KCR_Kendall County Magazine_Spring 2023

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Spring Is Finally Here!

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Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak and Chris Walker

By Diane Krieger Spivak

Gift Mom with Treasures for her home

Stumped as to what to give Mom for Mother’s Day?

Is that yearly plant, bracelet or box of chocolates getting kind of boring and uninspired?

Why not a gift for the home? Not a small appliance (if you know what’s good for you) but rather, something attractive, useful and something she’ll be proud to display.

Try touch tulips from Hudson Design House in Oswego. They’re artificial, but they don’t look like it. “Those always do well for Mother’s Day,” says owner Leslie Hilderbrant. “They look and feel real, and they’re reasonably priced.” In fact, they cost around the same as a bouquet of live flowers. “In a pretty little vase, they’re just adorable, and they last a lot longer than a week,” says Hilderbrant. The shop carries a variety of vases to fit the bill.

Charcuterie boards are also on trend, and Hudson can personalize the boards with engravings. This is one sentimental gift that moms likely don’t already have. “You can even get a board and have Grandma’s recipe in her own handwriting engraved on it.” says Hilderbrant. “Older parents have often acquired too many things over the years, and it’s something a little different for the home.”

Other ideas include trays, candleholders, frames, and, for the vintage-loving mom, antiques are mixed in with the new items for more of a curated home. “Vintage dishes make wonderful trinket and jewelry trays she can’t find at a big box store,” says Hilderbrant. “It’s that little touch that makes a home cozier.”

Cara Cooper Brummel, of Cooper Home Furnishings in Plano, says signs and pre-personalized gifts are trending and welcoming. “Moms traditionally leave their doors open for their kids, “ says Brummel. “Getting a sign that highlights that is a nice gift for any mom.” Find a lantern that says, “You light up my life, or a planter that says, “Thanks for helping me grow.”

Get Mom a new blanket, pillow, or throw without breaking the bank, and give her home a fresh look.

Cooper’s also carries one-of-a-kind antique pieces. “You can’t find them just anywhere, so those are nice,” says Brummel. “If you do come in with an idea, we can help you put the gift together.” Try a vintage or antique trunk, suitcase or box to put your gifts in that Mom can use for storage display later on. Architectural pieces are always great for outdoor decorating.

The Farmer’s Daughter on Main, located in the Spotted Sparrow Boutique in Sandwich, carries an array of artisan-made gifts for the home.

Stenciled tea towels, table runners, and colorful throws for couch or chair, in various colors, abound. “We make all of our candles,” says owner Jane Wolf. The more than two dozen scents include yearround favorites maple butter and pumpkin with intriguing scents like twilight, farmhouse pantry and rain showers.

Photos courtesy of Hudson Design House

The shop also carries a plethora of lanterns in wood, glass and metal as well as battery-powered candles to put in them. A local artisan provides the popular country-style furniture the shop carries. “He makes cute things to put above your couch, shelves, mini cabinets to hang on the wall and even mirrors,” says Wolf.

Vintage items to add an eclectic look include old scales, jugs and crocks. “We don’t want to be a cookie cutter store,” says Wolf.

Photos courtesy of Cooper Home Furnishings

Photos courtesy of The Farmer’s Daughter

Photos courtesy of Hudson Design House

Getting C RAFTY

Local family businesses help art scene thrive

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

From paints to pottery, plants and home décor are just a few of the creations that can be made with a little help from some incredible teachers and staff ready to help all ages create something beautiful. Behind every easel, pottery plate and decorative board is a family business supporting their love of art and to seeing others gain joy and satisfaction with each completed project.

Each of these locations has programming for children and adults and welcomes private events such as parties and group outings. Be sure to check the website and calendars to see what’s happening and if advance registration required.

The Petite Palette, Sandwich petitepalette.studio

After graduating from the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, Michelle Shepard taught in a school with students ranging in age from preschool to seniors in high school. She loved teaching and thought she could provide more to the greater community.

“I thought why not create an art school for everyone,” Shepard said.

She launched The Petite Palette featuring art classes in every medium, from painting to graphic design. There are single classes, weekly and month classes as well as special programming in the summer months. She offers private lessons, where students who range in age from young children through

adults who’ve retired can work one-on-one and learn how to paint, draw and more.

With gentle encouragement, she helps her students see that everyone has artistic ability and with practice and instruction, they can overcome fears and doubts and discover their inner artistic side.

Studio 60 Art Center, Oswego studio60art.com

Gayle Faber loved taking art classes at Waubonsee Community College and College of DuPage as her own creative outlet. When she decided she needed a break from her teaching career, she decided to launch herself into the arts and created Studio 60 Art Center. The center’s calendar offers a variety of classes from pottery to painting, including Sip and Paint classes for adults.

She’s watched as her weekly lessons have evolved into wonderful gatherings where friendships are built around the easels and even after a session has ended, the participants aren’t quite ready to pack up. She’s added to the calendar drop-in sessions where people can work on projects and enjoy the company of others and she added, there’s often some potluck style food to be enjoyed as well.

“My dream here is to create a community. People have lost this and it’s wonderful to see so many people are finding their people here.”

This spring she’s introducing more textile

arts and has an instructor lined up to teach quilting. Her son, Ryan, builds each of the looms that participants use for the class and they can keep when the class ends. Students will likely see her husband, Norm, tackling some work around the center or in the pottery studio.

In the summer months she invites people to her home for outdoor classes next to her pond and said people really enjoy the experience of painting in the outdoors or checking out her barn where the chickens putter around.

Faber also serves as the secretary for the Kendall Arts Guild, which meets monthly at the Yorkville Public Library and is a part of community art projects as well as scholarships for local students.

“It’s really a great way for people to get involved,” she added.

Blooming Succulents Studio, Oswego bloomingsucculents.com

For those who don’t feel confident in their green thumb step right into Blooming Succulents Studio in downtown Oswego and meet owner Markita Young. Succulents are small, hardy plants that will look adorable, even if you neglect to water them for days at a time.

She and her husband, Quinton, opened their shop in a historic building in downtown Oswego in November and have been overjoyed at the community’s warm welcome. Markita, a busy mom of five,

which includes two sets of young twins, used to sneak off to the garage after bedtime for her own creative outlet. Her husband encouraged her to take her love for art and talents and create her own business.

One of the aspects she loves is how playing in the dirt is an incredible sensory activity, especially for children with special needs, something Markita understands well.

“Playing in the dirt is so therapeutic for adults and children,” she said.

Clients can make terrariums, paint ceramic pots for their succulents or try other creative activities offered on the studio’s online calendar. She’s even shared her artistic talents to help people craft centerpieces for weddings and special events, as favors or hosted parties for scouts and adults. She loves how the shop is resonating with men and women, and all ages from young children through those old enough to be great-grandparents.

Board & Brush Creative Studio, Oswego boardandbrush.com/oswego

Art projects should be individualized, that’s part of the philosophy Katie and Mike Ilic use at Board & Brush Oswego.

Katie, a former high school teacher, and Mike, a former senior manager with Accenture, dove into their business hosting group events where individuals create oneof-a-kind signs and projects using stencils, paints and plenty of creativity.

“No artistic ability required,” Katie said. “That’s why kids really love this because every project looks amazing.”

Located inside a vintage home in downtown Oswego, the couple love being a part of the

busy downtown. They’ve been excited by the success of their Oswego location they were able to launch additional locations in St. Charles, Downers Grove and this summer they’ll open a fourth location in Naperville.

“One of the nicest parts of being a familyrun business is we can put a lot of love and care into our business,” Katie said.

Arts On Fire, Plano artsonfireplano.com

Every piece is unique at the Arts on Fire studio which features Paint Your Own Pottery classes as well as other classes using a pottery wheel and hand-building pottery as well. Owner Kelly Browning enjoyed making items and selling in craft shows and online and in 2015 decided to launch her own business helping others discover the fun and beauty of pottery.

Some guests enjoy the fun of selecting a piece and painting while others enjoy getting their hands messy and learning how to turn clay into a piece of art. Browning said the interest in pottery is growing.

Sometimes the studio even gets wild, like when the class includes a visit from a sloth or other animals.

Wine on the Fox

Early May brings the tender green of new leaves, a warm breeze and Wine on the Fox.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

This beloved Oswego event celebrates its 17th year from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 7 at Hudson Crossing Park, 65 N. Harrison St. Located on the outskirts of the park not only affords event-goers plenty of space to spread out but a scenic riverfront view as well.

Hosted by the village, the event will showcase wines from across Illinois. Attendees can sample from more than 100 different kinds of reds, whites and blushes as supplied by August Hill Winery/Illinois Sparkling Co., Fox Valley Vineyards and Winery and Galena Cellars, among others. Newcomers to the line-up include such establishments as Lynfred Winery and The Pour Vineyard.

“The winery staff who come out are very knowledgeable and help guide choices,” said Village of Oswego Communications Manager Bridget Bittman, who added that around 5,000 people are expected to come out over the two days.

Those who favor grain over grape can opt for brews from Oswego Brewing Company, and all in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy live music. Seven acts are slated to perform, including Cadillac Grove, which will play an eclectic mix of southern rock, blues and more, as well as Karla & The Phat Cats, a group that will bring a selection of pop, rock and jazz to the stage.

“The atmosphere is great,” said Carrie Niesman, who has attended many times in the past and is planning to volunteer this

Photos Courtesy of Village of Oswego

Photos Courtesy of Village of Oswego

year as part of the Oswego Junior Women’s Club.

Niesman likes to take her time, sampling various wines before deciding which one will make the cut as a full glass. Tickets, which are available in several different packages, can be redeemed for one-ounce samples or five-ounce glasses. Bottles or cases of wine are available for purchase with cash or credit.

“Last year, we had a big group, and we just spent the day hanging out by the stage, sipping wine and listening to the live music,” Niesman reminisced, adding she was already looking forward to the upcoming festivities.

In addition to groups of friends and couples, families are welcome to join in on the fun. The park’s playground will keep kids active while parents savor life at a more leisurely pace.

Attendees are welcome to bring outside food or try menu items from vendors Dark Horse Catering and Genoa Italian Concessions.

Ticket packages purchased in advance range from $20 to $45, with day-of tickets ranging from $25 to $55. Ticketholders will each receive a commemorative wine glass for use

during the event. While a package purchase is required for those looking to drink wine or beer, the event is free to attend.

Wine on the Fox acts as Oswego’s largest fundraiser, the proceeds of which support

the village’s 4th of July fireworks display in addition to other offerings such as the annual Christmas Walk.

For more information and to purchase a package, visit www.wineonthefox.com.

How can I make more friends? What’s the solution to boredom? How do I prepare for the unknown ahead? How can I stick to a healthier diet? How do I offload my household chores and free up my time? What should my plan be?

How does your garden grow?

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

The motto “go big or go home” might be applicable in sports, but beginner gardeners might find going small more successful.

“You don’t want to start out too big and get overwhelmed. It’s better to start small and grow with your garden,” recommends Penny Monkemeyer of Winding Creek Nursery in Millbrook.

When deciding where to plant your garden, it’s all about location – some place with plenty of sunlight and close to the house so it’s easy and accessible to get to.

“Ideally, you want 2 to 3 feet between plants like peppers and

tomatoes, so they have room to grow,” she explains. “Giving your plants enough space also helps prevent overcrowding.”

Additionally, if plants are too close together, it can prevent the air from circulating around the plants, leading to fungus and infection, she adds.

When you’re ready to start planting, hand trowels and hand cultivators are good to have, especially if you’re doing container gardens. Hoes help plant your garden in straight rows. Monkemeyer also suggests getting a garden hose that won’t get kinked and a water wand to control the flow of water into a gentle spray.

Depending on what you plant, items like a cage can help plants like

With a bit of planning, even beginners can enjoy a lush garden

tomatoes stay upright and grow straight. A pea fence can help plants grow up and keep rot out. Adding a perimeter around a garden like a small fence can help keep rabbits and deer out, she notes. As for what to grow, spring is the perfect time to grow cold crops. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lettuce and radishes.

“You can even plant them again later in summer when temps get cooler again,” Monkemeyer says.

April is also a good time to plant onions and potatoes. When it comes to onions, people can choose between an onion set – a bulb plant that grows into a table onion like green onion – and an onion plant, which looks like an onion and grows to be a big sweet onion.

After the last frost, typically around mid-May, it’s safe to plant peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers.

“You can plant them before that date, but then you need to watch for frost threat,” Monkemeyer says.

For yards that don’t get a lot of sun, Monkemeyer says there are plenty of plants that thrive in the shade including lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

“You also can grow a nice herb garden with partial shade,” Monkemeyer adds.

Once your garden is planted, Monkemeyer recommends getting a rain gauge to help determine if you need to water.

“People might think a light sprinkle produces enough water but it’s probably not,” Monkemeyer says.

It’s best to water in the morning or early evening. When you water, she suggests watering down by the roots, not the whole plant. If you underwater, definitely start watering again.

“If you see the plant wilting and give it a good drink, it will perk back up,” Monkemeyer says.

Likewise, if you overwater, loosen up the soil by hand to help dry it out, she adds.

Growing Together

Farmer’s Markets

By Chris Walker

The Plano Community Garden, Oswegoland Park District and Keller’s Farmstand are among those who continue to generously commit themselves to helping others by growing and delivering fresh produce to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry.

Dedicated to growing high-quality flowers, sweet corn, vegetables and fruit, including pumpkins and apples, the Keller family has been farming for five generations. Keller’s Farmstand helps serve those in need in Kendall County by donating its extra produce during the growing season, especially in the fall.

Neil Schilling, a longtime volunteer at the food pantry, has a truck that he brings to the farm to fill up with the excess produce.

These local farmer’s markets and co-ops are bringing together the community one sprout at a time

“We’ve been doing this for 25 years now,” says Frank Keller, president of Keller’s Farmstand. “We have to grow more than we actually need to make sure we have enough, and at times we have so much sweet corn, cucumbers and zucchini. Neil has helped a lot. He likes to be busy and he keeps an eye on the excess stuff and loads it up.”

Oswegoland Park District produced approximately 10,000 pounds of fresh produce last year to the food pantry by growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in its pantry garden program at Prairie Point Park. It harvests on Thursdays and distributes the produce later the same day.

It started more than 15 years ago when the park district took an unused piece of land and turned it into something vital for the community. The land now impacts thousands of families suffering from hunger and food insecurity while also providing a nutritious source of food that you can’t find in cans. Furthermore, youth sports teams, clubs, organizations, churches and other groups often become gardeners, learning a new passion via the park district’s 50 raised vegetable beds, ten herb beds, four apple trees, raspberry bushes and more.

Cruise Nights will be June 21, July 19 and August 23 6 pm at the Byline Bank parking lot. Come on out and join us! Sponsors are Byline Bank, AutoSmart, Hometowne Insurance Services, & Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.