KCC_KC Magazine October 2024 by Shaw Media

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Total Access Checking Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open new Total Access Checking account; (ii) mention offer during in-branch account opening, visit URL provided, or enter Echecking300 when applying online; (iii) have direct deposits totaling at least $500 per month made to the new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month the new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’); & (iv) enroll in online banking & e-statements within the Qualification Period. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/telephone transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. New account must be open & have a balance greater than $0 to receive bonus payment. Balance determined as of end of each business day as funds currently in the account including deposits & withdrawals made in the business day. For eligible customers, bonus is deposited into the new account within 30 calendar days after the Qualification Period. A listing of WTFC locations can be found here: wintrust.com/locations.

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applying online; (iii) have direct deposits totaling at least $500 per month made to the new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month the new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’); & (iv) enroll in online banking & e-statements within the Qualification Period. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/telephone transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. New account must be open & have a balance greater than $0 to receive bonus payment. Balance determined as of end of each business day as funds currently in the account including deposits & withdrawals made in the business day. For eligible customers, bonus is deposited into the new account within 30 calendar days after the Qualification Period. A listing of WTFC locations can be found here: wintrust.com/locations.

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Editorʼs NOTE

For our October Homes issue, we've packed the magazine full of designers, repairmen and more for you to peruse, just in time for the holidays and getting the house ready for guests!

If you’re seeking more functionality in the flow of your home, we’ve got you covered with our in-depth feature starting on page 8. While you learn more about new design and beautiful symmetry from Lifestyle Design (pg. 7) make sure to get inspiration from local and unique stores like Red Hive Market (pg. 16) and Trend & Relic (pg. 20).

When it’s time to maintenance your home, start with some ideas for repair and renewal on page 22 or check out our profiles on House of Fireplaces (pg. 14) and McNally’s Heating & Cooling (pg. 24).

Maybe you’re planning to look for somewhere new to call home? Turn to page 12 to learn more about Premier Living with the O’Connor Team.

Of course, we didn’t "leaf" out fall fun. Make sure you save the date for different seasonal celebrations throughout the county (learn more on pages 26, 30 and 35).

We have so much for you to enjoy with each new edition of Kane County Magazine. Thank you so much for reading, happy spooky season (one of my favorites!) and have fun!

Kelley White, Editor

on the COVER

Lifestyle Design, led by Bobbi Alderfer, features a plethora of unique, functional and beautiful plans when updating homes. Photos by Ryan Ocasio Photography.

Next month: We celebrate the winners of the Kane County's Finest Contest! Thank you to everyone who voted.

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

SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST

Kane County Chronicle & Niche Publishing Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Jonathan Bilyk, Patricia MacMillan, Vicki Martinka Petersen, 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

& LIFESTYLE

Bobbi

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Find

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

haunts to visit during spooky

Check out these reading recommendations for October from the Geneva Public Library

Don’t miss these dates around town

Greta Bell brings a wealth of imagination and wonder to her art

38 WHERE FUN MEETS FINE

K. Hollis Jewelers Boutique & Wine Bar offers a unique experience for guests

Wasco Nursery & Garden Center helps get H20 to your tree roots 42 ELECTION YEAR JITTERS

My Advisor and Planner says there’s no reason to get distracted by the noise

FAMILY IN FOCUS

Autumn is an awesome time of year for dads

A TOUR OF GHOULISH

Enjoy an eerie evening with your family, courtesy of St. Charles Park District

LIVE BEAUTIFULLY WITH

Lifestyle Design

FOR SOME, WALLS ARE A BLANK CANVAS

For Bobbi Alderfer, it’s about looking beyond a wall and ideally, knocking it down.

“That’s my favorite, to take down a wall. To repurpose the house to the point it is more functional,” said Alderfer, the principal designer and owner of Lifestyle Design.

Located in the historic Bennett Warehouse in downtown Geneva, Lifestyle Design is a full-service interior design firm that works with clients in remodeling spaces as well as building out new spaces. In residential or commercial spaces, an interior designer configures the entire space, whether it's moving a wall out of the way or subdividing a room into two new spaces, crafting the details from floor to ceiling.

“We like to look at the big picture,” Alderfer said. She established the business in 1986 but said she started designing interior spaces well before that as she raised her three sons, taking classes at the College of DuPage to learn how to use model and design software.

“We have definitely given it our all these years to build a really great firm,” Alderfer said.

Alderfer’s design team includes senior designer Kelly Trotz and associate designers Kate Steel and Melissa Fisher. Their portfolio of projects span across Kane County and well beyond, like a small cape cod home her team is

helping to renovate outside of Buffalo, New York.

“We are working completely remote. It has a tiny little kitchen, so we are going to re-imagine it so it opens up a bit,” Alderfer explained. “That’s where we shine, reimagining spaces.”

While the Buffalo project is an exception to the team’s usual work, it demonstrates how the industry has changed, allowing designers to visualize and plan for spaces even while staying remote.

Alderfer said her team enjoys getting to know clients and their families, to really understand what will work best for their home. Alderfer said she loves to help her clients resolve a need around the house, like the client who wanted a laundry room, taking the washer and dryer out of the kitchen where it was hidden by bi-folding doors.

For the project pictured above, Lifestyle put up a wall between the living room and dining room, so that the laundry closet could be moved out of this busy kitchen. “We took this young couple's under-used dining room and turned it into a much needed laundry/mud room," she said. "We were also able to use some of this space to extend their existing kitchen, providing more storage and function than they ever imagined was possible."

Alderfer said, “You live in your house and you get used to it and the way things are. We can give it a fresh take, a fresh eye.”

While there are ways to save costs, Alderfer said having the insight and support of a professional interior designer can often prove to be a future cost saving.

“We can put a project together so it makes sense, and doesn’t have to be redone down the road,” Alderfer said. “I’d say 95 percent of the projects we start with a client we see all the way to the last picture is hung on the wall.”

The team also helps clients with new builds, from blueprint review to selecting all of the materials and fixtures that will make the home extraordinary.

“Building a home requires hundreds of decisions that can become overwhelming. We help our clients move through this process in a way that results in a home that has continuity and flow,” she said.

Lifestyle Design received a 2024 Reader’s Choice Luxe RED Award for a powder room designed by Trotz. Alderfer calls it an absolutely gorgeous room, featuring a custom vanity with hand-painted gold accents and a beautiful Romo wallpaper mural. She also is excited to have several of the firm’s projects featured in a newly released coffee table book, “Magnificent Kitchens and Luxurious Bathrooms.”

n LIFESTYLE DESIGN

28 N. Bennett St., Suite D, Geneva 630-262-3366 | www.lifestyledesigngeneva.com

Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos by Ryan Ocasio Photography

FUNCTIONALITY TRENDING

Upgrade your space to maximize home organization

By Patricia MacMillan

Photos provided by Style It Home, Alaric Designs and Next Level Productions

More often than not, they are secreted-away spots. Places where piles of clothes are unceremoniously dumped and where shoes, coats and the detritus of day-to-day living lie strewn about.

We’re talking, of course, about laundry rooms and mudrooms.

But that needn’t be the case. Two local designers share their ideas to elevate these most utilitarian of spaces, keeping function top of mind while also bringing in an unexpected dose of fun.

FIRST AND FOREMOST

As with many interior design projects, overhauling a mudroom or laundry room is about identifying priorities for the area.

“It’s about learning how the family uses the space and what’s the biggest goal for them,” said Carolyn Soltesz, owner of Geneva-based Style It Home.

Laying out objectives for the room will help guide the process.

UPGRADING A MUDROOM

Sneakers, sandals, snow boots – they all have their place throughout the year, and they’ll all have their place with a system Soltesz likens to lockers.

“Each person gets their own vertical compartment that can extend close to the ceiling,” she said.

Coat hooks, a bench and a space beneath it will help everyone keep their belongings organized and out of the way. Bins above — Soltesz goes for stylish baskets — store a myriad of items including sports equipment or out-of-season gear.

The designer has even installed charging stations in these spaces, helping ensure tablets and other devices are ready to go every morning.

CONVERTING A CLOSET

Another option is one large space for every member of the family to use. If a mudroom doesn’t already exist, Kristie Sandoval of Alaric Designs has a solution.

“Opening up a closet is a big thing right now,” said the St. Charles-based designer, who added that the project requires removing the frame of the closet door and repairing any drywall damage.

“Wooden slats in a herringbone pattern are decorative elements that work well in this space,” she said. “It’s a durable surface that doesn’t scratch easily.”

Sandoval suggests hiring a carpenter to make custom-sized slats. Individual wood pieces should be painted and allowed to fully dry prior to installation so the delicate lines of the pattern are not obscured by dripping paint.

CUSTOM NICHES

Bulky and awkwardly shaped, an ironing board can be tricky to store, but custom niches like this one may just be the answer.

FLAT SURFACES ARE A PLUS

Large, flat surfaces in a laundry room make sorting and folding clothes a breeze, and the space above a front-loading washer and dryer unit is an ideal spot for a shelf, Sandoval said.

As for those delicates that need to air dry….

“Buy a drying rack that’s wall-mounted so it doesn’t take up floor space and can be retracted when it’s not in use,” Sandoval said.

THE PERFECT SPACE TO GO BOLD

Laundry rooms and mudrooms are the perfect places to incorporate colors and patterns that might overwhelm other more highly trafficked rooms in the house.

“You're in there for five minutes, so it's great to play with color,” said Sandoval, who recommends cheerful hues.

Or consider flooring with flair.

“You can have fun with geometric tiles,” Soltesz suggested.

Wallpaper also adds ample impact.

Overall, these changes have a way of re-framing tiresome tasks.

“When we added wallpaper and new paint, a client told me that she loves going in the room now,” Soltesz said. “She doesn’t even mind doing her laundry.”

612 W. Main St., St. Charles

630-485-4214 | tamara@plproperties.com www.getoconnor.com

FIND YOUR HOME WITH THE

O'Connor Team at Premier Living

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Experience, knowledge and a persistence that never ceases is the recipe for success for Tamara O’Connor and Amanda Laughlin, owners of Premier Living Real Estate and head of the O'Connor Team.

The mother-daughter duo leads the O'Connor Team at Premier Living, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this October and has consistently earned top marks in St. Charles, Kane County and the metro Chicagoland area.

“I’m so proud of what my daughter and I have built. Our tight-knit team holds many No. 1 positions,” O’Connor said. “We complement each other and have

so much fun working together.”

O’Connor brings her 35 years of experience in real estate. She started her career at the age of 21. She was young, but she was willing to learn, absorbing lessons from mentors in the field as well as every opportunity for classes and certifications.

“There’s something to learn every day in this business,” she said.

Laughlin brings a strong marketing background and 20 years of sales experience, Amanda's husband Brendan is also involved and helps manage the administrative staff as well.

“We do such a large volume with such a succinct team,” O’Connor said.

These days she’s the one asked to lead mentor programs, and said her best advice is quite simple.

“I’ve given talks on ways to be successful and my No. 1 advice is answering my phone,” O’Connor said.

Picking up the phone and getting down to business and building relationships that last well after the closing papers and keys have been exchanged have helped the duo build a successful business. Even as technology has changed considerably in the past 20 years, the heart of the business is caring about people, O’Connor said.

On a recent morning O’Connor saw an email pop in from a client she helped 28 years ago, adding that it’s the kind of email she sees regularly as clients know she will be there when they are ready to make their next move, whether it’s in the area or out of state.

“Real estate is a super highly emotionally charged transaction,” O’Connor said. “It’s important that the agent you pick is someone who is in it to win it.”

Another layer of success has been the O'Connor Team's strong knowledge of the area. O’Connor quips she doesn’t

need a GPS to find her way around, whether her clients want a home on a quiet street or a few acres of land on a “farmette,” she and Laughlin understand the area.

Premier has two offices, one in downtown St. Charles on Main Street and one in West Dundee. O’Connor said she chose the St. Charles location intentionally, to stay connected in the community and to participate in the many activities each season, from the festive St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the autumn favorite Scarecrow Fest.

“You have to really know your inventory if you’re out here,” O’Connor said, adding that she attends city zoning meetings and keeps an ear to the ground when it comes to new and prospective developments.

The O'Connor Team supports its clients to help them in their real estate journey, whether it’s having the best photography and marketing tools or assisting with staging to enhance a home.

When a client is buying a home, they can’t afford to sit back and wait, and that’s why O’Connor and Laughlin made sure their team is ready and willing to step in and help a client.

“We’re here every day,” O’Connor said. “We’re very competitive and very driven.”

Photos provided by Premier Living Properties

decadesProviding of style, beauty and warmth to homes

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Photos provided by House of Fireplaces

For more than 70 years, the Sandell family has been a part of warming homes and hearts with fireplaces.

The Majestic Distributing Company–The House of Fireplaces has been a cornerstone in the industry and of the Elgin community when it comes to providing homeowners with indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire tables, pits and so much more.

Company president Kevin Sandell explains the business started with his grandparents Stanley and Thelma Sandell. In 1953, they opened a “job shop” where employees manufactured parts for Majestic Distributing Company’s fireplaces. In the 1950s, heating and cooling companies would purchase and install fireplaces, often in new home construction.

In 1963 Stanley and Thelma opened a retail space, The House of Fireplaces, where they could sell direct to consumers looking to outfit their homes with a fireplace as the suburbs began to see a building boom.

Stanley Sandell, who served as a captain aboard a Landing Ship Tank in World War II, died in 1964. Thelma Sandell chose to keep the business going, taking over the operations at a time when a woman-managed business was not common. In 1972, Kevin’s father, Mark, began working at the retail operations. He has been a part of the business for more than 50 years along with his wife, Janet, who assists with the bookkeeping.

Through changes in styles, the Majestic Distributing Company–House of Fireplaces continues to evolve with the times, in styles, technology and accessories.

“The old California drift stone that was popular up through the 1970s is now replaced,” Kevin Sandell said.

As the third generation at the helm of the business, he and his wife, Beth, are excited to take the business into the future, looking to offer more sales opportunities online and expanding products, including outdoor entertaining features with fire tables, fire pits, grills and more.

The company focuses on upscale, top brands and quality products that enhance a home’s look and feel, with wood-burning, gas and electric fireplaces. Even as online sales are part of the company’s plan for the future, Kevin Sandell said the best way to see the

product is a visit to the Elgin showroom, to look, and get a true feel of the warmth as well as ask questions from the knowledgeable sales team.

In addition to its wide selection of products, accessories and parts, Majestic Distributing Company–House of Fireplaces provides services including fireplace installation, maintenance, repairs, remodeling and resurfacing. Resurfacing can give an old fireplace a fresh new look, from traditional to modern.

Scrolling through the company’s website gallery of photos from recent installations shows the varied styles and looks of fireplaces in today’s homes. Additionally, the company works with some commercial properties, creating warm and inviting spaces in buildings’ common areas with its fireplaces.

Today’s homeowner cherishes their outdoor spaces as well and Majestic Distributing Company–House of Fireplaces carries a number of styles for outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and fire tables that can turn any yard into an outdoor oasis where the family can gather on a chilly evening around the fire and enjoy their company and perhaps a few s’mores, too.

n MAJESTIC DISTRIBUTING CO.

THE HOUSE OF FIREPLACES

1255 Bowes Rd., Elgin 847-741-5903 | www.majesticdistributing.com

Explore eclectic treasures at

RED HIVE MARKET

Step into the friendly nest of Red Hive Market and discover a treasure trove of handcrafted wonders. It’s a place where owner Bridget Johnson unites and celebrates over 38 artisans with a variety of creative backgrounds to showcase their timeless skills and products.

As the name implies, Red Hive Market is abuzz with its own bustling energy in historic downtown Batavia. “We offer an array of unusual and one-of-a-kind handcrafted products with heirloom quality that can be passed on to generations in the future,” Johnson said.

From unique home decor and stylish jewelry and accessories to fine wood crafted items and much more, every piece at Red Hive Market tells a unique story steeped in tradition and creativity.

In addition to home decor, Red Hive Market carries retro candy, local honey from hives in Batavia, locally roasted coffee and carefully curated and sourced vintage items such as comic books and furniture.

“Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or an addition to your home that exudes character and fun, our shop is a haven for those who appreciate the art

By Pat

of handmade craftsmanship,” Johnson said.

“We are so happy to showcase some very talented artists,” she added. She shared a few that customers enjoy, including unique one-of-a-kind pieces of antique, vintage, and found item jewelry created by Sherry Loos of Scissor Sisters Studio in Yorkville. “They are really extraordinary pieces,” she says.

Or, how about statement macrame fiber art crafted by Karen Popovich, an art teacher at Mattea High School? “Karen’s family has a peacock farm in Illinois,” Johnson said, “and she incorporates the beautiful peacock feathers in her works.”

Another popular artist at Red Hive Market is Mark Auble, who creates “exquisite wood charcuterie and cutting boards and custom pens,” Johnson noted. “These are beautiful hand-crafted works.”

“What sets Red Hive Market apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community. By providing a platform for artisans to showcase their talents, we strive to uphold an environment where creativity flourishes, and connections are forged. When you support our shop, you're not just purchasing a beautiful item – you're investing in

a network of talented individuals who pour their passion into every creation.”

Johnson’s vision of Red Hive Market started when she opened in November 2019 with 12 artisans/vendors. “With the pandemic early the following year, it was very scary,” she said. “It was tough for everyone, but Batavia kept us going. Two years ago, we expanded with more space next door.”

While an artist herself, Johnson notes she doesn’t have time to create now but loves curating items for the store, visiting vintage markets and creating events for Red Hive Market.

“When I envisioned owning a shop, I wanted it to be a place that was buzzing with excitement and creativity, like a beehive,” Johnson said. “Bees are industrious and hard-working, just like artists. Instead of a yellow hive, I wanted a more vibrant and strong attention getting color. That’s why I named my shop Red Hive Market.”

“Visit Red Hive Market and join us in cherishing and preserving the art of handmade creations," Johnson said, “where each acquisition becomes an heirloom and every visit a celebration of craftsmanship.”

Szpekowski • Photos provided by Red Hive Market

Heirlooms into your interior design INTEGRATING

Blending styles is doable with a few expert tips

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by bb

Interiors

Inherited a cherished family furniture heirloom, or found the perfect vintage piece, but don’t know how to make it fit into your modern decor?

Local design experts say there is a way to marry the old with the new.

“I have a lot of clients that already have traditional or antique furniture, and now they want to incorporate a new style with vintage,” says Kristie Sandoval, owner of Alaric Designs in St. Charles.

A popular trend is blending midcentury modern (MCM) and atomic styles with contemporary furnishings. One of Sandoval’s clients incorporated transitional furniture that has a comfortable, neutral palette with an MCM media cabinet and sofa table accent pieces. An accent piece can be a small round table, for instance, placed near a chair or sofa.

'I have a lot of clients that already have traditional or antique furniture, and now they want to incorporate a new style with vintage.'

Claudia Beebe, owner of bb Interiors, in Geneva, has seen a surge in grand millennial style, which mixes bold prints and accents with a vintage piece.

“That’s always kind of a fun thing — big flowers, and romantic looking furniture again, not so much sofas and chairs but a lot of side pieces and case goods.”

Sandoval notes that if you’re blending styles, it’s important to have a concept for your space before you start looking for furniture.

“You want it to tie in with that concept, whether it be cozy, or elegant,” explains Sandoval. “It’ll help you in making decisions to flow together with what you already have. An

example would be if you have a really big comfortable sofa, then your scene would be cozy and comfortable, so you don’t want to choose something that has very harsh lines, is pointy, or looks uncomfortable. Even though it’s going to be from a different era, you want it to be that same theme.”

Another vehicle to combine old with new is to tie things together with color.

“Maybe your sofa table is an antique and your end tables are going to be MCM,” Sandoval says. “Try to make them the same wood finish so that they blend

together well in an eclectic collection with flow and balance.”

Beebe cautions to mix in a piece here and there as a statement piece, such as an antique armoire with a sleek, modern glass top table.

“It could be the jewel of the room,” Beebe says. “This way you’re not going to fill a room full of antiques. Not all vintage pieces go with existing furniture.”

Beebe has helped one of her clients, who has antiques in the living and dining rooms, blend in those pieces with

modern furnishings. An important set of embroidered French chairs tells a story with their embroidery in beigy pink tones. “I added a different type of updated sofa for an elegant look,” she says.

Scale is also important. So is repetition.

“You don’t want an oversized sofa next to a tiny antique element, so try to tie the scales together, and if you are introducing something MCM, something else needs to be MCM,” Sandoval says. “That could be a lamp, artwork or pillow fabric. That way it doesn’t look like a mistake that just doesn't belong.”

trend + relic

When Karri Custardo and Heather Corcoran met, both felt a connection.

“Karri and I met at a Halloween party, and I was in full costume,” Corcoran said.

She pauses.

“I can’t recall what I was.”

By Patricia MacMillan

“You were dressed as an old lady,” supplied Custardo, her easy tone an indication of how well the two know each other.

“Later you came out on stilts,” she laughed.

It is with this sense of fun and camaraderie that the pair run their joint business, trend + relic in St. Charles.

Established in 2020 and massive at 11,000 square feet, the store brims with home furnishings, antiques and home decor, including plenty of seasonal items. Works of art and mirrors adorn the walls while displays and racks hold jewelry and apparel. There’s even a smattering of artisanal food items.

Within its walls are the wares of 52 vendors, each bringing his or her own aesthetic to space. Products run the

gamut, with designs ranging from midcentury modern to the trends of today, Corcoran said. The owners, however, are always mindful of maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the store, providing a feeling of continuity to all who amble its aisles.

“We style our booths in such a way that it looks like it could potentially be one store,” Custardo said. “We put vendors whose pieces look good together by one another.

In addition to helming trend + relic, both women sell merchandise.

In some ways, Corcoran’s array of goods defies easy explanation. Call them oddities. Call them conversation starters. Corcoran calls them to her space to surprise and delight those looking for something wholly unusual.

“I’ve got a variety of styles and pieces from different time periods but collectively they come together to share a similar look and feel,” Corcoran said. At any one time, a shopper might stumble upon such statement pieces as an Electorlux vacuum-turned-robotstatue or an 18th century horse saddle.

ENJOY A NIGHT OUT!

Looking for an outside-the-box night out? Check out upcoming events taking place at trend + relic! For information about events and workshops, visit www.trendandrelic.com/ events or www.facebook.com/ trendandrelic/events.

Custardo’s booth, while perhaps more conventional, is also conscientiously curated.

“I have a lot of antiques that you just don’t see everywhere,” she said.

Additional products such as florals as well as seasonal and holiday decor round out her offerings.

Overall trend + relic, which the women bill as a creative co-op, is a place for all those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces for their home, thoughtful gift items, or simply the chance to while away a contented hour or two.

“It’s got a good energy,” said Custardo of the store. “People tell us it’s their happy place.”

Photos provided by trend + relic

REPAIR & RENEW

The vibrant colors of fall make for great sight-seeing.Scheduling an annual furnace maintenance checkup could help you see more money in your wallet this winter.

“Many people may know that scheduling an annual furnace maintenance checkup is something they should do as a responsible homeowner, but not as many do it as they should,” says Eddie McNally, service manager of McNally’s Heating & Cooling, with over 32 years of experience in HVAC. “Scheduling regular maintenance can save you money in the long run. We can address any small problems before they become bigger, much more expensive problems.”

It’s not just catching a potential problem before it becomes too big that makes scheduling a tune-up with a reputable company such as McNally’s a wise choice,

it can also have a significant impact on your utility bills and indoor comfort level, can extend the life of your heating system, and often keeps your system’s warranty intact.

"Today's heating and cooling equipment are quite sophisticated and some of the components can be quite costly to replace out of warranty,” Eddie McNally says. “We closely check and monitor all the system's components to ensure your equipment is performing and virtually eliminate unnecessary premature component failures.

“The days of old, just adjusting a pilot, cleaning burners and looking for signs of a failing heat exchanger are long behind us now. Our technicians follow a comprehensive checklist and record all readings. They are trained to look for the smallest abnormality and follow through to make sure it's

addressed at the time of the visit for the best possible outcome.”

McNally’s is there for the long haul.

“Everyone at McNally's truly enjoys the sense of accomplishment that comes with keeping all our customers in our community comfortable and safe,” he says. “I think we do that really well, and our reviews reflect that.”

Whether or not you’re been using the correct air filter and replacing it regularly will certainly play a factor in what a company like McNally’s would discover during a tune-up.

Longtime HVAC professional Joe White recognizes the importance of using the proper air filter for your furnace. White is the owner of Service Tech Heating & Air Conditioning.

RENEW

Regular furnace maintenance

can save money in the long term

By Chris Walker • Photos provided by McNally’s Heating & Cooling

“A homeowner will go into the store to buy new filters, and the packaging will say they last up to 90 days or up to three months,” White says. “It’s one of those two statements, but it’s saying the same thing. But you should check your filter once a month and if it looks dirty, change it. Every house has different air flow so the amount of air going through varies by the square footage of the house.”

White says you want your filter to allow air to flow through it, but to also be able to capture harmful debris. The good news is filters are budget-friendly and generally easy to choose, check and replace.

“I’ll run into a house and check the air filter, and I’ll show the homeowner how you can see through it, which does allow for maximum air flow to get through it, but it defeats the purpose of the word ‘filter,'” White says. “Over time they are going to

allow large particulate-size dirt to get through, which will get stuck in the fan and build up in the next location which would be underneath the cooling coil. What happens at the bottom of that coil is dirt will get stuck by it if not first caught by the air filter, and over time you are going to have permanent air flow restriction which will diminish the life expectancy of your system.”

White suggests considering a mid-grade MERV 10 pleated filter.

“It catches dirt better than a see-through fiberglass filter,” he says. “But it doesn’t restrict air flow as much as a MERV 13 (allergen filter).”

If you have seasonal allergies, White recommends adding a whole-house air purifier to the existing duct system.

PRO TIP

"You should check your filter once a month and if it looks dirty, change it. Every house has different air flow so the amount of air going through varies by the square footage of the house."

— JOE WHITE Service Tech Heating & Air Conditioning

Behind the 2024 Best of the Fox Winners

MCNALLY'S HEATING & COOLING

3491 Swenson Ave., St. Charles www.mcnallyhvac.com 630-363-9067

HANDLING YOUR HEATING AND COOLING NEEDS

By Pat Szpekowski | Photos provided by McNally's Heating & Cooling

Being voted the best heating and air conditioning company in Kane County in the Best of the Fox contest sponsored by Shaw Media isn’t a nomination taken lightly by Brian McNally, owner of McNally’s Heating & Cooling.

“We do everything we can to always give our customers the very best service,” says McNally. “We are very proud, too, of our company’s over 1,900 positive Google ratings with an unblemished record of five-star customer reviews.”

What’s McNally’s secret to being one of the best?

“We hit all of the check marks with our customers,” McNally says. “We’re local and our services are priced well, plus we consistently provide quality, timely, and friendly 24/7 service. We’re here to serve the emergency needs of our communities.”

As a family-owned and community-focused business, McNally’s is composed of a team of over 50 employees. “We started in 2013 with just me,” says McNally. “We really grew as things changed in 2020 during the pandemic. People started paying more attention to their own home environment and home repairs.”

The employees at McNally’s are HVAC experts and take part in continuing education attaining EPA

(Environmental Protection Act) certifications to keep up to date with the latest technology in heating and cooling products. “We have an amazing mix of great individuals, who are like family,” notes McNally. “We literally have non-existent turnover and have a handful of people who have been with us since the beginning.”

The company provides a wide variety of services and products, and McNally is proud his employees are “honest, reliable, knowledgeable, who treat your family like their own.”

In addition to heating and cooling systems repairs, maintenance, and installations, McNally’s concentrates on air purifying and testing, air duct cleaning and

the installation of ultra violet lights to kill bacteria for ridding the home of allergens, too.

“Indoor air quality and technology lead the newest products on the market today,” McNally says. “Germicidal lamps, such as the APCO and HALO, can be put on the furnace to kill viruses and bacteria before they enter the air flow. Today, thermostats with wi-fi capability can operate all of the HVAC equipment in your home, too.”

The McNally teams educate consumers on thermostat settings and how different improvements of the home can be simple and provide better heating and cooling efficiency and savings.

McNally’s Heating and Cooling focuses on residential customers throughout Kane and DuPage counties. Community involvement is also very important.

McNally is actively involved in local St. Charles community organizations. He serves on the boards of the St. Charles History Museum, the St. Charles Business Alliance, and the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce. His commitment extends to the support of the local St. Charles Arts Council and the nonprofit CASA Kane County.

If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy needs, consider McNally’s Heating and Cooling. They’ve been rated by consumers as best of the best.

THRILLS & CHILLS

3 haunts to visit during the Halloween season

By Patricia MacMillan

Photos provided by Greenbriar Cemetery and Monster Purge

The season of Halloween is upon us. Find something that fits your spooky style with these area attractions.

GREENBRIAR CEMETERY

49 Greenbriar Drive, Gilberts www.greenbriarcemetery.com

In October, Matt Nausid’s suburban home undergoes a most sinister transformation as the ghosts and ghouls of Greenbriar Cemetery stake their claim to the front yard of his Gilberts residence.

Passageways wind through the space, every inch of which is utilized. Along the way, visitors to this haunted hollow will uncover a traditional cemetery scene as well as a place where long-dead pirates pillage and plunder. The third motif is one Nausid terms a “rotten patch.”

“The patch is new as of last year with farm field characters like scarecrows and pumpkins,” he said, adding that it’s where onlookers can expect the most interactive elements.

The motorized figures that fill the space shake, rattle, roll. The love-it-or-hate “jump scare” is also employed here as sensors throughout ensure no one goes unnoticed by the undead.

“We probably have a mile of cordage to connect all of it,” said Nausid, estimating that as much as 75 percent of the display moves in some fashion.

Adding to the atmosphere is a host of projections, spooky lighting effects and rolling fog.

Free and open to all throughout the month, Greenbriar Cemetery represents a true labor of love to its owner.

“I try to build as much as I can and be as creative as possible,” said Nausid, who grew up working on elaborate Halloween displays with his father. Co-host of the Voodoo Podcast, Nausid is a part of a vast community of “home haunters” who live for Halloween and all its terrifying trappings.

Select weekends bring live scare actors—some of whom hail from the large-scale 13th Floor Haunted House in Schiller Park. Keep an eye on Greenbriar’s social channels to learn when performers will be on the scene.

For those with young children, Nausid recommends arriving around dusk before things intensify.

MONSTER PURGE

45W050 Beith Road, Maple Park www.monsterpurge.com

This Halloween attraction turns the tables on the things that go bump in the night.

“At Monster Purge, guests ride in a real monster truck and embark on an epic paintball hunt,” said Lon Czarnecki, who owns the business with his wife, Amy.

Outfitted with a long line of paintball guns, the 45-foot-long custom-built monster truck/bus takes passengers-turned-expungers of evil beings on a journey through a small town overrun with grisly and gruesome monsters.

“Our job is to clear out the scourge,” Czarnecki said.

“Hot zone shooting” lasts about 12 to 15 minutes. Adrenaline-pumping music and lights amp up the excursion.

Monster Purge takes place from 6 to 10 p.m.

Thursdays and Sundays and from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout October. Its final day is Nov. 2.

General admission tickets are $34.95 and include 100 rounds of paintballs. VIP tickets are $50 and come with 300 rounds and first seating. Passengers can purchase additional rounds aboard the bus (cash only).

Children under six are not permitted. And for those fielding even more nightmare fuel, there’s Evil Intentions Haunted House just next door. Relocated from Elgin, this haunted house brims with live actors whose sole mission is to scare the wits out of those brave enough to enter. Due to the intensity, it is advised that children under 13 are accompanied by an adult.

AURORA HAUNTINGS GHOST WALK

Tours meet in front of Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora www.americanghostwalks.com/tour/ aurora-hauntings-ghost-walk 833-446-7813

In downtown Aurora, the night air carries stories. They are of lives cut tragically short.

Of beings powerless to move on. Of ghosts.

Diane Ladley has been telling ghost stories for much of her life. Her creation, the Aurora Hauntings Ghost Walk, takes the living on a tour of several downtown spots, where strange and sometimes unseemly things have been known to occur.

Holiday House Tour, Dec. 6 & 7

Discover yuletide treasure in Geneva! At our annual Holiday House Tour you’ll visit ﬁve spectacular homes all decked out with festive holly and sparkling holiday warmth. Call 630-232-6060 or stop by visitgenevail.com for tickets, details and a complete schedule. The spirit of Christmas truly comes alive in Geneva!

BROASTED CHICKEN®

“We start off at Two Brothers Roundhouse, which is itself deliciously haunted,” said Ladley of the 150-year-old space.

Among the spirits located there is a man “who exudes a feeling of dread,” she said.

The Paramount Theatre is another stop.

“When I was doing research there, I happened to run into some of the workers and they spent hours taking me around this huge building and telling me stories,” she said. “They reported hearing footsteps pacing back and forth across the stage and a ghostlike shadow revealed by the main stage light.”

And then there’s the 22-story Leland Towers, which dates back to 1928. Now an apartment complex, the building once served as a luxury hotel for Chicagoans

escaping city life. But, as Ladley and other tour guides share, its glory days contain something darker than pure glitz and glamour.

Those on the two-hour tour are equipped with electromagnetic field sensors, which light up when detecting electrical energy in the area. When an apparent source cannot be identified—and Ladley is quick to point out that nothing is rigged for dramatic effect—one can, and perhaps, should, surmise that a figure from the other side remains just out of reach.

The outdoor tours are historical in nature, with guides recounting tales of murders and crimes in the city’s past. Participants are asked to keep this in mind when considering it for a family with younger children. Tours are offered at 8 p.m. on Friday nights and cost $25 per person.

BY VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN

Fallin' into seasonal fun

Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles

Photo provided by St. Charles Business Alliance

The Pool (shown here), an interactive light landscape, will be featured at Lumenaura in Aurora.

Photo provided by JR East

8 EVENTS TO CELEBRATE AUTUMN, HARVEST AND SPOOKY SEASON

October is that sweet spot where the weather is cozy enough to enjoy the outdoors without having to dress in layers just yet. From judging handmade scarecrows to cheering on dogs dressed in Halloween costumes, check out these fun fall happenings this month.

n FALL HARVEST

Now through Nov. 3 at Kuipers Family Farm 1N290 Watson Road, Maple Park www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

The Fall Harvest includes a variety of fun activities including a corn maze, jumping pillow and duck races. Be sure to stop by the farmstand for apple cider donuts, fall décor and other goodies. Or head over to the pumpkin farm and the apple orchard to pick your own produce. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Monday. Check the website for ticket prices and information to order tickets online.

n LUMENAURA

Oct. 4-Nov. 1 on Water Street in downtown Aurora www.yourvoice.aurora.il.us/lumenaura

From 6 to 8 p.m., visitors will be mesmerized by the city of Aurora's first outdoor illuminated art experience. During this free event, follow a

path featuring immersive light-and-sound-based installations, magical projection mapping and interactive street art. Be sure to stop by Oct. 11-13 for a festival weekend complete with live entertainment on the main stage. Visit the website for a complete listing of activities throughout the month.

n SCARECROW FEST

Oct. 11-13 in downtown St. Charles www.scarecrowfest.com

More than 110 handmade scarecrows will be showcased around St. Charles for visitors to view and vote on their favorites. Then head over to the Family Zone, which will feature fun for the whole family including festive photo ops, Scarecrow-toGo and other family activities. Be sure to stop by the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park where over 100 crafters will display their wares. Scarecrow Fest hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.

BatFest in Batavia

Photo by April Duda Photography

Howl O'Ween at Peck Farm

Photo provided by Geneva Park District

n PUMPKIN PALOOZA

Oct. 19 at Prisco Community Center

150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Celebrate the magic of fall during Pumpkin Palooza from 9-11 a.m. at Prisco Community Center. This festive, family-friendly event is packed with activities for all ages including pumpkin decorating, pumpkinthemed games and creative crafts. Come dressed in your Halloween costume for bonus fun. Registration is required for ages 3 and up. Cost is $12 for residents and $16 for nonresidents. Visit the website for more details.

n HALLOWEEN HAYDAY

Oct. 26 at Stephen Persinger Recreation Center 3507 Kaneville Road in Geneva www.genevaparks.org

Halloween Hayday offers a day packed with seasonal fun, including a costume contest, Mad Scientist, bounce houses, Halloween Egg “Haunt,” hayrides and more. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Preregistration is recommended. Admission is free for adults. Cost for ages 14 and under is $11 for residents and $13 for nonresidents in advance, or $13 for residents and $16 for nonresidents at the door.

Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles Photo provided by St. Charles Business Alliance

n BATFEST

Oct. 26 in downtown Batavia www.downtownbatavia.com

BatFest is Batavia’s annual Halloweenthemed family event attracting over 2,500 ghouls of all ages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Practice saying “trick-or-treat” as participating downtown business hand out treats from 10 a.m. to noon. Other activities include a parade, pumpkin bowl, contests, stories and games.

n HOWL O’WEEN DOG PARADE

Oct. 26 at Peck Farm 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva www.genevaparks.org

Bring your dogs dressed in their best costume for this parade from 11 a.m. to noon at Peck Farm. Prizes will be awarded. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Spectators are welcome to cheer on these furry participants.

n PUMPKIN PATCH POOL PARTY

Oct. 26 at Vaughan Athletic Center 2121 W. Indian Trail Road in Aurora www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Take a dip from 5:30-7:30 p.m. during this night of water slides, an inflatable obstacle course, music and more. Admission to this new event includes a pumpkin, pumpkin decorating and refreshments. Cost is $13 for residents and $15 for nonresidents in advance, and $15 for residents and $17 for nonresidents day of event. Children under 2 are free but do need a ticket to enter.

BatFest in Batavia

Photo by April Duda Photography

Grab a

The days are growing chillier as autumn settles in. It's the perfect weather to grab a cozy blanket, a warm drink and a good book. Here are two recommendations for your October reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

FOR ADULTS:

"The Familiar" by Leigh Bardugo

Step back in time to a place where miracles exist and demons walk the streets in the latest book by Leigh Bardugo. During the golden age of Spain, King Philip II is engaged in a never-ending war to root out devil magic from his kingdom. Luzia Cotado is an orphan of Jewish descent who can perform tiny miracles, such as fixing a burnt loaf of bread. When her little miracles prove useful in elevating the status of her household, Luzia is thrust into a new world of court intrigue. She must learn to walk the fine line between miracles and magic; one wrong move and she will be in the king’s dungeon facing the Inquisition. In "The Familiar," Bardugo deftly weaves history, legend and magic together. Exploring themes of power, love and greed, this lyrical narrative will capture your imagination from the very first page.

– Rebekah Malek, Information and Reader Services Librarian

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS:

"Scritch Scratch" by Lindsay Currie

While helping her father on one of his ghost tours through Chicago, 12-year-old Claire glimpses a real ghost. Soon, she is haunted by eerie scratching noises, dripping water and mysterious notes, and she realizes the ghost must have followed her home. When Claire can no longer keep the creepy occurrences a secret, she enlists her brother and best friend to help discover his identity. Through their research, they learn the ghost was a victim of the 1915 Eastland ship disaster. Rooted in actual historical events and of particular interest to Chicagoland readers, this story also explores the intricacies of maintaining friendships in the tween years. Perfect for young readers who love creepy ghost stories, Chicago history and stories of young friendship, this book will keep you engrossed until the very last page.

– Sandy Lang, Kids Landing Associate

OCTOBER 2024

Pizza Palooza at the Sunset Community Center in Geneva.

Registration required

Make mini Halloween crafts at the Geneva Public Library from 10:30-11:30. All ages are welcome.

Fox River Paint & Sip Night at the Museum at Batavia Depot Museum from 6:308:30 p.m.

Registration required

Check out Lumenaura, Aurora's first illuminated outdoor art experience running from Oct. 4 - Nov. 1

Check out fall fest at Kuipers Farm through Nov. 3. Visit their website for their weekday/weekend schedules. kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Learn more about Batavia's history and take part in a spooky Cemetary Walk at West Batavia Cemetary. Tickets required

Bring the whole family to downtown St. Charles' Scarecrow Fest. Find out more on page 31!

Lumenaura festival weekend in Aurora

Scarecrow Fest | Lumenaura

Trick or Treat on the Trails with St. Charles Park District. Check website for more details.

Registration required

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2 1 31

Opening night for Paramount Aurora's "Frozen" musical. Check out their website for more available days/times and snag your tickets now!

Happy Halloween!

Casino & Cocktails fundraiser at Water Street Studios from 7-10 p.m.

p.m.

Paramount Aurora celebrates their gala and concert with A Night With Matthew Morrison. Tickets required.

Pumpkin Patch Pool Party at Vaughan Athletic Center from 5:30-7:30

Artist

OF THE MONTH

Greta Bell

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.

Art is in everything for Greta Bell; it’s part of her past, present and future. Greta says she was never formerly trained but took classes, read books and examined art techniques with working artists. “To be an artist, one chooses to embrace creativity, authenticity, passion, dedication, curiosity and put the hours in the mediums that bring joy,” she says. "[I] admire this in others and was fostered by these fundamentals in [my] childhood home, propelled by these principles every day."

Greta was at one of the first community meetings discussing the genesis of Water Street and rented a studio after it was established. "I [...] had a painting in the first show and about a year after that I started renting a studio and became a resident artist primarily working on oil paintings,” she says. “When my kids grew up and moved, I set up my studio at home.” Currently, Greta works with marionettes, oil painting, mask making, ceramics and stop motion films.

“Two summers ago, I decided to take a ceramics class with Jeremy Foy at WSS and he was such a positive, playful, supportive, welcoming teacher with vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the wonderful world of ceramics,” says Greta. “I took class after class and then became a Clay subscriber which gave me 24-hour access to the Clay lab, the same as a resident artist. Before ceramics I was always

alone creating art. I had tried to engage with community in other ways through marionettes and even created an entire unique project called R/evolving circus to engage with community.”

Last year, Greta completed over 100 vases for her daughter’s wedding, allowing all the guests to bring one home. For Greta, art is still a part of everything, as it was when she was growing up. “Art can make a space feel safe,” she says. “Art can connect you to people who are no longer here. Art can help a person understand history and imagine a future. Art goes hand-in-hand with science, just look at Fermi Lab – you enter the campus under a gigantic sculpture.”

Creativity and compassion are at Greta’s core. “I can be nothing else in life,” she says. “I have an artist's temperament; I was born curious and have followed this thread all of my life. Art is a way for me to connect with others and to learn about the world I live in. When I create something, I think about and look at everything in my surroundings in a new way, I try to synthesize what I see and put it into paint, clay, puppets or little movies.”

For one of Great’s most challenging projects to date, check out her video, entitled “What is R/Evolving Circus?” at https://vimeo.com/68047838.

Greta Bell was raised by a family who loved and valued art and artists. Her parents would pile all of their children in the family station wagon and go on adventures to visit artists in their studios wherever their family travels took them. Great impressions were made at author readings, live theater, historical reenactments, country fairs and growing up surrounded by art created by craftspeople, folk artists and fine artists she met or heard stories about. Art was everywhere, always inside and out.

To view more of Greta Bell's art, visit her website at www.gretabell.com or follow on social media: Greta Bell on Facebook and @GretaBellArt on Instagram.

u Ceramic pots

v Ceramic pot

w Ceramic pot

x Ceramic pot with flowers

y Marionette

z Ceramic pot

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

WHERE FUN MEETS FINE K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar offers unique experience

By Pat Szpekowski | Photos provided by K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar

What’s a key factor that sets K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar in Batavia apart from other retailers to earn acclaim as one of this year’s Best of the Fox award winners?

Owners Rob and Karen Hollis believe their unique store offers much more to keep it on top.

“To be the best of the best, we’ve created a shopping destination on many levels,” Karen said. “That means K. Hollis will be a place where you’ll have a great shopping experience and get the special attention you deserve.”

“But that’s not all,” Rob said. “You’ll be able to shop at your own pace, not ours; create trusted relationships with owners and staff; and enjoy a place where there are no gimmicks or games.”

This unique family-owned business and jewelry store goes beyond the ordinary providing beautiful jewelry at every price point. The talented staff is ready to help customers create the perfect piece, such as a custom engagement ring, or a unique gift for a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion celebrations. Rob and Karen are happy that K. Hollis is a place “where we value a lifelong relationship over any single transaction”.

Looking to have an even more engaging experience at K. Hollis? It seamlessly integrates a trendy clothing boutique, offering versatile and distinctive women’s clothing and accessories, with the bonus of a comfortable wine bar to sip your favorite wine or beer while relaxing or shopping in the store with family, friends and associates. The total ambiance promises visitors an unparalleled shopping experience. What

sets this place apart is not just its retail offerings but also its support for local nonprofits through fundraising events, truly making it a one-of-a-kind destination. The wine bar area is the perfect setting as a gathering spot to host social, business, nonprofit or networking events.

Rob notes that “having all of this under one roof gives you a shopping experience you can’t find anywhere else while giving us the opportunity to be an integral part of our community.”

“We are happy to share special occasions and life events with our customers,” Karen said. “That’s a win-win in our book.”

With a grand vision to create a space where shopping is an experience to remember, K. Hollis takes pride in its outstanding reputation.

“We are proud of over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google and the prestigious title of being voted ‘Best of the Best’ by our local community,” Karen said.

K. Hollis has successfully grown over the past 20 years. With each expansion – from its beginning at 1,800 square feet to an expansion to 4,000 square feet in 2012 – it set its bar high with a new location 10 years later in 2022, when they expanded to 10,000 square feet.

K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique, & Wine Bar has captured the hearts of its patrons. Its exceptional blend of retail, social engagement and community support makes it a standout gem in the bustling retail landscape.

“We invite everyone to stop by and see us soon,” Karen said. “Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and you’ll find out about our latest news.”

Discover the Beauty of the Fox Valley

Captured through the lens of Drew Pertl, this collection showcases the stunning landscapes and hidden gems of the Fox Valley area.

From serene river views to vibrant seasonal scenes, find the perfect piece to bring a touch of local charm into your home or office.

Shop Online

Browse and order hundreds of gallery quality prints online at: www.drewpertl.com

Add a touch of the Fox Valley’s beauty to your space. Order your fine art print today! Locally owned and operated in St. Charles, Illinois.

“My photography is focused on capturing beautiful images of the Fox Valley.”

WatER, WatER EvERYWHERE

We have the history books of a 99-year-old nursery at our disposal, and we can honestly tell you that fall is consistently our favorite time of year to plant. As the days get shorter, plants start the process of slowing or stopping their growth as they prepare for winter’s dormant season. Most trees and shrubs take to transplanting quite well as dormancy approaches. As fall approaches, nighttime temperatures start to go down, and the combination of cool nights and warm ground encourages root growth in most species.

Plants' water needs diminish as we get deeper into the fall season. This year however, as we approach fall, we have locally dry conditions that are causing stress to new plantings as well as established plantings. Despite having a very rainy spring and early summer, it seems that the faucet was turned off in August.

You may notice established trees changing to fall color a little sooner than normal or even dropping leaves prematurely. If your trees, regardless of age, are showing some stress (premature fall color, leaf drop, etc.), it is not too late to help them out.

The way we water an established tree varies greatly from how we recommend watering a newly planted tree, so pay close attention to the following instructions:

WATERING AND CARING FOR AN ESTABLISHED TREE

An established tree is a tree that has been in the ground for three years or more. If a tree hasn’t been recently transplanted, it should have an extensive root system. Many established tree root systems extend well beyond the drip line and can often be twice as wide as the tree canopy itself. The feeder roots for trees are the smaller, finer roots toward the end of the root system. In order to effectively water a tree, you have to get water to those feeder roots.

An oscillating sprinkler placed in the lawn or bed directly underneath the drip line or just outside of the drip line is my preferred method for watering established trees. Leave the sprinkler to run for two hours per location. It is important to let the sprinkler run for an extended period of time in order to deliver water down to where the tree’s roots are. Based on the tree's size and the coverage area of your sprinkler, it may be necessary to move the sprinkler around the circumference of the tree's drip line in order to effectively hydrate the tree. This is a very effective watering method and can be repeated once every two to three weeks or until regular rainfall occurs.

WATERING AND CARING FOR A NEWLY PLANTED TREE

As stated above, trees need water delivered to wherever the feeder roots for a tree are located. In the case of newly planted trees (trees that were transplanted this year or in the last two to three seasons), the root system may actually be narrower than the canopy of the tree. Sprinklers or lawn irrigation systems are not effective at getting water to the root system of newly planted trees. Our preferred method is to water the tree with a slow-trickling hose placed right next to the trunk of the tree (in the mulch ring). Typically we tell people to turn the hose on about a quarter turn and let it trickle at the base of the tree for 30 to 45 minutes. This method will hydrate the root ball and the surrounding soil that contains the tree's root system. I recommend doing this type of water once every seven to 10 days for your younger trees. It is important to let a tree dry out a bit in between waterings. This drying out period will encourage the roots to go deep and will help prevent root rot diseases, which are more prevalent in our heavier soils than they are in parts of the country that have sandy or loose soils.

ELECTION YEAR

Jitters?

In January of a presidential election, year we invariably begin to field questions about how the year’s election is going to impact the markets. Although for tactical traders there may be some short-term opportunities to trade securities that some anticipate may change in value due to election hype and/ or outcomes, it is our team’s opinion that investors with strategic asset allocations should ignore the “noise” and stick to their strategy. Let’s take a quick look why.

It's natural to suspect the markets will react positively or negatively depending on whether your favorite political party wins or loses. However, history has painted a different picture.

Historically, trends show there's no reason to get distracted by the noise

In fact, if you examine the chart below, you’ll see markets have historically had a tendency to ignore which political party comes into power.

Well-run companies know their shareholders expect them to continue to be successful regardless of who may be in office and seem to adjust accordingly.

Sources: Capital Group, RIMES, Standard & Poor’s. Chart shows the growth of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made on March 4, 1933 (the date of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first inauguration) through June 30, 2024. Dates of party control are based on inauguration dates. Values are based on total returns in USD. Shown on a logarithmic scale. Past results are not predictive of results in future periods.

Sources: Capital Group, Office of the Clerk — U.S. House of Representatives, Senate.gov, Standard & Poor's. “Unified government” indicates White House, House and Senate are controlled by the same political party. “Unified Congress, president in other party” indicates House and Senate are controlled by the same party, but the White House is controlled by a different party. “Split Congress” indicates House and Senate are controlled by different parties, regardless of the White House control. Data excludes 2001 due to Senator Jeffords switching parties midyear. As of December 31, 2023. Past results are not predictive of results in future periods.

What has happened in the past when elections result in a split Congress compared to a unified government? As you can see above, although average annual returns have historically varied, they may not have deviated as much as you might have feared.

WHAT TO DO?

Our team continues to believe that changes in your portfolio should be driven primarily by your financial goals and your progress toward them – not by the news of the day. Life events such as divorce or an inheritance can be very impactful and should be evaluated with a qualified financial advisor in relation to your portfolio. Election results should not. If you have a well-constructed portfolio and there are not significant life events that have occurred, stick to the strategy. For conversations beyond returns and asset-allocation, give our team a call.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Any opinions are those of Tom McCartney and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

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

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

Father. Business owner. Jazz fanatic.

Your unique life, planned.

Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.

The Most

Santa can have Christmastime, but autumn is for dads

Wonderful Season

Just to be clear, this has nothing to do with Christmas.

But on that particular day, standing at my open kitchen window, a clean crisp breeze blowing in, mixing with warm sunlight, the thought was inescapable: Andy Williams, that old crooner, may be wrong about what is actually the year's most wonderful time.

As I said, this is not a beef with Christmas. Unlike ol' Scrooge or other yuletide curmudgeons, the holiday spirit runs strong enough in my veins to allow me to escape a phantasmic 1 a.m. appointment with Past, Present or Yet to Come. And no man-child in a green felt elf costume claiming to be my son from the North Pole will show up at my office to

deliver me from a lifetime on the naughty list.

(DISCLAIMER: The above is offered with a healthy dose of self-awareness that my exact placement on the list maintained by the jolly fat man dressed in red may depend entirely on who you ask.)

But nonetheless, as the years have worn on, my vote for the most magical season has backed up on the calendar by several weeks.

It's not quite possible yet for me to pin it down to an exact date. But suffice to say, it falls somewhere in the days following Labor Day. Some years, it may arrive a bit earlier, others later.

And you can know, for a fact, it will never extend far beyond Halloween, into the bleak pit of weather despair known in these northern lands as "November."

The time I speak of, of course, is fall.

In recent years, fall has become synonymous with certain aspects of what my teen and her generation would classify as "basic white girl" culture. You know the hallmarks.

Pumpkin spice coffee drinks. Tall, cute boots, paired with scarves and flannels. Photoshoots at apple orchards or amid assorted kaleidoscopic foliage. Just to name a few.

But, as a dad, it has become increasingly apparent through these long years that the pumpkin spice empire has cleverly hidden an inconvenient truth:

Fall should actually be our season, because, for dads, there truly is no better time on the annual solar circuit.

Consider, for starters, the scene referenced at the beginning of this piece. Rarely in this part of the world does a dad get to enjoy the blissful experience of minimal utility expenses.

But as the leaves change color and winter approaches, a dad can rest content knowing that, on most days, neither the air conditioner nor the furnace is needed to control the interior climate of his home. Likewise, unlike the coming dark days of winter, the use of artificial illumination can still be kept at a minimum thanks to still largely equal amounts of daylight and eventide.

But if that's not enough, here's more: No season on the calendar offers dads a greater array of meaningful recreational options.

It doesn't matter which activity that dad in your life may find enjoyable.

Sports? There are never more choices available to watch or attend. As football season kicks off, baseball surges into its final act. And right behind them come the indoor sports.

If the dad of your choice prefers participating to watching, fall also will not leave them disappointed. Golf? Still great times on the links. Fishing? Also, still great, and less sweat. Cycling? Never better, and they'll never go farther, faster.

Hiking trails will rarely be more stunning and worthwhile than amid the golds, reds, oranges and browns of October.

Camping? The nights may not be for everyone, but I'm game if you are.

Dads who prefer to stay closer to home also will suffer no lack of stimulation.

Beautiful homes and gardens a source of pride? Yard and garden work remains on tap, in spades (sometimes, literally.)

And if my experience is any indicator, there are always more fall maintenance projects on the calendar than there are weekends to accomplish them.

Maybe your dad is a car guy? No one prefers working on cars while melting into a pool of sweat or trying to stave off frostbite.

Is grilled and smoked meat your thing? Even though only weak souls talk of the end of "grilling season," it sure as heck isn't Labor Day.

Music and the arts kind of guy? The local theaters and auditoriums are just getting warmed up again after the summer lull. For live music under the sun and stars, Oktoberfests beckon.

And don't forget the kiddos. When it comes time to spending time with the little ones, my experience has taught that, when measured by core memories made per dollar spent, few experiences can match that of simply raking up a huge pile of crispy leaves to frolic in on a golden Saturday afternoon.

So, this fall, no matter what your particular proclivity, I'm calling on dads to seize what time we have and reclaim the fall season for what it is.

If you must, feel free to grab that pumpkin spice drink. But please, don't move straight from summer to the jolly holiday. Because you just might miss what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

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.)

Ghoulish Homes TAKE A TOUR OF

Enjoy an eerie evening with your family in St. Charles

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

• Photos provided by St. Charles Park District

For St. Charles resident Mark Licht, it starts when he takes down the Christmas decorations. That’s when he starts planning his next design for Halloween decorating. He’s built a giant pirate ship. He’s got skeletons, too.

Allen and his family are preparing their annual spooktacular designs and scares for the St. Charles Park District’s annual Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour. Each year the St. Charles Park District invites residents to deck their lawns for Halloween and awards honors and bragging rights to the best decorated homes.

“It continues to be a very popular event,” said Recreation Supervisor Abby Fleming, who helps manage the event for the St. Charles Park District.

Last year there were 50 homes in the decorating contest. Visitors can view the homes this year during the judging, Oct. 17 and 18, where some even include live actors who add to home theme and scares.

Fleming explained the park district creates a list and a guide that can be downloaded to find the homes registered in the contest. In addition to the judges’ awards for eeriest haunt with or without actors, best use of technology and the rookie award for a newcomer to the contest, the community can vote for People’s Choice award.

For Licht, he estimates he’s made about 80 percent of his Halloween decorations, enjoying the creative process of building and designing.

“We keep adding to it,” he said.

His first year of decorating he won the Rookie of the Year award, and he was hooked. Allen said he’s always enjoyed decorating for the holidays, but the home tour competition was the nudge he needed to take it to the next level.

“I need to do something creative,” Licht said, adding that he and his wife are

also in the cover band, Smash.

Creativity is also the driving force for Dana Fortunato who started decorating her family home in 2020.

“I grew up always into Halloween. My mom would sew us homemade costumes,” Fortunato said. “I never learned how to sew. I hot glue things.”

By day she’s an attorney. Starting around July she spends her nights and weekends working on the decorations for Halloween.

“It’s good to have a creative outlet,” she said.

Her Halloween decorating has included scary, silly, even sweet with last year’s Day of the Dead theme that included an ofrenda to honor a family member that past earlier in the year.

“It was really meaningful. I even included a QR code so people could learn about it,” Fortunato said.

Her family’s hard work has paid off with honors including the People’s Choice award and a judge’s award too.

“I love being the Halloween house on my street,” Fortunato said.

While she loves decorating her home, she and her son try to make a night to see the other decorated homes in the contest too.

“I love that there are so many people in the contest,” Fortunato said. “I love getting out to see the different participants.”

For Allan’s decorating, there’s lights, music and the chance to show off his building skills too.

With elaborate building and decorating, Licht said his three-car garage is now a one-car garage. Each year friends and neighbors can’t wait to see what he’s created to decorate the lawn.

“I love doing it. I start Labor Day weekend with the set up,” he said. “We invite friends and they look forward to this all year.”