KCM-10-01-12 by Shaw Media

The Money Issue • Tips For Tipping • Retirement Strategies • Local Professional Profiles October 2012

investment BASICS

2 Kane County Financial Advisors Share Money ABCs

Amazing Leg-Toning Exercises!

pg 49

Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research Why This Geneva Woman Raises Money pg 24

TO THEIR CREDIT

KCT: This Credit Union Is All About Community pg 38

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KaneCountyMagazine.com

October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

INSIDE

Home & Lifestyle 8

19 20

Home Design: Organization is key in a home ofﬁce, but having

the right design in place can make it easier to get organized. Designers from Stonebreaker Builders in St. Charles, Cornerstone Cabinet and Remodel Inc. in Batavia and FastFrame in St. Charles share ideas to get your office into tip-top shape. Now that the nights are turning colder, what should you do with your plants? Representatives from Wasco Nursery and Garden Center in St. Charles offer suggestions for how to winterize your garden. Artist Profile: Álvaro Amat and his wife, Michele Norman, are Geneva artists who thrive off of each other’s different techniques and perspectives. Amat is the director of exhibition design at the Field Museum in Chicago, and Norman’s work has traveled the world. Find out more about this artistic and talented couple! Wine Niche: What does Vince Balistreri of Niche Restaurant in Geneva really think about Midwest wineries? First, you have to answer a couple of important questions. WOD: Meet the first winners of Kane County Magazine’s Women of Distinction Awards, given to the seven most influential female leaders in Kane County as voted by you!

Family

30 32

Lola DeLeonardis has fought breast cancer, and she’s seen what the power of technology and medications can do for those ﬁghting the disease. Find out why raising money for breast cancer research is so important to this Geneva woman and to others, like Danielle Tufano, radio host with WERV-FM 95.9. Success Lives Next Door: Does retirement sound too good to be true? Find out how Larry and Darlene Zuwala of Geneva managed to retire … and how much they’re enjoying it! Write This Down: Michelle Stien thinks she ﬁnally understands how the Tooth Fairy came to be, after trying to explain the phenomenon to her 5-year-old daughter.

Money

‘‘

[Men] usually get their chains at 22 to 24 inches ... . Karen Hollis, owner of K. Hollis Jewelry in Batavia

pg 54

38 41 43

On The Cover: Want to start investing but don’t know where to start? Jorie Pitt, a certified financial planner with AHC advisors in St. Charles, and Nicole Chamberlin, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Aurora, offer up the basics when it comes to planning for the future. Cover Inset: KCT Credit Union was built on the hard work of a few community teachers. As it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, KCT strives to live up to the reputation of its founders. What is proper tipping etiquette? Find out how much Americans feel obligated to tip. Professional Profiles: Take a look at some of the leading professionals in Kane County — including financial advisors, doctors and lawyers — and see what they have to offer!

Health

49 52

Work It Out: The second part of this three-part series takes a look at exercises that target a woman’s legs provided by Hristo Hristov of WOW Fitness Boot Camp in St. Charles. Local catering companies are following the green trend, ﬁnding ways to be more environmentally friendly by using local ingredients, reusable equipment and biodegradable options.

Fashion & Beauty 3 What types of jewelry are ﬁt for the man in your life? K. Hollis 56

Jewelry in Batavia and Mr. Marco Jewelers in St. Charles have some ideas for manly accessories. Julane Sullivan, owner of All Dressed Up Costume Rental in Batavia, shares tips on how to apply the best Halloween makeup to complete your costume this year.

Out & About 59

61 62

Social Life: If you missed on-som’ bel, take a look at what

happened at the local fashion show through pictures. Get ready for fall … and Oktoberfests … and Halloween! We’ve got you covered with various events listed on our calendar page. Our Town: Did you know that St. Charles was once the pickle capital of the world?

from the editor

Common ‘Cents’ M oney makes the world go round … right?

It would make sense, then, that sometimes money can become a major worry in our lives.

Teenagers worry if they have enough money to put gas in their (parent’s) cars or to take their dates out to a movie. College kids worry about the loans they’ll have once they graduate and if they’ll be able to ﬁnd a job that pays enough to let them live comfortably … while they pay back those loans. Newlyweds worry about saving enough money for a new house and how they’ll be able to afford mortgage payments. New parents worry about the cost of diapers and formula and wonder when they should start a college account for their baby so little Johnny or Julie doesn’t have the huge loans Mom and Dad still are paying off. Older adults worry about retirement and whether they’ll have to work until they’re 75 … or if the money will ever run out. While money can be a blessing, it sometimes can feel like a curse — especially for those who don’t know how to take advantage of opportunities to make their money grow.

Our October issue is dedicated to helping you learn just a little bit more about your money and how it can work for you. Our cover story introduces the basics of saving and investing with helpful tips from Jorie Pitt, a certified financial planner with AHC Advisors in St. Charles, and Nicole Chamberlin, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Aurora (page 34).

Speaking of tips, do you sometimes wonder how much to tip your waitress? Your cab driver? Your hair stylist? We talk to area service providers — plus the president of CouponCabin.com — to figure out just how much to tip in different situations (page 41). We also share the success story of Larry and Darlene Zuwala of Geneva who — with the help of a financial advisor — were able to retire comfortably (page 30). And we take a look at how money can do good things, like fund breast cancer research, which is an important issue for Lola DeLeonardis of Geneva and WERV-FM 95.9’s radio host Danielle Tufano (page 24). Hopefully, these stories will help you understand more about the blessings of money and how to manage yours wisely. Of course, October is full of fun Oktoberfest, Halloween and other fall-related activities, so make sure to look over the many events you can attend with your family on our calendar page (page 61), and learn Halloween makeup tips from the owner of All Dressed Up Costume and Rental in Batavia (page 56). Plus, we’ve got great tips on how to organize your home office in our monthly Home Design series (page 8), and we continue our Working It Out series with a look at how to get strong, sexy legs (page 49). No matter where you are in your financial journey, I hope you remember that money isn’t everything … but I also hope you find helpful tips in these pages to manage what you do have. Thanks for reading! — Stephanie N. Grimoldby Editor sgrimoldby@ shawmedia.com

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 Laura Pass 630-845-5228 lpass@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 Jami Kunzer, Lee Nelson, Amanda Marrazzo, Elizabeth Harmon, Romi Herron, Lauren Lynch, Betsy Demitropoulos Photographers Jeff Krage, Melissa Emory, Heather Nelson, Megan Kelly 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 kcmagazine@ shawsuburban.com.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

SNEAK PeeK In our November “Entertainment” issue, don’t miss: The best venues for movies, live entertainment and more “The Nutcracker” — a preview of local performances What to wear to a movie opening Tips for wearing high heels Thanksgiving traditions

On The Cover Pictured on the cover is Jorie Pitt, a certified financial planner with AHC Advisors in St. Charles. She and Nicole Chamberlin, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Aurora, offer five rules of thumb for beginning investors. To find out what they are, turn to page 34. Photo by Melissa Emory Hair and makeup by Tabatha and Carla, respectively, of Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas in Geneva

Proﬁle of a female hunter

35 N. River Lane • Geneva, IL

KaneCountyMagazine.com

October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

home & lifestyle / HoMedesign

Ofﬁce SPACE

How To Create The Perfect Home Ofﬁce

I By LAUREN LYNCH

Controlling a home office can be overwhelming.

In just a matter of days, papers lose their fasteners, uncapped pens are thrown carelessly in a drawer and miniature paper towers made up of old car repair receipts and factory appliance warranties overtake the desk completely, turning what should be an inspirational working area into a jungle that takes hours to sort through. Two local designers offer suggestions on how to create the perfect home ofﬁce – one that isn’t a breeding ground for clutter, but a productive

5 This hallway desk and the ofﬁce space pictured were designed by Stonebreaker Builders.

environment set up in either an alcove of a room or a separate living space altogether.

Stylish and simple

Offices shouldn’t simply be a place of work. “A great office space is one that is not only functional, but also has a great design,” says Jennifer Stonebreaker of Stonebreaker Builders in St. Charles. Since its opening 16 years ago, the full-service home renovation and remodeling company — which Stonebreaker runs with her husband, Scott — has seen its fair share of offices in need of some organizational advice. Stonebreaker advises anyone looking to remodel their home office to think outside the box, which, in most cases, shouldn’t consist of primarily plastic storage containers. “A very simple organizational solution are baskets,” Stonebreaker says. “Baskets are a great way to make the most of shelving and storage while keeping a space tidy.” With space at a premium in both new and old homes, Stonebreaker finds solutions for keeping rooms functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, Stonebreaker faces the challenge of creating a multipurpose workspace in the alcove of a kitchen. “We call this command central for moms,” she says of pantry-turned-office renovations. “They’re able to sit and pay bills, browse recipes, sort mail, post a calendar … today, it’s all about maximizing the space.” Another one of her clients wanted an office that could be turned into an occasional bedroom when company arrived, Stonebreaker says. By designing a custom murphy bed that could be disguised within the paneled walls, she was able to help the homeowners utilize the

office on a daily basis without having to sacrifice any floor space. Keeping in mind the importance of aesthetics and function, Stonebreaker recommends custom built-in bookcases, shelving and workstations. Personal photos and framed memorabilia become what she refers to as the “icing on the cake” that makes a home office complete. “If a client can walk into the space and actually enjoy working and spending time in that room, we’ve hit a homerun,” she says.

Taking a stand

According to Terry McCarter, owner of Batavia’s Cornerstone Cabinet and Remodel Inc., stand-up desks are slowly becoming the newest trend in home offices. Raised to the appropriate height, all work is performed while balancing on two feet rather than slouched in a chair. “Research has shown that on average you can increase your lifespan by two to five years by standing rather than sitting,” McCarter says. “I think you’re going to see a lot of that,” he adds. “When you’re standing, you’re also not getting as sleepy during the day.” The designer even mentions that it won’t be unusual to see an exercise bike replace the standard cushioned seat. With more 23 years in the design business, McCarter has a diverse background that includes a degree in psychology as well as endeavors in the beer industry. Despite working in different fields, McCarter never stopped building furniture to help out his brother, making what he refers to as a natural

transition into interior design. Now, a seasoned business owner, McCarter has witnessed the decline of the multi-document ﬁling era. “Now, it’s all about electronic storage and less paper,” he says. Clients are recycling their own materials by incorporating them into their workspace, McCarter says. During one project, a client of his used an antique desk and made it the focal point of the room within a custom-built ofﬁce. Committing to eco-friendly practices doesn’t come with a cheap price tag, McCarter warns. “Going green will explode at some point,” he says, noting that the current economic state has slowed its expansion. When asked whether he’s considered taking the unconventional jump from traditional desk to the popular stand-up desk his clients are so fond of, McCarter doesn’t hesitate to respond. “I don’t have a stand-up desk yet, but I was taking dimensions the other day, and I’m going to give it a shot.”

To learn more Stonebreaker Builders in St. Charles

630-762-8838 Cornerstone Cabinet and Remodel Inc. in Batavia 630-879-8497

Making impressions

It’s important to keep an office in tip-top shape. “Your lobby or office is the first impression a new client will have of your business,” says Fran Landsidel, owner of St. Charles’ FastFrame. Keeping your walls filled with inspirational pieces, whether it’s a school diploma or personal photos, is key to making a space shine and create a lasting impression. What’s important, Landisel says, is making sure documents are protected so they last as long as possible. “We use top quality, 99 percent UV protective glass that prevents fading as well as acid-free backing materials and mats for document preservation,” she says. Lansidel says preservation framing should be left to the professionals. “You want to know it’s a quality job,” she says. Keeping an open mind is key when it comes to framing, and changes aren’t necessarily a bad thing. “When you want to freshen things up, sometimes it’s just a matter of changing the mats,” Landsidel says. kc

Autumn in Geneva

If yyou haven’t been to Geneva lately… come! You’ll discover that something new is always popping up in this charming town, nestled so on the banks of the Fox River. Geneva’s historic downtown is ﬁlled with more than 100 specialty shops for unique clothing, accessories, home mo décor, antiques… chocolates and gourmet foods. We boast many dé award-winning restaurants along with world-class accommodations. aw Pamper yourself for a day or stay the weekend! Plan your adventure by visiting www.visitgenevaillinois.com. We’ll be waiting.

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5 Many different options are available at FastFrame.

October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

home & lifestyle

6 Winter storage for plants that don’t fare well in cold weather is a good option for gardeners. Photos provided

WINTERIZING

The Garden I By ROMI HERRON

On the heels of a hotter than normal summer,

plants are showing signs of stress, says Kim Schroeder, perennial manager and landscape designer at Wasco Nursery and Garden Center in St. Charles. As gardeners take out the pruning shears and burlap covers, Schroeder says fall is a great time to make smart choices for year-round landscape health.

NATIvE ease

For those who have native plants as their main garden or landscape, maintenance and winter preparation are minimal. “The thing with natives is their roots are really deep in the ground, so they have a tendency to be more cool [in the summer] — they’re very hardy,” says Schroeder, noting the soil acts as an insulator, protecting the roots from elements. That means in the winter, the long roots also are shielded. Since many people don’t know much about native plants, they’re not comfortable with natives as their primary landscape, Schroeder says. Area trends have included a “more tailored, clean look,” with integrated native plants as an option.

Careful CuTTINg

Native or not, plants often beneﬁt from being cut back. Some gardeners tend to prune plants as a way of protecting them from the cold. But that’s not always the way to go, Schroeder says. “With the heat we’ve had, you have to be a little careful about cutting out so much dead right now,” Schroeder says. “Leaves are being lost by the heat, not necessarily by death. Things are dropping their leaves early.” At risk with an aggressive trim is any new growth that pops up with warm temperatures this fall. “When you live in Chicago, you never know the weather,” Schroeder says. “If you prune things in the fall, and it’s warm again, then we all of a sudden might get a cold snap, and any new growth will die off.” One indicator of a distressed plant is colored leaves showing up. Various types of stress that lead to color changes might be colder temperatures, hotter temperatures or even something else like insects or disease, she says. “With this crazy weather, you just have to be careful that you’re not jumping the gun,” Schroeder says. Since blooming times weren’t on their proper schedule this year, plants are not behaving normally,

she adds. “Wait and see wait happens before cutting way back,” Schroeder says.

Fall MuLCHINg and fErTILIzINg

Instead of cutting more than necessary, gardeners may want to give plants some coverage and/or nutrients before winter. A fall landscaping maintenance budget of even $100 can make a difference, Schroeder says. “If you have $100 to spend, the best thing you can do is fertilize and spend the money to water well before the ground freezes,” she says. “Fertilize with a time release product. October is a good time for that.” Some categories of plants need a layer of protection from winter’s elements. According to Schroeder, tender perennials and rose bushes should be covered by 12 inches of mulch. Schroeder advocates less cutting of

rosebushes and more coverage. “Leave the bush as it is and cover it with mulch for the winter,” she says. “Then, in the spring, all you have to do is take off the mulch, prune the bush and reshape it.” Stephanie Ladow of St. Charles has been a customer of Wasco Nursery for four years and says Schroeder’s winterizing tips have been great. Ladow started her garden with a clean slate and worked with Schroeder to plan it, plant by plant. Keeping it healthy year round is a top priority, she says. “Now that I have a viable garden, I have a lot of roses and perennials and evergreens, and I’ve also put in deciduous,” Ladow says. “Because I’m from Indiana, the zones are the same, but your winters are a bit different, and Kim has given me very good advice on how to protect them.”

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Along with the trimming, mulching and fertilizing that goes along with fall gardening, planting during this season also is smart when it comes to trees and shrubs, Schroeder says. “Fall is a good time to buy trees at a discount,” she says. “And, for people that aren’t real [experienced] gardeners, this is a perfect time to plant shrubs and trees because there is less care involved [during winter].” It’s not a good idea to plant small containers or ground covers, which are more suited for spring, Schroeder adds.

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Before the cold weather sets in, it’s a good idea for a gardener to go out and survey his or her overall garden situation. “Look at the tops of things,” Schroeder says. “If plants are giving you any signs that they are dying, such as losing leaves, you’ll know.” By doing so, gardeners can save money, she says, because they still have time to take action instead of waiting until a problem is in advanced stages. Ladow says she follows Schroeder’s suggestions to assess her plants’ leaves frequently. “Every time I have something wrong, I take a leaf in [for assessment at Wasco],” Ladow says. “I always come home with the right spray or treatment, and it’s always worked.”

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October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

home & lifestyle / ArTIST proﬁle

Two Perspectives

espite the busy five-o’clock traffic beginning to clog the inner Chicago streets and Lake Shore Drive, Álvaro Amat’s office remains quiet. Nestled on the top floor of the Field Museum, he eases back into his chair while he hands his wife, Michele Norman, a cup of coffee. Under the watchful eye of SUE, the popular Tyrannosaurus rex that guards the museum lobby, Amat spends his days crossing from hallway to hallway, planning new arrangements for future installations as the museum’s exhibition design director. “I’m very comfortable in chaos,” he says with a smile. During the week, Amat is either running to class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he is finishing his master’s degree in art education, or busy sketching new ideas for future sculptures during his commute home to Geneva.

5 Pictured from left are Álvaro Amat, his wife, Michele Norman, and their children, Paula, 16; Isabel, 13; and Nicolás, 9. The family lives in Geneva.

I By LAUREN LYNCH

Throw in raising three kids and maintaining his 17-year marriage, Amat could easily sign up for a marathon and still show no signs of stopping. From across the table, Norman anxiously waits for Amat to take a breath before interjecting her own playful thoughts about art. While they both share a space at Water Street Studios in Batavia, the artistic duo practices two different styles just an arms-length apart from one another. “Michele’s more of the cautious one,” Amat says, as he studies the array of thumbnails of art pieces Norman has spread across the table. Using primarily oil paint, Norman constructs delicate roses with various curves posing seductively so that the outsider yearns to touch its edges and smell its nectar. “For her, [the objects] represent something, a moment in her life where she might have felt a certain way,” he says. Norman grazes her ﬁnger across the glossy photograph of one of her works titled “Forgotten Childhood” that consists of colorful pieces of ribbon in various shades of blue with a hint of yellow. Each strand is nearly transparent as it unfolds across the canvas with a bright light casting slight shadows from the background. “I like to paint after dreaming,” Norman says with a smile.“Then, I like to brainstorm, write it in Spanish poetry and translate it to elaborate a theme in my

head.” Norman remembers her daughter wearing ribbons in her hair when they lived in Mexico and Spain. Elaborate and full of different textures, the ribbons also remind Norman of her roots. 6 “Nebula,” by Álvaro Amat. Photo by Jim kirkhoff

Early adventures It doesn’t feel terribly long ago that

Norman, who was born in Houston, Texas, was ﬁnishing up her studies to earn her bachelor’s degree in graphic design at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City before returning to her home in El Salvador, where she had moved after her KaneCountyMagazine.com

3 “Portrait,” an oil painting by Michele Norman. “This is our bookshelf, all our memories and passions,” she says. (Photos provided)

father passed away. What she didn’t expect was stumbling into a young Amat on campus. Fueled by an adventurous heart, Amat, who had split his life between Mexico and Spain, had been working on the construction for new buildings for Norman’s campus. During a design conference, the two were introduced by friends and spent the evening talking about their

shared love for art. One year later, Amat and Norman were married, and within five months, their first child was on the way. While Norman began painting full-time during her three pregnancies that followed their marriage, Amat was feeling restless. Eager to venture outside the thin lines of architecture into the field of contemporary sculpture design, Amat won his new wife over with an idea that changed their lives forever. “I decided to apply for my master’s degree in the U.S.,” Amat says. “So, I applied to many, many schools and got denied from every one of them.” As it turned out, Amat, who had earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture, hadn’t taken enough fine art studio courses to be able to earn anything other than a master’s degree in design or architecture. But his heart was set on earning his master’s degree in fine art. The only school that replied was the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which offered KaneCountyMagazine.com

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October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DEFINING MOMENTS At that moment in time when you need to ﬁnd the very best care for your loved one, your family’s best resource is now only a phone call away. GreenFields is Geneva’s newest full-service senior living community, and we’re now accepting residents in our Willows assisted living and Reﬂections memory support offerings. Here, we provide care that honors your loved one’s privacy and independence — and ensures their well-being for the future.

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him admission into its master’s program once he completed an intensive, one-year program to earn the appropriate studio credits. Undeterred, Amat decided to accept the offer, and he was offered a partial scholarship as well. “It was a two-year process from the moment we made the decision to [our arrival] in the U.S.,” Amat says. Norman shakes her head, her brow furrowing from across the table. It was a hard time, she recounts. At one point, their children had lived in nearly eight homes in one month while they waited to hear from the U.S. embassy to get a visa. While Norman already was a U.S. citizen, she had applied to have her family become permanent residents. “We didn’t know what we would do if they said no,” she says. “We didn’t have a plan B.” When Amat and Norman ﬁnally heard the news that they were approved from the embassy, the family made the move to the U.S. just one week before the ﬁrst day of Amat’s classes.

Creating together, separately

While the family lived off of the little savings they had left, along with the partial scholarship, Amat was engaged with working in the abstract, constructing installations for local galleries – which sold well, to his surprise. “I once found this cage that someone had thrown out in a dumpster,” Amat says, pulling up an image on his desk monitor. He points to the tiny, double-sided mirrors he installed inside the cage. “The idea was to see yourself inside the cage and how it feels to be in a cage when you were reflected in the mirrors,” he says. Amat clicks on a few more images of his work that fill his Mac screen with bursts of colorful streaks. One, titled “Nebula,” is composed of reflective material, called optic lighting film, nearly eight feet long that had been suspended from the ceiling in Water Street Studio’s gallery during an exhibit. Depending on the angle at which it is viewed, the colors change within the piece. Lacking any uniformity with its spontaneous jagged edges, Amat blends together his love for astronomy with inorganic objects to create something that could come straight from a science fiction novel. “I think about the concept first and have some ideas,” Amat says. “Then, forms and shapes begin to emerge in my imagination. I meditate about all this for a long time until everything is merged together and becomes one single thing.” Now, years later with their oldest already 16, both Amat and Norman live for art by doing art, working together and consistently being inspired by one another, despite their different mediums. “Álvaro is my teacher,” Noman says, looking at her husband and smiling. Amat, in response, lets out a laugh. “She does things I could never do,” he says. “She has a lot of patience.” “We love art,” he adds. “We love looking at things with two different perspectives.” kc

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14 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

KaneCountyMagazine.com

October 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Kane County Magazine

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Midwest Wineries I’m often asked what I think of wineries in the Midwest. This is one of the hardest questions for me to answer. But there really is one simple answer … and I will get to that answer, but there are many questions that must be evaluated ﬁrst. What are you looking for in your trip to the vineyard? Are you just looking to have fun with friends? Do you want to sit outside and have a wonderful picnic? Do you enjoy wines of different fruit and spices? Or do you like strong, traditional ﬂavors of the varietal? It’s very important for me to know the answers to all of these questions before I answer our main question. I have hesitated to travel to many Midwest wineries. With my background of studying wine, I’ve come to learn how important it is for the grapes to grow in certain climates with certain characteristics — namely, near an ocean where there is plenty of dirt, rock, sun, heat, rain and more — and I’ve been concerned because the Midwest does not offer a lot of these crucial elements that are needed to grow the varietals we are used to consuming … at least at their full potential. However, I found out there are many other charming parts of these vineyards that I really enjoy, and I can see how others would want to frequent these wineries all the time.

Most vineyards in the Midwest can great for friends and families to hang out demonstrate how the winemaking process at and have fun. Do I personally enjoy the takes place without you having to pay an wine? I honestly do not. But that is what arm and a leg to go to the other side of the my taste buds think, not yours. country. And normally, there is delicious When it comes to food and wine, the food made at these Midwest wineries, as only way to get the best answer is to try well as cheeses and meats available from it yourself. There are people like me who local establishments that are second to can help guide you and give you as much none. Plus, there usually are great patios information as possible, but when it comes and wonderful scenery for a romantic down to it, only you know what you like. picnic. So, give the Midwest wineries a shot — So, the Midwest does have its positive they are a lot of fun. aspects. Here are a few to try: Another very important question that Galena Cellars in Galena needs to be answered before we get back Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park to our original question is, what kind of Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac, beverage do you like? This is the most Wis. important question of all, actually. I could Three Lakes Winery in Three Lakes, sit here and tell you that this wine is special Wis. because of this, and that wine tastes good L. Mawby in Suttons Bay, Mich. because of that. But if you don’t like it, Chateau Grand Traverse in Traverse what does it matter? City, Mich. kc I have had verticals of “Screaming Eagle” cabernet that range from $1,000 to $5,000, and I personally think it is an awful wine. Unfortunately, wine somehow has with Vince Balistreri become some sort of status symbol, • Vince Balistreri is general and I feel that is so wrong. If you like manager and sommelier at pomegranate wine, well then good Niche Restaurant in Geneva. for you. You are lucky because it isn’t He offers his expertise in the very expensive. wine industry to the Kane Finally, to answer our question County community. about what I think about Midwest Photo by Megan Kelly wineries. I think these wineries are

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home & lifestyle 6 The inaugural group of Kane County Magazine’s Women of Distinction are (from left) Elizabeth BerronesRotchford, Joan Arteberry Zavitz, Victoria “Tory” Haines, Nancy Prentiss, Carol Weber, Mary Schneider and Ann Anastasio (not pictured). Photos by ANDREW YOUNG

Meet Our Inaugural Winners Of

of WOMEN distinction By Kane County Magazine

To honor those who have made it their passion to better their community, Kane County Magazine has chosen seven Kane County women to receive its first Women of Distinction Awards.

When it comes down to it, Kane County Magazine is all about women. We write about women’s style, women’s health, women’s hobbies and women’s achievements. But more than that, we strive to share with you stories about the women in your own community who have done amazing things. In fact, many of our stories in this October issue share the successes and struggles of women who are financial advisors, mothers, breast cancer survivors and all of the above, and we feel honored to recognize such amazing ladies in the surrounding pages. Kane County Magazine has decided to take that recognition one step further. To honor those who have made it their passion to better their community, Kane County Magazine has chosen seven Kane County women to receive its first Women

of Distinction Awards. These awards will be given to women who have made a difference in Kane County and who are representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities. The featured women were nominated by a member of the community and selected by a special committee as one of the top seven women in the county. In the following pages, you will meet each of our winners, and in subsequent months, you will find a special feature dedicated to a different honoree. It is our hope that you become inspired by these women and find your own way to make Kane County a better place to live. To further honor these exceptional women, Kane County Magazine will host an awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park.

The keynote speaker will be Harriet Parker, manager of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College. Parker actively supports the local business community through her involvement on numerous boards and committees. But her 20 years of experience managing successful start-up businesses — in which she played a key role designing and marketing software products that are in use nationwide today — have made her a proven leader in the small business world. She will share words of empowerment at the luncheon. The community is welcome to join Kane County Magazine in celebrating the achievements of our seven Women of Distinction and listen to our renowned guest speaker. Tickets cost $35. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.kanecountymagazine.com.

Ann Anastasio

Photo provided

Village of residence: Wayne Organization/company/corporation: The Wellington Group Inc./Fiora’s Restaurant

Ann Anastasio has dedicated herself to creating jobs. In 2002, she formed The Wellington Group Inc. in Geneva, which refers human resource and recruiting professionals for contract projects and full-time employment positions. More than 1,000 men and women have been placed in well-paying positions through Anastasio’s company, which has grown to be recognized as one of the leading human resources companies in the nation. Anastasio also saved 317 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva from possible demolition, turning it into Fiora’s Restaurant, which was recently voted “Best Restaurant” by Kane County residents. Career ambitions aside, Anastasio gives to Blessings in a Backpack, which provides food to children from low income families; she has helped fund Christmas gifts and construction of a playground for orphaned children in Khazitan; and she funded the reconstruction of three homes for Haitian earthquake victims. Plus, she makes her Geneva property available for adoption events sponsored by 4 Paws 4 U Forever animal adoption charity. “I have always found her to be a very kind and generous person who is impressive on many levels,” her nominator writes. “While she doesn’t talk much about [her] philanthropy and accomplishments, I was able to get her to agree to a brief interview during which I compiled [some of her achievements].”

Elizabeth Berrones-Rotchford Village of residence: Oswego Organization/company/corporation: Law Offices of Gil and Cruz Born and raised in Chicago, Elizabeth Berrones-Rotchford could have taken a prestigious job in her home city as an attorney. Instead, she chose to practice law in one of the most impoverished and dangerous parts of Chicago because she wanted to help the people there. In 2006, she joined the Law Offices of Gil and Cruz in Aurora with one stipulation — that she be able to do as much pro bono work as she wanted. Since joining Gil and Cruz, she has accepted more than 100 pro bono cases and has devoted hundreds of hours helping Kane County residents by handling cases for Prairie State Legal Services and other agencies. It is important to note that Berrones-Rotchford is no stranger to tough circumstances. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in the top 1 percent of her class, even though she was a single mother at 19. She also put herself through DePaul University College of Law — while raising a child on her own — and graduated in the top 15 percent of her class. “The people she helps all appreciate her efforts,” her nominator writes. “As I write this today, yet another client has stopped by to thank Elizabeth for helping her obtain an Order of Protection against her abusive boyfriend. The client thanks her with [five] cucumbers and a handful of tomatoes she has grown from her garden. In Elizabeth’s eyes, that small gesture of thanks is worth more than any money.”

Victoria “Tory” Haines City of residence: St. Charles Organization/company/corporation: Embrace A Family Victoria “Tory” Haines founded her nonprofit, Embrace A Family, seven years ago to help single mothers get a leg up in life. Seven years later, she’s still running her organization, which today serves 66 tri-cities families with various needs. Volunteers coordinate school supply collections, clothing swaps, picnics, holiday parties and parenting workshops, plus any additional events that can help local moms. Haines balances this work with her positions as president of the St. Charles Library board and as a board member of Elderday Center in Batavia, an adult day care center for those 55 and older. She devotes a great deal of time to these endeavors, and community service is a top priority in her life. “Tory and her husband were honored as the Charlemagne Award Winners in 2008,” her nominator writes, an award that is given to those who have spent their lives giving ‘voluntary service to the community that has made a significant, positive difference in the quality of life in St. Charles.’

Nancy Prentiss

City of residence: Batavia Organization/company/corporation: St. Charles North High School

As coach of the St. Charles North Varsity Drill Team since 2002, Nancy Prentiss has known much success. Her teams have won 11 straight state titles, and in 2009, the drill team became Grand Champion at a Team Dance Illinois state competition. But it’s her work outside of pure competition that sets this coach apart. She teaches her drill team members to be appreciative for what they have and to give back to the community by encouraging them to volunteer at places such as Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. There, her girls have assisted with classes and parties. They also have helped host parties and coat drives for a local elementary school under the direction of Prentiss. Additionally, the Kick-A-Thon — a drill ream fundraiser where community members, parents and the drill teams from both St. Charles high schools form a kick line to perform 100 kicks at the Cross-Town Classic football game between St. Charles East and St. Charles North — has benefited from the hard work of Prentiss, who is a recent cancer survivor herself. In 2011 alone, the drill teams were able to donate nearly $82,000 to the American Cancer Society and Living Well Cancer Resource Center. More than $600,000 has been raised through this event in 18 years, not solely through Prentiss’ work, but definitely not without her. “When I think of a woman I aspire to be like, I think of Nancy Prentiss,” her nominator writes. “She is definitely a selfless woman who lights up a room and has a heart that knows no limits. Through her leadership and compassion, she has made a huge difference in many people’s lives.”

Mary Schneider

City of residence: Batavia Organization/company/corporation: Children’s Neurobiological Solutions (CNS) Foundation

In 2005, Mary Schneider’s 2-year-old son was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate cerebral palsy. Instead of accepting the diagnosis, she researched and presented an idea to Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg at Duke University that her son’s umbilical cord blood stem cells — which she had banked, not knowing if her son would ever need them — might help repair the neonatal stroke damage her son had encountered. Three months after Kurtzberg transplanted Schneider’s sons’ umbilical cord blood stem cells back into him, he was cleared of all his issues. Today, he is a healthy 9-year-old. There is now a phase 2 and 3 clinical trial taking place at Duke for what Schneider started, and almost 200 children from all over the world have been accepted for transplant there. But Schneider wasn’t done. She proposed, helped draft the legislation and worked hard on the passage of the cord blood banking bill for Illinois. Through her various additional efforts, Illinois collects more cord blood donations for the National Marrow Donor Program than any other state in the U.S. Most recently, she was named a grant recipient in 2011 from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to speak at the World Stem Cell Summit. She is also the cord blood educator and field representative for Cryo-Cell International Cord Blood Bank for the western and northwest suburbs of Chicago. “What you really need to know about Mary though, is she never looks for a pat on the back for her efforts, but I would like to give her one,” her nominator writes.

Carol Weber

City of residence: St. Charles Organization/company/corporation: Royal Family KIDS

Royal Family KIDS is the nation’s leading network of camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children. As the volunteer director of the Kane County branch of Royal Family KIDS, Carol Weber has been able to impact the lives of many children. Although the camp is only a week long, preparations take place throughout the year. Weber spends hours on the phone with social services locating children eligible for camp to fill every available spot. She makes sure counselors are trained, secures camp dates and locations, coordinates the week’s activities and purchases supplies. On top of that immediate work, Weber helps coordinate the Feets of Strength 5K Run in Batavia, in which the proceeds are donated to Royal Family KIDS. “Carol’s passion for these hurting children is great and is evident in how effectively and joyfully she serves and leads in her role as Director of Royal Family [KIDS],” her nominator writes. “She knows all her efforts and hard work are helping to heal these children’s wounds. As she often says when things get frustrating, ‘It’s all for the kids.’ Carol Weber’s desire to make a difference in the world truly makes her a [Woman] of Distinction.”

Joan Arteberry Zavitz

City of residence: St. Charles Organization/company/corporation: City of St. Charles Youth Commission

For more than 20 years, Joan Arteberry Zavitz has been a member of the City of St. Charles Youth Commission, which directs services and grants to support the welfare of the city’s youth. She has provided leadership for the Teen Center, has focused on youth crisis and prevention of suicide and addiction and has helped choose “Challenge Grants,” in which young people identify a need in their peer group and offer solutions to intervene. For her work with the commission, Zavitz was awarded a key to the city. But her community service doesn’t stop there. Zavitz has been a leader at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles; she is a founding member of Hearts of Hope, a nonprofit organization that fights for drug-free communities through awareness, education, prevention, advocacy and support; and she is on the board of directors for TriCity Family Services, Visiting Nurse Association and the Family Support Center. “Joan has achieved so many things in her life that I cannot pick [one] single achievement that stands out more than another in Joan’s life and career,” her nominator writes. “I strongly feel that Joan has been a role model for community service … .” kc

Achievement is its own reward. (But a little recognition doesn’t hurt.) BMO Harris Bank is proud to sponsor Women of Distinction in Kane County. Your achievements inspire us —and make our community a better place to live, work and grow.

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www.facebook.com/karenassalon October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

family / success lives next door

By ROMI HERRON Photos by JEFF KRAGE

Raising Funds & HoPe

a breast cancer survivor, Lola DeLeonardis of Geneva says chemotherapy saved her life, and an anti-nausea drug spared her from being sick during treatment. Thankful for the research that made the drug a reality, DeLeonardis is passionate about raising money for more developments. She’ll walk in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer event at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora. “The one organization I could count on was the American Cancer Society,” says DeLeonardis of the time she spent ﬁghting cancer while living in Florida. “What they do for people when you’re going through this on a day-to-day basis is amazing.” Also amazing, she says, is the research. While she’s known some women who have experienced a degree of nausea with their chemotherapy, advances in anti-nausea drugs and the chemotherapy itself have lessened the discomfort many

24 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

endure, she says.

Why Lola DeLeonardis walks

By walking in the Making Strides event, DeLeonardis interacts with people living with various stages of cancer. Children and adults take part in the walk, which ranges between three and ﬁve miles, depending on each participant’s choice. Donations are collected by the walkers before the event. “It’s a real eye opener when survivors gather around [at the event],” DeLeonardis says. “Some women were going through treatment, and they were bald; others had gone through it and were on the other side.” Through her employer, The Duchossois Group, DeLeonardis has the opportunity to be part of the company’s Survivors Tent sponsorship. Educational materials about breast cancer awareness are provided at no cost to guests. DeLeonardis also is grateful that Kim Duchessois, president of the Duchossois Family Foundation, walks with her in the event. “I am very fortunate,” DeLeonardis

says. “The Duchossois’ have done a lot for me.” Other fundraisers for breast cancer awareness, like the Avon 3-DayWalk and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, also draw DeLeonardis’ support. While she says she makes monetary contributions to both, Making Strides is her choice for actual enrollment. “Making Strides is very moving,” she says. “It really is encouraging when you see survivors together.” The awareness aspect is as vital as the goal to raise funds for research, she says. “So much of [disease] is caused by the fact that we don’t eat the right things,” she says. “I think most women hold the key to their health in their own hands.”

What drew in Danielle Tufano

Also hoping to raise funds and awareness through Making Strides is radio host Danielle Tufano, who works with radio station WERV-FM 95.9. Various types of cancer have also hit her family, and her grandmother’s 2010 diagnosis of breast cancer struck a chord

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with Tufano. “It’s such a scary time for an individual and family to go through, to see how strong a person might be, and then to watch their lives crumble in front of them when they’re going through treatment,” she says. “Maybe they’re losing hair, losing a breast.” Her work with 95.9 The River introduced her to Making Strides and exposed her to the broader picture of the American Cancer Society and what the organization offers. “It surprised me to know that there is a place out there that not only funds the most research in the world, it also provides services for people who are ﬁghting cancer,” she says. For example, the ACS provides wigs and free rides for women in treatment. It also matches up women with counselors and cosmetologists. Perhaps most importantly, the organization will connect those ﬁghting breast cancer with survivors who can provide emotional support. “Knowing there are millions of women out there who have either already been diagnosed or are going through it with someone else really drew me in,” Tufano says. She’s scheduled to emcee the Making Strides event in Aurora and also is a team leader who has gathered family and friends to support the cause. Throughout the year, Tufano coordinates brainstorming meetings to drum up more ideas for recruiting participants and raising more money.

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October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

Is In The Giving A non-profit feature

No matter how tough things get there is always someone suffering worse than you. Kane County has an assortment of nonprofit services providing support for families and individuals at their time of need. Each month, Kane County Magazine will feature a county-wide nonprofit organization. It is our hope that this will not only give you hope, but ideas on how to help others in your own way. Without the support of hundreds of volunteers, Kane

County’s nonprofits would not survive. Take time to get to know the services available right here in Kane County. Maybe someone you know needs support. Maybe you can give time or resources to help. One great thing about Kane County is that we have so many excellent nonprofits and our communities are contributing to their success.

BREAST HEALTH CENTER AT DELNOR HOSPITAL A Better Breast Health Experience

October is Breast Health Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to stand up and take charge of your breast health and schedule your screening mammogram. The Breast Health Center at Delnor Hospital, a member of Cadence Health, is a comprehensive breast health center that features a spa-like setting with a relaxing environment, while also providing advanced all-digital mammography technology. The 6,800-square-foot center offers a combination of comprehensive care, a comfortable environment, a caring staff, and a convenient location – all of the characteristics that women told us they look for in a breast care program. A full-time certified breast health nurse navigator is also available to guide patients through: • Bone density testing • Breast self-exam education • Digital mammography - Screening - Diagnostic with same day results • Stereotactic breast biopsies • Needle localizations • Breast ultrasounds • Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies • Radiologist consultations If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, a team of medical experts, including radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to develop an individual care plan. The Breast Health Center at Delnor Hospital is also one of Illinois’ leading recipients of breast

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health designations. From testing to treatment to recovery, the Breast Health Center is dedicated to outstanding care for women of all ages. In fact, the Delnor Breast Health Center and the breast cancer program at Delnor have received a number of special designations in the care of patients with Breast Health Center at Delnor Hospital breast disease and breast cancer, marking us as one of the top programs in • American College of Radiology (ACR) the region. mammography accreditation (Until April 30, 2013) Overall, Delnor is among just three sites • ACR breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided in Illinois to be accredited by the American breast biopsy Accreditation College of Radiology (ACR) as a Breast Center (July 5, 2012 –November 12, 2015) of Excellence (BCOE), an American College • ACR stereotactic breast biopsy accreditation of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation (October 19, 2010 –October 19, 2013) Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC ), and an • ACR breast MRI accreditation ACR breast MRI accredited facility. Behind (April 24, 2012 – April 24, 2015) these designations is a deep and enduring • ACR Breast Center of Excellence (BCOE) commitment to women’s health, one that gives designation you the peace of mind of knowing that talented, experienced caregivers are here to guide you During the month of October, there is no better with the knowledge, compassion, respect and time to schedule your screening mammogram. education to help you make the best decisions From testing to treatment and recovery, Cadence about your own care. Health is dedicated to outstanding breast care. Accreditations received by the breast health To schedule an appointment at the Delnor Breast program include: Health Center, please call 630.762.6400. TTY for • National Accreditation Program for Breast the hearing impaired 630. 208.4399. The center Centers (NAPBC) through the American College is located at 351 Delnor Drive, Suite 201, on the of Surgeons (July 2011 – July 2014) hospital’s Geneva campus.

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family

Living The GooD LIFe

here are days when Larry Zuwala wakes up and has no idea what he’s going to do the rest of the day. But then he goes outside and sees trees in the yard in need of trimming. That means it’s off to the garage to ﬁnd the chainsaw and get ready for work. Doing yard work is an activity loathed by many, but for someone who’s retired like Zuwala, it gives him something active to do, and he doesn’t mind it because he knows he could put the chainsaw down and start it up again the next day if he wanted to. He’s retired, of course! But Zuwala often doesn’t do that. He likes to get the work done so he can move on to the next thing … or have some fun.

“It never does stop,” he says. “I always ﬁnd things to do.” Zuwala, 70, of Geneva, retired about four years ago. He worked at American Can Company for 30 years and at Ball Corporation for 13 years. After 43 years in the business, Zuwala says he knows all there is to know about cans. His wife, Darlene, 76, a registered nurse, retired in 1992.

How they did it That last day of work, right before a person is about to retire, is a dreaded day for some. But it’s a total delight for others. Count the Zuwalas in that second category. The couple says they’ve enjoyed their golden years immensely. The Zuwalas enjoy volunteering at the Geneva Senior Center and participating in the programs there. They also keep busy by maintaining their home and traveling. Larry Zuwala keeps his mind active by volunteering for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, a nonproﬁt, community-based

network of volunteers working together to measure and map precipitation across the U.S. He says he reports to the weather service at 7:30 a.m. every day. It’s when he’s outside observing the weather that he notices trees in need of trimming. But he welcomes the unexpected yardwork project. The Geneva man knows that keeping his body and mind active after retirement is the best thing he can do for himself. “When you retire, you can’t sit on your duff and watch TV all day long,” Zuwala says. “You have to be active.” The Zuwalas credit their smart ﬁnancial sense as the reason why they’ve been able to enjoy their retirement years so much and do so many exciting things. To fund this excitement, Larry Zuwala receives monthly pension payments from American Can Company and Ball Corporation. He and his wife also receive Social Security beneﬁts and draw from their personal investments and 401(k) retirement plans to support their retirement years.

34 Larry and Darlene Zuwala of Geneva say they are enjoying retirement.

By BETSY DEMITROPOULOS Photos by MEGAN KELLY

Many people have concerns about when they should retire and if they will be able to maintain the same lifestyle when they do so. Zuwala says he deﬁnitely was among those people. He wanted to feel secure in his decision to retire, so he sought out the help of a ﬁnancial advisor to assist with his retirement planning.

Planning your retirement

Steve Smith, a financial advisor and vice president at Ameriprise Financial in St. Charles, says there is great value in working with a financial advisor to plan for the future. He says doing so can allow a person to enjoy a more confident retirement. According to Ameriprise Financial, key retirement milestones include the following: • Age 62 — Start taking reduced Social Security benefits • Age 64 — At 64 and nine months, individuals can apply for Medicare • Ages 65 to 67 — Start taking full Social Security benefits • Age 70½ — Begin taking Required Minimum Distributions When Smith advises clients on their future retirement, he starts by talking about their dreams and goals and projecting their retirement income and expenses. Together, Smith and his clients address the many options they may have for retirement. Smith suggests a person contribute as much money into his or her employer’s 401(k) retirement plan as possible during his or her working years. Put in a certain amount and increase that annual contribution by one percent each year until the maximum contribution level has been reached, he says. If an employer doesn’t have a 401(k) plan, open an IRA. “You will need something more than Social Security benefits during your retirement,” Smith says. Smith says many people enjoy working so much that they won’t retire unless they have to. Poor health and company layoffs are among the reasons people retire when they might not want to. But for others, like the Zuwalas, they feel like they’ve worked hard and deserve to enjoy the golden years of their life during retirement. Larry Zuwala has a bucket list, and on that list is a trip to Australia. His wife wants to travel to Ireland to celebrate her Irish heritage. “Australia? Ireland? Why not?” Zuwala asks. “You only live once.” kc

5 The Zuwalas credit their smart ﬁnancial sense as the reason why they’ve been able to enjoy their retirement years so much.

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.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

family

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. She shares her experiences with Kane County moms to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

TooTH Be Told

We recently reached a major milestone in the Stien house.

Maddie lost her ﬁrst tooth! A few weeks ago, she was eating corn on the cob — which jarred the tooth — and she complained that it hurt. Upon further investigation, I noticed it was also a little loose. Initially, I was alarmed, but I soon shifted into the realization that my little baby was actually old enough to lose her ﬁrst tooth! Seemed like just yesterday we were both suffering through the teething process. Unfortunately, convincing Maddie that her loose tooth was actually a good thing took a little more convincing. She was scared and immediately started to cry into her half eaten ear of corn. Despite her knowledge of the Tooth Fairy from friends of hers who have already lost teeth, we had to give her a crash course on how it would all go down and really “sell” the idea to her. It was at that moment I realized how the concept was probably born in the f irst place. I could just imagine some kid freaking out at the thought of their teeth falling out of their head and frantic parents, in an effort to calm their hysterical child, pulling out a story of this mythical creature who comes in the middle of the night and brings cold hard cash. The ultimate tale of bribing a child. Of course, I am sure the parents quickly learned that their poor child would likely not be too keen on the idea of a creature coming

into their room in the middle of the night so the parents said, “Oh, no, not a ‘creature,’ more of a nice, friendly creature … a fairy! Yes, that’s it! A Tooth Fairy!” Crisis averted. Fast forward to modern times, and I’m stuck explaining this to my precocious 5-year-old who wants to know how the Tooth Fairy gets in the house, where the Tooth Fairy gets the money to give to all the kids, why she has to be asleep when the Tooth Fairy comes and all the other logical questions that come with ﬁctitious characters. Our only logical answer, that luckily she is just naive enough to buy, is “magic.” Then, it occurred to me that this might cost me a pretty penny. Rumor has it some parents shell out $20 a tooth! I began taking my own informal survey, and my darling father-in-law suggested $100, while others reported giving $5. Because I am me, and I need to gather as much information as possible — even as it relates to imaginary ﬂoating women who leave money for my child in the middle of the night — I did a Google search.

And wouldn’t you know it, there’s an app for that. Thankfully, our friends at Visa offer a free application, which is fortunate since I had a feeling I wouldn’t have much cash to spare after Maddie went to bed. It asks ﬁve simple questions in order to determine how much you should give for each tooth. After plugging in your gender, education, state you live in, age and annual household income, it calculates a dollar amount. When I plugged in my husband’s information, since he is technically the Tooth Fairy’s proverbial “sugar daddy,” it said we should give her $1 per tooth. I decided to test it and see what would happen if I changed it to a female and the result changed to $2 per tooth! I’m not real sure what the basis for that was, but I can only assume the Tooth Fairy is sexist. At the end of the day, we decided on $5, knowing that we were setting the bar pretty high. We’d like to think we could get away with telling her that $5 was just for the ﬁrst tooth and just give $1 for all the other teeth. However, knowing our daughter, she’ll likely write a strong-worded letter to Ms. Tooth Fairy giving her a piece of her mind. While I would hate to deny my daughter the rite of passage that is having the Tooth Fairy visit and feed her piggy bank with cash, realistically I think the parents should get money under their pillow to pay for all the impending orthodontist bills that loom with each new adult tooth that comes in. Seems logical to me. kc

The Money Issue

Making Your Money Work

! u o y for INSIDE

$ Investing ABCs $ How To Tip Properly $ KCT Credit Union

plus ...

$ Professional ProďŹ les: Unique individuals who provide specialized services in Kane County

Uniqu

A special supplement to Kane County Magazine

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LES ROFI

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on the cover / money

Inve$ting ABCs

Knowing The Basics Can Help Build Your Nest Egg By ELIZABETH HARMON I Photos by MELISSA EMORY

Like exercising and eating broccoli, investing is something we are all supposed to do.

But where to start? Understanding a few ideas and common terms can make it easier to talk with a professional and begin.

The bA$ICS

What is saving and what is investing? Both involve putting away money, but savings goals tend to be shorter-term. “One of the main differences between saving and investing is that investing has risk associated with it,” says Jorie Pitt, a certiﬁed ﬁnancial planner with AHC Advisors in St. Charles. “Money in a savings account is guaranteed to be there tomorrow in the same amount.” Common savings goals include cars, weddings, home purchase down payments and emergency funds. “It is important to set aside money for unexpected expenses, like car repair, doctor bills, the insurance bill that you forgot was

34 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

coming,” Pitt says. “If you don’t, you will be likely to use high interest rate credit cards to cover the expense. “This fund should be equal to six month’s worth of expenses,” she adds. Bank savings accounts, money market accounts, vacation or Christmas club accounts are tools to help reach short-term savings goals. Many financial advisors suggest people fund such an account by using automatic withdrawals from their checking account. Certificates of Deposit, or CDs, are another smart savings tool. A CD holds a specific sum on deposit for a designated length of time. At maturity, a CD returns all of your deposit, with a

predetermined amount of interest. “CDs are very safe, and the longer you leave your money on deposit, the higher the interest rate you will be able to find,” Pitt says. Investing, meanwhile, is done with an eye further in the future. “Investing is done with a long-term horizon and uses items that may be attached to the stock or bond markets for longerterm growth,” says Nicole Chamberlin, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Aurora. 3 Jorie Pitt is a certified financial planner with AHC Advisors in St. Charles

$ToCKS and bonDS

The two primary investment vehicles are stocks and bonds, also known as securities. Stocks, or equities, are ownership in a company or a group of companies. “When you buy a company’s stock, you are invested in that company,” Chamberlin says. Bonds, or ﬁxed income instruments, allow investors to become creditors to a company or government entity. “When you purchase a bond, you are essentially lending money to the issuer in return for interest payments over the term of the bond,” Pitt says. “At maturity, you will get your original investment back.” Stocks and bonds may be owned individually or through a mutual fund, which is a group of securities held in a single fund.

“A mutual fund is a basket of different investments that is managed by a team,” Chamberlin says. “The mutual fund has a goal, and the fund managers make decisions daily about what investments meet that goal to keep it balanced and diversiﬁed.” Stocks and bonds may be in a brokerage account, which is taxable, or in a retirement account, which is protected from taxes.

Retirement FunD$

Individual Retirement Accounts come in two types. “In a traditional IRA, money is contributed before taxes,” Chamberlin says. “The investment grows tax deferred, but when you take the money out, you pay taxes on it, based on your tax rate at the time. With a Roth IRA, money goes in after you’ve paid taxes on it, but it grows tax free and when you take money out, you don’t pay any tax on it.” A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan, and it works similar to a traditional IRA. “Employees elect to defer a percentage of their salary directly to their 401(k) plan, and by doing so, avoid paying their current income tax on those funds,” Pitt says. “Some employers offer to match a percentage of the contributions that their employees make to their 401(k) plans. This is a great beneﬁt, and if your employer offers this, you should take advantage.” Other types of employer retirement plans

include the 403(b) for teachers and employees of tax-exempt organizations, and the 457 for government employees. Then there are annuities, or insurance products, which usually are used for retirement investing. “They’re a contract to guarantee a ﬁxed or variable payment at some point in the future,” Chamberlin says.

College $AvInGS

Special accounts designated for college savings also are typically comprised of mutual funds and offer various tax advantages. Distributions are taxfree as long as the funds are used for qualified expenses. The Coverdell Education Savings Plan has a $2,000 contribution limit each year, and the beneficiary must be younger than 18 when the contributions are made. The 529 College 5 Pitt, 31, says it’s important to Savings Plan has utilize a certified financial planner. higher annual and “You really need someone to look lifetime limits than the at your whole picture,” she says. Coverdell, but is flexible enough to allow small, steady contributions. “One big difference between The first step is to find a knowledgeable Coverdells and 529s is that Coverdells can be financial advisor — one an individual trusts used to pay qualified educational expenses for — to help develop a strategy. primary and secondary education,” Pitt says. “When you know your goals, your time frame and the amount of risk you’re Portfolio comfortable with, that will determine the All of these accounts make up an types of investment tools you should have,” investment portfolio. Chamberlin says. kc Want to build one?

Rules Of Thumb

For Beginning Investors

$ Save six months’ expenses before you start investing. “It should be kept in a savings account or a money market fund,” Pitt says. $ use the right tool for the job. “For retirement, check out your employer plans, traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. For college savings, check out 529 plans,” Pitt says. $ Pay yourself ﬁrst. “Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans in an amount at least high enough to get any match that your employer offers,” Pitt says. $ Never put all your eggs in one basket. “You should own a variety of investments that are weighted toward your goal,” Chamberlin says. $ Stick with quality. “Expect that there’s going to be risk to go along with reward, so if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Chamberlin says.

elter

Ander

Animal

PETS

A Humane Society

Providing a future for our four-legged loved ones By Anderson Animal Shelter

Nine out of ten pet owners say they consider their pet a member of the family. Providing them with care is a lifelong commitment. As responsible pet owners it is difficult to ask ourselves: ‘Who will provide for my beloved companion if something unexpected were to happen to me?’ The good news is that there are several choices available when setting up your individual or family estate plan. Pet trusts and guardianship programs are just some of the options to consider. Selecting the option that best serves you carries certain benefits while honoring your commitment to your pet. Simply naming your pets in your will may not ensure that they receive the quality of care you wish to provide. With more dogs and cats living in the U.S. each year, there is a growing trend toward including pet care as part of personal estate planning. According to Attorney Michael Fitzgerald, the popularity of pet trusts has been increasing each year. A pet trust provides that a certain amount of funds be put aside for your pet while outlining specific guidelines for its care. Under Illinois law, pet trusts are enforceable so you can rest assured that your beloved companions will be cared for after you are gone or when you no longer can care for them. Many questions will be asked when the pet trust is drafted. Some details you will provide include information identifying your pet, the standard of living you would like given to your pet and what to do with the final disposition of remains. You will also specify trustees, caregivers and instructions on distributing the remaining trust assets once your pet passes. Perhaps you cannot find a caregiver for your companion animal. Under The Shelter will be hosting FREE Estate Planning seminars in October. Visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org for more information. “At times, an individual may bring in a pet due to the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, in a number of those cases, the person surrendering the animal cannot care for it and has no detailed information on the pet. By offering programs to the public, we hope to provide pet owners and animal activists with an array of options when considering animals in their life or within the community,” Jack Graff, Executive Director.

this circumstance, a pet guardianship program may be appropriate. Your estate plan would be drafted with information specifying disbursement of an estate gift to an animal shelter in return for the temporary care of your dog or cat while attempts are made to find a loving and forever home. Many animal shelters offer this program and Anderson Animal Shelter is just one of them. Anderson Animal Shelter’s Pet Guardianship Program provides a system that will give your pet a loving, warm and safe, new home. While considering your estate plan, there are also several ways to provide a legacy of love for animals through charitable planned giving. A gift of your assets can be made to a non-profit animal shelter while you are alive or after you pass. This type of giving arrangement not only benefits the donor and supports the mission of the shelter you choose; it benefits the many Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 Q Center • St. Charles, IL homeless animals in your community awaiting a new home. ANDERSON ANIMAL SHELTER It’s important to ensure the DINNER AND AUCTION lifelong care of your pet or those pets that are in need of homes • Save the date in your community. By making formal arrangements through • Purchase a ticket or table estate planning, you can give comfort to the companion • Donate a Silent Auction item animals in your family or those in need of shelter or care. • Volunteer your time Contact the Shelter at (847) 697-2880 x25 or at development@ Phone: 847-697-2880 andersonanimalshelter.org Email: development@ andersonanimalshelter.org for more information on the Pet Guardianship Program or Planned Giving. www.andersonanimalshelter.org

FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS HITS HOME RUN WITH ORTHOFIRST WALK-IN CLINIC Immediate Orthopedic Care for Strains, Sprains, Broken Bones, and Sports Injuries GENEVA, ILLINOIS — Fifteen-year-old Isaac Delgado – defensive tackle for West Aurora High School’s football team – was the very ﬁrst patient to receive care when Fox Valley Orthopedics opened OrthoFirst, an immediate orthopedic walk-in care clinic, last month.

Vicki Deane is another patient who walked into the clinic during OrthoFirst’s ﬁrst few weeks of business. After injuring herself playing tennis one evening, she immediately left the tennis court and headed for OrthoFirst, where she was seen right away by a sports medicine surgeon.

Delgado fractured his knuckle on his small ﬁnger playing football on a Friday night. His mother, Lara, wanted to make sure he received immediate care from a sports medicine specialist.

Earlier that same day, Deane – a resident of Geneva, Illinois and mother of three active children – had her son at OrthoFirst for a sports-related injury.

OrthoFirst accepts most major insurance carriers and self-pay. Details about OrthoFirst, Fox Valley Orthopedics’ new orthopedic immediate care clinic, can be found on the Fox Valley website at www.fvortho.com, or call 1-855-FVO-OPEN.

“It was really nice to know I could go right to the orthopedic specialists and be seen the same day; it’s very reassuring, and so much more convenient,” says Deane.

ABOUT FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS (FVO)

“I wanted Isaac to be healed in time for an upcoming football game with our rival team, East Aurora,” says Delgado. “I didn’t want to take him to the ER because they’d have just told me to go to see an orthopedic surgeon. I’d rather cut to the chase.” Isaac was examined by Dr. Kevan E. Ketterling, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at OrthoFirst. The young athlete’s hand was X-rayed, a cast put on, and he was in and out of the clinic in a few short hours…and back on the ﬁeld for the big game. “It was a very good experience for us,” says Delgado. “To get him in as fast as we could with a walk-in service for orthopedics was wonderful. I’ll be telling Isaac’s coach about the service.”

When acute orthopedic injuries are diagnosed and treated in the emergency room or urgent care, what happens in most cases – according to Mary O’Brien, CEO at Fox Valley Orthopedics – is the patient is then referred to an orthopedic specialist for followup care. OrthoFirst has simpliﬁed the process by immediately connecting patients with the appropriate orthopedic specialist. “By going directly to an orthopedic specialist ﬁrst, patients maximize convenience, reduce potential hassles, costs, and save time,” said O’Brien.

OrthoFirst provides immediate care for sports and workplace injuries, sprains and strains, broken bones, dislocations, and muscle pain, and treats children, adults, seniors, and athletes of all ages.

FVO was founded in 1973 in Geneva, Illinois for the purpose of providing exceptional comprehensive orthopedic care in an environment that puts patients ﬁrst. The practice provides a vast range of bone and joint surgery and care through its advanced imaging center, ambulatory surgery center, and sports medicine center. Dedicated to the community, FVO specialists serve as team physicians to local high schools and youth organizations. The practice serves communities throughout Chicago with ofﬁces in Geneva and Elgin. For more information, go to www.fvortho.com.

GO TO WWW.FVORTHO-GOPLAY.COM FOR SPORTS INJURY AND PERFORMANCE TIPS ON HOW TO STAY IN THE GAME FOR LIFE.

Sports Injury?

(630) 584-1400 WWW.FVORTHO.COM

Touch down at OrthoFirst - Immediate Orthopedic Care. Walk-in, same-day, and evening appointments. Visit www.fvortho.com/orthoﬁrst for more info.

Call 855-FVO-OPEN

family

I Photos by HEATHER NELSON

Giving

CREDIT WhereCREDIT

Is Due

Kane County Teachers Credit Union Seeks Financial Solutions For Every Member

eventy-ﬁve years is a long time to be in business and an outstanding accomplishment for even the largest of companies. For a credit union that started with members gathering on the front porch of a private residence, that accomplishment may seem even more signiﬁcant. Kane County Teachers Credit Union, better known as KCT, celebrates such a milestone this year, and it’s a testament to the company’s founders that it has grown its services and assets to meet the needs of so many residents today.

75 Years Ago ...

In the 1930s, Martha Black, a teacher in what is today School District U-46, had just moved to the Fox Valley area from Michigan where credit unions were a popular banking solution, says Kristine Kowalski, vice president of marketing for KCT. After realizing there was no such option for her in the area, Black started talking with fellow teachers about forming a credit union for themselves. A small group of about 15 teachers and administrators — including Kane County Superintendent of Schools E. Earl McCoy — banded together and put in a request for a state charter to become the Northern Kane County Teachers Credit Union. In 1937, that request was granted. For a long time, the credit union did not have a physical location, Kowalski says. Instead, members — which, at the time, included only school

district members — would travel to the board treasurer’s house to talk business. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the credit union finally rented a storefront for members to visit. And it stayed a small financial institution for some time, Kowalski says. Even in 1977, when current CEO Craig Bradley came onto the scene and helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of the credit union, it boasted just $6 million in assets. In the mid-1990s, the credit union started seeing an increase in people desiring membership. However, most were turned away. Family members, friends and neighbors of the still relatively small group of teachers, municipal workers and small businesses were denied access because they didn’t fit into a very defined field of membership. So, the credit union applied for a community charter, which would allow them to accept non-teachers as members who would receive the same benefits as original members. The community charter was granted in April 1998, and almost immediately, the credit union saw a huge growth spurt. From the $75 million in assets the credit union held in ‘98, it has grown to the $170

3 Helpful ﬁnancial brochures are available at KCT.

million it stands with today. Now, approximately 60 percent of the credit union’s membership is comprised of non-teachers, Kowalski says. And from the front porch of the original treasurer’s house, it has expanded to offering three locations to members in Elgin, Geneva and Aurora. But as KCT continues to grow, it will not forget its roots. “We definitely do not want to forget who founded us,” says Kristine Kowalski, vice president of marketing for KCT. “We do a lot with the schools.” That includes supporting school organizations, funding school trips to Springfield, providing orientation seminars for teachers and offering free financial education presentations at area schools where KCT representatives talk about identity theft, checking accounts and the importance of good credit, she says.

Why a credit union?

As a credit union, KCT is a not-forprofit financial cooperative, which means members are part owners. Stockholders, who would only be intent on making money from their investment, do not exist. “Any profits we do make, we give back to the members,” Kowalski says, noting profits can be seen in a variety of ways.

KCT members:

• receive better rates on savings and loan products • are charged fewer and lower fees 6 Kristine Kowalski, vice president of marketing for KCT, stands next to Aubrey Wilson, the branch manager of the Geneva facility.

had to go to the treasurer’s house. They were on the front porch sipping iced tea. [And he told me], ‘The treasurer was giving me a lecture on how I had to pay back the loan on time every month, and to pay a little extra to put in my savings to pay myself back - while I’m sipping iced tea on his front porch!’” Not much has changed since then when it comes to member service, although members now travel to their respective branches to conduct their business. But even so, KCT employees know their members by name and work hard to resolve any financial problems they run 5 Ryan Miller goes over loan and rate across. “Here, we take the time to find information with Aubrey Wilson. a solution for our members,” says Aubrey Wilson, Geneva branch • are the benefits of new products manager. “A lot of places, [customers] walk • receive a bonus dividend at the end of in and say, ‘I want to do this,’ and they say the year, when possible no. They don’t stop to think, ‘Well, what “We are an option for the Fox Valley can we do?’ Member services is our priority area,” Kowalski says. “We definitely save — making sure [our members] walk out our members hundreds if not thousands of with what they need, even if it’s not what dollars on their financial products … those they thought when they first walked in who do bring their accounts to us, they’re there. realizing the savings.” “Ultimately, because we are not-forFor those who choose to take out a car profit, our goal is to provide them the best loan through KCT, for example, they products and services at the best price for can save a point or more off the rate they them,” she continues. “Everyone is looking normally would receive, Kowalski says. out for the membership, and the members “Fifty dollars a month on a five-year auto know it.” loan adds up,” she says. And when that happens, word gets Members also can save thousands around. of dollars on home equity loans and “I had a guy who came in to apply for a mortgages with better rates found only at loan simply because his friend told him KCT. what a great experience he had here,” And it’s not only those with excellent Wilson says. “He came in [the] morning credit scores who can reap the benefits. “Even if you have not-so-good credit, we can help you,” Kowalski says. “Whether you’ve got good credit or not-so-good credit, we’ve been able to help people out.” KCT also is not just limited to those in the Kane County area, as its original name suggests. Today, those who live in the counties of DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Cook west of Route 83 can be granted membership. And that membership is lifelong, even if an individual moves out of the state. “We’re not trying to be a secret here,” Kowalski says. “We really would like to help as many people as possible. We’re so much more than just Kane County and teachers.”

Why KCT?

From its earliest days, KCT has been all about community. “One of our long-time members, he was telling me this story,” Kowalski says. “When he ﬁrst came to the credit union, he

kCT Locations

Elgin Branch/Administrative Ofﬁce

111 S. Hawthorne St., Elgin, IL 60123 847-741-3344 ATM available Branch hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Aurora Branch

5 Kristine Kowalski has worked for KCT for nearly 14 years.

and walked out [that] afternoon with a check in hand.” KCT staff also makes sure they are accessible. Wilson says she regularly sits down and talks to members, and for those who want to talk to a vice president, they’re just a phone call away. And for those who need extra personal attention? Kowalski says she had a St. Charles teacher

who had trouble scheduling a loan closing, so Kowalski took the paperwork to school during the teacher’s lunch hour to close the loan. “We still do that,” she says. “We’ve got the mobile banking; we’ve got the online banking,” Kowalski says. “You don’t even have to step foot in the credit union to conduct your business with us, but when you do, it’s still that front porch mentality.”

HAvE yOu SEEN kCT LATELy?

The credit union is dedicated to serving the community in any way possible, says Kristine Kowalski. “If we want the community to be a part of us, we need to be a part of them as well,” agrees Aubrey Wilson. Here are some of the ways KCT gives back: • Sponsor of the Aurora Farmers Market • Sponsor of Swedish Days • Sponsor of St. Charles Cruise Nights • Hosts school supply drives for the Elgin Community College Project Backpack • Sends representatives to help teach Junior Achievement classes in area middle schools • Hosts annual food drives • Involved in three area chamber of commerce

4 KCT has a front-porch mentality — it’s all about community. Pictured is the Geneva branch.

• Participates in health and benefit fairs • Offers “lunch and learn” financial education sessions for village employees • Offers free financial counseling to all members • Volunteer at many area non-profit kc organizations

320 E. Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL 60505 888-741-3344 ATM available Branch hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

geneva Branch

28 N. Fifth St., Geneva, IL 60134 888.741.3344 Branch Fax: 630.232.9357 ATM available Branch hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

money

As a full-time student and young mother,

Th Tip e pin Po g int i B yL

EE NE LS

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Kelsi Bieber depends greatly on the tips she earns as a waitress at a popular Aurora bar and grill. She puts in at least 35 hours a week serving drinks and food to pay her rent, schooling, health insurance and everyday living expenses with her daughter. “The customer base is good where I work ...” Bieber says. “We have a ton of regulars who come in just for us. They take care of us.” But there are always those customers who don’t pay a dime in tips no matter how great the service was, Bieber says. “You can just tell with certain tables that they have no intentions of tipping you,” she says. “They are on a tight budget and are not going to give you anything, no matter how great you work for them. “But usually, most people are genuine people, and they appreciate what you are doing for them, and they leave 15 to 20 percent.”

When to tip?

Tipping has become a very customary habit in the restaurant business. In fact, a U.S. survey conducted online this spring by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com showed that 87 percent of Americans feel obligated to leave a tip for restaurant staff. However, one third of tippers said they didn’t leave any money after receiving less than average service. When asked what other types of people or services they typically felt obligated to tip, adults reported: Hairstylist — 69 percent Bartender — 59 percent Taxi, car or limo driver — 55 percent valet — 51 percent Bellhop — 50 percent Beauty treatment provider (manicures, pedicures, waxing, etc.) — 40 percent Spa treatment provider (massages, facials, skin treatments) — 33 percent When it comes to how much they tip these employees, many reported leaving 15 percent. “Whether you’re at a restaurant or receiving services from other professionals, factor the tip into the overall cost,” says Jackie Warrick, president and chief savings ofﬁcer at CouponCabin.com. “It’s easy to forget that the tip could push your over your budget, so plan accordingly. Take the time to add in the tip ahead of time, and if it exceeds your budget, seek out less expensive services or make alternative plans.” Joan Daley, a licensed massage therapist in Geneva, says that her clients are quite generous. A 20 percent tip is normal.

October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

Join now and enrollment is free! Monthly dues still apply. Expires 10/31/12. 5 Joan Daley, licensed massage therapist in Geneva

“My best tip has been $50 on a 60-minute massage — that’s 50 percent,” she says. “That was a client who told me my massage was the best they had ever experienced, and they appreciated my effort to alleviate their muscular pain.” Her worst tips have been nothing at all or something so small that it was puzzling to her. “When a client tells me how happy they are and how great they feel and they would like to return, I don’t understand why they tip me $5,” she says. “I truly have to think that they do not understand that tips are not already part of the service or the person has a very skewed idea of what percentage is appropriate.”

Cultural values

“Since joining Delnor, fitness has become an important part of my life. The center emphasizes fun, healthy ways to stay ﬁt. I drive past two health clubs on my way to Delnor, but I would rather travel a little farther to come here. The center has really positively impacted my health.” — Debbie C., South Elgin

To learn more, stop by or call 630.208.3933. TTY for the hearing impaired call 630.208.4399.

delnorwellness.com 296 Randall Road Geneva, Illinois 60134

42 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

As a culture, many people have lost sight of customer service, says Judie Caribeaux, director of career services at Aurora University. Good customer service often is not rewarded. “You have to believe that it comes full circle,” she says. “When I was in college 20 years ago, I was a waitress at a pizza joint. Some people would add on 50 percent to the bill for my tip. Those would be the ones that encouraged me to give even better service.” She says that even if a customer receives bad service somewhere, they should at least give a 10 percent tip and then talk with a manager. “We have expectations that even in the service industry, whether you are having a bad day or not, you should put that aside and do your best. But sometimes, people don’t,” Caribeaux says. “Especially when you are representing a business, you should tip regardless. Nowadays, businesses are aware that their employees represent the name of the company. The standard 20 percent should be given regardless the service on a business. You want to maintain that good corporate image.” For Bieber, many of her customers leave less than 15 percent. That can be devastating to her budget. At the end of the night, all of the waiters and waitresses have to claim their tips. They are expected to make at least 15 percent. If they don’t have that percentage, they are usually spoken to by management about the situation and what they can do to improve their service — whether it was them or the customers’ lack of paying anything. “We get paid $4.95 an hour — minimum wage for servers in this area,” she says. “But I have to pay for my health insurance, so I end up owing the company money every paycheck. I rely on my tips to pay my other bills.” kc KaneCountyMagazine.com

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

P ro f e s s i o n a l

PROFILES

Jeff Martin

President, KDM Investment Management

“While it’s easier if you start early, it’s never too late to start.” Photo by Jennifer Kaye

Martin Takes Confusion out of Retirement Planning Jeff Martin, president of the KDM Investment Management in Geneva, believes any time is a good time to take control of your finances. “While it’s easier if you start early, it’s never too late to start. I work with young people to set up ways for them to save through their employer, and I also have clients in their seventies and eighties. We help them manage their investments during retirement, so their income lasts the rest of their life,” Martin said. KDM Investment Management offers retirement planning, investment and wealth management services, with an emphasis on creating an understandable, workable plan to help clients prepare for, and carry them through retirement. “We help them understand how much they need to save and how they need to manage those investments over their lifetime,” he said. Martin’s typical new client has scattered, non-strategic investments. “They might have a couple of 401ks with different companies, a few IRAs and they need to organize their portfolio,” he said. The first consultation focuses on understanding the client’s goals. “Then we create a strategy, consolidating accounts if possible, which is documented in an Investment Policy Statement, a plan to achieve their goals,” he said. The advantage of a documented plan is that it prevents emotion-driven decisions during the market’s inevitable ups and downs, that are often detrimental to a client’s financial health. Martin also enjoys educating clients, and has written a book, “Strategic Diversification: Retirement Planning That Works,” available at Townhouse Books in St. Charles, Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville and through Amazon.

“The biggest thing is making sure they have the proper investments for where they are in the savings and retirement cycle, and that those investments are wisely managed,” he said. A University of Georgia graduate, Martin built a 17-yearcareer in corporate information technology, then realized he wanted a more people-driven profession. “I’ve always been interested in personal finance and investing, I knew I wanted to help others, so this was a good fit,” he said. After talking with financial services professionals he pursued certifications and entered the field seven years ago, partnering with his family’s long-time financial advisor for the first four years. “For me, what’s most rewarding is giving customers peace of mind that things are organized and if they stick to the plan it will work,” he said.

Jeff Martin 321 Stevens Street, Suite R Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-9097 www.kdminvest.com

P ro f e s s i o n a l

PROFILES

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

Scott Lebin President,

Lebin Financial Planning, Inc.

Pictured from left to right: Don Werner, Sharon Halfpenny, Joe Slowiak and Scott Lebin

Photo by Andrew Young

“Money is simply a tool to accomplish something else. To assist clients working on their personal and business financial plans, we spend a lot of time clarifying their mission, vision, values and goals.” Lebin’s Companies Focus on Life and Financial Goals Helping clients achieve what they want from life means understanding more than their finances. “Money is simply a tool to accomplish something else. To assist clients working on their personal and business financial plans, we spend a lot of time clarifying their mission, vision, values and goals,” said Scott Lebin, RFC and president of Lebin Financial Planning and Managed Economics for Doctors, Inc., both of Geneva. In addition to Lebin, the companies’ staff includes Joe Slowiak, Vice President, Don Werner, Advisor, and Sharon Halfpenny, Administrator. “We also have an extensive professional team we work with closely that assists our clients,” Lebin said. Scott Lebin focuses on wealth management, investments, retirement planning, estate planning for individuals and families, tax strategies, benefits planning, retirement planning, and risk management. New clients at Lebin Financial Planning participate in the Planning Horizon, a four-part process that identifies visions and goals, creates solutions, implementation strategies and monitors progress. “We’re results oriented and we’re constantly monitoring our clients’ plans, to make sure they’re on track to achieve their goals,” Lebin said. Because change is inevitable, it’s important to be vigilant and flexible. “Life always takes twists and turns, so goals can change. It could be medical issues that arise, children’s needs, or business challenges. By continually monitoring a plan, it becomes easier to reprioritize and discover what, if any, changes we need to make,” he said. Managed Economics for Doctors focuses on the unique needs of physicians, veterinarians, dentists and others professionals in the medical fields. “They have different stresses, different pressures and specific issues that people in other professions don’t have to cope with,” Lebin said.

These include government involvement and regulation, and financial issues surrounding their practices. Lebin said that for many doctors, the free-spending days of high discretionary income are over. “Now they’re working harder and earning less, so they have to protect their money. Twenty years ago when they had more discretionary income, they might have been less concerned about that, but now they must be prudent,” he said. Lebin entered the financial planning field 27 years ago through his work with doctors. He is a frequent lecturer on financial planning for medical professionals and has co-authored a book “The Future of You,” available through iTunes, Amazon and EBAY. He is also involved in the Geneva Lions, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, and is on the Board of Trustees of Upper Iowa University. Investment Advisor Representative with Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC. Non-securities products and services are not offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) Lebin Financial Planning and Managed Economics for Doctors, Inc. are not affiliated with TFA. LD044731-9/12

LEBIN FINANCIAL PLANNING Managed Economics for Doctors, Inc.

Scott Lebin, President Lebin Management, Inc. 20 S. Second St. • Geneva, IL 60134 630.406.0000 www.managedeconomics.com

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

P ro f e s s i o n a l

PROFILES

Beginning at the age of nine and getting a camera for my birthday, I began seeing the world around me in ways 36 years later I am still amazed by what I see and the people I get to meet through photography. Starting a career in photojournalism, and developing into a location and studio commercial portrait artist in Chicago, Andrew Young Photography is now headquartered at 207 South 3rd Street in downtown Saint Charles. “We have had the absolute pleasure of producing imagery for regional and national clients, from fortune 500 corporate executives to small businesses; producing photographs of people and products and food for the last 22 years. Andrew Young Photography now has a division that we are very excited about, our families and high school senior portraiture. “We are bringing our commercial and editorial style to this division and people truly seem to like that” “I am a perfectionist and I will work a shot until I am truly satisﬁed that I have the best out of both my subject and myself that I can possibly get” Young truly believes that his best image is the one they are currently working on, “if you don’t push yourself to be better, you never will become better.” For more information please contact us directly 630-803-2814 or visit us at WWW.ANDREWYOUNGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM or like our Face Book page at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ANDREWYOUNGFOTO for info and specials.

Andrew Young • Andrew Young Photography • 207 South Third Street, St Charles, IL 60174 630.803.2814 • www.andrewyoungphotography.com

Welcome to the Bond Dental Studio! Our desire is to offer you a comprehensive and enlightening path to complete dental health and conﬁdence. You’ll discover a wealth of information through the appropriate use of the latest equipment and technology. All the while being soothed in our meticulously designed Comforting and Relaxing Dental Studio. You’ll be greeted by our highly skilled, smiling staff that is motivated to give gentle, quality care and terriﬁc service along the way. The trail of ideas, services and treatment leads to an optimum alternative for your cosmetic, hygiene and restorative needs.

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Irena Hyvel, DDS • bondds • 202 Kirk Road • St. Charles, IL 60174 630-584-0481 • www.bondds.com

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

P ro f e s s i o n a l

PROFILES

Helping Families is the Best Reward For Dr. Jay Thakkar, a family practitioner and the Medical Director for Geneva Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the reward of treating entire families is a continual reminder of why he became a doctor. “I love working with kids as well as seniors. It is very rewarding when I take care of three generations in one family. The seniors are especially appreciative of the care we provide,” said Thakkar. At Geneva Nursing & Rehabilitation, a 107-bed facility opened last year, Dr. Thakkar and his team provide short-term rehabilitation and compassionate long-term care. “In addition to providing excellent care, our staff is very proactive, and tries to prevent problems before they arise,” he said. “Understanding how medications affect an older patient’s system is crucial. A little medication can go a long way. We regularly discuss our patients’ needs, and how to use medication effectively, while limiting complications,” he said. For rehabilitation, the goal is to restore a patient’s level of function to where it was before they were hospitalized. “We want them to be able to return to independent or assisted living,” he said. Thakkar decided to pursue a medical career after attending a conference for high school students at a local hospital. “The doctors talked about what they do, and I was fascinated,” he said.

Photo by Megan Kelly

Dr. Jay Thakkar, Medical Director • Geneva Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1101 E. StateStreet • 630.232.7544

Geneva Nursing is proud to have Dr. Krieger on their team. Dr. Krieger is board certiﬁed in physical medicine and rehabilitation and subspecialty certiﬁed in pain management. He was the 2006 president of the Illinois Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Areas of Interest • Stroke • Neuromuscular Rehabilitation • Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Electrodiagnosis • Spasticity Management • Balance Rehabilitation Programs • Stroke • Neuromuscular • Brain Injury • Orthopedics/Musculoskeletal

Dr. Richard Krieger • Geneva Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 101 E. State Street • 630.232.7544

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

P ro f e s s i o n a l

PROFILES

Dance Studio Offers Lessons and More Michelle Miller’s passion for dance has inspired her to raise the instructional bar and to offer students a variety of performance opportunities. “We offer a multi-tier structure, which is unique to our area,” said Miller, owner and artistic director of M&M Dance and Empower Dance Company in Elburn. M&M Dance offers recreational through pre-professional instruction in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical, musical theater and hip hop, for students, two-and a half and older. Some of our students attend class once a week while others train up to 18hours a week. The studio has non-competitive performance groups, which dance at local events. “These students are committed to the studio and love being on stage,” said Miller. The M&M Dance Company is a novice company for those who want the experience of competition, and the Empower Dance Company is geared toward serious dancers preparing for college programs and professional careers. Miller began dancing as a teen and continued through college. After graduation, she worked in marketing but continued to pursue her passion and education in dance. The studio is coming up on it’s 10 year anniversary. “What I enjoy most is motivating students to be their very best, to be proud of their accomplishments and to learn from their mistakes, not to be knocked down, but to be motivated to achieve,” Miller said.

Photo by Jennifer Kaye

M&M Dance and Empower Dance Company, 213 B West Nebraska, Elburn, IL 630.365.5687, www.mmdance5678.com

Personal CFO Provides Plan and Strategy After a career as a corporate CFO, Michael Walschot wanted his own business. When an opportunity arose to take over a family business, he grabbed it and now uses his financial expertise to help clients achieve their dreams. Walschot serves as Personal Chief Financial Officer for Total Clarity Wealth Management of St. Charles. “We provide asset management and investment services for individuals and small business owners, focused on helping them identify and achieve their financial goals,” he explained. Though time is the most important factor in reaching financial goals, Walschot says there’s hope for those who aren’t quite where they’d like to be financially. “It may require some discipline and sacrifice, but that’s why you have a long range plan. It’s not just about the here and now,” he said. During the initial consultation, Walschot and his prospective clients discuss their financial goals. Sometimes, couples have different ideas. “One wants to move to Florida, the other doesn’t want to move at all, so we have to work through that,” he said. What’s most rewarding is when a client understands their finances and leaves Total Clarity’s offices with peace of mind…and motivation. “People might come in and everything’s haywire, but together we can put together a plan which tells them what to do, and they walk away satisfied,” he said.

Photo by Andrew Young

Michael Walschot, Personal Chief Financial Ofﬁcer • Total Clarity Wealth Management 525 Tyler Road, Suite T• St. Charles, IL • 630-778-6260 • www.michael.walschot.com

Unique individuals who provide specialized services

Professional

PROFILES

Savant Capital Management Provides Independent, Personalized Advice During his previous career in the banking industry, Brian Conroy sometimes found the advice he gave to family and friends, didn’t match the product driven agendas of the banking, insurance, and brokerage industries. A desire to provide independent, personalized advice geared to his clients’ interest inspired him to join the Savant Capital Management team. “While they may not be familiar with the term “fiduciary”, in today’s environment investors are desperate for a fiduciary relationship: an independent expert team who will act in their best interest. They need a plan, not another product of the month or sales pitch.” Savant Capital Management works with families and institutions, to provide Integrated Wealth Management services. “We believe it’s essential to understand a client’s entire picture so we can offer appropriately tailored solutions,” he said. “We have assembled a team of experts focused on delivering actionable Photo by advice.” Megan Kelly The current economic climate makes professional expertise more important than ever. “We’re in a period of heightened uncertainty. Many investors feel paralyzed and unable to make decisions. They wonder how they should be adjusting their financial plans and portfolios to new realities. They struggle with questions about risk, and how they can make their nest-eggs last. What we can do is create clarity, confidence and a real plan of action for them to achieve their financial goals,” Conroy said.

Brian Conroy, CFP®, Financial Advisor • Savant Capital Management, LLC 330 W. State Street • Geneva, IL • 630.208.0010 • www.savantcapital.com Trust, Commitment, and Loving Care One of the leaders in the pet care industry, Judi Roberts understands what a trustworthy kennel providing top-notch care, means to pet owners. Roberts had several years of experience in the pet care industry, when she started her business in 1973. “There were no suitable kennels in the area, and we designed our resort with pets and pet owners in mind,” she said. “Separation anxiety can be traumatic for both pet owners and pets, especially when leaving them at a kennel,” said Roberts, owner of Kountry Pet Resort and Training Center. The original Kountry Kennels encompassed about 400 square feet. Today, the facility is more than 20,000 square feet, and separated into several wings with individual kitchens to accommodate any request, a spacious cattery with various sized rooms and a 700 gallon salt water fish tank; three play yards; two grooming areas; modern offices; luxury suites equipped with webcams; all day doggie daycare; and a state of the art training facility. The facility sets a benchmark for excellence in the pet care industry, and exceeds licensing requirements for “standard” kennels, set by the ABKA. Kennel owners nationwide come to learn from Roberts, the best in their field. “We want pet owners to have total piece of mind, knowing their beloved pet will have the absolute best care during their time away from home,” Roberts said.

Photo by Andrew Young

Kountry Pet Resort & Training Center, 12N911 US Highway 20 Elgin, IL 60124 847-741-5434, www.kountrypetresort.com

health / WorK it ouT

Getting A LeG Up 5 Exercises To Tone Those Lower Appendages

By AMANDA MARRAZZO I Photos by HEATHER NELSON

Ladies …

bottom for two seconds. • Ascending/accelerating movement: Start ascending while extending your hips and knees as you are keeping the same mechanics as in the descending movement. Complete one to two sets with eight to 10 reps.

Have you seen the latest fashions? There are a lot of cute skirts, dresses and shorts out there. If you are concerned your legs aren’t up to showing off those styles, one local ﬁtness dumBBEll dEadlift expert has a few exercises to get you all toned Stand with both feet shoulder-width apart up. Hristo Hristov, owner of WOW — Women on a Mission for Wellness — 4Cannestra shows the Fitness Boot Camp with locations in St. correct form of a squat. Charles and downtown Chicago, offers ﬁve moves to help you feel better about your legs.

Body WEight Squat

Stand with both feet shoulder-width apart pointing straight ahead, knees slightly bent, hips in neutral position. Pull your belly in and keep it tight; keep your shoulders back, chest up and tuck your chin back. • Descending/decelerating movement: Start squatting down and push your gluts back as if you are about to sit on a chair. Shift your weight in the back of your heels, and do not allow your knees to extend past your big toes. Maintain an upright posture with your chest up and your shoulders and the blades squeezed back. Look straight forward as you tuck your chin back to align it with your spine. • Isometric movement: Pause at the

5Shelly Cannestra of St. Charles demonstrates position one of a ﬂoor bridge

pointing straight ahead, knees slightly bent, hips in neutral position. Pull your belly in and keep it tight; keep your shoulders back, chest up and tuck your chin back. Place a small 10-pound dumbbell in each hand. • Descending/decelerating movement: Start lowering your upper body, reaching toward the ﬂoor with the dumbbells in your hands. Push your gluts straight backward, bending your knees only slightly. The most hinge should occur in the hips and very little in the knees. It is very important to keep your back/spine straight at all times. • Isometric movement: Pause at the bottom for two seconds. • Ascending/accelerating movement: Start ascending while straightening your hips and knees, and keep the same mechanics as in the descending movement. When you reach a standing position on the way up, bring your hands to the side of your hips while holding the dumbbells. Complete one to two sets with eight to 10 reps a set.

floor BridgE

Start by lying on your back in a supine position with your arms spread wide and your palms in contact with the floor for support. Your gluts should touch the floor and your knees should be flexed/bent with your feet on the floor. • Ascending/accelerating movement: Start raising your gluts off the

• Descending/decelerating movement: Take a big step forward with your right leg — about two feet forward — and lower your body toward the floor, making sure your right knee does not extend past your toes. Lower your left knee down toward the floor in a slow and controlled manner and stop before it contacts the floor. Your upper body should be vertical, and you should not lean forward. Keep your shoulders back, your chest up and high and your chin tucked in. • Isometric movement: Do not pause during this movement. • Ascending/accelerating movement: As you ascend and move forward, put your weight on your front foot, pushing the floor with your heel. Bring your back leg forward and set it next to your other leg. Alternate legs as you walk/lunge forward. Complete one to two sets with eight to 10 reps for each leg.

Body WEight Split Squat 5Hristo Hristrov, owner of WOW Fitness Boot Camp, helps Cannestra keep proper form while she does a split squat.

ﬂoor until you form a straight line from your shoulder to your knees. Pull your abdomen in and stabilize it. Your shoulder blades should be squeezed together and you should push the ﬂoor with your heels. • Isometric movement: As you fully extend the hip — by forming a straight line from your shoulders to your knees — hold that position for two seconds. • Descending/decelerating movement:

Slowly lower your gluts toward the ﬂoor. Complete one to two sets with eight to 10 reps a set.

Walking lungE

Start with both feet shoulder-width apart pointing straight ahead, knees slightly bent, hips in neutral position. Pull your belly in and keep it tight; keep your shoulders back, chest up and tuck your chin back.

Stand in split step with both feet pointed forward about two feet apart, one in front of the other, knees slightly bent. Pull your belly in and keep it tight; keep your shoulders back, chest up and tuck your chin back. • Descending/decelerating movement: Start lowering your body toward the floor without your right (front) knee exceeding your toes. Lower your left (back) knee down toward the floor in a slow and controlled manner and stop before it contacts the floor. Your upper body should be vertical, and you should not lean forward. Keep your shoulders back, your chest up and high and your chin tucked in.

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50 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

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• Isometric movement: Do not pause during this movement. • Ascending/accelerating movement: As you ascend, push the ﬂoor with your right (front) heel and lift your back leg off the ground, keeping everything tight. Keep your back straight and your hands on your hips. Complete one to two sets with eight to 10 reps for each leg. kc

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October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

health I By ELIZABETH HARMON I

Catering Choices

Go Green During his 53 years in the catering and banquet business, Donald Helmig has seen plenty of changes. “Twenty years ago, everything was served family style,” says Helmig, owner and manager of Catering Enterprises of Addison, which does business as Catering With Elegance, Medinah Banquets and the Bloomingdale Golf Club. A typical menu used to feature a meat entrée or bone-in chicken paired with pasta, salad and a vegetable. Often there was a second meat offered, such as Italian sausage. And portions were large. “There was lots of food,” he says. “It was your basic meat and potato or pasta. We’ve seen it go from family style to buffet and now to stations, with a carving station, hot buffet, vegetables and fresh fruit.”

Pleasing the palate

Local caterers are ﬁnding ways to be more environmentally friendly, including using local ingredients, reusable equipment and offering biodegradable options for throw-aways.

Mark Weaver, co-owner and chef of Inglenook Pantry Inc. in Geneva, has been in business since 1970 and agrees there is greater demand for healthier food and specialized menus. “The food service business has changed in the past ﬁve to seven years, and for a custom caterer, it’s about ﬁlling a guest’s needs,” Weaver says. Hosts are more mindful of the dietary needs of guests, and Weaver says that can present some interesting challenges, such as a recent party in which a guest was allergic to garlic. “There are a lot of seasonings and recipes that have garlic,” he says. “We were doing pulled pork, and almost all barbeque sauces have garlic, so we ended up creating a sauce that didn’t use it.” His staff also had to be careful to keep garlic out of the other menu foods and away from the preparation area. Weaver says that concerns about gluten

have led to changes in some of his recipes, such as using cornstarch instead of ﬂour to thicken sauces. “We get a lot of special requests for gluten-free and vegetarian meals, and almost always they’re preordered,” Helmig says. “Seldom do we have to do something on the spot, but we can.”

Pleasing the planet

With his typical business mix of weddings, open houses and business events, Helmig also ﬁnds that he’s able to use non-disposable tableware and serving equipment. “We use all reusable items for our inhouse events,” he says. “For outside jobs, if we’re providing the staff, we also provide reusable equipment.” Weaver agrees that reusable serving equipment and tableware are the way to go whenever possible. “It just presents nicer, it holds the food better and it’s eco-friendly,” he says. Even some casual events lend themselves to reusable items. “We did a crab party in Valparaiso, Ind., and served on Melmac plates, with real tableware

Make your Next gathering greener • Send out email invitations. • Suggest guests carpool, or choose a venue that’s close to public transportation. • Decorate using natural or reusable items. • Opt for reusable tableware, serving trays and linens, which reduce waste and save money. • Go easy on the meat. Vegetables, especially if they’re local and seasonable, require less energy to produce and transport. • Serve local beer and wine, or go with wine by the box. Offer pitchers of ice water rather than bottled water. For more ideas, visit www.ecosimply. com/green-party-tips. wrapped in linen,” Helmig says. For some functions, such as box lunches, disposables are unavoidable, but Weaver says that he tries to recycle as much as possible and uses paper plates, which are biodegradable. As the food industry as a whole looks for ways to reduce waste, biodegradable tableware and plastics have come on the market. Helmig says he’s had a few customers ask for it, but not many. “We don’t have a lot of requests, and it does cost a bit more, but if that’s what the guests want, we’ll do it,” he says. He believes the additional cost for the biodegradable instead of conventional plastic tableware limits the appeal. “People want to go green, but they also consider the impact on their pocketbook,” he says. Cost-consciousness may also have curbed customer requests for organic ingredients. “We don’t get a lot of requests for it, but people know we make things from scratch,” Weaver says. “My wife is one of the cofounders of the Geneva Green Market, so we try and get as much of our produce from there as possible.” Helmig says his customers have a decided preference for lighter fare. “Years ago, the beef portions were much larger. Now, people want petite ﬁlets,” he says. “Very seldom did we use boneless chicken breasts, but now it’s very common and prepared lots of ways. We do chicken marsala, Greek chicken, lemon chicken — there’s lots of variety.” kc

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October 2012 • Kane County Magazine

fashion & beauty

MANLY

4 Heavy black rubber and silver necklaces are fashionable for men right now. Photos provided

jewelry? I By LEE NELSON

or decades, men wore watches … and maybe a wedding band. That was it for jewelry except, on rare occasion, cufﬂinks when they dressed up. However, with the explosion of new metals and designers making a splash in the men’s jewelry arena, things are changing quickly. Choices are becoming abundant with masculine pendants, rings, bracelets and more. Men’s jewelry can be found to enhance and accessorize a man’s casual look or a sophisticated style. Combinations of metals such as stainless steel with copper are hot commodities that have an inexpensive price tag, says Karen Hollis, owner of K. Hollis Jewelry in Batavia. With her store expansion this fall, Hollis deﬁnitely is putting in more displays of men’s jewelry. “They come in here a lot,” she says of male customers. “So, I am putting a few more cases right up front where they are paying. Most men won’t seek out stuff for themselves. But if it’s right there, they might take a glance at it and think, ‘That’s cool.’” 6 Oversized watches are making a comeback.

wAtches, BrAceLets MAke A stAteMeNt Inside Hollis’s store, a vast selection of men’s bracelets of all different styles and materials is selling quite quickly. “[Men] like the twisted metal or those with inlays of black and brown,” she says. “The stainless steel bracelets are popular, too. But these can be a little tricky because bracelets only come in 8 1/2 or 9 1/4-inch sizes. If you are a really big guy or a little guy, they won’t ﬁt you.” Marco Detoni, owner of Mr. Marco Jewelers in St. Charles, sells a lot of heavy bracelets to men. Many men still wear a leather bracelet with a metal I.D. bar on it, he says. The younger guys like braided leather bracelets with charms. Those charms, of course, are usually dice, a motorcycle, skulls, cross bones and other manly items. It is deﬁnitely becoming acceptable for men to wear bracelets today, Detoni says. “They call it the ‘tribal’ Hollywood look,” he says. “Designers researched tribes. They made jewelry that adds in some Gothic, medieval, crusaders and Keltic looks. There’s a lot of cross insignias.” Another wrist accessory — watches — have made a big comeback at Hollis’s store.

5(Center) Men’s bracelets of all different styles and materials are selling quite quickly. 4(Right) Tungsten has become a big seller in men's jewelry within the last few years.

“Most guys have multiple watches,” she says. “There are those who are watch snobs — they have to have one for every outﬁt. A lot of people wear watches and are lost without them.” Hollis sells Skagen watches that start at $150 and rise in price, while the Citizen brand offers all solar-powered watches. “They don’t need batteries,” she says. “People do get fed up with getting batteries everywhere. But the young guys don’t wear watches. They wear bracelets.” Detoni also has found that younger men in their 20s don’t really buy watches since they use their cell phones to tell time. “But once they hit 30 years old, they go back to the watches or get their ﬁrst watch,” he says. “Guys who are in the business world want to wear a watch. They feel like they are leaving home naked without a watch.”

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Within the last few years, tungsten has become a big seller in men’s jewelry along with cobalt, titanium and stainless steel, especially in wedding bands, says Hollis. “The tungsten stuff is so fun — it won’t scratch,” she says. “Benchmark, one of the biggest brands in tungsten jewelry, gives a guarantee. If your ﬁnger ever grows, they will give you a new one.” A basic titanium ring usually is priced between $100 and $150, while tungsten can be a little less expensive. Many rings can be engraved on the inside. “I have more than 100 rings for grooms in my store,” Hollis says. “But many times the guys really don’t care. On average, they take about six minutes to pick one out. Most of them do not feel comfortable in a ring. The bride can take days to decide what she wants to wear on her ﬁnger.” Detoni sells a lot of costume jewelry that has the look of really expensive jewelry but is made with different metals. “Stainless steel is the most durable — scratches can be polished out so quickly,” he says. “We have colored stainless steel rings with chocolate-colored plating, plus some with gold, orange and blue. Every kind of jewelry is made with stainless steel these days.” He also is seeing tungsten that comes in black and white colors. The black is plated onto the metal.

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When it comes to accessorizing the neck, men usually select heavier chains and hang their dog tags or some other important piece of jewelry from it. Crosses are still the most popular choice among men, Hollis says. “They usually get their chains at 22 to 24 inches with a cross that hangs over their heart,” she says. “Crosses have no season. We sell them all the time. We have all kinds of crosses, even diamond crosses.” Money clips, metal key chains and cuff links also have remained good sellers, especially as gifts for graduations, anniversaries and other life events, she says. “The cuff links surprise me,” Hollis says. “I didn’t think anyone was wearing them still. It’s not the younger guys buying them. But people are buying them.” kc

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fashion & beauty

Get In The SPIRIT If you’re going to make yourself up for halloween, “Commit to the character,” says Julane

Sullivan, owner of All Dressed Up Costume Rental in Batavia. That means paying attention to the details, she says. “Oftentimes, people will go, ‘I’m going to be a ghost,’ and they put gray all over their face and off they go,” Sullivan says. “Have the skin falling off, show skin a different texture underneath ... there are ways to get a much more professional look.” All Dressed Up hosts workshops in October to offer advice and tips on how to apply Halloween makeup, as well as prosthetics and other elaborate techniques. For the most part, they’re tips anyone can implement, though some projects are easier than others. “If you’re trying to do a scar or cut or abrasion or a stitched-up wound, those are things that can fairly easily be taught,” Sullivan says. “If you’ve got a little artistic talent and hand and eye coordination, you’re going to be a little better.” The key, again, is to remember the extra touches. If you’re going to be a witch, don’t just paint your face green and wander off. Add a wart, she says. Wearing a wig? Cut some hair from the wig and attach it to the wart. Have some hair coming out your nose as well. “Those are the things we kind of help people to go, ‘Oh yeah, why didn’t I think of that?’” Sullivan says. “We help them take it that step further. We’re going to create something spectacular and think outside the box.”

56 Kane County Magazine • October 2012

She predicts zombies once again will be popular this Halloween because of various movies and pop culture. “It’s the apocalypse — it’s coming,” she jokes. “The other thing that is going to be huge is the fairy tale universe,” she says. The television show “Once Upon a Time” and various “Snow White” and “Alice in Wonderland” remake ﬁlms likely will contribute to the draw of the fairy tale costume, she says. “The fairy tale sort of genre has become popular,” she says. “We may see people wanting to be the darker characters from those movies.” That said, Sullivan offers general advice on how to perfect your Halloween look: • If you’re going to use prosthetics or try to glue anything onto your skin, stick with the products designed to do just that. “We’ve heard stories about people doing silly things like using super glue,” Sullivan says. Spirit gum, an adhesive popular for Halloween costumes, works well, but likely isn’t the best product to use on children, she says. It will pull out even the tiniest hairs when prosthetics are removed. In fact, any type of glue should not be used on a child’s face, Sullivan says. “You have to be really careful about that because their skin is very sensitive to even the best of products,” Sullivan says. • That doesn’t mean options are limited when it comes

5 Julane Sullivan of All Dressed Up transforms Shayne Dwyer of St. Charles into a zombie.

By JAMI KUNZER Photos by JEFF KRAGE

KaneCountyMagazine.com

to children. “There are lots of things you can do with children,” Sullivan says. “Makeup is absolutely a wonderful way for a parent to make a child feel special without adding a mask ... so they have full vision.” Makeup is available to create fairy princesses in which glitter is mixed in with liquid to create a makeup that stays on the face until washed with soap and water, Sullivan says. She suggests elevating the makeup a bit by doing more than painting a ﬂower on a cheek or adding a bit of glitter. “You can buy the face paints and create that look on their faces as if it were the mask,” she says. Most makeups are safe for children, she says, and they should wash off with soap and water. Pictures help when it comes to creating a desired look, such as a clown or superhero. “Quite honestly, every store in the universe comes out with a little face painting kit,” Sullivan says. “It’s just a matter of getting the template right ... it’s really all about having the right tools.” • What are the right tools? “If you really want to get detailed, you want to get better brushes,” Sullivan says. “The sponges are great for doing a broad base application.” But you might want to purchase more than the sponges that typically come in makeup kits, she says. If it’s just a one-time makeup application, she suggests picking up a basic packet of brushes of varying sizes at a craft store. More expensive brushes are available and can be used. “Makeup artists need that, but Mom

doesn’t,” she says. The less expensive packets will do the trick as long as there’s a variety, she says. • Want to make your hair stand on end? Go with Aqua Net, suggests Sullivan. “We go hunt for it,” she says. “It still has so much holding property you don’t get in the contemporary hair products. Aqua Net is our good ol’ standby.” Yes, products speciﬁcally geared toward Halloween and dress-up are available that can be combed in or sprayed in hair, but Aqua Net works just as well, she says. • As for coloring hair, spray products that wash out with a single shampoo are easy to ﬁnd, safe and typically do the job, Sullivan says. Just don’t grab the wrong dye, like one that’s

meant to wash out after 10 washes, she says. • An additional makeup tip people forget? “When you’re trying to create a full character, and you’ve got your face all made up, make up your hands to match your face,” Sullivan says. When “Avatar,” a ﬁlm featuring blue aliens, was popular, people would paint their entire faces blue and forget their hands, she says. If you’re going for a costume that makes you look like an old person, the hands should look old as well, she says. “You want to add makeup that will make your skin look like it’s thinner,” she says. “If you’re very young, you might want to draw in the blueish veins and put powder over it so it gets that translucent look ... it’s all those little tricks that ﬁnish the look.” kc

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October Arts & Events In Kane County ArTS

Through Oct. 7 — “Sunshine Boys,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., in St. Charles Remembered best in the ﬁlm version starring Walter Matthau and George Burns, the play is the story of two old vaudevillians reuniting for one last performance on a TV retrospective on comedy. For tickets or more information, call 630-587-8521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com. Oct. 6 — The Original Crickets, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles The Crickets are a rock ‘n’ roll band from Lubbock, Texas, formed by singer/songwriter Buddy Holly in the 1950s. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com. Oct. 7 — go-go’s, 7 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles This show will feature the original lineup of the Go-Go’s, including Belinda Carlisle. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com. Oct. 12 through 20 — “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Albright Theatre, 100 N. Island Ave., in Batavia Watch your head! This performance will feature some of the Albright Theatre’s favorite characters — the burly Brom Bones, the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, the lovable Ichabod Crane and his nemesis, the Headless Horseman — as “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” returns to the Albright! This time-honored tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman gives the theater’s younger actors a chance to shine and always gets a special “Albright Twist.” For tickets or more information, call 630-406-8838 or visit www.albrighttheatre.com. Oct. 12 through 28 — “The Woman in Black,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles Back by popular demand, this performance — one of the longest running suspense thrillers in history — is a tale of a London lawyer who hires an actor to help recount a story to family and friends that has long troubled him since he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. During the reenactment, you’ll be gripping your seats with a chill down your spine as you experience the horror and terror of this haunting tale. Tickets are $32 to $42. For tickets or more information, call 630-584-6342 or visit www. foxvalleyrep.org. Oct. 20 — Evening of Chicago Bluegrass, 7 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Don’t miss this one-night-only concert featuring the world renowned Chicago bluegrass band, the Henhouse Prowlers. For tickets or more information, visit www. stcbluegrass.com.

a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Randall IMAX 15, 550 N. Randall Road, in Batavia Don’t miss the free fall movie series! Movies are as follows: Oct. 6 and 7: “Rango;” Oct. 13 and 14: “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax;” Oct. 20 and 21: “Ice Age 4: Continental Drift;” Oct. 27 and 28: “ParaNorman;” Nov. 3 and 4: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.” For more information, visit www. gqti.com/freemovies.aspx. Oct. 7 through 28 — kane County Scaregrounds Haunted House, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, in St. Charles The haunted house is for those ages 13 and older. Children can be admitted with an adult. The lead designer for the Scaregrounds is R.J. Ogren, a talented former Disney artist. Admission is $13. For more information, call 630-587-8521 or visit www.kanecountyfair.com. Oct. 9 — fall Color Hayride Tour, 10 a.m. at the Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1s151 Winﬁeld Road, in Wheaton Take a tour featuring a fall color tour of the gardens via hay wagon. This tour will be given by Todd Henderson and Chris Roberts, Cantigny’s forester and assistant forester, respectively. For more information, call 630-260-8162 or visit www.cantigny.org. Oct. 12, 13 and 14 — fox valley Oktoberfest, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Batavia Festival Grounds, at North Island and Houston streets, in Batavia There will be non-stop beer, food and music with German bands and an international musical deejay. For more information, visit www.foxvalleygermans.org.

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Oct. 5 through 7 — Scarecrow fest, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, in downtown St. Charles For more than 25 years, this award-winning festival has brought heartwarming memories to both children and adults. The heart and soul of the festival is the “Scarecrow Contest,” which boasts more than 150 hand-crafted scarecrows. Visitors view and vote for their favorite in six categories. Enjoy live entertainment, a huge arts and crafts show, carnival, petting zoo and more. For more information, visit www.scarecrowfest.com. Oct. 6 through Nov. 4 — free fall Movies, 9 and 10

Oct. 13 — 2012 Cantigny fall festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton Don’t miss this huge festival, featuring arts and crafts, inflatables, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a petting zoo, hay rides and much more! For more information, call 630-668-5161 or visit www.cantigny.org. Oct. 19 and 20 — Moonlight Hayrides, 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, in St. Charles A bonfire, a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and cider will round out this delightful seasonal family event. The cost is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. For more information, call 630-513-4370 or visit www. primrosefarmpark.com. Oct. 20 — Batfest, 8 a.m. in downtown Batavia Don’t miss all the festivities, including the 5K, trickor-treating, the pumpkin roll, a costume contest, a zombie walk and much more! For a full schedule or more information, visit www.downtownbatavia.com. Oct. 24 — Mary Todd Lincoln and the Spiritualists, 7 p.m. at the Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave., in Batavia Join Valerie Gugala as she delves into the history of Mary Todd Lincoln and her belief in spiritualism. After the death of her son Willie, Mary Lincoln hosted seances in the White House to try to contact him and other deceased relatives. Cost is $8. For more information, visit www.bataviaparks. org. kc

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our town: ST. CHARLES

ST. CHArLeS: Pickle Capital? Natalie gacek has worked at the St. Charles Heritage Center for nearly a decade, serving as its educator before taking over as director a year and a half ago. Gacek recently sat down with Kane County Magazine Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby to talk about an interesting, fun fact about St. Charles that some residents may still remember. kC: Is there a fun bit of history from the early part of the century that people may remember about St. Charles? gacek: A lot of people may remember this, but a lot of people are surprised when they come in [to St. Charles] and ﬁnd that, for over 40 years, St. Charles was the pickle capital of the world. kC: What? I have never heard this! gacek: In the 1960s, there was a gentleman in town who worked at Pickle Packers International. And it was a marketing campaign that they had St. Charles named as the pickle capital of the world. And so there were signs as you drove into town declaring us the

ﬁth Andy grif

Appleseed, they had a Johnny Pickleseed and they had a Miss Chilly Dilly. It’s endless, and humorous, the amount of ways [they used pickles]. kC: How long did this title last? gacek: About 40 years, so about the early 1960s to the early 2000s. kC: Did pickles play an important part in St. Charles history before the 1960s? gacek: There were no cucumber farms, there were no manufacturing, jarring, none of that. Some of my volunteers are going through old newspapers, and around 1900, they did ﬁnd that there was, for a very small time, some sort of pickle business going on in town, but it deﬁnitely was not related to us later being named the pickle capital of the world. kc

Pickle paraphernalia pickle capital, and they had all sorts of pickle paraphernalia — pickle phones, pickle ties, clocks, purses — anything and everything you could put a pickle on, they did. They came up with marketing campaigns like, “Holidays are pickle days,” “Shape up with pickles” — and it was a question on “Jeopardy” at one point. kC: really? Did people know it was on “Jeopardy?” gacek: Yes. It was shown as a rerun, and after that aired, a lot of people were calling, wanting to know all about it. And at the time, we didn’t really have a lot of information. But shortly after I started working here, so [in the] early 2000s, we lost our designation as pickle capital of the world because the group moved out of town. And so they went with another ﬁrm that was located, I believe, in Washington D.C. And when they were clearing out their ofﬁces, they just decided to donate a lot of the stuff here. So, we do have a small exhibit on the Pickle Packers and pickles in St. Charles on display, and lots of fun photos. kC: What types of photos do you have? gacek: There are photos where they would send a giant pickle to politicians who found themselves in a pickle to let them take a funny picture in an attempt to defuse the situation. Instead of having Johnny

• Our Town features a different person, organization, event or historical landmark in a Kane County community on a rotating monthly basis. To suggest a topic for an Our Town column, send an email to Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby at sgrimoldby@ shawmedia. com.

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