Suburban Family ~ Jan + Feb 2016

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LEARNING STRATEGIES w

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DINING GUIDE

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WEDDING PLANNER

Daily updates to...subfam.com + facebook.com/subfam + twitter.com/subfamily

The Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge A Perfect Setting for any Occasion!

5901 S. County Line Road | Hinsdale 630.789.7095 villageofhinsdale.org/klm | Facebook.com/KatherineLeggeMemorialLodge.com

Making Dreams a Reality

Birthday Parties, Anniversary, Weddings, Showers & Special Events 10-40% off your event booked for January, February or March Call for details. Not valid with other offers. Mention offer when calling.

Receive a complimentary champagne toast when you book your wedding and mention this ad.

Exp. 3/31/17

Award Winning Caterer Since 1989

630-717-1167 | WWW.MYCHEF.COM MyChef_JF17.indd 1

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What's new at Wilmot Mountain? A LOT! And we can't wait to show you!

Vail Resorts' Legendary Ski ft Snowboard School at Wilmot Mountain!

., Epic Snowmaking - 56 new snow guns

., Dedicated Children's Learning Center & Ski School

., Half-day, full-day & multi-week programs available

., Outside ticket windows & online purchasing ., Main Lodge Transformation - open concept design & double seating capacity

., Riglet Park - easy-to-learn kid's snowboard area

., 4000 sq. ft. new beginner area with conveyor lifts

., Walt's Tavern - full-service, contemporary cuisine, wine & craft beer www.WilmotMountain.com

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contents seasons

january/february 2017 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexa Bigwarf Alyssa Chirco Judy M. Miller Pam Molnar Ruth Rumack Lisa Nord Seplak EVENTS EDITOR Lara Krupicka PUBLISHER Jim Wolf CO-EDITORS Sue Wolf Jim Wolf

seasons 6 Spread the Cheer Throughout the Year

out & about Winter Fun On Stage

celebrate!

Teach the Gift of Giving Party Places The Wedding Planner: Money Matters Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Find Your Dream Dress DIY Wedding Trends Wedding Planning Checklist Expert Advice Tips to Ease Honeymoon Planning Name Change Checklist

education central

The Art of Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs Strategies for Learning to Read with ADHD

Catholic Schools Week

Education Resource

Bullying Children with Disabilities

10

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fitness first

32

The Surprising Benefits of Swimming Fitness Events

active kids

Motivate Kids to Be Active

38

family wellness

36

great events

39

dining out

44

Raising Heart Healthy Kids 6 Heart Healthy Habits

#1 family events calendar City Events

Superb romantic and family places to dine out!

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ART DIRECTION Tim Devine Cory Ottenwess ADVERTISING Sue Wolf Laura Zolper CIRCULATION Lou Fracassi Chicago Suburban Family Magazine C E R T I F I E D C I R C U L AT I O N Suburban Family Magazine and www.subfam.com target the Chicago suburban family consumer with valuable information on family activities, advice and resources.

Suburban Family is published bi-monthly by Jameson Publishing, Inc. and is distributed free to the public through quality locations in the Chicago suburbs. The full edition is online at subfam.com and chicagosuburbanfamily.com.

Unless otherwise noted all articles, formatting techniques, photographs, artwork, and ad designs printed herein are the sole property of Jameson Publishing, Inc. and may not be duplicated or reprinted without Jameson Publishing’s express written permission. Suburban Family and Jameson Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. The sponsored ads and editorial do not necessarily express the views of Suburban Family Magazine and Jameson Publishing, Inc. Readers should verify advertised information with advertisers.

ADVERTISING AND GENERAL INFORMATION:

activities, advice and resources for the chicago suburban family 4 contents seasons 4

suburban family | subfam.com

Office: (630) 863-7183 | Fax: (866) 779-4320 Suburban Family Magazine P.O. Box 1266, Westmont, IL 60559 mail@subfam.com

www.subfam.com www.chicagosuburbanfamily.com

January/February 2017

Harper College Continuing Education Helps Families Become More!

Activities, Classes and Lessons for Ages 8-18 • lnZone: Learning + Fun Summer Camps for Ages 8 to 14 Registration Opens E arly Mar ch Register Now: • Music for All: Private Lessons, Classes and Ensembles for Kids and Adults • ACT /SAT Test Prep by Sylvan Sign up for the Info Session January 10 • Driver Education for Teens and Adults Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Instruction 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 847.925.6300

re Harper College@

harpercollegece.com/family

A LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS EARLY. Explore our 17 interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 8, and discover why we’re surprisingly serious about play!

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago • 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview • (847) 832-6600 • kcmgc.org

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

seasons 5

seasons

Spread the Cheer Throughout the Year

By Pam Molnar

J

anuary is always a letdown. Just a few weeks ago, we were more joyful people. We gave more of ourselves, reconnected with family and friends, and exchanged gifts with the people who are a part of our lives. After weeks of celebrating, we are back to our pre-November life of rushing from thing to thing with our heads down and blinders on. While we easily blame the shorter days and colder weather for our winter blues, it is really so much more.

6 seasons

suburban family | subfam.com

Blowing through like the winter wind, the holiday spirit is gone as quickly as it appeared.

Every January, as we pack up our holiday decorations, we store away that wonderful feeling of peace and goodwill to save for next year.

It’s as if we think that kindness towards our fellowman looks as out of place as a Christmas tree in March. Instead of packing away your holiday spirit in storage, encourage your family to carry it in their hearts and share it with others throughout the year.

Practice random acts of kindness – The best thing about the holiday spirit is the kindJanuary/February 2017

GOLDFISH IS TRULY A TROPICAL ESCAPE. THE FACILITY IS AWESOME AND “ THE TEACHERS ARE GREAT! BEST OF ALL, THE LESSONS HAVE REALLY HELPED AMIL’S CONFIDENCE IN AND OUT OF THE WATER. ” — JIMA BRAYNON

Experience for yourself what makes The Braynon Family LOVE Goldfish:

Swim by Goldfish for a FREE Family Swim! Contact your nearest location to schedule your swim today!

Flexible class times for all ages and levels in our shiverfree, 90-degree pool Winter-friendly amenities! Hair drying station, swimsuit dryers & private changing rooms Year-round lessons for kids 4 months to 12 years in a fun and vibrant learn-to-swim facility

9 Chicagoland Locations!

Burr Ridge • Chicago (Roscoe Village) Evanston • Elmhurst • Naperville • Plainfield • St. Charles Chicago (Wicker Park) • Mundelein

Exp. 3/1/17

3 Locations Coming Soon!

Glen Ellyn • Northbrook Arlington Heights

Visit us online at www.goldfishswimschool.com

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

seasons 7

Be charitable – People are most generous during the holiday season. They don’t want to imagine someone without a holiday feast, warm gloves or presents under their tree.

Sadly, people are hungry all year long and food pantries need your donations well after the holidays are over. Continue to collect items during the year by holding food drives at your church, school or children’s activities. Proceeds from a child’s lemonade stand or garage sale can go to programs at senior centers or animal shelters.

Praise often – Everyone loves to hear a compliment. It validates their choices and makes the receiver instantly happy. Tell people

how you love their bracelet or how cute their new hairstyle looks. If you noticed someone has lost weight, let them know that their hard work has paid off. Encourage your child to share someone’s excitement when they get an A on the test or make the winning goal.

Kind words are especially heartwarming when you least expect them.

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ness people show to strangers. Do something nice for someone else and watch how it comes back to you. Simple things like holding the door open for the person behind you or letting someone ahead of you in line is enough to make a stranger’s day. Teach your children to return a loose cart to where it belongs or pick up trash left by a litterbug. By helping someone load their groceries in the car or bringing a neighbor’s trash cans in, your children will see your example and start to practice it in their own way.

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/subfam Get Daily Updates of Great Local Offerings for Everyone in the Family!

Bake cookies or prepare meals – Home cooked meals and baked goods are a special treat during the hustle and bustle of the year.

As our neighbors get busy with everyday life, they may not have the time to cook or bake.

If you are cooking for your own family, make a double batch. Set aside time once a month to try a new recipe and share it with others.Your thoughtful act may encourage your neighbors to pay it forward.

Give gifts for no reason - How many times do we see something in the store and think about a friend who it would be perfect for?

Most of the time, we don’t pick it up because the next gift giving occasion is months away. It doesn’t have to be about the day, nor does it need to be expensive. If you see the perfect gift, pick it up and give it to your friend now.

People love to know you are thinking of them.

Stay connected with friends and family – How often do we say, “We should pick a date and get together,” but never find the time to do it? This year, make good on that promise and set up a date. Reconnecting with old friends and extended family is not only for holiday time. Set up those play dates, host a party in the spring or go on a picnic in the summer. Grow your relationships beyond the exchange of a yearly Christmas card.

Talk about the ways your family kept the holiday spirit alive each night at dinner time and create a positive habit for yourself and your family. The magic of the holiday spirit becomes a way of life when you share it each day. It’s a shame to bury it in a box full of ornaments and lights.

8 seasons

suburban family | subfam.com

January/February 2017

11:

NEW!

 2 New Quad Chairlifts!  8 New Trails!

! e e r F i k S s d i K e r Whe

G SKIING | RIDING | TUBIN

AFFORDABLE. FUN. NEARBY.

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othing brings a family together like skiing, and at Cascade Mountain kids 12 and under

ski free when accompanied by a paid adult. Cascade is an easy drive, and is just a few minutes from the indoor water parks and hotels of Wisconsin Dells. Make this a winter well spent!

 cascademountain.com

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

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out & about

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here’s a whole school of thought that says, “Don’t hide from winter, embrace it. There’s plenty of activities to do in and around the suburbs of Chicago. Here are lots of fun ideas to help everyone focus on something besides the weather.

Don’t let the season pass without doing as many as you can!

“Your local water gardening and koi club.”

JAN 20TH: Club Meeting Topic: Improve Water Quality with Nualgi Ponds Location: Bohemian Crystal, Westmont IL

FEB 17TH: Club Meeting Topic: How do I know my fish is sick?

What do I do?

by Kloubec Koi Farm Location: Home Run Inn, Darien IL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS & CONTACTS CALL 312-409-2081 OR VISIT WWW.MPKS.ORG

10 out & about

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Looking for indoor activities to keep warm this winter? Spend the day exploring one of a kind LEGO® exhibits, build areas, 4D movies, 2 rides, and café. Upcoming winter events include: Toddler Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., LEGO® Minifigure Trading, Jan. 14 – 16 and LEGO® Batman Days, Feb. 18 – 20 & Feb. 25 – 26.

Visit www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter. com/Chicago for more details. Located at 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg. suburban family | subfam.com

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show The FIRST JF&A Show of the year is finally here! From February 16-19, 2017, TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show will present 225 exhibitors offering thousands of items, at or below wholesale prices, for you to buy and take home. You can shop for jewelry, fashion, accessories, gift, beauty, home décor, housewares, and more, from leading wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and resellers from around the world. A new year brings new buying opportunities – and the opportunity to create NEW memories by visiting the show with friends. PLUS, enter for a chance to win a complete Scrapbooking Package. This is your special invitation to visit the February JF&A Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL– visit our website at: www.jfashow.com to register and for complete details.

January/February 2017

JEWELRY, FASHION & ACCESSORIES SHOW

THINK ACCESSORIZE! TRANSWORLD'S JEWELRY, FASHION & ACCESSORIES SHOW!

WHY ATTEND?

Shop the JF&A Show to make your wardrobe pop with unique merchandise at wholesale prices.

Bring this ad with you for FREE registration if you are a new attendee. If you are a repeat attendee, a $5 registration fee applies.

Register ON-LINE at www.jfashow.com and put in

SOURCE CODE: SFM REGISTER TODAY!

www.jfashow.com or call 800.323.5462 Must be 16 years of age or older to attend.

Media Sponsors THE�]:IMEs

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Receive 20% off admission tickets when you buy online using promo code FAMILY17. Offer not valid with any other discounts or on group and birthday reservations. To redeem this offer online, visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/Chicago under the buy tickets tab and select promotional code.

Promo Code: FAMILY17 Expires: 12.31.17

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2017 The LEGO Group.

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

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Wilmot Mountain Now part of Vail Resorts’ Epic Family with more than $13 million in renovations completed fall of 2016. Improvements include overhaul of snowmaking system, 4,000 square foot dedicated beginner area & Children’s Learning Center, Main Lodge Transformation, 45% increase in lift capacity including 3 new quad lifts, expanded Terrain Parks, upgraded food & beverage and superior customer service. Ski, snowboard and tube with us this season. 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot, WI. www.wilmotmountain.com

SAVE $15

On great ski & snowboard day trips to Alpine Valley Resort this winter!

January 15 • February 12

Des Plaines Park District 847-391-5700 • DPParks.org Registration is open now!

S FM 1 7 1

Transportation & lift ticket included.

Ski & Snowboard rentals. • Lessons.

Depart at 8:00a • Return at 6:00p

Kohl Children’s Museum of Great Chicago Seventeen interactive hands-on exhibits to inspire children to learn. Explore the child-sized Whole Foods Market, Pet Vet, Water Works, Ravinia Festival Music Makers, and more. Starting January 20, explore Eastern culture in Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character & Confucius. Open Tues – Sat 9:30 – 5, Sun 12 – 5, and Mon 9:30 – Noon (Open until 5 p.m. on school holidays). Located at 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview. (847) 832-6600 www.kcmgc. org [See our ad on Page 5.]

Fleetwood Roller Rink Fleetwood Roller Rink is a family owned business. We are celebrating our 60th anniversary. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) private parties and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages. For “health sake, roller skate.” Come visit us and join in our fun. Skating lessons available

Cardboard Sled Race Sat, Feb 11 • 10-11:30am • Timber Trails Park

Prizes awarded for Most Creative Design, Best in Class-Speed and Best in Class-Wipe Out. Advanced registration required for sled participants: $10 per sled #11997 #11998

Day-of-event admission: $1 per person Park entrance is at the far north end of N. 17th St., St. Charles.

stcparks.org Registration deadline is February 3. There will be no reschedule due to weather or lack of snow.

12 out & about

Cascade Mountain.

Cascade Mountain...where kids ski free!

One of the most popular ski resorts in the Midwest is Cascade Mountain. Located on Interstate 90/94 between Madison and Wisconsin Dells, Cascade is a large area with 36 ski trails and snow tubing. Phase I of a three-phase expansion project has begun at Cascade Mountain.

This first phase includes two new lifts, eight new trails, additional snowmaking, an expanded main lodge, paved parking and base area improvements. The cost of this initial phase is $9 million dollars and all work should be completed in time for the upcoming ski season. Wisconsin Dells is just 15 minutes away from Cascade, and the city of Portage is even closer. Families with children save a bundle at Cascade Mountain because kids 12 and under ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. For more information, go to www.cascademountain.com.

Japan Fest This year’s theme is “Ninjas and Geishas”!

Stage performance includes Japanese drums, koto harps, traditional dance, Aikido and singing. Activity stations are set up for guests to enjoy Japanese culture. Try putting on Kimono, get face painting, sumo wrestling, origami, calligraphy, practice using chopsticks, making various crafts, play with Japanese toys and games, mini language and culture lessons and learn proper table manners. Lots and lots of fun activities for the whole family! Sat. Jan. 30, 12-4 pm Free Admission. Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL For questions, please contact yschmadeke@ oprfhs.org or 708-434-3386.

DuPage Childrren’s Museum Revel in Play! Explore, create, build, wonder, discover, think, play, and more. As kids play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others, develop motor skills needed to grow and learn – and best of all, they have a blast doing it! Plan a visit to DuPage Children’s Museum where your family can REVEL IN PLAY in the Museum’s unique hands-on exhibits. Join us as we kick-off our 30th Birthday year with a Ramps & Roller Party, January 21-22. Plan your visit today! dupagechildrens.org | 630-637-8000. 301 North Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540.

Design and build a person-powered corrugated cardboard sled that can hold up to the slopes of Timber Trails. Get creative and have some safe fun with your family, friends or neighbors. After the friendly competition, enjoy hot beverages and cookies as you watch the Free Spirit Siberian Huskies demo their sled-pulling talents.

Ages 2-12 Ages 13+

every Saturday at 1 p.m. Located at 7231 W Archer Ave, Summit, IL 60501. Call 708-4580300. Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times at www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com Like us at facebook.com/FleetwoodRollerRink [See our ad on Back Cover.]

suburban family | subfam.com

Des Plaines Park District Ski and Snowboard Day Trips for all ages - Join us as we hit the slopes at beautiful Alpine Valley Resort in East Troy,Wisconsin.Transportation included; we leave from Prairie Lakes, 515 E.Thacker St., at 8:00am and return at 6:00pm.

See our ad in this issue and save $15! Sunday, January 15 8:00a–6:00p & Sunday, February 12 8:00a–6:00p. Registration required by 5:00pm on the day prior to the trip. Equipment rental and lessons available. Des Plaines Park District, 2222 Birch Street, Des Plaines. www.

DPParks.org 847-391-5700 January/February 2017

, , ,

if you move in January, February, March or April 2017!

Life Happens Here

Life Happens Here ...

When you make the decision to come live at Bright Oaks of Aurora, you've made the decision to live life your way and savor every moment of your life. You come here to "Live" not "Live Out" life! Explore New Hobbies! Make New Memories!

Meet New Friends! Enjoy New Foods! It's up to you to do what you want to do and live life the way you want to live it.

Purposeful Family Living

Bright Oaks of Aurora is an absolutely stunning modern senior living community offering comfortable, private suites and premier lifestyle amenities. Our Purposeful Family Living concept allows people to live life suited for them, surrounded by supportive people who understand and want the same. We invite you to come meet the family and see what Bright Oaks of Aurora has to offer. ,,,:;;,,.

1340 River Street I Aurora, IL 60506

January/February 2017

I

630.892.8800 I www.brightoaksofaurora.com

suburban family | subfam.com

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Aquila Theatre performing Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile,” Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies (of Great Big Sea renown); DakhaBrakha (Rolling Stone’s breakout band of 2014 Bonnarroo); and The Other Mozart, an award winning play. More info at our new web page – events.fnal.gov. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]

Genesee Theatre Coming to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, America’s most beloved animal expert, Jack Hanna, brings his three-time Emmy Award winning television series to the live stage with Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live! In this awe-inspiring event, Jungle Jack will introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular animals.

Yes, real animals will make an appearance right on the stage! Jack will also share humorous stories and amazing exclusive footage from his worldwide adventures. 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085.

Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and at the Genesee Theatre Box Office. For more information visit www.

SUBFAM FILL small 12.16:Layout 1 12/14/16 GeneseeTheatre.com.

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions You Can't Take It With You February 10 - March 4, 2017

by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman Meet the Sycamores - a madcap clan that sets the bar for eccentricity. When Alice brings her high society fiance home to meet the parents, fireworks (figuratively and literally) nearly bring the house down. Despite their zany antics and unconventional ways, this tight-knit family offers hope that love and laughter lead to happiness, even in the hardest of times. One of the most popular and successful comedies in American theatre, this Pulitzer Prize-winning, Depression era classic has a timeless appeal. Performing at 900 Foster Avenue in Medinah, Illinois.

For tickets, visit overshadowed.org or call 630-634-2100. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]

Fermilab Fermilab gets ready to celebrate our first fifty years in 2017! Were kicking off the festivities with Chicago’s Mucca Pazza - you always knew marching band was cool! Join us on January 21 and arrive at 7 for a special pre-party with cake, hands–on science fun, Einstein photo booth, and much more. Then on January 27, Dr. Chris Quigg examines Fermilab’s Greatest Hits: The First Fifty Years – a retrospective lecture. Other events include 14 out & about

suburban family | subfam.com

com

subfam!

Daily Postings for Everyone in the Family!

Get the Complete Issue and Much More.

“A must see!”

Rosenkranz Mysteries An Evening of Magic to Lift the Spirits in this one man, ninety-minute production at the Royal George Theatre’s Cabaret space, 1641 North Halsted Street, Chicago. Every illusion has been researched, evaluated, and work shopped with the nation’s most elite and respected magicians. Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz is a respected professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

After winning several teaching awards and traveling the country to deliver seminars, he decided to bring his act to the stage and is committed to creating a unique experience that energizes and uplifts every audience.

The show runs thru Jan. 22nd and is intended for ages 10 and older. Tables in the cabaret space seat 4 guests ($75 per person).

Regular tickets are $50 (with a seniors and students discount available). Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 312-988-9000.

January/February 2017

JACK HANNA INTO THE WILD

SPECTACULAR ANIMALS, FASCINATING STORIES, WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE!

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 7:00 PM Friday, January 20 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 18 7:30 PM

Tuesday, March 7 7:00 PM

Cinderella

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF RUSSIA

Performed by

Cirk La Putyka An evening of spontaneous music, humor and laughter!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

GENESEETHEATRE.COM • TICKETMASTER: 800-982-2787

GENESEE THE

THE GENESEE THEATRE 203 NORTH GENESEE STREET, WAUKEGAN, IL January/February 2017

Bringing together Mozart's sonatas with slapstick comedy

suburban family | subfam.com

THE SPOTLIGHT IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

out & about 15

celebrate!

Teach the Gift of

Giving

By Lisa Nord Seplak

I

n grade school my son loved celebrating his summer birthday with a big party that included family, friends and everyone in his class. But after the last slice of cake was eaten and all the guests had gone home there was still one activity left, opening the pile of gifts. It became overwhelming and reached the point where his birthday seemed bigger than Christmas. It was time for a lesson in giving.

If your child is overloaded with gifts on his or her birthday, or if you feel it is time to teach the gift of giving, consider hosting a charitable birthday party this year.Your child will still enjoy celebrating his or her big day with friends and family. But instead of bringing a gift, ask your guests to bring a donation to a charity of your child's choice. So your child won't completely miss out on the new bike they'd been hoping for, limit gift giving to just family members. Or one big present from mom and dad.

Here are some ideas to get the party started: For your sporty child: Consider an activity like swimming, soccer, indoor ice or roller skating, miniature golf, bowling, a bounce house at home or an indoor inflatables destination. Ask your guests to bring new or used shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls (soles4souls.org). This organization distributes donations to the needy in the United States and countries in Central and South America and Africa. Or find a local charity that accepts used athletic equipment to help sports leagues for underprivileged youth in your area. Or check out the website sportsgift.org that donates new equipment to needy kids around the world so they too, can enjoy the fun of sports. Then ask your guests to round up their kids' old sports gear to donate or ask them to purchase something new.

$18/climber Day Pass + Harness Rental

For your little chef: These days cooking is all the rage and it isn't just for adults anymore. Try hosting a cooking party for your little food lover. Check to see if there is a local venue like a specialty grocery store or cooking school that hosts parties for kids. Or a business that will come to your home and conduct a class. Or even a mobile culinary school. If not, use your own kitchen and host a pizza making party. Provide chef hats and individual pizza crusts for each child and a variety of toppings and let them make their own pie. Or make homemade ice cream and provide a choice of toppings like fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, candies, or crushed cookies. Ask your guests to bring food to donate to your local food pantry.

Host a Happy Doll party: For a child that loves dolls, Happydoll.org provides dolls and all the materials needed so your guests can decorate a doll for a needy child. Each guest gets a cloth doll and non-toxic pens to design their own unique doll. Each doll has a specific tracking code so you can track where each decorated doll has traveled. Dolls are shipped to needy children throughout the U.S., and throughout the world including Haiti, India and China.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Void if photocopied.

Must be surrendered at time of redemption.

Offer expires 9/31/2017.

121916

Enjoy rock climbing with the entire family!

We also offer Birthday Parties, Climbing Camps, Group Events and much more!

Glendale Heights 246 Windy Point Drive / 630.784.9000 VERTICALENDEAVORS.COM 16 celebrate!

For the animal lover: Contact your local humane society to find out if they host kid's birthday parties. If not, throw the party at home and have the kids make toys, blankets or anything else your humane society suggests for their homeless pets. Or take a trip to the zoo. Ask your guests to donate to the World Wildlife fund (worldwildlife. org) and they can adopt an animal they'd like to help. Adoptable animals include elephants, penguins, tigers and panda bears. Or, if you're brave enough, throw a party with the local lizard guy at your house. Encourage guests to make donations to Heifer International (heifer.org) and let kids pick from a gift of goats, a present of pigs or any of the other animals Heifer International will provide to needy families in third world countries.The National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) also maintains an adopt an animal program. With a donation you can adopt a gray wolf, harp seal or great horned owl to name a few.

suburban family | subfam.com

For the generous child: If your child just wants a simple but fun birthday party without a specific theme; host a cake and ice cream, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, musical chairs, and piĂąata kind of party that you may have enjoyed as a child. Consider donating to the children's ward of a local hospital or to Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. Or collect books and school supplies to donate to a church or other organization that helps local kids in need.

January/February 2017

And if you want to send a little something home with your generous guests, say goodbye to the junk of the goody bag and try one of these simple ideas instead: make a craft like a friendship bracelet or a rubber band bracelet, ice cream cone gift certificate, local kid's restaurant small gift certificate, sidewalk chalk, small book, homemade snacks like granola, trail mix or muffins (be sure to check for allergies.)

Try these tips for a Happy Birthday and a fun lesson in giving for your child.

• Unlimited Playtime 7 ies ay Part Days A Week • Birthd A Week s 7 Day • Drop Off Available Service (Extra Ch arge)

• Only C 48” Cahildren Under n Play

• Parents Are Always Free • Find Us On Facebook

• Safe, Fun, Clean Indoor Facility • Free

WiFi

$25 OFF Any Birthday Party

Yu Kids Island We know shopping with kids can be a big ordeal. So we’ve created an kid-friendly indoor environment inside malls that is stimulating and enjoyable for your kids.

Come in and enjoy the time with your kids, or participate in our drop-off programs available Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm. Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm. Plan your next children’s party here. Our party rooms provide privacy, yet allows you to keep an eye on your kids while they play!

Two convenient locations: 5 Woodfield Mall #G144, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Tel: 847-969-9000, and, 122 Hawthorn Center Vernon Hills, IL 60061. For more information e-mail: info@yukidschicago.com

Woodfield Location Only. With coupon.

Expires 2/28/17. Not to be combined with any other offer/promotion.

$75 OFF Any Birthday Party

122 Hawthorn Center

5 Woodfield Mall

(Next to Carson’s)

(Next to Sears Inside the Mall)

847-680-3800

847-969-9000

Vernon Hills

Schaumburg

www.yukidschicago.com

Vernon Hills Location Only. With coupon.

Expires 2/28/17. Not to be combined with any other offer/promotion.

$2.00 OFF Open Play Coupon Valid at Both Locations.

With Coupon Only. Expires 2/28 /17

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center What’s more fun than nature? Nature with cake, of course! Many themes to choose from: Bug Bonanza, Dino Dig, Reptile Extravaganza, Nighttime Nature and more. Standard party packages include interactive party host, activities, games, tableware, decorations, set-up/ clean-up and more. Premium party packages with pizza and cake are an additional cost. Parties are two hours long at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. $25 nonrefundable deposit. Make reservations by calling 630-513-4345. In James O. Breen Community Park, 3795 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles. 630-513-4399. www.stcnature.org Safari Land Let Your Adventure Begin! Bowling, video games, rollercoaster, kiddie carts, food or other fun, Safari Land is the place for your party. Come ride the tiger terror... take a spin in our 360 degree, full-motion, 3D flight simulator,…play in our soft play area, or throw some strikes during cosmic bowling. Contact us today for additional event information and to book your next adventure of a lifetime. 701 W. North Avenue, Villa Park. 630-530-4649.

Visit www.safarlandfun.com

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

celebrate! 17

Photo courtesy of Jenna Noelle Photography

❀ Money Matters ❀ Unique Ideas for Your Wedding ❀ Find Your Dream Dress ❀ DIY Wedding Trends ❀ Wedding Planning Checklist ❀ Expert Advice ❀ Tips to Ease Honeymoon Planning ❀ Name Change Checklist

C

elebrating a wedding is an exciting time for couples and their families; however, anticipating and planning for the momentous occasion can also lead to significant bills. In 2015, the national average cost of a wedding was just under $30,000, which, according to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index, a vast majority of Americans (86 percent) feel is too much to spend.

The price of a proposal Even before the planning and festivities begin, purchasing an engagement ring can prove to be a major expense. Engagement rings span price points, but Americans don’t think the diamond should break the bank.

Many are willing to put savings before superstition when it comes to the ring. In general, 28 percent of respondents think one month’s take-home pay is a reasonable amount to spend on a ring, and just four percent think

18 celebrate!

spending more than three month’s take-home pay is acceptable.

Covering costs of the celebration Despite traditional etiquette, Americans feel bearing the burden of wedding costs should be a joint effort. When it comes to paying the bills for nuptials, 51 percent of Americans think both the couple and their parents should pay for a wedding – compared to just 11 percent who believe the bride’s family should mostly foot the bill. suburban family | subfam.com

With wedding costs adding up quickly, going into debt can be a serious concern for those planning a wedding. But a dream wedding isn’t an excuse to rack up debt. In fact, nearly six in 10 Americans (59 percent) think it is totally unacceptable for a couple to go into debt for nuptial sake.

“Start saving as soon as you know a wedding is in the future,” says Troy Frerichs, director of wealth management at COUNTRY Financial®. “Establishing a wedding fund will allow January/February 2017

you to effectively budget, avoid taking on significant debts and could ensure your other financial obligations don’t get off track.”

Strong financial relationships “After the ceremony is over and the honeymoon phase fizzles out, it’s important to have a plan to fall back on to ensure long-term wedded and financial bliss,” adds Frerichs. “Establishing joint goals and saving early-on will help prepare you for future financial commitments as you build your life and wealth together.”

With matrimony comes more accountability and new financial obligations, which many married couples seem to handle better than singles. Seventy-seven percent of married Americans use an employee-sponsored retirement account or an Individual Retirement Account to save for the future, compared to just 42 percent of singles Sixty-five percent of married couples cite finances as a source of tension in their relationships.

Survey data, videos and analysis are available at countryfinancialsecurityblog.com

Couples are choosing their own heartfelt ideas and traditions that signifies the beginning of your new life together. Bring your personal definition of "happily ever after" to life with these unique wedding ideas.

Couples are moving away from a reception layout based on large round tables, which has a tendency to feel too much like a conference event, and are instead opting for either very long, rectangular tables or a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables — all for a more intimate vibe.

In lieu of a unity candle, make the wedding ceremony feel special and fit your personality as a couple by opting for a sand ceremony, tying a fisherman’s knot, plant a tree together, or create a time capsule with significant pieces from your time dating.

Finding the perfect wedding guestbook can be tricky since many couples decide to go with something a little bit more unique than just the standard book.Couples today are using everything from globes to benches to have your guest sign and create a one-of-a-kind wedding guestbook.

Everyone’s a foodie these days, so it’s no surprise that savvy couples are asking florists to include elements like coffee beans and fragrant herbs (mint or basil) into centerpieces and garlands. Petite seasonal fruits and vegetables are another way to layer on color.

After spending hours tearing up the dance floor, there’s nothing that will make your guests happier than chowing down on a delicious late-night snack such as, donuts, hot pretzels and cheese,cookies and milk shots, or a cereal bar.

FOOD PROVIDED BY:

OR.LEANS

www.ChateauOrleansBanquets.com

8025 5. Cass Ave, Darien, IL 60561 - 331.431.4000 January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

a II

FOLLOW US ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS, DISCOUNTS AND MORE!

celebrate! 19

Y

Photo courtesy of Smiling Shamrock Photography

our wedding gown might be the most important piece of clothing you ever shimmy into. It’s no surprise that deciding between so many beautiful choices can be overwhelming.zzUltimately, it’s not just a matter of picking something pretty, but of choosing a dress which will complement your entire wedding day aesthetic…and look great in your wedding photos, too.

Here are a few pointers to help you find the perfect dress.

Don't build the wedding around the dress

Think about the occasion first. Is it a country church wedding with 50 guests? Or is it for 500 people in the city? Start with which kind of wedding it will be and work backwards to the dress.

are some who think about the dress, then the wedding, then the marriage. Naturally, the choice of groom should be more important than the dress – but you'd be surprised how many women for whom this is not the case.

Don't build the marriage around the dress

When it comes to accessories, less is more

If there are many women who pick a gown first and then think about the rest later, then there

The dress will dictate how much you put on

Host your next event at

ation Center! ark Recred, Pal Falcon P atine 2195 N. Hicks Roa Available for Birthday Parties • Baby Showers Bridal Showers • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Quinceañeras • Rehearsal Dinners Baptisms • Receptions

and what to do with your hair. Bling earrings can dominate, and a hairstyle can be subtly improved with delicate adornments. It's a fine art. Be careful of necklines and be mindful of how small, well-made jewellery can have a better effect.

Find out which designers do bridal really well

Designers now realize that wedding dresses are more consuming than ready-to-wear and carry more emotion. But a wedding dress is the one occasion most women get to experience madeto-measure dressmaking, and for that reason a ready-to-wear designer may have the kind of expertise needed.

Be realistic

If you have a small budget but want a big dress and can't afford the same quality, or workmanship, as a more expensive gown, it's not possible to cheat. Choose a dress made from silk inside out, with every detail beautifully made, rather than something that looks bigger but cheap. A perfect fit is more important than anything else.

Get fittings close to the wedding

Amenities • Banquet Room, Indoor Turf, and Gymnasium • Gatherings for 10 to 300 people with bar service available • Easy access off Lake Cook Road & Route 53 and ample parking For more details call 847.202.5111 x8112, email falconrentals@palatineparks.org, or visit palatineparks.org.

A facility of Palatine Park District.

20 celebrate!

suburban family | subfam.com

A made-to-measure dress has to be ordered four to five months in advance. But do your fittings as close to the wedding as possible. Invariably, women do lose weight before a wedding, so it's best to start fittings at the size you want to be. Otherwise, dresses have to be pulled apart and taken in, and that takes time and can ruin how you feel about the dress. Also, don't try it on too much.

Listen to your heart

A good wedding-dress maker hones in on what the bride wants.The shop assistant should support her by reminding her that it's her day and it's about what she wants. And, then you will feel confident to say YES to the DRESS! January/February 2017

P

inboards are buzzing with endless inspiration, bringing clever and colorful projects to life. For brides to be, the hottest looks in wedding decor can be yours with just a bit of creativity.

The evolution of touch is underway, with fabrics and embellishments featuring texture and intrigue becoming huge hits this bridal season.Take materials such as burlap, chalkboard finishes, monogram letters and mason jars to the next level by mixing and matching with the season's colors.

Picture your big day with pretty petals adorned in lace offset by rustic trimmings.This understated yet feminine look can be yours with these trending projects from the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.Take these ideas and gather your girlfriends for a pre-wedding craft session.You'll love unleashing your creativity as well as the extra bonding time with the girls, all in preparation for the big event.

For more ways to add trending touches to your wedding, visit www.joann.com.

in half and wrap cone from bottom to top. Pin burlap to cone. Not all of it will be covered.

Run glue along seam; press to secure.

3. Attach ribbon to create hanger. Glue in place.

4. Trim hydrangea short. Glue to top of cone.

Trim several clusters from hydrangea. Glue to cover exposed foam, creating a dripping ice cream affect.

5. Trim half of mini bundle and glue in center.

6. Trim blossoms of green hydrangea. Glue to both cones.

Note: Refer to photo often for placement of items.

Burlap and Lace Wrapped Floral Centerpiece Crafting time: 1-2 hours Skill level: Some experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Cutting utensils, Pink roses stem,White Queen Ann Lace stem, White hydrangea bush, Light blue small bush, Pink small bush, Teal small bush, Teal tall bush,Cream wisteria garland, Panacea cloth-covered wire, Glue gun, Glue sticks David Tutera burlap ribbon, Mason jar, David Tutera lace ribbon Panacea crystal clear resin

1. Trim stems, removing lower foliage.

2. Form a hand-tied bouquet.

3. Tie off with wire.

4. Dribble glue around wire to secure. Let dry.

5. Wrap burlap ribbon around Mason jar, overlapping 1 inch. Glue seam.

6. Wrap lace around jar and tie in knot.

7. Pour resin in jar. Follow package instructions.

8. Insert bouquet. Allow to dry.

Source: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

…for the bride with the individual style

Burlap Cone Floral Hanger

Crafting time: 1-2 hours Skill level: No experience necessary Supplies and Tools: Cutting utensils,Thin wire, Wire or boutonniere pins, Panacea burlap garland, 2 Styrofoam brand foam cones, Glue gun, Glue sticks, Ribbon of choice Hydrangeas: 1 green and peach, 2 peach and cream Green mini bundle 1. Cut wire into hairpin shaped pieces or use boutonniere pins.

2. Cut 1 yard of burlap per cone. Fold burlap January/February 2017

• Custom couture veils and accessories • Luxury designer gowns at discount prices veiledbychacha.net 630.790.1328 Glen Ellyn, IL suburban family | subfam.com

celebrate! 21

Wedding Planning Checklist

If you’re reading this, chances are you recently got engaged. C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S! Knowing where to start when you first get engaged is overwhelming.

Luckily, we’ve created this checklist to help you accomplish all the things you need to before your wedding day (and after!).

1 Year • Choose a color scheme!

• Work out your budget.

• Select your wedding party • Start your wedding guest list • Hire a planner • Reserve your date at your venue • Research photographers, bands, caterers, florists, rentals, officiants, etc.

• Start a wedding binder to keep all of your quotes, brochures, and notes in one place

8 Months

• Hire your wedding photographer & videographer • Take your engagement photos • Buy your dress • Create a wedding website • Meet with caterers • Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-oftown guests • Set up a bridal registry • Book the officiant

7-6 Months

• Purchase your invitations • Finalize your guest list • Start planning your honeymoon • Choose the bridesmaids’ dresses • Reserve any rentals you may need (chairs, tents, linens, etc.)

• Book a florist • Arrange Transportation • Send out save-the-dates!

4-5 Months

• Order your cake.

• Check on the status of invitations • Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues • Schedule hair and makeup artists • Choose your processional music and reception playlist • Go to your first dress fitting • Purchase/rent groom’s attire • Book accommodations for your wedding night

3 Months

• Work with your caterer to finalize the menu for the reception • Print menu cards • Meet with your florist to finalize the florals for the event • Purchase the rings • Finalize the event schedule and start creating the day-of-timeline • Print programs • Order your wedding favors or choose a charitable organization to donate to instead • Meet with officiant and coordinate readings and anything else for the ceremony

2 Months

• Meet with your photographer to discuss dayof plans and specific shots you are wanting • Review the playlist with the band or DJ • Send out invitations • Send out as many final payments as you can • Touch base with all vendors • Make sure groomsmen attire has been purchased/rented

1 Month

• Get your marriage license • Attend your last dress fitting • Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations • Confirm times for all of the vendors, and send out your day-of timeline • Create your seating chart for reception • Purchase wedding party gifts • Write vows • Enter all RSVPs you have received into your guest list • Call guests who have not yet RSVP’d for final head count • Check on hotel room blocks

1 Week

• Touch base with all vendors and ensure they have the day-of timelines • Outsource any small day-of tasks you can to family and friends • De-stress at the spa!

• Send the final guest list to the caterer • Have extra checks ready for day-of payments • Dance around in your shoes • Pack for your honeymoon

After Wedding & Honeymoon Pay all remaining balances to vendors Clean and preserve your wedding gown Write “thank you” cards Officially change your name!

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suburban family | subfam.com

January/February 2017

Expert Advice

Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge A perfect setting for any occasion! The Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge built in 1927 is a charming example of an era gone by. Surrounded by 52 acres of beautifully appointed parkland, the Lodge exudes grace and elegance: welcoming a variety of special events and occasions from weddings, social function to your next corporate retreat or meeting. For more information contact (630) 789-7095 or visit www. villageofhinsdale.org/klm or www.facebook.com/KatherineLeggeMemorialLodge [See our ad on Inside Front Cover.]

My Chef Catering Whether it’s your Wedding Reception, Rehearsal Dinner or Bridal Shower, My Chef Catering will help make memories to last a lifetime. By providing delicious food, beautiful tablescapes and a professional and attentive staff, we will not only meet but exceed your expectations! My Chef is the only caterer in the area to receive industry awards for wedding excellence from both The Knot’s Best of Weddings (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2007 and now in their Hall of Fame) and the Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Awards (2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 2011, 2009).

Check on-line for our outstanding reviews from our happy couples! For more information, please call us at 630-717-1167 or visit mychef.com. [See our ad on Inside Front Cover.]

Cantigny Weddings: Inspired by Nature Wedding memories you’ll cherish forever begin at Cantigny in Wheaton, the beautiful 500-acre former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Choose from four beautiful garden settings for ceremonies, and from two elegant reception venues with exceptional views. A Cantigny wedding is also beautifully simple – on-staff professional planners make it easy for you to relax and enjoy your special day. For more information, visit Cantigny.org or request a brochure by calling 630-260-8145.

Veiled By ChaCha There is no reason why a bride should compromise luxury because she is on a budget or simply does not want to pay full retail for a gown. Every bride deserves to feel beautiful and we want her to look her very best on the wedding day! Veiled By ChaCha is an intimate, upscale and elegant boutique that creates a special shopping experience for brides. We offer designer wedding gowns at savings of 30%-70% beJanuary/February 2017

low retail. We see one bride at a time and are known for unique and one of a kind gowns sold on demand.We are also known for our custom couture veils and accessories so be exceptional and have your veil or accessories designed for you! VBC veils are known as the most exquisite and refined veils on the market today. We use the finest lace and embellishments to create magic and beauty. Veiled By ChaCha is for the bride of individual style! 630-790-1328 | veiledbychacha@att.net | www.veiledbychacha.net

Chateau Orleans Banquets Chateau Orleans Banquets is the elegant banquet hall directly attached to Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Darien. Not only does it make the perfect destination for weddings, it also can accommodate business meetings, special events, private functions and so much more. The room which can hold up to 300 people can also be divided into different sizes as well to accommodate parties of any size! The room features a spacious dance floor, a stage and a bar. The food is exclusively provided by Chuck’s and the menu offers a wide array of choices for you and your guests. Be sure to take advantage of our newly renovated Gazebo which makes for a perfect picture spot in the spring and summer! For booking and pricing contact James and Jackie our Banquet Managers at 331-431-4000 or visit our website at www.chateauorleansbanquets.com for more information.

Viking Travel Viking Travel Service - Your local honeymoon & destination wedding specialists! We understand that there are a lot of options and it can be very overwhelming. Our professional travel consultants are here to help make your decision easier and as stress-free as possible! Viking Travel is one of the largest, independently owned, award-winning agencies in the U.S. For a free quote contact us today at 630-983-1766 or email us at naperville@vikingtvl.com.Visit www.vikingtvl.com to begin your journey on planning memories to last a lifetime!

Mon Ami Gabi Planning a special event? Our traditional French bistro is perfect for your next private party, business gathering or special event. Mon Ami Gabi is pleased to accommodate parties in our two private rooms and dining area (up to 250 guests). Available suburban family | subfam.com

seven days a week for lunch, dinner and breakfast meetings, choose the always-accommodating atmosphere of Mon Ami Gabi. Contact Jessica Cavanah to inquire: jcavanah@leye.com or call 630-472-1900.

Receive complimentary valet service when you book your special event or cocktail gathering in January and February 2017. A $1,000 Food/Beverage minimum (before tax/gratuity) is required to receive complimentary valet services.] Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For reservations call 630-472-1900. {See ad in Dining Out section.]

Weddings in Central Park Oak Brook Park District Central Park is a gorgeous and affordable location for weddings, reunions, parties and special events.

With over 82 beautiful acres of woodlands, waterways and Oak Savannahs, the park also features Central Park West, a rustic full service banquet hall that can accommodate up to 120 guests. Rental fees for Central Park West starts at $85 per hour. Located at 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For more information on events and booking, please contact Joel Schick at 630-645-9554 or visit www.obparks.org.

Barbara Belding Lodge The Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve is the perfect venue for your celebration, meeting, retreat, reunion, or other special event. Outside you’ll find a 27-acre, heavily wooded forest preserve that sits along Brewster Creek.

Inside, you’ll find multiple meeting rooms, seating for 125 on the main level, a catering kitchen, fireplace, and a beautiful view of the preserve. Showings are by appointment. Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, 6N921 Illinois Route 25, St. Charles. Call 630-444-3064 or visit www.kaneforest. com for information.

Creek Bend Nature Center Don’t just have a special event, have an extraordinary one. Creek Bend Nature Center is available for weddings, showers, business meetings or other occasions. Located within beautiful LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, this gorgeous facility will take your event from special to extraordinary.

We provide the facility and grounds. You provide the special touches that make the event uniquely yours. 37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles. Call 630-444-3064 or visit www.kaneforest.com celebrate! 23

Tips to Ease Honeymoon Planning Photo courtesy of Abbey Moore photography. Hair styled at Glimmer Salon,Woodridge

A

n estimated 1.4 million U.S. couples plan a honeymoon each year. Travel Leaders Associates (TLA) provides seven quick tips to ease Honeymoon travel planning and assist newlyweds preparing for one of their most memorable life experiences.

to determine approximately how much you want to spend on your trip and the kind of experience you’re dreaming about,” advises Justine Sjurseth, a travel agent expert. “If the groom wants a fishing trip in Alaska and the bride wants an all-inclusive beach resort, it’s best to discuss these aspirations before your consultation. If you can’t come to a consensus, a good travel consultant will lead you to a trip that can satisfy all parties.”

“First and foremost, when planning your honeymoon, you should devote time to sitting down with a qualified travel expert who can help turn your honeymoon dreams into reality,” said Roger E. Block. CTC, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group. “Today’s professional travel agents with their firsthand knowledge, expertise and areas of specialization, can create – within any budget – honeymoon experiences that many clients don’t even know exist.”

2. Travel Budget. Knowing your budget is an important detail, and so is sticking to it.

“Consider booking an all-inclusive vacation so you will know exactly how much you are spending on food and drinks – and not have to worry about going over budget,” said Lori Henke Destination Wedding Specialist.

5. Travel Packing. “I always recommend packing a swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag, so if your luggage gets delayed, you can still put on something fresh. Or, if you arrive at the resort before your room is ready, you have easy access to your swimsuit so you can lounge by the pool or beach while you wait,” added Sjurseth.

3. Travel Bookings. “The sweet spot to start booking your honeymoon package is around nine to 10 months in advance. But note, that’s for booking. A year-plus out is great for researching destinations, narrowing down all the places on your bucket list,” advises Melissa Gutting, a Honeymoon and specialist. “Some of the smaller, unique hotels, B&B’s and boutique resorts could fill up and sell out by nine months before your travel date. So

6. Travel Departure. For those who change their last names when they get married, it can be exciting to want to travel with your new spouse under your new name if all your documents are in order. “Make sure your airline tickets match the name on your passport, which may not necessarily be your new married name,” said Paula Demmer who specialized in Destination Weddings for the Travel Leaders.

In addition to seeking advice from a travel agent expert, here are tips and advice from what to pack and how to save for one’s blissful journey to the start of a newly wedded life: 1. Travel Experiences. “Before you meet with your travel consultant, it’s a good idea

Contact Us for a FREE quote!

HONEYMOONS… DESTINATION WEDDINGS… MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME! We specialize in honeymoons & destination weddings to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Cruises, South Pacific, & Hawaii to fit any budget.

610 N. Washington St., Naperville • 630 983-1766 www.vikingtvl.com • naperville@vikingtvl.com Serving the Chicagoland area for over 40 years!

Mention this ad for a honeymoon discount. Some restrictions apply.

24 celebrate!

suburban family | subfam.com

you want to make sure you’re booking early.”

4. Travel Seasons. “Spring and fall – or the shoulder seasons for your destination of choice – are usually when the airlines have the best availability and the hotels have introduced discounts,” shared Kristi Mackedanz, a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding specialist.

7. Travel Perk. “Carry a copy of your marriage license with you, as many resorts, restaurants or entertainment venues will offer free or upgraded amenities or other discounts to honeymooners, but they may ask for proof,” said Lanie Davis a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding specialist .

To find the Travel Leaders location nearest you, visit Travelleaders.com or call 800-335TRIP (8747).

Viiking Travel located in Naperville, has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 40 years. Specializing in honeymoons and desitnation weddings to fit any budget. For more information call 630-983-1766 or visit www. naperville@vikingtvl.com January/February 2017

First Things First

Looking for a naturally beautiful wedding location?

Don’t just have a special event.

Have an extraordinary one.

NAME CHANGE CHECKLIST:

WORK: ❑ Employer/ payroll ❑ Military or Veteran Records, if applicable ❑ Email account and signature ❑ ID card ❑ Business Cards HOME: ❑ Landlord, rental office, or mortgage company ❑ Insurance companies • auto • home • life • health ❑ Utilities • electric • gas • water • phone • internet • cable

PERSONAL: ❑ Legal documents • living will •p ower of attorney ❑ High School Alumni office ❑ College alumni office ❑ Doctor’s offices ❑ Email and signature ❑ Your voicemail ❑ Magazine subscriptions ❑ Loyalty and miles programs ❑ Church memberships FINANCIAL: ❑ Credit cards ❑ Checking accounts (new checks) ❑ Savings accounts ❑ 401Ks and IRAs ❑ Investments accounts ❑ Loans • auto • student ONLINE: ❑ Facebook ❑ Instagram ❑ LinkedIn

January/February 2017

We provide the facility and grounds. You provide the special touches that make the event uniquely yours.

Tour the facility on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 4-7 p.m., or by appointment. Call 630-4443064 or visit kaneforest.com for details.

Taking the name change plunge? ❑ Social Security Adminstration ❑ Department of Motor Vehicles • drivers license • car title • registration ❑ Voter registration ❑ US Passport

Let our gorgeous forest preserve serve as the backdrop for your special day. Creek Bend Nature Center is located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, along Ferson Creek.

Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean Street Saint Charles, Illinois

CREEK BEND nature center

SF_JanFeb17_CreekBend.indd 1

12/19/2016 3:27:32 PM

barbara belding lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve Imagine your special day.

Is it indoors? Outdoors? Or both?

Consider the Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve in St. Charles.

Outside, we offer a 27-acre preserve for the exclusive use of your guests. Inside, you’ll find seating for 115 on the main level, fireplace, catering kitchen, and a beautiful view of the forest preserve.

Showings are by appointment.

For information, call (630) 4443064 or visit www. kaneforest.com.

SF_JanFeb17_Brewster.indd 1

your place for weddings The Barbara Belding Lodge is your place for weddings • receptions • birthday parties • meetings • celebrations • retreats and more! Call 630-444-3064 for information.

suburban family | subfam.com

12/19/2016 3:18:01 PM

celebrate! 25

education central

The Art of Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs

By Judy M. Miller

P

arents are natural advocates for their children. We love our children, and we want the best for them.

As a mother of four children, three with special needs, I know how important it is to advocate for my children. There is no one who will be more committed to making sure my children have access to the support, treatment, and education they are guaranteed more than me.

My youngest daughter was my second child to be diagnosed with special needs (each of my kids have different special needs). I was at first overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and intimidated by how to best advocate for what she would require in school, when I did not yet know myself. I chose to dive in. Great hope impelled me.

26 education central

First steps: accept your child's diagnosis and become the expert about it.

Gather information about your child's special needs diagnosis, recommended remedial techniques, and treatment. Learn all you can about your child's special needs. Break the information into terms that you can understand. This will help others appreciate your child's special needs when you share the information with them.

I needed to fully comprehend my daughter's diagnosis and the recommended care and treatments (therapies). I felt I would be a far more effective advocate for my child if my knowledge about my child's special need bordered on encyclopedic. I fast-tracked my education. I purchased books, highlighted passages, and wrote in the margins where I required further clarification, discovered something I desired to learn more about, or wanted to share with others. I went online to reputasuburban family | subfam.com

ble websites and printed out articles. And similar to my expanding collection of books about my daughter's special needs, I highlighted passages and made notes in the margins.

I created an impressive section of resources in my personal library about each of my kids' special needs.

During each visit I asked my child's therapists about treatment and outcomes, recommendations of what to read, what I might expect, and clarification of my questions. I did the same with my daughter's teachers and therapists when she attended developmental preschool.I took notes, notebooks full of notes. I was driven by my love for her as well as trying to assure she was physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe.

Become Ăźber-organized.

I purchased two 3-inch, 3-ring binders and index pages with pockets. One binder conJanuary/February 2017

Learn about your child's rights.

Legally, children with special needs are entitled to an “appropriate” education. Your child should have access to "specially designed instruction" (20 U.S.C. §1401) to meet their unique needs. Learn what this means for your child.

Become competent about the "rules of the game." Research and understand your state's and the federal education laws and regulations. These federal laws apply to children with special needs:

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) http://idea.ed.gov The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) FB• LIKE fill 12.16:Layout 1 Act 12/14/16 http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm

com

tained written records-sections for my child's initial diagnosis and follow-up reports; therapy goals and therapy progress reports; copies of bills; medical paperwork; IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)--the original and future updates; and teacher emails, notes, and cards, etc. The other binder was my personal "education primer." It held 3-holed college lined paper full of my journal entries; questions and the answers to them; definitions of terms--technical and layman; and highlighted recommended resources; and the printed articles about the diagnosis my child had been given. I made sure every paper that went into both binders was dated

/subfam Get Daily Updates of Great Local Offerings for Everyone in the Family!

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf Do a search in your library or online to learn about cases similar to your child's to answer your questions. Be informed about the procedures you must follow in your school to protect your child's rights and yours.

Print the legal rights, regulations and procedures out. Add these to the binder that has your child's diagnosis information.

Be prepared.

Build healthy relationships with your child's

team--therapists, doctors, and school. This encompasses preparation and planning for meetings 11:48 AM with Pageyour 1 child's doctors, therapist, and teachers and aides. Be polite, firm, and persistent.

Create a meeting agenda with your objectives: items such as addressing issues or test scores, clarifying treatment or goals, identifying problems, proposing solutions, or to firm up agreements. Focus on solutions. Share this ahead of time with the team members you are meeting with. This allows them to be prepared as well.

Take care of yourself

Parenting a child with special needs is challenging, sometimes downright exhausting. We moms typically give and give, until there is little to nothing left to give. And then we find we cannot be the parents we wish to be for our kids.

Give yourself permission to put yourself first for a minimum of an hour each day. Have someone you trust watch your child if she or he is at home while you embrace "me" time.

Take a walk; sit in silence, garden, or do yoga.

Do something that will replenish your mama stores and bring you back to balance.

QUICK TIPS FOR PARENTS 30 Questions: The Ages & Stages Questionnaire This free tool will showcase abilities and indicate potential delays.

Spend 15 minutes with this online questionnaire to help determine if your child is meeting their developmental milestones.

EASTER SEALS DUPAGE & FOX VALLEY

EasterSealsDFVR.org/SuburbanFamily

630.620.4433

A Piece of the Puzzle: Autism Diagnostic Clinic A comprehensive evaluation can identify the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder or other sensory needs.

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

Managing Mealtimes Work with a nutritionist to address feeding challenges, transitions and growth delays. education central 27

A Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) shares her viewpoint.

I asked Carol Foulke M.S., a retired Speech/Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience in a public school setting and who served elementary through high school students, the following: • From your perspective, what makes a parent an effective advocate for their child?

• What is most often overlooked?

• What gets in the way of parents’ effectiveness?

tion/dosage so that staff can help assess behavior changes.

Here is Carol’s response:

I think a big issue that can get in the way of parents’ effectiveness is that they focus solely on what they want for their child; it is sometimes very difficult to be unbiased when dealing with our little ones! But remember that the school must take into account the welfare and educational rights of ALL of its students. Behaviors, poor work habits, etc., may be present at home, but not at school, or vice versa.

“One of the most important things that parents can do is to know the state laws regarding special education. That way they know what is within their rights, what is reasonable to ask for, and what to expect.

If parents can let school staff know that they are educated on SpEd law without threatening or bullying, it can set the tone for working within the legal framework. A huge factor is the parents AND school staff working together as a team for the benefit of the child, and not as adversaries. Be in communication with your teacher of record.

Let them know about significant events (both positive and negative) at home, e.g., if there are changes in medica-

Let the school know if there is a family member in health crisis, if parents are separating/divorcing, etc.

Although these are ‘family matters’, they can have a major impact on the student’s performance at school.

No need to get into too much detail, but let someone know that there is disruption at home.

It can be a fine line to walk for parents... Demanding that their child’s educational needs are met while understanding that difficulties and differences may NOT equal disability under state and federal guidelines.

Bottom line.... WORK TOGETHER and respect the training and experience the school personnel have. COMMUNICATE with staff and play nice!”

Social, Fitness, and Art Programs Trips • Camps • Special Events Special Olympics Training 4500 Belmont Road Downers Grove, IL 630.960.7600 Voice 630.960.7605 TDD

SEASPAR.org

SEASPAR is a special recreation association providing yearround, all-ages recreational programs and services to individuals with disabilities in the communities of: Brookfield • Clarendon Hills Darien • Downers Grove Indian Head Park • La Grange La Grange Park • Lemont Lisle • Western Springs Westmont • Woodridge

Now Open at the Lisle Recreation Center!

Therapeutic recreation for autism/ autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.

28 education central

suburban family | subfam.com

Advocacy Supplies List In order to be an effective advocate for your child you need supplies to help you organize the information and resources you acquire. You want to be able to access the information quickly.

Here is a list of supplies that will help you get started: • Two 3-inch, 3-ring notebooks (one for your child’s file; one for information about your child’s disability and educational information) • Index pages • Contact log sheet (I kept this in the front of my binder) • Small tape recorder, or record with an app on your smart phone. Sometimes it is challenging to write when you are listening.

• Stapler and staples, to keep multiple report/update pages together • Calendar (I printed mine out blank calendars off the Internet and 3-hole punched them) • Loose leaf 3-hole paper, or 8x11 notebooks with perforated pages that can be separated from the notebook easily and added to your binders. I used this paper for journaling as well.

• 3-hole punch for medical, therapeutic, and school paperwork • Highlighters • Different colored pens, if you choose to color code as I did • Package of sticky notes (again, multiple colors)

National Catholic Schools Week Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2017 is January 29 - February 4. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2017 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.

Celebrate daily themes and celebrations in your (arch)diocese during Catholic Schools Week 2017.

January/February 2017

Strategies for Learning to Read with ADHD

By Ruth Rumack

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral condition that affects decision making, concentrating, accessing working memory, and regulating emotions. Children with challenges in these areas often have trouble focusing, which makes learning to read more difficult.

But ADHD does not need to be a limitation—in fact, individuals with ADHD often have average or above average intelligence. It simply means that it’s even more important to start early and empower your child with self-confidence and foundational skills that level the playing field, making learning easier.

The first step towards developing a strong reader is to lay a foundation of pre-reading skills. Pre-reading skills are proven to be necessary tools for reading success. Succeeding at this first educational challenge will have a positive cumulative effect on a child's school experience.

teaching curriculum, so it’s even more important to explore this with your child at home. This can be done in a variety of ways.

1. Playing with Language

Play games like ‘Eye Spy.’ Ask your child to find an object that starts with a particular sound, such as / sss/. Once your child has mastered identifying the initial sound of a word, ask for the last sound in a word, then the middle sound. Identifying the beginning, middle, and end sounds of a word lays the foundation that words are made up of parts.

It’s fun, interactive, and can be completed in a short amount of time, a bonus for children with ADHD.

2. Learning Without Realizing It

game and come back to it. No step is too small.

In addition, children with ADHD often have the ability to hyperfocus on certain activities if they’re invested. Choosing books that interest your child will go a long way towards holding their attention and keeping them motivated.

4. Read at Home

Find storybooks that practice skills like rhyming and alliteration, or even better: a storybook series that’s designed to teach all five skills associated with phonological awareness (blending, rhyming, segmenting, alliteration, and sound manipulation) such as Alpha-Mania Adventures.The books are fun and interactive, featuring games and activities on almost every page.

Send your child on a treasure hunt for items around the house! Have your child find alliterative items that begin with a certain sound, or that rhyme with a certain word.

It’s also a great idea to have an open dialogue with your child’s teacher. This will help you to know which areas need more attention at home.

Phonological awareness is the understanding that words can be broken down into parts and individual sounds. It includes auditory skills such as rhyming, blending, segmenting, alliteration, and sound manipulation.

Your child doesn’t need to be sitting down to learn about language. Often a child with ADHD will absorb more while active than when forced to sit still.

As a parent of a child with ADHD, it’s important to remember that learning moments might be less conventional. It’s OK if your child is active or doesn’t stay focused for long periods of time.

Research shows that children who enter kindergarten with strong phonological awareness learn to read more quickly than their peers without these skills.

Phonological awareness isn’t always included in the

Teaching phonological awareness to a child with ADHD is much easier when done in small steps. For example, if you’re reading an interactive book with your child, read a few pages, then take a break. Play a

Pre-reading skills refer to phonological awareness.

3. Take Small Steps

Use these ‘outside the box’, interactive approaches to set your child on the road to reading success.

Alpha-Mania Adventures is available on Amazon, alpha-mania.com, and Ruth Rumack's Learning Space at rumackresources.com.

ExperienceSt. Mary’s School All –School Open House

Voted Best Preschool in the Western Suburbs by Suburban Life Readers.

No-cut sports (cross country, volleyball, basketball) starting in 5th grade.

Catholic Culture: daily prayer and religion class, weekly Mass and celebration of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and saint days.

Motivating teachers that nurture a child’s curiosity and cultivate a love of learning.

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Grants available, including financial assistance for students transferring from public schools

Jan. 26, 2017 6:30-8 p.m.

Challenging academics tailored to the individual needs of each child.

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Preschool/Kindergarten Info Night Scan here to reserve your seat http://bit.ly/preknighta

St. Mary of Gostyn School

(630) 968-6155 January/February 2017

440 Prairie Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 school@stmarygostyn.org Facebook.com/StMaryGostyn suburban family | subfam.com

education central 29

Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley Help Your Child Grow: Free Nutrition Resources Excellent nutrition is one of the most basic requirements for a child to grow and thrive.

But many children have nutrition problems such as obesity, poor feeding skills, sensory disorders, failure to thrive, and gastrointestinal disorders. Individuals with special needs are also more likely to develop co-existing medical conditions that require nutrition interventions.

To help, Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley is now offering free nutrition evaluations for children (up to age 21).

Visit eastersealsdfvr.org/nutrition for all eligibility requirements or at 630.261.6287.

Kiddie Academy At Kiddie Academy we believe the best learning happens during play. From family style din-

Plan now for the 2017–2018 school year

ing to character education, parents can rest assured that our proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum gives your child a full day of learning and fun. In addition, Kiddie Academy sets the standards for safety, education and trust because we understand children need to thrive in an environment that’s as clean, safe and nurturing as home. Call to schedule your tour today!

SEASPAR The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) provides dynamic recreation programs and quality services for people with disabilities served by the park districts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park, and Western Springs. Visit SEASPAR.org or call 630.960.7600 for more information about

Story Time

Creative Corners is expanding to meet your needs!

We offer a variety of classes that provide

SM ART Technology

both flexibility in scheduling and unique curriculums designed to maximize your child’s academic achievement.

• Classes for ages 2–5 • 2, 3, & 5-day options • Experienced teachers • SMART Technology • English & Spanish • Monthly Payment Plans

Open House • February 1st • 6:00–7:30pm Registration opens February 6 Questions? Jeanette.Berard @ DPParks.org • 847-391-5700 Des Plaines Park District • 2222 Birch Street 30 education central

suburban family | subfam.com

our year-round programming for all ages and all abilities.

Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool (ages 2–5) Our professional, caring teachers create an atmosphere where your child will grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually, through a variety of engaging and explorative curricula. We use the Illinois Early Learning & Development Standards to build a strong academic foundation, achieve benchmarks, and school-readiness. SMART Technology. Classes in English and Spanish. 2, 3, and 5-day options, and monthly payment plans available. Registration for the 2017-2018 school year opens February 6. Des Plaines Park District, 2222 Birch Street, Des Plaines. www.DPParks.org 847-391-5700 Harper College CE Improve Your ACT/SAT Scores! Through a partnership with Sylvan Learning, Harper College offers ACT and SAT exam preparation.

With small group instruction, practice tests and the SylvanPrep online tool, students learn about all areas of the exams. Attend our free info session January 10th to learn about our program and how it can help improve your ACT/SAT scores. Visit harpercollegece.com/ family for details or call 847.925.6300. 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067 St. Mary of Gostyn St. Mary of Gostyn is the oldest Catholic parish in Downers Grove, serving the area for 125 years. Located in eastern Downers Grove at 445 Prairie Avenue, the parish was established by a group of immigrants from Gostyn, Poland. Today the parish has more than 2,500 families for a total of 8,186 parishioners. More than 500 children attend its religious education classes and more than 400 students are enrolled in its school, which educates children from preschool to eighth grade. In addition, more than 100 ministries provide services to parishioners in Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For more information visit StMaryGostyn.org January/February 2017

Bullying Children with Disabilities

M

ore than 22 percent of children ages 1218 say they have been bullied in school within the last month. A significant portion of those children have disabilities, specifically learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

more effectively with their peers and with teachers can help them react to bullying in more positive ways, as well as prevent it from occurring at all.”

Chad Rose, an assistant professor of special education in the MU College of Education, says this indicates that children with disabilities are not developing adequate social skills to combat bullying as they mature.

1) Students need to know what to do, what to say, and who to tell. This is the first and most basic step when working with youth. Students need to know how to respond when they experience or observe bullying, as well as know that they are supported when they make a report.

2) Parents should help their son or daughter establish a support network that includes friends, family, and teachers. This support network provides youth with a list of individuals with which they are comfortable talking about their experiences.

3) Parents should ask their son/daughter targeted questions about their day. Parents should move the

Rose said. “Schools need to further develop these programs by tailoring social development goals for each individual student to ensure they are learning the social skills that will help them prevent bullying from occurring. Prior research has shown that children with disabilities, when bullied, may react aggressively when they lack appropriate response skills. Teaching these students how to communicate

Rose says that many schools have devoted less and less time over the years to teaching social skills to all students, in exchange for increased focus on common core subjects and standardized test preparation. He says schools should refocus some of their efforts on teaching important social skills, especially to children with disabilities. There are several things that parents and educators can do to prevent and reduce bullying.

conversation beyond “how was your day,” and ask specific questions that require more than a “yes” or “no.”

This line of questioning will allow their child to understand that they are supported, and help open the lines of communication.

4) Parents and Educators should work with youth on social and emotional learning skills. These skills include social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, and relationship skills. This level of skill development will help prevent bullying involvement, as well as establish lifelong functional skills.

5) Schools should establish a policy and protocol for reporting and responding. This policy should be accessible to students, parents, and teachers. Individuals should be able to report incidents in a way that minimizes the potential for increased victimization, which may include anonymous reporting, electronic reporting, and/or a simplified reporting form. In addition, schools should have a protocol for supporting the victim, responding to the alleged perpetration, and protecting the bystanders.

6) Parents and students must know the school or district’s anti-bullying policy. Parents and students must know how to make a report, as well as what the school or district will do to investigate the report.

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To schedule a tour and enroll, call a local academy below, or visit us at, kiddieacademy.com/suburban Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights (847) 603-4500

Kiddie Academy of Naperville (630) 416-8000

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Kiddie Academy of Oswego (630) 554-1100

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January/February 2017

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education central 31

fitness first

The

Surprising Benefits of Swimming

By Alyssa Chirco

T

he American Red Cross estimates that over 90% of families spend at least some time in the water during the summer months, so it makes sense that summer is the prime season for children’s swim lessons. But don’t be so quick to pull your kids out of the water just because the temperature has fallen outside.

“I’m a big proponent of year-round swimming at least until it becomes like riding a bike,” says Coach Ruthie Zarren, a certified swim instructor, water safety educator and owner of Little Fishes Swim School. “Being in the water and swimming safely should be second nature for every child, but kids are rarely able to develop the skills they need when they only spend a few months of the year in the water.”

Surprised that now might be the right time to sign your child up for swim lessons? Consider the following ways in which kids can benefit when they ‘just keep swimming’ throughout the winter season.

Chicago612-521-8085.

Frozen Gnome 50K/10K – Sat. 1/7 at 7:45 a.m. Crystal Lake. dirtrunner100@yahoo.com.

Burbank Park District Frosty 5K – Sat. 1/14 at 9 Sign up for an endurance race! Take on a new challenge, support a good cause or run/walk/roll for the health of it! Be certain to select an event within your range of conditioning and consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.

Check each issue of Suburban Family for monthly updates.

Check back for updates in every bi-monthly issue.

JANUARY Commitment Day 5K – Sun. 1/1 at 10 a.m. Benefits the

Life Time Foundation. Life Time Fitness in Bloomingdale, Orland Park, and Romeoville. www.commitmentday.com.

New Year’s Day 5K Run/Walk – Sun. 1/1 at 11 a.m.

Lincoln Park, Chicago. 773-584-6682.

Artic Blast Dash – Sat. 1/7 at 9:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk.

Park Ridge. 847-692-5127.

Chicago Polar Dash – Sat. 1/7 at 8:45 a.m. Half marathon &10K Runs (USATF certified), 5K & 1,700m Runs.

32 fitness first

a.m. 5K Run/Walk & 1mi. walk. Burbank. 708-599-2070.

Fox Valley Winter Challenge – Sat. 1/21 at 10 a.m. 5K trail run. St. Charles. racedirector@runandachieve.com.

ET Indoor Triathlon Series – Sun. 1/22 at 7 a.m. 10 min. swim, 30 min. bike, 20 min. run. Lisle. 630-430-9006.

Abominable Snow Race – Sat. 1/28 at 8 a.m. 3-5mi Obstacle Run. Lake Geneva, WI. mail@abominablesnowrace.com.

F^3 Lake Half Marathon – Sat. 1/28 at 10 a.m. Half marathon & 5K. USATF Certified. Chicago. Info@f3running.com.

Tour de Trails – Sat. 1/28 at 11 a.m. 6mi. trail run. Rockford. admin@rockfordroadrunners.org.

Aon Step Up For Kids – Sun. 1/29 at 8 a.m. Benefits Lurie Children’s Hospital. Chicago. 312-227-7298.

FEBRUARY Super Shuffle 5K – Sun. 2/5 at 10 a.m. 5K Walk/Run. Geneva. 630-232-4542.

suburban family | subfam.com

Winter swim lessons build the skills kids need to stay safe in the water.

According to a study from the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, formal swim lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly in children between the ages of 1 and 4. And while summer class will certainly help to build the strong swimming and water safety skills kids need, yearround lessons allow them to better retain those skills – and move on to mastering more advanced skills faster.

“I like to use the analogy of playing an instrument,” says Aquatics Director Kyle Fetick.

“You wouldn’t expect to take piano for a few

The North Shore Cupid’s Love Dash – Sun. 2/12 at

8:15 a.m. 5K Run/Walk. Highland Park. carpediemraces@ yahoo.com.

Fight for Air Climb – Sun. 2/12 at 7 a.m. Climb 31 Floors, 680 steps, 1, 2 or 3 times. Benefits American Lung Assoc. Oakbrook Terrace Tower. 312-940-7007.

TheraCORE Indoor Triathlon– Sun. 2/12 at 7 a.m. 10 min. Swim, 20 min. Bike, 15 min. Run. Burr Ridge. 815838-5070.

H-F Racquet & Fitness Club Indoor Triathlon – Fri. 2/17 & Sat. 2/18. 10 min. Swim, 20 min. Bike, 15 min.

Homewood. 708-799-1323.

Fox Valley Winter Challenge – Sat. 2/18 at 10 a.m.

8K trail run. Aurora. racedirector@runandachieve.com.

ET Indoor Triathlon – Sun. 2/19 at 7 a.m. 10 min. swim, 30 min. bike, 20 min. run. Lisle. 630-430-9006.

Mardi Gras Chaser – Sat. 2/25 at 10 a.m. 10K & 5K. Benefits Back on My Feet. Montrose Harbor, Chicago. 773697-8508.

Frosty Footrace – Sun. 2/26 at 11 a.m. 3mi. all-terrain run/walk. Benefits Round Lake Area Park District senior fitness programs. Round Lake Beach. 847-231-4711.

January/February 2017

months out of the year and be a proficient pianist. Swimming is very much the same. While it may be a typical summer time activity, the more you learn in the winter and the spring, the more prepared you are to be a confident and safe swimmer during the summer.”

Winter swim lessons keep kids active.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. But parents often struggle to keep kids active, particularly during the winter months, when colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight limit outdoor playtime and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Weekly swim lessons provide built-in insurance that children are going to get moving (and splashing) on a regular basis.

Fitness Center • Personal Training Group Fitness • Tennis • Aquatics

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Swimming works most of the body’s major muscle groups and carries a low risk of injury, making it an excellent form of exercise for growing children. And since swimming is an activity that almost all kids enjoy, they are likely to jump into the pool without protest.

Winter swim lessons can cure cabin fever.

It’s common for children (and adults) to become bored and restless during the long winter months. Indoor activities like reading and playing video games can only provide so many hours of entertainment before kids feel the urge to run and jump and play, and parents begin to feel like they are going to lose their minds.When it’s too cold to head to the playground, a trip to an indoor pool makes for the perfect escape.

During swim lessons, kids get to expend all of the excess energy that builds up after too much time spent indoors. They have an opportunity to see their friends, interact with their teachers and move their muscles as much as they need. Once class is over, they should be ready to rest – or at least play quietly – upon returning home.

Bottom line: routine winter swim lessons keep kids moving, and also allow them to develop the strong swimming skills needed to stay safe in the water. Maybe even more importantly, they give the entire family a reason to get out of the house – before cabin fever sets in.

Even if you choose not to sign your kids up for classes this winter, an indoor pool is still the perfect place to take the entire family when it’s too cold to play outside.

Look for winter swim opportunities at the following locations in your area: • A private swim school with an indoor pool • A local high school or community college • A local park district • A private fitness club • A nearby community center • Your local branch of the YMCA January/February 2017

Club Memberships

Managed by the St. Charles Park District

Enjoy your workout knowing that your children are safe and nearby in a fun environment. Children have access to arts & crafts, books, yoga mats and more!

Group Fitness Classes for all Abilities Personal Training (additional fee) Cardiovascular Fitness Equipment Adjustable Weight Stations • Free Weights Child Care Services (w/membership) Locker Rooms • Whirlpool Towel Service Massage Therapy (additional fee)

Mention this ad upon your visit and receive a NRC water bottle!

Offer valid while supplies last.

1050 Dunham Rd. • St. Charles • 630-377-1405 • norrisrec.org •

/NorrisRecCenter

Visit the NEW website for more information on hours, programs, fees, group fitness schedules and more!

New Years Special!

OVER $100 Value

$30 Off New Annual Gold PLUS or All-Inclusive Membership, One Free Orientation, 5 Free Fitness Classes * Offer good through February 28th 2017

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Membership Privileges $0 Enrollment Fee $0 Annual Maintenance Fee Use of Health Club Cardio and Weight Equipment 3 Lane Indoor Track (1/8 Mile) 6 Lane Indoor Lap Pool Locker Rooms & Towel Service Dry Sauna & Hot Whirlpool

(Limit 1 per household) Must be at least 14 years of age or older to own a membership. * Offer valid through 1/31/17

Special Begins January 2nd 700 S. Bartlett Rd. Bartlett, IL 60103 bartlettparks.org  (630) 540-4848 suburban family | subfam.com

fitness first 33

active kids

P

Celebrating our 22nd year!

Tot Rock and Kid Rock Music & Movement Classes (ages 1-5 years) offered at park districts in the Northwest Suburbs.

Music and Dance Parties (ages 1-8 years) Sing, Dance, Play!

Enrollments being accepted now at your park district!

Rock ‘n’ Kids, Inc. www.rockitkids.com

847-961-6584 Like us at Splash Cent ra and Bartlett l Aquatic Cent er

Available for private rentals and group outings

Splash Central Year-Round Aquatic Center

Year round group+private swim lessons available

Splash Central

700 S. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett IL 60103

630-540-4850 splashcentral.org $2 OFF A DAILY ADMISSION TO A SPLASH CENTRAL OPEN SWIM.

Limit 3 people per visit. Offer good thu 2/28/2017

34 active kids

hysical activity helps children grow strong bones, maintain a healthy weight, and discover the world around them.

Best of all, it’s great fun.

lenges, all while they make new friends. Visit harpercollegece.com/family to learn more about InZone and schedule your summer fun.

1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067. inzone@harpercollege.edu 847.925.6300 [See our ad on Page 5.]

All children should be physically active for at least one hour a day. You can help by encouraging your child to find activities they enjoy, and building physical activity into family life.

One reason why physical activity in childhood is so important is because it helps your child to maintain a healthy weight.

But that’s not the only reason: physical activity is part of the way children discover the world, and themselves. It helps build strong muscles and healthy bones, as well as improve self-confidence.

The best way for kids to get physical activity is by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.

Check out the organizations in this section for help keeping your child’s day filled with activity and learning. And, be sure to check back for summer camp options in the March/April & May/June issues..

Hello Summer. Hello InZone! InZone, Harper College’s enrichment and sports camp for ages 8 to 14, fills your summer with fun and learning. Kids can launch a rocket, dunk a basketball, learn to cook, or master math chalsuburban family | subfam.com

Escape the winter blues and find your slice of summer at Goldfish Swim School! Swimming is an important life skill, and it’s also a great way to increase your children’s confidence and keep them active — it can be done solo or on a team, any time of year (especially at Goldfish, where the water is always 90 degrees)! Swim by any of Goldfish’s 9 Chicagoland locations or visit goldfishswimschool. com for more information today! [See our ad on Page 7.]

Song and dance, rhythm and rhyme, join the fun for a rockin’ good time! Tot Rock and Kid Rock are structured music and movement programs for children ages 1-5 years that focus on imaginative play, sensory integration, fine and gross motor movements, rhythm skills and socialization, while utilizing a variety of rhythm instruments and props. Classes offered at park districts in the Northwest Suburbs. www.rockitkids.com/847-961-6584 January/February 2017

Splash Central Indoor Aquatic Center located in the Bartlett Community Center Take a wild ride at Splash Central and experience a New Way to Play! Amenities include a six-lane, 25-yard, 3.5 to 12 foot depth lap pool, One meter diving board, a zero-depth entry activity pool ranging from zero to 3.5 foot depth, body slide, kiddie slide and water spray features. Available for year-round swim lessons, private rentals, group outings, birthday parties, fitness classes, special events and much more. 700 S. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett, IL 60103. For hours of operation and more information call 630.540.4800 or visit

Westmont Yard and Naperville Yard are stateof-the-art athletic and family recreation centers located in the heart of the near-west suburbs of Chicago. Both facilities offer sports programs for all ages and abilities, speed and agility training, a full-service daycare and preschool, after school sports programs, concessions, field rentals, birthday parties, special events, and more. For more information, visit napervilleyard.com or westmontyard.comor call 630-245-1100 for Naperville Yard and 630-737-1000 for Westmont Yard.

Science Camp Ages 7-17. A summer camp with its own zoo!

Feed lemurs, zoom down a zip-line, and take classes in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Care, Survival Skills, Archery, and Arts & Crafts. A/C cabins. ACA accredited. www.MOScienceCamp.com Travel abroad with our sister camp, Animal Camp Jamaica - Ages 14-18. 13 day program focused on Marine Biology and site-seeing. Spend mornings snorkeling and afternoons exploring the island of Jamaica swimming with dolphins, trying exotic foods, and jumping from waterfalls! PADI Scuba certification available. Seven Palms Villa in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. www.AnimalCampJamaica.com For more info call (573) 458-2125.

January/February 2017

suburban family | subfam.com

active kids 35

family wellness

Raising

Heart

Healthy Kids

By Alexa Bigwarfe

36 family wellness

Why do extra sugar and sodium matter?

Higher sodium levels than the recommended daily amount increases the risks for high blood pressure. High blood pressure increase the risk factor for hypertension, heart attack, FBand LIKE fill 12.16:Layout 12/14/16 stroke later in life. The over1consumption

com

F

ebruary is Heart Month and it’s important for us as parents to remember that we have to teach our children how to live heart healthy lives as well. Currently 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 are classified as “obese” in the United States. This is not a heart-healthy way of life.

Children are also consuming incredibly high rates of sodium on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s even coming from the snacks parents thought were the healthy choice.

/subfam Get Daily Updates of Great Local Offerings for Everyone in the Family!

also leads to increased risk of obesity. Obesity leads to potential heart problems. Additionally, after a 15-year study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), researchers concluded that those whose sugar intake was 25% or more of their daily caloric intake were two times more likely to die from heart suburban family | subfam.com

disease as those with low sugar intake. It’s best to reduce sugar and sodium for the little people in our lives.

Research shows that healthy and active par11:48 1 and active children. If it entsAMraisePage healthy

makes your blood pressure rise just to think about yet another thing to your already busy schedule, we’re here to help.

Here are 4 simple ways to integrate a heart healthy lifestyle into your busy schedule.

1. Hide the exercise. It may not seem appealing to think about “working out” for an hour. However, you can find creative ways to “hide” the exercise in your daily activities.The American Heart Association recommends an hour of vigorous exercise each day for healthy children ages 2 and older. That may seem intimidating, but there are many ways to “hide” exercise in your daily routine. A few simple ways are to play active games, like tag, catch, January/February 2017

or even jump roping. Instead of watching television, have them conduct a scavenger hunt or have a dance party. Go to the local playground or take a family walk.The kids can also exercise by helping with chores around the house. Shoveling, gardening and yard activities are also a great way to keep the kids active and help them learn.

2. Reduce salt and sugar by swapping out prepackaged snacks with easy homemade snacks. This may mean ditching even the pre-made toddler meals and snacks, unfortunately. According to findings published in February 2015 issue of Pediatrics published from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, there is too much salt or sugar in most of the prepackaged meals and snacks for toddlers. The study revealed that 72% of the toddler meals, which include macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, vegetables, juices, and so forth, were 1.5 times higher than the 210mg per serving maximum amount. Many of the dried fruit snacks contain about double the amount of recommended sugar intake per serving. Some of the snacks and cereals

included added sugar, like glucose, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose. The recommended serving of sugar is no more than 3-4 teaspoons each day, yet the American Heart Association conducted a study which concluded the average toddler consumes about 12 teaspoons of sugar each day. Limit juices and candy whenever possible. Healthy snacks include fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheeses, yogurt, and so forth. Try making homemade trail mixes in large quantities and storing in individual bags. Air popped popcorn, carrots and celery or other veggies with hummus, egg slices, and fruit smoothies are also great snacks.

3. Make sure to eat heart healthy foods.

Deeply colored, non-starchy fruits and vegetables are a great way to keep your blood pressure in check and your weight down. If you opt for desserts after dinner, make it fruit.

Some fun desserts for kids that are primarily fruit include bananas dipped in yogurt and frozen, bananas and almond butter, baked apples with cinnamon, berries and cream, fruit salad, and so forth. Fruits and vegetables have the added bonus of fiber, which helps to low-

er blood cholesterol. Try to eat fish twice a week.The omega-3 fatty acids in fish may help lower your risk of coronary artery disease.

If your children balk at the idea of fish, try making Mahi Mahi. It is a very mild flavored, non-fishy tasting fish.

4. Reduce the stress by eliminating unnecessary activities. Stress is a key factor in heart health and has even been shown to negatively affect your entire system. If your family is on the go non-stop, consider reevaluating your activities and only keeping the priorities. One way to determine if something can be scratched from the schedule: if the thought of doing this activity or going to the event fills you with dread, maybe you don’t really need to do it. Eliminating the excess will free up time for less stressful and healthier activities - like exercise and family time.

Of course there are many, many ways to incorporate heart healthy activities in your life.

Children follow the example set by their parents, so the most important action parents can take to have a heart-healthy child is to model the behavior for them.

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suburban family | subfam.com

family wellness 37

D

espite decades of medical research and public campaigns to ease the problem, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States and throughout the Western world.

occurring vitamin source. You need all of the nutrient components to get the full benefits.

Healthy

One of the problems driving heart disease is the messaging, says Robert Thompson, M.D., an integrative medicine specialist deemed by his peers to be in the top 5 percent of U.S. physicians. While there’s plenty of good research to indicate good advice, the general public, and many of his peers in the medical community, are stuck with faulty conclusions, he says.

“Perhaps the biggest misconception is that an overabundance of calcium, which may include supplements, is very good for people, especially women, but that’s simply not true,” says Thompson, author of “The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know,” (calciumliebook.com).

Calcium is just one of 12 substances, as well as traces of 64 other minerals, that make up our bones. Excessive amounts of calcium hurt our bodies in many ways, especially the heart and the brain, he says. We cannot possibly replace minerals with just calcium, which hardens concrete and makes bones more brittle.

One study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, was meant to assess the effect of calcium on bone density and fractures in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that participating women were significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks while taking calcium supplements.

“This is far from an isolated study – there are others, including 15 studies combined into a meta-analysis yielding similar heart-health results, which show an increased risk of heart disease by at least 30 percent,” says Thompson, who offers practical recommendations for what individuals can start doing for bet-

Heart

Habits

ter overall health in recognition of American Heart Month, celebrated in February.

• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. As a general rule, we need to drink half of our bodyweight in ounces of water daily. For a 150-pound individual, that’s 75 ounces of water. Those who are overweight, or are heavy exercisers or live in warm climates may need more. Take care to drink quality water. Get a quality filtration system at home, which can range from $200 to $3,000.

• Take ionic sea salt-derived minerals.We all need a diverse range of minerals and virtually none of us get enough. Ionic minerals are the only ones that are completely available for our bodies to use because they are water-soluble and they naturally carry an electrical charge that allows them to be carried through the cell membranes.All sea salt-derived trace mineral products are recommended – at least three grams per day.

• Use only vitamin supplements made from 100 percent organic whole foods that have been vine-ripened. Almost all of us need supplements because contemporary food supplies lack adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, thanks to soil depletion. Most store-bought vitamins include just one component of the many complex molecular elements contained in the naturally

Foot & Ankle Wellness Center At Seven Bridges

(630) 852-8522

www.footandanklewellness.com

A STEP IN THE

• Eat high-quality proteins. Seafood, eggs, beans, chicken, game meat, duck and turkey are excellent sources of essential amino acids that are the building blocks of every protein molecule, hormone, neurotransmitter, cell membranes and immune molecules. Proteins can also be obtained from grains, sprouted grains, raw nuts and raw seeds. Vegetarians and vegans need to play close attention to combine protein sources to get the full complement of amino acids.

• Walk at least 30 minutes every day. This activity has a huge effect on relieving the physiologic effects of stress on the human physiology. Exercise is good, but walking is amazing. No other single activity will more significantly or more rapidly affect the adrenal stress response in humans than walking, which probably works so well because it slows us down. And, it is an incredible way to build relationships.

“Also, I recommend ingesting essential monosaccharides, which is new and unknown territory for most people,” he says. “They are the simplest form of carbohydrate molecules found in the body, are essential for protein molecules and can be found in maple syrup, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets and onions.”

Dr. Robert Thompson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and a nutrition specialist. His newest book, “The Calcium Lie II,” is available for free at calciumliebook.com.

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• Get your fill of essential fatty acids; raw nuts and/or seeds are a good source. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved the following health claim for seven kinds of nuts: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 oz. per day of most raw nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered essential because humans can’t manufacture them within our bodies. Research has now shown that plant-derived Omega 6, and not fish oil, is the best oil for humans.

F

suburban family | subfam.com

January/February 2017

January & February

great events

Here’s your source for upcoming great events. Event information is subject to change without notice, therefore, we encourage you to call ahead to confirm – and be certain to tell ‘em you saw it in Suburban Family Magazine!

If you have an event of regional interest, we’d love to hear from you. Send to “Great Events” Fax: 866-779-4320, E-mail: mail@ subfam.com Mail: P.O. Box 1266, Westmont, IL 60559. Deadline for inclusion in the Mar/Apr issue is Friday, Feb. 10th.

JANUARY SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

FAMILY Winter on the Farm– Help with winter livestock chores, tromp in snowshoes, and enjoy treats, music and crafts. 12-5 p.m. Primrose Farm, St. Charles.

630-513-4370.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 SHOW Wedding Showcase – Enjoy one-onone consultations with more than 50 local vendors. 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Naper Settlement. 630-420-6010.

SPORTS Dodgeball – Winter National Championships. Adult and youth leagues. NADA officiated. 10 a.m. Schaumburg. Register: 847-985-2120.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 LECTURE Great Inaugural Speeches in History – Professor Gary Midkiff reviews seven inaugural addresses, including one by the youngest elected January/February 2017

President, and one by the oldest elected President. 2-3 p.m. Elmhurst Public Library. 630-279-8696.

LECTURE History Speaks: Bartholdi and His Lady of Copper – Award-winning artist/presenter Jim Weren shares about Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. 4-5 p.m. Naper Settlement. 630-420-6010.

SHOW Lake County Wedding Bridal Expo – Visit with over 60 vendors offering wedding services and products. 12-3 p.m. DoubleTree, Mundelein. 847949-5100.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 AUDITIONS Disney’s Aladdin Jr. – Parts available for ages 7-20. 6:30-8:45 p.m. Community Recreation Center, Schaumburg. Register: 847-490-2505.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 FAMILY Full Moon Cross-Country skiing – Bring your skis for a self-guided tour of lantern-lit trails and talk with a ranger about the plants and animals you see along the way. 6-8 p.m. West DuPage Woods, West Chicago. Ages 10 and up. Register: 630933-7248.

LECTURE Mindful Parenting: A Foundation for Healthy Family Relations – Learn about brain science and the practice of mindfulness in family relationships 7 p.m. Wheaton. Register: 630-668-1571.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 KIDS See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! – Watch and learn juggling and balancing skills from juggler Jason suburban family | subfam.com

Kollum. 7 p.m. Helen Plum Library, Lombard. Free.

Tickets: 630-627-0316.

KIDS Game Night – DJ, open gym & concessions, just for kids. Grades 3-8. 6-9 p.m. Comm. Ctr., Rolling Meadows. Register: 847-818-3200.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 CHILDREN Naperville Plays! – New traveling exhibit “Dream with Da Vinci” offers hands-on art and activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum.

630-637-8000.

FAMILY Winter Fest – Dog sled demonstrations, ice carving, skating, sledding campfire & concessions.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Vernon Hills. 847-996-6800.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 FESTIVAL Winterfest – Outdoor snow fun and indoor crafts, inflatables and prizes. 12-2 p.m. Community Park, Addison. 630-233-7275.

LECTURE Marion Mahoney Griffin: Rendering the Grand Variety of Nature’s Grace – Learn about the woman who served as Frank Lloyd Wright’s chief draftsperson for 14 years. 2-3 p.m. Elmhurst History Museum. 630-833-1457.

SHOW Wedding Expo – Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a roaming fashion show, while interacting with a variety of wedding vendors. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Faranda’s, DeKalb. 815-981-3304.

SHOW Wedding Expo – Tour the facility and meet vendors including florists, DJs and photographers. 1-4 p.m. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles. 630-513-4399. great events 39

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 PRESCHOOL Open House – Visit the Lincoln Learning Center Pre-school & Tot School. Meet with teachers & take a tour. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Lincoln Center, Downers Grove. 630-963-1300.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 FAMILY Snowshoe Hike – Learn history and safety tips related to snowshoeing before hitting the trail. Ages 10 and up. 9-11 a.m. Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville. Register: 630-933-7248.

HEALTH Dinner with the Doc – Neurologist Tudor Iacob answers sleep disorder questions and treatment options. 6-7:30 p.m. Glen Ellyn. Register: 630-933-4234.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 STAGE Improv Show – Wheaton Improv presents a night of clean, improvised comedy. 7:30 p.m.

Wheaton College. improv@my.wheaton.edu. Also 2/3.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 CHILDREN Ramps & Rollers Party – Celebrate the museum’s 30th year with this special rolling event.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum. 630-6378000.

FAMILY Photography Workshop – Create a fun project using your own photo, while learning about cameras and photo development. 1-3 p.m. 2/11 and 2/12. DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton.

630-510-4941.

FAMILY Winter Adventure Day – A morning of winter fun including ice fishing and snowshoeing. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn.

630-858-2462.

FAMILY WiredCats Vex Robotics Competition– Student teams design and build a robot to compete in a game-based engineering challenge. Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville. matthew_ragusa@ ipsd.org FUNDRAISER Unmasking the Face of Homelessness – Cocktail hour, silent auction, live auction, dinner and music. Benefits Lazarus House. 6 p.m. St. Charles Country Club. 630-587-2144.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 SHOW Wheaton Hamfest – Ham radio, com40 great events

puter, radio control and hobby electronics showcase, swap and sale. 8 a.m-1 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. 630-604-0157.

WORKSHOP Tea 101 – Celebrate National Hot Tea Month by learning more about tea with an expert from Serene Teaz. 2 p.m. Helen Plum Library, Lombard.

630-627-0316.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23 WORKSHOP Cast Iron Cooking – Learn how to cook over an open campfire. Ages 7 and up. 1-3 p.m.

Herrick Lake, Wheaton. Register: 630-933-7248. Also 2/26.

CHILDREN Anderson Pest Solutions Insect Zoo – Get up close with a collection of exotic insects. 10 a.m.-Noon. DuPage Children’s Museum.

FB LIKE fill 12.16:Layout 1 12/14/16 630-637-8000.

com

MONDAY, JANUARY 16 BREAKFAST 22nd Annual MLK Breakfast – Breakfast honoring civil rights leader MLK features guest speaker, Dr. Ernest E. Gibson. 8 a.m. Benedictine University, Lisle. 630-942-4000.

KIDS School Day Off: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Celebrate the famous Civil Rights activist in this program that includes a craft. 1-3 p.m. Ages 5-12, with adult. Des Plaines History Center. 847-391-5399.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 LECTURE Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect – This lecture presents research that challenges the conventional notion that “practice makes perfect” when it comes to children’s success. 7 p.m. Aurora University.

630-844-4924.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 VOLUNTEER Naper Settlement – Grades 4-8 junior volunteer informational meeting. Learn about volunteering in costume. 7-8:30 p.m. Naper Settlement. 630-305-5256. Also 1/28 1-2:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 LECTURE Fermilab’s Greatest Hits: Highlights from the First 50 Years – Dr. Chris Quigg traces the lab’s evolution from start-up to world-leading center. 8 p.m. Fermilab, Batavia. 630-840-3000.

PERFORMANCE Middle Eastern Dance Recital and Concert – Features diverse dances of Egypt, Turkey, Morocco & Persia. 7 p.m. Elmhurst College.

630-617-3005.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 FAMILY Blizzard Mania – Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Blizzard of ‘67 with curling, broomball, snowman building and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Westmont. 630-963-5252.

FAMILY Super SciTech Saturday: They Say It’s suburban family | subfam.com

Your Birthday! – Creation stations open to learn how art and science belong together. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aurora. 630-859-3434.

FAMILY Winterfest – Enjoy indoor & outdoor fun, including wall climbing, snow painting, performances, archery and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Annerino Community Center, Bolingbrook. 630-739-0272.

FESTIVAL Japan Fest – Sample Japanese foods, make crafts, and enjoy performances such as traditional dance, drums, martial arts and more. 12-4 p.m.

OPRFHS, Oak Park. 708-434-3386.

SPORTS Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament – Two-round disc golf tournament. Benefits Kendall County Food Pantry. 8:30 a.m. Eagle Ridge, Oswego.

Register: 630-870-0155.

SPORTS LVVA 8th Annual Ice Fishing Derby – 11:48 AMthe biggest Page northern, 1 Prizes for bass, crappie, bluegill and perch, plus raffles. 7 a.m. Wauconda. 224-634-0029.

SPORTS Table Tennis Tournament – Single elimination tournament. Bring your own paddle. All ages. 8 a.m. River Woods School, Naperville. 630-8485000.

VOLUNTEER Naper Settlement – Adults & teens can learn about volunteer opportunities to work with visitors as building interpreters or history connections at this informational meeting. 10-11:30 a.m. Naper Settlement. 630-305-5256. Also 1/31 at 7-8:30 p.m.

WORKSHOP Empowering Lupus Patients Educational Event – Free educational seminar with three sessions covering different topics related to living with Lupus. 9:30 a.m. St. Xavier University, Chicago. 312-542-0002.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 FAMILY Winter Fest – Enjoy old-fashioned fun in the snow, horse and carriage rides, hot cider, music and games. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Taylor Park, Oak Park. 708725-2200.

FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 KIDS Homeschool Adventures: An Artful Valentine – Learn about a famous Brazilian-born artist and create your version of his heart art. 1-3 p.m. Ages 5-12, with adult. Des Plaines History Center. 847-391-5399.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 KIDS After School Adventures: An Artful Valentine – Learn about a famous Brazilian-born artist and create your version of his heart art. 3:30-5 p.m.

Ages 5-12, with adult. Des Plaines History Center. 847391-5399.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 CONCERT An Evening With Molly Ringwald – January/February 2017

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 CONCERT The Three Celli – Three accomplished cellists perform a mix of music. 2:30 p.m. Fermilab, Batavia. 630-840-2787.

FAMILY Lincoln Marsh Snow Day – Hike the marsh to see what animals have been about in the snow. 1 p.m. Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton. 630-784-6100.

LECTURE First Sunday Tea & Talk Art Lecture Series: “Chocolate & Cupid’s Arrow” – 2-4 p.m.

Benedictine University, Lisle. 630-829-6320.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 LECTURE An Evening with Bill Rancic – The reality TV star, real estate developer and speaker presents at this BenU event. 7-8:15 p.m. Benedictine University, Lisle. 630-829-6406.

January/February 2017

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 FAMILY Chocolate Walk – Tour Downtown FAMILY Daddy-Daughter Dance – Ages 3-10 & Naperville restaurants and shops for chocolate tasty Dad. 7-9 p.m. Main St. Rec Center, Glen Ellyn. 630-858treats and surprises, and a souvenir tin. Benefits 360 2462.

Also 2/11 from 6-8pm.

Services. p.m. Naperville.

For tickets: 630SUBFAM FILL small 12.16:Layout 1 12/14/16 Youth 11:47 AM 12-5 Page 1 ADULTS Deerfield Fireman’s 5-Alarm Chili 961-2992 x1129.

FAMILY Frostival – Snowman building contest with Olaf, songs with Anna, indoor skating with Elsa, crafts Daily Postings and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Park Ridge. 847-692-5127. for Everyone in the Family!

SHOW Love Your Health…Love Yourself Expo – Visit with exhibitors of health products and services. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Elk Grove Village. 847-4379494.

subfam! com

The actress and her jazz quartet perform her first jazz album, Except Sometimes.” 7:30 p.m. Batavia Fine Arts Centre. 630-937-8930.

FAMILY Lincoln School’s 68th Annual Carnival – Play games like Plinko, Bozo Buckets and Cake Walk, plus food, silent auction and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oak Park. lincolncarnival@gmail.com.

TEENS ACT Test Prep – Free firsthand experience of test day, with practice test proctored and scored by C2 Education. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Helen Plum Library, Lombard. 630-627-0316.

Get the Complete Issue and Much More.

“A must see!”

Bowl – Chili and cornbread prepared by the Deerfield Fire Department. Ages 50+ 12-2 p.m. Patty Turner Center, Deerfield. 847-940-0650.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 ADULTS Romantic Night Hike – Lantern-lit, self-guided walk through the woods. 7-9 p.m. Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. Register: 630-850-8110.

FAMILY Cardboard Sled Race – Design, build and race a corrugated cardboard sled. Prizes awarded.

Plus Huskie sled-pulling demonstration. 10-11:30 a.m.

Timber Trails Park, St. Charles. Register: stcparks.org.

suburban family | subfam.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 FAMILY Valentine’s Day Variety Show – Solos, duets, singing, dancing, and juggling. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Streamwood. 630-372-7275.

LECTURE History Speaks: Laura Ingalls Wilder- The Real Story – Actress portrays the American writer. 4-5 p.m. Naper Settlement. 630-420-6010.

LECTURE Marion Mahoney Griffin in Mason City, IA – Learn about the largest collection of Prairie Style homes. 2-3 p.m. Elmhurst History Museum. 630833-1457.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

great events 41

Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show – January 11-15. One-stop marketplace for outdoor fun and activities.Fee. Wed. 2-8 p.m. Thurs & Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.5p.m. McCormick Place. 312-946-6200.

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival – January 19-29. An international pageant LECTURE Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences grow Into Troublesome Gaps. 7 p.m.

Naperville Municipal Center. aauwnaperville@hotmail.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 FAMILY Close Encounters of the Chemical Kind – Experiments in color change, fire, springy superballs and more. 7 p.m. Helen Plum Library, Lombard. 630-627-0316.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 FAMILY Tiny Great Performances: Customs Around the World – Live performance by Chicago Opera Playhouse. 10 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum.

630-637-8000.

SPORTS BIG P.I.G. Tournament – Basketball shooting competition. All ages. 9:30 a.m. Downers Grove Park District. Register: 630-960-7250.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 FAMILY Great Backyard Bird Count – Take part in this international birding event. 10-11:30 a.m.

Waterfall Glen, Darien. Register: 630-933-7248.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 WORKSHOP School’s Out Family Workshop: Forest Portraits – Try creating botanical drawings using Japanese inks on colored silk. Grades 1-5 and adults.

1-2:30 p.m. Elmhurst History Museum. 630-833-1457.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 FAMILY Fire Pit BBQ & Country Western Round-Up – BBQ dinner and honkey tonk music. 5:308 p.m. Patty Turner Center, Deerfield. 847-940-0650.

42 great events

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 FAMILY SEASPAR Fish Fry – All-you-can-eat beer-battered cod meal to eat there or carry out. Benefits SEASPAR’s recreational programs and services. Seatings at 5:30 p.m., & 7:30 p.m. Wheatstack Restaurant, Lisle. Tickets in advance or at the door. 630-960-7600.

SPORTS 6th Annual Dodgin’ 4 Lou Gehrig’s Disease Dodgeball Tournament –50 teams compete, while raising funds for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Naperville North High School. dodgin4lougehrigs@gmail.com.

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FAMILY Super SciTech Saturday: ART-chitecture – Creation stations open to learn how art and science belong together. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aurora. 630-859-3434.

FUNDRAISER Bunco Charity Fundraiser – Bunco games, raffle, silent auction and door prizes.

Ages 21 and up. Benefits Batavia Mothers’ Club. 6:30 p.m. Batavia Moose Lodge. 630-748-1501.

ENGINEERING Engineers Week Expo – Explore the fields of science and engineering. Grades K-8.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wheaton. 630-682-6000. suburban family | subfam.com

Wild Things Conference – February 18. More than 100 presentations and workshops for people who are passionate about local wilderness. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. University of Illinois at Chicago. wildthingscommunitychi@gmail.com.

Adler Planetarium – Opens January 8. “What is a Planet?” Explore artifacts that show how “planets” aren’t what they used to be, and find out what makes a planet today. Chicago. 312922-7827.

The Art Institute of Chicago – January 28-April 30. “Provoke.” Features more than 250 items surveying postwar Japanese photographs and photobooks. Chicago. 312-443-3600.

Museum of Science & Industry – Henry Crown Space Center allows visitors to explore space through interactives including a remote-controlled Mars Rover, and the real Apollo 8 module and Aurora 7 capsule. Chicago. 773684-1414.

FAMILY Polar Adventures at Northerly Island – See Siberian Huskies, wolves and birds of prey.

Crafts, hot cocoa and snowshoeing. 12-5 p.m. Park Ridge. Register: 847-692-5127.

SHOW 10th Annual Craft & Vendor Fair – Free tickets for each donated canned or dried food item.

Benefits Hanover Township Food Pantry. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bartlett Hills Golf Club. mgearhart@vbartlett.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 STAGE Schoolstage: Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play! – This vaudevillian children’s romp has audienceAMinvolved in the 12/14/16 the11:47 Page 1 action. 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn. 630-942-2220.

com

City Events

of top puppets and puppet artists at various locations. 312-554-9800.

Ideal Home Show Chicago – January 27-29.

Ideas and inspiration from Chicagoland’s top home and remodeling experts. Fri. Noon-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Navy Pier. 773-293-6800.

Lunar New Year Parade – February 5. Celebrate Chinese New Year with colorful floats, performances and a 90-foot long dragon. 1 p.m.

Chinatown. 312-326-5320.

Chicago Auto Show – February 11-20. More than 1 million feet of exhibits featuring different vehicles. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. McCormick Place. 630495-2282.

The Orchid Show – February 11-March 26.

As many as 10,000 tropical blooms on display, plus marketplace, classes, music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe.

847-835-5440.

ONGOING ADULTS Social Groups – Meet singles over 40 at dances, dinners, karaoke & more. New Horizons Singles. nhnews.events@gmail.com.

ADULTS Craft Night – Work on your current craft project. 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. 7 p.m. Helen Plum Library, Lombard. 630-627-0316.

ADULTS Time Travelers Theatre Ensemble – This comedy troupe puts on a free funny show of skits.

8-10 p.m. STP Bar and Grill, Schaumburg. 847-490-2505.

CONCERT Big Band Live Music Night – Dance to your favorite big band tunes at the Garden Terrace at the Pavilion. Thurs., 1/5 and 2/2. 7-9 p.m. Elk Grove Village. 847-437-9494.

FAMILY Victorian Valentines – Learn about and create Victorian-style Valentines. 1-3 p.m. 2/11 and 2/12. DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton. 630-510-4941.

FAMILY Chocolate Weekend – Discover chocoJanuary/February 2017

January/February 2017

Fabyan Japanese Garden. Sat. 1/29, & 2/11. Fee. 1 p.m.

Geneva. 630-377-6424.

PETS Park Shore & Chain O’ Lakes Kennel Clubs Dog Shows – January 26-29. Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake. 847-680-7200.

SHOW American Heritage Living History Show – Vendors, demonstrators, craftsmen & artisans focused on America in 1700-1890. 1/21 and 22. Sat. FB LIKEp.m. fill 12/14/16 9 a.m.-5 Sun.12.16:Layout 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kane1County Fair-

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late’s tree history as you taste and shop for treats from over a dozen vendors. 2/11-12. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. 847-968-0074.

FAMILY Enchanted Railroad – Enjoy the intricate model railroad, with 10 trains running on a two-level platform. 1/13-2/19. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.Fri. and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. 847-968-0074.

FAMILY Husky Heroes – Watch demonstrations of husky sled pulling, visit the dogs and sled teams and more. 1/28 and 1/29. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. 847-968-0074.

FAMILY Juicebox – Free music, dance, and theater performances. 11 a.m. Chicago Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago. 312-744-3316.

FAMILY Spring Valley Winter Fest – Snowshoe prairie walks, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, snacks and dogsled demonstrations. 1/14 and 15. 12-3 p.m.

Schaumburg. 847-985-2100.

FAMILY Taffy Pulling Party – Tour an 1890s farmhouse, then make taffy from molasses. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 2/11, 2/18, 2/20, & 2/25. Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago. 630-876-5900.

FAMILY U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Awards– Fifteen teams from across the country create art from 8’x9’ snow blocks. 2/1-5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Geneva, WI. 800-345-1020.

FAMILY Winter Walk – Guided walking tour of

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grounds, St. Charles. 630-879-1739.

SHOW CFA Cat Show – Features a gallery of purebred cats and vendors selling all things cats. 2/25 and 26. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. 815-299-0784.

SHOW Chicago Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet – Annual event for the best motorcycle builders, retailers & vendors in the Midwest. 1/28 at 10 a.m.-7 p.m. & 1/29 at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. St. Charles. 800-800-6034.

suburban family | subfam.com

SHOW TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show – Shop for unique jewelry, fashion, accessories, gift, beauty, home décor and housewares.

2/16-19. Rosemont. 800-323-5462.

STAGE Random Thefts & Other Acts – A Fargo-esque comedy. 1/13-2/5. Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. & Sun. at 3 p.m. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles. 630 587-8521 STAGE Seussical – The musical story that fol11:48 AMadventures Page 1of Horton the Elephant. 1/13lows the 15, 1/20-22. Fri. at 7:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Naperville Central High School.

630-848-5000.

STAGE Willie Wonka, The Musical! – Featuring new tunes and songs from Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. 1/13-1/15. Prisco Community Center, Aurora.

630-859-8606.

STAGE The Woman in Black – A British play about a man’s eerie encounters with a woman dressed in black. 8 p.m. Elmhurst College. 630-617-3005.

VOLUNTEER Hospice – Bring a comforting, supportive presence to hospice patients and their families. Ages 16 and up. Advocate Hospice. 630-9636800 (Western & Southern Suburbs) or 847- 307-6406 (Northern Chicago & Northern Suburbs).

VOLUNTEER Child Play and Supervision – People needed to spend time with children who are medically fragile. Ages 16 and older. Almost Home Kids. 630-786-1755.

great events 43

dining out

Cantigny: The Place for Brunch The Red Oak Room at Cantigny Golf serves up a delicious and budget-friendly buffet every Sunday morning. The country-style feast, served from 9 am to 12:30 pm, features omelets made to order and a carvery station with Virginia baked ham. Also enjoy Eggs Benedict, Belgium waffle station, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, hash browns, breakfast meats and a wide array of fresh fruit and pastries.You’ll like the view, too! Cost is $17 for adults and $11 for ages 4-10. Ages 3 and under are free. Located at 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189. Reservations suggested: 630-260-8194. www.cantigny.org/visit/dining/red-oak-room

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Listing included!

Call to reserve your space NOW! 630-863-7183

44 dining out

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January/February 2017

Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro located on the east side of The Oakbrook Center Mall, near Neiman Marcus.

Mon Ami Gabi embraces a passion for food, wine and culture. Whether you come for the Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frites or decadent Profiteroles, Mon Ami Gabi offers something to satisfy all tastes. To complement the menu, an extensive selection of more than 80 boutique French wine varietals, are served by the glass or bottle from our signature rolling wine cart. While the favorites are here in abundance, there's always something new when you're ready to fall in love all over again.

Planning a special event? Our charming bistro is perfect for your next private party, business gathering or special event. in our two private rooms and dining area (up to 250 guests). Available seven days a week for lunch, dinner and breakfast meetings. Contact Jessica Cavanah to inquire: jcavanah@leye.com or call 630-472-1900. Receive complimentary valet service when you book your special event or cocktail gathering in January and February 2017. A $1,000 Food/Beverage minimum (before tax/gratuity) is required to receive complimentary valet services.

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Weekend Brunch available Saturday 11:30am - 3:00pm; Sunday 10:30am - 3:00pm. Chef Events! Monthly French Classics Cooking Classes on Saturday, January 21 and February 18 from 10:00am-12:00pm; Can-Can Dinner Show on Monday, January 16, 6:30pm seating, 7:00pm show. To secure a spot, please call 630-472-1900.

OAKBROOK CENTER MALL • OAK BROOK, IL

Catch 35

Celebrate the New Year at Catch 35 Naperville, Seafood and Premium Steaks. Catch 35 offers a seasonal variety of fresh seafood like North Atlantic Skate Wing, Succulent Fresh East/West Coast Oysters, Chilean Sea Bass, and Juicy George’s Bank Scallops. Making lunch plans? Catch 35’s lunch menu offers NEW Signature Small plates at WILD new prices; Open at 11:30am Monday-Saturday. Catch 35 boosts a private party space for your next cocktail reception, celebration dinner, or business luncheon.

MONAMIGABI.COM

PRIVATE DINING & CATERING AVAILABLE

Catch 35 is a true Seafood and Steak house with an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails. Don’t miss the mouthwatering Grilled Skirt Steak with caramelized onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, veal demi-glace, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. Visit www.catch35. com and discover our weekly specials, community discounts, and bar specials. Reserve your table today and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Locations: 35 W. Wacker, Chicago, 312-346-3500 and 35 S. Washington, Naperville, 630-717-3500.

January/February 2017

630.472.1900

suburban family | subfam.com

SPECIAL EVENTS CAN-CAN DINNER SHOWS, COOKING CLASSES & MORE!

Stay C O N N E C T E D : dining out 45

Vino Thai

Vino Thai serves up healthy and fresh Thai Cuisine. Ever since 1990, Vino Thai has provided customers with the finest and freshest tasting Thai food in a pleasurable dining atmosphere.

Signature dishes include Golden Chicken, Crazy Noodles and Chicken Curry Fried Rice. Dine in - Carry Out. Vino Thai is located in East Gate Commons, 3825 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174. Open every day for lunch and dinner. For reservations call 630-443-8461. vinothai.com

Healthy Fresh Thai Cuisine

Houlihan’s East Gate Common & .BJO 4U t 4U $IBSMFT *- %JOF *O t $BSSZ 0VU .POEBZ o 5IVSTEBZ o QN 'SJEBZ 4BUVSEBZ o QN 4VOEBZ o QN

(630) 443-8461 www.vinothai.com

We’re an American restaurant and bar serving quality food and drinks. Our menu is designed for modern lifestyles, with small-and-large portion entrees, vegetarian options, and nutritive whole foods throughout – all made from scratch. Join us soon to try our new “Better for You� specials menu launching in mid-late January featuring food that’s better for you but still just as delicious. Including grilled shrimp & jalapeno sausage mojo, steak enchiladas with Mexican street corn, Mediterranean black bean dip, and much more! These items range from low cal or high protein to lower in sugar or carbs – even something for those who couldn’t care less about all of these (hint: brownie batter cake!). Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays from 10am-2pm at our Park Ridge location.

A SOLUTION FOR EVERY RESOLUTION Our menu is resolution-friendly, with options available for vegetarian diets, small-portion plates and nutritive whole foods throughout.

COMING SOON: new craveable better-for-you selections.

SEARED GEORGES BANK SCALLOPS

GENEVA | 13 22 CO M M O NS D RIV E | 630. 345. 8 0 0 0 WHEATON | 32 1 RICE L A K E S Q U A RE , S PA CE # 2 5 1 | 6 3 0 . 6 9 0 . 5 5 5 0 PARK RIDGE | 550 W. TO U HY AV E NU E | 847. 6 9 2 . 6 2 0 5 NAPERVILL E | 2860 S HO W P L A CE D RIV E | 630 . 5 3 6 . 0 0 2 2 ORL AND PARK | 16153 L A G RA NG E RO A D | 7 0 8 . 3 6 4 . 7 6 5 0 ALGONQUIN | 1 508 S . RA ND A L L RO A D | 847 . 6 5 8 . 4 5 6 0

46 dining out

suburban family | subfam.com

January/February 2017

Fermilab turns 50!

Join us for a kick-off celebration featuring Mucca Pazza on Saturday, January 21st – Party: 7 p.m. Concert: 8 p.m.

Organized by the Fermilab Arts & Lecture Series.

Jan. 27– The First Fifty Years – Lecture by Dr. Chris Quigg Feb. 25 – Aquila Theatre performs Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile March 11 – Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies

FREE online ticketing at events.fnal.gov 630.840.ARTS Ramsey Auditorium, Will Hall, Pine Street & Kirk Road, Batavia, IL

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PUBLIC SKATING HOURS WED EVENING 6:30PM-9PM FRI EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM SAT MORNING 10:30AM-1PM SAT AFTERNOON 1:30PM-4:30PM SAT EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM SUN AFTERNOON 1:30AM-4:30PM SUN EVENING 6:30PM-9PM PLUS $3.00 FOR SKATE RENTAL

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(1/4 Block West of Harlem, 3 Blocks South of I-55) Additional parking across Archer Avenue in our lot

708-458-0300

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