by Kristen Kucharski Glancer Magazine Junior Reporters first met and interviewed actress, model, singer, dancer, author, and Disney Channel star, Bella Thorne at Naperville’s Last Fling back in 2011 and they were excited to meet up with her again at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville to learn more about AUTUMN FALLS – Thorne’s newly released book by Random House Children’s Books. The book, which is about a real girl trying to find her inner strength and be the best she can be, mixed with a hint of magic and mystery and a steady stream of boys, gossip, and I-can’t-believe-that-just-happened fun, is inspired by actual events from Thorne’s own personal life. AUTUMN FALLS is very relatable for a group of tween girls like Glancer’s Junior Reporters who, like the main character, Autumn Falls, are still trying to figure out how they fit into life. At 14 years old, the main character Autumn will grow and develop throughout the planned trilogy series. “I picked that age because that’s when things really started to click for me; that’s when I really began to understand myself,” Thorne says. “When I was 14, I was trying to be someone else and trying to impress people and make other people happy before myself, and I really had to grow up and realize that you have to make yourself happy too.” Growing up with dyslexia, reading and writing have not always been easy for Thorne and she admits to being very nervous about writing a book but, “I wanted to show kids that if I’m dyslexic and I can write a book series, then I’m no different than you guys; so if I can do it, you surely can,” she shares. “When I do essays in school, even though it’s tough for me, I actually LOVE writing them; I have a very imaginative personality.” The 17-year old’s future plans include going to college to pursue writing and/or directing one day, and she hopes readers will learn from her books that when one door closes, another one opens. “When my father died, the only way I could look at it was realizing that there must be a reason that he passed away,” Thorne shares. “Maybe that I’ll become a stronger person; that I’ll be able to do many more things in my life - with a heart of gold - because I’ve been through so much.” Watch the Complete Interview Here http://youtu.be/y_Gn2xRJ_Ac “LIKE” Glancer Magazine’s facebook Page & Follow Us On Twitter for Event Photos and More #glancermagazine #KristenKucharski

Like Sands Through the Hourglass...These are the Stages of Her Life I’m here to attest – “Forty and fabulous” is exhausting. I know some of you are scoffing, thinking “yeah, it’s exhausting to be rich and skinny too, but I’d like to try those things on for size and get back to you.” Seriously though - there are BIG expectations. We 40-somethings are supposed to have it together: kids are grown or well on their way, careers are in full swing or we now have time to figure out what we want to be when we grow up, and most of us have at least some idea of who we are. I’m told being this age is very chic... Yes, it’s very chic experiencing empty nest syndrome and perimenopause at the same time. I liken it to a devastatingly slow roller coaster ride. I find myself somewhere between hanging on for dear life and throwing my arms up, hoping I’ll be ejected. Oh, and did I forget to mention said roller coaster runs through the scariest fun house of all time? Creepy clowns and crazy mirrors give new meaning to “shock and awe.” And then there’s the career. After raising kids for what seems like a lifetime, we’re supposed to just jump back into work – enthusiastically…and don’t forget, fabulously! And if we’re already well established, well then that jet lag of the past 20 years is supposed to magically disappear and be replaced by invigoration. Yep, I feel like jumping on the old treadmill and losing 20 pounds, how about you? And finally, why do we think we have to be so dynamic? Great dinners, clean houses, nail polish that never chips, roots that never show. Why by 45 should we know how to make pie crust flaky or our homes shabby chic? Is crafty the new black? Just this past weekend, in an effort to be crowned the DIY queen, I was refinishing a pair of nightstands and found myself apologizing to them as I applied, of all things, a product called Aging Cream. You better believe I wore thick gloves and made sure that room was well-ventilated. If you’re in any other decade of your life, be grateful. Our 20s, everything can be blamed on youth. Our 30s, we’re busy. Our 50s, we’re menopausal...finally it’s ok to be emotional (I’m going to milk that one for all its worth!). Our 60s – because Grandma said so! Our 70s, we’re forgetful, yet somehow that’s adorable. If we can make it through our 40s, we can make it anywhere: New York, American Ninja Warrior, hanging on to an iceberg as the Titanic sinks, Route 59 during rush hour, Target on a Saturday afternoon. We’re 40-somethings and dare I say…we’re remarkable! about the writer Tiffany Schultz resides in Sugar Grove with her husband, two kids and Shih Tzu. While seeking balance between her dueling roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend and professional, Tiffany spends as much time as possible daydreaming on her screen porch. She also enjoys cooking, traveling and yoga and hopes to one day learn Italian and make the perfect crème brulee. #tiffanyschultz

Local Mom Starts All Life Animal Rescue Lisa is one of Naperville’s most efficiently active moms. She makes balancing life as a mom, wife, financial advisor, accountant, Zoo on Yoo, Inc. business owner; charity director, writer, dancer, and tennis player seem effortless. As the mother of three young children, ages 8, 11, and 12, Lisa feels blessed to help each of her children attain their independent goals while also fulfilling her own life’s passion of rescuing animals. “This has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” she shares. “My partner, Taylor Cosgrove, has been rescuing animals out of her home since she was 15; and together, our ultimate goal is to own a facility and to branch out around the world.” As of November 2014, their vision became a reality when All Life Animal Rescue was deemed a 501(c)(3) corporation. All Life Animal Rescue's mission is to find loving, forever homes for all domestic animals. If interested in donating, adopting, or fostering, check out www.alllifeanimalrescue.org.

McCORMICK MUSEUM TO OFFER GUIDED “SERVANTS TOUR” Weekend specialty tour will examine life inside the mansion for those who served the McCormick family and their guests. The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Parkhas started a new attraction for visitors: “Upstairs, Downstairs: The Servants Tour.” The guided 45-minute tour aims to show a different side of daily life inside the former home of Colonel Robert McCormick, Cantigny’s benefactor. Visitors will learn about the typical jobs performed by live-in staff during McCormick’s era, see where they ate and worked, and find out what made working for the Colonel unique. “McCormick treated his staff very well,” said Jeff Anderson, tour coordinator at the museum. “The master-servant relationship in the home wasn’t typical and our Upstairs, Downstairs tour will shed light on that.” McCormick lived in the mansion from around 1910 until his death in 1955. During those years he employed such positions as butler, cook, chauffeur, ladies maid and valet. The new research-based tour reveals information about specific people who served the Colonel, his family and his guests. “I think Cantigny visitors will find this to be a fascinating and also very relatable tour,” Anderson said. “Most people can’t picture themselves as millionaires, living in a mansion. But we can imagine ourselves as members of the staff, doing familiar jobs like cooking, cleaning and driving.” The complimentary tour will be offered at 11:30 am on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 2. Tours are limited to 10 participants on a first-come, first served basis. On tour days, ticket distribution will be at the McCormick Museum’s Gold Theatre starting at 11 am. The Servants Tour is the second new initiative of 2015 announced by the McCormick Museum. “Second Saturdays,” a free monthly program for families, began in March. The next Second Saturdays program is slated for May 9 with journalism as the theme. The McCormick Museum is open Tuesday through Friday for free guided tours. Hours vary by season and day of the week. Parking is $5 or free for Cantigny Park members. About the Robert R. McCormick Museum The McCormick Museum is a historic house museum interpreting the life and legacy of Colonel Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955), longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. It is located at Cantigny Park, the Colonel’s 500-acre Wheaton (Illinois) estate that he left as a gift to the public. About Cantigny Park Part of the nonprofit Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Cantigny is home to 30 acres of spectacular gardens, the Robert R. McCormick Museum, the First Division Museum and a 27-hole championship golf course. All are open to the public. More information, including park hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events is online at www.cantigny.org.

Abigail Lipp of St. Charles, Marc Jacobs Model “Anything is possible, no matter who you are or where you come from,” says Abigail Lipp, a freelance model. Abigail grew up in St. Charles and recently moved to Chicago this January to pursue her modeling career. “I began modeling freelance within this last year, working with local photographers in Chicago to build my portfolio and traveling to New York for some bigger projects,” she shares. Abigail has recently been featured in the Marc by Marc Jacobs spring/summer 2015 ad campaign shot by David Sims and also walked the New York Fashion Week for designer Julia Seeman’s AW15 collection. For aspiring models, it’s an exciting time, according to Abigail. “The industry standards are changing drastically where diversity, imperfection, and strangeness are now in greater demand than ever before,” she shares. Abigail never saw modeling professionally as a realistic option for herself, mostly due to her height (she’s drastically under the standard model height) and the fact that she has a facial scar. Despite all this, she took a chance and entered two large modeling competitions. “Thanks to the amazing encouragement from my family, friends, and the casting teams that saw my potential, the work I put into making these dreams happen paid off and I was a finalist in both competitions,” she enthuses. “Now my short self has walked the cat walk at Lincoln Center and my scar and I can be seen on billboards and in magazines across the world!” -Danielle Fitzpatrick Clark, Photos Submitted

Awesome kids are everywhere in the western suburbs, so for this June we’re showcasing a few of them. Get ready for some major adorable! These amazing kiddos have some incredible stories to share. #1 ---- CARSON DEVERNEY Awesome Naperville Kid Carson DeVerney, age 7, has grown up in Naperville and attends Maplebrook Elementary School. Carson loves soccer and started playing when he was 3 years old. He participates in many positions, but his favorite position is forward. His dribbling skills are advanced and he’s great at scoring. He currently averages 2-3 goals a game! One of his favorite soccer memories centers on a scoring opportunity. “I kicked a penalty goal from just inside the half field, dropping the ball just behind the goalie and scoring!” he shares. Carson is currently signed up for soccer camps for the summer and is planning on taking some private lessons. He will also be playing on a Premier Soccer team this coming fall and plans on continuing playing throughout the spring and fall seasons during his school years. One day he hopes to play professional soccer. His personal motto is “Never go through life without goals!” This not only applies to scoring soccer goals, but also to any goal you have in life. “If you put your mind, sweat, and tears into anything, you can be great and achieve any goal!” he adds. #2 ---- ELIZA PETERS Awesome Geneva Kid Eliza Peters moved from North Carolina to Geneva when she was in the first grade and has lived here for the past eight years. She’s in the eighth grade and goes to Geneva Middle School North. Eliza started wearing hearing aids in the second grade. “They are very expensive and insurance does not pay for hearing aids,” she says. Eliza and ESPN 1000 Chicago personality Sarah Spain started Hear the Cheers three years ago, to help raise money for children who can’t afford hearing aids. “We raised about $20,000 the first year and over the past three years we’ve raised around $60,000,” she shares. Eliza and Sarah teamed up with the Chicago Hearing Society, where they both hold the donations in an account and help to fit children with hearing aids. Families can apply by going to the Chicago Hearing Society website and filling out an application for review. Eliza plans on continuing with Hear the Cheers, “until I die!” she exclaims. “I love, love, love to help others and after college I hope to work in sports as some type of sportscaster.” To make a tax deductible donation for Hear the Cheers visit www.chicagohearingsociety.org/hearthecheers. #3 ---- BECKETT MCGRAW Awesome Oswego Kid Becket McGraw has lived in Oswego his entire life. He’s 12 years old and attends Traughber Junior High and has been splashing around in a pool since he was a mere 6 months old! He started with swim lessons at the Oswego Park District when he was 4 and by the time he was 8, Beckett was swimming competitively with the Oswego Otters. “ I enjoyed swimming competitively so much I started swimming year-round with the Fox Valley Family YMCA and have been swimming on both teams ever since,” Beckett shares. Becket works hard and practices 4-5 days a week, two hours per day, all year long. Recently, he went to the Illinois YMCA state meet and participated in six individual events and two relays. “I also swam in the USA regional meet this past March and took second place in the 500 freestyle, achieving a personal best time,” he adds. Beckett’s personal motto to live by is “Give it all you got the first time because you may not get a second chance.” He plans on swimming through high school and hopefully college as well. “I try to do well in school and get good grades and I may even coach swimming one day,” he says. #4 ---- SIA ERTER Awesome Glen Ellyn Kid Sia Erter of Glen Ellyn knows how to shop! This cute 8-year-old has lived in the area for 3 years and is in 2nd grade at St. Petronille in Glen Ellyn. One of Sia’s favorite shopping spots is M & Em’s Children’s Boutique. “I love all the cute styles, accessories, and fun activities M & Em’s offers and recently they have the coolest markers and books!” she shares. “One of my favorites from M & Em’s is a cute tank top in tie die colors.” She also shops for all her friends' birthday gifts at M & Em’s, and can always find fun necklaces, bags, and color chalk for hair! Sia has had a passion for ballet since the age of 2. She plays softball and loves to read books. “My mom says I have a good eye for fashion and asks me my opinion on clothes and styles all the time – she sometimes needs a lot of help!” she enthuses. This little fashionista certainly has great style and shared some tips for our readers. “Try to take your time and look at everything, because you may miss something you really like!” #5 ----- MARBLE FUSION Awesome Kaneland Kids Singing group Marble Fusion has four members, Leo Espinosa from Aurora (13), Maggie Madziarczyk from Sugar Grove (12), Brianna Silva from Montgomery (13), and Rob Luedtke from Sugar Grove (11). The four were at a “Seussical” rehearsal making up harmonies in the dressing room during breaks and decided that it would be fun to form a signing group together. “We’re all good friends, too, so it just made sense,” they add. All of the kids are part of Avenue J’s junior advisory board, which brings together a select group of talented students between grades 5 and 12. Marble Fusion is planning on competing in local singing competitions. “We would also love to perform locally at events and festivals!” As for their own personal mottos, each had something to share: “Do what makes you happy and aspire to do great things,” Leo shares. “Even though there might be people who want to stop you from doing what you do, continue on and follow your heart,” shares Brianna. “Be yourself,” says Maggie. “I think every kid should try something new, because when I tried acting for the first time, I became the person who I am today,” says Rob. Photos by Mike Mantucca & Lynn Logan

She proved them all wrong in a very big way. Twenty-three years ago Amanda Propheter‘s parents were told that their daughter’s future would be bleak. At the age of two, she was diagnosed as being severely and profoundly mentally delayed. Her parents were told that Amanda also had poor muscle tone, which would prevent her from participating in physical activities, and that she’d never be able to speak more than a few words. Now at the age of 25, the Geneva resident is a friendly, composed, and articulate young woman who works at a retirement community, competes in Special Olympics, and loves doing community service. Amanda has pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), an autism spectrum disorder. Lots of therapy, both traditional and non-traditional, along with encouragement and support from family, friends, schools, and her employer, paid off. Ironically, all of this is referred to in the speech that Amanda wrote and delivered at the Miss Amazing competition at the end of April. The event, which is for girls with mental and/or physical disabilities, is run much like any other pageant, including an evening dress showing and a talent presentation. Amanda’s talent demonstration will be delivering her speech “I Have a Voice” which proves all of her naysayers wrong. Amanda has successfully been employed at a job she loves. GreenFields of Geneva, a retirement community near her home, hired her as a dishwasher when it first opened its doors three years ago. “The job was really intense and GreenFields worked with us trying to carve out the perfect niche for Amanda,” said her mother, Chris Propheter. Amanda is now a dining room server for residents in assisted living. “She loves interacting with the residents and they love her,” said Chris. A sports lover, Amanda said that she has collected many medals from Special Olympics competitions. “I love community service because it keeps me out of trouble, and keeps me from just doing nothing,” said Amanda. Because she loves seniors, she volunteers at a retirement community. “Older adult have lots of wisdom. They’ve had ups and downs in their lives and there’s a lot I can learn from them,” she said. In entering the Miss Amazing competition, Amanda said, “I would like to be ‘that voice’ for all those young women who have anyone tell them, ‘you will never do this,’ to know that you can do anything you want with faith, hard work, and determination.” She added, “I’ve learned to push through what is tough for me to learn.” Amanda said that she’d like to be a role model for other people with challenges. “I will put everything I’ve accomplished into really good use. I want to give other people the motivation to do their personal best,” she said Have a SUBURBAN TRIUMPH story to share? Email editorial@glancermagazine.com

A few fun ideas to keep the kids busy this summer..... #HereThereEverywhere #GlancerMagazine #Summer2015 MORTON ARBORETUM From Tree Pose Yoga to Busy Beavers, this west suburban nature hot spot offers a variety of fun things to do with the kids. Online you will find classes, programs and events....all centered around kids. The best part is that many are age specfic so you know which will be a great fit right away. Remember to visit the whimsical Children’s Garden while you’re there. www.mortonarb.org SCHOOL OF ROCK This experience will challenge their minds and build self confidence through music performance. The DuPage locations offer a variety of programs for ages 3+. Great for beginners and experienced musicians. Give them a summer to remember. At School of Rock, making music also means making memories. www.Naperville.schoolofrock.com • (630) 922-5400 www.Hinsdale.schoolofrock.com • (630) 936-4742 www.Elmhurst.schoolofrock.com • (630) 750-7625 THE ROOM LISLE The Room serves as the test of a group's teamwork, deductive reasoning skills, and composure under pressure. Locked inside a precisely designed game room, teams of up to six people have 60 minutes to escape. Uncovering secret compartments, retrieving hidden clues, cracking codes, solving puzzles, and opening locks to escape. 4910 Main St, Lisle. Book a room at www.theroomlisle.com SCI-TECH HANDS ON MUSEUM Come and explore over 150 interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) exhibits which inspire education and imagination! SciTech sparks young minds of all ages to discover the world around them, from the baby of the family to Grandma! Enjoy field trips, overnights, scout programs, birthday parties & day camps. Located in Aurora. www.scitechmuseum.org NAPER SETTLEMENT Children ages 2 to 7 can splash, climb, touch, explore, trade, play, pretend and slide into adventures at the Harvard Early Learning Playscape! Settlement Sundays begin Father’s Day June 21, followed by Night at the Museum June 26. For fun all summer long, visit www.napersettlement.org. SUGAR GROVE FAMILY FUN CENTER A fun-for-all-ages amusement park with 2 go-kart tracks, miniature golf course, bumper boats, water wars, game room, lighted golf range & more. Offering packages for birthdays & special events. A fun & economical venue for your birthday party or your corporate/special outing. Located off of Route 47 in Sugar Grove. www.sugargrovefamilyfuncenter.com PRARIEFEST IN OSWEGO June 18-21, PrairieFest is Oswego's four-day community celebration brought to you by the Oswegoland Park District. The kids will love this carnival! $20 Unlimited Ride Specials; Thurs 6-10pm Fri noon-4pm; Sat noon-4pm; Sun 2-6pm. Plus, PrairieFest events are held throughout Oswego with the main festival grounds located at PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road, Oswego. www.prairiefest.com. Plan on attending! OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK Themed around a river otter and his friends, Otter Cove offers water fun for everyone! Featuring a zero-depth entry pool, shallow toddler pool, splash park with water wheels, dumping buckets and spray cannons, sand play area, and rides that twist, turn and twirl through water that shoots, sprays and spins. A facility of the St. Charles Park District, 3615 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles, 630-513-4377, ottercove.org HALL QUARRY BEACH Hall Quarry Beach occupies a former stone quarry owned by the Batavia Park District. It features a sand bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet that includes islands, slides, and a diving area. There's a playground and plenty of picnic tables as well. Pool passes are available to residents or visitors may pay a daily fee. Come visit the beach that Batavia built. www.bataviaparks.org/harold-hall-quarry-beach

Meet the Founder of Kaitlin’s Hideout Out of personal necessity and a strong desire to help other parents and children with special needs, Lisa started a not-for-profit called “Kaitlin’s Hideout” in Glen Ellyn offering recreation, resources, and support. Lisa’s daughter, Kaitlin, is on the severe end of the autism spectrum; and Lisa wanted to provide an atmosphere where families could empathize with each other while receiving education - families that struggle with children who cannot talk, are still in diapers (even in adulthood), have multiple seizures daily, eat only two foods, scream all day, sleep only two hours a night, and so on. “Advocacy is thrust upon many of us and we are proud to make a difference,” Lisa says. “We stay up to date on a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional therapies/interventions, including homeopathic, biomedical, nutrient supplementation and diets. We help families navigate through the massive amounts of information out there on these subjects and strive to guide and support them in making important decisions about their child’s treatments.” Lisa is dedicated to spreading autism awareness and educating the public. Photo by Mike Mantucca #HeroMomstoKnow

E! News Anchor, Giuliana Rancic Comes to Naperville Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville hosted another hot celebrity book signing bringing in hundreds of E! News, Fashion Police, and Red Carpet fans from all over the western suburbs and beyond. Giuliana Rancic was in town promoting her newly released book, Going Off Script, an autobiography which shares not only Rancic’s success in television; her launch of her own signature brand of wine; as well as her own clothing line, but delves deeper into her personal life including battles with infertility and breast cancer. Married to Bill Rancic, winner of the first season of Donald Trump’s, “The Apprentice”, the couple and their young son, Duke, will be making Chicago their permanent home this upcoming summer. –Kristen Kucharski

85th Birthday Fun! Shirley Guendling Photo taken at Jenny Taylor Boudoir Photography On her 85th birthday, Shirley Guendling decided to celebrate in a much different way than just cakes and candles! Her granddaughter, Jenny Taylor of Jenny Taylor|Boudoir Photography, invited her to take boudoir/beauty photos. “I felt that to have boudoir/beauty photos taken would make me feel special, and feminine, no matter what age, even at 85,” Shirley explains. “The experience was far more than I had anticipated and I felt special, even pretty!” Shirley exclaims. Her granddaughter put her at ease and helped with everything from start to end. The session was like nothing Shirley had ever experienced before and was fun and exciting. “I hoped that my wardrobe of dresses were tasteful, as I realize a mature woman should look mature, but that does NOT mean dowdy,” Shirley says. “Jenny is fabulous at what she does – she and her camera work magic!” After her fun photo shoot, Shirley admits that she’s looked many times at her beautiful photo album! As for others who are thinking about having photos done, Shirley says, “Don’t let the word ‘boudoir’ intimidate you! You will feel beautiful and have the pictures to prove it!”

Naperville Ribfest Presents Rocker Sammy Hagar and The Circle • July 3, 8:30-10:00pm Naperville Ribfest will be rocking audiences as it welcomes to its musical schedule Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar and his new band The Circle. They will take fans on a musical journey through rock history spanning four decades of Hagar’s hits and other rock classics. The 28th Naperville Ribfest, a popular sizzling summer fest destination, draws many visitors with its family activities, award-winning rib vendors from across the country and crowd-pleasing musical entertainment. Hagar, also known as The Red Rocker, is a Grammy award-winning vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, New York Times bestselling author and musician, who in 2007 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen. From his beginnings with the rock band Montrose to his multiplatinum solo career and his role as the frontman of Van Halen, he’s set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems such as "I Can't Drive 55," "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy," "Finish What Ya Started," and "Right Now.” With his Cabo Wabo Tequila, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and succession of successful bar and restaurant brands, he’s evolved into an auspicious entrepreneur. Hagar also takes a philanthropic role through the “Hagar Family Foundation” with the goal of putting food on the table for those in need. For information about Sammy Hagar, visit www.redrocker.com. The Circle features Michael Anthony, a longtime rhythm bassist who has played with Hagar for the past 30 years in bands including Van Halen and Chickenfoot; Vic Johnson, guitarist from Hagar’s band The Wabos; and Jason Bonham, the acclaimed drummer and son of iconic Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham. Sammy Hagar and The Circle will release their latest CD and digital album called “At Your Service” on May 19th. For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to www.ribfest.net. Also, to keep up to date on what’s going on at Ribfest, download the Ribfest app on the iTunes store and like us on Facebook. #Ribfest #SammyHagar