slm - sept 2014

Suburban LifeMAGAZINESEPTEMBER 2014

Meet the Tarters, a Western Springs family that’s

three times the fun! PAGE 8

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WEST END ART FESTIVAL blends food and fine art into one

great weekend PAGE 25The Gilbert brothers are re-defining the small local hardware store

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FAMILY IN FOCUS: 8 TEAM TARTER Meet a new Western Springs family who’s three times the fun!

11 OUT OF THE BOX EDUCATION Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Get tips from Michael Petrucelli of Goddard School on family learning beyond the school walls.

12 TOOL GUY TRIO The Gilbert Brothers of Downers Grove are re-inventing the local hardware store, one Sears location at a time.

15 FAMILY FOCUSED Meet Theresa Nihill, of Metropolitan Family Services, and a Suburban Life Woman of Distinction.

16 BUILDING FAMILIES LifeLink is an international adoption agency in Elmhurst, linking parents with children fro across the globe.

18 FAMILY COLUMNIST Michele Stien comes to the heavy realization that she and her husband are going to be the strict parents in the neighborhood.

HEALTH & WELLNESS20 FIT FOR THE KIDS Healthy behaviors will impact childhood obesity

FASHION & BEAUTY22 YOUTHFUL BEAUTY Experts offer makeup tips for teens that will have them back-to-school beautiful

24 TO COLOR, OR NOT? Doreen Salo of Elegant Design gives you the lowdown on all your haircolor options.

HOME & LIFESTYLE25 AN ARTFUL EVENT The West End Art Festival in Lagrange blends fine art and food into one glorious weekend. The complete program is inside.

37 MUDROOM MARVELOUS Lana Galloway helps you clear the kitchenclutter with a well-thought mudroom

38 RESURGENT RIVERSIDE Stepped in history, Riverside is a place where quaint nostalgia meets impending progress.

43 PUTTING THE FUN IN THE FAMILY VACATION Shape the way your children view the world, with help from travel communist Donna Greenwald.

DINING & ENTERTAINING44 FOODIES UNITE! Waterleaf to host third annual Food andWine Festival

46 FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP Chef Nadia Tilkin share her insight, and her recipe for Flatbread Veggie Spread

48 OLD AND NEW Columnist Visal Kheam lays out the differences in culture, and taste between old and new world wines

53 LUSCIOUS AND LEBANESE Lombard food and music festival highlights Middle Eastern traditions and homemade favorites.

OUT & ABOUT54 ARTIST SHOWCASE Tom Phelan of Wheaton share his photograph, “SHOT IN THE DARK: MASSEY-HARRIS & MOON”

56 SCENE AROUND THE SUBURBS Cantigny Gardens plays host to a concertby the acclaimed Chicago Sinfonietta

58 CALENDAR There’s plenty to do to wrap up summer and kick off autumn in the suburbs. Take a look!

INSIDE

50 SPIRITED VENTURESuburban craft distilleries seeing swift successPhoto by Joe Perez

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 4 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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PhotographersRon McKinney, Joe Perez, Jason Adrian

Suburban Life Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Suburban Life Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at [email protected].

on the

COVERTriplets Owen, Mimi and Lydia Tarter just moved to Western Springs this summer. We stopped in to chat with them, and parents Ken and Edith, about raising multiples, sibling rivalries and family bonds. Page 8

Photos byJASON ADRIAN

Suburban Life MagazinePublished by Shaw Media

1101 W. 31st StreetDowners Grove, IL 60515

Phone: [email protected]

Suburban LifeMAGAZINEF amily. It means different things to

different people. Married, divorced or multigenerational. Close-knit “nuclear”

households and large extended families of aunts, uncles and cousins galore.

But however you define your family, the bond is what we all have in common. Resilient and steadfast, the family endures.

This month in Suburban Life Magazine, we celebrate the family, in all its varied forms. We meet the Tarter family – Ken, Edith, and triplets Owen, Mimi and Lydia, newly moved in to Western Springs. We talk sibling rivalry and brotherly bonds with three of the busiest brothers in the ‘burbs – the Gilberts – who together operate 14 Sears hardware stores. And we take a few moments to chat with the folks at LifeLink in Elmhurst, one of the largest and most successful international adoption agencies, about how they help find homes for children from across the globe.

September is National Whiskey Heritage Month, and both the spirits and its classic cocktails are experiencing a flurry of renewed interest among diners and enthusiasts. We pay homage to the craft spirit movement by visiting two local distillers of whiskey and

other spirits, and some folks who proudly serve up some new twists on old favorites.

Speaking of an old favorite, the West End Art Festival returns this month to LaGrange, and we have everything you need to know, from a schedule, to artist previews, culinary programs and auction information.

We are on the cusp of autumn, and as families across our communities are falling back into the daily routine, it’s more important than ever to make time for each other, right here at home, in the suburbs.

Thanks for reading–

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

Editor’s Note

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 6 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Is it possible to have it all? Women have unlimited opportunities today. We can become dazed by all the choices and towering expectations that face us daily. How

do we balance it all? Single-life, marriage, motherhood, homemaker, careers, caring for elders and volunteering are just a few of the many roles we choose to juggle.

Join us for the Women’s Power Luncheon Series featuring guest speaker Kathleen Caldwell, president of Caldwell Consulting Group and founder of the WHEE Institute (Wealthy, Healthy, Energetic Edge).® Kathleen has more than twenty years of experience in global business strategy, is a highly respected advisor, coach, speaker and author.

PANELISTS INCLUDE: Anna Weselak, Weselak & Associates; Maureen Sulllivan Taylor, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.; Theresa Nihill, Executive Director, Metropolitan Family Services DuPage; Gina Cunningham, Mayor, Village of Woodridge; Lisa Drake, Executive Director, CASA of Dupage.

MODERATOR: Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor, Suburban Life Magazine.

The Women’s Power Luncheon has been designed to inform, inspire and engage aspiring business women, decision makers and leaders on contemporary business and life topics.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014Luncheon: 11:30-1:15 pmLearn Workshop: 1:30-2:30 pmWhere: Seven Bridges Golf Club One Mulligan Drive, WoodridgeTicket Price: Lunch $35; Lunch and workshop $50 Purchase at suburbanlifewpl.eventbrite.com

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It is well known in the hearinghealthcare community that if

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A crucial part of every hearingexamination involves measurementof word discrimination. Worddiscrimination is the ability to repeatback words presented to the patientat a comfortable listening level. Ifthe patient confuses many similarsounding words such as confusing

“fish” for “dish”, one possible causemay be auditory deprivation. Thereversibility of auditory deprivation is asource of dispute among researchers;but one thing is clear, hearing aidshave helped in preserving word clarity.

The first study to document auditorydeprivation was in 1984 by Silmanand Silverman of City University ofNew York. The study followed hearingimpaired adults who had an equalamount of hearing loss in both ears,

but only wore one hearing aid. Thestudy concluded that the ability to heartones decreased the same amountin each ear over time, but that theability to understand words decreasedsignificantly in only the ear withoutthe hearing aid. This study suggeststhat both ears be fit with hearing aidsas soon as possible after a hearingloss is diagnosed to prevent auditorydeprivation. Since that time, numerousinvestigations and studies worldwidehave supported the initial findings.

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In the past, audiologists often fitpeople with only one hearing aid.Research over the years has shownthat fitting only one hearing aid is aproblem. An obvious difficulty is theinability to tell the direction of sound

due to the uneven stimulation to eachear. Auditory deprivation is even alarger problem. If only one ear hearsand understands better, it can becomethe dominant ear. The ear without thehearing aid is deprived of stimulation.The ear with the hearing aid hearsbetter, while the unaided ear no longertries to hear. There are still times whenaudiologists fit only one ear with ahearing aid, such as when a medicalproblem prohibits it, or when theear is completely devoid of hearing.However, if a hearing loss exists inboth ears, fitting bothers with hearing

aids is the route mostoften recommendedby audiologists toachieve the best hearing quality.

Recent hearing research supports the“use it or lose it” theory. Lack of soundstimulation may cause you not to hearclearly. Call your local audiologist(hearing specialist) to schedule ahearing test. Don’t put it off.

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Suburban LifeMAGAZINE

HOSTED BY

Team Tarter

The Tarter family( clockwise from top) Edie, Ken, Owen, Lidy and Mimi, are new residents of Western Springs. Photos by Jason Adrian Photography.

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 8 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE FAMILY IN FOCUS

Having a child and starting a family can be an exciting, scary, busy and often overwhelming change of lifestyle for any new parents. Starting out with triplets kicks that up a few notches. Two more, to be exact.

For Ken and Edie Tarter of Western Springs, parents of now 11-year-old triplets, it was all those things.

“In the early years, I really dreaded potty training,” Edie recalls. “I built it into such a massive undertaking, that I delayed the inevitable for as long as possible.” It was finally the kids who told her they were ready, she adds.

The kids – Owen, Lydia and Mimi – are fiercely loyal to each other, yet incredibly different personalities.

Owen is a “typical boy” who loves video games and often serves as tech support for his mom. Owen is an athlete, spending free time with basketball and soccer, (when he’s not playing Clash of Clans) and also plays French horn.

“He is a smart, well-rounded boy,” Edie says. “He’s kind and compassionate, and thinks he knows a lot about everything. And, truthfully, he does!”

Lydia, who goes by “Lidy” is the fearless one. She’s a swimmer, loves to read and recently started playing string bass.

“She’s a bit of a klutz, but is good-natured and laughs easily at herself,” Edie explains. She is a voracious reader who usually prefers a cozy book nook to the latest fad. She’s a loyal friend to all and keeps our family laughing at her hijinks.”

Mimi is a thinker, analyzing situations and planning her strategy. She plays the viola, and enjoys reading, art, soccer, and time with her friends.

“She’s the peacekeeper, and most love to have her on their side. She loves all animals and is mom’s second-in-command when needed.”

Growing up themselves, Ken and Edie had much more time to themselves. Edie has a brother and sister, much older than she. Ken has one younger sister.

“Because of the age difference and because we lived in a rural area, I often felt like an only child and frequently had to play alone,” Edie recalls. “My imaginary best friend was named Jane and I loved her dearly. So much, that Lidy’s middle name is in honor of her. Once, Lidy told me she wished Mimi would still play American Girl dolls with her. I asked her why she didn’t just play alone. She reminded me that, unlike me, she’d never not had a playmate, and didn’t know how to play alone! That was a real eye-opener for me.”

“I think the challenge we always face is giving each child enough undivided attention,” she says. “It’s easier now that they are older, but it still seems like it’s never enough.”

To that end, the Tarters moved to Western Springs over the summer from their previous home in Geneva, to shorten work commutes, and provide for more family time. The triplets started sixth grade this fall, in a brand new school.

“We call it a lifestyle change. We walk the dog more, Ken rides his bike to work, I run home for lunch occasionally and the kids have free range of the town. They love the convenience of having the pool and library a few blocks away, and we all love having restaurants and shopping around the corner,” she says. “We feel we made a great choice for our family!”

Speaking of school, Edie explained that when the kids were little, she and ken kept them in

Raising triplets is one thing, being triplets is another. Here’s what Owen, Lydi and Mimi have to say about it:

�What’s the coolest thing about being a triplet?LIDY: It’s cool because you have someone with you all the time (well almost all the time.) And you say ‘I’m a triplet’ and people are all like ‘wow that’s so cool.’ OWEN: That we are able to do things together.MIMI: Whenever you are feeling sad or lonely you know that they will always be there to back you up.

�What’s the biggest “UGH”? LIDY: My siblings can be annoying at times and are constantly getting in my way. Also people just assume that you are all the same.OWEN: That we have to share a lot of thingsMIMI: Sometimes it’s annoying to have your birthday together because it’s not really the same feeling as your own special day.

�Do the girls gang up on Owen? LIDY: SometimesOWEN: Sometimes they doMIMI: Yes we do sometimes, or maybe a lot, but it’s usually when only when we want to get revenge!

Meet a Western Springs family that is three times the fun!By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

-Continued on page 10

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the same classroom together, kindergarten through second grade.

“I was very happy with this arrangement, as it was easy to volunteer for one room and get to know their school friends.”

Going into third grade, at the triplets’ request, they separated them at school.

“They wanted their own classroom, their own teacher and their own friends!,” she says. “It’s worked out great for them. Having different classrooms really allows them to shine as individuals. They enjoy having something that is their own. They come home, sharing stories about their days. The worst squabbles occur around varying levels of homework assigned.”

There are funny stories as well.

“Because we have one boy and two girls, we often refer to Lidy and Mimi as “the girls,” Edie explains. “Somewhere along the way, Owen picked up that term and started introducing the group to strangers as “I’m Owen, and these are my girls.”

And now, with well over a decade behind them raising Owen and his girls, Edie can reflect, and offer advice to new parents of multiples.

“A common saying among multiples families is that the two worst years are the first year and the one you are in! Ask for help when needed, and take help when offered. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a family today, and I’m looking forward to expanding our village here in Western Springs.

“The years fly by, so don’t forget to make memories each year,” she adds. “Those mountains of diapers will be gone soon enough. You’ll trade skinned knees and tooth fairy visits for secret crushes and broken hearts in the blink of an eye.”

-Continued from page 9


This back-to-school time of the year, along with the FAMILY theme of this edition of the magazine, presents a great opportunity to examine the idea of “Family Learning.” It is

the learning that family members experience together, or apart, and bring back to share with each other, over their lifetimes.

Family plays an important role in helping children develop a life-long love of learning, and an understanding that learning is a never-ending process throughout life. A fun, caring, supportive and exploratory environment, whether at home or at school, plays a major role in developing confidence and a life-long love of learning in children.

One of the great pleasures of being a parent, and the owner of a preschool, is to be able to share and explore with, teach to, and learn with children. Reading and writing are just small parts (albeit important ones) of what we will all learn and experience in our lifetimes. Much of our learning does not occur in a formal classroom, but in the classroom of the world where we live. Show a sense of wonder about the things around you, and your children likely will develop a sense of curiosity and desire to learn. Everyday tasks such as grocery shopping (checking to see what items you need, creating a list, finding the items in the store) can make each day its very own adventure.

Recently, my three children and I went fishing together. We spent time looking, talking about, and touching the worms. (My daughters were more intrigued by them than my son was, but he knew a lot about worm anatomy!) We learned how to place worms on the fishhook, and why the fish are attracted to them. We talked about safety near the water’s edge, along with fishing equipment safety and

use. We discovered the places in the stream where the fish seemed to be located, and talked about why that might be. We spent time learning through practice on reeling in the fish and landing them. We looked at, talked about, and touched the fish we caught. This included the kids showing real concern and compassion for the well being of the fish as we placed them back in the water. All of that was in addition to discussing the clouds in the sky (what the clouds looked like to each of us, what clouds are made of, how they move) and the different color and shaped flowers around us. This was a fun family event in which we learned about different species, the habitat around us, the importance of being responsible and safe, and about each other. Each of us had a different perspective on everything we saw and explored that afternoon.

Studies continue to show that being an engaged parent, sharing family meals, creating a loving and supporting environment, and experiencing “family learning” leads children to: greater academic achievement, enhanced vocabulary and reading skills, a sense of family unity and identity, greater emotional contentment and confidence, an optimistic and inquisitive outlook on life, improved manners and social skills, better peer relationships, and overall happiness. All of these should help in developing the four important “C” skills children need in the 21st century: Critical thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, and Communication.

If you aren’t focused on your “family learning” opportunities yet, take this back-to-school” time as an opportunity to start. If you already are actively engaged, use your sense of wonder this season to enhance the upcoming adventures that await your entire family.

Family bonds tighten with shared experience

Michael Petrucelli is the on-site owner of the Goddard School at 8350 Lemont Road in Darien. Goddard School is a nationally recognized educational system of multiple locally owned and operated schools for early childhood and elementary education.


W hen Dan Gilbert retired after more than 30 years with the Downers Grove Fire Department in 2010, he had a list of

projects to keep him busy. But he never was one to sit still for too long, so Dan was out of projects before he was out of energy.

One fateful day, he was at a Sears store in Bolingbrook to buy a water heater. Always the conversationalist, he struck up a chat with the manager and found out all the hardware stores are being franchised, with individual store owners.

“I came back home and called my brothers together,” he recalls. “I asked them, “Are you ready for a new adventure?’”

The brothers – Dan, Rick and Mike – long had discussed doing something together. Sure they’d embarked on rehab projects together and helped each other out with repairs and renovations. But now, with the kids grown and on their own, running a hardware store seemed a perfect fit.

“We’re all tool guys” Dan says, “and we were already fans of the product. Our homes were filled with Craftsman and Kenmore.” In fact, the first store the brothers purchased in 2012, at 925 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove, was the very store they all had shopped for 20 years.

The store was struggling when the Gilbert

brothers made the deal to buy it. But a series of simple changes, brought to the table by each brother’s individual expertise, turned things around quickly. Sales went up 38 percent. Then 42 percent. Soon, the folks at the Sears corporate offices were taking notice.

“Our skill sets are varied, completely different,” Dan says. “But they complement each other perfectly.”

Dan, whose brothers describe him as the “people person” looked at the store from a customer’s perspective, citing things he needed, wanted and relished in a hardware store. “I was always the customer, and always an employee, so I look at things from those perspectives.”

Rick the “operations guru” had gobs of retail store experience and warehouse expertise so

he was able to walk in and streamline systems, inventory and efficiency.

Mike “the numbers guy” makes up the financial piece of the puzzle, an important role when you buy 14 stores in as many months.

“Sears kept coming back with packaged offers to buy groups of stores,” Mike says. “We just kept saying yes.”

Trio of ‘tool guys’ build business together

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS



Now with 200 employees across three states, “It’s a blur,” Rick says.

But the brothers stay committed to being present at the stores, and together, Rick and Dan spend most of their time on the road in the stores they own. They are committed to giving customers the experience they had at the local hardware store decades ago.

“I remember the guy in the hardware store, he knew hardware,” says Rick.

That expertise is where a small local store can flourish, Dan says, and where guys like the Gilberts have an advantage.

“How can a 25-year-old, who has never mowed a lawn, run a hardware store?” he asked.

“That’s what’s missing in America today,” Rick says. “The small stores can’t compete on price. They don’t have enough buying power.”

But as franchisees of one of the largest hardware retailers in the world, the Gilberts can compete. They

say they strive to give customers that “old-time feeling” of an experienced, neighborhood store.

“We’ve created that customer service, that knowledge we remember,” Rick says, “but with the power of Sears behind us.”

Dan says the support from the community has been awesome, especially here in Downers Grove, where all three still reside, just blocks from each other. And while the stores are growing more efficient and profitable, the greatest benefit might just be their own relationship.

“This really was about doing something for us,” Rick says. “And now I get to hang out in hardware stores all day with my brothers. Who gets to do that?”

They argue, as brothers do – mostly about who is buying lunch – but all three attest there are no hidden agendas, even when they disagree.

“You can’t buy ultimate trust,” Dan explains.

Dan’s Favorite Tool Hammer - the bigger the better

Rick’s Favorite ToolTable saw

Mike’s Favorite Tool ¾ inch breaker bar


Photos by Jason Adrian Photography

“We’ve created that customer service, that knowledge we remember...”

-Rick Gilbert, Owner and ‘Operations Guru’

uThe Gilbert brothers own 14 Sears locations across the Midwest. Visit them locally at Sears Appliance and Hardware at 925 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove, or at their Sears Outlet location at 7415 S Cass Ave. in Darien


FAMILY-FOCUSEDAt Metropolitan Family Services, Theresa Nihill builds

programs through partnership

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

Phot

o by

Ron

McK

inne

y

When she first applied for a position as a social worker at Metropolitan Family Services in Blue Island, Theresa Nihill was

fresh out of graduate school and looking for a place where she could help others and develop her own skills as she learned from fellow social workers.

More than 20 years later she has risen through the ranks of the agency, changed locations a few times and earned her title as executive director of the DuPage office.

“I ended up staying because of the enormous opportunities for growth and for learning while working with some of the most fabulous people,” Nihill says.

She accepted the position of executive director in early 2007, at a time when funding was limited.

“The year I took over as executive director the bottom fell out of the economy,” she says. “I had to close a number of programs and lay off staff. It was just a heart-breaking experience. I felt such a sense of responsibility for the families we wouldn’t be able to serve.”

Metropolitan Family Services, with several locations, provides an array of support programs including counseling, youth services and respite care for seniors. The financial challenges spurred Nihill and her staff to work harder to find ways to be more efficient and has lead to several collaborations to help the agency better serve its clients.

“She really has a heart for people,” says Pat Mathis, director of development for Metropolitan Family Services. She joined the agency more than 10 years ago thanks to encouragement from Nihill.

“She is very genuine, very caring,” Mathis says.

Under Nihill’s leadership at Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, the agency has become a key player for collaborations with other organizations. The agency is the administrator for all DuPage County Early Head Start and Head Start initiatives. More than 600 families benefit from these programs.

Metropolitan Family Services works also with the SHIFT program, a partnership to provide those who

are homeless with transitional housing. Last year, the agency partnered with DuPage Medical Group in effort to provide better access to healthcare for seniors. The program WeGo Together for Kids was created to address the health, safety, and well being of the children and families of West Chicago.

“We really try to meet the needs of the community in an effective and efficiency way,” Nihill says. “There are exciting things coming down the road.”

One of those fellow collaborators is Marjory Lewe-Brady, director of partnership for wellness, safety and achievement for West Chicago Elementary School District 33. She facilitates the WeGo Together for Kids program and called working with Nihill “a blast.”

“She’s a terrific woman,” Lewe-Brady says. “She’s thoughtful. She’s honest. Collaboration is really hard work and she sticks with it at the table even when it’s hard.”

There is no shortage of work, yet Nihill says the collaborations can be fun and seeing the programs grow and having several become models for other agencies is inspiring.

“It’s pure joy,” she says.

Outside of work, Nihill has a busy family life. She and her husband, Tom, have been married 30 years. Together they have two daughters, Kaitie and Erin. Erin is entering her junior year of college while Kaitie, 21, is almost completing her schooling as well. Katie was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Learning their daughter had autism spurred Nihill and her husband to become advocates for their daughter as they sought care and services. Through the years they have worked to support the Autism Society of Illinois as well as Autism Speaks/Cure Autism Now.

Today, Nihill is often a resource for fellow parents who have children with autism and need of advice or even a referral.

“When you have a child with special needs you definitely need a network,” Nihill says. “The more we know, the more we are able to care and that is really important.”


Patrick and Sarah Schott of Oak Brook know their family doesn’t look like most others. With a six-year old boy and twin two-year-old girls, all adopted from Asian countries, the kids attract notice–and sometimes nosey questions–wherever they go.“We’ve had people ask if we’ll tell them they’re adopted. Since we look significantly different, it would be hard to keep it a secret,” says Sarah.

But the questions are a small price to pay for the joy of parenting three great kids, and helping them feel a part of the family, community and the larger world. Though the children are still too young to appreciate their native cultures, the Schotts expect that will change someday.

“We’ve taken an active role in promoting who they are, so that when they’re older and do care, we’ve built a bridge,” says Patrick.

The Schotts adopted their son from Korea and their daughters from China, with the help of LifeLink International Adoption. Based in Elmhurst, the agency is a subsidiary of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, and has handled international adoptions since 1984.

Though international adoption has been practiced since the 1950s, it grew dramatically during the 1990s. “People serving as missionaries learned of children in other countries who were awaiting adoption,” says Pat Radley, executive director of LifeLink, and also the mom of a 17-year-old daughter, adopted from China.

According to www.adoption.com, 6,536 children from other countries were adopted by U.S. families in 1992. By 1997, the number had more than doubled, to 13,620. It peaked at almost

23,000 in 2004, according to the U.S. State Department, but has been dropping since.

In 2012, the most recent year available, there were 7,092 international

adoptions.

Radley attributes the drop to changes in other countries’

policies, and to the changing international political landscape. Federal legislation known as Children in Families First, currently before Congress, would mandate changes in U.S. adoption policy, consolidating the process, and strengthening protection for adopted children. It is the first major adoption reform in many years, Radley says, and will help more children find families.

“The biggest misconception is that there aren’t children available,” she says.

Yet international adoption remains a popular option. “Families want to parent, and domestically, there are fewer young healthy children available. People are also more aware of it. They know other families who’ve done it and feel capable of raising a child from another culture,” Radley says.

Eligibility requirements vary by country, but international adoption can offer more options for non-traditional families. “Some countries are open to single parents, or to adults with older children who still want to be parents. There are options for all types of families,” she says.

The agency holds monthly information meetings at its Elmhurst office, and at the First Congregational Church in Naperville. Times and directions are available at http://www.

LifeLink connects children and families By ELIZABETH HARMON

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lifelinkadoption.org .

“We also have many families who don’t need to attend a meeting and are ready to jump right in,” she says.

The process begins with an application, available on the LifeLink website. Once the application fee has been paid and the application accepted, the family is paired with a social worker, who conducts a home study which includes interviews, references, review of financial, employment, medical records and more. They also must complete a 10-hour training program, which includes meeting with a psychologist, experienced adoptive parents, and learning about available resources.

Once the study, training and other documents are compiled, the packet is submitted to the state of Illinois, U.S. State Department, and the nation from which the family wants to adopt. Upon approval, the family is matched with a child.

Time and cost vary by nation. Some adoptions can be completed in six months, others can take 20 months. Costs range from $23,000 to $36,000 and cover application fees, travel, professional services for social workers, attorneys, physicians, donations to the child’s orphanage and more.

Radley says the cost of international adoption is comparable to paying a birth mother’s medical expenses for a domestic adoption. Funding can come through a number of sources, including savings, fundraisers, grants, and an income tax credit for adoption expenses.

“It’s been a wonderful tool for many families,” says Radley.

LifeLink helps families after the placement too, by arranging visits to the child’s native land, or with searches for birth parents.

As the adopted child of a single mom, Radley’s daughter, Taylor, often felt aware of her difference, until a trip to China as a young teen provided valuable perspective.

“When I saw the children growing up at my old orphanage, I felt so blessed,” says Taylor, now 17. “When people ask questions, it doesn’t bother me. I no longer think of myself as adopted or different. I think of having a wonderful mom who loves me.”

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 17FAMILY IN FOCUS

Here’s something my kids are just going to have to get used to; we are the strict parents.

As the kids get older and get to know more children through school and in the neighborhood, it is becoming abundantly clear where we fall on the parental scale of leniency. While we certainly aren’t running a military school here in the Stien house, there are certainly standards that we expect to be upheld.

Both my husband and I grew up in households where there were rules and boundaries, and we were expected to adhere by them. Therefore, we see eye-to-eye and agree that our children will be raised in a similar fashion. My husband is stricter than I am. If it were up to him, the kids would hold my hand at every moment we are out in public. Clearly he never takes them grocery shopping.

They are getting older and there are certain things they are going to be allowed to do that they weren’t able to do before. But these are my babies, and in my mind, there is always a tree just waiting to be fallen from, a kidnapper hiding in the bushes, a driver texting while speeding around the corner, or a kid to teach my son the F-word.

While my kids are playing with “new friends” I realize that I have social anxiety by proxy. I’m nervous about where these kids come from, what they are going to teach my children, how often they are going to ring the doorbell, how much of my food are they going to take without asking (trust me, this happens) and will I, at some point, have to get a restraining order against one of these kids? Of course, my

kids aren’t perfect either. So there is the fear that my kids won’t be liked, either.

The kids are getting to an age where they are wanting to push the boundaries and this will continue to be the case and they will likely push harder and further. It seems that despite our discomfort with this change, it is inevitable. Still, we are their parents, and they are simply going to have learn that just because their friends are allowed to do certain things, doesn’t mean they will be.

We already have begun openly communicating this point to the kids. I explained to my daughter that when I was a child, my friends made fun of me because my mom made me check in constantly so she could keep track of me. I told her I didn’t care if my friends made fun of me. I knew the rules and if I wanted to hang out with my friends, that was what I had to do.

We know that we need to loosen up a little and let our kids be kids. We cannot be helicopter parents and they need to learn some valuable lessons on their own. We want them to experience different kinds of people and decide on their own whom they want to be friends with and whom they don’t particularly want to associate with. We also teach them that no matter what; they should still be kind to everyone.

The reality is they always will be surrounded by people who they don’t particularly get along with. In school, activities, jobs and life in general there always will be a variety of interactions. That being said, they can’t just run away and hide from those people. They can’t drop out of school because of a bully.

Boundary battles


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Michelle Stien is a stay-at-home mom of two children, ages 4 and 6. Her mother always told her to “write this down,” so she is sharing her experiences with other suburban women to help them deal with the craziness of being “Mom.”

Write This Downwith Michelle Stien

They can’t quit a team because they don’t like the coach. They can’t quit a job because of an annoying co-worker. They have to learn to coexist.

The scary thing is, before we loosened the apron strings, the kids were completely under our control. Their bad behavior meant dragging them out of a gift shop at Santa’s Village without a $20 stuffed animal. As challenging as wrestling my very strong five-year old to the ground may have been, I was in control of the situation (despite all the people staring at me as I confiscated the stuffed animal out of his iron grip.)

I guess we just have to continue to teach our kids right from wrong, whatever chance we can while they are within our control so that when we do unleash them unto the world, they will make good choices. Easier said than done when you are a control freak.

We need to loosen up a little and let our kids

be kids.


FITfor the kidsHealthy behaviors impact childhood obesityBy HANNAH PROKOP

Many of us struggle to stay fit. We watch what we eat. We try to exercise more than occasionally. And we have begun to pay attention to things like cholesterol and blood pressure. Part of it is age. But these days, many of the people facing a fitness struggle are just children.

In DuPage County, 29.6 percent of students were overweight or obese and 14.2 percent were obese in the 2012-2013 academic year.

The DuPage Regional Office of Education, DuPage County schools and FORWARD collected data from 30,594 students in kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades to find these results.

Now the efforts of FORWARD, (fighting obesity reaching healthy weight among residents of DuPage) are having a positive result on obesity

prevention Ann Marchetti, Consulting Director for the FORWARD initiative, says. Starting two years ago, there was a decrease in DuPage County student’s BMI, body mass index, Marchetti says.

She says that instead of talking about children being obese, FORWARD focuses on healthy behaviors and reaching a healthy weight.

“Eat better and move more…” Marchetti says. “What we try to do is not be so demanding of our

requirements. Kids need to get out and move, and they should do what they like to do and what they’re good at.”

Education is a key part of reaching a healthy weight, Marchetti says, but if families do not have a healthy community and a healthy neighborhood to practice these habits, they likely will not do it.

Parents can keep their children involved and

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 20 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE HEALTH & WELLNESS

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healthy by having them help prepare their own lunches, talk about foods that will fuel their body and cook together as a family, Marchetti says. Playing together as a family, getting outside, taking walks and riding bikes are also healthy habits for families to practice.

Another program that helps to reduce childhood obesity is ProActive Kids, which has locations in Downers Grove, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge/Niles, Woodridge and Melrose Park.

ProActive Kids is an eight-week program for children struggling with weight. Children attend the program three days a week to receive fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coaching. On Fridays, families join their children for the lessons.

Nicki Klinkhamer, executive director with ProActive Kids, says that sometimes parents already know their child is obese, and sometimes they need to be told by a doctor.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to childhood obesity, Klinkhamer says, including an increase in fast food restaurants and the accessibly of prepackaged and bulk food.

If parents see an increase in weight, they should keep an eye on what their children are eating and their activity levels, Klinkhamer says.

“You have to really be in control with what they’re eating,” Klinkhamer says, adding that food can be an addiction, even at a young age.

“Number one, watch those portion sizes,” she says.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s website gives estimates for calorie requirements for different gender and age groups at three levels of physical activity--sedentary, moderately active and active. The complete chart can be found on the website. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Another part of preventing obesity includes reading food labels and understanding what goes into

your children’s bodies. Klinkhamer suggests adding fruits and vegetables to children’s diets, and keeping children involved in the process.

“Get your kids involved,” Klinkhamer says. “If they don’t like something, talk to them about something they will eat.”

Physical activity also is important in preventing obesity. Increased screen times are keeping children inside, on Facebook and playing video games, Klinkhamer says. Children need an hour of rigorous physical activity every day, she says.

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 21m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e HEALTH & WELLNESS

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uTIP #1 Use makeup that is right for your skin toneMake an appointment to get your skin analyzed for type and complexion. Then, pick a cleansing regimen. Once you know this, choosing makeup will be much easier.

uTIP #2 Liquid vs. PowderWhen choosing a foundation, take into account whether your skin is dry or smooth. For younger girls, a powder is recommended. Liquid is perfectly fine, though it gives you a more dramatic look. But remember, at any age, less is more!

uTIP #3 Pinch those cheeksWhen applying blush to cheek, keep thinking, “less is more.” Though it’s tempting to get carried away, the last thing you want to look like is a clown. It’s recommended that teenagers look to light pinks and bronzes to make their cheeks pop. A salon secret is to even put some blush along your eye lid, blending it with an eye shadow.

uTIP #4 Lips, lips, lips!Though many girls may have gotten into Mom’s lipstick a time or two growing up, lip gloss is a more appropriate alternative. A nude or pink color for everyday wear, or even a shimmery lip gloss for the summer is very popular.

TIPSfor TeensFrom the Salon to Your Home

By HANNAH PETERSON

Denese Barrera, master stylist and make up artist at Linea Hair Salon and Day Spa, located in Glen Ellyn, provides these helpful make up tips for teenage girls. Denese has worked at Linea since 2005 and during that time, placed second in the United States and Puerto Rico at the Midwest Beauty Show, had her award winning hair and makeup looks featured in Passion Hair, and was given the opportunity to judge the Hair Wars Competition.

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 22 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE FASHION & BEAUTY

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uTIP #5 It’s all in the eyesEye shadow and eye liner are not meant to compete with each other. When choosing your eye shadow, look for a color that matches your skin tone. Nudes, taupes, even light pinks give you a natural look while dark blues and purples are for more dramatic statements. In either situation–dramatic or natural–the eye liner is all about your own taste. The color should match the palette of eye shadow regardless of the weight of the stroke. A pencil is recommended for girls just starting out, while the thin brush and liquid liner are for more experienced young ladies.

uTIP #6 Brushes or sponges? Technically, sponges can be used for almost all makeup application. Foundations, bronzers, and blushes may go on smoother and easier with a sponge than a brush for an even dispersal. However, brushes are recommended exclusively for the eyes.

uTIP #7 How can I learn more?When you go to get your skin analyzed by an esthetician, many times they’ll offer a makeup tutorial. This is probably the best person to ask, as they’ll know more about your skin, specifically. You can also go to a hairstylist or salon and have them help you. But an easier way than that is to look to girls your own age and ask them to help you. This way you don’t feel left out and you may even make a new friend!

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 23m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e FASHION & BEAUTY

When deciding whether to color your hair at home you should first and foremost: STEP AWAY FROM THE STORE BOUGHT “BOX” COLOR! Professional hair

coloring is the only way to go.

Licensed hairstylists are trained in everything we need to know about hair coloring. We know which colors to choose and, most importantly, why. You might not realize that when coloring hair you aren’t applying color to a blank canvas. You’re either adding or subtracting the color that

is already naturally in your hair with the new artificial color pigment.

Professionals have studied the theory of color. We choose the correct pigments and appropriate volume developer to achieve the desired shade based on the level of your natural hair. We also take into consideration the porosity levels of your hair shaft, which often are different from the scalp and ends, and treat them appropriately. We know the precise timing and application of the color so that there is no over processing, which can damage your hair.

“Box” hair colors offer only a minimal number of shades, but in the salon, we can create a wide variety of colors for our clients by adding boosters to enhance certain pigments and choosing different levels of developer to make hair lighter or deposit more color. We also can mix different colors together to get a specialized multi-tone outcome.

Home coloring easily can damage your hair and leave it dry with little shine. And worse, can leave you stuck with an unnatural color. This can lead you to requiring a costly, professional corrective color service.

So, don’t play the guessing game of “what will my hair look and feel like if I apply this box color?” The bottom line: to get exactly what you envision leave it to the professionals. As they say, you usually get what you pay for.

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Held in cooperation with the Village of La Grange. Visit www.lgba.com for more information.

September 6 & 7, 2014Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm

La GrangeStone Avenue Station: Burlington Avenue at Brainard

and

Join Us!Come for the Art. Stay for the Jazz.

in front of the Stone Avenue StationArtist Preview and Sale

Live music by Reunion Jazz Orchestra

Friday, September 5, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Summer Sidewalk Art Auction of Garden BenchesSaturday, September 6, 5 - 9 pmat Stone Avenue Station • Food • Live Music

Juried Fine Art • Food • Live Music • Art ActivitiesCulinary Tent featuring The Art of Food • Theater • Dance

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Dear Friends of the ArtsOn behalf of the LaGrange Business Association and the Village of LaGrange, welcome to the 19th annual West End Art Festival! Our goal remains the same – to provide a quality, juried art event and highlight the “west end” of LaGrange. This year’s festival proves to be the best yet with art from around the United States. There is something for everyone – shop for a gift or add to your art collection, enjoy performances from local theater and dance groups, grab a bite from local restaurants or learn a new skill from the chef’s demonstrations.

Thank you to all those who helped make this vision a reality including our generous sponsors, artists and volunteers. Your support is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the fest!

Andrea BarnishFestival Chair and FounderWest End Art FestivalLaGrange Business Association

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 26 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE WEST END ART

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�THE ART OF FOOD CULINARY TENTSaturday and Sunday, 11AM - 3PM: Local foodies can watch and learn as area culinary experts showcase their talents during hourly cooking demonstrations and kitchen seminars. Stop by for tips, recipes and prize drawings.

�STUDENT ART EXHIBIT by Lyons Township High School art students

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�MAIN TENTCommunity Mural and Open painting on canvases under the Main Tent, hosted by Bottle & Bottega

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2014 Festival

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 27m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e WEST END ART

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An annual end-of-summer celebration brings art in many forms to the West End of La Grange, September 5 – 7, with an exhibition of fine artists from across the nation, plus demonstrations by local culinary and performing artists, hands-on art activities and a live art auction.

Presented by the La Grange Business Association, in cooperation with the Village of La Grange, the 19th West End Art Festival showcases the work of nearly 75 jury-selected artists. Artwork will be available for purchase in a variety of mediums including painting, acrylics, oils, sculpture, woodwork, jewelry, photography, watercolor and mixed media.

Performance art will showcase the talents of a variety of local musicians, dance troupes, singers and bands throughout the weekend under the main tent. Local experts from Wild Monk, Kama Indian Bistro, Palmer Place, Vino e Birra and others will conduct live cooking demonstrations and workshops from the Art of Food tent. There will be a variety of interactive art activities for children and families as well.

New this year is a live art auction on Saturday evening, featuring dozens of whimsical garden benches, which have been displayed on public sidewalks as part of a summer art exhibit called “Life is Good in La Grange.” Proceeds from the garden bench auction will benefit local charities.

Events on Friday, billed as “A Night of Art & Jazz,” feature a preview of selected artists and live jazz entertainment by the renowned Reunion Jazz Orchestra from 5 -9 p.m. On Saturday, all artists will exhibit from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; patrons are invited to enjoy live music and browsing of the auction items from 5 – 6:30 p.m.; the live auction follows at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the festival hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Main sponsors of the event are Baird & Warner and First National Bank of La Grange.

The West End Art Festival is held in front of the newly-restored, historic Stone Avenue Station on Burlington Avenue, near Brainard Avenue in La Grange. For updated details on the West End Art Festival, visit lgba.com.

If you wander LaGrange, you may already have already noticed them – dozens of whimsical garden benches that have lent a charming touch to the sidewalks of downtown La Grange as part of a summer art exhibit. Now, one of those fanciful pieces of local artwork could be yours, when the benches are auctioned for charity on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The eye-catching sidewalk art exhibit, “Life is Good in La Grange – Sit & Stay Awhile” was presented by the La Grange Business Association to highlight the strength of the local business community and display the creative talent of local artists. Local businesses sponsored the whimsical benches and artists designed and painted them.

The benches will be displayed for browsing at the West End Art Festival, underway through the weekend near the Stone Avenue train station, beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The live public auction begins at 6:30 p.m.

Artists will complete any minor touch ups to the art prior to the auction. The public can vote for their favorite bench online at www.lgba.com, and the bench with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.

Artists, chefs and musicians descend on LaGrange West End Art Festival September 5-7

BUY THAT BENCH!


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1. Sher Berman

2. Heather Hug

3. Debra Steidel

4. Desiree Swanson

5. John Sternickle

6. Ron Clevenger

7. Peter Thaddeus

8. Jim Welninski

9. Frank Kudla

10. Amy Huisinga

11. Kerri Ann Branson

12. Kimberly Rorick

13. Kerilppolito

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Friends.Family.Community.

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From early years of Summer Drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago to receiving a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Illinois State University. Tim Arnold has had many years of creativity as a ceramic artist and has gathered a nice grouping of awards and recognition. His creative artistic forms in clay accompanied by the Raku process incites a decorum between the refined shapes of his work and the unpredictable array of color that forms from Raku. His artistic ideals make a profound statement of imagery that stimulates the senses and engages the mind.

Featured ArtistTIM ARNOLD


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*Savings of 70% or more good only on items in the tent. The Hortons Tent Sale is limited to “in-stock” only. While supplies last. See store for details.

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As a Mexican artist living in Chicago, I am haunted and inspired by the colors and culture of my native land and my current surroundings. I create vibrant whimsy with color and lines. My objects are familiar but deconstructed to express what I see, to honor nature and to deliver the purest joy.

www.carlabank.comwww.chicagopopartist.com

Featured ArtistCARLA BANK


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“Classic with an Edge” – From her studio in Western Springs, each piece in the collection is designed with handmade glass beads created with a torch and glass rods. The molten glass is manipulated in the flame using various tools and gravity until the desired shape is achieved.

“Lamp working is very labor intensive” says artist Donna Sauers “but I love working with glass and I can achieve colors and shapes that are unique and the basis for my designs.”

The collection combines classic elegance with contemporary styling and each design includes her signature beads and gemstones to create unique pieces filled with sparkle, movement, and depth.

Featured ArtistDONNA SAUERS


As attendance at a much beloved tradition in La Grange started to wane, the solution for rejuvenating the event

was to introduce a culinary element. The West End Art Festival has showcased top artists from the area for 18 years.

“La Grange has a lot of artistic folks that live in town,” said Steve Jasinski, president of the La Grange Business Association. The festival has been an excellent way to promote their talents, while also highlighting the western part of La Grange, an often-overlooked part of town. Last year, event coordinators introduced the festival’s first culinary element: The Art of Food. Chefs from popular local eateries provided cooking demonstrations to rave reviews.

The West End Art Festival includes an art show, hands-on activities, live entertainment

by local dance, theater and music groups and more. The event is presented by the La Grange Business Association in cooperation with the Village of La Grange.

The Art of Food was a natural offshoot of the festival. “Art is more than statues and

painting. What about chefs that make these wonderful creations? Look at sushi. There’s the art of presentation. With all of the food TV shows out there, we decided this would be a home run,” said Jasinski. “This was a great way to spotlight all of the fantastic restaurants we have in the area. Food is popular. That was the driving force behind the decision to introduce the Art of Food. People want to see how things are made.”

The Art of Food is set up in the Baird and Warner Culinary Tent with culinary demonstrations from local experts. These are followed by a question and answer session. Last year, the event featured chefs from Prasino, Kama Indian Bistro, DeVries Market,

Sushi House and more. This year’s participants have not yet been finalized.

“Last year, this was great for the businesses, great for the chef and restaurateurs. There

were hundreds of people there, that may not ever have been in the individual restaurants before,” said Jasinski. He believes that this event is unique in the area.

“We’re very excited. The culinary event was super well attended last year. It was one of the most popular events. People were talking about it for months afterwards,” Jasinski said. “It worked really well. It exceeded expectations. We were so glad to see the number of people that came out.”

Not willing to be specific, Jasinski promised that event planners have “big surprises this year for people coming to the West End Art Festival and the Art of Food. You’ll just need to come and see for yourself,” he said.

uThe La Grange West End Art Festival will take place the weekend of September 5-7 near the Stone Avenue train station in west La Grange.

By WENDY FOSTER

FOODThe Art of

“Big surprises (are promised) this year for people coming to the West End Art Festival and the Art of Food.”

-Steve Jasinski, president of the La Grange Business Association

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First National Bank of LaGrange620 W. Burlington Ave.LaGrange, IL 60525Direct: 708-579-8650Cell: 708-288-7796Fax: [email protected]

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To submit an entry to Artist Showcase email artwork, title of piece, name and village of

residence of artist, a two- to three-sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo

to [email protected], subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

Are You An Artist?See your work in the

pages of Suburban Life Magazine!

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Y O G U R T &SMOOTHIES

n e w R i v e r s i d e o w n e r c e l e b r a t i o n

d o w n t o w n l a g r a n g e a c ro s s f ro m t h e a t e r

b u y o n e g e t o n e f re ea n y n e w i c e d c o f f e e o r l a t t e d r i n k

m e n t i o n t h i s a d w h e n o rd e r i n g . e x p . S e p t . 3 0 , 2 0 1 4

81 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange

708-639-4329

Thank youto all the volunteers who contributed their time and efforts in making the

West End Art Festival success!

Special thanks to... Village of LaGrange

LaGrange Police DepartmentLaGrange Fire Department

LaGrange Department of Public Works Park District of LaGrange

Shaw Media First National Bank of LaGrange

LaGrange Art League

West EndArt Festival Committee

Andrea Barnish • Nancy CummingsKathy Dierkes • Judy HrechkoJoe Kroc • Meg & Paul Lefaivre

Kathleen Sergent • Denise StehmanCurt Trusner

Erin Melloy, EM EventsMegan Melloy, EM Events


Live Auction ofCharming GardenBenchesSaturday, Sept. 6Stone Avenue Train Stationat the west end art festival

Bid on your favorite with proceeds to local charities.With live music, beverages, bites and fun!

Public viewing 5PMLive auction begins 6:30PMRain or shine

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Although there are many weeks of lovely weather left to enjoy, it seems when we begin checking off items on the back-to-school lists we must accept the fact that

once again the seasons are changing. A new cadence overtakes our household. Where there was a looser summer schedule, we now are forced to tighten up the edges and organize.

Since we have long accepted the kitchen as the heart of the home, we realize a bit more structure in and around the kitchen area likely will help us survive the oncoming winter.

Kitchen designers spend a great deal of time guiding clients to an organized, working kitchen by spacing the room into separated work zones. One particularly helpful area to create either within or in close proximity to the kitchen, is a mudroom.

The best location for a mudroom or a built-in “organized catch-all” space is at the main family entry into the home. Whether that entrance is from an attached garage, a backdoor, or possibly even the front door, the closer the landing space is provided, the better to catch the clutter.

Imagine a structured, yet open, space just inside the door, for the book bags, purses, phones, keys, not to

mention, the soon to be, coats, hats, gloves, boots (no!) and shoes. If planned properly, a space would be provided for all the items to be swiftly and efficiently stowed away; allowing every family member, regardless of their age, easy access to every item and its storage spot.

The allocated space could be just four feet wide x 18 inches deep; it could be a space in a hall or a closet with the door removed and refitted into all the working parts required. It could be a free-standing bench that accommodates baskets on a bottom shelf with coat hooks attached to the wall above or an elaborate wall of carpenter built, pre-planned sections. Pre-made units, which require some assembly, are available at most home stores in many different sizes and configurations. You will also find pieces that you simply carry into the house, set down and begin to fill up the empty spaces.

The important part is to decide where this new addition to your household would best locate and what you would like this new cabinetry to do for you. Spend a few hours preparing, and then snuggle in for the winter.

Clear the kitchen clutter with a well-thought

mudroomwith Lana Galloway

Lana Galloway is Showroom Manager for

LaMantia Design & Construction(708) 387-9900

THE MUDROOM

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 37m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e HOME & LIFESTYLE

Nationally recognized as one of the country’s first planned communities and ideally located nine miles outside Chicago’s downtown, the village of Riverside is considered to be a true marvel, paved with curving streets bordering vast open fields and riverfront property not found elsewhere.

Riverside owes this reputation to renowned landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted. It was here, after months of planning, that Olmsted was able to realize his vision for the “true suburban ideal.”

Now more than 100 years later, “Riverside combines the beauty of a pastoral setting with the conveniences of urban life,” says Riverside President Benjamin Sells.

It’s no surprise that many other architects started leaving their marks on this suburban river town. Some of these greats include Frank Lloyd Wright, and William Le Baron Jenney, who designed the community landmark water tower located next to the train station. This iconic architectural structure survived a ferocious fire as well as many dire states of disrepair, but now

RESURGENT RIVERSIDE

Architectural history and an advantageous location keep village a suburban gem By HANNAH PETERSON

Photos by Joe Perez

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 38 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE HOME & LIFESTYLE

51 E Burlington, Riverside • (708) 442-8110Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-5 • Saturday 11-3

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stands proudly overlooking the city center.

Stepping off the train, convenient for city-goers looking to spend a leisurely day, you enter the quaint downtown business district filled with beautiful storefronts and unique restaurants.

One of these restaurants is Mollie’s Public House. Located on Forest Avenue, this popular local haunt combines the best of American cuisine with old-fashioned Irish hospitality. Named in remembrance of a beloved grandmother, Mollie’s welcomes you with

her signature slogan “come in if your good-lookin’,” inviting laughter from her guests and the promise of a good time.

It’s all aboard down at the Chew Chew Café, aptly located on Burlington Street. Modeled to look like a trains dining car, complete with windows professionally painted to create the illusion of a moving train, this dining experience is one the whole family can enjoy. The establishment was named for its proximity to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad line, which rattled the dining room as the train chugged on by into the city. Honored with a spot on the Top 10 of Chicago’s Neighborhood Gems list (with 13 weeks at #1), as well as awarded the Diner’s Choice Award by Open table, don’t hesitate to make this dining spot your next stop, when you ride into Riverside.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try a tasty treat at Aunt Diana’s, conveniently

“Riverside combines the

beauty of a pastoral setting with the conveniences of

urban life,”

-Benjamin Sells, Riverside President



Fall FestSunday, September 28, 2014 • 5:00 PM

$50 per person • RSVP by September 15, 2014

The Auxiliary Board of Metropolitan Family Services Dupagecordially invites you to

For additional information, email [email protected] will benefit Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Treasure House Resale Shop

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located right next door to Chew Chew. This old-fashioned fudge shop is an indulgence you don’t want to miss at an establishment filled with nostalgia and small town charm.

To parallel its architectural and landscape renown, Riverside is home to many different attractions, activities and events for both tourists and residents.

RAW, the Riverside Arts Weekend, is one such event, held at Guthrie Park during the early spring. Artists from all over the region come to show their work. Surrounded with trees and beautiful flora, Riverside is an ideal setting for artists to come, put brush to canvas, and be inspired. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment like musical performances and fashion showcases all day long.

“Other popular tourist venues consist of the first shopping arcade in America, the site of the first home built west of Chicago, and one of the few swinging bridges left in Illinois,” states President Sells.

The “swinging bridge,” located along the DesPlaines River near Swan Pond, is one of few remaining in Illinois. It was considered the very first of its kind, before the Brooklyn Bridge in New York ever was constructed. Over time, the bridge fell into disrepair and was forgotten. However, in 2002, the community revitalized the area as well as reconstructed the bridge, preserving this icon of history for future generations to enjoy with pride.

Ravinia-styled concerts in the park, feature movie nights hosted by city hall, fairs, and festivals fill the local calendar along with a popular weekly farmer’s market.


“Step off the Metra, put away the cell phone,

step back in time, and decompress.”

-Don Pogany, founder and Creative Director for Sticky advertisement agency

and video production company


www.maxlogans.com5135 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 | 630-963-8800

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KAPOW!!

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The Riverside Farmer’s Market is held uniquely on Wednesday afternoons, from 2-7 p.m., rather than on the weekends. Located amongst the greenery of Guthrie Park, freshly grown produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and flowers are sold by vendors both visiting and residential. It’s a perfect excuse to play hooky for the day or just get out of the house and see your neighbors. But at its heart, Riverside is characterized by its private winding roads, highly-ranked schools and quaintly historic charm

“Riverside will always be first and foremost a quiet bedroom community,” says Don Pogany, founder and Creative Director for Sticky advertisement agency and video production company. “Step off the Metra, put away the cell phone, step back in time, and decompress. Explore Riverside’s winding streets so thoughtfully planned...tour Riverside’s landmark homes designed by renowned architects, be reminded there are tweets that come from actual birds and enjoy the simple, timeless qualities of life.”


Royal Caribbean International® and Universal Orlando® Resort haveteamed up to offer you an exclusive vacation that will make you say WOW.

What’s included?• 3/4-Night Bahamas or 4/5/7-Night * Eastern/Western Caribbean cruiseonboard Royal Caribbean• 3/4-Nights at Universal Orlando® Resort including hotel accommodationsand admission tickets• Unlimited admission ** to Universal Studios Florida®, Universal’s Islandsof Adventure®, and Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando waterpark (just minutes away) during your stay• Choose one of three Universal Orlando® on-site hotels and enjoy exclu-sive benefi ts you won’t receive stayinganywhere else including:

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.(s12)Additional restrictions may apply to all offers and benefits which are all subject to change without notice. *Itineraries are subject to change without notice. If visiting Universal Orlando® Resort first, guest must fly into Orlando and then will fly out of Tampa after their cruise. If cruisingfirst, guest must fly into Tampa and then will fly out of Orlando after their visit to Universal Orlando® Resort. **Ticket is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used by the same person on all days. Valid only during normal operating hours. Parks, attractions, or entertainmentmay: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Universal Orlando® Resort and/or Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Ticket excludes admission to separatelyticketed events at either of the Universal theme parks, Wet ‘n Wild, or within any of the CityWalk venues. Some CityWalk venues require ages 21 or older for admission. Valid Photo ID required. Excludes parking and discounts on food or merchandise. †Not valid at Harry Potter and theForbidden Journey™ and other select attractions. On-site hotel privileges good for hotel stay as indicated on the room key card and Universal Express Unlimited pass. Only valid for the number of guests staying in the room. Ride access available during normal theme park operatinghours only. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. ††Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal’s Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for on-site hotel guests and is valid 7 days a week for travel through12/31/13; valid only at select Islands of Adventure attractions: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and Caro-Seuss-el™. Universal ExpressSM Unlimited ride access is not valid during Early Park Admission. Additional restrictionsmay apply and the foregoing benefits are subject to change without notice.***For group bookings at off-site hotels an additional transfer fee may occur between the hotel and park. Shrek 4-D © 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. © 2012 Wet ‘n Wild. All rights reserved. Universalelements and all related indicia TM & © 2012. Universal Studios. © 2012 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. Itineraries are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. © 2012 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in the Bahamas. 12027827 • 7/2012

RESERVEYOUR ROYAL CARIBBEANVACATIONWITH US TODAY!

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Why should you book?• Combine two great family vacations into one amazing journey• One seamless vacation experience, we take care of everything!• Save time and money compared to booking each separatelySo what are you waiting for? Come experience an adven-ture made for the whole family. Book now to take advantageof this exclusive package.

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Explore Fox Valley’snatural treasures!

Experience many day-to-dayaspects of farm life!

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Enjoy a memorable vacation at one of the family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico. There are a variety of hotels that

make family vacations fun for everyone, and a travel agent can help you find the one that is right for your family. At an all- inclusive resort everyone can relax and enjoy without taking their wallet out to pay for sodas, drinks or meals. All your meals and drinks and non-motorized watersports are included in the price. Many hotels have kids clubs that let children play with other guests their own age while Mom and Dad enjoy some well-deserved alone time.

Some resorts have a theater where kids can perform their own plays, or one night a week, kids have the opportunity to sleep in tents at the club or on the beach. Other resorts have daily-themed play groups with a playhouse designed by Fisher Price. We can let you know which resort is right for your family’s needs. For teens, there’s a supervised program of daily activities, sports and games, as well as nightly entertainment with music provided by resident DJs. There are video game consoles, billiards, ping-pong and more.

If you’re looking for adventure, why not try one of the Adventure By Disney Trips? From the wilds of Alaska to the birthplace of liberty, there’s so much to discover. Give your kids the world, where they can go on a scavenger hunt in the Louvre Museum or make their own pizza on a real Italian Farm or learn how to rope and ride with true wranglers against the backdrop of some of the wests most impressive landscapes. There are plenty of adventures that give the kids a chance to learn while having fun. Family “adventure” travel has become very popular, so let us find the right one for your family.

Grandparents, are you looking for an experience of a lifetime with their grandchildren? This is it...Tauck Bridges. Travel with like-minded grandparents, parents and children, rather than on your own. Traveling with other families makes the trip more fun when you share the excitement of discovery with

new friends. By land, river, horseback, kayak or bicycle, Tauck Bridges is about visiting someplace new, learning about local culture or nature, being inspired by new experience and being present in the family moment. There’s no better time to share the world with them then now, and your travel agent can help you plan those lasting memories.

Cruising is a very popular vacation for families. My teenage boys love cruising, they have met many friends from all over the world and loved visiting different island destinations to see the local culture. There are many ships to choose from and the experts can tell you which one is right for your family. Most cruise lines have many activities for children under 12 from Disney-themed cruises, Nickelodeon or Dreamworks Animation which include Shrek, Fiona and Madagascar. Girls aged 4-11 can participate in a Barbie Movie Night, with Barbie story time and other themed activities. Parents can relax and enjoy alone time, knowing their children are well supervised and having the time of their lives. For older kids, there are rock climbing walls, basketball courts, flowriders, ziplining, ice skating and much more, not to mention the 24-hour pizza and room service. During the day explore the different ports of call by taking a tour of the island, renting jet skis or just relaxing at the beach, then at night, sit around the dinner table and share your adventures of the day.

A family vacation is an investment. Protect yours with the advice and support of your travel professional. Finding great travel deals is easy, finding the right vacation for families is what we do every day!

Donna Greenwald Owner of Hinsdale Travel(630) [email protected]

Putting the fun in the

family vacationAs parents, we all hope to shape

the way our children look at the world, and enrich their

learning by sharing the world’s amazing places,

beauty and diverse culture.

It’s quickly becoming a tradition for those who live to eat – the annual Food & Wine Festival at Waterleaf.

Nestled on the Glen Ellyn campus of College of DuPage, the restaurant will host its third annual Food and Wine Festival, presented by Suburban Life, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.

“At Waterleaf, we are passionate about food and wine, and there is no better event to share our passion with our guests,” says general manager Jean-Pierre Leroux. “We’ve worked hard to put together the most amazing wine list for this year’s festival. If you love great food and great wine, you must not miss this celebration.”

Located in the outdoor areas adjacent to Waterleaf, the Food and Wine Festival will feature more than 100 unique and uncommon boutique wines from around the world. In addition, the festival will feature live music, a wide range of food stations presented by Waterleaf Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian, pastries and specialty pizzas provided by COD culinary students and exclusive gifts for guests.

The event is open to patrons 21 and older. The price is $40 per person in advance (online fees apply) and $48 at the door. A $25 designated driver ticket also is available.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.waterleafrestaurant.com.

Waterleaf to Host Third Annual Food and Wine Festival

Foodies unite!

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 44 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE DINING & ENTERTAINING

Waterleaf, led by General Manager

Jean-Pierre Leroux and Executive

Chef Nadia Tilkian, is located on the

College of DuPage campus in the

Culinary & Hospitality Center, 425

Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Waterleaf

is widely recognized as the dining

destination of choice for foodies

and wine aficionados living in and

visiting Chicago’s western suburbs.

Since opening its doors three

years ago, the restaurant has

earned Diner’s Choice Awards for

Best Ambience, Best Overall, Best

Service, Fit for Foodies and Special

Occasion on OpenTable.com, where

it maintains a 4.6/5.0 rating. Most

recently, Waterleaf received its third

consecutive Wine Spectator Award of

Excellence.

�For more information and to

make reservations for lunch or

dinner, call (630) 942-6881 or visit

www.waterleafrestaurant.com.

Photos provided

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 45m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e DINING & ENTERTAINING

FOODAND Friendship

with Chef Nadia Tilkian

pNadia Tilkian is the executive chef at Waterleaf restaurant on the campus of Glen Ellyn’s College of DuPage. A former Clarendon Hills restaurant owner, Chef Nadia's culinary resume includes experience at Chicago locations Bistro 110 under Chef Glenn Wielo and Zinfandel, as well as service as a sous chef and chef de cuisine at the Zagat-rated Barrington Country Bistro.

In Season Anytime: Flatbread Veggie Spread

This month, it’s time to get those creative juices flowing and let your taste buds and your imagination run free. Quick and simple to prepare, this delicious and healthful recipe yields a light and refreshing spread that is guaranteed to please. Equally appropriate as a healthy snack, as an appetizer or your main dish, this seasonal culinary creation is great anytime and for nearly any casual occasion.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it is–by no means–written in stone; just the opposite, actually. While I’ve included some suggestions below, feel free to experiment and make this your own creation based on what you have on hand from your garden and what’s in season at your local farmer’s market. Anything goes as long as it’s flavorful and fresh. Fresh ingredients really make the meal, so remember this Waterleaf maxim: the fresher the ingredients, the better the results!

While this recipe calls for Arabic bread rounds–which add a nice deep flavor and crisp texture– this versatile spread will be great on just about anything. Try it on a bagel or a pizza crust or anything else you can think of. For a healthier, yet equally scrumptious, alternative, you can substitute tomato sauce for the goat cheese. To complete the experience for wine lovers, a nice Pinot Gris will complement the goat cheese well.

• Four 12-inch Arabic bread rounds

• 11 oz. goat cheese• 1 cup heavy whipping cream• ¼ cup chopped herbs (basil,

oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme)

• Salt and pepper• Olive oil

Some suggested toppings:• Zucchini, thinly sliced• Roasted red bell peppers• Caramelized onions• Asparagus


www.oscarswan.com

GENEVA1800 West State StreetGeneva, IL630-232-0173

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BackThis Fall:

Wednesday

Luncheons

FOOD&WINEFESTIVALwaterleaf

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 3 TO 6 P.M.

$40 in advance or $48 day of the eventFor more information, call 630.942.6881 orvisit waterleafrestaurant.com for tickets

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Additional sponsorship support is provided by:

presented by Suburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban LifeSuburban Lifeadno

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T o begin, blend the goat cheese, heavy cream, herbs, salt and pepper to taste in a food processor

until it is a smooth, light cream. Spread the mixture evenly on the flatbread. Next, arrange your choice of vegetables over the spread. There is no right way to arrange your veggies, just have fun, be creative and make it decorative. An easy way to spice up your visual presentation is to select colorful veggies that will contrast with each other. Since the baking time is short, it’s usually best to chop the veggies into relatively small, uniform pieces. Once the veggies are arranged to your liking, drizzle with olive oil and add a little more salt and pepper. Bake your creation on a sheet or pizza stone in a preheated 400 degree oven for six to seven minutes. You can also cook this on a grill, but because a grill puts out direct heat, it’s best to pre-roast your veggie toppings. Finally, cut into pieces, garnish with a small salad and serve.


WINE

Visal Kheam is the owner of Flight 112 in Elmhurst. He has more than 13 years experience in the wine industry operating several stores in addition to his Elmhurst wine bar and restaurant.

New WorldU.S., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, ArgentinaBold, lush, juicyFruity Expresses character of winemaker or grape

uViticultureViticulture encompasses the concept of terroir and tradition. Terroir is everything that influences the grape: soil, micro/macroclimate, natural water, elevation and slope, wind and sunshine.

Old world wine regions have centuries of experience and tradition to help developed best practices of viticultural techniques that are unique to their regions. Many of these techniques are tied to local traditions and wine laws. For example, Old World vineyards typically are planted with higher vine density due to smaller acreage and traditions of pruning and harvesting manually. Since New World vineyards have their starts in the mechanized age, the vines are spaced farther apart to allow machinery to do the pruning and harvesting.

uVinicultureIn addition to where and how the grape is grown, how the wine is made greatly influences how it eventually smells, tastes and feels. Old World winemaking often is terroir-driven with the emphasis being placed on how well the wine represents its place of origin. As such, there are many wine laws to regulate things such as grape varietals, where they are allowed to be planted, harvest methods, minimum alcohol contents and winemaking methods. As a result, Old World wine flavors are characterized by earthiness or minerality – the sense of the place or region.

In contrast, New World winemaking is often grape-driven or winemaker-driven. Because in the New World there are fewer restrictions, a winemaker has the ability to focus on what he/she wants the wine to be like rather than being told what it should be like. New World wine flavors, then, are characterized by their “fruit”-iness or how “fruit-forward” the wine is.

So, in short, without even having to taste a wine, one can discern the flavors of the wine by just knowing where it comes from. For example, a white Burgundy (Chardonnay) will be earthy and elegant while an Australian Chardonnay will be bolder and fruitier.

In the wine profession, one frequently talks about “Old World” wine and “New World” wine. “Old World” usually refers to European countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Portugal (including some Eastern European countries like Austria,

Hungary and Greece). “New World” includes the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some South American countries (Chile and Argentina).

Dividing the wine regions into two groups helps to differentiate the styles of wine. Old World countries tend to produce wines that are subtle and earthy – food-friendly wines. New World countries produce wines that are bolder in flavor and fruitier – sipping wines.

(Please keep in mind that what follows in this tutorial are generalizations that will help you to comprehend what kind of wine you are holding without ever tasting it.)

How do these differences originate? The differences lie in how the grapes are grown (viticulture) and how the wines are made (viniculture).

OLD WORLD V.S. NEW WORLD

Old WorldFrance, Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, PortugalSubtle, refined, elegantEarthy, mineralityExpresses character of vineyard (terroir)


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Spirited venture

UPSTART CRAFT DISTILLERS SEEING

Tailwinds Distilling was born from a love of travel and adventure, and rum. Today, it’s a strong family business. thanks to the many members of the Buell extended family who have joined the crew.


Some folks might consider opening a craft distillery in the western suburbs a risky venture. But for brothers Toby and Jamey Beall, who fly planes and race cars, rum running was simply a new adventure.

That’s right, rum. And Blue Agave spirit (similar to tequila). Distilled and aged from scratch in the midst of sprawling suburbia.

Tailwinds Distilling Company is housed in a stretch of warehouse space in west suburban Plainfield affectionately referred to as “the hangar”. The 5,000 square foot production

facility also boasts an on-site tasting room and store front shop.

Tailwinds is one of a crop of upstart craft distillers in the Chicago market. This new generation of spirit-makers combines a chef’s palate and a bootlegger’s heart to craft award-winning unique spirits – there are rums and whiskeys, moonshine and mead, agave and gin, all made and bottled right here in our communities.

At Tailwinds, a love of the Caribbean and Mexico drove the brothers to their business.

“We kept asking, ‘why is no one doing this here?’” Jamey says. “None of the answers really satisfied us.”

So with a background in home brewing, Toby and his wife Jill spent five years learning everything they could about rum. They studied and they talked to others in the industry. They practiced and they pursued until they were pretty sure they had what they needed to make a go of it. Then, like all risk-takers, they jumped. Jamey jumped as well.

Two years later and

they have four signature products:

Inspired by their road trips to the Baja peninsula of Mexico, Midnight Caye is 100 percent Blue Agave spirit. Two versions are produced at Tailwinds. “Silver” is bottled straight from the still, offering a fresh, floral flavor, while “Rested” mellows in French Oak barrels for some time, so it finishes sweet and smoky.

“We never use carbon filtering,” Toby says, “We don’t believe in removing flavor from our spirits.”

Taildragger White Rum is clean, sweet and mild. Taildragger Amber Rum, aged in the barrel, offers more initial bite, while the vanilla-like flavors of the barrel linger.

A seasonal offering, Taildragger Coffee Rum is made with coffee from nearby Two Brothers Roasters, the same Two Brothers that helped revolutionize craft beer in Chicago.

“We’re all friends,” says Toby. “It’s a tight-knit group in the craft business.”

Head east to Riverside, and you’ll likely come across Derrick Mancini, owner and distiller with Quincy Street Distillery, just steps off the rails in the heart of this quaint downtown.

Mancini is a physicist by trade (the Beall brothers affectionately call him the “mad scientist”) and a distiller by passion. He openly admits brewing up jars of mead (a wine made from local honey) while in college, and remains just as enthusiastic for spirits today, if not a bit more educated to the process.

Quincy Street is the 19th craft distillery to operate in Illinois, and Mancini is president of the Illinois Craft Distillers Association. In a 60-gallon still nicknamed “tick-tock” after the Wizard of Oz SWIFT SUCCESS

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

Photos by Joe Perez



character, Mancini and crew distill and bottle seven varieties of spirits – bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, white lightening, railroad gin, barreled gin, and a distilled mead – with five more varieties laying in wait, barreled in the back for upcoming release.

Mancini calls his process “artisanal” and visitors can count on three things when they stop in: a smooth drink, a bit of chemistry, and a boatload of history. You can have a tour, where you’ll learn the entire process of distillation and barreling, from grain to glass, (it’s all done in house) and follow that with a formal tasting of a half dozen Quincy Street creations. You’ll learn the methods and the laws for producing whiskey, the traditions and the workarounds. Mancini shares it all.

The tasting room itself is steeped in local history. Mancini will keep tour-goers and tasters entertained with stories of Riverside at prohibition,

historic local residents, and even some modern day gossip. He has eyes on expansion, should the business climate be agreeable, (he’s both progressive and nostalgic) but for now remains a beloved suburban speakeasy just steps from the train.

For both the Beall brothers and Mancini, distilling is about a love for the spirit, from its beginnings as corn and rye and sugar cane, to an end result that can be sharp or smooth, oak-rich or clean, but always distinct. It’s the same across the craft movement – from micro-brewers to local bistros, the purveyors offer true enthusiasm for their products and the process (often long and laborious) in an effort to give customers an appreciation for the craft.

“I hope it works,” Mancini says “I’m not sure I want to do anything else.”


Photo by Joe Perez

In west suburban Riverside, master distiller Derrick Mancini bottles seven varieties of spirits, each with its own story to share.

“We kept asking, ‘Why is no one doing this here?’ None of the answers really satisfied us.”-Jamey Beall, Tailwinds production manager and distiller


Lombard festival toasts ‘to health’ with Middle Eastern food, musicThe aroma of Middle-Eastern delicacies and the sounds of Lebanese folk songs will fill the air in Lombard this month, at the Seventh Annual Lebanese Food and Music Festival at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church. The church plays host to an entire weekend of food and fun on Friday, Sept. 5 (5 p.m. - 11 p.m.), Saturday, Sept. 6 (3 p.m. - Midnight) and Sunday, Sept. 7 (Noon- 7 p.m.) Our Lady of Lebanon is located at 950 N. Grace St. in Lombard. Admission and parking is free.

The three-day festival will feature extensive offerings of homemade Lebanese cuisine, including baba ghanooj, hummus, falafel, tabouli, fattoush, stuffed grape leaves, meat pies, spinach pies, imported Lebanese beer and wine, and an assortment of Lebanese sweets.

The live entertainment will feature famous Lebanese singers Danny Achlar and Doris Farhat. There will be traditional Lebanese folk dancing performed by the Our Lady of Lebanon Troupe.

The festival will have offer hookah tent, DJ-provided music, prizes and a variety of games for children. Lebanese cookbooks will be for sale and a car raffle will be held.

uFor more information, contact the office at Our Lady of Lebanon Church at (630) 932-9640 or email [email protected] or visit the website www.ollchicgo.org.

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artistshowcase

TOM PHELAN | Wheaton“SHOT IN THE DARK: MASSEY-HARRIS & MOON”

COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Phelan began displaying his work at fine art fairs in the Chicago area last year and is continuing to do so this year. He specifically started creating his body of work, called “Shot in the Dark,” around 2009.

“The work I have created is essentially a photographic record of some of the places and objects I have encountered during the course of the past several years. The present work is by no means a random sample of what can be found in Illinois. It is dependent, above all, on the sorts of things that grab my attention.”

Tom shoots mostly old and abandoned items like cars, trucks, tractors, barns, and the like, and he shoots entirely at night. Occasionally a photograph gives the appearance of having been shot at sunrise or sunset. Yet there are no such photographs in this body of work. All were shot sufficiently past sunset or prior to sunrise to eliminate this form of lighting. The primary source of illumination in the vast majority of the photographs is the moon, occasionally supplemented by the use of off-camera flash or available artificial lighting.

To submit an entry to Artist Showcase, email artwork, title of piece, name and village of residence of artist, a two- to three - sentence description of the piece, short bio and artist photo to [email protected], subject head “Local Artist Submission.”

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La Grange Art League is a non-profit, fine artsorganization, that is run by volunteers. We are dedicated toeducation in the visual arts, to promoting art awareness andto exhibiting the work of our members. Along with a list ofclasses in a wide variety of mediums, we also offer workshopsand free demonstrations by well-known artists, field tripsfrom local schools and a Holiday Boutique, that is a favoriteeach year! Our gallery is open to the public from 10 am to5 pm, Monday - Saturday. You can come in to browse, buy apainting, a photograph or other handmade item, like a card,jewelry, a piece of pottery or a hand painted scarf. We alsooffer complete framing services.

“A primary goal in my photography is to bring the viewer to contemplate the redeeming qualities of objects that may not otherwise seem to possess any, and to perhaps feel a bit of the excitement that I have felt upon their discovery.”

Tom recently has received a second-place award at the Cantigny Arts Fair as well as receiving an Outstanding Achievement award at Buffalo Grove event.

Visit Tom’s website at: tomphelanphotography.zenfolio.com to see more of his work.

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 55OUT & ABOUT

around thesuburbsscene

Photos by Lynn Logan

m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e 56 | SEPTEMBER 2014 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE OUT & ABOUT

4139 Royal Mews CircleEnglish Rows of Naperville

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2014 | 57m y s u b u r b a n l i f e . c o m /m a g a z i n e OUT & ABOUT

SEPTEMBER 5 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 - ROCK THE BLOCK PARTY Friday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Elmhurst City Centre ElmhurstThis is a spectacular weekend festival that will include live music, food and drink vendors, and a kids zone. Come join us for fun and entertainment right in the heart of downtown at Elmhurst City Centre!SEPTEMBER 5 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7 - VILLA PARK OKTOBERFEST Friday, and Saturday at Lions Park 320 E. Wildwood Avenue Villa Park Don’t miss Villa Park’s Oktoberfest at Lions Park! Enjoy live entertainment and plenty of food vendors, carnival rides & games. Stop by the Villa Park Lions Beer Tent and play bingo. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy music by Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm and 7th heaven.SEPTEMBER 6 - SOUNDS ON THE STREET Saturday at Downtown Glen Ellyn Main Street between Hillside & Duane Glen Ellyn Celebrating the end of the summer in Downtown Glen Ellyn will never be better! Come on out to a free live concert on Main Street (between Hillside and Duane) and enjoy bringing your local fare and libations out from our restaurants into the street to celebrate summer’s finest in Downtown Glen Ellyn. A local favorite will play at 8:30 pm, but be here at 7 because School of Rock will entertain us with both their kids and adults bands. Restaurants open at 7 pm to come outside when the music begins.SEPTEMBER 6 - DINNER ON THE TOWN Saturday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Avenue Naperville Join us for this unique gala fundraising event for the Naperville Heritage Society. The “Wheel of Dining” boasts over 25 local restaurants and dining experiences. Special transportation will whisk you to and from your surprise dinner location. The evening includes after dinner cocktails, coffee bar and a live and silent auction.SEPTEMBER 7 - 3RD ANNUAL DARIEN IDOL 1 p.m. | Sunday Sep 7 at Darien Community Park 71st & Plainfield Road DarienThe Darien Chamber of Commerce will host its 27th annual Darien Fest. On Sunday, September 7th the chamber is hosting its 3rd annual Darien Idol. The family event will take place at Darien Community Park located at Plainfield and Clarendon Hills Roads. Bring family and friends to the main stage for a fun live musical event and help us support our local singers! Darien Idol will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Main Stage. There are two different competition age groups: 12-15 and 16-19. Registration Fee is $10. Register on-line at by July 31st. Email your entry description including your MP3 or link to a YouTube video recording to or drop off your entry and recorded CD at Darien Chamber of Commerce located at 1702 Plainfield Road in Darien.SEPTEMBER 6 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7 - ARTISTS & AUTHORS AT FISCHER FARM Saturday and Sunday at Fischer Farm 16W680 Grand Avenue, Bensenville This event will be fun for the whole family! Come out to Fischer Farm, where you can enjoy the fresh air, explore the farm buildings, touch the artifacts, and connect with history. Fine arts, memorabilia, and crafts for all ages will be on display and for sale. Browse paintings, sketching, ceramics, wood carvings, photography, and more! Additionally, there will be fiction and non-fiction books available for all ages. This year’s event will also include musical performances by the Elmhurst College Brass Quintet and the Elmhurst College Woodwind Ensemble along with a balloon artist and face painting for the kids. Picnic favorites will also be available for

purchase. Hours of Operation Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free.SEPTEMBER 7 - CORNFEST FAMILY FUN DAY Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Graue Mill and Museum 3800 York Road, Oak Brook Our popular family picnic returns! Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers along with roasted corn on the cob, homemade pies, and sweet taffy apples. There will be plenty of entertainment, including games, races, and a fishing tournament for kids. The giant woodpile will be back, so kids can use hammers, nails, and paint to create whatever they want. There is no general admission fee, and tickets will be available for all food, drinks, and activities.SEPTEMBER 12 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21 - GLENDALE HEIGHTS OKTOBERFEST Camera Park 101 East Fullerton Avenue, Glendale Heights Join us for the third annual Glendale Heights Oktoberfest at Camera Park. The festival will feature authentic German food prepared by renowned Chef Wolfgang of the acclaimed Schnitzel Platz Restaurant. We will also offer authentic Oktoberfest Bier. To finish off your meal, there will be an assortment of wonderful Austrian and German pastries available. Experience live entertainment daily including strolling German entertainers.SEPTEMBER 13 - GLEN ELLYN BACKYARD BBQ Saturday at Glenwood Avenue Parking Lot Glenwood Avenue & Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn The Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ features teams competing for Best Ribs and Best Dish. In addition, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, a bags tournament, and more. Glen Ellyn’s Backyard BBQ Cook-Off serves as a great launch pad for “local” and “rookie teams” to cook in a fantastic learning environment for honing experience and skills. It’s also a great place for “seasoned” teams to try out new recipes and techniques.SEPTEMBER 13 - MILL TO MOSER WALKING TOUR Saturday 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Naper Settlement 523 S. Webster Street Naperville During this guided walking tour, take a step through time from the location of Naperville’s earliest settlement to the creation of Harold Moser’s first of many subdivisions. Highlights include descriptions of architectural styles and the histories of former Naperville families. All ages welcome. The tour steps off from Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. Reservations recommended; space limited to the first 20 registrants. Tickets Cost: $12 Call: 630-420-6010SEPTEMBER 14 - CSBARKS DOG FESTIVAL Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Carol Stream Town Center 110 W. Lies Road Carol Stream The CSBarks Dog Festival is a great place for you to come with your dog to socialize and take part in activities such as agility, dock diving, off leash areas, a parade of breeds, and much more. Shop more than 80 vendors offering canine related products and services. If you and your pup get tired, take a break in the Rover Rest Area.SEPTEMBER 14 - GLENDALE HEIGHTS “SHOW & SHINE” CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Camera Park 101 East Fullerton Avenue, Glendale HeightsThe Village of Glendale Heights is excited to present the 32nd Annual “Show and Shine” Car Show and Swap at Camera Park. Stop by to see all the awesome vehicles, or shop at the Swap Meet and Craft Fair. This year’s car show has games and crafters for the whole family to enjoy.SEPTEMBER 14 - OAK BROOK POLO MATCH - ARGENTINA DAY Sunday: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Oak Brook Polo Grounds 2606 York

Road, Oak Brook Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds, and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting “game of kings!” September 14 is Argentina Day! Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. Tickets Cost: $15 - $65 SEPTEMBER 20 - DOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE MARKET 7:00 a.m., Saturday at Burlington Train Station Burlington Ave., Downers Grove The Downtown Downers Grove Market (voted Best of Suburban Life by the 2013 Suburban Life Reader’s Choice Awards) begins the 2014 market season on May 10 and runs every Saturday through October 18. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is held at the Downers Grove Main Street Train Station, South Parking Lot off Burlington Ave. On Saturday, June 21, the market will relocate to Main Street during Rotary Grove Fest. Proceeds from booth-sales support the Indian Boundary YMCA Stronger Together Fund. Like us on Facebook or contact the Indian Boundary YMCA for information at 630-968-8400SEPTEMBER 20 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21 - 20TH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville Join us for a great time as we celebrate our 20th year! Enjoy Native American dancing and drumming and cultural demonstrations. Special Veteran’s honoring each day at 1PM. Grand Entry of all dancers in their colorful regalia at 1PM & 7PM. Visit SOAR (Save Our American Raptors) with a bird of prey exhibit including a bald eagle. Listen to the sound of native flute as you tour Naper Settlment. Stop by a wide array of vendors with beautiful Native American art and crafts, enjoy delicious Native and festival foods from our vendors, and even make and arrowhead. Tickets Cost: $10 ($7 for children/seniors) Call: 708-257-4300SEPTEMBER 26 - JOURNEY ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Friday at Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook Children and adults can experience what it was like to be a passenger on the Underground Railroad. This theatrical experience begins with a skit in which passengers will meet the legendary Harriet Tubman. Then, you will follow Hinsdale blacksmith John Coe on a journey down Salt Creek to Graue Mill. The Underground Railroad actually operated in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Lyons, Downers Grove, and other nearby towns. Experience the sights and sounds of making your escape on the Underground Railroad. “Journeys” begin at 6:30 and 7:30 pm and last about an hour. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. TicketsCost: $15 Adults; $10 Children SEPTEMBER 27 - CELEBRATE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM DAY Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art 220 Cottage Hill Elmhurst As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Lizzadro Museum is featuring your last chance to see “Modern Designer Jewelry” from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Free admission is offered to visitors presenting a Museum Day Ticket available on-line at smithsonianmag.com/museumday. The Museum Day Ticket provides free admission to one person, and a guest.SEPTEMBER 27 - CHILYMPICS CHILI COOK OFF Saturday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Fishel Park 1036 Grove Street, Downers GroveJoin us for a day of chili, live music, beer and food vendors and fun for the entire family! Entry to the festival is free and chili samples will be available to purchase. This International Chili Society sanctioned, home-style chili competition attracts competitors from all over Chicago. The winner of this cook-off earns $500 cash and an automatic bid to the ICS World Championship in Palm Springs, California.SEPTEMBER 28 - JEFFREY POST PRESENTS THE SMITHSONIAN GEM COLLECTION Sunday: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art 220 Cottage Hill Avenue, ElmhurstIn closing the popular exhibit on “Modern Designer Jewelry from the Smithsonian,” Dr. Jeffrey Post, geologist and curator of gems and minerals at the National Museum of Natural History will present a program on the most important and awe-inspiring gems in the Smithsonian collection. Learn about the legends and lore behind famous gems and the variety of mineral species represented. Reservations are recommended. Cost: $15 per person; $10 museum members

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