Glancer Magazine, August 2022 : simplebooklet.com

2022 READERS CHOICE ISSUE Celebrating the ‘Best of the Best’, Voted by Our Readers With our 200th issue of Glancer Magazine comes one of our most anticipated cover features of the year, celebrating the 2022 Readers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ award winners. Announcing 150 winners in 150 categories in 3 counties– DuPage, Kane & Kendall. Voting opened up in the Spring for the 12th year, inviting our readers and supporters to nominate their local favorites for this special award of distinction. Congratulations to our winners! Other highlights include 7 Spectacular Children’s Charities and 10 Trends In Outdoor Dining Hot Spots, plus many more captivating features you’ll love. Summer is not over yet and, as we said before, there’s no better time than now to try a new res-taurant, attend a live concert in the park or visit a festival in a neighboring community for the first time. Thank you for reading and for supporting local! Lindy Kleivo Founder/Publishing Director Lindy Is Pictured with Her Friend Christine Her Picnic In WoodridgeAUGUST 20225 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 5 Things to Do 9 Cover: 2022 Readers Choice Award Winners 20 10 Trends In Local Outdoor Dining 22 Dining & Cocktails: Chime & Stave and More 24 Chicago Style: 2022 Air & Water Show 22 On Stage: An All-Girl Aerosmith Cover Band 29 Unique In Suburbia: The Barrel Barn 30 2022 Summer Fun Guide 38 Literary Local: Mike Catuara 41 Ticks: What You Need to Know 42 To Give, To Inspire: A Special Ride for a Cause 44 Anti-Aging Local Expert Katie McManigal 46 Women Inspired: A Change in Direction 49 Shop Gallery Featuring the Hottest Shops 63 2022 Wedding Guide 60 Trendy Traveler: 8 Family Fun Destinations 70 Mom’s Little Black Book: Down on the Farm 72 Kitchen Design Tips & Trends 74 Million Dollar Listing: Downtown Naperville 76 Cabinetry & Design Extraordinairre 80 Kid Stuff: National Night Out & More 84 7 Spectacular Children’s Charities TABLE OF CONTENTST E A M G L A N C E R PUBLISHER Glancer Magazine, Inc. PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Lindy Kleivo EDITORIAL | Print + Digital Kristen Kucharski Columnist / Writer Mindy Kyle Columnist / Writer Brianna Bartemeyer Features Writer SALES / MARKETING Lindy Kleivo Publishing Director PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Catuara Features Photographer P U B L I C A T I O N S GLANCER MAGAZINE A West Suburban Chicago Lifestyle Magazine Featuring the Best of West Suburban Chicago for Communities In DuPage, Kane & Kendall GLANCERMAGAZINE.COM A Hyper-Local Daily Features Site Highlighting On Trend Stories for Communities In DuPage, Kane & Kendall GLANCER GO-TO GUIDE Highlighting Local On Trend Events + Deals for For Communities In DuPage, Kane & Kendall C O N T A C T U S EDITORIAL Press Releases, Local Events, Community News editorial@glancermagazine.com ADVERTISING Digital Advertising + Local Marketing Solutions advertising@glancermagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Monthly Download + Daily Digital www.glancermagazine.comGlancer® Magazine, highlighting the best of DuPage, Kane & Kendall Counties, is produced by Glancer® Magazine, Inc. Glancer Magazine, GlancerMagazine.com. You’ve Been Glanced® and the Glancer® logo are registered trademarks of Glancer Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Maga-zine reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. AUGUST 2022 | Vol 16, Issue 200 BEST OF THE BEST 2022 One of our most anticipated issues of the year celebrating the 2022 Readers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ award winners. Announcing 150 winners in 150 cate-gories in 3 counties– DuPage, Kane & Kendall. Subscribe for daily, weekly and monthly updates at www.GlancerMaga-zine.com ©Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine, Inc. AAUUGGUUSSTT 22002222®Glancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 5

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4. Wine and Art Walk AUG 20-21 • Morton Arboretum LISLE–Sip wine and shop for nature-themed art as you stroll around Meadow Lake. Browse this juried art show featur-ing photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass, and more from Midwest artists. Guests can pur-chase wine and other beverages to enjoy as they browse the artworks on display. www.mortonarb.org3. Old Naperville Day Block Party AUGUST 21 DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE NAPERVILLE–Proclaimed by Naperville City Council and Mayor Steve Chirico, Old Naper-ville Day is an annual block party celebrating the friends, family, and neighbors who make up one of the best communities in the nation! Celebrating each Au-gust on W Chicago Ave in front of Naperville's iconic tavern The Lantern, guests enjoy live music, delicious food from Naperville res-taurants, ice cold beer & beverages, a kids activity area, and plenty of fun for everyone. roceeds from the block party support an end to local homeless-ness at DuPagePads. This event is family friendly, free, and open to all neighbors and visitors alike. RSVP on facebook www.facebook.com/events/3099471546609912. TUSK at RiverEdge Park AUGUST 26 • RiverEdge Park AURORA– The music of Fleetwood Mac filling the air is the perfect way to spend a beautiful night at RiverEdge Park. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note-for-note renditions that no other Fleetwood tribute on the touring scene today can come close to duplicating. www.paramountaurora.com/events/tusk-2022AUGUST 20225 Things to Do4. Summer Wine Walk THURSDAY NIGHT AUGUST 11 • 5pm-8:30pm WHEATON–Take a stroll around town and enjoy twelve one-ounce wine tastes at your favorite Downtown Whea-ton spots during the Summer Wine Walk with over 20 tasting locations throughout town. www.bit.ly/WheatonWineWalk.com 1. The Rustic Fox Farmer & Artisan Market AUG 20 • The Rustic Fox NORTH AURORA–A monthly market offering all of your favorite open air market items and much more! Shop over 200 vendors indoors & out-doors. Located right off I88 & Orchard Rd. Across from Target. www.rusticfoxhome.comGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 7

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20 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazine10TRENDSOutdoor West Suburban Dining Hot Spots Outdoor Dining Before summer ends be sure to make plans to visit these 10 local outdoor dining hot spots that are trending locally– each offering something unique and memorable. Make summer memories! #1 | Mirus NEW TAPAS HOT SPOT ON RIVER STREET IN BATAVIA BATAVIA–Batavia’s newest tapas restaurant is now open serving a globally inspired small plate menu and unique drinks such as a specialty wine list, specialty beers, and their own cocktails including house creations of Aronia Spritz, On Wednesdays We Wear Pink, and Almond Smackaroon. www.mirusbatavia.com #2 | Hale Street Tents OUTDOOR DINING DOWNTOWN WHEATON THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2022 WHEATON–The Innovator Hale Street Tents are in full swing, so join in on the fun for al fresco dining on Hale Street all season long! This multi-season event has become a community favorite featuring live music every Friday and Saturday night. Visit online for all of the live music happening Downtown Wheaton this summer! Reservations are highly recommended. www.downtownwheaton.com/innovatortents Mirus, BataviaBlue Sushi Saki Grill, Naperville

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#3 | Pal Joey’s NOW LOCATED ALONG THE FOX IN DOWNTOWN BATAVIA BATAVIA–In case you haven't visited Pal & Joey’s new location yet, hop on their facebook page to get a behind-the-scenes look at what they did with it. Stop by for a drink at the new bar, a live music show, or some of your favorite pizza. River Street really is the place to be! www.paljoeys.com #4 | Blue Sushi Saki Grill OUTDOOR DINING OVERLOOKING THE DUPAGE RIVER NAPERVILLE–Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers patio seating on Foyo Plaza and overlooking the Riverwalk, as well as indoor seating along the windows over-looking the patio. Blue Sushi also recommends reservations, for lunch or dinner, either online or by phone, and will continue curbside take-out. Lo-cated on Water Street in Downtown Naperville. www.bluesushisakegrill.com #5 | The Hen House A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR PATIO WHEATON–The Hen House of Wheaton restaurant and coffee bar is family owned, focusing on a more decadent but healthy alternative to your average breakfast/lunch restaurants. You’ll feel relaxed in this Urban Farmhouse set-ting with a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy all summer long. The full-service Coffee Bar showcases classic Lavazza espresso inspired beverages, served hot or cold. Also serving signature alcoholic drinks such as thir Bloody Mary and seasonal selection of Mimosas. 1060 College Avenue, Wheaton www.thehenhouseofwheaton.com #6 | R. Urban Wine Bar HERE'S WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE LISLE–R. Urban Wine Bar & Cafe is loved by pizza and wine lovers through-out the western suburbs. Located in downtown Lisle, they serve high-quality brick oven pizzas, a varietal of wines from around the world, along with a full bar and small bites in a trendy, comfortable atmosphere. Outdoor seating is set up for you to enjoy! 4738 Main St., Lisle. www.urbanwinelisle.com #7 | Alter Brewing ALONG THE FOX WITH EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR DINING AREA ST. CHARLES–Alter Brewing + Kitchen is the second location for Alter Brew-ing, and their first full-service restaurant. It’s nestled in beautiful downtown St. Charles along the Fox River, and right on Main St. (so you can’t miss it!). In addition to their food offerings, they have a 10-barrel brew house, 16 taps, private dining room event space, and an awesome all-seasons patio with a container bar. 12 S. First Street, St. Charles. www.alterbrewing.com/st-charles-brewery-kitchen #8 | Bar Evolution RELAX & ENJOY APPETIZERS, COCKTAILS & LIVE MUSIC BATAVIA–Bar Evolution has fast become one of Kane COunty’s hottest outdoor patios offering a limite outdoor menu currently to include cockatils such as Grape-fruit Cosmo and the Blackberry Hopper, along with appetizers such as Buffalo Chicken Dip and Chicken Fajita Flatbread. Enjoy a casual adult atmosphere, live music and tasty bites. 27 N. River Street, Batavia. www.barevolutionbatavia.com #9 | Craft Urban FOOD. COCKTAILS. LOCAL. GENEVA–Voted Best New Restaurant KANE County 2018, Craft Urban Kitchen sources local ingredients that are treated to creative New American preparations at this stylish Geneva retreat, where dishes are matched with suggested cocktail pairings. The outdoor dining area has been a wonderful place for residents to visit this summmer. 211 James Street, Geneva. Also, now open in Aurora. www.crafturban.com #10 | Eden on the River SITUATED ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL FOX RIVER ST. CHARLES–In sharing their love of the Mediterranean’s delicious flavors, the owners of Eden on the River use wholesome ingredients, and bright spices. All dishes are made from scratch, using the freshest of ingredients that truly speak to the simplicity, intensity, and richness of the Mediterranean culture. They also feature world-class wine, beer and spirits program served in a chic but relaxed ambience. Eden on the River is situated along the Fox River with a beautiful out-door dining area like no other. www.edenstcharles.com10 TRENDSAlter Brewing, St. CharlesGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 21

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DINING COCKTAILS DINING WEST SUBURBAN DINING NEXT STOP ST CHARLES Chime and Stave Kitchen Bar ST CHARLES CAMPTON HILLS Chime and Stave is a neighborhood craft cocktail and dining destination that is loved by residents who come from near and far to experience its delectible and unique menu Filled with inspired artisan meals made with Mediterranean influences fine wine and handcrafted cocktails the menu is plentiful offering a wide variety of selections The dog friendly restaurant welcomes you for a relaxing afternoon on their beautiful outdoor patio or a memorable evening inside where you ll experience exquisite tastes in a rustic easy to relax atmosphere suitable for every occasion With weekly specials such as the Prince Edward Island Mussels with Basil Garlic Sauce appetizer pictured above there is always something to look forward to at Chime and Stave Chef Francois Sanchez leads their team with passion creativity and excellence delivering menu favorites that include Shrimp Tempura Maroccan Beef Kabobs Maple Orange Pork Loin and more Happy hour takes place at the bar Wednesday Friday 4pm until 6pm with special pricing on wine beer and appetizers Located in Campton Hills at 40W188 Campton Crossings Drive this local dining hot spot has been trending since it opened and it s no secret why 22 WESTERN SUBURBS AUGUST 2022 Glancer Magazine www chimeandstave com

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DINING + COCKTAILSNew Seafood Restaurant, The Shuckin’ Shack Is Coming to Naperville NAPERVILLE–Opening in August 2022, Specializing in fresh steamed and raw seafood (oysters, shrimp, clams, crab legs, mus-sels), plus wings, salads, tacos and more! Cut the trip to the coast and have "A Good Shuckin' Time! Crush this Summer at The Shack with their Signature Smirnoff Crushes made with fresh squeezed juices! Food and drink specials are soon to come with the famous Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar. Pictured is the Shack Attack www.theshuckinshack.com/location/naperville Enjoy the Fun Vibe at The Lewis In St. Charles ST. CHARLES–Craft cocktails with a 70’s vibe, The Lewis in St. Charles is a premier cocktail, wine, and whisky lounge. At The Lewis they take the drinks they serve very seriously. Their mixol-ogists will go out of their way to find the best drink for you and your mood, so get ready to get your groove on! Pictured is the French 76 Martini. www.thelewisstcharles.com CCoocckkttaaiillssNew Restaurant & Sports Bar, Anchor Bar Is Coming to Oswego OSWEGO–Anchor Bar "Home of the Original Buffalo Chicken Wing" will be opening by the end of August in Oswego! The restaurant and Sports Bar has a wide variety of American Food and is the Birthplace of the Original Chicken Wing and is also known for their famous cup & char pepperoni pizza! www.anchorbar.com/locations/oswego-il Glancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 23

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The 2022 Chicago Air and Water Show SATURDAY, AUGUST 20-21 • 10am–2pm CHICAGO–The City of Chicago and Department of Cul-tural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) proudly pres-ent the 2022 Chicago Air and Water Show, August 20 and 21 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10am to 2pm daily. Established in 1959 and one of the largest free admission events of its kind, headliners of the 2022 show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, who are dedicating their performances to the memory of Rudy Malnati Jr. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding au-diences since 1946 with their gravity-defying flying, commanding presence and precision maneuvers now performed in their brand-new F/A–18E Super Hornets. The brave men and women of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will inspire spectators as they jump out of an aircraft 12,000 feet above the earth’s sur-face to a perfect target landing on North Avenue Beach. The popular lakefront event features a wide variety of military and civilian performers and aerial demonstra-tion teams with world-class pilots performing their aero-batic maneuvers along Chicago’s lakefront. Featured military performers for the 2022 event include: USN F-35C Lightening II, USAF F-22 Raptor, USAF C-17 Globemaster III, ANG A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”), Chicago StyleCHICAGO STYLECelebrating More than 60 Years of Incredible Air & Water Feats26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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CHICAGO STYLEANG KC-135 Stratotanker, USMC V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor and USCG Search and Rescue Helicop-ter demonstration. For the first time, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights will be pre-sented in the same Air and Water Show; a rare event for any air show. The U.S. Navy has pro-vided an additional F-35C Legacy II to its Legacy Flight to incorporate a "Missing Man" dedication to Rudy Malnati Jr. Show announcer Herb Hunter, the “Voice of the Air and Water Show” for more than 35 years re-turns to narrate and guide the spectators through each performer's aerial choreography. Civilian performers at the 2022 show include Susan Dacy, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman, Rob Hol-land, Triple Time Team, The Chicago Fire Depart-ment Air/Sea Rescue, and the Chicago Police Department helicopter. “After the absence of the show in 2020 and a scaled down version in 2021, this summer we are honored to be able to bring back in full force Chi-cago’s storied tradition - the Air and Water Show. Celebrating more than 60 years, the free event showcases incredible feats from world-class mil-itary and civilian teams over an exhilarating two days,” shares DCASE Commissioner Erin Har-key. The Chicago Air and Water Show is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Chicago Air & Water Show is supported by The Boeing Company, WBBM Newsradio, Chicago Transit Authority, E & J Gallo Winery, Goose Island Beer Company and Millen-nium Garages. Audio description will be available for those who are blind/low vision both days of the event; reg-ister at this link: shorturl.at/hBJPV. Join the conversation on Facebook (Chicago Air and Water Show) and follow on Twitter and Insta-gram @ChicagoDCASE (#ChiAirandWater). www.chicagoairandwatershow.usGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 25

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT ARCADA THEATRE ST. CHARLES–RagDolls–The Ultimate Aerosmith Trib-ute is dedicated to recreating Aerosmith’s iconic sound, energy and stage presence with their well-tailored, high voltage live production. Covering all of the recognizable material from Aero-smith’s five decades as one of America’s rock & roll legends, RagDolls deliver blistering true to sound re-productions for fans of both the classic rock period as well as the more recent MTV era hits. These women of rock pay homage to the Bad Boys from Boston in full regalia, paying special attention to the little details that define a genuine Aerosmith experience. Vocalist Susie Major gets in your face with her Steven Tyler-esque wails and stage antics, while Ali Handal rattles your eardrums on lead guitar with all the grit and bluesy appeal that is Joe Perry. The band is sure to leave you with the same Aerosmith buzz you’d expect from the real thing – the screams, the swagger, the scarves, with a cherry on top… Ragdolls will be playing at Arcada Theatre located at 105 E. Main St. in St. Charles www.arcadalive.com/event/ragdolls-the- ultimate-all-female-aerosmith-tribute/ Ragdolls – The Ultimate All Female Aerosmith TributeON STAGE26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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THE BARREL BARN ELBURN–Let’s just call it a bourbon boom. Well, more specifically, the billion dollar bourbon boom. Perhaps it's the Mad Men effect, a crave for authenticity or a yearning to support local businesses. Nevertheless, demand increases year-over-year. Consumers yearn for quality craftsmanship, unique stories and American-made products. And bourbon is uniquely American … it’s also heavily reg-ulated. Per the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, bourbon must be aged in new charred American oak barrels. So what happens to those barrels after they’ve been used? Enter: The Barrel Barn of Elburn. The Barrel Barn started in September 2020. Once a hobby, it’s now a growing business that supports DIY(ers), woodworkers and dis-tilleries. They sell a myriad of different whiskey barrels, wine bar-rels, planters and barrel parts (ie: barrel heads, staves and rings). Its products can be found at Sadie's On Main in Elburn, The Vin-tage Marketplace in North Aurora and its website. Clients have pur-chased barrels to make tables, cabinets and dog beds (just to name a few!). Barrels are used to age other things, too - such as: beer, tequila, rum, honey, maple syrup, coffee and wine. Along with its barrel business, BB has collaborated with local busi-nesses on a variety of initiatives - including: bourbon-themed can-dles with Illuminate Space of Batavia, hot sauce with Gindo’s Spice of Life of St. Charles and barrel-aged coffee with Kindred Coffee Roasters of West Chicago. It’s often said that barrels are the secret ingredient of bourbon, as its charred oak enhances the flavor, color and texture. There are no two barrels that are the same! Cheers to uniqueness, repurpos-ing and upcycling … we hear it’s barrels of fun. UNIQUEby Brianna Bartemeyer Photo Submittedin SuburbiaUNIQUE IN SUBURBIAGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 29

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SUMMER FUN P I N O T S P A L E T T E Girls Night Out Fun NAPERVILLE Pinot s Palette is the best night out in Naperville It s a fun filled party atmosphere where you and your friends family or date can talk laugh paint and sip You don t need any art experience their talented local artists will guide you step by step through the night painting Follow their instructions or go rogue and end up with a one of a kind masterpiece They also offer Mosaic Classes Chunky Knit Blankets Take Home Painting Kits Virtual Live Streaming In Studio and Virtual Private Parties Aprons and supplies provided Snacks are welcome Real wine glasses no paper or plastic There s always rockin music Pinot s Palette Naperville 175 W Jackson Avenue Downtown Naperville www pinotspalette com naperville 84 WESTERN SUBURBS AUGUST 2022 Glancer Magazine

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34 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineDOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE A Fun Season Ahead DOWNERS GROVE–Our variety of small businesses, amazing owners and community support makes downtown Downers Grove the destination it is today. Downtown Downers Grove is continuing to welcome new businesses! Dr. Diva Aesthetics at 5103 Washing-ton Street, Salon Tango at 4956 Main Street & Ellie Mental Health at 5151 Mochel Drive. Orchid Heart Boutique has a new location at 4958 Main Street, Gianna Lauren Lashes and Beauty is relocating to 937 Curtiss Street. Leffelman Meat Center is opening soon at 4952 Main Street. Our Annual Fine Arts Festival will be held Sept. 10-11, 2022. Shop the talented juried artists of a variety of mediums that will line Main Street. Make sure to visit our boutiques, cafes and restaurants while here. Our restaurants and cafes can please every taste bud. Our extended outdoor dining offers many alfresco options in addition to indoor. Learn more about downtown Downers Grove and our Fine Arts Fes-tival at downtowndg.org. Mark your calendar for Girls’ Day Out Sept. 29th! www.downtowndg.orgSUMMER FUN

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SUMMER IN ST. CHARLES How to Play Golf as a Family ST. CHARLES–Having fun is most important when introducing your children to the game of golf. Let’s take a tip from the master of family entertainment – Dis-neyTM, which continually stresses the need to view the world through the eyes of a child. By playing from the same tees and using clubs that will travel the same distance as your child’s stroke, you will get to spend quality time during the round and create a realistic goal for your child of hitting shots further than you. I highly recommend practicing on a putting green or short game practice area that provide a great opportunity to teach proper posture, grip and alignment. One of my favorite activities is to form teams among family members and create competitions. The ultimate benefit is improvement in putting and short game which account for nearly 70% of the shots taken in a normal round of golf. Re-member the goal is to have fun, be creative, and let your child create games that are fun through their eyes while instructive in the fundamentals through your eyes. Pottawatomie Golf Course, Ron Skubisz, Golf Course Manager & PGA Golf Pro, 845 N. Second Avenue in Pottawatomie Park, 630-584-8356 www.pottawatomiegc.com 36 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineSUMMER FUN

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SUMMER IN AURORA Blackberry Farm AURORA–The Fox Valley Park District’s 53-year-old living history museum, Blackberry Farm demonstrates the re-creation of pioneer life through educational experiences and hands-on fun. With unlimited rides on the replica steam-engine train, hay wagon, paddle boats, carousel and ponies included in the admission price, Blackberry presents parents the opportunity to relive their childhood memories through the eyes and sounds of their little ones today. A seasonal destination, the fall season bursts with color during Pumpkin Weekends and winter begins with Black-berry aglow in twinkling lights and festive music, as fam-ilies hop aboard the Holiday Express, sip hot chocolate and whisper their secret lists to Santa. On average, Blackberry welcomes around 120,000 vis-itors per season, which this year runs from May 1 to Sept. 25, before seasonal, weekend events begin in October. www.blackberryfarm.infoSUMMER FUNGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 37

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38 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazineby Mindy Kyle Photos SubmittedMike Catuara, Contributing Author to For The Love of Autism DOWNERS GROVE–Glancer Magazine’s own photographer extraordinaire Mike Cat-uara was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. With the help of his family, therapists and his own determination, he has been able to overcome many ob-stacles that many autistic individuals don’t have the capacity to achieve, including grad-uating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Illinois State University and pursuing a career in his passion – photography. “Amazingly enough, some people who are autistic obtain special skills that are con-sidered beyond levels of genius and show skills, such as mathematical, artistic, musi-cal, spatial and mechanical abilities,” says Mike. In high school, when his love for photography blossomed, he found that he already had the skill and knowledge to po-sition the camera correctly, get perfect angles and compose photos by the “rule of thirds” method. LITERAARRYYlocal

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LITERARY LOCALWhen Tamika Lecheé Morales, President of the Autism Hero Project and mother to an autistic son, decided to create For The Love of Autism, an anthology of life stories from autistic authors, she knew right away she wanted to include Mike. “He was the first autistic author that I reached out to,” says Ta-mika. “I had hired him to photo-graph The Autism Hero Project’s first Gala, and he ended up being one of our speakers. I wanted to include his story.” Through the book and The Au-tism Hero Project, Tamika is driven to raise awareness and ac-ceptance of the autism com-munity. “I hope the world will see their strengths and not judge them on how they are different. For the Love of Autism can cur-rently be purchased on Amazon. The Autism Hero Project’s Gala will this year be on Saturday, September 24th. For more infor-mation on the foundation and at-tending the Gala, please visit www.autismheroproject.org KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? We’d Love to Meet Them! Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.comTamika Lecheé MoralesGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 39

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What You Need to Know About Ticks & Lime Disease WARRENVILLE–Part of our mission at Peak Health Institute is education. Lyme disease effects upwards of 400,000 individuals per year in the United States. Living in the mid-west, we happen to be in an endemic region for Lyme disease and other associated ill-nesses. Approximately 30-40 thousand individuals are treated acutely for Lyme disease each year. This means that hundreds of thousands of people are likely going un-diagnosed. Once treated, up to 40% of individuals can go on to have chronic symptoms after contracting lyme disease. This can include symptoms such as joint pain, chronic fatigue, psychiatric symptoms, neu-rological pain, tremors, headache, neck stiffness, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and more. Additionally, ticks carry a variety of infections that can all present with complicated symptoms and diagnosis. Because individuals can go on to have chronic symp-toms despite early treatment, it is of utmost impor-tance that you are well educated on prevention. For example, it is a misconception that a tick must be attached for longer than 24 hours and en-gorged to transmit disease. In fact, upwards of 50% of individuals infected with lyme disease never see a tick or a bulls eye rash. It’s important to be vigilant and especially aware when an intense flu occurs over the summer months. Due to the complicated statistics & presentation of lyme disease, we are passionate about educating in-dividuals on strategies for prevention and actions to take if you or your loved ones should encounter a tick bite. Join us on August 24th at 7:00PM. for a compli-mentary webinar related to all things prevention of lyme and associated infections. Peak Health Institute 3S517 Winfield Rd, Warrenville (630)791-9335 www.peakhealthinstitute.com HEALTH + WELLNESSGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41

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The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation North Aurora WHEATON–A 2009 graduate from West Aurora High School, SPC Christopher Al-exander Patterson partici-pated in everything he could in the performing arts, from singing with the choirs and music groups to performing with the marching band and in various theater produc-tions. After graduation, he majored in vocal music edu-cation at Valparaiso Univer-sity in Indiana and toured with the school’s premier vocal ensemble while also composing and arranging music for the A Capella group VuVox and the STUDy Hall Choir. Coming from a strong military family, Chris also felt compelled to en-list with the Indiana National Guard based out of the Valpa-raiso Armory. In November of 2011, his unit was deployed to the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. On January 6th, 2012, Chris’s convoy was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device that killed him and the three other soldiers in his truck. He was twenty years old. In 2016, Chris’s family created The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit foundation to honor his leg-acy as an actor, singer, musician and veteran. The perform-ing arts are supported by $1000 cash awards to graduating seniors at West Aurora High School and four other area high schools. “We started this foundation to try and keep our son alive by honoring the ideals he stood for, For God, For Coun-try, For Music,” says Robert Patterson, Chris’s father and Chairman of the Memorial Foundation. The foundation’s annual Motorcycle Ride focuses on the For God and For Country with a portion of the proceeds split be-tween Immanuel Lutheran Church Performing Arts (Chris’s home church) and a Veteran organization. Past organiza-tions have included Midwest Shelter for Homeless Vets and Freedom Farm for Vets. This year’s ride is being held on August 13 and will support Gold Star Siblings. The route is called Chris’s Last Ride due to a portion following a trip Chris took from the funeral home to the church, while covering over 50 miles of jour-neying through the country-side and passing several important locations, including West Aurora High School, Im-manuel Lutheran Church and River Hills Memorial Cemetery. The Ride concludes at the Polyanna Brewing Co. in St. Charles with music, food from Mission BBQ and the Illinois Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall. Cars and trucks are also welcome on the ride which is fully escorted by North Au-rora Police. “As our Motorcycle Ride passes through the community, it would be great to see people out supporting us,” says Robert. For more information on the foundation and to register for the Chris Patterson Memorial Motorcycle Ride or to volunteer or sponsor the event, visit: www.chrispattersonmemorial.org ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and is a vet-eran of Chicago’s theater and commercial world as well as a graduate of the Second City Improv School. Mindy lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land. VIEW MINDY’S MONTHLY COLUMN AT www.GlancerMagazine.com/to-give-to-inspire Non-Profit Foundation to Honor West Aurora High School Student’s Legacy with August 13 Motorcycle RideHEALTH + WELLNESSGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 43

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Fertility and Postpartum Recovery The process of growing/nourishing/and recovering from birth-ing a human baby is a task that requires an immense amount of calculated work by the human body. When we look at so-cietal expectations surrounding these experiences, it’s safe to say the thought process is that we have little control over how that process plays out for each individual. Ability to con-ceive, how successful one is in their birthing ideals, and how the human body recovers from the process. While we are the first to admit there are certain things that are simply out of our control, science shows us that from a cellular optimization standpoint, we have a lot to gain in optimizing our body’s function in order to achieve successful fertility, birth, and post-partum recovery. You see, no matter the goal, the body needs the same things to function at an optimal level. Some of these things are basic– sSleep, sunlight, nutrition and these can become more nuanced depending on each individuals’ genetic makeup and environmental exposures. These fall into the categories of mineral content, detoxifica-tion abilities, and cellular repair processes. At Peak Health Institute, we guide women in understanding the different sys-tem’s in their bodies and how achieving optimal function of those systems can scientifically change things on a cellular level in their body, for the better. It’s a myth that we have zero control over our health and our outcomes. We strive to em-power women to know that their bodies are capable of so much more than the luck of the cards that they are handed. ABOUT THE WRITER Katie McManigal is a board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in functional and regenerative medicine. Her mission and passion are in bringing optimal health to each individual she serves. Katie completed her nurse practitioner degree at Purdue University and went on to open Peak Health Institute in Warrenville, IL. Peak Health Institute is a functional medicine and lifestyle clinic devoted to providing residents with the tools needed to optimize their health. Learn more at www.peakhealthinstitute.com HEALTH + WELLNESSLO CA LlndustryEXPERTⓇⓇAnti-Aging LOCAL INDUSTRY EXPERTGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 45

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From Deli Owner to Founder of Rainbow Reading ST CHARLES Joanna Migo has traded in her Polish pierogi and paczki selling days for a room full of letters and books as she has returned to the wonderful world of education Joanna a St Charles resident and former restaurant owner previously owned and operated the popular DRM European Cafe Delicatessen and Bella European Bistro with her husband Daniel Migo When both restaurants closed down due to complications with the Covid 19 pandemic Joanna made the decision to return to the profession she has always been passionate about teaching A former Chicago Public School elementary teacher and East Aurora reading interventionist and literacy coach Joanna has experience working with students in schools of need specifically those struggling in reading She is a certified K 12 grade reading specialist who is currently pursuing to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist through education and training at The Written Word Dyslexia and Learning Center in downtown Wheaton An academic language therapist is trained to work with students with dyslexia and other language based learning disabilities The business name was chosen specifically to provide hope for both students and parents struggling with dyslexia and reading difficulties Dyslexia and reading difficulties can seem like a dark and heavy storm cloud but Joanna s hope and mission are to help each child and parent dodge the raindrops and break through the clouds to the brighter side of reading Joanna is a 2008 Golden Apple Honor Awardee and volunteer at The Joshua Tree Community a terrific local organization assisting disabled adults in Geneva She serves as a book reviewer and contributor for Children s Literature an independent online directory that holds a large collection of children s and YA book reviews Rainbow Reading is located at 319 S Naperville Rd Ste 203 in Wheaton Visit the Rainbow Reading website at www therainbowreading com and contact Joanna at hello therainbowreading com Follow Rainbow Reading rainbowsreading on both Instagram and Facebook Glancer Magazine AUGUST 2022 WESTERN SUBURBS 47

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Shop Gallery H O M E D E S I G N AS FEATURED IN HGTV MAGAZINE ST CHARLES The Pep Line and Peppeard Design Principal Designer and owner Shannon Peppeard has been working with clients to create amazing spaces in their homes for over 15 years Peppeard Design quickly gained traction in the industry by incorporating Shannon s signature style into clients needs and desires with a livable design Her work has been featured in HGTV Magazine House of Markor Magazine and recently named one of 2021 s My Rowe Designers The Pep Line shoppe is located inside The Collins House one of St Charles oldest buildings and offers a wide variety of home goods including in stock furniture such as sofas ottomans chairs side tables rugs and lighting Pieces of art mirrors greenery planters vases draperies planters kitchen entertaining items including serveware barware seasonal d cor and gifts for her are also part of the collection This allows clients to come in with photos ask questions and walk out with furniture from a large inventory of in stock items or a short 2 3 week turnaround Clients can also choose from a vast drapery line of ten colors two widths six length pinch or euro pleat options The design team works with a variety of styles colors and patterns as well as traditional staples with muted darker colors They help pick out the finishes furniture accessories and help facilitate the design and build to attain a beautiful cohesive end result within budget and scope Shopping opportunities extend to The Pep Van Styling providing an at home experience or Pep Parties with wine and friends Get inspired Shop today Kristen Kucharski The Pep Line Peppeard Design 201 Cedar Avenue St Charles 630 549 7088 www thepepline com www peppearddesign com Photos By Kelly Vanderploeg 50 WESTERN SUBURBS AUGUST 2022 Glancer Magazine

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Shop Gallery O N T R E N D E S S E N T I A L S VISIT ONLINE OR IN NORTH AURORA NORTH AURORA Urban Echo Shop features on trend essentials for the stylish at heart from clothing and accessories to home decor unique furniture gifts and seasonal trends Owned by a mom and her daughter in Sugar Grove Illinois Urban Echo Shop was created to be an adored virtual hometown boutique where only the latest styles and trends are featured Residents are invited sit back and relax while browsing the shop s simplified trend collections online or shop at The Rustic Fox where you will find over 120 unique vendors Each day is a new day at Urban Echo Shop ON TREND ESSENTIALS FOR THE STYLISH AT HEART 1790 Town Centre Dr North Aurora Vendor 3 At the Entrance 52 WESTERN SUBURBS AUGUST 2022 Glancer Magazine

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54 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineOVER 45 VENDORS AUTUMN EVENT • AUG 27 & 28 ST. CHARLES–trend + relic is an experience that shoppers remember, as this unique multi-vendor marketplace has carefully selected experienced merchants who are artisans, builders, refinishers and painters, boutique owners and more each offering the most special items to adorn your home and make you feel beautiful. The talented merchants work hard to create and curate unique items, both vin-tage and new. Many of the treasures that you will find at trend + relic have been handcrafted including jewelry, candles, furniture & art and they have a variety of clothing & accessories, too. Each of the wonderfully talented merchants have created beautiful spaces in the shop as well as local markets so you will find some of your very favorites here. Owned by Karri and Heather, together they bring years of retail, decorating, de-sign, staging and painting experience to the shop. Their vision was to bring a unique shopping experience to Saint Charles like no other– creating a space that felt inspired, comfortable, friendly and passionate. At trend + relic, we are confident that you will experience all that and more. You will also find monthly paint classes which include ‘How To’ and ‘Make and Take’ workshops. Call the shop or visit to learn about upcoming classes, includ-ing girls night out boutique events THE OUR AUTUMN EVENT August 27 & 28 – Events Happening All Weekend Long! trend + relic, 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois • (630) 803-5253 www.trendandrelic.comShop Gallery

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56 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineTWO LOCAL BOUTIQUES HOT STYLES AWAIT WHEATON & ST. CHARLES–Jill Card opened Jeans and a Cute Top after years of working in retail and corporate sales jobs, wearing boring suits, un-comfortable panty hose, and predictable white dress shirts. The name was in-spired by her first date with her husband when she asked, “What should I wear?” and her husband replied: “Jeans and a cute top.” When Jill was getting ready for that first date, she didn’t have a great pair of jeans or a cute top in her closet and had to borrow an outfit from her sister, a flight attendant with a much more fun wardrobe. As she got older, Jill couldn’t find any great jeans for women in their 30s and 40s. Stores catered to teenagers or grandmas. The unflattering ‘Mom’ jeans filled in that age gap. Now, in Jill’s closet, you’ll find about 40 pairs of jeans. She has 8-10 pairs in regular rotation. Her go-to, favorite pair is the Gia from Liverpool—the denim is super soft and keeps its shape. Jeans & A Cute Top is the solution for women who don’t want to look ridiculous trying to dress like their daughters but also refuse to settle for shapeless lounge wear. Jill hand selects every item in the store, going to trade shows looking for style over trend, and finding affordable, beautiful clothes that work for all women, not just size 0 models. You will find Jill working the floor of one of her shops every day—she is committed to changing the world for women one great fitting pair of jeans at a time. www.jeansandacutetop.com Expires 8-31-22Shop Gallery

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DOWNTOWN BATAVIA The Right Dress Can Take You Anywhere BATAVIA–Special Occasions has been charming area residents throughout Chicagoland since 2009 as a premiere destination loca-tion for beautiful gowns, dresses and evening wear. Guests travel from near and far to experience the selection of their dream dress in person, not just online. Upon entry into this beautiful downtown Batavia shop, you are wel-comed by an array of unique dresses that you can touch and feel, of-fering you endless possibilities as you search for your dream dress, along with a knowledgeable stylist who is there to guide you. Here, you will find each season’s most sought after styles and must-have dresses. Founded by Mary Marconi-Popiel in 2009, the shop’s attention to de-tail makes the ordinary more extraordinary, giving you a shopping ex-perience that you will not forget. Special Occasions does not simply sell dresses– this local dress boutique sell dreams! Visit today for your next Special Occasion. Special Occasions 2 N Batavia Ave., Batavia, Illinois (630) 406-1515 www.specialoccasionsontheavenue.com Shop Gallery58 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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60 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineTrendY From the sunny beaches of Florida to the mountains of Montana, there are many ideal locations across the country for families and friends to visit together. When traveling with a group, booking a vacation home in these popular destinations allows families to stay under one roof and pro-vides privacy and other family-friendly amenities like kitchens, private pools, backyards and more. To help inspire families to travel and stay together, Vrbo announced its first ever Vacation Homes of the Year. The vacation homes meet a combination of selection criteria – including 5-star ratings, guest reviews, number of bookings and family-friendly amenities available – and represent a variety of price points, destinations, types of properties and designs to meet the different tastes and vacation prefer-ences for families. Check out these family-friendly travel destinations and ex-plore the full list of best-in-class vacation homes at www.vrbo.com/vacation-homes-of-the-year. 8 Family-Friendly Travel DestinationsTravelerTRENDY TRAVELERBig Sky, Montana

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Big Sky, Montana: This remote mountain lodge is located on 20 acres in the mountains near Yellowstone National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can appreciate the hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and fishing, but the scenic views can be enjoyed by all kinds of travelers. Broken Bow, Oklahoma: This pet-friendly modern cabin is perfect for extended families, multi-generational groups and those traveling with kids. It sleeps 18 people and comes with a spacious outdoor patio for grilling and a game room with 12 bunk beds. East Hampton, New York: A short walk from Georgica Beach, this contemporary farmhouse features a gourmet kitchen, private pool and 15-foot screen in the home theater. Gatlinburg, Tennessee: This cozy chalet is located near Dol-lywood and Smoky Mountain National Park and provides out-door lawn games, indoor arcade games and a pool table. Hilton Head, South Carolina: Featuring panoramic views of the ocean, this luxury beachfront house also has a heated pool, fully stocked chef’s kitchen and 24/7 concierge services. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: This oceanfront beach house sleeps 16 guests and has its own private pool and balconies overlooking the waves. Sawyer, Michigan: A modern property near Lake Michigan, this getaway is a short walk or bike ride to Warren Dunes State Park and boasts multiple outdoor gathering spaces by the hot tub and firepit. Telluride, Colorado: A perfect place for adventurous trav-elers and nature lovers, this mountain lodge is situated be-tween Telluride ski resort and Mountain Village. It’s called “Overlook Haus” because of the breathtaking mountain views from almost every room.TRENDY TRAVELERSawyer, MichiganEast Hampton, New York Santa Rosa Beach, FloridaGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 61

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62 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineRETURN TO REAL ESTATE 101 Is it STILL a good time to sell my home as interest rise & the market normalizes – the short answer is a re-sounding YES! Simply supply & demand dictates that the market is still very favorable for sellers. We con-tinue to see the updated homes selling above list price in multiple offers. But the seasonal slowdown in the market is giving the buyer room to negotiate, which is one reason we a saw the highest percent of cancella-tions of contacts in June that we have seen since Covid started -14.9%. But gone are the days when you could just slap the home in original condition on the market & receive multiple offers. You need to consult a real estate agent for the pre-market improvements needed to make your home the HOT home! 1. Paint, Paint & more paint. The most inexpensive im-provement to make with the best ROI! Can you say “agreeable gray”? 2. Carpet? Do you have your original carpet? Buyers do not want your carpet with 20 years of living woven into it. Don’t worry about the selection. Your realtor will tell you the exact carpet needed to sell a home! 3. The golden ticket to multiple offers in this market – have your kitchen cabinetry professionally painted white! 4. Light fixtures are like the jewelry of the home. Switch out at least foyer, dining room & kitchen light fixtures to make the Mrs. Buyer ewww & ahhhhh! 5. Declutter – If you aren’t taking it with you – get rid of it! Or at least move it into the garage. Hopefully, your take away from this feature will be that it is still a seller’s market & a great time to sell your home because of supply shortages & high buyer de-mand. If interest rates increase, it may be better to sell sooner than later as some buyers may retreat from home buying! Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicagoland Brokers serving buyers and sellers throughout the western suburbs. Her track record of success has helped her build a solid repeat and referral client base. • Sold $53 Million in 2021 • #1 Realtor Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 • Top 1% of all Chicagoland realtors • Glancer Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2021,2020 • Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who 2021, 2020, 2019

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AURORA The Blackberry Farm wedding team is excited to create an ex-perience which delivers a lifetime of memories for you and your guests. Our one-of-a-kind setting features country elegance and personalized service that caters to your needs – all at a value that can’t be matched. Planning the big day is a piece of cake. We’ll remove any stress, answer all your questions, and anticipate and communicate every detail in advance of your event. Our space is flexible and beautifully appointed, featuring rustic touches and country charm amidst Blackberry Farm’s historic backdrop. With a convenient location and ample parking, The Barn at Blackberry Farm is the perfect showcase for your big day. As you browse information regarding your wedding, please note that ALL packages include table and chairs at no extra cost. We hope to extend every hospitality to you along your decision-mak-ing process and are here to answer any questions or schedule a tour at your request. SPECIAL FEATURES Picturesque locations throughout Blackberry Farm, Outdoor Ceremony Options, Whiskey Barrel Cocktail Tables, Rustic Bar, Outdoor Patio and Lawn Space The Barn at Blackberry Farm Aurora www.blackberryfarm.com/wine-food/dinner/barnGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 67

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ST. CHARLES The Hotel Baker has established a tradition of elegance and personal service for our many married couples. No matter the season, our professional wedding specialists can assist you in creating a beautiful wedding with memories you will cherish for a lifetime. Dreaming of a beautiful outdoor ceremony? With the scenic Fox River as your backdrop, recite your wedding vows on our Water-front Patio or in our lovely Rose Garden. Then move inside to either our newly-renovated Waterfront Ball-room or our spectacular, two-tiered Rainbow Room where you’ll share your first dance as a married couple amidst the multi-col-ored lights. Your guests will be enchanted with our historic splendor, pol-ished service, and spectacular cuisine. For your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, or reception, the expertise of our wedding staff will ensure that everything, from setting to decor, is abso-lutely perfect. Our wedding menus, from traditional to unique, are designed to provide elegant dining on your special day. Let Hotel Baker turn your fantasy wedding into reality! Our dedicated wedding con-sultants are ready to assist in planning every detail of your wed-ding… Hotel Baker St. Charles www.hotelbaker.comGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 69

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70 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineSHORELINE VERSATILITY CHICAGO–It’s a water-taxi, it’s an adventure boat, it’s a history tour…..it’s Yachti! Sometimes I find the most unique things out of pure need. I was invited to a friend’s yacht in Lake Michigan that was heading to Chicago’s Playpen for the day. Although I have been skydiving, paragliding, para-sailing, hangliding, deep sea fishing, and the like, you might find it sur-prising to know that I suffer greatly from motion sickness; however, I still did not want to turn down the offer to go boating for the day, so I needed a backup plan. My friend informed me of a new service on Lake Michigan called Yachti that offers “uber-like” tender services on the water. With a quick phone call, Yachti will pick you up in the middle of Lake Michigan from any boat and bring you to shore within minutes. While preparing for my exit plan, I discovered that Yachti also has private tours, adventure tours, firework adventures, and luxury 62’ charters avail-able, so I decided to test the waters on a historic tour. Although I have participated in many Chicago area history/architectural tours before, this tour was like no other. Liam was a fascinating story teller and shared phenomenal information about Burnham Harbor, the Adler Planetarium, Meigs Field, Northerly Island, Navy Pier, and so much more about Chicago’s shoreline. The way he told the stories and the detailed information divulged, was absolutely captivating. The tour lasted 1.5 hours and we didn’t want it to end. The boat offered a bit of adventure and excitement as we sped down the shoreline to then pause with riveting details of the skyline in front of us. We were engrossed in the facts and awed by the emotion Liam emitted as he shared the par-ticulars. If you need a ride, or want to set sail for the day in the most spectacular way, it’s Yachti all the way! Overview Yachti was founded by Liam J. Poczatek in 2019 with the goal of providing access to the Chicago shoreline to as many people as possible. From Adventure Tours, Water-Taxis, Firework Cruises, and Luxury Charters, Yachti is your one-stop shop for experiencing the world-renowned Chi-cago Shoreline. Yachti Burnham Harbor • Chicago (773) 922-8055 • www.goyachti.com Hours: See website for schedule Price $: Varies Depending on Selection ABOUT THE WRITER Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, week-end get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering my own passion for adventure with friends, girls nights outs, and date nights. In her words “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!” MOM’S little black book

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DDRREEAAMM KKIITTCCHHEENNHOMEWERKS Home Remodeling Gallery Online NAPERVILLE– Recognized as a premiere remodeling company, with a 10,000 square foot showroom in Naperville, HomeWerks has a beautiful online gallery of photos and ideas to help you plan your next remodeling dream come true. Now’s a great time to start planning your next kitchen, bath or basement project! Family owned and operated since 1996, HomeWerks special-izes in full service remodeling. The kitchen and bath displays are interactive, allowing visitors to experience many product features first hand. With the focus of providing high quality products, pro-fessional installation and exceptional customer service HomeWerks Kitchen and Bath • www.myhomewerks.com Glancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 73

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76 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineCabinetry & Design Since 1997 BATAVIA–West DuPage Cabinets and Gra-nite has been providing cabinetry and design since 1997 when the company began as a custom home builder. Today, Catherine Sanzeri (pictured) and her talented team continues to fill a niche in the west suburban home design marketplace by providing a full range of products to fit every budget while providing lifestyle-focused de-signs with top industry designers. As a proud member of the NKBA and KCMA, this women-owned local area home design estab-lishment guarantees your absolute satisfac-tion. THE DESIGN PROCESS Catherine shares that today’s trends include timeless kitchen designs that incorporate the latest products into the design to fit each homeowners needs. This is West DuPage Cabinets and Granite’s area of specialty. If you’re looking for a new kitchen or bathroom design, West DuPage Cabinets & Granite’s talented design team will visit your home for a consultation, take measurements and look at the lifestyle components of the home. Does your family cook often? CCAABBIINNEETTRRYYand design

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Glancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 77Do you like to entertain? How many people are usually in your kitchen at once? Once they have all of the information needed, the team will create a design to present to you, the homeowner, upon a visit to the Batavia showroom. Homeowners enjoy a stress-free process with this local one-stop home designer, as this top-rated Batavia business has everything needed to complete a kitchen or bathroom design– including labor for each project. Additionally, West DuPage Cabinets and Granite extends their discounts at the supply houses to their clients (specifically for appliances and plumbing fixtures). The entire process is coordinated with your designer who stays with you through the entire project, leaving the homeowners com-pletely satisfied throughout. INDUSTRY TRENDS Catherine noted that the industry is always changing with future trends leaning towards larger islands, coffee bars and entertain-ment spaces, including a wine refrigerator in the kitchen and more features to accommodate larger groups. LEADING THE WAY The company has received many awards and accolades through the years including Best of the Best in Kitchen and Bath Remod-eling 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, in addition to Glancer Magazine’s ‘Best of the Best’ Kitchen Designer for Kane County in 2021. One of Catherine’s most cherished projects was when her team designed and built a first floor master suite for a client whose husband had MS and could no longer walk up the stairs. “The improved quality of both of their lives was a gift to see!” shared Catherine. -Photos by Mike Catuara West DuPage Cabinets and Granite (630) 414-2363 143 S. Batavia Ave, Batavia www.westdupagecabinetsandgranite.comCABINETRY AND DESIGN

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PERSONABLE, ENERGETIC & CREATIVE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SUSAN COLELLA OF BAIRD & WARNER This proud Naperville resident shares that helping local sellers and buyers doesn’t feel like work making it easy to be dedicated and results oriented When she is hired to list a home she gains much of the mar-keting inspiration from her sellers when she asks “ what do you love about your home?” From there she designs high end customs booklets with professional photography & drone shots, descriptions of updates, & develops unique ways to target the right buyers on the internet. Re-styling her listings with professional staging , 3D tours great for out of state buyers and constant follow up with all parties are all included for her recipe of success! Susan is currently meeting with sellers & buyers now in anticipation of a thriving Spring market~ Call luxury listing agent Susan Colella anytime to discuss your real estate goals for 2022. Susan Colella, Baird & Warner, (630) 946-3813Susan Colella78 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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Susan ColellaGRUNYK FAMILY LAW Active Member of the Community Gives Back, Helping residents as a Seasoned Litigator NAPERVILLE–Leah D. Setzen is a seasoned litigator whose practical, empathetic approach to even the most difficult, emotionally-wrought cases is appreciated by the men and women she represents. Leah gives back to the Naperville community by serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and NCTV17, Naperville’s own community television station, and to the legal community as a member of the editorial board of the DuPage County Bar Association Brief. Leah also serves as a presenter to local advocacy and support groups, mental health and financial professionals, bar associations, the National Business Institute and by volunteering in the classroom to inspire the next generation of legal minds. Photo by Deonna Caruso Photography Learn More About the Award-Winning Team at Grunyk Family Law Today (630) 428-3300 • www.grunyklaw.com FFAAMMIILLYY LLAAWWGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 79

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Kid Stuff80 • WESTERN SUBURBS • AUGUST 2022 • Glancer MagazineCan You Spot Sunny? A FUN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS ST. CHARLES–The young and the young-at-heart are invited to be on the lookout at St. Charles parks and park district facil-ities all season long. The target? One of dozens of hidden small plush foxes. Those who find a “Sunny” can keep him close at hand to take pictures with and share on social media using #stcparks. Participants can also opt to hide Sunny in a new park or facility for someone else to find. Those who feature Sunny in publicly shared posts that use the designated hashtag are en-tered into weekly drawings. Prizes include free daily admission to Otter Cove Aquatic Park or Swanson Pool as well as free rounds at River View Miniature Golf. www.stcparks.orgSummer Fireworks NAVY PIER • THROUGH SEPT 3 WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS Navy Pier’s celebrated summer fireworks displays return every Wednesday and Saturday. The spec-tacular shows are accompanied by special themed playlists for all to enjoy. www.navypier.comBug Fest 2022 RED OAK NATURE CENTER AUGUST 20 • 9am-1pm BATAVIA–Join us for a day full of fun and bugs! This incredible event is back with a carnival of critters! Participate in activities celebrating the wild world of bugs from Lippold Park to Red Oak Nature Center with fun stops along the way. www.redoaknaturecenter.info

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KID STUFFDUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Don’t Miss Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends at DCM NAPERVILLE–Step into the world of Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; Sofia Valdez, Future Prez; and Aaron Slater, Illustrator in the exhibit — The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! — at DuPage Children’s Museum through August 31, 2022. Curious kids (and adults) will have a blast pursuing their passions and find-ing inspiration to solve everyday mysteries. Sit in Ada’s thinking chair to ponder big questions, build Iggy’s famous pancake arch, pilot Rosie’s life-size cheese-copter, and more. Be an engineer, an architect, a scientist, a leader, and an artist. This exhibit will inspire a new generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers through fun, interactive experiences. Learn more and plan your visit today to play in The Questioneers exhibit before it’s gone! www.dupagechildrens.org adventure awaitsGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 81

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FITNESSCAREER VISION APTITUDE TESTING CAN HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE MAJORS AND CAREERS What are you doing after high school? You know further edu-cation is important. Do you need help finding the right career choice? The Career Vision Aptitude Advantage can help. Aptitudes identify your strongest talents, the jobs you would enjoy and be good at doing. Combining your aptitudes with your interests, Career Vision reveals your career choices. You also receive resources about college majors, job outlook, and preparation needed for those careers. If you have asked “What should I study?”, “What will I do after college?” and want to learn how Career Vision can help, give them a call. Their assessment process is a positive and an objective way to give you confidence to make good career choices. And your Personal Career Consultant will take time to discuss the test results with you and go over all your choices. If you are going to college and want to know what to study, reach out to Career Vision today. If you have graduated col-lege and still haven’t found your best fit, the professional con-sultants at Career Vision can help you, too. For over 30 years they have been helping students and adults find their best ca-reer choices. Career Vision • www.careervision.org • (630) 469-6270CCOOLLLLEEGGEE TTIIMMEEGlancer Magazine • AUGUST 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 83

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LOCAL CHILDREN S CHARITIES TO LOVE GIVE BACK TO THESE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HELP OUR YOUNGEST GENERATION IN NEED West suburban Chicago is home to countless charitable organizations and this month we wanted to shine a light on a few of them that have a focus of giving back to our youngest generation in need children From helping kids of families who are having a difficult time to ensuring local kids have what they need to start school this month s feature is close to our heart Join us in giving back Here are 7 Spectacular Local Children s Charities to Love 1 2 2 OUR CHILDREN S HOMESTEAD www ochkids org NAPERVILLE Help OCHkids walk into their first day of school with confidence No Illinois sales tax on school supplies 8 5 8 14 FosterLove BacktoSchool 1stday Our Children s Homestead 280 Shuman Blvd Suite 270 Naperville info ochkids org 3 3 GIGI S PLAYHOUSE www gigisplayhouse org foxvalley AURORA This volunteer run organization creates Down syndrome awareness while supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families with programs that are vibrant educational fun and free 1 RISING LIGHTS PROJECT www risinglightsproject com GENEVA Rising Lights Project is a registered 501 3 c dedicated to creating environments for individuals impacted by disability to learn laugh thrive and engage with the Fox Valley Community 6 4 4 DUPAGE CHILDREN S MUSEUM www dupagechildrens org NAPERVILLE Support the exploration as children create build discover wonder think play and more Every visit is an adventure in fun and learning DuPage Children s Museum ignites the potential of all children to learn through hands on exploration 6 BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK www blessingsinabackpack com NAPERVILLE BEYOND This charity has chapters that mobilize communities individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for school aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry 5 5 KIDZ KABARET www kidzkabaret com NAPERVILLE Kidz Kabaret is Fair Lady Productions flagship program that introduces children and teens to theater The organization holds the vision of Every Child Center Stage and every performance features all youth casts of all ages and abilities 7 7 INFANT WELLFARE SOCIETY www glenellyninfantwelfare org GENEVA This group works through community service projects and fundraising efforts to serve serve as an integral link between children in need and the community 84 WESTERN SUBURBS AUGUST 2022 Glancer Magazine