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NOV/DEC 2018
● HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS ● NOV. & DEC. EVENTS ● ON STAGE ● ACTIVE KIDS
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BensTreeFarm.com • (630) 279-0216 7719 Ryan Rd., Harvard IL • Thousands of 6-14 ft. trees in 9 varieties of Firs, Spruces, & Pines • All trees organically grown • Free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa, Farm Animals • Complimentary Hot Cocoa in our Warming Barn • Handmade Wreaths & Garland • Open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays November 23-December 23 • Hours: 9am-4:30pm We will take you out to the fields, provide you with a saw, bring your tree back from the fields after you have cut it down, and even help with tying to your vehicle. You just need to bring yourselves for a nice day in the country.
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Scotch · White · Austrian · Spruce · Fir Ask about our tree delivery service! (630) 966-7775 · abbeyfarms.org · info@abbeyfarms.org 2855 Hart Road, Aurora IL, 60502 · @AbbeyFarmsIL
contents
november/december 2018 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katy M. Clark Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Cheryl Maguire Kerrie McLoughlin Constance Vincent, Ph.D. EVENTS EDITOR Colleen Sall PUBLISHER Jim Wolf
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active kids
8 Ways to Achieve Holiday Peace
Season’s Best Holiday Happenings On Stage
celebrate!
December Birthday Party Do’s & Don’ts Party Places
Classroom Connections Education Resource
5 Reasons Kids Should Play Organized Sports Active Kids Zone
family wellness What To Do When Your Kids Are Stressed
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5 Parenting Tips Inspired by Fitness Classes Fitness Events
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How to Find the Best Possible Care for Your Loved One Older Driver Safety Awareness Senior Resource Guide Benefits from Low-Impact Workouts Discounts Seniors Didn’t Know They Could Get Dealing With Matters After Loss Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
great events
#1 family events calendar City Events
dining out
Superb romantic and family places to dine out!
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Wishing you peace & joy at the holiday season ...from all of us at
Suburban Family.
CO-EDITORS Sue Wolf Jim Wolf 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.
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www.subfam.com www.chicagosuburbanfamily.com November/December 2018
seasons
Ways
to Achieve Holiday Peace By Kerrie McLoughlin
R
emember when you didn’t have to worry about being in three places at once during the holidays? The dilemma of where to go seemed to be so easily worked out by our parents and extended family. Now that we are grown-ups, by the time the New Year rolls around, most of us seem to have ended up totally frazzled from celebrating the holidays several times over with many sets of relatives. Adding your own kids to the mix can make the situation even more crazy, leaving children feeling like the rope in a game of human tug-of-war. Below are some quick fixes that will help you and your family be peacefully full of holiday cheer this year. Combine family events. Instead of running to your parents’ house and THEN to see each of your siblings separately, consider having just one shin-dig at one location when most everyone can attend. A sitdown dinner isn’t necessary. In fact, make it a potluck! One idea is to throw a small party every year on the second Friday in December, for example, and have crafts for the kids 6 seasons
(like building a gingerbread house or painting ornaments).
selves and our best wishes for the season.”
Consider an Open House. Choose a location (like your uncle’s house), a date and a convenient time frame when family members can come and go as they please without the pressure of being on time for a meal. Serve finger foods and other easy fare to make it easy on the hostess.
Realize that Christmas can be celebrated on a day other than Dec. 25. You can get together with your grandparents and other relatives a couple of weeks before or after Christmas Day for a much more relaxed mood. Imagine leisurely opening gifts while enjoying each other’s company. What a time to treasure and look forward to every year!
Attend the far-away celebrations every other year. It’s a fact of life that many people marry someone from another state or move out of town due to a job change or other circumstance. This can leave many families feeling pulled in too many directions when the holidays roll around. It can be difficult to decide how to come together, so work out the details in advance.
Just stay home. Some couples make the choice to celebrate Christmas Day at their own home every year. The decision may not popular, and you might have to defend it every year, but it could be the most relaxing (ah, sweatpants all day long!) and fun (playing with your kids and their new toys) day of your entire year.
Negotiate annually. All families are different, and it can be practically impossible to please everybody every year. One year your cousin may need to leave early to spend the rest of the day with her husband’s family. Another year it may just work out best to hold the event on a completely different day of the month.
Think of others less-fortunate. Consider serving food at a homeless shelter sometime around the holiday or being a bellringer for The Salvation Army for a couple of hours. These are great opportunities to take your kids along and teach them the true meaning of the holidays. St. James has another great idea: Make a paper bag lunch with a sandwich, cookies, fruit and juice drink and pass it out to homeless people in your area.
Do a drop in. Elaine St. James, author of Simplify Your Christmas: 100 Ways to Reduce the Stress and Recapture the Joy of the Holidays, visits her sister and her family to raise a toast but not to eat. She takes no food for the meal, no gifts and tells her family, “We’re bringing oursuburban family | subfam.com
To ensure no feelings are hurt, make sure your family knows they are always welcome to spend Christmas Day at your home (with some notice, of course!). With a little understanding and communication, everyone involved can have a peaceful holiday. November/December 2018
November/December 2016
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ooking for something fun and festive to do for the holiday season? Check out these special attractions and events!
day celebrations that feature luminous displays and seasonal activities…all under the glow of 2.5 million lights! Incredible 3D displays. Warm spiced wine, frosty beers and festive snacks. Holiday gift shopping. Live ice-sculpture carving (select nights). Musical light shows at the Winter Wonderlawn. For more information visit www. lpzoo.org/zoolights (See our ad on BACK COVER)
Lincoln Park Zoo: ZooLights Presented By ComEd and Invesco QQQ Select dates Nov. 23 – Jan. 6 4:30-9 p.m. The most wonderful time of year deserves the most wonderful type of event.The one-of-a-kind experience offers fun, free, family-oriented holi-
Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm This year, treat your whole family to a wonderful day at Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm! Take in the sights as horse-drawn wagons ferry you into nine varieties of sustainably grown trees spread across the 50 acre farm. Once you have found your perfect tree, enjoy free hot cocoa in the warming barn, or visit the farm animals. Ben’s will retrieve, shake, and wrap your tree, and will even tie your tree to your vehicle, leaving you to enjoy a day in the country. Leashed pets welcome. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 9am-4pm, Thanksgiving thru Christmas. Trees $6.25 to $9.25 /ft., most activities Free! See Benstreefarm.com for details. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.] Kohl Children’s Museum Seventeen interactive hands-on exhibits to spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning for children ages birth to 8. Through January 13, walk into your favorite children’s books in Storyland, featuring Peter Rabbit, The Snowy Day, Abuela, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and more! Also,
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don’t miss our New Year’s Eve Bash – tickets on sale soon. 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. 847-8326600. kcmgc.org [See our ad on Page 3.] Des Plaines Park District Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival This year, on the weekend of December 1st and 2nd (11:00a-3:00p), Prairie Lakes becomes a magical place full of holiday fun for all ages. Bring your camera and take pictures with Santa! Enjoy lots of family entertainment, including magic shows, jugglers, dancers, face painting, balloon animals, games & crafts, story time, and a beautiful model train display. Bring a non-perishable food item for the annual Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Pantry food drive, and you’ll be rewarded with a hot cocoa.Tickets in advance are $3 at DPParks.org.At the door, $5. Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. For information, call 847-3915711. [See our ad on Page 5.] Golf Center Des Plaines Our lighted, heated, 80-bay Driving Range features automatic ball tee-up and a 300-yard targeted landing area. The unique 1-1/2 acre Short Game Practice Area, where you can practice chip shots from up to 60 yards out, includes three bunkers and multiple greens. Money-saving Unlimited Annual Memberships make great gifts. 353 N. River Road, Des Plaines. For more info, call 847-803-GOLF or visit www.GolfCenterDesPlaines.com. Open year-round. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.] November/December 2018
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Naperville Garden Club’s 2018 Cup of CheerTM Get design inspiration from the Naperville Garden Club’s Cup of CheerTM House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea. Tour four Naperville homes decorated for the holidays. Shop the Market for artisan gifts. Enjoy cookies and tea and keep the cup! Preview Day is December 6th from 9 am – 4 pm for $55. Cup of CheerTM Day is December 7th from 9 am – 4 pm for $40. Go to www. napervillegardenclub.org for ticket information. Santa’s Village Amusement Park The 2018 Magical Christmas Season at Santa’s Village promises something for everyone! From the moment you pass through the front gates, it is apparent that Santa’s Village is a special place for creating new holiday memories. With 23 rides, animals, shows, games, and all your favorite fun foods you’re bound to have a magical time. From Picnics to Parties, toddlers to tweens, and thrill seekers to party goers … Santa’s Village is the perfect place for a day of play for your next family or group outing. Visit Santasvillagedundee.com for further details. Located at 601 E. Dundee Ave., East Dundee Village of Lemont…Enjoy Our Scene! No matter the season, breathtaking hills, valleys, quarries and canals frame Lemont, a quaint village 27 miles southwest of Chicago. This unexpected sanctuary is an ideal place to live, visit and experience. Don’t miss Hometown Holiday, Saturday, December 1, with quaint boutique
shopping, children’s activities, tree lighting, visits with Santa and more! Run on over to Lemont Park District’s Frigid 5K – December 2. Bundle up and join us for this festive 5K Race and Candy Cane Kids Dash that runs through the Lemont Park District’s Centennial Campus. Register on Active.com. Experience the Lithuanian World Center’s Craft Fair, December 1-2 at the Lithuanian World Center. Lemont is an oasis of dining, shopping, events and activities, all year long. Whatever you do this holiday season, come and experience Lemont, and Enjoy Our Scene! www.lemont.il.us Holiday Homecoming Downtown St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is a two-day family tradition that kicks off on Friday, November 23 at 5pm. Join us as we light up the lights in downtown, sing Christmas carols and Santa first appears in the plaza. On Saturday, November 24, there is a FREE showing of Home Alone at the Arcada Theatre, FREE trolley rides on 1st Street, live holiday window displays and the Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30pm! For more information visit www.downtownstcharles.org/holidays. Home for the Holidays DT Oak Park December 8, 11am-3pm on Marion Street at Lake Street and North Blvd. All events and activities are free.
Gift Bazaar & Holiday Brunch Buffet Sunday, November 18
Rotary Club Ugly Sweater 5K Saturday, November 24
Opening Ceremonies Saturday, November 24
Lunch with Santa
Saturday, December 8
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 15
Snow-Much Fun Family Night
Saturday, December 15 Food Drive | Giving Tree Santa’s Mailbox and much more!
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Catch the old fashioned holiday spirit in Downtown Oak Park! Celebrate the season with free horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and a visit from Santa. Free hot cocoa & cookies too! More information at downtownoakpark.net. Kuipers Family Farm Visit the farm for a huge selection of freshly harvested Pine and Fir trees. Includes shaking, baling and one of our famous apple cider donuts for everyone in your party. Browse The Orchard Shop & Bakery for great gift ideas, gourmet foods, pies, fudge, apple cider and so much more! Located in Maple Park, IL just 45 minutes west of Chicago. Visit www. kuipersfamilyfarm.com or call 815-827-5200 for more information. Living Wheaton for the Holidays Downtown Wheaton is decked out for the holidays with a new look for Front Street this season. Gather around the community fireplace with hot cocoa at Martin Memorial Plaza and enjoy old-fashioned carriage rides and give Santa your wish list! The season opens with the Living Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, November 23rd at 6pm. Keep local awesome by supporting our small downtown businesses on Shop Small Saturday, November 24th. Make plans for the Christmas Festival on December 1st for all day family fun! For details visit downtownwheaton.com. Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas Downers Grove FREE! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 7pm for a celebration of the season at this free family event! Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, tour the holiday-decorated Victorian Blodgett house and listen to Victorian-era carolers. Stroll the park while warming up around a campfire and visit with Santa! Holiday snacks and hot cocoa will be available for sale to enhance the holiday cheer. Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 630.963.1309. www.dgparks.org Kuipers Family Farm Visit the farm for a huge selection of freshly harvested Pine and Fir trees. Includes shaking, baling and one of our famous apple cider donuts for everyone in your party. Browse The Orchard Shop & Bakery for great gift ideas, gourmet foods, pies, fudge, apple cider and so much more! Located in Maple Park, IL just 45 minutes west of Chicago. Visit www.kuipersfamilyfarm. com or call 815-827-5200 for more information. Cantigny Park Holiday cheer awaits your family in Wheaton! Cantigny’s Celebrate the Season Festival and Mistletoe Market are on Dec. 1, followed by the popular LEGO Train Show Dec. 8-9. Brunches with Santa are set for Dec. 2 and 16, or dine with The Grinch on Dec. 8 or 15. RSVP: 630.260.8188. Take some time to refresh your spirit with a quiet stroll through the gardens too. See more events and details at Cantigny.org. For updates, text PARK to 36000. November/December 2018
Free! i k S s d i K e r e Wh
SKIING T RIDING T TUBING Just 15 minutes from Wisconsin Dells
www.cascademountain.com
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Westmont Park District The annual Holly Days Winter Festival returns to Westmont! Join us on November 18 as we begin the festival with Decorating Day; shop at the Gift Bazaar, donate to the Food Drive and enjoy a tasty holiday breakfast buffet prepared by the Lions Club. Opening Night, complete with the Frosty and Friends Parade and Santa’s arrival on Saturday, November 24 is not to be missed. Don’t miss our Snow-Much Fun Night on December 15 with sled dogs, games, crafts, Santa’s Workshop, s’mores and more! For a complete list of Holly Days activities, please visit www.hollydaysfestival.com or by calling 630.963.5252.
TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show coming to the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL on Thursday, November 29 - Sunday, December 2, 2018. Find jewelry, fashion, accessories, gift, beauty, home décor, gourmet foods, housewares, and more for that special celebration at prices you will love. Bring your colleagues, friends and family. NEW for this year’s show is KID’S DAY on Sunday, December 2nd only. Kids aged 9-15 will be allowed with accompanying adult. All other show days 16+ only. For complete details on KIDS DAY, and to register for the show, visit our website at: www.jfashow.com.
Village of Arlington Heights The Holiday Season is Wonderful in Arlington Heights! Arlington Heights is the perfect holiday destination for your family. It all starts with our grand Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 23rd. Great events continue with Small Business Saturday on November 24th. Come out and shop at independent and national retailers in our award-winning Downtown. And don’t forget the Rotary Santa Run on December 1st, a 5K race featuring hundreds of St. Nicks dashing through the streets. With great shopping, entertainment, and events, Arlington Heights is the place to be this holiday season! For more information, please visit www.DiscoverArlington.com!
A Holiday Happening Craft and Art air Presented by Craft Productions, Inc Our biggest holiday event with over 200 booths of crafts handmade in the Midwest. Meet the artists, get inspired for the holidays, and shop for unique gifts and decor you won’t find anywhere else. Saturday, November 3 (10am-4pm) and Sunday, November 4 (11am-4pm). College of DuPage Athletic Arena, NW Corner of College Rd and Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL. $5 admission, kids under 16 free. www.craftproductionsinc.com
TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show Shop for holiday gifts in every category at the
Holiday Homecoming Downtown St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is a two-day family tradition that kicks off on Friday, November 23 at 5pm. Join us as we light up the lights in downtown, sing Christmas carols and Santa first appears in the plaza. On Saturday, November 24, there is a FREE
showing of Home Alone at the Arcada Theatre, FREE trolley rides on 1st Street, live holiday window displays and the Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30pm! For more information visit www. downtownstcharles.org/holidays. Last Chance Craft and Art Fair Presented by Craft Productions, Inc Wrap up your holiday shopping with over 180 booths of unique crafts handmade in the Midwest. Meet the artisans and shop their latest work in jewelry, holiday decor, fine art, kids items, furniture, and much more! Saturday, December 8 (10am-4pm) and Sunday, December 9 (11am-4pm). College of DuPage Athletic Arena, NW Corner of College Rd and Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL. $5 admission, kids under 16 free. www. craftproductionsinc.com 12th Annual Festival of Lights Presented by the Aurora Noon Rotary Club Enjoy the magic of the 2018 Festival of Lights. Featuring a 20’ tall Dancing Christmas Tree & SINGING Reindeer.This is the largest FREE outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois and is presented by the Aurora Noon Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Aurora. It is a mile long drive-through of spectacular displays. Staged at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora. Open nightly 5 to 9; (5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday); Nov. 23 through Dec. 26. Freewill donations appreciated. www.aurorafestivaloflights.com Lombard Park District Join the Lombard Park District’s annual lighting celebration in Lilacia Park! Activities include a visit with Santa and the Gold Medal Express train. Charming holiday displays light up Lilacia Park with a magical array of animated light shows, decorated trees, a giant gingerbread house, and much more. Youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, ride the delightful Gold Medal Express train, visit with their favorite holiday characters, and enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. www. lombardparks.com. 630-620-7322. Chicago Steel Hockey Team Join the Chicago Steel Hockey Team for fastpaced family fun at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva and see the future stars of college and pro hockey! Home games: 11/23 (family ticket pack game), 11/30, 12/4, 12/8 (post-game skate), 12/29 (mascot bobblehead giveaway & post-game skate). Tickets start at just $10; sit on the glass for only $20. Plus, parking is always free! Check out the full promotional schedule and purchase tickets at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com. 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 47 ski trails, 12 lifts and 15 lanes of snow tubing. A $9 million dollar project included two new lifts, nine new trails, additional snowmaking, an expanded main lodge,
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paved parking and base area improvements.The 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 Entertainment Cruises Aboard Spirit,Winter’s Never Looked Better Did you know that Spirit of Chicago cruises all year long? And aboard the cozy, festive decks, you’ll see a whole new side of winter. Bring your family aboard to see magical, winter views of classic Chicago sites like Buckingham Fountain, the Adler Planetarium, Trump Tower, Willis Tower and more! Your cruise will include a delicious buffet-style meal and DJ entertainment. For the highlight of your holidays, plan your cruise at SpiritofChicago.com Abbey Farms Start Your Holiday Season at Abbey Farms! Searching for an old-fashioned treat to bring to your holiday gatherings this year? The Farmstead Emporium offers a wide variety of time-tested flavors for your seasonal cooking at home. Christmas trees and wreaths are available beginning Saturday, November 17, and Santa arrives the day after Thanksgiving! Enjoy a free apple cider donut when you purchase your tree – and ask about our tree delivery service! For more info, visit AbbeyFarms.org! [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]
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NOVEMBER Wilder Mansion Holiday Mart – 11/2-3. Enjoy one-ofa-kind arts, crafts including jewelry, fiber, handbags, glass, ceramics, gourmet food, and unique holiday gifts from over 50 artisans and culinary food vendors. Fri 4-9 PM and Sat 10 AM-4 PM. Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst. 630-712-6541. Diwali Festival of Lights – 12/3. Indian music, dance, food, clothing, handcrafted items and fireworks celebrating the Hindu New Year. 5:30 – 9 PM. Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora. Holiday Handcrafted Artisan Show – 11/3. Quality handcrafted holiday items from various vendors. 8 AM. Higher Grounds Coffee Company, Lemont. 630-754-7788. Lombard Christmas Mart – 11/3. An and craft fair with over 75 crafters and artisans hosted by Lombard’s Maple Street churches and organizations. Locations various downtown churches and other locations. Visitors can travel between the various locations to shop for art, crafts, holiday foods and gifts, raffle prize awarded. 9 AM-2 PM. Downtown Lombard. fairsandfestivals.net. The Nutcracker Suite – 11/3. Dancers will perform for about 20 minutes before inviting the audience on stage 14 out & about
to learn a short routine. Stay until the end to get a little sprinkle of something magical. 10 AM. Washington Jr. High, Naperville. Salt Creek Ballet, presented by the DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville. 630-637-8000. A Holiday Happening – 11/3-4. Art and Craft Fair with over 200 booths. College of DuPage Athletic Arena, Glen Ellyn. craftproductionsinc.com.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO , Go to subfam.com Nature Artists’ Guild Holiday Exhibit – 11/3-4. Illustrations, painting and other works of art. 10 AM-5PM. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org. Turkey Shoot Golf Outing – 11/4. Three different forsuburban family | subfam.com
mats wait for you as you play your way around 18 holes. After the round each team is grouped in to a different flight so no matter what you shoot you have a chance to win. 10:30 shotgun start. Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles. 630584-4914. pheasantrun.com. PMShow Page 1 Local shops Winter Showcase5:33 Fashion – 11/4. offer their fashion wares. Silent auction, luncheon, fashion and jewelry show. 11 AM – 2 PM. Glen Oak Country Club, Glen Ellyn. Reservations 630-469-0907. Holiday Lights, Trees, Parades and Fireworks in Lake Geneva, WI – Multiple events happening throughout the holiday season in Lake Geneva: 11/4-5, Cornerstone Holiday Shop Open House; holiday décor, personalized gifts, vendor specials. 11/9-1/1, Rosewood Performance of Lights; out door light and music show. 11/13, The Fireside Holiday Open House; Five specialty shops at the Fireside Dinner Theater. 11/24, Downtown Delavan Open House. Other events include historic happenings, Santa Sightings and parades. For complete listing, go to web site VisitLakeGeneva.com. Shoot For Christmas Cheer – 11/5. Join Nock and Feather Kustom Archery to help Toys for Tots spread Christmas Cheer (toys accepted during store hours – Mon 12 – 9 PM November/December 2018
Sat 9 AM – 5 PM). Bring a new unwrapped toy valued at least $15.00 and participate in a tournament. Aurora. Register 630-896-3854. Weed Ladies Winter Show and Holiday Floral Sales – 11/8-10 and 11/11. Featuring holiday-themed floral arrangements and accessories. Thu-Sat 10 AM-4PM, Sun 1-4 PM. Naper Settlement, Naperville. 630-305-5289. www. napersettlement.org/weedladies. Festival of Lights – 11/10-12/31. The lights go on and the music begins on the hour, nightly. 250,000 LED lights are choreographed to the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra for the largest commercial holiday light show in the Chicago area. 5-9 PM. The Promenade, Bolingbrook. shoppingpromenade.com. Geneva Women’s Club Annual Arts and Crafts Show – 11/11. Hand-crafted and unique items for all of your holiday gift-giving needs. Over 100 different arts and crafts booths. 10AM-4 PM. Geneva High School. 630-463-3800. http://www.genevawomensclub.org. Elf Jr – 11/15-17. The favorite family film adapted into a musical comedy. Thur 5 PM; Fri 7 PM; Sat 2 and 5 PM. Westmont Performing Arts, Westmont Commons. westmontparks.org. Aurora Festival of Lights – 11/24-12/26. One of the biggest and best light displays in the area during the holiday season. This dazzling drive through show—open for a full month—attracts over 20,000 visitors. Fri-Sat 5-10 PM; Sun-Thurs 5-9 PM. Phillips Park, Aurora 630-408-5381. aurorarotary.org. 75th Annual Holiday Folk Fair International – 11/16 2-9 PM, 11/17 10 AM-9PM and 11/18 10 AM-6 PM. Cultures from around the world showcase their traditions and heritage including performers, artisans, exhibits and food.
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State Fair Park Exposition Center, West Allis, WI. www.folkfair.org or 414-225-6225. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – 11/16-17. Disney-themed light parade with floats, marching bands and performers. The Magnificent Mile, Chicago. themagnificentmile.com. Hometown Holiday: It’s a Wonderful Life – 11/16-1/6. Experience the nostalgia and sentiment of this classic film viewing rare memorabilia including movie posters, photographs, ornaments and holiday cards. Sun Tues, Fri 1-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-5 PM. 630-833-1457. Elmhursthistory.org. Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum – 11/16-1/1. View 50 acres of majestic trees glowing in a variety of hues with special effects and events along a wooded, one-mile path. New attractions this year. 4:308:30 PM. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org. Jingle Mingle – 11/16. Santa’s Workshop holiday crafts, train rides, pet parade, Santa parade, tree lighting, story time, make a card for the military and mail it, plus Santa visit. 5:30-7:30 PM (Tree lighting 6 PM). Burr Ridge. 630654-8181. Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display & Sale – 11/16. Visitors are invited to the Cantigny Greenhouse to enjoy a sea of poinsettia plants at their holiday best. See 15 or more varieties and 3,000-plus poinsettias in total, all grown on site from cuttings. Plants will be available for sale. 11 AM7PM. Cantigny Greenhouse. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630668-5161. www.cantigny.org. Community Trees Display – 11/16-12/30. See Christmas trees artfully decorated throughout the historic home by seven local non-profit groups with missions linked to Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org. Spot Shot Turkey Shoot – 11/17. Children and parents can showcase shooting skills from various spots placed around the basketball court. Prairie School, Buffalo Grove. Contact Brian O’Malley 847-850-2119. Annual Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo – 11/17-18. Families and groups can sponsor a tree to decorate that will be on display at Brookfield Zoo for the holiday season and then participate in the tree trim. 10 AM-4:30 PM. Brookfield. Register for a tree now at CZS.org/TreeTrim. Gingerbread House Workshop – 11/17 or 12/8. Learn about and decorate with natural materials. 10-11:30 AM or 2-3:30 PM. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org. Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop – 11/19. Create a fresh holiday arrangement for your home with expert instruction. Bring a wire cutter and hand pruner plus a tray to carry creation home. All other materials provided. 6:30-8 PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www. cantigny.org. Festival of Lights Parade – 11/23. Parade with Santa, lights, music, pageantry. 7 PM. Downtown Crystal Lake. 815-479-0835.2018 Holiday Homecoming – 11/23: Lighting of Lights on First Street Plaza on Friday, 5 PM with carols, and a visit from Santa. Both nights include seasonal music, holiday movies, sleigh rides, lighted parade. Sat 11/24: Free showing of the movie “Home Alone,” horse-drawn rides, Santa’s House and live holiday window displays. Main Street, St. Charles. 630-443-3959. Holiday Walk – 11/23. An annual tradition since 1975. Countdown to tree lighting, visits with Santa for kids, local merchants offer refreshments. 6-8 PM. Glen Ellyn. 630469-0907. Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade – 11/23. 16 out & about
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Parade, fireworks, tree lighting and activities presented by local businesses. 10 AM-7 PM. Downtown Joliet. 815774-6066. St. Charles Holiday Homecoming – 11/23. Seasonal music, holiday movies, sleigh rides, lighted parade floats. Friday night begins at 5 PM with carols and appearance by Santa and the lighting celebration. Saturday includes an Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30 PM, holiday movies, sleigh rides and lighted parade floats. Downtown St. Charles. 630-443-3959. Holiday Lights at Mooseheart – 11/23 – 12/31. Visit Santa 12/8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. Over 1.8 miles of beautiful lights. Crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies. 5-9 PM. Mooseheart Child City and School, Mooseheart. 630-9662200. Support.moosecharities.org/holidaylights2018.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO , Go to subfam.com Christkindlmarket – 11/23-12/24. Experience an outdoor German holiday season market with all of the sights, sounds and magic as well as delicious treats, wonderful handmade ornaments and gifts. Naper Settlement, Naperville. 630-420-6010. christkindlemarket.com/naperville. Lincoln Park ZooLights – 11/23-25 and 11/30-12/2; then nightly 12/7-1/6 2019. This free event transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland complete with visits from Santa, ice sculptors, festive activities and sweet treats of all kinds. Enjoy Light Maze, Holiday Market and special events. Chicago. Lpzoo.org. Festival of Lights and Tree Sales – 11/23-12/30. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with 20,000 twinkling lights creating spectacular displays, an amazing selection of Christmas trees for you to purchase, hot chocolate, and holiday gifts. 9AM-9 PM daily. Wheaton. 630-665-5534. Naper Lights – 11/23-12/23. Stroll the museum grounds and experience a magical holiday lights celebration! Thu 4-7 PM, Fri and Sat from 4-9 PM and Sun from 4-6 PM. From 12/17-19, hours are extended: Sun-Thurs 4-8 PM and Fri-Sat 4-9 PM. Naper Settlement, Naperville. 630-4206010.2018 Tree Lighting and Gingerbread Festival – 11/23-25. Join the mayor to countdown to the lighting of the tree on Fri during the two-day festival to shop, sample and kick off the holidays. Downers Grove. 630-434-5571. Fox Valley Nutcracker – 11/24, 2 PM and 7 PM and 11/25, 2 PM. Showcasing professional dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, the performance features local dancers ages 5 through adult from 20 different dance studios. Batavia Fine Arts Center, 630-937-8930. Happy Holiday Railway Santa Trains – 11/24-25 and 12/1-2, 12/8-9 and 12/15-16. All Aboard for the North Pole. Illinois Railway Museum. 815-923-4391. Santa House on the Riverwalk – 11/30 - 12/23. Take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street. Reservations for certain times begin 9 AM 11/9. napervilleparks.org. November/December 2018
For the Holidays Living Wheaton Christmas Parade - Friday, Nov. 23rd 6 pm Shop Small Business Saturday - Sat. Nov. 24th Christmas Festival- G’living Tree - Saturday Dec. 1st Carriage rides and Santa visits 12 pm-3 pm, Saturdays Nov. 24th - Dec. 22nd Downtown Wheaton is decked out for the holidays with a new look along Front Street this season. Gather around the community fireplace with hot coco at Martin Memorial Plaza, enjoy an old-fashioned carriage ride and be sure to give Santa your wish list! Keep local awesome this season; shop the many unique, small downtown shops. Make plans to attend the Christmas Festival and enjoy a day of caroling, live music, complimentary refreshments and attend the drawing for the ultimate Christmas surprise: The G’living Tree. For more information go to www.downtownwheaton.com
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Celbrez la Saison – 11/26. Fun and festive holiday fundraiser with boutique shopping, cash raffle prizes, silent auction, French martinis, hors d’ oevres, crepe station. Drury Lane, Oak Brook. Oakbkinfantwelfare@att.net. Holiday Market at Lincoln Park Zoo – 11/27. One-of-akind gifts for everyone on your list – embrace the holiday spirit with your loved ones of all ages as you wander a maze of talent artists, all illuminated by the glow of ZooLights. 6:30-10 PM. Chicago. Lpzoo.org. Mistletoe Medley – 11/27 9:30 AM – 3 PM. Annual luncheon and fashion show, boutique shopping and mega cash raffle. Benefits Infant Welfare Society. 9:30 AM-3 PM. Oak Brook. Reservations www.oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org. Holiday Housewalk – 11/29 – 12/1. Holiday houses on tour in Oak Park and River Forest. Benefits OPRF Infant Welfare Society. The Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park. 708848-0528 ext. 235. Holiday Market – 11/29-12/1. Shop one-of-a-kind artisan vendors offering unique gift items: jewelry, clothing, gourmet food, home décor and more. Benefits OPRF Infant Welfare Society. Oak Park. 708-848-0528 ext. 235. Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Fair – 11/29-30 and 12/1-2. Thu 1-9 PM, – Fri 11 AM – 9 PM, Sat 9 AM - 6 PM, Sun 10 AM – 5 PM. Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Heights. holidaylightslambsfarm.com. Annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk – 11/30. Holiday open house and celebration. 5-8 PM. Hinsdale. 630-3233952. hinsdalechamber.com. Hanover Park Tree Lighting Ceremony – 11/30. Santa, hot chocolate bar, live reindeer, horse and carriage rides on a lighted luminary path, arts/crafts, choirs and an indoor snowball fight. 6 – 8 PM. Hanover Township Community
Center. hanoverparkillinois.org. Holiday Walk & Festival of Windows – 11/30. Live window displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and reindeer, face painting and shopping. 6-9 PM. Madison Street in Downtown Forest Park. 708-366-2543. Holiday Market and Parade – 11/30 6-9 PM; 12/1-2 12 – 5 PM. Tree lighting, Toyland Parade, Parade of Lights, children’s crafts, market. Tinley Park. 708-444-5045. tinleypark.org. Jolly Old St. Nick Concert – 11/30. Hear authentic carols performed by traditional local German choirs while St. Nick joins the festivities to explain the history of his legend. Hot cocoa, treats, and photo ops. Children welcome to wear pajamas! 6:30-8 PM. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO , Go to subfam.com 630-833-1457. elmhursthistory.org. Westmont Holly Days Winter Ball – 11/30. Dinner, dancing, live entertainment and silent auction. Open to all to attend. RSVP by 11/16. Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook. 6:30 – 11 PM. westmontchamber.chambermaster.com. Santa Home Visits – Late Nov/Dec. Leave a gift outside
the front door and Santa will bring it in and give it to your child and take some photos. santainchicago.com.
DECEMBER Christmas Market – 12/1. Visit 14 vendors with creative items such as painted pillows, sweater mittens, handmade nativities, Christmas apparel and housewares. Wine and chill will be served. 10 AM – 3 PM. 8033 Washington St., Downers Grove. 630-725-0991. Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival – 12/1. Mistletoe Market, horse-drawn “sleigh rides,” facepainting, live 5:33 PM Page 1 reindeer display and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 1-7 PM. Parkwide. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org. Farmhouse Museum Tours: Christmas Memories – 12/1. Discover Victorian traditions and the house decked in ornaments and greens, savor spicy aromas of holiday treat and origins of food and traditions of the time. All ages. 10 AM-3 PM. Kline Creek Farm, Winfield. 630-876-5900. Frosty Fest – 12/1. A procession of “seasonal characters” down Main Street, tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, community carolers and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 4-7 PM. Downtown West Chicago. westchicago.org. LaGrange Hometown Holiday – 12/1. The LaGrange Holiday Walk opens the season when Santa arrives by firetruck to light a giant Christmas tree. Carolers, ice sculptures, petting zoo and pony rides, free trolleys - and dozens of lively merchant open houses. Downtown LaGrange. 3-8 PM. lgba.chambermaster.com. Mistletoe Market – 12/1. Visit the festive displays of crafters and artists offering one-of-a-kind items for
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holiday gift giving. 1-7PM. Visitors Center, Cantigny Park, Thu 5:30 PM. Children of all ages with parent. Barrington Wheaton. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630.260.8162. www. Park District. Register barringtonparkdistrict.org. cantigny.org. Holiday Spectacular – 12/4. Celebrate the incredible talThe Nutcracker – 12/1-2. Local dancers and actors share ents of SEASPAR’s (South East Association for Special Parks the stage with seasoned professionals to create an elaboAnd Recreation) participants with disabilities with theatre, rate production. Sat 7 PM and Sun 2 PM. Hemmens Cultural dance, and music performances at a free recital that will Center, Elgin. Professional performers from the Chicago leave you inspired and filled with holiday cheer. 7 PM. Ballet Conservatory. 630-893-1444. cbcn.nutcracker.com. Theatre of Western Springs. 630-960-7600 or SEASPAR.org. Village of Lemont Hometwon Holidays – 12/1. ChristKid Rock Holiday Sparkle – 12/4. Music and movement mas tree lighting, visit with Santa, sleigh rides, kids activiparent-child event with songs and musical activities with 5:33 PM ties, food and shopping at the Kris Kringle Market. 2 – 8 PM. holiday theme and props. Ages 1-5 with adult. 10-10:45 Downtown Lemont. Lemontchamber.com. AM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Register 630260-8162. www.cantigny.org. Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic – 12/1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, 22Cup of Cheer – 12/6-7. Na23, and 12/26-31. Sing to the perville Garden Club’s House animals and enjoy ice-carving Walk, Holiday Market and demonstrations, magic shows, Tea. Tour homes decorated a 41-foot talking tree, and for the Christmas holiday, special visits with Santa and shop at market. Tickets naMrs. Claus (visits through pervillegardenclub.org. December 17). The zoo will One of a Kind Holiday Show be lit with more than one mil12/6 – 12/9. More than 600 Go to subfam.com –independent lion twinkling LED lights and select makers will set up animal habitats will remain open, as will zoo shop at the 18th annual Holiday restaurants and gift shops. Enjoy live entertainment, Show held at The Mart. Chicago. costumed characters and a model railroad display. 708 800-677-MART. Tickets oneofakindshowchicago.com. 688-8000. CZS.org/Events. Pizza with Santa – 12/7. Pizza, soda, craft, games, Candlelight at the Inn – 12/1-2. Experience 1840s winbounce house. Children of all ages with an adult. Register ter travel and tavern hospitality like travelers to the Garby 11/28. 6:30-7:45 PM. Darienparks.com. field’s in their 1846 brick inn. Hospitality, refreshments, live Sundaes With Santa – 12/7. Build a sundae while Santa music, and a bake sale in the Burr House. 3-7 PM. Campton makes a visit. Holiday craft for children. 6-7 PM. Iowa ComHills. 630-584-8485. munity Center, Villa Park. Register 630-834-8970. Candy Cane Train – 12/2. Travel from the Metra Train StaWinter Wonderland and Hope for the Holidays – 12/7. tion on Deerfield Road to meet Santa and holiday friends. Firefighters bring Santa on decorated, flashing vehicles. Hot Refreshments will be served. 1-3:30 PM. Deerfield Park chocolate and cookies, crafts, inflatables and a picture with District. Register deerfieldparks.org. Santa for first 400 children. 6-9 PM. Edward Hospital Athletic Santa Skate – 12/2. Enjoy a family skate with Santa and and Event Center, Romeoville. 815-886-6222. his elves to holiday music. 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Iceland, Niles Santa’s Workshop – 12/7-8. Visit Santa’s workshop to Park District. niles-parks.org. meet Santa and take photos. Cookies and holiday crafts will Winter Choral Concert – 12/2. Annual concert of winterbe available. Fri 5:30-8 PM and Sat 11 AM-1:30 PM. Itasca time songs, old and new. Refreshments provided. 1:30 PM. Park District, Itasca. itascaparkdistrict.com. Levy Center, Bolingbrook. bolingbrookchorus.org. Breakfast at the North Pole – 12/8. Breakfast, activiHoliday Express at Blackberry Farm – 12/2-3, 8-10, ties, and visit from the jolly old elf. Children with adults. 15-17. Take a magical ride on the Holiday Express train, en8:30, 10 or 11:30 AM. Lake Ellyn Boat House, Glen Ellyn. joy thousands of twinkling lights and songs of Christmas. 630-858-2462. gepark.org. Decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides. Blackberry Brunch with the Grinch – 12/8. Feast on a GrinchFarm, Aurora. 630-892-1550. foxvalleyparkdistrict. themed buffet along with a viewing of “How the Grinch Lights of Lisle – 12/2-3. Thousands of luminarias, tree Stole Christmas.” The Grinch himself will make an aplights and storefront decorations transform downtown into pearance. 10 AM and 12:30 PM seatings. Red Oak Room a magical place. Lisle. 630-271-4100. at Cantigny Golf. For reservations call 630-260-8188 or Christmas in the Valley – 12/3. Celebrate the holidays at cantigny.org. Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm. Noon – 4 PM. Schaumburg. Donuts with Santa – 12/8. Drink hot chocolate, decorate 847-985-2102. donuts and hear a story as told by Santa. 7:45-12 PM. AlHoliday Lights at Lilacia Park – 12/2-3, 12/8-10, 12/15fred Rubin Riverwalk Center, Naperville Park District. 63017. Park Lighting Ceremony/Jinglebell Jubilee on 12/2 with 848-5000. napervilleparks.org. train rides, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph, Polar Gingerbread House Workshop – 12/8. Learn about and Express, hot cocoa and cookies. Lombard. 630-620-7322. decorate with natural materials. 10-11:30 AM or 2-3:30 lombardparks.com. PM. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org. Once Upon a Christmas – 12/1-2. An annual event held Howliday Jingle Paws Vendor Show – 12/8. Bring your at the Lisle Station Park’s Museum Campus. Children’s pet for a photo with Santa,, holiday shopping, giveaways crafts, brick oven baking, blacksmithing and ice carving. 11 and raffles. Benefits A Tail of 4 Paws Animal Rescue. 9 AM- 2 AM – 4 PM. lisleparkdistrict.org. PM. Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center, Romeoville. Holiday Bedtime Stories – 12/4 and 12/6. Put on jameventbrite.com. mies and bring a stuffed toy and blanket for a night of Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas – 12/8. Learn Christmas songs, stories and cookies and milk with Mrs. about Victorian Christmas traditions, tour the holiday-decClaus with a surprise visit from Santa. Tue 5:30 and 7:15 PM; orated Victorian Blodgett house and listen to Victorian-era
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carolers. Stroll the park while warming up around a campZooLights activities along with free rides on the AT&T EnBake-Off and the annual Community Tree Display and fire and visit with Santa. Holiday snacks and hot cocoa will dangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure for self-guided tours of museums with plenty of festive photo be available for purchase. 3-7 PM. Downers Grove Museum, families with children. 4:30-9 PM. Lpzoo.org. *8 PM close opportunities. 4-7 PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668Downers Grove. 630-963-1309. on 12/31. 5161. www.cantigny.org. Stocking Deliveries – 12/8. Santa makes a personal deHoliday House Decorating Tour – 12/11-12. Travel It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play – 12/21. The livery at your home (park district area) with a stocking full around Schaumburg and see the sights and lights of houses classic Christmas story. Caroling begins at 6:30 PM with the of goodies. Winfield Park District. Register winfieldparkdisdecorated for the holidays while serving as a judge for the play at 7:30. Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, Palatine. trict.com. Holiday House decorating contest. 6 – 8:30 PM. Schaum847-496-6237. palatineparkfoundation.org. Elgin Symphony Orchestra Sounds of the Season – burg Park District. 847-490-7020. parkfun.com. Holiday Trolley Express – 12/14. Take a festive trolley 12/8-9. Bring the entire family and create joyful holiday Ugly Sweater Holiday Party – 12/14. Have an evening ride to see the holiday lights in Carol Stream. Hear the story memories together at ESO Sounds of the Season. Sat 2:30 of holiday fun decorating a sweater you supply with pomthe Polar1 Express and sing carols, enjoy refreshments, 5:33 PM of Page and 7 PM and Sun 2:30 PM. Hemmens Cultural poms, sequins, and feathers, play holiday games and decoholiday themed games, make a craft and visit with Santa Center, Elgin. 847-888-4000. rate holiday cookies. Ages 11(each child gets a holiday keepsake). 6:30 – 8:30 PM. RegLEGO Train Show – 12/8-9. North15 years. 6 – 8 PM, Itasca ister Carol Stream Park District. 630-784-6114. ern Illinois LEGO Train Club presents Park District.itascaparkdisChristmas Lights Trolley Tours – 12/14-23. Relax bethe group’s largest annual show. trict.com. fore the holidays on illuminated tours of the LaSalle, Peru, Please bring a new unwrapped Holiday Crafts – 12/15. Oglesby and Utica area to visit light displays on the fully entoy for the Marine Toys for Drop in with your famclosed trolley. 6-8 PM. Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Tots. Sat 9 AM – 4 PM and Sun ily to create a small holiday Center. 815-220-7386. 9 AM – 4 PM. Cantigny Park, wreath, holiday placemat, or Annual Children’s Holiday Party – 12/16. Crafts, enWheaton. 630-668-5161. craft to spruce up your home tertainment, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa www.cantigny.org. over the holidays. 13 PM. himself. Each child will receive a gift and is asked to bring a Go to subfam.com DuPage County Historical Last Chance Craft Fair – 12/8-9. non-perishable food item to donate. Hinsdale South High Art and Craft Fair with over 175 booths. College of Museum. Register (630) 510School. Willowbrook. 630-323-8215. willowbrookil.org. DuPage Athletic Arena, Glen Ellyn. 815-878-2728. craft4941. wheatonparkdistrict.com. Cantigny Brunch with Santa – 12/16. Enjoy a special productionsinc.com. Holiday Shopping – 12/15. SEASPAR (South East Associaholiday buffet and meet Mr. C! Besides delicious food, Santa Splash – 12/9. Santa and his elves will be leading tion for Special Parks and Recreation) Selecting the perfect highlights include a photo with Santa, balloon artist and holiday themed games and warding prizes; sleigh racing gift can be tricky, but SEASPAR is here to help with staff to face painters. 10 AM and 12:30 PM seatings. Red Oak in the lap and activity pools. 1-3 PM. Bartlett Community assist with money transactions and asking for assistance. Room at Cantigny Golf. For reservations call 630.260.8188 Center. 630-540-4800. bartlettparkdistrict. Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. 630-960-7600. seaspar.org. or cantigny.org. ZooLights Monday Family Nights at Lincoln Park Zoo Holiday Stroll and Open House – 12/15. Enjoy the Holiday Concert - 12/16. Join in the spirit of the season – 12/10, 17 and 31*. Fun-filled evenings include all regular park at its lighted holiday best. See the Great Holiday Tank with favorite holiday carols and popular songs in fresh arrangements for a full symphony orchestra. Be on the lookout for a special holiday visitor. All ages. 2 and 4 PM. Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville. dupagesymphony.org. Santa’s Bedtime Stories – Dress in pajamas and slippers and join Santa and his elves for some holiday fun. Ages 1-8. Community Center/Hickory-Oak, Woodridge. Register woodridgeparks.org. Noon Year’s Eve – 12/29. Family-friendly celebration counting down to the New Year without staying up late! Crafts, play, music, dancing and balloon drop at 11:30 AM. 8 years old and under. Bensenville Community Public Library. 630-766-4642. Teenie Weenie New Year’s Eve Ball – 12/29. Parents and young children can get an early start on the party of our countdown to Noon party! Dance to the music with a DJ; games, crafts, dancing and a balloon drop plus festive snacks and dessert. Ages 1-5 with adult. 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Simkus Recreation Center, Carol Stream. 630-784-6100. Seventh Annual Noon Year’s Eve Ball – 12/31. Children and their parents can get an early start on the party at Barrington Park District’s event featuring DJ music and dancing, snacks, a craft, family photo and Noon Year’s Eve toast. Fitness and Recreation Center, Barrington. Register 847-381-0687. Family Fun NYE – 12/31. Ring in the New Year together with a countdown to Noon celebration! 9 AM-noon. DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville. dupagechildren’s org. SpiritofChicago.com Wild New Year’s Eve Celebration – 12/31. Who is awake and who is hibernating? Celebrate New Year’s Eve early to meet 888.957.2634 OF CHICAGO the animals and share a toast. All ages with adult. 12 PM. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles Park District. stcparks.org.
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Rialto Square Theatre Home for the Holidays at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, presented by ComEd, is a month long celebration of the season with sixteen opportunities to enjoy holiday entertainment and build your own family traditions at the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre. Home for the Holidays has something for the entire family! The festivities begin on Monday, November 19th with events and activities through Saturday, December 20th. It includes entertainment options for the whole family with holiday shows, concerts, social gatherings, movies and special events throughout the holiday season. Visit www. rialtosquare.com/holidays for a complete listing of our holiday themed shows.
Make the holiday season more fun by planning to see these local theatrical events. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions It’s a Wonderful Life Adapted by Doug Rand from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Jo Swerling. November 23 - December 15, 2018 George Bailey, a building and loan banker, sacrifices his dreams to help his community, to the point where he feels life has passed him by. Due to a cruel business rival’s manipulations, Bailey falls into despair so deep that he contemplates suicide, until his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, gives him a valuable new perspective on the worth of his life. It’s an endearing classic holiday presentation you won’t want to miss. Performing at 900 Foster Avenue in Medinah, Illinois. For tickets call 630.634.2100 or visit our website at overshadowed.org [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.] 24 out & about
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The West Towns Chorus The West Towns Barbershop Chorus will take the stage for the first time ever at the Arcada Theatre on December 8th and 9th! The 2017 Illinois District Chorus Champions, are one of the premier men’s choruses in the Chicago area. The West Towns Chorus is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on a mission to Change Lives Though Song. They rehearse at 7:00pm every Monday at Horizon Community Church, 2129 63rd St, Downers Grove. www.westtowns.org or (630) 201-5544 Come enjoy our holiday concert “The Music of Christmas’ at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles. Saturday, Dec. 8th and Sunday Nov. 9th at 1:30 PM. For ticket information visit: www.westtowns.org/shows_events or call 630-962-7000.
The Genesee Theatre The Spotlight is Closer than you think! The historical Genesee Theatre hosts concerts, variety shows, comedy, and other events. Visit our website today to see our full lineup and get tickets today. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list! Visit GeneseeTheatre. com for more information. 203 N. Genesee Street Waukegan, IL 60085 November/December 2018
Elgin Symphony Orchestra Create joyful memories with the entire family at the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s “Sounds of the Season” holiday extravaganza. Stephen Squires, conducts, with Catalina Cuervo, soprano, the Elgin Master Chorale and Midwest Dance Collective all performing familiar holiday favorites. The program also includes a singalong and appearance from a special visitor from the North Pole. December 8, 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and December 9, 2:30 pm. Hemmens Cultural Center. Tickets: ElginSymphony.Org or 847888-4000. Get to Know Your ESO!
Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts offers two timeless shows for families this holiday season, beginning with Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s full-scale production of The Nutcracker. A corps of professional dancers leads a large cast in Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet, following the dreamlike adventures of a young girl who, guided by a magical Nutcracker Prince, encounters leaping Russians, waltzing flowers, twirling snowflake maidens and more. Complete with live narration, grand sets and vibrant costumes, The Nutcracker plays for two weekends November 30 through December 9.
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Then, classical and popular music of the season is performed by the award-winning Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra at its 19th annual Presto! Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 15 at 3pm and 7pm. The Schaumburg Youth Choir joins the program, performing carols with the orchestra. For tickets, visit prairiecenter.org or call 847-895-3600.The Prairie Center is located at 201 Schaumburg Ct., in Schaumburg.
Artistry in Motion Dance Company The Des Plaines Park District’s national award-winning Artistry in Motion Dance Company performs their annual winter show, ’Tis the Season, onstage at the beautiful Prairie Lakes Theater on Friday, December 7 at 6:30p and Saturday, December 8, at 2:30p and 6:30p. Tickets go on sale November 13, online at DPParks. org and at Prairie Lakes, 515 E. Thacker Street, in Des Plaines. For information about the company, call 847-391-6924. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]
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November/December 2018
November/December 2018
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celebrate!
December Birthday Party “Do’s & Don’ts”
W
hen my daughter was born on a cold December night, I was overwhelmed with love. I cuddled with her as my husband and I listened to Christmas music. We found an ornament in the hospital gift shop with her name on it. We dined on a Christmas dinner that year that someone else prepared. Having a baby in December? It was better than I expected. Fast forward 10 years and nearly as many birthday parties later. December birthdays can be sweet, but they can be hard when it comes to throwing birthday parties. Luckily, I have years of experience and 10 tips to share that
28 celebrate!
by Katy M. Clark
will make your child’s next December birthday party as fun and stress-free as possible. 1. Plan in advance. Everyone is busy during the holidays. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, and special activities at school. I recommend picking a date for your party as in advance as possible. 2. Be flexible with your date. Every year our town hosts a holiday parade on the Saturday closest to my daughter’s birthday. The whole town goes so to avoid competing we usually have her party a week or so after her birthday. 3. Consider piggybacking on a special holiday event. Once we took my daughter and her friends to a “Visit with Santa” event. The kids visited businesses in a shopping center collecting candy or toys before meeting Santa. The treats served as their goody bags (bonus!) and afterwards we celebrated with cake at our house. That party was one of the easiest we’ve had.
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4. Think right before or after the holidays. Iff you can wait until the weekend before Christmas, then kids are ready to attend a birthday party. By then, they’ve already visited Santa, had their school party, performed in the holiday play, etc. The same goes with right after the New Year. All the holiday excitement is gone and kids are bored--and available. 5. Skip the week between Christmas and New Years. Not only is it Kwanzaa, but most people are traveling or entertaining relatives. 6. Prepare your child that not everyone can come. One year a friend couldn’t come because she was celebrating the holidays early with out-of-town family. However, it’s no different from other times of the year. My oldest child has a summer birthday and then someone is always on vacation. 7. Go full-out birthday party mode. Yes, Christmas music blares from every stereo and the stores offer gifts galore for Hanukkah’s eight nights.That makes it even more im-
November/December 2018
portant to celebrate with a standard birthday cake and typical birthday party decorations. 8. Prepare your child that someone may double-up on a birthday/holiday gift. Most kids don’t do this. Usually, the twofor-one gift is from a relative. It’s not the end of the world. 9. Give yourself a pep-talk. I’m not going to lie. Planning and throwing a birthday party amidst all the other things you have to do during the holidays is hard. But we are parents. We are nothing if not strong! 10. Remember it is your child’s special day, no matter where it falls on the calendar. I like to remind people of this fact whenever someone says, “It must be so hard having a birthday in December.” Because it doesn’t have to be hard, it can be awesome. Throwing a birthday party during the holidays? It can be done. And, if you keep these tips in mind, it can be a happy birthday indeed.
Indoor Amusement Park Come and explore 62,000 square feet of indoor rides and amusements including Illinois’ Largest Indoor Roller Coaster! Tilt-A-Whirl ~ Monkey Jump ~ Merry Go Round MaxFlight Simulator ~ Soft Play ~ Bumper Cars ~ Kid’s Go Karts Video Games ~ Bowling ~ Food
Birthday Parties & Group Packages
701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 | safarilandfun.com Fleetwood Roller Rink Fleetwood Roller Rink is a family owned business. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) privates and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages plus for “health sake, roller skate” Come visit us and join in our fun. Instruction available every Saturday at 1 pm Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com
BUY A $15 WRISTBAND FOR ONLY $10!
Valid Monday - Friday only. Coupon must be surrendered. Limit one coupon per day. Expires 12/28/18
Oak Brook Park District Party and Event Services From all-inclusive, year-round pool parties to quaint weddings, Oak Brook Park District’s award-winning facilities and staff are here to make sure your next event is a hit. Please contact Katie or Carmen at events@obparks.org or 630-645-9554 and ask how we can help you plan your next birthday party, formal event, family reunion, or shower! www.obparks.org Safari Land Let Your Adventure Begin! Safari Land has everything you need for a complete adventure. Whether it’s 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. Buy a wristband for only $10 (see details on ad). Contact us to book your next adventure of a lifetime. 701 W. North Avenue, Villa Park. 630-530-4649. Visit www. safarilandfun.com November/December 2018
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education central
n the hustle and bustle of holiday activities, it’s easy to lose sight of kids’ academics. But this is a great time to rekindle the connection you made with your child’s teachers at the start of the school year. “Children whose parents are involved in their education have higher self-esteem, more positive attitudes toward learning, and are generally more engaged than children whose parents are not involved,” says Candace Roberts, PhD, assistant professor of education at Saint Leo University in Florida. Kids of involved parents also have better attendance, higher grades, and are more likely to go to college. Give your child the gift of a strong parent-teacher partnership this holiday season. Here’s how.
1. Share your expertise. Kids spend 70% of their time outside of school and you are an expert on your child. Early in the term, fill the teacher in on your child’s strengths and interests, personality patterns, and specific learning challenges.When you help the teacher connect with your child, you set everyone up for success. 2. Expect great things. Research shows parents’ and teachers’ expectations have a huge impact on kids’ development. Set high but realistic expectations for your child that are consistent with his age and ability. Share
5. Spend time in the classroom. If you can, volunteer in your child’s class.Your presence shows your child you believe education is important. It also gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how the teacher works with your child and how relationships with other kids affect her learning. By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.
your expectations with educators. Their expectations are likely to rise in response – and that’s good for your child. 3. Confront problems early. Donna Henderson, PhD, professor of counseling at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recommends parents contact the child’s teacher at the first sign of falling grades, changes in behavior, or increasing school-related complaints. Working together, you may be able to avert problems before they grow more complicated. 4. Respect teachers’ limits. Your child isn’t the only kid in the class and the teacher has a responsibility to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve. Don’t ask teachers to make exceptions that interfere with other kids’ learning, says Henderson. Ask the teacher to point you toward additional resources and provide extra tutoring at home.
Kiddie Academy An early childhood learning program can play a unique role in a child’s life. Each interaction with a teacher, every song or game played, and the warm, caring environment helps to shape a child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and character development. Kiddie Academy helps children ages 6 weeks - 5 years prepare for elementary school and for life. Life Essentials® is Kiddie Academy’s overarching philosophy that includes our programs and techniques. From family style dining to character education, our developmentally appropriate curriculum gives your child a full day of learning no matter what he or she is doing. Some of the best learning happens without your child knowing it. Our program includes enrichments in music, health/fitness, literacy & math, and character education. Kiddie Academy also offers parents daily electronic reports for real-time updates. Locations in Algonquin, Batavia, Naperville, Oswego, Plainfield
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6. Volunteer time outside the school day. Parents don’t have to be present at school to support kids’ teachers, Roberts says. Offer to prepare project materials or do research for an upcoming unit. Provide supplies for a class lesson or help grade papers in the evenings. Your kids will get excited when they see you doing homework, too! 7. Establish a family routine. Build time into kids’ schedules for reading and study in a designated, distraction-free location. Homework is much easier to accomplish at the same time and place each day instead of on-the-fly between soccer and piano lessons. Routines help kids manage stress and maintain healthy habits. 8. Plan regular face time with teachers. Even if you stop in for only a few minutes before or after school, make the effort to say hello and check in often. Stay in contact frequently, but don’t monopolize teachers’ time. Ask what you can do to best help your student prepare for upcoming lessons and follow through.
and Streamwood. Two Coming Soon: Lincoln-Square and Oakbrook. www.kiddieacademychicago.com Saint Ignatius College Prep Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago, is a diverse community dedicated to educating young men and women for lives of faith, love, service and leadership. Through outstanding teaching and personal formation, the school challenges its talented student body to intellectual excellence, integrity, and life-long learning and growth. Inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ, this community strives to use God’s gifts to promote social justice for the greater glory of God. Come tour our school and meet our students and teachers. Open House: November 11th from Noon - 3PM. Entrance Exam; Saturday, December 1st at 8AM - 12 PM. Saint Ignatius is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608. Learn about our Campus Visit Program and more at www.ignatius.org
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November/December 2018
9. Reinforce learning in real life. Find teachable moments in your everyday routine and go over key concepts.Test math skills at the grocery store. Read books together and point out spelling words or parts of speech.Take in a concert or play. Kids need to see learning and problem solving as everyday activities. 10. Run interference. If the demands of class work are overwhelming your child or family issues are disrupting his ability to concentrate, communicate what’s going on and advocate for your child’s interest. Collaboratively identify ways to maximize learning. If your child truly needs extra time or an alternate assignment –ask for it. 11. Watch your tone. Present complaints calmly and respectfully, Henderson advises. Use specific examples and ask for the teacher’s ideas about what can be done. Remember, even if you disagree, you’re both on the same side. Your child is likely to lose if you get adversarial or aggressive. 12. Show your appreciation. Teachers don’t go into education for the money: their reward is in seeing your child grow, learn and achieve. Send an email to say how much your child enjoyed last week’s science experiment or write a note to the principal to compliment a job well-done. Partnerships flourish when people feel appreciated.
November/December 2018
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education central 31
active kids
COMING JAN/FEB
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
FUN!
WINTER
ALSO FEATURING... Celebrations: Party Planning Guide, Winter Fun!, Mind-Body-Spirit, Education: Special Needs, On Stage, Race Events, Kids Party Places, Dining Out, Great Events and more! CELEBRATIONS To advertise call: 630-863-7183 Planning Guide n the past 30 years, obesity Ad hasSpace Deadline: December 10, 2018
I
more than doubled in young children and quadrupled in adolescents, potentially leading to a host of chronic diseases later WINTER in life, according FUN! to the Centers for Disease Control.
COMING JAN/FEB
CELEBRATIONS Planning Guide
For all of life's celebrations... Weddings, Parties, Social Gatherings, Milestones, Fundraisers, Corporate Events, Outings Promote your Venues and Services to Suburban Family’s “active audience.” Perfect for...Party Planners, Banquet Halls, Caterers, Florist, Bakeries, Photographers, Invitations, Formal Wear, Outings, Speaker/Entertainer, Bands & DJ’s, Hair & Make-up and more!
To advertise call: 630-863-7183 Ad Space Deadline: Dec. 10, 2018
Conversely, the CDC reports that regular physical activity provides a long list of physical benefits for children, but that’s not all. Daily exercise also promotes mental and emotional well-being that includes self-esteem. Danyel Surrency Jones and her business partner and husband, Darnell Jones, a former professional basketball player are o-founders of Powerhandz Inc., (powerhandz.com), a company specializing in athletic training products to improve performance in baseball, basketball and football.
COMING NOV/DEC
WINTER FUN!
They feel kids in their community and beyond can benefit from the values learned from youth sports. That’s why they created the Power To Give program, which promotes positive development.
Mind-Body-Spirit Celebrations Guide Winter Fun!
“We believe in the power of sports to change a kid’s life for theFEATURING... better,” says Darnell, who lists Celebrations: five significantParty benefits of youth sports. Planning Guide, Winter
Fun!, Mind-Body-Spirit, Education: Special
• Cultivates positive attitude: Needs, On aStage, Race Events, KidsSports Party are demanding. Come game time, a young athPlaces, Dining Out, Great Events and more! lete wouldn’t last long with a negative mindset. “Practice is no cakewalk either,” Darnell To advertise call: 630-863-7183 says. “As adults, we understand the need to Ad Space Deadline: Dec 10, 2018 hype ourselves before hitting the gym.The rewarding feeling we get walking out from the gym is similar to what young people feel after a game or tough practice.” • Offers a sense of accomplishment, confidence and self-esteem: As the CDC
32 active kids
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noted, simply being physically active builds self-esteem. We are physical beings who are not meant to sit in front of a videogame for several consecutive hours. “Again, if you’re a physically active adult, you feel that sense of accomplishment in outdoing your last performance at the gym,” Danyel says. “Kids feel a similar way learning new skills and succeeding in a game, except more so.” • Builds better peer relationships: Kids want to fit in, but it’s not always easy. Organized sports hurdles the high wall of social awkwardness so many children feel. Team sports such as baseball, basketball and football demand participants to work together for a common goal, which is a valuable lesson some adults still haven’t learned while interacting at work. • More restraint in avoiding risky behavior: Ideally, parents can get their children engaged – in anything that’s productive, really. Bored or disengaged children have a way of getting into trouble. A student is less likely to misbehave in class or break the law if it means getting kicked off the team of a sport they love. • Greater family attachment and frequent interactions with parents: Famous athletes say it all the time, “Thanks Mom. Thanks for driving me to and from practice, and thanks for showing up at the games.” And that doesn’t even count helping a child with actual practice – playing catch, squaring off one-on-one, etc. November/December 2018
November/December 2018
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active kids 33
Plainfield Park District Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC) Celebrate the opening of the new Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC) on January 1st! 40,000 Square Feet of Fun & Fitness! For more information, call (815) 436-8812, visit us at plfdparks.org or follow us on social media for details about fitness memberships, all Park District events and classes taking place at PARC. Located at 24550 W. Renwick Rd., Plainfield.
Bartlett Park District Splash Central Indoor Aquatic 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 Like us at Splash Cent ra and Bartlett l Aquatic Cent er
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. Located in the Bartlett Community Center at 700 S. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett, IL 60103. For hours of operation and more information call 630.540.4800 or visit www.bartlettparks.org
Available for private rentals and group outings
Splash Central
Rock ‘n’ Kids!
Year-Round Aquatic Center
Calling all toddlers to sing, dance and play the Rock ‘n’ Kids way! Tot Rock and Kid Rock are
OPEN SWIM DATES & TIMES: Weekdays; Nov. 21, 23, Dec. 26-28 + Jan. 2-4, & 21 from 10:30am – 4pm Friday nights from 6:30-9pm Weekends from 1 – 6pm Saturdays + Sundays
structured music and movement programs for children ages 1-5 that use a unique approach to music education! Since 1995, Rock ‘n’ Kids has been educating young children through imaginative play, sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and socialization. A variety of rhythm instruments and
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.
movement props are utilized and a new educational theme is implemented each session! Classes offered at park districts in the Chicago-land area. Mobile music and dance parties also available! www.rockitkids.com/847-961-6584.
Limit 3 people per visit. Offer good thu 12/31/2018
34 active kids
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November/December 2018
SEASPAR Does your child have a disability? Don’t
OPENING JANUARY 1!
let that stop them from being an active kid! SEASPAR is a special recreation association offering therapeutic recreation
40,000 Square Feet of FUN and FITNESS!
programs for people of all ages with all disabilities in southeast DuPage and Cook Counties. Swim lessons, gymnastics, karate, wheelchair soccer, sensory programs, community trips, and Special Olympics training are just a few examples of how your child can play, learn, compete, and grow with SEASPAR. Visit SEASPAR.org or call 630.960.7600 for more
FREE 1-day all access pass to PARC
information!
Coupon Code: PARCFAM | Exp: 1/31 One time use per person | Cannot be exchanged for cash
Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC) 24550 W. Renwick Rd., Plainfield, IL. (815) 436-8812 | plfdparks.org
Great Lakes Volleyball Center The GLCYA is accepting girls and boys ages 2-14 for the Great Lakes Center Youth Volleyball Academy Club Winter and Spring programs. All sessions focus on motor development and individual skill development by teaching both proper skill technique and introducing the young athlete to age appropriate game play as well for volleyball. We are also offering clinics over the holiday break (Dec. 28 – 30) for grades 8 – 12. The Great Lakes Volleyball Center is located at 579 N. Oakhurst Drive, Aurora, IL. 60502. For more info call 630-898-6400 or visit www.greatlakescenter.com
FB: Great
Lakes Center Youth Academy
November/December 2018
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active kids 35
family wellness
What To Do When Your Kids Are Stressed By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
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hat do you do when your kids complain about being really stressed? How do you help them cope with it? Experts agree on the following points: Listen To Your Kids: What’s Going On? How Are They Feeling? It’s important to sit your kids down and ask them what’s going on and how they are feeling. Listen calmly and non-judgmentally to 36 family wellness
what they have to say.“Children learn (and take cues) from the adults around them,” says Dr. Lyn O’Grady, a child psychologist, “so it’s important for adults to be mindful of how they approach stressful situations.” If you overreact to what they are telling you, they most likely will overreact, too. But if you stay calm and collected, you will have a much easier time helping them cope with whatever it is they are dealing with. As Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, succinctly puts it, “No child wants to talk to a parent who is losing her cool.” Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and author of The Happy Kids Handbook, says that “knowing that you will listen and help them empowers them to suburban family | subfam.com
work through their stress, instead of stuffing it down and potentially making it worse.” Remember that your kids are not looking for you to solve all of their problems once and for all. Rather, they are looking for you to truly listen to them as a way for them to work through their problems on their own. “Sometimes,” says Dr. Jamie Howard, a clinical child psychologist, “parents avoid having conversations with kids because they’re worried they won’t say the right thing or they won’t know how to answer their questions.” But the truth is that there is no such thing as the one right answer.The only wrong thing is failing to make yourself available to your kids when they need you the most. November/December 2018
Reassure Your Kids That They Are Strong and Capable Listening to your kids is an important first step, but you also need to reassure them that they are strong and capable of coping with whatever it is that’s stressing them out. Experts agree that you should try to convince your kids that it’s better to confront their stressors head on than to shy away from them. “If a child faces his or her fears,” says Dr. Amy Przeworski, a professor of child psychology, “the child will learn that the anxiety reduces naturally over time.” Dr. Przeworski says that it’s also important to cultivate as positive outlook as possible since stressed kids have a tendency to get lost in negative thoughts and self-criticism: “They may focus on how the glass is half empty instead of half-full and worry about future events. The more that you are able to focus on your child’s positive attributes and the good aspects of a situation, the more that will remind your child to focus on the positives.” It’s useful to give your kids some perspective by reminding them of how they dealt with similar situations in the past which turned out all right. When confronted by a stressful situation, it’s easy for kids and adults like to lose perspective and forget the previous times
they confronted a similar situation and that the outcome was not so bad after all. Help Your Kids Experiment With Various Coping Techniques Once your kids are reassured that they are truly capable of handling stressful situations, try to experiment with various coping techniques. A one-size-fits-all strategy for dealing withCATCH stress35i doesn’t but 10.18:Layout certain time- 1 Win FILLexist, small tested techniques have proven effective.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO , . Go to subfam.com One useful coping technique is to have your kids write down what’s causing them to be stressed. It teaches them to articulate what’s bothering them instead of bottling it up, and it helps them work through the problem and what to do about it. Mrs. Hurley suggests that they write down their stressors “on a piece of paper,
read them to you, and then tear them up and throw them away for the night. This helps kids say their worries out loud and let go of them.” Another useful coping technique is to aim for balance in your kids’ lives. Instead of insisting that your kids do well at school at all costs, emphasize that to be happy and stressfree, kids also need time for play and physical exercise. Dr. Greenberg suggests that parents sit down withPM theirPage kids “and come up 10/22/18 5:33 1 with a well-balanced schedule that includes all three of these important aspects of life.” When engaged in play or physical exercise, kids have the time to let their minds be free to come up with creative solutions to their sources of stress. Make Sure Your Kids’ Physical Needs Are Met Finally, make sure your kids’ physical needs are met. As Dr. Greenberg puts it, “none of us at any age can deal with pressure effectively if we’re exhausted and hungry.” This last piece of advice applies to you as much as it does to your kids. If you are not well-rested and satisfied, you won’t be able to listen to and support your kids as much as you need to, since your mind and body will be focused on other things.
At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, our mission is simple: deliver world-class care to children who need it most – regardless of their ability to pay. For over 90 years, thousands of families with children in need of orthopaedic care, specialized plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, physical rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury care have come through our doors with hopes of finding the very best pediatric specialty care. Under our roof, those hopes are answered every day — by physicians, nurses, and specialists using the latest technology, innovative research, and a collaborative, family-centered approach. It’s how the 22 Shriners Hospital locations have provided care for over 1.3 million children.
For a consultation, or to refer a patient, call: Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago
773-385-KIDS (5437)
2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707
facebook.com/shrinerschicago
November/December 2018
twitter.com/shrinerschicago
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shrinerschicago.org
family wellness 37
fitness first
5 Parenting Tips Inspired by Fitness Classes By Cheryl Maguire
I love fitness classes. There are many benefits to participating in a fitness class as opposed to working out on your own. In general, classes are social, more fun and push you to workout harder. If you are enjoying your workouts, you are more likely to want to return and continue exercising.
results in water loss to your body. For this reason, it is important to stay hydrated while working out. If you become dehydrated, you can become sick or even faint. Since an instructor obviously wants to prevent you from becoming dehydrated, during classes you will hear multiple prompts to drink water.
Research studies have demonstrated exercise is a type of anti-depressant equivalent to therapy or medication for some people. Exercise also improves physical health, can lead to weight loss and decreases stress.
People often don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Both parents and children can also become dehydrated from either being active or exposure to heat.There are many benefits to drinking water such as maintaining the balance of body fluids, control calories (sometimes hunger is actually a sign of dehydration) and energize muscles.
During exercise classes such as spin or body pump, the instructor provides cues to help improve your workout. Some of the following instructors work out cues can be applied to parenting your child: Remember to Breathe During fitness classes, the instructor will provide several cues to breathe. At this point, you might be wondering, “Do I really need to be reminded to breathe? Shouldn’t that be instinctual?” When you exercise your body requires more oxygen. People might not increase their breathing or breathe too fast to meet your body’s demand for more oxygen. This reminder helps you to become more aware of your breathing and adjust it accordingly. Dr. Alison McConnell has conducted various research studies regarding breathing training. She found during exercise if people do not breathe properly it can lead to increased risk of injury or loss of balance. She provides some breathing exercises to use while working out. As a parent, you are often either literally chasing after your toddler or running around to your child’s various activities. During these times it is important to remember to breathe. You can also remind yourself simply to inhale deeply throughout the day which will help to calm you, especially during more stressful times. Dr. Richard Brown, MD, and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg research studies found deep-breathing can help with anxiety and stress. Drink Water Your body is composed of 60% of water. When you exercise you usually sweat which 38 fitness first
Check your form/posture It is important to have the correct form and posture during exercise routines. Improper form can lead to injuries or not receiving the maximum results to either increase your muscle strength or endurance. During a class, you are usually focusing on the exercise instead of your form which is why the instructor will cue to you check your form. In relation to parenting, proper posture and form are also important to prevent injuries. When your child is young, you tend to pick them up often which could be the equivalent of lifting a 20-30 lb. weight. In order to prevent back injuries, you should be aware of your form before lifting. According to Muscle and Fitness Magazine proper posture is also linked to improved confidence, better breathing, improved circulation and disuburban family | subfam.com
gestion, slimmer/younger appearance and a healthy spine. Find the Beat During a spin class, the instructor will sometimes start counting or tell you to find the beat of the music to help set the pace of your peddle stroke while riding the bike. This will either allow you to improve your endurance or increase your speed leading to a more effective workout. In relation to parenting, we often tell our children to, “hurry up”. Instead of having your child catch up to you, try finding their beat or rhythm. A great example of this is during our first family visit to NYC I was about 10 paces in front of my children without even realizing it. It wasn’t until my daughter called out, “mom wait up” that I saw how far ahead I was. When I slowed down I was able to both talk with my children and experience NYC through their eyes. Remember to Cool Down/Stretch At the end of every fitness class, the instructor always requests that everyone cools down and stretches.The cooldown is a way to slow down your pace and heart rate in order to slow the blood flow throughout your body. If you stop abruptly, you can feel dizzy or even faint. Stretching is also important to improve flexibility which will prevent injuries. As a parent, it is also important to cool down at the end of the day. During this time you should try to do something relaxing for yourself such as read a book or magazine. This will help you to decompress and also to fall asleep better. Stretching is another form of relaxing. Yoga combines stretching, breathing, and proper posture. Research at Boston University Medical Center found Yoga decreases anxiety and increases a positive mood. Cue Yourself During the day you might want to set a reminder on your phone or post it on the fridge to breathe, drink water, find the beat and cool down/stretch. Practicing these suggestions will lead to a more balanced and healthy life for you and your child. You could also add a fitness class while you are at it. November/December 2018
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. NOTE: The 2018 Annual Race Guide can be found at www. chicagosuburbanfamily.com Check back for updates in every bi-monthly issue.
NOVEMBER Relay For Life – For all area events, please go to relayforlife.org/relay/findevent. Cantigny 5K Run/Walk – Sat 11/3 at 9 AM. Benefits Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-260-8167. signmeup.com/125434. Loubird 5K for Epilepsy – 11/3 at 8 AM. Betsey Warrington Park, Huntley, IL. loubird.com. Veterans 5K – Sat 11/3 at 9 AM 5K Run/Walk, Kids 5K and Kids Fun Run. USATF certified. Benefits the Veterans Drop-In Center. Rockford. 815-289-8386. gorockford.com. Hot Chocolate 15K/5K – 11/4 at 7 AM. Grant Park, Chicago. hotchocolate15k.com. Ooh La La Chocolate Half Marathon and 5K Run and Walk – Sun 11/4 at 8:30 AM 5K Run/Walk. Geneva. oohlalachocolate5k.itsyourrace.com. SkyRise Chicago – Sun 11/4 at 7 AM. Climbing race inside the Willis Tower, Chicago. 312-238-3315. Tinley Turkey Trot 5K – Sun 11/4 at 8 AM 5K Run/Walk. Vogt Woods, Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org. Turn Back Time 5K and 1 MI Walk – Sun 11/4 at 8 AM. Wear costumes from your favorite decade. Chevy Chase Golf Course, Wheeling. 847-465-7679. Gobbler Hobbler 10K & Mashed Potato Mile – Sun 11/11 at 8:30 AM. Check out this scenic chip-timed course!Oswego, IL. 630-554-1010. www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org Orland Hills Turkey Trot – Sat 11/10. 1 MI Juniors Run at 9 AM and 5K Run at 10 AM. Kelly Park, Orland Hills. ohrecreation.org. Panting for Paws 5K – Sat 11/10 at 8:30 AM 5K Run/Walk and 1 MI Run/Walk. CARA Certified. Benefits Helping Paws Animal Shelter. Crystal Lake. 815-338-4400. Run 4 The Rescues – Sat 11/10 at 9 AM 5K Race and Family Fun Run. Benefits Field of Dreams Horse Rescue and Adoption. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, west of St. Charles. Run4rescue.itsyourrace.com. November/December 2018
Red Eye 5K – Sun 11/11 at 6:15 AM 5K Run/Walk. Joliet. itsyourrace.com. Gobble, Gobble Run or Wobble – Sat 11/17 5K Turkey Trot at 9 AM. Benefits St. Linus School and local charities. stlinusoaklawn.org. Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run Western Suburbs Sat 11/17 at 9 AM 5K Run/Walk Cantigny Park, Wheaton 773-917-5601 www.jbr.org/westernsuburbs Mooseheart Holiday Lights 5K – Sat 11/17 at 5 PM. Mooseheart Child City and School, Mooseheart. support. moosecharities.org/2018holidaylights5K. New Lenox Gobbler Gauntlet 5K – Sat 11/17 at 8 AM. Sanctuary Golf Course, New Lenox. newlenoxparks.org. Squeez'd Girls On The Run 5K – Sat 11/17 at 8 AM. Grant Park, Chicago. gotrchicago.org.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO ,
Downtown Downers Grove. bonfieldexpress.com. Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot 5K – Thu 11/22 at 9 AM. Elmhurst. dangibbonsturkeytrot.org. Flying Turkey 5K – Thu 11/22 at 9 AM 5K. Evanston. www. evanstonflying5k.com. The Fox and The Turkey Races – Thu 11/22 at 7:30 AM for the Four Mile and 7:30 AM for the Youth One Mile. Batavia. foxrivertrailrunners.org. Hertz Trout Valley Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 5K at 9 AM and 12 and under 1 MI at 8:30 AM. Cary. ttcca.org. Long Grove Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 at 8:40 AM 5K & 8K Run/Walk & Kids Dash. USATF Certified. Long Grove. 224757-5425. allcommunityevents.com. McHenry Turkey Trot for Hospice – Thu 11/22 5K Run/ Walk at 8 AM. McHenry High School East Campus. mchenryturkeytrot.com. Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 at 8 AM. Naperville. napervilleturkeytrot.com. 5:33Trot PM– ThuPage 1 & 5K. Highland North Shore Turkey 11/22 10K Park. northshoreturkeytrot.com. Orland Park Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 at 8 AM. 2.5 MI run. Village of Orland Park. orlandpark.org. Palatine Park District Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22. 2 and 5 MI run. Palatine Park District. Harper College Campus, Palatine. palatineparks.org. Pilgrim Pie Run For Rotary – Thu 11/22 at 8:30 AM. Lyons Township High School North Campus. pilgrimpierun.com. Thanksgiving Day 5K – Thu 11/22. 5K Run/Walk at 8 AM. Bring voluntary food or monetary donation. Benefits Food
Go to subfam.com Turkey Trot – Sat 11/17 at 8 AM. 5K Race, 8:45 AM Drumstick Dash (3-12 years). Centennial Park, Addison. addisonparks.org. Chili Chase 5K Run/Walk – Sun 11/18 at 8:30 AM. Yorkville American Legion. 630-553-2582. Lincolnwood Turkey Trot – Sun 11/18 5K and 10K Race 8:45 AM; 5K Fitness Walk 9 AM and Drumstick Dash 10:20 AM. Proesel Park, Kostner Ave., Chicago. lincolnwoodil.org. Lisle Chamber Turkey Trot Tune-Up 5K – Sun 11/18 at 7:30 AM. Lisle Community Park. lislechamber.com. Beat the Bird 5K – Thu 11/22 at 9 AM. Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. 312-401-4392. Bonfield Express Turkey Trot 5K – Thu 11/22 at 8:30 AM. suburban family | subfam.com
Nov. 22nd ~ Thanksgiving morning ~ 8:00 a.m. Chip-timed Race starts at Lake Park H.S. WEST CAMPUS Please bring non-perishable food item for local food pantries. $30 registration per person. Family rates available.
For more info go to: www.roselle5k.com fitness first 39
Pantry. Lippold Park, Crystal Lake. hillstriders.com. Turkey Trot 5-Mile Predicto Race – Thu 11/22. The top finishers to finish in the time they predicted win this Thanksgiving Day race at 8AM Lake Ellyn Park. Glen Ellyn Park District. www.gepark.org. Rockford RoadRunners Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 5K Run/Walk at 9 AM. Rockford. runsignup.com. Roselle 5th Annual Turkey Tango/Trot 5K Thurs. Nov. 22nd at 8 AM Thanksgiving Morning 5K Run/Walk, Chipped Time, USATF certified. Hot Chocolate and post-race refreshments. Roselle, IL www.Roselle5K.com Wauconda Turkey Trot – Thu 11/22 4 MI and 2 MI Runs at 9:15 AM. Benefits Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry. Wauconda. waucondaturkeytrot.com. Butterball Burner – Fri 11/23 Family Fun Run 5K at 9 AM. H-F Racquet and Fitness Club. Homewood, IL. hfparks.com. COOL 5K/10K Run and Walk – Sat 11/24 at 9:30 AM. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate. Old School Forest Preserve, Libertyville. secure.getmeregistered.com. Grant Park Turkey Trot – Sat 11/24 5K/10K at 8:45 AM. Benefits Playworks Illinois. Grant Park, Chicago. allcommunityevents.com. Schaumburg Turkey Trot – Sat 11/24 at 8:30 AM Half Marathon & 5K. USATF certified. Benefits Misericordia. Schaumburg. allcommunityevents.com. Ugly Sweater 5K – Sat 11/24 at 9 AM. Part of the 2018 Holly Days. 630-344-9140. westmontrotaryclub.org.
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Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
Check-in: 8-9:30 a.m. • 5K Starts: 10 a.m. Schaumburg Golf Club, 404 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg Run a 5K on a chilly December morning and warm up afterward with a chili lunch. Participants 21 and older will receive one free beer. Additional beer will be available for purchase. All participants will receive a long-sleeve shirt.
Register Now at Active.com! $35 until 5 p.m., Nov. 28 • $40 Day-of Additional information at parkfun.com
Schaumburg Park District
SPONSORS:
Chilly Chilifirst Run Ad (Suburban Family 5.02x4.79)-18.indd 40 fitness
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Park Partner:
9/25/18 1:32 PM suburban family | subfam.com
Carraig Pub 5K – Sun 11/25 5K and 1.5 Mile Walk 10:30 AM. Chicago Gaelic Park. 708-687-9323.
DECEMBER Relay For Life – For all area events, please go to relayforlife.org/relay/findevent. Chilly Chili 5k Run/Walk Sat. Dec. 1st at 10 AM 5K Run/Walk USATF certified. Schaumburg Golf Course 401 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg 847-490-7015 www.parkfun.com ~~~ Arlington Heights Annual Rotary Santa Run & Walk Sat. Dec. 1st at 10 a.m 5K run, 1 mile walk & kids reindeer run Proceeds fund Rotary projects that benefit local & global communities. Downtown Arlington Heights www.RotarySantaRun.org ~~~ 10th Annual Frigid 5K & Candy Cane Kids Dash Sun. Dec. 2nd at 8 AM Centennial Park 16028 127th St., Lemont 630-257-6787 www. Active.com Arctic Frog Endurance Run – Sat 12/1 at 7:45 AM 50K, 25K and 15K Runs. Libertyville. ultrasignup.com. Frosty 5K – Sat 12/1 at 7:30 Walk and Run. Kids Fun Run Free. West Chicago. westchicago.org. Lions Club Reindeer Run – Sat 12/1 at 8:30 AM 5K. USATF & CARA Certified. Wheaton. 630-690-4880. Santa Hustle – Sat 12/1 5K at 9 AM and 1 Mile Rudolph Run at 8:30 AM. Soldier Field, Chicago. santahustle.com. Snowflake Shuffle – Sat 12/1 at 9 AM 5/10K Run and Walk. Benefits TriCity Family Services. Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve, St. Charles. 630-232-1070. snowflakeshuffleitsyourrace.com. Kiwanis Santa Run For Kids – Sun 12/2 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk for Kids at 9 AM. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake. kiwaniscystallake.com. Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run Chicago Sat 12/08 at 9 AM 5K Run/Walk Chicago History Museum 312-248-4593 www.jbr.org/chicago Greater LaGrange YMCA Reindeer Run – Sat 12/8 5K at 8:30 AM and Kids Dash at 9:30 AM. Brookfield Zoo. ymcahicago.org. Viking Dash Trail Run/Walk – Sat/Sun 12/8-9 at 11 AM 15K, 13.1K, 10K and 5K Run/Walk. Crystal Lake. vikingdashtrailrun.com. November/December 2018
YOUR PARTNER
IN TIME
EXPLORE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE’S BENEFITS Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may offer seniors options that improve quality of care and reduce overall costs. While covering all Medicare services, most MA plans include prescription drug coverage. Many also offer coordinated benefits such as vision, dental and even gym memberships. DuPageMedicalGroup.com
Learn more at DuPageMedicalGroup.com/MA.
senior focus
Senior Focus H ow to Find the Best Possible Care for Your Loved One O lder Driver Safety Awareness S enior Resource Guide B enefits from Low-Impact Workouts D iscounts Seniors Didn’t Know They Could Get D ealing With Matters After Loss T ips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
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suburban family | subfam.com
November/December 2018
How to Find the Best Possible Care for Your Loved One Five Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Nursing Home
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lacing a loved one in a long-term care facility is a heartbreaking decision, and unfortunately it’s one that sometimes must be made quickly as symptoms take a turn for the worse and a patient can no longer be cared for at home.The process of selecting a facility can be overwhelming and stressful for adult children who want to ensure their parents receive the best possible care. How can people who’ve never faced this decision before evaluate the available options and make an informed choice? Long-term care facilities are licensed, regulated, inspected and/or certified by a number of agencies at the state and federal level, including the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare.gov maintains information on all Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in the country. Searching by your zip code will allow you to review ratings on staffing levels, health inspections and quality measures for facilities in your area. But information obtained during these inspections is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing the quality of care at a facility. Patient advocates encourage potential residents and their family members to visit facilities in person before making a decision. Here are some questions to investigate on your visit: • How does this facility ensure it delivers person-centered care? Person-centered care treats a resident as more than just a diagnosis. That means care providers are actually supposed to know the unique individual they are caring for, and that interactions with the resident are informed by respect for his or her values, beliefs, and abilities, past and present. Care providers use effective and empathic communication, and build and nurture authentic, caring relationships that treat everyone with dignity and November/December 2018
By Steven M. Levin on elderly people in fragile health, so you want to understand exactly what a facility can—and can’t—provide before committing to it. • Is this facility well-staffed, and how well are the nurses and support care staff trained and compensated for their work?
respect. They create a supportive community for individuals, family, and staff that provides opportunities for engagement, autonomy, joy, comfort, and meaning, even in the midst of the losses that accompany illness. Personcentered care doesn’t happen by accident. Facility staff should be able to demonstrate how they’ve embraced this value. • How does this facility foster and protect self-determination? Current regulations call for making the resident the center of control for decision-making about aspects of his or her medical care and daily life. This means that, to the extent possible, the resident participates in care planning, makes decisions about requesting or refusing particular treatments, and selects companions and activities that reflect his or her interests. Does this facility allow residents to choose their roommates? Does it provide transportation to community activities outside the facility? In general, what are the policies and practices the facility has adopted that ensure the resident participates in decisions that affect him or her? • Does this facility have special characteristics or service limitations that might affect the quality of care now or down the road? Facilities are required to provide potential residents with written notice of any special characteristics or service limitations that might affect care. This could be limitations of the physical space that make life difficult for people with certain kinds of physical disabilities, or a religious affiliation that influences the approach to end-of-life care. What happens when the patient needs psychiatric or dental care? Unexpected discharge or transfer is hard suburban family | subfam.com
Whether facility owners cut staff to increase profits at the top, or they simply cannot find enough qualified personnel to do this demanding and important work, the outcome is the same: understaffed residential facilities.The risk of injury, neglect, and abuse is much higher in facilities without the proper patient-to-staff ratios. These figures for every facility in the U.S. are available through the Medicare.gov database and provide a good guideline for assessing whether a facility will be safe. In addition, be sure to inquire on your visit about special training staff has received to keep them up to date on current research and best practices in elder care, and note whether their compensation is in line with or above average. • Does this facility include an arbitration clause in its admission contract? Arbitration clauses are often included as one small part of a multipart agreement in the admission contract, and residents or family members often sign on without understanding that they may be waiving their right to a jury trial or other rights under state law. If a facility routinely includes this clause, a potential resident may refuse to sign it or strike it out of multipart forms. Request detailed information on this issue and, if you are still unsure, seek legal advice before signing any documents. Nothing can completely assuage the anxiety and confusion adult children experience when they must seek residential care for their parents. But excellent facilities do exist, and you can arm yourself with information on upto-date standards and practices that will help you find a safe and nurturing environment for your loved one. -Steven M. Levin is a founding partner of Chicago law firm Levin & Perconti LLP. Among the first attorneys in the country to handle nursing home cases, he has established a reputation as one of the country’s top advocates in the area of nursing home litigation. senior focus 43
Older Driver Safety Awareness
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s baby boomers enter the over 65 age bracket at an alarming rate (10,000 each day), the concern for older drivers’ safety and independence is greater now than at any time in our history. Adults 65 and older make up more than 16% of all licensed drivers, nationwide. By 2040, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will be 70 or older. With increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely. But there are a variety of safe travel options for people of all ages. The real need is a broader awareness of the solutions, rather than a narrow focus on the problem. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) believes that occupational therapy practitioners have the skills to evaluate a person’s overall ability to operate a vehicle safely and provide rehabilitation, if necessary. Many are specially trained in the full scope of driving rehabilitation. Occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults as well as their families and caregivers, offering individualized assessment. They can identify individuals’ unique challenges and find strategies 44 senior focus
that will help them live life to its fullest by keeping them active, healthy, and safe in their communities.
of the first steps in addressing older driver safety is having a nonthreatening conversation with our loved ones..
AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Awareness
Wednesday: “Screening and Evaluations With an Occupational Therapist” An older driver may decide that it is time to get a check-up on his or her driving fitness.The services described as “Driving fitness evaluations” may seem confusing, as they range from self-assessments (useful education tools to help identify potential challenges) to a professional comprehensive driving evaluation from an occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialist. It is important for older drivers and their family members to understand the driving service they are getting, so they can act on the results in a meaningful way.
Week, December 3–7, 2018, aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensuring older adults remain active in the community—shopping, working or volunteering—with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home. Throughout the week, AOTA will bring attention to a different aspect of older driver safety at: www.otconnections.aota.org Monday: “Anticipating Changes That Can Affect Driving” Whether we want to admit it or not, aging is inevitable. The ability to drive safely can be affected by changes in our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Although changes are a part of normal aging, they occur individually and at different rates and times. Just as one plans for retirement, it’s important to plan for transportation needs. Tuesday: “Family Conversations” AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is intentionally held each year in December because this is the time of year when families often come together for the holidays. One suburban family | subfam.com
Thursday: “Interventions That Can Empower Drivers and Families” Driving intervention is based on a plan that is drawn up between the client and therapist.The goal of intervention is to explore ways for individuals to drive safely for as long as possible. Friday: “Staying Engaged in the Community With or Without a Car” When an older driver discovers the need to make adjustments to drive safely or can no longer do so, families and friends can help him or her take these changes in stride. But to do so, the older driver and the family need to know about resources for independent community mobility before driving cessation occurs. November/December 2018
• 24/7 on-site nurses
• Secured outdoor walkways and expansive grounds • Beautifully furnished suites
• Individualized care by highly trained care partners
Call Today! 630.855.5939 1035 S. Route 59 • Bartlett, IL 60103 www.artisseniorliving.com
Creating positive partnerships the Artis way Ji!, b,
November/December 2018
An Equal Opportunity Employer-M/F/DN
suburban family | subfam.com
ARTIS
SENIOR LIVING
Bartlett
MEMORY CARE BY DESIGN
senior focus 45
Senior Resource Guide SOLUTIONS FOR SENIOR LIVING
W
hether you’re a senior in need of healthcare or a loved one trying to help with the decision, weighing your options and making the right decision can seem daunting. We hope the information in this section will help guide you along the way.
nursing staff. Residents receive the personalized assistance they need to complement their individual abilities. We place an emphasis on providing residents with the dignity they deserve and on helping each resident maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible. For more information or to schedule a tour call Heritage Woods of Bolingbrook; (630) 783-9640, Heritage Woods of Plainfield; (815) 267-3800, Heritage Woods of South Elgin; (847) 531-8360, and Lacey Creek, Downers Grove; (630) 964-7720. www.grardant.com
Heritage Woods
Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace
Heritage Woods of Bolingbrook, Plainfield & So. Elgin and Lacey Creek in Downers Grove are Supportive Living communities which combine residential apartment home living with support services for residents to enjoy the companionship of friends and neighbors, and to participate in social events and programs. The communities are staffed 24/7 by our compassionate staff of CNA’s and licensed 46 senior focus
Ask the Expert: Advice on Alzheimer’s and dementia care from Natalie McFarland, Executive Director of Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace Q. “Mom and I have always been close. But since she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there are times when I feel I am the mother and she is the child. How do I best suburban family | subfam.com
embrace my new role and help her without feeling too sad or resentful?” A. No matter how old you are, it is unsettling when you become the parent to your parent. Caregivers experience a wide array of emotions – anxiety, depression, complete exhaustion, irritability, lack of concentration and perhaps even their own health problems – as they struggle to embrace their new role. Doing it successfully takes time, patience and self-forgiveness. Here are some tips and insights that might help: • Make some “me” time. • Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. • Reach out to family and friends. • Take advantage of respite programs. You can be a loving caregiver to your mother while being a “best friend” to yourself. With the right resources and planning combined with a strong support system, you can and will feel more in control. Call 630.473.9545 today to speak with Natalie and learn about the support that is waiting for you! November/December 2018
Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Communities for the Older Adult
— Welcome Home — YOU can enjoy the privacy of your own apartment YOU can have access to support services YOU can be part of a community and activities You CAN BE independent in your own apartment. Call or come in for your free consultation to SEE FOR YOURSELF!
For more information about Supportive Living in your area, please contact one of the following communities:
of Plainfield
of South Elgin
www.hw-plainfield-slf.com
www.hw-s-elgin-slf.com
14731 S Van Dyke Rd, Plainfield, IL 60544
700 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin, IL 60177
(815) 267-3800
(847) 531-8360
of Bolingbrook www.hw-bolingbrook-slf.com
www.laceycreek-slf.com
550 Kildeer Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
4200 Lacey Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 783-9640
(630) 964-7720
Managed by Gardant Management Solutions – Touching Lives by Providing Dignified Lifestyles November/December 2018
suburban family | subfam.com
senior focus 47
Artis Senior Living of Bartlett Artis Senior Living is a brand new memory care community located in Bartlett, IL. Artis strives to make sure that its residents and their families have a say in how they live. Instead of a one-size-fits-all philosophy, the Artis experience is tailored specifically to each person in order to ensure independence, dignity and quality of life. To learn more about The Artis Way and to schedule a tour, call 630-855-5939.Located at 1035 S. Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103. www.artisseniorliving.com
Villa St. Benedict... A Community with a History Villa St. Benedict is a boutique senior living community in Lisle, IL. Their history and spirit make it one of a kind, and a hidden gem in the western Chicago suburbs. Residents and staff consider each other family at Villa St. Benedict. The staff turn-over is very low, and their open-door policy leads to beautiful friendships between residents and staff. “It’s a very special privilege to have our resident’s trust,” says Lori D’Auben, Director of Nursing. “Every day is different. There is happiness… there is sadness… but having those close relationships with residents is what keeps me going every day.” The campus has 47 lush acres.The heart of the community is the glorious Sacred Heart Chapel. Villa St. Benedict’s spirit of love and care that affects the daily tasks, communication, and attitude of all their staff. The Benedictine Core Values of hospitality, respect, stewardship and justice are the foundation of the community’s mission. Villa St. Benedict offers 2-bedroom Villa Homes, a variety of independent living and assisted living apartments, and a memory care unit. Residents also enjoy many fine amenities including three dining venues, an exercise center, salon, library, outdoor walking paths and seating for enjoying beautiful vistas, and much more. Please contact a sales counselor for information by calling 630-852-0345.
Midwestern University Eye Institute The Midwestern University Eye Institute offers a variety of services for seniors, including comprehensive eye exams, eye disease screening and treatment, vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation services, and emergency eye care needs. Our Doctors of Optometry ensure the highest quality of care while using the latest research and technology. We also offer a retail 48 senior focus
optical center that offers contact lenses and a wide selection of eyeglasses.All at an affordable price. The Midwestern University Eye Institute is located at 3450 Lacey Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515. For more information, visit our website at www.mwuclinics.com or call 630-743-4500.
Glen Ellyn Park District Senior Programs Looking for fun activities for seniors? Glen Ellyn Park District offers a variety of programs ranging from our “Let’s Do Lunch” series to day trips. On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, seniors are invited to drop-in for coffee, cards, and bingo at Spring Avenue Recreation Center (fee: $1). In addition, both the District’s Spring Avenue Fitness Center (185 Spring Avenue) and Ackerman SFC (800 St. Charles Road) accept SilverSneakers. www. gepark.org. (630) 858-2462.
The Law Offices of Cindy K. Campbell Still Need to Create Your Will? At The Law Offices of Cindy K. Campbell we aim to provide a pleasant experience in a modern and relaxed environment. We want our clients to feel comfortable and educated on the services they receive and many of our services are done at a flat fee, so the clients know how much they will spend at the start. Contact 866-566-9494/Assistant@ckcampbell. com/ or send an inquiry through our website: Ckcampbell.com today to schedule a time to meet and review your estate planning needs.
Alvernia Manor Alvernia Manor Senior Living is the “Hidden Gem” that can ease your family’s concerns. The Mission of this unique senior living community is to provide seniors a loving, safe and caring home. For over 45 years the School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King and their dedicated staff have cared for seniors as their own family with respect, love and concern. Family and friends refer Alvernia Manor as their “Hidden Gem”. Alvernia Manor is located on a hilltop in Lemont, IL. With its beautiful bluff location, the vivid colors of the four seasons are played out annually in panoramic view. Residents can relax in the privacy of their room or spend spiritual time in the Chapel. Keeping a resident’s body and mind healthy and active is the goal the Sisters and staff strive for. Games, exercise, movies, bingo, shopping trips and entertainment are among the many activities on its monthly activity calendar. suburban family | subfam.com
Alvernia Manor’s healthcare staff ensures resident’s medications are dispensed, vitals taken and daily health monitored. Fresh meals are prepared daily and all housekeeping needs attended to. All this adds up to no more worries for you. In addition, Adult Day Services or Short Term Stay are other available option. Loved ones receive the care and recreation they need in a safe environment while caregivers go to work or get a much needed break. Come see for yourself all Alvernia Manor offers. To find out more about this “Hidden Gem” call 630.257.7721.
Cedarhurst Cedarhurst is more than a place to live – it’s a place to call home. Now offering two locations to serve the Naperville/Woodridge and Yorkville areas! These brand-new communities feature a state-of-the-art wellness center with out-patient Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy that is open to the public, a variety of floor plans, and quality care by expertly trained staff. Cedarhurst of Naperville/Woodridge is conveniently located at the corner of Route 53 and 75th street. Bordering the Forest Preserve, this three-story community boasts scenic and calming views. A senior living community with 85 assisted living apartments and 24 residences equipped for memory care services, Cedarhurst of Naperville/ Woodridge is specifically designed with the best interests of each person in mind. Cedarhurst of Yorkville, located at the intersection of Route 34 and Cannonball Trail, is equipped with 53 assisted living apartments and 20 memory care residences. These apartments come in a variety of floor plans featuring patios and balconies that offer privacy and scenic views. This new modern community will open early 2019 but is currently taking reservations! Each resident at Cedarhurst receives an individualized care plan created around his or her preferences, needs & desires. A unique memory care approach is utilized to offer peace of mind in a safe, secure home-like setting. Both communities offer chef-prepared meals with flexible dining hours, housekeeping, maintenance and a robust activity and life-enrichment schedule. Call or visit today to schedule your personal tour and learn more about these brand-new communities! Call Cedarhurst of Naperville/ Woodridge at (630) 835-0787 or Cedarhurst of Yorkville at (630) 225-8158. We look forward to meeting you! November/December 2018
What can our family do for your family? Alvernia Manor offers Independent and Assisted Living, Short Term Stay, and Adult Day Services. Learn more about us, and take a tour of our beautiful surroundings. Call us at 630.257.7721 Alvernia Manor 13950 Main Street Lemont, Illinois 60439
Call to schedule a tour or visit our website at www.alverniamanor.org
November/December 2018
suburban family | subfam.com
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Benefits from Low-Impact Workouts
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By Christopher W. Grayson, M.D
ctivity is vital at any life stage. It helps children develop correctly, keeps adults healthy and reduces the impact of old age in seniors. Elders that stay active can enjoy various benefits to their wellbeing, even from low-impact workouts.
balance, and coordination. Even the most basic low-impact exercise like walking can help, as long as it’s done regularly. Better Mental Health Whichever form of exercise you choose, it’s sure to produce endorphins. Activities in nature will further increase the impact of the “feel good” hormone, en-
Still, it isn’t always easy to keep motivated to work out, especially during these hot summer days. To avoid loss of motivation, seniors should always keep in mind how beneficial exercise can be for them. Let’s have a look at how seniors can genuinely benefit from lowimpact workouts, as well as what the best low-impact workouts are.
suring you’ll feel satisfied and happy afterward. Nature walks or hikes, cycling, and yoga can serve you well in reducing bad moods and improve your overall mental health. Exercise has an exceptionally positive impact on insomnia and other sleeping problems, which are common in seniors.
Better Physical Health Regular activity prevents or lowers the risk of many illnesses, and keeps your body strong and healthy. Working out improves our immune system, which is especially crucial for elders since they are more vulnerable to diseases. But low-impact workouts don’t only keep diseases at bay. They also reduce the risk of falling by improving strength, flexibility,
More Social Engagement One of the best things about exercise is that it doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Like-minded seniors can get together for walks or hiking. Having com-
pany usually improves accountability as well, so you’ll be more motivated to keep up with your workout habits. Another right way to stay active while enjoying company, is signing up for dancing or a fitness class. By maintaining social ties, you’ll keep loneliness at bay as well. Improved Brain Function According to multiple studies, physical activity also has a positive influence on our cognitive function. Exercise improves and fine-tunes our motor skills, which in turn keeps our mind sharp. Active seniors are in less of a risk from dementia, regardless of whether they’ve always been active or not.What matters is that you stay physically active. Best Low-Impact Exercises Sometimes seniors can find the idea of exercise intimidating due to fear of falling or injury. It is precisely why low-impact workouts are recommended as they are relatively easy compared to full-blown workout routines. Walking is the easiest one to get into but provides a full-body workout. The same goes for swimming, which is considered to be one of the safest solutions for exercising when joint health is in question. Stretching and yoga are great for building flexibility and balance or maintaining them in old age. Alternatively, you might want to take up cycling, dancing or tai chi. Ultimately, staying active is one of the best ways to ensure a good quality of life even if you’re well into your senior years Christopher W. Grayson, M.D. can be reached for more info at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. floridaortho.com
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Call today for a FREE Memory Screening and a family consultation with Natalie McFarland, BSN, RN Terra Vista’s Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Expert & Certified Dementia Care Trainer.
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Discounts Seniors Didn’t Know They Could Get
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enior discounts are probably one of the best parts about growing old. Despite being retired and being able to do whatever you want, you also get, like, 10% off everything just because you’re a senior citizen. Sometimes even more than 10% off! And it affects everything from restaurants, to hotels, to shopping for a new outfit. Did we mention you can also get a senior discount at places like national parks, too? Everyone is hopping on the senior discount bandwagon, and you need to take advantage of this as soon as possible! Here are some senior discounts you probably didn’t know about.
counts to senior citizens on the first Tuesday of each month who are also Walgreens Balance Rewards cardholders who are 55 and up. 9. Dress Barn Looking for a new dress, ladies? Be sure to stop at Dress Barn if you’re 55 or older to score 15% off your whole purchase. 10. Boston Market Seniors who are 65 and up receive 10% off their whole meal at Boston Market. 11. Carnival Cruises Book your next cruise with Carnival Cruises is you’re 55 and up! Senior citizens receive special discounts, such as lowpriced cruise options and deals on travel plans.
1. Kohl’s Who doesn’t love Kohl’s? Well, you’re about to love it even more. Customers aged 60 and up will receive an additional 15% off their purchase on Wednesdays. 2. Dunkin’ Donuts If you swear by your cup of Joe from Dunkin’ every morning, you’ll love this little deal going on. Show proof of your senior citizenship by way of your AARP card and you’ll receive a free donut with your purchase of a large coffee. 3. Applebee’s Senior citizens aged 55 and up can receive 15% off their bill at select Applebee’s locations. Be sure to ask your server for more details to see if you’re dining at a qualifying location! 4. American Airlines Planning on air travel anytime soon? When you fly by American Airlines if you are 65 or older, you receive special discounts. Select the “seniors” category when booking your flight to ensure you’re granted senior privileges. 5. Expedia Book your next hotel through Expedia if you’re an AARP member. You’ll receive some awesome deals on not only flights and hotels, but also no booking fees on your next trip! 6. AMC Theatres Thinking about hitting up the movie theater soon? Some AMC Theatre locations offer a 30% discount to senior citizens that are 55 and up on their movie tickets on Tuesdays! 7. Amtrak Travelers who use Amtrak at age 62 and up will receive a 15% off discount on the lowest available rail fare. 8. Walgreens Walgreens offers 20% off dis-
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12. National Parks Seniors who are 62 or older can acquire a lifetime senior pass for all National Parks for just $10. The pass allows free entry to any and all National Parks in addition to a 50% off discount on a number of service fees. 13. Salvation Army Thrift Stores Looking to support the Salvation Army and get a good deal? Seniors who are 55 and up can receive up to 50% off their purchase. 14. Holiday Inn As one of the most popular and well-known hotels in the country, they obviously have some sweet senior discounts. Hotel guests that are 62 or older can receive anywhere from 20-40% off their stay. 15. Supercuts Need a touching up on your hair? Supercuts offers an $8 off haircuts deal for seniors who are 60 and up. 16. National Rent-A-Car Need to rent a car for any reason? Be sure to check out National Rent-A-Car for up to 30% off your rental if you’re an AARP member. 17. Hallmark Hallmark offers a 10% discount on one day of the week, which varies by location. 18. McDonald’s If you’re age 55 and up, you qualify for a discount on your McDonald’s coffee every single day! 19. HARP The Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) can help homeowners who were born before 1985 and want to save on their mortgage rate by reducing their monthly payments. It’s a great way to save! 20. Home Alarm Systems Installing a home alarm system can actually help senior homeowners save money by giving a 10-20% November/December 2018
off discount on their homeowners’ insurance for a high-quality alarm system. 21. Auto Insurance If you’re a senior citizen currently paying more than $50 a month for car insurance and you’ve had no accidents or tickets, you may be qualified to receive a quote for a lower auto insurance rate. Just contact any major car insurance company and let them know you’re a senior citizen and looking for the best (and lowest) offers. 22. Medical Insurance Seniors might be able to get some extra benefits from their insurance company, including a senior discount card that you can show when paying for prescriptions. Be sure to check in with your insurance company for vision, dental, hearing or prescription drug coverage benefits. 23. Life Insurance Similar to what senior citizens can do with their car insurance rates, with life insurance you can search for the best life insurance quotes possible to get the cheapest rates. This way you can acquire the best life insurance policy to fit your needs and budget. Be sure to spread the news about these awesome senior discounts! Learn more at doyouremember.com
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Dealing With Matters After Loss
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ill you have the responsibility for a parent or for anyone who is the financial or household manager of a relationship? If so, will that information be passed on when it’s needed?
people are depressed at the one-year mark.” A written record of important information will give survivors and executors the confidence to face the future in an organized manner, and to help navigate through many unknowns.
A good friend of mine knew that her husband was dying, but she was totally unprepared for her own emotional reactions, which influenced her ability to function. A successful businesswoman in her own right, she was paralyzed when it came to the simple task of going to the bank and opening a checking account for the estate. Everyday tasks became formidable: Food shopping and going to the cleaners became major events. She even was challenged to go out of the house. Her story is not unusual.
According to a Harvard Medical School publication, “Up to 50% of widows and widowers have symptoms typical of major depression during the first few months after a spouse’s death … A recent review noted that 15% of
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What should be recorded? • Desired funeral arrangements including if a prepaid plan exists or not, anatomical gifts, the reception, calling hours, the obituary, appointing a house manager, what happens at the funeral home and with clergy • Whom to call and when upon death • Where to get money to pay bills; how to transfer money from investments to a checkbook; who should handle this in the future • Investment accounts, reports and advisors • Legal papers and evaluations you might need later • Location of paid and unpaid bills – especially taxes • Financial information including sources of income, assets and current and recurring bills • Professionals to meet with – attorney, accountant and any other professional advisors • Information about checking, credit and ATM card accounts – which to cancel and/or transfer to another name and which not to and why • Lease data for car and phones • Whom to call for insurance that is carried for life, auto, medical and possibly long-term care and personal liability • Medical data – the names and phone numbers of doctors and medications • Whom to contact for home and appliance repairs – contact numbers and records of appliance models and serial numbers • Information on your house – the location of important papers such as house purchase, deed, alarm code, the location of emergency shutoffs and who has keys to the house • And while computer and software passwords are obviously important, so are the answers to security questions and how to get help for both your hardware and software problems My Family Record Book, by Harris N. Rosen will prompt you through these issues - and many more. The book, available on Amazon, also addresses downsizing, where and how to get rid of stuff. (Thoughtful Holiday/Christmas Gift) November/December 2018
Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers By Constance Vincent, Ph.D.
My hat is off to all caregivers, but especially to those who take care of the 75 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s disease who live at home. Certainly for the person with AD, being surrounded by loved ones, photos and other memorabilia prevents the disorientation and loneliness of an unfamiliar environment. For the caregiver, this situation can go on for 10 to 15 years. So it’s no wonder that caregivers are at risk for physical illness, social isolation and financial problems.According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 40 percent of family caregivers become depressed and many find relief only when the wandering off, agitation and bathroom accidents become so bad that institutional care is their last hope. If I had only one piece of advice to offer, it is this: The person you are caring for is no longer the same parent or spouse or even adult you once knew. You are dealing with someone whose brain damage is such that he or she is really only a child now—an older child at first, but eventually a toddler and finally a baby. Set aside your expectations of what the person could once do. That was the past.Your loved one is in a different reality now. For his or her sake and yours, meet this special person in his or her reality becauseVillage:Layout he or she cannot get1back to yours. Heartis 10/24/18 There are times, I know, when talking to a
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person with Alzheimer’s is like going to a foreign country. Maybe you talk louder than usual and use more words to make yourself understood. Forget it. Those reactions are the exact opposite of what you should do. If you recall, you never could reason with your toddlers. So what did you do? You talked slower. Used simple words and short sentences. Made eye contact and got their attention. Offered brief explanations and repeated instructions exactly. Established a daily routine. Took them by the hand and re-directed them to the next activity. Distracted instead of argued. Smiled and gave hugs or compliments. Offered small rewards consistently for behavior you encouraged. Like a toddler, persons with AD are full of unpredictable emotions that can rise quickly to the surface. Listen and respond to the feelings behind their words. Think how frightened they are. They cannot remember any new information. Period. So they repeat the same things again and again. They are slow to comprehend. They don’t interpret their body symptoms very well and don’t know when they’re hungry or need a bathroom. Perhaps they don’t even recognize you or know your name. Naturally you get frustrated and upset. It’s hardPMto smile 12:46 Pageand 1 to stay relaxed and calm. But find some release for your stress. Call a friend.
Scream into a pillow. Leave the room if necessary. Because when you can be cheerful and go with the flow again, you will lighten the mood for everyone. Be flexible. Do what you can and let the rest go.The goal is to change yourself, not the individual with Alzheimer’s. Logic doesn’t work with people who have Alzheimer’s, but fun might. One idea is playing music, specifically their favorite music that they listened to when they were in their early 20s. Music, especially through earphones, arouses memory, boosts cognition and lowers the need for psychotropic drugs. Some people who have not talked for years have even begun to remember—and sing—the lyrics. Finally, caregivers need to self-care with enough sleep, exercise, good food, plenty of fluids and medical check-ups. We all need time to relax with slow deep breathing, meditation, prayer and activities like yoga. Caregivers need FUN—help from others, time for themselves and a social network they can enjoy. It’s not being selfish.You’re only a good caregiver if you can care for yourself as well. Constance L.Vincent Ph.D. is the author of “Not Going Gently: A Psychologist Fights Back Against Alzheimer’s for Her Mother. . .and Perhaps Herself.” DrCLVincent.com
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great events
NOVEMBER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 ADULTS Lecture – "Finding Meaning In Uncertainty and Cancer" this lecture will explore what makes life meaningful. Patients and family members can consider how the future, while unknown, still has the capacity to be fulfilling. 7-8:30 PM. Hamburger University, McDonald's Campus, Oak Brook. Wellness House 630-323-5160. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 FAMILY Owl Prowl – Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Elgin. Ages 6 and up. 6 – 8 PM. Elgin Parks and Recreation. Register cityofelgin.org. SHOPPING Art – One of a kind artisan and seasonal gifts including jewelry, fiber, pottery, wood, paper, mixed media, photography and gourmet food items. 4-9 PM. Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst. 630-993-8900. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 ADULTS Fall Wine Walk and Shop – Visit more than 15 locations while tasting wine and locally prepared small bites. 1-5 PM. Madison Street in Downtown Forest Park. 708-366-2543.
FAMILY Ackerman SFC Open House – Sample group fitness classes, meet with personal trainers, and climb the indoor rock wall at this FREE Open House. 12P M-2 PM. Ackerman SFC, Glen Ellyn. www.AckermanSFC.com.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO , Go to subfam.com FAMILY American Legion Pancake Breakfast – Fundraiser in conjunction with the Cantigny 5K Run/ Walk. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gray. Ages 4 and under free. 7 AM – 1 PM. Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org. FAMILY Garage Sale – The Special Recreation program (activities for individuals with special needs) is having a garage sale to raise funds. Shoppers and
sellers are welcome. Sellers age 18 and up. 9 AM - 1 PM Orland Park Civic Center, Orland Park. Orland Park Park District. orland-park.il.us. 5:33 PM
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FAMILY Native American Day – 11/3. Play Native American games, and create a beaded necklace and corn-husk doll. 1-4 PM. Museum Grounds. Elk Grove Village Park District. elkgroveparks.org. FAMILY Pumpkin Smash – Drop off your jack-olanterns for recycling. Remove decorations, candles, etc. first. 9 - 12 PM, Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, Naperville. napervilleparks.org. FUNDRAISER Gala – "Twist Out Cancer" invites those touched by cancer to share their stories, feelings and experiences and pairs previvors, survivors and caregivers with talented artists working in a variety of mediums. Evening includes dinner, drinks and full program. 6 PM. Chez, Chicago. brusheswithcancerchicago. com. SHOPPING Art – One of a kind artisan and seasonal gifts including jewelry, fiber, pottery, wood, paper, mixed media, photography and gourmet food items. 10 AM-4 PM. Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst. 630-993-8900. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 FAMILY Adult/Tot Open Climb – Join us for indoor rock climbing on Mondays from September 10 thru December 17! Climbing is low impact and feasible for your tots. Other activities around the rock wall included. 9:30 AM-10:30 AM. Ackerman SFC, Glen Ellyn. www. AckermanSFC.com. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 GARDEN TOUR Tree Talk and Walk – Learn about the trees and enjoy fall foliage on this guided tour, helpful for homeowners. 11 AM. Visitors Center, Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 CONCERT Jazz – ZAZZ, a jazz combo, performs a classical/jazz concert combines classical music with
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jazz influence and jazz standards with a classical twist. Family-friendly. 7:30 PM. 95th Street Public Library, Naperville. dupagesympthony.org.
training, food, and make-your-own Jedi tunic – and an appearance from Darth Vader. 3-5 PM. New Lenox Park District. newlenoxparks.org.
FAMILY Fall Family Fun -- Children’s games, music, a jumpy and tons of fun! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. 6 - 8 PM. Lemont Park District. lemontparkdistrict.org.
FAMILY Veteran's Day Presentation – WWI living history impersonator will bring dramatic life to a presentation regarding The Great War. 2 PM. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. Register 630-530-6879. elmhursthistory.org.
FAMILY Mother Son Date Night – Dancing, music, game challenges, food and activities. Professional photographer available. Ages 3-13 with adult. 6:30 - 8 PM. Plainfield Township Community Center, Plainfield. plfdparks.org. KIDS Night Out – Gym time, music, crafts and a movie. Bring a pillow and blanket to watch movie. Ages 5-12. 6:30-10 PM. Community Rec Center, Addison. addisonparks.org.
For Holiday Events see the ‘‘Out & About” section in this issue!
PRESENTATION Doughboys of Cantigny – Oral histories narrated by a curator that will introduce the stories of the Battle of Cantigny veterans. 7 PM. Visitors Center, Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161 www.cantigny.org.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 ADULTS Coloring Workshop – Learn how to use a color wheel to make your work more interesting. Supplies provided or bring your own. 6 - 9 PM. Bloomingdale Park District. 630-529-3650. bloomingdaleparks.org.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 ADULTS Beer Tasting – "Brew it Forward" offers beer, food and family activities. Benefits Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. 1-4 PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org.
KIDS Survival Club – Learn fire building, first aid, shelter construction and other skills. Ages 8-10. 6-7 PM. Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia. 630-897-1808. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
ADULTS Adoption – "The Adoption Process from A to Z." An attorney specializing in adoptions guides you through the fundamentals of an adoption and the legal steps involved. 1-2:30 PM. Lincoln Belmont Branch of the Chicago Public Libraries. Register by 11/8. 312-744-0166.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 ADULTS MasterMoms: Cyber Safety – Get current on the latest apps, streaks, snaps and stories with presentation given by national expert. 7 PM-9 PM. Lake Ellyn Boathouse, Glen Ellyn. Register gepark.org. ADULTS Create Nature Wood Ornaments – Explore the basics of painting in acrylics on wood with a nature artist to create a unique ornament. 7 PM. Bloomingdale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale. 630-624-9545. ADULTS Wine & Canvas at the Farm – Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, some friends and create a painting – all materials included. 6:30-8:30 PM. Blackberry Farm, Aurora. 630-892-1550. foxvalleyparkdistrict. FAMILY Mother Daughter Activity Night – Bake and decorate cookies as well as cupcakes and enjoy games and a craft. 6:30 - 8 PM. Jewett Park Community Center, Deerfield. Deerfield Park District. 847-9450650. deerfieldparks.org. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 FAMILY Inside the Orchestra – Behind-thescenes glimpse at a dress rehearsal for DuPage Symphony Orchestra. Watch performance for first hour and then experiences the instrument petting zoo to try them out. Refreshments served. 7:30 PM. Wentz ConBe in your home for the holidays! MLS#10043978
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FAMILY Dive In Movie – Float in the pool on your own inflatable raft or noodle while watching a movie ("Coco") on a poolside big screen. 7 PM. Oak Brook Park District. 630-990-4233. obparks.org.
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FAMILY Restoration Work Day — A perfect outdoor volunteering opportunity to help clear invasive plants, plant native flowers, trees and seeds, maintain trails and more. 9 AM-11 AM. Churchill Park, Glen Ellyn. www.gepark.org/restoration.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 ADULTS French Connection Dinner -- Hosted by Mon Ami Gabi and Elmhurst Symphony Orchestr, a classic French dinner. 6 – 8 PM. Mon Ami Gabi, Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. Space limited to 50. Reservations required. Tickets elmhurstymphony.org. FAMILY Armistice Day: Bells of Peace – Bells will toll in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day (previously known as Armistice Day). Bring a bell to ring. Ceremony will include a bagpipe performance; tea and other warm beverages served. 10:50 AM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161. www.cantigny.org. FAMILY Jedi in Training – Star Wars-themed November/December 2017
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City Events
cagoans and visitors alike have enjoyed fabulous trees from over 50 countries, plus spectacular lights all in the comfort of the museum. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. 773-684-1414. msichicago.org. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – November 16-17. Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, this 26h Annual Festival rings in the holiday season with two days of free, family-friendly activities including a magical tree-lighting procession along Michigan Ave., visits with Santa, food vendors, fireworks and music. Chicago. themagnificentmile.com.
SOFA at Navy Pier – November 1-4. Sculptures, objects and functional art (SOFA for short) take the spotlight at one of Chicago’s longest continually running art fairs. Many items are available for sale. Navy Pier Festival Hall, Chicago. navypier.com.
104th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – November 16-January 1. Enjoy this holiday tradition, a glittering tree set among Chicago’s sparkling skyline and the iconic art of Millennium Park. 6 PM. Chicago. 312-744-3316. millenniumpark.org.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon – Opens mid November. Among the “alpine in a city,” lace up your skates and enjoy an ice skating experience unlike any other on a path of ice winding through the rolling landscape. Chicago. 312-744-3316. maggiedaleypark.com.
Christkindlmarket Chicago – November 16 – December 24. A unique open-air shopping experience with traditional German flair offering food, drinks and diverse holiday entertainment. Downton and Wrigleyville locations. Chicago. christkindlemarket.com.
Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light – November 15-January 6. Since 1942 Chi-
Millennium Park Holiday Art Market – November 16-18. Students from the Art Institute of
cert Hall, Naperville. RSVP dupagesymphony.org FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 FAMILY Fish Fry Fundraiser – Marmion Academy is offering a meal of fried catfish, French fries, hush puppies, cole slaw and dinner which will benefit the Marmion Fishing Team. 4-7 PM. Marmion Academy, Auora. Purchase meals in advance marmion.org. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 CONCERT Scottish Symphony – Originally composed music influenced by visits to the Scottish Highlands, Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Family-friendly. 7:30 PM. Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville. dupagesymphony.org. FAMILY Thanksgiving Skate – All skaters are eligible to win a Thanksgiving turkey. All ages. 1 – 2: 30 PM. Oakton Ice Arena, Park Ridge Park District. prparks.org. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 FAMILY Talkin' Turkey Parent-Child Activity – Learn about wild turkeys, listen to stories, sing songs and create a turkey craft. Ages 3-5 with Adult. 10 – 11 AM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Register 630-260-8162. www.cantigny.org. TWEENS Open Gym/Open Swim – Choose from basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, or a little of each. Table tennis, bags and snacks for purchase also available. 7-9 PM. Fountain View Recreation Center, Carol Stream. Register 630-784-6142. 58 great events
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 FAMILY Turkey Trot: 30th Anniversary – The top two runners who most accurately predict their race time in this 5-mile run win a Thanksgiving treat. All ages 8 AM. Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn. www.gepark.org/turkey. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 WOMEN Holiday Makeovers – Time-saving and cost-cutting tips for the holidays including accessory ideas and new eye and lip techniques. Ages 18 and up. 7- 8:15 PM. Community Rec Center, Addison. addisonparks.org. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 CONCERT Christian Artist – Tim Timmons is a national Christian recording artist who will perform selections for his new album as well as Christian favorites. 7 - 8:30 PM. St. Joan of Arc Church, Lisle. Tickets timmons. givesmart.com. Info 630-963-4500. sjalisle.org. TEENS Superhero Night – Swimming, pizza, movie, superhero trivia. 5-8 graders. 7 – 9:30 PM. Olympic Indoor Swim Center, Arlington Heights. 847577-3000. ahpd.org.
DECEMBER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 FAMILY Tiny Great Performances – Introduce children to the arts with a performance by an ensemble consisting entirely of French Horns. Dancing and clapping along is encouraged. 9:45 and 10:30 AM. DuPage suburban family | subfam.com
Chicago, Columbia College Chicago and After School Matters will feature on-of-a-kind items including jewelry, fashion, painting, sculpture, prints and drawings for sale in a heated tent on the Chase Promenade North. 11 AM – 7 PM. Chicago. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink – November 16 – mid March. Lessons and special programming weekends and during the Chicago Public Schools’ winter break. Skate rentals available. Chicago. 312744-3316. millenniumpark.org. McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – November 22. Giant inflatable balloons, marching bands and cultural performances. 8-11 AM. State Street, Chicago. 312-239-0457. chicagofestivals.org. Wreathing of the Lions – November 23. Watch as cheery holiday wreaths are placed on the regal lion statues on the museum steps and then head inside for art-making activities. 10 AM. Art Institute, Chicago. artic.edu. Caroling at the Cloud Gate – November 23-December 14. Bundle up and belt out some holiday classics as local Chicago choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song. 6-7 PM. Chicago. 312-744-3316. millenniumpark.org. Children's Museum, Naperville. dupagesymphony.org. KIDS Alien Invasion – Come find out what invasive species have integrated into our ecosystem and why they are harmful to our environment. Ages 7-10. 10:30 – 11:30 AM. 630-897-1808. Register foxvalleyparkdistrict. MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 FAMILY Adult/Tot Open Climb – Join us for indoor rock climbing on Mondays from September 10 thru December 17! Climbing is low impact and feasible for your tots. Other activities around the rock wall included. 9:30AM-10:30AM. Ackerman SFC, Glen Ellyn. www. AckermanSFC.com. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 TEEN/ADULT Paint and Party Night – Create a painting with a holiday theme, taught by a local artist. Friends and family welcome. Ages 16 and up. Glass of wine served to participants 21 and over. Community Rec Center, Addison. addisonparks.org. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 FAMILY Restoration Work Day – A perfect outdoor volunteering opportunity to help clear invasive plants, plant native flowers, trees and seeds, maintain trails and more. 9AM-11AM. Ackerman Park, Glen Ellyn. www.gepark.org/restoration. FUNDRAISER Gala – "One Dream" gala benefits Juvenile/Type 1 Diabetes research, and the JDRF announces that Barenaked Ladies will perform at their event. Evening November/December 2017
includes dinner, drinks, silent auction. 5:30-11:30 PM. McCormick Place, Chicago. 312-670-0313. jdrf.org. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 FAMILY Science Night – Families become scientists and explore fun science concepts while making discoveries through experiments, projects and play. 6 - 7 PM. Wildwood Nature Center, Park Ridge Park District. prparks.org. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 FAMILY Snowflake Swim - The Pavilion Aquatics Center will transform into the North swimming, holiday games & prizes, Tie-Dye snowflake swim T-shirt Station. All ages with a parent. 1-3 PM. Elk Grove Village Park District. elkgroveparks.org. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 FAMILY Parent's Night Out – Finish shopping sans children, let them have a night of games, activities and pizza. Recreation Center, Romeoville. Romeoville Park District. 815-886-6222. romeoville.org. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 ADULTS Bunco Party. A light lunch and beverages are included. 11:15 AM – 2 PM. Plainfield Township Community Center, Plainfield Park District. plfdparks.org. Coming Next insert Jan FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 FAMILY Dive In Movie – Float in the pool on your own inflatable raft or noodle while watching a movie ("Arthur Christmas") on a poolside big screen. 7 PM. Oak Brook Park District. 630-990-4233. obparks.org. FAMILY Indoor Drive-In – Supply a large cardboard box and receive a goody bag full of materials to design a car for the "drive-in" to sit in and watch the movie. Parents should bring blankets or chairs. All ages with adult. 7 PM (project time) and 7:30 (movie time – "Frozen"). Community Rec Center, Addison. addisonparks.org.
FAMILY Nature Discovery Days – Themed discovery days including Wild Turkeys, Wildfire in Winter and Animals Babies. Hands-on activities, games, crafts and experiments. Children and adults can explore topics together. All ages, adultl must be present. Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville. napervilleparks.org.
SENIORS SilverSneakers Program – Ongoing exercise classes for seniors including general movement, circuit, cardio, yoga and specific sports. Bolingbrook Park District. bolingbrookparks.org. SPORTS Open Pickleball - Mon – Fri ongoing, 9 AM – 12 PM. Pickleball is a simple game played on a badminton sized court with a tennis sized net and is a paddle sport for all ages and all athletic ability levels. Central Community Center, Mt. Prospect Park District. mppd.org.
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TEENS Jr. High Teen Nights – Thru school year. Music, dancing, basketball and other activities. Grades 6-8. 7 PM. Pavilion, Elk Grove Park District. 847-437-
FAMILY Open Mic Night – Every Saturday 7-9 PM. Monthly chance to be in the spotlight and share musical talents. All ages. Bartlett Nature Center, Bartlett. bartlettparkdistrict.org. KIDS Klub Friday Night – Fridays during the school year, music, games, tournaments and special events plus pizza and a drink. 4 - 5 grade. 7:30-9:30 PM. Bloomingdale Park District. 630-529-3650. bloomingdaleparks.org. November/December 2017
GARDENS Mums Flower Show 11/3-25. Celebrate the bounty of fall. Wilder Park Conservatory, Elmhurst. Mon - Sun 8 AM - 6 PM. Elmhurst Park District. epd.org. SPORTS Wrestling – 11/8 and ongoing. Watch Major League Wrestling Friday nights at Cicero Stadium. 7 PM. Clyde Park District, Cicero. 708-652-3545. FAMILY Winterfest at Randall Oaks Zoo – Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday PM lights, Page 1 decorations, cookie decorating, live reindeer, a visit with Santa and a bonfire to warm up by. Randall Oaks Zoo. West Dundee. Dundee Township Park District. dtpd.org.
COMING JAN/FEB
WINTER
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
ONGOING EXHIBIT Roller Skating – "The Golden Age of Roller Skating explores the glory days of skating and "rink rats." View video footage and rare photos and artifacts from rinks throughout Chicagoland from the 1950s through the 1980s. Sun-Th-Fri 1-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-5 PM. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. 630833-1457. Elmhursthistory.org.
FAMILY Hike – 11/3 or 11/23. Family hike that teaches about what happens to trees, animals and insects in the fall. End the hike with a fire and marshmallow roasting. 1-3 PM. mortonarb.org.
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10/22/18
FAMILY Gnome Hunt – Daily, November thru December. Discover the gnomes hiding throughout the garden. 9:305:33 AM-4 PM PM. Children's Page 1Garden, Morton Arboretum. mortonarb.org. FAMILY Winter Play – Daily, November thru December. Weather-permitting activities may include snow painting, building forts, self-guided discovery activities. 11 AM-3 PM. Children's Garden, Morton Arboretum. mortonarb.org.
ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO ,
Feb 2019 issue.:Layout 1
9494, elkgroveparks.org.
CELEBRATIONS Planning Guide
FUN!
ALSO FEATURING... Celebrations: Party Planning Guide, Winter Fun!, Mind-Body-Spirit, Education: Special Needs, On Stage, Race Events, Kids Party Places, Dining Out, Great Events and more! To advertise call: 630-863-7183 Ad Space Deadline: December 10, 2018
WINTER FUN! suburban family | subfam.com
great events 59
dining out
Mon Ami Gabi
deep mahogany wood, rich leather banquettes and a mosaic tile
Mon Ami Gabi is the perfect place to host your holiday event. Let
floor. Treat your guests to our signature Steak Frites, boutique
our seasoned Catering Manager Jessica help you plan your special
French wine pairings and decadent dessert. To inquire, contact
occasion from start to finish. With two private rooms located off
Jessica today at jcavanah@leye.com.
the main dining room, both feature glass paneled French doors,
Grabbing lunch at Oakbrook Center? Enjoy Mon Ami Gabi’s new Express Lunch menu. For $18.95, enjoy a three-course meal complete with choice of Soup Du Jour or Salad Maison, Classic Prime Steak or Atlantic Salmon Frites, and choice of Un Profiterole or Sorbet Du Jour for dessert. Call 630-472-1900 for more information or to make a reservation. Mon Ami Gabi is located at the
OAKBROOK CENTER MALL • OAK BROOK, IL MONAMIGABI.COM
630.472.1900
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY! SPECIAL EVENTS CAN-CAN DINNER SHOWS, COOKING CLASSES & MORE!
east side of Oakbrook Center mall, near Neiman Marcus at 260 Oakbrook Center Oak Brook, IL 60523
Catch 35 Seafood & Steaks Voted BEST SEAFOOD in Naperville, Catch 35delivers ocean fresh seafood and premium steaks to the western suburbs. Dive into Catch 35’s seasonal menu featuring fresh Alaskan king crab, Dry aged New York Strip, and Lake Superior Whitefish. Looking for a new spot for lunch! Catch 35’s lunch menu offers Signature plates, crispy seafood platters, entrée salads, and much more. Open at 11:30am, Monday–Saturday. Heading to a theater performance, Catch 35’s 3-course Prix Fixe Menu for only $37 is the perfect companion. Celebrate the
Stay CONNECTED: 60 dining out
holidays with a Catch 35 gift card! Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a BONUS $25 gift card. The elegant atmosphere suburban family | subfam.com
November/December 2018
at Catch 35 is the perfect private party space for your next celebration dinner or business luncheon.Visit www.catch35. com for daily bar specials. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Locations: 35 W. Wacker, Chicago, 312-346-3500 and 35 S. Washington, Naperville, 630-717-3500.
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café Come to Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe this holiday season for meals the whole family will enjoy. Join us at our Darien location for our annual Thanksgiving Buffet. We are open from 12pm-4pm and seating is by reservations only, so call us now to make yours! We will have a huge buffet again this year featuring soups, salads, meats, sides and desserts. Then in December it’s arguably one of our biggest eventsLunch with the Grinch happening Wed. 12/19- Sunday 12/23 . Hours do vary by day, so call today for more info! Reservations are highly suggested. So this holiday season come out for a great time and a great meal at Chuck’s in Darien. 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL. 331-431-4000 chuckscafe.com
November/December 2018
suburban family | subfam.com
dining out 61
Houlihan’s Whether you’re looking for a great meal for lunch or dinner, or just a place to unwind with the best Chicago happy hour, Houlihan’s Restaurant's provide a great dining experience.
Healthy Fresh Thai Cuisine
Drink up our happy hour specials, check out our current happenings or just find your favorite item on our menu. Our $5 Spot Happy Hour features food and drinks all for $5 bucks. Featuring our $5 Big Cheese, a full-size, happy-hour only burger, appetizers and select cocktails on our menu. Plus, additional drink specials. Days + hours vary by location. Check houlihans.com for deets.
East Gate Common & .BJO 4U t 4U $IBSMFT *- Vino Thai
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Vino Thai’s serves up healthy and fresh Thai Cuisine. Ever since .POEBZ o 5IVSTEBZ o QN 'SJEBZ 4BUVSEBZ o QN 4VOEBZ o QN
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
(630) 443-8461 www.vinothai.com
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
Don’t miss this opportunity to attract our readers to your restaurant.
Algonquin | Geneva | Naperville | Orland Park | Wheaton
Call 630-863-7183 to reserve your space! in the January/February issue’s DINING OUT section.
Dining certificates can be redeemed between 1/1/19 – 2/28/19. One per table. Excludes Valentine’s Day, 2/14/19.
Free listing included!
Buy $50 in gift cards now through Dec. 31, get a $10 dining certificate. No gift receipts necessary – they won’t be taking this one back.
62 dining out
suburban family | subfam.com
November/December 2018
November/December 2018
suburban family | subfam.com
dining out 63
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EXPERIENCE A SPARKLING HOLIDAY TRADITION! Select Dates November 23–January 6 Open 4:30–9 p.m.
Activities: • Incredible 3D displays • Warm spiced wine, frosty beers and festive snacks • Holiday gift shopping • Live ice-sculpture carving • Strolling carolers • Light Maze (ticketed) • Musical light shows
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Detailed schedule and tickets: lpzoo.org/zoolights
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