Evanston Woman Magazine by Evanston Woman Magazine

MEET STEVE HAGERTY

EMPOWERING WOMEN, FAMILIES & OUR COMMUNITY LORRAINE H. MORTON FORMER MAYOR OF EVANSTON

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FEATURES 10 MEET STEVE HAGERTY Steve Shares His Dedication in Supporting Women, Families and Our Community. VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 4

CONTENTS

MASHUP 2016

16 HYATT HOUSE Where Comfort Meets Style. 17 WHY I MARCHED Evanstonian, Jean-Marie Freise Shares a Lifetime Experience.

DEPARTMENTS 3 BEAUTY Jennea Dorsey-Gordley at Organic Roots Eco-Salon Brings Her Expertise in Textured Hair.

s our winter is coming to an end, national elections are over, a new era has begun. What a season it has been! The good news is that we are a community that has moved towards inclusiveness, understanding, and sustainability. I feel that the gates of a civil movement have opened and we have found ourselves standing up and staying true to ourselves and neighbors. On page 17, Evanstonian Jean-Marie Freise shares why she marched. A true warrior at heart!

12 EMPOWERMENT Practice with Intention 2 Electric Boobaloo. 13 WELLNESS Getting Through the Winter with Dr. Archane Lal-Tabak. 19 SPOTLIGHT YMCA Annual Gala.

One artist’s exhibit I encourage you to see is Ben Blount’s at 1100 Florance. Blount is currently showing thru Feb. 28, 2017. Recollection examines the notions of race and culture we encounter growing up in the United States. Shared through reimagined learning tools and remembered narratives, this work explores how Cheers! we collect these formative ideas about identity and commit them to memory. This collection of work from artist Ben Blount includes letterpress prints, handmade books, and various interactive elements. Linda Del Bosque (copy from: 1100florence.com) Editor-in-chief The first week I moved to Evanston I was shopping at a local market for steak. As I was stumped on how to choose a good cut, and a friendly shopper peeked over to my left side and said, “You need to learn how to choose a good steak.” Twenty minutes later, as we our conversation ended we hugged, and said our goodbyes. We exchanged first names and she welcomed me to Evanston. Later to find out, she was the lovely Former Mayor of Evanston, Lorriane Morton. Morton, the first black female Mayor of Evanston, has gifted our community with the gift of empowerment. Thank you Former Mayor Lorriane Morton. Pragmatic, inclusiveness, and leader are three words that describe Steve Hagerty. His dedication to Evanston was imprinted years before his decision to run for Evanston of Mayor. With years of community involvement, placing the future of our community, the lives of our families, and the empowerment of women at the top, Steve understands the importance of keeping our community safe, maintaining diversity, and ensuring where we live well be thriving in the next 20 and 30 years. This issue is dedicated to all the Evanston Women who marched. Thank you for being brave.

Editor-in-chief Linda Del Bosque Advertising Office 847-971-1433 Graphic Designer Maribel Lopez Editor Carrie Jackson Photo Credit Evanston Photographic Studios | genie lemieux evanstonwoman.com facebook.com/evanstonwoman Copyright © Evanston Woman Magazine , all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Evanston Woman Magazine.

PHOTO BY ANNETTE PATKO

FROM THE EDITOR

6 TRUEHEALTH Heart Disease in Women with Dr. Josie Tenore.

Thank You! CLOSED IN 2016

793 TOTAL UNITS SOLD PENDING FOR 2017 $18,904,782 COLDWELL BANKER EVANSTON | 1710 CENTRAL ST | 847.866.8200 If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. ÂŠ2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

BEAUTY Q: How long have you enjoyed working professionally? A: Professionally, I have been working with clients since 2010. Although, I have enjoyed working recreationally for about 20 years. Q: Why did you relocate? A: I relocated to a larger market, from Cincinnati where I attended the Aveda Fredics Institute. Now I am able to focus on what I do best, specializing in textured hair. Q: What do you like to experience with your clients? A: I love to see transformation. How each client is different, and their outcomes are different as well. Q: What drives you? A: I enjoy what I do. I take pleasure in plugging in mathematics while cutting hair to make sure all evens out well. I enjoy math a lot. But what really drives me is my passion in helping ladies achieves an all over healthy color hair, with a great hairstyle. Specializing in textured hair, I am able to server more ladies in the area.

Evanston Woman Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the talented Jennea Dorsey-Gordley at Organic Roots Eco Salon and welcome her to the area.

Q: What is your favorite quote? A: Age has nothing to do with maturity. Maturity has nothing to with age. Organic Roots Eco Salon in Skokie, Jennea Dorsey-Gordley is a color and texture educator for Simply Organic Beauty. Fluent with all textures of hair, she specializes in Natural Hair Care services. Dorsey-Gordley is looking forward to pampering guest that are looking for a healthy hair experience.

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O WAY

Stella

linda’s top 3 1 Terra & Vine are now open for Lunch and Brunch.

TURNS 15!

Join us all month long... February 24th 6pm-9pm Tropical Paradise Party

discounts... music... trunk show... drinks... refreshments We will be celebrating throughout the month of February, creating a festive tropical paradise to warm up the season!

2 The City of Evanston partnered with Hispanic Business owners to create what is now, “LATINX Business Association.” 3 Foundation Square are is receiving a face-lift!!

OM sweet OM

A morning of yoga practice to benefit Housing Options Saturday, March 11, 2017 10 am – noon

Parks Hall at Alice Millar Chapel 1870 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60201 $30 per person RSVP Beth Ida Stern 847.866.2989 bistern@housingopt.org

/ Stella.Evanston

www.stellaevanston.com

TRUEHEALTH he #1 cause of death in women is heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women alike. Here are the top risk factors:

1 Smoking - [please quit] 2 Diabetes

3 Metabolic syndrome (a combination of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar) 4 Family history 5 Obesity 6 High levels of certain inflammatory markers Women also have risk factors for heart disease that are less often shared by men, notably: 1 Autoimmune disease 2 Inflammatory conditions

Heart Disease in Women BY DR. JOSIE TENORE, M.D.

3 Hormone imbalances 4 Hypertension during menopause 5 Stress and depression 6 Low risk factor awareness What do I mean by “low risk factor awareness”? Well, women’s symptoms often do not include the classic presentation of sharp or crushing chest pain, with radiation to the jaw and down the arm. Rather, women frequently report nausea, vomiting, indigestion, back pain, fatigue or shortness of breath. Because their symptoms may seem non-threatening, women don’t always seek intervention quickly. Moreover, these symptoms can be vague enough that healthcare providers fail to consider the situation urgently. Women also tend to visit their primary care doctors at rates much higher than men do. Because they often report the same symptoms for less harmful reasons (such as reflux, the flu, muscle strain, or even depression), it can be very difficult to diagnose heart disease in women who don’t already have a history of heart disease. The other unique feature for women is simply one of anatomy. Women’s arteries are generally 6 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M

smaller than those of men, so a much smaller clot can completely block essential blood flow to the heart, brain, or lungs. Smaller arteries also mean that the placement of arterial stents and cardiac bypass surgery are more challenging and less successful. Ladies, I encourage you to make your health a priority. Listen to that inner voice and, if you feel something is off or that your primary care physician is not properly addressing your concerns, seek out another doc. If you’re not sure where to begin, feel free to visit us in Highland Park. It’s a beautiful drive, just up Sheridan Road. Be healthy, be happy, be well.

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TRUEHEALTH

FUEL YOUR WORKOUT

EVANSTON’S ELITE TRAINING CENTER for SELF DEFENSE & FITNESS

Interview with Expert, Barbara Fine Evanston Athletic Club

older temperatures can derail healthy eating and exercise goals over the winter, but a little planning can get you out of hibernation mode. Barbara Fine, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian at Evanston Athletic Club, says being in tune with your own body’s needs as well as the specific needs of women will help you put your plan into action. Staying hydrated, eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and keeping active will allow you to feel your best year round.

“A lot of women feel sluggish in the winter when there’s less sunlight, which provides our primary source of vitamin D. Since many women are already deficient in vitamin D, I recommend taking a supplement of 1000 IUs a day in addition to eating plenty of leafy green vegetables. This also helps with calcium absorption, which is especially important for women to build healthy bones,” says Fine. She suggests eating calcium-rich foods and regularly engaging in weight-bearing exercise, like walking or a Zumba class, to further promote bone health. Being properly fueled before a workout will allow you to exercise more efficiently and productively. “A piece of fruit with a little protein is a great pre-workout snack. The fruit gives you fiber and nutrients, and the protein will give you sustained energy. Cheese, peanut butter, or hummus are easy options,” says Fine. Spending a few minutes each week planning your meals and snacks so you have nutritious options already in the fridge will encourage you to make smarter choices when you may be tired and hungry and feel better overall.

Come in for a FREE trail class! 1 week of unlimited classes for $25!

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8 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M

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ORT

HAGERTY MOVED TO EVANSTON IN 1999 SO H IS WI FE LISA COUL D PUR SUE A PHD IN EDUC ATI ON AT NOR THWESTERN UNIVER SITY. TH E Y FELL IN L OVE WITH EVANSTON.

MEET STEVE HAGERTY

“

EMPOWERING WOMEN, FAMILIES & OUR COMMUNITY

wenty-four years ago, Steve Hagerty, fresh with a degree in public administration from one of the finest public policy schools in the country, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, was ready to start his public-sector career.

Unfortunately, despite 75 applications, the government was not ready to hire Steve. Instead, due to his entrepreneurial spirit building lofts in college with his brother, Price Waterhouse Cooper’s Office of Government Services took a chance on this public minded graduate, who grew up on a small hobby farm in the working-class town of Attleboro, MA, to join the government division. Today, this Evanstonian, who is a candidate for Mayor of Evanston, leads one of the most highly respected emergency management consulting firms in the nation, Hagerty Consulting; a 100+ person firm headquartered in Evanston that is focused on helping governments across the country prepare for and recover from disasters. “Helping communities recover on their worst day has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” says Steve. “Now the time has come, given the great team I have in place, to offer to help the City I love, Evanston, every day as its next Mayor.” Interestingly, this will be the first time in 32 years that Evanston has not had a woman Mayor. Nonetheless, women leaders in town are making their voices heard. Former Mayor Lorraine Morton and Alderwomen Delores Holmes and Eleanor Revelle have endorsed Hagerty. “Steve has consistently and successfully demonstrated leadership in this community, whether it be with the Chamber of Commerce, YOU, YWCA, YMCA, or First Bank & Trust. He and his family are generous with their time and money, and genuinely care about improving the lives of everyone in Evanston,” says Mayor Morton, who served Evanston for 16 years, from 1993-2009. Hagerty has outlined a set of goals which emphasize increasing and supporting women and minority-owned businesses, expanding economic development to all neighborhoods, strengthening youth development to reduce violence, and maintaining diversity and affordability by holding the line on taxes that disproportionately impact long-term residents. He has also articulated that Evanston, more so than

HELPING COMMUNITIES RECOVER ON THEIR WORST DAY HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLY REWARDING EXPERIENCE... NOW THE TIME HAS COME, GIVEN THE GREAT TEAM I HAVE IN PLACE, TO OFFER TO HELP THE CITY I LOVE, EVANSTON, EVERY DAY AS ITS NEXT MAYOR.

”

ever, needs to be a conscience of social justice. “We need to stand up for those in our community who are marginalized. We can’t normalize hate, division, or ‘alternative facts.’ We need to double down on empathy, love, and kindness,” says Hagerty. Hagerty has participated in Leadership Evanston, served on local boards of organizations including Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U), Youth Job Center, and the YWCA. His two children are involved in the Flying Fish swim program, Camp Echo, Jr. Wildkit Hockey, AYSO, and EBSA. “My wife and I are very concerned about the continuing and growing inequality in the world. It’s harmful for our community, both here in Evanston and as a country. While I fully believe the federal government needs to be investing more time and money into our youth, education, and poverty, we can start by doing those things at home. A focus on early childhood development, workforce development, and giving women and minorities the resources to start their own businesses will all lead to a better community,” says Hagerty.

EMPOWERMENT

PATIENCE. FLEXIBILITY. COMMITMENT. HEALING. SWEAT. Deepen your practice while making a difference! Beer, wine, and other refreshments to follow, as well as fantastic raffle prizes from local businesses.

BY CARRIE JACKSON s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America, breast cancer is a fear and concern for most women. It kills more than 40,000 women every year according to Susan G. Koman (SGK), whose mission is to invest in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Lane Fenrich, a longtime yoga teacher at Evanston Athletic Club (EAC), has been committed to fighting breast cancer after seeing what his sister, Rhonda, went through. “Rhonda was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma in 2014. A week later, her doctors added inflammatory breast cancer to her diagnosis, going from bad to worse. To say this is personal would be an understatement. But it’s more than that. Especially in the current political climate, the personal really is the political,” says Fenrich, who has raised more than $15,000 for SGK. Fenrich is putting his passion to work and encouraging others to come out and raise awareness and money. On February 26 he will be teaming up with EAC to host Electric Boobaloo, a yoga class fundraiser for SGK. Following SPECIAL THANKS TO EAC the class, guests will enjoy refreshFOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS EVENT ments donated by Temperance Beer Company, North Shore Cider Company, and Farmhouse. There will also be a chance to win fabulous raffle prizes like gift cards to Stained Glass, tickets to ComedySportz, and classes at Wine Goddess. EAC’s General Manager, Dana Anderson, says supporting organizations like SGK fits into their commitment of promoting overall health and wellness. “So many people have been affected by breast cancer in one way or another. We are dedicated to being a part of what matters to our community, and try to have a little fun in the process,” she says. 1 2 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Practice With Intention 2: Electric Boobaloo Februray 26, 2017, 5:30-7PM Evanston Athletic Club, 1723 N. Benson $30 suggested donation. Non-members welcome! For more information and to register, visit www.chicagoathleticclubs.com/electric-boobaloo-rsvp.

WELLNESS

Getting Through the Winter BY DR. ARCHANA LAL-TABAK

etting through the winter time is easy with balancing mind-body-spirit & immune system. Having warm teas, curried stews/soups, and fresh vegetarian/ bone broths is nutritious and delicious. Using warming, organic spices and herbs decrease inflammation in the body. Movement with aerobic and limbic exercises, mindfulness and meditation help to raise one’s spirits. Vitamin D3, methylated B vitamins and full spectrum lighting are helpful for mood and immune regulation. Warm salt baths are luxurious with beeswax lit candles/ lavender essential oil as are warm wet saunas are to assist with the dryness of the winter months.

Do you sometimes feel as if life has gotten away from you? As if you’re in a constant, headlong rush? As if you’ve forgotten how to relax?

reSource Wellness, my mission is to create a space where At my clients can feel a sense of safety, peace, comfort, and support; tap into the resources for healing that all of us are given when we come into the world; and achieve deep rest that, for many, leads to profound change. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Biodynamic Lymphatic Drainage, and Chi Gong “Check out resourcewellnessllc.com for information. Call or email for a special Evanston Woman’s discount.” Michelle Bobier, BCST 809 Ridge Rd Suite 207 Wilmette, IL 60091 michellebobier@me.com

Immune supporters like Echinacea /Goldenseal. medicinal teas, Elderberry, Essential Oils, Honey Loquat Syrup, respiratory supporting Herbs and Homeopathy like Oscillococcinum can keep you healthy and strong throughout the winter months. For the best choices of spics, teas, supplements and a thorough individualized assessment, contact Archana Lal-Tabak M. D. and Jim Lal-Tabak: co-founders of Heart of Transformation Wellness Institute via bodymindmedicine.com. Jim teaches yoga at EAC and at our office in downtown Evanston. They are also giving a talk on best approaches to Seasonal Affective Issues on Thursday Jan 26th at 7pm and teaching a class on winter Cooking/ Nutrition in Feb 2017. They have Wellness Groups available to teach on site at organizations and at their office on Fridays.

Archana Lal-Tabak, M.D. Consultant/ Educator/ Advocate/ SENG Facilitator/ Matrix Leadership Integrative Medicine/ Wholistic Psychiatry/ Ayurveda/ Homeopathy/ Nutrition Northwestern University HPME/ UCLA/ Oregon HSU/ UIC / UofC Phone: (847) 425-WELL (9355) www.bodymindmedicine.com laltabak@mac.com

SOUTHWEST SALAD LU NCH

lanning nutritious meals can be time consuming, but meal delivery companies such as the fresh plan help ease the stress. Betsy Epton, who founded the company in 2016 with her husband Scott, focuses on making meals convenient and healthy without sacrificing taste or quality.

“We offer four different weeks of menus so there’s plenty of variety,” says Epton. the fresh plan is ideal for people looking for calorie-controlled meals, busy professionals short on time, seniors who have trouble shopping, patients who are rehabbing from an injury, or anyone else trying to simplify while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “We’ve developed strong relationships with our clients. Their feedback is important to us, and we’ve modified the menus and selection to reflect their tastes and preferences,” says Epton.

FLAX SEED & WHOLE WH EAT PANCAKE BREAK FAS T

Breakfasts include items such as a Spinach and Feta Quiche or Flax Seed Pancakes, lunch could be a Southwestern Salad or Baja Fish Taco Salad, and dinner might be Mediterranean Salmon or a Flatbread Veggie Pizza. Menus are 1200 or 1700 calories a day, and are low in sodium and cholesterol. “Our chef has traveled around the world studying local dishes and developing a holistic approach to worldly cuisine. We really want our customers to love the experience and the food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” says Epton. For more information, visit thefreshplan.com. CONTACT US TODAY 224-480-3700 www.thefreshplan.com • betsy@thefreshplan.com “LIKE” the fresh plan on Facebook 1 4 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M

MEDITERRANEAN SA L MO N

BRUNCH AT

Boltwood

y morning began with my daughter, as weeks pass by quickly, it’s always nice to nestle into a cozy place for a wonderful brunch on the weekends. We started off to Boltwood to enjoy what is now one of our favorite places to dine. I was delighted to have a morning coffee along side my fresh squeezed locally grown grapefruit mimosa with a scone. The menu offers light to comfort food plates. From greek yogurt to stone oats and pecans to fresh biscuits and gravy, fried eggs, sourdough pancakes, breakfast sausage with sriracha syrup, french toast bun, and of course my favorite, house cured bacon! When my meal arrived, the Evanston Lumber, I had to quickly take a selfie to remind myself that I was not heaven, but in Evanston.

SERVING BY LINDA DEL BOSQUE

upscale restaurants in the city of Chicago. The 2015 James Beard Award semifinalist for “Best Chef: Great Lakes”, takes it up a notch in creating each dish with his unique style, flavor and taste. With the same dedication Hutson puts into cooking, it was important for Hutson to harvest enriched relationships with local farmers to only bring each guest the finest ingredients.

Shortly after, I glanced and noticed the room was filled with students, parents, and grandparents…. a place where people come and gathered to talk, laugh, and share life experiences. This is more then a restaurant, this is a place where people feel delighted and can enjoy their food and company. A place where you are greeted the moment you walk in. Walking through the revolving doors of Boltwood the aroma of fresh farm grown food sweep you off your feet one step at time. Boltwood is a farm to table restaurant serving a seasonal menu prepared by chef Brian Huston. Huston’s passion for cooking began years before opening the doors at Boltwood. Hutson collected years of experience by traveling and working as lead chef at the most swank and

Boltwood: Named after the freshman wing of ETHS, Evanstonian Huston, along side his wife, Chrissy Prieto decided to open the doors of what is now a place where many of us, and I invite you to as well, call their family and friends and say, “Let’s Do Brunch at Boltwoood!” E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 1 5

When the Hyatt House of Evanston decided to build a hotel one of the most important factor was kept in mind:

comfort meets style. W hen the city of Evanston signed off to build the Hyatt House the city had economic development in mind. Little did they know one company’s idea to provide a high level of service and hospitality would open a door that lead to community leadership that will enrich Evanston for years to come.

gratitude Kvamme’s leadership begins with a smile each morning as she takes the time to visit with each guest one on one after spending time cooking fresh omelets in the full service breakfast area. “Having been with this Hyatt literally from the ground up, and instantly feeling welcomed by our neighbors and the entire Evanston community has reinvigorated me professionally and personally,” Kvamme shares of her beloved team and company.

Welcome to the Hyatt House of Evanston, a place where families, organizations, newlyweds, Northwestern students, alumni, and even pets come to settle in and enjoy their stay whether it is one night or several weeks long. The luxury 8-story hotel sets the tone for excellence by providing each guest with a full service complimentary breakfast, fine bed linens, towels, and sitting areas throughout the hotel. The Hyatt House’s attention to detail is flawless and provides each guest with an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy their visit.

Widely centered lights, colors, and a trendy fashionable yet comfortable setting, the event space provides guests and organizations ample room to host celebrations. Located on the intersection of Davis and Chicago Avenue, The Hyatt House awaits you to come and experience what is now, the paramount of hospitality and comfort in Evanston.

Sarah Kvamme General Manager of the Hyatt House of Evanston has been with the Hyatt Hotel for over a decade, and relocating closer to home was certainly a win-win situation for her. Kvamme also brought over a valuable team creating a powerhouse of associates to provide a level of hospitality only one can dream of. Extending her grace and 1 6 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M

sip-worthy cocktails, plus premium beers and wines

WHY I MARCHED BY JEAN-MARIE FREISE

n Saturday, January 21st of 2017, I marched on the streets of Chicago to protest Donald J. Trump and all that he stands for and against. I held my green, neon sign up high which read “Keep Your Laws off My Body” on one side and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” on the other. I walked with my beautiful fourteen year old daughter as she proudly waved her Black Lives Matter sign alongside some of my closest girlfriends. I didn’t march for myself. I marched for the future of my children, for women of color, for the LGBTQ community, for immigrants, for anyone who has been marginalized, relegated to second class, sidelined or forgotten. I marched for a woman’s right to make medical decisions about her own body. I marched for a woman’s right to earn the same salary as that of a man doing the same job. I marched so that I could be part of something much bigger than myself and to show solidarity with sisters everywhere. At 8:00 am that morning we boarded the red line and shuffled to the back in a small corner where a young woman wearing blue jeans, white sneakers and a Hijab stood with her baby girl in tow. She was visibly happy. She grinned and giggled at the cuteness of her toddler gently pulling on the coat tails of a stranger in front of them. We all smiled at one another and we struck up a conversation about the day ahead of us and she told us that she

was from Syria and she was here to start a new life. Once it became clear she would need to get off before us, we devised a plan so that she could maneuver her bulky stroller to the front of the car and exit safely. “Please make room for this mom and her child coming through” someone yelled. We coordinated an effort of exchanging places so that she could make her way to the front. She thanked us and offered us the snacks she had with her and waved goodbye at Sheridan. I marched for her. In all of my despair about what the results of this election mean for democracy and for human rights, I am equally optimistic that goodness and love will prevail. I’m not naïve, I know that we’ll lose many battles (we already have). I know that we will take steps backward in time on the progress we’ve made, but here is the silver lining, demolition has to happen before new construction can begin. Demolition is messy and you wonder, why am I doing this? The thing that keeps us going, is knowing that the hard messy work has to be done before we can ever see the finished product. Quitting is not an option. The work of rebuilding will pay off and never in my life time have I seen more people ready and willing to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. Resistance is key and we must not stop loving one another in the process. I marched because every life is valuable, every life is sacred.

E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 1 7

VOTE

FEB 28

Evanston/North Shore

SPOTLIGHT

McGaw

YMCA

gala

ANNUAL

he 2017 McGaw YMCA Annual Gala, held on January 21, gathered 500 business, civic, and philanthropic leaders together to celebrate its unified focus on strengthening the lives of young people.

The gala is held each year in the McGaw YMCA’s Sebring-Lewis Center to raise revenue for its high-quality youth programs. Initial estimates reveal that contributions from this year’s gala are double the $153,000 raised at the 2015 gala. “The event was truly Evanston at its best, with strong representation from across our diverse community, coming together to celebrate our shared values,” said McGaw YMCA Board of Directors Chair Pat Maunsell.

tion: Y Readers, Project SOAR, MetaMedia, and Y Achievers. This fiscal year alone, the McGaw YMCA will invest over $1 million in these signature programs. “From elementary school to high school, the McGaw YMCA is providing a continuum of high-quality learning experiences, at no cost to their families,” said Mark A. Dennis, Jr, McGaw YMCA President and CEO. “We are grateful for the growing number of supporters who are helping to strengthen our community.” Perrion McClinton, was also honored with the Talley-Reece Award for making significant contributions to his community. Through his volunteer efforts at Camp Echo, the McGaw YMCA, and Pope John School, the 8 th grader exemplifies what it means to be a caring role model.

Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, together with Robert and Patty Reece, were honored at the Gala for their steadfast support of not only the McGaw YMCA, but of programs and scholarships that support youth across Evanston. “These leaders have worked for decades to open doors for young people,” said Maunsell. “The McGaw YMCA is honored to count them as three of the many dedicated volunteers who make a difference for Evanston youth.” This year’s gala focused on McGaw YMCA’s youth programs that address critical social needs, including the achievement gap and character forma-

E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 1 9

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