KCC_KC Magazine June 2024

CALL KANE 211

Utilize this essential referral help line Page 34

Indulge in locally grown goods

14 THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER Chill out with live music in the open air

THIS SUMMER IN KANE COUNTY

OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS

FRI. & SAT., JUNE 14 – 15

BLUES ON THE FOX

With Robert Randolph (Fri.) and Big Head Todd and the Monsters (Sat.)

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

THREE DOG NIGHT

With Special Guest Asia Featuring John Payne

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

IN DOWNTOWN AURORA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

STAYIN’ ALIVE One Night of the Bee Gees

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 GET THE LED OUT

THE CHICAGO EXPERIENCE

A Tribute to Rock With Horns

FRIDAY, JULY 12

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

SIXTEEN CANDLES

The Nation’s Premier 80s Pop Experience

SATURDAY, JULY 20

I LOVE THE 90’S TOUR

Featuring Vanilla Ice

FRIDAY, JULY 26

HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS

A Bob Seger Experience

A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

POI DOG PONDERING Celebrating 40 Years!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 TUSK

The World’s Number One Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AND FILL YOUR SUMMER WITH MUSIC!

Visit RiverEdgeAurora.com, call 630.896.6666 or scan QR code for tickets.

Editorʼs NOTE

I am thrilled to bring you our outdoor edition of Kane County Magazine!

When I think of summer, it is hard to imagine anything other than limitless possibilities and endless opportunities. I invite you to dive into this magazine and catch a glimpse of all the outdoor fun and entertainment Kane County has to offer!

Start with summer safety on pg. 7 before moving on to our comprehensive listing of aquatic hot spots to hit with the kids before school starts up again. Looking to enjoy some tunes while soaking up summer nights? Check out pg. 13 for outdoor concert dates and musical festivities.

This month, we are featuring a wonderful selection of dining establishments. Turn to pg. 18 and learn more about a few local creameries – who doesn’t love frozen sweet

treats? Read more about dining al fresco and pup-friendly patios on pages 20 and 24, respectively.

There is so much to enjoy in this month’s magazine, and I am so excited for you to explore our colorful, informative and fun pages. As always, thank you for reading!

Kelley White, Editor

on the COVER

Photographer April Duda captures the joy and celebration at the heart of every summer season.

Next month: The July issue celebrates Americana and the thriving spirit of American culture in Kane County!

PUBLISHER

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

EDITOR

Kelley White kwhite@shawmedia.com

DESIGNER

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

LOCAL SALES MANAGER

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

CORRESPONDENTS

Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Patricia MacMillan, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak, Patricia Szpekowski and Chris Walker

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

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

INSIDE

CELEBRATE THE OUTDOORS

7 SAFETY FIRST

Enjoy summer and put your mind at ease

10 SPLASH THROUGH SUMMER

Visit these 12 aquatic hot spots in Kane County

12 THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER

Chill out with live music in the open air

14 AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Indulge in locally grown goods

16 ENCHANT & ENTERTAIN

Create the perfect outdoor summer party

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

18 PURE DECADENCE

Local attractions and unique ice cream flavors rule summer 20 PATIO PERFECTION

Check out these local restaurants al fresco

POOCH-FRIENDLY PATIOS

Four restaurants to bring your pup

26 A WEEKEND IN ELGIN A two-day itinerary for summer adventures

28 MORE THAN LESSONS

Water safety with St. Charles Park District

30 GRAB A BOOKMARK

Don’t miss these reading recommendations for June

32 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Ladan Ghajar showcases her dreamy and inspiring work

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

34 CALL KANE 211

Utilize this essential referral help line

38 POWER PRECISION TRAINING

Meet Dan “Coach” Martinez and start your fitness journey out right

40 WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND

Suburban Superdad ponders disposable products and cherished memories

42 ACHIEVING THAT SUMMER GLOW

Skincare tips and products to feel your best in the sun

BUSINESS & CIVIC

44 DON’T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR REAL ESTATE

When entering the housing market, consider the exterior

46 T+1 SETTLEMENT

My Advisor & Planner explains what it means for you

SAFETY FIRST THIS SUMMER PUTTING

tips to protect your family during outdoor recreation

BY CHRIS WALKER

Summer is all fun and games until someone gets hurt or worse.

Not to be a Daddy Downer, but prior to heading outside, be sure to take some precautions for hiking, biking, swimming, shooting off fireworks and more.

Sugar Grove resident Mary Ochsenschlager, who was St. Charles Park District’s first naturalist, is quite the advocate for the great outdoors.

“The outdoors encourages healthy activities,” she says, “Exercise, stimulating your senses, causing wonder, learning new things, letting go of stress, renewing your spirit, gratitude for the beauty.”

We share the outdoors with plants and animals, which Oschsenschlager explains is what they are and do what they are programmed to do.

“Humans are the ones with the brains,” she says. “We are able to and should learn what kinds of things to avoid that might cause us discomfort for real. Except for people with very serious allergies, there is not much out there that can kill us if we are not aware, careful and informed.”

For example, be aware of potentially dangerous insects and fauna.

“It's pretty easy to avoid poison ivy if you learn what it looks like,” Ochsenschlager says. “If you get it, it is not life threatening, just uncomfortable for a short time and you will probably make a point of avoiding it the next time you go out. The same with stinging nettles.”

Ochsenschlager explains that bees and wasps aren’t looking for trouble.

“Don’t swat,” she says. “DEET insect repellent works. Put it on your hat, wear long sleeves during mosquito season and put it on your clothes. Wear long pants tucked into socks if you are going off trail and put DEET around them.”

You should also check for ticks afterward and put your clothing immediately into the wash if you’ve been in a wild area.

“If mosquitos are really abundant, there are great hats with nets,” she says. “Attitude is everything. We can choose to be aware of our surroundings, we can choose to respect other living creatures, we can choose to be informed, we can choose to dress appropriately, we can choose not to do risky things.”

Sitting around fire pits as well as watching fireworks around the Fourth of July holiday are common summertime activities that can be dangerous.

“People love their fire pits and fires and you should always have a hose line right where it’s at,” says Greg Frieders, a retired battalion chief with the Aurora Fire Department who, during his 30-year career, certainly has seen the bad things that can happen when fire is involved. “Big fires start small and there’s a lot of different things that can factor in. If it’s windy you can’t burn leaves. But millions of small fires have been extinguished because people were prepared with a hose.”

Furthermore, children can be burned, lose a finger or worse if they get their hands on fireworks.

“I know from my experience that even the legal ones that we’ve all bought for kids, you’ve got to be cognizant and read the packaging,” he says. “I’ve seen six-year-old kids have to go to the emergency room because of sparklers and those things are way hotter than you can imagine.”

Just like riding a bike is an old expression, but the safety measures one should take while pedaling have evolved.

“The first and most obvious one is to wear a helmet,” says Bruce Heidlauf, owner of Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva. “More and more people are wearing helmets, but you still see people without them.” Knowing and following the rules of the road, communicating with those you’re sharing trails with, and using lights can provide a safer biking experience.

“Lights come in LCD now and they last a really long time and they’re bright and rechargeable,” Heidlauf says. “The lights make you jump out for cars to see. You should follow the rules of the road and that includes stopping at stop signs and red lights. And one that pertains to bike trails is to notify people

when you’re passing them with a simple ‘on your left’ or a little bell. It’s such a little thing but you can startle someone, so you want to alert them when you’re approaching.”

As for those who like music when they ride, Heidlauf says to keep one ear open.

“If you’re really into listening to music or something else, maybe use only one ear,” he says. “It’s important to not be totally locked out of what you hear around you.”

When it comes to water safety, St. Charles Park District Safety Coordinator Lynne Yuill says to choose a “water watcher.”

“When several adults are present, pick one to be the watcher of children in the water for say, 15 minutes, then switch to another adult,” she says. “Avoid distractions when your child is in or near water. Always swim with a buddy!”

And don’t forget sunscreen.

“People of all skin colors are at risk for skin cancer, skin aging and sunburn from spending time in the sun,” she said. “Broad spectrum sunscreen with an

SPF of at least 15 of more reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed.”

Protect your eyes, too.

“Sunlight reflecting off sand, water, or even snow further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems,” Yuill says. “Choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or 100% UV protection."

And regardless of your activities, make sure to stay hydrated.

“It’s pretty basic, you have to drink water,” says Sondra Hansen, a personal trainer and owner of Axis Health and Fitness in St. Charles. “15 cups (a day) for men and 11 for women. You just have to drink it and you can’t wait until you're thirsty.”

Adding a little salt to your water and squeezing a little lemon or lime into it, is also beneficial.

“You can hardly taste the salt and it does the same thing as electrolytes in Gatorade without the food dyes and stuff,” she says. “And for water to absorb, you need a little something and just a squeeze of citrus helps.”

Splash

through Summer!

It’s easy to keep your cool all summer long with so many options to swim, hang around the pool and let loose with the whole family at aquatic attractions right here in Kane County.

l ADVENTURE ISLAND

Located within The Centre of Elgin 100 Symphony Way, Elgin www.centreofelgin.org

Features a recreation pool with zero-depth entry, geysers, whirling water, tipping toucans for water showers, a shipwrecked boat for sliding fun and a 25-foot water slide with a separate plunge pool.

l HALL QUARRY BEACH

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

Destinations for water fun around Kane County

By Chris Walker

Featuring a sandy beach and swimming area, thrilling drop slide, kids flume, sand volleyball courts and more, this popular destination has been a summertime favorite now for over 100 years.

l MILL CREEK POOL

39W125 S. Mill Creek Dr., Geneva www.genevaparks.org/facilities/mill-creek-pool

Two pools for double your pleasure. One is a fun, 25-meter, 5-lane flat-water oasis and the other is a zero-depth play pool with a water mushroom, spray bubblers and interactive water spray ground.

Photos courtesy of St. Charles Park District

Read about swim lessons in St. Charles on p. 28.

l OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK

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

Diving boards, drop slides, lap swimming, salamander slides (tube, body, racer, turbo freewill), toddler pool, zero-depth entry activity pool, lazy river, splash park, sand play area, sand volleyball and more are in store this summer for you and the family at Otter Cove.

l PHILLIPS PARK

FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

828 Montgomery Rd., Aurora www.phillipsparkaquatics.info

A pair of drop-off slides into a plunge pool, two winding body flume slides and one twisting enclosed body flume slide cater to the more adventurous guests. Kids will enjoy areas especially for them with spray guns, waterfall, small slide and a dumping coconut tree. Others can play sand volleyball or relax in the sand play area with seating and shade.

l RAGING WAVES WATER PARK

4000 N. Bridge St., Yorkville www.ragingwaves.com

The largest water park in Illinois, Raging Waves features 32 slides, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, a 1/4-mile lazy river, leisure pool sand area, 43 private cabanas and more.

l SANTA SPRINGS WATER PARK

601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee www.santasvillagedundee.com/thingsto-do/santa-springs

Home to Lighthouse Harbor and its zero-depth entry to a 10,000 sq. ft., 8-inch deep wading pool with two-story interactive play structure, nine water slides, including a 50-foot, four-lane kiddie racer slide and more. And you can’t miss Santa’s three-story body slides.

l SPLASH COUNTRY WATER PARK

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

Home of the second-largest lazy river in Illinois with over 1,000 feet winding through dumping buckets, sprayers, jets and bubbling rapids. Multiple flumes/slides, six-lane zero-depth pool with children’s play features, enclosed kid-friendly area, volleyball courts, sand play area and more.

l SUNSET POOL

710 Western Ave., Geneva www.genevaparks.org/facilities/sunsetpool

An aquatic playground with climbing walls, spray ground, water slides, zerodepth area, eight lap lanes and more make this a prime summer destination. Pool rentals are also available.

l SWANSON POOL

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

An activity pool (zero-depth entry, dumping buckets, shaded area), 50-meter lap pool (diving boards, drop slides, waterslides, rope walk, spray cannons) and a sand/water play area offer fun for everyone.

l MILL RACE CYCLERY

11 E. State St., Geneva, IL 60134 www.millrace.com

For those looking to take their adventures on the Fox, Mill Race Cyclery has exactly what you need. Rent standup paddle boards, canoes and kayaks and enjoy a day in the sun.

l HOWLING WOLFE

CANOE & KAYAK

550 Clearwater Dr., North Aurora www.howlingwolfe.com

Tour the Fox with experienced guides or rent kayaks and canoes. Kayak and canoe lessons are also available to those who want more instruction.

SUNDAY,

Chill with live music in open air and enjoy the

of summer SOUNDS

By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Liz Berg and Batavia Park District

Singing and playing guitar while covering all manner of 1980s music across the suburbs has taught Liz Berg plenty.

That includes how some lyrics extend beyond even Cyndi Lauper’s worldview.

“Sometimes at our shows, we have three generations,” Berg said. “So, I joke, ‘Girls just wanna have fun, grandparents wanna have fun, parents wanna have fun.’ We’re like a band for everybody.”

Kane County music lovers can hear Berg and her bandmates in excess – or is that INXS? – this summer. The Jolly Ringwalds are set to perform free concerts both as part of the Batavia Park District’s River Rhapsody series (July 24) and Geneva’s Festival of the Vine (Sept. 7).

The St. Charles Park District’s concert series and Geneva Park District’s Concerts in the Park augment River Rhapsody.

All are free, with food and drink vendors available.

In our Kane County Magazine summer guide to outdoor music, you’ll find these and other options catering to many tastes, all with a shared goal.

“We’re going to go out in the park. We’re going to listen to amazing music. We’re going to have

fun being outdoors in our community,” said Katie Burgess, director of creative development and community engagement at Batavia Park District. “It’s become part of the fabric of summer in downtown Batavia.”

Burgess’ cohorts in Geneva and St. Charles surely sound a similar refrain.

Although they say hello to locales beyond the Tri-Cities, The Jolly Ringwalds also can relate. On its website, the band calls itself a “neon carousel of '80s celebration,” an assertion Berg amplifies with joy.

With respect to other cover bands who pay tribute to that decade, Berg finds that hers often reaches beyond the comfort zone of familiar '80s cover hits while still giving audiences what they crave.

Let mom and grandma boogie to “Footloose” one minute, sure. Just don’t be surprised to see a horns section on Adam Ant’s “Goody Two Shoes” or a singing fiddler on “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, either.

“There’s nothing that’s really off limits for us,” Berg said, “and that’s a nice ability to have.”

The Jolly Ringwalds’ roster extends nearly as deep as its song list but revolves around five core members. Batavian Bill Fornari, one of three co-lead singers, also plays keyboard and saxophone, flanking singer/

guitarist Chris Corsale, drummer Greg Campbell, and bassist Chris Bernhardt.

Curious about the band’s namesake? Turns out Molly Ringwald has heard of The Jolly Ringwalds, thanks to the notion of six degrees of separation (not Kevin Bacon).

A friend of Berg’s friend knows Ringwald’s husband, Berg says. The story goes that a passing mention to Ringwald once left the actress and author admitting she’s aware of a certain Chicagoland ‘80s cover band.

Part of Berg wonders whether Ringwald actually heard the person say “The Molly Ringwalds,” a nationally touring ‘80s music experience.

Then Berg thinks better of it. An acknowledgement is an acknowledgement – not to mention the avenue for a possible guest appearance.

“You know, there’s an open invitation, a standing, open invitation for Molly Ringwald in any capacity,” Berg said. “If she wants to sing with us – because a I know she does sing – yes, absolutely.”

There’s precedent for Ringwald wowing crowds in the 630. She performed a collection of jazz standards at Batavia Fine Arts Centre in February 2017. That show was indoors, of course.

More outdoor music around the county this summer:

BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT RIVER RHAPSODY

Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street at Island Avenue, Batavia

7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays

• June 12: Abby Kay Band

• June 19: Kaleidoscope Eyes

• June 26: SunFallen

• July 3: Kashmir

• July 17: Classical Blast

• July 24: The Jolly Ringwalds

• July 31: Voyage www.bataviaparks.org

GENEVA PARK DISTRICT CONCERTS IN THE PARK

River Park, 151 N. River Lane, Geneva

7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in July

• July 10: Mr. Meyers

• July 17: Hillbilly Rockstarz

• July 24: Feel Good Party Band

• July 31: The Stingrays www.genevaparks.org/special-events/concerts-in-the-park

ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES

Lincoln Park gazebo, 450 W. Main St., St. Charles (between 4th and 5th streets)

7 p.m. Thursdays

• June 6: Dynamix

• June 13: Industrial Drive

• June 20: Hillbilly Rockstarz

• June 27: True Company

• July 11: Mellenium

www.stcparks.org/summer-concerts

ELBURN DAYS

• July 18: Starlight City

• July 25: Radio Gaga

• Aug. 1: Generation

• Aug. 8: Euphoria Band

A complete music schedule for the event, set for Aug. 16-18, was not available at press time. Visit www.elburnlions.com/elburn-days/ for more information.

SUGAR GROVE CORN BOIL

A complete music schedule for the event, set for July 25-28, was not available at press time. Visit www.sugargrovecornboil.org for more information.

SWEDISH DAYS

A complete music schedule for the event, set for June 19-23, was not available at press time. Visit www.genevachamber.com/events/swedish-days for more information and the musical entertainment lineup, so far.

WINDMILL CITY FESTIVAL

Main stage at the Riverwalk, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia

• 6-8 p.m. July 12: The Wayouts

• 9-11 p.m. July 12: Modern Day Romeos

• 3-5 p.m. July 13: Paul & Jay Band

• 6-8 p.m. July 13: Radio Gaga

• 9-11 p.m. July 13: Lounge Puppets

• 1-3 p.m. July 14: Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band

• 4-6 p.m. July 14: Hillbilly Rockstarz www.windmillcityfest.org/full-festival-schedule

shop handmade & LocaLly Grown Goods at the Farmers

By Kevin Druley

Farmer’s markets are prime time for shopping for locally grown, seasonal produce, delectable homemade foods and handcrafted artisan creations.

Perhaps it’s only natural there’s a market ready for prime time.

Along with its Saturday offering, which is celebrating its 30th year, the Batavia Farmer’s Market has added a Wednesday-night market this summer.

As part of Kane County Magazine’s guide to farmer’s markets, we recently spoke with Beth Walker and Kristen Desler of Batavia MainStreet, which coordinates the market. Walker (executive director) and Desler (assistant director) spoke about the market’s milestone and expansion, as well as the jurying process.

Here’s an edited transcript of the chat, followed by more information on markets around the KCM area.

KCM: Congratulations on 30 years. What is the energy around the anniversary?

Desler: We’re very proud of it. I think, especially in the last five or so years, the market has really expanded and now weekly we have around 50 vendors at that Saturday market. And we’re very proud that those vendors are local growers and producers of their own products and food.

Walker: We have vendors that have been with us since the beginning, like Stojan’s [Family] Farm and Flat Tire Farms. They’ve been with us for this whole journey. Then we have a lot of other people who have been around for a while, and every year we get new vendors.

KCM: How did the Wednesday-night market develop?

Desler: A big part of our mission in downtown Batavia is giving people reasons to come downtown more frequently and to patronize our shops and restaurants. … So, in an effort to better support the shops and restaurants during the week, we thought that having a weeknight market option would not only give an alternative for those that can’t join us on Saturdays but also have another reason for people to come downtown on a summer evening and hopefully stay awhile and check out the local retail and restaurants, as well. …

Market

We were really happy that a lot of familiar favorites are going to be joining us for both days.

KCM: What goes into the jurying process?

Desler: We take jurying vendors very seriously and have a committee that helps us do so. … We’ll sit down, and we’ll look at if they have a website, their website, any photos that they provide to us. Social media if they have it, as well as dive into how much of their product that they’re bringing to market is grown by them. We ask that 70 percent of what they have at market is produced by them.

Walker: We also want to make sure that we’re not oversaturating the market of any one specific product, so we want to make sure it’s a well-balanced market where you can find a variety of goods. So, it’s beneficial for the customer as well as for the vendor.

Photos by April Duda Photography and Mark Black

Markets to shop

BATAVIA FARMERS MARKET

North River Street between Wilson and Spring streets

8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Oct. 26

5-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 5-Aug. 28

Saturday artisan collective on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19 www.downtownbatavia.com/farmersmarkets

CAMPTON SQUARE FARMERS MARKET

Campton Square, La Fox Road

Campton Hills

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays through September

Text/call 630-988-0705

GENEVA FRENCH MARKET

Geneva Metra parking lot South and 4th Streets

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 3-Nov. 17

www.bensidounusa.com/geneva

ST. CHARLES FARMERS MARKET

Baker Memorial United Methodist Church

307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles 8-a.m. 1 p.m. Fridays through October www.facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket

Enchant and CREATE THE PERFECT SUMMER OUTDOOR PARTY

ENTER TAIN

By Patricia MacMillan • Photo provided by Your Day Your Way Weddings & Events

Is it a carefree afternoon filled with sunshine and kids at play? An elegant evening affair festooned in fairy lights?

Backyard parties can take many forms. But, while styles vary, the need for thoughtful planning does not.

For the last 15 years, Leanne Valdes has helped take parties to the next level.

“I think people really enjoy when you make an event feel special, when you’ve taken steps to make it unique,” said Valdes, owner of You Name It Events in Geneva. “This can be done with food, decor and entertainment. It’s about prioritizing what matters most to you.”

When it comes to food, one sure-fire way to make an impression is to allow guests the opportunity to customize. Valdes suggests pasta bars where guests can choose their sauces and add-ins or an on-site pizza oven with an array of toppings.

Tonya McNees has worked in the event planning industry for more than two decades as owner of the Carpentersville-based business Your Day Your Way Weddings & Events. To elevate a backyard gathering, she recommends playing with the space, thinking through function as well as visual interest.

“A big hit lately with backyard events is food stations,” said McNees, whose business includes full-spectrum catering. “Rather than doing a buffet — just one line of

food — stations make a party look beautiful.”

An interactive station, like one in which a pastry chef makes flambeed bananas foster or cherry jubilee, definitely makes for a memorable moment.

“The flame feels like a show,” McNees said.

And finding someone with the right skill set doesn’t require a lengthy search.

“Elgin Community College has a phenomenal culinary program,” she noted.

Other dessert options include carts that serve ice cream, mini doughnuts or cotton candy.

Drinks are also a chance to delight guests, and signature cocktails can bring in a personal touch, McNees said. Recent events of hers have seen guests sipping triple berry margaritas and blackberry fizzes.

Or party hosts can break out the bubbly for a bar featuring sweet and brut champagnes as well as rosé. Strawberries, raspberries and rock candy stirrers all make for delicious mix-ins.

“For summer, you can’t go wrong with light and refreshing drinks,” said Valdes, adding that seltzers and flavorful mocktails have become increasingly popular.

Decor is another element to consider, though party hosts may be best off with the less is more philosophy.

“The first thing I always recommend is to start with what you have already,” Valdes said. “A pop of color here and there enhances the greens you’re already seeing. An easy way to bring color to an outdoor event is through linens.”

Centerpieces can add flair, but it’s not necessary to spend a lot.

“Goodwill has a ton of decorative items,” said McNees, who has shopped there for trays as well as other accents.

A can of spray paint also goes a long way in transforming a thrifty find, she added.

Classic café lights and fairy lights add ambiance to evening events. For those looking to bring the drama, a full-size chandelier inside a tent can be very impactful, Valdes said.

As for entertainment, party hosts shouldn’t be afraid to think creatively. Live music is a nice touch as are outside-the-ordinary activities like a temporary tattoo station or DIY flower bar where people can make their own take-home bouquet.

But, above all else, Valdes recommended starting the planning process early.

“Get the ball rolling right away and you’ll have a lot more options with vendors,” she said.

Decadence Pure

By Jonathan Bilyk

Nearly a decade into their unlikely career change, Brook and Clint Carey haven't grown tired of scooping out a bit of cold joy nearly every day.

Now, they will even drive it out to you, in their own specially outfitted ice cream truck.

But one thing the owners of The Milk House Ice Cream shop in Pingree Grove will not do, is post the full list of their 50 flavors online – a step, they say, is for your protection, as well as their peace of mind.

"We've got room in our cabinet for 16 flavors at a time," said Brook. "And we've got people coming from all over, sometimes over an hour away.

"So, we don't want anyone showing up, and being disappointed, because they were expecting one of our amazing specialty flavors, and we didn't happen to make it that week," she added with a laugh.

Where to indulge in a classic summertime treat

Since 2015, the Careys have been serving up frozen creamy sweets and treats at the Milk House, ever since unexpected medical issues forced Clint to surrender his career as a jeweler and learn the ins-and-outs of making, scooping, blending and selling ice cream.

Brook decided to join him, giving up a career as a lawyer.

"We had this family farm that had been in my family for 150 years," said Brook. "The land has since all been sold off, but we kept the milk house and the barn, and now, we make and sell the best ice cream.

"It sounds crazy, right?" she said, with a laugh.

But tucked away in that old barn and milk house at 230 Reinking Road, near Kane County's northern edge, the Careys have grown their shop into a favored destination for ice cream in the region.

Now, the shop serves as many as 250,000 scoops of ice cream every year, with customers coming from throughout the region to tiny Pingree Grove, even as far as Arlington Heights or even Wisconsin for a taste of their expertly made ice cream, churned up from scratch on site 5 days a week.

"But we tell people to call first, and we're happy to tell you if we have your favorite flavors that day," Brook said.

While the Milk House may be high on the list for ice cream lovers, Kane County has no shortage of quality stops for frozen sweet goodies.

In downtown St. Charles along the Fox River Trail, near the Illinois Street pedestrian bridge, ice cream lovers can find what they seek at Kimmer's, 1 W. Illinois St.

Founded in St. Charles in 2010 by owner Kimberly "Kimmer" Yates, Kimmer's has established itself as a premier ice cream shop stop, said Patrick Anderson, shop manager at Kimmer's St. Charles.

Anderson said the key has been Kimmer's "focus on quality and abiding by 4 pillars of ice cream making," namely "Rich indulgence; Dense and creamy magic; Premium flavorings and vanillas; and Crafted with love."

He noted the ice cream "boasts a ... velvety texture that's pure decadence," thanks to 14% butterfat content, and a "low overrun process."

Anderson said all the ice cream is made at Kimmer's location in Wheaton, and customers can choose from 20 different flavors, served up by "incredible staff" focused on making "sure our guests are happy with their selection ... whether that be offering samples, giving suggestions or answering any questions."

Anderson said customer favorites include Parent Trap, which is cookies n cream with a peanut butter swirl, Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Blue Moon, which he said, "is a staple with the kiddos."

Anderson said his personal ice cream preferences lead him "to tell guests I'm an old soul, as my favorite flavors are butter pecan and plain ol' chocolate."

At Milk House, Brook Carey said her favorites include the Salty Honey Pie – a blend of chopped up custard pie mixed into a honey ice cream - and the Bake Sale Lemon Bar, which is also their top selling specialty flavor.

Other customer favorites include their watermelon sherbet, and more basic ice cream varieties, including cookiesn-cream and butter pecan.

"We tell people we try to find a way to either make everything in house, including our pies and mix-ins, or buy them from a local producer," Brook said. "And we've found a way to do that with everything.

"Except Oreos," she added with a laugh.

Both Kimmer's and Milk House said they also offer a large assortment of traditional ice cream treats, including sundaes, floats, ice cream sandwiches, special order ice cream cakes, and more.

BATAVIA CREAMERY

4 N. Island Avenue, Batavia

Located along the Fox River Trail in downtown Batavia, the local favorite stop offers "an everchanging rotation of over 150 unique flavors," according to its Facebook page. On a day in late April, for instance, the Creamery touted flavors including Peanut Butter Bullseye, which includes creamy peanut butter and chocolate ice cream with peanut butter buckeye candies; Eskimo Kisses, featuring coconut ice cream, with chocolate truffles and fudge; and dark chocolate raspberry truffle, among others.

LA GRAN MICHOACANA

1350 E. Chicago St., Elgin

On hot summer days, there is always a line out the door at this local favorite, according to a blurb on the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau site. The shop specializes in ice cream and "all the historical favorites of innovative paletas," or Mexican frozen treats, including Coolstix, which are traditionally known as bolis, and vasitos, or treats in a cup.

FANNY'S THAI ROLL ICE CREAM

7 N. State Street, Elgin, and 615 Randall Road, St. Charles

For those seeking a twist on classic ice cream, Fanny's Thai Roll Ice Cream may be your stop. The ice cream isn't churned in advance, but rather created on freezing cold pans, offering not only a tasty treat, but a bit of a show, as well, as they make it to order, using unique combinations of flavors and toppings, right in front of customers.

GRAHAM'S FINE CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM

302 S. 3rd Street, Geneva

A local favorite since 1987, Graham's not only serves up a large assortment of handmade chocolate treats and confections, but also homemade ice cream, made in shop. Graham's offers 31 flavors, including such favorites as butter pecan and salted caramel, which have enjoyed rave reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.

COLONIAL CAFE & ICE CREAM

1625 E. Main Street, St. Charles

No list of ice cream destinations in Kane County could be complete without Colonial Cafe, which has been scooping up frozen treats for customers since the 1930s. Throughout Kane County and beyond, red bumper stickers declaring "I Ate a Colonial Kitchen Sink" have been seen for decades. The massive banana split – with six scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate sauce, pineapple and strawberry, whipped cream, almonds and a cherry, served in a miniature "kitchen sink" – is one of the main attractions for ice cream lovers in the region.

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill

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

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

12220 Princeton Dr., Huntley | 847-669-8600

1360 Lake St., Roselle | 847-278-1666

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

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

Village Squire

480 Randall Road, South Elgin | 847-931-0400 125 Washington St., West Dundee | 847-428-4483 www.villagesquire.com

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

Geneva

St. Charles

La Mesa

51 S. 1st St., St. Charles | 630-549-0162 www.lamesamodernmexican.com

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico under the summer sky at La Mesa Modern Mexican's lively patio! Sip perfectly crafted margaritas and cocktails. Savor every bite of our modern Mexican cuisine, made using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques with a twist. Join us for Happy Hour, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), daily specials and lots of fun! Whether you're unwinding with friends and family or enjoying a romantic evening out, our warm ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for memorable moments. Located at 51 South 1st Street in the heart of downtown St. Charles. Visit LaMesaModernMexican.com for more information.

Stockholm’s

306 W. State St. , Geneva 630-208-7070 | www.stockholmsbrewpub.com

Out back and tucked in a nook with the neighboring building, protected by a high fence and covered with a shade sail, Stockholm’s patio is a little intimate dining gem. Voted the Western Suburbs’ Best Neighborhood Tavern by the readers of both the Kane County Chronicle and West Suburban Living Magazine, Stockholm’s is known for its expansive menu of freshly prepared meals using only the highest quality ingredients. You can also enjoy its handcrafted beers, brewed in an Old World tradition, naturally conditioned and unfiltered, from the Tri-Cities’ oldest brewery.

Alexander’s Cafe

1725 N. State St., Elgin | 847-888-4146 • 1650 W. Main St., St.Charles | 630-549-0514 www.alexanderscafe.com

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

Portofino

Portofino Trattoria has mixed the taste of upscale Italian cuisine with the comfort of feeling like you’re at home. Kane County’s newest Italian restaurant offers popular Italian dishes and delicious drinks while catering to guests of all ages. Unwind near a fire table with your favorite cocktail and/or enjoy a meal on our beautiful, quaint, cozy patio. With daily drink/food specials, Portofino is the greatest place to be!

PATIOS POOCH-FRIENDLY

Dine out with your dog at these four restaurants

By

Patricia MacMillan • Photos courtesy of Old Republic Kitchen & Bar

It doesn’t get much better than dining outside in the summer. That is, unless your dog can join you for the experience. So, grab your best friend and a leash for a visit to one – or all – of these dog-friendly spots.

n OLD REPUBLIC KITCHEN + BAR

155 S. Randall Road, Elgin 224-535-9544 | www.oldrepublicbar.com

While pups are welcome at this restaurant’s expansive outdoor space as soon as it opens for the season, Tuesdays are the best time to stop by. Yappy Hour, which takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. all summer long, features crowd-pleasing half-priced appetizers like chicken wings and cheese curds in addition to drink specials. Meanwhile dogs can enjoy some canine company, treats and bowls brimming with fresh water. Old Republic also offers a full line of summer events including live music, trivia and bingo.

n PRESERVATION

513 S. 3rd St., Geneva 630-208-1588 | www.preservationgeneva.com

The outdoor scene at this downtown Geneva restaurant is unmatched. The sizable, covered patio and bar is just the place to dine on shared plates and unwind, often to the accompaniment of live music. The left-hand side of the patio is open to dogs. Preservation offers a full array of beer, wine and craft cocktails, and small bite plates like the mushroom arancini are not to be missed.

n TWO BROTHERS ROUNDHOUSE

205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora 630-264-2739 | www.twobrothersbrewing.com/restaurants/roundhouse

True to its name, this iconic restaurant takes the form of a circle complete with a courtyard that welcomes patrons and their pups. Sunlight streams through the trees in this picturesque beer garden surrounded by stately brick walls. Favorites include the Roundhouse burger, which comes topped with smoked gouda and whisky BBQ. A Domaine DuPage French country ale is just the thing to wash it down.

n

TOWN HOUSE CAFE

105 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles 630-584-8603 | www.townhousecafe.com

Small bistro tables grace the exterior of this charming spot, where lunch options and fresh-baked goodies appear on a menu inspired by the bookshop next door. Items are sorted into ‘chapters,’ and feature hot and cold sandwiches like the Ultimate BLT as well as salads and a quiche of the day. An extensive array of homemade cakes, pies, cookies and scones means the end of this choose-your-own-adventure meal is always sweet, especially with your favorite reading buddy by your side.

1 5 3 7 9 2 6 4

Tune in by the river free concerts in the park

Host a birthday party multiple locations

Spread your wings Peck Farm Butterfly House

Explore 70+ miles of trails bike, walk, or run

Make a splash Flick n’ Float & Hawaiian-themed luau

Swing over to mini-golf Stone Creek open daily

Stars under the stars free movies in Moore Park

8

Hit the gym 2 BestLife Fitness Center locations

Volunteer many opportunities available!

10

Audition or see a production at Playhouse 38

A WEEKEND

Elgin in

A two-day itinerary for summer adventures and exploration in the Elgin

Area

Summer fun in the Elgin area isn’t hard to come by! Just some of what you’ll find are festivals, celebrations and events highlighting each weekend – they will make you want to stick around for a few days after. Ready to start your planning? Check out the 1,500+ events across the Explore Elgin website, www.ExploreElginArea. com. From the Elgin Downtown Market and local events to larger events such as Pride Festival, Juneteenth, Concerts in the Park, Movies on the Lawn and La Fiesta de Elgin, along with several area communities hosting community days, you’ll be able to find a few that make you think, “I want to go there!” Choose your event adventure and have a blast!

o DAY 1

Start your weekend by checking into one of our community's many hotels. Drop off your bags and start exploring the beautiful outdoor scenery in one of the many parks throughout the Elgin Area. Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is a short drive from some great restaurants, but the trails are set up to feel like you are hours away from everyone. Head on over to Lords Park, Wing Park, if you are looking for a more local experience where you are close enough to community pools, Lords Park Zoo and even some area museums. If you bring your bike or kayak, then you can explore the Fox River Trail that runs through South Elgin, Elgin, East Dundee and Carpentersville.

As the sun begins to set, unwind with a refreshing drink and a bite to eat at one of the many area restaurants with outdoor dining.

o DAY 2

Start the day off right with a stop to one or two of the coffee shops participating in the Explore Elgin Area Coffee Trail before heading out on Day 2 of your summer adventure.

Want to experience Christmas … in the summer? A short drive will bring you to Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park! This park is fun for all ages, and with the water park, you will stay cool all day. Or spend the day exploring all of the animals and attractions at Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee.

Activities indoors can be refreshing if the day is too hot or if the UV index is a bit too high for your liking, so head on over to Adrenaline Monkey in West Dundee! It’s an adventure and performance training facility thoughtfully designed for individuals and groups of any size, age or ability. Filled with rock climbing, jumps, net climbing, and more- it is really a fun and unique experience. Some other great activities include Escape 360, an escape room in downtown Elgin or the Gail Borden Public Library.

n EXPLORE ELGIN AREA

60 S. Grove Ave., Elgin 847-695-7540 www.exploreelginarea.com

WHATEVER TYPE OF ADVENTURE YOU ARE SEEKING THIS SUMMER, YOU CAN FIND IT IN THE ELGIN AREA. Head to www.ExploreElginArea.com to see over 1,500 events happening this summer or explore itineraries ranging from weekend getaways exploring history and architecture, a family getaway or even a fully immersive art experience! Looking for a farmers market? Some live performances? The Elgin Area is sure to have a summer event that is fun and entertaining for everyone!

n For more information about swim lessons through the St. Charles Park District and the water awareness campaign, visit www.stcparks.org/ swim-lessons.

More than

Water safety at the core of swim instruction at St. Charles pools

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos by Mike Frankowski

s the summer sun pours out of the sky there is nothing more refreshing than the splash of cool water. But the allure of a backyard or community pool can quickly turn to danger for individuals who lack basic swim skills and an understanding of water safety.

The St. Charles Park District developed programs and activities designed to reinforce the message of “Swimming Safe Saves Lives” providing opportunities

for all ages, from infants as young as six months, to adults to build confidence in the water and understand life-saving skills.

When it comes to fun in and around the water, it’s never too early for swimmers to know what and what not to do. An important reminder is to never, not even for a moment, leave small children unsupervised near water. The child you save may be your own!

The St. Charles Park District has two

community pools. Swanson Pool is in Pottawatomie Park on the east side of the city and Otter Cove Aquatic Park is on the west side of St. Charles in James O. Breen Community Park. Each summer, as a rite of passage, children line up poolside for their first swim lessons, fighting fears and bursting with excitement.

Before the lessons, swim instructors take part in a thorough training, that encompasses how and what they will be teaching their classes in the water, explains Rosie Edwards, assistant superintendent of parks and recreation for St. Charles Park District. Beyond understanding swim strokes and kicking, each instructor is given an opportunity to learn about classroom management, and that includes helping all learners to be successful.

“We teach them how to vocalize for the auditory learners, how to demonstrate for the visual learners,” Edwards explained. “We have to be mindful of how the different ways in which students learn.”

Members of the Fox Valley Special Recreation District meet with instructors to review how to work with students of all abilities. Additionally, the St. Charles Park District, with sponsorship from the For Scout Foundation, provides specific classes to children on the autism spectrum, for those who may need a quiet, low sensory environment.

Swim class sizes maintain small ratios, to provide for a safe environment and provide the optimum attention to each participant during instruction. For children in the Swim Academy Prep, ages 3-4, the ratio is one instructor to three children and the Swim Academy,

ages 5 and older, the ratio is one instructor to four children.

Families can register for semi-private lessons, with a ratio of one instructor to two students or private lessons for one-on-one instruction in the pool. These classes can provide specific swim instruction and would be great a little one who needs more individualized instruction, an older student with specific needs or an adult looking to build swim safety skills. Private and semi-private lessons also offer greater scheduling flexibility.

Edwards said many of the children who start in lessons develop a love for the water and continue their progress in the swim team programs, which are instructed by the St. Charles Aquatic coaching staff. For those looking to focus on swimming strokes in a noncompetitive environment there is Junior Team. Swimmers, ages 6 to 16, looking to race can register for the St. Charles Otters Swim Team, which participates in weekly swim meets.

“Recreational swim teams can be a great way to keep building swim stroke skills and have fun too,” Edwards said.

The STC Otters will kick off at the end of May and the season runs June through July. The St. Charles Aquatic also offers a competitive swim team, which runs from fall through early March.

From infants learning to blow bubbles and splash in the water to children building their confidence and mastering strokes as they swim the length of a pool, the St. Charles Park District staff is dedicated to helping all ages develop a love of the water and the skills to Swim Safe.

Something for every water enthusiast! From the most energetic cannon baller to the most laid-back floater.

Grab a

Summer is a great time to enjoy a good book in the fresh air! Head to a park and relax with one of these recommendations in June, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

FOR ADULTS:

We Could Be So Good" by Cat Sebastian

It is the spring of 1958 in New York City – the Dodgers have left Brooklyn for Los Angeles, the specter of McCarthyism lingers and homosexuality is still illegal. Though Nick Russo works as a journalist revealing the truth, he must hide his true self when it comes to romance. When his life in the newsroom of The Chronicle is disrupted by the addition of his boss’s son, Andy Fleming, Nick lasts only 45 minutes before he’s irrevocably won over by Andy’s charm. Thus begins the tender love story between Nick and Andy. This loving portrayal of New York in the late '50s feels authentic and lived-in, making the city feel like another character in the book. Furthermore, The Chronicle struggling to maintain the balance between profitability and integrity will resonate with modern readers. Of course, romance lovers will not be disappointed. Sebastian’s writing shines in the small details that make the relationship between Nick and Andy feel real and personal. Their relationship is consistently warm and comforting, something still all-too-rare in queer stories. The combination of well-researched history and true love makes this the perfect read to start the summer.

– Sophie Popovich, Community Relations Librarian

FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS:

The Rest of Us Just Live Here" by Patrick Ness

Mikey and his friends are just about to finish high school – they just need to survive the impending apocalypse first. Each chapter of this satirical novel opens with a tension-filled synopsis of what is happening in the foreground – blue pillars of light, animal zombies and explosions. Then, the story shifts focus to the everyday lives of Mikey and his fellow background characters. Mikey is an aggressively normal teen whose biggest worries are his mounting anxiety, family dysfunction and his fervent crush on his friend Henna. This novel stands the test of time, bringing us a fresh, funny and fearless depiction of high school life. With a diverse cast of characters, there is something for everyone in this genre-defying novel. You will fall in love with each character, root for them to succeed and celebrate their achievements. For every person who feels they lack that “main character energy,” this is a validating and comforting fantasy read. It celebrates the everyday victory of living a good life alongside good people.

– Lauren Maxwell, Information and Reader Services Coordinator

JUNE 2024

Happy Father's Day to all our amazing dads out there – you are extraordinary!

Celebrate National Insect Repellent Day and read more about summer safety on page 7!

and plan ahead for the month of June!

Take in a showing of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" in its last week of production at Paramount in Aurora

Take in Kaleidoscope Eyes at Batavia River Rhapsody.

Juneteenth National Independence Day

First day of summer!

It's National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! Check out local creameries on page 18.

Greek Fest from noon to 10 p.m. at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin.

Batavia Farmers Market Saturday artisan collective from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. on River Street

Happy International Women in Engineering Day!

Midsummer celebrates life and appreciation for nature

Follow up last week's performance with SunFallen at Batavia River Rhapsody.

OF THE MONTH

Artist Ladan Ghajar

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.

Drawn to the community feeling Water Street Studios provides, Ladan Ghajar found inspiration and welcome when she joined the Batavia studio. “At first, this place was just a studio space – a place to make my art,” she says. “But slowly, it became so much more. The studio itself was great, but the real magic was the people. The warmth of the community, the connections I made with other artists – it all had such a positive energy. The magic wasn't confined to the studio walls. The friendly spirit of Batavia seeped into everything – the cozy restaurants, the fun entertainment spots. Even the natural beauty and the overall cleanliness added to the charm. And let's not forget the people! Everyone here is so kind.”

As an artist, Ghajar has been successful drawing on profound creativity and vision. “A premonition flickered within me since 2010 – a vision of humanity merging with an unimaginable intelligence,” she says. “It was a feeling, an image glimpsed through my inner eye. I yearned to express this internal turmoil, this fear of the unknown. Though the specifics remained elusive, I poured my emotions onto paper. Then, in 2016, I encountered two books by Yuval Noah Harari. As I read, a sense of clarity washed over me. My anxieties crystallized – I

finally understood the source of my unease. Now, the challenge was translating this newfound awareness onto canvas. But translating this abstract concept into visual form was daunting. It demanded venturing beyond the horizon of my artistic experience. Yet, I conquered my fear. Brush in hand, I dove headfirst into the creative process, the fear replaced by a fearless determination. The fruits of my labor – seven large canvases and countless smaller works – culminated in a solo exhibition at a prestigious gallery. It was a triumphant validation of my artistic journey.”

Throughout that journey, Ghajar has never lost sight of what artistry and creative freedom mean to the world. “Since the dawn of humanity, art has served as a magnificent bridge,” she says. “It connects the conscious mind to the self-conscious being, fostering both social evolution and individual identity exploration. We are shaped by it, creators and creations woven into the tapestry of human civilization through artistic expression. Its importance cannot be overstated. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, what better sanctuary exists than the realm of art? Where else can we unravel the knots of life, find solutions, and speak a universal language that transcends borders?”

About

the

Artist

Born in Tehran, Iran, Ladan's childhood unfolded amidst the vibrant tapestry of a family steeped in artistic spirit. As an Iranian American artist, she found herself navigating the dynamic dance between two cultures. Ladan's challenge lies in merging her heritage with a bold, new artistic vocabulary. Surrealism and symbolism become her tools, capturing the essence of our times. It's a reminder that the pathway to self-expression can be found in the most unexpected places, even within the realm of dreams.

DETAILS OF ladan ghajar's WORK

To view more of Ladan Ghajar's art, follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ghajarladan.

u Under Water: 36 x 36 inches, $2,500

v Untitled: 9 x 12 inches, $250

w Transformation Series: 30 x 40 inches, $3,750

x Lost History of Persia: 36 x 36 inches, $2,800

y Untitled: 9 x 12 inches, $200

z Archetype Series: 24 x 30 inches, $1,000 6.

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

NEED HELP?

By Diane Krieger Spivak

A financial, medical or situational hardship can occur at any time. What may not be an immediate life-threatening emergency can nonetheless be a stressful, challenging one. Job loss, issues arising from medical or mental health, housing, food, caregiving and more, can leave a person wondering where to turn.

That’s where Kane 211 comes in. The nationwide network is a free, confidential information and referral helpline, in English and Spanish, plus translations of 180 other languages.

“We use the tagline, ‘When you don’t know who to call, call 211,’” says Lisa Foydel, director of Community Engagement, Fox Valley United Way which oversees Kane County’s 211 program. Callers don’t need to give any personal information other than a ZIP code and their reason for calling. “We give referrals for a variety of things. If somebody can’t pay their utility bill they probably are also looking for other things, like diapers or food or household goods, or maybe they need to know how to find somebody who can be a respite for them if they’re caring for an older individual.”

Calls to Kane 211 are increasing in numbers, says Foydel, who looks at data monthly and quarterly. The fourth quarter of

2023 saw 1,466 calls, compared to 1,273 in the first quarter. Pre-COVID-19, the fourth quarter of 2019 saw only 600 calls. Huge spikes came in March 2020 and again in 2021 when people wanted to know where to get vaccinations when they became available.

The numbers have not gone down since COVID-19, however, says Foydel. “COVID caused a lot of unemployment and now inflation. People are feeling it. It’s important to note that the majority of people who are calling 211 are working,” she says. “They’re working, but they’re still struggling to make ends meet.

“We have an acronym for that demographic and it’s ALICE –Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed,” says Foydel. Many are working part-time or at $15-an-hour jobs, like social workers, or home health care workers who care for senior

Kane 211 At a Glance

n 211 is for anyone. The service is available to everyone, regardless of income level. Spread the word to your friends, family, and co-workers so they are prepared when things take a turn for the worse.

n 211 is available 24/7/365. That’s every day, every hour, every minute of the year. Simply dial 2-1-1, call 888-865-9903 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

n You’ll talk to a real person. A trained, expert specialist answers the call, helps identify the root causes of your problem and connects you to local resources.

n Translation service is available in 180 languages.

n You can call to find volunteer opportunities in your area. 211 often has a long list of local organizations and families that need help.

Photo provided by Fox Valley United Way

citizens in a home or their own house. “They might be teachers or nurses right out of college or EMTs,” says Foydel. “It’s a big chunk of our community in Kane County. Only 8% of our population is in poverty, but 28% of the population qualifies as ALICE. What that means is that this demographic is earning too much money to qualify for government assistance, and they struggle on a regular basis, trying to determine which bill to pay. Do I take my child to the dentist, or do I get my car fixed? Childcare is like a second mortgage, and sometimes it’s even more than your rent or your mortgage.”

Some calls come from those whose senior parents can no longer afford their housing.

“We can connect them to places that will take them based on Medicare coverage,” says Foydel.

COVID has also spurred an uptick in people looking for mental health assistance, especially for young people, notes Foydel, adding, “It became okay to talk about how people were struggling psychologically.”

The number one reason people call 211, however, is for help with their housing, says Foydel, with rental assistance and homeless prevention at the top of the list, accounting for 40 percent of total 211 calls.

“Hesed House (Aurora) is full, their family shelter is full,” says Foydel. “They have people in hotels and apartments.” More than 40 percent of the people in Hesed House work full-time jobs, but due to the cost of living and housing in the area there is little workforce housing available. “Those houses have disappeared; they have all been torn down and replaced with mcmansions,” she said. Next to housing, calls for employment referrals come in at No. 2 and utilities assistance is No. 3.

While calls for food or rental assistance are frequent, by the time the call is over, the caller may also be connected with organizations who can help with other concerns such as mental health, says Foydel. “We connect them to a service that will get them some therapy and maybe even a doctor.”

Marcie Lucas is development coordinator at the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association which provides recreation, leisure activities and daycare and summer camp for people of all ages with disabilities. “Even though my job is working with participants with disabilities, I have called 211 many times to get resources for our parents,” says Lucas. Recently an 86-year-old woman with health problems and some dementia who is caregiver to her adult disabled child hadn’t gone to the grocery store in weeks because she couldn’t get a ride. “The child has intellectual disabilities and is not even able to help the mom. It’s a tragic situation,” says Lucas. “I called 211 and got senior services involved, and they are working with her to get her to the store and to the pharmacy.”

Tragic, but not unusual, says Lucas. “We have a huge population of older parents, 80-year-old people taking care of their 40-year-old or 50-year-old children that

Quarter

1 2024

Kane county 211 calls by need

Kane County 211 number of calls

have disabilities. They’re hanging on for dear life because there’s no place for their kids with disabilities to go. There’s a waiting list to get into group homes. It’s a bad situation for old people who really shouldn’t be caring for their kids, doing so.

“Though I’m a grant writer, I’m in a position where I see families need so much more support than we can give them, and that’s not our bandwidth, our wheelhouse, but I can’t just turn my back,” says Lucas. “I’m so glad I’ve got 211 or I don’t know what I’d do.”

TRAINING POWER PRECISION

PERSONALBESTTRAINERS

There’s plenty of reasons why clients want to train with Dan “Coach” Martinez. Some are looking to get in shape, increase their athletic strength, lose a few pounds. They often overlook the biggest benefit to exercise, mental fitness.

“I can help someone accomplish what they want and I’m also going to advocate for their mental awareness,” Martinez said. “I like to remind people; become mentally fit to physically dominate.”

For more than 23 years Martinez has worked with individuals as a personal trainer. After years of working in large corporate fitness facilities he decided to follow his passion and venture on his own with Power Precision Training based in Batavia.

“I found my heart and passion in training,” he said.

The Bulldog alum is happy to have his business right in his home town. During his time at Batavia High School, he enjoyed football, wrestling and mixed martial arts. His athletic career came to a halt after multiple concussions. He decided to change his focus from sports to weight training and conditioning.

“I found training to be very therapeutic,” Martinez said.

Martinez has found the body and mind connections to fitness, whether in weight training, boxing or other workouts, he said it’s important to support his clients physical and mental well-being through each step.

“I’ve dealt with anxiety, depression and power lifting and fitness, for me, really helped to build my confidence as well as the physical improvements,” he explained.

Powerlifting has been on the rise in recent years and he said it goes beyond building muscles.

“Power lifting helps you to tone your legs, glute and tightens the waistline,” he explained. “There’s powerlifting in every sport. For example, the training can help you enhance your hips to build more power in your golf swing.”

Martinez was mentored by the godfather of powerlifting, Ernie Frantz, who is a legend in the powerlifting community.

Working one-on-one with each client, he can tailor programs to each individual’s interest and fitness goals.

He also offers some training for pairs and very small groups, adding that working with a partner can help with motivation.

Another rising trend in boxing, and the return of cardio boxing to burn calories, tone muscles.

“You can feel powerful and you work up a sweat and get that heartrate up,” he added.

Martinez trained side-by-side with Olympic medalist, former pro boxer, and number one boxer educator in the world, Coach Tony Jeffries.

Martinez also has a background in mixed martial arts and when clients asked for cardio boxing he followed up to become certified in kickboxing.

And while Martinez loves his work helping clients with their fitness goals, he isn’t shy admitting he uses a professional trainer as well to help him stay on top of his game. At 42, he is competing for the title Mr. Fitness for “Muscle & Fitness Magazine” and uses a trainer and a nutritionist to help him keep his focus. Of course, this doesn’t mean he won’t have an occasional taco with his brother, Fernando, who owns Fernando’s Street Kitchen, a restaurant and catering business in Batavia.

“Everyone has the need for a trainer not just to enhance their athletic performance but to hold one accountable,” Martinez said.

And it’s not just about athletics for Martinez who was a national and global model in his 20s. In 2006 he earned a bronze for Male Model of the World at the World Championships of Performing Arts representing team USA.

He has worked with clients of all ages, from young adults to those well into their 70s. He helped a woman in her 70s train to walk the Great Wall of China and he’s trained professional athletes including a Blackhawk player, a former Bulls player and an Olympian.

Whether they are a professional athlete or fellow business owner in Batavia, Martinez strives to provide each of his clients with the support they need to meet their fitness goals.

“My goal is to boost their confidence, support them mentally and to educate them on what they need to know to be successful,” Martinez said.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske • Photo provided by Dan Martinez

LEAVING BEHIND? WHAT ARE WE

Disposable products abound in physical forms while cherished memories exist only digitally

As a dad, the thought often flits through the mind.

There's no predicting when it will come, exactly, but there are some fairly reliable triggers.

Sometimes, it can arise while on the drive home from significant life events: Weddings, graduations, funerals, and the like. Other times, it can bubble up while standing in the kitchen, grabbing a hot beverage and perhaps a cookie or cupcake, after once more sending those young ones to bed.

The question goes something like: "What are we leaving behind?"

You might think it's about legacy or heritage. And that wouldn't be entirely wrong. But I'm thinking more in terms of something more tangible.

In this sense, it's a question that has nibbled for many years. It gets renewed vigor when reading articles about new archaeological discoveries or

about some lucky bloke in merry old England who digs up a crock full of Roman coins in his back yard.

Living in Illinois, I know not to waste any time thinking about the chances of turning up silver or gold doubloons (or any other ancient currency, for that matter) while planting shrubberies in the garden.

Instead, the mind moves to the question of what archaeologists digging around in our subdivisions may find in several hundred years.

What time capsules, filled with mementos and relics, might they dig up and decipher to learn something about the way we were?

I know what I would love for the answer to be: A sealed container, filled with photos, movies, art, notes, newspaper clippings, perhaps a piece of technology future geniuses can use future tools to power up and then get down to our playlists of undeniably eternal classics from the '90s, 2000s

and today, while they piece together the history of our mostly happy lives in 21st century suburban America. But it's a question that ultimately leaves me a bit sad, because I know what the answer is most likely to be:

That cluster of plastic reusable bottles and straw cups, cluttering up the kitchen counter, just west of the coffee maker.

See, my family has a fairly straightforward love/hate relationship with these reusable bottles and straw cups. While my wife and daughters love them, I do not.

I'm not going to deny the utility and usefulness of such cups. When making coffee, tea or other beverages to go, whether hot or iced, they can clearly save money and the environment, when compared to buying lattes at Starbucks or relying on bottled "spring" water from your big box store of choice.

But, to my thinking, those economic and ecologic pros hold up against the cons only so long as the bottles and cups do not, in the process, multiply to roughly the size of the population of a small town, crowding the kitchen sink and surrounding countertops with a village of thick plastic towers which no one really uses with any real regularity, but which nonetheless will survive in landfills for thousands of years, a lasting testament to our presence here, long after most other vestiges of

our technologically advanced civilization has crumbled to dust.

Vestiges like: The smartphones that stand at the center of our 21st century lives, and carry so many of the mementos that once would have filled time capsules for future archaeologists to find.

Not too long ago, our parents – and perhaps, we ourselves – likely had boxes stacked in closets or shoved under our beds. These boxes would have been filled with photos, letters and other physical souvenirs of our lives. And they would have offered us the chance to share those memories with our children, grandchildren and other loved ones now and in the years to come.

Now? We carry such artifacts in our pockets and purses, digitally. And we comfort ourselves, understanding that, while we can't hold them or store them in a box, we have exchanged such assurances for the promise of supposedly limitless storage space, ridding us of the need to curate or edit, while trying not to notice that we have entrusted such memories to services run by corporations, who could turn them off and take them from us at any moment.

So, while our landfills will be full, the question remains: What will we leave behind?

Ultimately, the question may turn out to be academic,

as professors and historians from future generations, living, working, digging and studying long after our great-grandchildren have forgotten us, most likely will answer the question of how we, collectively, are remembered, regardless of what we, as individuals, do now.

But the question still draws my attention, as I attempt to distract myself from more dangerous ponderances, like:

Would anyone here really notice if just a few of these reusable plastic straw cups were given a head start on their trip off my kitchen counter and into the hands of those future archaeologists, rummaging around in the remains of our local landfill?

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

WHERE TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN

OM Medispa

2425 Royal Blvd., Elgin 331-276-4555 | www.ommedispa.com

MION Artisan Soap Co.

78 S. 1st St., St. Charles 331-901-5152 | www.mionartisansoap.com

Achieving that Summer

GLOW

Skincare tips and products to look and feel your best in the sun

By Pat Szpekowski

The sun’s out and the air is filled with warm summer breezes. It’s finally time to go outdoors and explore summer adventures. Whether you’re embarking on a trip to the amusement park, the beach, or taking a routine walk, run, hike, or bike ride, there’s a lot to think about in preparing for the journey.

With all the items you’re bringing along, keep in mind that skin damage can spoil the party as it’s silently lurking with you if you have no protection. What can you do?

“Use sunscreen,” emphasizes Dr. Savitha Susarla, owner of OM Medispa in Elgin. We’ve heard this many times before, but no truer words can be spoken. “This is the best way to be proactive to avoid skin problems in the sun,” she says. As a board-certified family practice physician, Dr. Susarla works with mind, body, and spirit to achieve optimal health for any age.

When looking at the shelves filled with so many brands of sunscreens, you can’t help but notice that SPF (Sun Protection Factor) numbers vary greatly. It can be both overwhelming and confusing. Dr. Susarla recommends, “The best form of SPF protection against UVB rays is 30-50.” It is an armor to reduce sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

On its website, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) offers a wide variety of advice for everyone on how to practice safe fun protection, including dressing to protect yourself from the sun by wearing lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and pants; sunglasses with UV protection; a wide-brimmed hat, and shoes that cover your feet. If you’re wearing sandals or flip flops, or going barefoot, you are urged to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Don’t forget your toes!

If you start noticing skin problems, Dr.

• Photos provided by OM Medispa and MION Artisan Soap Co.

Susarla recommends seeing a dermatologist for skin cancer screening. “If you see a suspicious skin lesion,” she adds, “see your primary care physician right away.”

Olga Nedelea, owner of MION Artisan Soap Co. in Wheaton and St. Charles, agrees that maintaining healthy skin all year round is very important. She started her own business because she is passionate about using natural ingredients and living a clean lifestyle, which has benefitted her family and many others who have sought her products.

Nedelea did her research on natural oils, butters, and herbs and her shops offer a multitude of fresh products for face and skin care, soaps, scrubs, and much more for all ages. For summer skin care, she offers cooling sprays, organic sunscreen, bug sprays, and itch relief oil. Earlier

Looking for local bike trails?

Find the 2024 Fox River Trail Guide at local park districts and most retail locations noted

this year, she was honored as one of the recipients of an Illinois Made award from the Illinois Makers program for small businesses.

Nedelea strongly feels that good skin care includes gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing, exfoliation, a healthy lifestyle, and sun protection. If you start noticing skin problems, such as acne, dryness, or irritation, Nedelea says to “consult a dermatologist, adjust your skincare routine, use healing ingredients, and avoid harsh products that irritate your skin.”

So, let’s review. Have a great summer outing but don’t forget the SPF. Look at sunscreen protection the same way as you wear your boots, hats, scarves, and gloves in the winter. In the end, it’s all the same. You’re keeping your skin, from head to toe, in its best condition without serious problems ahead.

OUTDOOR REAL ESTATE

When buying or selling a home, the exterior presentation is just as important as the interior

Iwas chatting with a local realtor and discussing landscape importance in real estate. I was telling her how I have had quite a few clients lately who have purchased a new home and didn’t pay any attention to the outside of the home during the purchase. They walked right past the overgrown yews and weedy beds as they headed to the kitchen to see the updates and the bedrooms to see the view.

They fell in love with the house, purchased it, moved in and all of a sudden noticed the drama outside. What they failed to calculate was the cost of updating, redoing or adding to their outdoor space.

The outdoor space is a continuation of your indoor rooms. Many people spend way more time at home and are using their outside spaces more than ever before.

Often the outside of the house is overlooked when you are buying or selling. Every day, I see patios and sidewalks that are crumbling, trees that are half dead or damaged, overgrown shrubs and perennial gardens gone rogue. The new owners call me in to help make sense of it all because they have become overwhelmed. The previous owner may have been a gardener and now the new owners inherited a massive

perennial collection. Or the house was landscaped back in 1994 but nothing has been done since (30 years is a LONG time for a landscape to thrive!).

It may not necessarily be something you can negotiate, but at least you can budget for it in the long run and make your outdoor space as good as your indoor space.

If you are getting ready to buy a house, walk around the entire yard. Sit on the patio – are there views to screen? Is the patio stoop crumbling or the deck rotting and in need of maintenance? Are you going to need to plant some shade trees or remove old trees? Are trees or shrubs covering any windows or access points or hanging over the roof? Are there giant mulch beds that can be returned to lawn to lower maintenance?

All of these needs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars you may not have budgeted for when looking for your dream home. For a typical suburban home, I would budget about $5,000 to $10,000 to do minor updates, rejuvenations and plant trees. For a new patio, fire pits, retaining walls, sidewalks and other more intense landscape projects, budget at least $15,000 if not $20,000 or more.

Of course, every home is different but a landscape that has been left neglected for years can be a challenge to correct. Landscape updates can be no different cost-wise than a kitchen or bath remodel and are often larger and more involved projects requiring skill and experience to correct. Hire a landscape designer if you just can’t see the end results – they can help you bring your vision to reality. (This is where I tell you not to look for the cheapest guy with a truck and a wheelbarrow…you’ll be sorry if you cut corners outside the same as inside. Not everyone is a qualified landscaper with the skills

and knowledge needed to solve major issues. Vet your landscape contractors the same as your plumber, electrician, etc. Visit www.ilca.net for help.)

Updating your landscape is worth the investment, and you will reap the benefits immediately and can enjoy it for many years.

If you are getting ready to sell your house, take a good look at the landscape. Of course, no one wants to spend a bunch of money only to leave the house shortly after. However, a few small tweaks can make your house stand out from others both inside and out.

Look at the front of the house and make sure the plantings are neat and clean and not overgrown. If something is overgrown or aged, take it out and replace it with a new plant (or just remove it and leave the space empty but clean). Replacing the occasional odds and ends before you sell will help make it look updated and fresh, especially if you do it about three to six months prior to listing. Usually tweaking the existing landscape doesn’t cost too much – maybe budget $300 to $500 for some new plants, or a bit more if you are including crisp cut bed edges, seasonal containers, fresh mulch and some professional pruning of the existing plants. These minor details will pay off tenfold when a buyer sees how neat and clean your front yard looks when they pull up.

Buying or selling a new home can be a very overwhelming process, especially when you throw the yard into the discussion. Don’t find yourself scrambling to fix things and afraid of the shrubs by the front door! Give yourself time to analyze the outside needs along with the inside. You’ll be rewarded in the end with either a better asking price or a beautiful new home to make your own.

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 YouTube!

WHAT T+1 SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR YOU

Recent change is a milestone that can better serve investors

Effective May 28, 2024, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted rule amendments to reduce the time between the trade and settlement dates from two business days (T+2) to one business day (T+1). Due to the shortened cycle, clients will receive faster payment following the sale of a security. The updated rule will attempt to reduce the number of risks for individual investors and the financial markets, aligning the U.S. market with other T+1 settlement markets. In the past, shortening the settlement cycle promoted investor protection, risk reduction and increases in operational efficiency.

If this announcement sounds like it is being shared in a foreign language, allow me to translate. First, a few quick definitions:

n Trade Date: The trade date is the month, day and year that an order to purchase, sell or otherwise transact in a security. In this article, the “T” in T+1 is the Trade Date.

n Trade Settlement: The settlement date marks the date and time of the legal transfer of securities effected between the buyer and the seller.

To further clarify, the day a trader buys stock is the trade date. The settlement date is the date on which the stock is legally transferred between the buyer and the seller. Although the buyer pays the price as of the trade date and not the settlement date, payment is consummated on the settlement date.

This change is another milestone in the industry’s constant evolution to better serve investors. The SEC moved from T+5 to T+3 in 1993 and later moved from T+3 to T+2 in 2017. The SEC acknowledges that although the change is a heavy technological lift for financial firms that operate the market’s underlying infrastructure, reducing the amount of time it takes to move cash and securities between buyer and seller should ultimately lower both risks and costs.1

SO WHAT?

If you are thinking to yourself, “Interesting, Tom, but how might this affect me?” here are a few scenarios to keep in mind:

n If you are selling shares of a money market mutual fund with the intent of using the proceeds of that sale to purchase a different security, you need to pay attention to your broker/dealer’s policies and procedures for doing so. If you purchase a security and liquidate the money market to cover the trade AFTER your broker/dealer’s cut-off, your purchase may result in you being charged debit interest.

n If you are transferring funds electronically from your checking account, please note that these Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers that are trade-driven will need to be entered at least a day earlier.

Overall, our team at My Advisor & Planner believes the T+1 Settlement will be a benefit. If you have questions about how this may impact you, we encourage you to call your financial advisor. For conversations beyond returns and asset-allocation, give our team a call.

1 Get Ready for Faster Settlement in U.S. Markets, SEC's Gensler Tells Europeans, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 25, 2024.

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

Tom and his team are located at 107 S. 2nd St., Geneva, IL 60134 and can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.

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