Glancer Magazine, July 2022 : simplebooklet.com

CHEERS TO SUMMER The Celebration Continues All Summer Long.... Summer is in full swing throughout Chicago’s western suburbs with brew & cocktail hot spots popping up everywhere. This month we focus on the movers & shakers behind the scenes at some of the area’s most trending hot spots, making sure your visit is enjoyable from start to finish. You’ll love learning about their passion for what they do and what some of their personal favorites are in the biz! Other highlights include 7 Spectacular Places for an Amazing Margarita and 10 Trends In West Suburban Beer & Cocktail Adventures, plus many more captivating features to match this month’s theme. There’s no better time than summer to try a new restaurant, attend a live concert in the park or visit a festival in a neighboring community for the first time. Get out there & enjoy! Simply put, this is another issue that you’re going to love! Thanks for reading. Lindy Kleivo Founder/Publishing Director Lindy Is Pictured with Friends On Her Way to the Shaun Cassidy Concert Held June 19 at Arcada Theatre In St. CharlesJULY 20225 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 5 Things to Do 8 Cover: Brew + Cocktail Movers & Shakers 20 Chicago Style: Taste of Chicago 22 On Stage: Tusk at RiverEdge Park 24 Unique In Suburbia: Gindo’s Spice of Life 26 Summer Fun Guide 33 Literary Local: Michelle Rusk 34 Health Inspired Entrepreneurs 36 To Give, To Inspire: Garden Works Project 39 Anti-Aging Local Expert Katie McManigal 40 Women Inspired: Owner of Twee Partees 43 Shop Gallery Featuring the Hottest Shops 57 2022 Wedding Guide 58 Trendy Traveler: 5 Honeymoon Destinations 64 Mom’s Little Black Book: Down on the Farm 67 Kitchen Design Tips & Trends 68 Million Dollar Listing: Downtown Naperville 70 Cabinetry & Design Extraordinairre 73 Family Law: Helping Area Residents 74 Kid Stuff: National Night Out & More 78 7 Spectacular Suburban Places for an Amazing Margarita 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. JULY 2022 | Vol 16, Issue 199 CHEERS TO SUMMER Summer is in full swing throughout Chi-cago’s western suburbs with brew & cocktail hot spots popping up every-where. This month we focus on the movers & shakers behind the scenes, along with much more. Subscribe for daily, weekly and monthly updates at www.GlancerMagazine.com ©Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine, Inc. JJUULLYY 22002222®Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 5

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4. Paddleboat Quarry NAPERVILLE–Enjoy some paddle-boat, paddleboard, or kayak fun on the water at the Naperville Park Dis-trict’s Paddleboat Quarry this summer near the Naperville Riverwalk! Visit online for fees, hours of operation and more. The Paddleboat Quarry is open from spring through fall, weather permitting. www.napervilleparks.org/paddleboatquarry3. JoJo’s Treehouse: Not Your Average Outdoor Patio DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE NAPERVILLE–Exciting and fun, JoJo’s Treehouse towers over every patio in downtown Naper-ville! Enjoy the good weather, and cool off with JoJo’s over-the-top milkshakes, refreshing cocktails and boozy bars, and in-dulge in diner classics. JoJo’s 1,500 sq. ft. outdoor patio has been transformed into everything your childhood self could have dreamed of and more. The outdoor space is built around a tree trunk with sparkling disco balls scattered among glimmering string lights and vines. Head to 5 Jackson Avenue today! www.jojosshakebar.com2. Trend + Relic’s 2 Year Anniversary Party JULY 15-17 7 • 1501 Indiana Ave., St. Charles ST. CHARLES– Join in on the shopping fun for Trend+ Relic’s anniversary celebration! Enjoy 15% off most merchandise, Bloom and Bread Pop Up, Cyndi Stark Performs Live, Station 4 B.B.Q & Grill Food Truck, The Sweetest Adventure Cotton Candy, Dapper Brews Coffee and more all week-end long! www.trendandrelic.comSUMMER 20225 Things to Do4. Glen Ellyn First Thursdays Summer Concert Series LIBIDO FUNK CIRCUS AND NICK SANZERI • THURSDAY, JULY 7 • 5pm GLEN ELLYN– First Thursdays are held downtown Glen Ellyn in the Glenwood/Crescent parking lot. Get ready for FUN! Enjoy live bands, drink local craft beer from Two Hound Red, dine from local eat-eries and support local non-profits. www.glenellynchamber.com1. Summer Sidewalk Sale JULY 14-17 DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE– Downtown businesses will be “taking it to the streets” with the annual Summer Sizzlin’ Sidewalk Sales! Come enjoy special summer sav-ings inside and out – during these special 4 days, July 14- 17. Sales start by 10am and go until dusk. www.downtownnaperville.comGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 7

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COVER STORYDOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE MOVER & SHAKER NAPERVILLE/WOODRIDGE/WESTMONT–Mike is a char-ismatic, outgoing, friendly, and loyal bartender at Bev’s in Naperville. He loves being able to talk to people and bring a little joy to their day; and enjoys the unique ambience of the fine dining pop-up liquor bar with its Mid Century modern vibes and upscale, made from scratch fare, craft libations and distinctive experience. “Mike is a pleasure to work with. He brings so much to the table. He is funny, hard working and just genuinely a good person,” Alicia S. of Naperville says. “He is a very skilled bartender and has a creative mind with cocktails.” With a passion for building things and a prior career in car-pentry, Mike takes his job as a mixologist very seriously, so appreciates his down time filled with music, concerts, and White Sox games. He is also an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with his 14 year-old, Siberian Husky named Gino. Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 9Favorite cocktail to mix? Old Fashioned’s Favorite cocktail or beer to drink? Midwest Coast Brewing Volkslager. It is a German pilsner and I love having one on a summer night. Most unique ingredient you've ever mixed with? We make a Vanilla Peach simple syrup. It brings a warm and sweet mix to one of our signature cocktails that I think really sets us above others Most unique garnish you've ever used to decorate with? Making designs in egg white cocktails with bitters Favorite local place for craft cocktails or brews besides your place of business? Hizeman’s in Naperville Mike Seminara of Bev’sCOVER STORY

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COVER STORYGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 11GLEN ELLYN MOVER & SHAKER GLEN ELLYN/CAROL STREAM/VILLA PARK–Kat has been work-ing Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink in Glen Ellyn since 2013 and enjoys having a career where she can express her au-thenticity through creating cocktails and a place where everyone feels welcome. She is described as an Old Soul that's a cross between a quintes-sential 30's bartender and a cutting edge craft cocktail rockstar; and is best known for her catchphrase, “What are you thinking, what are you drinking! Glen Prairie promotes organic farming and sustainable practices allowing Kat the freedom to build cocktails from the ground up and experiment with new ingredients. Her vivacious personality and iconic laugh can be found at work and home where she enjoys volunteering for events like DuPage Pads Taste of Hope, Meal on Wheels Celebrity Chef's Brunch, and Northern Illinois Food Bank a Taste that Matters. She also loves hiking with her rescue Paulie, cooking, and watching documen-taries. Favorite cocktail to mix? Passionfruit Mezcal Sour! Citrus from the passion fruit, smoke from the mezcal, creaminess from the egg white. Favorite cocktail to drink? Sapphire and Tonic, a Bourbon Old Fashioned, or a shot of Malort! Most unique ingredient you've ever mixed with? Beet Juice! Beet Juice Syrup Reduction, with FEW Barrel Aged Gin, and Fresh Rosemary, with a splash of lemon soda. Most unique garnish you've ever used to decorate with? Smoked Cherries- Dehydrated bing cherries are rehydrated and smoked in-house for Smoked Cherry Old Fashions. Fresh edible flowers are also used from their offsite rooftop garden. Favorite local place for craft cocktails or brews besides your place of business? Common Good Cocktail House in Glen Ellyn and The Loyalist in Chicago Kathryn Arena of Glen PrairieCOVER STORY

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COVER STORYOSWEGO MOVER & SHAKER ST. CHARLES/OSWEGO–Carolyn loves the process of cre-ating a recipe at Oswego Brewing Co. in Oswego which is best known for the craft beers they brew on site. Although their sig-nature beers are Hay’z for Horsez and their Pickin’ series, which are fruited sours, she loves the creative spirit of taking a traditional beer and respectfully elevating it. “I love talking to people and explaining the brewing process,” Carolyn says. “I also enjoy helping someone to find a beer to drink by asking questions to zero in on flavors they like and then moving them out of their comfort zone to try something new.” Because her job is so physical, Carolyn finds release at her local gym, CrossKicks Fitness in South Elgin and enjoys work-ing out with her wife and the rest of her FitFam. Family and friends are a big part of her life and she loves sharing beer and food experiences, as well as hiking and traveling to the South-west United States. Favorite cocktail to mix or beer to brew? Traditional beers with complexity in their flavor profile such as dunkels or dry irish stouts. Favorite cocktail to drink? Darker beers – brown ales, porters, or a nice dark lager. If I’m not drinking beer I’m drinking bourbon or whiskey. Most unique ingredient you've ever mixed with? I’ve brewed several beers with various herbs and spices – rosemary, sage, hibiscus and fresh ginger. Most unique garnish you've ever used to decorate with? We brewed a mango fruited wheat beer called Go Man-Go. We’ll garnish the rims of glasses with tahin. Favorite local place for craft cocktails or brews besides your place of business? Niche in Geneva for their vast whiskey selection and Montarra in Algonquin Carolyn Stephens of Oswego BrewingCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 13

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COVER STORYDOWNTOWN ELBURN MOVER & SHAKER ELBURN/ELGIN/WEST DUNDEE–Nicole has always had a pas-sion for bringing the culinary side to cocktails and introducing flavors and combinations that most people never dreamed possible. She absolutely loves working with like minded individuals, and being able to show off her creativity in unique and fun ways as a mixolo-gist at Obscurity Brewing and Craft Mead in Elburn. Craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, delicious BBQ, mead and cider are enhanced by Nicole’s drive to think outside the box. "What I love most about working with Nicole is her ability to be cre-ative on the spot,” says co-worker, Alysa B. (DeKalb). “Whether that be her immediate problem solving skills when facing a difficult situation or creating a very accommodating environment for last mi-nute events.” Nicole takes her art from work to home to hobby as a homebrewer and member of multiple local crafted cocktail groups as well. This busy married mom of two young boys is also level one beer server certified with the Cicerone program, a member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, and a moderator for the Chicago Area Microbrewery page. Favorite cocktail to mix? Anything smoked Favorite cocktail to drink? Classic Old Fashioned made with Whistlepig Rye 10 year Most unique ingredient you've ever mixed with? Smoked tomatoes or BBQ sauce Most unique garnish you've ever used to decorate with? Cotton Candy, gold flakes, or a handcrafted Champagne foam Favorite local place for craft cocktails or brews besides your place of business? Penrose Brewing Company, Geneva (for beer) or Barrel + Rye, Geneva (for drinks) Nicole Bergner of ObscurityCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 15

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16 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine10TRENDSWest Suburban Beer & Cocktail Adventures10 TRENDSCheers to Summer! Due to popularity, our list is back again this summer. Here are 10 trends for 2022 in west sub-urban summer cocktailing. Enjoy & please drink responsibly. #1 | A Liquor Bar Pop-Up CREATIVE COCKTAILS at BEV’S www.bevsnaperville.com NAPERVILLE–A fine dining liquor bar pop-up located in the heart of Downtown Naperville offering some of the finest Whiskey and Scotch selections in the suburbs. Bev’s cocktail list is also impressive with creative favorites like Drops of Jupiter, Watermelon Crawl and Sunburnt In Tulum. Paying homage to longtime building owner Beverly Patterson-Frier, Bev’s comes with midcentury modern vibes and upscale, made from scratch fare, craft libations, & a unique experience. #2 | Whiskey Chic WHISKEY, BEER & COCKTAILS at NWB www.nwbars.com LISLE & PLAINFIELD–This place is named after whiskey, but they take their beer and wine very seriously. You will not be disappointed when you head downtown Lisle or Plainfield to Next Whiskey Bar. If you love Whiskey, the extensive menu will make you smile, along with their Bourbon cocktails. Paired with American comfort food, as well as Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean– the drink list is award-winning worthy.

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10 TRENDS Hamptons Social Burr Ridge 3 Bloody Mary Wednedays 8 A Cocktail Surprise LOADED BLOODY MARY at GRAND DUKE S 5 on WEDNESDAY www granddukesrestaurant com REFRESHING COCKTAILS MADE BY SOME OF the BEST www commongoodcocktailhouse com GLEN ELLYN Common Good is a cocktail house in the heart of Glen Ellyn has become a destination cocktail location for modern classic upscale seasonal and sometimes whimsical delights using fun techniques in a beautiful but low key friendly environment Favorites include WHAT A RE LEAF made of Rum Thai Basil Pineapple Kukicha Lime Super Carbonated Water and ROME ON A WHIM made of Salers Campari Dry Vermouth Basil Cinnamon Don s Mix Lime Oh so scrumptious DOWNERS GROVE If you love a good Bloody packed with scrumptious delights then get to Grand Duke s Restaurant on Wednesdays Located on 75th Street in Downers Grove Offering homemade Eastern European and American cuisine Grand Duke s is loved by many west suburbanites 4 Ros All Day GIRL S DAY OUT at THE HAMPTON SOCIAL www thehamptonsocial com BURR RIDGE There is no better feeling than the feeling of being on vacation Inspired by the longoing for summer days spent on the coast The Hampton Social in Burr Ridge is the perfect place to imbibe and relax with their coastal inspired cuisine and hand crafted cocktails creating the perfect social atmosphere With fun events happening all season long hop on their e mail list today to stay connected You ll be so happy you did 5 A Roaring 20s Vibe COCKTAILS ANTIQUES at THIS ST CHARLES SPEAKEASY www clubarcada com ST CHARLES Enjoy being greeted at Club Arcada located above Arcada Theatre by a flapper girl and page boy attire as you indulge in delicious culinary creations and hand crafted cocktails amongst 500 antique furnishings Try the FLAPPER GIRL FLOOZY made with Light Rum Dark Rum Pineapple Juice Passion Fruit Juice or the ROCK N RYE made with Jim Beam Rye Whiskey Orange Lemon Cinnamon Clove The unique drink possibilties are endless Club Arcada features live entertainment most evenings 6 Choose Your Flavor Seltzer 9 Mid Day Wine Tastings GRAB A FRIEND and SHOP DINE DOWNTOWN GENEVA www genevawine com GENEVA If you haven t been yet this is a summertime must visit Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Geneva Geneva Winery offers tastings and samples of all their wines Located on 3rd Street The Tasting Room invites you in MonThur 11am 9pm Fri 11am 11pm Sat 10am 11pm Sun 10am 7pm with Daily Wine Bar Tastings more 10 Yoga Wine STRETCH SIP WHILE TAKING IN THE SERENE VIEW OF THE FOX Register Here bit ly 3w5q6bg OSWEGO Yoga along the Fox River Enjoy 60 minutes of vinyasa flow yoga led by an experienced yoga teacher and stay for a glass of wine at Fox Valley Winery Class will meet at the park and walk up to the Winery together following class Leave feeling relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your week Each registration includes yoga class and a glass of wine Please bring a mat with you to class Ages 21 Brought to you y Oswegoland Park District CHOOSE YOUR OWN SELTZER FLAVOR at GRANITE CITY www gcfb com NAPERVILLE Hot on the menu at Granite City is their Hard Seltzer It s not beer and is considered an FMB Flavored Malt Beverage Served flavor less meaning the flavors are added at the bar how fun is that This allows for you to choose any and all flavors available including Strawberry Lemonade Wild Berry POG Passion Fruit Orange Guava Black Cherry Mango Grapefruit or simply flavor with a lime lemon or orange wedge 7 Patio Brews on the Fox TRY A UNIQUE BREW MADE LOCALLY at ALERT BREWING www alterbrewing com ST CHARLES A popular hops spot located along the Fox River Alert Brewing includes a full service container bar with their patio coming alive 12 months out of the year including a heated seasonal enclosure Enjoy plaza dining as well with patio tables out front during the summer and globes during the winter Choose from unique beers like Heavy Squeeze Hopular Kid Alterior Motive Festbier Swedda Wedda Dank You and more Glancer Magazine JULY 2022 WESTERN SUBURBS 17

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Hardware—a Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery Serving Delicious Food and Over 450 Whiskeys NORTH AURORA–With over 450 whiskeys from around the world, Hardware’s specialty is brown liquor. They have custom Hardware blends, rare finds, and dis-tillers’ private selections. Enjoy your brown straight up, in a prohibition-era cocktail, or try one of their signa-ture crafted cocktails by their mixologist Brad Schwichtenberg. Hardware also offers their own B.B.G.B. brews, along with many other local beer options as well as a full list of organic, bio-dynamic and sustainable wines. Complete with a Greenhouse and Organic Hop Farm, Hardware is truly a unique west suburban destination location. The Hop Farm supports the brewery with 80% of hops used in Hardware’s six mainstay beers, with 1270 plants and six different species of hops. They also use their spent grain to create dinner rolls & pizza dough for their restaurant group as well as dog treats...how cool is that? www.eathardware.comNEXT STOP: NORTH AURORAWEST SUBURBAN DININGDININGDINING + COCKTAILS18 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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DINING + COCKTAILSSip & Stir Whiskey Cocktail History! July 21 • 7-9pm • Good Roots GLEN ELLYN–Hosted by Common Good Cocktail House at Good Roots, in this class, you will mix and drink your way through WHIS-KEY cocktail history. The cocktails will serve as examples and tem-plates, allowing you to understand each cocktail in their broader place in cocktail history and walk away with the knowledge and skill-set to replicate with precision at home. The class will be drinking and mixing the following cocktails: Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Man-hattan, Toronto, Boulevardier, Paper Plane, Whiskey Sour. The class includes light snacks, instruction, and the total volume of ap-proximately 3 drinks all in the beautiful space of Good Roots, 492 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn. www.commongoodcocktailhouse.com/classesPatio Paint and Sip: Wine Cork Craft July 9 • Geneva Wine Cellars GENEVA–Water Street Studios artist, Lisa Holzl, will teach how to make a Picnic Tick Tack Toe Game set with Wine Corks! for 21+. All art supplies are included in the registration fee. (paints, brushes, corks, game set bag and board). Enjoy this relaxing outdoor class and learn to create a FUN summer-time Tick Tack Toe Game set out of upcycled wine corks com-plemented by a very special wine tasting provided and curated by Geneva Wine Cellars. 227 South 3rd Street, Geneva www.genevawinecellars.comCCoocckkttaaiillssRed Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Band, Cold Drinks & Great Food • July 15 NAPERVILLE & ST. CHARLES–Get ready for a summertime tradi-tion that features cold drinks, great food, and fabulous music! Naper Nights explores major historical milestones and their effect on pop culture with themed musical tribute concerts in June, July, and Au-gust. July 15 • Blink-182 Tribute | Blink-180TRUE (6-7:30pm) Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute | Red NOT Chili Peppers (8-10pm) Gates open at 5pm. www.napernights.comGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 19

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TASTE OF CHICAGO Music Highlights Include Nelly, Aterciopelados, Drive-By Truckers and More — FREE Admission! GRANT PARK–After two years, #Taste-ofChicago proudly returns to Grant Park with three days of incredible food, music and activities around the iconic Buckingham Fountain. In addition to the more than 30 food vendors, guests can enjoy a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge and NBC Chicago Family Village in Grant Park. Each evening presents a diverse mix of chart-topping, crowd-pleasing nightly concerts on the Taste Main Stage and the Goose Island Stage. Chicago Made, a DCASE initiative that supports Chi-cago’s makers and dreamers, presents top emerging talent as openers for the Taste Main Stage. Taste of Chicago 2022 is presented by John Deere and produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in co-ordination with the Illinois Restaurant As-sociation, which manages food operations. The festival is sponsored in part by Goose Island Beer Company, Pepsi, NBC 5 & Telemundo Chicago, Chicago Transit Au-thority, Eli's Cheesecake, Illinois Lottery, Mil-lennium Garages and WGN TV. FREE admission to all concerts. Note: There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. Full details, including food vendors and stage lineups, can be found online at www.taste-ofchicago.us. www.facebook.com/TheTasteOfChicagoChicago StyleCHICAGO STYLEEnjoy the Tastes of Summer In Grant Park Starting July 820 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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HOT & TRENDY: GINDO’S SPICE OF LIFE ST. CHARLES–Hot Ones. Are you familiar with this YouTube sen-sation? It’s “the show with hot questions and even hotter wings”. This one-on-one, celebrity talk show is brilliantly simple - its host asks questions while the guest attempts to eat wings coated in in-creasingly hotter sauce. Thanks to the unpredictable element that is hot sauce and thoughtful questions … we learn more about our favorite celebrities and ‘uniqueness’ that is hot sauce. Did you know that the hot sauce market is projected to reach $4.17 Billion by 2028? And just like craft breweries, there are ‘craft’ hot sauce companies (hot sauceries, if you will!). Introducing: Gindo’s Spice of Life in St. Charles. In December 2021, Gindo’s opened its shop - they specialize in small-batch artisanal hot sauces. Everything is done in-house; al-lowing full control over its sauces, ingredients, recipe development and label design. They source a variety of ingredients from local farms - such as: Mighty Greens in Elburn, Gordon Heat Farm in Oswego and Garlic Breath Farm in Elburn (just to name a few!). This summer you can catch Gindo’s at a variety of local markets, too. They recently launched Hot Honey (infused with locally-grown ghost, scotch bonnets and habanero peppers) and will re-release Strawberry Basil in July. Along with its three year-round sauces (Gindo’s Original Fresh & Spicy, Jalapeno Poblano and Honey Ha-banero), they make a small-batch sauce weekly. Looking for a unique pairing? Try Honey Habanero with dessert! This warm, fiery finish contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of dessert … an un-expected (yet, delicious!) surprise. Here’s to you, Hot One. May you discover the spice to life this summer! UNIQUEby Brianna Bartemeyer Photos by Gindo’s Spice for Lifein SuburbiaUNIQUE IN SUBURBIA24 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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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 SUMMER BLISS30 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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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 BLISSGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 31

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Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 33by Mindy Kyle Photos SubmittedMichelle Rusk, Author of Route 66 Dreams NAPERVILLE–With a doctorate in family studies, former Naper-ville resident Michelle (Linn) Rusk spent many years speaking and writing about suicide and grief and working with several mil-itary family grief studies. Her library of authored books include several titles on the journeys through loss, grief and healing. Re-cently, she has turned her energies a different direction that re-flect more of her passions by creating a lifestyle brand, Chelle Summer, where she makes handbags, clothes and home décor and also blogs about her brand and posts photos of vintage items found at estate sales. “It’s about inspiring the world in the ways that I keep myself inspired,” says Michelle. Along with the life-style brand, she is still authoring books but now in the fiction genre. Michelle’s latest book, Route 66 Dreams, began as a thought of where our dreams are born and was developed into a story about fourteen-year-old Jana Danielson and her adventures on a 1986 summer family vacation exploring what is left of the old Route 66. Along the way, she engages in new experiences, learns of family secrets, and discovers more about herself and her dreams. You can find Route 66 Dreams and any of Michelle’s other books on her website www.chellesummer.com or on Amazon. LITERAARRYYlocalKNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? We’d Love to Meet Them! Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.comLITERARY LOCAL

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Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 35Cutting Edge and Alternative Tools WARRENVILLE–Tim and Katie McManigal (pictured), the founders of Peak Health Institute have a passion for helping in-dividuals to excel in health and wellness after the pair have navigated their own personal health struggles, including both having had lyme disease. Caretakers by nature, Katie was a NICU RN at Lurie Children’s hospital, then a nurse practitioner; and Tim worked as a firefighter with a background in athletics and performance optimization. Personally dedicated to a healthy and active lifestyle, with a focus on functional medicine, they opened Peak Health Institute providing cutting edge therapies to bring individuals options for taking their health to the next level through improved mind and body function. “We help moms to get stronger, repair their hormonal balance, improve cognitive function and become their best version of themselves,” Katie shares. “We help executives to optimize brain health and cognitive func-tion and athletes to excel by optimizing their cellular health and mitochondrial health. On the flip side of that, we work hard with chronically sick individuals to help them regain their life.” Some of their favorite tools to promote health optimization are medical weight loss, bioidentical hormone therapy, peptide ther-apy, vitamin IV infusions, ozone therapy, sauna and detoxifica-tion programs, and NAD+. One of their trendier offerings is EMSCULPTneo for body contouring, decreasing fat by 30% and increasing muscle by 25% in targeted areas. With the advances of technology, Peak Health Institute can service anyone anywhere with the use of telemedicine, but cer-tain services of course do require in-person visits. Reclaim your health and call today! -Kristen Kucharski Peak Health Institute 3S517 Winfield Rd, Warrenville (630)791-9335 www.peakhealthinstitute.com HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 37The Garden Works Project WHEATON–One of the best parts of summer is picking my own fresh vegetables from my garden and using them in my family meals. They are packed with nu-trients, they taste better, and they are pretty easy to grow providing you can keep those pesky rabbits from nibbling. It was these great benefits of gardening that inspired The GardenWorks Project, a 501c3 out of Wheaton, to create an organization that would help build gardens to em-power food insecure families in the western suburbs to grow food for themselves. Since 2012, The GardenWorks Project has provided home gardens to over 700 households that frequently rely on food pantry services. When a household is enrolled in the pro-gram, a team of volunteers will install a 4’x8’ cedar raised garden bed with organic soil, compost, seedlings, and seeds to grow a garden that has the potential to produce over 100 pounds of fresh vegetables during the growing season. Their work also extends into the community by working with garden clubs and civic organizations to provide community-based projects to increase food availability for food pantries. “We believe everyone deserves fresh produce, and we believe everyone can play a role in improving the local food system,” says Jeannie Iseman, Executive Director for The Garden-Works Project. Last spring, GardenWorks launched its partnership with Fresh Food Connect, a mobile app, to make it easier for home and community gardeners to donate a portion of their fresh grown produce to local food access organizations. Gardeners from Kane and DuPage County who download the app will be able to de-scribe their donation and se-lect a drop-off location and time to donate their excess produce. “It’s a neighbors-helping-neighbors based ap-proach,” says Iseman. “We can collaborate more easily with local growers to de-crease food waste and redi-rect excess to those who need it most.” GardenWorks began and continues to exist on a vol-unteer-run model. They offer many volunteer opportunities throughout the year to help with building gardens, as well as providing education and hands-on training to community members. Financial contributions are always welcome, and they directly impact families in your community. If you own a garden, sign-up for Fresh Food Connect to easily donate your excess produce to local food pantries. GardenWorks also runs two seedling sales every year selling high quality vegetable and herb seedlings. Their next sale is on August 6th in Wheaton. For more information about The GardenWorks Project and getting involved in their program, visit: www.gardenworksproject.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-inspireProviding Home Gardens to Over 700 Households that Frequently Rely on Food Pantry ServiceHEALTH + WELLNESS

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Women’s Hormones During Perimenopause, Menopause & Beyond While menopause is a natural part of aging, it comes with a swift decline in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can leave women at an especially high risk for certain diseases of aging. Specifically, these include: osteoporosis, cardiovascular dis-ease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and dementia. These changes can begin to occur during a woman's perimenopausal years. This consists of the 10-year timespan prior to a woman going through menopause. During this time, some women may opt for horomone replacement therapy. It is important that women recognize the difference between syn-thetic hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone re-placement therapy before choosing. Bioidentical means the hormones have the same molecular structure as a human’s natural hormones. Created from natural plant substances, bioidentical hor-mones are most safely applied topically, while some others can be safely utilized orally or via a tiny insertion under an individual’s skin. Bioidentical hormone replacement can safely help women maintain cognitive function, bone density, healthy weight, and stable mental health. Many women during their perimenopausal years, may begin to suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. Often this is due to their fluctuating hormone levels. I’ve heard many women tell me over the years how hormone therapy actually saved their marriage. Unfortunately, hormone therapy got a bad rap inaccurately for a period of time due to a poorly conducted report from the Women’s Health Initiative that occurred in 2002. Women do have options and it is essential for them to understand the differences between (often inflammatory) synthetic hormones and (natural) bioidentical hor-mone replacement therapy. Sadly, many women are suffering un-necessary symptoms due to a lack of understanding how hormone therapy can optimize their life during their perimenopausal and post menopausal years. ABOUT THE WRITER Katie McManigal is a board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in functional and regenerative medi-cine. 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 life-style clinic devoted to providing residents with the tools needed to optimize their health. Learn more at www.peakhealthinstitute.com HEALTH + WELLNESSGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 39LO CA LlndustryEXPERTⓇⓇAnti-Aging LOCAL INDUSTRY EXPERT

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Something New Has Popped Up In Geneva Commons GENEVA–Twee Partees, created by Alissa Tadic, was one of the winners of Geneva Commons’ inaugural Uncommon Collective, a contest for small businesses to win a free pop-up storefront or restau-rant space. Each winner was awarded a free location at Geneva Commons, as well as a cash prize to be used toward the design and build-out of their dream pop-up. Twee-A Balloon Boutique also known as Twee Par-tees brings fun and unique party goods and balloons to the Tri-Cities, making every event extra special. From bridal parties to baby showers, residents can wow their guests with this curated selection of specialty, colorful balloons and party packages. Twee Partees officially opened at Geneva Commons on June 4. We caught up with the owner, Alissa Tadic, and here’s what she shared: WHAT IS YOUR SHOP’S MISSION: We believe balloons are always appropriate and there is always a reason to PARTEE! We strive to bring fun and unique party goods and balloons to the tri-cities – we’ll make your event EXTRA special! Not only do we want to put a smile on your face, but also WOW your guests with some of the biggest and most colorful balloons you have ever seen. We can’t wait to deliver on your expectations and make your event the best ever! WHAT’S INSIDE: Air-filled organic garlands and bouquets available for pick-up or on-site installation, helium-filled balloons, paper party goods, greeting cards, gifting items and more. WHO INSPIRED YOU ALONG THE WAY: Every single customer! Twee is unique be-cause our business started in May of 2020, a time where the world was in need of BIG, Bright, balloons! From every order, every like, comment, or share on social media, to the tears that have been shed when we would arrive with balloons for a drive-by celebration- it is all so meaning-ful. Still to this day, it is our customers who inspire me. Every new theme, color scheme, and vision becomes the inspi-ration to exceed what they want. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WHILE IN BUSINESS AT THIS LOCATION: Other than brand awareness and to increase my sales and achieve my goals, I want people to come into the shop and feel happy, I want them to take a picture with the balloons and I would love for them to tell their friends! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS QUOTE: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they're too small.” WHAT LOCAL WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS INSPIRE YOU & WHY: Oh gosh, there are so many! Jane Pabon from Jane Pabon Boutique has always inspired me. I actually worked for her years ago. What inspires me is that no matter what, she stays true to her-self and her vision. That is what makes her shop so unique. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE 2 YEARS FROM NOW: I hope to be in the process of franchising TWEE! Alissa shared that “being on this journey has truly been a dream come true!” Congratulations to this local entrepreneur. Wishing her all the best in this exciting business endeavor! Twee Partees is located in 112 Commons Drive in Geneva Com-mons and is open Wednesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 8am-noon. Follow her page on Instagram at instagram.com/tweepartees Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41Photos by Mike CatuaraWOMEN INSPIRED

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HOME DESIGN 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, drap-eries, planters, kitchen entertaining items including serveware, barware, seasonal décor, and gifts for her are also part of the collection. This allows clients to come in with photos, ask ques-tions, 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 sta-ples 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 Shop Gallery46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineON TREND ESSENTIALS 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 in-vited sit back and relax while browsing the shop’s simplified trend col-lections 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 EntranceShop Gallery

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48 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineOVER 45 VENDORS CELEBRATING 2 YEARS IN JULY! 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 CELEBRATE WITH US THIS JULY! July 15 • July 16 • July 17 – Events Happening All Weekend Long! trend + relic, 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois • (630) 803-5253 www.trendandrelic.comShop Gallery

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52 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineTWO LOCAL BOUTIQUES HOT SUMMER 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 7-31-22Shop 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 Gallery52 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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54 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineTrendY IT’S HONEYMOON TIME FOR 4.7 MILLION COUPLES Wedding season is in full swing as many lovebirds resume their wedding and honeymoon plans coming out of two years of pandemic restrictions. With an estimated 4.7 million weddings expected to take place in 2022 and 2023, according to The Wedding Report, newlyweds are eager to celebrate their special nuptials with once-in-a-lifetime trips. In fact, according to a survey of 1,500 couples by travel giant Expedia, 53% of couples plan to spend more on their honeymoons than originally budgeted, and 59% are inter-ested in visiting a bucket-list destination. Plus, 65% are more likely to add a honeymoon fund to their wedding registry, prompted by the pandemic to prioritize a once-in-a-lifetime trip over traditional registry items. 5 Dreamy Honeymoon DestinationsTravelerTRENDY TRAVELER

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For travelers planning an unforgettable escape, consider these popular international destinations and find the full list along with itineraries – complete with couple-friendly hotels and activities for two – at Expedia.com. St. Lucia Dramatic volcanoes, lush jungles, pristine beaches and a wide assortment of boutique-style luxury hotels come to-gether on one of the easiest islands in the Caribbean to reach. A nature-lover’s paradise, days can be spent bask-ing on Sugar Beach or on the water. Aboard the Tout Bagay catamaran cruise and tour, you can explore the coast and historical town of Soufriere, take a mud bath in the only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean, snorkel, swim and see Margot Bay and the twin peaks of the Petit and Gros Pi-tons. Dubai Straddling the line of beach and big city, Dubai, which is situated along the Persian Gulf within the Arabian Desert, offers a luxurious recipe for romance. As the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, there is much to see and do, in-cluding spending days on the beach, shopping, going on a camel safari in the Red Dune Desert or exploring nearby Abu Dhabi and must-sees like Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Emirates Palace. Paris Located on the River Seine, Paris is one of the most ro-mantic places in the world to honeymoon. If food is part of your love language, head to where the locals eat like Du Pain et des Idees for bread and pastries or Chez Imogene for crepes. Plus, no honeymoon is complete without a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower – or views of the iconic landmark from Le Meurice, an Expedia VIP hotel located in the heart of historic Paris – and a visit to one of the many museums such as Musee du Louvre or Musee d’Orsay. Iceland With otherworldly, dramatic landscapes full of glaciers, vol-canoes, waterfalls and fjords as well as city action, outdoor activities and spa experiences, the “Land of Fire and Ice” offers a perfect honeymoon smorgasbord. Celebrate your nuptials Icelandic-style with the seven-step ritual for two at Sky Lagoon, located just south of the capital city of Reykja-vik, which is also home to Hotel Borg, a 99-room hotel with a full-service spa centrally located near additional attrac-tions. Or maximize your time with a drive around the Golden Circle, a 186-mile route with views of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and the Gullfoss waterfall, three of southwest Iceland’s top natural wonders. Maldives Boasting more than 1,200 islands, the Maldives features a plethora of luxurious all-inclusive properties, most of which are on their own private islands. All the resorts offer aquatic experiences ranging from beginner snorkeling and sea tur-tle searching to world-class diving with hammerhead sharks as well as spas with everything from over-the-water treatment rooms with glass-bottom floors to private cou-ples’ pavilions and romantic rose petal-filled soaking tubs. Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 55TRENDY TRAVELER

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56 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazinePROUD 2022 SPONSOR OF CONCERTS IN YOUR PARK Penny O’Brien gives back to the community in a va-riety of ways. This summer she is a 2022 sponsor of Naperville Park District’s summer concert series Concerts In Your Park. The Sunday evening summer music series is for families and neighbors with each concert being held at a different neigh-borhood park. Residents are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a FREE evening of outdoor musical entertainment from 7:00-8:30 pm. Upcoming concerts include: SUN • JULY 10 Mr. Myers mrmyers.com Ashbury Park 1740 Conan Doyle Rd 7:00-8:30 pm SUN • JULY 17 • 7:00-8:30 pm Nashville Electric Company bass-schuler.com/nashville-electric-company Century Farms, 715 Sigmund SUN • JULY 24 • 7:00-8:30 pm HiFi Superstar • hifisuperstar.com Westglen Commons, 467 Westglen Dr SUN • JULY 31 • 7:00-8:30 pm Feel Good Party Band • feelgoodmusic.com Cantore Park, 2507 Warm Springs Lane Penny O’Brien is among the top 1% of all Chicago-land 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 • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 61

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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 • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 63

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64 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineFOX RIVER FUN! NORTH AURORA–We are lucky to be living in the Western Suburbs where we have access to the DuPage River and the Fox River pro-viding plenty of recreational water activities at our fingertips. The only tough part is planning the logistics when you don’t own a boat, have a car big enough to carry a boat, or want the hassle of trying to co-ordinate leaving a car on one end of the trip and another car at the opposite end of the trip. Lucky for us, Jacob Wolfe has recently opened Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak providing rentals, lessons, guided trips and shuttles. He is an avid outdoorsman and highly educated on the Fox River providing great information and photos of the best routes to travel once afloat. He helped us select the perfect kayak trip for our crew based on the time we had available and our experience level. We chose the Batavia route which allotted for approximately 2-3 hours, as well as more scenery and stopping points such as the cave at the Red Oaks Nature Center, the Bald Eagle’s Nest off of Moose-hart Road, donuts at Harner’s Bakery and Restaurant, and Tacos from Juquilita Tacos. Jake provides step by step training, PFD’s for all sizes, as well as transportation to the launching site. He also picks up the kayaks when your trip is complete. The North Aurora paddle is a great option for people who have never paddled on a river before or for those who are looking for a short float (approximately 30 minutes) with no portages. The Batavia paddle is a great option for those who are looking for a couple hour adventure with lots of sightseeing, wildlife and plenty of time to paddle! We had a blast! We packed our coolers with snacks and drinks, dressed in layers, and prepared to get a little wet. We also stopped for donuts along the way! A few hours on the river felt like a mini-vacation a million miles away when joined with good friends, good food, and great fun! OVERVIEW Experience the Fox River from a new vantage point with professional quality canoe and kayak rentals in Aurora, North Aurora, and Batavia. Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak North Aurora, IL • (630) 344-9744 www.howlingwolfe.com Hours: See website for schedule Price $: Starting at $39 ABOUT THE WRITER Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #Moms-LittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding com-munity 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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Glancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 67 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

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MILLION DOLLAR lliissttiinnggBeautiful Home Near Downtown Naperville This beautiful better-than-new Acadian style home in the heart of Naperville's most sought after downtown location –south of Chi-cago Ave, north of Prairie St. just east of the college. Designed by Architect Chris Derrick, it has everything you need with 6 spa-cious bedrooms– 4 on the 2nd floor including a primary bedroom suite. Plus, one on 1st floor with full 1st floor bath, perfect for in- laws or guests - 4 full baths plus a powder room in the deep fin-ished basement. This home is simply gorgeous! $1,395,000 421 S Sleight St, Naperville, 5 bed, 4.5 bath 5,443 sq ft, 8,795 sq ft lot (630) 369-9000 Presented by: Craig Doherty Brokered by: @properties Naperville68 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine

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70 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine• 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 • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 71Do 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 Colella72 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 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 • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 73

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Kid Stuff74 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer MagazineMovies & Food Trucks at Geneva Commons on Fridays MOVIES ON THE CENTER GREEN GENEVA–Enjoy screenings of some of your favorite films on the Center Green. Guests are invited to set up a blanket and chairs, enjoy the complimentary film, and grab delicious bites from the available food trucks. www.shopgenevacommons.com JULY SCHEDULE Friday, July 1 – “Spider Man: No Way Home” (2021) with Aunt Tina’s Sound Bites & Ferdie’s Cabin Friday, July 8 – “Finding You” (2021) with Fiesta Tacos & Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Friday, July 15 – “The Sandlot” (1993) with Aijo Food Truck & La Michoacana Food Truck Friday, July 22 – “High School Musical” (2006) with Fork N Fry & Smallcakes of Aurora Friday, July 29 – “The Greatest Showman” (2017) with Fiesta Tacos & La Michoacana MobilPicnic with the Animals COSLEY ZOO • JULY 15 Bring your own picnic for an evening full of fun. Games, activities, animal visits, and after-hours access to the zoo are all included in your fee. The Wild Side Gift Shop will also be open. This event is held rain or shine. Preregistration is required. www.cosleyzoo.orgNational Night Out AUGUST 2 40 PARTICIPATING NEIGHBORHOODS NAPERVILLE–Commonly called “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness. Nearly 40 Naperville neighborhoods partic-ipated in 2021 by hosting block parties, potlucks, parades, ice cream socials and more. www.naperville.il.us/nno

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KID STUFFDUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Every Visit is a New Adventure NAPERVILLE–Spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and make new discov-eries with a visit to DuPage Children’s Museum. Explore, create, build, wonder, discover, think, and play! Make a splash in AWEsome Water, en-case the entire family in a giant bubble, engineer the farthest flying paper airplane like Rosie Revere in The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! and so much more. There’s no need to pack a lunch, Bean Sprouts Café is open on the Museum’s lower level. Coming up on Saturday, June 25, join us for Mess Fest! Bring out your artistic side with sticky mud, ooey-gooey Oobleck, sensational slime, and come dressed to make a magnifi-cent mess. Learn more and plan your visit today. www.dupagechildrens.org adventure awaitsGlancer Magazine • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 75

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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 • JULY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 77

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2. BLANCO www.blancococinacantina.com OAK BROOK–Loved so much, Blanco’s fresh twist on Mexican food is all you need to experience that ocean kissed bliss you crave. Lounge long and drink on with tantalizing tequila flights, and easy but innovative a la carte tacos. 4. A TODA MADRE www.atmrestaurant.com GLEN ELLYN–Known for delect-ible dishes, their signature hand shaken cocktails are pretty amazing, too! Using only fresh, seasonal ingredients, with one of the top selections of tequilas, mezcals and agave-based spirits in the Midwest, as well as a rotating selection of local craft and Mexican beers. 80 • WESTERN SUBURBS • JULY 2022 • Glancer Magazine6. FAT ROSIE’S www.fatrosies.com NAPERVILLE–This fun, hip & fes-tive family-friendly Mexican Taqueria features a modern take on traditional Mex-ican cuisine and craft cocktails. Their margaritas are simply beyond spectacular, made with 100% Blue Agave Tradicional Tequila. Yum! 1. UNCLE JULIO’S www.unclejulios.com NAPERVILLE–As many would agree, Uncle Julio's is your local Margarita destination. With so many to choose from: Strawberry Margarita of the Month, Tres Amigos, El Jefe, Margarita Swirl, or Margaritas To-Go– it’s hard to choose a favorite! 5. LA MESA www.lamesamodernmexican.com ST. CHARLES– Located in beautiful down-town St. Charles has a vibrant traditional Mexican inspired menu with new age modern flare, unique margaritas, craft cocktails and largest selection of Tequilas you can find in the suburbs- no wonder it’s a top choice for our readers! 3. YERBA BUENA www.yerbabuenacuisine.com LISLE–Loved by many west subur-ban residents, this authentic Mexi-can restaurant brings you a menu filled with items passed down from genera-tions- including the Margaritas! 7. BIEN TRUCHA www.bientrucha.com GENEVA–Well known and loved by many, sister restaurant of A Toda Madre, Bien Trucha serves up some of the best margaritas, according to our readers. Try the Avocado Margarita– you’re welcome in advance! THE MARGARITA IS ONE OF SUMMER’S MOST ICONIC DRINKS Ahhh, the Margarita! We can all agree that it’s the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day, with its fruity, sweet flavor and sometimes even a spicy subtle kick. But where can you find the best of the best Margaritas locally when you want one. We polled our readers in social media and put together this list the best Margarita’s on the menu at favorited west suburban hot spots. Here’s 7 Spectacular Places for an Amazing Margarita.... 1.PLACES FOR AN AMAZING MARGARITA4.2.3.7.6.5.

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