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

PATTI SAMIEC OF OSWEGO, VOLUNTEER ATRECYCLED ROTTS, INC. She grew up in Naperville but has been an Oswego resident for the past 17 years. Patti’s heart and soul belong to her husband and children - three dogs, Jacie 10.5 years old, Mugsy 9.5 years old, and Stella 1 years old. “I can't remember a time in my life that I have not had a dog in my life,” Patti says. “For the last 30 years I have had at least two Rottweilers at a time in my home.” Taking that love for dogs, Patti has been volunteering at Recycled Rott’s, Inc. in Oswego for the past 20 years and became President in 2002. Recycled Rott’s, Inc. is a Rottweiler rescue 501(c) 3 corporation founded in Oswego in 1994. “Our total number of dogs we have taken in between 2000 to 2015 is 2089,” she says. “We have always run on a shoe string budget with the help of our volunteers and veterinarians.” Although for the past 19 years, Patti has worked a full-time job as a Construction Coordinator for Crestview Builders in Naperville, she commits equal the amount of time to Recycled Rotts processing the more than 400 applications they receive each year to ensure a perfect match for each family. An added bonus to her day job is that she gets to bring ‘her children’ to work! This iHeroMom is so thankful for modern day social media and websites like Petfinder and AdoptaPet that expedite placement and educate the public on this dynamic and wonderful breed. -Kristen Kucharski Know a West Suburban Hero Mom? Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com #HeroMomstoKnow

OPEN AIR MARKETS OPENING SOON Soon it will be time to attend community open-air markets, also known as farmers markets. With many towns bringing unique selections to their market, we encourage our readers to visit those located outside of their neighborhood as well. There are so many surprises you’ll love! Open air markets are a great way to celebrate summer....while shopping at the same time. Enjoy! NAPERVILLE – Farmers Market at St. John's St. John’s Episcopal Church, 750 Aurora Avenue Wednesdays, Jun 8-Sep 21, 3-7pm Located at the intersection of Aurora Avenue and West Street, the Farmers Market at St. John's features a wide variety of seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as micro greens, meats, eggs, cheese, breads and baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, coffee, jams and nut butters, organic snacks, pickles, pottery, French linens, soaps and skin care, freshly made empanadas and other fine offerings from local vendors. www.stjohns-episcopal.com GENEVA – Geneva French Market Commuter Parking Lot Located at South and Fourth Streets Sundays, Through Nov 10, 8am-2pm Shoppers will find an array of products from fresh produce to fine French linens and custom made jewelry. Each year more vendors are drawn to the market because of its popularity on Sunday mornings. If you have never seen the French Market, please stop by and see what you are missing. The markets are sponsored by Bensidoun USA. www.geneva.il.us SUGAR GROVE – Community Farmers Market Sugar Grove Village Hall Parking Lot Rt. 30 & Municipal Drive Saturday’s, through Nov 10, 8am-2pm This market is complete with farm fresh dairy, meat, produce and more, brought by local farmers. Additional items include crafts, unique apparel and accessories, gift ideas such as hand painted wine glasses and more. Community spirit is felt throughout. Home to the Sugar Grove Corn Boil. www.sugargrovechamber.org GLEN ELLYN – Glen Ellyn French Market South-East Corner of Crescent Blvd/Prospect Ave. In the Crescent/Glenwood Parking Lot Sundays, May 24-October 25, 9am-1:30pm Visit downtown Glen Ellyn for locally grown produce, organic meats, fresh flowers, baked goods, jewelry and much more. This French Market is well known throughout the community and residents love it. Each week you’ll have a chance to meet a local Not-For-Profit at the French Market. www.business.glenellynchamber.com/events Send Us 75-Words About Your Farmers Market! editorial@glancermagazine.com

DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH WHEATON PARK DISTRICT ON UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the next phase of development at the Wheaton Park District Sensory Garden and Playground for children with special needs, located on 37 acres of leased land at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. To ensure improvements remain in line with the Forest Preserve District’s mission, the board must approve any development on the leased property, which is on Navistar Drive one block east of Naperville Road and one block north of Warrenville Road. This next phase will include a playground for 5- to 12-year-olds, a water play area and accessible treehouse, and a multipurpose sensory-integrated sports field. Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore said the partnership is a model of good government designed to address the needs of DuPage County’s underserved residents and advance outdoor learning experiences. “The District is honored to be part of a collaboration between Wheaton Park District and others to provide an area for nature-oriented play,” Cantore said. “This playground is in keeping with our mission to foster a community where everyone can connect to nature.” Forest Preserve District Commissioner Tim Whelan, District 4, said the partnership gives each agency an opportunity to enhance the value of nature in children’s development. “It’s a win-win situation,” Whelan said. “This playground provides children with a fun and interactive way to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s in keeping with our mission.” The playground is designed to meet the needs of all visitors, especially those on the autism spectrum, and is a joint project between the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Wheaton Park District, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Kiwanis Club of Wheaton, Shane’s Inspiration and Landscape Structures, Inc. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit www.dupageforest.org , where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages. #GlancerWeekly #Wheaton

FUN WEST SUBURBAN EVENT OFFERS FREE ENTRY & ENTERTAINMENT Free admission, free parking, free shuttle service and free bands make the Sugar Grove Corn Boil one of the most family-friendly and economical events of the summer. Although formally kicking off on Friday, July 29 at 5 pm, on Thursday, July 28 the Corn Boil carnival and food by Genoa Pizza & Italian Concession are open to the public from 5-10 pm. This makes wristbands for unlimited carnival rides especially valuable because fewer people in attendance allow for shorter lines and more frequent rides. Raffle tickets are now being sold to raise funds for the fabulous Corn Boil display of fireworks that always takes place on Saturday night. First prize is $1,500 in cash, second prize is $750 in cash, third prize is $250 in cash, fourth prize is a basket of gift tickets worth $300 and fifth prize is a basket of tickets of gift certificates worth $150. The drawing will take place on Sunday, July 31 and winners need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at: • SignFx, 769 Heartland Drive, Unit E, 8 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday • Advanced Realty, 91 Sugar Lane, Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm • Jewel from 10 am-2 pm on Saturdays, May 14 and 28; June 4 and 18; July 2 & Sunday, July 3. • Sugar Grove Farmer’s Market, June-July, rain or shine, from 8 am-noon. The Corn Boil is a not-for-profit organization – an all-volunteer community group existing for the purpose of planning, organizing and presenting this annual summer festival that promotes a sense of community and provides local service organizations a fundraising opportunity. After the Corn Boil Committee members put aside seed money for the next year and all the remaining proceeds are donated to other local not-for-profit groups. #GlancerWeekly #SugarGrove

THE MONTH OF MOTHERS WHEATON / GLEN ELLYN AREA – Let’s celebrate moms by sharing our time & talents. Babysit for the overworked mom or make a personal pillow case to show your love. For my sister in law, I purchased a yard of Chicago Cubs fabric at Jo Ann Fabrics in Danada Square West, hand-sewed 2 sides (I’m old school without a sewing machine) & place a pillow inside – tada! A homemade gift for minimal dollars. My husband’s present the past 2 years has brought laughter. Papyrus in Wheaton Town Square features a vast selection of Mother’s Day Cards. In 2014 Michael selected an adorable card with 3D embellishments of a terry cloth robe & fluffy slippers. In 2015 he bought me exactly the same card. My husband is consistent. I love this trait of his & wonder what 2016 will bring. If your husband is reading this column, here are smart ideas for him. Charming Charlie has colorful purses & matching jewelry. Franchesca’s has ring holders in cool designs. How cool is an octopus shaped ring holder to display dozens of rings? Both are in Wheaton Town Square & have jewelry & accessories at affordable prices. For the tech-savvy mom, here are some goodies: 1) Ace Hardware in Wheaton sells lights ($7.99) in the shape of a light switch, batteries included. Strong adhesive on the back sticks to walls in closets, garages or anywhere light is needed but outlets aren’t around. We placed one in a closet & now the room is bathed in light whenever needed. Their employees are knowledgeable, helpful & willing to take time with customers. 2) Visit Fitbit.com to check out the Alta wristband for $129.00. The slim stainless steel body has interchangeable bands, recognizes your exercise habits (walking, biking, dancing, elliptical, etc.) and tracks your progress. To see Fitbits in person, visit Bed, Bath & Beyond. Their models in store average $149 & track your wrist-based heart rate continuously. Bring a 20% off coupon for greater savings. 3) For the travelling mom who needs to stay connected, visit Awaytravel.com. Their roller board luggage has hidden ports that allow 2 devices to be powered up simultaneously. Plus, a built in rechargeable 10,000 mAh battery. Luggage sells directly to the consumer to avoid retail mark-up. And for adorable outfits to put inside your new luggage, visit Evereve.com. With locations throughout the suburbs, you’ll love everything in store and online! Happy shopping. Happy spring. ABOUT THE WRITER Kathy Ruggio lives in the Stonehedge neighborhood of Wheaton with husband Michael & 9 year old son Angelo. She seeks Vitamin D via daily sun exposure, rare finds at local stores, shopping for Christmas year round & making unique jewelry for friends using Scrabble pieces. Kathy’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is Jolly Old Soles. “Phyllis Parise founded this organization. I see first-hand how she helps people locally and globally. No one should be without shoes. She sends them to the Philippines and right here to schools in Aurora. Learn more at www.jollyoldsoles.com #ModernHousewives

MOTHER'S DAY PLANS DOWNERS GROVE AREA – Mother’s Day is this month. Is it wrong that when my husband asks what I would like to do on this special day, my response is to have time to myself? And not be a Mom for a few hours? Being a Mom is a full time job, I think we all deserve a small break on our own holiday. Right? If you would like a little something for yourself, or need to buy a gift for your own Mom or Mother-in-Law, hit up Style Studio at 1015 Curtiss Street. They have a variety of different items at great price points ranging from Vera Bradley bags to Nora Fleming serving dishes – always a big hit with my Mother-in-Law. Any gift is wrapped up neatly in a box or bag. Voila. You are done. And you are welcome. It has finally arrived. I had heard a Mexican restaurant was opening in downtown Downers Grove for the last year. Low and behold, Mia’s Cantina has opened and just in time for Cinco de Mayo. I have already been there a handful of times with both family and friends. The margaritas – I like the La Perfecta – are fantastic and will taste even better as the weather shapes up and you can sit outside. Be sure to get there early on a Friday or Saturday night. Can be a tight squeeze, but worth the wait and a fun ambiance. The 16th Annual Calvacade of Planes is on June 4th and June 5th at Clow International Airport in Bolingbrook. My husband always is on the hunt for fun things to do with the kids, and this is always a big hit. Many types of aircraft can be found both flying and on the ground. The event also includes skydiving shows, formation flying and helicopter demonstrations. Finally, this year marks the 5th Annual Cupcake Classic. It takes on a whole new meaning as those participating honor the fight and the life of Noah Van Houtan and support his sister Laine who continues her battle against Batten Disease. Friends and Family of the Van Houtans, along with the support of the Downers Grove community, will band together on Sunday, May 22nd at 8am with a Kids One-Mile and 5K runs. Information on both the Cupcake Classic and Laine’s fight against this disease with no cure can be found at www.noahshope.com. ABOUT THE WRITER Anne Healy has lived in Downers Grove for the last eight years with her husband Tom and three children. Beyond attempting to find the latest local fun spots for Glancer Magazine readers, you can find Anne coaching soccer, teaching Junior Achievement within District 58, or telling her three kids to “slow down”. Anne’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is Hopes Front Door. This summer, the organization sponsored a Backpack Drive for students in the area enabling hundreds of students to start this school year with supplies they need. www.hopesfrontdoor.com. #ModernHousewives

SAVVY & SYSTEMATIC NAPERVILLE AREA – Let’s face it, as much as we try to un-tether ourselves (and our kids) and say we could walk away in a heartbeat, we are hopelessly and utterly dependent on our devices. Whether it be a phone, tablet or laptop, there’s no denying our addiction and obsession. In your mom’s purse you may have found her wallet, checkbook, coupon book, calendar, a notebook and maybe even an address book. Guess where all that information is now? Yep, on your phone and at your fingertips. Today’s moms are savvy and systematic. We don’t shop without a coupon, we find one on our phones! We schedule appointments and pay bills, on our phone! We order groceries, hold conference calls and sharpen our spelling skills, on our phone! Until we drop said phone. On the concrete. Upside down. While carrying 47 bags of groceries to avoid making two trips. Hypothetically speaking, of course. When that happens, if you’re not due for a phone upgrade, head to uBreakiFix (118 S Webster Street). More reliable than the kiosk at the mall, these guys will have you fixed up and back to Pinterest in no time. Your other option, of course, is to splurge at the Apple Store (120 W. Jefferson) on the best and newest phone. The Genius Bar will help you transfer all your data and you’ll be back up and running at full speed, probably faster speed, than before. Now, if you’re like me, and work at home, sometimes you need to escape the laundry and dish piles and head somewhere to focus. Check out Jo & Doh Donuts (1292 Rickert Drive). It’s cute, quiet, has friendly faces and doughnuts, duh! Oh, and free Wifi, so you can “work” while you have some bacon maple glazed deliciousness. However your days are filled it’s a sure bet that your device is instrumental in your survival. It’s how we all operate now. It’s just the way it is. So embrace it and use it and make it work for you. Keep your lists and your reminders updated and ready to help you be the rockstar you are. And make two trips from the car after the next grocery trip, you’ll thank me. ABOUT THE WRITER Katie Manker of Naperville is a wife, small business owner, sister, daughter and friend, but first and foremost she’s Mom to her red-headed mafia. You’ll find her driving the activities bus by day, and laughing and enjoying her family and friends by night. Katie’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is Sgt. Tommys Kids. Learn more at www.sgttommyskids.org #ModernHousewives

MEALS, PLANTS & DANCE TRI-CITIES AREA – Last year we spent Father’s Day on a Greek Island. The day was so perfect we might as well have been the poster family for the Greek Department of Tourism. This year, my Mother’s Day will be spent in Plainfield. Let me try to say it with enthusiasm, Plainfield. Ok, I can do it this time, PLAINFIELD!!! My son is participating in his first year of Travel Lacrosse and we forgot to read the fine print. The part that said we are committed 5 days per week, during dinnertime until kingdom come. I’m not terribly bothered by the whole Mother’s Day fiasco. It’s more our dinnertime disruption because I already struggle with dinners! So I have decided to turn to outside help that does not involve a drive thru, The Party Kitchen of Geneva . This awesome off the beaten path kitchen offers more classes than you can shake a wooden spoon at. I know, I too just got chills and flashbacks to my mom shaking that wooden spoon. So if you’re a mom being pulled in too many directions, I invite you to join me in taking a Freezer Meal class. For around $100 you will prepare 6-7 meals that will feed 4-5 people. Everything is prepared in their industrial kitchen. They’ll do the planning and guide me through meal preparation. I then package, take home and freeze until practice or game day! For the mom who loves to garden, start your morning at Plain Dirt Gardeners of Batavia Annual Plant Sale , May 7 (9-12 pm) at the Bethany Lutheran Gym. This group meets once a month at the Batavia Library and welcomes all. If you are looking to learn more about gardening, these are your people. Do you have a garden to share with the community? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 Batavia Garden Walk. Lastly, put away that apron, gardening gloves, spectator chair and get out your dancing shoes! St. Charles has just opened a Fred Astaire Dance Studio ! Their Grand Opening will be held May 20th. This free evening begins at 7pm with a fun group dance lesson. Followed by live music, raffles, food, drinks and special guest Corky Ballas from DWTS! Gather your friends and come out to support the newest family owned St. Charles business run by a lovely professional young dance couple who, you guessed it, met on the dance floor. ABOUT THE WRITER Theoni Limouris is a graduate of of St. Cloud State University. She credits her degree in Education for setting her up to succeed in both the classroom and Corporate America. As a busy wife and mother of 2, you will find her buzzing around the Tri-Cities in her VW Beetle watching people slug each other all day long. Theoni’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is CASA Kane County, an organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Learn more at www.casakanecounty.org. #ModernHousewives

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT FUN! Saturday May 21 - Sunday May 22 Naper Settlement becomes a Civil War encampment with more than 300 reenactors during the Civil Way Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday May 21 and 22. Visitors can meet famous characters of the past and become immersed in history. A battle is held each day at 2:30pm. Day of event admission is $15 adults, $10 youth Advanced tickets are $12 adults, $8 youth. www.napersettlement.org #GlancerWeekly #Naperville

RIBBIT EXHIBIT AT MORTON ARBORETUM THROUGH SEPTEMBER Explore a collection of 23 larger-than-life copper frogs taking part in a variety of activities, including playing instruments, catching butterflies, and meditating on a lily pad. Displays include the “Tree Frog,” who will be nestled in a stately white oak, “Zenny,” relaxing on his lily pad in the fountain of the May T. Watts Reading Garden, and the “Jazz Trio,” set in the Arboretum’s Arbor Court The statues are the work of North Carolina-based sculptor J.A. Cobb, who fashions his work from sheets of copper around steel armatures. Ribbit! The Exhibit is free with Arboreum admission. Ask for the exhibition guide at the Information Desk. www.mortonarb.org #GlancerWeekly #Lisle

HAPPENING ALL SPRING & SUMMER LONG! Enjoy a culinary and cultural walking experience through Naperville's historic neighborhood. One delicious taste at a time! Naperville Bites and Sites 5th Avenue, Naperville. Sunday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Saturday: 11:30am- 2:30pm. Cost: $46.00 ($46.00 for children/seniors) www.napervillefoodtours.com #GlancerWeekly #Naperville