Award winning agent for 17 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.
jfolker@atproperties.com
20+ years in corporate sales & consulting, 2-term member of LF District 67 School Board.
379 BRIDLE LANE LAKE FOREST
7 BEDS, 6.2 BATHS // $2,399,000
Built in 1988, this stunning home exudes sophistication and New England charm on 1.38 acres with conservancy views. Boasting 7,677 square feet above grade and 1,732 square feet in the lower level, it features exquisite architectural details, millwork, hardwood and stone flooring, and abundant natural light. Highlights include 4 fireplaces, a grand foyer, formal dining and living rooms, gourmet kitchen with top-tier appliances and a large island, and a family room open to a lush backyard. Additional amenities include a home theater, recreation room, and professionally landscaped grounds with a spacious deck. Meticulously maintained and move-in ready, this home offers luxury living at its finest.
jennifermower@atproperties.com
343 N AHWAHNEE ROAD LAKE FOREST
4+1 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $3,595,000
Overlooking Onwentsia Golf Course, this beautifully updated 6,300+ square foot brick home sits on 2.36 private acres with a swimming pool, high ceilings, hardwood flooring and designer finishes throughout! Floor plan includes 5 en-suite bedrooms and 5.2 baths, a luxurious first floor primary suite, handsome library, gorgeous great room with fireplace and built-ins, stunning dining room, beautiful gourmet kitchen with large breakfast area, 3 ensuite bedrooms on the second level and laundry on 1st and 2nd floors. Finished lower level with a rec room, media room, ensuite bedroom, full bath, wine cellar, home gym area and storage. The 3-car heated garage has 2 new lifts plus a detached 1-car garage, Ideal location on gorgeous professionally landscaped grounds close to town, train, parks and schools!
8 BEDS, 5.1 BATHS // $5,900,000
The Ralph H. Poole House stands as an enduring testament to David Adler's design, detail and exceptional craftsmanship. Conceived between 1911-14, the over 8-acre residence is the essence of a Parisian chateau enveloped by a sense of symmetry, balance, and proportion that seamlessly intertwines both interior and exterior spaces. Meticulously restored & elevated to its current state of opulence, every facet has been redone or enhanced with true thought in bringing the home into the 21st century while honoring all its history. Features include an expansive foyer/gallery with 13 ft ceilings, original limestone bridal staircase and plaster reliefs, formal living room with signature black terrazzo floors, marble fireplace, raised paneled walls and an exquisite Baccarat crystal chandelier, rich Gum Wood library, stunning dining room, oval solarium with original fountain that mirrors the oval family room, state-of-the-art kitchen, luxurious baths, 1st floor ensuite bedroom, 1st floor office, exquisite primary retreat, newer pool area, two bedroom coach house and views of the stunning gardens and prairie from every angle. Move right in and enjoy all this architecturally & historically significant estate has to offer near schools, parks, and town!
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195 E Onwentsia Road, Lake Forest
$1,395,000 | 1.52 ACRES
Extraordinary opportunity to build the home of your dreams on a stunning and seldom available 1.52 acres, discreetly accessed via a private drive off Onwentsia Road, ensuring utmost privacy and prestige. This gorgeous, verdant property is perfectly graded with mature landscaping and is ready for new construction to begin. Build up to a 7,596 SF above grade estate. Don’t miss your chance to own one of the last premier lots in East Lake Forest – a truly unique opportunity!
Exhibiting unparalleled style and sophistication, this exquisite home has undergone a stunning renovation by acclaimed interior designer Megan Winters. Ideally situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this distinguished residence is situated on 1.4 acres and has been masterfully reinvented inside and out. Centrally located, this stunning home truly offers the perfect blend of masterful design, functional flow, privacy, and convenience.
SAN FRANCISCO | CHICAGO | LAKE FOREST
The Belvedere Garden is in full bloom, thanks to the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest.
INSPIRING HOPE
Fred Williams, recognized by the American Red Cross as a 2024 Local Hero, leverages his personal story to mentor thousands of young people at the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) of Lake County.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOME TOUR
The Spirit of 67 is bringing a Hollywood legend to its Home & Garden Tour on Thursday, September 26.
The second annual Revelry Food and Wine Festival will bring some of the nation’s best chefs and winemakers to Lake Forest this September.
EDITOR’S NOTE THE GOOD LIFE THE BUZZ ABOUT TOWN ON EXHIBIT THE PORTRAIT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THE FIX THE DISH
Editor’s Note
The music of an approaching ice cream truck gives me a charge, even as an adult.
When I hear those notes, my first instinct—hard-wired by the age of 10—is to send someone out to the street to flag down the driver while I scramble for loose change. These days ice cream trucks take Apple Pay and are more likely to be found lined up next to other food trucks, but my childhood association of visceral excitement remains. With all that’s different in modern life, I’m so glad ice cream trucks, carnivals, and parades are still in vogue.
The August issue of Forest & Bluff serves as something of a cheat-sheet for such simple summer pleasures. From Lake Forest Day (listed in About Town), and Gorton’s 50th Birthday Bash (detailed in Happy Birthday, Gorton!) to the second annual Revelry Food & Wine Festival (featured in Foodie Fave), exciting events abound this August and September.
Speaking of celebrations, Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) of Lake County also observes its 50th anniversary this year. We’re thrilled to shine a light on this impactful youth training program, and one of its most committed mentors, Fred Williams, in Inspiring Hope
To be honest, nature outshines even the most colorful of celebrations at this time of year. Make sure to pencil in a visit to beautiful Belvedere Garden, profiled in Nurturing Native Beauty. This lush native garden, planted on both sides of the stairs leading down to Forest Park Beach, is alive with Coneflowers, Blackeyed Susans, bees, and butterflies this month.
In On Exhibit, we appreciate bees from a very dif-
ferent angle—through the work of artist Diane Tang. Tang’s latest exhibit, showing at The Gallery through September 15, shines a light on some of our planet’s most vulnerable communities, including pollinators.
For more summer inspiration, we speak with Julie Hass in The Portrait. This Lake Forest mother of two talks fashion, entertaining, and why she loves living on the North Shore.
We preview the Spirit of 67 Home & Garden Tour in Lights, Camera, Home Tour. If our John Hughes-themed photo shoot is any indication, this year’s tour is sure to be a blockbuster.
Finally, in The Last Word, writer Sherry Thomas speaks with long-time Lake Bluff resident Joyce Foster. Foster maintains a well-placed sandwich board that she populates with quotes meant to encourage neighbors to plant native gardens.
Enjoy this issue and this most glorious of months!
ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief
erin@jwcmedia.com
@forest&bluffmag
Spirit of 67 Home & Garden Tour helpers Harper Lindsey, Theodore Hensley, Samantha Fields, Penelope Hensley, and Stewart Hensley in the library of John Hughes’ former estate.
Youth Conservation Corps members continue their education with on-the-job training in construction and IT.
Julie Hass wears Balmain from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Find your healthy place
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The Good Life
Musings on What’s Doing And Who’s Doing It
The HOW on living your best life, engaging in meaningful activities, and building relationships in the community
This year, Spirit of 67 pays homage to the legendary director John Hughes, whose former estate is being featured on its Home & Garden Tour.
Here, a new generation of John Hughes fans gives a nod to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
RISING STARS
The Good Life The Buzz
If your August includes a downtown staycation or if you’re tasked with planning a dinner in the city, here’s some food for thought. Six Chicago restaurants were just added to the Michelin Guide. Cariño, John’s Food and Wine, Maxwells Trading, Sifr, Taqueria Chingon, and Warlord now have a place on the prestigious guide’s list of recommended restaurants, joining 152 other Chicago eateries with that same distinction. While inclusion in the guide is no guarantee of a coveted Michelin star, it is does indicate a high-quality restaurant that would make an impressive choice for a night out. guide.michelin.com
SUMMER OF SPRITZ
Move over margarita. The hottest drink this season is the spritz. Francesca’s Intimo in Lake Forest was an early adaptor of the trend and recently launched a cocktail list full of summery spritzes—think homemade limoncello infused with strawberry puree and Aegean tonic or mijenta reposado tequila scented with agave, black walnut, and orange bitters. The feeling of a Mediterranean vacation is just a spritz away in downtown Lake Forest. miafrancesca.com
WE’VE GOT COMPANY Hudson
Grace offers a lesson in low-maintenance summer entertaining with its fun new take on the paper plate. The Melamine Street Eats Collection blends durability and playful style. Perfect for outdoor barbecues or indoor dinner parties, these plates are dishwasher safe, built to last, and make post-party cleanup a breeze. Hint: they would be an especially good canvas for Monica Kass Rogers’ Lobster Avocado Salad. See page 38 for the recipe. hudsongracesf.com
Taco Dorados at Cariño
Chilled Lobster at John’s Food and Wine
Hudson Grace’s Melamine Street Eats Plates
Francesca’s Intimo
About Town
Summer Swan Song
LAKE FOREST DAY
WHEN: August 6 to 7
WHERE: Lake Forest
Get ready for the 116th Lake Forest Day celebration, sponsored by American Legion McKinlock Post No. 264. Lake Forest Day “Salutes Our Welcoming Community” with a parade, carnival, food, music, games, fun for the kids, and a raffle. lakeforestday.com
QUEEN: WE WILL ROCK YOU
WHEN: August 6 to 10
WHERE: Gorton Center
Watch the electrifying performance of kid actors in “Queen: We Will Rock You,” directed by acclaimed artist Madison Kisst. Experience dynamic performances, stunning choreography, and powerful vocals that bring Queen’s legendary music to life. This high-energy production is the culmination of a three-week musical theater camp at Gorton Drama Studio. Performances on August 6, 7, and 8 are exclusively for kids 17 and younger. Performances on August 9 and 10 are open to the general public—children and adults alike. gortoncenter.org
AN EVENING WITH ALLISON
PATAKI & LISA BARR
WHEN: August 21
WHERE: The Gallery of Lake Forest Listen to a discussion between authors Allison Pataki and Lisa Barr about Pataki’s newest novel, Finding Margaret Fuller, while enjoying appetizers and wine. lakeforestbookstore.com
ANTIQUES & TREASURE
WHEN: September 8
WHERE: East Lake Forest Train Station
The Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society of Chicago hosts its 56th annual fundraising event benefiting the children and families of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which was founded in 1911. More than 50 dealers from across the midwest will offer treasures including furniture, glassware, garden accessories, vintage jewelry, and clothing. All funds raised will support the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago. lakeforestiws.org
HARVEST DINNER
WHEN: September 14
WHERE: Elawa Farm, Lake Forest Revel in the final days of summer at the Harvest Dinner, where guests will enjoy a true farm-to-table feast on the beautiful grounds of Elawa Farm. This annual benefit raises funds for Elawa Farm Foundation’s accessible education and food access initiatives. elawafarm.org/annual-fundraisers
GORTON’S
BIRTHDAY BASH
WHEN: September 14 to 15
WHERE: Gorton Center
Gorton Center celebrates its 50th anniversary with a weekend-long birthday bash. Highlights include an outdoor carnival with live music, a movie festival, and indoor concert featuring a special guest, food trucks, and more. gortoncenter.org
PLAY FOR LITERACY GOLF & GAMES
WHEN: September 16
WHERE: Knollwood Club
Reading Power proudly presents its fourth annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games event at Knollwood Club in Lake Forest. Whether you’re swinging clubs on the green, enjoying card games and laughter, or savoring the cocktail dinner reception, there’s something for everyone. Support Reading Power’s mission to foster the promise of literacy. playforliteracy.com
REVELRY FOOD AND WINE
WHEN: September 19 to 22
WHERE: Multiple locations in Lake Forest
The second annual Revelry Food and Wine Festival will bring some of the best chefs and winemakers to Lake Forest this September. Events include a country-themed evening at Elawa Farm, a Burger Battle, a five-course chefs’ dinner, and a boozy Italian brunch with James Beard-award winning chef Sarah Gruenberg. revelryfoodandwine.com
BAGPIPES & BONFIRE
WHEN: September 29
WHERE: Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve
Lake Forest Open Lands’ (LFOLA) annual fundraiser is like no other and is not to be missed. Proceeds from the event support LFOLA’s mission to connect all to nature through outreach and land preservation. Join an evening of celebration, gathered around a grand bonfire after skydivers swoop down at sunset. lfola.org/bagpipes-bonfire/
SPIRIT OF 67
HOME & GARDEN TOUR
WHEN: September 26
WHERE: Several houses in Lake Forest
The Spirit of 67 holds its Lake Forest Home & Garden Tour event inviting guests to tour several prominent Lake Forest houses, including the property formerly owned by John and Nancy Hughes. Proceeds from this highly anticipated event provide educationally enhancing grants for the District 67 schools. lakeforestschools.org/spiritof67
Lake Forest Day Carnival.
“ Unlike many coaches and therapists I do not rely on formulas or pathological diagnoses to advance my client’s goals. Instead, I partner with the client to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their confidence and courageously chart their unique path forward.”
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Dave O’Connor
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• Feeling stuck or lost
• Leadership roadblocks
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• Indecision or worry about what’s next
• Imposter Syndrome
DAVE O’CONNOR Owner, Coach
518.727.6531
www.heycoachdave.com/lflb 253 Market Square Court, Suite C Lake Forest, IL 60045
Call today!
In-person sessions now available at Coach Dave’s office in Lake Forest’s Market Square.
On Exhibit
THE DIVINITY OF BEES AND HUMANITY
THE GALLERY
202 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Lake Forest Through September 15
Lake Forest artist Diane Feldpausch Tang’s latest exhibit at The Gallery shines a light on some of our planet’s most vulnerable communities—a manifestation of divine harmony in a world where nature is often in conflict with humankind. It is the evolution of her lifelong mission to find beauty in chaos and to increase empathy in a society that has rendered our most fragile communities invisible.
“A challenge when you view the exhibit’s portraits of the unhoused is to witness the humanity captured on canvas, to open your hearts and minds to each story,” she says. “That challenge extends to the series of multimedia pieces and sculptures I have created to raise awareness about another vulnerable population—the insects and other nocturnal pollinators so essential in the world we share, including a hive of honeybees who live on my Lake Forest property.”
Tang believes that connecting these communities through her latest body represents a true symbiosis of humankind and nature. “I see the unhoused as modern hunters and gatherers, shunned by society. Bees and their fellow pollinators experience a similar stigma, often seen as unwanted pests rather than the creatures whose role is critical to our survival.”
Her mission as an artist is to show these vulnerable populations in a new light, inspiring others to join her in taking action to protect them. She will be donating 100 percent of her commissions to two nonprofits— Xerces Society for Invertebrates and PADS of Lake County.
For more information, visit thegallerylf.com or dianetangfeldpausch.com.
The Good Life
Family First
Julie Haas, a lifetime fashionista, baking enthusiast, and proud mother of two, shares her favorite things about life in Lake Bluff and Lake Forst.
edited by Sherry Thomas
NFavorite summer escape?
Napa with my husband. A perfect day would include a morning (hilly) run, a visit to Cakebread winery, and lastly exploring and taking photos of the gardens, farms, and vineyards.
ew Jersey native Julie Haas grew up relocating around the country with her family, exposing her to change at an early age. “I truly feel my childhood was such a blessing to have exposure to a wide range of people, cultures, and opportunities,” says Haas, a Lake Forest stay-at-home mom who lived in such places as Texas, Puerto Rico, California, and Kansas before attending Purdue University. She and husband, Eric, started dating when they were high school students in New Jersey, forging the beginnings of the life they have with their two sons, Thomas (age 13), and John (age 11) today. “We share a very special bond having gone through so many stages of life together and can absolutely finish each other’s sentences way before we even speak!” The couple moved to Lake Bluff in 2009 to begin their family. “Lake Bluff will always have a special place in our hearts,” says Haas. “Bluffinia nights, Fourth of July festivities, and stroller walks to the lake will always be imprinted in our families core memories.” In 2020, the couple (and their family of competitive golfers) realized their dream of living on a golf course when they moved to Conway Farms. “As parents, we feel very fortunate to have had experiences in both communities while raising our children,” she explains. “I love the reciprocity that both towns foster and look forward to the opportunity for my boys to reconnect with old friends when they merge via high school.” Her favorite things about living in the area include access to some of the finest schools in the nation, strong park district offerings, lakefront privileges, and trains that easily take them into downtown Chicago. On a personal note, Haas loves following the latest fashion trends, a passion that started when she was a girl. “As a child, I laid my clothes out for the next day from head to toe,” she says. “I absolutely lived for it and still do as I have shifted to sharing my outfit-of-the-day as a way to express my love for all things fashion.” She also enjoys baking with the family and trying the latest recipes. “During the early years for the boys, I found myself with more free time at home while they napped. I started making sweet treats each Friday that we could enjoy over the weekend as a family,” says Haas, adding that elegantly boxing and wrapping the baked goods also became part of her obsession. “I think this ties back to my love for fashion and visualizing the concept and seeing it all the way through.” Here are a few of this creative mom’s favorite things around town.
Favorite restaurant in Lake Forest? Sushi Kushi. The Boston roll is my go-to. Favorite thing to bake? My loved ones’ favorites. For my dad, that means key lime pie with whipped cream. Favorite TV show to binge? Curb Your Enthusiasm Designer or brand you can’t live without? At the moment it’s Aje, an Australian brand noted for unusual shapes and structures. Favorite beauty product? Perfume. Donna Karan Cashmere is my signature scent. Favorite music? I like the classics. Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” Madonna’s “The Immaculate Collection” and Bruce Springsteen “Born in the U.S.A.” Favorite summer escape? Napa with my husband. A perfect day would include a morning (hilly) run, a visit to Cakebread winery, and lastly exploring and taking photos of the gardens, farms, and vineyards. Cocktail of choice? Anyone who knows me, knows I love pink. A glass of dry Rosé. Favorite day out in Chicago includes? Family museum trip followed by a quick stop at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel and sweets from Bittersweet Bakery for the ride back home. Favorite place for date night? At home on our patio with a glass of wine. We love to cook as a couple and would likely make penne alla vodka, finishing with some of my homemade peanut butter cups. Dream vacation? Hutchinson Island, Florida. Having visited the island since I was a child it feels like home to me. Favorite local boutique? J.McLaughlin in downtown Lake Forest.
day out in Chicago includes? Family museum trip followed by a quick stop at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel and sweets from Bittersweet Bakery for the ride back home.
Favorite local boutique? J.McLaughlin in downtown Lake Forest.
Dream vacation? Hutchinson Island, Florida. Having visited the island since I was a child, it feels like home to me.
Favorite
The Portrait
Julie Hass wears Alexis from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Tennis champions know that mental agility is as important as physical talent. When you learn how to develop a growth mindset, you can outplay any challenge that comes your way—both on and off the court.
RALLY YOUR MIND.
Dr. E’s Neuro-Regenerative Training™ Experience teaches athletes how to let go of self-defeating thoughts and ace their confidence.
Happy Birthday, Gorton!
Next month, Lake Forest’s iconic Gorton Center will celebrate 50 years of being at the heart of the community.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography courtesy of Gorton Center
It’s hard to run into someone who has lived in Lake Forest for any period of time who doesn’t have an experience to share about the city’s incomparable Gorton Center.
“There are so many residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and beyond with fond memories and tight emotional connections to Gorton,” says Amy Wagliardo, Gorton Center’s Executive Director. “People come into our building and reminisce all of the time about when they went to school here, when they participated in a community theater performance, when their kids were at the Gorton Children’s Learning Center (formerly known as the Drop-in Center), and more. Gorton is woven into the story of their lives here, and they love sharing these memories.”
Since transforming from a school to a community center in the 1970s, Gorton Center has a history of community gathering, performing arts, enrichment classes, and local nonprofit support. If you visit Gorton today, you may see children performing, adults taking classes, local organizations holding meetings, families hosting celebrations, friends enjoying live music or a film, and so much more.
Next month, Gorton Center celebrates 50 years of serving Lake Forest and the nearby communities with a weekend-long 50th Birthday Bash. The two-day event— on September 14 and 15—will have something for everyone.
Gorton Center’s beloved Dog Day event will return that Saturday morning, followed by an afternoon full of festivities in its outdoor spaces including food vendors, live music and entertainment, games and activities, giveaways, and raffles. In the evening, ’90s alternative rockers, “Fastball,” will headline in the John and Nancy Hughes Theater from 8 to 10 p.m. On Sunday morning, Gorton will highlight its wellness programming with a restorative yoga class and community sound bath with two of Gorton Center’s favorite instructors. The weekend will
conclude with a John Hughes movie marathon that will showcase the incredible filmmaker and his contribution to Gorton Center’s history and building. Food trucks and concessions will be available throughout the film festival. “Gorton is a place where everyone belongs—no matter what school or neighborhood you might live in, regardless of what other sorts of clubs or religious organizations you participate in, everyone convenes at Gorton,” Wagliardo adds. “This makes Gorton so unique. Gorton still provides some of the same enrichment it did back in 1974 when it first opened, but it has also always evolved to meet the needs of its patrons. My hope is that this will be true for the next 50 years as well—that Gorton Center will always be a place for connection and community, a place where people can feel like they’re a part of it all.”
To learn more about Gorton Center and its 50th Birthday Bash, visit gortoncenter.org.
• 2 to 3 heads of butter lettuce (I used hydroponically grown) large enough to fill a big salad bowl
• 4 green onions, root ends discarded
• 3 large, ripe, unblemished avocados (You’ll use two cubed, and one sliced into fans as the garnish)
• 1 14 oz. can hearts of palm
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cup f resh basil leaves
FOR THE CREAMY LEMON DRESSING
• Juice f rom two large, fresh lemons
• 2 gar lic cloves, finely grated with a microplane
• 2 tsp good quality Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp fresh snipped chives
• 1 tsp coconut palm sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
For a light summer lunch that’s elegant and satisfying, this salad is just what you’re looking for. A silky combination of lobster, avocado, butter lettuce, and basil, with piquant hearts of palm and sweet red pepper for balance, this salad is a bright update of a recipe from the late great James Beard. The creamy lemon dressing, given extra body by whipping with an immersion blender, is the perfect complement. Be sure to use just-ripe, firm and unblemished avocados. Don’t open and slice them until the rest of the ingredients are prepped and serve the salad immediately after making.
PREPARE THE LOBSTER Heat a large pot of water to boiling. Add lobsters and boil for 12 minutes. Remove pot from heat, leaving lobsters in water, and let stand for five minutes. Drain lobsters and cool.
PREPARE THE SALAD While the lobsters cool, prep vegetables. Wash, core, and deseed pepper. Cut into small dice and set aside. Drain hearts of palm and slice into coins. Set aside. Slice green onions. Set aside. Wash and core lettuce, patting leaves dry.
REMOVE LOBSTER MEAT FROM SHELL Crack open lobsters and remove tail and claw meat from shell. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
MAKE CREAMY LEMON DRESSING In a bowl, combine lemon juice, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, snipped chives and coconut palm sugar. Whisk in olive oil until beginning to emulsify. Using an immersion blender, pulse and blend until well emulsified and slightly thickened. Stir in 1 Tbsp water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pulse again with immersion blender to finish.
PREP AVOCADO Peel, halve, and remove pits from avocados. Cut two of the avocados into cubes. Slice the remaining avocado into thin slices, dividing into three-slice fans.
ASSEMBLE SALAD Tear and pile lettuce leaves in a large bowl. Gently toss with basil, green onion, and cubed avocado. Dot with hearts of palm coins and diced red pepper. Top with bite sized pieces of lobster. Garnish with thinly sliced fans of the remaining avocado. Serve immediately with creamy lemon dressing.
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Divorce – Do You Need a New Perspective?
Navigating the nuances of family law should consider the advice of a skilled professional.
words by Michone Riewer photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria hair & makeup by Leanna Ernest
Big life events often call for advice beyond your own circle of friends and family. Among those are divorce and pregnancy, which surprisingly have a lot of similarities. Friends, family, even strangers want to give you advice. Free, unsolicited advice is often worthless and almost always alarming. Some want to scare you with their overinflated horror story. Others want to impress you with their overinflated success story. It is painful. And while most mean well, you really need a trusted professional—a physician or midwife in one case and a well vetted family law attorney in the other—to guide you through it.
With the ever-changing landscape of family law, just like prenatal care, you need advice from a professional who knows exactly where you are and can guide you to where you’re going. Since 2017, I have found that most of the people sharing their experience, advice, and criticism weren’t even divorced at a time that the current statute was in place. The fact that your neighbor’s brother’s wife received $10,000 per month of maintenance for life is obviously irrelevant when you finally find out she was divorced in California in 1980. But the story, as it was being told, made you feel inadequate and made you question whether your attorney was protecting your best in-
terest. In fact, the story made you feel as though you should probably go get another attorney because what if your attorney’s strategy, plan, or lack thereof, was fatally detrimental to your divorce, and therefore, your future success.
Each divorce has its own unique circumstances and nuances. While all must follow the same laws, each divorcing couple will have a unique arrangement and it’s your attorney’s responsibility to help guide you to your best outcome. Please do not judge the success or failure of your current divorce attorney, based on a success story of another couple. However, if you have concerns about your attorney’s strategy, focus, plan, or the lack thereof, getting a second opinion—a new perspective—is a good idea. Before you decide to switch attorneys, hire a different family law attorney to review where you are at and determine if your case strategy makes sense and whether you’re on track to meet your goals.
When you need a new perspective, the attorneys at Strategic Divorce can be retained to review your situation, discuss your current strategy, review documents and give you advice—even before you decide whether you want to make a change.
Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.
Michone J. Riewer
WHAT WE DO BEST! Connections
Wellness
Visualizing Your Way to Victory
How honing your mental preparation can help achieve peak performance.
words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria
Whether you’ve got your eyes on the U.S. Open or are picking up a racket for the first time, tennis is an excellent example of a summer sport requiring your mental agility to be as sharp as your physical game. From unexpected aces to demanding drop shots—strategic thinking, focused concentration, and emotional control are essential to keeping your cool on the court, even as the stakes and temperatures continue to rise.
One strategy that can help improve your game (no matter your sport) is practicing visualizations. These brain-boosting exercises involve creating vivid and detailed scenarios in your mind. They can help reduce stress, lift your spirit, and build confidence. Think of them as a mental dress rehearsal for how you want to play in the heat of the moment.
While it may sound simple, here are a few tips for making visualizations an effective part of your pregame ritual.
Five tips to better visualizations
1. The devil is in the details.
Get the visual edge by being specific and detailed with your thoughts. The more precise the visualization, the more effective it will be. Focus on resiliency and how you will bounce back from a loss.
Picture this: Imagine shaking off a double fault and acing your next powerful serve.
2. Consistency is key.
Consistency enhances the benefits of visualization by making it a regular part of your routine. This mental rehearsal strengthens the neural pathways associated with your desired outcomes, making them more likely to manifest in reality.
Picture this: Carve out a few minutes for yourself before every practice and game to visualize your upcoming performance.
3. The power of positivity.
Positive affirmations build a positive mindset by reinforcing your strengths, abilities, and potential. This boost in self-belief makes it easier to visualize successful outcomes with conviction and rein-
forces them in your subconscious mind.
Picture this: Play up skills you have been working on by repeating an affirmation while imagining your actions, for example: “I have a strong backhand that I can use to my advantage.”
4. From imagination to reality.
Engaging all of the senses can help you mentally rehearse situations with greater accuracy. Visualizing not just your actions but also the sounds of the crowd, the feel of the equipment, and the environment can lead to better performance in real life. Multi-sensory visualization also helps anchor the imagined scenario more firmly in your brain.
Picture this: Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and imagine the feel of the sun on your face, the smell of the court, and the sound of your racket as it powerfully connects with the ball.
5. Agility is your ally.
Monitoring your progress can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your visualizations. Consider keeping a journal where you record feedback and make notes about adjustments you’d like to make next time. Concentrate on techniques and strategies rather than obsessing over the scoreboard.
Picture this: Experiment with different visualization techniques, such as envisioning outcomes vs. process or relaxation vs. motivation, and then note which ones yield the best results.
Visualizations are powerful mental tools that reduce stress, improve focus, and build confidence. The more you practice visualization techniques, the more effective they become, improving your overall mental health and physical performance.
A Special Note to Parents: You can encourage your studentathletes’ visualization practice by helping them find a quiet space, minimizing distractions, and arriving early to games so they can warm up their bodies and minds.
Specializing in peak performance and sports psychology, EleVive helps student-athletes master their mental game. Learn more at EleVive.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
Nurturing Native Beauty
The Belvedere Garden is in full bloom, thanks to the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest.
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
Psides of the stairs leading down to Forest Park Beach, the steeply graded garden is an ongoing ecological experiment.
“You have conditions here that are quite unique,” explains Kim Neill, a two-term JGCLF past president and co-chair with Rommy Lopat of the club’s civic committee that planned and planted the garden in 2016.
“The garden is on an east-facing, 70-foot slope with water pushing down from the top to find its way to Lake Michigan at the same time that you have lake water misting up, colder temperatures, and very strong wind conditions.”
As such, the Belvedere Garden has become a testing ground for native Illinois plants and flowers that must meet many requirements. The plants must be hearty enough to survive the harsh lakeside bluff conditions, offer beautiful seasonal interest year-round, and attract butterflies and birds.
At last count, there were more than 25 plant species that met the challenge: everything from Prairie Twilight Penstemon and Purple Coneflower to Wild Blue Indigo and Columbine, plus Solomon’s Seal, Wild Ginger, Shooting Stars, and more. Each adds interest, with selections aimed to reach peak glory during the summer when the beach is most active, then changing hue in the fall.
ERCHED AT THE BASE of the steep incline that is home to Lake Forest’s Belvedere Garden, Jennifer Fiocco looks bright as the blossoms that dot the way up the hill. Newly appointed chair of the garden, Fiocco is thrilled to be working with other members of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest (JGCLF) to tend and grow this beautiful and very visible native garden.
Fiocco, a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, has worked with plants in wide-ranging capacities. From her youthful tending of strawberries on the Pacific coast in smalltown Oregon to establishing sustenance gardens for west African villagers in Niger as an agriculture extension agent with the Peace Corps to chairing Lake Forest’s Cherokee Elementary School Garden—growing produce that has made its way into student lunches—she’s met many challenges. However, working with JGCLF’s continued evolution of the Belvedere Garden is a fascinating endeavor all its own.
Belvedere (Italian for “beautiful view”) was chosen as the name for the site by architecture firm Stanley Anderson & Associates which built a bathhouse and stairs there in 1965. The gardens weren’t established until 2006. Located on both
“Summer is when the garden is at its best,” says Fiocco. “Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans are in full bloom, attracting bees and butterflies. Milkweed is in full swing, feeding Monarch caterpillars. Columbines add unique charm with their intricate spurred flowers. It’s fantasia!”
Because many of the plants are pollinators, the site becomes a summer spectacle of butterflies, making it even more unique.
“Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Monarchs, Cloudywing Skippers … it’s just incredible,” says Neill. “You will see more butterflies here than anywhere else on the North
Junior Garden Club Members Jane Hauck, Debbie Daniel, Rommy Lopat, Nancy Clemens, and Kim Neill. Photo courtesy of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest
Belvedere Garden in morning light. Photo courtesy of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest
“A lot of people are used to manicured gardens, and less familiar with native gardens.”
Shore. Children absolutely love it.”
In fact, community connections the garden provides are key.
“The garden with its central staircase is a major gateway to the beach,” says Lopat. “Coming down the stairs through the garden, full of butterflies, textures and color—and even goldfinches in the fall, is a very immersive experience.”
Seeing JGCLF members working in the garden, people stop to ask questions. “They are curious about individual plants, and the overall nature of the garden,” Lopat adds. “A lot of people are used to manicured gardens, and less familiar with native gardens. Native gardening has a much freer, natural form, and many of the plants people see at home wouldn’t survive here.”
Enhancing educational efforts, Fiocco and her team of JGCLF volunteers, along with Ethan Greenspan, local garden designer and new Belvedere Garden consultant, will be hosting themed monthly sessions at the garden—featuring a native plant, pollinator, or interesting nature event happening in the garden.
“During these monthly workshops, Junior Garden Club members and the community can all join in the fun and education,” says Fiocco.
She is excited to be working with Neill, Lopat, and the rest of JGCLF’s garden tenders to take Belvedere Garden to the next level. It took two to three years for the garden to fill in after it was first planted, and another six to really take hold.
“As with all gardens, we are constantly editing, taking some plants out, and replenishing others,” says Neill. “But it’s time for another evaluation. What can be improved? We’d love to hear ideas from the community.”
The hope, says Fiocco, is that what’s been learned at the Belvedere Garden will help inform and beautify other public and private Lake Michigan bluff locations.
“You see native bluff all around Lake Forest, and the idea of the Belvedere Garden is to harness the potential of native plants that work in these areas to showcase their amazing beauty,” Fiocco concludes.
The teamwork that happens in JGCLF is a big part of the Belvedere Garden’s success.
“This is a very inclusive group—the women are all doers who work together well,” says Neill, summing for all. “For us to have the chance to improve a municipal property that’s so visible with these beautiful native plants is an incredible pleasure. The plants teach us constantly about their needs and what makes them happy, and they give that back to us and the community in spades”
For more information, visit jrgardenclublf.com.
Belvedere Garden, originally planted in 2015. Photo courtesy of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest
Belvedere Garden at present
INSPIRING HOPE
Fred Williams, recognized by the American Red Cross as a 2024 Local Hero, leverages his personal story to mentor and guide thousands of young people to see their potential for success at the Youth Conservation Corps of Lake County.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler
photography
by
James Gustin
styling
by
Theresa DeMaria
FRED WILLIAMS KNOWS first-hand that life can throw you curve balls.
“I was raised right,” says Williams, the Member Services Manager at the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) of Lake County, a position he’s held for the last 16 years. “I grew up in a middle-class family, but I got mixed up in substance abuse. I did things I shouldn’t have. I missed a lot of opportunities because of some bad choices. I know what it’s like to feel lost and hopeless. At YCC, I’ve been given a chance to work with youth and teach life skills. I don’t believe you can teach what you don’t know. When you teach from the heart, you can reach the heart.”
The YCC of Lake County, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, offers a six- to nine-month program to help young people, ages 16 to 24 become more self-reliant. Most of the young people in this program have left high school without a diploma and are unemployed. YCC provides a pathway to continue their education and to learn construction or IT skills. Additionally, each member (the youth are referred to as “members” instead of “students”) receives career counseling and life skills that are necessary for them to accomplish their goals.
“On our talented team, I’m in charge of our member services and connect our kids to the resources they need,” says Williams, who is affectionately known as “Mr. Fred.” He works side by side with Executive Director Jennifer Yonan and Program Director Karen Rios. “We’re an outstanding program with a very good success rate. But as good as we might be, we can’t lead the horse to the water and make them drink. Our members have to want this. They have to do the work. There has to be trust and there has to be accountability.”
Most members find their way to YCC through their high school guidance counselors or social workers. If a
Executive Director, Jen Yonan, hands a diploma to a graduating YCC member.
Fred Williams
young person wants to participate in YCC’s programming, they must apply, be interviewed by the YCC staff, and attend an orientation week to assess his or her desire to be there—Williams calls this the “mental toughness” week.
“During that week, the young people can see if it’s a good fit for them, and we see if they’re a good fit for us,” Williams says. “I always tell the kids that I’m old school. I have to know that they are serious about being here and doing the work. Their greatness is already inside of them. YCC is here to help bring it out. They have to walk in their purpose. They are here to do something great and make a difference. They have to believe in themselves the same way that we do. These kids are resilient and have restored my faith in the future of our country.”
Williams was recently recognized by the American Red Cross as a 2024 Local Hero for his work with YCC. In addition to his role at YCC, he’s a pastor at a nearby church, husband, father to three boys, and an Air Force veteran.
“I was so humbled to be honored with this award,” he says. “Like many of the other winners, I don’t consider myself a hero. I see myself as a farmer. I plant seeds and hope they take root.”
The YCC has an ever-evolving space in Waukegan that houses their classrooms, handson construction lab and workshop (where they learn about electrical wiring, plumbing, drywall, power tools, etc.) office spaces, lunchroom, and anything a member might need in order to be a success in their program. A new addition includes a community garden comprised of 23 raised garden beds that frame the exterior of the building. The lunchroom is often filled with produce from their harvest.
The YCC is a nonprofit 501(c)3 that is largely subsidized by the U.S. Department of Labor. It also relies on the generosity of donors and strategic partnerships to fund their programming and initiatives.
“We don’t take it lightly that we get to share our story with your readers,” Williams says of the Forest & Bluff audience. “The most important thing people can do for us is donate. We believe YCC is one of the best kept secrets in Lake County.”
To learn more about YCC, its work in Lake County, and how you might support it, visit youthconservationcorps.org.
YCC members continue their education with onthe-job training.
I
Cory’s Sales First Half 2024
$51,602,725 Total Sold & Pending $1,032,054 AVG Price (Sold & Pending)
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOME TOUR
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event and the 40th anniversary of the organization, the Spirit of 67 is bringing a Hollywood legend to its Home & Garden Tour on Thursday, September 26—benefitting Lake Forest’s elementary and middle schools through money raised for educational grants.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler
photography by James Gustin
JUST WHEN YOU THINK the Spirit of 67’s annual Home & Garden Tour can’t top itself, it does.
“We are thrilled to announce that Amy and Dan Fields will graciously open the doors of their home, the former Lake Forest estate of the late philanthropist Nancy Hughes and her husband, the acclaimed filmmaker John Hughes, for our tour,” says Katherine Hensley, the Spirit of 67’s Vice President of Communications. “Amy is our event chair, alongside co-chairs Mia Gregor, Jing Lindsey, and Monique O’Brien. Throughout our event, we’ll pay homage to Hughes’s legendary movies, ensuring a focus on entertainment and celebration.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Home & Garden
Tour and the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of 67. The Spirit of 67 Foundation is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1985 by a group of visionary parents and community members interested in funding excellence in Lake Forest schools. The Spirit is a partner in education to Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Elementary Schools, along with Deer Path Middle School where funds are raised and resources are acquired in order to provide enriching, educational, and cultural experiences that might not otherwise be offered. Any community member is invited to submit a grant request to the Spirit. Since it was founded, the Spirit has funded 850 grants—totaling $6.7 million.
“It’s a huge honor to be part of the Spirit and to be in the role that I am this year,” says Courtney Turner, the current president of the Spirit of 67. “When you delve deeper into the grants, you appreciate the responsibility we have on behalf of our schools and our students. We care so much about our children’s education. It’s been a privilege to work with our board.”
Home & Garden Tour guests will be welcomed inside and outside of the four homes featured this year. A “Breakfast Club” will kick off the day at the Fields’ home, an exclusive event with a limited number of tickets available for purchase. The tour will highlight grants awarded by the Spirit over the last 40 years. Students throughout the district have benefited from these grants in various areas of education, including language arts, fine arts, wellness, STEAM, social and emotional learning, science, social studies, and world languages. Some of the most notable grants include the visiting author and scientist series at the elementary schools, as well as the enhanced science lab, improved Haskins Library, and recently renovated cafeteria at the middle school.
“Witnessing the results of a grant and the excitement it brings to the students is incredibly rewarding,” adds Hensley. “My children view those involved with the Spirit as fairy godparents with the ability to grant their wishes. The Spirit provides opportunities to enhance their education with unique grants that make their school dreams come true. That’s what the Spirit does.”
Although money raised from this event goes to schools in District 67, everyone is welcome to attend the Spirit’s Home & Garden Tour. Tickets to the Spirit of 67 Home & Garden Tour are available at spiritof67foundation.org.
Co-chairs Amy Fields, Monique O’Brien, Jing Lindsey, and Mia Gregor flank Theodore Hensley, Stewart Hensley, and Samantha Fields.
› 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths ‹ › 1.8 acres ‹ › 3-car heated garage ‹ › One-level living at its finest ‹
FOODIE FAVE
The second annual Revelry Food and Wine Festival will bring some of the nation’s best chefs and winemakers to Lake Forest next month for an event that is quickly becoming a North Shore tradition.
words by Mitch Hurst
photography by Cecily George , Erin Loughlin, and Caitlin Saville
LAKE FOREST WILL BECOME the epicenter of the culinary universe next month as top chefs and winemakers from around the country descend on the city to tickle the taste buds of foodies near and far.
Founded last year by the popular Food Network regular, Chef Beau MacMillan, and the husband-and-wife team who own Lake Forest restaurants The Gallery and The Peanut Gallery—art curator Cecilia Lanyon and James Beard-nominated chef Dominic Zumpano—Revelry Food and Wine Festival returns on September 19, running through September 22.
While there’s no shortage of activities in Lake Forest during warmer months, the founders of the festival have high hopes for it to become a late summer staple on the North Shore.
“This is a great community and there are a lot of fun things to do throughout the summer and Lake Forest does a fantastic job with Music in the Park and car shows and activities at the beach,” Zumpano says. “We recognized there was a gap because there wasn’t anything that was really food-centric. We had a tremendous outcome last year.”
That enthusiastic interest led to the expansion of this year’s festival to four locations in Lake Forest. In addition to an opening reception at The Gallery, events will be hosted at Gorton Center, Elawa Farm, and Adrian and Nancy Smith’s David Adler estate.
“We’re really trying to grow this as a community-based and lifestyle event here in Lake Forest,” says Zumpano.
Lanyon agrees. “Having two businesses here, and being fortunate enough to grow up and live here, you realize there’s such a rich, deep history here,” she says. “To be able to bring people from out of town and other parts of the country to participate in our events, and have guests travel to Lake Forest who might not otherwise visit is really special.”
Before transplanting to Lake Forest, Zumpano was a sous chef for Beau MacMillan, or Chef Beau as he’s known in the kitchen. They worked together at Elements, the highly regarded restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, where MacMillan was the chef. Well-known for his many appearances on the Food Network, MacMillan is also a familiar face in the culinary festival world.
MacMillan established the Nirvana Food and
Wine Festival in Paradise Valley, Arizona, one of the premier culinary festivals in the world. When the idea for Revelry emerged, it was natural for the three to partner together. The festival capitalizes on MacMillan’s profile and expertise, Zumpano’s local ties to Lake Forest restaurants, and Lanyon’s experience as Executive Director of the Deer Path Art League—where her primary role was to produce The Art Fair in the Square, one of the oldest and largest art fairs in the country.
Masters of Taste.
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Saville
Burger Battle Competing Chef Todd Stein of Sophia Steak.
Photo courtesy of Cecily George
Chef Ryan Clark, Chef Dominic Zumpano, Chef Brian Kane, Chef Beau MacMillan at Masters of Taste. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Saville
“I know Dominic and Cecilia and we always stayed in touch. We’ve remained in touch and have a ton of respect for each other,” MacMillan says. “Then I started coming to Lake Forest to cook for charitable events and fell in love with the community. They said, ‘we’d love to put something together’ and I said I’d be glad to help’.”
That partnership is perhaps best reflected in the festival’s opening event on September 19 at The Gallery. “Palate to Palette,” hosted by celebrity chef Jonathon Sawyer and MacMillan, brings together four artists and four renowned chefs for an art-infused culinary experience. The reception-style event will allow guests to mingle with the artists and chefs throughout the evening.
Other events include a country-themed evening at Elawa Farm with music from Nashville and chef’s dishes inspired by the great small farms of the U.S.; a burger contest at Gorton Center MC’d by former Chicago Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick; a five-course chefs’ dinner with MacMillan, Zumpano, and Top Chef Winner Joe Flamm, and hosted by award-winning winemaker Dan Kosta; and a boozy Italian brunch with James Beardaward winning chef Sarah Gruenberg at the Smith’s David Adler estate.
The Revelry Food and Wine Festival is the culmination of a year’s worth of planning and for MacMillan it’s about telling the story of the Lake Forest community. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales support a local charity.
“You look at a culinary event like this in a smaller community like Lake Forest and it makes you feel blessed because life is all about relationships,” MacMillan says. “We’re bringing in superstar talent, we have the engagement, and we’re just really proud of that.”
The Revelry Food and Wine Festival takes place on September 19 to 22 in Lake Forest. Tickets for events are sold separately and range from $150 to $350, depending on the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit revelryfoodandwine.com.
Masters of Taste tablescape.
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Saville Musicians Kathleen and Nic of the Nic Barnum Band with Chef Fabio Viviani at Palate to Palette. Photo courtesy of Erin Loughlin
SOCIAL LIFE SOLSTICE DINNER
photography by Ian McLeod
Elawa Farm Foundation celebrated the longest day of the year at its Solstice fundraiser event. Guests enjoyed food and drinks traditionally served during Midsommar in Scandinavia, Xiazhi in China, and indigenous American Solstice celebrations, prepared by Chef Lee Kuebler. The evening also included a guided tour of the expanded program areas at Elawa Farm, including the new goat barn, café, and children’s garden. elawafarm.org
Danny Carollo, Sarah Carollo, Ellie Halbauer
Martina Evans, Shana Fried, Katie Sekera, Jude Sharp
Kirk & Nadine Shepard
Michael & Dani Allin
John & Kate Holland, Laura Calvert & Hassan Obaye
Allegra Heinz, Whitney Fitzgerald
Samantha & Ned Borland
Katie & Michael Salgat
Hassan Obaye & Laura Calvert
Tracy Hasselbring, Katy & Alex Krider
Meghan & Joe Leggero
Noell Vaughn, Mia Vaughn
Riley Kenyan, Sarah Tompsidis
Jess Hasken & Will Conrad
Kristine Rose, Morgan Rose
FRANK SCHROEDER
FOUNDER & CEO
CAMPUS 2 CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES
It was at the height of the 2009 financial crisis that Frank Schroeder founded Campus 2 Career Transition Services (“C2C”) to help parents protect their most precious investment—their children. “I recognized the need for this high value, high touch service,” explains Schroeder, who serves as CEO of what has blossomed into a successful enterprise. “The company was created to provide young college graduates with the coaching and hands-on assistance they need to define their career objective and land a meaningful job or internship in the field of their choice. Our success rate is 98 percent.” Schroeder brings a diverse background to the company, including more than 40 years of sales, marketing, corporate development, and general management for leading U.S. organizations. “This track record allows me to assist young adults in finding the right first job in the field of their choice,” he says, adding that his experience and dedication to this demographic sets his business apart from the competition. “Our process is hands on starting with assessments to on-boarding advice and salary negotiations following an offer.” Each client has a primary coach who is the day-to-day contact. “Just like financial advisors, our coaches build strong bonds of trust,” says Schroeder. “Other members of the C2C team our clients meet include specialized coaches in strategic résumé development and interviewing skills. Searching the job market is often bewildering, formidable, and can be confidence shattering. Having a solid, logical plan and dedicated seasoned coaches who are invested in success take away much of the stress and allows the client to focus on the task at hand.”
For more information, visit campus2career.org.
SOCIAL LIFE
JOHNNIE-O TRUNK SHOW
photography by Robin Subar
On May 16, friends and customers of johnnie-O gathered at Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest for a trunk show featuring the entire spring and summer johnnieO collection. Guests enjoyed craft spirits from Blue Ash Farm while watching Meltdown Ice Press create custom ice globes emblazoned with the Smith’s Men’s Store logo. This unique and unforgettable event was the perfect blend of fashion, craftsmanship and creativity. smithsmensstore.com
Bill O’Donnell and Kip Helverson
Trey Gonzales, John O’Donnell, Kip Helverson and Bill O’Donnell
Dean Marshall and Rodd Specketer
Cindy & Rob Morhaim
Kay Murphy, Mary Kay Ryan
Trey Gonzales, John O’Donnell, Sarah Scott and Kip Helverson
Bill O’Donnell, Sarah and Rodd Specketer
OVER 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE SOURCING THE FINEST RUGS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
Oscar Isberian Rugs has been a trusted partner of discerning homeowners and interior designers for generations. Visit our Chicagoland showrooms to browse an unparalleled collection of the finest area rugs and broadloom carpeting sourced from across the globe.
SOCIAL LIFE
CENTENNIAL FAMILY AWARDS
photography by Ian McLeod
On June 7, the Brebner family was feted at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff with an honor over a century in the making. The Centennial Family Awards program, attended by family and friends near and far as well as History Center members, reviewed the Brebners’ Scottish roots and many years of history in town, including Alex Brebner’s decade at the helm of the Lake Forest Police Department in the 1950s and 1960s. lflbhistory.org
Richard & Nancy Brebner
Richard Brebner
Chris Thunder, Maureen Brebner, Laura Robbins, Richard Brebner, Carol Summerfield
Mike & Jan MacDougal, Mary & John Ormsby
The Robbins Family
The Hall Family
The Brebner Family
Sarah Hars, Hannah Digman
Carol Summerfield, Laurie Stein, George Sigaev
Illinois agent inquiries welcomed.
Lake Geneva Country Estate for all seasons and reasons!
…A fabulous newer 5BR country retreat for primary or secondary home, designer-furnished.
…Includes charming three-bedroom guesthouse for visitors, live-ins or vacationers.
…Over 28 gorgeous acres for hobby farming, outdoor recreation, and/or equestrian pursuits, adjacent to 1000-acre conservancy.
…Operated seasonally as prime vacation rental, with impressive income.
…Farm has rare ability to be a family retreat compound, with up to 4 homes possible.
This exceptional estate boasts a large main home with pool, guesthouse, barns, landscaped grounds, woods, pond and farmfields. This Wisconsin treasure is minutes from downtown Lake Geneva and the lake. Priced below today’s build costs and only available due to an unexpected relocation.
Offered at $2,950,000
SOCIAL LIFE
GARDEN WALK
photography by Ian McLeod
The Deerpath Garden Club of Lake Forest held its Garden Walk and Luncheon on Wednesday, June 12, visiting the lovingly restored Mayflower Ravine and Gardens at the home of Sandy and Roger Deromedi. Afterwards, the group toured the historic home and gardens of Lynne Beyer and Richard Loope at Westmoreland Farm. A luncheon, chaired by Sherri Nichols, followed at Conway Farms Golf Club. deerpathgardenclub.org
Roger & Sandy Deromedi, Lynne Beyer & Richard Loope
Sherri Nichols, Chad Clark
Richard Loope & Lynne Beyer
Mary Jacobsen, Lorelei Beaucaire, Carol Sarsfield
Antonieta Angolo, Cathy Douglas, Terry Wright, Anne Allin
Katherine DePreter Bedenko, Cheryl Buccelli, Jan Brengel
SOCIAL LIFE
WALK THE RUNWAY
photography by Alexander Pasechnik
On May 9, Citadel Theatre hosted its “Walk the Runway” fundraiser in the Lily Alexander Boutique. Supporters of Citadel Theatre modeled wonderful fashion from both Lily Alexander and newcomer Alesia C. Guests and friends of Citadel enjoyed viewing the show, sipping champagne, and commencing summer shopping. A portion of the sales proceeds go to support Citadel Theatre. citadeltheatre.org
Alesia C, Lily Alexander, Magdalena Wesolowski, Asia Borycka
Citadel Gala Host Nancy Smith, Maria Timms, Doris Lim
Citadel Honorary Chair Lori Lennon, Susan Lovell, Patti Shuma
MK Peters
Harper Breidenbach
Loan Riedel
Neelie Fritz, Citadel Gala Chair Jennifer McGregor
Mia Waligora
words by Steven Bloch, M.D.
New Year. Younger face. What could be better than turning back the clock?
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Clinical studies concluded that participants who completed the recommended treatment course achieved a 37 percent reduction in wrinkles, 30 percent increase in facial muscle tone, and 23 percent lifting effect—with optimal results seen 6 to 12 weeks after the final treatment.
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Ultimate Luxury Living in Lake Forest
770 E WESTMINSTER
5 BD | 6.1 BA | 1.3 ACRES
$4,375,000
Renovations and additions since 2014 include a lovely 4 season garden room and a luxurious library/office with an adjacent full bath. The 2nd floor primary suite was also reconfigured to have a sitting room, private deck overlooking the yard, and his & hers vanities and dressing rooms. 3 additional bedrooms all ensuite and an ample 2nd floor sitting room, which could easily double as a 5th bedroom.
471 HASTINGS ROAD
6 BD | 9.1 BA | 1.75 ACRES
$5,000,000
Stately and elegant yet so functional for a family with a pool, hot tub, sport court, golf simulator 2021, elevator, home theater, billiards room & wine cellar to satisfy your every dream! The primary bedroom is a real sanctuary renovated in 2022. 4 additional family bedrooms are sure to delight, all ensuite. The lower level is as pleasing as the other floors, whether adult or child, there is something for everyone!
1470 N GREEN BAY ROAD
4 BD | 5.1 BA | 5,727 SQ FT
$2,995,000
Steve Rugo designed this custom home with spacious rooms allowing for ease of entertaining whether formal or informal, plenty of storage, large walk in closets, all bedrooms are ensuite. Two first floor bedrooms (one bathroom is ADA accessible) separated by a generous library. New cedar roof in June of 2024, house is meticulously maintained. Stunning natural setting, deer fenced, gated entry. Pool is sunken so as not to see it year round.
930 S RIDGE ROAD
6 BED | 8.3 BATH | $4,795,000
1.8 ACRES
No expense has been spared creating this remarkable home. Custom built in 2006 on 1.8 acres on the grounds of Robert P. Lamont’s former estate, this home embodies the classic elements of Georgian architecture with limestone adorned windows, symmetry, proportion and exquisite finishes.
Boasting 6 bedrooms and 8.3 bathrooms across 7053 SF with an additional 4000 SF in the finished lower level, this thoughtfully designed home offers a mix of formal and informal spaces and a floorplan equally suited for grand entertaining as it is for comfortable family living. Elegant but not imposing, it features graciously scaled rooms with incredible architectural detail, soaring ceilings, elaborate plaster moldings, exquisite millwork, wide plank hand scraped mahogany flooring and 8 fireplaces.
The exterior of the property presents a beautiful and private setting, featuring a gated entry with a striking brick and limestone garden wall, stunning landscaping, stone terraces, and two one-of-a-kind pool changing rooms original to the former estate. Additionally, a spacious front courtyard provides ample parking for guests. Other highlights include an electronic entry gate, crushed granite driveway, landscape lighting, an irrigation system, a backup generator, security and speaker systems, and a 4-car heated garage.
This home is a testament to quality and value, offering an exceptional living experience in a prime location.
The Last Word SAY ANYTHING
How
Lake Bluff resident Joyce Foster inadvertently became the ultimate neighborhood influencer, posting inspirational quotes about
native gardening on a sandwich board for all to see.
words by Sherry Thomas / illustration by Tom Bachtell
Words are power, often used to persuade, motivate, and inspire. And that’s exactly what longtime Lake Bluff resident Joyce Foster had in mind when she began posting quotes about native gardening on an easel-style sandwich
board in her lush, wildflower-laden front yard. Gems like this Chinese proverb—“The best time to plant an oak is 20 years ago. The second best time is now!” Or that Henry Van Dyke classic—“Use what talents you
have. The woods would be silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” Foster, who moved to the village in 1966, says she first became interested in native gardening more than 25 years ago when she attended a lecture at Lake Forest College by Douglas Tallamy—a prominent American ecologist, conservationist, and entomologist. “He talked about why we don’t see as many fireflies anymore because when we rake up our leaves, we are disturbing their habitat,” says Foster. “I decided to stop getting rid of my leaves, raking them into the bushes on a compost pile instead. As a result, over the last few years, I have had more fireflies in my yard.” Another inspiration for Foster to take a more organic approach to gardening was a lecture by Charlotte Adelman of Wilmette, a native plant lobbyist and author of The Midwestern Native Garden. “She talked about these native flowers you can plant and how each one attracted a different bird, insect, or butterfly,” says Foster. “She also talked about Queen of the Prairie and how the pink flowers looked just like cotton candy, and I thought, ‘I have to have some of those!’” It didn’t take long for Foster to embrace every aspect of native gardening, transforming her front yard into a lush prairiestyle landscape. As her garden grew, so did her vision to spread the word about the importance of pesticidefree practices to her fellow neighbors. “I thought about having a little sign out in front to inspire other people to plant native,” says Foster. “I have a neighbor who puts out a joke of the day. I thought, well maybe an inspirational message for native gardening would be good.” The quotes she posts are both new and old, usually from authors she admires. “I try to change it two to three times a week,” she says. “Sometimes I think, ‘why am I doing this?’ but a lot of people thank me for the board.” Not too long ago, in fact, the 86-year-old Foster was working in her garden when a man pulled up and stopped in front of her house. “There was a little kid in the back seat and the father said to me, ‘I just want to tell you that we always come by your board because my son loves your quotes. We had to go to the library to get a book about Rachel Carson after we saw your quote’,” she says, explaining that Carson’s groundbreaking1962 tome, Silent Spring, helped foster the environmental movement by spreading awareness of the dangers of pesticides. “And I thought, if I’m touching the life of a young person, then it’s all worth it.” A powerful message indeed.
Meticulously renovated from top to bottom. Every detail has been tended to with high-end nishes, xtures and designer taste. The expansive yard provides the perfect backdrop for resort style living with heated swimming pool and patio area. Other notable features and improvements include: most windows replaced, pool renovation and pool surround, new roof in 2022, and too many more to list here. Move-in ready!
4 Bedrooms 4.1 Baths $2,199,000
At a time when inventory is low, now is the time to build your dream home. Work with Reynolds Architecture Design & Construction group to make your dream a reality. Current home under construction with an estimated August 2024 completion date. Nestled in quiet surroundings on a cul-de-sac street, yet close to everything Lake Forest has to offer—Train, shopping, schools, parks and expressways.
