Holiday Guide for 2019

INSIDE:

• Shop local • Gift ideas • Pick out a tree • Holiday Happenings

ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING NOVEMBER 2019

We know the wide range of emotions you may experience when making a move because we’ve been there too. Very recently, in fact. As Elmhurst’s original real estate team, we have been your local expert and trusted advisor. After 33 years under the same roof, The Ginny Leamy Team has found a new home with Compass.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Compass is building the first modern real estate platform, pairing the industry’s top talent with technology to make the search and sell experience intelligent and seamless.

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They are now the country’s largest independent real estate brokerage with agents and teams coast to coast, which empowers a team like ours to have more time for advising our clients.

Just like The Ginny Leamy Team, the Compass mission is to help everyone find their place in the world and now we want to help you find yours.

The Ginny Leamy Team is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.

The Ginny Leamy Team is moving in a new direction

Ginny Leamy Broker Associate 708.205.9541 ginnysells@aol.com 360612

360212

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CATERING MENU Please Give 24 hour Notice • Taxes Not Included with All Pricing • Prices Subject to Change Without Notice APPETIZERS

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Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid in Dining Room Expires December 31, 2019

One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid in Dining Room Expires December 31, 2019

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

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Shop local Hometown business districts have much to offer in specialty gifts

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Shop local is the call of most downtown business districts, especially over the holidays. With strong competition for holiday dollars from major retailers, the small, local shops pull out all the stops this time of year to attract customers.

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30 this year and local retailers are hoping you shop their wares during the event and beyond.

To support local shops, in 2010 American Express launched Small Business Saturday on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses,

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according to the Shop Small website at www.americanexpress.com Small Business Saturday was a success its first year and in 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day. By 2012, all 50 states participated in the event.

In 2013, more than 1,450 individuals and organizations signed up as Neighborhood Champions to rally their communities with events and activities on Small Business Saturday – and that number continues to grow.

Last year, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states and an estimated 108

million consumers reported shopping or dining at local, independently owned businesses on Small Business Saturday, generating about $12 billion in reported spending, according to the website.

They’re not alone. Beginning in 2011, business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities and public officials started to unite, forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition, encouraging everyone to Shop Small.

And nearly 100 corporations lend their official support to the movement.

Check out the local chambers of commerce for more information on events and specials during Small Business Saturday.

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Hide Away Café & Lounge 207 W. Main Street, Bensenville, IL

Thanksgiving Buffet Thursday, November 28, 2019 • 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Roast Turkey Breast, Baked Ham Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Cranberry Sauce Soup, Salad, Rolls & Butter, Pumpkin Pie

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ages 4-12 Reservations Required 630-616-9035

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

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360330

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

EMH Foundation’s Love Lights event to be held Dec. 4 Includes lighting of the trees along the Promenade The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation will host its annual Love Lights Tree Lighting and Holiday Reception on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. in East Lobby of Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. Love Lights is the Foundation’s annual welcome of the holiday season that was established to recognize a caregiver, colleague, volunteer, physician or special person in a meaningful way.

The event will feature The CoverGirls Violin Show, carolers, hot chocolate and sweet treats, and at 5:30 p.m., the lighting of the trees in the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital’s Main Campus. Each light symbolically commemorates a special person who has touched a life, or a loved one who has passed away.

With a $20 donation, community members can dedicate a Love Light to symbolically honor a special person. For a $30 donation, community members will receive a commemorative Love Lights ornament in addition to dedicating a light.

For more information, to purchase Love Lights or donate to the Love Lights program, visit emhfoundation.org/events. Donations can also be made by calling the Foundation at (331) 221-0388. For more information, visit emhfoundation.org.

This photo shows off the spectacular display of lights that will be coming to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 4 as the Hospital Foundation hosts its annual Love Lights Tree Lighting and Holiday Reception in East Lobby. Elmhurst Hospital is located at 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. Entertainment will include The CoverGirls Violin Show, carolers, hot chocolate and sweet treats.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Holiday Gift Guide

JingleBell Jubilee comes to Lombard Dec. 7

Schedule of events:

Lombard Town Centre/Downtown Lombard Business

From 4:45-7 p.m., downtown Lombard businesses celebrate the holiday with decorated windows, games, treats and fun.

Lombard Park District/ Village of Lombard From 5:30-8 p.m., enjoy the annual Treelighting and Santa’s arrival in Lilacia Park. There will be photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as hot cocoa and cookies.

Lombard Historical Society From 6-8 p.m., there will be candlelight tours at the Victorian Cottage.

Lombard Bible Church, 111 So. Park Ave. At 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Glenbard East Honors Strings will perform in the

sanctuary. Enjoy crafts, coffee and hot chocolate in the gym.

Helen Plum Library At 6:10 p.m., 6:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Glenbard East Madrigals will perform.

There will be activities in Youth Services starting at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be available in Adult Services. The library will be open for checking-out materials.

Maple Street Chapel From 6:30-8 p.m., join in a Holiday Sing-Along.

Calvary Episcopal Church From 6-8 p.m., the church will hold its annual Cookie Walk.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m., residents and neighbors are invited to the Village of Lombard’s annual JingleBell Jubilee, a community-wide holiday event. Be there at 5:30 p.m. sharp for the countdown to the lighting of Lilacia Park!

Come see beautiful holiday lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, hear stories, listen to carolers, drink hot cocoa, and much more.

Besides the Village, the event is also hosted by the Helen Plum Library, Lombard Bible Church, Lombard Historical Society, Lombard Park District, Lombard Town Centre and Maple Street Chapel. Sponsors are Waste Management and The Nolan Agency, Inc.

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Share the Holidays with . . .

Chandler 4 Corners 1803 Candles

F

airyTales is a quaint boutique full of gifts and collectibles for collectors of all ages for any occasion. Established in 1992 and family-owned, we specialize in Wee Forest Folk, Lori Mitchell, Sticks Furniture, Nora Fleming, Bethany Lowe, 1803 Candles, Chandler 4 Corners and much more.

Wee Forest Folk

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

We are open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience!

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28 W. St. Charles Road, Lombard 630.495.6909 www.fairy-tales-inc.com Nora Fleming 360214

360655

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Celebrate the

Holiday Season…

DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVE OFFERS FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS Catch the holiday spirit by joining the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at a number of holiday events and programs. While it may seem early to start thinking about the holidays, it’s the perfect time to get into the spirit and enjoy the season and DuPage forest preserves.

Make a Snake Ornament Drop-In Family Activity Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center Get in the holiday spirit Willowbrook style! Craft a colorful ornament, and then meet DuPage snakes as you learn about their fascinating lives. All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-9426200.

Farmhouse Museum Tours: Christmas Memories Thursdays through Mondays from Dec. 1 –Jan. 6 From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the hour at Kline Creek Farm Discover Victorian holiday traditions and explore the lifestyle of a successful farm family as you tour the farmhouse museum. Learn how the home was a place for work as well as relaxation and how it served as the building block of the rural community. Free; registration not required. Info: 630-876-5900.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Music at Mayslake: Acappellago,

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Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate.

Enjoy this a cappella chamber choir for “Escape to A Winter Wonderland.”

For ages 12 and older; under 18 must

be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15 – $17 per person, available at acappellago.org or call 708-484-3797.

Christmas on the Farm Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Kline Creek Farm.

Discover the history of popular traditions, take a photo with Santa in his sleigh, sing carols around the warming fire, and enjoy cookies and hot apple cider. All ages. Free. No registration needed. Info: 630-876-5900.

Music at Mayslake: WDCB Jazz Salon Thursday, Dec. 12 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate.

Enjoy a holiday concert featuring two of Chicago’s most soulful jazz musicians, Typhanie Monique and Neal Alger. Ticket proceeds benefit the restoration of historic Mayslake Hall.

For ages 12 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $15 per person. Register online or at 630-2069566.

Holiday Art and Craft Market Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 14 & 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Shop for quality artisan holiday gifts for family and friends. All ages welcome, under 18 with an adult.

Free. No registration needed. Info: 630206-9566.

For information about any of the above programs, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Clay Corso Quartet to perform for Trinity Services On Friday, Dec. 6 beginning at 6 p.m., there will be an Evening of Holiday Music featuring the sounds of the season provided by the Clay Corso Jazz Quartet. It will take place at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook.

Tickets are $140 per person.

The evening, which includes dinner, is a benefit for Trinity Services, Inc., which offers family support and housing for those who are developmentally disabled or suffering mental illness. Persons in need of their services are helped on Villa Avenue in Villa Park.

For sponsorship, tickets and more information, call 815-717-3750 or visit trinityservices.org/ConcertGala. All proceeds benefit people with disabilities and mental illness.

Villa Park’s Joyful Traditions event returns for 21st year On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m., the Village of Villa Park and the Chamber of Commerce invites the community to the Rugaard Gazebo at the Prairie Path for the annual celebration of Joyful Traditions.

This free Family Fun Festival will begin with the tree-lighting after Santa arrives on a fire engine. After the tree is lit, enjoy trolley rides to the Historical Museum, horse wagon rides, photos with Santa, a food tent, a Build-Your-Own-S’More station and much more. There will be strolling carolers from Willowbrook High School and a chance to win the World’s Largest Stocking filled with goodies.

Please bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Collection Box. Businesses, groups and organizations are invited to sponsor a tree along the Prairie Path and to decorate it on that evening.

Trees are $50 each and can be confirmed at villaparkchamber.org.

Sleigh rides, ice sculptures and Santa event to follow

From 6-7 p.m., the Spring Road Business Association will host its annual Christmas treelighting at the Gazebo by the Prairie Path. It’s always the community’s first tree-lighting and Santa’s first visit to Elmhurst for the season.

From 6-6:30 p.m., enjoy festive Christmas carols performed by local school children. At 6:30 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive aboard a fire engine. Once he arrives, the tree will be lit and everyone can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while visiting with Santa.

Sleigh Rides & Ice Sculptures event On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy a walk up and down Spring Road in Elmhurst to see ice sculptures sponsored by the local businesses. There will also be oldfashioned sleigh rides (or wagon rides, in the event of no snow), as well as hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will also be on hand for photos with the kids at the Gazebo. For more information, visit springroad.com.

Bensenville to host Holiday Magic treelighting event The public is invited to the square at Green & Center Streets in downtown Bensenville to kick-off a joyous holiday season at the annual Holiday Magic & Tree-lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 3-6 p.m. Take your own pictures with Santa Claus, receive a free Bensenville ornament and take a sleigh ride around downtown. Santa will arrive on the Yuletide Express at 3 p.m. Festivities include Holiday music, face painting, a petting zoo, and holiday movies at the Bensenville Theatre.

There will be free food and hot chocolate available while supplies last.

At 6 p.m., the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held with Village President Frank DeSimone, the Village Board of Trustees, Santa Claus and his special guests. Donations of new unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and new or lightly used coats will also be collected to help needy families right in Bensenville. For more information, visit bensenville.il.us or call 630-697-3439. Free and open to the public.

The history of

Black Friday Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

Come Black Friday, shoppers strive to get the lowest prices on gifts for their loved ones.

Much of the focus of Black Friday is on finding the best deals, but it can be interesting to take a breath and learn how this phenomenon developed and how it has evolved over the years.

“Black Friday” The term “black Friday” was originally associated with gold prices and manipulation on the part of speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk. This scandal occurred in September 1869. Commodity prices plummeted 50 percent as a result, and the term “black Friday” was coined to refer to that drop.

The phrase “black Friday” also became famous for all the wrong reasons in 1966. Philadelphia police used it to refer to the Friday traffic jams and crowding in downtown stores from tourists and shoppers who flooded into the city in advance of the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Bigger crowds and rowdiness contributed to long hours and stressful shifts for local police.

Black Friday reinvented The retail industry started using the term “Black Friday” in the

late 1980s. Spin doctors turned previously negative connotations into positive ones by associating the phrase with stores turning a profit and moving accounting ledgers from “red to black” thanks to big year-end sales.

Retailers and consumers rallied around low-cost “doorbusters” and other discounted prices.

Interestingly enough, according to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday really hasn’t been the most lucrative day for retailers over the years. In fact, greater profits and larger crowds are often seen on the last Saturday preceding Christmas.

Shopping weekend evolves While Black Friday may have been the catalyst, in recent years shoppers have made the entire weekend of Black Friday a lucrative one for retailers. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving and extend sales through the entire weekend.

Small Business Saturday and Sunday promote patronizing momand-pop stores. Cyber Monday emerged when online shopping became a popular way to grab deals, and it marks the close of the opening weekend of the holiday shopping season. In 2017, Black Friday weekend attracted 174 million shoppers who spent an average of $335.47, according to the NRF. (METRO CREATIVE)

Meet Santa at Courts Plus Jingle Fest Avoid the mall and visit Santa at Courts Plus, 186 So. West Ave. in Elmhurst during Jingle Fest on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3-4:30 p.m.

There will be games, dancing, snacks and a visit from Santa. Create holiday ornaments and other craft projects. Admission is $8 Courts Plus members/$15 non-members. Visit epd.org to register or call Carolyn Kelley at (630) 993-8902.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Spring Road in Elmhurst holds tree-lighting Nov. 22

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Don’t overspend Americans will have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion.

We all get caught up in the spirit of giving, yet the most wonderful time of year is also one of the most stressful financially.

But holiday spending doesn’t have to break the bank – a little planning can let you enjoy and be merry.

Here’s a checklist to get started:

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Budget for big purchases

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• Credit cards – Divide up the big-ticket items. Buy them across several off-season months and pay your balance in full.

• Free shipping – Some retailers offer free shipping with orders over a certain amount. In late December, some retailers have been known to offer free shipping days with guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

• Delayed financing – Look for store credit card promotions that offer low

interest rates or delayed financing on large purchases. Pay it down over time without incurring interest.

• Online tools – Struggling to budget alone? Explore online services like Nummo, which can help you consolidate your accounts and keep track of your finances.

Save with coupons and deals • Save – There’s always the oldfashioned way of saving a little money each month throughout the year, and then spending what you’ve saved. Or save in advance for the more expensive items.

• Credit cards – Redeem credit card points for gift cards you can use for your holiday shopping; alternatively, offer up specific store gift cards as a present.

• Delayed offers – Retailers are tracking what you do online, and often if you leave something in your shopping cart, the retailer will come back with a reminder followed by a discounted offer.

• In-store shopping days – Black Friday has always been a big shopping day, so you might want to ask your favorite retailers what they have planned ahead of time.

Simple ways to get your budget on track this holiday season Some retailers begin their Black Friday promotions on the Wednesday before, with extended store hours, and might even be open on Thanksgiving. Also, don’t forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday - your favorite stores may have the best bargains yet.

Buy now, pay later

• Credit card rates – If you are going to apply for a new card, check introductory offers for rates, balance transfer opportunities and delayed financing options.

• Store credit cards – Often when you open a card at checkout, you receive a discount on your entire purchase. Store cards also offer coupons and deals throughout the holiday season if you use your store credit card. That said, make sure not to keep a balance for long, as store credit cards can have higher interest rates.

Holiday spending still causing you stress? The experts at Nummo can help you manage, maintain and improve your financial health for the holidays and beyond.

(BPT)

Christmas trees brighten the season Decked out in tinsel, lights, ornaments, and garland, Christmas trees are enduring symbols of the holiday season that boast a rich history.

Evergreen trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, and eventually became associated with Christianity. Plants and trees that remained green all year held special meaning to ancient peoples, and were purported to keep away illness and evil spirits.

Germans were credited with tying evergreen trees to Christmas celebrations.

In the sixteenth century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, is believed to have first added lighted candles to these trees after he was inspired by twinkling stars in the night sky.

While early Americans found Christmas trees an oddity, the tradition, brought over by German settlers, eventually caught on. Today, between 25 and 30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, states the National Christmas Tree Association.

Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada.

The following is a look at some popular tree varieties.

Living Christmas tree, which refers to those with their roots still intact, are popular among eco-conscious holiday enthusiasts.

That’s because living trees can be promptly planted after they’ve served their purpose indoors.

Opt for a moderately sized tree, as root balls on larger trees can be heavy and difficult to move. Living trees can typically be kept indoors for around seven to 10 days before they will need to be returned outside. Move such trees to a sheltered outdoor area for one to two weeks so they can reacclimate to the climate. So long as the ground is not frozen, trees can then be planted when the reacclimation period ends. Better Homes and Gardens suggests selecting a mild day to plant the tree.

Scotch pine One of the advantages of Scotch pine trees is their needle retention. Experts say Scotch pine needles will not drop off even if the tree is dry. Scotch pine is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers, and it’s known for dark green foliage and sturdy, stiff branches. The Scotch pine is one of the most popular Christmas trees today.

White spruce

Fraser fir

As a Christmas tree, the white spruce is known for excellent foliage color, short stiff needles and good needle retention.

The blue-green color is pleasant, but when needles are crushed, the tree doesn’t produce a favorable evergreen aroma.

White spruce trees keeps their needles longer than other spruces.

With proper care, any variety of Christmas tree can look beautiful throughout the holiday season.

Fraser fir trees are typically uniformly pyramid-shaped trees that have strong branches that turn slightly upward. These trees have good needle retention and a dark, blue-green hue. Many people feel these trees have a pleasant scent. Because they are such a quintessential Christmas tree, Fraser fir, as well as their close cousin, Balsam fir, tend to be more expensive than others.

(METRO CREATIVE)

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Living Christmas trees

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3 ways to give back this holiday season ant to give back this holiday season? There are many ways to get into the charitable spirit.

And if you need some inspiration for how to go about benefitting those in your local and global community, consider the following ideas.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Serve a holiday meal

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Food is one of the most fundamental ways to show you care, and, delicious food and the holidays go hand-in-hand.

Consider serving a warm holiday meal to someone who needs it.

There are many ways to do this, such as preparing a meal at home and delivering it to a sick or elderly neighbor, inviting a colleague or friend who doesn’t have family in the area to your home for a holiday meal, or volunteering in a food pantry to serve a meal to other members of your community. If these efforts are not possible, look for a canned food drive near you and pick up some extra groceries to donate when shopping.

Give water Give a gift to a loved one this season that’s not only thoughtful for him or her, but also benefits the community at large.

One great way to do that is through the gift of water. Due to microplastics and other common water contaminants, safe drinking water is not necessarily a given these days.

However, you can provide someone you love with at-home and on-the-go access to safe drinking water with a LifeStraw water filtration product.

Helping to reduce plastic waste by providing an alternative to singleuse bottles, you’ll be making a global difference. What’s more, for every LifeStraw product purchased, including LifeStraw Go 2-Stage Special Edition, LifeStraw Universal and LifeStraw Play, one child in a community in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. LifeStraw provided its one millionth child with safe drinking water in Kenya in 2018. And new special edition bottles benefit the Conservation Alliance, a

public lands conservation organization, and LifeStraw’s Safe Water Fund, which supports natural disaster victims by providing them with safe drinking water.

Give life Did you know that the simple act of donating blood can save a life? Indeed, one pint of blood is all that’s needed to save three lives, according to America’s Blood Centers. Make an appointment at a local blood bank. It takes just about 10 minutes, and afterwards you can feel good about the potential difference you’ve made.

Another way you can be a life saver is by ensuring you are a registered organ donor. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to add your name to the National Donate Life Registry.

Before stringing lights or adding tinsel to the tree, you can truly get into the holiday spirit by finding meaningful ways to give back.

(STATEPOINT)

Strong bank.

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Our caring team members will be

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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

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addison independent-holiday guide.indd 1

10/29/19 11:00 AM

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

Annual Movie Outing

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Our annual FREE movie outing will be at 9:00am President’s Day—Monday, February 17th— showing at York Theatre in Elmhurst.

(630) 941-9299 | alpinecreekdental.com 360211

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2019

Mark your calendar!