KCC_ KC Magazine June 2023

AQUATIC FUN

Dive into local attractions

Page 12 SUMMER

Don’t miss out on these local activities in Kane

Page 20

IN DOWNTOWN AURORA 2023 OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 &

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

BLUES ON THE FOX

With Jimmie Vaughan and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

THE TROUBADOUR PROJECT

70s Rock Revival

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

TOO HYPE CREW

FRIDAY, JULY 7

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

7TH HEAVEN

TUESDAY, JULY 11

STYX With SIIN

FRIDAY, JULY 21

FLO RIDA

With Special Guest Ying Yang Twins

FRIDAY, JULY 28

HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS

The Bob Seger Experience

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

STAYIN’ ALIVE

One Night of the Bee Gees

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 GET THE LED OUT

A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

POI DOG PONDERING

A Soul-Lifting Celebration of Humanity, Life, and Love

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

RICK SPRINGFIELD

“I Want My 80s” Tour with The Hooters, Paul Young & Tommy Tutone

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

REO SPEEDWAGON

With Edwin McCain

tickets 630.896.6666 or RIVEREDGEAURORA.COM

June’s Outdoor and Summer Fun issue brings a myriad of excitement for the months ahead.

The weather has been beautiful this week – an ideal mix of warmth, sun and a refreshing breeze without the humidity that accompanies the late summer months. I’m truly looking forward to my kids being able to enjoy time off from school and celebrate all the accomplishments they have achieved this school year.

My family enjoys creating a summer bucket list, and top requests always include plenty of water-related activities. Kane County has an abundance of aquatic options (P.8) that offer fun for all ages. Whether your ideal water activity includes relaxing in a lazy river, enjoying the rush of a water slide, or taking in nature’s serenity on a paddleboat, canoe or kayak, you’ll find a way for everyone to cool off without traveling far. We’ve also included some important summer safety tips from several resources who will help keep your loved ones safe this season (P. 10).

Disconnecting from devices and truly being present with one another is something we strive to make as a top priority in our family, and one of the most rewarding ways we bond

Managerʼs NOTE on the COVER

together is outdoors. While sports keep us at the ballfield most days of the week during the summer, on off days, we appreciate cooking out and eating on the patio, evening s’mores, and all the anticipated festivals and activities warm weather brings (P. 20). The camping story on P. 13 offers insightful suggestions for camping, whether you chose to utilize your backyard or a nearby state park. While we transition into this next season, make sure to take time for yourself and your family to relish in all the ways Kane County makes life extraordinary. Whether you find solace in summer gardening, exploring a trail along the Fox River, enjoying water activities or simply gathering around a backyard firepit with those closest to you, I hope the memories you make this summer are unforgettable!

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, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Erin Sauder and Chris Walker

Jaclyn Cornell, Local Sales Manager

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.

Local photographer April Duda captures timeless moments across Kane County on page 34.

Next month: Celebrate everything vintage and Americana in the July issue of Kane County Magazine!

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

25th Annual Hunger Scramble

August 21, 2023

White Eagle Golf Club, Naperville

HU N GER

SCRA MBLE

Presented by

Join us for this fun scramble-style outing on the beautiful 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course where golfers will enjoy on-course tastings, giveaways, and scenic views. Finish at the 19th Green for lunch provided by Hell’s BBQ, an open bar, silent auction and raffles.

Benefitting

For the last 13 years, Old Second National Bank has been processing over 30,000 direct mail pieces each year for Northern Illinois Food Bank. Additionally, Old Second National Bank has made donations that have helped provide over $2.3 million worth of groceries to help our neighbors thrive.

“For more than 150 years, we’ve taken pride in partnering with the individuals and businesses in our communities. It’s an honor to be a long-standing partner of Northern Illinois Food Bank and to help them ensure everyone in Northern Illinois has access to the nutritious food and resources that they need to thrive.”

– Jim Eccher President & CEO Old Second National Bank

Learn more, sponsor, or secure your spot at SolveHungerToday.org/HungerScramble

s INSIDE

OUTDOORS & SUMMER FUN

8 AQUATIC FUN FOR THE FAMILY Dive into local attractions

10 SUMMER SAFETY 101 Reduce risk and maximize fun

12 CAMPING OUT WITH THE FAM

Reconnect your kids with quality time outdoors

16 40 YEARS STRONG

Mill Race Cyclery is still a Geneva favorite for outdoor enthusiasts after four decades

18 A WALK IN THE PARK

Check out strolls and strides throughout St. Charles Park District

20 FESTIVALS AND FUN

Mark your calendar for these local events and activities in Kane

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

22 COMPLEMENTARY AND COMPLIMENTARY

Why the relationship between food trucks and breweries works so well

26 PATIO PERFECTION

A local guide for dining al fresco

HOME & LIFESTYLE

30 PANIC AT THE GARDEN CENTER

6 tips to stay organized while shopping for your garden

32 WHY USE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

5 reasons for using professional guidance from the Move Smarter Team

FAMILY IN FOCUS

34 CORNERS OF KANE

There’s no place like home

36 THE BIG 7-0

Illinois Railway Museum celebrates 7 decades of wonders and conservation

38 BE LIKE BOB

Suburban Superdad shares a lesson on what we leave behind

39 GRAB A BOOKMARK

Check out these reading suggestions for the month of June

ARTS & FASHION

40 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Kyle Sowa shapes his work with practical creativity

BUSINESS & CIVIC

42 SECURE 2.0

My Advisor & Planner highlights updates to the SECURE Act

Aquatic Fun

for the family in Kane County

By Erin Sauder • Photos Courtesy of

l OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK

3615 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles www.ottercove.org

Cove Aquatic Park and Santa’s Springs Water park

A river otter and his friends make up the theme of this St. Charles Park District venue. Just some of the Otter Cove Aquatic Park attractions include the Frog Bog Zero-Depth Entry Activity Pool, with a dome waterfall, frog slide, and spinning spray water feature; the Dragonfly Den Toddler Pool, geared toward children ages five and under; the Crayfish Canal, with diving boards, drop slides and lap swimming; Salamander Slides; the Turtle Creek Lazy River which boasts the largest lazy river in the Fox Valley area; and a sand volleyball court. Otter Cove’s Splash Park is also a hit, with interactive water play features, a sand/water play area, dumping buckets, water wheels and spray cannons.

Looking to nosh while you’re basking in the summer rays? Menu fare in the Dive Concessions Area includes pizza, hot dogs, nachos, fountain and bottled drinks, ice cream treats, and chips. Or feel free to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated concession areas.

l HAROLD HALL QUARRY BEACH

400 S. Water St., Batavia bataviaparks.org/harold-hall-quarry-beach

Slather on the sunscreen and head to this popular swimming hole. Located in a former stone quarry and now owned by the Batavia Park District, Harold Hall Quarry Beach attractions include a sand-bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet, inflatables, a kid’s flume, islands, a drop slide, diving area, large picnic area and sand volleyball courts. The Quarry’s concession stand features hot and cold food and beverage options.

Summer is the perfect time to make a splash whether it’s poolside, at the beach, a waterpark or on a boat. Here are some of the best places to soak up the sun in Kane County.

Otter

l SANTA’S SPRINGS WATER PARK

601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee santasvillagedundee.com

This Santa-themed water park offers a ton of fun in the sun for all ages. Kids can celebrate Christmas in July with attractions like Lighthouse Harbor, which features zero-depth entry to a 10,000 square foot, 8-inch-deep wading pool with a two-story interactive water play structure. The area also offers two tipping buckets and nine water slides, including a 50-foot long, four-lane kiddie racer slide.

The other main area of Santa’s Springs features larger waterpark slides, including the enclosed 300-foot-long Peppermint Twist body slide, the red and green, 300-footlong Caribbean Curl body slide, and the green and white 300-foot-long Spearmint Twist body slide.

While kids are at play, adults can relax in the surrounding lounge chairs in the Shoreline Seating Area, the patio tables and chairs in Buttons’ Bungalow, or cabanas in Coconut Cabana and the Poolside Paradise Cabana. A variety of eats and treats are available throughout the park.

l SPLASH COUNTRY WATER PARK

195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora www.splashcountry.info

Summer fun awaits at this family-friendly aquatic center which features a lazy river, two winding

flume slides, a zero-depth pool with children’s play features, a sand play area and beach volleyball. An enclosed kid-friendly area has spray guns, a waterfall and other interactive features geared toward kids under 48-inches tall. The snack bar offers a variety of beverage and ice cream options, and outside food and beverages are allowed.

l ST. CHARLES PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS

8 North Ave., St. Charles www.stcriverboats.com

Want to be on a boat? Have some fun on the water with a paddlewheel trip on the Fox River. Daily afternoon sightseeing trips or private charter cruises are available during the season. Both the Fox River Queen and St. Charles Belle II boats have enclosed lower decks and open upper decks, making them ideal for taking in the sunset and scenic river views.

l SWANSON POOL

8 North Ave., St. Charles www.swansonpool.org

Swanson Pool is the quintessential summer hotspot with facilities available to rent, programs for the little ones, lily pads, a zero-depth entry pool and slides – to name a few! Pack up the family and enjoy a day soaking up the sun at this community fun center that is part of St. Charles Park District’s recreational facilities.

MILL RACE CYCLERY

11 E. State St., Geneva www.millrace.com

This year, Mill Race Cyclery is celebrating their 40th anniversary serving Fox River Trail adventurers and the Geneva community. Choose from a selection of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, tandem kayaks or canoes to help plan the perfect outing on the water. Don’t forget to visit their ice cream shop in the summer!

KAYAK MYAK

Batavia

www.kayakmyakrentalsllc.com

Kayak Myak will help you plan a paddling adventure on the Fox River, meeting you at your starting point with your itinerary and directions on where to arrange for transportation home. Trips are planned from Batavia to North Aurora, Carpentersville to Elgin and South Elgin to St. Charles. Please note there are only single kayaks available to rent.

HOWLING WOLFE CANOE

*No walk-ins, reservations required 550 Clearwater Dr., North Aurora www.howlingwolfe.com

Howling Wolfe Canoe is a great resource for watersport beginners. They offer rentals, guided tours and lessons. Howling Wolfe also provides the shuttle for your trip, flotation devices and equipment. Classes range from intro-level to rescue and recovery, and reservations are always required.

Tips to reduce risks during outdoor activities and boost your family’s seasonal fun

SUMMER

SAFETY 101

By Chris Walker • Photos Courtesy of Batavia Park District and Shaw Media

iving might be easy during summertime, but those fun summer adventures can also be risky, especially if you don’t take the necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Whether you’re spending a lot of time around water during the day or enjoying fireworks at night, it’s a great idea to learn how to stay safe this summer so you can do it again next year.

Without a doubt, especially after the spring we’ve endured, people are going to be itching to get outside under the warmth of the sun before finding somewhere wet to cool off. Swimming can provide instant coolness, but at the same time, safety is of utmost importance when in and around water.

“One of the biggest things we recommend is to wear some sort of bright color for a swimsuit,” says Julie Galauner, recreation supervisor of facilities & aquatics for the Batavia Park District. “Something red, orange or yellow. Stay away from blue and green.”

Galauner suggests learning the basic skills of swimming before ever entering the water.

“You’re never too young to learn how to swim,” she says. “The quarry offers swim lessons as well.”

Alex Tyler, owner of Goldfish Swim School in St. Charles, offers swim lessons to those as young as four months of age.

“There are three main things to water safety,” he said. “Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, always have a designated water watcher, whose sole responsibility is to watch the pool and the kids in the group and isn’t distracted, and to take swimming lessons.”

Kids can get riled up and their energy creates another danger around the water.

“They shouldn’t play breath-holding games or horseplay in or around the water,” Galauner says. “It may sound selfexplanatory, but there’s concrete which can become a big issue with kids running around with their friends.”

Joey Kalwat, aquatics and facility manager for the Geneva Park District, cites the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s (NDPA) open water swimming safety tips. Swimmers should swim in designated areas and never

alone. Choosing the right equipment, recognizing the water and weather conditions, understanding currents, swimming parallel to shore and having a plan for emergencies provide a proactive approach to safety.

“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” NDPA reports. “It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”

Wayne Parson, assistant fire chief for the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, advocates for the safety suggestions detailed by the National Safety Council regarding fireworks.

While it’s suggested to allow professionals to put on fireworks shows, if you are going to purchase consumer fireworks and light your own, be sure to follow tips that include never allowing young children to handle fireworks.

Wearing protective eyewear, only lighting them outdoors and never pointing or throwing them at another person should be common sense. Never attempting to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks and keeping a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off, as well as in case of a fire, are other important fireworks safety tips.

Finally, while sparklers are amazing to look at, they also burn at about 2,000 degrees. The National Safety Council suggests using glow sticks or something similar instead since the National Fire Protection Association reports that sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.

Top

Tune

river concerts

www.GenevaParks.org

MAKE TIME FOR A FAMILY CAMP OUT

FAMILY

OUT!

DISCONNECT FROM DEVICES & RECONNECT WITH NATURE AT HOME OR A CAMPGROUND

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos Courtesy of Girl Scouts

Grab those sleeping bags and borrow a tent – it’s time to go camping. Whether it’s in the backyard just a few feet from your kitchen or one of the beautiful state parks within a short driving distance, camping can be a great family bonding experience. Sleep in a tent or sleep in a cabin; build a campfire to roast s’mores and hotdogs or bring a picnic of sandwiches and snacks from home.

For those feeling less adventurous to try camping on their own, there is the opportunity to camp with professionals, like Katie Clark, who has been attending campouts since she was a child thanks to her father, a Boy Scout leader. Today Clark is the director of support services for the Three Fires Council of Boy

Scouts of America, which serves more than 7,500 children in communities throughout Kane and DuPage counties. Each camping experience is different, but these days it’s the simplicity that continues to serve as a great reward.

“We put our devices down and enjoy nature,” Clark said.

For Boy Scouts, camping starts with the youngest members, Cub Scouts, taking part in Family Campouts.

“This is great because if you don’t really know what you’re doing you can have help and if there are younger siblings, they can come too,” Clark said. “Starting in elementary school we have family camp outs for one or two nights and it’s an opportunity for families to pitch a tent and find out if camping is something that you like.”

CAMPOUT COOKING

Thinking of trying some backyard cooking?

Katie Clark, director of support services for the Three Fires Council of Boy Scouts of America has some of her favorite dishes.

• S’mores complete with marshmallows, chocolate candy and graham crackers.

• Hot dogs on a stick are easy and quick to eat.

• Grab a griddle and flip some pancakes or make some scrambled eggs. Add a side of bacon too!

• Grab the Dutch oven and make a jambalaya that cooks over the course of several hours.

CAMP ESSENTIALS

• A tarp, ground cloth or mat to put down for dry space.

• A pop-up cover that

•

Camp Big Timber in Elgin is one of the places for campouts where Boy Scouts can explore trails, work on knot tying and plant identification as well as learn some techniques for starting a campfire. In Boy Scouts there are several types of camping experiences, providing lots of flexibility to work with a family’s schedule. Summer remains one of the busiest times for camp activities for Girl Scouts, said Lynda Fillipp, marketing coordinator for the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. This council utilizes Camp Dean in Big Rock, which is marking its 75th year as a camp for the Girl Scouts, as well as Camp McCormick in Stillman Valley near Oregon for its overnight camping experiences. There is also camp Mary Ann Beebe Center in Harvard for day camp experiences. Girl Scouts offers family camp opportunities as well, where families

can step outside of their routine and into a weekend of camp fun from Friday evening to Sunday morning, with options for cabins or tents and staff there to help the whole family enjoy experiences from outdoor fun to arts and crafts.

“This is great because even a Daisy, the youngest Girl Scouts, can get a taste of what camp is like and be ready when they’re old enough for sleep away camp,” Fillipp said.

For those seeking independent camp experiences for their children, Girl Scouts offers its themed summer camps. Fillipp said horseback riding is one of the favorites that fills fast, but others include a wizarding theme, arts and crafts and, this year, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math theme with a dedicated cabin space that is loaded with everything from robotics to circuits, 3-D

printers and even a Cricut machine. Girl Scout Kaitlin Liu of Sugar Grove, a high school junior, earned the Gold Award for her work that included obtaining a grant and creating an outpost for STEM at Camp Dean.

“The STEM Cabin is pretty cool,” Fillipp said. “The Gold Award includes a large amount of volunteer hours, an approved project that helps the community. The project is sustainable in that it will continue to run and help the community it serves.”

Whether its camping in the backyard, a family campout or a chance to send children on their own camp adventures, there is no denying the time spent in nature, exploring and challenging oneself, is a great way to grow and develop self-confidence. Even in your own backyard.

40 Years Strong

Mill Race Cyclery evolves across decades in Geneva

For 40 years, Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva has been owned and operated by Bruce Heidlauf, a man who started his decadeslong career in high school with Bruce’s Bike Repair.

“I basically repaired bikes out of my mom and dad’s garage in St. Charles,” says Heidlauf. “I did that from 17 all the way through college. My junior year in college is when I started Mill Race Cyclery. I started at the Mill Race Inn and set it up as a rental shop for them, then I bought out their portion six months later.”

As the business evolved, so did the cyclery’s space. “The first building was where the current parking lot is now,” says Heidlauf. “They were just starting the bike trail at that time between Geneva and St. Charles. Then they went down to Batavia, but the trail was in its infancy. The shop was an immediate success, and everybody seemed excited, so I knew that’s where I wanted to be.”

When Heidlauf was building his existing shop, he focused on creating enough space for the growth of his bicycle business. “I quickly outgrew that building and I had an opportunity to expand and build my current building about 28-29 years ago,” says Heidlauf. “The design looks like it’s been there a long time and it is bigger than it looks. We have

the bike shop laid out in such a way that we can have tall enough ceilings and space to hang a bunch of bicycles in the store. We also built in space to have an ice cream shop.”

From the start, Mill Race Cyclery has been a popular source for bike rentals, and they have expanded their rental stock to kayaks, canoes, electric, tandem and comfort bikes – to name a few. Inside the shop, customers will find not only an expert staff of bike

mechanics, but also a café serving espresso drinks, smoothies, ice cream treats and sandwiches. For the past four decades, Heidlauf has built a successful business and an even more meaningful, successful relationship with the Geneva community. Heidlauf often acts as the lead rider for Geneva running races, hosts weekly group rides from the shop that are open invite to the community, and is an active member of the Geneva Chamber board. Heidlauf is passionate about fostering active lifestyles in his community. “We’re trying to fit people with the right kind of bicycles so they can be healthy and enjoy themselves and the outside,” Heidlauf says. “It’s been a really fun part of the business. We do our best to service the community when it comes to bicycles and that’s been really rewarding.”

For their upcoming anniversary, the bike shop will have a celebration on July 15 to mark the momentous occasion.

n MILL RACE CYCERLY

11 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-2833 | www.millrace.com

Photos courtesy of Mill Race Cyclery

Bruce Heidlauf has been a bicycle enthusiast since a young age.

IN ST. CHARLES, SUMMER RECREATION IS A

WALK IN THE PARK

From strolls to strides, find the right destination for your next outing

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photos by Mike Frankowski

Fun ‘FORE’ Everyone!

Whether it’s a fast-paced power walk through a park or, like the Italians, an afternoon passeggiata under a canopy of trees, there’s no argument that the St. Charles Park District is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic places to stroll.

Many who enjoy walks are creatures of habit, making the same neighborhood loop. Whether you’re looking to change up your average walk or a new place to explore, the park district’s website stcparks.org is a perfect place to start with information on parks and trails including details on distances and if a location is stroller friendly.

“We all know walking is beneficial both physically and mentally,” said Erika Young, public relations and marketing manager with the St. Charles Park District. “It can be a great way to exercise as an individual or spend time together with friends or family.”

When it comes to St. Charles area parks, Pottawatomie Park is the most popular destination with all its amenities. Second on the list for a great stroll is crowd favorite, Mt. St. Mary Park. Located along the west bank of the Fox River at Route 31 and Prairie Street, the park is an arboretum containing a variety of trees, plants and flowers for visitors to enjoy. Mt. St. Mary Park hosts the annual Sculpture in the Park exhibit May through September featuring beautiful and unique sculptures. In fact, there’s several sculptures at park sites and downtown St. Charles.

“With miles of trails throughout St. Charles, there is ample opportunity to explore the outdoors with the parks featuring a variety of amenities and attractions,” Young said.

Young said Delnor Woods Park is another favorite spot for walks, giving people an opportunity to enjoy nature, but close enough to downtown St. Charles it’s easy to pair the visit with a stop at a favorite restaurant or shop.

Harley Hawk Story Time is a walk worth checking out, especially for families with early readers. The path along the gravel walkway outside the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center includes storyboards. Families will find their readers eager to race to the next page and follow along with the story.

“This is such a great way to enjoy outdoor time,” Young said. “And add to the fun with a stop at the nature playground, a picnic or visit the animal residents inside the nature center.”

Out at James O. Breen Community Park, you can walk up and down the naturally rolling terrain while playing the 9-hole disc golf course for free. The course runs through 6.4 wooded areas along the north side of Campton Hills Road, west of Peck Road. Changes in elevation and the existence of thick groves of trees make this course particularly challenging. Players start each hole at a teeing area and play toward a target “hole,” a metal pole outfitted with an elevated basket. Remember to bring your own equipment!

For those seeking a walking buddy, try the park district’s new Walking Club. The group meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for a walk through a local park, with the park location posted each week at norrisrec.org, organized by the district’s Norris Recreation Center staff, it provides a perfect opportunity to check out new park locations in the company of others and make friends along the way.

“Whether you’re seeking something strenuous or leisurely, the park district has the tools to help you find the perfect walk,” Young said. “All you need is a good pair of walking shoes.”

June through August

MONDAY 11am-8pm PLAY & STAY

For each round of golf at regular price, play another round for ONLY $2!

TUESDAY 11am-9pm TREASURE TUESDAY

For each round of golf at regular price, ages 10 & under can choose a PRIZE!

WEDNESDAY 11am-6pm RENT-A-BOAT DAY

Rent a kayak or pedal boat at a discounted rate - a $5 savings!

THURSDAY 11am-9pm GRANDPARENTS DAY

Grandparents are FREE with paid admission of a grandchild.

FRIDAY 6-9pm FAMILY NIGHT

For each round of golf at regular price receive a FREE ice cream cup.

SATURDAY 6-9pm DATE NIGHT

Couples play for ONLY $10 per round.

In Pottawatomie Park • 8 North Avenue, St. Charles 630-584-1028 • riverviewminigolf.org

FESTIVALS & FUN

Mark your calendar for upcoming summer activities around Kane County

First Fridays

Where: Aurora

The annual First Fridays started on April 7 and highlights 30+ venues amidst live music, discounts, family activities and art. The event is free.

Prairie Fest

When: June 15-18

Where: Oswego

Enjoy a parade, entertainment and a 5k, or one-mile run. The event organizers have ruled no weapons, outside food/drinks or pets.

Summer Solstice Music Festival

When: June 23-24

Where: Downtown Yorkville

For the past ten years, the Summer Solstice Music Festival has graced downtown Yorkville and this year’s

lineup is shaping up nicely! Take the opportunity to enjoy the sound of Mike and the Moonpies, Brit Taylor, Miles Miller, Sam Morrow, David Quinn and Memphis Kee.

Swedish Days

When: June 25

Where: Downtown Geneva

For more than 70 years, the Swedish Days have been a favorite festival in the Tri-Cities area. Make your way to downtown Geneva and crack a cold one in the craft beer tent, be dazzled by a carnival and enjoy nightly shows and a parade as well as a day just for the kids! Grab Swedish (and American) tastes throughout 21 food stands.

Cocktails in the Park

When: July 23

Where: Batavia MainStreet

Come down to MainStreet and find a plethora of the best tastes in Batavia.

Take in live music, crazy good cocktails and filling appetizers, all taking place in Appleton Park.

North Aurora Days

When: August 4-5

Where: Aurora riverfront

North Aurora’s annual community festival moves to the riverfront this year for a weekend of family fun, live entertainment and fireworks.

Shakespeare in the Park

When: August 5

Where: Island Park, Geneva

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission is sponsoring Shakespeare in the Park with a free rendition of “Love’s Labor’s Lost.” Make sure to bring supplies for comfortability for the whole family!

Photos by Shaw Media and provided by the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Festival of the Vine

When: September 8-10

Where: Geneva

Join the community at the “Flavor Fare,” a celebration of the best of Geneva-area restaurants, under a beautiful tent outdoors. Enjoy carriage rides, wine tastings, dinner and various arts/crafts.

Autumn on the Fox

When: October 6-8, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Pottawatomie Park

This celebration of more than 100 artisans features metal art, photography, woodworks, stained glass pieces, folk art, décor, sculptures and seasonal pieces. Gorgeously crafted food will be available to the tune of chocolates, baked goods, BBQ, soup and more.

Summer Concerts at RiverEdge Park

When: Check website for various event dates

Where: Aurora RiverEdge Park

From Blues on the Fox to the return of REO Speedwagon, RiverEdge Park has something for everyone to enjoy this summer. For tickets and more info visit riveredgeaurora.com.

Venue 1012

When: Various

Where: Oswego

Oswego’s new outdoor music venue hosts a summer-long schedule of live entertainment and family fun. Learn more at venue1012.com.

It’s time to Protect & Pamper your Fur, Shearling, Leather, Cashmere, Fine Fabric, and Luxe Down Garment Investments. The YF Sta and Design Team are on-site to assist you with essential care services: repairs, a better fit, restyling, even repurposing older furs into accessories or home décor.

Learn More: YorkFur.com

COMPLEMENTARY

COMPLIMENTARY &

A look at the marriage between food trucks and breweries

By Kevin Druley

Photos Courtesy of: Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza

Merriam-Webster traces the first use of “food truck” to 1884, some 98 years before the lexicon met the word “microbrewery.”

To think civilization schlepped on for so long without either institution in the other’s corner is a marvel.

Move about the Tri-Cities this summer and you’ll be hard-pressed to see a beer garden or tap room buzzing without a food truck

on the premises. We’d ask which came first, but the dictionary already has the answer.

In any event, three people who spoke separately with Kane County Magazine for this story used the time-honored adjective “symbiotic,” or a variation thereof, to describe the food truck-brewery relationship.

What makes the pair so good for one another? We offer five reasons.

1 THE FEELING’S MUTUAL. In addition to space, food trucks and breweries share a love language for serving people seeking a good time. “There’s a certain amount of like-mindedness and symbiosis between breweries and food truck operators,” said Jeremy Teel, taproom manager at St. Charles-based Riverlands Brewing Company. “We’re trying to speak and connect with people through both beer and food, and create experiences that will get people talking and ultimately bring them back.” Note how Teel mentioned beer and food. In a climate where many breweries don’t make food on site, that’s key.

“When people start drinking beer, after the first or the second one, they want something to eat,” said Chuck Grote, owner-operator of Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza in Batavia.

2 THEY TALK EACH OTHER UP. Remember studying homophones – or homonyms if you prefer?

Food trucks and breweries are complementary and complimentary. They offer something the other lacks and aren’t shy about sharing their appreciation for it.

To Alex Drayer, owner of D and G Brewing in St. Charles, the set-up eases the process of networking to find food trucks.

“We look them up and we call them. We all share information amongst the breweries, too,” Drayer said. “If a food truck is working well in one brewery,

you turn their name on to another brewery. We’re all friends, so we collaborate a lot, and therefore we like to go, ‘Look, let’s make this food truck a thing for our community and make sure that we have ample amounts of food that we can put on tap.’”

3 THEY AREN’T THE JEALOUS TYPE. Swapping food truck info and feedback with brewery cohorts sometimes creates a scheduling do-si-do. They don’t mind.

“We’re always outdoors, we’re always self-contained,” Grote said. “When we roll up, the only thing we need is [an electrical] plug. We just plug in and we go and we do our thing out in the parking lot.”

Rotating food trucks also offers patrons the ability to diversify their palates and pairings.

Brewery brass shared a handful of food trucks with which they frequently work, including Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza; Batavia-based Fernando’s Street Kitchen, a Mexican establishment; The Argonaut Co., a seafood company in Naperville; and Uncle Cam’s Sandwiches in Huntley.

“You’re offering a great variety. Just like your tap list,” Drayer said. “You come in, they pop up, they serve food, they’re out. Next day, you can bring somebody else in. You can vary your food choices, which works well.”

Chuck’s makes dough for pizzas, pretzels,

and cinnamon rolls, requiring an intricate fermentation process across three days.

4 TASTE AND SEE.

flatbreads

n Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles and Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza, a Batavia-based food truck, partner to serve beer and food from their respective businesses.

The company uses fresh ingredients from farmer’s markets and other agricultural alliances in Kane County.

“It’s the highest quality that I can find,” Grote said.

Drayer attests to that and the offerings of other food trucks when he says: “It’s not bar food. You can’t stress that enough; it’s not just bar food. We have the luxury of bringing in these trucks that are getting more and more gourmet.”

That’s a win for customers.

“Top-quality ingredients and cooking skills can be seen and tasted,” Teel said. “It becomes obvious very quickly when an operator cuts corners.”

5 THEY LIKE TO HAVE FUN.

Surely, barroom banter dates back to at least the 14th century, where MerriamWebster pinpoints the first known use of “tavern.”

If conversation grows stale, though, or the weather turns especially gorgeous, watching food truck staff in action can

provide a welcome deterrent.

Grote, whose company recently debuted a truck that can cook six pizzas at a time, says patrons find “some cool theater” when observing the cooking process.

“You’ve got to have a good product and you’ve got to have what people like, and you have to be consistent,” he said. “But you also need to give them an experience. People when they’re going out, they can go anywhere to get food, and they’ll generally go where they’re getting a better experience.”

Adds Teel: “The most successful food trucks we’ve seen and watched grow over the past few years are the ones who don’t just serve food but really connect with guests. They create not just a brand, but almost a persona that guests follow and want to engage with.”

An engagement doesn’t always mean a betrothal, of course.

Where food trucks and breweries are concerned, however, they skipped that part and tied the knot.

Obscurity Brewing and Craft Mead

113 W. North St., Elburn 630-320-2255 | www.drinkobscurity.com

Obscurity Brewing is a traditional barbeque restaurant with a 1000 pound capacity wood smoker, the second largest in Illinois. It’s located in the heart of the agriculture district of Elburn, preserving the old Farm Services Offices and Warehouse space. The love of craft beer, the passion for mead, the live music, the childhood memories of eating your favorite BBQ, and the desire to give back to the community. All these things drive the creation of our atmosphere and experience in the restaurant, brewery, and outdoor beer garden patio.

Burger And Sushi House (B.A.S.H.)

124 W. State St., Geneva 630-587-2274 | www.burgerandsushihouse.com

The Burger and Sushi House concept is based upon the idea of bringing everyone to the table and in September of 2022 we invited the Tri-Cities to pull up a chair. Our new shaded patio accommodates 100 guests and features a walk-up sushi bar. Dine al fresco and enjoy our fresh fusion inspired menu which runs the gamut; burgers and salads to sushi and mac and cheese. Planning a special event? Our spacious, modern second floor is the ideal location for events of all types and sizes. Make B.A.S.H. your place this summer.

Vintage 53

161 S. First St., St. Charles 630-549-0423 | www.vintage53.com

Al fresco dining is back at Vintage 53! Enjoy a cheese plate, sandwich, cocktail, or glass of wine on our beautiful First Street patio. Vintage 53 is a specialty marketplace, cut-to-order cheese shop, and wine bar. We offer an assortment of curated to-go trays, grazing tables for larger groups, and educational cheese pairing classes on Sundays!

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill

2486 Bushwood Dr., Elgin | 847-551-9006

1996 S. Kirk Road, Geneva | 630-402-0468

1545 W. Main St., St. Charles | 630-513-0681

www.rookiespub.com

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill has six locations across Northern Illinois and will soon open a seventh in Crystal Lake. The menu features a variety of pub food and American favorites including their famous wings, burgers, sandwiches and specialty pizzas. Check out their house drinks – Bob’s Mai Tai has been a house specialty since 1975 – as well as house wines by Robert Mondavi, by the glass or by the bottle. The restaurant regularly hosts special events, such as Cruise Nights from June through September at Elgin at St. Charles locations and Atomic Bingo (Tuesdays in Elgin and Geneva, Wednesdays in St. Charles). A huge patio and bar with a live music stage are coming soon in Geneva Rookies at the ice rink!

Village Squire

480 Randall Road, South Elgin | 847-931-0400

125 Washington St., West Dundee | 847-428-4483

www.villagesquire.com

Village Squire Restaurants have been part of the Fox Valley since 1974, family owned and operated. The Squire is an English pub-style casual dining restaurant featuring live music Wednesdays through Sundays and a cozy atmosphere with a great outdoor patio featuring two fireplaces for enjoyment in the warm weather months. Some of their specialties include charbroiled steaks, juicy prime rib and a wide variety of gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and fresh fish. Famous for their house drinks, Mai Tais and Rum Barrels are made in-house and are an all-time favorite. For a casual drink or dinner, Village Squire is a great place to be!

Alexander’s Cafe

1725 N. State St., Elgin | 847-888-4146

1650 W. Main St., St.Charles | 630-549-0514 www.alexanderscafe.com

Alexander’s Cafe is named in honor of Alexander the Great, a king of Macedonia in Northern Greece, where the restaurant owners are from. Alexander’s serves breakfast and lunch 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – all home-cooked meals are made fresh on the premises by the chef. All of the soups, sauces, gravies and dressing are made fresh on site. Alexander’s also features bloody marys and mimosas!

moto imoto

181 S. First St., St. Charles 630-425-0990 | www.motoimoto.com

moto imoto is a unique blend of “East meets West” Pan-Asian culinary experiences that will delight all. Our Asian streetfood inspired menu offers shareable plates, signature sushi rolls, and chef-designed farm fresh dishes that allow us to elevate and heighten the overall guest dining experience. Our open-air wraparound patio offers a comfortable dining experience while also being right within the heart of St. Charles. With our happy hour every week day from 3-6 in our custom designed lounge area and features like our bento box lunch specials, our fresh and new dining experience is sure to be a highlight of your day.

GIA MIA

13 N. Third St., Geneva | 630-405-5544

31 S. First St., St. Charles | 630-415-0770

www.giamiapizzabar.com

Gia Mia provides chef-driven, farm-to-fork concepts such as Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, fresh pastas and so much more. Along with our mixology bar, we also feature craft beers and exclusive wines carefully picked to complement any meal. At our open-air patio we feature a lovely pergola at our Geneva location and an inviting piazza at our St. Charles location. With offers such as our $13 lunch special, half-price pizza Mondays, and our Wine-Down Wednesdays, it’s the perfect time for your family to enjoy the summer weather with our family.

Livia Italian Eatery

207 S. Third St., Geneva 630-402-6444 | www.liviaitalianeatery.com

Livia Italian Eatery features a broad Northern Italian inspired menu, featuring dishes that range from pastas and fresh greens, to crowd favorites like our New Zealand lamb chops. Along with other specialty entrées, each dish stays true to our farm-to-fresh motto. Our open-air patio features a sunken-in design in the heart of Geneva that allows for a more private outdoor dining experience, along with a ramp for easy access. With happy hour from 3-6 every week day and our new weekend brunch menu, a summer outing at Livia is the perfect place to unwind.

Ella’s Italian Pub

407 S. Third St., Geneva 630-457-1115 | www.ellasitalianpub.com

This summer, experience BG Hospitality Group’s newest location: Ella’s Italian Pub. Ella’s is located in the heart of Geneva’s historic shopping district on the corner of Fulton and Third Street. With one visit, Ella’s will soon become your favorite spot to dine and unwind. Our family-friendly dining experience starts with our signature Roman-style pizza made from handcrafted dough, accented by creative Italian pub-style street food offerings, along with an extensive wine list and crafted cocktails, making it the perfect destination for any occasion. Be sure to stop by and try our off-the-menu specials; $8 Happy Hour on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the bar area or our Late-Night Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visit our website for more. What makes us different? It’s how we “dough it!”

at the Garden Center Panic!

6 tips to stay organized and not be overwhelmed when shopping for your garden

Ihate to shop. There are too many choices, too many colors and trends, not enough helpful salespeople, and of course, never enough money. I’ve realized that many people may walk into the garden center and feel the same way I do when I walk into the Commons. Overwhelmed by the choices, colors,

information (or lack thereof), afraid to ask questions, and not prepared for the cost. The following are some tips to arm you with “pre-knowledge” before you head out to the Garden Center. This should help you focus on what you need to accomplish and not freak out when you get out of your car and see all the flowering goodies!

1. BE PREPARED. If you are working on a specific spot, removing and replacing a dead plant, or just need to add a little color, bring a photo of the area. We can usually look at a photo and name off several plants that will work in the spot and get you in and out and back home planting rather quickly.

2. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO SHOP AND BROWSE. Garden centers are busy places in the spring/summer and sometimes the staff is tied up. If you don’t know quite what you want, spend some time just wandering (and bring a notebook so you can write down names of things that catch your eye). You can grab a salesperson once you’ve got some things that you like and ask for more information about your choices or narrow down your selection.

3. DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW. We all think we have more than 48 hours in a weekend. Be realistic about what you can tackle in your free time. Work on one section of your space at a time and only purchase what you can handle.

4. BRING MEASUREMENTS. They can aid us in determining how much space you may have to fit a shade tree. They will help us help you figure out how much mulch or compost you need. They even help determine any additional “surprises” that may pop up in the course of the project like utilities, windows, walkways or sod to be removed.

5. IMPULSE BUYS ARE GOOD AND BAD. I would be lying if I said I didn’t bring plants home without thinking about where they will end up. I’m a sucker for color and tend to find something at least once a week (hey, I’m at the nursery all the time … it’s bound to happen!). While it’s fun to grab the latest blooming goodie, take a second to think about where the plant should go in the garden. I often tell folks that have no color in the summer in their gardens that they have to start shopping every two to three weeks throughout the season, rather than just in May. May shoppers tend to buy what’s flowering. Therefore, their gardens tend to just look good in May. Shopping periodically is a great way to add to a perennial garden and help distribute your color throughout the season. We are fortunate to have a pretty long growing season, so you can have fun in your garden well into November!

6. BE NICE. I shouldn’t have to say this, but the growing season is a very busy time for horticulture geeks, and it is very high stress even though we are surrounded by plants. A lot happens in a very short period of time, and the staff is spread thin. Plus, we have to deal with Mother Nature and her whims. Be patient, realistic, and listen to the advice given to you, and you will be hugely successful in your garden. What’s that old saying? You can catch way more flies with honey than with vinegar!

Remember, use the nursery staff to your advantage. Every single member of our staff is a passionate plant person, and we love answering questions. If you start to get the heebie-jeebies when you get out of the car and see flowers in all directions, just flag us down, and we’ll hand you a cup of coffee and a wagon!

Meagan Provencher 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!

Why use a

Samantha Bauman and Raul Delgado

is

Do I need to use a real estate agent? The answer seems quite obvious if you were asking us: absolutely. However, the world continues to present the illusion that you can navigate these tricky waters on your own when buying or selling the most valuable item you may ever own. Do you really want to do this without an expert? Here are some of the key benefits of working with a real estate agent:

2. NEGOTIATING SKILLS: It’s not just about getting a seller the most money for their house or getting a house for a buyer at the best price. It’s the ability to communicate with the other party to position you to secure the best offer or get the home of your dreams. No two real estate transactions are alike, and good realtors understand what to do and when to do it to get the best deal for the buyer or pick the correct offer for the seller.

3. ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND NETWORKS:

4. KNOWLEDGE OF THE LOCAL MARKET: We have written previously on how real estate is local. Realtors are plugged into the local markets and use this knowledge to advise clients on how to list the home and position it in a way to generate the maximum market return.

1. EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE: Being represented means you will have the counsel of a professional who can walk and guide you through various scenarios that can help you or warn you during the process. An experienced realtor does this for a living, and you want to leverage their knowledge so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

A real estate agent has access to a vast network of resources. From the MLS and other private platforms, a realtor can assess the micro market environment your house is in: sellers market, buyers market or balanced market. The agent then uses this to provide the client a strategic plan. In addition, the agent has connections with other agents, lenders, inspectors, and contractors. These are all key elements in the buying and selling process.

5. SAVES YOU TIME AND MAXIMIZES MONEY IN YOUR POCKET: There is more work to selling a home than sellers realize, from marketing, photos, showings, staging, inspections, etc. Sellers who get hung up on paying commission sometimes do not realize a lower or no commission, and maximizing your net proceeds is not the same. A good realtor will more than make up for the difference a seller thinks they are saving in not paying a commission.

Your home is the most valuable asset you own or valuable purchase you will make. Given the points stated above, if your goal is to sell or purchase a home, the answer is clear – using a realtor is the best way to achieve it.

CORNERS

Photos by April Duda Photography

By Jamie Baker • Photos by Bob Weder Photography

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union is marking a significant milestone in 2023.

“This year is the museum’s 70th anniversary, so it’s been around for a long time,” says Jason Maxwell, a museum curator. “The museum started in 1953 and the original goal was trying to save one particular interurban car. They were trying to save Indiana Railroad 65 and they did save that one car in 1953. After that, they started to accumulate a lot of interurban cars. It was actually the Illinois Electric Railway Museum, and it was electric only. After roughly 10 years or so, they moved to the current location and changed their name to the Illinois Railway Museum, as they were going to collect more than just electric railway equipment from that point on.”

Every year, the Railway Museum holds a plethora of family-friendly events dedicated to celebrating a crucial part of our nation’s transportation history. This year, they’ve added even more to the docket in celebration of seven successful decades being open to the public.

“We’re going to do a ‘50s day this year – we’re trying to have every month have some sort of special event so we’re trying to do that for the 70th anniversary,” says Maxwell. “We have a lot going on July 4 weekend. We’ll be running trains four consecutive days – July 1, 2, 3 and 4. Typically, on that weekend we’ll do what we call a ‘trolley pageant’ where we run a lot of trolley cars that, many times, we only run once or twice a year. For the

70th anniversary, we’re going to try to get 70 trolley cars going.”

A Day Out with Thomas, one of the museum’s annual events, will take place July 15, 16, 22 and 23.

“It’s one of the big weekends at the museum,” says Maxwell. “One of my favorite weekends at the museum is the first Sunday in August. It’s our Vintage Transportation Day and we have a big car show on the property. It’s a really fun day with all the vintage trains running and the vintage cars out there.”

Another weekend in August will be spent celebrating Diesel Days, where the museum will run a variety of diesel, vintage equipment.

“Labor Day is also a big weekend for us,” says Maxwell. “We run extended hours on Labor Day and into the night. Some people really enjoy the night trains and so forth. Our biggest weekend of the year is our Museum Showcase Weekend, and that’s going to be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17. We’re going to run trains from 10 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday. There will be trains running all night long, into the wee hours. This is something new for the anniversary that we’re going to try.”

The showcase weekend is a celebration of the museum and an event dedicated to recognizing all of their volunteers. Make sure to check out their website for more information on these amazing events and learn how you can help champion the museum’s cause!

70TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER AT THE IRM

June 10: ‘50s Day – Live music, costume contest, carnival games, period automobiles and more

June 18: Father’s Day – Dads admitted free with one paid child or adult

July 1-4: 4th of July Weekend – Trolley Pageant and extra train operations

July 15-16 & 22-23: Day Out With Thomas –Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy visit the museum

Aug. 6: Vintage Transport Extravaganza – Display of historic cars and trucks plus streetcar and train rides. To display a vehicle, call 815-923-4391, ext. 404.

Aug. 11-13: Diesel Days – Enjoy the museum’s variety of diesel locomotives

Sept. 1-4: Labor Day Weekend – Extended hours Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a twilight ride to see illuminated sign displays.

Sept. 9: Scout Day – Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops participate in a daylong event.

Sept. 16-17: “Non-Stop” Museum Showcase Weekend – Museum open continuously from 10 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday

Sept. 30: Bus Day – Trolley and motor bus operations plus bus displays

BE LIKE BOB

His name was Bob.

I mean, there were a number of other details I could offer up about his life.

His profession, for example (a lawyer). Where he lived (not the address, from memory, but I had been to his house a couple times, tucked away on a street on Geneva’s west side, not far from Randall Road). A few of the things he enjoyed (mostly involving grilled meats or making his backyard an island of nature in a sea of non-descript grass and patios behind privacy fences). Where he attended church (a not overly large evangelical Christian fellowship in Elgin).

And I could tell you he was married to Mary.

Yet, oddly, until showing up at his funeral and plucking a copy of the program from the table just inside the door of the church, even if you had offered a jackpot prize for correctly answering or threatened violence for failing, I would have been hard pressed to tell you Bob’s last name.

It’s not that I hadn’t heard it before. Certainly, through the years, someone had told me, maybe even Bob himself.

But while Bob and Mary have been part of our family’s existence for years – and indeed, an important part, by several measures – I had somehow only been in a room with either of them a handful of times.

And yet, here I was, walking in the door to a church to attend his funeral.

It’s not that he or his family needed me there. A quick glance around the sanctuary confirmed that.

In preparation for writing this piece, a few Google searches revealed little usable information about the average number of attendees at funerals in America. Some sources indicated that in parts of the world –pre-Covid, anyway – the number was around a few

dozen. Some reports indicated a growing number of funerals are attended by virtually no one. Thinking back to funerals I’ve attended, professionally, as a journalist and personally, those reports didn’t seem to conflict with my anecdotal experiences. Perhaps that has been a function of smaller families, with fewer children and grandchildren left behind to mourn than in decades past. Perhaps it may reflect a more callous society, with many too busy or unwilling to pause for even an hour or two to say goodbye. Or perhaps it is the other way around: Not enough people who cared enough while they were alive to pause for even a moment to do what is needed to make an impression on others, for the better. Judging by the number of souls in the pews, though, that did not seem to be the case for Bob.

As the final minutes set aside for visitation ticked down at the memorial service, the church which could easily hold several hundred, was mostly filled. But that number probably didn’t include dozens more who had already arrived, paid their respects to Mary and the family, and then departed.

Of equal importance was the mix of people in attendance. People of different races, backgrounds, conditions, economic status, depth of religious belief, all numbered among those gathered in that church in Elgin that Saturday, around 11 a.m., to bid a final farewell to a man it seemed so many counted as a father, uncle, brother, colleague or friend.

Me? I’m not sure what you’d call me, in relation to Bob. An acquaintance, I suppose.

But what drew me to the back row of the church that day, like so many others in attendance, was a sense of gratitude, a need to somehow honor the memory of a man, a couple, who have given so much to our family, particularly in the constant love they have exhibited in helping care for my mother through some of the most

difficult times of her life thus far.

Even from only a handful of meetings, I was among those whose Bob’s spirit had touched for the better. Judging by the stories heard at the funeral, and the number of souls who felt it important enough to be there to say goodbye, such generosity, principle and honor was just par for the course with Bob.

As I drove home that day the question lingered in my mind: Will my funeral feature even a fraction of the accolades, love and laughter heard and felt in the church that day?

Perhaps there are better ways to measure a life. But it seemed that day, in this case, the attendance at Bob’s celebration of life service could stand as compelling evidence of a life well-lived, and an enduring legacy well-earned.

“Be like Bob,” the preacher had urged those in attendance.

Indeed.

From one of the many whose lives you made better during your time on this Earth, whether you knew it or not:

Here’s to you, Bob.

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.)

A funeral shares a lesson about the impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind

Relax in the fresh air this summer with a new book! Here are two recommendations for your June reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

Grab a

FOR ADULTS:

“Lavender House” by Lev A.C. Rosen

In 1952, Andy Mills’ life is upended when he loses his job as a San Francisco police officer after he is caught with another man during a raid. Just when he has lost all hope, he is invited to an enigmatic estate called Lavender House to investigate the untimely death of Irene Lamontaine, the head of a famous soap empire and matriarch of an unusual found family. The residents of Lavender House love and live openly within their walls, but have kept many secrets from outsiders. Despite finding a new feeling of safety and freedom behind the gates, Andy cannot lose sight of the fact that one of them is a murderer. A refreshing take on the historical mystery genre, this story features well-drawn characters and a suspenseful mystery. Rosen presents a captivating and compassionate picture of 1950s queer culture in San Francisco. The writing is clever and fun, and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Just a step past a cozy mystery, this whodunnit is recommended for readers of Louise Penny and Agatha Christie.

– Sophie Popovich, librarian

FOR KIDS:

“Treasure

in the Lake” by Jason Pamment

In the small town of Bugden, nothing new ever seems to happen. Thirteenyear-old Iris wants to go on an exciting adventure to explore new places. In contrast, Iris’ best friend Sam is more cautious and likes to stay safe at home. One day, the old river runs dry, and Iris discovers there was much more to Bugden than she ever knew. The remnants of a forgotten town have come to light in the dry riverbed and Iris is determined to explore all of it, with or without Sam. The two friends are separated, and meet a couple of mysterious characters while solving puzzles and hunting for treasure in the lost city. Iris and Sam need to solve the mystery before history repeats itself. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is filled with adventure, friendship and reminders of the beauty beneath our feet. The author’s notes also touch on the history of flooded towns that are often forgotten. This graphic novel is perfect for kids entering grades 3-6, and their grownups will love it too!

– Sandy Lang, library associate

Artist Kyle Sowa

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.

Lifelong creative Kyle Sowa has been a resident artist with Water Street Studios since 2021 when a WSS pottery instructor, Jeremy Foy, invited Sowa to become a clay maker subscriber. “I took him up on that suggestion and have been playing around with clay as a clay subscriber since,” says Sowa.

Sowa’s love for pottery began in college and has been a source of great joy and practicality for the artist. “It was my final semester of university, and it was meant to be a fun class,” says Sowa. “Instead, it turned into something I fell in love with. I enjoyed the physicality of it, the process, the outcome. It’s an art form that can have equal parts artistic value but also practical value.”

In his career as an artist, Sowa has combined his creativity with practical application through inventive challenges. “I play Dungeons and Dragons with friends from college,” says Sowa. “For the end of a campaign, I decided I was going to craft a mug for each player. Each mug was going to represent each individual character or role they played within the game. For months I produced these mugs in secret without my friends knowing what I was doing. Trying to figure out how I was going to tailor each mug for each character/player was a challenge. I made six mugs in total and shipped them off to each of my friends with instructions not to open until we had finished the game. My friends loved it and I’m still very proud of the work I did.”

As an individual who has had a close relationship with creativity and imagination since he was small, Sowa continues his passion

About the Artist

After taking his first pottery class in 2017, Kyle Sowa has never looked back. The artist is constantly evolving and honing his craft, finding more love for the art form every day. – “I make stuff that is meant to be used, held, taken through life. It brings me great joy to know someone connected with a mug I made and find out they have their morning coffee with it every day.”

DETAILS OF Kyle Sowa’s WORK:

To view more of Kyle Sowa's ceramic creations, follow him on Instagram @riverowlpottery.

u Ko mug: One mug in a series of ceramic mugs based on Dungeons and Dragons characters

v Gingko leaf-patterned plate: Gingko leaves pressed into clay

w Ceramic mug

x Commissioned hand-built ceramic structures for snakes in a terrarium

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

SECURE 2.0

CAN HELP YOU SAVE FOR RETIREMENT

At the end of last year, the SECURE Act 2.0 was passed. This legislation builds on the sweeping Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act passed in 2019. Unlike many movies where the sequel can be a disappointment,

SECURE 2.0 delivered on many fronts, including by allowing many workers to save more money for retirement while at the same time letting some retirees leave their savings untouched and untaxed for longer. Let’s take a high-level, quick look at these enhancements.

n RMD CHANGES: The 2019 SECURE Act raised the age at which retirement savers must begin taking taxable distributions from their traditional IRAs and most work-based retirement accounts from age 70 ½ to 72. These distributions are also known as Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs. SECURE 2.0 raises that age again to 73 beginning in 2023 (for those who reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022) and to 75 in 2033. This change can allow tax-deferred retirement savings the opportunity to grow longer and the account holder the potential to have greater control over taxable income during that time.

n EXPANDED QCDS: Many of our clients are charitably inclined and are happy to hear the amount eligible for a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA will be indexed for inflation starting in 2024. Currently, the maximum QCD allowed per annum is $100,000. A QCD can be transferred from the individual’s IRA directly to a qualified charity and the distribution is excluded from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

In addition, beginning in 2023 investors will be able to make a one-time charitable distribution of up to $50,000 from an IRA to a charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT), charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), or charitable gift annuity (CGA). Not all charitable organizations are able to use all possible gifts, so it is prudent to check first. The type of organization selected can also affect the tax benefits the donor receives. Furthermore, to qualify the distribution cannot be added to an existing CRAT, CRUT or CGA but must fund a new one.

to make up for lost time by saving more for retirement! SECURE 2.0 allows for an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000 to their IRA. Starting in 2024, this amount will be indexed annually for inflation, similar to employer plan catchup contributions (limited to $7,500 in 2023). Also, starting in 2025, the catchup contribution for people aged 60 to 63 will increase to a minimum of $10,000 for 401(k)s and similar workplace plans ($5,000 for SIMPLE plans). However, beginning in 2024, SECURE 2.0 requires that all catch-up contributions for workers with incomes above $145,000 will be required to be after-tax (Roth) contributions.

One of our team’s core lines of business is serving as the adviser on employersponsored retirement plans for privately held businesses. As of the time of this article, many plan providers are scrambling to put systems in place to be able to accommodate the SECURE Act 2.0’s requirement that highly compensated employees’ catch-up contributions must be in the form of Roth contributions. We will see how the industry will adapt to this mandate.

n NEW EARLY-WITHDRAWAL

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

n INCREASED CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS: Good news for earners aged 50 and over who are trying

PENALTY EXCEPTIONS:

Distributions from traditional, pre-tax retirement savings accounts are generally subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, distributions prior to age 59½ also may be subject to an early-withdrawal penalty of 10%, unless an exception (such as death or disability) applies. SECURE 2.0 allows for several new exceptions to the early-withdrawal penalty, including an emergency personal expense, terminal illness, domestic abuse, to pay long-term care insurance premiums, and to recover from a federally declared disaster. Amounts, rules and effective dates differ

An overview of 2023 updates to the SECURE Act of 2019

for each circumstance, with some exceptions effective immediately.

n SPECIAL NOTE IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER! Beginning in 2025, the Act requires most new employersponsored plans like 401(k)s to automatically enroll employees with contribution levels between 3% and 10% of income, and to automatically increase their savings rates by 1% each year until they reach at least 10% (but not more than 15%) of income. Although your employees will be able to opt out of the programs, you will need to make sure your plan’s adoption agreement is properly updated and that your employees receive proper notice of these plan parameters.

In addition, SECURE 2.0 permits employer matches to be made to Roth accounts. Currently, employer matches can only go into an employee’s pre-tax (traditional) account. This provision takes effect immediately; however, it may take time for employers to amend their plans to include this feature.

Beginning in 2024, the legislation permits employers to automatically enroll non-highly compensated employees into emergency savings accounts where they can set aside up to $2,500 (or a lower amount that an employer stipulates) in a Roth-type account. Employers may also help workers who are making qualified student loan repayments to simultaneously save for retirement by investing matching contributions in a retirement account in their name. With student loan debt having become an increasing burden for many, this aspect of the new law would allow an employee

to both pay down their student debt and save for their retirement.

n TRANSFER OF EXCESS 529 FUNDS TO A ROTH IRA: A 529 plan is an investment account that offers tax benefits when used to pay for qualified education expenses for a designated beneficiary. Our team typically sees a parent or grandparent funding this type of account as it can be a tax-advantaged way to help save and pay for qualified education expenses. In cases where the 529 has been overfunded and the account owner would like to make withdrawals that will not be used for qualified education expenses, earnings may be subject to taxation as ordinary income and possibly an additional 10% tax penalty.

Fortunately, starting in 2024, account beneficiaries will be able to directly roll over up to $35,000 from 529 plan accounts to Roth IRAs, provided the 529 accounts were open for at least 15 years. The rollover amounts would be subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits ($6,500 in 2023 and indexed for inflation thereafter). Distributions from the Roth IRA should be tax-free and penalty-free as long as the fiveyear holding requirement has been met, and they are taken after age 59½ (or an exception applies).

n THE SEQUEL IS BETTER! In my opinion, SECURE Act 2.0 is better than the original SECURE Act of 2019. It is also complex with many moving parts. To learn more about how you may benefit from this new law, we strongly encourage you to consult your financial adviser and your tax counsel. Of course, our team would welcome your call as well!

Tom

Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a Wealth Manager, RJFS. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. My Advisor & Planner is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

and his team are located at 65 N. River Lane, Suite 212, Geneva, IL and can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

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