EMPOWERING TEENS “I am honored to lead and run the Alive Teen Center in Naperville. I find strength from empowering others. The key to teaching our youth is to let them learn for themselves, to become empowered through their own experiences. I love providing our teens with a space to try new things, to lead in a supportive environment. They don't need to be told what to do by adults. Instead, they need to be nurtured and supported by us. This is how I find strength. Through empowering the next generation!” –Kandice Henning, Alive Center A “BEGIN AGAIN” OPPORTUNITY “2010- As a stay at home mom of 3 boys (15,13,8) I was faced with a divorce. I had an out of state expired teacher license and no family support in the state. I had to work hard to reinstate my teaching license through testing and classes. After 4 years of working my way up the education profession ladder, I am proud to say I was recently hired as a kindergarten teacher in St. Charles district 303. My boys have seen me overcome adversity and work hard when life has unexpected changes in what you planned. My students also have a teacher who is so thankful for this “begin again” opportunity. I couldn't be prouder of myself and the strength that has shined through when many days were dark and discouraging. My mantra is to "begin again" and to continue to set an example for my 3 sons. Life doesn't end when you get knocked down. Rather you get back up and “begin again”. –Allison Thomas, Geneva STRENGTH IN MOTHERHOOD This past year I have had to be stronger than ever, and I found my strength through motherhood. I lost my own mother last December in a car accident. I was 20 weeks pregnant at the time. I am also a triplet and lost my triplet sister to domestic violence in June– just 6 short weeks after giving birth to my baby. Since, I have had to wake up every morning without skipping a beat. Motherhood has given me a strength I never knew possible, fills my heart with so much love and keeps me moving forward day after day. –Nichole Yunger, Westmont To share your message with our readers: www.glancermagazine.com/womenofstrength #GlancerMagazine #February2017 #LIfestyle #LocalWomen #WomenofStrength #Naperville #Geneva #Westmont

LET’S TAKE A TRIP TO PORTUGAL Typically people gravitate toward American, French, Italian and Spanish wines when selecting their grape of choice. Those wines are everywhere and of course, there is so much to love about them. Portuguese wine, on the other hand, is not a natural “go-to” wine for most. Some would guess it is because the grapes are difficult to pronounce or identify and there is not that much of a selection at your local retail wine shop. There is, however, a huge value found in Portugal wines. What makes them unique is that although you can get value with wines from other countries, it’s usually because those bottles are from select areas within those countries verses Portugal wines where the value is fairly consistent throughout the country. I’ve opened a couple of bottles recently that really reminded me of this fact. Aveleda Follies, 2013 from D.O. Bairrada (SRP $11): This is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon - aged in French oak for 12 months then another year in the bottle. What an easy drinker! This has notes of mushrooms, berry, oak and vanilla. This has some really nice and easy red fruits; it’s soft on the palate, and overall fun to drink! Dona Ermelinda Reserva, 2013 from D.O. Palmela (SRP $18): This interesting blend is of 70% Castelao, 10% Touriga Nacional, 10% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon - aged in French oak for 12 months then another 8 months in the bottle. This has aromas of dark fruits, spiced fruit cake, and smoke. The palate follows through with more dark fruits, structure and noticeable but soft tannins. It has a long lasting almost mouth smacking finish. It’s delicious, but needs air to really open up. This is a bottle that would be even better over time, save it to drink sometime before 2023. Sláinte! #GlancerMagazine #DiningCabaret #TheChicagoWino #February2017 #FeaturedBlog #BeyondChicago

HEAL. GROW. LIVE. Looking for a safe place to process relational tension, occupational stress, or a personal struggle? Jada B. Hudson, is a Master’s level therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, who has experience working with women, men, couples, and children for over 20 years. She specializes in helping people overcome traumatic events, grieve loss, rebuild healthy conversation, and love themselves again. For questions or to set up an appointment, call (630) 815-3735. #GlancerMagazine #HudsonClinicalCounseling #February2017 #HealthWellness #LocalWomen #Spotlights #SugarGrove

6TH GRADE CLASS WORKING ON THE ROSEDALE FREEDOM PROJECT Kaneland Harter Middle School's 6th grade class is working on the Rosedale Freedom Project and seeking community involvement. The class is collecting new and gently used books as phase 1 of this project and will be collecting funds as phase 2 which will help the Freedom Project Fellows' youth center bring their photo essays and oral history documentary to Chicago Universities. These have already been displayed at the Grammy Museum. Once they arrive in Chicago they will also be able to visit Harter Middle School the week before spring break. Phase 1 - Book donations accepted January 9th - February 17th - to collect 1000 new books for the students of Rosedale. Phase 2 - Monetary Donations accepted February 20th - March 6th Books and donations can be brought to Kaneland Harter Middle School's front office at 1601 Esker Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. For more information call the main office. A website will also soon with information about the project and progress updates. #GlancerMagazine #CaringSharing #Kaneland #SugarGrove #January2017 #GlancerWeekly #EducationNews

LOOK, TASTE, ENJOY! Promising an enlightening taste experience, VOM FASS is an oil, vinegar, spirits and wine shop. When you step into a VOM FASS European-style tasting room you will feel like a kid in a candy store surrounded by unparalleled visual and sensory tasting experiences, and you will be able sample any product “from the cask” [the English translation of VOM FASS] before purchasing them. VomFass Naperville 121 S. Washington St (630) 857-9936 www.vomfassusa.com #GlancerMagazine #DiningCabaret #StyleBeauty #January2017 #Spotlights

LOCAL RESIDENT CREATES APP TO STOP CYBERBULLYING Trisha Prabhu of Naperville Creates ReThink Words, an App to Stop Cyberbullying Welcome to the Shark Tank! Many of us watch the ABC hit show while dreaming of our own inventions that will make us millions after partnering with one of the five titans of the industry. 16 year old, Neuqua Valley Student and Naperville resident, Trisha Prabhu realized that dream after she pitched her anti-bullying app ReThink on the Season 8 Premiere. ReThink is the first ever proactive solution to stop cyberbullying before it happens. When an adolescent tries to post a hurtful message, ReThink detects that the message is hurtful and sends a gentle alert in real time, providing adolescents a second chance to pause, review and rethink before sending hurtful messages. Trisha discovered coding at age 10 and fell in love with it. She currently teaches Girls Who Code classes at the Naperville Public Library; as well as, summer coding programs for girls at North Central College. She is the founder and president of the anti-bullying club, Guardians of the Valley, at Neuqua; and is also a National board member of Tyler Clementi Foundation, NYC to advocate equality and LGBT rights. She describes her Shark Tank experience as a nerve wracking; yet, exhilarating experience. “They were very candid and gave me great ideas, provided constructive criticisms and were all ears about what I had to say,” Trisha said as she reeled in a joint offer between Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for a stake in her company! www.ReThinkWords.com -Kristen Kucharski #GlancerMagazine #CaringSharing #KristenKucharski #January2017 #GlancerWeekly #LocalWomen #EducationNews #TechTime #Naperville

Diet Expert, Fitness Guru and The Biggest Loser Coach, Jen Widerstrom, Coming to Anderson’s Bookshop Event on February 17 A Naperville North High School graduate has become widely known as a fitness expert, trainer, diet consultant and TV personality on both “American Gladiators” and “The Biggest Loser.” Jen Widerstrom has recently written a book based on her vast health and fitness knowledge: Diet Right for Your Personality Type. Widerstrom returns to town to celebrate and share her new book on Friday evening, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. Her event will be held at the Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane in Naperville. Event tickets include a copy of the new book. Widerstrom will discuss her book in conversation with Steve Mazzarella, former NNHS health teacher. Tickets are required and available exclusively at JenWiderstromAndersons.brownpapertickets.com. About the Book Health and fitness expert Jennifer Widerstrom has learned one important thing through her work with contestants on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and her clients who have collectively lost thousands of pounds: when it comes to dieting, one size does not fit all. In order to successfully lose weight, your diet plan should be based on your needs and patterns as an individual. Now, in her first book, Widerstrom has developed a revolutionary plan for maximizing weight loss and keeping it off once and for all by eating right for your specific personality type. Our personalities make us who we are, and understanding yours, along with your unique needs and style, is what will help you effectively lose weight for the long term rather than the short term. In this book, Widerstrom reveals the five most common personality types. Starting with a simple quiz, readers will be able to figure out which type they fall into: the Everyday Hero (who always puts themselves last), the Rebel (who is impulsive and noncommittal), the Organized Doer (the type-A personality who craves routine and rules), the Swinger (the adventurous type who follows the trendiest fads), or the Never Ever (who believes if the pants don’t fit, buy bigger pants). Once they’ve identified their type, readers will be guided through a four-week diet and fitness plan that caters to their own individual strengths and weaknesses. With motivational advice, meal plans, recipes, exercise plans, and more, readers will finally learn how to effectively lose weight and maintain a lasting healthy lifestyle. About the Author At the forefront of the health and fitness community, Jen Widerstrom is committed to helping people understand, learn, and implement a holistic approach to health and wellness. Formerly a star of “American Gladiators”, she is now a trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”. After completing her degree at the University of Kansas in Sports Administration, she went on to become certified by the leading certification program in the country, the National Academy of Sports Medicine with an emphasis in nutrition, balance training, cardio performance, reactive and resistance training as well as in neuromuscular stretching. Widerstrom is also committed to helping others through philanthropic endeavors, volunteering at orphanages and schools throughout Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi and hosting events on Goodwill Military tours for troops in Kuwait and Iraq. About Anderson’s Bookshops Sponsoring this upcoming program is Anderson's Bookshops, specializing in book sales, author events, booksignings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The store has been helping Naperville readers for six generations. Based in downtown Naperville, the store has grown with the community. Additional locations include downtown Downers Grove, at 5112 Main Street (630) 963-2665 and La Grange, 26 S. La Grange Road, (708) 582-6353. A toy shop, Anderson's Toyshop, at 111 W. Jefferson Ave., opened in September 2016. Key to Anderson's success has been special author events, like the February 17 program with Jen Widerstrom. To keep updated about other Anderson's events, please visit andersonsbookshop.com. #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #HealthWellness #Naperville #January2017 #February2017 #GlancerWeekly

Hamilton’s Women: A Living History Portrayal COMING JANUARY 15 – Meet the sisters who captivated Alexander Hamilton. In this new living-history program, meet the real women in Alexander Hamilton's life: his wife, Elizabeth Hamilton, her sister, the charming Angelica Schuyler Church, and her other sister, high-spirited Peggy Schuyler van Rensselaer. The speaker for this Sunday afternoon program will be Leslie Goddard. Leslie is an actress and historian who has been portraying famous women in history for more than ten years. In addition to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in theater, she has a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and currently works full-time as a historical interpreter and public speaker. This program will be held on Sunday January 15th from 3:30 – 4:30 pm at the Sugar Grove Public Library, Meeting Room C, located at 125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove, IL. Registration is requested. There is no cost. This program is not limited to Sugar Grove Public Library cardholders. Register online at www.sgpl.org or call (630) 466-4686. The direct link to the event registration is http://bit.ly/2j1tGKT #GlancerMagazine #January2017 #SugarGrove #GlancerWeekly #ArtsEntertainment

Achieve Your Wellness Goals With Natural Ways Dr. Richard Gelband and his staff at Gelband Natural Health and Chiropractic are dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals utilizing natural ways to restore physical health by combining chiropractic, applied kinesiology, energy medicine, and detox therapies. They have success in treating patients with symptoms such as: weight issues, hair loss, migraines, depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep and digestive issues. Dr. Gelband is a representative of The Foundation for Wellness Professionals, a not-for-profit organization that educates the public on ways to maintain health and prevent disease. Upcoming Wellness Workshops include: Thyroid Recovery and Weight Loss. Learn more at www.gelbandhealth.com or call their office at (630) 505-4040. #GlancerMagazine #HealthWellness #Spotlights #January2017 #GelbandHealthCenters

FEEL STRONGER AND FACE CHALLENGES IN 2017 JANUARY 2017 – Talking with a therapist or counselor can help you deal with thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, stresses, goals, past experiences and other areas that can promote positive daily living. Of course, talking with a therapist about personal issues can be tough, but it can help you manage situations happening in your life. It can also offer an emotional release and a sense of really being heard, understood and supported. Therapy can help you to feel stronger in the face of challenges, change behaviors that hold you back, look at ways of thinking that affect how you feel, heal pains from the past, build relationship skills, figure out your goals, strengthen your self-confidence, cope with symptoms, handle strong emotions like fear, grief or anger, enhance your problem solving skills and more. Here, we feature 5 suburban therapists that can help. Jada B. Hudson Hudson Clinical Counseling SUGAR GROVE & HINSDALE – Jada Hudson (top left) has always known that she was meant to walk beside others through life’s most difficult moments. Her love for psychology solidified her choice to become a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified alcohol and drug counselor. As far as life’s difficult moments, she has honed her skills around some of the toughest – working with first responders such as, fire fighters, police, dispatch and correctional officers. She has extensive training to provide thorough care in the areas of occupational stress, PTSD, substance abuse and pediatric death. “I feel my training has set me apart as uniquely able to care for first responders and their families,” says Jada. Her one-on-one counseling sessions are what she enjoys most as she best gets to know her clients and the life changes they are facing. Jada comments, “One of our most basic needs is physical safety. That’s what first responders do – they provide physical safety. It is my honor to help them.” –Mindy Kyle Sarah Ridenour, LCSW Waterford Counseling and Psychological Services AURORA – Sarah Ridenour (top middle) has been a practicing therapist for 23 years. She has always been interested in people’s life stories and finds it extremely gratifying to assist her clients in resolving their issues. Sarah specializes in mood disorders, including anxiety and depressive disorders, adjustment disorders and bi-polar affective disorders. “I really enjoy helping clients develop and improve their coping skills,” says Sarah. “It creates significant growth that allows them to become much happier and thriving people.” Sarah considers their group practice unique because they have providers with many different clinical backgrounds. She and some of her other colleagues also provide the often needed EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services. She is proud of the difference she has made in her clients’ lives. “I recently heard from a parent of a teenager I worked with years ago,” Sarah commented. “The teen decided to become a therapist because of the work we did together.” –Mindy Kyle Mansi Sant Natural Motivations NAPERVILLE – Feeling helpless after watching family and friends experience a variety of mental health issues, Mansi Sant (top right) wanted to support anyone experiencing these difficulties. She took the step to getting a Master’s Degree in psychology and immediately began practicing what she learned, building a strong experiential foundation. “My holistic, strength based, and direct therapeutic approach works the entire individual,” Mansi says. “Mental illness does not need to put a stop in living your meaningful life.” Her objective as the owner and president of her own mental health private practice, Mansi Sant, MA, LCPC, is to always help the individual achieve their goals despite their struggles. She finds her own personal reprieve at home with her husband and young children. “My kids help me sustain a positive daily attitude,” Mansi says. “When I come home, their smiling faces keep me present, focused, and grounded. They are my stress relievers!” -Kristen Kucharski Dr. Diane Goodman Psychologist GENEVA – When Dr. Diane Goodman (bottom right) was a young woman, she joined a women’s empowerment group. The personal growth she experienced transformed her thinking and behavior so positively that she wanted to help others learn about and make changes in themselves through self-exploration. “I believe choosing to go to therapy puts a person in a position of power from within and nurtures greater self-care,” says Dr. Goodman. Her practice specialty includes relationship therapy (dating, engaged, married, LGBTQ) and individual therapy. She works with couples on how to listen and speak to each other in ways that promote intimacy and healing. Dr. Goodman feels that part of what sets her apart as a good psychologist is her own continued psychotherapy. “This commitment to myself helps me to be a more present and conscious psychologist because I have stayed on the road of personal growth as a person.” –Mindy Kyle Tiffany Everage Stenzel Clinical WHEATON – Although she is a Chicago resident, Tiffany Everage (bottom left) and her family traveled to Wheaton Christian Center for church where she grew up as an active member in the youth group and would often volunteer at local outreaches at the time. Grounded in faith, Tiffany was always passionate about talking to people and helping them through problems. “I was fascinated by the power of the mind,” she says. Currently employed at Stenzel Clinical in Wheaton, Tiffany specializes in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, as well as Couples & Family Therapy. “I think it takes so much courage to identify that you need help, and ask for it,” she says. “It can feel so overwhelming to face our challenges on our own.” Tiffany admits that even her own days are not perfect, but believes that self-care directly impacts her ability to take care of others. She practices mindfulness daily, maintains a strong faith foundation, and lives life on purpose! –Kristen Kucharski Photos by Veronica Adams #CoverStory #KristenKucharski #MindyKyle #HealthWellness #January2017 #LocalWomen

SUZI LOEFFELHOLZ, OSWEGO Teddy Bears from the Heart Suzi’s mother loved Teddy Bears. She would send them to the grandkids for any occasion. “You did something special, you got a bear. You had a bad experience, another bear,” Suzi says. So, when her mother passed away, Suzi felt making each of the grandkids a teddy bear would be a fitting memorial. Using her sewing talents, Suzi proceeded to select personal items from her mother’s closet to create one-of-a-kind treasures for each of the kids. “On my son’s, there are paint splatters from when they had spent the day painting ceramics,” Suzi says. “My daughter’s is from a robe she remembered. The teddy bears brought lasting comfort and healing to the family. Word soon spread throughout the Oswego community where Suzi has lived with her husband and children, Hannah (18) and Ethan (15) for the past 13 years. With the support of her family, Suzi began creating unique teddy bears for others. “My first client looked at me after I had made a bear for her and said, ‘you helped me move from the crazy lady who did not want to get rid of any of my parents’ things, to a person who has a very cool memory bear that I can have sitting out and think of them every time I see it.” Teddy Bears can be made from robes, jeans, pants, jackets, suits, dresses, blankets - just about any type of fabric you can think of, including even the material from a loved one’s favorite chair! Suzi is an active participant in the Oswego community and previously served as the founding president of Oswego High School’s VIP Art Boosters and volunteered at her church. She is currently studying to take her national board certification and return to massage therapy. For Teddy Bears, email Ted.Suzi0330@gmail.com. -Kristen Kucharski #GlancerMagazine #CaringSharing #HeroMomstoKnow #KristenKucharski #January2017 #LocalWomen #Oswego

7 SPECTACULAR HEALTH-FOCUSED & FEEL-GOOD STOPS JANUARY 2017 - We invite you to feel great and take extra special care of your health in 2017. Here are seven west suburban stops that can help you get started– each in a unique way. You’ll love these local finds! Cheers to living health and feeling good in the New Year.... 1. GYM CHIC Women's Activewear & Beyond | St. Charles Trendy, beautiful and practical. Offering a collection of activewear & athleisure styles that make women feel empowered and confident. 151 S. 1st St., St. Charles, (630) 250-2892, www.gymchic.net 2. LULU LEMON ATHLETICA | Naperville Technical athletic apparel for yoga, running, dancing, and most other sweaty pursuits. With a strong tie to our local communities, they host in-store events ranging from self-defense to goal-setting workshops to complimentary yoga classes. 21 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, (630) 369-6811, www.lululemon.com 3. THE NATURAL PATH | Downers Grove The owner, Linda LaLonde (pictured), is a Certified Natural Health Professional, Certified Naturopath, Herbalist and Biomedix Certified. They offer IN.FORM classes that take a step by step approach to balancing the biochemistry of the body. This shop carries only Nature's Sunshine herbs, supplements and oils. (630) 297-8850, 5226 Main Street, Downers Grove, www.thenaturalpathdg.com. 4. HALSA THE AROMATHERAPY SHOP | Geneva The Fox Valley's premier aromatherapy shop and day spa since 1996 offering several services including Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massage. Prenatal massage is also available. Also carrying a wide variety of natural and aromatherapy products. Not only essential oils but soaps, candles, incense, lotions, and more. 202 W. State Street, Geneva, (630) 208-8250, www.halsaroma.com . 5. GREEN HEALTHY CAFE | Lisle If you are focused on eating right and want to make your health a top priority in the new year, then you’ll be happy to learn about this dining health spot. Green Healthy Cafe offers a unique style of healthy homemade dishes that can be quickly prepared with the highest quality ingredients and nutrition. Their menu has been created for everybody who wants to eat healthy and feel great. No GMO, all healthy. Green Healthy Cafe, 6440 College Rd, Lisle, www.greenandhealthycafe.com . 6. PEACE | Naperville Peace is a unique store that selects natural, healthy, cruelty-free products. Featured small locally-sourced products include Whole Love Organics and My BathThyme body and skin care, positive and inspirational T-shirts by Clever Belle, and Maravilla Jewelry. Petals pop-up flower shop features fresh floral arrangements and bouquets every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Peace also offers signature branded items and gifts for the local shopper and the destination market. This conscious living boutique is brought to you by Kate Mason of Abhyaasa Yoga. www.peacenaperville.com 7. BABY NATURALLY | Wheaton Offering great natural parenting products– from comfortable baby carriers to cute cloth diapers and accessories, everything is available from a knowledgable mom who will help you find your perfect fit. 130 W. Willow Ave., Wheaton, (331) BABY - LUV, www.ababynaturally.com . #7SpectacularList #January2017 #HealthWellness