Marines Host Toys for Tots at Tom & Eddie’s One Year Birthday Party

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva location opened a year ago, and to celebrate the one-year milestone, there will be an all-day party from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the restaurant, 1042 Commons Drive, Geneva, IL. The day includes free birthday cake for customers, and face painting for children. Also, a basket of Tom & Eddie’s items will be raffled.

The United States Marine Corps is hosting Toys for Tots at Tom & Eddie’s. Anyone who brings in a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl will receive a free mini milkshake.

Toys for tots began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. To date, more than 400 million toys have been distributed to more than 188 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas.

“Tom & Eddie’s has had a great first year in Geneva,” said Ed Rensi, co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s, “so we feel privileged to participate in Toys for Tots as a way to help Fox Valley families who may be struggling financially this year.”

Tom & Ed’s top priority was, and remains, taste and flavor from wholesome ingredients with a concentration on fresh and local. They have always committed themselves to working with as many local vendors as possible such as Chicago-based Turano Baking Co., Two Brothers Beer, Puckered Pickles, and Mustard Girl All Natural Mustard.

Tom & Ed’s priorities seem to be successful if judged by awards and recognition. In the last year Tom & Eddie’s has been voted Number One Burger in the Fox Valley by the readers of the Kane County Chronicle. The Blue Chip burger won Best Entrée at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce fundraiser titled “60 Men Who Cook.”

In addition, the Yin & Yang edamame burger was named one of Chicago Tribune’s favorite new veggie burgers by dining critics Phil Vettel and Lauren Viera. And most recently, Tom & Eddie’s was voted Best Fast Food Restaurant by readers of the Republican newspapers.

“Two things differentiate us,” Rensi said. “We focus on high quality ingredients with a strong emphasis on fresh and local. That’s one. The other is our hospitality. Frankly, the entire organization powers us up, and it’s energizing. It’s like having a party every day. I am reminded of the phrase: ‘The work of children is play; the play of adults is work.’”

Everyone is invited to share the celebration on Dec. 17. For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.

Marklund announces new CEO – Gil Fonger to lead nonprofit organization

Beginning Feb. 21, Gilbert Fonger of Gurnee assumes the leadership role as president and chief executive officer of Marklund. As CEO, he is responsible for the leadership and management of the organization.

“We’re very excited about Gil joining the Marklund family,” said Karen Golden, member of Marklund board of directors, “and we look forward to experiencing his vision as it shapes Marklund’s future.”

For the past 20 years, Fonger has served in a number of positions in the nonprofit field. He was the chief development officer at Little City Foundation in Palatine at which he oversaw all fundraising, marketing, communications and business development. Prior to Little City he held various positions with the YMCA of Metro Chicago and served as a pastor. Before entering the nonprofit field, he served as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fonger earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern in 2006. He also holds a master’s degree from Duke University and an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

He and his wife Paula have a daughter, Jacquelyn, with special needs, and a son, Kyle, who is in college.

For more information, call Vicki Krystof, director of development, at 630-593-5482 or visit: http://www.marklund.org/.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org/.

Scentimental Gardens Hosts Terrarium Garden Workshop

October 22, 2009
7:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Scentimental Gardens is excited to host another “How To” event!

Learn the techniques for a successful and thriving garden in glass. With a good selection of plants to choose from and accessories to personalize your terrarium, you will leave with an easy care indoor landscape. Bring your own glass container; the opening should be smaller than the container itself. All other supplies will be provided.

$34.00/person.

Oct. 22nd 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our Location:
Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

RSVP: 630-232-1303

Scentimental Gardens Hosts Autumn Centerpiece Workshop

October 8, 2009
7:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, IL is hosting a workshop!

Come celebrate the abundant harvest of the season with a tabletop arrangement. Your creation can include, dried hydrangeas, leaves and berries, faux floral and fruits. Bring your own container or we have many to choose from. Recommended size of opening, minimum 12″ and Maximum 20″ and garden pruners.

Oct. 8th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

$42.00/person.

RSVP at 630-232-1303. Space is limited.

Our location is:
Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

Geneva Entrepreneur Thankful for Hometown Heritage

Haastyle, an art business co-run by longtime Geneva resident Nate Winter, is making waves in Chicago with a bold artistic style and a new furniture line.

Chicago Social magazine’s August issue (available at news stands and fine Chicago retailers now) includes a feature article on the company in its “Radar Now!” section. The article explains Haastyle’s signature style of digital collage artwork and announces the launch of its new Furniture Art series.

Winter, who lived in Geneva from 1993 until 2004 during which time he attended Geneva Middle School and Marmion Academy for high school, runs the Chicago-based art business with graphic artist Nick Haas.

Although he now resides in Chicago, Winter’s Geneva roots remain very important to him. “There’s an strong network of Geneva people who continue to be very supportive of the art we’re creating through Haastyle,” says Winter. “Although Geneva is miles away, the bond of growing up there is as strong as ever.”

Follow Haastyle on facebook.

Color Me Mine presents special events for the month of June

Color Me Mine presents something special for every age this month!

Make special gifts for Dads and Grads.  Color Me Mine can share ideas and help you create that perfect gift.

PAINT ME A STORY-TEA PARTY
Tuesday June 16 • 10-11:30am

Children 2 to 7 years old will love the story and the beautiful illustrations of Miss Spider’s Tea Party. Juice and crackers will be served. $18 + tax-all inclusive. Make your reservations now.

PAINT ‘TIL YOU FAINT
Friday, June 19 • 9pm-Midnight

Are you a night owl? Paint from 9 pm to midnight, Friday June 19th. Special paint time rate of $5 with a minimum $10 pottery purchase.

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC PARTY
Wednesday June 24 • 6-9pm

Watch the movie and enjoy our snacks while you paint. Make it a special Ladies’ Night out. Bring your own beverages. We’ll provide the snacks. Prizes. $15 per person plus pottery.

ADVENTURES IN ART
begins June 22

Painting, clay work and crafts. Sign up for a day or a whole week. See our classes page or call for details. Sign up early for extra savings.

KIDS PIZZA PARTY
Friday, June 26

Paint a balloon bank or your favorite character from the movie “UP” on a piece of pottery. We’ll teach painting techniques, eat pizza, play games. Call to sign up now.

Color Me Mine Geneva
in Geneva Commons
1432 Commons Dr.
ph:  630.845.0043

www.geneva.colormemine.com

Kiss The Sky: Local Store with International Soul

Geneva’s Kiss The Sky record store was recently featured in GQ Magazine by best-selling rock-and-roll author, Dan Kennedy, in an article detailing the importance of the Independent Record Store in our culture, just as the 2nd Annual Record Store Day will be celebrated worldwide on Saturday, April 18.

After a lot of research, Kennedy chose Kiss The Sky as the representative for 700+ independently-owned record stores in America (and 300+ international) and spent two weeks working in the store, rolling up his sleeves alongside the owners and staff. He paints the picture that the once widespread independent record stores have gone away as a result of large retailers that only carry mainstream music. Kennedy writes, “But in Geneva, Illinois, Kiss The Sky is still here. In this tiny town, thirty-five miles outside Chicago, the neighborhood record store still lives. I’ve come here to remember what things were like before I started buying my music on a laptop; to remember what it’s like to kill a five-hour shift; to remember what it’s like to even be in a record store.”

When you enter Kiss The Sky, you are bombarded by new music, legendary artists, music DVD’s, bins of Vinyl and CD’s, pop culture, rock collectibles, T-shirts, posters, and all in an environment that allows you to browse, learn and often times discuss and debate your ideas on music. Steve Warrenfeltz and Mike Messerschmidt moved this gem from Batavia to downtown Geneva in November 2006. Since then they have continued to plant roots in the community, selflessly promoting the local live music scene, assisting in local charities and even sitting on the board for Aurora’s Blues Festival and summer concert series. As residents of Geneva, we are fortunate to have been put in the national spotlight by Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah, and now it’s rock-and-roll’s turn.

Realize that it’s not just the local and surrounding communities that make it a point to frequent Kiss The Sky, but people travel from all over the tri-state area to specifically shop there. Richard Milne, host of WXRT’s “Local Anesthetic” and “Regular Guy”, and owner of RANK Entertainment, has driven out from Chicago and spent time in this store, had this to say, “Kiss The Sky has all the earmarks of a great record store, the kind I used to spend way, way too much time and money in, both as a customer and employee.

Anybody who’s ever been seriously into music could easily spend hours and hours in a store like this. And should.”

Record Store Day was founded in 2008 to celebrate the unique culture that surrounds the remaining independently held record stores. The outpouring from recording artists and local communities around the country and world was outstanding for last year’s first Record Store Day. Metallica showed up, unannounced, to a record store in San Francisco, where they hung out with patrons and signed albums. This year so many recording artists have gone out of their way to support this event with special and exclusive releases to independent record stores, including new material from: Wilco, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Sonic Youth, Beck, The Decemberists, Radiohead and My Morning Jacket. Most recording artists will openly talk about how important record stores are to them as individuals, let alone to their careers.

This all happens every day around the world, across the country and in Geneva under the roof of Kiss The Sky. This is where you go in with or without expectations, soak it in, look at new and old music, initiate conversations and debates, and ask questions. Some days you’ll only leave with ideas, and others you’ll leave with two or three items from bands/artists that you might have never heard of, or haven’t heard in years.

Warrenfeltz and Messerschmidt will play hosts to an all-day party on Saturday, April 18. In addition to all of the Record Store Day new releases, Kiss The Sky will have special sales, live music, and food and drink for those who make a point to celebrate with them.

You don’t have to be a musician to love record stores; you simply have to love music.

Peter Lindenmeyer is co-owner of Weaver Partners and a member of indie rock band HOSS. He resides in Geneva with his wife, Darlette, and their two children, Grace and Grant.

This article first appeared in the April 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Above & Beyond

When I first met Renee Wood, we were sitting in small chairs in our first borns’ kindergarten class.

We’ve stayed in touch; and this summer while discussing drum sets, we talked about our kids and husbands and how to balance our hectic lives. That same week while at the dentist, I saw an article about Renee in Good Housekeeping Magazine. During our entire conversation she never mentioned it! Not a word! That is Renee Wood–funny, warm, modest and beautiful, inside and out.

Not only has Renee been featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, but she’s been a guest on “Oprah” as an incredible example of a woman achieving her dreams; and she was chosen as one of the 20 most promising women business owners by the Make Mine a Million $ Business program. The thing I love about Renee is that you would never know the powerful woman that she is.

Renee was working as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) social worker where she assisted families in dealing with the loss or pending loss of a child when she and her husband moved to Geneva. While caring for her four daughters, in her “spare” time, she began combining the experience of working as a NICU social worker and her business skills to start, The Comfort Company, Gift of Hope for Healing Hearts.
She designed her first piece of memorial jewelry after the unexpected death of her sister-in-law’s father. Unable to find a gift that expressed her feelings, Renee sketched a teardrop-shaped pendant. She then had the pendant manufactured and penned a verse to go along with it. The Comfort Company was off and running.

When I asked Renee how she balances a husband, four kids and her own business, in typical Renee fashion she said, “Balance is overrated and just a boring buzzword of our time. I think a more worthy goal—and one much more attainable—is simply to try to control the chaos.”

From “Oprah” to Good Housekeeping, you never know where this wonderful Geneva woman will turn up, but one thing is for sure–she won’t be the one to tell you!

This article first appeared in the October 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

“Rain Barrels on Parade” Marches In

Here’s a parade that wouldn’t mind being rained on.

The “Rain Barrels on Parade” campaign, organized by the Natural Resources Committee of Geneva, is drawing attention to water conservation in a new and artistic way. The committee sells 55-gallon rain barrels to local merchants, who then paint and decorate them and leave them outside their shop to collect rainwater. The barrels cost $75 each, and the purpose is to create awareness of the potential that rain barrels have to reduce water usage.

“Our main goal is to give people a better understanding of water conservation and show that rain barrels can be a part of that,” said Jay Womack, chairman of NRC and co-founder of the rain barrel campaign. “We want people to see that on a global scale with thousands of rain barrels, 55 gallons can really make a difference.”

Rain barrels allow rainwater to be recycled through simple tasks around the house such as watering the lawn Womack said. Plus, rainwater is free of chlorine and fluoride additives, making it cleaner and healthier for plants he added.

The campaign launched at last year’s Festival of the Vine, where 10 were sold. Since then, about 80 rain barrels have been sold, 25 on Earth Day alone.

“It’s really snowballed,” said Brad Koontz, vice chairman of NRC and co-founder of the rain barrel campaign. “Since Earth Day, people have been calling or e-mailing, reading about us in the newspaper. It’s something we always will have.”

There are more than 20 Geneva merchants participating in the “Rain Barrels on Parade” campaign, including Cocoon, State Street Jewelers and The Paper Merchant. While sales have been mostly aimed toward retailers so far, Womack and Koontz are considering expanding to more residences by next year.

“Rain Barrels on Parade” will return to Festival of the Vine this year where they will be featured in a live auction. Wine will be served, and decorated barrels will be auctioned off Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. outside The Paper Merchant. Proceeds will go to the NRC to be used on additional environmental projects.

For more information on the rain barrel campaign or to order a rain barrel, please contact Brad Koontz at koontzbr@yahoo.com.

Amanda is a journalism graduate student at the University of Illinois and assistant editor of eGeneva Magazine.

This article first appeared in the August 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.