Sycamore IL Digital Publication


Mayor Welcome

Welcome To Sycamore Our Home Town

We have become the home of some of the friendliest people you will ever encounter. Historic Sycamore was founded in the early 1800s and like many early settlements, its strength and success was dependent on people helping people.

The feeling of a strong community still exists in Sycamore today! I have asked many of our citizens what they like about Sycamore and one of the first responses I received is that they feel a part of a community that cares for each other.

Sycamore has seen constant growth and has been able to maintain the quaint small-town feeling that we all like and makes our Sycamore home. Our downtown of two blocks is always fully occupied with retailers, restaurants and activities. It is always exciting to see most of the parking spaces filled with cars and people coming and going as they enjoy life in Sycamore.

Sycamore is a diverse community. We have many service clubs, many faith groups, many youth sports activities, many parks and recreation programs, many Chamber of Commerce events and many volunteer opportunities.

Sycamore is our home, and we hope that you will come and join us to experience the place we call home!

Curt Lang
Mayor of Sycamore


Chamber Welcome

Where the passion of our business community and the spirit of our local organizations contribute to the vitality of our community every day.    

Our members are the most responsible, innovative, and conscientious business and professional people in DeKalb County. We accomplish collectively what no one business or professional can do alone.

Working together, we combine our expertise, energy, creativity, financial support, and passion to shape today’s business environment and positively influence our future.

By using this directory when looking for professional services and business products, you are directing your dollars to our member businesses, thereby fueling our local economy. In turn, the businesses that you support can continue their important work on behalf of our community.

We encourage you to support our members and remember to shop Sycamore Chamber Member Businesses.  These businesses are the heart of our community.

Please visit sycamorechamber.com or contact me at (815) 895-3456 to ask how to become involved in our strong, vibrant quality of life.  I guarantee your involvement in Sycamore will be the best experience you will ever have.

We hope you stay a while and enjoy our community!

RoseMarie M. Treml
Executive Director


Recreation

Family fun and activities for children abound in Sycamore where the emphasis is on helping build healthy minds and bodies.

Children as young as three months old are learning to swim at the Iddy Biddy Pool School, which features a pool designed for children. It’s been owned by Jeremy Stine since 2011.

The pool is a welcoming environment for young children and their parents. The temperature is maintained at 92 degrees and it is two-feet-seven-inches deep on the shallow end and four-feet-six-inches at its deepest.

While the school offers classes for children of all ages, its swimming classes for babies ages three to eight months are free. Parents accompany their children in the water.

“I’m not trying to become a millionaire,” Stine said. “I want to decrease the drowning rate in DeKalb County and help parents bond with their children.”

Stine said introducing children to water when they are just months old helps them develop their dive reflex in which they automatically learn to hold their breath under water.

Both the preschool and school-age classes have just four children per class in order to give little ones the best experience with the water.

“Our main priorities are safety, attention to detail and most importantly to have fun,” Stine said.

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that helps girls in third to eighth grades be active and build self-esteem.

GOTR has been serving girls in Sycamore since 2010 and this spring has 81 girls participating in Sycamore schools, and more than 170 in DeKalb County.

“We help them understand they are amazing just the way they are,” said Laurie Dayon, executive director.

The girls meet twice a week for 10 weeks to discuss such topics such as standing up for themselves and others, dealing with bullying and gossip, defeating negative self-talk and making healthy life choices. Girls learn to support one another instead of tearing one another down. They learn all these lessons while training for a 5K.

Dayon said training for the 5K teaches them to set and achieve goals. They can complete the 5K by moving their bodies any way they choose.

“They can run, walk, skip, jump or do cartwheels,” she said. “When they cross the finish line, they know they can do whatever it is they put their minds to. They can change the world.”

A popular place for family fun is the Sycamore Family Sports Center, which was founded in 1993. At this outdoor facility kids can practice their soccer skills, shoot basketballs like a pro or play an 18-hole mini golf course. Adults are invited to perfect their golf swings at any of 50 lighted golf bays. They can send those golf balls flying to hit the 275 yard back fence or one of the four greens placed at varying distances.

The center started with the golf driving range and batting cages, but has expanded over the years to feature a go-kart track, trampoline-basketball jump shot, soccer cages and mini-golf.

The center is a big draw for families who like the activities as well as the atmosphere.

“We’re family-run and the facility is clean. People appreciate that and they like that there is something for everyone to do,” said owner Joseph Manczko.

The center is always making improvements. In 2018 it added kiddie go-karts for those not yet ready for the big time.

The center is open from March through October and is a popular place for kids’ birthday parties.

The Kishwaukee Family YMCA is another place where kids have fun any day of the week. The Y kicks off the summer every year with a Healthy Kids Day that focuses on health and offers open swim, karate demonstrations, roller skating and other activities designed to get kids on the move.

The Kishwaukee Family Y serves more than 3,500 youth and more than 2,000 families a year. Its wide range of youth programming includes before and after school camps, summer camps, preschool programs, dance classes, basketball, hockey and swim lessons.

One of its unique programs is YMCA Youth & Government, a leadership development program for high school students who assume roles of legislators, attorneys, executive officials, lobbyists, press members and more. Students debate issues using the actual Illinois Capitol and Supreme Court facilities.

“The Kishwaukee Family YMCA is dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, families and communities,” said Heather Dunker, marketing and communications director. “Our programs are focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

Fun Recreation for Kids in Sycamore IL

Iddy Biddy Pool School
1715 DeKalb Ave. | Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 991-9162 | jeremy@swimibps.com

Kishwaukee Family YMCA
2500 W. Bethany Rd. | Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 756-9577 | hdunker@kishymca.org

Girls On The Run
111 Erick St., Ste. 115 | Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-893-0259 | debra.harris@girlsontherun.org

Sycamore Family Sports Center
725 E. State St. | Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-7407 | Sycamorefun.com

Sycamore RV Resort
375 E. North Ave. | Sycamore, IL 60178
815-895-5590 | Sycamorervresort.com

Kane County Fair
525 S. Randall Rd. | St. Charles, IL 60174
630-584-6926 | Kanecountyfair.com

Sycamore Park District
480 South Airport Rd. | Sycamore
sycmoreparkdistrict.com


Farms and Agriculture in Sycamore

Sycamore’s rich history boasts deep roots in agriculture and that’s not changed over the years. Farmers today are continuing to thrive as they adapt their businesses to new challenges.

“From an economic standpoint, farms have always been an economic driver in DeKalb County,” said Greg Millburg, manager of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. “We have family-owned farms that go back to the mid-1800s and even earlier.”

One of those family-owned farms that has been passed down through multiple generations is the Theis Family Farm and Greenhouses, operated by Barb Pondelick and her son, Robert.

Robert Pondelick said the farm grows and sells all types of vegetables from asparagus, to strawberries, zucchini and more.

“We have really beautiful greenhouses and are a premium grower of quality growing plants that aren’t premium priced,” he said.

Tomatoes and sweet corn are a family tradition that continue today to appeal to the taste buds of the farm’s loyal customers.

“Grandpa took a lot of pride in his tomatoes and sweet corn and we carry that on today,” Robert said. “Our sweet corn is top-notch eating quality.”

The farm operates a farm stand during the spring, summer and fall and sells its produce wholesale to restaurants and at local farmers markets in Sycamore, DeKalb, Oswego, Plainfield and Aurora. It also has recently started selling Christmas trees and wreaths.

The Ward family, who own and operate Old Elm Farms and Dayton Farms in Sycamore, have been around even longer. They have been farming in DeKalb County for seven generations. Dayton Farms dates back to 1837 and Old Elm Farms goes back to 1905. The farms are operated by John, his wife, Betsy, their son Steve and his wife, Jolene.

The farms’ specialties include raising hogs – about 10,000 a year currently – and growing corn, soybeans and wheat. The hogs are sold to a packer that distributes the pork all around the world. The soybeans and wheat and two-thirds of the corn are sold to local grain elevators. The remaining third of the corn raised on the farm goes to produce the ethynol, an additive found in gasoline and other products.

The Wards are teaching their four grandchildren about farming. Two of their grandchildren are in the Future Farmers of America at Sycamore High School.

“It’s a good way of life,” John Ward said. “Everybody’s involved. Everybody pitches in. Neighbors help neighbors.”

John enjoys watching things grow, whether it is the crops in the field, the hogs in the barn or the landscaping around the house.

“I take pride in seeing what we can harvest and what we did right or what we need to correct for next year,” he said.

Millburg, who estimates there are about 900 farms in the county, said many local farms are continuing to thrive by incorporating new technologies into their businesses.

“Everybody’s jumped on the technology bandwagon,” Millburg said. “They’re using new seed technologies to create drought- and insect-resistant seeds and using GPS systems to collect data.”

Those systems that collect data provide information that is critical to a farm’s operation.

“They can tell them what’s being produced and how much is being produced on a particular acre,” Millburg said. “It has made farms more efficient and more productive. In the end it’s helped farmers increase their net revenue at the end of the year.”

Millburg said farms are evolving to meet the needs of a changing marketplace.

“Some are getting into niche markets like organic,” he said.

Not all farmers have been in the area for successive generations. Some are just starting out. One of those is Farm and Flora, which is owned by Kari Cieslak and her husband, Brad.

“We’ve just started. It’s a new operation for us,” said Kari Cieslak who also has a full-time job. She works as a flight nurse and Brad is in sales.

The couple, who are parents of three boys, moved to their 10-acre farm in March 2018. They are planning to dedicate about half their acreage to Scottish Highland Cattle for grass-fed beef and the other half to flowers and vegetables.

“We’re first generation,” Kari said. “We’re just figuring this out.”

Kari Cieslak completed a year-long course on farming and has a mentor who is helping them navigate their farming business.

They plan to start selling flowers at the Sycamore Farmer’s Market and then see where farming takes them from there.

“This is going to be a new adventure for us and we’re doing it as a family,” Kari added

Farms and Agriculture in Sycamore IL

DeKalb County Farm Bureau
(815) 756‑6361
1350 W. Prairie Dr.
dekalbfarmbureau.org

Theis Farm II
(815) 757‑1090
6N953 County Line Rd.
theisfarmmarket.com

Farm and Flora
(815) 761‑7771
1835 W. Motel Rd.
farmandflora@gmail.com

Hristovi Family Farm
(224) 200‑7473
10922 Old State Rd.

Larson’s Country Market, Inc.
(815) 495‑2500
1968 E. US Rte. 34
larson’scountrymarket.com

Yaeger’s Farm Market & Greenhouse
(815) 756‑6005
14643 IL Rte. 38
yaegersfarmmarket.com

Jonamac Orchard, Inc.
(815) 825‑2158
19412 Shabbona Rd.
jonamacorchard.com

CHS Elburn Coop
(815) 899‑8964
108 N. Main St.
elburncoop.com

Martin, Goodrich & Wadddell, Inc.
(815) 756‑3606
2020 Aberdeen Ct.
mgw.us.com

Blain’s Farm & Fleet of Sycamore
(815) 899‑1716
1300 DeKalb Ave.
farmandfleet.com


Transportation

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport

In 1948, the City of DeKalb purchased for one dollar a large piece of land that has turned out to be possibly one of its best investments ever. The purchase was for the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, which was built in World War II and was used by the U.S. Navy to test pilotless drones that were then shipped and re-assembled in the Pacific.

The war ended that program, but it signaled the beginning of a successful and vibrant future for the airport.

“When the war was over, the Navy didn’t want the airport anymore. It was a deal the city couldn’t refuse,” said Tom Cleveland, airport manager.

The airport has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and the city and surrounding area including Sycamore has benefitted. The airport now has two runways. Some of its assets are better than those at larger airports including a 100-foot-wide runway that was extended in 2014 to 7,025 feet. Its smaller runway is 75 feet wide and 4,200 feet long.

“We have a longer runway than Midway Airport,” Cleveland said. “All of the corporate planes love it because they can leave full of fuel and full of people.”

The airport is a busy place, boasting between 25,000 and 30,000 take-offs and landings a year. It is a full-service, all-weather facility, which means it is

open 24 hours a day. It also features GPS approaches to all runways.

The last time a study of the airport’s economic impact was done was in 2011 when it was estimated that it contributes $10.7 million a year to the local economy.

“It’s a force and an economic engine,” Cleveland said. “Any company that is looking at DeKalb County for their business flies into this airport. The big thing these companies want is accessibility.”

The airport provides a wide variety of services to businesses including aircraft fueling, cargo handling, de-icing and a conference room with Wi-Fi. The airport plays an important role in welcoming potential businesses to the county.

“We’re the gateway to DeKalb County. When they fly in, we’re the first thing they are going to see,” Cleveland said.

In recognition of its importance in helping businesses decide whether DeKalb County is a place they want to be, the airport strives to ensure the needs of those businesses are accommodated, down to automobile transport from the airport and enjoying a hot cup of hot coffee.

“If they need cars, we can rent them. If they need catering, we can do that. If they need coffee, or de-icing or fuel, we have it,” Cleveland said.

The airport has three maintenance facilities and serves as a base for one turbo-prop aircraft, four twin-engine aircraft and 80 single-engine aircraft. It has two privately-owned corporate hangars, 16 privately-owned corporate condo hangars and 51-city-owned hangars.

In addition to its focus on serving the needs of businesses, the airport is a hub for recreational fliers who can learn or improve their flying skills. One business at the airport, Fly America, is a Federal Aviation Administration Part 61 approved flight school whose instructors have more than 20,000 hours of flight time.

The airport also plays a role in getting young people excited about flying. It is the site for an aviation program that covers aeronautics, the power of flight and new technologies. The education consortium is a combined effort of Kishwaukee College and local school districts joining together to promote a program of hands-on career and technical education programs.

The aviation class offers both classroom and simulator instruction in an effort to prepare students for the FAA Private Pilot written exam. Students learn about aerodynamics, FAA regulations, GPS navigation, the use of flight computers, weather, radio navigation, flight instrumentation and performance and limitation of the air traffic control environment.

“They’re training pilots on simulators. A lot of kids come out for that,” Cleveland said.

As exciting as the airport’s last 70 years have been, the future looks just as bright.

“We’ve just gotten busier and busier,” said Cleveland who would like to see a strategic plan completed for the facility to target what the airport can be in the future. He envisions an airport with more hangars and with facilities and services for entrepreneurs who are starting new businesses and want to be in DeKalb County.


Shopping

Shopping local is not an event. It is a daily practice to grow stronger communities. It is a way of life in Sycamore where we value our local businesses and support the sustainable growth of our communities. The impact that every one of our hard-earned dollars can have on the vitality of the places where we live, work and play is tremendous.

Spending money locally not only supports your friends and neighbors who run the businesses that make our communities unique, but also the critical public services that keep us safe and uphold our quality of life.

Why spend elsewhere when everything you need, from diamonds to dishwashers to a date night outfit, are available in Sycamore?

D &D Jewelers
1739 DeKalb Ave. | Sycamore
(815) 895-3377 | ddjewelers.com

Jewelry is joyful. Whether selecting an engagement ring, creating a custom piece, or finding the perfect gemstone for a loved one, D&D Jewelers in Sycamore takes pride in helping you. Family owned for 18 years, D&D Jewelers has grown with Sycamore. D&D Jewelers does more than the basics. They specialize in diamonds, fine jewelry, watches, gifts, and provide expert appraisals and repairs. Classic to cutting edge, the showcases feature an array of jewelry for every taste. D&D Jeweler’s extensive selection carries top brands from quality vendors. Beyond that, the store is committed to fair pricing. They give their customers good values. D&D Jeweler’s deals only in diamonds and gems that meet their high quality standards. The sales staff passes on both their knowledge and personalized customer service. From white, yellow, to rose– go no further for gold. Platinum, silver, and all your jewelry needs will be met and exceeded at D&D Jewelers.

Lizzy’s Pink Boutique
303 W. State St. | Sycamore
(815) 991-9188 | lizzyspinkboutique.com

A quaint shop located in a vintage building, Lizzy’s Pink Boutique is dedicated to making every woman feel beautiful. The boutique offers a selection of women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry, many of which are exclusive to the 60178 zip code. Owned by Sycamore resident Lizzy Oparyk, the boutique carries cutting-edge apparel brands such as Liverpool Jeans, JAG Jeans, and Karen Kane as well as other lines that start at $12. They also offer a great selection of costume jewelry including Rachel Marie Designs, Bryan Anthonys, and Lenny & Eva, all of whom are known for their flair and for accessorizing any outfit. Lizzy’s carries fashions in sizes XS through 3X that are of the moment as well as classic items that will become go-to pieces in your closet for many years to come. The boutique specializes in giving not just great service, but a personalized shopping experience for their customers.    

Paulsen Brand Source
245 W. State St. | Sycamore 
(815) 895-6373 | www.paulsenappliance.com

Paulsen Brand Source has been a mainstay business of Sycamore for more than 41 years. The family-owned business sells a wide variety of top name appliances including refrigerators, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, and more. Some of the well-known brands it carries includes GE, Speed Queen, Frigidaire, Beko, Bosch, and Subzero Wolf. The store also carries grills and Serta Brand mattresses. Customers can find a knowledgeable staff, many of whom are members of the Paulsen family and have grown up in the business. They can help customers select an appliance that suits their particular needs and will walk them through its features, how it works and how to best maintain it. Paulsen’s also takes pride in its highly trained service department that ensures the product will continue to work for years to come.

UOI Boutique
307 W. State St. | Sycamore
(815) 991-9487 | uoionline.com

For an outfit that’s sure to make any woman feel ready to take on the world there’s no better place to look than UOI Boutique. From shoes to shirts to jeans, dresses and accessories, UOI carries fashionable women’s clothing for a range of sizes from XS to 3X. The curated styles are geared toward making every woman feel confident and empowered whether she’s dressing for work, headed out for a night on the town or relaxing at home. The store has a unique background. It was started in 2000 when founder John Brady saw a need in his rural hometown of Sterling, Illinois for an on-trend men’s clothing store. As the business grew it shifted away from men’s clothing to women’s and today focuses on affordable, on-trend clothing for women that inspires them to feel and be their best. Sycamore’s quaint downtown vibe attracted UOI Boutique, which opened in the heart of the city in 2018. The store lives its commitment to empowering women by regularly donating to local benefits and female based organizations like the YWCA.

Shopping in Sycamore

Cassie’s Popcorn
200 W. State St.
Cassiespopcorn.com

Sweet Earth
341 W. State St.
Sweetearthjewelry.com
(815) 895-3011

Sycamore Antiques
321 W. State St.
Sycamoreantiques.com
(815) 895-4720

Made Just For You
338 W. State St.
Madejustforyougifts.com
(815) 895-8122

Blumen Gardens
403 Edward St.
Blumengardens.com
(815) 895-3737

Kar-Fre Flowers
1126 E. State St.
Karfreflowers.com
(815) 895-6558

Christian Connection
337 W. State St.
(815) 899-3262
Christianconnection.biz

Franklin’s Frames & Art
423 N. Main St.
Franklinsframesandart.com
(815) 895-8232

The Confectionary
235 W. State St.
(815) 899-1616

Rustic Roots
120 S. Maple St.
rusticrootsil@hotmail.com
(815) 991-5761

Coroco Coffee
Roaster Collective
224 South California Street
www.corococoffee.com
(815) 981-8797

Whimsical Perspective
366 State St.
(815) 761-7909
Whimsicalperspective.com

B.J. Decorating Center, Inc.
325 W. Elm St.
(815) 895-9652

Huckleberry’s Pet Parlor
423 N. Main St.
(815) 899-3435
Huckleberryspetparlor.com

The Music Connection, LLC
515 DeKalb Ave
(815) 217-5648
Themusicconnection.com

Everything Floral
113 W. Main St., Genoa
(815) 784-2344


Outdoor Dining

Who doesn’t relish the feel of a refreshing summer breeze, basking in warm sunlight or sitting under the glow of starlight as they dine outdoors? After being cooped up for much of the winter, it’s no surprise that diners in Sycamore are clamoring for al fresco options.

Restaurants are heeding the demand with patios and other outdoor seating. One of those restaurants is Tom & Jerry’s, which has been operating in Sycamore for more than 40 years. Known as the King of the Gyros, the restaurant offers homemade Italian beef sandwiches, all beef Chicago red hot dogs, homemade soups, garden fresh salads, baby back ribs, fried chicken and wings.

All menu items can be enjoyed on the restaurant’s fenced outdoor patio with seating for about 75 to 80 people. The cheerful patio is dotted with blue umbrellas for those who want some shade and is decorated with planters overflowing with colorful flowers that add a burst of natural beauty. The restaurant offers quick service, and the patio is open throughout the year.

“Customers are free to sit wherever they like,” said Sarah Meyer, general manager. “We don’t ever officially open or close the patio and our furniture is out there year-round.” ’

Customers can enjoy “BBQ on the Patio” Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. all summer long. This popular event features Tom & Jerry’s award-winning barbecue rib dinners, along with pork chop sandwiches and marinated chicken quarters.

“It’s attracted quite a loyal following each week, and year in and year out, for that matter,” Meyer said.

The mouth-watering ribs are a popular attraction. In 2015, Tom & Jerry’s won an award for Best Ribs at the inaugural Sycamore Ribs, Rhythm and Brews Festival.

Another place with lovely outdoor dining is P.J.’s Courthouse Tavern where rustic brick walls, a large wooden bar, original woodwork and vintage photos of Sycamore on the interior give an historic ambiance and make diners feel truly a part of the city.

P.J.’s lays claim to being part of a long-standing and well-loved history in Sycamore. It is housed in a former dry good store that was built in 1871. In fact, Sycamore’s first public library was located on the second floor of the restaurant in 1892.

The restaurant is owned by Paul Schwartz and his brother, John. As warmer weather approaches, the patio becomes a hot spot. It has 11 tables and seats 42. Diners crave the chance to dine outdoors and relax with friends and family while listening to music.

“People from the Midwest, after a long winter, long for nice weather and love to be outside,” Paul Schwartz said. “We pipe in some nice relaxing music, and there is no better place to enjoy a house-made sangria or a Moscow Mule.”

In addition to those tasty drinks, the restaurant offers the finest in domestic and imported beers, spirits and mixers. It has a state-of-the-art draft beer system that keeps the brews at a cool 34 degrees. Sipping one of those beers on the patio is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

The extensive menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, char-broiled chicken, wraps and appetizers.

For those who like to dine while enjoying music, P.J.’s offers live acoustic music from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the summer.

Another place that is well known for outdoor dining is nestled in the heart of downtown Sycamore. MVP’s Sports Bar provides diners with an outdoor oasis of rum buckets, cold beer and fresh food.

MVP’s is home to DeKalb County’s only rooftop bar, and while diners may not be on the beach they can gaze at the restaurant’s unique, hand-painted, Caribbean-themed murals and feel like they are.

There is also plenty to entertain diners at MVP’s. It features three full-service bars: a sports bar with flat screen TVs, video gaming and weekend DJs; a large covered beer garden with a fire pit, flat-screen TVs and a bags area; and, of course, the rooftop cocktail and dining area complete with a Tiki bar, palm trees and more flat-screen TVs.

MVP’s serves a variety of food to satisfy any craving from burgers to fish tacos to homemade warm Cajun potato salad. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients sourced locally.

Taxco Restaurant Too, a family-owned and operated restaurant that was established in 1992, also offers outdoor dining. Its sidewalk is lined with flower-filled planters and five tables that seat 14. There is plenty to enjoy besides the fresh air and tasty Mexican cuisine at Taxco. It serves 400 different types of tequilas. Noting its fresh, hand-made tortillas, tasty tacos and burritos bursting with flavor, numerous publications have rated the Mexican food at Taxco as among the best in the area.

Sycamore Places to Eat

MVP Sports Bar
(815) 895-1888
124 S. California St.
mvpsportsbar.com

Tom & Jerry’s of Sycamore
(815) 895-4420
1670 DeKalb Ave.
www.sycamoretomandjerrys.com

PJ’s Courthouse Tavern
(815) 895-9253
202 W. State St.
www.pjscourthousetavern.com

Taxco Restaurant Too
(815) 895-2545
223 W. State St.
wwwtaxcorestaurant.com

Pub 64
(779) 222-4935
332 W. State St.

Shawn’s
(815) 895-5282
204 Somonauk St.
www.shawnscoffeeshop.com