West Suburban Living July/August 2018

n HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

n GETAWAY TO SAUGATUCK & SOUTH HAVEN

n SPOTLIGHT ON WESTMONT

JULY/AUGUST 2018 WEST SUBURBAN

Fonts of Fun

LIVING • ARBORETUM

A soothing and cooling summer tour of some of the area’s most noteworthy fountains

TRANSFORMATION VOL.

ARBORETUM

23 •

TRANSFORMATION –

NUMBER

Over the past 15 years, the once staid tree museum has evolved to become a vibrant attraction for all ages

7

Car Crazed

JULY/AUGUST 2018 $3.95

www.westsuburbanliving.net

From rare and vintage vehicles to muscle cars and more, classic automobiles are the prime attraction at summertime shows throughout the western suburbs

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Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Anne Knudsen Art Director | Rachel Switall Contributing Writers Kelly Albrecht, Laurie Barton, Emily Belden, Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Jay Copp, Sara Pearsaul Vice, Lynn Petrak, Diana Santos, Lisa Sloan and Michele Weldon Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern Advertising Sales Pam Loebel, Susan Reetz Accounting Jennifer Cozette Circulation Coordinator Ken Cozette Editorial Intern Gabrielle Cone and Carly Nicholas Reader Advisory Board Laurie Barton (Glen Ellyn) Linda Cassidy (Campton Hills) Photos by Graham Webb

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)

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Marilyn Straub Garazin (Winfield) West Suburban Living is a publication of C2 Publishing, Inc. Suite 412, High Point Plaza, 4415 Harrison St, 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.

West Suburban Living (Vol. 23, No. 7 JULY/AUGUST 2018; ISSN No. 1532-6705) is published monthly, except for July/August and November/December issues (10 times a year), by C2 Publishing, Inc., Suite 412, High Point Plaza, 4415 Harrison St., 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

|

2018

Photo courtesy of Aurora Area CVB

West Suburban Living

Getaways

22

ESCAPE TO MICHIGAN’S ART COAST

Sun, sand and summer festivities in Saugatuck, Douglas and South Haven

Home&Garden

52

HEALING GARDENS

Gardens where nature provides healing, therapy and an overall sense of well-being

Town Focus

66

WESTMONT

This west suburban town offers old-time Americana charm including summer festivals, car shows and plenty of dining options

Photo by Barbara Kirby

46

Features 40

How a hidden gem blossomed into one of Chicagoland’s most visited attractions — a place of playful joy, education, preservation and reverence for trees

58

Higher Education Guide How area graduate programs are developing a new generation of corporate leaders to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business world

Cover photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

22

ARBORETUM TRANSFORMATION

SPECIAL SECTION

46

FONTS OF FUN A soothing and cooling summer tour of some of the area’s most noteworthy fountains

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|

July/August

|

GLADYS KNIGHT

2018

EMERSON CREEK SHOP & TEAROOM

Photo courtesy of Country Naturals

West Suburban Living

Photo courtesy of RiverEdge Park

DEPARTMENTS

77

27

8

18

80

FOREWORD

The new Oakbrook Center fountain is beautiful, but I still miss the old one

12

BY THE NUMBERS

14

Q&A DAVE HOEKSTRA

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

Intriguing numerical tidbits

Longtime journalist and radio host with a nose for a good story

LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

A Brookfield father and son find they were cast in the same mold

CITY BARBEQUE

Around the Towns

Perspectives

78

LAST WORD

Hope and optimism are good traits, except when hiring contractors for your home

16

SCENE & SEEN

A photo gallery of recent notable charitable events

Style&Fashion STOPS & SHOPS

Dining

72

REVIEW: Neat Kitchen + Bar in Westmont

74

REVIEW: Pinstripes in Oak Brook

71

NEW RESTAURANTS

76

CHEERS

New stores and hidden gems

Out&About

27

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best in music, theatre and other area events

Photo courtesy of City Barbeque

16

Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale and City Barbeque in Downers Grove

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: Sunny days and cool nights produce bold styles, rich with fruit

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EDITOR’S NOTE “Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway, and see it through no matter what.”

- Harper Lee in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”

- Frederick Douglass

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”

- Abraham Lincoln

“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

Remembering the Fountains of My Youth

T

here is a magnetic attraction for children to fountains. At least there was for me. As a child, I recall going to a favorite park with my grandfather and him giving me a few shiny “make-a-wish” pennies to throw in the fountain. I also remember trying to informally calculate how much money lay in the bottom of the fountain, and what I could buy if all that money that other people didn’t seem to want somehow became mine. I knew without being told not to reach in and take any, but I wasn’t sure exactly why. After all, people had thrown it away, right?

I also vividly remember on summer nights, my parents periodically taking my brothers and me on special trips “downtown” just to see Buckingham Fountain in its full multi-colored grandeur. In my mind, it was more than worth the trip. I’ve been to Europe and many other places since and Buckingham remains the prettiest and most impressive fountain I’ve ever seen.

But growing up in the western suburbs not far from Oakbrook Center, the fountain for which I have the fondest memories is the one that used to be at the center of the mall. It was replaced a few years ago by another fountain which most folks would undoubtedly say is much classier. And I wouldn’t argue, since as you can see in our “Fonts of Fun” feature on page 46, the new “Vortex” fountain is indeed impressive.

It is not, however, as well suited for leaf, stick or cigarette butt racing, which is what we would do as kids pretty much every time we went to the mall. As longtime Oakbrook Center regulars will remember, the original main fountain had feeder

shall be satisfied.”

- Matthew 5:6

fountains on all four sides. And the feeder fountains had two levels. My friends and I would scour the area for any tiny objects that would float, place them in the top tier of one of the feeder fountains, and watch them go over the falls to the lower tier.

They would then make their way to a hidden drain that would send them under the sidewalk and out to a channel that led to the main fountain. Whoever’s leaf, stick, cigarette butt or other floating object emerged first into the channel was the winner. Yes, I know, we were pretty easy to entertain back in those days!

In any case, I hope you will check out the fountain feature — there are some really wonderful fountains in the area and a number of them have interesting backstories.

Be sure to also check out our cover feature, “Arboretum Transformation” on page 40, where writer Jay Copp provides an inside look at how the once staid tree museum in Lisle has become one of the most visited attractions in the Chicago area for people of all ages.

We hope you enjoy those stories and the many others in this issue and, as always, thanks for being a reader!

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher chuck@westsuburbanliving.net 8

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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THE

AROUND TOWNS |

STOPS & SHOPS

|

LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

|

LOCAL AUTHORS

Scott Ainslie

Folk on the Island

Sparky & Rhonda Tucker

Photos courtesy of Fox Valley Folklore Society by Kevin Kessler. Artist photos courtesy of Scott Ainslie, (Ainslie) by Pam Zappardino, (Tucker) and (Benford) by Kari Benford

Q&A

Ben Benford

F

estival founder and recreational musician Juel Ulven is surrounded by his collection of 50 or so banjos, ukuleles

with spooky tales of ghosts and ghouls on Sunday evening.

Attracting crowds of several thousand, the festival also

and guitars as he talks about the upcoming Fox Valley Folk

features workshops on slide guitar, banjo and the tricks

Music & Storytelling Festival set for Labor Day weekend.

of spinning a good yarn. Traffic is banned from the island,

Now in its 42nd year — 2017 was drowned out as

though cyclists on trails that meander through the park

summer floods damaged the grassy banks of Geneva’s

always stop to listen. Select vendors are at hand for food,

Island Park, necessitating reseeding — the festival

artists’ recordings and souvenir gifts. A preview jam will air

celebrates America’s folklore heritage in story and song.

on WFMT 98.7 FM on Saturday, September 1 at 8 p.m.

Thirty featured acts from across the U.S. will perform on

“It’s a homecoming, a family reunion,” says Ulven,

eight stages, alongside local music and dance groups.

“where musicians return each year to touch base.”

Expert storytellers will captivate audiences young and old

— Anne Knudsen

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 11

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THE

BY NUMBERS

5

newly renovated parks are open or soon-to-open

Pembroke Park at 28 Pembroke Rd.

for play in Naperville. Residents helped choose

Century Farms Park at 715 Sigmund Rd.

the slides, chutes, ladders, poles, riders and climbers, with

Farmington Park at 2331 Remington Dr.

everything designed to be accessible, safe and fun for

University Heights Park at 1321 River

all. These are just five of the more than 75 playgrounds

Oak Dr. — opening July 10.

in 137 parks on 2,400 acres in and around Naperville.

Yorkshire Manor Park at 1031 Buckingham Dr. — opening July 17.

90 × 2

Tic, tic, toc. Sometimes you have to fix the clock — or in this case, a heart or two.

Married for 48 years, Robert, 79, and Carol Zeller, 74, of Hampshire take the vow

“in sickness and in health” seriously. They each discovered they suffered from the same condition

of the Most Endangered

Historic Places in Illinois 2018 are located in the west suburbs.

According to Landmarks Illinois, Geneva’s early-settlement era buildings —- Mill Race Inn and Amaza White House —- dating to the mid-18th century, are in dilapidated condition, their fate uncertain.

The future is brighter for the

Photo courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health

2 13 out of

Photo by Charlie Wilkins

— dyssynchrony, or poor coordination of the timing of the heart’s contractions, a problem associated with congestive heart failure.

One recent morning, they both checked in to Elmhurst Hospital to implant a biventricular defibrillator. The back-to-back surgeries took 90 minutes. In the procedure, three leads (wires) are guided to the heart and connected to a generator that is implanted under the skin of the upper chest. The device has three functions — control the heart rate, improve pumping ability and serve as a defibrillator to shock the heart in case of sudden cardiac arrest. The hospital performs 60 such procedures a year.

After just four hours in post-op, the Zellers were on their feet and able to walk between their side-by-side rooms. Within 24 hours, they were home. The generators will last six to 10 years.

If you feel you may be at risk of heart disease, call 847 45-HEART.

8 @ 20 mph Zip along DuPage

cruise along regional bike trails through DuPage

county’s popular bike trails at a swift yet

River Park to destinations that include Whalon

smooth 20 mph by renting one

Lake, Knoch Knolls Nature Center

of eight newly available electric

and Pioneer Park.

Old Nichols Library in downtown

bicycles, with more on order.

Naperville. The 1898 structure

The Class 1 e-bikes are

The pedal-assist bike has

was purpose-built for book

available through a joint

lovers due to a bequest of

program by DuPage River

$10,000, made on condition

Sports Complex and Naperville

that it would “perpetually be

Kayak E-Bike Adventure. This

used as a free public library.”

bicycling experience offers a faster, longer

a 750-watt motor that turns off once the rider reaches 20 mph.

Ph

A 90-minute e-bike adventure

ot o

b

y

Lo

ck ed

costs $50 per bike and includes In P

hoto

graphy, Oswego

a helmet and basic instruction.

Don’t forget to bring a driver’s license.

Alas, time marches on and some promises fall to the wayside. In 2016, the building

feet of twists and thrills are in store at Wild Wallabies,

was purchased by a developer

new to Raging Waves in Yorkville. Two

who plans to restore the library

giant slides bring out your competitive

while — in an L-shape to its east

spirit as you race to the bottom and splash

and south sides — constructing

into a pool. Also debuting this summer

a four-story, 68,000-sq-ft building

is Quokka-Nut Island, with four slides for

with four commercial areas

children 48” inches or shorter. There’s a

and 21 condos. The price

zero-depth pool, a coconut rain curtain,

of progress? An estimated

three palm-tree sprayers and an octopus

$21 million.

with eight drenching water spouts.

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Q&A

Dave Hoekstra/ Photo by Mary Lane

Longtime Chicago-area journalist and radio host with a nose for a good story

WRITING “IN THE SHADOWS.” That’s how career journalist and Studs Terkel Award-winner Dave Hoekstra describes his affinity for untold stories that reflect the culture of the communities he covers.

Hoekstra is fascinated by overlooked aspects of everyday life, particularly when it comes to music,

n You grew up in Naperville. How do

you remember the city in those days?

DH: It was a great place. The school system was fantastic. I remember the old Naper Theater downtown — seeing John Wayne’s “True Grit” there. By the time I was 15, my parents gave me the freedom to go into Chicago on the old Burlington Northern to see Cubs games. I took a train and a bus (with a girlfriend whose parents did not approve) to my first rock concert — The Faces at the Chicago Stadium. Our family moved to our Naperville ranch house in 1967, the year Chicago was hit with “The Big Snow.” People at first weren’t friendly to us. I was always shy and reserved and I think this made me more that way. Cold shoulders were tough for a 12 year old but I think I adapted as I grew older.

n Did you have favorite hang outs in Naperville? Are they still there?

DH: First, Centennial Beach — I grew up within walking distance of it. During junior high I spent just about every day of the summer at the beach. We dove for popsicle sticks until the sun went down.

We listened to WLS-AM and WCFL-AM. Second, The Lantern Tavern & Grill.

That’s where I had my first legal beer. n Were you always a writer?

DH: Yep, I won a creative writing award at Washington Junior High School and there was no looking back. My parents were a bit skeptical about my career choice because this was during the “All The President’s Men” era when everyone wanted to get into journalism.

sports and travel, topics that have repeatedly grabbed his attention during a close-to-30-year

n How was your time at Naperville

n Where did you attend college

beat as feature writer and columnist with the

Central High School? What kind

Chicago Sun-Times. His roster of interviewees

of student were you?

DH: I was an average student, except in English, history — and volleyball. I still keep in touch with my journalism teacher, Dr. Marilyn Hollman. We have dinner at Hugo’s Frog Bar a couple of times a year.

I was editor of the school paper, Smoke Signals, and Dr. Hollman gave me the freedom to explore community issues (like hippies sitting on the downtown bridge) as opposed to just being a rah-rah publication. We won a few awards because of that. I owe so much of my career to her support. The entire English department illustrated how teachers can change people’s lives. And they made going to school fun.

and what did you study?

DH: I had just about a year at College of DuPage where I studied making out with my girlfriend in the smoking lounge.

Then I took a creative writing class at University of Chicago. No degree. Not many people know that. When I was hired at the Sun-Times, the editor told me I was hired because I still had my “voice” and it wasn’t shaped by a journalism school.

includes Bob Dylan, James Brown, Billy Joel and Barry White, as well as hundreds of lesser-known but equally interesting people across Chicago, the suburbs and America’s heartland. The host of WGN-720 AM’s Nocturnal Journal with Dave Hoekstra, he is also the author of books, including The Supper Club Book and — just released — The Camper Book, which looks inside the lives of RV enthusiasts and their love of the open road.

Born in Berwyn, Hoekstra moved with his family to Columbus, Ohio, before settling in Naperville as a pre-teen, then Chicago’s Ukrainian Village. In a twist not unlike news stories he enjoys, he recently bought a house in Westchester — and later discovered from his mother’s diaries that his parents had once owned it.“My parents got that house when they were starting,” he says.“I got it while I’m kind of winding down.”

Q&A

RAPID FIRE

n How did your career unfold from there?

DH: I kicked around the suburbs a lot.

I began writing for the Aurora BeaconNews in high school. I got to do a little of everything — sports on weekends, features, police beat, some news. It was a superb training ground and, as a daily,

What’s the most useful tool of your

Cubs or White Sox? Cubs.

trade? A micro-casette recorder.

I’ve had season tickets since ‘85.

If not a journalist, what field would

What’s always worth going

n

a D C M f t I t G r C h n

n H — b L b

n

D a a E d t f t

n

D b s c r g t e

n

Which journalists do you most

Who would you most like to

you be in? Social work.

downtown for? A good concert

admire? Joseph Mitchell (New Yorker)

interview? Bruce Springsteen.

Three words that best describe

— recently Bill Murray.

and M. W. Newman (Chicago Daily

Best interviewee? There have been

you? Oh, man, that’s hard. Impulsive.

City or suburbs? A little bit of both!

News) for clarity of writing and fine

a lot. But Harry Belafonte — he’s so

I like to think I’m empathetic. And

Best place for a quick bite?

style. And I liked Mike Royko’s attitude.

articulate, musically and politically.

somewhat funny.

I’ve got to say Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn.

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i D t a a I

?

it was where I learned to respect deadline writing. I was there for three or four years, then worked for Pioneer Press in Melrose Park, then became a news reporter at the Barrington Courier-Review. I was a part-time associate producer at WIND radio. Around 1982 I was hired by Suburban Sun-Times (later Chicago Sun-Times). n Tell our readers about your days at the Chicago Sun-Times.

DH: Like so many of my generation in Chicago, I had dreams of becoming Mike Royko. My father brought home all four daily papers. The Daily News was the writer’s paper. I loved Royko in there, I learned his attitude. I learned style from the great Bill Newman. I also liked Paul Galloway in the Sun-Times. Bob Greene resonated with me because of his Columbus roots — and he liked living in hotel rooms. I thought I might become a news writer, but I did mostly feature work — lots of roots music, blues, country when no one was paying attention to Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. And sports — I loved offbeat stuff and minor league baseball. I covered the Bulls in 1991 – 92.

Later I did a lot of food and travel writing, both of which birthed my book career. n Any fun newsroom stories to share?

DH: Oh boy. The best days were definitely at 401 N. Wabash. The features department alone was like 30, 35 people — Roger Ebert walking around talking to folks on deadline, I assume to get in a groove to write. Just amazing. Today, I think the features department is two or three full time people. Makes me sad. n What were your favorite topics to cover?

DH: The untold story. Always. It’s a cliché, but everyone has a story. I tell journalism students the Jimmy Breslin story about covering JFK’s burial. To paraphrase, the reporters were all gathered around the grave. Breslin wandered off to interview the grave digger. Some of the best stories emerge from the shadows. n Did you anticipate how the news

industry would change?

DH: Along with my bosses, I was slow to see that. I still read print newspapers and magazines! By 2015 — two years after receiving the Studs Terkel Award — I was offered a buyout. I took it. Perhaps

the award opened doors to my book writing and my WGN gig, but in 2015 the Sun-Times was no longer interested in the offbeat/everyman style I had cultivated.

I came to embrace things like short video documentaries. I won awards with my collaborator Jon Sall (a Naperville resident) for pieces about Carol’s Pub — known as the Uptown Hillbilly Bar — and Out of the Past Records on the far west side. n You now have a radio show, a blog and

a string of books. How was the transition to the next phase of your career?

DH: Pretty smooth. One reason I took the buyout was to take care of my parents in Naperville. They passed away within six, seven weeks of each other about a year later. I am so glad I made that decision. n How did you make the move to radio?

DH: I never planned a career in radio, but they invited me to come on WGN when I left the Sun-Times and continue what I had been doing there. It was weird, because I’m not a real talker. I’m kind of shy. I think I’m a good interviewer, but I don’t have “shtick.” I’m always terrified that a guest won’t show up. It’s all live. I harvest interviews and bring all kinds of interesting people into the studio. It’s perfect for me. I get to do something I never thought I’d do. It’s pretty amazing. I take it very seriously. I sketch out the show. I pick out the music — I’m really into that. I get all the questions together. It’s a lot of work. n How does it differ from writing?

DH: It’s so immediate. When I write, I like to paint a picture. It’s hard to do that on the radio. But it’s the same with writing a story.

I like to create an arc, before someone goes on the air. You’ve got to remember, the station is heard in 38 states on a clear night. I always tell guests to start from scratch, assume people know nothing and explain the whole thing. That’s how I write a story. I still think writing is my first love. n What’s next for you?

DH: I’ve been working on a documentary, “The Center of Nowhere” about music in the Ozarks — perhaps the most overlooked roots music in America. It’s really an obscure scene down there. We’re trying to show how culture and environment inform music.

It’s almost done and we’re working on distribution by the spring. n WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 15

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STOPS&SHOPS

SHOP AMERICANA AT ITS BEST with

a visit to Country Naturals at 316 Campbell St., Geneva (630 232-1172).

Plan to spend some time weaving through 12 rooms inside a circa 1850 farmhouse, where distinctive items can be found around every corner.

Handmade signs from reclaimed wood will amuse and inspire, and whimsical Lori Mitchell collectible figurines are sure to bring a smile.

Both fresh and deceivingly realistic artificial flowers and plants are offered in containers of mixed metals. Birdhouses and garden accessories will warm any outdoor area. Best sellers are American Soybean Wax candles from Swan Creek Candle. They’re made in the U.S. and come in a wide range of fragrances like Thai pear and citrus sage. Also popular are hand-poured soy candles from 1803 Candles with fragrances like lavender-lemongrass.

Sweet Grass Farm is a soughtafter brand of all-natural cleaning products. Personal care items from various suppliers, like shower bombs with essential oils, lotions and soaps make popular gifts. — Laurie Barton

STARS SHINE BRIGHTLY when you visit Stars Resale Shop, located at 1072 College Ave. in Wheaton (630 682-1499). A ministry of College Church, the shop employs developmentally disabled adults as part of a job skills training program. They will greet you with smiles as you enter.

Inside you’ll find clothing, furniture and household items at bargain prices. Wedding and prom dresses, some never worn, costumes, musical instruments, bicycles, vintage and antique items and holiday decorations are plentiful. A variety of coats and sweaters are also available for when colder weather sets in.

Children’s clothes, toys and books are attractively displayed, as well as shoes, boots and skates in every size.

This large, beautifully organized store is staffed with friendly, helpful clerks to guide you through the ever-changing inventory. If you would like to donate, gently used items can be picked up from homes and businesses.

— Laurie Barton

Photo by Diana Santos

Photo by Laurie Barton

Photo courtesy of Country Naturals

Hidden Gems & Longtime Favorites

IMPROVING THE LIVES of people and

their pets is the mission of AdreAnne Tesene, owner of Two Bostons at 535 Village Center Dr. in Burr Ridge (630 581-5726). Pet lovers themselves, Tesene and her staff work to ensure a positive experience for owners and their companions. Upon being hired, team members complete a training program on nutrition, healthy treats, and the fitting of accessories so they can help facilitate a positive pet ownership experience.

Tesene uses the store’s products with her own two Boston terriers, and focusing on health and nutrition is an essential. Carefully selected food brands addressing various dietary requirements are offered, along with natural treats, gourmet bakery items and games designed to strain your pet’s brain, keeping them alert and content. A mix of doggie fashions promises they will look charming, too.

A delivery service, a user-friendly loyalty program and even breed socials are all geared to keeping owners and their pets happy. Two Bostons also has locations in Wheaton and Naperville.

— Diana Santos

NEW STORE OPENINGS Following is a sampling of new shops that have opened in the last few months in the western suburbs.

For an extensive list of other interesting shops and boutiques, go to westsuburbanliving.net.

JC LICHT A new location for the paint and wallpaper chain. 1047 S. York Rd. Bensenville. 630 834-1242 THE DESIGN BAR An expanded home showroom with 40- plus lines of furniture,

gifts and accessories.

880 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge. 630 734-0000 SCENTCERELY YOURS Pour-your-own candles in 120-plus scents. 211 W. State St., Geneva. 630 730-9302

THE SUNDANCE GALLERY A gift shop of Native American art and jewelry, relocated from Naperville. 227 S. Third St., Geneva. 630 457-5102 BRANCH GARDENS A new garden center with annuals,

perennials, succulents and cacti, plus pots, outdoor art and gifts. 77 S. Lake St., Aurora. 630 303-1042 THE POPCORN CART Gourmet popcorn, candied nuts, cotton candy and

snow cones. The Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington. 224 699-9782 EDWARD TECHNOLOGY A one-stop shop for IT and security needs. 122 N. York Rd., Elmhurst. 630 333-9323

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6/22/18 1:09 AM

TO THE

LOOK WESTERN SKY

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

Lions, gorillas and dinosaurs, oh my!

Brookfield father and son find they were cast in the same mold

I

n a world where it seems every device changes yearly, or more often, it is striking to stumble upon a machine that looks and performs just as it has for half a century.

“That’s one of our goals,” says MoldA-Rama president Paul Jones, “To make it look the same.”

Visitors who watch a waxy plastic figure molded on-demand in zoos, museums and skyscrapers can’t help stopping and staring. Yes, that’s the exact same machine you remember from your — and Jones’ — youth.

The Brookfield resident has literally spent his life with Mold-A-Rama. He was just six years old when his dad, William Jones, an accounting supervisor at a downtown Chicago company who hated commuting from Park Ridge, seized on an opportunity. A co-worker preparing to retire was married to Roy Ward, an original Mold-A-Rama, Inc. employee. Ward had bought a few machines and two Chicago locations when the company was dissolved.

But he, too, was ready to retire.

William bought Ward’s Mold-A-Rama machines in 1971 — a move widely criticized by his own family.

“A lot of them thought he was crazy to leave a steady job to go do this,” Paul says.

It worked out well for both William and Paul.

“Once I was eight or nine, I got to go with dad to work because my brother was only four and my one sister was five. It was always advantageous for my dad to take one kid to help my mom.

“I always liked to go — I got a little special treatment. We got to go to the zoo before it opened and go behind the scenes.”

Brookfield Zoo was — and is —

Mold-A-Rama’s biggest and busiest account.

Back then, every time a bent coin jammed a machine, William’s pager would buzz. The treks back to Brookfield from the northern suburb were frustrating.

“Our family needed a bigger house anyway, so in 1977 or ‘78 we moved to

ago, the Willis Tower ordered a mold of the skyscraper — the company’s best-seller.

“It doesn’t matter that it’s not the tallest anymore. If you’re at Willis Tower, you want that one,” says Paul.

He receives e-mails weekly from people who want to buy a machine

“

“Brookfield Zoo was — and is — Mold-A-Rama’s biggest and busiest account. But there are more than 60 other machines in nine locations across five states.”

Brookfield, a half-mile from the zoo. We’ve been there ever since. That way, when my dad got called, he was right there.”

The business was run out of that house until 2013, when Paul bought a storefront a half-block away so William, 82, who retired two years ago, could “live a normal life without seeing me come and go every day,” says Paul.

The pair worked together for 37 years, since Paul was 15 and William first sent him alone to the zoo with a toolbox and paper towels. He worked weekends and summers through high school.

Later, “I worked alongside him. We each had tasks. I liked to take things apart, and he taught me to put things back together.”

Things are still holding together. Paul owns 62 machines in nine locations across five states. The out-of-state machines were bought in the 1980s after another franchisee retired. There are Mold-A-Ramas in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and . . . Texas.

Texas? The franchise account was in San Antonio, planned for a World’s Fair in 1968 that never happened.

The original 40 to 50 animal molds made by Mold-A-Rama are still used, from gorillas to lions and dinosaurs. A decade

for their house. But the machines, made

by Lion Manufacturing Company along with slot and gaming machines, haven’t been produced since 1964, when Bally Manufacturing bought the company and closed the Chicago plant.

“They’re 52 years old and still working,” Paul says. “We rebuild the machines and make them run like they’re brand new.”

One small change — all now take credit cards as well as coins, $1 and $5 bills.

In addition to Brookfield Zoo, machines are located at the Field Museum, Lincoln Park and Milwaukee zoos, and the Museum of Science and Industry, which features a train, a submarine, a space shuttle, an F-16 fighter plane and the newest mold — a chick coming out of an egg.

“Anyone who grew up in this area knows Mold-A-Rama,” says Paul.

Mold-A-Rama has one full-time employee and a few contractors. Paul’s two children, meanwhile, have broken the family business mold — they work in other careers.

“I told my kids what my dad told me, ‘Go out and build yourself a Plan B. You never know when this is going to end.’”

Still don’t. n

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Escape to

Photo courtesy of Saugatuck/Douglas CVB

Michigan’s

Art Coast

Sun, sand, summer festivities and a hip arts scene in Saugatuck, Douglas & South Haven

By Kelly Albrecht

S

ometimes in our fast-paced, rush-hour-traffic lives, taking a break and slowing down can be just what we need to reconnect and revitalize. Three unique towns on the west coast of Michigan give visitors a chance to do just that.

Saugatuck, Douglas and South Haven are located in what is fondly known as the “art coast” of Michigan. Visit for a weekend or a full week and you will quickly see how they earned that name, with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and live-life-to-the-fullest experiences.

There is no wrong or right way to these Michigan hideaways. The walkability of each town invites you to put yourself in low gear and simply enjoy all that awaits you.

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Photo by Barbara Kirby

Photo by Tom Renner

Photos by Ed Ahern

CVB

SAUGATUCK AND DOUGLAS: A TALE OF TWO TOWNS

Three hours or less from the furthest west suburbs, as I-94 swings northwards along the shores of Lake Michigan, is a destination prized for its authenticity — the twin towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. They are located just a mile apart, on opposite banks of the Kalamazoo River. Together, they provide the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and enjoy some of the finest dining, shopping and — most importantly — beach life in the country.

As no chain businesses or restaurants are allowed within city limits in either town, every restaurant, shop and place of lodging is owned by local families, some in their third or fourth generation.

Every turn of the corner offers something new to explore. Both downtowns feature art galleries and shops with one-of-akind finds that showcase local artists and craftspeople.

A Home for the Arts

Saugatuck and Douglas earned their reputation as an arts enclave during the late 19th century, as artists from around the country sought out the temperate climate and magnificent lake views the area has to offer. Saugatuck is home to the Ox-Bow School of Art, which began in the early 20th century as a respite for students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The school helped turn the once lumber-focused town into the vibrant, open arts community it is today.

During the summer, Ox-Bow hosts visiting artists — July alone welcomes West Coast artist and Guggenheim Fellow Arnold J. Kemp, structural mixed-media painter Eric Mack and performance artist Ernesto Pujol, among others. On the education side, the school attracts aspiring artists of all ages and levels to programs that range from one to four days and run through the summer, including a popular Art on the Meadow workshop.

There are plenty more opportunities to create your own art while inspired by the Art Coast. Express Yourself Art Barn is a must-do for couples, families and friends looking to make memories and have fun. Housed in a barn from the 1880s located in Fenville, just a short drive southwest of Douglas, Express

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SAUGATUCK, DOUGLAS & SOUTH HAVEN

Photo by Ed Ahern

Yourself Art Barn has over 800 projects to choose from. From ceramic painting to glass fusion, to mosaics to jewelry making, there are endless opportunities to bring out your inner artist. Friendly and experienced staff are on hand to help you make each piece your own.

The arts in Saugatuck and Douglas are not limited to the brush and palette.

Located right on the Kalamazoo River, Wicks Park in downtown Saugatuck offers Music in the Park, a free event open to the public. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes every Wednesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. through August 29th.

If you’re in a mood for theatre, be sure to check out the summer season at Saugatuck Center for the Arts. This summer you can catch Broadway professionals a bit west of the Great White Way in Mamma Mia! and Once: The Musical. Also, you can get a good laugh — and even buy some Tupperware — at Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull, starring world renowned Tupperware lady Dixie Longate.

If something more classical is what you are looking for, be sure to check out the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck, now in its 31st season.

Beginning July 5 and running through August 10, each week offers a different selection of classical music and performers. The concerts take place at the historic Saugatuck Women’s Club.

The Michigan Outdoors

For nature lovers, Saugatuck and Douglas offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a close-up look at the Kalamazoo River. Or, test your endurance with the 302-step climb to the top of Mt. Baldhead, where you can take in dazzling views of the towns and Lake Michigan. With an elevation of 800 feet, the climb and the views will take your breath away.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park also offers plenty of hiking trails among the rolling sand dunes and 2.5 miles of shore line. A popular activity at this park is to set up a camp hammock between the pines that grow thick in the dunes and enjoy the views and the breeze.

On the Water

Since Saugatuck and Douglas are located on the water, one can’t-miss summer event is Venetian Festival, July 27 – 28. This family friendly festival includes live music, hot air balloon rides and boat races. It is capped off with a beautiful lighted boat parade on Saturday night. Even if you miss the festival, visitors and residents alike always enjoy a lovely walk along the harbor, taking in sights of the luxury yachts and sailboats that dot the shoreline.

If you prefer to get out on the water yourself and cruise the river and lake,

chain ferry. This ferry is pulled across the Kalamazoo River via a chain and pulley system. For $1, take the chain ferry across to Mt. Baldhead.

Let’s not forget about the number one attraction of Saugatuck and Douglas — Oval Beach. Named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Top 25 Beaches in the World, Oval Beach might just make you redefine your idea of a beach vacation. A smooth, white sand beach and rolling sand dunes make this the ideal place to set up for the day and relax.

Take in the vastness of Lake Michigan and explore the dunes that make this beach a can’t miss.

Relax and Dine

consider taking a step back in time and renting a rare classic runabout boat at Retro Boat Rentals. The vintage styles have been retro-fitted with electric motors so that you can cruise the lake in style — and in quiet tranquility. The boats are environmentally friendly and include onboard navigation so even those who are nautically challenged can have a great time.

For an unusual on-the-water experience, Saugatuck is home to the country’s only remaining hand-cranked

After a day of relaxing on the beach, browsing unique shops, or just taking in the sights of the town, why not cap off your day with a world class dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants?

At the top of your list should be The Southerner. Named one of Michigan’s friendliest restaurants, and one of the best places for fried chicken, this popular spot offers farm-to-table cuisine with magnificent views of the Kalamazoo River.

Among other options, James Beard Award semi-finalist, Matthew Millar, specializes in soul food and southern

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Photos by Ed Ahern

cooking. The views cocktails are top notch as well.

If you are looking for a more traditional bite to eat, try The Butler.

This hotel-turned-eatery in the heart of downtown Saugatuck brings back the feel of traditional supper clubs. An outdoor patio offers views of the beautiful yachts docked in the harbor and live music in the summertime. It’s also a great place for families and offers a kid’s menu.

Looking for something lighter?

Head over to the Douglas side and hit up Borrowed Time. The restaurant serves small plates and has an extensive wine and beer list that will satisfy even the pickiest of beer lovers. The outdoor space is perfect for chilling with friends and listening to live music.

Drive 20 miles south along the coast from Saugatuck and Douglas and a small paradise awaits — the little town of South Haven. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, South Haven offers beaches and a beautiful harbor. Delightful at any time of year, the town is perhaps at its most dazzling during fall, when autumn colors, orchards and wineries come to life.

In the early 1900s South Haven was known as the Atlantic City of the Midwest, thanks to a casino, as well as theaters, an opera house and even an amusement park with a roller coaster.

The harbor would have seen large ships from Chicago filled with summer visitors looking to escape the city heat. Since then, it has been a place for families and couples looking to unplug and relax.

Photo by Andy Wakeman

SOUTH HAVEN: A HARBOR TOWN

One of South Haven’s key summer attractions is the National Blueberry Festival held every year during the second weekend in August. This is one of the nation’s oldest, continuously running agriculture festivals, and it celebrates one of Michigan’s top crops. Enjoy a slice of blueberry pie at the ice cream social, buy fresh, locally grown blueberries, try some local craft beer and wine — and, if you feel up to the challenge — burn it all off at the Blueberry Festival 5K. There’s also live music, children’s activities, and lots of shopping!

Keeping with the agriculture theme, The Haven Harvest Festival weekend has all things fall. Over the weekend of October 19 – 21, get your fall fix with hayrides, haunted houses, apple orchards, pumpkin carving, and lots of live music and family fun.

For art lovers, the South Haven Art Fair, from June 30 - July 1 in Stanley Johnston Park, features more than 120 artists along with local food in a beautiful wooded setting just steps away from Lake Michigan.

If you find yourself in the mood for some jazz the South Haven Jazz Festival on September 14 – 15 is a free event that shows off the talents of jazz musicians.

Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the sounds!

On the Water and on Land

Photo by Dylan Nelson

There is no shortage of amazing places to stay in this part of Michigan. Take a step back to the 1950s or 60s and choose one of the retro-hipster motels, a specialty in Saugatuck and Douglas. Old school not your style? Try one of several bed and breakfasts focused on giving you an experience you’ll never forget. Many are located within walking distance of downtown’s shops, restaurants and bars.

Photo by Chris McGuire

Home Away from Home

Festivals and Events

South Haven has a variety of lodging choices from the romantic to the family friendly. There is a good mix of historical resorts and more modern chain hotels as well.

Have you ever wanted to sail on a tall ship or brave the waves in a Coast Guard lifeboat? The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven offers these adventures and so much more. Learn about boat building and maritime skills, and the history of Lake Michigan’s past as a maritime powerhouse.

One of the most exciting offerings of the Michigan Maritime Museum is its on-the-water experience. Sail on Friends Good Will, a Michigan built merchant vessel from 1810. Learn about her exciting past, including its role in the War of 1812. Chase pirates, have a sunset sail, or go big and watch the

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4th of July fireworks from the deck of this tall ship.

To enjoy a different slice of history, you can take a shorter trip on the USCG motor lifeboat, which was featured in the 2016 movie “The Finest Hours,” and participated in the most daring rescue in Coast Guard history.

For those in search of relaxation rather than adventure, a not-to-miss water experience is kayaking on the Black River, a gentle waterway suited to all ages. SoHa Kayak River Rentals is an option for kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals.

Another way to get in touch with nature in South Haven is by visiting one of 15 nature preserves. They are all within a short drive of downtown and offer spectacular views whether you’re on foot or on a bike. Also, be sure to visit Van Buren State Park, just south of South Haven, for amazing dune climbing right on Lake Michigan.

Photo by Ed Ahern

SAUGATUCK, DOUGLAS & SOUTH HAVEN

TAKE A LITTLE PIECE OF MICHIGAN HOME

If you are looking to bring home some locally grown produce or flowers, look no further than Barden’s Farm Market on Phoenix Street in South Haven or on Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck. Family owned and operated, the shop offers seasonally grown produce like strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes and fresh cut flowers. This is just one of several places to pick up locally grown items to enjoy at home.

There are also plenty of artisinal shops and boutiques in Saugatuck, Douglas and South Haven where you can browse until you find the perfect souvenir to remind you of your days on Michigan’s art coast. n Kelly Albrecht has been a professional writer for more than 10 years. She currently lives in West Michigan with her husband and three sons.

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OUT&ABOUT |

THEATRE

|

COMEDY

|

ART

|

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Gladys Knight & The O’Jays

|

HOME & GARDEN

|

AND MUCH MORE Photos courtesy of RiverEdge Park

MUSIC

August 18 See the legendary seven-time Grammy winner who has had hits in pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary music, followed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Motown group at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.

Call 630 896-6666

THE O’JAYS

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

OUT&ABOUT

THE ADDAMS FAMILY DuPage College Theatre presents Andrew Lippa’s award-winning musical about the creepy family next door, at McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre in Glen Ellyn. Call 630 942-4000

THEATRE

of rescue. Cost: $18/12. Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| The Importance of Being Earnest | Through July 15, Fri – Sat, 8 p.m., Sun, 3 p.m. Oscar Wilde's comedy gets a new ‘mod’ adaptation that transports the action to 1960s, where music and wit reign supreme. Cost: $28/22. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. 630 587-8521

| Seven Brides for Seven Brothers | July 13 − Aug 4, Thur – Fri 7:30 p.m. and Sat 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Seven brothers sing and dance their way to love. Cost: $20/13.

Overshadowed Productions, Medinah Baptist Church, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. 630 634-2100

| You Can't Take It with You | Through July 22, Thur – Sat, 8 p.m., Sun, 7 p.m. Laugh along with the mayhem in this 1930s madcap comedy about embracing life and love.

Cost: $32/15. Oak Park Festival Theatre, Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Avenue Oak Park. 708 300-9396

| The Hero's Wife | July 13 – Aug 18, Thur – Fri, 7:30 p.m., Sat, 4 & 8 p.m. A taut drama by Aline Lathrop about an ex-Navy SEAL. Cost: $22. 16th Street Theater, Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. 708 795-6704

| Stone Soup Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew | Sat, July 7, 6 p.m. A six-person ensemble brings a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy, created for outdoor performance. Island Park at State Street (Route 38) and Route 25, Geneva. 630 938-4530 | Cat on a Hot Tin Roof | July 5 – Aug 26, 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. In this Tennessee Williams play, a party brings out a patriarchal family's skeletons. Cost: $50. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | Shrew'd | July 11 – Aug 19, Wed – Sun, 8:15 p.m.

Presented by First Folio Theatre, this is a sharp new take on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Cost: $44/29.

Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. www.firstfolio.org or 630 986-8067 | The Music Man | July 13 – 15, Wed – Sun, 8:15 p.m.

Meredith Wilson's Broadway classic of a con man's visit to small-town Iowa. Cost: $25. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 800 474-3297 | Shrek The Musical | July 13 – 27, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 2 p.m. A musical tale of a bad-tempered ogre, an outrageous donkey and a princess in need

COMEDY | Seinfeld Live! | Wed, July 18, 7 p.m. Cost: $150/68.

Jerry Seinfeld, the celebrated comedian and creator of the hit sitcom "Seinfeld," shares laughs about the little things in life. Cost: $150/68. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

July 5 - 15

| The Addams Family | July 5 – 15, 7 p.m. Thur − Sun, 7 p.m. No show on July 13; additional show on Sun, July 15, 2 p.m. DuPage College Theatre presents Andrew Lippa's award-winning musical about the creepy family next door. Cost: $16/14. McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Shakespeare in the Park | Thur – Sat, Aug 30 – Sept 1, 7 p.m. Wheaton College Arena Theater & Wheaton Park District present Shakespeare outdoors, performed by alumni, students and professional actors. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. 630 690-4880

| The Brothers Grimm Woodland Tales | Sat, July 7, Sun, July 15 & 22, Sat, July 28 & Aug 11, Sun, Aug 12, Sat, Aug 18 and Sun, Aug 19, 6 p.m. Stroll alongside as actors perform fairy tales. Cost: $20/10. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Martin Luther on Trial | July 21 – 22, Sat, 8 p.m. and Sun, 2 p.m. Fellowship for Performing Arts presents a fantastical courtroom drama of an afterlife trial for the soul of Martin Luther. Cost: $59/39. Belushi Hall at McAninch Arts Center , 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Ragtime | July 27 – Aug 4, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, Aug 5, 3 p.m. A student production of the sweeping musical portrait of early-twentieth-century America, as told through three families in pursuit of the American Dream.

Cost: $20/16. Maggie Atcher Theatre at Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600 | Spring Awakening | July 27 – Aug 5, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 3 p.m. A contemporary rock musical with adult themes about a rebellious coming-of-age in 19th century Germany. Cost: $20/18. Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300. | Sister Act | Aug 10 – 19, Fri – Sat, 8 p.m. and Sun, 3 p.m.

A feel-good comedy with gospel music, dancing and a story of love and friendship. Cost: $20/17. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 931-590 | Fat Bill's Roadside Cafe: Re-Boot | Aug 10 – Sept 15, Fri – Sat, 8 p.m. A new musical by Jack Schultz, with new songs and stories. Cost: $17/15. The Riverfront Playhouse, 13 S Water St., Aurora. 630 897-9496

| Clean Comedy Challenge | July 19 – 21, Thur – Fri, 8:30 p.m. and Sat, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Celebrity judges award prizes to the local and regional comics. Cost: $20 + 2 item min. The Comedy Shrine Theater, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora. 630 585-0300 | Darrell Hammond | July 27 – 28, Fri, 8 & 10:30 p.m., and Sat, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh out loud to a stand-up routine by former "Saturday Night Live" cast member and sketch TV performer and impersonator. Cost: $25 + 2 item min. Zanies Comedy Club, Parkway Bank Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Tim Walkoe | Aug 9 – 11, Thur - Fri, 8 p.m. and Sat, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. Non-stop laughter from a veteran headliner at 100 comedy clubs nationwide. Cost: $22 + 2 item min.

Zanies Comedy Club, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 524-0001 | The Three Stooges! The Live Vegas Show | Sun, Aug 12, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Laugh out loud at this stage-show revival of the slapstick greats. Cost: $89/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Steve Martin & Martin Short | Sun, Aug 12, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of comedy and music from a unique comedy duo. Cost: $140/44. Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravnia Park Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100

MUSIC | Southwest Community Concert Band | Wed, July 4, 3 p.m. An outdoor concert from a 60-member band playing patriotic music. Cantigny Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Kool & The Gang and The Commodores | Wed, July 4, 7 p.m. Rock the night away with jazz/boogie music followed by American funk/soul. Cost: $75/35. Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S Grove Ave., Elgin. 847 468-7000 | Patty Smyth & Scandal | Fri, July 6, 8 p.m. American pop-rock/new wave singer in concert. Cost: $59/39.

Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Festival of Piano Music | Sat, July 7, 3 p.m. This Wheaton College concert features a variety of compositions for piano. McCormick House Freedom Hall at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Buddy Guy & Jonny Lang | Sun, July 8, 7 p.m. The legendary blues guitarist and singer is joined by the

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| 12th Annual Rockin' for the Troops | Sat, July 14, 3:30 p.m. Music from The Voices, 7th Heaven, Ayla Brown, Rockie Lynne combat veteran Ryan Weaver to benefit active military and veterans. Cost: $25. Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Ln., Geneva. 630 232-8811

Photo courtesy of RiverEdge Park

American rock-gospel singer. Cost: $90/33. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100

Aug 11 ONEREPUBLIC American pop-rock band OneRepublic, known for chart toppers like “Counting Stars,” “Wherever I Go,” “Kids” and “Let’s Hurt Tonight,” plays at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Call 630 896-6666

| The Art of Rap | Sat, July 14, 6 p.m. A multi-artist hip hop concert Ice-T, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Slick Rick, Raekwon, Kurtis Blow, KXNG Crooked I, X-Ecutioners: Rob Swift and Mista Sinista, B-Boy Tata. Cost: $150/35.

RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Goo Goo Dolls | Sat, July 14, 7:30 p.m. American alternative rock band made famous with the hit “Iris” performs with singer Gavin Degraw. Cost: $70. Arranmore Farm & Polo Club, 34 Rance Rd., Oswego. 630 884-8271 | West Suburban Symphony Orchestra | Sat, July 14, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate America as Maestro Peter Lipari leads an orchestral tour from Appalachia to the Wild West, with music from John Williams and Aaron Copland. Cost: $35/25. First Division Museum Military Park at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Sunday in the Park with Audra McDonald | Sun, July 15, 5 p.m. The Broadway vocalist performs with Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Cost: $135/25. Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. 847 266-5100 | Chicago Soul Explosion | Sun, July 22, 3 p.m. This tenpiece R&B, soul and dance act plays hits from recording

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artists of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Cost: $20/15. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300 | Danny Seraphine's CTA with Bill Champlin plus Kaleidoscope Eyes | Fri, July 27, 7 p.m.Two members of the rock band Chicago, plus Chicagoland's foremost Beatles tribute band perform outdoors. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008 | Heartache Tonight | Fri, July 27, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the music of The Eagles with this tribute concert. Cost: $3.

RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| CABCAB | Sat, Aug 4, 8 p.m. "Cabernet-Cabaret” covers hits from The Beatles, Mumford & Sons, Def Leppard and others. Cost: $30/26. Arranmore Farm & Polo Club, 34 Rance Rd., Oswego. 630 884-8271 | George Thorogood & The Destroyers | Sat, Aug 4, 7:30 p.m. Come to a rock party led by the singersongwriter known for hits like “Bad to the Bone,”“Who Do You Love” and “I Drink Alone.” Cost: $155/20. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | TAJMO: The Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo Band | Fri, Aug

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of RiverEdge Park

10, 7:30 p.m. A Grammy Award-winning collaboration between two Blues titans. Cost: $129/49. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Blooze Brothers | Sat, Aug 11, 3 p.m. Come for an afternoon of good clean fun, as an 11-piece show band performs outdoors, playing the songs made famous by The Blues Brothers. Cantigny Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | OneRepublic | Sat, Aug 11, 8 p.m. Discover the American pop-rock band whose chart toppers include “Counting Stars,” “Wherever I Go,” “Kids” and “Let’s Hurt Tonight." Cost: $396/43. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Jeff Lynne's ELO Live | Wed, Aug 15, 8 p.m. Experience the symphonic rock of Electric Light Orchestra, with multi-instrumentalist Jeff Lynne. Cost: $165/115. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601 | Catfight | Fri, Aug 17, 6 p.m. Chicago's all-girl cover band, playing hits from Icona Pop, Brittany Spears and One Republic. The Tank Park at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Happy Together | Fri, Aug 17, 8 p.m. Come to a multistar concert featuring 60s hit-makers, The Turtles, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and others. Cost: $60. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Gladys Knight & The O’Jays | Sat, Aug 18, 7:30 p.m.

Take the midnight train to Aurora and see the legendary seven-time Grammy winner who has had hits in pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary music, followed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Motown band. Cost: $200/25.

RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Get the Led Out | Fri, Aug 24, 8 p.m. This tribute concert with shredding guitars, piercing vocals and a headbanging drum solo will make Led Zeppelin fans feel they are seeing Jimmy Page and the band. Cost: $60.

RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway St., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Mozart Festival Weekend: St. Charles Singers | Aug 24 – 26, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 3 p.m.

Selections from Mozart's sacred choral works, conducted by Jeffrey Hunt. Cost: $75. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. 630 513-5272 | TNT-Chicago: An AC/DC Tribute Show | Sat, Aug 25, 8 p.m. Enjoy the complete AC/DC concert experience with seasoned musicians who recreate the sights, sounds and energy of an AC/DC concert. Cost: $25/18. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300

Aug 4

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS The singer-songwriter and band known for hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone” will perform at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Call 630 896-6666

CONCERT SERIES | Addison's Rock 'n Wheels | Thursdays through Aug 30, 6 – 10 p.m. Rock the evening away with a cruise night, a food fest and different headliners each week, including the bands Nine, Heartache Tonight, Suburban Cowboys, and Think Floyd USA. Addison Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. www.ithappensinaddison.com | Arbor Evenings: Music and More | Wednesdays July 11 – Aug 29, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a family night on the lawns with music from Semple Band, The StingRays, Pirates Over 40, Final Groove and others, plus dancing, lawn games, beverages and tapas.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

630 719-2468 | Cabaret Room at Drury Lane | Aug 3 – 4, 17 – 18 and 24 – 25, Fri, 7:30 p.m., Sat, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Wine, dine and jazz from vocalists Denise Tomasello, Beckie Menzie & Tom Michael in That 60s Show and Joan Curto. Cost:$47/36. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | Carol Stream Summer Concerts | Wednesday, July 4, plus Thursdays July 12 through Aug 9, 7 − 9 p.m.

Live concerts from Prairie Station, Rosie & The Rivets, Piano Man, BBI and others. Ferraro Town Center, 960 N Gary Ave., Carol Stream. 630 665-7050

| Rock the Woods | Fri, Aug 31, 6 – 9 p.m. Midlife Crisis and Replay perform classic rock, pop and funk, with food trucks in attendance. Rock Run Preserve, I & M Canal Access, Black Rd., Joliet. 815 722-5370

| Concerts on the Green | Fridays through Aug 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Free summer evening concert series of some of the area’s best artists, including Libido Funk Circus, Second Hand Soul, Reckless and others. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge. 630 654-2782

| Super Diamond & Sushi Roll | Fri, Aug 31, 7 p.m.

This free outdoor concert pairs a salute to singer Neil Diamond with pop and rock hits from song-anddance band Sushi Roll. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008

| Concerts in the Park | Wednesdays, July 11 − Aug 1, 7 p.m. Entertainment from June’s Got the Cash, Mr. Myers, The StingRays and The Ethan Bell Band. RiverPark, 151 N River Ln., Geneva.

630 232-7494

| Piano Man | Sat, Sept 1, 8 p.m. Mike Sigman performs the hits of Billy Joel and Elton John in the style of the two rock superstars. Cost: $25/20. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300

| Concerts in Your Park | Sundays July 8 – 29, 7 p.m.

A live music series that travels to select Naperville parks featuring bands voted in by residents, including Final Say, One Foot in the Groove, Spoken Four

and Sushi Roll. For schedule and locations, visit www.napervilleparks.org. 630 848-5000 | Country in the Park | Tuesdays through Aug 14, 7 − 10 p.m. Country concert series featuring some of Nashville’s most popular emerging country artists, such as Jake Dodds, Dixie Crush and 32 Below, plus food and beverage tents. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008 | Downers Grove Summer Concert Series | Tuesdays through Aug 21, 7 p.m. Enjoy music from groups like Pirates Over 40, Generation, The Four C Notes and Rockstar Rodeo. Veterans Memorial Pavilion, Fishel Park, Grove St., Downers Grove. 630 960-7500 | Lakeside Pavilion Concert Series | Thursdays & Fridays, July 13 − Aug 10, 7:30 p.m. Outdoor music and entertainment in a lakeside setting featuring acts such as American English, Unraveling the Wilburys, Piano Men, and a Sinatra Tribute by Rick Michel, as well as the MAC’s New Philharmonic. Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 942-4000 | Live on the Lawn | Wednesdays through Aug 29, except Aug. 1, 5:30 − 9 p.m. Live music by bands including Lemon Blues, Bob Abrahm, Mike Bruccoleri, Charles & Company, and Rock, Paper, Scissors, plus food and drinks. St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Rt. 59, West Chicago. 630 231-3100 | Millennium Carillon Summer Recital Series | Tuesdays through Aug 21, 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and listen to carillonneurs from all over the world.

Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, along Riverwalk’s Rotary Hill, Naperville. 630 848-5000 | Music at the Gazebo | Thursdays through Aug 16, 7 p.m. Enjoy various musical acts under the stars.

Elmhurst Gazebo, Spring Rd. & Vallette St., Elmhurst. www.springroad.com | Naper Nights Summer Concert Series | Fri − Sat, July 20 − 21 & Aug 17 − 18, 5 p.m. Enjoy music from various artists including The Fortunate Sons, Simply Elton with The Brown Dirt Cowboys, Soulshine and Chicken Fried, plus food, drinks and activities. Cost: $15/10. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Riverpark Summer Concert Series | Sundays, July 8 − 29, 6 p.m. Lee Murdock, Illinois Brass Band, Steel Crazy Steel Band and Miscella’s Sweet Melodies perform in the stone amphitheatre on the northwest bank of the Fox River. RiverPark, 151 N River Ln., Geneva. 630 232-7494 | Rock the Block | Wednesdays through July 25, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Outdoor music for all the family in two Elmhurst locations. City Center Fountain Plaza at York Rd., & Schiller St., and North York Plaza at 200 N York Rd., Elmhurst. 630 993-1600 | Rockin’ in the Park | Thursdays through Aug 30, 7 − 10 p.m. Come for music of classic cover bands, such as J. "Elvis" Dupuis, Atomic Punks, American English and Think Floyd USA, plus food and beverage tents and a musical fireworks show. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 349-5008 | Rockin’ Rock Bottom Concert Series | Thursdays through Sept 5, 7 − 9 p.m. Groove to new sounds each

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

OUT&ABOUT July 12 - Aug 10

LAKESIDE PAVILION CONCERT SERIES Outdoor music and entertainment, including tribute band American English July 13, at Lakeside Pavilion, College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Call 630 942-4000 t

week, with Cowboy Jukebox, TNT and Simply Elton/ Simply Billy. Rock Bottom Brewery, The Promenade, 630 E Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook. 630 739-6036 | Settler's Park Concert Series | Thursdays, July 19 and Aug 2, 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy music from Final Say and Billy Croft & The 5-Alarm. Settler's Park, 24401 W Lockport St., Plainfield. 815 439-4255 | Sounds of Summer Concert Series | Fridays and Saturdays through Sept 22, 7 p.m. Concerts featuring 33 local bands, including The Wind Gypsys, Final Groove, Jeff Ulos and This End Up. Eaglewood Resort & Spa, 1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca. 630 773-1400 | Summer Breeze Concert Series | Saturdays, July 7, 14 & 21 and Aug 11, 18 & 25, Mar 17, 7 p.m. Free lakeside concerts, featuring Soul 2 the Bone, The Four C Notes, Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago and other acts.

On the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 490-7015 | Sunday Outdoor Concerts at Cantigny | Sundays through Sept 2, 3 p.m. except Aug 19 at 11.a.m. No concert on Aug 12. A wide variety of artists including New Odyssey, American English, Good Clean Fun and Hot Rocks Band. Cantigny Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Uniquely Thursdays | Thursdays through Aug 16, 6 − 9 p.m. Musical event featuring local bands, including Paparockzzi, One Hott Mess and 7th Heaven, plus a beer and wine tent and vendors from local businesses. Burlington Park, 30 E Chicago Ave., Hinsdale.

630 323-3952 | WDCB Jazz Series | Thursdays, July 26, Aug 3 & 10, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy free outdoor performances by Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Frank Russell & The Chicago Power All-Star Band, and Joe Louis Walker Band.

Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Wednesdays at the Plaza | Wednesdays, July 18 and Aug 15, 5 – 9 p.m. Listen to live music while dining from food trucks, with such acts as Rebel Soul Revival, Stumpwater and Kevin Andrew Prchal. Millennium Plaza, 215 S Stolp Ave., Aurora. 630 674-2099

| Westmont Summer Concert Series | Wednesdays, July 25 – Aug 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Different music acts each week, including DuPage Band, The Neverley Brothers, The Fat Cats and The Sting Rays. Venues include Ty Warner Park, Diane Main Park and Memorial Park in Westmont. 630 969-8080 | Wheaton Municipal Band Concert Series | Thursdays through Aug 9, 7:30 p.m.; Also, Sat, Aug 5, 8 p.m. The symphonic band plays a variety of styles and themes from marches and overtures to show tunes. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. www.wheatonmunicipalband.org

ART | Troll Hunt | Ongoing exhibit. Giant sculptures made from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are positioned throughout the grounds. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Morgan Craig | Through July 8, Tue − Fri, 10 a.m. − 9 p.m., Mon & Sat, 10 a.m. − 6 p.m., and Sun noon − 5 p.m.

Paintings of architectural structures serve to examine culture. Schoenherr Gallery at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Nature Artists Guild of Morton Arboretum Exhibit | Through July 13, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. With works by local and regional artists, immerse yourself in interpretations of the natural world. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566 | ONE: Annual Emerging Artist Exhibit 2018 | Through July 28, Mon – Thur 11 a.m. − 7 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. − 3 p.m. A juried exhibit of contemporary work by emerging artists in the region and across the country. Cleve Carney Art Gallery, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-2321 | Mies’s McCormick House Revealed: New Views | Through Aug 26, Tue – Thur & Sat − Sun, 11 a.m. − 5 p.m. and Fri, 11 a.m. − 7 p.m. A three-part exhibit provides context to the newly preserved McCormick House, including works by artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle. Elmhurst Art Museum,150 S Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202

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| Cameos & Chakras | Through Sept 16, Tue – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun 1 – 5 p.m. A combined exhibit of Italian shell cameos with Christian themes and ancient Indian Chakra stones. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1616 | Lockport Summer Art Series | Through Sept 30. View new works from ten artists who interpret Lockport's past and present, installed on historic sites. Various locations, plus The Gaylord Center, 200 W 8th St. and Illinois State Museum, 201 W 10th St., Lockport. 815 838-0549 | Riverside Arts Center Members & Kids Shows | July 1 – 28, Tue – Sat, 1 – 5 p.m. View a showcase of work from local artists and students. Riverside Arts Center, 32 E Quincy St., Riverside. 708 442-6400 | Wayne Art League Exhibit | Jul 11 – Aug 15, Wed – Sun, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Paintings by 50 local artists are on view. The Gallery at Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Durham Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-7200 | John Kirkpatrick: On the Verge | July 13 – Aug 5, Fri, 2 - 6 p.m. and Sat – Sun, noon − 4 p.m. A contemporary exhibit of abstract acrylic paintings. Water Street Studios, 160 S Water St., Batavia. 630 761-9977 | Wine & Art Walk | Aug 18 – 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy live music, sip wine and shop for nature-themed art as you stroll around the lake and view a juried art show.

Meadow Lake Trail at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | On Anxiety | Aug 31 – Oct 13, Mon – Thur 11 a.m. − 7 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. − 3 p.m. A themed exhibit of work by Matt Bollinger, Alexander Bradley Cohen, Jenn Dierdorf, Ethan Gill, Justin John Greene, Mika Horibuchi, Hai-Hsin Huang, Ben Murray, Veronika Pausova, Celeste Rapone and Brandi Twilley. Cleve Carney Art Gallery, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-2321

FESTIVALS & FAIRS | Naperville Ribfest | Wed – Sat, July 4 – 7, noon – 10 p.m. Rib vendors, music featuring Melissa Etheridge, Stray Cats, Pitbull, Steven Tyler and others. Cost: $50/15. Knoch Park, 724 S West St., Naperville. www.ribfest.net | Northwest Fourth Fest | Wed – Sun, July 4 – 7. Four days of celebration, including a carnival and Midway, fireworks, a petting zoo and nightly concerts. See website for schedule. Various locations in Hoffman Estates, www.northwestfourthfest.com | First Fridays in Downtown Aurora | Fridays, July 6 & Aug 3, 5 – 11 p.m. Join in festivities all over downtown, with live music, art exhibits, food vendors and children’s activities. Various locations in downtown Aurora. www.auroradowntown.org | Barrington Brew Fest | Sat, July 7, 3 – 7 p.m. Nearly 50 brewers showcasing more than 90 brews, plus food and music. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $80. Metra Train Station parking lot, 201 Spring St., Barrington. www.barringtonbrewfest.com | Glendale Heights Fest | July 11 – 15, Wed – Thur, 6 – 11 p.m., Fri, 6 p.m. – midnight, Sat, 3 p.m. – midnight and Sun 3 – 11 p.m. A carnival, music, fireworks and WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 33

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food. Camera Park, 101 E Fullerton, Glendale Heights.

630 260-6000

$99/49. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. www.napervillealefest.com

| Railroad Days | July 12 – 15, Thur – Fri, 4:30 – 11 p.m., Sat, noon – midnight and Sun, 2 – 10 p.m. A community festival with music, a carnival, food court, business vendors, arts & crafts, beer garden and a parade. Pioneer Park, 479 W Forest Ave., West Chicago. 630 293-2200

| La Grange Craft Fair | July 14 − 15, Sat, 9 a.m. − 6 p.m. and Sun, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 200 artisans showcase arts & crafts items, from paintings and yard art to hand-made clothing. Downtown La Grange. www.lgba.com

| Taste of Westmont | July 12 – 15, Thur, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Fri, 3:30 – 10:30 p.m., Sat, noon – 10:30 p.m. and Sun, 1 – 8 p.m. Live music, a carnival, a beer & margarita tent, a craft show, food and more. Cass Ave, between Chicago and Burlington Ave., Downtown Westmont. 630 829-9378 | Itasca Fest | July 12 – 15, Thur 6 p.m. – 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 and car show. Washington Park, 350 E Irving Park Rd., Itasca. 630 773-0835 | Windmill City Festival | July 13 – 15, Fri, 4 – 11 p.m., Sat, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sun, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Carnival, 5K, pet parade, bubble bar soccer, music acts, food and more. The Riverwalk, 100 N Island Ave., Batavia.

630 879-5235 | Jazz Up Glen Ellyn | Sat, July 14, 11 a.m. onwards.

Multiple stages of local and regional artists, plus performances at local stores and restaurants. Downtown Glen Ellyn, www.jazzupglenellyn.org | Naperville Ale Fest | Sat, July 14, noon − 5 p.m. More than 200 beers from around the world, live music. Cost:

| Lemont Heritage Festival | Sat, July 14, 4 – 11 p.m. Live music, children’s games and activities, food and drinks and more. Downtown Lemont. 630 243-2700 | Kane County Fair | July 18 – 22, Wed – Thur, 3 – 11 p.m., Fri – Sat, noon – midnight and Sun, noon – 10 p.m.

Demolition derby, bull riding, carnival, contests and more.

Cost: $23/7. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S Randall Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-6926 | Liberty Arts Festival | Thur – Sat, July 19 – 21, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an art walk and market, a cocktail tasting, concerts and more. Downtown Morris. 815 941-0245 or www.downtownmorris.com | Family Fun Fest | Fri, July 20, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Face painting, inflatables and games. Cost: $10. Community Park Bandshell, 1825 Short St., Lisle. 630 964-3410 | Prairie Fest | July 26 − 29, Thur – Fri, 6 – 11 p.m., Sat, 1 – 11 p.m., Sun, 1 – 10 p.m. Music from The Ides of March, The Buckinghams, 7th Heaven and The Neverly Brothers, a carnival and Saturday fireworks. 655 N Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. www.wooddale.com | YESFest | Fri − Sun, July 27 − 29, noon − 9 p.m. An

outdoor jamfest for musicians, comics, sketch & improv performers and poets. Patio at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S Cottage Hill Ave., and Brewpoint Workshop & Roastery, 617 N York Rd. Elmhurst. www.yesfest.weebly.com | Two Brothers For the Love of Hops Festival | Sat, July 28, noon – 11 p.m., Sun, 1 – 10:30 p.m. A beer-centric party with music from rock cover band, Red Woody.

Cost: $10/5. Two Brothers Tap House, 30W315 Calumet Ave W, Warrenville. 630 393-2337 | Geneva Arts Fair | Sat – Sun , July 28 – 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fine arts show with artisans' market, games, food and more. 100 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-6060 | DuPage County Fair | Wed – Sun, July 25 – 29, 8 a.m.

– 11 p.m. Live music, carnival, talent show, demolition derby, livestock auction, beer tent and more. Cost: $15/7. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-6636 | Sugar Grove, Corn Boil | July 26 – 29. Thur, 5 – 10 p.m.

Fri, 5 – 11 p.m., Sat, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sun, 11 a.m.

– 6 p.m. Carnival, live music and food. Volunteer Park, 61 S Main St., Sugar Grove. 630 449-7999 | Streamwood Summer Celebration | July 27 – 29, Fri, 5 – 10:30 p.m., Sat, 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sun, noon – 7:30 p.m. Golf tournament, business expo, parade, live music and carnival. Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W Irving Park Rd., Streamwood. 630 736-3803 | Kendall County Fair | Aug 2 – 5, Thur, 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

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and Sun 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Carnival, livestock show and music. Cost: $8/4. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 Illinois Route 71, Yorkville. 630 553-2860 | Little Italy Fest West | Thur − Sun, Aug 2 − 5, Thur, 5 – 10 p.m., Fri, 5 – 11 p.m., Sat, noon – 10 p.m. and Sun, noon – 9 p.m. A celebration of Italian culture and food. Centennial Park, Lake St. at Route 53, Addison. 630 962-7000 | North Aurora Days | Thur − Sun, Aug 2 − 5. Car show, fishing derby, pet parade, 5K, music and more. Throughout North Aurora. For schedule, visit www.northauroradays.org.

630 897-8228 | Summer Daze Festival | Aug 3 − 4, Fri, 12:30 − 11:30 p.m. and Sat, 10 a.m. − 11:30 p.m. Music, business expo, teen arena and rides. Car show begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Downtown Warrenville. 630 393-7279

Free Admission Open Year-Round!

Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

Close to home!

Surrounded by a beautiful park, a new playground, abundant picnic areas, and a splash pad!

Spend an hour or spend the day!

1000 Ray Moses Drive www.Aurora-il.org/150/Phillips-Park-Zoo

| La Grange Endless Summerfest | Aug 3 − 5, 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 & wine garden, entertainment and fireworks. Cost: $3 admission after 5 p.m. on Fri – Sat. Gordon Park, Ogden Ave. and Tilden Ave., La Grange. www.lagrangeendlesssummerfest.com | Taste of Roselle | Aug 3 − 5, 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 | Destination Asia Festival | Aug 3 − 6, Fri, 6 − 8 p.m., Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. Join an elegant festival with Asia-inspired performances, culinary delights and a Japanese lantern display on Meadow Lake. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Comicopolis | Sat, Aug 4, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. 30 vendors display comics, prints and figures. White Oak Library, 121 E 8th St., Lockport. www.cityoflockport.net | Wheaton Brew Fest | Sat, Aug 4, noon − 4:30 p.m.

Craft beers, music and food from local restaurants. Must be 21 or over. Cost: $45/25. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. 630 510-5064 | Montgomery Fest | Aug 10 – 12, 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 and food. Montgomery Park, River St. and Mill St., Montgomery. 630 896-8080 | Bike Wheaton Festival | Sat, Aug 11, 10 a.m. − 3 p.m. A family bike parade, followed by demonstrations of trick cycling, Wheaton Police Department bike rodeo, safety lessons and music with a live DJ. Memorial Park, 208 W Union St., Wheaton. 630 682-0633 | French Connection Day | Sun, Aug 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the culture of France, with a French market, games, crafts, music, Can-Can dancers and a 23-ft. imitation of the Eiffel Tower. The Parade Field at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Elburn Days | Aug 17 − 19, Fri, 5 – 11 p.m., Sat, noon – 11 p.m. and Sun, noon – 9 p.m. Parade, tractor pull, mud volleyball, live music, a carnival and food vendors. Lions Park, 500 S Filmore St., Elburn. 630 365-6315 | Park Palooza | Sat, Aug 25, 5 − 10 p.m. Fifth annual event featuring music, children’s activities, food trucks, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 35

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a beer garden and more. Berens Park, 493 N Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. 630 993-8900 | Fall Festival of Fine Art | Sep 1 − 2, 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 | Naperville Wine Festival | Aug 24 – 25, Fri, 5 – 10 p.m., Sat, 3 – 8 p.m. More than 300 wines from around the world, seminars, cooking demos, food from local restaurants and live music. Cost: $50/40. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Concours d’Elegance | Sun, Aug 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Classic Car enthusiasts gather to show off antique, classic and modern automobiles. Various locations in downtown Geneva. 630 584-3107 | Addison-Medinah Shriners Parade | Sun,Aug 26, 3 – 9 p.m. Celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial with a parade, then live music from Hip Pocket, Joe Kalish and The Neverley Brothers, followed by fireworks. 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. www.ithappensinaddison.com | Ist Annual City of Lights Ukulele Festival | Sun, Aug 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featured artists perform, along with workshops on uke styles and techniques, tips on building a cigar box uke, historical and related cultural history and dance in nearby locations. Water Street Mall, 13 Water St, Aurora. www.cityoflightsukelelefestival.com. | Hometown Days Festival | Fri – Sun, Aug 31 – Sept 2.

Live music, a car show, Ultimate Air Dog Show, carnival rides and food. Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville. 630 553-4357 | Naperville Jaycees Last Fling | Aug 31 – Sept 2, Fri, 5 – 11 p.m., Sat – Sun, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. , and Mon, 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m. Main stage entertainment by multiple musical acts, food, drinks, carnival, parade and more. Downtown Naperville. 630 961-4143

| History Alive! | Thursdays through Sept 30, 1 – 3 p.m.

Families can dress up in the uniforms and equipment of soldiers from different time periods, then engage inrelated games and crafts. First Division Museum, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Family Outdoor Concert Series at Cantigny | Sundays, July 1 and Aug 19, 11 a.m. Engaging, interactive and fun performances featuring ScribbleMonster and Rockin’ with Leonardo. The Bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Brookfield Zoo: Summer Nights | Fridays and Saturdays, July 6 − Aug 18, 4 − 9 p.m. Enjoy dining, a beer & wine garden, music, games and a laser light show. Cost: $16/11 after 4 p.m. East Mall at the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Paddle Whalon Lake | Sat, July 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m., noon – 1:30 p.m. & 2 – 3:30 p.m. Explore the lake by kayak and see a variety of habitats and wildlife from the water, with all equipment provided. For ages 12 and up; experience required. Registration required. Cost: $20. Whalon Lake, Royce Rd., Naperville. 815 886-1467 | Bikes, Branches and Bites | Sat, July 7, 4:30 p.m. – sunset. Explore on two wheels as you cycle on vehiclefree, paved roads, then take a break and enjoy a food truck social with live music. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Arranmore Polo | Sundays, July 8 and Aug 12, 3 p.m. Invitational polo matches at Arranmore Farm & Polo Club. Cost: $50. 34 Rance Rd., Oswego. www.arranmorefarmandpoloclub.com | American Psychic by Marla Frees | Sat, July 14, 7:30 p.m. The author and former actress tells of her spirital journey from the heartland to Hollywood and to heaven, sharing her psychic and medium skills with the audience. Cost: $20. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 Photo courtesy of Elmhurst History Museum

OUT&ABOUT

| Kline Creek Farm Country Fair | Sat – Sun, Sept 1 – 2, 10 a.m. − 4 p.m. Experience a fair from DuPage County’s agricultural past, with horse-drawn wagon rides and live entertainment. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago, 630 876-5900 | Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival | Sun – Mon, Sept 2 – 3, 11 a.m. − 6 p.m. An outdoor music festival on a scenic waterfront, with 30-plus featured music and storytelling acts. Cost: $20/12. Island Park at Route 38 & Water St., Geneva. After Aug. 25, call 630 897-0061

FAMILY & GENERAL | Family Nights at the Arboretum | Thursdays through Aug 16, 5 − 8 p.m. Family fun with Todd Downing, Little Miss Ann, Super Stolie, Miss Jamie’s Farm, and others.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

630 719-2468 | Wild Wednesdays | Wednesdays through Sep 8, 1 – 3 p.m. Children ages 2 – 8 with an accompanying adult are invited to stop by the backyard of the Visitors Center for a hands-on, nature exploration and to create a fun project to take home. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668 5161.

July 13 - Nov 4

CHICAGO RINK RATS Take a walk down nostalgia lane to a time when roller skating ruled, at Elmhurst History Museum. Call 630 833-1457

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| Viking Ship Tours | July 14 & 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 20 and Nov 11, 1 – 4 p.m. See Geneva’s life-size replica of an 1893 ship. Cost: $5. Good Templar Park, 528 E Side Dr., Geneva. 630 753-9412 | Oak Brook Polo | Sundays, July 15 & 22, Aug 5 & 19 and Sept 9. Food trucks and on-site restaurants serve gourmet bites as attendees watch polo tournaments.

Cost: $40/10. Prince of Wales Field, 2606 York Rd., Oak Brook. 630 368-5095 or www.oakbrookpoloclub.com | Brookfield Zoo: Summer Sundays | Sundays, July 15 & 22, Aug 5, 12, & 19, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join in the zoo’s family-friendly programming such as concerts and meet & greets with your favorite characters. East Mall at the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Skating Tricks of the Trade | Wed, July 18, 7 – 8 p.m.

Organized in conjunction with a roller skating exhibit at Elmhurst History Museum, pro skaters demonstrate their skills as a DJ spins tunes. Outdoor skating rink, Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W 1st St., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | Horsin' Around at Danada: Horseology 101 | Sat, July 21, noon – 4 p.m. Join a day that's all about horses, including visits with members of the Danada herd and self-guided barn tours. Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-6012 | EquiFest: Festival of the Horse | July 25 – 29, July 31 – Aug 5 and Aug 8 – 12. A series of three horse jumping and dressage competitions in an enjoyable family atmosphere. Call for daily schedule. Lamplight Equestrian Center, 6N940 Dunham Rd., Wayne. 630 497-1770 | Tour of Lake Ellyn Cycling Race | Sat, July 28, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Intelligentsia Cup bicycle racing around Lake Ellyn. 645 Lenox Rd, Glen Ellyn. www.glenellyn.org | Wheaton Illinois All-Nite Flea Market | Sat, Aug 19, 3 p.m. – 3 a.m. Browse vintage furniture, jewelry and other treasures all night long. Cost: $7. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton. 715-526-9769

KIDS | Amazing Arachnids | Through Sept 3, Mon – Fri, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat – Sun, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

An interactive exhibit all about spiders. Cost: $5/3.

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Junior Amateur Championship Golf Tournament | Mon, July 9, 8 a.m. Young golfers age 9 – 19 will gain tournament experience in a friendly, competitive environment. Cost: $40/20. Naperbrook Golf Course, 22204 W 111th St., Plainfield. 630 378-4215 | Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment | Tuesdays July 10 – 24 11:30 a.m. Pack a lunch for show geared to the young, including Scribble Monster, Jeanie B. and Miss Jamie's Farm, at two locations. For schedule, visit www. napervilleparks.org. Frontier Park, 3415 Book Rd.; Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 500 Jackson Ave., Naperville. 630 848-5000 | Kayaking: Just for Kids | Wed, July 11, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Ages 9 – 12 can learn the basics, equipment provided.

Registration required. Cost: $10. Register Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St, Oak Brook. 630-933-7248 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 37

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THE COLOR PURPLE

Photo by Matthew Murphy

OUT&ABOUT

| Tiny Great Performance: All Around the World | Wed, July 18, 10 & 10:45 a.m. Join in a world music jam featuring songs, rhythms and movement from several countries and continents. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N Washington St., Naperville. 630 637-8000 | Barnum | July 13 – 15, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 2 p.m.

Little Mountain Community Theatre presents a musical based on the spectacle of the circus. LHS Performing Arts Center, 800 Porter St., Lemont. 331 253-2216 | Goldie's Next Big Adventure | Sat − Sun, July 14 – 15, 5 p.m. Actors from College Theatre present Goldie and the bear family, inviting the audience to direct the story and decide the ending. Lakeside Pavilion at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

Wor th Going Downtown For 20,000 Leagues under the Seas Through Aug 19. This world première of the Jules Verne epic by playwright/director David Kersnar, brings the murky perils of the sea to stage. Cost: $80/40.

Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N Michigan Ave., 312 337-0665 Peter Pan Through Aug 19.

A 75-minute musical for young audiences. Cost: $34/22.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, 800 E Grand Ave. 312 595-5600 Heartbreak Hotel Through Sept 9. This rock musical chronicles the early days of Elvis Presley. Cost: $74/32. Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut St. 800 775-2000 Waitress July 3 – 22. This big-hearted musical follows a diner waitress as she grabs an opportunity to escape her small-town life. Cost: $103/54.

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 51 W Randolph St. 800 775-2000 Janelle Monáe Thur, July 5, 7:30 p.m. American songwriter, R&B artist and rapper in concert. Cost: $390/104. The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 Radiohead Fri – Sat, July 6 – 7, 7:30 p.m. English rock band known for its blend of electronic, rock, hip hop and experimental music plays from the new album, "A Moon Shaped Pool." Cost: $173/90. United Center, 1901 W Madison St. 312 455-4500 Millennium Art Festival July 6 – 8, Fri 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Outdoor art fest with 110 juried artists, music and food. Lake St. and Michigan Ave. 847 926-4300 Taste of Chicago July 11 – 15, Wed – Fri, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sat – Sun, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Food

and music festival with Brandi Carlile, The Flaming Lips, Black Star, Juanes and other major artists. Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St. www.tasteofchicago.us The Color Purple July 17 – 29.

This multi Tony Award-winning musical based on the novel by Alice Walker follows an African American girl seeking refuge in the 1900s American South. Cost: $157/34. Auditorium Theater, 50 E Congress Pkwy.312 341-2300 Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks July 25 – Aug 26. Barbara Gaines, artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Co., stages a 75-minute adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream for performance in Chicago parks. For schedule/venues, visit www.chicagoshakes.com.

312 595-5600 Summer Wine Fest Fri, July 27, 6 p.m. Sample 35-plus wine varieties, with music and guided tours of the zoo’s gardens. Cost: $79/49. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N Cannon Dr. 312 742-2000 Kenny Chesney Sat, July 28, 5 p.m. American country music singer-songwriter performs a mix of heartland rock, pop and country. Cost: $285/71. Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr. 312 235-7000 Ginkenshibu Live with Tsukasa Tiako Sun, July 29, 5 p.m. This unique blend of Asian poetry with Japanese drums features 50 singers and dancers.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Michigan Ave. www.ginkenshibuusa.org Foo Fighters Sun – Mon, July 29 – 30, 7 p.m. The American hardrock/post-grunge band founded by former Nirvana drummer,

Dave Grohl, brings the "Concrete and Gold" tour and album. Cost: $99/59. Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St. 773 404-2827 Lollapalooza Thur – Sun, Aug 2 – 5, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Celebrated music festival with acts on multiple stages. Grant Park, Jackson and Columbus Dr., www.lollapalooza.com Drake Aug 17 – 20, 7 p.m.

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter and rapper who first achieved celebrity on TV's "Degrassi" performs with hip hop trio, Migos.

Cost: $236/60. United Center, 1901 W Madison St. 312 455-4500 Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert Mon, Aug 13, 6:15 p.m. Sponsored by ABC 7, the concert features Chicago artists performing from Dear Evan Hansen, Heartbreak Hotel and other popular shows. Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St. 312 977-1700 Chicago Air & Water Show Sat − Sun, Aug 18 − 19, 10 a.m. − 3 p.m. Annual air show with daredevil pilots, civilian and military pilots, parachute teams, jets-in-formation, aerial stunt performers and watercraft stunts.

North Avenue Beach, Chicago. www.chicagoairandwatershow.us Chicago Jazz Festival Thur – Sun, Aug 30 – Sept 2. Outdoor performances from major national and international artists.

Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St. www.chicagojazzfestival.us Punch Brothers Fri, Sept 7, 8:30 p.m. The bluegrass-inspired acoustic quintet produced

by T Bone Burnett makes its Symphony Center debut. Cost: $90/35. Symphony Hall, 220 S Michigan Ave. 312 294-3000

| The Lion King, Jr. | July 27 − 28, Fri, 7 p.m. and Sat, 2 & 7 p.m. Elmhurst Children's Theatre presents Elton's John's spirited musical about life in the African jungle. Cost: $8.

Timothy Christian School, 188 W Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst. www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com

HISTORY | Views from Lisle | Through Nov 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

View a series of exhibits on heritage and development of the city. The Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. 630 964-3410 | Chicago Rink Rats: The Golden Age of Roller Skating | July 13 – Nov 4, Tue − Sun 1 − 5 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. − 5 p.m. Skate down nostalgia lane to a time when roller skating was hip and Chicago was the epicenter. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | DuPage Architects | Aug 11 – Feb 28, 2019. Mon − Fri, 9:30 a.m. − 4 p.m. and Sat − Sun, noon − 4 p.m. Explore the individuals behind the designs in this architecture exhibit. Cost: $3/2. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510 4941 | Architectural Walking Tour | Sat, Aug 18, 10 a.m. – noon. Explore Wheaton through the lens of the DuPage Historical Museum’s new exhibit, DuPage Architects, by visiting buildings by Frost, Zook, and Brydges. Registration required. Cost: $6/4. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510 4941

HOME & GARDEN | 3 French Hens Country Market | Saturdays, July 14 & Aug 11, 8 a.m. − 2 p.m. Browse a French-style market filled with antiques, hand-crafted items, baked goods, flowers and many more home décor ideas. 123 W. Illinois Ave., Morris. www.3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com | Daylily Society Show | Sun, July 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Marvel at more than 150 varieties of daylilies, shop and get advice from experts. Sycamore Room at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Antique Tool Show & Sale | Sun, Aug 5, 9 a.m.

Collectible tools on display for trade, and sale. Cost: $6/3.

Garfield Farm Museum. 3N016 Garfield Rd, Campton Hills.

630 584-8485

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| Master Gardeners Idea Garden Open House | Tues, July 24 & Sat, Aug 25, 9 - 11 a.m. See inspirational garden ideas, with master gardeners at hand to advise you. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, 3480 Route 38, St. Charles. 630 584-6166 | Heirloom Garden Show | Sun, Aug 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Browse specialty fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs grown at the farm. Cost: $6/3. Garfield Farm Museum.

3N016 Garfield Rd., Campton Hills. 630 584-8485

FOOD & DRINK

opponents. Cost: $17/7. For schedule and start times, visit website. The Ballpark, 27 Jennie Finch Way, Rosemont.

877 722-6348 or www.chicagobandits.com | Chicago Sky | Chicago's professional women’s basketball team plays other WNBA teams. Cost: $145/17. For schedule and start times, visit website.

Wintrust Arena, 200 E Cermak, Chicago. 866 759-9622 or www.sky.wnba.com | Kane County Cougars | Minor league baseball, with pre- and post-game entertainment. For schedule and start times, visit website. Cost: $15. Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Ln., Geneva. 630 2328811 or www.milb.com/kanecounty/

| Wednesdays, Woods & Wine | Wednesdays through Aug 29, 5 − 8 p.m. Enjoy the outdoors while listening to live music and tasting special drinks and wines. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $15/10. Arbor Court at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

| Chicago Wildfire | Sat, July 7, 6 p.m. and Sun, July 15, 1 p.m. The Chicago area's pro team in Ultimate Disc (frisbee) plays in a nationwide league. Cost: $10.

Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium at North Central College 455 S Brainard St., Naperville. www.chicago-wildfire.com

| Mystery Dinner | Fri, July 13, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a chefcreated, three-course dinner while solving a 1980s themed mystery. For ages 21 and over. Reservations required. Cost: $105/95. Ginkyo Restaurant at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

| Vintage Base Ball | Sun,July 15,10 a.m.– 4 p.m.and Sun, Aug 19, 1 – 4 p.m. Enjoy a day or afternoon of America’s pastime as it was played more than 100 years ago.Parade Field at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 260-5161

| Cocktails in the Park | Sat, July 21, 7 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks, live music and a raffle to win bar-ware and cocktail mixers. For ages 21 and over. Cost: $30. Appleton Park, 100 N Island Ave., Batavia. 630 761-3528

| Chicago Bliss vs. Omaha Heart | Sat Aug 11, 7 p.m.

Watch a Legends League game of women's seven-onseven tackle football. Cost: $68/28. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2270

| Craft Beer Tasting | Fri, July 30, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Choose samples from over 50 different craft beers and ciders from 15-plus breweries. Cost: $50. Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Rd, Oak Brook. 630 655-2090

LITERATURE

| Cosley Zoo Uncorked | Thur, July 26, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Sample from a selection of more than 60 wines, listening to live entertainment and mingling with some of the zoo’s animal residents. For ages 21 and up. Cost: $40.

Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton. 630 665-5534

| Emily Giffin | Mon, July 2, 7 p.m. Bestselling novelist whose latest book, All We Ever Wanted is featured on page 18 returns to her home town of Naperviille. Cost: $32 (includes book). Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Ln., Naperville. 630 355-2665

| Addison by the Slice | Tue, Aug 7, 6 – 9 p.m. Come for a pizza bake-off and stay for music from Heart to Heartbreaker and John Ludy Puleo. 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. www.ithappensinaddison.com

| Georgiann Baldino | Tue, July 3, 7 p.m. The author presents her new book A Family and Nation Under Fire about the Civil War letters and journals of William and Joseph Medill. McCormick House Freedom Hall at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-5161

| Bees & Bourbon | Tue, Aug 7, 7 – 9 p.m. Enjoy a summery bourbon cocktail and get buzzed about bees with entomologist and author May Berenbaum Sycamore Room at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Wheaton Wine Walk | Thur, Aug 9, 5 − 8:30 p.m. Sip, stroll and shop through downtown Wheaton. Cost: $35.

630 682-0633

SPORTS | Chicago Dogs | Be part of the inaugural season of Chicago's new league baseball team. Cost: $25/9. For schedule and start times, visit website.

Impact Field, Balmoral Ave.& Pearl St., Rosemont. www.thechicagodogs.com | Chicago Bandits | Professional women’s softball team defends its championship title against US and Canadian

| Peter Stark | Sat, July 7, 2 p.m. Adventure, exploration and history writer presents Young Washington, a retelling of the first President’s early adventures, with insight into the man who shaped the nation. Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St, Forest Park. 708 771-7243 | Madeline Miller | Wed, July 11, 7 p.m. New York Times bestselling author launches Circe, a mythological tale of power, intrigue, family rivalry and strength. Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville 630 355-2665 | Colleen Hoover | Sun, Aug 5, 3 p.m. The popular romantic fiction writer launches the paperback edition of her book, All Your Perfects. Cost: $19 (includes book).

Wentz Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 355-2665 Information is as accurate as possible, but details sometimes change or events are canceled. Call to verify all information. To list an event, submit two to three months in advance to: Out & About, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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ARBORETUM TRANSFORMATION How a hidden gem blossomed into one of Chicagoland’s most visited attractions — a place of playful joy, education, conservation and reverence for trees

By Jay Copp

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erial tree yoga? Indeed — Lynne Friedlander of Naperville took the class at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. She climbed into the quasi-hammock — a bucket-like, cloth contraption — that was suspended between two strapping oaks. At one point, completing a yoga pose, she purposely turned herself upside down. “Can you imagine — the view of the majestic trees?” says Friedlander.

The right-side-up views are just as majestic for her when she comes to the Arboretum for a leisurely walk, lunch with friends, a bike ride as a volunteer for the bike patrol, and for other classes, such as a compass/ topography challenge and a smartphone photography session, both which serve to highlight the venue’s extraordinary 222,000 trees, shrubs and plants.

“I just love trees. I wish I could explain that in a way that made sense,” says Friedlander, 59, a history museum worker. “It’s relaxing here. It’s energizing.

It’s beautiful — in all seasons.”

Once more of a hidden gem, The Morton Arboretum has blossomed into one of the most visited Chicago-area attractions. More than one million visitors strolled its 1,700 acres last year. Founded in 1922, it has reinvented and transformed itself over the last 15 years or so, becoming perhaps the world’s top planned showcase of trees and a multi-faceted attraction.

The shorthand description of The Morton Arboretum is that it is a museum of trees. But more so than ever it’s an interactive museum that not only conducts important science and research on the preservation of trees but also teaches proper tree planting and maintenance.

It influences its 46,000 loyal members and casual visitors to become active

Photos courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

champions of trees.

Most of us have been to a national park or other mostly untamed wilderness that pulses with a raw and primitive heartbeat. Or we visit the local forest preserve, a seeming slice of the pre-settlement past, a digestible taste of the outdoors.

The Morton Arboretum has its own vibe, a sense of nature captured for our perusal and admiration but still alive on its own terms. The grounds are tidy and groomed but real, not Disney-esque. The trees are in their home, and we’re the humble guests.

A Place Transformed The Arboretum has 16 miles of wood-chip hiking trails and nine miles of paved roads that wind though woodlands, prairies, lakes and streams.

Trees are grown within their botanical families. So rose bushes and cherry trees, both part of the rose family, stand near one another, as do 77 different kinds of elms. Altogether, 4,650 different kinds of plants grow here. Visitors can just take in the beauty — or learn exactly what their eyes behold. Small metal tags identify the common name and scientific name (in Latin) of the trees and shrubs.

The dozens of trails range from a quarter-mile in length to 1.5 miles.

A favorite is the Joy Path, the trek taken nearly every day long ago

by Morton family members. The path passes the Thornhill Education Center, which was once the library of the Morton family mansion.

Salt magnate Joy Morton, who founded the Arboretum, is buried near the site of his former home

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Arboretum Transformation (the grave is not accessible to the public).

Morton truly inherited his love of trees — his father, J. Sterling Morton, founded Arbor Day in 1872.

Another favorite path is the placid Lake Marmo Trail, the scenic site of many marriage proposals. (The Arboretum also hosts wedding ceremonies throughout the year.) Also popular is the Fragrance Garden, a highly manicured spot — an anomaly at the Arboretum. Unlike the Chicago Botanical Gardens, the Arboretum is not a spectacle of elaborate arrangements of plants.

The Spruce Plot, a cathedral of evergreens, is a favorite of Sue Wagner, the vice president for education and information for the Arboretum. “It helps me to be more meditative, introspective,

“Today we offer a lot more interpretive information. There are more exhibits.

We’re more engaged with the public.

We made it fun and friendly. It’s about how we can surprise and delight people.”

So today the calendar at the Arboretum is full with a wide range of activities including a craft beer festival, a Dog Admission Day and, currently, a Troll Hunt. An acclaimed Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, created six whimsical sculptures with reclaimed wood. Startling in its sudden appearance on a hill, one particularly wacky troll catches the attention of drivers on nearby Interstate 88.

More central to its mission, the Arboretum also offers a wide array of classes and workshops focused on the planting and maintenance of trees.

nature. The quality of our lives is at stake. (More on this later.)

Two new initiatives — eight years apart — transformed the Arboretum from a staid place of contemplation into a more entertaining and educational venue. In 2005, the four-acre Children’s Garden opened. The $10 million addition included water-play areas, tree fort walks and discovery gardens. Today it’s a beehive of gleeful activity. Giddy children climb colossal acorns and — in one of the nearby Nature Play Spaces — make mud-pit dirt cakes in the Mud Kitchen.

“The Children’s Garden was really a key addition for us,” says Gerard Donnelly, the Arboretum’s president and CEO. “It brought in a different kind of people.”

The redevelopment back then also

creative,” she says. “Other people have their own spots for experiencing that.

It helps them to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.”

The Arboretum has been able to cast that kind of spell since its early days.

Nature binds wounds, frees the mind and calms the soul. That was the main thrust of the Arboretum for decades. Though the Arboretum’s transformation began in earnest several years before Wagner’s tenure began nearly nine years ago, she still recalls its more somnolent era. “I do remember it as a quiet place,” she says. “I thought it was a research facility not open to the public.

A popular offering is the Woodland Stewardship Program — soon to be renamed the Natural Areas Restoration Program — which meticulously trains participants to do conservation work.

Last year, 750 people eager to help the environment learned in detail how to increase the tree canopy and decrease invasive trees and plants.

Most people surely do not realize it, but the threats to our local trees are numerous and dire. The effort to save trees goes much deeper than maintaining the beauty of our neighborhoods or preserving swaths of uninterrupted

included a new, spiffy Visitor’s Center, a one-acre maze garden, a more visible and more welcoming entrance, and minor but important touches such as an environmental-friendly parking lot.

(The pervious pavers allow water to be filtered and directed to vegetation. Sadly, the oil from cars that spill onto many store blacktops eventually pollutes local streams and rivers and conceivably can eventually find its way to the Gulf of Mexico.)

In 2013, the Arboretum took another major leap forward when it first held Illumination, its premier wintertime exhibit. Other venues present holiday

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light shows. Illumination allows visitors “to see trees in a different light.” It drew a robust 88,000 visitors in its first year and has become increasingly popular. Last year 162,000 people saw it. “Illumination brought in people who have not been here before,” says Wagner. “It’s the time of the year where you normally don’t go outside. You just don’t think much about trees in the winter. We came up with a concept to see the beauty and form of trees in the winter.”

The upgrades pulled in people.

By 2006, attendance jumped to 736,000 from 400,000 in 2003. Annual attendance topped one million for the first time in 2015. The Arboretum had become — nature’s alternative to a coffee shop or tavern — a place that

to learn and explore. Now we’re really engaged with the community.”

The Children’s Garden and other upgrades around 2005 were made possible thanks to the Branching Out! campaign of the Arboretum. Fundraising brought in $18 million of the $45 million needed for the expansion. Until that campaign, the Morton family had provided the chief support. “We didn’t have an established group of friends. It (raising the funds) was hard,” says Donnelly.

In 2015, the Arboretum launched the $63 million Growing Brilliantly campaign, which is nearing a successful conclusion.

This campaign, while enhancing the Children’s Garden and adding other upgrades, focused on expanding research and broadening conservation efforts. Two

Arboretum to intensify its behind-thescenes efforts to preserve trees and at the same time to promote that mission among members, visitors and volunteers.

The Arboretum initiated the Center for Tree Science, which trains researchers worldwide. It established a new plant development program to breed plants that can tolerate urban environments, handle climate change and withstand the dangers of pests and disease. It also expanded its tree conservation efforts to build a healthier urban forest in the Chicago area and to protect endangered species of trees here and worldwide.

All those changes and improvements have elevated the prestige and value of the Arboretum. “We’re the most significant arboretum in the world,” says Nicole

people reflexively return to over and over because of its familiarity and basic appeal. By 2017, 57 percent of visitors were repeat customers.

The trees remain the star attraction of the Arboretum, but they no longer stand quite so alone. “One of the cool things about the Arboretum is how we’ve evolved,” says Donnelly. “It once was a quiet, less public space. We were seen more as a private organization. We still have a large area of woodlands. The trees we’ve grown we’ve maintained. You can still take a peaceful, contemplative walk.

What we have added are opportunities

new large buildings have been erected at South Farm, the nerve center for the Arboretum’s army of 130 arborists and horticulturists. Also added were new greenhouses and plant production facilities.

The second campaign tapped into the increasing environmental awareness.

“It still was not easy (raising funds),” says Donnelly. “But we found that people are keenly interested in supporting tree science and conservation.”

The first wave of transformation most notably improved the grounds.

The second round of fundraising and subsequent expansion has enabled the

Cavender, vice president of science and conservation. That’s not just natural pride speaking or instinctive public relations. The Morton Arboretum is a leader in tree science among arboretums and public gardens. Its attendance and scope of programs are near the top.

Especially indicative of its standing, The Morton Arboretum established the accreditation program for arboretums a few years ago.

Trees: Our Best Friend in the Whole World Remember the vicious, relentless

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Arboretum Transformation

emerald ash borer? The pest eliminated 13 million trees, or three percent of the tree canopy, in the Chicago region several years ago. Pests are far from the only threat to trees. Pollution, climate change, disease and loss of habitat also endanger trees. In a northern, urban area such as Chicago, preserving the health of trees is particularly problematic.

Besides heaps of pollution, trees must contend with road salt and intense cold.

for Urban Forest Research. The lifetime benefit for one large tree is $3,790 in the Midwest, a 250 percent return on investment, according to the U.S. Forest Service. All those savings add up big time.

The 157 million trees in the Chicago area provide an economic benefit of $51.2 billion a year, according to a 2013 study.

Yet the monetary benefits understate the value of trees. Will your child finish high school? Will a burglar break into

example, has only an eight percent canopy cover. On the other hand, the large trees that predate urbanization, especially the beloved oak trees that are wonders at cleaning air and water, are reaching the end of their natural life span.

But the chief takeaway of the tree census is the relative lack of diversity.

More than half the trees surveyed consist of fewer than 10 species. The infestation of a pest such as the Asian longhorned

Who doesn’t cherish trees and harbor a precious memory of one? “We climb them as kids. We enjoy the comfort of their shade. We have a connection to them,” says Donnelly.

But the roots of our affection should run far deeper. Trees play an incredibly vital role in society. Most importantly, they clean the air and water. In the Midwest, 100 trees annually absorb 37 tons of carbon dioxide and remove 370 pounds of other air pollutants, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Those same trees catch 216,000 gallons of rainwater.

It’s hard to say how many basements have not flooded thanks to trees, but one may well have been yours.

Trees increase property values and reduce air conditioner costs. An unshaded street needed to be repaved six times in 30 years at a cost of $4,791 for a homeowner, while a street shaded by large trees needed to be repaved only 2.5 times in 30 years at a cost of $2,071, according to the Center

your home? How happy will you be at work? The number of trees you see on a regular basis has a far-ranging effect, impacting school graduation rates, crime and job satisfaction, studies show.

The Arboretum undertook a massive tree census of Chicago’s seven-county region in 2010 and found that our 157 million trees provide an urban tree cover of 18 percent. River Forest has a 56 percent canopy cover, one of the highest rates. Aurora at 18 percent is one of the lowest. Others: Riverside, 50 percent, La Grange Park, 47 percent, Glen Ellyn, 36 percent, Elmhurst, 29 percent, Batavia, 26 percent and Naperville, 21 percent.

Nationwide, the urban forest (trees in the city) is around 40 percent.

Counter-intuitively, housing development in the western suburbs actually has a positive effect — typically the land that is being developed is agricultural, which tends to have relatively few trees. Largely agricultural Oswego, for

beetle would be devastating. Hollywood invents all sorts of fantastical, apocalyptic scenarios to scare audiences, but a tiny critter could devastate our area. “More than 41 million trees, or one quarter of our urban forest, could be lost,” says Cavender. Diversity is a necessity to forestall a disaster. “We’re too monocultural.

Our number one message is more planting of the right kind of trees and proper care,” she says.

Homeowners often choose the type of tree to plant on a whim. They need to take into account the type of soil, amount of sunlight, moisture level and potential obstructions such as overhead power lines.

“Look around your street and neighboring yards to see what your neighbors planted and choose something different,” Cavender says. “People look at their front yard and say, OK, I have space for a tree.

They pick out a tree. But they should pick out the right kind of tree. Everyone has a role to play. One tree can make

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a tremendous difference.”

The Arboretum has an online tool to help homeowners decide what kind of tree to plant. Its classes and programs also educate homeowners, village officials and others on proper planting. The Arboretum has become a trusted, widely known source for advice. Its Plant Clinic now has answered inquiries from 586 zip codes about plant selection and care.

Those initiatives represent a kind

Last year 600 youths attended science camps at the Arboretum. Hundreds volunteer throughout the year. Students from 646 schools have taken part in field, lab and outreach programs. In October, the Gateway to Tree Science will open. A celebration of the research accomplished by the Arboretum, the exhibit also intends to inspire tree-related careers.

Also debuting next school year are STEM podcasts targeted at teenagers and

huggers — though at the Illumination holiday celebration, they are actively encouraged to give a tree a warm hug.

But visitors do embrace the trees. They stare and marvel. They read the displays and learn. And sometimes they let the benign presence of the trees alter their moods and feed their souls. Forest Therapy Guides lead participants on meditative walks through the woods of the Arboretum. “This is a way to reduce

of micro-level approach to preserving the local urban forest. At the macro-level, the Arboretum is the leader of a collaborative, comprehensive effort to sustain a diverse urban forest. In 2013, it helped launch the Chicago Region Trees Initiative to gather and spread information and coordinate tree stewardship. Among the 13 partners in the collaboration are the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

The Arboretum also runs a longstanding tree advocate program. Staff works with homeowners, elected officials and volunteers to protect and improve the tree stocks.

Towns have initiated Arbor Days, drawn up ordinances and changed what they plant and how they manage their trees.

But an audience the Arboretum has worked especially hard to connect with and mobilize is those not old enough to hold office or vote. Teenagers and preteens are a visible presence at the Arboretum.

teachers, and a groundbreaking initiative, Little Trees, an innovative, nature-based early childhood learning program.

Envisioned as a supplement or even as an alternative to preschool, the children will gather multiple times each week for 32 weeks to engage in nature play and other outdoorsy activities to spur their development. “We want to encourage children to be stewards of trees,” says Wagner.

Upcoming generations face an uncertain world, an environment in flux. Even the trees expertly planted by the Arboretum on Arbor Day grow with a question mark. “We know that the climate is changing. But the models we have are not precise,” says Donnelly.

“We’re planting a diversity of trees.

Some will be suitable for the climate.

We’ll have some winners in the mix.”

blood pressure. It keeps you calm,” says Wagner. “You can practice mindfulness while in nature amid trees.”

Repeated exposure to the Arboretum also tends to make you mindful about conserving and protecting trees. The Arboretum has transformed itself, and in the process its members and visitors have found themselves changed as well.

It happened to Friedlander, the yoga practitioner. “I didn’t pay much attention to the trees in my yard. But the last five years it has been important for me to be the best tree steward I can be,” says Friedlander, who now properly fertilizes and trims her trees.

The Arboretum is working to plant that seed of love of trees in many others.

“Our job is not done,” says Donnelly.

“We face many opportunities and challenges.

But there could not be a better time than now to be a tree museum. We are taking on a role that not even Mr. Morton could have imagined.” n

Tree Embracers Visitors to the Arboretum are not tree

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ADAMS PARK FOUNTAIN IN WHEATON

Photos courtesy of Wheaton Park District

Sometimes, a fountain can capture a moment in history — as is the case with this 1885 beauty. The park it graces was once the site of a stately mansion owned by John Quincy Adams, a fourth cousin to the sixth President of the United States. The copper-clad fountain is in the Greek revival tradition and is ornately decorated with three female figures — one with a water vase, one with a string of flowers and the third with a horn of plenty. The fountain was bequeathed to the people of Wheaton in 1942 and is all that remains of a long-ago mansion and the gracious turn-of-the-century lifestyle it represented. A charming attraction in downtown Wheaton, it has nobly withstood the ebbs and flows of time.

Fonts of Fun A soothing and cooling summer tour of some

of the area’s most noteworthy fountains

Close your eyes and imagine for a moment the soothing sounds of cool, clear water as it bubbles into a tranquil pool or jets

into a cloudless sky. If you live in the western suburbs, it’s likely that a sunny stroll or a short drive will take you to a peaceful spot where you can take in the sight the sound and the refreshing feel of water as it trickles through your ngers cascades from on high or sprays a gentle mist as you walk by. Fountains are the works of public art that most closely connect us with the history, culture and social fabric of our hometowns. They are gathering places at times of celebration, playgrounds for the young and young at heart, and small havens for moments of silent contemplation or solitude.

Here are just a select few of the many noteworthy fonts and fountains sprinkled through the western suburbs, plus a trio of world class water features in downtown Chicago.

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Photo by Greg Blue courtesy of Cantigny

TON

WATER FEATURE AT CANTIGNY PARK IN WHEATON

Since the s when landscape designer ran ipp rst laid out the formal gardens at antigny there has been a fountain on this spot. The current interactive water feature opened in what is now called the Fountain Garden 2009.

SCOVILLE PARK FOUNTAIN (HORSE SHOW FOUNTAIN) IN OAK PARK

Photo courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park

Photos courtesy of Wheaton Park District

iss the ite of in to ain is three ng of n was 2 and n and estyle ction nobly time.

Alas, the original is long gone due to deterioration and eventual demolition, but Scoville Park now sports a replica of the 1909 Horse Show Fountain, attributed to architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptor Richard Bock. It was installed in 1969 to commemorate the 100th anniversary — two years earlier — of the birth of the noted architect.

The fountain’s rectangular design emphasizes its horizontal structure, with a top lintel supported by upright posts. At the base were two small pools — originally, it is said, meant to sate the thirst of dogs while horses drank from the upper basin. hey are now prettily converted into flower beds and a human drinking fountain has also been added.

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Fonts of Fun DANDELION FOUNTAIN ON NAPERVILLE RIVERWALK

Photos by Jo Lundeen

Picturesquely named for its resemblance to the lowly wildflower that sheds its seeds in a spring bree e this curious fountain is one of the jewels on the architectural necklace that adorns Naperville’s Riverwalk. A popular gathering spot at the corner of ackson and ebster this playful fountain bubbles with fun and sprays a gentle mist of water outwards in a perfect sphere around the “thistles” that emanate from its center.

HORSE TROUGH FOUNTAIN

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RIVERWALK IN BATAVIA

RAIN MAN IN GENEVA

The Batavia Riverwalk extends along Depot Pond and the Fox River and features this beautifully situated fountain with scenic views.

“Rain drops keep falling . . .” on the corner of 3rd St. and rescent where ain an by sculptor iles et ger has stood in quiet contemplation since 2009.

Photo courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Ed Ahern

EXCHANGE CLUB MEMORIES FOUNTAIN

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Photo courtesy of Aurora Area CVB

Photo by Jo Lundeen

The Riverwalk is also home to two other fonts. There’s the classic black-basin Horse Trough Fountain in White Plaza — and it did indeed cater to horses in the city’s early years. The Exchange Club Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park is surrounded by commemorative bricks with dedications or messages of personal milestones and even proposals of marriage.

VORTEX FOUNTAIN AT OAKBROOK CENTER MALL

Photo courtesy of the City of West Chicago

In sun, snow or below-freezing temperatures, 40,000 gallons of water pump through akbrook’s magni cent pla a fountain. A series of concentric spirals works in harmony with water jets, lighting and seating to create a welcoming and rela ing public space.

Heated to 50 degrees without the help of chemicals the water swirls in constant motion. owerful jets spray the crystal clear water feet up into the air. At once visually dynamic and soothing and restful the fountain which is beautifully illuminated in the evening makes the busiest of shoppers pause to contemplate the wonders of water.

MAIN STREET FOUNTAIN IN WEST CHICAGO

very fountain tells a story. n the oman’s hristian emperance nion not wanting the unavailability of clean drinking water to cause men to uench their thirst with li uor dedicated this simple drinking fountain at what is now the intersection of ain and ashington streets. orses drank from the bowl while a central raised bubbler gave relief to parched human throats. welve years later the fountain moved to the north side of ashington Street as it was directly in the path of construction crews laying track for the Aurora lgin hicago interurban streetcar line. n the s it moved to alena and . ashington where lacking a plumbing hook up it was painted white and became a flower planter. ocal lore has it that the fountain was borrowed for the ommunity igh School prom. n it was sent to a conservator for restoration of its deep green fau stone nish then placed in its current home in a small park on ain Street.

PHILLIPS PARK FOUNTAIN IN AURORA

A three tiered lighted fountain is the central attraction of the breathtaking Sunken arden outside the park’s isitor’s enter.

Annuals topiaries and shrubs enliven a s garden that underwent a major renovation in .

Photo courtesy of Aurora Area CVB

EVA

ng . . . t. ain s

Photo courtesy of Oakbrook Center

Photo courtesy of Downers Grove Park District

sic d

WASHINGTON PARK FOUNTAIN IN DOWNERS GROVE

his grand yet elegant focal point of ashington ark was added as part of a larger renovation project in that also included a new playground and shelter. ocated on the former site of ashington School the village’s second oldest which operated from to the fountain’s cascading waters offer a cooling sensory respite from the summer sun.

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Fonts of Fun in the City

F

L s

BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

CROWN FOUNTAIN

A cool million was well spent for the pleasure and intrigue it has brought to visitors to Millennium Park since the summer of 2004. Crown Fountain pays homage to the digital age with an unexpected interplay of video sculpture, public art and community connection. A reflecting pool made of black granite lies between two glass brick towers feet high. n their inward facades s display giant images of Chicago faces, as water cascades down onto the granite or spouts through a no le onto children who frolic below.

Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

Photo by Patrick Pyszka courtesy of the Chicago Dept. Of Public Affairs and Special Events

No trip downtown is complete without a visit to Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Grant Park.

Installed in 1927 and still one of the largest — and most impressive — fountains in the world, this miracle of art and engineering delivers an astonishing display of water pageantry every 20 minutes. At the crescendo, the center jet shoots water 150 feet into the air. Come dusk, a spectacular light and music show accompanies the display. iewed from the lake or on shore against the city’s magni cent skyline it is indeed a sight to behold.

POLK BROS. FOUNTAIN

The gateway to Navy Pier, especially at night time, is a sensory delight. The Polk Bros. Fountain, installed in 2016, is a legacy gift from the estate of the legendary Chicago retail family. The dramatic 12,500-sq-ft fountain has more than 250 programmable jets that mimic the movements of waves schools of sh flocks of birds and other gorgeous scenes set against views of ake ichigan and the Chicago skyline.

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Photos courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

FRAGRANCE GARDEN FOUNTAIN AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM IN LISLE KUGEL BALL IN THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM IN LISLE

Playing is learning at the site of this one-ton movable granite ball, suspended on high-pressure jets of water. It is prettily surrounded by etchings of leaves from different varieties of trees.

CITY CENTRE FOUNTAIN IN ELMHURST

Photo courtesy of Westmont Park District

What makes a city a community? Often, it takes a centrally located fountain surrounded by seasonal plantings, occasional benches and plenty of space for fun. This plaza is smack-dab in the middle of Elmhurst City Centre and is the venue for summer concerts and gatherings of all kinds.

In winter, the water feature makes way for a Christmas tree and yuletide celebrations.

Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

go Park District

Photo courtesy of Elmhurst City Centre

Last summer saw the elegant addition of a gently cascading fountain to an existing still-water feature that has been in place at the Arboretum since 1985.

GARDEN WALK FOUNTAIN IN LISLE

In keeping with Lisle being home to The Morton Arboretum, the village’s downtown features a Garden Walk highlighted by a nature-themed fountain. Water tumbles over stone outcroppings and whimsical animals spout water that flows over the fountain’s eternity edges. Seating areas provide a comfortable place to enjoy and reflect.

TY WARNER PARK FOUNTAIN IN WESTMONT

Located within a family park, this fountain is purely for decoration, not for play. It’s a focal point, though, for summer concerts and other special events, like Westmont’s Independence Day Celebration, which brings 10,000-plus visitors to the park.

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The Healing Garden at Stone Hill Farm in St. Charles offers a variety of therapeutic programs.

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Gardens where nature provides healing, therapy and an overall sense of well-being

By Sara Pearsaul Vice

ature, it seems, is indeed the best medicine. Research reveals that time spent in contact with nature improves both mental and physical health, while gardening itself is a healthy activity. Living in greener environments may even lengthen your life. According to a study of more than 100,000 women conducted by the Harvard University School of Public Health, “During an eight-year study period, there were fewer deaths among women who lived in the greenest surroundings — their mortality rate was 12 percent lower than those living in homes in the least green areas.”

The health-promoting benefits of nature are now being harnessed by health care facilities, public gardens and therapists in the form of healing gardens and horticultural therapy. From local hospitals to suburban landscapes, healing gardens offer respite for the weary and therapy for the sick of body and soul.

Come into the garden and discover how you can be restored.

Healing by Garden Design Follow the signs to the healing garden at Stone Hill Farm in St. Charles and you will likely find Deborah Marqui sitting on her front porch to welcome visitors. She and her husband Buzz open

their two-acre perennial gardens and woodlands to visitors on the second Sunday of every month from April through October and for special events and group outings.

Marqui started connecting with nature as a source of healing during two battles with cancer, the first with an initial terminal diagnosis. “When I was recovering from cancer, I knew that I had to slow down. I had learned a meditative practice prior to having cancer and I have a background as a psychotherapist. I knew we have to be in balance — body, mind and spirit,” she relates. “If you do not pay attention to one, it will affect the other.”

“Going through chemo, I sat on the front porch and learned lessons from nature — from squirrels and spider webs — lessons that began to teach me about God,” she recalls. She was inspired to open their gardens to the public in 2005 in memory of a client, a young mother she had helped with end-of-life issues before she succumbed to cancer. The healing garden has been open to all since that time for a nominal fee, and admission is free to cancer patients and survivors.

Visit some of the leading hospitals in the western suburbs and you will find an array of garden spaces. There

are handicap-accessible enabling gardens designed for use in therapy and rehabilitation, courtyard gardens with shaded seating for relaxing, and walkways around the grounds that provide opportunities for exercise and fresh air.

“If you look at the science, it’s pretty clear that nature has healing and restorative benefits,” says Mary Lou Mastro, system CEO for EdwardElmhurst Health. “We think not just about patients and their families but also about the staff. If you just take a few minutes away . . . it reduces emotional fatigue and stress. It’s very important for us to have these types of spaces.”

At Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, the landscape was designed in keeping with the Prairie Style of the architecture to create “a hospital in a garden,” not only on the grounds but also on terraces near patient suites. The hospital’s foundation is now raising funds for a new rooftop garden that will honor Susan Murphy, a nurse who died recently after 42 years of service at the hospital.

According to Mariani Landscape, which designed the grounds when the hospital was built, “The garden, divided to include both formal and natural spaces, was designed to accommodate a variety of users — a cancer garden features

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Photos courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health

Events at Stone Hill Farm Second Sundays in the Garden Second Sunday of every month through October Open to the public: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Yoga in the gardens: 1 to 2 p.m., registration required $5 for an individual, $10 for a family, free for cancer survivors Contemplative Prayer Group Second Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Free, but registration and familiarity with Centering Prayer method required Introduction to Centering Prayer Saturday, August 4, 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Wings of Hope Angel Garden at Edward Hospital in Naperville (above) and the Restorative Landscape and walking path at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

benches and statues for reflection; a heart health garden with open areas offers the opportunity for aerobic exercise and yoga; and a children’s garden has brightly colored statues and marbles that double as groundcover and toys.”

The Edward Hospital campus in Naperville contains three healing gardens, one near the Heart Hospital, one inside the grounds of Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, and the Wings of Hope Angel Garden that memorializes babies who

have died due to miscarriage or shortly after birth. Mastro notes that the Edward Cancer Center has a balcony where patients can bring their IV poles outside during infusions. “Sometimes, we underestimate the value of a short break, even 10 minutes,” she says.

“It’s very restorative.”

Hitchcock Design Group in Naperville specializes in developing healing gardens for health care and senior living facilities and has designed gardens for Edward Hospital, Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, among others. According to Geoff Roehll, senior principal who oversees the firm’s health care and real estate practice, healing gardens can take different forms but incorporate specific elements that are considered important to “evidence-based design.” He explains that a healing garden often includes “water features, seating areas adjacent to shade, and ways to engage the senses in the garden, such as plant material with contrasting colors, textures, and even touch, or certain herbs that give off a lemon scent.”

For health care facilities and senior residences, designing gardens to provide universal access is important to accommodate people with disabilities.

“We want to create an environment where people feel comfortable,” he says.

The comfort is in the details, such as tinted concrete to minimize glare and

$65 per person Silent Saturday Mornings Saturdays, August 18, October 20, December 1, 9 a.m. to 12 noon $20 per person Reflections: A Day Retreat for Grieving Individuals Saturday, September 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost and registration at www.reflectionsretreat.wordpress.com Awakening in Nature Retreat Sunday, September 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $75 per person (lunch included) Stone Hill Farm is located at 37W249 Dean Street in St. Charles For more information or to register for a special event, visit www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com or call 630-377-1846.

places to socialize or be alone, as one desires. Roehll is a proponent of Roger Ulrich, a professor whose paper titled Theory of Supportive Garden Design describes a healing garden’s functions as providing engagement with nature, a sense of control over the environment, and opportunities for both social support and movement and exercise.

When the new campus of Advocate Sherman Hospital was built on 150 acres, Roehll and his firm designed a sustainable landscape using native plantings and water and energy conservation techniques,

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Garden can try their hand at gardening with tools designed for people with disabilities and get advice from trained volunteers who are on duty Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Garden also offers horticultural therapy for groups.

At Northwestern Medicine’s Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, patients who are recovering from traumatic injuries, neuromuscular diseases and strokes may be offered horticultural therapy as part of their treatment plan, which includes occupational therapy and physical therapy. The facility has sensory, enabling and labyrinth gardens that patients, visitors and staff can enjoy.

The labyrinth garden was designed for spiritual contemplation, but also can be used for physical therapy.

According to Kyle Butzine, a Marianjoy physical therapist, the gardens are used whenever the weather permits to help patients regain mobility and muscle strength and challenge them on different terrains for walking and balance or wheelchair use so that they can return home to activities of daily living. “When admitted to the hospital, we try to establish long-term goals” for each patient’s progress, Butzine explains.

Even the sensory garden can be used for healing. “Some plants were specifically placed in that garden to promote neuroplasticity . . . the brain’s ability to adapt and change,” he says.

Tracy Ekstrom, who supervises

Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Gardens

Gardening As Therapy At the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, the science of healing gardens is disseminated through educational programs in healing garden design and horticultural therapy. The latter is a relatively new discipline as a formal part of health care therapies, although the Chicago Botanic Garden has been offering similar activities since 1978, when they opened what was then known as the Garden for the Disabled.

Today, the Enabling Garden enchants people of all abilities and invites everyone to dig in the dirt. “Interest in using nature to benefit one’s health is absolutely exploding,” says Barbara Kreski, director of Horticultural Therapy Services for the Chicago Botanic Garden. She notes that a garden “appeals to one’s senses and refocuses attention away from the cares of everyday life.”

The Enabling Garden was designed to give easy access to people of all abilities who wish to help with gardening tasks.

Kreski explains that the surface of the garden is completely flat with no edges to help those with mobility issues, while the garden beds are elevated with ledges for seating at three levels. Hanging plants operate on a pulley system so they can be raised or lowered as needed, and people with limited or low vision can help out with weeding in the garden planted on a grid system. The Enabling Garden also offers a feast for the senses, with water features that sooth with sound and brightly colored flowers and plants with strong scents. Visitors to the Enabling

Photo courtesy of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

such as bioswailes that filter parking lot runoff before it enters the lake, which is used for geothermal heating and cooling.

He notes that staff and visitors appreciate the walkway around the lake, while the views of the expansive prairie gardens bring nature inside to patients. Hitchcock Design Group recently redesigned the healing courtyard near the hospital entrance to add a fountain, shelter, new landscaping and lighting.

The Sensory Garden at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton (above) and the Enabling Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden, where raised beds are just one of many features that make it easier for handicapped or senior gardeners.

therapeutic recreation services and horticultural therapy at Marianjoy, says that horticultural therapy is employed to help patients with issues such as fine motor coordination, standing, or using a weaker arm. “All of our activities are goal oriented,” she observes. The gardens, which host concerts and other events, also allow patients “just to be outside and get fresh air.” n

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Special Promotional Section

Success STOR I ES

Celebrating the businesses that serve our communities with excellence

Come Enjoy Every Moment H

arbor Village is the newest and largest neighborhood in the popular Lake Michigan waterfront resort community in southwest Michigan near the towns of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. The resort community is attracting many buyers from the Chicagoland area, since it is just an hour and a half away.

Presently, construction and sales are taking place in the first phase of development of 78 homes, including 30 single-family homes and 48 attached townhomes and rowhomes.

“These homes are just a short walk from the Inn at Harbor Shores Resort, and offer a great way to participate in the lifestyle provided by the premier recreational community in the Midwest,” says Kerry Wright II, director of sales and marketing for Harbor Shores. “In addition to homes under construction, the building of a 2,000-sq-ft clubhouse will soon be underway.”

The Harbor Village clubhouse will feature an outdoor pool, fire-pit, gathering room with fireplace and commercial kitchen.”

The unparalleled combination of natural

and recreational amenities that comprise 11-acre Harbor Village include the Lake Michigan waterfront location at the point where the Paw Paw and St. Joseph rivers intersect at the lake. Many homes at Harbor Village have waterfront sites on the rivers, and a 60-slip deep water marina on Lake Michigan is ideal for sailors and power boat enthusiasts.

The highlight of the 530-acre community is the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course, home site of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship through 2024. The Inn and Spa at Harbor Shores Resort, a 92-room waterfront hotel that hosts special events, is another attraction located adjacent to Harbor Village.

Complementing the abundant amenities of Harbor Shores Resort and Harbor Village are the attractions of the historic downtowns of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, featuring world-class entertainment, award-winning wineries, craft beer breweries, farmers’ markets and quaint shops and cafés.

For more information, call (269) 932-1600 or visit www.harborshorelife.com.

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Home improvement. Improved.

P

atty and Leo Rosignal, long time Naperville residents, started River Oak Cabinetry & Design in 2009. Their kitchen and bath design service and cabinet dealership is located right on the Naperville/Plainfield border.

Patty’s comprehensive design and project management experience and Leo’s extensive carpentry and general contracting expertise are a great combination that has served their clients well in helping homeowners realize their dreams of both a well-designed and well-constructed new space.

Combining their creativity and excellent design along with a real-world understanding of how things should get done, their practical “down to earth” approach and strong work ethic have helped Patty and Leo meet their goal of 100% client satisfaction.

Every client they have done work for would recommend them to their friends and family.

The ROC team is made complete with Kevin Sommers and Laurie Knoll. Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge in the design arena as well as cabinet construction and installation. His understanding of how kitchens and baths are put together

guarantees your space will be functional as well as beautiful.

Laurie joined the team after completing her own kitchen remodel with ROC. Her focus includes marketing efforts, quarterly newsletter, Facebook page and various mailings.

As a past client of theirs, Laurie has a unique perspective to always give them “the client’s perspective” and offer advice on how they can best serve you.

10047 S. Bode Street, Plainfield, IL 60585 ~ 630.355.7900 ~ www.riveroakcabinetry.com

Winning

Combination

S

ince 2005 Haven Interiors has consistently won Platinum, Gold, and Silver A.S.I.D. awards for outstanding residential interior design. This year it is also celebrating the one-year anniversary of its second location, a boutique showroom offering full design services, quality furniture, art, and accessories in Geneva’s historic district. The outstanding talent of this Geneva team is sure to continue the award-winning trend and the company is excited to discuss how they can help make your

dream home a reality. Whether you’re building a new home, down-sizing, or just want a make-over, stop by or call Anna Heck-Lewis (Sr. Designer), Matt Goellner (Designer), and Jane Gorski (Design Asst.), who will guide you through this process and find the right product for your style and budget. This location serves the Chicagoland area, as well as those clients who have second homes, from coast to coast. You’ll be surprised how great design can improve the quality of your life!

Bridget Carroll, President ~ 15 S. 3rd St. Geneva ~ 630-402-0444 ~ www.haveninteriorsltd.com WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JULY/AUGUST 2018 57

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

The Future of Business How area graduate programs are building a new generation of corporate leaders to succeed in today’s rapidly changing global business world.

By Lisa Sloan

T

oday’s corporate leaders need the skills to successfully manage a global workforce and effectively leverage technology and data. College and universities in the western suburbs are adjusting their graduate-level business programs to better prepare students for future careers in business as well as other fields that utilize business skills.

“Businesses are increasingly challenged with finding students or trainees who have a global perspective,” says Toby Arquette, dean of the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy at Aurora University.

With the ease of travel and technology and the advent of large multinational companies, today’s employees need to be able to compete in the global environment. “It’s not likely you’ll work for a company that’s only based in Illinois — you’ll likely be working with others throughout the country and the world,” says Ryan Decker, director for the Center

for Financial Literacy at North Central College in Naperville. “The MBA from 10 years ago might not work in the current marketplace, so we have to focus on going forward,” says Decker.

New Programs Aurora University, for one, is offering a new program that keeps pace with today’s fast-moving environment. Called Plus One, the accelerated program allows graduate students to complete a master’s in public administration (MPA) or master’s in business administration (MBA) within a year. The program is geared toward young professionals who have finished their bachelor’s degree within the last 24 months.

Launched this summer with a cohort of 35 students, the Plus One program offers an immersive experience and a unique curriculum that includes training in “soft skills,” such as emotional intelligence and communications,

in addition to technical skills, such as data analytics, modeling and design thinking. Curriculum is designed to be integrated across areas of study, with students examining a business case from multiple viewpoints.

North Central College is working on several initiatives that will make students better corporate leaders. The first is at the undergraduate level, with the development of offerings that focus on personal financial literacy and will be open to all students. A general elective personal finance course is slated to be offered in the fall of 2019.

Beyond helping students succeed on a personal level, Decker sees added value for employers in terms of a bettereducated workforce. “When you have someone who can make wise and well-thought-out decisions, who has a sense of personal responsibility and critical thinking skills, this has a direct impact on how they will carry themselves

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Photos courtesy of Aurora University

at their work as well,” he explains.

Another thing in the works at North Central College is a redesign of the MBA program, expected to launch in fall of 2019, coinciding with the college’s shift from three terms to two semesters.

Decker expects that the retooled program will continue to have a general core with

industries saying these are the skill-sets that we need in the world today to be global leaders — an understanding of the bottom line, but also how to maintain a competitive and productive workforce,” says Michelle Koppitz, vice president of the School of Graduate, Adult and Professional Education.

Based on feedback from students and business partners, Elmhurst College has also begun offering a free series of progressively advanced Excel workshops outside of class. “We have found that Excel tends to be very important in the work environment, and almost half of (MBA) program students end up coming

“The MBA from 10 years ago might not work in the current marketplace, so we have to focus on going forward.”

Ryan Decker, director for the Center for Financial Literacy at North Central College in Naperville

broad exposure to different subject areas, such as economics, finance, accounting and marketing, but will likely include more global perspectives.

Another area that will probably be featured in the new curriculum is data science. “Data is a hot topic — we hear all the time about the importance and emphasis on data, with understanding and interpreting data trends,” says Decker.

Benedictine University in Lisle offers an MBA program as well as a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior and is preparing to launch a new program in September aimed at those in the middle to upper management levels — the Master of Science in Values-Driven Leadership. “Both of these were developed based on feedback from

Learning Through Experience Employers have indicated to area business schools that they are looking for workers with skills that enhance their abilities to network, give a presentation or pitch concepts to clients, which can be learned or refined through practical experiences.

Kelly Cunningham, associate professor of business administration and head of the MBA program at Elmhurst College, notes that the school’s program emphasizes teamwork, communication and problem-solving. “These are the qualities companies want, so in the classroom, we give the students problems and offer them opportunities to present solutions as teams in a professional business environment.”

to the workshops,” he says.

At Benedictine University, says Koppitz, the MBA program is set apart by its focus on hands-on learning. “We really believe in experiential learning and the application of learning programs,” she says. “Industries want employees who are able to take the theories they have learned and apply them to the global business sphere.”

Many graduate programs are geared toward students already in the workforce, which, Koppitz points out, is extremely valuable in terms of classroom discussion, where students might be tasked with looking at how to apply what they are learning to an example they have encountered at their place of employment. “We are able to use live case

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

Photos courtesy of Elmhurst College

studies, not just out of a book,” she says.

Aurora University’s Plus One also has an experiential component: The spring semester will include graduate-level internships where students can gain experience at a junior management level. “We like to say our students are ‘promotion ready’ when they finish the program,” says Arquette. “It’s like an MBA/MPA boot camp.”

Diverse Appeal Do you need a business degree to succeed in a graduate business program?

Not necessarily, says Arquette, who notes that the Plus One program is about 60/40 split between those with business and non-business undergraduate degrees.

“There are those with degrees in psychology, English, nursing — it’s really across the spectrum,” says Arquette, adding, “It’s a common misconception that liberal arts don’t have practical skills.

At the end of the day, Fortune 500 companies want employees with communications, problem-solving and leadership skills — and the liberal arts provides that.”

Benedictine’s graduate business students also come from a variety of fields. “We welcome that — we are a liberal arts institution,” says Koppitz.

“We have support and foundation courses for students who don’t have a business background. Our students are very successful, regardless of their background.”

Having a business mind-frame doesn’t just benefit the traditional concept of business roles, says Decker. “Any time you are in a leadership role, managing others, you can use these skills,” he says. “Even if you are in chemistry, you might be running a lab, applying for grants, and managing employees and a budget.”

Cunningham says the MBA program at Elmhurst College is also becoming more diverse, attracting those who earned undergraduate degrees in fields such as political science, nursing and mechanical engineering.

Though that might seem counter intuitive, many with degrees in those fields might find that their jobs have business-related functions and seek to expand their skill-set accordingly. “Why would a nurse want an MBA? They want a greater understanding of business that might translate into running a hospital floor — they are trying to get that competitive edge,” Cunningham explains.

Equipped for Success Cognizant of these varied perspectives, Elmhurst College recently has begun

offering new specializations within its MBA program, including healthcare and managerial leadership. “Many times, students want to advance one level to become a manager or director in their organization, so showing them effective ways to lead seems to be a good path,” says Cunningham.

North Central College’s revamped MBA will also offer more opportunities for specialization. “A general background can be great, but if you know what you are going into, you might want a more specialized program focused on a certain career path,” explains Decker.

In the end, all of these programs have the common goal of setting students on the road to success and fulfilment in their careers. Decker observes that today’s graduates are pursuing employment that adds value to their lives, allows them to add benefit to the world and give back.

“To find that job requires differentiating themselves in the marketplace,” he says.

“It’s our obligation to help students understand how to translate their passion into a life they can live,” says Arquette.

“The job they think they will have may not exist in four years, so part of our job is to prepare them for jobs that don’t exist yet, to teach them enduring skills that go beyond the hottest trends in business.” n

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

ARGOSY UNIVERSITY Founded in 1961 1000 N. Plaza Dr., Suite 324, Schaumburg, 847 969-4900, www.argosy.edu Size of Campus: Office building # of Students: 259 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 2 Bachelor’s and 2 Associate’s programs in business administration, liberal arts, justice and psychology Continuing Education: 2 post-graduate certificate programs Graduate Programs: 9 Master’s degree programs in business, counseling and psychology; Doctoral program (PsyD) in clinical psychology Undergraduate Tuition: $556/credit hour Graduate Tuition: $618 – 995/credit hour, depending on program Other Locations: 27 locations in 13 states, including Chicago campus; online programs AUGUSTANA COLLEGE Founded in 1860 639 38th St., Rock Island, 309 794-7000, www.augustana.edu # of Students: 2,500 Size of Campus: 115 acres Academic Calendar: Three terms (will switch to semesters in 2019) Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor’s degree and certificate programs across 90 majors in liberal arts and business; 11 pre-professional programs Undergraduate Tuition: $42,135 full-time; $1,808/ credit hour AURORA UNIVERSITY Founded in 1893 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, 630 844-5533, www.aurora.edu Size of Campus: 40 acres # of Students: Approx. 3,900 undergraduate; 1,900 graduate (all locations) Academic Calendar: Semesters with May and summer sessions Undergraduate Programs: More than 40 majors and minors in business, education, liberal arts, nursing and allied health, science and engineering, and social work Continuing Education: 5 online adult degree completion programs Graduate Programs: A wide variety of

on-campus and online graduate degrees in business, education, mathematics, security and social work, along with several endorsement and certificate programs Undergraduate Tuition: $24,000 full-time; $690/credit hour part time Graduate Tuition: $500-$800/semester hour Other Locations: Orchard Center in Aurora; Woodstock Center in Woodstock and George Williams College in Williams Bay (Wis.); online programs BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1887 5700 College Rd., Lisle, 630 829-6000, www.ben.edu Size of Campus: 108 acres # of Students: Approx. 5,900 (all locations) Academic Calendar: Undergraduate on semesters; Graduate on quarters and semesters Undergraduate Programs: 34 majors and 33 minors in business, science, computer science, engineering, health services and liberal arts, including 3 adult-only undergraduate programs Graduate Programs: 16 Master’s programs, 8 certification programs and 3 Doctoral programs in business, nursing, education and public health Undergraduate Tuition: $34,290 full-time Graduate Tuition: $700 – 1,090/credit hour Other Locations: Mesa (Ariz.); class sites in China and Vietnam; online programs CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE OF NURSING Founded in 1889 1221 N Swift Rd., Addison, 630 953-3660, www.chamberlain.edu/addison Size of Campus: Each campus about 39,600 sq. ft # of Students: Approx. 25,000 (nationwide) Academic Calendar: Three terms Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program Continuing Education: RN to BSN option for registered nurses; graduate certificates Graduate Programs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) and Master of Public Health Undergraduate Tuition: $675/credit hour Graduate Tuition: $650 – $750/credit hour Other Locations: 20 nationwide, including Chicago and Tinley Park; online programs

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE Founded in 1967 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 630 942-3000, www.cod.edu Size of Campus: 273 acres, 12 major buildings # of Students: Approx. 27,000 – 30,000 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 9 Associate’s degree programs in arts, science and education; Certificate programs in 170 areas of study, including occupational-vocational programs Continuing Education: Non-credit program for youth, adults and older adults Tuition: $136/credit in-district, $323/credit out-of-district, $393/credit out-of-state Other Locations: Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville and Westmont CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO Founded in 1864 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, 708 771-8300, www.cuchicago.edu Size of Campus: 40 acres # of Students: Approx. 5,600 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 70+ Bachelor’s and Associate’s majors in College of Arts & Science, College of Business and College of Education Continuing Education: Accelerated degree completion and certificate programs Graduate Programs: 40+ Master’s programs in education, human services, technology and business; post-Master’s certificates; Doctoral programs in business administration Undergraduate Tuition: $31,146 full-time; $937/credit hour part-time Graduate Tuition: Varies by program Other Locations: National and international partnership programs; online programs DEVRY UNIVERSITY Founded in 1931 3005 Highland Pkwy. Downers Grove; 1221 N. Swift Rd., Addison; 2250 Point Blvd., Elgin; 2056 Westings Ave, Naperville. 630 515-3000, www.devry.edu Size of Campus: Office buildings # of Students: 45,000 + at 55 locations nationwide Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor’s degrees in business administration, technical management and management, with 50-plus specializations

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Photos courtesy of Waubonsee Community College

Master’s Degrees: 8 Master’s programs and 9 Graduate Certificate programs in business and management at regional locations and online Undergraduate Tuition: $487 – $609/credit hour Graduate Tuition: Varies according to program Other Locations: 55 locations nationwide, including Tinley Park; online programs DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY Founded in 1901 7900 W. Division St., River Forest, 708 366-2490, www.dom.edu Size of Campus: 30 acres # of Students: Approx. 3,500 Undergraduate Degrees: 50+ programs in broad range of liberal arts and sciences, including 7 pre-professional programs Graduate Programs: 25+ in Brennan School of Business, College of Health Sciences and College of Applied Social Sciences. Post-Baccalaureate programs in medical science and dietetics Undergraduate Tuition: $33,584 full-time; $1,100/credit hour part-time Graduate Tuition: $550 – $1,009/credit hour

# of Students: 3,529 Academic Calendar: Semesters plus January and summer terms Undergraduate Programs: 63 majors; 15 pre-professional programs; various certificate programs; undergraduate degree completion programs in Business Administration, Information Technology and Applied Psychology Continuing Education: Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy, a four-year college experience program (non-degree) for adults ages 18-24 with differing abilities Graduate Programs: 10 Master’s degrees, 5 online master’s programs; various certificate programs Undergraduate Tuition: $36,755 full-time, $1,045/ semester hour part-time, $500 – 615/credit hour for degree-completion; $490 – $870/credit hour for certificates Graduate Tuition: $30,000 – 32,000 full-time; $490 – 870/credit hour part-time Continuing Education Tuition: ELSA: $33,372 full-time; $875/semester hour part-time HARPER COLLEGE Founded in 1965 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, 847 925-6707 www.goforward.harpercollege.edu Size of Campus: 200 acres # of Students: 25,466 Academic Calendar: Semesters plus summer session Undergraduate Programs: 8 Associate’s degrees in arts, science, applied science, education, health science, public service, social sciences and engineering; 100+ certificate programs; 40+ vocational programs; 100+ transfer partnerships, Continuing Education: Adult degree completion programs partnered with Benedictine University, Northern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois University Undergraduate Tuition: $129/credit hour in district; $386/credit hour out of district; $462/credit hour out-of-state

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Founded in 1949 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin 847 697-1000, www.elgin.edu, Size of campus: 217 acres # of Students: Approx. 9,000 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 138 Associate’s degrees and certificates in arts, liberal studies, engineering science and science; vocational/ technical programs in business, health professions and other careers Continuing Education: Industry-recognized certification programs partnered with local businesses, including courses in computer applications, health professions and education Tuition: $132/credit in-district, $435 out-of-district resident. Senior waivers of in-district tuition available.

Other Locations: Burlington, Hanover Park and Streamwood

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (RICE CAMPUS) Founded in 1940 201 E. Loop Rd., Wheaton, 630 682-6000, www.iit.edu Size of Campus: 19 acres # of Students: 400 (approx. 6,100 all campuses) Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 13 majors within Bachelor programs in Information Technology and Management and Industrial Technology and Management Continuing Education: 11 professional certificates in information technology, industrial technology and cyber security; online course Graduate Programs: 2 Master’s programs Undergraduate Tuition: $45,872 full-time Graduate Tuition: $1,530/credit hour (non-business); $1,725/credit hour (business); Certificate and non-degree programs: $1,470/ credit hour Other Locations: Chicago (main campus), Bedford Park and online programs. (School was founded as Illinois Tech in Chicago)

ELMHURST COLLEGE Founded in 1871 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, 630 617-3500, www.elmhurst.edu Size of Campus: 48 acres

JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE Founded in 1901 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, 815 729-9020 www.jjc.edu Size of Campus: 3,000 sq. ft

# of Students: 35,000 in credit and non-credit programs Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 180-plus Associate’s degrees and certificate programs in arts, sciences, special education, health sciences, nursing, agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences and technical/vocational studies Undergraduate Tuition: $146/credit hour, $412/credit hour out of district, $438/credit hour out-of-state JUDSON UNIVERSITY Founded in 1913 1151 N State St., Elgin (moved in 1963) 847 628-2500, www.judsonu.edu Size of Campus: 90 acres # of Students: 1,290 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 7 Bachelor’s degrees with 60 majors in arts, liberal arts, education, science and theology; 10 pre-professional programs; accelerated learning programs Graduate Programs: 7 Master’s degrees in arts, architecture, health counseling, business, education and ministry; Doctoral degree in literacy Undergraduate Tuition: $28,834 full-time; $1,185/credit hour Graduate Tuition: Varies Other Locations: Rockford (School for Business and Professional Studies only); online programs LEWIS UNIVERSITY Founded in 1932 One University Pkwy., Romeoville 800 897-9000, www.lewisu.edu Size of Campus: 410 acres # of Students: 6,500 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 80+ majors; 11 pre-professional programs Continuing Education: Adult degree-completion programs, plus various adult accelerated programs Graduate Programs: 30+ Undergraduate Tuition: $32,300 full-time; $370 – 948/credit hour part-time Graduate Tuition: $575 – $800/credit hour Other Locations: Chicago, Oak Brook, Tinley Park, Albuquerque (NM); online programs MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY Founded in 1900 555 31st St., Downers Grove, 630 515-6171, www.midwestern.edu Size of Campus: 105 acres # of Students: 2,971 Undergraduate Majors: None Graduate Programs: 11 in health sciences Colleges: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago College of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineIllinois, Chicago College of Optometry Tuition: $32,547 – $70,697 full time; $664 - $772/ credit hour Other Locations: Glendale, AZ NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY Founded in 1886 850 Warrenville Rd., Lisle; 620 Tollgate Rd, Elgin.

888 658-8632, www.nl.edu # of Students: Approx. 7,383 (all campuses) Academic Calendar: Semesters

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HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE

Undergraduate Programs: 15 Bachelor’s programs within National College of Education and College of Professional Studies and Advancement; 7 online degrees Graduate Programs: 29 Master’s programs, 4 Educational Specialist programs (Ed.S), 6 Doctoral programs, Undergraduate Tuition: $12,000 full-time; $430/ credit hour part-time Graduate Tuition: $380 – $774/credit hour Other Locations: Chicago (main campus), Skokie, Wheeling and Tampa (Fla.); online programs NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES Founded in 1906 200 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, 630 629-2000, www.nuhs.edu Size of Campus: 38 acres # of Students: Approx. 680 Academic Calendar: Trimesters Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science; Certificate in Massage Therapy Continuing Education: Weekend courses in chiropractic, naturopathic, acupuncture, message therapy and physical therapy Graduate Programs: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Master of Science in Acupuncture, Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Tuition: $364 – $479/credit hour Other Locations: Seminole, FL NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE Founded in 1861 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville, 630 637-5800, www.northcentralcollege.edu Size of Campus: 64 acres # of Students: Approx. 3,000 Academic Calendar: Trimesters (10-week terms), plus a summer session and a D-Term (a threeweek session in December) Will switch to semesters in fall 2019 Undergraduate Programs: 65 programs in liberal arts and sciences 11 pre-professional programs Graduate Programs: 6 programs Undergraduate Tuition: $38,700 full-time Graduate Tuition: $598 – $854/credit hour NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Founded in 1895 1120 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, 630 577-9101, www.niu.edu # of Students: 14,079 undergraduate and 4,936 graduate/law (all locations) Undergraduate Campus: Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences; various courses from College of Visual & Performing Arts Graduate Programs: Master’s programs with 65+ specializations; Doctoral programs with 35+ specializations Undergraduate Tuition: $9,466 – $10,666 Graduate Tuition: $470 – $896/credit hour Other Locations: DeKalb (main campus), Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Rockford and Oregon; online programs NORTHERN SEMINARY Founded in 1913 Suite 300, 410 Warrenville Rd., Lisle, 630 620-2180, www.seminary.edu Size of Campus: Office building

# of Students: 300 – 350 Graduate Programs: Master’s programs in Urban Leadership, Divinity, Christian Ministry, Theology and Mission, Worship, and New Testament; Doctor of Ministry with cohorts in Missional Leadership Continuing Education: Graduate Certificate and Ministry Certificate in five areas of study; New Kind of Teacher Certificate Graduate Tuition: $450 – $506/credit hour Other Locations: Chicago and Lawndale

708 456-0300, www.triton.edu Size of Campus: 100 acres # of Students: Approx. 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: $123/credit in-district; $320 out-of-district; $402 out-of-state

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY Founded in 1913 905 Meridian Lake Dr., Aurora; 1717 N Randall Rd., Elgin; 1000 E. Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg 312 935-5460. www.robertmorris.edu Academic Calendar: 10-week quarters Undergraduate Programs: Associate’s and Bachelors degrees in 20 fields of study at Chicago campus; business administration and management programs at suburban locations Continuing Education: Yes Graduate Programs: Master’s in Business Administration, Information Systems, Management, and Science (Human Performance) Undergraduate Tuition: $37,400 full time Graduate Tuition: $750/credit hour Other Locations: Chicago (main campus), Arlington Heights, Lake County, Orland Park, Peoria, Springfield

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS Founded in 1920 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, 800 735-7500, www.stfrancis.edu Size of Campus: 34 acres # of Students: 4,166 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 45 majors plus minors in liberal arts, sciences, law, nursing and theology Continuing Education: Degree-completion programs in business, healthcare and nursing Graduate Programs: 13 Master’s programs in nursing, education, business and social work; 2 Doctoral programs in nursing and education Undergraduate Tuition: $31,150 full-time Graduate Tuition: $399 – $798/credit hour Other Locations: Albuquerque, NM; online programs

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY Founded in 1945 1400 N. Roosevelt Rd., Schaumburg, 847 619-7300 www.roosevelt.edu Size of Campus: 27 acres (in Schaumburg) # of Students: 4,454 Academic Calendar: Semesters; summer session Undergraduate Programs: Multiple majors in College of Arts & Sciences, College of Pharmacy, College of Education and Heller College of Business Continuing Education: Adult degreecompletion programs Graduate Programs: Masters programs is business, science and pharmacy; a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies; and a Doctoral program in pharmacy Other Locations: Chicago (main campus) Undergraduate Tuition: $29,832 – $$30,411 full-time Graduate Tuition: $415 – $1,500/credit hour Other Locations: Chicago (main campus); online programs TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Founded in 1959 6601 W. College Dr., Palos Heights, 708 597-3000. www.trnty.edu # of Students: Approx. 1,400 Undergraduate Programs: 70+ programs of study in liberal arts, education, business and theology; 8 pre-professional programs Continuing Education: 5 accelerated adult degree completion programs Graduate Programs: Masters degrees in Special Education and Counseling Psychology (LBS) Undergraduate Tuition: $30,175 full-time Graduate Tuition: Contact college TRITON COLLEGE Founded in 1964 2000 5th Ave, River Grove,

WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Founded in 1966 Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Dr., Sugar Grove (main campus); 18 S. River St. and 2060 Ogden Ave., Aurora. 630 466-7900, www.waubonsee.edu Size of Campus: 243 acres # of Students: Approx. 14,850 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: Associates degrees and transfer track credits in 100+ courses in business and career technologies, humanities, health professions, sciences and social sciences Continuing Education: Non-credit courses in Community Education and Workforce Development departments Tuition: $128/credit hour in-district; $339/credit hour out-of-district; $368/credit hour out-of-state, Other Locations: Downtown Aurora; Fox Valley Aurora; Plano; online programs WHEATON COLLEGE Founded in 1860 501 College Ave., Wheaton, 630 752-5000, www.wheaton.edu Size of Campus: 80 acres # of Students: Approx. 2,900 Academic Calendar: Semesters Undergraduate Programs: 41 majors in liberal arts and sciences and in Wheaton’s Conservatory of Music; 13 certificate programs Continuing Education: Certificate in TESOL Graduate Programs: 16 Master’s programs in theology, psychology, counseling, intercultural studies, teaching and TESOL; Ph.D. programs in Biblical and Theological Studies and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Undergraduate Tuition: $36,420 full-time Graduate Tuition: $850/credit hour for Master’s; $1,070/credit hour for Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology; $1,000/credit hour for Ph.D.

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Westmont

This west suburban town offers old-time Americana charm including summer festivals and car shows, the beautiful Ty Warner Park, and plenty of dining options

I

n many, if not most, parts of the United States during the month of July, similar scenes unfold in small downtowns: colorful flower baskets hang from lamp posts along the sidewalks, rows of American flags flap in the summer breeze and locals stroll around, running errands or headed out to meet friends for a bite to eat. There’s a charm in that kind of scene, which is commonplace yet unique in the sense that each town has its own character.

Westmont has those downtown flowers, flags and favorite local spots, not to mention the quintessential tradition of Independence Day celebrations that draws together family, friends and neighbors.

By Lynn Petrak

Yet this western suburb of nearly 25,000 residents, located between Clarendon Hills to the east and Downers Grove to the west, offers more than throwback charm.

It also boasts pockets of business, industry, entertainment and recreation that serve as a reminder that this town is part of the greater Chicago-area metroplex and all it has to offer.

“Citizens in the community refer to their town as ‘Bestmont,’” says Larry McIntyre, communications director for the Village of Westmont and founder of the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC.) “Their pride in the town and affinity to its small-town charm speaks to the fact that Westmont is a great place

to live, work, play, volunteer, buy a car, go out to eat, attend school and eat awardwinning barbecue.”

Peeking past the traditional tree-lined streets, vintage storefronts and central train station, one can find a variety of things to do and see that are decidedly Westmont.

Patriotic Display: 4th of July Celebrations Summertime, especially July, is big for residents and visitors alike.

“Community-wide events and summer activities bring so many people to Westmont,” says Larry Forssberg, executive director of the Westmont

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Summer Street Fests and Fun: Taste of Westmont and Cruisin’ Nights Another major summer event for which Westmont is known is the Taste of Westmont, running July 13 – 15 this year. In the wake of the deep recession that began almost a decade ago, many communities canceled their “taste of” events due to budget cuts, but Westmont’s has continued and is still going strong.

A highlight of the Taste of Westmont is a nod to one-time Westmont resident McKinley Morganfield, otherwise known as blues artist Muddy Waters. Waters performed at several local festivals before he passed away in 1983. As a tribute, the Taste of Westmont includes two Muddy Waters-inspired blues performances on Sunday, July 15 and also features an open mic blues jam.

Several other local bands and entertainers will hit the stage during the event’s four-day run, playing a range

week has a different car theme — Chrysler night, sports car night, truck night, etc. — and visitors can also take part in family activities and listen to live music.

“Our Cruisin’ Nights was recently recognized as the best weekly summer car show in the Chicagoland area by WGN Radio. We average over 250 classic cars and 2,500 visitors every week,” says McIntyre.

Music fans, meanwhile, can set up blankets, chairs and coolers in one of the town’s parks and listen to live performances on Wednesday nights. The Westmont Park District offers a free summer concert series, with four concerts slated for this summer at Ty Warner Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park and Diane Main Park.

While summer is an apex for events here, there are plenty of special happenings throughout the year, says McIntyre, citing the annual Red, White and BBQ Festival held very Memorial Day weekend, one

foods or purchase concessions so we try to make an afternoon and evening of it.

It’s a free event, too,” notes Baxter. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with food vendors, children’s craft-making, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities, like “bubble balls,” face painting, games and entertainment by a stilt walker.

The Independence Day event features some oldie-but-goodie activities, too, such as a watermelon eating contest, a “Little Mr. and Miss Sparkler” program and a performance by a traditional big band at dusk.

of music. In addition to live performances, there will be a carnival, car show, craft show and kids’ activities.

As its name implies, Taste of Westmont includes fare from a host of the town’s eateries. Restaurants like Neat Kitchen + Bar, Uncle Bub’s BBQ & Catering and Papa Passero’s Family Pizzeria, among others, have food booths, and there are beer and margarita tents.

Throughout the summer, people descend on downtown Westmont on Thursday evenings for the village’s Cruisin’ Nights and Street Fair. Each

of the biggest sanctioned barbecue competitions in the Midwest. Another popular event is the Wicked West Fest, a month-long celebration of Halloween.

Photos by Ed Ahern

Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.

To that point, this suburb puts on one of the area’s biggest and most popular fireworks displays on Independence Day. There are actually two displays. “The main fireworks are set off from an area north of the park, and there is also a ground display of fireworks launched from the northeast corner of the park, which is roped off,” explains Kim Baxter, marketing coordinator for the Westmont Park District.

The dual aerial-ground show makes for some special viewing for people who come from all over the western suburbs.

Depending on their location, visitors may also see parts of the fireworks show from the nearby Hinsdale Golf Course in Clarendon Hills.

Prior to the fireworks, Ty Warner Park is a hub of 4th of July fun. “Many people come in early and bring their own

What’s Up Downtown Although various restaurants are spotlighted at special events in Westmont, dining establishments in this community have strong followings of their own. Uncle Bub’s BBQ & Catering on Cass Avenue has made a name for itself by winning regional and even national awards for its barbecue. The ribs, named best ribs

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Westmont

Photo by Ed Ahern

Statistical Snapshot Population 2017 population: 24,756 g Increase from 2010: 2.8% g Median age: 41 g 18 and under: 22% g 20 – 24: 5% g 25 – 34: 16% g 35 – 44: 13% g 45 – 54: 15% g 55 – 64: 14% g 65 and over: 16% g Male: 46% g Female: 54% g White: 72%* g African-American: 8%* g Asian: 13%* g Hispanic: 9%*

Income g Median household income: $57,947

Housing g Total households: 11,550 g Family households: 59% g Avg. household size: 2.3 g Median price for detached houses: $304,223

g Owner-occupied units: 5,327

g Renter-occupied units: 5,268

g Gross median rent: $973

Business/Employment Education g High school degree or higher: 93% g Bachelor’s degree or higher: 43% g Graduate or professional degree: 18%

at Naperville Ribfest in 2017, are a house specialty, as are the pulled pork and brisket. In addition to the restaurant — which evokes Southern roadhouse charm with pig icons, racks lined with dozens of hot sauces and red and white checked tablecloths.

Downtown Westmont, like other western suburbs, has become a restaurant row of sorts in recent years, with venerable favorites like China Chef and Bishop’s Famous Chili, which is run by fourthgeneration owners. There are also eateries that reflect the town’s quintessentially American feel, like Johnny’s Blitz Bar & Grill, Neat Kitchen + Bar, J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious (with a sizable outside patio) and Amber Cafe, all specializing in some form of contemporary American fare, spanning bar food to upscale culinary offerings.

Those looking for authentic Italian food — and sometimes entertainment — can find it at Vincitori. And not far away, Maura’s Mediterranean Cuisine offers healthy, authentic fare from that part of the world.

Of course, being a downtown area, this part of Westmont is home to shops and services. Visitors can browse everything from art pieces at Artist Block Gallery to floral arrangements at Westmont Floral Shop.

g Residents employed: 96.7% g Residents unemployed: 3.3%

g Avg. travel time to work: 29.5 min * Population percentages are based on self-reporting, where individuals may report more than one ethnicity.

Sources: 2015 U.S. Census, City-Data.com and usa.com

To Market We Go: Other Westmont Hotspots There are other dining and retail areas in Westmont beyond the main downtown district. The St. James Crossing development at Ogden and Route 83 is home to longtime businesses like Urban Tri Gear, Apple Valley Natural Foods and A Shade Better, in addition to newer stores and service businesses, such as Club Pilates. This small shopping center is also a restaurant draw: on weekend mornings, Citrus Diner packs in crowds for breakfast and lunch — and its famous tortilla soup — while Grill 89, part of Ditka’s Restaurant Group co-owned by former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, has become known for its casual dining offerings.

International Mall is another dining and shopping area down the street on Pasquinelli Drive that has garnered buzz and a loyal following for its Chinese and Taiwanese specialties, including the traditional Taiwanese breakfast offered on weekends at Chinese Cafe and a food court that offers everything from ramen to dumplings.

Elsewhere in Westmont, Standard Market on Ogden Avenue is part-grocery store, part-restaurant, part-upscale taco stand. You don’t have to shop for groceries to enjoy a meal at the sit-down restaurant inside the store, which features

a variety of menu items like handcrafted burgers and Buddha Bowls.

Meanwhile, if it’s local flavor you’re looking for, you can find it at neighborhood bars like D.J.’s Sports Bar & Grill and Walsh’s Bar and Grill, which is literally in the residential neighborhood along Naperville Road.

“With over 100 dining options that represent almost 40 ethnic menus, our guests can ‘dine around the world in Westmont,’” says Forssberg. Indian foods, for example, are on the menu at Saffron, while European favorites can be ordered at Bohemian Crystal.

Making a Splash: Ty Warner Park Looking to cool off on a roasting July or August day? The spray park at Ty Warner Park makes for refreshing fun for kids and, for that matter, kids at heart.

Ty Warner Park — named for the creator and founder of Beanie Babies who based his business in town and donated to the community — has several other recreational features. The expansive park, not far from Ogden Avenue, includes a playground, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis and bocce courts, sand volleyball courts and disc golf, among other amenities.

As part of the park district staff, Baxter has an affinity for all parks under its purview, of course, but she and her family often frequent Smith Woods, formerly known as Twin Lakes Woods and Twin Lakes Park.

That area near 55th Street has volleyball courts, a pavilion, small recreation area, and a nature path and walking trail.

In Westmont, acres of green space are also put to good recreational use at the Twin Lakes Golf Course, run by the Westmont Park District as well as the nine-hole Green Meadows Golf Club.

Start Your Engines: Westmont Auto Mile Cruisin’ Nights are popular in Westmont in the summer, but legions of car fans check out vehicles all year long in this suburb. A part of Ogden Avenue in Westmont has been dubbed the “Auto Mile” for its many car dealerships.

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TY WARNER PARK FOUNTAIN

Westmont Public Library n Total holdings: 97,318 (print),

46,366 (digital) n Items checked out

per year: 313,568 n Visitors per year:

Approx. 154,116

Attractions n Ty Warner Park – 800 N.

Blackhawk Dr., 630 963-5252.

Named for the founder of the Beanie Baby empire, the park features three multipurpose ball fields, gardens, disc golf, a playground and a water spray park. n Myths and Legends Brewing Company – 1115 Zygmunt Cir., 630 442-7864.

A craft brewery with tap room offering various beers made on-site.

Museum n Gregg House Museum 117 Linden St., 630 960-3392.

Operated by the Westmont Historical Society, the museum features permanent and revolving displays and family-friendly programs.

Events n Taste of Westmont

Various downtown locations, 630 829-9378. Annual July festival featuring food from local vendors, music, a craft show, a carnival and a car show. n Westmont Cruisin’ Nights & Street Fair – Various downtown locations, 630 829-9378. Summer-long Thursday night street festival showcasing vintage cars, live music, family friendly theme nights and street fair-style market vendors. n Westmont Summer Concert Series – Various parks including Ty Warner Park, Diane Main Park and Memorial Park, 630 969-8080.

Each Wednesday a Westmont park hosts an evening of outdoor music. n Holly Days Winter Festival Various downtown locations, 630-963-5252. A Park Districtrun, end-of-year celebration that includes a craft bazaar, Winter Ball, ugly sweater 5K, tree-lighting event and more.

“Our Westmont Auto Mile features the biggest cluster of award winning car dealerships in the Chicago area,” says McIntyre.

That swath is getting even bigger as several dealerships, including BMW,

Recreation n Bellerive Park Skate Park 201 63rd St., 815 584-7193.

State-of-the-art park facility for skateboards, rollerblades and bikes. n Green Meadows Golf Club 201 63rd St., 630 810-5330.

A Nine-hole golf course with two greens for chipping and putting. n Westmont Yard Indoor Sports Complex 233 W. 63rd St., 630 737-1000.

Athletic and family recreation center offering sports programs and leagues for children and adults. n Westmont Park District

Community Center – 75 E. Richmond St., 630 963-5252.

A community hub with a full gymnasium, a dance studio and multi-pupose activity rooms. n Movies in the Park Ty Warner Park Gazebo, 800 N. Blackhawk Dr., 630 963-5252. Summer evening screenings of family friendly movies in an outdoor setting.

Audi, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, have recently undergone expansions. “Also, within the last year, Westmont became home to Tesla, further complementing our roster of car dealerships,” he adds.

Photos courtesy of Westmont Park District

Resources

Westmont Highlights There are many other notable things about Westmont that make it, in the phrasing of its enthusiastic residents, “Bestmont.”

• The Gregg House Museum was once home to brick manufacturer Gregg House, who supplied much-needed bricks to the city in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire. The home was saved from the proverbial wrecking ball in the 1970s by the Westmont Area Historical Society.

Now part of the Westmont Park District, the museum has a variety of historical exhibits and offers a number of programs for elementary school-aged children including hands-on architecture programs, a history of rural Westmont, a Victorian tea party, and more.

• Westmont has an intriguing link to an Olympic winter sport. The U.S. Olympic Luge team has picked Westmont as a location for its Midwest Luge tryouts five times over the last 10 years.

Competitors use a luge sled with wheels for “street luge” as part of the tryouts, before moving on to the next phase of national tryouts.

• Speaking of sports, the Westmont Yard sports facility attracts athletes from many nearby suburbs to its soccer, football and lacrosse indoor playing fields. The attraction also offers a host of activities for kids including an on-site daycare and after-school programs.

• It’s not beyond the very early discussion phase, but a new natatorium (aquatics center) may be built on land leased by the Westmont Park District.

Originally proposed for an area near the Chicago Oak Brook-Hills Hilton next to Westmont, it’s now being considered for a spot near Ty Warner Park.

• Westmont is home to a variety of arts and culture groups, including the community theatre group PVPN, the Academy of Music and Art and the Centre for Dance, among others.

• In addition to traditional grocers like Jewel, Aldi, Mariano’s and the hybrid Standard Market, Westmont has the familyowned Nature’s Best Market, featured on the TV show “Chicago’s Best.” n

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DINING |

REVIEWS

|

LISTINGS

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CHEERS WINE COLUMN

|

AND MUCH MORE Photos courtesy of Harry & Eddie’s

RESTAURANT OPENINGS

RECENTLY OPENED

Harry & Eddie’s

R

European flair. It’s the perfect spot

estaurateur Brian Goewey

Chef Mike Bomberger delivers

has an eye for style and his

modern American fare at its best, with

to sample from a boutique list of wines

newest venue — a beautifully

premium ingredients elegantly executed

and pre-Prohibition craft cocktails, not

restored 1920s theatre building

into dishes that include burgers, lamb

to mention a house-made dessert

in Hinsdale, previously occupied

chops, seafood, salad and inventive bowls

of Kahlúa fudge brownie.

by CiNe Modern Taqueria — offers an especially distinctive dining ambiance.

Harry & Eddie’s is the newest in

and sandwiches.

While the indoor delights of a bar

Goewey’s growing BG Hospitality Group,

wrapped in Carrara marble, vintage

which includes five other eateries in

Harry & Eddie’s is inspired by the glamorous

chandeliers, and a baby grand piano

the west suburbs — Livia in Geneva

days of The Great Gatsby — a light, open

on the restaurant floor may transport

and Elmhurst, Gia Mia in Wheaton and

space that seats 180 and spotlights many of

you back in time, the outdoor patio

Geneva, and Fire + Wine in Glen Ellyn.

the theatre’s original architectural features.

hidden in a secluded alley brings modern

Located at 29 E. 1st St., (630 590-9047),

— Anne Knudsen

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GOOD FOOD

By Lynn Petrak

Neat Kitchen + Bar Inventive “new American” fare in downtown Westmont

T

he word “neat” evokes certain images. Tidy. Feel-good simplicity.

Something cool or appealing. A classic way to order a hard drink.

Those terms apply to different aspects of Neat Kitchen + Bar in downtown Westmont.

The streamlined décor, with an airy floor plan, rich woods and Edison lights, is clean and welcoming. The menu is uncluttered yet inventive, featuring trending ingredients and an eclectic array of offerings. The place has become a hip hub, with families headed for a bite after a Little League game, crews of young after-work professionals and couples huddled over drinks. And, yes, you can order drinks neat, as the bar stocks dozens of whiskeys, spanning single malt, bourbon, rye, wheat and Tennessee varieties as well as a slew of imports.

When it comes to food, Neat specializes in what the owners call “new American” fare — new spins on staples and creative takes on classics. The menu has plenty of burgers, but the beauty is in unique choices like the Neatburger, formed with a flavorful blend of ground chuck, short rib and brisket and topped with crispy shallots, cheddar

and a fried duck egg. The peanut butter burger (yes, it works) is topped with grilled pineapple, artisan bacon, lettuce and cilantro. For vegetarians, there’s a hearty portabella burger with tomato jam, white cheddar and crispy shallots.

Crab cake with corn and chirizo hash Main dishes, likewise, have a classic-contemporary twist. They include starter menu for those who want to just sip salmon with citrus salsa verde and jicama and nibble. There’s the quintessential bar cilantro slaw, and short ribs cooked low and food of chicken wings — medium, hot and slow with roasted mushrooms and plated super-hot (trust us, it’s hot) — along with with parsnip purée and a black pepper-beer pork “wings” presented in a sweet Asian glaze. The chili is a green chili made from chili sauce or a spicy sriracha lime sauce. slow-cooked pork, tomatillo and cilantro Lighter bar fare includes edamame and a Caesar salad can be paired with marlin. with togarashi and lime sauce or a light Taco night is big at Neat and with version of traditional nachos, with ahi tuna, good reason — tortillas are housemade wasabi peas and wasabi lime crema topping and varieties include a mojo chicken with the requisite chips. tomatillo, avocado salsa and pickled red If you can’t decide between healthy onion; a pork belly taco with a refreshing and indulgent, have it both ways with grilled green apple salsa; and a red snapper taco asparagus underneath dollops of luxurious with tomatillo morita salsa and homemade hollandaise and a fried duck egg. slaw. If you’re in a group, mix it up and try There are some pretty neat desserts too, as many flavors as you can. like a shareable plate of warm doughnuts With two bar areas, Neat offers a varied drizzled in a caramel sauce. n

QUICK FACTS

Neat Kitchen + Bar

246 N. Cass Ave., Westmont 630 568-8688 www.neatkitchenandbar.com

RECOMMENDED DISHES

COST

HOURS

EXTRAS

Salmon with citrus

Appetizers: $9 – $14

M - Thur: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Weekday happy hour;

salsa verde and the

Entrées: $19 – $25

F – Sat : 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

full bar; private party

Neatburger

Taco trio: $9 – $15

Bar closes one hour later

room

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DINING West Dundee NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY

South Barrington NE DUPAGE & NW COOK

Schaumburg Bartlett

Itasca

Bloomingdale

South Elgin

Glen St. Charles Ellyn West Chicago

Geneva

Elmhurst

Oak Park 290

CENTRAL DUPAGE

Batavia North Aurora

Lisle

Willowbrook

Bolingbrook

SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY Plainfield

La Grange

Oak Brook Hinsdale

355

Naperville Oswego

90 294

Wheaton

88

Aurora

190

290

55

Romeoville

Burr Ridge Lemont

294

SE DUPAGE & SW COOK

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! n CENTRAL DUPAGE n NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY n SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY n SE DUPAGE & SW COOK n NE DUPAGE & NW COOK n 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: 14.

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 5-10, F-Sat 4:30-9:30, Sun 4-8. Reservations: Recommended n ALLGAUER’S: 3003 Corporate West Dr, Lisle; in Hilton Lisle/Naperville. 630 245-7650. American fare with a modern twist, featuring locally sourced, dry-aged steaks, chops and seafood. Capacity: 196 at 44 tables. Yrs in bus: 35. Chef’s Choice: Potatocrusted halibut. Entrée prices: $25- $44; lunch menu $9-$18. Extras: Bar, banquets, breakfast, lunch and seafood buffets. M–F 6:30 am–10 pm. Sat–Sun 7 am–10 pm. Reservations: Recommended. n ANYWAYS CHICAGO RESTAURANT & PUB:

5 E Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 932-9323.

Classic neighborhood pub with American cuisine.

Capacity: 200 at 45 tables. Yrs in bus: 22. Chef’s Choice: Izzy’s jambalaya pasta and Certified Angus burgers. Entrée prices: $7-$15. Extras: Bar, carry-out, banquets, outdoor dining, kids’ menu.

M-Th 11:30 am-1 am, F-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-1 am. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 304 W Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale, 630 351-8870. n ARROWHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR: 26W151

Butterfield Rd, Wheaton. 630 510-5070. American fare and premium spirits with panoramic golf course views. Capacity: 120 inside, 60 on patio. Yrs in bus: 11. Chef’s Choice: Barrel Cut Ribeye. Entrée prices: $16-$40. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, private rooms, carry-out. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 10-9.

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GOOD FOOD

By Emily Belden

Pinstripes Upscale American fare, specialty flatbreads and a beautiful outdoor patio ideal for al fresco dining

P

instripes may indeed have a prime location on the grounds of the posh Oakbrook Center, but the restaurant doesn’t serve average “mall fare.”

In fact, it’s an epicenter for fun and food, with something for everyone.

With soaring ceilings complete with timber beams, a see-through wine cellar and an open kitchen, you’d think scoring a booth or table inside this two-story venue is as good as it gets. But in the summer months, the gigantic outdoor patio cannot be beat. Here, ample covered seating allows for relaxed al fresco dining.

Pair the summer breeze with a drink from Pinstripe’s full bar, nestled in the middle of this modern lodge-like restaurant. Beer, wine and cocktails are all available to complement the menu, which is brimming with variety.

Meals start with a complimentary basket of warm bread and pesto dip. Add a bowl of soup (the menu changes daily) or one of many tasty appetizers, such as the hummus and avocado platter served with pita and veggies, or the hearty tenderloin sliders.

Signature menu items are called out with

an asterisk, which drew me to try the chopped salad.

The white balsamic dressing was light yet flavorful. But it was the mound of soft, fresh burrata cheese on top that sold me on ordering this one Fettuccine Bolognese again in the future.

Pinstripes is known for its flatbreads and your-mouth short rib can’t be missed, if pizzas, which are cooked in a wood-burning only for the side of garlic mashed potatoes pizza oven. Diners may choose a classic with which it is served. margherita or barbeque chicken pizza, or In the unlikely event that there opt for a roasted vegetable or prosciutto fig will be room for dessert, Pinstripes has flatbread, among others. multiple options for those with a sweet Entrées include a mix of sandwiches, tooth. Topping the list for me was the pastas, and chef specialties. Choosing is caramelized cheesecake, which has the difficult, but the friendly waitstaff is there texture of a creamy cheesecake but with to assist and provide recommendations. I the crunchy, sweet top of a crème brûlée. went with a chicken club sandwich topped Carrot cake and homemade s’mores are with slabs of crispy bacon. For a small other favorites. upcharge, I was able to substitute the side For some fun before or after dinner, salad that it comes with for french fries Pinstripes offers both bocce and bowling. with house-made ketchup.

Don’t worry, tumbling pins cannot be heard For larger plate meals, gnocchi with from the dining area, though on a Friday ahi tuna is one of the most popular dishes. or Saturday night, the buzzing dining room Among the chef specialties, the melt-intakes on a life of its own. n

QUICK FACTS

Pinstripes

7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook 630 575-8700 www.pinstripes.com

RECOMMENDED DISHES

COST

HOURS

EXTRAS

Chicken & Avocado

Appetizers: $11 – $16

M: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. ; T – Th: 11 a.m.

Sat/Sun brunch;

Club Flatbread and

Entrées: $21 – $32

– 11 p.m. ; F : 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; S 10

outdoor fire pit

Italian Jambalaya

Flatbreads: $15 – $17

a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

private parties

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DINING n ATWATER’S: 15 S River Ln, Geneva; in Herrington

Inn & Spa. 630 208-8920. Eclectic American cuisine with a seasonal menu in a European-style atrium overlooking the Fox River. Capacity: 40. Yrs in bus: 23. Entrée prices: $24-$45. 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; Dinner Sun-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10; Brunch Sun 11-2. Reservations: Recommended. n BARREL + RYE: 477 S Third St, Suite 184, Geneva.

630 402-0647. American bistro with a wide range of whiskey and craft cocktails, salads, burgers and shareable plates. Capacity: 50, 20 at bar. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Southern fried chicken sandwich.

Entrée prices: $10-$17. Extras: TVs, full bar, carry-out, selection of scotch and bourbon, patio. Sun-M 1111, Tu-Th 11am-12 pm, F-Sat 11 am-1 am. n BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO: 2752

Showplace Dr, Naperville. 630 428-8500. Classic and contemporary Italian dining in a casual setting. Capacity: 240. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Black fettuccine with lobster & wild mushrooms.

Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Exhibition kitchen, bar, private parties. M-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat11:30-10:30, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 20560 N Rand Rd, Deer Park, 847 438-1850. n CATCH 35: 35 S Washington St, Naperville.

630 717-3500. A deep variety of seafood and premium steaks in an uptown atmosphere.

Capacity: 192 (including bar seating: 247.

Yrs in bus: 13. Chef’s Choice: Chilean sea bass.

Entrée prices: $16-$50. Extras: Bar, private parties, outdoor dining, valet parking T-Sat. Lunch M-Sat 11:30-4; Dinner M-Sat 4-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n CHE FIGATA: 2155 City Gate Ln., Naperville

630 579-3210. Expected to open in early May. Authentic Italian restaurant and marketplace characterized by fresh, homemade dishes in an open space with views into the working kitchen.

Capacity: 200 (inside); 50 (outside). Mths in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Carciofi fritti alla Romona (fried artichokes) and homemade taglierini pasta. Extras: Chef’s counter dining, patio, handcrafted cocktails, private dining, valet parking. Reservations: Yes. n CITYGATE GRILLE: 2020 Calamos Ct, Naperville.

630 718-1010. Fine dining, contemporary American fare in a steakhouse atmosphere. Capacity: 220.

Yrs in bus: 8. Chef’s Choice: 20-oz bone-in rib eye in Bordelaise sauce. Entrée prices: $18-$50, Avg: $25.

Extras: Live entertainment, 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 DELL RHEA’S CHICKEN BASKET: 645 Joliet Rd, Willowbrook. 630 325-0780. World-famous fried chicken in a 1940s-style Route 66 roadhouse featuring video gaming. Capacity: 225 at 40 tables. Yrs in bus: 72. Chef’s Choice: 50/50 burger and breakfast burger. Entrée prices: $10-$20, Avg: $13. Extras: Carry-out, bar, catering, more than 50 craft style beers. Sun-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10 n EMILIO’S TAPAS BAR: 4100 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside. 708 547-7177. Spanish tapas in an authentic countryside atmosphere. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 29. Chef’s Choice: Paella and datiles con bacon.

Entrée prices: $6-$23. Extras: Bar, patio, carry-out, Tapeo bites menu 4:30-6:30 M-Fri, live entertainment Fridays, catering. M 4:30-9:30, T-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes.

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

n FIRE + WINE: 433 N Main St, Glen Ellyn.

630 793-9955. Rustic restaurant with modern Italian flair, serving small-plate fare, authentic Neapolitan artisan pizzas and classic pastas. Capacity: 135. Yrs in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: Hanger Steak. Entrée prices: $9-$19. Extras: Bar, carry-out, wine list, craft beer, kids’ menu, private event hosting, specials. T-Th 4-10, F 4-11, Sat 3-11 and Sun 3-9 (bar closes 1 hour later).

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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CHEERS

DINING

By Buzz Brandt

n FOXFIRE: 17 W State St, Geneva. 630 232-1369.

Casual steakhouse with downtown atmosphere.

Capacity: 175. Yrs in bus: 14. Chef’s Choice: Bordone New York Strip. Entrée prices: $18-$46, lunch $9+. Extras: Bar (open later), outdoor dining, daily specials, carry-out, bar menu, wine list. M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10. Reservations: Yes, recommended.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

n GIA MIA: 106 N Hale St, Wheaton. 630 480-2480.

Old-world pizza irestaurant. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Hand-crafted meatballs. Entrée prices: $10-$20. Extras: Bar, local sourcing, brick oven.

M-T 11-9, W-Sat 11-10. Reservations: No, but callahead seating available. Additional location at 13 N Third St. Geneva, 630 405-5544.

Sunny days and cool nights produce bold styles, rich with fruit

F

rom its ancestral home in France’s Loire Valley, the grassy, acidic Sauvignon Blanc has proliferated throughout the world’s wine-growing regions.

It is an exceptionally terroir-driven grape and its aromas and flavors vary depending on soil and climatic conditions. From the flint, limestone and chalk soils of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé come lean, earthy and mineral-driven Old World Sauvignon Blancs. In the New World, vintners can express bolder styles ripe with fresh fruit.

New Zealand is, of course, a New World country and its Sauvignon Blancs are nothing short of spectacular.

New Zealand is an island nation located in southeast Australasia in the Tasmanian Sea. Its narrow land mass, bisected by a spine of mountain ranges, is split into the cooler, more mountainous South Island and the warmer, volcanic North Island, each with distinct microclimates and terroirs. The vineyards are planted near the coasts in well-drained soils with alluvial deposits of sandstone, clay, limestone and silt. The maritime climate brings abundant sun and ultraviolet light by day followed by cool,

breezy nights — perfect for producing slow-ripened grapes and wines vibrant with acidity and rich in fruit.

About three-quarters of the vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc.

Although winemaking in New Zealand dates back to the 1800s, this varietal was not grown commercially here until the early 1970s. The Marlborough Region on the northeastern edge of South Island — home to acclaimed wineries Kim Crawford and Cloudy Bay — has developed world-renowned wines with distinct aroma and flavor profiles.

A landscape of vast plains, rolling hills and

snow-capped mountains sits on soils ranging from rocky riverbed gravel to alluvial silt and clay. Sunny days and cool nights produce aromatically pungent Sauvignon Blancs fresh with zingy acidity and packed with the flavors of lush tropical fruits, grapefruit and lime mixed with herbaceous and green notes, grassiness, and gooseberry. North Island wines are riper and more fruit-forward, while those from the southern island are acidic and crisp.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are meant to be consumed young and do not benefit from long-term cellaring. n

n HARRY CARAY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE: 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard; inside the Westin Hotel.

630 953-3400. Classic sports-themed steakhouse.

Capacity: 550. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Prime steaks, chops and Italian Specialties. Entrée prices: $12-$52. Extras: Outdoor dining, carry-out, private events. 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. n HOLY MACKEREL!: 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard; in the Westin Hotel. 630 953-3444. Fresh spin on fish house classics in a vintage décor. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Kasu marinated sea bass. Entrée prices: $9-$46. Extras: Private parties, bar. Breakfast M-Sat 6-11, Sun 6 am-noon; Lunch M-Sat 11-4; Dinner M-Sat 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n LIVIA: 207 S Third St, Geneva. 630 402-6444.

Organically driven Italian cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Yrs in bus: 1. Entrée prices: $11-$27. Extras: Bar, children’s menu, outdoor dining, carry-out M-Th Noon-11- 10, F 11-11, Sat 10-11, Sun 10-9 Reservations: OpenTable. Additional location at 116 Schiller St., Elmhurst. 630 402-6195. n MICHAEL JORDAN’S RESTAURANT: 1225 W 22nd

St, Oak Brook. 312 455-8626. Refined American restaurant and bar featuring premium ingredients prepared in an active, open-view kitchen. Yrs in bus: 1 Chef’s Choice: Chilean Sea Bass. Entrée prices: $11-$30. Extras: Full bar, TVs, Wi-Fi, catering, carry-out, valet, outdoor seating. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-midnight, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n PARKER’S RESTAURANT & BAR: 1000 31st St,

EXPERT WINE RECOMMENDATIONS • ENNIE MA URE Whole Foods 2607 W. 75th St., Naperville.

(630 579-7700) 2017 Kim Crawford Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc N $25. An aromatic nose of fruits, citrus and white flowers shows on the palate as well, along with notes of gooseberry, and grassiness. Crisp acidity abounds with a lingering finish of minerality and citrus.

2017 Elk Cove Pinot Gris (Ore.) $20.

Dry and crisp, this luscious Willamette Valley Pinot Gris zings with flavors of green apples, pears, peaches, guava, pineapples and lemon-lime, integrated with vibrant acidity and a touch of minerals.

•VI TORIA PETERSON Peterson Spirits & Fine Wines 88 W. Gartner Rd., Naperville.

(630 527-1501) 2017 Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc N $17.

Pale straw in the glass with a rich palate of tropical fruits, citrus and gooseberry along with herbaceous notes, minerality and brisk acidity.

2017 Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé (France) $26.

Berries dominate a delicate yet powerful rosé, with flavors of cherries and melons, underscored by citrus, grapefruit, stone fruits, white flowers and lychee for mouthwatering acidity.

Downers Grove. 630 960-5700. Elegant venue with American cuisine. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 16. Chef’s Choice: Cedar-planked halibut. Entrée prices: $14-$65, Avg: $32. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, private dining, live jazz music in lounge Tu-Sat. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-10:30, Sat 4-10:30, Sun 4-8:30. Reservations: Recommended. n PATIO RESTAURANT: 7440 S Kingery Hwy (Rt 83), Darien. 630 920-0211. Casual American fare, specializing in BBQ ribs. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 25. Chef’s Choice: BBQ ribs. Entrée prices: $7-$22.

Extras: Carry-out, outdoor dining, catering, drive-up window. M-Th 10:30-10, F-Sat 10:30-11 pm, Sun 10:30-9:30. Reservations: No. Additional locations at 4400 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora. 630 820-8800; 151 S Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, 630 226-9696; and 2780 S Highland Ave, Lombard, 630 627-2600. n PLANK BAR & KITCHEN: 120 Water St, Naperville.

630 778-9676. Upscale bar serving tastes of local food in a rustic modern atmosphere. Capacity: 75 plus 12 at bar. Yrs in bus:1. Chef’s Choice: Fish tacos Entrée prices: $12-$25. Extras: Valet parking.

Breakfast M-F 6:30-10:30, Sat-Sun 7:30-11:30; Dinner M-Sun 4:30-11. Reservations: Yes. n PRONTO’S: 2260 Bloomingdale Rd, Glendale Heights. 630 980-7383. Pizza and Italian fare.

Yrs in bus: 12. Entrée prices: $5-$18. Extras: Pastry chef, bar, carry-out, delivery, TVs, live music. M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 2-9. Reservations: Accepted.

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:

Photo courtesy of City Barbeque

n n n n Opening in August

City Barbeque Slow-smoked bbq plus scratch-made sides and desserts in Downers Grove

A

t City Barbeque, the

serve up ribs, pulled pork,

mac & cheese, hush puppies

“bark”— or the jerky-like

sausages and brisket as well

and collards. There are also

crust that forms on slow-

as free-roaming Amish farm

in-season options like Cukes ‘n

smoked meat — is just as

chicken. Sauces created

Onions or Citrus Pecan Slaw.

good as the bite. Soon to

from award-winning recipes,

open at 1034 Ogden Ave. in

like the white ‘Bama sauce

too. Choose from peach

Downers Grove (630 869-1313),

doused onto the pulled

cobbler, banana pudding

this is the fourth Chicago-

chicken sandwich or the

or triple chocolate cake.

area restaurant for the Ohio-

“original” brushed over the

Sweet teas, lemonades, and

based chain, including one

St. Louis-cut ribs, are available

old-fashioned bottled sodas,

in west suburban Berwyn.

by the bottle to take home.

plus personalized service,

A menu of handcrafted

make for a fun — but lip-

Three on-site smokers burn

Desserts are a taste of home,

local hickory wood — all day

sides offers comfort-food

smackingly serious — barbeque

and night, slow and low — to

favorites like cornbread,

experience. — Anne Knudsen

, , n ROBERTO’S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA: 483 Spring

Rd, Elmhurst. 630 279-8486. Italian cuisine served in a romantic, neighborhood atmosphere. Capacity: 250.

Yrs in bus: 55. Chef’s Choice: Fish entrées. Entrée prices: $14-$44. Extras: Carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, catering, family friendly. M-Th 11-11, F 11am-midnight, Sat 4-midnight, Sun 2-10. Reservations: Yes. n ROKA AKOR: 166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook,

630 634-7652. Diners sit around a robata grill in a convivial form of “fireside cooking” featuring prime steak as well as sushi and nigiri. Mths in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Omakase personal tasting menu. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, three private dining rooms. n SANTO CIELO: 123 Water St, Naperville. 630 323-0700.

Elevated Mexican cuisine. Chef’s Choice: Charred Spanish octopus. Entrée prices: $7-$24. Extras: Full bar, open-view kitchen. Mon-Thur 11-10, F-Sat 11-11.

Reservations: Accepted. Affiliated with Bien Trucha in Geneva and Quiubo in Naperville. n SEARED FINE DINING: 400 Park Blvd, Itasca; inside the Western Hotel Chicago Northwest. 630 773-4000.

Elegant and elevated fine dining centered around fresh seafood and steaks in a recently renovated space. Capacity: 67. Yrs in bus: 1. Entrée prices: $35-$49. Extras: Private room, full bar. M-Sat 5-11 n SIXTYFOUR: A WINE BAR: 123 Water St, Naperville.

630 780-6464. Wine bar serving hand-crafted small plates and featuring 64 wines by the glass as well as 64 local and regional craft beers. Capacity: 130. Chef’s Choice: Grilled Hanger Steak. Entrée prices: $12-$15.

Extras: Reserve Room for private events, beer & wine,

outdoor seating, expert sommeliers, TVs, Wi-Fi. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11. n SUSHI HOUSE: 830 E Ogden Ave, Westmont.

630 920-8948. Sushi, sashimi and Japanese fare.

Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 22. Chef’s Choice: Cracker roll. Entrée prices: $10-$20. Extras: Catering, private parties. M-F 11:30-10, Sat noon-10, Sun noon-9:30.

Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 950 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, 630 968-0088; 1107 Lake St, Oak Park, 708 660-8899; and 281 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, 630 221-8986. n SUSHI UKAI: 120 W Calendar Ct, La Grange.

708 354-8899. Modern interpretation of classic Japanese dishes and sushi. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Fresh sushi rolls. Entrée prices: $14-$27.

M-Sat 11-10, Sun, Noon-9:30. Reservations: No. n SUZETTE’S: 211 W Front St, Wheaton. 630 462-0898.

Crêperie, bistro and wine bar in a casual setting.

Capacity: 88. Yrs in bus: 17. Chef’s Choice: Suzette’s benedict. Entrée prices: $13-$40. Extras: Outdoor dining, private parties, boutique weddings. Pâtisserie open at 7 am, M-Sat, Sun brunch 11-2, afternoon tea T-Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm. T-Th 7 am - 9 pm, F-Sat 7 am - 10 pm, Sun 8 am - 2 pm. Reservations: Recommended. n YORK TAVERN: 3702 York Rd, Oak Brook. 630 323-5090.

The oldest, continuously operating restaurant in DuPage County, serving American fare in a casual pub atrmosphere. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 172. Chef’s Choice: Burgers. Entrée prices: $6-$20. Extras: Carry-out, bar. M-F 11-1 am, Sat 11-2 am, Sun noon-10.

Reservations: No.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE westsuburbanliving.net

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SCENE&SEEN

Charitable Events of Note

John Grube, Doris Christopher, Kelley Schueler, all of Hinsdale and Chicago Zoological Society President & CEO Stuart Strahl

the 15th annual Candlelight Vigil for those affected by eating disorders. The event, with this year’s theme of Weaving the Tapestry of Recovery, is held to motivate and encourage recovery, provide support for families, commemorate those who have lost their lives, and recognize those who have recovered and survived.

The Linden Oaks Eating Disorders Program, designated a Center of Excellence by The Joint Commission, offers four levels of care with the latest techniques designed to help adults and adolescents recover from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders.

Photos courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health

Photos by Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

LINDEN OAKS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH recently hosted

Connie Keller of Oak Brook and Philip and Jenny Templeton of Hinsdale

Trish Fairbanks, associate vice president and chief nursing officer, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, addresses the crowd.

Jonathan and Courteney Templeton of Westmont and Elisa and John Templeton of Oak Brook THE WOMEN’S BOARD AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Chicago Zoological Society recently hosted the 37th annual Whirl. The fundraiser grossed more than $1.3 million. Proceeds will support the animals at Brookfield Zoo, as well as the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation, education, and community outreach programs. More than 500 guests attended the gala, which was held at Brookfield Zoo.

Heidi Huizenga of Oak Brook and Huizenga of of Hinsdale Hinsdale andP.J. PJ Huizenga

Adrianna Koty of Plainfield recites the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders pledge

Photos by Franz Perfect, Bill Richert and John Genova

WISH KIDS STARRED alongside celebrity host Jon Hamm at Wish Ball 2018 as two wish recipients co-emceed the ball. This event, held early summer at Navy Pier and presented by GATX Corporation, raised more than $2 million to support Make-A-Wish Illinois and the organization’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Daniel and Kristina Paschall, and Karen and Dan Kardatzke, all of Downers Grove

Lucia Girolamo of Sugar Grove, Tim Voortman of Burr Ridge, Wish Child Cristian Girolamo of Sugar Grove, actor Jon Hamm, Anna Voortman of Burr Ridge and John Girolamo of Sugar Grove

Erin and John Orr of Naperville

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Photos courtesy of Hinsdale Humane Society

THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CELEBRATED its 31st annual Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala at the Hilton Chicago, raising $1.1 million for the organization.

More than 700 guests attended the event, which was themed around Pure Imagination — a nod to the late Gene Wilder who died due to complications surrounding Alzheimer’s in 2016 and his iconic role of Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the mission of which is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and

Photos by Bill Richert

to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Hinsdale Humane Society adoptable Ruby takes a load off (Ruby was later adopted).

Runners and walkers head off from the starting line.

Western Springs’ residents Neala Patrick, Holly Patrick and their Hinsdale Humane Society alum, Wally

Dave Goltermann (center) of Glen Ellyn, with Natalie Morales (TODAY Show West Coast Anchor and Host of Access Live) and her husband Joseph Rhodes

Kitchen designed by PB Kitchen Design

Dan McFadden, president of PB Kitchen Design, and Tim McMillin, whose home was featured on the the Fox Fox Valley Valley Kitchen Kitchen Walk.

Walk on

PB KITCHEN DESIGN OF GENEVA recently hosted its Fox Valley Kitchen Walk featuring some of the firm’s premier

Photos courtesy of William Tomlin Photography

Jim and Susan Draddy of Hinsdale

HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY’S (HHS) Pet Walk & Run fundraiser was held June 3 at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale, with 450 supporters in attendance. The event is designed to be a fundraiser

kitchen projects located in Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia. This year’s event raised over $13,000 which will be

helping to support the shelter’s operations. Over $40,000

donated to benefit Fox Valley Food for Health, an organization which instructs teens how to prepare healthy,

was generated from registration fees, sponsors, split-the-

predominately organic and nutrient-filled meals for seriously ill or cancer patients.

pot raffle and donations from attendees.

Photos by Greg Inda

Photos by Franz Perfect, Bill Richert and John Genova

Photos courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health

Joe and Jaclyn Cantore of Oak Brook

David Check of Glen Ellyn and Casey Judge of Downers Grove

CYC students and advisors

Dianna Teller of Schaumburg, Judy Macior and Bob CYC CEO Kevin Cherep of Darien Soderlind of Sugar Grove, andGreg Charyl Baer of North Aurora and Alderman Mitchell

CHICAGO YOUTH CENTERS (CYC) hosted its annual Believe in Kids Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton with this year’s theme of Igniting the Spark. The event attracted more than 300 guests and raised nearly $520,000 for one of Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization. CYC supports children and families in underserved communities so they can

Laurie Lawton of River Forest and CYC CEO Kevin Cherep of Darien

succeed in the 21st century.

Gina Zanin of Darien and Dayna Merrow of Burr Ridge

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LAST WORD

By Michele Weldon

Trust But Verify Hope and optimism are good traits, except when hiring contractors for your home

L

ook on the bright side. Give the benefit of the doubt. Believe that hope springs eternal. See the glass as half full. I understand we have centuries of clichés urging us into the holy land of optimism. I am hoping to get there most of the time, and I do try never to assume the worst.

But recently my optimism did not serve me well. And I got sucker punched — in the wallet.

A lesson I learned was that not everyone deserves your trust. My believing that the contractor I hired to fix the wood cornice over my front door was not a fraud did not make it so. He was one. I am still waiting for the refund check to clear, even though I demanded cash. Sigh.

I believed the nice young man with the references — who were his friends, I later learned — when he said he could fix not only my falling gutter, but the wood decorative piece over the front door, as well as paint the garage, the outside of the addition and the back deck. To his credit, some of the work was started, half of the work was finished, though nothing was done well or on deadline.

If you are like me and thousands of us in the western suburbs with homes that need more than a little love and care this summer, hold on. There’s a morality lesson in here.

I was hesitant but optimistic when the one-week delay turned into two, then three, and then suddenly the young man’s mother was critically ill and he could not possibly show up. Crying on the phone with apologies, he was convincing.

As the mother of sons, I was touched

“I do try never to assume the worst . . . but recently my optimism did not serve me well. And I got sucker punched — in the wallet.” by how heartbroken he was. Of course, I could not be so heartless to imagine this was untrue.

Then when week four emerged with no sighting or work completion, the mother’s pneumonia turned into an intensive care stay — he could not leave her bedside. All this by text after text after text. Funny, I thought, when my father was in ICU, we could not be by his bedside. But I thought it would be cruel to ask too many questions. So I didn’t.

Week five became a hysterical recounting of when the young man would have to pull the plug on his dying mother. How could I possibly ask about the replacement windows that he guaranteed were in his garage and he could drop off later that day? They were there ready to go along with the wood cornice he painted; he was just waiting for his friend to return his truck so he could drop that off, too.

Yes, I was cynical — I do work as a journalist after all, and am cognizant of that old adage of “Trust but verify,” and the almighty, “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” I decided it was unfathomable to lie about your mother’s last breath and inhumane for me to ask for verification.

Week six brought news that she had indeed passed. More sobbing phone calls about how he was having a hard time holding his life together as his mother was his everything. I asked a few simple

questions about where the funeral would be.

“Shall I send you a photo of her in the coffin?” was his abrupt reply.

I wish I had said yes.

Needless to say, the man’s mother is alive and well — I found that out on a Google search. She is also the one who wrote the partial refund check that I am still waiting to clear. That is the good news.

Online I also found a smattering of home repair fraud arrests and charges across the western suburbs in the contractor’s name. I was not just optimistic, I was a fool.

I am reminded of a conversation with a friend who was recently married for the third time and even more recently divorced for the third time.

“You must think I am foolish,” he said.

“I think you are optimistic,” was my reply.

My parents taught my five brothers and sisters and me to see the best in anyone and everyone we meet. I have tried to do the same with my sons. If my parents had known the phrase, they would have advised me to eliminate unconscious bias and greet everyone with the hope that it will be a fruitful and pleasant encounter. And yes, most all of the time, that works just fine.

In the case of the home repair contractor with the imaginary passing mother, it did not. I am certain I will not abandon all hope, but from now on, I will Google first and ask questions later.

I suggest you do the same. n

80 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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