SL_Mag_Nov18

WHEATON GLEN ELLYN

NOVEMBER 2018

100 YEARS IN THE MAKING

GLEN ELLYN PARK DISTRICT CELEBRATES A CENTURY PAGE 12

 HOLIDAY EVENTS TO MAKE YOUR SEASON ITS BRIGHTEST PAGE 7  BUILDING THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP OF TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES  5 THINGS YOU COULD BE DOING TO DAMAGE YOUR EYES PAGE 18

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Let Roberto’s Cater Your Event

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Breaded Veal Topped with Fresh Mushrooms, Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Served with Side of Pasta

Rigatons Pomodoro - Salsiccia - Piselli44.00 Pasta with Ground Sausage, Peas, Tomato Sauce & Parmigiano

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• Marsala with Mushrooms & Marsala Wine Sauce • Piccata with Capers & Onions in a Lemon Butter Sauce • Pepperonata with Roasted Red Pepper, Onions, Touch of Garlic & Oil, Brandy Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes • Vesuvio with Garlic & Oil, Herbs & Wine Sauce, Served with Potatoes

Italian Beef (by the Pound)

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All Trays Do Not Come With Bread 1/2 Pan Serves 8-10 • Full Pan Serves 16-20 Please give 24-hour Notice MON-THURS 11AM - 11PM, FRI 11AM - 12AM, SAT4PM - 12AM, SUN 2PM - 10PM Tax Not Included with All Pricing Prices Subject To Change Without Notice. We also do Catering and Private Parties before our regular hours.

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Carry Out Orders can also be placed from our Dining Room Menu or Specials Menu

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Editor's

NOTE These are your hometowns.

Whether you’re a native or a transplant, have lived in the area for 20 years or two, you have, no doubt, felt the warmth and camaraderie of the close knit communities of Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.

These villages, steeped in history and overflowing with goodwill, invite residents and visitors alike to revel in their dining and shopping, their festivals and their events… but most importantly, in their spirit.

In this month’s edition of Suburban Life Magazine, we re-introduce you to Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, highlighting all there is to see and do in these two great villages throughout the holiday season.

Starting in late November, the weekends are filled with holiday cheer, as horse drawn carriages, hot cocoa, and tree lightings take center stage on the streets of these two great downtowns.

We visit local shopkeepers at the ready with gifts, treats, and holiday sales that can’t be beat! We round up all the great places to find the freshest of Christmas trees, all within a short drive of your own back door. And we

touch base with the folks who bring in the beautiful horse drawn carriages, year after year in Wheaton, to transport you around town at the holidays. There are crafts to be made and lights to be adored as Wheaton and Glen Ellyn alike ring in the season in style.

And as we look forward to the new year, there’s another reason to celebrate: Glen Ellyn Park District turns 100 in 2019! We talked with the folks at the district about all the wonderful events and activities they have to mark the anniversary, and get everyone involved in this historic local event.

Whatever your plans for the coming holiday season, we hope you’ll take the time to join in the local fun and festivities on tap in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.... After all, it’s your hometown, and your Suburban Life. Make it great!

Thanks for reading,

Sherri Dauskurdas, Editor

PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com LOCAL SALES MANAGER Daily Chronicle & Niche Publishing Jaclyn Cornell 630-845-5234 jcornell@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Peter Stadalsky, Jonathan Bilyk, Paula Barrington PHOTOGRAPHERS Aldo Risolvo

on the

COVER

The historic Lake Ellyn Boathouse, built in 1937 and restored to its original beauty in 2016, stands as the hallmark building of the Gelen Ellyn Park district, which celebrates 100 years of operation in 2019.

See story page 12.

Photo by ALDO RISOLVO

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This magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send your request with payment information to Shaw Media, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia.com.

Published by Shaw Media 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-845-5288

NOVEMBER

2018

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An Eclectic Mix of Unique Decor, Custom Furnishings & Architectural Salvage

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INSIDE

What's

OUT & ABOUT

7 WHEATON FOR THE HOLIDAYS Embrace the season with the quintessential hometown holiday festival.

8 RIDING IN STYLE Horse drawn carriages a Wheaton holiday tradition.

10 LIGHT UP THE SEASON Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are filled to the brim with great local events.

12 CELEBRATING A CENTURY Glen Ellyn Park District marks 100 years with a lineup of local events.

FASHION & BEAUTY 16 FRIENDSHIP ALWAYS IN FASHION Small town values drive positive partnerships between ‘competitors’.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

24 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD When things get hot, we need to thank the experts that help us keep it cool.

BUSINESS & CIVIC

25 FIND THAT PERFECT THING Local experts in consignment and estate sales have what you ‘re looking for, or know where to find it.

26 PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE Finance expert Tom McCartney says we should keep careful watch of our ongoing investments.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

18 ME, MYSELF & EYE Five common behaviors that could be hurting your eyes.

TRAVEL

20 HOMEWARD BOUND Travel columnist Peter Stadalsky talks about how visiting other places has made him value his own home.

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NOVEMBER

2018

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Living Wheaton for the holidays:

A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL With PAULA BARRINGTON

D

owntown Wheaton is decked out for the holidays with a new look for Front Street this winter season. The streetlamps wrapped in festive garland and wreaths lead you to the new Martin Memorial Plaza on Front Street. Friends and families are invited to gather around the community fireplace at the newly designed plaza and take a moment to celebrate.

Following the Living Wheaton Christmas Parade, held the evening of Friday November 23, the celebration continues in Downtown with the Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 1.

The Christmas Festival begins with an early morning Reindeer Run on Main Street.

Hosted by the Lions Club of Wheaton and the Wheaton Park District, this special 5 K run is perfect for all ages. It is especially fun to see how creative runners are with their holiday inspired running attire. Afterwards, everyone meets up at Ivy Restaurant on North Hale Street for ‘Kegs and Eggs’, a runner’s brunch served up with hearty Bloody Mary’s, cocoa for kids and other fare.

Throughout the day, Downtown Wheaton businesses will be offering customers complimentary treats from warm cider to Christmas cookies. Look for the creatively decorate wreaths on display in doorways throughout the downtown, and vote for your favorite. Children will especially enjoy a special performance at Martin Memorial Plaza by Jamie From the Farm at 10:30 a.m.

Children also are invited to decorate their own holiday cookies at the plaza from 10 a.m. to noon.

Throughout the downtown, live musical

performances will be featured along the sidewalks; don’t miss a special performance by a Scottish bagpiper and Victorian carolers.

The afternoon features old-fashioned horse and carriage rides and visits with Santa from noon to 3 p.m. An exciting ice carving demonstration by Chicago Ice Works also takes place at the plaza from noon to 3 p.m.

As evening draws near, DJ Cesar will put a jingle in your step with traditional and more contemporary holiday music. Kids can have their faces painted while their parents participate in a special Santa Cash Dash scavenger hunt (Downtown Wheaton gift certificates are the prizes).

Children also will be treated to Santa’s Train Ride in Downtown Wheaton from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the French Market parking lot at Liberty and Main.

At 7 p.m., everyone is invited to Martin Memorial Plaza for the drawing of the winner

of the G’living Wheaton Tree, which is decorated in special gift cards and services totaling over $5,000 in value.

This will be a very exciting night and the winner must be present to win!

The G’living Wheaton Tree is a special raffle (tickets are $5 each and available for purchase at the following Wheaton businesses: Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, Ivy, Tasting DeVine, A Baby Naturally, Two Bostons and the Downtown Wheaton Association office at 108 East Wesley Street. A portion of the proceeds will go to People’s Resource Center, The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Downtown Wheaton Association.

With activities planned throughout the day for friends and families, The Christmas Festival is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit this season. For more details visit downtownwheaton.com.

Paula Barrington is the Executive Director of the Downtown Wheaton Association, working to build and maintain a healthy, vibrant Downtown for residents and visitors alike.

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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RIDING IN STYLE

Horse drawn carriages a Wheaton holiday tradition

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

Jim Mansell was a city boy.

That is, until he met Becky, the horseloving gal who would become his wife.

“I liked riding, and Becky owned two horses at the time. But I was a city kid, and I realized I didn’t like all that bouncing around,” he says.

So Jim and Becky bought something with wheels, and by the late 1970s, they had begun pulling the carriage at weddings for friends. From there, attention grew and so did the business, officially born as Jim and Becky’s Horse and Carriage Service by 1980.

Based out of rural Will County, the Mansell’s horse drawn carriages now work weddings, festivals and even funerals all across northern Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Their rides have become a holiday standard in downtown Wheaton during the annual Christmas Festival, and people come back, year after year, to take a ride aboard Jim and Becky’s carriage as they trot through town.

“Wheaton is one of the nicest towns we work in,” Jim says. “It’s all very casual and friendly, and it’s the longest ride of any town, at about 15 minutes.” Typically, the rides last about six minutes, he says.

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“We have done it for about a decade in Wheaton, and we have come to know the families that return year after year,” he says.

Jim will be joined in Wheaton this year by two sturdy Percherons: Mr. Bill and Mary.

“Mr. Bill is a gelding, 15 years old, and we have owned him since he was four years old,” Jim says. He is pure white, as white a horse as you can find.

“The other is Mary, and she’s pretty flashy looking,” he says.

“Half Belgian and half quarter horse with white stockings.”

Mary, he adds, was an Amish horse, used by Amish folks for pulling buggies and working on the farm.

“A Percheron is a draft horse, and they are specially trained for what we do,” Jim says. Typically, Jim will take about 15 folks in the carriage for a given ride in Wheaton.

“We could fit up to 25, but I prefer a little less,” he says.

“There’s a pretty good incline.

We don’t want to wear out the horses.”

Yet, Jim is quick to add that people shouldn’t feel badly about grabbing a ride through town.

“These horses are built to pull implements. They aren’t abused or overworked,” he says. “For them, it’s like going out of the town. You can tell the horses enjoy having a purpose.”

And speaking of purpose, Jim himself, is enjoying his, especially when he comes to Wheaton.

“My favorite part of the job is talking to the people,” he says.

“The young families are so nice, infants to 10, 11, 12-year-olds, having fun. That’s why we are there. A lot of the times we will lead the folks in a Christmas song. We provide blankets to snuggle up in if its cold.

• Living Wheaton Christmas Parade Friday, Nov. 23rd 6pm • Shop Small Business Saturday - Sat. Nov. 24th • Christmas Festival - G’living Tree Saturday, Dec 1st • Carriage rides and Santa visits 12 pm-3pm, Saturdays Nov. 24th-Dec. 22nd Downtown Wheaton is decked out for the holidays with a new look along Front Street this season.

Gather around the community fireplace with hot coco at Martin Memorial Plaza, enjoy an oldfashioned carriage ride and be sure to give Santa your wish list! Keep local awesome this season; shop the many unique, small downtown shops.

Make plans to attend the Christmas Festival and enjoy a day of caroling, live music, complimentary refreshments and attend the drawing for the ultimate Christmas surprise: The G’living Tree.

For more information go to www.downtownwheaton.com SM-CL1581410

And if the wagon’s not full, don’t be surprised to if Jim stops to ask passersby if they want to hop on.

“The Wheaton area is always busy with people and families and such,” he says, “I never had any one say no.”

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Dr. Melanie Murphy & Dr. Nicki Ciura Take a ride with Jim, Mr. Bill and Mary during the Wheaton Christmas Festival, in the heart of downtown, from 1-3 p.m. December 1.

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OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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Light up

the season

Glen Ellyn, Wheaton area filled to the brim with great local events FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk Celebrate the holiday season as downtown Glen Ellyn Comes alive with twinkling lights, decorated storefront windows, the sounds of Christmas, and Santa lighting the Christmas Tree. The McAninch Arts center is sponsoring a Nutcracker dancer and photo-op on Main Street. The ballerina will dance along Main St. prior to Santa, and have photos available post tree lighting on the Northeast corner or Main & Crescent.

• 6:00pm - Gathering around the tree, Santa begins walking • 6:30pm - Tree Lighting • 7:00 - 8:30pm - Downtown Shopping and Santa at the Fire Station

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 30

Festival of Lights and Tree Sales Cosley Zoo, Wheaton A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a family tradition for many. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees for you to purchase, hot chocolate, and holiday gifts.

The Festival of Lights and Tree Sales begin the day after Thanksgiving and continue through December 30.

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The zoo is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; lights come on at 3 p.m.

• Zoo Admissions is free during the Festival of Lights and Tree Sales.

Donations are greatly appreciated.

• Cosley Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day • Cosley Zoo is open 9 a.m.-Noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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NOVEMBER 23-25

A Christmas Carol - The Mac at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn Adapted for the College Theater department in a family-friendly 70-minute show by William J. Norris, this is the beloved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns both that change is always possible, and the great joy of caring for those less fortunate.

Pre-show discussion with director and designers: Friday, Nov. 23 Post-show discussion with director, actors and crew: Saturday, Nov. 24 www.atthemac.org/events

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Small Business Saturday – Wheaton and Glen Ellyn Support your local businesses by doing some holiday shopping in downtown Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, as part of Small Business Saturday. Started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to do their shopping at local businesses. It is held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and after Black Friday, which is regarded as the start of the Christmas shopping season. Many local businesses have special deals, giveaway events, and refreshments to enjoy throughout the day. It’s a great way to back your business community, close to home.

SATURDAYS NOV. 24, DEC. 1 & 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Skip the long line at the mall and visit Santa at the zoo. While you are here, make a craft or two and tour the zoo before you go. Admission includes crafts, refreshments, and of course, a visit with the man in red himself.

Santa’s Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler Room, located on the second floor of the large barn.

Guys, grab your buddies and shop the Downtown Wheaton Men’s Night Out 2018 for that special someone or the whole family!

Many stores will be participating to make shopping fun and easy for you with refreshments, demonstrations and discounts.

And the stores have longer business hours, until 8:00pm, some until 9:00pm, to make it more convenient for you to shop.

Santa’s Craft Corner – Cosley Zoo, Wheaton

• No registration required • $5 per family • $3 for printed photo with Santa

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

Wheaton Christmas Festival Featuring Santa Claus, Jamie from the Farm, horse drawn carriage rides, ice carving demonstration, Santa's train rides, face painting, cookie decorating, live music and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

See story page 7

Men’s Night Out

SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 22

Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., It’s a great way to get your weekends started with something the whole family can enjoy. And thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses, families can view for free! Movies still are being scheduled, but the early lineup includes: December 8 - Home Alone December 15 - The Polar Express Check the theatre website at www. glenarttheatre.com for a complete schedule closer to show dates

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Million Dollar Christmas - The Mac at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn

Free Family Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre 540 Crescent Blvd. Glen Ellyn 10:30 a.m.

Join in the fun and catch the holiday spirit with seasonal cinema favorites at the historic Glen Art Theatre. Offered every

The music of the four greatest rock 'n’ rollers on the planet is our Christmas gift! Join the smash hit cast of Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash for a rip-roaring holiday show that’ll have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree!

7:30 p.m. $45+ www.atthemac.org/events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Doo Wop Christmas Show - The Mac at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn Featuring stars from Broadway's smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical with their hot band, The Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate - and in some cases entirely reimagine - some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history.

SAT, NOV 24 SUN, NOV 25

SAT, DEC 8

HINSDALE

GOVERNERS STATE UNIVERSITY

TICKETS: etix.com (800) 514-3849

TICKETS: govst.edu (708) 235-2222

SAT, DEC 15 SUN, DEC 16 SKOKIE TICKETS: northshorecenter.org (847) 1673-6300

7:30 p.m. $50+ www.atthemac.org/events

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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CELEBRATING A CENTURY Glen Ellyn Park District marks its 100th year with a bevy of community events

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

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Since 1919, the Glen Ellyn Park District has offered a place of relaxation, recreation and camaraderie to the residents of this west suburban community. In its beginnings, it strived to maintain the beauty and usefulness of Lake Ellyn and its surrounding property. Lake Ellyn remains today a hallmark of the park district properties, and the recent renovation of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse has been a delightful win for preservation and nostalgia alike.

But what began as 13 acres in the heart of quaint Glen Ellyn now spans approximately 10 square miles and serves 36,000 residents.

The Park District manages some 29 park sites, four miles of trails, an outdoor swimming facility, two recreation centers, an 88,000 square foot Sports and Fitness Center, a 36hole miniature golf course, six platform tennis courts, dog park, garden plots, bocce, tennis, and Pickleball courts, outdoor splash pads, 21

playgrounds, numerous athletic fields, and of course a beautiful unique landmark Boathouse overlooking the amazing Lake Ellyn.

“It is an overwhelming notion that millions of people over those 100 years have enjoyed the services provided by the Park District,” says recreation superintendent Kathleen Esposito.

“With the growth of these parks and centers, recreation programming has also increased in leaps and bounds. From the first 4-page brochure in the 1970s to the (3) 100-page Seasonal Activity Guides, there is programming offered to people of all ages and all interests.”

The park district will hit its million-dollar mark of fitness membership revenue in 2018, with over 5,000 members at Ackerman SFC. The growth in registrations and attendance at free events measure in the thousands every year.

And in this, its 100th anniversary year, park

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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SAVE THE DATES

Programming is in the works for an outstanding year of events and activities in 2019!

Peruse your seasonal activity guides and check out the Glen Ellyn park district website and Facebook page for information on upcoming events, pop-up activities, giveaways and more throughout the year!

JANUARY 6

WINTER GYM JAM at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center Free-All ages 1-4 p.m.

district officials are planning even more.

“It will be a year filled with new events and fun new activities in celebration of our 100th anniversary,” says marketing and communications supervisor Courtney O’Kray.

Beginning November 3, residents will be receiving the Winter 2019 Activity Guide, the first in the 100-Year Celebration series.

Events like the Winter Gym Jam at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center in January is a day of family fun, offering kids of all ages a chance to run, bounce and play, burning off energy with every step.

For a more peaceful activity, a Lunar Eclipse & Night Hike is being offered at Lake Ellyn on January 20. It’s a late evening adventure into nature complete

Family fun including inflatables, climbing wall, music, giant games, food, cake and more.

JANUARY 20 with eclipse viewing, hot cocoa, and natural beauty.

The year brings a host of unique “popup” events as well – from wintertime ice skating and sledding days to warm weather yoga in the park and other choices still in the works. There will be Friday night parties at Sunset Pool designed to cool you off with summer fun. Don your costumes for themed throwback movie nights in the park, complete with contests, activities, and

LUNAR ECLIPSE AND NIGHT HIKE 7:30-11:45 p.m. at Lake Ellyn Park

Meet at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse for a moonlit evening as you take a guided hike, enjoy late-night nature, and view the lunar eclipse.

There’s no school the next day, so bring the kids and have a cup of cocoa while you gaze up at the night sky.

-Continued on page 14 -Continued on page 14 OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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-Continued from page 13

APRIL 13

ADULTS ONLY EGG HUNT 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Lake Ellyn Park

Hundreds of Easter eggs filled with grown up prizes like coupons, candy and gift cards will be hidden for a more ‘mature” set of egg-hunters to set out to find.

Don’t be shy…you know you want to participate in this fun and young-spirited event. Registration required.

JULY 25 & OCT. 10 THIRSTY THURSDAY Lake Ellyn Boathouse

The deck of the historic Lake Ellyn Boathouse will play host to music, drinks and socializing this summer, a perfect time to reconnect with neighbors, enjoy a casual date night, or make new friends from the neighborhood.

Registration required.

JULY 31

HARRY POTTER MOVIE NIGHT Dusk Lake Ellyn Park

As part of movies in the park (all with a throwback theme in honor of the anniversary year) is a Harry Potter classic. Come early for premovie festivities and dress in your best Hogwarts attire for a movie night costume contest.

AUGUST 7

100-YEAR CONCERT IN THE PARK TIME TBD Lake Ellyn Park

Celebrate with great music for the entire family as we mark the 100-year anniversary with a special summer concert event.

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-Continued from page 13 of course, plenty of 100-year celebration giveaways and prizes.

The year offers plenty of special activity opportunities for adults to enjoy as well. Two Thirsty Thursday event are being planned on the deck of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, to include music, adult beverages and socializing. Maryknoll Park will be the site of a Bloody Mary Festival in October, with hopes of it becoming an annual fete. And the year will culminate with a November 3 event at Lake Ellyn Park to celebrate the Centennial and wrap the year.

“We’re trying not to make everything just for the kids,” O’Kray says. “For us, it's really about offering thanks to the community for 100 years of support.”

One key portion of that community support has been the wealth of volunteerism that has come from residents.

“It is said that Glen Ellyn is the Village of Volunteers, and that couldn’t be truer,” Esposito says. “Hundreds of volunteers serve in some capacity every year for the Park District, working behind the scenes to help make our programs successful.

The Park District is truly fortunate to have community members give so freely

of their time whether its coaching a team, restoring a natural area, or assisting with the numerous free community events so popular every year.”

What will the next 100 years look like?

While there’s no prediction possible for a century into the future, Esposito is committed that what’s at the heart of the district will remain constant.

“It is our hope that the community looks to us for a peaceful place to walk and enjoy nature, has fun at our pool, engages in a healthy lifestyle through our fitness centers and walking trails, and to create friendships while enjoying all the programs and facilities that we have to offer,” she says, adding that for her, personally, it has always been a labor of love.

“In 2019, I will have been working at the park district for 24 of our 100 years, and it has brought so much joy to me and to my family,” Esposito says.

“The Park District will last for 100 more years because the community is passionate about all that the park district stands for and what we have given to our patrons and families.”

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER 2018

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FRIENDSHIP IS ALWAYS IN FASHION

Small town values drive positive partnerships between ‘competitors’

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS

One of the coolest things about living and working in a small, close knit downtown is the collaboration between businesses and organizations that also call it home. When everybody is working together, toward a common goal, great things can happen for everyone.

Consider the story of two local business owners – Jill Card of Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Wheaton and Michael Perich of Gnome Colony in Glen Ellyn. Some might see these two fashion boutiques as competitors, but they have found a way to work together, building camaraderie and complementing each other’s work, every step of the way.

The Gnome Colony, which sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, makeup, skincare and home decor, opened earlier this year in downtown Glen Ellyn. The Gnome Colony carries the tagline "a store full of love, whimsy and wishes."

This season, Perich featured Card as his model for the Fall Crawl Fashion Show and the Glen Ellyn Winter Showcase. It’s all to set a precedence of how to grow business in

our community by doing cross community marketing, Perich says.

“Jill and I have such a positive outlook on life where we want to see everyone happy and successful,” Perich says. “This is about who we are as people.”

The towns are experiencing a major growth boom, Perich says, and in-order to maintain that momentum, he believes more people need to be exposed to the central business districts and who we are, what we do, our passions and vice versa with surrounding communities. That’s what partnering with Card is all about: bringing more people over the border from a neighboring town, and bridging the gap between the competitive and the collaborative.

“For our business districts on Main St. U.S.A. to grow and thrive we all must work together.”

For Card, an award-winning businesswoman who runs three successful shops in three separate downtown markets –Wheaton, St. Charles and Downers Grove – it’s been about brainstorming.

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Visit Gnome Colony at 485 N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn.

“When Michael and I team up, the possibilities are endless. Ideas start flowing faster than we can keep up,” she says. “Michael and his business model embody everything that I believe in and everything that I strive for at my own Jeans and a Cute Top Shop stores.

With goals and expectations are simple and intended to be looked upon as refreshingly old fashioned, she says, the two shop owners hope to build more than rapport…they are looking

Visit Jeans and a Cute Top Shop at 210 W Wesley St, Wheaton

to build an expanded customer base for both their downtowns.

“This is where it all starts,” she says. “This is what makes small businesses grow and small towns survive.

“But Michael never does anything small,” she adds. “His vision to cross market with Wheaton by inviting me to be his model at the Fall Crawl fashion show and Glen Oak Country Club fashion show was generous, visionary, and truly epic.”

And while she adds she was hesitant at first, it was Perich’s “contagious enthusiasm” that got her on board.

“It was clear that this wasn’t just to benefit our two stores,” she says. “The concept is so much bigger than that. This benefits our communities and is the first step in promoting the Glen Ellyn/Wheaton combined downtown experience. And, I guarantee, Michael will be joining me in future Wheaton community events! Always stronger together!”

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ME, MYSELF AND EYE:

common behaviors that could be hurting your eyes

Y

our eyes are the “windows to your soul.� They are one of the first things people notice about you, and if you're like many of us, you could be damaging them.

Even if you're diligent about maintaining your health by eating right, exercising and regularly seeing your doctor, some of the the most health-conscious people are often unaware of daily behaviors in their lives that could be straining or even damaging their eyes. That's surprising, given that 21 percent of Americans believe severe vision loss would negatively impact the quality of their lives.

The good news? Taking steps to protect your eyes isn't difficult. Guarding yourself against these potentially damaging behaviors should be part of your regular health routine. And they will help you look great, too!

NOT WEARING SUNGLASSES.

Sun wear does more than just block glare. The same harmful rays that can burn your skin can also damage your eyes over time, sometimes leading to visionreducing issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration. As a precaution, ophthalmologists recommend wearing sunglasses anytime you're outside, seeking lenses that block out at least 99 percent of UVA and UVC rays.

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OVERUSING EYE DROPS.

Some people form a dependency on the over-the-counter whitening drops that reduce redness by temporarily restricting blood flow to the eye's blood vessels.

Repeat users often notice that their eyes "rebound" and get red again as oxygen returns to those deprived capillaries, creating a vicious cycle. As a rule, nonprescription eye drops should not be a long-term solution to any eye issue.

USING OLD OR BORROWED EYE MAKEUP.

You should replace your makeup every three months to keep from introducing new and potentially harmful bacteria into your eye area. Avoid other people's makeup for the same reason. Eye care experts also warn against applying eyeliner to your inner eyelids, which can be especially vulnerable to infection.

HEALTH & WELLNESS NOVEMBER 2018

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Potentially Toxic Elements: Arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, mercury, silver, and strontium.

Dental amalgams are the richest source of inorganic mercury. Tuna fish is the richest source of organic mercury.

See glenellynpharmacy.com or come to the store.

STARING AT YOUR SMARTPHONE.

If your eyes are often sore or tired at the end of the day, you may be spending too much uninterrupted time zeroing in on your phone. To avoid that strain and even worse symptoms such as blurred vision, dry eyes, dizziness or nausea, enlarge your font, always keep your phone at least 16 inches away from your face and take screen breaks every 20 minutes.

Getting in the habit of caring for your eyes need not be time consuming, and it doesn't have to be expensive if you think ahead by enrolling in a vision plan with VSPDirect.com, the provider with the largest network of independent doctors nationwide. Call for more information at 800-785-0699. (BPT)

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Seeing an eye doctor once a year to check on any prescription changes is important, but a visit can also help detect other serious eye issues. Alarmingly, one survey found 64 percent of Americans notice signs of trouble such as red, watery eyes, light flashes, blurry or double vision, difficulty seeing at night or difficulty reading up close, yet only 13 percent follow up with eye exams. Fortunately, taking that step is easier when you're covered by solid eye care insurance with a provider such as VSP Individual Vision Plans, which could save you literally hundreds of dollars a year in eye exams, glasses and contacts.

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The GlassHalf-Full Guy:

HOMEWARD BOUND

By PETER STADALSKY

When taking a vacation, feet propped up with a drink in hand, it’s natural to think “I could totally live here.” As we catch a picturesque glimpse of a travel destination, life looks much greener on this side.

But I believe this pendulum swings both ways - an escape from the doldrums of daily life can create the illusion of a better situation. And contrarily, if life is such a bore, what’s stopping one from creating an epic life? And why would that be different by changing geography?

I’ve hung with locals all over the world; the ones who put on the shows for visitors, the ones who cook their meals, and the ones who take tourists white water rafting. Even in paradise, life becomes typical. The excitement of travel is in seeing things for the first time, but that allure must fade and what’s left is a life not too much different from home.

PROS AND CONS There are clear differences between countries, provinces, and even villages. I’ve seen the stone thrown from both sides of the fence. Some patriots claim they live in the best country.

Others claim that people in other countries are the happiest people alive. Examples of culture, politics, economics and lifestyle all form the arguments of whose life is best.

When it’s all boiled down, no matter where I’ve been, it seems there are always pros and cons to living anywhere. Take Costa Rica: It’s virtually impossible to get pulled over for driving behaviors, save major accidents. But you also have to be okay with roads randomly washing out, and be willing to take a six-hour detour. There is always a give and take.

JUST LIVE ANYWHERE After spending four months straight in Europe, I stopped missing home and all of its familiarities. It occurred to me, for the first time, that the majority of my preferences and

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opinions are rooted in what is common and typical. I eventually stopped missing American toilets and it was normal to use the hole in the floor. In smaller countries, I stopped missing mega-stores and was fine without having 15 different toilet paper choices. People adapt, and traveling has shown me that having friends and good relationships far outweighs what types of stores, public services, and products are available.

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOME The beginning phases of my travel were motivated by the excitement to explore the world, but also my contempt for some American values. Visiting and even living in some different cultures and countries taught me a valuable lesson; although the earth is everyone’s home, there is still a non-tangible home from our childhood that is inseparable from us.

Home is wrapped up with memories that have shaped the person we are. No matter where I live or travel, nothing can ever replace my home. And it’s part of my honor

not to abandon that place I came from. My home is special – just like the Himalayas or glaciers of Antarctica – in its own way. And only by leaving home have I truly grown to appreciate it. Only by remembering my home when I am away have I been able to truly appreciate other’s homes and not just see it as a commodity for a great social media picture.

It doesn’t matter if home is located on the frigid Great Lakes, near the Rocky Mountain peaks, or along the sandy Keys. What matters most to me is finding that something special that makes each place great.

Whether I’m traveling or at my origin, every day and place can be an adventure. u Peter Stadalsky is an Aurora resident and adventurer. He shares his travel experiences with a “glass-half-full” view of the world.

TRAVEL NOVEMBER 2018

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Country Christmas Fill your home with a farm fresh holiday tree

N

othing says Merry Christmas like a freshly cut tree in the window, and there are plenty of great local tree farms and nurseries with fresh robust trees to choose from, as well as a warm cup of coca or cider and maybe even a visit with Santa to round out the trip! Here are some of our favorites in and around the western suburbs:

 ANDERSON TREE FARM 508 W. Route 126, Plainfield (815) 436-2140 | www.visitandersontreefarm.com

 PUCKERVILLE FARMS 13332 Bell Rd., Lemont (708) 508-0906 | puckervillefarms.webs.com

On the weekends, enjoy a country skillet breakfast before heading out to find the perfect tree among the variety of evergreen trees available. Wrap up your visit with a free cup of hot chocolate and some popcorn while the staff shakes and wraps your tree to take home.

Open for the season on Nov. 28 and open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 24. Choose from the great selection of Fraser Firs ranging from 4 feet to 12 feet tall, holiday wreaths and garlands as well.

Wreaths are decorated with hand painted pine cones and come in different styles and sizes. Hot apple cider is served and candy canes are always available for the kids.

 ABBEY FARMS 2855 Hart Road, Aurora (630) 966-7775 | www.abbeyfarms.org Try your hand at cutting down a tree or opt for a pre-cut tree available for purchase. Once you find your tree, step inside the Nagel Emporium for a hot chocolate and apple cider donut or the Pine Tree Café for a bite to eat. Youngsters can share their wish lists with Santa Thanksgiving weekend (starting Friday) and the first two weekends in December.  CAMELOT CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 16380 Somonauk Road, DeKalb (815) 756-6599 | www.camelottrees.com Head west down Roosevelt Road to the country, as this DeKalb family farm boasts a selection of both choose and cut and pre-cut trees from the popular Douglas fir to the bluish-green white pine. Wreaths, roping and swags also are available for purchase. Stop by the heated Christmas tree shed for free cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.

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 WHEATON NURSERY 626 East Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton (630) 668-0947 | www.wheatonlandscape.com If you aren’t interested in heading out to the farm, and you’re just looking for a great tree for your home, Wheaton Nursery may be the perfect choice for you.

Importing impressive Fraser Firs from the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, Wheaton Nurseries also has wreaths, roping, door swags, and other green and red items to add that perfect touch to your home this Christmas. Open seven days a week from Thanksgiving through Christmas even, you can relax with some hot cider. a couple butter cookies, and a candy cane while the Wheaton Nurseries experts get your tree ready for the drive home. Or leave the tree behind and finish your holiday shopping, as local delivery is available!

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2018

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NOVEMBER 11 VETERANS DAY

NOVEMBER 16 POINSETTIA DISPLAY & SALE

DECEMBER 1 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

DECEMBER 8-9 LEGO TRAIN SHOW

Happy Holidays from Cantigny!

This was Colonel Robert R. McCormick’s gift to the community and all 500 acres are yours to enjoy.

Plan your visit today at Cantigny.org • Spectacular Gardens • McCormick House • First Division Museum • Banquets/Weddings/Golf Outings • Championship Golf • Special Events

CANTIGNY PARK 1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189 630.668.5161 | Cantigny.org CANTIGNY GOLF 27w270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189 630.668.8463 | CantignyGolf.com

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 SUBURBAN SUPERDAD 

A salute to those who help keep things ‘chill’ With JONATHAN BILYK

There are few things that can make a child of the 21st Century lose his cool faster than losing power.

Kids today can otherwise be quite resilient, from what I’ve seen, educated as they are in processes and techniques my peers didn’t even stop to consider.

But kill the power? Now, you’ve got problems.

“Why aren’t the lights working?” “Can I still get into the refrigerator?”

“No wifi? Now what will we do?”

Thankfully, despite the seemingly never ending roll of storms that so characterized our summer months and left neighborhoods and communities all around ours suffering the doom of blackouts, my young ones didn’t come face to face with what is (thankfully) one of their worst nightmares: An evening, at home, with no wifi –no streaming Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon or Pandora – as the house plunges into darkness.

However, we did not escape entirely unscathed, as one of the final storms of the summer dealt a lightning strike very close to our house. It seemed at first a passing blow.

Days would go by before the real damage surfaced. As the thermostat logged the steady march upward of the temperature inside the house, it became clear that our air conditioner was no longer working.

Once the oldest of my young ones learned this, panic quickly set in.

“What will we do?” “Can we sleep here?”

“Will we have to leave?” “It’s getting so hot!”

“Can I sleep over at my friend’s house?”

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Then came the answers from Dad, interspersed with lectures and reminisces drawn from a childhood spent in a house without a/c: “We’ll be fine.” “Yes.” “No.” “Get a glass of cold water and sit outside.” “Nice try.”

After calls throughout the next morning to arrange service, a technician – Greg, was his name - at last pulled into the driveway early in the evening, and quickly diagnosed the problem: The component that regulates the condenser had failed. Likely cause? A power surge (read: Lightning strike.)

Thirty minutes after he pulled in, Greg was on his way to the next service call, thanks to an innate ability to quickly and smoothly diagnose the problem, using only his eyes, his ears, his hands, his mind, a voltage meter and a couple of hand tools.

But in that intervening half hour, we had a bit of time to chat as he ran his diagnostics to confirm everything was working properly. He shied from sharing war stories of his travels around town, or even from his decades in the business.

Instead, Greg preferred to lament what he saw as the impending death of his industry. It was hurting, as he said it, for qualified technicians and young ones willing to be trained and one day replace him and other aging techs and shop owners as they approach retirement.

He lamented the number of young people, including some from his own family, who recoil in horror at the thought of working outside with their hands, preferring to pour themselves and their children into computer

coding and other deskbound pursuits.

He did not ask what I do for a living, and I did not tell. Nor did I share my plans to enroll my young ones in computer coding classes, to ensure they develop the skills everyone believes they will need in our digital reality.

In the end, he packed up his tools, swiped my card on his noticeably high-tech portable card reader, and headed toward his van.

I suggested more young people may choose to head into his profession once they recognize what life might be like without the HVAC creature comforts we take for granted, and the pay they could demand.

Greg paused and smirked a bit. “Or perhaps they can just ask Amazon to install their parts with a drone,” he said.

We shared a laugh, and he was on his way.

And while she never got to meet him, my daughter that evening made sure to thank God for the technicians willing to log long hours in terrible conditions, often with little thanks, to ensure our modern life goes on, so kids, and their parents, keep their cool.  Jonathan Bilyk writes about the triumphs and travails of being a modernday dad who legitimately enjoys time with his family, while tolerating a dog that seems to adore him. He also doesn’t really like the moniker “Superdad” because it makes it sound like he wants to wear his undergarments on the outside of his pants. (Also, the cape remains on back order.)

FAMILY IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2018

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FIND THAT PERFECT THING

WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL EXPERTS IN CONSIGNMENT AND ESTATE SALES

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS Think you know consignment? Think again.

At the Perfect Thing in Wheaton, shopping consignment is likely not the experience you have had in the past. This is no overcrowded warehouse filled to the brim with garage sale leftovers.

Instead, you’ll discover extraordinary pieces, meticulously chosen by the owners, showcasing them in a magnificent 7,000 square foot space. Recognized as one of the finest consignment boutiques in the Chicago area, The Perfect Thing specializes in highquality furniture, collectibles, fine art, china and high end home décor items.

Whether you are looking for the perfect piece of furniture, want to accessorize your home, need to liquidate an entire estate or sell a single item, or need your property evaluated and valued, The Perfect Thing, Inc. is the perfect place. It is truly a family-run business through generations.

Judith Martin is a Certified Appraiser by profession.

An antiques and decorative expert, she’s worked as an estate liquidator for 25 years, a business she began with her mother in 1989.

It was in 2003 that Martin decided to expand on her expertise and open a consignment shop, and soon after, daughter Kate came to work with her side by side in all aspects of the business. Today, Kate Martin is managing partner of the Perfect Thing, Inc, The business is a three-pronged service to the community – the shop, a personal property appraisal business and an estate liquidation service. All consignments are done on a contract basis, 90-days, 50/50 split upon sale.

“Consignors are our partners,” Judith Martin says. “We have built our business on integrity and lasting relationships with our customers and consignors.”

In need of an estate sale?

Perfect Thing is the perfect place to begin. To determine the need for an estate sale, the Martins will arrange an initial consultation appointment on site. A typical set-up takes 1 week and a sale lasts 2-3 days, and staff handles crowd/ sales control, arrangement and overseeing of item pick up and removal, and even total clean-outs including charitable donations.

With the philosophy that things simply aren’t made the way they used to be, Kate Martin loves letting potential clients learn that just because it’s old doesn’t mean its bad, and delights in finding the potential value of items discovered in garages, attics and at yard sales.

 THE PERFECT THING, INC.

204 West Liberty Drive Wheaton (630) 665-5200 www.theperfectthing.net HOURS: Monday: Closed Tuesday-Wednesday: 10am-6pm Thursday-Friday: 10am-8pm Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 11am-4pm

“People of my generation don’t understand how painstakingly things were produced before the technological age,” Kate Martin says. “We used to actually make things with our hands and the progression of materials they did use can tell the story of our existence.”

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Portfolio performance needs careful evaluation

If you are really ambitious you can take this a step further to see what your “real return” is by also taking into account the impact of taxes and inflation. An example of the impact of taxes and inflation on common market segments is illustrated here:

By THOMAS MCCARTNEY

A

s of the end of the third quarter of 2018 U.S. stocks continue moving forward in this historic 9 year bull market. How happy are you with the performance of your investment portfolio and what are you comparing it to?

It is not uncommon for smart people to take shortcuts when evaluating how their investment portfolio is performing. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see: GROSS RETURNS VS. NET RETURNS: You’ve probably heard the adage that it is not what you make, but what you keep that matters. At a minimum, an investor should make sure that she/ he is measuring their returns after all relevant fees and expenses. When is an 8% return not really an 8% return? Consider the following illustration: Gross Return: Annualized Advisory Fee: Annualized Product Expenses: Annualized Administrative Fees: Net Return:

OVERSIMPLIFICATION: Comparing the return of a diversified portfolio to a single market index like the DJIA1 or the S&P 5002 is often done but when viewed alone misses much of the story. Diversified portfolios are made up of different asset classes that typically don’t correlate exactly to each other in hopes of providing a hedge against an uncertain future. The more conservative the investor the greater the diversification towards bonds. Here is one way to view varying behavior of different asset classes:

8.00% (1.25%) (1.00%) (.15%) 5.60%

You may see a performance number quoted from one firm that is a gross return figure compared to a net figure quoted from another firm. Demand full transparency so that you are confident of the performance figure you are looking at.

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To compare a complex portfolio’s performance to a simple index is probably not going to tell you much. Think of this like comparing the estimated mpg of a pickup to a small sedan.

Each vehicle is built for a different purpose and has different capabilities.

TIME: Lastly, we caution investors to not become hyperfocused on returns over a short period of time but rather encourage at least a trailing five-year view and preferably a measurement over a complete market cycle.

Note how given time assets have historically stabilized suggesting that you should allow them to do so in your portfolio rather than falling victim to an impulse to make short-term trades based on the news of the day.

Keeping Returns “Real” Who’d have thought that something as apparently simple as measuring the performance of your investment portfolio could be so complex? Although evaluating performance may now seem daunting, your financial advisor should have the tools and experience to help you better understand your returns on a risk-adjusted basis.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is an average of prices of 30 well-known, predominantly blue-chip industrial stocks.

2 Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is a composite index that tracks 500 industrial, transportation, public utility, and financial stocks. The selection of stocks included in the index is determined by Standard & Poor's Corporation, which also publishes the index.

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FILE#2263079.1

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

McCartney and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC).

My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

File #0709-2018

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