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So Many Unique Things Happening Here WHEATON–Improv. To many this word culminates a myriad of anxious feelings. After all, creating humor out-of-thin air must be left to the experts. How can people spontaneously create stories from audience suggestions? It is awe-inspiring. However, improv is for everyone. And just like anything worth achieving, it takes practice - a skill set, built over time. By learning the correct techniques, mastering the art of the ‘unplanned’ becomes second nature. Introducing: Westside Improv in downtown Wheaton. Westside Improv presents long-form improv shows and classes throughout the week. Themes range from Shakespearean plays to murder mysteries … and everything in between. Just like music, there are a variety of comedy genres. Finding styles and themes that speak to our unique preferences, helps draw us closer to this alluring art form. Each week, WI features a variety of teams from the Chicagoland area. Shows are Friday and Saturday nights; typically, featuring three teams. Cultivating humor into our everyday life is essential to our overall health and wellbeing. You don’t have to be the class clown or life of the party to try your hand in improv. It creatively propels us in many facets of life - school, work, family and friends. It teaches us to: be positive, spontaneous, take risks, connect with others, get out of our heads and celebrate failure. It’s perfect for kids who want to build confidence, social skills and learn acceptance. And it’s great for adults and working professionals who want to become more present, practice active listening and deepen collaboration. It’s the ultimate team sport! -Brianna Bartemeyer, Photos Submitted

North Central College Fine & Performing Arts Saturday • April 20 • 10am NAPERVILLE–Since 1982, Todd Victor and Lizette Guy, known as Dr. Knowitall and Professor Smart, have entertained families worldwide as jugglers and physical comedians. Combining their theater skills and love for science, they've created a fun-filled science show. Lizette Guy began her performing career at age six in a Hollywood movie and has a background in psychology and counseling. Todd Victor, a physical comedian and juggler, has performed in 10 countries and continues to captivate audiences with his love of science and comedy. Together, they have written and developed this engaging science show, inspiring kids to explore scientific concepts through entertainment. www.northcentralcollege.edu/show

Delightful and Delicious NAPERVILLE–DeEtta’s makes their wedding cakes from scratch with real ingredients to ensure the best possible taste without using additives or preservatives. Couples are incited to choose custom designs based on their personal tastes and wedding style. All cakes are frosted to perfection; choose from buttercream, fondant, sculpted cakes, and more. And they always include a layer of real buttercream -- even under the fondant -- to ensure the best possible taste. Scrumptious! www.deettasbakery.com/weddings

Perfect for an Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony BARTLETT–Villa Olivia is an award-winning banquet facility that features floor to ceiling windows overlooking beautiful rolling hills, a lush golf course and picturesque ski slopes. Villa Olivia offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony settings. They have two outdoor ceremony sites, one with views of their golf course and the other with views of their ski slopes. Indoors, they have a newly-renovated banquet facility that features gorgeous chandeliers, a cozy fireplace or rustic ceilings, depending on the room. Credit: TWA Photos hwww.bartlettparks.org

Exquisite Dress Designers AURORA-Woldfelt’s Bridal offers a beautiful selection of designers. Make your wedding the trend-setting event of the year with an exclusive Justin Alexander Signature gown. Wolsfelt’s is delighted to feature this fashion-forward line available only to Justin Alexander Diamond Partners www.wolsfelts.com

A Unique Setting for the Happy Couple PLAINFIELD-Featuring a spacious and flexible event space, WAREHOUSE: 109 is an interest venue. They provide many unique vignettes; including a gallery of antique motorcycles, a vintage bar, and a 1958 Airstream turned into a lounge. 4,000 sqft of interior space; 2,000 sqft of courtyard space. Seated dinners of up to 150 guests, receptions for up to 200 guests. www.warehouse109.com

THE GOAT BATAVIA INVITES YOU IN FOR SOME TASTY DELIGHTS BATAVIA–The GOAT burger+cocktail bar in Batavia is a popular dining establishment known for its delicious burgers, cocktails, and whiskey offerings. Located at 107 East Wilson Street, Batavia, IL, USA, this casual dining spot has garnered positive reviews for its eclectic fare, including innovative burger creations like "THE SEACOW" featuring a 4oz burger patty, marinated skirt steak, grilled shrimp, creamy coleslaw, and romesco sauce. Pictured is their Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer+Shot of Jamo. Cheers! www.thegoatbatavia.com

AN ARTSY AND ECLETIC VIBE WITH EXPERTLY CURATED DISHES AURORA/GENEVA–Craft Urban, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Geneva and Aurora, Illinois, is making waves with its innovative approach to food and beverages. With a commitment to showcasing local artisan producers, Craft Urban offers a menu that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates the best of the region. At Craft Urban, diners can indulge in a culinary experience like no other. The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes that are not only delicious but also creatively crafted to offer a fusion of flavors that excite the palate. From hand-picked ingredients to expertly curated dishes, every bite at Craft Urban tells a story of passion and dedication to culinary excellence. But it's not just the food that sets Craft Urban apart; it's also their craft cocktail drinks that steal the show. Award-winning handcrafted cocktails paired with chef-driven creations elevate the dining experience to new heights, making every sip a journey of taste and refinement. In addition to their exceptional menu, Craft Urban hosts weekly brunches that are a must-try for food enthusiasts looking to start their day on a delicious note. Moreover, the restaurant's special events, like the popular Drag shows hosted monthly, add a touch of excitement and entertainment to the dining experience, making Craft Urban a vibrant hub for both foodies and social butterflies alike. Craft Urban in Geneva and Aurora truly embodies the essence of culinary artistry, community spirit, and inventive mixology, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a gastronomic adventure in Illinois. www.crafturban.com

Their Mission is to Offer Customized Programs that Proactively Embrace these Challenges in Order for Athletes with Down Syndrome Thrive NAPERVILLE–It has become more and more apparent in the past few decades how physical fitness can be a benefit to people in all generations. We are bombarded with multitudes of choices including unique training gyms, (can anyone say goat yoga or aerial arts?), in-home programs like Peloton, and hundreds of new approaches and training through social media. Whatever sport or program you work with, it is no doubt a huge benefit to your physical and mental health. We are all at risk of degeneration, but some more than others. Individuals born with Down Syndrome (DS) are at an increased risk of health complications and mental challenges. Very often, they have atypical development of motor skills and are more susceptible to low muscle-tone, looseness of ligaments, obesity and type 2 diabetes. As well, adults and children with DS face challenges in behavioral activity that can lead to depression and anxiety. The national organization Buddy Up For Life was created with these risks in mind. Their mission is to offer customized programs that proactively embrace these challenges in order for athletes with Down Syndrome thrive. Katie Finke, who has a teenage son with DS, remembers hearing about Buddy Up For Life and wishing their was a program closer to them. As an avid tennis player and coach, she was excited when Five Star Tennis Center in Plainfield partnered up with Buddy Up For Life. Katie is now the Buddy Up Tennis Coordinator for the Naperville chapter of the organization Along with Buddy Up Fitness Coordinator Jennifer Kurtovic, they hold a weekly high-energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and adults with Down Syndrome. “We enable our athletes to reach their fullest potential by providing a unique environment that combines tennis, fitness and social activities through our weekly 90-minute clinics,” says Katie. “Tennis experience is not required.” Athletes are partnered with volunteer Buddies to reinforce the Coach’s instructions, provide support and develop friendships. Buddy Up believes in pushing their athletes to reach their highest potential while also making it fun. “I love that we still have the same athletes, plus so many more, coming to the clinic 8 years later,” says Katie. “It is also a great opportunity for parents to come watch and catch up with other parents in the DS community.” To find out more about Buddy Up For Life or becoming a Buddy volunteer, please visit their website at www.buddyupforlife.org or email Katie at napervilletennis@buforlife.org. www.buddyupforlife.org ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and is a veteran of Chicago’s theater and commercial world as well as a graduate of the Second City Improv School. Mindy lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dogs in the land.

A BEAUTIFUL ESCAPE $3,195,000 33W794 Mare Barn Ln, Wayne, IL 5 bed, 7.5 bath 8,400 sqft Beyond the gates lies a sprawling estate exuding old-world charm and modern luxury seamlessly intertwined in an English country manor. Crafted with precision, every detail of this home, from the slate roof to the old-world walnut hardwood floors, reflects unparalleled quality and elegance. The billiards room, scullery, and study adorned with intricate detailing create an inviting space for entertainment and relaxation. Ascend the majestic staircase to discover the primary bedroom, large bedrooms with stunning views, and a sunroom with a cathedral ceiling, offering a serene retreat. Experience Resort-Like Living Step into a realm of opulence as you explore the resort-like landscape featuring a spectacular pool, a furnished casita, and a charming barn ideal for horse enthusiasts. The expansive grounds offer endless possibilities, including a private golf hole seamlessly integrated into the lush surroundings. The basement, equipped with high-end amenities like a Crestron smart system and a whole house generator, awaits your personal touch to transform it into a luxurious entertainment space. This property epitomizes sophistication and functionality, promising a lifestyle of unmatched comfort and grandeur. Presented by: Amy Crane (630) 377-1700 Brokered by: @ Properties Christie’s International Real Estate VIEW LISTING

Frankinschool 2: The Cupsnake Escape ELMHURST–Long-time Elmhurst resident Caryn Rivadeneira has worked in the writing industry as an editor since she graduated from college. Alongside editing, she writes books. The majority of her 25 published books are stories written for children, including the Helper Hounds series and Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure, a picture book she wrote in conjunction with the Shedd Aquarium. Her most current book, Frankinschool 2: The Cupsnake Escape, is the second (of four) in the Frankinschool Mystery Series. The inspiration for the Frankinschool series came one day when a visiting author signed a book to her son “To Frank” (not his name). “He was little then and quite upset,” says Caryn, “so we made up a funny story about why the author may have written that, and it grew into Frankinschool!” The series is about a boy named Fred, who taps into the “power of pretend” by writing What If poems, and same as her son, has an author accidentally sign his book “To Frank” which leads him into writing his first poem: What if I am Frank in School? The poem unleashes all sorts of mayhem and leads Fred and his friend, Luisa, to the mysterious school attic where they meet Frank the ghost. In The Cupsnake Escape, Fred’s power of pretend turns cupcakes into cupsnakes at a school baking competition, and once again, they put their creativity to the test to try to save the school from the snakes. Caryn’s Frankinschool Mystery Series can be found anywhere books are sold as well as all online book retailers. The third book in the series, Frankinschool 3: Gone to the Dogs is set to be released this August. KNOW A LOCAL AUTHOR? editorial@glancermagazine.com

A VARIETY OF INNOVATIVE LEARNING OPTIONS AVAILABLE NAPERVILLE–Join Arrow Accelerated Academy in Naperville for fun year-round! In addition to Arrow’s innovative school year options for preschool through high school aged learners, your child can spend the summer engaging in hands-on projects through Arrow’s Summer Quest camps. In addition, you don’t want to miss Arrow Accelerated Academy's 4th Annual Children’s Business Fair, where your young entrepreneur can run their own business and make a real profit! Information about all of Arrow’s programs are available at www.arrowacton.com.