KCM-03-01-2013

CAREER EDITION

March 2013

SUCCESS

times two!

Rebecca Colburn Of Geneva Thrives In Her ‘Encore’ Career

Family Focus

3rd Generation Geneva Business Stays Strong pg 32

De-Stress

How To Combat Anxiety In The Workplace pg 40

KNOW YOUR DOUGH

3

KCT Can Keep You Money-Savvy pg 14

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Helping Members

ACHIEVE

Financial Success

Trade-in Your Loan Not Your Car Auto Loans as low as Contact Us Today!

APR* on terms up to

60

months Aurora | Elgin | Geneva www.kctcu.org | 847.741.3344

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. The actual rate you receive will be based upon your credit and other qualifications. Rates and terms are subject to change. Rate includes KCT’s ecoAuto and ecoLoan discounts. To qualify for the ecoAuto Discount members must finance a hybrid, fully electric, or other vehicle that gets more than 40 mpg to receive a 0.50% ecoAuto discount. KCT ecoLoan Discount excludes Credit Cards, Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit, and Campu$ Ca$h Loans. KCT ecoLoans allow members to apply for and close their loans online with online applications and digital signatures. Addition of eStatements at the time of loan closing may qualify you for a KCT ecoLoan Discount of 0.25% APR. Payment Example: For every $1,000 borrowed at 1.49% APR for 24 months, your payment would be $42.32.

Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account. By member choice, this institution is not federally insured.

INSIDE

The Career Edition

Home & Lifestyle 8

13 14

Home Design — Four-season rooms: Find out how to create a backyard retreat that brings the outdoors in with four-season rooms created

by TimberBuilt Rooms in St. Charles and Molitor Design+Build in Batavia.

Wine Niche: Vince Balistreri of Niche Restaurant in Geneva describes the different career paths one can choose from in the wine industry.

Cover Inset: Kane County Teachers Credit Union is ready to help members — and nonmembers — gain control of their finances, and KCT has the online resources that can help.

Family 20 25

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. What types of family-friendly activities are available in Kane County?

Find out!

Write This Down: Stay-at-home mom Michelle Stien writes about the difficulties of keeping house with two little ones — and a husband — underfoot.

Special Career Section 28

32

36

On The Cover: It’s not easy to start a second

career. But Rebecca Colburn of Geneva, a former early childhood special education teacher who now is a caterer; Len Bielefeldt, a former artist who now owns an art shop in Geneva; and John Burke, a former stockbroker turned St. Charles lawyer, made the leap and found meaning in their second vocations.

Success Lives Next Door: Only 30 percent of family-owned businesses survive into the second generation, and just 12 percent are still viable into the third generation. Learn more about the companies started by the Schultzes, Matsons and Falcones, three Kane County families who have reached those generational milestones and beyond.

Think you have an unusual job? Check out these local professionals who have found careers as a hypnotist and lactation consultant.

Health 39

3

‘‘

pg 40

Amy MacDonald, licensed clinical psychologist in Batavia

All problems can be solved.

If it can’t be solved, it’s not a problem ... it’s a situation.

Low-fat Recipe Of The Month: Pear of Chefs in St. Charles shares a low-fat spring vegetable frittata that’s perfect for an Easter brunch.

Stressed at work? Licensed clinical psychologist Amy MacDonald, who practices in Batavia, and Marie S. Egeland, a licensed clinical social worker who practices in Geneva, share tips for relaxing and working through conflict.

Fashion & Beauty 43 47

Put your best foot forward — literally — with tips from shoe experts from Geneva Shoe Repair and Greg’s Shoe Repair in Geneva.

On the hunt for Easter outfits? Lands’ End has fashionable and practical solutions for every member of your family.

Out & About 50

51 52 55

WOD: Meet Nancy Prentiss of Batavia, a teacher and drill team coach at St. Charles North High School who makes sure her teams give back to the community.

She recently was named an inaugural Kane County Magazine Women of Distinction award winner.

Social Life: A lot has been happening in Kane County recently. See what’s been going on through pictures!

Calendar: Find a special St. Patrick’s Day or Easter activity in our calendar of arts and events.

Artist Showcase: Ed Richtsteig of Batavia shares photos he took of Knucklehead’s Tavern in Elburn and shops on Route 38 in Geneva.

from the editor

Whatever Works W hen you really stop and think about it, there are probably tens of thousands of different jobs that you could have in your lifetime.

That may seem incredibly exciting to certain people — those who like constant change and challenges — and perhaps very scary to a high school student trying to figure out which of those jobs he or she should start to explore in college.

I happen to think that it’s a very interesting idea, and if I had my way, I would job-shadow for a living — kind of like what Mike Rowe used to do Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs.”

Learning what people do for a living on a dayto-day basis would simply fascinate me.

I’ve seen first-hand the many different ways people handle their own careers. My grandfather was an entrepreneur who opened his own lumberyard and kept it running for years. My grandmother actually switched careers when she was in her 60s, leaving behind her job as an elementary school teacher to work in politics as a state representative.

My parents, meanwhile, happen to be members of the old guard. My father is working for the same company he started with when he was 18, albeit in a much more prominent role today, and my mother is coming up on 20 years at her job.

However, while my parents have been fortunate enough to keep their respective

careers for decades, many of my college friends are already on their second and third jobs — some by choice, others by necessity. It’s different than the way things used to be, but I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing.

There are just so many different career paths a person can take, and in our March “careers” issue, we take a look at those different paths and how our Kane County residents have found meaning in their jobs.

Like my grandmother, our cover model, Rebecca Colburn of Geneva, has launched a successful second career. Today, as a caterer, she has found new personal meaning in her job (page 28). She joins Len Bielefeldt, who owns The Art Box in Geneva, and John Burke, a partner with Higgins & Burke P.C. in St. Charles, with countless others who have changed their professions.

kc

Kane County Magazine M Published by Shaw Media 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-459-4040 Fax: 815-477-4960 www.KaneCountyMagazine.com

Publisher J. Tom Shaw 630-232-9222 jtshaw@shawmedia.com

And, like my grandfather, the Schultz, Matson and Falcone families started their own businesses, and they’ve kept their companies afloat for decades. FlagSource in Batavia is now in its fourth generation; Margaret Matson Fine Jewelry in Geneva is in its third generation; and Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli in Geneva is in its third generation (page 32).

Advertising Director Mike Harvel 630-845-5228 mharvel@shawmedia.com

We found two people who have some of the more interesting careers I’ve heard of, and we explore their fields (page 36), and we talk to experts about how to ward off stress in the workplace (page 40).

Designer Allison McCaleb 815-526-4485 amccaleb@shawmedia.com

Additionally, we pay tribute to two major holidays in March by supplying St. Patrick’s Day activities the entire family can enjoy (page 20) and a low-fat Easter frittata recipe that looks terrific (page 39).

I think it would be amazing to see what each of you does for a living, so feel free to share your career stories with me. In the meantime, we offer these stories to you and hope you enjoy them.

All in a day’s work!

— Stephanie N. Grimoldby Editor

Editor Stephanie N. Grimoldby 815-526-4467 sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com

Account Manager Sandra Petti 630-313-0251 spetti@shawmedia.com Correspondents Jami Kunzer, Lee Nelson, Elizabeth Harmon, Jacky Runice, Colleen Leonard, Lara Jackson, Amanda Marrazzo, Lauren Lynch Photographers Jeff Krage, Melissa Emory, Megan Kelly, Heather Nelson Kane County Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Kane County Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@ shawmedia.com.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

SNEAK PEEK In our April “Home” issue, don’t miss: Beautiful, historical homes in Kane County The latest in recreational vehicles How to make your home safe

Gardening fashion Our Golf Guide

On The Cover Pictured on the cover is Rebecca Colburn, 39, of Geneva.

The mother of two was a former early childhood special education teacher for more than a decade before she switched careers and opened her own catering business, Gracious Hall Inc., in Geneva. To learn more about Colburn and others who have succeeded in encore jobs, see our “Careers” section on page 27.

Photo by Melissa Emory Hair and makeup by Phoebe and Stephanie, respectively, of Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas in Geneva

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March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

7

home & lifestyle / HOMEdesign

6 TimberBuilt Rooms in St. Charles constructed this gable-style all-season sunroom and surrounding deck in Medinah.

All photos provided

Bringing The Outside, In I By COLLEEN LEONARD

L

ocal builders say homeowners are finding that a sunroom is an affordable way to expand a home and provide an open atmosphere.

Many customers are adding sunrooms to enjoy their homes more since they have no plans to move, says Brian Kinane, director of sales and marketing for TimberBuilt Rooms in St. Charles.

Although TimberBuilt had a decrease in sales for a couple of years when the economy fell, he says, business has increased about 20 percent annually in the last three years.

Jon Molitor, owner of Molitor Design+Build in Batavia, agrees that customers are viewing sunrooms and other expansions as a better option than moving.

“They’re not going to buy new [in this economy],” says Molitor, who has been in business for 14 years. “They’re going to spend money on their existing home.”

8 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

I

Choose a style TimberBuilt designs many sunrooms as family rooms. But they also serve as spas, playrooms or even bedrooms.

All-season, three-season and screened rooms are all options for a homeowner looking to create an outdoor feeling. Kinane defines an allseason sunroom as a heated room surrounded by energy-efficient windows, whereas a three-season sunroom is glassed in, but has no heat.

“By far, the most we do are all-season sunrooms with

what we call full glass — meaning as much glass as you can put in a room,” he says.

TimberBuilt sunrooms come in a variety of styles to complement a home such as a gable roof design or a studio style. The 11-year-old company uses conventional wood construction to build its custom rooms. The exterior is built to match the 6 A screened room designed by Molitor Design+Build of Batavia.

home, Kinane says, and the interior can be done in drywall or take on a natural look with cedar, pine or other woods. An all-season room typically runs in the $40,000 range.

Building a sunroom takes about a month, he says, but homeowners should allow a total of three months from contract signing to completion. Preliminary work includes architectural drawings, the permit process and site preparation.

Molitor, meanwhile, gets requests for sunrooms because they are part of the trend to create an open feeling in the home for everyday living and entertaining.

“There are a lot of different things you can do with a sunroom as far as design of the room,” Molitor says. “We do a lot of vaulted ceilings. It’s usually a lot different than what most people have in their homes.”

Molitor offers many custom design choices, but emphasizes that the exterior of a sunroom should blend with the home.

“When we build a sunroom, we try to make it look as if it’s always been there,” he says.

A sunroom can cost $30,000 to $60,000, Molitor says, with the average price falling between $40,000 and $45,000.

Most customers prefer to heat a sunroom, which generally takes four to six weeks to build, he says.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

5 (Above) This gable-style all-season room has grilles between the glass to match the windows of the home. It was constructed by TimberBuilt Rooms.

3 (At left) Double-hung windows highlight this vaulted gable-style sunroom in Geneva, built by Molitor Design+Build.

6 (Below) This screened room from TimberBuilt Rooms has a gable roof and a tongue and groove cedar ceiling.

6 TimberBuilt Rooms created this gable-style all-season room with large windows and a knotty pine ceiling to provide an outdoor feeling.

He also builds screened rooms for customers who want to enjoy the outdoors, yet have protection from the weather. A screened room typically costs $20,000 to $25,000, he says.

The details

To find a reputable builder, the companies suggest getting references, seeing the builder’s work and asking for proof of insurance, which includes liability and workers’ compensation coverage.

Also check to make sure tradesmen are licensed for added protection, Kinane says.

Molitor stresses that communication 6 This elevated gable-style sunroom in St. Charles was built by Molitor Design+Build.

10 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

KaneCountyMagazine.com

between the client and builder is imperative.

“You can build a great sunroom,” he says. “But if that relationship between the client and contractor is estranged because the contractor is not communicating with the client, then it becomes a bad situation for everyone.”

With proper planning to find a remodeler and determine the best design, expect to gain a luxurious room that increases home value.

Homeowners should recoup at least 70 percent of their investment when their house is sold, according to the companies. kc

6 TimberBuilt Rooms constructed this hip-style all-season sunroom, deck and Pavola structure.

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home & lifestyle

Wine Careers?

I

get asked all the time, “How do you know all of this information about wine?”

Well, learning about wine is just like learning about any other job. I guess an easy parallel would be comparing it to a mechanic.

Mechanics will go to school to learn their trade or learn through plain experience and being taught by others.

With wine, knowledge is a combination of many things — it’s not all about drinking wine. There is a lot of studying and reading to do, and there is more to know about wine then any one person could handle.

A true wine expert also surrounds himself or herself with groups of people to share their wine knowledge such as tasting groups and study groups. I personally learned a ton just talking to other wine lovers about wine and listening.

There are many kinds of wine lovers, too — people who simply love to drink wine, people who simply love to drink alcohol, people who crave knowledge, people who love wine with food, people who are wine collectors and people who just love everything about wine and choose to study it and turn that knowledge into a career.

There are many different fields to get into if you have a thirst for wine.

Some need minimal wine knowledge, and some require extensive wine knowledge. Here are a few to think about: Sommelier Chef Server Hotel steward Cook Bartender Owner of a wine shop or liquor store Manager of a store Manager of restaurant Wine maker

Grower Tour guide Employee at a winery Horticulturist Wine director Winery regional sales person Sales representative Writer of literature Historian ... and many more kc

Wine Niche

with Vince Balistreri • Vince Balistreri is general manager and sommelier at Niche Restaurant in Geneva. He offers his expertise in the wine industry to the Kane County community. Photo by Megan Kelly

home & lifestyle

Creating An

Online Resource Kane County Teachers Credit Union Provides Several Free Online Programs Available To Members And Nonmembers Alike I By STEPHANIE N. GRIMOLDBY

Learning to manage your money — or successfully continuing to manage your money — isn’t the easiest task in the world.

In fact, it can be downright nerve-wracking trying to keep your finances in order.

“Finances are a huge stress factor in our lives,” says Kristine Kowalski, vice president of marketing for Kane County Teachers Credit Union. “If you can get your finances under control, it does have some correlation to your health.”

Kane County Teachers Credit Union, better known as KCT, has locations in Geneva, Elgin and Aurora, but it’s the credit union’s online tools that can be a secret to success when it comes to financial education … and eventual financial control, Kowalski says.

KCT has several free online programs available to anyone — even nonmembers — that can help younger students learn to manage their money, help young couples try to get a grip on their finances or help older adults start preparing for retirement.

“We wanted a resource out there so if something did happen, you could find answers,” Kowalski says. “We want our members

•

Photos by HEATHER NELSON I

to have financial successes. We know there will be bumps in the road, but if we can help them, we will.”

How can you get started? Visit www.kctcu. org, click on the “Tools” link from the top menu bar and then click “Additional Tools” from the dropdown menu.

Googolplex Suite

To help kids start on the right path toward financial responsibility, KCT uses the Credit Union National Association’s Googolplex Suite to provide online tools and games for students in elementary, middle and high school.

While schools have gotten better at preparing students for financial

independence, there is still a lot that needs to be learned, says Kowalski, who has taught financial classes in schools since 1996.

Of the classes she’s visited, approximately 10 percent of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors have access to a credit card, whether it’s their own or a parent’s card, and

30 percent have debit cards, Kowalski says.

“When I first started going into schools, it was, ‘You’ve got plastic? Use it until you lose it,’” Kowalski says. “But with the recession … students are getting a little more savvy about that. Just because you have a card doesn’t mean you have to use it.”

Googolplex Suite — named after the largest number, the googol — can continue to educate students. The elementary program, 5-Spot, has calculators that help kids determine if they can afford a new pet, multiple fun games, and stories from 9- and 10-year-olds that talk about the most costeffective ways to watch movies and read books.

AJ’s, the middle school program, follows the same pattern of fun games, calculators that show how saving money can buy new things,

and stories from 12- and 13-year-olds about how planning a school dance can not only be fun, but can raise money.

And C-Note, the high school site, offers budgeting calculators for students just starting to earn money and accumulating costs, tips for managing college applications, and stories from high school students that discuss whether the cost of playing travel soccer is really worth it.

To learn more, visit googolplex. cuna.org/15702/index.php.

Additionally, Googolplex Suite currently is hiring teenage students to help write blogs and evaluate online games for its C-Note Teenage Panel.

Students would be part of an editorial board from June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014, and could receive payments up to $660, Kowalski says. For more information, visit googolplex.cuna.org/15702/cnote/ panel.htm.

4 Selena Alonso, 17, meets with Kristine Kowalski vice president of marketing for Kane County Teachers Credit Union, for direction on how to prepare monetarily for college and save for long-term investment.

Guides to Independence

To further help those in high school, KCT offers Guides to Independence, which are 10- to 20-minute online courses that, when successfully completed, earn the

Money Mix

For those just starting out in life, Money Mix is a great program to teach money management skills.

Geared toward people ages 18 to 30, the site is broken into articles, blogs and videos that discuss some of the biggest challenges facing young adults and young couples: how to land a great internship, how to save for big purchases, what it means to rent-to-own, how to deal with a landlord and how to buy a new home.

The site even offers entrepreneurial tips to help those seeking big business success, Kowalski says.

To learn more, visit moneymix.cuna.

6 The staff at KCT are on hand for in-depth services or quick transactions.

user a free music download from the eMusic library.

The classes — 17 in all — teach teens how to buy a car, how to responsibly use a credit card and how to reach financial goals, Kowalski says. The courses are broken into five different sections: spending money, saving money, managing money, borrowing money and my money.

To learn more, visit gti.cuna.org/15702/ index.htm.

org/015702/index.php.

Debt In Focus

One of the “coolest” online financial tools KCT offers is its free Debt in Focus program, Kowalski says. The program, which targets users 18 and older, allows a person to anonymously enter in his or her income and debts to receive a debt-to-income ratio, a debt payment schedule and a strategic plan for getting back on track.

Debt in Focus was created by the Filene Research Institute, which does a lot of innovative research for credit unions, Kowalski says.

“Most people are afraid to meet face-toface,” she says. “They are ashamed their bills are too high or they’re not saving as much as they should. This really helps members take control of their own financial well-being without anyone else knowing or them feeling

3 (At left) KCT’s Elgin branch and administrative office is nestled back in an area that was once farm land.

6 (Below) KCT was voted Best Credit Union by Kane County Chronicle readers in 2012.

that stigma.”

To learn more, visit www.debtinfocus. org/?refer=kctcu.

Plan It

This retirement-ready tool kit is for those in the pre-retirement stages who want to make sure they have a stable future ahead of them.

“We’re living longer,” Kowalski says. “How long will the pay you earned in your work life last you?”

Plan It has articles, audio clips and “what if” financial longevity scenarios to help middleaged adults determine what to do in retirement, including the fun stuff, like planning for travel and leisure.

Plus, the site has useful tools that can teach adults how to use social media to find a job; how those 50 and older can plan to go back to school; or how to handle forced retirement.

“There’s a lot of good articles here for younger members,” Kowalski says.

To learn more, visit planit.cuna. org/015702/index.php.

Personal attention

Of course, KCT is always ready to help its members in person, too, and the credit union is staffed to make sure it can meet any financial

KCT LOCATIONS Elgin Branch/Administrative Office 111 S. Hawthorne St., Elgin, IL 60123 847-741-3344 — ATM available

Branch Hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday — Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

request.

KCT has four certified financial counselors — of which Kowalski is one — that can offer one-on-one personal financial counseling.

“As a financial counselor, we don’t tell individuals how to fix [their problem], we educate them and provide them with the tools to fix it,” Kowalski says.

One of the easiest tips Kowalski and other counselors have shared with KCT members is to write everything down, including their bills, pay stubs and credit report — anything that can show them a snapshot of their current financial situation.

From there, a financial counselor can help discuss ways to take control of seemingly unmanageable debts, Kowalski says.

One member recently came to Kowalski in dire need of prioritizing her outstanding debts.

She was a mother of two grown children who had accumulated several thousands of dollars in veterinarian bills because her dog needed surgery. In her second marriage, she and her second husband had decided to keep their finances separate, so she was left to fend for herself. Before she came to Kowalski, she had borrowed against her 401K, borrowed from other family members and was maxed out on quite a few credit cards.

Kowalski says the two of them sat down and

Geneva Branch

28 N. Fifth St., Geneva, IL 60134 888.741.3344 Branch Fax: 630.232.9357 — ATM available

Branch Hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday — Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Aurora Branch

320 E. Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL 60505 888-741-3344 — ATM available

figured out which accounts the woman could pay off in full; which she could close; which she could keep open but not use; and how she could make her money work for her.

“We were able to get everything under control in just a couple of months,” Kowalski says. “We were taking a look at that 401K, making sure she was paying off what she was supposed to. [And] she had to change her spending habits.

“The best part of it was watching that ‘ahha’ moment when she realized this is not the end of the world — this is fixable,” Kowalski continues. “There was a light at the end of the tunnel; she could breathe a little easier. kc

Branch Hours: Lobby 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Drive-Up 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday — Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

6 KCT has been the recipient of several awards and has been thanked many times over for its philanthropic gestures toward the community.

Nestled on historic 3rd street in downtown Geneva is OS2 Salon. Bringing city flair to the burbs, our stylists are truly passionate about their craft and receive extensive training in hair design, color and trends to make you radiant. Our cosmetologists add beauty to your day or evening look with custom makeup application and artistry nail care.

Our salon environment is chic and comfortable with our focus being totally on you. OS2 offers a full menu of services paired with a boutique product offering from UNITE Eurotherapy, newly introduced to the Chicago area and exclusive to the western suburbs at OS2.

Looking for a new spring look? Visit or call our salon today for a more beautiful you, tomorrow.

OS2 Salon

507 S. 3rd. St - Geneva (331) 248-0316 Master Stylist/Colorist – Miguel Carrillo Nail Artist – Hector Rodriquez Make Up Artist – Iris Garza Photography – Jennifer Kaye Photography Model – Jody Wendt

Nails

A soft spring color was chosen, OPI passion. Keeping it elegant, but simple and sophisticated.

Hair

Attention was focused on the facial framing with this angle forward cut. Back stacking opens up the neckline and creates movement for an exciting profile.

Color

The study of eye color and skin tone are essential to choosing the perfect color. Her color was chosen based on Jodi’s eye color. He used warm shades of copper, reds, and golden highlights to create this magical youthful look

Make-up

Charcoal, copper, and gold accents were used on Jodi’s eyes. Her over-all face makeup, was a medium coverage that was kept dewy, and a peach cheek color. Her lips where kept to a soft pink giving her a little color, but not taking away from her eyes which where the main focal point. These colors where chosen to compliment her new hair color, and to give her a wonderful evening look!

SUPPORT S

t. Charles Bank & Trust and Geneva Bank & Trust are proud to support CASA Kane County.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!

S

top by our new banking facility opening in downtown

Geneva this Spring. Our new location includes expanded parking, a vault with safe deposit boxes, two dedicated drive-up lanes, a night depository and a drive-up ATM. We hope to see you soon!

St. Charles Bank & Trust 411 W. Main St. | 630-377-9500

Geneva Bank & Trust* 514 W. State St. | 630-845-4800

St. Charles Bank & Trust - Geneva 2401 Kaneville Rd. | 630-845-4800

SOON! G N I COM

514 W. State St. | Geneva, IL

To the left is an artist’s rendering of our new downtown Geneva location opening in Spring of 2013! Stay tuned for more information!

*Opening in the Spring of 2013. Š2013 St. Charles Bank & Trust Company

Is In The Giving A non-profit feature

No matter how tough things get there is always someone suffering worse than you.

Kane County has an assortment of nonprofit services providing support for families and individuals at their time of need. Each month, Kane County Magazine will feature a county-wide nonprofit organization. It is our hope that this will not only give you hope, but ideas on how to help others in your own way.

Without the support of hundreds of volunteers, Kane

County’s nonprofits would not survive. Take time to get to know the services available right here in Kane County.

Maybe someone you know needs support. Maybe you can give time or resources to help.

One great thing about Kane County is that we have so many excellent nonprofits and our communities are contributing to their success.

CASA - COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

CASAcelebratesAprilasNationalChildAbuse Prevention and Awareness Month by hosting 9th Annual Hands Around the Courthouse April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to recognize that we can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children & families in our communities. Increasing public awareness of the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children led to the passage of the first Federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), in 1974.

In the early 1980s, Congress made a further commitmenttoidentifyingandimplementing solutions to end child abuse. Recognizing the alarming rate at which children continued to be abused and neglected , the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives resolved that the week of June 6-12, 1982, should be designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Week. The following year, in 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. As a result, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country during April of each year.

In 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to

Sponsored by:

Prevent Child Abuse began as a Virginia grandmother’s tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse.The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country; many people wear blue ribbons National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April in memory of those who have died as a result of child abuse and in support of and join hands around the courthouse for a efforts to prevent abuse. Based on Prevent moment of silence acknowledging abused Child Abuse America’s (PCAA) Pinwheels for and neglected children in our community.

Prevention® campaign, some communities Please arrive early to pass through security. distribute pinwheels and coordinate Information will be available and lunch outdoor pinwheel displays representing will be provided by Pockets of Aurora. The children affected by abuse or neglect. event is also sponsored by The Exchange To help draw attention to the issue of child Club of the Tri-Cities, AlphaGraphics, and FONA International. abuse and neglect in Kane County, CASA Kane Exelon CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer County will be celebrating this special month by hosting its ninth annual Hands Around the organization that advocates for the best Courthouse ceremony on Thursday, April 11, interests of abused and neglected children 2013 at noon in the historic courthouse lobby within the Juvenile Court system. In located at 100 S. Third Street in Geneva. Chief 2012, 264 CASA Volunteers represented Judge Judy Brawka, Abuse and Neglect Judge 556 abused and neglected children. For Linda Abrahamson, Asst. Superintendent of more information on how to become a Kane County Regional Office of Education Dr. volunteer or make a donation, please visit Mark Klaisner will address the crowd along our website at www.casakanecounty.org. with CASA Kane County Executive Director, Gloria Bunce. Participants will gather inside St. Charles Bank & Trust 411 W. Main St. | 630-377-9500 St. Charles Bank & Trust - Geneva 2401 Kaneville Rd. | 630-845-4800

family

FU N I By LARA JACKSON

I

Usually associated with the wearin’ o’ the green and parties, there’s a lot more to St. Patrick’s Day than beer, corned beef and cabbage.

Kids and families can enjoy a little bit of Irish fun, too.

Renee Gust, owner and director of Kids Connection, a preschool and activity center in St. Charles, suggests being creative.

“Something fun that can be done at home and in school is making a mess when the kids are gone and then [telling] the kids the leprechaun made the mess,” she says. “I do this when the kids are in gym class — I spray shav[ing] cream dyed green and just mess everything up and leave coins on the floor.”

The leprechaun trap is another popular and fun activity for kids, says Rachel Schmit, recreation supervisor at the Batavia Park District.

20 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

O’ The Irish

“Just as the Elf on the Shelf is missed after bringing some money business to our kindergarten classroom throughout the holiday season, our lucky leprechaun has replaced him and the mischief he causes,” Schmit says. “In an attempt to catch [the leprechaun], we will be constructing various green traps and placing them throughout the classroom. The looming question is, which trap will be lucky enough for us to catch him?”

[St. Patrick’s Day] is an important holiday for the Irish because it showcases the best of who we are.

Kathy O‘Neill, public relations manager at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago

Other fun St. Patrick’s Day activities can be educational.

“A counting math game is fun,” Gust says.

“Use gold coins for St. Patrick’s Day, and have a black cauldron, or, if at home, you can just use a bowl. Then, put a sign on the cauldron or bowl with two dots or the number two, for example, and then the child has to drop two coins in the bowl. This is great for their fine motor skills and matching comprehension.”

Teach them history In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is more of a religious, introspective and solemn holiday. The day remembers St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland in the year 432. St. Patrick went on to spread Christianity through missionary work. He also is remembered for using the shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to explain the Holy Trinity. “[St. Patrick’s Day] is an important holiday for the Irish because it showcases the best of who we are and as a culture,” says Kathy O’Neill, public relations KaneCountyMagazine.com

manager at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. “At the IAHC, we love that people want to be Irish for a day.

When they come here, they get a taste for our history and culture and want to learn more. So, it is a day to be proud, to educate and celebrate who we are.“

Try these family-friendly events nearby:

Lucky Leprechauns 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., in St. Charles The St. Charles Park District will host a Lucky Leprechauns event. Kids ages 3 to 6 will have fun in this festive workshop decorating shamrock cookies, listening to special stories and playing games with new friends. Cost is $23 for residents and $34.50 for nonresidents. For more information, call 630-513-6200.

St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Main Street/Route 64, downtown St. Charles This annual event is fun for the entire family. The parade will feature Irish music and dancers, floats, contests and much more. For more information, visit www. downtownstcharles.org/events/st-patricksparade.

4 Drop by Lucky Leprechauns at the St. Charles Park District on March 11 for festive St. Patrick’s Day fun.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17 Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox St., in Chicago Following Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Irish American Heritage Center will host a festival, which will include traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and kid’s activities. Come back for more fun with the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Sunday, March 17. The day-long celebration will include music, dance and face painting for children. Performers will include Tim O’Shea and Phillip Crick land — direct from Ireland — and more.

For more information, call 773-282-7035 or visit www.irish-american.org. kc

Wine Niche home & lifestyle

lifestyle

Best May The in Wine W

THE Big E diffErEnc French between n wine and America French is that the d a standar have set place in which they lity their top-qua ... producers

See this month's column on page 13.

Wine Niche

with Vince Balistreri KaneCountyMagazine.com

A Monthly Wine Column

Wine VA L

paved the way They really for today’s cabernets. their But in my opinion,or been lessened quality has other wineries surpassed by years, due to 10 in the past of wine different methods new making; experience; better vineyards producing and most of history quality grapes; of these And America’s wine is quality all, the expansion producing compared to the subsequent and wineries levels. even shorter production many of other countries. in American It seems that figured out The big boombe traced these wineries stumbled wine only can 20 years, and — had last older that they back to the good and in Here are some producers upon somethingproduction on whereas producers newer — cabernet as Chateau have stayed kept increasing was so that seem to game ever since France — suchbeen because demand however, the top of theirproducing wine.

Lafite — have great wines high. The problem, they started putting out of years from didn’t have was that they in their for hundreds Lewelling enough grapesthey bought their vineyards. make Ridge other vineyard. So, This does not inferior at grapes from the Chateau Montelena less quality America’s winereally is not a which lowered Estate producers, all, but there of quality wine. Some Shafer quality of their sold to big lack strong standard Leonetti comparable of the wineries Silver Oak, due to our like Dunn companies also of experience.

Quilceda Creek and new companies The big difference They bought and Dominus bought brands. and de between French is that the everywhere Spottswoo fruit from American wine Oak bottle Araujo set a standard put it in a Silver French have place their the consumer Harlan Estate — one that seeing and in which they Paradigm producers in the was used to like top-quality Eagle be “first as Screaming d back thought would a group knownstandard had a while Kongsgaar vintage they it wasn’t the growths.” The to “fifth PlumpJack — when really, then tiers down Schrader which there same. growths,” in have quality still believe Palmaz However, I American producers stillnot as good as Maybach are many older to make wine, but it’s ScareCrow wineries continuing the other growths.tends to Hall that have never wine wine great American marketing. lost a beat. do better with However, American hot bed wines are the and there for cabernets,

as a Our historyshort country is to compared ies. other countr of

I am a lover

that great wines the were some the scene in jumped on and ’90s such as 1970s, ’80s Kendall Mondavi (1966);Jordan Jackson (1982); (1980); (1972); Rombauer Pine Ridge Justin (1981); (1973); (1978); Franciscan Sterling (1972); Silver Oak Duckhorn (1964); and (1976).

Wine Nichei

with Vince

of almost all

UES

wines.

However, I also am absolutely amazing a believer that an wine is going lot of money. to cost a Here are some Unfortunatel drinking aroundof the wines I enjoy y, that’s just the way it is. A Bentley is an Christmas — my anniversary and amazing car, the times when so it’s going to cost a lot. The I’m broke. same thing applies wines as well. with most Pierre Delize Sparkling, France But there are E.Guigal Cotes very du Rhone, France— $9 that do not break good wines out there Foxglove Chardonnay, — $11 the bank — you Seven Hills Viognier, California — $11 might need to just venture out a Washington — Charles Smith bit more.

The same old $13 Boom Boom stuff you’ve been Syrah, Washington — since the early drinking ’90s Lone Madrone $16 you drink today, doesn’t have to be what White Rhone because the industry Blend, California — $16 changed and has so have Morgan “Unoaked” These days, there the wineries.

Chardonnay, California — $17 this group I call are so many choices in Sans Liege “Groundwor “value wines” — any wine that falls in the k” Grenache, California — $17 $25 and less category. And I really suggest Pomum Tempranillo, trying all kinds Washington styles from different of different Belle Glos “Meiomi” — $19 parts of the world.

Pinot Noir, These types of California — $21 wines are great Owen Roe “Sinister weddings, Father’s for parties, Hand” Rhone Washington — kind of get together.Day celebrations or any Blend, Your guests Mitolo “Jester” $21 impressed, and Cabernet Sauvignon, your bank accountwill be Australia — $22 very happy. will be Austin Hope Grenache, California The really acclaimed Ridge “East Bench” — $22 wines are great, you should treat and California — $24 Zinfandel, yourself to them once in a while every Alban Viognier, because there is such a huge difference in Sans Liege “TheCalifornia — $27 taste, pallet is the one and the most successful Blend, California Offering” Red Rhone that can distinguish — $28 great value wines the from One last tip: But for an everyday the acclaimed.

I suggest looking varietals — viognier, there are definitely consumer of wine, for these syrah and mourvedre grenache, roussanne, They might not great values out there.

— be be nice Cadillacs. Bentleys, but they could Paso Robles, Washington in these regions — and the Valley of France — for really great Rhone stuff.

Wine Niche

Balistrer

with Vince Balistreri 10

Join Vince Balistreri of the Niche Restaurant in Geneva every month in Kane County Magazine for his wine column called “Wine Niche.”

Vince Balistreri is general manager and sommelier at Niche Restaurant in Geneva. He offers his expertise in the wine industry monthly.

March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

21

s

Animal

elter

Ander

on

Sh

PETS

A Humane Society

Corporate Giving Programs Impact Local Shelter Thank You!

By Anderson Animal Shelter

For supporting the animals at

It was certainly a frigid winter day on Monday, January 21, but that didn’t stop 16 volunteers from the Allstate Helping Hands Committee from coming down to brighten the day of the furry friends at Anderson Animal Shelter. In fact, Allstate has had a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the Shelter for quite some time now, with Anderson taking part in the 2012 Non-Profit Volunteer EXPO at Allstate’s Headquarters in Northbrook, as well as looking for potential volunteers within the company. It was ultimately the tireless work of Janene Richardson, however, that allowed Allstate and Anderson Animal Shelter to link together in a very powerful way.

Janene Richardson has been an employee at Allstate for twenty-five years, and she has been volunteering at the Shelter for the past two years. She has even adopted from Anderson Animal Shelter in the past. After her positive experience, Janene was inspired to suggest the Shelter as a potential site for Allstate’s Give Back Day – an annual event held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in which Allstate employees spend the day volunteering at different non-profit sites throughout the country, including food pantries and homeless shelters. Now, because of Janene, Anderson Animal Shelter is one of the sites where Allstate employees volunteer their time.

Allstate employee, Vicki and her daughter, Pam volunteered to spend their day either walking and playing with dogs outside and interacting with cats. This was Vicki and Pam’s first experience volunteering at the Shelter, and they said they truly enjoyed their time. “We don’t have cats at home, so this is a new and fun opportunity,” says Pam. “Now my daughter wants a cat!” laughs Vicki.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a volunteer day resulted in an adoption – in fact, Volunteer Director, Jeff Pal, says that it is fairly common for volunteers to end up adopting one or more of the animals from the Shelter. However, volunteers make a tremendous difference even if they don’t end up adopting. Jeff remarks, “Even if a group of people volunteer just for one day, the dogs and cats are given something very special – love and attention.”

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • Employee Matching Gifts • Employee Payroll Deductions • Employee Volunteer Grants Sponsorships • Community Grants • Individual or Group Volunteer Programs • Gift In Kind Donations • Pro Bono Work

The relationship between Allstate and the Shelter has proved to be mutually beneficial in a number of ways. For instance, Pal notes that “When we connect with a company, we are connecting with a larger percentage of the public and with all the individuals within that organization.”

Indeed, connecting with a corporation results in a tremendous amount of new individual connections, which means new potential volunteers, adoptive families, donors and more.

“We encourage involvement from the corporate community and are always looking for opportunities,” said Holly Alcala, Director of Development for Anderson Animal Shelter. “We work with companies of all sizes to engage their employees and constituents in activities such as donation drives, giving programs, and more,” said Alcala.

Anderson Animal Shelter

For information on how YOU can support the animals at the Shelter, call 847.697.2880 X25, visit our website at www.andersonanimalshelter.org, or email the staff at development@andersonanimalshelter.org.

According to research firms, nearly 16,000 companies 1000 S. LaFox Road (Route 31) and subsidiaries South Elgin, IL 60177 offer matching gift 847.697.2880 programs as a benefit to their employees.

About 4,500 of the 16,000 match volunteer time, and many match retirees and spousal giving.

In Illinois there are hundreds of companies who have formal giving programs which include foundations, sponsorship programs, in-kind donations, product donations, volunteer programs, or matching gift programs. In addition to the formal programs, many companies have informal programs where they customize an experience or opportunity to fit their needs, a special day or that of the charity.

Companies and their employees or constituents who take part in corporate giving programs benefit from participation in many ways. When a company volunteers its time and resources to a non-profit organization like Anderson Animal Shelter, the public sees the company as one that can be trusted, as well as one that genuinely cares about the well-being of its community. In addition, activities and events for charitable causes bring employees closer together, thereby strengthening morale within the company. Richardson points out that an increasing number of corporations have expressed interest in creating events similar to those that the Allstate Helping Hands Committee leads, that many people crave opportunities for volunteer work, and a day like Allstate’s Give Back Day gives them such an opportunity.

To find out more about Anderson Animal Shelter including our adoptable pets, how you can help make a difference to homeless animals or positively impact our communities please contact us at: www.andersonanimalshelter.org, (847) 697-2880 x25, or development@andersonanimalshelter.org.

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24 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

KaneCountyMagazine.com

family

To say cleaning my house is the bane of my existence is an understatement.

The fact that I have two small tornadoes living under my roof that leave paths of destruction wherever they go certainly doesn’t help matters any.

And I think it goes without saying that my husband can be considered my third child who requires just as much maintenance and cleaning-up-after as the children I actually birthed.

So, when my husband told me that instead of getting him a gift this past Christmas, he wanted me to hire a cleaning service, I was instantly overjoyed … though it seemed like that would be more of a present for me than him.

Then I got a little defensive. Am I not a good enough housewife? Is he that appalled at my level of cleanliness and organization that he would rather forego a Christmas present than continue to have me responsible for the upkeep of our home?

I finally decided to swallow my pride and accept his request.

I think what swayed his decision was when he chipped in a few weeks earlier to help me out with the cleaning and realized how much work goes into it. He didn’t even clean everything, and he was cashed.

On a consistent basis, however, after all the hard work done by either him or me, it is usually destroyed when the dog comes in KaneCountyMagazine.com

with muddy paws or one of the kids drags the most perplexing practice known to man out a bin of toys, eats a meal or pees on the — I cleaned before the cleaning ladies came. bathroom floor.

I have a bit of a complex about what people Most times, when my husband comes think of my house (see aforementioned home from work and I have cleaned the unfounded paranoia that my husband was house a few hours prior, you would never judging my house cleaning abilities). I could know it by the state of disaster when he just imagine the two women shaking their enters the house. heads, pointing fingers and commiserating I also have difficulty completing the entire about what slobs we were as they scrubbed cleaning process all in one fell swoop. I my toilets. usually have to do one room at a time and, Today, cleaning up before they come is a inevitably, once I move on to the next, the must. Otherwise they would never be able room I just cleaned is destroyed or another to clean under the copious amounts of Legos mess is created elsewhere in the house. and Barbies strewn about on a regular basis.

Additionally, I rarely have a prolonged While I feel a little guilty that I am a stayperiod of time when both kids are at school, at-home-mom with a cleaning service, I have so I constantly am interrupted by the need to to remind myself that I do work part time drive someone somewhere or pick someone now, and that leaves me with a little less time up. to spare and a little more income.

Regardless, the effort I will have to put I long for those magical moments when I forth to prepare for the cleaning lady we walk into a clean house from top to bottom. have hired to come sure beats having to do We used to have a cleaning service when the whole job myself. I will revel in that I worked, and we tried to keep it for a moment I walk in the door and my house is while after I decided to stay home with my sparkling clean all at the same time — even daughter, but eventually it seemed silly to if it is fleeting. kc shell out the extra money when we were down to one income and I was home all day.

I also realized that because my daughter with Michelle Stien and I had to vacate the premises, we’d • Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom usually go shopping or out to breakfast. children, ages 3 and 5. Her mother It became clear that my cleaning service of two always told her to “write this down,” so was costing me more than what I paid she is sharing her experiences with Kane County moms to help them deal with the the ladies. craziness of being “Mom.” Like many people, I also engaged in

Write This Down

More Than Education Planning: 529 Plans Offer Powerful Wealth Transfer Benefits 529 college savings plans offer a unique and robust array of features that have solidified their position as a leader in the education planning world.

Yet it is their ability to act as a powerful wealth transfer mechanism that has captured the attention of a growing number of affluent families.

Here is a brief rundown on the current tax rules that apply to assets held in an estate.

Keep in mind that your estate is made up of all types of property—including real estate, personal property, cash, investment accounts, annuities and retirement plan assets.

• Federal estate tax: For 2012, any estate valued at more than $5.12 million ($10.24 million for married couples) will trigger the federal estate tax. The top federal tax rate that can apply is 35%.3 • State estate tax: Many states also impose some form of estate and/or inheritance tax.

State estate taxes are similar to the federal estate tax. Regardless of their relationship to you, your beneficiaries do not pay this tax— your estate does.

• Gift tax: To help lower your estate’s value, you and your spouse can each make $13,000 Rick Romano gifts to as many people as you like free of Financial Advisor gift taxes in the 2012 tax year (this amount is indexed to inflation and may increase in future years). If you give away more than $13,000 per Most families, regardless of their financial year ($26,000 if your spouse joins in the gift) circumstances, are troubled by the spiraling to any one person or noncharitable institution, cost of a college education. A recent study you will have to file a gift tax return at tax published by the Pew Research Center found time. The amount of the federal gift tax will that 75% of Americans believe that college is be deducted from your lifetime gift tax credit. too expensive for most people Any remaining credit can be to afford.1 It’s true that college used in future years. costs continue to increase To simplify the gifting of • Generation-skipping at rates sharply higher than assets during an individual’s tax: If you want to leave general inflation and wage life, for 2012, the exemption money to your grandchildren growth. According to the threshold, which is $5.12 or others more than one College Board, for the 2011million per individual and generation younger than 2012 school year, tuition, you, and your gift exceeds room and board, and fees $10.24 million per couple, the $13,000 annual gifting at private colleges averaged will apply to all three— ($26,000 for $38,589; for public colleges, estate, gift and generation- threshold married couples), in addition $17,131—increases of 4.4% skipping-taxes. to the gift tax, you may also and 6.0% respectively over be exposed to the generationthe 2010-2011 school year.2 skipping tax, which tops out at 35% on the Enter the 529 plan, a powerful investment vehicle federal level in 2012. that has altered education planning in much the same way that the 401(k) altered retirement Special Gifting Features of 529 Plans— planning. A unique combination of features— Why 529 Plans Are Unique high contribution limits, professional asset Since contributions to 529 plans are considered management, account holder control of assets, gifts, they qualify for the $13,000 per year flexibility in transferring the money, and perhaps ($26,000 per couple) gift tax exclusion, and most important, generous tax advantages—has any money gifted to a 529 plan is no longer solidified the 529 plan’s position as a leader in considered part of the donor’s taxable estate. the education planning world.

Also, under special rules unique to 529 plans, Yet, there is one more benefit of 529 plans donors looking to remove large sums of money that is increasingly coming to the fore in the from their taxable estates can make five years’ planning arsenal of affluent families: their worth of $13,000 gifts in one year—that’s ability to act as an effective estate planning $65,000 per individual donor or $130,000 per tool. Indeed, the special gifting features couple. Provided they complete the required of 529 plans make them attractive to a growing number of high net worth parents, paperwork with the IRS (i.e., stipulating their grandparents and others looking to transfer intention to spread the lump-sum gift evenly over the five-year period) and refrain from large sums out of their estates while helping to making any further contributions to that offset soaring college costs. account for the next five years, they will owe Estate Planning Today—Current Tax no gift tax on the contribution. Further, they Considerations can repeat the process every five years and To help better appreciate the special tax and owe no gift tax, provided they follow the IRS estate benefits that 529 plans have to offer, you guidelines. first need to review the current estate and gift This one, very powerful feature of 529 plans tax landscape—a landscape with an uncertain future.3 allows parents grandparents or others with

considerable assets to accomplish two critical goals: to reduce the size of their taxable estates during their lifetimes and to potentially contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars toward college costs to one or more children.

One Important Note There is one important rule that you will want to keep in mind if you and/or your spouse decide to make use of the lump-sum contribution strategy to 529 plans to transfer wealth: according to IRS rules, if the donor dies before the end of the five-year period, the transferred amount remaining after the year of death would be considered part of the donor’s estate for federal tax purposes.

Here’s a hypothetical example: Jim and Mary Jones made a joint five-year, lump-sum contribution of $130,000 to a 529 plan for the benefit of a grandchild. Sadly, in the second of the five years, Jim dies. In this case, $26,000 of Jim’s contributions (for years one and two) are considered out of his estate and free and clear of federal estate tax. However, his contributions earmarked for the next three years—$39,000—would be considered part of his taxable estate. For Mary’s part, since she is still alive and well, her contributions are still considered to be removed from the couple’s estate.

PROS

CONS

Tax-deferred growth is good for the beneficiary.

The money in a 529 plan grows tax-deferred, so there is no need to report investment income on the child’s income tax return.

Parent vs. grandparent account? If the parents of a grandchild are also using a 529 plan, whose account is tapped first? You will need to have that discussion to ensure that no one faces an unexpected tax bill. You may even consider transferring ownership of your 529 account to the parents of your grandchild at some point in the future, and leaving it up to them to make decisions regarding the use of the account.

No adverse effect on child’s eligibility for financial aid. Grandparent-owned 529 plans typically have no negative effect on the student’s eligibility to receive federal financial aid. By contrast, when a parent is the account holder, plan assets are considered when assessing a child’s financial aid eligibility.

Potential Medicaid obstacle. If you were ever to seek Medicaid assistance for the payment of medical and long-term care expenses, the state in which you live is likely to view any 529 accounts under your ownership as available assets that must first be spent on your care before Medicaid payments can begin

Good use for retirement plan RMDs. Those taking required minimum distributions from an IRA who have no spending needs beyond what they receive from other income sources, may consider using the IRA money to fund 529 accounts. The IRA distributions are still subject to income tax, but once in the 529 plan, the money will grow tax free and remain outside of an estate as long as it is eventually used for qualified higher education expenses.

Lost step-up benefit. If you were to die investments included in your estate receive a tax basis step-up to current value. When these assets are sold by your heirs, they will not be subject to capital gains tax on any appreciation previous to your death. Since 529 acconts are excluded from your estate, there is no step-up tax basis. In most instances, this won’t make any difference as the distributions from the 529 plan will be entirely taxx free when used to pay for qualified education expenses.

For grandparents considering a 529 wealth transfer strategy, these are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. Visit the College Board’s Web site for a more complete discussion of the topic. And of course, seek trusted financial and legal counsel before making any decisions.

Please contact me to learn more about transferring wealth with 529 plans and for assistance reviewing and reformulating your estate planning strategy.

Notices & Prohibitions: The Morgan Stanley Legal and Compliance Department has approved this article for use exactly as it appears. It may not be changed in any way. However, longer articles may be run in two or more parts as long as any disclaimers also appear in the respective parts. Please note that the non-solicitation clause must appear at the end of every article.

More Than Education Planning: 529 Plans Offer Powerful Wealth Transfer Benefits Courtesy of: Branch Name: Phone Number: Web Address:

Rick Romano, Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Geneva 630-262-2038 www.morganstanley.com/fa/rick.romano

Footnotes/Disclaimers 1 Source: Is College Worth It? College Presidents, Public Assess Value, Quality and Mission of Higher Education, Pew Research Center, Social & Demographic Trends, May 2011.

2 Source: Trends in College Pricing, The College Board, 2011. w 3 Estate and gift taxes are scheduled to “sunset” Dec. 31, 2012, unless Congress once again moves to extend them, resulting in higher top rates (55%) and lower exemption thresholds ($1 million).

C A R E E R ca • reer: (k rir’) n.

Definition: An occupation undertaken for a significant

period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress.

e

Inside Page 28: Second-chance careers: Meet three people who have found “encore” careers that provide a different kind of fulfillment in their lives.

Page 32: A family career: Learn more about the local family-owned businesses started by the Matsons, Schultzes and the Falcones which have survived the generations.

McHenryCountyMagazine.com

Page 36: Unconventional careers: Take a look at the unusual career paths taken by two local individuals.

A special supplement to Kane County Magazine March 2013 • McHenry County Magazine

27

careers / on the cover 3 (At left) Rebecca Colburn followed her passion for food after spending more than a decade in the early childhood education field.

Photo by Melissa Emory 4 (At right, facing page) Len Bielefeldt was a successful painter before he opened The Art Box in Geneva. Photo provided

Success ...

Times Two!

6 (Below) Colburn stands behind the counter of Gracious Hall Inc. in Geneva, which she opened in 2011.

It is a full-service catering company that also offers fresh meals to go.

Photo by Melissa Emory

Three Kane County Residents Share How They Switched Careers Midstream

I By ELIZABETH HARMON

I

A workplace trend with a catchy name — “recareering” — is becoming more commonplace.

Led by baby boomers moving toward a nontraditional working retirement and younger workers displaced from corporate America, more professionals are embracing encore careers.

A 2008 article in U.S. News and World Report cited a survey by the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures, a San Francisco

think tank, showing that as many as 8.4 million Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 have already launched second careers “in positions that combine income with personal meaning and social impact.”

Michael Bevis, director of academic affairs at University of Phoenix, sees students like this every day. Some want to enter the nonprofit sector. Others plan to open their own business.

Still others are seeking to combine two careers simultaneously.

But most of them share a common trait.

“They’re seeking an education to pursue their passion,” Bevis says.

How do they do it? Three Kane Country professionals who have launched successful second careers share their stories.

Fresh Food Start

While living for a short time in Germany, former early childhood special education teacher Rebecca Colburn fell in love with the European approach to food.

“It’s not one-stop shopping,” she says.

“There’s the bakery, the meat market — everything is specialized. I loved going to the markets on Saturdays and the bakery every day.

When we came back here, it was hard to adjust.”

After the birth of her second child, Colburn took maternity leave from her career in early childhood intervention and remembered her old dream of owning a European-style market.

Though she had a master’s degree in early childhood education and had invested more than a decade in the field, she sensed a new calling.

“I’d begun to feel like I was nearing the end of my career,” she says. “I was doing important work, but my passion was being drawn toward food.”

The path toward a new career wasn’t easy, especially with two young children and a husband who also worked in the restaurant industry. Colburn investigated culinary programs and found a good fit with Chicago’s French Pastry School. For six months, she took classes five days a week, from 6 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. After she graduated, she took a position as baker with a Chicago catering firm.

In 2010, Colburn moved to Geneva, and in 2011, she opened Gracious Hall Inc., a fullservice catering company that also offers fresh meals to go.

Though she’s no longer working with special needs children and their families, many skills

from Colburn’s previous career have carried over into her new one.

“In special education, I had to adapt what I was doing to fit the learning style of the child, and the food industry is also very personalized,” she says. “I also work with employees, and everyone has a different style, so it’s helped me help them be successful in their job.”

The Art Of Change In 2009, Len Bielefeldt was a successful portrait painter exhibiting at art fairs around the region, but he was beginning to have second thoughts about his nomadic lifestyle.

A serious car accident in January 2010 forced him to make a change.

“When you’re lying in the hospital, it gives you a lot of time to think and reevaluate your life. I knew I didn’t want to travel any more and

4 Colburn’s path toward a new career wasn’t easy. She went to Chicago’s French Pastry School five days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for six months, with two young children at home and a husband already in the restaurant industry. Photo by Melissa Emory

miss my son’s life,” says Bielefeldt, whose son was 9 at the time.

An added concern stemmed from the repercussions of the accident. Bielefeldt’s injuries threw his entire career into question.

Though not paralyzed, he had lost control of his right hand and needed surgery and months of physical therapy to recover.

Once he was able to paint again, Bielefeldt decided to concentrate on opening a show of landscape paintings, and in June 2011, he found an unused space in downtown Geneva to use on a temporary basis.

When he moved into the space, a surprising thing happened.

“People would stop in, asking for lessons,” he says. “From that, I started buying art supplies for them to purchase. By August, I had a thriving art supply store and never looked back.”

Though Bielefeldt had to move to a different downtown Geneva location a few months later,

Jobs may change.

Retirement dreams don’t have to.

If you’ve left a job and have a 401(k) or other retirement accounts, don’t forget about them. Rolling over assets you have with former employers or other institutions to an Ameriprise IRA can be important in making your retirement dreams a reality.

Understanding and managing your retirement income strategies can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

To start a conversation, call me at (630) 762.6556.

Steve Smith Financial Advisor Associate Vice President 3 N. Second Street, Suite 200 St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 762.6556 Toll Free: 1 (800) 942.5959 Steven.L.Smith@ampf.com

MORE WITHIN REACHSM Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

5 John Burke woke up one day and said to himself, “You have a choice. Buy a Porsche, or go to law school.” So, he left his successful job as a stockbroker and hit the law books. Photo provided

his business, The Art Box, now located at 407 Third St., Suite 174, has continued to thrive.

“It’s an art supply store, gallery and painting school,” he says. “We also offer framing.”

The store’s proximity to two restaurants that are popular for weekend brunch has boosted his foot traffic.

“There’s so much energy here, and when I set up my easel in the middle of the store, people love to come in and watch,” Bielefeldt says.

“They walk around the store, see something they like and say, ‘Would you paint one for me?’”

While he’s able to watch more of his son’s games now, he still works every weekend.

Bielefeldt says mastering the financial and business details of his new career remains his biggest challenge. In addition to running The Art Box, he also takes classes through the Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College.

“It’s worth it though,” he says. “I love coming in here.”

Call Of The Law John Burke was a successful stockbroker in A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer who is appointed by the Juvenile Court Judge to represent the best interests of the abused or neglected child.

The ultimate goal of the CASA advocate is to help ensure that every child lives in a safe and permanent home. This could mean reunification with their parents, placement with relatives or adoption by a loving family.

CASA Kane County strives to contribute to positive outcomes in the lives of mistreated children. CASA advocates are well supported by case management staff and mentors.

To learn more about CASA Kane County - Guardian ad Litem program, Deb McQuaid, Director of Advocate Education at 630-444-3110 or visit our website at www.casakanecounty.org.

Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem Lit (CASA/GAL) for children who are in court due to abuse and neglect.

100 S. Third Street, Suite 460, Geneva, IL 60134 P: 630-232-4484 • F: 630-232-4562 www.casakanecounty.org • I am for the Child™

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system.

30 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

Cleveland being recruited by several other firms when he faced a question few will ever have to answer.

“I had all of these options in front of me, and I was trying to make a decision,” he says. “Then, one day, I woke up and said to myself, ‘You have a choice. Buy a Porsche, or go to law school.’ I chose law school.”

Today, Burke is a partner with Higgins & Burke P.C. of St. Charles, practicing securities law. His new career draws upon his previous career as a stockbroker in obvious ways, and for Burke, it’s been a natural evolution into a career that’s been in the back of his mind since he was a kid.

“In my family, everyone was either an attorney or a cop,” he says. “My dad was an attorney, and I often went down to his office in the Board of Trade building. I even took six years of Latin.”

Yet, after college at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Burke took a position with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, beginning KaneCountyMagazine.com

a career in financial services.

“I learned a lot, such as being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone,” he says. “I learned to listen, ask the right questions.”

An offer to enter the brokerage industry two years later put Burke on the path to a highly lucrative career. But he’d never forgotten his long-ago dream of becoming an attorney.

Though he continued his brokerage career, he enrolled in night classes at Cleveland Marshall College of Law, an affiliate of Cleveland State University. He also used vacation days — one hour at a time — to take classes during the workday.

“My company never thought I’d leave, but I kept telling them I was going to school to learn how to sue stockbrokers,” he says.

Eventually, he did leave for full-time classes and a clerk’s position, then relocation to Chicago, where he married an old school friend.

Burke says the drop in income was the biggest challenge.

“I went from a very large paycheck to no paycheck,” he says. “I had to liquidate my house, cut expenses. Law school was expensive, and clerks don’t make much.”

He finished his legal education in the fall of 1991 at DePaul Law School and graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He worked in Chicago for law firms practicing in securities law before joining a St. Charles law firm in 1997. With his partner, John Higgins, he established Higgins & Burke P.C. law firm in January 2000 in St. Charles.

Higgins & Burke P.C. currently has six attorneys who extensively practice in the areas of securities/financial fraud cases, business litigation and insurance defense.

“Without my experience in the securities field, it would be nearly impossible to effectively represent my clients,” Burke says. kc

Considering A Career Change?

Considering a career change of your own?

Michael Bevis, director of academic affairs at University of Phoenix, says it’s important to look beyond work experience and education and consider your skills, including those you’ve used outside the workplace.

It’s also vital to keep a positive attitude.

“People often believe they can’t do something new because they’ve spent so many years doing something else,” he says. “But they need to look at their talents and skills and how those can transfer into a different industry.”

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March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

31

careers / success lives next door

Family Focused

Local Businesses Are Passed Down Through Generations

I By Jacky Runice

4 Pearls and other precious jewels are available at Margaret Matson’s. Photo by Melissa Emory

I

When a couple comes into Margaret Matson’s jewelry store and tells her, “Your grandfather sold us our wedding rings,” it’s music to her ears.

It means that a) the jewelry sold by her grandfather, Stanley Matson, was high quality, withstanding the test of time, and b) satisfied customers continue to rely on her Geneva store, Margaret Matson Fine Jewelry, now a third generation family business.

Stanley Matson apprenticed in a jewelry store that was in the Baker Hotel of St. Charles, eventually bought that shop around 1950 and partnered with his son, Richard, who was a graduate of the Elgin Watchmakers College.

“My grandfather did hand engraving and jewelry repair, and my father was a watchmaker

and did all the appraisals,” Margaret says. “My dad has an identical twin brother, Bob Matson, who was also in the business and did repair.”

Richard opened the Geneva store in 1985, and when the twin brothers reached age 65 and retired, Margaret took over in 2003.

The jewelry business was not her first choice.

“Having a family [business] that’s a part of your life all while you’re growing up, sometimes it’s the last thing you think of as a career,” Margaret says.

She attended Hope College in Michigan studying psychology and sociology, and she

3 Lobster ravioli is available at Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli. Photo by Jeff Krage

3 Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli owner Pat Falcone, right, stands with his two sons Joe, left, and Pat Jr. Photo by Jeff Krage

worked at a private adoption agency after college.

“When I was 25, I was thinking of a career move and sat my dad down and told him that I wanted a better understanding of his business,” she says. “I learned that it was really interesting, especially the fashion aspect of the business.”

Margaret began apprenticing with her father and decided to further her education at California’s Gemological Institute of America, a world authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls.

After earning a graduate degree in gemology, she worked at a jewelry business in San Diego.

“It was helpful to step outside my family business to see how others work,” Margaret says, “and the West Coast is different from the Midwest, so there were lots of lines of different jewelry. It was a good learning experience.”

When she took the helm in Geneva, it was vital that she maintain and enhance what her father built.

“My dad built relationships with watch makers and jewelers, and I continue to work with them,” she says. “I provide all the same services — appraisals on premises, restringing, watch and jewelry repair, plus estate and antique jewelry.”

Margaret also has introduced updated designers and fashion trends.

“My goal is that when someone comes in that they’ll be surprised at the eclectic mix from two sterling silver lines to bead gemstone necklaces and a new sports performance watch,” she says. “We meet a lot of price points and age groups, tastes and styles.”

CHANGING through the ages

3 Spencer, Janice, and Jon Christiansen of FlagSource in Batavia stand in front of a high-tech embroidery machine called an Epoca that creates star fields for flags. Photo provided

Reinvention is necessary to remain successful whether a company is selling jewelry or flags.

FlagSource, a Batavia company boasting four generations of history, is winning according to the Family Business Institute: only 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation, 12 percent are still viable into the third generation and about 3 percent of all family businesses are

humming along into the fourth generation or beyond.

“The company has survived decades of change by doing just that ... changing itself,” says Janice Christiansen, president/chief executive officer. “While starting as [a] cottage industry making fraternal products, it went to being one of the largest distributors in the country of flags with the third generation, and also manufacturing flags in the ’70s when we couldn’t get enough flags because of the 1976 bicentennial.”

The business, originally called J.C. Schultz, was started in 1920 on the back porch of Lillian and John Christian Schultz, grandparents of Janice’s late husband. They made regalia like Shriners’ fezzes and Masonic aprons, and when John Christian Schultz died at age 40, Lillian carried on the company in her home.

John and Lillian’s son, John, and daughter Dorothy’s husband, Walter Christiansen, joined the business after Walter’s return from piloting aircraft in World War II. This second generation grew the fraternal, retail and flag installation parts of the business.

4 FlagSource, originally called J.C. Schultz, makes worldclass flags and banners.

Photo provided

The third generation, John T. Christiansen and William Christiansen, started the manufacturing of flags.

“My husband, John — (who died at age 40 in 1985) — was the sales and marketing guru of growing the business,” Janice says. “He did the first mail order catalog to reach hundreds of thousands of customers, sold McDonald’s on the Golden Arches flag to brand their identity, came up with the name FlagSource and many other innovations.“ It wasn’t all stars and stripes for FlagSource though. When Janice became president in 1990, the company had debt woes.

“I believe we survived through the third generation — (with the death of John and William’s leaving) — because I became president and, while not having a business background, I had the focus and determination to work at repaying creditors and, in fact, didn’t know what was ahead,” she says. “I just knew we had to push the company onward. I wanted FlagSource to survive.”

Today, Janice’s sons, Jon Christiansen, 44, vice president of operations, and Spencer

6 Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli’s Pat Falcone Jr. helps a customer. Photo by Jeff Krage

She hopes that any or all of her three grandsons may some day be interested in joining the team. But for now, the test is to stay diversified so no one loss can hurt too much.

“We have great employees, and we are proud of our operations and quality and customer service,” she says.

Quality counts

Christiansen, 39, vice president of sales and marketing, make up the fourth generation.

Even Jon’s wife, Molly Christiansen, works in the company.

With a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Batavia, the company manufactures flags, street banners and flags for events connected to NASCAR, the NBA and other professional sports. If a flag is waving at a hotel, bank or a government building, there’s a good chance it’s from FlagSource.

34 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

According to Janice, even though family members chose to join FlagSource, there are still challenges peculiar to a family company.

“Each person has different talents and governances that need to be established,” she says. “It is difficult to leave the business out of family gatherings. In business situations, emotion can enter decisions. Our family has survived these challenges so far with occasional difficulty, but we’re still intact as a family and a business.”

If business goes global, high quality products and customer service may be the two characteristics that distinguish family businesses from colossal corporations.

Pat Falcone Sr. is wont to say, “When quality counts, count on Josef ’s.”

That would be Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli in Geneva, a store that has roots from an older generation in the

KaneCountyMagazine.com

5 Margaret Matson, 44, and friend and employee Tigger Kainz, 63, stand in the jewelry shop that has been in Matson’s family for three generations.

Photo by Melissa Emory

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Falcone family that opened more than 60 years ago at Halsted and Taylor St. in Chicago.

“My father, Joe Falcone, began cutting meat in 1938 and, after a stint in the army, he opened a shop in Chicago with two partners,” Pat Sr. says. “In 1955, they moved to Grand and Harlem Ave. and stayed there until 1990.”

Pat Sr. began cutting meat in his pop’s shop while in his early teens and loved the business.

“The early years of meat cutting, everything was personally cut, mostly by hand,” he says. “Eventually, Cryovac packaging came into the scene, and chain stores were becoming the new trend. We grew up with that personal touch — knowing customers by first names, what they liked, didn’t like.”

In 1998, Pat Sr. and his wife, Nanette, opened their own shop in Geneva and named it after their fathers — both Josephs and both butchers. The couple will celebrate Josef’s 15-year anniversary in April.

“At Josef’s, we still like to have that personal touch with our customers and make sure you have an enjoyable experience while shopping in our store, making sure you get what you want and not something [that needs]

to sell,” Pat Sr. says.

The shop is full of Falcones. Nanette created award-winning eggplant parmigiana, and the homemade Italian sausage and brat recipes were handed down from Papa Joe. Grandma Helen’s potato salad recipe has been a customer favorite for 15 years. Pat Sr.’s son Joe is the meat cutting specialist and grill master — on Saturdays, look for the white smoke wafting from the fullservice butcher shop on down State Street — and his son Patrick Jr. is the

operations manager helping to create a lot of the shop’s products.

“The main objective in this business is to serve our customers with that personal touch and with quality no chain store can give,” Pat Jr. says.

Was there ever any question that he would work in the family business?

“My dad was 13 when he started in my grandfather’s footsteps,” Pat Jr. says.

“He always wanted to take after his father. My dad and I get along great. I wouldn’t want to change it.” kc

5 This platinum 1920s European-cut diamond and blue sapphire broach is an example of the estate jewelry available at Margaret Matson Fine Jewelry in Geneva. Photo by Melissa Emory

March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

35

careers

3 Richard Kizer uses hypnosis to help people quit smoking.

Photos provided

All In A Day’s Work I By ELIZABETH HARMON

Kane County Residents Carve Out Unique Careers Finding a great career can mean more than scanning a few “hottest jobs” lists. Creativity, talent and passion have helped these Kane County professionals find success in careers that are slightly off the beaten path.

For Good Health

As a nurse practitioner working in a neo-natal intensive care unit, Gina Juliano saw the impact of breast milk on pre-term infants’ health.

“It’s very important nutritionally for all babies, but for those born pre-term, it’s almost like medicine,” she says.

With so many other medical issues to address, encouraging mothers of pre-term infants to pump milk isn’t always a priority for hospitals.

But that’s changing, thanks to professionals like Juliano, a lactation consultant who helps new moms learn to breastfeed, especially in cases of multiple births, special needs infants or babies born pre-term. “Pre-term moms make special milk for their babies, and they can pump the milk so the baby can be fed even before they can put the baby to breast,” she says.

I

Juliano, a nurse practitioner in private practice in Batavia, also works with new mothers through Sherman Hospital in Elgin and is a board member of the Kane County Department of Public Health’s Breastfeeding Coalition.

A New York native, Juliano always knew she wanted to work in health care. She graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and then returned to the east coast. After working in a neonatal intensive care unit, she returned to school to become a nurse practitioner and graduated from Yale University in 1994. Five years ago, she became an international board certified lactation consultant.

Juliano says most people have some understanding of what a lactation consultant does, but there are many misconceptions about breastfeeding itself.

“There’s an idea that since it’s a natural thing, no one ever has an issue with it, and when women do, they feel very disappointed,” Juliano says. “But it’s a two person job.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding, and while many new moms start, few reach the crucial six-month and one-year milestones.

“Helping moms learn to successfully feed their babies is very rewarding,” she says.

Stop Smoking Success Richard Kizer was a successful sales trainer and business motivational speaker when he became fascinated with the idea that positive thinking could influence business success.

“At a sales seminar, a speaker explained that the attitude you have going into the sale determines the outcome,” Kizer says. “If you expect to do well, it’s going to happen.”

A Michigan native and a graduate of Ferris State University, Kizer built a successful career with a New York-based department store chain.

He left to pursue a career in sales, then moved into sales training.

He began to integrate mental exercises into sales training presentations, and he eventually enrolled in a year-long course he located through the National Guild of Hypnotists.

“I juggled both, taking classes on the weekends, then going back to work on Monday,” he says. “I knew that what I was doing was something I’d utilize.”

In 1997, he opened Achievement Hypnosis in St. Charles, where he uses his skills as a hypnotist to help clients overcome one of life’s biggest challenges — quitting smoking.

Frequently, clients turn to hypnosis after other methods have failed.

“I like to say we’re the court of last resort,” Kizer says.

At an initial consultation, Kizer explains to prospective clients what hypnosis is … and what it isn’t.

“It’s not about putting people into a trance or putting them to sleep,” he says. “Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation in which the brainwaves are identical to those of someone daydreaming.

It’s like driving to work without knowing how you got there.”

That state of relaxation can help clients cope with the stress of nicotine withdrawal and cope effectively with the unconscious — Richard Kizer triggers that cause them to light on what it feels like to be hypnotized up.

“It’s a habit, and people do it without even thinking,” he says.

What hypnosis can’t do is force someone to act against his or her will.

“The first thing I ask is why they want to quit,” Kizer says. “If they’re only here because their wife made them come, hypnosis won’t help. On the other hand, if someone is concerned for their health, or they want to stop wasting money on cigarettes or be around for their kids, then quitting is something they want.”

It’s like driving to work without knowing how you got there.

5 Gina Juliano, a lactation consultant, is pictured with one of her patients, Liam March. “Helping moms learn to successfully feed their babies is very rewarding,” she says.

IS A CAREER CHANGE RIGHT FOR YOU? Dreaming about an unusual career, or have an idea for a unique business?

To help define your prospective field and make contacts, start with research online or through print resources such as the Encyclopedia of Associations, available at many libraries or community college career centers.

Career centers also can offer counseling, interest and skill assessments, and many services are free to adults who live within the college district.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Sometimes the answer is to start a business, and community colleges can help here, too.

Sybil Ege, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College, says research is a key first step.

“Find out if someone else has done it,” she says. “Has the idea been successful in other areas, and how could it also be developed here? Those are all things you need to consider.”

Consider also whether you have the qualities to be a successful entrepreneur.

“It requires a willingness to take charge, rather than take direction; to persevere, takes risks, be outgoing and be innovative,” Ege says.

Finally, create a business plan not only to help with financing, but also to help define your goals.

“It helps articulate what the business will be and the customer you have in mind,” Ege says.

Want to learn more? Visit the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College at www.elgin.edu. kc

March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

37

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health / low-fat recipe of the month

A Lotta Frittata!

By Lee Nelson Photos by JEFF KRAGE

Y

ou don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the other flavors in the dish. the recipe for a vegetarian frittata put “This recipe works out well because you can together by Pear of Chefs. make it the day before or that morning,” Bulgarelli It’s got a lot of goodies in it that make the says. “You can warm it back up in the oven or serve fulfilling dish a pleaser for everyone. at room temperature or cold.”

“A frittata is similar to a quiche, but there If you want a heartier version, you can brown is no buttery crust,” says Carol Segobiano. “Many turkey sausage and crumble it into the egg mixture of these egg dishes use heavy whipping cream with before baking, Segobiano adds. lots of fat. We only use half a cup of 1 percent milk, “Even with the meat, it still keeps the frittata which makes it very lowfat.” lowfat,” Segobiano says. “It’s a nice dish if you are Segobiano and Ursula Bulgarelli own the St. having a gathering such as a buffet-style meal. It Charles personal chef and catering business, Pear of just makes your life easier because people can serve Chefs, which they opened together after successful themselves. A nice white wine would go well with but separate first careers. it.”

“We make a lot of different frittata recipes, but this one is nice to serve at Easter because Serves: 10 to 12 of all the different Ingredients: colored vegetables 1 large red onion and herbs,” Bulgarelli 4 cloves garlic, minced says.“You have your 1 zucchini, cut lengthwise into carbs, proteins and ¼-inch slices vegetables all in one 1 red pepper, chopped dish.”

1 orange pepper, chopped By using a 2 cups stale French bread in springform pan, the small cubes egg dish is easier to 1 cup thinly sliced red potato cut into triangles, like 12 eggs a cheesecake. You can 1/2 cup 1 percent milk substitute almost any 1 teaspoon sugar type of vegetable for 1 tablespoon seasoned salt the ones listed below.

2 teaspoons pepper You also can use your 5 Carol Segobiano and Ursula Bulgarelli, 1 1/2 cups Asiago cheese, favorite cheese, but owners of Pear of Chefs, show off a slice shredded the chefs prefer Asiago of their Vegetarian Frittata.

1 cup fresh spinach, julienned because it complements

Vegetarian Frittata

2 tablespoons dill and basil, chopped 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.

2. Combine all vegetables, bread and potato slices in a large bowl.

3. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, seasoned salt, pepper, cheeses, spinach, herbs and Tabasco in a separate bowl.

4. Pour the egg mixture into the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.

5. Pour the mixture into the pan and place the pan on a tinfoil-covered cookie sheet.

6. Bake for about 1 hour. Cover the top with foil and bake for 30 minutes more. When done, the frittata should puff up like a cake and have a golden brown color.

7. Let the frittata cool for 10 minutes before slicing. You can serve it hot, warm or cold. Enjoy! kc

LOW-FAT RECIPE OF THE MONTH This three-month health series will enlist the expertise of Ursula Bulgarelli and Carol Segobiano of St. Charles, co-owners of Pear of Chefs.

They will provide a low-fat recipe for Kane County residents to try at home.

health

Take A Load Off! How you can reduce stress at work

I By AMANDA MARRAZZO I

Just because you have to go to work doesn’t mean you have to let work-related stress rule your life.

Area experts say if you communicate with employers, clarify expectations and have a personal “toolbox” to handle anxiety, then stressful work situations can become more manageable.

Don’t Try To Solve A Situation

If stress pops up in the office, the first thing to do is to decide whether the stress is brought on by a problem or a situation.

“Clarify what you can and can’t control,” says Amy MacDonald, a licensed clinical psychologist who practices at Prairie Psychotherapy Services in Batavia. “All problems can be solved. If it can’t be solved, it’s not a problem — it’s a situation — and situations call for acceptance, not solving.

“When we worry excessively, ruminate and obsess about problems at work, it is often because the problem-solving part of our brains is stuck in overdrive,” she

continues. “We are trying to solve problems that have no solutions, but our brains keep turning the problem over to try to get a solution.”

If work-related stress comes from an ongoing situation in the workplace and not a one-time problem to be solved, than people must accept that they cannot change it and focus on the work to be done.

To deal with heavy workloads and a boss’s high expectations, MacDonald suggests clarifying with the boss and repeating back his instructions.

“Sometimes just repeating back what they have asked for highlights to them the fact that their expectations are unrealistic,” she says.

If job security is in question and this stirs up a load of stress, ask yourself, “Am I creating value for my employer and meeting expectations?”

If the answer is yes, MacDonald says, “Remind yourself to trust that.”

However, if lay-offs are on the horizon despite excellent work, MacDonald says to remain positive.

“Remember that as awful as losing a job would be, it is survivable,” she says.

“Sometimes these crises even open doors to

“These tools are proven by research to make a huge difference in the ways people cope with work stress,” MacDonald says.

When there are ongoing, unresolvable stressful situations at work, MacDonald stresses the importance of investing energy and thought in areas of life and personal identity that are not related to work.

“It is powerful to consciously remind yourself that you are not defined only by your work,” MacDonald says.

healthy and supportive relationships with both friends and family outside of work,” Egeland says.

It is also important for an individual to have a personal “toolbox” of techniques to calm himself or herself during intensely stressful times.

“This might be simple breathing exercises, such as the ones many women learned while preparing for childbirth,” she says. “Even a simple adjustment in posture will open the rib cage in order for the lungs to bring oxygen to the circulatory system more efficiently. It’s amazing how many people hold their breath during an — Amy MacDonald, licensed clinical psychologist intense encounter, which leads the body to call for the fight, flee or freeze response that precedes an Marie S. Egeland, a licensed clinical anxiety or panic attack.”

Another “tool” is the internal world of the social worker who practices at Intermission mind.

Therapies in Geneva, says in order to meet “It is common for people to instantly stressful day-to-day obligations, one must be assume the worst with thoughts such as, “mindful of their personal balance.”

‘Oh no, now my weaknesses are evident to “Most people can benefit from a constant everyone,’ or, ‘This is it, I knew I’d soon do vigilance of their sleep patterns, eating for something that would lead to my getting energy without the mood swings associated with caffeine or sugar, and maintaining fired,’” Egeland says.

We often waste enormous amounts of mental and emotional energy in fearful anticipation of a terrible event. Instead, remind yourself that whatever happens, ‘I will be OK. Whatever happens, I will figure it out, I always do.’ better career opportunities. If it happens, it will be frightening, but you will survive it. We often waste enormous amounts of mental and emotional energy in fearful anticipation of a terrible event. Instead, remind yourself that whatever happens, ‘I will be OK. Whatever happens, I will figure it out, I always do.’”

And most importantly, don’t forget important tools such as exercise, meditation and yoga.

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In such moments of panic, Egeland recommends a list of messages that everyone should have prepared at a moment’s notice.

• This situation is not comfortable or pleasant, but I can get through it and formulate a clear and valid response at a later time.

• I can handle the way my body is responding right now because it’s perfectly natural to automatically react the way I do.

• This is an opportunity to confront my fears and come through them with my sense of competence intact.

• I have survived situations similar to this, and I can survive this one, too.

• If I don’t overreact, I will not do any serious damage that might effect my future encounters with this person (or these people).

• I can deal with this situation, even if I am slightly anxious. My body is just doing its thing.

• I deserve to feel OK inside, even if things around me are not OK. • Fighting or resisting will not help to calm this situation down. I can respond in ways that will bring calm and perspective.

• Ask yourself, “Is this the worst thing that could be happening right now?”

• This is not my problem, and I can choose not to let it rob me of this moment, this day or even this job!

These phrases can change the common and harmful chain-reaction of stress that rears its ugly head in stressful moments, Egeland says. kc

SPRING WAFFLE BREAKFAST (For Here or To Go!)

Wednesday, March 20 from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM FREE Waffles from our Gourmet Kitchen

ANIMAL QUEST EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW Tuesday, March 26 at 2:00 PM

Hedgehogs, squirrels, snakes, & more!

HERITAGE WOODS LOCAL SPELLING BEE Thursday, March 14th at 2:00 PM

Cheer for our seniors as they spell their way to the top!

Please note that all events are for seniors 62+ *Please call to RSVP for any Heritage Woods event!

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42 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

KaneCountyMagazine.com

fashion & beauty

A Shoer Thing Kane County Cobblers Offer Advice On Shoe Care And Repair

W

ith spring around the corner, there doesn’t seem to be any reason not to have an extra bounce in each step — especially if it involves wearing revamped shoes that were unrecognizable just a few months ago.

Bottom’s Up

Jossein Shakouri, owner of Greg’s Shoe Repair in Geneva, keeps heels and soles looking their best on a daily basis.

Shakouri, who took ownership of the shop from third-generation owner Greg Herwaldt last July, specializes in other repair work, too, including purse repair, luggage repair and even baseball glove mending.

Employee Karen Davis says that shoes should be conditioned and polished every 90 days in order to promote longevity.

During harsh winter months, Davis recalls Herwaldt advising customers to wear rubber protectants over their footwear in order to fend off damaging salt.

“He would say it to people until he was blue,” Davis says.

“Salt is very damaging to leather, and so it’s best to protect your shoes.”

6 Keeping shoes waterproofed throughout the year can add years to their life, says Lauren Miller, owner of Geneva Shoe Repair.

Salt is very damaging to leather, and so it’s best to protect your shoes.

— Karen Davis, Greg’s Shoe Repair employee

For Lauren Miller, who owns Geneva Shoe Repair along with her family, keeping shoes waterproofed throughout the year can add years to their life. Depending on how often shoes are worn, Miller recommends using Kiwi polish for the best luster on top of making sure shoes don’t stretch out over time.

“It’s a good idea after each wear to put shoe trees in them,” she says.

In instances when an accident occurs and heels or soles are damaged, Miller warns customers not to try to fix them at home.

“It’s best to just bring them in … you don’t want to make it worse or it’ll be impossible for me to fix them,” she says.

How To Dress For An Interview

With shoes looking their best, job applicants can get their interviews

started with the right foot in the door.

Teri Cullen, the career services manager at Waubonsee Community College, gives students advice on how to dress in order to land a job.

“Everything from the hair, nails and shoes needs to be looked at and polished,” she says.

Cullen tells students to err on the side of caution when selecting their footwear since some employers may take their interviewees on a company tour that requires plenty of walking.

“Don’t wear extremely high heels … you never know if you’ll be walking on grates,” she says.

Cullen also suggests wearing darker colors while coordinating from head to toe.

“The key is not to wear something overwhelming,” she says, adding that accessorizing with too much jewelry or even cologne can be inappropriate.

With the economy still recovering, Cullen understands that not everyone can afford a new pair of shoes.

“You can get an adequate outfit for an interview at consignment stores and thrift shops,” she says.

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No matter what outfit is chosen, Cullen says that basic grooming standards must be met so that employers can see that attention to detail is an important aspect to candidates.

“Make sure shoes, socks and pants all blend together,” she says, noting that anything that might look out of place can be distracting and have a negative effect during an interview.

Aside from obtaining the correct attire, Cullen tells students and anyone interested in brushing up on their interviewing skills to check out the community college’s career website at waubonsee.optimalresume. com. It includes 1,000 interview questions and even a webcam application that can allow face-toface interaction with college staff members.

“It’s open to the public or students 24 hours a day,” Cullen says about the site, adding that staff members are able to offer advice ranging from techniques to appropriate dress via webcam. kc

KaneCountyMagazine.com

March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

45

fashion & beauty

Outfitting For Easter Girls

By JAMI KUNZER

Want to impress the bunny this Easter?

Lands’ End offers tips for the entire family to stay both fashionable and practical this spring.

Children

When it comes to choosing Easter outfits for kids, select clothing that can be dressed up or dressed down, says Michele Casper, senior director of public relations for Lands’ End. “This gives parents an added value knowing the pieces will be cycled through the wardrobe and worn more than once or twice,” she says.

Trends this year include color blocking — or the use of bold opposites on the color wheel — dip dye and colorful prints and patterns, she says.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

•

boys, either paired as a suit or worn separately with sweaters and polos or jeans, chinos and navy pants.”

Don’t forgo the polo, she says, as it’s the ultimate anchor piece. It can be worn numerous ways for numerous occasions.

“This season, we’ve updated the classic polo in our kids collection by offering fresh • Skirts colors as well as a dip dye Dresses and Oxford cloth stripe • Girly polos,” she • Fun says.

Girls Boys

For special occasions like Easter, make sure to have the basics for boys: suits and jackets, chinos in a variety of colors, polos and woven shirts, Casper says.

“Spring is synonymous with seersucker suits,” she says. “It’s a great Easter option for

Skirts and dresses continue to be the Easter staple for girls, Casper says.

“The Lands’ End collection features girly, fun and twirl-ready pieces that are not too over the top, so they can be worn again for other occasions,” she says.

March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

47

WOMEN Seasonal accessories such as tights, scarves, headbands and glittery ballet flats are a great way to infuse personality, sparkle and shine into an outfit, Casper says.

Women

“This spring, it’s all about fresh blooms in vibrant colors — essentially a modern garden party,” she says.

Another spring trend is mixing prints and patterns. Try mixing two to three prints and patterns in one outfit, whether it’s your scarf, your top, your cardigan or your pants, she suggests.

“At Lands’ End, we love pairing our florals with classic stripes, such • Fresh as a floral crop pant topped with a Blooms classic, two-color stripe boat neck tee,” she says.

• Vibrant New this spring is cropped Colors floral chinos, bejeweled cardigans and “optimistic color” in everything including the cotton Drifter cable crewneck sweater, the iconic cotton/modal wrap dress and the pretty chic polos, she says.

MEN

Men

“For Easter, men can’t go wrong with a traditional, lightblue shirt,” Casper says.

She recommends the Lands’ End no iron pinpoint Supima dress shirt. It comes in three different collar choices, including button down, straight and spread.

Men who would like to add a little more color to their Easter outfit can go with a seasonal pink or • Floral green dress shirt.

Chinos “Pairing any of these dress shirts with a great • Cardigans Silk Repp necktie or a seasonable fabric like a linen Oxford necktie will give any man a fashionable • Crewneck Easter look,” Casper says. kc

Sweaters

• Traditional Shirts • Seasonal Pink • Green

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March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

49

women of distinction

of WOMEN distinction

Inaugural Winner:

Nancy Prentiss

In October, seven local women were named Kane County Magazine’s inaugural Women of Distinction for being representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities. Each month through May, we will feature one Woman of Distinction and share her story.

Nancy Prentiss

City of residence: Batavia Organization/company/corporation: St. Charles North High School Title: Teacher and drill team coach

H

igh school students often find a favorite coach or teacher who has made such an impact on their lives that they stay in touch with their mentor years after graduation.

For many female students at St. Charles North High School, that favorite coach/teacher is Nancy Prentiss, varsity drill team coach and health teacher.

Prentiss, who began coaching at St. Charles North 14 years ago, helped her drill team bring home 11 straight state titles in different genres of dance, an accomplishment she credits to her girls.

“The city of St. Charles has always had a very strong dance community,” she says. “When our schools divided [into St. Charles North and St. Charles East] … I was fortunate to step into a brand new school [where] the girls were willing to put in the time and effort to make their school the best it could be.”

Prentiss, who has a gymnastics and cheerleading background, not a dance background, got involved because her daughter was entering high school and the school was looking for help, she says.

Since then, St. Charles North has emerged as a powerhouse in lyrical, open pom and open dance.

“The girls have excelled in different types of dance, which just shows their diversity through the different genres,” Prentiss says. “The best part, to me, [is that] the girls have choreographed their own dances. A lot of schools in this day and age [hire someone to choreograph their dances]. My girls have made up every single dance, every single year. To me, that sets them apart from so many other schools because they can not only dance it, they can choreograph, too.”

Still, despite her teams’ successes, it has been Prentiss’s dedication to community service and her philanthropic attitude that has really made a difference in the eyes of her students, team members and their parents.

“She has just a wonderful way with the girls to 50 Kane County Magazine • December 56 March 20132012

help them see the world outside of high school and winning and things like that,” says Julie Small of St. Charles, whose daughter Christina, now a senior studying psychology at Illinois State University, had Prentiss as both a teacher and drill team coach at St. Charles North. “She was just very inspirational to these girls. [She taught them] there were things they could do, big or little, that could make a difference in someone else’s life. And I really admire her for that.”

In particular, Prentiss has helped continue the Kick-a-thon that was started by the original St. Charles High School drill team. The event, which will celebrate 20 years next year, now brings together both St. Charles high schools as they gather community members, parents and students to form a kick line and perform 100 kicks. It has raised nearly $700,000 in 19 years for the American Cancer Society and Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, Prentiss says.

She also has encouraged her drill teams to spend time volunteering at Living Well. The girls have helped with Christmas parties and set up and cleaned up for Culinary Comforts, which prepares meals for cancer patients.

Plus, she has led her teams to host holiday parties at a lower income school in Aurora, and when she learned many of those students didn’t have winter coats, she organized a coat drive for the elementary school.

“I think that competing is great — it builds so much character and develops so [many] leadership qualities — but the bigger picture is, what is outside in the real world?” Prentiss says. “I think it sets a great example for our community that these girls are willing to think about something other than themselves. They want to help our community; they want to make a difference in our community. They get the big picture, that it’s about helping others, and it’s about doing the right thing. It’s great to win trophies and first place honors, but they get so much out of [helping others]. It makes me proud that these girls are helping the community.”

For her exemplary service and mentorship to others, Prentiss was chosen as the recipient of one of seven inaugural Kane County Magazine Women of Distinction Awards. She was awarded with her fellow winners at a luncheon Oct. 15 at Aquaviva Winery in Maple Park, where nearly 100 people supported their fellow community leaders.

In an ironic twist, Prentiss was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, which really put things into perspective for her and her team, Prentiss says.

But she’s had support from the very people she’s mentored over the years. Christina Small, 21, is the University of Illinois’ president of Colleges Against Cancer, a national organization affiliated with the American Cancer Society. She comes back home to walk a few laps with Prentiss at the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser, which Small says has been an honor.

“I tell her all the time, I’m so grateful for all those values she instilled in us from day one,” Christina Small says. “Other than my parents, she is one of the most influential adults in my life ... and I can speak for a lot of the other drill team members that we all feel the same way.”

Prentiss says she loves keeping in touch with her former team members and hearing about their achievements, but she remains humble about her own successes.

“It’s honestly not about me,” she continues. “I’m blessed to have a community and school and team members that embrace the same philosophy - it’s good to work hard and give to others because the rewards come in other ways.” kc

— By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

KaneCountyMagazine.com

social life

Charlemagne Awards Dinner

2012 Batavia Citizens of the Year

e Director Roger of Commerce Executiv ia Citizens 5 Batavia Chamber tav Ba presented the 2012 Breisch (left) recently a. The award is nn Ke Mc ve tta and Ste of the Year award to Bri mmunity. Photo co contributions to the given for extraordinary provided

5Marce Van Glabek recen Charles Chamber of Co tly received the St. mm Award, a lifetime achie erce Charlemagne vement award that honors individuals with a distinguished histor y of service to the comm unity.

Photos by Jeff Krag e

dinner took place lemagne Awards 5 The 91st Char sant Run Resort. ea Ph Ballroom of in the St. Charles

Dancing With The Geneva Stars

waltz during unders performed the 5 Steve and Lynn Sa with the Geneva Stars. All proceeds the fifth annual Dancingd the Geneva Culturual Arts from the event benefite neva Acadamic Foundation. Lynn is Commission and the Ge st American Bank in Geneva. Steve Fir the branch manager of unders Real Estate Solutions Inc. Sa of er wn t/O en sid Pre is e Photos by Jeff Krag

5 Kevin and Mary Ke yzer Dancing with the Gene performed the cha-cha during va Stars, which took pla ce Brook Country Club in Geneva. Mary is a Gene at Eagle va High School teacher; Kevin is the pro cess quality manager at Engineered Ceramics.

2013 Winter Show at Water Street Studios

Jane Pabon Boutique Fashion Show

5 CASA Kane County Executive Director Glo ria Bunce of Aurora models evenin g wear during the firs t Jane Pabon Fashion Show, which recently took place at EvenFlow Music in Geneva.

performed the gan and Sam Hill 5 Dorothy Flana y of Geneva. presented the cit rumba. The two re ard Alderwoman, and Sam W Dorothy is a Fourth an. rm de Al d ar W st is a Fir

fashions from Jane 5 The show featured ceeds benefited pro d Pabon’s Boutique, an Krage f Jef by os ot CASA. Ph

ios in Water Street Stud ater W ft), a co-founder of 5 Kari Kraus (le tero, art director and co-founder of ich ar wh Cu , i Jo ow d Sh an , er Batavia 13 Wint t the art at the 20 eated Street, stand amids head piece worn by Kraus was cr The ’ bol took place Friday. er Street’s en-sem d was part of Wat kc ey es Gr y th

by Jaime Foster an r. Photo by Ka be em pt Se in ow fashion sh

out & about

February Events In Kane County ARTS

Through March 17 — “The Art of Murder,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles From the writer of the hit “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” comes the award-winning whodunit about a frustrated artist, his wife, their insane art dealer and the odd housekeeper. When successful artist, Jack, learns that he has been wronged by his flamboyant art dealer, Vincent, he plots a devious plan to kill him. Nothing is quite as it seems in this comedic game of clue full of twists, turns and deception! Rated PG-13. Tickets are $32 to $42. For tickets or more information, call 630-5846342 or visit www.foxvalleyrep.org.

Through March 17 — “Becky’s New Car,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., in St. Charles Check out this thoroughly original comedy with serious overtones as Becky Foster, caught in middleage, takes the road less traveled. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students. For tickets and more information, visit www.steelbeamtheatre. com.

March 1 through 16 — “Hollywood Arms,” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the

Albright Theatre, 100 North Island Ave., in Batavia Inspired by the life story of Carol Burnett, “Hollywood Arms” is the moving story of three generations of women living on welfare in a oneroom apartment. The play is rated PG-13 for adult language and suggestive dialogue. For tickets or more information, call 630-406-8838 or visit www. albrighttheatre.com.

March 3 — International Cirque Zuma Zuma, 7 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Cirque Zuma Zuma is unlike anything you have ever seen before! Many describe the show as an Africanstyle Cirque du Soleil. Tickets start at $12 for children and $22 for adults. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 5 — The Doo Wop Project, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles The Doo Wop Project stars Jarrod Spector, the original “Frankie Valli” of the Chicago and Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys” in an homage to doo wop!

Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 8 — Comedian Bob Smiley, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles After winning a college stand-up competition, Bob honed his comedy chops as a funny emcee on tour

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A GREAT OLD FASHIONED FULL SERVICE MEAT MARKET 52 Kane County Magazine • March 2013

with bands like Third Day, Newsboys, Mercy Me, Toby Mac and Audio Adrenaline. His hard work plus Godgiven idiocy coupled to make him the top choice in the country for clean but hilarious comedy. Tickets start at $30. For tickets or more information, call 630962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 9 — Artie Shaw Orchestra Big Band Concert & Dance, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles Performing hits like “Begin the Beguine,” “Stardust” and “Back Bay Shuffle,” the Artie Shaw Orchestra performs for a fun night of music and dancing! Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 13 — Helen Reddy, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles One of the entertainment world’s most beloved, accomplished and recognizable stars, Grammy Award-winning, international mega-star Helen Reddy, responsible for “I Am Woman,” returns to the live performance arena with a special concert. Tickets start at $29. For tickets or more information, call 630962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 14 — Flanagan’s Wake, 8 p.m. at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles Don’t miss this hilarious interactive comedy! This hysterical performance transports the audience to the Emerald Isle to join Flanagan’s closest friends to grieve as only the Irish can. Celebrate with plenty o’ pints, crazy sing-a-longs and witty tales inspired by the audience. Rated PG-13. For tickets or more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org.

March 23 — Salt Creek Ballet presents “Alice in Wonderland,” 3 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, in St. Charles The show will feature an all-local cast and music specifically selected from the classical repertoire to aid in the telling of this timeless story. For tickets or more information, call 630-584-7200 ext.10 or visit www.norrisculturalarts.com.

March 23 — War, with Tower of Power, 8 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles War has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. Lonnie Jordan, original lead singer, keyboardist extraordinaire and musical director has always been the voice of War. His powerful voice presides over War’s political, historical and downright fun songbook. For more than 44 years, Tower of Power has been creating its own special “urban soul.” Tickets start at $59. For tickets or more information, call 630962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

March 23 — Heartache Tonight: Eagles Tribute Band, 8 p.m. at the Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., in St. Charles From the powerful guitar duet in “Hotel California” to the harmonies of “Peaceful Easy Feelings,” classic rock fans are in for a real treat. Relive all the Eagles’ hits including “Take it Easy,” “Hotel California” and more! For tickets or more information, visit www. foxvalleyrep.org.

KaneCountyMagazine.com

Thai Village

EVENTS

March 1 and 2 — Spring and Summer Clothing and Toy Resale, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Sugar Grove Community House, 141 S. Main St., in Sugar Grove Clothing will be available for infants and youths as well as games, puzzles, books and equipment. Only cash and checks will be accepted for payment. Participants are asked to bring a laundry basket to hold purchases while they shop.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ johnshieldsandmcdoleresale.

March 2 — Sunset Snowshoe Hike, 4 p.m. at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, in St. Charles Venture out across windswept fields to visit an out-of-the-way corner of the farm. Discover native plants and animals that call fence rows and wetlands their winter home. Enjoy hot chocolate and the sunset overlooking Otter Creek before returning to the warmth of the summer kitchen. Cost is $5 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents. For more information, visit www.primrosefarmpark.com.

March 2 and 3 — Kane County Flea Market, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, in St. Charles Up to 1,000 dealers will display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. A country breakfast will be served on Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, call 630-377-2252 or visit www. kanecountyfleamarket.com.

March 10 — Taking Tea with Jane Austen, 2 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., in Batavia Join Eileen Shafer, author of “Royal Teas with Grace and Style,” for a lovely afternoon as she guides participants through a favorite ritual of Jane Austen’s era. Learn how Jane would have prepared tea for herself and her friends and discover how Jane’s elegant style and writings correlate to teatime etiquette today. Eileen also will treat guests to a special tea tasting, using Harney and Son’s blends, while demonstrating how to prepare the perfect cup of tea. Registration is limited. To register or for more information, call 630-879-1393 or visit www.batavia. lib.il.us.

March 11 and 18 — Movie Mondays, 7 p.m. both nights at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., in Aurora The Paramount will feature showings of “American Graffiti” on March 11 and “The Sound of Music” on March 18. Tickets are just a $1. For more information, visit www.paramountaurora.com.

March 16 — St. Patrick’s Parade, 2 p.m. at Main Street and Route 64, in downtown St. Charles Get into the Irish spirit in downtown St. Charles.

The parade will feature Irish dancers, authentic Irish music, floats and more. For more information, visit www.downtownstcharles.org. kc KaneCountyMagazine.com

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March 2013 • Kane County Magazine

53

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artist showcase

ED RICHTSTEIG, Batavia

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• “Knuckleheads” and “Geneva Shops”

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“Knuckleheads” is a High Dynamic Range image of Knucklehead’s Tavern in Elburn. The image is of motorcycles parked outside the tavern during the DuKane A.B.A.T.E. annual food and toy motorcycle run for charity. “Geneva Shops” is a three shot High Dynamic Range image of Geneva shops at night. The image faces west on the south side of Route 38, just west of the Fox River. kc To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, and a two- to three-sentence description of the piece to KaneCountyMagazine@shawmedia.com, subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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