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by Kristen Kucharski THE MASSINGILL FAMILY  WHEATON–While the pandemic has been hard, from the Massingill family perspective it was also a great opportunity to spend more family as Amelie (13) is typically busy with softball and Sofia (17) in badminton, in addition to many other school activities and social time.  The family has always looked forward to dinners together as the best part of their day to catch up in good conversation without the interference of electronics; and continues this tradition even with their new business launch in January 2021- a line of allergy friendly snack bars called Lovely Day Bars. “We started it because my wife Ana, and my one daughter’s have food intolerances and we could not find a snack bar that fit our needs and actually tasted like a snack bar; so, we started Lovely Day Bars which is allergy friendly - free from nuts, diary, soy, wheat, gluten, eggs, fish, peanuts, corn - and is vegan, non-GMO, but tastes like a delicious snack bar should!” Brandon says.  “We have two flavors Chocolate Chip and Sweet Caramel with Chocolate Drizzle.” Putting their words into action, they sell their bars throughout the area including several family-owned businesses in the western suburbs, as well as independent grocery stores, such as Caputos in Naperville, Tom’s Market in Warrenville, Nutrition Network in Winfield, Pete’s Fresh Market in Wheaton, Berkley’s Finer Foods and Bocadito’s Cafe in Batavia, Sweet Natalie’s Gluten Free Bakery in Wheaton, and Kramer’s Foods in Hinsdale.  Of course, their bars can also be purchased via their website at www.lovelydaybar.com, on Amazon, as well as at over 50 locations in the Chicagoland area. “Honestly, we try to live by the motto of it’s all about the community and support local businesses as much as possible!” Brandon says.  “All our business needs are fulfilled by local businesses, we have gotten great support and partnerships from other local brands such as Sweet Natalies, Extract Juicery and H4 Fitness.  We have a pretty good size garden and are always giving away extra produce either to neighbors or to the PRC and support local organizations via our giving plan such as PRC, DuPage PADS, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Deborah’s Place, our church Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the Morton Arboretum.” The family refreshes their “ELE - Everybody Love Everybody” spirit as active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, volunteering with Feed My Starving Children and Northern Illinois Food Bank.  Additionally, Brandon is involved with DuPage PADS, mentors for the INCubator entrepreneurship program, teaches marketing as an adjunct at College of DuPage, and is a volunteer consultant with Compass Pro Bono. Besides reconnecting over family dinners, the Massingills are sure to carve out family time on the weekends for bike rides and runs on the Prairie Path in Naperville, perusing area farmer’s market, fishing and exploring local forest preserves, and sometimes just having coffee together. Overall, The Massingills personal beliefs in family, community, and love have carried over into a business mission that allows everyone to enjoy flavorful snacks safely. Photos by Mike Catuara FABULOUS FAMILIES HEALTH + WELLNESS GLEN ELLYN DUPAGE

FABULOUS FAMILY | Wheaton Family Creates Allergy-Friendly Snack Bars

FABULOUS FAMILY | Wheaton Family Creates Allergy-Friendly Snack Bars

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by Kristen Kucharski FAMILY OF FIVE SHARES ON LIFE, LOVE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP GENEVA/NAPERVILLE–Take that trip, do the adventure, explore, and live your life to the fullest - “Always Go” – that is the motto Geneva residents, John and Ashley Barley and their three children Declan (11), Scout (3), and Banks (1) – and what an adventure it has been as the owners of Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville which opened in 2012. As entrepreneurs their free time has been consumed by the brewery but through Solemn Oath they remain wildly active. Each year they work with dozens of charitable organizations across Chicagoland including the Naperville Parks Foundation, the Naperville Area Humane Society, and many others. This year during the pandemic they also had the opportunity to work with some fantastic organizations including My Block, My Hood, My City and Grocery Run Club.  Beyond that, they would typically be either travelling or driving to and from Declan's hockey games across the Midwest with the Geneva Cyclones youth hockey organization. In March, many things changed for the Barley family.  John lost his father, best friend, and business partner to cancer right when the world was shutting down and the business dynamic had to shift dramatically. The market for 60% of their on-premises draft sales had disappeared like a light switch and they had to adapt quickly to survive as a business. Although the year has been a year filled with punch after punch after punch, the Barley’s maintain their “just do it” attitude and persisted on with the camaraderie, hustle, and love of their patrons, family, and each other. With the support of the City of Naperville, in June they built a massive outdoor space called the Solemn Oath Community Beer Garden providing plenty of space for social distancing.  Now during the winter months, it has been converted to a majestic forest fairy tale called the Solemn Oath Community Dome Forest. The Barley’s always live life to its fullest!  Like many, the pandemic has given them a lot more time together, but the nature of their business does not allow for working remotely; however, whenever they are at home as a family, the music is on and every single person is singing and dancing…..“it breeds confidence, humor, and support of each other.” Photos by Mike Catuara FABULOUS FAMILIES DINING & CABARET DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

FABULOUS FAMILY | The Barley Family of Geneva

by Kristen Kucharski FAMILY OF FIVE SHARES ON LIFE, LOVE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP GENEVA/NAPERVILLE–Take that trip, do the adventure,...

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LEADING WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & SO MUCH MORE “Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new”….that’s the Kiest family motto and it shines in everything they do.  Born and raised in Illinois and Oswego residents since 2005, David and Melissa have been married 23 years and have two daughters, Eva (20) and Alyssa (15).  With true entrepreneurial spirit the family is not afraid to follow their dreams, such as opening a gym where they learned together to work hard and follow proper nutrition, while also gaining amazing confidence from the personal hands-on experience.  As an active family who loves to hike and bike; raft on the Fox; and play tennis together, it was the perfect fit to bring their passions into their daily grind while appreciating the quality time. A healthy lifestyle combined with a great work ethic are ingrained in the Kiest family.  Dave has served as a soldier in the U.S. Army Special Forces, is a former Yorkville and Oswego Police Officer and continues to serve our country in his current position; Eva is attending Waubonsee Community College, finishing up her Associates degree and works as a server at a local restaurant; Alyssa is a Sophomore at Oswego High School, and is involved in Tennis and Cheer; and Melissa has been a Professional Photographer for over 15 years, owns, Melissa Jean Boutique in Oswego, and is also a Real Estate Broker for Brummel Properties in Oswego and enjoying the low interest rates and hot market. They love Fall Fashion as much as they love fitness fancying the new fall styles like letter necklaces, metallics, cardigans and chunky sweaters, balloon sleeves, country inspired fringe, and of course, the fun faux leather leggings and skirts. The girls are into the boyfriend jeans, distressed jeans and crop style tops with chunky necklace chains and coordinating masks! The Kiest family is a busy family that also finds time to take part in organizing and running events which help raise money for wounded vets and the local food pantry. They are members of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Oswego Association, and are active administrators of the Oswego Area Nightlife and Events and Real Women of Oswego Facebook groups.  A family that loves to dream big, enjoy life, and make it happen! KNOW A FABULOUS FAMILY? Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com  MORE FABULOUS FAMILIES ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

FABULOUS FAMILY | The Kiest Family of Oswego

LEADING WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & SO MUCH MORE “Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new”….that’s...

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MEET THE HAYES FAMILY of SUGAR GROVE What happens when you put a financial advisor, music teacher, teenager and grandma together in quarantine for five months? Surprise theme days and dress-up dinners that center around family favorites including TV & movie characters;  Disney villains; musicians; comic book characters; Disney characters; 80’s theme characters; cartoon characters; Universal Studios characters; Stranger Things; and book characters. When the quarantine hit in March, Eric, a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, began working from home while Emma (16) transitioned to e-learning through Kaneland High School. During this time, grandma also became a frequent visitor, so beat the boredom, Jennifer initiated “surprise theme days” every Thursday where the entire day, such as board games, meals, movies, crafts, etc. would center around that theme to add a little fun to the daily doldrum. Shortly after, Emma, came up with the idea of adding Tuesday night “dress-up theme dinners” that she shared with the family through a Power Point presentation, allowing for each member to create and assemble their costume for the following week as a surprise to be revealed as they walked into the kitchen each week.   The Hayes family is used to spending quality time together, even outside the home.  They are readily building an airplane in a hangar at the Aurora Airport and are active participants in the EAA (experimental aircraft association).  They also love to travel as a family and Emma works in the community at Strides in Motion therapeutic riding facility. Although the family misses some parts of “normal” life that they look forward to seeing again, they feel the quarantine has brought them together in ways that were impossible just six months ago. -Kristen Kucharski ALL FABULOUS FAMILIES ALL KANE COUNTY

FABULOUS FAMILY | Celebrating their Favorite Characters Becomes a Family Affair

MEET THE HAYES FAMILY of SUGAR GROVE What happens when you put a financial advisor, music teacher, teenager and grandma together in...

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ONE BIG HAPPY With seven (7) kids there are never really any typical days for the Krake family of Oswego.  According to Lindsey (mom), “It’s controlled chaos - some days more control, some days more chaos; but, always fun.” While David (dad) works as an accountant, Lindsey is a stay at home mom who keeps everyone going in the right directions at the right times! David (18) will be going to college to study cinematography in the Fall, leaving Lindsey and David to manage the other six schedules through Oswego Community School activities, participation in various programs at Community Christian Church in Naperville and Harvest New Beginnings Church in Oswego where Brendan  (17) also plays in the church band; the multitude of Tae Kwon Do sessions; robotics competitions for Alyssa (15); and creative play and art projects with Alli (9), Chloe (8), Emma (6), and Coen (4). Grounding their family in the core belief of working hard, having fun, and helping others, the Krake family feels lucky to have so many people they can count on for love and support.  Growing up in the western suburbs and living across the world from Kobe, Japan to Milwaukee, WI, and back to Oswego, IL again, the Krake’s value the gift of giving back to local and global charities and strongly encourage others to donate time or money to help others stay healthy and safe. Always enjoying outdoor activities, the family recently took advantage of an impromptu photo shoot that included custom t-shirts identifying the timeline of the family’s progression: Mom and Dad of course are the ‘Executive Producers’ ....David, as the first child, is ‘The Original’ ....Brendan, up next is ‘The Remix’ ....Alyssa, the first daughter, brought ‘A Fresh New Beat’ ....Alli, as the second girl, is ‘Remastered’ ....Chloe is their ‘Mix Tape’ ....Emma is the ‘Encore’ ....and Coen closes out the show as the ‘Mic Drop’ The daily production of life with the Krake’s requires everyone to do their part.  Lots of planning, scripting, storyboarding, and everything in between to create the final master copy. ALL FABULOUS FAMILY FEATURES ALL DUPAGE  ALL KANE  ALL KENDALL  GLANCE THROUGH THE JULY ISSUE

FABULOUS FAMILY | Meet the Krake Family of Oswego

ONE BIG HAPPY With seven (7) kids there are never really any typical days for the Krake family of Oswego. According to Lindsey (mom),...

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MEET THE MARTZOLF FAMILY, ALWAYS SMILING It’s a good thing the Martzolf family’s motto is, “Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself,” because with three teenagers in the house, embarrassment can come as easy as standing in the same room 
 together, much less participating in thematic family dinners to pass the time of “sheltering in place”! 
 
 Danny (18), Katie (16), and Karly (13) have taken their new supper routine in stride with their parents Jennifer, an ambassador for the Stella & Dot Family of Brands and Eric, Assistant Principal at Hinsdale South High School. 
 
 The 17-year Plainfield residents and members of Holy Spirit Catholic Community in Naperville have thoroughly enjoyed their quarantine time together.  
 
 “It's crazy how much family time we are getting with three teens in the house when normally we would be running in three different directions - so we are embracing it,” Jennifer says.  “We do daily family walks, board games, and movies 
 together too.” 
 
 This time at home has also given them a chance to clear the clutter and each day they clean and organize one area of the house. 
 
 When Katie suggested doing a Family Theme Dinner - it was well received and started with Hawaiian Night; it was subsequently followed by Frat Boy/ College Night in honor of Danny who had to cut his freshman year short at the University of Kentucky; then Colorado night, in honor or their cancelled Spring Break trip; and proceeded with The Hunger Games, Disney Night and Country Night themes. 
 
 Although they couldn’t take the trips, they certainly created the memories! 
 
 KNOW A FABULOUS FAMILY? Introduce  Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com

FABULOUS FAMILY | Plainfield Family Makes the Most of the 'Shelter In Place' Order

MEET THE MARTZOLF FAMILY, ALWAYS SMILING It’s a good thing the Martzolf family’s motto is, “Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself,”...

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iMOM WELCOME TO MAY! This month we are celebrating modern moms. Though I would say I am more old fashioned than I am modern, I do enjoy the conveniences of today’s technology, especially when it comes to being a mom. Like many, I admit I’m addicted to my iPhone. So much that I once actually ran around the house looking for it in a complete panic when I thought it was lost only to realize that I was talking on it. #TrueStory  From iPads and iPhones and all of the apps that come with them, I definitely have my iMom favorites. For my little ones (ages 2 & 5), I love the SesameGO  app by Sesame Street (now free) for all of its learning games and videos, and of course Netflix  for providing me 24-7 access to Sofia the First which comes in handy– especially during inevitable toddler melt down moments while standing in a long line at the grocery store. (Yes, I’m THAT mom!)   For my 12 year old who loves fashion, dance and all things girlie-girl, I love Pinterest . She has had so much fun browsing & creating boards–  from the latest styles to fun recipes, it’s opened up a whole new world for her! For her and her friends, their new fave is Musical.ly  making it easy & fun to create lip syncing videos and share them in social media. They’re having a blast with it!   For me, my new favorite app is Rent the Runway. I tried it for the first time when I needed a formal gown for the Casa Kane County Gala in March. I logged in, browsed my preferred styles using the filters, saw what each dress looks like on typical women (thanks to the user photo gallery) and in 30 minutes time– from the comfort of my couch– I found the perfect dress to rent (and jewelry to match). It was on my porch 3 days later packed perfectly in a garment bag. Not only was the dress gorgeous, but the experience was so much fun. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!  The price was great and I will for sure be using this app again.  So, no matter what type of mom you may be – modern, old fashioned, or a little bit of both – we all can agree that technology sure makes our life easier one way or another. We hope you enjoy this issue and Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for reading.  
 
 Lindy Kleivo 
 
 Publisher/Editor #FamilyTime

EDITOR'S NOTE | May 2016

iMOM WELCOME TO MAY! This month we are celebrating modern moms. Though I would say I am more old fashioned than I am modern, I do enjoy...

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iMOMS: TOTALLY TECH-READY These west suburban area iMoms are smart, sophisticated, and as tech-savvy as can be. Each has her own secret to staying on target when it comes to being up to date with the latest technology, social media, must-have apps and more. Whether they’re focusing on staying fit, organizing the kids’ schedules or building an e-business– whatever their goals may be, these iMoms are as efficient as ever and totally tech ready.  
 Jenn Schumaker Kill 
 
 Sugar Grove, Online Resale iMom 
 
 Jenn Schumaker Kill of Sugar Grove is an iMom that relies on different technologies to run her own business.  Just under 2 years ago, she started up an online Facebook resale business titled, Sugar Grove Illinois Sweet Deals to sell nice name brand clothing and items for busy moms and families.  “The transactions are transparent to both parties,” explains Jenn.  “However, I stamp my name on the quality of the items I sell, and the trust placed in me is ultimately what has fueled Sweet Deals to become such a unique concept in this crowded Facebook space.” Jenn lives with her husband, Paul, and her two busy children, Jack (10) and Madelyn (6).  As she runs to basketball, soccer, drama and mom errands, she relies on her smartphone to work from anywhere.  This connection allows her to reach her clients and customers in a timely manner. On their off-time, you will find the Kill Family having fun with their technology, like playing games and watching funny YouTube videos.  They also enjoy using Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to their family and friends near and far. However, family time is still important to them.  “On a Sunday night, after family dinner, you will often find us snuggled on the couch for movie night with popcorn and treats!” –Mindy Kyle  Linda Przybylski, Elmhurst 
 
 iMom GoFundMe 
 
 She’s a tech savvy grandma that has learned how to navigate websites through her place of work; but, has become the queen of social media out of the pure desire to help her granddaughter.  “I started my GoFundMe page July 2015 after Audrey's genetic test results detected a mutation in the MT-ND6 gene and a diagnosis of Leigh's disease a mitochondrial disorder,” Linda shares.  “The GofundMe account was the best way to reach out to friends, family and neighbors who expressed interest in supporting her by allowing online donations.”  Linda, a 29 year resident of Elmhurst, didn't have a Facebook account prior to GoFundMe; but it was a requirement to establish the page, along with a minimum of 10 friends for the account to be publicly displayed.  “I soon found out it wasn't hard to collect friends on Facebook, and in no time we were public,” she says.  “I quickly learned to use their online support team whenever I had questions.” $8565 has been raised to date covering medicines, equipment, and travel that is not approved by insurance.  Linda is also involved with fundraising for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and is team captain for Audrey's Crusaders in the Chicago Walkathon held last summer in Hinsdale.  -Kristen Kucharski 
 Meg Stromberg, Aurora 
 
 iMom International 
 
 Although she has lived the Naperville area for the past 18 years, Meg is an iMom International as she took her passion for travel and culture to create an International Exchange program for French and Spanish students.  Share America allows students to experience the American way of life by living with an American family in the west suburbs for as short as three weeks or as long as several months, through 12 different programs. Thankful for modern day technology, Meg uses the Share-America.org website to educate families, complete applications, and post photos; as well as sites like www.terralingua.com/sejours_2016/a to communicate easily with coordinators overseas.  Apps like WhatsApp and Viper help students communicate with each other without using cell phone data plans.  “When I first began coordinating, I didn’t own a computer,” Meg says.  “I sent things through the U.S. Mail and made many phone calls that can now so easily be accomplished via emails and attachments.” Technology like Facetime also allows Meg to connect with her sons and former students. “Talking on the phone is one thing; but, to see a face, an expression, a smile, or to blow a kiss is priceless.”  -Kristen Kucharski 
 Donna Román, Chicago/Geneva 
 
 iMom Teacher 
 
 Prior to moving to Chicago 1 ½ years ago to work within the Chicago Public School system, Donna and her husband raised their two children in Geneva for the past 20 years.  While teaching 5th grade at Mill Creek School in Geneva, Donna discovered her passion for technology integration in the classroom. Now working in a technology leadership position, Donna is making decisions regarding technology not only within Chicago Public Schools, but also has a voice on a national level.  “My favorite online tool for the classroom is Kidblog for classroom writing.  Students can share their work within the same school or around the world,” Donna says.  She also loves the free opportunities Google Apps for Education offers; but, it was her participation in an online global collaboration project called A Week in the Life, that changed the way she taught forever.  “It was a pilot project with schools in India, China, the Czech Republic, New York, Dubai, and Mill Creek School in Geneva,” Donna says.  “We worked collaboratively to compare our lives using online tools. “When you are in a classroom of students while they are working with kids around the world, they are just human beings working together, and are comfortable navigating culture, language and differences.”  -Kristen Kucharski  Michelle Crowe, Hinsdale 
 
 Online Publishing iMom Michelle Crowe partly grew up in Hinsdale, so when she arrived back with her family in 2010 after moving to multiple cities across the country, it felt nice to be back home.  A professional writer by trade, Michelle once wrote for the Chicago Tribune and the Houston Chronicle before moving to San Francisco to write editorial for Banana Republic.  Currently, she has found her niche as a founding partner and style editor of the online publication, Classic Chicago Magazine.  “It’s been really exciting to be a part of a start-up,” says Michelle.  “I love writing in my own style again.” Classic Chicago is published digitally, and Michelle also runs their Facebook account, shares Twitter duties, and writes a blog, so for this iMom, current technology is vital for running her business.  She finds it just as essential while running her family.  Her son, Jeffrey (8) is involved in multiple sports while she juggles church, charity and PTO activities.  She really depends on iCal to run her family calendar, keep track of games, meetings and other commitments. Michelle is also thrilled that fun technology like YouTube can help her share snippets of past favorite shows with her son.  “We can look them up and laugh together,” she explains.  “Jeffrey likes shooting videos now, and would love to have his own YouTube channel.” -Mindy Kyle 
 Sue Becker, Downers Grove 
 
 Organized iMom 
 
 As a child, Sue loved cleaning the house and keeping her room neat.  In high school and college, class notes were well-laid out and she used a calendar to plan assignments.  As she moved to the corporate world and began working at a Fortune 500 company, the managers held a ‘Clean Off Your Desk Day’. “I was puzzled.  I didn’t understand why this special day was necessary, since my desk was always clean,” Sue says.  That day, she discovered her true passion and proceeded to open her own business Piles to Smiles in 2000.  Although Sue has lived in Downers Grove for the past 28 years, she is able to help her clients anywhere in the world thanks to modern day technology.  “I use Skype or GoToMeeting and have also taught classes via WebEx,” Sue says.  She also loves sites like Evernote, Remember The Milk, and Trello to create and organize lists, notes, and reminders; as well as Outlook and Google calendar to access and share her calendar from anywhere.  Other hot sites are SugarSync to back up files and photos and Genius Scanlets to snap a picture of a document and convert it to a PDF. Mother of two grown boys, this Organized iMom has it all together!  -Kristen Kucharski  Ally Pancottine Naperville Do-It-All iMom 
 
 When Naperville resident Ally Pancottine was a child, she enjoyed taking things like clocks and radios apart and learning how they worked.  Any time new technology would come out, she was always first to find out what it was and how it worked. Her love for technology has never wavered as she uses her iPhone to organize her life and activities for her two children, Angelina (16) and Ferris (9).  She has used her intuitive sense of how technology can make a difference to assist many in the senior community.  “I enjoy helping my senior friends with technology,” Ally says.  “From understanding how it can help them, to setting up devices to be accessible and easier to use so they can manage their finances, play games, read, and most importantly, stay connected with family and friends.” Technology has also helped her manage her second home in northern Illinois with advances like Nest thermostats to control the heat and air via an app as well as ConnectSense outlets to control and monitor power usage.  Ally’s favorite device is Ring, a doorbell which creates home security by allowing video communication with the person at the door via your iPhone. iProducts have helped this iMom stay connected here, there, and everywhere! -Kristen Kucharski 
  #GlancerMagazine #LIfestyle #May2016 #KristenKucharski #MindyKyle #LocalWomen

COVER STORY | iMoms, May 2016

iMOMS: TOTALLY TECH-READY These west suburban area iMoms are smart, sophisticated, and as tech-savvy as can be. Each has her own secret...

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THE DOUCET FAMILY, OSWEGO 
 
 Tony and Michelle have lived in Oswego for the past 13 years with their teen twins, Abigail and Joshua (13).  They love being a part of the growing community and enjoy strolling around downtown and going to places like the Village Grind, Go Dog Go, the Farmer’s Market, and the local dog park in nearby Montgomery.  Although they love the outdoors and taking advantage of programs like OYTF football and cheerleading for their children, they also love the advances technology has made along the way to simplify their personal and work life.  “We also run a dog sitting service that is managed through a site called Dogvacay.com,” Michelle says.  “We love dogs and the website makes it super easy to manage the reservations, our calendar, and the money.  The app also lets us take quick pics of dogs in our home in action that we can easily send to the client while they are away.”  As a School Social Worker at Prairie Junior High in Alsip, Michelle also says she couldn't get her job done well without the use of technology, like Google Classroom and Skyward.  “Much of my communication is through email and Google calendar helps me set up meetings as well and keeps me organized,” she says.  “I also have an iPad with apps to help kids with social stories and can utilize Apple TV as well to show videos.”  As a family, the Doucet’s pride themselves on encouraging a sense of community in their home. “We enjoy having conversations with our kids and their friends,” Michelle says.  “We are proud of the fact that our kid's friends enjoy coming to our house because they know they will always feel welcomed by us.” -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara 
  #FamilyTime

FABULOUS FAMILY | May 2016

THE DOUCET FAMILY, OSWEGO Tony and Michelle have lived in Oswego for the past 13 years with their teen twins, Abigail and Joshua (13). ...

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LOCAL 18 YEAR OLD SAVES A LIFE 
 
 Eighteen-year old Lucas Bennett of North Aurora is credited with saving the life of a resident at GreenFields of Geneva earlier this year.  The Waubonsie Community College student works as a dining room server for the senior living community. A resident in healthcare started choking on her food at dinner one evening, and the nursing assistant wasn’t able to dislodge it. 
 
 “She started doing the Heimlich maneuver but her arms were too short to get a firm grip. She asked me to step in, and I did,” Lucas recalled.  “I was shocked and scared.  It was surreal.  Afterwards, I went back into the kitchen and carried on with what I’d been doing.” 
 
 9-1-1 had been called, and when the Elburn Fire Department arrived on-site after Lucas had already helped the resident, one of the firemen came in and asked for his name.  “He told me I’d saved the resident’s life, and I was in disbelief,” Lucas recalled. 
 
 Lucas had learned the Heimlich maneuver in high school health class, and the steps came back to him. He said he told his parents and a couple of friends about what he’d done. 
 
 “They’re really proud which was nice,” he said.  Especially proud, is Lucas’s grandfather Bill Peterson who is a resident of GreenFields. “He’s been telling everyone. GreenFields had a meeting last week and honored me.  My grandfather and the Fire Department were there,” Lucas said. 
 
 He was also invited to the Elburn Fire Department’s banquet, at which he was recognized.  “I received an award for exemplary action. They said they were blown away that a citizen did what I did before they arrived.  They were grateful with the outcome,” said Lucas.  -Photo & Story Submitted  GreenFields is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsOfGeneva.org. 
  #SuburbanTriumph #HealthWellness #CaringSharing

SUBURBAN TRIUMPH | May 2016

LOCAL 18 YEAR OLD SAVES A LIFE Eighteen-year old Lucas Bennett of North Aurora is credited with saving the life of a resident at...

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BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU! Highlighting how local area women can be the best version of themselves through everyday struggles that we face.  EVERYDAY STRUGGLE: I recently lost 25 lbs and am so excited about it! The problem is that now I need a new spring & summer wardrobe. None of my favorite pieces fit anymore. Have any tips on keeping cute within a budget? - Carol L., Sugar Grove  Buying new clothes is an important emotional milestone in the weight-loss process. It makes you feel good about yourself to wear something that fits you well.  However, it doesn't have to be expensive,  treat yourself to a nice fitting outfit because you are worth it and deserve it! Don’t be tempted to rush into a pricey department store. To save at name-brand stores, sign up for their e-mail blasts to get coupons and take advantage of seasonal sales. Alternatively, spend some time browsing the racks at discount chains to get more bang for your buck! If you love to hunt for a good deal, second-hand stores or thrift shops are another excellent option. Lastly, try asking your family and friends if they have any gently-worn items they’d like to donate to your new wardrobe!  Another person’s trash is someone else’s treasure.....  EVERYDAY STRUGGLE: I love my job so much! I've been here for 12 years and when I think of leaving I start to feel sick, literally. I have the BEST boss, the BEST co-workers and the BEST location, BUT I am making less than what the average Customer Service Rep makes and it is because I accepted such a low salary when I started not knowing any better since I did not do my research. Now that I know, I am not sure what to do. Asking for such a large raise would be unheard of, but according to the average salary for this role, I know in my heart I am worth way more. Help!  -Bethany T., Lisle  Take some time to determine “WHY” you want to make changes in your income. Does it make you feel successful? Does it get you a beach vacation, pay down debt, etc.? Write down your needs now and for the future. Then picture what your future looks like to YOU?! Then inform your employer that you have been reviewing your finances and personal goals and are ready to make some changes. Present them an opportunity to meet those needs financially in your current department. If they cannot, perhaps its time to explore other positions. Perhaps they have another position at the same company in a different department that might interest you, which might help you along in your decision. Rest assured...regardless of the outcome, I suspect the personal relationships you have will remain. And remember that your desire to increase your income is about YOU, not your employer. Nothing will change if you don’t try! 
   ABOUT THE WRITER Joann Pierce is a wellness and fitness enthusiast who is living a lifestyle she never thought was possible. She’s been a stay-at-home Mom for 12 years and started in fitness years ago– from kickboxing to yoga. Continuing her journey in 2011, she completed her 200hr Yoga Certification at Prairie Yoga in Lisle. With over 1000 teaching hours, she completed her associate Life Coach Certification in 2013 and became a Beachbody Coach. Joann Pierce #phase40 Fitness, Empowering you is what we do. Beachbody Coach, Life Coach, RYT 200hr Yogi www.phase40fitness.com  FB: Joann Pierce 
 
 joannpierce@phase40fitness.com #HealthWellness

EVERYDAY STRUGGLES | May 2016

BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU! Highlighting how local area women can be the best version of themselves through everyday struggles that we...

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YOUR NEW SUMMER WINE 
 
 Albariño could very well be your new favorite summer wine! Albariño is a white wine grape typically grown in (but not limited to) Spain. Typical characteristics of the grape is its distinctive floral notes with summer fruits like apricot,  white peach, grapefruit, pineapple and some undertones of minerality. The wine is generally light and high in acidity with alcohol levels from 11.5% to 12.5%. It’s bright, zesty and crisp – perfect for summer! The price to value ratio is superb, typically around $15 or so a bottle. I have three excellent examples (slightly different in style) of Albariño from Rias Baixas, southwestern coast of Galicia, Spain. 
 
 La Cana, 2014: 
 
 This is a riper style of Albariño with aromas of lime zest, white peach and pear followed by flavors of citrus, unripen apples, and tropical fruits. The citrus and firm minerality lingers on long after you finish. 
 
 Xion, 2014: 
 
 This being more fuller-bodied,  I noted a bouquet of canned pineapple, honeydew melon and a palate of grapefruit and a mineral edge finishing off with some fresh citrus notes. 
 
 Morgadio, 2014: Unbelievably balanced with scents of crisp apples, minerals and floral notes. Upon tasting, I noted an explosion of flavors from apples, orange, mango, and melon. Although I really enjoyed all three this was my favorite! 
 
 Albariño, being super fresh and crisp pairs fantastically with oysters, shellfish and pan-fried white meats. People often ask me what’s my new favorite wine – Albariño is my summer jam without a doubt! Sláinte!  ABOUT THE WRITER Eric McMillan, The Chicago Wino, is your source for lighthearted reviews of wine. thechicagowino.com also features links to fun tools like wine/food pairing, ideal serving temperatures, and "must try" bottles!  Visit  thechicagowino.com  for a simple look at some complex flavors. "Like" Eric on Facebook–The Chicago Wino 
  #TheChicagoWino #DiningCabaret #GlancerMagazine #EricMcMillan #May2016 #FeaturedBlogger

THE CHICAGO WINO | May 2016

YOUR NEW SUMMER WINE Albariño could very well be your new favorite summer wine! Albariño is a white wine grape typically grown in (but...

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