KCC_ KC Magazine January 2023

Managerʼs NOTE

In case of an emergency, the one thing I always think about when traveling on a plane is the emphasis the flight attendants place on securing your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else with theirs. The main idea? You need to help yourself before you can successfully help others.

Many of us have faced a great deal of difficulties over the past couple of years. Everyday anxieties, social media overuse, obligations and duties can feel like a mountain that just keeps getting taller no matter how fast or how far we climb. When the chaotic noise becomes too great, it’s time to breathe.

Step back, stop, and look around you. Here in Kane County, we have a beautiful world at our fingertips. It’s time to take care of yourself first, put on your proverbial oxygen mask and restore your lifestyle. The best place to start? Right here at home.

Did you take out any old family photos and reminisce on your most nostalgic moments over the holidays? Patrick McGleam at McGleam Studios can help you restore any faded or damaged photographs to keep your treasures pristine – find out more on P. 9. Two incredible photographers’ images invite and remind us to let the raw splendor of the local outdoors reground and recenter our lives on P. 10. Get reacquainted with your mental health on P. 16 or dive into the value of massage therapy on P. 12. This month’s Health & Wellness issue will help inspire you to jumpstart a brand-new year with the same amazing you.

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, Kevin Druley, Patti MacMillan, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Erin Sauder, Diane Krieger Spivak, Chris Walker

Jaclyn Cornell, Local Sales Manager

on the COVER

Winter can be a perfect season to view wildlife and nature. Read more on page 26.

Photo by Laura Gampfer Photography

Next month: Don’t miss your guide to all things love and romance!

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

HOME & LIFESTYLE

ART & FASHION

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

instructor Jill Adzia draws inspiration from nature around Kane County

Digging up

thePast

~

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos courtesy of Rebekah Noggle

Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Noggle, 1887

Ancestors of Rebekah Noggle, information and reader’s advisory librarian at the Geneva Public Library

If you’re wondering who your ancestors were, where they came from and what exciting mysteries lie in your familial heritage, there’s never been a better time to start digging, metaphorically speaking. With tests like Ancestry, 23 and Me, and more, delving into your family history is becoming commonplace. If you’re new to the study of genealogy, you might be surprised to find there are local sources of information right under your nose.

“The first step is finding someone to help get started because it is overwhelming,” says Rebekah Noggle, information and reader’s advisory librarian at the Geneva Public Library. “Most public libraries have a genealogy service, if not a geneaologist. That person can direct specific research. Here in Kane County, we are lucky to have a network of libraries that work together to share resources.”

And you don’t have to be a Kane County resident to get help. Noggle has provided assistance to people from as far away as New York and Massachusetts who were looking for ancestors that lived in Kane County at one time.

“We are also lucky to have the Kane County Genealogical Society, which can assist people with research questions,” says Noggle.

While Susan Lye, president of the Kane County Genealogical Society, admits getting started is work, “it’s also a lot of fun,” she says. Lye says collecting information you already have is basic. “Birth certificates, newspaper clippings, bible records, letters with addresses, all sorts of home information we have about ourselves, our parents and potentially grandparents is helpful,” says Lye. “It sounds like it’s just an exercise in organizing data, but it’s much more than that. It places people in history while providing an educational journey.”

Genealogy also requires an understanding of law regarding marriage, land, probate, and transactions relating to naturalization, says Lye. “There’s also anthropology – what is the ethnic group from which we come. We become ‘sleuthers,’ we’re looking for

n GENEALOGY TIPS

Mr. and Mrs. John Rushton, with Alice & Nettie

clues and putting together a jigsaw puzzle. What is the reason they had for relocation? People came for a reason.”

Lye offers a word of advice: “You want to have a goal. ‘To learn my family history’ is way too broad and it becomes quite cumbersome.” Rather, she says, narrow it down to, “I want to know where my great-grandmother Elsie was born.”

Lye points to the “hundreds” of YouTube videos and webinars on the internet, which are especially helpful for those who can’t or don’t want to travel.

In addition to libraries, other resources are archives, census records, county offices, courthouses, churches and historical societies. “It’s amazing the varieties of repositories that are holding information,” says Lye.

Through their research, KCGS members were able to finally identify an unknown Revolutionary War soldier buried in Batavia, named John Gowdy. “We celebrated that in 2005,” says Lye.

Noggle’s family benefited directly from her genealogical research. “My great-uncle was missing in action in World War II,” says Noggle. “I found out there is a memorial he is included in, and I was able to get pictures. That was really exciting for my dad.”

Restoring the Past

Owner of McGleam Studios Photo Retouch and Restoration, Patrick McGleam, seeks to bring old, age-worn memories back to life through his work. He has been in the business since 1995 and has operated in his current location for the last ten years.

“My business is digital retouching and restoration, so what I do is restore photographs and documents with digital software using the original image, scanned or photographed,” says McGleam. “Everything I do is done in-house and the client’s original picture never leaves the studio.”

McGleam has worked with several of his clients for years, restoring their collections of treasured photographs. “I take them into photoshop and work on them in that program,” says McGleam. “Usually, the

turnaround time, from the time I meet with the client till I have a print, is three weeks.”

One of his most difficult requests came in the form of a destroyed wedding photo from the 1930s. “I had a client come in two Christmases ago with a 5x7 wedding photo from the mid-1930s that was in 20 pieces,” says McGleam. “They had found her nephew on the floor with grandpa’s wedding photo and there were a couple of pieces missing as well. I was able to refer to their couples photo from that same setting and fix the one I had. That’s the kind of thing that’s possible – from 20 pieces back to one.”

McGLEAM STUDIOS

227 S. 3rd St., Geneva (630) 587-5808 mcgleamstudios.com

Before After

When the weather outside is frightful, getting sick on top of that is less than delightful. So, what can you do to ward off the colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses that are more common in the winter months? You may already have some remedies hiding in your medicine cabinet.

Ward Off

WINTER SICKNESS WOES

Wellness Advice to Get You Through the Cold Months

By Erin Sauder | Photos provided by Sage Healing Collective

“Vitamin C is always good to support immune function,” said Dr. Kalli Prater of the St. Charles-based Sage Healing Collective, located at 525 S. Tyler Road, Suite S.

To prevent illness, she recommends a daily dose of 500-1,000 milligrams of buffered vitamin C, which is less acidic and readily absorbed.

“And increase it in the event you come down with a cold,” Prater said.

Another key nutrient for your immune system?

“I am a huge fan of making sure your vitamin D levels are optimized,” Prater said. “It’s important, and very easy, to get your levels checked as it is a simple blood test. In the Midwest, we are so far north of the equator that most of us are deficient as we have very limited times of year to make

adequate vitamin D from sun exposure.”

Both a nutrient and a hormone made by the body, vitamin D is vital to bone health, muscle movement, and immune system function.

Prater said optimal levels are between 60 and 80 nanograms per milliliter.

“So, it is best to work with a practitioner on the specific dosage based on your individual results,” she said.

Another way to boost your immune health during the coldest season of the year?

“I love medicinal mushrooms because they help modulate immune function, making them safer options for folks with autoimmune issues,” Prater said.

She recommends both the Host Defense and OM mushroom brands, which come as pills, powders, and tinctures.

l The doctor says: “I love medicinal mushrooms because they help modulate immune function, making them safer options for folks with autoimmune issues.”

Other supplements that can provide an edge against colds and the flu include Zinc, Echinacea, and Goldenseal.

“They all help to stimulate a stronger immune response, so they are typically used when illness occurs,” Prater said. “Elderberry extract, typically in the form of syrup, also helps support immune function and is pretty popular throughout the winter months.”

One common way to get sick in the winter is exposure to pathogens through cracked nasal passages from the dry environment. And for that, Prater recommends the xylitol-based saline spray called Xlear.

“It helps keep the nasal passages moist,” she said. “If someone is very prone to dry nasal passages, I have also recommended using coconut oil right in the nose to keep it moist through the drier months. It can easily be applied with a Q-tip, and it doesn’t require a lot to get the job done.”

You might not realize it, but a healthy gut lining is also vital for optimal immune response.

“About 80% of our immune system comes from gut bacteria or probiotics,” Prater said. “Probiotic support is one of the easiest and more overall beneficial immune support supplements people can do all year, but especially throughout the winter months. Commercial yogurts don’t usually have enough of the good bacteria and far too much sugar to support immune health, so supplements tend to be much more supportive.”

She said you can get your daily dose of good bacteria by adding foods such as kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and real fermented sauerkraut to your diet.

While you are boosting your good bacteria, Prater recommends decreasing sugar intake to optimize your health.

“Sugar consumed in 10 grams in one sitting can actually weaken immune function for two hours after,” she said. “It’s also important to remember that sugar includes anything that turns into sugar. So, highly processed carbs and alcohol can all add up quickly and work against us.”

l The doctor says: “Elderberry extract, typically in the form of syrup, also helps support immune function and is pretty popular throughout the winter months.”

Everything

You

Need in One Place

Experience preventive health and wellness programs and more at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center. As a medically integrated fitness center we have a variety of services and offerings:

• MyFitRx® medical fitness pathways

• Personal training

• Group exercise

• MOVE virtual programming

• Rock Steady Boxing

• Swim instruction

• Massage therapy

• Nutritional counseling

• Café, Pro Shop and more

Visit us or call 630.938.9000 for more information about membership.

THE HEALING POWER OF Touch

EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

By Vicki Martinka Petersen • Photos provided by Fox Valley Massage Therapy

Getting a massage might top your list of items that would be nice to do, perhaps during a vacation or a rare afternoon dedicated to “me time.” While massages certainly can be relaxing, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to make an appointment.

“Massage used to be seen as luxury pampering to do on vacation. Now it’s looked at as part of one’s personal health and wellness program,”

says Gary Burge, owner of Elements Massage in Geneva. “The healing power of touch is pretty powerful, and more people are seeing the benefits of it.”

There are many benefits of getting a massage including: promoting relaxation, increasing range of motion, and managing various types of pain such as low back and muscle tension.

“A lot of people still think of massage as a luxurious service, but actually there are physiological benefits like lowering blood

pressure, reducing anxiety and alleviating stress,” says Alycia Roman, licensed massage therapist and owner of Fox Valley Massage Therapy in St. Charles.

The most common type of massage is a Swedish massage, which focuses on soothing the entire body. Swedish massage uses long, soothing strokes and involves manipulating the skin, fascia and soft muscle tissue to relieve stress and/or pain, Roman explains.

Another popular massage is deep tissue. With

this type of massage, deeper pressure is applied to tendons, muscles and other tissues deep within the skin, focusing on areas in pain and reducing muscle stiffness related to knots and tightness, Burge says.

Himalayan salt stone massages use warm Himalayan salt stones to increase circulation while hot stone massages help release tension without the added pressure of a traditional massage.

“If you’re sensitive to deep tissue massage, I’d recommend getting a Himalaya salt stone or hot stone massage to help loosen muscles without a lot of pressure,” Burge says.

Other types of massage include sports massage, which helps active people from athletes to weekend warriors recover and prevent injury, and prenatal massage to support moms-to-be with their ever-changing bodies.

Some places offer add-on services to enhance the massage such as cupping therapy to reduce muscle soreness and aroma therapy, which uses essential oils to help with relaxation and congestion.

Whether you’re new to massage or an old pro, one thing that never changes is the importance of good communication with your massage therapist.

“This is your massage. If what the massage therapist is doing isn’t working for you, it’s okay to speak up and say if it’s too much pressure or if you’re ticklish,” Roman says.

Typically, during an initial session, new clients will be asked if they’ve had a massage before, why they’re

getting a massage and if they have any medical conditions like recent major surgery. The massage therapist will also help make people feel comfortable, including leaving the level of undress up to them.

“The level of clothing you wear is up to you. We only undrape the area we’re working on,” Roman says.

For example, the massage therapist will undrape the back when working on your back, then cover it up and undrape the next part they’re working on, she adds.

It’s typical to experience soreness 24-48 hours later if you’ve never had a massage because it manipulates skin and muscles in ways that have never been done before.

“That’s why, in general, it’s important to drink lots of water to keep circulation going and hydrate muscles. You definitely want to stay hydrated following a massage,” Roman says.

“A lot of people still think of massage as a luxurious service, but actually there are physiological benefits like lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and alleviating stress.”

– Alycia Roman, owner of Fox Valley Massage Therapy

CLEANING

Local families pursue

It started with a simple idea: a need for natural products free of dyes and harsh chemicals that would cause more irritation rather than resolve sensitive skin problems.

Olga Boldyreva said she spent years trying to find products to help with dry skin and eczema. In her frustration she decided to craft her own soaps and lotions. Making a homemade batch of soap means making a lot, so she shared some with family and friends who encouraged her to sell her products.

With their encouragement, she brought her soaps and hand balm to a farmers’ market in Chicago and sold almost everything on her first day.

It wasn’t long before MION Artisan Soap Company needed more space to make their products. Boldyreva’s location in downtown Wheaton offers her space to sell products and more importantly, room to continue overseeing production made in-house, with all-natural ingredients lining the shelves.

“Everything is very transparent,” Boldyreva said. “Everything is made in this space.”

She and her husband, lulian Nedelea, opened the Wheaton location in February 2020 and their second location in St. Charles in October 2022.

From tinkering with recipes in her kitchen to owning and operating two boutiques with products for adults and babies, she never strayed from her original goal of creating naturalbased products.

“Customers would come to the shop and make suggestions, asking for a scrub or body butter. Many of our products came from suggestions from our customers,” she added.

CLEANING UP pursue cleaner, healthier options for soaps

| By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by MION Artisan Soap Company and Mary Westerhaus |

She and her staff are happy to help customers understand their mission and explain the products. Boldyreva said it’s not uncommon for someone to purchase soap, lip balm or a gift and then return to try more.

Her recipes are simple. Yet, she’s passionate about items that are safe and healthy for everyone, from adult products to diaper creams, to lotions and soaps safe for babies too.

“There’s no point in substituting nature for chemicals. We have great options from nature,” Boldyreva said, adding that our skin is our largest organ and it’s important to think about what we put on it or what we are exposed to on a daily basis.

Ideas Bubble Up

Children were the inspiration that prompted Mary Westerhaus of Sugar Grove to create her well-loved bath bombs. Her son Lane uses fizzy bath bombs, but Westerhaus didn’t like how the tiny toys revealed in the bath bomb could slip down the drain. She questioned the ingredients that stained the tub and worried about skin irritations.

“I said ‘Ok, we can make a better product’ or something pure and safe that doesn’t stain the tub, and the surprises inside are more substantial,” Westerhaus said.

Her career in consumer packaging, as well as sales and marketing included time spent with major household brands and served as a foundation to create a better bath time product. She’s at the helm of her family business Purposeful Bliss, better known for Fizzy Magic products. She works with her husband Gregg and welcomes input from their sons Lane, 10, and Milo, 7.

“I always dreamed about having my own company,” Westerhaus said.

In the five years since launching the business from their home they’ve gone to selling their products online and in retail locations nationwide. Westerhaus said they’ve learned a lot and are always adjusting their products to be in line with trends as well as offering seasonal items.

Their bath bombs are made from natural ingredients designed to be gentle and to soften skin. They include essential oils with calming properties, ideal for a pre-bedtime bath.

Understanding that most children receive baths before bed, Westerhaus said she wanted to enhance

the entire experience for children and parents. Rather than just plastic toys stuffed inside the bath bomb, she crafted products tied to learning experiences. The dinosaur gift box includes a short book and a card filled with facts alongside fizzies that reveal dinosaur toys.

And some of the toys are just plain fun, like the toy volcano you take in the bath. You can drop a fizzy bomb into the water and watch the suds tumble forth before revealing a prize.

“Every product we create not only has a purpose, but we also make people happy,” Westerhaus said.

Having outgrown their home businesses, they moved into a space in the historic Campana Factory in Batavia. The space was ideal for having the ability to control the temperature and humidity as well as plenty of space to build the products, including a dock to load and unload pallets. Westerhaus also loved the historic ties to the building that was originally home to The Campana Company which produced Italian Balm, a popular hand lotion during the Great Depression.

Like many small businesses, there are challenges. Making all their products in house, they feel the impact of inflation with rising costs for natural ingredients like citric acid which used to cost 98 cents and, at one-point last year, its cost rose well over $3. There are also challenges in finding enough employees to meet consumer demands.

But with the heart of an entrepreneur and her family support, Westerhaus isn’t short on ideas, developing new products she hopes to introduce later this year and crafting new ways to make bath time fun and safe.

MENTAL HEALTH Reconnect With Your

Shake off the pandemic blues and give yourself a break – you’re doing your best

By Patti MacMillan

The beginning of a new year. A chance at a fresh start. A time to shine a light on what is working and what is not. When it comes to mental health concerns, Greg Parker wants people in the community to know they are far from alone and that nothing should stand in the way of seeking the help they need.

Parker serves as board president for the Kane County North affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Health. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness through state and local groups across the country.

As with so many others, the Kane County community has seen an increase in heightened anxiety and depression—conditions that came to the surface or were exacerbated by the upending effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parker noted.

“COVID has brought about significant isolation with kids in the 14-18-year age group,” said Parker, referring to the time students spent e-learning. “Online communication is not the same as talking in person. We lost that for a year and a half, and people withdrew into their own cocoons.”

The after-effects are still being felt by young people as well as adults, who wrestled with quarantines and a new way of life. Distrust of their surroundings and the tendency to withdraw are behaviors Parker and others in the mental health arena continue to observe even as society has by and large returned to normal. To aid with these challenges and a host of others, NAMI Kane County North provides services that include a bi-monthly family support group, while a twice-weekly drop-in program for anyone 18 and older allows attendees a chance

to get together and participate in fun group activities. About 150 clients are served by these programs every month.

“The socialization aspect is so important,” Parker said. “It’s a family environment. If someone is expected to be there and isn’t, others are calling to see if they’re okay.”

The organization also provides resources as it relates to counseling services.

“We recommend, we suggest, we give options,” Parker said.

Connecting with loved ones as well as lifestyle changes can also make a meaningful difference.

“The support of a friend plus a good diet and exercise can be extremely helpful.”

n To learn more about NAMI Kane County North, including various program details, visit www.namikcn.org.

n For more information about the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness and additional tools to aid in recovery, visit www. nami.org.

RESOURCES Community

Area organizations are here to help during challenging times.

With locations in Geneva and St. Charles, TriCity Family Services employs licensed counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists and board-certified psychiatrists. Additionally, the agency provides emotional wellness workshops for children and adolescents to help in the development of key social-emotional skills. Learn more at www.tricityfamilyservices.org.

Family Service Association of Greater Elgin is a non-profit United Way agency. A wide range of services are available for children, teens and adults. These include outpatient therapy, a family support program, and school-based mental health, which works to support students in a collaborative way within their learning environment while securing stable school attendance and performance. Visit www.fsaelgin.org for more information.

& QA

Behind the scenes of ‘Into the Woods’

A Q&A with Jim Corti about the upcoming stage production at the Paramount Theatre

By Chris Walker Photos by Sandy Bressner and provided by Paramount Theatre

Jim Corti has seemingly done it all and done it extremely well over the course of his illustrious career. He is the sole honoree to have won Jeff Awards as an actor, choreographer and director.

As Paramount’s artistic director, he launched Paramount’s Broadway Series in 2011 and is now co-directing Into the Woods with Trent Stork, who also has seen his talents acknowledged, winning a Jeff Award for his direction of Kinky Boots in 2021.

Recently, Kane County Magazine had the opportunity to sneak some time away from Corti’s busy schedule to ask him questions about his latest production and working in tandem with Stork, who has previously worked on the directing team for 14 productions with Corti, but now will co-direct with him for the first time.

Co-director Trent Stork

n PARAMOUNT THEATRE

23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666 www.paramountaurora.com

n KC MAGAZINE: How did co-directing Into the Woods come about?

JIM CORTI: Instead of one person taking all the credit for a particularly collaborative process, it’s clear the recognition could be equally acknowledged very simply like this. While the workload is being shared, the piece itself gets the benefit of “two heads are better than one.” Trent and I have been working together since they joined our directing staff in 2013 as assistant director for Miss Saigon, so it’s been a very natural progression over the years that we co-direct.

n KC: What’s it been like working in tandem on this?

JC: We work together quite like-mindedly and then can sharply contrast each other as well. I welcome and am excited by both perspectives and it brings to the work significant gains neither one of us would have thought of without the other.

n KC: Why should folks come out and see your production of Into the Woods?

JC: We both love this Sondheim masterpiece and see so much within it to deliver on – everything audiences want to experience from it! On the page, Sondheim’s lyrics are so rich and dense with narrative and wit. As we take it to the stage, we think we can surprise folks with discoveries they perhaps never realized have always been there. And of course, the lavish, eye-popping sets and costumes accompanied by a 17-piece orchestra, Broadway-caliber talent and a world-class production made right here in Aurora.

n KC: What can you say about working at the Paramount?

JC: In every aspect, on every level, Paramount is about working together with those who are passionate about what they do. How can we do more? How can we do better? Good people make all the difference. Everyone is heard and valued and taken care of. And that goes for our audience too!

Into the Woods will reimagine fairytales on the stage from February 1 to March 19. The production will be followed by School of Rock, the musical based on the ever-popular Jack Black movie of the same name and from the genius mind of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Performances are April 12-May 28.

Unique Eateries

By

Sometimes date night needs a little inspiration. Make your next reservation at these one-of-a-kind hotspots throughout Kane County.

Jamie Baker • Photos courtesy of: Sidecar Supper Club, Mirus, Niche, Club Arcada, The Patten House, and The Graceful Ordinary

Around Kane County

Club Arcada

Speakeasy & Restaurant

105 E. Main St., St. Charles clubarcada.com (630) 962-7000

This speakeasy is a scene straight out of the ’20s featuring staff dressed to the nines in flapper girl and page boy garb. Amid live entertainment and antique furnishings, be transported back to yesteryear and enjoy elegantly crafted food and cocktails.

Mirus

15 E. Wilson St., Batavia mirusbatavia.com (630) 326-9669

Mirus specializes in small plates inspired by international tastes and flavors. With date night, brunch and tasting menus, there is something scrumptious to satisfy any palate.

Niche

14 S. 3rd St., Geneva nichegeneva.com (630) 262-1000

At Niche, you’ll find fresh, locally sourced ingredients crafted into beautiful cuisine with artistic finesse. Their menu is constantly changing to feature different techniques and tastes from around the world.

Sidecar Supper Club

12 N. River St., Batavia sidecarsupperclub.com (630) 406-9200

Sidecar Supper Club features classic fare served in a historical building on River Street. Nosh on burgers, wings and more while taking in live music or sporting events. Their cozy menu features locally sourced foods and ingredients.

The Graceful Ordinary

3 E. Main St., St. Charles thegracefulordinary.com (331) 235-5803

Inspired by Colonial times when local pubs were deemed “the ordinary,” this establishment smooths out that mentality and features a more “refined” feel to the traditional tavern environment. Award-winning chef Chris Curren and his wife Megan are the owners of this unique space.

The Patten House Restaurant and Bar

124 S. 2nd St., Geneva (630) 492-5040

This newly remodeled historical landmark in Geneva will delight you with exclusive menu items featuring a Cajun twist. Don’t forget to sip on one of their delicious cocktails!

TOWNNew in

MOONLIGHT THEATRE OPENS IN ST. CHARLES WITH QUALITY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

By Jamie Baker Photos courtesy of Moonlight Theatre

Co-owner Joe Mennella wanted to find a local venue for his production company, Moonlight Productions. “We’ve been booking people at venues for many years, and we just decided to find a venue we could operate out of,” says Mennella. “Neither of us knew this building existed and when we came across it, we were blown away. I couldn’t believe how old it was, and the beauty and the vintage feel of it. We just jumped on it.”

For the past 90 years, the building served as an office space with cubicles and a live tree before Mennella and co-owner Nancy Fioramonti restored it to its former glory. “We will offer live entertainment including music, comedy and professional theater,” says Mennella. “It was, at one time, the Idle Hour Theatre that was built in the early 1900’s and is actually one of the oldest theatres in the area.”

The inside features a cozy, intimate setting with a cool blue color palette to reflect the venue’s name. “It’s a smaller venue with cabaret tables for some of our shows,” says Fioramonti. “It’s very charming inside. Every Friday, we’ll have live music and every Saturday, we’ll have comedy. Then, about five times a year, we will have professional live theater. During the week, we’ll have a jazz and cabaret night, some comedy, and an artist showcase which will be for local talent. We’ll also do rentals like corporate events, parties and weddings as well as theatrical and musical classes in the summer for kids.”

Moonlight Theatre is an integral part to the ever-growing arts scene in the area. “We think were just another element of what St. Charles is becoming, which is a cultural and artistic hub,” says Mennella. “Along with some of the other theaters in the area, we like to consider ourselves part of that puzzle piece. People can come out and see a great, affordable show with topnotch talent.”

Moonlight Theatre is set to open its doors in January. Be on the lookout for updates and scheduled acts!

Welcome the beginning of the chilly season with a good book! Here are two recommendations for your January reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

Grab a

FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: “Starfish” by Lisa Fipps

Since jumping in the pool wearing a whale swimsuit at her fifth birthday party, Ellie has gained the mean nickname “Splash.” Now Ellie lives by what she calls “the Fat Girl Rules” — she hides away, moves slowly and avoids eating in public, all to keep from being judged by others. It seems like all anyone sees is her weight. She’s tried every diet ever created, and she swims every day, but people still tell her she needs to eat less and exercise more. The worst bullying comes from her own mom and siblings. As a new school year begins, her best friend is moving away, and her parents are making her go to a therapist. Ellie predicts disaster. But with the help of her dad, a new friend next door and the therapist, Ellie’s self-image begins to change. She’s learning how to be a starfish: spread out wide and proudly taking up space. “Starfish” by Lisa Fipps is a novel in verse that showcases the painful realities of fat shaming, and cheers on readers who have ever felt judged or harassed for their body or any other aspect of their identity. This is an uplifting and inspirational read for grades 3-8.

— Kylie Peters, librarian

FOR OUR READERS: “Five Days Gone” by Laura Cumming

If you enjoy a good mystery, and true crime, along with genealogy and family history, then “Five Days Gone” by Laura Cumming will keep you turning the pages to find out how this incredible story ends. One daughter’s tenacious search for her mother’s history becomes an amazing blend of memoir and history. It begins in fall 1929, when a 3-year-old girl was kidnapped from a beach in Lincolnshire, England. There was no scream; she just disappeared. When she was found five days later in a nearby village, she was happy and healthy. But why had the kidnappers taken her? And why had she so willingly gone with them? Half a century later, partly remembered memories sparked by old photos begin to unravel this long-buried family story. It’s a personal narrative unlike anything you’ve ever heard and written with a unique intimacy filled with the balance between longing for truth and wondering what havoc the truth will make. Ultimately, this story is one of healing, restoration and identity.

— Rebekah Noggle, librarian

New Adventures

Check out these out-of-the-box pastimes for true local enjoyment

By Kevin Druley | Photos by Over the Top Equine, Shaw Media and St. Charles Public Library

f you’re looking for something to simultaneously enrich and relax you as the calendar flips to 2023, a new hobby, by definition, fits the bill. Maybe it stems from your occupation or interests. Perhaps it’s something you’ve always put off. Or it could be an activity you only pondered this week.

Whatever the case, here’s to a little hobby glee in ’23.

biography.

Whatever your reading interest, there’s a book club for you. Contact your local library to learn more about the variety of services offered.

“It’s a great way to connect with others and just to get a different perspective on books that you might not have thought of in the first place,” says Natalie Baddour, a reader services librarian at St. Charles Public Library who oversees book clubs. “I’m always hearing from people in our book discussions, ‘That’s a really good point. I never would have thought of things that way.’ So, it’s not just about a love of reading but also opening up and expanding your thoughts.”

You can dance if you want to. You can let your limbs unwind.

St. Charles Park District operates a dance academy, with counterpart park districts also offering seasonal classes for aspiring dancers of all ages.

Plié online to learn more.

Saddle up.

Over the Top Equine in St. Charles offers beginning horseback riding lessons for riders as young as 7, but trainer Kelly McCaughey and Co. routinely work with visitors in their 60s.

“A lot of people just are interested in horses and want to give it a shot. They like the animals and it’s a good stress reliever for the kids and also the adults we teach, as well,” McCaughey said.

Western Kane County offers various idyllic rural landscapes and options to get on a horse. So surf the Internet, and remember to stretch.

“It’s good fitness for the older clientele,” McCaughey said, “and something else to do that’s a little different than going on a treadmill.”

Care to see what splendor is on reserve in the ol’ right side of the brain? An art class, often facilitated through park districts, breweries/wineries and restaurants, offers that very outlet.

“What happens when you create – and painting is part of that – is the side of your brain that is analytical has to shut off to allow the creative side to take over. And that turning off of all of the worries and the checklists and all the other stuff going on in your life is what really allows your brain to relax,” says Amy Kumler, owner of the Pinot’s Palette franchise in St. Charles. “So painting for two hours can be like taking a vacation.”

What do you get when you cross tennis, badminton and Ping Pong?

Why, pickleball, of course, a sport that promotes both activity and interaction while featuring less physical exertion than tennis.

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, some 4.8 Americans played the paddle sport in 2021, marking a two-year growth rate of about 40%.

The Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles park districts each offer open gym pickleball sessions year-round, with many catering to beginners. The Tri-Cities also feature numerous outdoor courts for when the weather permits.

A ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Local photographers capture the beauty of their natural muses,

The sounds, the smells, the textures totally excite me.

When I’m out in nature, my soul gets rejuvenated.

Beautiful light and colors can absolutely melt away any stressors that may have been bottled up throughout the week.

When life gets a little overwhelming, a little stillness and beauty of nature can do the trick.

TRAVELED

connecting to peace in the quiet.

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and appreciate our local beauty.

I never regret time spent observing and learning from nature’s incredible details.

Spring welcomes new life and stunning colors to our landscape.

Take time to enjoy and reflect on the peaceful stillness of a fresh snowfall.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, AUTISM AND CANCER

Statistics have shown that it takes on average $250,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. However, the costs are extremely dire for a family who will raise a child with special needs. That number skyrockets to $1 million dollars or more. Much of the financial burden is imposed on the family. In far too many cases, the insurance company does not cover the costs to provide the necessary adaptive and specialized medical equipment a child with special needs will require to live a normal life. The stress this evokes for the entire family is overwhelming.

Parents are not equipped or experienced to find resources for financial help. In most cases, they are not even aware that assistance is available and it exists. In other cases, they are too humble to ask.

To make it easier for families to find funding sources, Tammy Simmons, founder of The Funding Project, has spent over 10,000 hours of funding research to compile all the necessary information to help them succeed. Her books, Disability Funding Guide, Autism Funding Guide, and the Cancer Funding Guide have been crucial in helping thousands of parents.

Simmons is co-owner of the family-owned, The Bike Rack in St. Charles, and director of development of its non-profit, Project Mobility, which provides adaptive cycling events and awards adaptive bicycles for children, adults, and wounded veterans with disabilities, autism or cancer. These bikes can be up to ten times more than the average $200 to $500 for a regular bike.

She learned first-hand how well-laid plans can go awry. Simmons funding journey began when she set out on a mission to raise money for her brother’s son,

Jacob, who has Cerebral Palsy. Over 20 years ago he was to receive a new and promising treatment using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and at the last minute the insurance company did not approve the treatments. Simmons decided to help out and raise the $12,000 he needed. Not having a clue on how to do that, she sat down at her computer and after a few weeks she raised the money needed. Jacob received his treatments and Hal didn’t have to pay anyone back. It was free money!

There are many exciting success stories that have happened because of the Disability Funding Guide, but the most successful to date is the story of Melissa and Jody Copp, who have two sons using wheelchairs. Their home was made fully accessible through HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines with football legend Tim Tebow; and received a new back yard from Make-a-Wish Foundation and a Disney trip from Variety of Texas. Not only did all of this happen, but in less than 48 hours Chip Gaines encouraged his fans to help and their donations paid off the Copps’ mortgage! To see the full story and letter, visit thefundingproject.org.

Since the day Simmons began raising money for her nephew Jacob, she has had a few, as Oprah calls them, “lightbulb moments.” One such moment occurred when she spoke to a mom who had reached out for help. The mom talked about seeing Melissa’s story on HGTV and she asked Simmons to help her become the next Melissa Copp.

“I explained to her that would be impossible since (at that time Fixer Upper ended) it was really once in a lifetime,” says Simmons. “But I told her she could get the same result, she just had to do it differently. She could reach out to many foundations and do one room at a time, having more people helping fund it. That is what she did and the last time we spoke she was working on her 3rd room.”

Simmons could not stop thinking about what the mom had said.

“She told me if she had been handed my book when her daughter was two days old in the NICU instead of the pamphlet of resources the nurse said would help, her daughter would get the things she needs as she grows up,” says Simmons. “She told me that pamphlet was a joke, that my book would have changed their lives and they would not have had to struggle

financially all those years. She told me I needed to get my book in every NICU to help these kids with their huge financial needs.”

Simmons then formed The Funding Project to help many more families all at once, instead of one at a time, and get her books in every NICU throughout the country.

The Funding Project’s mission is to provide the education, resources, and inspiration for parents, therapists, social workers, and more, by teaching them how to raise the funds needed for the products, services, and therapies that their child with a disability, autism, or cancer needs that insurance won’t pay for.

The Funding Project achieves its goal through three main components: getting the Funding Guides into hospitals to be distributed to families and healthcare professionals; educating families through in-person or virtual workshops to teach families how to raise needed funds; and educating healthcare professionals through in-person or virtual workshops and training to teach them how to use the Funding Guides.

The books have been instrumental in helping parents to find ways to pay for their children’s needs. Her first Disability Guide book inspired and enthused Simmons to continue her mission and to take it to another level to help children with autism and cancer.

Simmons has attended many conferences, held workshops, and has made connections with many companies who are able to offer sponsorships and support as a result.

“I hope to continue this mission and work with more hospitals and provide the Funding Guides and workshops to those vulnerable parents who do not know where to turn,” said Simmons. “I am proud to have been able to help parents fill out grant applications to receive funding for their children’s special needs.”

Simmons enthusiasm to help others resonates with every breath she takes and there’s no stopping her to achieve even more.

If you are interested in holding a workshop for a group or your organization, email tammy@ thefundingproject.org.

For more information, visit www.thefundingguides.com and www.thefundingproject.org

BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE

SMALL BEGINNINGS

he flicker of candlelight doesn’t have a sound.

But if it did, perhaps no sound better approximates it than the sweet warmth of the notes of a piano on a cold, dark, dreary midwinter’s evening.

To this point in my life, I have not been blessed with the ability to coax such beauty from a melodic instrument.

My wife, however, is a different story. And our kids? They just may, as well.

But while showing promise, their musical journey has only just begun. Which makes the sounds they often produce on their instruments a bit more like a dusky living room, with a welcoming reading nook tucked in the corner, shockingly pierced every so often by the sudden flare of a dance club-grade strobe light.

As I said, their musical journey has only just begun. Chords, notes, tempo, they are catching on and have progressed far already.

And to be clear: Their teacher is doing an amazing job.

I only wish I could contribute more to their musical training.

With my aforementioned lack of melodic instrumental ability, though, perhaps the best I

can offer them is a meditation on a beer my sister drank last fall in Chicago’s Grant Park.

Looking back over 2022, I’m certain we all have a few accomplishments from which we can take pride.

But it’s hard to top my sister’s feat.

My sister – she only seven years my junior; in her professional life, an accomplished health care provider; in her personal life, devoted wife, and mother, with everything you can imagine wrapped up in those roles – my sister finished the Chicago Marathon.

She’s certainly not the only person I know who has completed a marathon. Nor, remarkably, is she the first in our family to complete the Chicago Marathon. That distinction goes to my youngest brother, who completed the city’s big race as a teenager more than a decade ago.

Unlike that brother, however, running has not always been a part of my sister’s existence. Up until a few years ago, to my knowledge, she had never even run around the block, much less an actual race through one of America’s biggest cities.

But somehow, for some reason, at some point, as she entered middle age, this sister of mine laced up a pair of running shows and started off on an unlikely journey to the finish line in Grant Park and to the traditional beer that awaits all who

complete the course.

Like playing melodic instruments, a run of any distance – around the block, 5K, marathons, it makes no difference – is not a subject in my wheelhouse.

So, if my young ones ever decide to follow in their aunt’s literal footsteps, as before, dad won’t be considered a fount of useful, task-specific advice.

But on those occasions when, for instance, either of them slams their hands down on the piano keys or violently strums a guitar in frustration at not being able to nail a song quite yet, my sister’s example, or others like hers, can help reinforce the importance of simply sticking with it.

To my knowledge, my sister didn’t start running with the intention of eventually finishing one of the most prominent foot races in the world.

It just started. One day, she casually mentioned she had started running. Then, little by little, her distance increased. Her speed increased. Her body began to respond, molding day by day into the classic runner’s physique.

So when the day came that she announced she was running her first marathon, no one was particularly surprised. Neither was there much more to say than an enthusiastic “All right,” when she informed the world of her plans to tackle the Chicago race in 2022.

In our house, there is a saying that is repeated again and again: There is no substitute for doing. So, as with my sister’s marathon training, whether we are writing, running, dancing, or playing music, improvement can only come from consistently showing up – beginning small, with unsure hands or feet, and, with focus and determination, adding bit by bit. We can only hope our kids will come to absorb these lessons and come to see how those small beginnings – whether they be exhausting jogs around the block or discordant renditions through new, seemingly simple songs – can become just distant, humorous memories, serving as but some of the opening notes to their own lives’ sonatas.

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.)

hildren are naturally good gardeners. They look at everything with wide, nonjudgmental eyes. They love bright colors and different shapes. They love bugs, dirt, and mud, too!

I look forward to spending time in the garden with my two boys (even the surly teenager appreciates a good home-grown tomato…). The following are some things you can do with your kids to help cultivate a love for the garden and outdoors!

CHILDREN Gardening with

CHILDREN

o Grow a vegetable garden. It doesn’t have to be huge – it can even be grown in pots! Start seeds indoors if you like or buy them pre-started at the garden center. Tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, and cucumbers are easy plants to grow, no matter what the size of space you have.

o Let kids shop with you at the garden center. There is much to look at, colors to see, flowers with unusual names (point out funny names like Lamb’s Ear, Bugbane, Pigsqueak, and Monkey Flower) and textures, smells, and sounds to explore. We are probably the only store that encourages children to touch the products, step in the puddles, and collect rocks!

o Dabble in perennial gardening. Even if you aren’t an avid gardener, perennials are easy to grow, come back every year, and require little care. When plant shopping, let your child choose a plant to take home and work together to find a spot for it. Tell them the characteristics, such as height, bloom time, and color and then search the garden for the perfect spot. They will always know where to look for their special plants and it is fun to watch them emerge and grow each spring.

o Head to the Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Cantigny, or even the local forest preserves and parks to wander through the gardens. These are great places for kids to explore and there is no rush to see everything. The nice thing about visiting often is that something changes every day!

o Build a pollinator garden. There are many plants that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other neat bugs and critters. You only need a few plants and soon you’ll see some winged friends! It’s important that we provide habitats for bugs and critters – their numbers are dwindling due to construction, chemicals, and other environmental stressors.

o This one’s a hard one for me since I’m a little obsessive about my garden, but….let the kids pick the flowers! Let the kids arrange the flowers in a vase or give them to a neighbor. Examine each flower closely (pretend you are bees!) and discuss what makes each flower different. Why do some flowers attract certain insects or birds? What colors are most popular in your garden? What flowers open up during the day and close at night? Are all flowers fragrant?

o Make a leaf collection. Walk through your yard or neighborhood and collect leaves. Try and identify them using books, photos, and the internet. If you get stumped, bring the leaf to the garden center for I.D. Gardening can be fun for both children and adults and it’s a great way to get outside away from the TV, computer, and video games. Seeing a garden through the eyes of a child is amazing and just like plants, children grow fast so enjoy it while you can!

Meagan is the Senior Landscape Designer at Wasco Nursery in St. Charles. She can be reached at 630-584-4424 or design@wasconursery.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Let us gro w them into the garden of your drea ms.

Artist

OF THE MONTH

Jill Adzia

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.

“C

reating art from nature is my passion and always connects me to the universe on many levels,” says Water Street Studios instructor and artist Jill Adzia. “I believe art and nature are a gift to all of us.”

For the past year, Adzia has taught several different classes at Water Street Studios. “It challenges me to develop new courses for students to become excited,” says Adzia. “In the coming year, I will be teaching in an outreach program for CAPE through WSS. This involves an after-school program in a school district that will offer more art education to elementary students.”

When Adzia was younger, her mother realized her daughter’s talent as an artist. “She was artistic and a nature lover,” says Adzia. “I began drawing birds, bees and flowers at a very young age in Southern Indiana. It is in my DNA and creating art has always been with me. When I moved to Lisle, Illinois I became certified in Botanical Art & Illustration at the Morton Arboretum.”

The beatific nature around Kane County has been a haven for Adzia. “I have lived in this area a short time but was most impressed with the nature, which includes the Fox River,” says Adzia. “I especially enjoy the Batavia Riverwalk, and the many repurposed historic buildings are a treasure to the community.”

At Water Street Studios, Adzia found a place to let her creativity flourish. “The active artists and professional teachers at WSS were the attraction when I moved to the area a year ago,” says Adzia. “A creative spirit was evident as soon as I entered the gallery!”

Her passion for her art is evident in its beauty and her own accomplishments, having been named the “Featured Artist” at the Morton Arboretum in fall, 2021. “Imagine what the world would be like if art did not exist? Art is a place where emotions can flow,” says Adzia. “Sometimes it can create peaceful feelings, other times not so much. But feelings and emotions are expressed. Maybe just appreciating art or creating it is essential for our wellbeing, and vital in our community.”

Jill Adzia has been an art instructor for two decades and has earned a certification in Botanical Art & Illustration from the Morton Arboretum. Her nature-inspired work can be found in private collections throughout the U.S. and in Normandy, France.

IRAsExplained

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a taxadvantaged way for you to save for your retirement.

Originally established by Congress in 1974 with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), over the years there have been additional variations of IRAs created to better accommodate American workers. For now, and with the tax deadline rapidly approaching, let’s take a quick moment to review Traditional as well as Roth IRAs and discuss why you may want to invest in one now.

THE BASICS

An IRA is not a financial “product”, but rather a type of financial account. It is common for IRAs to be invested in publicly traded securities like stocks, bonds, and/ or mutual funds. As there are a variety of ways that you can invest your IRA, there can be some significant differences from one IRA account to the next. The main benefit to the investor is the tax-deferred growth potential of an investment in an IRA. Unlike a traditional brokerage account or savings account, earnings grow tax-deferred and are not taxed until distributed from the account. As a result, the investor has the potential for additional earnings on top of past earnings which over time can create a meaningful advantage.

ROTH IRA

The Roth IRA, named after Delaware Sen. William Roth, was introduced to the investing public in 1997. Investors in a Roth IRA contribute after-tax dollars that grow tax-deferred and which can create a tax-free stream of income. With this approach, the investor is paying their taxes on the account “up front” rather than when they withdraw the funds in retirement.

Rules around eligibility to have a Roth IRA can be complex and you should consult your qualified tax counsel as well as your financial advisor to see if this type of IRA is a good fit for you. If you own a Traditional IRA and are contemplating converting it to a Roth IRA, we encourage you to work with qualified advisors to evaluate the pros and cons of doing so.

Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Diversification and asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Holding investments for the long term does not ensure a profitable outcome. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, and investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.

Common questions we are asked about IRAs

n How much can I contribute to an IRA? As a result of the SECURE Act which came into effect on 1/1/202, individuals with earned income can contribute with no age restriction. The annual contribution limit for 2023 is $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re age 50 or older (the limit for 2022 is $6,000, or $7,000 if you’re age 50 or older). Your Roth IRA contributions may also be limited based on your filing status and income. See IRA Contribution Limits.

n Is my IRA contribution deductible on my tax return?

If neither you nor your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, your deduction is allowed in full. For contributions to a traditional IRA, the amount you can deduct may be limited if you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work and your income exceeds certain levels. Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible.

n Can I contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA if I’m covered by a retirement plan at work? Yes, you can contribute to a traditional and/ or Roth IRA even if you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan (including a SEP or SIMPLE IRA plan). If you or your spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan and your income exceeds certain levels, you may not be able to deduct your entire contribution.

n I want to set up an IRA for my spouse. How much can I contribute? If you file a joint return and have taxable compensation, you and your spouse can both contribute to your own separate IRAs. Your total contributions to both your IRA and your spouse’s IRA may not exceed your joint taxable income or the annual contribution limit on IRAs times two, whichever is less. It doesn’t matter which spouse earned the income.

COMMON MISTAKES OUR TEAM SEES

Our team is fortunate to frequently meet new people and some of the most common mistakes we see investors make include the following:

1. Having an annuity in their IRA without good reason. IRAs are already tax-deferred. Unless there is a specific characteristic of the annuity beyond tax-deferral that is advantageous for your circumstance, this can be an expensive mistake.

2. Having municipal bonds in their IRA without good reason. Again, IRAs are already tax-deferred. If your municipal bonds have a lower yield than investment-grade corporate

bonds, they probably don’t belong in your IRA.

3. Not establishing an IRA for a nonworking spouse.

4. Not contributing to an IRA because you can’t deduct that year’s contribution. Remember, the real power of an IRA is the opportunity for potential tax-deferred growth over time. Don’t neglect funding an IRA based solely on whether you can deduct that year’s contribution.

Getting ready to file your taxes? It may not be too late to still open an IRA for the 2022 tax year. Still have questions? Give your financial advisor or our team a call!

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a Wealth Manager. Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered Through Raymond James Financial Services, a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/ SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. Tom and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

SUSTAINABLE Stylishly

n By Jamie Baker n n Photos by The Exchange of Geneva n

Having just opened in August, Jen Apulello runs her new consignment shop, The Exchange of Geneva, with a deep understanding of clothes and familial empathy. “I decided to open The Exchange because I was working at another small business in downtown Geneva, and I realized that my talents could be used in other ways,” says Apulello. “I really wanted to bring back a good consignment store to Geneva.”

Apulello’s kids helped inspire her to build her business aimed toward the newborn-teen demographic. “We focus mainly on kids, and then teens,” says Apulello. “So, we go from newborn to juniors XL. I try to hit everything from a two-dollar shirt and play clothes, to a thirty-dollar Christmas dress. We have shoes and we have used books as well as some used toys, but we usually take bigger pieces when it comes to those.”

Sustainable, secondhand stores are becoming increasingly popular and a great first-option when shopping for a complete wardrobe. “First and foremost, it’s about the price,” says Apulello. “You could walk in here and find almost brand-new items for twenty-five percent of what you’d pay normally, and the way kids grow, and how their tastes change so quickly, it makes so much more sense to spend less for more, quality items.”

Apulello’s son has joined the eco-friendly fun, joyfully bringing in quality clothes he no longer needs and becoming a proud part of the consignment process.

“He’s his own consigner here, so when he doesn’t like clothes, he gives them to me and I put them under

his name,” says Apulello. “He’ll use that money to buy other things in the shop or he’ll cash out and use it for something else.”

Green initiatives are not just a conversation at The Exchange, they are the reality. “It’s more important now than it’s ever been,” says Apulello. “It’s vital to teach the younger generations that the need to ‘keep up with Jones’’ is not sustainable or a healthy mindset.”

Ecological responsibility aside, the opportunity to peruse a truly unique collection of affordable clothing is rare. “That’s the fun of a consignment store, our inventory is constantly turning over,” says Apulello. “We have everyone’s vibe. We have everything from Walmart to Hannah Anderson, from a dollar to forty dollars for things that are brand-new with tags still on and in perfect condition.”

Alongside her success Apulello makes it her business to showcase local artists by featuring their creations in her shop, and she finds other ways to give back to the community in anyway she can. “I love to give back to the community,” Apulello. “We donate a lot of our expired clothes to the Elgin Women’s Shelter, and we were just in contact with one of the schools in St. Charles that was looking for donations. I just want to keep turning over and having people find what they need when they need it.”

n THE EXCHANGE OF GENEVA 219 W. State St., Geneva (331) 248-0801 www.exchangegeneva.com

The Exchange of Geneva steps onto the shopping scene with an eye for eco-friendly consignment