Glancer Magazine-DuPage-Dec18 : simplebooklet.com

TM December Features TABLE OF CONTENTS PUBLISHER Glancer Magazine Inc PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Lindy Kleivo ASSOCIATE PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Brigitte Shepard EDITORIAL Print Digital Kristen Kucharski Columnist Writer Mindy Kyle Columnist Writer Stephanie Schmoker Dining Critic Tiffany Schmoker Dining Critic Kristen Brooke Kainrath Columnists SALES MARKETING PR Lindy Kleivo PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Catuara Mike Mantucca PRINT DIGITAL MONTHLY REACH DuPage Kane County Editions Naperville Wheaton Glen Ellyn Lisle Downers Grove Hinsdale St Charles Geneva Batavia Oswego Sugar Grove DIGITAL CONTENT Daily Weekly See Our Mobile Responsive Website at www GlancerMagazine com Glancer Go To Guide Glancer Magazine s Online Marketplace Event Site Create a FREE Membership Upload Your Local Content Today Content May Be Chosen for Print Publication Upgraded Marketing PR Memberships Available COMMUNITY FEATURES Press Releases Local Events Community News editorial glancermagazine com ADVERTISING Print Online Advertising advertising glancermagazine com SUBSCRIPTIONS Receive All Monthly Issues Delivered Direct subscriptions glancermagazine com 15 FASCINATING FACES OF 2018 Celebrating Awe Inspiring Residents Milestones Gift Ideas More Glancer Magazine Inc 80 Main Street Suite C Sugar Grove IL 60554 630 428 4387 www glancermagazine com Glancer Magazine West Suburban Edition highlighting DuPage Kane Counties is produced by Glancer Magazine Inc Glancer Magazine You ve Been Glanced and the Glancer logo are registered trademarks of Glancer Magazine Inc All rights reserved Magazine reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited DUPAGE West Suburban Edition DECEMBER 2018 Vol 17 15 Fascinating Faces of the Year Featuring West Suburban Area Residents Who are Achieving Great Things and Making a Difference In the World Around Them Copy right 2 0 1 8 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine Inc Welcome to the issue of the year Our readers anxiously wait for this special edition all year long featuring a distinct group of area residents who are making a difference in the world around them Our community is truly a brighter place because of who they are and all that they do Last year we featured 10 Charitable Crusaders of 2017 and this year we are introducing you to 15 Fascinating Faces of 2018 each story is inspiring and enlightening in many ways This issue also features Glancer Magazine s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide with a variety of gift ideas from gifts cards and fun experiences to home accessories and beauty products you ll love this guide The 7 Spectacular Places that Made 2018 Headlines is a super fun feature highlighting some of the most exciting headlines this past year Glancer Magazine was honored to be part of so many community events activities and newsworthy stories and we invite you to stay connected in 2019 We will continue to share more amazing stories and resident features throughout the western suburbs Watch for an exciting year ahead for Glancer Magazine In 2019 we will once again publish 12 uniquely themed issues for DuPage and Kane Counties with the addition of Kendall County focusing on Yorkville Oswego Plano and Bristol with more to follow Send your story ideas today We d love to hear from you Happy Holidays to you and yours see you in 2019 Lindy Publishing Director West Suburban Area lkleivo glancermagazine com DuPage Highlights 5 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 5 Things to Do 9 Scene Around Suburbia 11 COVER FEATURE 15 Fascinating Faces of 2018 13 Dining Delights 13 Savory Sweet Sisters 14 2018 Gift Guide From Gift Cards to Cosmetics 17 The Gift of Career Vision 18 Kid Stuff 19 Mom s Little Black Book 23 Literary Local 23 To Give To Inspire Featuring the 3 11 Project 22 Home for the Holidays 25 Health Beauty Highlights 26 7 Spectacular Places that Made 2018 Headlines Nominate a Neighbor at www glancermagazine com Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 5

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5 Things to Do DUPAGE LIVING 2 CHARLES DICKENS A CHRISTMAS CAROL at DRURY LANE THEATRE THROUGH DEC 23 OAK BROOK Continue the holiday tradition of gathering the whole family for this heartwarming production of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol the classic tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge Drury Lane Theatre 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace www drurylanetheatre com shows youth theatre christmas carol 1 TIS THE SEASON TO DINE NAPERVILLE NAPERVILLE There s no place like Naperville for the holidays This season check out some of the 260 restaurants the city has to offer Enjoy a family dinner at any of the fine dining restaurants Stroll along the city streets decorated with holiday lights and pop into a shop for a warm holiday treat This year more than ever Naperville has fun things to do and delicious foods to eat Don t miss out on the holiday food fun Go to www dinenaperville com for more information 4 ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL Visit Velvet Grace OSWEGO Wander through the WINTER WONDERLAND display of spectacular Christmas d cor Warm your holiday season with cozy home decor timeless furniture inspirational art and unique gifts to treat yourself or someone special Enjoy stylish women s apparel sizes small 3x featuring designs from Lush Love Stitch and Blu Pepper Stunning jewelry from Kendra Scott Mariana and My Saint My Hero Favorite holiday scented candles including Nest and Frasier Fir Also a proud retailer of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint the easy to use paint for refinishing furniture cabinets and much more Gift certificates also available Velvet Grace 4025 US Highway 34 Oswego 630 636 6570 ww velvetgrace net 3 AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT DOWNTOWN WHEATON WHEATON Enjoy an old fashioned horse and carriage ride along Front Street every Saturday through December 22nd from 12 3pm take selfie in the giant chair alongside the gianttree get inspired with P S Flowers and Andrew s Garden make your reservation for a traditional Christmas Tea at Suzette s Creperie sample the Christmas wine offerings at Tasting DeVine take in dinner and a show at Wheaton Drama Silent Laughter runs through Dec 9 or get your laughs at the Westside Improv Studio you just might find yourself on stage Celebrate 2019 at Ivy s New Year s Party known for it amazing balloon drop at the magic hour www downtownwheaton com 5 MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT Celebrate Downtown Downers Grove DOWNERS GROVE Make your holiday shopping festive enjoyable Downtown Downers Grove boutiques offer unique gifts exceptional customer service Bring the kids for a complimentary visit with Santa Sat Sun 1 4pm have them participate in the Gingerbread Man Hunt Don t forget to participate in the Gingerbucks Reward Card Before taking a break to eat at one of our many restaurants admire the decorated windows as part of our Downtown Holiday Window Contest www downtowndg org Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 7

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1 2 15 3 Fascinating Faces of 2018 by Kristen Kucharski Mindy Kyle Photos by Mike Mantucca Unless Otherwise Submitted 1 Holly Grace Ramsburg Naperville 3 Michael Jansey Batavia 5 Sofia Sanchez Downers Grove Learning that less than 20 of individuals with an intellectual disability are employed was not going to work for Holly She wanted more for her daughter Grace who was born with Down syndrome Following Gandhi s mantra you must be the change you wish to see in the world Holly went full steam ahead quite literally and bought into Dreamers Merchants Coffee and opened 4 Coffee and Grace this past summer With Grace as her partner their online store www 4Coffeeand Grace com offers three blends of beans ground coffee and K Cups plus tea and fun merchandise Their products are sourced from an inclusive company that employs individuals of all abilities in delivery production sales and marketing Grace walks through life with a smile encouragement compliments positivity and hugs Holly shares I feel extremely lucky to be a part of this tribe have a voice for change and be part of the change That s pretty cool KK A senior at Batavia High School Michael started playing football in 1st grade for Batavia Youth Football BYF and then transferred over to Tri Cities in 4th grade to play tackle football He started off as a tight end and defensive end but then after the first year turned into a running back and linebacker He was nominated for Dream Fearlessly for the Under Armour AllAmerican game providing the opportunity to be one of the final two players in the big game which is played in Orlando with some of the best athletes in the U S and broadcasted on ESPN Khalil Mack is Michael s personal football hero because Khalil came out of high school with one offer to Buffalo and now he s one of the best defensive players in the NFL proving anything is possible if you put in hard work and use your opportunities wisely Michael will pursue his own goals at Northwestern University in 2019 KK Ask and it shall be given so 11 year old Sofia followed Canadian rapper and musician Drake s God s Plan when she sent out a video of her doing the Kiki Challenge asking him to visit her at the Lurie Children s Hospital when he was in town for his concert at the United Center After being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy this past summer Sofia was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital to await a heart transplant The video captured Drake s attention and he surprised her on her birthday at the hospital It really cheered me up and made me feel even more positive Sofia said The two took tons of selfies and have remained in contact Now that Sofia has received her new heart she plans on attending an upcoming concert She can t wait until her immune system is stronger and she can get back to cheerleading softball and hanging with her friends KK 2 Jim Kolodziej Downers Grove Jim lives in Oak Lawn but has worked for Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove and Glenbard Township High School District 87 in Glen Ellyn for the past 22 years His mission has remained consistent to provide a building infrastructure that is safe cost effective and conducive to student learning ultimately making a difference for the kids He is currently spearheading the Master Facility Plan that will include flexible spaces designed to meet the academic requirements and social emotional needs of students as well as LED lighting to save on energy costs air conditioning for comfort and most importantly safety elements such as the Blue Point Alert System connecting directly to the Police Station As a father and grandfather keeping the students safe is his highest priority Jim feels grateful to be supported by a District that ensures students parents neighbors and staff is involved at every decision level allowing for positive change in his community KK 8 4 9 4 Rowena Salas Wayne St Charles Rowena attended North Central College to receive a degree in Biochemistry Natural Sciences before going to Rush University College of Nursing She is an active member of the Advisory Board to the Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at NCC CoOwner General Manager of Hotel Baker and a Board Director of the Greater St Charles Conventions and Visitors Bureau As a Registered Nurse she practiced in the Department of Endocrinology Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry Her nursing background was essential in Human Resources Talent Acquisition and in Philanthropy Communications managing the Physician Referral Service marketing 2 500 physicians Her philanthropic work is her pleasure with nonprofit organizations such as Fox Valley Hands of Hope Living Well Cancer Resource Center and Generation Rescue Rowena feels blessed that the hotel has allowed her family to give back to several organizations while pursuing her passion for creativity in various areas KK 6 Jesse Labreack Naperville For three seasons Jesse Labreck has competed on NBC s American Ninja Warrior and qualified for the Las Vegas Finals each year I applied for the show because a friend of mine did and I thought it looked like an awesome challenge says Jesse a former fourth grade teacher and former care giver for a young woman with Cerebral Palsey Now she has taken her passion for competing physically to the gym as Co Owner and General Manager of Ultimate Ninjas gym in Naperville The gym has many obstacles from the show for participants to try themselves There are classes for adults and kids to come in set goals and become a ninja Open gym hours are great for just checking it out My favorite part of my job is working with the kids says Jesse Some of our kids go on to compete on American Ninja Warrior Junior MK 7 Luke Pennings Willowbrook Watching his friend Janie Bawel struggle to fight cancer and pay the immense out of pocket expenses that were not covered by insurance Luke Pennings was moved to make a difference for her and her family 10 11

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5 6 He is one of the original founders and Executive Director of Ride Janie Ride Foundation which was formed in 2006 and has over the years been able to help multiple families with their medical financial struggles The biggest event they produce is the Ride Janie Ride Motorcycle Parade that is held every year on the first Sunday of May It is a fully escorted parade with the route blocked to traffic that draws anywhere from 1200 1500 riders Our first event will always be my favorite says Luke The route went directly in front of Janie s house where she sat in a wheelchair waving at all the bikes going by That day forever changed a lot of people MK Kucharski took to the field this past fall as Neuqua Valley s first female football player wearing jersey 33 and playing Free Safety I ve wanted to play football since 7th grade says Tessa who credits her success to her dad s love of playing ball with her her health teacher s encouragement and her mom s belief that Tessa could handle whatever was thrown at her For Tessa tackling opponents was exhilarating and the day she got her first interception she says was the best feeling she ever had Her advice to other girls Don t let society stop you from following your dreams You can do anything if you put your mind to it MK 7 season their double deck sightseeing boats take passengers daily for tours and host private charter trips for special events This year Rich is retiring to spend more time with his family and to enjoy his hobbies of traveling swimming and biking My greatest memory says Rich is all the wonderful people I have met over the years The many trips up the same river route was never boring he says as the passengers weather and wildlife made it different every time No fear though you have not missed out the St Charles Park District will be taking over operations next year while Rich finally takes some over due summer vacations MK 8 Maren Carr Montgomery 11 Ava Blaser Wheaton 14 Dave Weaver Sugar Grove Eight months ago Lindsey Carr s six year old daughter Maren was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Lindsey explained that removing a child s shirt to clean and access their medical port is an emotional and physical struggle for many children Maren asked her mother who has been sewing for years to make her a dress that she could wear to her clinic appointments without it needing to be removed The dress I made for her had ruffly purple bows at the shoulders says Lindsey After the first dress Maren stated Now make one for every kid with cancer Mom and so the Brave Beauty Project was born Together Lindsey and Maren design dresses and tops that appeal to children and allows easy access to the child s port They have delivered over 300 dresses and tops to date through Maren s treatment hospital and just recently by mail to non local Brave Beauties They are hoping to attract more sewing volunteers to help them expand to other clinics MK She has been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show is a model for Five Dance Wear Company and a national spokesperson for Dance Hope Cure and The Truth 365 which are initiatives of Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation Ava is only 11 years old and has lived with Stage 5 Bilateral Wilms a form of kidney cancer for the past 7 years but has continued to pursue her love of dancing with The Dynasty in Aurora I hope it inspires people to work through difficult times and continue to follow their passion to the best of their abilities Ava says Kids with cancer just want to be kids like they always were and not be defined by their illness Pediatric cancer currently only receives 4 of cancer funding for research so Ava is trying to help spread awareness while proving you can dance gracefully and passionately in continued hope for a cure KK Dave s public safety related experience includes shooting recruitment training and community awareness videos for suburban and City of Chicago departments including CPD and CFD He worked eight years as the emergency dispatch center communications supervisor during the annual Burning Man event in the Nevada desert and has worked as a freelance television news cameraman for the past 32 years He is Radioman911 com Dave grew up on Aurora s West Side moved to Chicago in 1988 and back to Kane County in 2014 where he currently owns and operates Radioman911 com to provide an organized method of reporting on over 5 000 incidents annually that affect the daily lives of the citizens within the region and its public safety providers Covering more than 33 counties he feels fortunate to have formed a large dedicated group of savvy volunteer dispatchers who are always monitoring the airwaves and then sharing that information via his website or via YouTube via RADIOMAN911TV KK 12 Renata Musial St Charles 9 Karen Borow Winfield In 2001 Karen Borow was home schooling her seven children with her oldest four playing in St Michael s grade school and St Francis s high school bands However with both bands having several rehearsals a week transportation and keeping their home school schedule on track became more difficult This inspired Karen to create a band just for families with home schoolers and thus the West Suburban Home School Band was born They were blessed with a home at Resurrection Church where they have gathered and rehearsed for the past 18 seasons Without a doubt her favorite part of the band is Thursday nights when all the groups 218 members come together for the four consecutive ensemble rehearsals that are divided by experience The community of home schooled families this band has drawn is amazing says Karen Kids that met in band are now married and many alumni come back to play and assist I think that s great MK After becoming a mom Renata Musial struggled with her identity and finding a sense of purpose She left a career in law and felt disconnected with who she was as a woman and an individual I found that when I attended workshops and retreats I always returned refreshed and renewed says Renata However I found that these types of events especially for moms were few and far between so I wanted to create them Her new business Renewing Mom focuses on creating a social community of events and workshops that leave moms feeling empowered and inspired Her favorite memory was of her last event Gather at Buttermilk Restaurant in Geneva where a group of over 100 women enjoyed presentations by motivating speakers and unique local businesses It was such a positive group of women says Renata and the energy was infectious It really motivates me to continue to develop this as a resource for moms MK 10 Tessa Kucharski Naperville 13 Rich Anderson St Charles This Junior at Neuqua Valley High School does not spend her time in the stands cheering her football team on instead the people in the stands cheer her on as she plays with the team Tessa For over thirty years Rich Anderson has run and captained the St Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats that run up and down the Fox River a business that has been in his family since 1945 During the 12 13 14 15 Jeanne Beard Wheaton Local Autism advocate Jeanne Beard founder of National Autism Academy is the mother of two sons with special needs and she is making national headlines for her inspirational contribution to the book Simply Amazing which was just released October 2018 Her story shows the resilience of humanity and how people can to transform their struggles into public benefit Jeanne Beard s expertise in Autism grew out of necessity As the mother of two sons with special needs one diagnosed with Asperger s one with ADHD she was determined to help her son find strategies for success despite the limited parenting resources available Beard created the National Autism Academy to support other parents and equip them with the information and tools for success that were not provided to her Today the National Autism Academy is a nationally recognized parent and professional training organization that supports thousands of people who live love and work with those on the Autism Spectrum Special thanks to these featured residents for sharing their awe inspiring stories with us View share this feature online at www glancermagazine com 15

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Dining DINING CABARET AND CABARET W E S T S U B U R B A N E D I B LE S T O LOV E Savory Sweet Sisters Vai s Italian Inspired Kitchen Bar 916 S Rt 59 Naperville 630 453 5200 www vaisnaperville com Owners Michael Vai Anthony Vai Sandy Georganas DU PA G E A R EA D I N I N G Holiday Inspired Dining WESTERN SUBURBS Make lasting memories and holiday traditions this season Share the excitement as Santa makes his way to the Ginkgo Restaurant at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa and his carolers on December 1 2 8 9 15 16 21 22 and 23 at 9am All children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa so be sure to bring your camera to capture the memories Nothing says holiday tradition more than enjoying a special one night only event of A Christmas Carol dinner and show at Lucille Restaurant in Oakbrook Terrace on December 12 at 5pm There will be something for everyone from pot roast and turkey and gravy to macaroni and cheese and an ice cream station as well as opportunities to take a photo with Santa in front of the sparkling 20 foot Christmas tree You ve had breakfast and dinner with ole St Nick but when have you ever had pizza with Santa Now is your chance Head on over to the Community Center in Wheaton at 1777 S Blanchard Street on December 14th 5 30pm to 7pm and share a slice of pizza enjoy activities and have an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus himself Then take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and save yourself the trouble of cleaning and cooking with a nice classy meal outside the home on Christmas Eve December 24 Deck the Halls with fresh seafood and premium steaks at Catch 35 in Naperville Kristen Kucharski SHARING LIFE OVER PLATES From the same family that brought us food lovers Fire Wine now comes Vai s an Italian inspired kitchen and bar With the motto sharing life over plates friendly faces and food that is unforgettable it was no surprise to find a packed restaurant upon arrival Michael Vai Anthony Vai and Sandy Georganas have done it again This trio goes above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome and more than satisfied With personalities that will make you want to smile and above par service the staff is just as on top of it Our server Myra was knowledgeable about the menu and had several recommendations So many we couldn t decide The smaller plates are a great way to try many offerings and share with the table The meatballs either as a slider or a side are a must The zucchini Frittes had a perfectly light and crispy batter with parmesan and were just delicious dipped in the green goddess Such a beautiful sight is the mushroom carpaccio with pickled onion goat cheese and balsamic It was difficult but we saved room for the bigger plates Vai s has a wood burning char grill to cook up the best Wagyu Hanger Steak served with green beans and potatoes in garlic herb butter The chicken Milan with heirloom tomatoes fresh mozzarella rucola spaghetti and a garlic cream is a comfort food that is taken to the next level Another favorite was the Roast Wild Salmon with wild mushrooms charred carrots pea tendrils served with spaghetti and garlic cream The details are what make each dish stand out This family friendly place has one of the best kid s menus around which includes wood grilled salmon and filet mignon Vai s has a generous space to host large groups and private events Whatever the event Vai s is the place to have it As we thoroughly enjoyed our food a couple got engaged just a few tables away and then were whisked to a private dining area to be further surprised by family Along with the generous space the owners have generous hearts and a vision of sharing their new space with the community hosting fundraisers You will feel right at home at Vai s with their open arms welcoming hearts and delicious food ABOUT THE CRITICS Stephanie right Tiffany left Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together They came from a family of 7 and grew up on farm with fresh fruits veggies and more Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine Invite them to your eatery at editorial glancermagazine com Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 13

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Christkindlemarket Returns to Naperville Celebrate Christmas with Abbey Farms NAPERVILLE Sparkling ornaments amazing performances and hot spiced wine Gl hwein served in a unique mug visitors can experience all this at the Christkindlmarket Naperville 2018 From November 23 to December 24 the German style traditional outdoor market is open to the public on select days free of admission Guests can also reserve a Stammtisch a popular German tradition of a shared table gather to enjoy food and drinks inside of the heated tent www christkindlmarket com naperville AURORA Looking for an old fashioned treat to bring to your holiday gatherings this year The Farmstead Emporium offers a wide variety of time tested flavors for your seasonal cooking at home Christmas trees and wreaths are available beginning Saturday November 17 and Santa arrives the day after Thanksgiving Enjoy a complimentary apple cider donut and small hot chocolate when you purchase your tree and ask about our tree delivery service For more info visit www abbeyfarms org Give the Gift of Fun with a Naperville Park District Gift Card Make your holiday gift giving easy this year purchase Naperville Park District Gift Cards for everyone on your list Gift cards can be purchased in any denomination and may be used for Park District programs as well as at several facilities Visit www napervilleparks org giftcards for details and information on where to purchase Give the Gift of Beauty For the perfect gifts visit Perich Skincare Makeup online or inside The Gnome Colony in downtown Glen Ellyn Give the gift of beauty or treat yourself this season Hailed by editors and women around the country as one of the best eye creams they have ever used you will be the unsung hero of your eye area after applying ANGEL EYES eye cream from PERICH Skincare Makeup after the very first application This eye cream is loaded with concentrated botanical extracts of Vitamin A B C E F K Licorice Root Shiitake Mushroom Aloe Algae and Rosemary that will leave even the hardest skeptic in disbelief www michaelperich com Downtown Naperville Gift Cards A Grr i c Gift of Play NAPERVILLE Give the Gift of DuPage Children s Museum Membership One year of membership adds up to a lifetime of memories and unlimited opportunities It s the gift that won t get broken and it s sooo EASY Give your family friends clients or employees the gift of play and let them unwrap the wonders of learning building exploration discovery and more Daniel Tiger s Neighborhood A Grr ific Exhibit is coming in January and membership means more access Make it a Grr ific holiday www dupagechildrens org 630 637 8000 14 Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY Give the gift that allows them to choose with a Downtown Naperville Gift Card These great cards may be used everywhere in Downtown Naperville at over 165 shops restaurants and spas Two designs to choose from the anyoccasion card or the holiday card No fees to purchase nor going forward May be purchased in person or online and mailed to you or a lucky recipient Visit www downtownnaperville com for details or call 630 544 3372

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Kid Stuff Tis the season for holiday fun Kids all over Chicagoland have so many exciting events and activities to look forward to From spending the afternoon at DuPage Children s Museum to counting down the New Year at Brookfield Zoo it s sure to be a month filled with festive fun Enjoy every moment together celebrating the season To view and share online at www glancermagazine com Gnome Globes at Morton Arboretum LISLE After taking a hike through the Children s Garden to hunt for all of the hiding gnomes create a keepsake gnome globe of your own This unique winter experience held through December 30th is fun for a pair or the whole family Purchase tickets in Visitor Center Saturdays and Sundays in December 11am2pm Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle www mortonarb org Zoo Year s Eve at Brookfield Zoo NAPERVILLE This New Year s Eve Brookfield Zoo invites families and friends to ring in 2019 at the annual Zoo Year s Eve Celebration Zoogoers can delight in Chicago s longest running lights festival as well as a packed schedule of live entertainment and holiday themed activities and attractions A live DJ sets the party tone in the Holly Jolly Theater with music fun games party favors prizes and more www czs org Brookfield ZOO Events CET LEGO Train Show at Cantigny Saturdy Sunday Dec 8 9 WHEATON The largest show of the year produced by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club returns to Cantigny after a one year hiatus due to park construction Admission is free with paid parking 5 per car Parking is free for anyone donating a new and unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots drop boxes inside the Visitors Center On Saturday the McCormick House and First Division Museum will offer LEGO attractions too www cantigny org event lego train show Fun for Everyone at DuPage Children s Museum NAPERVILLE Explore create build wonder discover think play and more The opportunities are endless Whether coming for a day of play or attending a special event kids and their adults will laugh learn and love spending time together at the Museum Monday December 31st join us for a countdown to Noon celebration at Fun Family NYE Coming in January don t miss Daniel Tiger s Neighborhood A Grr ific Exhibit Plan your visit today www dupagechildrens org 630 637 8000 18 Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY The Kids Will Love Having Fun Downtown Wheaton All Season Long WHEATON From carriage rides to Santa visits kids love Downtown Wheaton during the holidays Each activity is available on Saturdays through December 22nd from 12pm to 3pm at Martin Memorial Plaza on Front Street On December 1st there will be a feature performance by Jamie from the Farm at Martin Memorial Plaza from 10 30am to 11 30am and cookie decorating in the plaza from 10am to 12pm An ice carving demonstration will take place at the plaza from 12pm to 3pm and Santa miniature train rides from 3pm to 6pm in the parking lot at Liberty and Main Street How fun is that www downtownwheaton com

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FAMILY TIME MO N T H L Y C O L UMN Mom s Little Black Book MIX UP AT THE MORGUE MYSTERY The holidays are the perfect time to bring the family together for an interactive game You may have participated in the latest craze of escape rooms throughout the Western Suburbs but they can get costly at almost 30 person without the right coupon or Groupon Pam Molnar of Naperville has created DIY Escape Rooms as one of her many themed options available in her Etsy store I decided to try it out with my own family ranging in age from teenagers to grandparents When I first printed the game I felt a bit overwhelmed at the supply list and setup time necessary to play but I decided the end result would be worth it to save 220 since we would be having eight people playing for the 19 99 download price versus having to pay 30 person at an outside venue I collected the locks the boxes bags etc and proceeded to cut out and label the items as instructed After a couple hours I arranged the objects in the room and was ready for the group to play It was so much fun being the hint master and watching them scope out the room seeking numerical clues for the combos and hunt for keys to unlock the padlock Every piece of paper book photo and then some was questioned as a possible reveal to solve the mystery at the morgue A few disagreements ensued amongst the players as to what belonged and what didn t it was like watching a live stream of Family Feud mixed with Hasbro s Clue Board Game arguing if Colonel Mustard did it in the dining room with the candlestick or not It was pure entertainment for me watching my family members work together for an hour to figure out who the people were and what they brought with them while eliminating the decoy items In the end it was a top rated family fun game and well worth the preparation involved Overview Pam s Party Printables offers more than 100 themed games in her store on Etsy The games are sold as instant digital downloads and while many of the games are printable she also offers PowerPoint versions of her Friendly Feud games Themes include Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Baby Shower Bridal Showers Girls Night Out Family Reunions DIY Escape Rooms and so many more Pam s Party Printables Naperville IL 60564 www etsy com shop PamsPartyPrintables Hours 24 Hours Day Price 19 99 Download ABOUT THE WRITER Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children Kristen s column titled Mom s Little Black Book is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 19

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Give Your Family the Gift of a Newly Designed Kitchen or Bathroom HOMEWERKS KITCHEN AND BATH Recognized as a premiere remodeling company this 10 000 square foot showroom is truly inspiring Family owned and operated since 1996 HomeWerks specializes 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 professional installation and exceptional customer service HomeWerks has been a welcomed addition to the Naperville community HomeWerks Kitchen and Bath 1154 E Ogden Avenue Naperville 866 265 8895 www myhomewerks com 3608 Bluejay Ln 465 000 Exceeding Expectations PENNY O BRIEN Penny provides exemplary customer service and consistently ranks in the top 1 of all Naperville brokers with over 20 million in sales in 2018 Penny s clients say she is high energy and has a strong work ethic All of Penny s listings receive Complimentary Professional Staging Photography Sit back relax and let her go to work for you Penny O Brien Broker SRS CSC SFR RENE Relocation Specialist Negotiation Expert 630 207 7001 PennyOBrien johngreenerealtor com DECEMBER 2018 HOME DESIGN The Art of Organization We Design Around You CLOSET FACTORY Look no further Closet Factory is the custom storage solution authority and we design around you From closets to pantries and home offices your Closet Factory designer will act as your project manager and work hand in hand with you to design the perfect solution for your needs and ensure your project turns out just like you dreamed it would Call Closet Factory today at 866 ART 2 ORG that s 866 278 2674 to schedule your FREE in home design consultation with one of our incredibly talented design team members Find our ad on the back cover for this month s special offer www closetfactory com New Foam Gives Furniture a New Feel ROSELAND INTERIORS Roseland offers many ways to spruce up your home and your furniture From complete reupholstery to versatile slipcovers they do it all Another way to rejuvenate your furniture is with a quick and easy foam replacement Reupholstery fabric withstands a good deal of use but worn down foam can make furniture appear old and uncomfortable If done professionally new foam will make your furniture feel brand new Besides replacing the foam Roseland will expertly wrap each piece in batting for added durability You ll work directly with their reupholsterer to choose the perfect blend of firmness and softness Roseland will also pick up your cushions and return them back in just one week Call 630 355 1565 for an over the phone estimate today Real Estate Mastery TERESA RYAN BROKER Serving Naperville and West Suburban real estate clients with our team of 8 top performing agents at Ryan Hill Group Century 21 Affiliated Since 2001 Teresa Ryan and her teams have transacted more than 1 billion with luxury and traditional homes new developments and wealth building investment properties We place our clients needs first to ensure superior results and proud to give back to our Community Allow us to serve you Experience the difference call me for a complimentary consultation Teresa Ryan Broker 630 253 7660 TRyan RyanHillGroup com www RyanHillGroup com So Busy But Loving It OPAL ENTERPRISES Happy Holidays to everyone Christmas does seem to come too often for most of us incredibly busy working parents and grandparents but what a treasure to have the luxury to have so many to gift and to love I am greatful that the Naperville Glen Ellyn Wheaton and surrounding areas would have myself and Opal Enterprises be a member of this hard working and loving community Here s to many more together Opal Enterprises Showroom 127 Ambassador Drive Suite 159 Naperville info opalenterprises net 630 355 6557 www opalexteriors com Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 21

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LITERARY Local BARBARA BRABEC Marcella s Secret Dreams and Stories A Mother s Legacy NAPERVILLE In the last four years of her mother s life Naperville resident Barbara Brabec learned a secret her mother had kept from the family all her life at sixteen she dreamed of being a writer and authoring her own book Posthumously co authored by Barbara s mother through recorded conversations and writings from decades ago Marcella s Secret Dreams and Stories A Mother s Legacy became Barbara s chance to fulfill her mother s dreams Weaving together the memoirs of both mother and daughter the true life story of three generations of a Midwestern farming family going back to the 1880 s came to life Barbara has been a self employed writer and publisher for thirty seven years This is her twelfth book and second memoir In the past few years she has hosted several workshops to help individuals find their own life story and put it down on paper I think it is important for one to write about their life for their children and grandchildren says Barbara They need to document their family s history before it is lost Marcella s Secret Dreams and Stories A Mother s Legacy is independently published and can be purchased through Amazon and through local bookstores Know a Local Author in DuPage or Kane County Introduce Us at editorial glancermagazine com HOME BEAUTIFUL Beautiful Kitchen Designs and Master Suites HERITAGE CABINETRY DESIGNS The Heritage Cabinetry team is well versed on bringing you designs that can transform your space creating breathtaking kitchen designs to relaxing master suites Heritage designers are also well versed in design and project management and through the use of Computer Aided Design technology and a beautiful interactive design studio featuring cabinetry quartz countertops flooring tile and fixtures there are no limits to the unique designs that await you Visit www HeritageCabinetryDesigns com or call 630 553 0880 for your free design consultation Why Choose Us As Your Realtors THE PICKENS PLACKO TEAM One of Baird Warner s Top Teams Over 30 Years of Experience Over 300 Million in Sales Local Experts Strong Work Ethic Terrific Communication Successful Negotiators We Make It EASY We Get Results The Pickens Placko Team Baird Warner Naperville s 1 Team in Volume Sold www pickensandplackoteam com 630 253 3428 630 542 6682 M O N T H LY CO LU M N To Give To Inspire THE 3 11 PROJECT MONTGOMERY There are so many organizations in our communities that are formed to assist our fellow neighbors in need but sometimes it s hard to figure out where you can make the most impact I hope that in writing this column I have been able to shine a light on a variety of foundations that may spark an interest The 3 11 Project out of the Fox Valley area is doing something similar but in a unique modern way through social media The project uses their Facebook page to call out to their Facebook community to find resources needed to help families and individuals experiencing hardship Amy Lawler the Founder and President of the 3 11 Project was working in the corporate world as a manager and often didn t get home until after her kids were in bed She felt like she was working her life away and missing out on her family Her husband sat her down and asked her are you living for your resume or your eulogy He explained that at the end of her life their children won t care what her job title was or how high on the corporate ladder she climbed At that moment she decided to start living for her eulogy and do something that would leave this Earth better than how it was when she arrived The 3 11 Project receives referrals from local agencies churches or charities and the board helps narrow in on what is needed Calls are made to other charities and government agencies and a post is made to reach out to their Facebook community to assist with urgent and immediate needs Examples of past requests are searching for a sofa bed or mattresses for a mom and children who have been sleeping on the floor and raising funds to prevent car repossession for a family with six children Volunteers help gather items funds and distribute accordingly I love that I m learning leadership and communication skills for my future while still helping others says Ethan Irvine 19 Volunteer Program Chair The number one thing that I have heard our community say is that they love being able to scroll through our posts to see if there is something they can fulfill or share says Amy The easiest way for the community to get involved is to follow their Facebook page and share their posts You can find them at www facebook com The311Project Mindy s December Giving Inspiration Make or buy some beautiful tree ornaments and hand them out to random people that assist you e g banker grocery check out etc ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full healthy and happy life She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband three children and the cutest dog in the land Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 23

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HEALTH BEAUTY Service With a Smile GLEN ELLYN DENTISTRY Owner Dr Charise Petrelli has been practicing dentistry since 2002 She is skilled in all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry and enjoys treating patients of all ages Boasting the latest technological advancements GED is completely paperless supporting a greener environment They only use digital x rays which contain 80 90 less radiation than traditional film x rays The newly expanded staff including Dr Christopher Zwiercan takes great pride in knowing their patients individually and treating them like family Beyond traditional services Dr Petrelli offers Velscope Vx Oral Cancer Screenings Xylitol products which help prevent cavities Philips ZOOM professional teeth whitening options and a variety of Sonicare electric toothbrushes Now offering extended hours contact Glen Ellyn Dentistry today Glen Ellyn Dentistry 577 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 100 Glen Ellyn 630 942 0727 www glenellyndentistry com Welcome to Wellness A TO Z WELLNESS AND BODY SCULPTING Since 1989 Dr Adriana Zabrosky has been serving patients by delivering excellent chiropractic care and helping them maintaining a healthy nervous system I am so pleased to have had a long relationship with my patients their family members their friends and neighbors I decided to add body contouring technology to my practice and the results have been terrific Now not only do they feel good but they look good too said Dr Zabrosky A to Z Wellness and Body Sculpting at Zabrosky Chiropractic 630 515 000 www zchiro com The All on 4 Treatment Concept Are You Someone Who Is Looking for a Life Changing Experience Before After WHEATON ORAL SURGERY IMPLANT CENTER If you have several missing teeth and do not want the hassle that comes along with dentures then this Naperville oral surgery office can help The All on 4 treatment concept is a revolutionary procedure used to help thousands in replacing a full set of teeth When you walk out of their office you ll go home with a set of teeth that look and feel like your own Michael S Scherer D D S M D and his team are located in Naperville Dr Scherer practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implants to wisdom teeth removal Wheaton Oral Surgery Implant Center 2323 Naperville Rd Suite 160 Naperville www wheatonoralsurgery com 630 364 2888 20 Off Coolsculpting WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO Concierge Medical Spa Is a full service luxury medical spa and the 1 Provider of Coolsculpting in the midwest They offer non invasive procedures of aesthetic services skin rejuvenation hair removal injectables and body contouring just to name a few Their highly trained staff is specialized in the latest aesthetic medical treatments and is ready to help patients achieve their goals They customize each treatment specifically for you this personalized service begins with a complimentary consultation They know their clients have many choices for their Aesthetic Services which is why we Concierge Medical Spa strives to provide you with the best results coupled with great customer service No matter what your concerns are their experienced team looks forward to helping you look and feel your best Book your consult today see ad on inside back cover www conciergemedspa com glancer Help For Alopecia TUBELLA HAIR STUDIO Alpoecia is a misunderstood autoimmune condition that includes Alopecia Areata Alpoecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis Nearly 5 million Americans 2 of the population are affected The cause is unknown and there is no cure Alopecia is highly unpredictable as hair loss and regrowth can occur at any time The only positive is that there is new technology to recreate someones natural hair and scalp and it s available at TuBella Hair Studio in Lisle through their new partner company Cesare Ragazzi They have developed a 3D printed hair prosthetic Visit online today for more details www tubellhairstudios com Exceeding the Trust Respect of Patients WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO Since it s opening in 1999 Valley View Dental in Romeoville IL has grown by leaps and bounds Valley View Dental offers a full array of general dentistry services cosmetic dentistry periodontal dental implants orthodontics procedures and oral surgery We can offer our patients services like Invisalign BOOST Teeth Whitening CEREC one day crowns and even same day emergency visits Dr Khurana managing partner With a large staff of doctors and its largest on site lab and extended business hours Valley View Dental has the ability to treat patients according to their own schedules and convenience Stop by and see why others in the community have trusted Valley View Dental for almost 20 years Valley View Dental www vvdental com Located In Naperville Montgomery Romeoville Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 25

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PLACES THAT MADE 2018 HEADLINES 2018 was an active year for DuPage County communities From groundbreaking events and epic concerts for a cause to troll invasions and grand reopenings at favorited restaurants month after month new headlines featured pop culture excitement and local progress happening throughout the western suburbs Glancer Magazine was there to capture it all and we invite you to stay connected in 2019 as we continue to captivate the community with more great local features Here are 7 Spectacular Places that Made 2018 Headlines 2 Garden Trolls Arrived at The Morton Arboretum LISLE This past summer six colossal wooden trolls made their home in Morton Arboretum s 1 700 acres The first large scale U S exhibition from Danish artist Thomas Dambo Troll Hunt takes visitors on a journey to find the larger than life guardians of the forest living in the Arboretum s woods While visitors seek out the creatures the trolls are in turn trying to make sense of the human world that surrounds them www mortonarb org troll hunt 2 1 3 Reserve 22 Changed Management and Held a Greand Re Opening GLEN ELLYN New management was announced in 2018 and with it came changes The large patio boasts some of the most scenic views around dinner is often accompanied by live music and the cozy dining room offers beautiful views of the golf course Thomas Fota is now the new Executive Chef www reserve22 com 3 1 Arranmore Farm Polo Club Hosted Goo Goo Dolls with Special Guest Gavin DeGraw as Cal s Concert Series Kicked Off this Past Summer OSWEGO This open air musical event was held on the pristine expansive lawn of Arranmore Farm Polo Club in Oswego on July 14 2018 Friends family gathered together at this unique event to help support kids with cancer An amazing time was had by all who were in attendance Stay connected for future concert updates by following Cal s Angels in social media www calsangels org www arranmorefarmandpoloclub com 6 DuPage County Historical 6 4 A New Naperville Entertainment Sports Complex Announced NAPERVILLE Private development company Calamos Real Estate of Naperville announced plans to build a 245 000 square foot 4 500seat sports and entertainment events center with two regulationsize ice rinks on the northwest corner of the city across from the CityGate Centre The groundbreaking is scheduled for early next year Stay connect to Glancer Magazine for updates 4 Museum Won an Exhibit Award for 1917 Catalyst for the Modern Era WHEATON The DuPage County Historical Museum recently received an Award of Merit for their exhibit 1917 Catalyst for the Modern Era from the Illinois Association of Museums The exhibit was developed by former curator Ashley Downing and was partially funded by a donation from the Snodgrass Family Fund of the DuPage Foundation www dupagemuseum org 7 The Naperville Jaycees Park Groundbreaking was Held at the Naperville Municipal Center NAPERVILLE The City of Naperville and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce announced the new smart park that is scheduled for completion in Spring 2019 The eco friendly park will be powered by solar panels installed on the roof of the Municipal Center and offer a flex work space opportunity with a provided wi fi connection sun protection coverings charging stations usb ports and outlets The park will be free and open to the public Pretty amazing www naperville il us jayceespark 26 Glancer Magazine DECEMBER 2018 DUPAGE COUNTY 5 5 A Groundbreaking Ceremony for Downtown Wheaton Streetcape Project WHEATON The revitalization of downtown Wheaton continues as officials broke ground earlier this year for a streetscape project that will create a new look for Front Street including wider sidewalks along with new street lamps benches trees and planters and a relocated Martin Memorial Plaza Progress featured at www wheaton il u 7

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