KCC_ KC Magazine February 2023

One of my favorite movies

is Love Actually, a story told through the lens of several characters and their lives in the days leading up to Christmas in London. In the very beginning of the movie, Hugh Grant’s voiceover tells us “Love, actually, is…all around.” I’m a sucker for a moving screenplay, and this line always resonates with me. It can be easy to lose sight of the good unless we keep our focus anchored in the positive. This month, we celebrate the love we feel all year round and remember to continuously look for it because, it truly is, all around us.

Our love and weddings issue focuses on something to share with everyone you hold close to your heart. From previewing the annual Geneva Wedding Walk (P. 8), to sharing a nostalgic throw-back romantic datenight (P. 18), to connecting with your kids in a child-led day plotted with fun filled stops in Kane County (P. 34), you’ll find many reasons to set aside meaningful and quality time with those who matter most to you.

New to Geneva, but seasoned in the restaurant business, the opening of Hacienda Real has me filled with

Managerʼs NOTE on the COVER

anticipation as their reputation for cuisine (and margaritas!) proceeds them (P. 20). This summer when extended family comes to visit, I plan to dine there with my mom and sisters, and then head to State Street Jewelers for a “permanent” bracelet session (P. 14). What a beautiful way to connect, remember and celebrate three women I respect, love and learn from daily.

Seeing new businesses take root in our community and the warmth and support we share amongst one another is one of the many reasons I’m proud to call Kane County home. Remember, we love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, businesses and connections you’d like to share with our team.

Thank you for reading!

Jaclyn Cornell, Local Sales Manager

Hacienda Real is gearing up to serve elegant Mexican cuisine in downtown Geneva. Owner Carlos Aréchiga tell his story on P. 20.

Next month: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and opportunities to upgrade your home for spring!

PUBLISHER

Kane County Chronicle & Northwest Herald Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com

EDITOR

Kelley White shawmagazineeditor@gmail.com

DESIGNER

Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com

LOCAL SALES MANAGER

Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Jamie Baker, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Erin Sauder, and Diane Krieger Spivak

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

Photo by Carlos Aréchiga

s

INSIDE

LOVE & WEDDINGS

8 THE GENEVA WEDDING WALK

With 45 vendors, new giveaways and a horse trailer converted into a mobile bar, this year’s walk is set to be a blast

10 A DIAMOND BY ANY OTHER NAME

Why lab grown diamonds are rapidly gaining recognition

12 TYING THE NONTRADITIONAL KNOT

Keep your ceremony true to your heart and cut back on waste

14 A GOLDEN TREND

Try permanent bracelets on for size at State Street Jewelers

16 BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AND BEAUTIFIED

Klein Creek Golf Club is renovated and ready for wedding season

18 BLAST FROM THE PAST

Get by with a little help from the golden years on date night

DINING

20 HACIENDA REAL Carlos Aréchiga opens his latest restaurant in Geneva

ART & FASHION

24 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Artist and illustrator Kelley Cappell finds inspiration through many different mediums HOME & LIFESTYLE

26 YOU DO YOU IN THE GARDEN THIS YEAR

Wasco Nursery helps you create the garden of your dreams

FAMILY IN FOCUS

28 IF YOU GIVE A DAD A DOLLAR

Superdad follows the lessons of a famous children’s book

30 GRAB A BOOKMARK

Two book recommendations to check out in February

32 COURT TIME

St. Charles Park District invites new players to try out pickleball

34 SAY ‘YES’ TO FAMILY FUN Map out a day with your children in charge

BUSINESS & CIVIC

38 DON’T WAIT FOR THE CALL Tom McCartney helps plan ahead with long term care insurance

40 FOR THE LOVE OF SCIENCE

Fermilab inspires future generations of scientists

Plan your special

WEDDING WALK

It’s that wonderfully romantic time of year again, the Geneva Wedding Walk is here. Wedding parties can stroll through downtown Geneva and peruse over 45 different vendors, finding favorites, giveaways and inspiration for their big day.

“It will be on Sunday February 26, from

11 a.m.-3 p.m.,” says Geneva Chamber Sponsorship Director, Kelli Rogers. “We just launched our new website, and all the brides and grooms can register at genevachamber.com.”

Like last year, the Wedding Walk will include 20 different stops along Downtown Geneva’s storefronts, beginning at The Herrington. “The registration will take place at The Herrington and then it will be a self-

guided tour,” says Rogers. “We will end everything at Riverside Receptions where all the other vendors will be. Anyone who doesn’t have a downtown storefront will be able to have tables displaying what their businesses represent. They can get as fancy as they want and there will be giveaways and raffles.”

One of the newer vendors this year, The Hallow Traveler, will also be in

attendance. “She does a mobile bar,” says Rogers. “She took a horse trailer and converted it – it’s pretty awesome.”

According to owner Eliana Maldonado’s website, the trailer is lovingly dubbed “Miss Lovegood” and is a Vintage 1989 Merhow made into a dry bar ready to serve at any special event. The client must provide the alcohol, but The Hallow Traveler takes care of the rest!

Other perks taking place this year

Mark your calendar

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, February 26

Downtown Geneva

WALK day with the Geneva

By Jamie Baker • Photos courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

include a shuttle service, compliments of Comfort Inn and Suites and the First Congressional Church of Geneva is giving away a wedding ceremony. “There will also be more vendors than there was last year,” says Rogers. “We have a wide variety of businesses representing every aspect of the special day.”

Aside from salons, there will be photographers, venues, florists, bakeries and more with displays for

brides to experience with their guests. The cost of registration is $30 for brides, which includes a swag bag and the ability to bring one guest of your choice. Additional guests will cost $5 each at registration.

Any way you slice it, the Geneva Wedding Walk will once again set hearts aflutter in Downtown Geneva and serve as a key resource for local couples tying the knot.

a

DIAMOND

by any other NAME

Lab grown diamonds and other sustainable jewelry pieces are gaining traction in the world of fine adornments

By Diane Krieger Spivak

hen people hear the term “sustainable jewelry” or “lab grown diamonds” they can often misunderstand what those expressions mean.

Firstly, lab grown diamonds are real, so consumers should not confuse them with cubic zirconia, or CZs, which are artificial and hold little to no value.

Lab created, or lab grown gems, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and, of course, diamonds are just what the name implies — grown in a lab, as opposed to mined from the earth.

“The first thing to know is that a lab created diamond is a real diamond, with all the same physical characteristics as a mined diamond,” says Rob Hollis, co-owner of K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique and Wine Bar in Batavia. “The only difference is that one comes out of the ground, and one comes out of a machine. In essence, they take a seed diamond, put it into a machine where they are recreating what nature does in a matter of weeks instead of millennia.”

The process involves extremely high pressure and temperature, creating a gemstone that is unique, just like mined diamonds, with the same characteristics of color and clarity, and are cut just as mined diamonds are, adds Hollis. “No two are the same,” he says. Each lab created gem is inscribed with its own identifier, as well. “So, you should be able to tell the difference,” says Hollis. “In our store we also have a machine that can identify the difference between the two.”

Lab grown diamonds are also graded, according to clarity and cut, just as mined diamonds are. According to Hollis, 80 percent of the loose diamonds the store sells are now lab-created. “They’re more available and more affordable, and for some people they’re more ethically sourced,” he says.

“It does change the entire industry in that the supply of lab created diamonds is not as finite as lab created diamonds,” says Hollis. “You can get a lab created diamond at sometimes half the cost of a mined diamond.”

That said, some prefer mined diamonds because they are rare, and therefore more valuable.

“Because lab grown diamonds are mass produced, the value isn’t the same as a mined diamond,” says Laura Pinckney, sales manager at State Street Jewelers, in Geneva. “The earth has a finite amount of diamonds. We sell both.”

Whichever you choose, Hollis advises, “Be cautious of where you’re buying and buy from a reputable jeweler, and with a larger diamond, make sure you have certification.”

Sustainable jewelry includes more than just gemstones, however. “Precious metals, like platinum, gold and silver can all be recycled,” says Pinckney. “When our customers want to sell us a piece of jewelry, I always tell them this is like the ultimate recyclable. It’s less that we have to pull out of the earth. It gets melted down, the impurities come out, and they can reuse it in new jewelry. In some cases, if they have a sentimental piece, our customers can reuse their own jewelry, melted down into a new, custom-made piece of jewelry.”

Jan Barbeau Perfect Events by Jan

Tying the

Nontraditional Knot

More and more, couples are weaving unique, meaningful experiences into their ceremonies while cutting back on waste

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

Non-gold

band

f wedding plans were bestowed upon the bride like a gift, then “something old” would be traditional wedding customs. But for couples veering onto the nontraditional path, the “something new” could be a ceremony venue other than a church, “something borrowed” could be mason jars for centerpieces filled with flowers from the bride’s garden and bridesmaids wearing a variety of dresses in “something blue.”

For many couples, incorporating their own touches into their big day outweighs maintaining wedding traditions.

“A nontraditional wedding can be very simple, such as having their dog walk

down the aisle wearing a tuxedo shirt or Cubs jersey, or skipping a religiousbased ceremony for a ceremony that’s more telling of the couple’s story,” says Jan Barbeau, founder of Perfect Events by Jan in St. Charles.

Many couples are seeking unconventional venues that double as the site for both the ceremony and reception. Popular choices include the zoo, breweries/wineries, museums and warehouses. Creating adventure weddings is another popular choice, such as getting married in the ocean with the bride dressed as a mermaid or having the ceremony on the island of Santorini where the bride rides in on a donkey.

wedding

(Carbon filler and wood )

Photo courtesy of Perfect Events by Jan

“People are really after those beautiful photos to post online,” Barbeau says. A different photo trend is putting disposable cameras on the tables for guests to take pictures. Then they can add the photos to an album with a note for the couple.

While couples still exchange weddings rings, Barbeau isn’t seeing a traditional gold band for men. One of her clients opted for a wedding band with a carbon filler outside and material from a whiskey barrel inside. Some couples express their love with a ring tattooed on their finger. Others repurpose a family heirloom by taking the stone from a grandparent’s ring and putting it into a new setting. A fun alternative to the traditional guest book is doing something more artistic like a tree canvas where guests sign their names on the branches to fill in a family tree. The finished piece can serve as a decoration in the couple’s home, Barbeau says.

For couples seeking to minimize the ecological impact of their special event, a sustainable wedding might be the way to go. One way to achieve this is by using mason jars for vases and letting guests take those home or decorating with potted plants that double as wedding favors for guests.

Other eco-friendly wedding ideas include sending out electronic invitations, asking guests to bring their own glasses for drinks and renting food trucks in lieu of a seated multi-course dinner.

No matter what type of wedding a couple plans, at the end of the day it comes down to celebrating the newlyweds for who they are.

“Take the time to really think and talk about making your wedding a memorable experience that you both will treasure for the rest of your lives. There is an experience for every budget. This is your one day, so do what feels right to both of you,” Barbeau says.

Pets in the wedding party

A GOLDEN trend

Permanent bracelets take the jewelry world by storm

By Jamie Baker

trendy, new, “permanent” tradition has taken shape in the form of delicate solid gold bracelets you can wear to match a loved one or purchase just to treat yourself. Laura Pinckney at State Street Jewelers serves as a resident expert on the popular accessory. “We started doing the permanent bracelets in November or October,” says Pinckney, “It was just a fun way to attract a young, fresh clientele to the store.”

As the style began to grow over the past year, Pinckney notes State Street wanted to join in on the fun, using 14k gold to ensure durability and hardiness. “We were seeing a lot of the popups doing plated materials, which don’t last as long,” says Pinckney. “If it’s going to be permanent on your body, we want it to be a nice quality karat gold.”

State Street is currently offering six to seven different chain styles in yellow, white, and two-tone gold. “Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome,” says Pinckney. “I’m the person that does the bracelets and I am here five days a week.”

When a customer walks in, Pinckney brings out

a display and prompts them to pick out their preferred chain. Then, she measures the chain on their wrists, using a jump ring to connect the ends. “I found that works a lot better and has a lot more longevity than actually connecting the chain to itself,” says Pinckney. “This also allows me to get the right fit for the client because, nine times out of ten, it’s too loose or too tight, so that ring helps to eliminate that. Once we get the desired length, I use a little laser welder to tack it closed. In the blink of an eye, the tip of the welder heats up enough to melt the gold into itself.”

Pinckney’s customers range from mother/daughter appointments to best friends, singles,and everything in between. “I think it’s a fun way to adorn yourself,” says Pinckney. “I did it because I liked the idea of not having to worry about taking a bracelet on and off on a daily basis. I think it’s a fun way to link yourself to another person if you want to come in with a friend or a family member. I did a mother and two daughters, and they all got the same bracelet, but they all live in different parts of the county, so they kind of linked themselves via the bracelet. Sentimentality is one of the main reasons for this newer trend.”

• Photos courtesy of State Street Jewelers

BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE

&

Beautified

Klein Creek Golf Club is a picturesque wedding destination

In recent years, Klein Creek Golf Club has changed ownership, opening the golf course and wedding venue up to a variety of renovations that are truly stunning. Director of Events, Theresa Thomson, details the new life brought back into the Klein Creek venue.

“We completely redid the clubhouse and restaurant, so we are a full-service restaurant,” says Thomson. “All the greens and bunkers are being redone. We got new golf carts and equipment, we also have a newly renovated, tented pavilion that is climate controlled and open yearround where we redid all the floors and all the draping.”

FACILITIES AND CAPACITY

Klein Creek Golf Club can accommodate both indoor and outdoor celebrations. Couples can welcome up to 220 guests for a banquet event, or up to 400 loved ones for a cocktail-style reception in the Tented Pavilion. This space offers wide windows that look out over the golf course, along with a classical interior

that is illuminated by elegant chandelier lighting. The all-white drapery gives couples a blank space to completely customize the space to their colors and theme of their choosing. This venue also offers an outdoor ceremony site, allowing couples to enjoy the picturesque scenery as they exchange their vows.

SERVICES OFFERED

This country club caters to a myriad of nuptial festivities. Couples can celebrate wedding showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. Dedicated staff at this venue understand the importance of these events and will be on hand to assist from the planning to the cleanup. They offer a range of wedding embellishments to make every occasion sparkle, including linens, tables, and chairs. Staff can additionally take care of set up and cleanup of the event space, helping to provide a stress-free experience for the newlyweds-to-be. Valet services can also be provided by the country club to allow

a VIP experience for all guests. For guests who are staying in nearby accommodation, a shuttle service is available for easy transportation.

CUISINE

This country club boasts a talented on-site catering team that will take care of all food and beverage needs. Both bartenders and waiting staff can be present to assist throughout the event, offering seamless service to guests. The team can facilitate both open and cash bars, serving beer, liquor, wines, and complimentary champagne toast to all guests. This catering crew facilitates a range of serving styles to suit the ambiance of any event, offering buffets, family-style meals, plated food, stations and hors d’oeuvres. Should you request outside catering, this country club welcomes all outside caterers.

For wedding parties who prefer to use their imagination in designing their venue’s theme and décor, Klein Creek Golf Club is an ideal location with a breathtaking tableau.

Contributions By Theresa Thomson u Photos courtesy of Klein Creek Golf Club

from the PAST BLAST

n BIKE RIDE TO A PICNIC LUNCH

Main Street Bicycles

39 E. Main St., Carpentersville mainstbicycles.com

Don’t have a bike? No problem. You and your date can head out into the open air on rented bicycles from this popular shop. Don’t forget to bring a backpack with a picnic lunch.

Jeff Provisor, owner of Main Street Bicycles, can attest to how successful this type of date can be. “I proposed to my wife doing the very same thing,” he said. “We rode our bikes to a nice little lake on the Des Plaines River trail, packed a little picnic, and the rest is history.”

Bike rentals are available yearround at an hourly rate of $10, or $30 for the day, and include a helmet and lock. “Riding the lovely Fox River Trail is always beautiful,” Provisor said.

n SWING DANCING LESSONS

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of St. Charles 2400 E. Main St., Suite 107 B www.fredastaire.com/st-charles

By Erin Sauder l Photo courtesy of Main Street Bicycles

Are you looking for a fun way to escape the dating doldrums? Try doing something that’s different and new by going retro. Here are some ideas for kicking it old school in Kane County when it comes to romance:

You and your date can take a trip back to the Swing Era with a fun and beginner-friendly private dance lesson. “Swing dancing has been around since the 1920s and is always popular with our clients,” said studio owner Jackie Josephs-Grytsak. “This high-energy dance is so diverse with many different music genres and styles. Everyone remembers their grandparents, parents, or even the 90s Gap commercials doing the swing.” There is nothing better than being at a wedding, honeymoon, or party, hearing a great song, and getting out on the dance floor, Josephs-Grytsak said. “The fun you have is immeasurable and of course, there are all the people watching, thinking, ‘I wish I could do that,’” she said. “So, why not call or visit your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio and give yourself, or another, the gift that keeps on giving? Life’s better when you dance.”

Borrow a few dating ideas from yesteryear to help bring you closer to your beau

n BOWLING NIGHT

St. Charles Bowl

2520 W. Main St., St. Charles www.stcharlesbowl.com

What’s more old school than slipping on a pair of bowling shoes and hitting the lanes? For more than six decades, St. Charles Bowl has been a Fox Valley tradition for fun and entertainment for the entire community. “I believe bowling has lasted through the ages as it’s an activity with a low skill requirement for entry yet has a high skill ceiling for those interested in learning some of the more advanced areas of the game,” said manager Tim Miedema. “It doesn’t matter much if you’re a seasoned player or it’s your first time playing. It’s just fun.”

Then, once you and your date have worked up an appetite hitting the pins, head to the venue’s Spare Time Bar & Grill to nosh on burgers, patty melts, pizzas and other tasty bites. The menu also includes an extensive array of draft and bottled beers, wines and cocktails. “An evening of bowling for a couple would run approximately

$38 for one hour, including shoe rental, during peak hours over the winter months,” Miedema said. “And slightly cheaper in the spring and summer when bowling is typically considered off-season.”

Restaurant HOP

n THE LEWIS

This 70s-themed cocktail, wine and whisky bar can be found at 106 E. Main St., St. Charles.

n DOUBLE YOLK PANCAKE HOUSE AND RESTAURANT

Located at 1555 Butterfield Road #101, Aurora, this cozy diner offers a variety of waffles, omelets, sandwiches, burgers, and more.

n ROCKET FIZZ SODA POP AND CANDY SHOP

n VISIT THE ARCADE Underground Retrocade

121 W. Main St., West Dundee Undergroundretrocade.com

Step back in time by heading to the arcade. You and your date will have plenty of options to choose from, as this establishment boasts roughly 200 games. Underground Retrocade owner Scott Lambert enjoys “taking you back from the future, daily,” by featuring games from the golden era, as they were played using the correct cabinets, controls, and displays. The $20 admission fee provides unlimited play all day with limited same-day re-entry.

Get launched back in time at this shop, located at 301 W. Main St., St. Charles, which offers candy from a variety of decades, as well as hundreds of different types of bottled soda.

n DADDIO’S DINER

You’ll find all the classic diner fare at this establishment, located at 134 W. Wilson St., Batavia. And bonus: the dessert menu includes pie of the day, root beer floats, and malts.

HACIEN DA

Restaurateur Carlos Aréchiga

Experience the true hospitality of Mexican culture and introduce your palate to gorgeous and delicious cuisine

By Jamie Baker | Photos courtesy of Hacienda Real

Restaurateur Carlos Aréchiga is in the midst of opening his family’s tenth location as a restaurant group, overall, and his first official eatery in downtown Geneva.

“We have been in the restaurant industry for nearly twenty years, and we have been business owners for eleven years now,” says Aréchiga “We started, with my parents, a fast, casual place serving Mexican food. Salsa Verde, our location in St. Charles, is the kind of operation we’ve been doing for the majority of the time.”

As the years went by, Aréchiga and his brothers started experimenting with their cuisine and business model. “We wanted to bring a little bit of what we enjoy when we go to Mexico, and we wanted to emulate the places that we like

to spend time at when we go to the city,” says Aréchiga. “That’s how Hacienda Real came about and now here we are.”

Aréchiga is especially delighted to open his newest restaurant in Geneva, a community he and his family have long admired. “To start out, we are very familiar with Geneva due to the location of Salsa Verde, which is very close to downtown Geneva,” says Aréchiga. “We’ve had an eye on this community for a while and it has become a dream to have a bigger, more full-service restaurant. I found this location and thought ‘this has to be ours.’ We are right in the commons where Bar Louie used to be.”

Family is in the fabric of Aréchiga’s restaurant group, woven throughout their story and their menu designs. “Hacienda Real, for us, is a very

fun experiment because we have that familiar and traditional aspect of Mexican Cuisine and we still work at the family business level where mom and my brother are designing recipes,” says Aréchiga. “We have those recipes from mom, but we also have the innovation from my brother. I like to call it ‘traditional dishes with an exciting and innovative twist.’”

Aréchiga’s first Hacienda Real location is in Yorkville and since its opening, they have dedicated themselves to keeping their menu fresh and reflective of the seasons. “One of the things I like most about our restaurant is that our menu is constantly changing,” says Aréchiga. “We print it about every three months, but we do have some core items because they are everyone’s favorites. We also like to bring

DA REAL

something new; we like to evolve with everything around us from the weather to the trends. We like to adapt.”

Mom’s recipes are the cornerstone to Hacienda Real’s flavor. “The Cochinita Pibil is a pork dish we serve in a hot lava bowl; it comes with tortillas on the side, and it has a really cool, delicious flavor to it,” says Aréchiga. “We have a big influence with seafood because we are from a coastal state of Mexico, so we include things like shrimp tacos and grilled octopus. Right now, in winter, Pozole is a pork soup that my mom usually makes and it’s one of those that, if she’s not in the kitchen and we run out, we won’t have any until she’s back. Only she can make it.”

Home is at the heart of Hacienda Real, an echo of the Mexican hospitality Aréchiga is thrilled to bring to his restaurants. “We have a reputation for being hospitable and one of the ways we connect is always through food,” says Aréchiga. “When we are at home, we always gather around the kitchen island or at the dinner table. My restaurants are an extension of that. I want my guests to sit back and relax. It’s a way of being and it’s an everyday thing for us.”

Aréchiga brings his hospitality-first mindset into every aspect of the restaurant, ultimately seeking to extend those values toward the customer’s experience. “It’s about promoting Mexican hospitality to the fullest,” says Aréchiga. “To be able to communicate that inviting warmth and open arms atmosphere is directly related to our concept. Even though we are designing a trendy and sophisticated dining space for the people in Geneva, it’s still a very approachable and homey, enthusiastic vibe.”

The family is ready to serve Geneva with satisfying and exquisitely delicious Mexican fare in an incredible atmosphere. “We love St. Charles, Batavia, and everyone around us,” says Aréchiga. “We can tell they have a caliber and an expectation, so all we want to do is make sure we live up to that expectation. To me, it’s a love letter to everything that has happened and the way my business has grown.”

Artist Kelley Cappell

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.

Astudent of art in its many forms, Kelley Cappell is a true creator from the heart. “I am an artist/illustrator with a degree in biology and a background in scientific illustration,” says Cappell. “I was the illustrator for the Brookfield Zoo for about 6 years. I was responsible for all sorts of art, including digital, acrylic, pen and ink and much more. As of now I am a freelance artist and instructor at Water Street Studios.” Cappell is from Geneva, a significant reason she was drawn to Water Street Studios after she left the zoo and wanted to join an artistic community. Like other

artists from Water Street, the local wildlife and natural landscape help serve as inspiration. “I love to visit the Fox River and look for birds such as eagles and hawks,” muses Cappell.

Cappell continues to try different mediums and reach for new artistic projects. A recent favorite of her work is an acrylic painting of a character from the popular Apple TV show, Ted Lasso. “I was so delighted when he retweeted the image on twitter,” Cappell laughs. Artistic expression is as necessary to Cappell as oxygen. “I have certainly grown through the years, but I have

always known my purpose was meant to be an artist,” says Cappell. “My mother would tell you she knew as soon as I picked up my first crayon.”

As an instructor at Water Street Studios, Cappell wants everyone to access the vibrancy of art and creativity. “Art is such an important part of life,” says Cappell. “It makes us feel, not always good, but it can make you think about something in a completely different way. Everyone should have access to art in every form, that is why I love being a teacher and inspiring others to take a risk and try something fresh and new.”

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DETAILS OF Kelley Cappell’S WORK:

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

u Cat: digital, $250

v Rabbit: pen and ink, 4x16

w Lion: 24x36, $350

x Snow leopard: acrylic y Kingfisher: 12x12, $350

z Alligator: digital, $250

{ Pennywise: carved pumpkin

| Roy Kent

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Kelley Cappell is an illustrator and artist with a degree in biology. She is based out of Geneva and is currently under contract with the Brookfield Zoo as their illustrator.

was talking to a potential client and she was lamenting that she has so many ideas but she was so overwhelmed that she didn’t know where to start, so she just gave up. She felt that if she implemented all of her garden ideas (or even some of them) that it would be too expensive, just too much to care for, and that it would look terrible because she didn’t know anything about plants. She only knew what she liked based on photos and visiting other gardens or the Garden Center. She had lists all over the place, photos saved on her phone, and board after board on Pinterest of her dream garden. She also felt selfish putting in a garden that SHE liked versus something that would make the house sell better someday. She knew she could have the garden of her dreams, but she just didn’t know how to start.

YOU You do in the garden this year!

First, I assured her that she really could have the garden of her dreams. I also told her that it was smart that she contacted a professional versus trying to tackle it alone. How many of you would try to fix your car yourself? Or remodel your home? Or take out your own wisdom teeth? Very few of you would DIY that, so why do you wish to DIY a garden plan? Bring in the professionals!

This is where I told her that she COULD have this garden and it would be EASY. A professional that is an expert in her field knows the right questions to ask and how to listen. She knows how to maximize budget. She knows how to pull all of those ideas and photos and color swatches together into a pleasing garden plan that will be easy to maintain and fun to have.

YOUR garden is just that – yours. Your garden knows how much time you have to work on it. Your garden knows that you like butterflies and has plants that attract them by the plenty. Your garden knows you have a drainage issue so has plants or features that can divert or use excess water. Your garden knows that you are allergic to lilies and doesn’t have any even though your landscaper wanted to plant them anyway. Note: “Landscapers” aren’t all the same –we can’t be all the things. Do your research. Is your “landscaper” your lawn maintenance company? Grass is way different than perennials or shrubs. I don’t pretend to know anything about lawns, but I do know

plenty about trees and shrubs! Find the right person for YOUR job!

I’ve set a goal for this year to work on personalizing my own garden. I tend to garden in bursts when I have time or a plant catches my eye at the Garden Center. I certainly don’t plan my own garden (I know…I know…I don’t practice what I preach) but I do want to give it more thought. I also give myself permission to do what I want. I decided last fall that growing tomatoes is just too much for me. They take up too much space. They hog water. They make a mess in my little garden space. I decided that instead of tomatoes, this year it will be my “collector’s garden.” I’m planting things that I have never planted before and new varieties that are introduced. It may turn out to be a bit unplanned or unorganized – depending on the time frame in which I plant. But that’s okay. It’s MY garden and I can do what I want. And if it fails – it’s okay, I will try something else. Of course, I will probably poll my co-worker experts to see what else I should try…see? Always ask the pros!

My point is, don’t second guess yourself when it comes to gardening. You have already shown that you are willing to learn. I’m giving you permission to have fun, learn and try new things, and dream at the same time. Heck, you may even plant something yourself. (Start small… trust me!) While you are at it, please plant some tomatoes so that I can come get some…

Meagan is the

at

in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Senior Landscape Designer

Wasco Nursery

Musings about winter weather and trips to Disney World

Staring out the window in February in northern Illinois can trigger a snowballing avalanche of thoughts, perhaps leading once more to a magical place. Or at least a place that is magical for my kids anyway.

The journey may begin in a comfortable chair on Sunday, a fire crackling in the fireplace, a book in my lap, my mind turning to reminiscing over times spent reading books to my kids on cold, dreary days similar to this, in chairs much like this. Perhaps that book may have been the famed children’s tome, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin,” by Laura Numeroff. (And before we go further: Yes, I know Numeroff wrote the “Moose” book as the sequel to “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” but my kids preferred moose and muffin, so this is their fault.)

And thinking about moose will make me think about Canada. And Minnesota, too, I suppose, though what really is the difference?

Pondering moose in the Great North will make me remember that winter will soon be over.

Sure, the endless 28 days of February will do their level best to lull us into believing the season of snow, sleet and polar vortices will never end. But the apps on my phone promise that one day, the temperature will once again rise above the freezing mark, and for several blessed months, the words “snow blower,” “ice melter” and “polar vortex” will become Canada’s problem once again.

And Minnesota’s too, I suppose. Then, thinking of Minnesota once more, perhaps I’ll think about lakes, because, well, state mottos and what not. And pondering Minnesota lakes will lead me to remember that moose can not only swim, but also dive down to 20 feet and eat vegetation underwater.

(Keep that in mind, should you ever find yourself in a canoe on a lake in Minnesota.) But thinking about swimming in lakes will return my thoughts to the end of winter, because swimming outside goes in summer, unless you happen to be someplace almost perpetually summery, like Florida.

And thinking about Florida and my kids, my thoughts may turn to Disney World.

Here we must pause for a bit, because if you were to ask me to use Facebook to define my relationship with Disney World, I would undoubtedly need to click “It’s Complicated.”

On one hand, as comedian Jim Gaffigan and so many others have pointed out, for most dads, there is very little personally relaxing, refreshing or redeeming about a trip to Disney World. And even less so if you are from the North and somehow find yourself in Orlando in the summer.

And, if you were to ask me to publish a list of my preferred vacation destinations, the Most Magical Place on Earth would find itself far, far down the list, somewhere between downstate Illinois and Canada in February.

But yet, in recent years, there I have been, melting on the Most Magical Pavement on Earth, not just once, but multiple times.

So why, you ask, have I continued to return to Disney World? Well, as Gaffigan adroitly puts it: Because I love my kids. And they love Disney.

Growing up, it would be wrong to call my family poor. Yes, we lived in a modest home in a lower income community. But we never went hungry, or faced

homelessness, to my knowledge. And every summer, we took a vacation.

Most of the time, it was a camping trip to a Midwestern state – Wisconsin, Michigan, even South Canada, er Minnesota, with a few farther flung destinations thrown in.

But for my siblings and I, a family trip to a place like Disney World may as well have been a months-long excursion to Paris, Cairo or Marseilles – and not the towns in downstate Illinois.

Fast forward a few decades, and, as is common in the American dream, my lifestyle has in many ways eclipsed that of my parents. So, with the resources on hand, there would no reason to deny my wife and I the chance to hear our kids cheer when we tell them we’re going to Disney World, or see their faces light up upon witnessing Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street USA, or to share their joy at taking photos with their favorite make-believe characters from the House of Mouse, or soak in their giggles on their favorite rides. Sure, there will be a few meltdowns along the wayincluding a few from the kids.

And we have traveled, and will travel again, to other, more real destinations, offering more culture,

more nature, and costing far less to give them more rounded experiences away from home.

But, God willing, there will also be ample time for enjoying more sophisticated vacation fare in the years to come.

So, for now, while they are young, we will return from time to time to Disney World.

Because if you give a dad a dollar in February, he might just decide to use it to book a trip to make some memories with his kids – though not to Orlando in the summer, please.

n 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.)

Welcome the beginning of the chilly season with a good book!

Here are two recommendations for your February reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

Grab a

FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS:

“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate

Have you ever wondered what animals might be thinking when you visit the zoo? Gorillas might have more to share than you think! Based on a true story, Katherine Applegate’s “The One and Only Ivan” features Ivan, a laidback silverback gorilla, Ruby, an enthusiastic elephant, and Bob, an eternally optimistic stray dog, and the bonds they forge while living and performing at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. The animals spend all of their time inside, where they never see the sunshine. Ivan and his friends dream of living in a place where they can be free. Together, they use all of their creativity, strength and determination to convince humans to move them to a zoo, a place where “humans make amends.” With wonderful humor, heart, and beautiful illustrations, kids ages 8-12 will adore Ivan, Ruby, and Bob, and learn that anything is possible within the bonds of friendship.

— Lauren Maxwell, librarian

FOR OUR READERS:

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt

If you are looking for a warm and cozy read this winter, dive in to Shelby Van Pelt’s debut, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” This novel features a delightful cast of characters, including Tova, a woman of Swedish descent forging a new path after the loss of her husband, Cameron, a young man searching for a true family, and Marcellus, a begrudging friend to them both, who just happens to be an octopus. Tova and Marcellus bond one evening when the octopus escapes his tank and Tova nervously comes to the rescue. As Cameron is welcomed into the fold, Marcellus leads the way to solving a decadesold mystery that connects them all. While imperfect on their own, these unexpected friends find that they are strong enough together to face the past and dive into life anew. It is a book filled with joy, optimism, and a little bit of magic. Humorous, heartwarming, and wise, this novel will inspire you to reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor to deepen the connections between us all.

— Lauren Maxwell, librarian

COURT

Pickleball interest continues to grow at St. Charles Park District

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

St. Charles Park District

Just follow the sound of the dinks to find the hottest game in town: pickleball. Once considered an obscure gym class activity or a sport for older generations, pickleball has had a surge of interest in the past few years, gaining popularity for players who enjoy the sport for recreation and competition.

St. Charles resident Michelle Di Orio has been playing for three years. She tried it for the first time while visiting her parents in Florida about three years ago when she thought she’d give pickleball a try and after her first game, she was hooked.

“I loved it,” she quipped.

Di Orio came home and learned she could play pickleball Saturday mornings at Haines Gymnasium. Today, the St. Charles Park District has more than 11 courts available for pickleball with a few more expected later this year. Outdoor pickleball courts are located at James O. Breen Community Park and Belgium Town Park, while four indoor courts are each at Haines Gymnasium and Pottawatomie Community Center. Additionally, the park district plans to paint and provide pickleball courts outdoors at Pottawatomie Park later this year, explained Melissa Caine, Assistant Superintendent

Photos courtesy of

of Recreation who oversees the park district pickleball operations and its newsletter, The Dink.

In 2020 the park district launched pickleball leagues, where players of different levels can join in weekly games. The winter league opened its registration in late December and within the first few hours of resident registration the program was nearly full, Caine said.

Joe and Donna Holloway of St. Charles are active in the intermediate level pickleball league where they face different opponents and have different game partners for each match.

“It’s fun because you’re meeting and playing with a lot of different people,” Joe Holloway said. He got into the game after receiving a set of pickleball paddles and balls for Father’s Day. The couple has always enjoyed being active and when the weather allows, they enjoy the outdoor courts.

Unlike some sports, Holloway said he thinks pickleball is relatively easy to pick up. It uses an underhand serve which can be easier for limited range of motion, making the sport accessible to those who have had previous shoulder surgeries. As compared to tennis, in pickleball, the net is shorter, and the court is smaller. For Di Orio, pickleball is a great way to get some exercise. She prefers a competitive game and says in the summers she’s at the outdoor courts at James O. Breen Community Park every morning. She enjoys outdoor play to have fresh air and doesn’t mind the challenges of sun and wind.

Di Orio added she likes playing matches with newer players and said there’s a real camaraderie on the courts with more experienced players always willing to help newer players

improve specific skills and learn the rules.

Pickleball players will hang their racquets in an orderly ‘dibs manner’ to signify who’s up next on the courts. While it’s fun to play with a spouse or friend, it’s just as easy to drop in and join the court, meeting new players all the time.

The park district offers a limited selection of racquets for those interested in the game to borrow, but bringing your own equipment is strongly encouraged.

Caine said she is interested in contracting a pickleball instructor to provide classes for those adults who wish to learn the game or improve their skills as well as provide instruction for youth players. She’s also planning to expand the number of competitive tournaments as bragging rights are popular among pickleball players.

Pickleball has seen a surge of interest in the past few years as it gained popularity and new players like Paul Carani of St. Charles. Carani said his wife, Lisa, is a tennis player and tried to get him on the tennis court to no avail. In the fall of 2021, his wife invited him to play pickleball and after a game or two, the former racquetball player had to admit pickleball was a lot of fun.

“It’s got some elements of racquetball and a lot of elements of tennis, but the strategy in pickleball is really unique,” Carani said. “I can be competitive against a high-level player, and I can play for recreation.”

Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners Ceremonies and/or Receptions

YES!

SAY family to fun

Map out a day of fun with children in charge

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Parents, it’s time for a takeover. On a Yes Day, the children map out activities and parents can’t say no.

But before handing over all the power, it’s a good idea to set some terms like time, budget and geographic footprint. Fortunately, Kane County and its nearby communities have an abundance of opportunities for some great family fun. Here are a few ideas to inspire your family adventures.

Photos by Shaw Media and courtesy of Hey Sugar and Chicago Steel

GAMETIME

Families can spend an entire day or an hour or two at Funway in Batavia where the biggest question is what to do first with options that include arcade games, laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, a roller rink and an outdoor go-kart track. The business started in 1959 and was originally located in downtown Batavia before moving to its current location in the late 1960s with continual expansions and new attractions, explained Director of Events Jackie Sommerfeld. Her father, Bob Hansen, took over the business in the 1990s and today she and her brother help with the business.

“The fun part about working here is seeing people we grew up with coming with their kids,” Sommerfeld said.

The roller rink, which was added in the 1970s and remodeled through the years, is still just as popular and there are arcade games for all ages, she added.

After a morning of fun it’s time to refuel and why not have dessert first. Find plenty of delicious indulgences at Hey Sugar in downtown Geneva where owner Sarika Sing and her crew are always baking incredible treats like their cupcakes, English toffee and yes, even in the winter there’s ice cream. Parents can grab a coffee or tea or have some winter fun with their hot chocolate made from Belgium chocolates and topped with whip cream, marshmallows or even cotton candy.

Sing opened the shop in June 2020 and loves the shop’s large picture windows looking out over Third Street.

“I love downtown Geneva. It’s a quintessential little town,” Sing added. After dessert, don’t forget to have a real lunch, whether it’s a sandwich or something small to take away or sit down as a family and catch up over a plate of pancakes, burgers or pizza.

When was the last time you had a good book in your hands? Browse some of the titles at Town House Books in downtown St. Charles. This independent bookstore has stocking its shelves since 1974 and its knowledgeable staff can help everyone find a story they’ll enjoy.

For books and so much more, consider a stop at your local library to see what’s new. Families with younger children can enjoy a story time while tweens and teens will have fun in the digital labs and maker spaces. Kane County is home to some of the state’s best libraries including the recently renovated St. Charles Public Library and the very popular Gail Borden Public Library District’s Main Library in downtown Elgin. Check the website of your local library for an events calendar or drop in and see what’s new.

GET YOUR GREENS (SPACE)

Whether the sun is shining or there’s a fresh layer of snow on the ground, encourage your Yes Day participants to include some time in nature and check out one of the hundreds of parks, playgrounds and forest preserves in the area. Step away from screens and take some time walking along the Fox River. There are so many places to enjoy, whether seeking a walk under a canopy of trees, a place to walk your favorite four-legged friend or an active playground where children can climb and swing. To find a park with a little of all of these elements, nominate Pottawatomie Park near downtown St. Charles. And if you time your Yes Day during the warmer weather, enjoy a family challenge of mini golf at the 18-hole course or take a ride on one of the two Paddlewheel Riverboats for a new perspective of the Fox River.

ADD ICE

For some up-close action, grab tickets to watch the Chicago Steel ice hockey at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva. The Chicago Steel hockey games are a family-friendly experience with fan favorites like autograph sessions and post-game skates with team members.

“It’s really a great family atmosphere,” said Rachel Greenstein,

media relations coordinator for the Chicago Steel. “These players, they’re just as excited for the fans to be here.”

Greenstein knows hockey, having played herself as a teen and with the club team at University of Minnesota. Chicago Steel players are in their later teens, either finishing high school or taking time before starting their college career to continue developing their skills.

“These guys are the future of hockey, and we’ll likely see many of them on the national stage in the NHL,” Greenstein said. While the team is full of talent, its players are eager to connect with the community, Greenstein said, whether it’s taking part in the team’s Read with Rusty program to read to school children or chatting with fans after the game.

“They’re just a great group of guys and they love the community, and it is really reflected in the way they interact with the fans,” she said.

Most games are scheduled for Friday through Sunday and the calendar includes plenty of promotions from Princess Night to wiener dog races.

Whether your family’s Yes Day is filled with activities or maybe a few special events, enjoy carving out time together, a few delicious treats and great memories.

Don’t wait for

THE CALL

Plan ahead with Long Term Care insurance

It was very early Thursday morning, January 17, 2019 and my cell phone rang. My sister sounded distressed. Our almost 87-yearold mother had called her moments before telling her that something was wrong. She had fallen repeatedly and could not regain her balance. Mom says she thinks she needs to go to the hospital and then her line goes silent. Mom had a stroke.

At a time like this I’m glad that we didn’t have to worry about anything other than getting the best care possible. Fortunately, the day we had hoped would never happen had been planned for since 1996 when Dad died. Dad had valiantly fought various cancers for 16 years with Mom by his side every step of the way. The carousel of physical, emotional, and financial pain had been a cruel teacher, and the first thing we did after his death was secure an exceptional Long Term Care insurance policy for Mom. Here’s why you should plan accordingly.

With life expectancies increasing by 30 years over the past century, we are now at a point where 70% of those who reach age 65 will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime.1 You may be surprised to learn that more than half of those receiving long-term care today are receiving care in their home. The second most common location for receiving care are nursing homes followed closely by care being received in an assisted living facility.2

The costs can be staggering.3

If you don’t own Long Term Care insurance, unfortunately these costs become your problem as other forms of insurance do not cover LTC expenses.

n HEALTH INSURANCE

• Does not pay for LTC

n MEDICAID

• Will not help until assets are depleted and the patient is impoverished

• Only pays for nursing home coverage, not home care

n MEDICARE (ONLY OVER AGE 65)

• Only in limited situations, after being hospitalized

• Full coverage for only 20 days

n DISABILITY INSURANCE

• These funds may be used. However, disability insurance protects income allocated for normal everyday expenses

• Coverage only while working

These policies have exclusions and/or limitations. The cost and availability of Long Term Care insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. As with most financial decisions, there are expenses associated with the purchase of Long Term Care insurance. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company.

1 “Medicare & You 2016,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2 “The 2015-2016 Sourcebook for Long-Term Care Insurance Information,” American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.

3 “Long-Term Care Insurance Statistics” LTC Tree, 2018

Let’s recap.

Long-term care needs are not just a reality but are a probability. Care is expensive, and other traditional forms of insurance don’t cover LTC. Although space constraints will not allow us to discuss different types of coverage in the detail, you’ll want to cover when you meet with an advisor, here are some elements you will want to keep in mind:

n Who’s underwriting the risk? We recommend that you carefully assess not just the ratings of the underwriting insurance company but also examine the company’s experience in this line of business. History has not been kind to companies that jumped into the market with aggressive pricing only to discover later that they had underestimated the risk.

n Type of LTC Policy: Make sure you understand the differences and select one of the following that best fits your situation:

1. Traditional Individual LTC Policies

2. Asset-Based LTC Policies

3. Permanent Life Insurance with an LTC Accelerated Benefit Rider

n Benefit structure:

1. Reimbursement vs. Indemnity: Most policies require that receipts be submitted before the insurance company reimburses the beneficiary once they go on claim. Conversely, some policies simply indemnify the beneficiary once they go on claim and pay out the contract’s maximum daily or monthly benefit. Indemnification is easier and expedient.

2. Skilled care and home health care. Most of us would prefer to receive care at home if possible. Make sure that your home health care benefit is as generous as skilled care benefits are. My family is blessed. Thanks to mother’s foresight, our focus is on her recovery without distraction. If independence, financial certainty, and control of your own care is important to you, consult an experienced financial advisor regarding your LTC options today. Your family will thank you.

SCIENCE For the love of

Fermilab inspires future generations of scientists

By Kevin Druley n Photos by Ryan Postel

Asked what she feels most people think of when they hear “Fermilab,” the familiar name for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Becky Thompson hardly hesitates.

“I would hope, and I expect that they’re thinking about our cutting-edge science, all the amazing things that we’re doing,” said Thompson, who heads Fermilab’s office of education and public outreach. “How we’re exploring the fundamental properties of the universe. How we’re exploring fundamental particles.”

Of course, of course. But isn’t there a herd of American plains bison on the campus of the Batavia facility? And isn’t it chronicled by a 24/7 webcam? Why, yes. “Very famous,” Thompson smiles. Fermilab encourages visitors regardless of their knowledge on the country’s premier national lab for particle physics research. That includes those who may feel perplexed by science in general, let alone physics, the study of how matter and energy interact. “Everyone’s a scientist; they just might not know it,” Thompson said. “And I, in my career, want to unlock that knowledge in everybody else.”

Visit Fermilab

n Outdoor visiting hours: Dawn to dusk daily

n Lederman Science Center: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays and holidays

For more information on visiting the facility, go to www.fnal.gov/pub/visiting/hours/index.html.

‘I WANT TO DO THAT, TOO’

In Thompson’s view, anyone who ever tested something to get a result or viewed the world critically befits the scientist label. Her personal catalyst for wanting to hold that distinction? Witnessing the famed double-slit experiment in her high-school physics class. “Seeing something so tangible that kind of broke my brain was amazing,” Thompson said. Fermilab senior scientist Don Lincoln attributes his career arc to being “inherently curious” during childhood, adolescence and onward. He started with dinosaurs, moved on to astronauts and went from there.

Routinely reading the works of science writers Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, and George Gamow while growing up influenced Lincoln as well.

“These were people with traditional, precise scientific training who were able to write in such a way that could excite me back when I was a kid,” he said. These days, Lincoln repays his science studies while simultaneously paying it forward, authoring numerous books and articles while helping produce hundreds of science education videos.

“We heat things to temperatures 100,000 times hotter than the center of the sun, and if you want to study something like that, you can’t go to the local store and just buy a detector that is able to understand that.”

– Don Lincoln, Fermilab senior scientist

“I can imagine,” Lincoln said, “That there’s some 10, 12-year-old kid somewhere in some rural state without access to the very top schools who might see one of my videos and say, ‘You know, that stuff’s cool. I want to do that, too.’”

It isn’t altogether farfetched for this unabashed advocate of dreaming big.

A Fermilab employee since the late 1990s, Lincoln said he has been approached by visitors or younger colleagues seeking his autograph on one of his books, crediting them as inspiration.

“All of us have passions, and one of my deepest passions is to explain science, to share science, with the public,” Lincoln said.

LOOK AND LEARN

Of course, visitors to Fermilab can catch a glimpse of what’s afoot for themselves.

Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Fermilab’s Lederman Science Center offers various exhibits and educational resources.

Many exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to explore particle physics – and topics including ideas, methods, accelerators and detectors – in a tangible way.

“So, it’s not just, ‘Hey, look at these great things,’” Thompson said. “We certainly have that. But we can really get in there and learn about how we study our universe. So, it’s quite a unique place in the area and we love welcoming people to that.”

Among other longtime Fermilab programs is Saturday Morning Physics, a free series of 11 lectures and tour visits from Fermilab staff presented twice each school year. Again, the program’s tangible and interactive side helps reinforce the learning experience, although some matters must be left to the professionals.

“We heat things to temperatures 100,000 times

hotter than the center of the sun, and if you want to study something like that, you can’t go to the local store and just buy a detector that is able to understand that,” Lincoln said.

Fermilab staff often visit schools, retirement centers and various intellectual and scientific groups around the region. “I personally appreciate the support that the community gives Fermilab,” Lincoln said. “It’s nice to be welcomed by our neighbors.”

Knowing of that harmony would surely bring joy to late Fermilab founding director Robert Wilson, who aspired to bring out-of-the-box design and thinking to the grounds in order to help inspire those contributing to the cutting edge of science.

Which brings us back to the bison, a Wilson brainchild.

“This is our reminder that, much like the bison were part of the frontier,” Thompson said, “we’re really pushing the frontiers of science.”

Fermilab’s Lederman Science Center

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