Red Geranium grows new roots in Batavia
Kelly Tiberi has replanted The Red Geranium, an interior and exterior design shop, in Batavia.
After operating the business in Naperville at 19 W. Benton Ave. for nearly 15 years, Tiberi sold the land and building about four years ago. She worked for a competitor for a few years before she decided to relaunch the shop at 3 S. Batavia Ave., in the Gammon Corners Coach house.
"Operating my own business again is letting me be the creative person that I need to be," Tiberi said.
The shop is filled with merchandise that shoppers won't find at traditional retailers.
Tiberi, an interior designer, carries hand-painted furniture, accessories, floral arrangements, murals and some antiques.
"We do a lot of custom work," Tiberi said pointing to fabric books and window treatments.
For the outdoors she offers pots, fountains, plants, garden furniture, garden planters and accessories for the yard.
She also assists customers with garden design, working with Don Wacker, owner of Get All Decked Out. Decks, brick pavers and gazebos are some of the projects Wacker showcases at The Red Geranium, which has been open for about a month.
Tiberi said many of her former customers are coming back. "My customers have become my friends," she said.
Tiberi, who grew up in Naperville, now owns five acres in Batavia where she lives and grows some plants for the shop.
The business is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more details, call (630) 326-9007.
The winner is: The Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce recently awarded seven scholarships. Winners include Claudia Fantauzzo, John Marshall Law School; Amanda Grandinetti, Elmhurst College; Michael Hannigan, University of Notre Dame; Patrick Jecmen, Illinois State University; Nicole Lomotan, Northwestern University; Katie Lorenz, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Tricia Monette, Pivot Point Academy.
Party planned: Komet Motorsports is celebrating the opening of an automotive and motorcycle performance center with the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce at 4 p.m. July 10. An open house follows at 1500 Foundry St., Unit 9 in St. Charles.
The shop can verify the results of any upgrade with its Mustang chassis dynamometer. Father and son team Frank and Kurt Kapusinski own the business.
Dedication: The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau recently recognized six active bureau members with its Betty Bryant Award. The honorees are Dan Smith, vice president, First Hospitality Group; Kristine Stable, vice president, Arlington Park; Dave Steiner, immediate past board chairman, Woodfield Chicago bureau; Marc Strich, general manager, Woodfield Shopping Center; and Thomas A. Palmer, partner, Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle.
Lynda Claytor, vice president with the bureau, was also recognized with the award for 21 years of service.
Best scoops: "Good Morning America" has named Capannari Ice Cream in Mount Prospect as one of the Top Ten Best Ice Cream Shops in America. To celebrate, the business is holding a Top Ten Party at 3 p.m. Sunday at the store at 10 S. Pine. St. Music and kids' activities are planned.
Growing strong: Jill Koch, president of Koch Creative Services Inc. of Grayslake, recently celebrated her 25th year in business. Koch Creative provides design and communications services for a variety of clients
kmikus@dailyherald.com