July/August 2016 by West Suburban Living Magazine

JULY/AUGUST



HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE



TOP ATTORNEYS



FOX VALLEY GETAWAY

2016 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING • BEAUTIFUL PUBLIC

Beautiful

Public

GARDENS

Gardens From formal ﬂoral displays to woodland and prairie gardens, there are plenty of local venues for taking in the wide range of nature’s beauty.

VOL. 21

IT’S ALL HAPPENING

• NUMBER

AT THE ZOO

JULY/AUGUST 2016

$3.95

www.westsuburbanliving.net

Brookfield, Cosley, Phillips Park and the Big Run Wolf Ranch

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708-398-32 2 2 | www.silverleafconstruction.net

Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Emily Cudworth Assistant Editor | Jessica McAdam Interns | Sarah Astra & Clay Curcio Art Director | Rachel Switall Contributing Writers, Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Christopher Cudworth, Erin Chan Ding, Kathy Johns, Denise Linke, Lynn Petrak, Diana Santos, Lisa Sloan, Sara Pearsaul Vice, Michele Weldon, Tom Witom Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern

“2015 Good Neighbor Award” for historic preservation in Western Springs

Renovations • Additions • Kitchens • Baths

Advertising Sales Pam Loebel, Susan Reetz Accounting/Circulation Jennifer Cozette Reader Advisory Board Laurie Barton (Glen Ellyn), Karla Bullett (Lombard) Linda Cassidy (Campton Hills), Mary Ellen Coombs (Wheaton), Joan Hoff (Elmhurst) M Grace Grzanek (Batavia), Liz Hunka (Wheaton) Nancy Jensen (Batavia), Holly Jordan (Wheaton) Mary Ellen Kastenholz (Western Springs) Kate Kirkpatrick (Naperville) Molly Livermore (St. Charles) Pamela Peterson (Burr Ridge) Diana Santos (Woodridge), Darla Scheidt (Darien) Jean Stawarz (Oak Brook) Marilyn Straub Garazin (Winfield) West Suburban Living is a publication of C2 Publishing, Inc. 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162 630.834.4995 / 630.834.4996 (fax) wsl@westsuburbanliving.net subscriptions@westsuburbanliving.net www.westsuburbanliving.net

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of C2 Publishing, Inc. Any views expressed in any advertisement, signed letter, article or photograph are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of West Suburban Living or its parent company.

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West Suburban Living (Vol. 21, No. 7 JULY/AUGUST 2016; ISSN No. 15326705) is published monthly, except for July/August and November/ December issues (10 times a year) by C2 Publishing, Inc., 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162, 630 834-4995, fax 630 834-4996. Periodicals postage paid at Elmhurst, Illinois and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: 1 year $15; 2 years $24; 3 years $32. Single copy $3.95; back issues, as available, $7. West Suburban Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to West Suburban Living Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Printed in USA.

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Contents |

July/August

2016

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society

West Suburban Living

Getaways

FOX VALLEY WEEKEND

Close to home and boasting lots of things to do for all ages, the Fox Valley is a great “staycation” option for a weekend getaway.

Home&Garden

GREAT PLACES TO GO FOR A SUMMER GARDEN STROLL

From formal floral displays to woodland and prairie gardens, there are plenty of public venues for taking in the wide range of nature’s beauty.

EASY, BREEZY LIVING

The enduring appeal of cottage style — light, bright, casual and comfortable

Town Focus WESTERN SPRINGS

SPECIAL SECTION Higher Education Guide

Photo courtesy of Ed Saloga Builders

 Features

This historic village is the epitome of small town charm, with its quaint downtown, active neighborhood associations, and strong sense of community.

High demand career fields of the future, plus informational listings of area colleges

60 ON THE COVER

TOP ATTORNEYS Partnering with Leading Lawyers, one of the most respected legal authorities in the Chicago area, we present a list of the Top Attorneys in the western suburbs, as chosen by their peers.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE ZOO

The gardens at Cantigny in Wheaton. Photo by Ron Szymczak

More than a showcase for wild animals, the western suburbs’ four distinctive facilities serve as great educational and conservation resources. And they’re lots of fun, too.

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Departments |

July/August

2016

Photo by Diana Santos

Photo by Chrystl Roberge courtesy of Barrel + Rye

West Suburban Living

Photo courtesy of RiverEdge Park

25 Around the Towns

Perspectives

8 18

FOREWARD

An abiding love for animals LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

At 850 places and counting, this Downers Grove man follows his dream — all around the world.

Q&A

SCENE & SEEN

With perspective, what used to be wasting time is suddenly life enhancing.

with St. Charles native and Love actor Chris Witaske

A photo gallery of recent notable charitable events

Style&Fashion

LAST WORD

STOPS & SHOPS

New stores and hidden gems

Out&About

westsuburbanliving.net The go-to site for the Best of the Western Suburbs at your fingertips!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dining

REVIEW: BARREL + RYE in Geneva

NEW RESTAURANTS

CHEERS

Choun’s in Wheaton

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris

The best in music, theatre and other area events

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editor’s Note Nurturing an Abiding Love for Animals “Only put off until

tomorrow what you are willing to die having

left undone.” -Pablo Picasso

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.”

-Teddy Roosevelt

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”

-Greg Anderson

“You never regret, being kind.” -Nicole Shepherd

“Look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are

everal years ago, one of my high school-aged daughters came home enthusiastically talking about a field trip one of her classes had gone on to some kind of “wolf ranch.” It sounded like an unusual and interesting place, but I didn’t think much about it until several years later. That’s when another of my daughters went on a high school field trip to the same place. She, too, came back enthusiastically telling stories about the trip and this guy who had created his own wolf and wildlife refuge. Now, as a parent, when one of your kids — especially a high schooler — comes home talking in glowing terms about a school field trip, it comes as a pleasant surprise. But when years later, a second child shares similarly positive sentiments, you start to think there must really be something special about the place. So I asked a few questions and found out where my daughters had visited was called Big Run Wolf Ranch and that it was in Lockport. Despite having lived in the western suburbs pretty much my whole life and publishing a magazine about the area for the past 20 years, I had never heard of it. So I made a note to myself to consider doing an article on the place at some point. A good opportunity came up this issue with a feature we had scheduled on local zoos (see page 50). Since we already had three zoos to cover — which in and of itself is somewhat amazing for a suburban area like ours — we thought we’d touch on Big Run with a brief sidebar. But when

unseen are eternal.”

our writer found out the wolf ranch is technically considered a “roadside zoo” — and that in addition to its 10 resident wolves, it is also home to a 450-lb black bear, a Siberian Tiger and a variety of other animals — she decided to include it in the main article with the other zoos. While editing the article, when I got to the part about Big Run, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a favorite movie of mine, We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon, which is based on the true story of the Dartmoor Zoological Park in England. As was the case in the movie, running Big Run Wolf Ranch appears to be as a much a labor of love as it is a business for founder and president John Basile. That the ranch will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on July 16 with a special Family Day/Open House is a tribute to Basile and his staff’s dedication to the ranch’s mission of providing hands-on wildlife education. More impressive yet is that they are doing it in a way that even make high schoolers like my daughters take notice. We hope you like the zoo feature and the many other articles in this issue. As always, thanks for being a reader, and have a great rest of the summer!

- II Corinthians

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher chuck@westsuburbanliving.net 8 JULY/AUGUST 2016 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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THE

AROUND TOWNS |

STOPS & SHOPS

LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

Q&A

Photo courtesy of the Ravinia Festival

COMMUNITY

Ravinia Concerts Under the Stars

or many Chicago-area music lovers, summer is not complete without a visit to Ravinia for a concert and picnic under the stars. First opened in 1904 , the iconic outdoor, summer-long music festival is the oldest of its kind in the country, annually attracting upwards of 600,000 concert-goers to 120-plus events, spanning all

genres of music. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performers range from classical greats like violinists Joshua Bell (Aug. 12) and Itzhak Perlman (Aug. 20), both of whom will perform with the resident Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), to superstars of nearly every other genre, from Diana Ross (July 27), Tony Bennett (Aug. 13), Dolly Parton (Aug. 7), and Bonnie Raitt (Sept. 3),

to John Fogerty (Aug. 25), Don Henley (Aug. 14 and 15), and Duran Duran (July 8 and 9). Located in Highland Park, north of Chicago, Ravinia offers both pavilion and lawn seating. For the latter, chairs and food can be brought in or rented on site. For a complete schedule and ticket information, call 847 266-5100 or visit www.ravinia.org.

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Q&A

Chris Witaske/ Photo courtesy of Suzanne Hanover/Netflix

The former St. Charles resident is living his dream in L.A. with a role on the Netflix series, Love

From a young age, Performing was always

n When did you first get bitten by

a part of ChRIS Witaske’s life, starting with the

the acting bug, and what got you interested in acting? CW: I started out as a magician with my best friend from childhood, Tim Stopka. We would perform at neighbor kids’ birthday parties. Our grand finale was making my sister/lovely assistant, Carolyn, levitate. Then when I was around 13, my dad took me to see my first Second City show in Chicago. After seeing that show (Slaughterhouse Five, Cattle Zero), which was insanely funny, and seeing all the photos on the walls of all my comedy heroes — Bill Murray,

magic shows he put on as a kid growing up in St. Charles. But when his dad introduced him to improv via Chicago’s Second City, Chris was truly hooked. He signed up for improv classes at Second City the following day, the start of what he hoped would be a career in comedy and acting.

Eventually, working at Second City became

Chris’s first dream job. More recently, he landed another dream job when a part was actually created for him — a rare thing in show business — on Love, an original Netflix series. As Love continues its run, Chris has continued to expand his resume with his own interview show, So You Do Comedy.

Q&A

RAPID FIRE

John Belushi, Chris Farley — I knew I wanted to do comedy. I signed up for improv classes the next day. n Did you receive a lot of

support at home or school, or were you encouraged to go in a different direction? Did you have any particular mentors that helped guide you to this career? CW: Tons of support from everyone. I think my parents were happy that I found something that I really enjoyed and had a passion for. The acting teacher at St. Charles High School, Mrs. Bundy, was really supportive along with my English teacher, Hana St. Gean, who was so cool and helped us start an after-school improv group. I also did an internship at the Pheasant Run Theater, where Artistic Director Diana Martinez took me under her wing and showed me how a professional theater operates. Diana is the best and we still keep in touch. n How did taking classes and working at

The Second City help shape your career? CW: Taking classes at Second City at a young age taught me that people could actually do this as a career. Before that it was all a mystery to me. Then when I

4. Three words that best

from all over the country move

describe you?

here to follow their dreams. I think

Goofy, happy-go-lucky, kind

that’s pretty cool.

5. Best thing about growing

7. Favorite person you’ve

1. Favorite movies and TV shows?

2. If not acting, what?

up in the western suburbs?

interviewed? Interviewing Fred

Waiting for Guffman, Spinal Tap,

Probably a high school history

Great people and the open

Willard was really special for me.

Nathan For You, Better Call Saul,

teacher or a concert promoter.

space to explore, play and

He was so funny and nice.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, Teachers on

3. Best advice you’ve received

park your car.

8. What do you miss most

TV Land (my girlfriend Katie’s show),

and from whom? From my Mom,

6. Favorite thing about L.A.?

about Chicago?

Mr. Show and ESPN’s 30 for 30.

“You have to follow your heart.”

The most creative/talented people

The people and the food.

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Chris interviews David Koechner for his “So You Do Comedy” show at the UCB Theatre in L.A.

started actually working at Second City, it was a total dream come true. Best job in show biz. n What were you doing prior to moving to

Hollywood and what inspired you to just pack up and move out there with no job specifically lined up? CW: I was working at Second City right up until I decided to move out west. I got signed with a great agent and manager who saw me perform at the Chicago Just for Laughs festival, and they kind of convinced me to make the move. Also, it’s kind of the natural progression for a lot of Second City performers to either move east or west once they’ve done their time on stage. n When you moved to L.A., what surprised you the most about the city and the whole Hollywood/TV/ movie/celebrity scene? CW: Los Angeles is a weird place to move after you’ve spent your whole life in the Midwest and it definitely takes some getting used to. A lot of the stereotypes are true — talking about what highways/streets you take to get places, everyone eating kale, fake people. But there’s also a lot of great stuff about L.A. It is weird at first when you start seeing celebrities at the grocery store, but then you get used to it. n Do you have any good “struggling actor” stories about unusual jobs you had or places you lived to make ends meet? CW: Oh, I worked a lot of jobs in Chicago that I look back and laugh about. I was a dog walker, a preschool teacher, and for a long time I was the only male host at Mike Ditka’s restaurant in downtown Chicago.

Photo by Rob Holysz

Q&A

I eventually became the maître d’ of the cigar bar, where it was also my job to make sure no one asked coach Ditka for an autograph while he was eating. I also lived in Wrigleyville for five years in a bedroom the size of a small, walk-in closet. n How did you land your role on Love?

Describe the character you play and how he is like you and different from you. CW: There’s a great casting director in L.A., Allison Jones, who casts so many great projects — The Office, Parks and Rec, all the Judd Apatow movies — and she had come to Chicago and saw me at Second City. She brought me in to audition for Love. I auditioned for three different parts, all of which I wasn’t quite right for, so they finally just wrote a character for me and named him Chris. I still can’t believe it. My character is basically a dumber version of myself. n What is So You Do Comedy?

CW: So You Do Comedy is a monthly live interview show that I host at the UCB Theatre in L.A. where I sit down with some of my comedy heroes and ask them how they got started in show biz. I’ve had five shows so far and my guests have been, Bob Odenkirk, Fred Willard, Andy Richter, Laraine Newman and David Koechner. My guest for June is Martin Mull. One cool thing about living in L.A. is that you have way more access to these kinds of people and so many of them are willing to be interviewed and help out up-and-coming actors. n What has been your favorite show

to work on and why? CW: Love has been such a blast. Everyone

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Photo by Rob Holysz

involved is really great, the scripts are funny and real and I get to improvise a lot on set. It’s a dream job. We’re working on Season 2 now which should come on in February and is going to be awesome. n When you come back to St. Charles

or Chicago, what do you like to do and where do you like to go? CW: In St. Charles, I love walking through Pottawatomie Park, so beautiful right on the Fox River. I also love going and seeing my great friend Joe Gagnepain’s art work all over the suburbs. You can check out his work at www.artbyjoseph.com. In Chicago, I go to my favorite pizza place, Pizano’s, and then I visit Second City and the Annoyance Theatre. n Who have been or currently are your

biggest comedic influences? CW: Bill Murray is my hero. My dog’s name is Murray. Also Bob Odenkirk, George Carlin, Larry David, John Candy, Harold Ramis and Fred Willard. n What are your fondest memories

of growing up in St. Charles, eg: activities you were involved in, favorite places to hang out with friends, special experiences? CW: I got cast in am improv/sketch comedy group at the Steel Beam Theater in St. Charles. We wrote our own original sketch revue, just like Second City. I remember having a blast performing those shows. Lamorne Morris, who’s now on New Girl, was also in that group. I also have fond memories of when I graduated from high school in 2001, and for our senior prank, a group of us put the Homecoming pirate ship parade float on the roof of the school. That was a proud moment for all involved. I also used to love going to the Manor Restaurant, which is no longer. n What are you most proud of?

CW: Making my parents proud. n Where do you see yourself in

5 or 10 years? CW: I would love to be developing my own projects with friends out here in L.A. and continuing my acting career. Also hopefully doing more interviews for West Suburban Living Magazine. — Rachel Switall WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 15

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Stops&Shops

ENCHANTMENTS

LIVELY ATHLETICS

BRIOSA BOUTIQUE

THIS LOVELY SHOP IN DOWNTOWN

OPENED IN 2014 BY TWO SISTERS,

DOWNERS GROVE’S NEWEST ADDITION

GLEN ELLYN (534 Crescent Blvd.,

this shop (109 N. Oak Park Ave., 708 358-0605) was originally called Lively Running. Soon, owners Anne Pezalla and Kate Pezalla Marlin knew they wanted to reach more than just runners and changed to Lively Athletics in order to also cater to walkers, cyclists, tennis players, CrossFitters, yoga enthusiasts, barre devotees and more. Anne is the creative force behind the décor of the shop, which has an energizing vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. The store carries boutique labels not found elsewhere, alongside major brands, such as Lucy, Lole, Merrell and Prana. Local and independent artists bring in items such as limited edition t-shirts and inspiring jewelry for everyday wear. New items are constantly being integrated into the stores’s offerings, with a goal of providing products that are both flattering and functional. Custom services are also provided, from private bra fittings to video gait analysis for shoe fittings. The store also holds weekly fun runs on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. — Rachel Switall

TO ITS SHOPPING DISTRICT is the collaborative venture of three retail associates with a shared passion for fashion. Rae Vegetabile, Gloria Ursich and Debbie Bell opened Briosa Boutique (5121 Main St., 630 434-4441) in late March with a commitment to bring fashionforward, affordable apparel and accessories to women who enjoy making a style statement. The shop’s trans-generational offerings are a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and sparkle, running the gamut from relaxed weekend casual to modern evening dressy. Fashionable OTBT shoes are as comfortable as they are showy. Feather soft shrugs and wraps are perfect accompaniments to silky dresses and filmy sheer tops. Free People, Bali, Sun Kim, Fenini, Rock Revival and Big Star are just a few of the store’s favorite featured labels. Like its sister store in Frankfort, Briosa’s is known for its customer service and its flair for fashion authenticity. — Diana Santos

630 469-1989) epitomizes boutique shopping. It combines unique women’s clothing and accessories — much from designers who have local exclusivity with the store — with thoughtful and savvy service. In addition to a variety of handmade jewelry by artisans from coast to coast, the shop carries jewelry made by “amazing local designers” like the I Love a Man in Uniform collection made from old bullet casings, says owner Jennifer Massarelli. Enchantments and its two sister stores in New York City are also “the only stores in the nation that carry a really cool line of vintage Chanel jewelry,” says Massarelli, adding that her goal is to offer beautiful clothing at reasonable price points. Massarelli’s own line, jBlonde, which is carried in about 40 boutiques across the country and in east coast Nordstrom stores, is also available at her shop. She describes her designs as classic but on trend, and made with beautiful embellishments, details and fabrics. — Kathy Johns



Photo by Diana Santos

Photo by Rachel Switall

Photo by Kathy Johns

Hidden Gems & Longtime Favorites

New Store Openings Following is a sampling of new shops that have opened in the last few months in the western suburbs. FILA Men’s and women’s sportswear, sneakers and activewear. 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd, Aurora. 331 200-7800

16 JULY/AUGUST 2016

HEEL OR HIDE Offering retail for leather goods as well as luggage, saddle, shoe and zipper repair. 218 State St., St. Charles. 630 401-2649

WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET

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PANDORA Hand-finished charms, rings, and earrings adorned with semi-precious and precious stones. 119 S. Main St., Naperville. 630 585-7800. Opening Aug. 1.

THE ROYAL WREN Specialty food and gift shop offering cheeses, sauces, mixes, olive oils, home décor and more. 11 S. 3rd St., Geneva. 630 801-8029

TWO STORY FARMHOUSE Apparel, jewelry, bags, home décor and other gifts, with many sustainable items and others which benefit a specific cause. 1016 North Blvd., Oak Park. 708 613-4122

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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LET’S

TO G E T H E R YORKTOWN’S NEWEST FUN ZONE Combines art, technology, a playground and a sense of creativity while providing interactive learning for toddlers to tweens and everyone in between.

KIDS CLUB From art classes to events and giveaways galore, join our new Kids Club program today!

Free train rides for kids on Tuesdays!

203 YORKTOWN CENTER, LOMBARD, ILLINOIS 60148 | 630.629.7330 | www.yorktowncenter.com | #yorktowncenter

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TO THE

LOOK WESTERN SKY

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

A Lifetime of Travel At 850 places and counting, this Downers Grove man follows his dream — all around the world.

ccording to members of the Most Traveled People website, the Earth is made up of 875 separate places, and so far no member has gone everywhere on earth. But “the farthest along is Donald M. Parrish, Jr. of Downers Grove, who has visited 850, or 98 percent of the places.” Parrish, 71, began with a solo Dallasto-Chicago flight at the age of 10. Before the trip, his father said, “When you come back, the plane lands in Fort Worth. Get a limo and come to the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas.” Despite the information not being written down, the child remembered to ask the pilot when the return flight landed, “Where do I get a limousine?” The surprised pilot asked where his parents were. “At the hotel waiting for me.” Acknowledging now that “the world was different then,” Parrish was led through a door marked ‘Authorized Personnel’ and to the airport limo stand. An auspicious start. At age 20, Parrish first traveled internationally — to Germany with 60 other University of Texas students. His career at Bell Labs, opening the Naperville office in 1966, included a stint as planning manager for the International Switching department. Work took Parrish to “only” 25 to 30 of his 850 places. Days off were dedicated to travel — in 1969, to Russia and Eastern Europe. In 1971, he put two years’ vacation back to back and traveled for six weeks. “I told the travel agent I want to see the Taj Mahal, Mt. Fuji and the great pyramids of Egypt. I took a Pan Am tour part of the way and customized the trip the other part.”

Fascination with travel was perhaps sparked by choosing his father’s stamp collection for school show and tell. “I put them in a notebook and wrote the name of each country. I worked on it for two years. At 8, I knew which was Hungary, and which one was Switzerland.”

of Russia, and every province in China and state in India, Mexico and Brazil. Most Traveled People (MTP) was created in 2003 by another TCC member, who is now # 3 in the MTP rankings. The free club ranks members — a “highly competitive” group — after they input

“

I travel for the stories, but the thrill is the unexpected.” He also devoured biographies of famous inventors and explorers. In 1971, his goal was to see Napoleon’s tomb. “I start with a target, with something I want to make sure to see. I travel for the stories, but the thrill is the unexpected,” explains Parrish. Like in Siberia, when he met a 70-yearold who had never before seen an American in person. “If I had been a king … it was that kind of thrill to him. He couldn’t wait to tell his daughter.” Checking off locales he longed to visit accelerated after retiring from Lucent Technologies in 1996. While consulting for another five years, a colleague told him about the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC). “You have to visit 100 countries before you can join. I was the only person he knew who qualified.” Parrish paid his $45 and visited Cuba with that club, which counts 193 U.N. countries as “everywhere.” “That’s a good approximation,” says Parrish, who completed the TCC list with experiences like sleeping in a tent at the South Pole and visiting a place in Antarctica to which there is only one flight each year. He has visited all 83 political subdivisions

their travels. “You’re also competing with yourself. You become like any collector — you’re missing one more albatross,” says Parrish, who travels about half of each year,three to six weeks at a time. Unmarried, he has no children or pets and owns a low-maintenance home — perfect for a frequent traveler. His trips range from places with nice hotels and restaurants to more difficult itineraries. “When you try to visit everywhere,” adds Parrish, “you deeply understand the issue of places that are open to Americans. Libya opened in 2004 after 24 years; I visited Syria in 1978, but you can’t now.” Special challenges include visiting Marion Island in the subantarctic region of South Africa, a place most sources say can’t be reached. Parrish took a nine-day, no-shower, seasick-punctuated voyage on a ship that travels there just once a year. “A fabulously interesting place — 4,000 feet high, no trees and rain 320 days a year — thousands of penguins.” Refusing to pick a favorite destination or make travel recommendations, Parrish has only this advice: “Go any place you really want to see — don’t allow circumstances to prevent you.” n

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~ We

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Summer Fun Close to home and boasting plenty of things to do for all ages, the Fox Valley offers a great "staycation" option for a weekend getaway.

aking a summer vacation doesn’t necessarily mean having to travel far from home, especially when there are so many great place to go and fun things to do in our own backyard. The Fox Valley, in particular, offers a wide range of attractions — most of which are family-oriented, while others are more suited to couples or singles — for seeking a brief “staycation” respite or escape from the

By Christopher Cudworth

responsibilities of daily life. Following is a brief guide to some of the best entertainment options the Fox Valley has to offer. Bike the Fox River Trail Cycling along the Fox River between Aurora and Algonquin is one of the prettier ways to spend a summer afternoon in the Fox Valley. The Fox River Trail is paved in its entirety, making cycling smooth, easy

and safe for all ages. Scenic highlights include wonderfully flowing dams at many points along way. Pack a lunch and stop at one of several parks along the river, among the most popular of which is Fabyan Forest Preserve south of Geneva, which features a windmill, picnic shelters and an island in the middle of the river. For those who like to bike to food, the many eateries along the trail include Harner’s in North Aurora, where you’ll find excellent breakfast fare and deliciously sinful donuts. Daddio’s is a good oldfashioned diner in downtown Batavia offering absolutely fantastic omelettes and pancakes. And in addition to bike rentals and service if needed, Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva has a side cafe serving freshly made sandwiches. If you’re planning to tote a family and don’t have bikes or trailers, these can be rented at a number of bike shops, as well as tandems, which allow the kids to pedal along behind you. For smaller riders, the loop from Batavia up to Fabyan Park and back is an easy three miles. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way including wood

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FOX VALLEY ducks lurking in the backwaters, herons and egrets in the shallows, and bald eagles soaring above the river. Canoeing, Kayaking and Boating Options Familiar landmarks along the shores of the Fox River take on interesting new beauty from the vantage point of a kayak or canoe. Fortunately, canoeing and kayaking are simple and safe to do on the Fox. While it is important to pay attention to warning signage around dams and to be alert for the occasional swift moving current, there are plenty of calm, peaceful river zones between dams. The folks at Ayers Landing in Wedron (near Yorkville) offer canoe and kayak rentals to paddle the 12 mile stretch from Yorkville down to Sheridan — one of the prettiest stretches of the Fox River. The downstream trip makes the going easier, and the scenery and tall bluffs are enough to impress paddlers young and old. On some stretches of that part of river, it’s hard to believe you’re even in Illinois. Take special note that the City of

Yorkville spent several years planning and constructing a canoe and kayak chute that funnels Fox River water into a fun bit of whitewater for those more experienced with boat and paddle. With a little training, this can be a natural thrill ride for teens who want a little outdoor action without mom or dad’s supervision. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Ayers Landing, 3494 E. 2089th Road in Wedron, 815 434-2233 and at Freeman’s Sports, 29 E. Hydraulic St. in Yorkville, 630 553-0515. For an even more family-friendly way to get out on the river, rent a pedal boat at St. Charles Park District’s Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. in St. Charles, for $17 an hour. Or for those who would rather truly kick back and relax, travel aboard one of two oldfashioned, paddlewheel riverboats that offer daily, 50-minute public sightseeing cruises. Cost is $7.50 or $6 for children 15 and younger.

Water Park in Yorkville. New this year at the park is a snaking water slide ride called Wonambi. Riders perch on inner tubes to

Cool off with your family and friends at Otter Cove Aquatic Park, or rent a pedal boat at Pottawatomie Park, both in St. Charles.

Raging Waves Water Park When hot weather arrives, the place to go to cool off is the popular Raging Waves WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 21

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Getaways

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exhibits and a variety of domesticated animals, including legacy farmyard critters.

Among the many fun things to do in the Fox Valley are (clockwise from upper left) visiting Blackberry Farm in Aurora, playing a round of miniature golf with the family at River View Miniature Golf in St. Charles, and going antiquing.

swing and sway through the many turns and drops that people of all ages can enjoy. Admission price is $20 for the day for kids under four feet tall and $30 for those over four feet. Other popular waterpark options are Splash Country in Aurora and Otter Cove Aquatic Park in St. Charles. Splash Country Waterpark features a six-lane, zero-depth pool with water play features for kids of all ages. Moms and dads can even go along for the ride on an 1100-ft “lazy river” that dumps buckets of water and coasts you through sprayers and bubbling rapids along the way. The park also offers the requisite enclosed tube and flume attractions, plus an enclosed kid-friendly — under four foot

tall — area featuring spray guns, waterfalls and other ways for kids to cool off and get goofy in the water. Similarly, Otter Cove offers lap and diving pools, a splash park, body and tube slides, and a 600-ft-long lazy river. On rainy days, Adventure Island in Elgin is an ideal alternative. This fully indoor water park has flumes, tubes and play features just like the outdoor water parks. In this case they’re all impressively located inside the city’s expansive recreation center next to Hemmens Auditorium. Out-of-town residents only pay a dollar more than residents for daily admission, and Elgin is a fun place to go for dining and a walk along the riverfront when the water play is over for the day. Blackberry Farm Living History Museum A mix of pioneer history, fun activities and natural beauty converge at Blackberry Farm Living History Museum. Go back in time by riding a classic train that tours the grounds; climb onto hay wagons, tractors and carousels; or take a pony ride. All are included in the admission price, which is $8 for non-Aurora residents and $7 for children and seniors. For kids or grandkids that tend to be rambunctious, herd them over to the Adventure playground where climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalks will give you a chance to chill with a cool drink and watch them play. Then wander around to view historical demonstrations in actual and recreated blacksmith and pottery shops from the 1800s, where real artisans work. There are also a number of hands-on

Garfield Farm and Inn Museum Take a trip to the country and the agricultural past of Illinois at Garfield Farm in LaFox, located west of Geneva. Take a guided nature walk around the property where a stream bubbles through the edge of a restored prairie. The property also offers a wonderful spot for a quiet picnic in the country. The museum is open from June through September with drop-in tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and Wednesdays. All other times are by appointment only, which can be made by calling 630 584-8485. Basic tour donation is $3 per adult and $2 per child. Kane County Cougars For more than 20 years, the Kane County Cougars have been a popular attraction in the western suburbs. Through a series of major league team affiliations and a string of ballplayers that have made marks in the big leagues, the Cougars have served as the Illinois version of Field of Dreams for generations of fans who love baseball or simply enjoy the vibe of the ballpark. With the Cougars — as with most minor league teams — the level of fan engagement does not stop with baseball. A variety of theme-nights and family-friendly special events are scheduled throughout the season. On July 15, for example, it will be Frozen Night, featuring appearances by characters from the movie Frozen for photo ops. There will also be a Frozen pre-game costume parade and a Frozen-themed fireworks show. Union Railway Museum A visit to the Illinois Railway Museum offers a great day trip to the country as well as a trip back in time. Located in the tiny town of Union, population 580, west of Crystal Lake, the museum features the

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Fun at the old ballpark takes many forms at Kane County Cougars games in Geneva.

nation’s largest collection of trains lovingly preserved and restored for public viewing. The scale, size and design of the trains — from streamlined Zephyrs to chugging steam engines — make it easy to appreciate the ingenuity that sparked the growth of the railroad industry. Hop aboard one of the various train rides or simply wander amidst one of the world’s great collections of freight, steam, electric and diesel trains from every era in American history. Kane County Flea Market and Antiquing For perspective on the Kane County Flea Market, there may be no better eyewitness to the changes over the years than Art Williams, a St. Charles resident and exhibitor since 1975. “Well, it’s not as big as it used to be when there were 1000 vendors out there. But there are still lots of great antiques and it’s only $5 to get in.” The Flea Market is open the first weekend of the month in the summer and fall months. And while you’re in St. Charles, venture downtown to check out the abundance of antique shops including Antique Market 1-III, Arbor Avenue Antiques, Storehouse on Cedar and the Shrivenham Antique Furniture company. Or head a bit further south to Geneva, where you’ll find Antiques on State and the Geneva Antique Market, or to Batavia, home to Bee-Attitudes Antiques, Wilson Street Antiques, 715 Vintage and Pitts Antiques. Casino Magic in Elgin and Aurora For those who prefer their entertainment fast and glitzy and

illuminated by artificial light, there are two popular casinos along the Fox River. Located in downtown Aurora, Hollywood Casino offers a wide range of slot machines and table games including poker, craps and roulette. For those not interested in gambling, the casino also offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights and several dining options including Fairbanks Steak House and the Epic Buffet. Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin boasts a similar array of gaming, dining and music options but also features a special concert series, which will includes appearances by Rick Springfield, Loverboy and the Romantics on Sunday, July 3 and 70s rock icon Lynyrd Skynyrd on Saturday, July 30. Music Along the Fox River One of the newly established music gems in the Fox Valley is the outdoor RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Though parking on a concert night can be a bit crazy, there are public and private lots strung along Route 25 north of the park. Ticket prices are reasonable and the beer supplied by Two Brothers is excellent in a range of options. Upcoming performers include Air Supply and Blood Sweat & Tears on July 16; Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with Melissa Etheridge on July 22; The Beach Boys and Temptations Aug. 5; and Alan Jackson Aug. 6. For a full summer concert schedule, check out www.riveredgeaurora.com. For those who prefer their music indoors, the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles hosts a regular stream of 70s to 90s-era performers, offering an up-close view of famous classic rock personalities like Ted

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Nugent, who will perform on July 28 and Aug. 3. The Arcada also hosts an array of comedians and other performers. For a full listing of shows, visit www.arcadalive.com. Some Special Places to Stay The Hotel Baker is such a fixture in downtown St. Charles it can be easy to drive by without realizing how many people come from out of town to stay at the historic and elegantly restored hotel. Among the 53 beautiful guest rooms are several with spas, where you can bask in a hot tub with views of the river below. Popular for weddings as well as romantic stays, the hotel is likely one of the most photographed buildings in the Fox Valley. Couples can relax and dine in at the Rox City Grill, venture out for dining at one of the many restaurants in downtown St. Charles, or take a stroll on the Riverwalk. Another elegant lodging option is the

luxurious Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva, located in a beautiful old limestone structure that once housed a creamery. The inn’s on-site spa and well-appointed rooms with views of the glimmering Fox River are a great place to get away from the world. Fine dining is available on-site at Atwater’s restaurant and there are numerous other first-class culinary options within walking distance of the inn. Those looking for accommodations especially suited to families will want to consider Pheasant Run Resort, which offers a special Kids Club on weekends. Offering

a variety of room and package options, the resort also features an indoor/outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, and on-site dining and entertainment options. Among the latter is Zanies, a comedy club that attracts top comics from across the country, who perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Those who the prefer the distinctive lodging offered by B&Bs will want to check out The Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Dundee. A former estate built in 1907, the mansion boasts beautiful woodwork and leaded, stained glass windows. Each of its four classically appointed rooms are set up as private suites. The Mansion B&B is located just a block from shopping and a variety of dining options. Enjoy a couple’s night at a unique micro brewery nearby, or indulge your dining tastes at restaurants featuring Italian, American or Mexican cuisine, all within easy walking distance. n

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OUT&ABOUT |

THEATRE

COMEDY

ART

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

HOME & GARDEN

AND MUCH MORE Photo by Eric Melzer courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

MUSIC

Nature JULY 8 - 31 Filled with song, dance, live music and humor, and set against the backdrop of Morton Arboretum, this outdoor walking play about the lives of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau makes its Chicagoland debut. Created and performed by Tyson Forbes, a direct descendant of Emerson, Nature highlights the relationship between the prominent essayist and the philosopher and naturalist who shared a belief that nature is a source of spiritual respite and renewal. The 90-minute show runs Thursdays through Sundays. For tickets and more information, call 630 725-2066 or visit mortonarb.org/natureplay. WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events | Big Fish | Fri − Sun, July 29 − Aug 7, Fri − Sat 7:30 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. This musical, based on Daniel Wallace's novel and the acclaimed Tim Burton film, centers around Edward Bloom, a man whose epic tales thrill everyone except his own son, Will, who is determined to find the truth behind his father's stories. Cost: $20/18. Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | The Man With The Plastic Sandwich | Fri − Sat, July 29 − Sept 3, 8 p.m. Fired after 20 years, a depressed and frustrated Walter Price found peace at a park bench, but when three engaging, provocative characters invade his life, he cannot ignore their presence or perspectives on life they bring. Cost: $17/15. The Riverfront Playhouse, 11 &13 S Water St. Mall, Aurora. 630 897-9496

July 30 RETURN OF THE PARTY THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED Head to downtown Naperville for an evening of Harry Potter-themed crafts, activities and more to celebrate the release of J.K. Rowling's upcoming release, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts 1 & 2." Visit downtownnaperville.com for more information.

THEATRE | Pygmalion | Through July 16, Fri − Sun, Fri − Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 7 p.m.; Also, Thur, July 14, 8 p.m. In honor of George Bernard Shaw's 160th birthday, Oak Park Festival Theatre performs his play about a phonetics professor who tutors a lower-class girl to speak proper English in order to pass for a "lady." Cost: $29/15. Austin Gardens, 167 N Forest Ave., Oak Park. 708 445-4440 | Deathtrap | Through Aug 14, Wed – Sun, Wed 1:30 p.m., Thur 1:30 & 8 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 5 & 8:30 p.m. and Sun 2 & 6 p.m. When dramatist Clifford Anderson sends his new thriller to award-winning Broadway author Sidney for comments, Sidney plans with his wife how to plagiarize the play. For ages 13 and over. Cost: $60/45. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | Grease | Thur − Sun, July 7 − 17, 7 p.m. Join Rydell High's senior class of 1959, including Danny, Sandy, Rizzo and Kenickie, in this musical comedy about growing up. Cost: $14/12. McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates (And Piracy) | Thur − Sat, July 8 − 16, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Sun, July 10, 2 p.m. This operetta tells the story of how the famous musical, "The Pirates of Penzance" was created by Gilbert and Sullivan. Cost: $18/12. Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S Ellsworth St., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Guys And Dolls | Thur − Sat, July 8 − 30, Thur − Fri 7:30 p.m. and Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m.; No 2 p.m. show on Sat, July 9. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy tells the story of a gambler who tries to set up the biggest craps game in town, but when he turns to fellow gambler Sky for the money, Sky ends up chasing straight-laced missionary Sarah. Cost: $17/12. Medinah Baptist Church, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. 630 634-2100 | Nature: A Walking Play | Thur − Sun, July 8 − 31, Thur − Fri 6 p.m. and Sat − Sun 1:30 & 6 p.m. An award-winning ensemble of actors and musicians uses humor, music, song and dance to tell about the lives of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Cost: $35/25. Thornhill Shelter at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 725-2066 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Tue − Sun, July 9 − Aug 14, 8:15 p.m. This Shakespeare comedy tells the story of

the mischievous Puck who turns the world upside-down for the quartet of lovers. Cost: $39/10. First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 986-8067 | A Chorus Line | Fri − Sun, July 15 − 24, Fri − Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. A musical about seventeen dancers who compete for eight coveted spots in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Cost: $20/15. The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 931-5900 | Geneva: Shakespeare In The Park | Sat, July 16, 5 p.m. The Midsummer Theatre Troupe performs shortened versions of Shakespeare plays. Island Park, 2 E State St., Geneva. 630 232-7494 | Moustache Tales | Sat − Sun, July 16 − 17, 5 p.m. This play features three tales about the world above your lip. Lakeside Pavilion at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Cantigny: Shakespeare In The Park | Sun, July 17, 6 p.m. The Midsummer Theatre Company performs Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" in Cantigny's gardens. Cost: $10. Visitors Center lawn at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Heathers The Musical | Fri − Sun, July 22 − 31, Fri − Sat 7:30 p.m. and Sun 6 p.m. Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit, hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High, but when she falls in love with the new guy, she gets kicked out of the group, which angers the new guy. Cost: $16/12. Vero Voce Theatre, 951 State Ave., St. Charles. 630 965-0825 | The Taming Of The Shrew | July 23 − Aug 27, Thur − Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 7 p.m.; Also, Wed, Aug 24, 8 p.m. and July 24 show is at 8 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. Oak Park Festival Theatre performs Shakespeare's play about Petruchio's courtship of the headstrong Katherina, and the romance and comedy that follow. Free for children 12 and under. Cost: $29/15. Austin Gardens, 167 N Forest Ave., Oak Park. 708 445-4440 | Oklahoma | Fri − Sun, July 29 − Aug 7, Fri − Sat 7:30 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m. This classic musical tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams in the small town of Claremore, Oklahoma in 1906. Cost: $18/12. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton, Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Theatre-Hikes | Sat − Sun, Aug 6 − Oct 30, 1 p.m.; October performances are at 3 p.m. Enjoy live performances among 1,700 acres of trees and landscapes featuring "The Iliad, the Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology" in August, "Driving Miss Daisy" in September and "10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse" in October. Registration required. Cost: $20/5. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Wheaton: Shakespeare In The Park | Fri – Sat, Aug 26 – 27, 7 p.m. Wheaton College Arena Theater & Wheaton Park District present Shakespeare’s play, “Twelfth Night.” Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. 630 690-4880 | Shakespeare 400: Bard Hopping With GreenMan | Fri – Sat, Aug 26 – 27, 7:30 p.m. This two-night fundraising event includes scenes and songs written by, attributed to, or remotely related to the Bard. The Snuggery, 122 S York, Elmhurst. 630 464-2646 | Smokey Joe’s Café | Wed- Sun, Sept 1 – Oct 23, Wed 1:30 p.m., Thur 1:30 & 8 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 5 & 8:30 p.m. and Sun 2 & 6 p.m. The Tony Award-nominated musical showcases 39 pop standards, including rock and roll and blues anthems written by duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, as well as other jukebox hits like "Stand By Me" and "Charlie Brown." Cost: $60/40. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111

COMEDY | An Intimate Evening With Jeff Garlin | Fri − Sat, July 8 − 9, Fri 8 & 10 p.m. and Sat 7 & 9:30 p.m. The star of ABC's "The Goldbergs" and HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" brings his iconic voice and jokes to the stage. Cost: $30 + 2 item food/bev min. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Jay Pharoah | Fri − Sat, July 22 − 23, Fri 8 & 10 p.m. and Sat 7 & 9:30 p.m. The comedian, voice actor and current cast member of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" is known for his impersonations of famous individuals like Kanye West, Barack Obama and Jay Z. Cost: $30 + 2 item food/bev min. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Josh Wolf | Fri, Aug 12, 8 p.m. This comedian, actor and writer, known for being a regular on "Chelsea Lately" and "My Name Is Earl," performs a night of stand-up comedy. Cost: $25 + 2 item food/bev min. Zanies Comedy Club in Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 524-0001 | Pauly Shore | Fri − Sat, Aug 19 − 20, Fri 8 & 10:15 p.m. and Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m. The actor, comedian, director, writer and producer was an on-air MTV VJ for five years and has starred in several films including "Encino Man" and "Son in Law." For ages 18 and over. Cost: $28 + 2 item min. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg, 847 240-2001

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Out&about

Calendar of Events

| Godfrey | Thur, Aug 25, 7:30 p.m. This comedian and actor has appeared on BET, VHI, Comedy Central and feature films such as "Soul Plane," "Johnson Family Vacation" and "Zoolander." For ages 18 and over. Cost: $17 + 2 item min. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg, 847 240-2001 | Free Speech! (While Supplies Last) | Sat, Aug 27, 8 p.m. The Second City brings their new show that pokes fun at the Electoral College, parodies political "commercials" and gives audiences an irreverent look at America’s partisan persuasion. Cost: $45/35. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Jon Lovitz | Thur − Sat, Sept 1 − 4, Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m. and Sun 7 p.m. Well-known for being a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" for five years, this Emmy Award-nominated actor, comedian, voice artist and singer hits the stage with his stand-up comedy. For ages 18 and over. Cost: $33 + 2 item min. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg, 847 240-2001

MUSIC | Concerts In Your Park | Through July 31, Sundays, 7 p.m. A free summertime live music series that travels to select Naperville parks featuring bands from the Chicago area. For complete concert schedule and locations, visit www.napervilleparks.org. Various parks throughout Naperville. 630 848-5000 | Uniquely Thursdays | Through Aug 11, Thursdays, 6 p.m. This event features ten local bands, including 7th Heaven, Dixie Crush and The Breakfast Club, a beer and wine tent,

vendors from local businesses and food. Burlington Park, 30 E Chicago Ave., Hinsdale. 630 323-3952 | Wheaton Municipal Band Concert Series | Through Aug 11, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. The full symphonic concert band features a variety of music styles and themes including marches, overtures, show tunes and more. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Downtown Wheaton. www.wheatonmunicipalband.org | Wednesdays At The Plaza | Through Aug 17, Wednesdays, 6 − 8 p.m. Enjoy a series of free live music concerts featuring various Fox Valley musical artists. Millennium Plaza, Stolp Ave. and south of Leland Tower. Aurora. www.downtownauroran.com | Naperville Municipal Band Concerts | Through Aug 18, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music under the sky during this weekly summer concert series. Central Park, 55 Concert Ln., Naperville. 630 544-3372 | Millennium Carillon Summer Recital Series | Through Aug 23, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Carillonneurs from across the country and all over the world perform. Picnicking is encouraged. Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, along Riverwalk’s Rotary Hill, Naperville. 630 848-5000 | Country In The Park | Through Aug 30, Tuesdays, 7 − 10 p.m. This summer country concert series features some of Nashville’s most popular emerging country artists, along with food and beverage tents. MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008 | Rockin’ In The Park | Through Sept 1, Thursdays, 7 − 10 p.m.; Also Sun, July 3. This summer concert series features music of classic cover bands, food and beverage tents, as well as a musical fireworks show. MB Financial Park, 5501

Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008 | Concerts On The Green | Through Sept 2, Fridays, 7 – 8:30 p.m. A free summer evening concert series with some of the area’s best artists. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge. 630 654-8181 | Afternoon Concerts | Through Sept 5, Sundays, 3 p.m. No concert on Aug 14. Free outdoor concerts featuring a wide variety of music and artists. Red Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Live On The Lawn | Through Sept 28, Wednesdays, 5:30 − 9 p.m. Enjoy live music by Bob Abrams and Brock & Abrams “The Band,” and Mike Bruccoleri, drink service and food on the lawn of the golf course. St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Rte. 59, West Chicago. 630 231-3100 | Sounds Of Summer Concert Series | Through Oct 29, Fri – Sat 8 p.m. This concert series features live performances from local bands of many genres, including Frank & Dave, Chi-Town Soul, The Incognitos, The Messengers, Eleventh Hour and more. Eaglewood Resort & Spa, 1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca. 630 773-1400 | RiverPark Concert Series | Sundays, July 3 − 31, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of performances on the northwest bank of the Fox River. RiverPark, 201 N River Ln., Geneva. 630 232-7494 | Hollywood Vampires | Thur, July 7, 8 p.m. The American rock supergroup made up of Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper and Joe Perry takes the stage during their first U.S. tour. Cost: $65/55. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Duran Duran: Paper Gods On Tour | Fri, July 8, 7 p.m.

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The new wave/synthpop English band, known for their songs "Hungry Like The Wolf" and "Come Undone," hits the stage with the disco band, Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers. Cost: $160/55. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Summer Breeze Concert Series: Shining Star | Sat, July 9, 7 p.m. Eleven vocalists and musicians join forces to present a tribute to Earth, Wind, & Fire, including songs like “After the Love is Gone,” “Sing A Song,” “September” and their name sake "Shining Star." Lakeside on the Grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. 847 895-3600 | The Planets, An HD Odyssey | Wed, July 13. 8 p.m. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs during this spacethemed program, which includes the Chicago premiere of a new HD experience that shows the new film from NASA that presents images from its most recent missions. Cost: $90/25. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Settlers' Park Concert Series | Thur, July 14 & Aug 4, 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music in the park with a performance in July by Wild Daisy, who plays current, upbeat country favorites, and a performance in August by Mr. Myers, who blends the tropical sounds of calypso and ska, the rhythms of reggae, and rock-n-roll with classic tunes. Richard A. Rock Amphitheater at Settlers' Park, Lockport St. and Van Dyke Rd.,Plainfield. 815 436-7093 | Rooftop Summer Music Series | Thur, July 14, Aug 11 & Sept 8, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Fri, Aug 26. Enjoy a different live performance each month with beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase. Registration required. Cost: $10/8. Outdoor Rooftop Terrace at Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet. 815 723-5201 | Jazz Up Glen Ellyn | Sat, July 16, 2:30 − 9:30 p.m. Bring your own food and drink and enjoy music from nine jazz groups, including The Sonic Poets, Chinchano and Chicago Yestet, music clinics throughout the day, meetand-greets with the musicians and more. Downtown Glen Ellyn. www.jazzupglenellyn.com | Worship Night In America | Sat, July 16, 7:30 p.m. Chris Tomlin hosts the second year of Worship Night in America, featuring worship leaders from around the world, including Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, Matt Maher, Phil Wickham, Steven Curtis Chapmanm, DJ Promote and Bryan & Katie Torwalt of Jesus Culture. Cost: $70/30. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2270 | Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / Melissa Etheridge | Fri, July 22, 7:30 p.m. This Grammy Award-winning rock-nroll powerhouse duo, known for songs “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “We Belong” and "Love is a Battlefield," take the stage, followed by a performance by the folk-rock musician, known for hits "I Need to Wake Up," "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window." Cost: $45. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Naper Nights Community Concert Series | Fri − Sat, July 22 − 23 & Aug 19 − 20, 5 p.m. Enjoy music from various artists including American English, Mike and Joe, and 16 Candles, food, drinks and activities. Free for members and children under 4. Cost: $15/10. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Lakeside Pavilion Concert Series | Fridays, July 22 − Aug 12, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Thur, Aug 4, 7 p.m. & Aug 25, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy outdoor live music with American English, The Buckinghams, Organissimo with Brian Charete, Brass Transit and more. Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Evening Symphonies | Sat, July 23, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Thur, Aug 4. Enjoy a performance under the stars with WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 29

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Aug. 6 ALAN JACKSON The award-winning country artist known for his blend of honky-tonk and mainstream country performs at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Call 630 896-6666 for tickets and more information.

| Thomas Anders & Modern Talking Band | Fri, Aug 12, 8 p.m. The German singer, composer, record producer and former lead singer of Germany's popular pop duo, Modern Talking, with Dieter Bohlen returns to Rosemont to perform some of their hits like "You're My Heart, You're My Soul," "You Are Not Alone" and "You Can Win If You Want." Cost: $225/45. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | U.S. Air Force Band Of Mid-America | Sat, Aug 13, 3 p.m. This 45-piece ensemble performs a wide range of music, including symphonic band masterworks, traditional marches, modern compositions, pops and jazz. First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Johnny Mathis | Sat, Aug 13, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating his 60th year in the music industry, the singer of popular music and jazz, known for songs "Chances Are," "It's Not For Me to Say" and "Misty," takes the stage. Cost: $95/45. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Tony Bennett | Sat, Aug 13, 8:30 p.m. Winner of 19 Grammy Awards, the singer of traditional pop standards, big band show tunes and jazz, famous for songs "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I left My Heart in San Francisco," performs in celebration of his 90th birthday. Cost: $101/34. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100

the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra in July and Chicago Sinfonietta in August. August performance is free. Cost: $35/25 per car. First Division Museum Lawn at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Julión Álvarez | Sun, July 24, 7 p.m. This Mexican singer and songwriter, who has two platinum albums and one double-platinum album, was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for his hit, "El Amor De Su Vida." Cost: $159/59. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

by 98º, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and Dream. Cost: $98/28. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas | Tue, Aug 2, 7 p.m. These multi-platinum-selling artists headline the 2016 Honda Civic Tour: Future Now. Cost: $90/30. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601 | WDCB Jazz Series | Thursdays, Aug 4 − 25, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy free performances by Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Organissimo with Brian Charette and Marquis Hill. Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Kenny Rogers: The Gambler's Last Deal | Sun, July 24, 8 p.m. With more than 120 hit singles across various music genres such as "Islands in the Stream" and "Lucille," the multi-award-winning singer, actor and producer embarks on his final world tour with special guests Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Linda Davis. Cost: $70/15. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100

| The Beach Boys & The Temptations | Fri, Aug 5, 7 p.m. The legendary 60s rock band is joined on stage with The Temptations and their Motown sound during their Surf & Soul Tour. Cost: $45/30. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Diana Ross | Wed, July 27, 8:30 p.m. The actress/singer, who rose to fame as a founding member and lead singer of the vocal group The Supremes, has had multiple hits including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Touch Me in the Morning" and "When You Tell Me That You Love Me." Cost: $130/44. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100

| Alan Jackson | Sat, Aug 6, 7:30 p.m. The award-winning country artist, known for blending traditional honky tonk and mainstream country sounds, has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and has many hits like "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" and "Don't Rock the Jukebox." Cost: $55/40. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Ted Nugent | Thur, July 28, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Wed, Aug 3. With more than 40 million albums sold, this musician, singer and songwriter, who gained initial fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, performs. Cost: $125/75. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| Shirley Jones | Sun, Aug 7, 3 p.m. The award-winning singer and actress of stage, film and television has starred in a number well-known musicals including "Carousel," "The Music Man" and "Oklahoma!" as well as the popular sitcom, "The Partridge Family." Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| Lynyrd Skynyrd | Sat, July 30, 7 p.m. As part of the Grand Victoria Casino Concert Series, the American rock band famous for "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird," hits the stage, featuring special guests Whitford/St. Homs and Atlanta Rhythm Section. Cost: $96/36. Festival Park, 132 S Grove Ave., Elgin. 847 468-7000 | Yanni North American Tour 2016 | Sat, July 30, 7:30 p.m. This Greek composer/musician brings his worldrenowned orchestra to perform audience favorites and newly reworked arrangements of the classics to the stage. Cost: $125/55. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2270 | MY2K Tour | Sat, July 30, 8 p.m. This tour brings back four pop acts of the late 90s and early 2000s with performances

| Dolly Parton | Sun, Aug 7, 7:30 p.m. The legendary country music singer, songwriter and actress, known for songs such as "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," has received 46 Grammy Award nominations and has 110 career charted singles from over the past 40 years. Cost: $150/15. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Meghan Trainor: The Untouchable Tour | Wed, Aug 10, 7 p.m. Known for having a retro musical style, the Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist in 2016 has many hits including "All About That Bass," "Lips Are Movin" and "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" Cost: $58/28. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

| Don Henley | Sat − Sun, Aug 14, − 15 7:30 p.m. This musician, well-known for being the founder of The Eagles, has had many popular songs like "Love Will Keep Us Alive" and "All She Wants To Do Is Dance." Cost: $155/44. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Silk Road Ensemble With Yo-Yo Ma | Tue, Aug 16, 8 p.m. Yo-Yo Ma, an 18-time Grammy Award-winning cellist, performs with Silk Road Ensemble, a musical collective of musicians, composers, arrangers, visual artists and storytellers during their 10th anniversary celebration. Cost: $95/20. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | 50th Anniversary Community Kickoff | Fri, Aug 26, 7:30 p.m. Brass Transit, a Chicago tribute band, plays hits from Chicago's golden age, followed by a fireworks show to celebrate the College of DuPage's 50th anniversary. Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Happy Together Tour 2016 | Fri, Aug 19, 8 p.m. Take a trip through the golden age of rock-and-roll with Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Spencer Davis Group and Flo & Eddie from The Turtles Cost: $60. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Itzhak Perlman | Sat, Aug 20, 7:30 p.m. The multiple award-winning Israeli-American violinist and conductor celebrates Beethoven by playing two of his pieces, "Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61" and "Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92." Cost: $100/10. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | KISS | Sat, Aug 20, 8 p.m. The legendary hard rock band and America's #1 Gold Record Award-winning group, with hits "Rock 'N' Roll All Night" and "Beth," brings its "Freedom to Rock Tour" to Rockford. Cost: $123/38. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. 815 968-5222 | John Fogerty | Thur, Aug 25, 8 p.m. Grammy Award winner and writer of "Proud Mary" and "Bad Moon Rising," this rock musician brings his music to the stage during his "Rollin' On The River" tour. Cost: $95/38. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Navy Band Great Lakes | Sun, Aug 28,3 p.m. This

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group comprised of forty-five professional musicians, divided among many large ensembles and other groups, performs jazz hits and other classical favorites. First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Sounds On The Street | Fri, Sept 2. Bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a free live concert downtown. Main St. between Hillside Ave. and Duane St., Glen Ellyn. www.downtownglenellyn.com | Illinois Brass Band | Mon, Sept 5, 3 p.m. Celebrate Labor Day with this six-time NABBA championship group and a repertoire ranging from brass band classics to show tunes and jazz. Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

ART | Michael Barton: Ordinary | Through July 24, Mon − Sun, Mon & Sat 10 a.m. − 6 p.m., Tue − Fri 10 a.m. − 9 p.m. and Sun noon − 5 p.m. The artist uses photography, woodworking and ordinary objects to tell stories and display elements that take the work beyond an image that is simply archived on a piece of cloth or fine paper. Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-5375 | Symbolism In Chinese Jade | Through Aug 21, Tue − Sun, Tue − Sat 10 a.m. − 5 p.m. and Sun 1 − 5 p.m. This exhibit focuses on a selection of carvings from the Qing Dynasty and translates the hidden meanings in their visual motifs. Free with admission. Cost: $5/2. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1616 | Playboy Architecture: 1953-1979 | Through Aug 28, Tue − Sun 11 a.m. − 5 p.m.; Also, Fri 5 − 8 p.m. This exhibit features a collection of photographs, films, architectural models and more from Playboy magazine's inception through the 70s. Free with admission. Cost: $8/7. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202 | Art Of Science Learning | Through Sept 4, Wed – Sun, Tue − Sun 11 a.m. − 5 p.m.; Also, Fri 5 − 8 p.m. This STEMbased interactive touring exhibition showcases projects from Art of Science Learning’s Chicago, San Diego and Worcester Incubators for Innovation through hands-on experiences, models, prototypes, photos, artwork and video. Cost: $8/7. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202 | Naperville Art League: Monsoon | Mon − Sun, July 29 − Sept 4, Mon & Sat 10 a.m. − 6 p.m., Tue − Fri 10 a.m. − 9 p.m. and Sun noon − 5 p.m. Various artists from the Naperville Art League showcase their artwork through a variety of mediums. Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-5375

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| Wine & Art Walk | Sat − Sun, Aug 27 − 28, 11 a.m. − 5 p.m. Sip wine, shop for nature-themed art from Midwest artists, and enjoy live music. Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | ClaySpace Pottery Show | Sun, Aug 28, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. ClaySpace's resident artists exhibit and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural pieces. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162

FAMILY & GENERAL | Wednesday Morning Movie Series | Through Aug 10, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. A weekly series of G- and PG-rated films, including “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” “Goosebumps,” “Minions” and “Space Jam,” with games and costumed

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characters on hand at 9 a.m. before the movie. Cost: $1. Classic Cinema Theatres. www.classiccinemas.com | Brookfield Zoo: Summer Nights | Through Aug 13, Fri − Sat 4 − 9 p.m. Enjoy cooler evening weather with dining, a beer & wine garden, live music, performers, children’s entertainment and a laser light show. Ticket includes admission to zoo plus one attraction. Cost: $16/11 after 4 p.m. East Mall at the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Movies In The Park | Through Aug 19, Fridays, 8:30 p.m. Watch movies under the stars, such as “Cars 2,” “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Grease.” Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites | Through Aug 27, Tue – Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Step into a world of storybooks in this immersive and engaging exhibit, from building a snow person and making snow angels in "The Snowy Day," to tucking in Peter Rabbit to finding Spot. Free with museum admission. Cost: $3. Geneva History Museum, 113 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-4951 | Summer Art Series | Through Sept 25, Mon – Sun. Enjoy art from seven different artists, see the sculptures at Legacy 3D, and view historical collectors cards on display. Gaylord Building, 200 W 8th St. and Illinois State Museum, 201 W 10th St., Lockport. Art will also be on display from dawn until dusk along the I&M Canal and at Lincoln Landing in downtown Lockport. 815 838-0549 or www.summerartseries.com | Summer Sizzlin' Sidewalk Sales | Thur − Sat, July 7 − 9. 10 a.m. − dusk. Take advantage of the many shopping sales of participating downtown stores, and enjoy tastings from select restaurants and eateries. Downtown Naperville. www.downtownnaperville.com | Lakeside Pavilion Movie Series | Thursdays, July 14 − 28, 8 p.m. Enjoy a free weekly showing of movies, beginning with “Mary Poppins,” then “Aladdin” and finishing with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Downers Grove Sidewalk Sale | Thur − Sat, July 21 − 23, Thur − Fri 10 a.m. − 8 p.m. and Sat − Sun 10 a.m. − 5 p.m. Join the participating downtown merchants for a not-tobe missed sale. Downtown Glen Ellyn. 630 725-0991 | Grown-Up Play Date | Fri, July 29, 6 − 9 p.m. Celebrate your youth and explore what the Children's Garden has to offer with specialty cocktails and open bar, games like giant Jenga and bag toss, food and DJ. For ages 21 and over. Registration required. Cost: $50/40. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 725-2066 | Return of The Party That Shall Not Be Named | Sat, July 30, 6 p.m. − midnight. Enjoy Harry Potter-themed events downtown including crafts, activities, wand-making and more at participating downtown Naperville businesses. Downtown Naperville. www.downtownnaperville.com | Comicopolis | Sat, Aug 6, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. An exhibit and sale of art, comics, figures and prints by more than 30 vendors, photo opportunities, free giveaways, a photo booth, workshops, crafts and more. White Oak Library, 121 E 8th St., Lockport. www.summerartseries.com | Destination Asia Cultural Festival | Sat − Sun, Aug 6 − 7, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. Explore diverse cultures through music, including Japanese drumming, dance, food, a bonsai show, champion sumo wrestlers and more. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | 'Scopes In the City | Wed, Aug 10, 7:30 p.m. Adler Planetarium astronomers and staff lead a free telescope

Aug. 26 & 27 ZOO BREW Sip on brews and listen to live music at Brookfield Zoo during this annual 21-and-over event featuring over 80 beers. Call 630 688-8000 for tickets and more information.

observing program to allow attendees to observe the sun, moon and other celestial bodies. Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Pl., Warrenville. 312 922-7827 | Perseid Meteor Shower Party| Fri, Aug 12, 5 p.m. − midnight. Enjoy gazing at meteors, live music, a scavenger hunt, hands-on activities and presentations by an Adler astronomer. Registration required. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Geneva Concours d'Elegance | Sun, Aug 28, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. Classic, exotic and race automobiles are displayed in celebration of the art of the automobile. For more information, visit www.genevaconcours.net. Third St. between State St. and South St., Geneva. 630 584-3107

KIDS | Children's Lunch Hour Entertainment | Through July 26, Tuesdays, noon. Pack a lunch and enjoy performances that are geared to the young and young at heart at either Frontier Park or Naperville Riverwalk. Frontier Park, 3415 Book Rd.; Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 500 Jackson Ave., Naperville. 630 848-5000 | Children's Concert Series | Through Aug 21, Sundays, noon. Engaging, interactive and fun performances featuring ScribbleMonster, Jeanie B!, Miss Jamie’s Farm and Super Stolie. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Miss Jamie's Farm | Sun, July 3, noon. This children's musician brings her guitar and barnyard friends to the stage for a fun and interactive performance. Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Ranger Adventure Day | Fri, July 8, 9 a.m. − 3 p.m. Learn about what it takes to be a ranger, try archery, go on a guided hike, and enjoy other outdoor fun while learning about plants and animals. For ages 9 − 12. Registration required. Cost: $60. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook 630 933-7248 | Fiddler On The Roof | Fri − Sun, July 15 − 17, Fri − Sat 7:30 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m. Set in the small Russian town of Anatevka in 1905, this classic musical centers around a poor Jewish milkman and father of five daughters, whose attempts to maintain his religious and cultural traditions within his family are challenged by outside influences.

Cost: $15/12. Lemont High School Performing Arts Center, 800 Porter St., Lemont. 630 623-3523 | ScribbleMonster | Sun, July 17, noon. These five veteran Chicago-area performers blend traditional children’s music, improvisational comedy and power-pop to create a fun and interactive rock show for the whole family. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | SING! 2016 | Thur, July 21, 9:30 a.m. − 7 p.m. A choral workshop led by experienced chamber singers designed for students interested in the art of small ensemble singing, followed by dinner and a community concert. Registration required. Cost: $70/60. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. 630 513-5272 | Dave Rudolf | Fri, July 22, 7 p.m. The Grammy Awardnominated and Gold record-winning performer brings his interactive kid-friendly show and humor to Wheaton. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Honk! | Sat − Sun, July 29 − 31, Fri 7:30 p.m. and Sat − Sun 2:30 p.m. An award-winning musical about self discovery that centers around a duck named Ugly who is different from his duckling brothers and sisters. Cost: $15. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. 708 246-3380 | Super Stolie Guacamole! | Sun, July 31, noon. Chicago musician, artist and performer Super Stolie presents an interactive Spanish-English bilingual show with her signature music and dancing, along with Mariachi music. Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Wendy & DB | Sun, Aug 21, noon. This children's music duo performs their positive, upbeat songs with educational and inspiring messages. Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

HISTORY | Historic Trolley Tour Of Naperville | Through Sept 2, Fridays, 11 a.m. A one-hour historic tour of Naperville that blends the past with the present, highlights Naperville's growth and includes stories. Cost: $15. Departs from Trolley Stop, Jackson Ave. and Eagle St., Naperville. 630 420-2223 | Letters From The Oregon Trail | Sun, July 10, 2 p.m. A

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story of one family’s journey westward in 1853 and their struggles along the way, presented by actress Paddy Lynn. Graue Mill, 3800 York Rd., Oak Brook. 630 655-2090 | Oak Park River Forest Gangster Tour | Sun, July 17, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; Also, Sept 18 & Oct 16. Mob historian and author John Binder conducts this exterior tour via minibus that visits 14 houses previously owned by reputed hoodlums including Tony Accardo, Paul Ricca, Sam Battaglia, "Tough Tony" Capezio and "Machine Gun Jack: McGurn. Cost: $30/27. Meet at Oak Park Visitors Center, 1010 Lake St., Oak Park. 708 848-1500 | Geneva On Wheels | Tue, July 26 & Aug 17, 10:30 a.m. Take a tour in a high-top van with a personal guide from the Geneva History Museum and learn about the people and places of Geneva. Tour includes admission to the museum. Registration required. Cost: $25. Tour leaves from Geneva History Museum, 113 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-4951 | McCormick Day | Thur, Aug 4, 10 a.m. − 9 p.m. Celebrate the birthday of Colonel Robert Rutherford McCormick with vintage games, crafts, music, activities and more. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Mudslinging, Muckraking And Apple Pie | Tue, Aug 30, 7 p.m. Featuring special guest and actor Terry Lynch, this program tells the stories of the mudslinging and muckraking of the Jefferson v. Adams campaign of 1800, the Jackson v. Adams of 1828, and the Lincoln v. Douglas of 1860, as well as the 1912 campaign when Teddy Roosevelt decided to start his own political party. Cost: $10/5. Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N Main St., Glen Ellyn. 630 469-1867

HOME & GARDEN | A Day In The Country | Sat, July 9, 9 a.m. − 4 p.m. This biennial garden walk features six local gardens and an exclusive garden gate boutique. Cost: $20/15. Will Call Booth, 4N558 Hidden Oaks Rd., St. Charles. www.pottagardenclub.org | Elmhurst Garden Walk & Faire | Sun, July 10, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. View seven different gardens that range in size from grand to modest, shop from vendors with garden accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces, and search through a selection of perennials for sale. Cost: $20/15. Faire takes place at Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. www.elmhurstgardenclub.org | Kane County Master Gardener Idea Garden Open House | Tue, July 12 & Aug 16, 9 − 11 a.m. View unique combinations of flowers, natives, herbs and vegetables that are easy to replicate at home, and take advantage of tag sales. Kane County Master Gardener Idea Garden, Peck Rd. and Route 38, St. Charles. 630 584-6166 | Aquascape Water & Garden Showcase | Sat, July 16, 10 a.m. − 3 p.m. A self-guided, open-house style tour of private properties with an array of features including fire pits and bowls, bubbling urns, land bridges, rainwater harvesting systems, waterfalls, water and seasonal garden plants, aquatic life and more. For more information, visit www.aquascapechicagoland.com. Various locations in Elmhurst. 630 659-2057; Also, Sat, Aug 20 in Naperville. | Hydrangeas | Tue, July 19, 6:15 − 8 p.m. A presentation by Glenn Grosch on growing hydrangeas successfully in the Chicago area, where each of five species is covered for hardiness, light requirements and moisture needs. Pruning for flower display and managing blue/pink bloom color are included. St. Paul Church,118 First St., Bloomingdale. www.bloomingdalegardenclub.org

| DIY Garden Project: Glass On Glass Mosaic Window | Sat, July 23, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Learn glass on glass techniques while creating a mosaic on a framed 5 X 5 clear sheet of glass. Class includes supplies and tools. Registration required. Cost: $50. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. 630 664-3229 | Antique Tool Show & Sale | Sun, Aug 7, 9 a.m. − 1 p.m. Members of the Midwest Tool Collectors Association and the Early American Industries Association display, trade and sell antique and collectable tools. Cost: $6/3. Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Rd., Campton Hills. 630 584-8485 | Heirloom Garden Show| Sun, Aug 28, 11 a.m. − 4 p.m. Rare and specialty fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs are displayed and sold by Midwestern growers. Cost: $6/3. Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Rd., Campton Hills. 630 584-8485

FASHION & BRIDAL | Wedding Traditions Unveiled | Through July 31, Mon – Sun, Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sat – Sun noon – 4 p.m. Explore 100 years of courtship rituals and wedding traditions in DuPage County, from the Victorian Era to WWII. For more information, visit www.dupagemuseum.org. Suggested donation: $4/2. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941 | Nancy Neill Jewelry Trunk Show | Sun, July 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Meet the local jewelry designer whose pieces of jewelry are handcrafted by herself and her artisans using found objects, beads, natural stones, charms, chains and other findings. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Wedding Chocolates Tasting | Sat, July 16, 1 – 3 p.m. Taste your favorites while you learn about the history of chocolates and the Fannie May company. For ages 7 and over. Registration required. Cost: $5. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941 | Transworld's Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show | Thur – Sun, July 21 – 24, Thur 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Fri – Sun 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. One of the largest independent tradeshow producers in the United States provides hundreds of vendors of apparel and accessories, as well as giveaways and a charity auction. For more information,visit www.jfashow.com. 50% off with West Suburban Living Magazine Ad. Registration required. Cost: $10/5. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd., Rosemont. 800 323-5462

FESTIVALS | Lisle Eyes To The Skies | Fri – Sun, July 1 – 3 noon – 11 p.m. Carnival, parade, children’s activities, fireworks, food, craft fair, live music and more; Also, 5:30 a.m. Balloon Launch on Friday and Saturday. Free for children under 7. Cost: $8. Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St. Lisle. www.eyestotheskies.org | Fourth Of July Brat Tent Festivities | Fri – Mon, July 1 – 4. Food, live musical entertainment, family entertainment and more. Metra Train Station parking lot, 201 Spring St., Barrington. 847 304-3400 | Naperville Ribfest | Fri – Mon, July 1 – 4, noon – 10 p.m. Rib vendors, music featuring 3 Doors Down, Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice, 7th Heaven and other artists, carnival and other activities. Cost: $20/15. Knoch Park, 724 S West St., Naperville. 630 259-1129 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 33

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Calendar of Events

| Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival | Sat – Sun, July 2 – 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The sixth annual festival showcases art that embodies a botanic theme, use or material, and offers original works for purchase from a select group of 100 juried artists. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 847 835-5440 | 4th Of July Festival | Sun – Mon, July 3 – 4, Sun 3 – 11:45 p.m. and Mon 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Parade, music, games, 4th Annual Cerny Series Baseball Games, fireworks, food, 5K run and live entertainment. Cerny Park, River Rd. and Forestview Ave., Warrenville. 630 393-9427 | Independence Day Celebration | Fri − Sat, July 3 − 4, Fri 4:30 − 9 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. Enjoy family activities, fireworks, business expo, carnival rides and a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July. Various locations throughout downtown Wheaton. www.wheatonparkdistrict.com

| Barrington Brew Fest | Sat, July 9, 3 – 7 p.m. Nearly 50 brewers showcasing more than 90 different brews, food and music. Must be 21 and over. Cost: $50/40. Metra Train Station parking lot, 201 Spring St., Barrington. www.barringtonbrewfest.com | La Grange Craft Fair | Sat – Sun, July 9 – 10, Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Craft show with more than 150 Midwest artisans showcasing unique arts and crafts items. La Grange Rd. between Hillgrove Ave. and Ogden Ave., and Harris Ave. between La Grange Rd. and Ashland Ave., Downtown La Grange. www.lgba.com | Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair | Sat – Sun, July 9 – 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Original works from more than 100 local and national artists, a silent auction, children’s activities and more. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-9680

| Taste Of Westmont | Thur – Sun, July 7 – 10, Thur 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Fri 4 – 10:30 p.m., Sat noon – 10:30 p.m. and Sun noon – 9 p.m. Live entertainment, carnival, beer & margarita tent, craft show, food and more. Cass Ave. between Chicago and Burlington Ave., Downtown Westmont. 630 829-9378

| Itasca Fest | Thur – Sun, July 9 – 12, Thur 6 – 11 p.m., Fri 6 p.m. – midnight, Sat noon – midnight and Sun noon – 11 p.m. Music, flea market, health fair, carnival, sports tournament, food, car show and more. Washington Park, 350 E Irving Park Rd., Itasca. 630 773-0835

| Windmill City Festival | Thur – Sun, July 7 – 10, Thur 6 – 10 p.m., Fri noon – 11 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Carnival, 5k, pet parade, music, food and more. The Riverwalk, 100 N Island Ave., Batavia. 630 879-5235

| Glendale Heights Fest | Wed – Sun, July 13 – 17, Wed – Thur 6 – 11 p.m. Fri 6 p.m. – midnight, Sat 3 p.m. – midnight and Sun 3 – 11 p.m. Carnival, live entertainment, fireworks, food and more. Camera Park, 101 E Fullerton, Glendale Heights. 630 260-6000

| Millennium Art Festival | Fri – Sun, July 8 – 10, Fri 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Outdoor festival with more than 110 juried artists, live music, food and more. Lake St. and Michigan Ave., Downtown Chicago. 847 926-4300

| Forest Park Music Fest | Fri – Sun, July 15 – 17, Fri 5 – 11 p.m. and Sat – Sun noon – 10 p.m. Enjoy performances by 16 Candles, Too White Crew, American English, 7th Heaven, Wedding Banned, Blooze Brothers and other artists, along with two beer gardens, local food

vendors, carnival games, crafts, merchant sales and more. Cost: $5. Madison St. between Des Plaines Ave. and Circle Ave., Forest Park. 708 366-2543 | Naperville Ale Fest | Sat, July 16, 1 − 5 p.m. More than 200 beers from craft breweries around the world, live music and food from local restaurants. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $80/20. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. www.napervillealefest.com | Anonapalooza Family Summerfest | Sun, July 17, noon – 6 p.m. Family activities, live music, food and more. Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Dr., Geneva. 630 620-6616 | Kane County Fair | Wed – Sun, July 20 – 24, Wed – Thur 3 – 11 p.m., Fri – Sat noon – midnight and Sun noon – 9 p.m. Live entertainment, demolition derby, bull riding, carnival, contests and more. Cost: $23/3. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S Randall Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-6926 | Family Fun Fest | Fri, July 22, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Face painting, inflatables, games and more. Lisle High School Commons, 1800 Short St., Lisle. 630 964-3410 | Puerto Rican Heritage Festival | Sat – Sun, July 23 – 24, noon. Authentic Puerto Rican food, folk music, competitions and more. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Geneva Arts Fair | Sat – Sun, July 23 – 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fine arts show featuring more than 155 fine artisans, children’s activities, food and more. 100 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-6060 | Veggie Fest | Sat – Sun, July 23 – 24, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Food, live music, children’s activities and speakers

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focused on vegetarianism. Science of Spirituality, 4045 Naperville Rd., Lisle. 630 955-1200 | DuPage County Fair | Wed – Sun, July 27 – 31, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Live music, carnival, youth talent show, demolition derby, livestock auction, beer tent and more. Cost: $10/4. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-6636 | Sugar Grove Corn Boil| Thur – Sun, July 28 – 31. Nonprofit festival with carnival, live music, bingo, beer & mixed drink tent, food and more. Volunteer Park, 61 S Main St., Sugar Grove. 630 449-7999 | Streamwood Summer Celebration | Fri – Sun, July 29 – 31, Fri 5 – 11 p.m., Sat noon – 11 p.m. and Sun noon – 8 p.m. Entertainment, golf tournament, business expo, parade, contests, carnival and more. Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W Irving Park Rd., Streamwood. 630 736-3802

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| Panafest: Taste Of Africa | Sat – Sun, July 30 – 31, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. A Pan-African Cultural festival that celebrates African fine, performing, culinary and other forms of African art. Parade Field at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Kendall County Fair | Thur – Sun, Aug 4 – 7, Thur 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., Fri – Sat 8 a.m. – midnight and Sun 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Carnival, Western Speed Show, live music, livestock show, food and more. Cost: $8/4. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 Illinois Route 71, Yorkville. 630 553-2860 | Summer Daze Festival | Fri – Sat, Aug 5 – 6, Fri 5 – 11 p.m. and Sat noon – 11 p.m. Music festival, business expo, children’s activities, car show, teen arena, rides, food and more. Car show begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Downtown Warrenville. 630 393-7279 | North Aurora Days | Fri – Sun. Aug 5 – 7. Car show, fishing derby, pet parade, 5k, music and more. Throughout North Aurora. 630 897-8228 | La Grange Endless Summerfest | Fri – Sun, Aug 5 – 7, Fri 5 – 10:30 p.m. Sat noon – 10:30 p.m. and Sun noon – 10 p.m. Carnival, bands, human foosball, local food vendors, beer garden, entertainment and fireworks. Free for children 12 and under. Cost: $3 admission after 5 p.m. on Fri – Sat. Gordon Park, Ogden Ave. and Tilden Ave., La Grange. 708-352-1762 | Taste Of Roselle | Fri – Sat, Aug 5 – 7, Fri 6 – 11 p.m., Sat noon – 11 p.m. and Sun noon – 8 p.m. Carnival, craft fair, bingo tent, live entertainment and food. Main St. between Roselle Rd. and Park St., Downtown Roselle. 630 980-2000 | Free! Kite Fest | Sat, Aug 6, 11 a.m. − 4 p.m. Enjoy kite demonstrations, a candy drop, free kite building for children and more. Berens Park, 493 N Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. 630 993-8900 | Wheaton Brew Fest | Sat, Aug 6, 1 – 4:30 p.m. Craft beers, live entertainment and food from local restaurants. Must be 21 and over. Cost: $45. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. 630 510-5064 | Naperville Wine Festival | Fri – Sat, Aug 12 – 13, Fri – Sat 5 – 10:30 p.m. Wines from around the world, seminars, cooking demonstrations, food from local restaurants and music. Cost: $40/15. CityGate Centre, 2135 CityGate Ln., Naperville. 888 695-0888 | Montgomery Fest | Fri – Sun, Aug 12 – 14, Fri 5 – 10 p.m. and Sat – Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Carnival, parade, craft and business booths, music, petting zoo, car show, fishing derby, food and more. Montgomery Park, River St. and Mill St., Montgomery. 630 896-8080 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 35

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Calendar of Events | Green Fair On The Fox | Sat, Aug 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Food, demonstrations, children’s activities, music and more that raise awareness on sustainable living, physical fitness and healthy living. Riverwalk, Peg Bond Center and City Hall. Downtown Batavia. 630 761-3528

PEPSI TALL SHIPS CHICAGO 2016

| Elburn Days | Fri – Sun, Aug 19 – 21. Parade, tractor pull, mud volleyball, live music and entertainment, carnival, food and more. Lions Park, 500 S Filmore St., Elburn. 630 365-6315 | Fall Festival Of Fine Art | Sat – Sun, Aug 20 – 21, Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. − 6 p.m. Juried art festival, live music, children’s activities, art demos and educational booth chats. 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. 847 926-4300 | Park Palooza | Sat, Aug 20, 5 − 10 p.m. This fourth annual event features music, children's activities, food trucks, a beer garden and more. Berens Park, 493 N Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. 630 993-8900

Wor th Going Downtown For - War Paint - Through Aug 14. Tue

− Sun; No show on Tue, July 19 & 26. Tony Award winners Christine Ebersole and Patti Lupone star in this world premiere musical about the lives of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, and their rivalry. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.goodmantheatre.org. Albert Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago. 312 443-3800

- Renée Fleming - Sun, July 10, 8

p.m. The American opera singer, soprano, and National Medal of Arts and Richard Tucker Award winner is joined on stage by artists from Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center. Cost: $45. Harris Theatre, 205 E Randolph Dr., Chicago. 312 334-7777

- Adele -

Sun − Mon, July 10 − 11, 7:30 p.m.; Also Wed, July 13. This ten-time Grammy Awardwinner, known for hits "Someone Like You," "Skyfall" and "Hello," returns to the U.S. for her first tour in five years. Cost: $150/40. United Center, 1901 W Madison St., Chicago. 312 455-4500

- Coldplay - Sat − Sun, July 23 − 24, 8 p.m. The Grammy Awardwinning British alternative rock band, known for songs "Viva la Vida," "Speed of Sound" and "Yellow," perform during their A Head Full of Dreams Tour. Cost: $177/27. Soldier Field, 1410 S Museum Campus Dr., Chicago. 312 235-7000 - Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2016 -

Wed − Sun, July 27 − 31, Wed 3 − 5 p.m., Thur − Sat 10 a.m. − 8 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. − 6 p.m. View over 14 vessels, walk the grounds and watch the Parade of Sail.

Boarding tickets and Sail Away tickets are also available. Cost: $10. Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago. 800 595-7437

The Dancers' Fund. Cost: $250/15. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Congress Pkwy., Chicago. 800 982-2787

- Bites, Blooms & Bourdeaux -

- Chicago Air & Water Show -

Fri, July 29, 6 − 9 p.m. An afterhours garden party featuring varietals and blends from top winemaking regions, gourmet cuisine, conversation with Lincoln Park Zoo's horticulture experts and live music. For ages 21 and over. Registration required. Cost: $79/69. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St., Chicago. 312-742-2000

Maks & Val Live On Tour: Our Way - Fri, July 29, 8 p.m. Brothers Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskly, who have starred in ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," bring to life a show about their life story. Cost: $80/30. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St., Chicago. 312 462-6300

The Merchant Of Venice Tue − Sun, Aug 4 − 14. The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production starring Olivier Award and Tony Award winner Jonathon Pryce tells the story of a merchant who needs to default on a large loan from a Jewish moneylender. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com for showtimes and tickets. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave., Chicago. 312 595-5600

- Dance For Life 2016 - Sat, Aug 20, 7:30 p.m. This annual benefit dance concert showcases worldrenowned professional dancers of Chicago including Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet to help raise funds for the AIDS Foundation as well as

Sat − Sun, Aug 20 − 21, 10 a.m. − 3 p.m. The largest free show of its kind, showcasing daredevil pilots, civilian and military pilots, jets that fly in formation, parachute teams, performances by aerial stunt performers,watercraft stunts, and more. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. www.chicagoairandwatershow.us

- Luke

Bryan - Sat, Aug 27. The multiple award-winning country music singer, with hits "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)," "I Don't Want This Night To End" and "Drink a Beer," makes his Wrigley Field debut during his Kill The Lights Tour. Cost: $125/70. Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St, Chicago. www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com

- Kinky Boots - Tue − Sun, Aug 30

− Sept 4. Charlie Price is struggling to continue the family business, until help arrives in the unlikely form of Lola, a performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com. Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St., Chicago. 800 775-2000

- Chicago Jazz Festival - Thur − Sun, Sept 1 − 4, Thur 6:30 − 9 p.m. and Fri − Sun noon − 4:30 p.m. Live performances by Chicago jazz artists as well as national and international artists, including The Bad Plus, Benny Golson, Anat Cohen Orbert Davis and more. Millenium Park, 201 E Randolph St., Chicago. chicagojazzfestival.us

| Zoo Brew | Fri − Sat, Aug 26 − 27, 5 − 9 p.m. Annual beer tasting event featuring more than 80 beers and entertainment by U.F.C. Band and No Alternative. Ticket includes admission to zoo. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $45/35. East Mall at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Carol Stream Summer Carnival | Thur – Mon, Sept 1 – 5, Thur 6 – 10 p.m. Fri 6 – 11 p.m. Sat 1 – 11 p.m. Sun 1 – 9 p.m. and Mon 1 – 8 p.m. Carnival, games, food and more. Ferraro Town Center, 960 N Gary Ave., Carol Stream. 630 665-7050 | Hometown Days Festival | Fri – Sun, Sept 2 – 4. Live entertainment, car show, Ultimate Air Dog Show, carnival rides, food and more. Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville. 630 553-4357 | Naperville Jaycees Last Fling | Fri – Mon, Sept 2 – 5, Fri 5 – 11 p.m., Sat – Sun 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Mon 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Main stage entertainment by Toad the Wet Sprocket, Rusted Root, Sugar Ray, Foreigners Journey and other artists, food, drinks, carnival, parade and more. Downtown Naperville. 630 961-4143 | Lemont Heritage Festival | Sat, Sept 3, 3 – 11 p.m. Live music, children’s activities, food and more. Downtown Lemont. 630 257-1550

FOOD & DRINK | Wednesdays, Woods & Wine | Through Aug 31, Wednesdays, 5:30 − 8 p.m. Enjoy live music and drinks. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $15/10. Arbor Court at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Monarchs & Margaritas | Tue, July 12, 7 − 9 p.m. Enjoy a margarita, chips and salsa while learning about monarch butterflies and their migration between Mexico and North America. Cost: $35. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Cosley Zoo Uncorked Wine Tasting | Thur, July 21, 5:30 − 8 p.m. Enjoy wine, appetizers, live music and a raffle. For ages 21 and over. Registration required. Cost: $75/40. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton. 630 665-5534 | Say "I Can" To Canning | Sat, July 23 & Aug 20, 10 − 11:30 a.m.; Also, Sept 10. University of Illinois Extension Educator Laura Barr demonstrates a variety of food preservation techniques with fresh fruits and vegetables during a series of sessions at the Aurora Farmers Market, followed by a Q&A session. Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N Broadway, Aurora. 630 584-6166

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Calendar of Events

| Craft & Import Beer Tasting Event | Thur, July 28, 5:30 − 9 p.m. Sample an array of handcrafted premium and import beers and ciders from over 14 craft brewers and enjoy appetizers, tours of the exhibit, raffles, music and more. Registration required. Cost: $21/18. Outdoor Rooftop Terrace at Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet. 815 723-5201

Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Paws In The Park | Sat, Aug 6, 1 − 4 p.m. Enjoy family and dog-friendly activities including frisbee dog demos, an agility course, animal communicator, face painting, music, contests, a photo booth, raffles and more. Registration required. Cost: $20/5. Grass Practice Field at North Central College, Porter Ave. and Loomis St., Naperville. 630 420-8989

| Arboretum Uncorked | Thur, July 28, 7 − 9 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine and create a painting, led by a skilled instructor. Cost: $50. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

LITERATURE

| Wheaton Wine Walk | Thur, Aug 11, 5 – 8 p.m. Taste a variety of wines at 20 different stops throughout the downtown area including restaurants and retail shops. Cost: $35/30. Throughout Downtown Wheaton. 630 682-0633

SPORTS | Paddle Boats On The Fox River | Through Sept 4, Mon − Sun, Mon − Fri 5 − 8 p.m. and Sat − Sun 1 − 6 p.m. Take a leisurely ride down Fox River in a four-person paddle boat. Must be 16 and over. Cost: $10 per 30-min rental. Paddle boats launch at Batavia Depot Pond, 151 N Island Ave., Batavia. 630 879-5235 | Superior Ambulance Elmhurst Cycling Classic | Fri, July 22, 11 a.m. Enjoy the race excitement during the day with a family fun bike ride around the course, local food vendors, beer, face painting and other entertainment, then stay and watch the professionals race under the lights on Day 7 of the nine-day professional road tour. Elmhurst College, Walter St. and Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. www.elmbike.com | Cosley Classic Golf Outing | Mon, Aug 1, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, lunch, a steak dinner, oncourse drinks, gimmick holes, a raffle and silent auction. Registration required. Cost: $175 per golfer; $50 tickets available for dinner only. Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 665-5534

HEALTH & FITNESS | Meditation & Essential Oils | Mon, July 11 & 25; Also, Aug 8 & 22, 6 p.m. Explore meditative and self-nurturing yoga poses with the use of plant-based essential oils to restore and rebalance the mind and body. Cost: $21. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Gerald Subaru Rooster 5K And Fling Mile | Mon, Sept. 5, 8:45 a.m. Participate in this chip-timed 5K and Fling mile run, and find out who the overall and age category winners are after. Registration required. Cost: $35/15. Race ends at Porter Ave by Naperville Central High School, Naperville. www.lastfling.org

ANIMALS | Festival Of Flight | Through Sept 5, Mon − Sun 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. Nearly 20 bird species demonstrate their natural flight abilities during this 30-minute interactive show. Free with zoo admission. Cost: $18/13. West of Tropic World at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Dog Days | Sat, Aug 6, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. Bring your dog and enjoy a special dog play area, vendors from the dog world and some specially trained dogs to entertain.

| Emily Giffin | Wed, July 13, 7 p.m. This Young Adult author visits with her new book, "First Comes Love: A Novel" for a discussion and book signing. For more information, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com. Theatre at MeileySwallow Hall, 31 S Ellsworth St., Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Robert Elder, Aaron Vetch & Mark Cirino | Sun, July 17, 2 p.m. The writers of "Hidden Hemingway: Inside the Ernest Hemingway Archives of Oak Park," discuss highlights from Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park's collection, followed by a book signing. Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W Madison St., Forest Park. 708 771-7243 | Lauren Weisberger | Fri, July 22, 7 p.m. The author of "The Devil Wears Prada" visits for a book signing to celebrate her new title, "The Singles Game," while the film "The Devil Wears Prada" plays in the background. For more information, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com. Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 S Illinois Route 59, Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Shane Dawson: Photo Event | Sun, July 24, 2 p.m. Take a professional photograph with the New York Times bestselling author of " I Hate Myselfie." For more information, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com. Cost: $21. Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Release Party | Sat, July 30, midnight. Receive a space in line and a copy of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and enjoy games, trivia, prizes, costumes and other activities while you wait. Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville. 630 355-2665; 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. 630 963-2665; and 26 S La Grange Rd., La Grange. 708 582-6353

LECTURES | How To Bake Pi: An Explanation Of The Mathematics Of Mathematics | Fri, July 15, 8 p.m. Using hands-on activities, examples that everyone can relate to and funny stories, Dr. Cheng shows that math can be made fun and intriguing. Cost: $7. Fermilab's Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Rd. and Pine St., Batavia. 630 840-2787 | Shakespeare’s Tempest In The Year Of Mercy, 2016 | Thur, July 28, 1 p.m. This lecture and discussion focuses on Shakespeare's final romance play, in which Shakespeare revisits the major issues treated in his preceding 35 plays. Cost: $20. Priory Campus Room 263 at Dominican University, 7200 W Division St., River Forest. 708 714-9107 | An Afternoon With Priscilla Presley | Sun, Aug 21, 4 p.m. Gain insight into Priscilla's world as she answers audience questions and shares stories that will spark curiosity and conversation in an intimate interview setting. Cost: $75/65. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 Information is as accurate as possible, but times and dates do sometimes change and events are occasionally canceled. Please call to verify all critical information. To have an event included in this guide, send information two to three months in advance to: Out & About, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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of the most respected legal authorities in the Chicago area

significant. Consequently, finding the best, most effective

— Leading Lawyers — to provide a list of the Top Attorneys

legal representation possible is an important and sometimes

in the western suburbs. Presented by primary specialty area, each of the attorneys on the following pages was chosen in a survey of their peers in a carefully administered selection process. (For a more in-depth look at the selection process and criteria, see “Research & Selection Process” on the following page.) Please note, the goal of these listings is to serve as a possible starting point in finding an attorney and/or a useful supplemental source of information. While those on the list were the most highly recommended by their peers in this particular survey, many well regarded and highly capable professionals do not appear on this list. Readers are advised to do their own due diligence in determining the most appropriate legal assistance for their specific need. And by including an attorney on the list, West Suburban Living Magazine in no way recommends or endorses his or her services.

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Top Attorneys

Research & Selection Process

he list of Leading Lawyers on the following pages and on the LeadingLawyers.com website are very different from most other lawyer search sites or lawyer directories. A LAWYER CANNOT BUY THEIR WAY ONTO THE LIST OF LEADING LAWYERS. Only lawyers who are most often recommended by their peers and reviewed by a carefully selected Advisory Board qualify as Leading Lawyers. You need to be a lawyer to judge the quality, experience and reputation of other lawyers, So Leading Lawyers mails annual surveys to all 71,000+ lawyers listed in Sullivan’s Law Directory®. In the survey we ask, “If a family member, friend, or business associate needs legal help and you can’t take the case, which lawyer(s) would you recommend in each of these 105 areas of law?” This methodology ensures that peers recommend peers, indeed their own competitors. Lawyers cannot nominate themselves or lawyers at their law firm. The lawyers who receive the most recommendations are

Adoption & Reproductive Technology Law • William J. Durrenberger, Jr., Durrenberger Law Office, Sugar Grove, 630 466-9085 • Sean M. McCumber, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC, Naperville, 630 665-7676 • Denise J. Patton, Law Office of Denise J Patton, Palatine, 847 925-9072 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Law: Commercial Litigation • Donald P. O’Connell, O’Connell Mediation Services, Riverside, 708 204-6402 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Law: Family • Benjamin S. Mackoff, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Jane D. Waller, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 847 604-6005 Association & Non-Profit Law • Mary E. Callow, Clingen Callow & McLean LLC, Lisle, 630 871-2610 AVIATION LAW • Floyd A. Wisner, Wisner Law Firm, St. Charles, 630 513-9434 Banking & Financial Institutions Law • Thomas B. Cassidy, Attorney at Law, Campton Hills, 630 294-2848 • Bruce W. Craig, Craig Law Firm Ltd, Naperville, 630 974-1776 • George F. Mahoney, III, Mahoney Silverman & Cross Ltd, Joliet, 815 730-9500 • Rich Payne, Robinson Payne LLC, Hoffman Estates, 847 882-8888

then reviewed by a 435 Member Advisory Board comprised of those lawyers who are most often recommended within their region or area of law. The Advisory Board is thus geographically and categorically diverse. The Advisory Board vets each of the recommended lawyers. This Advisory Board review ensures that respected lawyers are not overlooked, that lawyers who are not reputable or experienced will not be included, and it helps us maintain the overall high quality of the Leading Lawyers list. All of the Advisory Board Members’ input for a particular area of law is considered against that of their fellow Advisory Board Members. Leading Lawyers makes its final selections based upon the input we receive from the Advisory Board. For more information on the Leading Lawyers go to LeadingLawyers.com. Questions regarding a specific lawyer or the research methodology may be directed to Scott Anderson at Anderson@LeadingLawyers.com.

• Thomas P. Scherschel, SmithAmundsen LLC, St. Charles, 630 587-7912 Bankruptcy Law: Individual • David R. Brown, Springer Brown LLC, Wheaton, 630 510-0000 • Bradley S. Covey, Law Offices of Bradley S. Covey PC, Batavia, 630 879-9559 • Kent A. Gaertner, Kent A. Gaertner P.C., Wheaton, 630 510-0000 • John E. Gierum, Gierum & Mantas, Rosemont, 847 318-9130 • Patrick A. Meszaros, Law Office of Patrick A Meszaros, Joliet, 815 722-4001 • Pamela L. Peterson, Glenn Stearns Chapter 13, Bankruptcy Trustee, Lisle, 630 981-3888 • Michele M. Springer, Springer Brown LLC, Wheaton, 630 510-0000 • Thomas E. Springer, Springer Brown LLC, Wheaton, 630 510-0000 • Ahmad T. Sulaiman, Law Offices of Sulaiman & Associates LLC, Oak Brook, 630 575-8181 Civil Appellate Law • Robert G. Black, Law Offices of Robert G Black PC, Naperville, 630 527-1440 • David J. Bressler, Dykema Gossett PLLC, Lisle, 312 577-2824 • Michael J. Colwell, Meyers & Flowers LLC, St. Charles, 630 232-6333 • Lynn D. Dowd, Law Offices of Lynn D. Dowd, Naperville, 630 665-7851 • Pamela Davis Gorcowski, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • Christine Olson McTigue, Law Office

of Christine Olson McTigue, Wheaton, 630 639-9181 • James A. Murphy, Mahoney Silverman & Cross Ltd, Joliet, 815 730-9500 Civil Rights/ Constitutional Law • Patrick M. Kinnally, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • James G. Sotos, The Sotos Law Firm PC, Itasca, 630 735-3300 Class Action/Mass Tort Plaintiff’s Law • Vincent L. DiTommaso, DiTommaso Lubin PC, Oakbrook Terrace, 630 333-0003 • Peter S. Lubin, DiTommaso Lubin PC, Oakbrook Terrace, 630 333-0002 • Brian J. Wanca, Anderson & Wanca, Rolling Meadows, 847 368-1500 Closely & Privately Held Business Law • Robert J. Britz, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo Ltd, Elburn, 630 365-6441 • Bryan Y. Funai, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 • Richard M. Furgason, Dreyer Foote Streit Furgason & Slocum PA, Aurora, 630 897-8764 • Karrsten Goettel, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC, South Elgin, 847 695-2400 • Michael W. Hansen, Michael W. Hansen PC, Joliet, 815 744-9500 • Thomas Z. Hayward, Jr., Attorney at Law, Barrington, 847 381-0025 • Howard M. Hoff, Goldstine Skrodzki

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KYLE ROCKERSHOUSEN

is an associate at Walsh, Knippen, Pollock & Cetina. Kyle practices in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, and municipal law. Kyle focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs who have been critically injured as a result of the negligence of others. Kyle also works as a prosecutor on ordinance violation cases for a municipal client.

Adam Kruse is an associate at Walsh, Knippen, Pollock & Cetina. In his practice, Adam represents injured victims and their families in all kinds of personal injury cases, including automobile collisions, slip-and-fall cases, medical negligence, and cases involving dangerous products.

ED WALSH is a Trial

Lawyer, the founding member of Walsh, Knippen, Pollock & Cetina, and for 43 years has specialized in representing seriously injured people and the loved ones of people who are wrongfully killed. By appointment of the Supreme Court, Ed is a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and Professionalism Commission.

JIM KNIPPEN is a

partner in the firm who specializes in complex litigation and representation of units of local government in various capacities. He also spends a substantial time representing police and fire chiefs in disciplinary investigations and prosecutions. He has done local counsel work at the request of many national and Chicago firms and also has extensive experience in injunctions, declaratory actions and Civil Rights defense work.

BRAD POLLOCK is a

partner with WKPC. He has secured record setting results while aggressively and compassionately representing his injured clients. Brad handles cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, construction negligence, medical malpractice, product liability and collisions. He has also been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as Chairman of the 2nd District Character and Fitness Committee and as a member of the Civil Jury Instruction Committee.

MIKE CETINA is a

partner with Walsh, Knippen, Pollock & Cetina. He has been an advocate for those who were needlessly injured or killed through the negligence, neglect or wrongful conduct of others since 1990. He concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice, wrongful death, nursing home neglect, motor vehicle & trucking collisions, institutional sexual assault and slip and fall cases.

he attorneys of Walsh, Knippen, Pollock & Cetina, Chartered, are well known and respected for the results we have achieved for clients in extremely challenging and complex cases involving personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice claims. Our attorneys have tried to verdict more than 350 jury and non-jury cases lasting three days to six weeks, each. This is more cases than most attorneys will try in a lifetime. Our reputation as effective trial lawyers often motivates opponents to agree to reasonable settlements outside of the courtroom. If you or a member of your family is seeking experienced legal representation, please contact our medical malpractice and personal injury law firm to arrange a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE Top Attorneys Russian Nemec and Hoff Ltd, Burr Ridge, 630 655-6000 • Raymond J. Horn, III, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2430 • Eldon H. Kakuda, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 • R. Terence Kalina, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 668-8500 • Terence P. Kennedy, Kennedy Law Group, River Forest, 708 657-4153 • William A. Kindorf, III, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 • Gregory A. MacDonald, Pluymert MacDonald & Hargrove Ltd, Hoffman Estates, 847 298-5030 • Nick Marsico, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 • Timothy M. McLean, Clingen Callow & McLean, LLC, Lisle, 630 871-2612 • T. Gregory Mieczynski, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 • Edward J. Momkus, Momkus McCluskey Roberts LLC, Lisle, 630 434-0400 • Kenneth J. Nemec, Jr., Goldstine Skrodzki Russian Nemec and Hoff Ltd, Burr Ridge, 630 655-6000 • Thomas R. Palmer, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-6048 • Michael J. Polachek, Law Office of Michael J. Polachek Ltd, Barrington, 224 655-2991 • Stephen M. Proctor, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 • John F. Purtill, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2403 • Roger T. Stelle, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2401 • Jay B. Strayer, Huck Bouma PC, Naperville, 630 221-1755 • William H. Wentz, Huck Bouma PC, Naperville, 630 221-1755 • Thomas W. Winkler, The Winkler Law Group, Schaumburg, 847 466-5280 • David E. Zajicek, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Lisle, 630 505-4167 Commercial Litigation • Samuel G. Harrod, IV, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2418 • John B. Kincaid, Mirabella Kincaid Frederick & Mirabella LLC, Wheaton, 630 665-7300 • Mark J. McAndrew, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 510-4936 • James F. McCluskey, Momkus McCluskey Roberts LLC, Lisle, 630 434-0400 • Robert J. Metts, Chilton Yambert Porter LLP, Geneva, 630 262-4000 • Gary K. Mickey, Mickey Wilson Weiler Renzi & Andersson PC, Aurora, 630 801-9699 • John M. O’Driscoll, Tressler LLP, Bolingbrook, 630 759-0800 • Daniel M. Purdom, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Lisle, 630 505-0010 • Edward C. Richard, Law Office of Edward C. Richard, Oak Brook, 312 208-8693 • Scott G. Richmond, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC, South Elgin, 847 695-2400 • David F. Rolewick, Rolewick & Gutzke PC, Wheaton, 630 653-1577 • Bruce Stephen Terlep, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP, Lisle, 630 799-6900 • Daniel J. Zollner, Dykema Gossett PLLC, Lisle, 312 627-2193

Computer & Technology Law • Ruth Hill Bro, Attorney at Law, Hinsdale, 630 734-3950 • Kenneth Hartmann, Law Office of Kenneth Hartmann, St. Charles, 630 377-2502 • Marilyn Lamar, Liss & Lamar PC, Oak Brook, 630 571-1643 Construction Law • Peter F. Herzog, Peter Herzog & Associates LLC, Naperville, 312 656-5876 • Brian J. Hickey, Cassiday Schade LLP, Naperville, 630 328-2980 • Jennifer A. Nielsen, Lyman & Nielsen, Oak Brook, 630 575-0020 • Reese J. Peck, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 668-8500 • Eric L. Singer, Ice Miller LLP, Lisle, 630 955-5826 • H. Evan Williams, IV, SmithAmundsen LLC, St. Charles, 630 587-7913 Criminal Appellate Law • Donald J. Ramsell, Ramsell & Armamentos LLC, Wheaton, 630 665-8780 Criminal Defense Law: DUI • Michael R. Botti, Botti Law Firm PC, Oak Brook, 630 573-8585 • Stephen A. Brundage, Attorney at Law, Wheaton, 630 260-9647 • Thomas T. Glasgow, Glasgow Beattie Olsson, Schaumburg, 847 577-8700 • Steven C. Haney, Law Office of Steven C. Haney, Joliet, 815 723-5600 • Gerald G. Kielian, Attorney at Law, Joliet, 815 727-5310 • Jeffery J. Tomczak, Law Office of Jeff Tomczak, Joliet, 815 723-4400 • J. Brick Van Der Snick, Van Der Snick Law Firm Ltd, St. Charles, 630 845-8200 Criminal Defense Law: Felonies & Misdemeanors • David E. Camic, Camic Johnson Ltd, Aurora, 630 859-0135 • Ernest DiBenedetto, DiBenedetto and Kendall PC, Clarendon Hills, 630 323-2366 • Liam Dixon, Law Offices of Liam Dixon, Aurora, 630 966-9446 • John F. Donahue, Law Offices Donahue Sowa & Magana, St. Charles, 630 762-1780 • Terry A. Ekl, Ekl Williams & Provenzale LLC, Lisle, 630 654-1624 • Jeffrey B. Fawell, Fawell & Associates, Wheaton, 630 665-9300 • Michael J. Garvey, Stringini & Garvey PC, Addison, 630 834-9595 • Michael J. Goggin, Michael J Goggin, Attorney at Law, Oak Park, 708 386-8855 • Douglas H. Johnson, Kathleen T. Zellner & Associates PC, Downers Grove, 630 955-1212 • Gary V. Johnson, Camic Johnson Ltd, Aurora, 630 859-0135 • Joseph M. Laraia, Laraia & Laraia PC, Wheaton, 630 690-6800 • George D. Lenard, Lenard Law Office, Joliet, 815 723-9016 • Richard D. Russo, Law Offices of Richard D Russo, Wheaton, 630 690-3636 Criminal Defense Law: WHITE COLLAR • William J. Martin, William J. Martin Ltd, Oak Park, 708 848-2100

Elder Law • Darcy J. Chamberlin, Chamberlin Law Group, Oak Brook, 630 571-0222 • Janna S. Dutton, Dutton & Casey PC, Westchester, 847 261-4708 • Eileen R. Fitzgerald, Law Office of Eileen R. Fitzgerald, Downers Grove, 630 493-4380 • Ford Chester June, III, June Prodehl & Renzi LLC, Joliet, 815 725-8000 • Diana M. Law, Law ElderLaw LLP, Aurora, 630 585-5200 • Rick L. Law, Law ElderLaw LLP, Aurora, 630 585-5200 • Ben A. Neiburger, Generation Law Ltd, Elmhurst, 630 782-1766 • Daniel G. Parsons, Law Office of Daniel Parsons PC, Geneva, 630 208-0674 • Constance Burnett Renzi, Mickey Wilson Weiler Renzi & Andersson PC, Aurora, 630 801-9699 • Michael C. Wiedel, Wiedel Hudzik Russ & Philipp, Downers Grove, 630 969-2300 Employment Law: Employee • George S. Frederick, Mirabella Kincaid Frederick & Mirabella LLC, Wheaton, 630 665-7300 • Glenn R. Gaffney, Gaffney & Gaffney, Glendale Heights, 630 462-1200 Employment Law: Managment • R. Theodore Clark, Jr., Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont, 847 378-7700 • Yvette A. Heintzelman, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont, 847 378-7706 • Nancy E. Joerg, Wessels Sherman Joerg Liszka Laverty Seneczko PC, St. Charles, 630 377-1554 • Alan M. Kaplan, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 • Jeffrey A. Risch, SmithAmundsen LLC, St. Charles, 630 587-7922 • Richard H. Wessels, Wessels Sherman Joerg Liszka Laverty Seneczko PC, St. Charles, 630 377-1554 Environmental Law • Mark R. Misiorowski, Misiorowski Law Group LLC, Lisle, 630 464-4174 • Vincent S. Oleszkiewicz, Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC, Oak Brook, 630 536-1172 • Mark R. Sargis, Bellande & Sargis Law Group LLP, Wheaton, 312 853-8713 Family Appellate Law • Stephen R. Botti, Botti Marinaccio Ltd, Oak Brook, 630 575-8585 • Michele M. Jochner, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Donald C. Schiller, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 Family Law • Joseph M. Beck, Beck Houlihan & Scott PC, Wheaton, 630 933-9220 • Mark D. Brent, Drendel & Jansons Law Group, Batavia, 630 406-5440 • Anna Markley Bush, Bush & Heise, Barrington, 847 382-4560 • Deborah A. Carder, Carder Law Firm, Naperville, 630 364-3223 • John P. Chapski, Robert A. Chapski Ltd, Elgin, 847 742-1642 • Michael A. Chapski, Robert A. Chapski

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Top Attorneys

THE LAW OFFICE OF DAVID A. KING, P.C. focuses exclusively on family legal matters including divorce, division of multifaceted estates, valuation of closely held businesses, analysis of complex compensation packages, innovative support scenarios, child custody matters, prenuptial agreements, paternity and domestic violence. We utilize an analytical, goal-oriented approach to minimize conflict and achieve the best results possible for our clients.

David A. King DAVID@DAVIDKKINGLAW.COM Phone: 630 613-7330 • Fax: 630 613-7333 Cell: 630 267-6279

One Lincoln Center, Suite 1500, Oak Brook Terrace, IL 60181

Ltd, Elgin, 847 742-1642 • Erika N. Chen-Walsh, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 784-7412 • Michael J. Chiero, Michael J. Chiero LLC, Geneva, 331 248-8133 • Jay P. Dahlin, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Ronald A. DaRosa, Law Offices of Ronald A. DaRosa & Associates, Wheaton, 630 690-6200 • Umberto S. Davi, Umberto S. Davi PC, Western Springs, 708 246-7277 • Dion U. Davi, Davi Law Group LLC, Wheaton, 630 580-6373 • Timothy M. Daw, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 784-7412 • Peter M. DeLongis, Law Offices of Peter M. DeLongis Ltd, Oakbrook Terrace, 630 889-8585 • Robert K. Downs, Downs McCarthy Law Group PC, Wheaton, 312 781-1963 • Michael C. Doyen, Doyen Law Group LLC, Elgin, 847 720-5815 • Brigid A. Duffield, Law Office of Brigid A. Duffield PC, Wheaton, 630 221-9300 • Charles J. Fleck, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Tricia D. Goostree, Goostree Law Group PC, St. Charles, 630 584-4800 • Thomas E. Grotta, Grotta & Associates PC, Joliet, 708 873-9500 • Juli A. Gumina, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC, Naperville, 630 665-7676 • Meighan A. Harmon, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Elliot Heidelberger, Law Offices of Elliot Heidelberger, Hanover Park, 312 248-4575 • Burton S. Hochberg, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • David H. Hopkins, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Jessica Bank Interlandi, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Carolyn D. Jansons, Drendel & Jansons Law Group, Batavia, 630 406-5440 • Edward R. Jaquays, Law Offices of Edward R. Jaquays, Joliet, 815 727-7600 • David A. King, Law Office of David A. King PC, Oakbrook Terrace, 630 613-7330 • Jennifer Dillon Kotz, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Elizabeth L. Krueger, Law Offices of Elizabeth L. Krueger PC, Wheaton, 630 682-3400 • Jean M. Lasics-Wessels, Botti Law Firm PC, Oak Brook, 630 573-8585 • Michelle A. Lawless, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Philip J. Lengle, Weiler & Lengle PC, St. Charles, 630 587-5600 • Gregory C. Maksimuk, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Laura L. Malinowski, Mahoney Silverman & Cross LLC, Joliet, 815 730-9500 • Carlton R. Marcyan, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Lee A. Marinaccio, Botti Marinaccio Ltd, Oak Brook, 630 575-8585 • Claire R. McKenzie, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Robin R. Miller, Robin R. Miller Attorney PC, Wheaton, 630 784-1814 • Michael Harry Minton, The Minton Firm PC, Schaumburg, 847 874-7278 • Lynn M. Mirabella, Mirabella Kincaid Frederick & Mirabella LLC, Wheaton, 630 665-7300 • Andrea K. Muchin, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800

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• Lisa M. Nyuli, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC, South Elgin, 847 695-2400 • Raiford D. Palmer, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC, Naperville, 630 665-7676 • James A. Palmisano, Palmisano Law Group, Oak Brook, 630 755-3544 • Steven N. Peskind, Peskind Law Firm, St. Charles, 630 444-0701 • Karen Pinkert-Lieb, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Elizabeth I. Reed, Birnbaum Haddon Gelfman & Arnoux LLC, Wheaton, 630 752-9256 • Scott R. Reich, Reich Jumbeck & Associates LLP, Joliet, 815 726-6200 • Keith E. (Chuck) Roberts, Jr., Momkus McClusky Roberts LLC, Lisle, 630 668-4211 • David N. Schaffer, Schaffer Family Law Ltd, Naperville, 630 922-4500 • Eric L. Schulman, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Benedict Schwarz, II, Law Offices of Benedict Schwarz II, PC, West Dundee, 847 428-7725 • William J. Scott, Jr., Momkus McCluskey Roberts LLC, Lisle, 630 434-0400 • Bruce A. Self, Self & Russelburg Ltd, Aurora, 630 897-5553 • Matthew G. Shaw, Shaw Family Law PC, St. Charles, 630 206-3300 • Jason N. Sposeep, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Tanya J. Stanish, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Arnold B. Stein, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck

LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • James A. Tabor, Tabor Law Offices PC, St. Charles, 630 762-8300 • Maureen Sullivan Taylor, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina PC, Naperville, 630 665-7676 • Laura M. Urbik Kern, Law Offices of Laura M. Urbik Kern LLC, Elmhurst, 630 993-1230 • Anita M. Ventrelli, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Wheaton, 630 665-5800 • Rory T. Weiler, Weiler & Lengle PC, St. Charles, 630 587-5600 Foreclosure Defense Law • Steven B. Bashaw, Steven B Bashaw PC, Lisle, 630 322-9990 Government/Municipal/Lobby/ Administrative • Irene F. Bahr, Attorney at Law, Wheaton, 630 462-1113 • Matthew W. Campbell, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • Kevin G. Drendel, Drendel & Jansons Law Group, Batavia, 630 406-5440 • Michael K. Durkin, Storino Ramello & Durkin, Rosemont, 847 318-9500 • Anthony Ficarelli, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Lisle, 630 505-0010 • David J. Freeman, Robbins Schwartz, Bolingbrook, 630 929-3639 • Eric P. Hanson, Mahoney Silverman & Cross Ltd, Joliet, 815 730-9500 • John H. Kelly, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo Ltd, Naperville, 630 682-0085 • George A. Marchetti, Tressler LLP,

PERSONAL INJURY

•

Bolingbrook, 630 759-0800 • Karl R. Ottosen, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo Ltd, Naperville, 630 682-0085 • Richard J. Ramello, Storino Ramello & Durkin, Rosemont, 847 318-9500 • David J. Silverman, Mahoney Silverman & Cross LLC, Joliet, 815 730-9500 • Richard J. Skrodzki, Goldstine Skrodzki Russian Nemec and Hoff Ltd, Burr Ridge, 630 655-6000 • Donald J. Storino, Storino Ramello & Durkin, Rosemont, 847 318-9500 • Bernard K. Weiler, Mickey Wilson Weiler Renzi & Andersson PC, Aurora, 630 801-9699 Health Law • John J. Mangan, Dykema Gossett PLLC, Lisle, 630 577-2818 • Mark C. Meyer, Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine PC, Warrenville, 630 260-8602 Immigration Law: Employment • Kathleen M. Gaber, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 • Robert S. White, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 734-8811 InsURANCE, InsURANCE Coverage & Reinsurance LAW • Thomas W. Hargrove, Pluymert MacDonald & Hargrove Ltd, Hoffman Estates, 847 310-0025 • James P. Marsh, SpyratosDavis LLC, Lisle, 630 434-0285 • Victor C. Peters, Peters & Nye LLP,

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

Thomas W. Dillon

Daniel F. Konicek

michael p. Hannigan

Recognized as a Super Lawyer, Mr. Dillon has over 25 years of practice in all areas of personal injury and professional negligence matters (lawyers/doctors). Tom has handled transportation accidents involving semi-trucks, cars and motorcycles. Tom has obtained substantial settlements for clients in wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury cases.

Recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2005, Mr. Konicek has over 25 years of practice and has tried over 80 jury trials in all areas of practice including personal injury, Business/Partner disputes and professional negligence (lawyers/doctors). Dan is a member of the Million Dollar Forum based on successful and substantial settlements on behalf of his clients.

Mr. Hannigan has over 30 years of practice in personal injury and professional negligence (lawyers). He has handled accident cases involving railroad, aviation, semi-trucks and cars. Mike has obtained substantial settlements for people seriously injured in vehicular accidents. Mike also represents lawyers in professional liability and ethics matters.

Konicek & Dillon, P.C. • 21 W. State Street • Geneva • 630 262-9655 • www.konicekdillonlaw.com WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET |

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE Top Attorneys Barrington, 847 277-8102 Insurance Coverage Law: Consumer Insurance • Jeffrey A. Berman, Anderson & Wanca, Rolling Meadows, 847 368-1500 Intellectual Property Law • Robert W. Fieseler, Corridor Law Group PC, Naperville, 630 417-7553 • Barry F. Irwin, Irwin IP LLC, Burr Ridge, 630 756-3101 • John S. Pacocha, John S Pacocha Law Office, Burr Ridge, 630 325-8678 • Thomas D. Paulius, The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, Naperville, 630 318-2606 • Jefferson Perkins, Perkins IP Law Group LLC, Lisle, 630 505-1310 Investor Protection Law/Securities Class Action Litigation • John Sheridan Burke, Higgins & Burke PC, St. Charles, 630 762-9081 • Shawn M. Collins, Collins Law Firm PC, Naperville, 630 527-1595 Labor Law: Management • James Baird, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont, 847 378-7702 • Jill D. Leka, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont, 847 378-7700 • Gregory J. Malovance, Attorney at Law, Barrington, 847 772-4425 • Robert J. Smith, Jr., Clark Baird Smith LLP, Rosemont, 847 378-7703 Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law • Charles L. Byrum, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-6047 • Harold W. Francke, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-6068 • Steven H. Goodman, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2409 • Kenneth H. Hoch, Attorney at Law, Geneva, 630 262-8780 • John F. Philipchuck, Dommermuth Brestal Cobine and West Ltd, Naperville, 630 355-5800 • Michael M. Roth, Ice Miller LLP, Lisle, 630 955-6594 • Ronald J. Senechalle, Pluymert MacDonald & Hargrove Ltd, Hoffman Estates, 847 310-0025 Medical Malpractice Defense Law • David J. Cahill, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP, Lisle, 630 799-6900 • William F. Cunningham, Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine PC, Warrenville, 630 260-8601 • Rita Lowery Gitchell, Rita Lowery Gitchell JD, Glen Ellyn, 630 962-9707 • Robert R. Gorbold, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • James D. Grumley, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • Scott A. Herbert, Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine PC, Warrenville, 630 260-2736 • Kevin J. Vedrine, Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine PC, Warrenville, 630 260-8600 Nursing Home Negligence Law • Timothy I. McArdle, Vinkler McArdle Frost, Burr Ridge, 630 655-9545 • Jerome A. Vinkler, Vinkler McArdle Frost, Burr Ridge, 630 655-9545

Personal Injury Defense Law: General • Alan J. Brinkmeier, Brinkmeier Law Group LLC, Elmhurst, 630 263-2102 • Miles P. Cahill, Spiegel & Cahill PC, Hinsdale, 630 455-4070 • Stephen H. DiNolfo, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo Ltd, Naperville, 630 682-0085 • John W. Gilligan, III, Stellato & Schwartz Ltd, Schaumburg, 847 330-3700 • Lissa L. Hamer, Jendryk Farmans Hamer & Begley LLC, Wheaton, 630 221-1730 • Charles E. Joern, Jr., Joern Law Firm, Oak Brook, 630 288-2775 • James H. Pluymert, Pluymert MacDonald & Hargrove Ltd, Hoffman Estates, 847 310-0025 • Bill Porter, Chilton Yambert Porter LLP, Geneva, 630 262-4000 • E. Angelo Spyratos, SpyratosDavis LLC, Lisle, 630 810-8881 • Douglas S. Strohm, SpyratosDavis LLC, Lisle, 630 434-0596 • Todd B. Tarter, Chilton Yambert Porter LLP, Geneva, 630 262-4000 • William H. Weir, SmithAmundsen LLC, St. Charles, 630 587-7920 Personal Injury Law: General • Larry Michael Amoni, Amoni Law Offices PC, Aurora, 630 264-2020 • George N. Avgeris, George N. Avgeris Chtd, Hinsdale, 630 654-4161 • Patricia C. Bobb, Meyers & Flowers LLC, St. Charles, 312 334-3122 • Aldo E. Botti, Botti Law Firm PC, Oak Brook, 630 573-8585 • Craig D. Brown, Meyers & Flowers LLC, St. Charles, 630 232-6333 • Michael S. Cetina, Walsh Knippen Pollock & Cetina Chartered, Wheaton, 630 462-1980 • Julie L. Cibulskis, Speers Reuland & Cibulskis PC, Aurora, 630 264-2626 • Michael W. Clancy, Clancy Law Offices Ltd, St. Charles, 630 584-7666 • Gregory F. Coplan, Coplan & Crane Ltd, Oak Park, 708 358-8080 • Anthony Cuda, Cuda Law Offices Ltd, Oak Park, 708 383-4900 • Patrick M. Flaherty, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • Peter J. Flowers, Meyers & Flowers LLC, St. Charles, 630 232-6333 • Robert M. Foote, Foote Mielke Chavez & O’Neil LLC, Geneva, 630 232-7450 • Michael James Frost, Vinkler McArdle Frost, Burr Ridge, 630 655-9545 • Michael P. Hannigan, Konicek & Dillon PC, Geneva, 630 262-9655 • Theodore C. Jennings, Coplan & Crane Ltd, Oak Park, 708 358-8080 • James H. Knippen, II, Walsh Knippen Pollock & Cetina Chartered, Wheaton, 630 462-1980 • Daniel F. Konicek, Konicek & Dillon PC, Geneva, 630 262-9655 • Paul G. Krentz, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • Joseph C. Loran, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • Mark Masur, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • Craig S. Mielke, Foote Mielke Chavez & O’Neil LLC, Geneva, 630 232-7450 • Roman R. Okrei, Okrei, Roman R., Lockport, 815 834-9410

• Laird M. Ozmon, Laird M Ozmon Ltd, Joliet, 815 727-7700 • Mario C. Palermo, Woodruff Johnson & Palermo Injury Law Offices, Aurora, 630 585-2320 • Bradley N. Pollock, Walsh Knippen Pollock & Cetina Chartered, Wheaton, 630 462-1980 • Timothy J. Reuland, Speers Reuland & Cibulskis PC, Aurora, 630 264-2626 • Robert L. Speers, Speers Reuland & Cibulskis PC, Aurora, 630 264-2626 • Edward J. Walsh, Walsh Knippen Pollock & Cetina Chartered, Wheaton, 630 462-1980 • Casey Woodruff, Woodruff Johnson & Palermo Injury Law Offices, Aurora, 630 585-2320 Personal Injury Law: Professional Malpractice • Thomas W. Dillon, Konicek & Dillon PC, Geneva, 630 262-9655 • Kathleen T. Zellner, Kathleen T. Zellner & Associates PC, Downers Grove, 630 955-1212 Professional Malpractice Def: Incl Legal/Tech/Financial • Thomas James Long, Konicek & Dillon PC, Geneva, 630 262-9655 Real Estate Law: Associations & Condominiums • Mark S. Friedman, Law Offices of Mark S. Friedman, Schaumburg, 847 706-2943 • Charles M. Keough, Keough & Moody PC, Naperville, 630 369-2700 • Brian Meltzer, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2402 • William J. Mitchell, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 312 461-4305 Real Estate Law: Commercial • Peter C. Bazos, Bazos Freeman Kramer Schuster & Braithwaite LLC, Elgin, 847 742-8800 • George M. Bradshaw, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 • Bruce L. Goldsmith, Dykema Gossett PLLC, Lisle, 630 577-2811 • D. Scott Hargadon, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 312 461-4314 • Valerie A. Haugh, Haugh Law Group, Roselle, 630 894-9951 • Tracy Dean Kasson, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 668-8500 • Thomas R. Osterberger, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • Arthur E. Pape, Pape Law Firm, Wheaton, 630 933-9300 • Scott E. Pointner, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 668-8500 • Stephen A. Rehfeldt, Mulherin Rehfeldt & Varchetto PC, Wheaton, 630 384-3132 • Ralph J. Schumann, Law Offices of Ralph J. Schumann, Schaumburg, 847 273-8700 • Michael J. Wolfe, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-6052 Real Estate Law: Residential • Franklin J. Furlett, The Law Office of Franklin J. Furlett, Schaumburg, 847 352-6226 • Gregory W. Hoskins, Law Office of Gregory W. Hoskins LLC, Geneva, 630 262-0470 School Law • G. Robb Cooper, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper

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847.695.2400 • 847.695.2401 fax www.attorneys-illinois.com

Huntley, Illinois 60142 847.669.5020 • 847.695.2401 fax

Gilbert & DiNolfo Ltd, Naperville, 630 682-0085 • Scott E. Nemanich, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Lisle, 630 505-0010 • Peter K. Wilson, Jr., Mickey Wilson Weiler Renzi & Andersson PC, Aurora, 630 801-9699 Tax Law: Business • William J. Grinde, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-6047 Tax Law: Individual • Aaron J. Lytle, Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel PC, South Elgin, 847 695-2400 • Timothy S. Midura, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law • Kenneth W. Clingen, Clingen Callow & McLean LLC, Lisle, 630 871-2608 • Robert A. Cosentino, Robert A Cosentino Law Offices, Western Springs, 708 246-7800 • Paul P. Didzerekis, Paul P. Didzerekis Attorney at Law, Wheaton, 630 653-7710 • Stephen A. Frost, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Lisle, 630 505-0010 • Colleen M. Healy, Clingen Callow & McLean LLC, Lisle, 630 871-2607 • Ronald M. Hem, Alschuler Simantz & Hem LLC, Aurora, 630 892-7021 • Gerald K. Hodge, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur PC, Aurora, 630 907-0909 • Richard J. Kavanagh, Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Joliet, 815 727-4511 • Richard W. Kuhn, Kuhn Heap & Monson, Naperville, 630 420-8228 • Kerry M. Lavelle, Lavelle Law Ltd, Palatine, 847 705-7410 • David J. Magee, Magee Law Firm LLC, Wheaton, 866 338-4885 • Ted A. Meyers, Meyers & Flowers LLC, St. Charles, 630 232-6333 • William H. Pokorny, Jr., Pokorny & Assoc Ltd, Oak Brook, 630 571-6500 • Mark R. Raymond, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC, Schaumburg, 847 330-2421 • Russ Robinson, Robinson Payne LLC, Hoffman Estates, 847 882-8888 • Kathleen R. Ryding, Huck Bouma PC, Wheaton, 630 221-1755 • Leonard J. Seraphin, Seraphin & Seraphin Ltd, St. Charles, 630 584-4659 • John S. Worthen, Rathje & Woodward LLC, Wheaton, 630 668-8500

From left: Aaron J. Lytle, Lisa M. Nyuli, Scott G. Richmond, Karrsten Goettel, all Leading Lawyers

ince 1981, the attorneys of Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. have represented individual, business and corporate clients in all areas of practice, including: • • • • •

Family Law Civil and Commercial Litigation Criminal Law Estate Planning Estate and Trust Administration

• Corporate and Business Law • Personal Injury • Real Estate Law (Commercial and Residential)

Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. 2000 McDonald Road, Suite 200 South Elgin, Illinois 60177 847.695.2400 • 847.695.2401 fax www.attorneys-illinois.com

American Community Bank 10101 North State Route 47, Suite 200 Huntley, Illinois 60142 847.669.5020 • 847.695.2401 fax

Workers’ Compensation Defense Law • Rosario Cibella, Rosario Cibella Ltd, Joliet, 815 722-9300 • Daniel J. Cronin, Power & Cronin Ltd, Oak Brook, 630 571-2001 • George F. Klauke, Jr., Klauke Law Group LLC, Schaumburg, 847 466-1072 • John F. Power, III, Power & Cronin Ltd, Oak Brook, 630 571-2001 Workers’ Compensation Law • Michael D. Block, Block Klukas Manzella & Shell PC, Joliet, 815 726-9999 • John Joseph Castaneda, Castaneda Law Office, Elgin, 630 938-7630 • Jay E. Johnson, Woodruff Johnson & Palermo Injury Law Offices, Aurora, 630 585-2320 • Kevin H. Millon, Law Office of Millon & Peskin Ltd, Wheaton, 630 260-1130 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET |

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL HAPPENING

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by Denise Linke

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or parents, the zoo is a great place to take the kids so they can have fun seeing all the animals while getting some fresh air and, maybe, even learning something. But that’s just the tip of the elephant’s trunk, according to area zoo officials. Zoos worldwide — including the four licensed facilities in the western suburbs — play a vital role in protecting ecosystems, preserving endangered animal species in the wild and teaching visitors how to better conserve natural resources. “Our goal is not just to get people in the gate,” asserts Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo. “Our goal is to inspire people to become conservation leaders, both here and on a global level. We want to demonstrate that any

Animals that can no longer thrive in the wild, either because of disabling physical injury or because they were “kidnapped” to become pets and permanently imprinted by humans, often find safe havens at zoos where they can live out their lives as normally as possible. “A number of our animals are rescues that we received from Will County Animal Control that would otherwise have been euthanized,” says John Basile, owner of Big Run Wolf Ranch in Lockport. “We also sometimes board animals, mostly big predators, that the county confiscates from individuals while their cases are waiting to be heard in court because we’re better equipped to handle them safely and keep them comfortable.” “A lot of people don’t like to see wild

Blanding’s turtles in partnership with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, Wheaton College and Northern Illinois University, as part of an ongoing re-population project sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Blanding’s turtles eat mosquito larvae, which curbs the spread of West Nile disease, and helps maintain healthy marshes and wetlands areas. “We’ve released more than 2,000 Blanding’s turtles since 2001,” says Wahlgren. “Our turtle nursery is behind closed doors, but we have a monitor in the barn that shows live video from the nursery so that visitors can see the baby turtles.” Once visitors have embraced the desire to help conserve nature, zoos help

More than a showcase for wild animals, the western suburbs’ four distinctive facilities serve as great educational and conservation resources. And they’re lots of fun, too.

individual can make a difference so that more people will be emboldened to try.” Once people do come through a zoo’s gate, docents and trainers strive to help them make the connection from watching the animals for fun, to caring about them and, finally, looking for ways to protect and care for them. “People in the suburbs are becoming more and more disconnected to the natural world around them because they’re accustomed to seeing their green spaces tailored for human uses,” maintains Sue Wahlgren, director of Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. “We’re looking to connect our visitors to nature through recreation, education and conservation. Once they learn to appreciate the animals they see here and learn how they’re important to our local environment, visitors are more interested in learning what they can do to protect the environment so that wild animals can thrive there.”

animals captured and put in exhibits for people to stare at, but they don’t realize that most of the animals we display couldn’t survive in the wild,” adds Dan Anderson, director of Phillips Park in Aurora and interim manager of Phillips Park Zoo. “A lot of the animals we care for here, including most of our exotic reptiles, were brought to us by people who’d gotten them as pets and then realized they couldn’t handle them. One of our alligators, for instance, was dumped into the pond in our elk enclosure one night as an 18-inchlong baby and was discovered by staff the next morning.” While it’s illegal to release most human-raised animals into the wild, local zoos often participate in regional government-sponsored programs to repopulate dying breeds whose loss affects the ecosystem and threatens other native animals or plants. Brookfield and Cosley zoos are both raising and releasing

them take the next steps. Brookfield and Cosley both offer summer day camp programs for children, while Brookfield’s adult one-day “camps” let grown-ups explore how animals’ mating, parenting and recreational activities differ from human behaviors. Volunteers receive advanced training in animal welfare, physiology and psychology from expert zoologists, then get to practice what they learn either by working with the animals or educating visitors. Brookfield even offers master’s degree programs that combine online classes in biology from Miami University in Ohio with hands-on classes at the zoo. “Studies show that 90 percent of STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — learning happens after people graduate from secondary school,” says Strahl. “Seventy-five percent of that happens in zoos and aquaria, because that’s where people who have finished

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school get the most exposure to science.” West suburban residents get four times as many chances to tap into that resource than most Americans because they have four zoos located within an hour’s drive from any point in Kane, DuPage or suburban Cook County. And that doesn’t even count Chicago’s 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo, which dates back to 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. Better yet, each facility offers a different mix of animals, a different focus and differing exhibit presentations, each providing a unique experience to its visitors. Here’s an overview of what families can expect to find at each area zoo.

and added-fee activities — makes it advisable for visitors to plan their day at Brookfield Zoo in advance, especially if their party includes small children, senior citizens or people with disabilities. “If you need to rent a stroller or a wheelchair here, you should call to reserve one a day or more before you arrive,”

While the zoo offers six added-fee attractions, priced between $1 and $5 depending on the attraction and ticket package, the two that provide the most close-up animal interactions both start with “Hamill.” The Hamill Family Wild Encounters exhibit covers three acres and includes an enclosed pen that visitors can enter to pet baby Nubian goats; other pens that let visitors get within a few feet of llamas, alpacas and reindeer; a meadow where wallabies and emus can approach visitors to be petted; and an indoor aviary in which parakeets, budgerigars and other colorful songbirds can — and often do — fly among visitors, or even perch on their hands to be fed Brookfield Zoo from seed-encrusted sticks. While not the oldest zoo Members of the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Scholars program engage a young guest at Brookfield Zoo. in the western suburbs — “When the bird came Phillips Park Zoo predates it up to me I was very surprised, advises a zoo worker at the rental booth. by 19 years — Brookfield is indisputably even though I was holding out my seed “If you come on a busy day, you might the “800-lb gorilla” of the four. Its stick,” recounts 10-year-old Gabrielle 216-acre campus holds hundreds of see strollers and wheelchairs sitting in the Maxwell, after feeding and petting a snow animals from around the world, from tiny rental area, but if they’ve all been reserved white budgie. “Its feathers were very, beetles to 1,500-lb giraffes. Large-scale we can’t give them out.” very smooth and soft. It was a really exhibits — such as Tropic World, The Unlike most zoos, Brookfield offers cool experience.” Swamp and The Living Coast — give five restaurants that serve an eclectic array Visiting the Wild Encounters exhibit visitors the chance to watch animals of American, ethnic and exotic cuisine, in the morning will increase the chance displaying natural behaviors in realistic plus a Starbucks coffee shop and several that the wallabies will want to socialize habitats. Scheduled shows — including open-air food vendors. However, the instead of napping along the fence, where Dolphins in Action and Festival of Flight waiting lines can be quite long and the visitors can’t approach them. Saving the — feature animals that perform tricks prices a bit daunting, particularly for a Hamill Family Play Zoo for the end of on command while their keepers explain large family. Visitors who want to linger the visit will ensure that families with how their behaviors help them survive at the seal habitat and still relax over lunch young children actually get to see the rest in the wild and in captivity. without missing the next dolphin show of the zoo, as well as giving exhausted might want to pack a sandwich to eat at parents a chance to rest up before the The sheer number of exhibits to one of the zoo’s three large picnic areas, drive home, advises volunteer docent explore and ground to cover — not to mention the cost of admission, parking located on the east side near Seven Seas. Karen Rippon. 52 JULY/AUGUST 2016 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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“The inside exhibits are enclosed Butterfly House, in which visitors can explains. “We want to give our animals the and designed so that parents can sit and mingle in a mesh-enclosed garden with choice on whether to interact with visitors.” still keep an eye on their kids,” Rippon exotic butterflies until Sept. 5; and an As at Phillips Park Zoo, most of explains. “Plus, there are volunteers on old-fashioned carousel ride with 72 Cosley’s winged, fanged or four-legged hand to do special projects with the kids different wooden animals to ride. guests are disabled or imprinted animals who were either abandoned by their or just answer their questions. Since it’s For current ticket prices, parking fees owners, seized by local governments as set up for creative play, it’s a more relaxing and other information, visit the zoo’s illegal to own, or donated by other zoos, time for kids and parents. Some families website at www.czs.org. The “czs” stands says Wahlgren. Upon arrival, spend a couple of hours at a for “Chicago Zoological Society.” each new resident is examined time here.” by a veterinarian, then Costumes, props and quarantined for a month in face-painting stations let the zoo’s clinic before being children pretend they are placed with other animals. either animals or zookeepers, “You can’t be too careful while floor-to-ceiling when dealing with wild Plexiglas walls with short, animals who might have see-through tunnels let them picked up infections or crawl right up to animals, who just have aggressive such as lemurs, raptors, foxes personalities,” she notes. and rabbits, that live in “That’s why we’re planning netted outdoor spaces along to build a welcome center the outside of the building. (for animals) across the street A sign over a rack of furry, for extra safety.” tailed costumes near the Most of Cosley’s residents — whether four-legged, fanged or winged — are lemur habitat reads, “Lemurs: Cosley’s exhibits mirror disabled, abandoned by their owners, illegal pets or donated by other zoos. Please hang up your costume Brookfield’s in that they’re when you are ready to be a attractive, integrated into their natural Cosley Zoo kid again.” surroundings, and give the animals room If the kids are begging to go to to roam. Walking through the grounds Five-year-old Aubrey Devereaux had Brookfield but the schedule or budget just feels like strolling through a bucolic no interest in “being a kid again” as she won’t allow it, take them to Wheaton’s country landscape, complete with played by the lemur habitat. “I like being Cosley Zoo instead. Though it boasts just old-fashioned windmill, duck pond and a lemur,” the Western Springs resident five acres to Brookfield’s 216, Cosley still wide swaths of grassy lawns — one in declared. “Lemurs jump on logs and roll cares for more than 150 animals around. I can go into the tunnel and front of a stage where special presentations representing 60 species. watch them, and sometimes one will come take place, and another dotted with picnic Cosley specializes in native American up and look back at me.” But a lab-coated tables. A bright red train caboose animals, including farm animals that volunteer passing by strained Devereaux’s permanently parked on a restored section visitors can feed and pet if the object of resolve to be a lemur forever. “After this of old track houses a display describing their affection chooses to stay within reach. I think I’ll be a zookeeper for a while,” native Illinois plants and animals. “Some “Constantly being subjected to human she announced. of the little kids don’t even look at the attention, noise and touch is a major exhibit. They just want to play on the Other added-fee attractions include source of stress for many animals, so our train,” Wahlgren says with a laugh. the Dolphins in Action show; the Motor exhibit enclosures always let the animals Safari guided tram tour; the seasonal back away or even hide,” Wahlgren While Cosley doesn’t keep performing WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 53

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dolphins, it does offer a mostly unadvertised bobcat training show. Visitors who are at the zoo before 11 a.m. can ask to watch trainers put the two bobcats through their daily operant conditioning, which teaches them behaviors that let them cooperate in their own medical care. “The cats can decide for themselves each day whether they want to do the training, but we encourage them by rewarding them with extra treats like chicken and fresh vegetables, which they love,” Wahlgren says. “They still get a healthy, nutritious diet if they don’t do the training on a given day.” Cosley’s gift shop has a concession stand called the Coyote Café tacked onto one end that sells single-serving pizza, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, chips, ice cream novelties and root beer floats at reasonable prices. But the small kitchen sometimes runs out of popular entrées, so parents herding picky eaters around the zoo might want to pack a lunch to eat on a picnic table, a small table on the shop’s verandah or the pavilion by the duck pond. Admission to Cosley is free to Wheaton Park District residents, since the park district owns and runs the facility. Non-resident adults pay $5 admission, or $4 if they’re age 55 or older. Children always get in free, no matter where they live, Wahlgren states. “We want as many kids to come here as possible because we’re passionate about teaching conservation, especially how humans and animals impact each other,” she adds. For more information on Cosley Zoo, including hours, summer camps

and special events, visit the zoo’s website at www.cosleyzoo.org. Phillips Park Zoo

While the eight-acre zoo nestled in the south end of 325-acre Phillips Park officially was founded by the Aurora City

Exotic birds filled Phillips Park Zoo years ago, but officials today mostly focus on acquiring native American species.

Council in 1915, the city began housing animals on the site for public viewing around 1910, when George Moses took over as park custodian. City records from 1913 include references to a buffalo herd, a bear, cockatoos, black swans and peacocks. Today, Phillips Park Zoo houses about 100 animals representing 41 species and attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year. Though the free admission is a definite draw, many families come back regularly to see their favorite animals. “We come here at least every week to see the mountain lion and the river otters,” says one Aurora mom with three

preschoolers. “The kids love to watch the otters playing in their water slide area because it’s right up by the fence and they can get a good view.” While Moses filled the zoo with his favorite exotic birds 100 years ago, today’s officials mostly focus on acquiring native American species that still thrive in the Midwest. “With Brookfield Zoo so close, there’s no point in collecting exotic animals from other continents,” notes Anderson. “We want to educate people about the animals that live among us.” Not that the zoo doesn’t boast some exotic animals. Three alligators, all abandoned in the Aurora area, share the reptile house — the original exhibit hall built in 1915 — with a reticulated python, a boa constrictor, a tortoise and several non-native fish. The python was discovered about 10 years ago living on a small island in the Fox River. Local officials captured it and gave it to the zoo to avoid euthanizing it, Anderson recalls. “It was 8 feet long when we got it, and it’s 16 feet long now,” he adds. “Somebody bought it when it was a baby without considering just how big these snakes get, and dumped it back in the wild when it got too big to handle.” Though summer is the zoo’s busiest season, visitors might get a bigger kick out of seeing it in the spring or fall. “The animals are much friskier in cooler weather,” Anderson advises. “In the summer — especially in the afternoon when it’s hottest — they mostly just want to lie in the shade and sleep.” The zoo is also open in the winter, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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The upside of visiting a zoo that’s located within a large, multi-use park is that families can fit it into a longer outing that also includes time at the splash pad, the skateboard park, the golf course, or the mastodon exhibit. The downside is that the nearest public restrooms are located in the park’s visitors center — about a block away from the zoo — as is the concessions booth, a small facility that sells hot dogs, chips, candy and soft drinks between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. That situation might change, though, once the city hires a replacement for zoo manager Randy Johnson, who retired in May after 18 years running the zoo, and 16 years running the city Animal Control department before that. “When Randy took over, one of the first things he did was to put in security fencing around the zoo so that people couldn’t just wander in at two in the morning,” recalls Anderson. “He was working toward earning AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation, but the economic collapse slowed that down. Now the park board of directors is looking at a wide range of improvements, such as an on-site gift shop with restrooms and new animal exhibits, but everything is on hold until the new director is chosen and comes on board.” For more information about Phillips Park Zoo, visit its website at www.phillipsparkaurora.com/zoo. Big Run Wolf Ranch

It’s not unusual for residents at the north edge of Lockport to hear wolves howling at night. That’s because 10 wolves live at Big Run Wolf Ranch, a private nonprofit animal conservation facility

located on 38 acres between I-355 and state route 171. “I started this place 30 years ago in July, but I became obsessed with wolves in third grade when we read Jack London’s book Call of the Wild in library class,” says owner John Basile. “I was raised a city boy, but I’ve always wanted to be in the

Visitors at Big Wolf Ranch get to pet the animals, including horses, donkeys and sometimes wolf pups.

wilderness and work with animals, so finding an undeveloped parcel like this was a golden opportunity for me.” Though the ranch is officially licensed as a “roadside zoo,” it’s not usually open to walk-in visitors. “We tried to run it as a traditional zoo for a year, but we only had a few people trickle in. We weren’t bringing in enough revenue to pay for the extra staff we needed to keep that going,”

Basile explains. “We limited access to scheduled tour groups, and now we’re swamped.” People can, however, tour the ranch on its monthly Family Day open houses. For $6 admission, visitors can wander among the exhibits between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; watch a wildlife show or other presentation; enjoy an a la carte home-cooked lunch; and pet an assortment of animals, including a horse, donkey, chickens, dogs and sometimes even wolf pups. The July 16 open house will double as the ranch’s 30th anniversary celebration. The highlight of the event will be the grand opening of the new Siberian tiger pen, which will give the water-loving big cat a pool to swim in, Basile says. One amenity the ranch offers that’s hard to find at other zoos is daily tent camping on site. A five-and-a-half-acre meadow at the back of the property offers piped-in potable water, portable toilets, tables and a firepit with firewood. The $13 nightly fee also includes a guided walking tour of the ranch or, for groups of 25 people or more, a one-anda-half-hour wildlife education program. Most campers come just for the thrill of hearing the wolves howling around them in the dark, says Basile. “Starting at about 10 p.m., all 10 wolves start ‘power howling’ for about half an hour, and they do it several times a night,” he explains. “People ask me if I get complaints from the new subdivision that backs up to us, but I’ve only heard homeowners there say how much they love hearing the wolves.” For information on upcoming open houses, camping reservations or tour group reservations, visit the ranch’s website at www.bigrunwolfranch.org. n

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SUMMER GARDEN STROLL

Photo by Lauren Bell

GREAT PLACES TO GO FOR A

From formal floral displays to woodland and prairie gardens, there are plenty of public venues for taking in the wide range of nature’s beauty.

here to begin? We reside in an area that boasts an abundance of gorgeous gardens, large and small, all inviting us to enjoy the beauty of nature at the height of summer. West suburban downtowns put on their own unique flower shows, as do area park districts, forest preserves and grand formal gardens. Here is a sampling of what you can see if you take a garden hike or two this summer. FORMAL GARDENS Quite a few of the area’s formal public gardens started out as someone’s private country estate. If your time permits, visit the historic houses as well as the gardens. The Gardens at Cantigny Park, Wheaton The 500-acre estate of the late Colonel Robert R. McCormick lays claim to one of the largest display gardens in the Midwest, boasting “more than 160,000 annuals,

The Gardens at Cantigny Park

by Sara Pearsaul Vice

perennials, ground covers and flowering shrubs and trees.” While there is so much to see, garden lovers will want to concentrate on the formal gardens, which cover 29 acres. The theme for the main formal garden this summer is childhood memories. Look for the picnic-themed area, which features plants arranged in the pattern of a picnic blanket, a bicycle with a basket planter, containers filled with flowers to look like a fruit salad, and three giant ants. In the Idea Garden, you can gain inspiration for the edible garden. “Each year, we focus on a different nationality and pick different vegetables used in their cooking,” explains Liz Omura, a horticulturist for Cantigny. “This year, I picked Italian.” Omura ordered seeds from Italy to grow both familiar and unusual varieties, including tomatoes, beets, chickpeas,

artichokes, peppers, and a melon whose name translates as “ugly, but good.” The Idea Garden also has a Beer Garden area, where home brewers and beer lovers can see the plants that make up their favorite beverage, including hops, barley, rye and wheat. Omura hosts tours of the Idea Garden as well as special cocktail events on July 12 and August 9, called “The Spirited Botanist.” Fabyan Villa Japanese Tea Garden, Geneva The home of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905 to 1939, Fabyan Villa is now a museum containing the couple’s Asian artifacts and original furniture. They had the good taste to hire Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel the original farmhouse in 1907 and famed landscape designer Taro Otsuka to style their Japanese tea garden, installed in 1910. The tea garden is a little gem. It takes

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Photo by Lauren Bell

Beautiful flowers can be found along the Lisle Prairie Walk (above and left) and gardens and distinctive landscaping also accent the areas around Geneva City Hall and the Naperville Riverwalk (below).

just 15 minutes to walk the grounds, but the serenity invites a longer stay. “The purpose of the garden design is to be a quiet place for meditation and contemplation, to enjoy the quiet and listen to nature,” says Hannah Walters, director of the Fabyan Villa museum and garden. A Japanese teahouse is tucked in the back of the garden. The formally designed landscape has been repeatedly renovated, in keeping with the original style, which favors foliage over flowers. “You’ll see little bursts of color on a very green palette, with lots of different textures and shades of green,” notes Walters. In late summer, look for grape leaf anemone to be in bloom. Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook Coal magnate Francis S. Peabody bought more than 800 acres in DuPage County to build his Tudor Revival-style retirement home, which was completed in 1921, not long before his death in 1922. The family then sold the estate to a Franciscan order, which completed a memorial chapel to honor Peabody, styled after a chapel in Assisi, Italy. In 1993, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County bought the property and is working to restore the historic home. You can wander the flower and herb gardens surrounding the home and chapel, as well as hike amidst acres of lakes and ponds and a restored prairie and savanna in the Mayslake Forest Preserve.

Danada House, Wheaton Another DuPage Forest Preserve property, purchased in 1980, Danada House and its surrounding 780 acres is the former country home of commodity trader Daniel F. Rice and his wife Ada, built in 1939. The home now hosts weddings and other special events, but visitors are welcome to tour the gardens whenever a private event is not being held. Mondays through Thursdays during the day are the best times for viewing without crashing a party but you can always call ahead to be sure. A path will guide you on your short walk through the abundant flowerbeds around the house. Woodland & Prairie Gardens Gardens are not limited to hothouse flowers planted in orderly rows, of course. Some of the most beautiful gardens are the most natural, incorporating native plants and trees in harmony with nature. Morton Arboretum, Lisle Guided hikes and tram tours are among the most popular ways to see the Morton Arboretum, but you can also trek off on your own, as 16 miles of trails wind through woods, gardens, wetlands and prairie. The Arborteum contains some 200,000 plants collected from around the globe in its 1,700 acres. The formal gardens at the Arboretum range from the one-acre maze garden, to the charming reading garden next to the library, to the ground cover garden of

perennials. Beautifully designed containers are scattered near the visitor center, with plant lists available for those who would like to try the same plant combinations at home. Whether you have children in tow or not, don’t miss the whimsical Children’s Garden, where you will find a giant watering can that offers refreshing mists of water to overheated hikers. Megan Dunning, manager of adult programs at the Morton Arboretum, recommends several ways to see the arboretum on foot, including theater hikes, forest therapy walks, night hikes

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SUMMER GARDEN STROLL

Guided group walks are popular at the Fabyan Villa Japanese Tea Garden in Geneva (left) and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle (above).

and guided walks that focus on birds, trees, prairies and wildflowers. “There are all sorts of opportunities for folks with a variety of interests,” says Dunning. “Wildflowers will be reaching their peak” in late summer, so it is the perfect time for a prairie walk or a class in prairie ethnobotany. The outdoor walking play “Nature” will showcase a Minnesota theater company as they portray Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau and bring audience members along for the adventure, running Thursdays through Sundays, July 8 to 31. The Arboretum will resume its regular Theater Hikes in August, which also brings the first-ever Wine and Art Walk during the last weekend of August. Riverside The Village of Riverside is a wonderful place to wander and experience the vision of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was commissioned in 1868 to develop a plan for the ideal community. Today, the Frederick Law Olmsted Society in Riverside works to keep that vision alive. A testimony to the village’s work is Riverside’s designation as an arboretum in 2015. According to Cathy Maloney, an author and garden historian who serves on the village’s landscape advisory commission, Olmsted did not approve of the Victorian practice of planting garish flower gardens. “Everything was to look natural, with nothing to attract the eye, to recreate

harmony with nature,” Maloney explains of Olmsted’s philosophy of design. Although you won’t see formally planted flowerbeds in Riverside, you will experience a garden of a village. She recommends starting your walking tour in Guthrie Park downtown, where each type of tree is labeled, and taking in the library gardens, Swan Pond along the Des Plaines River, as well as Long Common and Scottswood Common. The Olmsted Society offers guided walks of different parts of the village as well. CITY GARDENS Every downtown in the western suburbs seems to be sporting some kind of fabulous flower garden. In the Fox River Valley, the Geneva Beautification Committee fields an army of volunteers to keep the downtown blooming. “We have 500 volunteers on our list and 100 come out regularly,” says Dorothy Flanagan, who co-chairs the committee. The group coordinates with the city to plant close to 50 garden areas along the main downtown streets, including containers and planting beds. The volunteers, which include a number of local business owners, adopt their own garden areas, which they plant three times a year, starting with pansies in the spring and then moving on to begonias, impatiens and other hot weather plants in the summer, and chrysanthemums and kale in the fall. Not only do the volunteers lend their time, but they also help with fundraising.

For the second year, the committee is holding the Tour des Fleurs this summer to raise money, as admirers can cast their votes for $1 each for their favorite garden area. The city also has planted a prairiestyle garden next to City Hall, inspired by Chicago’s Lurie Garden. In Lisle, visitors to downtown can enjoy a respite from the rush at the Prairie Walk Pond and take a one-mile walk around the pond and prairie gardens. Originally created to solve a flooding problem in the area, the Village of Lisle has turned the pond into a destination, with walking trails, a playground and splash pad for children, fountains that turn into a light show at night, and room for special events like concerts on Thursday nights in August and the French Market on Saturdays through October 29. “The public has really embraced that area,” says Catherine Schuster, marketing and communications director for the Village of Lisle. Naperville is known for its Riverwalk, where you will find floral displays close to downtown. According to Tiffani Pico, Naperville parks specialist for the Riverwalk, “This year’s theme for the annual flowers is mostly a cool color theme,” which incorporates angelonia, pentas, white nierembergia and New Guinea impatiens. The hot-hued chili peppers around the Red Sculpture are the exception. You may want to time your visit to the Riverwalk to take in one of a variety of special summer events, such as Carillon

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concerts on Tuesday evenings and Rollin’ on the River concerts on Friday nights. Farther Afield For the true garden lover, a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is a must, with its 26 gardens, four natural areas and 2.5 million plants on 385 acres. The Model Railroad Garden and Butterflies and Blooms are “perennial favorites with visitors,” says Kristie Webber, director of interpretive programs for the Chicago Botanic Garden. “We have a fun theme this year,” she explains, for the railroad garden, with salutes to Wrigley Field’s centennial, the 100th anniversary of the national parks and the 50th anniversary of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The Butterflies and Blooms exhibit, which runs through September 5, brings in exotic butterfly species from around

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the world and features Illinois natives as well. “It’s a photographer’s paradise,” she says. “We are constantly keeping it fresh,” as a new shipment of butterflies arrives each week. To get a glimpse of the future, check out the new Learning Campus and its native plant garden, scheduled to open in September. To see seasonal floral displays, take in The Crescent’s dramatic flowerbeds, along with the Heritage Garden. A favorite for sheer enchantment is the English Walled Garden. And even in

The Chicago Botanic Garden has much to offer visitors of all ages, including the Model Railroad Garden and the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit.

late summer, the Rose Garden with its 5,000 bushes will still be putting on a spectacular display. After all, wherever our summer garden walks may lead, one must always stop and smell the roses. n

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Photo from Landmark Photography

Easy, Breezy Living The enduring appeal of cottage style — light, bright, casual and comfortable by Lisa Sloan

t’s that time of year when folks across the suburbs head to lake houses or cottages, either properties of their own or summer rentals. There is something about cottage style and the laid-back lifestyle it represents, which is why many like to incorporate a bit of the casually classic look into their everyday home décor. Katie McMillan, owner of Clever Girl in Western Springs, is partial to the cottage look. She grew up going to a lake house in Saugatuck, Michigan, and currently lives in a cozy Cape Cod surrounded by a rose-covered picket fence.

“There is an inherent charm about a cottage,” says McMillan. “It’s an antidote to the high-tech modern world, a style that’s as much about your frame of mind as your surroundings.” Builder Ed Saloga, owner of Ed Saloga Builders, a design/build firm based in Sugar Grove, says that many of his clients request a cottage look, whether it’s for their primary residence or second home. “A lot of my customers like cottage style for everyday living even though they are in a neighborhood instead of on a lake. It’s casual, easy to take care of and great to raise kids in.”

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Photos courtesy of Landmark Photography

Because of its casual and easy to take care of qualities, cottage style is popular for everyday living.

“There is an inherent charm about a cottage. It’s an antidote to the high-tech modern world, a style that’s as much about your frame of mind as your surroundings.”

hotography

— Katie McMillan,

Photo courtesy of Cocoon

owner of Clever Girl in Western Springs

Sense of Place The cottage look can take different forms — in the Midwest, we might think of a farmhouse cottage or a retreat near a lake or river. Along the coast, it’s all about sand and sea. But, says McMillan, “It can translate almost everywhere. You can infuse any space with a touch of cottage. Everyone has a different take on it.” Maureen Smithe, buyer for Walter E. Smithe, which has 11 Chicago-area

locations, says, “The cottage look will always feel warm and inviting, whether a client goes in a shabby chic or French country direction. It is supposed to feel lived in and comfortable, which translates very well for busy families.” Crisp white, gray and taupe are typical wall colors. Some East Coast-style cottages feature painted beadboard on the walls and ceilings. Woodsy cottages might have more natural materials, like pine,

or salvaged barnwood. One of Saloga’s projects was for a Chicago family who wanted a quick-to-reach getaway, so rather than choosing northern Wisconsin or Michigan, they built their lake house on a man-made lake near Morris. Recycled barn timbers and street bricks, salvaged school sinks and other repurposed materials give that home a rustic character. “We used a lot of recycled materials and exposed framing to give it a farmhouse feel,

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COTTAGE STYLE

Room and Board (left) and 610 Home (right) illustrate the way “cottage” has come to encompass different styles, including shabby chic and lived-in layers.

in addition to cottage,” says Saloga. If you can’t build a house with those details, you can still get a similar look. “Bring the outside in with vintage doors, ladders or window shutters. It adds a lot of character and makes it feel a little more relaxed and casual,” says Tina Gregus, co-owner of Morris-based Twisted Vintage Décor and organizer of the Backwoods Vintage Market. Held at the Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom in Oswego, the market specifically features “things to inspire a peaceful, rustic lakeside abode.” This year’s dates are Wednesdays July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, and Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Layered Mix Because traditional summer cottages were second homes, many of them were furnished with a mix of new furnishings

and old pieces culled from grandma’s attic, tag sales and other affordable sources. Beyond budget concerns, the need for durable and easy-care décor was part of the relaxed, informal nature of vacation living. This is still true today, but the mix is more intentionally curated — for example, the pairing of a new slipcovered sofa with an antique accent table or a painted piece. “The cottage look is about layering, and adding things with history and a previous life,” says McMillan. “You can stalk flea markets and antiques stores to create a treasured look.” Gregus recommends incorporating painted furniture, such as a table, bench, dresser or desk. “It adds to the mix and gives a fresh, bright perspective,” she says. Kelly Holmes, owner of Vintage Fresh in Clarendon Hills, also says painted vintage pieces, whether metal, wood

or glass, are popular for second homes because they are solidly made and typically reasonably priced. Many of her customers like pale gray and linen chalk-paint finishes, but some like pieces that add a pop of color. “Most people are purchasing statement pieces versus a whole look,” she says. Crisp and Clean Though the traditional English cottage look can be cluttered and cozy, the summer cottage is a little more pared down. “Scale back on accessories,” advises Gregus. “Less is more, it is cleansing to not have so much clutter.” Smithe has noticed the same trend. “A new direction we’re seeing in cottage is a more minimalist approach. Some clients don’t want a lot of accessories — they want a clean, crisp cottage environment without any clutter,” she says.

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Charming Comfort Debra Phillips, owner of Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, says a summer cottage should be an “easy, breezy, come-in-barefoot kind of place.” Accordingly, comfort is key and the mood is light and bright. She envisions “fall-into” slipcovered chairs and sofas with down-filled pillows paired with a cushy ottoman. Natural organic materials, like sisal rugs, bamboo shades and linen fabrics, carry the day. “The cottage should have few demands other than to welcome you and envelop you in comfort,” says Phillips. Smithe recommends slipcovered furniture because of its versatility in terms of looks and livability — the covers can be removed for washing. “Slipcovered sofas and chairs can look beachy or contemporary, depending on the tailoring and accessorizing,” she says. Finishes that are whitewashed or driftwood gray are staples of cottage design. Pops of color, like green, navy or coral can be easily integrated into the overall look through accents such as rugs or pillows. Textures can be introduced with seagrass baskets, wood slice coasters, woven throws and weathered architectural elements. Stripes and colors of sand and sea are very popular. Nautical elements can work for lake or ocean looks alike and are a little more masculine. Flowers typically come into play in some way, often through a fabric flourish or a loose gathering of wildflowers tucked into a mason jar. Whether you are building a lakeside retreat or want to incorporate the look into a guest room, cottage style offers something for everyone. “There is a soul in cottage,” observes McMillan. “There is something about escaping to a beach house that appeals to everyone.” “I’ve been building houses for 25 years, and it seems like cottage never goes out of style,” says Saloga. “It’s timeless. People want to feel that sense of being on vacation all the time.” n WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 63

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

WHEATON COLLEGE

BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE

High Demand Career Fields of the Future While pursuing more marketable academic fields can increase job opportunities, finding an area of study you are also passionate about can be critical for long-term success. by Erin Chan Ding

here’s a joke that history and sociology majors wander the wilderness of job searching after graduation. And while it might not be quite that hopeless for liberal arts majors, studying in an in-demand field in which you might want to work may ease the path toward viable career options. Of course, the big question is, “What’s hot right now?” And then there’s this: “Will I like what’s hot right now?” Fortunately, academic experts from a myriad of local colleges and universities have uncovered a deluge of high-demand study areas that could lead straight to high-demand jobs. Still, there’s no singular way to approach these jobs. Jokes about art history and anthropology majors aside, Francine Navakas, associate vice president for academic affairs at North Central College in Naperville, says the studies that best position students for jobs in the marketplace are “the liberal arts, the liberal arts, the liberal arts. “The benefit of a comprehensive

college is that students have the best of both worlds,” adds Navakas, “preparation at the core of a liberal arts education, which also threads its way through four years to enhance skills and ways of thinking that are expected in any field, and development of expertise in a field of study, sometimes professional.” Students’ goals, ambitions and inclinations are a large determining factor in how they can be positioned for the marketplace, says Jean Kartje, vice president for academic affairs at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. “If a student wants to be positioned for a job, they have a better chance if they have a specific skill or talent.” Just about all of the professors immersed in academics agree, however, that students should do what they love but also combine it with specific and useful experiences like internships, research and service learning. “Not exploring and following one’s passion is like playing Russian roulette with your education,” maintains Peggy Killian, career education director for

Elmhurst College’s Center for Professional Excellence. “I have seen students who choose majors based on either market demands — which can change, by the way — or pressure from parents, without researching their true interests, behavioral dimensions and values. They can end up very frustrated, confused and academically unsuccessful. Many end up changing majors at least twice, which puts them behind, academically and financially.” To try and avoid this, we’ve scoped out areas in which students can couple their life interests with fields that may give them good chances at finding fruitful, fulfilling jobs. Follow your favorite TV show? As goes the screen, so goes society? Or maybe it’s the reverse? Whatever it is, Netflix, the networks and cable television might have latched onto some burgeoning fields for students with their flurry of shows. “For a while, it seemed like you could watch television to determine the newest

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Healthcare It’s been clear for years that as Baby Boomers start becoming senior citizens, healthcare fields will continue to grow. But the increase in interest in healthcare careers isn’t just related to fields like gerontology and senior care. Aurora University has seen an “overwhelming increase in students gravitating toward the healthcare field,” says Jennifer Buckley, executive director of the college’s School of Human Performance and Recreation. She says students at Aurora are particularly interested in athletic training, nursing and exercise science. “I think students tend to gravitate toward these majors because of both their desire to help others and the increasing demand and success in job placement,” Buckley says. Cheryl Leoni, the director of the Dr. Dennis J. Patterson Center for Health Professions at Elmhurst College, says she’s seen students move toward physical therapy, occupational therapy, healthcare administration, nutrition and medical sales. At North Central, Navakas, who’s also the Svend and Elizabeth Bramsen Professor in the Humanities, calls

Photo courtesy of Dominican University

trends in student interest,” says College of DuPage’s Kartje. “When ‘CSI’ and ‘Criminal Minds’ became popular, enrollments in criminal justice programs increased. When the Food Network was the thing to watch, enrollments in culinary programs grew. ‘Shark Tank’ seemed to influence entrepreneurial leanings, ‘American Ninja Warrior’ spurred interest in health, personal training and kinesiology.” “Although jobs in these fields are sometimes cyclical,” adds Kartje, “they are growing fields that pay a good wage and are essential to the well-being of our society and culture.”

interest in healthcare “on the rise” and says the school is dedicated to supporting students investigating fields like veterinary medicine, pharmacology and nuclear medicine technology. Karen Campana, Healthcare fields continue to grow to meet the needs of aging Baby Boomers. the director of new volunteering, shadowing and clinical student advising at Benedictine internships. University in Lisle, says nutrition and health sciences, along with psychology The College of DuPage has also and biology, are growing majors partly expanded its offerings to accommodate because of the employment outlook in students who want to work in a surgical these fields. suite or clinic. Kartje says the college, for instance, offers a 42-credit surgical Leoni cites national surveys showing assistant certificate that’s approved to growing interest in nursing, occupational be taught entirely online, as well as an and physical therapy, and physician anesthesia technology degree. She points assistant jobs. She attributes some of the to a certificate program in hearing interest to promising job outlooks with instrument dispensing, which will be relatively shorter educational paths, and of special service to senior citizens. therefore less of a financial investment. A physician assistant, Leoni points In newer fields, like exercise science, out, can perform many of the same job students can parlay their academic studies functions as a physician with a medical into careers like personal fitness, physical or osteopathic degree but needs just two therapy and even cardiac rehabilitation. years of schooling, as Elmhurst College opposed to four years of college followed by medical school. Elmhurst College also has master’s degree programs in fields like communication science disorders and healthcare informatics, so a student can stay after his or her undergraduate years and specialize in a particular field. The college’s Center for Health Professions can also use its network Several area colleges have expanded their science facilities to meet the growing demand for students in various scientific-related disciplines. to help students with Photo courtesy of Elmhurst College

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

“Often times, exercise is the best Cybersecurity is another area that medicine to help treat and prevent a brings together the growing information plethora of medical conditions,” Buckley technology field with the growing need says, adding that the field of exercise for safety when it comes to unseen, science “provides students with a passion virtual borders. for sport, fitness and health a way to Technology, in general, does not expand on that passion and work to have to be confined to software and improve individuals’ health and longevity.” engineering either. Information Don’t underestimate, however, the technology, Kartje says, can lead to rigor required for acceptance into these fields like gaming, app development kinds of healthcare professions. and coding. In healthcare, grades are BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY the “number one priority,” Leoni says. Scores on tests like the MCAT and GRE, are also valued, as are related and unrelated experiences in other activities, but Leoni emphasizes that “a multitude of experiences does not make up for poor grades.”

goals and objectives to drive strategies and revenue.”

Photo courtesy of Benedictine University

Don’t Forget About… They may be more traditionally popular, but the demand for graduates adept at business, finance and marketing has not gone away. Killian, at Elmhurst, says the most fertile fields for employment include accounting, finance, management information systems, marketing, business administration, and experience dealing with logistics and supply chains. For those already in the marketplace and seeking more managerial responsibility, several colleges offer leadership courses and degrees. Campana points to a doctoral program at Benedictine that focuses Security and Technology on values-driven leadership, TV shows can provide a harbinger of popular fields of study. The which combines research, So you may have heard a popularity of the Food Network, for example, prompted a dramatic theory, practice and actionlittle complaining — okay, a increase in enrollment in nutrition and culinary-related programs. based learning to teach ton of complaining — about students how to have a transformative long security lines at O’Hare and “It is another field that assumes impact on business. North Central Midway International Airports as the a changing knowledge base and integrates a leadership, ethics and summer travel season descends. adaptability to technologies that didn’t values program into its general exist in a previous decade,” says Navakas, And to address these issues, you may education requirements. adding that exploration of computer also have heard the Transportation Safety science courses, as well as exposure to Administration, or TSA, was scrambling Take advantage, too, of international web design and development, networking to hire and place more officers at airports experiences. College programs often across the country. and mobile device application, can serve include study abroad experiences and students well in this area. visiting professors from around the globe. If you think that means job opportunities in these areas, you would For those who do want to specialize, And don’t omit vocational fields. be right. But it’s not just the TSA Campana says students can look to fields The College of DuPage has programs that needs screeners and security experts. like analytics, engineering, hardware in welding, culinary arts, commercial Demand for safety and security jobs has and privacy. truck driving, heating/venting/air risen, especially as the threat of terrorism “Individuals going into this area conditioning/refrigeration, horticulture escalates and evolves. and automotive technology that can need to be innovative and creative to lead to good pay and the potential The College of DuPage offers a adapt to ever-changing technology as it for entrepreneurship. Homeland Security certificate in its is being built into almost everything we criminal justice program. This area, Kartje own and encounter in our daily lives,” “The balance,” says Killian, “is about says, includes coursework in border, Campana says. “Companies will continue being challenged intellectually and transportation and physical security, to depend on professionals who can utilizing experiential activities to develop emergency management and domestic, analyze and interpret the vast amount and prepare for a successful career and an international and bioterrorism. of data they collect into measurable ever-changing life in a global world.” n 66 JULY/AUGUST 2016 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

GUIDE

Academic Resource Guide Argosy University 1000 N. Plaza Dr., Suite 324, Schaumburg 847 969-4900, www.argosy.edu Founded In: 1961 Size of campus: Office building # of Students: 431 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Majors: 4 bachelor’s degree programs Graduate Programs: 7 master’s degree and 3 doctoral degree programs in business, education, health sciences and psychology Continuing Education: 7 post-graduate certificates available Satellite Campuses: 28 locations in 13 states Undergraduate Tuition: $561/credit hour Graduate Tuition: $618-$930/credit hour

undergraduate only Graduate Programs: 16, with 4 doctoral programs Undergraduate Tuition: $32,170 full-time Graduate Tuition: $660/quarter hour, $1,030/ semester hour Chamberlain College of Nursing 1221 N. Swift Rd., Addison 630 953-3660, www.chamberlain.edu/addison Founded In: 1889 Size of Campus: Each campus averages 39,600 sq. ft. # of Students Nationwide: (Spring 2016): 25,000 Academic Calendar: Three semesters/year (September, January, May) Undergraduate Majors: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program

Augustana College 639 38th St., Rock Island 309 794-7000, www.augustana.edu Founded In: 1860 Size of campus: 115 acres # of Students: 2,500 Academic Calendar: Three-term calendar Undergraduate Programs: 73 majors, 37 minors and 7 pre-professional programs Undergraduate Tuition: $49,658 full-time (includes fees, housing and meal plan) Aurora University 347 S. Gladstone, Aurora 630 844-5533, www.aurora.edu Founded In: 1893 Size of campus: 40 acres # of Students: 3,800 undergraduate; 2,400 graduate Academic Calendar: Semesters with Study in May and Summer Session Undergraduate Majors: Over 40 Graduate Programs: 16 master’s degree programs, 2 doctoral programs, and a wide variety of endorsement and certificate programs Continuing Education: Extensive programs in Illinois and Wisconsin Satellite Campus: Woodstock, IL and Williams Bay, WI Undergraduate Tuition: $22,8300 full-time Graduate Tuition: $450-$800/semester hour New Programs: Undergraduate Programs: Applied Psychology, Early Childhood Special Education with Bilingual/ESL, Environmental Science (Sustainability), Exercise Science, Leadership Studies, Speech and Language Pathology and Sport Management; Graduate and Doctoral Programs: Dual MSW/MBA Program, Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics, Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Education-Leadership in Adult and Higher Education Benedictine University 5700 College Rd., Lisle 630 829-6000, www.ben.edu Founded In: 1887 Size of Campus: 108 acres # of students: 9,637 Academic Calendar: Undergraduate on semesters; Graduate on quarters and semesters Undergraduate Majors: 56 total, 3 are adult

AURORA UNIVERSITY

Graduate Programs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) degree program Continuing Education: RN to BSN option for registered nurses, Graduate Certificates Other Campuses: Chicago and Tinley Park Undergraduate Tuition: $675/credit hour College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn 630 942-3000, www.cod.edu Founded In: 1967 Size of Campus: 283 acres # of Students: 30,000 Academic Calendar: Semesters Associate Degree Programs: 80 Certificates: 172 Continuing Education: Variety of non-credit programming for youth, adults and older adults Regional Centers: Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville, Westmont Tuition: $135/credit in-district, $322/credit out-of-district, $392/credit out-of-state Concordia University Chicago 7400 Augusta St., River Forest 708 771-8300, www.cuchicago.edu Founded In: 1864 Size of campus: 40 acres # of Students: 5,238 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 70+

Graduate and Doctoral Programs: 40+ Continuing Education: Accelerated degree completion programs for adults, associate degree, certificate programs and post-master’s certificate programs available Undergraduate Tuition: $29,760 Graduate Tuition: Varies by program DePaul University 150 W. Warrenville Rd., Naperville 630 548-9378, www.depaul.edu Founded In: 1898 Main Campus: Chicago Size of Campus: 63,000 sq. ft. Academic Calendar: Quarters # of Students: approx. 1,000 Undergraduate Majors: 4 degree options for adults Graduate Programs: Various options available at Naperville campus Continuing Education: Various certificate programs Undergraduate Tuition: Varies Graduate Tuition: Varies DeVry University 18624 W. Creek Dr., Tinley Park 708 342-3300, www.devry.edu Founded In: 1931 Size of Campus: 11 acres # of Students: (Jan 2016 enrollment): 889 undergraduate; 386 graduate Academic Calendar: Three semesters Undergraduate Degrees: 4 Associates, 7 Bachelors Master’s Degrees: 7 Online Programs: Yes Other Campuses: Addison, Chicago, Downers Grove, Elgin, Naperville Tuition: Varies Dominican University Main Campus: 7900 W. Division St., River Forest 708 366-2490, www.dom.edu Founded In: 1901 Size of Campus: 33 acres # of Students: 3,672 Undergraduate Majors: 50+, including 8 pre-professional programs Graduate Programs: 15 in the Brennan School of Business, the School of Education, the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, the Graduate School of Social Work, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies Undergraduate Tuition: $31,720 full-time Graduate Tuition: $525-950/credit hour Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin 847 697-1000, www.elgin.edu Founded In: 1949 Size of campus: 331.2 acres # of Students: 16,598 credit students Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Majors: Over 130 degrees and certificates Satellite Campuses: Courses offered at the Streamwood Village Hall, Hanover Park Education and Work Center, Center for Emergency Services in Burlington Tuition: $125/credit in-district, $434.49 out-of-district resident. Senior Citizens may be eligible for a waiver of in-district tuition

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HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

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if the following criteria are met: Must be 65 years of age or older by the start of the term and must be under a specific income level as outlined in the Senior Citizen Courses Act (110 LCS990). ELMHURST COLLEGE 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst 630 617-3500, www.elmhurst.edu Founded In: 1871 Size of Campus: 48 acres # of Students: 3,400 Academic Calendar: Fall and Spring terms, plus January and summer terms Undergraduate Degrees: 50+ as well as 5 Accelerated Degree-Completion Programs Master’s Degrees: 16 Accelerated Undergraduate Degree-Completion Programs: Business Administration (Elmhurst Management Program), Information Technology (concentrations offered in cyber security, digital cinema, geographic information systems, software development ant, and computer information systems), Communications (Elmhurst Communication Program), Applied Psychology, degree completion for RNs, and various certificate programs offered on campus or online Graduate Programs: MBA, Market Research, Supply Chain Management, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, Early Childhood Special Education, Teacher Leadership, Special Education, Nursing, Nursing Master’s Entry, Public Health, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Applied Geospatial Technologies, Project Management, Health Informatics Management, various graduate certificate programs available on campus or online Continuing Education: ELSA (Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy) four-year college experience program (non-degree) for young adults, ages 18-24, with developmental disabilities Undergraduate Certificate Tuition: $595/credit hour Undergraduate Tuition: $17,625/semester full-time, $997/semester hour part-time, $595/credit hour for adult degree-completion Graduate Tuition: Varies by program ($450-845/semester hour) Continuing Education Tuition: ELSA: $15,913/ semester full-time; $835/semester hour part-time ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 201 E. Loop Rd., Wheaton 630 682-6000, www.iit.edu Founded In: 1890 Main Campus: Chicago Size of Campus: 19 acres # of Students: approx. 2,850 undergrad (full and part-time), 5,000 graduate, and 400 at Wheaton Rice campus Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergrad Majors: 40 Graduate Programs: 50 master’s programs, 17 PhD and 7 combined degree programs Continuing Education: 60 professional certificates and information technology certificates, online learning and 1- to 3-day short courses that award CEUs Tuition: $43,500 full-time, $1,359/credit hour part-time

JUDSON UNIVERSITY 1151 N. State St., Elgin 847 628-2500, www.judsonu.edu Founded In Chicago: 1913, moved to Elgin in 1963 Size of Campus: 90 Acres # of Students: 1,290 Academic Calendar: Semesters (Terms for Adults) Undergraduate Majors: 50+ and 10 pre-professional programs Graduate Programs: 8 Satellite Campus: Rockford, School for Business

WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE and Professional Studies only Undergraduate Tuition: $27,850 full-time Accelerated Adult Undergraduate Tuition: $21,525 Graduate Tuition: Varies LEWIS UNIVERSITY One University Pkwy., Romeoville 800 897-9000, www.lewisu.edu Founded In: 1932 Size of Campus: 410 acres # of Students: 6,600 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Majors: 80+ Graduate Programs: 30+ Continuing Education: Degree completion programs, adult accelerated programs Satellite Campuses: Chicago, Hickory Hills, Oak Brook, Tinley Park Fall 2016 Undergraduate Tuition: $29,950 full-time Graduate Tuition: Varies MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY 555 31st St., Downers Grove 630 515-6171, www.midwestern.edu Founded in: 1900 Size of Campus: 105 acres # of Students: 2,971 Undergraduate Majors: None Graduate Programs: 10 Continuing Education: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago College of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Chicago College of Optometry New Programs: New optometry degree program and Eye Institute at the Midwestern University Multi-specialty Clinic at 3450 Lacey Rd., Downers Grove (630 743-4500). The clinic also includes the Dental Institute, Family Medicine Practice, Physical Therapy Institute, and Speech-Language Institute Tuition: Varies

NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY 122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 888 658-8632, www.nl.edu Founded In: 1886 # of Students: 7,383 Undergraduate Majors: 15 Graduate Programs: 31 master’s, 6 doctoral Online Programs: 13 Continuing Education: Credit and non-credit in the National College of Education and the College of Professional Studies and Advancement Other Campuses: Elgin, Lisle, Skokie, Wheeling Tuition: Varies (check online) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 200 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard 630 629-2000, www.nuhs.edu Founded In: 1906 Size of Campus: 35 acres # of Students: 750+ Academic Calendar: Trimesters Undergraduate Majors: Bachelor of Science completion program, Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy Graduate Programs: Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Master of Science in Acupuncture, Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Certificate Programs: Massage Therapy Continuing Education: Certificate programs, diplomate programs and specialty seminars Tuition: Varies NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville 630-637-5800, www.northcentralcollege.edu Founded In: 1861 Size of Campus: 68.5 acres # of Students: 3,000 Academic Calendar: Trimesters (10-week terms), plus a summer session and a D-Term (a three-week session in December) Undergraduate Majors/Minors: 55 Graduate Programs: 5 Continuing Education: Day, night Undergraduate Tuition: $35,241 full-time Graduate Tuition: Varies NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 1120 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville 630 577-9101, www.niu.edu Main Campus: DeKalb Founded: 1895 Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,027 Graduate & Law: 5,103 Academic Programs: 56 undergraduate majors, 73 minors, 7 preprofessional program certificates, 66 Masters programs, 23 Doctoral programs Tuition: $9,466 in-state resident; $13,252 Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin; $18,932 out-of-state/international Room & Board: Varies based on specific housing and meal plan NORTHERN SEMINARY 660 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard 630 620-2180, www.seminary.edu Founded In: 1913 Size of Campus: 28 acres

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# of Students: 300-350 Graduate Programs: Master of Divinity, MA in Christian Ministry, MA in Theology and Mission, MA in Worship, MA in New Testament, Doctor of Ministry with cohorts in Contextual Theology, New Testament, Christian Community Development, Leadership, and Transformative Discipleship. Continuing Education: Graduate Certificate in five areas of study, and a Certificate in Preaching Development (A New Kind of Preacher). Other Campus: Chicago, Lawndale Graduate Tuition: Varies by program Robert Morris University 905 Meridian Lake Dr., Aurora 800 762-5960, www.robertmorris.edu Main Campus: Chicago, IL Founded In: 1913 Academic Calendar: 10-week sessions (quarters) Undergraduate Majors: 11 associate’s degrees, 13 bachelor’s degrees Graduate Programs: Yes Continuing Education: Yes Other Campuses: Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Elgin, Lake County, Orland Park, Peoria, Schaumburg, Springfield Undergraduate Tuition: $8,600 full-time, $5,800 part-time, $2,900 less-than-part-time study Graduate Tuition: $2,7550/course Triton College 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove 708 456-0300, www.triton.edu

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Founded In: 1964 Size of Campus: 100 acres #of Students: 12,000+ Academic Calendar: Semesters Pre-Associate/Associate’s Degrees: More than 120 Continuing Education: More than 30 subject areas, more than 100 certificate programs, and adult education courses Tuition (Fall 2016): $113/credit in-district, $295.35 out-of-district

Undergraduate Tuition: $30,520 full-time Graduate Tuition: Varies

University of Illinois at Chicago Liautaud Graduate School of Business 11th floor University Hall, MC 077 601 S Morgan St., Chicago, 312 996-4573, www.business.uic.edu/liautaud Founded In: 1977 (MBA), 2003 (UIC Liautaud) Academic Calendar: Semesters Graduate Programs: 6 Graduate Tuition: Varies

Waubonsee Community College Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Dr., Sugar Grove 630 466-7900, www.waubonsee.edu Founded In: 1966 Size of Campus: 243 acres # of Students: approx. 14,000 Academic Calendar: Semesters Associate’s Degrees: Four transfer degrees and more than 100 career degrees and certificates of achievement Continuing Education: Noncredit courses in Community Education and Workforce Development departments Satellite Campuses: Aurora Downtown, Aurora Fox Valley and Plano, plus various extension sites Tuition: $118/credit hour in-state, $317.61/credit hour out-of-state

University of St. Francis 500 Wilcox St., Joliet 800 735-7500, www.stfrancis.edu Founded In: 1920 Size of Campus: 34 acres # of Students: 3,957 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 46 Graduate Programs: 19 Doctoral Programs: 2 Continuing Education: Three degree completion programs in business, healthcare and nursing Satellite Campuses: Albuquerque, NM

Wheaton College 501 College Ave., Wheaton 630 752-5000, www.wheaton.edu Founded In: 1860 Size of Campus: 80 acres # of Students: approx. 2,900 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Majors: 41 Graduate Programs: 12 Continuing Education: Certificate in TESOL Undergraduate Tuition: $34,050 full-time; room and board: $9,560 Graduate Tuition: $795/credit hour for Master’s, $1,005/credit hour for PsyD

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Western Springs This historic village is the epitome of small town charm, with its quaint downtown, active neighborhood associations and strong sense of community.

n a charmingly throwback way, if you walk along downtown Western Springs, you come across a butcher, baker and candlestick maker. In addition to the butchers at Casey’s Market, bakers at Kirschbaum’s Bakery and merchants who sell candles at The Uptown Shop, this community of nearly 13,000 residents exemplifies small-town America in other ways. On a given summer day, you can spot children tilting colorful cones in front of an ice cream parlor, morning commuters clutching coffee cups on their way to catch the Metra train to the city, or bicyclists riding past the historic brick and stone Water Tower in the center of town, which was built in the 1890s to supplement the original mineral springs in the area. State Representative Jim Durkin, who grew up in nearby Westchester and moved to Western Springs in 2003 with his wife and children, is part of that scenic backdrop. “One of my greatest joys is on a Saturday morning, getting a cup of coffee at Starbucks, walking down to the hardware store, bakery or meat market and seeing everybody,” says Durkin. The butcher, baker and candlestick maker are lines in a much-loved nursery rhyme, but to the people who live and work in Western Springs, the village’s small town charm is key part of its character and identity. “I came to Western Springs nearly 40 years ago to complete a six-month internship in city management for the Master’s program I was enrolled in and obviously never left,” declares Village Manager Patrick Higgins. “I suppose there are at least three reasons why and they concern people — the elected officials, the staff and the residents here.” Western Springs native Mark Ptacek is senior vice president at the local Heartland Bank and current president of the Western Springs Business Association. He, too, maintains there are many reasons why the people and places in Western Springs make it so appealing. “It’s a very safe community, the schools are incredibly strong, and there are great people and neighborhoods,” he says. Location is another bonus, adds Durkin. “There is a great geographic enticement, too — it’s still in Cook County, there is access to every major thoroughfare, and you have the benefit of fabulous public transit,” he says.

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s y

by Lynn Petrak

Small-town USA is easily found on the streets of Western Springs (from left) at the weekly farmers market, Casey’s Market and Kirschbaum’s Bakery.

“You can get to the city easily for work or for entertainment, but it’s nice to know that you don’t have to go there for a nice dinner or special event.” The village also has a distinctive sense of neighborliness. “Western Springs is the kind of town where everyone says hello as you walk by, and I love how welcoming our residents are,” says Jessie Wang-Grimm, a nine-year resident who is co-president of the Lyons Township Alumnae Panhellenic and active PTA member in District 101. “It’s a haven outside of the city, where people care about their schools and community and rally behind each other in times of need. There’s an unspoken pride in the history and simple traditions of our town, and it’s a blessing to raise our family here.” Janet Dahl, a longtime resident who raised three sons in town with husband and radio legend Steve Dahl, was a fouryear village trustee and echoes the almost surprising friendliness in the town, something that was immediately evident. “On our first day, two neighborhood girls — both of whom now live in Western Springs — put a May basket of wildflowers on my front doorknob. Someone else gave me a map of the street that included every home on the block, with stick figures to represent their kids and pets. I knew I had found home,” Dahl recalls, adding, “Western Springs is like Mayberry. We have a very safe community. The fact that 30 community members serve as paid on-call firefighters in our professional department speaks volumes as to the character of our residents.” The collaborative spirit is underscored

by Village President William Rodeghier. “We are a community of strong church organizations that address not only their faith communities but sponsor many other activities such as scouting and other programs for young people,” he explains. “We also have strong civic organizations such as our local VFW Post that sponsors and organizes the Memorial Day parade, the Business Association that produces the

percent of our customers,” says Joe Lane, store manager of Casey’s Market. The main shopping district along the railroad tracks on Metra’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe line features many longtime businesses like Kirschbaum’s, Casey’s, Village Hardware Store, Oberweis Dairy and the Fruit Store, most of which are housed in vintage buildings that harken to another century. That all-American look

“Western Springs is the kind of town where everyone says hello as you walk by.” downtown Christmas Walk and Gathering on the Green, the Historical Society that maintains a museum in the historic Water Tower, the Tower Chorale, the Garden Club, and many others. These organizations enrich life in Western Springs and make this village a desirable place to live, to raise a family, and simply to call home. I can’t fathom what living in Western Springs would be without them.” Channeling Mayberry: Downtown Western Springs Compared to other western suburbs — including La Grange to the east and Hinsdale to the west — Western Springs has a somewhat quieter downtown, which allows for easier parking and a more open streetscape. It also leads to strong bonds. “We were talking about this a couple weeks ago, and I was saying that our staff knows about 75

and feel actually led downtown Western Springs to be chosen as a setting in the movie Contagion with Matt Damon. Over the past decade or so — and after the previously “dry” village allowed alcohol to be served in local restaurants — downtown Western Springs has welcomed many new businesses that have enhanced the local scene. You can still run errands and get fresh fruit, homemade pastries and cakes — or, for that matter, a new hammer — but you can also meet friends at a fine dining restaurant like Vie, grab breakfast at Solstice or shop for stylish clothes and eclectic gifts at a boutique like Clever Girl. “Having a vital downtown is a huge part of Western Springs, and we’ve had some changes over the last 36 years since we’ve been here,” notes Lane, a past president and active member of the Western Spring Business Association.

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TOWN FOCUS

Western Springs

Photo courtesy of Theatre of Western Springs

Resources Theatre of Western Springs

features both permanent and rotating exhibits.

Recreation

 Ridgewood Park – 5530 Grand Ave., 708 246-4225. A wedge-shaped park with a walking path, basketball court, playground, soccer field, water fountain and little league baseball field.  Spring

Thomas Ford Memorial Library  Total

Holdings - 83,535 Checked Out Per Year - 256,405  Visitors Per Year - 127,660  Items

Attractions

 Elms Community Garden 5424 Fair Elms, 832 819-3324. Community garden for residents, property owners, community groups and local business owners to rent plots for flowers and vegetables.  Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course – Bemis Woods, 1100 Ogden Ave., 800 971-8271. Go Ape’s first treetop adventure course in Illinois, featuring zip lines, obstacles and Tarzan swings.

Theatre of Western Springs 4384 Hampton Ave., 708 246-3380. Community theatre founded in 1929 that offers a variety of shows for adult and family audiences as well as extensive educational programs.

Social organization founded in 1910 devoted to recreation and neighborliness in an atmosphere of fellowship. Western Springs Historical Society – 4211 Grand Ave., 708 246-9230. A volunteer non-profit organization committed to preserving and celebrating the history of Western Springs through several facilities including the Tower Museum, the Ekdahl House and the Archives at Grand Avenue. 

Events

 Gathering on the Green

Held each June adjacent to the historic water tower, this event features live music, entertainment, food and a variety of activities for kids.



 Western

Springs French Market – On Hillgrove Ave. between Lawn and Grand Ave., 708 246-1800. Thursdays through Oct 27, 2 – 7 p.m.

Museums  The

The Village Club of Western Springs – 4221 Lawn Ave., www.thevillageclub.com. 

Historic Water Tower Museum – 914 Hillgrove Ave., 708-246-9230. This nearly 125-year-old structure

Among the new restaurants in town is Davanti Enoteca, part of Francesca’s Restaurants. “This town is incredible,” says owner Chris Elsey of the support he has received from the community. “We are also getting people coming from La Grange, Hinsdale, Downers Grove and other suburbs.” Recognizing another need and opportunity, Francesca’s Restaurants opened Hillgrove Tap next door to Davanti Enoteca in late 2015. Initially a sports bar, Hillgrove Tap has become

Rock Park – 4400 Central Ave., 708 246-4225. A 42-acre park featuring a playground, soccer, football and lacrosse fields, five little league fields, seven tennis courts, two sand volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, walking paths and flower gardens.

 Veteran’s

Memorial Park 4204 Lawn Ave., 708 246-4225. A 1.2-acre park with access via a cement path, checkers bench, playground and water fountain.

 Western

Springs Garden Club – 708-246-8756. A charter member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Central Region and the Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. District II founded in 1926 that awards scholarships, supports civic projects, maintains perennial beds in Spring Rock Park, holds a plant exchange and hosts the Annual Plant Sale.

 Western

Springs Service Club – 1300 Hillgrove Ave., 708 246-0491. A privately run facility offering two swimming pools and an infant pool for recreational swimming, swim lessons, lap swimming, a competitive swim team and water aerobics, along with slides, volleyball and field area, sunbathing decks and an outdoor snack venue.

a gathering spot for families as well and, this time of year, a place to hang out on the 55-seat patio, according to Elsey. Such growth and expansion is continuing with the impending groundbreaking for a new condominium development near the railroad tracks at Wolf Road and Burlington Avenue. “We’re excited to have 28 new households living right in downtown Western Springs, and we believe it’s the beginning of more shopping and restaurant choices,” notes Ptacek. According to Rodeghier, community

input is pivotal in such expansion and improvement. “Over the last couple years, our residents participated in creating a downtown plan for the business district,” he explains. “The residents recognized the need for progress in revitalizing the downtown buildings and streetscape, but with a view towards keeping the character of development family-friendly,” he explains. Dahl says that many residents welcome developments that have been carefully planned. “The new housing on that site should energize the downtown visually and commercially,” she says. “I hope to see more housing and commercial options pop up to make Western Springs even more of a destination,” she says. Gathering Place: Special Events To village president Rodeghier’s point, residents gather and connect at various public events in Western Springs. Two of the biggest — the annual Memorial Day parade and the Gathering on the Green event, both offering live entertainment — take place earlier in the summer. A regular and popular event throughout the summer is the weekly French Market, held on Hillgrove Avenue near the iconic water tower. Visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fresh-baked breads and pastries, meats, cheese, wine, flowers and artisan-made goods. The French Market, which runs through early fall, takes place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. This time of year, people also savor the season by attending summer concerts at Springdale Park, the Tower Green and at Ridgewood Park. Various neighborhood associations, along with the Park District and Village of Western Springs, sponsor the concerts. The Park District offers other outdoor activities, too, including Camping under the Stars at Spring Rock Park — the biggest park in town — and free summer movie nights at different park locations around the community. Bravo! Theatre of Western Springs and Music Makers It may be tucked away on a quiet side street, but the 400-seat Theatre of Western Springs is hardly a hidden gem. The

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TOWN FOCUS

Camping

Under The Stars Spring Rock Park • 4400 Central Ave.

$25 per tent (4 people) $5 per additional camper games, bon fire, evening snacks & breakfast

Check us out online

westsuburbanliving.net

July 22-23

July 22 at 6pm is tent set up

To register contact Barb Kartzmark (708) 246-4225 X1 bkartzmark@wsprings.com

Western Springs

theatre puts on a dozen high caliber productions a year. Founded by resident Mary Cattell in 1929, the Theatre of Western Springs is one of the oldest continually operating community theatres in the country, points out Executive Artistic Director Eddie Sugarman, and has produced more than 500 plays. The theatre is also distinctive due to its “in-house casting system,” in which those who perform on-stage must work backstage on other productions. In all, the theatre is served by a core group of more than 300 committed cast members and volunteers. The theatre also hosts shows visiting professional like actress and former Saturday Night Live cast member Nora Dunn, who graced the stage with her one-woman show, Mythical Proportions, earlier this year. Throughout the year — and especially in the summer — students from around the area take advantage of a full roster of classes, including a summer drama workshop, high school summer stock, junior high and high school improv, acting and voice lessons and more. Another longtime cultural hub in the community is Music Makers of Western Springs, a full-service music school that offers musical programs for all ages and abilities, from tots to rock band classes to music and theater camps. According to owner Jeremy Michor, the theater program has greatly expanded in recent times. “Six years ago, we performed three plays throughout the year, for K through 8th grade students. We now produce eight different plays throughout the year, including a college rep program in August,” says Michor, adding, “We are thrilled to be a vibrant part of the theater and performing arts community.” Block Parties: Neighborhood Associations It’s not Chicago, of course, but residents of this western suburb tend to identify themselves by Western Springs neighborhoods, which include Old Town, Field Park, Forest Hills, Ridge Acres,

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featuring our build-your-own bloody mary bar during

800 hillgrove avenue western springs, il 708-783-1060

Saturday & Sunday Brunch dine with us this summer on our

www.davantienoteca.com

Patio

Host your next special event with us! lunch – dinner – private dining – catering francesca’s passaggio 3124 s. route 59 naperville, il 630-946-0600

www.miafrancesca.com

800 Hillgrove Avenue Western Springs, IL 708-290-0055 www.hillgrovetap.com

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la sorella di francesca 18 w. jefferson ave. naperville, il 630-961-2706

francesca’s bellezza 75 s. la grange rd. la grange, il 708-579-3500

francesca’s by the river 200 s. second st. st. charles, il 630-587-8221

francesca’s amici 174 n. york rd. elmhurst, il 630-279-7960

Join us at the Tap.... game day, family day...any day! Take part in our Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 3:30-6:00pm

Party on the patio all summer long!

6/23/16 11:03 AM

TOWN FOCUS

Western Springs

Population

Photo courtesy of Village of Western Springs

Statistical Snapshot Western Springs Station

2014 est - 13,066

 Increase from 2000 – 4.6%  Median age – 42.4  19 and under – 32.9%  20-24 – 3.8%  25-34 – 5.4%  35-44 – 12.1%  45-54 – 17.4%  55-64 – 13.6%  65 and over – 14.8%  % Male – 48.7%  % Female – 51.3%  % White – 98.2%  % African-American – 0.1%  % Asian – 0.9%  % Hispanic – 3.6%

Education  % High school degree or higher – 98.9%

 % Bachelor’s degree or higher – 76.8%

 % Graduate or Professional degree – 36.6%

COMING IN SEPTEMBER

DINING GUIDE DON’T MISS IT! Subscribe today. Return the enclosed reply card or call 630 834-4995.

Income  Median Household

 Renter-occupied units – 221  Gross median rent – $1,783

Income – $137,416

Housing

Business/Employment

 Total households – 4,317  % Family Households – 82%  Avg. Household Size – 3.0  Mean Price for Detached

 Avg. Travel Time to work

Houses – $289,664

 % Residents Employed – 94.8%  % Residents Unemployed – 5.2% – 29.5 min

 Owner-occupied units – 4,096

Ridgewood, Springdale and Timber Trails. Most, if not all, neighborhoods have a neighborhood association comprised of residents of all ages and backgrounds. “The Ridgewood Association is active and vibrant, and new residents jump right in,” reports Dahl. Over the past several years, the residential landscape of this community has evolved, with more teardowns and larger houses replacing smaller ones. “Certainly, residential development and redevelopment have been occurring since the late 1990s. Although it slowed down during the Great Recession, we seem to have returned to pre-Recession levels this year,” says Higgins, noting that sales at the new Timber Trails development have been strong. Durkin says that housing improvements help bolster overall property and community value. “I look at that as an indictor of success for neighborhoods,” he says. “It’s a sign that people are willing to make an investment.” Other Western Springs Highlights The Western Springs Historical Society is housed in the old Western Springs Water Tower and is open every Saturday from

Sources: U.S. Census, City-Data.com and usa.com

10 a.m. to noon. In addition to the Tower Museum, archives and collections are also available at the Grand Avenue Community Center and at the Ekdahl House. “Visitors to our town should stop by the town’s historic Water Tower,” says longtime resident and former trustee John Devona. “Built in 1892 as both a water tower and village hall, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.” In addition to sponsoring or co-sponsoring special events, the Western Springs Park District offers a full slate of things to do and see at its own Recreation Center and at the Grand Avenue Community Center. Spring Rock Park on the western edge of town is an expansive green space that also includes a walking/ running path, recently improved fields for baseball and soccer, tennis courts and in-line skating rink, among other features. At least 12 other parks lend green space — and leisure and recreation opportunities — for residents and visitors. The Cook County Forest Preserve’s Bemis Woods in Western Springs is also an attraction for its groves and trails as well as a new “Go Ape” obstacle course featuring treetop zip lines, which debuted earlier this summer. 

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DINING |

REVIEWS

LISTINGS

CHEERS WINE COLUMN

AND MUCH MORE Photo courtesy of Choun’s Restaurant

RESTAURANT OPENINGS

Choun’s

RECENTLY OPENED

ffering a fresh and flavorful

— including a custom-made, 5-ft-in-diameter

of spiciness so they can be customized to

blend of Thai specialties

bamboo ceiling fixture — and a vibrant color

individual tastes. Several gluten free options

along with a selection

palette. The main dining room offers seating

and a kids menu are also offered.

of American dishes with

for about 40 people with room for another

a “Thai twist,” Choun’s

80 guests in a private dining room.

opened in late June in downtown Wheaton (226 W. Front St., 630 868-3303).

Choun’s menu offers a variety of Thai appetizers, noodle dishes, curry bowls and

Choun’s features a full bar with 10 beers on tap and a wide selection of bottled beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Chef/owner Chounphit Hatsady previously

specialty entrées that emphasize fresh, seasonal

ran Pad Thai in Wheaton. Choun’s is open Sunday

casual atmosphere that blends the warmth

ingredients sourced from local and regional

and Tues-Thurs from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and

of salvaged barn wood with modern lighting

farms. Dishes are made with varying degrees

Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The eatery features a contemporary yet

–Shelby Cozette

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Photos by Chrystl Roberge Photography courtesy of Barrel + Rye

GoOd food

By T.R. Witom

Barrel + Rye Creative bistro fare and fun libations in Geneva

atrons of Barrel + Rye in the heart of Geneva have the option of sitting inside or out front in a semi-private alfresco space. Both have their merits, and either way, diners can count on an enjoyable, unrushed meal served by a well-trained staff. After all, with one and a half years’ experience under its belt, the American bistro’s team knows the drill. The rustic interior is especially appealing with comfortable table seating for 32 plus room for 25 at the curving wooden bar overlooked by flatscreen TVs. An array of Edison light bulbs overhead add visual interest to the intimate space. The well-stocked bar impresses with classic cocktails and a dozen or so signature drinks, including a flavorful Barrel Sazerac made with rye, simple sugar syrup, bitters and absinthe. Check out its extensive selection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch ranging in price from $10 to $22 a glass. Craft beer comes bottled or on tap from area microbreweries including Penrose Brewing, Wild Onion and Two Brothers, among others. There’s also a respectable selection of domestic and imported wines. Despite obvious attention to the beverage side of the business, Barrel + Rye

also offers a noteworthy food menu. Diners can craft a meal from the small-plates list, which includes 15 tapas-style dishes as well as cheese and charcuterie boards and six shareable salads, such as chop, cobb and beet-goat cheese. A recent dinner, cobbled together entirely from small plates, began with two kinds of hummus, one lemon garlic and the other jalapeno, both excellent. The dish came plated with carrot sticks, cucumber slices and pita wedges. Our second course was the Memphis sausage and cheese board. It featured grilled thuringer with a pleasing bourbon barbecue sauce and smoked gouda, accompanied by a spicy house-made giardiniera. The kitchen further showed off its creative side with a complex farro and asparagus dish. The grain, similar to wheat, got star treatment. It came with confit tomatoes, pecorino-romano cheese, tiny portobello mushrooms and a hint of basil oil — the whole dish topped with a sous vide egg. Also available are 8-oz, hand-formed burgers consisting of grass-fed ground

Blackened shrimp salad with creamy Parmesan dressing

chuck, which can be ordered with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy brie and pear or aged cambazola cheese — a cow’s milk cheese that’s a combination of a French soft-ripened triple cream cheese and Italian Gorgonzola. Other sandwiches offered include ground Berkshire pork; venison with bacon, blue cheese and cranberry barbecue sauce; and turkey with kimchi. You also can select a chicken shawarma, pastrami or Korean barbecue sandwich. For dessert, we opted for a delicious made-on-the-premises lemon parfait of layered mascarpone, blackberries and lemon curd. Due to its limited space, seating is on a first-come first-serve basis and no reservations are accepted. n

QUICK FACTS

Barrel + Rye/

477 S. Third St., Geneva 630 402-0647 www.barrelandrye.com

Recommended Dishes:

Cost:

Hours:

Extras:

Memphis sausage and

Small plates & salads:

Mon-Th 11 a.m.- 12

Outdoor seating;

cheese board; hummus

$8 to $16; entrée

a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2

free WiFi; on-street

and farro small plates

sandwiches: $10 to $16

a.m.; Sun noon-11 p.m.

parking

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DINING LISTINGS Following is a sampling of some of the best dining destinations in the western suburbs, including reader favorites, advertisers and a cross-section of just plain good places to grab a bite. Bon appétit!  CENTRAL DUPAGE  NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY  SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY  SE DUPAGE & SW COOK  NE DUPAGE & NW COOK  ADELLE’S: 535 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. 630 784-8015.

New twists on old American favorites served by seasoned professionals in a stylish ambiance. Capacity: 160 plus 50 on outdoor patio. Yrs in bus: 12. Chef’s Choice: White fish. Entrée prices: $18-$34. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, banquets, wine room, carry-out, live jazz Th at 7 pm, live music on select other nights, lounge, fireplaces. T-Th 4:30-8:30, F-Sat 4:30-9:30, Sun 4-8. Reservations: Recommended.

 ALLGAUER’S: 3003 Corporate West Dr, Lisle;

in the Hilton Lisle/Naperville. 630 245-7650. Classic American fare with an eclectic twist in a contemporary environment. Specializes in locally sourced, dry aged steaks, fresh seafood and chops. Capacity: 196 at 44 tables. Yrs in bus: 34. Chef’s Choice: Potato-crusted halibut. Entrée prices: $25-44; lunch menu $9-$18. Extras: Bar, banquets, Sun brunch, breakfast buffet Mon-Sun, lunch buffet M-F, family friendly, F seafood buffet. Breakfast M-F 6:30-11 am, Sat 7-11 am, Sun 7-9:30 am; Lunch M-Sat 11-3; Dinner M-Sun 4-10, F seafood & prime rib buffet 5:30-9:30, Sun brunch 10:30-2:30. Reservations: Recommended.  ANTICO POSTO: 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. 630 586-9200. Italian fare featuring fresh mozzerella, hand-crafted pasta, brick-oven pizza and homemade gelato. Capacity: 130. Yrs in bus: 16. Chef’s Choice: Gnocchi delicati and margherita pizza. Entrée prices: $15-$20. Extras: Outdoor dining, carry-out, full bar, catering, piatti del giorno, gelato of the day, kids menu, private parties. M-Th 11:30-8:30, F-Sat 11:30-9:30, Sun noon8. Reservations: Recommended.  ANYWAY’S CHICAGO RESTAURANT & PUB: 5 E Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 932-9323. Classic neighborhood restaurant and pub serving American cuisine. Capacity: 200 at 45 tables. Yrs in bus: 19. Chef’s Choice: Izzy’s jambalaya pasta and Black Angus burgers. Entrée prices: $7-$15. Extras: Bar, carry-out, banquets, outdoor dining, kids’ menu, daily specials. M-Th 11:30 am-1 am, F-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-1 am. Reservations: Yes, for 10 or more. Additional location at 304 W Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale, 630 351-8870.

Experience the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties, Custom Created by Experienced Chefs

 ARROWHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR: 26W151

Butterfield Rd, Wheaton. 630 510-5070. Classic American fare and premium spirits in a golf-themed décor and a panoramic view of the golf course. Capacity: 120 inside, 60 on patio. Yrs in bus: 8. Chef’s Choice: Cajun Ribeye. Entrée prices: $10-$23. Extras: Bar, banquets, seasonal outdoor dining, wine list, private rooms, carry-out, weekly and daily specials, 15 HDTVs. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11 am-1 am, Sun 11-10. Reservations: Yes.  ATWATER’S: 15 S River Ln, Geneva; in the

Herrington Inn & Spa. 630 208-8920. Eclectic

483 Spring Road www.robertosristorante.com

•

Elmhurst

630.279.8486

Mon - Thurs 11 am - 11 pm • Fri 11 am - midnight • Sat 4 pm - midnight • Sun 2 - 10 pm

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DIning American cuisine with a rotating, seasonal menu in a European-style atrium setting overlooking the Fox River. Capacity: 30. Yrs in bus: 21. Entrée prices: $24-$36. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, banquets, catering, private dining in gazebo, event space. Breakfast M-F 7 am-11 am, Sat-Sun 8 am-11 am; Lunch M-Sun 11-2; Brunch Sun 11-2; Dinner Sun-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10. Reservations: Recommended. n Barrel + rye: 477 S Third St, Geneva.

630 402-0647. American bistro featuring craft beers from Illinois microbreweries, venison burgers and small shareable plates. Capacity: 32, 25 at bar. Months in bus: 9. Chef’s Choice: Southern (deep fried chicken). Entrée prices: $9-$16. Extras: TVs, full bar, happy hour, free Wi-Fi, carry-out, selection of whisky, scotch and bourbon. M-Th 11-midnight, F-Sat 11-2 am, Sun noon-11. Reservations: No. n Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano: 2752

Showplace Dr, Naperville. 630 428-8500. Classic and contemporary authentic Italian dining in a casual, friendly setting. Capacity: 240. Yrs in bus: 8.5. Chef’s Choice: Black fettuccini with lobster & wild mushrooms. Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Exhibition kitchen, bar, wine list, children’s menu, gluten-free menu, carry-out, catering, private parties, family friendly. M-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10:30, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 20560 N Rand Rd, Deer Park, 847 438-1850. n Bien Trucha: 410 W State St, Geneva.

630 232-2665. A variety of authentic and modern Mexican cuisine including little samplers and tapas. Capacity: 80. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Tacos and Guacamole del Dia. Entrée prices: $5-$11. Extras: Carry-out, outdoor dining, bar (open later). Lunch T-F 11-3, Sat noon-3; Dinner T-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10. Reservations: No. n Bistro Monet: 462 N Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn.

630 469-4002. Country French dining featuring traditional bistro fare with a modern interpretation and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Capacity: 75. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Coq au Vin and Cassoulet. Entrée prices: $18-$29. Extras: Carry-out, bar, wine cellar, private parties with no additional charge. T-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Recommended. n Braconi’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

796 Royal St. George Dr, Naperville. 630 717-9530. Traditional Italian cuisine with some American favorites, including signature wheat-crust pizza, in a family-oriented setting. Capacity: 180. Yrs in bus: 11. Chef’s Choice: Sausage and basil pizza. Entrée prices: Avg: $12. Extras: Bar, carry-out, delivery, Wi-Fi, banquets, outdoor dining, lunch buffet, catering, car shows on W. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-midnight, Sun noon-10. Reservations: Yes. n The Capital Grille: 87 Yorktown Center,

Lombard. 630 627-9800. Classic American, fine dining restaurant known for hand-cut, dry-aged steaks, seafood and an award-winning wine list. Capacity: 260. Yrs in bus: 8. Chef’s Choice: Bone-In Kona Crusted Sirloin with Shallot Butter. Entrée prices: $30-$50. Extras: Over 3,000 bottles of more than 325 Old and New World wine selections, temperaturecontrolled wine kiosk, “Captain’s List” of 125 collector and cult wines, four private dining rooms, one semiprivate dining room, bar, lounge, chef’s table with front-line view of open kitchen. Lunch M-F 11:30-3; Dinner M-Th 5-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Recommended. Additional location at 5340 N River Rd, Rosemont, 847 671-8125. n Capri Ristorante: 324 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge. 630 455-4003. Authentic Italian fare served in a warm, elegant setting. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Homemade rigatoni with vodka sauce, with soup or salad. Entrée prices: $15-$40. Extras: Full bar, carry-out, catering, outdoor dining, private parties. M-F 11:30-11, Sat 4-midnight, Sun 2-9.

Reservations: Recommended. n Carlucci: 1801 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove. 630 512-0990. Rustic Italian restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 11. Chef’s Choice: Linguini bobonato. Entrée prices: $12-$33. Extras: Carry-out, private dining, outdoor dining, bar open later, daily specials, live entertainment. Lunch M-F 11:30-3:30; Dinner M-Th 3:30-9:30, F 3:30-10:30, Sat 4:30 -10:30, Sun 4:30-9:30. Reservations: Recommended. n Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery: 3011 W Ogden

Ave, Lisle. 630 637-1777. Seafood, steaks and pasta served in a casual maritime setting. Capacity: 200 at 46 tables. Yrs in bus: 19. Chef’s Choice: Dover sole and king crab legs. Entrée prices: $15-$49. Extras: Bar, carry-out, private parties, kids’ menu, family friendly. M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 3-9. Reservations: No, but call-ahead seating available. n Cine Modern Taqueria: 29 E First St, Hinsdale. 630 590-5655. Contemporary Mexican restaurant serving quality Latin fare. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Mole Negro. Entrée prices: $16-$30. Extras: Outdoor dining, carry-out, delivery, daily specials, full bar, live entertainment on Th, free kids’ tacos on Sun. Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2:30, Dinner Sun-Mon 5-9, T-Th 4-10, F-Sat 4-11. Reservations: Yes. n CityGate Grille: 2020 Calamos Ct, Naperville.

630 718-1010. Fine dining serving contemporary American fare in a steakhouse atmosphere. Capacity: 220. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Seared Diver Scallops and Steak Risotto. Entrée prices: $18-$48, Avg: $25. Extras: Live music F-Sat, private parties, catering, kids’ menu. M-Th 11:30-9, F 11:30-10, Sat 5-10 (bar open later F-Sat). Reservations: Yes. n Country House: 2095 S Kirk Rd, Geneva.

630 208-8181. Steaks, burgers. sandwiches, seafood, salads and pasta in a casual and rustic setting. Capacity: 240 at 30 tables inside, 70 outside. Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Country Cheeseburger. Entrée prices: $9-$20, Avg: $12. Extras: Carry-out, bar, kids’ menu, outdoor dining. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11; Bar open until 1am daily. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 241 55th St, Clarendon Hills, 630 325-1444; and 6460 College Rd, Lisle, 630 983-0545. n Davanti Enoteca: 800 W Hillgrove Ave, Western Springs. 708 783-1060. Simple Italian fare served in a rustic wine bar setting. Capacity: 130 plus 30 on seasonal patio. Mths in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: Focaccia di Recco and Burratta Salad. Entrée prices: $11-$20. Extras: Brunch Sat 11-2:30 and Sun 10-2:30, full bar, daily specials. M-T 11:30-9, W-Th 11:30-5:30, F 11:30-10, Sat 11-10, Sun 10-9 (bar open later F-Sat). Reservations: Yes. n Domo 77: 2040 S Naperville Rd, Wheaton.

630 690-3277. Japanese steak, seafood and sushi prepared at your table featuring a recently redesigned sushi bar and lounge with new additions to the sushi menu. Capacity: 180. Yrs in bus: 26. Chef’s Choice: Filet lobster and French garlic shrimp. Entrée prices: $14-$34. Extras: Carry-out, bar, banquets, party packages, private rooms, group rates, birthday discounts, kids’ menu. Lunch T-Sun 11:30-2; Dinner M-Th 4-9, F-Sun 2-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 4097 Healthway Dr, Aurora, 630 692-0030. Affiliated with Japan 77, 2161 Bloomingdale Rd, Glendale Heights, 630 893-3377. n Eddie Merlot: 28254 Diehl Rd, Warrenville.

630 393-1900. Upscale contemporary steakhouse with a lighter ambiance also known for its wine. Capacity: 260. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Prime aged steaks. Entrée prices: $23-$51. Extras: Extensive wine list, private dining, outdoor dining, lounge with drink specials. M-Th 4-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Recommended. Additional location at 201 Bridewell Dr, Burr Ridge. 630 468-2098. n Emilio’s Tapas Bar: 4100 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside.

708 547-7177. Spanish tapas in an authentic countryside atmosphere. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 26. Chef’s Choice: Paella and datiles con bacon. Entrée prices: $6-$15 per person. Extras: Outdoor dining, online reservations, carry-out, bar, family friendly, “Tapeo” $1.95 bites menu 4:30-6:30 M-F at bar. M-W 4:30-9:30, T-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location in Chicago. n Fareways grill At Cantigny: 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton. 630 260-8194. American cuisine served in a country club setting with golf course views. Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 26. Chef’s Choice: Burgers. Entrée prices: $10-$15. Extras: Outdoor dining. Lounge M-Sun 7 am-dusk; Dining room M-Sun 11-dusk during golf season. Reservations: Yes. Adjacent Red Oak Room available for banquets and private functions and Sun breakfast buffet 9 am-12:30 pm. n Fiora’s: 317 S Third St, Geneva. 630 262-1317.

European-influenced American cuisine served in one of Geneva’s historic landmark buildings. Capacity: 120 inside, 60 outside. Yrs in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: Boneless short rib. Entrée prices: $14-$32, Avg: $24. Extras: Indoor and outdoor bars, live music, private dining, wine cellar, kids’ menu, catering, carry-out, wine list, lounge, outdoor dining. Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2; Dinner T-Sat 5:30-9. Reservations: Recommended. n Fire+wine: 433 N Main St, Glen Ellyn. 630 793-9955. Newly remodeled space serving small-plate fare, authentic Neapolitan artesian pizzas and classic pastas in a family friendly atmosphere. Capacity: 135. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Hanger Steak and Grilled Romaine. Entrée prices: $7-$19. Extras: Bar, carry-out, wine list, craft beer, family friendly, kids’ menu, specials. T-Th 4-11, F 4-midnight, Sat 3-midnight Sun 3-10. Reservations: No, call-ahead seating.

n Fuller house: 35 E First St, Hinsdale. Craft beer and bar food in an industrial, rustic setting. Capacity: 140. Months in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Buffalo shrimp or brisket grilled cheese. Entrée prices: $11-$20. Extras: Updated sound system, TVs, sidewalk seating, full bar, carry-out. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11-midnight, Sun 11-10. Reservations: Yes, for 6 or more. n Gia mia pizza bar: 106 N Hale St, Wheaton.

630 480-2480. Old-world authentic Neapolitan pizza in a rustic restaurant. Capacity: 120. Months in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Sausage Rapini Pizza. Entrée prices: $6-$14. Extras: Newly renovated space, full bar, TVs, carry-out, large wine selection. M-Th 4-10, F 4-11, Sat 3-11. Reservations: Accepted. n Glen Prairie: 1250 Roosevelt Rd, Glen Ellyn;

in the Crowne-Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard. 630 613-1250. Contemporary American cuisine with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products, as well as natural and organic ingredients. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Skuna Bay Salmon. Entrée prices: $11-$35. Extras: Lounge, private dining, “green”-farmed wine list, bar (open later), WiFi, gluten-free and vegetarian options. M-Th 6 am-10 pm, F 6 am-11 pm, Sat 7 am-11 pm, Sun 7 am-10 pm. Reservations: Recommended. n Haché Modern Brasserie: 524 W State St,

Geneva 630 402-0288. Modern cuisine with traditional French influences in a relaxed charming atmosphere. Mths in bus: 1. Chef’s Choice: Buffalo Frog Legs. Entrée prices: $10-$56, Extras: Wine club, bar. Reservations: Yes. n Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse: 70

Yorktown Center in the Westin Hotel, Lombard. 630 953-3400. Classic Italian steakhouse in a sportsthemed atmosphere. Capacity: 550. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Prime steaks and chops. Entree prices: $12-$45. Extras: Outdoor dining, bar, sports memorabilia, carry-out. Lunch M-Sun 11-5 (bar only); Dinner M-Sat 5-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 10233 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, 847 699-1200.

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cheers

DIning

By Buzz Brandt

n Holy Mackerel!: 70 Yorktown Center in the

Westin Hotel, Lombard. 630 953-3444. Fresh interpretations on fish house classics in a vintage décor. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Kasu marinated sea bass. Entree prices: $9-$46. Extras: Private parties, bar, carry-out. Breakfast M-Sat 6-11 am, Sun 6 am-noon; Lunch M-Sun 11-4; Dinner M-Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes.

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris

n Ivy Restaurant: 120 N Hale St, Wheaton.

630 665-2489. Casually elegant dining featuring steaks, chops and seafood. Capacity: 207. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Black pepper shrimp. Entrée prices: Avg: $19. Extras: Banquets, outdoor dining, carry-out. M-Th 11-9:30, F-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes.

Same Grape, Different Styles

naturally occurring mutant of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris is an elegant and expressive grape, grown throughout the Old and New Worlds, and capable of producing beautifully opulent wines. But it’s something of an oddball. While the skins of most white wine-producing grapes range in color from yellow to yellow-green to green, Pinot Gris’ berries take on a distinct bluish-gray hue — “gris” is the French word for “gray” — and even within the same cluster, the colors can vary from brownish-pink to copper to even black or white. And stylistically it’s a chameleon, able to yield wines that span the spectrum from lean and crisp to concentrated and sweet. Burgundy is Pinot Gris’ ancestral homeland, where it still grows today as Pinot Beurot, but since the 1600s Alsace has gained preeminence in cultivating the grape. Here, the cool climate, dry autumns, and volcanic/limestone soils provide optimum conditions to allow the vines sufficient time to ripen. The result is medium- to full-bodied wines that are rich, round, weighty, and silky, yellow-

gold to amber in color, and intensely aromatic with a bouquet of wildflowers, stone and orchard fruits, melons and spices. Acidity is generally lower and there are distinct notes of earthy minerality. Pinot Gris wines tend to be higher in alcohol and can have a viscous, textured mouthfeel often described as “oily,” while sweetness levels can fluctuate from bone dry to the honeyed sugar of late-harvest dessert wines. In northeastern Italy, Pinot Gris grows as Pinot Grigio. It’s the exact same grape, but stylistically the wines produced are just the

opposite. Pinot Grigio wines are simpler in expression — lean, crisp, and zesty with zippy, mouth-watering acidity, achieved by harvesting the grapes early in the season and fermenting in stainless steel tanks. Typical flavor profiles include green apple, pear, nectarine and citrus, with a stony or saline minerality and sometimes almonds, spices, honey and honeysuckle. New World — notably California, Washington, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand — winemakers produce excellent Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigios as well, reflecting both styles. n

Expert wine recommendations • Alixe Lischette Cabernet and Company -2014 Scarpetta Pinot Grigio $18, a beautiful nose of white flowers, apricots and peaches highlight this Pinot Grigio from Fruili. The stone fruit and pear palate is crisp and dry, with good acidity and refreshing minerality laced with hints of lavender and honey. - 2014 Hendry Pinot Gris $20, a lush bouquet of apples, pears, honey and

herbs ushers in a soft, round, creamy palate of green apples and lemony citrus with an undercurrent of minerality. • Scott Lawlor Galena Cellars Winery -NV Señor Sangria $13, the flavors of cherries and citrus prevail in this light-styled, fruit-laden red blend of Frontenac and Marquette (both FrenchAmerican hybrid grapes) infused

with the essence of oranges, lemons and limes. Serve chilled over ice and stir in fresh citrus for summertime sipping! - NV General’s Reserve Red $14, a fruit-forward red blend with the French hybrid grape Marechal Foch predominating. In the glass it’s a rich garnet color, with loads of cherries and plums dusted by nuances of fragrant herbs and a hint of oak.

n Kama Bistro: 9 S LaGrange Rd., LaGrange. 708 352-3300. Fresh and modern Indian fare fused with French influences in an upscale and cozy setting. Capacity: 55 plus 20 on patio. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Lamb Chop Masala. Entrée prices: $10-$34. Extras: Catering, carry-out, delivery, F lunch specials. M 4-9:30, T-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10:30, Sun 11:30-9. Reservations: Yes. n Labriola Bakery Café & Neapolitan Pizzeria: 3021 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook. 630 574-2008. Europeaninspired café featuring freshly made breakfast, lunch, dinner and bakery selections. Capacity: 180. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Three-cheese burger with truffle aioli fries. Entrée prices: $6-$15. Extras: Pastries, gelato, carry-out, catering, family friendly, kids’ menu. Sun-Th 7 am-9 pm, F-Sat 7 am-10 pm. Reservations: No. n Maya Del Sol: 144 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park.

708 358-9800. Casual, yet upscale New World Latin dining. Capacity: 175, 130 outdoors. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Carne asada. Entrée prices: $12-$29. Extras: Bar (open late), outdoor dining, live entertainment, gluten and dairy free options, catering, carry-out, private dining. M-Th 4-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-9, Sun brunch 9-2. Reservations: Yes. n Mécénat Bistro: 821 W Burlington Ave, Western Springs. 708 246-8668. American eclectic fare with a French influence. Capacity: 200. Yrs in bus: 2.5. Chef’s Choice: Pan seared whitefish. Entrée prices: $12-$30. Extras: Outdoor dining, full bar, live entertainment F & Sat nights, private dining, retail wine shop. T-Th 4-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-8. Reservations: Yes. n Mesón Sabika: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville.

630 983-3000. Spanish cuisine in a multi-dining room mansion with well-manicured grounds. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 23. Chef’s Choice: Tapas, Paella and Signature Sangria. Tapas prices: $5-$17. Extras: Carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, family friendly, Sun brunch 10:30-2, vegetarian and gluten-free menus. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-11, Sat 5-11, Sun 4:30-9. Reservations: Recommended. n Mon Ami Gabi: 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. 630 472-1900. Classic French bistro featuring steak and fresh seafood. Capacity: 220 plus 60 outdoor. Yrs in bus: 14. Chef’s Choice: Poisson or Filets. Outdoor dining, banquets, wine dinner, award-winning all French wine selection, kids menu and gluten-free menu. Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Outdoor dining, banquets. M-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 10:30-9 Sat brunch 11:30-3, Sun brunch 10:30-3. Reservations: Yes. n Morton’s: 1751 Freedom Dr, Naperville.

630 577-1372. Steaks and seafood in an upscale American steakhouse featuring an à la carte menu. Capacity: 120 for dining. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Porterhouse steak. Entrée prices: $40-$60. Extras: Bar, valet parking every day but M, lounge, patio. M-Th 5:30-10, F 5:30-11, Sat 5-11, Sun 5-10. Reservations: Recommended. Additional locations at 9525 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Rosemont, 847 678-5155; and 1470 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg, 847 413-8771. n Nosh: 211 James St, Geneva. 630 845-1570. An

eclectic breakfast and lunch spot with an urban

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atmosphere. Capacity: 114. Yrs in bus: 8. Chef’s Choice: Shrimp avocado salad. Entrée prices: $8-$12. Extras: Carry-out, outdoor dining, children’s menu, beer, wine and spirits, new patio. M-F 7:30 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-2 pm. Reservations: No. n Nu Crepes: 115 W Schiller Ct, Elmhurst.

630 577-7558. A not-so-typical creperie using fresh, locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Capacity: 40 and seating for 16 outside. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Kickin’ chicken. Entrée prices: $7-$9. Extras: Outdoor dining, private parties. Tue-Fri 7 am-7 pm, Sat 8 am-7 pm, and Sun brunch 9 am-2 pm. Reservations: No. n Parkers’ RESTAURANT & BAR: 1000 31st St, located at 31st St & Highland Ave, Downers Grove. 630 960-5700. Casually elegant restaurant serving a contemporary American menu. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 14. Chef’s Choice: Cedar-planked halibut; lavender and honey-glazed duck. Entrée prices: $14-$35, Avg: $26. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, private dining, live music in lounge Th-Sat. Lunch M-F 11:302:30; Dinner M-Th 5-10, F 5-10:30, Sat 4-10:30, Sun 4-8:30. Reservations: Recommended. n Patio Restaurant: 7440 S Kingery Hwy (Rt 83), Darien. 630 920-0211. Casual dining featuring American food and specializing in BBQ ribs. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 22. Chef’s Choice: BBQ ribs. Entrée prices: $7-$20. Extras: Carry-out, outdoor dining, catering, family friendly, drive-up window. M-Th 10:30-10, F-Sat 10:30 am-11 pm, Sun 10:30-9:30. Reservations: No. Additional locations at 151 S Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, 630 226-9696; and 2780 S Highland Ave, Lombard, 630 627-2600.

banquets. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 2-midnight, Sun 2-10. Reservations: Yes. n Seasons 52: 3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. 630 571-4752. Fresh grill and wine bar focusing on low-calorie entrées and farmers’ market-influenced fare that celebrates living well. Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Caramelized sea scallops. Entrée prices: $16-$25. Extras: Extensive wine list, live music. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes, recommended. Additional location at 1770 E Higgins Rd, Schaumburg. 847 517-5252. n Solstice: 800 Hillgrove Ave, Western Springs. 708 505-4684. Breakfast and lunch with brunch served on weekends and fresh, in-season ingredients. Capacity: 42, 36 on patio. Months in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Chef’s Omelet or Cuban Sandwich. Entrée prices: $7-$12. Extras: Free Wi-Fi, patio, full liquor license, outdoor seating. M & W-Th 7 am-3 pm, F-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun 7 am-2 pm. Reservations: Yes. n Sushi House: 830 E Ogden Ave, Westmont. 630 920-8948. Sushi, sashimi and other Japanese fare. Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 21. Chef’s Choice: Best West roll. Entrée prices: $9-$18. Extras: Carryout, catering, delivery, private parties, full bar. M-F 11:30-10, Sat noon-10, Sun noon-9:30. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 950 Warren St, Downers Grove, 630 968-0088; 120 W Calender Ave, LaGrange, 708 354-8899; 175 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, 630 717-8888; 1107 Lake St, Oak Park, 708 660-8899; and 281 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, 630 221-8986. n Suzette’s: 211 W Front St, Wheaton. 630 462-0898.

n Patten house restaurant & bar: 124 S Second St, Geneva. 630 492-5040. A newly renovated historic landmark featuring a unique menu with a Cajun flair. Yrs in bus: 1. Chef’s Choice: BBQ Pork Sandwich and Honey Sriracha Glazed Brussel Sprouts. Entrée prices: $18-$29. Extras: Full bar, outdoor seating, TVs. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 10-10. Reservations: Yes.

Crêperie, pâtisserie, boulangerie, French country bistro and wine bar in a casual setting. Capacity: 75. Yrs in bus: 13. Chef’s Choice: Beef bourguignon crêpe. Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Wine bar, bakery, carryout, full bar, outdoor dining, private parties, cooking classes, pâtisserie open at 7 am M-Sat, Sun brunch 112, afternoon tea T-Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm. Breakfast M-Sat 7-11 am, Sun 8-11 am; Lunch M-Sat 11-4; Dinner T-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-9:30. Reservations: Recommended.

n Pazzi di Pizza: 105 S York St, Elmhurst.

n Tallgrass: 1006 S State, Lockport. 815 838-5566.

630 279-2323. Authentic Italian pizza prepared in a wood-burning oven. Capacity: 90. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Wood-fire pizzas. Entrée prices: $13-$18. Extras: Patio, delivery, bar, catering. M-T 4-10, W-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes only during week.

Modern French cuisine in an elegant and intimate historic Victorian building. Capacity: 40. Yrs in bus: 34. Chef’s Choice: Lobster lasagna Entrée prices: $48, $58 & $68 for 3, 4 & 5 course dinners. Extras: Bar, private parties. W-Sun 6 pm-10. Reservations: Yes, required.

n PIZZA BARRA: 3011 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630 861-6177. Artisan crafted pizzas in a contemporary atmosphere. Capacity: 230. Opens Sep 7. Chef’s Choice: Coal-fired Artisanal Pizza. Entrée Prices: $7-$10. Extras: Bar, live music, outdoor dining, carryout, catering, private parties, small plates. Sun-Th 11-midnight, F-Sat 11-1am. Reservations: Yes. n Public Landing: 200 W 8th St, Lockport.

815 838-6500. Traditional American cuisine in a historic setting with limestone walls. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 27. Chef’s Choice: Aged Black Angus filets. Entrée prices: $16-$30. Extras: Private parties, outdoor dining, chef’s daily lunch and dinner specials, dog friendly seasonal patio. T-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-7. Reservations: Yes, Recommended. n Redstone American Grill: 13 Lincoln Center, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 268-0313. Spirited, rugged and romantic upscale dining. Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 9. Chef’s Choice: Chilean sea bass. Entrée prices: $12-$39, Avg: $28. Extras: Bar, lounge, outdoor dining, private dining, firepit. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11 am-1am, Sun 10-10. Reservations: Yes. n Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria: 483 Spring

Rd, Elmhurst. 630 279-8486. Italian cuisine served in a romantic, neighborhood setting accented by white tablecloths. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 53. Chef’s Choice: Fish entrees. Entrée prices: $14-$44. Extras: Carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, catering, family friendly,

n Two Brothers From Italy Ristorante &

Pizzeria: 128 W Park Ave, Elmhurst. 630 833-0414. Family-oriented restaurant serving Italian cuisine in an Italian-themed setting. Capacity: 130 at 30 tables. Yrs in bus: 38. Chef’s Choice: Veal parmigiana. Entrée prices: $6-$18. Extras: Carry-out, delivery, catering. T-Th 4-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 2-9. Reservations: Yes.

n Vie: 4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs. 708 246-2082. Seasonal, contemporary American à la carte menu with European influences in an elegant atmosphere. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Gnocchi. Entrée prices: $32+. Extras: Bar, gluten-free and vegetarian options, Private parties, monthly children’s suppers. M-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10. Reservations: Yes. n Wildwood: 477 S Third St, Geneva. 630 377-8325.

Upscale American cuisine featuring steaks and seafood in a modern setting. Capacity: 250.Yrs in bus: 8. Entrée prices: $18-$42. Extras: Bar, extensive wine list, piano lounge, live entertainment on weekends, outdoor dining. Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2:30; Dinner Sun-Th 5-9:30, F-Sat 5-10, Sun brunch 10 am-2:30 pm. Reservations: Yes. n York Tavern: 3702 York Rd, Oak Brook. 630 323-5090. The oldest, continuously operating restaurant in DuPage County, restored and updated in 2006, serving burgers and American fare. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 171. Chef’s Choice: Burgers. Entrée prices: $6-$20. Extras: Carry-out, bar. M-F 11 am-1 am, Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-10. Reservations: No. WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2016 85

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Charitable Events of Note

$1.29 million was raised at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Whirl Fundraiser, recently held at Brookfield Zoo. Titled “A Whole New Whirl,” the black-tie event brought in funds that will be used to support the animals at Brookfield Zoo, as well as the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation and education programs. More than 600 guests attended, having the unique opportunity to get up-close to a variety of animals. One of the co-chairs for the successful evening was (above left) Heidi Huizenga of Oak Brook, pictured with husband, Peter, and Bahati, a cheetah from

Photo by Jim Schulz

the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Also enjoying the event was Co-Chair Sarah Opler of Hinsdale (left), with husband, Eddie. The Chicago Zoological Society, a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, has a mission to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. This was clear as Master of Ceremonies and ABC 7 News Anchor Ben Bradley (above) and wife, Molly, of Hinsdale, got an up-close look at a baby clouded leopard, being held by a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium keeper.

Photos by Bill Richert Photography

Photo by Jim Schulz

Photo by John Reilly

SCENE&SEEN

This year marked the 29th Annual Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. One of the national organization’s biggest fundraisers, the black-tie event with the theme “Time Is of the Essence” recently took place on at the Hilton on south Michigan Avenue and was attended by more than 800 guests. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan (above center), Rita Hayworth’s daughter, served as general chair, pictured with honoree Dr. Lisa Genova and Blaise Labriola. The event, which included a cocktail

reception with a violin show by the CoverGirls, a three-course dinner, auctions and live music by Orchestra 33, was also attended by (above from left) Chair June D. Barnard of Naperville, Chair Maggie Murzanski of Riverside, and Joseph and Jaclyn Cantore of Oak Brook. The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

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A RECORD $16,392 WAS RAISED BY PLEASANTDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS in Burr Ridge at the eighth annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Wednesday, June 8. In a mini Relay for Life, students, teachers and guests celebrated by walking or jogging laps at Walker Park in Burr Ridge. ACS Lakeshore Division Community Manager Kala Boswell accepted a ceremonial check and praised students for their efforts. Jen Carnes, an Aurora resident and West Aurora High School graduate who taught at Hermes Elementary School in Aurora before joining Pleasantdale, said, “Some kids have been doing this for three years, so it’s great that the energy is still within them to raise money.”

Photos by Robert Kusel Photography

Photos by Al Benson

REPRESENTING EACH YEAR THE MAKE-A-WISH ILLINOIS HAS BEEN GRANTING WISHES IN ILLINOIS 30 Wish Ambassadors filed onto the stage at this year’s Wish Ball. The annual gala, held recently at Navy Pier and presented by CDW, was attended by more than 1000 people and raised more than $2.3 million through contributions, live and silent auctions and a raffle for Make-A-Wish, IL. The record-breaking event included a special performance by actor, comedian, writer and producer Paul Reiser, along with live music on the pier’s Lakeview Terrace Rooftop. Nick DiBrizzi (top, left) — formerly of Westchester and a former wish recipient whose wish to meet actor Joe Pesci was granted in 2000 — was introduced to the crowd by ABC 7 meteorologist and emcee of the event, Cheryl Scott. Others in attendance were (center, left) Diane and Paul Heffernan of La Grange, and (left) Robert Nelson and Diane MacWilliams of Oak Park. Also enjoying the beautiful evening were the D’Amicos of La Grange (above, from left to right), Sherry, Sarah, Emma and Thomas. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions such as cancer, organ transplants and genetic diseases as well as other serious health concerns.

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THE MORTON ARBORETUM WELCOMED NEARLY 400 GUESTS to the Growing Brilliantly Dinner Party on June 7 in support of the institution’s tree collections, research, and education programs. The annual event raised a record-breaking $410,760, which will allow the Arboretum to increase the impact of its tree-focused mission throughout the Chicago region and worldwide. The evening was emceed by (top right photo, from right) Bill Kurtis and

Donna La Pietra, pictured with Pam Donnelly and Morton Arboretum President and CEO Dr. Gerry Donnelly. Other attendees included (right, from left) Toni and Charlie Mueller of Glen Ellyn, Dr. Valencia Ray and Morton Arboretum Board Chair Darrell Jackson of Naperville, Rose Fealy and Morton Arboretum Trustee Bob Fealy of Chicago, and Amy Weidenbach and Trustee Joe Weidenbach of Naperville.

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Last Word

By Michele Weldon

Making Time for Bad Habits With perspective, what used to be wasting time is suddenly life enhancing.

don’t have that many bad habits, well, not dangerously bad habits anyway. You could get picky and enumerate my annoying failures, such as the truth that I don’t take the clothes out of the dryer immediately — I leave them there for a few days because really, what’s the harm? And I only clean out the refrigerator every few weeks. Or maybe every several. I forget to get the oil changed on my Nissan every three months and I also lapse on remembering to call friends on their birthdays. There are boxes I placed under my bed years ago and not only do I have no idea what is in them, I’m afraid to look. I can also be deeply sarcastic. But these shortcomings will generally not earn me a sentencing. Or get me fired. They are neither reckless nor illegal. Like so many, I am pleased to say I don’t smoke, drink too much, eat fast food, commit acts of road rage or swear excessively — or at least not more than a little bit when the occasion calls for some colorful expletives. But never do I swear at work or in professional situations. Again, no applause or medals requested as most everyone I know does the same most of the time. A lot of this is common sense. A lot of this all of our mothers required us to do. Most of it is just about being polite and civil. Yet some of my rituals I probably should reduce or eliminate for the sake of being polite and healthy, as I have successfully done for some of my less than virtuous habits in the past. For instance, I no longer opt for the high sodium, hot and spicy tomato juices with more than a week’s worth of salt in one morning glass. It doesn’t mean that I do not think often of how delicious that salty concoction really is.

I am a hodgepodge of flaws held together by super glue, duct tape and safety pins.

I also gave up french fries years ago, and will not order them, drive by to get them, or opt for them as a side dish — though I sometimes do sneak a few off a good friend’s plate. Still, there are some bad habits I miss. And may want to reinstate. True, that getting older makes me calmer. I am less likely to engage in bad habits and more likely to retire right after the sign off from the 10 p.m. news or the closing applause after the Jimmy Kimmel monologue. But there are a few fun pastimes I have eradicated from my daily life and may just want to relaunch every once in a while. I miss dancing for hours, to the point that my legs would ache and my shoes would be tossed in a corner. I’m not talking about reliving my college and post college years of going to clubs and pounding on a dance floor into the early hours of the morning. But for many years — up until about the last 10 — I took the time to dance in the living room or the kitchen just after doing the dishes. Or in the morning. I would allow myself the time and space to move to the music when the mood struck me, and it was often. Now I just dance at weddings. I want to schedule myself some regular dance time again. To be practical and more productive, I broke myself of the habit of wasting time — oh, maybe two decades ago. I have daily to-do lists and I multitask like a champ. I get stuff done. And I like

what I do, so I do not feel tortured. The procrastination habits I have cured myself of are so common, that probably 90 percent of the developing world does the same thing. I don’t watch more than a little TV. I don’t meet people for coffee in the morning because I brew a pot at home and can get to work quicker if I don’t stop for a coffee klatch. I don’t stay glued to my smart phone and spend less than an hour a day on social media, and much of that is for work. But I want to take a deep breath and reinstall the bad habit of wasting some time. Not an out and out disregard for deadlines and obligations, but I want to feel like it is OK for me to read through an entire magazine at lunch time, instead of working straight through, while a half of a turkey sandwich dangles from my lips. I want to stop and smell the coffee or allow myself the hour to do something that is decidedly not a good use of my time. I want to be frivolous with my free time, just every once in a while. “I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions,” author Augusten Burroughs wrote. I agree. I am a hodgepodge of flaws held together by super glue, duct tape and safety pins. But I want to indulge myself every now and then in the traditions of bad habits I had sworn to break. Unbend my rigidity. Let it all go — just for a teeny tiny amount of time. I promise not to make a habit of it. n

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