Lauren Pedecone FIT4MOM Naperville
DEAR MOM Celebrating Local Moms All Month Long This month’s issue celebrates moms throughout the com-munity in honor of Mother’s Day. Featuring Local Moms Help-ing Moms on our cover, plus many fun and unique features celebrating local moms all month long including 10 Trends in Beautiful Brunch Menus and 7 Spectacular Localish Gifts for Mom. This month’s featured Literary Local is a west suburban mom who shares a special message, and our Women Inspired fea-ture highlights a local native and retired Police Chief sharing on her latest endeavor. Again this month Realtor Elite, a Spe-cial Spring Real Estate Section featuring 12 top local realtors and their successes. There is so much to love about this month’s issue! Lindy Kleivo Founder/Publishing Director West Suburban Area Lindy Is Pictured with Her Daughter Madison Who Is Graduating High School this YearMAY 20225 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 5 Things to Do 8 Cover: Local Moms Helping Moms 18 10 Trends: Beautiful Brunch Menus 20 Unique In Suburbia: Rising Goddess 23 Literary Local: Danica Hubbard Shares 24 Women Inspired: Kristen Ziman 26 Chicago Style: Summer House 28 On Trend Essentials 30 45+ Multi-Vendor Marketplace 34 Dining & Cocktails: The Table at Crate 36 On Stage: Steel Magnolia’s at Drury Lane 38 Trendy Traveler: Lilac Arboretum In Iowa 40 Tech Time: DwellSocial In Naperville 42 Mom’s Little Black Book: Game Night Out 46 Family Law: Parenting Post Pandemic 49 Kitchen Design Tips & Trends 50 Million Dollar Listing: Downers Grove 55 Realtor Elite Spring Real Estate Section 80 Kid Stuff: Mom Time & More 88 To Give, To Inspire: Diveheart Movie Premiere 90 7 Spectacular Suburban Localish Gifts Mom will Love 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. MATY 2022 | Vol 16, Issue 197 Dear Mom This month’s issue celebrates moms throughout the community in honor of Mother’s Day. Featuring Local Moms Helping Moms on our cover, plus fun & unique features and activities celebrat-ing local moms all month long. Sub-scribe for daily, weeky and monthly updates at www.GlancerMagazine.com ©Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine, Inc. MMAAYY 22002222®Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 5
3. Explore Cantigny OPEN ALL SEASON LONG WHEATON–Explore Cantigny’s award-winning gardens, two histo-ric museums, golf course, and restaurants. Visit their website for a list of spring & summer events. From dining & garden experi-ences, to activities for kids of all ages– Cantigny offers many unique things to do for the entire family. Download a Garden Map online. Cantigny is known for its beautiful rose garden, among many others. After you tour the gardens, enjoy lunch at Bertie’s Cafe with a selection of ready-made wraps, sandwiches, salads and more. Spend the afternoon visit-ing the historic First Division Museum and be immersed in the history of the U.S. Army’s famed 1st Infantry Division www.cantigny.org/events1. Visit Warehouse 55’s Outdoor Market MAY 14 • 10am-5pm AURORA–Warehousee 55 has announced they will be holding monthly outdoor markets in their parking lot. The first date is May 14. Warehouse 55 is a unique collection of vintage finds, re-purposed furnishings, mixed with many one of a kind ac-cessories. 55 South Lake St., Aurora www.warehouse fiftyfive.comMAY 20225 Things to Do5. Visit The Olive Gallery In Yorkville UNIQUE SHOP FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO COOK YORKVILLE– This unique shop is a must-visit for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen! They carry the finest extra virgin olive oils (fla-vored and unflavored) from around the world and balsamic vinegars from Italy, as well as spices, seasonings and rubs, specialty foods, fresh olive bar, gifts and much more. Very unique & worth the drive! 2671 N. Bridge St., Yorkville www.theolivegallery.com 2. Attend Batavia Boardwalk Shops’ Grand Opening OPENING FOR THE SEASON MAY 20 BATAVIA–Ten unique seasonal retail shops, located at 114 East Wilson Street at Route 25 and Wilson Street, invite you to shop this season. All businesses will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec 18 & this year’s line-up is different han last. Check it out! www.downtownbatavia.com/ batavia-boardwalk-shops/ 4. The U-Pick Vegetable Garden SPRING BLUFF NURSERY SUGAR GROVE–The U-Pick garden will be open in June. Plan a day & head out to beautiful Sugar Grove. Join the nur-series facebook page for updates and to see what will be available. www.springbluffnursery.comGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 7Arlo Hendrix, Boardwalk Shops
8 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineCOVER STORYby Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike Catuara Unless Otherwise Submitted
Lauren Pedecone NAPERVILLE/LISLE/BOLINGBROOK After teaching FIT4MOM Chicago Western Suburbs for sev-eral years, Lauren took over FIT4MOM Naperville in 2019 and prides herself on providing fitness classes to a network of moms that support every stage of motherhood. “We focus on everything mom might need-physical health, wellness, mental wellbeing, emotional support, friendship, prenatal and postnatal education, muscle strength-everything to make mom strong in body, mind, and spirit,” she says. “I often say that this is not a job but instead a community of moms that I just so happen to see while exercising and so-cializing. I love watching the moms build confidence, be in-spired and make friends. I love watching them lean on each other and see that there is nothing “perfect” about mother-hood.” With a full-time job and three kiddos, Michael (8), Maggie (5), and Mia (2) in school, sports, and activities, some days are nothing short of relative chaos, but Lauren loves that her hus-band shares her passion for exercise and they use their home gym as their decompression and reconnection zone. “There are days when I get a lot done behind the scenes and there are other days where I put the cereal in the fridge,” she laughs. “I am still learning so much about owning a small business, balancing work and home life. Some days go well and some days you need to, “Let it go,” as Elsa says.” Lauren is inspired by her parents and mother-in-law, who through daily hard work and dedication alway encourage her to shoot for the stars. She is also indebted to her team at FIT4MOM as none of this would be possible without them. “It is definitely possible to achieve your dreams and be a good mom.” www.naperville.fit4mom.com Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 9COVER STORY
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Ali Thomas WHEATON/GLEN ELLYN–When Ali was just 17 years-old, she lost her 47 year-old mother to cancer (pictured above). “Losing your mother is missing a lifetime of guidance, sup-port, and love,” Ali shares. “When I now meet another mom who lost their mom, there seems to be an instant connection. It is a blessing when these women share their stories and in-vite me into their grief space. I didn’t talk about my mom until I was much older in life. I will never forget a friend who made me talk about her and how impactful that was. My hope is to always be that person that is trusted, supportive, encouraging and can simply listen.” Ali is a mother of three and wife, as well as a mentor and am-bassador for empowerHER. She also serves as the Project Coordinator for the Midwest Chapter and is the chairperson of the Mother’s Day LUMINARIA display. empowerHER® is a nonprofit organization that empowers, supports, and con-nects girls and young women up to age 25 who have experi-enced the loss of their mothers through an integrated series of programming featuring events that are volunteer-driven, community based, non-therapeutic, and remind girls they are not alone in their grief. In addition, empowerHER® offers a MENTOR PROGRAM with positive, strong female role models for year-round support. “It can be an emotional journey but one that is so worthwhile and necessary,” Ali says. LUMINARIA is a whimsical display of personalized bags hon-oring loved ones on Mother’s Day and has expanded to 10 cities across the country, including at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. www.empoweringher.org/luminariaCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 11
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Jaimie Valentini ELBURN/GENEVA–Jaimie is adventurous, positive and inclu-sive. She wholeheartedly believes nothing is impossible; hence why this busy travel baseball mom of three started the Rising Lights Project in 2021 to support families impacted with disability. “Our mission is encourage, educate, and empower so that people from all areas of our communities - neighbors to polit-ical leaders, business owners, and more - can clearly see the ability in disability and create new opportunities to keep those with disability engaged and connected,” she says. “Our pro-grams create friendships, belonging and joy!” Balancing work and home life can be challenging when you are so passionate about what you do, especially when the clients you serve become dear friends along the way. “I'm so thankful that my husband and my three children have been my biggest supporters - volunteering at events, helping set-up/clean-up, providing new ideas and more,” Jaimie adds. “Starting something new, from nothing, takes A LOT of time and energy. Building a supportive team while being a great cheerleader to other moms in the community is the secret to getting hard things accomplished.” She suggests putting your thoughts and dreams out in the world, sharing them with your friends, neighbors, co-workers - you never know what helpful resources are right in front of you. Jamie also ensures to take time for herself and explore new places, kayak, paddleboard and fully appreciate time with friends; however, you will most often find her at monthly in-clusive, accessible, sensory-friendly events for special needs children, teenagers, adults, and families to enjoy. www.risinglightsproject.orgCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 13
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Julianne Green DOWNERS GROVE–Julianne loves the opportunity to meet so many people at their happiest moments and be able to give them the gift of freezing those moments indefinitely. She is a wife and the mother of twin nine-year-old girls, as well as the owner of Julianne Green Photography since 2015. Julianne relishes working with families and giving them a cohesive set of photographs that tell the story of their creation from engagement and wedding; pregnancy and newborns; to families. “As a mom, we often find ourselves behind the camera or phone absent from our images and memories since we are the ones capturing them,” Julianne shares. “I feel a special connection with the moms and try to get them into the pic-tures, as I think it’s important for the children to see their moms in pictures.” Passionate, persistent, and dedicated to her trade, Julianne loves being her own boss. “I also love that my children get to see their mother work hard at something she loves and hope that I am providing them with a strong, hardworking female role model,” she adds. With a passion for running, cycling, painting, drawing, cook-ing, and puzzles, Julianne also tries to find time for herself in the midst of giving 100% to her clients and 100% to her family. “I think that all moms regardless of what you do have a hard time feeling like they do everything; but I try to remember that no one can do it all, so I simply try to be 100% present when I am with each of them.” www.juliannegreen.comCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 15
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Diana Wagenbach HINSDALE–Diana is the owner and principal designer of Studio W Interiors with projects including kitchens, bath-rooms, furnishing and more. She used her skills to design her own home which will be featured in the 2022 Hinsdale Kitchen Walk: Design Matters on May 6th. “I am so honored for our home to be a part of some amazing homes on the walk,” she shares. “Our home was a labor of love. I designed my island to be the center of the home with a jarring length of 14 ft., using a stunning walnut as the top to bring warmth to the space. Other highlights include our wine cellar that turned an awkward unused corner into another beautiful and useful extension of our kitchen.” With a full-time career, a husband, and two young children, somehow Diana also finds time to be an active member of the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) and co-chairing the Hinsdale Historical Society’s (HHS) annual Kitchen walk, of which she is also an active member. “HHS helps preserve Hinsdale's history, especially architec-turally,” Diana says. “As a designer, I find inspiration in those who built before us that we can learn from and continue using in a new and fresh way.” Busy days are supported by taking time for herself to decom-press by finding special escapes like reading or running to in-spire and reset her. She also surrounds herself with a strong support system both personally and professionally. Diana designs with the purpose to enhance her client’s lives both in function and form and aims to do it in a timeless and inviting way. www.studiowinteriors.com www.kitchen-walk.comCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 17
18 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine10TRENDSBeautiful Brunch Menus Mom Will Love10 TRENDSBECAUSE MOMS LOVE BRUNCH ALL YEAR LONG ♥ Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the weekend with mom and if you want to wait to avoid the rush of Mother’s Day, each of these brunch menus are available all season long, so plan a date and enjoy! #1 | The Hampton Social BURR RIDGE & CHICAGO • www.thehamptonsocial.com/burr-ridge This unique brunch experience is loved by all who attend! Offering coastal cuisine with a focus on sea-sonally inspired dishes and fresh ingredients. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a day out on the town, escape to The Hamptons with an extra scrumptious brunch menu that includes Crab + Shrimp Bruchetta, Cooper’s Beach Calamari, the Coastal Wedge (pictured above), Bananas Foster French Toast and the Sunrise Beach Bowl (pictured left), to name a few. Brunch cocktails include Lavender Espresso Martini, the Hampton Frosé and so many more. #2 | Redstone Grille OAKBROOK TERRACE • www.redstonegrill.com Moms love Sunday Brunch at this favorite Oakbrook eatery for the large variety of exquisite tastes, making the whole family smile from ear to ear. Menu offerings include uniquely made Breakfast Flat-bread, Eggs Benedict, Peach Mimosas, Sunrise Sangria and more. The Never-Ending Family Style Brunch is loved by many. View the menu online before visiting to be plenty prepared. You’ll love it!
Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 19#3 | Stockholm’s GENEVA • www.stockholmsbrewpub.com This delightfully tasty Sunday Brunch invites you in for fun and unique fa-vorites such as Filet & Eggs, The Crab Benedict, the Italian Stallion Omelette and Fluffy Pancakes. But, wait! The fun doesn’t stop there. Mom & Dad will love the wide Mimosa selection including names like The Pom, BeerMosa, Frenchy and Lavender. Not a Mimosa fan? Try the Cucumber Bloody! #4 | Moveable Feast + Company WHEATON • www.moveablefeastandco.com/catering This neighborhood cafe and caterering companybrings artisanal cooking from their kitchen to your table, responsibly sources all of their ingredients from local growers, creating season. They have a fabulous breakfast and lunch menu that is loved by many. New brunch menus items include flank steak + eggs ~ 2 eggs any way, herb + paprika roasted red potatoes, grilled asparagus + kale chimichurri (pictured). #5 | Atwater’s at The Herrington GENEVA • www.herringtoninn.com/dining/brunchmenu A beautiful brunch experience in downtown Geneva awaits. Overlooking the banks of the Fox River, Atwater’s Restaurant is a true gem on the downtown Geneva dining scene. Enjoy Sunday brunch in an intimate setting where you can soak up the seasons with panoramic views of the courtyard/Fox river. The scrumptious Sunday Brunch menu includes Artisan Cheese and Char-cuterie Plate, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad, Black Forest Ham Benedict, Chicken Stuffed Crêpe plus many more favorites. #6 | Granite City Food & Brewery NAPERVILLE • www.gcfb.com/sunday-brunch-in-naperville/ Granite City Food & Brewery offers an impressive Sunday brunch in Naper-ville from 10am to 2pm, served buffet style including a vast array of sweet and savory items from pastries to carved roasted meats. Brunch specialties include Granite City Signature Caramel Rolls, Reggianno hash brown pota-toes, and steak and black bean chili. Granite City is proud to also offer a va-riety of fun and fruity breakfast cocktails for guests to enjoy including Crafted Raspberry or Blueberry Mimosas. #7 | The Crate In Oak Brook CHICAGO–Calling all dreamers, believers, and magic-makers! Get up and glow for the Happiest 5K on The Planet. In 2022, The Color Run is celebrat-ing those who make the world brighter, healthier, and happier. www.thecolorrun.com/locations/chicago#8 | RH Rooftop OAK BROOK • www.rh.com/oakbrook/restaurant RH Rooftop Restaurant located on the 3rd floor of RH Oakbrook, offers a curated, ingredient-driven menu. Enjoy a selection of items such as truffled scrambled eggs, avocado toast, kale caesar salad, roast chicken and the signature RH Burger. An all-season oasis, guests dine beneath a glass-and-steel-enclosed atrium amidst heritage olive trees and glimmering crystal chandeliers. Enjoy an experience like no other. #9 | Tapville Social NAPERVILLE • www.tapvillesocial.com/ he Mimosa Flight Brunch is fun & uniue! Experience mimosa flights including four crafted mimosa flavors served in a mini flight box. Their Brunch is known for housemade brunch items including Chicken & Waffles, Chilaquiles, Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash, Avocado Toast, and Bananas Foster French Toast. Yum! #10 | JoJo’s ShakeBAR NAPERVILLE • www.jojosshakebar.com/menus/brunch Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, JoJo’s invites friends and fam-ilies to indulge and make memories, while transporting them back to the ’80s and ’90s. The menu features a selection of over-the-top sweet treats includ-ing milkshakes, hot chocolates, and milk bars, along with a savory menu of mouthwatering diner dishes, including a brunch menu that’s amazing! Moveable Feast + CompanyRH Rooftop JoJo’s ShakeBAR
RISING GODDESS FITNESS WESTMONT–It came as no surprise that P!nk won the Icon Award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. This grammy-winning mom has dazzled fans with her lyrics, confidence and fearlessness. And recently, P!nk has wowed audiences (on tour and at award shows) with her gravity-defying aerial performances. All I Know So Far is that she’s Just Give(n) Me a Reason to Try! Who Knew? If you, too, are looking to channel your inner P!nk, we’ve got just the spot! Introducing: Rising Goddess Fitness in Westmont. In October of 2013, RGF opened with the intention of creating an inspiring, uplifting and magnetic space for its clients. Its studio offers pole dance, aerial hammock and aerial hoop (lyra). Pole dance focuses on internal strength and self acceptance. Aerial hammock is rooted in self-trust, while encouraging openness. And aerial hoop (lyra) merges strength and grace with a sense of free-dom. All of which improve core strength, flexibility … and boost confidence and mood. Expect music to be a huge part of your class experience, too. Songs range from instrumental-to-hip hop. Did someone say, “Get the Party Started?” Fun fact: each month RGF hosts ‘Bubbly & Books’ for its members. It's an opportunity to connect, discuss various topics and continue learning. This month they will be reading Tides by Sara Freeman. Spring is a season of rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation. As you try new things, build confidence or open yourself to personal growth, remember this: you are flexible enough.you are strong enough.you are enough. Here’s to fun, transformative experiences - enjoy! UNIQUEby Brianna Bartemeyer Photos by Rising Goddess Fitnessin SuburbiaUNIQUE IN SUBURBIA20 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
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Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 23by Mindy Kyle Photos SubmittedDanica Hubbard of Naperville Author of Sex Offender: My Father’s Secrets, My Secret Shame NAPERVILLE–Dr. Danica Hubbard, English Professor at College of DuPage, lived for many years with a secret. Her adult world was turned upside down with shock and disbelief the day she found out her father, her family rock, was arrested as a child sex-ual offender. This began a journey of enormous emotional tur-moil with many layers, made even more difficult as she was a mother of two young daughters at the time of his prison convic-tion. Years later, she has published her first book to help others who may experience similar pain. “After my father died in a prison hospice, I sought to tackle this taboo topic with reflection, clarity and honesty,” says Dr. Hubbard. “I realized it was time to acknowledge the shame I experienced during my father’s incar-ceration.” Sex Offender: My Father’s Secrets, My Secret Shame is a unique true crime story combining a brave memoir with academic research and integrating thoughtful discussions regarding sexual misconduct, offenders, victims, treatments and policy implica-tions. “I started research for my book by transcribing 500 letters I exchanged with my father while he was in prison,” Dr. Hubbard explains. These letters and the many interviews with her father’s former attorneys, family members, victims of sex abuse, and sex offenders came together for a deeper look into understanding criminal behavior and a glimpse into the pain that families of sex offenders endure. “The book is about repercussions, relation-ships and resilience,” says Dr. Hubbard. “This book can ignite hope for families and friends of incarcerated loved ones.” Sex Offender: My Father’s Secrets, My Secret Shame can be purchased on Amazon, Apple iTunes store, Google Play or Barnes & Noble. A portion of each book sale will be donated to the non-profit organization Prevent Child Abuse America. LITERAARRYYlocalKNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? We’d Love to Meet Them! Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com
SPRING WOMENSHOPPING INSPIRED WomenInspired by Kristen Kucharski Photos Submitted 26 WESTERN WESTERNSUBURBS SUBURBS MARCH MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine 16 2022 Glancer Magazine
Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 25Kristen Ziman, Retired Aurora Police Chief AURORA–Kristen was born in Aurora in 1973 and lived there with her blended family of four kids and wife, Christine, until she retired as police chief in 2021 and moved to Florida. Not fully ready to fade off into the sunset, Kristen pursued her passion for writing and penned a book entitled Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing, that will be re-leased in July. “I had been working on the book for a year before our city suffered a dev-astating mass shooting in February of 2019,” she says. “After the shoot-ing, I stopped writing. I had writer’s block; so I put it off until I could face my own emotions, and when I finally did, the words poured out of me.” About the same time, she also realized the impact she was making by speaking to police departments and various organizations about the les-sons she learned, and wisdom she gained during her 30 years in law en-forcement; subsequently launching a professional speaking business as well. “My speaking topics range from culture and women’s empowerment to critical incident prevention and preparedness,” Kristen says. “If I can help an organization prevent the next mass shooting or help them navi-gate through a critical incident, that’s adding value.” When Kristen first became a police officer, it never occurred to her that she could get promoted to Chief, and when she did, it took her a while to understand the impact that “firsts” have on young women and girls. “I finally realized that my achievements belonged to all women. I felt a deep connection to those women before me who paved the path so I could enter a male-dominated profession,” she shares. “Once I began to embrace my achievement, I channeled it into empowering and sup-porting other women. I have made it my mission to meet with women in my community and remind them of the possibility that exists within them to chase their passions.” Kristen is playful, underestimated, and resilient. She takes her work se-riously, but not herself. When stressed and overwhelmed, she curls up with a great book and escapes from the world. She loves guided med-itation, writing, listening to podcasts, and traveling to unknown places. The words of Theodore Roosevelt reinforce her daily mantra. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” Her advice to other women is to put your skill into the world fearlessly. Surround yourself with people who value your talent and personhood and allow the noise of ridicule to fall away. -Kristen Kucharski WOMEN INSPIRED
SUMMER HOUSE SANTA MONICA LINCOLN PARK–If you're looking for a summer es-cape, look no further than Summer House Santa Mon-ica! This trendy Chicago restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks in a re-laxed beach-inspired setting. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House presents an escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of the West Coast complete with retrac-table glass ceiling and All-Seasons Courtyard patio. At Summer House Santa Monica, you can enjoy favor-ite coastal cuisine classics like fish tacos and ahi tuna, as well as some inventive new dishes that are sure to impress. Their weekend brunch is delightful and don't forget to order one of their hand-crafted cocktails - the Watermelon Sugar, Hi! is a must-try! The California-inspired menu from Chef Ben Goodnick highlights seasonal specialties made from scratch with locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients, along with market-driven pastas, artisan pizzas, and antipasti. Although the menu changes often with seasonal items, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are always provided. So if you're looking for a fun and festive spring & summer dining experience, be sure to check out Summer House Santa Monica. YOU. WILL. LOVE. IT. Summer House Santa Monica 1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago www.summerhouserestaurants.com/lincoln-park/ Chicago StyleCHICAGO STYLECali-Inspired Cuisine & Laid-Back Vibes26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
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28 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineON TREND ESSENTIALS Visit Online or In North Aurora at Rustic Fox NORTH AURORA–Urban Echo Shop features on trend essentials for the stylish at heart– from clothing and accessories, to home decor, unique fur-niture, gifts and seasonal trends. Owned by a mom and her daughter in Sugar Grove, Illinois, Urban Echo Shop was created to be an adored virtual hometown boutique where only the latest styles and trends are featured. Residents are invited sit back and relax while browsing the shop’s simplified trend collections online or shop at The Rustic Fox, where you will find over 120+ unique vendors. Each day is a new day at Urban Echo Shop. VISIT FOR ON TREND ESSENTIALS 1790 Town Centre Dr., North Aurora • Vendor #3 • At the EntranceSSHHOOPPPPIINNGGSPRING SHOPPING
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30 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineOVER 45 VENDORS Visit Trend + Relic Mother’s Day Weekend 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 vintage and new. Many of the treasures that you will find at trend + relic have been handcrafted including jewelry, candles, furni-ture & art and they have a variety of clothing & accessories, too. Each of the wonderfully talented mer-chants 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, design, staging and paint-ing 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, including girls night out boutique events MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND WILL BE FILLED WITH FUN SPECIALS, ACTIVITIES & MORE! trend + relic, 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois • (630) 803-5253 • www.trendandrelic.com4455++ VVEENNDDOORRSSSPRING SHOPPING
Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 31SPRING SHOPPINGGRUNYK 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 LLAAWW
32 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineSPRING SHOPPINGMOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL Receive a Free Piece of Jewelry with a $75+ Purchase through May 8, 2022 WHEATON & ST. CHARLES–So many LOVE Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, a women's contemporary apparel boutique in downtown Wheaton and St. Charles. Residents travel from all over Chicagoland to shop this unique boutique. The Wheaton store also features a curated pre-loved collection of boutique brands that have been "bought back" from their customers and resell for $10-$40. If you have gently worn items, just a few years old, from respected boutiques or clothing stores, bring to the Wheaton store. If accepted, they pay $5 Cute Cash for each item. Cute Cash can be redeemed in any Jeans and a Cute Top Shop. How fun is that? Visit the shop in Wheaton or St. Charles or shop online today. The 2022 Spring season is here. Be sure you are fashion ready. Photos by Mike Catuara www.jeansandacutetop.com SPRING JEANS!Expires 5-31-22
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The Table at Crate OAK BROOK–Eat. Drink. Be inspired. The Table at Crate is a collaboration be-tween Crate and Barrel and Cornerstone Restaurant Group, with acclaimed Chef Bill Kim leading the kitchen. A favorite spot for a latte and a scone on the fly, lunch meetups with friends, or a date with yourself (and a glass of chardonnay) in their gorgeous, designed-to-in-spire space. Their namesake table is a 13-foot maple stunner where you can dine solo or with a crew with a view of the open kitchen. Take in the scene on the outdoor patio or in the casual sophistication of the dining room and bar. For lunch and dinner, dis-cover Chef Kim’s menu of fresh salads, tartines, healthy bowls and entrées. They proudly support local farmers like Three Sisters Garden, Mick Klug Farm and Green Acres Farm, using only ABF chicken from Indiana, sustainable salmon, and Publican Quality Breads. The Table at Crate brings together the things its creators love best—connecting people, creative food and timeless design. www.tableatcrate.comNEXT STOP: OAK BROOKWEST SUBURBAN DININGDININGDINING + COCKTAILS34 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazinePhoto by Graycor.com
DINING + COCKTAILSJoJo’s ShakeBAR Treehouse Opening May 2 DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE–Opening May 2, 2022, JoJo’s Tree-house towers over every patio in downtown Naperville! Enjoy the good weather, and cool off with JoJo’s over-the-top milkshakes, re-freshing cocktails and boozy bars, and indulge in diner classics. JoJo’s 1,500 sq. ft. outdoor patio is being transformed into every-thing your childhood self could have dreamed of and more. The out-door space is built around a tree trunk with sparkling disco balls scattered among glimmering string lights and vines. Bored of a nor-mal chair? No problem. Select tables include swings instead of tra-ditional chairs. www.jojosshakebar.comMargarita & Taco Flight Night at Tapville Social In Naperville May 3 • 4pm NAPERVILLE–Tuesday is for Margarita and taco flights. Join us on Tuesdays for our Margarita flights, which are four hand-crafted margaritas in a mini flight box. We also feature our four-taco flights. Bring your beer drinking friends for 50% off all beer and cider. www.tapvillesocial.com CCoocckkttaaiillssGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 35Wine & Canvas at Aurora’s Blackberry Farm • May 11 AURORA–Enjoy this unique event in a beautiful setting at Aurora’s Blackberry Farm. Grab your best gal pals and plan a night of fun! Pinot Noir meets the palette as an instructor guides you through your own custom canvas creation. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, snacks, a few friends and enjoy a lively, social and creative night out. Register online today! 6:30-8:30pm www.bit.ly/3CMrlO2.
ON STAGE Johanna Mckenzie Miller Steel Magnolias at Drury Lane this Summer JUNE 10 JULY 31 2022 OAK BROOK Drury Lane Theatre announces Johanna Mckenzie Miller will direct its production of Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling In a beauty parlor in northwestern Louisiana life is anything but boring Steel Magnolias follows six women over the course of three years as they face life s challenges together and find comfort in one another Embracing both laughter and tears this story celebrates the power of female friendship The play received one Drama Desk Award nomination and the popular film adaptation was nominated for an Academy Award and two Golden Globes The theater s 68th season runs April 2022 to March 2023 at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace Showtimes will be 1 30 pm Wednesdays 1 30pm and 8pm Thursdays 8pm Fridays 3pm and 8pm Saturdays 2pm and 6pm Sundays Currently on stage is The King and I Coming this year are Agatha Christie s Murder on the Orient Express ELf the Musical and A Chorus Line www drurylanetheatre com 36 WESTERN SUBURBS MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine
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38 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineTrendY DES MOINES, IOWA–It's the season for lilacs, and Des Moines has just the righty place for those looking to take in the beauty — and fragrance — of these beautiful bushes. It's around this time each year — late April through about mid-May — that the 35-acre display at Ewing Park turns white, pink and purple with blooms from its 1,000 lilac bushes. Donated to the City of Des Moines, Ewing Park’s land was once the 357-acre Ewing Family Farm. In 1937, Winnie Ewing Coffin donated the farmland to the city in honor of her parents, David Rittenhouse Ewing and Lucinda Ewing. The park became the largest city park in Des Moines. And, in 1947, the 35-acre Lilac Arboretum opened, becoming a favorite spring attraction.Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum In Des MoinesTravelerTRENDY TRAVELER
TRENDY TRAVELER For a few weeks each May the Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum is brimming with the blooms of hundreds of lilac bushes With over 1000 lilac bushes it s a treat for the eyes and the nose as the lovely fragrance of the flowers fills the air There are more than 300 varieties of lilacs at the 74 year old arboretum located at 5300 Indianola Road on the city s southeast side The park s lilac display opened Thursday with one way vehicle traffic on Harry Piper Parkway from Indianola Road west to McKinley Avenue The lilac overlook parking area will be open daily from 6am 10pm Important for visitors to note It is against park rules to pick the lilacs The Des Moines area offers many more fun things to do outdoors nearby Easter Lake Park is just across the street from Eqing Park northeast of Indianola Avenue The two parks connect by trail and it s super easy to explore both parks in one day Easter Lake is a 178acre lake surrounded by miles of beautiful trails picnic areas and even a covered bridge Fort Des Moines Park is 3 miles southwest and features excellent fishing modern picnic shelters and some great trails Other fun things to do in the Des Moines are include The Children s Forest where there are over 4000 trees and shrubs with 33 acres for kids to explore An easy nature trail and playground are nearby the kids will find plenty of outdoor fun Also the Disc Golf Course an 18 hole course that s a favorite among local and visiting disc golfers Concrete tees elevation changes and a variety of holes offer something for everyone The front nine is more technical with the back nine being more wide open And you can t beat the beautiful surroundings Golfers recommend using the UDisc app to navigate the course Plan a fun trip to Des Moines IA today www desmoinesoutdoors com a guide to ewing parkin des moines Glancer Magazine MAY 2022 WESTERN SUBURBS 39
BUSINESS TECH TechTime by Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike Catuara DwellSocial Allen Shulman was a custom home builder on Chicago s Northshore for 15 years before founding BrightNest in 2010 a website that helped people take better care of their homes BrightNest was acquired by Angie s List in 2013 where Allen worked until 2017 when he co founded DwellSocial a platform that brings amazing food from Chicago s best restaurants to almost anywhere in the Chicagoland area Starting this month DwellSocial will be delivering food to the Naperville area five days a week Wednesday Sunday DwellSocial Expands Delivery to 5 Days I believe DwellSocial provides people with a unique opportunity to have an amazing restaurant experience right at home Allen says It s an awesome privilege and responsibility that we take very seriously Unlike on demand delivery that is often warm and soggy DwellSocial restaurant partners prepare all their food to be finishcooked at home guaranteeing that the food will taste exactly as intended DwellSocial works with amazing restaurants from old favorites like Pequod s Pizza Do Rite Donuts and Sweet Mandy B s to MICHELIN awardees avec and HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen to new restaurants such as Five Squared Pizza Bangaroos Aussie Pies and many more Per Week In Naperville Allen has been married for 32 years and has three children A foodie Allen and his co founders pivoted DwellSocial at the beginning of the pandemic from a home services business that matched customers with contractors to a platform that brings the best restaurants in Chicago to the suburbs Allen s deep seated belief in the power of sharing great food together is why this quote from Guy Fieri really hits home Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together No matter what culture everywhere around the world people eat together 40 WESTERN SUBURBS MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine This wouldn t have been fathomable three years ago he says Being on the forefront of this change has been a once in a lifetime experience DwellSocial www dwellsocial com together we deliver
BUSINESS + TECHGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41
MOM S little black book IT S ANYONE S GAME CHICAGO When I first presented the idea of heading to Chicago for a Game Night I was met with a little resistance afterall couldn t we just play games in our own living room and save the drive and hassle of the city I really couldn t offer a reasonable counter claim other than my reputation that Mom s Little Black Book adventures never disappoint So with grand expectations set in front of us our group of ten headed to the 4th floor of the Century Shopping Centre in the Lakeview East neighborhood of Chicago to a private and spacious family room like setting with all the comforts of home We brought our drinks and appetizers and laid out our spread with the complimentary cups utensils plates and napkins provided After some time to socialize our two hosts got the ball rolling and random teams were selected They then highlighted the general rules of what to expect next in our head to head fast paced party games that would require us to work as a team while solving puzzles using logic showcasing our talents and thinking quickly to beat the timer Laughter ensued as our competitive spirit was awakened and the hosts kept us accountable to the directives while we choreographed each winning point There was no stage or spotlight You are not locked in a room trying to escape This is simple pure fun and games like no other you have ever played We found ourselves becoming human shapemakers artists with invisible ink timeline masters blind folded experts and decoding detectives We relied heavily on our senses engaging our listening skills and touch tactility while carefully choosing our words and using our bodies to communicate effectively 42 WESTERN SUBURBS MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine This was a truly entertaining evening filled with high energy giggles and camaraderie What a positively fun night that indeed could not have been replicated at home OVERVIEW Game Night Out offers live immersive group game night experiences guided by Hosts It feels like you re having a game night party at home but you can leave the hosting to the professionals Each experience contains a curated variety of all original games that has something to offer every personality in your group Game Night Out 2828 North Clark Street 4th Floor Chicago 312 448 7247 www GameNightOut com Hours By Appointment Price Prices vary based on experience selected ABOUT THE WRITER Kristen Kucharski s days are never dull her kids are never bored Over the years MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road As her girls have grown and gone away to college she continues to enjoy unique activities excursions day trips weekend 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 BOOKGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 43
44 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
PARENTINGParenting Post-Pandemic: What Chicagoland Parents Need to Know by Leah D. Setzen, Partner at Grunyk Family Law The COVID-19 global pandemic ushered in unprecedented changes to almost every facet of society. Separated and di-vorce parents faced novel issues that could not be simply an-swered by past court orders. Who stays with the children for remote learning? What happens to parenting time if a parent or a child was exposed to the virus? How do parents resolve disagreements about vaccinations once the children are eligi-ble? As panic evolved into action and resolution, so too have par-ents and their attorneys in crafting agreements that reflect modern-day concerns about pandemics and the issues related to global health crises. What is now needed in parenting agree-ments for divorcing or separating parents is clear guidance on the complex issues that arise when school attendance is an uncertainty, both parents work and the threat of the spread of illness creates barriers for the exercise of normal parenting time and disagreements on how to handle healthcare decisions for the children. Parents who want to preempt disagreements on these issues ought to make sure that their parenting agreements contain clear directives on all major issues involving their children. In Illinois, parents need to address what is called allocation of pa-rental responsibilities. This means parents determine each of their roles in decision-making over four specific areas of their children’s lives: education, healthcare, extracurricular activities and religion. Pandemic-related issues touch upon almost all these areas, as well as parenting time. For education, parents should formulate a plan ahead of time for remote learning and other issues involving their children’s education in the event of future shutdowns—not just in the event of a pandemic, but also, for example, in the event a heavy snow turns into remote learning or a closure of a child-care facility. 46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineParenting
PARENTING In terms of healthcare if the parents can agree in advance on vaccinations for their children not just for COVID 19 but for all vaccinations available to be administered then that language should be included in their parenting agreement to avoid future disputes So too should language as to what happens if a child or a parent is ill or has been exposed to a contagious illness For example if a child learns he or she has been exposed while with one parent does the child stay with that parent and miss parenting time with the other parent Or does the other parent continue to exercise parenting time and accept the child who has been exposed If parenting time is missed due to illness is there make up time What are the details of that make up time It is important to address these issues in advance before tensions arise that could create conflict Even a topic as seemingly benign as travel with children can become a source of strife in the event of a pandemic Some parents may not want the other parent to stray away from home when there is a surge in COVID cases and may want to be able to have a say in the other parent s travel plans Other parents may feel like it is their right to make travel decisions that they believe are in their children s best interests without the other parent s input or ability to veto a planned trip The parenting schedule should indicate who is responsible for remote learning days or days when a child cannot attend childcare Or which parent needs to pick up a child from school or childcare due to illness Is it the parent who has parenting time that day Perhaps one parent is always responsible due to the other parent s work schedule In such situations the school or childcare should also be made aware of the procedure so that the correct parent is called when the need arises What about the decision to place a child in private school or care due to school shutdowns or other pandemic related reasons which parent gets to decide or do the parents have to jointly agree on private school And how do parents deal with the additional costs associated with private education These provisions can be included in a parenting agreement so that one parent does not make a unilateral decision and leave the other parent with no dispute resolution options in the event of a disagreement Parents would do well to consider well before a health issue or virus related crisis arises how to resolve the attendant issues with the other parent The more detailed the parents agreement to proactively decide these matters the better for the entire family Just as with our society at large when pandemic related issues arise again in the future well prepared parents will be well equipped to rely upon their detailed parenting agreements to take calm considered action ABOUT THE WRITER Leah D Setzen is a writer community activist and award winning family law attorney at Grunyk Family Law in Naperville Connect at GrunykLaw com leah d setzen Glancer Magazine MAY 2022 WESTERN SUBURBS 47
REAL ESTATE 48 WESTERN SUBURBS MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine
DDRREEAAMM KKIITTCCHHEENNHOMEWERKS Home Remodeling Gallery Online NAPERVILLE– Recognized as a premiere remodeling company, with a 10,000 square foot showroom in Naperville, HomeWerks has a beautiful online gallery of photos and ideas to help you plan your next remodeling dream come true. Now’s a great time to start planning your next kitchen, bath or basement project! Family owned and operated since 1996, HomeWerks special-izes in full service remodeling. The kitchen and bath displays are interactive, allowing visitors to experience many product features first hand. With the focus of providing high quality products, pro-fessional installation and exceptional customer service HomeWerks Kitchen and Bath • www.myhomewerks.com Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 49
MILLION DOLLAR lliissttiinnggElegant Sophistication and Storybook Charm Exquisite home located on a friendly street in a sought-after neighborhood near train, parks and town. Greet your guests on the front porch then make a dramatic first impression inside with the grand architectural staircase. Entertaining is a dream with the open concept chef's kitchen with a double marble island that seats six and majestic 2-story family room featuring a masonry fireplace. Sunny breakfast nook overlooks the positively stunning back yard oasis. The finished basement provides wonderful bonus living and entertaining space with a fireplace, 5th bedroom and full bath. The 5th bedroom boasts a murphy bed for guests and can easily flex as an of-fice or exercise room.$1,100,000 4227 3rd St, Downers Grove 4 bed, 4.5 bath 3,487 square feet / 8,002sqft lot (630) 964-1855 Presented by: Rita Raden, Broker Brokered by: Baird & Warner Downers Grove50 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
Many Special Features This unique home includes custom organization systems in the garage, closets and laundry room, extensive professional landscaping, drip lines and sprinkler system, back yard privacy fencing, blue stone patio, lovely millwork throughout, and smart-home technology. Only a few blocks to Metra and one mile to all downtown Downers Grove has to offer. Simply just such a perfectly beautiful home.REAL ESTATEGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51
52 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineHHOOMMEEProviding Home Design Since 1997 BATAVIA–West DuPage Cabinets and Granite has been pro-viding home 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 designs with top in-dustry designers. As a proud member of the NKBA and KCMA, this women-owned local area home design establish-ment guarantees your absolute satisfaction. 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? Design Inspo
Do you like to entertain? How many people are usually in your kitchen at once? Once they have all of the infor-mation needed, the team will create a design to present to you, the homeowner, upon a visit to the Batavia show-room. Homeowners enjoy a stress-free process with this local one-stop home designer, as this top-rated Batavia busi-ness has everything needed to complete a kitchen or bathroom design– including labor for each project. Ad-ditionally, West DuPage Cabinets and Granite extends their discounts at the supply houses to their clients (spe-cifically for appliances and plumbing fixtures). The entire process is coordinated with your designer who stays with you through the entire project, leaving the homeowners completely satisfied throughout. INDUSTRY TRENDS Catherine noted that the industry is always changing with future trends leaning towards larger islands, coffee bars and entertainment 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 Remodeling 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.com“Today’s trends include timeless kitchen designs that incorporate the latest products into the design to fit each homeowners needs.” -Catherine Sanzeri, OwnerGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51
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 Colella54 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
Susan Colella
56 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineSPIRITED, LOYAL & CREATIVE Chris Cash is a Community Connector not only joining people to the best homes in the area, but also creatively designing them; and giving back along the way with her contributions to the Naperville Area Humane Society, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce LEADS Group, and Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success (WESOS). Chris also launched a nationwide group called “The Real Estate Pet Project” connecting real estate professionals across the U.S. who are committed to volunteering and donating to animal res-cue groups. She is a Real Estate Agent and Interior Designer, owner of Chris Cash Homes and Chris Cash Designs utilizing her background in advertising and interior design to help sellers market their homes with creative strategies to sell for top dollar. In addition to serving buyers and sellers in the Fox Valley and West Suburbs, Chris helps people relocate to and from Illinois and invest in vacation and investment homes through her new-est business SCOUT Vacation Homes. “I love the challenge of the hunt to find just the right home that meets a client’s needs and strive to find one that also exceeds all wishes,” Chris says. “When selling a home, I strive to stage and market it to show off its best features, then use my negotia-tion skills to achieve the highest price possible.” Chris is spirited, loyal, and creative. She is grounded with pas-sion, knowledge, and dedication. Her interior design and mar-keting background are invaluable skills used in her real estate business along with the use of global international technology tools available through Keller Williams. She is committed to connections and provides outstanding results. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos SubmittedCONTACT CHRISTINE Keller Williams Infinity 608 S. Washington St. Naperville • (630) 234-1770 christinacash@kw.com ChrisCashHomes.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Top 20% Agent In 700+ Agent Office for Past 3 Years Certified Home Staging Consultant Divorce Real Estate for Consumer Protection Designation Extensive Education In Investing for Vacation/Short Term Rentals
CHRISTINE CASH KELLER WILLIAMS INFINITYSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 57
58 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineINFORMATIVE, CREATIVE & CURRENT CHICAGOLAND–Jessica Martini is a full service, luxury real es-tate agent operating throughout Chicagoland and northwest suburbs. Since 2018, Jessica has become an award winning, top producing realtor, recognized by multiple media outlets. Her business has been built on her ability to create reliable, proven results because she excels in market analysis, property val-uation, and forecasting. Jessica creates success for her clients by ensuring that they are educated, guided and supported throughout their entire process. She is a Certified Staging Consultant (CSC) through Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, and also sits on both their Education Advisory Board and the Young Professionals Committee. “I wanted to do work that not only highlighted and utilized my strengths in business, but I wanted to do work that has mean-ing,” Jessica says. “Knowing that my effort is purposeful and helps improve the lives of others is why my work has so much meaning to me.” Jessica knows that when someone buys or sells a home it can be an anxious time of their life, so she prides herself on being a trusting mentor, consultant, educator, and advocate while using her insight to provide real time solutions ensuring a confident sale. Using relevant social media to connect with her sphere, Jessica shares insights and information weekly through "Martini’s Mon-day Minute,” highlighting market updates, real estate tips, tricks, how to's, and home staging ideas. It is a mix of real estate hap-penings as well as an insider’s look to her personal side. Jessica is smart and informative, fun and creative, current and relevant and absolutely loves being a Realtor®. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara CONTACT JESSICA Jessica Martini d’Aprile Properties 145 S. Vine Avenue, Park Ridge (312) 927-1511 Jmartini@daprileproperties.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Top 30 Realtors to Look Out for in 2022 - Entrepreneur's Herald 2021 Top Producer/Black Key Award Winner - d'aprile properties 2021 Who's Who in Chicagoland Real Estate - Chicago Agent Magazine 2020 Who's Who International - Continental Publishing
JESSICA MARTINI D’APRILE PROPERTIESSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 59
60 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineHELPING TO MAKE NAPERVILLE SHINE Opposites attract. The Kim and Katie Group at @Properties is proof that opposites are often complementary. Katie focuses on the data, market trends, pricing and logistics. Kim shines in ne-gotiations, marketing and advertising. The bridge to their suc-cessful partnership is their shared love for their community and real estate. WE LIVE LOCAL AND LOVE LOCAL is their motto. In today’s hyper local real estate market, it’s important to have a team be-hind you connected to the local community. They have built a robust business based on relationships and performance. In 2018 they relaunched their careers finding real estate to be the perfect fit for their past work experience, passion and talents. “The business we are building isn't about us, it’s about our com-munity,” Kim shares. “We not only represent our seller’s home, but our city and its amenities.” Buyers want to know why they should move to Naperville and we help answer that question for them in our marketing and in person. Kim and Katie value individual relationships with their clients. They customize their marketing approach for each unique listing and believe that technology is the key to maximizing the sales price and smoothness of each real estate transaction. Using advanced digital management systems for both buyers and sellers helps keep each deal on track. Clients receive weekly digital home reports that include views of syndicated websites featuring their listing, as well as views of digital ads and social media. Their digital CMA can be automatically updated daily, al-lowing for effective and efficient decision making. As mothers, community members, friends and teammates, Kim and Katie believe in doing their part to make Naperville shine. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted CONTACT KIM & KATIE The Kim and Katie Group (630) 732-1299 | (773) 750-9535 kimandkatie@atproperties.com KimAndKatie.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Top 1% of Naperville Realtors in sales volume Road to Rolex Winner (Top achievement for @Properties Agents) Innovative Marketing Award from Peers Naperville Top Performers
KIM & KATIE GROUP @PROPERTIESSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 61
62 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineINTEGRITY & BOUNDLESS ENTHUSIASM Inspired by their passion for helping people while forming life-long relationships, Viveka and Sunita of The Ross-Tandon Team found their calling in real estate where they work diligently to provide award-winning service, pursue emerging trends to utilize the most cutting-edge technology into their marketing, and pri-oritize building meaningful relationships with each of their clients. Viveka comes from a background in social work and marketing and Sunita’s in special education creating a solid foundation for being empathetic to their clients’ needs and working with their best interest in mind – ALWAYS. “We are 100% invested in our clients, their happiness and the best possible outcome for them,” Viveka says. “During difficult times we adapt, stay motivated, disciplined and choose to be the rock that our clients can depend on.” Their team has always been a forerunner in the technology trends, launching Drone Photography back in 2014, virtual Broker tours as early as 2015, and Virtual Open houses in 2019, well before the pandemic forced agents to shift this direction. “We don't work in a box...we threw away the box a long time ago and are boundless in our approach to tailor the best marketing plan for each seller and buyer that we represent,” Sunita adds. “Some of the strategies we use include High Quality Profes-sional Photography and Videos, Virtual Tours, Social Media Mar-keting and Ads, Video Email Marketing – 3-D Tours – Drone Photographs & Videos.” Working with integrity, boundless enthusiasm, and authenticity are at the core of Viveka’s and Sunita’s desire to build relation-ships with purposeful intent, deep motivation, driven energy, and adaptability to an ever changing industry. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara CONTACT VIVEKA & SUNITA Ross-Tandon Team Baird & Warner (331) 213-9585 rosstandonteam@gmail.com RossTandonTeam.Bairdwarner.ComAWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Founder Club Award Top 3% 5 Star Professional Chicago Agent Magazine, Who’s Who In Chicago Real Estate 2021
ROSS-TANDON TEAM BAIRD & WARNERSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 63
64 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazinePERSISTENT & DEDICATED Honing the power of partnership, passion and perseverance, Mary and Bill White’s mission is to provide excellence in all realty services by conducting business with the highest levels of pro-fessionalism, honesty and integrity. Wanting to be more present in the lives of their three young chil-dren, their real estate journey began in 1983 and quickly grew through friends and family. Their grown daughters have now joined the Bill White Homes team and are also providing guid-ance now to 3rd generation clients. Living by the Golden Rule and digging deep into their Irish roots they branded the business with a very whimsical green sham-rock logo; furthermore, trademarking the words "Sale Agreed®". “In Ireland, when a home goes under contract they say it is a Sale Agreed,” Mary shares. “We brought that to our business as well. We use the hashtags #followthegreen and #saleagreed® in our social media as well. Their team approach uses combined knowledge, experience and skills to provide the expertise and service customers and clients deserve. They pride themselves on being attentive to the challenges people face whether financially, socially or phys-ically, and guide careful consideration for all options. Baird and Warner continually upgrades their technology appli-cations to include CRM which connects the team directly to clients providing continually updates on home searches. Digital applications including Drones are also used for marketing ma-terials, and a local multiple listing service opens access to tax records and sales information in all zip codes. Through persistence, dedication, and well-practiced negotiating, a genuine partnership of trust and friendship is formed in assist-ing people with finding their forever home. -Kristen Kucharski CONTACT BILL & MARY Bill White Homes @ Baird and Warner 836 W. 75th Street, Naperville (630) 235-9760 billwhitehomes@bairdwarner.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Top 1% Residential Transactions and Sales Volume by Mainstreet Best of Naperville Award in Real Estate Top 1% Production in Baird and Warner Newsweek Magazine America's Best Realtors
MARY & BILL WHITE BAIRD & WARNERSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 65
INNOVATIVE COMMITTED With a 20 year track record of exceeding client s needs by listening goal setting and openly communicating home sales and or purchases are safe with Julie Croegaert of Properties Her years in a corporate role taught her to plan organize and over communicate She runs her business on the same morals as her personal life with integrity and respect and thrives from seeing her clients smile and succeed I listen I plan I communicate I follow through on my promises Julie says My past career taught me that two of these without the third will result in failure and disappointment She brings an easy going sympathetic and warm approach as the foundation to her driven and thorough professional role and will stop at nothing to support your real estate goals Using top notch technology available via properties provides the best marketing tools in the industry and allows her to create digital listing presentations comparative market analyses and marketing materials within minutes She enhances and differentiates herself by using Canva to create unique social media posts postcards interior open house signage and so much more Julie left her corporate position after 14 years because she discovered she thoroughly enjoyed home renovations property flipping property management and property investing with her handy husband She also wanted to be more available to her daughters one who is a 9 year old rockstar with Down Syndrome Julie s overall mission to help clients aligns with everything that defines properties from their focus on relationships innovation and excellence to their commitment to making an impact in the community and industry Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike Catuara AWARDS ACHIEVEMENTS CONTACT JULIE 8 6 Million in sales year 1 Top 10 Producing Agents in Elburn 1 Producing Agent in Willow Creek Subdivision Elburn Julie Croegaert Real Estate Broker properties 111 W Main Street St Charles4 Cell 630 849 8052 Office 630 377 1700 juliecroegaert atproperties com Infosparks data Top Agents by Total Closed Dollar Volume 2021 66 WESTERN SUBURBS MAY 2022 Glancer Magazine
JULIE CROEGAERT@ PROPERTIESSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 67
ENTHUSIASTIC & TRUSTWORTHY After a lengthy career in the hospitality, fitness and retail book-store industries in the United Kingdom, Kim was ready for a change so moved to Chicago in 2002 with her husband and two children. Her energetic, driven, enthusiastic, honorable, and trustworthy personality, along with her amazing problem solving skills has allowed her to run her own Chicagoland real estate business for the past 16 years. Having come to the U.S. knowing no one, Kim’s proudest ac-complishment is that 90 percent of her business is referrals from family, friends and past clients placing her in the Top 1 percent of Naperville luxury agents. She is also recognized as a Certi-fied Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Relocation Special-ist who uses top of the line technology available through @Properties. Kim believes the key to a successful real estate transaction be-gins with the relationship between client and broker through ef-fective communication, up-to-date market knowledge, strong negotiating skills, and a team approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transaction providing an exceptional experience. Her core mission is exemplified by Carl W. Buechner’s quote, "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel" and spans throughout her business and personal life. Beyond her passion for her work, Kim supports the Ronald McDonald House and Agape Orphanage in India. She is a global traveler and avid runner completing over 15 marathons and qualifying for the Boston Marathon twice. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara CONTACT KIM Kim Scott @properties 1003 S. Washington St, Suite 137, Naperville kimscott@atproperties.com Cell (630) 484-6775 | Office (630) 634-0700 AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Luxury Real Estate Specialist Top 1% in Sales Volume in Chicagoland Top 3% in Transactions in Chicagoland 68 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
KIM SCOTT@ PROPERTIESSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 69
A NATURAL LEADER & MOTIVATOR The current market is evolving quickly and it is key to have someone with the resources to help you navigate along the way. In today's climate of bitcoin and crypto currency there is a lot of volatility. Investing in real estate is a great way to gain long term wealth especially when using the expertise of Carrie Foley, a john greene Realtor. As a Naperville Native, mom of four, full-time Realtor, investment property owner and manager, Carrie provides vast experience to both buyers and sellers achieving maximum results with total customer satisfaction. She is a natural leader, motivator, organ-izer, and educator. She brings passion, persistence, loyalty and the willingness to attain the financial results clients crave. “With the use of our real time market analysis tools, sellers re-ceive top dollar for their home in any market supported by our knowledge and technology providing realistic and accurate net losing estimates for all sellers,” Carrie says. “For buyers, we have the ability to listen to their wants and needs, and then lo-cate the perfect home for them. Oftentimes, the property they purchase is one that they had not selected themselves, but one that we have selected based on our experience listening to their needs.” Carrie understands that home is your place of work, education, family-time and tranquility. She provides the professional know-how and guided emotional support that goes well beyond mak-ing or receiving an offer. As part of Leading RE (https://www.leadingre.com/) Carrie also offers global resources and prides herself on creating a business legacy built on going above and beyond so her client’s reap the rewards. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara CONTACT CARRIE Carrie Foley, Real Estate Broker john greene Realtor CSC | TOP PRODUCER Cell (630) 544-0596 | Office (630) 820-6500 carriefoley@johngreenerealtor.com CarrieFoley.JohnGreeneRealtor.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Top 1% of all Illinois Realtors Sold Over $200 Million to Date Zillow Badge "Best of Zillow" Distinction Top Performer at john greene Realtor Top 5 Volume Producing agents in Naperville IL Obtain 3% More on a home than the Industry Average* *Source: infosparks as of 2/28/2022 70 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
CARRIE FOLEYJOHN GREENE REALTORSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 71
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY The Ville Team is composed of nine full-time Broker Associates with Coldwell Banker Realty in Naperville, Illinois. They are a full-service team for residential, rental, and commercial proper-ties and are dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to pro-viding an exceptional customer service experience with every real estate transaction. Walt Burrell and Bridget Salela, co-owners of The Ville, created the team based on a true team environment with the client’s best interest in mind. This advantageous approach provides the client with the experience and teamwork of multiple Brokers working towards one strategic, common goal. The Ville closed $68+ million in 2021 and doubled sales last year due to their exceptional customer service, unique marketing strategies, exclusive digital platforms, and global network. Combined with over 80+ years of real estate experience, it is no wonder that The Ville has been the No. 1 team for the past three years in Coldwell Banker Naperville. “Our brand is built on a strong foundation of knowledge, experi-ence, and integrity,” says Bridget Salela. “This is highlighted dur-ing each transaction as we deal with some of our clients’ biggest assets.” The Ville Team shares everything there is to know about the area with their clients — the ins and outs of the different sub-divisions, neighborhoods, and school districts — because their team members have lived in and raised their families in the com-munity. “The Ville is where we have built our foundations and families,” Walt Burrell adds. “We’re excited to share the unique amenities Naperville has to offer.”-Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted CONTACT THE VILLE TEAM The Ville Team - Coldwell Banker Realty 1212 S. Naper Blvd., Suite 122, Naperville (630) 420-8834 thevilleteam@gmail.com TheVilleTeam.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS #1 Team Coldwell Banker Realty Naperville (3rd year in a row) #3 Large Team (4+) Coldwell Banker Realty Illinois by AGC President’s Club 2019-2021 including the International Presidents Elite Team tier in 2021 Top 1% Residential Sales Volume for 2021 by Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (Data provided by Chicagoland MLS) 72 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
THE VILLE TEAMCOLDWELL BANKERGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 73
HONESTY & INTEGRITY-DRIVEN Julie Kaczor has consistently been one of the top Real Estate Brokers in Naperville and the Western Suburbs for over 28 years. With $825 million in career sales, her clients appreciate her honesty, integrity, and vast knowledge of the market. If you are looking for one of the best Real Estate agents that will guar-antee you exceptional customer service, state-of-the-art mar-keting, best terms, and most importantly, top dollar for your home, call Julie today. Julie applies the same diligence in both her personal and pro-fessional life. As an avid triathlete and accomplished Ironman athlete, Julie’s discipline, hard work and consistency make for efficient and effective transactions for her clients. Her morality, loyalty, and utmost customer service set her apart from the com-petition. In a day and age where technology is vital, Julie has fully incor-porated the tech world into her strategic process of buying and selling homes. From video tours to virtual staging, sharing on social media to customized search emails, she completely em-braces and takes advantage of the benefits of technology in today’s market. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, buyers will be guided every step of the way while finding their dream home. Starting with a tailored buyer’s consultation and ending with a smooth closing, Julie assures the highest level of customer service. As a seller, clients appreciate Julie’s expert premarketing staging skills coupled with her negotiating experience to guarantee the highest price and best terms possible. Call Julie today to see why clients don’t just consider her an agent but their Realtor for life. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara & Submitted CONTACT JULIE Julie Kaczor-Broker Associate Baird & Warner 836 W. 75th Street, Naperville Office (630) 718-3509 | Cell (630) 399-9399 julie.kaczor@bairdwarner.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Over $825,000,000 in career sales Baird & Warner Founder's Club Member 2007-2021 Platinum Top 1% of Sales Volume-Mainstreet Organization of Realtors 74 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
JULIE KACZORBAIRD & WARNERSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 75
PATIENT, RESILIENT & AMBITIOUS Susan is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Relocation Specialist, Certified Staging Consultant, and is Broker Price Opinion Certified. She brings ten years of experi-ence with Baird & Warner in Naperville as a full-time dedicated Realtor offering a positive, energetic, work ethic and extraordi-nary customer service. Combining her patience, resilience, ambition, and creativity with the use of innovative technology led the way to a 2021 career peak assisting 50 clients and $19,600,000 in sales. “I don’t wait for things to happen, I make things happen,” Susan says. “I use the Homesnap App on my iPhone to set up show-ings quickly, do instant CMA’s on the spot, use DotLoop to send paperwork to clients, and Zoom, Facetime and Google Hang-outs for impromptu meetings and video showings.” Susan works efficiently and effectively and has built a strong, reliable network of professionals including preferred lenders, at-torneys, photographers, general contractors, and stagers. Listings are her passion and she works directly with her seller to gain inspiration for restyling the home with staging, coordi-nating elite photography inclusive of drones for aerial views, and videography to create a visual storybook enhancing unique so-cial media ads. Since Susan is not on a team, she is the direct contact for her clients which provides a powerful tool when compounded with her residency in the west suburban community where she has personally bought and sold homes and raised her two daugh-ters. In anticipation of the thriving Spring market, Susan is meeting with buyers and sellers. Call today! -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted CONTACT SUSAN Susan Colella Baird and Warner- Naperville 836 W 75th Street, Naperville (630) 946-3813 susan.colella@bairdwarner.com SusanColella.BairdWarner.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Founders Club Baird and Warner Top 2% Sales & Units Volume of All Agents in Chicagoland and Baird and Warner Company Wide Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Certified Staging Consultant 76 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
SUSAN COLELLABAIRD & WARNERSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 77
PURPOSEFULLY DRIVEN Debbie’s community ties since 1995 gives her an enthusiastic edge when working with buyers and sellers. Her professional, down to earth approach with unwavering commitment to her clients, has enabled her to build up a vast network of referrals over the past 8 years. Attention to detail combined with an exceptional understanding of the marketplace, genuine care for people, attentive listening skills, and dedication to fulfilling client’s goals is abundantly ev-ident. “I LOVE people and the journey that takes us from A to Z. I be-lieve we all have a story to tell, and that story begins at home,” Debbie shares. “For much of my adult life, I was known as a working stay-at-home PTA mom/wife, and was led to a new full time career as a 50 year-old single mom. It took perseverance, patience, and trust in the process to tran-sition to Debbie Lendino, john greene Realtor, trusted advisor extraordinaire!” Her strong ability to negotiate and problem solve support her business that has been predominantly built on referrals, open homes, and networking. She is confident, yet humble; compas-sionate, yet persistent; knowledgeable, yet always learning. Debbie relies on jgR’s tools to maintain a powerful post close process for her buyers and sellers and has an impressive social media presence that aids in marketing her listings. “Utilization of john greene Realtor's technology is unmatched,” she says. “Always fresh, always something NEW, excellent!” Debbie is purposefully driven and happy to help! -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara CONTACT DEBBIE Debbie Lendino, CSC, SFR Broker | john greene Realtor 1311 S. Route 59, Naperville Office (630) 820-6500 | Cell (630) 596-3672 DebbieLendino@johngreeneRealtor.com AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Rookie of the Year 2015 for john greene Realtor Top Performer/President's Club 2015- Present at john greene Mainstreet Organization of Realtors Top 2% in Sales Volume and Number of Transactions Top 3% in Northern MLS Most Innovative Marketer 2020 for john greene Realtor 78 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
DEBBIE LENDINOJOHN GREENE RALTORSPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTIONGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 79
Kid StuffMommy & Me Painting Kit Paint “LOVE MOM” TOgether at Home NAPERVILLE–Enjoy this bright and colorful painting event in your own space with fun designs to show Mom how much you love her. Make a forever memory!! This is a take-home kit. It is painted across two on 8x8 can-vases (included in the kit), or you can paint the image on one canvas. www.pinotspalette.com/naperville/event/429694Aurora Pollinator Festival JUNE 26 • PHILLIP’S PARK ZOO, AURORA AURORA–Celebrate National Pollinator Week with the City of Aurora and Phillips Park Zoo at the inaugural Au-rora Pollinator Festival! The mission of this event is to spread awareness of Illinois’ pollinator species and ignite action for the protection of pollinators, while connecting our community to local pollinator-friendly small busi-nesses, non-profits, and institutions. Fun activities will be happening all day long! www.facebook.com/PhillipsParkZoo80 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer MagazineKids’ Tea Party Planting Workshop MAY 8 • 10-11am GENEVA–Children’s Tea Party Planting Class! Create a floral planter while sipping tea and enjoy-ing a donut! Wear your best tea party outfit but plan on gettting a lit-tle dirty when planting. Come ready to sip tea, eat a fresh donut and be creative while planting your own ar-rangement! Fee is $20 per child, in-cludes flower pot, flowers, soil, donut, tea and honey stick. Chil-dren must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up today! Spaces lim-ited. All ages welcome. Instructor led, 45 min. www.windyacresfarmstand.comSpring! Online All Month Long!
KID STUFFDUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Make New Discoveries & More NAPERVILLE–Every visit to DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) is a new adventure that will spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and lead to new dis-coveries. Make a splash in AWEsome Water, put on a cape and “fly” through the Wind Tunnel in AWEsome Air, build a fantastic pancake arche like Iggy Peck or engineer the farthest soaring 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. Learn more and plan your visit today. www.dupagechildrens.org adventure awaitsGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 81
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 FAMILY TIME82 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
FAMILY TIMESUMMER IN NAPERVILLE Paddleboat Quarry NAPERVILLE–Enjoy some paddleboat, paddle-board or kayak fun on the water at the Naperville Park District’s Paddleboat Quarry, located along the Riverwalk, just west of Eagle Street in down-town Naperville. The Paddleboat Quarry is open spring through fall, weather permitting, and offers 20- and 40-minute rentals for paddleboats, pad-dleboards and kayaks, each with various fees. www.napervilleparks.org/ paddleboatquarry. Glancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 83
H4 TRAINING 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. H4 Training. Wheaton & Geneva locations. www.h4-training.com/services/personal-training/FFIITTNNEESSSSHEALTH + WELLNESS84 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
FITNESSHEALTH + WELLNESSGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS •85
NAPERVILLE Get Your Whirly On! NAPERVILLE- From friendly competition and entertainment to exceptional food and drink, WhirlyBall Naperville provides the perfect venue for all ages and occasions. The two-story “eater-tainment” complex features a variety of activities including Whir-lyBall, LaserTag, HyperBowling and bowling plus private event spaces for groups of any size. Round out your event with cus-tomized menus featuring The Pivot Room’s selection of elevated American fare and 24 rotating craft beer taps. Book your event today! Whirlyball Naperville 3103 Oddyssey, Naperville (630) 932-4800 • www.whirlyball.com So Fun!TEEN SCENE86• WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
CAREER 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 TTIIMMEETEAN SCENEGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 87
To Give, To InspireCARING + SHARINGA Monthly Caring + Sharing Columnby Mindy Kyle Photos Submitted88 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine
Diveheart and the Adapting to Dive Documentary Premiere DOWNERS GROVE–For over twenty years, Jim El-liot, Founder and President of Diveheart, and his organ-ization have revolutionized rehabilitation and physical therapy for disabled youth, adults and veterans by uti-lizing adaptive scuba div-ing. Diveheart hosts scuba experience pool programs and adaptive scuba trips for divers and their teams all over the world, as well as helps facilitate scuba therapy research with several university medical centers. “The weightless wonder of water gives wheelchair users and others with disabilities freedom from gravity where their chronic pain has been known to evaporate,” says Jim. “Through these programs, participants develop confidence, independ-ence, and self-esteem, as well as other physical and psy-chological benefits.” Last December, filmmaker David Marsh and his brother Scott traveled with Jim and the Diveheart organization on an adaptive scuba adventure to Cozumel, Mexico to film eight adaptive divers, five wheelchair users and their teams. However, the original film’s focus took a surprise twist, when Marsh’s son overdosed and died at his home just a week before he was to go on the trip. After having already done all the background research on the adaptive divers, Marsh made the tough decision to still embark. The project, Adapting to Dive, turned into the film-maker’s journey and how he learned from those divers with disabilities to cope with loss, fear, depression and adapting to your new nor-mal. On May 18, as a red-carpet event, Diveheart will showcase the world pre-miere of this new documen-tary at the Tivoli theatre in downtown Downers Grove. The premiere will include a screening of two shorter pieces that were created earlier by other filmmakers, the showing of Adapting to Dive and then questions and answers with David Marsh and the audience. Everyone is invited, and you can get your tickets at www.events.eventgroove.com/event/Adapting-To-Dive-A-Deveheart-Documentary-Premiere-61237 . “Each adaptive diver is inspiring to those around him or her,” says Jim. “Their stories and experience create a rip-ple effect for people of all abilities to imagine the possibil-ities in their own lives.” Diveheart’s long term goal is to build adaptive pool facilities around the world, so they could serve many more individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in more information or for volunteer opportunities, visit www.diverheart.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-inspireDiveheart to Showcase World Premiere of New Documentary at the Tivoli In Downers Grove May 18CARING + SHARINGGlancer Magazine • MAY 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 89
6. Jewelry From Jeans & a Cute Top Shop WHEATON & ST. CHARLES– When you are out shopping for mom or for yourself, be sure to visit Jeans & a Cute Top Shop. Now through May 8 they are giving away a free piece of jewelry with any $75 pur-chase! www.jeansandacutetop.com 90 • WESTERN SUBURBS • MAY 2022 • Glancer Magazine1. Haute Shore Ryan Cairo Mini Tote in Taupe Camo/Pink/Black GLEN ELLYN– Mom will love that this neoprene compact zip top tote goes from day to night with its streamline design, lined interior with zip pocket and removable wristlet pouch. Available at Shop Jayne www.shopjayne.com2. A Beautiful Bundt Cake WESTERN SUBURBS–Mom will loves this extra special sweet treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes with locations trhoughout the western suburbs including Naperville, Wheaton, Darien and more! www.nothingbundtcakes.com4. Bracelets & More by Madison Charmed NORTH AURORA–Visit Urban Echo Shop online or at The Rustic Fox in North Aurora for the Madison Charmed Collection featur-ing beautiful bracelets, earrings and more. Mom will love one of these unique pieces, perfect for any summer outfit! Pictured below is the Mystic Waterfall Multi Strand Leather Bracelet. $32.95 www.urbanechoshop.com3. Exquisite Roses WHEATON–If you’re looking to support local this Mother’s Day, be sure to visit Andrew’s Gar-den in Wheaton. If you love visiting flower shops in Paris, London, or Amsterdam – you will feel right at home at Andrew’s Garden! Estab-lished in 2009, Andrew’s Garden quickly earned a reputation as the finest and most artistic florist in the western suburbs. Visit today! www.andrewsgarden.com5. We Love Gigi Frame NAPERVILLE& PLAINFIELD–This SaraBoo Clas-sic frame is the perfect gift for the Gigi, Grandma or Nana in your life! It fits a 4x6 picture. You may modify this frame for other Grandma or Mom mo-nikers. $35 www.saraboocreek.com 7. Trend + Relic Gift Card ST. CHARLES–Treat mom to a unique experience at this 45+ vendor market-place located in St. Charles. From vintage finds and restored furniture, to apparel, accessories and more- it’s all here & it’s simply so unique. www.trendandrelic.com MOMS WILL LOVE THESE UNIQUE GIFTS ALL SEASON LONG Moms, we love to shop and find new and unique things to match our style and personality. This month’s 7 Spectacular list is a combination of gift ideas along with a vareity of ways we can treat ourselves. From fun accessory finds and beautiful jewelry pieces, to sweet treats and flowers galore, we’ve uncovered a list that is sure to keep us smiling all season long. Enjoy!1.LOCALISH GIFTS MOM WILL LOVE5.4.2.3.7.6.