November/December 2013

 KIDS’ ROOMS

 SPOTLIGHT ON BATAVIA

 SPIRITUAL RETREATS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

Celebrating the Season

• CELEBRATING

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THE SEASON

WAYS TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

VOL. 17 •

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 $3.95

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HOLIDAY

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Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Roseanne Segovia Assistant Editor | Joe Allen Art Director | Catherine A. LePenske

Contributing Writers Mary Bergin, Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Erin Chan Ding Denise Linke, Jennie McKee, Lynn Petrak, Lisa Sloan, Sara Pearsaul Vice, Michele Weldon, Tom Witom Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern Advertising Sales Pam Loebel, Susan Reetz Accounting/Circulation Jennifer Cozette

Reader Advisory Board Laurie Barton (Glen Ellyn), Karla Bullett (Lombard) Linda Cassidy (Campton Hills), Mary Ellen Coombs (Wheaton), Joan Hoff (Elmhurst) Grace Grzanek (Batavia), Liz Hunka (Wheaton) Nancy Jensen (Wheaton), Holly Jordan (Wheaton) Mary Ellen Kastenholz (Western Springs) Kate Kirkpatrick (Naperville) Molly Livermore (St. Charles) Pamela Peterson (Burr Ridge) Diana Santos (Woodridge), Darla Scheidt (Darien) Jean Stawarz (Oak Brook) Marilyn Straub (Willowbrook)

West Suburban Living is a publication of C2 Publishing, Inc. 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162 630.834.4995 / 630.834.4996 (fax) wsl@westsuburbanliving.net 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. 18, No. 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013; ISSN No. 1532-6705) is published bi-monthly (6 times a year) by C2 Publishing, Inc., 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162, 630 834-4995, fax 630 834-4996.

Periodicals postage paid at Elmhurst, Illinois and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: 1 year $15; 2 years $22; 3 years $30. Single copy $3.95; back issues, as available, $6. 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. 2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Contents West Suburban Living

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November/December

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2013

Getaways

40

68

Inner Journeys

Retreat centers that offer an ideal environment to reflect and seek spiritual renewal.

Home&Garden DAZZLING HOLIDAY TABLESCAPES

Decorating your home for the holidays.

84

84

SMALL WORLDS

The latest trends in children’s room décor, from tots to teens.

Health&Wellness

88

BIONIC LIMBS

New prosthetic technology is giving newfound mobility and dexterity to those who have lost arms and legs.

Town Focus

 Feature 64

CELEBRATING THE SEASON

92

BATAVIA

73

SPECIAL SECTION Gift Guide

68

From the new Illumination

of classic holiday shows like

lights exhibition at Morton

the Christmas Carol and the

Arboretum, to Holiday

Nutcracker, 10 great ways to

Housewalks, to performances

get into the holiday spirit.

This historic Fox River town is enjoying an ongoing revitalization that is sparking new growth.

Area retailers share their favorite holiday gift ideas.

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Departments

West Suburban Living

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November/December

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2013

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98 Perspectives

8

Holiday memories Letters

36

Life in the Burbs

Our readers sound off.

Broadway comes to Aurora: a successful series of musical productions has breathed new life into the Paramount Theatre.

18

26

32

Last Word

Navigating the holiday party scene.

Around the Towns

14

22

FOREWORD

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112

45

Q&A

A local actor and historian gives insight on treasured holiday traditions.

Grassroots organization provides support and leadership training for women in the workplace.

20

45

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

JOLLY OLD SOULS

Veteran Santas share the joys and challenges of playing the legendary holiday role.

COURTRIGHT’S

A local favorite closes its doors after 20 fulfilling years.

Style&Fashion

with DeAnna and Kevin Cooper, founders of Amarok Productions, a Wheaton-based film company.

THE TRUE STORY OF ST. NICK

EMPOWERING WOMEN NETWORK

stops & shops

Dining

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100

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New stores and favorite hidden gems

Out&About ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best in music, theatre and other area events

106

REVIEW: EDDIE MERLOT’S A steakhouse with both sizzle and great steak.

REVIEW: KIKU Hibachi-style cooking and sushi in Naperville.

NEW RESTAURANTS

Barbakoa in Downers Grove, Bisi African Restaurant in Schaumburg, Clara’s Pasta in Woodridge, Fogo de Chao in Rosemont, Macarena Tapas in St. Charles, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook CHEERS

Nebbiolo: The noblest of grapes.

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editor’s Note “Too often we underestimate the

A Job That’s Hard Not to Love

power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,

A

a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

- Leo Buscaglia

“Now is the time.

Needs are great, but your possibilities are greater.”

- Bill Blackman

“Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.”

- David Thomas

“Come to me all who are weary and heavyladen, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle

mong my claims to fame in life is playing Santa Claus at the Harlem Irving Plaza mall for about two hours one long-ago holiday season. It was during a brief period in my early journalism career when, inspired by sportswriter George Plimpton’s first-person articles and books, I was interested in not just writing about topics, but experiencing them firsthand.

To a young reporter, getting to wear the big red suit and actually be Santa, even for a short period of time, sounded like it could be pretty fun. And it was.

Maybe it’s selective memory, but I don’t recall having to deal with any crying, scared-to-death toddlers or jaded, tooold-to-believe-in-Santa middle schoolers.

Rather, my most distinctive memory from the experience was the sense of earnestness many of the young kids had when approaching Santa. Perhaps some were on their best behavior because they thought their Christmas presents were on the line, but even as a young, 20-something guy, my sense at the time was that they were expressing genuine sincerity and humility. And some of the kids’ requests were surprisingly touching.

I was reminded of that experience while editing the feature “Jolly Old Souls” on page 26, in which writer Joni Hirsch Blackman interviewed several veteran

and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

area Santas. To a man, they talk about what a wonderful and uplifting role it is to play. As one longtime Santa says, “It’s just an outright joy to do.”

For almost 20 years, Bill and Rebecca Courtright experienced a similar sense of joy in running the Willow Springs restaurant that bears their name. Among the many retail shop and restaurant owners I have met over the years, they have been among the most passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. Unfortunately, as writer Tom Witom recounts in “A Dream Realized Comes to an End” on page 32, after a long and successful run, Courtright’s will be closing at the end of the year. The restaurant will be missed by the many who enjoyed its elegant meals over the years. For Bill and Rebecca, “It’s time,” she says, “to move on to the next life adventure.” We wish them all the best.

We wish you, our readers, the best as well. Have a blessed and joyous holiday season and a happy new year!

- Matthew 11:28-30

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher chuck@westsuburbanliving.net

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David Hettinger and George Shipperley

LETTERS n

Special Show — November 16 - 30

BREAST CANCER

n

Readers Respond

SPOTLIGHT ON GLEN ELLYN

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www.westsuburbanliving.net

Kudos for the Planner

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David Hettinger’s Autumn’s Song

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just wanted to send a very big thank you your way for including DuPagePads in your Charitable Events Planner with those beautiful photos! We truly appreciate all your support throughout the year and we were absolutely delighted to see that we had been so nicely included in the planner! - Jennifer Pudwill, Special Events Coordinator, DuPagePads

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n the annual 2013-2014 Charitable Events Planner inserted into the Sept/Oct issue, we incorrectly indicated that proceeds from the DuPage County Historical Museum’s Thursday, December 12, “Attuned Music Series Sweet Home Gingerbread Breakfast” were benefitting Family Shelter Services.

The proceeds for the event will actually go to the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. For more information on the event, call 630 510-4941.

In our Out & About calendar of events, we also had the wrong photo caption for a Revolutionary War Reenactment event at Cantigny. We regret the errors.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Your thoughts, feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Drop us a note at West Suburban Living Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, 60126 or e-mail editor Chuck Cozette at wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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THE

AROUND TOWNS STOPS & SHOPS

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Q&A

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COMMUNITY

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LIFE IN THE BURBS

Lights, Camera, Action!

FORMER HOLLYWOOD film executives turned independent movie makers Kevin and DeAnna Cooper run their company, Amarok Productions, from their home in Wheaton. For more on this movie-making duo, shown here on the set of their film, “The ThePainter” Painter — which just won an award from the Illinois Film Office — check out our Q&A on the following page.

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Q&A

DeAnna and Kevin Cooper/ Founders of Amarok Productions, a Wheaton-based film company

FEW WOULD CONFUSE the western suburbs with Hollywood, which is exactly why husband and wife filmmakers Kevin and DeAnna Cooper chose to base their independent movie production company, Amarok Productions, in Wheaton. Having worked for a number of years with some of the big studios — he with Twentieth Century Fox Studios’ Fox 2000 and Bay Films/Disney Studios, among others, and she with Twentieth Century Fox as well as New Line Cinema — the couple decided to launch their own production company with the mission of making great familyoriented films. Moreover, they wanted to do it in an environment that would be condusive to their mission and also be a great place for their kids to grow up, thus the move. The Cooper’s have already produced two films, “I Heart Shakey” and “The Painter,” the latter having recently won the Illinois Film Office’s “Shortcuts Competition.” The duo, who also both teach at Columbia College in Chicago, are currently in production on a third film, “Precious Mettle,” a murder mystery starring veteran actor Paul Sorvino.

The Coopers took a little time out to share some of the challenges and rewards of making independent films while living and working in the western suburbs.

Q&A

n How did you initially get involved in the film business?

DE: After graduate school, I moved to Los Angeles. At that time the film studios where looking for financial executives that could apply business principles to all phases of filmmaking. My first job was with New Line Cinema and then I moved over to 20th Century Fox. When I joined Fox, “Titanic” was in the process of being released worldwide. It was an incredible time to be at the studio. Everyone was enjoying its great success and it allowed the studio to take risks on other projects with unknown talent and/or concepts.

I sat in on pitch meetings, helped plan marketing campaigns, negotiated contractual terms with distributors, and tried to forecast the value of films based on very limited informations, sometimes without knowing the title, actors, director, or even having a brief synopsis. These days, there are lots more remakes because the studios need safer, more predictable films to absorb risk on other films. As a result, there is a prime opportunity for independent filmmakers to capitalize on lower budget films, and that is what Amarok Productions intends to do! We are going to continue to make films in the Midwest with reasonable budgets and strong commercial appeal.

KEVIN: While in the Army stationed in Munich, I met and became friends with some German stuntmen from the nearby Bavaria Film Studios. So after the Army, I went to film school at NYU. After moving to Hollywood, I worked my way up to become a creative executive, and did stints at Fox 2000, a division of 20th Century

RAPID FIRE

Fox Studios; Digital Domain, owned by James Cameron; and Bay Films, a production company for Michael Bay owned by Disney. My role as a creative executive was looking for prospective movies, working with screenwriters to develop the material, and working with the films’ producers to get the studio to finance or “greenlight” the movie.

While at New Line, I served as Executive Producer on the film “Secondhand Lions,” which starred Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. I also worked in various capacities on films like “Men of Honor,” “Fight Club,” and “Lake Placid.” n Tell me a little about your vision for starting Amarok Productions?

KEVIN: Amarok is an Inuit word that means “wolf.” There’s something inspiring about how wolves live in packs — they play together, fight together, and pursue food together. That commitment to family and sticking together are values we hold dearly.

DE: We want to tell strong stories — love, loyalty, redemption, triumph, forgiveness.

We want to inspire ourselves and hopefully others along the way. n Does being based in the western

suburbs make it significantly harder to produce films here due to lack of technical expertise or other resources?

Kevin: In short, no. Maybe, distance away from L.A. caused filmmakers to lose out on opportunities 20 or 30 years ago. But today, a filmmaker needs essentially what entrepreneurs have known for years — the chutzpah to bring together artisans and

3. Favorite actor/actress of all time?

5. Three words that describe you?

KEVIN: Jimmy Stewart. He made

KEVIN: Passionate, inspiring, strong.

DE: Loving, caring, tough.

1. Favorite Film of All Time?

A show that was able to successfully

everything look so effortless and

KEVIN: Apocalypse Now

swing between comedy and

believable. DE: Audrey Hepburn

6. Best career advice or words of

DE: Sound of Music

heart-felt drama, tackling both

4. Actor or actress you’d most like

wisdom you ever received?

2. Favorite TV show? KEVIN: It’s an

smaller interpersonal stories as well

to have in one of your films?

KEVIN: Go to film school and see

oldie, I know, but I always appreciated

as social commentary. DE: BBC’s

KEVIN: Pierce Brosnan

if filmmaking appeals to you.

and enjoyed watching M*A*S*H.

Masterpiece Theater: Sherlock Holmes.

DE: Holly Hunter

DE: Be happy.

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Q&A technicians, not unlike community theater.

Whether in LA or the suburbs of Chicago, the key is making movies that impact an audience, with characters that are relatable and that deal with relatable themes. For us at Amarok, we are also committed to movies that tell stories with redemptive messages — tales that allow viewers an opportunity to try to escape and feel good about their lives.  You have attracted some fairly well known actors to participate in your films -- Steve Guttenberg in “I Heart Shakey” and Paul Sorvino in your current production.

KEVIN: John Hughes and his approach has served as a great source of inspiration to us. In terms of attracting recognizable actors, it does indeed take some know-how to be taken seriously by the actors’ agents.

But if you can make a legitimate financial offer and have a compelling script, you can attract good people.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE



westsuburbanliving.net

 Describe a typical day when you have a movie in production and what do you like most and least about your job?

KEVIN: Production is certainly the most difficult phase of filmmaking. There are extremely long days, days that can bleed into one another. It’s a process that is part manufacturing but also extremely creative.

The least favorite aspect of production is not being able to please everyone. A director and producer will have moments when he or she has to make an unpopular decision, or when someone is just not a good creative fit and has to be let go.

Production is often filled with the “drama” of putting a lot of intense artists together, which is by all accounts not easy. The part that is the most enjoyable is when the filming results in a successful rendition of what was planned — watching an actor nail his or her lines in or seeing a visual come to life that was suggested in the script’s narrative. Those moments make it all worthwhile.

DE: As a Creative Producer, my role, once shooting starts, is to be managing the action from a higher level. I live and breathe the film from origin to exhibition. While the director is capturing his vision on camera, I am preparing for all the remaining phases of the film — communicating with the investors and press, coordinating marketing campaigns, interviewing and selecting all post crew, watching dailies to make sure the director is getting all that he intended

and checking to see if there are creative issues that I can possibly assist with. There is no set schedule for a producer and there is no end to the work.  Your film, “The Painter,” recently won an award from the state film office. How gratifying it is to gain recognition for a project that was so dear to your heart?

DE: We love Chicago, and yet what’s happening in certain neighborhoods is absolutely tragic. Children, who obviously have done nothing wrong, are born into and have to survive in a world of violence that inevitably will steal away some aspect of their innocence. Some of these high-risk neighborhoods are like combat zones, and we as a city are in a way sitting back allowing for children to live pretty impossible lives. So, with “The Painter,” we’re hoping to be one more voice crying out, trying to bring more awareness to a problem that hurts all of us.

In producing the film, we reached out and worked with two great organizations, UCAN and Youth Guidance. Inner city kids from these organizations played roles in front and behind the camera and we bussed in all the children from Engelwood’s Parker Elementary that wanted to participate throughout the film shoot.

Out of thousands of film festivals around the world, only 64 are Academy Award qualifying and “The Painter” has already been selected to screen at five so far this year! What a great compliment to the creative collaborative efforts of so many.  What has the transition from Hollywood to the western suburbs been like?

KEVIN: Our first day in our new home our neighbors brought us home-grown zucchini. That never happened in L.A.! We lived in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Studio City while in California, yet we never felt “at home.” Wheaton is what we were looking for — a quaint town, what we call a Norman Rockwell setting.

DE: This is our life now and we love it! We get to be with our family and be filmmakers, too. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our kids are used to hearing pitches about possible movie ideas or sitting on our laps as we’re editing or running through the room showing us their homework while we’re meeting with our executives. People who do business with us quickly learn, it’s not just Amarok, its Kevin and De, three

kids, a dog, multiple turtles, and fish!



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Photo courtesy of Histories for Kids

THE

AROUND TOWNS

The True Story of St. Nick Local actor/historian brings historic figure to life and explains many of our treasured holiday traditions

C

andy canes, wreaths and mistletoe didn’t just pop out of a chimney one morning. The origins of these and other Christmas traditions can be explained through the story of the real St. Nicholas.

That’s where Terry Lynch comes in.

An actor and co-owner with his wife of Histories for Kids, Lynch brings the original St. Nick — Bishop Nicholas of Myra, which is now in Turkey — to life with his dramatic one-man theatrical presentations during the holiday season.

Among locally scheduled performances are upcoming shows at the DuPage Historical Museum in Wheaton on Dec. 12 and Prisco Community Center in Aurora on Dec. 13.

St. Nicholas was one of the bishops summoned to Roman Emperor Constantine’s

Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He was known for his anonymous acts of charity to the needy and his attempts to blend in with any crowd, whether they were believers in Christ, of other faiths or pagans.

“He always wanted people to be comfortable,” says Lynch. “And he wanted to be like the people he was with.” Because of St. Nicholas’ common touch, he became the patron saint of many things, adds Lynch, becoming the third most popular saint behind Jesus and Mary.

“The feast of St. Nicholas was bigger than Christmas at various times — it was a five-day event with debauchery and partying,” says Lynch. “But it was outlawed

by Martin Luther. That’s when St. Nicholas became ‘Kris Kringle,’ or the ‘Christ child,’ so Martin Luther couldn’t say you can’t celebrate the Christ child.”

Dressed in his best St. Nicholas garb, Terry Lynch shares some holiday history.

In England and parts of Germany, St. Nicholas was called Father Christmas.

There, he converted pagan tree-worshipers to Christianity. He was said to wear an evergreen wreath on his head and have a sprig of mistletoe on his robe. The candy cane was created by candy makers as a symbol of the staff often held by Bishop Nicholas.

“The pagans used to sacrifice a tree at the Yule celebration — that’s where we get the ‘yule log.’ He told them that instead of destroying trees, they should decorate them,” explains Lynch.

That idea inspired German glassblowers to create artwork to put on the trees, the first ornaments. Nicholas is credited with tying the celebration to the birth of Christ by encouraging people to give gifts to each other since everyone is like

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Christ, says Lynch.

The Dutch brought the concept to America. St. Nicholas was the patron saint of sailors, so the Dutch told him if he kept them safe on their voyage, they would build a church in his honor. They called him Sinter Claus; others modified that to Santa Claus.

The stockings which these days are “hung by the chimney with care,” also began with St. Nicholas. The bishop gave poor girls money for their marriage dowries, without which they were likely to be sold into slavery. He would anonymously put the money in the stockings — or, some said, shoes -— girls had hung by the fireplace to dry. That story established St. Nicholas as a gift-giver.

Even the popular notion that Santa knows who has been “naughty and nice” has a historic origin. “Nicholas had helpers who would punish whoever wasn’t behaving,” explains Lynch. “In certain countries, he had the devil come with him to scare those who were misbehaving. St. Nicholas wouldn’t harm a child, but he would sometimes scare the badness out of them.”

Lynch has been playing St. Nicholas for 11 years. It is one of several historical characters he portrays through Histories for Kids. Lynch’s wife, Laura, is a teacher who writes study guides for the shows.

After researching St. Nicholas and creating Terry’s presentation, they wrote a book, “Nicholas Comes to America, the Story of Santa Claus,” about their findings.

The number one priority of the St. Nicholas show has always been discretion regarding Santa’s existence. “I don’t want to be the person who ruins Christmas for kids,” explains Lynch. “So the language I use, the stories — I am very careful to make sure no secrets are revealed.”

But the historical background can be fun and helpful, especially for kids, says Lynch.

“Often we forget why things are done — many people have told us that understanding has made the Christmas season even more special.” - Joni Hirsch Blakman WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 19

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Hidden Gems & Longtime Favorites

Photos courtesy of Jennie McKee

Stops&Shops



CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

ALIXANDRA COLLECTIONS

MAX LOGAN’S

Downtown LislE Is Home to Crème

Since it opened in 2005, Alixandra

It’s Clear that ruth gurney, owner

de la Crème Gifts & Accessories (4710 Main St., 630 968-2500), which offers a charming assortment of gift items, women’s fashions and jewelry, adorable baby clothing, and much more.

The inviting boutique features “one-of-a-kind selections from local artisans as well as European artisans,” says owner Pat Smith.

Among the store’s most popular items are Blessing Bracelets, which feature pearls meant to symbolize the blessings in one’s life. Other great finds include stylish Grace in LA jeans, Lyseé leggings, bags by designers like Louis Cardy and scarves by Taleen.

Shoppers will also find Voluspa Candles, luxurious bath and body products by Michel Design Works and Naturally European body creams. Popular gift items include decorative pillows, eye-catching picture frames, and wooden blocks and signs by Living Quotes inscribed with heart-warming sentiments.

- Jennie McKee

Collections in downtown Hinsdale (40 S. Washington St., 630 789-0022) has been a favorite destination for shoppers looking for sophisticated women’s jewelry and fashions.

The spacious boutique — which has several additional locations including one in LaGrange, and a sister home goods store, Alixandra Blue, also in Hinsdale — is brimming with fabulous jewelry and accessories. Deepa Gurnani headbands shimmer with rhinestones and beads, alongside stylish earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other pieces from designers such as Chan Luu and Tai. Those looking for edgier pieces will find a wide selection of jewelry from Virgins, Saints & Angels. The shop also carries a line of custom charm necklaces that can be personalized.

Other tempting items include cozy sweaters, chic dresses and hats, funky Leatherock belts and handbags, and denim by DL 1961 and AG Jeans, adding style to any ensemble.

- Jennie McKee

of Max Logan’s Home Accents (5135 Main St., 630 963-8800), knows how to make a house feel like a home. Her charming shop, open for a little over a year in downtown Downers Grove, is filled with thoughtfully selected home décor items brimming with style and warmth.

Gurney, who named the shop after her grandchildren, Maxine and Logan, has an eye for unique accent pieces, from picture frames and designer floral arrangements, to wall art, table accessories and seasonal décor items that bring the holidays to life.

Simple and elegant luminara candles are a favorite among shoppers, as are the Charles Viancin silicone covers — artfully designed and exceedingly useful for covering bowls, pots and pans.

Max Logan’s also has a great selection of purses, scarves, scented lotions and handmade jewelry

by Robin Goodfellow, Tracy Jane and others.

- Jennie McKee

New Store Openings Following is a sampling of new stores that have opened in the last few months in the western suburbs.

For a full list, go to westsuburbanliving.net.

ARITZIA Contemporary women’s clothing, shoes, bags, hats and accessories.

Oakbrook Center.

CHARLIE & GRACE Consignment boutique selling children’s clothing,

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accessories, toys and décor.

937 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. 331 777-5818 CLAYSPACE CERAMIC ARTS Non-profit ceramic arts studio offering workshops and classes. 740 E Front St., Lisle. 630 393-2529

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KATE SPADE NEW YORK Women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry.

Oakbrook Center.

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(From Left) Empowering Women Network Founder Georgia Dudley, Monica Guillory of RR Donnelley, Katie Cummins of The Horton Group, Brittany Mack of Walgreens, and Adoree Peto of True Value.

Empowering Women in the Workplace Grassroots organization provides leadership training, professional development and networking

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he Empowering Women Network started as an idea, stemming from a disparity that had long bugged businesswoman Georgia Dudley.

Women had begun balancing out the gender demographic in the workplace, but where, she thought, was the gender equity in the boardrooms? Or in the executive suites?

“I mean, you get to the boardroom and there are no women there,”says Dudley.

Or often, just a few. Women, for instance, currently make up just 4.2 percent of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies, according to Catalyst, which specializes in workplace research.

So in 2002, Dudley, who had already helped start an information technology consulting company, sold her stake in it to

launch another enterprise — the Empowering Women Network.

The organization started modestly, with events held at her Glen Ellyn home with 10 or 15 attendees. Then, several large corporations like RR Donnelley and Navistar joined and the membership began to climb.

Fast forward several years, and the Empowering Women Network, or EWN, now has more than 900 members throughout the Chicago area, engaging its members in intense professional development training, as well as personal coaching.

A key goal is to facilitate and support female leadership. For Dudley, 55, “The catalyst is always about giving back. How do I make the journey quicker for a young woman, based on everything I learned?”

One of the first corporate members to sign up, RR Donnelley joined because the Empowering Women Network “aligns with our diversity and inclusion goals, as it focuses on developing women leaders,” says Monica Guillory, director of human resources and workplace inclusion at RR Donnelley, which has its global headquarters in downtown Chicago and offices in Warrenville and Bolingbrook.

Guillory estimates that about 100 women at RR Donnelley, which focuses on print, digital and supply chain services, are involved in some way in the Empowering Women Network’s programs each quarter, whether through roundtables, workshops or the professional development and coaching program.

When Guillory, 50, of Bolingbrook,

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Re-Entering the Workforce After Divorce

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f you’re an at-home parent going through a divorce, you may be on the threshold of two major life changes at once — the divorce itself, and re-entering the workforce to resume a career or to start a new one. While this brings incredible challenges, it can also bring a transformative opportunity to create a new life for yourself — and by knowing more about how spousal maintenance works, you can help prepare for financial independence.

In Illinois, as in many other states, spousal maintenance (more commonly known as alimony) can be built into divorce decrees, especially for couples where only one spouse works outside the home. But the amount and duration of support varies with each individual case, and in many cases, maintenance and child support payments aren’t enough to sustain a household long-term by themselves.

Since the goal of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act is for each party to be financially independent, it comes with a good faith affirmative obligation that anyone receiving spousal maintenance should take steps to seek employment. This can look different depending on the situation. For someone with no college education, it might include enrolling in college and taking classes. For a former nurse or teacher, it could mean getting re-certification. For a parent with school-age children, it could involve seeking part-time work during daytime hours.

The court also typically sets reviewable maintenance in these cases, meaning that the court can reconsider a person’s right to maintenance at a set time after the divorce. Those who have the ability to work but aren’t making best efforts to return to work don’t have the right to continued maintenance; in fact, maintenance may be decreased or even terminated based on the court’s findings during a review.

Deborah Carder

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our cllients.

Deborah Carder, a partner with Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, helps clients with complex, financial, custody and high-asset family law matters. Ms Carder has consistently received the honor of being selected by her peers as a Leading Lawyer in Illinois. She is the past President of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.

For more information, contact our Wheaton Family Law office at (630) 665-5800. Upon request, we will send you a “Straight Talk on Divorce” information booklet.

If you’re expecting to receive maintenance as part of your divorce decree, talk with your attorney about your plan for pursuing education and employment options. Your attorney will work with you to assure spousal maintenance requirements are met and help you make the transition to true independence.

was tasked three years ago with leading diversity and inclusion for RR Donnelley in the U.S., she looked at the value that a corporate membership in EWN would bring.

“Because of our corporate membership,” says Guillory, “we can invite, literally, hundreds of professionals who can attend for no additional dollars. It’s just a really, really good value.” Better yet, EWN often lets her choose relevant topics and speakers that help make roundtables and sessions more personal.

Best of all, “Our women leaders get exposure to other women leaders so they can see leadership in action,” says Guillory.

A $10,000 corporate membership in EWN, for instance, gives a company an unlimited number of executive memberships, meaning that a corporation’s employees can have access to roundtables and keynote sessions throughout the year. The corporation can also send four women to EWN’s professional development sessions.

The professional development and leadership aspects of EWN are becoming a central focus for the company, says Dudley.

Each professional development session includes a four-hour session once a month for six months and one hour of business coaching for each attendee.

The topics for the sessions explore self-confidence; identifying leadership abilities; levels of leadership, team building and emotional intelligence; difficult conversations and building social capital; strategic thinking; and influence and political savvy.

Guillory, who also serves on EWN’s advisory board, says she works with managers throughout her company to select women who have already demonstrated high potential at RR Donnelley for the professional development program.

“It’s about helping them learn additional leadership skills beyond their technical abilities,” she explains, adding that in her years of tracking the women who have gone through the program, there have been several in-house promotions of program participants.

“There are these little nuggets that you get all the time, whether from a speaker

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or somebody you meet,” says Guillory.

Cultivating female leadership through partnering with organizations like EWN can help change the gender demographic at the corporate executive level, she adds.

“Some of what we see reflected is predicated on these persistent norms that we have as to what leadership looks like,” maintains Guillory. “The challenge is helping businesses understand why women leaders make them better and stronger. Part of that is having more women leaders get empowered and change that norm by their presence, and their results, and their contributions.”

Jennifer Hogberg, a consultant and coach at Revenue Storm, a sales consulting firm, got acquainted with EWN at a leadership breakfast at the Executive Club of Chicago and began volunteering and facilitating roundtables as a way to assist other women.

“I love the atmosphere of helping women get connected, stay connected and assisting with their professional advancement,” says Hogberg, 54, of La Grange.

Mary Formosa, a vice president of human resources at Navistar, the truck and engine corporation based in Lisle, says she connected EWN with Navistar five years ago because of its cost-effective membership structure and its focus on cultivating and encouraging female leadership.

EWN, says Formosa, 53, of Homer Glen, helps women build confidence, nurture and form relationships, work through difficult conversations and develop strategic skills. It complements internal groups at the company, like Working Women in Navistar, not only by its intense focus on developing leadership skills, but also hrough its ability to bring together female leaders from various industries and Chicago-based companies.

In addition to RR Donnelley and Navistar, other EWN corporate members include Walgreens Co., True Value, PepsiCo and William Blair.

“Our women can network and brainstorm with women from other companies,” says Formosa, who recently joined EWN’s advisory board, “and I really think you need that as an organization.”

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Photo courtesy of John Sullivan

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Around towns

Longtime Santa John Sullivan of Streamwood meets with a young fan dressed appropriately for the occasion.

Jolly Old Souls Veteran Santas share the joys and challenges of playing the legendary holiday role

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n Christmas mornings when Jeff Curtis was a little boy, he’d wake up, go downstairs and Santa Claus would be sitting in his living room waiting for him.

“When you’re 4 years old or 8, that’s the most normal thing in the world,” says Curtis, whose father, Art Curtis, was Streamwood’s Santa for 40 years. “Then you find out the truth and you’re in awe of your dad. Then sometimes as you get older, you’re embarrassed. Then when you turn 15 or 16, you’re very proud.”

But he never expected to step into his father’s big black boots.

“About 15 years ago, my dad said his knees were too bad to continue and he asked me if I wanted to do it,” Curtis recalls. “I didn’t think I did, but the first time I tried it, I fell in love.”

The 58-year-old Bartlett resident took the reins his dad offered. Jeff learned from watching Art — whose cardinal rule was “never ever under any circumstances ever promise a child anything, you don’t know what the outcome is” — and from attending the “International University of Santa Claus.” The school taught Curtis everything from the history of Santa to the care of white hair and beards.

It didn’t take long for him to warm to the role. “It’s just an outright joy to do,” says Curtis, whose wife, Carolyn, has taken on his mom’s role of Mrs. Claus as well.

“You get to talk to kids. There’s nothing more fun than listening to a kid tell you about what they really, really want. Most Santas say the same thing, ‘If we didn’t get paid, we’d probably still do this job.’ It’s so much darn fun. When a 4-year-old girl

jumps up in your lap and says ‘I’ve been waiting all year for this,’ you just melt.”

Though Curtis still works full-time as a “parts guy” for a heavy equipment company, the Santa job really is a year-round one. “You learn that if you’re going to be Santa and have a real beard and you’re at Jewel looking for detergent and dog food and someone says, ‘Hi, Santa!’ you’ve got to be aware,” explains Curtis, who has presided over Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day parade and tree lighting for the past six or seven years.

That reflex has become easier with time.

The hardest thing he ever did as Santa?

“Being Santa in front of my dad.”

Playing Santa kind of fell into John Sullivan’s lap. Out of work in 1990, he answered an ad to manage the photo operation for Charlestown Mall’s Santa.

“The first season I hired six or seven

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Santas. Some were good, some weren’t so good. When a Santa didn’t show up, I ended up being Santa,” recalls Sullivan, 73, of Streamwood. “After a couple of seasons, I found I liked being Santa better than running the photo operation. I already had white hair and a beard!”

Part of the photo job was instructing the Santas. A rookie himself, Sullivan watched Santas who had previous experience. The rest he picked up on the job.

“In a mall situation, you learn it quickly: the kids come up all excited with their wants, and you listen. The cliches come pretty fast: ‘Have you been good this year?’ ‘Are you helping Mom, cleaning your room?’”

Working as a mall Santa has its rhythms.

Early in the season, boredom can be the biggest challenge, as few children arrive each shift during the week. Then after Thanksgiving, the crowds can be overwhelming.

“There’s no time to breathe. A busy mall can be stressful,” acknowledges Sullivan. “It doesn’t end — you look at that line and it’s all the way winding around. It never stops.”

The 18-month-olds to 2-year-olds are generally terrified of Santa, but after that come the magic ages, up to 5 or 6 years old when kids are in awe of Santa, says Sullivan, who now also compiles the “Santa in Chicago” website, a seasonal listing of scheduled Santa appearances throughout the Chicago area.

“Being Santa is probably the biggest ego-boosting, most gratifying thing you can ever do. When they come and see you, it’s wonderful! It really does something to you, little children coming up —and they’re true believers — telling you what they want.”

Not a lot has changed in Sullivan's 23 years in the chair — there is “always a new kind of Barbie and Lego.” When boys ask for the latest in electronics, Sullivan tries to show enthusiasm, even when he has no idea what they are talking about. The strangest request from a child? A tarantula.

“He said he wanted a real tarantula!

His mom is freaking out, standing behind him shaking her head. I said, ‘Well, I don’t know if you really want a tarantula running

Photo courtesy of John Sullivan

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Around towns

Santa checks his list twice with a friend.

around the house.’ He told me he’d take good care of it! I told him the usual — Santa can’t promise.”

Then there are always the children who ask, “Are you really Santa?”

“The only way you can answer is, ‘What do you think?’ They’ll say, ‘I think you are!’

They want you to be Santa,” says Sullivan.

“To them, you’re the most important person in the universe they could possibly meet. That’s the thing that gets to you and makes you want to be a Santa.”

Doug White of Aurora had worked for a company whose motto could have been Santa’s — “When it absolutely positively has to be there overnight.” After seven years as a FedEx contractor, he went from delivering packages to people’s homes to delivering presents.

With his year-round real beard, he’d don a Santa hat during the holidays, prompting customers to refer to him as Santa. “When I retired, I figured that had to be my calling.

I had to be a Santa. I wasn’t sure how to get started, so I went online and typed ‘Midwest Santas’ into a search engine.” He found Dave Hoopes from Carpentersville, who invited him to the Northern Illinois Santa meeting and became White’s mentor.

“His wife is a hairdresser, so she taught me what bleach to use and how to take care of my hair. He gave me ideas of where to buy a Santa suit — the gloves, the belt, the boots.

Without some help, it’s very difficult to find!

“It’s all about the wonderment in their eyes when they get to see Santa,” says White, who has worked at Yorktown and this year

will be at Stratford Square, “the expression on their faces. I really enjoy the special needs children. They are just so full of love.”

Though most children ask for the usual toys — and some arrive with an eight-page list, back and front — he is always inspired by the number of children who say they want nothing at all.

“Some are so full of love, they’re not thinking of themselves,” says White. “I had a boy who wanted his mom to have a very nice present because she had just lost her mom.”

When Art Howells of LaGrange started playing Santa, he had to dye his hair. But that was nearly 30 years ago — his hair has since caught up to the role.

His friend Howard Orr had played Santa, but when Orr’s wife fell ill, he asked Howells to fill in. “That’s when the bug hit me,” says the 77-year-old. “I was a draftee!”

His first regular job was for the Downtown Partnership of St. Charles. He also donates Santa services to many police and fire organizations, as well as libraries and other charitable groups.

“The best part about the job is the group at the other end of the age spectrum — the kids,” says Howells.

One of those kids, however, got Santa Art into a little trouble one year as he mimicked the little boy holding the corners of his mouth open and sticking out his tongue — a newspaper photographer caught Santa in the act. The large photo was on the front page the next day.

He’d obviously taken to heart the wise words Orr left him: “Don’t ever completely grow up — keep that little kid inside you alive and well. Always preserve that part of your personality that gets a buzz out of Christmas.”

Howells gets just as much of a “buzz” out of the big hearts he has found in his little friends. “I’ve had a lot of little kids who ask for things for other people. I think to myself, boy, that’s really remarkable,” he says. “I run into a lot of cute little kids who have a better handle on the real charitable feeling of Christmas than a lot of adults I know.”

- Joni Hirsch Blackman

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By Scott Kirk and Dan Rice

'Tis the Giving Season The holidays offer an especially good opportunity to instill a generous spirit in our children

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round this time of year, our better natures pry open our wallets and many of us support local and national non-profits who help make our world a better place for those in need.

The November and December months represent a long held tradition of generous giving in our country. According to a recent article by Business Wire, charitable gifts to non-profit organizations increase over 40 percent during the holiday months.

Giving money to help others is not only deeply embedded in most faith traditions, it is one of the central values of what it means to be an American. From national parks to libraries to museums, we all reap the benefits of other people’s generosity.

However, if you think philanthropy is only reserved for the rich and famous, take another look at the word’s origins. Coined 2,500 years ago by a Greek playwright, the word philanthropy combines the words “philos” (love) with “anthropos” (human being). To be a philanthropist simply means “loving humanity.”

Every one of us has the capacity to be a philanthropist, to love humanity, even if all we have left to give is a few coins for the Salvation Army kettle or a dollar a day to sponsor a child through Compassion International or World Vision.

Whatever your motivation this season for supporting worthwhile causes, giving financial gifts is a wonderful opportunity to mentor your children and grandchildren in the value of charitable giving. It models that even with tight budgets in a challenging economy, there are still ways we can help our neighbors.

With that in mind, following are six

suggestions for how to raise children with charitable values: Expect your children to give. Start with you. Set the giving standard and watch to see if your child rises up to meet it. Children of all ages typically respond well to reasonable yet challenging expectations. Instead of

Take them with you to visit charities.

You may be surprised just how much children learn from being with you during your visits to charities. Being exposed to the work can open a child’s mind to a variety of ideas and conversations, and give children experiences to think about for

Every one of us has the capacity to be a philanthropist, to love humanity, even if all we have left to give is a few coins for the Salvation Army kettle or a dollar a day to sponsor a child through Compassion International or World Vision.

handing them money to give away, pay them for a chore and tell them ahead of time that you’d like them to give away 10 percent of what they earn to a charity that’s important to them. They’re not immune to the suffering and needs around them. Their sensitive hearts will guide them.

Show them what and where you give.

You may find this tough to do because we are usually taught from a young age to be very private about our giving. However, mentoring means modeling. Dare to show your children what you give and where.

Talk about why you give and how you chose those charities.

Match their giving. When you match your children’s giving, you begin to better understand what touches their hearts.

Remember that training children to give away your money — even effectively — is not the same as encouraging them to be givers of their own money. However, during this time when you are modeling and training, you are preparing your children for when they will ultimately make personal giving decisions for themselves.

weeks to come. In time, they will want to go on their own, and they will know what to look for and ask about.

Celebrate their giving. Find ways to catch children in the act of giving, like when they want their birthday party to support a worthy cause. Let them know you notice and approve of their giving. Keep a light attitude and an accepting countenance.

Remind them that God, the greatest giver of all time, loves a cheerful giver and that giving is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Finally, keep in mind that it’s important to talk with children about making giving a life-long habit, and not just an isolated holiday activity. By making generous giving an ongoing tradition, you are moving your child toward a compassionate way of life that they will carry with them forever and pass on to future generations!

A resident of Elgin, Scott Kirk is a personal philanthropy coach and has worked with K-LOVE Radio and Feed My Starving Children. Dan Rice is a philanthropy architect for Convoy of Hope and also worked with K-LOVE, as well as World Vision.

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Bill and Rebecca Courtright in the dining room of their Willow Springs restaurant

A Dream Realized Comes to an End Courtright's to close after 20 years of setting the bar for suburban fine dining

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fter nearly two decades, one of the suburbs most highly regarded American fine dining restaurants, Courtright’s, is about to serve its final course.

Founders, owners and operators William and Rebecca Courtright will close their Michelin-starred establishment in Willow Springs on December 31 to take a well-earned retirement. It’s time to say goodbye to long, demanding workdays —during the first two years, the couple had a grand total of five days off.

Both look forward to traveling, enjoying family dinners in their own home, spending quality time with grandchildren and parents and, for Bill, who turned 66

“We have realized a dream we first had 20 years ago, and it’s time to move on to the next life adventure.” in October, getting reacquainted with his golf clubs.

“We have realized a dream we first had 20 years ago, and it’s time to move on to the next life adventure,” Rebecca says, though the couple acknowledges that their decision is bittersweet and fraught with emotion.

Leaving a dedicated, hard-working 30-member staff, a number of whom have worked at Courtright’s through

much of its long run, won’t be easy.

“They’re like family, and each one is very knowledgeable, talented and accomplished,” says Rebecca.

“We’re also going to miss our clientele — the friends we made who have passed through our doors to celebrate special events. We probably have had more than 300 couples take their wedding vows at Courtright’s. Several customers had their first date at our establishment, got engaged there, returned for their wedding reception and then brought their babies to christen in our gazebo,” says Rebecca.

In 1993, working with architects, Bill and Rebecca mapped out plans for Courtright’s, which was built from the

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shopping Best Mall or Shopping Center _____________________________________________________________ n Best Women’s Clothing Store or Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Bargain Shopping/Discount or Outlet Store _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Women’s Shoes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Women’s Jeans _____________________________________________________________ n Best Bridal Store/Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Pet Service/Supply/Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Kitchen & Housewares Store _____________________________________________________________ n Best Decorative Accessories for the Home _____________________________________________________________ n Best Department Store _____________________________________________________________ n

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services Best Fitness Center/Health Club _____________________________________________________________ n Best Local Hotel _____________________________________________________________ n Best Hair Salon _____________________________________________________________ n Best Area Bakery _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for a Mani/Pedi _____________________________________________________________ n Best Auto Repair Shop _____________________________________________________________ n Best Veterinarian _____________________________________________________________ n

general Best Area Celebrity (Currently or previously lived here) _____________________________________________________________ n Most Influential West Suburbanite _____________________________________________________________ n Recently Closed Store or Restaurant You’ll Miss Most _____________________________________________________________ n Best Website, Blog or Online Destination _____________________________________________________________

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Chicago-area Favorite Chicago Broadcast News Personality _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Radio Show/Personality _____________________________________________________________ n Person(s) You’d Most Like to Have Lunch With _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Newspaper/Magazine Columnist _____________________________________________________________ n Best Chicago Event or Fest Open to the Public _____________________________________________________________ n Area Town You’d Most Want to Live in Other than Your Own _____________________________________________________________ n

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2. No photocopied entries accepted.

All surveys must be signed with a valid address and phone number to be eligible for prizes. Any organized effort deemed by the publisher as an effort to inappropriately influence

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3. We’d love to have you as a subscriber, but no purchase is required to win. Void where prohibited. Must be 21 or older to win. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Taxes, incidentals and gratuities not included.

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Around towns ground up on a two-acre wooded parcel.

Bill grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, where he got his first taste of the hospitality business. His family operated an 80-seat family restaurant known as Ken’s. He later met his future wife, an Iowa native, at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. For 17 years, he worked as a trader with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

“When we considered opening a restaurant, we knew we wanted to take it up a notch by offering a dining experience that brought a greater level of detail to the table in terms of china, crystal and candlelight and all the fun

The goal was to have fun with food that was as delicious and satisfying to the palate as its creative presentation was to the eyes. things that go along with fine dining,” says Rebecca. The goal was to have fun with food that was as delicious and satisfying to the palate as its creative presentation was to the eyes.

Courtright’s set high goals based on a philosophy that defined the essence of fine dining as the perfect synthesis of fine wine, exquisite food, impeccable service and a gracious setting.

“We sat down with our staff and informed them we were not setting out to be one of the best restaurants in the Chicagoland area, because I don’t think that’s such a difficult task,” Bill says.

“Rather, we were setting out to be one of the best restaurants in the country.”

The Courtrights mentored and nurtured their employees, exposing them on field trips to exemplars of fine dining at the time such as Le Francais, Tallgrass, Ambria and the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

With each passing year, the operation became more polished and public affirmation followed, culminating in a Michelin Guide star rating in 2012.

Other noteworthy accolades have included a four-star rating from Chicago Tribune dining critic Phil Vettel and Zagat recognition for its food, decor and service.

In addition, a 25,000 bottle custombuilt wine cellar earned Courtright’s the Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Award of Ultimate Distinction in 2009 and Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence for three years running starting in 2008.

Prior to opening the restaurant, the Courtrights cultivated a passion for wine and good food through extensive travel to seek out outstanding restaurants and vintners around the world. “Little did I know we were really interning for the next life,” says Rebecca with a laugh.

While the Michelin star ranks as a high honor, the Courtrights say their greatest reward has been the experiences shared with staff and guests. Rebecca recalls one satisfied customer’s commendation that the wedding reception at Courtright’s exceeded expectations. “Just knowing that this is a day she will remember her entire life is pretty powerful,” the restaurateur says.

When the staff moves on, they are never truly gone, always staying in touch.

Testimonials from chefs are not uncommon.

One chef, under whose tenure the restaurant garnered high recognition, paid homage to the Courtrights for giving him the autonomy to “do with my food what I needed to express myself — an opportunity I will always remember.”

As joint partners in the restaurant, Bill has provided a vision for its direction, overseen responsibility for the financial end of the business and brought the staff up to speed on its vast wine holdings.

Rebecca describes herself as a jack of all trades. Her duties have included working with clients on all private parties, putting together menus, instructing the staff, tending a garden behind the restaurant and creating all floral designs for weddings and anniversary parties. She also works with

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charities on fund-raising events.

Growth in the business continued every year until the recession hit in 2007.

When the housing bubble burst, the world changed. Corporate dinners and events that once represented 25 percent of Courtright’s business dried up. Open dining also fell off as people became more selective about their discretionary dollars. Fortunately, private parties and weddings have kept growing nonstop and helped offset the loss of business from corporate cutbacks.

Without a doubt, the dining-out picture has changed since Courtright’s first dipped its toes in the water. The concept of “fine dining” has shifted, and Bill says it’s tougher for a restaurant with fine dining aspirations to succeed in the current environment. Consumers are more conservative and looking for bargains; they want fare that’s more approachable, including lighter meals (for example, three-course dinners instead of five).

In 1960, about 6 percent of the diningout dollar was spent in franchise operations “I look back and think this has

been a magnificent period of our lives, and I wouldn’t trade a day of it with anyone.” and all the rest with independents; today, privately owned restaurants have become a distinct minority, while corporatecontrolled entities have a 60 percent share of the pie.

Many new restaurants quickly flame out, says Bill, because they are undercapitalized and lack a true understanding of the commitment it takes to survive in this industry.

As Rebecca puts it, “This is not a 9-to-5 or 40-hour-a-week proposition. We went into it because we were passionate about the hospitality industry and about sharing that passion by creating a fine dining American experience. I look back and think this has been a magnificent period of our lives, and I wouldn’t trade a day of it with anyone.”

- T. R. Witom

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in the

Life Burbs

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

Broadway Comes to Aurora A successful series of musical productions has breathed new life into the Paramount Theatre

T

wo years ago, I suggested friends see “My Fair Lady” with me at the Paramount Theatre. I’m hopelessly devoted to musicals and wanted to support the effort I’d heard about. Sure, excellent theater in Aurora seemed unlikely, but wouldn’t it be loverly?

Sitting in my seat in the Art Deco 1931 theater, I hoped I wasn’t wasting their time.

But within minutes of the curtain rising, I let out my breath. By intermission, I was ready for compliments on my great idea.

Now, after two seasons and counting of subscribing to the Paramount’s Broadway Series, it’s my turn to hand out compliments — to Artistic Director Jim Corti and CEO Tim Rater. The Paramount shows are right up there with productions I’ve seen on Broadway, in Chicago, London and San Francisco. Really.

Considering this theater is 20 minutes away, offers free parking, and for the season costs my husband and I about the same as two tickets to one show anywhere else, they are far superior. Granted, I’m just a girl who can’t say no to musicals. But Chicago’s theater critics have also been effusive in their praise of the Paramount’s Broadway series, which was not the case when the venture was first announced. “There was a lot of skepticism whether it would fly,” admits Chicago Tribune Theatre Critic Chris Jones.

A 2011 Chicago Tribune online article explaining the Paramount’s plan to create four, three-week (now four-week) shows a year generated some now-amusing comments from readers.

“Well, this is one of the stupider ideas I’ve heard this week,” said one post. Said

another: “Wow. Were there any adults with professional theater experience in the room when this kooky plan was hatched? It makes no logical or mathematical sense. Paramount thinks it can pack over 1,700 seats for a month

“

“It feels like it was meant to be . . . like this theater was meant to have its own productions,” said Corti. “It’s been standing there all these decades not having shows designed for her, for this space. It’s hard for people to understand. This is a very rare

I don’t normally gush like this,” says Tribune Theatre Critic Chris Jones. “I really do think they do a great job.”

with 60-year-old musicals? Seriously.”

Even Corti, in his first gig as artistic director, wasn’t sure it would work. But the first time Corti saw the interior of the Paramount Theatre, he knew it had “a magic” to it. “It took my breath away,” Corti recalls. “I couldn’t imagine working on this scale. It’s an epic scale, an operatic scale. How does one fill not just the seats but fill the performance space, the stage, and not make it look skimpy up there? That was my first reaction: ‘How do you do this?’”

“The Paramount had been standing there for 80 years and didn’t have its own scene shop, costume shop,” continues Corti.

“It was strictly a touring house and movie house. It made my head spin. But we’re doing it. We’re all learning how to do this for the first time and the surprising thing is we achieved the quality.”

The Paramount Broadway show series is “doing it” indeed, to the tune of 20,000 subscribers at the end of its second season.

But like every great musical, there is much more to this story.

scale to be producing on.”

“They’ve revolutionized what you think of as the suburban theater experience,” acknowledges the Tribune’s Jones. “They’re in a historic downtown and the theater is part of the attraction. The sheer quality of the shows . . .”

Jones saw last season’s “Annie” literally days after seeing the same show on Broadway. “I can unequivocally state, it (the Paramount’s) was a better show.”

Calling Paramount’s Broadway series “exemplary,” Jones adds, “I don’t normally gush like this. I really do think they do a great job.”

One of the most musical-like qualities of this story-with-a-potentially-happy-ending is the setting. Someday, perhaps, we will look back on this as the start of a turnaround in Aurora, the way the Riverwalk sparked a thriving downtown Naperville.

“Downtown Aurora has its problems, but the theater is a bright light in the city,” says Jones. “Those of use who care about old theaters love that it’s coming back to life.” n

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Journeys

INNER

Retreat centers offer an ideal environment to reflect and seek spiritual renewal WITH THE END OF A YEAR comes the hope of new beginnings. Whether and how that happens sometimes depends on how you decide to adjust your sails.

Setting aside time to think about your priorities, frame of mind for the holiday season and the new year.

Overnight retreats within religious communities provide solitude and spiritual nourishment for seekers of self-improvement, enrichment or private reflection.

Expect inexpensive but simple accommodations, typically no TVs and often shared bathrooms. “Suggested donations” are more typical than “room rates,” and these guidelines sometimes include one or more meals.

Internet and cell phone access is discouraged because the point is to lessen outside distractions

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Maybe you’ll commune with nature and listen to nothing but your surroundings in order to provide the solitude so absent in everyday life. Getting away on a

values and goals can be a good way to get in the right

by Mary Bergin

and concentrate on being you.

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retreat is an opportunity to touch your soul or at least temporarily take a respite from fast-lane living.

The fresh footprints of deer, a few short steps from your door, might turn into the thrill of your day. Twittering birds might sound like a symphony, if the world turns quiet enough.

This type of getaway is not like a thrill-a-minute Wisconsin Dells waterpark. Value comes from silence, and seeing the ordinary as extraordinary.

These Wisconsin and Iowa religious settings welcome visitors who respect the monastic or communal way of life. Overnight visitors might stay for a night, weekend or week of reflective study. Spiritual counseling, although available, is not pushed.

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The Christine Center, Willard, WI Five hours northwest of Chicago live an enclave of Amish families who use simple roadside signs to sell quilts, eggs and more. Also at home in the unassuming rural neighborhood is an interfaith retreat center that is a former hilltop farm, rich with wildlife and wildflowers.

These 120 acres, flanked by forest, have Wheaton Franciscan roots and since 1980 have welcomed spiritual wanderers.

For rent are guesthouse rooms, small cabins (with and without plumbing) and campsites.

“This small piece of earth is a sanctuary only because together we make it so,” writes Sister Cecilia Corcoran, the facility’s coordinator. “We’re drawn here because what we find gives us hope.”

Group meditation, yoga and seminars often occur in a dome-shaped building whose windows flood the space with sunlight. Work on the grounds in exchange for a long-term stay in rustic lodging.

For information, call 715 267-7507 or go to Group www.christinecenter.org.

Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton, WI Sixty years ago, the Sisters of Saint Benedict settled on 40 acres of farmland, a picturesque paradise with a panoramic view of Lake Mendota and Governor Nelson State Park.

The quietly feisty sisters easily could have sold out to developers long ago but instead made land conservation their priority. The ecumenical property has grown to 138 acres, most of which is environmentally protected and preserved, despite adjacent developments of high-end housing and pricey golf courses near Madison.

A glacial lake, restored prairie, gardens, wetlands and nature trails are a part of the treat that awaits visitors.

Overnight retreats can be structured, or consist simply of private time in a dorm-style room or an isolated, two-unit

cottage that includes cooking facilities.

Visitors are welcome to explore miles of nature trails, attend prayer services, chat with others at communal meals or keep to themselves. In 2010, the monastery was replaced with a building that earned platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. At the time, it was one of the nation’s greenest new construction projects.

For information, call 608 836-1631 or go to www.benedictinewomen.org.

Photos courtesy of The Christine Center

gathering spaces at the Christine Center.

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New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, IA Twelve miles south of Dubuque, Trappist monks farm and handcraft many items from wood, including sleek but simple caskets made from the walnut, oak and pine trees in their own sustainable forest.

A monastery has existed here since 1849. Some people visit for only an hour or two, timing their arrival to one of six daily worship services — the first begins at 3:30 a.m. The stone sanctuary is narrow, loft-like and full of natural light because about 40 arched windows loom above those who gather here.

There is no stained glass or religious statues. The altar is plain and made of wood. A non-descript wrought iron fence separates travelers from monastic residents during the 15-minute intervals of worship.

Visitors gain limited access to grounds, but no one tries to quiz or convert. A gift shop sells jewelry, books, religious icons, pottery, jams, soaps and other Trappist products.

Wooden birdhouses are shaped like churches with steep steeples. Shiny wooden crosses are ready to adorn walls.

Depending upon time of year, even locally grown garlic is sold.

Overnight guests are welcome, but the 16 small bedrooms fill fast. Each has a bathroom. Silence is encouraged at all times.

For information, call 563 588-2319 or go to www.newmelleray.org.

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INNER JOURNEYS

Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, near Dubuque, IA Fourteen miles east of New Mellarey, a group of Trappist nuns pursue a life of sweetness — literally.

The cloistered community annually produces about 70,000 pounds of caramel in an environmentally thoughtful, geothermal facility. Chocolates and caramels are boxed and shipped throughout the country. They also are sold at a small gift shop at the abbey.

Ninety percent of the abbey’s candy is made between September and December.

Being cloistered means most of the nuns do not interact with the public, although five women were allowed to experience the Benedictine life for one part of a 2006 reality TV series (“The Monastery”) on The Learning Channel.

Overnight guests stay in one of three houses on the grounds. Each homelike setting includes a kitchen where visitors

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Photos by Harry Carnes courtesy of the First Unitarian Society of Madison

Getaways

A popular sacred space to visit is make their own meals.

Frank Llloyd Wright’s Unitarian Meeting It is not coincidental House in Madison, WI. that this Trappist chapel, like the one at New Mellarey Abbey, looks like a stripped down version of the traditional Christian church. Big windows, clean architectural lines and a lack of clutter “create an environment where a person is

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put into the presence of God without distractions,” the prioress explains.

For information, call 563 582-2595 or go to www.mississippiabbey.org.

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Photos by Harry Carnes courtesy of the First Unitarian Society of Madison

Retreat Centers Closer to Home Following is a sampling of local retreat facilities and resources. |Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, Barrington| Situated on 80 rolling acres, Bellarmine specializes in a variety of retreats for men and women adapted from the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. It has 66 private rooms, some with private baths.

Call 847 381-1261 or go to www.bellarminehall.org.

|Carmelite Retreat Center, Darien| Provides a variety of programs for men and women seeking a deeper experience of God and of themselves. For overnight guests, there are 30 rooms each with individual baths.

Call 630 969-4141 or go to www.carmelitespiritualcenter.org.

|La Salle Manor Retreat Center, Plano| A sacred place for anyone who seeks serenity, a deepened faith, or greater understanding of themselves. Set on 47 rural acres, the facility includes dormitory accommodations for up to 57 people. Call 630 552-3224 or go to www.lasallemanor.org

|Loretto Center, Wheaton| Situated on 16 acres of land, the center offers a variety of programs to help visitors enrich the quality of their lives by continually growing and integrating body, mind and spirit. It has 15 bedrooms with twin beds for overnight stays.

Call 630 653-7918 or go to www.lorettocenter.org.

|Mayslake Ministries| While its former retreat center facilities in Oak Brook are long gone, the organization, now based in Lombard, still provides a variety of programs to help people in their faith journeys.

Call 630 268-9000 or go to www.mayslakeministries.org.

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INNER JOURNEYS

Photo courtesy of The Christine Center

Getaways

National Guide to Retreat Centers “Sanctuaries, The Complete United States: A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys and Retreats”

by Jack and Marcia Kelly describes 127 retreats with a spiritual foundation, Catholic to Quaker, and list an additional 1,000 retreats. The settings are rural and urban, modest cabins to ornate mansions.

The Kellys began identifying

and reviewing sacred spaces in 1990, and the New York Times describes the occasionally updated “Sanctuaries” as “becoming the Michelin Guide of the retreat set.”

St. Anthony Retreat Center, Marathon, WI “Come all who hunger and you shall be filled” is the mantra west of Wausau, on a 45-acre wooded area along Rib River.

Back in 1919, Capuchin Franciscan friars and men studying to become priests made this rural nirvana their home. Since 1971, the acreage has functioned as an ecumenical retreat center, with a labyrinth, 44 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Stations of the Cross and quiet paths to roam. Accommodations are in a big, red-brick building that provides overnight retreats, private or guided, that emphasize Christian principles.

Fifteen of the 75 rooms for overnight guests have private baths. Families may bring children for nature-focused retreats.

Retreat programs and one-on-one guidance sometimes emphasize total silence.

For information, call 715 443-2235 or go to www.sarcenter.com.

Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque, IA The Sisters of St. Francis are caretakers of an 81-acre prairie that includes paths to walk and a garden for meditation. The wildlife-rich area began as a convent in 1881, then a retreat center in 1989.

Structured programs are geared toward children, women, families and other groups.

Although shalom is a Hebrew word that means “peace,” people of any faith may ask for spiritual guidance or book private time at the retreat’s hermitage, where families also are welcome. The sisters consider their home a peaceful place to seek God, however you define it.

Yoga classes and more are designed to help visitors get their spiritual life back in order. Among the one-day program topics: “Relax Your Jaw, Relax Your Life: Practices to Reduce Stress and Improve Dental Health,” Nov. 22; and “Leadership Wisdom from the Beatitudes,” Nov. 23.

Property tours are free. On the grounds are 55 bedrooms, plus the Francis Room, which has a kitchenette.

For information, call 563 582-3592 or go to www.shalomretreats.org.

Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa, WI Cinnamon rolls and “Mound Bread” — rye, seven-grain, wild-rice and more, baked on the premises — are about as heavenly as you can get in the southwest corner of Wisconsin. The Dominican

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sisterhood is known for these products, especially among area Catholic churches.

For spiritual seekers, the setting is 450 acres of orchards to vineyards for self-evaluation through spiritual reflection and study. Visitors can pay to spend the day, which includes food and a room for solitude, or arrange for a longer stay, with or without spiritual counseling.

Guided retreats topics include grief and the “Journey Toward Wholeness” on Dec. 7, and mother/daughter Christmas “Nativi-Tea” on Dec. 14.

Daytime visitors may walk the indoor and outdoor labyrinths, then browse the art galleries and gift shop, where the delicious baked goods are sold. The Sin-A-Mound cinnamon roll weighs one pound.

Retreat guests can expect hearty, home-style cooking at meal times. Think pork roast, baked chicken, turkey with traditional trimmings.

For information, call 608 748-4411 or go to www.sinsinawa.org.

Windhorse Retreat Center, Plymouth, WI On the outskirts of Kettle Moraine State Forest’s dense Northern Unit is an ecologically progressive haven that emphasizes the value of meditation. It is a part of Shambhala International, a spiritual walk that is rooted in Buddhist principles.

The primary facility, two and a half hours north of Chicago, is a passive solar house built in the 1980s. Grounds also are home to the High Wind Association, which focuses on environmental sustainability.

An adjacent property is an organic farm that provides key ingredients for retreat meals.

For information, call 920 449-4352 or go to www.windhorse.shambhala.org.

Writer Mary Bergin lives in Madison, WI and writes a syndicated weekly travel column focusing on Midwest destinations. For more articles she’s written, go to www.roadstraveled.com.

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OUT&ABOUT |

THEATRE

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ART

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

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HOME & GARDEN

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AND MUCH MORE Photo by Frak Stewart courtesy of North Central College

MUSIC

Wynton Marsalis DEC. 6 WYNTON MARSALIS Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will fill North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall with the sounds of its original works as well as those of legends of the genre. Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of North Central College

OUT&ABOUT THEATRE

| HELLO DOLLY! | Nov 1 - Jan 5, Wed - Sun, Wed 1:30 p.m., Thur 1:30 p.m. & 8 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 5 & 8:30 p.m. and Sun 2 & 6 p.m. Tony Awardwinning musical about turn-of-the-century widowed matchmaker Dolly, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others, ultimately finds her own match.

Cost: $50/38. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111

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D p m L $ 6

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F m t $ D

| MISS SAIGON | Nov 1 – 24, Wed 1:30 & 7:30 p.m., Thur 7:30 p.m, Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m., Sun 1 & 5:30 p.m. The story of an American soldier who has fallen in love with a Vietnamese bargirl as the fall of Saigon is looming. Cost: $57/46. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

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Nov. 17

| BLITHE SPIRIT | Nov 1 – 11, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 3 p.m. (no show on Sun, Nov 3). The classic Noel Coward comedy about a cantankerous novelist haunted by his first wife’s ghost. Cost: $11/9. SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

FOREIGNER

One of the most popular rock bands in the world performs at North Central College in Naperville.

Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.

| JOINED AT THE HEAD | Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 1 - 2 & 8 - 9, 8 p.m. and Sun, Nov 3, 3 p.m. This poignant and witty play finds its lead characters confronting their own assumptions about mortality, ambition and what it means to make a truly lasting impression in life. Cost: $18. The Village Theatre Guild, 3S020 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 469-8230

and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; Thur, Nov 7 & 14, 8 p.m.; Thur, Nov 21, Dec 5 & 12, 2 p.m.; Wed, Dec 4, 2 p.m. A family comedy about two parents adapting to change. Cost: $42/32. Fox Valley Repertory, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342

| MAKING GOD LAUGH | Nov 7 – Dec 29, Fridays

| INTO THE WOODS | Thurs - Sat, Nov 7 - 9,

7:30

p.m.; Also, Sun, Nov 10, 2 p.m. Written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, this contemporary American musical ponders the sometimes glorious, sometimes devastating, always messy life after the fairy tales end. Cost: $15/10. Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

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| JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR® DREAMCOAT | Thur – Sun, Nov 8 – Dec 8, Thur – Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m.; Also, Tue, Dec 31, 8 p.m. Great music and family-friendly themes make this Andrew Lloyd Webber/Time Rice collaboration a classic. Cost: $21/18. Wheaton Drama, 111 N Hale St., Wheaton.

630 260-1820 | THE DROWSY CHAPERONE | Fri – Sun, Nov 15 – 17, Fri & Sat 7:30 p.m., and Sun 3 p.m. When a die-hard musical fan plays a favorite cast album on his turntable, the show magically bursts to life in his living room. Cost: $17. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000

10th Anniversary Celebration

| PICNIC | Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 15 - 16 & 22 - 23, 8 p.m. and Sundays, Nov 17 & 24, 2 p.m.

William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about love, longing, and dreams fulfilled. Cost: $16/11. Grove Players, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 630 415-3682 | A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT DRURY LANE | Nov 21 – Dec 21. This performance of the holiday classic caters to a younger audience and promises to be entertaining as well as educational. Cost: $15/12. Drury Lane, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. Visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com for specific dates and times. | AND THEN THERE WERE NONE | Fri -

Sun, Nov 22 – Dec 1, Fri – Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m.; Also, a show on Thur, Nov 21, 8 p.m. Eight strangers are lured to an island where, one by one, they are killed by a mysterious voice that accuses each of having gotten away with murder. Cost: $10. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell Blvd. and Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| THE CHRISTMAS TREE | Fri - Sat, Nov 22 - 23, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, Nov 24, 3 p.m. A heartwarming play tells the story of two people at odds over the last tree left on a Christmas tree lot, leading each to learn more about the other and the true meaning of Christmas. Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Ct., West Chicago. 630 234-5919 | NUNCRACKERS | Thur – Sun, Nov 23 – Dec 22. This hilarious show contains audience participation and sing-along, with a heartwarming message on the real meaning of Christmas as the finale. Cost: $28/22.

Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St., St. Charles.

Visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com for specific dates, times and tickets.

Book Signing & Talk

Meet world-renowned antique expert and author, Judith Miller.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 3–7 PM

Trunk Show

Browse the exquisite antique jewels of Lori Mesa Fine Jewelry.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9, 10 AM–4 PM

Free Appraisals

Find out the value of your treasure.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10, 1 1–4 PM

Deals All Weekend Long!

In-Store Discounts & Raffles Daily for $100 Gift Certificate! Find a Perfect Thing Anniversary Medallion for 50% off your entire purchase!

The Perfect Thing, 131 Town Square, Wheaton, IL 60189 630.665.5200 www.theperfectthing.net

| A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT PARAMOUNT THEATRE | Dec 7 – 9, Sat 2 & 6 p.m., Sun 1 & 5 p.m. and Mon 9 a.m. & noon. The holiday tradition returns with lively music, gorgeous dance, breathtaking costumes, and magical design. Cost: $35/25. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | A KLINGON CHRISTMAS CAROL | Sat, Dec 7, 7:30 p.m. Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike will love this adaptation of Dicken’s classic tale. Cost: $32. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE | Thur – Sun, Dec 12 – 15, Thur – Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. An adaptation of the iconic Frank Capra movie, with all the characters you love. Cost: $10/9. Wheaton Drama, 111 N Hale St., Wheaton. 630 260-1820 | THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN’T | Sat, Dec 14, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Through plays written by children, Child’s Play Touring Theatre gives a special behindthe-scenes peek at the business of the Christmas season. $4 dessert reception available between shows.

Cost: $12/6. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Photo by A. Streiber courtesy of North Central College

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| RICHARD LEWIS | Fri, Nov 15, 8 & 10:30 p.m.

Veteran American comedian and actor, known most recently for his recurring role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Richard Lewis performs. Cost: $35 + 2 item food/bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | SHAWN & MARLON WAYANS | Nov 21 – 24, Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 & 10:15 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. The two youngest brothers of the Wayans family perform stand-up together. For ages 18 & over. Cost: $35. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg. 847 240-2001 | GILBERT GOTTFRIED | Fri, Nov 22, 8 & 9:45 p.m. The stand-up comedian, known for his loud comedic persona and for voicing Iago in Disney’s “Aladdin,” Gilbert Gottfried performs. Cost: $25 + 2 item food/ bev. Zanies Comedy Club in Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342

Nov. 23 KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND

The Grammy award-winning band brings their impressive string of pop hits to North Central College in Naperville.

Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.

| A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE | Thur, Dec 19, 7:30 p.m. Charles Dickens’ holiday favorite is performed, with music both traditional and new. Cost: $48/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

COMEDY

| WHOSE LINE | Ongoing, Fridays, 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 & 10 p.m. Improv comedy similar to

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ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” TV show. No one under 14 admitted. Cost: $20. The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora.

630 585-0300

| STAND UP AT THE SHRINE | Ongoing, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. This approximately 90-minute show is comprised of a host, a featured comic and a headliner. Cost: $20. The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora. 630 585-0300

| SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH SECOND CITY | Thur – Sun, Dec 6 – 22, Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri – Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. Chicago’s world-famous troupe entertains with their whip-smart improvisation, hilarious and offbeat songs, and a willingness to skewer any topic you can name. Tickets expected to sell quickly. Cost: $35. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora.

630 896-6666 | SECOND CITY’S DYSFUNCTIONAL HOLIDAY REVUE | Fri, Dec 13 & 20, 8 p.m. Also, New Year’s Eve Special on Dec 31, 9 p.m. ($50). Chicago’s best-known comedy troupe pokes fun at the humor and humbug of the holidays. Not for children. Cost: $42. Fox Valley Repertory, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342

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| Live Folk Music | Ongoing, Fridays at 8:15 p.m.

Enjoy live folk and acoustic musical entertainment with friends. Cost: $7. Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. 630 969-9720 | Jim Peterik And The Ides Of March | Sat, Nov 2, 8 p.m. The Grammy Award winning songwriter, performer and producer takes the stage at this fund-raiser for the Theatre of Western Springs. Cost: $40/30. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. 708 246-4043 | Neil Diamond Tribute | Sat, Nov 2, 8 p.m. Enjoy classics from one of pop music’s most enduring and successful singer-songwriters played by tribute artist Denny Diamond & The Family Jewels. Cost: $42.

Fox Valley Repertory, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles.

630 584-6342 | Sound And Fury: The Genius Of Shakespeare| Sun, Nov 3, 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. This concert explores the Bard’s dramatic art through symphonic music spanning three hundred years. Cost: $25/14. The Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Chamber Concert Series | Sun, Nov 3, 2:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Enjoy an intimate, classical concert followed by a sociable reception with the musicians. Cost: $29/24.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle.

630 968-0074 | Debussy’s Harp | Sun, Nov 3, 2:30 p.m. Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s program commemorates the 151st anniversary of Claude Debussy’s birth. Cost: $32/30. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 941-0202 | Naperville Chamber Players | Sun, Nov 3, 3 p.m. The world premiere performance of an exciting new work by Frank Horvat for flute, cello, marimba and keyboard. Cost: $10/5. Trinity Lutheran Church, 3S540 Curtis Ave., Warrenville. 630 204-2679 | ABBA Salute | Thur, Nov 7, 7 p.m. This tribute recreates the ABBA Experience with painstaking attention to detail. Cost: $49/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Sibelius Violin Concerto | Sat – Sun, Nov 9 – 10, Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 2:30 p.m. Violinist Isabella Lippi, Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s own Concertmaster, performs. Cost: $60/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 888-4000 | The Priests | Sat, Nov 9, 8 p.m. This classical music group made up of three Roman Catholic priests has achieved success in both the religious and secular worlds. Cost: $55/28. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Chicago Sinfonietta | Sat, Nov 9, 8 p.m. Journey from a dark, atmospheric opening to a party-filled second half in this part-musical showcase, parttheatrical spectacle inspired by the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos. Cost: $54/10. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 312 284-1554 | Air Supply | Sun, Nov 10, 3 p.m. This Australian soft rock group became a staple of early-‘80s radio with their heavily orchestrated, sweet ballads. Cost: $78/38.

Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600 | Doc Severinsen | Thur, Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. The bandleader of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” performs with his big band and singer Vanessa Thomas. Cost: $55/20. Rialto Square Theatre, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

| Local Music Night | Fridays, Nov 15 & Dec 13, 7 - 9 p.m.

Singer/songwriters from throughout Chicagoland perform both popular and original music in a variety of genres. Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Ct., West Chicago. Visit www.gallery200.org. | Brad Paisley | Fri, Nov 15, 7:30 p.m. The country music superstar performs on his “Beat This Summer Tour 2013,” with special guests Chris Young and Danielle Bradbery. Cost: $61/40. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford.

815 968-5222 | Guitar Ensemble Concert |

Fri, Nov 15, 7:30 p.m. The Elmhurst College Guitar Ensemble performs the music of Spain and Latin America, with featured guest artist/soprano Susan Dennis. Cost: $5. Buik Recital Hall, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Visit www.elmhurst. edu/worldmusic.

Nov. 19 GARRISON KEILLOR The popular radio show host shares his stories at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. 630 896-6666

| America | Fri, Nov 15, 8 p.m. The classic rock favorites return to perform their 40th Anniversary show. Cost: $95/59. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | DuPage Symphony Orchestra | Sat, Nov 16, 8 p.m. The Illinois Council of Orchestras’ Community Orchestra of the Year performs an all-orchestral program featuring three famous compositions. Cost: $35/12. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Foreigner | Sun, Nov 17, 6 p.m. The multiplatinum-

selling rock group, responsible for 16 top 30 hits and some of rock and roll’s most popular anthems, performs. Cost: $85/70. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| P!nk | Wed, Nov 20, 7:30 p.m. The Grammy-

Award winning singer-songwriter performs with special guest The Kin on “The Truth about Love” tour.

Cost: $125/40. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 800 745-3000

| The Brian Setzer Orchestra | Thur, Nov 21, 7:30 p.m. This “Christmas Rocks” show features Grammy Award-winner Setzer performing re-imagined classic hits and holiday classics. Cost: $89/39. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Selena Gomez | Fri, Nov 22, 7 p.m. Pop musician

and actress Selena Gomez takes the stage on her “Stars Dance” tour, with special guest Emblem3.

Cost: $70/25. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 800 745-3000

| KC and the Sunshine Band | Sat, Nov 23, 8 p.m. These still widely popular Grammy Award winners perform their hits that helped change the sound of modern pop music forty years ago. Cost: $75/60. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | Elton John | Sat, Nov 30, 7 p.m. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and his band bring his music, from the classics to more recent songs, to the stage.

Cost: $149/29. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 800 745-3000 | Justin Moore | Sat, Nov 30, 7 p.m. Randy Houser and Josh Thompson open for the “Point at You” country hitmaker on his Off the Beaten Path Tour.

Cost: $50/30. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Christmas In Four-Part Barbershop Harmony| Sun, Dec 1, 3 p.m. The Chorus of DuPage, along with special guests, sings traditional, secular and religious holiday selections arranged in four-part barbershop harmony. Cost: $20. Trinity Green Trails Auditorium, 2701 Maple Ave., Lisle. 630 737-9199 | Michael Bolton | Sun, Dec 1, 7 p.m. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, best known for his soft rock ballads, performs. Cost: $125/69. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m. Experience one of the world’s finest working big bands, consisting of 15 of the best soloists, ensemble players and arrangers. Cost: $125/100. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469.

| Percussion Ensemble Brazilian Workshop/ Concert | Fri, Nov 22, 7 p.m. for workshop & 8 p.m. for concert. The Elmhurst Percussion Ensemble plays with famed Brazilian percussionist Geraldo de Oliveira. Cost: $10. Hammerschmidt Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Visit www.elmhurst.edu/ worldmusic.

| Wild And Swingin’ Holiday Party | Fri, Dec 6, 7:30 p.m. One of the most popular swing bands on the road today, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs its jumpin’ and jivin’ Christmas extravaganza. Cost: $23.

Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 366-2490

| Stella! | Sat, Nov 23, 7 p.m. The sassy all-female band mixes influences including country, western swing and Tom Waits. Cost: $25. SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| Holidays A Cappella | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m. & Sun, Dec 8, 4 p.m. Acclaimed Chicago a cappella performs familiar melodies and lush, inspiring holiday music that you won’t hear anywhere else. Cost: $40/12. Dec 6 show at St. Michael Catholic Church,

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310 S Wheaton Ave., Wheaton; Dec 8 show at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. 773 281-7820

| Holly Jolly Christmas | Sat, Dec 7, 2 & 8 p.m. and Sun, Dec 8, 1:30 p.m. Chicagoland’s premier men’s four-part harmony chorus is joined by several musical guests for their annual Christmas program.

Cost: TBD. Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. 630 201-5544 | The Sounds Of Christmas | Sun, Dec 8, 2 p.m.

The award-winning Joliet American Legion Band presents this holiday show. Bring in canned goods after Thanksgiving in exchange for tickets. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600

| The Newberry Consort | Sun, Dec 8, 2:15 - 4:15 p.m. This concert features 17th- and 18th century music of Italy and England presented by the Consort, an ensemble that has been delighting audiences for nearly three decades. Cost: $29/24.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle.

630 968-0074

| Sing-Along Messiah | Sun, Dec 8, 3:30 p.m.

Features professional orchestra and soloists, the church’s historic Skinner organ, harpsichord, and local singers. Fellowship reception follows the concert.

Free-will offering benefits West Suburban PADS. First United Methodist Church, 324 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. 708 383-4983

| The Sound Of Christmas | Sun, Dec 8, 3 p.m.

Featuring Elisabeth von Trapp and the Carolian Brass, this performance includes classic carols and music ranging from Bach and Handel to jazz and Broadway. The evening highlight is a set of complete renditions of songs from “The Sound of Music.” Cost: $35/30. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| The Night We Stole Christmas | Wed, Dec 11, 6:30 p.m. Q87.7 presents a lineup including Thirty Seconds to Mars, Queens of the Stone Age, Foals, alt-J and GROUPLOVE. Cost: $59/10. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 800 745-3000 | Magical Holiday Concert | Sat – Sun, Dec 14 – 15, Sat, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun, 2:30 p.m. The Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs with the Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Children’s Chorus and Midwest Dance Collective. Cost: $45/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 888-4000 | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Sat, Dec 14, 4 & 8 p.m. The premier choral interpreter of Yuletide standards performs musical arrangements and uplifting harmonies. Cost: $69/59. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Michael Johnson | Sat, Dec 14, 7:30 p.m. Hear holiday classics and a blend of Johnson’s old and new material in “A Down-Home Holiday.” Cost: $25.

Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin.

847 622-0300 | Holiday Traditions | Sun, Dec 15, 3 p.m.

Acclaimed Chicago-area singers join the DuPage Symphony Orchestra to perform an array of Christmas songs from around the world and through the ages. Cost: $25/15. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | Anima Young Singers | Sun, Dec 15, 3 p.m.

The touring chorus of Anima, an internationally recognized youth choral organization, performs a Christmas-themed concert. Free tickets are distributed by lottery due to limited seating. Limit two per person. Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. To enter, call 630 260-8162 before Dec. 6. | Make We Merry | Sun, Dec 15, 3 p.m. Elmhurst Choral Union and Orchesta presents a collection of Christmas music from the 1500s to the present day. The concert features “Stella Natalis” by Karl Jenkins, the world’s most recorded living classical composer. Cost: $25/10. Hammerschmidt Chapel at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

800 838-3006 | Most Wonderful Time Of The Year | Sun, Dec 15, 6 p.m. Cabaret favorites Marianne Murphy Orland, Beckie Menzie and Laura Freeman present a wild and wonderful evening of cabaret. Cost: $35/30. Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Christmas With The Celts | Wed, Dec 18, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. This high-energy, fast-dancing Christmas performance features music from the green and rocky lands of Ireland and Scotland, with a pop twist. Cost: $35/30. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | The Magical Music Of Disney | Fri, Dec 20, 8 p.m. Music from early classics to recent releases will take you on a magical journey with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Cost: $59/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

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| Martina McBride | Sat, Dec 21, 7:30 p.m. The “Celine Dion of Country Music” performs everything from Christmas classics to hymns, accompanied by a 12-piece band, on her “The Joy of Christmas” tour. Cost: $76/36. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Presto Holiday Concert | Sat, Dec 21, 3:30

& 7 p.m. This performance combines classical and popular music of the season. Cost: $24/15. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg.

847 895-3600

| Kenny Rogers | Sat, Dec 21, 8 p.m. Music

legend and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers performs “Through the Years Christmas & Hits.” Cost: $85/70. Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

– 3:30 p.m. Features a fine selection of handmade ornaments and gifts as well as wreaths and holiday decorations. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941

$15/5. Closed on Dec 2, 9, 16, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. Visit mortonarb.org/illumination.

| Symphony In Lights | Sat, Nov 16, 3 - 8 p.m.

Children’s crafts, ice sculptures, hay rides, visit with Santa (3 – 6 p.m.), 6:30 p.m. tree lighting ceremony followed by the Symphony in Lights show. Bolingbrook Promenade, 631 E Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook.

630 296-8340

| ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM | Nov 22 - Jan 4, 4:30 - 9 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.). Experience the grounds of the Arboretum transformed into an interacive wonderland of color and light along a one-mile paved walking path. Cost:

| JINGLE MINGLE | Sat, Nov 23, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Children’s parade at 6 p.m., tree lighting with Santa at 6:15 p.m., free carriage and train rides, in-store promotions, ornament painting and more. Downtown Burr Ridge. 630 654-8181 | The ComEd Festival Of Trees | Nov 25 – Dec 1, except Thanksgiving Day. Festivities include a fabulous display of holiday trees and wreaths that you can bid on and have delivered to your home, showings of favorite holiday classic films, and numerous special events. Cost: $7/5. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

| Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Sat, Dec 28, 3 & 8 p.m. The progressive rock band and touring sensation creates a rock holiday tradition for a new generation in this performance. Cost: $71/40.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont.

800 745-3000 | Viennese Pops | Tue, Dec 31, 4 & 9 p.m. Ring in 2014 and experience an evening of waltzes, polkas and traditional Viennese musical selections. Special dinner packages are also available. Cost: $60/50.

McAninch Arts Center, Fawell Blvd. and Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Piano Men | Tue, Dec 31, 6 & 10 p.m. The ultimate tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel by tribute artists Craig Meyer and Donnie Kehr. 10 p.m. show includes champagne toast. Shows will sell out. Cost: $55. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora.

630 896-6666

Holidays

| Holiday Festival of Lights | Nov 9 - Dec 26.

Experience a drive-through light show reputed as one of the largest free outdoor light displays in Northern Illinois. Phillips Park, 615 S Smith Blvd., Aurora. Visit www.aurorafestivaloflights.com | Holiday/Marathon Open House | Fri, Nov 8, 6 p.m. Downtown Naperville comes to light for the holiday season with more than 300,000 lights, as well as the unveiling of Gingerbread Men holiday sculptures and live music. Throughout downtown Naperville. 630 544-3372 | Wilder Mansion Holiday Market | Fri, Nov 8,

4 – 9 p.m. and Sat, Nov 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find one-of-a-kind arts, crafts and seasonal gifts. Wilder Mansion, 211 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Visit www.wildermansion.org

| Christmas At The Mill | Sat – Sun, Nov 16 – 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Talented local artists sell handcrafted Christmas decorations, jewelry and more.

Decorated Christmas trees, strolling carolers and a visit from Santa add to the fun. Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S York Rd., Oak Brook. 630 655-2090 | The Growing Place’s Holiday Event | Sat, Nov 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get into a festive mood with decorating ideas, workshops, demos and first looks at fresh greens, cones, berries and beautiful designer-created decorations. The Growing Place, both locations, 25 W 471 Plank Rd., Naperville, 630 355-4000 and 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora, 630 820-8088. | Museum Guild Bazaar | Sat, Nov 16, 10 a.m.

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Visit www.rialtosquare.com for details.

| Gingerbread Festival | Nov 29 - Dec 1, Fri - Sun. Visit downtown Downers Grove for StoryTime with the Gingerbread Man, a tree lighting procession and ceremony (Fri at 4:30 p.m.), complimentary carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, and a Gingerbread house contest with houses on display in storefront windows. Visit www.events.downers.us. | Holiday Homecoming | Fri – Sat, Nov 29 – 30.

Enjoy the lighting of the lights, free holiday movies, horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits with Santa, and the Electric Christmas parade. Throughout downtown St. Charles. Visit www.downtownstcharles.org for more information. | Lighted Holiday Parade | Fri, Nov 29, 6 p.m.

Ring in the holiday with the time-honored tradition of the tree-lighting ceremony and festive parade.

Front St. in downtown Wheaton. 630 682-0633 | Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk | Fri, Nov 29, 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Join Santa at 6 p.m. at Main St. and Crescent Blvd. to watch him magically light the tree. Holiday activities take place throughout downtown Glen Ellyn.

630 469-0907 | Holiday Magic | Saturdays & Sundays, Nov 30 - Dec 22 and Thur - Tue, Dec 26 - 31, 4 - 9 p.m.

This holiday lights festival features over one million lights, animated light displays, nightly music and entertainment, a new 38-foot LED Talking Tree, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus through Dec 22 and much more. Cost: Regular parking/admission fees.

Brookfield Zoo 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000

| Geneva Giving Trees | Tue – Sat, Dec 3 – 27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A gallery full of Christmas trees decorated by local non-profit organizations are displayed and voted on, with the organizations receiving donations made to support their cause. Cost: $2.

Geneva History Center, 113 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-4951

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| Christmas Time At The Fine Line | Dec 6 – 14.

This holiday show and sale features a wide variety of great items from 70-80 artists.

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles. Visit www.fineline. org for specific show times. | Hinsdale Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec 6, 4 – 8 p.m.

Santa’s arrival, Radio Disney road crew, ice carvers, carolers, trackless train, annual tree lighting, giveaways and more. Throughout downtown Hinsdale.

630 323-3952 | Geneva Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec 6, 6 p.m.

Santa make his appearance to light the Great Tree and officially open his Gingerbread House at 6:30 p.m. Courthouse lawn, S Third St. between James & Campbell, Geneva. 630 232-6060

| Clarendon Hills Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec

6, 6 p.m. Christmas lights, a visit from Santa and his

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Elves and more holiday activities. Throughout downtown Clarendon Hills. 630 323-2626

| Celebrate The Season Holiday Festival | Sat, Dec 7, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Activities at the third annual festival include a tree lighting ceremony, Kris Greengle Market, ice carving demonstrations, carolers, live reindeer display, sleigh rides and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost: $2 for parking. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Christmas On The Farm | Sat, Dec 7, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Celebrate a Victorian Christmas with an old-fashioned Santa, taking pictures on a sleigh,

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caroling and hot apple cider. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago. 630 876-5900

| Frosty Fest | Sat, Dec 7, 4 - 7 p.m. See West Chicago’s downtown transformed into an old-fashioned winter vignette with horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, ice sculptures, a cappella vocals, a City Museum exhibit, Park District crafts, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more. 630 293-2200 ext. 135 | 2013 Holiday Classic Film Festival | Sun – Thurs, Dec 8 – 12, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with a classic movie. Come early and sing-along with the Wurlitzer Theatre pipe organ. Cost: $5.

Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.

630 968-0219 | Victorian Holiday Traditions | Sat, Dec 14, 3 - 5 p.m. Celebrate the season with a guided tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, followed by an interactive presentation. The presentation teaches about holiday traditions, such as Christmas trees and ornaments, peppermint pigs and the Christmas pickle. Tea and holiday cookies included. Reservations required. Cost: $15/13. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville.

630 420-6010

dance | The Nutcracker At Rialto Square Theatre | Sun, Dec 1, 2 p.m. Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festive Ballet brings the holiday favorite for all ages to life.

Cost: $38/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | The Nutcracker At Prairie Center For The Arts| Fri – Sun, Dec 6 – 15, Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun 1 & 5 p.m. Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s rich production of Tchaikovsky’s exquisite holiday ballet, with a cast of over 100 dancers and performers. Cost: $26/18. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600 | Ballet Folklorico Quetzacoatl | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m. The colorful and exciting music and dance troupe dazzles audiences of all ages with traditional Mexican folkloric performance. Cost: $28/18.

Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora.

630 896-6666 | Great Russian Nutcracker | Sun, Dec 8, 3 p.m.

Moscow Ballet performs the unique telling of the classic story of Masha and her Nutcracker Doll, told with true Russian flair. Cost: $120/26. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Stars of Dance Chicago | Sat, Nov 9, 8 p.m.

The night of dance includes the best traditional Irish and Mexican dance, award-winning ballroom and latin dance, contemporary dance, tap, modern, and more. Cost: $28/14. Ramsey Auditorium at Fermilab, Kirk Rd. and Pine St., Batavia. 630 840-2787

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| Our National Parks | Thursdays - Sundays, Nov 1 - 24, during gallery hours. This exhibit by artist and professional photographer Mick Smith offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Ameria’s National Parks. All one-of-a-kind pieces are for sale. Gallery 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago. 630 293-9550 | Yuletide Treasures | Nov 1 - Dec 24, Mondays (Continued on page 58) NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Out&about

Calendar of Events

A Christmas Carol

Photo courtesy of Goodman Theatre

(Continued from page 55) Fridays , 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Get a head start on gift buying at the DuPage Art League’s holiday gift show, where every item is an original handcrafted piece by a local artist. The gallery at 218 W Front St., Wheaton. 630 653-7090

| Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibit | Nov 5 – Dec 11, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Illinois Watercolor Society is dedicated to advancing the education and caliber of watercolor painting throughout Illinois. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 850-2363 | Thank You | Nov 8 – Dec 6, Mon – Fri 1 – 5 p.m. and Sat 1 – 4 p.m. Bring in artwork that expresses what you are most thankful for. People’s choice will be awarded. Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. 708 386-9853

Wor th Going Downtown For - The Universe: A Journey

Through Space And Time Ongoing, Mon - Fri, 9:30 a.m.

- 4 p.m. & Sat - Sun, 9:30 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m. Be transported to the distant corners of the cosmos and witness how the universe evolved over 13.7 billion years in this interative exhibition. Cost: $12/8 (general admission). Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. 312 922-7827

- Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives - Nov 1 - Feb 17,

Sun - Sat, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The exhibit celebrates nine decades of Disney with drawings, props, costumes and artwork from classic and contemporary Disney animation.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. 773 684-1414

- Opening the Vaults: Wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair -

Nov 1 - Sept 2014, Sun-Sat, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. This new exhibit reopens artifacts from Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a showcase of architecture, culture and peoples from around the world.

Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. 312 922-9410

- Parsifal - Nov 9, 13, 22, 25 & 29, 6 p.m.; Also, 1 p.m. matinee on Sun, Nov 17. The sacred and the profane vie for supremacy in Wagner’s final, revelatory masterpiece.

Cost: $264/34. Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N Wacker Dr., Chicago. 312 332-2244 - A Christmas Carol - Nov 16 – Dec 28. The 36th annual production of the Christmas

classic at Goodman Theatre, with all-new on stage magic.

Cost: $83/25. Goodman’s Albert Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago. For show times and tickets, visit www.goodmantheatre.org/joy.

- An Afternoon With Mr. Dickens - Sun, Nov, 17, 1 p.m.

Experience the one-man show of Gerald Dickens, the great, great grandson of literary genius Charles Dickens, in his celebrated performances of “Mr. Dickens is Coming!” and “A Christmas Carol!” Cost: $125/100. Stan Mansion, 2408 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago. Visit www.britishtasteevents.com.

- Burning Bluebeard - Thur

– Sun, Nov 21 – Jan 5. The hit historical romp inspired

by Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre fire returns featuring the full original cast and creative team. Cost: $18.

Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave., Chicago. Visit www. theaterwit.org for showtimes and tickets.

- HoliDAZE - Nov 30 - Dec

22, Th - Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. These original one-acts showcase the dysfunctional chaos and joyous celebration the holidays bring as talented playwrights explore the holiday season through several unique experiences. Cost: $30/17.

Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. 773 935-6875

- Handel’s Messiah - Sat, Dec, 7, 3 p.m. The annual performance dating back to 1879 includes some of the most joyful and memorable music

from the Baroque period.

Cost: $55-18. Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave., Chicago. 312 294-3000; Also, Sat, Dec 21, 3 p.m., Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E Randolph Dr., Chicago. 312 334-7777

- MCA Exhibition: City Self -

Nov 29 - Apr. 13, 2014. The exhibit focuses on Chicago as a quintessential American city.

New York-based painter and filmmaker Sarah Morris brings her film, Chicago, front and center. The exhibit draws connections to a range of works by both Chicago artists and “outsiders” including Andreas Gursky and Catherine Opie.

Cost: $12/7 suggested. Free on Tuesdays. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. 312 280-2660

- Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights -

| Artist Talk | Fri, Nov 8, 6:30 p.m. Chicago artist Helen Maurene Cooper discusses her love and investigation of Chicago’s unique nail art scene.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst.

630 834-0202 | Nature Artists Guild Holiday Exhibit | Sat - Sun, Nov 9 - 10, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admire more than 150 pieces of original artwork. Artists demonstrate and share techniques throughout the show.

Cost: Arboretum admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rt. 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Beginners Watercolor Workshop | Sat - Sun, Nov 9 - 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn the basics of watercolor and create an autumn leaf painting.

Registration required. Cost: $42/35. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Adult Studio Painting | Mondays, Nov 11 – Jan 6, noon – 2:30 p.m. (no class Nov 25, Dec 23 & 30).

Learn about the basics of Art including drawing, color mixing and color theory, elements of design, composition and more. Cost: $125. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566

family & General | Classic Movie Mondays | Ongoing, Mondays at 7 p.m. Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on a magnificent silver screen. Holidays films play each week in December. Cost: $1. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

Nov. 29 - Dec. 22. Enjoy ice carving demonstrations, visits with Santa, warm drinks, cool crafts and more as you stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo, decorated with more than two million beautiful lights.

New this year is Ice Skating at the Zoo, where you’ll skate by some animals. Cost: Free.

Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway, Chicago. 312 742-2000

| Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Barley | Nov 1 – 11. The 143rd edition of the Greatest Show on Earth celebrates the circus tradition along with its modern flare of twists and turns. Cost: $90/15. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Visit www. allstatearena.com for specific dates and times.

- Elf the Musical - Nov. 26 Dec. 15. The hilarious tale of Buddy, a human who thinks he is an elf, is both endearing and fun. Watch as he makes his way from the North Pole to New York City. Cost: $90/18.

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Chicago.

312 384-1502.

| Toy Soldier Show | Sun, Nov 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Toy soldier enthusiasts display collections of smallscale soldiers and armaments, with items also for sale.

Cost: $5 for parking. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

| John Lithgow: Stories By Heart | Sat, Nov 2, 7:30 p.m. The Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awardwinning actor offers a reflection on storytelling. Cost: $65. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin.

847 622-0300

| Jaripeo De Oro | Sun, Nov 10, 4 p.m. Come watch the most fierce bulls on the planet during this rodeo and dance event. Kids 10 and under are free.

Cost: $55/40. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone

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| WHAT ROGER EBERT MEANT TO US | Sun, Nov 10,

7 p.m. Roger Ebert was the most famous movie critic of his generation, and one of the most respected.

Reflect on his life and legacy with an Ebert competitor, a colleague and a protégé. Cost: $20. Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3390

| VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT BROOKFIELD

ZOO | Mon, Nov 11, 1 p.m. Honor our U.S. veterans with a special ceremony including live music, inspirational words and live zoo chats. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000

SEE DOWNTOWN S T. C H A R L E S iN A

whole new light

Downtown St. Charles, known for its natural charm and distinctive culture, caters to people with a desire to be pampered with its superb dining scene, boutique shopping, night life, entertainment and the beautiful Fox Valley.

This holiday…come home to St. Charles.

| VETERANS DAY LUMINARY TRIBUTE | Mon, Nov 11, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Honor those who served and sacrificed for America’s freedom by attending this solemn tribute featuring more than 2,000 candles. Free parking all day. Parade Field at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | GARRISON KEILLOR | Tue, Nov 19, 8 p.m. The unparalleled spinner of stories whose weekly radio show, “A Prairie Home Companion,” has been on the air for nearly four decades, entertains with his offbeat tales and oddball characters. Cost: $55/40. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | ENCHANTED RAILROAD | Nov 21 - Jan 5. Watch an intricate garden railroad travel through an indoor winter wonderland. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

For the Downtown St. Charles directory vis it us at: www.s tc-holidays .com

| COMMUNITY TREE TRIM | Sat – Sun, Nov 23 – 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Assemble a group (up to 20 people) to sponsor a Brookfield Zoo tree, make ornaments and then head to the zoo to decorate your already fully lit tree. Cost: $140/130 for group package. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | WONDERFUL & WEARABLE | Thursdays - Sundays, Dec 5 - 29, during gallery hours. The fifth annual show and sale features affordable, unique jewelry and accessories from local artisans in time for holiday gift giving. Gallery 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago. 630 293-9550 | MAX & RUBY’S NUTCRACKER SUITE | Fri, Dec 6, 4 & 7 p.m. The duo from Rosemary Well’s enchanting book series star in a production set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky as well as delightful original songs. Cost: $53/16. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | THE LITTLE MERMAID | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 21, Sat 10:30 a.m. and Sun 7 p.m. The FVR Youth Ensemble brings the Disney classic to life, music and all. Cost: $15/10. Fox Valley Repertory, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342 | CANDLELIGHT | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 8, 2 – 6 p.m. Learn about Christmas on the prairie in the Durant House, decorated in 19th Century finery including evergreens and candles. Cost: $3/1. Durant House Museum in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. 630 377-6424 | CANDLELIGHT AT THE INN | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 8, 3 – 7 p.m. Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfields in their 1846 Brick Inn. Hospitality, food, music and bake sale.

Donations accepted. Garfield Farm and Inn Museum, 3N016 Garfield Rd., Lafox. 630 584-8485 | YO GABBA GABBA! | Sat, Dec 14, 2 & 5 p.m. and Sun, Dec 15, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. The first ever holiday NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of the Rialto Square Theatre

Out&about

show featuring everyone’s favorite cast of colorful characters, dance numbers and special effects that transform the stage into a glistening holiday wonderland.

Cost: $72/22. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

| LEGO Train Show | Sat - Sun, Dec 14 - 15, 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Be a part of the North Illinois LEGO® Train Club’s largest show of the year, with amazing displays, and one of Cantigny’s most popular events for families.

Cost: $5 for parking. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

| Bill Blagg | Sat, Dec 28, 2 & 6 p.m. Watch the

magic of a spellbinding stage performer, who has thrilled and flabbergasted scores of people. Tickets expected to sell quickly. Cost: $35/25. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Zoo Year’s Eve | Tue, Dec 31, 6 – 8 p.m. Celebrate the new year with live DJ music, games, party favors, prizes and an early countdown at 8 p.m. Free with zoo admission. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000

kids | Fall Into Art | Tue, Nov 5 & Wed - Thur, Nov 13 - 14, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Falling seeds, colorful leaves and sleepy animals are the inspiration for this art-based program. For children ages 3 to 5. Cost: $25/18. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. Call 630 719-2468 to register. | Art In Autumn | Wed, Nov 6 & Tue, Nov 12, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. This sense-based program draws upon the changing season’s themes and fall shapes and colors for inspiration for creating you own work of art to take home. For ages 18 - 35 months, with adult.

Cost: $22/15. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rt. 53, Lisle. Call 630 719-2468 to register. | Holiday Sing-a-long | Tuesdays, Dec 3, 10 &

17, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Fun, festive and energetic music sessions for ages birth to six years. Registration required. Cost: $45/35. Education Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162

| Henry & Mudge | Wed, Dec 4, 9:30 a.m. & noon.

Moving can be tough, but Henry soon finds a playmate in a 182-pound canine buddy named Mudge. For grades PreK – 3. Cost: $8.50. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Engineering FUNdamentals With LEGO | Thur, Dec 12, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Under expert instruction, children power up their engineering skills with more than 100,000 LEGO® pieces. For ages 7 to 12. PreEngineering class for ages 5 - 6 available on Wed, Dec 11, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Cost: $20. Visitors Center Medill Room at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

To register, call 630 260-8162.

history | Veteran’s Day Program | Sat, Nov 9, 1 p.m.

Hear U.S. Army LTC. Harold Knudsen, author of “Lieutenant General James Longstreet, The Confederacy’s Most Modern General,” speak in honor of

Nov. 9 THE PRIESTS

The classical music trio share their music at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. 815 726 6600 Veteran’s Day. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941

| World War II On The Homefront | Sat, Nov 9, 2 – 4:30 p.m. A conversation and panel discussion about what it was like for those on the Oak Park and River Forest Homefront. The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

708 848-6755 | In Search Of William Pretyman | Sun, Nov 10, 1 p.m. Architect John Waters gives a special presentation on the significant 19th Century designer, William Pretyman. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941 | Pierre Salinger And The 1,000 Days Of Kennedy’s Camelot| Sun, Nov 10, 4 - 5 p.m. This presentation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and paints a vivid picture of the 1,000 days that made up the Kennedy administration. Registration recommended. Cost: $7/5. Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville.

630 420-6010 | History Will Prove Us Right| Wed, Nov 13, 7 p.m. Howard Willens discusses his newly published book, “History will Prove Us Right: Inside the Warren Commission Investigation into the Assassination of John F. Kennedy.” The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

708 848-6755 | The Columbian Exposition| Sat, Nov 16, 2 3:15 p.m. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago during this interactive presentation. Reservations recommended. Cost: $10. Pre-Emption House Tavern at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Sheldon Peck And The Underground Railroad | Fri, Dec 6, 6:30 p.m. This talk by Jeanne

Schultz Angel examines Sheldon Peck, a nationally recognized portrait painter and a well-known abolitionist who lived in the area now known as Lombard.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst.

630 834-0202

home & garden | Tips & Trends Kitchen Seminar | Thur, Nov 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Designers pinpoint unique solutions for

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| Sleigh Rides | Thur – Mon, Dec 26 – 30, noon –

2 p.m.; Also, Sat – Sun, Jan – Feb, noon – 3 p.m.

Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rides depart every 20 minutes. Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-6012

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your kitchen space and discuss the design process along with some great money-saving tips. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn, 522 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 858-4848

| WINTER FLORAL SHOW | Thur - Sat, Nov 14 - 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun, Nov 17, 1 - 4 p.m. The annual Weed Ladies winter floral show and sale features holiday-themed floral arrangements and accessories.

Daniels House at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Winter Container Arrangements | Fri, Nov 22, 1 p.m. and Sat, Nov 23, 10 a.m. Add a festive touch to the holidays by learning how to create gorgeous fresh greens arrangements and centerpieces. Free, but calling recommended to reserve a spot. Vern Goers Greenhouse, 5620 S Oak St., Hinsdale. 630 323-1085 | Holiday Mansion Tours | Saturdays and Sundays, Dec 7 - 8 & 14 - 15. Visit Martin Mitchell Mansion, decked out in full Victorian splendor during the holiday season. Saturday tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost: $7/5. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster Rd., Naperville.

630 420-6010

ANTIQUES & CRAFTS

| Mosaic Christmas Ball Ornaments | Sun, Nov 3, 1 - 4 p.m. Create two keepsake ornaments for the holidays in this introductory-level mosaic class under expert instruction by mosaic artist Lisa Tolbert. Registration required. Cost: $50. Education Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Antique Lovers Weekend | Fri – Sat, Nov 8 – 10, Fri 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.

– 5 p.m. A weekend of exciting events for antique lovers. The Perfect Thing, 131 Town Square, Wheaton.

Visit www.theperfectthing.net | Design Your Own Quilt Top | Sat, Nov 16 & Sun, Nov 17, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn to make a quilt design from your photographs. Design ideas must be submitted one week prior to class for approval.

Basic sewing maching experience is necessary. Cost: $150/128. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle.

Call 630 719-2468 to register. | Mosaic Holiday Tree | Sun, Nov 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Create a festive hoilday tree plaque, a completed project including grouting. Students are encouraged to bring any of their own additions in their favorite holiday colors. Cost: $98/83. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. Call 630 719-2468 to register.

| Crafty Ladies | Thur, Nov 21, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Socialize

with fellow crafters and make some Christmas ornaments for the upcoming holidays. Registration required; supplies provided. Cost: $15. Education Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162

| Wreath, Container, Swag Workshop | Saturdays, Nov 23 & Dec 3, 10 a.m. – noon. Make a custom wreath, swag or container of fresh greens and accents with help from expert designers. Cost: $49/39.

The Growing Place, both locations, 25 W 471 Plank Rd., Naperville, 630 355-4000 and 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora, 630 820-8088. | Christmas Crossroads Craft Show | Sat, Nov 23, 8:30 am. - 5 p.m. & Sun, Nov 24, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Artisans and craftsman from a six-state area sell art and crafts. Presented by the Lockport Women’s Club.

Cost: $3/1. Lockport East High School Field House, 1333 E 7th St., Lockport. Visit www.christmascrossroads.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Calendar of Events

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| TABLE DECORATING WORKSHOP | Sat, Dec 14,

10 a.m. Make your own festive centerpiece with natural and artificial materials. Cost: $35. The Growing Place, 25 W 471 Plank Rd., Naperville.

630 355-4000

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| WILDERNESS SKILLS 101 | Sat, Nov 2 & Sun, Nov

10, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Get hands-on practice navigating the woods, finding and collecting water, building a shelter, and starting a fire with REI experts. Advance registration required. Cost: $17/10. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468

Dec. 15 ELMHURST CHORAL UNION

“Make We Merry,” Christmas music fom the 1500s to the present day at Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst College.

Call 800 838-3006 for tickets.

| FOREST ECOLOGY FOR NATURALISTS | Sat, Nov 16, 9 a.m. - noon. Learn the basics of forest ecology and the options available for managing forests for natural resources. Cost: $43/35. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle. Call 630 719-2468 to register.

HEALTH & FITNESS

a.m. - noon. This hands-on program includes how to craft herbal shortbread and cookies, candied herb flowers, tea breads and bread spreads, along with two methods for making scones. Each recipe will include herbs or edible flowers. Cost: $42/35.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle.

630 968-0074

| CELEBRATING WOMEN...BEAUTY & HEALTH | Wed, Nov 6, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital and the Lemont Chamber of Commerce partner for this women’s event, an evening of shopping, health and wellness, spa treatments and more. Cost: $30/25. Ruffled Feathers Golf Club, 1 Pete Dye Dr., Lemont. 630 257-5997

follow the race. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

| EDWARD HOSPITAL NAPERVILLE MARATHON & HALF MARATHON| Sun, Nov 10, 7 a.m. (both races). Make it out to cheer for all 3,500 runners of Naperville’s inaugural marathon and half marathon.

Some racers are running for charity. The races begin and end at the North Central College Athletic Complex, Porter Ave. and Loomis St. To learn more about participating in a variety of roles to help rally and offer support to those running, visit www.naperville26.com.

SPORTS | CANTIGNY 5K RUN/WALK | Sat, Nov 2, 9 a.m.

Cheer on the 1,000 runners, with all race proceeds being donated to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. An awards ceremony and Youth/Tot runs

CULINARY | HERBAL HOLIDAY BAKING | Sat, Nov 23, 9:30

BREATHE BETTER...

| SNOWFLAKE SHUFFLE | Sat, Dec 7, 7 a.m. The 5th

HEAR BETTER...

SLEEP BETTER...

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Nasal & Sinus (functional/cosmetic) Facial Cosmetic & Reconstructive Sleep Disorders, Apnea, snoring & CPAP Hearing & Balance

Robert D. Thomas, M.D. • • • •

Deb Cheval, FNP-BC

Voice & Swallowing Hearing Aid Services Ear, Nose & Throat Related Allergies On-site CT Scan & Sleep Lab Services

LAGRANGE 5201 S. Willow Springs Rd. ~ Suite 240

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Over Year 50 Exce s of llenc e Est. 1 959

3 Convenient Locations OAK PARK 1515 N. Harlem Ave. ~ Suite 300

We accept all major insurances, including Medicare | Physicians are Board Certified through the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery Hospital Affiliations: Adventist Hinsdale & LaGrange, Advocate Good Samaritan, Loyola, Children’s Memorial and Elmhurst Memorial

Call for your appointment today 630 323-5214 or visit us on line at www.girgisent.com *Open Monday — Saturday, plus evening hours. Same day appointments available!

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Samuel J. Girgis, M.D.

HINSDALE 908 N. Elm St. ~ Suite 306 & 315

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DRS. GIRGIS & ASSOCIATES, S.C. Our mission is to provide the highest quality ENT services for our pediatric and adult patients in the Chicago western suburbs.

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annual 5K Run/Walk expects over 800 participants this year. Registration fees after Nov 27 are $5 more. $10 Youth Mile occurs at 8:30 a.m. Cost: $25/15 (includes long sleeve tech shirt). Mill Creek Golf Club & Subdivision, 39W525 Herrington Dr., Geneva. 630 232-1070

LECTURES | WHERE THE INTELLECT MEETS THE DIVINE| Mon, Nov 4, 7:30 p.m. The speaker, Rabbi Michael Balinsky, is executive vice president of the Chicago Board of Rabbis. As director of the Hillel Center at Northwestern University, he challenged students to explore and create vibrant and considered Jewish lives.

Cost: $10. Frick Center, 150 College Hill Ave., Elmhurst.

630 617-3500 | WRITERS AT WRIGHT | Wed, Nov 6 and Tue, Nov 19, 7 p.m. Top name authors discuss newly published works. On Nov 6, Thomas Cahill discusses “Heroes and Heretics.” On Nov 19, Christopher Kimball discusses “America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook.”

Cost: $10. Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

708 383-8873 | DATE WITH HISTORY LECTURE SERIES | Wed, Nov 6, 7:30 p.m. Author Jörg Muth discusses “Command Culture: Officer Education in the U.S. Army and the German Armed Forces, 1901-1940, and the Consequences for World War II.” First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. Visit www.firstdivisionmuseum.org. | THE NEW NORMAL: SUBURBIA, COYOTES & YOU | Thur, Nov 7, 7 - 9 p.m. A panel of wildlife behavior experts share their views on present and future coyote populations, as well as provide helpful tips for keeping you, your family and your pets safe. For ages 18 and over. Cost: $15. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton HIlls Rd., St. Charles. Advance registration required at www.stcnature.org. | RESONANT LEADERSHIP: INSPIRING OTHERS THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLEGENCE | Fri, Nov 8, 2 - 5:30 p.m. This Senior Executive Roundtable features Richard Boyatzis, Ph.D, a globally recognized expert in the field of organizational change and a pioneer in emotional intelligence, addresssing the questions of leadership and emotional connection. Sponsored by Benedictine University’s CVDL. Cost: $150. Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus, 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook.

Visit www.cvdl.org/roundtable. | PLEASE DON’T FEED THE DOLPHINS!| Wed, Nov 13, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Kaite McHugh of The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program gives her insight into the issues of human-dolphin interactions and her work to reduce them. Cost: $16/13. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | CHICAGO’S SWEET CANDY HISTORY | Sun, Nov 24, 2 p.m. Learn what made Chicago such an ideal location for candy makers from author/lecturer Leslie Goddard. Cost: $10/5. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600 | THE PHYSICS OF SUPERHEROES | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m.

Dr James Kaklios from the University of Minnesota explains physics concepts by using examples from superhero comic books. Cost: $7. Fermilab, Kirk Rd. and Pine St., Batavia. 630 840-2787 Information is as accurate as possible, but times and dates do sometimes change and events are occasionally canceled. Please call to verify all critical information. To have an event included in this guide, send information two to three months in advance to: Out & About, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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CELEBRATING T Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

10

Great Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, but sometimes with all the accompanying busyness, they pass by before we even have a chance to really enjoy them. With that in mind, the following is a quick “to-do” list of seasonal activities and simple pleasures to help you make the most of the holiday season.

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Giving Thanks

Sleigh Rides at Danada Equestrian Center

It’s no coincidence and certainly more than appropriate that Thanksgiving comes in advance of Christmas. Prior to getting wrapped up in all the holiday hoopla and craziness, it more than makes sense to take time out to truly give thanks for our many blessings. And living in the western suburbs, we have no shortage of blessings.

So the first of our must-do holiday activities is to take full advantage of the extended Thanksgiving holiday and make a point to get together with family and friends, share a good meal, enjoy each others’ company, and be grateful.

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Soak in the Holiday Music | 2

From Christmas carols to Handel’s majestic Messiah, there is just something about holiday music that helps get you in the spirit of the season. In the past, lovers of traditional Christmas carols could turn to WLIT 93.9 radio in early November and get holiday music round the clock. Though the station was “rebranded” earlier this year to MY FM, due to popular demand — and higher ratings during past holiday seasons — the all-Christmas music format will continue this year.

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Photo courtesy of Bolingbrook Promenade

Bolingbrook Promenade’s Symphony in Lights

Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

G THE SEASON For those who prefer to lift their own voices in song, a great event is the Annual Sing-Along Messiah at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, this year set for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8th.

The free event features a professional orchestra and soloists, the church’s historic Skinner organ, a harpsichord, and the voices of local singers. For more committed Messiah lovers, there are also the annual Do-It-Yourself Messiah performances Dec. 19 and 20 at Harris Theatre for Music and Dance in Chicago (cost $15), which typically draws thousands of chorus and audience members.

3|Take in the Holiday Lights

While all the downtowns will be lit up and many will hold their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, the must-see new attraction this year will be Morton Arboretum’s new “Illumination” exhibition. Combining cutting-edge light technology with the wooded landscape of the Arboretum, the interactive exhibit will not be your typical holiday lights show.

“Illumination” will take visitors on a mile-long, paved walking trail with various light “experiences” — from shadow lanterns, to a tinsel colonnade, to crystal chandeliers — around every turn. The exhibition will be open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 22 through Jan. 4 (except Nov. 28 and Dec., 2, 9, 16, 24 and 25). Cost is $10

for children and $15 per adult.

Other great places to catch fun holiday light shows include the drive-through Holiday Festival of Lights at Phillips Park in Aurora, which runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 26; Bolingbrook Promenade outdoor mall’s Symphony in Lights, with more than 250,000 lights synchronized to the holiday music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which kicks off Nov. 16; and Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic, featuring more than a million twinkling lights as well as new laser and video lights shows. The zoo’s lights will be on display Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 30, and all evenings between Christmas and New Year’s.

Of course, no holiday season would be complete without a quick trip downtown to see the lights on Michigan Avenue and the city’s Christmas tree at Daley Plaza.

Holiday Housewalks | 4

Another great way to celebrate the beauty of the season is to take a tour of distinctive area homes decked out in their holiday finest. The most well-known of several local holiday housewalks is the Naperville Garden Club’s annual Cup of Cheer, now in its 53rd year. This year’s walk, holiday market and tea is set for Friday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature tours of four homes, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Photo by Beverly Horne courtesy of Salt Creek Ballet

Celebrating the Season

Salt Creek Ballet’s Nutcracker

Parade, both on Nov. 29; to St. Charles’ Holiday Homecoming celebration Nov. 29 and 30; and Downers Grove’s Gingerbread Festival, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. The following weekend, other downtowns roll out a holiday welcome including annual Christmas walks in Geneva, Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills on Dec. 6, and in La Grange Dec. 7, which is also the date of West Chicago’s Frosty Fest.

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Take in a Performance of the Nutcracker

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Shop, Shop, Shop

In keeping with the adage that it truly is better to give than receive, there are gifts to be bought for friends and family. And in the western suburbs, there is an abundance of wonderful shopping venues, from quaint but bustling downtowns to sprawling indoor and outdoor malls. Most of these venues will be formally kicking off the shopping season in late November or early December.

Oakbrook Center, for example, will be holding a special event on Nov. 22, with the traditional arrival of Santa in conjunction with the formal unveiling of the completion of the mall’s multi-year renovation. That same evening, Stratford Square will debut its new “Magical Holiday Forest” in its Center Court. The following weekend, Geneva Commons will hold its “Light up the Night” holiday kickoff event on Friday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. and Yorktown Center will be featuring special “Pet Nights with Santa” on Dec. 8 and 15.

Local downtown shopping districts will be buzzing with activity as well, from Glen Ellyn’s Holiday Walk and Wheaton’s Lighted Holiday

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Learn a Lesson from Scrooge

For a dramatic reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, there is nothing better than taking in a production of “A Christmas Carol.” Local productions of the Charles Dickens’ classic include a touring show at the Paramount Theatre from Dec. 7 through 9, and Drury Lane’s annual production from Nov. 21 though Dec. 21, the latter of which is especially designed for younger audiences.

But the grandaddy of “Christmas Carol” shows is the Goodman Theatre’s annual production in Chicago. Now in its 36th year, the show runs from Nov. 16 through Dec. 28.

Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s Holiday Housewalk

Photo courtesy of the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society

decorated by garden club members.

The annual Geneva House Tour runs in conjunction with the downtown Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 6 and continues on Saturday, Dec. 7. Participants will get an inside look at five Geneva-area homes and finish with tea at the Congregational Church in Geneva.

That same weekend is the 15th Annual Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society Holiday Housewalk and Market, featuring five festive homes decorated for the holidays. Tour hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7.

Proceeds benefit the IWS Children’s Clinic, which provides medical and dental care to children whose families cannot afford the costs of private care. The event also includes a special Holiday Market, featuring more than 30 artisan vendors with “one-of-a-kind” gifts.

The whimsical tale of young Clara and her magical journey amidst waltzing flowers, giant mice, and the Sugar Plum fairy — all set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score — is a holiday classic for the entire family. Among local area performances is the acclaimed Salt Creek Ballet’s staging of “The Nutcracker,” featuring principal dancers from the Colorado Ballet. Shows are slated for Nov. 24 and 25 at the Hinsdale Central High School Auditorium in Hinsdale.

Other local Nutcracker performances include Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet Dec. 1 at the Rialto Square; the Moscow Ballet at the Rosemont Theatre on Dec. 8; and, of course, the annual Joffrey Ballet production Dec. 6 through 28 at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

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Photo courtesy of the Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol

Photo courtesy of the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society

Many of the area downtowns are offering free horse-drawn carriage rides during the holiday season, but to get away and enjoy the natural beauty of the season, head out to the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. Daily from noon to 2 p.m. from Dec. 26 through 30, and then on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. in January and February, two of the center’s draft horses will pull a sleigh on runners — when snow is four inches or deeper — or a hay wagon on wheels through woods and prairies. Visitors will learn about the historic surroundings along the way. Rides are about 15 minutes long and depart every 20 minutes. A warming fire keeps visitors toasty as they wait for their trip. Groups of 15 or more can reserve private rides, which take place at times other than the scheduled rides for the public.

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Give of Your Time and/or Resources

The holidays are also a time to give back to your community and to help those in need. As any non-profit organization leader will freely acknowledge, their budgets often depend heavily on the extra donations that come in during November and December (see ‘Tis the Giving Season on page 30). Many organizations are also looking for volunteers to support the services they offer.

Often among those that are most forgotten during the holidays are the elderly. Among local organizations seeking volunteers is the DuPage Senior Citizen’s Council, which is looking for volunteer drivers in Wheaton, Lombard and Bloomingdale for its Meals on Wheels program. Similarly, Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage is actively looking for

in-home senior respite volunteers to provide weekly visits — social only, no medical or personal care is required. The program helps keep more seniors in their homes while affording breaks to their family caregivers, who often cannot leave their loved ones home alone, even for brief periods.

There are, of course, plenty of other places to contribute. To find the right match for your interests, one resource worth checking is Giving DuPage, which helps connect donors and volunteers with opportunities to get involved in local service organizations.

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Seek Spiritual Renewal

Yes, the holidays can be hectic. But if you can manage to carve out a little time for reflection amidst the hustle and bustle, it can also be a wonderful time for spiritual renewal.

For Christians, the “reason for the season” is obviously the birth of Christ. And those of the Jewish faith will be celebrating Hanukkah from Nov. 27 through Dec. 5. But whatever your religion or beliefs, the holidays can be made richer and more meaningful with time also spent considering the spiritual realm of life. n Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society

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Take a Winter Carriage or Sleigh Ride

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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by Sarah Pearsaul Vice

HOLIDAY T

Dazzling

E

mbellishing the dining table is an age-old tradition that is taking on a few new twists.

The classic Christmas centerpiece of flowers, greens and candles arranged in a single container remains immensely popular, but it is only the start of decorating the table throughout the holiday season. While the centerpiece is still the focal point of attention, interior and floral designers favor decorating the entire table to fit your home’s décor as well as the holiday.

“People are doing more tablescapes,” explains Gary Chase, co-owner of Winfield Flower Shoppe. “Instead of one individual centerpiece, they are putting votive candles and smaller arrangements and laying foliage and ribbon down the table. Plants for centerpieces, both blooming and green, also work well and are more lasting.”

THANKSGIVING The cornucopia, the Latin term for “horn of plenty,” may date as far back as ancient Rome and Greece, but it has become part of America’s Thanksgiving,

as a symbol of provision for the early settlers and the abundance of our annual harvest. Florists report that the modernday cornucopia, which is typically a wicker basket in a horn shape, is still among the most popular centerpieces for Thanksgiving.

At Jane’s Blue Iris in Hinsdale, fall arrangements include “Pumpkin Patch,” with a hollowed-out pumpkin as the container for the flowers, and a turkey arrangement comprised of flowers.

Owner Jane Gavran favors kale, artichokes, hydrangeas, bittersweet branches and colorful berries for fall arrangements.

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Photos courtesy of Linly Designs

Y TABLESCAPES

l

r

”

Jennifer Sterna, general manager of Linly Designs in Clarendon Hills, observes that people “like to do it big for the holidays.” Linly creates silk floral arrangements as part of its interior design service. “We try to stay away from trends and focus on the timeless, so people can have the arrangement for years.” For fall, they use classic muted tones, such as rusts, golds, and browns, and add a little sparkle.

Sterna recommends selecting a vase or container that will add height to the table and layering linen runners underneath.

For many, the Thanksgiving table has become a prelude to Christmas, as more

people choose a wintery centerpiece that will last throughout the holiday season.

“For Thanksgiving, the trend has been going away from large family gatherings,” observes Brenda Silmon, designer for Heritage House Florist in Downers Grove. She designs Thanksgiving table arrangements with fresh pine, so that fall items can be removed after Thanksgiving and fresh flowers and ornaments can be added, allowing the basic arrangement to last the entire season.

THANKSGIVING + HANUKKAH This year, in a very rare coincidence,

Thanksgiving overlaps with the Jewish observance of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown the night before. The traditional colors for Hanukkah decorations are blue and white, which are thought to relate to the flag of Israel, and the menorah candle holder is the focal point for the festival of lights.

Laura Walsh, event manager at Phillip’s Flowers, says that pastels also are popular for Hanukkah floral arrangements. For a

When decorating the home for the holidays, floral and interior décor experts recommend making the tablescape a color and design focal point, and then carrying key visual elements through other rooms.

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Photo courtesy of Linly Designs

DAZZELING HOLIDAY TABLETOPS

Holiday Decorating Events

T

ry your hand at holiday decorating using flowers and

MORTON ARBORETUM, LISLE • HOLIDAY WREATHS AND SWAGS, Saturday,

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, GLENCOE • HAND-TIED BOUQUET

greens, with help from

Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.

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experts. Advance

to 12:30 p.m. Learn how

Nov. 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

registration and fees are

to incorporate evergreen

Create a Thanksgiving

required for workshops.

branches and boughs into

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Most materials are provided

wreaths and swags and

flowers, foliage and

with the fee, and you can

make a Thanksgiving swag

botanicals. $79 nonmember

take your creation home.

that can be updated to

fee, members 20% discount

CANTIGNY PARK, WINFIELD • THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE WORKSHOP

last through the winter holidays. $35 member, $43 nonmember

• HOLIDAY TABLETOP TREE Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• MAKE YOUR OWN NATURE

Decorate a long-lasting

6:30 p.m. Create a fresh

ORNAMENTS, Saturday,

tabletop boxwood tree

arrangement for your

Nov. 16 or Sunday, Nov. 24,

for the holidays. $119

Thanksgiving table with

1 to 2:30 p.m. Families

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expert instruction. $45

with children ages 2 & up:

20% discount

Monday, Nov. 25,

• SHADES OF CRIMSON POINSETTIA DISPLAY Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See more than 3,000 poinsettia plants, all grown on site and many available for sale, while Cantigny horticulturists lead tours and answer questions. Free.

• HOLIDAY FLORAL

Create ornaments and mementos out of natural materials to decorate your home and garden, $10 member, $17 nonmember fee including admission • WONDERFUL WINTER CONTAINERS Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to noon.

Create a seasonal

• HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE Thursday, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Create a lovely holiday centerpiece, using fresh-cut evergreens and seasonal flowers. $74 nonmember fee, members 20% discount WASCO NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER, ST. CHARLES • HOLIDAY DECORATING

ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP

container with tips from

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holiday arrangement. $10

special event, she might add a bit of whimsy by decorating a small manzanita tree with dreidels and adding flowers at the bottom.

She also suggests using a silver mercury chalice vase to fit the color scheme.

CHRISTMAS Whether observed as a religious or a secular celebration, Christmas tends to get most of our decorating attention this time of year.

Walsh notes that Phillip’s Christmas floral arrangements range from the very traditional green, red, and white composition, to nostalgic, whimsical, or elegant, depending on the person’s tastes. She sees a trend toward blending deep and medium reds with fancy ribbons and metallic, which “changes it up a little bit.” She also favors black, silver and pewter as good colors to combine with Christmas red. She suggests adding a snowman, angel or elf as an accent to a centerpiece, or perhaps a scattering of bird figures as part of an icy woodland theme.

For fresh flowers, she often incorporates red and white roses, Star of Bethlehem lilies, amaryllis, white Casablanca lilies, orchids, and white and green hydrangea.

At Heritage House Florist, the long, low centerpiece with taper candles is still the biggest seller. Silmon advises clients to personalize their Christmas centerpieces by adding a family ornament or two or to bring in their own heirloom container to be used as the base for the arrangement.

For silk table arrangements, designers at the Strawflower Shop in Geneva are combining sparkle with natural elements, bringing together feathers with sequins and ribbons in tones of gold, brown, and black, along with flocked and natural evergreen boughs, according to Mike Haas, director of operations. Twig lighting, which can be battery operated or electric, can also be added to illuminate the arrangements.

NEW YEAR’S EVE A winter theme arrangement can continue on to New Year’s Eve and beyond if the greens are still fresh. Silmon notes that a fresh pine centerpiece in water can last an

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entire month. For New Year’s events, she would add “more flash or bling,” such as glittery branches or a few balloons.

Phillip’s Flowers provides arrangements for parties and weddings throughout the holiday season. For New Year’s, white, silver and black is a popular combination.

Walsh likes a “fun, whimsical look” for New Year’s events, incorporating illumination like Chinese lanterns and more contemporary designs such as flowers submerged in glass cylinders.

Fitting the Space Designers, whether floral or interior, take the entire space and the home’s décor into consideration when creating a centerpiece, as well as the function at hand. When ordering a centerpiece, be prepared to share information on the size of the table and the room, the color

Photo courtesy of Phillip’s Flowers

scheme and the linens you plan to use. A designer will also want to know whether the centerpiece is for a dining table, in which case it should be structured so that guests can see one another across it, or for a buffet or entryway table, which can accommodate taller flowers. Although the flowers need not be an exact match with your interior design, the colors should be complementary.

“Depending on room size, a larger floral piece can make a bold statement in a big

space,” says Leigh Bratta, co-owner of Nona Jo’s in Naperville. “This could mean an arrangement that is designed in a taller vase, with the fullness at top. For a smaller room size, you may opt for a variety of smaller arrangements.” On a dining table, Bratta might put short flowers in lower vases or drape a cedar garland and mix in candles, berries and ribbon for texture and color. “Clients not interested in a floral may opt for a more simple concept, such as a bowl filled with orbs that can be changed out for each season or candles in hurricanes,” she says. These can be filled with winter botanical blends or cranberries and placed inside a wreath on a tabletop.

Most florists and interior designers provide holiday decorating services for the entire house. Baxter Phillip of Phillip’s Flowers advises to “tie it all together,” from the centerpiece on the dining table, to the fireplace mantel, to the tree in the living room.

Happy holiday decorating! n

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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E CT I O N

WEST S UB URBAN LI VING’S

Gift Guide Leading area retailers share some of their

best holiday gift-giving suggestions

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

 BAKED BEADS JEWELRY

Give the gift of colorful jewelry that is wearable, affordable, and made in the U.S.A. Baked Beads favorites include leadfree reversible pendants and hypoallergenic earrings. $18-$32. ENZEE BOUTIQUE, 140 N. York St., Elmhurst, 630 530-2965.

FREE HOLIDAY TOTE November 29: Receive this exclusive tote (reg. $42) in Canterberry Magenta with any Vera Bradley purchase of $100 or more.

While quantities last. PAISLEY ON MAIN, 494 Main St., Glen Ellyn, 630 790-2735.

BEN’S GARDEN HAND-CRAFTED GIFTS Featured on Oprah’s “O” List, unique, charming gift ideas from studio in fabled Oyster Bay, Long Island. Crystal paperweights, découpage glass trays, amusing note pads & cocktail napkins. SASS-N-CLASS, 19 W. First St., Hinsdale, 630 655-2420.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION



MAKE THE HOLIDAYS JOLLY Say “Happy Holidays” to everyone on your list with this festive holiday bouquet in our hand-painted ceramic snowman cookie jar, complete with top-hat lid. Adorable!

Item #3X400. Local and nationwide delivery. PHILLIP’S

FLOWERS, in Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont and Wheaton.

Call 630 719-5200 or visit PhillipsFlowers.com

BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENTS Add touches of elegance this holiday season with mercury glass ornaments (prices start at $3.99).

Plus, find fresh greens, unique gifts, custom wreaths, containers and more nature-inspired ideas.

THE GROWING PLACE, Naperville: 25W471 Plank Rd., 630 355-4000; and Aurora, 2000 Montgomery Rd., 630 820-8088 or www.thegrowingplace.com

ALEX AND ANI BRACELETS Give a gift with meaning! Our popular Alex and Ani bracelets are available in a variety of zodiac signs, initials and meaningful symbols. Wear them alone or

TS

create your own stack! Starting at $24. THE GREEN GODDESS BOUTIQUE, 52 S. Washington St., Hinsdale,

d

630 655-9050 or www.thegreengoddessboutique.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION



THE DOG PARK UMBRELLA Treat yourself to a beautiful Dog Park Umbrella or fetch one as a gift for a friend! Available in 23 different breed silhouettes, this

ST. MICHAEL COLLECTION Give the gift of jewelry from Brighton. The St. Michelle Collection. Priced from $48 to $58. DEANS CLOTHING,

stylish umbrella is perfect for walks, errands and trips to the dog park.

They’re the purrfect gift for any animal lover at only $40. Woof!

WET NOSE,1510 Commons Dr., Geneva, 630 232-7000. 3041 Butterfield Rd., Oak Brook, 630 571-2400 or www.wetnose.com

226 S. Main St., Naperville, 630 355-3007.

DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE GIFT CARDS Give the gift that allows them to choose with a Downtown Naperville gift card! For use at over 150 shops and restaurants. Two designs to choose from — regular or a new holiday design. No fees to purchase! May be purchased in person or online and mailed to you or a lucky recipient. DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE ALLIANCE, Main Street Promenade, 55 S Main St., Suite 351, Naperville, 630 544-3372 or www.downtownnaperville.com

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IT’S ALL IN THE BAG Go vintage shopping with a modern twist!

Baggallini Purses at CIRCA will keep you organized and stylish while traveling or shopping for the holidays.

CIRCA, 123 S. Third St., Geneva, 630 208-0013.

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YORKTOWN GIFT CARDS

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GRAHAM’S SIGNATURE SAMPLER ASSORTMENTS Santa’s best kept secret!! Give the gift of chocolate with an assortment of our delicious handmade chocolates & artisan truffles. We have something for everyone on your list and for every budget. Celebrate deliciously this holiday season with gifts from Graham’s. $1.69 and up. GRAHAM’S FINE

CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM, 302 S. 3rd St., Geneva, 630 232-6655 or order online at www.grahamschocolate.com

JEWELED ORNAMENT BOUQUET Make the season sparkle with this rich red bouquet of fresh holiday blooms, designed and delivered in a keepsake ceramic ornament bowl with jeweled rhinestone accents and matching lid. Two gifts in one! Item #3X500. Local and nationwide delivery. PHILLIP’S FLOWERS, in Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont, and Wheaton.

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 TONI SAILER WINTERSPORT FASHION Toni Sailer represents a luxurious, fashionable statement and an incomparable attention to detail in Wintersport fashion. KING KEYSER

SPORT, 41 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630 323-4320 or www.kingkeyser.com

THE OLIVE MILL Stop in and experience the European tradition of sampling the freshest selection of small batch and artisan extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world! Great holiday gift ideas and tantalizing choices for entertaining. • Gift Baskets • Tapenades & Dips • Flavored Oils & Vinegars • Glazes • Body Lotions, Soaps, Lip Balms • Sampler Sets • Stuffed Olives • much more! THE OLIVE MILL, 315 James St., Geneva. 630 262-0210 or www.olivemillgeneva.com

LAMPE BERGER OIL DIFFUSERS

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Lampe Berger oil diffuser lamps are made in Paris and come in a variety of bottles and fragrances to fit any décor. With

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$

or www.LinlyDesigns.com

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 A HOLIDAY GIFT THAT LASTS GENERATIONS

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ACQUISITIONS OF FINE ART, 10 E Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale, 630 908-7227 or www.acquisitionsoffineart.com

TOWN HOUSE BOOKS Share the gift of a book with a child in need. Pick out a favorite book and Town House will discount it 20 percent, wrap it and deliver it to the families of our local Head Start program in time for Christmas.

TOWN HOUSE BOOKS, 105 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles, 630 584-8600 or www.townhousebooks.com

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED BOTTLE OF WINE Give the ultimate gift combining two of the greatest indulgences: chocolate and wine! Select a ready-dipped bottle or customize your own wine and chocolate combination. Makes a great corporate gift! $17—$35. ALL WINED UP, 27 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills, 630 323-8444 or info@allwinedup.net

BLESSING BRACELETS

BY MADE AS INTENDED Blessing Bracelets are loved for their attached message that reminds us to acknowledge a blessing for each pearl on the bracelet. Simple, meaningful, and affordable at $25. VINTAGE CHARM, 729 W. Hillgrove Ave., LaGrange, 708 354-1553 or www.shopvintagecharm.com

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TOKYOBAY WATCHES Give the gift of time with these fun leather bracelet style watches. Or choose your favorite model from our broad collection of Tokyobay watches, including men’s styles. Starting at $95. STOCKHOLM OBJECTS, 39 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630 655-0966.

HOLIDAYS A TO Z Find the perfect holiday party attire with clothing from BB Dakota, Free People, Splendid, Ella Moss & more.

Don’t miss our Holiday Open House on Tuesday, November 12th when we reveal our VC Winter Wonderland!

VINTAGE CHARM, 729 W. Hillgrove Ave., LaGrange, 708 354-1553 or www.shopvintagecharm.com

HOLIDAYS IN THE WALNUT ROOM...

Bring back memories of Christmas past with this limited-edition, hand-tinted print by artist Marla Shega. The artist’s collection also includes other iconic Chicago landmarks, with her 2013 holiday image to be unveiled November 1. Available framed or unframed. $75-$195. AVEC PANACHE, 1010 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, 630 963-1010.

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 CRIMSON GLOW CENTERPIECE Adorn someone’s table with this deluxe holiday centerpiece featuring roses, lilies, miniature carnations, fresh pine and bows, designed in a festive flair glass bowl and trimmed with twin taper candles. Item #3X210. Local and nationwide delivery.

PHILLIP’S FLOWERS, in Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont, and Wheaton. Call 630 719-5200 or visit PhillipsFlowers.com

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT MESÓN SABIKA Mesón Sabika has nine private dining rooms accommodating 10 to 400 guests. When you purchase $100 in gift certificates, you’ll receive a $20 complimentary gift certificate.

MESÓN SABIKA, 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville, 630 983-3000.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVERSE CITY! Fill their stockings with sugar sand beaches, crystal blue bays, championship golf, craft breweries, wineries, dining and shopping — all with a gift certificate to one of Traverse City’s lodging or golf properties. TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM, 800 872-8377 or traversecity.com

THE SEREIN 16 DIAMOND COLLECTION Introducing a refined, smaller Serein in stainless and two-tone 18K yellow gold plating. See our large collection of Michele watches priced from $295 to $1995.

ALTOBELLO FINE JEWELERS, Town Square Shopping Center, 361 Town Square, Wheaton, 630 871-9000.

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 RAINBOW LOOM It started with a little curiosity, and bloomed into an enormous dream come true. Get creative and get Looney for the Loom at Gabby’s Gifts, $2.99–$14.99.

GABBY’S GIFTS, 1008 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, 877 515-1435 or www.gotitatgabbys.com

NEW THOMAS KINKADE COLLECTIBLE Share the magic of the season with this radiant holiday centerpiece of petite roses, red berries, and frosted pinecones surrounding an exclusive hand-painted Kinkade collectible that will be enjoyed for years to come. Item #3X300.

Local and nationwide delivery. PHILLIP’S FLOWERS, in Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont, and Wheaton. Call 630 719-5200 or visit PhillipsFlowers.com

DANBY WINE COOLER Designed to take a minimum of space in the kitchen or bar, this model can cool up to six bottles of wine at a time, $99.

YOUNG’S APPLIANCES, 500 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Call 630 469-2288 or visit www.youngsappliances.com

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STARVED ROCK LODGE GIFT CERTIFICATE Take the stress out of buying the perfect gift this holiday season and give an experience instead! A gift certificate to Starved Rock Lodge opens the door to fun! STARVED ROCK LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER, Routes 178 & 71, North Utica, IL, 815 667-4211 or www.starvedrocklodge.com

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 DOVES OF ST. BARTS The intoxicating and intense beauty of Doves St. Barts Blue Collection

by Doran Paloma. These creations are set in 18kt.

THE PROMENADE BOLINGBROOK GIFT CARD

white gold with the earrings containing 114 diamonds and the

The Promenade Bolingbrook Gift Card is the perfect

pendant containing 81 diamonds.

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To see all our amazing collections,

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226 S. Washington St., Naperville, 630 357-0660 or www.yaseens.com

BLESSING BRACELETS Give the gift of gratitude! Our best-selling Blessing Bracelets are gorgeous worn alone or stacked. Priced at $25. They are available in a variety of natural pearls and stones. THE GREEN GODDESS

BOUTIQUE, 52 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630 655-9050 or www.thegreengoddessboutique.com

FRASIER FIR FRAGRANCE Frasier Fir — reminiscent of fresh cut trees and boughs of garland. This festive fragrance warms your home and is a favorite during the holidays and beyond. Candles, diffusers, hand wash & potpourri. From $14. ALIKAT BOUTIQUE, 499 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, 630 469-5760 or www.alikatboutique.com

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Small Worlds

Photo courtesy of IKEA

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The latest trends in children’s room décor, from tots to teens

By Lisa Sloan

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place to sleep, do schoolwork, play and hang out with friends — a children’s room is, by nature, multifunctional.

From nursery days through the teen years, kids’ needs and tastes change, and, with a little planning, their rooms can mature along with them.

In today’s market, children’s rooms are more sophisticated than in the past, taking their cues from the rest of the home in terms of being decorated with a palette or style in mind rather than a specific motif or theme.

A good, “It’s definitely changed over the well-made years,” says Jennifer Bebee, manager crib can be of Cribs to College in Naperville. re-used for later children. “When I grew up, it was a lot of hand-me-downs, but people today 84 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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ENDURING FURNISHINGS It’s best to begin with the basics — the large furniture pieces, such as a crib or bed and dresser. These pieces can be a big investment, and many parents have an eye on the future during the selection process.

“A lot of clients try to stick with something that will last a while. They know they want something that’s quality, with a transitional style that is cleaner and will grow with their child,” says Emily Ware, interior designer and buyer for Penny Mustard, which has locations in Naperville, Downers Grove and Hoffman Estates.

Cribs that convert into twin or full beds are popular nursery choices. Taking it one step further than the convertible crib, Penny Mustard’s Baby to College collection offers dressers that can be flipped to transform from a changing table to standard dresser.

Though many parents still opt for the convertible crib, many find that when they have their second child, they re-use the nursery set for the newborn and purchase “big kid” furniture for their older child. In the past, that might have meant a twin-size bed, but today, many are selecting full- and queen-size beds for their toddlers, hoping they will not need to purchase another bed as their child grows.

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Photos courtesy of Penny Mustard

are willing to spend more on furnishings to create the perfect space for their child.”

Full and queen-sized beds are becoming increasingly popular in children’s rooms.

Daybeds or “sideways”-style beds are also growing in popularity. “We are seeing this for kids age 9 all the way up to 18 — the trend is for rooms to look more lounge-y,” observes Bebee.

Upholstered beds and cribs are commanding attention as well, and they can lend a luxurious or clubby look to a room, depending on the fabric and finish.

Often customizable, these can tend toward the higher end in price, notes Debbie Feiler, co-owner of Beautiful Beginnings in Western Springs. However, for those who like this look, there are some more affordable options, such as the Sweetheart bed with upholstered headboard from Art Van Furniture, which has suburban locations in Batavia and Orland Park.

“It’s the top-selling youth bedroom in the store,” says Batavia sales manager Derrick Dresmal.

an Loft beds are popular among older kids because they create extra space.

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SAVVY STORAGE Since space is often at a premium in kids’ rooms, beds with storage or a trundle underneath are sought after. For the tween and teen set, loft beds pack a lot of function into a little room, allowing for a bed on top with a desk or seating area on the bottom.

“Keeping clutter to a minimum is essential — young children have a lot of things that go with them,” points out Wanda Fisher, local marketing specialist for IKEA Bolingbrook, which offers lots of storage systems with pull-out bins. One of the newest products in its Flaxa line features a headboard with a shelf and pull-out storage on the side.

MIXING IT UP In some cases, parents are sticking with one line when it comes to bedroom and nursery furniture, but many retailers and designers are seeing them embrace the mix-and-match trend that’s prevalent throughout the rest of the home.

“It used to be you’d buy the whole set, but now we are seeing different colors and styles and not all from the same time period,” says Feiler.

Sometimes the mixing and matching is not by design, but necessity. Since the most common purchases for the nursery

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Small Worlds

Photos courtesy of IKEA

HOME

Brighter colors

are a dresser and convertible crib, parents returning to the store a few years later for accent pieces may find that the line or finish they selected is no longer available.

“You might accent a medium brown set with a navy blue or mirrored nightstand or a black bookcase,” suggests Bebee.

when they are schoollike lime green, aged, they want to have aqua and a say. They might purple are come home from a popular with friend’s house saying, tween girls.

‘Eva has big pink pillows on her bed; I want pillows like that!’”

NURSERY NOTES At Beautiful Beginnings, Feiler has seen a lot of nursery trends come and go. Right now, she’s working with a lot of parents who are opting to not find out the sex of their child before birth. Customers give a sealed envelope to the shop containing their ultrasound results, and Feiler and her staff pick out neutral furniture and bedding and accessories for both a boy and a girl. When the customer leaves, Feiler opens the envelope and orders the appropriate items, which are delivered when the baby arrives.

Sometimes they decorate the nursery while the mom is in the hospital. “I think people have finally realized how great a surprise it is — it makes it worth the wait,” she says.

Feiler, a mother of five, advises parents not to stress out about the future of the room.

“Children’s tastes change. From newborn to age 3 or 4, parents can make the choices, but

HOT HUES It was just a few years ago that brown paired with pastels — blue, green or pink — was the big color story. Today, that palette has all but disappeared. The new neutral that’s getting a lot of play is gray.

“Gray, gray, gray — dark gray, light gray, all kinds of gray,” says Dawn Heinze, for Li’l Deb-n-Heir in Naperville. “It’s very easy to decorate around and pair with other colors. It’s also gender neutral and can very easily grow with a child.”

The hue is showing up

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not only on walls and bed linens, but also furniture finishes, from dark and steely to paler driftwood. Popular pairings include gray with oranges, blues, light pinks and lilacs.

Tweens tend toward brighter palettes and, for girls, lime green, raspberry pink, aqua and purple are still favored, and the animal print trend, particularly zebra pattern, is still hanging on, some shop owners report.

Other popular patterns include chevrons and stripes and some retailers and designers report the resurgence of traditional plaids, especially for boys’ domains.

Teens often opt for a cleaner, more modern look featuring neutrals and pops of color. At PBTeen, which recently opened a store in Oakbrook Center, fall lines include limited-edition items from the Burton Snowboards collection, such as action wall murals and quilts made from vintage T-shirt print. Another collaboration, with West Coast fashion designers Emily & Meritt, has a dreamy feel, featuring a blend of denim, metallic accents and vintage-style accents.

In addition to gray furniture finishes, black and white are still top picks. Bebee believes that black and white most easily accommodate palette and pattern changes as the child’s interests evolve. “It can be really hard to make a brown bed look good with brights and crazy wild prints,” she points out.

Heinze has noted a return to lighter colors in terms of furniture finishes. “Five years ago, everyone was buying really dark

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espresso. It is still popular, but maybe the first child or furniture in the rest of the house has it, so they are looking for something different.”

Artful Accents While most people don’t go with an over-the-top themed room, they may express their child’s interest via artwork and accents like lighting or mirrors. For boys, sports are still in the game, but artwork and linens might have more of a vintage feel than in the past. And it’s moved beyond the typical football, baseball and basketball to encompass such pursuits as board sports and camping.

For girls, cool chandeliers, monograms, quotes and phrases are popular, as is a vintage glamour look. “The one thing we can’t keep in stock is sparkly words, like ‘fabulous’,” says Bebee. “Everything is Hollywood for girls — mirrored things, crystals and silver.”

Three-dimensional wall décor, from paper butterflies to mirrored accents, also adds flair to spaces. Fun and fanciful drawer pulls, available in a wide variety of motifs, are another way to add personality and are easy to change as the child grows.

d Decisions, Decisions Many stores offer in-house design help with everything from furniture to paint selection and have room-like vignettes set up to help narrow down the choices. Some even have digital tools to assist with decision-making. At PBTeen, for example, parents and teens can visit the in-store Design Lab, where they can digitally create a personalized room.

This is valuable, says Feiler, who believes that the wealth of decorating information available online often makes it difficult for customers to make decisions. “With Pinterest, it’s like going to The Cheesecake Factory and being overwhelmed by the choices,” she explains. “There is a lot of time involved in coming to a conclusion about what they want.” n WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Photo courtesy of Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

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Bionic Limbs New prosthetic technology is giving newfound mobility and dexterity to those who have lost arms and legs

by Denise Linke

A

ll eyes turned to Chicago this fall as amputee Zac Vawter demonstrated the cutting edge of prosthetic technology at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

The motorcycle accident victim’s new right leg responds to the same motor nerve signals that control the rest of his body, letting him use it intuitively without conscious thought.

“This new bionic leg features incredibly intelligent engineering,” explains Levi Hargrove, lead scientist of the research team that designed the new prosthesis. “It learns and performs activities unprecedented for any leg amputee, including seamless transitions between sitting, walking, ascending and descending stairs and ramps and repositioning the leg while seated.”

Unfortunately, multi-million-dollar bionic prosthetics will cost far too much for the average amputee, even after the experimental technology hits the market. The good news, though, is that spin-off research has changed the face of prosthetics and orthotics — and 88 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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changed the lives of millions of people suffering from a wide range of illnesses.

“The government has put so much money into developing prosthetics for the military that we are reaping the benefits of that research,” asserts Dr. Noel Rao, chief medical officer at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton.

The C-Leg prosthesis, one of the first artificial limbs to use microprocessors that mimic the patient’s central nervous system, has helped more than 40,000 patients since it received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1997. Designed for people who have lost a leg above the knee, it incorporates sensors at the socket, knee and ankle joints to monitor the patient’s walking stride. The sensors feed data into a computer built into the calf that has been programmed to make the C-Leg’s stride match the patient’s natural stride. Using both the programmed information and the sensor input, the computer coordinates when and how much resistance the

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The newest genration of prosthetic technology was on display earlier this year (opposite page) when motorcycle accident victim and amputee Zac Vawter demonstrated a microbiotic prothesis at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

hydraulic valves apply to the joints to simulate the muscle activity in a walking leg, explains Dr. Norman Aliga, attending physician at Marianjoy’s Amputee Clinic.

“The C-Leg provides more flexibility and response speed for patients walking on uneven surfaces,” Aliga notes. “It can even sense when the patient is about to stumble, and increase the knee resistance so it won’t buckle.”

Myoelectric prosthestics takes the C-Leg sensor system one step further. Sensors in the socket pick up electrical signals generated by the patient’s nerves when the patient deliberately moves muscles in or near the stump of his or her missing limb.

A computer embedded in the prosthesis translates those nerve signals into instructions to make finely controlled movements, Aliga explains. Patients with extensive nerve damage in their limb stumps can also operate the prosthesis using electrical switches, he adds.

But some arm amputees might find mechanical hook prostheses more functional than high-end electronic versions, Aliga cautions. “For certain tasks, the hook system provides better control. The problem with computerized arms is that the sensors are not as accurate, so they can crush something instead of just holding it,” he advises.

Top-end bionic prostheses, like Vawter’s artificial leg, usually require preliminary surgery when the limb is lost. Known as muscle reinnervation surgery, the procedure relocates nerve endings from the damaged limb to healthy tissue in or near the stump. Instead of forcing the patient to consciously contract muscles to trigger prosthesis movement, sensors in the socket pick up signals from the autonomous nervous system. Sophisticated programming inside the onboard computer then uses those signals to infer what type of movement the patient intends to make, and adjusts the valves and motors accordingly.

“The bionic leg is a big improvement compared to my regular prosthetic leg,” says Vawter. “The bionic leg responds quickly and more appropriately, allowing me to interact with my environment in a way that is similar to how I moved before my amputation.

For the first time since my injury, the bionic leg allows me to seamlessly walk up and down stairs and even reposition the prosthetic by thinking about the movement I want to perform.

This is a huge milestone for me and for all leg amputees.”

Though work continues on bionic technology, area prosthetists and their patients’ physicians predict that the next breakthrough will occur in socket technology. “Adaptable socket fit is the Holy Grail of prosthetics,” asserts Michael Oros,

State-of-the-art sounds great, but may not always be the best solution

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hen it comes to prostheses, is state-of-the-art the best choice?

Not always, doctors agree.

Like a Swiss watch or a luxury sports car, a high-tech artificial arm or leg can come with a host of high-maintenance headaches. And the local lab can’t offer loaner limbs, so waiting for a prosthesis to come back from the repair shop can be much more irritating than waiting for a car.

“The new prostheses have a lot of moving parts and software that can go wrong,” observes Dr. Norman Aliga of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital’s Amputee Clinic.

“Battery or computer chip failure is not uncommon, and it’s something the average prosthetist can’t fix. Sometimes it can take weeks to get one repaired.”

“Every time we introduce a new technology, it’s less reliable and more complicated for patients to manage than the established technology.

Patients and doctors always have to weigh the benefits against the disadvantages,” adds Michael Oros, president of Scheck and Siress, a prosthesis and orthotics manufacturing firm in Oakbrook Terrace.

The latest and greatest model can also cost much more than the average patient needs to spend — especially when Medicare or insurance companies refuse to pick up the tab. To receive reimbursement from either type of coverage, doctors and prosthetists must evaluate WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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patients’ needs on a scale of functional levels based on the patients’ lifestyle and physical capabilities.

“Whether a patient can benefit from a (high-tech) prosthesis depends partly on that patient’s physical condition,” Aliga explains. “For example, does the patient have enough joint and muscle control to be able to use a myoelectric device? We also evaluate how the patient wants to use the prosthetic.

If the patient is elderly, out of shape and has diabetes or other chronic health issues, even if he says he wants to run marathons, it’s our job as physicians to prognose what he needs.”

If a patient is young or middle-aged and still working or physically active, most insurers will pay for a highertech, more versatile prosthesis.

“We have patients who were disabled on the job who are doing tremendous things with computerized prostheses,” Oros asserts. “They really can restore most, if not all, of a person’s capabilities before amputation.”

According to Oros and Aliga, most insurers now commonly cover computerized or myoelectric prostheses — most of which cost between $25,000 and $50,000 — that were classified as experimental 10 years ago.

Even foot orthotists must follow insurance protocols before prescribing custom insoles, notes Dr. Joshua Bletzinger of Performance Clinics in Batavia. “Most policies require that a patient try over-the-counter insoles for six weeks before getting custom orthotics,” he says.

“Insurance companies don’t want to pay $300 or $400 if a $20 pair will solve the problem.”

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Bionic limbs

Photo courtesy of Hanger Clinic

president of Scheck and Siress custom prosthesis and orthosis manufacturing firm and a practicing orthotist and prosthetist. “The size and shape of a patient’s stump changes, both over time and throughout the day. But the prosthesis doesn’t change shape to match. That can cause painful pressure for all patients and can interfere with the sensors in myoelectric prostheses.”

While a shape-changing socket is still just a dream, active vacuum sockets can mitigate some of the side effects of wearing a prosthesis all day, such as painful pressure points, skin rashes and

A below-elbow amputee uses a microprocessor-controlled hand to help throw a football.

open sores, Oros notes. The stump is sheathed in a flexible liner custom-made of foam or silicone rubber, which then attaches to the prosthesis socket by negative pressure generated by pumping all the trapped air from between the liner and the socket. While it’s not perfect, the flexible liner offers some give when the stump swells and it does a better job of keeping myoelectric sensors strongly connected to the nervous system.

The next step, Oros says, will be fitting sockets with different sensors that alert the patient when they detect possible skin problems. “In the next five years or less, we will see the introduction of ‘smart’ socket technology that will give the patient feedback on what’s going on between the socket and the skin,” he asserts.

“Patients often get in trouble because they don’t have normal levels of sensation on their stumps, so they don’t realize that they’ve developed a sore spot or a rash until it becomes serious.”

High-tech advances in prosthetics have sparked similar breakthroughs in orthotics, which is the art of designing and building braces to support the use of damaged body parts that don’t require amputation. For example, stroke victims, multiple sclerosis patients, cerebral palsy patients and others with nerve damage often

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suffer from foot drop, which causes one of their feet to droop and drag on the ground with every step. For decades, these people have relied on an ankle-foot brace that holds their feet at a 90-degree angle to prevent dragging, Rao says. While some braces have articulations that let the foot move without passing the 90-degree point, they still mechanically hold the foot in place without input from the patient’s body.

“An ankle-foot brace is palliative — it solves the immediate problem and improves patient comfort. But it’s not rehabilitative. It doesn’t fix the underlying medical issue,” Oros observes.

In 2007, Hanger Inc., a prosthetics and orthotics firm founded in 1861 by the first Confederate amputee of the Civil War, unveiled WalkAide, which uses myoelectric technology to help control foot drop without a brace. A battery-operated device strapped to the leg just below the knee reads and interprets leg movements to gauge the patient’s stride, then uses an electrode to stimulate the peroneal nerve, which controls the front of the foot, to signal the calf and foot muscles when it’s appropriate to lift the foot.

Marianjoy partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to conduct clinical trials of the WalkAide device, says Rao. “We fitted 43 stroke patients who had been using ankle-foot braces with WalkAides and studied how they walked,” he explains. “Patients were very happy because the device let them walk normally without wearing a visible brace.”

“In the next five years or less, we will see the introduction of ‘smart’ socket technology that will give the patient feedback on what’s going on between the socket and the skin.”

The myoelectric orthosis not only looks less conspicuous than a brace, it helps exercise the calf and foot muscles, which prevents atrophy and related circulation damage, Rao asserts. In some cases, particularly with children, it has even stimulated the damaged nerve tissue to repair itself, adds Oros.

While researchers haven’t yet applied myoelectric technology to foot orthoses, thermal and digital imaging have revolutionized the industry, declares orthotist and chiropractor Dr. Joshua Bletzinger of Performance Clinics in Batavia. “We get much more exact measurements with electronic scanning than we do with plaster or even biofoam,” he says. “Thermal imaging shows us exactly where the pressure (from the patient’s body mass) is falling on the feet.

The optimum is to have all of the pressure on the ball and the heel of the foot, with none of it on the arch.”

Foot & Ankle Foot orthoses, more commonly known as insoles, range from

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Customizing Orthotics & Prosthetics to Meet Patients’ Individual Needs

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our doctor — probably an orthopedist, neurologist or podiatrist — has just determined that you would benefit from using an orthosis or a prosthesis. You leave the clinic, prescription in hand, and think: what next?

While your doctor has the authority to prescribe a prosthesis or orthosis, it takes a licensed prosthetist or orthotist to actually design, cast and oversee construction of your medical appliance. Hospitals and rehabilitation clinics often work directly with these professionals to make sure the finished product best meets the patient’s needs, says Michael Oros, president of Scheck and Siress, a prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing firm.

“The physician diagnoses the need for an orthosis and the orthotist implements the details, but in rehabilitation hospitals we work side by side,” says Oros, a prosthetist and orthotist who often works with doctors at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton.

When a new patient visits one of Scheck and Siress’ clinics, an orthotist or prosthetist performs an examination and tests to determine what the appliance needs to accomplish. Sometimes that involves analyzing the patient’s gait, sometimes it includes testing the strength of a damaged limb or the stump of a missing limb.

Then the professional makes a cast of the body part to which the appliance will attach, using plaster-infused cloth strips laid over a plastic sheath on the body part. He uses that cast, called a negative impression, to make a mold that will be used to cast the actual appliance.

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Photos courtesy of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

the flat $5 foam pads and $15 shaped, gel inserts sold in supermarkets to custom-made corrective insoles that cost $700 or more. The higher-end models can help cure or prevent a wide range of muscular-skeletal problems, Bletzinger says.

“If your feet aren’t positioned properly when you stand or walk, it affects your entire body,” he explains. “The most common foot problem I see is pronation, which is when the foot collapses inward (toward the other foot). When that happens, the knee also turns inward, the hip follows and the spine twists to match. It creates abnormal stress all the way up the chain to the skull. The muscles try to correct the imbalances and suffer strains and abnormal development as a result. A lot of people with chronic shoulder, hip, knee or low back pain actually have foot problems that are causing everything else.”

Most people who use foot orthoses either work on their feet all day — like waitstaff, cashiers and construction workers — or compete in sports, notes Dr. O. Kent Mercado, owner of Mercado Foot and Ankle Center in Naperville and Carol Stream. “We have a huge percentage of young athletes and ‘weekend warriors’ among our patients,” he says. “Feet and ankles are the most vulnerable parts of the body in most sports.”

About 20 percent of his patients suffer from foot pathologies, such as bunions or hammertoes, or deformities caused either by injuries or birth defects. Custom orthoses can relieve abnormal pressure placed on bunions, correct the patient’s stance and even fill in the space left by missing toes, helping the patient maintain balance while walking or running, Mercado says. Many people get two or more sets of orthoses to accommodate different shoes and activities.

“Athletic orthoses won’t fit into dress shoes, so people with serious foot problems will get a set for each type of shoe,” Mercado explains. “Women often need two sets because high-heeled shoes require bent orthoses.”

Women with serious foot problems should consider switching to low-heeled dress shoes, advises Mercado, because digital scanning can’t measure the pressure points on a foot that’s shaped to fit a high-heeled shoe. Though orthotists can make a biofoam cast for a high-heeled shoe orthosis, those measurements won’t provide as good a fit as digital measurements will.

Whether someone is getting a new bionic leg or a custom insole to relieve low back pain, advances in orthotics and prosthetics will continue to improve people’s physical and emotional health. Or as Marianjoy’s Aliga puts it, “We’re giving patients a more optimistic vision of their futures.” n

The WalkAide device uses myoelectric technology to help control foot stability.

activity level, stress — even the weather. In Scheck and Siress’ Oakbrook Terrace clinic laboratory, Oros displays a socket mold made of clear plastic. “We make the test mold clear so that we can see pressure points when we apply it to the patient,” he explains. “Fitting a prosthesis is probably as much an art as it is a science.”

The professional also can decorate the appliance to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Rubber or nylon prosthetic sheaths can be dyed to match the patient’s skin color, or the plastic shells can be painted to order.

Disabled veterans sometimes request camouflage-painted appliances, Oros notes, while children often like to personalize their appliances with decorations. He holds up an ankle-foot brace for a 3-year-old girl that is made of pink plastic sprinkled with stars.

“If a young child likes how an orthosis looks, he or she will be much more likely to wear it without complaining,” says Oros.

“Even adults will feel better about wearing an orthosis or prosthesis if it’s personalized to reflect their taste.”

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BATAVIA

This historic Fox River town is enjoying an ongoing revitalization that is sparking new growth

by Lynn Petrak

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ou might call it a community of currents.

Batavia is officially known as the City of Energy, named for its rich and storied history, first as the nation’s largest windmill-producing town, and later, as the site of Fermilab, a worldrenown, high-energy physics laboratory.

Then there are the currents that ripple through a wide swath of the Fox River that cuts through Batavia. From canoeists and kayakers to fishermen and those who simply stand at the water’s edge to take in the view, people in and around Batavia have long enjoyed and used the waterway.

This community of around 26,000 people, nestled along the Fox River Valley in Kane County, has an undercurrent of small-town charm as well. In fact, Batavia was named as one of the 100 best small towns in America by CNNMoney.com.

Along the hilly terrain, one can spot church steeples, vintage limestone buildings, thriving local businesses and rows of tidy, charming houses.

At the same time, the other meaning of current — as in, the present time — is evident in this riverside burg. A recent

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streetscape project, for example, has enhanced the downtown area with new signs and artwork, while new businesses, eateries and cultural attractions have opened, many within the past year.

IT’S ALL RELATIVE: FERMILAB Among the many attractions within its boundaries, the city of Batavia is synonymous with the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, better known as Fermilab.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratory specializes in high-energy particle physics and has become an icon in and well beyond Batavia.

Recently, Fermilab finished a year-long upgrade to its accelerator complex, which will allow the lab to conduct more extensive physics experiments. The lab made headlines earlier this year when Fermilab researchers were recognized for their work on the so-called “God particle,” which garnered a Nobel Prize in physics.

While the unusually-shaped Fermilab building is recognizable to many, the property is actually rimmed by a large prairie that evokes the region’s original landscape. “The Fermilab site is 6,800

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acres, and much of it is undeveloped,” says spokesperson Andre Salles, adding that visitors are welcome. “We have one of the largest restored prairies in the state, which covers more than 1,000 acres. We have a dog park and a network of bike trails, and some people come to Fermilab just to take advantage of those. We also have a herd of bison, which is a popular attraction.”

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT If Fermilab combines cutting-edge science with respect for the land and its origins, then downtown Batavia also exemplifies the connection between the past and present.

Passing through downtown Batavia, one notices the literal and figurative bridge between the past and current. For one thing, the bridge over the Fox River in the downtown district overlooks vintage windmills and several limestone buildings that date back nearly a century. That same bridge has been given a facelift, including

Extensive streetscaping efforts combined with the multi-year development of the Riverwalk have brought a vibrancy back to the downtown district.

On the outskirts of town, Fermi Lab (opposite page middle) is an integral part of the community.

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