847.828.9991 alyon@atproperties.com Award winning agent for 18 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.
years in corporate sales & consulting, 2-term member of LF District 67 School Board.
930 ROSEMARY ROAD LAKE FOREST
8 BEDS, 8.2 BATHS // $14,975,000
Rare opportunity to own one of the most prestigious estates in the Midwest, featuring a grand brick Georgian home, coach house, guest house, pool, pool house, conservatory, and stunning gardens spanning nearly 9 acres near Lake Michigan. Designed by the renowned architect Benjamin H. Marshall in 1904, and expanded by Thomas H. Beeby in the late 1990's. Acquired by the current owners in 1988, the property has been meticulously renovated and expanded, including the addition of a pool, pool house and guest house, and the expansion and enhancement of gardens designed by top landscape architects. The estate is celebrated for its breathtaking gardens, including a wooded ravine garden, pergola garden, seasonal beds, bentgrass lawn and manicured hedges. This exceptional property seamlessly blends historical charm with modern luxury, offering a rare and unique opportunity to own a meticulously maintained estate in the heart of Lake Forest. Its unparalleled beauty and history make it a true masterpiece in one of the region's most coveted locations.
595 CIRCLE LANE LAKE FOREST 6 BEDS, 6.3 BATHS // $27,500,000
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most spectacular newer estates on Lake Michigan that was completed in 2019 and spans over 5.27 acres with 570 feet of lake frontage, a protected cove beach, and extensive amenities including two boat launches, a fabulous pool, spa, and a 22-car garage. The home features 10,000 SF of sophisticated living space above grade, 5,000 SF of stunning lower-level space, and 6,000 SF of beautifully finished garage space for 16 cars, all accessible via an elevator. Features include a circular stone drive and forecourt with snowmelt system, slate roof, custom architectural details, a pool with deck jets, an outdoor kitchen, and multiple loggias. Inside, find a grand foyer, a library with panoramic lake views, an elegant dining room, and a gourmet Christopher Peacock kitchen and butlers pantry with highend appliances. The luxurious primary suite offers mesmerizing lake views, while additional bedrooms have beautiful bathrooms and balconies with gorgeous lake and sunset views. The lower level boasts a theater room, spa, wine cellar, and a second family room. The magnificent historic fountain from Villa Turicum, the McCormick estate, leads to the boathouse. Modern technology and exquisite finishes ensure ultimate comfort and luxury. This estate epitomizes the pinnacle of lakefront living, combining timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication.
*MRED, LLC, based on closed sales data in Lake Forest, 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2023
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FEATURES
BIRTHDAY GIRL
In a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, Lake Bluff’s Erin Henkel explains why every birthday is a gift.
SPOOKY STORIES
Lake Bluff’s biennial must-tread Ghost Walk—staged by Lake Buff History Museum—should brim with thrills and chills behind its “Classic Hollywood Horror” theme.
A MOTHER’S INTUITION
Mothers Trust Foundation is hosting its annual fall fundraiser “A Seasonal Soirée” on Saturday, November 9—a little something different to kick off the holiday season of giving.
SEASON OF REFLECTION
The Guild of St. Mary is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, commemorating nine decades of faith, service, and friendship.
DEPARTMENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
THE GOOD LIFE THE BUZZ ABOUT TOWN THE PORTRAIT THE FIX BEAUTY THE DISH HOME DESIGN ESQUIRE WELLNESS
SOCIAL LIFE THE LAST WORD
Editor’s Note
Happy October! This month’s issue marks a personal milestone—the completion of my first year as Editor in Chief of Forest & Bluff . What a year it has been—at times humbling (I apologize if I misspelled your name) and at times awe-inspiring (in what other job would I sit down with a master painter and a Navy seal in the same day?). I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and for the encouragement I’ve received over the past twelve months. Thank you!
As the team and I put together this October issue, I had the unique opportunity of seeing my new(ish) job through the eyes of 9-year-old Ella Kijek. Ella shadowed me as “editor-for-a-day” in August, learning the ropes and attending two photo shoots (one being this month’s cover story). We chatted about everything from the ins and outs of creating a monthly magazine to Ella’s clay class at Stirling Hall. I look forward to seeing where life takes this thoughtful young artist. Turn to The Last Word for Ella’s perspective on our time together.
rée.” See A Mother’s Intuition for details about the event taking place at Knollwood Country Club on Saturday, November 9.
Speaking of gratitude, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our cover story features Erin Henkel—a Lake Bluff mother of two, accomplished artist, and a breast cancer survivor. In Birthday Girl, Henkel describes her cancer journey and a renewed appreciation for every day of life along the way, especially on her birthday.
In our second feature, Spooky Stories, we speak with Kraig Moreland and Cathy McKechney, the two creative geniuses behind this year’s Lake Bluff Ghost Walk. Moreland and McKechney have been working on this much-anticipated biannual event for months. They’re pulling out all the stops, so make sure to get your tickets in advance. In other creative endeavors, Christine Goshgarian and Vanessa Fjeldheim chair the Mothers Trust Foundation’s fall fundraiser, this year titled “A Seasonal Soi-
The Guild of Saint Mary celebrates a milestone this month as well—95 years of community building and service. Over 400 women strong, the Guild remains robust and integral to the fabric of our community. Read more about this special organization in Season of Reflection In The Portrait, we feature Lake Bluff native Christine Witt. After
a career in TV production, Witt launched a brand of wellness products called PurposeFull. This busy entrepreneur took time to share some of her favorite things on the North Shore and beyond.
I hope you enjoy this issue and the gorgeous month ahead. Happy fall!
ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief
erin@jwcmedia.com
@forest&bluffmag
Cover girl Erin Henkel
Christine Goshgarian and Vanessa Fjeldheim
Me and my shadow, Ella Kijek
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS TREVOR BRODY, LAUREN ELIZABETH, MONICA KASS ROGERS, PATRICK MARSEK, IAN MCLEOD, MARIA PONCE, KATRINA WITTKAMP
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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
Mothers Trust Foundation kicks off the holiday season with its fall fundraiser
“A Seasonal Soirée” on November 9, co-chaired by Christine Goshgarian and Vanessa Fjeldheim.
Goshgarian and Fjeldheim wear
Oscar de la Renta, from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
THESE
BOOTS
ARE MADE FOR
SHARING If you need motivation to declutter your closet, here it is. Local teens, in partnership with the Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF), are once again leading a massive coat and boot drive to support underserved populations in the greater North Chicago area. Last year, teens and MTF volunteers collected over 1,200 coats and served over 250 families. This year, with 25 drop off locations in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Waukegan, Kenosha, and Gurnee, volunteers are hoping to outfit a record number of adults and children once again. Coat and boot collection will take place from October 1 to November 1, with distributions made on November 16 at Foss Park District in North Chicago, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending when supplies are exhausted (usually around noon). Let’s support our teens as they support our neighbors in need! motherstrustfoundation.org
The Good Life The Buzz
AND THE NOMINATION GOES
TO … CITADEL! Congratulations are in order for Lake Forest’s own Citadel Theatre Company. It recently garnered four Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for excellence in production and direction. If you’re unfamiliar with the Joseph Jefferson Awards (Jeff Awards), consider them Chicago’s version of the Tony Awards. Nominees represent the best of the best in Chicago area theater. This year, Citadel’s productions of Silent Sky and She Loves Me have been recognized in the categories of Midsize Play and Midsize Musical respectively, and directors Beth Wolf and Matthew Silar have received nominations for their outstanding work in both productions. Looking ahead, Citadel Theatre has another banner season planned with productions of The Cottage by Glenview playwright Sandy Rustin, hit musical Dames at Sea, I and You, a play by Lauren Gunderson (who gave us Silent Sky), and the Chicagoland premiere of A Jukebox for the Algonquin. Get your season tickets now for the hottest theater in town. citadeltheatre.org
She Loves Me
Silent Sky
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About Town
AUTUMN OUTINGS
THE COTTAGE
WHEN: Through October 13
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
Straight from Broadway, for the first time in the Chicagoland area, this brand-new, side-splitting romp is an outrageous tale of betrayal and desire as one woman decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband—and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate and faith, identity and infidelity, love and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculously funny romantic comedy. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 3 pm. citadeltheatre.org/202425-season
BRUCE IN THE USA
WHEN: October 5
WHERE: Gorton Center
Hey Bruce Springsteen fans! Don’t miss this high-energy musical experience that is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show.
Be prepared to be on your feet from the first song to the last. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. gortoncenter.org
“THEN & NOW” AUTO SHOW
WHEN: October 6
WHERE: West Train Station, Lake Forest
Organized by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, this unique auto show features handselected vintage legends alongside luxury superstars of today with a diverse lineup of more than 100 cars representing a century of excellence. The 5th annual “Then & Now” show rolls through with food and entertainment along with its exceptional display of “drivable art.” lflbchamber.com
BOOK DISCUSSION
WHEN: October 16
WHERE: Lake Forest Library Register and join the Lake Forest librarians for a lively discussion of this year’s Lake Forest Reads title, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This event is part
of Lake Forest Reads—One Book, One Community program. lakeforestlibrary.org
NIGHT OF 1,000 JACK O’LANTERNS
WHEN: October 16 to 27
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden for this festive annual tradition. This year’s display of artist-carved pumpkins features recreations of popular album covers, eerie cartoons, haunted tales from Chicago, vibrant Dia De Los Muertos tributes, and much more. chicagobotanic.org
GPF FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
WHEN: October 17
WHERE: Northmoor Country Club
The GPF Foundation hosts “An Evening of Knowledge” featuring noted author/activist Don Winslow. The topic of his keynote is how nonprofit, volunteer-based organizations born from tragedy can ultimately do great things for the communities they serve. The GPF Foundation’s mission is to support education, appropriate treatment
Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns
Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden
and overall awareness of the dangers related to recreational drugs. Funds raised will be used to continue this mission. gpffoundation.org.
GHOST WALK
WHEN: October 18 and 19
WHERE: Start at Lake Bluff History Museum
Lake Bluff History Museum’s Ghost Walk is happening beneath an almost full moon with a “Classic Hollywood Horror” theme. Ghost Walk resurrects true stories from the darker side of Lake Bluff’s past and retells them with a twist guaranteed to raise both the hair on your neck and your interest in local history. Tours begin at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $45, and advance purchase is recommended. lakebluffhistory.org/events
OKTOBERFEST
WHEN: October 19
WHERE: Gorton Center
Join friends and neighbors at
Four favorite Beatrix Potter stories, The Tale of Peter Rabbit—The Tailor of Gloucester, The Tale of Jeremy Fisher, and The Tale of Tom Kitten—come to life in this mesmerizing puppet show, complete with Potter’s original text and live, original music from Chicago Children’s Theatre. Performance at 3 p.m. gortoncenter.org
FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION
WHEN: October 20
WHERE: St. Patrick’s Church, Conway Farms Golf Club
The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame Alumnae Club will host its 180th Annual Founder’s Day Celebration to benefit the Student Scholarship Fund. A 10 a.m. mass will be followed by an 11:30 a.m. luncheon and fashion show at Conway Farms Golf Club, with fashions by J.McLaughlin and Lillie Alexander. jgavoor@gmail.com
6 p.m. under the tent at Gorton Center for live music, beer, wine, and delicious German fare from Donati’s. Oktoberfest attire is encouraged. gortoncenter.org
PETER RABBIT AND FRIENDS
WHEN: October 20
WHERE: Gorton Center
BOO IN THE SQUARE!
WHEN: October 24
WHERE: Market Square, Lake Forest
Come out to Market Square from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for “BOO in the Square!” This Halloween event sponsored by the historic Market Square features
The Good Life
a costume contest for kids of all ages, trick-or-treating, live DJ, photo booth, games, prizes, and more—all FREE and family friendly. Meet in the Square, rain or shine, and get ready for a spooky good time. shopmarketsquare.com
AN EVENING WITH SHELBY VAN PELT
WHEN: November 1
WHERE: Gorton Center Register and join Lake Forest Library and your friends and neighbors at Gorton for a conversation with Shelby Van Pelt, author of this year’s Lake Forest Reads selection, Remarkably Bright Creatures, and Davis Schneiderman, Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities at Lake Forest College. A Q&A and book signing will follow. Admission is free. lakeforestlibrary.org/events
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, whose mission is to empower homeless women and their children to achieve permanent, independent living. Join in the “revelry” at North Shore Country Club from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and visit over 35 unique vendors both local and from out of state. clubofheartsil.com
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
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. nm.org/wbboutique
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
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. lakebluffhistory.org/events
BOO in the Square!
“
The Good Life
A Purposeful Life
Lake Bluff native, TV producer, and entrepreneur Christine Witt shares memories from her childhood and her journey to co-founding the PurposeFull brand—one that has inevitably led this natural-born storyteller back to her hometown.
edited by Sherry Thomas//photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria// hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
Christine Witt says growing up in Lake Bluff was nothing short of magical. “As I get older, I’ve come to appreciate even more the deep sense of pride I feel in how close my family is and the many shared experiences we had living in the same town,” says Witt, adding that Friday night family parties at her grandmother’s house with aunts, uncles, and cousins were a foundation of her childhood. “This connection makes my Lake Bluff experience all the more meaningful to me.” From riding her bike to school with her cousins and exploring the ravine outside her house to the long summer days the family would spend at the lake, her young life was filled with sensory experiences and stories—planting the seeds for a career as a TV producer and more recently, her work with the PurposeFull brand of journals. “Since I was young, storytelling has been my passion. I’ve always kept a journal to capture my feelings and adventures, so it’s no surprise that I pursued a degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Studies,” she explains. “My dream was to work for Oprah, but unfortunately, her show went off the air shortly before I graduated. After a brief stint in hospitality, I found my way to Grip Design, a creative agency in Chicago, where I met Josh, my future co-founder.” After Grip Design, she worked in New York as a full-time storyteller and TV producer for such popular shows as Chopped, Chopped Junior, and 90 Day Fiancé. Then the pandemic hit, which drew her back to her hometown. “I turned to journaling to calm my anxious thoughts and soothe my worries. That’s when PurposeFull was born—a creative venture inspired by the pandemic,” says Witt, adding that she had stayed in touch with her co-founder so the timing could not have been more perfect. “With Josh’s design magic and my passion for storytelling, we crafted PurposeFull to explore the powerful connection between scent and memory for mental well-being.” This busy entrepreneur recently took some time to share some of her favorite things on the North Shore and beyond. For more information on her new venture, visit purposefullgoods.com
Favorite place to escape and relax? Family lake house in Wisconsin. Favorite scent? It’s a tie between CapriBlue’s Havana Vanilla scent and Nest’s Lavender and Cedarwood. North Shore’s best-kept secret is? Spending an early morning at the lakefront. It sets your mind at peace for the start of the day. Beauty brand you can’t live without? I really love anything by Biossance or The Ordinary. Favorite local restaurant and go-to order? Deer Path Inn. I like the Wild Mushroom Risotto from The White Hart Pub, but for a special treat I like the Afternoon Tea in the English Room. Favorite thing about your hometown? I think the trees and the friendly people make it pretty great. Best thing about the month of October? Watching the leaves changing color along the ravine in Lake Bluff. And, of course, cozy fall sweaters Favorite beverage? Arnold Palmer with the perfect balance of Iced tea to lemonade. Next passport stamp will be? I’m hoping to celebrate the New Year in Paris, France! Your perfect weekend getaway consists of? A cabin on a lake, day hikes, nightly campfires, good food, good friends, good wine, and belly laughs. Best live concert you’ve seen recently? The Vaccines and The Kooks. TV show you can’t stop binging? Sex Education. I love British comedy! Favorite vacation spot? I love Cape Cod. I go there regularly to hang out with friends, and it’s always the best time. Favorite journaling hack? Our PurposeFull brand combines scent, journaling, and ambiance to help you manifest goals. Light the candle, relax into the scent, and follow the prompts. Repeat daily for best results. What’s on your bucket list for the rest of 2024? To partner with a few local stores to stock them with PurposeFull Goods, start some new creative projects that push me outside my comfort zone, and level up my technical creative skills.
What’s on your bucket list for the rest of 2024? To partner with a few local stores to stock them with PurposeFull Goods.
Best thing about the month of October? Watching the leaves changing color along the ravine in Lake Bluff. And, of course, cozy fall sweaters
Favorite local restaurant and go-to order? Deer Path Inn. I like the Wild Mushroom Risotto from The White Hart Pub, but for a special treat I like the Afternoon Tea in the English Room.
Next passport stamp will be? I’m hoping to celebrate the New Year in Paris, France!
Favorite vacation spot? I love Cape Cod. I go there regularly to hang out with friends, and it’s always the best time.
The Portrait
Christine Witt wears a blouse by Max Mara and pants by Lafayette from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
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The Good Life
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
edited by Megan Weisberg
23 1 2 3 4 10 9 8 7 11 6 5
1 Marmar Halim., Strapless Draped Plissé Silk-Satin Top, net-a-porter.com 2 MAISON MAYLE, Corniche Plus One Gold-Plated Glass and Crystal Pendant, net-a-porter.com 3 ESSE STUDIOS, Strapless Stretch-Knit and Organic Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress, net-a-porter.com 4 Alaïa, Bouclè Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, net-a-porter.com 5 ESCVDO Cropped Striped Crocheted Cotton Tank, net-a-porter.com 6 ESCVDO, Striped Crocheted Cotton Mini Skirt, net-a-porter.com 7 Bally, Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, net-a-porter.com 8 Bally, Klemp Shearling-Trimmed Suede Loafers, net-a-porter.com 9 Bally, Belle Small Leather Tote, net-a-porter.com 10 Essen the Label, Glove Boot in Chocolate, essenthelabel. com 11 MAISON MAYLE, Carlyne Paneled Denim Midi Skirt, net-a-porter.com 12 Alaïa, Fringed Wool-Blend Turtleneck Top, net-a-porter.com 13 Alaïa, Asymmetric Georgette Wide-Leg Pants, net-a-porter.com 14 MARIE ADAM-LEENAERDT, Heel, net-a-porter.com 15 Alaïa, Backless Draped Denim Halterneck Top, net-a-porter.com 16 MAISON MAYLE, Kusama Rhodium and Gold-Plated Necklace, net-a-porter.com 17 BY PARIAH, Gold and Diamond Ring, net-a-porter.com 18 Alaïa, Fringed Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, net-a-porter.com 19 MARIE ADAM-LEENAERDT, Grey Coat, net-a-porter.com 20 Bally, Denim Jacket, net-a-porter.com 21 Bally, Cashmere Sweater, net-a-porter.com 22 Bally, Appliquéd Knitted Cashmere Polo Sweater, net-a-porter.com 23 Bally, Grena Leather Knee Boots, net-a-porter.com
We Are Local Born and Raised
As community experts in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, you can rely on us to guide you through buying and selling your home. When you work with us, it’s more than a transaction. We are here to help with your real estate needs and also connect you to the local community.
Here’s what our clients have to say...
“We are new to Lake Forest and so happy that we found Alissa and Lori to help us with our home search. They are extremely knowledgeable about all of the schools, neighborhoods, and community events, as well as all the hidden gems that make the area so special! They truly wanted us to be happy in our decision and continue to stay in touch to make sure we are settling in and enjoying our new community.”
- M.U, Buyer
“I sold my home through Lori and Alissa. They know the market and who and where the buyers are. They guided me to the right selling price and were always frank and realistic about what it would take to get my home sold in a difficult market for higher-end homes.”
- C.H Seller
Fall’s trendbeauty
TRANSFORM YOUR SKIN WITH A REVITALIZING TREATMENT. Using a high-quality mask weekly provides hydration, reduces visible pores, and prevents breakouts. CHANEL’s ‘The N°1’ mask contains up to 76% camellia-derived ingredients, renowned for their antioxidant properties, offering a delightful sensation on the skin. CHANEL, N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Mask, ulta.com
Celebrate the skin’s natural radiance with a subtly enhanced appearance. Discover the irresistible appeal of these beauty products.
edited by Perla Long
IRRESISTIBLE LUMINOSITY
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette enhances your eyes, skin, and blush, leaving you with an irresistible radiant glow. It complements any skin tone and delivers stunning luminosity for a beautifully brightened complexion. Hourglass, Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II, ulta.com
MAXIMIZE YOUR SKIN’S RADIANCE
Increase your skin’s radiance with “The Radiant” skin tint by La Mer. This multitasking product does it all—moisturizes, provides a sheer tint for even tone, adds glow, and protects against the sun. It is infused with lime tea concentrate to help guard skin against environmental aggressors. La Mer, The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, nordstrom.com
SKIN CLEANSING IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY AND RADIANT SKIN. Elemis’s Dynamic Gentle Resurfacing Enzyme Cleanser integrates patented tri-enzyme technology, antioxidant moringa, and hydrating white truffle to restore the skin’s natural radiance for a brighter, firmer complexion. Elemis, Dynamic Resurfacing Face Wash, nordstrom.com
MAGIC WAND
NEW NAILS
This fall, say bye bye to harsh nail polish removers that are detrimental to your nails. The new Rose Soak by Tenoverten, is an acetone-free nail polish remover enhanced with essential oils, vitamins, and extracts to nourish, fortify, and hydrate your nails. Tenoverten, The Rose Soak, tenoverten.com
CAPTIVATING LOOK
Let’s face it, time is a precious commodity, and keeping up with facial appointments can be a challenge—until now. Introducing the Solawave Advanced Skin Care Wand, with its four powerful tools—microcurrent, red light therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth—it can reduce wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots in just 5 minutes a day. Solawave, Advanced Skin Care Wand, nordstrom.com
BEAUTY
PORTABLE COVERAGE
Choosing a good foundation can help achieve a polished complexion by covering uneven skin tones, blemishes, and discoloration. The Lancome Teint Idole foundation stick is our favorite for its oil-free, transfer-resistant, and full coverage formula, making it ideal for quick touch-ups on the go. Lancome, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick, ulta.com
Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and a little eye makeup can make a huge impact. Here are our top picks for achieving a radiant and glowing eye makeup look perfect for fall beauty: NARS, Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick, ulta.com; Dior, Diorshow Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner, nordstrom.com; CHANEL, Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil, ULTA.com
ELEVATE YOUR STYLE WITH RADIANT HUES
Get ready to make a statement this fall with the hottest trend: a bold and vibrant red lip color! Check out these radiant lip colors: NARS, Powermatte Lip Pigment, Nordstrom.com; CHANEL, Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour, nordstrom.com; Christian Louboutin, Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lipstick, Red Dramadouce 005, nordstrom.com; Gucci, Rouge á Lévres Matte Lipstick, nordstrom.com
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Dr. Linda R. Salmon DDS
Creating Beautiful Smiles
DO YOU NEED A DENTIST. A
IS
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.
The Good Life
TASTE OF THE BAYOU
Me oh, my oh! If you’re not singing and swaying to Hank Williams “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” while cooking this jambalaya recipe, well, why not? Hearty, homey, and jumping with flavor, jambalaya is as celebratory as the song Williams wrote in 1952. He came up with the bouncy composition while listening to Cajuns talk about food on the bus. Our recipe, with fresh herbs and cayenne, plenty of andouille, shrimp, garlic, and the requisite tomatoey sauce, does Hank and those bus riders proud. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
METHOD
MAKE SPICE BLEND Combine all spice blend ingredients in bowl. Set aside PREPARE SAUSAGE: In heavy skillet over medium heat, brown andouille sausage slices 3 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter. Set aside. In same skillet over medium heat, add the chorizo sausage, leaving it in casing. Add water. Cover skillet and steam sausage 10 minutes until done. Discard water. Cool chorizo. Remove casing from chorizo and crumble into large chunks, adding these to the andouille platter. Set aside.
PREPARE SAUCE AND STEW In the same skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic and celery. Sauté until beginning to soften. Add spice blend. Sauté one more minute. Reduce heat to low, add water, tomato puree, and bay leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add shrimp. Simmer another 10 minutes until shrimp is cooked through. Add hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add reserved andouille and chorizo. Turn off heat. Set aside, covered.
PREPARE OKRA In medium skillet, warm olive oil and cook okra until bright green, tender but firm. Stir into reserved jambalaya stew.
PREPARE RICE Add rice and oil with water (amount specified on rice package) to rice cooker or pot. Follow rice package directions to prepare rice to doneness. Fluff rice with fork.
TO SERVE Spoon jambalaya over servings of rice; sprinkle with green onion. Serve with hot sauce.
INGREDIENTS
FOR SPICE BLEND
• 1 tsp fresh oregano leaves, snipped fine
• 1 tsp fresh basil leaves, snipped fine
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, leaves only
• 1 Tbsp each, onion powder and garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp finely ground sea salt
• 1 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper
FOR SAUSAGE
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds andouille sausage links, sliced on bias into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 1/2 pounds chorizo sausage, in casing
• 1/2 cup water
FOR SAUCE
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 whole head gar lic; all cloves peeled and minced
• 1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and chopped to medium dice
• 3 ribs celer y, cleaned and chopped to medium dice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cup freshly pureed tomatoes OR canned low-sodium tomato puree
• 2 bay leaves
• To taste: 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce and 1 to 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Water, as needed according to rice package instructions
FOR OKRA
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 cups fresh okra, tops and tips trimmed and discarded, okra sliced in 1/4 inch rounds
GARNISH
• 3 green onions, sliced fine on the bias
• Hot sauce to taste
The Good Life HOME DESIGN
DIRECT TO THE SOURCE
Get unbeatable pricing with or without your designer at Loomcraft Vernon Hills. With a world-class workroom for custom drapery and reupholstery, Loomcraft’s 20,000-square-foot store is a must-visit before any home décor projects.
As the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time to consider how to make your home warm, inviting, and beautiful for family gatherings and festive celebrations. Loomcraft Fabric Outlet specializes in custom upholstery and drapery services that can transform your living space, ensuring your home is ready to shine during this special time of year. As a one-stop-shop that offers free professional design services with trained staff, Loomcraft exceeds expectations. One drive to Vernon Hills could save you thousands of dollars.
Many customers underestimate the time it takes to design and execute custom projects, often waiting until the last minute to start their orders. By beginning your shopping now, you can avoid the holiday rush and guarantee that your home looks stunning when guests arrive. Imagine gathering with loved ones around a beautifully reupholstered sofa or enjoying a festive dinner surrounded by chairs that reflect your personal style. Loomcraft’s extensive selection of fabrics—from rich velvets to durable linens—offers endless possibilities to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Drapery can play a vital role in enhancing your home’s aesthetic. Custom curtains and drapes add elegance and warmth, framing your windows beautifully and controlling light and privacy. With a variety of styles, colors, and patterns available, you can select drap-
ery that complements your upholstery and overall decor. Whether you prefer flowing sheer fabrics for a soft, airy feel or heavier materials for a dramatic look, Loomcraft’s drapery services provide the perfect finishing touch to any room. Offering custom Roman shades and Pinnacle blinds, Loomcraft saves you money by getting them directly from the source.
As the holidays approach quickly, it’s essential to start your custom projects as soon as possible. By placing your order now, you’ll ensure that your home is beautifully prepared for holiday gatherings. This expert team is ready to assist you in choosing the perfect fabrics and styles to fit your vision, helping you create a space that is both welcoming and festive.
Loomcraft invites you to their open-to-the-public retail store with over 3,000 in-stock designer fabrics, window displays, and accessories. At Loomcraft Fabric Outlet, their team is excited to help you create a beautiful space filled with joy and warmth for the holidays. Start your journey with Loomcraft today to make this season truly memorable.
Loomcraft Fabric Outlet is located at 645 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, right near the Vernon Hills Police Department and Portillo’s. For more information, call 847-680-1119, email vhstore@loomcraft.com, or visit thefabricoutlet.com.
photography by sl-f
Esquire Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Illinois
Key Differences and Considerations
words by Michone J. Riewer
photography by Katrina Wittkamp
styling by Theresa DeMaria
Although both Divorce and Legal Separation are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, they are not the same. In Illinois, couples facing marital difficulties have the option of pursuing either a legal separation or a divorce. While both processes involve a formal legal proceeding, they serve different purposes and have distinct legal implications. Understanding these differences can help couples make informed decisions about the best course of action for their specific circumstances.
Legal Separation allows couples to live apart and obtain enforceable court orders that control their interactions regarding child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and the division of property without formally ending the marriage. The court can issue orders similar to those in a divorce proceeding, but the marriage itself remains legally intact.
Benefits of Legal Separation
• Religious Beliefs: For couples whose religious beliefs prohibit divorce, legal separation provides an alternative that allows them to live apart without violating their faith.
• He alth Insurance: Legal separation allows spouses to remain on each other’s health insurance plans, which can be a significant financial consideration.
• Reconciliation: Couples who are uncertain about ending their marriage may choose legal separation to allow them to step back and reconsider their marriage without ending it.
Divorce: An Overview
Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, allows couples to legally end their marriage and enter final orders that resolve child custody, child support, spousal maintenance and the division of property. Divorce allows both parties to remarry.
In both legal situations, the court makes determinations based on the best interests of the children, the statutory factors as they relate to support and principles of equitable property distribution.
Benefits of Divorce
• Finality: Divorce provides a final legal resolution, allowing both parties to move on and possibly remarry.
• Fi nancial Independence: Divorce legally separates financial responsibilities, allowing each party to manage their assets and debts independently.
• Closure: For many, divorce offers emotional closure and the ability to start anew without legal ties to their former spouse.
Key Differences Between Legal Separation and Divorce
• Ma rital Status: The most significant difference is that legal separation does not end the marriage, whereas divorce does. Legally separated spouses remain married and cannot remarry, while divorced individuals are free to remarry.
• Property and Debt Division: In both legal separation and divorce, the court can divide marital property and debts. However, in a legal separation, the division is not necessarily final. If the couple later decides to divorce, the court may revisit the property division.
• He alth Insurance and Benefits: Legally separated spouses can often retain health insurance and other benefits through their spouse’s employment, whereas divorced spouses typically lose these benefits.
• Decision-Making and Support Orders: Both processes can include orders for child custody, support, and spousal maintenance. However, in a legal separation, these orders are temporary and can be modified if the couple decides to reconcile or proceed with a divorce.
Which Is Better?
The choice between legal separation and divorce depends on individual circumstances and goals. Legal separation may be better for couples who wish to live apart without ending their marriage due to religious beliefs, financial considerations, or health insurance. On the other hand, divorce may be the better option for those seeking finality, financial independence, a final settlement or the ability to remarry.
Couples facing marital difficulties should consider consulting with a family law attorney to explore their options and understand the legal and financial implications of both legal separation and divorce. Strategic Divorce can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of each case. We help individuals make informed decisions that align with their needs and goals.
For more information, visit strategicdivorce.com/attorney- profile/michone-j-riewer-esq.
Michone J. Riewer
Wellness Rising to the Challenge When the Stakes Are Higher
Practical advice for bridging the gap to a more advanced team or school (even if you feel out of your depth).
words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria
“C
ongratulations! You’ve made the team!”
IThese are words that so many studentathletes work so hard to hear.
But what if, after hearing the good news, reality starts to set in, and you find yourself panicking and thinking, “Uh-oh, now what?”
It’s okay. Breathe. You’ve got this.
Whether you’re changing schools, moving up from JV to Varsity, or moving on from high school, learning how to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be comes with a lot of (often self-induced) pressure.
When the Friday night lights shine, and the stakes feel higher than ever, you can ready yourself and rise to the challenge by adopting a growth mindset.
To start seeing challenges as opportunities both on and off the field, elevate your mind and embrace the thrill of a new season by following these essential tips.
It’s a Game of
Inches
It’s understandable to feel out of your depth in any new environment. The fear of the unknown can be a powerful emotion. Always remember, however, that excitement and fear are two sides of the same coin. Use your nervous energy to motivate yourself to learn more about your new school or team. Even small steps can open you up to new opportunities and connections.
Try this: Observe and research the new team or school’s culture, expectations, and key players.
Create A New Playbook
When faced with a big challenge, it helps to break it down into smaller, more obtainable benchmarks. You’ve already proven that you are capable of setting and meeting goals. Now, it’s simply time to create new ones. Start by setting achievable short-term goals to build confidence and track progress.
Try this: Visualize what you want to accomplish and align your efforts accordingly.
Huddle Up
No one achieves greatness alone. Find an experienced mentor who can provide guidance and build a support network of peers and friends who can offer advice and encouragement.
Try this: Act the way you would like others to act toward you. Highlight your strengths, be encouraging, and help your teammates move past setbacks or mistakes.
No Pain, No Gain
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.
Try this: Practice active listening. There is value in learning from others and showing respect for others’ advice and opinions.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
If your self-confidence needs a boost, remind yourself why you were chosen or promoted to this new team. Remember that it’s not just your talent that got you where you are but also your willingness to learn. Stay resilient and adaptable.
Try this: Focus on progress, not perfection. Be open to new training methods, bounce back from setbacks, and remain true to your goals.
A Special Note to Parents
Meet your student-athletes where they are and try to relate to them on their level. Share your experiences and insights on overcoming similar challenges when you were their age or how those lessons apply to your life today.
EleVive specializes in sports psychology and helps student-athletes master their mental game so they can play at their peak performance. Learn more at EleVive.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
Rugport has an inventory of over 10,000 rugs.
We are the largest handmade rug store in the Midwest and are among the top ten in the nation.
We offer a wide range of handmade rugs from around the world, including antique, traditional, modern, contemporary, and transitional styles.
In addition to our extensive selection of rugs, our services include custom handmade rug creation, repair, restoration, stair rug installation, nano rug protection, and cleaning.
We are also pleased to feature unique antique accessories and furniture curated by Lee Youngstrom of Barrington, in collaboration with Irongate Designs, exclusively at RUGPORT.
Kelly Guinaugh
Your Home. Your Style. Robert Kleinert &
Enjoy decades of design experience with a team ready to turn your vision into reality.
At IEG, you’ll find a team of designers endlessly driven to help you transform your ideas, taste, and preferences into a fully realized space. In short: we love transforming your spark of creativity into reality. As we move away from the long days of summer and into the “indoor” months, make your home your haven.
BIRTHDAY GIRL
In a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, Lake Bluff’s Erin Henkel explains why every birthday is a gift.
“INEVER WAS REALLY MUCH of a birthday person, but I am now,” says Lake Bluff’s Erin Henkel, a married mom of two young girls. “Yesterday was my birthday and you better believe I took every call, relished in every text message, and enjoyed all the cake. Birthdays just hit differently now.”
In addition to celebrating her birthday this year, Henkel also marked her 10th anniversary being cancer free. When her youngest daughter was just a newborn, Henkel was diagnosed with an advanced Stage 3 breast cancer.
“I had no trouble nursing my older daughter Eloise,” recalls Henkel. “So, when my younger daughter Milly stopped nursing on one side, I knew something wasn’t right.”
Henkel’s intuition led her right into her doctor’s office where she was initially misdiagnosed with mastitis.
“I know the doctors had to run through their checklist of what could be causing this,” she says. “I had just been pregnant and was now nursing so you don’t naturally jump from that to something like cancer. So, they sent me home with a prescription for an antibiotic.”
After a week of nothing changing, Henkel was brought back for a mammogram and an ultrasound, something she had never done because she was only 34 at the time. Her worst fears were confirmed.
“The radiologist delivered the news in a very-matterof-fact way. It was cancer. I needed double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. It was a lot to hear all at once,” she remembers. “The tumor itself was very big
and had spread to my lymph nodes. All of the doctors suspected I was stage 4 because they saw a spot on my sternum that they thought was cancer. While I knew the cancer was in my lymph nodes, I refused to believe it had spread to my sternum. I had this mantra I would say at night leading up to my scans, ‘my bones are healthy, my bones are strong.’ I thought I could will this to be true.”
It was the first break Henkel received throughout the diagnosis process— the cancer had not spread to her bones. But because of her age and the size of her tumor, they decided to treat her cancer as if it had.
“I realized quickly how important my mental state was to everything,” she says. “I would literally envision my appointments with my doctor, from her saying ‘hello’ to me to the medicine working its way through my
words by Ann Marie Scheidler/photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria/hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
Andrew and Erin Henkel at the 2023 Pink Party fundraiser benefitting the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation Photography by Ian McLeod
Erin Henkel and her dog Hank
body. I would actually picture the medicine going through my cells doing what it’s supposed to do.”
Having come out on the other side of a scary diagnosis and treatment regimen, Henkel offers her experience as a resource for others.
“I never want to push my story on other people, but if they ask for my help, I’m here to give it,” she says. “I’m a big believer in patients asking their doctors for medicine when they need it. There were times I would try to sleep, and I just couldn’t turn off my brain. Sometimes it felt like torture. But the doctor gave me something I could take right before bedtime, just a little bit, and it would just quiet everything for me so I could sleep. Rest is so important.”
Although Henkel is a huge advocate of the science that healed her, she’s equally supportive of the notion that we need to fuel our bodies properly to be healthy.
“I would make myself drink 100 ounces of water a day,” she remembers. “I made it a
game so that I was sure to drink all of that water every day. I know that’s how I was able to flush the toxins out of my body. I also tell everyone going through this to buy the book, The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson. This book taught me what I could put in my body to make myself better. I have made batches and batches of their Miracle Broth. There’s like 15 different ingredients in it. My mom and I had to go to at least three different grocery stores to find everything. We would boil it all together, strain it, and be left with this broth. I would sip on this during my treatments, and I would just feel better knowing that I was doing everything I could to heal my body.”
Henkel credits her husband Andrew, her family, and friends for rallying around her, filling in for her when she couldn’t be there, and giving her the strength to become a cancer survivor. While initially Henkel was very involved with fundraising efforts around breast cancer awareness, she’s now channeling her energies to raising her beautiful girls who are at Lake Bluff Middle School and Junior High, working on various commissions she receives as an artist, and coordinating events for Lake Forest Book Store—a role that fuels her passion for reading.
“I don’t for one minute lose sight of the fact that things could have turned out very differently for me,” Henkel says. “This just makes me more grateful and more determined to live each day to the fullest.”
To see a portfolio of Henkel’s artwork, visit erinhenkel.com or on Instagram @erinhenkelpaintings.
Andrew, Milly, Erin, and Eloise Henkel
SPOOKY STORIES
Lake Bluff’s biennial must-tread Ghost Walk—staged by Lake Buff History Museum—should brim with thrills and chills behind its “Classic Hollywood Horror” theme.
words by Bill McLean / photography by Katrina Wittkampa styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
FORMER LAKE BLUFF VILLAGE
ENGINEER George Russell probably braces himself every even numbered year around this time when he’s anywhere near Lake Bluff Ghost Walk Co-chair Kraig Moreland.
Moreland likes to think big while putting the popular Lake Bluff History Museum event together with fearless co-chair Cathy McKechney, and he counts on the reliable Russell to turn Moreland’s vision for a certain Ghost Walk scene into a stunning prop.
“This year I plan to tell George, ‘We’re going to need a levitating bed,’” Moreland says cryptically and delightfully on a mid-August afternoon outside Bluffington’s Café in Lake Bluff.
Look for the incomparable McKechney/Moreland tandem—along with indispensable co-set designers
“I love ghost stories, and I love this project because it builds community...”
Penny Marsh and Sue Douglass—to once again rise to the occasion and enthrall all under a near full moon on October 18 and 19. A unique and highly anticipated community event that’s held biennially, Ghost Walk resurrects true stories from the darker side of Lake Bluff’s past and retells them with a twist from 6 to 9 p.m. on each of the two nights. Its 2024 theme is “Classic Hollywood Horror.”
Ghost Walk features a cast of local residents, civic leaders, merchants, and school and village personnel. Walkers—ushered by ghoulish guides—will witness eight entertaining and educational scenes at various locations in Lake Bluff, with a 90-minute tour leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. each night,
from Lake Bluff History Museum at 27 East Scranton Avenue.
“I love ghost stories, and I love this project because it builds community,” McKechney, a former Lake Bluff History Museum president, says of one of the museum’s signature events and fundraisers. “The current village president always has a part in it, along with trustees, teachers, and community leaders. That says a lot about Lake Bluff. Part of the charm of the Ghost Walk is that we who run it don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we certainly hope the walkers get curious after the tours and then visit the museum to find out more about the history of Lake Bluff.”
Ghost Walk co-chairs Cathy McKechney and Kraig Moreland
McKechney spearheaded the first Lake Bluff Ghost Walk in 1997—it became a biennial event a year later—after experiencing a similar happening in Maine that left her disappointed.
“It was lame,” she says. “I was hoping to learn stories about the history of the town; none of the stories I heard were real. It seemed the same concept with real stories, with a Halloween theme of spirits from the past coming to life, would be a great way to teach history.”
One of the ghouls/guides McKechney recruited for the inaugural Lake Bluff Ghost Walk was Moreland, a clever and convivial Lake Bluffian who, more than 20 years later, co-wrote (with Toby Jones) the book The Furnace Girl: The Mysterious Case of Elfrieda Knaak
In 1928, Knaak, 30, was found alive with burns over half
her body in the basement of Lake Bluff’s village hall. The case remains unsolved. A young woman now living and teaching in Iowa plans to return to her hometown and reprise her favorite role as Elfrieda.
“I’m a visual learner who loves technology,” says Moreland, who minored in Design at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale, and whose mother, Jan, is an artist. “It’s always exciting and fun, working with my good friend Cathy—often by the seat of our pants—to create memorable scenes for our ghost walkers.
“The team aspect of the event,” he adds, “is crucial. You need strong leadership at the top. You also need everyone to buy into what we’re doing in order for it to work.”
Past Lake Bluff Ghost Walk themes include “Ghost Hunter,” “Alien Invasion,” and, in 2022, “Stranger Things.”
The late Dutch Wood appeared in a 2022 scene about people transporting by train for Lake Bluff summers in the 1890s. A retired teacher two years ago, Wood, then 80, had never performed in any kind of ensemble.
“It was a difficult song number,” McKechney recalls. “The group practiced several times. I spoke with her during rehearsals, and she expressed she was having the time of her life. Our director, Bob Sanders, loved her and put her front and center in the scene.
“We were so glad to have given her the opportunity for such joy.”
For more information about Lake Bluff History Museum, visit lakebluffhistory.org. To purchase Ghost Walk tickets, visit lakebluffhistory.org/events. Co-chair Kraig Moreland has launched a YouTube film series, The Bluff Witch Project: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Lake Bluff Ghost Walk.
2022 Ghost Walk. Event photography courtesy of Lake Bluff History Museum.
A MOTHER’S INTUITION
Mothers Trust Foundation is hosting its annual fall fundraiser
“A Seasonal Soirée” on Saturday, November 9—a little something different to kick off the holiday season of giving.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac
CALL IT A MOTHER’S INTUITION
, but Christine Goshgarian, Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) board member, event chair, and a supporter of MTF for more than 20 years, just knew when they asked her to lead this year’s fundraiser that it was time for something new.
“The Betty Bash had a great run, but I want to do something different this year,” says Goshgarian of MTF’s traditional fundraiser. “I really want to our guests and donors to understand why we do what we do. I’m going old school. After A Seasonal Soirée this year, it’s my hope that people leave fully understanding the mission of Mothers Trust and connected to the community we help.”
Mothers Trust Foundation was founded in 1998 by the late Barbara Monsor after she witnessed firsthand how a seemingly small amount of assistance could change a child’s life. Her idea was simple—to connect people in desperate situations with those who want to provide the assistance that will make a difference.
At its core, MTF—whose offices are located in Lake Forest’s Gorton Center—fills in the financial gaps for children from birth to age 21, in turn providing hope, building confidence, and making a positive impact in young people’s lives.
Each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., a group of MTF volunteers and staff gather to review grant requests and vote on whether or not a grant should be made. Grant requests are submitted to MTF by social workers and school counselors throughout Lake County on behalf of the children they’re representing. When a grant is approved, the check is cut within 24-48 hours. MTF also has special rules in their bylaws so that they can issue grants in emergency situations.
“Sometimes I think people would be shocked at how much need is around us—that we provide assistance throughout all of Lake County,” Goshgarian says. “I love MTF because they step in and fill a need that might get in the way of a child’s success. It could be something as small as money for eyeglasses or as significant as a rent payment for a family.” A Seasonal Soirée will feature keynote speaker, Lake Forest’s Steve
Pemberton, author of A Chance in the World. Pemberton will share what an organization like Mothers Trust would have meant to him as a child who grew up in the foster system.
A Seasonal Soirée will be held at Knollwood Country Club on Saturday, November 9. Goshgarian was moved by another nonprofit organization that hosted an event with gorgeous tablescapes, where each table had its own design. She hopes this will fill the room with great excitement and energy.
“Our
vent will kick off the holiday season this year and I love that...”
“Our event will kick off the holiday season this year and I love that,” Goshgarian says. “I envision beautiful tables with one-of-a-kind holiday themed décor that our guests will be able to bid on and take home. It’s a win/win. You help MTF and leave with a gorgeous centerpiece created by a local designer. I’m hoping that our soirée will fill our guests with emotion and inspiration to help others. My wish is that our guests leave thinking about MTF long after it is over. And I want them to come back year after year to help make a difference.”
To buy tickets to A Seasonal Soirée, visit motherstrustfoundation.org.
Vanessa Fjeldheim and Christine Goshgarian outfitted by The Lake Forest Shop
SEASON OF REFLECTION
Guild members Chapin Konsler, Maggie Berns, Ann Rahn, Elizabeth Hansen, and Maeve Curran
The Guild of St. Mary is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, commemorating nine decades of faith, service, and friendship.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler
by Maria Ponce
styling by Theresa DeMaria
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT
WORK. If the Guild of St. Mary could be summarized in one short phrase, this would be it.
This year marks the 90th anniversary for the Guild of St. Mary. Comprised of more than 400 active members, the Guild offers a rich and unique environment for women of all ages to meet new people, foster friendships, and serve others while growing in faith.
For many years, the Guild met as one group, where all women of the parish were invited to be members. By 1960, the growing size of this group limited the opportunity for more personal relationships among the women. To make the Guild more manageable, it was divided into “circles” or smaller groups, organized initially by neighborhoods, then later around special interests of their members. Each circle is named after a saint. Today, women from St. Mary’s are welcome to join a circle that best reflects them personally.
“It’s such an exciting time to be celebrating this anniversary,” says Louise Hayes, Guild President, and a member of St. Elizabeth’s Circle since 1997. “I have friends who have been in the Guild with me since I joined when my children were young. Now, many of us are enjoying seeing our adult daughters join circles of their own. Because of this, there is so much new life and energy in the Guild. It’s wonderful to be a part of it all.”
The Guild supports a variety of ministries at the Church of St. Mary, among them: the
Christmas Sharing Tree, the annual Christmas Tea, Boutique and Cookie Walk, the Senior Citizen Luncheon with the School of St. Mary, the Spring Mass and Brunch, donut Sundays, funeral luncheons, the wedding ministry, the Most Blessed Trinity Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, and Camp Hope.
“When we moved to Lake Forest, I joined the Guild to feel connected to our parish and to meet other women from St. Mary’s,” says Maeve Curren. “My mom had been a part of the Guild years ago and I knew she had made lifelong friendships at St. Mary’s through her involvement. I could only hope for the same.”
Every year, the Guild honors one of their own with the “Woman of the Year Award” at the Spring Mass & Luncheon. This award recognizes a Guild member who has shown exceptional service and dedication to the church and the community. The recipient is thought to best exemplify the virtues of humility, generosity, and compassion. Elizabeth Hansen was awarded this honor in 2023 and Ann Rahn in 2024.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of such an incredible group of women,” adds Curren, who is often spotted with a number of her friends volunteering at the Guild’s service projects. “It inspires me to see women of all ages lending their time and talent to deepen their faith and provide acts of service to our community and beyond. To me, it’s the perfect foundation for lifelong friendships.”
To learn more about the Guild of St. Mary, visit guildofstmary.wildapricot.org/home.
photography
(while
Bluemercury I Club Pilates
Coldwell Banker Realty
Einstein Bros. Bagels I Evereve
Faherty Brands I Fill a Heart 4 Kids
Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts
J.McLaughlin I Just Food for Dogs
Kiddles Sports I Lake Forest Jewelers
Lake Forest Pack and Ship
Le Colonial - Lake Forest I Left Bank
lululemon athletica I M on the Square
Nic+Zoe I Penny's From Heaven
Starbucks I Talbots I The Lake Forest Shop
The Shade Store I UB Nails Inc.
Unicorn Designs I Valentina Williams-Sonoma
MUSIC HEALS
photography by Ian McLeod
On July 30, five-time Grammy Award nominee, Jeffrey Steele, composer of hits such as “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” and “The Cowboy in Me,” performed at a benefit concert in Lake Forest to support the work of Music Heals International (MHI). MHI provides music education to children in Haiti, India and Venezuela. mhinternational.org
Leslie Leonardi
Samantha & Scott Falbe
Aileen & Timm Martin, Heather & Paul Jasper
Ben Smith, Nancy Smith, Jake Smith
Adrian & Nancy Smith
Carla Seidel, Julie Standiford
Bruce & Sandra Noworul, Julie Weber, Shelly Greco
Stephanie Klein, Cai Miller
Leslie Leonardi, Sydney Leonardi
Jeffrey Steele (feature performer)
Scott & Lauren Hall
Paul Beaubrun (opening performer)
Eleanor Van Antwerp, Emma Kelly
1300 N WAUKEGAN ROAD
FOREST
Incredible opportunity to own 28 contiguous acres in Lake Forest, Illinois, just 30 miles north of Chicago and 55 miles south of Milwaukee. Lake Forest is a North Shore community with outstanding schools, hospital, beach, restaurants, and historic central business district Market Square. Conveniently located just west of Waukegan Road down a private drive, this magnificent property has been passed down through generations, and is now available for sale. It is an extremely private Lake Forest estate setting. The verdant land is mostly flat with some gentle grade variations. It has exceptional mature oaks, significant woods, and open prairies. Two pin numbers are being sold together in this offering: one has 19.51 acres, and the other is an 8.45 acre parcel. In total, it is a uniquely large 27.96-acre rectangular parcel. The existing home will likely be considered a tear down. The pole barn (72’ x 35’) was built in the early 1980’s. Municipal water is to the site while municipal sewer hook-up is available at the northwest corner. This is an “AS IS” offering. Research for development potential is strictly buyer’s responsibility. Offered at $5,250,000
COCKTAIL GARDEN PARTY
photography by Trevor Brody
On August 22, the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest hosted “An Evening of Cocktail Gardening.” Guests enjoyed socializing and learning about cocktail gardening—what to grow for cocktails and how to mix flavors and herbs— from featured speaker and mixologist, Daniel Kaman of Nolet’s Gin. jrgardenclublf.com
Sonia Boudreau, Ellen McCallum
Kay Butler
Joan Boughton, Robin Norkus, John Norkus
Nancy Hannick, Katie Doheny
Ellen McCallum, Noel Dolan, Joan Boughton
Rommy Lopat, John Drummond, Lisa Hilgenberg, Brent Horvath
Heather Wright, Kay Butler, Rommy Lopat, Suzanne Boren, Ingrid Bryzinski
Raquel Jackson
Daniel Kaman
Lisa Walsh
Colleen Thornburgh
Kristin Rupp, Ted Rupp, Michael Fiocco, Jennifer Fiocco
Henry Kleeman, Ingrid Bryzinski, Nadine Shephard, Brian Bryzinski
Diana Garrett, Rob Garrett, John Drummond
“ Unlike many coaches and therapists I do not rely on formulas or pathological diagnoses to advance my client’s goals. Instead, I partner with the client to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their confidence and courageously chart their unique path forward.”
COACH DAVE
Dave O’Connor
Coach Dave helps high-achieving mid- to late-career professionals overcome:
• Feeling stuck or lost
• Leadership roadblocks
• Self-doubt
• Loss and grief (job, relationship, family)
• Indecision or worry about what’s next
• Imposter Syndrome
DAVE O’CONNOR Owner, Coach
518.727.6531
www.heycoachdave.com/lflb 253 Market Square Court, Suite C Lake Forest, IL 60045
Call today!
In-person sessions now available at Coach Dave’s office in Lake Forest’s Market Square.
ALLISON PATAKI AT THE GALLERY
photography by Ian McLeod
On August 21, The Lake Forest Book Store and The Gallery hosted Allison Pataki for a happy hour to discuss her latest novel, Finding Margaret Fuller. While delicious appetizers were passed, Pataki was joined by New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Barr. Attendees learned the importance of Margaret Fuller, and why this leading lady should not soon be forgotten. lakeforestbookstore.com, thegallerylf.com
Allison Pataki
Patty Schilder-Herath, Karen Davis
Jen Zuklie, Katy Collins
Pam Henkel, Marie Levy
Allison Pataki, Lisa Barr
Morley Vahey, Kirsten Starr, Erin Henkel
Erin Henkel, Allison Pataki, Lisa Barr, Kirsten Starr, Morley Vahey
There was never a question that we would rely on Anne Hardy to help us sell our home. We trusted her to sell the home she helped us purchase ve years prior when we rst relocated to Chicago. No one will outwork Anne -- no one will more carefully assess the comparables, nor outline a more comprehensive strategy for prep, staging, marketing and timing. You'll be hard pressed to nd an agent with greater attention to detail, round-the-clock availability, and desire for the process to be a perfect experience from start to nish. I’ve recommended her to several colleagues and would hire her 1000 times over.
Kerry L.
SOCIAL LIFE
GORTON CELEBRATION
photography by Patrick Marsek
Friends and Supporters of Gorton Center gathered at the home and gardens of Diana and David Moore on Thursday, June 27, to celebrate Gorton’s 50th Anniversary. Guests were delighted with signature cocktails and delectable food while being amazed by magician Dennis Watkins. The weather and setting could not have been more perfect for the occasion. gortoncenter.org
Dennis Watkins, Mark DiGanci, Lisa Wolfe-DiGanci, Ann Kiesling
Dick Wood, David Moore, Eva Heilman
Blair Nagel, Meaghan Diem, Dick Wood
Jonathan Kelley and Tom Magnusson and Rachel Magnusson
Ron and Nancy Fletcher
Jim Passalino, Janet Nagel, Sheri Passalino, Matt Nagel
Francesca and Liam Connell
Magician Dennis Watkins
Diana Moore, Susan Wright, Tricia Wood
At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, we’re working to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.
Individually and collectively, our faculty, researchers, students and partners are committed to bringing next-generation health care to the people and communities that we serve.
A Future Rooted in Tradition
With more than 100 years of providing Catholic education to area children, the School of St. Mary is poised to continue forming tomorrow’s leaders for 100 more.
words by Mitch Hurst and Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by James Gustin / styling by Theresa DeMaria
“Our goal is to meet children where they are,” says Kathy Thompson, principal of the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest. “The mission of the school is to educate each student as a whole person while they’re with us— spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally.”
The School of St. Mary, founded in 1917, has been recognized three times by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Today, across two campuses, St. Mary’s educates more than 400 students from ages two through eighth grade.
“It’s an exciting time to be a St. Mary’s Crusader,” Thompson says. “We have a new assistant principal, Clare Giannelli. A devout Catholic, she is a talented and committed educator with deep roots in our community. She has taught second grade at St. Mary’s for five years and has distinguished herself as a master teacher. Education is her passion. I see Clare as the future of Catholic education. We are so lucky to have her here.”
Thompson and Giannelli are collaborating on a number of initiatives as the school year progresses—including building on the foundational learning of the students. “There’s a lot of talk right now about technology, social media, and the need for phone-free schools,” Thompson explains. “We are committed to a balanced approach combining state-of-the-art technology in tandem with pencil and paper assignments. We have one-to-one technology, but it’s not what drives our classrooms. We teach formal handwriting. Children are expected to learn their math facts. Every day, our middle school students spend two periods on English Language Arts, encompass-
ing grammar, vocabulary, and reading. When our students graduate, they know how to communicate with others both in person and in writing.”
“For three years, our students have docked their phones at the door when they enter the school,” Giannelli adds. “It evens the playing field within the classroom when phones aren’t a distraction. I love when my students have pencils in their hands—either writing out sentences or doing math problems. Sometimes working with these simple, more traditional methods of teaching are the most effective.”
Over the summer, St. Mary’s made a number of capital improvements at both campuses. Updates included new ViewSonic Interactive boards in the classrooms and meeting spaces, a boiler system, a fire suppression system, energy-efficient LED lighting, classroom furniture, and carpeting. Additionally, a much-loved breezeway connecting buildings at the Upper Grade Center received a bright new facelift, greatly benefiting students and teachers.
“We are grateful every day for our St. Mary’s families,” Thompson says. “While we only have our students here for a few short years, we’re teaching them values they can take with them for the rest of their lives. We are teaching children to think beyond themselves and be contributing members of society who serve others. Our community inspires and supports leadership opportunities. We remind students daily what it means to be a ‘Crusader’, to learn, that’s our mission.”
To learn more about the School of St. Mary, visit schoolofstmary.org.
Clare Giannelli and Kathy Thompson in a School of St. Mary’s classroom.
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PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE
THE ARTISTIC NOSE
words by Steven Bloch, M.D.
The nose is the first facial feature other people notice, not only because it is in the middle of the face, but also because it does not lend itself to camouflage. There is no such thing as the “perfect” nose. Different people have different features, and the purpose of a rhinoplasty is to create a natural harmonious look that doesn’t look “operated”. Very often patients come in complaining of their profiles. They look like one person from the front and a totally different person from the side. The object of the surgery is to get the two views to match.
The use of computer-simulated images is a major advance in taking the guesswork out of what the surgical result will look like. It allows the surgeon to show the patient what he or she has in mind. In order to achieve a harmonious result, it is often important to modify other facial features such as the chin and neck. The nose should be viewed in the context of the entire face. A turned up, scooped out, little nose may look very attractive on some women, but on someone else it may look totally out of place and unnatural. Most patients seek a “refinement” or natural look. The three most common flaws addressed by rhinoplasty are a hump on the bridge, a bulbous tip, and a nose that is too large when compared to other facial features. Regardless of the flaws fixed, the goal is to achieve a natural-looking outcome.
The surgery itself is usually done on an outpatient basis under IV sedation. The techniques vary but consist of filing down excess bone, reducing excess cartilage, and adding additional cartilage or bone when needed. Each case is unique and millimeters count. Most patients have a splint in place for one week, and there is some bruising and swelling, but it is usually minimal. Most noses look good at the end of one week, yet it can take nine months to one year for every last bit of swelling to subside, as well as for the skin to shrink to the smaller structure. To balance out the profile, often some modification of the jawline or chin is done. If the chin is too small, a miniincision is made under the chin or through the mouth. A pocket is created over the chin and an implant is inserted. The implant is made out of solid silicone and feels like the underlying bone. If the chin is too prominent, then the chin can be filed down from inside the mouth. If the neck is poorly defined, then liposuction can be done at the same time to give greater definition. Rhinoplasty is probably one of the most challenging procedures plastic surgeons perform, both technically and aesthetically. It is also one of the most gratifying. It has the potential to significantly enhance one’s appearance and give them the self-confidence to better enjoy their life.
For additional information, visit skindeepmedicalspa.com or call the Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.
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The Last Word Behind The Page
What’s it really like to work at a luxury lifestyle magazine? Nineyear-old Ella Kijek of Lake Forest got a rare glimpse of both the glamour and the grit of a day in the life of our own Forest & Bluff Editor in Chief, Erin Donaldson.
words by Sherry
Thomas illustration by Tom Bachtell
The movies make it look like the most glamorous job in the world. Celebrity photo shoots? Fancy cars? Lavish estates? Check, check, check. But whether you’re the Editor in Chief at Vogue or this very publication, there is more than meets the eye—much more. Just ask 9-year-old Ella Kijek of Lake Forest. This fourth grader at the School of St. Mary won an auction item at her school’s annual Crusader Gala that put her in a coveted “guest editor” spot for a day as she shadowed Forest & Bluff Editor in Chief Erin Donaldson. “I love art and creating stories with pictures, so I thought it’d be really fun to learn more about how magazines use photos and words to tell stories about our community,” says Ella, who lives in Lake Forest with her parents, Michelle and Jerry Kijek, and the family’s Goldendoodle, Ziggy. “I loved shadowing Mrs. Donaldson, and the experience made me realize that you can use art in different ways. I would like to learn more about being an artist for a magazine so I can keep telling stories as I grow up.” With two photo shoots on the docket, it ended up being a busy day. “I’m not sure people understand how much discovery, planning, and patience goes into creating a magazine. When we started the first photo shoot, the subject was getting her hair and make-up done and then the stylist arrived with several outfits. She told me how she shops for all of the subjects, and she usually has to pick out clothes for people she has never even met. I’m not sure how she knows what to choose, but the outfits were all beautiful and fit everyone perfectly,” says Ella. “The subject tried on a couple outfits and then had to practice posing in the living room so the
photographer could find the right light. There were a lot of details and steps to get just one picture!” Next up was a shoot at the Lake Bluff History Museum. “Mrs. Donaldson and the photographer explained how the story was about a Halloween event, so we didn’t want the background to look like the hot summer day that it was.” Ella praised her mentor’s patience, likening her to a “detective” that needs to be constantly tracking down new story leads and locations. “It’s a lot of hard work to make the pictures we see and stories we read come together. And it’s about teamwork. The Forest & Bluff team really seems to understand each other and have fun doing this job. I hope I find a job that I love with people who are fun just like they have!” Was it glamorous? Very much so, she says. There was even a celebrity appearance at the first photo shoot—a super cute canine named Hank. “He was so sweet. And I got to help make sure he didn’t mess up the shot,” she says, already clearly a natural. “He even started posing!” Look out Anna Wintour.
Excellence and superior craftsmanship abound in this gracious home that exudes charm with thoughtful renovations and classic design. The current owner transformed this home into a timeless masterpiece with a "to the studs" renovation. Wonderful architectural details, intricate millwork and thoughtful design all with the perfect oor plan and ideal location on one of East Lake Forest’s prettiest streets. Nestled on just under one acre beneath a canopy of many 100 year old oak trees that are part of the Ryerson Conservancy. Professionally landscaped with no details spared including magnicent ower gardens in the front and backyards and even a special enchanted pathway that is a delight. Too many highlights to list here but include. Absolutely impeccable inside and out.
