Glancer Magazine, September 2023 : simplebooklet.com

FALL VIBES Celebrating Fall Splendor throughout the Western Suburbs As we say goodbye to summer and welcome the cooler weather of autumn, there's no better way to enjoy the start of a new season than by exploring the western suburbs. From shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques and dining outdoors, to experiencing all that fall has to offer, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This month we feature 10 Trends: Saturdays in September in-cluding everything from nature-foucsed outdoor events and activ-ities, to autumn dining delights throughout the community. September is the perfect time to explore local boutiques and shops that offer unique items you just can't get anywhere else. That’s why you’ll love our 7 Spectacular Weekend Shopping Excursions featuring the best local shopping finds this fall, plus so much more. This issue has some-thing for everyone! Enjoy & thanks for reading. Lindy Kleivo Founder and Publishing Director SEPTEMBER 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 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. SEPTEMBER 2023 | Vol 17, Issue 213 FALL VIBES Celebrating Fall Splendor throughout the Western Suburbs The promise of a new season is ahead of us as we say goodbye to summer and wel-come fall. There’s many outdoor activities, events and more happening all month long! This month we capture the beauty of September locally. Subscribe for daily, weekly and monthly updates at www.GlancerMagazine.com ©Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved Glancer Magazine, Inc. SSEEPPTTEEMMBBEERR 22002233®5 Hello From Glancer Magazine 7 Scene Around Suburbia at Naper Nights 9 5 Things to Do 10 10 Trends: Saturdays in September 12 Cover: Local Charm, Wine Time in Geneva 14 Scene Around Suburbia at Treasures Picnic 15 On Stage: Little Shop of Horrors in Aurora 16 Dining + Cocktails: Ramsay’s Kitchen 18 Unique in Suburbia: Ten Friends in Naperville 20 Moms Little Black Book: TukTuk Treasure! 22 Trendy Traveler: Margaritaville® in Mexico 25 Shop Gallery: Featuring Fall-Ready Boutiques 36 To Give, To Inspire: FV Community Foundation 38 Million Dollar Listing: So Pretty in Sugar Grove 41 Literary Local: Michael Rossi 42 Realtor Elite: Meet Debbie Lendino 45 Autumn On the Go 2023: A Local Guide 58 RHON: What’s New at Sparrow Coffee 63 Bliss: 2023 Wedding Guide 74 Kid Stuff: Brookfield Zoo 5K & More 78 7 Spectacular Weekend Shopping Excursions www.glancermagazine.comGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 5Lindy is Pictured with Her Daughter at Burnt Barrel Social, Sugar Grove’s Newest Restaurant

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Naper Nights (Aug 18) YOU’VE BEEN GLANCED!–It was the final weekend of the summer for the popular concert series Naper Nights, held at Naper Settlement. The summer-time tradition featured cold drinks, great food, and fabulous music! Residents en-joyed smiling for our photographer as they enjoyed the evening. Naper Settle-ment’s Naper Nights is held annually each summer and celebrates historic milestones in rock music and pop cul-ture with themed tribute concerts. Res-idents love to rock out with their community as they enjoy food, drinks, dancing, and more as they listen to the best tribute bands perform your favorite rock, pop, Motown, and soul hits. See you in 2024! Photos by Mike Catuara Copyright 2023-Glancer Magazine, Inc.scenearoundsuburbiaVIEW COMPLETE ALBUM ONLINE AT GLANCERMAGAZINE.COMYOU’VE BEEN GLANCED6 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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4. Beauty & the Beast Experience SEPTEMBER 9 WHEATON–Based on the original 18th century fairy tale, this magical outdoor adventure combines the chal-lenge of an escape room with the excite-ment of an interactive scavenger hunt. Hunt, solve, and be challenged as your team races against the clock to help Beauty reverse the curse. www.cluedupp.com1. Enjoy the Water Lantern Festival RIVER EDGE PARK SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AURORA–Water Lantern Festival is an amazing experience where you'll witness the magic of lan-terns as they light up the water. The Water Lantern Festival was voted #1 Festival by USA Today. Don't miss this beautiful event! www.waterlanternfestival.com FALL 20235 Things to Do5. The Happy Hen House THE CUTEST LITTLE SHOP HINCKLEY–From beautiful art to antiques to scented candles, this shop has some-thing for everyone. The owner, Theresa, built this shop with love, and it shows the second you walk through the door. The cus-tomers really love how items are always changing with the seasons and they can al-ways find that perfect something for a loved one or to decorate their own home. Take a ride out to Hinckley and enjoy! www.thehappyhenhousehinckley.com2. Have Fun at Oktoberfest NAPER SETTLEMENT • October 6 & 7 NAPERVILLE–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. Grab your lederhosen and join us at this fun German festival! www.napersettlement.orgGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 93. Attend the Sunflower Festival KUIPERS FAMILY FARM MAPLE PARK– Enjoy over 7 acres of 20+ different sunflower varieties and colorful zinnias in the fields. Come stroll through the flowers, take photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery of a late-summer farm day! Many adorable photo ops will be avail-able so you can capture the per-fect selfie or family photo. The experience goes ‘full bloom’ on weekends with live music and food trucks inside the gated fes-tival area. Enjoy unique beer and cider options offered by Obscur-ity Brewing, as well as a wine tasting and other fun treats. www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

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10TRENDSSaturdays In September Take a Saturday Stroll Around Town.... There’s just something invigorating about getting up and heading out into the community on a crisp, beautiful fall weekend. Here are 10 Trends in Saturday’s Around Town this fall. #1| Jazz Weekend ST CHARLES–St. Charles Jazz Weekend from September 7-10 that showcases and pro-motes live jazz music at different St. Charles establishments. Saturday’s line up includes Andrew Egizio Trio, Nick Glover Trio, Sam Robinson Quartet, Austyn Menk, Grey Matter Quartet, John Wesley Band, Jack Macklin Trio, Bill Boris Jazz Trio, Alyssa Allgood, Leonid & Friends Tribute to Chicago, Frank Catalano, and Extraordinary Popular Delusions. www.stcjazzweekend.com #2 | Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival • September 9 & 10 DOWNERS GROVE–Saturday, September 9th will be the start of The Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival, now celebrating 46 years this fall! The festival is held in historic downtown Downers Grove! In addition, enjoy boutiques, cafes, live music, and a children’s art area that will complement the high caliber of art that will be present at the show. The show is open from 10am-5pm on September 9 and 10. www.downtowndg.org 10 TRENDS10 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 Ellis Wright, St. Charles Jazz Fest 2023

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#3 | Brazilian Festival NAPERVILLE– Yellow Box Naperville will be the setting for Brazilian Festival Naperville on September 16 from 10am-6pm Enjoy an in-ternational flavor of great foods, family fun, culturally diverse ven-dors, and live music promoting small businesses of international entrepreneurs in the US Midwest. www.facebook.com/brazilianfestivalUS #4 | Wheaton October Fest WHEATON–Pumpkin painting, food and beer gardens oh my! Small rides and live performances by Vest Dance Troupe, The Wayouts and Wurst Kase Scenario top off October Fest 2023 at Central Ath-letic Complex in Wheaton on Saturday, September 30 from 3-9pm The event will be held in conjunction with Light the Torch 5K Night Run also! wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/octoberfest/ #5 | Oktoberfest in September BATAVIA–Mark your calendars and order your lederhosen for the first ever Oktoberfest in September at Sturdy Shelter Brewing. Spe-cial Events all weekend, great food trucks, and awesome Liter pack-ages! Steinholding and Costume Contest! Photo Booth and Special Merchandise too! The beer is in the fermenter, the steins are or-dered and the band is booked for all weekend long September 8 through the 10. www.sturdyshelterbrewing.com #6 | September to Remember Craft Show NAPERVILLE–The September To Remember Craft Show will show-case handmade crafts, holiday gifts and unique items from a diverse group of over 100 crafters and vendors. First 25 shoppers will re-ceive free grab bags at the grand event to be held at the Naperville Yard Indoor Sports Complex on September 9 from 10am-3pm. www.artsdupage.org #7 | Festival of the Vine GENEVA–Savor the flavor of Geneva during Festival of the Vine September 8-10, and celebrate the autumn harvest. Initially a cele-bration of anything grown on a vine, the festival now revolves around food and wine in the Flavor Fare Tent, Wine Tent, Beer & Seltzer Options, Austin Cocktails, and more. Saturday will highlight enter-tainment by Caught Steelin, Hitmen, Geneva Jazz Ensemble, and FeelGood Party Band! www.genevachamber.com/events/festival-of-the-vine #8 | Hispanic Heritage Festival • September 16 NAPERVILLE–The Naperville Sister Cities Foundation is a nonprofit committed to connecting Naperville and its citizens to the world on September 16 from 6pm-9pm. Immerse yourself in a vibrant cele-bration of Hispanic culture, music, and traditions! Experience excit-ing entertainment and captivating stage performances that showcase Hispanic rich heritage and indulge in mouthwatering fla-vors of traditional Hispanic cuisine. www.napervillehispanicfest.com #9 | Annual Mum Sale GLEN ELLYN–Mums are available for sale via the Glen Ellyn His-torical Society throughout the month of September at the Glen Ellyn History Center and Stacy's Corners Store. Saturdays include Sep-tember 2, 9, and 16 from 10am-5pm. This annual fund raiser bene-fits the Glen Ellyn Historical Society. www.gehs.org #10 | Lyon Farm Fall Festival Hosted by The Kendall County Historical Society Saturday, Sep-tember 23-24, 10am-4pm. See antique tractors, cars, trucks, gas engines and other antique equipment on display and being used. An array of crafters will also be on site, along with a flea market, harvest wagon, bake items, children's games, crops, petting zoo, hayrides, and daily entertainment, including The Templetons. www.lyonfarmkchs.org10 TRENDSGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 11

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GENEVA/ST. CHARLES–Long time west suburban resident, Mario Grado realized his lifetime dream of opening a restaurant in his early 20’s. Along the way he worked as a CNA in healthcare, an appliance repair tech-nician, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Small Business Management and Entre-preneurship. His vision evolved into a wine bar and ultimately Vintage 53, a specialty marketplace, cheese shop, and wine bar in the heart of downtown St. Charles. Offering artisanal cut-to-order cheese, char-cuterie, wine, serving boards, glassware, and gifts, Vintage 53 also specializes in an assortment of curated to-go trays for up to 15 people and grazing tables for larger groups boasting choices from over 50 artisa-nal cheeses, charcuterie, pickled items, crunchies, fruits, veggies, and jams. “I love seeing people creating memories, and attaching them to a place that I created,” he proudly shares. “I slice every meat and cut every cheese to order, and our guests can select as many or as few items from our ordering cards as they like.” This unique venue is half market, half experi-ence! Take and go, stay and eat, or try a cheese pairing class every other Sunday - Wine and Cheese, Whiskey and Cheese, or Board Building! At only 41 years old, Mario has found his happy place professionally and personally, living his absolute best life in the western suburbs along with his partner and his per-fect Pug. –Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike CatuaraCOVER STORYGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 13Mario Grado Owner of this Specialty Marketplace, Wine Bar and More Shares About His Lifelong Dream of Opening a Restaurant

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Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 15NOMINATED FOR 7 DRAMA DESK AWARDS, INCLUDING WINNER OF OUTSTANDING MUSICAL At Paramount Theatre thru October 15, 2023 AURORA–From songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the genius duo behind Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, comes the doo-wop R&B sensa-tion Little Shop of Horrors. Join us on Skid Row as meek and mild Seymour Krelborn eeks out a living at the failing Mushnik’s Flower Shop. Until one day, he discovers a strange and unusual plant he names Audrey II – one that feeds on human blood. Sey-mour becomes caught up in a wild scheme of trying to acquire fresh blood for his car-nivorous plant – all while attempting to save the love of his life from her evil dentist boyfriend. Little Shop of Horrors is a wild ride filled with some of the catchiest songs including “Sud-denly Seymour” and “Suppertime.” But remember…DON’T FEED THE PLANTS! www.paramountaurora.com/events/little-shop-of-horrors/Little Shop of HorrorsON STAGE

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THE RAMSAY’S KITCHEN EXPERIENCE NAPERVILLE–I have always been a fan of Celebrity Chef TV shows, especially Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen. I have dreamt about trying dishes made by the world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay and recently, my dream came true! Downtown Naperville’s most well-known restaurant also happens to be one of its newest. Chef Ramsay has ex-panded his brand of amazing restaurants with one of his latest and greatest creations, Ramsay’s Kitchen! The ambiance is upscale yet very welcoming. The motif of the restaurant was specifically designed to incorporate things that represent Ramsey's London roots; from the British Flag-inspired light fixture in the center of the restaurant to the half tunnels you sit under reminiscent of the London Under-ground. The impressive menu consists of several of his most popular dishes from across the globe like his famous fish and chips and hamburgers. I started the evening with the most amazing jumbo lump crab cake in existence. As many know, Ramsay’s most iconic dish is the Beef Wellington. Served me-dium rare and taking two days to perfect, this dish abso-lutely lives up to its reputation and hands down was my favorite of the evening. And of course, I indulged in the Sticky Toffee Pudding that everyone raves about. Ramsay once said, “from an early age I under-stood that cooking was never going to be a job, it’s a passion” and you absolutely see that pas-sion exuding from the entire wait staff, managers and Chefs. The Naperville location is where the chefs are trained before being deployed to various locations. During my visit I was honored to have met Chef Wyatt, who will be the new Executive Chef for their newest location in Oklahoma City. I cant say enough good things about my evening here, and hope everyone has a chance to experience this incredible res-taurant soon. –Mila Vardiani, Photo by Mike Catuara www.gordonramsayrestaurants.comNEXT STOP: NAPERVILLE’S NEWEST DINING ADVENTUREWEST SUBURBAN DININGDININGDINING + COCKTAILS16 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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DINING + COCKTAILSAll About Hizemans and Why It’s the Perfect Lazy Afternoon Stop NAPERVILLE–This fun version of an elevated sports bar boasts some of the biggest & best TVs in the area, giant wings, great food. From casual brunch menus to fine-dining dishes, there’s some-thing for every taste and budget. The restaurant also offers a di-verse selection of craft beers and wines, plus local favorites like the Mango Tango Punch Bowl that serves 4. Don’t forget to try the Mac & Cheese Donuts. Located downtown Naperville on Wash-ington. www.hizemans.comCCoocckkttaaiillssAnother Favorite is Back at A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn GLEN ELLYN–This local hot spot serves up creative Mexican dishes in an cozy atmosphere with a big bar and great selection of craft cock-tails including the Tomatesta made with tomatillo, mint, lime, mezcal blend, orange liqueur and salt. We’ll meet you there! www.facebook.com/atodamadremex TacoMadre in North Aurora Has a Spicy Pineapple Margarita Waiting for You VISIT FOR MARGARITA’S AND MORE NORTH AURORA–Enjoy one of TacoMadre’s scrumptious margs and tantalize your taste buds with a burst of Mexican flavors. Their unique blend of tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec create an un-forgettable combination that will leave you wanting more. All drinks are made with fresh ingredients and served in a festive setting to make the experience even more enjoyable. Yum! www.thetacomadre.comGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 17

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TEN FRIENDS IN NAPERVILLE ”I think that the most important thing a woman can have - next to talent, of course - is her hairdresser." -Joan Crawford Happiness. What is it? This elusive, fleeting and yearning emotion that we so desperately crave is all around. It’s not a destination - it finds us in moments. Moments like: a good book, a promotion at work, an im-promptu conversation, the perfect pair of jeans, a relaxing pedicure, a perfectly-crafted latte, freshly-washed bed sheets, shared laughs with friends … the list goes on. We uniquely experience hap-piness in a variety of moments. And then there is the magical moment of a ‘good hair day’ … and that feeling, well that’s Happiness. And with it, confidence - you glow differe- ntly when you radiate with confidence. So if you’re looking for a place that specializes in styling techniques, trans-formative treatments and gorgeous hair, we’ve got just the spot! Introducing: Ten Friends Blow Dry & Style House of Naperville. Ten Friends is the ultimate blow-dry and style ex-perience. TF provides the following hair services: 45-min shampoo/blow-dry/styles, special occasion styles, prescriptive treatments, deep-conditioning treatments, glosses and smoothing treatments. TF sources farm-to-shower products - focusing on natu-rally-derived ingredients that are both healthy and sus-tainable. Davines, an Italian company, is its proud partner. Its products are: formaldehyde-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soy-free and vegan. They offer a lash bar, makeup serv-ices, bridal services and private parties, too. Time to sit back, relax and enjoy a hot tea (or a glass of wine!) as they expertly style your unique hair to perfection. #HappyHair UNIQUEby Brianna Bartemeyer Photos SubmittedUNIQUE IN SUBURBIA18 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine in Suburbia

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TUK TUK TREASURE NAPERVILLE–Naperville is the first city in the Midwest to em-brace Tuk Tuks as a “last mile ride” mode of transportation. Tuk Tuk Naperville aims to provide an eco-friendly twist on a unique vehicle, adding excitement and fun to getting around town. Offering many experiences from Pub Crawls to Home Tours, Scavenger Hunts to Holiday Light Tours; we took advantage of traveling on all sides of downtown to hunt down items with provided clues. The Scavenger Hunt destinations are fun, historic, and unexpected all at the same time. Having a gen-eral knowledge of Naperville does help! Andy picked up our group of six directly in front of Hotel In-digo on the Riverwalk. After providing us with a list of clues, he turned on the music, and waited for our direction. As we threw out ideas, Andy was genuinely amused as he listened patiently for us to guide his route to find our next treasure. MOM’S little black bookA New Adventure Monthly!20 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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As we arrived upon each successful quest, Andy became our personal photographer and pro-vided ample opportunities for us to capture the perfect shot thus documenting the success of each secret destination. I have yet to determine which was more fun, the antics of the scavenger hunt or just cruising around town in the open air Tuk Tuk on a beau-tiful night! Perhaps it was the combination of both that enhanced this delightful adventure! As we roll into the month of September, this is the perfect activity for Fall and Winter. The Tuk Tuk offers heated seats and acrylic covers for rain and cold - making this a perfect year round adventure for all ages! Tuk Tuks are an enjoyable way to explore shop-ping, restaurants, bars, and historic sites. The ability to create your own tours provides endless ideas for many occasions. OVERVIEW Tuk Tuks are electric and eco-friendly and Nap-erville’s only novelty tour, wedding, and quick ride one-stop-shop specializing in one-hour tours, scavenger hunt experiences, and quick point-to-point rides within a 2.5-mile radius of Downtown Naperville. Options include a Pub Crawl, Naperville City Tours, Beautiful Homes Tours, Create Your Own Tour, Halloween and Holiday Lights Tours. Tuk Tuk Naperville 614 E. 5th Avenue Naperville, IL 60563 (331) 777-0332 Hours: Check website for tour options 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 rediscover-ing 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 • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 21

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TRENDY TRAVELERTrendY Experience this All-Inclusive, Adults-Only Destination RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO–On June 1st, Margaritaville® Beach Re-sort Riviera Maya, Mexico, officially opened its doors, welcoming guests to the first adults-only resort within the all-inclusive Island Reserve collection. The resort invites guests to a world of debuts for the brand, like the first oceanfront LandShark Brewery, new room categories & suites that up the wow factor, nine world-class restau-rants and bars, a 10,000 sq. ft. spa, and exclusive wedding and event venues providing the ultimate adults-only escape. A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE Luxury Accommodations Meet Coastal Chic Each of the 355 suites at Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya fea-tures comfortable amenities, the option to connect with an adjoining room, and coastal-inspired decor. All accommodations open to a fur-nished private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean or the resort's pools or gardens. Whether guests spend their getaway soaking up breathtaking sea views in a King or Queen Paradise Room, taking dips in the Luxury Paradise Suite's private swim-up pool, or indulging in total luxury in a top-of-the-line Coral Reefer Signature Suite, they're in for a five-star stay with 13 luxury room types to choose from. Margaritaville® Beach Resort Riviera Maya- Now Open!Traveler22 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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TRENDY TRAVELERDinner with a View As part of the all-inclusive experience, Margaritaville Beach Resort Rivi-era Maya boasts five spectacular restaurants, with plenty of outdoor seating and an expansive terrace that opens directly onto the pool. For elevated date nights with authentic Old-World fare, guests can look to brand staples like Frank & Lola's or JWB Steakhouse for a classic steak-house experience with a contemporary twist. The resort will also debut two new concepts, including Far Side Of The World, a concept exclusive to Margaritaville's all-inclusive resorts, with Pacific Rim cuisine inspired by faraway places, unique culinary selec-tions, bamboo shacks, and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. And the Salted Rim Margarita Bar & Lounge, which invites guests to revel in Ca-ribbean elegance with authentic and extensive tequila and mezcal se-lections to create an array of adventurous creations. First LandShark Brewery in Mexico Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features the first LandShark Brewery in Mexico and the first oceanfront brewery location in the Island Reserve collection. The brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy smokehouse classics and signature LandShark lagers brewed on-site. LandShark Brewery features plenty of outdoor seating— including two terraces over-looking the calm Caribbean waters. Guests can drop by to meet the brewmaster, enjoy a beer sampler tray or beer-matching menu, and jam out to live music and performances. A Balance of Always-on Entertainment & Relaxation In addition to poolside performances by local bands, DJ-driven pool parties, mixology classes, dance lessons, Caribbean parades, and so much more, guests can enjoy trivia, pickleball, cornhole, and tequila tast-ings to make the most of every moment at the all-inclusive resort. Guests can also relax and unwind at the 10,000 sq. ft. St. Somewhere Spa, complete with nine treatment rooms, and choose from an array of tropically inspired spa services designed to awaken the senses, strengthen circulation, soothe nerves, improve digestion, and promote a balanced metabolism with custom-designed treatments, such as an invigorating Gingerita Body Scrub or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Ped-icure. The St. Somewhere Spa also includes a couple's suite and state-of-the-art 2,000 sq. ft. Fins Up! Fitness Center with a 700 sq. ft. outdoor terrace. Elevated Wedding Experiences & Events At Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya, guests can exchange vows with their toes in the sand. Couples will find an array of venues with stun-ning views, fit for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya features the largest sky wedding terrace in the re-gion and across the all-inclusive Island Reserve resort collection, Island Overwater Wedding Packages that elevate the couple's ceremony as they exchange their vows over the pool on a transparent platform, and ballrooms with over 5,000 sq. ft. of premium space for up to 400 people with three breakout rooms boasting unobstructed views of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea. For more information and to book your next stay, call your travel advisor or visit online. View Online www.karismahotels.com/margaritaville-island- reserve-resorts/margaritaville-island-reserve- riviera-mayaGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 23

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HOME DESIGN A GOODS FOR THE HOME DESTINATION SHOPPE 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 interior 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 full service design firm, Peppeard Design, offers a timeless yet modern aesthetic and her work has been featured in numerous magazines including HGTV Magazine and Modern Luxury Interiors. Her brick and mortar shoppe, The Pep Line, features a line of curated goods hand selected by Shannon that she herself uses in many of her design client’s homes. The shoppe carries a wide variety of goods for the home including furniture, artwork, lighting, rugs, drapery, pillows and accessories. The Pep Line has been featured on the Emmy-winning CBS travel series, Destination Chicago. Both The Pep Line and Peppeard Design studio are located under one roof inside the historic Collins House giving visitors a taste of how the products look inside a real home. Visit thepepline.com for the many upcoming events happening at The Pep Line this Fall! The Pep Line & Peppeard Design 201 Cedar Ave, St. Charles | 630-549-7088 www.thepepline.com | www.peppearddesign.com Photography by Margaret Rajic Shop Gallery28 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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OVER 45 VENDORS VINTAGE SHOP HOP OCTOBER 6 & 7 Sat, 10am-6pm & Sun 10am-5pm 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, upscale consignment and barn sale events-and trend+relic is on the list! Don’t miss this fun & unique event. trend + relic is an experience that shoppers remember, as this unique multi-vendor marketplace has carefully selected experienced mer-chants 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, 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 favor-ites here. trend + relic, 1501 Indiana Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois (630) 803-5253 • www.trendandrelic.comShop Gallery30 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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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 egister32 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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HOMECOMING 2023 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 Gallery34 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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CARING SHARING Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley to Celebrate 75 Years with Innaugual Gala at Q Center in St Charles this October The Lasting Legacy Gala Will Be October 7 at Q Center in St Charles AURORA The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley will host its first ever gala The Lasting Legacy Gala on Saturday October 7 2023 at 6 p m at Q Center 1405 N 5th Avenue in St Charles Sponsorship opportunities that include tickets are available now Individual ticket sales will be available on August 1 and are 300 each Visit cffrv org for more information River Valley CFFRV tie optional The lead Presenting Partner is Old Second Bank Champion Sponsors include TekPak LLC and BEI Commercial Real Estate Dolan Murphy is a Hero Sponsor Additional sponsorship opportunities are now available Visit cffrv org for information Celebrating 75 Years About the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Back in 1948 a small group of philanthropists had the vision to start the Aurora Foundation later becoming the Community Foundation of the Fox Over the past 75 years the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley has connected numerous individuals with causes that matter to them and carried out their legacy said Julie Christman President and CEO As a result we have donated millions of dollars through grants to local nonprofits and provided thousands of Fox Valley students with scholarships for higher education and trade school Our Lasting Legacy Gala is a chance to commemorate our tremendous community impact to date while we prepare to do even more in the future Today the Community Foundation is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley in Illinois It is a nonprofit tax exempt public charity that provides rewarding ways for local donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives administers customized and unique grant and scholarship programs and undertakes bold initiatives to address community needs For more information visit cffrv org or follow the Foundation on social media Facebook Twitter Instagram and Linked In The Community Foundation s Lasting Legacy Gala is a unique opportunity for Fox Valley residents to celebrate 75 years of the organization s impact in the community The evening also promises to be an early opportunity to learn first hand how the Community Foundation plans to expand its community support in the future The Gala will include cocktails and hors d oeuvres a delicious seated dinner and a live performance by Maggie Speaks one of the most popular bands in Chicago Be ready to dance Dress is black ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full healthy and happy life She has her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and is a veteran of 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 chil dren and the cutest dogs in the land VIEWMINDY SMONTHLYCOLUMN AT www GlancerMagazine com to give to inspire Glancer Magazine SEPTEMBER 2023 WESTERN SUBURBS 37

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MILLION DOLLAR lliissttiinnggSo Pretty in Sugar Grove This home is truly an architectural gem with many exquisite features throughout the entire property. Nestled on a private wooded lot sur-rounded by mature trees and a large beautiful pond, this home in-cludes a stunning kitchen and more. The first floor includes the living room with a natural stone fireplace surrounded by beautiful windows; access to the second-floor library loft above with a beautiful round window. This extraordinary home also includes a guest house with a first-floor family room, stone fireplace, breakfast bar with microwave, sink and refrigerator, full bath and 6th bedroom loft. (630) 377-1771 Presented by: Kari Kohler Brokered by: Coldwell Banker Realty REAL ESTATE38 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine $999,900 446 Courtney Cir, Sugar Grove 6 bed, 6 bath, 7,523sqft

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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 Colella40 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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Susan ColellaGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 41by Mindy Kyle Photos SubmittedMichael Rossi The Doxxing of Clearwater High NAPERVILLE–For the past twenty years, Michael Rossi has taught English, coached cross country, and directed theatre productions for Neuqua Valley High School. Being part of the education com-munity was great fodder for his newest book, The Doxxing of Clear-water High. “This book is entirely a work of fiction,” says Michael. “None of the characters are based on current or past co-workers or students.” Our current world of social media and prolific instant video availability spurred Michael’s imagination to explore what would be the most interesting stories involving digital secrets. “We spend so much time creeping on one another’s profiles and private information, it is messing with how we see ourselves and others. It was fun coming up with all kinds of wacky secrets.” Clearwater is a town that has forgotten that every great teacher is first a good liar. All of that changes one day when a mysterious hacker uploads 119 private files stolen from Clearwater’s teachers. The Doxxing of Clearwater High tells the stories of the teachers and students exposed by the suburban Wikileaks. The science teacher with the shocking search history. The math teacher who made a sex tape. The English teacher concealing a hidden punk rock past. The community is forced to acknowledge that those charged with teaching the humanities are often the most fallibly human them-selves. The Doxxing of Clearwater High is available at Anderson’s Book-store in downtown Naperville. Michael would love for you to buy the book there. “If they are all sold out, write a letter to the mayor and demand they get more copies! That’s why we have a mayor!” LITERAARRYYlocalKNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? We’d Love to Meet Them! Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com

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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

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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!46 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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NAPERVILLE 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!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 47

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AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023 FA M I LY F U N 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 season 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 pumpkins for purchase and an assortment of decorating materials will be provided Blackberry Farm 100 S Barnes Road Aurora Illinois www blackberryfarm info 630 892 1550 48 WESTERN SUBURBS SEPTEMBER 2023 Glancer Magazine

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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 • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 49

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DOWNERS GROVE Shop, Dine, Enjoy in Trending Downtown Downers Grove DOWNERS GROVE–Our variety of small businesses, amazing owners and community support makes downtown Downers Grove the destination it is today. Downtown Downers Grove is continuing to welcome new businesses! Bonita Bowls opened at 4956 Main Street. Our Annual Fine Arts Festival will be held September 9-10, 2023. Enjoy the sounds of live entertainment as you shop the talented juried artists of a variety of mediums that will line Main Street. Make sure to visit our boutiques, cafes and restaurants while here. Our restaurants and cafes can please every taste bud. Our outdoor dining offers many alfresco options in addition to in-door dining. www.downtowndg.orginspire!AUTUMN ON TH E GO 202350 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine

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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 • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 51

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52 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023HALLOWEEN THEMED 5K Fall for the Arts Run-5K-Walk NAPERVILLE–One step at a time, that’s how the Academy of the Arts is closing in on its goal to open a high-level performing arts school in Naperville. Whether you want to race, run, walk or stroll, you’ll be guaranteed a fun morning out as we partner with Shred 415 for our second annual Fall for the Arts 5K. The dream of three educators who believe the arts can benefit children when they influence their entire curricu-lum, we’ve been testing ideas and inviting Broadway no-tables to work with students since 2021. Now we’re just a beat away from opening a new space but need your help as we continue to fundraise. Take your Halloween costume out for a spin and join the fun! www.illinoisartsacademy.org/run5K fun!

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AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023 G L E N E L LY N FRIENDS OF GLEN ELLYN PARKS FOUNDATION KOKOMO AVacation Darty Sponsored by Inspirato for Good GLEN ELLYN Join us for an epic summer finale filled with music cocktails food trucks and friends at KOKOMO A Vacation Darty the ultimate day party Enjoy games raffles and live auctions featuring an array of vacation packages and other prizes all in support of the Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks Scholarship Fund The event will take place on September 23 from 3 to 7pm at the picturesque Lake Ellyn Boathouse in Glen Ellyn Secure your spot by purchasing your ticket before September 16 for just 125 per person This event is open to ages 21 and above Visit gepark org kokomo for more details and to register www gepark org kokomo

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WELCOME AUTUMN Downtown Naperville in September NAPERVILLE–Experience all that Downtown Naperville has to offer this September! Stroll amidst charming bou-tiques, adorned with the latest fall fashion trends and unique finds. Indulge in al fresco dining, savoring local cu-linary delights or nationally recognized dining destinations! The transitioning season paints the surroundings in warm hues, creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks… especially along the beautiful riverwalk! Relish a delightful fall escape filled with shopping, dinging, and ex-ploring in Downtown Naperville! And don’t forget summer sculptures are on display until mid-September… be sure to find all 19 beautifully painted dragonfly benches before they’re gone! Find everything you need to know about Downtown Naperville at www.downtownnaperville.com. www.downtownnaperville.com AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 55

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56• WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine AUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Two Beautiful Courses NAPERVILLE–Golf the Brooks at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses! Both facilities, which are operated by the Naperville Park Dis-trict, feature 18-holes of fantastic and chal-lenging golf, with driving ranges and practice facilities. Clubhouses at each location are complete with a golf shop, concessions area, and pleasant outdoor patios to be enjoyed be-fore and after your round. Learn-to-golf pro-grams are available at both courses and serve all ages and levels of experience. To learn more about the Naperville Park District’s golf course amenities, programs and services, visit online. www.golfnaperville.orglet’s golf!

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KITCHEN REDESIGN Why Choose Tupelo Lane Designs NAPERVILLE–If you're looking to give your kitchen a fresh and up-dated look, professional cabinet refinishing is the way to go! With Tupelo Lanes Designs amazing service, you can transform your cabinets and breathe new life into your kitchen in no time. Say goodbye to outdated and worn-out cabinets and hello to a stylish and modern space. As professional cabinet refinishing experts, we have the skills and expertise to make your cabinets look brand new, using high-quality materials and techniques. Don't wait any longer, take action now and give your kitchen the makeover it deserves with professional cabinet refinishing! We over (60) 5-star reviews on Google and have been voted best Cabinet Refinisher on Next Door for 3 years running. Offering quick quotes, we can be reached: (630) 200-3295, email -TupeloLaneDesigns@gmail.com or online. www.tupelolanedesigns.comAUTUMN ON TH E GO 2023Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 57

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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 oc-casion. We are four friends who met through the power of social media. We absolutely love exploring Naperville and beyond to discover the best restau-rants, shops and businesses. We be-lieve in supporting our communities and recommending 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.comIf mornings aren’t your thing, then you’re in luck. Literally. Thanks to Nate Luckman, the Coffee Program Manager, there is a new way to love Sparrow, called Sparrow Nights! Every Friday starting at 6:30pm they dim the lights, switch up the music and bring out a special menu full of curated drinks and des-serts to obsess over. Nate, who has worked at sparrow since May of 2019, started working there as a summer job but quickly dis-covered he had a true pas-sion for it. He loves how interesting and complex cof-fee can be when the process from farm to cup is looked after with care, every step of the way. We’re particularly smitten with the pink Barbtini (in honor of this summer’s Bar-bie movie), the Shake Sumn (a brilliantly refreshing mix-ture of cold brew, yuzu tonic, lime zest and luxado cherries) and the classic affo-gato made with Brazilian es-presso over vanilla ice cream. Nate says he is working on a new drink that has yet to be named. May we suggest a drink named after us, the Real Housewives of Naper-ville?! But what we’d most like to highlight about the experi-ence is Nate’s passion for this new venture coupled with his natural ability to craft unique and exciting flavors we can’t get enough of. If you’re looking for the perfect before-dinner or after meal experience to take your Fri-day night in a delicious new direction, be sure to check out Sparrow Nights every Fri-day. To say we love Sparrow Cof-fee would be an understate-ment. www.sparrowcoffee.com/napervillle RHON • SEPTEMBER 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 • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 59

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FITNESSCOMMUNITY LIVINGCAREER 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 • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 61

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OSWEGO Venue 5126 is a venue like no other in the Chicago suburbs. With our 7 acre property overlooking 300 acres of farmland, you won’t find this kind of midwest beauty and privacy anywhere else. With our wedding coordinator, in-house florist, stylist, and DJ, our team offers all you need to make your dream wedding a reality, while taking off the pressure and stresses of wedding planning. We are here with you every step of the way to ensure you can relax and enjoy your engagement! Venue 5126 offers three ceremony locations while only booking one wedding a day so we can focus solely on you. We have 2 outdoor locations, The Pergola and The Field and one indoor loca-tion, The Barn, that offers an indoor/outdoor experience. After your ceremony you and your guests will enjoy cocktail hour in the barn, and then move into our attached 3-peak tent for dinner. After dinner you will dance the night away with your friends and family back in the barn and soak up the last moments of your special day. Venue 5126 www.venue5126.comGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 65

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ST. CHARLES The Hotel Baker has established a tradition of elegance and personal service for our many married couples. No matter the season, our professional wedding specialists can assist you in creating a beautiful wedding with memories you will cherish for a lifetime. Dreaming of a beautiful outdoor ceremony? With the scenic Fox River as your backdrop, recite your wedding vows on our Water-front Patio or in our lovely Rose Garden. Then move inside to either our newly-renovated Waterfront Ball-room or our spectacular, two-tiered Rainbow Room where you’ll share your first dance as a married couple amidst the multi-col-ored lights. Your guests will be enchanted with our historic splendor, pol-ished service, and spectacular cuisine. For your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, or reception, the expertise of our wedding staff will ensure that everything, from setting to decor, is abso-lutely perfect. Our wedding menus, from traditional to unique, are designed to provide elegant dining on your special day. Let Hotel Baker turn your fantasy wedding into reality! Our dedicated wedding con-sultants are ready to assist in planning every detail of your wed-ding… Hotel Baker, St. Charles www.hotelbaker.comGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 67

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BATAVIA Located along the famous Fox River less than one mile from Downtown Batavia, Revelry 675 brings Hollywood glamour to cou-ples in the Chicago Suburbs. This brand-new show-stopping wedding & event venue was designed by renowned celebrity wed-ding planner, Shuki Moran. Shuki personally oversaw every detail when creating this space to support bringing his clients' visions to life, streamlining the entire experience from dining and dancing to cocktails and décor in a gorgeous modern motif. Be it an intimate gathering or a huge celebration, our spacious venue features a 5,000-square-foot indoor reception space that can accommodate up to 300 seated guests with an open floor plan and a stunning custom bar. Your party can move between the indoor reception space and our gorgeous 2,200-square-foot out-door patio for a memorable cocktail hour. If a breathtaking outdoor wedding is your dream, our gorgeous natural views and sweeping lawn leading to the Fox River provide a spectacular backdrop for your ceremony and unforgettable wed-ding pictures. Our exceptional venue and unsurpassed experi-ence are sure to throw a party you and your guests will remember forever! Revelry 675 675 S River Street, Batavia Info@revelry675.com | 630.940.8987 | www.revelry675.com Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 69

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AURORA The Blackberry Farm wedding team is excited to create an ex-perience which delivers a lifetime of memories for you and your guests. Our one-of-a-kind setting features country elegance and personalized service that caters to your needs – all at a value that can’t be matched. Planning the big day is a piece of cake. We’ll remove any stress, answer all your questions, and anticipate and communicate every detail in advance of your event. Our space is flexible and beautifully appointed, featuring rustic touches and country charm amidst Blackberry Farm’s historic backdrop. With a convenient location and ample parking, The Barn at Blackberry Farm is the perfect showcase for your big day. As you browse information regarding your wedding, please note that ALL packages include table and chairs at no extra cost. We hope to extend every hospitality to you along your decision-mak-ing process and are here to answer any questions or schedule a tour at your request. SPECIAL FEATURES Picturesque locations throughout Blackberry Farm, Outdoor Ceremony Options, Whiskey Barrel Cocktail Tables, Rustic Bar, Outdoor Patio and Lawn Space The Barn at Blackberry Farm Aurora • www.blackberryfarm.com/wine-food/dinner/barnGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 73

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74 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine Kid StuffFall Cuteness Arlo.Hendrix Introduces New Fall Collection BATAVIA–The Fall Angel Dear Collec-tion is here! These baby and kids' bamboo pj's and outfits for fall are the shop owner’s favorite collection of the year! Utilizing sustainable bamboo fab-ric, these outfits are perfect for cooler weather, keeping your little ones warm and snug. They are also effortless to maintain with their machine-washable and durable material, making them an essential choice for any eco-conscious parent seeking high-quality clothing options. From bigfoot to national parks, Arlo.Hendrix has you covered this fall! They also have sizes newborn through size 8 so the whole family can match! Shop in stores or online. www.arlohendrix.comBrookfield Zoo’s Annual Zoo Run September 10 BROOKFIELD– Runners, walkers, and animal lovers of all ages can sprint, scamper, or stride at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Zoo Run, presented by Aquafina and Gatorade. The event will benefit the Chicago Zoological Soci-ety’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund that is dedicated to making a dif-ference for species across the globe and at Brookfield Zoo. The top three participants in the 1-mile Kids Dash will be awarded, along with the adult winners. www.CZS.org/ZooRunColor Your Own Stickers Fun Book Available at Anderson’s Bookshop NAPERVILLE–Color the rainbow! Combining the fun of stickers with the cre-ativity of making them your own, Color Your Own Stickers is a delight-ful gift for kids, tweens, and sticker and craft lovers of all ages. The stickers are cute, whimsical and on-trend, with subjects including llamas, narwhals, rain-bows, cupcakes, tacos, and more. www.andersonsbookshop.com

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KID STUFFADVENTURE IN NAPERVILLE Play. Learn. Have FUN. Repeat. NAPERVILLE–Every visit to DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) is an adventure that will spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and lead to new discoveries. Make a splash in AWEsome Water, build with real tools in the Construction House, feel the wind on your face in AWEsome Air, roll through Make it Move, freeze your shadow in Creativity Con-nections, and enclose the entire family in one giant bubble! Laugh, learn, and love spending time together at DCM! Save the date for Back to School Bonanza Saturday, August 12, 9am–2pm Celebrate the start of the school year with hands-on activities that highlight everyone’s favorite subjects from A-Z. Explore your creative side with professional artists and mu-sicians, flex your mind and muscles at recess, and step up onto a school bus! www.dupagechildrens.org adventure awaitsGlancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 75

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4. trend + relic SHOP 40+ VENDORS SHOP HOP, OCTOBER 7-8 ST. CHARLES–Enjoy discovering custom furniture painting and refinishing, signs, pet portraits and jewelry. Shop sale tents on September 9th beginning at 10 a.m. for the best prices of the season, and don’t miss the biggest shopping road trip of the year on October 6th & 7th, with over 400 shops participating from Southern Illinois to Northern Wisconsin at the Vintage Shop Hop. www.trendandrelic.com 2. The Rustic Fox MANY UPCOMING FALL EVENTS NORTH AURORA–The Rustic Fox is an in-spirational shopping experience boasting the best of the communities’ specialty cu-rated boutiques displaying an array of ev-erything unique and special in furniture, decor, and gifts. September brings a Farmer & Artisan open market on Sep-tember 2 and a Fall Open House on September 16 & 17, plus the Vintage Shop Hop October 6-8 Daily shopping hours: 10am-6pm. www.therusticfoxhome.com 3. Third Street LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN GENEVA GENEVA–An incredibly unique shopping experience is immersed inside treasured Victorian homes on Third Street bringing the best of specialty shops and quaint eateries amongst the 160 refurbished downtown store-fronts creating one of the best shopping and dining ex-periences. Festival of the Vine, hosted on September 8th through the 10th will create the backdrop for wine tasting and dinner events combined with specialty shopping for arts, crafts, and fresh flowers. www.geneva.il.us1. Geneva Commons WORLD OF FLAVORS SEPT 30-OCT 1 GENEVA–Geneva Commons is a beautiful, open-air mall fea-turing more than 60 national brand and specialty shops, beauty and health services, and a variety of dining op-tions. The beautiful central, park-like commons area highlights a fire pit, covered pergolas, and grassy turf making it the anchor for events, music, fests, and gen-eral meetups with friends in-cluding the World of Flavors on September 30th and October 1st. www.shopgenevacommons.com The Month of September is Filled with So Many Fuin Shopping Opportunities Fall is the perfect time to support our local businesses in our community. Head to these local shopping destinations this fall where you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind items at small businesses that you won’t find anywhere else - supporting local shop owners and creators keeps your purchases special. Enjoy these 7 Spectacular West Suburban Weekend Shopping Excursions.....WEEKEND SHOPPING EXCURSIONS2.1.4.3.80 • WESTERN SUBURBS • SEPTEMBER 2023 • Glancer Magazine Photos by Ruta Drulia

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6. Downtown Wheaton A PICTURESQUE PLACE TO SHOP ALL SEASON LONG WHEATON–Your shoppings options are vast in Downtown Wheaton with adorably chic boutiques like Jeans and a Cute Top Shop and more, this thriving west suburban shopping district will have plenty happening on the weekends all season long! From Dinos to Live Music a Chili Cook-Off and more. www.downtownwheaton.com6.5. Downtown Naperville EVERYTHING. ALL SEASON LONG. DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE–Enjoy shopping for treasures from nationally known shops to one-of-a-kind bou-tiques in downtown Naperville. Goods range from footwear, toys, books, pets, jewelry, home decor & accessories, kitchen & cuisine, furniture, eyewear, fitness & health, cards, cosmetics, electronics & technology, and the best of the best fashion boutiques. www.downtownnaperville.com7. Downtown Downers Grove ALONG THE FOX WITH EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR DINING AREA DOWNERS GROVE–The variety of small businesses, amazing owners and community support makes downtown Downers Grove the shopping destination it is today. Be sure to take a stroll down Main Street to experience this charming downtown district and all that it has to offer in fash-ion, design, and art. Don’t miss the special Ladies Day Out event on September 28th from 10am-8pm! www.downtowndg.org5.www.glancermagazine.com7.Glancer Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2023 • WESTERN SUBURBS • 79Photos by Ruta Drulia