winning agent for 19 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.
This spectacular estate, set on over 1.55 acres on one of Lake Forest’s most coveted roads, is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. This custom-built brick and limestone home was completed in 1996. Features include a circular driveway, lush landscaping, exquisite details, a slate roof, copper gutters, and Bedford limestone. Inside, the 7,800 sq. ft. residence offers 5 spacious en-suite bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and three custom walk-in closets. The home boasts elegant living spaces, a gourmet kitchen with William Ohs cabinetry, a handsome library, sunroom, and a grand foyer with Italian mosaics. Thoughtful details include high ceilings, intricate millwork, Brazilian mahogany and cherry floors, and stately bay windows that provide abundant natural light. This stunning estate with an oversized 3-car garage and breathtaking grounds, offers both luxury and privacy, just a stones throw from Lake Michigan.
379 BRIDLE LANE LAKE FOREST
6+1 BEDS, 6.2 BATHS // $2,249,000
Built in 1988, this fabulous home exudes sophistication, grandeur and New England charm! Sitting on 1.38 gorgeous acres with 5,700 sq. ft. above grade, the freshly painted home boasts beautiful architectural details, custom millwork, hardwood and stone flooring, high ceilings, a home theatre and an abundance of natural light. NEW PRICE
964 LAKE ROAD LAKE FOREST
5 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $4,149,000
Amazing location! Stunning, beautifully updated Gene Martin home near Forest Park Beach on Lake Road. Features include a gourmet kitchen, elegant living spaces, custom millwork, sun-filled rooms with views of lush gardens, a spacious primary suite, four ensuite bedrooms, a renovated lower level, an oversized 3-car garage, and more!
930 ROSEMARY ROAD LAKE FOREST
8 BEDS, 8.2 BATHS // $14,975,000
Once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the most coveted estates on 8.68 magnificent acres, 1 block from Lake Michigan in Lake Forest! This Georgian estate includes an elevator, coach house, guest house, pool, pool house, conservatory, 21 awe-inspiring “garden rooms” and more. Designed by Benjamin Marshall and enlarged by Thomas Beeby.
343 N AHWAHNEE ROAD LAKE FOREST 4+1 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $3,149,000
Overlooking Onwentsia Golf Course, this beautifully updated 6,300+ sq. ft. brick home is situated on 2.36 private acres with a swimming pool, high ceilings and designer finishes throughout and features a fabulous floor plan, luxurious first floor primary suite, library, great room, dining room, working greenhouse, gourmet kitchen, and a 6-car garage.
&
* *MRED, LLC, based on closed sales data in Lake Forest, 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2023
Exterior Makeovers by Airoom
Craftsman Style Arched Entryway with Moulding
Hardie® Shingle Straight Edge Panel
Hardie® Panel & Hardie® Trim Batten
Hardie® Trim & Hardie® Soffit
Custom Covered Porch with Metal Roof
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Drs. Schmidt and Hughes, both esteemed instructors in advanced cosmetic dentistry, do more than create beautiful smiles. Their unmatched training extends to focusing on the health of their patients as a whole. That means clear airways for easy breathing, smiles you can be confident in, and optimal overall health.
CHARTING THE NEXT CHAPTER
Lake Forest’s Lauren Peters turns the page of her retail career as she partners with Lillie Milovanovic to pen a new story for Lillie Alexander Ltd.
RUMMAGE WITH DIGNITY
Upscale Rummage and Furniture Warehouse celebrates 25 years as a nonprofit service.
OH CHRISTMAS TREE
The Lake Forest Scouts Hockey team continues a 50-year fundraising tradition of selling festive trees, greenery, and holiday décor to support both the team and its nonprofit partner—Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.
IN WITH THE NEW The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital celebrates the 45th anniversary of its beloved Holiday Boutique with an exciting new venue—The Forester Hotel.
EDITOR’S NOTE THE GOOD LIFE THE BUZZ ABOUT TOWN THE PORTRAIT THE FIX BAG OF TRICKS THE DISH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ESQUIRE WELLNESS
SOCIAL LIFE THE LAST WORD
Fishbein-Prestigiacomo wears Balmain from Neiman Marcus Northbrook
Photography by Maria Ponce
by Theresa DeMaria
Editor’s Note
This month’s issue of Forest & Bluff has all of the classic hallmarks of November— a focus on gratitude, tradition, friends, and family. In these pages, we celebrate the anniversary of two long-standing seasonal fundraisers, introduce a new business partnership between old friends, and celebrate one of the most effective nonprofits on the North Shore. Honestly, it’s a pleasure to highlight these community institutions with such deep roots.
In Charting The Next Chapter, we introduce the newly established partnership of Lauren Peters and Lillie Milovanovic, now co-owners of Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander Boutique. The alliance of these two powerful women—built on their long-standing friendship—places Peters at the helm of Lillie Alexander and continues the legacy of this beloved Lake Forest retail anchor.
We’re honored to shine a light on the wonderful work of Upscale Rummage and Furniture Warehouse, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Lake Bluff resident Renee Baldwin, Upscale Rummage has been positively impacting the North Shore in ways big and small during its two decades. The organization donates more than $100,000 a year to local philanthropic organizations, benefits the needy with in-kind donations, and finds a new home for items that might otherwise end up in landfill. Read the origin story of this highly effective nonprofit in Rummage with Dignity.
This month the Lake Forest Scouts Hockey team hosts its 50th annual tree sale fundraiser, a long-standing community tradition that raises funds for both the hockey program and its nonprofit partner—Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA). Learn more about the tree sale and the Lake Forest Scouts Hockey Team in Oh Christmas Tree
The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital also celebrates a milestone this year— the 45th anniversary of its much-loved Holiday Boutique. This year the Boutique finds a new home at The Forester Hotel in Lake Forest. See In With The New for all of the details.
In The Portrait, we speak with this month’s cover girl, designer Sami Fishbein-Prestigiacomo. She’s a North Shore native who moved back to the Midwest after a decade in California to put down roots in Lake Bluff. Fishbein-Prestigiacomo shares a few of her design favorites, travel goals, and North Shore picks in The Portrait
We close this issue with an essay about a remarkable local veteran named Gil Clark. At 91 years old, Clark lives independently and continues to serve as an active member of the American Legion in Lake Forest. Read his remarkable story in The Last Word.
As we begin this month of thanks, I would like to extend my gratitude to Colonel Clark and all those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief
erin@jwcmedia.com
@forest&bluffmag
Renee Baldwin, founder of Upscale Rummage
Sami Fishbein-Prestigiacomo
Laconic Foods’s Vanilla Honey, available at the Holiday Boutique on November 22 and 23
J. W. CONATSER FOUNDER & PUBLISHER jwc@jwcmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MONICA KASS ROGERS, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER
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ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ
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The Good Life
Musings on What’s Doing And Who’s Doing It
The HOW on living your best life, engaging in meaningful activities, and building relationships in the community
Shannon Engelland, Elyse Butler, and Amanda Szwast co-chair The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital’s 45th annual Holiday Boutique at an exciting new venue— The Forester Hotel.
DECKED-OUT DAVID ADLER
One
The Good Life The Buzz
of the best parts of the Lake Bluff History Museum Holiday Home Tour is getting to see how people decorate their homes for the holidays. This year’s tour takes place on December 8 and includes a historic home designed in 1923 by architect David Adler (with interiors by his sister Frances Adler Elkins) for a single woman who entertained often and wanted a house to fit her needs and comfort—quite unusual for the times. The tour includes homes large and small, historic and new, and all are decorated beautifully for the holidays in their owner’s unique style. lakebluffhistory.org
HIDING
SPOT As we accelerate into the holidays, take a moment for yourself¬—stop to smell the coffee, if you will. The beautifully-appointed Café at Elawa Farm is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers farm-to-table breakfast, lunch, coffee service, wine and beer, and child friendly options. Its seasonally driven menu by Chef Lee Kuebler incorporates ingredients from Elawa Farm and other local farmers. A quick visit this cozy café is the perfect antidote to the holiday rush. elawafarm.org
GREAT GIFTING We have a suggestion for a unique hostess gift with a thoughtful, local touch. Charles J. Stick and His Gardens is both a beautiful coffee table book and a fascinating biographical monograph of Charles J. Stick, the Virginia-based landscape architect who designed Crab Tree Farm in Lake Bluff. This book is the first to explore and bring together four major estates—Crab Tree Farm; Mount Sharon near Charlottesville, Virginia; Sleepy Cat Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut; and Waverley, a previously unpublished farm in Central Virginia—offering new insights into Stick’s design process and the intimacy of his client relationships. phaidon.com/monacelli/landscapes-and-gardens/charles-j-stick-and-his-gardens
About Town
NOVEMBER NOTABLES
JASON HUDY
WHEN: November 3
WHERE: Gorton Center
Jason Hudy returns to Gorton Center for a magical afternoon that the whole family will enjoy. Jason’s “Mesmerizing Magic” show is robust with large-scale illusions, signature magic, and his fun-loving and comedic personality. Funding from the Grainger Foundation helped make this special event possible. gortoncenter.org
LAKE COUNTY FILM FESTIVAL
WHEN: November 2 and 10
WHERE: Gorton Center
Gorton Center is thrilled to be one of the host venues for the Lake County Film Festival on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 10. The festival will be showing about two dozen features and more than 80 short films. gortoncenter.org
REVEL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
WHEN: November 6
WHERE: North Shore Country Club
Club of Hearts presents the 3rd Annual REVEL Holiday Boutique to benefit its 2024 charity partner, Lake County Haven, an organization empowering homeless women and their children to achieve permanent, independent living. Join in the “revelry” at North Shore Country Club and visit more than 35 unique vendors both local and from out of state. Offerings include craft spirits, original art, fine jewelry, bestselling books, and more. clubofheartsil.com
FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON
WHEN: November 6
WHERE: Le Colonial, Lake Forest Hunger Resource Network (HRN) will host its first Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show on Wednesday, November 6 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Le Colonial in Lake Forest. Attendees will enjoy a designer fashion show featuring clothing from local boutiques including Enaz and The Fashion House of Alisia Chaika.
Proceeds from the event will be used to feed thousands of food insecure neighbors across the Chicago area. hungerresourcenetwork.org/partners
AVANT SKI WINE SOCIAL
WHEN: November 7
WHERE: The Arcade on Deerpath
The 118-year old Allendale Shelter Club will be hitting the slopes this winter with a new name—Allendale Women’s Board—and an exciting new fall fundraiser. The Avant Ski Wine Social event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 7 at The Arcade on Deerpath, 272 E. Deerpath Road in Lake Forest. Guests will enjoy a pre-holiday season wine tasting and wine shopping night with proceeds benefiting Allendale. Tickets are priced at $50 each and will feature light bites and wines best suited for holiday entertaining. allendale4kids.org/event/awb/
A SEASONAL SOIRÉE
WHEN: November 9
WHERE: Knollwood Country Club
The Mothers Trust Foundation will host its fall fundraiser, A Seasonal Soirée, on November 9. This exciting event kicks off the holiday season with gorgeous themed tablescapes, an inspirational keynote speaker, a raffle, and a paddle raise. The Mothers Trust Foundation has served the community for 26 years to provide for children who have no other place to turn in times of crisis. motherstrustfoundation.org
KAREN MORGAN
WHEN: November 9
WHERE: Gorton Center
Comedian Karen Morgan is back at Gorton Center by popular demand. Anyone can enjoy this clean comedy show but it especially appealing to those people of a certain age who grew up playing outside without bike helmets, adult supervision, or bottled water—and still managed to survive. The event is sponsored by the Chicago law firm Croke, Fairchild, Duarte & Beres. gortoncenter.org
DAMES AT SEA
WHEN: November 15 to December 15
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
Citadel Theatre’s Dames at Sea is a musical parody of a large, flashy 1930s Busby Berkeley-style-musical in which a chorus girl, newly arrived off the bus from the Midwest to New York City, steps into a role on Broadway and becomes a star. Bernadette Peters played the role of Ruby when it debuted in 1966. She later toured the role at the Academy Playhouse in Lake Forest. citadeltheatre.org/202425-season
LIGHTSCAPE
WHEN: November 15 to January 5
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
The enchanting after-dark illuminated trail created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden dazzles with brand-new installations from around the world and vistas transformed with light, art, and music. Attendees will discover incredible new works, like the Neon Singing Trees, and revisit favorites like the Winter Cathedral. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE OPENING NIGHT
WHEN: November 21
WHERE: The Forester Hotel
The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital hosts its annual Holiday Boutique with an opening night on November 21, followed by two full days of shopping on November 22 and 23. Proceeds benefit nursing education. lfhwomensboard.nm.org
PADDLE PARTY FOR A PURPOSE
WHEN: November 22
WHERE: The Oakhouse at Exmoor Country Club
Play, watch, or just party with a purpose to support the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST)—the organization funding research to cure Angelman Syndrome (AS). Together with Moonshot Paddle, the goal of the
evening is to raise more than $50,000 to support AS-related research. Though rare, scientists believe AS is a gateway to better understanding, treating, and possibly curing more common neurological disorders like ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. Tickets are $150 (100 percent goes to FAST) and includes dinner, open bar, and open play. give. cureangelman.org/paddlepartyforapurpose
LAKE FOREST TREE LIGHTING
WHEN: November 29
WHERE: Market Square
The 40th Annual Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration returns to historic Market Square on Friday, November 29, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music, kids’ activities, food and
beverages, carolers, Lake Forest Dance Academy dancers, Santa Claus, and more at this beloved Lake Forest tradition. lfparksandrec.com
PUCKS & POMS FOR GLASA
WHEN: November 27
WHERE: Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse at Lake Forest College
Lake Forest Scouts Hockey kicks off the holiday break with its annual Pucks & Poms Fundraiser benefitting Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA). Fondly referred to as “Hockey Homecoming,” hundreds of fans pack into the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse for an action-packed evening of hockey camaraderie. Each of the three Scouts Hockey teams play back-to-back against Hinsdale. During intermission of
the Varsity game, the Lake Forest High School Varsity Dance Team performs. This is a free event with opportunities to give to GLASA throughout the evening. scoutshockey.com
JOY & WONDER
WHEN: December 7
WHERE: Market Square, Lake Forest “Candyland” is coming to Lake Forest’s Market Square as part of its Joy & Wonder event on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be something for everyone—a bounce house, DJ, camel, glitter artist, crafts, hot chocolate, and more. Admission is free.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
WHEN: December 7
WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluff
The Good Life
Kick off the holidays 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 8
WHERE: Start at Lake Bluff History Museum
Looking for holiday decorating inspiration or just want something fun to do to jump start the season? The Lake Bluff History Holiday Home Tour is a great opportunity to pick up new ideas while enjoying the creativity and traditions of Lake Bluff residents who dress their homes up for the holidays. akebluffhistory.org/events
Lake Forest Scouts Hockey hosts its Pucks & Poms Fundraiser for GLASA on November 27
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The Good Life The Tastemaker
Sami Fishbein-Prestigiacomo of Lake Bluff grew up with an eye for design, a talent she now utilizes to help her North Shore clients transform their spaces.
edited by Sherry Thomas / photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria /hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
North Shore native Sami Fishbein-Prestigiacomo has always had a keen eye for design. From a young age, she found joy in exploring antique home decor shops with her grandmother, decorating homes, planning events, and frequently updating the wallpaper and colors in her childhood bedroom. In 2013, Sami moved to Los Angeles to begin her studies at the University of Southern California—pursuing a degree in Communication with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. After 11 years in Los Angeles, Sami returned to her roots in Chicago, making her home in Lake Bluff. With a wealth of experience and a clear vision, she founded Samijo Design to bring her creative talents to a wider audience. Drawing on her extensive experience with projects in both Los Angeles and Chicago, Sami is dedicated to crafting homes that reflect her clients’ unique tastes and lifestyles. Through Samijo Design, she continues to transform spaces into inviting, stylish, and personalized sanctuaries. This visionary tastemaker recently took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things:
Interior designer who inspires your work? Lizzie McGraw of Tumbleweed & Dandelion, who captures the essence of coastal shabby chic in a way that’s equal parts timeless and fresh. Beauty or fashion brand you can’t live without? Jenni Kayne for that perfect mix of minimalism and comfort. Favorite Lake Bluff store or restaurant? Hansa, with its inviting atmosphere and yummy baked goods. Wallpaper brand that never disappoints? Holly Hunt, always delivering sophistication and modern edge. Vacation you’ll never forget? Japan, where serene landscapes and vibrant cities created an unforgettable immersion into beauty and culture. Favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Sweet potatoes with marshmallows, which feel like dessert and are an absolute favorite! Ultimate downtown Chicago weekend includes? Brunch at Tempo Cafe, wandering Fulton Market, dinner at Monteverde or Tre Dita, and Vacas Creamery for soft serve. Next stamp on your passport? Mexico for my 30th birthday, where I’ll relax and explore with my husband. Best movie you’ve seen this year? I’ll admit, I haven’t caught a new movie in 2024 yet, but I’m counting down the days to see Wicked! TV show you can’t stop binging? Grey’s Anatomy has that perfect blend of drama, medical intrigue, and emotional roller coasters that keeps me hooked. Person, living or dead, you’d most like to invite to your dinner party? Kelly Wearstler, a visionary designer known for continuously evolving and perfecting every space she creates. Drink of choice? Aperol spritz by day and a spicy mezcal margarita by night. Favorite North Shore shop for one-of-akind design finds? Hudson & Grace was a staple for our wedding registry, with everything from their beautiful vintage pieces and flatware to stunning vases we’ll treasure forever. Favorite materials to work with on your designs? Natural elements, always ... like organic wood, soft linens, and stone for their grounded beauty. What holiday tradition or ritual never goes out of style? Taking time to reflect and embrace growth as a work in progress during the holiday season.
Next stamp on your passport? Mexico for my 30th birthday, where I’ll relax and explore with my husband.
Wallpaper brand that never disappoints? Holly Hunt, always delivering sophistication and modern edge.
Favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Sweet potatoes with marshmallows, which feel like dessert and are an absolute favorite!
Ultimate downtown Chicago weekend includes? Dinner at Tre Dita.
Favorite materials to work with on your designs? Natural elements, always ... like organic wood, soft linens, and stone for their grounded beauty.
The Portrait
Sami Fishbein-Prestigiacomo wears Veronica Beard from Neiman Marcus Northbrook
Lake Bluff Dental Care LLC
Dr. Linda R. Salmon DDS
Creating Beautiful Smiles
DO YOU NEED A DENTIST.
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At Lake Bluff Dental Care, we use the best state-of-the-art equipment and Technology. We know how to help patients feel relaxed and make sure their visit is pain and anxiety free.
We want to help you feel great about your smile. Give us a call to let us help you keep your smile great or Help you get that great smile you always wanted. We are located conveniently in Historic Downtown Lake Bluff, only a few doors from the Post Office. We hope to see you soon and that you will join our dental familyif you haven’t already.
“TRENDY PRESENT”
From luxe home goods to fabulous fashion finds, shop roundups of the very best gifts for friends and family.
edited by Theresa DeMaria
24 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
FOR
1 HardWear watch in yellow gold with diamonds, $18,000, tiffany.com 2 One-of-a-kind pearl cuff, $26,800, akailareid.com 3 Veronica Beard Sola tank top, $348, lilliealexander.com 4 Alberta Ferretti long sheer draped dress, $2,540, farfetch.com 5 Wales Bonner snakeskin-printed ballet flats, $675, farfetch.com 6 GANNI small Bou tote bag, $344, neimanmarcus. com 7 Hardwear 18k gold wrap bracelet, $13,000, tiffany.com 8 Veronica Beard Monte Jacket, $1,398, lilliealexander.com 9 Veronica Beard Patra Jacket, $598, neimanmarcus.com 10 Max Mara Manuela belted camel hair coat, $3,650, thelakeforestshop.com 11 Jane Win Love Carry Your Heart Pendant in tiger’s eye, $298, lilliealexander.com 12 Miss Willa Boot, $675, theofficeofangelascott.com 13 Alaia Bag, $3,650, alaia.com 14 Medium Spinner Brief, $599, briggs-riley.com 15 Ami Paris argyle wool-cashmere blend sleeveless jumper, $374, farfetch.com 16 Givenchy Eyewear Gvspeed sunglasses, $270, saksfifthavenue.com 17 Tudor 2024 unworn Black Bay GMT 41mm, $5,863, farfetch.com 18 Labrum London x Adidas patchwork tie-top bucket hat, $295, farfetch.com 19 Off-White New Low Vulcanized sneakers, $364, neimanmarcus.com 20 Dolce & Gabbana patterned intarsia-knit bath robe, $1,565, dolcegabbana.com 21 Geometric umbrella, $26, vinrella.com 22 Geometric Print Tote n Go, $42, vinrella.com 23 La DoubleJ Oppio dessert plates (set of two), $135, farfetch.com 24 Gēng green jade stone bowl and Ji yellow jade ceramic cup, both $58, seree.co
The Good Life BAG OF TRICKS
READY TO ROLL
Travel easy with Briggs and Riley’s wheeled cabin bag, stocked with luxe essentials.
edited by Theresa DeMaria
1. BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
Your bag is almost packed—now it’s time to pack your travel beauty essentials. Start with sanitizer and hand cream. Aesop’s rinsefree gel pairs well with Chanel’s hand cream and Kiehl’s lip mask to combat cabin dryness. Don’t forget a nail file (manicures and zippers don’t mix) and a couple of claw clips with travel-friendly brushes to keep your hair in check. a. The Eco File, $10, violetgrey.com b. Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main, $75, chanel.com c. Aesop Resurrection RinseFree Hand Mist, $10, neimanmarcus.com d. Yves Durif Comb and Petit Brush Set, $115, violetgrey. com e. The Clips by Crown Affair, $54, violetgrey.com f. Kiehl’s Buttermask Intense Repair Lip Treatment, $28, bloomingdales. com
2.
PASSPORT HOLDER
Elevate your game with a stylish passport holder that not only keeps your document secure, but makes it easier to locate in your travel bag. Opt for a personalized touch with a custom monogram. Toteme Embossed Passport Holder, $290, sense.com
3.
TRAVEL JEWELRY CASE
Prevent tangled necklaces and lost earrings with Mejuri’s travel jewelry case featuring separate compartments for favorite pieces. Mejuri Travel Jewelry Case, $88, mejuri.com
4. TOILETRY BAG
Invest in a high-quality cosmetic case to save yourself the hassle of spills and disorder. Travel is taxing enough without them. Travel Case Set by Cuyana, $168, cuyana.com
5.
NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES
Comfort isn’t just about pillows and masks—sound matters too, especially when working or relaxing in transit. Always travel with noise-canceling headphones and download podcasts, movies, shows, audiobooks, and music in advance. Sonos Ace Headphones, $449, sonos.com
6. EYE
MASK
Let’s face it—getting good sleep while traveling is tough without a comfortable eye mask. The best ones are made from soft materials like cotton, cashmere, silk, or velvet. Consider a quality eye mask a worthwhile splurge that ensures your travel wellbeing. Silk Sleep Eye Mask, $79, amazon.com
Wheeled Cabin Bag by Briggs and Riley, $419, briggs-riley.com
The Good Life
CAPONATA
Delicious, easy-to-make, no-forks-required, healthy, and beautiful, caponata hits all the marks—making it one of my favorite appetizers for holiday entertaining. Silky with caramelized baby eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic plus the bright briny flavors of capers and olives, caponata can be served warm or cold. Mound it on slices of fresh baguettes and you’re all set.
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
METHOD
ROAST EGGPLANT Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Discard stem ends of eggplants. Leave skins on. Cube. Spread cubed eggplant on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with half of olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in 375-degree oven for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
COOK VEGETABLES While the eggplant roasts, add remaining olive oil and the chopped onion to saute pan over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 1 Tbsp water, cover and cook, removing lid to stir occasionally, until onion is well softened (about seven minutes.) Remove lid and add garlic. Continue cooking, stirring often until garlic has softened. Add chopped peppers. Stir. Cover and cook until peppers have softened. Add whole Campari tomatoes. Cover pan and continue cooking until tomatoes have heated through. Remove lid and using a potato masher, smash tomatoes. Remove roast eggplant from oven and add to the pan, stirring to incorporate. Sprinkle sugar over the vegetables and stir in the vinegar. Reduce heat to medium low and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until you have a thick, glossy mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Caponata is good served warm, or, refrigerated for a few hours and served cold.
TO SERVE Place caponata in a serving bowl. Slice baguette into rounds. Mound caponata on the baguette slices. Serve.
SERVES 8 TO 10
INGREDIENTS
• 5 or 6 small (5-inch-long) eggplants (I used both baby globe eggplant and fairy tale eggplant), cubed
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 2 small onions, peels discarded, chopped
• 6 gar lic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, core and seeds discarded, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, core and seeds discarded, chopped
• 1 lb. fresh Campari tomatoes, rinsed well
• ½ cup mixed Greek olives (pitted) coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup capers
• 1 ½ Tbsp coconut palm sugar
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 f resh French baguette, sliced
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TURN SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS
Ode to Joy & Wonder
Lake Forest’s Market Square organizers aim to warm the hearts of visitors this holiday season.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography courtesy of Lake Forest’s Market Square
“Candyland” is the theme of this year’s Joy & Wonder event coming to Lake Forest’s Market Square on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will have something for the young and the young at heart.
“Is there anything better than the holidays when you’re a child?” asks Robyn Konlon of Konlon Associates. “We’ve worked with Christiane Fischer, Market Square’s property manager, for the last six years to create unforgettable holiday experiences. We hope this year continues to create magic.”
To set the stage, this year’s Joy & Wonder Candyland event will include a balloon arch made of candy, a house made of peanut brittle, a tower made of lollypops, and a candy express sleigh ride around the square. There will be an airbrush glitter artist on hand to make sure that all the children sparkle, crafts to keep little ones busy, and a Candyland Bounce House to expend all the sugarinfused energy that is sure to be had. And as always, there will be a talented DJ setting the tone with a holiday playlist, while hot chocolate, rock candy sticks, and popcorn are being served.
“I think my favorite part of all this fun will surely be the best Mrs. Claus you will ever meet and the friendliest nativity animals ever to visit Market Square,” says Konlon with a laugh. “The camel will be making a return appearance and is not to be missed. We will also have a photo cube available for pictures so that you can remember everything about this special day.”
Everything offered at this December 7 event is free and open to the public.
“I think the word ‘joy’ is often thrown around and used lightly,” Konlon adds. “But when you can partici-
pate in an event like this with your child or a grandchild, you can see the charm of the season—that they can’t believe they’re eyes at all they are seeing. That is the joy we want to inspire and what we hope will keep you coming back to Market Square.”
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How to Divorce a Narcissist
words by Michone J. Riewer
photography by Katrina Wittkamp
styling by Theresa DeMaria
An issue that has been coming up more and more in our practice, is the issue of divorcing a narcissist. We have had to become familiar, not only with the narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), but with the strategies necessary to help our clients successfully navigate divorcing a narcissist.
Divorcing a narcissist presents unique challenges that differ from a typical separation. NPD is more than just selfish behavior; it involves an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and an overwhelming need to dominate. While only a small percentage of people have a formal diagnosis of NPD, many more display narcissistic traits, which complicates the divorce process for their partners.
A narcissist views divorce not as a mutual separation but as a battle to be won. They often manipulate, delay, and use tactics like gaslighting to maintain control, making the process emotionally and financially draining for their spouse and their children. Once the spouse finally gets the courage to divorce a narcissist, they often enter ready for a head-on fight, but this approach typically leads to extended conflict, increased stress, frustration, and ultimately exhaustion. In these situations, it becomes essential to take a strategic approach that prioritizes freedom and peace of mind over “winning” every argument. Engaging an experienced attorney who understands narcissistic behavior is critical. We are able to anticipate the narcissist’s manipulative moves and prevent unnecessary legal delays. Judges and the court system can also be valuable in managing disputes, as narcissists tend to resist compromise. Court orders, pretrial recommendations, and
judicial interventions can help ensure that the process moves forward, limiting the narcissist’s attempts to control it.
Maintaining clear boundaries throughout the divorce is another important step. Limiting communication to written forms, like emails or texts, not only provides a record of interactions but also reduces the opportunity for emotional manipulation. Narcissists thrive on emotional engagement, so staying calm and detached (the “grey rock” method) helps prevent the escalation further.
While narcissists often try to drag out the divorce by filing unnecessary motions and creating roadblocks, patience is key. Giving in to their demands to expedite the process may seem tempting, but this can come at the cost of your long-term well-being. Instead, maintaining a steady, patient approach ensures that you remain in control of the situation, without sacrificing your future.
Finally, it’s essential to prioritize your mental health throughout the process. The emotional strain of divorcing a narcissist can be overwhelming, so seeking therapy ahead of filing for divorce and building a strong support network is vital for maintaining your emotional resilience.
Ultimately, the focus in divorcing a narcissist should not be on defeating them in every dispute but on regaining your freedom and protecting your family’s future. Narcissists will rarely admit defeat, but with the right strategy and the use of judicial tools, you can move forward with your life.
Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.
Michone J. Riewer
Wellness Is Your Brain Benching Your Potential?
Even if you didn’t reach your goal, use your mindset as an asset, not a setback. words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria
Starting this month, we’re using a new format to address your sports psychology challenges head-on. Need advice from Dr. E? Scan the QR code to submit a question!
Dear Dr. E:
I didn’t do great at tryouts this year, and now I’m on the third string. Watching other kids playing on game day is frustrating when I know I could do better. How do I get my coach to see my potential if I’m always on the bench?
—Sitting on the Sidelines
coaching—can help ensure you’re on the right track. Sometimes that extra push is all you need to break through!
Focus on your progress and remember that your mindset is your biggest asset. How you choose to use it is up to you!
You got this,
Dear Dr E:
Dear Sidelines:
Rejection in any form is heartbreaking, but it doesn’t define you. How you handle it, however, does. When we accept disappointment—and the feelings that surround it—as a normal part of life, we can create the space necessary to take the next right steps and grow.
Reflect and Learn
Before you can take action, take a beat. Think back to your tryouts. What did you do well? Where did you struggle? This kind of internal assessment gives you a starting point. Then think about what types of external feedback and assessments may help you as you improve. Do you know what kind of guidance you need? What types of feedback work best for you?
Develop a Growth Mindset
When you seek intentional, constructive feedback from your coach, you show that you are eager to improve and ready to be coached. Trust me; this matters!
Visualize how you want to perform, rewire your thinking for success, and then bring that mentality to practice. Watch your teammates closely. If someone has mastered a skill you’re working on, compliment them and ask how they learned it. Just remember that while internal drive is key, external guidance from others can make a big difference.
Set New Goals
So, you didn’t reach this year’s goal of being a starter. What can you do now to achieve it next year? Whether it’s improving a specific skill, working on your confidence, or getting extra help, external support—like peak performance
—Dr. E.
My son was really hoping to be named team captain this year, but the role went to someone else. He’s crushed and not handling it well. How can I help him process this and move on?
—Mom of Miserable Midfielder
Dear Mom:
The best way to grow is by soliciting feedback and applying it. After all, that’s what it means to be coachable! Don’t be afraid to ask questions for clarity and understanding. You can’t improve if you don’t know what you need to work on.
Watching our children struggle is one of the hardest things we do as parents, even when we remember that these moments are often where the greatest growth happens. (It still doesn’t make them any easier!)
First, let him know it’s okay to feel upset—those emotions are natural. After he’s had a chance to express his feelings, help him see this as a learning opportunity. What other ways can he contribute to the team? What are some qualities he admires about the new captain?
Being passed over for a title doesn’t mean he can’t still lead. True leadership often emerges in unexpected ways, through actions, attitude, and the ability to lift others up. Encourage him to support his teammates, stay dedicated, and focus on his skills and growth. These are the qualities that will serve him well long after the season is over.
—Dr. E.
Specializing in peak performance and sports psychology, EleVive helps student-athletes master their mental game. Learn more at EleVive.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
Lauren Peters and Lillie Milovanovic
Charting The Next Chapter
Lake Forest’s Lauren Peters turns the page of her retail career as she partners with Lillie Milovanovic to pen a new story for Lillie Alexander Ltd.
LAUREN PETERS HAS AL-
WAYS dreamed of owning a shop. A few years ago, the Lake Forest mother of three decided to get serious about it.
“When our girls were in a good place, school-wise, and owning a store seemed like a real possibility, my husband and I agreed that I go back into working retail to get a better understanding of the buying, selling and back-office processes,” she says. “So, I went to Lillie [Milovanovic] and asked if I could work with her because she does it all. She knows how every aspect of her business runs because she has perfected it over 30 years.”
Milovanovic came to Lake Forest in 1990 with the idea of opening a women’s clothing store. She bought the building that once housed Hansen’s Children’s Store and transformed the space into Lillie Alexander Ltd., a go-to fashion retailer for the North Shore’s most discerning shoppers.
At one time, Lillie Alexander was considered a signature store for Lilly Pulitzer, a rare distinction for a store located in a part of the country where there are more cold days than not. Over the years, she’s had her finger on the pulse of up-and-coming designers, being one of the first on the North Shore to offer Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, and Nili Lotan.
“I have so much admiration for Lillie,” Peters says. “To think that she came to Lake Forest 35 years ago, opened a store, and ran it as owner-
operator that whole time—the instincts, guts, and the discipline—is truly impressive.”
When Peters first moved to Lake Forest as a newly married graduate student, she was looking for a part-time job in retail—even then, the allure of working in fashion was strong. Because her mother was a frequent customer of Ellen Stirling’s, Peters stopped by The Lake Forest Shop to see if they might hire her.
“I was so intimidated the first time I met Ellen,” Peters explains. “She asked me for my book, and I was like, my what? In those days, Ellen was looking for a salesperson who came in with a ‘book’ of clients. I was just starting out and didn’t have anything like that. But Ellen was very good to me. She told me to believe in the value of what I liked doing. She had a very kind
words by Ann Marie Scheidler/photography by James Gustin styling by Theresa DeMaria/hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
Ulla Johnson Trunk Show
and empowering tone and encouraged me to go and talk with Lillie.”
And that’s exactly what Peters did, which is where her story with Milovanovic begins.
“Working with Lillie was the best master class in retail I could take,” she says. “Long before I was serious about having my own store, Lillie taught me the importance of customer service. She said to always put the customer first, and she kept trying until she found something the customer liked. It made her so happy when she did!”
As Peters raised her three girls, she stayed close with Milovanovic— sometimes helping on the store floor when she could, and other times as a customer for her family and friends. Milovanovic was the natural choice for Peters to choose as a mentor when her husband encouraged her to get the experience she needed to someday successfully open a store of her own.
One Sunday afternoon, Peters was working at Lillie Alexander when Milovanovic stopped in unexpectedly on her day off.
“Lillie could tell I had been crying. My hus-
band had just told me about the new job he had been offered that would move our family to Seattle. And Lillie said, ‘I thought you were going to take over my business someday’,” explains Peters, who recently signed papers for a partnership with Milovanovic that will ultimately put Peters at the helm of the boutique. “I’m not sure if that moment hadn’t happened if we would be where we are today.”
With Lillie now able to do the things she enjoys doing, Peters keeps the day-to-day operations running.
“Lillie’s clients can rest assured knowing that all of the things they love about Lillie Alexander will continue to be part of this special store,” she adds.
Selling Lillie Alexander is not something Milovanovic has taken lightly or came easily.
“I love my customers and putting together looks that are perfect for them. I so enjoyed getting their photographs of how they wore something they purchased and hearing how many compliments they received,” says Milovanovic. “I also appreciate my close relationships with all of the brand reps. We worked together to pick the best items for our customers. I know Lauren will be successful if she continues to carry on this same philosophy. I know she will.”
Lillie Alexander Ltd. is located at 197 E Westminster Avenue in Lake Forest. for more information, call 847-295-8686.
Lillie Milovanovic with Lilly Pulitzer in Palm Beach.
Lillie Milovanovic and Lauren Peters
Rummage with Dignity
Upscale Rummage and Furniture Warehouse celebrates 25 years as a nonprofit service.
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
Volunteers Ellen Chon and Laurie Peterson with founder Renee Baldwin
WHEN RENEE BALDWIN
was a young girl, her father loved holding garage sales.
“Tuesday was his day off— not typically a big sale day, but he’d do it,” Renee recalls.
“What are we going to sell?” And he’d say, “We’ll find something,” but really just wanted people to stop by to chat. He basically gave away whatever folks were interested in.”
Those early sale days planted the caring seed in Baldwin that would grow into her philanthropic life’s work—Upscale Rummage and Furniture Warehouse. Baldwin founded the nonprofit in 1999 and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events at the store this month and next.
Serving communities in Lake and Cook County, Upscale Rummage has benefitted dozens of philanthropic organizations, donating more than $100,000 each of the last six years to support the work they do. In-kind donations that help additional individuals in need—refugees, fire and abuse victims, and more—are also a regular part of its mission. And whatever can’t be sold in-store is funneled to other outlets, keeping it out of landfills.
“That’s very important to us,” says Renee. “We recycle all our textiles. All of the blankets and towels go to dog rescues. Vases go to organizations that give free flowers to groups that
need them. Shoes go to an organization in Africa, and so on.”
Located in Libertyville, the massive, 20,000-sq. ft. warehouse is set up like a department store, with merchandise attractively displayed to make visitors’ shopping experience a pleasant one.
“Many of our shoppers do not have the funds to visit regular retail stores,” says Baldwin. “We do everything we can to add dignity to their time here by treating our guests and each item we display with respect.”
Garments, furniture, housewares, and other merchandise is all cleaned, tagged, and organized before being added to the display floor. And if someone comes in with a voucher from a local charity entitling them to gather goods at no charge, one of Upscale Rummage’s friendly volunteers will guide them through selections with kindness and care.
“Volunteerism is the heart of this place,” she says. “Everyone is happy to be here, and happy to do what we do. It’s a very lowpressure environment.”
To keep everything running smoothly, Baldwin has about a dozen regular volunteers. As well, organizations who want to be considered for a portion of the proceeds, volunteer nine hours per week per quarter. Augmenting this, workers from a Lake
Antique jewelry
Vintage dolls
Forest special needs transition program come in three days a week to work tasks that line up with their skills.
Some of the volunteers have been with Baldwin from the start.
“Working at Upscale is like taking an antidepressant,” says Helen Chon, who has volunteered for decades. “I experience, hear, or see something positive every day. Our whole purpose is to be a positive force in our community and that mission is reflected in the volunteers as well as the patrons.”
But Upscale Rummage had very humble beginnings—all starting with a school sale.
“The Montessori School of Lake Forest was looking for a fundraiser,” says Baldwin, explaining that the rummage sale she organized did so well—bringing in $16K in one weekend—she was asked to do it again, first annually and then quarterly. As things moved forward, Baldwin came to learn that when people wanted to donate a lot of items, they wanted to do it immediately, which necessitated temporary storage.
“Between rummage sales, we began accepting and storing donations in warehouse locations that we would occupy until the owner needed them,” she adds. When this finally proved untenable, Baldwin began renting the space that became its store.
“In the beginning, we rented the space just to store the donated merchandise between rummage sales,” she says. “But the front of the space we rent is occupied by a furniture dealer, and people kept wandering back into our space wanting to buy things.”
Prompted by this, Upscale Resale’s current iteration was born. It’s vast inventory is constantly changing.
“We receive thousands of donated items each week,” says Baldwin. “What we do here is made possible by the incredible quality these donations. Donors really trust us to find a good home for these things and we are so thankful to them for that.” Helping the nonprofit figure out how to price things, one volunteer researches merchandise’ worth, and then prices are set to one-third of that value or lower. Others on staff specialize in silver, gold and vintage jewelry.
Through the years, Upscale has seen many unusual items come through. Among them, a trunk packed with a sailor’s full kit— including his hammock, dress blues, shaving kit, sewing kit, dog tags, and more. Recognizing the collection’s historic value, Baldwin sent the kit to the National Museum of the American Sailor, where it is now part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Looking ahead, Baldwin is optimistic about Upscale’s future, despite some challenges. As a nonprofit, she feels badly that the high cost of the monthly warehouse rental lessens the amount of funding that can be given away. The truck the organization uses to transport donated merchandise is also nearly worn out.
“We are going to have to do a “New Truck Campaign” to find funds to replace it,” says Baldwin. “The need for what we do is so great. We are always seeking more organizations that we can donate our proceeds to, and we are always adding new volunteers.”
On a personal level, Baldwin says this is her purpose.
“This is why The Man put me here,” she adds. “Until my body can’t do it anymore, this is where you will find me.”
For information on upcoming 25th anniversary events, donating items, or volunteer opportunities, visit upscalerummage.org.
Menswear
Renee Baldwin
Costume jewelry
Your Home. Your Style. Robert Kleinert & Kelly Guinaugh
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OH CHRISTMAS TREE
The Lake Forest Scouts Hockey team continues a 50-year fundraising tradition of selling festive trees, greenery, and holiday décor to support both the team and its nonprofit partner—Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.
THOCKEY TEAMS—JV Blue, JV Gold, and Varsity—comprised of 70 players who attend Lake Forest High School, must play a role in its annual Christmas tree and greenery sale that benefits the hockey team. All players are responsible for selling trees, greenery, and
up at West Park this year); and delivering all of its prod ucts. Scouts Hockey doesn’t receive any school funding as other high school sports do, so these sales help offset needed program costs throughout the year, including ice time, equipment and uniforms, and training.
“Our annual tree sale fundraiser has been a longstanding community tradition,” says Emily Savage, Scouts Hockey Board President. “The initiative is just
Members of Lake Forest Scouts Hockey teams
one of the many ways our program emphasizes camaraderie and team bonding, building upstanding players on and off the ice, and giving back to our community.”
The team sources its holiday items from Echo Hills Farm, a family-owned and operated Christmas Tree Farm located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The most popular items include trees, wreaths, and roping. This year the team is also offering a holiday wreath, a bark basket, and a wreath and centerpiece combo that can be shipped directly anywhere in the United States.
The Scouts Hockey tree and greens sale helps Scouts Hockey players develop sales, marketing, and customer service skills while forging new relationships in the community. Luckily, the high quality trees and greens are enjoyed by repeat customers year after year. Although most items are ordered online through players at scouthockey.com by the first week in December, there is some inventory at their festive “tree lot” in West Park starting Thanksgiving weekend. Scouts Hockey players offer free delivery within Lake Forest and Lake Bluff with an option to set up the trees in your home.
“It’s nice to hear from parents and members of our community how much they enjoy having our players come to their homes to deliver and set up their trees,” says Steve Sarauer, Scouts Hockey Director and Varsity Head Coach. “It’s a great opportunity for our club to give back to our community and a give portion of all proceeds to the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA), a long-time partner of ours.”
from the Scouts to GLASA are earmarked for its sled hockey program. The team presents GLASA with a check at their annual “Sleds Are Coming” event in late winter. Every Sunday, players volunteer to push sleds for GLASA’s competitive sled hockey games.
On Wednesday, November 27, the night before Thanksgiving, the team also hosts its Scouts Hockey Pucks & Poms event at Lake Forest College. Fondly referred to as “Hockey Homecoming,” many former players and pommers show up with the current student body, community members and supporters in crowds packing the college’s Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. Each Scouts Hockey team plays back-to-back games with announcers, music, spirit wear, and concessions sales. At the halftime of the Varsity game, the Lake Forest Highschool Poms squad performs.
“Hockey is an intensive sport for all involved: players, parents and coaches,” says Christmas tree sale co-chair Becky Milliman, who along with Amie Marks and Kristin Carruthers have spearheaded the logistics of this year’s event. “All involved spend a lot of time carpooling to and from practices, going to games, and traveling to lots of tournaments. It is inevitable, and a wonderful by-product, that the teams—both players and parents—become a family.”
To learn more about the Scout Hockey Christmas tree sale, visit scouthockey.com/about/christmas-tree-sales/1013.
Donations
3 Conventry Ln, Lincolnshire*
1235 Deere Park Ln, Deerfield
292 Sussex Ln, Lake Forest
511 Lansdowne Ln, Lake Bluff
123 Sunset Pl, Lake Bluff
920 Mt Vernon Ave, Lake Forest
326 E Witchwood Ln, Lake Bluff*
1300 N Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
988 Buena Rd, Lake Forest
1866 White Lake Dr, Antioch*
IN WITH THE NEW
The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital celebrates the 45th anniversary of its beloved Holiday Boutique with an exciting new venue—The Forester Hotel.
Co-chairs Shannon Engelland, Amanda Szwast, and Elyse Butler wear clothing from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography by James Gustin styling by Theresa DeMaria hair by Margareta Komlenac makeup by Anna Reyderman
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY of the Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital’s annual Holiday Boutique fundraiser, event co-chair Elyse Butler says the group decided it was time for a new venue. Guests attending this year’s Holiday Boutique November 22 to 23 will enjoy shopping at The Forester Hotel, a luxurious new Lake Forest property.
“We’re thrilled that the hotel’s cozy event spaces will be the perfect backdrop for our vendors,” she explains. “With plenty of parking and the Oaken Bistro restaurant on site, it will be the perfect place to do all of your holiday shopping and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails while you’re there.”
An Opening Night party for the event will be held on Thursday, November 21. Butler, along with fellow cochairs Shannon Engelland and Amanda Szwast, are decking the halls this season with 37 vendors from around the country.
“We are filling every square inch of The Forester Hotel. It’s amazing to come into planning this boutique and realizing the big deal vendors who have passed through our halls on their way to huge success,” says Szwast. “Names like Tuckernuck and Johnnie-O previewed their items with us before becoming household names. It’s so fun to try and predict which of our new vendors might be the next big thing.”
A native of Atlanta, Szwast is thrilled that Georgiabased Lake Pajamas will be among the new vendors this year. And while not a new brand, the event chairs can hardly contain their excitement that children’s clothier Florence Eiseman will make their boutique debut.
The Holiday Boutique is one of two fundraisers hosted annually by the Women’s Board of Northwestern Lake
Forest Hospital. Dating to 1946, the Women’s Board is made up of more than 150 talented and committed active, honorary, and sustaining members. Board members volunteer in nearly all hospital departments and contribute more than 10,000 hours of service to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital annually. The Women’s Board has a long history of supporting the hospital through its annual gifts for scholarships, programmatic grants, and major leadership participation in the capital campaign.
Every year, the Women’s Board has a fundraising focus at the hospital, in addition to its grants and scholarship programs. This year’s event proceeds will benefit nursing education as well as other Women’s Board Initiatives at Lake Forest Hospital.
“It’s really moving to see the impact that the money raised by the Women’s Board has directly on patient care at the hospital,” Engelland says. “It’s important that that we support our nurses and their continuing education, especially as the hospital continues to grow and extend its reach.”
Opening Night tickets are $75 for one ticket ($85 at the door) or $125 for two tickets. This includes unlimited admission to the Holiday Boutique throughout the weekend. Shopping day entrance fees are $10 for adults and $5 for older adults. There is no entrance fee for students, Lake Forest Hospital employees and physicians, teachers, and City of Lake Forest employees.
“We love that our event will be your first peek into the holiday season,” Engelland adds. “It’s going to be a festive atmosphere with holiday music playing and amazing vendors. You can shop for everyone on your list before Thanksgiving.”
The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Holiday Boutique will be held at The Forester Hotel, located at 200 North Field Drive in Lake Forest. Tickets to the opening night party can be purchased at lfhwomensboard.nm.org.
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ELAWA HARVEST DINNER
photography by Robin Subar
Elawa Farm Foundation celebrated the season at its annual Harvest Dinner on September 14. Guests were treated to a farm-totable dinner and cocktails in the garden by Chef Jenner Tomaska of Michelin-starred Esme, country music by Tim Gleason band, and dancing in the barn. Funds raised from the evening will support the growth of their mission-based programs and campus development. elawafarm.org
Sally Palmer, Philippe Hans Jon Holman, Laura Calvert, Hassan Obaye, Kelly Thesis, Martin Thesis
Lindsey and Jordan Fraser
Chef Jenner Tomaska
Laura Carney, Ed Carney, Marina Carney, Lisa Smyth
Dan and Kate Adamany
Nancy and Ron Fletcher
Laura and Marion Christoph
SOCIAL LIFE GORTON’S BIRTHDAY BASH
photography by Ian McLeod
Gorton Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a weekendlong birthday bash on September 14 and 15. Highlights included the return of Dog Days, an outdoor carnival with live music, a movie festival, and an indoor concert featuring headliner Fastball. gortoncenter.org
The Dimmer Family
Kamila Urso, Emily Machnicki, Lisette Rothing
Marth Requa, Lisa Wolfe, Perry Minter
The Gorton Center Staff
Staley, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider
Emily & Carter Savage
The Gunther Family
Tom & Charlotte Minhoff
& BLUFF
SOCIAL LIFE ELAWA CAFE
RIBBON-CUTTING
photography by Ian McLeod
Elawa Farm Foundation cut the ribbon on its newest amenity, The Cafe at Elawa Farm. Now open, The Cafe offers farm-totable breakfast, lunch, coffee by Tala Coffee Roasters, wine and beer, kid options, and more. The Cafe is open year-round and includes a seasonal patio. For hours and more information, please visit elawafarm.org/cafe.
Elaine Madansky, Georgia DeSilva, Kennedy Lenigan
Maggie Logan, Danielle Robinson
Mayor Randy Tack, Laura Calvert
Nick Marsalek
Diane Breckenfeld, Marla Lee
The Weber Family
George Issako, Dana Olson, Laura Calvert, Jason Wicha
Amy & John Kelly
REVELRY’S BURGER BATTLE
photography by Ian McLeod
On September 21, ten local chefs went head to head in a Battle for the Best Burger. DJ Nick Rockwell played ’90s hip hop with an emphasis on The Wu-Tang Clan, while Blackhawks hockey legend Jeremy Roenick hosted. Other celebrity judges included Food Network star Troy Johnson and TLC star and producer of Outdaughtered Adam Busby. The ultimate winners were brothers Nick and Theo from West Side Ramen (formally Chrissoulas in Libertyville). They will be the defending champions for Burger Battle 2025. revelryfoodandwine.com
Nicolette and Ken Sweet
Trevor Chandler, Nick Sayer, Mike Gallo, Jake Thoma, Robbie Gleason
Roisin Hamilton, Jen Huber, Nancy Ciemins, Victoria Amelio
Dominic Zumpano, Jeremy Roenick, Beau MacMillan, Troy Johnson
Stefan and Kathryn Johnson
Judges Panel
Terry Davis and Jean Kirkeleit-Davis
Karan Fraley, Michaele Ann McDonnell
Riley Buncic and Lyndsay Kovacevich
Zac and Brooke Adams
511 ROSEMARY ROAD, LAKE FOREST
2020 KNOLLWOOD ROAD, LAKE FOREST
SOCIAL LIFE
LOCAL LEGENDS
photography by Ian McLeod
On September 22, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff honored retired obstetrician Dr. Hugh Falls at its 15th Local Legend. Past Local Legends and guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and an engaging interview led by Falls’ friend and NMLFH Medical Director, Dr. Michael Bauer. The evening celebrated Dr. Falls’ incredible contributions to the community, offering a memorable night of conversation, reflection, and appreciation. lflbhistory.org
John and Mary Ormsby
Maddie Dugan, Dr. Hugh Falls, Carol Summerfeld
Dr. Falls’ family
Dr. Hugh Falls, Bob Barnett
Maddie Dugan, Jim Sterling
Dr. Michael and Sheryl Bauer
Mary Ormsby and Gene Hotchkiss
Jackie Gorter, Julie Priebe
Tim and Kate Hale, Anne Hunting and Ari Mintz
Pam and Dave Henkel
SOCIAL LIFE
THE BENEFIT OF ART: HOLDING SPACE
photography by Robin Subar
On September 26, Art Impact Project celebrated its 10th Anniversary, hosting an annual fundraiser, The Benefit of Art, at 28 Mile Distilling Company in Highwood. The theme of Holding Space was represented through artist created “vessels” auctioned at the event. This year marks a decade of impactful arts programming focused on supporting the mental health of adolescents and adults in our community. artimpactproject.org
Lori Ruskin, Debby Riskind, Kim Metrick
Kevin Bishop, Anne Durot, Maha Worden, David Motley
Sophie Marasco, Vickie Marasco
Cecilia Lanyon, Beth McKenna
Holly Garvey, Kelly Q. Anderson
Karen Ross, Karen Firsel
Tracy Hartlieb, Stacie Chukerman
Courtney Olson, Liz Fales, Stacy Raven
New Offerings in Lake Forest & Lake Bluff
1461 N MCKINLEY ROAD
LAKE FOREST | 4 BD | 3 BA | $875,000
Don’t miss this charming home near Lake Forest High School! Full of vintage character, it features a spacious living room with a gas fireplace, a separate dining room, and a first-floor bedroom and bath, all with hardwood floors. The kitchen is delightful, complemented by a versatile back sunroom and an attached two-car garage. The second floor includes two family bedrooms, a hall bath, and a great primary suite. Enjoy a private, fenced backyard. You’ll love the quality of this home!
310 WEATHERFORD COURT
LAKE BLUFF | 4 BD | 3.2 BA | $1,295,000
The Tangley Oaks residence reflects timeless charm with a sophisticated and refined style. Highlights include: designer lighting and fixtures, elegant wall coverings, hardwood floors, an exceptional gourmet kitchen, and beautiful bathrooms. The home also boasts three fireplaces, a library, a year-round sunroom, and lovely outdoor spaces. A very special property.
319 E NORTH AVENUE
LAKE BLUFF | 5 BD | 4.1 BA | $1,795,000
Introducing this Colonial gem in East Lake Bluff! Built in 2005, it features an open floor plan with high ceilings and hardwood floors. The chef’s kitchen flows into a striking family room with a fireplace and breakfast area, leading to a patio and beautiful property. Additional highlights include a formal living room, dining room, library, finished basement with a bedroom and bath, first-floor laundry, and a two-car attached garage. Wonderful east Lake Bluff location!
PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE
words by Steven Bloch, M.D.
One of the most frequent requests that I get is for a “Tummy Tuck.” Many patients find that despite diet and exercise they cannot achieve the shaped, toned, flat abdomen they desire.
In assessing a patient for a “Tummy Tuck” multiple factors are taken into account.
1. W hat is the status of the overlying skin and the degree of laxity? Is the laxity confined to the lower or upper part of the abdomen or both?
2. W hat is the status of the underlying muscles? Do they meet in the midline or are they separated from pregnancies or intra-abdominal fat?
3. W hat is the distribution of excess fat? Is it diffuse or localized in the lower upper abdomen? Does it extend to the flanks?
Depending upon the above assessment a customized operation can be performed to address these concerns. Multiple procedures or techniques can be employed.
The procedures vary from non-invasive to full abdominoplasty or some combination. Methods include:
1. Non-invasive CoolSculpting or CoolTone.
2. Minimally invasive BodyTite or Renuvion for skin tightening.
3. Vaser liposuction for fat reduction.
4. Modified abdominoplasty for the lower abdomen.
5. Full abdominoplasty combining liposuction, repositioning umbilicus, skin tightening, and underlying muscle repair.
The above procedures can often be combined to give you a customized operation to achieve the results you desire.
For additional information, visit skindeepmedicalspa.com or call the Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.
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TUMMY TUCK
The Last Word WITH HONORS
Retired Army Colonel Gilman “Gil” Lloyd Clark has been serving his country most of his life, continuing that mission to his adopted hometown of Lake Forest. We spoke to this proud veteran about his work with the local American Legion and what patriotism means to him.
words by Sherry Thomas / illustration by Tom Bachtell
He is a man of stories, a distiller of detail, each one weaving a thread that ultimately brings the conversation back to that thing that he loves so dearly—a mission to protect and serve his country.
Gilman “Gil” Lloyd Clark of Lake Forest is a member of what some call America’s Silent Generation. They were the ones who born during the Great Depression and watched the tragedy and triumph of World War II as children, growing up with a very unique view of the world and the meaning of what it means to be a patriot. “If you look at patriotism in this country, it’s at a low point in my lifetime,” says Clark, who volunteered to serve as an enlisted man in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, followed by more than a decade serving in the U.S. Army Reserves and another stint in active duty from 1973 to 1990. “We need to reignite that in the next generation. We need American history taught to every student so they understand the monumental sacrifices that have been made in developing this country.” Clark moved around throughout his military career, a path that brought him to Fort Sheridan from 1975 to 1980. He was living on base with his family but as fate would have it, a house on Green Bay Road became available in what he calls an “estate sale.” He and his late wife bought it and rented it out to other military personnel as he contin-
ued his military career, moving back in 1991. And it was around that time, the summer of 1992, that Clark received a letter inviting him to join American Legion Post 264. “Today many of my closest friends are Post members with whom I have been fortunate to know and share many meaningful events and moments,” says Clark, who in addition to placing flags out in the city on Memorial Day and other holidays, has volunteered at countless community celebrations, including Lake Forest Day. He feels a particular connection to his fellow Post members on Veteran’s Day, a holiday he says is still misunderstood by many. “Memorial Day is a solemn remembrance of those who died in the service of our country. Veteran’s Day honors all of those who have served, from World War II to today. It’s a recognition that you did something for the country that only a very small percentage of the population has done,” says Clark, today a widowed father of four children and five grandchildren. In early October, he was among a group of veterans who flew to Washington, D.C. on a Lake County Honor Flight. It was the perfect way to celebrate a life of service—one he remembers every time he joins fellow Post members to put out American flags in the community. “When I see those flags on the street, it’s a very uplifting feeling of what a great country this has been and is. The sacrifices that lie behind that flag are just phenomenal. It’s a reminder of who we are and we should be as a nation.”
1577
Green Bay Road, Lake Forest
This sprawling brick ranch is situated on 1.5 acres of wooded property in a private setting. Tucked away off of historic Green Bay Road in Lake Forest and ideally located close to both downtown Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, giving you easy access to all that both towns have to offer. Newly renished hardwood ooring throughout most of the rst oor and freshly painted interior. Volume ceilings, three replaces and loads of natural light throughout. The open owing oor plan is perfect for entertaining with generous room sizes and comfortable living space. Just off the foyer is the spacious living room which shares a two-sided replace with the dining room, both featuring walls of windows and sliding glass doors opening on to the private yard and pool. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and convenient butler’s pantry as well as a charming greenhouse/sunroom adjacent to the eating area. The kitchen is open to the dining room which ows effortlessly into the family room with replace and doors out to patio. The primary bedroom includes replace, private bath and glass doors with views of the lush backyard and pool. In addition, there are three additional bedrooms and large hall bath and nished basement with rec room and half bath. Expansive patio and inground pool with the convenience of an outdoor full bath and changing area. Close to train, parks, shopping and more!
