Kendall County WINTER 2020
MAGAZINE
HOLIDAY EDITION THE BEACH IS CALLING
Answer the invitation at Paradise Cove 220 PAGE 12
GIRL POWER
Q&A with the owner of A Lady and Her Tools PAGE 14
Holiday c i g a M SECTION STARTS ON PAGE 4
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Kendall County
Editor's Note
MAGAZINE
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
The holidays, at last! The winter holidays have always been my favorite time of year. The cranberry sauce and stuffing, family time, lights, the cookies (SO many cookies), Christmas morning, the songs and family traditions… I love it all. My family always gets a live Christmas tree, which we pick out at a local farm and decorate together, complete with homemade ornaments that bring back funny, sweet memories. What’s your favorite part of this season? The coronavirus has messed with a year’s worth of traditions, and Thanksgiving and Christmas will likely follow suit. I’m trying to find comfort in the fact that the same excitement and hope that usually come with the holidays can still be present, even if all the usual customs aren’t. Whether your
this is my first holiday season in the area, I’m going to use this story as a road map for my shopping, and you can, too! We also have a feature on Paradise Cove 220, a Yorkville restaurant that feels more like an island getaway (P. 12). Lastly, if you want to remember how exciting it is to anticipate a visit from Santa, I’d recommend reading our story on London and Millie Schroeder, whose holiday spirit is contagious (P. 8). So, grab a seat by the fireplace and cozy up with Kendall County Magazine. I’d suggest a cup of tea or hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course, and maybe even a candy cane stirrer). Thanks for reading, and best holiday wishes to you and your family!
celebrations center around Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, I hope you find that joy. For our holidays issue, we’ve got the scoop on local shops, which — this year especially — could really use your business for last-minute gifts (P. 4). Since
Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor
Published by Shaw Media 109 W. Veterans Parkway Yorkville, IL 60560 Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com
PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Wells 630-849-4347 rwells@shawmedia.com EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING Kristin Hawkins 630-385-4404 khawkins@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com
on the
COVER
Happy holidays! Millie (left) and London Schroeder’s Christmas list includes new American Girl Dolls. Photo by Wendy Greenslade, Locked In Photography.
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CORRESPONDENTS Allison Bills, Jonathan Bilyk, Kevin Druley, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Erin Sauder and Chris Walker.
est. 1851
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The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to look to local businesses and Shop Small this Holiday Season! December 4th Christmas Walk, December 5th Cookie Walk, December 6th Craft Show...
INSIDE HOLIDAYS
4 HOLLY JOLLY SHOPPING ’Tis the season to shop local at these 8 Kendall County stores 8 MERRY & BRIGHT The Schroeder family contemplates a Christmas unlike any other 10 SEASON’S SCHEDULE From drive-thru lights to a cookie walk, these events are sure to brighten the season
DINING & ENTERTAINING:
12 THE BEACH IS CALLING You don’t have to book a flight to relax at islandthemed Paradise Cove 220
Watch our calendar for more holiday events to come !
SM-CL1826963
73 W. Van Buren Street Oswego, Illinois 60543 (630) 554-3505 www.oswegochamber.org
HOME & LIFESTYLE
14 GIRL POWER — LITERALLY A Q&A with Alex Almodovar, owner of A Lady and Her Tools
HEALTH & WELLNESS
17 NO GYM, NO PROBLEM Mix up your at-home workouts — for endorphins, results and fun 20 GIVE IT A SHOT Getting the flu vaccine will lower stress on the health care system
BUSINESS & CIVIC
22 BEWARE THE BAD BENEFICIARY Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on reviewing your 401(k)
Please note that all photos in this issue were taken before COVID-19 or in accordance with proper safety guidelines.
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Shopping
Photos provided by The Marmalade Tree
HOLLY JOLLY
’Tis the season to shop local at these 8 Kendall County stores By Jonathan Bilyk | Photos provided
F
or a quarter century, Oswego’s holiday season hasn’t been complete without a tree — in this case, the shop known as The Marmalade Tree.
And for the past few seasons, Barb Tews has been in charge of doling out The Marmalade Tree’s bit of festive magic each holiday season. “It’s just such a special, wonderful place, and I’ve always loved shopping here,” says Tews. Three years ago, when Tews heard the shop 4 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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HOLIDAYS
might close, she decided the season had arrived for her to transition from a long career as a teacher to become the owner of one of Kendall County’s longtime local retail destinations. The store features clothing, purses, jewelry and other accessories, along with home decor items, both for the holidays and all other seasons. “Small, local stores offer better customer service and are generally owned by local families, which | WINTER 2020 |
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All across Kendall County, a wide assortment of local shops will dish out heaping helpings of cheer and gift ideas for every Santa making a list and checking it twice. Located in the heart of downtown Oswego at 79 Main St., The Marmalade Tree welcomes guests year-round but takes on a more regal sheen each autumn, when the store transforms into a holiday wonderland for that most festive of seasons. This year is no different, says Tews, nodding to the store’s Yuletide decor and garb. “The holiday season is when we pay the bills,” says Tews. “We’re praying for another good Christmas season, and inviting everyone to come down and check us out this year.”
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Shops in Oswego, Yorkville, Plano and elsewhere will again beckon those seeking the perfect gifts for everyone on their list. And even for those truly difficult people on a holiday shopping list, Hibben says local business organizations, like the Oswego Downtown Association, offer gift certificates that are accepted by many local stores. In Oswego, those certificates can be purchased at the Oswego Chamber of Commerce office. Here is a sampling of just a few of the magical holiday shopping options offered in the region:
OSWEGO
Hudson Design House, 76 Main St. Just down the street from The Marmalade Tree in downtown Oswego, the Hudson Design House offers shoppers what it calls a “curated lifestyle boutique,” featuring
HOLIDAYS
Photo provided by Velvet Grace
means you can find many unique gifts, and the money isn’t going to a big corporate entity,” says Angie Hibben, president and CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.
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“timeless furniture, home decor, women’s clothing and accessories, gifts, unique vintage finds, and specialty goods from local artisans.” The store participated in Oswego’s Holiday Open House Weekend on Nov. 5-8, filled with an assortment of new holiday merchandise. Velvet Grace, 4025 U.S. Route 34 This boutique shopping destination offers “eye-catching, frequently changing displays and products,” including pillows, throws, wall art, frames, vases, furniture, candles, women’s clothing, jewelry and more — like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which can be used to put a unique, new finish on existing furniture, cabinets and more. Fox Valley Winery, 5600 U.S. Route 34 One of Illinois’ premier boutique wineries, Fox Valley Winery offers gift-seekers the opportunity to knock the Christmas socks off party hosts, friends and goofy relations alike with the perfect bottle of wine, complete with a personalized label or as part of a custom gift basket. And while there, gift-seekers can partake in a bit of merrymaking as well, sampling the vintage for themselves in the Fox Valley Winery’s tasting room.
YORKVILLE
Flight Tasting Room & Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Parkway Got anyone on the shopping list who might enjoy craft beer? How
HOLIDAYS
about an assortment of liquors, wine and mead, culled from distributors and makers in the region and around the world? Then a stop at Flight should be on the to-do list this holiday season. Duy’s Shoes, 135 E. Veterans Parkway Since 1954, Duy’s Shoes has offered visitors a collection of boots, shoes and sandals for just about any profession or athletic activity, complete with “old-fashioned personal service.” Vintage 71 Shops, 10711 Route 71 If vintage is on the holiday list – not involving actual wine — then a stop at Vintage 71 should also be on the agenda before the jolly man in the red suit takes flight. Vintage 71 offers a collection of “vintage retro” items, including “salvaged and repurposed items” for the home and garden, on consignment from many local artisans. The shops’ assortment of eclectic treasures also includes clothing, jewelry and other accessories.
PLANO
Cooper Home Furnishings, 112 W. Main St. Since 1886, this family-owned local gem has offered custom furniture, yes, but also a large assortment of other home furnishings and accessories that could make the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list, no matter where they call home.
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Merrr y &
h g i r B Santa may need to reroute this year as the Schroeder family contemplates an unusual Christmas By Hannah Hoffmeister Photos by Wendy Greenslade, Locked In Photography
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&
ht L
ike most families, the Schroeder family is considering how the holidays may change this year. The goal, Brigette Schroeder says, is to keep some parts — food, traditions, etc. — the same for the Yorkville family of four.
“Everything is different, so we’re just trying to make the holidays as normal as we can,” she says. She and her husband, Mike, have two daughters, London, 8, and Millie, 7. Their adoption was finalized this February after almost six years as the couple’s foster daughters. “They look a lot alike,” Schroeder says of her girls. “Every time we’re out, we get told they’re beautiful, (and) we get asked if they’re twins.” London, in second grade, likes gymnastics
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and cheer; she “excels in school…and is kind of wise for her years,” Schroeder says. Millie, in first grade, is carefree and a “girly girl” who loves animals and dance, she says. “They’ve very different in the aspect of London is more motherly and more reserved, and Millie is definitely more outgoing, a social butterfly, always smiling,” she says, adding the girls are “very connected, very bonded.” Holiday traditions in the Schroeder household include a lunch and shopping at the American Girl Store downtown, the Breakfast with Santa event at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club and several trips to see Christmas lights — Phillips Park in Aurora, Larsen’s Christmas Lights in Elburn and Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, among the favorites. “We pack our candy canes and our
HOLIDAYS
hot cocoa, and they get in their pajamas,” says Schroeder. Both girls want new American Girl Dolls for Christmas. Millie, who likes braiding and styling hair, wants hair styling accessories for her dolls. London, who likes to bake cookies, is hoping for an Easy-Bake Oven. Brigette, Mike, London and Millie go to Brigette’s parents’ house every year to celebrate the holidays, joined by Brigette’s sister, Jennifer, and her family. The family is still figuring out whether they’ll be able to do the same this year — which means Rudolph may have to reroute from his usual trip to the girls’ grandparents’ house. “That’s where Santa always goes,” Schroeder says. “This may be the first year Santa figures out how to get to our house.”
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SEASON’S
SCHEDULE From drive-thru lights to a cookie walk, these events are sure to brighten the season By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Aurora Area CVB / EnjoyAurora.com
I Phillips Park Festival of Lights James Cardis, Aurora Area CVB 10 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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t’s comforting to know many beloved holiday traditions will continue this year, even if they look slightly different. If you could use a dose of good tidings and cheer, here’s a listing of nearby holiday events. Be sure to check online closer to the event dates for the latest information related to COVID-19 guidelines.
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WHEN & WHERE: Nov. 20-21 in downtown Yorkville LEARN MORE: www.yorkville.il.us/259/Parks-Recreation This annual festive event serves as the official kickoff to the holiday season in Yorkville. This jam-packed weekend includes drive-by Santa visits on both days, a socially distanced tree lighting ceremony Friday and a fireworks show Saturday. The website has location details for all the events.
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This is the third year the Farnsworth House will decorate for the holidays, complete with a house viewing (decorated like the ’50s) and hot chocolate. Reserve your tour online for either 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. While you’re there, check out the updated gift shop and timeline of Dr. Farnsworth’s life. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WHEN & WHERE: Nov. 27-Dec. 27 at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora LEARN MORE: www.aurorafestivaloflights.com Enjoy one of northern Illinois’ largest free outdoor holiday lights display from the comfort of your vehicle. The event features more than a mile of lighted displays. Enjoy returning favorites including Old Man Winter,
Santa’s toy factory and holiday trains; you can also check out the new dancing arcs and expanded ice rink display. The light show runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. CHRISTMAS WALK WHEN & WHERE: Dec. 4 in downtown Oswego LEARN MORE: www.oswegochristmaswalk.com Take a one-way stroll down Main Street in downtown Oswego during this reimagined, socially distanced holiday event. Returning favorite attractions include reindeer, ice carving and main stage performances, all spread out to keep attendees at a safe distance. You’ll also still be able to grab a bite to eat from food vendors, who will serve up tasty treats that can be enjoyed while walking around. Other events being planned that weekend include a cookie walk on Dec. 5 and a craft show Dec. 6. Check the website closer to the weekend for more information. Don’t forget to bring your mask to safely enjoy this Oswego holiday tradition!
Shaw Media
MOD & MERRY WHEN & WHERE: Nov. 20-Dec. 20 weekends at the Farnsworth House, 14520 River Road, Plano LEARN MORE: www.farnsworthhouse.org/ mod-merry
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HOLIDAYS
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THE
Beach
IS CALLING
You don’t have to book a flight to relax at island-themed Paradise Cove 220 By Kevin Druley Photos provided by Paradise Cove 220
E
ven in the most temperate of times, the Fox River scarcely resembles a tropical riviera.
Open your mind’s eye, ears and taste buds, however, and Irma Castellanos thinks she might convince you otherwise. Paradise Cove 220, which opened in downtown Yorkville in fall 2019, strives to transport visitors to an island getaway with its bevy of beach drinks and tropical food, plus a heaping helping of laid-back vibes.
Blackened mahi tacos with fresh mango salsa. 12 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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“We love to stand out with our customer service,” says Castellanos, who with fellow Yorkville resident Donna Wood co-owns the establishment at 220 S. Bridge St. “I always say, when you can’t go on
DINING & ENTERTAINING
vacation, you can always come here and have a staycation. Walk out feeling relaxed.” Considering the onset of winter weather and the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, who couldn’t use an escape these days? For more than 20 years, Castellanos and Wood worked to help visitors forget about life’s problems while running the similarly themed Captain’s Cove Bar and Grill adjacent to the Starved Rock marina. The coconut shrimp was warm, the jerk chicken sauce was warmer, and the beachy concoctions from the bar helped patrons prolong their escape all the while. Eager to look for something closer to home, Castellanos and Wood arranged a
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getaway of their own by taking over at the former spot of Capitano Deli & Sweets.
Midori, Cruzan citrus rum and blue Curaçao, as well as pineapple and orange juice.
“Before the pandemic, we were doing really well, but now with everything that’s been going on, it’s kind of slowing down a little bit,” Castellanos says. “But, I mean, we’re surviving. That’s the most important thing.”
Most of the offerings on the drink menu are available as nonalcoholic “mocktails” as well. “We always say, if you can’t start with a good base, then it’s not going to do any good to add alcohol,” Castellanos says.
Whether their stool sat in Ottawa or Yorkville, visitors most frequently order the “No Shoes No Shirt No Problem,” a blend of Cruzan mango, raspberry and coconut rums along with pineapple, orange and a touch of cranberry juice. The “Shrek” — so named by one of Castellanos’ children in the early 2000s for its resemblance to the titular green ogre in the animated family film — is also popular. The drink features a blend of
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Housed in a Charming 8000 Sq. Ft. 100 Year Old Barn
Multi Dealer Market
Wed & Fri 10-5, Thur 12-7, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-3, Closed Mon & Tues
Photo by Laura Swan Sieckman www.lauraswansieckman.com
Indeed, feeling overwhelmed is never the intent at Paradise Cove 220. That’s exactly the kind of thing folks come to escape. PARADISE COVE 220 220 S. Bridge St., Yorkville 630-882-9964 www.paradisecove220.com
SM-CL1824528
Restaurant brass remain confident that an impressive array of specialty drinks can help keep the operation afloat. Castellanos’ expertise in concocting cocktails kept visitors coming to Captain’s Cove, and she says many frequent visitors to that location have stopped by at Paradise Cove 220.
The food menu hangs its (Panama) hat on variety, but places a special emphasis on seafood. Chef Juan Castellanos, Irma’s son, and the rest of the kitchen staff hand-bread the restaurant’s coconut shrimp. Paradise Cove’s blackened mahi tacos are served with a special mango salsa, while the fried grouper taco comes with cilantro lime slaw. “Something that will complement the product that they’re eating and not overpower the fish that they are actually ordering,” she says.
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
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Q&A
GIRL POWER — LITERALLY
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
A Q&A with Alex Almodovar at A Lady and Her Tools about her downtown Oswego workshop By Allison Bills | Photos provided
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New, low rates right around the corner.
K
endall County Magazine sat down with Alex Almodovar, who purchased Oswego’s A Lady and Her Tools in August 2018. This interview was edited slightly for length.
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE: How did you first get involved with A Lady and Her Tools? ALEX ALMODOVAR: About four months after my partner and I purchased our first home together, I realized I didn’t want to work in corporate anymore and I wanted to stay home with the kids. He told me I had to figure something out to do at home, so I started watching kids, crafting, and making signs and other custom things for people.
My significant other came home one day and said that our house looked like a craft store, so I had to do
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consignment or I had to be done. I am a firm believer in speaking things into existence, so I kept saying I wasn’t going to close down and I was going to find a shop. That same week, the owners of A Lady and Her Tools posted that they were going to be selling their shop. I went home and told my significant other that we were going to buy it. KENDALL: What are your roles at A Lady and Her Tools? AA: I’m the front office and face of A Lady and Her Tools. I teach classes and make signs and everything else for our customers. My dad was in construction so I’ve always wanted to do something like this. I remember putting on a toolbelt and going to work with him when I was young. I like being hands-on and making things at an affordable price.
My significant other, Jerry (Bowker),
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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is the brains of everything, I swear. He purchases and cuts the wood and helps me teach the classes. We have customers send us custom ideas and he comes up with the dimensions. He’s so creative — all I have to do is show him a picture. KENDALL: What exactly do you offer? AA: We have a storefront and an 1,800-square-foot workshop. I have roughly 22 consignments in the shop that includes signs, homemade coffee mugs, pottery, crocheted stuffed animals, jewelry, bath soaps, candles and more. It’s the perfect gift shop!
The workshop portion is for our classes and where I work on my projects. Customers can pick their own projects or attend a class making a certain piece. We even have cookie decorating classes.
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"Home for the Holidays"
Michelle Mueller-Cundiff
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Phone: 630-450-0888
mmuellercundiff@coldwellhomes.com
Amber Mueller
Due to COVID, we offer take-home kits. You can basically purchase a take-home kit online and pick a paint and stain from our selection. We provide screws, rags, wood, stains, paintbrushes and instructions. We even have a drill rental if you don’t have one. KENDALL: I know it says “lady” in the business name, but are your classes open to men, too?
Phone: 630-222-7859
AA: My soap consignment person is a male and I also have a person who makes different things out of wine barrels that is a male. Plus, my partner in crime, Jerry, is here. I know it says “lady” in the title, but really, everyone can come do it. I think the title just helps to empower women a great deal. KENDALL: The concept for your classes almost reminds me of paint and sip classes. AA: It’s a lot more rewarding. You’re building a piece of furniture from wood. We’re going to help you as much or as little as you want to make sure that the piece is exactly what you want. It’s going to last for so long, you’ll be able to pass it down to your family.
We’ve done birthday parties, bachelorettes, family events, dates nights and more. It’s great for date nights because it’s something they’re building for themselves; our business brings people together. There can also be another couple there and you’ll be friends by the time you’re leaving.
A LADY AND HER TOOLS 72 S. Main St., Oswego 331-717-2137 www.aladyandhertools.com
amueller@coldwellhomes.com HOME & LIFESTYLE
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? m y g o N
NO PROBLEM Mix up your at-home workouts — for endorphins, results and fun By Erin Sauder | WINTER 2020 |
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
or many, the past several months has meant less time in the gym and more time hunkered in at home. And with colder weather and shorter days on the horizon, the desire to leave the house is likely to wane even more. Luckily, there are ways to give your endorphins a boost in the comfort of your own living room.
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 17
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Marlana Pardo, studio manager for iLoveKickboxing, 1756 Douglas Road in Oswego, suggests body weight workouts. The strengthtraining exercise uses the individual’s own weight to provide resistance against gravity. “There are so many things you can do at home…squats, sit-ups, jumping jacks,” Pardo says. “A lot of people don’t have exercise equipment, but you can grab cans of soup or a gallon of water to use as weights.”
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Happy Holidays
Prefer an instructor-led workout while quarantining? The studio also offers subscriptions for online classes. “We’re teaching a regular class and subscribers can just follow along as if they’re in class,” Pardo says. “Our warmup is all body weight exercises to get the heart rate up. The classes are 45 minutes and it’s a really good workout.” She recommends getting the body moving at least three days a week to improve health benefits. “Exercising sets you up for feeling better later in life,” says Pardo. “As you get older, things start hurting more and your
range of motion decreases. Exercise is great for body mobility.” Additionally, aerobic and musclestrengthening physical activity can do wonders for improving mental health. “When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that keep you in a better mood,” Pardo says. “A lot of people are feeling stressed and anxious during this time, and exercise is great for stress relief.” And physical activity can be done in small increments. “It doesn’t need to be hours a day,” Pardo says. “You just want to get your body moving.” Kristen Desler, recreation supervisor at the Oswegoland Park District, agrees. “It is so important that our community stay active and safe during this time,” she says. To that end, the park district has been offering virtual fitness classes, which are open to both residents and nonresidents. “Aside from the benefit of being able to practice safely in the comfort of your own home, our virtual classes are
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also unique because they are taught by some of our most experienced instructors and designed to progress over the session,” Desler says. In addition to virtual offerings, the district’s in-person classes are being held on a much smaller scale than at a gym. “We offer everything from aerobics/strength, barre, yoga, indoor cycling, Zumba, and POUND for residents and nonresidents,” Desler says. “Unlike most gyms, we are asking participants to register in advance so that we can maintain a small group. Most classes are limited to 10 people or less depending on room size and because of advance registration; participants are often comforted that they will be in a room
on-5pm alk-in painting No nday. We’re open for w Su pm -4 and Noon Tuesday-Saturday bles and lots of room We have lots of ta while creating your ce to physical distan ay gifts. If you’d rather lid ho d an ce ie rp maste eate your t the studio to cr si vi e m ho at t in pa r online o kit or pre-orde own pottery-to-g y. Visit our website or liver for parking lot de ok page. Facebo
with the same participants weekly.” For more information on the park district’s classes, visit www. oswegolandparkdistrict.org. “Registering for a fitness class with the park district, whether virtual or in person, provides participants with three important keys to a healthy lifestyle during this difficult time: guidance from an experienced instructor, accountability to both yourself and fellow participants, and a sense of personal accomplishment,” Desler says. “When times are uncertain, it feels empowering to take control of your health through exercise, healthy eating, and tapping in to your community.”
th turday Is Nov. 28 Small Business Sa ! US IN AY! JO SPECIALS ALL D Pottery • Paint Your Own & Special Events • Birthday Parties
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“WHEN TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN, IT FEELS EMPOWERING TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH THROUGH EXERCISE, HEALTHY EATING, AND TAPPING IN TO YOUR COMMUNITY.”
Make It a ade Holiday! Handm
217 E. South St. Plano (corner of Rt. 34 & Hale St.)
630.273.2119
Walk-Ins Welcome& More
Fox Valley Mall 2320 Fox Valley Dr., Aurora
Pottery Paint Your Own
(Park between JCPenney and Macy's)
ArtsOnFirePlano.com facebook.com/ArtsonFirePlano
630.907.7797
celebrates the holiday with a
CHRISTMAS
$ 1 5.50
FEAST
per person for parties of 10 or larger
$ 1 6 .50
per person for parties less than 10
“JINGLE BE LLS” Your Choice of Two Entrees Oven Roasted Turkey • Homemade Lasagna C ur bsid e Pi ck up Honey Mustard Glazed Baked Ham Plus Sage Stuffing with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Green Bean Casserole • 7 Layer Salad • Dinner Rolls & Butter Dessert: Holiday Fudge Platter
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Jingle Bells orders for Christmas Eve need to be placed by Tues., Dec. 22. Open Christmas Eve from 9am-2pm for curbside pickup. We will gladly provide printed heating instructions for all Christmas Menu orders. Servers $30.00 per hour/server - not available Christmas Eve. This menu is available the entire month of December.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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GIVE IT Getting the flu vaccine will lower stress on the health care system — and it’s readily available By Chris Walker
Thank you to all the heroes who have made this year better. Your courage, strength and dedication to serving others has not gone unnoticed!
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etting the flu shot this year won’t protect you from COVID-19, but it will help prevent you and others in the fight against getting sick from the flu. According to Dr. Garrett Katula, a family practice physician in Yorkville, there are three key reasons why you should get the flu shot, which could save your life, the lives of others and help lessen the burden on the country’s health care system. Since influenza and COVID-19 viruses both cause respiratory disease, their wide-ranging symptoms are similar and can cause one to question what they might have. “We have to avoid confusion between what we call influenza, the flu, and COVID because the symptoms can be from many different viruses,” he says. “We’re very concerned about COVID, which can take kids out of school and employees out of work for 10-14 days for these symptoms. And if they just have the flu, the flu vaccine can eliminate one of the major viruses that causes
these symptoms.” At least this way, someone with the flu won’t be sidelined for up to two weeks in quarantine when they don’t need to be. Throughout the pandemic, there have been concerns of overwhelming health care facilities. Katula says by having more individuals get the flu vaccine, health systems will be less burdened.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s preliminary data for 2019-20 estimates last year’s flu season resulted in about 38 million symptomatic illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and roughly 22,000 deaths.
“It’s probably the most important thing because we have to reduce the total number of hospitalizations,” he says. “Everyone getting the flu vaccine reduces the burden on the health systems. We did a fairly good job of lowering the curve in Illinois, and we were not overburdened like in New York and Detroit.”
“A third reason (to get the flu shot) is that people underestimate the flu because they’re so cognizant of the COVID,” Katula says. “It’s not only a problem for the elderly. Babies and children get the flu and if people aren’t getting the flu vaccine, that can overburden the hospitals and becomes a problem, a perfect storm of potential illness to have to deal with.”
The presence of COVID-19 does not eliminate the threat of influenza, a disease that can vary widely and whose impact can place a substantial burden on not only the Kendall County community, but the health of the entire country.
Finding somewhere nearby to get the flu shot is definitely easier than trying to avoid catching it. “The flu vaccine is readily available at all the clinics, all the retail stores,” he says. “There’s no reason at all for not getting the flu vaccine.”
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SM-CL1826415
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3381 N. Rt. 23 Ottawa• 815-431-0545 woodhillcabinetry.com HEALTH & WELLNESS
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 21
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BEWARE THE BAD BENEFICIARY!
W
hen an investor opens a qualified account (new 401(k) account, new IRA,
new life insurance policy, etc.), an
important part of that process is to designate a beneficiary. In most cases, the account owner is required to provide a primary beneficiary and is able to provide a contingent beneficiary as well. Unfortunately, this may be the last time the account owner thinks about the beneficiary (beneficiaries) that have been designated and this can lead to disastrous consequence.
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BENEFICIARY: A person or entity who is the recipient of or will receive some or all proceeds of money or property held by the current owner upon a specified event or condition. Such vehicles as life insurance policies, inheritances, annuities or trusts may require that a beneficiary be named. CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY: Should the primary beneficiary precede the account owner, a contingent beneficiary if so designated would be next in line. “What problem could possibly arise?” you may ask. Consider Bob. Like many people today, as Bob has honed his skills over his career, he has pursued newer and better opportunities resulting in Bob
BUSINESS & CIVIC
changing employers about every five years. As happens often, Bob was so busy changing jobs that in each case he left his 401(k) account back with his former employer. Each of his “orphaned” 401(k) accounts were all but forgotten over time as he figured he’d just “clean this up” later when he approached retirement. Along the way, Bob got divorced and never went back to update his beneficiary despite remarrying. Unfortunately, there was a terrible accident that claims Bob’s life. When presented with the death certificate, the custodians of each of his “orphaned” 401(k) accounts dutifully payout to the designated beneficiary, who is his ex-spouse. What can ensue is a legal battle between the ex-spouse and others like
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a subsequent spouse who thought they should have been entitled to those assets. Not pretty. Another common scenario involves the death of a spouse. For example, Susan’s husband, Todd, dies of cancer, leaving Susan and their two children as survivors. Susan continues to work and several years later marries Henry, and they have a child together. Susan had an IRA Rollover from a job change prior to Todd’s death and never updated her beneficiary. Susan predeceases Henry. Who does her IRA distribute out to? Her surviving spouse, Henry? Todd’s and her two children? Are you sensing how messy this can become? When there is not a clear, surviving beneficiary, the distribution
typically is based on the Custodian’s Order Rules. This is spelled out in the Customer Account Agreement, can vary by custodian, and may not mirror the wishes of the deceased account owner. Seemingly benevolent parties who felt they were rightful beneficiaries can soon find themselves mired in legal proceedings that seldom result in a “winner.” That’s why we say, “Beware the Bad Beneficiary.” We can’t encourage you strongly enough to periodically confirm that your designated primary and contingent beneficiaries are consistent with your wishes. If you are not sure how to go about this task, call your financial advisor for assistance, or you can call our team and we’ll be happy to help!
This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider.
Photo by Indre Cantero
FILE# 3288954.1
Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with M Securities. Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.
Tom and Sharon can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net.
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THE AURORA AREA OF ILLINOIS
Plan your visit with the Aurora Area Go Guide In print and online at enjoyaurora.com KN_Dummy.indd 24
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