Forest & Bluff, December 2023

A GOOD INFLUENCE

Social media influencer

VICTORIA GLASS returns to Lake Forest with 370,000 followers in tow

Refined by Razny is a private collection of reimagined diamond essentials.

Curated by Christine Razny-Porter, third generation owner of Razny Jewelers, each piece invites you to bring luxury into everyday living, dressing in breathtaking natural diamonds for the office, grocery store, and a night out with family and friends. Surround yourself with the vibrant brilliance of refinement.

FEATURES

Lake Forest native and professional influencer Victoria Glass shares the story of her rise to social media fame and how she finds balance in daily life.

DYNAMIC DUO

Entrepreneurs Ryan and Angele Close talk about rooting their business ventures and their family in Lake Forest.

THE WORLD AS A CLASSROOM

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club sponsors its first foreign exchange student in years, Norway’s Jill-Marie Berg.

THE HEALING POWERS OF

Lake Bluff’s Art Impact Project welcomes a new executive director as the nonprofit works to serve a larger population.

DEPARTMENTS

FORESTBLUFF.COM

J. W. CONATSER FOUNDER & PUBLISHER jwc@jwcmedia.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER JENNIFER STURGEON

EDITOR IN CHIEF ERIN DONALDSON

EXECUTIVE PROJECTS DIRECTOR KEMMIE RYAN

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS MICHELE CROWE, DUSTIN O’REGAN, SHERRY THOMAS, MEGAN WEISBERG

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS THOMAS CONNORS, MITCH HURST, MONICA KASS ROGERS, BILL MCLEAN, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER

PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA LEWIS

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER CHRIS GEIMER GRAPHIC DESIGNER SAM SUAREZ

STYLE DIRECTOR THERESA DEMARIA

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KEN CARL, LAUREN ELIZABETH, JAMES GUSTIN, MONICA KASS ROGERS, DAVID LAMER, IAN MCLEOD, MARIA PONCE, LISA SCIASCIA, ROBIN SUBAR, KATRINA WITTKAMP, LEIGHA WONDERGEM

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR TOM BACHTELL, BARRY BLITT

ADVERTISING SALES JENNIFER STURGEON, GRETCHEN BARNARD ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER CHEYANNE LENCIONI

ADVISORY COUNCIL PIM ALLEY, PAULA CLAIR, WHITLEY BOUMA

HERBERT, KATE HOLLAND, BROOKE TAGLIAFERRO

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Editor’s Note

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” — Hamilton Wright Mabie O h, that December would commence a conspiracy of love this year. “Whole world” might be too big of an ask right now, but we can certainly pull it off in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. This month’s About Town calendar overflows with opportunities to connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and make memories in our hometown. In Loves, we highlight a chef’s dinner series hosted by local Ellie Nottoli, a gorgeous scarf collaboration between Deseda and Ravinia, and a scavenger hunt through Lake Forest.

We have no shortage of interesting people doing incredible things around town. In fact, without meaning to, we’ve crafted an issue of local entrepreneurs and adventurers—–brave individuals who’ve tried something new and have been rewarded for their courage.

Our cover story introduces Victoria Glass, a Lake Forest native who has managed to do what so many young people aspire to do—become a successful social media influencer. More beautiful on the inside than on the outside, this incredible businesswoman operates with a humility and gentleness that has positively influenced me in the short time I’ve known her. She has opened my eyes to the business end of the influencer business … and introduced me to my new favorite pair of shoes.

I began following Victoria on Instagram at the suggestion of Grace Millar, a long-time friend and subject of this month’s feature, The Portrait. For years Grace has been my go-to for “what’s cool now.” Grace had big dreams when I met her a decade ago. She wanted to attend Savannah College of Art & Design then build a career as an artist. She’s done both and more. Her graphics have appeared around New York City on billboards, bus kiosks, and now on ads for La Mer Cosmetics.

In this month’s issue, we also feature the Close family. Hailing from Canada, these entrepreneurs made the move to the Midwest to launch their Bartesian cocktail maker. In short order Bartesian landed a spot on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list and rocketed to the top of the industry.

On the philanthropic front, this month we celebrate the passing of the torch from Art Impact founder, Vickie Marasco, to new executive director, Liz Fales. Vickie started the Lake Bluff nonprofit Art Impact to combat two very real issues facing teens today—substance abuse and mental health challenges. We celebrate Vickie for her heart and her investment in teens on the North Shore.

In “The World as a Classroom” we highlight JillMarie Berg, a multilingual Norwegian attending Lake Forest High School as part of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest’s foreign exchange program. At the start of her year abroad, Jill-Marie made fast friends with Sydney Kirages. Together the two girls are bringing back the Rotary Club’s presence at the high school.

In The Last Word, we honor Kathleen Hodgen and her family, founders of Joytime Preschool, a much beloved institution with a lasting legacy in Lake Forest. If you’re in need of a quiet moment amongst the evergreens this holiday season, visit the beautiful new bench in South Park dedicated to Joytime’s legacy.

As you settle in for some inspiring stories, I wish you love, peace, and a feeling of connection to this wonderful community of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Happy Holidays!

ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief

erin@jwcmedia.com

@forest&bluffmag

Chef’s Dinner at Atelier by elliestyled

Ravinia Scarf by Deseda

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

In The Portrait, Grace Millar tells of her journey from the Midwest to New York City and her favorite finds along the way. Grace wears Ralph Lauren, available at ralphlauren.com.

LOCAL’S ONLY With visions of sugarplums (and finding ways to occupy all those out-of-town holiday guests) dancing in our head, we recently checked out Deer Path Inn’s Local’s Only hotel package—a unique immersion into the best that Lake Forest has to offer. One of the highlights of the package (which also includes a twonight stay, Afternoon Tea Service, and dinner for two in The English Room) is a self-guided scavenger hunt through Market Square. The adventure begins with souvenir tote bag in hand (featuring Lake Forest artist Mark McMahon’s famous map of the city) and continues to Starbucks, Lake Forest Book Store, Smith’s Men’s Store, The Lake Forest Shop, Amidei Mercatino, M on the Square, and Sweet’s—collecting “treasures” valued at $250. For reservations, visit thedeerpathinn.com.

The Good Life F&B Loves

CHEF DINNER SERIES Lake Forest resident Ellie Nottoli, founder of elliestyled, is bringing the best of Chicago’s culinary talent to the North Shore in a series of Pop-Up Chef’s Dinners. On January 13, Ellie will partner with former Alinea executive chef, Simon Davies, for an 11-course dinner and wine pairing at her new event space, Atelier by elliestyled, in Highland Park. Tickets are limited. For more information, visit ilixcreative.com.

RAVINIA SCARF

ing what to get the art lover in your life, look no further. Deseda recently partnered with Ravinia and artist Valero Doval to create a strik ing, bespoke scarf inspired by Ravinia’s 120-yearold Martin Theatre. Doval’s affin ity for vintage imagery, along with his delicate handwork, made him the perfect collaborator to capture the structure’s brilliant Arts and Crafts ar chitectural and design elements. Made of 100 percent silk, printed in Italy, and featuring hand-rolled edges, the Ravinia Scarf is now available at Deseda.

Create Some Memories About Town

ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS

WHEN: Through January 6

WHERE: Morton Arboretum Gather family and friends to explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-ofa-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. Exciting new features and immersive installations will delight all ages, along a new path that is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all. mortonarb.org

WINTERLAND AT WRIGLEY

WHEN: Through January 7

WHERE: Wrigley Field Winterland at Gallagher Way is back and better than ever with family-friendly festivities both at Gallagher Way and inside historic Wrigley Field, including new experiences and returning favorites like the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the Gallagher Ice Rink. christkindlmarket.com/Wrigleyville and gallagherway.com/host

LIGHTSCAPE

WHEN: Through January 7

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden The enchanting, after-dark, illuminated trail created just for the Chicago Botanic dazzles with brandnew installations and beloved classics, transforming new parts of the Garden—including Evening Island—into festive landscapes of light, color, and sound. Attendees will discover incredible new works like the Electric Ribbon Tunnel and visit favorites like the Winter Cathedral. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

THINK LOCAL POP-UP SHOP

WHEN: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December

WHERE: 653 Bank Lane, Lake Forest

This holiday season, the City of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest/ Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce have once again partnered to open the annual “Think Local Pop-Up Shop” selling merchandise to benefit local nonprofit entities in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. The Pop-Up Shop will be open for shopping Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the holiday season. lflbchamber.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

WHEN: December 2

WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluff

Kick off the holidays in Lake Bluff with a delightfully festive and fun family day! Enjoy specials and treats around town and gather with the community as the infamous ‘light orbs’ are turned on for the season! lflbchamber.com

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

WHEN: December 3

WHERE: Lake Bluff History Museum

Get into the holiday spirit! This annual tour features several Lake Bluff homes decked out for the season. The homes represent a historic and architectural cross section of the village. The tour starts at the museum at 11 a.m. and includes two holiday boutiques. And while you’re in Lake Bluff, enjoy the village’s shops, restaurants, and cafes. lakebluffhistory.org/events

DINE & DONATE

WHEN: December 3 to 7

WHERE: Sophia Steak Lake Forest Ballyhoo Hospitality is giving 15 percent back on checks to any diners mentioning the Lake Forest High School (LFHS) Boosters December 3 to 7 and LFHS Applause January 14 to 18 at Sophia Steak Lake Forest. Dine in or take out from Sophia Steak Lake Forest and mention these school organizations and others during the designated dates to give back. To learn more, visit ballyhoohospitality.com.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

WHEN: December 6 and 7

WHERE: Shelley Johnstone Design Showroom

Shelley Johnstone Design, at 207 East Westminster in Lake Forest, will open its doors for a Holiday Open House on December 6 and 7. Shop beautiful, curated home and fashion items, perfect for the top of everyone’s holiday list! For details, visit shelleydesign.com

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

DECORATING

WHEN: December 10

WHERE: Gorton Center

Celebrate the magic of the season with your family and friends. Decorate your very own gingerbread house in our cozy Stuart Room and leave the clean-up to us! We provide the structured gingerbread house, frosting and various candies for decorating plus Christmas music, hot cocoa and treats! gortoncenter.org/event/gingerbreadfamily-2023/

A Christmas Carol.

Photo courtesy of Goodman Theatre.

HOLIDAY BOOK CHAT

WHEN: December 11

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Register and join your Lake Forest Librarians for ideas on book gifts for the holidays! Admission is free. Register at lakeforestlibrary.org/event/librarian-bookchat-holiday-books.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CHALLENGE FOR GRADES K–4

WHEN: December 14

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Use your STEAM skills to design, build, and decorate your very own gingerbread house. Admission is free. Register at lakeforestlibrary.org/event/gingerbread-housechallenge-grades-k-4.

CHRISTMAS O’CAROLAN

WHEN: December 15

WHERE: Gorton Center

Rendezvous Arts presents fiddler Katie Grennan and accordionist John Williams for a concert that blends traditional and contemporary Irish melodies with beloved Christmas classics. Also on board are harpist Lauren Hayes, and vocalists Nora Byrd and Liam Kantor. The evening will feature stunning, heartfelt pieces composed by Turlough O’Carolan (the blind Irish harper from the 1600s), spirited jigs and reels, and many of those holiday songs that you know and love. rendezvousarts.org

SPARK’S SNOW DAY FAMILY THEATRE SHOW

WHEN: December 16

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Drop in and join us for puppets, original music, and interactive family fun as Spark the Firefly learns about snow, hibernation, sledding, and more! The show is ideal for ages 2 to 7, but has something for all ages to enjoy. Admission is free. Register at lakeforestlibrary.org/event/ sparks-snow-day-family-theater-show.

ELF

WHEN: December 17

WHERE: Gorton Center

Get in the Christmas spirit with a viewing of the Elf movie. Shown from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., this film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves, who learns about his origins and heads to New York City to meet his biological father. gortoncenter.org/event/elf/

COMEDIAN MICHAEL PALASCAK

WHEN: December 30

WHERE: Gorton Center

Michael Palascak’s resume includes The Tonight Show, Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and A Little Late with Lilly Singh. He has a Comedy Central half-hour special and was a Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing. gortoncenter.org/event/michael-palascak/

WHISTLE STOP

WONDERLAND: A

MODEL

TRAIN EXHIBIT HISTORY CENTER OF LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF

509 East Deerpath, Lake Forest

Through Mid-January

The History Center’s upcoming holiday exhibition, “Whistle Stop Wonderland: A Model Train Exhibit,” will feature an operational model railroad layout, organized by Midwest Rails RR, as well as individual trains and related artifacts on display from local collections. Family-friendly social gatherings, private events, and public programs—all open to the public for registration and RSVP—will supplement the exhibit throughout its run. lflbhistory.org

POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Extended through January 15

“Pompeii: The Exhibition” is a unique educational experience that showcases the resilience and ingenuity of ancient civilizations. It allows visitors to step into the ancient world and gain a deeper understanding of the people, culture, and art that thrived in Pompeii before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which ultimately destroyed the city while freezing it in time with volcanic ash and debris. It remains one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time. msichicago.org

GLASS TO GARDEN: TIFFANY INSPIRED FLORAL DESIGNS DRIEHAUS MUSEUM

40 E Erie Street, Chicago

Through January 7

“Glass to Garden” showcases commissioned floral design installations from local floral designers in dialogue with work by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios. The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Cronin, the owner of Chicago’s Asrai Garden—and widely known as one of the judges on HBO Max’s competition program, “Full Bloom”—who has selected both the participating floral designers and the Tiffany objects on view. driehausmuseum.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL GOODMAN THEATRE

170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago

Through December 31

Treat your loved ones to a Chicago holiday tradition that has enchanted generations over four decades. Jessica Thebus returns to direct and Larry Yando reprises his role as the miserly Scrooge in this must-see annual production. goodmantheatre.org

THEY RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

A million birds migrate through Lake Forest Open Lands every year.

Your support provides a safe haven for the species that rely on our community’s green spaces.

Give today!

The Good Life Eye For Design

Grace Millar reflects on some of her favorite memories from the Lake Bluff area and life today in New York City.

edited by Sherry Thomas photography by David Lamer hair, makeup and styling by Theresa DeMaria

GFavorite thing about where you live today? How accessible it is. Between the various art galleries, sport teams, restaurants, parks—you can literally do anything you want. My favorite place is Central Park. I immediately feel at peace there.

race Millar’s love of design took her from the North Shore to New York City, where she is now a senior graphic artist for the luxury skin care brand, La Mer. She has built quite an impressive resume since graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) five years ago, working on graphic design teams for stationary, fitness, and clothing brands. We caught up with this trendsetting twentysomething recently and asked her to share some of her favorite memories from home, including the years she spent playing tennis with Coach Rod Schroeder at the Racquet Club of Lake Bluff, along with some things currently trending in her world.

Favorite thing about Lake Forest? The beach and Fort Sheridan. They were always beautiful any time of the year. Thoughts on pickleball? I’ll always love tennis but not the biggest fan of pickleball. Mainly because in New York City, they’re taking over all of the tennis courts! Favorite way to unwind? I have a consistent yoga practice. My favorite studio is Sky Ting in Chinatown. Guilty pleasure? Can’t lie; I love a good Real Housewives of New York City. Not so much the new reboot. Favorite designer who inspires you? Mara Hoffman by far. They are one of the few clothing brands that actually prioritizes sustainability. Her website outlines how deeply committed they are to this ethical journey and they’re very transparent about how and where the clothing is made. Favorite TV binge show? Sex and The City. Best film you’ve seen this year? I rarely watch movies, but I did go and see Barbie along with the rest of the world. I thought it was good! Favorite childhood memory? When I was elementary school age, we would spend a lot of time in Vermont. It would be filled with a lot of bike rides, visiting lots of farms, taking pictures with cows, pottery classes, and lots of ice cream. Favorite thing about where you live today? How accessible it is. Between the various art galleries, sport teams, restaurants, parks—you can literally do anything you want. My favorite place is Central Park. I immediately feel at peace there. What thing about you do people find most surprising? People always think it’s funny when they find out I’m a hand model. Clothing brand you couldn’t live without? I’ll always be a J. Crew fan for basics, but my favorite denim is from Rachel Comey. Any pets? I have a 16-year-old Boston Terrier mix, Jojo. He is so spoiled. I love it and he deserves it! Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to have a cocktail with? I would love to pick Tory Burch’s brain. A businesswoman I definitely look up to. Dream vacation? Would love to one day visit Japan, especially during cherry blossom season.

“Diver” by

Grace Millar

Favorite designer who inspires you? Mara Hoffman by far. They are one of the few clothing brands that actually prioritizes sustainability. Her website outlines how deeply committed they are to this ethical journey and they’re very transparent about how and where the clothing is made.

Favorite childhood memory? When I was elementary school age, we would spend a lot of time in Vermont. It would be filled with a lot of bike rides, visiting lots of farms, taking pictures with cows, pottery classes, and lots of ice cream.

Dream vacation? Would love to one day visit Japan, especially during cherry blossom season.

The Portrait

Grace wears Ramy Brooke, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

THIS

is what we’re made for.

At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, we’re working to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.

Individually and collectively, our faculty, researchers, students and partners are committed to bringing next-generation health care to the people and communities that we serve.

BRIGHT THINGS

Celebrate the season with all that glitters.

edited by Theresa DeMaria

1 Halpern Sequined tulle mini dress, $800, net-a-porter.com 2 Jimmy Choo Cloud micro fringed crystal-embellished metallic leather shoulder bag, $2,995, net-a-porter.com 3 Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau De Parfum, $138, neimanmarcus. com 4 Rivet Utility + Net Sustain Showstopper strapless sequined tulle jumpsuit, $425. net-a-porter.com 5 Jenny Packham Celestia crystal-embellished sequined tulle gown, $5,080, farfetch.com 6 Carolina Herrera Crystal-Embellished Short-Sleeve Paillette Tweed Mini Dress, $3,190, neimanmarcus.com 7 Jennifer Behr Diana crystal-embellished earrings $198 farfetch.com 8 Carolina Herrera Pearlescent Heart Necklace, $590, neimanmarcus.com 9 Chanel Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip Balm Buildable Colour, $48, ultabeauty.com 10 Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba “Silver” sneakers, $560, farfetch. com 11 Brunello Cuccinelli Reversible belted shearling coat, $16,500, net-a-porter.com 12 KORA Organics Berry Bright Vitamin C Eye Cream, $58, sephora.com 13 Diptyque Scented candle, Délice $86 nordstrom.com 14 Moon Boot Icon Glitter coated-shell knee boots, $355, saksfifthavenue.com 15 Valentino Garavani Crystal-Embellished Platinum V-Logo Leather Belt, $1,050, neimanmarcus.com

Rapid Fire Favorites With Veronica Lilja Brugioni

illustration by Barry Blitt

Veronica Lilja Brugioni, a 2010 Lake Forest High School graduate, owns Lake Bluff-based O’Hare Irish Dance studio, where she serves as an instructor for about 100 dancers, ages 3-18. She finished third in her age division at the Irish Dance Nationals and 17th at the World Championships in Ireland as an 11-year-old. Veronica and her husband, Matt, are the parents of Cassidy, 3, and Corey, 1.

IRISH DANCE, IN FIVE WORDS:

Athletic, exciting, challenging, rhythmic, and fun!

START OF BEST DAY, END OF BEST DAY: Coffee, dark chocolate.

PREDOMINANT THOUGHT DURING COMMUTE: “It’s so quiet. No kids in the car!”

MOVIE YOU’D ENJOY SEEING THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY: This time of year, How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey.

TOP HOLIDAY TRADITION: It’s A Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff!

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The Good Life BAG OF TRICKS

Cult Gaia The Caldera Metallic Clutch Bag, $598, neimanmarcus.com

PARTY PERFECT

A few smart accessories will keep you looking polished throughout the evening.

makes it a fantastic option for anyone new to the liquid blush game. Compact and perfect for the cocktail handbag. Armani Beauty Neo Nudes A-Line Liquid $36, nordstrom.com

2. SPARKLY EYES

The holidays are practically synonymous with soft glam, and no look is complete without a shimmery palette. This eyeshadow is a must to keep on hand, with palettes for a bright, sparkly holiday season. Valentino ColorFlip Eyeshadow Palette, $98, neimanmarcus.com

3. LONG LASHES

Eyelashes are everything. Not only will this mascara nourish your lashes but it will add major volume, length, and depth—all while staying put. Perfect for your holiday glam look. Hermes Trait d’Hermes Revitalizing Care Mascara, 06 Violet Indigo, $68, saksfifthavenue.com

edited by Theresa DeMaria

4. WELL-BEHAVED HAIR

We love this sheer, high-performance hair spray—in a perfect size to throw in your purse—with light to medium hold and a brush-able, touchable finish. Oribe Travel Hair Spray, $22, sephora.com

5. HYDRATED LIPS

Color that will last the night and leave your lips deliciously plump and shiny. This is all you need to create your juicy pout. Peptide Lip Tint, $16, rhodeskin.com

6. PERFECTLY POWDERED NOSE

If you are looking for minimal coverage to lightly perfect your look yet in the most undetectable fashion, then you need this texture-smoothing foundation in your bag. Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion Foundation SPF 50, $90, neimanmarcus.com

7. AN EXTRA BIT OF DRAMA

Want to create a quick smoky eye to go from day to night? Just pop this “stick” in your handbag and you’re ready for swift application before your girl’s night. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eye Shadow, 0.05 oz., $32, sephora. com

8. STAY-PUT SPRAY

Your makeup is done and you’re ready to head out but wait, this is your final step to a perfect face. This ultra-nourishing, alcoholfree, 3-in-1 setting spray will set and nourish while sealing your makeup without melting, fading, or settling in fine lines. Madluvv Set Me Setting Spray, 3.4 oz., $32, nordstrom.com

The Closet Treasure Hunter

Luxury handbags & couture auctions with Hindman’s Tanner Branson.

words by Tanner Branson / photography by Katrina Wittkamp / styling by Theresa DeMaria

Ioften say that my favorite place in the home is the closet. Going into clients’ closets throughout the country, I often feel like a treasure hunter who gets to uncover hidden gems and give them new life by bringing them to auction. I love nothing more than when clients share the experiences they had wearing their pieces and the smiles on their faces at the prospect of someone else getting to create new experiences with them.

I come from the fashion world having worked for some of the top luxury houses and my new role at Hindman gives me the opportunity to combine my endless passion for luxury and deep knowledge of fashion history. The auction world is where I am meant to be. From a young age, I had an interest in auctions, so to say this role is a dream job is an understatement.

I began my time in Chicago attending Columbia College Chicago where I received a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business. Though I was a business major, I spent a considerable amount of time in their fashion study collection, where I was exposed to haute couture garments and had the opportunity to familiarize myself with examples of high fashion, learning about construction techniques, and much more. This has greatly contributed to my professional career and provided me with a sharp eye that I now use every day at Hindman.

My role as Head of Sales and Specialist in Hindman’s Luxury Handbags & Couture department allows me to curate luxury sales with an assortment of couture treasures that speak to the latest trends not only in fashion but in collecting. Our Holiday Fashion auction represented the first auction I’ve gotten to curate from start to finish and I couldn’t have been more excited. The sale was filled with luxury handbags and examples of high fashion from leading names in luxury, whether bidders were hunting for an exotic skin Hermès bag or a unique dress for their next holiday soirée.

I was particularly fond of the fabulous collection of Birkin and Kelly bags offered in the auction, especially an exceptional Hermès Birkin 35 in Shiny Porosus Crocodile. This very rare two-tone bag was one of the finest examples of an exotic skin Birkin that I have ever had the good fortune to handle and is sure to become a favorite of the buyer.

For those with an avantgarde flair, there were rare examples of Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Jean Paul Gaultier, taking bidders on a style journey spanning more

than forty years. Most of the collection was purchased through the former Oak Street fashion emporium Ultimo, a boutique that was well-known for outfitting the dangerously chic. The collection was steeped in fashion and Chicago history and even though Ultimo is sadly long gone, the pieces stood the test of time.

Speaking of history, Holiday Fashion also featured a singleowner collection of Bob Mackie gowns, including a duplicate of the iconic gown that Cher wore to the 1985 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which she attended with Mackie himself. The sequin-encrusted and bugle-beaded gown was perfect for anyone looking to make an unforgettable impression at a holiday gala or New Year’s Eve party.

I wake up every day in disbelief that my job is to handle such incredible pieces. I hope one day you’ll give me the pleasure of hunting for treasure in your closet but if you’re still in a buying mood, have I got just the piece for you!

For more information, visit hindmanauctions.com.

Hermès Birkin 35 Shiny Porosus Crocodile, 2007

Tanner Branson, Head of Sales and Specialist in Hindman’s Luxury Handbags & Couture department

Razny

RAZNY JEWELERS AWARDED INDEPENDENT WATCH RETAILER OF THE YEAR:

We are proud to have been named the Independent Watch Retailer of the Year at the first-ever U.S. WatchPro Awards in New York City. Over seven decades of dedication, an unwavering commitment to perfection, and a deep love of jewelry making and timekeeping have marked our journey to this award. This award is a testament to the power of storytelling through jewelry, and we promise to continue crafting pieces that capture the essence of love, art, and imagination. Thank you to WatchPro, the judges, and everyone who contributed to this remarkable celebration.

RAZNY JEWELERS NAMED TOP 100:

Razny Jewelers is honored to have made this year’s Hot 100 list in the Retail Power Players category. Published by WatchPro magazine, the premier publication for news on timepieces and jewelry for collectors around the globe, this designation is reserved for elite American jewelers who display exceptional growth and success.

AS SEEN IN

TALKING TIMEPIECES:

Editor and founder of WatchPro, Rob Corder, sat with Stan Razny to talk timepieces, discuss the everchanging landscape of the luxury watch market, and breakdown how family-owned independents provide the value that direct-to-consumer brands struggle to match.

Deemed “The Big Interview,” it also showed how seriously Razny Jewelers takes its position as the only authorized dealer for Patek Philippe in a territory that stretches across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin, surpassing 220,000 square miles.*

2023 RETAILER HALL OF FAME

INDEPENDENT WATCH RETAILER OF THE YEAR WINNER

TOP 100 RETAIL POWER PLAYERS

NATIONAL JEWELER: HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

National Jeweler, the leading New York-based news source for jewelry industry insiders, has chosen the latest group of inductees for its prestigious Retailer Hall of Fame. Stan and Ingrid Razny, secondgeneration owners of Razny Jewelers, are receiving the 2023 honor as forward-thinking multi-store independent jewelers.*

AS SEEN IN VOGUE

Over 75 years ago, the Razny family immigrated to America with the vision of building a legacy they could pass on to their children. Today, they are proud to have developed their dream into something far grander than they could have imagined. Ingrid Razny and Christine RaznyPorter share their family’s story in this September’s issue of Vogue Magazine.*

Influential Women of Chicago

*Links to full articles on razny.com/press

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French Toast Clafoutis with Brandied Plums

words, photography, and recipe by

Monica Kass Rogers

When our four children were little, Christmas morning had its expected rituals. The kids in their pajamas would impatiently wait for my husband and me to emerge bleary eyed from late night finishes to one or another homemade gifts: Adding the hinges to the roof of a dollhouse, say, or sewing the mane on a slightly cockeyed hobby horse. Once the glee subsided, and the wrapping paper had been rescued from further shredding by the family dog, it was time for a festive brunch. Bacon broccoli-cheese quiche, waffles with fresh fruit and whip, mugs of hot cider, and sometimes? A big baked dish of French toast that had soaked in creamy custard overnight.

Thinking of that tender toast put me in mind of two other favorite things: Brandied plums and clafoutis, the not-too-sweet French dish of fresh fruit baked in custard. Why not omit the flour from the clafouti custard recipe, quick-brandy the plums and combine the two in a sumptuous version of overnight-soaked French toast? Why not indeed!

For a large family, this festive pan-full of

custard-plummy goodness is so much easier to make than standing at the stove flipping French toast to order when you want to be singing carols with everyone in the other room. And while true brandied plums take weeks to set up, macerating the fruit in sugar and brandy overnight before adding to and baking the toast still yields nicely spirited flavor. I use Italian prune plums (prunica domestica—sometimes sold as Empress plums) in this recipe because they hold their shape better than other varieties, but you can substitute any of your favorite plums. Because more is better here, I roast an extra batch of the plums, which, in their rich pink syrup, go very well with the French toast.

A little extra tip: If you’d like to make true brandied plums for a boost through the coming winter doldrums, all you need is a pound of plums, pitted, quartered, and mixed with a cup and ½ of brandy, ½ cup of sugar and a vanilla bean. As my Mom did making rumtopf, I put the mixture in a crock and place it in a dark room with a heavy plate pushed down over the fruit to keep it submerged. Within three weeks, the plums soften into boozy splendor, ready to be enjoyed.

SERVES 6 TO 8 INGREDIENTS FOR THE FRENCH TOAST

• 1 lb. loaf of brioche, cut into thick slices

• 3 Tbsp. softened butter, divided, plus more as needed

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup cream

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

• 1/4 tsp almond extract

• Pinch of salt

• Confectioners’ sugar, to dust finished toast

FOR THE MACERATED BRANDIED PLUMS

• 12 Italian prune plums, pits discarded, cut into quarters

• Zest of one f resh lemon

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup brandy

• 1-½ tsp vanilla paste OR 1 Madagascar vanilla bean

FOR THE EXTRA BRANDIED PLUM SAUCE

• 12 Italian prune plums, pits discarded cut in HALVES

• Zest of one f resh lemon

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup brandy

• 1-½ tsp vanilla paste OR 1 Madagascar vanilla bean

METHOD

PREP THE CUSTARD AND BRIOCHE

Evenly coat the inside of a 2-quart baking dish with 1 Tbsp butter. Spread remaining 2 Tbsp butter on the tops of the brioche slices, using more butter if needed. In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add milk, cream, sugar, vanilla paste, almond extract and pinch of salt. Whisk again until smooth and well incorporated. Working one slice at a time, dunk the buttered brioche in the custard and, starting at the back of the dish, shingle the slices (upright and tilted slightly backward) in the dish, overlapping as needed. Pour the rest of the custard over the bread. Press tops down a bit to squish them down and help them soak up the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

MACERATE THE PLUMS IN BRANDY

In a medium-sized bowl, mix 12 quartered plums with zest of one fresh lemon. In small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup brandy with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1-½ tsp. vanilla paste (OR if using a vanilla bean, split bean, scrape

seeds into brandy mixture and add bean to the fruit.) Pour liquid over the fruit and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

MAKE EXTRA BRANDIED PLUMS TO SERVE WITH FINISHED TOAST

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. From second brandied plum recipe listed above, mix 12 quartered plums with zest of one fresh lemon. Whisk 1/3 cup brandy with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1-½ tsp vanilla paste. (OR if using a vanilla bean, split bean, scrape seeds into brandy mixture and add bean to the fruit.) Arrange halved plums cut side up in a 9-inch pie dish; pour brandy liquid over all. Roast in oven for 40 minutes, occasionally basting the tops of the plums with the juices. Remove from oven. Cool.

BAKE THE FRENCH TOAST

In the morning, an hour and a half before you want to serve the toast, place oven rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place a pan that is larger than the 2-quart baking dish of French toast on your counter; center the French toast dish inside the larger pan. Remove and discard plastic wrap from macerated plums and custard. Carefully pry apart the slices of soaked bread and insert the macerated plums between slices. Cover the top of the French toast baking dish with foil and place in the larger pan. Place pan on oven rack. Carefully fill the larger pan with boiling water until it comes halfway up the outside of the French toast baking dish. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the water. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes until custard has completely set (poke down to the bottom of the dish to check,) plums are tender, and toast is golden brown. Remove from oven. Once cooled a bit, dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm with the extra roasted plum sauce and dollops of whipped cream, if desired.

The Strategic Divorce Process Step 5: Division of Marital Assets and Debts

words by Michone J. Riewer / photography by Katrina Wittkamp / styling by Theresa Demaria

Ibelieve knowledge of the divorce process provides strength and peace of mind to those facing an often complicated and difficult time. This goal of education inspired me to write The Strategic Divorce Process™. My book breaks divorce into five distinct steps when children are involved and two distinct steps when no children are involved. These steps are: 1. Making Decisions for Your Children; 2. Visitation; 3. Child Support; 4. Maintenance; and 5. Division of Marital Assets and Debts.

In this month’s column, we examine the final component of the marital settlement agreement and the divorce itself— the division of marital assets and debts.

This process begins by collecting financial information through the discovery process. The parties exchange financial affidavits and supporting financial statements so that both sides have enough information to define the financial situation accurately. The next step is creating a spreadsheet that shows the value of each marital asset and debt so that the total value of the estate can be determined and an equitable division that allows each spouse to walk away with a combination that adds up to roughly the same value and tax consequence, regardless of what they each retain.

We start by determining what marital debt, if any, exists. The secured debt is paired with the asset that it secures and the net value of the asset is figured into the spreadsheet. For example, if one party keeps the house, that party will also be keeping any debt associated with it.

Next is credit card debt, unsecured personal loans, bank loans, debt consolidation loans, and student loans taken out for a child. The amount of marital debt present, regardless of whose name it is in, is added to the spreadsheet. However, whoever’s name the credit card is in will likely be the party responsible for paying that debt but they will either receive an asset of similar value or the other party will receive debt of a similar value to keep the ultimate division of assets equal.

Next, we make a list of the marital assets that were ac-

quired during the marriage. We categorize these assets based on the tax consequences that would occur if the asset was converted to cash.

After all the assets and debts have been identified, the lawyers divide them. The assets that have no tax consequences (non-qualified), including checking accounts, savings accounts, cars, and the marital residence, often are offset with debts. Non-qualified assets and debts are the first group that gets divided.

Qualified assets are assets that do have tax consequences when converted to cash. This typically includes retirement accounts, such as 401Ks, 403Bs, 457Bs, or traditional IRAs.

Investment properties, stocks, and investment portfolios often have tax consequences as well, but what exactly those tax consequences are is often specific to each individual investment.

While these tax consequences can be avoided when dividing the marital estate because transfers between spouses do not trigger a taxable event, it’s important to know what the tax consequences would be if the asset were converted to cash, because it will affect its future value.

The next step is to determine which spouse will receive each asset and each debt. Generally speaking, the value of the assets and debts are divided evenly, unless the parties are negotiating with something else, like a larger maintenance payment, the length of maintenance, guilt from infidelity during the marriage, or guilt from choosing to end the marriage.

Dividing the marital estate can be very simple, or very complex depending on the circumstances surrounding it and the mindsets of each party. The Strategic Divorce Process aims to simplify the division as much as possible as we believe it lowers the emotional, mental, and financial burdens of divorce.

Michone Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

WGreen Zone Holiday

Make the most of winter break with peak performance advice from Sports Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo.

words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa Demaria

self-control—which makes staying out of the Red Zone next to impossible.

hile some athletes are dreaming of a white Christmas, my wish for you is a Green Zone holiday season—all December long.

The “Green Zone” is what I call the psychological state when you are experiencing little to no negative stress, and your frontal cortex is lit up like a Christmas tree. While in this mental zone, you are able to think creatively, problem-solve effectively, and see the big picture—and your valuable role in it. For athletes, the Green Zone is your end zone: The sweet spot that inspires your best ideas, strongest performance, and game-winning mindset.

On the opposite end of the stress spectrum is the “Red Zone.”

In the Red Zone, our primitive brain kicks into gear. Fightor-flight takes over, our rational reasoning shuts down, and creative problem solving goes out the window. When high stress grabs the wheel, watch out. Your practice, performance, and personal relationships can all become collateral damage.

How can you get in the Green Zone this holiday season— and stay there?

At EleVive, my team and I help athletes and high performers make their mindset their best asset by optimizing stress and strengthening resilience, especially during downtime. Here are a few of the strategies we recommend to our athletes, so they can make the most of this holiday season—and tap into peak performance when they’re back in the game:

Catch up on rest. A recent study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health shows that just 8% of high school students get the recommended amount of sleep during the week. Not only are our teens exhausted, but chronic sleep deprivation also impacts their ability to regulate their emotions and practice

For both students and adults, the holiday season can be the ideal time to reset your circadian rhythm and give your body the sleep it needs to thrive. You can start by setting a new bedtime routine: Turn off your screens an hour before bed, turn up relaxing music, and practice deep breathing or meditation to focus your mind on rest before you hit the pillow.

Unwind with quality time. Between the end of the semester, a packed schedule, travel, and traffic, stress has a way of building up before the holidays. That’s why my second Green Zone suggestion is one focused on fun: Making memories with the people you care about most. Whether you take time for close family or chosen family, unwinding with the ones you love can be the pressure-relief valve you need to de-stress and reset.

Practice mindfulness. What holiday traditions does your family follow year after year? Over time, these moments can become little more than motions—or one of your most valuable mindfulness opportunities. This year, I invite you to pay special attention to each memory-making tradition, intentionally leaning in and staying present.

Mindfulness—not getting stuck on a past mistake or worrying about the future—is good practice for staying equally present in the game. Whatever the moment may hold, focusing on every aspect of the experience keeps your head where it matters.

Great athletes know—training hard requires resting hard.

The holiday season only comes once a year. If you can take a break from your practice schedule to enjoy your Green Zone holiday to the fullest, don’t miss the opportunity to do so. I can assure you, your game—and your mental well-being—will be better for it.

Visit EleVive.com to learn how our proprietary Neuro-Regenerative Training program helps athletes optimize stress and enhance their performance—during and after the game.

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The Surreal World

Lake Forest native and professional influencer Victoria Glass shares the story of her rise to social media fame and how she finds balance between real life and the virtual reality she has created.

words by Sherry Thomas / photography by Maria Ponce / styling by Theresa Demaria / hair and makeup by Margareta Kolmenac

HER INSTAGRAM posts are light as air. Breezy.

Take for example, an entry from late October—a quick take she calls “Camera roll lately,” featuring fashionably curated snaps from the world of a woman whose career is to, as her bio says, “overshare.”

It’s a modern, still-life tableau that features ... in this order ... rich burgundy manicure contrasting with a winter white cropped blazer; cup of tea next to a tablet strategically cued to favorite “Pins” on that other social media site; shoes (presumably designer) shyly peeping out from a pair of well-worn jeans; signature black Mac computer perfectly positioned next to a copy of Vogue, sleek black sunglasses, Yves Saint Laurent wallet, and bottle of green juice; another white jacket (same as before, perhaps?) contrasted with black Chanel bag; bedroom selfie in casual yet chic couture, iPhone covering face; and finally, family dog (a golden retriever whose name, you surmise from comments, is Frankie) in (where else?) a bathtub.

She makes it seem so effortless. Easy.

“You are an entire vibe,” one follower raves.

But get to know Lake Forest native Victoria Glass and you realize nothing about what she does and the success she has built from her social media brand is simple at all.

“It does take a lot more time than people realize,” says Glass, former member of the corporate buying team for Ulta Beauty who used the time she saved commuting during the pandemic to cultivate a presence on social media. “I lived in downtown Chicago and had been commuting to Bolingbrook. When COVID hit, I was working from home and downloaded this new app

called TikTok.” Boom.

At first, her stories and reels on TikTok and Instagram were merely a creative outlet. Then she got more and more followers, and one day, she was presented with a paid offer to feature a sponsored product.

“I built it up until I was working two full-time jobs at once and eventually, I decided to take a chance and work solely for social media,” explains Glass, a Lake Forest High School graduate who studied advertising and public relations at Indiana University. “I left my corporate job in August 2021, and the rest is history.”

If you are one of her 41,800 Instagram followers, it’s a history that’s already well-documented.

In April 2022, Glass got engaged to Anthony Bozin, and seven months later, moved back to her native Lake Forest. The couple (who was married in September 2023, just weeks before our interview) met in 2015 when they were both working out at Lifetime Fitness.

“I would go to the gym and would see him and we kept running into each other,” she explains. “It wasn’t until a few years later that we started going for walks after our workouts.”

Three years after @victoriaoglass became a fixture on the morning Insta scroll, life as a newly married woman has been woven into the aesthetic of her social media persona. However, Glass says she is mindful of the need for separation between her real life and the carefully stylized image she portrays in the surreal world.

“It can be so deceiving,” she says. “Everyone posts their highlight reels but it’s not reality.”

Speaking of reality, despite the urge to compare this social media tags-to-riches story to the uber-popular

Victoria Glass

Emily in Paris (the one where a darling girl from Skokie just happens to get a job in Paris and becomes a social media sensation with ten thousands of followers literally overnight), Glass is quick to note the difference.

“It’s a cute show, but it’s definitely not reality—at all,” she says. “Emily blew up on social media, which can happen to people, but it’s not that easy. There are a lot of misconceptions about what creators do. While for some it may be a hobby, for me it is a business.”

Glass says it wasn’t until she hit the 50,000 followers mark on TikTok (in March 2021, less than a year after creating the account) that the switch went off that her creative outlet could be harnessed

into a lucrative career.

First, brands began gifting her with products to feature in her posts. Then came paid brand collaborations, which is how Glass and other social media influencers earn income.

“My first brand deal was with Express,” explains Glass, who now has a social media audience on TikTok and Instagram of 370,000, made up of primarily women between the ages of 18 and 34.

As an influencer, you become a media outlet, she explains. This requires you to have a media kit with all your updated statistics and demographics.

“I started by taking product and creating a video in exchange so I

Victoria Glass and Frankie

could build up my media kit,” says Glass, adding that she now works with an agency in L.A. to manage her brand deals and collaborations. “Last year, I worked with 75 different brands. This year, I’ve worked with 35 brands. As I’ve grown, I’ve been able to be more selective in who I choose to collaborate with.

Today, her business expands even beyond her social media pages. Glass creates content for brands such as YSL Beauty, Dior Beauty, Calvin Klein and Estee Lauder to use solely on their platforms as well.

“It has definitely been an interesting journey. It’s a new industry and is constantly evolving,” she says. “When a brand deal is negotiated, there are a lot of different variables that go into the contract, such as a specific set of deliverables, brand usage rights, ad boosting, and more.

“Everyone is watching what I’m creating and doing every day”

Every influencer has their own niche and style.”

While Glass says some “extremely famous” influencers can just talk into the camera for 30 seconds to cultivate their following, most spend quite a bit of time working behind the scenes to create the content they share.

Take the fall décor reel she had trending at the time of this interview.

“For that post in particular, I started by laying out all my décor. Once I make a decision about how I want it to look, I figure out how I’m going to film it with the camera and lighting,” she says, explaining that she does all the filming herself on her iPhone with a tripod. “I usually have 40 to 50 minutes of footage that I cut up and edit. Then I add sound. For me, a lot of my content is aesthetic. Everyone has a different niche. Mine is very pretty visuals set to music because that is what my audience finds appealing.”

Behind the filter of social media, Glass has lived a life not unlike those of her peers. Her childhood growing up with three brothers and a sister in Lake Forest was a happy one. Her hobbies and interests are also ones that many share, ranging from a fabulous fashion find to interior design hacks. The difference, Glass explains, is that her new career requires everything she does to be put in the public eye—drawing attention that can be both a blessing and a curse.

As Glass continues to build her brand and business, she tries to stay true to herself and her vision for how she wants her stories and posts to impact others.

“Everyone is watching what I’m creating and doing every day,” she explains. “There is a vulnerability in that, making sure that I represent myself in an authentic way that I am proud of. I want what I share to have purpose. I always hope to leave my audience feeling happy and inspired.”

The result is what faithful followers see when they log on every day—a glamorous yet playful glimpse into a life

of joy, fun, and style. While Glass now makes a living from the brands who sponsor her, she is also mindful to keep her posts grounded in the reality of her own life.

“I post almost every single day and most of my posts are not brand deals,” she explains. “Most of my TikTok videos, 90 percent, are not paid but that’s part of my job. I have to build up my platform and engagement and aim to work with the brands I want to work with.”

Glass is also increasingly mindful of her own relationship with social media.

“In general, social media can be tricky for a lot of people’s mental health. I always try to stress the importance of creating a healthy balance while using it,” she says. “I encourage people to unfollow or mute those they believe leave them feeling drained or discouraged. I always try to get feedback from my audience and my hope is to always help and inspire them. If I can portray anything, it’s that I cherish and celebrate all the good in my life.”

With gift guides and holiday branding projects well under way, Glass says she plans to take some time for herself away from the glow of social media to enjoy her first Christmas with her husband and quality family time.

“I am very particular about my social media usage when I’m with family and try to balance and give myself time off,” she explains. “I might be MIA during the holidays. I like to be present and protect everyone’s privacy—to enjoy the holidays as authentically and offline as possible.”

Victoria Glass

DYNAMIC DUO

Entrepreneurs Ryan and Angele Close talk about rooting their business ventures and their family in Lake Forest.

words by Thomas Connors

photography by James Gustin styling by Theresa DeMaria hair & makeup by Margareta Komlenac

LAKE FOREST RESIDENTS Ryan and Angele Close met 500 miles away, at the University of Western Ontario. He was all about business and she was set on a career in clinical psychology.

After graduation, Ryan became a sales and marketing pro—the guy, he says, “who went in when things weren’t going well and had to quickly find ways to clean up the mess, kind of like Winston ‘The Wolf’ Wolf in Pulp Fiction.” Angele brought her skills to college counseling centers, a family health team, and private practice.

Tiring of the corporate grind in Toronto, Ryan joined an incubator in his home town of Waterloo, looking to identify a side hustle that might lead to greater career satisfaction.

“I met a couple of engineers who were working to develop a cocktail maker but needed someone to find funding and figure out a way to bring the concept to market,” recalls Ryan. “So, with Angele’s blessing, I took the leap of faith, quit my corporate job, and started working without a salary. After five years of literally hand-building prototypes in basements and garages, I decided to move the business to the U.S. prior to launching and continued to build the brand with a new team.”

With investors and partners based in the Chicago area, Ryan and Angele opted to live on the North Shore.

“Many of the people I’d met in Chicago all seemed to agree that settling my family in the North Shore area would be best because of the high-quality schools and the safety of the neighborhoods,” says Ryan. “We lived in Winnetka when we first moved to Illinois in August 2019 and hunkered down through the pandemic months. Once we realized we were going to stay, we started house hunting at a time that was a seller’s market, with very little inventory. I started looking outside of Winnetka after negotiating with my kids and finally convincing them to change school districts for a bigger house and yard for our dogs.”

The Bartesian Cocktail Maker

The family’s new home is a French Country style residence designed by Jerome Cerny Associates in 1988. “We bought it knowing we would fully renovate the backyard area and basement, which we’re in the throes of now,” says Ryan. “We’re making it our dream home as we love Lake Forest and plan on staying around.”

The couple’s three middle-school kids have become fans of the smoothies at Hometown Coffee and Angele has been conducting classes at the Gorton Center. Her latest, The Mindful Moms Group, debuts in the new year.

“The class,” she says “will provide a safe and sacred space for moms to learn about matrescence— which refers to the identity transformation all moms go through—and provide for real conversations and meaningful reflections to offer the kind of support that helps women thrive to their fullest.”

And that side hustle Ryan went looking for?

The Bartesian—a Nespresso-like device equipped with four glass reservoirs for rum, whisky, vodka, and tequila that produces the perfect cocktail from a capsule containing all the necessary ingredients—has taken off.

“Using Shopify, we’ve driven well over $100 million in sales in three years to our bartesian.com site,” explains Ryan. “We also have a strong commercial business, positioned in the suites and concession stands at most of the major league sports stadiums and arenas. And we have partnerships with major hotel chains— Radisson, Choice, and Hyatt. So, there are multiple areas where folks can get introduced to our product and find out for themselves why we have over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and thousands more across multiple platforms.”

Cheers to that!

The Close family at their Lake Forest home

The Healing

Art Powers of

Nearing its 10th anniversary of working with those recovering from addiction or issues with mental health, Lake Bluff’s Art Impact Project welcomes a new executive director as the nonprofit works to serve a larger population.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography by Lisa Sciascia styling by Theresa DeMaria hair & makeup by Margareta Komlenac

VICKIE MARASCO’S MIDDLE

CHILD STRUGGLED with substance issues when he was at Lake Forest High School in 2013.

“At that time, it was interesting facing an issue like this in a community that feels like they don’t have these kinds of problems,” Marasco explains. “But those issues do happen and are happening in places like Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.”

Marasco’s son ultimately went to rehab, followed by six months of intensive outpatient therapy. When he graduated from that program, Marasco contacted his provider to share something she observed in the group sessions.

“In all of my months participating in the family sessions my son was in, I saw over and over that the addictions these teens were suffering from weren’t because of the drugs,” she says. “There were mental health issues at the core. I explained to the provider that I was an artist and wondered if there might be a way for me to help some of their patients. I was clear that I wasn’t a therapist, but I thought if we could get these kids work-

ing with their hands and being creative, we might be able to help them work through some things that were troubling them.”

The center gave Marasco a chance. And on her first night working with the teens, the therapists in the room told her that the kids were opening up more in that one hour than they had in 12 hours of weekly talk therapy.

From there, the Art Impact Project was born, officially becoming a 501(c) 3 organization in 2014. Since then, it has defined its mission as enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression.

“We have more than 100 hands-on projects that we have designed with specific messaging for our partner sites,” Marasco says. “When we are leading a project,

Mask by Vickie Marasco

Vickie Marasco and Liz Fales

Vickie wears Victoria Beckham.

Liz wears Milly, available at Neiman Marcus Northbrook.

“I became a believer in Art Impact Project from the start.”

we sit side-by-side with our participants. We do the project with them. And we require anyone who is in the room with us to be working on the project, too. That way, we’re all on the same level, we’re all doing the same things. There is so much power in art making and not having that direct eye contact that allows for creative problem solving. I’m still astounded after nine years how much people open up. They’ll even catch themselves and say, ‘I’ve never shared this before.’ Safety and trust can be built in a group space. I’ve never walked out of a session and felt like we haven’t reached somebody.”

The success of Art Impact Project has reached far beyond the teens in recovery Marasco originally set out to help. Today, Art Impact Project serves many in need of healthier coping skills, emotional awareness, and expression through partnerships with schools, mental and behavioral health facilities, veterans’ groups, and an inmate program at the Lake County Jail.

As the need for the Art Impact Project continues to grow, so does the need for how this nonprofit will position itself to answer these calls for help. As Art Impact Project transitions into a new phase of development, Marasco has welcomed Liz Fales as the organization’s new Executive Director.

“I will be working closely with Vickie and the Board of Directors to continue building on all of the wonderful things she started,” Fales says, “including growing our volunteer base, formalizing our structural framework, expanding our community engagement, increasing our fundraising and advancement strategies, shaping the new strategic plan, and leading our other operational and administrative needs.”

Fales first encountered Art Impact Project when serving as a Program Director at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in 2018, when Marasco was brought in to provide support for their program team.

“I saw first-hand how the walls came down as we made art,” Fales says. “I became a believer in Art Impact Project from the start.”

In addition to bringing Fales on full-time, Art Impact Project has hired Cassandra Anzelone to be its full-time Manager of Programming.

While Marasco will continue to be on the board as Art Impact Project’s founder, she does plan to take a few months off so that Fales can take the reins without feeling like someone is looking over her shoulder.

“We’ve been very strategic about this transition,” Marasco says. “The timing is right. I feel so grateful that our partners value what we do so much that we have to expand in order to meet the demand. I’m excited for Liz to take Art Impact Project into its next chapter.”

To learn more about Art Impact Project and how you can support it financially or as a volunteer, visit artimpactproject.org.

BENEFIT OF ART

On October 19,  Art Impact Project held a fundraising event at 28 Mile Distilling Co. This year was a special celebration honoring the retirement of founder Vickie Marasco, and welcoming a new executive director, Liz Fales. Marasco started the organization in 2014 to give a voice to people who struggle by using the power of art. artimpactproject.org

Loan Riedel, Megan Diem, Vicki Lidstrom

photography by Robin Subar

Veronica Hunt, Camille Prindle

Vickie Marasco, Liz Fales

Deb & Mark Leb

Ryan & Jillian Mundy

Allison Silver, Janet Borden

Anthony Anderson, Grace Janda

Kelly Whittenbarger, Mary Boxer

Jennifer Wertheimer, Bill Gorski, Nancy Schmidt

Jamie Keller, Michele Gorski

FOR OUR CLIENTS THIS YEAR

HERE IS WHAT A FEW HAD TO SAY…

“Heather was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive as our listing agent. She made our home selling process easy and smooth!”

“Heather walked us through step-by-step, made sure we knew what to expect, and offered expert advice during the whole process.”

“Heather is professional and accessible. She is so organized and quick to answer every question, large or small, in the home selling process.”

“Heather planned every stage of selling our home very well. We were under contract in just 2 weeks. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and made the selling of our home seamless.”

773.510.2525

19TH ANNUAL CAMP HOPE BENEFIT

photography

by Robin

Subar

Kristi and Peter Nevin hosted more than 100 guests in their beautiful Lake Forest home for a special evening, “Celebration Under the Stars,” benefitting Camp Hope–a five-day recreational and residential camp experience for children, teenagers, and young adults with developmental disabilities. AbbVie was the event’s corporate sponsor, as a strong supporter of Camp Hope’s mission to have a remarkable impact on lives. camphopeillinois.org

Ann Marie Scheidler, Mary Theresa Williams, Karen Larsen

Ellen Romeiser, Andrea Penino, Colleen Vedra

Kristi & Pete Nevin

Kristy Busam, Brooke Westerman

Rachel Baker, Amanda Lamberti

Greg Williams, Andrea Pecorino

Ann Marie Scheidler, Dr. Bob & Margaret Hartman

Joe Sr & Justine Santello, Madeline Baker, Joseph Santello Jr.

Guest of honor Matt Boxall

Cynthia Passilino, Carole Schall, Donna Fine, Rosemary Smith

Congratulations to our 2023 clients who are hanging their stockings in their new homes this holiday season.

Circle

E Hawthorne Court, LB · 955 Northcliffe Way, LF · 1230 N Western Avenue #311, LF · 140 Franklin Avenue #110, LF · 304

Granby Road, LF · 1520 N Green Bay Road, LF · Lot 10 Whitehall Lane, LF · 80 N Western Avenue, LF · 485 Oakwood Avenue, LF · 41

Golfview Road, Lake Zurich · 354 Park Avenue, Highland Park · 504 N Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich · 1212 Oxford Road, Deerfield · 5 Pheasant Row, Lincolnshire · 422 Caltapa Lane, Libertyville · 706 Waukegan Road #403C, Glenview · 511 Oakwood Avenue #2C, LF

Marina:

SOCIAL LIFE

SEASON OF GIVING BENEFIT

photography by Ian McLeod

The Lake Bluff Women’s Club (LBWC) held its annual “Fall Frolic-Season of Giving” Benefit on October 10 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, LBWC met its monetary goal and will announce the recipients of funds raised at its December meeting.

Theresa Hartman, Ingrid Weiser, Janet Tamer

Norma Finkel, Judy Kotsiopoulos

Regina Sano, Teresa Powell Marjorie Triplett, Janet Tamer

Lee Jashelski, Elaine Mueller

Norma Finkel, Mandy Swanson

Allegra Heinz, Jessica Daehler

Kristi Triplett, Marjorie Triplett

Mary Sweitzer, Linda Hegg

Sheila Lindsey-Levin, Tina Facchini, Loretta Facchini

BETTY BASH

photography by Ian McLeod

Mothers Trust Foundation hosted its signature Betty Bash on Saturday, October 14, to celebrate 25 years of silver linings for children in Lake County. Fields Auto Group was the title sponsor and graciously hosted the event for over 200 guests at their newly renovated MINI dealership. Funds raised will provide support to low-income Lake County children and families in crisis. motherstrustfoundation.org

Troy & Danielle Carter

Marly Subido, Jim Connell

Karl Gustafson & Jocelyn Pysarchuk

Amy & Dan Fields

Marly Subido, Paula Turelli, Sue Johnson, Ellen Marwede

Taylor & Josh Gantz

Joanie Lynch, Juli Hallas

Paul Turelli, Peter Turelli

Don & Alyssa Schappacher, Blythe & Greg Watson

Gabriela Cervantes, Scarlett Davalos

Randy (Mayor of Lake Forest) & Paula Tack, Mike & Diani Kordecki

photography by Leigha Wondergem

The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center hosted its Fall Benefit, themed “Pillars of Impact: Stories of Service”, on September 30 at the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building at RUSH. This marks the first event held at the newly constructed, $450 million facility, which was made possible by the generous support of Joan and Paul Rubschlager. Approximately 300 guests gathered for an inspiring evening that celebrated The Woman’s Board’s nearly 140 years of philanthropic impact on the medical center. thewomansboard.org

Wendy Herb, Woman’s Board President

Mary Anne Martin, Stevie Boggess, Ann Potter

Meg Sauer, Kerri Schoonyoung

Beth Myers, Wendy Benson

Dr. Omar Lateef, RUSH CEO, with Tom & Wendy Herb, Woman’s Board President

Desiree Ruhstrat & David Cunliffe

Elizabeth Moore

Fall Benefit Chair Melissa Hennessy & Dr. Joe Hennessy

Alexandra & Charlie Markson

Dr. Quenby Erickson and Jim Janikowski

Artist Michael Israel

Pillars of Impact installations

Harpist Janelle Lake

Luke Bjoin, Juliza Kramer

Katie Fischer, Daniel Biasatti, Stephanie Andino

CELEBRITY CHEF BALL

photography by Ken Carl Photography

At the Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrity Chef Ball, more than fifty of Chicago’s top chefs and mixologists came together to create a special evening of fine dining. Guests experienced an intimate six-course dining experience by three award-winning chefs and a live auction. A record amount of funds was raised, enough to cover 185,000 meals for Chicago’s homebound seniors and people with disabilities struggling with food insecurity. mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Lauren Kelly, Raquel Jackson, Melissa Pant, Kelly Cohen

Lindsay and Lou Nero

Heidi Clifton, Lauren Kelly, Melissa Pant, Raquel Jackson, Kelly Cohen

Josh and Raquel Jackson, Jim and Heidi Clifton

Chris and Catherine Lamb, Heather and Tim O’Connor

Chris and Noel Dolan, Tyler and Rae Lisenby, Brenda Murray and Brent Jones

Cathleen Healy, Theresa DeMaria, Sierra Campbell

Lauren Kelly, Noel Dolan, Courtney Turner, Veronica DeNicolo

EGenerations of Gems

Steven Holtzman and Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence carry on the multigenerational, family-owned, and family-run traditions of the fine jewelry retailer CD Peacock.

words by Mitch Hurst / photography by Ian McLeod

arly in 1837, Elijah Peacock and his wife, Rebecca Haylock, immigrated to Chicago from the Isle of Chatteris, Cambridge, England. Soon after arriving Peacock opened the House of Peacock on Lake Street, a jewelry store that still stands as the oldest and most enduring retailer in Chicago’s history.

Elijah eventually handed control of the company to his son, Charles Daniel, who renamed it C.D. Peacock, and subsequent generations of Peacocks ran the company for well more than a century. The company eventually fell on hard times under new ownership and was slated to shut down in 1993 when jewelry industry veteran Seymour Holtzman took ownership and revived CD Peacock with the same multi-generational, family-owned vision of its founder and original owner.

Seymour’s son, Steven Holtzman, a seasoned distribution and luxury brand builder, joined CD Peacock. In 2022 he assumed the role of Vice Chairman. Steven’s daughter, Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence, joined CD Peacock in 2017 as Vice President of Communications and Marketing.

“When my father called and asked me to join the business, my wife and I, along with our youngest daughter, were living in Switzerland,” Steven says. “At the time my eldest daughter, Chelsea, was already working for CD Peacock. As I considered joining the company and relocating, I realized that I was not simply being asked to build a business, but to carry on a legacy, much like the Peacock family had done before ours.”

Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence’s husband, Brandon Lawrence, worked with CD Peacock in 2016 when her grandfather, Seymour, brought him in to redesign the company’s online presence and marketing.

“I was drawn to the opportunity to learn from my grandfather’s extensive history in the industry and my husband’s ability to bridge that into current technology,” Chelsea says. “I knew it was a special opportunity to have multiple generations of the family working together to elevate the company.”

Steven has extensive experience in the watch industry, having

been involved in sales, manufacturing, distribution, the creation of his own brand, and collecting high-end timepieces for most of his life.

“The world of luxury has always fascinated me, and I find jewelry complements watches perfectly,” he says. “Like watches, I greatly admire the artistry and dedication of jewelry craftsmen, and I appreciate the beauty of a perfectly conceived piece—few things are as elegant as flawless jewelry.”

“The first time I experienced a true reverence for quality jewelry was when I was planning my wedding. My engagement ring belonged to my mother-in-law, and it has always felt like I’m carrying a piece of family with me,” Chelsea says. “Jewelry and watches are life milestones that carry memories, which is why I feel so honored when clients allow us the opportunity to be part of their story.”

CD Peacock plans on opening a new flagship Mansion at Oakbrook Center in 2024, which Steven says is a testament to the company’s commitment and perseverance. He says CD Peacock has always been a part of Chicago and plans to continue that tradition.

Furthering its commitment to Chicago, Chelsea spearheaded and manages the multi-year partnership as the Official Jeweler of the Chicago Cubs, which includes the naming rights to Wrigley Field’s Premier Entrance and sponsorship of the Cubs’ Player of the Month Award.

“It’s both awe inspiring and humbling to be entrusted with the responsibility of preserving CD Peacock. Chelsea and I, along with the rest of the family working in the business, do not take this responsibility lightly,” Steven says. “Overseeing CD Peacock is important to our family, but it is also integral to our multi-generational clients.”

“It’s incredible to work with my father and learn from his years in the industry,” says Chelsea. “My father is someone who just genuinely loves timepieces and jewelry, and that kind of passion is contagious.”

Visit CD Peacock at cdpeacock.com.

As 2023 winds to a close, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude for the many wonderful business opportunities I have had this year.

I wish you a Happy Holiday season and a New Year filled with Joy and Good Health! Cheers to 2024!

As 2024 unfolds, I would love to assist with your real estate needs! Please consider these client testimonials:

“Mona Hellinga is a consummate professional with a friendly, consistent demeanor at all times. We thoroughly enjoyed working with her and would highly recommend her!"

LocalFamilyTrust

"Mona has great local market knowledge, is well connected and super diligent. Nothing is too much trouble, she provided excellent guidance and advice. We had worked with Mona before so none of this was a surprise to us. We simply could not imagine ever working with another broker."

StuartE.

“Mona is a true professional in every way. They don't come any better. If you want to sell or buy a home, give the listing to someone who knows the market and moves quickly to serve the customer -Mona is that person.”

BertT.

Last April, ARCC Consulting threw a party to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its founding. Team members gathered with clients, some of whom have been with ARCC since the beginning, to mark 10 years of ARCC’s client focused, accounting services to individuals and businesses.

Before starting ARCC, Patel, a CPA who also holds an MBA, worked in corporate finance for large companies for almost two decades, but he decided he wanted to focus on small businesses, and he saw opportunities to help them with their accounting and tax challenges.

“I had a lot of people that I knew who were in small business and they weren’t receiving the level of expertise or skills that they needed from an accountant,” Patel says. “I decided to start the firm and focus on a variety of businesses and then we branched out into helping individuals as well.”

ARCC aims to educate its clients on a variety of different areas when it comes to the business, providing, advice on how to interpret their financials, taxes, and how to better operate their companies. If they’re successful, he says, ARCC is successful.

“We don’t specifically specialize in one particular industry. We actually have clients across all type of industries, technology, manufacturing, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, dentistry, and retail,” says Patel. “What really differentiates us from the others is our customer engagement and customer service. We really go above and beyond for our clients.”

Patel says people have options when it comes to choosing an accountant. Cost may be a factor, but ultimately, it’s a business relationship so ARCC focuses on building relationships with its clients and meeting their specific needs, while educating the client on proper accounting and tax rules and regulations that need to be followed.

“We ask the detailed questions such as what their goals are. Whether it’s a business or individual, we really center on the tax side to help them reduce their tax liability and save them as much money as possible,” he says.

ARCC itself is growing. In 2018 it acquired an accounting firm and added another Lake Forest-based firm in 2020.

Your Local Accounting and Tax Experts

Trak Patel and his team at Lake Forestbased ARCC Consulting maintain a strong focus on building relationships with clients.

words by Mitch Hurst

Patel says the purpose of the acquisitions was to leverage the long-term relationship the firms had with local clients as well as clients nationwide.”

“The way the acquired firms ran their business was very much in line with how we ran our firm when it came to customer service, providing another level to clients that they desire and want,” he says. “We were strategic from an acquisition perspective, as we know the importance of having a local, goto accountant.”

The firm has built close ties to the Lake Forest community over the past five years and is deeply involved in the Lake Forest Day Foundation (a not-for-profit) where Patel sits on the board. With an office downtown, clients can easily schedule a ace-to-face meetings, and the firm is currently revamping its Website and social media platforms to communicate digitally and more efficiently with clients who prefer online engagement and less email communications.

A key value of ARCC is to maintain a diverse and highly trained employee base, and ARCC does not use freelancers to get the work done for clients. Eight full-time employees and two long-time seasonal employees focus solely on the accounting, payroll, business consulting, and tax needs of the firm’s customers.

“We do have quite a few current business clients who are located in downtown Lake Forest, and we really want to be the go-to firm for all the businesses downtown,” says Pam Dervetski, ARCC’s Vice President of Operations. “Some people don’t really know that we’re downtown, so being located downtown is a good opportunity for them to meet us and get to know us.”

Those who visit will learn that while accounting and taxes might be confusing and stressful for people, ARCC can reduce both.

“We always go above and beyond with the information and providing value to our clients with analysis and recommendations—things to do and things not to do,” Patel says. “We remain laser focused on customer service.”

For more information visit arccconsulting.com.

SKINVIVE™ CREATING A LASTING GLOW

words by Steven Bloch, M.D.

SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® is the first and only hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable for improving skin smoothness in the cheeks. The modified hyaluronic acid in SKINVIVE™ keeps your skin hydrated, looking healthy, and glowing. You may have seen hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in moisturizing creams or serums. Hyaluronic acid increases your skin’s natural hydrating ability to retain moisture and softness. Hyaluronic acid, a water-attracting molecule found in your skin, naturally decreases with age and sun exposure. SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® microdroplets of hyaluronic acid help address the texture changes and dullness that can result from the aging process. SKINVIVE™ boosts your skin’s internal hydration to smooth cheeks, reduce fine lines, and give you a lasting glow. Tiny, intradermal microdroplets of hyaluronic acid are injected just below the surface of the skin, so you won’t see any change in the shape or volume of your face, just hydrated, healthier-looking skin no matter your skin type or tone. SKINVIVE™ injectable treatment only takes about 20 minutes and lasts six months with optimal treatment. Patients reported high satisfaction with how glowing, hydrated, refreshed, and healthy their skin looked.

Ode to Joytime

Kathleen Hodgen

The rules were simple, but golden. “Never hurt anyone on the outside. Never hurt anyone on the inside.” Most importantly, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” And it was these principles that guided Joytime, the little neighborhood school that Lake Forest College alumni Joy and Earle Hodgen opened in 1953. It was an innovative time in early childhood education, one that ushered in a progressive new age. “Joytime was welcoming to all children, no matter their ethnic background,” explains Kathleen Hodgen, who has fond memories of the beloved institution that her late parents founded and where, in 1973, she would join their staff. “We felt children would benefit greatly from exposure to other children that had different customs and language besides their own.” The timing to open such a school could not have been better. Mary Hart Daycare had just closed in Lake Forest, leaving a need in the community that Joytime immediately filled. Then in 1962, when the Lake Forest School Board discontinued its Junior Kindergarten program, Joytime again stepped up and became the first preschool in Lake Forest. “It was an immediate sensation,” says Kathleen. “To ensure a spot, mothers rushed to sign up their child as soon as they discovered they were pregnant.” There were waiting lists. There was buzz. “Our expansive play yard provided many opportunities for physical activity,” she says. “The children also had lots of room to run and have fun in nature.” They could run up and Big Wheel (or tube) down Joytime mountain. There was a merry-go-round, places to climb, flower and vegetable gardens, and areas to dig for worms. To say it was magical is an understatement. “We believed that children should continue to develop their imaginations by learning through play,” adds Kathleen, who worked side by side with her mother until she died in 1991, taking over as director until the school closed in 2013. “Over the years, computers were starting to be a big part of our lives and we decided not to incorporate them and continue with what worked—a culture that fosters caring behavior, self-esteem, and the capacity to problem solve.” Joytime educated more than 3,000 students in its 60-year history, building generations of memories that will not be soon forgotten. “In addition to watching their self-confidence and empathy blossom, our children learned that we all have differences—different skin color, different languages—and we all share many similarities as well. Lessons that we all can use today.” On October 1, 10 years after Joytime closed its little blue door for the final time, Kathleen honored her parents and the work they did in Lake Forest by dedicating a memorial bench and boulder in South Park. “Many alumni and friends attended the ceremony and shared their stories,” she says, who raised the $4,000 needed for the installation through GoFundMe. “My heart is so full of happiness to finally have closure for Joytime—to be able to visit the park and reminisce myself, or have others do the same or wonder what it was like when the school was there.” The bench and boulder are situated on the site of the former school property in a prominent place where all can see—right where the sidewalk ends.

#1 Agents in the Lake Forest BHHS O

Dedicated to your finest real estate experience.

A p�fect h�e for all your holiday gath�ings!

521 HASTINGS ROAD, LAKE FOREST

This stately brick Georgian seamlessly blends old world tradition with all of today’s modern amenities. Drive up to the sophisticated curb appeal with blue stone entry and enjoy the multi-faceted outdoor spaces. All bedrooms are en-suite, hardwood oors throughout, exquisite mill work, 4 gas replaces, rst oor study, elegant dining room, tremendous kitchen with enough space to entertain extended family. Traditional family room with high, beamed ceiling, statement replace, dry-bar nook & homework room for 4. Extensive mud room with full bath, command center, bonus room & attached 3+ car garage. Look out at your incredible stone patio with wolf grill & custom stone yard & ower beds. Close to historic market square, award winning schools &

Merry

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

North Shore, we you

DEAR LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF:

We love wintertime in your communities. We love the lights… in your downtowns, at Market Square, and around your homes. We love It’s a Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff and the small-town charm that evokes Bedford Falls. We love walking on your frozen windswept beaches, skating at West Park, and meeting friends at cozy spots like Deer Path Inn, Le Colonial, and Inovasi. We love the warmth and joy you bring…we love YOU.

LOVE,