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by Kristen Kucharski BLISS HOMEMADE BY ALEXA & IZZY, 10 & 11 YEAR OLD NAPERVILLE RESIDENTS NAPERVILLE–11-year-old Izzy and 10-year-old Alexa dabbled in selling lotions, lip gloss and sugar scrubs, but it wasn’t until Izzy made a candle for Alexa did they have the aha moment  of a true entrepreneur. “I ordered the ingredients, Bee’s Wax and more from Amazon,” Izzy says. “I loved the process. It was a lot like melting chocolate, but there was more, like adding fragrances and colors; however, my dad told me I couldn’t keep doing it without learning the business-side of it.” Although much of the girls’ time is spent at Xtreme Dance Force at Xtreme Dance Center; socializing with friends or baking, Alexa and Izzy chose to learn more. They experimented a lot to ensure they made a high quality candle, watching a lot of YouTube videos, perusing Etsy, and following relevant Instagram accounts. The end result produced a non-petroleum, 100% pure soy-based candle, with scent and coloring throughout that burns for at least 30 hours. “Along the way, I have learned a lot about money and investment,” Izzy adds. “I opened my own bank account over quarantine and Fred Oh, at Naperville Bank and Trust sat down with me to teach me about investing. I think I’d rather create businesses instead of baking cupcakes. I can do that at home, but I want to be an entrepreneur.” The $12 four-ounce candles come in many fragrances such as Citrus Agave; Cinnamon Vanilla, Lush Linen, Day at the Spa, Chocolate Fudge, Rosemary Sage, Fallen Leaves and Plumeria. They are available at www.blisshomemade.net , as well as in local west suburban stores such as Little Luxuries in Naperville, Velvet Grace in Oswego, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Wheaton & St. Charles, Kie & Kate  Couture and Hazyl Boutique, both in Elmhurst. Alexa loves the balance of friendship and fun in their new business. “It is relaxing smelling all the beautiful scents, but it’s hard to be patient waiting for wax to rise or drop to certain temperatures; but we get a chance to plan, start the candle process, play, come back to the candles, play again and repeat!” Determination, energy and creativity are the driving forces behind the success of these young entrepreneurs and they are excited to launch into even more boutiques and revel in the joy of working for themselves. -Photos Submitted GLANCING THE GALLANT STORIES KIDS + TEENS NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | The Art of Young Success

by Kristen Kucharski BLISS HOMEMADE BY ALEXA & IZZY, 10 & 11 YEAR OLD NAPERVILLE RESIDENTS NAPERVILLE–11-year-old Izzy and 10-year-old...

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COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO RALLY FOR KIM AIGNER WEIBRING “……typical Kim, always happy and positive thoughts and looking at the bright side”….these are the words shared by her husband Mike Weibring on a website journal setup for his wife Kim after she was dragged from her parked car by two men just days ago in a Wendy’s parking lot on North Orchard Road in Aurora.   They shot her in the back and stole her car along with everything in it. Just days after being transferred to a trauma center, with a bullet lodged in her spine, Kim remains in good spirits while recovering from the first of many surgeries to stabilize the vertebrae that were shattered, and have left Kim without feeling from the waist down. Even with the knowledge that she may never walk again, and the inability to have any visitors in the hospital, including her husband and young sons, she has been actively engaging with the site journal and appreciates all the kind words from friends and family.  “OMG!!!! Thank you to EVERYONE for all the thoughts, prayers, love, messages, smoke signals and overall good vibes being sent my way..,” Kim shared via a Facebook post.  “I am truly speechless and grateful for every single one of you. Please don’t stop reaching out - it is the highlight of my day.  The cool part(s) are being able to say I took a bullet (“Check THIS out, Mr. TSA Dude!!!”) and that after this I’ll be in rehab. I think both of those are pretty “Hollywood”, if you ask me.  I have been trying to laugh and keep a sense of humor through this, and for those of you who know me... get that. My main focus, after this, is to thrive for my two little blessings (no matter how that may look). Owen and Nolan will be taught that life is precious, it c can change in an instant and it is all about the people in your life who you have the opportunity to love and to be loved by. It truly takes a village and I LOVE ours. I love every single one of you and am so very grateful for my life and every one of you. Keep praying, I myself pray for many of you and truly believe He hears our prayers.” Friends of Kim say “she has the inner fire that some people call determined even though she has a steep mountain of challenges ahead.  She is a fighter…..with the will to walk again.  To achieve that goal will be expensive. Kim needs help with medical expenses, loss of income, rehabilitation residential center costs, and the need to adapt her home/vehicle to be ADA accessible. She has been told to expect multiple surgeries and weeks or months of live-in rehabilitation. Average yearly cost for a first year spinal cord injury is $347,484 according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Without hesitation Werk Force Brewing  is brewing a batch of beer for Kim and will be donating the profit to her GoFundMe. “Kim is a big fan of our beer and we can't wait to have her back to the taproom once she is healthy! Kim is one of the strongest women we know, so if anyone can recover from this, it is her.” A Beer For Kim is a West Coast Style IPA loaded with Citra, Nelson Sauvin and a really cool experimental hop EXP 10416.  Continuing to share the GoFundMe  page is essential to Kim’s ongoing support. If you are on social media, please share the link there; after all, it takes a village! -Kristen Kucharski Photos from GoFundMe.com.  CARING + SHARING LOCAL WOMEN TO KNOW DUPAGE KANE  KENDALL

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Local Shooting Victim Remains In Good Spirits, A Beer for Kim Fundraiser Set

COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO RALLY FOR KIM AIGNER WEIBRING “……typical Kim, always happy and positive thoughts and looking at the bright...

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by Kristen Kucharski DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE, A SPECIAL MESSAGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Holiday blessings abound when Santa’s sleigh is too small to deliver the overflowing donations received for each of the 88 residents at The Grove of St. Charles. It began as a simple post on social media to collect gifts for a nursing home as most residents, including Julie’s mother, have been confined to their rooms due the COVID-19 pandemic. The residents have been missing the traditional holiday activities like concerts, bingo, caroling, and the like that bring simple pleasures to the place they call home. Each day as more and more gifts were dropped on Julie’s front porch, she was simply overwhelmed with emotion and amazed by the outpouring of generosity and love from community members. People dropped off homemade blankets, slippers, lotion, candy, puzzle books, reading books, and handmade drawings by young children. Every donation had a personal story that touched Julie deeply. People found joy in the gift of giving during an otherwise time of sadness from the loss of family members, loss of family gatherings, loss of jobs, homes, in-person schooling, or life as we have known it. These stories brought Julie to tears, and yet also provided pure joy knowing that sadness has turned to happiness through a simple act of kindness. As the owner of Erasistable Vintage Rental and Styling in St. Charles and a member of the Geneva Women’s Club, Julie has always given back to local organizations such as Mooseheart and CASA, but this year felt our local seniors also needed special attention. She is hopeful this is the just the beginning of a new and meaningful tradition. ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL SHARING + CARING ALL DUPAGE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | St. Charles Woman Holds Gift Drive for Residents at The Grove

by Kristen Kucharski DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE, A SPECIAL MESSAGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Holiday blessings abound when Santa’s sleigh...

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by Kristen Kucharski LOCAL COUPLE  LEADS WITH LOVE AFTER THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THEIR 5-MONTH OLD Love harder, love stronger, love more fiercely. Love beyond measure. #bnflovedbeyondmeasure  After losing their 5-month-old son unexpectedly, Katy and Tyler had the choice to live with anger or lead with love.    Given the fact that Beckam was brought into this world out of so much love, it was important for Katy and Tyler to hold strong to the foundation of his life. After years of infertility struggles, the selfless act of surrogacy offered by their sister-in-law Katelyn, the unconditional support of Tyler’s brother, Andy; the gift of two healthy sons. Brixon and Beckam; plus the added bonus of Katy’s surprise pregnancy of her own just two weeks prior to Beckam’s arrival - - there was absolutely no doubt in their minds that leading with love was the only response as their fairy tale journey came to a crashing halt when Beckam was found unresponsive at daycare. When CPR regained a heartbeat, but he still was not breathing on his own, Tyler and Katy made the decision to have him airlifted to Lurie's Childrens Hospital in downtown Chicago; but upon arrival, Beckam's heart stopped again. Tyler and Katy received the tragic news as they were trying to make their way downtown in traffic. They were so thankful their sister-in-law Melissa made it to Lurie's before they did and held Beckam until they arrived, so he was not alone until they got there. Yet, another expression of selfless love.  “When we were tasked with writing his obituary, Tyler and I decided that love needed to win,” Katy shares. “Beckam was loved from the moment he was an idea and he was nothing but loved while he was here.”  Although the Fillipp’s are still working with a genetic counselor to try and find out more information about his death, they cherish the memories of their perfectly healthy baby boy. He was thriving in every way, hitting milestones such as rolling over, eating baby food, propping himself up, and cooing to express his joy.  Remembering this remarkable joy, the family wanted to commemorate what would have been his first birthday on September 3, 2020, with acts of love.  “We put it on our social media to our family and friends, that were able, to please pay it forward with love for honoring our sweet Beckam,” Katy says. “We asked that anyone who participated to use #bnflovedbeyondmeasure so we could see how far and wide and varied these acts of kindness and love spread.” Cards about Beckam were passed along with the hopes of inspiring others to spread more positivity in the world.  Leading with love is a choice. A choice to love. Anger and frustration are quick emotions to rise. Take a step back and choose to react different.  “We changed our mindset as a family,” Katy adds. “We no longer harbor any hate or ill will towards others. Tyler and I have truly been changed by Beckam with living each day trying to make him proud and perpetuate his legacy of love.”  Buddy Benches were the first act of kindness done in Beckam's honor and they arrived just in time to be installed in honor of his first birthday. The benches were placed at the elementary school where Beckam would have attended and will carry on his legacy, encouraging children to lead with love and kindness. The Buddy Benches are a way for any child left out to feel included. When a child is feeling alone, he/she can sit on the bench so others will recognize this and then come over to engage in playtime.  The family proceeded to spend the rest of his birthday taking trays of cookies to the schools, hospitals, police, and fire departments, including the one that responded to Beckam’s 911 call. They hope people will continue to make positive changes in other’s lives and spread the word using the hashtag #bnflovedbeyondmeasure. ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL DUPAGE COUNTY ALL KANE COUNTY

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Katy and Tyler Fillipp Share their Story of Loss and Love

by Kristen Kucharski LOCAL COUPLE LEADS WITH LOVE AFTER THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THEIR 5-MONTH OLD Love harder, love stronger, love more...

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by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING ASHLEY AND NIK RUZAS OF NAPERVILLE & TINLEY PARK According to Daphne Rose Kingma, beloved therapist; relationship expert; and author of a dozen books about love, relationships, and living through crisis, “weddings remind us that our lives have meaning and that love is the strongest bond, the happiest joy, and the loveliest healing we can ever experience”; hence, why Silver Cross Hospital Nurse, Ashley Wightkin (26) of Naperville and Glazer, Nik Ruzas (29) of Tinley Park just couldn’t wait another full year to formally bind their commitment when their wedding was postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.  The couple had originally planned a ceremony officiated by Ashley’s Godfather, Steve Wightkin with seven bridesmaids, fourteen groomsmen; a reception at the Fishermans Inn in Elburn, a cake from DeEtta’s in Naperville, flowers from Busy B’s, and a DJ from Music Mania in Naperville.  They had plans to honeymoon in Mexico and live happily ever after in Tinley Park.  Plan A turned to Plan B and then unexpectedly converted to Plan C when the virus hit the groom personally. The original big wedding scheduled for August 7, 2020 metamorphosed into a small wedding on August 8, 2020, and subsequently switched to a quaint backyard wedding on August 22, 2020 after his 14-day quarantine. As Albert Ellis would say, “The art of love is largely the art of persistence;” and so the Mother of the Bride, Kim Wightkin of Naperville transformed into a wedding planner and did everything from building the arch, arranging the flowers, and making the cake; while the bride’s youngest sister, Emma (18) became the photographer; and her youngest brother, Jack (20) functioned as the DJ. The couple’s rescue dogs Mya (Dog of Honor) and Mac (served as Best Dog) excitedly formed the wedding party.  “Everything came together exactly as planned,” Kim shares. “Including the amazing weather.”  Nothing can stop true love and the couple looks forward to their honeymoon this month in Rivera Maya, Mexico as well as their dream wedding on July 9, 2021. ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL WEDDING ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

GLANCING THE GALLANT | COVID-19 Can’t Stop Love

by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING ASHLEY AND NIK RUZAS OF NAPERVILLE & TINLEY PARK According to Daphne Rose Kingma, beloved therapist;...

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by Kristen Kucharski MEET EMILY ROMINSKI OF WHEATON On Friday, August 14 the community of Wheaton came together to give Emily Rominski a very special surprise parade to celebrate her 13th birthday. At this young age, Franklin Middle School student Emily Rominski has a fatty liver, high triglycerides, kidney disease, cardiac issues, anemia, insulin resistance, reduced range of motion, thinning skin and hair, and a short stature. Emily was diagnosed with Atypical Progeria Lipodystrophy at the age of two and is the youngest patient to test a trial drug known as Myalept. Emily has no adipose tissue, a mutation on her LMNA gene, and her body is aging more rapidly than her peers.  “Emily is so much more than her appearance and her health concerns,” mom Kristina shares. “If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies, how different would our ideals of beauty be.”  People who interact with Emily on a daily basis never know that she has any pain, because Emily doesn’t complain – she is very determined and does not want special accommodations – she does not let Atypical Progeria Lipodystrophy and any related struggles define her. She is resilient and brave and a hard worker. She is determined to live life to the fullest; hence why Wheaton residents, Theresa Ferguson, Jaymie Edwards, and Krista Scheidt wanted to do something very special for her birthday since the pandemic has isolated her from her vibrant social life.  “The tougher days seem a little more often right now, probably because some of us are able to go out to the store or work and interact with people and Emily is still ‘stuck’ at home,” Kristina shares. “Emily has a relationship with Jesus as her Lord and Savior, so that is first and foremost her way to deal with bad days, but of course, still misses her friends and school.”  Applying Emily’s philosophy that “Hope shines brightest in the darkest moments”, well-wishers worked together to coordinate a surprise ice cream party for Emily at the Scheidt’s Wheaton home, while community members lined up at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, along with the Wheaton Police and Fire Department, as well as the Mayor of Wheaton. In addition to the parade, gifts and cards were mailed and delivered to Krista's husband, John Scheidt, at his office at ZRG Partners in Wheaton, who presented Emily with a cash gift from a GoFundMe  account that was created in response to people wanting to contribute to her birthday.  Emily’s positivity touched a community, and in response, the community became “the rainbow in someone else’s cloud”. - Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara VIEW COMPLETE PHOTO ALBUM CONTRIBUTE TO EMILY'S BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL SCENE AROUND SUBURBIA ALL DUPAGE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Well-Wishers Worked Together to Give Wheaton Girl a Very Special Day

by Kristen Kucharski MEET EMILY ROMINSKI OF WHEATON On Friday, August 14 the community of Wheaton came together to give Emily Rominski a...

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by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING KARA NEITZEL OF OSWEGO As an employee of Scholastic, Inc. it’s no wonder that Kara is used to ‘opening a world of possible’ for kids around the world. This is a dream job of hers and she feels blessed to spend each day ensuring equity in education. Beyond her day job, she is immersed in the lives of children from teaching voice lessons, directing youth theater, and serving her community.  With the continued uncertainty of the upcoming school year, Kara took on a passion project.  “I kept thinking of little ones starting the school year remotely, and my heart ached for them,” she shares. “I wanted to do something to make back-to-school more exciting, especially for those kiddos whose families are struggling financially amid COVID-19.”  Kara understands the feeling of uncertainty.  “I’ve had furloughs from work, and I struggle with anxiety; so, I’ve been trying to keep myself busy,” she adds. In response, she has assembled special baskets containing a notebook, coloring book, activity book, pencil pouch, water bottle, glue stick, pencil sharpener, highlighter, markers, crayons, pencils, erasers, scissors, and stickers and is offering them to any child in need. This is a gift from the heart, and she is fortunate that her family and friends have also stepped forward to contribute financially if the need for distribution is beyond her personally means.  It has been said - that a person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help others. #WeAreAllInThisTogether - Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Oswego Woman Gives a Colorful Gift from the Heart to Students In Need

by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING KARA NEITZEL OF OSWEGO As an employee of Scholastic, Inc. it’s no wonder that Kara is used to ‘opening a...

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by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING JANE TEMPLE OF NAPERVILLE Nelson Mandela once said that history will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children; yet, during these historical times, our children seem to be the ones that are guiding and teaching us to adapt and empathize.  Chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity and joy and they are the very flowering plants that Naperville’s Highland Elementary 5th Grader, Jane Temple chose to anchor her Fall Fairy Gardens that she is creating to raise money for businesses that have been struggling due to the pandemic. What began as a backyard fairy garden project with her mom, has turned into a fundraiser to support struggling businesses.  “My mom posted it on Facebook and people said they were really nice and wanted to buy some,” Jane says. “The first weekend I made $630 and decided to donate it. I wanted to help the businesses because they were closed because of COVID and then again because of the broken windows……… I wanted to help them take care of their families if they needed the help.” Since the initial weekend, Jane has made 250 fairy garden baskets, donating over $2,000 to the Naperville Chamber of Commerce to decide how to best serve the strained business community.  Each planter takes about 10 to 15 minutes to make and Jane’s siblings, Margaret, Madeleine, Will and Patrick sometimes help plant the flowers if she has too many orders at a time, but the design and décor is always completed by Jane.  “For the Fall, I will use mums. Mr. Hermosillo from Menards in Naperville is going to give us a special price on them. They will have a fairy or a gnome and other Halloween and Fall decorations in them. For Christmas, I want to do one with a small Christmas tree for indoors and I am looking at special fairies and gnomes now.”  Serving the community is nothing new for Jane and her family. They often coordinate large service projects that consume the space at their local church, St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville. They work together to make a difference.  “I am just really happy that people liked my idea and wanted to help me so I could help Naperville,” Jane says. “Our family believes that if you give from your heart people will listen and help however they can.” - Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL DUPAGE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | 5th Grader Makes Fairy Gardens to Raise Money for Struggling Businesses

by Kristen Kucharski INTRODUCING JANE TEMPLE OF NAPERVILLE Nelson Mandela once said that history will judge us by the difference we make...

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MEET MADISON ROBERSTON AURORA–Bednarcik Junior High student, Madison Robertson (12), should have been participating in Spring Soccer; however, due to the COVID-19 shut down, she needed to find other ways to occupy her time. Using her creative background, Madison used the opportunity to spread Down Syndrome awareness, in honor of her little sister, Charlie, by painting her family’s mailbox in the traditional blue and yellow colors. “I think when it comes to inclusion, we have to remember that even though times are hard right now we can't take a step backwards,” Madison shares.  “My sister and people like her are important to me. I don't see her as any different, but I know some people do. This summer I had my first encounter with someone who kept using the R word no matter how many times I asked them to stop. I explained how it's insensitive and why it's important not to use that word. They understand now, but it was an eye-opening experience for me and a reminder that we still have a lot of awareness to spread.” The mailbox wasn’t the first artistic awareness project Madison has completed.  In 2016, she made over a hundred blue and yellow Down syndrome awareness bracelets, raising over $350 for her sister’s team for a local Down syndrome organization. She also designed awareness buttons with her stepmom to give to her friends at school for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and plans on making more for Down syndrome Awareness month in October.  As things slowly return to normal, Madison is excited to return to soccer and continues her daily runs with her dad in preparation for the NDSS Annual Virtual 321 run, but one thing will always remain consistent - regardless of what’s going on in the world - Madison will continue to remind others that we are “More Alike Than Different”. -Kristen Kucharski Send Your Glancing the Gallant Nominations to editorial@glancermagzine.com ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Local Girl Brings All-Inclusive Positivity to the World Around Her

MEET MADISON ROBERSTON AURORA–Bednarcik Junior High student, Madison Robertson (12), should have been participating in Spring Soccer;...

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HONOR FLIGHT – MEET BILL ZEBLECKIS OF YORKVILLE In the military, you and your comrades are handed situations that must be successfully completed as a team; so, you must work together to accomplish those tasks.  You overcome the problems and complete the job.  Bill knows this all too well.  He was in the army; 17th Armored Engineer Battalion of the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”.  Their motto was “We pave the way”.  He built bridges and buildings; cleared mine fields and built tank traps.  He also drove soldiers in a WWII half-track which was upgraded to the M59 personnel carrier along with the ability to travel on water. After WWII, the 17th Armored Engineer Battalion was based in Dexheim, Germany assisting the mobility units of the 2nd Armored Division.  “Our mission was to delay or defeat any Soviet invasion through the Fulda Gap.  We had an annual training event installing a floating bridge across the Rhine River, like the battalion did in WWII,” Bill adds.  “I was fortunate enough to drive French and English dignitaries on the Rhine River in the M59 personnel carrier and eventually attain the rank of Specialist 3rd class.” So, it should have come as no surprise to this 84-year-old vet, when two people showed up at his front door holding the Chicago Honor Flight Sign to recognize him for his bravery, determination, and patriotism as a senior war veteran and honor him with a one-of-a-kind journey to Washington D.C. Bill feels incredibly blessed and fortunate to be one of the lucky ones.  He has had a wonderful life with a wonderful family and will forever honor those who gave everything for their country. –Kristen Kucharski A LL WEST SUBURBAN VIPS ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE  ALL KENDALL

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | WWII Veteran Recognized For His Bravery, Determination & Patriotism

HONOR FLIGHT – MEET BILL ZEBLECKIS OF YORKVILLE In the military, you and your comrades are handed situations that must be successfully...

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MEET DIANA PIEDRA & MIA BOSEO NAPERVILLE–What began as a “Shelter in Place” past-time has turned into something bigger given the civil unrest of today.  According to Kennedy Junior High student, Mia Boseo, it can begin with a simple “Hello”. A few weeks ago, Mia and her mom, Diana Piedra had created chalk drawings and messages in the areas surrounding their Naperville home - a bright yellow sun, cheerful and colorful designs, as well as a painted Adirondack chair beautifully named “Joy” and placed at the entrance of their cul-de-sac. They live in a subdivision connected by miles and miles of trails that are frequented daily by individuals from many walks of life. On outings with her mom, Mia noticed that people seemed to be looking down more and that it was almost like “we have a new armor on with our face masks,” she said.  “We felt if we made an area that felt joyful, perhaps more people would be encouraged to truly see and acknowledge one another.” Mia and her mom hope to encourage others by initiating their own concerted effort to extend everyday social graces not only in their subdivision, but beyond. NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR editorial@glancermagazine.com  ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT FEATURES ALL DUPAGE GLANCE THROUGH THE JUNE ISSUE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | Spreading Sunshine and Social Graces

MEET DIANA PIEDRA & MIA BOSEO NAPERVILLE–What began as a “Shelter in Place” past-time has turned into something bigger given the civil...

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MEET LEAH MCCLOSKEY On a typical weekend summer day, Leah, a henna artist and pyrographer, would be drawing on people at festivals or going to art fairs and seeing live music at local pubs.  She would also be helping people relieve stress and pain through her licensed massage therapy practice and Brinka Chiropractic. During the “Shelter in Place” order, she began creating sidewalk chalk art to show love and support through the only way she knew how.  When civil unrest proceeded to hit the world just as we entered Phase 3, Leah chalked the State of Liberty donned with a mask with arms of all races raised together - “Liberty is not Liberty unless for all”.  It was a picture worth a thousand words. She drew the piece to express her emotions – “my heart hurt, my head hurt, and my soul was weeping,” she shares.  “I felt powerless to help and it is not my voice that needs to be heard today; so, the only way I felt I could get my emotions out and create a safe space was to draw what I felt.” She first created a Liberty piece in henna on her hand, then decided to attempt to burn it on wood. The original design has an American flag in the background and is titled "Liberty is Weeping" – with viral tears to represent the virus.   In the next drawing, Leah added the fists because she is angry and wants her friends and community to know she supports them and is here for them. After receiving many requests, the drawing will be made into prints and other items with all net proceeds being donating to Black Lives Matter and the Brave Space Alliance.  “I will continue to use my voice and my art to spread Alliance and peace; but, it is not my voice that needs to be heard, right now it is my job to shut up and listen and let the voices of those that have been oppressed for far too long be heard.” -Kristen Kuchraski NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR editorial@glancermagazine.com  ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT FEATURES ALL DUPAGE GLANCE THROUGH THE JUNE ISSUE

GLANCING THE GALLANT | A Picture is Worth Thousand Words

MEET LEAH MCCLOSKEY On a typical weekend summer day, Leah, a henna artist and pyrographer, would be drawing on people at festivals or...

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