TRICKS, TREATS, SCRUMPTIOUS EATS This October, Glancer Magazine is spicing up your fall season with Tricks, Treats + Scrumptious Eats! Inside, you'll discover 10 Trends in Award-Winning Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards. From the most Instagram-worthy spots to the newest interactive experi-ences, these locations offer more than just picking apples or pump-kins. They're creating memorable family adventures in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and beyond. Our pages also feature 7 Spectacular Halloween Party Themes. Whether you're planning a spooky soiree or a kid-friendly bash, Glancer® has you covered with creative ideas for decorations, cos-tumes, and games. Our Cover Feature highlighting local families who share their love for Hal-loween. These families open their homes and hearts, revealing their fa-vorite Halloween traditions, dec-orations, and local faves. Their stories will inspire you to make the most out of the season. So, get ready for autumn magic with Glancer Magazine's October issue. Lindy Kleivo Founding PublisherOCTOBER 2023TABLE OF CONTENTSPUBLISHER Glancer Magazine, Inc. PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Lindy Kleivo Sales & Marketing / Founder EDITORIAL Kristen Kucharski Associat Editor / Writer Mindy Kyle Writer Brianna Bartemeyer Writer Mila Vardiani Writer PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Catuara Event Photographer Ruta Drulia Feature Photographer Laura Ramirez-Nunez Feature Photographer C O N T A C T U S EDITORIAL Press Releases, Community News & Events 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. OCTOBER 2023 | Vol 17, Issue 214 TRICKS, TREATS, SCRUMPTIOUS EATS The Fall Celebration Continues This month we are featuring Halloween fun throughout the western suburbs- from haunted happenings to hayrides and more, there’s so much to look forward to. Plus, meet area residents who share on what they love locally about Halloween. Sub-scribe for daily, weekly and monthly up-dates at www.GlancerMagazine.com ©Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine, Inc. OOCCTTOOBBEERR 22002233®5 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 5 Things to Do 8 10 Trends: Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards 12 Local Charm, Halloween Families 17 Autumn On the Go 2023: A Local Guide 28 Cover, Families Share Halloween Faves 30 Dining + Cocktails: BASH in Geneva 32 Unique in Suburbia: Tinker in Naperville 34 New in Town: Duck Donuts in Naperville 36 Moms Little Black Book: Couldron in Chicago 39 On Stage: Cinderella in Oak Brook 40 Trendy Traveler: Disney During Halloween Time 42 Glass Pumpkins: Morton Arboretum 43 Shop Gallery: Featuring the Hottest Shops 54 To Give, To Inspire: Batavia Bat Race 5K/10K 56 Million Dollar Listing: Exquisit in Glen Ellyn 59 Literary Local: K.V. Peck of Naperville 64 RHON: Welcome Face Foundrie 68 Kid Stuff: Trick or Treat at Blackberry Farm 78 7 Spectacular Halloween Party Theme GlancerMagazine.comGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 5Lindy is Pictured with Her Husband John at Glancer’s Halloween Bash a Few Years Ago
FALL 2023 5 Things to Do 2 Shop at Magnolia Bath Soap Co LOCATEDDOWNTOWNST CHARLES ST CHARLES Have you been to Magnolia Bath Soap Co in St Charles This shop and creative studio provides hand poured soap candles and plant based beauty essentials and makes the perfect gift Also their Bath Bomb Soap Making and Candle Pouring Parties are super popular and such a great idea www facebook com magnoliasoapandbathstcharlesil 1 Treat Yourself to Perspire Sauna MEMBERSHIPSAVAILABLE NAPERVILLE DOWNERSGROVE Detox find calm burn calories recover fast boost immunity improve sleep and and clarify skin with a visit to this local sauna studio in the heart of Naperville and Downers Grove www perspiresaunastudio com 4 Witches Night Out FRIDAYTHE13TH 6pm 9pm TREND RELIC ST CHARLES The witches are back Channel your inner Stevie Nicks hop on your broom follow the moon to trend relic Bring your best witch or boo to this annual after hours event Get ready for giveaways fairy hair custom blush masks complimentary spooky refreshments tarot readings moody fresh flowers and more Co hosted by Souvenir Vintaga Ela and Jack Restored to Chic The Storied Home Collection and Republic Road www trendandrelic com 3 Trick or Treat at Naper Settlement SUNDAY OCTOBER 29 NAPERVILLE Put on your best costumes and enjoy trick or treating at Naper Settlement s historical homes for your Halloween treats watch the blacksmith at his forge and more This special afternoon also includes a Monster Mash Bash dance party Halloween themed games and a costume contest that will give you bragging rights all year The event will also include a family costume contest Families can win one of three titles Best Costumes Best Family Theme Most Creative Costumes Costume contest entrants must sign in at the judging station before judging begins promptly at 1 30PM Winners will be announced at 3PM You must be present to win Children under 18 must attend with an adult Adults must be accompanying a child www napersettlement org 5 Visit the Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest COSLEYZOO THROUGHOCT31 WHEATON Such a cute event and fun for all ages During the fest the zoo s lawn is scattered with thousands of pumpkins creating a beautiful autumnal scene The event also features cornstalks and other festive fall items Visitors can enjoy seeing the animals at the zoo and purchase pumpkins gourds apples cider corn stalks and straw bales Children s rides are are an additional fee www cosleyzoo org Glancer Magazine OCTOBER 2023 WESTERN SUBURBS 7
10TRENDSAward-Winning Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards Enjoy All that the Fall Season Brings in October The Chicagoland area is rich with fall activities, from hayrides to corn mazes. But perhaps the most quintessential fall pastime is visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Here are some of the top-rated apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the Chicagoland area that have been recognized for their standout offerings. #1| Jack's Pumpkin Pop-up CHICAGO–Jack's Pumpkin Pop-up is more than just a pumpkin patch. It's a complete autumn adventure located right in the heart of Chicago. With its extensive selection of pumpkins and unique city setting, it's no wonder this spot is a local favorite. Guests love the axe throwing and carnival games, along with the four bars that are on site. Fun! www.jackspumpkinpopup.com #2 | Apple Holler STURTEVANT–Apple Holler is not just an orchard; it's an adventure. Known for its ex-pansive apple and pumpkin picking opportunities, it also offers a variety of seasonal ac-tivities, making it a cherished fall destination. www.appleholler.com 10 TRENDS8 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
#3 | Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm PINGREE GROVE, IL– Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm & Garden Center is a household name when it comes to pumpkin patches near Chi-cago. This family-friendly spot offers a variety of pumpkins, a garden center, and even a farm animal area. www.goebberts.com #4 | Countytline Apple Orchard HOBART, IN–County Line Orchard is a dual-threat: it's both an apple orchard and a pumpkin patch. Known for its U-pick apples and pumpkins, it also offers delicious apple cider, including a unique cherry-apple variety. Get lost in the HUGE corn maze and be sure to leave with some hot peaches and farm house pickles. www.countylineorchard.com #5 | Jonamac Apple Orchard MALTA, IL–Jonamac Apple Orchard is another excellent location for apple picking in the Chicago area. With its vast apple selection and accompanying pumpkin patch, Jonamac provides a comprehensive fall experience. You’ll love the Cider Garden Patio where you can relax and explore a range of apple wines, hard ciders, and collabo-rative beers. Enjoy the Haunted Corn Maze on Friday & Saturday Nights in October. www.jonamacorchard.com #6 | Didier Farms LINCOLNSHIRE, IL–Didier Farms offers a traditional pumpkin patch experience with a twist. In addition to a wide selection of pumpkins, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including hayrides, corn mazes, and train rides. Plus, pony rides and camel rides, too! Wow. www.happytimespumpkinfest.com #7 | Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm MINOOKA, IL–Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm is true to its name, of-fering giant pumpkins for those looking to make a statement with their fall décor. The farm also offers hayrides and a corn maze. Stay late for the moonlight hayrides - you will love making this memory. www.heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com #8 | Windy Acre Farms GENEVA, IL–Fall Fest at this local area farm is beyond fun! Whether you are staying for an hour or for the day, your group will surely make memories that will last a lifetime! From farm-themed shows and unique games, to barnyard shops, a petting zoo and more. www.windyacresfarmstand.com #9 | Kuiper’s Family Farm MAPLE PARK, IL–Kuipers Family Farm is a cherished destination in the Chicagoland area, particularly during the fall season. The farm is filled with the aroma of fresh apple cider doughnuts, home-baked pies, and fudge, making it a sensory delight. www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com #10 | Johansen Farms BOLINGBROOK, IL–This is a local favorite for its annual Fall Festi-val and Children's Zoo. The festival offers a range of family-friendly activities, with the pumpkin patch being a standout feature. At the Children's Zoo, children can enjoy a variety of attractions, including rides, surrounded by a cornstalk fence. The admission price covers all animals, available rides, and scheduled activities, making it a fun-filled, all-day experience. Johansen Farms, originally established in 1925, continues to provide memorable experiences for families each fall. www.johansenfarms.com 10 TRENDSGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 9
COVER STORY10 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine fam favesby Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike CatuaraLOCAL CHARMFamilies Share their Halloween Favorites
ELBURN/GENEVA–Halloween has been a HUGE holiday for The Livingston family, going all out, always dressing up as a family, and throwing big Halloween parties! Mac-kenzie and Tyler begin dressing their chil-dren Charlee (5) and Cayden (1) & themselves in fall fashion, starting October 1, with clothes and accessories from Arlo.Hendrix and Mackenzie’s business The Barn Boutique. The grand finale of costum-ing on October 31 is always the most excit-ing, with favorites over the years including the Frozen and Hocus Pocus themes. “Growing up, my parents would go ALL OUT on their Halloween decorations. We lived in an old, historic home downtown Geneva with a wraparound porch,” Mackenzie shares. “My Dad would make it his mission to scare the “you know what” out of all the neighbors when they’d come by trick-or-treating. Since then, they’ve moved but gave us all their hand-me-down decorations that we now use at our home in Elburn.” The Livingston’s decorate their home from top to bottom, inside and out, this year boasting a Skeleton in the yard vomiting neon green, in addition to the spiders climb-ing the rooftop, and Dracula and the grim reaper scattering about. “We also try to visit a corn maze every year, and always visit pumpkins patches, the Syc-amore pumpkin carving contest and BatFest in Batavia too,” Mackenzie adds. The family loves the opportunity to be silly and creative overall! –Kristen Kucharski Photos by Laura Ramirez-Nunez Unless Otherwise SubmittedCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 11The Livingston Family This Local Mom and Her Family Have a Love for Halloween that Started When She Was a Little Girl Growing Up in GenevaPictured at Arlo.Hendrix in Batavia
COVER STORYfam favesLOCAL CHARM12 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
COVER STORYPictured at Arlo.Hendrix in BataviaDOWNERS GROVE–James has been in-volved in haunted houses since he was 18 at the Lombard Jaycees Haunted House. He then moved to Westmont in 2002 to help a start-up for them. In 2003, he met Melanie and their passion for the holiday continued to grow together, eventually including their children Elizabeth (15), Clara (16), Robert (21), and Pierre (22) to create their very own Haunted House at 4113 Williams Street in Downers Grove. The energy was contagious to even the neighbor kids Jordan Valadez (9) and Gavin Leland (10), as the family begins setting up around September 20h with a goal of every-thing running by October 14. The process takes around 200 plus hours with family and friends helping move items from their pool company’s 4,000 square foot warehouse to their home. They also belong to Chicago Haunt Builders where they get ideas and build props through Make- -n-Take workshops that have grown their decor from basic tombstones to what it is today. “We decorate by setting up a display that the community can watch from the sidewalk and driveway,” Melanie says. “There are three rooms with different themes in each one. Props have motion and sound, and there is also a graveyard with moving and nonmov-ing props that include favorites such as the flying nun, the twitchy clown, and the vortex tunnel.” A family that scares together, stays together!! –Kristen Kucharski Photos by Ruta Drulia Unless Otherwise SubmittedThe Schiffer Schutte Family A Love for Haunted Houses and Halloween Decorating is Not Only a Family Affair, But a Neighborhood Affair As WellGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 13
COVER STORYfam favesLOCAL CHARM14 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
GLEN ELLYN–When Joshua met Erica it was a match made in Halloween Heaven as they both loved haunted houses, coming up with family themed costumes such as The T-Birds and Pink Ladies, decorating the home, and attending Fall events. Their home at 85 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn became known as “The Skeleton House” with a new exciting theme every year, such as last year’s Picnic Theme where they had a group on a picnic blanket playing with their dogs, while two more were bringing in a cooler, others were swinging, and the big skeleton was playing with a lighted hula-hoop. “The icing on the cake is really when we get to hear stories of how our kids' friends, or their teachers loved our yard!” The process takes a full year of planning, and storing everything has become a science. “I chuckle now when we start get-ting the skeletons stacked in their storage tubs sitting together like a skeleton bobsled team,” Joshua laughs. “My two favorite pieces include our 12 foot skeleton, and a lit-tle skeleton pony that I changed with 3D printed parts into a skeleton goat!” The Cope Family absolutely loves this time of year and enjoy visiting Siegel's Cotton-wood Farm, Glen Ellyn Children’s parade, Boo at the Zoo, Richardson’s Adventure Farm, and The 13th Floor Haunted House, making the most of the season. –Kristen Kucharski Photos by Ruta Drulia Unless Otherwise SubmittedCOVER STORYThe Cope Family It was a Match Made in Halloween Heaven for this Local Couple Who are the Creative Owners Behind “The Skeleton House” Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 15
16 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 17
AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023NAPERVILLE 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 fall fun!20 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
NAPERVILLE All Hallows Eve All Hallows Eve for All Ages • Oct 20-21 Howlin’ at the Moon for 21+ • October 27-28 NAPERVILLE- Fall into fun this October at Naper Settlement! Traditional German cuisine and beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with live music, lawn games for all ages, and professional pumpkin carving demonstrations at Oktoberfest on October 6-7. The entire family will enjoy a line-up of Halloween-themed outdoor activities, art, and performances, including a zombie maze, alien autopsy, reptile and bug show, laser tag, and more at All Hallows Eve on October 20-21. Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out at Howlin’ at the Moon, a Halloween event for adults (21+), on October 27-28. Howl along to live music, feast your fangs on delicious cuisine, quench your undy-ing thirst in the BOOze Bar, participate in a costume contest, and watch thrilling performances. www.napersettlement/events AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 19
FAMILY FUN Pumpkin Weekends AURORA–Every fall, just about the time Mother Nature starts to change her outfit, historical Blackberry Farm and its natural beauty plays host to Pumpkin Weekends – a popular, monthlong event for families to celebrate the sea-son and add memories to the digital scrapbook. Pumpkin Weekends are held every Saturday and Sunday in October, along with Columbus Day, at Blackberry – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora. Guests can roam the 53-year-old park, festively decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season, and enjoy unlimited rides on the carousel, hay wagon, ponies, paddle boats and replica steam-engine train. A picnic area will have pump-kins for purchase and an assortment of decorating mate-rials will be provided. Blackberry Farm 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, Illinois www.blackberryfarm.info • (630) 892-1550 AUTUMN ON TH E GO 202320 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
PRIMROSE FARM Down on the Farm ST. CHARLES–Collecting eggs from the chickens and putting out hay for the horses offers a taste of farm life with five different Ani-mal Adventures at Primrose Farm, a facility of the St. Charles Park District. The historic working farm is inviting guests to help feed, groom and care for its animals. Programs for young children with adults involve the simple task of feeding chickens or goats. The next level of adventure starts with the Chicken and Egg activ-ity where visitors enter the coop to collect eggs, and participants are able to take some home for their own kitchen. The Animal Ad-venture: Hold Your Horses gives visitors the opportunity to help groom a Belgian draft horse while the Hands On Milking experi-ence gives participants the opportunity to hand-milk Jersey cow. Advance registration is required. These educational opportunities offer a personal feel and give participants a chance to engage with staff and learn more about the animal care. Fees range from $2-$10 per person. It’s best to dress for the weather and the job. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are best when working up close with the animals. www.primrosefarm.org farm fun!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 21
DOWNERS GROVE Fall Fun Downtown Downers Grove DOWNERS GROVE–Downtown Downers Grove’s variety of small businesses, amazing owners and community sup-port makes downtown Downers Grove the destination it is today. DTDG will soon welcome Costello Jewelry, Eleven 26, LukuMadness Greek Donuts & Signs & Love Event Rentals. October 1-31 there will be a Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt at participating businesses. Find the pumpkins hiding in our downtown Downers Grove businesses all October long. Identify its unique characteristic, fill out the form & turn it in for a prize. Adults can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Downtown Downers Grove Gift Card. The Annual Halloween Window Painting hosted by Down-town Downers Grove in conjunction with Downers Grove Rotary Club will be held on October 21, 9am-12pm. The Trick-or-Treating at participating downtown Downers Grove businesses will be on October 22, 1-3pm. DTDG restaurants and cafes can please every taste bud. Visit this thriving downtown online for more details! www.downtowndg.orgenjoy!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 202322 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
PINOT’S PALETTE Girls Night Out Fun! NAPERVILLE–Springl is here! Plan a GNO. Pinot’s Palette is the best night out in Naperville! It’s a fun-filled, party atmosphere where you and your friends, family or date can talk, laugh, paint and sip. You don't need any art experience – their talented local artists will guide you step-by-step through the night painting. Follow their in-structions or go rogue and end up with a one-of-a-kind master-piece! They also offer Mosaic Classes, Chunky Knit Blankets, Take Home Painting Kits, Virtual Live Streaming, In Studio and Virtual Private Parties! • Aprons and supplies provided • Snacks are welcome • Real wine glasses – no paper or plastic • There’s always rockin’ music Pinot's Palette Naperville 175 W. Jackson Avenue Downtown Naperville www.pinotspalette.com/naperville create!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 23
AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023NAPERVILLE Oktoberfest 2023 NAPERVILLE- Grab your lederhosen and head to Naper Settlement for one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the western sub-urbs on October 6-7! Traditional German cuisine and beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music on Friday and a mix of pop-polka, country, and hip-hop on Saturday. There will be lawn games for the whole family and a professional pumpkin carver onsite. Guests can test their strength in a stein-hold-ing contest on Saturday from 5-5:30pm. For tickets, menus, and more information, please visit online. www.napersettlement/oktoberfest prost!26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
FALL FUN IN OSWEGO Gobbler Hobbler OSWEGO–Celebrate fall with the Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile on Sunday, No-vember 12! The scenic, chip-timed 10K race course takes you along the Fox River and through beautiful downtown Oswego. All pre-registered runners are guaranteed a hoodie sweatshirt, re-freshments, and finisher's medal. Athletes are in-vited to enjoy the Gobbler Hobbler's famous complimentary walking pancakes after the run. Register online at bit.ly/GobHob. www.bit.ly/GobHobfall adventure!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 25
AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Knoch Knolls Nature Center NAPERVILLE–Knoch Knolls Nature Center lo-cated in historic and scenic Knoch Knolls Park is a great place to discover the wonders of nature and the environment! View indoor exhibits to learn more about the history of the land and the nearby river, enjoy hands-on activities for kids, and you can’t miss marveling at the 900-gallon fish tank and its inhabitants! Then, head outdoors to experi-ence the nature playground and 224-acre park. The Nature Center also is the site of the Park Dis-trict’s Toadstools and Pollywogs preschool, sea-sonal camps and nature-themed birthday parties. Visit www.napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnature-center for details. www.napervilleparks.org/specialsso fun!26 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 27
28 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine It’s not truly October unless it’s filled with Halloween-themed tricks and treats all month long! Prepare some new snacks that the kids will love– from spooky cookies to spider treats and more, this month we feature countless unique ideas that families all over town will love...and kids will enjoy! Visit us online at www.glancermagazine.com and subscribe today to have more ideas sent direct to your inbox.
Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 29Halloween SpiderThis fun treat can be used for dip, salads, snacks and more. Prepare baked pizza dough and shape it to looks like a giant scary spider. Add sesame seed. Bat MuffinsPrepare chocolate flavored muffins and top them with chocolate whipped frosting and Oreo cookies cut in half for the bat ears. Ghostly CookiesPrepare sugar cookies cut out in the shape of fun loving ghosts and pumpkins. Use icing to decorate. Black, white, light pink, orange & green needed. Enjoy! TRICKS & TREATS
WHAT’S FOR DINNER/ NAPERVILLE–In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult questions to answer! Do I want burgers?! Sushi?! Well Thanks to BASH Geneva, I don’t have to choose! BASH, which stands for Burger and Sushi House, is a unique concept that is the perfect answer to what’s for dinner! Located on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Geneva, you'll stumble upon this trendy restaurant exuding cool vibes. Take your pick between in-door seating or kick back on their sprawling patio. Elevate your experience at the sleek full bar, boasting a curated selection of wines, crafty signature cocktails, inventive specialty drinks, premium sake, and creative mocktails. And if you're into sushi, slide over to the chic sushi bar showcasing a tan-talizing array of specialty rolls, classic favorites, sashimi, and one-of-a-kind specialty Nigiri. It's a contemporary dining hotspot that checks all the right boxes for a stylish, flavorful night out. On my most recent visit, I began with a variety of starters. There are so many appealing things to choose from, oysters, edamame and other Asian inspired items, and my new favorite the Wagyu Hot Stone! This sizzling dish consists of tender Wagyu, along with three sauces on the side to accompany it. Being that the word “Burger” is in the restaurant’s name, they’re obligated to have coolest burger selection around. I highly recommend you try my per-sonal favorite, the Twisted PB & J. It’s a combination of peanut butter, straw-berry jam, millionaire bacon and Siracha! Want something more classic, try the BASH burger. Prefer a Vegan choice, get the Impossible Fungi. The menu has several elevated Mac N Cheese dishes with an option for Gluten Free noodles. Don’t want Burgers or Sushi, don’t worry, they have Steak, chicken, salmon, soups, and salads! Even if you don’t have room for dessert, you MUST try their Honey Toast! This giant slice of heaven is made from Brioche, vanilla ice cream and honey-butter and is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before! Be sure to check out BASH soon for happy hour, lunch specials, or dinner. Check out their resident DJ or attend a fun event there. It’s a great setting for a group of friends, family or a fun date. Whether you visit their Ottawa or Geneva location, you need to be prepared to be impressed by the menu and your overall experience at BASH! Get ready to Live the BASH life! –Mila Vardiani www.www.burgerandsushihouse.com LOCAL DISH: BASH GENEVAWEST SUBURBAN DININGDININGDINING + COCKTAILS30 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
DINING + COCKTAILSIt’s Time for a Back to Basics Old Fashioned at Burnt Barrel Social YORKVILLE–Get “Back to the Basics” this month at Burnt Barrel Social - Yorkville. Enjoy a classic Back to Basics Old Fashion made with Old Forester Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters and house-made Demerara Syrup. Burnt Barrel Social is a comfortable lounge where you can grab a uniquely crafted meal and drink. Now woth two locations– Yorkville and Sugar Grove. www.burntbarrelsocial.comCCoocckkttaaiillssLooking for Something Fun to Do on Sunday? Affy Tapple Ale Awaits AURORA–This unique fall brew is ready for you and you’re goingto LOLVE it! McCarty Mills Taproom and Bottleshop is located in down-town Aurora on River Street. Have you been? Now’s the time to try it because this perfect fall treat awaits if you’re 21+. The Affy Tapple Peanut Caramel Apple Ale is now available on tap and in cans! How fun is that? $2 off Flights every Sunday from Noon-6. www.mccartymills.comWine & Canvas: Pumpkins at Blackberry Farm • October 11 AURORA–Pinot Noir meets the palette as an instructor guides you through your own custom canvas creation at beautiful Blackberry Farm this month. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, snacks, a few friends and enjoy a lively, social and creative night out. Don’t miss out on this fun fall event! www.blackberryfarm.info Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 31
TINKER, A Children’s Boutique Fall certainly brings all the Feels. There is discernible nostalgia that permeates the air this time of year. The crisp autumn air, golden grass at our feet and breathtaking fo-liage has us holding on to each moment with familiar anticipation. Perhaps it’s the combina-tions that capture the essence of this beloved transitional season. Fuzzy sweaters and pump-kin-spice lattes. Apple cider donuts and hayrides. Velvet and corduroy. Football games and march-ing bands. And oh, the color palettes … bring on the aubergine, marigold, burnt orange, peacock, beige, mocha, sage and peach. These sophisticated hues have us swooning all season long. Whether you're stressed about what to wear for your family portraits, shopping for a gift or sprucing up your kid’s wardrobe - we’ve got just the spot! Introducing: Tinker, A Chil-dren’s Boutique. This charming children’s boutique, located in downtown Naperville, just celebrated its two year anniversary. Once inside, you will be swept away by the carefully-curated, heirloom-quality children’s products. Carry-ing over 50 brands, Tinker specializes in collecting unique pieces for ages newborn-8 years old. You will find brands from Europe, South America, Australia and the United States. Products include: apparel, footwear, books, accessories, nursery and toys. “One of my goals in putting this store together was to create a bit of nostalgia for the parents and grandpar-ents who come through to purchase gifts for their children and grandchildren.” - Dani Spangler, Owner Maybe Amy Green (Rachel Green’s sister in Friends) was on to some-thing when she aspired to be a Baby Stylist ... sign us up! Cheers to nostalgic finds for a nostalgic season! UNIQUEby Brianna Bartemeyer Photos SubmittedUNIQUE IN SUBURBIAin Suburbia32 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
NEWINTOWN New In Town Celebrating Progress throughout the Western Suburbs of Chicago by Kristen Kucharski Photos Submitted
DUCK DONUTS Naperville Resident Brings a Sweet Addition to His Hometown NAPERVILLE–Kevon Gardner was born and raised in Naperville, graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 1999, and is a member of Compass Church South Naperville, so there was no better place to open his new business Duck Donuts in July 2023. The name comes from the city Duck, in North Carolina when the DiGilio family was enjoying a beach vacation, but missing the sweet staple of happiness - a warm, fresh donut; so they opened the first Duck Donuts in 2007. Since Kevon equally shares the love of warm crispy bacon on a hot maple frosted donut, he decided to bring his favorite, the Maple Bacon donut, and many other made-to-order, customizable donuts, to his hometown. Duck Donuts Naperville are made from fresh ingredients and offer a duckzillion customizable drizzles, coatings, and toppings, chosen by the creative chef in you, thus providing the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert for any occasion. Donuts are always warm and fresh and vary by the season, along with breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and more! “I have enjoyed growing up in the Naperville area and am ex-tremely happy to bring this donut shop to our area,” Kevon says. “I love our customers and I’m committed to providing my city with the levels of quality and service!” For this Fall season - the Caramel Apple Pie donut is a must try! -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted www.duckdonuts.com/naperville FALL SHOPPINGGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 35
POTION MASTER NAPERVILLE–It is no secret that #MomsLittleBlackBook has a passion for unique experiences and that October is by far my most favorite month of the year! I love all things Fall and Halloween, not to mention it is also my birthday month. Since I have difficulty dragging my friends to haunted houses, I tried another avenue this year and stepped into a world of magic and mixology at The Cauldron in Chicago. This whimsical establishment, with its promise of immersive wizardry and craft cocktails, had captured my curiosity imme-diately, so I enlisted my three best friends and decided to em-bark on this fantastical journey. The moment we stepped through the door of The Cauldron, we were transported to a realm where fantasy meets reality. The dimly lit interior, adorned with flickering candles and mys-tical artifacts, set the stage for an enchanting night. It was as if it had been plucked from the pages of a storybook. MOM’S little black bookA New Adventure Monthly!36 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Our group was greeted by a friendly and enthu-siastic "wizard" who became our guide for the evening. Armed with magic wands and en-chanted potions, we eagerly dove into our po-tions class, taking our first sip from a floating unicorn! We took turns measuring ingredients and con-cocting drinks using receipts from our spellbook. Each sip felt like pure magic, and the collabo-rative nature of the activity encouraged us to let loose and be kids again. The Cauldron offers regular bar and table dining, plus child sessions for witches and wizards under the age of 21 (must be 5+) on specific days. Potion experiences can also be alcohol free for any age at any time! We donned our cloaks, wielded our magic wands and used molecular mixology to brew drinkable elixirs to remember! OVERVIEW Potion Making at The Cauldron® Chicago is an immersive class where you step into the imag-ined worlds of your childhood through molecular mixology, science and technology. Table reser-vations are also available to enjoy general drink-ing and dining. The menu changes by the season. The Cauldron Chicago 1612 W. Division Street Chicago, IL 60622 (732) 538-7630 Hours: Check website for experiences Price $: Prices vary depending on experience selected ABOUT THE WRITER Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hun-dreds of kid friendly things to do in our sur-rounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to col-lege, she continues to enjoy unique activ-ities, 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 BOOKMonthly!Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 37
38 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 39RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA November 8 - January 7, 2024 Music by : Richard Rodgers OAK BROOK–Once upon a time in a faraway land, a young woman wished for a life as beautiful as a fairytale. Experience the classic Rodgers + Hammerstein adaptation of Cinderella this holiday season. Featuring the beloved songs “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” this magical musical is sure to en-trance families of all ages. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is rated G Original Book & Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II New Book by: Douglas Carter Beane Orchestrations by: Danny Troob Music Adaptation & Arrangements by: David Chase www.drurylanetheatre.com/cinderellaCinderella at Drury LaneON STAGEDiscoverDuPage.com
TRENDY TRAVELERTrendY Experience Spooky and Magical Fun with Mickey, Minnie and All of Your Disney Favorites Halloween at Walt Disney World in Orlando is an exhilarating experience that stretches far beyond the confines of a single day. Beginning in mid-Au-gust and running until October 31, 2023, Hallo-ween is the longest "season" of the year at Disney World. The Magic Kingdom becomes the heart of all things spooky, adorned with Mickey-shaped pump-kins and other Halloween decor. As nightfall de-scends, the park transforms into the setting for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a ticketed special event. Filled with Halloween-themed enter-tainment, this party promises a night of fun that isn't too scary for the little ones. Celebrating Halloween at Disney WorldTraveler40 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
TRENDY TRAVELERThe highlight of the celebration is undoubtedly Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. This spectacle features exclusive characters, such as Dr. Facilier, Captain Bar-bosa, and Oogie Boogie, parading through the park. Moreover, most Disney resorts offer special complimen-tary Halloween activities for guests on Halloween day. These include costume contests, spooky arts and crafts, and more. At Disney's Days of Christmas, guests can even pick out a spooky ornament from The Haunted Mansion or Nightmare Before Christmas and have it personalized. Specialty dining is also a highlight come Halloween sea-son, including Minnie's Halloween Dine. This monsterly feast overcomes Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Holly-wood Studios with an all-you-care-to-enjoy character dining experience. Spend time with Mickey, Minnie, and friends in their Halloween costumes. The event runs through November 4, 2023. Another tasty treat is that Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival runs at the same time, offering plenty of-seasonal delights from sea to sea. In 2023, the festival will be held through November 18. But the fun doesn't stop there. The Magic Kingdom is the only Disney World theme park that decorates for Halloween, with the majority of decorations, treats, and Halloween-themed merchandise available here. Halloween at Walt Disney World offers a unique blend of magic and spookiness, making it a must-visit desti-nation for families and Disney lovers alike. -Lindy Kleivo Photos By David Roark/Courtesy Of Walt Disney World Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41
Plan a Day to Visit the Arboretum LISLE–TThe Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, is set to host its 13th Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch, offer-ing a unique and colorful autumnal experience to visitors. This year, the event will kick off on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 1pm, and will run through Sunday, October 15. Over the course of three days, the arboretum will showcase a mesmer-izing collection of 5,000 hand-blown glass pumpkins, each one a unique work of art.. The pumpkins are crafted by 17 talented artists, mak-ing this event a testament to creativity and craftsmanship. The event is not just about admiring these unique creations. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the process of glassblowing. They can watch the artists at work, trans-forming molten glass into intricate pumpkin sculptures.. In addition to the public display, an exclusive member pre-view event will be held on Friday, October 13 from 10am-1pm.. This pre-sale event allows members to have the first pick from the stunning collection. The Glass Pumpkin Patch is lo-cated at the West Lawn and Staff Lot of the Arboretum grounds.. Alongside the pumpkin display, visitors can also enjoy the beau-tiful scenery of the arboretum. The event forms part of the Fall Color Festival, which celebrates the vibrant hues of the season. Whether you're a fan of art, na-ture, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the fall season, the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum offers an unforgettable ex-perience. So, mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed by the artistic beauty of these glass pumpkins. www.mortonarb.orgGGllaassss PPuummppkkiinnss42 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Glancer Magazine • DECEMBER 2022 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 63Glass Pumpkins
Shop Gallery44 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
trendy. local. inviting.Jill Card OwnerGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 45
HOME DESIGN IT’S ALMOST TIME TO “PEP” THE HALLS! ST. CHARLES – Have you ever stared at photos of beautifully designed homes and wished you could shop everything pictured? A curated line of “designer-approved” goods hand selected by a pro and placed in one accessible shop? The Pep Line in downtown St. Charles by Peppeard Design designer and owner, Shannon Peppeard, offers just that! Shannon has been working with clients to create amazing spaces in their homes for over 17 years. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines including HGTV, House of Markor, and Modern Luxury Interiors. The Pep Line features a line of curated goods hand selected by Shannon that she herself uses in many of her client’s homes. The shoppe carries a wide variety of goods for the home including furniture, artwork, lighting, rugs, drapery, pillows and accessories. Crowned “Finest Furniture Store” & “One of the Finest Home Decor Stores” by Kane County Reader’s Choice Awards, The Pep Line also was featured on the CBS series, Destination TV: Chicago, as one of the area’s hottest businesses. Both The Pep Line shoppe and Peppeard De-sign studio are located under one roof inside The Collins House giving visitors a taste of how the products look inside a real home. The Pep Line hosts frequent after-hours events in their space - don’t miss their annual Holiday Open House! Visit thepepline.com for the full events schedule. The Pep Line & Peppeard Design 201 Cedar Ave, St. Charles | 630-549-7088 www.thepepline.com | www.peppearddesign.com Photography by Jessie Dore & Kelly Vanderploeg Shop Gallery46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
trendy. local. inviting.Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 47
OVER 45 VENDORS A MONTH OF EVENTS Don’t Miss these Fun Events Happening • Oct 6 & 7 • Vintage Shop Hop • October 13 • Witches Night Out • October 18 • Boo Bash, Bring the Kids! ST. CHARLES–The Vintage Shop Hop is a two-day, self-guided road trip to any of over 400 vintage and antique shops, ladies' boutiques, home decor stores, up-scale consignment and barn sale events-and trend+relic is on the list! Don’t miss this fun & unique event. Plus, Witches Night Out will have giveaways, fairyhair and more! The Boo Bash will be filled with tricks & treats, photos galore and so much more. 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 hand-crafted including jewelry, candles, furniture & art and they have a variety of clothing & accessories, too. Each of the wonderfully talented merchants have created beautiful spaces in the shop as well as local markets so you will find some of your very favorites here. trend + relic, 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois (630) 803-5253 • www.trendandrelic.comShop Gallery48 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
trendy. local. inviting.Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 49
Shop GalleryON TREND ESSENTIALS TWO SPACES AT THE RUSTIC FOX NORTH AURORA–Urban Echo Shop features on trend essentials for the stylish at heart– from clothing and acces-sories, to home decor, unique furniture, gifts and seasonal trends. Owned by local mom, Lindy Kleivo 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 to sit back and relax while browsing the shop’s simplified trend collections online or shop at The Rustic Fox, where you will find over 120+ unique vendors. Each day is a new day at Urban Echo Shop. ON TREND ESSENTIALS FOR THE STYLISH AT HEART Located Inside The Rustic Fox 1790 Town Centre Dr., North Aurora • Vendor #3 At the Entrance to the Left & Near the egister50• WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
trendy. local. inviting.Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51
GORGEOUS STYLES FALL IN LOVE WITH BEAUTIFUL Stop in for some DRESS Inspo! Gowns are arriving daily and we are so excited to help you get ready for your next Special Occasion. Follow us online today: instagram– @special_occasions01 facebook– @SpecialOccasionsBatavia website– www.specialoccasionsontheavenue.com Become a part of Special Occasions. Make an appoint-ment to find your dream dress or just stop in! Founded by Mary Marconi-Popiel in 2009, the shop’s at-tention to detail makes the ordinary more extraordinary, giv-ing you a shopping experience that you will not forget. Special Occasions does not simply sell dresses– this local dress boutique sell dreams! Visit today for your next Spe-cial Occasion. Special Occasions 2 N Batavia Ave., Batavia, Illinois (630) 406-1515 www.specialoccasionsontheavenue.com Shop Gallery52 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
trendy. local. inviting.Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 53
To Give, To InspireA Monthly Caring + Sharing Columnby Mindy Kyle Photos by Katie O’Brien Photography54 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K/10K Batavia BATAVIA– If you happen to be strolling near the Fox River Trail in Batavia the morning of Saturday, Oc-tober 28th and notice not one, not two, but many adults and children in cos-tumes running down the trail, you have inadver-tently stumbled upon a decade long favorite city event, the Batavia United Way’s Bat 5K/10K Race. Last year, over 700 runners and walkers joined in for this ultimate Halloween-themed race event including a chip-timed USATF-certified race, Kids’ Fun Run, cos-tume awards and family fun Bat Fest post-race. Funds raised from this event support the many community programs of the Batavia United Way. “In the last five years, Batavia United Way has awarded over a half-million dollars to area non-profit agencies,” says Kathy Evangelista, Ex-ecutive Director of the Batavia United Way. “We support Batavia residents in the focus areas of health, education and income stability.” In ad-dition to these community impact grants, Bata-via United Way works to support the community through volunteer events, such as the annual leaf-raking, bringing in and funding Dolly Par-ton’s Imagination Library for children, and the holiday Adopt-A-Family program. Their annual race is one of their more popular events and builds a sense of com-munity. Batavia High School organizations do a wonderful job with helping staff the event, so the youngsters partic-ipating see the ‘big kids’ helping and aspire to do the same when they get older. “I love the sense of com-munity that Batavia United Way is about- whether it be students, families, individuals, local business, local nonprofits, seniors, vet-erans or anyone in-between – we become UNITED together,” says Evangelista. “Their new campaign theme is “Raise Your Hand” to encourage the community to raise their hands to donate, advocate or volunteer. For more in-formation on participating in the Bat Race, or for volunteer opportunities and donations, visit their website at www.bataviaunitedway.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 de-gree in creative writing from DePaul University and is a veteran of Chi-cago’s theater and commercial world as well as a graduate of the Second City Improv School. Mindy lives in Naperville with her husband, three chil-dren and the cutest dogs in the land. VIEW MINDY’S MONTHLY COLUMN AT www.GlancerMagazine.com/to-give-to-inspireOver 700 Runners an Walkers Joined Batavia United Way’s Bat 5K/10K Race Raising Funds for Community Programs CARING + SHARINGGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 55
MILLION DOLLAR lliissttiinnggExquisite Beauty in Glen Ellyn Welcome to 670 Revere, a masterfully designed residence that seam-lessly blends modern luxury with classic design. Nestled in coveted Revere Road and Ben Franklin elementary school in the heart of Glen Ellyn, this stunning home with over 7,100 Square feet of finished lux-ury offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Welcome to 670 Revere, a masterfully designed residence that seamlessly blends modern luxury with classic design. Nestled in coveted Revere Road and Ben Franklin elementary school in the heart of Glen Ellyn, this stunning home with over 7100 Square feet of finished luxury offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience.(630) 530-0900 Presented by: Shelley Brzozowski Brokered by: @properties Christie's International Real Estate REAL ESTATE$2,349,000 670 Revere Rd, Glen Ellyn 5 bed, 6 bath, 7,100sqft56 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
A True Masterpiece The outdoor space is an extension of the home's charm, featuring lovely patios and meticulously landscaped yard, perfect for gath-erings, gardening, or simply unwinding. Additional features include an expertly finished walk-out basement with a Recreation Room, 5th Ensuite bedroom, Fully Equipped Custom Bar, Home Gym, Wine Cellar and plenty of storage space. Simply so beautiful.REAL ESTATEGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 57
PERSONABLE, ENERGETIC & CREATIVE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL SUSAN COLELLA OF BAIRD & WARNER As a full-time high sales producing Realtor with Baird and Warner’s Naperville office for 10 years, Susan shares that helping local sellers and buyers doesn’t feel like work—making it easy to be dedicated 24/7 to her clients. “I realized early on that I was obsessed with real estate when my close friends remarked, ‘Susan tell us another story about real estate’ or when I helped a client secure a home contract on my birthday and I remarked, ‘I sold a house on my birthday—what a great gift!’” Life is all about perspective for Susan, and her positive work ethic, cre-ative solutions, and working above and beyond allows her to offer clients extraordinary experience. The old saying that if you do what you love in life you never work a day applies for Susan since LISTING HOMES is her passion. Reach out to Susan today! Susan Colella, Baird & Warner, (630) 946-3813Susan Colella58 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
Susan ColellaGlancer Magazine Photos SubmittedKaren (K.V.) Peck The Memories Between Us: Love Across Parallel Universes NAPERVILLE–K.V. Peck is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction romance set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing from North Central College in Naperville. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction and has a soft spot for romantic stories. ABOUT THE BOOK Joshua is haunted by the memories of all he lost and what he doesn’t know—who took his wife, crashed her car, killed her, and what their lives could have been. Joshua knows a mere moment can change every-thing, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. So he designs a portal—an Ouroboros—to re-turn to the past. Perception and illusion veil the reality of his discoveries until the truth leads him to despair. When a dangerous and unpredictable time traveler implores him that together they can return to their beloveds, Joshua must decide if he can trust this man who would do anything to find the women they love—somewhere in time. The Memories Between Us takes readers on a wild ride through multiple timelines and parallel universes, crossing the line between perception and reality and holding onto faith in the transcendence of love. Available at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville & on Amazon LITERAARRYYlocalKNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? editorial@glancermagazine.comGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 59
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 mar-ketplace, genuine care for people, attentive listening skills, and dedication to fulfilling client’s goals is abundantly evident. “I LOVE people and the journey that takes us from A to Z. I believe 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 transition to Debbie Lendino, john greene Realtor, trusted advisor extraordinaire!” Debbie’s 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; compassionate, yet persistent; knowledgeable, yet always learning. She 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. As Naperville and western suburban real estate continue to tilt toward a seller marker, home sales overall are heading toward stabilization. A slight cool is a good sign for Debbie’s buyers who are coming off the sidelines, even with risen interest rates. Creative financing and a decrease in com-petitive multiple offer scenarios will allow her buyers stronger purchasing power moving forward. But, we do need inventory and property values con-tinue to rise, just at a slower rate. NOW is a great time to market your home! “Utilization of john greene Realtor's technology is unmatched,” she says. “Always fresh, always something NEW, excellent!,” Debbie says. “I love being a part of an organization that supports each other - a cheerleader to new agents, mentoring small groups, collaborating with business partners, brainstorming with outside agents, networking, volunteering...these all align with my purpose!” As a top performing agent, it brings Debbie great joy to build on her referral base and provide an elite experience for her clients. She is purposefully driven and happy to help! -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike CatuaraCONTACT 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 Realtor Mainstreet Organization of Realtors Top 2% in Sales Volume and Number of Transactions Top 3% in Northern MLS Chicago Agent Magazine Who's Who for 2022 Most Innovative Marketer 2020 for john greene Realtor
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 TTIIMMEEGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 61
62 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
TTHHAANNKK YYOOUU!!Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 63KITCHEN REDESIGN Thank You! A NOTE FROM THE OWNER “I am thrilled and deeply honored to express my heartfelt gratitude for being voted the "Best of the Best" as the owner of Tupelo Lane Designs. This recognition is not just an award, but a testament to the dedication of our talented team and the trust our clients place in us. Every brushstroke and color choice is driven by passion, and this award reaffirms our commitment to excellence. We are truly grateful for the support of our clients and the Glancer Magazine readers who have made this possible. Thank you for this incredible honor; it inspires us to continue trans-forming homes with beauty and precision.” -Michele Fenton, Owner www.tupelolanedesigns.com
RHON • OCTOBER 2023Welcome Face Foundrie NAPERVILLE–We were there for the arri-val of the HOTTEST new facial bar right here in downtown Nap-erville– Face Foundrie, and it's already created quite a buzz around town. Whether you're looking for a relaxing facial or a quick skin-care treatment, Face Foundrie offers a range of services to help you put your best face for-ward and we were lucky enough to try some of them out. OCTOBER 2023 RHON Real Housewives of Naperville64 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
ABOUT REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NAPERVILLE You may have seen us around town, we are the fabulous four who believe you can never be overdressed for any occa-sion. We are four friends who met through the power of social media. We absolutely love exploring Naperville and beyond to discover the best restaurants, shops and businesses. We believe in sup-porting our communities and recommend-ing all the places we truly love. Mila brings the west coast vibes, Ashley is all about quiet luxury, Katie lives life in color, and Natalie is the life of the party! If you see us out, be sure to stop and say “hi”! Instagram: realhousewivesofnaperville Email: rhonaperville@hotmail.comWe want to personally thank owner Nicole Delahanty for opening her newest location in Naperville. Face Found-rie is an open concept spa, which allows them to focus on all things face - facials, lashes, brows and skincare. The atmosphere is modern and removes the fluff of the spa while keeping the element of relaxation. Every serv-ice on the menu has been thoughtfully researched and developed with a purpose – to create results for a spe-cific skincare concern. And, while the menu is backed by research and innovation, Nicole and her team rec-ognize that most of their clients aren’t estheticians, and that skincare can be intimidating to many. The menu as well as 7-day a week customer service allows their guests to easily book services and fit their skincare jour-ney into their busy lifestyle. Face Foundrie has built a well-resourced dream team that allows their estheticians to continually enhance their service offerings for clients and thrive personally with the support of managers and trainers as well as the owner’s track record for building high performing teams with exceptional client service. We have fallen in love with Face Foundrie and appreciate their dedication and devotion to creating a skin journey for clients that is in-novative, inclusive and promises to give us the best skin of our lives! Nicole stated “I believe the Chicago market was desper-ate for an approachable and affordable skincare option that could fit into a busy lifestyle plus deliver results. We have also integrated ourselves into the community and have become a partner to many. These are our people through and through!” www.facefoundrie.com/location/naperville/ RHON • OCTOBER 2023Watch for a new Real Housewives of Naperville feature in every issue of Glancer Magazine as they unveil a beautifully unique, fun and fabulous local find that they recently visited. Subscribe today! Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 65
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/FFIITTNNEESSSSCOMMUNITY LIVING66 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
FITNESS
Kid StuffFall Outfits Adorable Fall Outfits Await at Arlo.Hendrix for Kids of All Ages BATAVIA–Looking for the perfect fall out-fit? Look no further! Our October collec-tion is filled with the cutest fall outfits that will have you looking stylish all season long. But that's not all! We have a month full of exciting events planned just for you. Join us for Tarot Card Readings, Batfest, Storytime and more! Get ready to have some spooky fun and experience the magic of fall with us. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to update your wardrobe and have a blast while doing it! We can't wait to see you there. Follow us on Instagram or check out our website for the latest event information! www.arlohendrix.comTrick or Treat at Blackberry Farm SATURDAY•OCTOBER 21 AURORA– Kids can dress up in their Halloween costumes, visit the Trick or Treat stations throughout the park and receive some treats. Trick or Treat is from 11am-3pm. Activities are included with daily admission ticket purchase. www.blackberryfarm.infoWho Am I Fun Books Available at Anderson’s Bookshop NAPERVILLE–Encour-age kids to practice self-love every day with Who I Am, an uplifting picture book collec-tion of positive affirmations and companion to Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds’s New York Times bestselling I Am series. Choose from a variety of children’s books at this local independent bookshop. www.andersonsbookshop.com68 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
KID STUFFADVENTURE IN NAPERVILLE Play. Learn. Together at DuPage Children’s Museum FUN UPCOMING EVENTS IN OCTOBER NAPERVILLE–Laugh, learn, and love spending time together with a trip to DuPage Chil-dren’s Museum (DCM). The month of October is the last chance for $5 Friday Nights; the museum is open until 8pm. Pay less admission and have all the fun! After a long week of school (or work) a trip to the Museum is the perfect way to unwind by making a splash in AWEsome Water, “flying” through AWEsome Air, and building with real tools in the Construction House. Coming up on October 28, come in costume and join us for Pumpkin Palooza to celebrate the fall season. Plan your visit today. www.dupagechildrens.org adventure awaitsGlancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 69
70 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine Trick or Treat Fun in Downtown Naperville OCTOBER 29 • 10am-12pm NAPERVILLE–Calling all costumed characters, ghouls, goblins, witches, and superheroes! Come to Downtown Naperville for the Hal-loween Hop and enjoy a great morning filled with fun and treats (both candy and non-candy goodies)! Dozens of downtown businesses will be open early and handing out Halloween surprises! Check in at the corner of Main Street and Jackson Avenue for a treat and a printed map of participating businesses (while supplies last), then enjoy the fun fall day with your family. While you’re downtown, be sure to check out all the new fall fashions hitting the shelves as this is the perfect time to use your Downtown Naperville Gift Cards… accepted at 150+ downtown merchants. www.downtownnaperville.comTeal Pumpkin Project Place a Teal Pumpkin on Your Doorstep The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intol-erances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters. Help us make this Halloween one to remember! The project was started by the Food Allergy Research & Edu-cation (FARE) organization to raise awareness about food al-lergies and ensure all children can enjoy Halloween safely. Free resources are available on FARE's website for people who want to participate in the project. www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/aware-ness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-projectKID STUFF
Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 71DANCING IN ST. CHARLES 3rd Street Dance ST. CHARLES–In the heart of historic downtown St. Charles, 3rd Street Dance stands as a testament to the vision of owner and di-rector, Alice Williams. Williams grew up in St. Charles, and 27 years ago, embarked on a mission to create a non-competitive dance stu-dio that inspires students to believe in themselves, spread joy and build lifelong friendships. It’s a home where, as she says, “Kids can be kids, have fun, and find their best friend.” At 3rd Street Dance, students embrace the beauty of dance without worrying about external pressures. As the only local St. Charles studio affiliated with the national organization More Than Just Great Dancing®, they takes pride in providing a quality curriculum and a safe and nurturing environment for its young dancers to grow and flourish. Dance has the power to bring about positive change in a com-munity. 3rd Street Dance give back, organizing charity events and fundraisers, using passion for dance to raise awareness for local causes. These experiences teach young dancers the value of em-pathy, compassion, and the joy of helping others. The studio’s non-competitive approach to dance has allowed count-less children to discover the joy of movement and creativity without the fear of judgment. As Williams continues to champion the belief that “kids should be kids for as long as humanly possible,” the 3rd Street Dance legacy lives on by offering a variety of classes focus ing on fun, learning, and growth. Join this exciting journey of devel-opment, creativity, and friendship at 3rd Street Dance. www.3rdstreetdance.comdance!KID STUFF
72 WESTERN SUBURBS OCTOBER 2023 Glancer Magazine
G L E N E L LY N October is Fire Prevention Month Are You Prepared One of the leading causes of house fires are attributed to electrical systems and faulty electrical equipment Flickering lights power surges faulty wiring arc faults power loss and moisture damage are all concerns to have your home inspected by a qualified electrician The best way to be proactive have peace of mind and protect your family is with a home electrical safety check or inspection These are quick efficient and affordable preventative measures to identify problems before they can become a danger or cause damage or loss of property or life Hi Lite Electrical are not just electricians but professionally qualified electrical consultants who bring a holistic approach for a safe home or environment www hilite electric com or 630 897 4300 Glancer Magazine OCTOBER 2023 WESTERN SUBURBS 73
4. Monster Bash A monster-themed party is always a frightful and fun hit. Encourage friends and family members to dress up as their favor-ite monsters, and decorate the house with monster-themed decorations. Serve up monster-inspired treats like monster claw cupcakes and spooky eyeball beverages.4.2. Pumpkin Carving Party Host a pumpkin carving party where everyone can par-ticipate and show off their crea-tivity. You can even have a contest for the best designs. Serve pumpkin-themed treats throughout the party and request that everyone come wearing their favorite pump-kin-inspired outfit. 3. Haunted House Transform your home into a haunted house. You can assign each family member a room to dec-orate and create a spooktacular walkthrough experience. Remember to set your lighting just right and add some larger-than-life decor props via DIY websites and Pinterest.1. Spooky Movie Marathon Turn your living room into a home theater and host a family-friendly Halloween movie night. Include clas-sics like "Hocus Pocus", "The Nightmare Before Christmas", and "Casper". Serve up popcorn balls and other creative treats in fun Halloween dishes. IT’S HALLOWEEN PARTY TIME! Three components to planning a great Halloween party include a fun theme, creative treats and exciting entertainment. Here are some fun party theme ideas with food & entertainment ideas to match. Remember, the main goal of any Halloween party is to have fun. Enjoy! SUPER FUN HALLOWEEN PARTY THEMES2.1.3.74 • WESTERN SUBURBS • OCTOBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine
www.glancermagazine.com6. Superhero vs Villains Not all Halloween parties have to be scary. A superhero vs villains theme can be a fun twist, especially for younger party goers. Guests can come dressed as their favorite characters and play fun superhero-inspired games while snacking on uniquely creative treats. 5. Witch’s Tea Party Organize a witch's tea party with spooky snacks and drinks. You could serve 'witch's brew' (green punch), 'bat wings' (chicken wings), and other fun, themed foods. Have one guests dress as the ‘witch of the evening’ and have her cast spells on guests and lead a variety of witch-inspired games. Use Tarot cards to scattered down the center of the table and black witches hats as centerpieces.5.7. Harry Potter Party A Harry Potter-themed party can be magical. You can set up different areas of your home to represent parts of Hogwarts, serve Butterbeer, and have a Sorting Hat ceremony. The mystical theme can provide for unique decor such as hanging witch hat lumi-naries, wands and so much more. Add cobwebs here, there and ev-erywhere to add some spooky flare. 7.6.Glancer Magazine • OCTOBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 75