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RON'S GONE WRONG, TURNING RED, FIREBUDS AND MORE NAPERVILLE–16 year old Ava Morse is no stranger to the professional world of acting and singing. Ava grew up navigating between two worlds as a typical suburban kid attending school and acting on stage & screen. Over the last couple of years Ava has been seen in several national commercial campaigns. Kelloggs Cinnamon Frosted Flakes and Hebrew National Hot Dogs . She also had a feature film released in 2017. Surprise Me! in which she plays the role of Young Genie . Her most recent adventure as Young Sam is currently streaming on HBO in Somebody Somewhere and she is currently working on her role as Cinder in the HBO Series - Disney Junior - Firebuds , which is set to release in 2022. In addition, Ava has enjoyed being able to tap into her nerdy side as the voice of science geek - Ava , in Disney’s, Rons Gone Wrong which was released in theaters in October 2021 and is now available on Disney Plus . “The audition process for Disney’s Rons Gone Wrong was very brief,” Ava shares. “I did a recording of the script at home in my pantry, then I got the call a couple months later that I got the role! Alongside voicing Ava , they also requested me to do some ADR (which is basically the setting ambiance) for the movie which I had never done before and worked with the amazing Lynnanne Zager on different improv skills and tips and tricks for this new aspect of voiceover.” Ava is also the voice of the character of Miriam in the upcoming Pixar movie Turning Red , which will be released to Disney Plus on March 11, 2022. “ Miriam is the ideal best friend, who is always there for you and always knows how to have a good time,” Ava says. “ Miriam came easy to me, I was basically just being an exaggerated version of myself. When you're in the booth, you really have to put yourself out there and with the team, I think we all just had a great time throwing in little quirks here and there to really make the character special. She'll make you laugh and cry and never fail to dazzle you with her beatboxing skills. Turning Red was a much different experience for me. I went through multiple rounds of auditions over Zoom where I first met our incredible director, Domee Shi, essentially landing the role of Miriam. But due to COVID, I recorded the movie at home. The team sent me all this crazy vocal equipment and I worked with them on Zoom for about 5 hours a couple days each month. By late 2021, things began settling down in Chicago and I went to BAM studios in the city and got to work with them over Zoom there which was the closest to normal my job had been in a long time.” Even though the limits in the entertainment industry during the pandemic have changed the audition and working processes, Ava continues to stay busy on new film and voiceover projects while also building her singing & songwriting career. Her music & videos have over 70K streams on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. - Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted www.avamorse.com Instagram & Facebook @avamorseofficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/avamorse ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITY NEWS WEST SUBURBAN VIPS NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Disney Movies Feature Naperville Teen, Ava Morse

Ron's Gone Wrong, Turning Red, Firebuds

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FORGET THE WORLD AND DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING When you see Groove’s National Dancer of the Year, Gracie Adamson (10) of Naperville with her vibrant smile, bright personality, brilliant confidence as she lights up the stage with her interpretation of a nerd dreaming of being a “Rich Girl”, you would never guess she was thinking: School is very hard for me. Sometimes I feel like I have to work harder than others. I need certain tools at school to help me be successful. My dad has Muscular Dystrophy. It's hard being a kid with a dad with a disability. I love my dad, but seeing him with Muscular Dystrophy is so hard. My mom is married to my dad, but it's like she is a single mom. She has to do everything for me and our family. But when she dances, she forgets about everything. “I don't feel different than others. I feel like Gracie,” she says. “I don't have to worry about using all my tools at school or worry about my dad and his disability. When I go on stage, I feel like I am on top of the world. I can be free and be myself with no judgement. I can let go and feel powerful. Dance is a way for me to express myself.” This Arlene Welch Elementary 5th Grader in Naperville has been dancing since she was 14 months old in Mommy and Me Tap classes. She began competitively dancing at age 4 and currently loves her Steps Dance Center in Aurora family. “Steps isn't just a dance studio, it is my home and one giant family,” Gracie says. “The teachers and directors at Steps took the time to help me figure out how I learn and how I can be successful and make me grow as a dancer. They plan solo practices when they know my mom can get me there. There was even this one time when my mom had a meeting after work and Ms. Emily Rosenberg took me to the competition, did my hair and make-up and treated me like her own kid.” Gracie confides that sometimes people look at her strangely when she tells them she is a dancer because she does not look like a stereotypical dancer; so she appreciates that her choreographers, Ms. Ang and Mr. Karlo incorporated her individual personality, style, and attitude when preparing her solo that was 100% "Gracie” and allowed her to succeed and shine in earning the coveted honor of Dancer of the Year! -Kristen Kurcharski, Photos Submitted “Daily dance uplifts the soul to spiritual realms.” –Lailah Gifty Akita CARING + SHARING KIDS + TEENS NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Naperville 5th Grader Named Dancer of the Year 2021, Meet Gracie Adamson

Naperville 5th Grader Named 'Groove Dancer of the Year 2021'

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by Kristen Kucharski AMAZING TALENT CHOSEN FOR DISPLAY IN THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK WHEATON/GLEN ELLYN–Glenbard West Senior William Hohe recently earned a Gold Medal in Photography for his piece entitled “We’re All Just Children in Adults’ Clothing”; and a Silver Medal with Distinction in Art Portfolio for his portfolio entitled “To All The Friends I’ve Loved” by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Only 2,000 awards were granted out of the 80,000 students and the 230,000 individual works and portfolios submitted. Due to the prestige of this honor, William now has the opportunity for his work to be displayed in the National Exhibition in New York and the respective traveling tour, as well as the national online gallery and the publication “The Best Teen Art and The Best Teen Writing.” It will come as no surprise that he plans to pursue a dual degree in Photography (BFA) and Journalism (BA) and hopes to attend Parsons School of Design/The New School in New York City, New York. William’s ultimate goal is to work as both a fine-art photographer, as well as be featured in art galleries and museums, and be published in fashion magazines such as Vogue or Vanity Fair. William has trained his entire life for this moment writing for the school newspaper, taking Photography 1, Photography 2, AP Studio Art 2D Design, AP Studio Art Drawing, as well as classes at Syracuse University and University of Michigan. “I became obsessed with taking photos of my close family and surroundings, and soon began doing photoshoots that were highly inspired by some of my favorite artists such as Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman, and David LaChapelle.” William’s time with art is intensely therapeutic. “Much of my art is deeply personal and related to the occurrences and people that are in my life,” he shares. “Art is a way that I am able to process my emotions in a healthy, productive way and feel a sense of relief through each piece I complete. Art is therapy for me in that when words fail me, art is my mode of transferring my internal thoughts and feeling onto a canvas, photograph, sculpture, etc.” He considers himself a mixed media artist and has dabbled in sculpture, a variety of 2D media (oil pastel, colored pen, charcoal, etc.), and is starting to begin working with videography as an extension of his love for photography. At the core, William is optimistic, focused, and passionate. He gains inspiration from his favorite artist, Keith Haring who’s popular drawings, cartoonish-style, graffiti art origins, and popular themes related to advocacy for the AIDS epidemic, LGBTQIA+ community, and social phenomena of the 80s/early 90s. William lives by the words of Haring, “Whatever you want to do, the only secret is to believe in it and satisfy yourself. Don’t do it for anyone else.” William is an exceptionally driven young man with entrepreneurial spirit already owning his own photography business doing senior portraits, wedding/bridal showers, among other types of photographic work; yet he is also a typical teen who loves hanging out with friends, thrifting, and participating in Ecology Club, Student Council, Interact Club, among other community and service activities. Beyond graduation, he looks forward to creating art that encompasses the year of 2020 – art that addresses political occurrences, social movements such as Black Lives Matter, the Me Too Movement, the youth culture of Gen-Z, and quilting artists like Bisa Butler who are integrating photographs of her black ancestry bringing to light the forgotten narratives of the black community during the 19th and 20th centuries. “The increased and ongoing striving for inclusivity and diversity within the art community is at the forefront of “trends” and I’m thrilled that black artists and people of color are finally getting their much-deserved recognition.” -Photos Submitted WEST SUBURBAN VIPs FEATURED ARTISTS DUPAGE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Glenbard West Senior William Hohe Wins Two Awards for His Photography Work

by Kristen Kucharski AMAZING TALENT CHOSEN FOR DISPLAY IN THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK WHEATON/GLEN ELLYN–Glenbard West Senior...

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by Kristen Kucharski WHEATON/NAPERVILLE FATHER DAUGHTER TO APPEAR ON SHARK TANK MARCH 12 ABC’s Shark Tank – it’s a dream we all dream about where budding entrepreneurs are given the chance to secure business deals that could make them millionaires for inventing solutions to common day problems. Lindsey Fleischhauer, 38 of Naperville, and her father, Stan Valiulis, 63 of Rockford will realize the dream on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 7pm CST on ABC with The Totes Babies Car Seat Carrier, a product to make shopping with babies simpler. It holds over 75 pounds and allows full shopping cart access with most shopping carts large and small. When Lindsey and her husband Mark had their first son three years ago, she dreaded going shopping because she could never get all that she needed due to the car seat taking up the whole shopping cart. “If I tried taking him out of the car seat he would scream and cry; so, I knew there had to be a better way!” Lindsey says. “I then went straight to my dad who holds over 40 patents and we drew up some ideas and made our first prototype from a curtain rod and a drop cloth stapled together. I took my son shopping with the handmade prototype and it worked amazing in which I knew we were onto something!” Although this is Lindsey’s first invention, Stan worked at his dad’s company Southern Imperial and has enjoyed seeing products prototyped, tooled, and marketed in the tune of over $100,000,000. “Many are still selling after the business was sold,” he says. “I am hoping to use these skills I have developed with more products for Totes Babies.” Together, he and Lindsey are currently working on some new inventions, such as the iPad and iPhone holder with Totes Babies which are also available on Walmart.com, BuyBuy Baby, and Amazon.com. They both agree preparing for Shark Tank was a lot of work, but such an incredible experience, and cannot wait for the show to air. Photos Submitted by Totes Babies BUSINESS PARENTING DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Dad & Daughter Team Head to ABC's Shark Tank, Tune In this Month

by Kristen Kucharski WHEATON/NAPERVILLE FATHER DAUGHTER TO APPEAR ON SHARK TANK MARCH 12 ABC’s Shark Tank – it’s a dream we all dream...

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AURORA 4 YEAR OLD TO BE FEATURED IN NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY VIDEO Charlie, was chosen as one of only 500 individuals with Down syndrome around the US (out of thousands of submissions) to be featured on the NDSS Down syndrome awareness jumbotron in NYC this year! Charlie Robertson of Aurora, Illinois, will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 12, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society's annual Times Square Video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. “This video is a terrific way to showcase some of the incredible individuals with Down syndrome living in our communities across the country,” says NDSS President & CEO Kandi Pickard. “It is something the community looks forward to every year.” The photo of Charlie was selected as one of 500 photographs that will appear in the video, streamed on NDSS social media from the heart of Times Square. Charlie is pictured in her pink “Doing Charlie Things” t-shirt. The Times Square Video presentation kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation will be followed by the New York City Buddy Walk, which will take place virtually due to COVID-19. Buddy Walk events will be held virtually in more than 150 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, this fall with over 325,000 people participating around the globe. For information about the NDSS Buddy Walk Program, visit www.buddywalk.org or call 800-221-4602. ABOUT NDSS The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS programming includes the National Advocacy & Policy Center, which seeks to create systemic change through engaged advocacy; the National Buddy Walk® Program, which honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome in local communities across the world, and other programs that provide support, informational resources and community engagement opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who love and support for them. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS programs and resources. ALL WEST SUBURBAN VIPS ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Charlie Robertson Chosen to Appear on Jumbotron In Times Square this October

AURORA 4 YEAR OLD TO BE FEATURED IN NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY VIDEO Charlie, was chosen as one of only 500 individuals with Down...

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CELEBRATING THE AMAZING As we focus on the celebrating the community during Phases 3 and 4 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to also focus on celebrating the amazing and talented residents who live, work and play in our communities. Today, we celebrate Glancer's own, Mike Catuara, as he marks his ten year anniversary with the magazine and shares his journey living with autism. When Did You First Discover Your Passion for Photography? What was Your Inspiration to Begin a Photography Career? Ever since I was 16, I guess. Had a great time during the upper class years at Downers Grove South H.S. that I wanted to keep the best moments in my high school career and preserve them for life. But I had thoughts of going into broadcasting at first when I enrolled at Illinois State University. I couldn’t hack it in that field and ended up going into Graphic and Visual arts. I took photo courses there and did well, and continued to take pictures of mostly social events for the college yearbook staff. I guess social living was the thing that inspired me most for my picture taking. When Did you First Discover You Had Autism? I did not discover it when I was little. It was about 1970, I guess, when I was 3 years old when my folks were informed that I had the disorder. I guess I was 12 when my mother said to me is caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain, but it was not until I was around 19 when the word “Autism” was introduced to me. Once I read up on it in the World Book Encyclopedia, I remember saying to myself, “So that’s it!” Could you imagine what the odds were in acquiring the disorder back then? In 1970 alone, 1 in 25,000!! Today the odds are between 1-90 to 110...(1-70 in boys) now that’s shocking. How has Autism Affected Your Career with Photography? You are Obvious Proof that Anything is Possible and that One Should Never Limit Themselves Based on a Medical Diagnosis People who are autistic obtain special skills that are considered beyond levels of genius. Savants such as myself shows skills such as mathematical, artistic, musical, spatial and mechanical abilities. I discovered I had perfect pitch when I was around 11, yet never stuck to music. I could remember a long list of certain things, yet I never could remember some other life essentials. I guess autism gave me the skill to compose photos the right way using the “Rule of Thirds” method and design graphic trademarks and logos, quickly...which was what I originally wanted my career to be based on. My case of autism was probably mild. Although I cannot imagine what life would be like if I was more impacted by it. What Has Been Your Most Prized Accomplishment as a Photographer? Working for Glancer Magazine. Thanks to Lindy Kleivo, I now make myself heard in doing what I love doing and making a career out of it, and enjoying being part of the Cosmopolitan Lifestyle and social events in Chicago’s western suburbs. What is Your Personal Favorite Thing/Person to Photograph and Why? I have no personal favorite person, place or thing, but being a man, I always have an eye for photographing beautiful women, (today at least!) but primarily it’s certain types of high end social events, (fashion shows, dances, parties) as well as low light sunsets, evening skies, night cityscapes and neon signs, especially in Las Vegas. I had a great time during my Senior Year in high school, and believe it or not, was obsessed with Vegas lights when I was only 6. Perhaps everything that reminds me of Vegas and past high school upper class events inspire me to choose my best pictures. Where Did You Grow Up? I was born in Chicago, raised in Darien, and had lived in Downers Grove, (just across Fairview Ave. from Darien,) since age 20. Tell Us About Your Passion for Photography? We live in an age where everything has gone digital. Film is now history, and digital photography now allows me to practice more than ever before by seeing instantly what I take and edit on a computer without the cost of expensive film and processing. I don’t know where I would be without it. What Would You Like to Share About Your Journey with Autism? I couldn’t take the past 52 years of my life and condense them down into a short interview, nor give parents of autistic kids who are reading this article false hope over their future, but all I can say that it time to do something about being made heard over autism as I have. It’s all up to you now as parents of autism to give, speak out, and fights for more to be done for research, care, therapy, and hope. I only wish we could have done so way earlier in time when I was diagnosed. Then again, with help from my family and friends, the journey with autism made me the man that I am today. I’m Mike Catuara, and I AM an autistic man. Interviewed by Kristen Kucharski PHOTOS Mike Is Pictured Above with Lindy Kleivo, Publisher of Glancer Magazine & at Glancer Magazine's West Suburban Office FUN FACTS ABOUT #TEAMGLANCER ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Someone Special You Should Know, Mike Catuara

CELEBRATING THE AMAZING As we focus on the celebrating the community during Phases 3 and 4 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to also...

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CELEBRATING THE AMAZING A 2016 Plainfield East High School graduate and Bolingbrook, Illinois, native returned home June 16, marking the end of a seven-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman. Since departing its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in November 2019, the aircraft carrier sailed in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Petty Officer 3rd Class Tristan M. Bush is a master-at-arms aboard the carrier. As a master-at-arms, Bush is responsible for law enforcement. “I enjoy helping people,” said Bush. “This job always has you on your toes and it’s something different every day.” Following a scheduled return from deployment in March, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Truman remained underway in the Western Atlantic as a certified and ready carrier force ready for tasking. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, the Truman continued to conduct operations underway, minimizing the potential spread of the virus aboard the ships, in order to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. The USS Harry S. Truman. (NAVY) Truman sailed more than 56,000 nautical miles, deploying dynamically to support dual-carrier operations, air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and interoperability with joint services and with allies and partners. The ship also completed multiple strait and choke point transits, to include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el Mandeb Strait, while operating under three Combatant Commanders – U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). “My proudest accomplishment this deployment is becoming dual warfare qualified, and for the Navy, it’s been working my way up the petty officer ranks like my father before me,” said Bush. Truman demonstrated the Navy's continuing regional commitment to EUCOM and CENTCOM areas of responsibility by hosting 80 embarked guests, including political and military leaders from eight ally and partner nations. These embarks directly supported U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet theater security objectives and greatly enhanced U.S. relationships and partnerships with multiple NATO ally and partner nations and Gulf Cooperation Council members. “I’m so very proud of all our sailors!” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Truman, “Their resilience, perseverance, and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary. It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman’s commanding officer this deployment!” According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea. The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force. Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Truman. More than 6,000 men and women serve aboard the ship during deployment keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly. Each crewmember performs a number of tasks outside of their traditional job or rating. “I’m a key member of the reaction force and small caliber action team,” said Bush. “I conduct security patrols in support of antiterrorism, physical security and law enforcement operations, and man various weaponry during shipboard drills, emergencies and maritime operations.” Throughout the deployment, Truman performed numerous training exercises to develop tactical competencies. From carrier strike force operations as the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, to exercises with partner navies and forces, the ship developed key skillsets to maintain readiness and interoperability. While conducting stability operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the strike group was called upon during an international crisis to assert American commitment to the region and act as a primary de-escalatory catalyst. Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Bush, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bush is honored to carry on the family tradition. “My father, grandfather, great-grandfather and two uncles all served in the military,” said Bush. “My father served aboard USS Sacramento during Vietnam, my uncle, Jeffery Bush, was a submariner aboard the USS Barb and my other uncle, Joseph Donato, served aboard the USS Fletcher.” As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bush, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow. “I joined the military to keep nearly 100 years and four generations of tradition going in the Bush family,” added Bush. - By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach ALL DUPAGE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Bolingbrook Native Returns from 7-Month Deployment aboard USS Harry S Truman

CELEBRATING THE AMAZING A 2016 Plainfield East High School graduate and Bolingbrook, Illinois, native returned home June 16, marking the...

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CELEBRATING THE AMAZING A lot has changed since 17-year-old Glenbard South High School student, Haley Rovansek and The Difference Dance Company of Carol Stream auditioned in September 2019 for NBCs World of Dance. The journey began nine months ago when they flew to New York to tryout. They received the exciting news this past December that they were chosen, and 6 of the 14 team members traveled to Los Angeles to represent the dance company on NBC’s World of Dance just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. “It was surreal because we got to meet dancers and dance companies not only from the U.S. but also from France, Italy, Finland, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Columbia, the Philippines and the Netherlands,” Haley said. “We were in awe to be surrounded by such amazing and influential dancers from all around the world. It was the opportunity of a lifetime.” The dance, choreographed by Melissa Lobes, the owner of the Difference Dance Company, is about finding strength to overcome a situation that you may feel stuck in and to make the change for yourself if you want to make a difference in your life. The theme of that dance has provided the foundation for the team to push through the pandemic, finding ways to continue training via Zoom and reaching new highs such as competing virtually against teams from across the globe that would have otherwise not been possible. The dancers also used the opportunity to help others during the time of crisis, such as collecting donations of diapers, wipes, baby food and formula to donate to the Pilsen Community Center, a neighborhood hit hard by COVID-19 due to job loss, store closures, and lack of access to public transportation due to protests and looting. From across the country to close to home, Haley and her team are making a difference. Don’t miss The Difference Dance Company on NBC’s World of Dance hosted by Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and NE-YO on Tuesday, June 16th at 9pm. - Kristen Kucharski ALL DUPAGE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Glen Ellyn's Haley Rovansek to Appear On NBC’s World of Dance

CELEBRATING THE AMAZING A lot has changed since 17-year-old Glenbard South High School student, Haley Rovansek and The Difference Dance...

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LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE AND CONNECTION  WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–Married to world renowned model and actress Jennifer Gimenez, Naperville Resident Tim Ryan and Jennifer are considered a Celebrity Power Couple and are the most sought-after speakers in the country for Substance Abuse - Suicide Prevention - Mental Health - Opioid Crisis - Eating Disorders - Prison Reform - Treatment & Recovery - Prevention - Harm Reduction - Body Image - Self Esteem – Leadership -Motivation – Inspiration. Their credibility comes from years of struggling themselves with these issues, despite each having a successful career and seemingly perfect life. Tim’s struggles with heroin landed him in prison for drug-related convictions and although he was released only 14 months later, he used that time wisely to fully engage in a 12-step based program, as well as lay the foundation for a business plan that would ultimately seek to help others with addiction issues. “What we need are more programs that are long term for drug cases, people need substance abuse treatment and mental health help not jail,” Tim shares. “We need one to two year very structured programs; we have a pandemic going on and everyone wants to point the finger, but we need more solutions.” Tim and Jennifer now spend their time between Los Angeles and Naperville, currently living at Hotel Arista in Naperville as they search for a new town home and enjoy eating at Lou Malanti’s and Rosebuds and going to the DuPage Children’s Museum. His foundation, A Man in Recovery (www.amirf.org) is also based in Naperville where they run family support groups, assist anyone in treatment and speak all over Illinois; thus Naperville will always be home. Although Jennifer and Tim speak nationwide to schools, communities, colleges and corporations (www.timandjennifer.org), Tim’s personal recovery will always come first and foremost. “You can watch a person’s actions. Less talking and more action. I live in the depths of others peoples’ worlds of addiction from talking to a family, doing interventions, getting people into treatment, running a foundation, speaking nationwide with my wife and working for a substance treatment center www.abetterliferecovery.com ,” he says. I still go to 4 -12 step meetings a week for myself, see an outside life coach and keep my circle very small. I only want to be around positive people who make me a better person.” He and Jennifer are currently working on a reality-based docuseries, starting a podcast and Jennifer is back acting as well. Their days are very full but filled with purpose and connection. -Kristen Kucharski FLIP THROUGH FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Tim Ryan, A Man In Recovery

LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE AND CONNECTION WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–Married to world renowned model and actress Jennifer Gimenez, Naperville...

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JIM OBERWEIS FOR CONGRESS WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–Jim was born and raised in Aurora and had lived in the same house for 42 years before moving to his current home. He has fond memories of his grandparents and their farm, and loved every chance he had to ride his bike with friends down to the Fox River after a day of chores. Jim grew up knowing the value of hard work, family commitment, and teamwork to get the job done right. After graduating from Marmion Military Academy, he went on to earn a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He kept it local and took his first job as a math and science teacher at Waldo Junior High School in Aurora; yet, never settling for status quo, he next launched Oberweis Asset Management which now manages approximately $3 billion in growth stock assets. Jim might also have minor celebrity status for the guiding hand as Chairman of Oberweis Dairy and the success of 43 ice cream stores and restaurants with more than 1,200 employees, as well as his philanthropic endeavors with the Oberweis Foundation helping those less fortunate in our community. Somewhere along the way, Jim found the time to not only get married, but have five children and 22 grandchildren (with 2 more on the way), while also maintaining a deep interest and familiarity in the policies implemented by the local, state and federal governments. “Despite having been involved as a volunteer in the Republican Party, I did not seriously contemplate running for office until I finished raising my family and establishing my businesses,” Jim says. “The defining moments usually occurred annually on April 15 and on the semi-annual property tax due dates.” Jim is frustrated that both Illinois government and the Federal government have the same problem, “They seem to see no correlation between spending and revenue streams, which leads to higher taxes, higher debt and an unstable financial foundation for American government and American society,” he says of why he is pursuing his role as a Congressman. His courage to continue to seek change comes from the gratification he has found in getting various bills signed into law as an Illinois Senator. “You hope your work will make the government function more efficiently and less expensively,” he says. At the core, Jim values creating change for a better future, not only for his own family but for his community. -Kristen Kucharski

WEST SUBURBAN VIP | Meet Senator Jim Oberweis

JIM OBERWEIS FOR CONGRESS WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–Jim was born and raised in Aurora and had lived in the same house for 42 years before...

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