KCC_KC Magazine_August 2021

Pets & Family E

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A NEW CHAPTER

AUGUST 2021

Check out the renovated St. Charles Public Library PAGE 18

‘THE PERFECT SHOW TO REOPEN OUR DOORS’

Q&A with the director of “Kinky Boots” at the Paramount PAGE 40

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Combine the loving presence of goats with the calming practice of yoga

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JOIN THE PARTY AUGUST 18–OCTOBER 17, 2021

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Editor's

NOTE “Harry Caray, where are you going!?”

That was NOT a sentence I expected to hear

On the family side, this month features a

on the job — but I did recently at Goat Yoga

deep dive on the St. Charles Public Library’s

Chicago! Sometimes life plops you into the

yearlong, $18.6 million renovation (P. 18).

middle of a goat farm, and suddenly your

It opened to visitors just a few weeks ago,

morning is spent giggling and learning the

and wow, it’s worth a visit! The book clubs

names and personalities of Kane County’s

will resume in-person meetings there now

most rambunctious, sociable goats.

that the building is open, and I can’t wait

Our cover shoot for this month’s pets & family issue took place at Goat Yoga Chicago in Elgin. If you’re an amateur like me, goat yoga functions like a yoga class where friendly goats mingle with participants, occasionally cuddling or joining in on poses (P. 10). I can’t wait to return and take a class. The model said it felt like a deep tissue massage!

We could have doubled the size of this month’s issue; there are so many facets to pets and family. Did you know Anderson

to meet my fellow readers in person for the first time. If you’re also a reader, consider joining one!

Whether you’re planning a visit to see the Paramount Theatre’s new show, learning more about therapeutic horseback riding lessons or trying a new restaurant — all featured in these pages — this issue celebrates the joy that loved ones bring to our lives.

Thanks for reading!

Humane takes in injured, sick or orphaned

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Allison Bills, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Katie McCall, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak and Chris Walker.

animals for rehabilitation? I was shocked to learn how much care some of the animals require. You can learn more on P. 14.

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

on the

COVER

Rose and Thor (brown with white spot) join Nikki Huber in a yoga pose at Goat Yoga Chicago in Elgin. Photo by Ron McKinney Photography. Read more on P. 10.

Next month: The Kane County dining scene has exploded since last year — look for our food & wine issue in September!

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This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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INSIDE

What's

PETS & FAMILY

8 BUILDING EMPOWERMENT HorsePower provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons 10 NOT JUST FOR HUMANS ANYMORE Goat yoga combines the loving presence of animals with the calming practice of yoga 14 REHABILITATING CREATURES, GREAT AND SMALL These organizations specialize in orphaned birds, canine aquatics and more 16 DOGGONE GOOD PATIOS Visit these 6 local, pet-friendly places 18 NEW CHAPTER Check out the St. Charles Public Library, reopened after an $18.6 million renovation

HOME & LIFESTYLE

32 A LOVE AFFAIR WITH HYDRANGEA These glorious blooms are easy to maintain — just remember what kind you have 34 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Work to improve communities instead of leaving, Superdad suggests

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36 PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet share tips on making your retirement feel like a vacation

ART & FASHION

20 RUSTY RODEO ROUNDUP Event protects Ferson Creek from destructive crayfish invader

38 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Maureen Gasek created more than 30 pieces of art during the pandemic

HEALTH & WELLNESS

40 ‘THE PERFECT SHOW TO REOPEN OUR DOORS’ A Q&A with Trent Stork, director of “Kinky Boots” at the Paramount

22 SHAKE UP YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE Break up your usual workouts with Jazzercise, swimming or yoga 24 EAT HEALTHY, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OUT Digestive expert Dr. Tarun Mullick eats a balanced meal at Eden on the River

44 EXPLORE ARCHITECTURE IN THE ELGIN AREA Among other treasures, see the only farmhouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 46 GRAB A BOOKMARK Two book recommendations to check out in August

DINING & ENTERTAINING

26 SWEET GOODBYES AND NEW BEGINNINGS Katie McCall reflects on a year of change and rebirth 28 ‘PRETTY POWERFUL RESTAURANT SCENE’ Moto Imoto joins lineup of up-andcoming St. Charles restaurants

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Building

EMPOWERMENT HORSEPOWER PROVIDES THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided

L

ayla Basic of Aurora has spent a lot of time in the saddle recently.

It’s those relationships that Capes hopes each of the riders experience during their lessons.

The 9-year-old recently completed her first year of weekly riding lessons at HorsePower Therapeutic Riding in St. Charles. Layla, who has selective mutism, experiences severe social anxiety and finds it difficult to speak with anyone outside her family.

Capes says the nonprofit is inclusive to everyone, not just people who can afford lessons. About onethird to two-third of clients pay on a sliding scale.

HorsePower is always looking for volunteers and donors.

This year Daniel and Layla plan to volunteer and help at Critter Connections — an opportunity for riders to interact with other animals on the farm.

As volunteers, they’ll help feed and put away the bunnies and chickens.

“Her body tenses up and she shuts down,” says her dad, Daniel Basic. “Layla doesn’t want other people to hear her talk.”

In that amount of time, Basic has seen his youngest daughter develop a wonderful relationship with her instructor, Barb.

“As long as it’s just me and Layla, she’ll talk to the horses and bunnies at Critter Connections and engage with the animals,” Basic says. “She loves holding Milo, her favorite bunny.”

“HorsePower puts Layla in an environment where she can let down some of these guards,” Basic says.

“Layla now communicates with her instructor using head nods and gestures. I’m confident she’ll verbally speak with Barb.”

HorsePower provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities.

Founded in 2012, the nonprofit recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in St. Charles.

Co-founder and program director Carries Capes was inspired to start HorsePower after seeing the growth her son Max, who has special needs, experienced when he started riding horses at age 8.

“When his muscle tone improved from riding, his other skills began to improve,” Capes says. “Max

felt empowered and so motivated about his lessons.

He was starting to get burned out from traditional therapies.”

Capes rode horses as a child when she went on vacations or visited friends who owned horses.

“When I’m riding, it’s the one time in life that I stay in the moment and experience peace and comfort,” she says. “I was never a competitive rider. For me, it was always about the relationship with the horse.”

Visits to HorsePower are by appointment only.

Families interested in riding lessons can schedule an intake lesson. There is a short waitlist for some programs, but Capes says they pull people from the list all the time.

The public is welcome to stop by visit the farm during a fall fest planned for Aug. 28. The event will feature food trucks, music and an opportunity to interact with the animals.

“It’s about more than riding a horse; it’s providing riders with an expanded view of self,” Capes explains.

“The lessons they learn with horses and animals can be applied in other aspects of their life.”

VISIT WWW.HORSEPOWERTR.COM TO LEARN MORE, MAKE A DONATION OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.

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YOGA IT’S NOT JUST FOR HUMANS ANYMORE

By Allison Bills Photos of Goat Yoga Chicago by Ron McKinney Photography

Goat yoga combines the loving presence of animals with the calming practice of yoga

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GOAT YOGA WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MENTAL HEALTH

By Hannah Hoffmeister

A

t Goat Yoga Chicago, you’ll find five Mini Nubians and 13 Nigerian Dwarf goats with names you may recognize from the Chicago Cubs or popular TV shows. There’s Maddux, Chandler, Rizzo, Thor and more, all living on a picturesque, stunning landscape.

While the goats are, well, conventional at a farm specializing in goat yoga, the focus on mental health is more unexpected.

“Everything that we do has to point back to mental health,” says Danielle Kerr, who owns the farm with her husband, Brad.

Brad’s father died by suicide in 2015. Since then, the Kerr family has worked to address the stigma around mental health through goat yoga and open dialogue initiated by the yoga instructor. Goat Yoga Chicago has recently added 30-minute mindfulness classes to wrap up some classes, too, providing exercises and techniques to help participants after they leave the farm.

W

hat makes milk and cheese, eats grass, and loves yoga?

If you guessed “goats,” you’re correct — and it’s a growing practice. Among other farms, Primrose Farm in St. Charles and Goat Yoga Chicago in Elgin can help make sharing your yoga mat with a goat a reality.

Merle and Norman, two Nigerian Dwarf goats (and twin brothers), want you to be a part of their next goat yoga class this summer at Primrose Farm. Typically held twice monthly on Saturday mornings from April through October, these outdoor yoga classes are designed to cater to all skill levels and ages — and make yoga inviting for everyone.

“It’s a lot of fun,” says Emily Lambillotte, farm program supervisor at Primrose Farm. “You’re coming to goat yoga to have a good time,

potentially find something you really enjoy doing, and just spend some time with some animals.”

While Primrose Farm has always had a variety of animals, the team had always wanted goats, and goat yoga seemed like the perfect excuse to add a few to the farm family.

“We just started with a few classes four years ago to gauge the interest and they sold out right away,” says Alison Jones, CPRP and manager of farm programs and interpretive services. She notes they have since added private goat yoga classes as well as birthday groups, Girl Scout troops and a “billies and bubbles” brunch with the goats.

“The most wonderful thing about goats is that they love everybody,” says Kerr. “They’re fully present” and accept you as you are, she says. Combining that connection with the grounded nature of yoga helps participants let go of stress and anxiety, she says.

 PRIMROSE FARM 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles 630-513-4370 www.primrosefarm.org/goat-yoga  GOAT YOGA CHICAGO 11N435 Muirhead Road, Elgin 224-276-6001 www.goatyogachicago.com

“The program brings in people from all over Kane County and even beyond,” Lambillotte says. “We get all kinds of different people, all ages, all across Illinois.”

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“Everyone is always more e focused on having a go od tim than having to focus on any super hard exercise poses or t, looking go ofy. Goats come firs yoga comes second.”

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That’s part of the draw of goat yoga — anyone can do it, no experience needed.

“For some people, it might be intimidating to go to a serious yoga class,” Jones says. “People at these classes do the poses, but a lot of the time they’re also hanging with the goats who are looking for attention. It’s relaxing in a different way.”

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Lambillotte, who teaches the majority of the classes, says while the classes do include yoga, they really focus on breathing exercises and stretching

and that no poses are particularly challenging.

In addition to several new baby Nigerian Dwarf goats that arrived this summer — Oatmeal, Sugar and Snickerdoodle — Primrose has added a twist for the animal aficionados out there: calves.

“They’re really friendly,” Lambillotte says, noting that as babies, they are small enough to meander around with the goats. “Sometimes even friendlier than the goats!”

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Currently, Eleanor, a female calf, is a few months old and comes out for goat yoga, while Teddy is approaching 6 months and will be too big to participate soon. Primrose has calves every year in the spring and summer, so they always expect to have them around for spring and summer classes.

“I love how every single session is different,” Lambillotte says. “Every one is so different I never know what to expect. Sometimes they’ll be running in circles between people’s arms and

under their bellies and doing crazy stuff.

It’s always fun to see how the goats decide to interact with the public for the day.”

Primrose likes to keep attendance around 10 people so everyone can enjoy one-on-one time with the goats, but they can always stretch it to 15.

“Everyone is always more focused on having a good time than having to focus on any super hard exercise poses or looking goofy,” Lambillotte says.

“Goats come first, yoga comes second.”

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REHABILITAT CREATURES, GREAT AN THESE KANE COUNTY ANIMAL ORGANIZATIONS SPECIALIZE IN EVERYTHING FROM ORPHANED BIRDS TO CANINE AQUATICS

By Diane Krieger Spivak Photo provided by Anderson Humane

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J

ust like their human counterparts, animals, whether wild or of the domestic variety, sometimes find themselves in need.

At Anderson Humane, formerly Anderson Animal Shelter, in South Elgin, a range of wildlife undergo rehabilitation to get them healthy and ready to return to their respective animal lives.

“We service quite a variety of bats and skunks,” says Molly Craig, a wildlife manager and expert in wildlife rehabilitation. The facility has also tended to the likes of squirrels, cottontail rabbits, opossums, songbirds, waterfowl, raccoons, the occasional fox and coyote, and even a pelican.

The shelter typically takes in 2,000 to 3,000 animals each year, although 2020 saw a record 4,000-5,000 since some other agencies weren’t able to accept animals due to the pandemic. From rabbits born in backyards to orphaned birds or squirrels that may have fallen out of a tree, “A lot of what we do is orphan care,” says Craig. “People will

often call us and say they’ve found an animal.” Some unusual ones have included a bearded dragon and a tarantula.

The needs of orphaned wildlife depend on the species, explains Craig.

“Mammals get milk based on the mother’s milk content. Some babies require feedings up to five times a day.

Baby songbirds require feedings every 15 minutes round the clock. We have a volunteer and internship program to care for those,” she says, adding babies are eventually weaned off and moved to outdoor cages until they’re ready for designated release sites.

Domestic ducks are a “significant issue,” says Craig. “People buy Easter ducklings because they’re cute. When they’re full-grown they’re messy and people release them into a local pond where they don’t have the instincts to take care of themselves. We took in 60 ducks last year.” Those go through waterfowl adoption programs and eventually to local hobby farms.

All intakes undergo a full medical exam and de-stress time. If an animal

needs surgery, the nonprofit has social media fundraisers to help, and local veterinarians often work at a discount.

“If an animal can’t be released into the wild, we give them a home,” says Craig. “They’re ambassadors for their species, going into schools, libraries and summer camps.”

For man’s best friend, there’s The Puddle in South Elgin. It’s a canine aquatics facility that offers an indoor heated pool for recreation, fitness and post-surgery recovery for dogs of all ages, as well as puppy swim lessons. Owner Cathy Murphy notes her services are not the same as rehabilitation hydrotherapy. “That’s a tank of water with dogs on a treadmill,” says Murphy, whose recovery services are vastly different.

“Most dogs might be a little fearful at first, but we do everything in repetition,” says Murphy. “We develop trust right away. We’ll have them swim to where Mom or Dad are waiting. We use lots of praise, treats, toys, all those things to help them understand it’s safe. Once they see the toys, they’re

PETS & FAMILY AUGUST 2021

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ATING AND SMALL not afraid any more. Dogs instinctively do not want to be in the water if they can’t touch bottom. They need a reason to go in the water. They have to be taught it’s okay.”

The Puddle swims a lot of senior dogs with arthritis to keep them mobile, says Murphy, who is certified in canine swimming. “The warm water increases circulation and aids older dogs. We

also have a lot of dogs that are in for agility to keep fit.” The biggest benefit aquafitness offers is if a dog has had surgery for a torn or severed ACL (CCL in dogs). “Because they have four legs, they’ll use the other three and the injured leg doesn’t get its needed exercise. In the pool they will kick their legs to see if they touch bottom, and once they realize it’s not painful they’ll use that leg. They’ll swim more readily than walk on a leg

If you co me across a n injured or orpha ned anim al, contact Anderso n Humane at 847-697 -2880, ext. 25.

that’s painful. Muscle tone is paramount, and it’s going to support the surgery procedure. You want to build up that leg so it’s strong again.”

Swimming can benefit a dog even more than a walk in a lot of ways, says Murphy. “It’s non-weight-bearing, there’s no pressure on joints. Certain dogs might be very overweight, where walking is uncomfortable.”

The Puddle also provides canine massage, which offers many health and behavioral benefits, says Murphy.

“Some dogs who can’t swim are able to lie on a mattress and get a massage,” says Murphy. “They love it.”

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DOGGONE GOOD PATIOS VISIT THESE 6 LOCAL, PET-FRIENDLY PLACES

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T

here is nothing like dining outside on a warm summer day with your best friend beside you. Many local dining establishments open their patios up to canines so they can join their humans for a meal out. Check out these pet-friendly outdoor spaces!

 CROSSTOWN PUB AND RESTAURANT 1890 Mill St., Batavia www.xtownpub.com 630-406-0669 This dog-friendly neighborhood pub is known for its “build-your-own wings” entree with your choice of unique rubs and sauces including pizza, bacon cheddar and white cheddar. Pair your wings with a specialty cocktail, beer or hard apple cider.  FILLING STATION PUB & GRILL 300 W. Main St., St. Charles www.filling-station.com 630-584-4414 The antique filling station decor adds to the ambiance of this bar in downtown

St. Charles. Settle in for beverages and burgers with your dog by your side on the shaded patio. Be sure to save room for dessert and indulge in their funnel cake fries!  EDDIE GAEDEL PUB AND GRILL 117 N. Main St., Elburn www.eddiegaedelpubandgrill.com 630-365-9938 Named after Eddie Gaedel, the shortest MLB player who played for the St. Louis Browns in 1951, this pub in downtown Elburn is known for its epic burgers and build-your-own bloody mary concoctions. The patio offers the perfect respite for dogs and their owners to relax after a nice walk around town.

 GRAHAM’S FINE CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM 302 S. Third St., Geneva www.grahamschocolate.com 630-232-6655 It is not uncommon on a warm summer day to see dogs sprawled around the white Adirondack chairs in front of Graham’s while their humans sit back and enjoy a dipped ice cream cone. Aside from their delicious ice cream, this sweet shop in downtown Geneva also serves up truffles, salted caramels and other sweet comforts.  TAP HOUSE GRILL 3341 W. Main St., St. Charles www.taphousegrills.com 630-443-1664

Dogs can enjoy the comfort of the patio area while their owner partakes in a craft beer or specialty cocktail. The menu selections range from sandwiches and burgers to pasta and tacos.  THE SIDECAR SUPPER CLUB & BEER GARDEN 12 N. River St., Batavia www.theriversedgebatavia.com 630-406-9200 Grab a seat along the five-tiered outdoor beer garden and soak up the view of the Fox River with your furry friend while listening to live music and enjoying a selection from over 100 craft brews.

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NEW CHAPTER

CHECK OUT THE ST. CHARLES PUBLIC LIBRARY, REOPENED AFTER AN $18.6 MILLION RENOVATION

By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos by Shaw Media

T

here was so much at the St. Charles Public Library that Edith Craig couldn’t wait to show off.

For more than a year, the library has undergone a transformation. And Craig, as director of the St. Charles Public Library District, has had a front row seat throughout the long process of helping the venerable old building make the jump to the 21st century — and, perhaps, beyond.

“The biggest benefit to our community is caring for a 115-year-old building and its additions, to last 100 more years,” Craig says.

While retaining its ties to its deep history, the library now boasts a host of new features,

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designed to meet the needs of today’s patrons of all ages. It reopened to the public in mid-July.

services area, will beckon visitors to perhaps sit for a bit, perhaps with a good book in hand.

The improvements are apparent before visitors even walk in the door.

Inside the library, patrons will find still more inviting and welcoming spaces, Craig says. The library’s interior was fully gutted and rebuilt, allowing a new design that Craig says allows the library to “maximize patron space.”

Visitors will find more parking and safer pedestrian access to the library, thanks to a new main entrance on the library’s east wall.

Depending on their needs, some visitors will not even need to exit their vehicles: The library now includes a drive-up window for pickup and return.

Craig notes the exterior of the library was beautified with “prairie and meadow river plantings,” while a new sunken terrace garden, just outside the library’s lower-level youth

Children and parents, for instance, will find “more interactive play, more study spaces, more places to meet up with groups.” Teens will find “a dedicated enclosed room that will allow them to game, study and collaborate,” Craig says.

And library users of all ages will find enhanced seating opportunities throughout the library,

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Craig notes the library further boosted its accessibility for all patrons, as well, with more ramps and an elevator that reaches all three floors. Visitors will find more handicapped-accessible parking and better seating for patrons of all physical abilities throughout.

Pistilli says the library then searched out other “makerspaces” in other libraries throughout the Chicago area and in other states.

Technological access and ease were also at the heart of the project, Craig says. For instance, a new radio frequency identification system enables the library to immediately check in all materials returned by patrons, speeding the borrow and return process.

“This helped me compile a list of equipment and programs offered by other libraries,” Pistilli says.

“The equipment chosen for STC Creative are items commonly found in other makerspaces and items that fit well into the size of our space.”

The project is the result of years of preparation, dating back to 2008. All told, the project cost $18.6 million, primarily funded through money the library had saved through the years. About $5 million was funded through a bond sale in 2019.

But some of the biggest changes may have occurred in the parts of the library that visitors don’t necessarily see, but most definitely feel.

During the renovation, the library shifted operations to a temporary site at Haines Middle School in St. Charles, a space just a quarter of the size of the usual digs. Craig notes the project broke ground just as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. But the work did not stop.

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She says the project came in on budget and on time, in large part “because of the dedication of the full project team and partners — and sprinkle that with luck.”

M agazine Fin e

Along with patron spaces, the library’s physical plant was also transformed, with an eye toward efficiency and accessibility. The building was redesigned to allow for more natural light on all three floors, even in the lower level. All light fixtures are now energy efficient LEDs.

nty

St. Charles Public Library IT Educator Sarah Pistilli says the creation of STC Creative was guided by what library administrators learned from Making+Learning, an agreement between the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Staff spaces were moved largely behind the scenes, Craig says, leaving “the heart of the library for the public to enjoy.”

ou

STC Creative offers studios for creativity of all kinds. The space, for instance, will include a sound studio to aid in such digital ventures as podcasting, and tools for physical media — Cricut, Brother ScanNCut, 3D printers, heat press, Xyron Creative Station and 28-inch vinyl cutter, among others.

was also overhauled, with a new system that pumps in 30% more fresh air — an unexpectedly key feature to mitigate the spread of airborne infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus.

C

including a new “grand reading room” and access to what the library calls its new STC Creative “makerspace.”

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RUSTY O E D O R DUP

ROOUTECTNS FERSON CREEK FROM

EVENT PR IVE CRAYFISH INVADER DESTRUCT

By Sara Carlson Park District

by St. Charles Photos provided

A

ttention, cowgirls and cowboys who love water! Grab your bandanas and boots, and mosey on down to Ferson Creek Park for the Rusty Rodeo. You won’t be square dancin’ or wranglin’ cattle, but you will be roundin’ up a “wanted” aggressive invader of the Illinois waterways: the rusty crayfish.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7, families, individuals and groups are encouraged to stop by during this drop-in event to catch and remove rusty crayfish — nonnative, aquatic creatures that have been invading Illinois waterways since the 1970s.

Named for their brownish-red color, rusty crayfish are taking over the habitat of native crayfish, shredding vegetation that fish like to hide in and disrupting intricate parts of the ecosystem, according to Pam Otto, St. Charles Park District outreach ambassador.

“Rusties were introduced here most likely as fishing bait,” Otto explains. “The species actually didn’t come from that far away. Rusty crayfish are native to the Ohio River drainage. But they grow bigger and reproduce faster than our Illinois native species, which gives them a competitive advantage.”

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She says 15 years ago, she’d see up to three species of crayfish in Ferson and Otter creeks, but now the rusty crayfish is dominant, which is a sign it’s displacing the native crayfish such as the white river, virile (or northern) and northern clearwater species. “You always want a diversity of species to fill the niches in any ecosystem, and the rusty crayfish is taking over the habitat of native species who live and feed here.”

Therefore, the rusty crayfish has got to go. “The staff at the Fox Valley Park District’s Red Oak Nature Center came up with the Rusty Rodeo in 2019,” Otto says. “We helped out at their event then and last year too. This year we feel there’s a big enough following to expand the event to two sites.”

than we found it,” Otto says.

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes (not Crocs) for wading and plan to get muddy and wet. While the park district will have nets and pans for collection, participants can bring their own as well.

For more information, visit www.stcparks.org or call Pam Otto at 630-513-4346.

Hosted by the St. Charles Park District, the Fox Valley Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Friends of the Fox River, the event promises to be both fun and educational.

Naturalists will be on hand to demonstrate how to catch crayfish and help participants hone their identification skills. Awards for the largest rusty and most rusties captured will be given. All crayfish will be checked by staff for proper identification.

“The goal for the day is to leave the creek better

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Fun ‘FORE’ Everyone!

through August MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

OPEN Daily thr through Aug 10

11am-8pm PLAY & STAY For each round of golf at regular price, play another round for $2!

OPEN 11am-9pm TREASURE TUESDAY We Weekends For each round of golf at regular price, Aug 14 to ages 10 & under can choose a prize!

Sep 26 11am-6pm RENT-A-BOAT DAY Rent a kayak or pedal boat for only $14 per hour per boat - a $5 savings! vings!

11am-9pm GRANDPARENTS ENTS DAY Grandparents are free with paid admission of a grandchild.

6-9pm FAMILY NIGHT For each round of golf at regular price receive a free frozen treat. t.

6pm-Close DATE NIGHT Couples play for $10 per round.

In Pottawatomie Park • 8 North Avenue, St. Charles

630-584-1028 • riverviewminigolf.org

SAFE, OPEN-PLAY DAYCARE EXERCISE & EDUCATION FUN-FILLED DAYS WITH THEIR BFFF™ (BEST FURRY FRIENDS FOREVER)

LIVE PLAYROOM WEBCAMS

daycare • boarding •

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BREAK UP YOUR USUAL WORKOUTS WITH JAZZERCISE, SWIMMING OR YOGA

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photo provided by Denise Espinosa

W

hile working and juggling her role as the mother of small children, Michelle Berls found herself in a fitness rut. That’s when a friend invited her to join her at a Jazzercise class.

“I always enjoyed aerobics but when I went to one class I was hooked,” Berls says.

Jazzercise is a full-body workout set to the latest top 40 tunes. Berls started classes in 1994 in St. Charles and would go from participant to instructor to franchise owner, launching Jazzercise Geneva at Strikers Fox Valley. Most days her attendees join her for an after-work session, dancing off the day’s frustrations and celebrating achievements in the different Jazzercise formats that offer varying combinations of cardio and strength straining. Each routine can be modified to incorporate high or low intensity. Berls says her classes include participants in their 20s through their 70s.

Last year she began livestreaming classes and was surprised to see it was a popular option. She says she’ll continue to use it even as participants return to in-person classes.

“A member of our class recently joined

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YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE us through the livestream while she was traveling in South Carolina,” Berls says.

So often in busy lives, it’s easy to neglect oneself — and yet, taking that first step to try something new can lead to a series of small steps that add up to weight loss and improved mental and physical health.

“I started off slow just trying to work off the baby weight and then I started going to more classes, then I started walking more and soon I lost 25 pounds and I kept it off,” Berls says. “The more you move the more you want to move.”  SWIMMING Another option to get moving is to take the workout to the water. From water aerobics to swimming laps, a pool workout is a great way to build cardio strength, especially when joint pain begins to interfere with exercises.

“My father had to stop using his bike, but at 75 he still swims,” says Monika Allabaugh. She manages British Swim School of DuPage-Kane, which rents pool space in local facilities for its swim classes. Allabaugh says it’s not uncommon to have adults register for classes, whether it’s to improve swimming skills for a triathlon, master snorkeling skills for a trip or learn the basics for health and safety.

“My oldest student was 84 and she said it was something she always wanted to do, learning to swim.

She took lessons twice a week and in six months she was swimming,” Allabaugh says.

With small classes, typically three adults per class, instructors are able to provide the attention each individual needs to achieve their goals, she says.

Swimming is beneficial to the body’s metabolism and cardiovascular system, and allows the swimmer to build strength, flexibility and endurance, explains Karen Osswald, a swim instructor at Delnor Health & Fitness Center. She and the other instructors at the Geneva facility provide lessons to adults, using specialized techniques for those who have an injury or disability.

“At Delnor there is genuine poolside happiness and a comforting camaraderie because there is such a great range of abilities and goals,” Osswald says.

The more you move the more you want to move.

- MICHELLE BERLS

 YOGA It’s often said the first step is the biggest, and that’s why Denise Espinosa takes special care each time a new person steps through the studio doors at Soma Studio in Batavia. She and her team of instructors have worked hard to build the good vibe at her yoga studio,

a place where there’s no intimidation and a class for all levels.

“Faces and places hold energy and our studio has a certain magical energy that is tangible,” Espinosa says, adding students won’t feel pressure to reach advanced poses such as a headstand, but they will find a place that is inclusive where first-timers feel welcomed.

“Our objective is to offer the best elevated and personal experience to each class and each individual, whether it's their first or 100th class and whether there is one or 20 people in the class,” Espinosa says.

She and her husband, Alain, opened their first yoga studio on River Street in 2019 and earlier this year moved to the former dance studio above Six + Cypress Boutique on Wilson Street. She is always seeking new ways to bring yoga to people, from outdoor classes on Fridays to restorative and prenatal classes as well as yoga trapeze and sound healing meditations, proving there are different styles to meet everyone’s needs.

There are classes to help participants feel restored and relaxed or engage in a workout. Consider participating in curvy yoga, designed to promote self-love and body positivity for all body types.

“The culture we try to foster is that of inclusion and acceptance while attempting to dissolve the stereotypical yoga vibe of intimidation, which deters people from wanting to join a yoga class for fear of not fitting in,” Espinosa says.

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WITH DR. TARUN MULLICK

A

s our communities get vaccinated and we can move about during the next phase of this pandemic, keep supporting local restaurants a couple times a week if you can!

To feel like you are on the Mediterranean while nearby, head down to the revamped Eden on the River. With an upscale menu, you can see the Fox River as you dine with modernized delectable delights.

I started with Muhammara, which is a spread made from red bell peppers, walnuts, bread crumbs and pomegranate molasses. You can eat it with fresh-baked pita bread or just with a spoon. It is scintillating on the tongue, hitting the sweet, tangy, textured and comforting appeals in dining.

Next, I had the hot dish served on a platter with a little fire and flare... the saganaki. This is a melted cheese served hot on a sizzling platter. As the server brings it to the table, brandy is poured, creating a tall flame and sounding of an “opa.”

Finally, to round out this protein balance, I ordered the shrimp scampi, which is sizzling shrimp sauteed in olive oil and lemon juice and served with bread.

These tapas-style dishes are good for sharing and take you back to the Mediterranean Sea. Opa!

 Dr. Tarun Mullick is a specialist trained at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy based in Geneva.

Connect with him at www.mullickmd. com or by phone at 630-232-2025.

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TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS PLEASE CALL 630-232-2025

Ask the doctor

It is my honor and privilege to serve the community and readership of this publication. Our practice’s focus is to care for patients, to help them and tailor their care individually with current therapies.

Q: Has the screening age for colon cancer just changed?

A: Colon cancer screening is for both men and women. It is

preventable, beatable and treatable. Screening starts at 45 unless you have symptoms prior at whatever age or family history of polyps or cancer. Get screened. It can be done safely, even now.

Q: Do you offer telehealth? Many practices don’t? What do you think about that?

A: Yes, we offer telehealth. This means you can get treatment

without leaving your home. We will only bring you in for necessary tests, and you can choose locations away from hospitals, which likely have more serious COVID-19 patients. It’s safer to go to smaller practices and centers away like ours. In general, it appears telehealth is here to stay for years to come.

It presents an alternative. And, for those, who don’t like waits — we call you. Thus, you can continue to do whatever you need to in the meanwhile.

Q: I’ve been told the louder I belch, the better the meal,

especially during a Chicago Bears NFL game. With the Packers games, I tend to release gas lower down if you know what I mean. It’s a compliment in some countries.

But, is that a good thing or is it the Packers?

A: Belching can sometimes be a fun activity, especially during a

Chicago Bears NFL game. But in all seriousness, it represents the body’s need to remove gas or air to relieve some pressure in the stomach, kind of like a teapot releasing steam when the water boils. Ultimately, it may be a sign of overeating at the moment, or of intake of foods producing gas, like roughage more difficult to digest, sodas or carbonated beverages, or large quantities of any kind of food. Also, there can be some slippage of the stomach above the diaphragm muscle that creates a hiatal hernia. If it continues, an endoscopy would be helpful to determine.

Q: Everyone tells me my diarrhea or bloating is just in my head. Is that true? Are there medicines for it?

A: It’s a real symptom or symptoms. Thus, it needs to be

addressed. If testing with endoscopy for celiac and workup for Crohn’s and other diseases are unrevealing, then functional causes exist, which include food allergies, food intolerances or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you have symptoms, then please go to a gastroenterologist for a workup, as treatments exist. There are multiple new medicines we offer for treatment.

We are committed to bringing new, cutting-edge therapies to the western suburbs.

WORD SCRAMBLE: ONLOSYCPOOC HAETLELETH NURHAERBT

SAREB

CAIENCV

WWW.DEDUCTIBLESHOP.COM IT'S YOUR DEDUCTIBLE! Why pay thousands more for care, tests, repairs MEDICAL - AUTO - HOME - VET (PETS)

LOSE WEIGHT NOW! Connie, Batavia -- “Lost 44 lbs, with Dr. Mullick’s recommended system, and it stayed off.”* Jamie, Geneva -- “Lost 12 pound in my FIRST MONTH!! It really works.

Call for appointment 630-232-2025

Pay LESS for your colonoscopy or endoscopy.

Facility Fees are significantly lower. Cost of health care is going up. Pay less for your test. We are JCAHO certified.

Met your Deductible?? Get in before year end. Save on your deductible. Pay LESS. Heartburn, Diarrhea, Constipation, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Abdominal Pain, Colitis, Crohns/ Ulcerative Colitis, Gallbladder, Rectal Bleeding We have quality doctors and team on staff to serve you well. Its our honor to take care of you.

AMERICAN COLONOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPY CENTER

2631 Williamsburg Ave 301. Geneva, IL. Call now for your appointment. 630-232-2025

IF YOU DO BREAST CANCER SCREENING, GET COLON CANCER SCREENING. It affects men and women BOTH and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. It is VERY important to get this screening done - colon cancer is beatable and treatable if caught early enough through colon screening.

HEARTBURN PATIENTS PLEASE COME TO GET EVALUATED FOR PRECANCEROUS BARRETT’S; ESOPHAGEAL CANCER HAS INCREASED IN THE PAST 4 DECADES. FREE BOTTLE OF A USANA VITAMIN WITH COMPLETED COLONOSCOPY FOR NEW CLIENTS* *Some restrictions may apply. Available while supply lasts.

Dear Dr. Mullick, My family never had polyps or cancer.

Do I really need a colonoscopy? Jane

Dear Jane: Great question. Colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Everyone over age 45 should get a colonoscopy. If you have family history you should start at age 40 or 10 to 15 years before the youngest relative with a problem. Screening helps reduce risk.

Dr. Mullick, I’ve got bloating and gas. Sometimes I have diarrhea or nausea after I eat. Could I have food allergies?

My doctor said it’s IBS (irritable bowel). Kristen

Dear Kristen: Yes, food intolerances to lactose, sucrose and fructose are common, so you may need to avoid those. We have tests in the office for that. The symptoms of IBS and food allergies are often similar, so testing for food allergies is reasonable. We can test for that, too. We have helped many patients diagnosed with food allergies, so it’s not all IBS.

SAVE YOUR LIFE! TELLYOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Get colon cancer screening. Beatable, Treatable, Preventable in most situations.

S. from Geneva. “I am glad I had my colonoscopy done at the American Colonoscopy and Endoscopy center. I had some polyps removed and that will likely prevent a cancer.

The facility was wonderful and it saved me money.”

LET’S BEAT IT! 630-232-2025.

BACK PAIN. CARPAL TUNNEL. WRIST PAIN. PAIN IN FOOT. PAIN IN LIMBS

PERIPHERAL NERVE TEST Certified center & trained team.

Call now for your clinic appointment and test date. 630-232-2025.

ANSWERS: Colonoscopy, Telehealth, Heartburn, Bears, Vaccine

PPO, Medicare, and Cash payment accepted

*Results may not be typical.

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a fresh take

SWEET GOODBYES & NEW BEGINNINGS

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lmost a year ago, we unexpectedly lost our dearest family dog, Lola.

She was three days shy of her 11th birthday, and every morning as I pass by her collar hanging on the closet doorknob, the faint jingle of her tags sends a rush of mixed emotions through my body.

Month by month, the sharp, stinging sadness (and regret of I could’ve done more) has softened. And yes, fond memories live on, but there will always be a small hole in my heart, longing to be filled by a furry friend when the time is right. It’s a type of fulfillment only a pet provides: an unconditional love that no matter the day you had or mood you’re in — they’re always there, tail wagging, body wiggling, looking for a scratch on the back and kiss on the nose.

In times of transition, I’ve found solace in understanding that our experiences, relationships, careers and ultimately our purpose ebbs and flows in cycles.

As they say, people (pets, too) come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime and each serves an important role. I’m eternally grateful for the gifts Lola gave me … she taught me to slow down, appreciate those little moments in between and simply strive to do better.

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And now, I look at our bakery, Two Wild Seeds, in a similar light.

This past Memorial Day marked five years of business at our brick-and-mortar location, and shortly thereafter we announced the future closing of our sweet shop. While it came as a bit of a shock to the community, the truth is that a huge weight was lifted.

Anyone who has owned a small business, let alone a small food business, knows it is not for the faint of heart. Though what’s shown on the surface of our bakery is very real and authentic — a brimming case of delicious treats, beautifully decorated cakes and fun events on social media — it’s only a small piece of the pie.

Running a business is a 24/7 job; we don’t clock in and out. The hats we wear are endless, from product ordering, staff scheduling and grocery shopping to recipe costing, recipe development and keeping inventory of anything from printer ink to coffee lids. Let’s not forget providing customer service, fulfilling orders, managing social media and emails, navigating the unpredictability and everchanging demands of the market, and above all, spending restless nights awake in bed, running through the never-ending to-do list.

The work is inherently draining but

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equally rewarding, and the lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur have only given me more clarity for future projects and goals. I went from being a young culinary school grad with a journalism degree to co-owning and running one of the most sought-after bakeries in the Chicagoland area. I gained confidence and immeasurable business skills, built industry connections and ultimately discovered my genuine passion for preparing food — something that will be with me wherever I go.

Like losing Lola, sometimes we have to say goodbye and close one door in order to open another, and until we do so, we don’t know what could be waiting on the other side. But don’t worry, I’m not going

anywhere! Returning to my writing roots here with Kane County Magazine has been an absolute joy, and I look forward to not only continuing this column, but also expanding into other areas of professional writing down the road.

For many, change is scary because it welcomes the unknown; but for me, I see change as the only true opportunity for growth. So, for anyone who is on the cusp of transition and looking for a sign, let this be the little nudge you need to take that leap of faith. In the wise words of e.e. cummings: “Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experiences that reveals the human spirit.”

 Katie McCall is a bona fide Midwestern girl. Raised on four acres of rural property in Yorkville, she was taught to respect nature and all of its bounty. From foraging morel mushrooms in the woods to picking wild raspberries for homemade jam, Katie feels most at home when in nature and preparing food for others. When she’s not running the downtown St. Charles bakery Two Wild Seeds, she can be found nose-deep in cookbooks, exploring the outdoors with her family — and eating … always eating. Photo by Victoria C Photos.

CHOCOLATEPEANUT BUTTER SNACK BITES My sweet doggie girl, Lola, lived for peanut butter — on her bones, a glob on the end of a spoon, you name it, she loved it! This easy one-bowl recipe is a little tribute to her and the wonderful times we shared together.

MAKES ABOUT 12 BITES • 1 cup rolled oats • 1/2 cup peanut (or almond) butter • 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes • 1/4 cup honey • 1/4 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

• • • • •

1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon flaxseed 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of sea salt

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

Using a very small ice cream scoop or heaping tablespoon, scoop mixture into hands and roll into bite-sized balls. Place them on a small plate or tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator until set.

Store in an airtight container and keep bites in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Note: Bites become soft if left at room temperature too long. Consider freezing them prior to a long excursion, allowing them to thaw naturally prior to snack time!

Make Yourself at Home!

Monthly Food Specials Outdoor Patio Seating Dine In or Carry Out Seasonal Brews $4.00 Daily Handcrafted Beer Specials Try Raider s Root Beer (ABV 7.5%)

306 W State Street Downtown Geneva 630-208-7070 www.stockholmsbrewpub.com DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2021

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' restaurant scene pretty powerful

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MOTO IMOTO JOINS LINEUP OF UP-AND-COMING ST. CHARLES RESTAURANTS

By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Kelly Vanderploeg Photography

eneva-based chef turned restaurateur Brian Goewey incorporated his daughters’ names when christening TriCities restaurants Gia Mia and Livia Italian Eatery.

Moto Imoto, an upcoming pan-Asian

For his latest endeavor, Goewey kept family on the brain, per usual.

the planning phases for the St. Charles

restaurant featuring shareable plates, sushi and more, translates from Japanese to “the sibling” or “the little sister,” Goewey says. The moniker felt like a natural fit when Goewey and Co. began spot at 181 S. First St. (Wok n Fire former’s location), about two years ago.

'

[

“We said, ‘Listen, we’re really good at Italian, and what do we think is the next best thing to Italian that people are loving, and that’s the fresh lightness and clean lines of sushi and wok cooking and all those different styles,’” Goewey says.

At press time, the BG Hospitality Group planned to open its newest restaurant in the first week of August.

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 MOTO IMOTO 181 S. First St., St. Charles www.motoimoto.com

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Serving Breakfast All Day Long 630 W. State St., Geneva (331) 248-0646 www.statestdiner.com

Come Try Our Mexican Food Mention this ad for 20% off your purchase!

Offer expires 9/15/21

Add Some Love to Everything You Cook!

An Olive Oil Experience

Select from over 60 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world. Unique Gift Baskets Available.

Homemade Skincare Products made with Olive Oil: Soaps ~ Lip Balms ~ Moisturizers

See Us for New Vinaigrette Recipes!

Store Hours

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm ~ Thurs 10am-8pm ~ Sat 10am-5:30pm ~ Sun 11am-4pm

315 James St. • Geneva, IL • (630) 262-0210 • www.olivemillgeneva.com

Ready to ride?

Looking for local bike trails?

Find the 2021 Fox River Trail Guide at www.foxriverbiketrails.com Coming soon to the local park districts and most retail locations noted below.

Moto Imoto brass spent much of the summer fine-tuning the menu and interior — which features a 34-seat horseshoe bar pivoting around the restaurant — while making sure employee training cultivated candidates with an ethic for taking care of guests and coworkers alike.

Hudson Crossing Park • Saw Wee Kee Park •

Ride, Hike, & Play in Fox Valley 168 Parks, 48 miles of trails

“You have to have a pulse on that, the family, and that’s how we look at each and every one of our team members, that they’re part of our mixed family,” chef Mike Bomberger says.

“It’s a blend of countries and their ethnic foods and styles, and that’s what we plan to bring to Moto Imoto,” Bomberger says. “So, you’ll get maybe your favorite curry dish, and then you may come in and see something that’s completely different, like a sweet pea dumpling with a citrus ponzu sauce.

And that’s what we’re looking to do.

You come in and can get your classic favorite, but then you’re going to have other things for everybody to try and be like, ‘Wow.’”

Diners should expect a menu that reflects a melting pot, as well, representing an “East meets West” motif.

Speaking of favorites, Goewey emphasizes while familiar “heavy” dishes featuring rice will be featured, the culinary team also envisions a

ROOM TO PLAY!

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Your adventure ww w . fstarts o xatrwww.wherefunbegins.org iverbiketrails.com DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2021

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IT’S A BLEND OF COUNTRIES AND THEIR ETHNIC FOODS AND STYLES, AND THAT’S WHAT WE PLAN TO BRING TO MOTO IMOTO. SO, YOU’LL GET MAYBE YOUR FAVORITE CURRY DISH, AND THEN YOU MAY COME IN AND SEE SOMETHING THAT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. - Mike Bomberger, Chef

trend + relic

FALL EVENT

1501 Indiana Avenue, Saint Charles 630-803-5253

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Aug 27 - 5pm to 9pm Aug 28 - 10am to 5pm Aug 29 - 11am to 4pm SM-CL1900596

EMBRACE YOUR HEALTH AT

WELLNESS WEEKEND! more organic base than traditional pan-Asian concepts.

“Our plan on the menu is really going after this lighter fare, really fresh, clean sushi rolls, salads, greens, lighter noodle dishes,” says Goewey, who also uses the modifier “California” when discussing various dishes.

That should come as no surprise to fans and frequent patrons of his other Tri-Cities stops.

“Whenever you use the word ‘California,’ in my mind, you’re always going toward the seasonal ingredients, to play off what’s fresh in

the fields,” Goewey says. “So that’s definitely what we’ve been doing at Olivia and Gia Mia, and we will continue to keep that seasonal fare at Moto.”

For the Moto Imoto team, it’s all geared toward fulfilling another longterm objective: carving a niche in the bustling St. Charles culinary climate.

“I mean, St. Charles has really developed itself into a pretty powerful restaurant scene over the last three, four years,” Goewey says. “I’m just happy to be here, and the guests are really expressing their interest in the project, which is really neat.”

Wellness Weekend in Downtown St. Charles September 18 & 19, 2021

September 18th The Wellness Hub • Body, Mind & Spirit Booths, featuring local Fox Valley organizations focused on Health & Wellness • Healthy Lifestyle Demonstrations • Family Fun & Activities • Give-Aways • Fox Valley Marathon Children’s Race (3 p.m.)

September 19th The Fox Valley Marathon Races • 5K • ½ Marathon • Full Marathon

For Up-to-Date Information visit stcharleschamber.com/wellnessweekend/ Events occuring near Riverside & Illinois Ave, St. Charles DINING & ENTERTAINING AUGUST 2021

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A

Love Affair with

H

ydrangea have to be one of the most popular shrubs that we grow and sell. There aren’t many people who don’t like them, and for good reasons. There is a hydrangea for just about every spot in any garden. They bloom for most of the mid-summer until the first frost. They are tough and easy to maintain. They come in a multitude of sizes and colors. And their blooms are one of a kind — there aren’t many shrubs that have blooms the size of footballs! Really, the only “rules” when it comes to hydrangea is remembering which type you have and how to prune it. Otherwise, they are easy!

We tend to simplify how we classify hydrangea so that you can easily determine which ones are best for you. Here’s some of our favorites — classified by type — and the best spots to locate them in your garden:

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HYDRANGEA

 THE POM-POMS: This type of hydrangea is probably the most popular around here.

“Annabelle” is an old-fashioned variety that most have, but the common complaint is that she flops over. In swoops “Incrediball” to save the day. “Incrediball” has sturdier stems, much larger flowers and is showy from June until frost. They can be grown in shade to part sun (or full sun with some extra water). There are some pink varieties available now — “Invincibelle Ruby,” “Invincibelle Spirit” and “Mini Mauvette” are three of our favorite new pink ones. These types do NOT need any soil amendments to change their colors. This type of hydrangea can be cut down each spring to about 12 inches tall. They grow from the bottom and bloom on new wood.  THE CONEHEADS: The panicle hydrangeas are some of the largest and sturdiest of the hydrangea

family. These types have large, cone-shaped flowers that range in color from lime green to pure ivory to blush pink. They are sun lovers and thrive in the heat. There are SO many new panicle types that I can’t list them all here, but some of our favorites are “Limelight Prime,” “Bobo,” “Fire Light,” “Little Quick Fire,” “Pinky Winky,” “Vanilla Strawberry” and “Zinfin Doll.” Some of them even come as tree form and make great small specimen trees! This type is NOT pruned to the ground in spring. Merely snap off any spent flowers left over from winter and trim to shape if needed.

They don’t usually need to be trimmed hard. Their full-grown sizes range from 3 feet to 10 feet tall, so there is one for every spot.  THE OAKLEAVES: This type is a bit more of a collector’s item. They like to be planted in a part sun/shade situation and can take several years

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to mature. They have a long, open cone-shaped flower later in summer.

Their huge, oak-shaped leaves turn a deep burgundy in fall, so they are more famous for their fall color. The oak leaves are a bit bigger than normal hydrangea — ranging in size from 4 feet to 8 feet tall/wide. They rarely need trimming other than to remove spent blooms. In fact, they are best if left alone and only trimmed to remove dead tips or flowers. They have copper colored exfoliating bark too for some extra winter interest.  THE COLORED POM-POMS: We have a love/hate relationship with this type. None of us can pass up those gorgeous, jewel-toned pink or blue flowers, but they are a bit tricky to grow. The colored types bloom on old wood so in the past, any trimming one would do could potentially remove flower buds for the next season, and you are left with a giant foliage plant with no blooms. Cold weather could also damage the flower buds. There are some newer introductions that are

more reliable, but believe us when we tell you: DON’T PRUNE THEM AT ALL! The only trimming should be after they fully leaf out in spring and you can trim out any branches that don’t leaf out.

That’s it. Never cut them all the way to the ground or you’ll never see any flowers.

They also benefit from some winter protection. This year, many people are experiencing a huge number of flowers and that is due to the snow cover we had all winter. They were buried under 3 feet of snow for much of the winter so that protected their flower buds from cold temps. That doesn’t happen every year, so it never hurts to pile leaves or mulch on top of them in the late fall and leave them buried until late March/early April. They also like to grow in a morning sun/afternoon shade situation. They can wilt a lot, but use caution when watering as they just get hot sometimes and perk up by the next morning. “Summer Crush,” “Twist-N-Shout” and “Bloomstruck” are some favorites.

Let us grow them into the garden of your dreams.

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com.

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

e m o H

WORK TO IMPROVE COMMUNITIES INSTEAD OF LEAVING, SUPERDAD SUGGESTS

I

call it the lawn mower effect.

particularly political.

It won’t happen too early, of course. Nor when rain threatens.

We all have our feelings, thoughts and opinions on Illinois’ state government. And your opinion may depend strongly on your particular political alignment.

Nor will it happen on any holiday.

But about mid-morning on a lovely Saturday afternoon, between late April and early October, if you listen closely enough, you’ll hear the phenomenon in action.

It begins when the first lawn mower roars to life in the neighborhood. The response doesn’t come immediately. But at that moment, there are other people looking out their window to see who is mowing their lawn. Then, they notice their lawn needs cutting, too.

By shortly after lunch, the neighborhood will be mostly quiet again, the air now filled with the pungent aroma of freshly cut grass.

The same effect, unfortunately, works the same in some other less desirable ways. And that is why I wasn’t all that surprised when my longtime neighbor rolled into my driveway early one Saturday morning with some news: They were moving. Out of state.

Have no fear: This column isn’t going to get

34

If you are a strong blue team member, you most likely don’t really have any major gripes with the state that you don’t think a few more Democrats in state office might fix. If you fall to the red side of the spectrum, Illinois may appear all but hopeless to you. That sense of despair has undoubtedly driven the great — and mounting — Illinois exodus.

Now, don’t take this to mean I believe Illinois is going to lose all of its people one day. In fact, new census estimates indicate the state, by net, lost far fewer people in the past 10 years than many had estimated.

Nor does it mean I believe everyone moving in is necessarily bad, or inferior.

But simply counting heads in 2010 and again in 2020 only obscures the fact that a very large number of longtime Illinois residents have opted to check out rather than continue to live under a system they feel only continues to take more and more from them, without giving back anything more — if not less — in return.

I personally know more than 10 families who have already left, moving just over state lines to Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and further south, to the favorite new spots for so many “Illinois refugees” — Tennessee, Texas and Florida.

On a recent trip to Tennessee, on seeing my Illinois plates, no fewer than four Tennessee natives wondered if I was just visiting or moving in, like so many other of their new neighbors. The exodus, sadly, is quite real.

Just this year, another longtime neighbor hit retirement, packed up and relocated out of state, undoubtedly planting the seeds (or at least, watering and fertilizing them), in the minds of others that it was time for them, too, to leave.

And so it builds.

So, when my neighbor showed up on my driveway to say they had bought a house and were moving, the only surprise was to hear that they were headed to Iowa and not those Sunbelt states.

While saying goodbye over and over doesn’t get any easier, a still more difficult task arises for me as a father, having to explain to my young ones why so many people they know leave every year. We’ve

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worked hard to instill the lesson that life is about more than just money.

And while a home certainly has a price tag, it is more than just the number on the tax assessment or appraisal report. That lesson becomes more and more difficult to speak with confidence each time another family we know moves away.

For us, Illinois, for all its flaws, is home. And as homeowners, we believe there is an obligation to do everything you can to improve that home while you are there.

I would hope more people from communities throughout this state would reach a similar understanding.

Invest in our neighborhoods. Get to know our neighbors. Plug in, volunteer, perhaps even run for office.

Make your community, and your state, what you want it to be.

Because if we show others we care about our home, perhaps just beginning with the little things, I believe others will, too — and with persistence and luck, it will build and build, until the despair ebbs and we will again feel shock when our longtime neighbors tell us they’re leaving.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go cut my grass.

 Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modern-day dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

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Duct Cleaning 25% OFF

$300

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Will your

RETIREMENT

your Vacation?

be like

T

his is a popular time of year to take a vacation. If you are like my family, we find ourselves working so hard that vacation is an important respite too precious to not go well. If you are enjoying this article as part of your leisure reading while on vacation, we hope all is going exactly as you planned and that your spirit, body and relationships are getting recharged.

Ironically, many people put more effort into planning their vacation than they do into planning for their retirement. If your goal is that your lifestyle in

retirement echo your best vacations, it’s important to plan for what you want and to periodically validate your progress in meetings with your financial advisor.

Important elements to include in your plan include knowing when you can retire and not outliving your money. Let’s briefly examine both.

financial plan and to revisit it periodically with a competent financial advisor. No two people are exactly alike, and you deserve a customized plan. If you don’t yet have a personalized plan, there are a couple of guidelines to keep in mind.

 KNOW WHEN YOU CAN RETIRE Chances are when you contemplate when you will retire, the first thought that may come to mind is that “people retire at age 65.” This may or may not be a proper target for you. To find out, your best strategy is to have a dynamic, comprehensive

Assuming that it is still around at your retirement, it’s highly doubtful that your Social Security Retirement Benefit is going to generate enough income for you to survive on. You also need to understand when you can start drawing on this benefit. (Hint: It’s not age 65). Here is the current schedule:

FULL (NORMAL) SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS* YEAR OF BIRTH:

1943-1954

1955

1956

1957

1958

1959

>= 1960

FULL RETIREMENT AGE:

66 YEARS

66 AND 2 MONTHS

66 AND 4 MONTHS

66 AND 6 MONTHS

66 AND 8 MONTHS

66 AND 10 MONTHS

67 YEARS

* Social Security Administration

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You can get a personalized illustration from the Social Security Administration and if you have taken the time to review yours, you’ll know that this amount will probably not be enough for you to live on. At best, it should subsidize your personal savings/investments. Your primary source of retirement income will most likely be your personal retirement savings/investments.

The amount you’ll need to accumulate prior to retiring will depend on several key factors including your age, lifestyle, health and anticipated longevity. (Hence the importance of a comprehensive plan.)

For a quick estimate, you can visit our website at https://mapyourfuture.net/ document-library for a table showing Retirement Savings Checkpoints Savings

by Salary and Age. Beware the urge to retire too early. For many of us, our greatest earnings from work occur after age 50 and well into our 60s. Switching from a healthy income stream to having to then live off of your retirement savings is a significant shift and should be done only after very careful review with competent counsel.  DON’T OUTLIVE YOUR MONEY There are few nightmares more frightening than running out of money in retirement and becoming financially destitute. The thought of having to find gainful employment when you are in your late 70s or 80s causes more than a few retirees to not sleep well. This is not a position you want to be in.

Average life expectancies for people today hover around 85 years of age, and thanks to ongoing advances in medical science are expected to continue to extend out. Remember that an average

life expectancy of age 85 means that half of us will die prior to achieving that age while the other half of us will live beyond that point. With that in mind, it seems wise to plan on still being around to enjoy your life and to be able to pay your bills into your 90s.

How can you make your retirement savings last longer than you will? Here are a few ways to put the odds in your favor: Properly allocate your retirement portfolio with enough equities to allow you to keep pace with inflation plus to withdraw up to 4% per year to live on.

We suggest you have a portion of your retirement savings in a financial asset that will provide a guaranteed income stream for your life. This financial safety net can be a welcome friend during uncertain markets.

Plan for the very real costs of long-term care for your spouse and for yourself.

Once you reach age 65, incurring longterm care expenses during your life are a probability, not a possibility, and you will want to plan accordingly.

We suggest making sure that your financial advisor is operating in the capacity of a fiduciary. There is comfort in knowing that your financial advisor is required to put your best interest before their own.

These are just a few broad but important aspects to keep in mind when planning your retirement. With good planning and good fortune, your retirement could rival your vacations! For more detail and insight, you are welcome to contact us.

We would be happy to help assure your lifestyle and legacy.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider.

Photo by Indre Cantero

FILE# 3676567.1

 Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with M Securities.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

Tom and Sharon can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

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

My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

File #0709-2018

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Artist OF THE MONTH

MAUREEN GASEK The Tri-Cities are booming with arts and artists — perhaps nowhere more vibrantly than Batavia’s Water Street Studios, which hosts events, galleries and up to 25 artists in residence. Each month, Kane County Magazine and Water Street Studios are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

1.

F

or Maureen Gasek, art and teaching go hand in hand.

Interested in art since she sold her first piece (a collage of her hands) in first grade, Gasek is also an instructor at her home studio, where artists join her for classes.

She recalls being one of the first art educators to teach at Water Street Studios. “I have a passion for teaching and being involved in creating a vibrant art community in the Fox Valley,” she says.

Gasek is one of 25 members of the Water Street

38

Studios Artist Collective, which “encourages community, gallery involvement, and professional growth,” according to the studio’s website. Her artwork appears in galleries all across Chicagoland and can be seen locally at Water Street Studios and at curated shows in August, November and December at Gallery 1904 during Aurora’s First Fridays.

“I would rather have a reaction, good or bad, than no reaction at all to my work,” Gasek says. “Then I know I have succeeded as an artist.”

Gasek’s work took “a huge leap” during the pandemic; she created more than 30 pieces and noticed a change

in her palette. “I started introducing more graphic images into my work and thousands of dots took over my small pieces.”

Gasek has been long involved in the Unforgettable Art fundraiser,in which artists have eight hours to create a piece for a live auction benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. (“Talk about pressure,” she adds.) While unfortunately canceled this year, next year’s fundraiser will be her 15th time painting for the event.

“Art unites, stirs, divides and moves,” she says. “It is essential to expression of the artist and the viewer and is essential to our souls.”

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2.

3.

4.

DETAILS OF MAUREEN GASEK’S WORK: To purchase or learn more about her creations, visit www.maureenartist.com or www. waterstreetstudios.org/shopwaterstreet.  NOLA: acrylic on canvas board, 5x7, sold  Ascension: acrylic on canvas, 6x6 deep, sold  COVID Circus Crossroads: acrylic on canvas, 36x48, $1400, at Water Street Studios on display until Aug. 8  H2O Experiment: acrylic on canvas board, 5x7, sold

Maureen Gasek is an artist, art teacher and member of Water Street Studios Artist Collective. She studied graphic design, painting, metals and photography at the University of Wisconsin-Scout. For more, email maureenartist@gmail.com or visit www.maureenartist.com.

For more information on the artist of the month, head to www.waterstreetstudios.org or the organization’s social media pages.

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Q&A

‘THE PERFECT SHOW TO REOPEN OUR DOORS’

T

he stunning, 1,843-seat Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora will be in the midst of its “Kinky Boots” run when it celebrates the theatre’s 90th anniversary in early September. The Paramount, which is a nationally known gem that remains graced with its 1930s art deco influence and Venetian decor, is scheduled for its return Aug. 18.

Trent Stork may not be the busiest man in show business, but the director of Kinky Boots is in the running. Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with him about the reopening of the Paramount, what he’s been up to during the pandemic, his recent promotion — and, of course, the return to live performances with Chicago’s first regional production of “Kinky Boots.” This interview has been edited slightly for length.  KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: What does it mean to be back onstage after such a long hiatus?

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TRENT STORK: It feels amazing! Walking into the theatre for the first time in so long brought me to tears. It felt like the first time I saw her, the beauty that she is.  KC: Who should make sure to see “Kinky Boots” and why?

TS: Everyone should see “Kinky Boots.”

Anyone who wants to leave with a renewed spirit and song in their heart. It’s the perfect show to reopen our doors.  KC: "Kinky Boots" seems like an ideal show for the return of live performances at the Paramount. Perhaps the cliche “good things come to those who wait” is fitting?

TS: I love that “Kinky Boots” is our first show back. It’s a show that makes you laugh, want to dance, make a new friend, sing and want to connect with your fellow humans. I think we can all use that right now!

A Q&A with Trent Stork, director of “Kinky Boots” at the Paramount Theatre, about its reopening and his role with the show

By Chris Walker Photos provided by the Paramount Theatre

 KC: How were you able to keep sane and optimistic that you’d be able to return to directing?

TS: The team at Paramount is amazing. We really are like family. So I was assured that the show would happen some day and now that day is very soon.  KC: I know some people will say, “you have to see it for yourself to know,” but can you explain what it’s like to experience a live show like “Kinky Boots” to those who have never been to a live performance like it?

TS: “Kinky Boots” has moments that feel like a rock show and tenderhearted moments that make you lean in. It expands from killer dance numbers to a book that is as humorous as it is heartening. There’s not a wasted moment on this ride.  KC: Some have really been able to use the pandemic as a way to explore creativity in

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KINKY BOOTS

Tickets for showing AUGUST 18 - OCTOBER 17, 2021 available on www.paramountaurora.com

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different ways by creating or appreciating the arts even more so. How were you affected and what did you do or experience?

TS: As an artist, so much of my identity is in what I do, my craft, theatre. So imagine one day having all of that suddenly cut off. I was devastated. Luckily I was then given the time to plan for other projects at Paramount and take some time to read, refocus and regroup for our return.  KC: Any plays, books, movies, albums, exhibits that you discovered in the past year or so that you’d recommend?

TS: I read the “Neapolitan quartet” by Elena Ferrante and I highly recommend it!  KC: Trent, congratulations on your recent promotion to associate artistic producer and casting director. Can you discuss your new roles and what you bring to them?

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TS: Thank you! Sure thing. So under this new umbrella we have a more structured process for show selection and creative hiring. We now have an artistic oversight process to further aid our artists. I’ll be overseeing a lot of work going into our new spaces and working to expand the artists we work with.

There are a couple other projects in the works that I’m not sure I can talk about yet.  KC: What can we expect in 2022 and beyond?

TS: You’ll be seeing our brand-new Bold Series in the newly renovated Copley Theatre right across the street from Paramount for one. My background is in plays and I’ve been excited to open up and work on this series for a few years now. You’ll see Paramount continue to grow both with our programming and our outreach and educational components. Lots of exciting new things are coming your way!

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Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Visit our show room to see over 40 burning models on display. See a wide selection of electric, gas, and wood fireplaces designed to enhance the warmth and beauty of your home. You’ll also find a full line of mantels, fireplace screens, and hearth accessories to complete the picture.

Sales • Service • Installation

1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 • thehouseoffireplaces.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Explore

E R U T C E T I ARCH in the Elgin Area By the Elgin Area Convention

S

pend a weekend enjoying the beautiful architecture that makes the Elgin area a destination for architectural enthusiasts across the Midwest.

 Day 1 Start at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett for a look into this absolutely stunning Hindu temple.

Visitors are required to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wear clothes covering the full body.

Check online for more information for potential visitors.

Once you’ve finished at BAPS, take Route 20 from Bartlett into downtown Elgin for a self-guided tour.

The downtown historic commercial district is full of architecture dating back to the 1800s. Plus, downtown is situated on the scenic Fox River, so taking the tour around sunset makes the perfect backdrop for impressive photos. Downtown Elgin also has a plethora of adorable shops for you to explore. Then walk over to Grand Victoria Casino for a meal at its award-winning restaurant, Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

 Day 2 Roll out of bed and head to Arabica Cafe for a handcrafted coffee and breakfast sandwich or fresh bakery item! Then enjoy the exhibits at Elgin History

Museum, located in “Old Main,” a building constructed in 1856 and first used as a private school. In the late 1980s, the building received extensive rehabilitation and became home to the Elgin History Museum.

Next, head over to Lords Park, a 100+ acre park where you can experience the picturesque pavilion, walking paths and shelters, Lords Park Zoo and the Elgin Public Museum. Now over 100 years old, it’s still used for its original purpose, making it the oldest museum building that still houses a museum in Illinois.

Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Jimmy’s Charhouse, which serves lunch and dinner daily from the finest steaks to the tastiest salads, burgers, wood-fired chicken and more. There’s also an outdoor patio, live video gaming and cocktails.

Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright made incredible homes all over the country, but this stop is the only one of its kind. Of all the buildings designed by Wright, there was only one farmhouse, located in Hampshire.

Inquiries to tour the Muirhead Farmhouse may be sent online; please book a minimum of three days in advance.

After a long day of learning, touring and adventuring, we recommend stopping by a local brewer to enjoy a beer flight and relax. There are two incredible award-winning brewers in Dundee: Emmett’s Brewing Co. in West Dundee and Black & Gray Brewing co. in East Dundee’s culinary district. If you like what you taste, you’re in luck — both locations offer 4- or 6-packs to go!

& Visitors Bureau

 Day 3 Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, grab a breakfast treat at Herb’s Bakery. This family-owned bakery has been beloved by the community since its opening in 1954. Since architecture contains so much history, it’s only fitting to taste Elgin’s history in the form of a made-from-scratch breakfast pastry.

Next, head into the historic residential district for a walking tour of neighborhoods composed of homes listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These residences include the classic Painted Lady style and Sears homes. In fact, these neighborhoods are so full of historic architecture, filmmakers come to Elgin for filming scenes for their movies and TV shows to capture the vision of the past. Once you start walking around these neighborhoods, you’ll see why!

Don’t hit the road on an empty stomach. Before you go, check out the Anvil Club for a meal in a historic location. This elevated dining experience is situated inside the original building erected in 1956 to start The Anvil Club’s legacy. Another unique place to go is Bleuroot, located in downtown West Dundee and featuring a patio that overlooks the Fox River. If you’re looking for a more laid-back meal before you go, head over to Diamond Jim’s. This cozy eatery has plentiful outdoor space, frequently hosts musical guests and keeps favorites from local brewers on tap.

CHECK OUT TRIP IDEAS AND WEEKLY EXPLORE ELGIN BLOGS FOR INSPIRATION. Visiting www.ExploreElginArea or any of the @ExploreElgin social media accounts is the first step to a relaxing time with your loved ones.

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OVER THE RIVER

& THROUGH THE ’BURBS

To architectural allure we go Stroll historic downtown, admire gothic marvels, peek at painted ladies, and tour Frank Lloyd Wright's historic Muirhead Farmhouse. Take a break at a cafe and discover the inside of one of these structural delights. Your weekend blueprint is all drawn up—the only thing missing is you.

Discover your full itinerary at exploreelginarea.com

@ExploreElgin #ExploreElgin #EnjoyIllinois

SM-CL1895059

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Grab a r Looking for a beach read, a thrille er? or something different altogeth re Your local library has them all. He r are two recommendations for you the August reading list, courtesy of y. librarians at Geneva Public Librar

46

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “King of the Mole People” by Paul Gilligan

 FOR OUR READERS: “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune

From dealing with chaos at school to controlling pandemonium in the underworld, Doug has a lot to take care of, even though he didn’t ask for any of it. "King of the Mole People" by Paul Gilligan is a hilarious illustrated series of books for readers ages 8-12.

Doug wants to fit in like any other kid, but he's awkward; he’s bad at sports, doesn’t know how to tell jokes, and he’s a little strange — he lives in an old house surrounded by gravestones and eats eel sandwiches for lunch.

Then the weird girl at school starts bugging him. When he thinks things can’t get any worse, he's named King of the Mole People, a title he doesn't want or like at all. There is so much Doug can’t control in his life, whether it’s becoming King of the Mole People or his dad making eel sandwiches to show his love. Now that he’s King, Doug has special duties: He has to try to resolve a feud between the Mole People, Slug People, Mushroom Folk and Stone Goons. How will Doug get life back to normal? Find out in this fun, fast read.

— Ruth O’Brien, library associate

This uplifting modern fairy tale about finding family in the most unexpected way is a feel-good summer read. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune combines light fantasy elements and lovable characters with a heartwarming romance. Linus Baker is a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s 40 years old, and his main companions include his cat and his beloved record collection. His job is to go to official orphanages for registered magical children to determine whether their conditions are safe enough to remain open. Because he’s so detached and objective, he’s assigned a case with the highest level of classification that requires him to visit an orphanage containing six particularly dangerous magical children.

After a month spent with a zany group of hellions and their extremely charming guardian, Linus starts to question the strict rules and regulations he lives by.

He realizes that he has a choice to make: Keep his job and his quiet life, or reach for his dreams — for a far noisier life that’s full of love. As you read this book, you’ll feel like you’re being wrapped in a fuzzy blanket with a cup of your favorite cocoa.

— Sophie Popovich, librarian

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Vintage Charm. Modern Amenities. Timeless Cra�smanship.. We Bring Dreams to Life.

This “Turn-Of-The-Century” estate in Geneva, Illinois by Havlicek Builders showcases the attention to detail and craftsmanship that we put into each and every home we build.

Our design artfully combines the charm and details of a vintage estate with modern amenities that make this home perfect for entertaining, such as an open floor plan, a beautifully appointed first floor guest bedroom suite, as well as a cozy finished basement with bar, exercise room, and bath.

This dream home belongs to our client, but yours is just a phone call away. With hundreds of satisfied clients since 1983, Havlicek Builders has never wavered from our dedication to building the finest quality luxury homes with the utmost attention to customer service.

Give us a call today, and let us show you how to make your dream luxury home a reality.

630.232.4000 HavlicekBuilders.com

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