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MARKET FUN IN OSWEGO Shop Fresh, Shop Local at the Oswego Country Market OSWEGO–Presented by the Oswegoland Park District, the Market runs from 9am to 1pm every Sunday from June 2-September 29. Enjoy fresh air shopping with plenty of choices to buy locally grown produce, specialty foods, and handmade items. Oswego’s Country Market is located on Main Street in charming downtown Oswego. Visit oswegolandparkdistrict.org for more information or follow the Market on Facebook at facebook.com/oswegocountrymarket . www.playoswegoland.org

OSWEGO | Oswego Country Market • Sundays Starting June 2

OSWEGO | Oswego Country Market • Sundays Starting June 2

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2024 Naperville Jaycees Last Fling Announces Musical Lineup!   Naperville –   The Last Fling will happen Labor Day Weekend, Friday, August   30   through Monday, September 2 , 2024   as an end-of-summer block party-style event along Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Save the date to  join the Naperville Jaycees, community volunteers, and your neighbors for  the weekend’s live music, food, beverages, and carnival fun!    Friday, August 30 will feature Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 8PM, a live performance powerhouse bringing joy to the eyes and ears of all in attendance, you don’t want to miss this show!   Michael C. Hayes  will keep you rockin at 7:15PM after Sammy & The Knights  kicks-off the weekend’s musical line-up at 5PM; their songs will have your guests singing and dancing along to R&B and Rock n’ Roll favorites from the sixties and seventies.   The fun continues on Saturday, August 31 with Hi Infidelity  headlining the Jackson Avenue Stage at 8PM, performing 80’s Rock favorites; Journey, REO, Bon Jovi and Boston along with new classics too !  Taking the stage at 5:15PM is Motown Nation  will bring hits from Stevie Wonder, Aretha, Temptations, The Blues Brothers, Frankie Valli, Supremes, Dion, Four Tops and more.  A t 2:30PM, you will be entertained by The Chain  with Fleetwood Mac’s lineup from the Rumors era!.  Opening the musical entertainment on Saturday at 12PM is Sonic Roadtrip , bringing a wide variety of rock and dance cover songs to the Fling.  Brent Brown  will keep you rocking at the Beer Garden Stage all day long!   On Sunday, September 1, Sixteen Candles tops the night at 8PM with their undeniable energetic and exciting concert experience which audiences won't soon forget!  At 5:15PM, 90’s Pop Nation  performs covers of the biggest pop hits, one hit wonders, sing-alongs, and dance hits from the 90’s!    At 2:30PM, you will be entertained by Heart 2 Heartbreaker , who capture the sights and sounds of women that changed the Rock & Roll status quo while Rockhouse  takes  the stage at 12PM mixing some classic rock gems, along with some more interesting deep cuts for your entertainment.  Brent Brown  will provide entertainment at the Beer Garden Stage throughout the day!                                                                                     Closing out the 2024 Last Fling on Labor Day Monday, The Ron Burgundys  will croon their special kind of  soft rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s on September 2 at 3:45PM with Michael C. Hayes at 3PM .  Starting at 12PM, Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones will salute legendary artists such as Elvis,  Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, The Beatles and more during a complimentary lunch for Military Veterans, in the Sponsors’ Area, near the Jackson Avenue Stage.  All times are subject to change, more details via lastfling.org

LAST FLING 2024 | Musical Entertainment Line-Up Announced for Popular Summer Festival in Naperville

The Last Fling will happen Labor Day Weekend, Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2, 2024

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Jeans a Cute Top Shop www.jeansandacutetop.com 161 S 1st St, St Charles, IL 60174 (630) 444-0999 123 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 690-5287 facebook I nstagram TWO BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS WITH THE LATEST TRENDS WHEATON & ST. CHARLES–Jill Card opened Jeans and a Cute Top after years of working in retail and corporate sales jobs, wearing boring suits, uncomfortable pantyhose, and predictable white dress shirts. The name was inspired by her first date with her husband when she asked, “What should I wear?” and her husband replied: “Jeans and a cute top.” When Jill was getting ready for that first date, she didn’t have a great pair of jeans or a cute top in her closet and had to borrow an outfit from her sister, a flight attendant with a much more fun wardrobe. As she got older, Jill couldn’t find any great jeans for women in their 30s and 40s. Stores catered to teenagers or grandmas. The unflattering ‘Mom’ jeans filled in that age gap. Now, in Jill’s closet, you’ll find about 40 pairs of jeans. She has 8-10 pairs in regular rotation. Her go-to, favorite pair is the Gia from Liverpool—the denim is super soft and keeps its shape. Jeans and a Cute Top is the solution for women who don’t want to look ridiculous trying to dress like their daughters but also refuse to settle for shapeless loungewear. Jill hand selects every item in the store, going to trade shows looking for style over trend, and finding affordable, beautiful clothes that work for all women, not just size 0 models. You will find Jill working the floor of one of her shops every day—she is committed to changing the world for women one great fitting pair of jeans at a time. Photos by Ruta Drulia VIEW SHOP GALLERY

SHOP GALLERY | Jeans and a Cute Top Shop

Two Beautiful Locations with the Latest Trends

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ON TREND ESSENTIALS FOR THE STYLISH AT HEART Urban Echo Shop www.urbanechoshop.com Located Inside The Rustic Fox 1790 Town Centre Dr., North Aurora • Vendor #3 facebook I nstagram NORTH AURORA– Urban Echo Shop features on trend essentials for the stylish at heart–from clothing and accessories to home decor, unique furniture, gifts and seasonal trends. Owned by local mom Lindy Kleivo, along with 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 VIEW SHOP GALLERY

SHOP GALLERY | Urban Echo Shop

On Trend Essentials for the Stylish at Heart

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COMBINING YOUR APTITUDES WITH YOUR INTERESTS FOR CAREER SUCCESS What are you doing after high school? After college? Are you going to college? Do you need help to find the right career choice? The Career Vision Aptitude Advantage does just that. Aptitudes identify your strongest talents and the jobs you would enjoy, and be good at doing. Combining your aptitudes with your interests, we show you specific career choices. There are resources about college majors, job outlook, and what you need to prepare 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 this Glen Ellyn business a call. Career Vision's assessment process is a positive and objective way to give you the confidence to make good career choices. And, your personal career consultant will take time to discuss the test results and all of your choices. If you are going to college and want to know why and what to study, give them a call. If you have graduated college and still haven’t found your best fit, the professional consultants at Career Vision can help you, too. For over 30 years Career Vision has been helping people find their best career choices. Career Vision www.careervision.org (630) 469-6270 PICTURED ABOVE: Career Vision Glen Ellyn Location; Georgia Koch, Community Outreach Coordinator, Career Vision

CAREER VISION | Unique Assessment Process Gives Residents Career Direction

Glen Ellyn Enrichment Center Combines Your Aptitudes With Your Interests to Help with Career Success

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Exciting & Fun in Naperville for Your Special Day NAPERVILLE–WhirlyBall Naperville has over 45,000 square feet of space perfect for your wedding. An industrial-chic vibe meets an adventure-loving spirit with an artisan craft beer taproom-style setting. From bachelorettes to bumper cars, we have everything in-house you need for your "wedding with a whirl!" Whirly Ball Naperville 3103 Odyssey Court, Naperville | 630-932-4800 www.whirlyball.com/weddings

Whirly Ball | The Wedding Page

Exciting & Fun in Naperville for Your Special Day

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ENJOY A WONDERFUL EXTERIOR REMODELING EXPERIENCE West suburban-based exterior remodeling company Opal Enterprises wants you to enjoy your remodeling project! Recognizing that new roofing, siding and windows is often a once in a lifetime purchase, why should the experience be one that frustrates and angers you? Come visit their James Hardie Siding and Andersen Window showroom and you will also see the words “Have a Wonderful Remodeling Experience” splashed all over the walls as they have developed this mission statement into a company culture. Opal Enterprises has raised the bar in expertise with installing specifically James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, Andersen Windows and GAF brand roofing. Over the last 20+ years in business they’ve evaluated what they do best and made it a target focus to work on the how we do it the best. Opal Enterprises sought out to strengthen their training and relationships with the manufactures who have certified them as their preferred contractor, all so that your home is remodeled right the first time! Opal Enterprises Showroom 127 Ambassador Drive, Suite 159, Naperville Info@opalenterprises.net • (630) 355-6557 www.opalexteriors.com

EXTERIOR REMODELING | Why Homeowners Have LOVED their Experience with Opal Enterprises

Spring Fling Sale on Windows, Siding & Doors with Opal Enterprises

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Her Story is a Testament to the Beautiful Blend of Motherhood and a Thriving Real Estate Career BATAVIA–Ewelina is a dedicated realtor from Batavia, Illinois, with Coldwell Banker Realty. Her story is a testament to the beautiful blend of motherhood and a thriving real estate career spanning 7 years. Ewelina's busy household, overflowing with love and companionship, includes her two daughters, aged 24 and 17, three stepsons, and a delightful mix of furry friends. Juggling client calls amidst family commitments and orchestrating showings around vacations, Ewelina exemplifies adaptability and dedication. Her genuine care for both clients and loved ones resonates through her approach, rooted in empathy and integrity instilled by her mother. Beyond transactions, Ewelina's passion lies in creating memorable experiences for families house hunting in the Western Suburbs—transforming each search into a joyful exploration of communities, forging lasting connections, and guiding them towards their dream homes with unwavering support and personalized care. Get to know more about Ewelina in her own words.... The Balancing Act How do you balance being a fantastic mom and a top-notch realtor in the West Suburbs? Seamlessly blending motherhood and real estate is all about adaptability and dedication. Whether it's answering client calls while cheering on my daughter at a dance competition or scheduling showings around family vacations, I make it work. My clients understand that family comes first, and they appreciate the genuine care and attention I give to both them and my loved ones. It's about finding balance and being fully present in every moment, whether it's negotiating a deal or attending Friday night football games. From Mom to Mom Can you share a heartwarming story of helping a family find their dream home in the West Suburban area? Recently, I had the honor of helping the Anderson family find their dream home in our community. They were looking for a place with enough space for their growing family and a backyard for their children to play. After weeks of searching, we found the perfect home that checked all their boxes. Seeing their faces light up as they walked through the front door was truly priceless—a moment that reminded me why I love what I do. I Learned It from My Mom What's the best advice your mom gave you that influences how you approach motherhood and real estate? My mom always emphasized the importance of empathy and integrity in everything I do. She taught me to listen deeply, to understand others' needs, and to always act with honesty and compassion. This advice guides me in both motherhood and real estate, reminding me to prioritize relationships, to advocate for my clients with sincerity, and to create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. House Hunting Fun How do you make house-hunting fun and engaging for families looking to settle down in the West Suburban neighborhoods?  House hunting in the Western Suburbs is more than just finding a house—it's about discovering a community that feels like home. I make the process fun and engaging for families by organizing neighborhood tours, highlighting local parks, schools, and family-friendly amenities. From scavenger hunts for the kids to personalized welcome packages, I strive to make every step of the journey exciting and memorable, turning house hunting into a cherished family adventure.   Finding the Perfect Home As a mom and a realtor, what's your favorite aspect of helping families find their perfect home in West Suburban Chicago?  My favorite aspect is the opportunity to build genuine connections with families as they embark on this journey. I love getting to know their unique preferences, aspirations, and the little details that will make a house truly feel like home for them. Being able to guide and support them through such a significant milestone in their lives is incredibly rewarding—it's about forging lasting relationships and being a trusted ally in their pursuit of happiness. CONTACT EWELINA

COVER STORY | Realtor Mom: Ewelina Rafael of Batavia

Her Story is a Testament to the Beautiful Blend of Motherhood and a Thriving Real Estate Career

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Local Mom & Realtor Shares Heartwarming Stories of Helping Families Find their Dream Homes While Balancing Family Life GENEVA–Meet Julie Riddle, a dedicated wife, mother of three and a successful realtor at @Properties St. Charles since 2017, based in Geneva, Illinois. Julie expertly balances her roles as a top-notch realtor in west suburban Chicago and a fantastic mother by meticulously planning her schedule to accommodate family commitments and client needs. Her passion for both her work and family shines through as she shares heartwarming stories of helping families find their dream homes, emphasizing the importance of happiness at work and home. Drawing inspiration from her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, Julie embodies leadership and warmth in both her personal and professional life. Through her fun and engaging approach to house-hunting, Julie creates memorable experiences for families looking to settle down in the vibrant neighborhoods of west suburban Chicago, showcasing the unique charm and community spirit of the area. Get to know more about Julie in her own words.... The Balancing Act How do you balance being a fantastic mom and a top-notch realtor in the West Suburbs? Part of the balancing act is keeping my schedule well-planned. Our family has the morning bus stop, practices, games, and sleepovers. When I am home, I am present. My clients are well-served by me; they always know they will hear from me quickly. I have systems in place and delegate work tasks when needed to keep a healthy work-life balance. I love spending time with my clients and family; each receives my full attention when we are together. Happiness at work and home is essential to me, and I have both. From Mom to Mom Can you share a heartwarming story of helping a family find their dream home in the West Suburban area? This winter, I was helping a family move from Texas. They knew very little about Naperville, and before giving them a video tour of a home they were interested in, I saw a neighbor shoveling across the street. I asked the neighbor if she would mind telling about the neighborhood for some potential buyers on video, and she agreed, even in the cold! The buyers purchased the beautiful Naperville home, and I dropped off a gift for the sweet neighbor I sprung an interview with. I Learned It from My Mom What's the best advice your mom gave you that influences how you approach motherhood and real estate? I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and both my mother and my grandmother were a significant influence on my life. My grandmother taught me to be a matriarch and the leader of my family, and I am both a leader within my family and my career. House Hunting Fun How do you make house-hunting fun and engaging for families looking to settle down in the West Suburban neighborhoods?  I am fun, and I love to laugh. Home hunting should be an exciting adventure and never full of stress. I have a design group on Facebook (The Salt of Chicago Home Design Group), and I have many ideas about how a space can be transformed as we search for your home. At the same time, as an experienced parent, I look for the functionality of space as the stages of life change. I can confidently say that I am an expert in the housing economy, but what my clients remember is laughing and smiling with me. We have a blast.    Finding the Perfect Home As a mom and a realtor, what's your favorite aspect of helping families find their perfect home in West Suburban Chicago?  It is a joy to show a neighborhood and town's features. The Western Suburbs offer vibrant downtowns, culture, book clubs, gardening groups, neighborhood shops, and even neighborhood pools. It's a unique corner of the Chicago Area and the Midwest, and I love to show it off. If you speak to my clients, they will tell you that I talk to them about the friends I plan to introduce them to. We have many ways to participate in the community; the Chicago area has a pulse, and I am proud to live here.  If my clients are utilizing public schools, it is important to me that I show them how to interpret the data on the Illinois School Report Card. Knowing the resources your district can offer is essential, and this data is an unbiased and reliable tool. The resources a school-age child may need can also change. I lost my hearing later in life, and resources for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are essential to me. It is important to know about the funding and resources of a school district to gain knowledge about the nearby schools.  CONTACT JULIE

COVER STORY | Realtor Mom: Julie Riddle of Geneva

Local Mom & Realtor with @Properties Shares Heartwarming Stories of Helping Families Find their Dream Homes While Balancing Family Life

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Meet the Owner of Nice and Neat at Home in Naperville NAPERVILLE–Nicole Schuler, the owner and lead organizer of her thriving home organization business, Nice and Neat at Home in Naperville, discovered her passion for decluttering and creating harmonious living spaces through a lifelong love for organization. Transitioning from a career as a speech pathologist to a professional organizer, Nicole found fulfillment in not just beautifying spaces but also in giving people back control over their lives. For busy moms seeking practical solutions, Nicole recommends innovative storage ideas like designated donation bins, strategically placed "Put me away" bins on staircases, dedicated "Too Small" bins in children's closets, and keeping socks with shoes in the mudroom for easy access. These simple yet effective hacks streamline daily routines and reduce clutter, bringing a sense of order to hectic households. Balancing her clients' needs with maintaining her own home, Nicole practices what she preaches, implementing and sustaining organizing solutions in her personal space. Encouraging clients to embrace grace during the process, Nicole emphasizes the importance of having systems in place and dedicating time to maintain a clutter-free home amid life's busyness. Identifying the often underestimated mudroom as a key area for organization, Nicole stresses the significance of decluttering for creating a peaceful environment. By advocating a minimalist approach, defining spaces, and involving family members in the organizational process, she helps families achieve harmony and reduce stress through outer order. During consultations, Nicole tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each family, considering factors like daily routines, family dynamics, and stressors to create customized organizational solutions. Emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, Nicole ensures her work benefits the entire household, not just individual clients. To moms striving for an organized and clutter-free home amidst daily chaos, Nicole offers empowering advice: be intentional about what enters your space, curate belongings that serve a purpose, and let go of items that no longer contribute to your peace. By asserting control over what comes into their homes, moms can cultivate environments that support their well-being, reduce stress, and foster stronger family connections. Nicole Schuler's dedication to transforming spaces and lives through organization exemplifies the profound impact of decluttering on mental well-being, productivity, and familial relationships. Through her thoughtful guidance and practical tips, she continues to inspire and empower families to embrace the transformative power of an organized home. www.niceandneatathome.com

WOMEN INSPIRED | Nicole Schuler, Transforming Homes and Lives with Her Love for Organization

Meet the Owner of Nice and Neat at Home in Naperville

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A Mission-Driven Marketing Agency NAPERVILLE–The Naperville-based marketing agency you probably never heard of – but they’re the communication and promotional hub of many nonprofit organizations that you probably do know. Organizations like Benedictine University, Habitat for Humanity of Illinois, KidsMatter, United Way of Will County, and about 60 others, both large and small. Starting in 2006, PGM has forged community-based partnerships with mission-driven organizations, and has become a community steward through volunteering, donations, and inkind work. In fact, they are a certified B-Corporation. They have over 170 awards to their credit, and a public commitment to donate 15% of their time, and 1% of their gross revenue to local nonprofit organizations. Not bad for a company you probably never heard of. Paul Gregory Media 50 S. Main Street Suite 200 Naperville • (630) 216-9010 paul@paulgregorymedia.com

BUSINESS | Paul Gregory Media, a Local Media Marketing Agency to Know

A Mission-Driven Marketing Agency Located in Downtown Naperville

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Refined Beauty is an Award-Winning Upscale Salon and Spa Boutique One Block from Downtown Naperville NAPERVILLE–With a staggering 427,536 salon recommendations in Naperville's Mom's Facebook group, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But what if we told you there's a way to find your dream artist? Our quiz matches you with an artist who aligns with your unique style, beauty budget, busy schedule, personality, and beauty needs. It's a personalized experience just for you! We get it! Breaking up with your stylist is as challenging as finding the perfect pair of jeans. Well, fear not—we've got just the solution for you! It's time to take the only quiz that matches you with your salon soulmate. Take the quiz today and receive a free gift for your first service. Refined Beauty is an award-winning upscale salon and spa boutique one block from Downtown Naperville. It specializes in Hair Extensions, offering modern Cuts and colors, head spa treatments, Facials, Lash services, and Body Sugaring. It is known for its five-star bridal hair and makeup services, which can be performed on-location or rent their private Luxe Lounge. Rental options are available for the whole salon for your wedding or bachelorette parties. Refined Beauty www.refinedbeautyboutique.com 625 South Washington Street Naperville (630) 590-9500

BEAUTY | Refined Beauty Downtown Naperville Invites You to Take their Quiz to Get Matched with Your Perfect Stylist

Refined Beauty is an Award-Winning Upscale Salon and Spa Boutique One Block from Downtown Naperville

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Latest Issue
March 2024

Glancer Magazine March 2024

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► March 2024 Issue, Western Suburbs

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