KCM-04-01-2013

Find Something That Sparkles

At Geneva’s State Street Jewelers Pg 20

April 2013

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HISTORY

Open The Doors To Learn About Geneva’s Past At The Herrington Inn And Spa BRIGHTEN UP: Check Out The Latest Spring Makeup pg 52

GOLF GUIDE: Get In The Swing Of Spring pg 31

HOME ON WHEELS: Find Local RV Luxury pg 16

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‘‘ INSIDE

The Home Edition

Home 8

12

Ocean blues and greens will enhance any eye color, and they pair perfectly with that coveted summer glow.

pg 52

Molly Sloat, director of trend development at ULTA Beauty

16

18

Home Design — Basements: What would your dream basement look like? If you’re struggling with ideas, take a look at the basements renovated

by DJD Designed Construction of Batavia, T-Square Construction Inc. of Geneva and D. Swanson Sales and Installation in Geneva.

We visit three historical homes in Kane County that have interesting pasts, including a 1907 Victorian shingle in Geneva, a 1900s national in St. Charles and a 1929 Sears “Honor-Bilt” in Elgin.

Explore the luxury available in a home on wheels with recreational vehicle experts at Holiday Hour RV in Cortland and the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

On the Cover: The Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva celebrates 20 years as a premier boutique hotel located right on the Fox River, but its history reaches back to the 1860s.

Lifestyle 20

24

28

31 41

Cover Inset: The staff at State Street Jewelers in

Geneva say they will do almost anything — even travel to Belgium — to find you the perfect diamond or create a custom piece.

Artist Profile: You’ve probably seen some of the sculptures located throughout Kane County created by Batavia resident Francis Joseph Gagnepain IV. But did you know many of them were made from junk? Find out more about this local artist!

Success Lives Next Door: Meet some of the dedicated Kane County organizations and individuals who help keep the road sides clean through the county’s Adopt-A-Highway program.

Check out the golf courses available in and around Kane County in our 2013 Golf Guide!

Wine Niche: Vince Balistreri of Niche Restaurant in Geneva shares ideas for storing wine at home and, in particular, in your basement.

Family 42

45

There are many simple steps family members can take to make their home safer. Learn tips from crime prevention Officer Eddie Jackson and Commander Julie Nash of the Geneva Police Department.

Write This Down: Stay-at-home mother Michelle Stien has a confession to make — she’s addicted to home parties!

Health

48

Yoga instructor Lisa Bertke, owner of Prana Yoga Center in Geneva, and Chris and Mary Kelly of Geneva, who own Fox Valley Physical Therapy in St. Charles, discuss the benefits of stretching your muscles.

Fashion & Beauty 3 54

The latest spring makeup colors are here! Brighten up your day with ideas from ULTA Beauty.

Can you look great if you’re playing in the dirt?

Representatives from Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center in St. Charles and Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville offer gardening fashion tips.

Out & About 58

59 63

WOD: Meet Mary Schneider of Batavia, a mother who went to great lengths to treat her son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, with a brand-new therapy.

Social Life: See who attended CASA Kane County’s annual Children’s Champion Celebration and Marklund’s 2013 Top Hat Ball.

Artist Showcase: View two documentary-style photographs taken by Batavia resident Jim Kirkhoff.

from the editor

Getting Homey I love window shopping.

For houses and things that go inside houses.

My husband and I are comfortable in our two-bed, one-bath home, but we know that when our family eventually expands, we’ll want a larger place to raise our children.

So, many nights, after we have dinner and settle in under a handmade quilt on our loveseat with the TV on, I’ll pull out our netbook and start window shopping on Pinterest and real estate sites. I’ll save the floor layouts I like, pin the home decorations and rustic furniture I intend to make/find some day and ogle over the homes that are for sale.

More often than not, Hubby is on his phone window shopping for new fishing lures, but he occasionally glances over at my screen, and if a particular house has a three-car garage, he gets pretty excited.

Who am I kidding? We both just want a garage, period. A new house would simply be a bonus. After years of scraping off ice and snow from our vehicles, a garage sounds like heaven.

I digress.

I truly believe that home is where your heart is. The Grimoldby household doesn’t need to be a fancy mansion, it just needs to have our personal touch and our memories etched into the walls.

But it doesn’t hurt to look around and see what you can do to your own home to make it the abode of your dreams.

In our April “home” edition, we’ve found others who feel the same way.

I invite you to take a look inside three Kane County homes that have housed families for a century, and longer. The homeowners — Al Hiller and his wife, Anne Flemming; Pat and Tom Pretz; and Gene and Sändra Woolcott — each love their home for its own rich history.

But they’ve also added their personal style to make their homes comfortable while keeping those historical charms intact (page 12).

If you’re like me, my parents and countless others, all of the rain we received in early March led to some flooding problems in our basements. Maybe after the water has dried out, it will be the perfect time to think about redoing the lower level and turning it into the haven you’ve always dreamed about. Check out the renovated basements shared in our Home Design series (page 8) — a monthly story that features different rooms/areas of the home and explores how homeowners can improve/ renovate/update those spaces. It’s meant to provide inspiration and show you how to create the luxury you dream of.

Some people have the travel bug, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take home with them.

Recreational vehicles have come a long way, and these homes on wheels are astounding.

Seriously — take a look! (page 16) If you’re not into historical homes or basement renovations or RVs, perhaps golf is more your thing. In that case, check out our golf guide, which lists places nearby where you can hit the links (page 31).

And ladies, don’t miss our fashion and beauty stories this month. New spring makeup colors are out (page 52), and for the gardener, we unveil ways to look chic while playing in the dirt (page 54).

Our home issue has plenty packed into it this month — please enjoy!

— Stephanie N. Grimoldby Editor

kc

Kane County Magazine M Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.KaneCountyMagazine.com

Publisher J. Tom Shaw 630-232-9222 jtshaw@shawmedia.com Advertising Director Mike Harvel 630-845-5228 mharvel@shawmedia.com Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby 815-526-4467 sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com Account Manager Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Correspondents Lee Nelson, Elizabeth Harmon, Jacky Runice, Colleen Leonard, Amanda Marrazzo, Lauren Lynch, Betsy Demitropoulos Photographers Heather Nelson Kane County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@ shawmedia.com.

SNEAK PEEK In our May “Women’s” issue, don’t miss: A look at female entrepreneurs Recipes for healthy Mother’s Day meals

On The Cover Pictured on the cover is the front doors of The Herrington Inn and Spa at 15 S. River Lane in Geneva. To learn more about the history of this restored creamery/candy shop/jail, see page 18.

Photo provided

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DIY landscaping tips Women in Business profiles ... and more!

2013 Friday, May 10 • The Q Center, St. Charles • Doors open at 10 a.m.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

7

home / HOMEdesign

I By ELIZABETH HARMON I 6The cost to finish a basement can vary widely, depending on the size, features and materials used. Photo provided by T-Square Construction Inc.

Basement PAR ADISE A comfortable getaway, a wine cellar or the ultimate man cave.

A basement can be any or all of these.

For many homeowners, creating a comfortable, livable space is a matter of looking down. Basement remodeling was listed eighth among the most popular home improvement projects according to a 2012 report by the National Association of Home Builders, available at www.nahb.org.

Homeowners want finished basements for a variety of reasons, say Kane County contractors.

“It covers a wide range,” says Dave Dollinger, owner of DJD Designed Construction of Batavia. “Some people want an inexpensive area

for their kids to use as a playroom, others want to add a whole other floor to their house.”

“I’ve seen bars, theater rooms, playrooms [and] craft rooms,” says Tom Stras, owner of T-Square Construction Inc. of Geneva. “I’ve done dance studios, bedrooms, offices and even a poker room that was hidden behind a door made to look like a bookcase.”

In fact, about 60 percent of Stras’ projects each year are basements.

“We’re probably seeing more because of the economy,” he says. “People want to stay in their homes rather than try to move, so they’re redoing their basements and other areas in the house, too.”

Derek Swanson, owner of D. Swanson Sales and Installation in Geneva, says basements account for about a quarter to a third of his projects, and he’s also seen an increase over the last few years.

“With the real estate market the way it is, people are more interested in using the space they have than in moving to a new house,” Swanson says.

6“Most people want at least a powder room, but ... a stand-up shower is a nice thing to have,” says Derek Swanson, owner of D. Swanson Sales and Installation. Photo provided by T-Square Construction Inc.

Where to start

As basements have become more luxurious, the recommended budget has increased as well.

The cost to finish a basement can vary widely, depending on the size, features and materials used. Stras puts the starting cost

for a basic, 1,000-square-foot basement with a bathroom around $20,000.

Dollinger says he’s assisted another contractor on a basement project that was priced around $200,000.

“It was highend everything,” Dollinger says.

Swanson encourages his customers to think in terms of what they want in their basement rather than fixating on an opening price point.

“What they’re looking for is to make it an extension of their upstairs, and to accomplish that, you need to use appropriate materials,” he says.

But because there typically is less demolition involved, basement projects often can cost less than a comparable project upstairs.

“We’ve done entire basements for less than what a kitchen remodeling costs,” Swanson says.

Creating an attractive room begins with a plan. Not only does a good design conform to local building codes and make optimum

use of space, it also provides a means of communication for the customer, contractor and local building inspector, and it helps establish a budget.

“For our initial meeting, we talk with the homeowner and get a feel for how they want to use the basement,” Stras says. “We make recommendations and then do CAD [Computer-Aided Design] drawings so they can get an idea of what the finished room will look like.”

What’s trendy

If the ways clients use their basements haven’t changed over the years, the ways basements look have. Local contractors say recent trends are for basement rooms that are indistinguishable from the rest of the house.

“People want crown molding, bigger baseboards, nicer finishes on the walls,” Stras says. “We did one where we installed about 300 square feet of stone on the walls.”

Old-school dropped ceilings with acoustical tiles have gone the way of fake walnut paneling.

“We do strictly drywall ceilings,” Stras says.

“We haven’t done a dropped ceiling in eight or nine years.”

Drywall ceilings have a more finished look as well as soundproofing qualities, but they also can require more construction to accommodate pipes and wires.

“The advantage to a dropped ceiling is if you need to get to the mechanicals, you only need to remove a panel rather than demolishing the ceiling,” Dollinger says.

More attractive options than acoustical tile include a decorative fiberglass product that resembles a vintage, pressed-tin ceiling or a system that incorporates crown molding and wood panels.

5Some people want an inexpensive area for their kids to use as a playroom, others want to add a whole other floor to their house, says Dave Dollinger, owner of DJD Designed Construction of Batavia. Photo provided by DJD Designed Construction

a spacious feeling by changing the ceiling elevation.

Interesting architectural features such as archways and pass-throughs or shelving units used as room dividers can hide mechanical elements often found in the basement. And fireplaces and unique spaces like wine rooms can bring above-ground ambiance to the lower level.

Additional details

Even if budgets don’t allow for a bathroom, contractors recommend installing basic plumbing that will allow for one to be added later on.

“Most people want at least a powder room, but if they’re putting a guest room or a workout room in the basement, a stand-up shower is a

nice thing to have,” Swanson says.

While basement bathrooms typically aren’t extravagant, Swanson and Stras agreed that customers want an attractive, well-designed space.

“We see a lot of granite countertops, wall sconces and linen cabinets,” Stras says.

Light can make a difference, too.

“You want as much lighting as possible,” Dollinger says, adding that customers frequently underestimate the amount of light they’ll need and can be tempted to skimp on lighting to save money. “I explain to them that if you’re going to spend money to finish your basement, you don’t want to be unhappy with the result. And if it’s too dark, you’ll be unhappy.” kc

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5About 60 percent of Tom Stras’ projects each year are basements, says Stras, owner of T-Square Construction Inc. of Geneva. Photo provided by T-Square Construction Inc.

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home

If the modern real estate mantra is “location, location, location,” Kane County’s historic homes add a few more Desirable Traits: Charming. Unique.

Comfortable. characteristic.

Throughout Kane County, painted lady Victorians, cozy bungalows and classic allAmerican four squares, some complete with a spacious welcoming front porch, remind us of the way life used to be — even if we’re too young to remember it.

Step inside as three residents share what they love about their historic homes.

Step inside, as three residents share what they love about their historic homes.

1907 Victorian Shingle Geneva

homes with

HISTORY

By Elizabeth Harmon

For Al Hiller, retirement has provided time to perfect his swing.

Not his golf swing. His hammer swing.

Since 2000, when Hiller and his wife, Anne Fleming, purchased their 1907 Geneva home, they have repaired, redecorated and expanded to make the home comfortably modern while maintaining its vintage charm.

Originally from the south suburbs, the couple came to Geneva after Fleming accepted a new position at St. Charles Community Unit School District 303. The two immediately fell in love with the community and its historical homes.

“We liked how it was in walking distance to downtown and that there were shops in close proximity,” Fleming says.

Because their previous house had already sold, they went ahead and purchased the home on Fulton Street, even though it needed a great deal of work.

“I felt like I was up to the task of working on an old house,” says Hiller, a former art teacher. “It was kind of a retirement project for me.”

Photo provided

3 (Facing page and at left) New windows and millwork replicate those from 1907 in Al Hiller and Anne Fleming’s Geneva home.

Photos by Heather Nelson

6 (Middle and bottom) The Pretzes renovated their St. Charles home to look more like it had around the turn of the century.

The couple consulted with an architect to address a sagging living room floor and added basement beams for extra support.

They also expanded the house in the back with a two-story addition. The addition — completed by Tom Ritchie Construction in St. Charles — provides a spacious kitchen and a family room for entertaining while incorporating historical details such as the original kitchen door.

Another exterior door dates from the 1850s and came from a neighbor’s house.

New millwork and windows replicate those from 1907.

Upstairs in the new master bathroom, a black and white tile floor surrounds a clawfooted bathtub.

“We tried to stay true to the period,” Hiller says.

The house originally was the home of James and Julia Downey. James was the foreman at Cannon Box Company, which was owned by Julia’s father. Julia’s brother, William Cannon, lived next door. A 1907 notice in the Geneva Republican reported that James Downey and William Cannon each were granted $2,000 loans by the Geneva Building and Loan Association.

Today, Hiller and Fleming agree that their favorite part of the home is the large wrap-around porch, which often attracts strolling neighbors in the summer.

“People are drawn to it, and it’s fun to be out there, watching the world go by,” Fleming says.

1900s National Style St. Charles The trim white house on Chestnut Street in St. Charles looks like it’s always been there, but that isn’t quite true.

The building, which is at least 130 years old, has been in two previous locations, and it functioned as a barn and a retail store.

These days, it’s a charming home owned by Pat and Tom Pretz.

“We are passionate about historic preservation and returning our ‘modernized’ aluminum-sided home back to what it more closely looked like around the turn of the century,” Pat Pretz says.

The house probably was built in the early 1880s and was first owned by farmer and Civil War veteran Tom Evison. After Evison’s death in 1885, his widow sold the barn to St. Charles businessman George Ferson, who moved the barn to a location near the depot and railroad tracks where he operated I.C. Ferson Grain and Feed.

When Ferson died in 1899, his daughter, Emma Satterlee, moved the house to its present location and began converting it into a home, possibly for her son George. Emma died in 1903, and her son finished the conversion and sold the house in 1907.

When the Pretzes moved in seven years ago, the house’s historical character was hidden by modernizations such as a mansard roof, windows from the 1950s and aluminum siding from the 1970s.

But beneath the aluminum, they found stucco that dated to the 1920s, which Pat Pretz believes may have helped preserve the original clapboard siding underneath.

“We are still amazed that most of the Photo provided

6 Al Hiller and Anne Fleming say their favorite part of their historical home is the large wrap-around porch. Photo provided

wood siding that is well over 100 years old and original to the building was in such great shape,” she says.

As the Pretzes repaired the clapboard, they discovered vertical board and batten “barn siding” underneath as well as initials and dates carved into the foundation.

“The earliest date we saw was 1883,” Pat Pretz says.

Other historical touches include a 1920s addition with a slanted roof and wood ceiling and a small dormer with fish scale siding. The couple has added period-correct details such as an urn, mailbox and shutters.

“It’s a small house, about 1,500 square feet, but warm, cozy and it feels like home,” Pat Pretz says.

1929 Sears “HonorBilt” Home Elgin Gene Woolcott of Elgin was 14 when he and a friend rode their bikes down Vincent Place while returning from Wing Park.

“My friend said to me, ‘Pick the house you want to live in,’ and I pointed to this one,” Woolcott recalls. “No particular reason, I just liked the look of it.”

In May 1986, Woolcott’s long-ago wish came true when he and his wife, Sändra, purchased the house.

“Gene saw that the house was for sale,”

14 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

Sändra says. “We called our Realtor on Wednesday, and by Sunday, it was ours.”

During the early 20th century, kit homes purchased from catalogs were common, especially in communities like Elgin, which is on a rail line. The Woolcott’s Sears model, the Bedford, was sold between 1926 and 1933, starting at $2,242.

“A neighbor whose parents owned a Sears house suggested ours might be one, too,” Sändra says. “I went and looked at her parents’ house and decided it was possible.”

Shortly afterward, the couple received a letter from local author and kit home expert Rebecca Hunter, confirming the neighbor’s hunch.

“There was a copy of the catalog page, and I got really excited, saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this is our house,’” Sändra says.

With a full-length front porch and solid brick exterior, the house had plenty of exterior charm, but the inside wasn’t

An image of the Woolcott’s Elgin home from a 1928 Sears catalog. Image provided

KaneCountyMagazine.com

6 Al Hiller and Anne Fleming stayed true to the period of their home when creating their new upstairs master bathroom by featuring black and white tile and a clawfooted tub. Photo by Heather Nelson

quite as lovely. The oak floors were hidden beneath green shag carpet, and dated wallpaper covered the rooms.

Over the years, the couple has updated the living room, dining room, guest bedroom and kitchen. The galley style kitchen follows the original 1929 floor plan and includes the original kitchen cabinets. A granite countertop threaded with dark red matches the brick-colored paint on the walls. kc

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3 Holiday Hour RV offers pop-ups, travel trailers and fifth wheels, including the Jayco Pinnacle fifth wheel pictured below. Photos provided by Holiday Hour RV

Home, Home On The Road I By Jacky runice I

You’ve got to admit that speeding down the open road conjures up alluring Hollywood panache and a feeling of real freedom.

But a family can’t fit on a Harley or in a sports car, and you still have to nail down a place to hole up for the night.

Welcome to the roaming home that goes on vacation with you – the recreational vehicle.

The first RVs came off the line in 1910 and were called motorized campers. The bed was the folded down back seat, and a chamber pot was the business end of the vehicle.

What’s available today?

6 Today’s recreational vehicles can provide the true comfort of home.

“An RV can have everything a house has,” says Lisa Flanigan, co-owner of Holiday Hour RV. “I’m talking Corian countertops, ceiling fans, big showers with glass doors, a washer/ dryer, central air conditioning, convection microwaves, flat screen TVs that pop up and wine racks.”

Kevin Broom of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association notes that outdoor kitchens are an increasingly popular option, and if your bottom line has moved up a notch or two, high-end amenities can include hardwood floors and more than one bathroom.

“A few years ago, a company introduced the first-ever RV sauna,” Broom says, “and several manufacturers are offering models that can be operated with a tablet computer or other wireless device.”

What’s hot

Holiday Hour — a family-owned Cortland company — has been offering the open road via recreational vehicles since 1972 when Les and Shirley Flanigan started the small RV business in DeKalb.

They soon needed more room, moved and, by 1983, their

son, Rick, was working with them full time.

Rick’s wife, Lisa, hopped aboard in 1990, and the couple is driving hard into the 21st century.

That means Holiday Hour no longer stocks behemoth beasts of the past.

“An RV is a home with an engine, and we don’t sell motor homes anymore,” Lisa Flanigan says. “Back in 1993, we got out of them because of the economy, and the motorized industry has it ups and downs – it’s very rocky.

But pop ups, travel trailers and fifth wheels are so much more economical and offer all the bells the whistles of an RV.” Stroll the inventory at Holiday Hour and you’ll see simple, entrylevel pop-ups all the way up to fully loaded travel trailers and fifth wheels.

“You can get a pop-up with an air conditioner, fridge, furnace, bathroom, awning, outside shower and removable stoves so you can cook inside or outside,” Flanigan says. “They are lightweight with expandable ends that pop out like a tent camper, and a small SUV or car can pull it. The price ranges between

$6,000 to $13,000.”

Flanigan says that a fifth wheel is essentially a big travel trailer with a kingpin in the front, and it has to be pulled with a truck.

“There’s virtually no sway, and the older generation snowbirds who like to travel to Florida, Texas and Arizona can live in them because they are a lot more spacious,” she says.

“You can get one to five slide outs to expand your living space. Fifth wheels have a lot more room than a motor home because motor homes have a chassis, engine and driver seats taking up space.”

Fifth wheels stocked at Holiday Hour range from 25 feet to 40 feet and cost between $19,000 and $80,000. Flanigan notes that interest rates have dropped, making it more affordable for the RVer.

Who’s RVing?

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that the average age of an RV owner is 48, with the largest group of RV owners falling between the ages 35 to 54. One third of RV owners have children younger than 18 living at home. Ownership is currently at its highest level with more than 9 million households owning an RV. “We see all ages — from the late 20s to late 70s — and you really can’t judge a book by its cover,” Flanigan says. “Young couples may come in for a $25,000 travel trailer where they used to come in looking for a $7,000 pop-up.”

What’s the attraction of the RV vacation?

“The reasons people buy RVs are varied, but 6 The interior of a Jayco Pinnacle.

5 There is plenty of storage available in the Jayco Pinnacle.

what appeals to most RVers is that RVs are a fun, convenient, flexible and affordable way to spend time outdoors with friends and family,” Broom says. “The typical family of four will save 23 to 59 percent when they travel

by RV – according to a study done by PKF Consulting — a figure that includes the cost of ownership. For a two-person travel party — an empty-nester couple, for example — savings are 11 to 46 percent.”

Flanigan puts a finer point on it.

“When you take a family on a typical vacation, you put them through the airport

and security lines and delays,” she says. “[For] all the money it takes to fly the family, you can put a deposit on a trailer and own it in 10 years.

“There are such nice state parks and national parks out west and so, so much to see in this country that you don’t see when you fly,” she continues. “And [with a camper], it’s much cheaper since you’re not paying for hotels, airfare and not eating out for every single meal. If you own your camper and you want to sell or upgrade, it’s worth something.

Airfare, hotels, restaurants? You get nothing back from that!” kc

FREE April Events

Join Us at Heritage Woods of Batavia!

Supportive Living Week is April 22 – April 26, 2013!

SPRING BRUNCH Saturday, April 20 from 10 am – 1 pm

$10 adults, $5 children under 10 Hot cakes, omelets, eggs & bacon, ham carving station, shrimp cocktail & so much more!

WHEEL OF FORTUNE NIGHT Tuesday, April 23 at 5:30 pm

Join us for an interactive night of word games, wheelspinning and commercial skits!

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, April 24 from 9 am – 6 pm

Pop in any time for refreshments, tours, and giveaways!

SPRINGTIME FESTIVE FRIDAY Friday, April 26 at 3:15 pm

Mingle with our residents and enjoy cake & prizes!

Please note that all events are for seniors 62+ *Please call to RSVP for any Heritage Woods event!

Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

www.bma-mgmt.com

1079 East Wilson Street | Batavia | 630.406.9440 | www.hw-batavia-slf.com April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

17

cover story / home

By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY

Living In Luxury Experience All The Amenities At The Herrington Inn And Spa

T

There’s a destination hotel and spa in Geneva that welcomes locals needing a night to refresh their romance, out of town guests looking for a historical getaway retreat and business executives working to bring together their employees through an exciting team building experience.

It might sound like a tall order, but The Herrington Inn and Spa — a boutique hotel right on the Fox River — works to accommodate any and all requests.

In fact, the mantra of the hotel is to “create guests for life,” says general manager Paul Ruby.

“Guests are recognized here, and the guests recognize the staff as well,” Ruby says. “Having a good relationship between staff and guests is probably more powerful than being a wonderful place to stay.”

Those relationships — coupled with fine dining, luxurious suites, spa treatments and waterfront views — bring people back time and time again.

“I hope people feel like they’re getting service levels that are comparable to anywhere in the world,” Ruby says.

The history

The Herrington is named after Geneva’s first settlers, James and Charity Herrington, who were known for opening up their home to traveling guests — much like a hotel does, says Jennifer Piazza, director of sales and marketing.

Today’s hotel was built in the 1860s on the site of the Herrington couple’s log cabin, but it first started as a creamery, with the floor constructed from stones hauled up from the Fox River. Next, it housed a candy shop that made butter, milk and caramel drops and, for a spell, it was a jail, Piazza says.

Finally, in the 1930s, the city of Geneva purchased the building, but it sat mostly vacant until the ’80s when several developers became interested in the property. Kent Shodeen of ShoDeen Inc. won the bid for the property with his vision of a beautiful riverfront boutique hotel, and in 1993, The Herrington opened its doors.

Since then, the hotel has opened a 5,800-square-foot banquet and events hall — which was a former pump house — just across

5 (Above) The Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva offers fine dining, luxurious suites, spa treatments and waterfront views. Photos provided 6 (Below) The grand lobby at The Herrington showcases local history through its floor, which was constructed from stones hauled up from the Fox River.

the courtyard, and in 2001, 21 new rooms and suites were added to the hotel.

In 2003, The Spa at The Herrington opened.

The property’s storied history just adds to its charm, Piazza says, and the rustic memories of the building itself are paired with old world enchantment brought to life through unique furnishings purchased by the property owners, who are worldtravelers. An infusion of European, French and country influences are prevalent throughout the hotel, and no two pieces of artwork are alike.

“It’s a destination in and of itself,” Piazza says of The Herrington, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. “People spend their money to come here partly because of the history, but there’s magic here.”

The accommodations

The Herrington is a favorite of many travelers — and many celebrities — but it’s also an option for Chicagoans and locals who need a night away from everyday life without straying too far from home.

“When people get out of the city and come out here, they feel like they’re a million miles away, and it’s right in their backyard,” Piazza says.

Even those who don’t stay in famed actor and comedian Bill Cosby’s favorite room, a nearly 800-square foot, top-floor suite that has the added amenities of a full stereo system and a recessed television hidden behind a mirror, will

find luxury and understated elegance in the decor and amenities in each room at The Herrington.

Every single room — and there’s 61 to choose from — has a fireplace, soaking tub, separate glass shower, mini bar and furnished courtyard or balcony. Yet no two rooms are alike, Piazza says.

Each has a different decor and, consequently, vibe, which wipes away any fear of a cookie cutteresque stay.

The rooms from the new addition in 2001 have more of a modern feel, perfect for business travelers and wedding guests, Piazza says, but no matter where guests stay or what their reason for staying is, their experience will be tranquil and refreshing.

“We know how to make people feel special and welcome without feeling stuffy and pretentious,” Piazza says. “You can feel comfortable in something formal or a nice pair of jeans.”

The fine dining

The Herrington’s fine dining establishment, Atwater’s — named after another of Geneva’s first settlers, John Atwater — is run by Chef Jason Tsoris, who takes a firm stand on what his menu offers each and every day.

“The biggest problem I have when I go out to dinner is all the food tastes the same,” says Tsoris, who not only has a vast resume including multiple

3 Every room at The Herrington features a fireplace, soaking tub, separate glass shower, mini bar and furnished courtyard or balcony, yet no two rooms are alike.

upscale establishments, but also owned his own restaurant. “Here, everything is made to order and flavors just explode.”

Tsoris believes in the adage, “You’re only as good as your last plate,” so he and his staff prepare different specials of the day that could include veal cheeks one night or black snapper straight from Hawaii the next.

“We can provide very unique items you don’t usually see on menus,” he says.

As an added bonus, his menu features handmade sauces with every meal, the coffee is always fresh and Tsoris knows many of his diners by name. “[What we do], it’s unexpected,” Tsoris says.

Enter and win!

20th Anniversary Contest Giveaway

“And by the way, it’s really good.”

6 In good weather, visitors to Atwater’s have the choice of dining alfresco.

The spa

Added luxury for guests — and for locals — is The Spa at The Herrington. Here, individuals have the option of choosing from different massages, facials, body treatments or even top of the line skin care items, Piazza says, noting the spa is open early and late.

A separate ladies’ and men’s locker room is available for those who head to the second floor spa, but in-room services also are available, including couple’s massages.

“It’s very relaxing,” Piazza says simply.

The event space

Because of its historic charm and ideal waterfront location, The Herrington is an ideal wedding location for brides.

It’s also a great space for corporate events, whether a company is having a large celebrational gathering or a team building exercise during a weekend retreat.

Deanne Mitchell, director of catering, oversees all special events planned at The Herrington and says her clients know what they can expect when working on an event with her.

“We’ll do anything,” she says. “That’s what brings people back. We have just as much fun doing it as they have.”

Mitchell makes sure brides receive every detail they want for their wedding, from customized menus created by Chef Tsoris to the perfect linens lining the tables inside the ballroom, which features a tin ceiling, exposed brick and floor-toceiling windows overlooking the river.

Corporate clients, meanwhile, have run the gamut with their unique ideas, Mitchell says.

One group learned archery, while another group learned how to fly — and land — remote controlled helicopters. The separate activities, which took place in the ballroom, helped each group learn to trust each other, Mitchell says, and she was happy to set up the details.

“We take the time [to plan things],” she says.

“We’re very hands-on, we meet and greet the groups, we’re shaking their hands on the way out … everyone’s just happy.”

The service

All of the luxurious amenities and features of The Herrington easily could be overshadowed by poor service, but The Herrington makes it a priority to treat every guest or local who walks in with the utmost respect and courtesy.

The act of going a step further than what is expected is something of a good-hearted contagion that has taken over his staff members,

What: 20th anniversary contest giveaway — a luxury weekend at The Herrington Inn and Spa When: Register April 1 through June 30 at www. herringtoninn.com (one

entry per email address) Details: Enter for your chance to win a two-night stay in The Herrington Suite, plus dinner at Atwater’s, spa treatment and more!

Ruby says.

“A lot of celebrities that stop here have the craziest requests,” Ruby says. “But what’s very exciting to me is the things our employees have done for [other] people without being asked.”

This past winter, a female guest told Ruby she was delighted to see that the bellman had cleaned the snow off of all the guests’ cars parked outside the hotel.

Ruby simply smiled and noted the kind act as just one of many his staff members have provided to guests.

“They haven’t been told [to do those things], they aren’t doing it to get tips — they’re doing it because they know it will be appreciated,” he says.

“They want to feel like they’ve made an impact on the guests. And I get the letters all the time [to prove they are] … we’re exceeding our guests’ expectations with anticipation and enthusiasm.” kc

The Herrington Inn and Spa 15 S. River Lane • Geneva, IL 60134 630-208-7433 www.herringtoninn.com 6 The gazebo at The Herrington offers private dining for two to eight guests right on the Fox River.

lifestyle

Sparkling Dream cut engagement ring

by Hearts on Fire

A trio of halo diamond engagement rings

C

athy Muetze makes a long trip when she needs to go to a jewelry store.

The former Geneva and St. Charles resident was a customer of State Street Jewelers in Geneva for years before she moved southwest to Paw Paw, Ill. And she’s remained a loyal customer, even though her drive is considerably longer.

“I’m an hour away now, but I’ve tried going in other jewelry stores, and I just don’t get the customer service that I get at State Street,” Muetze says.

Muetze, who had worked at a different jewelry store in Geneva until it closed many years ago, says when she was looking for a new jewelry store, State Street had a great reputation.

“I think everybody on their staff is really nice and helpful,” Muetze says. “They’ll do a little job just as well as if they’re doing a big job. I really appreciate that.

You never feel awkward, and they’ll work with whatever budget you’ve got.”

“The big thing is the level of trust,” she continues. “People are always nervous about leaving jewelry at a jewelry store, whether it’s for an appraisal or a repair. I never felt nervous about leaving anything there. Their level of trust is really high, and they’re really creative.”

“It’s kind of like finding a good dentist or a good doctor. Once you find one, you don’t really want to find anyone else.”

A History Of Excellence

18k coral/quartz ring

by Tony Maccabi Designs

State Street Jewelers has been a Geneva mainstay since the early 1900s, says Jeff Hampton, who has owned the store since 1985.

Before Hampton, the shop was owned by the Anderson brothers for 33 years, and the owners before

Three rose gold rings

by Simon G.

the brothers had the shop for 32 years, Hampton says.

Thus, State Street has become a generational hotspot for those buying diamonds and other jewelry.

“Many times, you’ll have grandpa and dad bringing son in,” says Louise Keen, a State Street employee of 13 years. “They usually start out, ‘I bought mine with the Andersons,’ ‘I bought mine from State Street,’ and ‘We want him to have that same [experience].’”

State Street is an authorized seller of top designers in the industry like Hearts On Fire, Simon G., Tacori and more, Hampton says.

Many customers come in for those types of high-end pieces, especially because State Street is the only Hearts On

By STEPHANIE N. GIMOLDBY Photos by JENNIFER KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

At State Street Three wedding rings by Tacori

State Street Jewelers showroom Fire retailer in the area, Keen says.

But one of the strongest assets State Street offers its customers is its ability to customize any piece of jewelry. The store particularly focuses on its diamond selection, even sending its staff annually to the Antwerp World Diamond Center in Belgium to handpick diamonds for customers.

“It seems people want something no one else has, and they’re willing to use their resources toward it,” Hampton says.

“It’s going to be with them for a very long time and perhaps be passed down to the next generation, so we want to make sure it’s a memorable piece.”

State Street has three full-time jewelers — plus Hampton, who still gets back to

the workbench now and then — three graduate gemologists who hold the top rank in the industry, and an accomplished CAD designer/diamond setter in John Christensen.

“If you can dream it, we can create it,” says Heather Miller, a jeweler with State Street for nearly nine years, who notes that she’s stayed at State Street because of its ability to customize pieces. “[At] chain stores, you’re limited to what the company says you can and can’t do and what you can design,” Miller says.

“I like the ability to customize. I had a customer wanting a particular cut - a fancy cut … [for] a gemstone [she] was making into a ring. We can never totally duplicate [what we did for her]. She absolutely loved it. Everyone loved it.”

Rose gold rings

by Simon G

Cathy Muetze says she’s always admired the custom designs State Street has provided. She had her wedding ring redesigned at the shop, and she had a mother’s ring hand-engraved with the initials of her grandchildren.

When her daughter Margaret - one of Muetze’s five children - wasn’t happy with the fake jewelry she had planned to wear to her wedding, Muetze found a diamond heart necklace her husband had given her that worked perfectly with Margaret’s dress.

“It was gold, so they rhodiumed it for her,” Muetze recalls. “She was so happy.”

State Street also carries colored stones, pearls, watches and sterling silver lines like Belle Etoile and Elle, and the shop does repair work, even fully restoring antique pieces, Hampton says.

Pendant by Hearts on Fire

Multi-colored silver enamel bracelet by Belle Etoile be have brought their dresses into the shop to try on jewelry to see what looks best, while Miller says the shop also has Hampton says the reason he got into catered to the gentlemen who are about to the jewelry business was for the artistic propose with a State Street piece. opportunities that creating jewelry “We’ve delivered [rings] to homes, afforded him. But that soon changed. restaurants — that’s the best part of this “[I loved that] you could work business,” Miller says. “It’s a something so seemingly matter of being part of immovable and mysterious everyone’s life, their and shape it to your special occasions. vision,” he says. “Now, “It’s like a big it’s about how it can family.” affect people and State Street Jewelers will be moving …

The character their lives — it’s but not too far! The store will relocate in early and integrity incredible. That’s summer from its current location at 214 W. displayed by the real appeal State St. to 230 W. State St., just 56 yards State Street staff west at the corner of State and Third streets in this industry. members is part of in Geneva. The larger showroom will provide It’s not about the the reason Geneva space for a more extensive selection of gold or diamonds, resident Daryl jewelry for customers to explore.

For updated it’s about the Woods and her information on a grand opening celebration feelings people get and the final date of the big move, visit www. husband Kent Utsey from the pieces.” facebook.com/StateStreetJewelers. have been customers His staff members for a long time. agree.

“I have found the “It’s a love job for people to be very friendly, us,” Keen says. “We really and it’s been easy to build a get to know the customers. The relationship with them,” Woods says. store’s been here a long time, so we get “I haven’t always had the same experience generations of customers.” with other jewelry stores in the area. I State Street will do almost anything to went to another store in the area, and help customers feel comfortable with a I just found the staff to be very snooty. design or purchase. Keen says brides-toThey were very abrupt, they made certain

A Step Above

We’re Moving!

State Street Jewelers staff

assumptions, they were a little standoffish.

I have never had that experience at State Street Jewelers. I have just found that they’re willing to work with anyone, whether you’re high end or looking for something reasonable … I’ve never seen them treat people differently.”

The reason those characteristics are so important is because of the industry itself, Woods says.

“Buying jewelry, it’s about trust,” she says. “You’re spending money, but it’s not completely objective. There’s certain standards in jewelry, but most of it is what appeals to you. You really want to deal with someone you feel is reliable, and you want to deal with a company you feel you can trust … that’s one reason [State Street] is where I go to buy jewelry.”

A final reason Woods goes to State Street is because of the store’s generosity.

“I have some charitable organizations I support, and whenever there’s been a fundraiser, I’ve approached State Street,” she says. “They’re a good citizen. They have been supportive in kind to an organization that I feel is doing good for the community.

“Because issues are important to me, and because there is such tremendous need, it’s nice to know that a business you do business with also thinks in terms of helping the community.” kc

State Street Jewelers 214 W. State St. • Geneva • 630-232-2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com info@statestreetjewelers.com www.facebook.com/StateStreetJewelers Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

More Than Education Planning: 529 Plans Offer Powerful Wealth Transfer Benefits � State estate tax: Many states also impose some form of estate and/or inheritance tax. State estate taxes are similar to the federal estate tax.

Regardless of their relationship to you, your beneficiaries do not pay this tax—your estate does.

� Gift tax: To help lower your estate’s value, you and your spouse can each make $13,000 gifts to as many people as you like free of gift taxes in the 2012 tax year (this amount is indexed to inflation and may increase in future years). If you give away more than $13,000 per year ($26,000 if your spouse joins in the gift) to any one person or noncharitable institution, you will have to file a gift tax return at tax time. The amount of the federal gift tax will be deducted from your lifetime gift tax credit.

Any remaining credit can be used in future years.

Rick Romano Financial Advisor Courtesy of: Rick Romano, Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Geneva 630-262-2038 www.morganstanleyfa.com/rick.romano 529 college savings plans offer a unique and robust array of features that have solidified their position as a leader in the education planning world. Yet it is their ability to act as a powerful wealth transfer mechanism that has captured the attention of a growing number of affluent families.

� Generation-skipping tax: If you want to leave money to your grandchildren or others more than one generation younger than you, and your gift exceeds the $13,000 annual gifting threshold ($26,000 for married couples), in addition to the gift tax, you may also be exposed to the generation-skipping tax, which tops out at 35% on the federal level in 2012.

Special Gifting Features of 529 Plans— Why 529 Plans Are Unique Since contributions to 529 plans are considered gifts, they qualify for the $13,000 per year ($26,000 per couple) gift tax exclusion, and any money gifted to a 529 plan is no longer considered part of the donor’s taxable estate.

Also, under special rules unique to 529 plans, donors looking to remove large sums of money from their taxable estates can make five years’ worth of $13,000 gifts in one year—that’s $65,000 per individual donor or $130,000 per couple. Provided they comMost families, regardless of their financial cirplete the required paperwork with the IRS (i.e., stipucumstances, are troubled by the lating their intention to spread the spiraling cost of a college educalump-sum gift evenly over the tion. A recent study published by To simplify the gifting of five-year period) and refrain from the Pew Research Center found making any further contributions assets during an individual’s that 75% of Americans believe to that account for the next five that college is too expensive for life, for 2012, the exemption years, they will owe no gift tax most people to afford.1 It’s true threshold, which is $5.12 on the contribution. Further, they that college costs continue to incan repeat the process every five crease at rates sharply higher than million per individual and years and owe no gift tax, providgeneral inflation and wage growth. $10.24 million per couple, ed they follow the IRS guidelines.

According to the College Board, will apply to all three estate, — This one, very powerfor the 2011-2012 school year, tuition, room and board, and fees at gift and generation-skipping- ful feature of 529 plans allows parents, grandparents or othprivate colleges averaged $38,589; taxes. ers with considerable assets to for public colleges, $17,131—inaccomplish two critical goals: creases of 4.4% and 6.0% to reduce the size of their taxrespectively over the 2010-2011 school year.2 able estates during their lifetimes and to potenEnter the 529 plan, a powerful investment vehicle tially contribute hundreds of thousands of dolthat has altered education planning in much the same lars toward college costs to one or more children. way that the 401(k) altered retirement planning. A One Important Note unique combination of features—high contribuThere is one important rule that you will want tion limits, professional asset management, account to keep in mind if you and/or your spouse decide holder control of assets, flexibility in transferring to make use of the lump-sum contribution stratthe money, and perhaps most important, generous egy to 529 plans to transfer wealth: according to tax advantages—has solidified the 529 plan’s posiIRS rules, if the donor dies before the end of the tion as a leader in the education planning world. five-year period, the transferred amount remainYet, there is one more benefit of 529 plans that is ing after the year of death would be considered increasingly coming to the fore in the planning arsenal part of the donor’s estate for federal tax purposes. of affluent families: their ability to act as an effective Here’s a hypothetical example: estate planning tool. Indeed, the special gifting feaJim and Mary Jones made a joint five-year, lumptures of 529 plans make them attractive to a growsum contribution of $130,000 to a 529 plan for the ing number of high net worth parents, grandparents benefit of a grandchild. Sadly, in the second of the and others looking to transfer large sums out of their five years, Jim dies. In this case, $26,000 of Jim’s estates while helping to offset soaring college costs. contributions (for years one and two) are considered Estate Planning Today—Current Tax Considerations out of his estate and free and clear of federal estate To help better appreciate the special tax and tax. However, his contributions earmarked for the estate benefits that 529 plans have to offer, you next three years—$39,000—would be considered first need to review the current estate and gift tax part of his taxable estate. For Mary’s part, since landscape—a landscape with an uncertain future.3 she is still alive and well, her contributions are still considered to be removed from the couple’s estate.

Here is a brief rundown on the current tax rules that apply to assets held in an estate. Keep in mind Asset Control—An Uncommon Advantage in the that your estate is made up of all types of property— Estate Planning World including real estate, personal property, cash, investBeyond the tax advantages, perhaps one of the ment accounts, annuities and retirement plan assets. most attractive features of 529 plans is that the contributor who opens the account generally maintains � Federal estate tax: For 2012, any estate valexclusive control over the assets and their disposition. ued at more than $5.12 million ($10.24 million With few exceptions, the named beneficiary has no for married couples) will trigger the federal estate 3 rights to the funds. The donor alone decides if and tax. The top federal tax rate that can apply is 35%. when withdrawals are taken and for what purposes.

Compare this level of control with, for instance, a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account or a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) account.

Gifts made to either of these types of custodial accounts are considered irrevocable; once the child reaches legal age, he or she gains full control over the assets. In addition, since custodial accounts belong to the child, account assets may decrease the amount of financial aid a child can receive.

GrandparentOwnership—WeighingtheProsandCons Many grandparents who want to help out with their grandchildren’s college costs may be perfectly content to make contributions to a 529 plan their own children have already established for their grandkids. As long as the plan is structured to accept “third party” contributions, that option may represent the best approach for many who are looking for a simple way to remove assets from their estates.

Keep in mind that with this heightened level of control comes the need for responsible use of account assets. For instance, most 529 plans allow the donor to reclaim the funds for themselves, no questions asked. However, the earnings portion of a so-called “nonqualified” withdrawal will be subject to income tax and an additional 10% penalty tax.

For others who like the idea of retaining control over their transferred wealth, opening their own 529 plan accounts may present a worthwhile alternative. There are, of course, pros and cons associated with grandparents taking the reins on a 529 plan.

Here are just a few as outlined by the College Board:

PROS

CONS

Tax-deferred growth is good for the beneficiary. The money in a 529 plan grows tax-deferred, so there is no need to report investment income on the child’s income tax return.

Parental vs. grandparent account? If the parents of a grandchild are also using a 529 plan, whose account is tapped first? You will need to have that discussion to ensure that no one faces an unexpected tax bill. You may even consider transferring ownership of your 529 account to the parents of your grandchild at some point in the future, and leaving it up to them to make decisions regarding the use of the account.

No adverse effect on child’s eligibility for financial aid. Grandparent-owned 529 plans typically have no negative effect on the student’s eligibility to receive federal financial aid. By contrast, when a parent is the account holder, plan assets are considered when assessing a child’s financial aid eligibility.

Potential Medicaid obstacle. If you were ever to seek Medicaid assistance for the payment of medical and long-term care expenses, the state in which you live is likely to view any 529 accounts under your ownership as available assets that must first be spent on your care before Medicaid payments can begin.

Good use for retirement plan RMDs. Those taking required minimum distributions from an IRA who have no spending needs beyond what they receive from other income sources, may consider using the IRA money to fund 529 accounts. The IRA distributions are still subject to income tax, but once in the 529 plan, the money will grow tax free and remain outside of an estate as long as it is eventually used for qualified higher education expenses.

Lost step-up benefit. If you were to die, investments included in your estate receive a tax basis step-up to current value. When these assets are sold by your heirs, they will not be subject to capital gains tax on any appreciation previous to your death.

Since 529 accounts are excluded from your estate, there is no step-up in tax basis. In most instances, this won’t make any difference as the distributions from the 529 plan will be entirely tax free when used to pay for qualified education expenses.

For grandparents considering a 529 wealth transfer strategy, these are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. Visit the College Board’s Web site for a more complete discussion of the topic. And of course, seek trusted

financial and legal counsel before making any decisions.

Please contact me to learn more about transferring wealth with 529 plans and for assistance reviewing and reformulating your estate planning strategy.

1 Source: Is College Worth It? College Presidents, Public Assess Value, Quality and Mission of Higher Education, Pew Research Center, Social & Demographic Trends, May 2011.

2 Source: Trends in College Pricing, The College Board, 2011.

3 Estate and gift taxes are scheduled to “sunset” Dec. 31, 2012, unless Congress once again moves to extend them, resulting in higher top rates (55%) and lower exemption thresholds ($1 million).

If you’d like to learn more, please contact Rick Romano.

Before investing, consider whether tax or other benefits are only available for investments in your home state 529 college savings plan.

Investors should carefully read the Program Disclosure Statement which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses, and possible tax consequences, before purchasing a 529 Plan. You can obtain a copy of the Program Disclosure Statement from the 529 plan sponsor or your Financial Advisor.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Article by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“MSSB”). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MSSB. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of MSSB and MSSB makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of MSSB. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by MSSB with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned.

Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged the Kane County Magazine to feature this article.

Rick Romano may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration http://www.morganstanleyfa. com/rick.romano. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Rick Romano is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC. CRC 523437 [07/12]

lifestyle

Art From Junk

L

ocal artist Francis Joseph Gagnepain IV recalls his love for art budding when he was just a youngster.

“Ever since I was a child, since I could draw with crayons ... I guess is when I wanted to be an artist,” says Gagnepain, 35, who grew up in St. Charles and today lives in Batavia.

His vast artistic resume includes speckled fine art paintings, drawings, carvings, and metal, snow and ice sculptures.

He also finds joy in painting large murals, both in private residences and on outside public walls. His murals can be seen publicly on the exterior walls at The Jalapeño Grille in St. Charles and on walls in downtown Batavia.

‘Found object assemblage’

In a unique twist to his art repertoire, Gagnepain sees art in other people’s “junk,” and he creates what he calls “found object

3 Snow Dragon at Snow Days Chicago 2012.

Pictures and images provided

assemblage” with finds from antique sales, garage sales and scrapyards or even junk picked up along the side of the road.

He often has junk donated to him.

In fact, he currently has so much junk piled up outside a barn in Elburn that he’s decided to get rid of it all and start over from scratch.

Why make art from things others throw away?

“I always like to see shapes and colors in objects,” Gagnepain says. “I could see [some junked pieces] being part of an animal feature or something that looks robotic.”

He says his eccentric eye for art in scraps of metal and plastic took over his style in high school at the Chicago Academy of Art — even though he studied fine art painting — and it continued on through college at the Minneapolis College of Art and Science where he made big plastic toys out of junk.

“I guess I just kind of like to recycle,” he says. “Everything I own is kind of … used ... and people get a kick out of seeing something changed into something else.”

Gagnepain says his inspiration comes from a variety of places.

“I’m inspired by excitement of a new project, [a] new location, working with a new client, an old client,” Gagnepain says.

“I’m kind of inspired by everything I guess.”

He especially likes creating pieces to fill up empty public spaces, which can turn a vacant location into an iconic site or prominent stopping point — and he has done so in many local towns, including Geneva.

Ellen Divita, director of economic development in Geneva, says Gagnepain is just one of several artists whose work

is displayed on both public and private property throughout the city.

“The city supports the installation of public art as a way to just make downtown Geneva more interesting,” she says.

Tools of the trade

Gagnepain has a vast array of tools he uses to create his artwork.

For snow sculptures, he uses hand tools such as ice chippers and chisels.

His “Nokiomis” Mother Earth tree carving, located on Ash Street north of Mosedale Street in St. Charles, was created by using a chainsaw.

When he carves signs — such as the work he did for The Dam Bar and Riverside Receptions in Geneva, as well as the historic downtown gateway signs for the city of Geneva — he uses hand chisels to carve high-density urethane foam.

Gagnepain says he prefers to use this material for signage because it carves easily like a soft wood and it does not rot or weather.

I BY AMANDA MARRAZZO

I

“I weld the other sculptures with an MIG welder, which is a wire feed electric welder,” he says. “I also use hardware [such as] screws, nuts, bolts and wire to attach pieces together. That’s how the plastic pieces and such are attached to the metal frames. But generally, the frames of the larger ‘found object’ sculptures are welded steel.”

Spot his work

Many of Gagnepain’s murals, carvings, sculptures and signage can be seen throughout Kane County.

He has created mascot pieces that are on display at St. Charles North and St. Charles East high schools.

In western Batavia sits a large crow he pieced together out of car parts he found on the roadside because crows often are seen as roadside scavengers, he says. The crow, made out of shredded tires, old mufflers, broken grill pieces and a motorcycle gas tank, is located on Seavey Road just west of Deerpath Road.

A fox he made from bicycle parts sits along the river walk in St. Charles.

A metal moose, also made from bicycle parts, sits out in front of the St. Charles Moose Lodge 1368 on Route 38 in St. Charles.

And he welded together a lion from bicycle parts, using painted inner tubes to create its mane. This piece is displayed in front of Graham’s 318 on Third St. in Geneva — a common spot for Gagnepain and his work to shine.

Gagnepain, also known for his live art performances, often carves ice and snow sculptures in front of the coffee shop, says Esther Allen, manager at Graham’s 318.

Most recently he carved a bunny and a leprechaun in snow, Allen says.

When snow was not available during a recent Geneva holiday festival, Gagnepain carved a bunny out of a large tree stump. This carving currently sits out on the coffee shop’s patio.

“We consider him a resident artist and part of our community,” Allen says of Gagnepain. “He brings a wonderful sense of liveliness and magic to the atmosphere of 318.”

5 (Top left) Batavia Windmill City mural.

3 (At left) Scrap Crow.

5 Mother Earth tree stump carving.

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www.genevagiftbox.com April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

25

Keep Your Car Trade-in Your Loan Love your car, but hate your rate? Bring in any non-KCT auto loan and our loan experts will take a look to see if we can save you money on your loan.

Not a member of KCT yet? That’s ok, KCT Credit Union is open to the community. Enroll as a member while we check your auto loan for savings.

Contact us today to begin your path to lifelong membership.

Aurora | Elgin | Geneva www.kctcu.org | 847.741.3344 Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account. By member choice, this institution is not federally insured.

26 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

Working through the pain

With Gagnepain’s passion has come some pain.

While he loves expressing himself through his unique sculptures, he has had some disappointments in recent months making him hesitant to continue to sculpt.

Two of his art pieces displayed on Randall Road were stolen, and more were stolen from his studio.

“I kind of gave up on the sculpture this winter,” he says.

“I felt devastated.”

But he says he’ll continue to march on, art piece by art piece.

Currently, while clearing out his excess junk and trying to find a new studio, he has decided to build a gate out of scrap metal objects for Isacco Kitchen on Cedar Street in St. Charles.

He’s also doing restoration work in the Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva.

Gagnepain does commission work for private clients, small businesses, municipalities, schools, museums and corporations. For more information on Gagnepain and his artwork, visit www. artbyjoseph.com. kc

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A GREAT OLD FASHIONED FULL SERVICE MEAT MARKET April 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

27

lifestyle / success lives next door

3 About 10 to 20 boys, ages 11 to 18 in Boy Scout Troop 25 in St. Charles, spend time in the spring and fall cleaning up a couple miles of roadway.

Photos provided

Cleaning Crews!

Adopt-A-Highway Program Keeps Kane County Roadsides Clean I By Lee Nelson

T

I

he students involved in the Fox Valley Robotics and Batavia Robotics organization use their scientific minds to create robots.

But a few times a year, they help out the community in a different way by picking up trash along the roadways for the Kane County Adopt-A-Highway program.

“Our organization is about core values of life — working together and trying to achieve something that is worthwhile,” says Rob Karabowicz, president of the robotics organization, which provides robotic programs for students in first through 12th grade in the Fox Valley area.

“This is the third year we have been involved in the cleanup,” he says. “I’m always looking for things that could expand what we are doing. I tell the kids that they aren’t here as a bystander. We get a lot of support from the community, so why can’t we help out the community?”

The group — made up of middle and high schoolers — adopted parts of Wilson Street and Randall Road to Fabyan Parkway. They cover about two miles.

“By doing something outside of the engineering aspect, it gives the kids a good feeling and an accomplished feeling,” Karabowicz says.

“They made this area better, but they have been surprised at how much litter is out there.”

Who Picks Up Trash

About 110 groups have adopted 165 of the 325 miles available in Kane County.

“It has grown tremendously in just the last few years,” says Glenda Starcevich, who has coordinated the Adopt-A-Highway program for the county since 2010. “We did an estimate and believe it saves the county about $30,000 a year.”

Kane County had an informal way of running its program from 1995 on. It had been assigned

to the sign shop in the county until Starcevich was handed the assignment.

“They were juggling the sign shop activities and daily responsibilities along with trying to keep track of all the adopted roads,” she says. “They didn’t have the time to do it all.”

So, she worked with the IT department and put information online that helped her and those who adopted a segment of road to know when their two-year commitment was up.

“Before, it basically was a bunch of file folders in a drawer,” she says. “I don’t work like that. I am so detail-oriented, it’s almost crazy.”

Some of the groups she works with today include the Batavia Rotary, Westminster Christian School, Hampshire football and cheerleading groups, Wabonsee Community College, Democrat and Republican organizations, retired teachers and rural postal delivery employees.

“We have some fantastic groups who 6 “We split into two groups, and by the time we are done, we have about four bags per group. It’s a lot of trash,” says Han Tunca, committee chairman of Boy Scout Troop 25.

volunteer,” Starcevich says. “They are so generous with donating their time. We’ve even gotten to a point with most of them that if I can’t get dow n to their area to give them garbage bags, they volunteer to come get them or meet me halfway somewhere. Everybody helps out.”

What They Find

When the first thaw comes in the spring and the melting snow reveals trash in the ditches and roadways, groups begin to get motivated to get out and clean it up. Many spring cleanups are scheduled in conjunction with Earth Day, which is Monday, April 22, this year, Starcevich says.

The groups and individuals are required to do at least two cleanups, but they can schedule them whenever they are free. Volunteers are encouraged to watch a safety training video before going out to a cleanup, and the county provides highlyvisible safety vests and garbage bags.

“We don’t want our volunteers to pick up anything that is too big or suspicious,” Starcevich says. “If something is oozing out of a bag, we tell them to call us and we will call in the hazardous materials team.”

No one has found anything too valuable during the cleanups, she says. But they do find a lot of big items in the rural areas such as old water heaters, refrigerators, car hoods, mattresses and box springs.

“The landfill charges [people] to dispose of this stuff,” Starcevich says. “So, I guess it must be an economical issue why someone would just dump their stuff on the side of the road.”

About 10 to 20 boys, ages 11 to 18 in Boy Scout Troop 25 in St. Charles, spend time in the spring and fall cleaning up a couple miles of roadway along Burlington Road from Highway 64.

“We split into two groups, and by the time we are done, we have about four bags per group.

It’s a lot of trash,” says Han Tunca, who has two sons involved and is committee chairman of the

troop. “One of the weird things the Boy Scouts have found along their route is a lot of those little liquor bottles — the ones people get on an airplane or in a hotel room refrigerator. They also pick up lots of hub caps and other car parts, cigarette packages and newspapers.”

Starcevich wanted to reward those who sign up for a two-year agreement to clean their route, so she now gives volunteers a bright reflective yellow cap with the Adopt-A-Highway emblem on it.

The groups also get their name on a designated sign along their cleanup route. When they are cleaning the road, a sign flips down saying the cleanup is going on at that time.

“We get a lot of cars honking at us and giving us a thumbs up while we are cleaning,” Tunca says. “It makes the boys feel good, even though this is a dirty and stinky job. You are sticking your fingers into garbage. But it still gives them a sense of pride that they are helping out their community.” kc

GET CLEANING For more information on the Kane County Adopt-A-Highway program, contact coordinator Glenda Starcevich at 630-584-1171 or starcevichglenda@ co.kane.il.us. Or, visit www. co.kane.il.us/dot/maintenance/ adopthiway.aspx for a list of highway sections available.

National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month CASA Kane County’s

Ninth Annual Hands Around the Courthouse Noon - Thursday, April 11, 2013

Old Courthouse Lobby - 100 S. Third St., Geneva

I am for the child.™ Please join us as we gather inside the courthouse to bring attention to the tragedy of child abuse and neglect. Attendees will join hands around the courthouse for a moment of silence acknowledging abused and neglected children in our community.

Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes early to pass through security. Information will be distributed and lunch will be provided. For additional information, contact the CASA office at 630-232-4484 or visit www.casakanecounty.org.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system.

Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities

Wine Niche home & lifestyle

lifestyle

Best May The in Wine W

THE Big E diffErEnc French between n wine and America French is that the d a standar have set place in which they lity their top-qua ... producers

See this month's column on page 41.

Wine Niche

with Vince Balistreri KaneCountyMagazine.com

A Monthly Wine Column

Wine VA L

paved the way They really for today’s cabernets. their But in my opinion,or been lessened quality has other wineries surpassed by years, due to 10 in the past of wine different methods new making; experience; better vineyards producing and most of history quality grapes; of these And America’s wine is quality all, the expansion producing compared to the subsequent and wineries levels. even shorter production many of other countries. in American It seems that figured out The big boombe traced these wineries stumbled wine only can 20 years, and — had last older that they back to the good and in Here are some producers upon somethingproduction on whereas producers newer — cabernet as Chateau have stayed kept increasing was so that seem to game ever since France — suchbeen because demand however, the top of theirproducing wine.

Lafite — have great wines high. The problem, they started putting out of years from didn’t have was that they in their for hundreds Lewelling enough grapesthey bought their vineyards. make Ridge other vineyard. So, This does not inferior at grapes from the Chateau Montelena less quality America’s winereally is not a which lowered Estate producers, all, but there of quality wine. Some Shafer quality of their sold to big lack strong standard Leonetti comparable of the wineries Silver Oak, due to our like Dunn companies also of experience.

Quilceda Creek and new companies The big difference They bought and Dominus bought brands. and de between French is that the everywhere Spottswoo fruit from American wine Oak bottle Araujo set a standard put it in a Silver French have place their the consumer Harlan Estate — one that seeing and in which they Paradigm producers in the was used to like top-quality Eagle be “first as Screaming d back thought would a group knownstandard had a while Kongsgaar vintage they it wasn’t the growths.” The to “fifth PlumpJack — when really, then tiers down Schrader which there same. growths,” in have quality still believe Palmaz However, I American producers stillnot as good as Maybach are many older to make wine, but it’s ScareCrow wineries continuing the other growths.tends to Hall that have never wine wine great American marketing. lost a beat. do better with However, American hot bed wines are the and there for cabernets,

as a Our historyshort country is to compared ies. other countr of

I am a lover

that great wines the were some the scene in jumped on and ’90s such as 1970s, ’80s Kendall Mondavi (1966);Jordan Jackson (1982); (1980); (1972); Rombauer Pine Ridge Justin (1981); (1973); (1978); Franciscan Sterling (1972); Silver Oak Duckhorn (1964); and (1976).

Wine Nichei

with Vince

of almost all

UES

wines.

However, I also am absolutely amazing a believer that an wine is going lot of money. to cost a Here are some Unfortunatel drinking aroundof the wines I enjoy y, that’s just the way it is. A Bentley is an Christmas — my anniversary and amazing car, the times when so it’s going to cost a lot. The I’m broke. same thing applies wines as well. with most Pierre Delize Sparkling, France But there are E.Guigal Cotes very du Rhone, France— $9 that do not break good wines out there Foxglove Chardonnay, — $11 the bank — you Seven Hills Viognier, California — $11 might need to just venture out a Washington — Charles Smith bit more.

The same old $13 Boom Boom stuff you’ve been Syrah, Washington — since the early drinking ’90s Lone Madrone $16 you drink today, doesn’t have to be what White Rhone because the industry Blend, California — $16 changed and has so have Morgan “Unoaked” These days, there the wineries.

Chardonnay, California — $17 this group I call are so many choices in Sans Liege “Groundwor “value wines” — any wine that falls in the k” Grenache, California — $17 $25 and less category. And I really suggest Pomum Tempranillo, trying all kinds Washington styles from different of different Belle Glos “Meiomi” — $19 parts of the world.

Pinot Noir, These types of California — $21 wines are great Owen Roe “Sinister weddings, Father’s for parties, Hand” Rhone Washington — kind of get together.Day celebrations or any Blend, Your guests Mitolo “Jester” $21 impressed, and Cabernet Sauvignon, your bank accountwill be Australia — $22 very happy. will be Austin Hope Grenache, California The really acclaimed Ridge “East Bench” — $22 wines are great, you should treat and California — $24 Zinfandel, yourself to them once in a while every Alban Viognier, because there is such a huge difference in Sans Liege “TheCalifornia — $27 taste, pallet is the one and the most successful Blend, California Offering” Red Rhone that can distinguish — $28 great value wines the from One last tip: But for an everyday the acclaimed.

I suggest looking varietals — viognier, there are definitely consumer of wine, for these syrah and mourvedre grenache, roussanne, They might not great values out there.

— be be nice Cadillacs. Bentleys, but they could Paso Robles, Washington in these regions — and the Valley of France — for really great Rhone stuff.

Wine Niche

Balistrer

with Vince Balistreri 10

Join Vince Balistreri of the Niche Restaurant in Geneva every month in Kane County Magazine for his wine column called “Wine Niche.”

Vince Balistreri is general manager and sommelier at Niche Restaurant in Geneva. He offers his expertise in the wine industry monthly.

April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

29

golf

Time To Hit The Links The game of golf is a time-honored tradition that many families have passed down through the generations. Take advantage of the courses available in and around Kane County.

Below is a listing of public and private courses available throughout the area.

Aurora

Aurora Country Club 1548 West Prairie, Aurora 630-892-4281 www.auroracc.com 18 holes / Private

Orchard Valley Golf Club 2411 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora 630-907-6506 www.orchardvalleygolf. com 18 holes / Public Phillips Park Golf Course 1001 Hill Ave., Aurora 630-256-3760 www.phillipsparkaurora. com 18 holes / Public Stonebridge County Club 2705 Stonebridge Blvd., Aurora 630-820-8887 www.stonebridge-cc.com 18 holes / Private

Elburn

QUICK HITTING TIP The key to hitting a golf ball a long way is minimizing your hip turn and maximizing your shoulder turn. The easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure that your left knee doesn’t slide to the right on the backswing and that the right knee stays firm and flexed throughout.

(Opposite knee for left-handed players.)

Also, get your shoulder behind the ball at the top of the backswing. This ensures good weight shift and allows for a longer swing.

— Frank J. Peter, learnaboutgolf.com

Batavia

Settlers Hill Golf Course 919 E. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia 630-232-1636 www.settlershill.com 18 holes / Public

Hughes Creek Golf Club 1749 Spring Valley Drive, Elburn 630-365-9200 www.hughescreek.com 18 holes / Public

Elgin

Bowes Creek Country Club 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin 847-214-5880 www. bowescreekcountryclub.com 18 holes / Public Elgin Country Club 2575 Weld Road, Elgin 847-741-1716 www.elgincc.com 18 holes / Private

April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

31

Q&A with Jamie J. Nieto, Pheasant Run Resort, recently promoted - Head Golf Professional Q: How long have you been with Pheasant Run? A: Nearly 3 years Q: How long have you been golfing?

A: I started when I was 13 years old. I got pretty serious about the sport when I was 14. When I started High School, I was the only Freshman on the Varsity Golf Team – so that was very exciting.

QUICK PUTTING TIP

Q: Major Golf achievements?

A: I earned a class A PGA Membership in 2012. I placed in the top 35 in assistant player of the year points the past 3 seasons. I have played in over 200 competitive tournaments thus far.

Q: Why did you start?

A: I started working at a golf course when I was 13 as a caddie. I figured I better learn the game so I could make more money / tips J I wanted to save up and have enough money by the time I was 16 so I could buy a car… by the way I was able to purchase a Camaro!

Q: What’s your favorite part about working at Pheasant Run? A: I love the ability to create new and exciting golf events here at the resort! I have built all of these events from the ground up. I also have a passion for forming different leagues and bringing golfers (experienced or not) together to play this lifelong sport.

Q: What do you believe truly sets you apart from the competitors?

A: Our customer service rivals the best private clubs in the area. Golfers here get value for the price not to mention the impeccable attention and service we deliver.

Q: What are your future goals?

A: I am currently going to school full time and will be getting my MBA in General Management this June. Although I am one of the youngest Head Golf Professionals in the state I still realize how important it is to keep learning and growing. Ultimately I would like to be a General Manager of a Golf Facility.

Q: What is your greatest passion next to golf?

A: I am a burn survivor. I am an active member of the Links of Hope support group at Loyal University Medical Center counseling patients and their families. My goal is to bring a charitable fund raising event to the Pheasant Run Resort Course this year to help raise awareness.

Q: How can people get more information

about your programs and the Resort Course?

A: Visit us at www.pheasantrun.com or call us at 1-800-4PHEASANT

32 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

First, get comfortable and relaxed. Consistent putts stem from consistent, solid strikes on the middle of the clubface. A solid hit is something you can usually hear and feel. So, don’t change your stroke too often, just keep your tempo even — back and through.

It’s important to think of the backswing and swing through the ball. Don’t be so anxious to see the results. Stay down through the putt. I’ll let you in on a secret — seven times out of 10, the reason I hit a bad putt is that I was too eager to see what happened to the ball. By following these few simple guidelines ... and remembering that the object is to see how close you can get to the hole ... you should see marked improvement on the greens.

— Ben Crenshaw, bencrenshaw.com

Highlands of Elgin 875 Sports Way, Elgin 847-931-5950 www.highlandsofelgin.com 18 holes / Public

Geneva Golf Club 831 South St., Geneva 630-232-0627 www.genevagc.com 9 holes / Private

Wing Park Golf Course 1000 Wing St., Elgin 847-931-5952 www.cityofelgin.org/index.aspx?NID=235 9 holes / Public

Mill Creek Golf Club 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva 630-208-7272 www.millcreekgolfcourse.com 18 holes / Public

Geneva

Eagle Brook Country Club 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva 630-208-4653 www.eaglebrookclub.com 18 holes / Private

Tanna Farms Golf Club 39W808 Hughes Road, Geneva 630-232-4300 www.tannafarms.com 18 holes / Public

2013 Season Now OPEN! • April rates are $30 including cart Mon-Fri 6am-2pm • After 2pm rates are $25 including cart

North Aurora

Fox Valley Golf Club 2500 N. River Road, North Aurora 630-879-1030 www.aurora-il.org 18 holes / Public Valley Green Golf Course 314 Kingswood Drive, North Aurora 630-897-3000 www.valleygreengc.com 9 holes / Public

St. Charles

Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-584-4914 www.pheasantrun.com 18 holes / Public Pottawatomie Golf Club 845 N. Second Ave., St. Charles 630-584-8356 www.stcparks.org 9 holes / Public Royal Fox Country Club 4405 Royal and Ancient Drive, St. Charles 630-584-4000 www.royalfoxcc.com 18 holes / Private Royal Hawk Country Club 5N748 Burr Road, St. Charles 630-443-3500 www.golfatroyal.com 18 holes / Private

For further details on rates or to book a tee

Book your 2013 Golf Outing Today!

time call the shop or check out our website.

Dates are filling up quickly!

Mill Creek continues to be a favorite location for many groups, charities and corporate clients to host their outings, with many coming back year after year. We welcome groups of any size with a unique golf experience they are sure to remember. Mill Creek Golf Club is available for golf outings any day of the week and we can customize any package to fit your needs! Call Kasie Pheanis at 630.208.7272 x14 today!

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (PDP)

$54/month includes: unlimited range balls, anytime, free access to the pitch & putt course as well as (2) full length practice holes, $25 w/cart any day after 2pm, 15% off merchandise in golf shop and complimentary access to Saturday clinics.

39W525 Herrington Drive • Geneva, IL • 630.208.7272 www.millcreekgolfcourse.com

“Are You Golf Ready?

Sycamore Golf Club Is!”

St. Charles Country Club 1250 Country Club Road, St. Charles 630-377-9000 www.stcharlescc.com 18 holes / Private

Sugar Grove

Bliss Creek Golf Course 1 Golfview Road, Sugar Grove 815-466-4177 www.blisscreekgolf.com 18 holes / Public Rich Harvest Farms 7S771 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove 630-466-7610 www.richharvestfarms.com 18 holes / Private

Book your tee time by calling (815)895-3884 or visit us at www.sycgolfclub.com 940 E State St, Sycamore, IL 60178

KaneCountyMagazine.com

· Country Club Conditions dition ionss with ion with a Hom Hometo Hometown etown Cha eto Charm · Reasonable prices – Special rates for Seniors and Juniors · Newly Remodeled Full Service Pro Shop with merchandise from Titleist, Ping, Gear for Sports, Under Armour and more! · Private Lessons available from a Class “A” PGA Professional · A great 18 hole facility for both experienced and novice golfers

April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

33

Jobs may change.

Retirement dreams don’t have to.

If you’ve left a job and have a 401(k) or other retirement accounts, don’t forget about them. Rolling over assets you have with former employers or other institutions to an Ameriprise IRA can be important in making your retirement dreams a reality.

Understanding and managing your retirement income strategies can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

To start a conversation, call me at (630) 762.6556.

Steve Smith Financial Advisor Associate Vice President 3 N. Second Street, Suite 200 St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 762.6556 Toll Free: 1 (800) 942.5959 Steven.L.Smith@ampf.com

MORE WITHIN REACHSM Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

• 27 beautiful holes • Full-service Cantigny Golf Academy, open year-round • Cantigny Youth Links — 9 holes just for kids!

• Instruction clinics for all ages and skill levels • Courteous, well-trained caddies • Couples and family golf programs • Banquets and golf outings See more and book a tee time at CantignyGolf.com.

Cantigny Golf 27W270 Mack Road Wheaton, IL 60189 630.668.8463

Cantigny Golf is part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundations

34 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

Sycamore Golf Club 940 E. State St., Sycamore 815-895-3884 www.sycgolfclub.com 18 holes / Public

IN THE AREA

Blackberry Oaks Golf Course 2245 Kennedy Road, Bristol

The Cantigny Experience

Treat yourself to Cantigny! We promise a great all-around experience every time you visit.

Sycamore

630-553-1578 www.blackberryoaks.com 18 holes / Public Buena Vista Golf Course 141 Buena Vista Dr. DeKalb 815-758-4812 www.buenavistagc.com 9 holes / Public Cedardell Golf Club 14264 South Hale, Plano 630-552-3242 www.cedardellgolfclub.com 9 holes / Public Prairie Landing Golf Club 2325 Longest Drive, West Chicago 630-208-7600 www.prairielanding.com 18 holes / Public St. Andrews Golf and Country Club 2241 Route 59, West Chicago 630-231-3100 www.standrewgc.com 36 holes / Public

Enjoy the finest Midwestern Value & Conditions One of Chicago’s Top 50 Golf Courses Open to the Public

Delicious Casual Dining 11 am untill dusk

Friday Night Fish Fry begins April 19, 2013

QUICK BUNKER SHOT TIP Bring the clubhead away on the line of your feet. Allow your wrists to hinge but don’t let your arms and wrists go stiff. Come down aggressively into the sand an inch or two behind the ball and come out of it a few inches in front of where the ball was lying. The right hand should be the dominant force in the swing.

April Special $32.00 Weekdays Present this th ad d Golf Cart Included $46.00 Weekends

1749 Spring Valley Drive Elburn, Illinois 60119

630.365.9200 www.hughescreek.com

You cannot treat wet sand the same way as dry sand. If your normal sand shot uses a wedge with a lot of “bounce” (the sole having the rear lower than the front), it will not penetrate the wet sand so you are likely to skull the ball over the green. Try a wedge with little or no bounce like a lob wedge or pitching wedge.

Spring Outdoors for Family Fun!

— Richard Myers, tomsgolftips.com

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing. — Phyllis Diller

Bike Trails Dog Parks Disc Golf Nature Trails Golf Course Fishing Areas Skate Parks

kc

For all your recreation needs, visit stcparks.org KaneCountyMagazine.com

April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

35

50 Is The New 18!

For Golf that is...

Pheasant Run Resort has been proud to be serving the Midwest for 50 years and especially proud of their Resort Golf Course.

Enjoy 18 holes of golf on a course designed to welcome the average player and challenges the advanced.

Under new management with new golf events, leagues and programs Pheasant Run Resort is excited to say

50 IS THE NEW 18!

Here is what’s happening in this special “Golden” year 2 Person Top Gun Event

May 18, 2013 2 person Teams open to both Professional and Amateur Golfers 6 Holes - Chapman/Alternate Shot 6 Holes - Scramble 6 Holes - Best Ball $180 entry fee per team

Golf Outings

For 12 to 150 players The Resort Course at Pheasant Run will customize your event and make it a memorable experience

The Pheasant Run Cup 2013

Resort Course Leagues

June 29 - 30, 2013 Open to both Professional and Amateur Golfers that are residents of Illinois 36 Holes of flighted play $135 per Amateur $175 per Professional

Week of May 14 - Week of Sept. 7 Players will enjoy weekly rounds of golf in a fun and social atmosphere on the Resort Course at Pheasant Run Ladies, Teams and Mens leagues are starting soon so call the Resort Course for more information

Renowned Golf Academy

2013 Golf Memberships

For avid golfers, becoming a golf Outstanding personal instruction club member is like becoming from our golf team. We’ve added a member of an exclusive family. state of the art equipment Become part of our family at to enhance the learning experience.

Pheasant Run. We offer Adult Group Lessons, Junior Golf Programs and Private Instruction.

Call 1-800-338-6235 for more information or to make your tee time today!

4051 East Main Street • St. Charles, IL 60174 www.pheasantrun.com

Fitness, Golf & Wellness Memberships At

THE RESORT COURSE

Check out Pheasant Run Resort’s New Membership Program!

Various membership levels include our Fitness Center, Swimming Pools, Golf Course and so much more!

Call today and get started on your 2013 path to health!

(630) 524-5040 or email to membership@pheasantrun.com

Of Course

Photo by Jennifer Kaye 12 Kane 20 36 50 Kane County County Magazine Magazine •• June March May 2012 2012 20112011 24 July 2012 62 McHenry County Magazine • March

Main Dish

Pizza

3341 W. Main St. —St. Charles KaneCountyMagazine.com McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Shrimp Cigar and Crab Rangoon

Craft Beer

Photo by Andrew Young

Thai Village R E S TA U R A N T

101 W. State St. — Geneva

Spinach, Fruits and Nuts

Photo by Jennifer Kaye 477 S. Third St. — Geneva

4 N. Batavia Ave. — Batavia

Assorted Desserts

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lifestyle

Wine Niche

with Vince Balistreri

STORAGE

Options T

here is a belief out there that wine has to be stored at exactly 55 degrees without any variance in temperature.

This is something that you can definitely argue.

Wine has been stored for hundreds of years in wet caves that do exhibit different temperatures during any given year — although it should be noted that there are not drastic jumps in the temperature.

If you are thinking of starting your own wine collection or looking for a good place to store your wine without spending a ton of money, think about your basement.

Your basement is generally going to be the coolest part of your house because heat rises.

A basement usually has the least amount of light as well. Wine should be kept away from both heat and light, so basement wine storage generally is a good idea.

The best way to store wine is to keep it in a room away from any sort of vent for heating or cooling and also away from anything electric that might rattle, like a refrigerator. One good idea is to take the temperature of the basement during different parts of the year to make sure there aren’t any crazy jumps in temperature. And, again, be sure to block out any light. You also can add value to your home by putting in wine shelves or even creating a separate wine room.

If you don’t have a basement or your basement just isn’t cool enough, an air unit — which can range from $3,000 to $20,000 — might be a good solution. Take Niche Restaurant, where I work. We only have one floor, so there isn’t a spot naturally cool enough for our wine to sit. A situation like ours is one in which an air unit is very important.

Taking care of your wine is one of the most important parts of collecting. Think of your wine as produce. If you don’t take care of it, it will go bad. kc

Think of your wine as produce. If you don’t take care of it, it will go bad.

• Vince Balistreri is general manager and sommelier at Niche Restaurant in Geneva. He offers his expertise in the wine industry to the Kane County community. Photo by Megan Kelly

family

home SAFE home Tips For Protecting Your Family

Within seconds, a home can become unsafe or property can vanish.

However, residents can reduce the number of thefts and accidents by following simple safety habits, according to local police and fire officials.

During this difficult economy, “criminals are branching out and taking even more risk than they normally would because they’re becoming desperate,” says crime prevention Officer Eddie Jackson of the Geneva Police Department.

He estimates that 90 percent of auto burglaries and 75 percent of home burglaries in Geneva occur because residents don’t lock their doors.

Keep your property from becoming “a soft target” by locking the doors of your home and vehicles at all times, Jackson says.

He advises using dead bolts on entry doors, reinforcing sliding doors and windows with wooden dowels and installing window well covers that lock from the inside.

Another simple way to protect yourself is “looking out for your neighbors and being observant of your surroundings,” Jackson says.

He suggests meeting neighbors on all sides of your property and sharing schedules to

42 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

safeguard the neighborhood.

Use outside lights around your home and trim shrubs and trees to improve visibility, he says.

Most home fires occur in the kitchen, and unattended cooking is the leading factor.

Guard against fires

Besides protecting your home against burglary, evaluate it for fire safety.

Most home fires occur in the kitchen and unattended cooking is the leading factor, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

— National Fire Protection Association

I By COLLEEN LEONARD

“If you have your garage door open and no one’s around, then you become an easy target,” says Julie Nash, commander of patrol operations for the Geneva Police Department.

Criminals look for “crimes of opportunity,” Nash says. “They’re going to look for the most accessible victim basically.”

Jackson believes that home security systems are worth the expense and has one in his home. Although a system can cost about $500 annually, he says, it provides peace of mind.

A home alarm system is useful, but does not replace other safety measures, Nash says.

Families also need to consider safeguards for children. Jackson suggests the following: • Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Use child-resistant caps on medicines and regularly clean out medicine cabinets.

• Place TVs on sturdy furniture that is anchored to a wall or floor.

• Lock up guns and ammunition and don’t leave ammunition in guns.

I

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Jerry Koster, deputy chief of fire prevention for the Geneva Fire Department, says a kitchen fire is generally caused by oil overheating on a stovetop.

If a grease fire happens, Koster says, put a lid on the pan, turn off the heat and don’t remove the pan from the stove until it cools down.

Although oven fires are less common, he says, they have occurred during preheating because a utensil or other item was left inside from previous cooking. He also recalls a fire that developed during oven cleaning because built-up grease wasn’t wiped out.

If there is an oven fire, he says, call the fire department and don’t open the door.

NFPA statistics reveal that smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Smoking inside or outside the home is hazardous. A cigarette can ignite when it’s thrown on the ground, put in the trash or left unattended inside, Koster says.

He lists candles as another leading hazard.

“Usually candles are used too close to combustibles or they are not burned in proper containers,” Koster says. “Or, we have cases where candles come in a decorative centerpiece and are burned unattended. And the candles burn down and actually ignite the decorative materials.”

“Don’t leave the room if you have a candle burning,” he says.

And don’t leave the dryer on when you leave home. Lint buildup and ducts made of plastic or foil are common causes of dryer fires.

A metal duct is the best option.

Plastic and foil ducts are considered unsafe because lint builds up in ridges and at low points where the ducts sag, according to Consumer Reports.

Even if the lint trap is cleaned after every use, lint can still build up inside the dryer. Koster suggests hiring a service company to clean inside the dryer and duct every few years.

installing smoke detectors on each level of a home, including the basement. If bedroom doors are closed at night, a smoke alarm should be installed in each bedroom so it can be heard.

Three kinds of smoke detectors are available: a photoelectric alarm, an ionization alarm and a combination.

A photoelectric alarm responds quickly to a smoldering fire and an ionization detector is designed for a fast flaming fire.

A combination alarm is the best, Koster says, since it provides protection from both kinds of fires.

He suggests testing smoke alarms with children present so they are familiar with the sound, practicing exit drills and designating an outside meeting place.

NFPA reports that two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.

Every home also needs carbon monoxide detectors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends one on every level and outside sleeping areas. Sources of carbon monoxide are space heaters, water heaters, gas stoves, gas dryers and blocked chimneys. kc

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Guard against smoke, carbon monoxide

Depending on usage, a fireplace needs to be cleaned at least annually by a bonded chimney sweep, Koster says. The fireplace becomes hazardous when creosote, a flammable tar, accumulates on chimney walls.

“You shouldn’t be burning pine or other soft woods because those will create more resin,” Koster says.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends

A dryer is another major fire hazard and should not be left on when you leave home.

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April 2013 • Kane County Magazine

43

family

CONFESSIONS of a home party fanatic My name is Michelle Stien, and I am addicted to home parties.

From jewelry to Tupperware, Thirty-One bags to Pampered Chef, I do it all.

My party of choice is jewelry and seems to consume most of my income. Every time I think I have it under control, another party comes along, and I get sucked in by the wide array of sparkly necklaces, dangling earrings, jangling bangles and rings in every shape and size.

It all started very innocently a few months ago when a friend of mine invited me over for a jewelry party because her friend is a consultant.

At the time, I didn’t wear much jewelry, and when I did, it was usually just a simple silver necklace and maybe some studs.

But after a few glasses of wine and some hummus dip, I was dripping in crystals, hematite and gold. The consultant had me wearing more jewelry than I had worn in the last five years.

Between my brief modeling gig, a description of the buying program and opportunities to become a consultant myself, I was dizzy — or was that the wine?

Either way, the next thing you know, I was placing an order for a few necklaces and some earrings, and I even agreed to host a party at my house because then I could really cash in on a slew of jewelry for a quarter of the price, including some exclusive items for hostesses only.

I woke up the next morning, and the whole experience was a blur. I started to have buyer’s remorse until my jewelry arrived a few days

Write This Down with Michelle Stien

• Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 3 and 5. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with Kane County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

later, and I was mesmerized once again by all my shiny jewels.

As luck would have it, in addition to hosting my own party, I had two other friends from my first party who also agreed to host parties, and when I went to their parties, two more people I knew agreed to host parties. The next thing I knew, I had attended five jewelry parties and hosted one of my own all within six weeks. I could give the consultant’s spiel for her and had the entire catalog memorized along with pricing information.

In the end, I had to purchase a new jewelry box for my new collection. And not just any jewelry box would do. I had to buy a picture frame that doubled as a jewelry organizer to hang on my wall.

It seemed the jewelry shows were just a gateway to other home shows that I began dabbling in. My neighbor happens to be a Tupperware consultant, and after attending one of her parties, she invited me to an open house where she and other home show consultants all had their respective companies represented. It was like a combination of a swap meat and a back alley drug deal.

Soon, I was on my way to attending two more Thirty-One parties, two Tupperware

parties and I hosted my own Tupperware party.

Just for good measure, I even had a Mary Kay consultant who informed me that I won a free facial and a free product. After a half hour of her presentation, I had a free lip rejuvenator and purchased new eye cream and eye makeup remover.

It got to the point where every weekend I had at least one, if not two, shows to go to. My husband began to wonder if I had a secret life on the side or, worse yet, joined some sort of cult.

I’ll admit, these shows provided a nice getaway for me to hang out with friends, have a few beverages and snacks and imagine myself with the prettiest accessories and products that would make me more organized, a better cook and with younger, more youthful skin.

Of course, most of the women I socialize with also have been caught up in the same addiction, so we have to consult each other to discuss what jewelry we will be wearing out so we don’t look like we actually did join some sort of cult.

In the end, my pantry really is quite organized, my vegetables stay fresher longer, I have laundry hampers that my daughter isn’t embarrassed to have sitting in the hallway when her friends come over and I am always dressed to the nines with my new accessories, even if it is just for a trip to the bus stop. kc

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health 3 Lisa Bertke, owner of Prana Yoga Center in Geneva, demonstrates the Seated Twist.

Photos by Heather Nelson

STRETCHING:

The Truth I By LAUREN LYNCH I

After a long day of sitting at a desk, it’s not unusual for individuals to feel the need to stretch their legs.

Sometimes the remedy can be as simple as parking just a few extra stalls further from the grocery store.

For others, a bit more of a stretch is in order.

Lisa Bertke was aching for a change and looking for a way to balance a lifestyle that involved juggling a career and raising three children.

Frequently stressed and feeling under the weather, Bertke discovered the calming benefits of yoga, which allowed her to heal and reintegrate her mind and body.

When her health improved dramatically through meditation and strengthening body poses, the St. Charles resident wanted others to experience a different healing method.

“I wanted to bring the amazing gift of yoga to the western suburbs,” she says.

How Yoga Helps Since opening Geneva’s Prana Yoga Center in 2002, Bertke has seen a variety of people walk through her doors and stretch out on a yoga mat.

“I teach yoga to students of all levels — athletes trying to improve endurance and performance, students

4 LOW LUNGE POSE

The Benefits Of Letting Your Muscles Breathe

recovering from addiction, chronic back pain and depression, as well as students practicing yoga for creativity and inspiration,” Bertke says.

For Agnes Dominiczak, attending a yoga class meant more than just toning her body. It allowed her to breathe easier.

Diagnosed with a rare lung disease at age 35, Dominiczak sought out one of Bertke’s classes, carrying her oxygen tank with her.

“It helped increase my lung capacity,” the St. Charles resident says of her yoga regimen. “All of the teachers I encountered have helped me in some way with a variety of classes depending on what level I was at physically throughout the last few years.”

To avoid injury and improper methods, Bertke instructs anyone new to yoga not to walk into an advanced class with an uncertified teacher.

“You need an assessment from a professional yoga instructor who will tell you the right style and right level you need,” she says.

Other Benefits Of Stretching Chris and Mary Kelly of Geneva, who own Fox Valley Physical Therapy in St. Charles, also support healing yoga techniques, offering classes at their facility as an option for patients to overcome an injury.

“It’s a great tool post-rehab,” Chris Kelly says.

“It’s a great way to learn how to breathe properly to reduce pain.”

Outside of yoga, the Kellys recommend stretching tense legs and shoulders in order to stay comfortable longer.

“We recommend taking a break and alter[ing] your position,” Mary Kelly says, especially for those who work at a

desk for long periods of time.

Some tension relieving stretches include: • Chin tucks: gently nod while the head is aligned on top of the body.

• Squeezing the scapulae, or shoulder blades: while in a sitting position, squeeze the shoulder blades down and back and hold for 10 seconds, being careful not to arch the low back area.

• Calf stretch: stand with the legs in a stride position facing a wall with hands on the wall. The back leg should be positioned straight with the heel in contact with the ground; the front leg should be bent. Lean the whole body forward until a stretch is felt along the calf. Keep the heel of the back leg on the ground while stretching. Hold for 30 seconds; repeat on the other side.

“Another great exercise is to lie down and pull the knee to the opposite shoulder,” Chris Kelly says, noting it elongates the gluteus.

The Kellys stress that stretching be done correctly.

“Bouncing while stretching can strain the muscles, and trying to touch your toes is not the best way to elongate the hamstrings,” Chris Kelly says.

He also adds that trying to stretch with poor posture is counterproductive.

“People typically bend from their back instead of bending from the hips,” he says.

Try it yourself

Step-by-step stretching instructions from Lisa Bertke

Everyday Yoga: A satisfying and effective home practice Create the space: A dedicated space collects and focuses your energy, removes uncertainty about where to practice and, through habit and association, helps the mind move inward more quickly and deeply. Choose a place that can become a sanctuary — a quiet, private space protected from outside distractions and out of public view. You may be fortunate enough to designate an entire room, but a corner in your bedroom will suffice.

Child’s pose (Balasana)

Kneel on the floor. With your big toes touching, open your knees wide and fold forward at the hips.

Rest your forehead on the floor and stretch your arms out in front of you.

Reclined butterfly pose

(Supta Baddha Konasana) From a reclined, supine position, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together and relax your inner groins. After 10 breaths, draw your knees together.

3 RECLINING BIG TOE POSE 1

Knees to chest (Apanasana)

From a supine position, draw your knees to your chest with your fingers laced in front of your shins.

Hold for five breaths.

Reclining big toe pose I (Supta padangusthasana I) Lie on your back. Hook a belt around your right foot and raise your foot up toward the ceiling, drawing the shoulder blades onto your back. Hold for five breaths and switch legs.

Reclining big toe pose II (Supta padangusthasna II) Repeat the reclining big toe pose I on the right leg. This time, as you exhale, open your leg out to the side. Hold for five breaths, then switch to the left leg.

Boat pose (Navasana)

From a seated pose, bring your knees together, bend your knees and lift your lower legs off the ground. Keep your shins together for a core strengthener. Hold for five breaths, repeat.

Downward-facing dog pose

(Adho mukha shvanasana) Start in a tabletop position by getting down on your hands and knees, then flip your toes onto the floor and lift your hips into the sky. Keep your knees bent and your heels lifted. As you exhale, lift your sitting bones, press your thighs back and stretch your heels toward the floor.

Low lunge pose (Anjaneyasana)

From a downward dog, step your right foot forward between your hands, drop your left knee to the ground and bring both hands to your right knee. After three to five breaths, switch legs.

Hamilton House

Bridge pose (Setu Bandasana)

Recline onto your back, place your ankles under your knees, let your arms and palms rest next to your hips and press your hips toward the sky for a gentle backbend. Hold for five breaths and repeat.

DENTISTRY

Seated twist (Marichyasana C)

From a seated pose, extend your left leg onto the mat, bend your right knee, lift your left arm to the sky and rotate your chest into a spinal twist, allowing your left arm to wrap around your right outer thigh. Relax and keep your spine long. After five breaths, repeat o the other side.

Resting pose (Savansana)

Lie flat on the mat with your eyes closed for three minutes with full breath, which is an equal length of inhale and exhale. kc

6 BOAT POSE

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fashion & beauty

Stila Stay All Day 3D Wet-To-Set Eyeshadow Trio in Desert Sunset

SPRING Fresh The Hottest Makeup Colors And Styles Spring is here — it’s time to update your beauty essentials!

The season screams brighter hues, so don’t be afraid to pull out your brightest shades of lipstick and eye shadows to make a statement as the weather warms up.

From bold brows to orange eyeshadows, Molly Sloat, director of trend development at ULTA Beauty, provides a sneak peak at the hottest makeup trends for the spring season.

ULTA Beauty operates 550 retail stores across 45 states and has many stores in the Chicago area.

Aquatic Eye

Cool weather equals cool eye colors. Sloat says ocean blues and greens will enhance any eye color, and they pair perfectly with that coveted summer glow.

Whether you try just the liner or go for the flattering turquoise eye, this easy look will take you straight to the Caribbean. You may not be able to dive into the Mediterranean Sea this weekend, but you can exude an island paradise by applying some sparkling aquatic eye makeup.

To create the perfect aquatic eye look, ULTA Beauty recommends: • CK One Gloss Eye color in Vivid, $17 • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Deep End, Flipside or Electric, $19 • LORAC Mint Edition Collection, $36

(Images provided)

I By Betsy Demitropoulos I

Benefit Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit

Sunrise Eye

Topaz, orange and pink shadows will be really big this spring. Sloat says these colors may sound intense, but with a liquid liner and black mascara, this look goes from runway to wearable.

For the sunrise look, ULTA Beauty recommends: • CK One Eyeshadow Quad in Amazon or Street Edition Vandalized, $28 • Too Faced Summer Eye Palette, $36 • BareMinerals Remix Trend Collection READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Next Big Thing, $30

Bold Brow

Bold brows are big news for spring.

“Strong brows frame spring’s natural face,” Sloat says.

If you’re among the lucky ones who can grow thick brows, let them grow. But if you need to fake it, ULTA Beauty has numerous products that can help you create a full brow including easy-to-use pencils and shadows.

Some of these brow-enhancing items include: • Anastasia HyperColor Brow and Hair, $12.50 • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color, $21 • Benefit Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit, $30 kc

Cherry Lip

You can sweeten up a nude look with a bright cherry lip.

“This lip color is perfect for women who want to make a statement without the time commitment, and the bluish hue is flattering on all complexions,” Sloat says.

For a bright cherry lip, ULTA Beauty suggests the following products: • Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Ruby, $22 • Butter London Lippy Lipgloss in Macbeth, $18 • Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip in Fiery, $24

Local ULTA Beauty Locations

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Randall Square

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Bronze. Lash. Repeat.

A natural, sun-kissed look is trendy this spring. Sloat suggests dusting eyelids with rust-colored metallics for a healthy way to get a sun-kissed look.

“Thick, dramatic lashes complete the look and make the eyes pop,” she says.

To get a natural bronze look ULTA Beauty recommends the following products: • Too Faced Boudoir Soft & Sexy Eyeshadow Collection, $36 • Stila Stay All Day 3D Wet-To-Set Eyeshadow Trio in Desert Sunset, $24 • Smashbox Love Me Collection: Eyeshadow Palette in Admire Me, $34

Luminous Skin

Eyes sparkle and cheeks shimmer when you use highlighters, whites and bronzers to illuminate your skin.

“Wake up your complexion with this effortless way to brighten your skin and fake a full night’s sleep,” Sloat says.

For luminous skin, ULTA Beauty suggests the following products: • Benefit Watt’s Up, $30 • Urban Decay Naked Flushed: Bronzer, Highlighter and Blush, $30 • Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand in Gold, $32 5 The first hole on the White Birch at Brighton Dale Links, a 424-yard uphill par 4, can create a steamy start to a round that will really test a golfer’s metal.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Deep End, Flipside or Electric

fashion & beauty

Photos by HEATHER NELSON

Dirt DIVAS Safe And Stylish Products For The Gardener

5 Wonder Grip’s extra tough high visibility gardening glove gives gardeners the option of a protective, flexible and colorful glove for outdoor projects. The gloves are available at Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center in St. Charles.

By COLLEEN LEONARD

L

Many gardeners are familiar with the Dramm Corp. because of its watering wands.

But the company also makes cutting tools,

ocal garden centers are stocked with ergonomic tools and protective apparel to create 4 Debbie Zimmerman of Winfield, a sales fun and functionality for associate at Heinz the gardener.

Brothers, wears a Heinz Brothers sun hat and Wonder Greenhouse Garden Center in St. Charles Grip gloves as she carries many products to make gardening prunes branches with a Dramm Compact easier.

Pruner.

Marketed as the “perfect companion,” the Gardener’s Hollow Leg is designed to put the gardener a step ahead. The product is actually a fabric sack attached to a belt.

“It’s something that you wrap around your waist, and it’s an extra-long bag so that you can throw in either weeds or produce,” says Jay Schrock, owner of Heinz Brothers.

Find The Right Tools

For the gardener wanting ergonomic products, Heinz Brothers sells the Corona eGrip trowel and transplanter. The castaluminum tools have a built-in bag ripper and an ergonomic grip for comfort.

including shears, pruners and loppers.

Heinz Brothers carries Dramm bypass pruners with different cutting capacities. The stainless-steel pruners offer cushion grips and come in bright colors to make them easy to spot in the garden.

Schrock describes the pruners as being “ideal for someone with a smaller hand.”

He recommends cleaning garden tools with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant cleaner after every use to prevent corrosion and the spread of disease.

“You can easily transfer diseases when pruning from one shrub to another shrub,” Schrock says.

One World Access is a new tool line at Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville. Loppers, pruners, trowels, weeders and other hand tools come with molded or cushion grips.

And many of the digging tools are made of stainless steel.

“The stainless steel is what I highly recommend if you’re gardening,” says Tess Pianalto, assistant manager at Platt Hill. “It lasts a very long time.”

She also likes the ergonomic handles

on some of the tools because they provide better leverage.

“Proper tools make gardening so much easier and more fun,” Pianalto says.

No Stick In The Mud

Platt Hill Nursery carries waterproof clogs, shoes and boots for women and clogs and sandals for men.

In the hat section, braided and cloth brim hats are available. The hats are made with ultraviolet protection built into the material.

Platt Hill also sells Atlas nitrile gloves and West County leather gloves. The palms are reinforced for gripping and a stretchy cloth on the back provides breathability and flexibility.

A handy apparel item available at Heinz Brothers is the Blubandoo neckband, which keeps a gardener’s neck cool. The neckband is soaked in water before use and stays cool for hours.

Other apparel options for men and women are nitrile and synthetic leather gloves and sun-protective cloth brim hats.

Gardeners looking for apparel at Platt Hill, meanwhile, will find Sloggers footwear, hats and bandanas at the store.

To kick off the season, Platt Hill Nursery is offering special events. “Let’s Get To guard against mosquitos, ticks Fruity” is a free seminar that will begin at and flies, Sloggers bandanas provide 10 a.m. Sunday, April 7, and demonstrate insect protection lasting through how to maintain small fruits and fruit trees.

70 washes. The active ingredient is At 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, guests can permethrin, a manmade version of design a planter to take home for $40. a natural insect repellent found in For more information, visit certain chrysanthemum plants. www.platthillnursery.com.

“A lot of people purchase them for their dogs,” Pianalto says.

START OF THE SEASON

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eenhouse Garden Heinz Brothers Gr invites the public to les Center in St. Char ner demonstrations at ai nt co m. free spring , April 6, and 11 a.

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56 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Landscape design is a very personal process.

Good landscaper designers take the time to walk

through your yard, discuss your needs, and then translate those needs into a workable design. Many people start a yard project and then get overwhelmed and give up. A design can organize thoughts and ideas and can be worked on at any pace – helping to avoid frustration. The ideas and suggestions put forth by good designers are original and unique, much like art. Many years of education and experience, coupled with a passion for plants, show through in good design. These original ideas are also why most companies charge a fee for a landscape design plan.

The budget for a landscape can vary widely.Yards are

like snowflakes – no two are the same. Therefore, what your neighbor may have spent on their landscape will not necessarily be the same as what you may spend.

Having a realistic budget is important to achieving success in your garden. Don’t expect ‘big box’ discount prices on high quality plant material. It makes a huge difference to install plant material that is originally grown in the Midwest and therefore, those prices may be higher. Also, remember that the cost of a landscape usually includes plant warranties and carries the added bonus of being able to contact the sales staff and designer as often as necessary.

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by talking with you or viewing photos, some situations just work out better if the designer can see the house. The yard is addressed as a whole so the design flows from front to back and keeps the needs of the homeowner in focus. Often, you can use this master plan over a one to three year period and complete your landscape on your timetable.

Fees vary for landscape designs but in the long run, those fees are worth it to have a comprehensive plan that suits your needs and helps you enjoy your gardens.

women of distinction

of WOMEN distinction

Inaugural Winner:

Mary Schneider

In October, seven local women were named Kane County Magazine’s inaugural Women of Distinction for being representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities. Each month through May, we will feature one Woman of Distinction and share her story.

Mary Schneider

I

City of residence: Batavia Organization/company/corporation: Children’s Neurological Solutions Foundation Title: Legislative advocate n 2005, at the age of 2 and a half, Mary Schneider’s second child, Ryan, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He was nonverbal, had tightened muscles in his arms and hands and was unable to eat correctly, gasping for air in the process.

As a result, he weighed just 26 pounds, and Schneider was afraid to leave him alone, fearing the moment her back was turned, she would lose him.

Ironically, a family tragedy that had occurred just years earlier helped the Batavia woman find a treatment that kept her son from living a life limited by CP. “My cousin’s son, a year before my son was born, he lost his battle with cancer, and he was only 4 and a half,” Schneider says. “That’s a road nobody wants to go down.”

Because of her family’s history, when Ryan was born, Schneider did something not many mothers do — she banked her son’s umbilical cord blood stem cells.

“I knew they were valuable,” she says simply.

“We had cancer in the family, so I thought, it’s worth saving. Research is ongoing … [it was my] private insurance policy on what future studies might [bring].”

After Ryan was diagnosed with CP, Schneider utilized her background in medical administration to discern what current studies were uncovering about the potential uses of cord blood stem cells. She became convinced that, as long as the treatment was safe for Ryan, giving him back his own cord blood cells might help treat his symptoms.

“I can’t be the only one who’s thought of this,” she says she remembers thinking.

Schneider contacted hundreds of doctors in the U.S. that worked in stem cell research, oncology and pediatrics — anybody she thought might listen to her theory.

Finally, she got in touch with Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg at Duke University, who agreed to transplant Ryan’s cord blood cells back into his body. The process had to be approved by an institutional review board because Ryan was the 50 Kane County Magazine • December 56 March 20132012

first child with CP to undergo such a treatment.

In the months leading up to Ryan’s transplant, Schneider realized that, if the treatment worked, it might garner more interest in the medical world if doctors understood exactly what Ryan’s symptoms had been before the procedure.

She set up a clinical baseline — basically painting a “before” picture of what her son was able to do and not do — and then the day of the transplant arrived.

“Even though everything on paper says what’s safe is safe, you’re still a little scared,” Schneider says.

But the news was good.

“Five days after he had the transplant, he came up and asked — in sentence form — for food [from] me and my husband,” Schneider says.

“That blew us away because this was a child who was terrified of eating, who choked regularly and had never been able to say anything in sentence form.”

Ryan’s progress continued, and 90 days after the transplant, doctors cleared Ryan of all his medical issues. He’s now a healthy 10-year-old who talks all the time, Schneider says.

“He’s a normal kid,” she says. “That’s something so amazing to me. I’m grateful for it every day. I really am.”

What’s more, because Schneider had the foresight to create a clinical baseline, several hundred children have been able to go through the same phase one clinical trial, and a phase two clinical trial has begun.

If the trials continue to produce results that show the cord blood cells are having the same remarkable effects they did for Ryan, transplants of cord blood cells could become a regular therapy, Schneider says.

“I couldn’t imagine another person on this planet feeling the way I did, another parent sitting there thinking, ‘Is my kid going to make it through the day?’” Schneider says. “It was too big of an opportunity for not just my son but everyone else, and I understood that.”

But Schneider wasn’t done. The only way she could think to thank Kurtzberg for taking the chance to try the archetype procedure on Ryan was to propose and help draft legislation for a cord blood banking bill that eventually was passed in the state of Illinois. For nearly seven years, she did pro bono work to educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the possibilities stem cell research could have for children.

Today, she is the Chicago area cord blood educator for Cryo-Cell International Cord Blood Bank, and she is on the advisory board of the Children’s Neurobiological Solutions Foundation.

Lori Hertel of Batavia, who first met Schneider through the PTO at Alice Gustafson Elementary School in Batavia where their daughters attended, says she immediately saw Schneider’s passion and ability to think outside the box.

“What really stood out to me is that she took on writing that bill without any background on it, and she was thorough enough that there are 37 hospitals [in Illinois] that are collecting [cord blood cells] for public banks,” Hertel says.

“That’s more [hospitals than any other single state in the] entire country.”

More than that, Schneider doesn’t look for any thanks, Hertel says.

“She gets her thanks from hearing how the kids take their first steps or they overcome the obstacles that are holding them back,” Hertel says. “They’ve done the same thing Ryan had done [and] have had success also, and [the parents] just write her a letter of thank you, and it just means the world to her.

“She’s kind of the silent voice behind helping so many.”

Mary Schneider hosts a cord blood education class once a month at Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Interested mothers-to-be can sign up by calling 800-786-7235, ext. 2195, or visiting www.shermanhealth.com/patients_ viewProgram.php?id=346. kc — By Stephanie N. Grimoldby KaneCountyMagazine.com

social life 3 Pictured are Dick Hawks, Chris Tunney, Bob Bonifas and Kristen Zimanat at the annual CASA Kane County Gala.

CASA “I Am For The Child”

pion annual Children’s Cham 5 CASA Kane County’s took place at the Q Center tly Celebration gala recen theme, “I am for the Child,” r’s yea is Th es. arl in St. Ch . Pictured tion’s 25th anniversary honored the organiza rcos, Beth Mooncotch and are Jim Peterik, Vicki Mo by John Downey os Tom Mooncotch. Phot

4 Pictured are Carl Schoedel, Lynn Rickert, Tom Rickert and Lisa Schoedel at the annual CASA Kane County Gala.

Marklund 2013 Top Hat Ball

13 Top attended Marklund’s 20 5 Nearly 600 guestsarly $340,000 to support the Hat Ball and raised neanization’s goals of serving infants, Geneva nonprofit org ults with serious and profound children, teens and ad ies and special healthcare needs. developmental disabilitr and Karen Golden. Photos by Pictured are Lee Gunte raphy Chris Guillen Photog

5 Mike and Carol Do nahue (center back an d front) were presented with Marklund’s “Friends of the Year’ award. Pictured with Cofell-Dwyer and Alliso them are (at left) Liam n Do Donahue and Rachel Mi nahue and (at right) Bob leski. kc

MAY 24 SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE…

MAY 31 & JUNE 1 THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY

FVR PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SPRING CLASSES & SUMMER CAMPS

Gifts to Charity and How They Help Our Community

By Sandy Shelby, Development Manager, Fox Valley Repertory

Giving to our favorite charity is something many of us enjoy, especially when we know that our gift helps feed a child, provide education whether it be through literacy help or a scholarship, or even support the arts, whether it be performing arts or specific art projects, or to help make our community more beautiful by putting a park bench in our favorite park. Whatever the choice, it’s important to give and support what is meaningful to each of us. Charitable giving allows us to make a difference.

There are many types of charitable giving and we have a choice in how we support our favorite charity. For example, Special events that we all love to attend and have a great dinner, bid on some auction items, and visit with our friends.

Direct Mail letters that we get in the mail in the Spring and Holiday time that ask for our support and gently remind us that many need our support and are less fortunate than ourselves. InKind giving is also something many businesses do as they support the hundreds of charities that ask for gifts each year to use for raffle and auction prizes. There are foundations and grants that charities appeal to for funding each year in hopes that through the competitive process, they will be chosen for the funds to continue their good work. Without giving, there would be no way for charities to survive.

Planned giving is another incredible way to give and a unique way to help. It’s about leaving a legacy to those we care about after we are gone.

It’s a way to continue our charitable giving and continue to support causes that are important to us and have touched our heart in some way. There are many options to choose from including; taking out a life insurance policy and leaving your favorite charity as beneficiary, or leaving a specific amount in your Will to both loved ones and your favorite charity, or creating a Trust that gives a certain dollar amount per year, per your instructions. Donations of land, cars, or stock are also options that many people prefer. With many options to choose from, our support and commitment to the causes we care about can continue through our planned giving.

To learn more about charitable giving, we recommend you contact your attorney or estate planner. To learn more about giving now or in the future to Fox Valley Repertory, contact Sandy Shelby, Development Manager at 630618-9236.

Fox Valley Repertory is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit theater company in residence at the Pheasant Run Resprt in St. Charles; dedicated to creating an engaging theater experience by producing shows that inspire ou to laugh, reflect, and reconnect to moments in your life.

www.foxvalleyrep.org 4051 E. MAIN STREET — ST. CHARLES — WWW.FOXVALLEYREP.ORG — 630-584-6342

KaneCountyMagazine.com

out & about

April Events In Kane County ARTS

Through May 19 — “Forever Plaid,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays and select Thursdays at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles When an eager doo-whopping boy band inconveniently dies on its way to its first big gig, the heaven-sent boys hilariously return to earth to take the stage one last time and fulfill their big dreams. Tickets start at $32. For tickets or more information, call 630-584-6342 or visit www. foxvalleyrep.org.

April 5 through 28 — “The Seafarer,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles An enthralling dramatic play about Ireland and the power of myth as a Christmas Eve card game turns into a game of life and death. For tickets or more information, call 630-5878521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

April 6 — Journey Recaptured, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles This show will feature two hours of all Journey hits with the fantastic tribute band Infinity! Tickets start at $15. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit

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April 12 — Boz Scaggs, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Boz Scaggs will perform all of his mega hits, including “Lowdown,” “Look What You’ve Done to Me” and “Lido Shuffle.” Tickets start at $59. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

April 15 — David Sedaris, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Don’t miss David Sedaris, a Grammy Award-nominated humorist, comedian and best-selling author. Tickets start at $49. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

April 19 — Pink Floyd Night with Echoes of Pompei, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Echoes of Pompei puts on an amazing light show, complete with lasers, lights and video, along with your favorite Pink Floyd hits. Tickets start at $19. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows. com.

April 21 — The Jersey Boys’ DooWop Project, 7 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Former “Jersey Boys” superstars come together to perform some of the best-loved doo-wop songs in history.

For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

April 26 — Michael McDonald, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Five-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Michael McDonald is coming to the Arcada for a full night of Doobie Brothers classics and solo hits! Tickets start at $59. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

April 27 — Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Don’t miss Dennis DeYoung, the original power voice of the super group Styx. Tickets start at $59. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows. com.

EVENTS

April 5 — Parent’s Night Out, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, in Geneva Forget booking a baby sitter and let the Geneva Park District entertain the kids. Enjoy an evening out while the kids, ages 3 to 12, have fun with games, crafts, movies, snacks and more. Care for each child is $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. Advanced registration is required. For more information, visit www.genevaparks.org.

April 5 — Clothing and Toy Resale Event, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School, 817 Prairie Valley St., in Elburn Children and strollers are welcome, payment by check and cash will be accepted and there is no admission fee to this resale event. For more information, email kstclothingsale@gmail.com.

April 6 — Heritage Day, 11 a.m. at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, in Geneva The Geneva Park District invites the community to learn more about the history of Peck Farm Park! Enjoy games, activities, crafts, sheep herding and more at this free, familyfriendly event. For more information, call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

April 6 and 7 — Kane County Flea Market, Noon to

60 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

KaneCountyMagazine.com

5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, in St. Charles The flea market will feature up to 1,000 dealers displaying and selling antiques and collectibles. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit www.kanecountyfair.com.

April 7 — Free Community Yoga Class, 1 p.m. at Shine Yoga, 5 N. River St., in Batavia Enjoy the many tremendous benefits of yoga. You will be introduced to the concepts and beginning poses of yoga in the sublime setting of this downtown Batavia studio. No registration is required, just drop in! For more information, email you@just-shine.com.

April 12 — Night in the Mansion Family Overnight, 6:30 p.m. at McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton Spend the night inside the historic Robert R. McCormick Museum! Activities will include a movie in the Gold Theatre geared toward kids ages 5 to 10. Cost is $45 a person, including snacks Friday night and a light breakfast Saturday.

To register or for more information, call 630-260-8162 or visit www.cantigny.org.

April 13 — Blending Organic Herbal Teas, 9 a.m. at Peaceful Parlor, 212 S. Third St., in Geneva Participants will leave with two ounces of their personal blend in a classic French canning jar. Reservations are required. The cost is $15 a person. To register or for more information, call 630-232-6300 or visit www. peacefulparlour.com.

April 13 — Make a Fairy House Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and at the Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, at 2010 E. Main St., in St. Charles Do you want to know where the fairies gather in your garden? Join the professionals at Heinz Brothers and create a whimsical fairy house and start fairy gardening.

Each house is unique to the builder using items collected from nature. Learn how seed pods, stones, twigs and last season’s grasses can be applied to old stumps to create a home for your garden fairies. Cost is $30. A kids-sized version of the workshop will be available Sunday, April 14, for $20. For more information, visit www.heinzbrothers. com/events.

April 14 — St. Charles Mothers’ Club Tea Banquet Fundraiser, Noon at the St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road, in St. Charles Attend this fun afternoon filled with shopping, raffles, silent auction items and a luncheon and fashion show featuring Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in St. Charles and Hazel Brown Handmade Children’s Clothing Collection. It’s an opportunity to get together with friends and family, all the while supporting a local charity. Cost is $40. For tickets or more information, visit www.stcharlesmothersclub.org.

April 19 — 30 Men VS. 30 Women Who Cook, 5:30 p.m. at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, in St. Charles Attendees will sample hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, side dishes and desserts made by men and women they know in the community and then vote for their favorite to take home the “Peoples’ Choice Award” in each of four categories. Local media personalities, a handful of Geneva restaurant owners and chefs, politicians, business owners, community volunteers and many more will participate. The evening also will include a cash bar and raffle. Tickets are $28 if purchased before the event and include food tastings, voting and entertainment. For tickets or more information, call 630-232-6060 or visit www.genevachamber. com/30v30.html.

April 20 — Wings and Wildflowers Workshop, 9 a.m. at the Cantigny Park Education Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton Enjoy and learn from a morning of discussions and tours

61 Kane County Magazine • April 2013

focusing on birds and native landscapes. The featured presenter will be ecological restoration expert Jack Pizzo of Pizzo and Associates who will explain how to create a sustainable backyard habitat. Parking is $5 at the Visitor’s Center with free shuttle service available to the Education Center. To register or for more information, call 630-2608162 or visit www.cantigny.org.

April 26 — Family Night and Ice Cream Social, 6 p.m. at Dairy Queen, 703 E. State St., in Geneva Unforgettable entertainment and delicious ice cream will be provided by Dairy Queen at this free event! Registration is required. For more information, call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

April 26 and 27 — Geneva City-Wide Garage Sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, located at various locations in Geneva

Come out and discover some great bargains! There will be a map of all listed garage sales available on the Geneva Chamber website. For more information, visit www. genevachamber.com.

April 27 — 13th Annual Fox Trot 5K Run/Walk, 8 a.m. on the Batavia Riverwalk, at Island Avenue and Houston Street, in Batavia This event will feature the 5K run/walk, non-competitive kids’ fun runs, the Tot Trot and Junior Jog. The cost for advance registration is $25 an adult and $8 a child. To register or for more information, visit bataviamothersclub. org. kc

For additional calendar events and updated details, visit www.planitkane. com.

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artist showcase

JIM KIRKHOFF, Batavia

f

• “Dual Nature 2” and “Shadow of a Mountain”

f

“Dual Nature 2” is a self portrait. The central figure is my own shadow reflecting from a steel park bench. The unusual surface texture was created by the water that beaded up on the bench. “Shadow of a Mountain” was taken while I was being escorted by security out of Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. As the largest fish market in the world, they generate a significant amount of waste. kc To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, and a two- to three-sentence description of the piece to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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