Forest & Bluff, July 2023

GET GLOWING Glow

Dr. Stacie Stephenson pens her newest book—

LFCMpartners@atproperties.com LFCMPartners.com

ANN LYON 847.828.9991

alyon@atproperties.com

Award winning agent for 17 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years

JEFF FOLKER 847.504.6182 jfolker@atproperties.com

20+ years in corporate sales & consulting, 2-term member of LF District 67 School Board.

KIM CAMPBELL 312.434.9372

kimcampbell@atproperties.com

Master of Banking & Finance, Stonier, Wharton, U of Penn. 25 years in Comm. Bank & Mang.

JENNIFER MOWER 847.345.6600 jennifermower@atproperties.com

30+ years in sales, development and customer service. Lifelong Lake Forest Resident.

6 Bed, 5.2 Bath // $2,995,000

Completely remodeled in 2007, this home is an entertainer’s dream w/a beautiful POOL, TENNIS COURT & PLAYGROUND! This resortstyle setting, w/stunning residence has great privacy, surrounded by mature trees w/a long driveway extending back to the brick & stone home w/a slate roof & 4+ car garage.

4 Bed, 4 Bath // $949,000

This beautiful contemporary home on 3/4 acre has a 3 car garage, greenhouse & first floor primary bedroom with over 3,400 sqft on first & second floors and an unfinished basement with an additional 1,300 sqft. Only 3 homes from Waveland Park, 2 blocks to Cherokee Elem. & 3 blocks to LF Country Day School. This home has it all.

#1 AGENT AND #1 TEAM IN LAKE FOREST 2020, 2021 & 2022 *

1560 S. RIDGE ROAD LAKE FOREST

285 HILLDALE PLACE LAKE FOREST

7 Bed, 6.1 Bath // $2,649,000

Spectacular custom-built home that offers luxurious North Shore living w/ seasonal lake views in desirable Fort Sheridan! Experience privacy and awe-inspiring views of nature on a quiet cul-de-sac with conservancy to the south and Lake Michigan to the east.

4 Bed, 3.1 Bath // $1,249,000

Amazing sun-filled home with huge fenced-in yard, extensive primary suite with 2 walk-in closets and dressing areas, updated kitchen, hardwood floors throughout with 3 car garage on close to an acre!

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern lakefront home on 8+ acres. Perfect for a buyer looking for land, privacy, and the opportunity to transform a large, classic home into a modern day showpiece.

4

Excellent opportunity to move into desirable Whispering Oaks! Close to Cherokee School, Metra, bike paths, open lands, and Lake Michigan. Freshly painted exterior. Lots to love about this home…don’t miss it!

120 S. BASSWOOD ROAD LAKE FOREST

1810 SUNSET LANE BANNOCKBURN

5 Bed, 7 Bath // $1,195,000

3481 BRADLEY COURT HIGHLAND PARK

890 LONGWOOD DRIVE LAKE FOREST

Bed, 3.1 Bath // $949,000

Editor’s Note

Welcome to July and the joys of summer, whether it be dining al fresco, a day at the beach, or attending one of the many festivals in our community.

We kick off this issue with a cover feature about Dr. Stacie Stephenson, author of Glow, a new book about balancing (or not) motherhood and self-care. “I have two pieces of advice for moms,” she says. “First, don’t stress over finding balance. Know that it’s an unrealistic expectation, and instead, embrace the flow.” Her book offers weekly themes to help develop a clear mindset and renewed sense of wellbeing in core areas of life—including relationships, rest, communication, creativity, and nature.

Our next feature, May I Have this Dance?, takes us back in time to the elegant tradition of ballroom dancing. The Town Club was founded in 1914 and provides an opportunity for those who love ballroom dancing to share their passion. The club has operated continuously through two world wars and now, two pandemics—influenza in 1918 and COVID-19 in 2020. In April, the club held a dance event themed around the coronation of Prince William. When the music started and the couples took to the dance floor, let’s just say it was absolutely magical.

A similarly inspiring feature this month is Garden of Discovery, which chronicles how Elawa Farm’s newly unveiled, fully accessible Discovery Garden came to fruition. “We knew that we needed something similar to the Enabling Garden at Elawa if we were going to be a true community organization,” says Executive Director Laura Calvert of the ADA-compliant addition. “Folks in limited mobility devices can now access the farm.” Brava to Elawa.

Another not-to-miss story this month can be found in The Portrait, which profiles Lake Forest resident Megan Cooper. We sat down with Megan to discuss her past health struggles and how she now sticks to a thoughtful meal plan to find stability and wellbeing.

Closing out our issue is The Last Word, which pays tribute to tireless local volunteer Norma Finkel. Norma brought her marketing expertise and PR prowess to our community and now offers her services pro

bono to The Lake Bluff Women’s Club and other local organizations. Thank you to her and all the others who give their time so selflessly.

With that, we encourage you to savor these glory days of summer while they’re here. The beach and summer cookouts await.

Happy Fourth of July!!

THERESA DE MARIA Editor in Chief

This Month’s Wish List:

Loewe leather-trimmed raffia tote, $1250, saksfifthavenue.com

Sensi Studio Sicilian Stories Haute Beach Lady Straw Ibiza Hat, $366, saksfifthave.com

Camilla Flamenco Flamingo Drop-Shoulder Playsuit, $599, Available at Neiman Marcus

Photography by Susan Bowlus

Laura Calvert & Elaine Madansky at Elawa Farms

From this month’s cover story, Get Glowing, the Stephensons are passionate about equestrian endeavors.

Nest Lime Zest & Matcha Candle, $78, Available at bluemercury.com

Simon & Schuster The

Invitation to sell at auction

We are accepting fine art, furniture, and decorative art consignments for auction. Contact us to receive an auction valuation for a single item or an entire collection.

FORESTBLUFF.COM

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

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER JENNIFER STURGEON EDITOR IN CHIEF THERESA DEMARIA

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SHERRY THOMAS, MEGAN WEISBERG

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, MITCH HURST, MONICA KASS ROGERS

BEAUTY & STYLE EDITOR LAUREN DEMARIA

PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA LEWIS

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER CHRIS GEIMER GRAPHIC DESIGNER SAM SUAREZ

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS IAN MCLEOD, JAMES GUSTIN, KATRINA WITTKAMP, LISA SCIASCIA, MONICA KASS ROGERS, ROBIN SUBAR CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR TOM BACHTELL

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

HOW TO REACH

FOREST & BLUFF MAGAZINE

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES jennifer@jwcmedia.com. 847-370-6940

GENERAL INQUIRIES 847-926-0911

EDITORIAL EMAIL editorial@jwcmedia.com

EDITORIAL TELEPHONE 847-857-9947 ON THE WEB forestbluff.com

NORTH SHORE HQ 445 SHERIDAN ROAD HIGHWOOD, ILLINOIS 60040 FOREST

CLIENT REVIEW

“Cory and his team were awesome! I relocated to Chicago from the West Coast and as much as I love the city, I also wanted to explore nearby areas. Cory was the best at accommodating our busy schedules to find us the perfect home in a neighborhood that we love! His interest in getting to know our wants/needs, knowledge of northern suburbs, patience showing us a wide range of houses in several areas and negotiation advice allowed us to find one that checked all the boxes.”

PROVIDING FEEL-GOOD DINING EXPERIENCES FOR ANY OCCASION EVENTS • CATERING • TAKEOUT

Gemini | Coda di Volpe | Old Pueblo Cantina | Sophia Steak | Pomeroy | Buck Russell's | Pizza by Sal | DeNuccis

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

Megan Cooper, this month’s The Portrait subject, is shown at her home in Lake Forest wearing dress by Farm Rio, available at Lillie Alexander.

Photography by Ian McLeod. Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest

The Good Life

MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE Music of the Baroque’s

(MOB) 2023–24 season, titled “Heaven and Earth,” includes Mozart’s Requiem and the “St. John Passion,” both led by Music Director Dame Jane Glover. “The music we perform transcends all boundaries—it touches the human spirit in the most profound ways, it elevates our understanding of the human condition, and it enables all of us to experience unique moments of joy,” says MOB Executive Director Declan McGovern. “From the depth of Bach’s ‘St. John Passion’ to the mystery of Allegri’s ‘Miserere,’ from the fun of Telemann’s ‘Frogs Concerto’ to the drama of Purcell’s ‘King Arthur,’ this season has it all. We are thrilled to open our downtown concert series at Symphony Center and to return to the Harris Theater for its 20th anniversary year. We also look forward to our neighborhood performances on Chicago’s West Side.” Subscriptions for the 2023-24 concert season are on sale now at baroque.org.

DERMINFUSIONS FILL + RE-

PAIR SERUM

Dr. Dennis Gross has just launched the first product in a new category—Derminfusions Fill + Repair Serum. This serum is an advanced 3-D alternative to injectable filler that immediate fills lines, plumps, and repairs in just two weeks. The breakthrough is what Dr. Gross is coining the “MicroCell Delivery system.” The delivery system uses micelles (microscopic molecules) to reduce the molecular size of active ingredients and push them deeper to better penetrate skin. This is the first time this technology has been used as a delivery system (micelles are typically used in cleansers, like micellar water). sephora.com

F&B Loves

ANTIQUE CHAIRS GET AN ENCORE Maribel

Weisz of Antique

Resources and Stephanie Sarris with Bellehaven Designs have collaborated to breathe new life into antique chairs with the aptly named Encore Collection. Luxurious, durable, sustainably sourced fabrics are selected to reupholster 100-to-200year-old chairs by a talented team of local, woman-owned upholsterers. For more information, visit antiqueresourcesinc.com.

Dr. Dennis Gross dermInfusions fill + repair serum

Manase Latu

Double the Zen shot in Jackson Park

Nature’s Blues is inspired by nature

The Pistachio Chairs are a pair of Louis Phillippe period bergeres

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

WHEN: July 2

WHERE: Gorton Center

Raiders of the Lost Ark, Steven Spielberg’s inaugural tale in the epic Indiana Jones series, has the intrepid archaeologist taking on a band of Nazis in a quest for a unique religious relic which is central to their plans for world domination. Battling against a snake phobia and a vengeful ex-girlfriend, Jones is in constant peril, making spine tingling escapes at every turn in this 1981 classic. gortoncenter.org

SUMMER READING CLUB

WHEN: July 3 to 31

WHERE: Lake Bluff Public Library

Find all the characters hidden in Youth Services, complete the challenge, and submit your entry for a chance at a raffle prize! lakeblufflibrary.org

LAKE BLUFF FOURTH OF JULY

PARADE

WHEN: July 4, 9 a.m.

WHERE: Oak Avenue on East Cen-

ter Avenue

Come be a part of the 113th Annual Lake Bluff Fourth of July parade, which celebrates both our local community and the country’s independence. The Kiwanis Club of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest is marking its 100th anniversary of serving our community in 2023, and this July 4 will mark the organization’s 50th year of serving pancakes on the Village Green before the parade. celebrate.lb4july.org

THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND

WHEN: July 5

WHERE: Gorton Center

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland film shows a tug-of-war between Elmo and his friend as his blanket is sent to faraway Grouchland, a place full of grouchy creatures and the villainous Huxley. Elmo embarks on a rescue mission, learning important lessons about sharing and responsibility. gortoncenter.org

FAMILY FEST BIRTHDAY BASH

WITH SCOTT GREEN MAGIC AND FOAM PARTY

WHEN: July 8

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Join the Lake Forest Library as it celebrates 125 years with a Family Fest Birthday Bash, featuring Scott Green Magic and Foam Party. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment for the whole family. lakeforestlibrary.org

K-POP CULTURE

WHEN: July 17

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Young people in grades 5 through 12 are invited to explore Korean culture at the library during an event that includes K-pop music videos and K-drama trailers. They will also pamper their skin with sheet masks and other popular K-beauty supplies. lakeforestlibrary.org

JIM GILL’S SING-A-THON

WHEN: July 19

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Jump In To July! The Good Life About Town

Bring the whole family for a delightful afternoon as award-winning musician and author Jim Gill strums his banjo and everyone sings, claps, and dances together! lakeforestlibrary.org

CANVASES & COOKIES

WHEN: July 20

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Students in for grades 3 through 7 are invited to munch on cookies and paint using pointillism, a famous Impressionist technique where many dots add up to something beautiful. lakeforestlibrary.org

AMERICAN GIRL TEA PARTY

WHEN: August 3

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Students in grades 3 through 7 are invited to bring their American Girl doll for a fun, fancy afternoon with light refreshments, activities, and a reading from an American Girl book. lakeforestlibrary.org

Exmoor Country Club

Holistic Healing

written by Mitch Hurst

Megan Cooper was born and raised in the Bay Area, but a twist of fate landed her on the North Shore. She studied anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and while there met her Winnetka native husband Eric, who she says was “probably one of eight non-Californians, and I just happened to fall in love with one of them.” She followed Eric back to the Chicago area in 1999 and dabbled a little bit in commercial real estate, had two kids, Oliver and Finn, and they all landed in Lake Forest in 2011. Both her and Eric’s lives have been shaped by chronic illness and researching and finding natural paths of treatment. Cooper suffers from endometriosis, a painful condition which primarily affects women and can go undiagnosed for years. She is grateful to have been diagnosed and treated just before her first pregnancy. Cysts were removed but after her second son was born, her symptoms came back, all of which led her to seek out alternative treatment options. What she found was that her disease was driven by hormonal imbalance as well as inflammation. Through the help of functional medicine and addressing the root cause, she was able to relieve her symptoms fully, primarily through diet and lifestyle. She calls it a “holistic makeover.” Cooper now runs The Cycle Solution, a company through which she works as a functional coach to help women with different hormonal ailments reduce their symptoms and live more balanced lives. She works with female clients around her age who are dealing with the same hormonal issues she did. “It’s about small lifestyle shifts. I’m not here to tell you that you have to stop everything you’re doing,” she says. “I like to look at a big picture of their lifestyle and just give them helpful hints here and there about how they can improve their hormonal health.”

What is your favorite place to visit or to vacation? Beach, mountains, or city? Right, now, mountains. I started going to Idaho annually a few years back and have absolutely fallen in love with it.

How do you like to spend your down time (if you have any)? I always try to make time for down time! I like to garden, go for walks with friends, cook, read, or nap.

How do your past health challenges inspire you today, both personally and professionally? They are what motivate me to be healthy every day. When I think of how horrible I used to feel and then I think about how I feel now it keeps me going both personally and professionally. I think having personal experience to fall back on makes it easier for me to relate with my clients as a health coach. How does diet contribute to your health? It contributes tremendously, but it is just a piece of the puzzle. I feel so much better when I eat a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet. Food was the first element of my lifestyle that I addressed when getting healthy. What is your favorite place to visit or to vacation? Beach, mountains, or city? Right, now, mountains. I started going to Idaho annually a few years back and have absolutely fallen in love with it. How do you like to spend your down time (if you have any)? I always try to make time for down time! I like to garden, go for walks with friends, cook, read, or nap. What is your favorite thing to do in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff? My favorite thing to do in Lake Forest is to hit the trails. I love walking the trail at the end of Laurel. I also love going to Middlefork Savannah and going to Forest Park to walk the beach and do a couple sets of stairs. Favorite workout? Either Pilates or ones that don’t require a gym instructor or machine. I also can’t live without my once a week, restorative yoga with Molly Harper at Sunshala Yoga in Lake Bluff. Coffee or Tea? I love them both! I have recently given up caffeine so it’s tea for me. Most teas also have their own therapeutic properties, which is really fun to experiment with and learn about. Cocktail or mocktail? These days I’m all about the mocktails. Paper planner or digital? I am a paper planner person, slowly converting to a digital planner person. Best advice you’ve given or received? There is no permanence in life. Everything is temporary, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Three people, living or dead, you would like to invite over for a cocktail party? I’d probably want to invite three of my great-great-grandparents. I don’t know much about them, so I’d love to ask them all about their lives and get to know them and find out what type of people they were. I find genealogy fascinating.

Paper planner or digital?

I am a paper planner person, slowly converting to a digital planner person.

Coffee or Tea? I love them both! I have recently given up caffeine so it’s tea for me. Most teas also have their own therapeutic properties, which is really fun to experiment with and learn about.

Favorite workout?

Either Pilates or ones that don’t require a gym instructor or machine. I also can’t live without my once a week, restorative yoga with Molly Harper at Sunshala Yoga in Lake Bluff.

Megan Cooper turned her own health challenges into a successful company that helps women suffering from chronic ailments find holistic approaches to managing their symptoms.

The Portrait

Megan Cooper at her Lake Forest home wearing tan shorts by ALC and top by Ulla Johnson

Private Lake Forest Estate with a Pool!

121 Green Bay Road | Lake Forest | $4,999,900

Located down a long private lane on 1.8 acres across from the Onwentsia Club, this magnificent, updated custom-designed brick and stone estate was completed in 1998. This home features 10 en-suite bedrooms with walk in closets, 11 and twoand-a-half baths, a brand new highly functional custom-designed cook’s dream kitchen with custom Dura Supreme Quarter Sewn Oak full inset cabinets, Brizio faucets, double waterfall quartz countertop islands, Visual Comfort pendants and lighting, a beverage center with glass shelving, and herringbone hardwood floors. The grand open front entry foyer includes new black and white marble pattern flooring with a beautiful staircase. The home also features custom-designed and built interior doors with Nanz custom door hardware with olive knuckle hinges throughout the home, radiant heat on all levels, and freshly painted in 2022 and 2023. Exterior amenities include gated and fenced in 1.8 acres with a recently resurfaced inground swimming pool, a stand-alone hot tub, a huge gazebo, a large stone patio with plenty of lawn space for entertaining, and a playground that will rival any local park! A truly impressive home.

Good

Travel Chic Essentials

edited by Lauren DeMaria

4. A TOWEL WITH ROOM FOR EVERYBODY

Stake out the best spot on the beach with this supersized cotton towel for anyone looking to maximize their day in the sun. Ralph Lauren Kendrick Beach Towel, $100, neimanmarcus.com

5. SANDALS THAT VIBE

Hit the sand in style in an ultracomfy pair of slides that match this season’s trendy energy. Slip these on and practically float to your beach chair. Diamond Flip Flop by Jimmy Choo, $375, jimmychoo.com

6. A SEA PROOF SPEAKER (BOSE)

1. SPORT A CROCHET BUCKET HAT FOR A DAY AT THE BEACH

Make a statement with this sporty bucket hat. Fendi FF Motif Interwoven Bucket Hat, $1,100, farfetch.com

2. MADE IN THE SHADE

Never sweat running out of SPF with this in the tote. Whether you like to swim or stroll or siesta in the sun, this water-resistant sunscreen has got you covered. Clark’s sunscreen Invisible Hero SPF 30 Anti-Aging Sunscreen + Hyaluronic Acid, $85, clarksbotanicals.com

3. NO LUG WATER JUG

Are you pledging to drink more water? Don’t venture out without filling up this handy water bottle that is also self-filtering. You will hit all your hydration goals. It’s also lightweight and stainless steel. LARQ water bottle, $45, larq.com

Set the right tone for your day of vitamin SEA by packing along a mini portable Bluetooth speaker for music. Not only can this small but mighty Bose model run for hours but it’s also waterproof. Bose Sound Link Micro Bluetooth Small Portable Waterproof Speaker, $99, amazon.com

7. LOSE YOURSELF IN THIS BEACH READ THIS SUMMER

Summertime is synonymous with a seasonal book category known as the “beach read.” Find one that is light, fluffy, compulsively readable and that are perfect to take on vacation. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, $20, amazon. com

8. THROWING SHADE

Inspired by Hollywood Icons, pack a pair of these chic vintage inspired sunnies and be the star on the beach this summer. Gucci 80s Monocolor Oversized Square Sunglass $405, shopbop.com

Set yourself up for success in the sun with these must-have picks you won’t want to leave the house without. Here are eight products our editors will be packing in their beach bags this summer.

SWIMMINGLY STUPENDOUS

The grandeur of summer holiday travel has arrived, which means it’s time to start packing the perfect swimsuit for every destination. Whether it’s an extraordinary escape to Bali or an excursion through the south of France, the options are endless. Here are a few of our favorites. 10

edited by Lauren DeMaria

2 Patbo Jasmin bandeau bikini top, $145, revolve.com

1 Jade Swim Helix bikini top, $90, revolve.com

3 Eres Samba lace-up striped swimsuit, $875, net-a-porter.com

4 Johanna Ortiz Kuna print belted one-piece swimsuit, $395, nordstrom.com

5 Lisa Marie Fernandez Yasmin wrap-effect rope-detailed stretch-seersucker swimsuit, $445, net-a-porter.com

6 Ganni crochet racerback bikini top, $185, revolve.com

7 Baobab La Danza Kira one-piece swimsuit, $200, saksfifthavenue.com

8 Norma Kamali Bill Mio halter one-piece swimsuit, $225, saksfifthavenue.com

9 Evarae Rizo one-piece swimsuit, $360, saksfifthavenue.com

10 Devi ruffled crocheted cotton and stretch bikini by Zimmerman, $280, net-a-porter.com

STONES THROW FROM THE LAKE!

REPRESENTED BUYER!

701 PARK PLACE, LAKE BLUFF

This magnificent estate is a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan. No detail was overlooked in the construction of this unbelievable home-from the foundation to the spectacular designer finishes. Breathttaking, sophisticated & pristine. An unforgettable residence! $2,499,000 Kim Shortsle & Carleigh Goldsberry 847.987.5702

555 EVANSTON AVENUE, LAKE BLUFF

Impeccable home in the heart of Lake Bluff. Open floor plan, first floor primary suite and beautiful finishes. The courtyard provides a private Oasis! Represented Buyer. $1,100,000 Patricia Carollo 847.951.8817

SOLD!

220 MOFFETT ROAD, LAKE BLUFF

Newly renovated 5 bedroom, 4.2 baths east Lake Bluff home for happy buyers! Represented buyer $1,899,000 Elizabeth Jakaitis 847.840.7842

UNDER CONTRACT WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS!

204 WHISTLER ROAD, FORT SHERIDAN

This opportunity rarely presents itself. Fort Sheridan’s Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall was recently renovated and is ready for new owners this fall. Smart house with soaring ceilings, tall windows and hardwood floors throughout make this open floor plan bright and practical. $865,000 Kim Shortsle & Carleigh Goldsberry 847.987.5702

NEW LISTING!

NEW LISTING!

786 LONGWOOD DRIVE, LAKE FOREST

Mid-Century Ranch style 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Whispering Oaks! Meticulously maintained and updated through the years. Vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, walls of windows, stairs to second floor greenhouse set on a beautiful ½ acre lot. Incredible potential! $699,000 Kiki Clark & Polly Richardson 847.804.0969

4 RIENZI LANE, HIGHWOOD IL

4 Bedroom, 3.1 Bath in Historic Fort Sheridan. Built in 2006 with option of either first or second floor primary suite. Open floor plan, soaring ceilings, first floor laundry and 2 car attached garage. No HOA. Steps to Highwood restaurants, bike path and nature trails! $650,000 Kiki Clark & Polly Richardson 847.804.0969

Darkness and Light

Lake Forest resident Joalida

Smit brings her experience as a neuropsychologist into her art studio at the Gorton Center and a show that continues this month at The Gallery.

words by Mitch Hurst

For nearly 20 years, Joalida Smit, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, lived and worked as a neuropsychologist for the NHS in central London. When she returned to Cape Town, her husband accepted a transfer to the Chicago area, and just before the pandemic her and her children joined her husband and the family settled in Lake Forest.

There were a number of challenges moving to a new country, some of which were exacerbated by the pandemic. Smit could not continue her work as neuropsychologist in the United States because it would’ve required obtaining a new set of qualifications based on different standards. To combat the isolation of the lockdown, she began to paint.

Her debut show, “In Full Bloom: A Meditation on Paradox” is currently running through mid-July at The Gallery in Lake Forest.

“The show’s been going very well. it’s been very well received, and I’ve had some sales. They are really large works, so I’m surprised,” Smit says. “People are putting my art on their walls and I’m truly honored. It’s been a wonderful reception. The community has been very appreciative and engaging.”

Smit says she hasn’t done much painting since the show opened because painting the flowers took a lot of her mental space. However, with the return of summer she hopes to get back in the studio and revisit some earlier works she produced during the lockdown and show them this summer at art shows sponsored by the Deer Path Art League and Artists on the Bluff. She sits on the board of directors of both, and they’ve been instrumental in helping to launch her career as an artist.

Another large show of works will be on the agenda for 2024 or 2025, inspired the forest, and she also wants to take her career as a neuropsychologist into deeper consideration.

“I want to link my art with my neuroscience background, the environment, and the mental health benefits. Specifically, the role of forests on mental health,” she explains. “That’s something I want to explore a little bit more, to bring my neuropsychology training in with the work that I’m doing.”

Smit is also still pondering the floral works she produced for the “In Full Bloom” show and some of their deeper meanings. To listen to her speak about them is hearing her neuroscience brain at work. She gave a talk for a garden society recently and said a lot of people are curious about why she chose flowers.

“I think the theme of these single large flowers came from when I started painting and I wanted to do something that brought me joy,” she says. “I had to go through a process of going to find what brings me joy. What are the things in life that make me feel really happy?”

Smit’s mother was a fashion designer and designed wedding dresses, often with large scale flower prints on the back. She says it’s not just about the flower, but how the viewer experiences it.

“It’s more about the way the flower presented itself in a kind of a vulnerability, like an openness, which is where the idea of paradox came from,” she says. “That it was strong and vulnerable at exactly the same time.”

Because of her Dutch heritage, Smit says she’s always been in love with Rembrandt and Vermeer and the Dutch artists that still live on. She tried to apply similar themes to the large flower, almost like the Georgia O’Keefe-style flower.

“Then it almost became a bit of a psychological theme around light and dark in terms of how you balance your inner energy, your darker energies with the lighter side of the self,” Smit says. “So, the paintings have this progression where I try to push it to its limits.”

One of her paintings, titled “Falling Upward,” was inspired by the writings of Father Richard Rohr, the well-known Franciscan priest who writes about spirituality. Rohr believes we all have a second half of life where we can let go of certain aspects of ourselves and live more freely.

“That’s what I tried to do with these artworks was to free them up completely,” she says. “So, here is the technique that was the base where I started out and then I wanted to free myself completely from this technique—still maintaining something of the original foundation.”

She says each painting’s name signifies a part of this journey both in terms of developing her technique, but also a kind of spiritual practice at the same time in terms of who we want to be in the second half of life, in a new country, in a new profession. Her current show at The Gallery is a representation of that process.

“I feel it is quite telling on a psychological level in the second half of life that you can’t undo what has happened,” Smit says. “You have to live with it, you have to accept it, but also let it go at the same time.”

“In Full Bloom: A Meditation of Paradox” runs through mid-July at The Gallery in Lake Forest. The paintings will be available for viewing on the wall of the Gorton Center, where Smit has a studio, after the show closes.

Joalida Smit in her Lake Forest studio

Date and Cardamon Spiral Cookies

words, photography, and recipe by Monica Kass Rogers

Kleicha (various spellings) is ubiquitous at religious holidays and special occasions in the Middle East. There are many variations of recipes for the pretty roll-ups of crispy yeasted dough around a smooth date filling. But the cookies always include dates, cardamom, and sometimes nigella (often labeled Black Seed or Kalonji in Middle Eastern grocery stores.) I love the savory pop of nigella seeds, so included them here. And while some kleicha recipes start with date paste, using pitted dates cooked to jammy consistency yields best flavor.

But which dates to choose?

At the recent TuttoFood exposition in Milan, Italy, I was delighted to find that dates were the featured ingredient in the expos creative cooking competition. Talking to representatives from Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Palms & Dates I learned that while the Kingdom has 34 million date palms, producing more than 300 varieties of dates (!), we here in America are likely to see only a few. Two varieties I found in Chicago included the dark, round Ajwa dates, which are firm with a chocolatey, caramelly flavor, and Suk-

kary—sometimes called “Royal Dates” which are soft and sweet, with a honeyed flavor and golden brown color. The Sukkary variety (available refrigerated at the Pita Inn grocery in Skokie/Evanston) are delicious in this recipe. But any good-quality soft dates will do.

To make the cookies, you’ll mix the dough first. While it rises, you’ll pit and then warm the dates with cardamom and a little oil, mashing and/or kneading the mixture into a smooth paste. Rolling out and rolling up come next. To simplify this, I spread my work area with cling wrap, spreading more wrap over the surface of first the date paste and then the dough before rolling each out into thin 9-inch x 12-inch rectangles. You’ll then remove the top sheet of plastic, flip the date paste sheet over the dough sheet and roll the stack jelly-roll style to make a log. All that remains from here is to slice each roll into ¾-inch slices, bake and serve.

With only 3 tsp of sugar in the dough, and none added to the filling, the sweetness of the cookies is all fruit! That makes kleicha nutrition- and fiber-packed little nuggets. They keep well, and taste especially good with a cup of strong black tea.

YIELD: Makes 3 dozen (or more, depending on slice thickness)

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE DOUGH

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ tsp, active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tsp. ground cardamom

• T iny pinch of ground cinnamon

• 1 cup melted butter (salted)

• 3/4 cup warm water

• 3 tsp. sugar

• 2 Tbsp nigella seeds

FOR THE DATE FILLING

• 2 Tbsp sunflower (or other neutral) oil

• 2 lbs. Sukarry dates, pitted (OR other high-quality soft dates)

• 2 tsp. ground cardamom

FOR THE EGGWASH

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 Tbsp milk or water

METHOD MAKE DOUGH

In a large wide bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, nigella seeds, tiny pinch of cinnamon, and sugar. Make a well in the center; add melted butter. Stir to combine. Add water and continue stirring until mixture comes together. Knead dough until smooth. Leave ball of dough in bowl; cover with clean towel and place in a draftfree area to rise a bit while you make the filling.

MAKE FILLING

In a small pot over very low heat, combine pitted dates with oil and cardamom. Mixture will be very sticky. Continue mashing until warm and partially smooth. Remove from heat. Coat hands with oil and continue mashing and kneading dates with your hands until you have a smooth date paste. Set aside.

ASSEMBLE

Cover a clean work surface with two overlapping sheets of plastic wrap to make a 14 x 14 inch square. Place ¼ of date paste in center. Cover with two more sheets of overlapping plastic wrap. Pat paste down to flatten. Using a rolling pin, roll paste out into a thin rectangular sheet about 9 x 12 inches. Set aside.

Cut risen dough ball into four pieces. Spread work surface with two more sheets of overlapping plastic and use same procedure you used for rolling out the date paste to roll out the dough. Remove top pieces of plastic from surface of dough sheet. Retrieve sheet of date paste. Remove top pieces of plastic from surface of date paste sheet. Flip (invert) date paste sheet over the dough sheet. Using the edge of plastic wrap on the shorter side of the rectangle, lift edge of dough-date-stack up and tuck and roll up jelly-roll style to make a log. Place log seam-side down, slightly flatten; wrap and refrigerate. Repeat with remaining three portions of dough and date paste.

BAKE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush each log with egg wash. Using a very sharp knife, slice each log into ¾ to 1-inch pieces. Place raw cookies upright on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven. Serve hot, or at room temperature.

Offseason Mindset Work Can Sharpen Your Competitive Edge, says noted sports psychologist Dr.

Elizabeth Lombardo.

words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo / photography by Lisa Sciascia / styling by Theresa DeMaria

MASTERING THE MENTAL GAME Wellness

When it comes to asking for help, most of us wait until the last possible moment to reach out. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” But the truth is, in almost every area of life, proactive effort consistently defeats defensive maneuvers. That’s why offseason mindset development is essential to athletes’ long-term performance—during and after the competition.

Remember, when you’re facing a fierce opponent or fighting fatigue, half the battle happens in your brain. Your muscle memory may carry out your best skills, but it’s your brain that pulls the strings. As you sharpen your brain, you strengthen your competitive advantage.

Why focus on mental skills training during your offseason? Because new skills are best developed in a stressfree environment, not when you’re trying to snap a losing streak or exhausted from a grueling travel schedule.

As our stress levels increase, we enter what I call the psychological Red Zone. In the Red Zone, we tend to focus on the negative, feel emotionally overwhelmed, and struggle to problem solve. When athletes are in the Red Zone, they often feel anxious and worried about their mistakes. The more they overthink every mistake, the worse their performance becomes.

Consider this example of how the Red Zone can be your toughest competitor. Imagine you’re a tennis player facing match point in a Grand Slam. You step up to the service line, toss the ball in the air to deliver a winning serve, and whoosh, you miss. Twice. As your stress levels increase and your coordination falters, that double fault just cost you the point—and the momentum is now in your opponent’s court. All because the stress of the moment, the Red Zone, blocked your ability to perform at your best.

When you’re stressed, your most valuable mental energy flows away from the creative and memory-storing parts of your brain—your Green Zone—towards the part that runs your basic instincts. The Red Zone causes us to go into survival mode—not growth mode. Don’t get me wrong, mid-season mindset training is still effective! But building your skills pre-season gives you the opportunity to take advantage of your prime learning brain.

In the Green Zone, when you’re experiencing lower levels of stress, your brain is primed to learn. Not only are we better able to handle problems, mistakes, and challenges while we’re in the Green Zone, our frontal lobe is firing on all cylinders. That’s the part of the brain where clear and creative thinking happens.

But imagine learning how to drive in the left lane of a high-speed highway. No time to think. Cars weaving in and out. Dangerous speeds. It’s much harder to learn valuable skills when the world is flying towards you at 75mph.

When you’re safely in the Green Zone, you have the time and space you need to develop foundational sports psychology skills—and repeatedly practice those skills—without the constant pressure that comes with on-season. Once competition starts, the skills you learned in the parking lot are so ingrained in your memory, peak performance comes naturally.

After all, your mindset is as critical to the outcome of the game as your athletes’ performance. Why wait to build the skills you need for the full season to come?

Here’s the bottom line: Overwhelming and uncontrolled stress blocks peak performance—both in season and after the final competition. But with the right sports psychology training, you can channel stress into success, stay in the Green Zone, and function at your best.

At EleVive, we use Neuro-Regenerative Training (NRT) to help athletes, students, and sports organizations strengthen their winning mindset and their competitive edge. The result? Unbeatable performance—in the game and in the real world.

Visit EleVive.com to learn more about how our neuroscientific principles and coaching can give you an unbeatable mental edge.

To learn more about Dr. Lombardo and EleVive visit EleVive.com.

Elizabeth Lombardo

COLLEGE CONTRIBUTION

In Illinois, financial obligations for educational expenses differ for families of divorce.

In Illinois, divorcing parents’ obligations for a child’s financial support typically end after the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. However, there are two major exceptions to this rule.

First, parents may be ordered to pay child support for a non-minor child who is disabled. Second, parents may be ordered to pay a non-minor child’s educational expenses, defined as tuition, room and board, book fees, registration, application fees, and other university costs. The definition has been expanded to include the non-minor child’s living expenses while at school, their transportation costs, health costs, including insurance premiums for medical, dental, and vision, as well as any other expense the court at its discretion finds to be reasonable.

In this second scenario, the court has the discretion to determine the extent and allocation of the financial contribution of the parents to the non-minor child’s college costs. The court must find the costs to be “fair and reasonable” after considering the following factors: the financial resources of both parents; the standard of living the child would’ve enjoyed had the parents NOT divorced; the financial resources of the child; the child’s academic performance; and any other factor the court deems relevant.

Illinois statutory law provides certain limitations on a parent’s obligation to contribute to educational expenses for the non-minor child. The 2016 amendments to the statute limited the cost to in-state tuition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Nonetheless, the court can deviate from this cost limitation if it finds that a parent has shown a “good cause.” For example, a parent’s obligation can be terminated if the non-minor child is no longer enrolled as a full-time student or is not in good standing with the school. This happens when the non-minor child’s GPA falls below a C average.

This aspect of Illinois divorce law is unique because it imposes a financial obligation on divorcing parents that does not exist for parents who are not divorced. While the constitutionality of this differentiation has been challenged on numerous fronts, the court has consistently held the obligation is consistent with the expanded role of the court in the lives of divorced families. Under this role, the

court enforces obligations that parents in an “intact” family would have likely performed jointly.

Remember that if you are considering divorce, are in the process of becoming divorced, or have already obtained a divorce, you might be entitled to obtain financial support for your college-bound children.

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

Michone J. Riewer

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp

Styling by Theresa DeMaria

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

GET GLOWING

Dr. Stacie Stephenson taps into her own daily practices to pen her newest book— Glow.

words

Ann Marie Scheidler

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION and Dr. Stacie Stephenson knows this better than most. As the mother of twin 1-year-old boys, Dr. Stephenson has learned that peace of mind comes from taking 30 minutes for herself every morning and evening.

“I have two pieces of advice for moms,” says Dr. Stephenson, a North Shore area resident with connections to Lake Forest. “First, don’t stress over finding balance. Know that it’s an unrealistic expectation, and instead, embrace the flow. When you’re up, know that it’s temporary, but also know it’s temporary when you feel down. Balance is a dynamic process, not a static state. If you know that, then it’s easier to ride the waves.”

“Second, don’t put yourself last. It may feel selfish,

public speaker, bestselling author, and has trained and practiced in the areas of nutrition, functional medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. The recipient of countless awards for her philanthropic efforts in the areas of health research, patient advocacy, and child welfare, Dr. Stephenson currently serves as vice chair of Gateway for Cancer Research. She also is a member of the American Nutrition Association Board of Directors.

After practicing functional and lifestyle medicine for 15 years, Dr. Stephenson chose to try to influence the health care system at a higher level by assuming directorial positions with various organizations and by supporting research and integrative medicine initiatives. Her desire to both broaden the perspective of mainstream medicine and to support patient empowerment led Dr. Stephenson to write for media and to pen her own books. Through her whole-person approach to creating health and preventing chronic disease, Dr. Stephenson has armed thousands of people with the knowledge and insights necessary to design their own wellness plans.

especially when your children are young, but filling your own cup is essential. It’s the only way you’ll have the calm, the patience, and the ability to give to others. I try to take at least 30 minutes for myself at the beginning and ending of every day to meditate, do some yoga, read, journal, or just dream and plan.”

Dr. Stephenson is a business owner, philanthropist,

“I experienced many struggles to get to where I am today, and I feel it is my obligation—as well as my privilege—to share what I’ve learned and support causes that are important to me. Since health is my area of expertise, that’s where I focus most of my energy—disseminating healthcare guidance through my company, Vibrant, and supporting organizations that seek to solve health problems and help people, such as Gateway for Cancer Research and ChildHelp,” Dr. Stephenson observes.

Dr. Stephenson’s first book, Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow was an instant national bestseller. Her second book—Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life

“Since health is my area of expertise, that’s where I focus mostof my energy...”

by

photography by Bob and Dawn Davis

from Within—will be published by Harper Celebrate this July. Glow consists of short inspirational passages and active strategies for managing stress and fostering self-care, selfconfidence, creativity, and connection; strategies that will lead to better physical and mental health.

In Glow, each day of the week focuses on one area of Dr. Stephenson’s VIBRANT strategy:

• Voice: consciously considering how you talk to and express yourself

• Intuition: learning how you listen to your inner voice

• Balance: strategies for juggling self-care, work, and care of others

• Rejuvenation: slowing down, aging better, and restoring energy

• Abundance: filling your life with the things you value most

• Nurturing: loving others well

• Thoughtfulness: improving how you express gratitude, kindness, and joy

Additionally, readers will find weekly themes to help develop a clear mindset and renewed sense of well-being in core areas of life, including self-care, relationships, rest, communication, creativity, and nature.

Married to Richard J (Dick) Stephenson, founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and Gateway for Cancer Research, Dr. Stephenson has found a partner in life, business, and charitable work.

“I admire my husband so much for his tireless devotion to service, and I like to think we complement each other well. Gateway’s support of cutting-edge cancer research, for instance, has saved many lives and will save many more. They give hope to thousands of families. Because cancer has impacted our lives personally, this is a cause near and dear to

our hearts. When you’re a team, I believe you can accomplish much more than two people could do on their own.”

The Stephensons winter in Arizona, but the equestrian life always brings them back to our area when the temperatures warm.

“Whenever it’s time to go home, my first thought is of the horses,” Dr. Stephenson says. “I love that the equestrian community values and protects the horse trail system. Horses are in the DNA of Barrington. Not only do we keep horses, but we are devotees of carriages and coaching. In Barrington, you can still take a four-in-hand coach to dinner. That’s pretty rare and wonderful.”

Glow will be available this month wherever books are sold. You can learn more about Dr. Stacie Stephenson, her work, and her books at drstaciestephenson.com.

Garden of Discovery

Elawa Farm invites the community to its newly unveiled Discovery Garden that is accessible to all who would like to visit.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography provided by Ian McLeod

WHEN LAURA CALVERT stepped into the executive director role at Elawa Farm three years ago, her charge was clear—strengthen its connection to its neighbors.

But just as Calvert’s plans were beginning to unfold, the global pandemic brought all of Elawa Farms’ initiatives to a halt. That was, until Elawa Farm was deemed an essential entity.

“The need for access to healthy food was in such high demand and we were in a position where we could help in a significant way,” Calvert says. “And here we are in 2023, still delivering on our promise to broaden access to nutritious food and our local food system.”

Elawa Farm is back to its robust levels of programming with the intention of exposing the wider community to its value and purpose. Elawa Farm is a public-private partnership dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of a unique combination of natural setting, designed landscapes, and buildings of architectural and historic significance.

“Once we were on the farm again and could see it in use day in and day out, we saw first-hand the population we were missing,” Calvert explains. “Although our grounds are open to everybody, we saw the difficulty that some of our visitors had in exploring our property.”

So last fall, Elawa Farm broke ground on what is known as the Discovery Garden. Lots of inspiration for the Discovery Garden was drawn from the Chicago Botanic Garden that is home to the Enabling Garden.

“We knew that we needed something similar to the Enabling Garden at Elawa if we were going to be a true community organization,” Calvert says. As a first step, a central pathway constructed from ADA-compliant crushed granite was made down the farm’s alley.

“Folks in limited mobility devices can now access the farm,” Calvert says, “as can parents with strollers. This pathway really invites you out and leads you to the Discovery Garden.”

The Discovery Garden, itself, has been thoughtfully designed with paths wide-enough for limited mobility devices to pass, and raised garden beds built at a level that can be accessed from a seated position. Additionally, a pergola has been constructed to create a shaded space for what will soon be used as an outdoor classroom.

“For the first time at Elawa Farm, by introducing the Discovery Garden, we have a dedicated outdoor classroom,” Calvert explains. “We have wanted to have an educational space for workshops, camps, volunteer days, and engagement days. From the get-go, we wanted to ensure that it was accessible to all people of all ages. To our knowledge, we are the only accessible garden in Lake County that’s free to enjoy.”

Jesus Cuezzi, Elawa Farm’s programs manager, is leading all of its educational opportunities on- and off-site. Recently, Cuezzi— leveraging years of experience in building community programming—created a partnership with the Center of Enriched Living (CEL) in Riverwoods.

“We hear too often that we are a hidden gem,” Cuezzi says. “This is what we’re trying to change. It’s very meaningful to be able to talk about the adaptive programming we provide and get immediate feedback from a partner like CEL. This is just the beginning of engaging our community in the idea that this is a place for everybody.”

Lake Forest’s Michelle Hirschfield is one of the Discovery Garden’s biggest advocates.

“I met Laura when I was asked to serve on a marketing committee for the City of Lake Forest,” Hirschfield explains. “As we were getting to know each other, I shared that I have a son with autism, and I told her how much he loves playing in the dirt. Very true to our experience of living in Lake Forest with our son Will, where our friends, Will’s schools, and local businesses have been so inclusive of him—Laura immediately began suggesting ways he could become involved at Elawa.”

Calvert adds that in addition to the Discovery Garden, this is an interesting time for Elawa Farm, with the bittersweet closing of the Wildlife Discovery Center when its director, Rob Carmichael, retired earlier this year. Elawa is currently working with the City of Lake Forest to determine the best use for this space, including the possibility of hosting additional farm animals in a way that honors what Carmichael had built. Accessibility will be a core tenant regardless of what form this takes.

“I’m often quoted saying that one of the best ways to recognize the humanity in someone is to share a meal, share a green space, share the outdoors,” Cuezzi says. “This is what drives me to come to work every day at Elawa and try to accomplish something profound with our programs.”

To learn more, visit elawafarm.org.

Education Manager Jesus Cuezzi, Executive Director Laura Calvert, and Farm Manager Elaine Madansky standing proudly at newly constructed Discovery Garden Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest Wardrobe provided by Lillie Alexander

Updated and pristine, this one-of-a-kind Tangley Oaks home combines elegant appointments, luxury comforts and coveted customizations for a first-class living experience. Large primary bedroom suite with exquisite bath and adjacent study; an expansive year-round solarium with wet bar, and a newly renovated kitchen are among the highlights. Plus, the refinished lower level is a stand-out with rec area, 5th bedroom, kitchenette, and bath - a perfect teen or livein suite! BRAND NEW custom windows, too! Enjoy Tangley’s gorgeous wooded grounds, paved trails, and nature conservancy areas - so close to golf, rec center, pool, schools, train, town and beach. A prime opportunity to own a beautiful, nothing-left-to-do home in the eights...322 Rothbury Court awaits!

Please

May I Have this Dance?

The Town Club cordially invites you for a spin on its dance floor, where they are keeping the elegance and tradition of ballroom dancing alive.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler

photography by Ian McLeod

hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

Ingrid and Brian Bryzinski from Lake Forest; Carole Barthel and Chuck Norton from Winnetka; Stephanie Russell and Alan Lindquist from Lake Bluff.

THE LOVE STORY OF Lake Bluff’s Stephanie Russell and Alan Lindquist has the makings of a really good romcom.

They met on a dance floor—on Valentine’s Day—and have been dancing ever since.

“It does make for a great story,” says Russell, the outgoing president of the Town Club. “But it was truly our love and mutual interest in dance that brought us together.”

for both of us!”

Fast forward to today, the opportunity to dance traditional ballroom in front of a live band has become harder and harder to find.

“Many of the big city hotels that were famous for their dance floors eliminated them all together, or reduced them down to almost nothing,” Russell says. When the legendary Willowbrook Ballroom, a favorite destination of Russell and her husband burned down in 2016, Chicago lost its last great dance hall. It felt like they had lost a best friend.

So, one night, Russell’s husband did a google search for ballroom dancing on the North Shore and came across a Facebook page for the Town Club, a private social club committed to preserving the art of ballroom dance. They contacted the club and were invited to attend a dance in Kenilworth.

“It was a magical evening,” she says. “Everyone was dressed in long gowns and tuxes and we waltzed, foxtrotted, and cha-cha-ed the night away. We were welcomed with open arms—on and off the dance floor.”

Founded in 1914, the Town Club provides an opportunity for people who love ballroom dancing to live music to gather. The club has operated continuously through two world wars and now, two pandemics—influenza in 1918 and COVID-19 in 2020.

Russell first took classes in Argentine tango after moving to Chicago to accept an editorial position in the communications department at Nothwestern University.

“I enjoyed dancing and thought it would be an interesting way to meet people,” says Russell, former editor of Northwestern Magazine. “It worked out well

“It meant so much to connect socially with club friend during COVID,” says Russell of the virtually held dances in 2020-2021. “Over Zoom, we were able to have our dances online and stream live bands and even hold a lesson beforehand. Alan and I had just moved to Lake Bluff in 2020 and didn’t have any furniture in our living room, so we would dance in there. We would get dressed up and still dance with the club. It wasn’t the same, but it was the best we could do.”

Today, the Town Club hosts six dances a year at the

Jeanne and Justin Starren

“We were able to stream our dances online, including having a lesson beforehand.”

Kenilworth Assembly Hall. Each dance is planned with a theme, by a committee formed from the club members, where cocktail attire is encouraged. The club currently has 36 members from all walks of life, from all over the world, with varying degrees of dance proficiency.

“Our members’ love of socializing and dancing is really the common bond,” Russell explains. “And it’s our commitment to having these six dances annually that has created long and lasting friendships among people who may not have otherwise met.”

So that no one member is charged with all of the planning, members are assigned to a committee to handle all of the logistics for a specific dance. Members choose a theme and work together to provide decorations, appetizers, desserts, and invitations to their dance. Town Club has held dances at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall since 1924. The Prairie School building, designed by renowned architect George W. Maher, is known for stain-glass windows and beautiful narrow-planked hardwood floor that ballroom dancers treasure.

The program for a dance is as follows: A reception and receiving line begin at 6:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m., and dancing lasts until 11 p.m. And while a significant other is required to attend a dance, partners are not seated together in order to create a more social atmosphere. The new dance season kicks off in October with the Steve Cooper Orchestra providing the music.

“We really are all about having a good time and getting better at dancing,” says Russell. “We would love to add some new members to our dance card this fall.”

For more information about Town Club and how you might become a member, email townclubinc@gmail.com.

Bob Bartels, Dick Hall, Margarita Bartels, George Sullivan, Dorothy Turek, cutout of King Charles, Becky Beem, Rich Beem, Bruce Soter, Virginia Mullin.

Stephanie Russell and Alan Lindquist

360 S GREEN BAY ROAD, LAKE FOREST

Expansive 1.7-acre gated estate on one of Lake Forest's most coveted streets. This quality, one-owner home was custom built in 1988. With an all-brick exterior featuring multiple terraces and a 4-car garage, the home is enveloped by a beautiful lawn with artful professional landscaping. The light and bright interior showcases over 8,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 7.1 bathrooms, spacious rooms, detailed millwork, 5 fireplaces, a wood-paneled library, a finished basement, and an elevator to all levels.

5 BEDROOMS | 7.1 BATHS | $2,650,000

Mona Hellinga

847.814.1855

MonaHellinga.com

Flor Hasselbring

847.997.1901

FlorHasselbring.com

497 DOUGLAS DRIVE, LAKE FOREST

Stately all-brick Georgian boasts 6 bedrooms, 6.1 bathrooms and a 3-car garage in Villa Turicum, blocks away from Lake Michigan. The .94-acre interior property features a private rear yard with mature trees, perennial beds and large deck. With its classic center-entry design and grand two-story foyer, this full amenity home has 4 fireplaces, hardwood floors and a circular floor plan. The expansive 1st floor bedroom suite is ideal as a primary bedroom or in-law/guest suite.

6 BEDROOMS | 6.1 BATHS | $1,325,000

920 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE, LAKE FOREST

Exciting custom architecture that features movement and light as central design themes. Built in 1989 by the current owner, the high ceilings, open concept rooms, curvilinear walls and thoughtful window placement add to its tranquil ambience. Over 8,000 sq ft of interior living space includes the walk-out finished basement. The circular driveway leads to a beautiful waterfall feature near the front entrance, and the 3-car garage. This private 1.38-acre parcel has exceptional plantings, mature trees and a southwest-facing rear yard that provides hours of interior natural light.

6 BEDROOMS | 5.1 BATHS | $1,596,000

Charming 3-bedroom, 2.1 bath English Tudor in sought-after Lake Forest Heights. The coveted .38-acre parcel has an expansive rear yard with wooden deck and grassy lawn. The interior features an open two-story entry and expansive great room with fireplace, formal dining room and convenient 1st floor laundry room. The kitchen has quality oak cabinetry, granite countertops, newer appliances, and a sunny eating area. There are 2,192 finished interior sq ft with great potential in the full unfinished basement.

3 BEDROOMS | 2.1 BATHS | $765,000

1031 HIGHLAND AVENUE, LAKE FOREST

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

photography by Robin Subar

More than 500 guests gathered at Four Seasons Chicago for The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center’s 28th Annual Spring Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Geena Davis. The twotime Academy Award winner, author, and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media had the sold-out crowd in stitches as she shared hilarious stories of her life as an actor, aspiring Olympic archer, and activist. The luncheon raised funds for RUSH’s next investment campaign, which will fund innovations in medical care, patient experience, research, and education to positively impact the future of health care for decades to come. thewomansboard.org

Lindsay Garrison, Dena Pavlopoulos, Michelle Boardman, Joan Rubschlager

Dr. Jonathan Myers, Beth Myers, Debby James, Dr. Andrea Madrigrano

Co-chairs Steffie Madigan (left) and Sharon Hayes (right) with Geena Davis (center)

58 FOREST & BLUFF

Courtney Melstrom, Wendy Benson, Bonnie Micheli, Barbara Micheli

Amie Alfe, Carolyn Withey, Samantha Schwalm

RUSH Woman’s Board president Wendy Herb

Julie Judelson, Nidhi Agrawal

Kelly Heneghan, Allison Achter

Geena Davis’ memoir

Lake Forest IN THE Summer

Many home buyers have selected Lake Forest as their ideal community, however, there are few homes on the market. If you are thinking of selling your home, please call or text me for a complimentary market analysis and to learn about my pricing and marketing strategies.

If you want to buy a home in Lake Forest, I often know about listings before they hit the market. Let’s talk about your needs and I’ll start searching right away.

EXCITING NEW LISTING!! High-end custom built home offers a resort style retreat on a cul-de-sac. Tennis court, swimming pool, putting green, re pit and sweeping lawns! Quality construction throughout, hardwood oors, deep moldings, custom builtins, high ceilings. First oor features a bedroom with private bath, a home office/study and screened porch. Third oor bonus room. Decked out basement with 6th bedroom, full bath, rec room, wet bar, and wine cellar. 5+1

A NOVEL AFFAIR CONTINUES

photography by R. Laemle

The annual “Novel Affair” benefit raised more than $100,000 in support of Ragdale, one of the oldest artist residency programs and retreats in the country. Each year, Ragdale hosts over 150 artists across all disciplines, conducts various public education programs, stages performances, and provides space for artistic retreats. Guests gathered for the first night at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as they listened to remarks from the 12 featured artists. A seated dinner took place on the second night at the idyllic Ragdale campus in Lake Forest. Guests and artists gathered in a tent under the lawn for cocktails and made their way to a seated dinner with a select artist— later gathering again under the tent for desserts ending the memorable and successful two-night event. ragdale.org

Ed and Laura Carney, Lisa and Paul Blumberg

Michael Clevenger, Ragdale’s Executive Director

Novel Affair Authors Julie Fine & Toya Wolfe

Novel Affair Authors Julia Fine, Mark Wunderlich, Anne Burt, Peter Ho Davies, Nawaaz Ahmed, Lacy Crawford

Jeff Perry, Dena Perry, Matt Shattock

Jeff Walters, Ann Walters, Carla Westcott, Anne Merriman, Jack Merriman

Beth Loeb, Weezie Kramer, Phoebe Turner, Joan Loeb

Cheryl Bye, Christopher Rutt, Kelly Morgan

Novel Affair Author Peter Ho Davies, Barbra Schumann, Liam Connell

Novel Affair Authors DK Nnuro, Sarah Ruhl, Toya Wolfe, Peter Natkin, Pablo Cartaya, Jess Row

John Varones, John Park, Jeanna Park, Christina Body, Jake Goldberg

Ann Boyd, Harry Drucker, Nasreen Sheikh

DERBY DAYS

photography by Ian McLeod

The Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board put on a spectacular benefit on May 6, transforming Onwentsia Country Club into Churchill Downs. The Derby Day celebration featured a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby while guests participated in the silent auction and raffle, dining on delicious Southern fare. The evening continued with a live auction, a bourbon tasting, live music, and dancing. Proceeds from the evening supports behavioral health services at Lake Forest Hospital and other Women’s Board Initiatives. foundation.nm.org/womens-board-of-northwestern-lake-forest-hospital

Dr. Steve & Laura Ganshirt

Lindsay & Lou Nero

Sue Wagener, Leeni Ellis, Deb Moore

Michael Abdula, Lisa Abdula, Patrick Abdula

Josh Candiotti & Amanda Phraner

Jean & Dave Davis

Candy Daly, Holly Kulikowski

Mark & Sue Kowlzan, Victoria Slaker & Richard Howarth

Gigi Iacovelli on Revlon

Rebecca Asfour, Rachel Karnani

Andrew & Melissa Goltra

Rae Lisenby, Jeni Hoogasian

Tom & Catherine Bernardi

A House in the Sky

Sonia Jager and her husband purchased a four-bedroom in the luxurious Tribune Towers Residences on Michigan Avenue. She says it feels more like a home than a hi-rise condo.

words by Mitch Hurst

Sonia Jager and her family have lived in numerous neighborhoods throughout Chicago, and even spent six years living in Hinsdale, but it was her fourth move in the Chicago area about a year ago where she found a place for her and her husband and two children to truly call home.

Jager’s somewhat winding journey to her new home on Michigan Avenue at the sumptuous new Tribune Tower Residences—it’s like living in a one-level ranch in the sky—was driven both by doing what was best for her children and also to fulfill the desire to be accessible to all of the amazing culture one can find just steps away from Michigan Avenue.

“We were always coming down to Michigan Avenue and the Gold Coast because we just happen to love museums, going out to eat, and the energy of the city.” Jager says. “We had heard about Tribune Tower Residences, and I have to tell you from the minute we walked in we fell in love.”

The units feel more like a real home, rather than your typical big-city high rise, which can be impersonal. With two growing kids, the space Tribune Tower Residences offer—her unit is around 4,000 square feet— provides the kids with room to roam. Jager, who grew up in North Carolina and has lived in New York and Dallas in the past, says living in Tribune Tower is the happiest she’s been since she moved to Chicago.

“It feels like you’re living in a hotel, having the staff there to take care of you, helping you with groceries,

packages, anything you need,” she says. “The staff feels like an extension of our family. I love chatting with the staff because we’ve developed a bond. They are there for us for whatever we need. My son recently turned three and could have had his birthday party anywhere, but he insisted on having it at Tribune Tower.”

Jager’s family loves to travel, both domestically and internationally, and says the assurance when leaving town knowing the top-notch security in the tower will keep her home, and her neighbors, safe is freeing. But she says with the amenities and the quality of her unit, the fabulous finishes, she’s inclined to spend more time at home, especially because there’s so much to explore close by.

Meeting neighbors has also come easily given the shared amenities for residents. In addition to the pool on the seventh floor and the third-floor lounge featuring a bar and kitchen and a 1/3-acre park, there’s a luxury suite of spa features, a full fitness center by The Wright Fit, a sun deck and terrace, and the 25th-Floor Crown Terrace with 360-degree views of the city.

“There are people who are in all different phases of life, a few families with kids, retired people, and couples who just got married,” she says. “Socially, it has just been the most fun. The people are amazing.”

For more information on Tribune Tower Residences, visit tribunetowers.com. Please contact the sales gallery at 312967-3700 for sales inquiries.

BOOK YOUR EVENT

For private dining inquiries, please contact Nina Abuja, Director of Private Events at: Nina@lecoloniallakeforest.com | 847.474.1500

PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE

VASER 4-D HI DEFINITION LIPOSCULPTURE PLUS RENUVION

words by Steven Bloch, M.D.

Liposuction has been in existence for close to thirty years. It continues to be refined and improved. Two years ago I discussed Hi-Definition Liposculpture. Since that time I’ve performed hundreds of procedures. Results have been excellent with significant improvement over past procedures. It has become a true art form where the underlying anatomy is contoured, sculpted, and enhanced. Like every procedure, over time one realizes that there are some limitations. The single biggest limitation in achieving the desired result is the status of the overlying skin. More specifically the level of the skin’s elasticity. In the younger patient where the skin tone is better, results are more predictable and consistent. In the older patient, if there is significant laxity of skin, the procedure may be combined with skin reduction or excision. It is that middle group of patients who present the most challenge. Obviously, most patients want the best results with the least invasive method. For this group, I’m now combining Vaser Hi-Definition Liposculpture to contour and sculpt the body with a minimally invasive treatment called Renuvion.

Renuvion is a cosmetic technology combining the unique properties of the helium plasma with a proprietary form of radiofrequency energy. The trick is always to sufficiently heat up the deeper tissues to promote collagen tightening and elasticity without burning the overlying skin. Renuvion has a very shallow depth of penetration. It has a dual thermal effect where it provides unique heating with near-instantaneous tissue cooling. The delivery of energy beneath the skin and thru the helium plasma allows 360-degree energy application to all desired tissues in the subdermal space. The fibroseptal network beneath the skin can be effectively heated to promote contraction and tightening of the overlying skin. The full effect of this treatment can take up to six months to see.

So basically, tumescent fluid is injected into the area to be treated and Vaser ultrasound is introduced to emulsify the fat. Liposuction is performed if need be and the Renuvion is introduced to promote skin tightening.

To see if you are a candidate for this procedure a consultation and an exam are required. As with any surgical procedure risks and possible complications will be discussed.

For additional information, visit bodybybloch.com or Dr. Bloch can be reached at his Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.

Follow us on social media:

BodyByBlochbodybybloch Steven Bloch MDBodybybloch

DREAM WEAVER

Lake Forest resident, former advertising maven, and tireless community volunteer Norma Finkel is the queen of connections, using her PR prowess to help transform Lake Bluff Women’s Club.

words by Sherry Thomas / illustration by Tom Bachtell

In the sweeping tapestry that is the life of Norma Finkel, it is easy to see where one thread begins and another weaves into the next—each chance encounter forever entwined. Reflecting on the twists of fate that led her to the North Shore from her native Texas, she instinctively begins in 1978. March, to be exact. She was a 20-year-old art student at University of Texas in El Paso and a friend introduced her to an up-and-coming interior designer named Les Finkel. “It was just like you see in the movies ... I was in a white haze,” muses Norma, explaining that two months after a date to see a flamenco dancer, they were engaged. After graduation, she taught art and he worked in design before the couple was drawn to the Quad Cities. Les built his business there and Norma took her art skills first to the Quad City Times newspaper as an editorial artist and then to an advertising agency as Art Director. And then (because this is how things happen in the life of Norma Finkel) she attended a cocktail party, where met the president of a chain of jewelry stores. “He said ‘I hate my jewelry ads. Let’s have a pow wow’.” So, they did and it was a smash success and before long, Norma started up her own graphic design agency while Les also started his own interior design business. By 2016, Norma was working with Les full time and the couple had so much business on the North Shore, they decided to move to Fort Sheridan. It was there that she had another fateful encounter with an “ex-movie star”—none other than long-time Lake Bluff Women’s Club (LBWC) member Sally Mills Steine Shineflug, who asked her to attend a LBWC luncheon. “I

was so impressed with the club women and how much they had helped the community,” says Norma, explaining how she was quickly appointed to run the publicity committee, offering her services pro bono. “They said, “would you do this for us?’ I said, “First of all, I’m going to design a logo; which needs to be used exclusively’.”

She knew the club needed to establish a presence in the community so after the logo came color brochures, branded tote bags, and other marketing items to carry those visuals forward. “The club has existed for over 119 years and is still strong and vital to the community,” adds Norma, who moved to Lake Forest in 2019. “As a result, membership has nearly doubled and yearly fundraising events have increased funds to support community endeavors.” LBWC also now has a working relationship with Lake Forest’s Citadel Theatre. Over the next few months, this now in-demand dynamo (she’s since been recruited to help Lake Forest Woman’s Club with photography and edit a monthly newsletter) and members of LBWC will be working on a fall fundraising luncheon slated for October 10 at the White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. As the tapestry continues, Norma say she instinctively becomes part of everyone she meets. “I enjoy working with each and every account,” she adds, “The people with whom I have associated with and the artwork I create are inextricably woven into my life’s fabric.”

For more information about the Lake Bluff Women’s Club fall fundraising benefit luncheon, visit the group’s Facebook page or call (847) 404-0874.

Vacation at home!

901 SPRING LANE, LAKE FOREST

Originally designed by Jerome Cerny, this timeless, sprawling cape cod home has been renovated and updated for today’s buyer. Nestled down a private lane, this amazing 2+ acre property features a gorgeous pool and terrace, lush landscaping on a ravine setting. A wonderful and unique feature of the property is a charming separate coach house designed by David Adler which features a great room with vaulted beamed ceilings, a cozy kitchen, bedroom and 2 full baths as well as basement with laundry area. Lake breezes can be enjoyed by the pool and terrace overlooking the neighboring ravines. This is a rare offering in a truly special setting. Just moments from Lake Forest beach as well as town and train.

4+1

BEDROOMS | 6 BATHS $2,999,000

North Shore, we ® you

DEAR LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF:

We love the beautiful beaches that set the scene for blissful moments watching the sunrise, swimming under the warm sun, and escaping the daily grind. We love the sense of community that comes alive at local events like the farmers market and the Bluffinia concert series. We love the historic charm of Market Square and the excitement of a night out at Deer Path Inn. We love the natural beauty, the architectural treasures, the endless recreational opportunities. We love YOU. LOVE,