DOWNERS GROVE
DECEMBER 2018
DECEMBER IN
DOWNERS GROVE Celebrate the season in this bustling 'burb
Fill your calendar with CHEERY LOCAL EVENTS PAGE 7
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DIVINE SPOTS for delicious drinks PAGE 14
Tips for toasting NYE AT HOME PAGE 16
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Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event
APPETIZERS
PASTAS
1/2 Pan
Full Pan
1/2 Pan
Full Pan
Bruschetta
14.00
28.00 Spaghetti or Mostaccioli
32.00
64.00
Fior Di Latte
28.00
56.00 Baked Mostaccioli
36.00
72.00
Fried Calamari
39.00
78.00 Ravioli
41.00
82.00
Funghi Ripieni
32.00
64.00 Tortellini
41.00
82.00
Baked Clams
37.00
74.00 Gnocchi
41.00
82.00
SALADS
1/2 Pan
Full Pan
Cavatalli
41.00
82.00
21.00
42.00 Raviolini Salvia E Basilico
44.00
88.00
52.00 Lasagna
44.00
88.00
Diced Seasoned Plum Tomatoes Over Toasted Bread
Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce
Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced Tomatoes, Roasted Red Pepper, Olive Oil & Fresh Basil Breaded Calamari with Marinara Sauce Stuffed Mushrooms with Breading Medium Clams Breaded & Baked with a Lemon Butter Sauce
House
Meat or Cheese Filled, Topped with Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce Meat or Cheese Filled, Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce
Romaine, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Olives & Dressing on the Side
Caesar
Romaine, Parmigiano & Croutons
26.00
With Melted Mozzarella, Parmigiano Cheese & Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce
Choice of Meat or Plain Sauce
Mini Cheese Filled Ravioli Topped with Butter, Fresh Sage, Fresh Basil & Parmigiano Cheese
Layers of Pasta with Ricotta, Ground Beef, Parmigiano Cheese, Baked & Topped with Plain Sauce or Melted Mozzarella
Chicken Caesar
36.00
72.00
Antipasto
38.00
Lasagna 46.00 92.00 76.00 Vegetable Fresh Spinach Pasta Layered with Ricotta, Asparagus, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach,
MEATS
1/2 Pan
Full Pan
Italian Sausage & Peppers
36.00
72.00
Chicken Vesuvio
52.00
Add Alfredo Sauce or Vodka Sauce 104.00 Add Chicken Add Broccoli
Veal Parmigiana
60.00
120.00
Grilled Chicken, Romaine, Parmigiano & Croutons Chopped Assorted Meats & Cheese over a Salad
Parmigiano Cheese, Baked & Topped with Plain Sauce & Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Sausage Sauteed with Mixed Peppers in a Garlic & Oil Herb Broth (½ pan-16 pc. full pan-32 pc.) Bone-In Chicken Cooked with Garlic & Oil, Fresh Herbs & White Wine Served with Roasted Peppers
Breaded Veal Topped with Fresh Mushrooms, Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta
Rigatons Pomodoro - Salsiccia - Piselli44.00 Pasta with Ground Sausage, Peas, Tomato Sauce & Parmigiano
QUARTS OF SAUCE
Vodka Sauce – Alfredo Sauce Polo Parmigiana 39.00 78.00 Meat Sauce Breaded Chicken Breast Topped with Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta Eggplant Parmigiana 48.00 96.00 Marinara Sauce Bolognese Sauce Breaded & Layered Eggplant Topped with Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta Boneless Chicken Breast 49.00 98.00 SIDES
• Marsala with Mushrooms & Marsala Wine Sauce • Piccata with Capers & Onions in a Lemon Butter Sauce • Pepperonata with Roasted Red Pepper, Onions, Touch of Garlic & Oil, Brandy Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes • Vesuvio with Garlic & Oil, Herbs & Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes
Italian Beef (by the Pound)
Fresh Sliced Italian Beef in our own Herb Broth (Bread Not Included)
8.00 8.00 6.00
88.00 16.00 16.00 12.00 Full Pan
10.95 8.95 7.95 11.95 1/2 Pan
Full Pan
Vesuvio Potatoes 24.00 48.00 Loaf of Bread (with Butter) 4.25 Tiramisu 39.00 78.00 10.95 Lady Finger Cookies, Espresso Coffee, Mixed Liquor & Marscapone Cheese
Homemade Italian Sausage –Mild or Hot (by the Pound, Raw) 5.25
All Trays Do Not Come With Bread 1/2 Pan Serves 8-10 • Full Pan Serves 16-20 Please give 24-hour Notice MON-THURS 11AM - 11PM, FRI 11AM - 12AM, SAT4PM - 12AM, SUN 2PM - 10PM Tax Not Included with All Pricing Prices Subject To Change Without Notice. We also do Catering and Private Parties before our regular hours. Lunch Catering is also Available with 1 Day Notice
483 SPRING ROAD - ELMHURST, IL 60126
For Dining Room Reservations Call: 630.279.8474 www.robertosristorante.net • Fast Delivery & Carryout Service
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Carry Out Orders can also be placed from our Dining Room Menu or Specials Menu
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PIZZERIA & BAR
Private and semi private spaces available for Holiday Parties, Special Events, Birthdays, Business Meetings, and Family Gatherings. Contact our event coordinator at 630-922-4100 Our new Catering menu has many items and packages that will make your event unforgettable! SL MAG_December 2018.indd 3
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Editor's
NOTE Spread a little holiday cheer The air has chilled and the leaves have fallen, and just as the darkness of the shortened days is about to get you down, our cities light up with holiday cheer! The calendar is bursting with local events, all across Downers Grove and Westmont – from holiday films to live shows, wintery outdoor fun and special programs to warm your heart – all just a quick trip from your own front door. Looking for something special this season? Check out an opera/orchestral combo via Downers Grove’s own Sinfonietta Bel Canto. Warm up with a great cocktail after at a local spot – we visited several, including the area’s newest, Pierce Tavern, to find out just what’s trending in mixology this season. Don’t miss the annual Steve Cochran New Year’s Eve party at the Tivoli Theater one of the best NYE events around. Or if you have the kiddos along, try an early day countdown event with the Park District.
Another great option is NYE at home, and we have super tips for throwing a fun party for friends and family of any age. And when the year is through and the holiday treats all have been eaten, it's time to concentrate on yourself, and we have health and wellness experts on hand, from physical therapists to boutique fitness trainers, ready to welcome you back to your healthful routine. Whatever your holiday plans may be – near or far, simple or extravagant – we hope you’ll spend a bit of it here, close to home, with all that’s offered in our communities. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season, from all of us at Suburban Life Magazine. Thanks for reading,
Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor
PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Jonathan Bilyk, Kelsey O’Connor, Melissa Riske, Yvonne Benson, Tom Witom, Peter Stadalsky PHOTOGRAPHERS Aldo Risolvo
on the
COVER Downtown Downers Grove
– and the whole town, actually – is at the ready and full of holiday cheer. Discover great events and activities starting on page 7. Photo by ALDO RISOLVO
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Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288
DECEMBER
2018
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INSIDE
What's
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
7 IT'S A WONDROUS WINTER IN DOWNERS GROVE There's plenty of fun planned to keep you busy all season long. 10 OPERA AT IMMANUEL Embrace the beauty of opera in the heart of Downers Grove.
FAMILY IN FOCUS
12 REGAINING THAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Suburban Superdad Jonathon Bilyk tries to find his holiday spirit amidst the hassles of holiday “adulting.”
DINING & ENTERTAINING 14 CHEERS TO COCKTAILS Discover a deliciously festive drink in Downers Grove.
16 NEW YEAR’S EVE DIY Plan the perfect party at home with tips from our community. 18 TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY Break bread for the holidays with Tom’s latest review.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
20 BOUTIQUE BODIES Fitness is the latest industry to go big, by staying small. 22 THERACORE PHYSICAL FITNESS Keeping an eye on the 'big picture'.
BUSINESS & CIVIC
24 ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR CHARITABLE GIVING Tom McCartney offers a brief look at some financial instruments you may want to consider using to help you make a difference in your community.
TRAVEL
26 DON’T HANG UP YOUR HIKING BOOTS Travel enthusiast Peter Stadalsksy suggests we brave the cold and experience the beauty and enjoyment of winter.
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DECEMBER
2018
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It's a wondrous winter in Downers Grove There's plenty of fun planned to keep you busy all season long
N
ow that the turkey has been eaten and everyone is in full holiday spirit, the Downers Grove area has all the great events and activities you need to keep you swinging all season long! Check out these great local events on the calendar for December:
Little Red Riding Hood’s Big Adventure
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 10 a.m. Tivoli Theatre 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove Price: $8.50 per person ($7.50 for groups 25+) and can be purchased online, by phone, or via email. The classic story with a holiday twist! Join Little Red and her friends as they journey over the river and through the woods on an exciting winter adventure. Featuring special guest appearances by all your Fairy Tale favorites and even Santa Claus himself. Presented by AlphaBet Soup, a professional live theatre for young audiences. Visit www.absproductions. com to learn more.
Twelve Days of Tivoli holiday film series
DECEMBER 7-18 Tivoli Theatre 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove Price $5 Celebrate 90 years of Christmas at the Tivoli Theatre with classic movies and holiday films, including Forrest Gump, Polar Express, Trading Places, Ghostbusters, Scrooged, Christmas Vacation, the Godfather, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas in Connecticut, Double Indemnity, Die Hard, E.T., and Home Alone. Check www.classiccinemas.com for showtimes.
-Continued on page 8
Tickets also can be purchased at the Tivoli Theatre on the day of the show. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2018
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SAVE THE DATE FOR A FROZEN TREAT
-Continued from page 7
Bittersweet Christmas Band
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 8:15 p.m. Two Way Street Coffee House 1047 Curtiss St, Downers Grove Price: $10 During the holidays, traditional artists Phil Cooper, Kate Early and Margaret Nelson join songwriter and "wise" woman Susan Urban for a show that presents every holiday perspective.
Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 3 p.m. Downers Grove Museum 831 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove Price: Free
All ages can join in a celebration of the season at this free family event! Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, tour the holiday-decorated Victorian Blodgett house and listen to Victorian-era carolers. Stroll the park while warming up around a campfire and visit with Santa! Holiday snacks and hot cocoa will be available for purchase. Contact dhartman@dgparks.org (630) 960-4576
Ice Sculpture Festival
FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 2019 (weather permitting) Friday 5:30 p.m. & Saturday 11a.m.-3 p.m. Main & Curtiss Streets, Downers Grove Bundle up and head downtown for the annual decorative ice sculpture competition. Free and open to the public, the weekend includes live ice carving demonstrations, entertainment and family activities. The first live carving demonstration will be Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. on the southeast corner of Main and Curtiss. On Saturday there will be live ice carving demonstrations from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Main Street Train Station as well as directly south of Main Street. See schedule for specifics on each event at www.downtowndg.org
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Christmas Evie
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Lincoln Center 935 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove Price: 12 general admission; $8 for ages 2 to 17 and 62+ Join the Downers Grove School of the Arts for this witty musical that tells the story of Evie, a young girl, who fears her sister has been put on Santa’s Naughty List. Santa’s Christmas Spirit has disappeared and now he must struggle with a change he
needs to make in order for the meaning of Christmas to ring true. Contact dhartman@dgparks.org (630) 960-4576 www.dgparks.org
Christmas on the Frontier
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Gregg House, Westmont Price: Free Holly on the mantels, pinescents, lantern and candle-lit rooms will welcome in the Christmas season festivities at the Gregg House. Christmas on the frontier brought many challenges as families sought to maintain their holiday customs. Discover the simple traditions of ornaments made from lace, buttons, strings of apples, cherished homemade cloth gifts, molasses cookies and the story of St. Nicholas all celebrated on Christmas Eve. Learn about the early days of Illinois as we commemorate the Bicentennial of Illinois. You can even enjoy a long eared mule drawn wagon ride on December 15. Children can make a frontier style craft to take home. Contact akrampits@ westmontparks.org (630) 969-8080 (630) 960-3392
Snow Much Fun
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Westmont Enjoy some holiday cheer at our Snow Much Fun Night! Be sure to bundle up because this is an outdoor and indoor event full of games, crafts, Santa's Workshop, hot cocoa, s'mores, a holiday scavenger hunt and much more! You'll even be able to take a ride on a mule-drawn carriage and enjoy the neighborhood
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with family and friends. Delight in a most enchanting winter experience. Contact Info akrampits@westmontparks.org (630) 969-8080
Two Way Street Christmas Show
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:15 p.m. Two Way Street Coffee House 1047 Curtiss St, Downers Grove Price: $10.00 Chris McIntosh & Alvin McGovern have been performing as a duo since 1981. They sing and play guitar, banjo, and ukulele. Join Alvin, Chris, & Friends for a special holiday music treat.
New Year's Eve Countdown to Noon
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Recreation Center 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove Price: Residents: $12, Nonresidents: $18 Ring in the New Year at noon, and celebrate with party favors, DJ Coach Josh, a photo booth, face painting, snacks, a balloon drop and more! Parents must stay and supervise their children. Children two and under are welcome to attend but will be limited in activities being offered. Registration deadline is December 20. Participants with food allergies may be exposed to allergens.
Contact Dawn Hartman dhartman@dgparks.org (630) 960-4576
18th Annual Steve Cochran New Years (St)EVE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Tivoli Theatre: Classic Cinemas 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove Join in the fun for the 18th year, filled with laughter, music and another year in review as we say farewell to 2018! Steve welcomes: Dean Richards -national critic extraordinare, as seen and heard on WGN Rocky LaPorte - Late Show, Tonight Show, Last Comic Standing John Da Cosse - WGN radio morning show musical director and voice of the Coach and many other characters, National touring and stand-up headliner Tim Benker - Tonights announcer,stand-up comedian, performer of his one man show "Idiot's Guide to Fixing Stoopid" ..and of course Steve Cochran, host of the number one morning radio show in Chicago WGN 720AM. Doors open at 6:15pm This is a 21+ event. Classic Cinemas will have concessions along with bar service available for purchase. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com
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OPERA at Immanuel Embrace the beauty of opera in the heart of Downers Grove By KELSEY O’CONNOR If you find the opera inaccessible, or even intimidating, Dan D'Andrea would understand. Experiencing an opera typically includes a drive to the city and the performance lasts hours, typically taking up an entire evening. The lack of outlets for classical works in the suburbs is exactly what inspired the Sinfonietta Bel Canto, a chamber orchestra and opera based in Downers Grove. The mission is to bring classical music and operas to people of all ages, backgrounds and locations. “It’s easily digestible opera,” says D’Andrea, artistic director and conductor of Sinfonietta Bel Canto. “It’s great for introducing people to opera who have never seen it before.” The not-for-profit performs two operas each season at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, sung in their original language and accompanied by a full orchestra. They also perform several orchestra shows throughout the year. As creative director, D’Andrea decides the groups programming. He purposefully selects one-act operas, which are significantly
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Trittico, the three-act comic opera by Puccini, to mark the centennial of the work’s 1918 premiere at The Metropolitan Opera in New York. “It’s the most important opera debut to have taken place on U.S. soil,” says D’Andrea. Sinfonietta Bel Canto will perform the third installment, Gianni Schicchi, on Sunday, May 5.
shortens in length than traditional operas, in an effort to make the group’s performances more approachable. He also looks for pieces that aren’t widely performed by other groups. Because the Sinfonietta Bel Canto performs in a church, they don’t have the typical expenses of full sets that other groups might. “We’re doing a repertoire that other people aren’t doing,” says D’Andrea. “We have a little more nimbleness and a little more flexibility in what we pick. We can be a little more risky and do things that haven’t been done much.” This season, the group will have three opera performances. Each will be an act from Il
While “bel canto” is a nod to the opera side of the group, “sinfonietta” refers to the chamber orchestra. The 30-piece ensemble performs classical symphonic works, with an emphasis on less traditional pieces. For instance, last year’s season was completely dedicated to works by Niels Gade, a Danish composer from the 1800s. He’s known his music that reflects the spirit of Danish folk tunes, though his pieces are rarely performed today. “We do orchestral work off the beaten path,” says D’Andrea. “These are great works of art, worthy of exposure to the wider community. It deserves wider recognition. ” Like the operas, D’Andrea strives to make these orchestra performances accessible for all audiences no matter their experience with classical music. One way he does that
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“We’re a hidden gem. We have people that live downtown and walk to our concerts.” -DAN D’ANDRES, Sinfonietta Bel Canto
lyric solos and opera arias with orchestral accompaniment at a concert on Sunday, March 24, 2019.
is by giving a brief explanation between songs. “I talk to the audience about the particular composer and put the piece into context,” he says. “It’s something the audience likes, they feel it brings the piece to life.” One of the group’s most popular events is the SBC Gala on New Year’s Day. The familyfriendly fundraising concert will include Strauss waltzes, soloists, opportunities to conduct the orchestra and a reception with silent auction. Another favorite event is the annual SBC Voice competition. Each year, singers from all over the Midwest will compete for monetary prizes in a variety of categories: Little Stars (ages 13 and younger), Teen Stars (ages 14-18), Collegiate Artists (ages 18-24), Emerging Artists (ages 25 and up). The sixth annual competition will kick off with a live audition in February. The finalists for each category will perform
Sinfonietta Bel Canto is made up of musicians and singers from all walks of life, many of whom are from the Downers Grove area. All members are volunteers and all share a passion, and talent, for music. “Most of these players are advanced musicians, particularly the singers” says D’Andrea. “Half or more have master’s degrees in music. That was the whole idea of this, to give people who play a more advanced group to play in.” Founded in 2010, the group is on it’s ninth season. But many people don’t realize that they have such a valuable cultural resource in their own backyard. “We’re a hidden gem,” says D’Andrea. “We have people that live downtown and walk to our concerts. That’s a tremendous amenity for the village of Downers Grove.”
Sinfonietta Bel Canto performs at 5211 Carpenter St. in Downers Grove. Tickets can be purchased by mail, at the box office or online at www. sinfoniettabelcanto.org.
• Living Wheaton Christmas Parade - Friday, Nov. 23rd 6pm • Shop Small Business Saturday - Sat. Nov. 24th • Christmas Festival- G’living Tree - Saturday, Dec. 1st • Carriage Rides and Santa visits 12pm – 3pm, Saturdays Nov. 24th - Dec. 22nd
Downtown Wheaton is decked out for the holidays with a new look along Front Street this season. Gather around the community fireplace with hot coco at Martin Memorial Plaza, enjoy an old-fashioned carriage ride and be sure to give Santa your wish list! Keep local awesome this season; shop the many unique, small downtown shops. Make plans to attend the Christmas Festival and enjoy a day of caroling, live music, complimentary refreshments and attend the drawing for the ultimate Christmas surprise: The G’living Tree.
For more information go to www.downtownwheaton.com
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2018
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SUBURBAN SUPERDAD
Regaining the Christmas spirit With JONATHON BILYK
Every year, as the calendar flips from October to November, a debate rages across America. In the past, the debate raged in personal encounters and gatherings. And in recent years, it has spread across social media platforms. Politics? No, this is about something far closer to the lives of so many of us. And it centers on the key question: When is the right time to allow would-be Buddy the Elf impersonators to begin blasting their holiday music and burying us under the mounds of ribbon, holly and other trappings of the traditional Yuletide season? Throughout my childhood, you would have found me firmly in the hoho-holiday, Christmas crooner camp. From hopes for a walk in a winter wonderland, to silver bells, click-click-click, and holly jolly birthday parties at the home of Farmer Gray, watching the chestnuts pop, there were few times of the year more “lit.” But in college, like many of my peers, I took a job in retail. And the ol’ Christmas spirit got run over by a reindeer – or in my case, a pallet jack. What was to blame? It’s hard to say, exactly. The grown adults fighting over Tickle Me Elmo, flat screen TVs and Xbox Ones certainly played a large role. Early mornings and late nights in a stockroom, while friends went to Christmas parties, contributed, as did dealing with some managers who needed a visit from a few Christmas-related spirits. And as much as it once tickled my bowl full of
jelly, now the endless loop of vapid Christmas music – this is where I particularly point the finger at Paul McCartney for dumping “Wonderful Christmastime” on the play list – exacted a toll upon my sanity. By the time I left the job for good, the damage to my holiday spirit had already been done. Now don’t misunderstand: You would never mistake me for a Grinch. The actual holiday still brought joy, especially the religious aspects of the day. But beyond that? You could stuff your stocking with the surrounding holiday season, for all I cared. Given a little distance from that retail stage of my professional journey, the ice began to thaw a bit. But not nearly enough. Play a Christmas song before Black Friday, and we were likely to have a good-natured, yet frosty exchange. Then, a few years back, kids entered the picture. Even at my peak of my mistletoe and peppermint phase, I never subscribed to the theory that Christmas was just “for the kids.” There was always so much more to it, so much more meaning behind the celebration than just a bunch of kids jumping on mom and pop’s bed at 5 a.m. before turning a beautifully laden tree into a squealing blizzard of wrapping paper shreds. But after kids of my own arrived, the fog of my Christmas malaise began to lift, bit by bit. The clearing, however, began in earnest when my oldest began to develop the ability to ask truly intelligent and penetrating questions about life in general, and particularly so when her inquiries centered on holiday-related themes.
Little by little, as I searched the my consciousness and memories for answers to her questions about religion, tradition and why I would hit “skip” every time “Wonderful Christmastime” played, you could say my heart grew a few sizes. More precisely, though, the holidays came into new focus, as I saw the scene through new eyes. It would be too simple to say the joy of my pre-retail-job self returned. No, this was something different, an outlook on the season tempered by decades of experience, but still fueled by the joy that comes just as much from the giddiness of Christmas morning as it does from the magic of a performance of The Nutcracker ballet, or the quiet satisfaction of a shared smile amid the candlelight, singing carols in a church, followed by a quiet moment on the couch with a hot beverage, the kids nestled, all snug in their beds. So will I let you use my car radio to play Christmas music on November 1? That would still be a no. But I just might be willing to take in a carol or two sometime between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving – as long as you don’t insist on “Wonderful Christmastime.” Then, that red glow you see in the distance will be my taillights, as I wish you a Happy Christmas, and to all, a good night.
Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)
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FAMILY IN FOCUS DECEMBER 2018
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Bloody Mary at the Brick House Tavern and Tap
Cheers to cocktails Discover a deliciously festive drink in Downers Grove By YVONNE BENSON
Cheers to that snowflake on your eyelash that melts into a sparkle as you cross the threshold into one of the many swanky cocktail spots in and around Downers Grove. And cheers to the cocktail that gently warms your veins and teases a smile to spread across your lips.
items are the Bacon Benedict and Grand Marnier French Toast that comes with apples. Or if tomato’s not your style, consider one of the many other clever cocktails on this list, like the Whiskey Smash, made with Jack Daniel's, muddled strawberry, lemon and ginger beer.
Perhaps you start your day with the weekend brunch at Brick House Tavern and Tap with the Bloody Good Mary. It’s a well-established and has a following.
“We have a couple of game day drinks that are really exciting,” Gallo said. My favorite is the Cheerleader.”
Made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Zing Zang, pickle juice and topped delightfully with a deviled egg, salami, smoked cheddar and an olive skewer, bartender Gina Gallo says the Brick’s Bloody is a little creamier than most, thanks to the addition of a bit of Guinness Ale. “We can add spice to it if people ask, but the Zing Zang has a little spice in it already,” Gallo said. Considering all of the toppings on the Bloody Good Mary, you might not need to order anything else; however, some popular menu
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After brunch, you can head over to Pierce Tavern for lunch. The newest addition to the Downtown Downers Grove dining scene, Pierce just opened in September but Bar Director Johnny Holder has over 20 years of experience designing cocktail programs. “I like to think simple and use all fresh ingredients and do as much in-house as I can,” Holder says. “I like to maintain house-made syrups and infusions without making anything complicated so the bartenders can create a great cocktail in 15 seconds.”
DINING & ENTERTAINING DECEMBER 2018
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Holder also said that The Merchant Man is popular, “[it] is a brown butter wash bourbon Old Fashioned with house made vanilla demerara and black walnut bitters.” Actually, Pierce Tavern has four different variations of an Old Fashioned. “We’re kind of a bourbon bar,” Holder said, “We have over a hundred whiskies on the wall.” However, he also explained that they have some vodka drinks too. Holder likes to pair his cocktails with their woodfired pizza, “We have a really nice wood-style oven. Our Neapolitan pizzas cook in 90 seconds! Anything with buffalo on it is going to be really good. We’re known for our burgers as well.” After shopping downtown or enjoying a movie at the Tivoli, it’s time for evening cocktails at Cadence Kitchen. Cadence opened about six months ago Todd Davies is the chef and owner “We have a great beat and rhythm for the space. We played with that as our platform so all of our drinks are named after songs,” he says.
All Creatures Great and Small A full service animal hospital “I love bourbon so we have a cocktail called ‘Country Roads,’” Davies said, “It’s halfway between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned… I love to drink that one. “Our vision for the cocktail program was to have fun, unique cocktails; unique spirits and local distilleries and fresh juices and syrups that we make in-house,” he says. As an example, he uses fresh raspberries and mint to make a syrup that truly elevates vodka. Davies is proud that there are no flavored alcohols at the bar – all of the flavor comes from an expert interpretation of the base spirit and paired with all of the juices and syrups that they make themselves. “We want to showcase fresh ingredients and really highlight things that are unique – like our food menu, it’s always evolving,” Davies says. “We’re looking to do a sous-vide where we make peach infused brandy and then use the dehydrated peach to make a jerky.” Davies wants guests to be welcomed into Cadence Kitchen. He said, “The room is beautiful but we are fun. I don’t like stuffy – I respect it, but I think a dining experience is about having fun.”
Dr. Ken Eisenberg, DVM Dr. Andrew Eisenberg, DVM Dr. Penny Bowes, DVM SM-CL1597081
Holder aims to keep the cocktails new; however, some drinks have already gained enough popularity to give them a permanent place on the menu. One of them is the Librarian which is blueberry-infused Tito’s Vodka, fresh cold-cut pineapple juice and a splash of ginger beer.
Phone: (630) 852-0910 www.downersgrovevet.com 4945 Forest Ave. Downers Grove
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Gift Certificates - Layaways 2135 63rd St, Downers Grove, IL - 630-541-8388 www.friendlystitches.com DINING & ENTERTAINING DECEMBER 2018
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Plan the perfect party with these tips for New Year’s DIY By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS If the idea of dressing up and heading out for New Year’s Eve sounds too complicated or too fancy, then consider a growing trend toward parties at home. Home parties offer a “host� of advantages, including lower cost, more flexibility with family, a casual environment, and often occur closer to home (which is great for that 1 a.m. drive). The key to success is to know your crowd – Are they drinkers? Folks with kids? Singles with no one to kiss at midnight? – A good host is ready.
We talked to readers, writers, party hosts and event planners to get their tips for the perfect NYE party. Here’s what we found out: Offer a signature cocktail. Bar bills can get big, so keep it under control by offering beer wine and soda plus a fancy, creative cocktail you can make in batches. A mixed punch is popular but even better is a light, sparkling cocktail. We found great ideas for punches and pitcher cocktails at www.epicurious.com. Set the mood with music. What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? Subtle and light? Hard rockin’? Jazzy and cool? Set up
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a playlist of at least two hours. Grab an inexpensive cable to connect your smartphone or iPad to your speakers, or a wireless speaker work as well. Another tip we received was to check your satellite or cable provider for themed New Year’s Eve channels streaming music non-stop. Create places to congregate. Your home likely is set up for cozy living, not for entertaining a crowd. And if you don’t move some furniture before the shindig begins, you’ll find everybody huddled in the kitchen. Move large tables, like your dining room table, against a wall and raise your chandelier if needed. Move two and three chairs together in little “vignettes� with an end table or a coffee table, to create places for small groups to gather. One tip we loved was to raid your kids’ toy box and set up small, nostalgic games like Jenga, Connect Four, and Hungry Hungry Hippos around your home. It sounds silly, but it works like a charm! Speaking of the kids, you are going to have to decide if youngsters are invited or not. If you say yes (which let’s be honest, is one
of the great advantages of a New Year’s Eve Party at home) then consider something special for them to enjoy: ideas include a video game party, pajama-themed party, projected movies on the wall, and special food just for them to enjoy. If the kids are super little, consider paying a teenaged child of yourself or an attendee to keep them entertained. To theme, or not to theme? NYE can be a theme, in and of itself, but if you are looking for another draw consider one of these options offered up by our friends and readers: • Go classy with a wine or beer tasting/ pairing – cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Or have everyone bring a different bottle and do a blind tasting/rating with prizes for the winning entries. • Host a classic card party – poker or pinochle, euchre or cards against humanity. Even bunco. Set up tables to mix and mingle, serve easy eating snacks like chips and nuts, and gamble with poker chips and monopoly money for
a chance to win fun door prizes as the night progresses. Now that you have a plan, here are some last minute tips for the perfect party: • Keep New Year’s Eve a pet-free zone. • If you’re offering more than finger food, provide a place to sit • Clear the coat closet or designate a room or outerwear (it’s winter after all) • Watch the clock. Nothing worse than missing the countdown.
SM-CL1596598
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TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY:
‘Holiday and Celebration Bread in Five Minutes a Day’ By TOM WITOM
W
hen “Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day” debuted in 2007, home bakers stood up and took note. They embraced the game-changing time-saving methodology espoused by co-authors Zoe Francois and Jeff Hertzberg. The duo demonstrated that homemade yeast dough could be stored in the refrigerator for use whenever it’s needed – with only five minutes a day of active preparation time. “Holiday and Celebration Bread in Five Minutes a Day” (St. Martin’s Press), the authors’ latest
endeavor, was published Nov. 6. It applies the same quick and easy approach to creating savory, sweet, healthy and decadent recipes no matter what the occasion. Readers will find 100 accessible recipes in such chapters as The Master Recipe, Flaky Dough and Christmas and Easter Breads. Chocolate-Raisin Babka Bundt, a rich dessert among whose ingredients are 16 egg yolks, definitely resides in decadent territory. It was adapted from a Ukrainian recipe. Try it during the upcoming holidays.
CHOCOLATE-RAISIN BABKA BUNDT (Makes at least three 1-1/2-pound loaves)
• 3 cups milk (100 degrees For below) • 16 egg yolks (1 lb.) • 1 Tbl. granulated yeast • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 Tbl. kosher salt • 12 Tbl unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan • 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup raisins • 3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate, melted • 1/4 cup rum, for soaking per baked loaf (optional)
Mixing and storing the dough: Mix the milk, egg yolks, yeast, sugar, salt and melted butter in a 6-quart bowl or a lidded (not airtight) food container. Mix in the flour without kneading, using a heavy-duty stand mixer (with paddle), a Danish whisk or a spoon. The mixture will be quite loose because of all the yolks. Cover (not airtight) and allow to rest at room temperature until the dough rises for 2 hours. The dough will be loose, but will firm up when chilled. Don’t try to use it without
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chilling for at least 3 hours. Refrigerate the container and use over the next 5 days. On baking day, grease a Bundt pan or an 8-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch nonstick loaf pan with butter. Dust the surface of the refrigerated dough with flour and cut off a 1-1/2-pound (cantaloupe-size) piece. Dust the piece with more flour and quickly shape it into a ball by stretching the surface of the dough around to the bottom, rotating the ball a quarter-turn as you go. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle, about 11 x 15 inches.
Melt the chocolate and spread it evenly over the dough and sprinkle the raisins over it. Roll the dough into a log, starting at the long end, and pinch the seam closed. Place the dough in the prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rest at room temperature for 90 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, with a rack placed in the center of the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Brush with rum immediately. Allow to cool on a rack before serving.
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Kitchens for the Average Joe & Jane Have you put off doing your kitchen long enough? Is this the year you have vowed to do something with your cabinets? Have the horror stories of kitchen remodeling made you afraid to even think about it? With prices approaching and surpassing $100,000 for full kitchen remodeling, it is no wonder the Average Joe and Jane feel a little overwhelmed. Enter Kitchen Tune-Up! This locally owned (Downers Grove) National Franchise has been offering minor kitchen remodels for 24 years. Marty Ceranec, the owner, has won numerous awards from KTU for Sales, Customer Service, and Creativity. He received the highest award in 2000 when he won National Franchise of the Year After Year, is a three time Angies List Super Service Award Winner, and in addition appeared on the Noon Show on WGN TV last year with Dina Bair. We offer Kitchen Solutions for Any Budget. “I think some people get sticker shock when they look at the price of redoing an entire kitchen and are overwhelmed. We work with clients every day who have the same anxieties,” says Marty. The bulk of our work the last few years has been Door Replacement & Full Refacing. We’ve been getting numerous calls to paint existing Cabinetry White, We offer a better solution in that we replace the doors with
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factory finished ones & paint the boxes to match. Now besides a different color you also have a new door style with soft close concealed hinges. A Great combination! Why have they been so successful? “I think it’s because we follow our trust points (below). Simple things like showing up on time and returning phone calls which is often lacking in the remodeling industry. I have chosen to keep the business small so I am involved in every job with my two long time installers. By doing this we have become well known as experts in Minor Kitchen Remodeling.” Kitchen Tune-Up also offers cabinetry upgrades such as glass doors, new soft close hinges, soft-closing dovetail drawers, and full extension rollouts When questioned about any regrets, Marty replies, “We often get calls to update the kitchen when the owner is ready to sell. We always wonder why they didn’t do it earlier so they could have enjoyed it.”
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BODIES FITNESS THE LATEST INDUSTRY TO GO BIG, BY STAYING SMALL By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE These days it seems there is no shortage of reasons why we should exercise and there are just as many ways to exercise. One of the growing trends is boutique fitness where small studios specialize in one or a few types of exercise offerings while providing smaller class sizes and stronger customer service. In her years of fitness experience Amy Nielsen says she realized people would often acquire multiple memberships, using a gym for cardio workouts and utilizing a yoga studio at another location. Nielsen says there was an opportunity to bridge the desire for varied exercise routines all in one location. Nielsen is a co-founder of Spenga, a fitness studio that provides clients with the benefits of a cycling, strength training and yoga workout all within the span of a 60-minute workout. “We have combined all three into one hour long and most efficient workout,” Nielsen says. Nielsen and her partners launched the concept in 2015 with a studio in Mokena and opened the first franchise location in downtown Downers Grove. In three short years the business has taken off with more than 90
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urban and suburban locations nationwide. Westmont resident Kathy Griffin says she came to Spenga looking to reinvigorate her fitness routine but was initially intimidated by the idea of using a stationary bike and had no interest in yoga. Griffin says her fitness journey started about three years ago when she decided to make a positive change in her life seeing her 50th birthday on the horizon. In her journey she had seen positive results with a personal trainer and with other fitness programs. In September she entered Spenga curious but apprehensive. “I went to the strength training and I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t go to yoga, I would just leave,” Griffin says. The friendly and personal instructors at Spenga along with the friends she made in classes at encouraged her to try. Griffin says they helped her understand who each discipline provided varied physical and mental health benefits. “Now I love yoga,” she says. In a few short months Griffin has discovered how new fitness routines are improving her
overall health, feeling of wellness. Griffin says it it goes beyond the physical health. She says she loves the encouragement from instructors in her small classes, the atmosphere and the feeling of camaraderie among her classmates that keeps her coming back for more each week. At Spenga, instructors lead small classes through 20 minutes of cycling followed by 20 minutes of strength training and cardio and then the class moves into the yoga studio for another 20 minutes of poses, stretches and a final few minutes of relaxation. Even as the company has grown and her responsibilities continue to multiple, Nielsen says she still makes it a priority to teach classes for Spenga customers and to train instructors. “I can not give it up,” Nielsen says. “I always want to remember how everything got started. And, I absolutely love it.” In Spenga, the instructor leads a class through each of the sections and with small group exercise each instructor is able to assist and encourage participants throughout the workout, Nielsen says.
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Tap and Ballet isn’t just for children
STUDIO INFORMATION:
Deanna Thompson says when she decided to purchase a Downers Grove dance studio in 2017 she knew from the start it would be more than a place for young children in tutus and tap shoes. She saw an opportunity to bring dance classes and dance-related exercise routines to adults and maybe help some, who had once donned tap shoes, rediscover a love for dance. Thompson is the owner of Versa5 in Downers Grove. She is the third owner of the dance studio and says it is the very studio where she started her dance career at the age of 3. After pursuing her dreams as a dancer she discovered a love for teaching and returned to school for the proper instruction and certifications. At Versa5 adults can take dance classes as well as fitness classes including yoga, Zumba™ which combines upbeat music and dance and aerobic workouts and barre, which incorporates the ballet, yoga and pilates. Thompson says she loves barre and considers it a perfect cross-training exercise for a physical and mental workout. “The idea was utilizing the space and filling a void in
VERSA5 6218 Main Street Downers Grove 630-963-0456 versa5.com
what the community had to offer,” Thompson says.
SPENGA DOWNERS GROVE 5216 Main Street Downers Grove 630-395-9585 penga.com/locations/ downers-grove-il
At the studio Thompson says she welcomes women and men, children of all ages and is excited to help adults find a new workout, or find a re-awakened love of the art of dance, whether that is tap, ballet or even hip hop. “So many people grow up dancing and then at some point they just stop,” Thompson says. “Just because you turn 18 doesn’t mean your love of dance dies.”
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST KEEPS EYE ON THE ‘BIG PICTURE’ With RYAN SCHAUL MPT, CIMT
“Why are we working on my abdominals when it’s my ankle that bothers me?” I’ve heard this question, or something similar, many times. It’s usually when my patient is fatigued from abdominal strengthening exercises. I love this question, because it allows me to impart some knowledge onto the patient about how the functions of one body part can affect seemingly unrelated ailments in other parts. The human body is an amazing and complicated structure. Rarely does one body part operate independently of others when performing a task. The body is designed to operate in a specific way to accomplish movements in an effective and efficient manner. When this occurs, we are able to complete activities such as walking, squatting and reaching without difficulty or discomfort. When there is a “weak link” in the system – one area which is not functioning correctly
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– it can result in dysfunction either at that area or at a different area of the body. Each joint is connected to the next by a group of muscles, so it is important to look at the area in question, but also at the whole chain and its function as a unit. Bodies have the capability of compensating, changing movement patterns to avoid and/or bypass limitations or weaknesses. It is when our body runs out of compensations that we feel pain. The painful symptoms may be a recent development, but the dysfunction likely has been present for much longer. Any change in the body’s normal movement patterns can result in inhibition and/or overuse of muscles. While compensations can be an effective way to complete a task in the short term, consistent compensatory movement patterns can result in tissue irritation and altered mechanics of our joints. Let’s look at an example to illustrate this point. What if I were to tell you that the low
back pain that you have been experiencing is possibly the result of decreased range of motion in your ankle? Some of my patients are quite skeptical when I point to a body part located so far away from the symptoms as the possible culprit… until I explain the mechanics to them. If you are unable to pull your foot towards your shin while walking, you would wind up dragging your toes because you are unable to clear the ground when you step. You obviously don’t want to walk around dragging your toes on the ground, so your body is going to find a way around this, either by swinging the leg out to the side or by exaggerating how high you raise your hip. These compensations are slight,
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- Outpatient physical therapy - One on one care by licensed physical therapists only - Complimentary injury screens - Functional movement screens
Where dedicated, personalized care is at the core of your experience. www.theracorept.com
- Accepting all major insurance plans - Self pay rates available - Massage and dietician services - Graston Technique® - Aquatic Therapy - TheraSTRETCH - Custom Orthotics
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and most people will not even notice that they are making them. In this scenario, we have changed the normal mechanics of the leg, which, in turn, is going to affect the hip muscles and how they function. Now the tissues in the lower back and hip start to overwork, become guarded and irritated, and are prime for an injury when you go to bend over to pick something up. Seem complicated? It can be but, physical therapists are experts in assessing the normal movement patterns of the body. Our goal is to find the cause of your symptoms so that they do not return. To accomplish this, we need to look at your whole
body and how it functions as a unit, the “big picture”. If you feel like you could benefit from an assessment, please do not hesitate to contact our offices directly. Illinois is now a direct access state, which means you no longer need a prescription from your doctor. Just don’t be surprised if we look at your ankle to treat your back pain.
Ryan Schaul, PT, MPT, CIMT Physical Therapist at TheraCORE Physical Therapy
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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2018
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‘Tis the Season… With THOMAS MCCARTNEY
W
ith Thanksgiving leftovers still in the fridge and fresh holiday decorations ramping up cheer in your neighborhood, it’s the time of year when it is hard not to feel more festive and grateful than usual. Whether you are motivated to contribute to a worthy charitable cause or thinking about helping family, let’s take a very brief look at some financial instruments you may want to consider using to help you make a difference.
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DIRECT GIFTING TO CHARITIES: Philanthropy is an important aspect of generational wealth transfer because it allows you to earn income tax deductions and transfer money out of your estate to avoid additional estate taxes. Although there are many strategies for philanthropic giving, the most common is through direct gifts. Even though this method of giving may seem straightforward, there are options for how you can choose to give and benefits to each. Whether it’s through cash, securities, real estate or other assets, you can provide for a cause and receive tax benefits through direct gifts to charity. PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS: For families interested in donating a considerable amount of wealth, setting up a private foundation may be a viable option. Private foundations are completely taxexempt, although they can only grant up to a 30 percent income tax exemption rather than the 50 percent granted by direct donation. Private foundations are typically managed by a board consisting of family members and
financial advisors, who define charitable goals and manage donations. They allow this board to act as intermediaries between the donor and the chosen charity. Private foundations provide a unique way for families to come together for philanthropy because they allow relatives to be named to the board of directors. DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS: Donor-advised funds are designed to allow you to grow your donation to charity through investment. Donors, who can be individuals or groups, take donations and have a sponsor organization invest them. Although these sponsors charge fees for the creation and management of DAFs, the investment returns they produce help to build the value of the fund and generate more money for charity than a simple gift. In addition, DAFs have no minimum distribution requirements. In terms of generational wealth transfer, DAFs can be especially significant because they allow the donor to choose a successor advisor to continue the gifting tradition within the family.
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While DAFs do have many tax benefits that private foundations do not, they also allow the donor less control. You should consider that the official controller of donor-advised funds is the sponsor, who retains the right to disregard a donor’s choices if he or she deems a recipient charity to be unqualified. CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS: Anyone can open a custodial account for anyone else under the age of 18. These are commonly known as UTMA Accounts (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act). The person who opens the account must name a custodian (which can be him or herself ) to manage the account with a fiduciary duty to the beneficiary. While the custodian controls the account and manages the investments, anyone can donate to it and there is no limit to how much can be contributed. The beneficiary owns the assets immediately but cannot access them until he or she reaches the age of majority, which varies by state from age 18 to 21. The custodian is allowed to withdraw funds from the account before the beneficiary reaches the age of majority, but only if those funds are used for the benefit of the child (for
instance, for a new laptop or summer camp fees). While some people see the flexibility of a custodial account as a benefit, others see it as a drawback. If you donate to a custodial account so that your child can go to college and then he or she decides not to, you have no say in how the money is spent. The beneficiary could squander the money at a casino and you would not have any legal authority to keep him or her from doing otherwise, despite contributing the money in the first place. Another potential drawback is the effect of the funds on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If the sole purpose of this account is for future college expenses you will want to talk with your financial adviser about other options. KEEPING IT SIMPLE: These are quick overviews of common vehicles used for clients seeking to make an impact while leaving a personal legacy. When seeking to maximize the impact of your personal giving, work with your financial and tax advisers both so that you can make smart decisions and leverage your impact. FILE#2306028.1
Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. McCartney and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.
Photo by Indre Cantero
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. File #0709-2018
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The Glass-Half-Full Guy:
DON'T HANG UP YOUR HIKING BOOTS Winter offers beauty and enjoyment, so long as you prepare By PETER STADALSKY Until the winter of 2017, hiking was always a three-season activity for me. It was that season a friend and I decided to explore the world of non-technical winter mountaineering by climbing summits in upstate New York. The draw, for me, was a silent summit and 360-degree panoramic views of snow capped mountains. One of the great perks of winter hiking is that the trails are yours for the taking, because most people hang up their hiking boots for the winter. There’s a saying around the hiker’s community, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choice.” I knew it was going to be cold in the Adirondacks, so I made sure I had quality layers and waterproof gear. Layers are so important, because even in -20 degree weather, climbing up a mountain will make you sweat. And the last thing you want is to be soaking wet with sweat, miles deep in the frigid wilderness. The secret isn’t not getting cold, it’s being able to regulate your temperature. Being able to add and subtract layers is key. The epiphany I had was that cold weather hiking is not a problem, but cold weather stopping is. Every time we stopped for a snack or water I could feel my temperature dropping. Staying on the move was the ticket to warmth.
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We climbed Cascade Mountain in the Adirondack Park. The ambient temperature that day was -20 degrees. At the summit, with the wind chill, it was about -50 degrees. My phone instantly shut down as I tried to capture some panoramic shots at the summit. It was necessary to cover every inch of skin with protection, for frostbite creeps in within minutes at that temperature. It sounds miserable, but I never felt cold. I’ve been colder running to my car in the morning during the Chicago winter. When we got back to the car I noticed icicles hanging from my beard in the reflection off the car window, but I left them, thinking they looked pretty cool. There were a few pieces of gear that are handy for winter hiking. First are the microspikes. These are half-inch spikes that slip over the bottom of your boots. This helps gain traction on the rocky summits covered in ice. Snowshoes also are necessary if there is a fresh, deep powder, but we never had to use them. A good pair of ski goggles help keep eyes protected when the wind picks up. I also purchased new insulated hiking boots rated to -40. They are waterproof in addition to being warm. One issue we ran into was our water bottles freezing solid. (Those sub-zero temps don’t play around.) I asked a local what he did to prevent his water from freezing on long winter
hikes and he responded, “Water? I don’t drink water.” I shook my head and replied, “well then what do you drink?” He dropped his chin with an eyebrow raised, “Whiskey don’t freeze, son.” I decided to explore other, less dehydrating methods. One hack I found was to keep your bottle buried in your pack surrounded by extra layers. Or if I had all my layers on, I just kept my water inside my coat pressed up against my stomach to keep it toasty. I used to get the winter blues from not getting out in nature enough, and I’m glad I started to explore ways to adventure in the cold months. Each season holds its own beauty, and I decided to seek out winter’s, instead of being bummed out for a quarter of the year. If you’re into hiking, winter mountaineering is not a far leap in terms of skill. A liberal serving of research will do you well, but don’t let that snow and wind keep you off the trail. u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.
TRAVEL DECEMBER 2018
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