AUGUST 2024
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
INFUSED PRODUCTS HELP PETS AND PEOPLE PAGE 8
FOX VALLEY ROBOTICS
YOUTH ORGANIZATION IS A SPORT FOR THE MIND PAGE 7
AN ESCAPE INTO THE PAGES
ST. CHARLES AUTHOR
E.A. FIELD INVITES READERS TO FANTASTIC PLACES PAGE 38
WHOLE
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Editorʼs NOTE
I once heard someone say that loving your kids feels like an arrow through the heart. That it is a beautiful, unbreakable love coupled with the possibility of acute pain. They meant it as a good thing, and I understood it immediately. I have four rambunctious kiddos and every single day feels like an arrow through my heart. I am so proud of who they are and who they are becoming, but I also feel the bittersweet pain of my littles growing up way too fast. Not to mention, my goofy chocolate lab who has become my fifth crazy “child.”
This month, we celebrate pets and family, and there is so much to do here with your families (and fur babies). If you’re in the mood to take one last trip before school starts but don’t want to go far, check out our suggested daytrip on page 26 to Dubuque, Iowa. You may be surprised by all the fun activities to explore! Wanting to stay a little closer to home? Tour Elgin’s unique architecture and stay for summer festivities over a weekend (pg. 30).
Perhaps you need a breather from the everyday chaos of raising a family? Check out some titles from a dazzling local author on page 38 to escape into and take it a step
further with some reading recommendations from one of our local libraries (pg. 34).
If you have kiddos that are a little older, I recommend learning more about your local 4-H Club chapter. There are so many benefits to this legacy organization and a world full of fun responsibility for your children to enjoy (pg. 12). Maybe your kids enjoy electronics more than animals. Help your kids join a growing number of youths interested in STEM and check into Fox Valley Robotics (pg. 7).
Don’t forget to give your fur babies some love, too! On page 8, we highlight a local herbalist with products for both pets and people. On page 16, we feature the special bond between adopted pets and their families.
We hope you truly enjoy the stories we’ve brought to you. As always, thank you for reading!
Kelley White, Editor
on the COVER
Photographer Jenna Spanola captures the delight of game attendees at Bark in the Park, one of Kane County Cougars' many special theme nights. Check out more on page 33!
Next month: Prepare your appetite for the food and spirits issue in September!
PUBLISHER
Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com
EDITOR Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com
DESIGNER
Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com
LOCAL SALES MANAGER
Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com
CORRESPONDENTS
Julie Barichello, Jonathan Bilyk, Sarah Cerovac, Kevin Druley, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske and Patricia Szpekowski
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
INSIDE
PETS & FAMILY
7 FOX VALLEY ROBOTICS
Youth organization is a sport for the mind
8 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Herbalist creates infused products to help pets and people
12 4-H IN KANE COUNTY
The agricultural program continues to thrive and expand locally
16 OPENING HEARTS & HOMES
The mutual benefits of pet adoption
18 HOLDING DOWN THE FORT
Sarah Cerovac introduces new column: On the Family Front
20 NOT-SO-WICKED WITCHES, IRREDEEMABLE VILLAINS & THE VALUE OF HOME
Suburban Superdad on what it means to invest in a home
24 A PLACE FOR ACTIVITY & CONNECTIONS
St. Charles Park District invites youths to enjoy their Underground Teen Center
26 EXPLORE DUBUQUE
Take the opportunity for one last trip before school starts
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
30 EXPLORE ELGIN’S ARCHITECTURE
Tour their unique buildings and stay for summer festivities
32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Save the date for fun times and entertainment throughout August
33 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Enjoy a night with the Kane County Cougars
34 GRAB A BOOKMARK
Check out these reading recommendations for August from the Geneva Public Library
36 ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Learn more about writer and artist Barbara Barrows, a founding member of Water Street Studios
38 AN ESCAPE INTO THE PAGES
St. Charles author E.A. Field invites readers to fantastic places
40 BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPORT
Players get hooked on pickleball for its social fun and competition
DINING
42 PATIO PERFECTION
Don’t miss these opportunities for dining al fresco in Kane
BUSINESS & CIVIC
44 THE RIGHT PLANT IN THE RIGHT SPOT
Planning before planting can prevent future problems
46 DIY? MAYBE NOT
Some things are better left to the professionals
Fox Valley
Robotics
YOUTH ORGANIZATION IS A SPORT FOR THE MIND
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photos provided by Ron Karabowicz
It all started with a dad trying to help his daughter. It evolved into hundreds of families working together to build skills for the future.
Ron Karabowicz was finishing his work when he heard his daughter Denise having trouble with her seventh grade robotics project. He walked over to see if he could help and he has been passionate about student robotics ever since.
Known as “Coach K,” Karabowicz is the founder of Fox Valley Robotics. Known as Batavia Robotics when launched in 2002, much like the science field, it has grown and expanded, welcoming more students each year and showing technology can be fun, challenging and an opportunity to stretch one’s mind and talents.
Initially an after-school program, FVR grew as an organization, finding ways to incorporate more students. The last few years there has been an average of 175 to 225 students participating in Fox Valley Robotics.
The divisions are based on grade: first to third graders (LegoWolves); fourth to eighth graders (LegoDogs) and eighth to 12th graders (Coyotes).
“We’ve had students this year graduate out of robotics that stayed with us all 12 years,” Karabowicz said. “It shows this program is more than competition. It’s about how kids develop and become part of a team.”
Working in small teams, students in the LegoDogs develop a Lego robotic solution to the season’s challenge topic. The team builds and programs their robot to follow commands. In addition to demonstrating the robot’s capabilities, students must give presentations to panels of judges and answer questions.
Teams experience trials and failures. There are disagreements and those ah-ha moments as they work together toward a solution. Fox Valley Robotics offers a sport for the mind.
“It’s like a 100-piece puzzle, and each one of the pieces has a little different aspect,” Karabowicz said. “We tell the kids, you can reach out and come up with crazy ideas for the challenges. In a few years that crazy idea just might be a real solution. Anything is possible.”
In August, FVR will begin recruiting students for the next season. Last season, Fox Valley Robotics had 11 teams in the Coyotes older division with nine teams advancing to Illinois state competitions and six teams attending VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas. In the LegoDogs Division, nine of 18 teams qualified and attended the Illinois State competition and two of those qualified to participate in after-season invitationals on the east and west coasts. The first to thirrd graders presented their Lego models at a festival in March.
Fox Valley Robotics is a not-for-profit organization. Karabowicz works a full-time job in the computer science field. With support from his wife, Judy, in administration, and his daughters, Denise and Amy, they manage the organization’s operations.
Denise, or “Miss Dee”, the daughter who introduced Karabowicz to robotics in seventh grade, today has a full-time career in mechanical engineering. She was the one who advocated for expanding the organization to include first to third graders, telling her father how important it was to offer opportunities to the younger students. Today she coordinates this division, one of her many roles in the organization.
“We are an all-volunteer organization.”
And just as his family supports the organization, each student’s family is also an important part of the organization’s success. Parents help supervise work sessions, mentor students, lend encouragement and volunteer at tournaments.
“Parents are an integral part of the program. You are part of the FVR family. That has been our philosophy since day one. We treat people like family. We look out for each other.”
In the 23 years of Fox Valley Robotics, there have been countless successes. There are the physical awards as well as individual triumphs such as overcoming obstacles and fears. Alumni have returned to share their successes, now in their careers as doctors, teachers, managers, engineers and beyond.
“It’s been wonderful to watch these kids grow into young adults,” Karabowicz said.
RECIPE
for success
Herbalist creates infused products to help pets & people
Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photos by April Duda Photography
Those eyes that seem to read into our souls. Their paws, ready to join us for a walk or cuddle next to us in bed.
Our pets are a part of our lives and as pet owners, we seek out the best nutrition and health care. No one knows this better than Batavia resident Cheryl Cryer, owner of Fat Sam’s for Pets in downtown Batavia. In addition to naming the business after her beloved dog, Fat Sam, she is dedicated to helping fellow pet owners understand and provide for their pets, whether it’s a healthy and nutritious treat or educating pet owners on the health benefits of CBD products
“People come in and they are constantly telling me how much my products have healed their animals and themselves and that’s what keeps me going,” Cryer said.
Cryer owns and operates Fat Sam’s For Pets and Urban Apothecary, adjacent storefronts in downtown Batavia. This August marks her seventh anniversary for her businesses, which have a strong online presence in addition to her storefronts. Her products are available in 25 stores nationwide.
She loves her work, but she’s the first to admit it isn’t something she envisioned for herself. Ten years ago she was a marketing vice president in a global firm with a comfortable salary and large responsibilities. But life is unpredictable. When a health crisis turned
her world upside down, she discovered a path that would lead her to a new direction in life.
With her doctor’s approval, she began a self-guided journey to natural healing and it lead her to see new health solutions. This includes discovering CBD, also known as cannabidiol, an ingredient in cannabis. It is extracted from a hemp plant. Unlike cannabis, or marijuana, CBD alone doesn’t create a high. It has been shown to help humans and animals find relief for anxiety, insomnia, inflammation due to arthritis and some chronic pain.
As Cryer began to study for herself, she found a calling to help others who were seeking an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. As someone with an
MBA and long executive career, this was more than just a hobby. She turned her energy into learning, studying and formulating her own CBD infused products.
“It has been a long journey of continual improvement and growth,” Cryer said.
Along the way, she was invited to share her knowledge as a contributing writer for a book, and lead wellness classes. She is licensed through the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Medicinal Plants. She obtained her certification in medicinal plants from Cornell University in 2022 and she is certified to dispense herbs and herbal compounds to humans.
Her shop, Urban Apothecary is dedicated to humans while Fat Sam’s for Pets is the outpost for canines and feline shoppers and their humans.
“We go bananas for our pets,” Cryer said.
At the shop and online the featured products are CBD infused treats and peanut butter for pets. Each week, she oversees the production of roughly 2,400 pet treats baked in a commercial kitchen in Geneva using premium-grade products such as organic pumpkin and natural, fresh ground peanuts. Some of these items will be dehydrated and shipped to customers across the country while others will be packaged and sold in her Batavia store.
BO RIBS
“Customers are looking for more natural, more non-toxic, more non-traditional,” Cryer said.
Handling the sensitive nature of CBD products, Cryer said she insists on a lengthy training with her staff, so they are best able to answer customer questions. She encourages customers to book a private one-on-one session to bring up questions and learn what will work best, whether they are shopping for pets or themselves.
“When people seek natural wellness, every single person or their pet is ill, in pain, stressed and we want to take the time to give them attention,” Cryer said. “We encourage them to book a one-onone consultation with us when the shop isn’t open.”
While consulting with customers, overseeing production and online orders, Cryer said she’s had to limit the hours
when her shop is open to the public, which has been a challenge. She followed by saying the recent move to her newest location, where she can welcome walk-in traffic downtown, has still been rewarding to be able to reach new customers and have an active part in the feel of the downtown retail district.
“This is what gives me life,” Cryer said. “This is what gets me up and going every day, helping animals and their humans find a better solution.”
n
www.urbanapothecary.shop/cbd-for-pets
www.urbanapothecary.shop
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4-H CONTINUES TO THRIVE IN KANE COUNTY
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
John Starks and Sandy Bressner
At the end of the school day most middle schoolers dump their backpacks by the door and head for their video games or streaming media. Mary Kelley of Elburn returns from her day at school and heads out to feed and care for her seven pet goats and highland cow.
Mary is raising goats, rabbits and yes, a cow too, as part of her 4-H project, not to mention her own love of animals. It might seem unusual to her school friends, but to her friends at the 4-H Club, like Molly Herra, it’s all part of the fun and incredible learning experiences.
“I feel like 4-H helps bring people together,” said Molly, who is raising chickens, rabbits and three goats
purchased from Mary. “We instantly bond and we have a lot of things in common.”
Mary added, “You can make a lot of memories.”
Even as Kane County has experienced suburban growth over the last few decades, it continues to foster a strong 4-H program for youth, from the club chapters to outreach programs that are brought into after-school programming centers. And while the focus of 4H remains centered around agriculture, today’s youth has even more opportunities to explore topics such as financial literacy, meditation and mental well-being, robotics and so much more, explained Andrea Farrier, 4-H youth development educator for DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
Photos by
Mary Kelley of the Lucky Maples 4-H Club raised this rabbit.
Youths show their middleweight market lambs in the ring at the 2023 Kane County Fair in St. Charles.
“There are 102 counties in Illinois, and 4-H and U of I Extension is present in every single county, including in Cook County and Chicago,” Farrier said.
Farrier was a part of her local 4-H club growing up and today, she manages the programming for the three local counties while supporting her own daughter as a member of her local 4-H club.
Farrier said today’s 4-H programming spans from traditional animal care to incorporating programs that interest
today’s youth, such as robotics.
Farrier said she’s excited about the growth of outreach programming partnerships with schools and afterschool programs such as the partnerships with local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as collaborations at Mercy Housing in Batavia.
“You can experience 4-H in a lot of different ways, not just the
clubs,” Farrier explained.
The name 4-H refers to head, heart, hands and health, the central pieces of the club’s programming. For a recent health program, an outreach program was Mindful Me, a class on the benefits of yoga and meditation for mental health. Farrier said at an intercultural program, students delved into the study of different countries with facts and learned to create a dish. One group studying France opted to make
GET INVOLVED
Through 4-H, youths can explore interests through workshops, clubs, service projects and more. To learn more about 4-H in Kane County, visit www.extension.illinois. edu/dkk/4-h-kane-county.
(weather & conditions permitting)
Dogs and their owners can choose from THREE places in town to run, play and socialize with others. Dogs must be supervised at all times, be current on all vaccinations, and have current rabies tags worn and visible. Maximum two dogs per person allowed. Dog owners visiting the park are asked to clean up after their pets, fill in any holes dug, and not bring food into the park. Dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot.
For more info: stcparks.org/dog-parks
Dogs must be supervised at all times, be current on all
asked
ratatouille, a stew of vegetables featuring eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes.
“They had never had some of those vegetables before,” Farrier said. “It really opened their eyes to exploration of different things that they’re not getting exposed to anymore in their electives at school."
The 4-H and U of I Extension also supports several local schools in the egg-hatching programs. It takes a team of volunteers to support the programs and Farrier said they’re always seeking new volunteers, as well as judges to help review members’ annual projects.
Farrier added one of her favorite aspects to 4-H is how it provides individuals with the opportunity to learn, explore and create at their levels. Each individual works at their own pace and pursues their interests.
“My favorite thing about 4-H is that it meets the kids where they’re at,” she said.
For Mary and Molly, friends through horseback riding, it was the love of animals that first drew their interest to 4-H. Working with animals, Mary said she might want to pursue a career in veterinary sciences. She loves learning about her goats’ personalities,
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Ryan Lind of Maple Park handles one of his calves during the first day of the 2023 Kane County Fair.
how Milo wants attention and Gertie is quite independent and aloof with people.
“It’s about finding what they need and giving them what they need,” Mary said. “It’s not to oh hard to bond with them, you just have to spend time with them.”
In addition to learning the responsibilities of caring for their animals, Molly said she’s gained confidence with public speaking and being able to present to a judge or answer questions about her animals at the county fair.
“That’s the really great thing about 4-H, at the heart of it builds public speaking, independence and mastering all of these skills,” Farrier said.
And while the younger generation might use tools like Google searches and occasional videos on social media to seek information, such as how to litter box train a rabbit, they’ve also learned quite a bit through the experiences.
“All animals are smart in their own way, you kind of have to problem solve,” Molly explained, talking about how she had to craft a way to keep the chickens from pecking at the cord to the heat lamp. “Seeing how much you can learn; it really is amazing.”
Sydney Krueger of Burlington Ag 4-H Club walks one of her pigs to its stall during the 2023 Kane County Fair.
OPENING HOMES HEARTS &
ADOPT A PET
HOOF WOOF & MEOW ANIMAL RESCUE 440-J Airport Road, Elgin 847-836-7387 | www.hoofwoofmeow.org
TAILS HUMANE SOCIETY 2250 Barber Greene Road, DeKalb 815-758-2457 | www.tailshumanesociety.org
PET ADOPTION IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO SHELTER ANIMALS AND FAMILIES
By
myriad of organizations and health-related sources all agree that the bond between people and animals is a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s a form of pet power that makes a difference in both peoples’ and pets’ lives.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association it is “influenced by behaviors essential to the mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing of both."
Connie Loken of Rockford, who adopted a pit bull terrier almost two years ago from Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue in Elgin, couldn’t agree more. “I was navigating through a divorce which took a year for me to process,” she said. “I had been following a group that had a litter of puppies and thought I would love to have a dog that could bring me unconditional love.”
The pit bull terriers Loken found were named the “Dynasty litter” as each of the 7 siblings were named for the classic TV show’s characters. “They arrived at Hoof Woof Meow in Elgin, and I went there to see them,” Loken said. "I took my own grand dogs with me to make sure they would get along with any of the puppies.” Loken said she was originally
drawn to a male named “Blake” but knew she really wanted a female dog. So, she chose “Fallon” who instantly took to her and the granddogs.
“I changed her name to Maggie, and we have been having so much fun,” adds Loken. “She’s 20 months old now. I took her to obedience school, and we’ve gone hiking, on walks, and even kayaking together. Dogs are so healing, and I really believe that God sent her into my life.”
Lori Schutt, president of Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue, sees firsthand how adopting a pet can positively impact families.
“It teaches kids responsibility of taking care of another living being,” she says. “Pets also offer a sense of security for some people or provides important companionship for others.”
As Loken can attest to with her own active Maggie adventures, there are so many positives when adopting a pet.
“Most family members are just simply happier and less stressed after adding a new furry friend to their home,” adds Michelle Groeper, executive director of Tails Humane Society in DeKalb.
“Some parents have their kids help with the pet duties of feeding and picking up after them, which helps
build responsibilities,” said Groeper. “Adding an active puppy or dog can also encourage children and adults to take part in a physical activity and even meeting other like-minded pet people while on walks or at the local dog park.”
Pet adopting agencies across the Fox Valley area are filled with furry friends looking for a loving home. There is a typical process individuals or families go through when adopting a pet, such as filling out an adoption application or survey on the agency’s website. The information it obtains on family members and their lifestyle is paramount in helping the adoption teams and staff better match them up with a pet suitable for them. Personal interviews are usually the second step.
Rescue animals receive wellness checks, fecal, all age-appropriate vaccinations and any necessary medications. Both Hoof and Tails have volunteers in numerous roles to help support their families and a medical team and trainers who are always available to help adopters.
Loken, too, has found support through a private Facebook group exclusive to the Dynasty litter adopters. “We stay in touch with each other often and share the news about our pit bull terriers. It’s really been a blessing for me.”
[Adopting a pet] teaches kids responsibility of taking care of another living being. Pets also offer a sense of security for some people or provides important companionship for others.”
– LORI SCHUTT President Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue
Pat Szpekowski • Photos provided by Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue and Tails Humane Society
HOLDING DOWN THE FORT
The phrase “Daddy’s home!” or “Mommy’s home!” is exciting for any child to hear at the end of a long shift, but for the spouse who has been holding down the fort while they’ve been away working, it can be absolute music to the ears.
Every family with a spouse who works in law enforcement has their own way of juggling schedules and managing routines, especially when those families have young children, and it can take some acrobatic-level logistics to make everything work. So, for those with partners in law enforcement,
whether your spouse is a seasoned officer or new on the job, I am sure you’ll see some of your own family dynamics in the following.
Kristen Malkowski, whose husband Dan is a Kendall County Sheriff's deputy, said that maintaining a routine is the best way for her to keep herself sane; nap time and bedtime are sacred in her household. Her children are ages 7 and 2, and Dan works nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Malkowski says that even though Dan is at home sleeping during the day, it’s a comfort having him there in case something comes up. While she feels bad waking
him up, it’s an advantage for him to be there when kids get sick.
Malkowski says she and her husband have ways of easing anxiety and maintaining home/work balance. First, Dan knows what topics he can vent about or share with Kristen and which would be best to discuss among his co-workers, who are supportive of him. They also have location sharing enabled on their phones and read receipts so they know if it’s been too long of a time since a message has been read. Malkowski will text short back-and-forth conversations with her husband.
“[I’ll say], ‘Hey, you OK?’ And he always says ‘Yes, just busy,’ and I’m like OK, at least I know you’re fine. That eases some worry,” she says.
While sometimes we may feel downhearted about our spouses working all night and sleeping all day, there are benefits to having a spouse working the night shift. When my husband, a patrolman for the Channahon Police Department, worked nights, he was available in the afternoon to get our oldest son off the bus, as 4 p.m. was like the crack of dawn for him. Not having to plan and pay for after-school care is a huge relief for a lot of families, and working the night shift makes that possible.
Liz Palko’s family has a double whammy in her household, as both she and her husband work for the Montgomery Police Department. Palko is commander of patrol, and her husband Jake Niete is a sergeant on the night shift.
“[I’m his boss] both at home and at work,” she jokes.
In her household, it’s non-stop work due to the high rank of both her and her husband’s positions, and because they both work for the same department. But what she loves about Montgomery is its scale.
“I know my people,” she says. “I know their kids’ names, and I think that’s super important, because you can tell when someone’s walking in the door and they’re having a rough day. Not everyone is a hundred percent every day, and I think we do a really good job of taking care of our people. That’s the best part of my agency, is that it’s truly family first.”
The best thing about a spouse who works in law enforcement? Both Malkowski and Palko related without hesitation: they love their job. There is nothing sweeter than the satisfaction of feeling pride and purpose in your everyday work. When your spouse isn’t burdened by the slog of going to a job that doesn’t bring them purpose, the whole household benefits.
According to Malkowski, Dan has “always put kids first” in his job. For example, improving a kid’s day by playing basketball with him while a domestic situation was handled by other officers at the child’s home.
“His biggest goal in life is to make sure police are viewed in a good way. … I’ve always loved that about his passion with that,” says Malkowski.
Both Malkowski and Palko used a phrase with which I wholeheartedly agree: “It takes a village.” For us, this means having backup plans and hands on deck so our children are cared for in the event of a sudden schedule change or unexpectedly lengthened shift.
For Palko, this includes neighbors who are available to be there for her daughter getting off the bus in the afternoon or to be with her in the morning before the bus arrives. The “village” also means the other families who work with spouses at the department.
As Palko explains, “It’s hard for a police wife, who’s at home with the kids, to have that connection unless they meet those people. … It’s a true extension of your own immediate family.”
Establishing routines and finding your village are surefire ways to make life more manageable if you are a family just starting out on this journey. As a very introverted person, it was a big and uncomfortable leap for me to make when making new friends in my neighborhood and forging connections with the families of my husband’s co-workers, but it has been so very worth it.
As Palko says, “When you surround yourself with good people, you have to be able to make that ask, and not be afraid to ask.”
When you show your appreciation for police officers and those who work in law enforcement, know that you are not only thanking them, but also the proverbial village behind the scenes that makes their work possible: their spouses, children, neighbors and friends who hold down the fort while they’re working.
n Sarah Cerovac is a high school Spanish teacher and mother of three wonderful boys.
Festival of the Vine, Sept. 6-8
CHEERS TO FUN!
Geneva’s Festival of the Vine is a fabulous time for friends and families! Enjoy beer and wines from around the world. Feast on mouth-watering specialties from Geneva’s acclaimed eateries at our Flavor Fare. Find unique gifts at our Art and Crafts show. Find events schedule and festival details at visitgenevail.com.
It isn't often that we hear the teenager in our house erupt with an audible "Squee!" when watching television, much less when watching a football game.
Yet, amid a timeout in the most recent Super Bowl, the phone that had been all but glued to her face suddenly (literally) fell to the floor with a clatter, causing me to wonder with concern what was the matter.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but the first cinematic trailer for what (for her) would most likely be the most exciting new cinematic arrival of 2024: The big screen adaptation of the Broadway megahit, "Wicked."
Scheduled to arrive in theaters this fall, the film will bring to life the backstory tale of Elphaba and Glinda – or as most people know them, the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North – and their encounters with the maybe not-so-wonderful Wizard of Oz in the years leading up to the dizzying arrival of that girl from Kansas and her little dog, too.
When "Wicked" hit the stage 21 years ago, it took the world by storm, selling out theaters across the U.S. and the world. And the show continues to defy gravity,
fueled by legions of flying monkeys ... er, adoring fans, like my eldest offspring.
But the real magic of the show has been its apparent ripple effect through culture. Ever since, writers and producers have sought to recapture the "Wicked" magic and capitalize on audiences' desire to find a new perspective on their most hated villains.
Please don't misunderstand: "Wicked" is amazing, and I have thought so since it came through Chicago on its first tour. And I will gladly take my giddy daughter to the cineplex when Elphy and Glinda alight on the screen, if for no other reason than to be, well, "pop-ular." (Some of you just sang that last word. Deny it, if you wish.)
Since "Wicked" reshaped the Broadway record books, it has spurred a cavalcade of storylines seeking to rehabilitate villains, even those that used dark magic to put a whole kingdom into an eternal sleep, or tried to skin dogs for a fur coat, or led alien armies to destroy New York, or "just want to watch the world burn."
There is a movie villain, though, who I would defy anyone to rehabilitate. His is a character so diabolical, so heartless, so warped and twisted that few would ever question his irredeemable nature.
I speak, of course, of Old Man Potter of "It's A Wonderful Life."
For certain, in a sequel perhaps, we could see Potter, like his model, Ebenezer Scrooge, redeemed following some kind of supernatural encounter. But in a prequel? Could we find we have all misunderstood this cold and calculating robber baron?
While some of you will recoil in horror, in many ways, there has never been a more relevant and relatable villain for the average American than ol' Potter, because so many of us are far closer to Potter than we wish to admit.
Deny it, if you wish, but consider:
• How many of us consume podcasts, articles, even entire books devoted to the notion of getting rich through real estate?
• How many of us have dedicated hours or even days of our lives to following the actions of the Federal Reserve so we can know what mortgage interest rates may be?
• How many of us treat even our homes as if it were an investment property, deciding which home improvement projects to tackle after calculating which will generate the greatest return on investment?
Just as you would easily find me seated in an auditorium for a showing of "Wicked," you can also number me among those who have done all of the above.
For certain, I can do – and have done – the math. Ask me my home's estimated value, and you'll get a quick answer. Ditto for the values of many of the homes in my community and beyond, and for the potential profit from a well-executed house flip
I would be among the last to begrudge anyone wealth created from savvy investments.
But in recent years, my philosophy towards my own home, at least, has shifted more towards that of George Bailey, the hero from "It's A Wonderful Life."
See, all of us have choices we made that left us wondering how our lives would have turned out differently if only we had chosen differently.
For my family, one such turning point came moments before the Great Recession nearly 20 years ago, when a brief bump in interest rates amid a period of sustained home value increases led me to an almost instantly regrettable decision to refinance.
Years later, we were ultimately able to extract ourselves from that situation, after paying many thousands of dollars in additional interest just to avoid a worser fate.
But the ensuing years have brought the realization that the true error in that moment came not from a miscalculation, but from a faulty frame of reference.
While our home is undeniably an asset, it is still so much more than – and so very different from – a mere investment.
It is the place where we live, the place literally where life happens. It is the nerve center of my family's existence, where so many of our happiest and most defining memories are made, where our kids grow up and, eventually, bring us grandchildren to once again breathe life into these rooms.
Now, home improvements are weighed based on a new calculation: How will this new investment make our home an even better, more comfortable and more welcoming place for that kind of life?
To be sure, this attitude adjustment doesn't mean the hope of future wealth has departed. It just means, as George Bailey might say, it will need to come from some other source than this place where we live, laugh and love.
Because, as Glinda and that girl from Kansas put it: "There's no place like home."
n Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday 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.)
STC Underground Teen Center
A Facility of the St. Charles Park District 101 S. Second St. • St. Charles, IL 60174 630-513-4380 • www.stcunderground.com
TEEN CENTER
Imagine a rec room where teens can laugh, play ping pong and meet up with friends. There’s always someone to chat with, a comfy chair and it’s hard to be bored with games and activities around.
In St. Charles, this is the STC Underground.
St. Charles Park District supports the goal of having a place and activities for residents of all ages and it’s proud to offer The Underground, a community space for its teens. With computers for gaming, space to study and room to hang out and chat, it’s a favorite spot for tweens and teens located just steps from downtown St. Charles.
its hosting study nights or video game tournaments.
Staying connected to the teens and inviting their feedback is an important part of the job, Fleming said.
“I’m always asking what they want to see or do, we talk about activities and interests,” Fleming said.
There’s the annual events everyone seems to love, like the field trip to Great America on Aug. 17 and there are new events each season. Fleming said she also partners with youth programming staff at the St. Charles Library to plan activities and generate ideas.
In August, the St. Charles Library and the St. Charles Park District’s teen coordinators are co-hosting Pizza Perfection Aug. 7, giving participants a chance to personalize their pizza pie with offers youths a place for activity & connections
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
Behind the scenes Recreation Supervisors Abby Fleming and Dan Procaccio work to keep the place inviting and fun, whether
Photos provided by St. Charles Park District
toppings and discuss nutrition along the way.
“They can eat their pizzas or take them home to enjoy them later,” Fleming said.
The park district’s teen center is open to those in 6th grade through 12th grade. As a welcome to the incoming 6th graders the center is hosting a new program, the 6th Grade Bash on Aug. 23. Fleming recalled how when she was around this age she moved to a new community and wished she had a program like this to meet people.
“It’s a great way to meet new people and learn more about the center,” she added. “This is a very safe environment.”
The center also hosts drop-in hours Tuesday through Friday with different themes, snacks and activities, from crafting to board games and ping pong too.
In October Fleming and Procaccio, in partnership with park district staff from Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, are planning a trip to Starved Rock for a day of hiking. The trip, timed to coincide with the beauty of fall leaf colors, promises to be a fun and active day.
Last spring the St. Charles Park District completed renovations at the STC Underground with a fresh coat of paint, improved lighting and a new computer gaming area, that has become a popular spot for fun and some in-house gaming competitions. The second part of the refresh will be this summer with new furnishings in the lounge, the addition of a pool table and a gathering table. In addition to the park district funding the teen center was the recipient of grants from the St. Charles Youth Commission and the St. Charles Noon Kiwanis.
Turtle Creek Lazy River
Sport Spot featuring Basketball
Dragonfly Den Toddler Pool
Frog Bog Zero-Depth Entry Activity Pool
Salamander Slides: Turbo Slide w/Freefall Launch, Racer Slide, Tube & Body Slides
Crayfish Canal with Drop Slides, Lap Lanes & Diving Boards
Sand Volleyball Court Splash Park Sand/Water Play Area
The Dive Concessions Family Restrooms
Fenelon Place Elevator
From high above the bluffs to the riverwalk along the mighty Mississippi, there’s plenty to explore in Dubuque, Iowa. Located about three hours from the Tri Cities, Dubuque can offer a great getaway and a town that’s easy to explore.
Top of the list for sites to visit is the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, located right along the Mississippi River.
“You can easily spend a day there, no matter what your age is,” said Taylor Kellogg, a Dubuque area native and vice president of marketing for the website Travel Dubuque.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium lets visitors learn and see many of the animals that reside in the river, like catfish and river otters. The museum and aquarium are located on the same campus, making it easy to visit both and there is an outdoor plaza connecting the buildings, perfect for a picnic lunch between visits. Kellogg said the museum includes historical artifacts. The museum is designated a Smithsonian affiliate.
“It’s very interactive and engaging, and it’s not just for kids,” Kellogg added.
Kellogg and her team have developed a top travel tool with the Travel Dubuque website, including suggestions for activities, whether searching for family activities or planning a brew tour of the area as well as an up-to-date list of events for all season.
Kellogg recommends enjoying the riverwalk and the annual Art on the River exhibit, part of a public art installation located along the river. Visitors enjoy Port of Dubuque where they can often catch riverboats and boat cruises docking into port. Kellogg said the Mississippi Riverboat Twilight of LeClaire, Iowa will dock in the port, as well as Viking’s Mississippi River cruises.
To get a view from the top, take the Fenelon Place Elevator, also known as the Fourth Street Elevator. The funicular railway was built at the request of a local banker, also a former mayor and state senator, who wanted a faster way to travel between his home and work in 1882. Today’s system was built in 1977 and
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
Photos by Travel Dubuque, Grant Wood Loop and Michael James Williams
Julien Dubuque Monument
upgraded in 2015. It offers riders views of Dubuque, and on a clear day look out to see sections of Wisconsin and Illinois too.
For those who prefer staying at ground level, visit one of the oldest running farmer markets on Saturdays in downtown Dubuque and on the second Thursday of the month the Millwork Night Market featuring live music and beverages.
Another spot for live music is the Sunday evening concert series in the summer at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Admission to the
ground is free and grounds includes 60 different gardens including a rose garden and English garden.
Dubuque offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, with parks and paths including the Heritage Trail, a gravel path that stretches over 26 miles to Dyersville.
And visitors to Dubuque should plan a day to visit Dyersville, home of the Field of Dreams, including where the baseball movie was filmed. This year marks the 35th anniversary celebration of the 1989 movie. Visitors can walk out through the cornfields, play catch,
run bases and imagine their own baseball game. Better yet, visit on Aug. 17 to catch an evening game of “Ghost Saturday” featuring a game of actors portraying the ghost players from the film.
“It’s really very cool and it’s free to attend,” Kellogg said.
The “If You Build It,” exhibit located in downtown Dyersville is a must for movie fans, to see photos from the film as well as memorabilia.
And if planning a visit in the waning summer days isn’t possible, there’s still
plenty to enjoy all year long. In autumn catch the cool breezes off the limestone bluffs and enjoy the scenic colors as the leaves change. Visitors can enjoy Mines of Spain State Park, which includes more than 15 miles of travels.
After the winter holidays, Dubuque is a great spot to visit in January to see and photograph the bald eagles as they swoop in to the area. One of the top places is Eagle Point Park, with beautiful views year-round and eagle viewing activities in the winter or stop at Lock and Dam #11, part of the Army Corps of Engineer’s Mississippi River system.
"America Needs a Hug" mural
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Mississippi Riverwalk
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Field of Dreams, Dyersville
Tour the Elgin Area’s Unique
Architecture
Spend a weekend in the Elgin area and you are sure to discover the unique architecture and charm of this turn-of-the-century downtown. Plan your weekend around one of these highlighted events and enjoy the history and flavors found in this idyllic town located along the Fox River.
HISTORIC ELGIN HOUSE TOUR
Peek inside many of the beautiful historic homes within Elgin by attending the Gifford Park Association’s Historic Elgin House Tour. For the last 50 years, this annual two-day tour allows visitors the opportunity to visit several historic homes. This unique experience happens only in the fall, so buy your tickets in August for the Sept. 7-8 weekend and enjoy touring Elgin’s historic homes.
TAKE ONE OF ELGIN’S WALKING TOURS
Check out the walking tour of Elgin’s historic residential district, which showcases neighborhoods 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 to film 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!
Another walking tour features the downtown historic commercial district showcasing buildings that date back to the 1800s. Plus, downtown is situated on the scenic Fox River, so taking the tour around sunset is going to be the perfect backdrop to sample many local restaurants.
EXPLORE A STUNNING HINDU TEMPLE
Take the time to visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir for a glimpse of this absolutely stunning Hindu temple. BAPS is open to visitors 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8-10 a.m. Sunday. Visitors are required to wear clothes covering the full body.
MUIRHEAD FARMHOUSE
Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright has 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. That farmhouse is located right here in the Elgin area, in Hampshire.
SUMMER FESTIVALS
Cap off your visit to Elgin by planning to see Elgin’s architecture during one of the summer festivals.
• The End of Summer Bash offers food and drinks, live music, a drone show that incorporates 300 drones, photo opportunities and fun for the whole family. Be immersed in “Candy Land” on Aug. 10 from 5-9:30 p.m.
• Visit during the Labor Day weekend for the Love on the Lawn Music Festival. This event brings together families, music enthusiasts and car aficionados for a vibrant lineup of DJs and a captivating car show of unique classic vintage cars and bikes.
• Experience our Mexican Independence Day celebration, La Fiesta de Elgin, on Sept. 13-14. This event will feature cultural performances, a car show, a retail vendor market, the Hispanic Heritage caravan, largescale concert, interactive props, food and drink vendors, fireworks and more!
n PLAN YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY today at www.exploreelginarea.com/ plan-your-visit/itineraries/ architecture-adventure.
EXPLORE CITY EXPERIENCES, TRAVEL COUNTRY ROADS
Travel back in time for the Historic Elgin House Tour on Sept. 7-8. Elgin’s painted ladies and historical downtown showcase unique architecture and tell the story of the community’s founding. When you spend a weekend in the Elgin area, you can take our walking architectural tour, visit a unique Hindu temple and see the only farmhouse that Frank Lloyd Wright ever built in the Elgin area. With nearby museums, parks and the Fox River Trail, there is so much more to see and do!
Winner of the “Best Use of Color for a Victorian Home” in the 2023 “Chicago’s Finest Painted Ladies & Her Court” competition.
AUGUST 2024
Last Swim of the Season at Hall Quarry Beach
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Monarchs and Mimosas at Hickory Knolls in St. Charles.
*21+ event, requires registration
and plan ahead for the month of August
Little Brushed Summer Camp at Pinot's Palette in St. Charles
*Registration required
Join Geneva Park District for a Park Cookout at Wellington Park, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Little Brushes Summer Camp at Pinot's Palette in St. Charles
*Registration required, check website for more project dates/times
Movies in the Park with Geneva Park District, screening Hook at 8:30 p.m. This movie is rated PG.
Adult Float Night at Splash Country Water Park in Aurora from 5:30-7:30 p.m., tickets required
Splash Bash Saturdays at Sunset Pool in Geneva from 1-3 p.m.
Batavia Through the Artist's Brush from 6-8 p.m. at the Batavia Depot Museum
Help St. Charles Park District gather Rusty Crayfish at the Rusty Rodeo from 10 a.m.2 p.m.
Watch "Westworld" (1973) at Paramount Theatre in Aurora7 p.m.
Acoustic Jams in the Park featuring Sam Wyatt at Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles. 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Wine & Canvas at the Farm (Blackberry Farm) from 6:308:30 p.m.
*Ticketed event
A Night on the Fox Riverboat Cruise. Registration is required, please check the website for more details.
Take in a showing of "The Full Monty" at Paramount theatre in Aurora, show starting at 7 p.m.
Minigolf Mingle & Masters with St. Charles Park District
Movie Night at Blackberry Farm: Trolls Band Together7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
*Ticketed event
Fox Valley Amazing Race from 8:30 a.m.1 p.m.
Fun FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
ENJOY A NIGHT WITH THE KANE COUNTY COUGARS
Home games with the Kane County Cougars are always a fun time with the kids (and sometimes with fur babies, too!).
Check out the remaining promotions, special dates, theme nights and more at Northwestern Medicine Field.
FIREWORKS NIGHTS
n Friday, Aug. 2
n Saturday, Aug. 3
n Thursday, Aug. 8
n Friday, Aug. 16
n Saturday, Aug. 17
n Friday, Aug. 30
n Saturday, Aug. 31
WEEKLY PROMOTIONS
Taco Tuesday
Half price margaritas each Tuesday, courtesy of Cayman Jack, featuring Mexican food from Sammy’s Mobile Taqueria & Cantina.
Thirsty Thursday
$2 beer, soft drink and hot dogs every Thursday during summer, courtesy of Miller Lite.
Friday Frenzy
Enjoy a burger, hot dog or bratwurst with a bag of chips, a small soda and a baseball cap for $16 a person for a box seat and $14 for reserved seats on Fridays through August. Available for 4 to 10 people. *Not available for purchase on day of game.
Finally Friday promotion
Draft beers and burgers are $5 for the last two Fridays of the season. Available ONLY Aug. 16 and 30
Sunday Free Feast
All box and reserved seats are $15 on Sundays through August, with the $15 given back as Concessions Cash. *Must be purchased by the Thursday before the game
THEME NIGHTS
Harry Potter Night
Friday, Aug. 2
Hawaiian Night
Saturday, Aug. 3
Princess Day
Sunday, Aug. 4
Fan Appreciation Night
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Outer Banks Night featuring Charles Esten/ Waubonsee Community College Night
Thursday, Aug. 8
American Girl Night
Friday, Aug. 16
Country Music Night
Saturday, Aug. 17
DC Super Villains Night
Friday, Aug. 30
Star Wars Night
Saturday, Aug. 31
REMAINING GIVEAWAYS
Hawaiian Caps (Hyundai)
Saturday, Aug. 3
Beach Ball (Country Financial)
Thursday, Aug. 8
American Girl Doll Accessory Giveaway & Nine Dolls given away during the game.
Friday, Aug. 16
Build-A-Bear Teddy Bear
Sunday, Aug. 18
Joker Bobblehead (Pyrotecnico)
Friday, Aug. 30
Photos by Jenna Spanola
Grab a
FOR ADULTS:
Library visits and reading sessions are a great family activity. Families can bond over these August book recommendations, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.
“All the Beauty in the World” by Patrick Bringley Stroll through the galleries and exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with author and museum guard Patrick Bringley. This memoir is both a beautiful portrait of one of America’s most famous museums and a personal story of the men and women working behind the scenes to make art available to all. In the wake of his beloved brother’s death, Patrick Bringley is looking to get out of the rat race and find some peace. He applies for a job as a museum guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and begins a 10-year career observing the collections, the visitors and his fellow employees. Bringley shares his favorite pieces of art, taking the reader on a personalized tour of the museum. From the Grand Staircase to Egyptian relics, African Art and “George Washington Crossing the Delaware,” Bringley shares a layman’s perspective on one of the world’s most fascinating art collections. At the same time, Bringley shares the diverse life stories of his fellow guards. Not only does the reader get a tour through priceless works of art, but also through the varied parts of the American experience. This is a fascinating stroll through the known art world, perfect for all art appreciators.
– Lauren Maxwell, Information and Reader Services Coordinator
FOR FAMILIES:
“Woven of the World” by Katey Howes
Children and adults alike will enjoy this beautiful story of the art of weaving and how this art form can draw a community together. With rich details about the process of weaving and creating textile art, the story moves from one location to the next. Each site has its own unique materials, process and products, yet the whole world is united in their pursuit of this handmade art. While celebrating the art form, the story meditates on the interconnectedness of communities and people. Weaving becomes a metaphor for how everyone is connected across cultures, age gaps and traditions. The author includes several informational pages in the book’s conclusion, offering opportunities to further deepen the reader’s knowledge, making this perfect for people of all ages. The illustrations are engaging and beautifully rendered. The high contrast will pull in young readers, and the details contained will offer additional layers to explore. With beautiful language and rhythm, this book is perfect for reading together.
– Lauren Maxwell, Information and Reader Services Coordinator
OF THE MONTH
Artist Barbara Barrows
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.
Barabara Barrows of Water Street Studios is a founding member of the artists' haven, first walking through the doors as a painter.
“I got in on the ground floor in 2007,” she says. “A friend told me about the idea for an art complex with individual studios and galleries. A place for artists to gather. I said yes after thinking about it for 30 seconds. While the renovations were taking place, I took painting classes with Maureen Gasek through the Batavia Artists Association. Once the center opened, I rented a 2D space for a few years but had to step away due to life events. I also got involved with Water Line Writers, a literary group that showcased local and regional writers. WSS was the host for these events and that helped get me more involved in the writing community. It is an interesting cyclical return as a writing teacher to a place I entered as a painter.”
One of Barrows’ most challenging projects as a writer was starting The NonIntimidating Writing Workshop, a program formatted for teens she easily applied to adult learning.
“I had been involved with a teen writing group, Teen Writers and Actors Project, as a volunteer, participant, and occasional workshop leader,” she says. “COVID shut down meetings in person and I know if I didn’t have a group to keep me accountable, I would not write so I founded the NIWW. I did this to keep myself writing but also because I was convinced that this workshop format that was developed for teen writers would also work well for adults. And it does. I have been leading weekly writing workshops for the last four years and I would say my consistency (or endurance) in just showing up every week to write is what I am most proud of. I have ADHD so this is a big win for me.”
For Barrows, art is an essential part of life for any community, leading the way for free expression and individual inspiration. “The arts – visual, written, audio, movement – are vital to all people and by extension, communities,” she says. “The arts give you a way to process what it means to live in this physical world and a means of expressing your interior world. Some neurons in your brain fire, you have a thought, you write a word and another and suddenly what was in your head is on paper. From that you create worlds, stories that stretch around the world and through time…the arts foster empathy and we greatly need that today.”
Carly Kemper Bos
An
ESt. Charles author E.A. Field invites readers to fantastic places Escape into the Pages
By Julie Barichello | Photos provided by Emily Field
MILY FIELD CARRIES WORLDS IN HER MIND.
There’s a parallel reality where mermaids lurk in the Florida Keys. A paranormal Illinois where zombies tread. A medieval realm where witches are uprising and a lore keeper documents the origins of monsters.
The door to those worlds is ajar. To enter, readers just have to open the cover of her books.
Field is the author of two published novels so far. The St. Charles resident has found success with Torontobased Rising Action Publishing Co., which released her 2023 paranormal thriller “IRL: In Real Life” and will release the debut title in her new fantasy series in May 2025. An additional standalone novel is under contract, with a tentative release planned in 2026.
Field had an early introduction to writing books. She was in fourth grade when she penned her first.
“My fourth-grade teacher really inspired me with reading, and my present to her was a book that I wrote and illustrated for her that year,” Field said. “Ever since then, I’ve been drawn to books. Naturally, I was like, ‘It would be fun to write something that I want to read and that maybe other people would enjoy.’”
Field studied English and art at North Central College in Naperville. In 2012, the Crimson Romance
imprint of Simon & Schuster released her first novel, a paranormal romance titled “Blue Moon” written under the pen name Anne Bourne.
Despite her early literary success with Crimson Romance, it would be 10 years before Field committed to writing full time. In the interim, she pursued a career in veterinary medicine and established a happily chaotic home with her husband, two children (ages 3 years and 5 years) and a full menagerie of dogs, snakes, geckos, fish and other pets.
These days, the stay-at-home mom carves out time to write at least one book a year. The first fruits of those efforts emerged last year with the release of “IRL: In Real Life.”
With her second novel, Field experimented with merging genres. “IRL” is a survival thriller that weaves in paranormal elements, such as zombies, curses and mythic artifacts.
“I wanted to actually meld the thriller and fantasy genres,” she said. “They go very well together because there’s always the thriller element in good fantasies. So that’s where ‘IRL’ came from.”
The novel also draws inspiration from another of Field’s passions: PC gaming. Nora, the book’s main character, is an avid gamer who finds herself in the center of a zombie apocalypse and teams up with online gaming friends to overcome the threat.
Zombies in much of contemporary media – such as “The Walking Dead,” “28 Days Later” and the “Resident Evil” franchise – are created by viruses. Field decided to pursue an alternative zombie origin in “IRL.”
“I wanted to do something different besides virus zombies,” she said. “These are the supernatural ones. They’re cursed zombies.”
While “IRL” is set in the contemporary world (in
Illinois, no less), her upcoming May 2025 novel is firmly rooted in the fantasy world of Ocrana. “Jack Serpent: The Scriver” is the first installment of The Scriver Archives, an epic fantasy series. Titular character Jack Serpent collects lore about the monsters populating his world and how to eradicate them. When an uprising of witches – known as Stryga – threaten to take over Ocrana, Jack is recruited into the military to put his monster-fighting knowledge to use.
“Jack Serpent is a mix of what I’d call ‘The Witcher’ meets ‘Van Helsing’ meets the show ‘Supernatural,’ but also inspired by the game ‘Metal Gear Solid,’” Field said.
The initial inspiration for the novel was rooted in a question nagging Field’s thoughts: What is the origin of monsters? Who determined what weapons and antidotes can defeat them?
“Where did it all originate?” Field questioned. “Who was the one who wrote it down and said, ‘This will kill this monster’? How do we know that werewolves are allergic to silver? How do we know that vampires get killed by stakes? How do monsters die? So I figured I would just make somebody up who figured that out.”
Field conducted in-depth research into monster lore to honor familiar tropes while also adding her own twist.
The Scriver Archives is planned to include four books, although Field said she hopes to add a fifth installment.
“I’ve always dreamed of writing a fantasy series,” she said. “That will be pretty cool, once it’s done, to see all of them together.”
Field has multiple projects in various stages of publication. “Jack Serpent” has a scheduled release date next year, while her standalone novel “Moon Dark” – a Victorian gothic horror romance that she describes as “a mashup of ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’” – is undergoing editing and production with Rising Action Publishing. The next three to four books in The Scriver Archives are in the process of being written, and she’s also working on a pirate novel that is not yet under contract.
“I like to always write ahead so I have at least one thing done to send to my editor. While they’re looking at that, I’m writing something else,” Field said. “Ambitiously, writing two books a year is my goal.”
Her ultimate goal for her novels is simple. Field wants to open a world to people who need a break from life’s demands and stresses.
“I write for escapism,” she said. “It’s just nice to get into some other little world, you know?”
n BUY “IRL: IN REAL LIFE” AND “BLUE MOON” through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indigo. For more information about Emily Field, visit www.emilyafield.com.
Several authors have influenced Emily Field’s writing. Check out some of her favorite fellow writers:
n BRANDON SANDERSON: High fantasy and science fiction (*Special recommendation: The Stormlight Archive series)
n JAMES ROLLINS: Action/ adventure, thriller, techno thriller and mystery
n TOM WOOD: Thriller
PLAYERS GET HOOKED ON PICKLEBALL FOR ITS SOCIAL FUN AND COMPETITION
BY KEVIN DRULEY
Journalists aren’t supposed to inject opinion into their writing unless they’re assigned a column. But I’ve exchanged dinks and lobs with Kelly O’Brien of St. Charles before, so it’s almost impossible to label his assessment of pickleball as anything other than perfect.
Kind of like the sport itself.
“I’ve become very passionate about pickleball to a point now where I get a lot of grief from a lot of people, especially my family, because that’s all they hear me talk about,” O’Brien said.
Same here. Except this story isn’t about me. It’s about pickleball in the Tri-Cities, which offers anyone with a paddle or a penchant for enjoying themselves a chance at daily bliss.
Take it from an observer who’s back to being neutral. Starting now.
A friendly, social hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball continues to surge in popularity. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports that an estimated 13.6 million Americans “pickled” in 2023, a 223.5% climb from 2020.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPORT
Trey Poythress of Geneva stands proudly in that number, as do many in his swelling cellphone contact list.
Because of pickleball, Poythress said, “I’ve probably met 200-plus people that I never would have known before, and everybody’s pretty nice.”
Soon after taking up the sport four years ago, when a friend with whom he was supposed to play tennis also toted his new pickleball paddles, Poythress found those seeking a salve from the uncertain COVID-19 pandemic “just built a community.”
These days, that group has grown in might, developing near immunity to the nettlesome gnats at James O. Breen Community Park in St. Charles, a hotbed for outdoor play, and a keen eye for weather app wind maps.
Taking it inside is an option as well, even during the summer. The Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Park districts each offer open play year-round. Visit Batavia at the right time – that is, alongside a certain kindly regular – and you’ll have access to a bag of candy adorning a table just outside the gym doors.
With their “paddle up” rotation systems, also seen at Breen, park district open play reinforces how democratic pickleball can be. Players of all ages and skill levels stack their paddles as they await the winner of a doubles match.
Depending on the number of people waiting, they walk to an open court with one, two, or three fellow picklers. The group then exchanges pleasantries if players don’t know one another already.
“Probably the most challenging part of it is remembering names,” O’Brien said.
Play often enough and that trouble goes away, along with many others.
Portofino
40W188 Campton Crossings Dr., St. Charles 630-359-8184 | www.portofinostcharles.com
Portofino Trattoria has mixed the taste of upscale Italian cuisine with the comfort of feeling like you’re at home. Kane County’s newest Italian restaurant offers popular Italian dishes and delicious drinks while catering to guests of all ages. Unwind near a fire table with your favorite cocktail and/or enjoy a meal on our beautiful, quaint, cozy patio. With daily drink/food specials, Portofino is the greatest place to be!
Stockholm’s
306 W. State St. , Geneva 630-208-7070 | www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
Out back and tucked in a nook with the neighboring building, protected by a high fence and covered with a shade sail, Stockholm’s patio is a little intimate dining gem. Voted the Western Suburbs’ Best Neighborhood Tavern by the readers of both the Kane County Chronicle and West Suburban Living Magazine, Stockholm’s is known for its expansive menu of freshly prepared meals using only the highest quality ingredients. You can also enjoy its handcrafted beers, brewed in an Old World tradition, naturally conditioned and unfiltered, from the Tri-Cities’ oldest brewery.
Alexander’s Cafe
1725 N. State St., Elgin | 847-888-4146 1650 W. Main St., St.Charles | 630-549-0514 www.alexanderscafe.com
Alexander’s Cafe is named in honor of Alexander the Great, a king of Macedonia in Northern Greece, where the restaurant owners are from. Alexander’s serves breakfast and lunch 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – all home-cooked meals are made fresh on the premises by the chef. All of the soups, sauces, gravies and dressings are made fresh on-site. Alexander’s also features bloody marys and mimosas!
Rookies All-American Pub & Grill
2486 Bushwood Dr., Elgin | 847-551-9006
1996 S. Kirk Road, Geneva | 630-402-0468
12220 Princeton Dr., Huntley | 847-669-8600
1360 Lake St., Roselle | 847-278-1666
1545 W. Main St., St. Charles | 630-513-0681 www.rookiespub.com
Rookies All-American Pub & Grill has seven locations across Northern Illinois with it’s newest location now open in Crystal Lake. The menu features a variety of pub food and American favorites including their famous wings, burgers, sandwiches and specialty pizzas. Check out their house drinks – Bob’s Mai Tai has been a house specialty since 1975 – as well as house wines by Robert Mondavi, by the glass or by the bottle. The restaurant regularly hosts special events, such as Cruise Nights from June through September at Elgin and St. Charles locations and Atomic Bingo (Tuesdays in Elgin and Geneva, Wednesdays in St. Charles). A huge patio and bar with a live music stage is open in Geneva Rookies at the ice rink!
Village Squire
480 Randall Road, South Elgin | 847-931-0400
125 Washington St., West Dundee | 847-428-4483 www.villagesquire.com
Village Squire Restaurants have been part of the Fox Valley since 1974, family owned and operated. The Squire is an English pub-style casual dining restaurant featuring live music Wednesdays through Sundays and a cozy atmosphere with a great outdoor patio featuring two fireplaces for enjoyment in the warm weather months. Some of their specialties include charbroiled steaks, juicy prime rib and a wide variety of gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and fresh fish. Famous for their house drinks, Mai Tais and Rum Barrels are made in-house and are an all-time favorite. For a casual drink or dinner, Village Squire is a great place to be!
Geneva
St. Charles
The Importance of Putting the in the
RIGHT PLANT RIGHT SPOT
Planning before planting can prevent future problems
Isee any number of plant and landscape issues every day. Drainage problems. Rabbits or deer damage. Winter burn. Pruning nightmares. Neighbor’s stuff to hide. Too much shade. Too much sun. Dead grass. Grass in ground cover beds.
The list of landscape woes goes on and on. But the biggest issue I see is plants located in the wrong spots and then struggling, dying or being butchered by poor pruning.
I firmly believe in RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT SPOT. So many landscape issues are caused by plants in the wrong spot. I get it. That cute little river birch you grabbed on sale at the end of the year needed to be planted. And the only open space you had was 3 feet from the corner of your patio. Flash forward just a few years (often less than 10), and that cute little river birch is now 25 feet tall and wide and its root system has made itself at home under your paver patio’s gravel base, making a mess of your bricks. Now you have to cut it down, and you are angry at the plant when it was just doing what came naturally.
A little more thought before the birch was planted and instead, you could have a beautiful tree lilac that behaves itself and will cast shade and flower but stays less than 20 feet tall fully grown and keeps the patio intact. We want plants to do jobs for us. But like any human doing a job, the plant wants to do its job and do it correctly the first time, with as little human interference as possible. I always tell folks to figure out what size they want the plant to be fully grown. Do you have room for a 20- to 30-foot tree? Or only room for a larger shrub like a viburnum that will bloom and grow with little maintenance and stay under 10 feet?
At least once a week, someone tells me, “But I won’t be here that long.” I get that, too. You may not live in your house forever. Or you may stay longer than you expect. Do you want the cost of removal down the road? Think in advance about what you are planting, and you’ll be rewarded with many years of handsoff maintenance.
Plants take care of themselves if they are happy in their spots. You shouldn’t force a plant to do something it doesn’t want to do. If something wants to get to be 6 feet to 8 feet tall (such as a dwarf burning bush), having to trim it 10 times a year to keep it 3 feet tall isn’t doing anyone any favors. You are damaging the plant’s longevity as well as wasting your summer trimming every weekend. Instead, choose a weigela or a diervilla. They will max out at 3 feet by 3 feet untrimmed! See? No maintenance and lots of color.
Making smart plant choices is the easiest way to create a “no to low” maintenance garden. There is a plant for every single situation you can think of. We are lucky to have so many plants in Illinois working for us! If you need help choosing the right plant for your spot, never hesitate to ask a plant person. I know that I love to see plants untouched in the landscape, and my clients are happy because they don’t have to do anything to it!
Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer for Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com
DIY?
Some things are better left to the professionals
Gina, my wife and one of my nominees for sainthood, has waited for us to remodel our home for too many years. After patiently watching us continue to invest in My Advisor & Planner and then in the building the team is now based out of, it was finally time to address an overdue makeover. We were overdue to get our home project done. For those of you who have had a chance to read our monthly articles over the many years we’ve been a contributor to Kane County Magazine, you know I was raised on a family farm in Wisconsin. Farmers who survive have developed basic skills including those as a carpenter, plumber and electrician. Although I regard myself as “handy,” the end result of some projects on prior homes was functional but not always aesthetic. As a result, we had agreed to hire professionals for any work we would do on our current home.
Concerned about the financial outlay for the project and corrupted by how easy many of the DIY shows on TV make home renovations look, I briefly contemplated being our own general contractor for the job. It was not too far into the project that I realized what a mistake that would have been.
Our first order of business was to secure a talented general contractor. Fortunately, we had known Kevin of Platinum Renovations, Inc. for years and were familiar with his reputation as an honest and talented craftsman. During our first meeting, he recommended that we reach out to Kellie of Kindred Design & Remodel, a designer he often collaborates with. Kevin shared that Kellie’s strengths complement his and that she would be a good resource. It turned out that he undersold her talents, and we were so impressed we hired her during our first meeting. Kevin and Kellie as a team collaborated with us to develop a detailed, personalized plan to renovate our entire first floor. They provided detailed plans including written quotes and computergenerated visuals that helped us make decisions and understand the scope of the project. A professional, comforting start!
As the crew was taking the entire first floor of the house down to the studs and sub-floor, I quickly realized what an all-consuming project this would have been. There are always some surprises and challenges when you do a remodel this extensive and peel a house down to its bones. This is where experienced hands and knowledgeable sub-contractors really make a difference. We were thrilled to see the project come in
To Learn More
For information about Platinum Renovations, Inc., visit www.platinumrenovationsinc.com
For information about Kindred Design & Remodel, visit www.kindreddesignremodel.com.
on-budget and ahead of schedule. I’m confident that hiring the right professionals actually saved us time, money and aggravation.
Reflecting on Gina’s and my home renovation made me think of our private wealth management business. Just like there are many in the construction business, there are many in the financial services industry. The differences in the end result between a worker and a craftsman, however, can be profound. Having the tools is not enough. Applying tools with skill and a seasoned frame of reference can be invaluable. Also, coordinating with complementary disciplines such as your CPA and/or your estate planning attorney can also be critical.
Most people can’t afford to make a mistake with their life savings. Can you?
For conversations beyond returns and asset allocation, give our team a call.
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. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a Wealth Manager, RJFS. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
Tom and his team are located at 107 S. 2nd St., Geneva, IL 60134 and can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.
Entrepreneur. Tech enthusiast. Science tutor.
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