Glancer Magazine, July 2020

2. Enjoy Chocolate & Celebrate 19 Years

DOWNTOWN WHEATON–Grahams second location in

Wheaton was first opened in June of 2000 and serves as a

quaint little retail shop and adds to the uniqueness that is

downtown Wheaton. Homemade candies, ice cream and

fudge are just a few of the yummy treats found here. Visit

today to try a something fun! Graham’s Chocolates other lo-

cation is in Geneva. 119 W Front St Wheaton.

www.grahamschocolate.com

SUMMER 2020

5 Things to Do

1. Treat Yourself to Flowers

WHEATON– When only the most beautiful will do,

head to Andrew's Garden in Wheaton. Reminis-

cent of the finest flower shops in Paris and

London, Andrew’s Garden is a European-

style, full-service floral and fine gift shop,

specializing in couture designs for wed-

dings and events and more. Stop in the

shop and choose a single special

bloom or a vased arrangement for the

evening’s dinner party.

131 West Wesley, Wheaton

4. Plan a New Kitchen, Basement or Bath

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 specializes

in full service remodeling. The kitchen and bath displays are in-

teractive, 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

3. Support Local

WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO

As Gov. JB Pritzker announced Phase

4 of his Restore Illinois Plan, busi-

nesses and restaurants throughout

the western suburbs felt some re-

lief. But with capacity require-

ments still in place and many

residents not venturing out due

to COVID-19, things are still very

hard for local businesses. We

encourage you to support these

businesses as much as possible

via take out or delivery, or online

shopping. If you do visit a shop or

restaurant, please follow psoted

safety guidelines.

#inthistogether #covid19

5. Enjoy a Polo Match

OAK BROOK–For 2020, Polo fans can expect more adrenaline-fueled matches be-

tween some of the world’s best players from neighboring teams and abroad. This

summer marks Oak Brook Polo’s 98th season as one of the nation's oldest polo clubs

in operation today and the fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. July matches in-

clude July 12, Butler Challenge Cup – Chukkers for Charity and July 26, Oak Brook

Polo Open – Village Appareciation www.oakbrookpoloclub.com

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 9

COVER STORY

10 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

Awesome

Aunt

by Kristen Kucharski

Photos Submitted

It’s been said that only aunts can love you like a mother, keep secrets

like a sister, and share in the joys like a true friend.

Family is very important to Katie. She grew up with two very special

Aunts in her life and had the pleasure to travel to different places with

both; Katie hopes to carry on the travel experiences with her niece and

nephews, Caiden (12) and newly born twins, Ellie and Benjamin.

Starting local, Katie has already traveled to Chicago with her nephew

Caiden and treasures the memory of their experience at the SafeHouse

when they worked together investigating secret passageways and in-

teractive spy gadgets throughout the restaurant. She thoroughly en-

joyed witnessing the crowning moment when Caiden figured out the

secret passcode for their escape. Not that she is biased or anything,

but she thinks he is perhaps the smartness and most handsome kid in

town! Katie is looking forward to sharing similar experiences with Ellie

& Benny as they get older.

Regardless of how busy work gets for Katie, locating temporary housing

for policyholders that have been displaced on an insurance claim,

she always finds time for family, friends, and volunteering as the

Marketing Chair for the Eyes to the Skies Festival in Lisle. Even dur-

ing quarantine, she carved out virtual time to engage with her nephew

via word games over texts, Zoom calls, and as the weather got warmer,

a few outdoor social distance gatherings.

Once things return to normal, she looks forward to taking her niece and

nephews to the beach, the pool, get-a-ways to Lake Geneva and White-

water Lake, and looks forward to planning more family outings and va-

cations, with Italy being at the top of her list!

Being an Aunt has become Katie’s favorite role in life, but she still man-

dates four basic rules:

1. Bedtime is WHENEVER

2. The Answer is always YES

3. I will always have your back

4. Hugs are MANDATORY

Meet Katie Palombit of Lisle/Algonquin

12 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 13

Summer is here and it’s time to treat yourself to some local din-

ing and cocktail delights. Here’s a fun list to help get you started.

Bon appetit!

SUSHI DONE RIGHT

NAPERVILLE–Part of a fun sushi dining experience is the at-

mosphere, right? You'll be excited to know that indoor seating

is now open in many Water Street Naperville restaurants, in-

cluding one or your favorite local sushi hot spots.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers patio seating on Foyo Plaza and

overlooking the Riverwalk, as well as indoor seating along the

windows overlooking the patio. Blue Sushi also recommends

reservations, for lunch or dinner, either online or by phone, and

will continue curbside take-out. Photo by Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Located on Water Street in Downtown Naperville

www.bluesushisakegrill.com

DINING & COCKTAILS

WEST SUBURBAN DINING

DINING

DINING + COCKTAILS

14 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

TREND #1 | Alter Brewing & Kitchen

NEW ALONG THE FOX WITH EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR DINING AREA

ST. CHARLES–Alter Brewing + Kitchen is the second location for Alter Brewing,

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 ad-

dition to their new food offerings, they have a 10-barrel brew house, 16 taps, pri-

vate 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

TREND #2 | 302 Wheaton

ADDED TO A VARIETY OF OUTDOOR DINING OPTIONS

WHEATON–302 Wheaton and restaurants across town, including all along Hale

Street, welcomed outdoor dining on May 29. 302 was created with a vision for a

destination where family and friends could share in fellowship over a meal,

game and great craft beer. The outdoor patio is loved by many. 302 W. Front

Street, Wheaton. www.302wheaton.com

TRENDS

In West

Suburban

Outdoor Dining

10 TRENDS 2020

Downtown Wheaton

Alter Brewing

St. Charles

16 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

TREND #3 | Another Round

CHEERS! JUST ONE BLOCK FROM TRAIN STATION

DOWNERS GROVE–Another Round is one of west suburban Chi-

cago’s premiere sports bar featuring 2 bars, a couch area and a

beer garden/patio that has fast become a local hot spot in outdoor

dining. Guests love the full menu that is available late night. 5141

Main Street, Downers Grove www.anotherroundbarandgrill.com

TREND #4 | Blue Seas 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 overlooking the patio. Blue Sushi also recommends re-

servations, for lunch or dinner, either online or by phone, and will con-

tinue curbside take-out. Located on Water Street in Downtown

Naperville. www.bluesushisakegrill.com

TREND #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 alter-

native to your average breakfast/lunch restaurants. You’ll feel re-

laxed in this Urban Farmhouse setting 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

TREND #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

throughout 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, comfort-

able atmosphere. Outdoor seating is set up for you to enjoy!

4738 Main St., Lisle. www.urbanwinelisle.com

TREND #7 | Potter’s Place

ALWAYS HAPPENING. ALWAYS FUN.

NAPERVILLE–If you haven’t already, you’ll for sure fall in love with

this Downtown Naperville hot spot that’s always trending come sum-

mertime. This local Mexican cantina has the largest outdoor patio in

downtown Naperville and features daily live entertainment with an

upscale martini lounge located upstairs called Two-Nine.

www.facebook.com/pottersplacenaperville/

TREND #8 | Bar Evolution

RELAX & ENJOY APPETIZERS, COCKTAILS & LIVE MUSIC

BATAVIA–Bar Evolution has fast become one of Kane COunty’s hot-

test outdoor patios offering a limite outdoor menu currently to in-

clude cockatils such as Grapefruit 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

TREND #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. www.crafturban.com.

TREND #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 ing-

redients, 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 outdoor dining area like no other.

www.edenstcharles.com

Another Round, Downers Grove

Eden on the River, St. Charles

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 17

20 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

COMMUNITY LIVING

CELEBRATING LOCAL

The community never sleeps

for Essential Workers.

They’re the people working in

hospitals and grocery stores,

on farms and in meatpacking

plants. They’re keeping public

transit, shipping and utilities

running; as well as sanitizing

and disinfecting our places

of business.

They are our local heroes.

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 23

CREATIVE MARKETING

STRATEGIES

PENNY O’BRIEN – One word that

consistently comes to clients’ minds

when they think of Penny O’Brien is

“hustle.” As a Seller Representative

Specialist, she loves meeting with

sellers to discuss pre-market home

improvements and guide them to make

their home “showtime ready” when it hits the market. She strongly be-

lieves in professional staging and offers it as a complimentary service.

With a reputation for “good-looking listings,” she helps clients realize a

higher return and quicker sale. Penny says “Staging transforms a home

from average to amazing”.

Penny O'Brien Broker

Relocation Specialist / Negotiation Expert

(630) 207-7001 • penny.obrien@bairdwarner.com

Read Penny’s Local Industry

Expert Column at www.GlancerMagazine.com

Penny O’Bien

24 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

MILLION

DOLLAR

listing

Central Park Place Naperville: Luxury Condos are

located in the heart of downtown Naperville. This

unique project incorporates the original Nichols Library

building in its existing location on the site. The new

building is designed to compliment the original architec-

ture of the Library. The building boasts an exclusive

rooftop terrace/deck for residents. Each unit has a pri-

vate terrace and two underground parking spots. Only

17 total units total, Phase 1 is SOLD OUT.

$1,200,000

3bed • 3.5 bath • 2,858sqft

110 S Washington St., Unit 303

Downtown Naperville

(773) 750-9535

Presented by:

Katherine Minott

Brokered by:

john greene REALTOR

REAL ESTATE

26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

REAL ESTATE

City Feel.

Suburban Appeal.

Unit 206 is an end unit featuring 3

bedrooms plus a study, 3.5 baths, a

great room, kitchen/dinette and laun-

dry room. The city living you desire

perfectly situated at the center of

Naperville.

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 27

To Give,

To Inspire

CARING + SHARING

A Monthly Caring + Sharing Column

28 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

As hundreds of people peacefully

rallied in many of our communities

following the death of George

Floyd in Minneapolis, vandals and

looters also took to the streets

wreaking havoc on several busi-

nesses in our downtown areas.

Aurora was one of the towns that

was hit hard with the violence, and

some small business owners, like

Maria de los Angeles Saltijeral

who owns I of the Angeles, found

themselves protecting their stores with baseball bats and

boards on their windows.

Early the next morning, volunteer clean-up crews were

busy clearing away debris and broken glass, showing

their support of their community. By the time opening

business hours arrived, all was cleared away, but many

of the stores’ windows remained boarded. Then came

the beautifiers.

“It all started with a call from Sherwin-Williams offering

to donate mistinted paint and some paint supplies,” says

Jen Evans, Public Art Director of Aurora Public Art Com-

mission. “Then Home Depot donated plywood, and the

donations started coming in from everywhere.” A call

went out on social media to reach out to as many artists

as possible for help in painting pictures of hope, beauty

and community on the boarded-up windows. “We had

so many artists come down that there were more artists

than walls,” says Jen. “The compilation of artists from

town with all different backgrounds has been beautiful.”

One of the volunteer artists, Gin Ingram and her daugh-

ter, Nadia, based their painting off of the theme “Love 1

Another”, found in many of Prince’s

songs. Another volunteer, Cherilynn

Gnadt, wanted to depict a community

coming from darkness to grow

stronger and filled it with cocoons

bursting into color.

Regarding the artwork, Maria ex-

plained, “It took me out of a dark

place. You focus so much on the

negative, and it drains your energy.

When you find how caring others can

be, it fills you back up.” Mary Garcia, her neighboring

business owner that runs My Daughter’s Dress, said the

efforts brought her to her knees in tears of joy. “Hon-

estly, it made me feel like I was not alone, and this com-

munity is going to be here for me every single step of

the way.”

And what will happen with all this beautiful art when it

comes down? There are no concrete plans, but Jen’s

hope is they will be able to collect the boards and hire

local artists to put it all together as a permanent sculp-

ture somewhere in the city. Watching these com-

munities coming together as one, reminds me of one of

my favorite quotes from Ernest Hemingway that cur-

rently hangs in my writing office, “We are all broken;

that’s how the light gets in.”

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 veteran of Chi-

cago’s theater and commercial world as well

as a graduate of the Second City Improv

School. Mindy lives in Naperville with her hus-

band, three children and the cutest dog in the

land.

VIEW MINDY’S MONTHLY COLUMN AT

www.GlancerMagazine.com/to-give-to-inspire

How the Aurora Public Art Commission

Helped Keep Aurora Positive

CARING + SHARING

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 29

FAMILY DENTISTRY WITH

A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES

Valley View Dental offers an array of general and cos-

metic dentistry, periodontal, dental implants, oral surgery,

and orthodontic procedures, including traditional braces,

Invisalign, teeth whitening, CEREC one-day crowns and

even same day emergency visits. With a large staff of

multi-lingual doctors, on-site labs at each location, and

extended business and weekend hours, Valley View Den-

tal 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 al-

most 20 years. Located In Naperville, Montgomery &

Romeoville. Valley View Dental www.vvdental.com

DENTAL

HEALTH + WELLNESS

30 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

HEALTH + WELLNESS

CONTINUING TO CARE FOR YOU

Keeping your family well is your top priority right now and at DuPage Medical

Group, it's theirs too. They recognize that your healthcare needs don’t disappear

during a pandemic like this, which is why they're continuing to serve their patients

safely at their clinics and through virtual visits.

Whether you need primary or specialty care, you can connect with your physician

securely on your mobile device or computer through the MyDMG Health app. Visit

face-to-face with a provider via video visit, message with a physician over e-Visit

or schedule your next in-office appointment online, all from the comfort of home.

Take care of your family’s healthcare to-do list today at www.ScheduleDMG.com

BEAUTIFY & RELAX

ST. CHARLES–Let this spa

help you disconnect and im-

prove your health, beauty and

relaxation with specialized

massages, meditation, in-

frared sauna, and reiki energy

work. Complete your visit with

a natural hair or nail treatment

to feel as beautiful outside as

you do inside.

Tranquility Spa

113 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles

www.relaxattranquility.com

NUMBER ONE PROVIDER OF

COOLSCULPTING IN THE MIDWEST

WESTERN SUBURBS–Concierge Medical Spa is a luxury medical

spa with highly trained physicians, nurse practitioners and esthe-

ticians offering the most comprehensive esthetic medical services.

From body contouring to highly advanced future-forward restor-

ative and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, our esthetic experts

are some of the best in the industry. As the number one provider

of Coolsculpting in the Midwest and Top 200 in the country of Al-

lergan injectors, our services produce excellent results and have

high client satisfaction. www.conciergemedspa.com/glancer

RESTORATIVE YOGA & GONG

MEDITATION TOGETHER IN ONE

BATAVIA–Through holistic healing and

shamanic healing, the center offers differ-

ent services from cultures around the

world to bring balance and harmony to

your physical and emotional planes.

Find unique classes like drum circles,

restorative yoga and gong meditation

here.

Healing Arts Metaphysical Center

4 E. Wilson St., Suite 101, Batavia,

www.healingartsmetaphysical.com

FLOATING IS THE NEW

CALMING TREND

NAPERVILLE–Find a quiet space

to just BE. Float in 10 inches of

skin temperature water with

1,600 pounds of Epsom salt to

keep you afloat even if you fall

asleep. You have your own pri-

vate Float Room and can control

the underwater LED light and

white noise. Annica Float Club,

4S100 N. IL-59, Naperville,

www.floatnaperville.com

healthy living

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 31

HEALTH + WELLNESS

www.h-4training.com

Locations In Wheaton & Geneva

GET 1-ON-1 PERSONAL TRAINING AT H-4

TRAINING, TWO SUBURBAN LOCATIONS

WHEATON & GENEVA–It’s time to take care of #1 with

H4 Training! This program is best for individuals with very

specific needs who require dedicated attention. H-4’s

sessions focus on the specific goals of each client with

workouts tailored to each person. Visit online to learn

more and to check out the many other programs available

to you. Watch for a Q & A at GlancerMagazine.com

written by H4 Training's founder, Hank Ebeling, Local In-

dustry Expert in the Fitness category.

H4 Training

Wheaton & Geneva locations.

www.h4-training.com/services/personal-training/

FITNESS

32 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 33

Kid

Stuff

Stay Connected

NAPERVILLE–Let DuPage

Children’s Museum be your

go-to resource for helpful in-

formation on child devel-

opment, caregiver support,

and fun learning opportuni-

ties including Museum tried-

and-tested, hands-on

activities that can be done

at home. Explore the power

of play through a variety of

channels; follow the Museum on Facebook, Instagram,

Twitter, and YouTube. We miss seeing everyone. Please

share with us what you’ve been doing to keep busy. Let’s con-

nect! (630) 637-8000 • www.dupagechildrens.org

Frontier Kite Fly Festival • August 30

NAPERVILLE–Join the Naperville Park District, KidsMatter and The Branch

Naperville Moms for the Frontier Kite Fly Festival on Sunday, August 30 from

10:00 am-4:00 pm at Frontier Sports Complex. This free event is filled with

activities for the whole family! Watch gigantic kites perform exciting stunts,

have fun with kids' activities, witness the annual police and fire department

obstacle race, enjoy live music and entertainment and much more.

www.napervilleparks.org

Let’s Talk About Cats!

Let’s talk about cats! On July 6, Anderson Animal Shelter

invites kids to learn all about cat body language and how

cats communicate with us! Children ages 6-8 can sign up

to join in at 11 am and kids age 9-12 can join in at 2 pm.

For more information about all of our virtual camp ses-

sions and to register:

www.andersonanimalshelter.org/virtualcamps

Click for More Kid Stuff!

38 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

SUMMER BLISS

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41

DUPAGE LIVING

42 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

DUPAGE LIVING

A Willow & Maple

Fairies are a Family Affair

NAPERVILLE–Adam Chasen and Jen Ullrich live in

Naperville with their four kids, three dogs, an ugly

frog, and a huge tank of fish. A blended family,

Jen has a 13-year-old daughter (Emma) and

Adam has a 13-year-old son (Max) and twin

15-year-old daughters (Bella and Amelia).

Their Naperville home was built in 1958 by the

builder Don Tosi. Tosi built many mid-century

modern homes in the area and they fell in love

with theirs and moved in about six years ago. As

kids, the two both had a passion for the Thorne

Rooms at the Art Institute and have loved miniatures ever

since. They began their own creative adventure starting with a

miniature version of their house that they called 125 1/8 and have

been expanding the fairyland adventure for several years. The in-

stallation has drawn hundreds of visitors to their home at the corner

of Willow and Maple Lane just south of downtown Naperville.

If you come by around dusk, you can see inside of the stores thanks

to Adam’s custom lighting fixtures that illuminate everything from

the pathway to the diner to the MetroGnome music store.

Adam built everything by hand including most of the interior pieces.

Jen says he is an absolute genius creator and maker - he carves,

molds, electrifies, welds - he does it all - the water features, every-

thing. He even hand-cast the cement blocks used to build the light-

house. Adam's background is construction, and he built restaurants

in Chicago and homes in the Gold Coast and on the North Shore.

He is an expert in design/build and applies all that

knowledge to the small scale too. The entire family

comes up with ideas and Adam makes them real.

“Every piece takes a ton of hours and skill. He

loves to do it. It makes us both really happy to

be able to do something fun for the neighbor-

hood,” Jen shares. “We have visitors from all

over the area and people walk by or ride by

on their bikes and yell all kinds of nice compli-

ments. It brings us a lot of joy.”

Visitors of all ages enjoy the fairyland, leaving be-

hind nice tokens and letters, including from a woman

who had traveled to Ireland and brought back the mushrooms

that are now in the fairy lawn. Another neighbor's young son wrote

tiny little letters that are now inside the music store. Inside Wings

and Things, the first store in Fairyland, are things from Jen’s child-

hood collected from her Great Grandma Emma. The most recent

addition to the fairy stores includes little paper hearts with BLM

added to the store windows.

Working in Human Resources at Edward-Elmhurst Health, Jen has

a heart with an eye for community focus. She also extends that

passion to teaching in the Bridge Communities job readiness pro-

gram. Jen and Adam look forward to sharing the joys of their Fairy-

land with the entire community.

If you visit, please stay on the sidewalk and be careful. Keep Fairy-

land around for everyone to enjoy.-Kristen Kucharski

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 43

One Big Happy

Meet the Krake Family of Oswego

OSWEGO–With seven (7) kids there are never

really any typical days for the Krake family of Os-

wego. According to Lindsey (mom), “It’s con-

trolled chaos - some days more control, some

days more chaos; but, always fun.”

While David (dad) works as an accountant, Lind-

sey is a stay at home mom who keeps everyone

going in the right directions at the right times! David

(18) will be going to college to study cinematography in

the Fall, leaving Lindsey and David to manage the other six

schedules through Oswego Community School activities, partici-

pation in various programs at Community Christian Church in Nap-

erville and Harvest New Beginnings Church in Oswego where

Brendan (17) also plays in the church band; the multitude of Tae

Kwon Do sessions; robotics competitions for Alyssa (15); and cre-

ative play and art projects with Alli (9), Chloe (8), Emma (6), and

Coen (4).

Grounding their family in the core belief of working hard, having

fun, and helping others, the Krake family feels lucky to have so

many people they can count on for love and support. Growingup

in the western suburbs and living across the world

from Kobe, Japan to Milwaukee, WI, and back to

Oswego, IL again, the Krake’s value the gift

of giving back to local and global charities

and strongly encourage others to donate

time or money to help others stay healthy

and safe.

Always enjoying outdoor activities, the

family recently took advantage of an im-

promptu photo shoot that included custom t-

shirts identifying the timeline of the family’s

progression:

Mom and Dad of course are the ‘Executive Producers’

....David, as the first child, is ‘The Original’

....Brendan, up next is ‘The Remix’

....Alyssa, the first daughter, brought ‘A Fresh New Beat’

....Alli, as the second girl, is ‘Remastered’

....Chloe is their ‘Mix Tape’

....Emma is the ‘Encore’

....and Coen closes out the show as the ‘Mic Drop’

The daily production of life with the Krake’s requires everyone to

do their part. Lots of planning, scripting, storyboarding, and ev-

erything in between to create the final master copy.

by Kristen Kucharski

Photo Submitted

FABULOUS

family

KENDALL LIVING

44 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

KENDALL LIVING

A VIRTUAL FAMILY DANCE PARTY

Sat, July 18 • 6-7pm • $15/Family

ZOOM EVENT–You’re invited to an Under the Sea

Family Dance Party hosted by your favorite mermaid!

Be part of her world as you join Ariel in this hour-long

virtual event filled with dancing, activities and raffles

the whole family will enjoy! All ages are welcome at

this interactive Zoom! event. Each family will receive

a mailed invitation from Ariel and parents will receive

additional activities to pair with the dance to enhance

the experience all from home! Please note, registra-

tions that are taken after July 10 are not guaranteed

to receive the mailed invitation. Register today

www.yorkville.il.us/BeachBash

KIDS GO WILD FORT BUILDING

July 7 or 9 • 9am-12pm

OSWEGO–The Little Rascals have nothing on these

builders! Kids Go Wild heads to Waa Kee Sha to

build forts using wood, hammers, nails, blankets,

and duct tape. It’s a morning of learning skills to

match their imagination as kids create and con-

struct. Kids should bring: a hammer, safety glasses,

and a sack lunch. How fun! Hosted by Oswegoland

Park District. For ages 7-14. Visit

bit.ly/2YZjzi7

to register.

SUMMER READING 2020

Running through August 1

OSWEGO–Have you signed up for Summer Reading? It

is easy, just log on to your Beanstack account with Os-

wego Public Library and register. There are lots of easy

challenges for the kids to complete. Sign up the whole

family. Read. Investigate. Discover. Perfect for children,

adults and young adults, too.

www.oswego.lib.il.us

Send Your Kendall Living News to

editorial@glancermagazine.com

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 45

St. Charles Park District Garage Sale

Fundraiser • July 24-25 • 8am-4pm

ST. CHARLES–Got stuff? Got stuff you don’t want? Get rid of it with the

help of the St. Charles Park District’s Community Garage Sale. Not only

do you clean up while cleaning out, the 2-day event helps raise funds for

the park district’s popular teen center, STC Underground.

Held on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 from 8am to 4pm, the sky’s

the limit when it comes to what goes. Un-cram those closets and de-clutter

that den! You keep all the profits from your sale while the proceeds of the

registration fees help support STC Underground’s dynamic roster of pro-

grams and activities for all middle and high school students, ages 11 to 19,

residing within School District 303’s boundaries.

Registration fees ($20 Early Bird Rate effective until July 17; $30 from July

18-22) entitle each participant to have their address listed in the event pro-

motion guide, which is distributed throughout the community and viewable

online. Sellers also receive a promotion kit that includes attention-getting

yard signs and balloons. Ads in local and Chicagoland newspapers also

help drive buyers to the event, which included more than 100 homes last

year. Participants may pick up their information packet, yard sign and bal-

loon at the STC Underground on Thursday, July 23 between 1 and 9pm.

For more information, contact the STC Underground at (630) 513-4321 or

www.stcparks.org

KANE LIVING

SUPPORT

STUDENTS IN

District 303

through STC

Underground

46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

KANE LIVING

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 47

GET TO KNOW V FUSION STUDIO

GENEVA–V Fusion Studio trainers (pictued above) take con-

sideration to increase your quality of life when creating

classes - and now also virtually (join facebook page). Local

area owner, Rachel Kowal, is currently pursuing her master’s

degree in exercise physiology, and she bases all classes in

the latest research. The current schedule has a variety of ef-

fective, fun, and unique classes. V fusion will improve your

core strength, endurance, and physique safely so you “train

for life” with this popular fitness studio. You’re invited to come

out and see why so many love it! Enjoy 30-days of unlimited

classes for just $95 or try one week for FREE when you men-

tion Glancer Magazine. V Fusion Studio, 129 W State,

Geneva, www.vfusionstudio.com

JOIN TODAY! www.vfusionstudio.com

Quality of Life

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51

TRENDY TRAVELER

TrendY

Traveler

TRENDY TRAVELER

If you’re looking for a uniquely splendid

trip with memories to last a lifetime,

we have just the place. Complete with wordly tradition, mod-

ern sophistication and exquisite service– this historical gift is

located on Mackinac Island in upper Michigan.

Introducing Grand Hotel.

Since 1887 Grand Hotel beckons guests to a bygone era of

old-world hospitality and charm. Experience the tradition of

Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly

dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and

sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with

views of the Straits of Mackinac.

This National Historic Landmark has always embraced its

rich history, while keeping up with current times. That means

today, guests enjoy modern amenities while the hotel’s origi-

nal architecture and charm have been tastefully preserved.

Contributing greatly to the hotel’s ambiance is the relaxed

atmosphere of Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed

and the horse and carriage and bicycle are favored modes

of transportation.

397 Rooms and No Two Are the Same

Grand Hotel’s design has been influenced by esteemed in-

terior designer, Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co.

Each of the hotel’s 397 guest rooms feature their own

unique style and theme. Pictured here is the Musser Suite

which was named after The Musser Family. From 1933

through 2019, the Musser family has preserved the history

and tradition of Grand Hotel, thoughtfully improving the

grand experience of every guest for over 85 years. In Oc-

tober 2019 a new chapter began for Grand Hotel as Pivot

Hotel and Resorts, the luxury division of Davidson Hotels

& Resorts took over the management for owner, KSL Cap-

ital Partners.

Grand Hotel

on Michigan’s

Mackinac

Island

50 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2020 • Glancer Magazine

TRENDY TRAVELER

Grand Hotel is known for its named rooms. These unique

guest rooms reflect the lives of several U.S. Presidents and

First Ladies, various historical time periods, decorating

styles, and prominent historical figures and events. The

decor of each of the Named Rooms has been influenced by

interior designer Carleton Varney and features an individual

thematic design, furnishings and ambiance.

Our favorite named rooms are the First Lady Rooms that

are decorated to reflect each First Lady’s personality with

unique colors, decor and memorabilia, with the Jacqueline

Kennedy Suite whch is truly stunning. You can take a

virtual tour of the Laura Bush Suite and the Lady Bird

Johnson Suite online at the hotel’s website.

Rich In History

Grand Hotel has immense historical signifgance dating back

to 1886 when Mackinac Island became a summer getaway

with limited accommodations. Land was purchased by the

Mackinac Island Hotel Company which was formed by The

Michigan Central Railroad, Grand Rapids and Indiana Rail-

road, and Detroit and Cleveland Steamship Navigation

Company. A complete timeline following the construction of

Grand Hotel can be found online. It is truly an amazing com-

pilation of all that makes this hotel what it is today.

A Top Destination for Families

Thanks to many activities , the readers of Travel + Leisure

Family magazine rate Grand Hotel as one of the 10 kid-

friendliest resorts in the U.S. and Canada. Grand Hotel was

also recognized as a top resort in the family category in the

2015 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

A Distinctive Destination

America’s True Grand Hotel was named by the National

Trust for Historic Preservation as One of a Dozen Distinctive

Destinations. Grand Hotel has also received a number of

distinguished awards: view the list.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway, we invite

you to Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for the trip of a life-

time. Grand Hotel is rich in history, a place where time

moves at the pace of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles.

You will never forget the spectacular views from a rocking

chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s

longest porch.

For more details, visit www.grandhotel.com

Glancer Magazine • JULY 2020 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

COMING AUGUST 2020