Aurora over the last five years or so could not have been too surprised by the arrival last fall of Stolp Island Social (5 E. Galena Blvd., 630.340.4980, stolpislandsocial.com), named for the island in the Fox River upon which the restaurant sits. After all, where there was once quiet in this proud but downtrodden river city, there is today a fresh new focus on a community built around the arts, spurred in large part by the renewed success of the venerable Paramount Theatre and its suddenly burgeoning calendar of homegrown Broadway productions. Now locals and 50 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

visitors alike are hungry for more—and, frankly, just plain hungry.

Enter Amy Morton, veteran restaurateur, lifelong theater lover, and one of those outsiders who took notice of Aurora’s budding new identity and immediately saw the art of the possible in this sleeping giant on the banks of the Fox. “Aurora is a diamond in the rough if I’ve ever seen one, and I absolutely fell in love with the place,” she says. “Our goal with Stolp Island Social is to be part of the revitalization that’s taking place here; to help nurture the vibe of what we believe will be the new Roaring Twenties by creating a place where people can relax and feel like they truly belong.”

WITH ONE LOOK Morton’s lofty ambitions unfold in a space that has more than a hint of the last Roaring Twenties, with the old Block and Kuhl department store transformed with a little understated razzle-dazzle. It’s an ideal spot for ladies who lunch, theatergoers (with a precurtain prix fixe menu option), or anyone else looking for some enchanted evening in downtown Aurora. (For those who like to put on their Sunday clothes, the restaurant also plans to offer a jazz brunch in the near future).

Lit by twinkling tea lights and decorated with comfortable and charmingly vintage furniture and repurposed artwork, the sitting area just inside the front door is a cozy spot to wait for a table—or perhaps the perfect place to just settle in for the night with a couple of good friends and a few good drinks.

Those concoctions emerge from a square bar that anchors the center of the room, as the guys and dolls of Mor-

PHOTOS BY GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY (FOOD) AND ALAN SHORTALL (INTERIOR)

Clover club cocktail

ton’s seasonally inspired cocktail program mix updated throwbacks like the G&T Rethunk and the Mortini under a phalanx of Edison bulbs—a warm and welcoming setting in which to offer a quiet toast to life, or simply to author another chapter in one’s personal story of tonight.

2019

BE OUR GUEST A modern approach to old standbys carries over to the main menu, where Morton draws upon both her family’s legendary beef prowess and her own largely vegetarian leanings. A diverse slate of appetizers and entrées demonstrate a firm commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.

We started with an order of the crispy chickpeas, a bowl of deliciously spiced nuggets that taste even better with a dip in the green goddess dressing that accompanied our rich and flavorful crab cake. Steaks are the clear headliners among the entrée selections, and indeed the heritage Angus fillet was a tender and perfectly cooked delight, made that much more indulgent by the satisfying béarnaise and a side of marrow-smashed potatoes. Yet while the steaks (both house and reserve cuts) are the clear centerpiece of the menu here, don’t sleep on the handful of seafood and pasta dishes on offer, or risk missing out on a winner like the creamy mushroom pappardelle (below).

When it came time for the final curtain on our night, a spoonful of sugar was certainly welcome, here in the form of a decadent chocolate velvet cake and a crumbly take on carrot cake—two of my favorite things. When it comes to doing their part in the revitalization of downtown Aurora, Morton and her crew are onto something wonderful.

MARIANNE MURPHY ORLAND: “FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF DOLLY PARTON” APRIL 5

AN EVENING WITH JAZZ TROMBONIST TIM COFFMAN APRIL 17

Creamy mushroom pappardelle

THE FOUR C NOTES APRIL 18

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RECIPE

GINGER CAKE WITH TANGERINE CURD AND GREEN TEA ICING Yield: 12 servings

1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Prepare two 6-inch round pans with parchment paper. Do not spray the pans.

2

In large bowl, whip egg whites with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue whipping until glossy and whites hold stiff peaks.

3

In large bowl, sift together flour, remaining ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, ground ginger and salt.

4

In small bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolks, and ginger. Stir into flour mixture until just combined.

Fold 1⁄3 of beaten egg whites into yolk mixture to loosen, then fold in remaining egg whites until no streaks remain. Divide evenly into prepared pans.

5

Bake 23 to 27 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes on cooling rack; remove from pan and cool completely.

52 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

TANGERINE CURD 2⁄3 cup tangerine juice (from 4 small tangerines) 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup granulated sugar

pinch of salt 4 egg yolks (reserve whites for icing) 6 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoons 1 tablespoon tangerine zest 1

2

In medium saucepan, whisk together juice and cornstarch until completely dissolved. Whisk in sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat until steaming.

While whisking, slowly pour half of hot liquid into egg yolks to warm them gently. Reduce heat to medium low and pour back into saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and just boils.

Remove from heat and pass through a fine mesh strainer. Add butter and tangerine zest; stir until butter melts and is completely incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cool.

GREEN TEA ICING 3 egg whites 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon matcha powder

pinch of salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened and cut into tablespoons 1

In double boiler, combine egg whites, sugar, matcha powder, and salt. Whisk constantly until mixture reaches 150 degrees.

Transfer to large bowl; whip at high speed with electric mixer until mixture cools. Switch to paddle attachment; beat at medium speed while slowly adding butter.

2

To assemble cake, cut each cake layer in half horizontally. Place the bottom cake layer, cut side up, on cake board. Pipe a dam of icing about ¼ inch from outside edge of cake. Fill with tangerine curd.

Place next cake layer on top. Gently press into place and repeat.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours to set cake. Ice top and sides of cake.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe courtesy Wilton Industries

PHOTO COURTESY WILTON INDUSTRIES

CAKE 4 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided 3/4 cup sifted cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup milk 2 egg yolks (reserve remaining 2 yolks for curd and whites for icing) 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

LIGHTING IS THE ONLY DRAMA ALLOWED IN THIS HOME.

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www.lightsourcelighting.com Take a tour of our showroom through our Google plus page

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Burrito Bowl from Guzman y Gomez

LOCAL FLAVOR AMERICAN 1910 BAR $$ 30 West State Street, Suite 200, Geneva 630.845.9100, 1910geneva.com ADELLE’S FINE AMERICAN FARE, $$$ 535 West Liberty Drive, Wheaton 630.784.8015, adelles.com ALLEGORY $$$ 224 South Main Street, Naperville 630.536.8862, allegorynaperville.com

PHOTO COURTESY GUZMAN Y GOMEZ

ARROWHEAD RESTAURANT AND BAR $$$ 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton 630.653.5800, arrowheadgolfclub.org ARTISAN TABLE $$$ 1801 North Naperville Road, Naperville 630.505.4900, chicagomarriottnaperville.com ATWATER’S AT THE HERRINGTON INN $$$ 15 South River Lane, Geneva 630.208.7433, herringtoninn.com

BARREL & RYE $$ 477 South Third Street, Suite 184, Geneva 630.402.0647, barrelandrye.com BEATRIX $$ 272 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.491.1415, beatrixrestaurants.com BLACKBERRY MARKET $ 401 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn 36 South LaGrange Road, La Grange

THE CAPITAL GRILLE $$$$ 87 Yorktown Center, Lombard 630.627.9800, thecapitalgrille.com CARNIVORE & THE QUEEN $$$ 2241 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove 630.541.9951, carnivoreandthequeen.com CATCH 35 $$$ 35 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.717.3500, catch35.com

BLACK ROCK BAR & GRILL $$$ 2740 West 75th Street, Naperville 630.445.8648, blackrockrestaurants.com

CHINN’S 34TH STREET FISHERY $$$ 3011 West Ogden Avenue, Lisle 630.637.1777, chinnsfishery.com

THE BURGER SOCIAL $$ 108 North Hale Street, Wheaton 630.480.0458, theburgersocial.com

CITYGATE GRILLE $$$ 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville 630.718.1010, citygategrille.com

CADENCE KITCHEN $$$ 5101 Mochel Drive, Downers Grove 630.422.7631, cadencekitchen.co

CLUB ARCADA $$ 105 East Main Street, St. Charles 630.962.7000, clubarcada.com NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 55

NEWLY OPENED

COLONIAL CAFE $ 1101 South Washington Street, Naperville 1961 West Galena Road, Aurora 1625 East Main Street, St. Charles 552 Randall Road, St. Charles colonialcafe.com COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT $$$ 1740 Freedom Drive, Naperville R1801 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove chwinery.com CRAFT URBAN $$$ 211 James Street, Geneva 331.248.8161, crafturban.com DRAFT PICKS $$ 523 Fairway Drive, Naperville 630.904.1111, draftpicksnaperville.com EDDIE MERLOT’S $$$$ 28254 Diehl Road, Warrenville 630.393.1900, eddiemerlots.com EGG HARBOR CAFÉ $ 175 West Jackson Avenue, Naperville 630.548.1196, eggharborcafe.com EGGS INC. CAFÉ $ 220 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.171.5555, eggsincorporated.com

5600 Belmont Rd., Downers Grove 630.493.1234, pizzeria32.com

GUZMAN Y GOMEZ Australia-based Mexican food purveyors Guzman y Gomez, known for high-quality ingredients and fast service, have chosen Naperville for their first North American location. Guests can enjoy made-to-order Mexican fare all day, beginning with breakfast. Start your day with the chorizo breakfast burrito, and then in the afternoon snack on the chipotle fries, which are an international favorite.

1519 N. Naper Rd., Naperville 331.457.5991, guzmanygomez.com

WASABI RESTAURANT & BAR When you’re in the mood for Asian, sometimes it’s too hard to decide.

Sushi and tempura? Kung pao shrimp and egg rolls? Or maybe pad thai and curry chicken? The people at Wasabi must have been thinking the s ame thing—they put it all on one menu (even Korean seafood bowls).

Multiculturalism is a delicious thing.

5130 Main St., Downers Grove 630.395.9959 wasabidownersgrove.com 56 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

EMMETT’S BREWING CO. $$ 5200 Main Street, Downers Grove 630.434.8500, emmettsbrewingco.com EMPIRE BURGERS & BREW $$ 48 West Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.355.9000, empireburgerbar.com FLAGSHIP ON THE FOX $$ 100 South Riverside Avenue, St. Charles 630.549.7672, flagshiponthefox.com FOXFIRE $$$ 17 West State Street, Geneva 630.232.1369, foxfiregeneva.com GRAND DUKE’S RESTAURANT $$ 980 West 75th Street, Downers Grove, 708.594.5622, granddukesrestaurant.com GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY $$ 1828 Abriter Court, Naperville 630.544.3700, gcfb.net

PHOTO COURTESY PIZZERIA 32

PIZZERIA 32 This classic family-owned pizza place takes its dough recipe very seriously.

People who know pizza will love the 48-hour cold fermentation process that amps up the flavors and inflates the crust to light and airy perfection. And the mozzarella? All natural, no preservatives or fillers.

ELMHURST BREWING COMPANY $$ 171 North Addison Street, Elmhurst 630.834.2739, elmhurstbrewing.com

HAMPTON SOCIAL $$$ 705 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge 630.219.0009, thehamptonsocial.com

MANNA KITCHEN 2801 North Ogden Avenue, Lisle 630.536.8328, mannakitchen.net

RBK AMERICAN GRILL $$ 994 Warren Avenue, Downers Grove 331.251.6780, rbkdg.com

HARRY & EDDIE’S $$ 29 East First Street, Hinsdale 630.590.9047, harryandeddies.com

MELTING POT $$$$ 4931 Route 59, Naperville 630.717.8301, meltingpot.com

RED ARROW TAP ROOM $$ 216 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.536.8739, redarrowtaproom.com

HOPVINE BREWING COMPANY $$ 4030 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora 630.229.6030, hopvinebrewingcompany.com

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE $$$$ 1751 Freedom Drive, Naperville 630.577.1372, mortons.com

SANTO CIELO $$$ 120 Water Street, Suite 509, Naperville 630.323.0700, stcielo.com

HOLY MACKEREL! $$$ 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard 630.953.3444, harrycarays.com

MOVEABLE FEAST + COMPANY $$ 112 North Hale Street, Wheaton 630.868.3777, moveablefeastandco.com

SEASONS 52 $$$ 3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.571.4752, seasons52.com

HUGO’S FROG BAR & FISH HOUSE $$$ 55 South Main Street, Naperville 630.548.3764, hugosfrogbar.com

THE NEST BAR & GRILL $$$ 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook 630.771.9400, bolingbrookgolfclub.com

SIXTYFOUR WINE BAR & KITCHEN $$ 123 Water Street, Naperville 630.780.6464, sixtyfourwinebar.com

IKE AND OAK BREWING CO. $$ 6315 Main Street, Woodridge 331.998.2907, ideandoakbrewing.com

OLD TOWN POUR HOUSE $$ 1703 Freedom Drive, Naperville 630.448.6020, oldtownpourhouse.com

SOVEREIGN $$$ 24205 West Lockport Street, Plainfield 815.556.8577, sovereigntap.com

IVY OF WHEATON $$ 120 North Hale Street, Wheaton 630.665.2489, ivyofwheaton.com

PAISANS PIZZERIA $$ 2901 Ogden Avenue, Lisle 630.922.4100, paisanspizza.com

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE $$$ 244 South Main Street, Naperville 630.305.0230, sullivanssteakhouse.com

JACKSON AVENUE PUB $$ 7 West Jackson Avenue, Naperville 630.904.9400, jacksonavepub.com

PARKERS’ RESTAURANT & BAR $$$ 1000 31st Street, Downers Grove 630.960.5700, parkersamerican.com

J. FLEMING’S ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS $$$ 18 North Cass Avenue, Westmont 630.434.0224, willbeyourchef.com

PEANUTS BAR AND GRILL $ 22 West Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.369.5200, peanutsbarandgrill.com

JIMMY’S GRILL $$ 245 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.548.2500, jimmysgrillnaperville.com THE LANTERN $ 8 West Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.355.7099, lanterntavern.com LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR $$ 436 Route 59, Naperville 630.481.7301, lazydogrestaurants.com LE CHOCOLAT DU BOUCHARD $$ 127–129 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.355.5720, lechocolatdubouchard.com

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE $$$ 5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.571.1808, perryssteakhouse.com PIERCE TAVERN $$$ 5135 Main Street, Downers Grove 630.869.5333, piercetavern.com PIZZERIA NEO $$ 31 South First Street, St. Charles 630.377.8700, pizzerianeo.com PLANK BAR & KITCHEN $$ 120 Water Street, Naperville 331.401.5500, hotelindigo.com/napervilleil

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN $$ 204 South Washington Street, Naperville 331.215.5789, lepainquotidien.com

PRIMO $$ 29 South Third Street, Geneva 630.232.2280, allchocolatekitechenprimo.com

MAIZE + MASH $$ 430 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn 630.547.2540, maizeplusmash.com

R. URBAN WINE BAR & CAFE $$ 4738 Main Street, Lisle 414.909.1583, urbanwinelisle.com

TAP IN PUB & CARVERY $$ 2155 CityGate Lane, Naperville 331.457.5798, tapinpub.com TED’S MONTANA GRILL $$$ 39 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.848.2255, tedsmontanagrill.com THE TURF ROOM $$ 1033 Kilbery Lane, North Aurora 630.906.9300, theturfroomrestaurant.com THIRTY O THREE $$ 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, 630.245.7650, hiltonlislenaperville.com/allgauers-restaurant TRUE FOOD KITCHEN $$ 105 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.716.3056, truefoodkitchen.com/oakbrook TWO BROTHERS BARREL HOUSE $$$ 16 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.615.7100, thecraftsmannaperville.com TWO BROTHERS ROUNDHOUSE $$ 205 North Broadway, Aurora 630.264.2739, twobrothersroundhouse.com TWO BROTHERS TAP HOUSE $$ 30W315 Calumet Avenue West, Warrenville 630.393.2337, twobrothersbrewing.com NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 57

UP NORTH ALE HOUSE $$ 1595 North Aurora Road, Naperville 630.946.6494 VICTORY MEAT & SEAFOOD $$$ 116 North York Street, Elmhurst 630.359.5599, victorymeatandseafood.com WALKER'S CHARHOUSE $$$ 8 West Gartner Drive, Naperville 630.637.6988, walkerscharhouse.net WHEATSTACK $$$ 5900 South Route 53, Lisle 630.968.1920, wheatstacklisle.com WHITE CHOCOLATE GRILL $$ 1803 Freedom Drive, Naperville 630.505.8300, whitechocolategrill.com WILDWOOD $$$ 477 South Third Street, Geneva 630.377.8325, wildwoodsteak.com

ITALIAN ANGELI’S $$$ 1478 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.420.1370, angeliscatering.com AURELIO’S $$ 1975 Springbrook Square Drive, Naperville 630.922.3600, aureliospizza.com BIAGGI’S $$ 2752 Showplace Drive, Naperville 630.428.8500, biaggis.com BRACONI’S $ 796 Royal St. George Drive, Naperville 630.717.9530, braconis.com BRICKS WOOD FIRED PIZZA & CAFÉ $$ 1763 Freedom Drive, Naperville 630.799.6860, brickswoodfiredpizza.com CAPRI SOGNO $$ 24102 West Lockport Street, Plainfield 815.733.5815, caprisogno.com CHE FIGATA $$$ 2155 CityGate Lane, Suite 103, Naperville 630.579.3210, chefigatakitchen.com

FIRE + WINE $$$ 433 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn 630.793.9955, fireandwine.net

TRAVERSO’S RESTAURANT $$ 2523 South Plainfield-Naperville Road, Naperville | 630.305.7747 traversosrestaurant.com

FONTINA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN $$ 1767 West Ogden Avenue, Naperville 630.717.7821, thefontinas.com

TUSCAN TAVERN $$$ 4571 Route 71, Oswego 630.554.9600, tuscantavernoswego.net

GIA MIA PIZZA BAR $$ 106 North Hale Street, Wheaton 13 North Third Street, Geneva giamiapizzabar.com

VAI'S ITALIAN INSPIRED KITCHEN + BAR $$ 916 South Route 59, Naperville 630.453.5200, vaisnaperville.com

FRANCESCA’S PASSAGGIO $$$ 3124 South Route 59, Naperville 630.946.0600, miafrancesca.com

MEXICAN/LATIN

GIORDANO’S $$ 119 South Main Street, Naperville 630.428.2111, giordanos.com HARRY CARAY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE $$$ 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard 630.953.3400, harrycarays.com IL SOGNO $$ 100 North Hale Street, Wheaton 630.682.5900, ilsognoristorante.com LA SORELLA DI FRANCESCA $$$ 18 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.961.2706, miafrancesca.com LITTLE POPS NEW YORK PIZZERIA TRATTORIA $$ 1819 Wehrli Road, Naperville 630.210.8084 littlepopspizzeria.com

A TODA MADRE $$ 499 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn 630.474.0969, atmrestaurant.com CHAMA GAÚCHA $$$$ 3008 Finley Road, Downers Grove 630.324.6002, chamagaucha.com CHUY'S TEX-MEX $$ 28250 Diehl Road, Warrenville 512.473.2783, chuys.com EL GRAN AGAVE $$ 1650 Maple Avenue, Lisle 630.541.8959, elgranagaverestaurant.com ESTEBAN’S $$$ 1550 North Route 59, Naperville 630.579.3262, estebansdiningdancing.com FAT ROSIE’S TACO & TEQUILA BAR $$ 47 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.328.0060, fatrosies.com

LIVIA ITALIAN EATERY $$$ 207 South Third Street, Geneva 116 East Schiller Street, Elmhurst liviaitalianeatery.com

FOGO DE CHÃO $$$ 1824 Abriter Court, Naperville 630.955.0022, fogodechao.com

LOU MALNATI’S PIZZERIA $ 131 West Jefferson Street, Naperville 630.717.0700, loumalnatis.com

FRONT STREET CANTINA $ 15 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.369.5218, frontstreetcantina.com

MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY $$ 1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville 630.536.2270, maggianos.com

MAGO GRILL & CANTINA $$ 641 East Boughton Road, Suite 152, Bolingbrook, 630.783.2222, magodining.com

CLARA’S PASTA $$ 6550 South Route 53, Woodridge 630.968.8899, clarasrestaurant.com

MIDICI THE NEAPOLITAN PIZZA COMPANY $$ 135 Water Street, Naperville 630.445.8054, mymidici.com

NANDO’S PERI-PERI $$ 6 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.388.0193, nandosperiperi.com

FIAMME $$ 19 North Washington Street, Naperville 630.470.9441, fiammepizza.com

ROSEBUD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES $$$ 22 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.548.9800, rosebudrestaurants.com

POTTER’S PLACE $ 29 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.355.9165, pottersplacenaperville.com

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QUIUBO $$ 120 Water Street, Naperville 331.702.2711, quiubomx.com UNCLE JULIO’S $$ 1831 Abriter Court, Naperville 331.444.1300, unclejulios.com YERBABUENA MEXICAN CUISINE $$ 4732 Main Street, Lisle 630.852.8040, yerbabuenacuisine.com

ASIAN BANGKOK VILLAGE $$ 22 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville 630.369.9757, thebangkokvillage.com BD’S MONGOLIAN GRILL $$ 221 South Washington Street, Naperville 630.428.0300, gomongo.com BLUE SUSHI SAKE GRILL $$$ 123 Water Street, Naperville 630.428.8500, bluesushisakegrill.com DOMO 77 $$$ 4097 Healthway Drive, Aurora 630.692.0032, domo77.com GREEN BASIL $$ 45 East Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.922.7700, greenbasil-restaurant.com

SHAKOU $$ 22 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville 312 West Main Street, St. Charles shakourestaurants.com

TALLGRASS $$$$ 1006 South State Street, Lockport 815.838.5566, tallgrassrestaurant.com

INDIAN

SHINTO $$$ 504 North Route 59, Suite 116, Naperville 1739 Freedom Drive, Suite 121, Naperville shintorestaurants.com

BAWARCHI $$ 4250 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora 630.375.1600, bawarchinaperville.com

SUSHI HOUSE $$ 175 West Jackson Avenue, Naperville 630.717.8888, mysushihouse.com

BOMBAY JOE’S $$$ 462 North Park Boulevard, Glen Ellyn 888.502.5102, gobombayjoes.com

THAI MEDALLION $$ 327 North Center Street, Naperville 630.305.0183, thaimedallion.com

CUISINE OF INDIA $$ 1163 East Ogden Avenue, Naperville 630.548.9440, cuisineofindianaperville.com

TOKYO BAY SUSHI BAR & GRILL $$ 2775 Showplace Drive, Naperville 630.579.8880, tokyobaysushi.net WOK’N FIRE $$ 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton 630.665.1440, woknfire.com YU’S BISTRO $$ 658 Route 59, Naperville 630.848.6998, yubistronaperville.com

SPANISH

DECCAN SPICE $$ 192 West Gartner Road, Naperville 331.701.7105, deccanspicechicago.com HYDERABAD HOUSE BIRYANI PLACE $$ 4448 East New York Street, Aurora 630.236.0600, hhnaperville.com THE INDIAN HARVEST $$ 796 Royal St. George Drive, Naperville 630.579.9500, theindianharvest.com INDIA PALACE RESTAURANT $$ 242 East Geneva Road, Wheaton, 630.681.8002, indiapalacerestaurantwebs.webs.com

HOUSE OF EMPEROR $$ 1212 South Naper Boulevard, Naperville 630.983.8284, houseofemperorchinese.com

EL TAPEO $$ 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.828.2044, eltapeorestaurant.com

JK KABAB $ 572 Weston Ridge Drive, Naperville 630.778.5555, jkkabab.com

JIN 28 $$ 28 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.848.1828, napervillejin28.com

MESÓN SABIKA $$$ 1025 Aurora Avenue, Naperville 630.983.3000, mesonsabika.com

RUCHI INDIAN RESTAURANT $ 4S040 Route 59, Naperville 630.791.9792, ruchinaperville.com

KIKU JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE $$$ 2764 Aurora Avenue, Naperville 630.305.3355, mykiku.com

GREEK

SHIKARA RESTAURANT $$ 1620 75th Street, Downers Grove 630.964.1720, shikaradownersgrove.com

MOSHI MOSHI $ 109 South Main Street, Naperville 630.355.5516, moshimoshisushi.net

BASILS GREEK DINING $$ 4000 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora 630.692.1300, basilsgreekdining.com

FRENCH

SHREE RESTAURANT $$ 1550 Route 59, Naperville 630.538.7000, shreerestaurants.com

RAKU SUSHI $$ 850 East Ogden Avenue, Naperville 630.357.7633, rakusushi.com

MON AMI GABI $$$ 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.472.1900, monamigabi.com

ROCK SUGAR $$$ 2022 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.320.2641, rocksugarkitchen.com

PARIS BISTRO $$ 2835 Showplace Drive, Naperville 630.357.1005, parisbistronaperville.com

BALLYDOYLE IRISH PUB $$ 5157 Main Street, Downers Grove 630.696.0600, ballydoylepub.com

ROKA AKOR $$$ 166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook 630.634.7652, rokaakor.com

SUZETTE’S CREPERIE $$ 211 West Front Street, Wheaton 630.462.0898, suzettescreperie.com

QUIGLEY’S IRISH PUB $$ 43 East Jefferson Avenue, Naperville 630.428.4774, quigleysirishpub.net

IRISH

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BEYOND BORDERS This south Naperville home is a colorful and dynamic melting pot of British, American, and Indian beauty

BY PETER GIANOPULOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVIA KOHLER

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S

ome homes absorb and reflect the trends of the hour. Others are architectural theories cast into three dimensions. And still others, like the home of Dr. Subhash Patel and his wife, Achala, are built to tell a story about the people who live there and the cultures and values that shaped them.

Virtually every piece of furniture and design choice in the Patels’ seven-bedroom, 4,200-square-foot Naperville home has an interesting backstory. Point anywhere you like and the Patels can explain, in rich detail, not only the inspiration behind their choices but the hidden symbolism embedded in each.

Take the home’s striking red front door (shown at right), which is frosted with shimmering 24-karat gold gilding that only a handful of artisans can still create. Or note the use of green paint on their floating tea shelf, which honors Dr. Patel’s affinity for the British countryside. Or the family’s dining-room light fixtures, which cast a carousel of geometric shapes on the walls in ways that honor the artistry of their native India.

The Patels are the kind of homeowners who know with unwavering certainty what they want exactly when they see it—a decisiveness they’ve both exhibited since they were young.

“We wanted our house to capture the beauty of three very different cultures: our shared Indian ancestry, as well as the countries where we grew up: the UK for my husband and America for me,” says Achala.

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Dr. Subhash and Achala Patel in their front room.

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PRO TIP Graefenhain recommends putting a twist on tradition by using a mix of metals throughout a home, instead of a single material. “If every doorknob, handle, and light fixture is the same metal it actually dates your house,� she says. The Patels, for instance, liked warmer metals, so the house showcases a mix of copper, satin brass, and neutral blacks.

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When Achala—who grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan—first saw the twinkling wonder of downtown Chicago as a young girl, she vowed, right then and there, to one day call the area home. Years later, in 2003, Subhash was equally resolute, asking Achala to marry him after just two dates. She said yes without any hesitation.

The couple took a circuitous route to get to Naperville. After Subhash completed his neurology residency at Johns Hopkins, the couple made a short stop in Iowa before he accepted a job in Chicago, where they promptly settled into a downtown condo.

In time, however, the lure of a sprawling backyard and a top-tier school system for their growing family trumped the perks of city life. They initially settled in a house in the Tall Grass community of Naperville, which provided enough space for their parents to stay with them for part of the year.

Unfortunately, Subhash’s father was later diagnosed with cancer, a trying period that led to his passing in 2016.

By that time Achala and Subhash had welcomed three children—Arya, Sohan, and Daksh—but the loss of Subhash’s father prompted the couple to consider buying a new home that could more comfortably house three generations under one roof.

Achala’s initial checklist included individual bedrooms and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for their parents, as well as a spacious walkout basement. “We wanted our parents to feel independent but have the support they needed, a place where they could feel comfortable and cared for,” says Achala.

Unfortunately, nothing on the market met their specifications, let alone the Patels’ multicultural aesthetic vision. That changed when the Patels found a cozy lot in Naperville that boasted a huge backyard (with a pond), as well as a construction partner—in Crestview Builders—that could build their dream home within an acceptable budget.

What they still needed was the right designer to bring their vision to life. Enter Angela Graefenhain, owner of Graefenhain

Designs, who immediately devised a plan to make it happen. “The first time I talked to Angela on the phone,” says Achala, “I immediately knew we’d found the person who could help.”

It helped that Graefenhain was both a designer and artist, who works in oil paintings and mixed-media pieces. She’d fallen in love with design as a child in Minneapolis, when her parents let her paint a mural in her bedroom—“A huge hippie mural with rainbows and people-sized mushrooms,” she says—and pair it with chic green grass carpet.

Graefenhain’s initial advice was to carry a subtle circle motif throughout the home, which symbolized the Patels’ tight-knit family dynamic—and keep the paint colors simple. “I knew they wanted colorful furniture pieces, with reds and greens, so we wanted to keep the color scheme clean so things didn’t get too overwhelming,” she says. “We agreed to let the pieces add color and personality.”

Achala and Subhash had already picked out furnishings they liked, thanks to endless research on Pinterest and Houzz.com. It was Graefenhain’s job to reproduce the chosen pieces in affordable ways, which she often did by calling on local craftsmen. “If you fill a home with artisan-made pieces, they give your home a timeless look,” says Graefenhain. “Most homeowners think handmade pieces are out of their reach, but they’re really quite attainable.”

The first-floor powder room, for example, boasts a double-glazed porcelain sink (shown on next page), made in the UK by the London Basin Company, which is illustrated with Regency Era flourishes and the kind of vibrant colors—gold, aquas, powder blues— you’d expect to see in Mumbai. The circular theme continues in the Patels’ dining room table: their round walnut table (shown on cover) with copper trim and a marble top that was designed by Graefenhain and built by two companies that have a joint showroom in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago— Norman Leigh Design and J. Taylor Wallace of Metal Magic Interiors.

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“What we really wanted was for every member of family to have their own little area, a space that reflected who they are and what they enjoy,” says Achala.

For Subhash that meant a gaming den built beneath the family’s garage, and for Achala it was a stunningly white master bedroom with views overlooking the backyard.

Meanwhile, their children have their own themed bedrooms, complete with custom art pieces created by Graefenhain.

For 9-year-old Sohan’s space-themed room, she drew a mural of a night sky, complete with easy-to-remove planetary decals.

Seven-year-old Daksh’s wildlife-themed room includes busts of animals on the walls (shown at right). And 11-year-old daughter Arya’s princess-worthy space showcases beautiful and colorful handmade paper flowers.

“I never try to push my art on anyone,” says Graefenhain, who also designed the home’s unique railings, “but custom pieces can add a personal touch and ensure a home reflects the people who live there.”

In practice, the home has functioned just as the Patels hoped, as their parents often fly in for long stretches and settle in as if it’s their own home, cooking for the family and cementing bonds between three generations.

“Working on a house like this is a long process,” says Achala. “We didn’t know it was going to turn out quite the way it did, but now, we have a house that our whole family has fallen in love with.”

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Marble surfaces are artfully used throughout the house, especially in the family’s stunning Hindu prayer room, which comes complete with benches, decorative pillows, and imported marble statues from India. The room provides the Patels’ parents a comfortable place to perform their daily prayers and meditations.

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From tail wags and cozy cuddles to that always-ecstatic greeting when you come in the door, there’s no limit to the mood-boosting benefits of being a dog owner. Doesn’t your four-legged friend deserve a little pampering in return? If you want to show your precious pooch how much you appreciate him or her, local dog-centric businesses and organizations are ready to deliver— with everything from luxury spa services to organic kibble.

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Looking to level up your regularly scheduled grooming sesh? Consider treating your pet to a specialized spa service. At The UpScale Tail (1419 Plainfield-Naperville Rd., Naperville; 630.632.8245, theupscaletail.com), dogs visiting for grooming services can stay for a relaxing aromatherapy bubble bath (prices vary per dog). “It just brings them down a notch and helps them relax, especially if they’re nervous,” says owner Kendra Otto. Or pamper your pup with a white tea and tea tree oil “Pawdicure” ($10 add-on to grooming cost), which includes a coconut oil massage to soothe any paw damage caused by sidewalk salt during winter walks.

Prefer a house call? Make an appointment for Wiggle Butts Mobile Dog Grooming (630.286.0340, mobilewigglebutts.com) to come to your home. Treatments such as a therapeutic Dead Sea mud bath or keratin treatment can be added on to a grooming session.

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SPECIALIZED FOOD Looking for fresh new fare? Consider raw food. “If your dog didn’t have you to scoop food, they would eat a rabbit or a bird—raw meat, bones, and all,” says Sheila Spitza, coowner of pet boutique Wet Nose (3041 Butterfield Rd., Oak Brook; 630.571.2400 and 1510 Commons Dr., Geneva; 630.232.7000; wetnose.com). “Even though I love my dog, I’m not going to put a rabbit in his dish.”

Food manufacturer Stella & Chewy’s makes frozen patties and morsels ($18–$27) from raw meat, bones, and organs along with organic fruits and veggies. Options range from Surf ’N Turf made with grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon to Duck Duck Goose made with cage-free poultry. “You’re truly feeding your pet as naturally as you can, but in a nice, user-friendly format—it’s already done for you,” Spitza says.

If bad weather has your pup feeling stir-crazy, there’s tons of indoor fun to be had at Wag ’N Paddle (1847 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; 331.229.8660, wagnpaddle.com), a local club for dogs and their owners. Facilities include three heated indoor pools and a 9,000-square-foot indoor dog park decked out with agility equipment and hill climbs. “All of our swim [sessions] are one on one with an employee in the pool,” says owner Shannon Bergman. “We can tailor each swim, so for a seasoned swimmer, we can play chase or play gates to really give them a good workout.”

Monthly membership options start at $35 for five park visits a month; nonmembers can also purchase a la carte passes (such as $15 for a one-hour park visit or $45 for a single swim). Owners must provide proof of vaccines, and all dogs must pass an evaluation before they can play.

VOLUNTEERING Teaming up with your dog to volunteer together is a great way to bond and give back to your community at the same time.

Naperville Area Humane Society (1620 W. Diehl Rd., Naperville; 630.420.8989, naperhumane.org/pet-therapy) offers two pet therapy programs for dogs and their owners to participate in after undergoing training. In Pawsitive Pet Therapy, volunteers visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.

“Our volunteers and their dogs are just going to provide comfort and spread a little bit of cheer around,” says Lauren Lonski, humane education manager. “They’re really there to provide support and change up somebody’s day who might not usually be exposed to a dog.” Another program, Paws for Tales, trains volunteers and their dogs to visit area schools and libraries to support children struggling with reading. “It can be challenging for a lot of kids to read in front of adults or their peers, but when they’re reading to a dog, they really break out of their shell and open up and get more excited about reading,” Lonski says.

PORTRAITS Book a portrait session for your pooch—and then deck your walls and desktop with the finished results! Here are three local photographers that specialize in pet photography: Paw Prints Photography pawprintspix.com Captured by Lorraine portrait.capturedbylorraine.com NixPack Pet Photography nixpackpetphotography.com NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 71

BEDS

KEEPSAKES & DECOR

It’s time to upgrade that threadbare dog bed with a high-quality piece that will complement your home’s existing decor.

“There’s so many dog beds out there that are poorly made and the fabrics just look juvenile,” says Spitza of Wet Nose. “For me, I want something that looks like a piece of furniture in my house—something that’s well-made, is going to wash well, vacuum up easily, and that the dog is going to just melt into.”

Make sure your furry friend knows they rule the roost with custom artwork and accessories for your home:

Wet Nose carries beds made with upholstery-grade fabrics in neutral palettes of gray, beige, and white. One of Spitza’s favorites is the Scoop Bed by Bowser’s Pet Products ($101), which features a cozy gray lining and a plush white corduroy exterior. “It’s remarkably easy to wash and it looks beautiful,” she says.

Chicago-based Etsy artist Dellanny Camargo of DellArt creates colorful acrylics on canvas inspired by your dog’s image (etsy.com/ shop/DellArt).

Belleville, Illinois-based Etsy artist BackRoadsPZ (etsy.com/shop/ BackRoadsPZ) will put your dog’s photo on a throw pillow, pint glass, or serving tray.

Paint your own pet portrait during a Project Pet class at DIY art studio Pinot’s Palette (175 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville; 331.457.5400, pinotspalette.com).

SPECIALTY MEDICAL CARE

Want to perk up playtime? Give puzzle toys a try. “People are looking for ways to engage their pet, not just with physical exercise but also mental stimulation—especially when the weather gets cold or it’s a rainy day out,” Spitza says. Snuffle mats handmade locally by a Chi-Town Pitties volunteer ($25) are a big seller at Wet Nose. “It’s a very simple mat made out of fleece, and you hide treats and kibble in them, and your dog sniffs and tries to find them,” she says.

“It enhances their foraging skills.” At Two Boston, Tietz recommends wooden puzzle toys with themes such as sudoku by My Intelligent Pet ($30) and interactive toys by Trixie ($30–$50) that encourage your dog to lift up tiles or pull out drawers to reveal treats inside.

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Finding out your dog has a serious medical condition such as cancer can be nothing short of devastating. Thankfully, the growing accessibility of specialized treatments for pets is giving owners more choices in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to new equipment acquired in November, VCA Aurora Animal Hospital (2600 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora; 630.301.6100, vcahospitals.com) now offers stereotactic radiation, a more targeted type of radiation therapy that reduces damage to nearby organs. Depending on the type and size of tumor, treatment could include three to five sessions rather than the typical 15 to 20, says Dr. Meagan Sowders, a radiation oncologist at VCA Aurora.

When the weather warms, you and your energetic four-legged friend will be ready to run. The Forest Preserve of DuPage County offers fenced off-leash dog areas at several area preserves: Blackwell Butterfield Rd. just west of Winfield Rd. in Warrenville East Branch Glen Ellyn Rd. just south of Army Trail in Lombard Greene Valley Greene Rd. just south of 79th in Naperville Hawk Hollow Bittersweet Dr. just south of Stearns in Bartlett Mayslake 3401 St. Paschal Dr., Oak Brook Oldfield Oaks 87th St. just east of Lemont, Darien Springbrook Prairie 83rd St. just west of Book, Naperville KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Dog owners must have a valid off-leash area permit for each dog. For DuPage County residents, annual permits are $50 for the first dog and $10 each additional dog; daily permits are $10/dog. Purchase online at dupageforest.org.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County operates Whalon Lake Dog Park (1480 Royce Rd., Naperville), which has a 12-acre fenced area for off-leash dogs and separate area for small dogs. An annual permit ($40 for first dog and $20 for additional dogs for Will County residents) or daily pass ($5) is required; buy online at reconnectwithnature.org.

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Over-the-top dog clothing exploded in the early aughts in the wake of Elle Woods and her dressed-to-the-nines Chihuahua in Legally Blonde. But these days, the pendulum has swung back toward more practical options, says Spitza of Wet Nose.

She recommends Wagwear’s WagWellies ($80) to protect paws: “If you’re going to Starved Rock or walking on gravel trails, these can help with heat and traction and protection.” For chilly days, Two Bostons’ Tietz recommends quilted puffer vests ($45+) and soft, cozy turtleneck sweaters

by Canada Pooch ($43+). Gold Paw also makes stretchy fleece pullovers ($30+) in solids, plaids, and colorful geometrics.

“Think of it as polar fleece for your dog,” Tietz says. “It’s going to be good for transition times, either into spring or into winter.”

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EVENTS Meet other local dogs and their owners by stacking your social calendar with events around town. Here are three favorites: Wag ’N Paddle offers weekly puppy play groups. wagnpaddle.com Naperville Humane Society hosts Yappy Hour fundraisers at local restaurants with patios throughout the summer. naperhumane.org

COLLARS & LEASHES Colorful prints are sure to turn heads at the dog park.

Collars by Slik Hound ($25+) and Up Country ($23+) at Two Bostons come in whimsical patterns such as argyle, geometrics, or even sushi rolls. “They come out with new styles and colors all the time,” Tietz says. Spitza recommends multifunctional products such as Leashes by Liz’s durable paracord leash ($19 at Wet Nose), which can be easily adjusted for length or looped around your waist for a hands-free option. For a truly designer look, Tiffany & Co. (299 Oakbrook Center, 630.574.7900, tiffany .com) carries leather collars ($210+) and leashes ($320+) in that signature shade of robin’s-egg blue.

Lombard mall Yorktown Center is dog friendly year-round and hosts weekly meet ups for dogs and their owners. yorktowncenter.com These three national and international hotel brands offer sweet perks for traveling with your dog: Kimpton Hotels Pet beds, water bowls, concierge-provided list of pet-friendly amenities nearby. ihg.com/kimptonhotels Loews Hotels Gourmet pet room service menu, dog-walking route maps, and extras such as collars and leashes. loewshotels.com Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Welcome treat, water dish, info sheet on local activities. Some locations even have their own resident dog “ambassadors” who hang out onsite to greet guests. fairmont.com

TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS The newest treats on the market are crossing over into the nutritional supplements category with additional benefits. “It’s not like in the old days where you would just give the dog a milk bone and move on,” says Todd Tietz, manager of Two Bostons in downtown Naperville (103 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; 630.357.7621, twobostons.com). “It’s a huge trend in the industry to offer treats that are also going to clean the dog’s teeth, or are also a probiotic, or are going to help with the dog’s skin and fur, or immunity.” Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews ($8–$30) are a popular pick at Two Bostons, he says.

Another category that’s skyrocketing in popularity is cannabidiol (CBD) in the form of biscuits, soft chews, capsules, tinctures, oils, and balms. “CBD can be used for all sorts of things, from anxiety and epilepsy … to hip and joint [issues],” says Spitza of Wet Nose. “I don’t want to say it’s a cure-all because it’s certainly not, but it does have a very broad spectrum of uses.” Using high-quality products made specifically for pets is a must. “There are human CBD formulations out there with trace amounts of THC, and that can be toxic for pets,” she says. Try Stella & Chewy’s Stress & Anxiety Calming Supplemental Soft Chews ($40) made with hemp oil, chamomile, and lavender.

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let the VOTING BEGIN Your opinion matters! Our 2020 Best of Naperville readers’ choice poll will begin on January 1, and voting will continue through June 1, 2020.

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Visit napervillemagazine.com/best-of to nominate your favorite local businesses in 50 categories.*

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*OFFICI A L RU LES Online submissions are limited to one vote per e-mail address; duplicate entries will be deleted. Each vote will be authenticated through the email address provided. Votes that are not validated will not be counted. Entries will be monitored and businesses will be contacted for suspicious voting patterns/ballot stuffing.

An American in Paris

TO-DO LIST Through March 8 SPECIAL EVENT

HINSDALE RESTAURANT WEEK Hinsdale’s best restaurants are celebrating at the second annual Restaurant Week, with special menus and great prices. More than a dozen restaurants will be offering special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus with lunch specials starting at $9, and three- to four-course prix fixe dinner menus priced from $25–$39. Reservations recommended. Check the website for participating restaurants. Downtown Hinsdale. hinsdaledining.com Through March 14

PHOTO COURTESY DRURY LANE

EXHIBIT

POP-UP ART EXHIBIT Sojourns and Explorations features local Chicago mixed-media artist Anke Richert-Korioth, paintings filled with rich and vibrant colors, varied depths, and striking lines. Her abstract

impressionistic works integrate the chaos and connection absorbed from her travels around the world and her European roots. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Haven Interiors Studio, 15 S. Third St., Geneva. haveninteriorsltd.com Through March 29 THEATER

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Come away with Jerry Mulligan, an American GI doing his best to make it as a painter in the bustling city of Paris following the end of World War II. The storied streets of the City of Lights become the dance floor to a ravishing and passionate voyage into art, friendship, and love. Set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, this Grammy Award nominee and winner of four Tony Awards is sure to please. $70–$75. Various times. Drury Lane, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. drurylanetheatre.com

Through March 29 EXHIBIT

ON THE RIGHT TRACK:

BY RAIL TO CHICAGO & BEYOND Take a journey through 170 years of railroading history, from Chicago to Elmhurst and beyond. View a wide array of interesting artifacts, including vintage telegraph equipment, dining car china from the C&NW “400” line, a conductor’s uniform and lantern, and a steam engine bell and whistle. See the original 1894 Elmhurst train station sign, rare photos and maps, plus scale models of train station locomotives and railroad cars.

Kids will love the engaging hands-on learning stations including a wooden train play area, working telegraph, and track switching game. Free.

Various hours. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. elmhursthistory.org

Addresses in event listings are located in Naperville unless otherwise noted. Please verify event details with sponsor organizations; events are subject to change after the press deadline. Email your event for consideration, 45 days in advance, to info@napervillemagazine.com, subject line: calendar.

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 77

Cirque Éloize Hotel

of park rangers risks their lives to build a better future in a part of Africa the world has forgotten. Part investigative journalism and part nature documentary, Virunga exposes the gripping realities of life in the Congo. Nominated for an Academy Award and a BAFTA for best documentary, the film won a Primetime Emmy for cinematography.

Free. 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemaac.org March 5 CHARITABLE

THEATER

THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS Brantley Foster, an ambitious young Midwesterner, moves to New York City to start his dream job at a major corporation, only to be laid off on the very first day. In his relentless enthusiasm to succeed, Brantley finds himself tangled up in a sidesplitting scheme in which he assumes the identity of a rising executive named Carlton Whitfield. As he climbs the corporate ladder, tirelessly concealing his identity, Brantley soon falls in love with a beautiful colleague named Christy and discovers that his definition of success might be all wrong.

Will he get the job, win at love, or just get caught? Adapted from the smash 1987 Michael J. Fox movie The Secret of My Success, this world-premiere musical is a wild look at corporate culture, ambition, and making your way in life. $36–$74. Various times. Paramount Theatre, 22 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com Through April 19

palace. Can this common girl pass the test? Will the oh-so-persnickety Queen allow her to win? Will a tiny pea and a stack of mattresses stand between her and true love? Find out in this new musical based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen. A special one-hour presentation for kids (and parents) of all ages. All performances followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast. $19. Various times.

Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. marriotttheatre.com March 4 LITERARY

ERIK LARSON Readers will get a glimpse of true leadership in The Splendid and the Vile by the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Devil in the White City, In the Garden of the Beasts, and other books. Larson will discuss his new book and how Churchill, his family, and his country managed to overcome the perils of World War II. $41–$51. 7 p.m. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. andersonbookshop.com

THEATER

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA “Hear ye, Hear ye! Prince Wellington is seeking a bride.” All the princesses in the land are lining up to be the first to pass the “Princess Test.” But the Prince has a different idea; for he has fallen in love with an ordinary young maiden who found her way to the steps of the 78 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

March 4 MOVIE

GLOBAL FLICKS 2020: VIRUNGA | CONGO Virunga National Park is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth and home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. A small and embattled group

March 6–7 SPECIAL EVENT

LITTLE LAMBS CONSIGNMENT SALE Find thousands of like-new children’s items at bargain prices. Sale includes children’s and maternity clothing, toys, books, baby equipment, and children’s furniture, all under one roof.

Gently used and some new children’s clothing, toys, and almost anything associated with children will also be available. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Alleluia!

Lutheran Church, 4055 S. Book Rd. littlelambsconsignment.com March 6–8 SPECIAL EVENT

SPRING STYLE WEEKEND Ladies of all ages will be heading to downtown Naperville for a full weekend of fashion, food, and fun, celebrating style and the colors of the season for spring 2020. Check the website for a list of activities. Various times. downtownnaperville.com March 6–22 THEATER

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Within the walls of Truvy’s beauty shop, the lives of six strong women

PHOTO BY PIERRE MANNING; COURTESY GOITSE

Through March 29

TASTE OF HOPE Guests will sample signature dishes from 25 of the area’s leading upscale restaurants. Music, auctions, and a unique raffle will round out an evening of delicious dining. Proceeds benefit DuPage Pads, which supports individuals and families who are homeless in obtaining housing, support services, and employment. $125. 6 p.m. Drury Lane, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. dupagepads.org

increasingly hinge on the existence of one another. Together, they absorb the passing seasons, just like the weathered wooden structure of the salon “home” that they share. Fall in love with the kindhearted group of gossipy Southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor. Presented by BrightSide Theatre. $25–$30. Various times.

Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth. brightsidetheatre.com March 7 DANCE

CIRQUE ÉLOIZE HOTEL Cirque Éloize is magic for the eyes.

Audiences are swept away by acrobatics, theater, dance, and live music that has thrilled New York’s Broadway, London’s West End, and over 3.5 million spectators worldwide. For its 25th anniversary, Cirque Éloize presents a story of a hotel and the travelers who come passing through it. $49–$76. 7:30 p.m.

Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemaac.org March 7 SPECIAL EVENT

LITTLE FRIENDS BENEFIT AUCTION This evening of friendship, advocacy, and support continues to ensure that those served by Little Friends lead fulfilling lives in our community. The evening includes a cocktail reception, raffle, dinner, and live auction. Black tie optional. $250. 6 p.m. Sheraton Goitse

Lisle-Naperville, 3000 Warrenville Rd., Lisle. littlefriendsinc.org March 7 MUSIC

SIGHT + SOUND: A SONIC ART EXHIBITION Take an introspective journey through the world of visual art, using symphonic music as your vehicle. Chicago Sinfonietta’s Sight + Sound features a world-premiere commission from composer Courtney Bryan created for world-renowned violinist Jennifer Koh. This work, titled Syzygy, celebrates female visual artists Frida Kahlo, Maya Lin, and Alma Thomas and their cultural contributions to society. $10–$62. 8 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. finearts.northcentralcollege.edu March 7 CHARITABLE

PANCAKE FESTIVAL This 65th annual family-friendly event features an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage meal, live music provided by junior high school bands and choirs, raffles and an online auction of unique experiences hosted by Kiwanis Club of Naperville. Proceeds benefit local charities. Purchase tickets at Casey’s Foods, Oswald’s Pharmacy, or online.

Children under 10 are free. $10. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Naperville Central High School cafeteria, 440 Aurora Ave. naperville-evening.kiwanisone.org

March 7 MUSIC

GOITSE The popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse was forged in the whitehot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year” (Chicago’s Irish American News) and “Group of the Year,” as well as winning the prestigious Freiburger International Leiter 2016 award in Germany, Goitse has become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles.$14–$28.

8 p.m. Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium, Pine St., Batavia. events.fnal.gov March 7 MUSIC

THE SUBDUDES Led by singer-guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist John Magnie, the Subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals. Their sound is also notable for the band’s substitution of a tambourine player, Steve Amedee, for a drummer. Tim Cook rounds out the band on bass. $30–$40. 8 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. finearts.northcentralcollege.edu March 7 SPECIAL EVENT

MAPLE SUGARING See how sap becomes syrup as you tap with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. Free. Suggested donation $5 per person. 1 to 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago. dupageforest.org March 7 FAMILY

BREAKFAST BOOK CLUB WITH ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE Storybook characters come to life during this fun literary experience at the museum. Enjoy a hot breakfast provided by Bean Sprouts Cafe, a photo op with Elephant & Piggie, a special storytime, and exclusive time in the museum’s exhibits. Stay and continue to play after the museum opens; each ticket includes admission. $15/member; $25/nonmember. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St. dupagechildrens.org NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 79

March 8

March 10

March 14

SPECIAL EVENT

LECTURE

CHARITABLE

WEST SUBURBAN WEDDING SHOWCASE Exhibitors will include local florists, stationery designers, and photographers, plus linen, lighting, and entertainment providers. Shuttle service will be available for tours of indoor and outdoor wedding and event spaces on the 31-acre campus. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre, 2139 City Gate Ln. eventbrite.com

SEPARATING ART FROM THE ARTIST: #METOO AND THE MUSIC INDUSTRY The #MeToo movement has shined a spotlight on sexual misconduct in Hollywood, the media, and politics, where powerful men have fallen rapidly. But the music world has lagged behind. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, hosts of WBEZ’s Sound Opinions, explore questions about the responsibility we bear for enjoying—or failing to speak out about— troubling themes in an artist’s work.

Can we really separate the art from the artist? Should we? Presented with Elmhurst Public Library.

Admission is free, but registration is required. 7 p.m. Frick Center at Elmhurst College, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. elmlib.org/wbez

March 9

March 12

SPECIAL EVENT

SPECIAL EVENT

March 8 SPECIAL EVENT

ST. PATRICK’S PARADE The annual March parade features Irish dancers, authentic Irish music, floats, and more. The parade steps off at Main and Sixth St. 2 p.m. Downtown St. Charles. downtownstcharles.org March 9 MUSIC

JOURNEYS Picosa is a mixed chamber ensemble comprising flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and a composer-in-residence presenting a concert that crosses boundaries of time, tradition, and culture. The program will include music by Jonathon Kirk, Olivier Messiaen, Behzad Ranjbaran, and others. Free. 7:30 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. finearts.northcentralcollege.edu St. Patrick’s Parade

LUNAFEST The third annual Lunafest-Plainfield presents short films by, for, and about women. Admission includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, appetizers, dessert bar, popcorn, and door prize. Full cash bar available.

Sponsored by Grateful Grapes Wine Co. and Fork in the Road Catering Plainfield. Proceeds benefit Guardian Angel Community Services. $30. 6:30 p.m. Warehouse 109, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield. lunafest.org March 12 CHARITABLE

UNCORK YOUR SUPPORT Enjoy wine and craft beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres, and an exclusive raffle and auction featuring exciting prizes.

Each ticket sold will provide one night to a family in need at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Edward Hospital. 6 p.m. $85. Cress Creek Country Club, 1215 Royal St. George Dr. rmhccni.org March 14 SPECIAL EVENT

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Everyone’s Irish the annual West Suburban Irish’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The route begins at Naperville North High School and proceeds through downtown Naperville. 10 a.m. wsirish.org 80 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

CASINO NIGHT Glitz, glam, and gambling are coming to the DuPage County Historical Museum. Enjoy a night of Vegas-style blackjack, roulette, craps, and Texas hold ’em. All proceeds from this event benefit the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. Must be 21 and over. $100. 7 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 Wesley St., Wheaton. dupagemuseum.org March 14 SPECIAL EVENT

MUSTANG ROUND-UP The Parent/Teacher/Student Association of Metea Valley High School is hosting its annual fundraiser to support a year’s worth of programs and events to benefit students and teachers in a variety of ways. Check the website for details. 7 p.m. Stonebridge Country Club, 2705 Stonebridge Blvd., Aurora. meteaptsa.weebly.com March 14 SPECIAL EVENT

LEWIS BLACK Actor, author, and critically acclaimed standup comedian Lewis Black returns to the MAC with his 2020 tour, “It Gets Better Every Day.” A passionate performer who is more annoyed optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon, he performs more than 200 nights a year to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. $65–$78. 7:30 p.m.

Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemac.org March 14 FITNESS

ST. PADDY’S DAY 5K The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, in cooperation with West Suburban Irish, hosts its 10th annual race for racers, runners, and walkers. The course is a measured 5K race, and professional timing services will be used to ensure race time accuracy. Proceeds benefit KidsMatter and Alive Center. $25–$45. 8 a.m. Downtown Naperville. stpaddysday5k.org March 14 MUSIC

ACAPPELLAGO Enjoy this a cappella chamber choir’s performance of Escape to … Springtime,

PHOTO BY OSCAR PALLARES PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY MCANINCH ARTS CENTER

DOG ADMISSION DAY Four Sundays a year dogs are welcome to hit the Arboretum trails with their favorite human friend. $5/dog; $15/ adult; $13/senior; $10/child. 7 a.m. to sunset. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Rte. 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

March 15

Drum Tau

MUSIC

DRUM TAU Combining highly physical, large-scale Japanese drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography, and innovative visuals, the Drum Tau performers create an unforgettable production. $39–$47. 2 and 6 p.m.

Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemaac.org March 15 SPECIAL EVENT

the Only Pretty Ringtime. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $15–$17.

7:30 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. dupageforest.org March 14–April 11 LECTURE

EDIBLE GARDENING WORKSHOP SERIES Each week, gardening experts will share practical tips on growing your own food and inspire you with new ways to create beautiful, productive,

edible gardens. This year is all about doing more: with your garden, for your community, and for the future.

Whether you are new to gardening or you are an experienced gardener looking for more, grab a cup of coffee, learn from the best of the Midwest, and get growing. The March 14 class topic is Productive, Purposeful Gardens; see schedule on website. $39/member; $46/nonmember. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to Noon. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Rte. 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org

HOMETOWN IRISH PARADE The 18th annual community event is organized by the Village Preservation Association and hosted in historic downtown Plainfield. The parade steps off from Plainfield High School. 1 p.m. Downtown Plainfield. plainfieldirishparade.org March 15 MUSIC

BACH’S PASSION Through choruses, arias, recitative, and beloved chorales, the story of Christ’s arrest, suffering, and death is told with incomparable drama and

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 81

March 19 CHARITABLE EVENT

BUILDING A PASSION BREAKFAST The Naperville Education Foundation raises and grants funds for programs that enhance and enrich the educational experience of Naperville School District 203 students. Experience the impact NEF funding has on student learning and see how “there’s no place like 203” at the 27th annual Building a Passion fundraising breakfast. 7 to 9 a.m. $80. Embassy Suites, 1823 Abriter Ct. nef203.org March 20 FAMILY

KIDS NIGHT OUT: LUCK OF THE IRISH Parents get a night out while the children enjoy a night filled with St. Patrick’s Day fun. Activities include making leprechaun hats and shamrocks, hunting for a pot of gold, making root beer floats, and more. $26/resident; $39/nonresident. 6 to 9 p.m. Fort Hill Activity Center Childcare, 20 Fort Hill Dr. napervilleparks.org

most prolific songwriting duos of the 20th century. This show covers many of Bacharach’s most famous hits, including “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Walk on By,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” and more. $15–$27. 7 p.m. The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. themusicvenue.org March 21 FAMILY

FAMILY NIGHT OUT This evening of play and learning is for children with special needs and their families, focusing on the autism spectrum and other sensory processing disorders, as well as physical disabilities.

Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their food. Admission is free, but registration is required. 5:30 to 8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St. dupagechildrens.org March 21 CHARITABLE

ST. BALDRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION The Naperville police and fire departments will host their annual head-shaving event to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising money for children’s cancer research. Marriott Chicago Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd. stbaldricks.org March 21 SPECIAL EVENT

March 20 MUSIC

MEGAN MCDONOUGH Nationally known singer McDonough teams up with legendary jazz pianist Fred Simon for a night of music by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, one of the

POLAR PUB CRAWL Raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics by “crawling” to five bars in downtown St. Charles. There will be raffles, plus silent and live auctions throughout the day. Registration includes three drink tickets. $50. 1 to 6 p.m. Alley 64, 212 Main St., St. Charles. eventbrite.com March 21 SPECIAL EVENT

St. Baldrick’s Day Celebration

82 MARCH 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

WAUBONSIE VALLEY CRAFT FAIR More than 70 vendors offering handicrafts, specialty products, unique gifts, accessories, apparel, and specialty food will be on hand at this annual craft and vendor fair. Raffle drawings will be held throughout the day. Proceeds benefit the Waubonsie Valley High School Band. $2/adult; $1/child. Under age 5 free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. wvbandcraftfair@gmail.com

March 21 CHARITABLE

EMERALD CITY GALA Follow the yellow brick road to TriCity Family Services’ 31st annual fundraiser. The Wizard of Oz–themed celebration will honor the brains, the heart, and the courage behind their mission of strengthening people and building community through the provision of quality, affordable mental health counseling. $150. 6 p.m. The Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave., St. Charles. tricityfamilyservices.org March 21 MUSIC

DUPAGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The heart-rending passion and touching tenderness of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet “Fantasy” Overture sets the stage for the DSO’s early springtime concert. $15–$43. 7:30 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. finearts.northcentralcollege.edu March 21–22 FAMILY

SPRING FUN! Celebrate the arrival of spring with games, art, and play in the Arboretum’s Children’s garden. Included in admission. $15/adult; $13/senior; $10/zhild.

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Rte. 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org March 25–April 26 THEATER

LITTLE WOMEN Four young women, playing in an attic, bring to life the beloved Louisa May Alcott tale of the March sisters with all of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that arise from helping to blaze new horizons for women in the 19th century. Come savor anew the tale of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy in this world premiere adaptation, written by First Folio artistic associate Heather Chrisler. $29–$44. Various times.

Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. firstfolio.org March 27–28 DANCE

LA SYLPHIDE One of the oldest surviving classical masterpieces and a work of ethereal beauty, La Sylphide is a magical story of forbidden love and heartbreak. In a land of mystery and enchantment, a

PHOTOS BY LEO RISTORI

beauty. A stellar cast of soloists will join renowned Evangelist Stephen Soph and the Apollo Chorus of Chicago to make this a collaboration for the ages. $12–$38. 3 p.m. Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst. elmhurstsymphony.org

March 28

young Scotsman falls under the spell of a sylph. He devotes himself to her, but their romance is doomed and life together an impossible dream. $22–$32. Various times. Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. atthemac.org

THEATER

March 28 MUSIC

CHORDS FOR KIDS: A CONCERT FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM North Central College hosts the Chords for Kids concert, the 12th annual free concert for children with special needs and their families. Music and motion come together as children with special needs enjoy instrumental music, ranging from classical pieces to popular tunes. The college’s Concert Winds and Symphony Band will perform, under the direction of professor of music Lawrence Van Oyen and associate professor of music Sean Kelley. Wigglers are welcome. Wheelchair seating is available.

Free. Ticket required. 7 to 8:15 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. finearts.northcentralcollege.edu

LIVING HISTORY PERFORMANCE: CLARA BARTON Living history actress and scholar Leslie Goddard explores the life of Clara Barton. Through Barton’s own words and experiences, this living history program reveals the medical conditions of Civil War soldiers and the courage required for a woman to defy convention during a national crisis. Free with $5 parking, but registration is required. 4 to 5 p.m.

Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. cantigny.org March 29 MUSIC

FRISSON ENSEMBLE From New York City, the ensemble features the best and brightest of classical music’s rising stars drawn from many of the nation’s major music schools including Juilliard, Curtis, and Yale. Frisson’s core instrumentation consists of violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn. $18. 2:30 p.m. Fermilab

Ramsey Auditorium, Pine St., Batavia. events.fnal.gov April 4 SPECIAL EVENT

FRANK CALIENDO The comedian, actor, and impressionist has been making people laugh his entire life. He is well known for his impressions of famous personalities including Donald Trump, Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, Barack Obama, and many others. $52–$62. 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 22 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. paramountaurora.com April 4 FAMILY

EASTER EGG HUNT This all-ages event is open house-style.

Enjoy a craft while supplies last ($3).

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will be available for photo ops. Bring your own baskets; limit five eggs per child. Free with $5 parking. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. cantigny.org

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MARKETPLACE

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PEOPLE LOVE MAG AZINES. P EO PL E ELOV E MAGA MAGZA PEOPL LOVE INZEINES. S.

NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020 83

ENCORE

JENNIFER KOH The celebrated violinist joins the Chicago Sinfonietta for a world premiere

By Mark Loehrke HELP ALONG THE WAY Even though I’ve been around the violin since taking playtime lessons at Wheaton College when I was 3 years old, I didn’t come from a musical family—so pursuing a career in music was a pretty unusual choice. But I’ve been really fortunate to have the generosity and encouragement of great teachers throughout my career, and I’m so thankful for all of them.

GIRL POWER This piece [composer Courtney Bryan’s Syzygy, which honors Frida Kahlo, Maya Lin, and Alma Thomas] is really a celebration of a women’s community of artists, so I feel very honored to play a part in its premiere.

March 7 at Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago, Naperville Tickets: $10–$62 finearts.northcentralcollege.edu 84 MARCH MAY 2019 2020 / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM / NAPERVILLEMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO BY JUERGANK

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN I was an English lit major in college, so maybe I would have done something with writing if I hadn’t become a violinist.

But honestly I don’t think I ever seriously considered any other path. I just can’t imagine my life without music.

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