Dr. William Scurlock—Family Practice

Dr. Michael Rivera—Family Practice

Dr. James Curtis—Family Practice

Dr. Darryl Link—Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

At St. Charles Family Medical Center, patients and their families quickly learn that the doctors and staff place a priority on open communication and preventative, comprehensive care.

“We believe preventative medicine is an important aspect of primary care,” said Amy Fitzgerald, office manager.

The center provides care for newborns when they are born at Delnor-Community Hospital, and the care continues through all ages.

The physicians recommend an evaluation of infants at two weeks of age, and routine well-child examinations are recommended at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months of age. Children are routinely examined at 2, 3 and 4 years of age.

Physicals are required for school-age children before entrance to kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades. Physicals are also required yearly for sixth through twelfth grade sport participation.

“For adults, we recommend an initial complete medical history and physical examination to establish a medical relationship,” Fitzgerald said. “We recommend screening for specific age-related illnesses and risk factors such as those suggested by the American Heart Association. At a minimum we recommend an examination every three years until the age of 45, and yearly thereafter.”

The office is equipped to perform EKGs, hearing and vision screenings, minor surgical procedures, Pap tests, urinalysis and complete blood drawing services, in addition to all of the recommended immunizations needed for children and adults.

The practice started in August 1981, when Dr. Curtis opened the center. Dr. Scurlock joined the practice in 1984. Dr. Link joined in 1991, and Dr. Rivera in April of 2009. All doctors are board certified, and their range of specialties allows the practice to provide a full range of comprehensive care.

Specialties

Family Practice
Family practice is the medical specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family. It is the specialty, which integrates the biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences. The scope of family practice encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system, and every disease entity.

Pediatricians
Pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

Internal Medicine
Internists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems of adults and the aged.

In addition to the full range of care, the practice is in the process of integrating electronic medical records, and the practice expects to go live with the program on Dec. 16, 2009.

> St. Charles Family Medical Center

For local residents, the Elburn Herald has helped build and strengthen the connections between them and the communities of the Kaneland School District. Through the Elburn Herald’s reporting of all things local every week since 1908, the community-focused newspaper has helped turn the towns in which people live into communities local residents can call home.

“We believe that informed and involved citizens are the backbone of strong communities,” Elburn Herald Editor Ryan Wells said. “We feel it is our responsibility to help citizens become informed so they can become involved.”

The Elburn Herald has helped build the connections between local businesses and their customers as well. From well-designed advertising created by an award-winning design department, to offering numerous ways for local businesses to get their messages out, the Elburn Herald has helped serve as a significant connection between local businesses and their consumers.

“We are constantly learning and implementing new design ideas,” Design Director Leslie Flint said. “From taking classes to attending seminars, we work as a team to get the best results for our advertisers.”

The company also spends much of its efforts in activities that support the community itself, helping strengthen the connections between those in need and those who can provide that help. From its leadership in local chambers of commerce to its help organizing community events, as well as its advocacy for community leaders, the Elburn Herald and its members not only talk the talk, they walk the walk.

“We are very fortunate to be able to be so active in this community,” said Flint, the Elburn Chamber of Commerce’s member of the year in 2004 and 2007. “The chambers are a great area to give back to the community. We are involved in everything from community festivals like Day in the Park, Elburn Days, Aleburn and the Elburn Christmas Stroll, to Sugar Grove candidate nights; it seems like there is always something going on in this community.”

The Elburn Herald began as a community-focused newspaper in 1908. In the 1950s, Richard and Louise Cooper purchased the newspaper, and the family incorporated under the name Kaneland Publications, Inc. (KPI) in the 1980s. Since Richard and Louise’s passing, ownership of the company has been passed down to the next generation.

Retaining its community-service mission, as well as its focus on strong, local coverage, KPI offers far more than its weekly newspaper. It launched its first version of a website in 1998. Since then, the website has been overhauled multiple times, and its current version, updated by Assistant Editor Ben Draper, is among the best websites for newspapers of its size throughout the state, according to the Illinois Press Association and Northern Illinois Newspaper Association. Part of KPI’s online presence includes the ability for viewers to purchase photos—including those published in the newspaper and those not able to be printed—as well as interact with the online content. The improvements to ElburnHerald.com will continue, and Draper said that what is already considered a strong website will take another leap forward soon.

In addition to its strong, local coverage, its high-end online presence and its focus on community service, KPI also offers another way for local businesses and organizations to raise their awareness. KPI offers a variety of materials for organizations, ranging from letterhead and business cards, to invitations, banners and so many promotional items that the only limit is the client’s imagination.

The Elburn Herald has a 100-year tradition of community service by helping strengthen the connections within its community. Between its focus on the community and the range of its offerings, KPI looks to remain a strong and vibrant part of the Kaneland communities for generations to come.

Call or visit KPI at 123 N. Main St., Elburn, call (630) 365-6446 or visit www.elburnherald.com.

The firm’s mission is to develop comprehensive solutions for its clients with a team of attorneys who concentrate in specific areas of law.

The firm’s broad range of practice areas includes all real estate matters, wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, all types of business matters, adoptions, and general litigation. The firm also represents nearly 400 units of local government in northern Illinois, including many in the Kaneland area.

The firm’s 17 attorneys are active in a number of professional organizations, including National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Kane County and DuPage County Bar Associations, the Illinois Bar Association, Illinois Township Attorney’s Association, the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, the Illinois Municipal League, the Illinois Institute of Local Government Law, and the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Having served the Elburn area since 1978, the attorneys at Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper & Gilbert, Ltd. pride themselves in their commitment to the community, as evidenced by their participation and various leadership roles in numerous community organizations.

The attorneys most frequently seen at the Elburn office are Robert J. Britz, Brian J. O’Connor and William R. Thomas.

Before entering law school in 1975, Mr. Britz served three years with the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Vietnam as platoon commander. He entered the practice of law in 1978, working with John L. Nickels in Elburn. When Mr. Nickels became an Illinois circuit court judge in 1982, and later an Illinois Supreme Court justice, Mr. Britz established his own practice in Elburn.

Mr. Britz holds the highest peer review rating, “AV,” from Lexis-Nexis Martindale-Hubbell, a nationwide legal directory, and is a member of many professional organizations, including the Kane County Bar Association, of which he is a past president. Mr. Britz is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Mr. O’Connor enjoyed a distinguished military career prior to law school. He entered the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer in 1975 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after more than 21 years of continuous service. Following his retirement, Mr. O’Connor was employed in the private sector, in the United States and overseas. While in law school, Mr. O’Connor interned with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. He has been with Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper & Gilbert, Ltd. since 2004.

Mr. Thomas had been an Assistant State’s Attorney and Public Defender for Shelby County, Ill. Mr. Thomas has represented the Illinois Department of Transportation as a Special Assistant Attorney General in condemnation matters. Since 2005, he has served the city of Chicago as a Special Assistant Corporation Counsel in the condemnation and acquisition of property associated with the O’Hare Modernization Program. Mr. Thomas has been with Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper & Gilbert, Ltd. since 2007.

In ever-changing times when each day can bring new and unexpected issues, having local attorneys available with knowledge and experience to address these issues can prove invaluable.

Many of the people we care for are older adults who have recently been hospitalized after an accident, stroke, surgery or other illness. It’s our goal to help these patients regain and restore as much strength as possible to aid recovery and improve their daily living skills so they can safely return home. Commonly known as short-term rehabilitation, this service is covered by Medicare and includes physical, occupational and speech therapy.

At Provena Pine View Care Center, we strive to make our short-stay patients’ time here as comfortable as possible and do our best to accommodate them. From private suites equipped with their own bathrooms and flat-screen televisions to a 24-hour cafe where patients can get coffee, tea, juice or snacks at any time of day, our facility has all the comforts and conveniences of home … and more!

We provide a continuity of on-site care—a one-stop shop for healthcare services, if you will—and although we have a medical director on staff, we gladly welcome your physician to see you here and will even provide him/her with reports on your progress. In addition, should the need ever arise for you or a loved one to receive a higher level of care, Provena Pine View Care Center will be there for you.

We provide skilled nursing care, which gives our long-term residents full-time assistance with daily life activities. Our short-stay respite care allows caregivers temporary or occasional time off to help them regain emotional strength or even take a vacation.

Rest assured that Provena Pine View Care Center is committed to providing you with high-quality nursing care, including registered and restorative care nurses and certified nursing assistants. Our team of social work, dietary, recreational and pastoral care staff will care for your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

We’re also setting a higher standard by opening the lines of communication with our patients, residents and their loved ones. Although nothing can replace a personal visit, family members and friends can send an e-mail to a current patient or resident through the Provena website at www.provena.org/seniors. We’ve also made it easier to stay up-to-date on our latest news and events by joining Facebook. While you’re checking your profile, you can also check ours for new pictures, videos and helpful resources—become a fan todayvi!

Finally, we know that a picture is worth a thousand words, so we invite you to take a virtual tour of Provena Pine View Care Center on our website so you can see us up-close—without having to leave the comfort of home.

Provena Pine View Care Center is a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare organization, part of the Provena Senior Services family of communities that provide care for older adults. We are committed to the mission of building communities of healing and hope for those in need.

Located in a quiet, residential setting at 611 Allen Lane in St. Charles, Ill., we are less than 10 miles away from the Elburn community and look forward to meeting the needs of older adults and their loved ones in this area!

You can learn more about us by calling (630) 377-2211 or visiting us on the web at www.provena.org/seniors/eh.

Dr. Staker’s family has been been providing chiropractic care since 1913. There have been eight chiropractors in the family, including sons Bryce J. and Bryan, both Kaneland graduates. Dr. Bryce J. Staker has practiced with his father for a number of years. Coincidentally, son Bryan is opening a new practice in Pennsylvania this month, 40 years to the day when his father began.

Dr. Bryce C. Staker opened his first practice in Geneva in 1969. It grew and he moved to a larger office, before building his own clinic in 1976 at 501 Lark St., Geneva across from Delnor Hospital, where it remains to this day.

The practice has long been known for relieving headaches and back, neck, shoulder, arm, hip and leg pain through spinal adjustments. Dr. Bryce C. Staker said “we’ve helped a lot of people out of pain in the past. But we couldn’t remove an abnormal alignment. That takes more than adjustments.”

Today, reflecting Staker Family Chiropractic’s motto, “Simply a better chiropractic experience,” the practice can do more.

Dr. Bryce J. Staker, a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (cum laude), is certified in spinal rehabilitation work. That means “we not only treat the symptom, but we can also get to the cause of the problem,” Dr. Bryce C. Staker said. This is one of the few practices in the western suburbs so certified.

The practice now specializes in rehabilitating the spine and lower back with spinal exercises and rehabilitative traction to restore neck and back curves to near normal posture.

The office is equipped with the latest technological advances, including Power Plates acceleration platforms. These speed up tissue repair and increase muscle strength and stability and joint mobility. The practice also can help patients with chronic back pain and spinal arthritis.

Dr. Bryce C. Staker said, “We are getting better results and more long lasting results than we’ve ever gotten in 40 years.”

He is now “passing on the passion” to his son. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Staker Family Chiropractic is rolling back fees to 1969 levels for the next 30 days: $25 for spinal examinations, and X-rays, if needed. That’s a $200 value. Make an appointment today by calling (630) 232-6616.

]]>

Seventeen years ago, he started his business armed with a 1967 flatbed pick-up truck, and what he calls the “bare necessities—tools.”

From those humble beginnings his business quickly grew, due to referrals from satisfied and repeat customers.

Armed with expertise in a variety of disciplines, combined with a focus on customer satisfaction, it is no wonder that it was word-of-mouth referrals that have helped his business flourish.

“The customer must be happy with our professionalism and neatness while doing the work on completion,” Bill said. “Then it carries on to the next customer, and so on.”

That focus on the customers was instilled in Bill at an early age. Born and raised in a family-owned and run business, Ring’s Greenhouse and Floral in Elburn, Bill learned first-hand from his father the importance of putting the customer first.

“Since a young age, I was taught that customer relations and satisfaction was important to having a successful business,” he said. “To this day I still feel strongly about that and believe it.”

As word spread of his company’s qualities, Bill found himself expanding, moving from only performing residential work to including commercial work—ranging from restaurants and hotels and beyond—as well as industrial work.

But even as his business has grown and his clientele has diversified, Bill still holds on to that focus of placing the customer first.

“I am my business, so therefore we are honest and fair,” Bill said. “My goal is to make sure the customer is satisfied and happy, so that Bill’s Custom Services can add another name to the satisfied customer list.”

Bill’s Custom Services is a member of the Better Business Bureau. It can be found at www.chicago.bbb.org.

“We believe we are successful because we truly enjoy what we do. Being a privately owned business can translate into more personal service. We pride ourselves in being one of the most knowledgeable cabinetry companies,” Ingrid said.

Ingrid recalls a time when she visited a client’s home to provide an estimate for new cabinetry. It was a kitchen constructed by her father over 45 years ago. Kris Anderson was a little hesitant to replace the custom cabinets her parents had so long. Ingrid reassured her and the kitchen was then updated. “It’s really nice keeping clients with the family business. It shows the type of quality, knowledge and longevity our business has.”

I.B.Quality Cabinets has been specializing in kitchen renovations for over three decades. A 3-D rendering design service helps clients in creating and visualizing their cabinetry needs throughout their home. We will help you develop an initial plan and guide you every step of the way throughout your project. We determine your needs to ensure your project’s success. Working with you to develop a cost-effective solution is the most important goal.

As a third-generation carpet-installer, Skarda worked his first job at the age of 12, and by the age of 18 he was was selling and installing carpet in entire homes by himself.

A few years ago, he learned about Carpet Direct and its business model, and quickly acquired the broker position for the Western suburbs of Chicago.

“Carpet Direct is unique because we have no stores or showrooms,” Skarda said. “This has resulted in the loss of a tremendous amount of overhead … This is partially why we have the pricing that we have. We are unique because nobody sells more Stainmaster than us and everybody else has big stores and showrooms.”

Although carpet is in his blood, his passion is helping people save money, especially in today’s economy.

“I have saved people up to 50 percent in the past, and it’s a great feeling,” Skarda said. “It’s one thing to save someone money by selling them a cheaper product—which is what other stores do—but when you can save anywhere from 30 to 50 percent on the best quality product available, that’s even better.”

Because of the significant pricing advantage Carpet Direct brings to the table, Skarda has ambitious plans for his company’s future. He aims to add two sales agents and double his sales in the next year, and expand to five sales agents within the next five years.

The lifelong western St. Charles resident believes that when you compare his product and pricing to his competitors, those goals are well within reach.

“Go to Stainmaster.com to learn about their product and their non-prorated warranties,” Skarda said. “Shop around and find the best deal you can on Stainmaster carpet, then call Carpet Direct for a free estimate and you will see that Carpet Direct is the real deal.”

Carpet Direct operates in 35 cities across the nation and is the number-one seller of Stainmaster carpet nationwide.

Valleybrook Community Church has been meeting at the Blackberry Creek Elementary School for four years, and they want to let you know you are welcome to join them any Sunday.

Every Sunday morning, the church trailer pulls up to the school around 7 a.m., and a team of dedicated volunteers begin unloading and setting up the sound system, lights, musical instruments, chairs and everything else needed to turn a school cafeteria and gymnasium into a church.

When asked how he would describe Valleybrook, Smith said, “Our driving vision is to help people find and follow God. Our method for accomplishing this is very simple. We teach the Bible in a straightforward and understandable way, worship Jesus with sincerity, and love one another.”

When asked if newcomers need to be religious to come, Smith joked, “No—actually, we would prefer that you were just an ordinary sinner. No one needs to pretend at Valleybrook.”

Dave and Kathy Zarn, longtime members, said this about the church they obviously love, “Valleybrook has been a blessing to our spiritual growth and that of our entire family. The atmosphere is warm, the people have joy on their faces and love for each other, the messages are clear and speak the truth, and the music is alive, allowing for a very meaningful expression of worship. The Sunday morning experience stays with us all for the entire week—what more could a family ask for these days?”

Margaret Mangers joined in by saying, “If you’re looking for a church where the Bible is clearly and faithfully taught, a place where the music is great, a place where there are lots of kids and a great children’s program, and a place where the people truly love one another, then Valleybrook is the place for you.”

Shelley Johnson said, “I have loved Valleybrook from the first Sunday I attended. I was greeted warmly by each person I passed. My children were welcomed with smiles and introductions to the other children. And I heard the word of God taught with passion, humility and truth. It is evident from the time you arrive at Valleybrook, that they are a congregation committed to teaching and training this generation and the next, to know Jesus as their personal Savior and to share Him with the world.”

Valleybrook does plan on one day building or buying a permanent home. It has looked into a number of options, including buying an existing church, buying land and constructing a new building, or converting an existing business into a church.

Valleybrook meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Blackberry Creek Elementary School and can be reached at www.Valleybrook Church.com or by phone at (630) 879-7035. In addition to Sunday service, the church has a number of mid-week Bible studies and a new Monday Night Gathering that includes a Men’s Bible Study, a Women’s Bible Study, Youth Bible Study, a Children’s Program, and a nursery. All are welcome. The Monday Night Gathering meets at Faith Baptist Church on the corner of W. Main Street and Mill Creek Drive, Geneva.

The event, Holiday Designer Showcase, will offer stunning fall and holiday florals, ornaments, gift wraps, accessories and raffle items. All florals, ornaments and accessories will be created by designers Lynn Brandys, Barb Hollmier and Rose Giliberto, and they will all be available for purchase.

On Saturday, the Showcase continues to offer fall and winter holiday designer items, gift wraps and accessories, and raffle tickets for purchase.

Two demonstrations will be offered on Saturday. At 11 a.m. Swoozie’s will show folks how to be creative and festive with holiday gift wraps, and at 1 p.m., Barb Hollmier will show folks how to put together Holiday Floral Containers.

Tickets are $15 each, or two for $20, and are available at the Sugar Grove Library Friends Used Book Store in the library, as well as online.

The event is fully volunteer run, and all proceeds will support the library in acquiring new materials and providing a variety of programs for the residents of the Library District.

“We encourage everyone—even if you are not in our library district—to come and enjoy good food, good music, good wine and great company while getting excited about the upcoming holiday season by strolling through this holiday wonderland of exquisite decorations,” said Friends member Pat Graceffa.

“It’s natural for me,” Mr. Marco said. “I love to be creative in making beautiful pieces.”

Mr. Marco began making jewelry in the eighth grade, and won 12 awards for his designs and craftsmanship while in high school; one of which was the Golden Key Award, a first-place, national honor.

“I really enjoy watching people’s faces when they see their finished jewelry for the first time, or if they are looking at their old pieces that have been made to look like brand new,” Mr. Marco said.

After beginning his career on Jeweler’s Row in downtown Chicago, he opened a location on Third Street in St. Charles. Seven years later, he moved to his current location on Main Street, and has been there for 20 years.

Mr. Marco specializes in custom-made jewelry with fine diamonds and colored gemstones. He can remount old designs to create updated designs, and will buy old gold for cash or as a trade-in for merchandise. He also makes jewelry repairs, replaces watch batteries and provides appraisals on jewelry.

“I can fix and make anything—any style, any metal, any gemstone,” Mr. Marco said.

And he personally selects those metals and gemstones. He travels the globe in search of the best gemstones and the best prices; from diamonds purchased in Tel Aviv, Israel, colored gemstones in Bangkok, pearls from the South China Sea and Hong Kong, to gold from Italy, Mr. Marco searches for the highest quality for the highest value.

All of this is done to ensure that his customers have the best to choose from—the best materials, the best designs, the best craftsmanship.

“I work hard and try to please everybody by making the best jewelry possible,” Mr. Marco said.

For Tom Lexvold and his team at Carpet & Fabric Technicians (C.F.T. Inc) in Elburn, you go about business even in the midst of rising water.

“In September 2008, when we had a lot of rain, for the first time ever we had our own flood,” Tom recalls. “We had 18 inches of water going through our office and warehouse like a river.” With computers on crates, no carpet on the floor, and files on top of cabinets, Tom said things were a little crazy.

“Then the hundreds of water damage calls came in and our office water damage was put on hold until all of the customers were taken care of,” he said.

That is what you do when you strive to be the best in your industry.

“I believe ‘the best’ is not just a slogan, but a way of doing business,” Tom said.

“Therefore, our slogan ‘when you’ve tried the rest, call the best’ firmly commits each employee to do their best every day.”

The company offers all types of services from carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning to repairs and installations of a variety of floor coverings, in addition to air duct and dryer vent cleaning.

Tom comes from 25 years of experience in cleaning, installation, and restoration services. He is certified by the IICRC, NADCA, CVI, and CCR and is backed by a staff that is both certified and knowledgeable about their products and services.

C.F.T. has been serving the Fox Valley area for 23 years out of St. Charles. In June 2009, Tom moved the company to Elburn to an expanded showroom with a greater selection. We carry top name brands such as Shaw, Mohawk, and Coronet.

We offer personalized service that others do not and an informative website for shopping at home. “Plus, during the life of the floor covering, customers can count on us to clean, maintain, and restore our products to prolong their useful life and maintain a healthy environment,” Tom said.

“We invite everyone to stop by and tour our new showroom, inspect our facility, and meet our wonderful customer service specialists and technicians. Bring your area rug with you and mention this article to receive a sizable discount on area rug cleaning.”

Two contemporary Sunday morning worship services are held at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m., with children’s programming available during both services for children birth through fifth grade. High Voltage, a program for high school students, is held at 9:15 a.m., and Live Wire, a program for middle school students, is held at 10:45 a.m.

Small groups is an active part of life at FVCC. This happens when groups of eight to 12 individuals meet regularly in homes for fellowship, encouragement and Bible study. Different types of groups are offered such as men’s, women’s, couples, young adults, empty nesters, etc. Some groups meet weekly while others meet every other week. Groups choose a study topic they feel will best meet the needs of those participating and allow for the development of spiritual growth and connection.

Celebrate Recovery is a unique ministry at Fox Valley Christian Church. The vision and mission of Celebrate Recovery is to provide a recovery environment and process that is Christ-centered and Biblically based where people can work through a wide variety of life-issues and life-stresses. No matter what hurt, habit or hang-up one may have, help and healing can be received through God’s love and grace. Celebrate Recovery meets at FVCC on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and is open to anyone.

The vision of Fox Valley Christian Church is to be “a people of love on a mission of love.” This is a reflection of the Bible’s teaching in which Jesus speaks of the importance of loving God and loving people. As those who have been impacted by God’s love and called into his family of love, our purpose is to express and share that love with others.

When Jesus first formed His church, he intended it to be the vehicle through which God would answer the prayer “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

That kingdom would first be established in the hearts of His people and then spread throughout the society. The result would be that we would have a foretaste of heaven now and full assurance of it later.

Jesus wanted those who heard Him to understand that these benefits are at least in part available now. We have the option of experiencing those benefits the day we begin to follow him. The New Testament showed average believers engaged in healing the sick, overturning destructive authorities, receiving guidance from God and finding themselves provided for even when the world around them was falling apart. It wasn’t just for Jesus and a few select saints.

And it wasn’t supposed to be an extraordinary way to live. It would be the normal way people experience the power of God in their lives. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do the things I have been doing, and greater things will he do because I go to the Father. And I will do anything you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask anything in my name and I will do it” (John 14:12-14).

“The Kingdom Christ was talking about would one day end all disease, all tears, all pain, all mourning, and even death itself.”

In deference to our friends at another church in town, we have altered our new name to Elburn Hill Church. It’s where the sledding hill is. Though we are a small church, we are committed to creating a community that experiences God’s power by praying together, sharing God’s goodness and abundance with each other, and becoming a force for justice and peace in our city and county.

God has blessed us with several instances of dramatic answer to prayer that has astonished even those who have yet to believe. We have discovered that God will use any willing person to be his vehicle of wisdom and peace, that good families are within reach of anyone, that learning to love God results in satisfying marriages, intimate friendships, joyful discovery and successful, productive work.

If this interests you, come and see if this is a journey that makes sense to you. At Elburn Hill Church, our aim is to fully participate in the promises and power of God.

60 years of prayer
Elburn Hill Church is the product of 60 years of work and planning and prayer. In 1950, four protestant sisters of the Fellowship Deaconry bought the then-abandoned Stuart Mansion for $50,000, a tidy sum in those days.

Their desire was to provide spiritual services and guidance for immigrant families. They conducted youth camps during the summer, church retreats during the school year, and convalescent care in the mansion. They were also involved in tract evangelism throughout the Chicagoland area.

In order to pay for the property, the sisters went without heat for the first few years and donated nearly all of the tiny stipend they received to the ministry.

In 1985, the last of the sisters, Sr. Ruth along with several people from her church, began praying that God would plant a new church onto the Deaconry Property. In 1989, Eide Schwing came from Germany to study church planting and plant a church in Elburn. The church became a reality in October of 1990 out of a bible study. It was named Evangelical Fellowship Church.

In 1994, Eide returned to Germany, and Gary Augustine took over as Senior Pastor. For 15 years, the church has been shaped through an every increasing commitment to prayer.

With Elburn Hill Church as our new name, an even greater emphasis in prayer has resulted in beginning to see God’s power displayed in amazing ways in Elburn.

For Tom Lexvold and his team at Carpet & Fabric Technicians (C.F.T. Inc) in Elburn, you go about business even in the midst of rising water.

“In September 2008, when we had a lot of rain, for the first time ever we had our own flood,” Tom recalls. “We had 18 inches of water going through our office and warehouse like a river.” With computers on crates, no carpet on the floor, and files on top of cabinets, Tom said things were a little crazy.

“Then the hundreds of water damage calls came in and our office water damage was put on hold until all of the customers were taken care of,” he said.

That is what you do when you strive to be the best in your industry.

“I believe ‘the best’ is not just a slogan, but a way of doing business,” Tom said.

“Therefore, our slogan ‘when you’ve tried the rest, call the best’ firmly commits each employee to do their best every day.”

The company offers all types of services from carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning to repairs and installations of a variety of floor coverings, in addition to air duct and dryer vent cleaning.

Tom comes from 25 years of experience in cleaning, installation, and restoration services. He is certified by the IICRC, NADCA, CVI, and CCR and is backed by a staff that is both certified and knowledgeable about their products and services.

C.F.T. has been serving the Fox Valley area for 23 years out of St. Charles. In June 2009, Tom moved the company to Elburn to an expanded showroom with a greater selection. We carry top name brands such as Shaw, Mohawk, and Coronet.

We offer personalized service that others do not and an informative website for shopping at home. “Plus, during the life of the floor covering, customers can count on us to clean, maintain, and restore our products to prolong their useful life and maintain a healthy environment,” Tom said.

“We invite everyone to stop by and tour our new showroom, inspect our facility, and meet our wonderful customer service specialists and technicians. Bring your area rug with you and mention this article to receive a sizable discount on area rug cleaning.”

In fact, with 154 combined years of service and more than 80 years of combined service in the sales department, it’s a lesson that has been proven time and time again.

“The secret to success for Bob Jass Chevrolet is that we have always put the customer first,” Bob said. “We are a family owned and operated dealership with longstanding ties to the community. At Bob Jass Chevrolet, we pride ourselves on being gentle in our approach to sales and assertive in our approach to problems. We don’t want to just sell you a vehicle. We would like to have your continued business.”

“We often hear from people that their experiences here are different from other dealerships,” Jass said. “The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. We encourage customers to stop by and let us know how they and their family members are doing. We want to keep in touch with our customers. It’s that friendly touch that makes Bob Jass Chevrolet truly like no other.”

It is that combination of experience and focus on clients and their community that puts Bob Jass Chevrolet in a uniquely confident position in an industry in the midst of transition.

“We are excited about the changing landscape of the auto industry,” Jass said. “We have been working closely with GM Corporate in promoting what’s new for 2010 as well as the Chevrolet Volt—GM’s first all-electric car—and the highly anticipated Camaro convertible.”

Bob Jass Chevrolet offers new, dependable Chevrolet vehicles sold at the most industry competitive prices. It also offers all makes and models of used cars, and sells only the best that the used car market has to offer.

“Our philosophy is that customer satisfaction is our number-one priority,” Jass said.

“Whether you are purchasing a new or used vehicle, or are bringing in a vehicle for service, we are committed to making your experience here one of satisfaction and confidence in our employees and the services they provide.”

The Right Weigh is an integrated lifestyle program that is designed to give participants the guidance and encouragement they need by providing accountability every step of the way through a life coach, registered dietitian and a degreed and certified personal trainer.

Why join The Right Weigh?
Diet, exercise and lifestyle are the foundation of a complete and well-rounded program and the basis to develop and reinforce healthy behaviors for a lifetime. This program is for people with moderate to significant weight loss needs or other health conditions that can be positively affected by a healthy lifestyle. We want to show you The Right Weigh to achieve your goals:
• Exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand
• A support system is important in reaching your goals
• Being fit doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods
• You deserve to be the best you that you can be

Program components
Components of the program include a 12-week membership to the Delnor Health & Wellness Center and weekly one-on-one meetings with a degreed and certified personal trainer who will be the point person in the program. Additionally, there will be four hours of individual time with a registered dietitian and four hours with a trained life coach.

Working together, you will receive the support and empowerment needed to be successful in making positive lifestyle changes; this includes strategies for monitoring behaviors and for making conscious choices that are aligned with your specific goals. Making these small but significant changes will help you look at food and exercise differently while discovering solutions to the various stressors/triggers in your life.

Healthy lifestyle changes are encouraged through components of pre/post health assessments, healthy eating/nutritional support, weekly journaling, life coaching and physical activity. The program approaches weight loss as not just dieting; it also encompasses the aspects of physical and emotional wellness. The three members of the team will regularly discuss progress, determine if adjustments need to be made and coordinate with each participant. Choose to live a healthier life—The Right Weigh.

He immigrated to the United States at the age of 5 and was raised in Skokie, Ill. He then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology, before completing his medical training in New York City. He returned to Chicago to be closer to his family, and worked as a hospitalist.

That desire, combined with discussions with other doctors, led him to establish a new practice in Sugar Grove.

“I was advised by other physicians at Mercy Provena of the shortage of physicians in the area of Sugar Grove,” Dr. Patel said, and that is what led him to establish his new practice at 140 S. Municipal Drive, Suite A, in Sugar Grove on Sept. 26.

He brings a high level of experience and knowledge to the Sugar Grove community, and he said his goal is to make sure that he translates that expertise to patients in terms they will understand.

“I like to explain things so people understand what we’re talking about—I’ll even draw it out if I have to,” Dr. Patel said. “I will take the scientific knowledge and put it in a form that people can grasp. What I’ve found is that if people have even a basic grasp of the information and the concepts, they feel empowered, and that has a tendency to produce better outcomes.”

Not only does Dr. Patel focus on serving his patients from both a medical and informational standpoint, he also wants to focus on accommodating his patients’ needs from a scheduling standpoint as well.

That is why Sugar Grove Medical Associates offers evening and weekend hours, to help ensure that even those with inflexible or demanding work schedules will have accessibility to his patient-focused practice. In addition, Dr. Patel said he will adjust his practice’s hours on an as-needed basis to help accommodate his patients’ needs.

“When your first vote is to impeach the governor, you know it’s going to be a pivotal year for Illinois.”

How very true!

When 50th District State Representative Kay Hatcher was elected this year to represent much of the Fox Valley, she brought with her a solid background in fiscal management tempered with business, civic and political leadership experience. That experience has served her and her constituents well.

She also serves on the bi-partisan Taskforce on Government Reform and Spending Reductions.

“It won’t happen overnight, but we are going to turn this state around,” added Hatcher.

Hatcher returned from her first Spring Session to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Metro West Council of Government. She received the award for her collaborative approach to legislative problem solving.

“Illinois has outspent its revenues for years, and it will take everyone working together to solve those problems,” she concluded. “If we implement a pro-business, low-tax attitude, the ripple effect will make our entire economic and social structure healthier.”

“The issues in Springfield are so complex. My years of experience as a school board member gave me a unique insight into education issues.

Years as a county board member, zoning and economic development chairman prepared me for job, growth and transportation issues. Years as Forest Preserve President taught me how fragile our water supply and environment have become.

Decades of Chamber of Commerce and non-profit leadership helped me find important balance.
I’m grateful that all those varied experiences help me better represent our valley.”

And I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve.

The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum to support businesses by fostering relationships between businesses, between businesses and the community, and by creating opportunities through which its members can add value to the community.

“Our focus has always been to enhance the Sugar Grove community by helping build a strong business community,” Chamber Executive Director Shari Baum said. “We offer our members opportunities to grow with our community, as well as the opportunity to help our community grow.”

The chamber focuses on building the relationships among the various types of community members—residents, businesses and government officials.

“Our success of working together improves the quality of life in our community,” Shari said. “The chamber was instrumental in continuing the Corn Boil as a successful community event; we have issued thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving local students; we have sponsored the Sugar Grove Farmers Market since its inception; we have sponsored “Meet the Candidates” night each local election year; and each year, we select and recognize the Sugar Grove Citizen of the Year. We also serve the community by overseeing publication and distribution of the Sugar Grove Community Guide and the Sugar Grove Map.”

The chamber also presents awards to those businesses that represent the Sugar Grove community well. Each month, chamber membership luncheons feature informative speakers and networking opportunities. It offers Business After-Hours events, educational seminars, leads groups and fundraising events that provide members with sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

In addition to those the activities the chamber has taken on for years, the organization has begun to add additional incentives for members. The chamber recently revamped its website, www.sugargrovchamber.org, providing members with a strong web presence, as well as a resource for business information, education and advertising opportunities. Weekly e-mail blasts offer another advertising opportunity while keeping members informed about important events, community and business issues. The most recent addition is a regularly published newsletter, which is distributed to each member, as well as providing publicly viewable copies to the Sugar Grove Public Library, the village of Sugar Grove offices, and other community businesses. Shari said the chamber has plans to continue to evolve, offering more services and opportunities for its members.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our members and our community in new and meaningful ways in the coming year,” she said.

That is even more important now, in the face of a difficult economic situation for everyone.

“Using chamber members’ products and services is important, especially in these difficult economic times,” Shari said. “Spending locally generates tax dollars that stay in the community to the benefit of the residents.”

Shari went on to say that despite the difficult economic backdrop, they are still seeing new businesses opening in the area, and when new businesses open, the chamber immediately begins working to help them raise awareness in the community.

“We welcome them with a ribbon cutting ceremony to bring attention to their presence,” Shari said. “The chamber gives them the ability to quickly establish new relationships in the existing business community through various networking events, sponsorship and committee opportunities, and our online business directory and referral system.”

The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded in 1992. It has grown to include more than 150 member businesses from Sugar Grove and the surrounding areas.

“We have a wide variety of members, from single-employee small businesses to large corporations and non-profits,” Shari said.

Sedentary lifestyles have also contributed to our poor state of health in this country. Statistics have proven what our dietary and lifestyle habits have done to our health.

You have heard the radio commercials, you’ve seen the television ads, you’ve seen coupons in the newspapers, but what is Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating really all about?

SSHE believes that a proper diet, along with portion control, is the only safe way to lose weight. No fads, no gimmicks, just (time-proven) low-fat, low-cholesterol, sodium-restricted foods providing proper nutrition. Compare Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating to the guidelines set by the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, and you will see why the program is recommended by health and nutrition experts.

Losing weight has a very basic premise. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating provides a 1,200-calorie or a 2,000-calorie plan: fresh meals, packed with nutrition that will provide more than just weight loss—but good health. SSHE believes weight loss should not compromise your health—as many “popular” plans do. While SSHE is known mostly for weight loss, its client base is rapidly increasing with customers striving to improve their physical well-being.

Such statements can be substantiated by the thousands of client testimonials SSHE has received over the years.

A Yorkville resident, James M., is proud of his success in improving his overall health.

“Before starting Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, I had quadruple-bypass surgery, high blood pressure (240/90), Type II diabetes and blood sugars consistently over 300, a cholesterol level of well over 200 and weighed 270 pounds. SSHE assisted in helping me lose 70 pounds,” he said. “I am no longer taking medication for diabetes (my blood sugars are now well within normal range), my cholesterol is now 118 and my blood pressure is normal. I attribute this to exercising three times a week and eating right with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating plan.)

“My SSHE distributor, Eileen Spevak, RN, a great resource with her medical background in nursing, advised me to work closely with my physician as these wonderful changes in my health and well-being took place.”

Eileen Spevak, RN, chose to open a business in the area after she successfully lost 80 pounds with SSHE.

“I lost 80 pounds with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating 12 years ago and have managed to keep all of this weight off,” said Spevak.

Twelve years later, Spevak is proud to announce the opening of her fourth store in Sugar Grove.

During her weight loss crusade, she was a customer who fell in love with the product that finally held the key to her success. As a nurse in an intensive care unit, she often helped patients recover immediately following an open heart surgery. She saw the need to encourage them to address their health issues from the beginning—encourageing prevention of a disease as opposed to treating it with pills and surgeries once the damage had been done.

Spevak knows that prevention is the key and has personally witnessed many success stories.

“I have literally had customers walk into my office and give me a big hug—to say ‘thank you,’” she said.

“Particularly memorable was a woman who lived with chronic pain, causing much physical debilitation,” Spevak recalled. “Prior to starting our program, she was unable to physically walk into our office, yet after four months, she was able to walk, on her own, through our front door. I remember saying to her after she hugged and thanked me, ‘Do not thank me, thank Seattle!’ Once a nurse—always a nurse.”

When asked if she misses her nursing profession, Spevak responded “Yes, of course—I really miss helping my patients. I now receive so much pleasure in seeing my customers improve their health, that my nursing passion is satisfied in a pro-active manner. Seeing patients improve their health, sometimes eliminating the need for pills and surgery, is just as satisfying—it’s just in a different arena.”

Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating may either be picked up or delivered to your home bi-weekly. Eileen Spevak now has four area locations: Sugar Grove, Oswego, Aurora and Plainfield.

“My children were almost out of school, and I needed to find something to do with my time,” Patricia said. “For 25 years—I found it. I opened a business in Bloomingdale, Ill., and met many nice stitchers, and the business has grown from there.”

Her business sells supplies for needlework, including needlepoint, cross stitch, hardanger, punch needs, drawn thread and more.

She was drawn to the world of stitching and needlework through a lifelong appreciation for the art.

“I have always enjoyed stitching and wanted to share my experience and love for stitching with others,” Patricia said. “People who are stitchers are generally very giving people, happy, and fun people.”

The company has been in business for 25 years, and includes Patricia’s daughters, as well.

“My oldest daughter has been doing our framing for 25 years and my youngest daughter has worked with me for 25 years,” Patricia said.

Together, Patricia and her daughters are focused on spreading their love for the work to others, by offering them supplies, tips, techniques and friendship. That focus on the customers paid off when the family moved their business.

“First we moved the 150-year-old house we are in from one location to another,” Patricia recalled. “Then, moving the business—which I thought we could do in a weekend—took over a month to do, and our customers from far and wide followed us here to our new location. It is all very gratifying.”

She invites you to join the fun.

Because the parish is new, and the first new parish established in 20 years in the Rockford Diocese, the community within the community is still forming. The Rev. Robert W. Jones said it is exciting watching the group come together.

“This parish has a tremendous spirit. Our parishioners are excited and glad to be a part of this faith community,” the Rev. Jones said. “Everyone is willing to step up to help the parish and each other. Since our parishioners have all come from various parishes, everyone is new and forming their own community; all are welcome.”

Now that the groundwork is set and the church is beginning to offer services at Kaneland John Shields Elementary School, the next step—a capital campaign to raise funds for a church building, parish hall and offices—is set to begin.

The Rev. Jones said that the parish hopes to be well into the capital campaign within the year, and possibly even beginning construction on their permanent church building. Looking further into the future, he said the hope is that the parish will continue to grow, a permanent church will be constructed and the parish will expand on the variety of ministries offered to both parishioners and the community as a whole.

All of the hopes, plans and organizing are done with an eye and heart on the central mission of the parish, the Rev. Jones said.

“Our parish mission statement is ‘St. Katharine Drexel’s joyful spirit invites us to a deeper appreciation of Christ’s love for us and our need to respond as a welcoming and faithful Catholic community,’” he said.

Maybe it is the quality facilities and services Delnor Glen features on-site, such as the independent townhomes, assisted living, memory loss care and rehabilitation for its residents or those enjoying a short-term stay or receiving respite care.

Maybe it is the familiarity with the staff; 10 of them have worked at Delnor Glen for 10 years or more, and half of them have been at the facility for five years or more.

If you ask Delnor Glen’s public relations director Catherine Duer, she says it is all of these things, and more.

“It is our excellence in quality of care for our residents,” she said. “The sense of belonging by the residents. There is always a familiar face to talk to whether they are having a bad day and may need a hug or someone to celebrate good news or a happy event.”

The staff not only provides the care and dedication required to provide excellent service, but they have the certifications to back it up in an official capacity, as well. Every nurse in the facility is certified in assisted living, one of the factors that helped Delnor Glen receive the Seal Of Confidence from Life Services Network, giving them 5 stars in quality of care from their families.

The staff offers professional medical services around the clock and provides wellness checks, in addition to helping with medication reminders, bathing, housekeeping and a variety of activities.

The residents enjoy the comfort of beautiful apartments, with private bathrooms and an emergency response system, three home-cooked meals served in a beautiful dining room, as well as a membership to the Delnor Health and Wellness Center.

The facility offers a dedicated site for outpatient rehabilitation, occupational, physical and speech therapy provided by Delnor rehabilitation therapists. It also offers short-term stays for those recovering from a hospitalization, or for family members who just need a break.

It’s clear that there isn’t just one thing that stands out about Delnor Glen; it is all of the various factors that make a place a home.

In 1946, Jerry and Marge Johnson began repairing truck tarps and seats in an attic room in their home in DeKalb, Ill.

Carrying truck tarps upstairs or hoisting seats through a window became counter-productive, and they relocated their business to its present location in Cortland. Purchasing an old Model A garage in 1952, they set up shop and their business began to grow.

Sons Jerry “Jug” and Fred have worked in the business since early childhood, and daughter Cherry joined the business in 1983.

Today the business has expanded to over 5,000 square feet of work area in four separate buildings.

A complete auto trim shop offering custom seat fitting and complete interior restorations are housed in one of the buildings.

The second building houses the tarp shop with two tables approximately 40 feet long and 10 feet wide for the construction or repair of roll-over tarps for semi trucks, or repairing any industrial flexible materials.

Building three takes on the clean canvas work, affording a table long enough to sew up new custom boat covers or an awning for a deck or store front. All work is custom made for each job and done on a per-customer request.

The fourth building has the capacity to hold a complete semi truck & trailer for indoor removal & replacement of tarps. This building also contains the welding shop where all awning frames are constructed.

With so much experience and a facility able to handle the variety of requests, the company has the know-how and the tools to ensure their customers are more than satisfied.

“Our name goes on everything that leaves here,” Jerry said. “If we aren’t proud of the product/workmanship, it won’t make our customer happy.”

Johnson Seat & Canvas has proudly served the greater northern Illinois region for more than 50 years. Customer satisfaction is the number-one priority, with word of mouth and repeat customers being their best forms of advertising.

“Our customer comes first,” Jerry said. “If you aren’t happy, please tell us so we can work to make your purchase worth the cost of your product.”

In addition to being a Certified Personal Trainer, I am also a CPA, and my personal training website is www.thefitcpa.com.

I have been in the finance industry for eight years, but my passion resides in helping others find balance in their lives.

For most of my life, I have struggled with my weight. I had such an obsession with food that it stuffed the emotions of turmoil in my mind and buried it.

The trouble is, my outward appearance was a reflection of my inward struggles. My before and after pictures can attest to that fact. Eighteen years ago I was 257 pounds and miserable. Today, I am lean, healthy and happy. Because I understand what it feels like to be morbidly obese, and then go on a continuum of yo-yo dieting for 15 years, I am passionate about helping others achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle.

I never really knew what to eat, when to eat, how to workout. I knew some things, but I didn’t know how to put it together to reach my goals. I thought the answer was to just work out hard, but I was doing that for eight years and getting fatter.

Why? Because I didn’t understand the significant role that nutrition played in this. I was eating junk. This is why balance is the key to success.

It’s not about nutrition, fitness, or weight loss. It’s these things combined that create balance that allows you to move forward toward your goals. It is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix, to fit into those size 8 jeans. It is a transformation that will last a lifetime, not a moment in time.

I continue to move forward with my fitness goals as well as helping you achieve your own. InnerCore, Inc. will help you reach your goals. Contact me at (630) 202-3542, and we will get started on your journey today.

Believe …

It is designed to take full advantage of the child’s desire to learn and her unique ability to develop her own capabilities. The child needs adults to expose him to the possibilities of his life, but the child must determine his response to those possibilities.

Fox Valley Montessori alumni—students graduated from the sixth grade, as well as those who exit FVMS before the elementary years—have had great success in their new environments: public, parochial and home schools. The solid base received in their early years has aptly prepared them as self-starters and contributors to the community at large.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges in the 21st century.

Research also indicates that a Montessori education fosters social and academic skills that are equal or superior to those fostered by a pool of other types of schools.

Fox Valley Montessori was founded in 1969 and has been providing a Montessori education for Fox Valley area families for over 40 years. It provides programs for children from 18 months to 12 years of age (6th grade). By providing multi-aged classrooms, certified Montessori teachers and a rigorous academic curriculum, Fox Valley Montessori has a proven track record for providing quality education.

Students are drawn not only from Aurora, but other communities such as Sugar Grove, Elburn, North Aurora, Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, Oswego, and Naperville. Fox Valley Montessori is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and is recognized as a non-public school by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Maple Park resident Roger Kahl, who is in charge of the fireworks show on Sunday night, is a Department of Natural Resources licensed explosives expert. Kahl sets off the fireworks displays for other festivals in the area, including his most recent gig at Kaneville Fest the weekend of Aug. 29-30.

Kahl and his crew, including Allen Kahl and John Grommes, took the safety class 11 years ago through their employer, S&N Display Fireworks.

Some of their wives have taken the class as well, and they assist with unwrapping and loading shells, as well as clean-up.

The fireworks show is staged at Squire’s Crossing subdivision on County Line Road. It takes place Sunday night, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Back again at Fun Fest on Labor Day weekend is the Men’s Slo-Pitch Softball tournament at the Civic Center fields.

The games begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5. Sunday’s games start at 8 a.m. on Sept. 6, while the finals begin at 8 a.m. on Labor Day.

The tournament is double-elimination, with 14 teams signed up so far. First prize in the tournament is set for $350 dollars, with second place nabbing $250 and third place getting $150.

The 2008 version of the tournament was taken by AM Lumber over Those Guys.

The 11th annual Romp in the Park will likely feature cool temperatures for a second-straight year, with a high temperature only projected to reach 75 degrees.

The annual event, which takes place during the Maple Park Fun Fest on Saturday, Sept. 5, features two races.

At 8 a.m., the 5K kicks off at the corner of Washington and Kane streets. Last year’s 5K winner was Scott Peterson with a time of 19:46.

The 5K features seven age groups: under 15, 15-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-50, 51-60, and 61 and over.

The two-mile walk/run gets going right after the 5K, at 8:10 a.m.

The two-mile walk/run has four age groups: under 14, under 30, under 60, and 60 and over.

The 5K entry fee is $10, or $13 on race day. The 2-mile walk/run is $7, or $10 on race day.

Race-day signup runs from 7 to 7:50 a.m.

The first 100 registrants will get a free Romp in the Park T-shirt. All participants receive a ribbon.

For more information on the event or to register, visit www.villageofmaplepark.com/romp_ in_the_park.pdf. A signature from a parent or guardian is needed for anyone under 18.

According to organizer Cathy Lay, between 45 and 50 crafters and vendors will attend, with crafts from embroidered towels, jewelry, crocheted items, wood crafts and ceramics, to vendors with products from companies such as Tastefully Simple and many others.

“There are a lot more people from Maple Park (this year),” Lay said.

Lay started out participating in the show several years ago, selling Tupperware, before she took over coordinating the event.

She said the word-of-mouth has spread to crafty people everywhere, and crafters are also coming from places such as Crystal Lake, Genoa, Hinckley and Huntley.

The show will take place on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Main and Pleasant streets.

“Every year, they look like they’re going to wipe out everybody (no pun intended),” Mundinger said.

But they have yet to win a race. Last year, the honors went to Da Bears, who wore hard hats and Bears jerseys as they handily defeated The Terdminators.

The race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, beginning at 1 p.m. in front of the American Legion building on Main Street. Participants will race their toilets east down Main Street, maneuvering around plastic traffic pylons.

Racers consist of a toilet and a no larger than three-foot-by-three-foot platform. Teams must include three members, two people pushing and one atop the commode.

A prize is given for the top three winners of the race, as well as for the most original commode or costumes, American Legion Postmaster Mundinger said. The first-place racer wins a $100 cash award, with second and third receiving $50 and $25, respectively. The most creative group wins a $100 cash prize.

The winners will also lead the Fun Fest parade, behind the Legion color guard.

There are only a few rules associated with the race. No motorized racers of any type are allowed, and no profanity will be allowed, as this is a family event.

Other than that, Mundinger said people should let their imaginations run wild. A low-end toilet can be found at a store for $60, but sometimes just driving down the street on garbage day can net you a treasure from someone’s front yard. One team in recent years used a stainless steel toilet they obtained from a prison in Lombard. Plumbers are another good source.

Charles Thalman, the originator of the Maple Park Toilet Bowl Challenge, said he heard of the idea from friends who had a similar race at their church in Effingham, Ill.

The race has been such a success, that it is back for the fifth year in a row. For a look at footage of past races, Mundinger has put together a video on YouTube. However, the Elburn Herald cautions that the lyrics of the accompanying music may not be suitable for children (or sensitive adults).

Participants may sign up at www.post312 maplepark.org.

For more information, call (630) 774-9288.

“We have the whole nine yards,” Legion member Keith Nickels said.

Among the breakfast’s many offerings are fruit, scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, sausage, and biscuits and gravy.

Nickels said the event usually has a strong attendance, particularly between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., during the softball tournament at the Community Center.

It takes about 30 Legion members to host the breakfast, some cooking, some serving.

The cost is $8, and $6 for those 10 and younger. The Legion hall is located at 203 Main St., Maple Park.

Kids will get a chance to “Touch A Truck” at the fire station as part of the Maple Park Fun Fest on Labor Day weekend.

“This is a chance to get up close to a helicopter or maybe a cannon. It’s something you don’t get a chance to do every day,” said Fire Chief Kevin Peterson of the Maple Park Fire Department.

Scheduled to take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, area fest-goers can see what makes a local fire truck or ambulance tick.

Fun Fest planners are also looking to secure a National Guard vehicle and a Lifeline helicopter, used to airlift patients to hospitals.

Peterson said the exhibit will kick off before the Saturday parade.

Bands like CAOZZ, Red Woody, Methodist Church praise band, Back Country Roads, Miller Hometown Band, and Hi Infidelity will light up the stage in Maple Park from Friday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 6.

CAOZZ, featuring Brian Stover, takes the stage on Friday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m.

The five-person unit will come off a pre-game performance on Aug. 1 at U.S. Cellular Field before the White Sox game. Based in St. Charles, the band features anything from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Lenny Kravitz.

Local act Red Woody takes control on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Now in its 10th year, “Red Woody is a high energy cover band specializing in ’70s, ’80s,’90s and ’00s radio rock hits,” according to redwoody.com.

Playing anywhere from MVP’s Street Dance in Sycamore to Starbuster’s in DeKalb, Red Woody is made up of Matt Miller on vocals, Keith Beebe on guitar, Ron McConkey on drums, Doug Wielert on bass, John Stephenson on guitar, Stan Dembowski on guitar and Cyril Wochok on guitar.

The group is fresh off a performance at Elburn Days.

On Saturday, the Methodist Church praise band will offer its musical stylings.

On Saturday at 3 p.m., Back Country Roads takes hold of the stage with its co-ed brand of acoustic country. Based out of DeKalb, Mary Noren, Kyle Miller and Brian Miller look to sing the tunes from acts like Dierks Bentley to Miranda Lambert.

From Linda Ronstadt to Eric Clapton, Miller’s Hometown Band continues to thrill audiences with its old-fashioned harmonies and multi-layered vocals.

Taking the stage at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Pat Miller on keyboard and vocals, Miller’s Hometown Band is comprised of Kevin Miller on drums, harmonica and vocals, Mary Ann Miller on percussion and vocals, Brien Prenevost on guitar and vocals, Ernie Uebel on saxophones, percussion and vocals, and Dave Miller on bass guitar and vocals. 

Virgil Neace, Brad Hollands, Gary Scofield, Jim Warren, Dave Mikulskis and Bobby Scumaci make up the Chicago staple Hi Infidelity, bellowing out the tunes at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Available at www.hiinfidelity.com, the band plays numerous festivals and hits venues like Walter Payton’s Roundhouse.

Booth coordinator Roger Kahl said he makes sure that the Fun Fest’s food is from local providers, and that each offers something different.

“That way, everybody makes a buck,” Kahl said.

Food and beverages will be available at three different places during the festival: at the Community Center, at booths on Main Street, and at the American Legion Hall.

At the Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the Maple Park Boy Scouts Venture Crew will sell bratwurst, bratwurst patties, hamburgers, chips and candy; and from noon to late afternoon, the Methodist Church will sell baked potatoes stuffed with the patron’s choices among chili, cheese, bacon and broccoli.

Throughout the event at the booths set up on Main Street, festival goers may buy pizza slices from Bootlegger’s Pizza; rib-eye sandwiches, butterflied pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches from Sycamore Country Store; Polish sausage and sauerkraut from St. Mary Catholic Church; pie from St. Vincent DePaul; Culver’s frozen custard from the Maple Park Lions Club; and pulled-pork sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst from the American Legion.

The American Legion will offer the same food selections at the beer garden in the parking lot next to the Legion Hall. Pat Mundinger and other Legion volunteers will roast two hogs for the event.

Also at the beer garden, Miller and Miller Lite beer will be on tap. Children are welcome in the beer garden if they are accompanied by a parent, Mundinger said. Attendees must show an I.D. and obtain a bracelet before purchasing alcohol in the beer gardens.

The beer gardens will be open from 4 to about 11:30 p.m. Friday and noon to midnight on Saturday.

The parade will step off at 6 p.m., traveling from the lineup area on Ashton Drive east to Broadway Street, north to Main Street, west to County Line Road, and north to Ashton.

Check-in for parade participants is at 5 p.m.

Parade co-coordinator Brittany Altepeter said the event will have more than 60 entries this year. Sign-up will continue until the day before the parade, with applications available at A & P Grain System, 410 S. County Line Road, Maple Park.

Among this year’s parade participants are new businesses Honest Automotive and Zobie’s Artworks. Returning to the event are many familiar entrants, including a spectator favorite, KC Corn Growers.

“They are always a big crowd pleaser. They have go-carts modified to look like ears of corn,” Altepepter said.

Other popular entries that will be featured again include Marlyn’s Majorettes.

The Maple Park Lions Club, whose representatives typically drive golf carts in the parade, is doing something different for this year’s event. Members will ride in a hayrack pulled by an antique John Deere tractor owned by Ed Weydert.

Altepeter is organizing the parade with Melissa Brady. The pair stepped in to assume the responsibility that Marianne Delaney held for many years, until she passed away in 2008.

Teens hoping for their chance at local fame in this year’s Teen Elburn Idol contest can pick up some pointers from 2008 winner Alyssa Parma, when she opens for Catfight on the Main Stage on Friday night. This year’s contenders will show their stuff during the finalist competition on Saturday.

The Talent Contest set for Sunday afternoon offers young people with talents other than singing an opportunity to show what they can do. Previous contestants have included dancers, local garage bands, an accordion player and bagpipe players.

New this year to Elburn Days is a teen dance band, The Public, who will take the stage on Saturday evening. The local group, together for one-and-a-half years, features rock and alternative rock music. The band plays original and cover music such as Sublime and Metallica.

A dance party on Sunday afternoon offers 7- to 10-year-olds the chance to hop on stage and learn a hip hop dance.

Contests for kids and adults alike include a hula hoop contest and an all-you-can-eat ice cream contest, sponsored by Colonial Ice Cream.

For more information about these and other dance and gymnastic events, visit the Elburn Lions website at www.ElburnLions.com.

“I think we’ll be fine,” Smith said.

The village held its C.E.R.T. training program in March for residents who want to help local authorities with emergencies and disasters. The free classes taught skills including first aid, disaster-victim psychology, and parking and traffic control.

Smith also is seeking help from other local communities C.E.R.T. programs, to help the village with public safety during Elburn Days, Aug. 21-23.

“We’re just going to have to be a little creative this year as far as where our assistance will come from,” Smith said.

Smith said the C.E.R.T. volunteers will help mostly with parking, for the parade Friday evening and at Lions Park during the weekend festival.

“We have a wide variety-family, intermediate and thrill rides—18 to 20 total,” company owner Pat Skinner said.

For many festival-goers, the carnival is the highlight of the three-day summer event at Lions Park, which offers four opportunities for unlimited rides during the weekend.

The carnival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, with the festival’s first multi-ride wrist bracelet period, during which fest-goers may take all the rides they want with a purchase of a $15 bracelet.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the carnival opens at noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. the second multi-ride wrist bracelet periods will take place.

Carnival rides will start at noon on Sunday, Aug. 23, with the third multi-ride wrist bracelet period extending from then until 4 p.m. The final multi-ride bracelet period is from 5:30 to 8:30.

9 a.m.
• Town and Country Library Book Sale,
sponsored by the Friends of the Town
and Country Public Library

12:30 p.m.
• 4-H Weigh-in for livestock,
sponsored by local 4-H clubs

5 p.m.
• Lions Beer Garden opens
• Commercial tents open

6 p.m.
• 80th Annual parade begins
• Main Stage opens—HiFi Superstars
• Rides/carnival opens and Multi-Ride Wrist Bracelet period begins
• Food stands open

7:30 p.m.
• Ronald McDonald performs on the
Community Stage, sponsored by the Elburn/
Yanni Management McDonalds
• Alyssa Parma, 2008 Elburn Idol winner,
performs on the Main Stage
• Catfight performs on the Main Stage
• “Elburn Idol” contest begins—
Community Stage

8 p.m.
• Bingo

8:30 p.m.
• A Factor Dance Company—Community Stage

Saturday, August 22

7 a.m.
• Elburn Boy Scouts Pancake Breakfast
• 5K Run and 1M Fun Run/Walk
registration at the Elburn Fire Station

8 a.m.
• 19th Annual 5K Run and 1M Fun Run/Walk
• 4-H livestock judging
• Sidewalk Sale and Flea Market—
Downtown Elburn
9 a.m.
• Town and Country Library—Bag Book Sale,
sponsored by the Friends of the Town
and Country Public Library
• Elburn Craft Show at Lions Park,
sponsored by the
Elburn Chamber of Commerce
• Registration for the Antique Tractor Show

10 a.m.
• Antique Tractor Pull
• Truck and Tractor Pull registration
begins at Lions Park

11 a.m.
• 32nd Annual Truck and Tractor Pull begins
• Food stands open
Noon
• Rides, carnival and beer garden opens
• “Elburn Idol” finalist competition—
Winners will be chosen
• RC Truck Racing—On-road track,
sponsored by HobbyTown USA, St. Charles
• Jazzercise—Community Stage

1 p.m.
• Multi-Ride Wrist Bracelet period begins
• He Said She Said performs on the Main Stage

2:30 p.m.
• Excel Gymnastics and Rebel Cheerleaders—
Community Stage

3:45 p.m.
• Pretty in Pink dance exhibition,
bring your preschoolers for a free dance
class with Miss Maggie

4 p.m.
• Teen “Elburn Idol” runner-up performs
on the Main Stage
• Back Country Roads perform
on the Main Stage

4:30 p.m.
• M&M Dance Performs—Community Stage

5:45 p.m.
• Hula Hoop Contest—Community Stage

6 p.m.
• Bingo

7:30 p.m.
• Teen “Elburn Idol” winner performs on the Main Stage
• Red Woody performs on the Main Stage at Lions Park

7:45 p.m.
• Teen band/dance—“The Public” band performs—Community Stage

Sunday, August 23

9 a.m.
• Elburn Farmers Market—
(North of the Main Pavillion)
• Elburn Chamber of Commerce Craft Show

9:30 a.m.
• Elburn Community Worship Service
at Lions Park, sponsored by the
Elburn Community Congregational Church

10 a.m.
• RC Truck Racing—Dirt Track,
sponsored by HobbyTown USA,
St. Charles, and the Dirt Dawgs

11 a.m.
• Elburn Lions barbecue pork chop
and chicken dinner begins
• Food tents open

11:30 a.m.
• Mud Volleyball Tournament registration—
sponsored by the Elburn Herald and
Elburn Chamber of Commerce on the
Truck Pull Track

Noon
• Rides/carnival begins
• Beer garden opens with
Pete & Tim performing
• Mud Volleyball Tournament begins—
sponsored by the Elburn Herald and
Elburn Chamber of Commerce

1 p.m.
• 2nd Annual Talent Contest—
Community Stage
• Multi-Ride Wrist Bracelet period begins
• 4-H livestock auction

2:15 p.m.
• 2nd Annual Ice Cream Eating Contest—
Community Stage, sponsored by
Colonial Ice Cream

2:30 p.m.
• Bingo begins

3 p.m.
• Jr. “Elburn Idol” runner-up
performs on the Main Stage
• Deep Six performs on the Main Stage

3:30 p.m.
• Dance Party for ages 7-10—
Community Stage

4:15 p.m.
• M&M Dance performs—Community Stage

5:30 p.m.
• Multi-Ride Wrist Bracelet period begins

6:30 p.m.
• Jr. “Elburn Idol” winner performs
on the Main Stage
• 7th Heaven Main Stage performance

8 p.m.
• Raffle of the 2010 Chevy Camaro
2LT/RS Package (or $25,000)
• Raffle and give-aways

10 p.m.
• Festival closes

As a 4-H ambassador, Gorenz introduces young people in the area to 4-H and agriculture through events such as Mooseheart Agricultural Days and Ag in the Classroom.

Gorenz will head off to Iowa State University in the fall to study animal science. Her dream is to become a large animal veterinarian.

This summer, she showed her sheep at the Kane County Fair, the DuPage County Fair and the Illinois State Fair. In addition, she has been helping her brother Brad and sister Catherine get their sheep ready for the Elburn Days Livestock Show and Auction.

A cross between Hampshires and Suffolks, the sheep were born in January. The Gorenzs bought them in April, when they were 60 pounds. The 11-year-old twins, Brad and Catherine, have been working with them daily since then.

Catherine said the sheep are fun to work with, because they each have their own personality and they recognize their handlers after awhile.

Since they are market lambs, it is important to make sure they have enough muscle. That is where walking them every day comes in. Catherine said that touching them and running her hands over them gets them used to being handled.

“We have to get them in shape,” she said. “We feed them right, walk them and handle them.”

Several weeks before the auction, the sheep weighed in at 140 pounds. They named one of them Muscle Boy, because he has a particularly muscular hindquarters. He should bring a good price at the auction.

The sheep, steers and pigs that the 4-H members show at Elburn Days on Saturday are sold off during the auction on Sunday. The better the animals do in the show, the more they are likely to be sold for at the auction.

Joe Gorenz, a sophomore at Kaneland High School, will show his sheep at the Sandwich Fair in September, and 13-year-old Mike showed his rabbits at the Kane County Fair and will again at the Sandwich Fair.

Anne Gorenz, their mom, said she has been involved in 4-H since she was a girl. She and her children raise rabbits, dogs, chickens and horses, as well.

“We do it all,” she said. “It’s a family affair.”

Livestock Judging
Saturday, Aug. 22 • 8 a.m.

Livestock auction
Sunday, Aug. 23 • 1 p.m.

“Every year, it seems like we have a different theme,” Theobald said.

This year, craft supplies will be the highlight of the sale. The reason is, St. Gall’s received a multitude of craft items from a local resident who no longer wanted them. St. Gall’s designated a special room this year to accommodate the craft items.

“We had a crew of more than eight people, who loaded eight cars from the house with craft supplies,” Theobald said.

Theobald said she and other sale volunteers have not yet opened all of the boxes the resident gave them. She added that items that don’t sell during Elburn Days will be donated to organizations such as Wayside Cross and the Cancer Federation. St. Gall’s designated a special room this year to accommodate the craft items.

Last year, someone donated many lighthouse items, so that was a sale highlight. Another year, the sale featured an inordinant number of pasta-making machines.

“It just depends upon what the trend is,” Theobald said.

Proceeds from the St. Gall rummage sale will benefit church programs.

Other charitable organizations can stop by before the sale closes on Saturday afternoon to pick leftovers they think they can sell.

Rummage event details
St. Gall Church’s 22nd annual rummage sale, in the parish hall and basement classrooms, will be full of household goods, books, sporting goods, electronics, toys, home-improvement items, small furniture, bikes, lamps, tools, shoes and clothing. St. Gall Parish Hall is located at Route 47 and Shannon Street.

The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A bake sale will also be held both days. A bag sale starts at 1 p.m. that Saturday, during which items other than clothes will be offered at half price. Proceeds will help meet parish needs. For information, call (630) 365-6030.

On Friday, Ronald McDonald will bring his brand of fun following the Elburn Days Parade at 7:30 p.m. Also at 7:30, 2008 Teen Elburn Idol Alyssa Parma will open on the main stage for Catfight.

From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., A Factor Dance Company brings the moves.

On Saturday, the next generation of Elburn Idol will shine during its finalist competition from noon to 1 p.m.

Jazzercise will hit the stage from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.

Following shortly after will be Excel Gymnastics and Rebel Cheerleaders showing off their talent.

From 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. comes the Pretty in Pink Dance Exhibition, and all preschoolers can come on over to the stage for a free dance class with Miss Maggie.

At 4 p.m., the teen Elburn Idol runner-up gets set to sing on stage as an opening act for Back Country Roads.

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. sees the grooves of M&M Dance Explosion, while a hula hoop contest keeps the fun going on the stage from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., the spotlight goes onto the 2009 Teen Elburn Idol winner, who sings on the main stage and opens up for Red Woody.

From 7:45 to 9 p.m., St. Charles North High School Band “The Public” plays its rock and alternative originals and covers. The band is made up of John Welte, Ben Hodges, Jake Fulk, Kyle McDonald and Andrew Filipos.

On Sunday, the second annual talent contest takes place from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the second annual ice cream eating contest, sponsored by Colonial Ice Cream. The contest will be for ages six and under, 7-12, 13-17 and adults. Prizes are to be awarded for first through third place, with all participants receiving a certificate.

At 3 p.m., the junior Elburn Idol runner-up sings on the main stage opening for Deep Six.
3:30 to 4 p.m. features a dance party for kids ages 7 to 10, with the opportunity to go up on stage to learn hip hop dances.

From 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., M&M Dance performs again.

At 6:30 p.m., the final community stage fun for another year takes place with the junior Elburn Idol winner on the main stage, opening for 7th Heaven.

Community stage schedule
Subject to change

Friday, August 21
7:30 p.m.: Ronald McDonald
8:30 p.m. A Factor Dance Company performs

Saturday, August 22
Noon “Elburn Idol” Finalist Competition
Jazzercise
2:30 p.m. Excel Gymnastics and Rebel Cheerleaders
3:45 p.m. Pretty in Pink Dance Exhibition: bring your
preschoolers to the stage for a free dance
class with Miss Maggie
4:30 p.m. M&M Dance Performs
5:45 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest
7:45 p.m. Teen Band/Dance, “The Public”

Sunday, August 23
1 p.m. 2nd Annual Talent Contest
2:15 p.m. Second Annual Ice Cream Eating Contest
Sponsored by Colonial Ice Cream.
Ages 6 and Under, 7-12, 13-17,
and adult categories.
Prizes awarded to 1st , 2nd and 3rd.
All participants receive a certificate.
3:30 p.m. Dance party for ages 7-10
4:15 p.m. M&M Dance performs

“I like being outside,” she said. “It’s a peaceful, nice and pleasant place to worship, and it gives me a feeling of being in communion with nature.”

The Elburn Days ecumenical church service begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning at the main stage.

The presentation of the worship service is often shared by one or more churches in the community. This year, the Rev. Jeffrey Dire of the Elburn Community Congregational Church will be joined by the Rev. Gary Augustine of the Evangelical Fellowship Church and the Rev. David Kletzing of the Hope Anglican Church in conducting the service. Kletzing’s congregation currently meets in the Congregational Church building on Sunday evenings.

Worshippers may either sit in the bleachers or bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.

“It’s always nice to share the service with other congregations,” Johnson said.

In step
The annual Elburn Days parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.

This is the 80th Elburn Days Parade. The parade will have approximately 90 units, including bands, floats, fire engines, antique cars, clowns and more.

Additionally this year, Ronald McDonald will entertain the children as he rides through the parade in his special truck. The parade theme this year is: “Celebrating 80 Years of Service, 80s Style.”

The parade will last approximately 90 minutes and will open the festival as it ends at Lions Park. The parade route will be southbound through Elburn on Route 47.

For more information, visit www.elburnparade.com

1 in 3,500 = Camaro
This year, the Elburn Lions Club will raffle off a new 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS Package or $25,000, winner’s choice.

This special edition Camaro is on display at Bob Jass Chevrolet in Elburn. The car is Inferno Orange and its leather seats have orange inserts with special chrome wheels. Tthe 2LT model level, RS Package also has special headlights, special instruments and a spoiler. Its 304hp, V6 engine gets 17 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Tickets for a chance to win this vehicle cost $20 and are available from Elburn merchants, Lions Club members or at Elburn Days in the ticket booth at Lions Park.

Get your tickets early, as there are just 3,500 tickets available. The winner will be drawn on the Sunday night of Elburn Days, Aug. 23, at 8 p.m.

The winner need not be present during the raffle, but you must buy a ticket to be eligible. For additional details, a picture of the vehicle or to purchase raffle tickets via the mail-in form, visit www.elburnlions.com.

The types of beer available this year will be Miller Highlife and Miller Lite.

Additionally this year, the club will offer Mike’s Hard Lemonade—lemonade and cranberry flavors; water is also available for purchase.

On Sunday at noon, the duo of Pete and Tim return to the beer garden for another year’s performance. This is an extremely popular place during the Main Stage performances.

No alcohol beverages are allowed outside of the beer garden. The beer garden is restricted to individuals 21 years of age and older. There will be a secured area for families where adult beverages may be enjoyed. Ticket sales end a half hour before closing.

The annual sidewalk sale and flea market, sponsored by the Elburn Chamber of Commerce, will be held in downtown Elburn on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sale is based on local and home based businesses. Take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy the various products featured in this very popular event.

The annual craft show is growing in popularity, and recently relocated to just north of the North Pavilion at Elburn Lions Park. The show runs on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The show highlights many one-of-a-kind products—quilts, music boxes and jewelry to hard-to-find outdoor garden accessories and doll clothing. The Craft Show is sponsored by the Elburn Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by St. Gall Catholic Chuch, the annual Rummage and Bake Sale are donated by the community, and the profits generated benefit St. Gall parish needs.

Items for sale include: sporting goods, clothing, home goods, electronics and jewelry. A bake sale features homemade pies, cookies, breads and local produce. Hours are Friday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Elburn Lions Club is pleased to present the 80th annual Elburn Days. This event has a long tradition of providing great family fun for our wonderful community and the surrounding area.

The Elburn Lions Club, the village of Elburn, our community members and organizations take great pride in this annual event and work hard to provide fun for people of all ages.

The motto of Lions clubs is “We Serve,” and without the help and support of the entire community, the Elburn Lions Club would not be able to provide the charitable help and support that we provide. I am honored to serve as the chairman for this year’s event and to carry on the tradition of providing a venue for the community to celebrate the third full weekend in August where our families can enjoy all of the activities of Elburn Days.

Please join us and enjoy Elburn Days at our park.

Tim Klomhaus
Immediate Past President, Elburn Lions Club
2009 Elburn Days Chairman

The 80th annual Elburn Days Parade, at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, has the theme, “80 Years of Service, ’80′s Style.”

Every year, local Lions Club members decide on a different theme for their summer festival, Elburn Days. For the 2009 event, the Lions decided the parade would have its own theme.

“We thought it would make it easier for people to come up with float ideas,” Lions member Tim Klomhaus said.

Klomhaus said he and a few other club members brainstormed, and the ’80s theme was an obvious choice.

“That was the one that really jumped out at us,” he said.

The theme for the event, overall, is, “Celebrating 80 Years of Fun in the Community,” reflecting the eight decades the summer festival has taken place in the village.

Last year’s Elburn Days theme was “Knights of the Blind Since 1929,” for the charitable contributions the Lions Club has made to organizations assisting the seeing impaired from the time it was established in Elburn.

Who’s No. 1?

Recalling the chart-topping songs from this week in the ‘80s
1980: “Magic,” Olivia Newton-John
1981: “Jessie’s Girl,” Rick Springfield
1982: “Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor
1983: “Every Breath You Take,” The Police
1984: “Ghostbusters,” Ray Parker, Jr.
1985: “Shout,” Tears For Fears
1986: “Glory of Love,” Peter Cetera
1987: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” U2
1988: “Roll With It,” Steve Winwood
1989: “Right Here Waiting,” Richard Marx
courtesy of www.popculturemadness.com

The top-grossing movies
1980: “The Empire Strikes Back,” $141 million
1981: “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” $115 million
1982: “E.T. – The Extraterrestrial,” $228 million
1983: “Return of the Jedi,” $168 million
1984: “Ghostbusters,” $130 million
1985: “Back to the Future,” $104 million
1986: “Top Gun,” $79 million
1987: “Three Men and A Baby,” $81 million
1988: “Rain Man,” $86 million
1989: “Batman,” $150 million
courtesy of www.inthe80s.com

First all-day bag-book sale
The Friends of the Town & Country Public Library always offers a chance for people to buy a bag filled with books for a few dollars, but in the past, the special discount has been limited to the last two hours of the Friends’ two-day book sale. This year, the Friends will offer the bag-book sale during the entire second day of the event, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

“We will start it when the doors open,” Friends member Joan Hansen said.

Patrons may fill a grocery bag (supplied by the Friends) with books, and pay just $2 per bag or $5 for two bags. Collectible books are excluded.

Another addition: RC on-road race
Hobbytown USA offers an off-road remote control race on Sunday during Elburn Days and this year also will feature an on-road race at the festival on Saturday at noon. It will take place in the Lions Park parking lot, where contestants can compete against others with similarly equipped remote-control cars and trucks, racing them on an obstacle course.

The hobby store has an on-road race twice a month at its shop in St. Charles, from May through September. At the Elburn Days on-road race and those held at the store, competitors can earn points toward winning trophies and prizes at the end of the season from Hobbytown U.S.A. For entry cost information, call the store at (630) 587-1256.

Fresh entertainment: HiFi Superstars
HiFi Superstars will take the Elburn Days main stage for the first time at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Lions Park. Combining a ’70s rock vibe with crunchy, modern, pop-rock energy, HiFi Superstar delivers originals with a vintage rock sound, as well as old-school classics.

HiFi Superstar’s debut CD, “New Revolution,” featuring the song “Milk and Honey,” first opened the doors to a broader audience and led to an exclusive spot on “The Great Independent Rock CD, Volume 1.” The band has opened for national headlining acts including Stryper, Cheap Trick and American Idol’s Bo Bice.

The band’s sound has been compared to that of Cheap Trick, The Knack, Rooney, Weezer, the Raspberries and the Gin Blossoms.

Although HiFi Superstar is known for its melodic rock sound, the band is not afraid to occasionally flirt with an R&B groove or infuse a bit of funk into the mix, the group’s website states (www.hifisuperstar.com).

There’s no better place to rock out in late-August than the main stage at Elburn Days.

You may even get to hear some ‘80s hits, with the overall arcing theme of the entire weekend of “celebrating 80 years of service 80’s style.”

The collective rocking begins Friday on the main stage, with the five-person band HiFi Superstar playing from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

All about the power pop and vocal harmonies, HiFi Superstar plays both original and covers, and will have just come off a performance at Blues Bar in Mount Prospect.

The band has two CDs that have been released, “New Revolution” and a self-titled effort.

From 8 to 11 p.m., the band Catfight displays its musical talent on the main state. The five-person band is not only a fixture in the Chicago area, but has also mixed it up at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Rockford’s On the Waterfront, and provides live at-bat music at Alexian Field during Thursday night home games for the Schaumburg Flyers. At Elburn Days, you can hear anything from Journey to Gnarls Barkley.

Saturday’s Main Stage action starts relatively early with the musical talent of He Said She Said. Influenced by anything from Blondie to the Beatles and featuring both male and female lead vocalists, He Said She Said is made up of Tamara, Kerry, Richard and Matthew.

From 4 to 7 p.m., Back Country Roads takes the stage with its co-ed brand of acoustic country. Based out of DeKalb, Mary Noren, Kyle Miller and Brian Miller look to sing the tunes from acts like Dierks Bentley to Miranda Lambert.

Local act Red Woody takes control on Saturday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Now in its 10th year, “Red Woody is a high energy cover band specializing in ’70s, ’80s,’90s and ’00s radio rock hits,” according to redwoody.com.

Playing anywhere from MVP’s Street Dance in Sycamore to Starbuster’s in DeKalb, Red Woody is made up of Matt Miller on vocals, Keith Beebe on guitar, Ron McConkey on drums, Doug Wielert on bass, John Stephenson on guitar, Stan Dembowski on guitar and Cyril Wochok on guitar.

On Sunday, the main stage will see the invasion of five-piece band Deep Six. Deep Six plays several genres of rock and even country, with hits like “Funk 49” from James Gang to “Alive” by Pearl Jam. Deep Six will also be playing Yorkville’s Hometown Fest and has also played Blarney Island in Antioch recently.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 7th Heaven takes the stage with its five-piece band capable of original or covers. Playing in its third decade, the band released “Live at Durty Nellie’s” in 2005. 7th Heaven is made up of Mark Kennetz, Richie Hofherr, Keith Semple, Nick Cox, and Michael Mooshey and are going to be fresh off a performance at Grayslake Summer Days on Saturday.

The beer garden on Sunday will feature Pete and Tim from noon to 3 p.m.

THE BANDS:
HiFi Superstar
Main Stage • Friday, Aug. 21 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Combining an infectious ‘70s rock vibe with crunchy, modern, pop-rock energy, HiFi Superstar has established themselves as a notable presence among Chicago’s musical skyline.

Billboard Award winners for their song, “Milk and Honey,” they know what it takes to deliver fresh originals with a vintage sound as well as old school classics that have been refreshed and packed with their own unique flavor.

HiFi Superstar is eager to bring their groovin’ style and feel-good music to a new generation.

HiFi Superstar enjoys a unique and broad appeal across generations. Playing everywhere from clubs in the city and suburbs, to community festivals, churches, schools and private events—their entertaining style, versatility and ability to engage crowds of all sizes has secured their place in the hearts of a wide-ranging fan base.

Their debut CD, “New Revolution,” featuring their song “Milk and Honey,” first opened the doors to a broader audience, grabbing them an exclusive spot on “The Great Independent Rock CD, Volume 1”. The band has also had the opportunity to open for national headlining acts, including Stryper, Cheap Trick and American Idol’s Bo Bice.

Their second CD, “HiFi Superstar,” has been described as a great example of crunchy power pop a la Cheap Trick, The Knack and contemporaries such as Rooney and Weezer. Others have noted that the power chords and smooth harmonies recall the Raspberries and Gin Blossoms. And though HiFi Superstar is known for their melodic rock sound, they are not afraid to occasionally flirt with an R&B groove or infuse a bit of funk to the mix.

Noted for their memorable musical hooks with solid vocal harmonies … in addition to a great musical performance, these guys are just fun! Their songs are upbeat and just a plain good time. Whatever vibe you get from the stage at a HiFi Superstar show, you’ll no doubt feel the passion of a band on a mission.

Some have said that we all need the positive influences we can get in the world today. Well HiFi Superstar has their sights set on bringing their jacked up, feel good, pump-your-fist-in-the-air convoy to you!

If you’re looking to inject an upbeat, fun, or positive vibe into your life … no ordinary star will do. You’ll want HiFi Superstar!
courtesy of www.hifisuperstar.com

Catfight
Main Stage • Friday, Aug. 21
8 to 11 p.m.
Chicago-based, all-girl band Catfight has played the Joint in Las Vegas, opened for Snoop Dog, Tommy Lee, Styx, Night Ranger and on and on … played a multitude of festivals including Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Rockford’s On the Waterfront, colleges, weddings, mitzvah’s, private and corporate events.

There is practically nothing this band has not done and probably nothing they wouldn’t do. This high energy, fun, sassy, sexy performance is packed full of popular music from Kelly Clarkson to The Killers and will leave you wanting more, more, more! Get out to a Catfight show and enjoy the party!
courtesy of www.catfightband.com

He Said She Said
Main Stage • Saturday, Aug. 22 • 1 to 3:30 p.m.
He Said She Said shows can best be described as rock solid pandemonium, designed to make you kick up your feet and party.

What exactly does that mean? For starters, HSSS features both a male and female lead vocalist, both with outstanding dynamic range and versatility. Lead vocalist Tamara Mooshey (who also sings with 7th Heaven) shows off her high energy and passionate vocal stylings through an eclectic mix of current and classic favorites; sort of Katy Perry meets Stevie Nicks combo. Lead vocalist and guitarist Kerry Ridout brings a quiet, cool persona to the mix. He has an old school rock voice that takes you back in time, resembling Paul McCartney or Elvis Costello.

The band also boasts a high power rhythm section; both add a unique feature to the band. Rock steady Bassist Richard Dirkes-Jacks contributes a high energy stage performance and he loves to provide that tasty groove that calls you to the dance floor like a moth to a flame. Drummer Matthew Koller adds a whimsical and playful approach to the HSSS line-up. Think Ringo Starr meets Animal from the Muppets.

The HSSS set list is filled with diverse songs that everyone loves, spanning from the ‘60s to today’s current hits. The band also jumps through genres with ease, playing classic rock gems like The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” to dance party hits like Dee-Lites “Groove is in the Heart” and Pink’s “So What.” The band just as easily pulls off big arena sing-alongs like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and Bon Jovi’s “Living on A Prayer” with their own special style that gets the crowd to feel like they are part of the rock and roll circus that is HSSS.

Finally, the energy on stage will make it clear that this band really enjoys one another and can feed off each other. The shows aren’t staged; everything is free flowing and spontaneous, keeping each performance fresh. HSSS combines this skilled musicianship, playful sense of humor and dynamic stage show every audience deserves. Come check it out and treat yourself to a good time.
courtesy of www.myspace.com/hsssrocks

Red Woody
Main Stage • Saturday, Aug. 22
7:30 to 11 p.m.
Red Woody is a high energy cover band specializing in ’70s, ’80s,’90s and ’00s radio rock hits. Since 1999, Red Woody has been redefining what a cover band is all about. Red Woody puts you in the front row of your favorite rock concert. Covering artists such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Bryan Adams, Matchbox 20, AC/DC, John Mellencamp, Counting Crows, Kid Rock, Poison, Skynyrd, Lit, Nine Days and many more. Come experience the Red Woody sensation at an upcoming performance.
courtesy of www.redwoody.com

Deep Six
Main Stage
Sunday, Aug. 23
3 to 6 p.m.
DeepSix offers Chicagoland extreme musical diversity. Modern, classic & alternative rock are blended with rockin’ modern country and packaged in a dynamic stage show that gets your venue or event singing and dancing along! Tribute quality vocals and instrumentation bring the hits to life at each and every performance. Check out a show and see why this is one of Chicagoland’s fastest rising bands.
courtesy of deepsixrocks.com and www.myspace.com/deepsixchicago

7th Heaven
Main Stage • Sunday, Aug. 23 • 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Lifelong friends committed to leaving it all out on the stage, NTD Records recording artists 7th Heaven boasts these and other incredible accomplishments.

The lead singer, winner of the British TV version of American Idol known as Pop Stars, was brought in straight from Northern Ireland. He owns a gold disc on Jive records. The band has set attendance records at major night clubs across the tri-state region. Record sales nearing 30,000 units sold and digital offerings are available on iTUNES, Amazon, among others.

This is the premier Chicago festival act, according to prominent talent buyers in Illinois. The critically acclaimed website “Barstar” refers to 7th Heaven as one of the three best bands in Chicago.

Dead-on renditions of Def Lepard, The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Journey and even U2 are delivered at a frenetic pace, driving audiences to literally be dancing in the streets. Musicianship, theatrics and that unmistakable Irish brogue fuel original songs that came straight from the radio playlist.

Are you a Cubs fan? Listen for 7th Heaven all summer long during telecasts and you will hear their current smash hit “This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever”.

This is the band your neighbors will be buzzing about for the rest of the summer. While the festivals only last a short time, for 7th Heaven’s fans old and new alike, they will remember the experience of seeing and hearing them now, because as their song says, “This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever.”
courtesy of www.7thheavenband.com

For 31 of those years, tractors have been getting stuck in the mud.

That’s just the way they like it.

Saturday, Aug. 22, brings the 32nd annual Truck and Tractor Pull to Lions Park.

The festivities begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the antique tractor pull, with registration beginning at Lions Park. Awards go to the top three finishers.

At 11 a.m., the 32nd annual Truck and Tractor Pull begins.

Sanctioned by the Illini State Pullers, the ISP governs all entry fees and rules.

The times are as follows:
5,000 lb. Naturally Aspiratred Tractors start at 11 a.m.; 6,000 lb. Stock Altered Tractors run at 11:30 a.m.; 6,5000 lb. Altered Stock Trucks run at noon; 7,000 lb Naturally Aspirated Tractors run at 12:30 p.m.; 11,000 lb. Modified Farm Tractors run at 1 p.m.; 6,500 lb. Super Stock Trucks run at 1:30 p.m.; 6,500 lb. Stock Trucks run at 2 p.m., while 7,500 lb. Diesel Trucks finish off at 2:30 p.m. Schedules are subject to change.

Lions Park and Elburn Days 2009 is the answer.

Throughout the festival grounds, area business will be dishing out the goodies for kids and adults of all ages.

Vendors include Bev’s Popcorn, Genoa Pizza, Kaneville United Methodist Church, China Garden, Suzie’s Fun Food, Hill’s Country Store, T & D Concessions, Witters Concessions, Pancho’s Mexican Food, R & S Concessions and others.

The Elburn Lions Beef Stand returns to Elburn Days weekend for another year, and the Lions are set to grill their famous pork chops and BBQ chicken dinners on Sunday. The Community Congregational Church will also have their food tent featuring items like roast BBQ, cheeseburgers, hamburgers and homemade pies.

Also set to be at Elburn Days are a beef stand, hot dog stand and a root beer float stand.

3:30 pm Opening ceremonies, ribbon cutting, flag raising

4-11 pm Park opens

4 pm Arts and crafts/business booths, food vendors, beer tent sponsored by the SG Fire Fighters Association

4-7 pm Pork chop dinner Sponsored by SG Fire Fighters Assoc. Auxiliary

4-11 pm SG Library Friends used book sale

4-11 pm Bingo Sponsored by Kaneland McDole Elementary PTO

4-11 pm Carnival rides and games open

6:30-7 pm Citizen of the Year Award

7-9 pm Scramble (‘50s-’70s music) performs on stage

9:30-11 pm Tin Horse (country rock) on stage

Saturday, July 25

10 am-11 pm Park opens

7:30 am 5k run (community house)

10 am Arts and crafts/business booths, food vendors

10am-9:30pm SG Library Friends ued book sale

10 am-4 pm Bingo sponsored by Kaneland Music Boosters

11 am-4 pm Clowns, Castle Bank/childrens ID

Noon-2 pm Waubonsee Steel Drum Band
Noon Beer tent sponsored by SG Fire Fighters Association

Noon-11 pm Carnival rides and games

2-2:45 pm Jazzersize demo (main stage)

2:45-3 pm M&M Dance demo (main stage)

4-9:30 pm Bingo sponsored by Kaneland Middle School PTO

4:15-5 pm Rocky’s DoJo demo (main stage)

6-8 pm 7th Heaven (rock) performing on stage

8:30-11 pm “Hair Bangers Ball” (rock) on stage

9:30 pm Fireworks Sponsored by the SG Lions Club

Sunday, July 26

11 am-6 pm Park opens

11 am-2 pm Children’s contests

11 am-6 pm SG Library Friends used book sale

11 am-6 pm Arts and crafts/business booths, food vendors

11 am-6 pm Bingo Sponsored by Kaneland Peer Leadership Group

Noon-6 pm Beer tent Sponsored by SG Fire Fighters Association

1 pm Fire Fighters Association water fights

2-4 pm The Duke Band (‘60s to present day rock)

Noon-6 pm Carnival rides and games open

6 pm Park closes

To that end, the Sugar Grove Corn Boil seeks to be a community event where friends and family come together to have fun.

The Corn Boil opens at 4 p.m. on July 24, as does the beer tent. The corn, always the Corn Boil highlight, can become even more exciting with lemon pepper spice, garlic spice or seasoned salt available for flavoring.

A variety of food is available at the food court. Many of our vendors have returned year after year to offer their unique foods. Favorites include Annabell’s pork chop on a stick, corn dogs and curly fries from Crusin’ Concessions, the Genoa foot-long Italian sausage, and lemon shakeups. Consumers are reminded to follow the “no alcohol on school property” law and keep the drinks on the north side of the sidewalk and snow fence. Everyone is invited to pick up the park. Trash barrels are located throughout the park, and event organizers appreciate your effort to help be good neighbors as well. Please toss your trash before you leave the park.

Handicapped parking is available on Main Street in front of the school. In addition, a special shuttle will be made available by J&S Construction to pick riders up at this parking location and transport them to the event. For people parking west of the event in Village Hall or the Sugar Grove Library parking lots, an on-street shuttle service will pick up passengers along the route between Municipal Drive and the south end of Corn Boil at Grove and Snow streets. J&S Construction is making available its brightly decorated hay wagon to shuttle visitors into the Corn Boil from the Sugar Grove Village Hall and Sugar Grove Library parking areas.

The pre-sale ticket advantage continues for any of the carnival unlimited ride times. This is a discount for the same ticket, good for one rider, during one unlimited ride time, which will be available in the park for the cost of $20. Discounted unlimited ride tickets are available at Castle Bank—Sugar Grove, American Heartland Bank & Trust, and Old Second Bank—Sugar Grove until 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23.

There are three Corn Boil carnival unlimited ride times: Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Carnival goers may purchase a $20 unlimited ride ticket for use, by one rider, during an unlimited ride time. The ticket is sold at a ticket booth in the carnival area.

In the interest of safety, “no parking” signs will be posted by directive of the Sugar Grove Police Department and Sugar Grove fire chief; they will indicate that no parking is allowed on the hydrant side of the street. Bicycles, skate boards or roller blades are not allowed at the Corn Boil. Dogs, other than service dogs, are not allowed.

Corn Boil has a cooling station with First Aid facilities. The bingo tent offers a shady space to sit and relax. The tent will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday; noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Free, live entertainment is a staple of Corn Boil. This year, the event features a lineup of music ranging from the Waubonsee Steel Drum Band, rock, country-rock and ‘50s-’70s rock. Free demos are scheduled from local dance studios, do-jo’s and exercise groups.

The Corn Boil Committee owes a debt of thanks to the Corn Boil’s current sponsors, who so graciously help each year. This event has free admission, thanks to the support of the event’s sponsors.

Following is a list of sponsors.
Stage sponsor: The Solheim Cup
Platinum sponsors: Castle Bank; The Daily Herald; Engineering Enterprises, Inc.; The Elburn Herald; Genoa Pizza; Harris Golf Carts; Hinds Trucking; J&S Construction; The Chronicle; Metrolift, Inc.; Old Second National Bank; Provena Mercy Medical Center; Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Sugar Grove Firefighters Association; Sugar Grove Lions Club; Sugar Grove Fire District; Sugar Grove Police Department; Sugar Grove Public Library; Village of Sugar Grove; VisionFriendly.com; Waste Management, Inc.; and WSPY TV/Radio
Gold sponsors: Advanced Realty Consultants; Baker, Diana; Born, Lisa; Carroll, Bob; D&S Painting; John Shields Elementary School—District 302; Lindsay & Associates, Inc.—structural engineers; Lisa Cavalier Ameriprise Financial Advisor; Markus, Donna and Al; Mid America Financial Group—TM; Attorney Steven B. Ekker—Momkus McCluskey, LLC; Paluch, David and Deborah; Plumb, Kim; Quist, Jim; River Front Chrysler Jeep, North Aurora; Scimeca, Ross & Linda; SIGNFx, LLC; Sugar Grove Park District; Sugar Grove Public Library Friends; Swatek, Gerald
Silver sponsors: Healy Chapel; Law Office of William T. King, Jr.; Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi & Andersson; Waubonsee Community College
Entertainment sponsors: Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Blue Peak Tents; Quik Impressions Group; Volkman Insurance Agency, Inc.
Special Friends: Hollywood Casino; Sugar Grove Animal Hospital.
Friends: Spring Bluff Nursery, Inc.; William F. Keck CPA, Kane County Auditor

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil is held in Volunteer Park, west of Route 47, just off Main Street in downtown Sugar Grove behind Kaneland John Shields Elementary School. For more information about the Corn Boil, call the Sugar Grove Events Hotline at (630) 466-5166, listen to WSPY 1480 AM and 107.1 FM or visit www.sugargrovecornboil.org.
Courtesy of
Beverly Holmes Hughes
Sugar Grove Corn Boil Committee

Photo: Two Sugar Grove brothers with the 2007 Corn Boil medallion. File photo

“It has a heavy-base back beat that makes people want to dance,” said Monokoski, who is WCC’s music department director.

“Even if you’re in a bad mood, it just cheers you up,” he said. “It’s fun party music.”

The WCC Steel Drum Band plays a lot of Caribbean- and African-influenced music, including selections from Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album and other covers.

But Monokoski said the band’s sound is not limited to traditional tropical styles.

“For steel pan music, there’s a broad repertoire that includes everything that exists now, including classical, rock and jazz,” Monokoski said.

What really makes listeners want to get up and move to the music are bosonova and reggae numbers, he said.

The band’s 10 members play drums of various sizes. Different sized drums produce different sounds, Monokowski said.

Performing at many local festivals and parades, the WCC Steel Drum Band is an entertainment fixture at the annual Corn Boil.

“We’ve played there for 15 years,” Monokoski said.

The WCC Steel Drum Band will take the stage from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Corn Boil.

The instrument
The steel drum, or steel pan, originated in the Caribbean island of Trinidad in the 1940s. It is usually played in ensembles called steel bands.
A traditional steel drum is made from the end, and part of the wall, of an oil barrel. The barrel’s end surface is hammered into a concave shape, and several areas are outlined by chiseled grooves. It is heated and tempered, and domes are hammered into the outlined areas; the depth, curvature, and size of each dome determines its pitch.
Melodies, complex accompaniments, and counterpoint can be played with rubber-tipped mallets on a single drum.
Source: Britannica Concise Encyclopedia

Photo: The Waubonsee Steel Drum Band will perform from noon to 2 p.m. Sat., July 25 at the Corn Boil. File Photo

With the race headquarters now changed from the Sugar Grove Community House to the Sugar Grove Park District office at 61 Main St., the race fesitivities begin at 6:15 a.m. Saturday with packet pickup and registration.

At 7:15 a.m., stretch and warmup takes place. The runners are scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. with the walkers (not timed) at 7:35 a.m.

The awards ceremony kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

The race will have splits announced at the one- and two-mile marks, and is a flat, fast, two-lap course through a quiet residential area.

The race will have commemorative T-shirts at the end and refreshments as well to go with the awards ceremony. Results will be posted on race day with results cards available to all finishers.

Results will be posted within 12 hours to racetime.info and chicagoaa.com

For more information, call (630) 466-7436, ext. 12, or e-mail info@sgparks.org.

Photo: Dany Saldana (226) of Aurora, Ed Saloga (288) of Sugar Grove and Anne Schuette (309) of Sugar Grove battle to the finish at the 2007 Corn Boil 5K. Race day signup begins at 6:15 a.m. at 61 Main St., Sugar Grove. File Photo

All about: Corn

• The average ear of corn has 800 kernels, arranged in 16 rows.
• There is one piece of silk for each kernel.
• A bushel of corn contains about 27,000 kernels.
• Each tassel on a corn plant releases as many as 5 million grains of pollen.
• Corn is an ingredient in more than 3,000 grocery products.
• One bushel of corn can make 33 pounds of sweetener,
32 pounds of starch, or 2.5 gallons of ethanol fuel.
more facts after the gallery >>

Corn is used in the production of alcohol and distilled spirits, corn syrup, sugar, cornstarch, synthetic fibers such as nylon, certain plastics, in the manufacture of wood resin, lubricating oils and synthetic rubber, as an abrasive, corn cob pipes, corn oil, margarine, saccharin, paints, soaps, linoleum and gasohol.

Corn is the third most important food crop of the world measured by production volume, behind wheat and rice. In terms of acreage planted, it is second only to wheat.

Washington, Mo., is known as the Corn Cob Pipe Capital of the World.

Mexico’s per-capita corn consumption is almost 400 pounds, while in the United States it is about 160 pounds and in India only about 15 pounds.

World corn (for grain) production for 2005 was 686 million metric tons. U.S. production for 2005 was 282 million metric tons.

In 2005, 52 percent of the U.S. corn acreage was planted with genetically modified seed.

China produces about 19 percent of the world’s corn crop, about 4.5 billion bushels. (2004)

According to the Agricultural Council of America, U.S. farmers account for 41 percent of the world’s corn production. (2007)

In 2002, about 9 billion bushels of corn were produced in the U.S., and the largest-producing states were Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and Indiana.

In the 1930s, before the machines were available, a farmer could harvest an average of 100 bushels of corn by hand in a nine-hour day. Today’s combines can harvest 900 bushels of corn per hour—or 100 bushels of corn in under seven minutes.

Fresh corn on the cob will lose up to 40 percent of its sugar content after six hours of room temperature storage. The sugar is converted to starch.

Corn was domesticated about 10,000 years ago, most likely from a lost ancestor from the highlands of central Mexico. The oldest remains of corn found at archeological sites in Mexico resemble popcorn-type corn.

Corn is not only an important food for man; more than 50 percent of U.S. production is used for livestock feed.

The official grain of Wisconsin is corn.

Nebraska is the ‘Cornhusker State.’

The world record for eating corn on the cob is 33 1/2 ears in 12 minutes, held by Cookie Jarvis.

Corn always has an even number of rows on each ear.
A corn ear is actually an inflorescence that produces nearly 1,000 female flowers.

These flowers, or potential kernels, are arranged in an even number of rows (usually from 8 to about 22 rows). Row number is always an even number because corn spikelets are borne in pairs, and each spikelet produces two florets: one fertile and one sterile.

Most things in nature have an even number of rows or lines. Watermelon has an even number of stripes as does, cantaloupe, etc. Think of it this way. One cell divides into two—as cell division continues, there is always an even number.

courtesy of foodreference.com

“I don’t know how we can’t have fireworks,” Bohler said. “Everybody is still really supportive of having them.”

Community businesses, such as Rich Harvest Farms, Engineering Enterprises, Inc. and other smaller groups, plus the village of Sugar Grove, the Corn Boil Committee and Sugar Grove Farmer’s Market shoppers, contributed to make this year’s fireworks possible, he explained.

“It should be even better than last year,” he said.

Fireworks Trivia

Fireworks originated in ancient China, approximately 2,000 years ago. The first fireworks were actually green bamboo thrown into fires to scare spirits away.

A Chinese monk named Li Tian is credited with the invention of firecrackers about 1,000 years ago. The Chinese people celebrate the invention of the firecracker every April 18 by offering sacrifices to Li Tian.

Firecrackers, both then and now, are thought to have the power to fend off evil spirits and ghosts that are frightened by the loud bangs. Firecrackers are used for such purposes today at most events such as births, deaths and birthdays. Chinese New Year is a particularly popular event that is celebrated with firecrackers to usher in the new year free of the evil spirits.

The first Independence Day fireworks celebration was in 1776, and was memorialized by then future President John Adams.
“The day (Independence Day) will be the most memorable in the history of America … It will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival … it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade … bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore.”

In today’s public display shows, computers are used to control the launching of the fireworks and the synchronization of the aerial bursts with music.

Static electricity in synthetic clothing can ignite fireworks. The people who make fireworks wear cotton all the way down to their underwear.

Source: fireworks.com/safety, website of the Phantom Fireworks Company.

Johnson did this for the next three summers. By the time he was 18, he was running a unit for the owner, Mr. Knight. By the time he was 24, he bought his first ride, The Swinger.

When he turned 25, he became the supervisor for Loop Amusements. He started his own business, Fantasy Amusements, in 1985. He and his wife Mary started out with eight rides and a popcorn wagon.

Fantasy Amusements currently has more than 40 rides, games and concessions. The Johnsons’ three daughters work for the business. The oldest runs a game and works in the office, the middle one operates the funnel cake concession, and the youngest runs the popcorn wagon.

With the contract ending with Windy City Amusements last year, the Sugar Grove Corn Boil Committee interviewed several new companies and decided on Fantasy Amusements. The Arlington Heights, Ill.,-based company also operates the carnival for the Kane County Fair in St. Charles.

“They were very professional, and they have a lot of great rides,” Sugar Grove Corn Boil Committee member Lisa Lund said.

Lund explained that background checks are done on all their employees, and they all wear badges to identify themselves.

“They take every step possible to keep the children safe,” she said.

New this year, fair-goers may purchase unlimited ride tickets good for any of the Corn Boil’s three days.

Carnival hours
• Friday, July 24 • 4 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25 • 1 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 26 • 1 to 6 p.m.
Unlimited ride tickets are available before the Corn Boil for $15, or $20 at the carnival.
Available at Castle Bank—Sugar Grove, Old Second Bank—Sugar Grove and American Heartland Bank & Trust until 5 p.m. Friday, July 24.

Unlimited ride ticket hours
Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Sample Fantasy
Amusement rides*

Kiddie rides
Carousel Fun Slide
Love Wheel Cuckoo House
Caterpillar

Family rides
Tilt-A-Whirl Zero Gravity
Kite Flier Bumper Cars

Spectacular rides
Supershot Matterhorn
1001 Nachts Pharoah’s Fury
Century Wheel Screamer

*Rides at the Corn Boil will be
chosen based on space available

Event organizers built a strong lineup of local and diverse bands to keep festivalgoers entertained each day.

Scramble will perform its brand of ‘50s to ‘70s tunes and is the first musical act to invade the 2009 Corn Boil when they take the stage from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

From 9:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Tin Horse will provide country rock tunes to close out the first night. Currently on its “Bucking the System” tour, Tin Horse will come fresh off a show at the St. Charles Park District on Thursday. Playing original tunes as well as covers, the co-ed band has opened for acts like Diamond Rio and Gretchen Wilson.

On Saturday, July 25, the Waubonsee Steel Drum Band gets the crowd going with island rhythms from noon to 2 p.m.

Wowing crowds with performances at its home base of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, the band is no stranger to the Corn Boil.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 7th Heaven takes the stage with its five-piece band capable of original music or covers. Playing in its third decade, the band released “Live at Durty Nellie’s” in 2005. 7th Heaven is made up of Mark Kennetz, Richie Hofherr, Keith Semple, Nick Cox, and Michael Mooshey and is going to be fresh off a performance at Streamwood Fest on Friday.

From 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Hairbangers Ball rocks out the Corn Boil. A local and popular fixture, the band that’s seven strong will be coming off of a gig in Peoria, Ill., at the riverfront.

“In what started out as a ‘what if’ plan for bringing some extremely talented musicians together to revive and celebrate the mayhem of the 80′s monster rock bands, aka ‘The Decade of Decadence’, HBB has quickly grown into one of the most “Off the wall” live music acts touring the country today,” hairbangersball.com suggests.

On Sunday, July 26, the Duke Band takes center stage from 2 to 4 p.m. with its unique brand of rock ranging from the ‘60s to the present. The Duke Band is comprised of Pete Paulos, lead singer and guitar; Chuck Desmond, lead guitar; Dave Pawelski, bass guitar; Terry Lindsay, drums; Matt Dutkanych, guitar. The band has played venues like Alsip Fest and TC’s Pub in Oak Lawn.

All about: Tin Horse
Tin Horse 2009—Locked, loaded and ready to roll!

Open the corral. Throw down the reins and watch out! Tin Horse is breaking out of the gate for their 2009 Bucking the System Tour. More shows. More originals. More excitement. And no boundaries.

“Hometown girls
taking the country world by storm.”
~ WGN-TV

Tin Horse sets the stage on fire with its power-packed southern rock. The guys in the back hold down the fort as the girls in the front jump up on the speakers and run out into the crowd as they shred away on their instruments. And then three wild women run back to stage to break into tight, three part harmonies on their catchy, award-winning original tunes.
“fiery personalities
and clever writing”
~ Freeport Journal Standard

But that’s not all! Tin Horse tears audiences apart with their renditions of well- known southern rock, country, and classic rock tunes as well. They’re backed by a band of veteran musicians, creating a sound so powerful, so fun, so energized, that you’re guaranteed to be dancing in the aisles & singing along before they finish their first set!

“(TIN HORSE)
is really awesome!”
~ River Country 101.7

It’s no wonder Tin Horse has opened for some of country music’s biggest names: (Diamond Rio, Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, Emerson Drive). This band has been gaining momentum throughout 2008, heading straight towards country stardom in 2009. So now’s your chance! Don’t miss Tin Horse as they blaze a new trail out of Nashville.
www.tinhorseband.com

All about: 7th heaven

Highlights
• Started in 1985
• Released “U.S.A.—U.K.”
CD August, 2008
• Wrote and performed TV/radio
commercial for “Empress Casino”
• Wrote and performed TV
commercial for “Walter E
Smithe/Chicago Cubs”
• Performed the National Anthem
at the Chicago Bulls / LA Lakers
NBA Game
• Featured in Guitar Edge Magazine
July/Aug 2006
• 7th heaven’s music featured on
MTV in 2000-05
• Currently on full rotation on many
FM radio stations worldwide
• Performed on the
Jenny Jones Show
(over 75 million viewers worldwide)

24 YEARS PLAYING THE LOCAL SCENE? 250 BOOKINGS A YEAR?
Lifelong friends committed to leaving it all out on the stage, NTD Records recording artists 7th heaven boasts these and other incredible accomplishments.
The lead singer, winner of the British TV version of American Idol known as Pop Stars, was brought in straight from Northern Ireland. He owns a gold disc on Jive records.
The band has set attendance records at major night clubs across the tri-state region. Record sales nearing 30,000 units sold and digital offerings are available on iTUNES, Amazon, and such.
This is the premier Chicago festival act according to prominent talent buyers in Illinois. The critically acclaimed website “Barstar” refers to 7th Heaven as one of the three best bands in Chicago. (They couldn’t or wouldn’t pick just one.)
30 songs in 30 minutes. Believe it can’t be done? Watch! Dead-on renditions of Def Lepard, The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Journey and even U2 are delivered at a frenetic pace driving audiences to literally dancing in the streets. Musicianship, theatrics, and that unmistakable Irish brogue fuel original songs that came straight from the radio play-list.
Are you a Cubs fan? Listen for 7th Heaven all summer long during telecasts and you will hear their current smash hit, “This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever.” How about you Bulls fans? 7th Heaven performed the National Anthem at the United Center before the Bulls/Lakers game, which was televised worldwide.
This is the band your neighbors will be buzzing about for the rest of the summer. While the festivals only last a short time, for 7th Heaven’s fans, old and new alike, they will remember the experience of seeing and hearing them now because, as their song says—This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever!
www.7thheavenband.com

All about: Hairbanger’s Ball

Not so long ago, bands like Poison, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe and Skid Row were selling millions of records and playing sold-out arenas across the country.
Now, having seen the recent, enormous commercial success of the “Monster Ballads” CD collection and the explosion of VH-1′s “Behind The Music,” one tribute band has tapped into the nostalgic energy of the “Decade of Decadence” like no other to deliver uncanny live performances and the wildest, never-ending party since Axl Rose welcomed millions of rabid fans to his rock n’ roll jungle.
It’s called Hairbanger’s Ball (HBB), and the crazy train has left the station, complete with the monster hair, the tattoos, the leopard print spandex, pyrotechnic masterpieces and all the make-up you can handle.
In what started out as a “what if” plan for bringing some extremely talented musicians together to revive and celebrate the mayhem of the ‘80s monster rock bands, aka “The Decade of Decadence,” HBB has quickly grown into one of the most “off the wall” live music acts touring the country today.
As the name itself suggests, Hairbanger’s Ball is not just a band. It is the wildest party coming to a rock shop near you. We are not exaggerating when we tell you that this six-piece is blowing the roofs off of large clubs and venues
If you’ve seen it or know anyone who has already experienced it, HBB looks and sounds just as good, if not better, than the original recording artists themselves. Whether you wanna hear Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Warrant, Skid Row, Mötley Crüe or the rest of the Hairbanger’s Hall of Fame, HBB gives you the best of it all.
Whether you are 21, 25, 30 or 40 years old, Hairbanger’s Ball is a chronic party on maximum overdrive.
www.hairbangersball.com

Nominees for the Citizen of the Year are typically involved in numerous groups and organizations committed to the improvement of the Sugar Grove community. According to the Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce website, citizens who demonstrate leadership, seek to improve education and parks in Sugar Grove through relentless organizing of activities and fundraisers are worthy of a Citizen of the Year nomination.

The first recipient of the Citizen of the Year award was Terry Siebert in 1998. Since then, the award has gone to residents such as Kevin Tindall in 2002, Karen Pritchard in 2005, Pat Graceffa in 2006, Joseph Wolf in 2007 and Karen McCannon in 2008.

This year’s award will be presented on the opening night of the Sugar Grove Corn Boil, Friday, July 24, at Volunteer Park. The winner receives an engraved plaque and various gifts provided by local businesses.

Previous winners
1998: Terry Siebert
From the July 30, 1998
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Arranged for transfer of dirt to new school site at no cost to Kaneland School District
• Donated floor space for indoor baseball/softball batting cage use to Sugar Grove Park District
• Donated labor and hauling of limestone for the construction of a walkway at Volunteer Park
• After the demolition of the Sugar Grove Historical Society’s former home at the old school, helped haul and store Society artifacts

1999: Chris Dayvolt
From the July 29, 1999
edition of the Elburn Herald
• The center of community news and a generous participant in all local events
• President of Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce from 1995-96
• Member of Jaycees
• Helped organize business booths at Corn Boil

2000: Stan Anderson
From the Aug. 3, 2000
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Village Board trustee for 10 years, from 1968 to 1978
• Plan Commissioner for 28 years, from 1970 to 1998
• Represented village on Aurora Airport Board from 1992-2000
• Organized tree planting in cloverleaf at Routes 30 and 47 in 1976 to celebrate nation’s Bicentennial (gained approval from highway department, obtained trees from state and organized local Scout troops to plant them)

2001: Delmar, Ruth Krieghbaum
From the Aug. 2, 2001
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Sugar Grove residents for more than 60 years
• Krieghbaums share a long history of community service
• Del became charter member of the volunteer Fire Department in 1946
• Served on active duty for 50 years
• For 33 of those years, from 1962 to 1996 served as fire chief
• Ruth manned phones for Fire Department
• Served as volunteer firefighter for 20 years

2002: Kevin Tindall
From the Aug. 1, 2002
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Born and raised in Sugar Grove
• Graduated Kaneland High School in 1983
• Worked for Sugar Grove Fire Protection District for more than 20 years
• Became a certified paramedic
• Employed as a detective for the bomb/arson unit with Kane County Sheriff’s Office for almost 20 years

2003: David Seraphin
From the July 31, 2003
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Sugar Grove Boy Scout Troop 41 Scout Master
• Sugar Grove United Methodist Church Sunday school teacher
• Vietnam veteran and American Legion member
“He goes that extra mile,” UMC pastor Steven Good said. “He reaches down deep into the young people and wants them to reach their fullest potential …. He creates a safe atmosphere in which the kids are more apt to be themselves, and share their real thoughts.”

2004: Arnie, Byrel Leifheit
From the July 29, 2004
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Most of their contribution to the community has been behind the scenes. Arnie was instrumental in moving the American Legion building to its current location on 1st Street
• Organized and worked at the weekly fish fry for many years
• Coached Little League and Pony League baseball teams and an American Legion team for the “older boys”
• Byrel has also been active in the American Legion, and is a lifetime member of the Women’s Auxiliary
• Well-known in Sugar Grove for her work as caretaker of the Community House

2005: Karen Pritchard
From the Aug. 4, 2005
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Created the Friends of the Parks, a group of citizens who support the Park District in a number of ways
• Helped turn the Sugar Grove Park District into the successful venture it is today
• Trustee on the Park District Board
• Volunteered for the district; eventually became its first employee at $3 an hour

2006: Pat Graceffa
From the Aug. 3, 2006
edition of the Elburn Herald
“If you’ve been to any community event throughout the village, you’ve probably seen her handiwork,” said Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels.
• Active member of Sugar Grove Library Friends
• Member of Friends of the Park
• Village’s 50th anniversary celebration committee
• Subdivision’s homeowner’s association
• Active volunteer for the Sugar Grove Farmer’s Market
• Helps to organize the village’s open house, the Fourth of July Parade, the Easter egg run and Halloweenfest

2007: Joe Wolf
From the Aug. 3, 2007
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Served his community since he and wife, Barb, moved to Sugar Grove about 50 years ago
• Began with reading village water meters and as a member of the Public Utility Rates Committee
• Sugar Grove Village Board trustee for four years
• Continues to serve on Airport Advisory Committee and Kane County Paratransit Coordination Council
• Kaneland School Board member for more than 14 years

2008: Karen McCannon
From the July 31, 2008
edition of the Elburn Herald
• Husband’s family has a long history of contributing to the community
• Helped build the Sugar Grove Pavilion, now the Prairie Building, in Volunteer Park
• Volunteered in a variety of school activities, including as room mother and helping with Fun Fair
• Den mother
• Coached girl’s baseball and high school softball
• Serves in clown ministry as Jo-Jo the Clown at Farmer’s Market and other venues
• Revived 4th of July parade and Jo-Jo leads the children every year

From 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, the Duke Band will play music from the 1960s to the present.

“We’re going to bring live music on Sunday to draw a bigger crowd that day,” event organizer Diane Baker said.

In the Kids Zone, additions to last year’s trivia game and coloring contests will be competitions in the categories of Test Your Knowledge, Count the Number of Twizzlers in the Jar, and Show Your Hoola-Hoop Skills.

Those contests will take place from 11 am. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We wanted to have more children’s games and contests,” Baker said.

From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, for the first time, Miss Northern Illinois Season Winesbsurg will talk to visitors and sign autographs, along with Northern Illinois Princess Kaetlyn Schultz.

On the schedule this year are a carnival, fantastic bands, local talent, arts, crafts, Bingo, great food—including tons—literally tons—of corn—and of course the fireworks. Save these dates: July 24, 25 and 26, for the Sugar Grove Corn Boil: where friends and family come together to have fun.

The proceeds from the sweet-corn sales help to meet the expenses for the event, are reinvested to planning the next year’s Corn Boil, and are distributed among several local organizations assisting in the preparation and sale of the food.

Past recipients include the Sugar Grove Methodist Church, Calvary West Church and the Sugar Grove Historical Society. Purchase corn, hot-dogs and ice-cold water at the Prairie Building. Also available at this location is the “Buy the Slice” sales by the Sugar Grove United Methodist church ladies, from their variety of fresh-made pies.

The Sugar Grove Lions Club has long been the sponsor of the fireworks for the annual Corn Boil. The Lions are known for their programs to test and give assistance for people with vision difficulties. Donations from the Corn Boil allow the Lions to maintain their support of these vital programs while also providing the very popular fireworks displays. Donation cans are available throughout the community, at Farmers Market on Saturdays, and by sending sending contributions to Sugar Grove Lion Club c/o Corn Boil, P.O. Box 225, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.

Shucking ears of corn on a Friday afternoon was taken on as a Service Project by Boy Scout Troop 7 of Elburn without thought of compensation. The Corn Boil donation received by the troop in previous years has been used to add, repair and update equipment used for their monthly camping excursions. These excursions promote planning, teamwork, physical activity and developing skills and knowledge in many areas for the boys, often leading towards rank advancements.

The Sugar Grove Fire Fighters Association has sold beer at Corn Boil for years. The Corn Boil is a critical fundraising source for the organization. Funds generated at Corn Boil are put to use in the sponsoring of community fire safety awareness programs; supporting burn victim summer camps; and enhancements to Fire Department equipment. This year the beer tent sales run Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The sales area is west of the Prairie Building. Alcohol beverage purchase requires separate purchase of a daily $1 wrist band. Consumers are reminded to follow the “no alcohol on school property” law and keep the drinks on the north side of the sidewalk and snow fence.

Added to the Corn Boil in recent years is the Bingo tent. Located near the school gymnasium, the Bingo tent has several host organizations. This year on Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., the tent is sponsored by Kaneland McDole Elementary PTO; on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kaneland Music Boosters, and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Kaneland Peer Leadership group.

The Sugar Grove Park District sponsors the Corn Boil 5-K. This is a 3.1-mile (USATF certified No. IL-04086-JW) course on residential streets with the finish in front of the library. The race is electronically timed with traffic control. There will be a first aid station and refreshments. An award ceremony will take place after the race. All runners will receive a commemorative race T-shirt. Awards will be presented to the first male and female finishers as well as first, second and third place in each age division. Park District programming benefits from the proceeds of this event.

The Sugar Grove Firefighters Association Auxiliary is offering a pork chop dinner on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Proceeds from the dinner help the Auxiliary to provide benefits to the community in many ways. Among them are:
• Filling the stockings of needy children at Christmas
• Providing gifts for Sugar Grove Firefighter children at the annual Christmas Party.
• Holding a pizza party for the Kaneland Elementary School South children’s class with the highest number of blood donors at the Sugar Grove Fire Department blood drive.
• Providing flowers or memorials in the event of the death of a family member.
• Purchasing an ice machine for the Sugar Grove Firefighters Association to save the expense of buying ice for fire calls.
• Providing meals for firefighters at training sites.
• Purchasing film and providing development of fire department photos of fire and accident scenes.
• Providing a snow cone machine for community events during which the Auxiliary provides free snow cones to children at the Kane County Safety Fair, Fourth of July parade and the Kaneland John Shields Elementary Fun Fair.

The Sugar Grove Library Friends will hold their annual used book sale in the Mutipurpose room of Kaneland John Shields Elementary School Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sales enable “Friends of the Library” to:
• Recruit members of the community
• Focus public attention on library services, facilities and needs
• Stimulate use of library resources and services
• Encourage gifts, endowments and bequests to the library
• Support development of library services, education programs and facilities
• Provide funds for the purchase of materials and equipment

The Corn Boil is still looking for volunteers to set up, work during the Corn Boil, and clean up. If you would like to volunteer, please call (630) 466-5166. The Sugar Grove Corn Boil is held in Volunteer Park, west of Route 47, just off Main Street in downtown Sugar Grove behind the Kaneland John Shields Elementary School. For more information about the Corn Boil, call the Sugar Grove Events Hotline at (630) 466-5166, listen to WSPY 1480 AM and 107.1 FM or visit www.sugargrovecornboil.org.

contributed by Beverly Holmes Hughes
Sugar Grove Corn Boil Committee

Festival is free thanks to sponsors
This event has free admission thanks to the support of our sponsors. Stage Sponsor: The Solheim Cup; Platinum Sponsors: Castle Bank; The Daily Herald; Engineering Enterprises, Inc.; The Elburn Herald; Genoa Pizza; Harris Golf Carts; Hinds Trucking; J & S Construction; The Chronicle; Metrolift, Inc.; Old Second National Bank; Provena Mercy Medical Center; Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Sugar Grove Firefighters Assoc.; Sugar Grove Lions Club; Sugar Grove Fire District; Sugar Grove Police Department; Sugar Grove Public Library; Village of Sugar Grove; VisionFriendly.com; Waste Management, Inc.; and WSPY TV/Radio.

Businesses such as Batir Architecture, Ltd. in St. Charles are doing their part to meet consumer requests for more energy-efficient and environmentally sound buildings and homes.

“We work with the client to improve buildings as far as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and using materials for longevity. Using durable, low-maintenance materials is important,” said Paula Price, owner of Batir Architecture since 2004.

Price said that technology has come a long way from the 1970s, when the emphasis was on non-technical means to help the environment, such as recycling and reusing. She said that today, builders and architects work with a lot of technology. The technology now is more economical and more “pretty” than it used to be.

“It was hard, living in the Midwest, (to get people to accept environmentally sound design),” Price said. “Now it’s very, very easy. Everybody has come around.”

Even though builders tend to be resistant to changing their tried-and-true practices, the market is now consumer-driven. Price said the ideal situation is when the builder and the architect work together to create the best design for the client.

“We take into consideration the client’s budget. We educate them and give them the best advice on what to include. There are so many areas in green building. You can’t do everything,” Price said.

Price said that often clients will upgrade something like their insulation for comfort reasons or to save money on heating and air-conditioning, but that choice also impacts the environment in a positive way.

“Financial savings and environmental reasons can go hand in hand,” Price said.

Bringing natural daylight into interior spaces is one key way to save energy. By orienting the building to take advantage of sunlight, prevailing breezes and shading from the sun, a structure will have better light and air quality, and use less energy.

Batir’s designs use solar panels and geothermal technology. Price emphasizes that the architect can help clients understand where their money is best spent.

“We understand how to put the puzzle together to best meet their needs,” she said. “ We can rein in the project, so to speak, and are better informed about practices. We work with the client to determine the payback on things like solar panels or geothermal heat systems.”

Often, remodeling existing structures is more “green” than building new ones. Price said that the architect can build in features that update the building for longer, more efficient use.

Batir focuses its designs for clients in the western suburbs. It designed the Hawthorne Nature Center, the Lord of Life Church, Bartlett Vision Center and residences in the area.

“I saw 10 to 15 years ago, before ‘green’ was cool, that I wanted to live with a little lighter footprint in my own life. Then I thought, ‘Why not try it in building?’” Price said.

Illustration: Paul Munsen, president of Sun Ovens International, examines some of his ovens at his factory in Elburn. Sun ovens provide an alternative to conventional cooking here and in other countries where fuel is scarce and expensive. Photo Illustration by John DiDonna

“You have got to have a variety of elements. One feeds off the other,” Maple Park Village President Ross Dueringer said.

MP wants manufacturing jobs
Industry would be great for Maple Park, Dueringer said. But he does not foresee it coming in the near future.

“We have been open to listening to any light industry, but haven’t been approached by anyone. Unfortunately, the last few years, everything has been at a standstill.”

The village lost one longtime company that was located on County Line Road just north of Route 47, a business that made steel shelving, when it moved to Aurora, Dueringer said.

An industrial park was proposed for Pritchard Road about two years ago, but the village could not agree with the developer about annexation terms, Dueringer said.

With industry in town, residents could work locally, and the village would gain property taxes with the new growth without burdening schools like residential development does, Dueringer said.

Dueringer believes industry could attract more retail to the village, too.

SG is industrious
Sugar Grove officials in recent years have been committed to boosting industrial growth in the village. The reason is to increase the number of local jobs, which starts a positive chain reaction, said Perry Clark, former Economic Development Corporation director in Sugar Grove.

“Jobs drive population, and a larger population attracts retail businesses,” Clark said.

Sugar Grove currently has two general locations with industry. One is the 110-acre Waubonsee Corporate Center at Heartland Drive and Route 47, and the other is at Route 30 and Dugan Road.

Until a few years ago, the business park at Heartland and Route 47 was struggling, with just a 30 percent occupancy.

Through the efforts of the village and the EDC, including business incentives and recruitment, the park was redeveloped and renovated, and since has grown to house about 50 companies.

“It used to be a dilapidated, run-down industrial park. We got a lot of complaints from residents about it,” Clark said. “Over a two-year span we grew that industrial park to what it is today.”

The Route 30 and Dugan Road area, comprising 130 acres, also has about 50 businesses. Most are light-industrial companies, Village Planner Mike Ferencak said.

Sugar Grove’s comprehensive land-use plan features other areas village officials want developed partly as industrial property. Those are along both sides of Interstate 88 east of Route 47, and around the Aurora Municipal Airport on West Route 30, Ferencak said.

With the goal of drawing even more industry to Sugar Grove, the village is extending Municipal Drive north of Route 30 and extending Galena Boulevard west to meet it. With that improvement, village officials hope Sugar Grove attracts more large companies like HondaJet, which recently decided to locate its Midwest operations at the Aurora Municipal Airport.

Kaneville has first industry
The first industrial company in Kaneville opened in 2008, Linear Kinetics, which produces customized automation systems such as computer-based robotics for manufacturers.

It is the only industry in Kaneville, but village officials would like their town to have more, and so would Kaneville residents, based on their responses to a survey by the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission, formed after the town incorporated in 2006, asked residents what type of development they wanted in Kaneville. About 55 percent of respondents said that industrial and commercial development were important to them, Village President Bob Rodney said.

But they want limited, light-industrial expansion.

“Residents have indicated they don’t want to turn (Kaneville) into a big manufacturing complex,” Rodney said.

Luring additional industry to Kaneville will not be easy, because the village does not have the resources to supply water or sanitary sewer connections, Planning Commission Chairman Joe White said.

White said Planning Commissioners will talk in the coming months to the village’s development consultant about what areas to designate for industry in the new comprehensive plan.

If Kaneville is able to attract industrial companies in the future, the location the village likely will steer them to is along the proposed Prairie Parkway route, in the proximity of the gravel pits, White said. In preliminary discussions about industrial growth, village officials said they did not think industry would be a good fit elsewhere, near residential neighborhoods.

Elburn ready for more
The village of Elburn also welcomes industrial growth, promoting the town’s business centers and buildings on its website, www.elburn.il.us. There, it lists several industrial parks located in Elburn with space still available, either ready to occupy or to build.

One of those is the 12-lot Welch Creek Business Center just north of Keslinger Road on Stover Drive and Herra Street, built in 2006. Its developer, Drew Frasz, said Welch Creek currently has just two vacancies. Others include Columbine Industrial Park, in the area of Keslinger and Thryselius Drive, and Keystone Industrial Park, on Dempsey, Hicks and Paul streets.

Among the many businesses located in these parks are auto repair shops, including the new Boyce Auto Werks in Keystone, custom machining firms, filtration specialists and window and lighting companies.

In addition to the business parks in Elburn, several buildings offering industrial space are located at scattered sites in the village, such as 724 Hicks Drive and 747 Herra St.

The village does not plan unlimited industrial growth, but its comprehensive land-use plan does designate additional land for business parks including a large, undeveloped swath along Keslinger south of Route 47. Village Administrator David Morrison said it already is zoned for manufacturing and commercial use, so a future industrial developer will not have to obtain a zoning change.

“It’s what we call ready to go,” Morrison said.

Village officials made sure four years ago that Welch Creek had manufacturing and commercial zoning, too, rather than a special use.

“That really expediates development,” Morrison said.

Did you know …
about these two local companies that provide products and services to the U.S. military?

Hy-Tek Manufacturing Inc.
1998 Bucktail Lane
Sugar Grove
Hy-Tek Manufacturing Co. Inc. designs and produces specialized products for industrial, commercial and government markets. Clients that Hy-Tek has provided engineering or manufacturing services to include the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and NASA. Among Hy-Tek’s products is an explosion-resistant design for military applications of its computers.

Controlled Force
609 Thryselius Drive
Elburn
Controlled Force provides anti-terrorism tactical training programs that teach techniques to police and government agencies for how to respond to personal, physical threats. Its clients include the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Security Forces. The company’s products include Freddy S.T.A.T., a simulation tactical advanced trainer.

Chambers of commerce
Elburn and Sugar Grove each have a chamber of commerce that serves its business community. The Elburn chamber’s mission, similar to that of Sugar Grove’s, is to promote economic development, strengthen the business climate and improve the quality of life in the area.

Each chamber has leads groups, through which members network to share business opportunities and referrals. Members are encouraged to promote each other’s businesses and utilize each other’s services whenever possible.

The chambers sponsor events within the community, such as Elburn’s Day in the Park and the Sugar Grove Farmer’s Market. Both groups hold an annual golf outing. They sponsor grand openings to announce the presence of new businesses to the community.

The chambers also provide exposure for their members through their mailing lists and websites. Sugar Grove Chamber Board President George Silfugarian said the Sugar Grove Chamber recently set up a new website that provides its members more functionality and opportunities for advertising. Silfugarian is a certified financial planner with Financial Security Group, Inc.

Businesses also enjoy visibility when their members participate in chamber activities within the community.

“People get what they give,” Elburn Chamber Board President Bill Brauer said. Brauer, president of the American Bank and Trust on Main Street, has been involved in many of the chamber’s activities. “When you get more involved, you’re more visible in the community.”

Predominantly a volunteer organization, the Sugar Grove chamber recently hired its first employee, executive director Shari Baum. Two years ago, the Elburn chamber hired its first office administrator.

Both groups have seen significant membership growth in the last five years. Elburn’s chamber grew from 130 members to 189 at the end of 2008. Sugar Grove’s is currently at 160 members, up from 50 five years ago.

For more information, visit www.elburn.com or www.sugargrove-chamber.org.

Economic Development Corporation
Sugar Grove created the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in 2003. Its purpose was to work with existing businesses to help them thrive and grow and promote the village to other businesses as a good place to locate their operations.

The EDC is a combined initiative between the village of Sugar Grove and local businesses. However, it is a private entity, not a governmental unit. The distinction has allowed businesses to explore options for locating within the community without the initial publicity.

The organization started out with five founding member businesses, and hired former Sugar Grove trustee Perry Clark as executive director at the end of 2003. Three years later, membership consisted of 37 businesses.

During his tenure, Clark and other village officials marketed the village of Sugar Grove to potential industries and other businesses and attended the International Council of Shopping Centers to promote the village to retailers.

EDC membership grew until the recent downturn in the economy led to a decrease in its size and budget. Clark resigned from his leadership position in August 2008 to run for village president, and the organization found it did not have adequate funding for a full-time replacement.

According to Village President Sean Michels, the EDC has been put into hibernation mode until the economy begins to pick up again.

Illinois Small Business Development Center Waubonsee Community College
Funded by the Small Business Association, WCC’s Small Business Development Center provides advice and resources to entrepreneurs considering starting a business, as well as help for existing businesses. Center coordinator and business consultant Harriet Parker said the clients she sees are about equally split between start-ups and existing businesses.

Created in the mid-1990s, Parker said the SMDC at Waubonsee is part of a national network of organizations. Parker, who took over the SMDC in 2006, has 20 years of hands-on management experience with four different start-up companies in the software and high-tech industries.

Clients are often referred to the center through a bank, after they have applied for financing. Parker works with individuals to create a business plan, help them qualify for financing and show them how to complete all the documentation to incorporate a business.

Parker helps current business owners with growth strategies and expansion plans, marketing ideas and in developing the infrastructure necessary to grow to the next level.

She works one-on-one with individuals, and the center also offers classes on topics such as business record keeping and taxes, break-even analysis and how to buy a franchise.

The resources she provides include market research data, competitive analysis and due diligence on a company an individual is looking to acquire, among others. She added that she often connects clients with others who can help them.

“I’m not the expert on everything, but I know a lot of people who are,” she said.

Since Parker came to the center in 2006, she has helped with 48 business starts, the creation of 163 jobs and the retention of 153 jobs. The clients she has advised have received $2.7 million in bank financing.

“I think we’re under-appreciated for the economic impact we have on the area,” she said. “The U.S. economy is the world’s largest. Small businesses in the U.S. make up the world’s second largest economy.

More information about the center is available on the college’s website at www.waubonsee.edu or by calling (630) 906-4143. Parker’s e-mail address is hparker@waubonsee.edu.

Ask someone what progress means to them, and most will include the concept of “moving forward” and/or making things better in some way.

Progress as improvement
For many local residents, the concept of growth and development comes to mind when they think of progress. Some, such as Maple Park resident Julie Bauman, pre-school teacher at the Kaneville Child Community Center, see progress as furthering economic development for the surrounding areas, especially in these tough financial times.

Elburn resident Cathy Shaver said progress means making her life easier. Having a Jewel-Osco in town does that for her. She counts improvements in technology, such as cars with navigation tools, as examples of progress that help to improve people’s quality of life.

Mechanical improvements that make life easier, as well as medical discoveries that make everyone healthier, come to mind for Elburn resident Margaret Ritchie.

Sugar Grove veterinarian Craig Zabel said his definition of progress is similar to one he heard recently for success: getting closer to something one thinks is important or to a type of lifestyle one thinks is desirable.

Being a business owner in town, Zabel said he enjoys seeing growth as a sign of progress. On the other hand, he likes the small-town atmosphere that exists in Sugar Grove. Still, when he sees a development going up, he can’t help but wonder if the new residents have pets.

More services for the community mean progress for people such as Sugar Grove resident Rebecca Fritz. Additional offerings through the Park District, services for the elderly, computer services and other resources offered by the library would be progress for her.

Kaneville Library Director Ray Christiansen said he considers improving what is already in the community or an organization as progress. He said progress at the Kaneville Public Library is making sure that the services are up-to-date, with the newest books, better automation, more computers and on-line services.

Progress as a negative
Some people, such as Maple Park resident Heidi Espino, have a negative reaction when they think of progress.

“Progress means more traffic, more stores, more people,” she said. “I like things plain and simple; that’s why we moved out here.”

Espino said she and her family keep trying to stay ahead of progress. They moved to Maple Park from Geneva 15 years ago.

“Then again, I love the progress in Elburn,” she said. “I love the new library, the McDonald’s and the Jewel.”

When Kaneville resident and Hill’s Country Store owner Pat Hill thinks of progress, she thinks of highways, tons of houses, shopping centers and supermarkets, more clutter, more cars and more trouble.

Hill said she moved to Kaneville to get away from what she saw as the negative effects of progress in West Chicago. She said she does not even like driving on Randall Road because everyone is rushing to get somewhere. She said she can’t wait to get back to the slower pace in Kaneville.

“Everybody has to have a Wal-Mart in their back yard,” she said. “Everybody’s on top of each other and you can’t breathe. I found a happy place and I’m content.”

Progress as emotional growth
Several people said they think of progress in emotional, spiritual or moral terms.

Robert Allen Beauty Salon owner Allen Robert said he sees progress as a common goal that a community, family or other group of people work toward together. For example, he said a family might have goals around religious or personal moral issues.

Steel worker David Baie, who is working on the new Kaneland middle school building on Harter Road, said he sees moving in the direction of equality for women and minorities a sign of progress.

To Elburn librarian Liz Graves, progress would mean that millions of people would not be starving in Sudan and everyone would have a better quality of life, not just those with money. For her, progress is not about having better technology.

“Progress would be if we weren’t so selfish with everything we have and want,” she said.

Compare that phenomenon to Geneva or DeKalb—towns with vital, active downtowns. What do they have that the Kaneland area doesn’t?

“We created a task force from all facets of the community: businesses, schools, the university, the park district, the hospital. It involved year-long planning to come up with a comprehensive plan to revitalize downtown,” said Jennifer Groce, Executive Director of Re: New DeKalb.

Re: New DeKalb is a private-public partnership dedicated to downtown economic development and revitalization. Former DeKalb mayor Frank Van Buer (deceased) created the program as part of a master plan to make DeKalb a better place to live, work and do business.

The program expands on the Main Street concept developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Main Street recognizes that a vital downtown is the heart of a successful town.

Started by volunteers and supported by grass roots organizations, Re: New DeKalb required community buy-in and support in order to implement, Groce said. The City Council passed the plan in January 2007.

“We hit the ground running,” Groce said. “We had had eight different revitalization plans since the 1960s, but none of them were comprehensive. We had this feeling that if we don’t do it this time, it’s not going to happen. This is the moment to do it.”

Previous plans had taken one aspect of improvement at a time. One tried to improve the streetscape, another to attract businesses, but none were comprehensive.

According to Dolores Palma in her publication, “Downtown Revitalization Myths,” the first misconception is that if a town improves the sidewalks, landscaping, facades or physical features, the downtown will be revitalized.

“These don’t work in isolation, the entire enhancement effort must be market-driven, rather than physically driven,” Palma writes.

The DeKalb group listened to feedback from the community about what it wanted. In response, they have put in better lighting and reversed the 1970s urban renewal that covered green spaces with concrete by adding trees and landscaping.

“We recognized that we are on a state highway and that we have high traffic. We sought to soften and enhance the pedestrian experience,” Groce said. “We also heard that we needed to address or demolish some eyesores that had been there too long. We did all this while still keeping our historic core.”

Geneva also has a strategic plan to maintain and enhance its downtown. In order to keep the downtown business district’s people-friendly environment, it focused on festivals that draw people downtown and keeping businesses open later and on Sundays. The city chose to keep the Post Office, library and court center in the downtown business district. It keeps the streets and sidewalks pedestrian-friendly and provides a range of housing opportunities, so residents can walk to businesses and services.

Geneva also plans to keep its eclectic and vital business community through a downtown business retention program and a marketing program that encourage a diversity of goods and services.

The Main Street Approach is being applied in both these communities. The approach rests on eight principles of success:
• Comprehensive Approach—No single focus can revitalize a downtown.
• Incremental Changes—Revitalization begins with simple activities and tackles increasingly more complex problems and projects.
• Self-Help—Local leaders must have the will and desire to mobilize local resources and talent.
• Partnerships—Both public and private sectors must work together to achieve common goals.
• Identify and Capitalize on Existing Assests—Capitalize on what makes your downtown unique.
• Quality—Shoe-string budgets reinforce negative images. Choose quality over quantity.
• Change—Better business practices and altered ways of thinking help shift public perceptions.
• Implementation—Show visible results that come from completing projects.

For more information, contact www.mainstreet.org.

By working with other entities such as developers, the state, county or federal government, and having a plan in place when the money becomes available, a municipality can exercise some control over the necessary road improvements.

Planning ahead for road maintenance precludes the need for more expensive repair down the road. Funding plays a major role in the ability of a village, township or county to accomplish this, as well.

Elburn
The most significant recent transportation development in the Elburn area has been the extension of the Metra train line west to the village. With an average of 250 to 300 cars per day in the parking lot, the station has exceeded everyone’s expectations, Elburn Village President Jim Willey said.

Elburn Village Administrator Dave Morrison said Metra has requested federal funds to assist with an expansion of the parking lot to accommodate at least another 300 cars. This project should take place in 2009 or 2010.

Willey said the village is actively working with Sho-Deen developers on plans to build around the train station. The biggest hurdle is funding for the expansion of Elburn’s wastewater treatment plant to accommodate the growth.

Willey said it was good to have commercial projects in place at the intersection of Routes 47 and 38 when the recession hit. With Walgreens going up on the northeast corner, there is additional significant business rental opportunity within the Prairie Valley North commercial development where Walgreens is located.

He said the state has plans for a pedestrian signal at the intersection to allow for safe crossing across Route 38 from McDonald’s to the new development. Development of the northwest corner will happen more slowly.

According to Willey, Kane County reports that the exponential increase in traffic counts on Route 47 has begun to level out with the slow-down of the economy. Construction of the Anderson Street overpass, still a county priority, should serve as a functional bypass for local and regional traffic, mitigating some of the excess on Route 47.

Grobmar Investments, LLC, has plans for a multi-tenant retail development at the northwest corner of Keslinger and Route 47, Morrison said. According to Willey, Elburn is working with the Kane County Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for future road improvements in that area.

“However, the cemetery will always be an issue for that corner,” Willey said. “It’s not going anywhere.”

He said there are no solid proposals for the southwest and southeast corners of the intersection.

“A full interchange at I-88 and Route 47 would really benefit Elburn,” Willey said. “Residents have to take a circuitous route to go east on 88.”

Sugar Grove
Sugar Grove is currently extending Municipal Drive north of Route 30 and extending Galena Boulevard west to meet it. Village President Sean Michels said he feels these extensions are important for future commercial and business park development in Sugar Grove. The Municipal Drive extension has proved useful in enticing HondaJet to locate its Midwest operations at the Aurora Municipal Airport.

The village added its own financing to $4 million in funding obtained from the federal government to accomplish these projects.

The roads will provide access for 150 acres of retail development on the southwest side of Route 47 and Galena Boulevard. Plans for extending Municipal Drive farther north to Wheeler Road will facilitate commercial development at the as-yet-undeveloped 180-acre business park, High Pointe Center.

A feasibility study for a full intersection at Interstate 88 and Route 47 is currently under way with funding from the Crown Community Development, the village of Sugar Grove and other property owners in the area. Several years ago, Crown Development proposed a 790-acre mixed-use development around the intersection of Route 47 and Interstate 88 that would benefit from a full interchange there.

Michels said identifying future funding sources such as the Illinois Tollway Highway Authority, developers and IDOT, will be necessary to move the project forward.

Road improvements are scheduled for this spring at Bliss and Merrill roads to make the intersection safer. Blind spots on the road have become more hazardous, as development in the area has led to an increase in traffic. The funding will come from fees collected through Kane County’s recently implemented transportation impact fees.

Michels said the construction of bridges over the Burlington Railroad tracks at Gordon Road and Municipal Drive south of Route 30 would provide alternate routes to Route 47, relieving some of the traffic along the road in that area. The village currently does not have a funding source to accomplish these projects.

Sugar Grove will use more than $1 million of Local Agency Pavement Preservation (LAPP) money for two major overlays at Wheeler and Norris roads. The village will pay $300,000 toward the project, using road impact fees collected from developers. Michels said the village has been able to regularly provide maintenance on village roads and reviews its maintenance plans on a continual basis.

Michels said he thinks the Prairie Parkway will provide an economic benefit to the village, with the Route 30 interchange allowing for easy access.

“Transportation is key to our economic future and our quality of life,” Michels said.

Maple Park
Maple Park recently conducted a transportation study to determine what roads and road improvements were needed to handle increased traffic associated with new residential development. Although development of the John Claire Homes and Grand Pointe Homes projects are both currently on hold, trustee Terry Borg said that once the economy bounces back, progress on these projects and the road improvements will resume.

Two years ago, the village resurfaced selected roads in the old part of the town. With emergency funding, the village built up Main, Elm and Willow streets using crushed rock. With the help of a Kane County Community Development Block Grant, the village rebuilt several sidewalks on the south side of town.

Kaneville
Village President Bob Rodney said Kaneville does not have any road projects planned within the village in the near future. Kaneville Township Road Commissioner Denny Long said the township and village blacktopped most of the roads in the area a few years ago, so they are in fairly good shape.

“We haven’t got the money to consider any improvements for now,” Rodney said.

Regional
IDOT engineer Rick Powell said he is hopeful that the study to widen Route 47 between Yorkville and Sugar Grove will take place this year. This is in addition to the stretch of Route 47 from Interstate 80 to Caton Farm Road that will be widened to four lanes as a part of the Prairie Parkway project.

The Prairie Parkway project, a 35-mile north-south highway to connect Interstate 80 to Interstate 88, received federal approval in September 2008 after a process that lasted seven years.

IDOT is currently purchasing land in the corridor where the road will be built. Powell said 2,600 acres will be needed for the highway, as well as to widen the 12 miles of Route 47 from Caton Farm Road to I-80. As of January 2009, IDOT acquired approximately 250 acres of the land needed.

Construction could begin on the road as early as 2010. The first stretch of road that will be built is the 11 miles between routes 71 and 34, with the next priority between routes 34 and 30.

IDOT has $16 million for the Prairie Parkway project in the highway program budget for 2009, with $72 million set aside for 2010-14.

“We keep receiving money to keep moving forward,” Powell said.

Photo: With a parking lot full of cars, the Elburn Metra station is one of the most significant additions to area transportation in recent years. File Photo

Sugar Grove
There was a time when the village of Sugar Grove issued 200 building permits in one year. In 2008, it issued 24 permits. In the past, the village saw a rise in single-family homes, with several subdivisions being developed.

“Growth wasn’t as hot and heavy as in other suburbs,” Community Development Director Rich Young said. “ But for our relative size, we saw a lot of growth.”

One large subdivision, Settler’s Ridge, finished 117 homes with 100 lots ready to be built on and land ready to be developed. With the reversal in the economy and housing market, houses are not being built at nearly the same rate.

“Growth has fallen off significantly,” Young said. “They predict that 2009 will not be much better than 2008.”

Although three developments are still active, two that were approved but never annexed have either decided not to go forward or declared bankruptcy.

Young said that Sugar Grove has seen some activity in commercial building, with builders showing interest in future development. Still, office and commercial buildings sit empty.
The village is working with local commercial brokers to promote the village both regionally and nationally.

“We’re trying to be proactive on a limited budget,” Young said. “We should see growth ramp back up slowly and hope by the end of the calendar year of 2010 to see it start to return.”

Maple Park
For a village of 750 people, the influx of a possible 3,000 homes in two major subdivisions would change the small town of Maple Park. The village set in motion plans to improve the town well, and build a new water tower and wastewater treatment plant with the money it would receive from the developers.

In addition, the village approved two strip malls on the southwestern and northeastern corners of the intersection of Route 38 and County Line Road.

All that has come to a halt.

“With no impact fees, we’re left hanging,” said village Financial Committee Chairman Kathy Curtis. “We’re running the town on taxpayers’ money.”
For now, the village plans to paint the old water tower and apply for grants to help the aging infrastructure.

As the economy improves, so will bond prices. When that happens, Curtis said, it will be one year for developers to be able to make the improvements the town has counted on.
“It will take 10 years for us to build out,” Curtis said. “We’ll still be a small town for the next 20 years.”

Elburn
In the last five years, Elburn has seen several new commercial-manufacturing buildings and new commercial and industrial businesses. The surprising twist is that most of the new businesses came to town in 2008.

Community Development Director Erin Willrett lists 14 new businesses in 2008, including Walgreen’s, Fox Valley Driving School, Green Light Driving School, Boyce Body Werks, Munchie P’s and Good Call Plumbing Services.

In past years, there were not nearly as many new businesses. In 2003, two new businesses started in Elburn. In 2004, three businesses, Curves, Genoa Pizza and American Bank and Trust opened.

In 2005, five new businesses started, and in 2006, two, Elburn Auto Repair and Jewel, came to town. Five businesses opened in 2007, and by 2008, there were a total of 28 commercial and industrial businesses that had started in the previous five years.

Currently within the village, there are five industrial parks and one potential park for the future. In Keystone Industrial Park, 48 lots exist, and nine are vacant. In Welch Creek Business Park, 10 buildable lots exist with three vacancies.

Kaneville
Kaneville has a plan in place for growth in the village. It’s called the 2030 plan, and calls for not just growth for growth’s sake, but for smart growth. Its Planning Commission is working with Kane County to see what that means.

“We want smart growth,” village trustee and owner of Hill’s Country Store Pat Hill said. “We want a few businesses and a few houses.”

Hill said that a subdivision on Dauberman Road had been dug in, ready for roads to be put in, but now nothing is going on. Ten lots had been sold out of a possible 40, but now only two have been sold. The other buyers either got their money back or lost it.

With acres and acres of prime black-dirt farmland around, Hill said she finds it a shame to build on the best farm land or on wetlands. She enjoys the thrill of farmers bringing in the Indian arrowheads they have found while working up the land.

Photo: Kevin Cook’s Elburn Pack and Ship was just one of the new businesses to come to Elburn in the last year. Photo by Sarah Rivers

Fire protection
When Marty Kunkel became Sugar Grove Township Fire District Chief four years ago, the department had 30 paid on call and six full-time contracted firefighters. Now, the department has 26 full-time firefighters on staff, and 34 paid on call.

The department obtained a $1.3 million federal grant last year to hire more than 10 additional firefighters.

Sugar Grove Township Fire District was able to improve its services further in July 2008, stationing nine firefighters at the Oswego Fire Protection District station at 2200 Galena Road, off of Orchard Road.

“It allows us to better cover the southeast section of the township,” Kunkel said.
Kunkel said the department’s response time to the area is five to eight minutes now, compared to 10 to 12 minutes before.

The Sugar Grove Fire station on Municipal Drive and Route 30 currently services the entire Sugar Grove Township, an area of approximately 34 square miles and an estimated population of more than 15,000 people.

With the addition of a ladder truck in 2006, the Fire Department can provide better protection for multi-story buildings, like those found at Waubonsee Community College.

Another equipment improvement, upgrading the communications system, was done when the department was awarded a federal grant for the project two years ago.

“Now we have a wireless infrastructure for data and radio,” Kunkel said.

The Sugar Grove department built its fire station at 25 Municipal Drive in 2005.
Department officials want to build two more stations, in the west and southwest area of the township, to service future development. Station 2 is planned for a 2.5 acre site at 1650 Denny Road, and the district plans to build Station 3 on a yet-to-be-determined site in the southeast portion of the district.

The district’s ultimate goal is to have five more fire stations, in addition to the current site on Municipal Drive. Kunkel said there is a current need for a station in Montgomery, and district officials are looking for property around Jericho and Gordon roads.

Elburn and Countryside Fire District improved its services to the town’s south side in 2003, when it built a second station on Hughes Road. The other fire station is on North Street in downtown Elburn.

The district consists of three chief officers, a full-time fire prevention officer plan reviewer, 12 full-time firefighter/ paramedics and 45 part-time firefighter/paramedics, and one administrative assistant.

The district’s service area encompasses 75 square miles, including Elburn, Lily Lake, Virgil and the Mill Creek subdivision.

Ambulance
Ambulance service also improved locally. Maple Park started its own ambulance service in 2005 after a successful referendum, and several years ago, Kaneville contracted with Big Rock for ambulance service for $30,000 a year.

Police
The village of Kaneville improved its community policing by contracting with the Kane County Sheriff’s Department more than a year ago to provide extra patrols in the village. The move was in response to many residents’ complaints regarding speeding vehicles on Main Street and Harter Road during the morning and evening commute hours.

The extra patrols are performed by off-duty county officers, using official county vehicles. The county officers have, during the past year, issued many citations and warnings, according to Kaneville officials, who plan to continue contracting for these patrols to control drivers who disregard posted speed limit and stop signs.

The village of Elburn increased its Police Department manpower since Jim Linane was named police chief in 2001. When the village hired Linane, it had seven full-time and three part-time officers, compared to nine full-time and eight part-time officers now, plus a community service officer.

Expanding staff was necessary, since the village population has almost doubled, and calls for police service have gone from 6,400 a year to approximately 20,500, Linane said.

Linane’s goal when he was hired was to improve professionalism in the Police Department.

“Prior to me getting here, it was kind of a revolving door. The department could not hold on to experienced officers,” Linane said. “Officers would come to get experience and then leave; the problem I saw with that type of setup was that the officers tended to be more aggressive and generate more complaints.”

To restore the citizens’ faith in the Police Department, Linane hired an experienced group of officers who average 21 years of experience. He said this strategy has been successful; the department now receives very few citizen complaints regarding policing.

“We have a very low officer turnover now,” Linane said.

Other Elburn Police Department improvements during the past eight years include acquiring a better fleet of vehicles with uniform equipment and installation, Linane said.

“The cars that were here when I got here were poorly equipped and had a lot of miles on them,” Linane said.

The department purchased a community service truck for its new community service officer, and began using older vehicles for secondary use, including administrative take-home cars.

The village a few years ago, obtained a grant from the federal Bullet-Proof Vest Program. The money paid half of the expense of bullet-proof vests for Elburn officers, which cost $600 apiece.

Since 2001, the village has equipped its squad cars and station with upgraded radios and computers. The Police Department also improved its firing range on Thyrisileus Road.

“We doubled the size of it and added the firing range building,” Linane said.

The village relied on donated manpower for the project, including local Boy Scouts for the landscaping.

Elburn Police Department now has a Bike Patrol Program, training three officers to provide police presence in places that are not accessible to squad cars, such as park festivals and other special events.

In March, the Police Department will kick off its Citizens Emergency Response Team, which will utilize volunteers to help keep the community safe.

Also in the future, Elburn may enlarge its police station at the current municipal complex, 301 E. North St., if needed.

The approximate cost of the project, which also would include a larger village hall, is between $21 million to $23.3 million, an estimate that could rise 4 to 6 percent each year, a consultant told the Village Board several months ago.

“We are very cramped for space, not just in square footage but function,” Linane said. “Our station is approximately 1,400 square feet and should be approximately 5,000 square feet for current staffing.

The village would pay for the municipal complex expansion with future development impact fees. Trustees are not planning the project for the near future; however, they want to be prepared if population growth leads to a municipal space shortage.

In the future, Linane will work toward expanding the department’s specialties, including investigations, he said. He also wants to start a Citizens Police Academy, featuring classes and speakers about how Police Department and law enforcement work.

“Citizens will be able to get a better understanding of what the police do,” Linane said. “Most people don’t come in contact to the Police Department. We’re kind of a mystery to them.”

Streets and sewers
Elburn in recent years has replaced several million dollars worth of streets and sidewalks and village officials plan to continue annual improvements. Village President Jim Willey said upgrading Elburn’s worn-out streets was a priority for his administration when he took office 12 years ago.

In Sugar Grove, village officials hope to obtain financing from future developers for a tollway on-ramp from Route 47. The village would first conduct a feasibility study for the project, a $196,000 expense that also will require developer donations. The interchange currently only allows for traffic to access I-88 going west and does not provide an on-ramp to travel east. Residents from north of Sugar Grove must travel south on Route 47 to Route 56, or east to Orchard Road, to access the tollway heading east.

In September 2008, the Federal Highway Administration approved a controversial local road project—the installation of a north-south highway called Prairie Parkway, designed to provide an alternative route for some Route 47 traffic.

Prairie Parkway will extend from I-88 near Kaneville, south to I-80 west of Mokena.

With the federal approval, the state may use about $182 million in federal road funds to begin work on the first five-mile stretch of Prairie Parkway. Further construction will depend on availability of additional funds. The Illinois Department of Transportation has yet to announce when it will begin the first construction phase.

Taking place in conjunction with the Prairie Parkway project will be the state’s widening of Route 47 from I-80 to Caton Farm Road. Sugar Grove officials, including Village President Sean Michels, want the widening to prevent future traffic congestion on this major thoroughfare.

Another planned road project designed to improve traffic flow through Sugar Grove will take place possibly as soon as this summer. The village project will extend Municipal Drive and Galena Boulevard from Route 47 west to Route 30. The village received $3.5 million from the federal government for the project.

The road extensions are among projects identified in Sugar Grove’s Transportation Plan for future area transportation needs. Currently, there is no north-south collector road to the west of Illinois Route 47 within the Village. The extensions of Municipal Drive to Galena Boulevard will not only achieve traffic relief in the area but spur economic development within Sugar Grove, village officials said.

As part of the project, the village will extend water and sewer infrastructure along these roads to the site of the new Kaneland Middle School currently under construction on Harter Road.

Wastewater treatment
Elburn’s wastewater treatment plant on Thryselius Drive already is at capacity, village officials said. If Kirk Homes and Sho-Deen Inc. proceed with their developments, the town’s population of nearly 4,800 could triple, necessitating an expansion of the wasterwater treatment plant. The Village Board decided two years ago to require the developers to pay for the future project, which will double the plant’s wastewater capacity at a cost of $14 million. Kirk intends to build about 900 homes just west of Route 47 on the north and south sides of Route 38, and Sho-Deen is planning a 3,000-home development on the east side of Elburn, between Route 38 and Keslinger Road.

In Sugar Grove, the village has initiated a new in-house sanitary sewer preventative maintenance program to further Fox Metro’s work in treating wastewater in Sugar Grove so that it can safely be returned to the environment.

That was the question posed to random and not-so-random people on the street and in the businesses of Kaneville, Maple Park, Sugar Grove and Elburn.

In a nut shell, people want their towns to be liveable, with conveniences and amenities that make life easier.

Elburn residents are looking for ways to keep the downtown vital and connected.

With Elburn part of the commuter railroad line into Chicago, Elburn resident Richard Andrzejewski would like to see better access from the train station to downtown.

“I would like access from downtown to the train, just to open it up for getting in and out,” Adrzejewski said. “It would bring more visitors to Elburn from other towns that are on the train line, too.”

Downtown Elburn is the place Peggy McCann, who has lived in the village for two years, would like to see full of stores. She and her husband patronize as many local businesses as they can, going to Ream’s Meat Market and Dave’s Barbershop, both located on Main Street (Route 47).

“I would like to see all the stores occupied downtown. Because we patronize the community, we like to shop downtown Elburn rather than anywhere else,” McCann said.

She likes the idea of having multiple stores open in downtown locations, like when Gliddon’s Drugs and the Grocery Store were both downtown, or when Sears opened in the former Grocery Store location.

“We really like it here. We’d just like to see other stores occupied. It would help out the economy and everything else,” McCann said.

A few more services in Kaneville are what Pat Hill of Hill’s Country Store would like to see.

While she knows that many people in the town would like to see a gas station, for her, the convenience store that goes along with a gas station would not be good for business.

“We need a gas station eventually; it’s inevitable,” Hill said. “But it would kill my business.”

Hill said she would like to see a pizza place instead. She also envisions an antique store and a doctor or dentist office.

“That would be very good revenue for the town, bringing people in,” Hill said.

Those polled in Maple Park said they would like to see a rejuvenation and revitalization of the town.

Librarian Suki Blake would like to see more businesses in downtown that would keep Maple Park from becoming a “bedroom community” where people sleep, but work and purchase goods in other places.

“I would like to see more community-friendly businesses so that the essence of small-town does not change in Maple Park, but that there is more offered so that people who are here will stay,” Blake said.

Blake said that little restaurants and cottage industries could survive. She doesn’t see the need for big box stores.

“We don’t need a Wal-Mart in Maple Park. There are two or three shopping centers very close by,” Blake said.

She added that an organized Park District would be a way to bring jobs to town.

Village trustee Kathy Curtis sees infrastructure repair as the key element in rejuvenating the town.

“We need to aggressively pursue revenue streams to upgrade, maintain and repair our infrastructure,” Curtis said.

She said that by repairing the streets, sidewalks, water and sewer, it not only would prevent further flooding like that which devastated the town in the fall, but would also improve the look of the town.

Curtis said two strip mall projects are approved for the southwest and northeast corners of Route 38 and County Line Road. She would like to see those fill with commercial businesses.

Residents in Sugar Grove want the convenience and tax break relief that commercial development would bring.

“I would like to see a lot more commercial coming in here to help alleviate some of the taxes,” Beth Blake of Sugar Grove said. “We’ve got residential here; now we need to get more business.”

Dunkin Donuts sounds good to her. She believes that spending her retail dollars in Sugar Grove is better than going into Geneva, Batavia or Aurora. She doesn’t want retail in the downtown area because it is residential and doesn’t “want it in her backyard, either.” She sees the acres of land farmed by local farmers as appropriate for industrial and commercial development.

“They want to try to keep it quaint, but this isn’t going to be a quaint farmer’s town anymore,” Blake said. “We’ve certainly got a lot of raw farmland around here.”

The Smiths, who moved to Sugar Grove from Hinckley, want the convenience of a lumberyard or a discount store.

“At our age, we want convenience. Quaint little shops are just way too much money,” Wendy Smith said. “But we’re really glad they’re building a new library.”

For James Mullet, he wants just two things.

“I want them to fix the potholes and get more books in the library,” Mullet said.