KCR_Kendall County Magazine_Fall 2022

Editor's Note Kendall County

KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE

Published by Shaw Media

Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com

For a large portion of my early teenage years, my family and I drove one hour south each weekend to spend a day at my grandpa’s farm. One day, I discovered that the somewhat dilapidated piece of equipment on Grandpa’s front porch was — to my delight — an old-fashioned fruit press.

The idea of homemade apple cider was exhilarating. Several cleaning sessions and a few minor repairs later, it was time to try our hand at making our own apple cider. I don’t remember every step, but being able to correlate turning the wheel to tasting the sweet juice was enchanting. Now, when I search online for an image resembling Grandpa’s press, the ones that look most similar are marked “antique” … hmm! That makes me want to learn more about how old it was.

Reading Kelley White’s roundup of local apple cider desserts is what evoked that memory. Given the

choice between apple cider-flavored cupcakes, macarons, donuts or the classic drink, which would you prefer? The options are endless, especially in Kendall County! Read more on P. 12.

From Oktoberfest festivities to Halloween events, there’s lots to do in the area this fall — reference our calendar on P. 5 for inspiration. If you have ideas for our winter calendar, please don’t hesitate to send me an email.

Wishing you a wonderful fall, and thank you for reading!

Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor

PUBLISHER

Herald News, Morris Herald-News, Kendall County & Suburban Life Steve Vanisko svanisko@shawmedia.com

EDITOR

Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com

ADVERTISING

Kristin Hawkins 630-272-2930 khawkins@shawmedia.com

Shannon Eldridge 630-845-5347 seldridge@shawmedia.com

DESIGNER

Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com

CORRESPONDENTS

Kevin Druley, Erin Sauder, Diane Krieger Spivak, Chris Walker and Kelley White.

on the

COVER

Try an apple cider cupcake or macaron this fall — read more about them on P. 12. Photo by Marlene Zebleckis, provided by Sweet Temptations Dessert Company.

It’s funny how reading a story can quickly bring back memories that haven’t surfaced in years.

OCTOBER

Clip this page out

Hang it on October has for

Compiled by Hannah Hoffmeister

Mark your calendarsin advance!

Yorkville Holiday Celebration is slated for Nov. 18-19 at Riverfront Park!

We’re looking aheadto Oktoberfests andHalloween events — here’swhat’s happening in County

Head to Keller’s Farmstand for one of its Fall Festivity days. Learn more about the farm on P. 12.

This day marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.

Get a head start on holiday gifts for your pet-loving friends with “Pawcasso Paint with Your Pet” at Hudson Crossing Park! The event starts at 6 p.m.

Dream big at the Paramount Theatre; “Dreamgirls” is showing through Oct. 16, including today at 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Celebrate the end of the week with national dessert day. Candy corn, cookies, apple cider donuts — the options are endless.

You won’t want to miss the second day of Yorktoberfest. Learn more on the following page!

Montgomery’s Senior Program hosts Dime Jingle starting at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, and admission is just $2.

Halloween is less than a week away … do you have your costume planned out?

Head to downtown Yorkville for the Halloween Egg Hunt!

The Edith Farnsworth House in Plano hosts the “Moonlight & Mies Tour” starting at 6 p.m.

Meet at 9 a.m. at Saw Wee Kee Park for Yorkville Prairie Workday, a monthly event aimed at prairie restoration.

Free hayrides, a campfire and more can be found at Sandwich’s Annual Harvest Moon event at Knights Park.

GET IN LINE TO RAISE YOUR STEIN

By Kevin Druley | Photo provided by Two Brothers Brewing

Some assemblage of German beer, bratwurst and oompah music typically highlights an Oktoberfest, and this fall’s offerings in and adjacent to Kendall County are no different.

Still, when the sum of those parts creates a sense of togetherness, that’s when organizers know they’ve brewed a special concoction.

“It’s been wonderful,” says Oswego Brewing Co. events and tap room manager Lacey Bower, reflecting on the brewery’s 2021 event and anticipating the next one. “We’ve had such great community support from Oswego. A lot of people come out.”

Ready to raise a stein under the autumn sun? Here’s a glance at Oktoberfest offerings in and around the KendallCountyMagazine area:

 TWO BROTHERS OKTOBERFEST

When: Sept. 24

Where: 30W315 Calumet Ave. W, Warrenville

More info: www.twobrothersbrewing.com

Highlights: Guests are encouraged to dress in German attire and bring family and friends. You'll find food and drink specials as the brewery releases its Atom Smasher Oktoberfest.

 OSWEGO BREWING CO. OKTOBERFEST

When: Sept. 23-25

Where: 61 S. Main St., Oswego

More info: www.oswegobrewing.com

Highlights: German beer, including the brewery’s own Marzen-style offering, as well as homemade sausages

from Aurora-based Wurst Kitchen will be available. There’s plenty of room to celebrate — the brewery expanded its festival area and has two large tents. Live music will be offered each day of the festival, with wallto-wall acts on Saturday. Sunday is family day.

 KIWANIS YORKTOBERFEST

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1

Where: Riverfront Park, 301 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville

More info: www.kiwanisyorktoberfest.org

Highlights: Stein-holding contests are on tap for both nights of the festival, which will feature German music from acts including Miles Nielsen, The Bratwurst Brothers and Frit and The Pretzel Twists. Hayrides, face painting and other family activities will be offered Oct. 1.

FRONT PORCHFall for your

PORCH BOARDS, MUMS AND MORE WILL DRESS UP YOUR SPACE FOR THE SEASON

By Diane Krieger Spivak

Summer may be over, but these new cool, crisp days usher in autumn with a beautiful blaze of color. Embrace the transition and let your front porch reflect the bright reds, oranges and golden yellows that are the earmarks of the fall season.

There are so many ways to get the look, say local experts. Porch boards are a popular addition, says Penny Monkemeyer of Winding Creek Nursery and Garden Center in Millbrook. “They’re long, skinny decorative boards with sayings on them that make good accent pieces,” she says. “You can get creative by adding a planter with some fall annuals like mums and rudbeckia, flowering kale and cabbage in fall shades. If you don’t want to use real flowers, you can always use silk ones.”

Of course, the old standbys — pumpkins and gourds — always make a nice display. “We have really cute fall boxes that you can put plants in with fall accents,” Monkemeyer suggests. If you don’t want to deal with the mess of a real pumpkin, choose a ceramic one that can be used year after year.

Add cornstalks, straw bales, bushel baskets and broomcorn to complete the look.

“You can always accent with fall-themed garden flags and really cute fall doormats,” Monkemeyer says. Lanterns with battery-operated timers create a

welcoming ambiance, and they’re safer than real candles.

Embrace the farmhouse look with an old wagon, galvanized bucket or watering can, then tuck in fresh bittersweet vines.

Don’t forget to fancify your front door with a fall wreath, advises Richard Fetty, who co-owns Trendy Finds with his wife, Tari. “Make sure you have a wreath hanger over the door, or a heavy-duty Command hook works really well,” says Fetty. If you’re looking for something a bit different, a “drop” is an alternative to a round wreath. It’s decorated the same way but in the shape of a teardrop.

Like Monkemeyer, Fetty also recommends the popular narrow porch signs, propped next to the front door.

“Another thing we do really well with are cut-out gnomes made of wood for fall,” he notes of his Plano shop. “They’re really popular.”

There’s no need to go overboard or spend a bundle to decorate your porch. “Some take a hay bale, two or three mums and a porch sign and they’re done,” Fetty says.

Sunflowers are popular now too. “Some people like to have plants with cornstalks. We also get in millet. They’ll put that in a pot with some mums. That makes a really pretty porch pot. People do wagon wheels and wheelbarrows, too. They like to use rusty pieces. We call it repurposing found items.”

Add ambiance with string lights in fall colors. “Some people use the LED lights with their fall display because they don’t use much energy,” says Fetty. Floor cloths are also trendy and can even be tossed in the washing machine.

Top off your fall porch look with a tried-and-true scarecrow, created easily with an old pair of jeans, a plaid shirt and some burlap. Stuff them with newspapers or even leaves, or take Fetty’s advice and use bubble wrap to avoid any sagging. “It doesn’t hold the moisture,” he explains.

By Chris Walker | Photos provided by Bella Tressa ABOVE

Without further ado, get the hairdo of your dreams at Bella Tressa in Yorkville

Forty years ago, Lynn Dollman began making personal connections with her clients as a hair stylist in Aurora.

Today, she continues to provide exceptional services to some of those same clients and countless others at Bella Tressa Hair & Design Studio in Yorkville, which is celebrating 30 years of business.

“It’s beyond satisfying to have the relationships we have with so many of these clients, but I say that loosely because they’re more like my friends,” she says. “You know everything about their life and they pretty much know everything about yours. Sometimes you’re closer with them than with a lot of family members, seeing them on a regular basis.”

One of Dollman’s clients has had the 9:45 a.m. Friday appointment since Reagan was in office.

“Her husband commented that come hell or high water, her car is going south on Route 47 on Friday morning,” she says. “And he’s right. I can count on one hand how many times she’s missed. It’s amazing.”

Dollman knows such things because every person who walks into Bella Tressa Hair & Design Studio truly becomes family.

“It’s more than just their hair; it’s their whole being,” she says. “It’s their lifestyle and their careers. We try to fit a style to them and their lifestyle. If they’ve just had a baby, we’ll figure something out that doesn’t take hours to do and get them something they love and help them feel good about themselves.”

It’s difficult to not feel good when you’re entrusted to Bella Tressa’s glamour experts, who strive to enhance your natural beauty through professional hair and makeup solutions that send you walking out the door looking fantastic and beaming with confidence.

Much like the clients they serve, the professional hair design and makeup artists at Bella Tressa consider the studio almost a second home and an extended family of clients whose satisfaction and happiness they strive for daily.

“When someone joins the Bella Tressa team, they don’t usually leave it,” Dollman says. "I moved out to Yorkville to be in the community where my family resides and was soon thereafter joined by Kristen, Keri, Paige, Jordan, Zoe and Kenzie to form the Bella Tressa team."

There are some moments in life that you know are going to be unforgettable. These events matter, so you deserve hair and makeup that rises to such occasions. Finding a salon like Bella Tressa can ensure that you will remember how breathtaking you looked and confident you felt on that special day.

Robin Schoolman certainly isn’t someone who will forget how she and her bridal party looked after coming in to Bella Tressa.

“I can honestly say that I loved everything about our morning at Bella Tressa,” she says. “Everyone there was so very nice and laid-back. We loved having the space in the back to hang out and relax, and I truly loved all of the pampering we received.”

Hours later Schoolman was receiving compliment after compliment about how stunning she looked at the wedding.

“Your staff did an absolutely gorgeous job on each one of us,” she says. “I loved my hair and makeup and I received so many compliments. I may need to start wearing false lashes more often. My daughters were both absolutely stunning as well as the rest of the bridesmaids and mother of the groom.”

Whether a major transformation, trendy new haircut,

simple trim, custom makeup and more, Bella Tressa’s talented, caring staff is dedicated to helping you feel confident and beautiful both on the outside and within.

“It’s been an extremely wonderful ride for me,” Dollman says. “Sometimes it’s a lot of work, but it’s very fulfilling with all the friendships I have and the girls and my own children who work for me. I truly am blessed to have 40 years in and still enjoy every day."

 BELLA TRESSA 720 N. Bridge St., Yorkville 630-553-1171 www.bellatressa.com

By Kelley White

Photos provided by Angie’s Sugar Buzz and Keller’s Farmstand

Growing up in the Midwest, homemade apple cider donuts were a staple every fall season. The heavenly aroma of roasting apple, spicy cinnamon and warm sugar filled the house, signaling autumn had truly settled into the air. These days, you can find a piece of the Midwestern specialty — and then some — right in your own backyard. Check out these local sweet spots for an array of treats!

 ANGIE’S SUGAR BUZZ BAKERY

1004 E. Church St., Sandwich 815-786-7774

www.angiessugarbuzzbakery.com

Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery offers a dazzling array of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, muffins and, of course, donuts! “Our apple cider cake donut has a rich taste of fall with apple cider spices added to the mix and rolled in cinnamon and sugar,” says owner Angie Davis. “They are perfect for any occasion.”

Angie’s is a Best of the Fox winner for Best Bakery and Best Coffee Shop two years in a row, so don’t

miss out on experiencing why this buzzy bakery is a local favorite!

 KELLER’S FARMSTAND

2500 Johnson Road, Oswego 630-219-8194

www.kellersfarmstand.com

Led by a family with five generations of experience, Keller’s Farmstand produces flawless, homemade recipes! Keller’s starts whipping up its apple cider donuts in August, in line with the start of the apple

orchard season. They are made at the Oswego farmstand and sold in half-dozen batches. While you’re there, try a caramel apple as well. There will also be different flavors of donuts featured throughout the season.

 SWEET TEMPTATIONS DESSERT COMPANY 728 E. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville 630-553-8633 www.sweettemptationsco.com

Apple cider is the name; unique baked goods is the game! If you would like apple cider as the leading flavor in your sweets but don’t dig donuts, try Sweet Temptations Dessert Company’s delicious apple cider cupcakes and macarons! These gorgeous, popular treats are baked from scratch using local ingredients.

“We reduce the apple cider down to get more of a flavorful apple cider taste and we put that in the cupcake batter as well as the buttercream for the top,” says owner Marlene Zebleckis. “We also have an apple cider Bundt cake and macarons — we usually start selling all of those in September.”

House of Harvest (formerly known as Kind Hands) is a family owned and operated senior care shared home located in the Yorkville community. Our senior care shared home houses up to 5 seniors and our staff is committed to meeting our residents’ individual needs 24 hours a day. Fresh meals are prepared daily. Our services include assistance with activity of daily living including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming and medication reminders. Our customized activity schedule has daily activities that include weekly outdoor activities. 815-596-3006 124 HouseOfHarvest.net

Enjoying an evening out for drinks or a meal with your family doesn’t have to mean leaving one of the most

important members behind. These Kendall County establishments are doggone excited to welcome you and your four-legged friends.

Appetit

Enjoy these pet-friendly outdoor dining spaces

By Erin Sauder

Photos provided by Southbank Original Barbecue and Oswego Brewing Co.

 SOUTHBANK ORIGINAL BARBECUE 129 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville www.Southbankoriginalbarbecue.com

This downtown Yorkville destination is known for its slow-cooked barbecue and view of the Fox River. Even better? Well-behaved, leashed canine companions are welcome on the gravel area surrounding the outdoor patio.

“People love bringing their dogs to SOB,” says Audrey Lewan, whose husband, Marc, is one

of Southbank’s owners. “I think it’s enjoyable because people can sit outside and enjoy the weather and some food and drinks and not feel guilty for leaving their best friend at home.”

 OSWEGO BREWING CO. 61 S. Main St., Oswego www.oswegobrewing.com

Located in the heart of Oswego’s downtown, this locally owned establishment strives to serve the best locally brewed beer. And what’s better than enjoying a cold one with your fourlegged friend?

“We are pet-friendly on our patio,” says Aaron Royster, general operations manager and one of the company’s owners.

Dogs are required to behave well and be on a

leash at all times.

Visitors will find an impressive craft beer menu as well as a rotating series of experimental beers. Although there is not a kitchen on-site, pets and their human counterparts can still enjoy a bite to eat.

“We often have food trucks on the weekends and guests are always allowed to bring in food from home or other restaurants, or even have something delivered to the tap room and patio,” Royster says.

 GINGER AND SOUL

131 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville www.Gingerandsoulrestaurant.com

At this popular brunch destination, you’ll find fare such as biscuits and gravy, French toast casserole, cheesy hash browns, frittatas, cinnamon rolls and mimosas.

Pets are allowed on the patio, and water bowls are provided. But there’s another reason Ginger

Friday, Sept 23rd- Andy Giarratano - Classic To Today's Country Saturday, Sept 24th- Dee Rok Snyder - ‘90s Rock Friday, Sept 30th- The Dog & Pony Show - Music Of All Eras Saturday, Oct 1st- Jeff & Kurt's Acoustic Refreshment Saturday, Oct 8th- Coverlicious - Party Rock Friday, Oct 14th- Don't Matter To Me - ‘80s & ‘90s Saturday, Oct 15th- Faction - Classic & Modern Rock Friday, Oct 21st- Pinion - ‘90s & 2000s Rock Friday, Oct 28th- Wait What Full Band- ‘90s & So Much More Friday, Nov 4th- Will Wilcox - Acoustic Party Saturday, Nov 5th- Kickback- Rock Music Everyone Loves Saturday, Nov 12th- The Buzz Worthys - ‘90s Rock Friday, Nov 18th- Leroy Winn Power Trio - Blues, Funk & Pop Saturday Nov. 26th- We're Not W/ Special Guest Maddie Brown

and Soul is a hit with both humans and their canine counterparts.

“We are located in a park, so it’s a great spot to take your dog for a walk after brunch,” says chef/owner Kate McNamara.

 FLIGHT TASTING ROOM & BOTTLE SHOPPE

508 Center Parkway, Yorkville www.flightbottleshoppe.com

From craft beer to locally made sodas, you will find plenty to quench your thirst at this family-owned establishment.

Four-legged friends are welcome only on the patio, and it’s a perk patrons enjoy.

“I think dogs are truly people's best friends. And of course, you want to take your best friend to a place that makes you happy,” says owner Tony Weeks. Water bowls are provided for pets.

 PIG DOG PUB

1250 S. Broadway Road, Montgomery www.pigdogpubil.com

Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome on the patio, which overlooks the Fox River at this hub for tasty wings, delicious burgers, cold beer and specialty cocktails.

“People love bringing their pets here because we are right on the riverwalk,” says employee Hannah Werner. “They can relax and spend time with their pets here.”

Another paws-itive? Pig Dog Pub provides water bowls for pets and offers a few pet-friendly menu items.

“Most people just order a hamburger/ ground beef by itself or with roasted veggies or sometimes add our cilantro rice to the mix,” Werner says. “We can also do just a plain chicken breast as well.”

We specialize in vehicles under $10,000 - many in the $6,000 - $10,000 range. If you don’t see what you are looking for in our inventory regardless of the year, we will find that special vehicle for you. We truly appreciate the many loyal customers and referrals we have had over the last 17 years. Make your next vehicle purchase from us and we will exceed your expectations.

eptember may not be the first month of your child's school year, but by now, you're hopefully finding a rhythm and settling down into a routine. If this makes you look around and realize the kids or grandkids are getting older, you're not alone.

Inevitably, you will allow yourself to think about what your child will do after high school. Your focus may start on what type of school they may attend and what they may choose to study — which are far more pleasant topics than how this all will be paid for. Out of curiosity you may grab your phone, search for a favorite college and look up what it will cost to attend. This is the point where your knuckles turn white as you tightly squeeze both the phone and the glass in your hand.

As the sampling of some popular regional institutions shows, the current published costs of attendance can be intimidating. The picture becomes more serious when you consider the amount you would need to plan for if you have a child born in 2021 who would attend a school for four years starting in 2039.

CASH FOR COLLEGE

Indiana University, Bloomington (Non-resident)

Northwestern University, Evanston (Resident)

The University of Iowa, Iowa City (Non-resident)

The University of Wisconsin, Madison (Non-resident)

University of Chicago (Resident)

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Resident)

*Published annual tuition, room & board, and required fees.

**Assume 5% annual increase and student attends for four years starting in 2039.

Unfortunately for your wallet, the aid you may receive from the govern ment, colleges and private scholarships often only cover about one-third of all college expenses. The sooner you start saving, the better off you will be in the long run, and even modest savings can grow into significant investments by the time your child is ready to head off to school.

HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED SAVING

P Save money methodically via payroll deduction or via another systematic investment method. (Your financial advisor should be able to help you with this.)

P Consult your financial advisor and collaborate to develop a plan with milestones for achieving your child’s educational goal. As your children get old enough, have them periodically accompany you when meeting with your financial advisor, allowing them to learn and become engaged in the process.

P When they are old enough to get a job, have your children contribute half of their earnings into their college savings fund.

P Save and invest windfalls such as inheritances, income tax refunds or bonuses.

P Increase the amount you save by 5% each year to keep up with the college tuition inflation rate.

P Ask relatives to contribute to the savings account in lieu of gifts.

P Keep your savings and investment plans a priority.

P Make sure to not carry credit card debt and to maintain an emergency fund as this will help keep you from having to “raid” college savings to cover other expenses.

Strategies for investing for college are many and cannot be adequately covered in this single article. Contact us to discuss ways your money can work as hard as you do.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable,butwedonotguaranteethattheforegoingmaterialisaccurateor complete.AnyopinionsarethoseofTomMcCartneyandnotnecessarily thoseofRaymondJames.Expressionsofopinionareasofthisdateandare subjecttochangewithoutnotice.

Photo by Indre Cantero

Surprisingly great rates right around the