THE WILLIAMS FAMILY of WHEATON Having been raised on the south side of Wheaton and assuming the role in his family's business as 4th Generation Owner/Funeral Director at Williams-Kampp Funeral Homes in Wheaton and West Chicago, Dan bleeds west suburban blood through and through; so it was a natural choice for he and his wife, Jenny, to purchase their family home in 2007 and raise their son, Aaron. Jenny received her BA in Psychology at Aurora University and a MAT-LBS1 from National Louis University in Lisle. She continues her career as Vocational Coordinator/ Teacher at Wheaton North High School. The couple extends their west suburban outreach to membership at St. Irene’s Catholic Church in Warrenville and weekly Sunday dinners with extended family. Their network expands to Dan’s Wheaton Lion’s Club membership and Jenny’s affiliation with DuPage TPC (Transition Planning Committee). From shopping at Danada Square, to eating at their favorite Wheaton restaurant, Front Street Cantina, to watching Aaron play basketball at the Glen Ellyn YMCA, the Williams family feels as though they are living the American dream. “We are grateful for the opportunities that have come our way, have provided each other continuous support and look forward to what the future holds" Jenny shares. “We are fortunate to be able to give back to our local community through our daily work.” With couture and fashion at the forefront this month, The Williams love shopping at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall. While Jenny frequents J Crew and Express, Dan and Aaron can be found expanding their athletic shoe collection at Nike and Under Amour. Overall, this family values all the positives in their lives and love living in the west suburbs of Chicago. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Mantucca

7 SPECTACULAR ON-TREND PLACES FOR MOM THIS SPRING Moms love to be on trend, as hard as it may be at times! With juggling crazy car pool schedules and meetings with the boss, it can be challenging to find time to shop for the latest styles. And when we do have time, we often find ourselves asking the question of where to go so we won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed while browsing, but leave feeling satisfied. Get ready to shop, because we have just the places in mind...7 of them to be exact! 1. Evereve Founded in 2004, Evereve (formerly Hot Mama) was built around the theme of motherhood. Founders Megan and Mike Tamte, created an upscale boutique that is a fashion resource for moms by offering on-trend, contemporary apparel + accessories that fits a mom’s lifestyle. Just be a mom. They'll take care of the rest. Naperville & Wheaton. www.evereve.com 2. Jeans & a Cute Top Shop A friendly, and affordable, contemporary women’s boutique located in Wheaton, Downers Grove, and St. Charles. There are no surprises when you enter each sunshine-inspired shop, as they stay true to their concept of featuring jeans and cute tops, but also jackets, sweaters, shoes, jewelry, accessories & dresses. www.jeansandacutetopshop.com 3. Anew Is your wardrobe looking a little tired? Renew your look without paying new prices. Anew is designed for women and teens in the Fox Valley who are discriminating shoppers, but also wish to be responsible in their spending. The on-trend boutique consignment shop is a popular place on the Geneva retail scene. www.anewwaytoshop.com 4. Bella Roba You will love this high-style bazaar with an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, accessories, antiques, furniture, home decor and fond items. Known for on-trend and unique pieces, this place will leave you clicking your heels with complete happiness. Located downtown Wheaton. www.bella-roba.com 5. Glam & Glitz Boutique The philosophy that this chic boutique has in approaching each customer is integrity. Their aim is never to sell anything that does not compliment their clients (we love that!). Not only do they want you to leave the Boutique with a wardrobe that brings your style a little more fashion forward, but they are all about helping you feel beautiful! Party packages for your stylish girl also available. www.glamandglitzonline.com 6. Boutique Repeats Fun and fashion all in one! This area boutique provides customers with new and gently used clothes, purses, jewelry and so much more. They buy, consign and sell designer and better brand name women’s apparel, accessories, home decor and furniture. Each time you visit, you will be so impressed with what’s new. This place is truly one of a kind. Located in Aurora on Eola. www.boutiquerepeat.com 7. Kie & Kate Couture This Elmhurst boutique is on trend and ready for you to indulge in all of your favorites! Women’s clothing, handbags, accessories, jewelry, candles, inspirational signs & pillows, gourmet treats and so much more. You’ll love browsing this unique shop so much that you’ll want to book a shopping party for your favorite gal pals that includes Karaoke, a party favor bag, a props trunk and more. www.kiekatecouture.com WATCH FOR A NEW 7 SPECTACULAR LIST IN EVERY ISSUE OF GLANCER MAGAZINE – SUBSCRIBE TODAY! #7SpectacularList

DAWN WHEATLAND AND KRISTIN MORROW, ELMHURST – NO FRILLS RUN Elmhurst moms, Dawn and Kristin, want their kids to grow up watching them help others in the community in hopes they will keep the tradition alive as they get older. Putting words into action, these avid runners came up with the idea of organizing a race to benefit a family within their community who was experiencing a medical hardship or death; hence, the No Frills Race was founded in 2011. Between the two moms, they have six kids, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years old. With the help of their husbands, who do much of the parenting the month of the race, Dawn and Kristin are able to dedicate 30 hours a week to the event needs. “The city of Elmhurst is also really wonderful to us,” Kristin says, “and the businesses in our community are SO GENEROUS, donating raffle baskets, silent auction items, money, food, etc. I think people embrace the idea of supporting a family in our own community who needs love and support.” With so many local families in need, choosing just one is difficult, so they recruited a very diverse nominating committee consisting of 7 people from all over our community. This year’s race was in honor of Darryl May, an Elmhurst resident, ambitious athlete, community activist and family man who is battling bone marrow cancer. Thanks to 310 runners at this year’s run, Darryl will receive $53,025.48! www.NoFrillsFunRun.org –Kristen Kucharski Know a West Suburban Hero Mom? Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com #HeroMomstoKnow

HOW TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU! Highlighting how local area women can be the best version of themselves through everyday struggles that we face. EVERYDAY STRUGGLE: My 5 siblings and I are planning a family reunion this summer to surprise our 65 year old parents. A few are flying in for it, others are driving, some live close by. The guest count should be around 50. The only things is that one sibling is refusing to come unless we all chip in to pay for her family’s airfare since she recently lost her job. They are very angry at us for planning this and we are all very torn. Is pitching in fair to everyone or should we continue to plan without? –Mary C., Naperville It’s never fun managing the emotions of others, let alone family. I would look at the situation with kindness and compassion. Understand that your sibling is most likely anxious, scared and possibly suffering from being out of work. Reassure him/her that it is ok to miss family events, if it’s going to cause distress and angst rather than joy in their life. As an adult, that is their decision to make. Perhaps a loan is an option if you base that decision on how your parents would feel if one sibling is missing such a wonderful surprise. EVERYDAY STRUGGLE: My heart is aching so badly right now for a mom I know in the neighborhood. Our girls play together on occasion and she is the sweetest woman. I'm sad because I recently saw her husband out downtown Chicago acting more-than-friendly with another woman we know in the community. I know it's not my business at all, but I would want to know if someone saw my husband snuggling up with someone other that me. Be brave enough to tell or mind my own business? -100% Anonymous Most women say they want to know. Determine if you say something or not by the strength and loyalty of your friendship. Every friendship is different, every marriage is different and every affair is different. There is no one answer to this question that will fit everyone, all the time. So if you do tell her, I'd start with the least amount of information you need to give. Being loyal to her doesn't mean telling her everything you know, it means telling her enough so that she can try it on and make her best decisions. It's usually best to tell her what you know with a little bit of doubt, allowing her to save face if she chooses denial. Don't force a long conversation or intervention, just move on. You can know she'll undoubtedly keep thinking about it. Loyalty may mean protecting her from this news for now if you feel that's the best option. Loyalty can also mean helping her face her feelings, no matter how reactionary they are. Either way, as a friend continue to love and support her through each phase of her life and help her find the best version of “her”. Perhaps she will then see what is happening with her own eyes. ABOUT THE WRITER Joann Pierce is a wellness and fitness enthusiast who is living a lifestyle she never thought was possible. She’s been a stay-at-home Mom for 12 years and started in fitness years ago– from kickboxing to yoga. Continuing her journey in 2011, she completed her 200hr Yoga Certification at Prairie Yoga in Lisle. With over 1000 teaching hours, she completed her associate Life Coach Certification in 2013 and became a Beachbody Coach. Joann Pierce #phase40 Fitness, Empowering you is what we do. Beachbody Coach, Life Coach, RYT 200hr Yogi • www.phase40fitness.com FB: Joann Pierce joannpierce@phase40fitness.com

ULTRA STYLISH???? HMMMMMM. – Mommy Couture. Pardon me while I have myself a good giggle over here. I may have once dreamed of being an ultra-stylish mom, but let’s face it, I wasn’t an ultra-stylish teenager or an ultra-stylish 20-something. I’m more the ‘I know what fits my body’ kinda girl, or a ‘oh look, the clearance rack at Target. Why yes, I’ll get a few long sweaters, are they still in?’ kinda mom. That may be a little harsh, but it’s mostly true. But I’m also a girl who listens to her mom, and my mom always says “Shoes and accessories make the outfit.” She also says, “Your shoe size is the only thing that never changes.” Of course we all know that’s not true after a couple kiddos, but you get the gist. Whether your daily outfit consists of yoga pants or jeans, skirts or leggings, shoes and accessories are where it’s at. Stop by Francesca’s (25 W. Jefferson Ave.) in downtown Naperville and you will not be disappointed. This is a go-to place for me to add a little sparkle and shine for a date night or a ladies lunch. After cute new earrings you can browse the store and find a cute pair of boots, short or tall, heels or flats. While I may not be the most fashion forward, I do have some very stylish friends. I asked perhaps the most stylish ... that means she dresses for the day like I’d dress for a night on the town, then add one more necklace ... where she shops. She swears by Ootra. This downtown Naperville boutique recently moved from Jefferson Avenue to 303 N. Center Street. Now a stylist boutique by appointment only, you get owner Debbie Jagel’s undivided attention and leave feeling like a million bucks. If you’re looking for a more mainstream retail experience, head to Springbrook Prairie Pavilion. Here you can browse the shoe aisles of Nordstrom Rack and the ‘ol reliable DSW. They never fail to disappoint. Just remember to stay comfortable and stay true to you. And most importantly, remember to always listen to your mom. 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

BIG PLANS FOR SUMMER – I am a planner. I admit it. I have already squared away our summer with a strong line up of camps and events. Enough to keep them busy, but enough pool and summer fun as well. Here are some of my favorites from around town. For the last three years, my kids have attended various week long camps and Lyman Woods. My biggest fear has always been that a) it was too hot, b) too buggy, and c) see “a” and “b”. Fear not campers, they stay so busy moving around that I have never received a complaint. Bravo Lyman Woods. They cannot wait to be 9 so they can attend the Beekeepers Camp. Until then, they will have fun hitting the trails and making lots of discoveries. Register through www.dgparks.com. If your son or daughter plans on playing soccer in the Fall, I would try and kick start it (pun intended) with the 5 Star Soccer Camp at McCollum Park from August 1st – 5th. Run by Coach Mike Wiggins, it has been a real treat seeing my kids make new friends and pick up skills along the way. Coach Wiggins has been coaching soccer at Hinsdale Central for 22 years and prior to that coached the Downers Grove South Mustangs. I highly recommend this camp not only due to the improvement that I have seen first-hand in players, but also the relationship he and his crew forge with the players and during the week. Register at www.5starsoccer.com. My daughter will be enrolling in Kindergarten next year and one of the traditions in my family is mandatory attendance at “Safety Town” in August. This camp is run by The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club, Downers Grove Park District, and Downers Grove Police Department. It gives these children understandable tips and know-how to keep safe as they are being released into the “wild” of elementary schools. Registration is through the Downers Grove Park District. I recently heard about a “camp” for adults. Needless to say, I am intrigued. I have never been to “Camp No Counselors” (www.campnocounselors.com) - an all-inclusive sleepaway camp for grown-ups at The Wisconsin Dells – but it looks like they offer up a mean game of Capture the Flag, an open bar and gourmet meals. Can somebody please check it out and let me know if it is too good to be true? This is right up my alley! 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. The organization helps countless individuals and their families in Downers Grove and neighboring communities by providing emergency assistance to those in need. 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

APRIL TRENDS: FRESH FUN – Recent food trendy words have been free-range, organic craft beers, gluten-free, pomegranate & siracha-infused sauce drizzled on dishes. Buzz words in clothing: sustainable, breathable & eco-friendly fabrics. Have you seen the commercials with models suffering from scratchy, tight, wooly and unnatural fabrics? The makers of cotton, on the other hand, depict people enjoying life wearing “the touch & feel of cotton. The fabric of our lives”. Toss unnatural fabrics in favor of the soft, natural feel of cotton, bamboo & eco-friendly material. Since my closet cleanse, I’ve purchased clothes for comfort & wearability. Here at Wheaton Town Square we are fortunate to have Soma. “Soma creates products women need and cannot live without. Their #1 collection is lightweight, has breathable 100% cotton lining & vanishing edge technology makes panty lines disappear forever.” No (VPL) visible panty line is a trend to embrace. If repurposing is on your list this year, visit Treasure House on Pennsylvania Ave. This resale shop is a treasure. I’ve scored high-end scarves, wristlets, wallets and a North Face coat. They were definitely worth the ‘treasure hunt’. Gather & Collect on Main St. is my source for vintage. The owner, Julie Spiller sells frames & skirts made from recycled neckties, retro records molded into snack bowls & scrabble pieces (for jewelry making, etc.) at $.20 each. If you are seeking a rare board game, soft vintage tablecloths, aprons and jewelry, look no further. Both shops are located in downtown Glen Ellyn. Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day. Celebrate at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave. in Glen Ellyn. The event is free & begins at 6pm. The theme is “Sustainable Landscaping”. Bring the kids to enjoy a nature scavenger hunt. Three informational Q & A sessions will be featured: • 6:30pm: Organic Gardening Basics by Sweet Home Organics • 7:00pm: Rain Barrels & Rain Gardens by The Conservation Foundation • 7:30pm: Native Plants for Your Yard by Greater DuPage Wild Ones Plan head for summer swimming & camp options. Wheaton & Glen Ellyn Park Districts combined their Spring & Summer camp guides in one. Both offer early bird discounts at their community pools if you purchase season passes by April 30th. Rates increase May 1st. This is an excellent time to plan ahead. Each camp I’ve enrolled my son in over the years, has been filled with adventures, meeting new friends and outdoor excitement. Happy Earth month. 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

LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENT WITH LIFE-CHANGING CONCUSSIONS Morgan Semmelhack was recruited out of York High School with a volleyball scholarship to Kent State. Her future looked bright until she suffered a series of three concussions during her junior year, with the last one delivering a powerful blow to her left eye in the fall of 2014. After getting differing medical opinions, Morgan made the heartbreaking decision to stop playing volleyball. “Concussions are life-changing,” she says. “I just couldn’t imagine myself out on the court again.” As a graphic design major, she was trying to complete hours of detailed computer work amidst crippling light sensitivity, headaches and eyestrain—vision problems that she had experienced with prior concussions, but had now become unbearable. “Simple things like going to the grocery store were overwhelming because of all the visual stimuli. I just didn’t feel like myself,” she says. Over the summer, Morgan found Dr. Monika Spokas, a developmental optometrist at Clarendon Vision Development Center, and began a course of vision therapy to improve eye tracking and get her eyes to work as a team. Morgan did her exercises at home too. “I could feel my eyes working together. Symptoms got better. I was also in a better mood because I wasn’t always in pain. Vision therapy changed my life,” she says. “Sixty percent of the brain’s pathways relate to vision,” Spokas says. “By engaging the brain in specially designed activities, vision therapy can actually facilitate recovery of concussion symptoms. Even people with lingering symptoms from old concussions can benefit from vision therapy.” Today, Morgan is thriving in school, stronger than ever and looking forward to graduation this August. She uses her story to explain why it’s important to seek concussion treatment early. -Story and Photo Submitted #SuburbanTriumph

GIVING BACK THIS SPRING – I started raising money for one cause or another when I was in kindergarten. I still remember going door to door with my plastic cottage cheese container. I cut the perfect size hole in the lid for donations to be deposited and kept secure. It was always spare change. The size of the donation never mattered. I’m still raising money for one good cause or another but have ditched the plastic container. Fox Valley Food for Health of Geneva provides nutrient rich organic meals for individuals and their families who are facing a health crisis such as cancer. What makes this organization so unique is the integral role played by local teens. I was surprised to find out that teenagers, alongside a mentor Chef are the hands who prepare and cook the meals! FVFFH not only is helping those who are in need, it is positively impacting lives of teenagers with leadership and culinary skills as well as planting the seed of the volunteerism that will continue to grow among this generation. In only its 3rd year of serving the community, FVFFH has prepared and delivered 12,000 meals free of charge to patients and their families, not just once, but for a period of 12 weeks per client. Our fabulous business owners from all over the Tri Cities recognize the important service FVFFH provides and have come together to sponsor “Fashion at the Airport” a high-end NYC-style runway production to be held on April 23rd, in an airplane hangar at the DuPage airport, bordering St. Charles. Come eat, drink, be dazzled, and dance the night away after the show. Tickets may be purchased at exceptional-events.ticketleap.com. Looking for way to give back to the community while having fun with the entire family? The Batavia Mother’s Club, which has little to do with playdates at the park and everything to do with “Improving the Lives of Children and Families in Fox Valley,” is the perfect place to start. Well, with the $50,000 they gave away last year alone, I’d say they made plenty of improvements! Their annual Fox Trot (5k, 10k, Kids events) will be held April 30th at the Batavia Riverwalk. This events attracts hundreds of families from all over the Tri Cities as well as race enthusiast! Sign up now: www.bataviamothersclub.org Don’t forget, Arcedium Coffee, St. Charles. Open mic 4/15 @7pm. Stepping out of my comfort zone for charity! Giving back has never been more fun in and around the TriCities. 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

DESERT ISLAND GRAPE What’s your desert island grape? You know the question, you’re on an island and you can only pick one grape to drink for the rest of your life. For me, hands down, it’s Merlot. The movie from 2004, Sideways, may have negatively impacted Merlot’s popularity for a short period and increased Pinot Noir’s but I have always loved Merlot. Merlot can be incredibly elegant and very versatile from being planted all around the world as well as blended with several different grapes. In fact, it is one of the world’s most planted grapes. I was reminded of my love for Merlot when I tasted Sierra Vista El Dorado Merlot, 2010 – Mountain Ridge Reserve. Family owned and operated, the winery is on Red Rock Ridge near the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. This sexy medium-bodied Merlot had alluring aromas of blueberry compote, blackberries, New York cherries, finishing off with a hint of oak. The palate follows suit with soft tannins, juicy dark fruits, with hints of cocoa and cherry cola. From the bouquet through flavor you can detect the 6 years it aged and it did wonderfully. This is a great example of what Merlot can be as a varietal. I loved it so much, I picked up a case soon after. So yeah, if by some highly unlikely chance I end up on a desert island all alone and there happens to be a wine fairy granting me 1 grape for the rest of my life I would chose Merlot (and of course be specific with the region and vineyard). Well, that’s my choice, what’s your desert island grape? 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 #GlancerMagazine #DiningCabaret #TheChicagoWino #EricMcMillan #April2016 #FeaturedBlog

FEATURING WEST SUBURBAN HOMES ON THE MARKET From one beautiful town to the next, Chicago's western suburbs are home to countless homes with just as much charm as the next. Here, we feature a few of our favorites. So Much to Love Inside This 6,300 Sq. Ft. Home Larry and Dee Van Someren have lived in Naperville for almost 40 years. After owning two previous homes here, they were given the opportunity twenty-six years ago to finally build their dream home on a wooded lot spanning over a half-acre tucked away off Gartner Road. Their five grandchildren, who fortunately live minutes away, love to explore those woods and go on “adventure hikes”. It is not surprising that one of their family’s favorite rooms is the spacious sunroom with palladium windows opening up to their beautiful view. “It is spectacular after a snowfall,” states Dee. The Van Someren’s 6,300+ square foot, custom home, listed for sale by Jack Persin of Baird Warner Real Estate, may be large, but they have always been complimented on how warm and comfortable it felt. This made the home perfect for entertaining and having so many cherished family celebrations from graduations, baby showers and weddings. For Larry, part of the charm of the home is the outstanding trim details and unique features their builder, award winning Charleston Building and Development, carefully put into the home. As for Dee, out of the many rooms, including five bedrooms and five and a half baths, the kitchen is her delight, as she loves having family over and is blessed with ample space to cook and dine together. It’s a home that encourages family togetherness. -Kristen Kucharski The Total Package Complete with At Home Charm Having both lived in Naperville since the early 60s, Dave and Lynn Weeks excitedly designed their dream home in the city they have always called home. The oversized Cress Creek lot allowed the couple to build a 4,400+ square foot home taking advantage of the double fairway views from every angle of the house; while the mature trees provided a serene and peaceful buffer. Like many, Dave wanted to work from home to maximize family time; yet, not sacrifice his professional business needs; so their custom house has it all. The space is seamlessly divided into a family living area and a completely separate, upscale, professional office suite, inclusive with a conference room and private entry - allowing Dave to go from work to home in seconds! The 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house, on the twelfth hole of Cress Creek Golf Course, is listed with Fred and Chip Haines, RE/MAX of Naperville for $1,075,000. Although currently for sale, this house will always be home for the Weeks. Dave and Lynn cherish the memories created by their five children and four grandchildren. They love the established neighborhood, the parks, easy access to golf; dinner on the club veranda, and lighting luminaries throughout the subdivision during the holidays. -Kristen Kucharski Ultra-Luxurious Townhomes Parks Edge, LLC is now offering an enclave of distinctive residences, backing up to Seager Park in Naperville. Nowhere else in DuPage County can one can find such ultra-luxurious townhomes, backing directly to 30 acres of mature trees, ravines, and wildlife. March is your opportunity to take advantage of complimentary architectural design services for the customization of your dream home. Don’t miss this special promotion to work side-by-side with the award winning Architect and meet directly with the builder, who is also an Illinois-licensed Architect. Together, all three parties make not only aesthetic decisions, but well informed quality control decisions, all with financial accountability. Each residence begins with your creative vision, then refined and executed with highly accomplished professionals in a cost effective and timely manner. –Kristen Kucharski Parks Edge, LLC • (630) 877-7555 • www.parks-edge-naperville.com The Perfect Family Home It was all about location for Jay and Lisa Donovan and their two children when they moved into their Naperville Heights home near downtown Naperville. Their nearly 4,000 square foot home is now listed for sale by Dan Firks of Re/Max Naperville. They love that it’s an easy walking distance to downtown, the train, and to the DuPage Children’s Museum; however, their favorite walk has always been to Dairy Queen in the summer so they could enjoy their ice cream in their backyard swinging in hammocks. The five bedroom, four and a half bath home is warm and inviting. It’s full of the upgrades the family loves so much, like Brazilian cherry floors, wrought iron balusters, and stone throughout. Without a doubt, though, the family’s favorite room is their fully-equipped chef’s kitchen where they have so many memories of cooking and entertaining with family and friends. They were thrilled to find such a friendly neighborhood for their growing family, complete with a fun block party every summer and a festive holiday display including visits from Santa right up the street. It was everything they wanted all in one place! -Mindy Kyle #GlancerMagazine #CoverStory #HomeGarden #KristenKucharski #MindyKyle #March2016 #RealEstate

MARY MAZZEFFI OF BATAVIA INVITED TO DECORATE THE WHITE HOUSE Many west suburban residents will recognize Mary Mazzeffi as the Interior Floral Designer and Accessory Specialist at Nona Jo’s in Naperville; but what many may not realize is that she was one of 89 elite decorators selected from thousands of applicants to decorate the White House this past Christmas. “Growing up watching the White House Christmas decor on TV was so magical; but, seeing this in person and being a part of decorating this prestigious "House" was both overwhelming and rewarding,” Mary says. Early on, Mary knew she wanted to be a florist. By 15, she was taking classes at the College of DuPage, began working at Lance Floral at 16, and eventually began freelancing with her own business, ‘A Floral Affair’, planning weddings, events, seasonal decorating, and designing. Mary also fulfills her passion working at Toms Price with visual displays. “Floral adds a pop of color to a neutral room, it softens hard surfaces while adding texture, and I just love bringing the outside in,” Mary shares passionately. “Home decorating is as easy as adding a new pillow or throw to a chair or sofa to give a fresh new look.” -Kristen Kucharski PHOTOS: Above Mary is pictured at Nona Jo’s in Naperville (by Mike Mantucca); At right Mary is pictured decorating the White House for Christmas (submitted). Know a West Suburban Resident Who Is Making a Difference? Introduce Us at editorial@glancermagazine.com Decorating the White House, Christmas 2015 Decorating the White House, Christmas 2015